One week - a lurker's confession

POSTED BY: Rorschach
UPDATED: Friday, May 26, 2006 01:53
VIEWED: 5116
PAGE 1 of 1

RORSCHACH

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 6:37 AM (P)

One week ago I had never heard of Joss Whedon or Firefly. I had never watched an episode of Buffy or Angel, and I can barely recall the commercials I saw for Serenity last summer. Why am I here? One week ago I was at a relative’s house looking through their DVD collection when I noticed this four disk package labelled Firefly. I asked a question to the host about Firefly and after an enthusiastic short lecture about the ill-fated series I had the box set in my hands with instructions to watch as soon as I could. So, I watched the series as soon as I could. I was completely mesmerized by the show. The characters, the concept, the script… everything about the show was fantastic. One thing in particular stood out for me, one thing registered with me in a way that no other television show has. That one thing was a character, not necessarily my favourite, but one character that I could identify and empathize with which really let me connect with the show as a whole. Simon.

Simon? Seems a bit confusing but I can explain, bear with me. I've led a pretty unique life, one that not many people can understand very well. I have a younger brother who is mentally and physically handicapped. He is not a psychic nor does he have martial arts skills, he is however a great responsibility. And there lies the empathy, Simon’s responsibility to River. I found myself knowing exactly what Simon must be thinking when he had to deal with River when she was unruly or woke up screaming or wandered off somewhere where she wasn’t suppose to be. I sure as hell know what its like to have a sibling come between you and others. And I know what its like to be torn away from someone you care about because of the responsibility. The whole show is fantastic, but this minor detail, this little extra detail that only someone in my situation would pick out and really identify with is what made Firefly a hit for me. Strange ain’t it?

I’m not entirely sure why I’m telling this story but I figured if any group of people would enjoy hearing it, it would be the people who really care about the show, you browncoats. A week later I’ve got my own copy of Firefly and Serenity, I think it’s also safe to say that I’m a Joss fan now. I’ll have to check out Buffy and Angel to see what I missed. I can’t explain why I’m just finding out about Firefly now, but I’m glad I did. So, I just wanted to step out of the shadows as a lurker, say hello and add my name to the growing list of people who support this amazing show.

STDOUBT

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 7:00 AM (P)

Welcome, Rorschach!
That is a great story -thank you for sharing.
Not too long from now the welcoming committe will
be along with your honorary (virtual) Browncoat,
so sit yourself down and have a milk :-)
I think most of 'em have gone to bed at this hour,
but feel free to lurk about the place.
Again, Welcome.

FLORALBUNNY

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 7:45 AM (P)

Welcome home, Rorschach, you are #20945 in our very shiny family.

As has been said, most of us on this side of the globe are in our bunks by now, but I can't resist a new thread when it pops up just before I give up for the night.

Your story is a great one, so touching. We're honored to have you share it with us. Please know that you're not alone here.

You'll probably be getting a virtual browncoat as soon as FollowMal gets word you're here.

I've got a great buffet going in the galley, so you might want to stop in there on your way to your bunk. Strawberries, rice wine, a Mudder's Milk fountain, brownies, the works.

Hang out with us when you can, and don't forget to spread the SereniFly word!

bun
~6/23~Serenity/Firely Summer~9/30~
----- why's the rum gone? 7706 -----

AGATSU

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 8:38 AM (P)

Welcome, Rorschach!
It's awesome you found something personal like that to cherish, although of course I wish it were something less tragic. All the best to you and your family!

Proud Member of the FFF.net Event Team
Department of All Things Insane

Serenity Now/Equality Now screenings / Serenity Day (unrelated):
June 23rd www.cantstoptheserenity.com www.serenityday.org
Serenity Summer Campaign:
June 23rd - Sept 30th 2006 www.FireFlyFans.net
Serenity 'Versary:
September 30th www.FireFlyFans.net
Be there or be a purple-belted poop head.

ZZETTA13

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 12:34 PM (P)

Welcome RORSCHACH,

I agree. That is full well a great introduction

Hope everything is SHINY for your family (and especially for your little brother)hands RORS a whole packet of chewing gum. It's funny but rumaging through that stack of dvds and finding FireFly the most interesting has lead me to believe that in your case you were ment to be a browncoat most certain. Fireflyfan.net is a great place to be.

Enjoy the ship and her ever growing crew. Glad to have you on board.

Z

TRISTAN

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 12:55 PM (P)

Welcome, Rorschach!
Thank you for sharing your story, and welcome to the 'verse!
Enjoy yourself, post as often as you can...almost everyone around here is as friendly as can be! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

FUTUREMRSFILLION

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 1:07 PM (P)

A big SHINY welcome to you Rorschach. We are glad you told us your story. A heartfelt wish for all the best to you and your family!

You are "home" now. Feel free to share your load. We can't help you in the physical, but hugs and love are abundant here, we will be glad to share it with you!

I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

ANOTHEFOO2

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 2:28 PM (P)

Welcome! Found out about Firefly myself a few weeks ago. Upset that I didn't discover it sooner!

Thanks for the intro on yourself, definitly a good intro and helps us know you better!

And kudos on taking care of your sibling.

MAL4PREZ

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 2:51 PM (P)

Thanks for sharing your story Rorschach - it's very moving.

Just one of the many things I love about Joss - his ability to take fantastic situations (space ships, teenage vampires...) and put real people in them. It's so wonderful.

So, anyway - welcome and have a great time!!

-----------------------------------------------
I'm the president. I don't need to listen.

BROWNCOAT1

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 3:39 PM (P)

Welcome aboard Rorschach & thanks for sharing your story w/ us! We love reading how new fans got turned on to the show. Pull up some cyberspace and make yourself right at home!

Be sure to share the show & movie w/ your friends and family, just as you were introduced to the show!

Take care & keep flyin'!

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

http://www.richmondbrowncoats.org

BREXAN

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 4:19 PM (P)

Another convert! *evil laugh*

Welcome!

I can't say I've been in the same position as you but I admire Simon for the same reasons.
You should consider writing to Joss about your story, I don't know why but I get the feeling a writer would find it gratifying to have connected so well to someone in your position.

-Brexan
"Also, I can kill you with my brain"

SASSALICIOUS

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 4:28 PM (P)

Welcome!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SASSYBROWNCOAT

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 5:07 PM (P)

Welcome, Rorschach!
Glad to have you here. Check out the threads and enjoy the company. I'm still a newbie myself but learning fast. So you're not alone. Excited to have more crew!

SassyBrowncoat

COPILOT

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 5:10 PM (P)

Welcome aboard darlin dear. Have a wonderious day and come back and type at us some more.

An I carried such a torch.......For the Dark Lord

SOULQUAKE

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 6:14 PM (P)

Welcome! A very touching introduction :)

It's been almost a year to the day since Firefly found me - it's good stuff :)

---
"Sun came out, and I walked on my feet and heard with my ears. I ate the bits, the bits stayed down, and I work. I function like I'm a girl. I hate it because I know it'll go away."

SWEETSERENDIPITY

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 6:25 PM (P)

Welcome aboard Rorschach! Enjoy your stay with us!

Deb
Serendipityagain.com

BSCPANTHERFAN

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 6:30 PM (P)

Welcome!

passes Rorschach a milk.

Join the party! We're glad to have you here.

So who is he?
He's my husband.
Well who in the damn galaxy ain't!

CHRISMOORHEAD

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 11:02 PM (P)

Dude, did you take your name from the most awesome character from Alan Moore's "Watchmen"?

... or do you just take a lot of ink blot tests?

RMMC

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 11:36 PM (P)

Welcome, Rorschach! I've got some Irish Whiskey, if you'd like.

Wow...quite the story. Good thoughts to you and your brother. And hugs.

Welcome to our home, which is now your home, too. So, kick back, post when you've a mind to, and relax, you're among friends.

*****
RMMC

RESE

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 11:46 PM (P)

Rorschach, welcome aboard our shiny, happy boatload of Browncoats! I'm just part of the advance welcoming committee, FollowMal will be along presently to give you a very warm welcome and a very warm virtual "Browncoat".

FloralBunny has supplied the basic necessities of life, I see. Dig in!

*waves to FloralBunny* Hi, Bun! I've missed you! Found that cat, yet?

We love shiny new stories, and yours has made quite an impression on the lot of us. We smile through our tears of welcome, or is it, we cry through our smiles? Whatever, be welcome!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RadarRese

CHINDI

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 11:50 PM (P)

Welcome "home" Rorschach... this is a very nice place to hang out.

Thanks for your tale. It is always nice to meet new ppl and hear how they got here... and the show IS amazing isn't it!! I mean new folks are converted all the time.. how many shows can make that claim?!

so settle in as we wait for the next installment you are with family now....

Chindi

RESE

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 11:51 PM (P)

And to you, anothefoo2, sit and be welcome!

FollowMal is all kinds of busy in the storeroom, shaking out the new 'coats for the new 'coats! She has sweat on her brow . . . . sorry, she's glowing from her exertions!

Make yourself to home! Strawberries and Mudder's on the sideboard. There will be more coming along soon!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RadarRese

FLORALBUNNY

Thursday, May 25, 2006 3:01 AM (P)

Ahoy, "radar" rese,
ShipsCat hasn't been seen in some time. Someone (or something) is still eating the food, however. Need to find that kitty before she gets llama-trampled.

bun
~6/23~Serenity/Firefly Summer~9/30~
----- why's the rum gone? -----

RORSCHACH

Thursday, May 25, 2006 4:43 AM (P)

Wow, thanks for all the kind words everyone, I didn't expect such a good reaction. I have a feeling I'll enjoy my time here. I'm also pleased to say that I started spreading the word of Firefly by showing some of my friends the series. Thanks again, and I look forward to my time here.

CHRISMOORHEAD, my name does have to do with the ink blot test, psychology is an interest of mine.

FOLLOWMAL

Thursday, May 25, 2006 12:30 PM (P)

*Walks into the thread early in the mornin'....see's all the grand welcomes and lovely feast spread for Rorschach*

Ahh, I see the crew has turned out to welcome you to our shiny ship Rorschach, they are sweet and fun aren't they?

This is a wonderful home and we are a wonderful family... I hope you come to feel that as the rest of us have. This is my home... I'm happy you're here.

You need your gear... all Browncoats need their gear...

*hands Rorschach a browncoat, straight from the storeroom*

There, pull it on and let's see how it fits...looks mighty fine on ya..

Rorschach, I have three younger brothers who upon occasion were a trial to me and are the joys of my life ( my older brother is my rock, I suspect that is what you are to your brother.) I am so glad your brother has you.

Share the 'verse with folks, take part in our Summer of Serenity ( you can read all about it in the Browncoat Event Forum on the right of the front page of FFF.net)if you've a mind to and talk often, we love to yack. And we're always here for you.

Gotta go, been gone for 2 days and I've got to catch up inventory and go thru my work orders ( thank you RadarRese for being the best storeroom assistant the 'verse has ever known!) and just enjoy the ship.

*Leaves, whistling, looking for the morning coffee and wondering what DID happen to ShipsCat!*

*Waves to Chindi and Bun*

Mornin' ladies!

"You hold. Hold 'til I get back." Mal

DESKTOPHIPPIE

Thursday, May 25, 2006 12:42 PM (P)

Welcome to the board! Make yourself at home

Simon's one of my favourite characters too. Partly for the reasons you mentioned and partly because I think he's a cutie. Must be the Kaylee in me.

Speaking of Kaylee, I welcome you with strawberries and chocolate flavoured moulded protien fake-cake. And would you believe I ~still~ have some green dyed mudder's milk left over from our St. Patrick's day shindig? I just don't understand why people ain't drinkin' the stuff ...

Desktop Hippie: at one with the 'verse

GRIZWALD

Thursday, May 25, 2006 12:52 PM (P)

Welcome, Ror - and thank you for your touching story. I appreciate the insight into Simon's character that you just gave us.

____________________________________________________
They could not take the sky from them -
Our Big Damn Heroes made a film!
I'm gonna see Serenity then
go back the next morning and see it again.
Cuz no one at Fox knew this show had no equal
C'mon Universal, and greenlight the sequel!

Click on my profile for my Annoyingly Long List of Firefly Links.

CHRISMOORHEAD

Thursday, May 25, 2006 2:00 PM (P)

Psychology is 10 times less cool than the character Rorschach from Watchmen. You should give up reading Freud and start reading Alan Moore.

...or, you could keep studying psychology, and just start wearing ink blot masks. All white with a symetric black smudge where the face should be. That would own all the ass that there is to be owned.

Welcome aboard, head's all the way aft, but I wouldn't go in there for another half an hour. Agatsu's been having stomach cramps sumptin' horrible.

AGATSU

Thursday, May 25, 2006 2:34 PM (P)

Jealous?

Proud Member of the FFF.net Event Team
Department of All Things Insane

Serenity Now/Equality Now screenings / Serenity Day (unrelated):
June 23rd www.cantstoptheserenity.com www.serenityday.org
Serenity Summer Campaign:
June 23rd - Sept 30th 2006 www.FireFlyFans.net
Serenity 'Versary:
September 30th www.FireFlyFans.net
Be there or be a purple-belted poop head.

FLORALBUNNY

Friday, May 26, 2006 1:14 AM (P)

ROFL, Agatsu!
This ship may be a rust-bucket but our genius mechanic keeps the life-support running with great efficiency.
That includes the air-processors.
Have no fear of going aft, people.
It's all good.

bun
~6/23~Serenity/Firefly Summer~9/30~
----- why's the rum gone? 7706 -----

AGATSU

Friday, May 26, 2006 1:17 AM (P)

What did YOU think fuels the Firefly Drive?
"The FireFly runs on hwai", baby. OoG would have been a short episode if I had been on board.

Silly rabbits.

Proud Member of the FFF.net Event Team
Department of All Things Insane

Serenity Now/Equality Now screenings / Serenity Day (unrelated):
June 23rd www.cantstoptheserenity.com www.serenityday.org
Serenity Summer Campaign:
June 23rd - Sept 30th 2006 www.FireFlyFans.net
Serenity 'Versary:
September 30th www.FireFlyFans.net
Be there or be a purple-belted poop head.

FXSTB02

Friday, May 26, 2006 1:49 AM (P)

Welcome to the board. Glad you found the 'verse of Firefly. I'm a relatively newcomer here as well, but everyone here is friendly and you'll learn a lot about the characters, the show, the smartest, wisest, most overlooked, most humble creator of Firefly, Joss Whedon.

Keep spreading the word, we mean to misbehave and bring back Firefly.

It has a name; I call it Vera.

FLORALBUNNY

Friday, May 26, 2006 1:53 AM (P)

Silly rabbits.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pfffft!
If that's directed at me, it's time to repeat my "naming" story.

Lurked here off/on for years.

One night, lured beyond any hope of stopping myself, I tried to sign up in order to post a caption.

I had never seen anyone post as FloralBonnet, but someone must have signed up for it and then gone away, because I was (*sobs*) rejected!!!

Unable to think quickly of a clever name to be stuck with forever, I changed "Bonnet" to "Bunny" and posted my brilliant caption.

Which lost.

So there you are. The tale of woe, entire.

:-) :-) :-) :-)

buninbonnet
~6/23~Serenity/Firefly Summer~9/30~
----- why's the rum gone? -----