Participant Observation
Interview with Faye Valentine
By Starzki
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(Transcription editing note: What follows is a transcription of Lisbeth Silva's (hereafter indicated as B.S.) interview with F.V. The interview protocol allowed room for notes. All written notes will be indicated in italics and included in the transcript at the approximate time they were taken during the course of the interview. Tone of voice and other vocal and physical cues, if needed, will be indicated in parentheses.)
I had neglected to turn off the music in my room before Faye came in, so a random assortment of some of music stored on my computer was playing in the background. This is noted because it became important later in the interview.
B.S.: Hello. This is Beth Silva. It is 2 PM, Tuesday, May 10th, 2071. I am with the interviewee. Please state your name.
F.V.: Faye Valentine.
B.S.: Great. Let me quick make it clear before we start that you can stop this interview any time you want, that you don't have to answer any questions that you don't want to, and that you have full control over which statements of yours I can use for analysis.
F.V.: Um. Ok?
B.S.: In fact, I'll give you the finished transcript once we're done and you can check it over for accuracy.
F.V.: (hesitates)
B.S.: (joking) You look like you're plotting something.
F.V.: Sooo… No matter what I say, I can change it later?
B.S.: Not really. You can't change anything you really did say. You can just tell me not to use something, specifically.
F.V.: Ok.
B.S. Good. Do you have any questions for me? Any concerns?
F.V.: Nope. Fire away.
B.S.: (deep breath) Ok. How did you get into bounty hunting?
F.V.: (smiles wryly) I kind of fell into it accidentally.
B.S.: How so?
F.V.: Well, it was like this: Here I am, just minding my own business, and suddenly, there's a bounty on my head. Can you believe it?
B.S.: Umm…
F.V.: Anyway. That's how I met Mutt and Jeff out there. Of course, eventually, the whole thing was realized for the mistake it was and it was all straightened out. And, a couple of weeks later, I quit my last job and I was low on funds. So, I decided to drop by again and offer to help them out.
B.S.: What job did you quit?
F.V.: (hesitates) Uh… Retail. You know, too boring.
Baloney.
B.S.: All right. And, Faye, if you don't feel comfortable with any of these questions… uh… coming up, just say so and we'll just skip them.
F.V.: (innocently) Sure thing.
B.S.: Ok. So what did they say you did that resulted in a bounty on your head?
F.V.: (laughs) I don't even remember. It was all so silly I just put it out of my mind.
B.S.: Ok. Right. So, you remembered Spike and Jet. But why bounty hunting?
F.V.: Well… It was one of those things that made sense at the time.
B.S.: You thought it would fit?
F.V.: Exactly. I was kind of living a bounty hunter's life at the time, only without getting paid. And it… it fits, like you said.
B.S.: Ok.
F.V.: I know, it's kind of weird. I'll get out of it eventually.
B.S.: Oh, I don't think it's weird. It's really an interesting life, that I've seen.
F.V.: You must have a low threshold for boredom.
B.S.: (laughs) That's very true. I am a researcher. Hmm. So, what's a typical bust like for you?
F.V.: (laughs) It's like… Well, it usually goes, Me: (seductively) "Hey handsome." Them: (lower voice) "Oh, look! Boobs!" Me: "Good night, sucker." Then I knock 'em out or something. Haul 'em in.
B.S.: Oh. That answers another one of my questions.
F.V.: Really?
B.S.: I was going to have to ask you about the outfit. It's very… um… unique. It catches attention.
F.V.: Hmm. You think so?
B.S.: I mean, you wear it really well, you look phenomenal. But it doesn't look that comfortable. It's more for distraction, to get the upper hand?
F.V.: You know, I haven't thought about it in a while. But yeah. Guys are easy to predict. Wear something like this, most of the time, you know what they're thinking, how they'll behave. It's easy to control most situations. And they almost never realize that I'm armed.
B.S.: Hmm. In the jacket?
F.V.: Obviously.
B.S.: That's actually really smart. Is all of that something you just do for bounty hunting or in life in general?
F.V.: Life in general. I like to be in charge of what others are thinking about me. If I act and dress and talk in a particular way, most people will think they know you and can predict you. You can use that to your advantage.
B.S.: I see. I see. Very concerned about controlling what others think of her. Afraid she'll be liked? Afraid she won't be liked? So, what are you really like? When you're not trying to… uh… make the situation what you need it to be?
F.V.: (long pause) Looks sad. You know, I honestly don't remember.
B.S.: Hmm. That's ok. I was just interested. We can move on.
F.V.: Ok.
B.S.: Ok. Now, what is your most memorable bust?
F.V.: Hmm. I'm thinking. They all blend together after a while. (Long pause, then laughs) No, I won't tell you that one. It involved me doing something very suggestive with a Popsicle to get the guy to come over. Let me see… My most memorable bust was probably the one at the track. I remember it so well because the nag I bet on actually won for once, but in the tussle, I dropped the betting slip and couldn't find it later. Some asshole probably picked it up and claimed my money. The bounty head was worth less that the betting slip that I lost. I remember that one the best because it was the most frustrating one. So far, anyway. It's like even when I win I can't win. Things in this business can get bad and very memorable very quickly. I haven't been in it that long.
B.S.: Ok. How long?
F.V.: Couple of months, actually.
B.S.: Oh. Wow. You're brand new.
F.V.: I'm practically a virgin. (laughs)
B.S.: (laughs) If you say so. (laughs)
F.V.: (laughs)
B.S.: Ok, what's the one that got away?
F.V.: That betting slip.
B.S.: (laughs) Well, I did mean which bounty head.
F.V.: Getting a way from me? I don't think so.
B.S.: (shocked) Really? Not one?
F.V.: Well, yeah. But, they were… It's always really complicated when they get away. I can't explain it well and I tend to come off badly.
B.S.: I doubt that.
F.V.: Ahh, well. This can be one of those things I don't want to go into. Why dwell on unpleasantness?
B.S.: Ok. Moves away from "unpleasantness." Running from other things? What exactly? Let's talk about the others, your partners.
F.V.: Hmm. Ok. What do you want to know?
B.S.: How do you get along with them?
F.V.: As well as anybody. The boys are idiots, but I don't exactly hate them. Ed is Ed. You know her. There's no predicting her.
B.S.: What do you see is your responsibility to them?
F.V.: I don't owe them a thing. I'm just along for the ride and they know it. I'll help when it's in my interest and everything. I'll have their back if necessary, but I've never been one to play well with others. Basically, I do what I need to.
B.S.: The bare minimum not to get kicked out?
F.V.: (incredulous) Please. Jet's a big softie. He'll never kick anyone out. My responsibility to them is to point out when they're acting like morons, which is most of the time. I bring in the common sense, the style to this operation.
B.S.: Ok. Let's talk about them individually. You already mentioned Jet. What do you think of him?
F.V.: He's too principled for his own good. He's a good guy and that's his main weakness. But this is his ship. He takes good care of it. Honestly, I really do try and do what I can, but the man has huge expectations and is irritating.
B.S.: It sounds like you're turning what most people consider good qualities into bad ones.
F.V.: Well, that's not really reality, you know? Sure, he's a great, stand-up guy. But that's not what'll get you by in the real world.
B.S.: Are you worried for him?
F.V.: No! Please. Somehow, it works for him. He just expects everyone around him to be like him.
B.S.: You think so? You think he wants you to be a certain way?
F.V.: Oh, I don't know. No. Yes. No. I don't know. He's an idiot.
B.S.: Ok. Ok. How about Spike?
F.V.: Another idiot.
B.S.: (laughs) Like Jet?
F.V.: He's an idiot in the most staggeringly insane ways. Not like Jet. The man has the best and worst luck I've ever seen. He's…
B.S.: He's what?
F.V.: Infuriating. Dense. Blind.
B.S.: Ooh. Interesting. The lady doth protest too much, methinks. But, earlier, you said you didn't hate him.
F.V.: Not exactly. He's just utterly exhausting. One-track mind. And it's heading for a train wreck. I honestly don't know what to make of that man.
B.S.: You can't predict him.
F.V.: No.
B.S.: And you don't like that.
F.V.: Right.
B.S.: But you think he's ok as a person?
F.V.: This is a really pretty song, you know?
B.S.: Hmm? Non sequitor. To divert attention from the question?
F.V.: That's playing right now. It's pretty. (stops to listen)
Lyrics at the time:
Am I not pretty enough?
Is my heart too broken?
Do I cry too much?
Am I too outspoken?
Don't I make you laugh?
Should I try it harder?
Why do you see right through me?
B.S.: Oh. That's a really old song. It's Kasey Chambers. The song is "Not Pretty Enough." It's one of my favorites. Reminds me of back home, her old songs were really popular where I lived.
F.V.: I like it.
B.S.: Yeah? Ok. But back to Spike.
F.V.: Back to Spike. Ok, what else do you want to know?
B.S.: What is your responsibility to him, do you think?
F.V.: It would be to forestall his insane death wish, make sure he doesn't get himself killed.
B.S.: Ok. You don't want him dead. That's a start. So, do you like him?
F.V.: (surprised) Excuse me?
B.S.: I mean… Well, he's not a bad looking guy. Do you ever think of, you know, with him?
F.V.: (emphatically) NO!
B.S.: Really? Really? Hmm.
F.V.: Why? Do you?
B.S.: (laughs) No. I'm not allowed. But if I was, whoo boy! I've seen him working out upstairs. My, my. Well, maybe. Well, not really. It would definitely come under consideration.
F.V.: Well, I haven't considered it at all. Hmph.
B.S.: Ok. Fine. I'm not convinced. I'm just curious about inter-crew relationships. How about Jet?
F.V.: (emphatically) NO!
B.S.: Ok, ok. I surrender! Let's move on.
F.V.: Yes, let's! Ed?
B.S.: Sure.
F.V.: That girl… I don' know. My responsibility towards her… I guess just show her, let her know that the world isn't sweet and nice, get her ready for reality. I'm not exactly a role model. I mostly just try to get her to do stuff for me. And then she does or she doesn't. It's like trying to train a cat.
B.S.: You don't think you get through to her?
F.V.: I don't know. Even if I was trying, I don't know if I could. But, she's great to have around for all of the boring research stuff… Uh, sorry.
B.S.: That's ok.
F.V.: But she's a little off. I don't know how else to put it.
B.S.: Yeah. Normally, I would try and get you to be more clear, but I know, she's a tough nut to crack.
F.V.: I guess I can try and teach her stuff. Girl stuff. Life stuff. But, you know.
B.S.: Yeah. Kind of. How about Ein?
F.V.: What about him?
B.S.: Anything you want to say?
F.V.: He's a dog.
B.S.: You're not a dog person?
F.V.: No. Not in any way, shape, or form.
B.S.: Ok. Well, we're almost finished. What do you think your partners think about you?
F.V.: (thoughtful pause) Umm. Ed probably just thinks of me as that taller person who has a little more up front than the other two. The girl is impossible, inscrutable. I have no idea what she's thinking when she's actually talking. I don't know. Jet probably sees me as this big hassle. I eat the food, take whatever money I can. I don't think he likes me much.
B.S.: Really? Is it possible she thinks so?
F.V.: Yeah. He probably thinks I'm pretty and doesn't mind me too much. But I don't think he likes me.
B.S.: From what I've seen, he seems to like you. At least I think so.
F.V.: Really? Hmm. It doesn't matter. I don't care. He can think what he likes. Same with Spike.
I'm not believing this for a second.
B.S.: You don't think he likes you either?
F.V.: He's the same as Jet like that. Probably thinks I'm good looking. But he wouldn't miss me if I leave. When I leave.
B.S.: You'll leave?
F.V.: Sure, this is just temporary until I find a new job with better pay and less work.
B.S.: Oh. Ok.
F.V.: Yeah, are we done? (eager to leave) Because I have something else I want to do.
These questions seem to be making her uncomfortable. She's starting to shift around in her chair.
B.S.: Almost, but you just about answered my last question. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
F.V.: Not here, that's for sure. Hopefully, I'll be rich from the ponies and happy and far away.
B.S.: Is that what you think will happen.
F.V.: (sighs) I don't know, Beth. I can't see much past tomorrow, you know? Am I done?
B.S.: Yeah, sure. Are you ok? You look a little sad.
F.V.: (wicked smile) I'm great. I couldn't be better. It's just that living with a bunch of crazies starts to make you crazy after a while, that's all. I'm going to take a shower. Later.
B.S.: Thanks Faye! Interview terminated 3:03 PM.
Very interesting interview. F.V. has some issues with trust, is a study in contradictions. She's worried about what others think about her and tries to control it. Thinks partners don't like her (despite my observations that lead me to believe otherwise) and uses this as an excuse to be ready to leave. Wants to leave rather than be left? I like F.V. I think that she likes her life here and the others more than she'll admit right now. This went way better than my interview than E.4. Maybe I need to get her at a different time, when she's not so hyper. B.S.
A/N: Phew! I actually updated! Hooray for being sick! I actually had some down time to finish this chapter up! So, blame my raging throat infection if you didn't like or agree with my take on this or if you find any typos. I hope Faye didn't seem too OOC, but I tried to set it up that she would open up a little to Beth. I think that Faye might have harbored some romantic-type feelings for Spike, but wouldn't admit it to herself, let alone to others. Again, there will be NO PAIRINGS in this fic. I'm just writing how I think it would go in these situations.
I've decided to place this somewhere after Bohemian Rhapsody as far as timelines go.
I also kind of made this a songfic without the actual songfic-iness. I'd recommend Kasey Chambers to anyone. I see "Not Pretty Enough" as one take on how Faye feels towards Spike.
To my "regular" reviewers:
Kendra Luehr: You're too much! Don't worry about bullet wound bonding clichés. They work because they're great. (It just wasn't "right" for Beth and Spike).
Water/Air: Write more "Which Way is West." Do it now! It's getting better and better.
Darkangel, Tak, Evil Bunny, lioncourt and others: Just thanks. Thanks a ton. You all make my day when you drop me a line.
Standard disclaimer/pleas: I don't own Cowboy Bebop. I do kind of own Beth (although she seems to have a mind of her own sometimes and I struggle to keep up). I make no money from this. My only reward is the reviews people give me. (ahem). THE REVIEWS PEOPLE GIVE ME (hint, hint).