26. Making new resolutions a hundred times

[pompous_today]

吉慶有餘. I am glad to see the decorations for the new year around the castle, though I am wise enough by now to not touch them. They may seem harmless, but the castle has a way to make mundane things seem dangerous.

I hope that perhaps this year will be better than the last one has been for many of us, and that the victims of last week's attack make a speedy recovery.

[吉慶有餘 = Jíqìngyǒuyú = "May your happiness be without limit", which according to my thorough research at Wikipedia is a common New Year greeting. I figured that since the Firefly world is a mashup of Chinese and American culture, Simon would probably celebrate Chinese New Year to some extent.]

Comments

[pompous_today]

Well, I did get told a lot growing up that I was like a small adult. I am only 28, but it feels like a lifetime ago.

[the_effect_she_has]

You're only twenty-eight? [Katniss looked surprised, before she took a step back and eyed him critically.] ... You really are too responsible for your own good. And that's me, saying that.

[pompous_today]

[Simon laughed.]

Well, someone around here has to be, right? And yes, I am... well, River would call me a genius. I am very, very smart.

[the_effect_she_has]

Well that, I have no doubt of. You've always struck me as a genius.

[She smiled back in turn.]

[pompous_today]

River is even moreso than me. And yet, she still looks up to me.

[the_effect_she_has]

Oh gosh, I can't imagine why. [Yes, that's her teasing tone.]

[pompous_today]

I am flattered that she does; she always tells me she could never do what I do.

[the_effect_she_has]

Well, neither one of us could. You save lives, Simon. All I seem to be able to do is take them.

[pompous_today]

I suppose it is because my job is just that... my job. Not that I do not appreciate the praise, though...

[the_effect_she_has]

It's more than your job, Simon, it's your calling. You're a healer, a ... soothsayer. Don't beat yourself up for being something amazing. [She poked him.]

[pompous_today]

Shall I gloat instead? That might suit me more.

[the_effect_she_has]

If you had it in you to gloat, that I would like to see. Even that you would make elegant.

[pompous_today]

I admit, I do not really have it in me to. I much prefer to be humble.

[the_effect_she_has]

I think you are much better at being humble, myself.

[pompous_today]

It does suit me much more, doesn't it?

[the_effect_she_has]

Yes, it really does, big brother. You are much better suited to knowing you are simply who you are, and nothing less.

[pompous_today]

You're right. No use pretending I am the boastful type- I couldn't convincingly pull it off if I tried, really.

[the_effect_she_has]

See, you can't even boast about not being boastful. You are one of the modest people I know, Simon. [She couldn't help but smile at him.]

[pompous_today]

I try my best.

[the_effect_she_has]

You succeed.

[pompous_today]

Then I have led a good life.

[the_effect_she_has]

I'm glad you know that.