Happy, James, Rat, Father, Digging in the Dirt

[James Happy]

James Desmond Happy



Alpha Rat . 36 . Gardener/Guard

Who are you?

“I’m me, obviously.” Falls silent until the interviewer is forced to prod him for more.

“I’m a rat. Alpha. Been a rat for eight years, an alpha for two. I’m also a father of three and a widower. Anything else?” He sits stiffly in his chair, expression neutral and yet somehow everything about him says ‘Fuck You’.

The interviewer asks how he was infected and he scowls. "I was at home, making a snow fort for my Dani. We lived on the outskirts of town. Rogue rat came tearing through the backyard and I got bit."

What do you want?

“Safety and happiness for my children.” Again, the interviewer prods him for more. James glares, but remains silent. So the interviewer takes notes on what he’s wearing how that reflects on the man’s character. The man before him is wearing jeans and a casual, blank grey t-shirt. The t-shirt is formfitting and not quite as bland as it should be due to the nice contrast of dusky skin against fabric. The jeans are no-nonsense but relaxed and, again, casual. His shoes are covered in dirt and look like they’ve seen years of use. There is a worn down gold watch on his right wrist, the glass is cracked but the hands tick on. Dirt covers the knees of his jeans and is smeared across one cheek. His hair is a mess, as though he’d forgotten to brush it that morning.

The interviewer deduces that here is a man who is still grieving someone lost years before, but that he is indeed a single father as the casualness of the clothes despite the stiffness of his body detail. It is decided that James is likely ex-military, but of what branch cannot be ascertained without vocal acknowledgement. James glares balefully while the interviewer scribbles notes down. So, the interviewer adds: ‘Not friendly.’

Why are you here?

“I’m here because Garrett ordered me to do this. Otherwise, I would not be sitting in your uncomfortable chair.” Stars in on a glaring match with the interviewer and eventually gives in with a frustrated sigh.

“Born into a military family. Only child. Met my wife in grade school. Married straight out of high school. Joined the Canadian Army. Had Danielle sixteen years ago. Had the boys (Nate and Gabe) eight years ago. Wife died. Got infected. Move to Seattle.” He pauses, drawing breath. “Oh yes, I’m Canadian. From Alberta.”

Another, longer pause. “Her name was Katherine.”

Where are you going?

“Home.” Waits to see if there’s a protest and then gets up and leaves.

• Player Name: Shini
• Player Age: 21
• Other Characters: Lots now, Aubry, Beau, GiGi, Elizabeth, Flynn, Susan, Rhiannon, Dallas, Ruth, Clay, Eiri, Rory
• Play-By: Alessandro Terrin
• Preferred Contact: PM or AIM

[Briar]