May 22: The Dragon Hungers

[John Hino]

John sat down at a table with his lunch and an engineering textbook.

Oh great, this part's on solar panels.

[Tommy More]

Tommy sat down next to John.

"Is this seat taken my...giant lizard friend?"

[John Hino]

"Not at all," he answered, closing the book.

[Tommy More]

"What's the book?"

[John Hino]

"Principles and Applications of Electrical Engineering."

[Tommy More]

The look of disdain on Tommy's face said more than words could ever.

[John Hino]

"Well I'm not going to achieve success based on my looks or sparkling personality."

[Tommy More]

"Or your stunning choices in literature."

[John Hino]

"It's not like I'm reading it for pleasure Tommy. It's an engineering textbook. I'm an engineering major."

[Tommy More]

"Why on Earth are you one of those?"

[John Hino]

He raised a brow. "Because I'm smart?"

[Tommy More]

"With the implication being that simply because I'm taking a more broad view of things I am not? What ho, John."

[John Hino]

"I didn't mean it that way at all."

[Tommy More]

"Well, my good man, you clearly need an advanced class on your letters, don't you?" he said, jovially.

[John Hino]

Pretend to know what he's talking about.

"Possibly, yes."

[Tommy More]

"They DO, fortunately, have a robust liberal arts academy here. Robust, I say, to the absolute topmost limit."

[John Hino]

"Thanks but no thanks. I'm quite happy with my career path."

[Tommy More]

"Oh? Well, right ho, then."

[John Hino]

"If I'm going to go into the electronics industry, it will help to have the knowledge of the field. Besides, success in business is never guaranteed now is it? One needs a skill to fall back on and crimefighting doesn't pay the bills."

He paused.

"Granted, my sister and I could get by on our inheritance if managed properly. But, my late father's wishes not withstanding, I'm just not the type... not that those who are are necessarily lazy. I just personally need something constructive to do."

[Tommy More]

"Constructive? But in what way, my old boy."

[John Hino]

"Creating or maintaining things that improve the lives of others, and sometimes my own."

[Tommy More]

"Fiddle-faddle."

[John Hino]

"Come again?"

[Tommy More]

"I'm afraid I won't. So selfless! Such a community-minded focus! Gives me the heebie-jeebies."

[John Hino]

"Does it help that intend to make money at it?"

[Tommy More]

"Well, quite."

[John Hino]

"But what would be so bad if I didn't?"

[Tommy More]

"Bad? Nothing bad, old fruit."

[John Hino]

"Just not for you then?"

[Tommy More]

"Nah. Too much being tied down. No, old boy, I must be free to roam."

[John Hino]

"And where is it you wish to... roam?"

[Tommy More]

"Hrm? Oh, uh, here and there, I suppose, why?"

[John Hino]

"Nothing. I've just never heard it put quite that way."

[Tommy More]

"Again, with the letters."

[John Hino]

"Again, with the liking my path."