Interlude 4
Meanwhile Beldam and Marilyn were in Twilight town waiting for their sister.
"Vivian is so very late." said Beldam. "Where has this scatterbrain gone to?"
"Guhhh." said Marilyn
Suddenly, Doopliss, who was still running away, passed by surprising them
"Where did you come from?" asked Beldam
"I just got beat up." said Doopliss. He then looked at Bedlam and Marilyn and said: "You know, you look like one of the guys who just defeated me."
"Really? Interesting. Tell me more." said Beldam
Now let's go back to the x-naut base where an x-naut was reporting to Grodus.
"Are you sure x-naut?" asked Grodus
"Affirmative sir. I pored over all our research about the thousand-year door and it appears the sealing power has definitely been weakening as Beldam said." said the x-naut
"Yes. We're so close." said Grodus. "Soon the legendary treasure… the ancient power of darkness will be ours. Keep giving the crystal star search top priority. That of course, requires the elimination of Mario. That meddling scum."
"Yes sir." said the x-naut. He then made and x with his arms and left the room.
"Soon I will have the dark power that has slept for a millennium." said Grodus. "And when that glorious day comes, I'll throw this pathetic world into the depths of terror. No one can stop me now. All will kneel before the ex-naut regime. And then I, Grodus will build a perfect, ideal world. A world made by me, about me and for me. Gack ack ack ack ack ack ack."
Meanwhile, princess Peach. arrived at the computer room.
"TEC? Did you call me?" she said. "What will I do today. Will I dance, disguise myself or sing a song?"
"I… I am conflicted." said TEC
"Huh? What's wrong TEC? You don't seem yourself." said Peach
"What's more important? Following orders or protecting a certain person? I've been built for the purpose of one person. I wish to exist for the purpose of another."
"What do you mean?" asked Peach
"No… Nothing." said TEC. "Please forget my musings. For some reason it makes feel unpleasant to make you worry. Anyway, let's have a quiz."
"A quiz?" asked Peach in surprise
"Yes. I'll ask you five questions. If you answer all of them correctly you may use the communicator as usual." said TEC
"What with you all of a sudden?" asked Peach
"Now for the first question." said TEC as if he didn't hear her question.
"What will happen if you collect all seven crystal stars?"
A. Your wish is granted
B. Thousand-year door opens
C. A thousand coins appear
Peach looked at all the answers and eventually said:
"B."
"Correct." said TEC. "Now the second question."
"What I the goal of Grodus, leader of the x-nauts?"
A. To conquer the world
B. To get rich
C. To become a superhero
"A." said Peach
"Correct." said TEC. "Now the third question."
"What is the legendry treasure that waits behind the thousand-year door?"
"TEC." said Peach. "Is this…"
"Princess, please answer." said TEC
"What is the legendary treasure that waits behind the thousand-year door?"
A. 100.000.000 coins
B. An extremely rare badge
C. A 1.000-year-old demon's soul
Peach thought although she feared she knew the answer.
"C." she said
"Correct." said TEC. "Now the fourth question."
"What does sir Grodus wish to do with this ancient demon's soul?"
A. Cherish it always
B. bring the demon back to life
C. Hang out with it
"It's B." said Peach
"Correct." said TEC. "Now the fifth question."
"What is required to seal up the demon again?"
A. A legendary sword
B. A magic spell
C. Crystal stars
"C." said Peach
"Correct" said TEC. "You have correctly answered all five questions. You may use the communicator."
"TEC. Was it okay for you to tell me such thigs?" asked Peach
"Please input the message you wish to send." said TEC
Peach wrote a message and said:
"Uh… okay. I' m done. Could you send it?"
A sound was heard and TEC said:
"The message has been sent. Please go back to your room."
"Thank you." said Peach. "You're still a weird computer."
She then left.
"Goodnight princess Peach." said TEC. He then turned off the lights and fell asleep.
Meanwhile, bowser and Kammy Koopa were in Rogueport at the blimp station.
"My lord. I received information that there is a great secret in the floating town of Glitzville." said Kammy Koopa. "Come on. Let's take the blimp there."
She then turned to the cheep-cheep conductor and said
"You there. Two tickets. One mighty and evil king and one sweet, young thing."
"G… Good gravy." said the cheep-cheep. "Bowser, the koopa king and one ugly old hag. Life's too short."
He then ran away in terror.
"What did he say? Hey come back here you vulgar and rude thing." said Kammy Koopa. She then turned around and realized Bowser had disappeared.
"Huh? I'm talking to myself." she said. "Where did lord bowser go?"
Suddenly, Bowser appeared on his clown car.
"Forget that slow blimp. I'll be riding this." said Bowser." I snuck into Glitzville once before so I know the way. You go the easy way with your wimpy Blimp gramma."
Bowser then left so fast that he caused Kammy Koopa to fall of her Broom.
"King Bowser. Wait!" she shouted, but in vain. "Awwwwww. Now my special dirigible deluxe brown bag Kammy lunch will go to waste."
Meanwhile Bowser was flying towards Glitzville. Suddenly, his clown car started shaking and making weird noises.
"Whoa. That doesn't' sound good." said Bowser. "What's that red warning light. Oh no, don't tell me… "
Suddenly, the engine stopped and the clown car fell with Bowser at sea.
Bowser started swimming. It wasn't easy. His excessive weight was a big hindrance. Then some bloopers showed up and Bowser had to deal with them too. He couldn't use his fire breath underwater, so he had to rely only on his fists. It didn't' really work out, because he couldn't fight and float art the same time. In the end, he accidentally swallowed one blooper which caused all the others to get scared and run away. However, Bowser started grimacing weirdly so apparently a blooper doesn't taste good. In the end after a lot of swimming he made it to Rogueport harbor.
"Offff. Arcck. A-choo. I've got to get into shape." he said
"Ahhhhh. It's Bowser, the koopa king." shouted one of the people at the harbor.
"He'll eat us."
"Someone help."
"Everyone scram."
Soon, there was nobody left at the harbor, but Bowser. Then Kammy Koopa showed up. She was holding some balloons and a Rawk Hawk sticker, so she had apparently made it to Glitzville. She noticed Bowser and approached him and said:
"King Bowser. I've been looking all over for you. If I may ask where have you been your sogginess?"
"… Swimming." said Bowser still puffed.
"Really. Neat." said Kammy Koopa. "As for me Glitzville was fantastic. The fights were amazing. I was overcome. And then there were the hot dogs. Good gracious. Scrumptious! You had fun too?"
Bowser didn't say anything at first. he then blew fire and burned Kammy koopa and all her stuff causing her to fall to the ground.
"Lord bowser. Is that a no?" she asked
"It was terrible" said Bowser. "I swallowed a dang blooper. I wanted to have fun. But forget it. It's over. Go and get me some solid information on princess Peach and the crystal stars. Now!"
Meanwhile, Mario and his friends were still in twilight town and they were speaking to the mayor.
"I can't believe it was a fake Mario the whole time." said the mayor. "So, we were all fooled. After all you have done for our town. We apologize. Did we hurt your feelings?"
"Maybe a little." said Mario.
"Oh. I guess that's why pencils have erasers." said the mayor. "You've brought a ray of hope in our dim town. Twilight town thanks you."
"I just did what I had to." said Mario
"Come on." said Goombela. "it's time to go."
"Where are we going?" asked Vivian
"In Rogueport. We need to hold this crystal star aloft the thousand-year door to find the location of the next one." said Koops
"Yes. We still have three to find." said Flurrie
"let's go." said Bobby
"You are welcome here anytime." said the mayor
Mario and his friends left Twilight town through the pipe and returned to Rogueport. There they headed for the thousand-year door. However, on their way Mario received another mail.
"This must be an e-mail from princess Peach." said Bobby
Mario open it and read:
"Dearest Mario,
I have finally learned what the legendary treasure is. It's the spirit of an ancient demon. The x-nauts plan to revive it and use its power to take over the world. They want to collect the crystal stars to open the thousand-year door and unleash it. If they succeed the world will be in great danger. However, the only thing that can kept the demon locked away are the crystal stars themselves. You mustn't let the x-nauts near the crystal stars. You must put an end to their horrible plans.
Princess Peach"
"Ancient demon?" said Vivian
"That's horrible." said Flurrie
"I can't believe this." said Koops
"it doesn't get any worse than that." said Goombela
"We must do something." said Bobby
"Yes. We must collect all the crystal stars and make sure that horrible plan is never set in motion." said Mario
They went to the thousand-year door and Mario held aloft the crystal star. The map came out of his pocket and started shining as usual. Then a cave appeared on an island on the map and on it appeared a blue crystal star.
"The next crystal star appeared." said Goombela
"Let's go to professor Frankly" said Flurrie
"Who?" asked Vivian
"He's a friend who is helping us." said Koops
"Okay." said Vivian. "We should also tell him about the princess' e-mail."
Later, after our friends had returned to professor Frankly's house and told him everything, he gave a shout that was heard in the whole neighborhood.
"W… WH… WHAAAAAAAT?"
"That was written in princes s Peach's e-mail?" he said after he regained his calmness. "The treasure is actually the spirit of an ancient demon? And those fiends want to use the crystal stars to resurrect it and take over the world?"
"Yes." said Bobby. "That's exactly what we said."
"How bone-chilling. Unfortunately, it appears to be consistent with what I've found out."
"What have you found out professor?" asked Koops
"Hmmm. It's rathe long so listen carefully." said professor Frankly
"Okay." said Mario
"Well, here we go." said professor Frankly. "The great cataclysm I read about in my book may refer to this demon. It said that monster destroyed a town that once stood in this very spot. It also said that the crystal stars were actually created by this demon and he tried to use them to control the world. In the end, the monster was defeated by four heroes. However, only his physical form was destroyed. His body could not be eradicated. So, the heroes used the crystal stars which they had stolen from the demon to cast him in the end of a colossal maze and then they sealed the exit. From this I gather that the crystal stars cannot distinguish good from evil. So, when they are all gathered, they could seal away or resurrect the demon. It seems the one who uses them determines If they are used for good or evil."
"So, we should consider not gathering them." said Koops
"Yeah. It would be bad to gather them all and then have them stolen for evil purposes." said Bobby
"Yes. Why not destroy them once and for all?" said Mario
"That was my first thought too, but further research suggests we can't do that." said professor Frankly. "There's a possibility that the thousand-year door is weakening. It appears the crystal stars have the power to keep the demon locked up for a thousand years. Once a thousand years pass, the power to keep the door shut will fade. And it seems this the thousandth year. Bad luck, huh? The fact that these goons want the crystal stars now may be a happenstance or maybe not. In other words, we should be prepared for the return of the demon even if the x-nauts fail."
"Okay. So, we should find the remaining crystal stars then." said Vivian "Where is the next one?"
"Hmmmm. According to the map it appears to be somewhere on Keelhaul key." said professor Frankly
"Keelhaul key?" asked Koops
"Yes. I'm not familiar with that place but I've heard countless unsavory rumors. You know, the usual stuff. Vengeful sprits full of hatred, evil curses, things like that."
"So, how do we get there?" asked Mario
"I don't know." said professor Frankly. "However, there are many sailors and mariners at the bar down at the harbor. You should head there."
"You got it." said Bobby
Mario and his friends went to the bar at the harbor. There they saw a yellow guy with purple hair, red clothes and a red hat. He had a red gem in the shape of a skull on his table. Mario approached him and said: "Excuse me sir?"
"Yes? What do you want from me?" asked the man
"It seems you are a wealthy and successful man." said Mario
"You are right." said the man. "I'm Flavio. The richest and most successful man in Rogueport."
"However, you don't appear content." said Mario. "Like something is missing from your life."
"Unfortunate, you are righ.t" said Flavio. "I don't feel satisfied like something is missing from my life. But what. What could I not have?"
"I know." said Mario. "Being rich is nice, but it is also boring. You need some action. You need romance and emotion. And thrills."
"You are right. That's what I need." said Flavio. He then thought and suddenly said: "I got it. I need a treasure hunt. That's the solution. A treasure hunt will give me everything. Romance, emotion, thrills and more money. It's the answer to my problem. I just need to find a treasure to hunt."
He started thinking. Mario was about to tell him about the treasure in Keelhaul key, but he realized he didn't need to when Flavio said:
"I got it. I'll go to Keelhaul key and hunt for the treasure of Cortez."
"Who?" asked Mario
"You don't know Cortez, the pirate king? He was the terror of the seas." said Flavio. "He plundered every ship. He had gathered a vast treasure and he hid it in Keelhaul key. Many treasure hunters and explorers went to fid nit, but not one of them has ever retuned."
"Really? Why is that?" asked Mario
"It is said that Cortez's spirit protects the treasure and destroys everyone who tries to steal it." said Flavio. "That's why no one goes to Keelhaul key anymore. However, I don't believe in such scary tales. The treasure exists and I'll find it."
"I'm looking for a treasure too." said Mario "It's here in Rogueport."
"What? Nonsense." said Flavio. "There isn't a treasure in this lousy town. You can't believe every story you hear."
"The treasure is real." said Mario. "And I have a map to it."
"Really? Then hand it over… um I mean let me see it." said Flavio
Mario showed him the map. Flavio looked at it and said:
"Are kidding me? This map leads to Keelhaul key. You want to steal the treasure under my nose."
No" said Mario. "I want to collect the crystal stars. They will lead me to the real treasure."
"Really? Now that you mention it, Cortez's treasure has star-shaped jewel." said Flavio. "It's' settled. You'll come to keelhaul key with me. You of course will take the crystal star, but the rest of the treasure is mine."
"Very well." said Mario. "However, we don't have a ship."
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. You foolish man." said Flavio. "Don't you know who I am?"
"You're Flavio." said Mario
"Exactly. I'll have a ship and a crew ready in no time. Meet me at the harbor in one hour."
Flavio took his skull gem and left the bar.
Then Mario returned to his friends.
"You were amazing." said Goombela
"Yes. You did great work." said Koops
"How did you know he was missing action?" asked Flurrie
"I didn't." said Mario. "I just hit him on the raw of all rich men. The need for more."
"You are a genius." said Bobby
"Now we have our ticket for Keelhaul key." said Vivian
They left the bar, but suddenly Ms. Mowz appeared in front of them.
"We meet again my mustachioed superstar." she said
"Not her again." said goombela
"Who is her?" asked Vivian
"Long story." said Koops
"Well, long time not see." said Mario. "We usually meet everywhere I go, but you weren't in Twilight town."
"Yes. There wasn't anything to steal there." said Ms. Mowz. "However, I've realized something. I need to join you."
"What?" said everyone at the same time.
"Yes. You defeated Hooktail, you kicked the x-nauts out of the great tree, you revealed the truth about the Glitz pit and now you're about to explore a haunted island. And I'm sure there's more to this adventure. I need to join you and experience this action."
"Very well." said Mario. "We need all the help we can get. You're in."
"Great. You won't regret this." said Ms. Mowz and kissed him on the cheek.
"Fabulous." said Goombela who suddenly became bad-tempered. It seemed she didn't like Ms. Mowz joining the team.
An hour later Mario and his six now partners went to the harbor and saw a big ship. Flavio was on it. There was also the crew which consisted of two green and two yellow toads, a big bob-omb with an eye patch on his right eye, a smaller bob-omb and a big guy with overalls and a headscarf that covered his whole head. However, the others could see he was wearing glasses and he had two horns on his head.
"This guy looks familiar." said Mario
"Welcome to my ship." said Flavio. "Since you gave me the idea, I declare you captain."
"Thank you. It's an honor." said Mario
"Unfortunately, we have a small problem." said Flavio. "However, take a look at my ship. I call her the S.S. Flavion. She's the queen of the numerous ships is my fleet. She's not just any ship. She's an extraordinary ship. She can sail through the most dangerous waters and withstand the worse seaways. No ship can compare to her. She's the best ship in the world. Don't you agree?"
"Um… what about the problem?' asked Mario
"Yes. She's a fine vessel. The best ship to have sailed the seven seas. She can…"
"The problem!" shouted Mario
"Oh right. I forgot about it. The S.S. Flavion bewitches me." said Flavio. "Well as you can see, I have gathered a crew. However, we don't have a navigator. He ran off, the dog."
"Okay. Can't we find a new one?" asked Vivian
"That's the problem." said Flavio. "The waters around Keelhaul key are too dangerous. We need a skilled… No. An exceptional navigator. However, there aren't many navigators good enough. And those who are, won't got to Keelhaul key. We're in a pickle."
"What shall we do?" asked Bobby
Suddenly, the big Bob-omb said:
"Captain Flavio. I think I may have a solution. I've heard of a renowned… No. A legendary sailor who lives here in Rogueport. He's a salty sea dog who can make any ship bend to his will. His name is admiral bobbery. However, he hasn't been out to see for a long time and no one has seen him for a few years."
"Problem solved." said Flavio. "We just need to find this admiral Bobbery and persuade him to come with us." He then turned to Mario and said:
"I could do it, but is a job for the captain. And that's you Mario. You must find admiral Bobbery. Is everyone okay with that?"
Before Mario and his friends could reply, all the crew members agreed.
"Good idea."
"Great plan."
"I agree."
"No problem."
"it's settled. Go and find him." said Flavio. "Our treasure hunt relies on you."
Mario and his friends didn't have a choice. They left the ship and went to find admiral Bobbery. They asked many people in town, but no one could give them a proper answer.
"I don't know where he is."
"I haven't seen him in years."
"Admiral Bobbery? Never heard of him."
After many failed attempts, Mario and his friends had almost given up hope when a mysterious guy approached them and said:
"You want to learn about admiral Bobbery?"
"Yes." said Mario. "You know about him?"
"Of course." said the guy. "But it wasn't easy to learn about him. He is a guy who never comes out of his house and no one visits him. He's the most antisocial guy I've ever seen."
"I get it." said Mario and took out a bunch of coins. "I'll give you this if you tell me what you know."
"Okay." said the guy. "He lives in the house on the right side of the wall on the north part of town. The door is always locked, but I can see that you are sinewy, so you can easily climb on the roof and get in through the chimney. However, old Bobbery will deny that he's Bobber at first, so be careful and don't fall for it."
"Thank you." said Mario and gave him the coins he had promised him. After that they went to Bobbery's house. As the guy had said the door was locked. However, Mario got on the roof and then helped his partners get up too. Then they all jumped into the chimney and ended up in the house. There they saw an old bob-omb with a sailor's hat, a big white mustache and a wheel on his back.
"Who the hell are you?" he asked
"We are looking for admiral Bobbery." said koops
"Really? Then know that you are mistaken. I don't know this guy and barging in one's house is plain rude. Now off with you."
"Stop the act grandpa." said Bobby. "We are not buying it."
"Yeah. We know you are admiral Bobbery." said Goombela
"What poppycock." said Bobbery. "What would you want from me if I were that guy?"
"We need a navigator to take our ship to keelhaul key." said Koops
"And you are the only one good enough for the job." said Vivian
"Really? How flattering" said Bobbery. "However, I'm afraid you need to find another way. I shall set sail upon the seas nevermore."
"What?" said Mario
"Yeah. That's not cool. You want to see me beg?" asked Bobby
"We need you. Only you can take us safely to keelhaul key." said Flurrie
"Without you we could get drowned." said Ms. Mowz
"I'm sorry lads, but when I say no, I mean no!" said Bobbery." He then unlocked the door and said
"Now off with you."
Mario and his friends left the house disappointed.
"I wonder what's his deal." said Bobby
"Yeah. Why would he hate the ocean so much?" asked Goombela
"He's adamant. We should get back to the ship." said Mario
And so, they did.
"Did you find him?" asked Flavio
"Yes, but he refuses to go out to sea." said Mario
"Strange." said Flavio. 'I wonder why. Maybe the barman in the bar here at the harbor knows."
"Let's find out." said Koops
They went to the bar and approached the barman.
"What can I get for you?" he asked
"Information." said Mario. "We need a navigator for our ship and admiral Bobbery is the only one good enough for the job, but he refuses to go out to sea."
"Hmmm. I can't say that surprises me." said the barman. "The real question is… are you sure you want him back on the water?"
"We need him. We are set for Keelhaul key, but we need a navigator." said Koops
"Really? The waters there are rough. Most sailors would meet their end. Not old Bobbery though." said the barman. "However, Bobbery's story is very sad. Do you want to hear it?"
"Sure. We can take it." said Mario
"I've heard many sad stories." said Ms. Mowz
"Very well." said the barman. "Bobbery's story of woe goes like this: Bobbery was once married. He had a gorgeous wife by the name of Scarlette. They were madly in love with each other. It's the kind of love that nowadays can only be found in fairy tales. Bobbery, a renowned sailor, was away from home for long periods. Scarlette never complained and always waited faithfully for his return. And Bobbery… his eye never drifted. He loved only Scarlete. They found happiness where they could and all was well for a time."
The barman breathed a sign of sadness and went on:
"But not all good things can last. It was a particularly icy Winter when it happened. Scarlette fell ill. A flu? A passing cold? No one knew for sure, but it soon turned serious. Bοbbery, on a long voyage didn't know of his truelove's suffering. By the time he returned, Scarlete had succumbed. She was gone. Bobbery of course blamed himself. He said: "If I was here, I could have nursed her to health. I could have saved her." Bobbery's compunction tormented him, haunted his dreams. He hasn't been out to sea ever since."
"That's a sad story." said Mario
"Yeah. That's a pretty good reason for hating the ocean." said Bobby
"Now that you know his story, do you still want him back on the water?" asked the barman
"We have no choice." said Mario. "The whole world is counting on us. We need to get to Keelhaul key."
"I understand." said the barman. "if you're so determined, take this"
He opened a drawer, took out a letter and said:
"From her deathbed, Scarlette wrote this letter." he said. "She gave it to me. I don't know what's written in it, but she had said: "If I die and my darling shall blame himself, give him this. My last words." It was her last request. However, when I saw Bobbery trying to forget his misery as he mourned over the loss of his wife, I couldn't do it. I've regretted it ever since. Please… take it and do what I was too cowardly to do. Take it to Bobbery."
"You got it." said Bobby
"Yes. We'll take it to him." said Flurrie
"it needs delicate handling." said Vivian
"We'll be very careful." said Mario
The returned to Bobbery's house and knocked the door. When Bobbery opened and saw them, he said:
"Oh, by Blabberton's beard. Not you again. No matter how many times you ask me my response remains the same. Now away with you!"
"We have a letter for you." said Mario
"Pardon? A letter? F… For me?" said Bobbery in surprise
"Yes. You should have read this a long time ago." said Koops
Bobbery opened the letter and said:
"What? Scarlette? This is Scarlette's handwriting. Scarlette. my love."
He then read the letter which said:
"Dear Bobbery,
If you are reading this then I'm no longer by your side. Fate has stepped between us, so I decided to write you this letter. if you are reading it, it means I passed away while you were at sea. I can only assume that you will blame yourself for this my sweet Bobbery. Although, my life was short, you gave me more than a lifetime's worth of joy. I know you'll be sad, but remember that time, like love, is a tide. You are one with the sea as you were one with me. Please don't lose both of your life's loves."
Bobbery had finished reading the letter and he was misty-eyed. He said:
"Um... pardon me. May I have a moment alone?"
"Sure." said Mario
Bobbery went inside another room. Mario and his friends waited.
"Will he come out?" asked Vivian
"Eventually." said Flurrie
Suddenly, they heard Bobbery's voice saying:
"Oh, my Scarlette. I was happy. My one and only love. I love you still."
He then came out of the room.
"Now then, you were looking for a navigator I believe?" he said. "For your expedition at Keelhaul key?"
"Yes." said Mario
"Well then, if you believe and old and salty bob-omb like me is what you need then let's set sail."
"Yes!" said bobby
"Finally." whispered Goombela
"The ship is at the harbor, right? I need to inspect her before we leave." said Bobbery. "I'll meet you there."
And so, he left and went to the harbor to embark on his first journey in a long time.
"Good work." said Ms. Mowz
"Yeah. Who'd think an old letter from his wife would be enough to get him out of his misery." said Goombela
Then, they also went to the harbor. There they boarded the ship.
"Good work Mario. I knew you'd get Bobbery on board. I was wise to make you captain." said Flavio
"Yes, you were." said Mario
"Now if you don't have any other errands, we'll depart. Is that okay?"
"Of course. Let's set sail." said Mario
"For Keelhaul key 'said Koops
"the next part of our adventure." said Vivian]
"That's so exciting." said Ms. Mowz
"Yes. Let's set sail for thrills and emotion. And romance. And money. We are bound for keelhaul key." said Flavio
And so, the S. S. Flavion with Mario, his party, Flavio and the crew set sail for Keelhaul key. After they had left, an x-naut came out from behind a pile of boxes and talked to his radio.
"X-naut one here. You call back. I repeat x-naut one here. Infiltration is successful. X-naut black aboard the vessel. I repeat, x-naut black is on board the vessel."
So, I'm done with interlude 4. Next will be chapter 5. Please write reviews to let me know what you think of my work.