Chapter Two

The Mayor of Niceland

The past four years had been better for Gene than he could have imagined. To be sure, life had had its ups and downs. But he'd come out of the aftermath of the Sugar Rush Incident fairly unscathed. Such was the persuasive power of Ralph's forgiveness among the arcade's denizens.

He couldn't call himself the hulking bad guy's friend. No, they simply didn't have enough in common for that. Where Ralph was informal, casual, and imprecise, he was formal, uptight, and precise. Where Ralph would drink root beer, he would settle for nothing less than a martini. And while he certainly bore no ill-will towards Vanellope von Schweetz- how could he, given everything she'd been through? -her frequent visits were more a matter of toleration for him. He would be polite to her when she arrived and when she left, and she would be polite right back- insofar as she knew how- and that was the extent of their relationship.

I suppose the taffy incident didn't help win me over to her Gene mused. Then again, she's only nine.

Oh, wait. She'll always be nine.

He was more resigned to that fact than he liked to pretend, however, and as he gazed out of the penthouse window on that December morning, he promised for the umpteenth time to stop kidding himself.

I guess she's alright. We just don't have much of anything in common is all it is. Same thing with Ralph.

Gene turned towards his bedroom mirror. Carefully, he combed his hair, taking great care not to leave any bits sticking out. He straightened his tie and then pulled on his jacket. Lastly, he inserted a flower in his lapel. Finally satisfied, he left his room.

That being said, I've got to respect Ralph. He's not so bad a co-worker. If only he'd just take to brushing his teeth a little more often, maybe just step in the shower once a day, instead of once a month. I mean, I've offered my own bathroom if he ever wants it, he can take full advantage of that.

Gene entered the elevator, a smile on his face.

Morning walk time- how I love it.

Several of the other Nicelanders were already on the sidewalk below the penthouse. Gene smiled at them and shook their hands.

"Morning, Mr. Mayor," said one of them, with red hair and moustache.

"Good morning, Norwood," said Gene. "Pleasant weather today."

"We always have pleasant weather in here," Norwood replied with a laugh.

Gene gestured towards the sidewalk. "Shall we?"

"After you," said Norwood.

Gene set off down the sidewalk, followed by his fellow Nicelanders.

Turning the corner, Gene spotted Vanellope von Schweetz exiting the wire in one of the carts. He gave her a brief nod of acknowledgment. She, for her part, waved exaggeratedly, a goofy looking smile on her face, before leaping out of the cart and hurrying off towards Ralph's house. Gene watched her depart for a few moments, before returning to his walk.

"So," said Norwood, when they had gone a little further, "any big Christmas plans?"

"You know we'll be observing the parade," said Gene. "I'd like another cocktail party this year."

"An excuse to see Ralph dressed up?"

"He's not incapable of looking respectable. Regardless, it'd be wrong not to invite him."

"I hear Mary wants to bake another cake," said Norwood.

"Actually, she told me it was going to be a pie," said Gene.

They turned onto the street that led past the brick buildings where Ralph and the Q-Bert characters lived. Gene no longer winced at the slight dinginess of the buildings; he was used to it by now. Nevertheless, he still frowned a little.

Couldn't Felix have given them something a little nicer looking? They kind of mar the view. But I suppose it's better than our coworkers being homeless. And besides, I can't have Felix's handiwork torn down.

"Did we ever find the mock tree?" Norwood asked.

"Don was going to tell me about the results of his search through the attic," Gene replied. He turned back to look at the old sailor, who was a few paces behind, in conversation with Roy.

"Hey Don," said Gene, "did you find the tree?"

Don grinned. "Got it Mr. Mayor, in tip-top shape."

"Excellent," Gene replied. "Now, if we can just-"

He stopped speaking as the door of Ralph's house was thrown open. Out leaped Vanellope von Schweetz, grinning from ear to ear.

"Time for a burger!" she exclaimed. Gene winced at the racer's volume. He turned to stare at her. As one, the other Nicelanders did the same.

Vanellope looked embarrassed. "Oh, I guess I was a little loud," she said. She hopped out of the way as Ralph exited the house.

"No worries, guys!" he called to the Nicelanders.

Shaking his head, Gene continued his walk, followed by the other Nicelanders.

"So," Don asked him, "what was it you were saying?"

Gene sighed. "I can't remember."

The rest of the walk was uneventful, and by the time another hour had passed, Gene was in his office.

Not that I have all that much to do, jobwise he thought. Being mayor of a single building isn't overly strenuous, especially since I don't have to do any mayoral work in-game.

A knock on the door made Gene raise his head from his papers. "Yes?" he said. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal Sergeant Calhoun. The marine officer carried a white sack in her hand, which she deposited on Gene's desk. Gene winced at the odor of grease coming from within.

"What is that?" he asked, pointing at the sack

"Vanellope had places to be, so she had me deliver this to you," said Calhoun. "It's a burger."

Gene reached gingerly into the sack, drawing out a foil wrapper surrounding a circular mass which he presumed was the burger. Attached to it by a bit of tape, half soaked by water from the steam within the burger, was a note which read:

Sorry for yelling. Here, take this.

Citizen Vanellope von Schweetz

"Tell her…thank you," said Gene, feeling rather nonplussed.

"Got it," said Calhoun.

When the sergeant had left, Gene picked up the burger and started to carry it toward the trashcan. Then, he stopped.

I can't do that. It wouldn't be polite.

With a sigh, he opened the wrapper and the burger went down his throat with all possible speed. Hurriedly, he poured some juice into a glass and gulped the liquid to wash away the taste, before throwing away the bag and the wrapper. He then selected a can of air freshener from a shelf and gave the office several good sprays. This done, he returned to his desk and got back to work.