Impressing Farven

**Vincent Bailey** · Apr 29th, 2009 08:43 AM

Vincent had his laptop crooked under his arm as he took the elevator up to the Sac Bee's editor-in-chief, Mat Farven. In his other hand he had another coffee, half drained and rapidly cooling. Not one for getting nervous, it had been a while since the photojournalist had been given an opportunity to show what he was capable of. This piece, though simple, could really help the Bee's readers, even if just to give them a boost to their mundane, everyday lives.

Hell, he'd even taken off his beanie and shoved it in his pocket, ruffling his hair as neat as he could in the reflection of the elevator's mirror. First impressions and all that jazz, he though to himself as the elevator halted and the doors opened.

**DrDog** · Apr 29th, 2009 10:46 AM

Unlike the hustle and bustle of the lower floors, this floor is nearly empty. Boxes are neatly stacked against the walls, dozens and dozens of boxes, shrinking the corridor down. His secretary just waves you in, and you see Mr. Farven.

"Sell me" He tells you. No salutation, no introduction. Just business.

**Vincent Bailey** · Apr 29th, 2009 11:12 AM

Vincent whips open hid MacBook and places it in front of Farven, the slideshow starting instantly, each photo representative of the battle's the normal person struggles through.

"I call it 'Everyday Combat' and how hope is still alive in the city; it just needs to be shown."

**DrDog** · Apr 29th, 2009 01:09 PM

"Pictures need words to explain them. So talk."

**Vincent Bailey** · Apr 29th, 2009 02:06 PM

Vincent nods, knowing his photos like the back of his hand.

Photo 1: "A man in a pinstripe suit strains against the crowd, grasping his satchel with determination lining his face. He doesn't slow but marches on, his mission clear and simple."

The slide show moves on to the next photo:

"A mother struggles with several bags of groceries but the smile she gives her daughter, who carries a small bag herself, tells the tale of guardianship and love."

Vincent leans down and rests his hands on the back of a chair in the office as the next photo appears, his voice low.

"A veteran of war, left with nothing, still sits in the place he knew before his world ended, a single flower pinned to his tattered jacket. He looks hardened but his eyes are kind, wise with experience."

Vincent allowa a few moments to see what effect his words have had on Farven before continuing.

**DrDog** · Apr 29th, 2009 02:08 PM

Farven remains impassive. "So what is the purpose?"

**Vincent Bailey** · Apr 29th, 2009 02:34 PM

"To give our readers something more than the doom and gloom that seems to be seeping into our city, that's the purpose." Taking his hands off the chair and standing tall, Vincent stares at Mr Farven with a fire in his eyes.

"This piece, although simple, will give our readers that little bit of inspiration to get through their day."

**DrDog** · Apr 29th, 2009 02:41 PM

"Why should they get through their day Mr. Bailey? Look around." You see the headlines for the past few days. Children missing, ritual murders, muggings on the rise.
"Why give them hope?"

**Vincent Bailey** · Apr 29th, 2009 02:49 PM

Vincent's eyes arch and he indicates to the papers.

"Because of those headlines, Mr. Farven, because of the murders and kidnappings. To remind the people that their lives are worth more than the bad stuff. Hope, no matter how small and fragile, will defeat misery."

**DrDog** · Apr 29th, 2009 02:52 PM

"So you expect me to go out there while the sky is falling and say 'Don't worry, have hope!' Is that what you think I should do Mr. Bailey?"
The words are hostile, but his tone is more apathetic.