#fenixtj

Diego has requested time off

Not now, he's requested ahead

"Of course, Diego; thank you for the notice. You thinking Nancy can step up?"

"Oh no. . I think she wants the same day off" He says he says once she's signed off "I just wanted to get it first"

If she double checks the date.. April First

"Diego....."

"The pooka are going to run amok. It's not my fault if I'm smart enough to take that day off first"

EYEBROW.

"I don't speak troll that well, Jessica"

"Ok. You asked for it, you can have it off."

"thank you. Tonto has been tittering like a school girl and it makes me nervous"

Diego withdraws

and justt a minute later, Nancy trots in "Hey, Jessica, got a favor to ask.."

"Diego already asked for the first off."

"Right.. DIeggo... You know.. I was going to say maybe he'd like COMPANY.." A BIG SMile ..hopeful

"Who do you have lined up to replace the both of you?"

"I.. don't?" She says

And behind her come Maria and Rosa

Jess stands. "Ladies?"

"We were thinking, April we might.." Rosa starts to say

"I was here first" Nancy tells them

nevermind that no, she was here second

It would appear there is a mass desertion planned for April's Fool's day

Jessica sighs. "Ok. The three of you check with every single one of the staff and find out if and how many want to take April 1st off. Get me lists, and figure out who's going to cover for them. We can go to a skeleton crew except for defense and patrols. The bad guys won't care it's the 1st. Figure it out and I'll take the information to my apartment, check it out, and come back with my choices of who gets to stay. Anyone who does, will get next year's April 1st off, and so on down the list. After we get through the list, I'll consider using the same system or improving it somehow."

Yes, it's a big task and she knows it.

"On it" nancy says

Coy comes out "Any chance..." He sees he crowd "Nevermind, I'll work it"

And with an exhale, Jess thinks .... and I'll wait a few more years before I take some time off.

Tonto walks by, wearingg a fake mustache. he strokes it lovingly

Jessica notes this with some puzzlement, but knows better than to ask.

The others shiver

Coy mutters "Oh great. One of us is going to end up tied to a train track"

"Better you than me." Jessica mutters back.

A smirk "Gee.. thanks"

"Welcome." With feeling.

The list is passed around and it would seem many now debate: Suffer this year? or suffer next?

Happily, it doesn't make a difference to Jessica until the list is sorted out. She heads out on patrol.

Patrol can be dangerous, mortal crime as well as chimerical dangers, but quite often it can be enjoyable and a chance to greet the locals

Those are the best patrols, when they can happen. She's armed, but hopes her smile will do most of the work.

And it seems to be. Folks wave or nod. Other changelings who don't go into Fenix offten but always feel welcome in particular "Hola, Jessica. how is little Ellie?"" One woman offers her a bottle of water

"Thank you." She takes the water. "She's very well, thank you. How are you, Marta?"

"Oh I'm doing okay, my daughter is growing up so fast. Thannk god for Father V and you helping her .She has a chance at that scholarship next year"

"I'm so glad to hear it. If she needs more volunteer hours or any help, let me know."

"I will" She waves as the Countess moves on

And she moves on.

Lively debates from two satyrs who stop to wave to her.

She pauses to see how they are.

It sounds like they're just having a debate on music, to them, CRUCIAL... but unless Jessica is into Mexican hip hop she may not know which side to take

She just smiles and nods, waves, and moves along.

A blinking figure shields his eyes, a local sluagh, but he looks faded. he approaches cautiously