ham was mellow , funny , and fun to be around . she needed more of them , he thought . `` you did well ; it appears that you can be of use . '' he was nearly ten years younger than my dad and more laid back . in addition to formal evening wear , i was decked out in a cape and silk top hat . the empress stands , and we all turn to face her . `` because from now on , i 'm standing between her and everyone else . '' 