Daylight Saving, Issue 6: Part 2.1

Page 132

Panel 1: The two of them stand next to each other- still with a few inches gap in-between- and start the proverbial conversation.

BRIE

(Cont.)

What's your name?

JIANYU

Jianyu.

BRIE

(Bubble 2)

I’m…Well, you probably know that already. Ha ha…

(Bubble 3)

How long have you worked for the Chinese government?

JIANYU

(Bubble 2)

A year and a half. I joined after university- this is my first Cop.

BRIE

(Bubble 3)

Me too...

Panel 2: Slight close-up on Mx. Benoit, moving into the beginnings of their idea while showing the same level of honesty they did to Kayla.

BRIE

(Cont.)

Whole thing so fat’s been…fascinating, to say the least. Definitely not as productive as they make it on the West Wing. 

JIANYU

(interjecting, Off-Panel)

Haha...! I might be in trouble for saying this. But that show is one of my favorite American shows.

BRIE

(Bubble 2)

Didn’t know they broadcast them in China.

Panel 3: Back to Jianyu a beat after the previous panel's chuckle, fully displaying the cold ice of cynicism as he speaks.

JIANYU

(Cont.)

I saw it once, my senior year at university in the U.S.. Still amazes me that it wasn't somehow funded by the United States government.  

Panel 4: Brie chuckles back lightly at the comment, mostly out of courtesy and not entirely getting some of the rhetorical flourishes from Mr. Maa.

BRIE

Fair point. I would love it if my country was able to do things as quick and easy as they pass bills there.

BRIE

(Bubble 2; reacting to Panel 5, Bubble 1)

True. But with a forum like Cop 6 where we could do something pretty close to that.

Panel 5: Jianyu nods affirmatively at the question; his previous pessimism still clearly visible in his response.

JIANYU

Of course. Though it might end up looking more like country than the “Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave.”

JIANYU

(Bubble 2; reacting to Panel 4, Bubble 2)

What do you mean?

Panel 6: A few moments later, Mr. Maa grabs hold of a folded-up piece of paper that was formerly in the young person's purse.

BRIE

(Cont., Off-Panel)

Here's a smattering of some ideas I’ve been trying to pitch to other nations. Personally, I think a lot of this can work for both our countries. All I need is someone inside who would bring it to your guys’ attention.

Page 133

Panel 1: Jianyu looks back over at Mx. Benoit a few beats later, uncertain about the scheme overall but also warming up slightly to it at the same time.

JIANYU

You know my boss will slam the door shut the minute I tell them who gave this to me?

JIANYU

(Bubble 2; reacting to Panel 2, Bubble 1)

Hmmm, he’s fine with letting all that potential fame and fortune go by the wayside? I mean, I can get why you’d be fine with it. You've probably had plenty of either. 

Panel 2: Brie gives a side nod to the young man's overall point; their mind already leaping to the logical counter for it.

BRIE

Very true. I’m basically in the same boat you are with my boss for even doing this. You have full right to claim it as your own, or from some "anonymous" source.

BRIE

(Bubble 2; reacting to Panel 1, Bubble 2)

He’ll be fine if his boss in the White House. Besides, the truth is a little more complicated. By the end of this conference, I'm gonna be--

Panel 3: Jianyu raises his eyebrow and smirks at that last part, not interested in the slightest at the story Brie was about to throw down.

JIANYU

(interjecting)

Couldn‘y care less what stuff you’re up to, honestly. I'll be onboard this crazy crusade of yours- partly 'cause I think there's some merit in these ideas of yours, and partly...'cause I wanna be a high ranking member in the Party by the time I reach 30. And something like this is a pretty good way to make that a reality.

Panel 4: Back to the young person, nodding in complete agreement. The lone change from Panel 2 is a sense of renewed pride and belief in the history they've read.

BRIE

Not exactly the most altruistic reasoning. But I respect the honesty.

Panel 5: We move back to a shot of Jianyu joining the rest of the Chinese contingent a short time later; the note from Brie in their left hand.

Caption

(Jianyu)

"You better hope you're not the only one who does..."