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[ Unlike the last time Jon has appeared on this network, this time it's very intentional. And it's very obvious that it is intentional. Apparently he has found himself a usable desk (presumably in the hospital) and has taken the time to prop up his phone appropriately to address his fellow involuntary inhabitants of this lovely place.

It's also rather obvious that he has been using this desk for a few days now at least. There is a comparably neat stack of paper in front of him, two or three notebooks, an assortment of pens, two different types of tape recorders along with some tapes and an empty mug all rather present and no, he doesn't really care about the slight mess. He himself looks a little messy himself, though that's just his normal state of being perpetually tired. But... There are more important things right now, right? Like... How to even start. ]

Uhh... Good evening.

[ That's just remotely awkward. But okay. ]

I have- I mean. I already spoke to a few of you. Either through this network or at an actual encounter in person and... I suppose you might have noticed me at that little welcome home party the Agrii have set up, but... Let's not talk about that. That was... Dreadful.

[ He pauses a moment to sort his thoughts, then goes on. ]

To those I haven't met yet: Hello. I'm Jonathan Sims and I have agreed to help with the hospital.

[ Here he makes a short gesture with one hand to indicate his surroundings. He is indeed at the hospital. Maybe that's your clue to avoid needing medical help anytime soon?

He drops that hand back down. ]

Further, I have decided to take on the task of turning what is left of what appears to have been a library once back into an actual library. To be more precise: I plan to make recordings along with written pieces and store them there once the place is cleaned up. These may serve for our own reference, but also for the Agrii if they are so inclined. My hope is that by teaching them about ourselves, our worlds and our language, we can achieve a more successful way of communicating with them. Learn to understand what they want and need and- You get the idea.

Now what I need is to find a suitable format to record on. While I work with magnetic tapes a lot myself for certain reasons, I am not unfamiliar with digital recordings. Also I am well aware that some of you come from worlds that are technically far more advanced than my Earth happens to be, so I... I would be interested to know if there are more practical formats available. Preferably ones that allow for video as well as audio recordings and don't necessarily require additional hardware for playback. Your universe's version of the data points to be found across this city, for example, just possibly without that direct access to a person's mind. Given that we may soon have access to a functioning replicator... It should be possible.

[ He lets that hang there, then takes a moment to try and think what else he might have to add. He ends up with a short shrug and half a sigh. ]

I guess that's it. If you have a suggestion you believe might work, I would very much like to hear it. And before you ask: Yes, I am planning to keep a purely digital library along with a physically accessible one.

Thank you.

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[ He gets a small wince in response. ]

That was horrid, Cayde.

[ Though there is a tiny chuckle in his voice that he tries to hide. Which at least is made easier by him walking ahead to the room in question, which is located a little further down one of the hallways. ]

So how do we take care of you anyway, should something happen to you?

[ He asks this once they reach the door in question. It looks more like a large plate of metal stuck to the wall, but proves to be easily pushed aside to reveal the storage room hidden behind. And as promised, it's a mess. A mess where at least some attempts of sorting have already taken place, if the small, yet comparably neat stack of boxes at one end is anything to go by. ]

I mean, if one of those energy storms hits again...

I know, I know...

[And still he said it. Because that's what he do.]

How what now? Oh! That's-

[He trails off, once again reminded of something, an unfortunate thing for the shift of his eager tone.]

That's... a good question, actually. But here, how about you tell me what the deal is with these energy storms so I know what to expect. Unless it's like it says on the label.

[Poking his head into the room, he lets out a whistle.]

Weren't you here when the last one hit? It was just shortly before they moved us to Risa.

[ He sounds surprised but steps into the storage room regardless, following a makeshift path to a small cleared out space. Apparently where the previous cleaning had come to a pause. ]

I don't know a lot myself, but they are deadly for the Agrii, it's easy to get lost in them and they do affect technology? To what extend I'm not sure. I only had my tape recorder with me and you appear... A little more complex than that.

Nnnoop! Direct deposit on Risa. I wasn't gonna complain about getting a free all-expenses paid vacation but I figured there hadda be some catch. Got the rundown from someone while we were there at least.

[He scowls, not so much at the things to be cleaned as what Jon has to tell about the storms.]

Complex and therefore much more stable than a tape recorder. ...wait, really? You still use one of those things? Talk about old school!

Two years ago I would have readily agreed with you, but they do serve their purpose.

[ Not that he is intending to go to great lengths to defend his recorders, but there is no denying their use.

Also they do still spawn around him. So maybe it does want to make sure he stays alive. ]

Though I wonder if you probably already know more about the storms than I do. But I feel we don't want one to stick around over the city.

Not that I'm putting it down or anything. Stuff like that's got its own charm over digital and the like. Now, phonographs? Love those things. Antiques now, but they've got a classic sound.

[He idly pokes through one of the boxes nearby.]

Eh, can't really say. I mean, you say energy storm so I think it's either like some kinda electrical storm or it makes everyone hyper. Not so much the latter than the former, I'll admit.

Maybe. But I feel that Martin would be more enamored by them than me. They lack a record function. And I'm... Not certain the statements would accept them.

And I'm leaning towards the former. I found it rather tiresome to be stuck in it. My phone didn't work, though. And I still have the tape with the distorted recordings. They're different from the static and distortions caused by supernatural interference as I've come to know them.

[ He picks up a smaller box and turns it around in his hands with a mild frown before risking a glance inside. ]

...it would be nice if the Agrii at least had a system for labeling. Lord knows how they found anything at all!

Oh yeah. That's true. And they're not really all that portable... But then if it's recording you want then digital at least gives you more space.

[Bored already with whatever was in the box he'd been looking through, Cayde steps around Jon to have a look at the other things that haven't yet been sorted. Which seems to be a lot.]

Distorted how? Completely messed up? Guess I can't be surprised if an energy storm's prone to interference.

[He glances over at Jon, smirking.]

Or maybe they do have a system for it and it just makes no sense to anyone but them.

Oh, I have been thinking about that as well, especially if we take the data points as anything to go by. They may well have used energy signatures to... Imprint containers like these.

[ He places a flat hand against the side of the box he has been checking. ]

It's only an idea, of course. But time and those storms...

[ Shrugging once he picks the box back up and carries it over to where some more are already stacked up. More trash. ]

We actually record most statements digitally, don't worry. But those are nonsense. Usually the fabrications of drug abuse or immature pranks and easy to disprove. The ones that go on tape are... Different. You can't record those digitally and... They are bad. Evil may be the better word. And I probably shouldn't keep recording them, but-

[ Another small shrug and he moves on to the next box. It's not like he just can stop. ]

As I said, I still have the tape. It's not been damaged or completely unusable. There is simply no trace of the words I tried to record while inside the storm. And... I know I tried.

[ While freaking out about being lost. ]

Most of it is just noise.

Huuuh...

[He taps his fingers against his chin before raising his hand as though in a classroom.]

What's a data point? ...other than like, I'm assuming a place with data?

[He studies Jon's hand as it's placed on the box, as though expecting something to happen.]

They already got some interesting transmat tech, that's for sure.

[Folding his arms again, he tilts his head at the other things scattered about.]

Okay, you lost me. Why record any...statements if they're all that? They do something? Is this an Archivist with a capital "A" sorta thing?

Noise is natural. Weird that it wouldn't pick up anything else if you were talkin' though. Now, if there were other voices or something that come up on your storm recording, that's when I'd be concerned.

Transmat? Like the record label?

[ This reply? Comes without any thinking. More like a spontaneous bout of confusion. And it's very obvious on his face before he quickly shakes his face. ]

Ah- I mean... You don't know about the data points? Like the one near the fountain where-- Oh. Right. You didn't... They... Oh.

[ Right. Cayde arrived on Risa, not here in Temba. Jon clears his throat. ]

They are these... Spheres. When you touch then, they upload the information stored on them right into your brain. I'm still surprised that it doesn't hurt. As said, there is one near the fountain. That one provides you with some background information. Not much, unfortunately. The one here in the hospital tells you what some of the stuff around here is. Not quite as detailed as I'd like and it makes it rather clear that we probably should try to use whatever medicine we end up finding on humans.

At least I'd rather not risk it.

[ He pauses at Cayde's question, rubbing his neck. ]

Capital "A"... Yes. I suppose that's about right. Look. I know it may sound absurd, but- There are supernatural powers at work. Where I'm from, that is. And I...

[ And he trails off, then finds a box to sit on. The look he casts at the Exo is an imploring one. ]

At this point I need those statements to live. I'm- I don't think I'm human anymore? I still get hungry, though. Practically have been starving ever since I got here? It's... Not good. I'm actually scared. Which I know isn't new for me, but-

[ The Archivist exhales, then drops his eyes. ]

I'm a monster. One that feeds on the fears and terrors experienced by others. By watching others suffer. And honestly? If there were merely other voices on that tape? I'd feel right at home.

Please don't tell anyone.

Wha-? No, like... matter transfer. We use it a lot back home, makes carrying things a lot easier, or getting things from one place to another.

[It's a wonder he hasn't tried poking any of the glowy orbs, but without his Ghost he's been a bit more...careful. Yeah, we'll go with that. Listening to Jon, he frowns a little.]

Bleh. That sounds fun. Think I'll steer clear of having any new information uploaded in my head like- [A robot?] ...that.

I mean, I can see how it'd be useful. Medical stuff's not something to mess around with, but you bring up a good point. I don't think anyone wants to play guinea pig. Unless someone's already done so and everything's green. I haven't heard of anyone dying around here yet, have you?

[Ah, but here's where things start getting interesting, at least by way of his expectations of what an Archivist such as Jon does. As the man stumbles around for wording, Cayde directs his attention to him, brow furrowing at the look he's given. No, he wasn't expecting that.]

....

If you're a monster you're the most unimposing one I've ever met.

[That's...supposed to be a compliment or encouraging..or something. The Exo scratches the back of his hood awkwardly.]

...too bad Eris ain't here. That gal's been through hell and she'll relate how awful everything is even when you don't ask- no one really does. Strange ol' bird, that one.

Anyway. ...yeah. Sure. Won't tell a soul.

[ Matter transfer, huh? Now that would be useful to have around...

Jon offers a faint smile in response to Cayde's comment. ]

Thanks. And... I guess I get that a lot. Other avatars are... They seem to embrace their role more willingly. Some hardly resemble humans anymore and some keep telling me to just go home, find a victim on the way as if it's... Easy. Feed your god or be fed on. I wonder if they also get the nightmares.

Your friend may admittedly be better off not being here. She'd hate me for appearing in her dreams only because she accidentally shared something with me. That aside, I don't think anyone would be happy to be pulled here.

[ He shakes his head for a moment. ]

You don't have to seek out the data points, of course. And as far as I know, no one has died here yet? But I only got here days before we ended up on Risa. Now I'm trying to be useful where I can.

[ Trying to clean up a hospital along with a library. However well that is going to go. ]

Avatars, huh...

[Not an unheard concept. There are strange, ancient things out there, so the idea of him talking to someone who's apparently subject to some higher, disturbing power isn't completely unusual.]

Well, you can tell them other guys to shove it and hang on to whatever bit of you you can.

-wait, appearing in dreams? What, really? Although it'd probably for the best she's not here because she absolutely would hate you- or she'd find you intriguing and then you'd have to put up with her creepiness.

[He doesn't bother correcting Jon about calling Eris Morn his friend. Actually he's not sure where he'd place the other Guardian. ...aside from probably still angry at him for stealing her ship and lending it to another Guardian- which he still feels was a totally necessary thing, mind.]

Oh good. Well, now I know to steer clear of 'em. And...at least that's good- the no dying thing.

[Honestly Cayde's not sure how to make himself useful, which is probably why he figured he should at least offer to help at the time. Otherwise he'd be out wandering- which he'd do anyway. There's a lot of time for that.]

Avatars, yes. Some will simply burn their victims. Others push you down a skyscraper and let you fall for weeks or have you wander endlessly through spiraling corridors. One will strap you down and slowly pull every single from your body without ever breaking your skin. They're ruthless, terrifying beings and I... I wonder if I will end up like them one day.

[ And he looks down again, contemplating his hands slightly. ]

That's also why I'm thankful for the book - For your story. It will help with the hunger. And in written form they don't cause nightmares.

[ He smiles just a little and gets back up onto his feet. Maybe it is good to talk to someone every once in a while. ]

But that still doesn't answer how we can keep you healthy around here. I doubt reboots are the solution to everything, especially if the- ah.... Hardware... ends up damaged?

[His expressions go through a varying range of disturbed with the examples Jon gives, complete with the lifting of his shoulders in a cringe.]

Yeesh, what a fun-loving bunch.

[Cayde tilts his head at mention of the book, he'd almost forgotten about that, and for a moment he can't help but be concerned. Well, then there's Jon's reassurance.]

Oh yeah? Well that's good to know.

[If he's still got any reservations about it, it doesn't show, but given how he acts it shouldn't be a surprise that he'd take it all in stride either.]

...hm? Right, that. See, normally I don't worry about it because I'd have Sundance with me. She's like...my repair specialist, voice of reason, confidant. My little partner.

[ Look, Cayde, this is why he asked for something written. It's basically the vegetarian way of being a fear-devouring monster. Trying to record simple facts and discoveries about Temba and the Agrii? Now that's what he hopes to make work as some sort of vegan diet. Just feeding the Eye any knowledge he can find. ]

And she isn't here either, yes.

[ She sounds a little like one of those droids, you know? ]

There are people around that are skilled in engineering. Maybe- I mean... If you're comfortable with it... You know.

[....yeah this is all still weird to him. Although he'd be tickled if that comparison were actually made. Compromised diets for the no longer human. Except he still puts food and drink in his mouth even though he doesn't even know where all it goes.]

...no, she's not.

[There's just the briefest touch of melancholy at that- he's never been apart from his Ghost so it's still a strange thing to grasp. It might not be completely off the mark to consider Sundance akin to a droid, except droids don't bring people back from the dead.]

Heh, yeah, no thanks. That Stark guy looked like he was about to drool all over me. I don't even know how I function and I've been this way for how many centuries. Guess I'll make do.

[ And you know what? Just hearing that name makes Jon grimace ]

Dear Lord, no! Anyone but that!

[ Yes, that's a shudder. He wouldn't want to let that unpleasant person near himself if he were a... Robot. A sentient robot. Whatever an Exo actually is. ]

I- I mean... There are others, of course. But in the end it's your decision.

[ Though he wonders... ]

...you don't know how you function yourself?

[That reaction just has Cayde burst out laughing.]

That definitely says something about a person if even you've got some issues about the guy.

Eh, I'll figure it out later. Anyway, weird storms aside, at least there ain't anything out there that wants to eat us, right?

[A headshake.]

Not a clue. Didn't exactly get an instruction manual.

Well, the... Conversation I had with him wasn't the most pleasant one.

[ Okay, he freaked out. It wasn't very dignified. ]

But I at least haven't encountered anything yet that might want to..... [ Okay. Just one moment. ] Do you think that possible? That there may be something...?

[ IT'S A GOOD THING HE HARDLY SLEEPS ANYMORE, ISN'T IT?!

Aaaand that's it. His mind is now contemplating the possibility of getting eaten alive on this planet and just how gruesome that might be.

Though he will make sure to drop you a note should he randomly know the exact inner workings of your circuits only because that knowledge managed to squeeze into his head along with a recipe for a weird banana-and-peanut-butter-salad as well and the color of his late grandmother's favorite undergarments. ]

No kidding? My talk with him was...weird. He sounds like a man who doesn't get out much even though he actually might.

[Cayde waves a hand, then pushes some old piece of equipment to the side to try getting some better sense of what it might have been. That would be a whole lot easier with his Ghost.]

Anything's possible. We're only in one tiny section of an entire planet, right? There's wildlife out there, so the possibility of anything bigger is a fair one.

[...just so long as Jon doesn't recall one of Cayde's deaths involved him rolling off a cliff in his sleep.]

I'll probably see what I can scout out around the outskirts of the city, once I poke around this place enough.

[ Right. Wildlife. There just might be WHATEVER out there, really. And a lot of it potentially deadly? He hasn't really been thinking about that. It's not like there is any particularly deadly wildlife roaming the edges of London. ]

Just... Be careful? I mean...

[ Yes, he worries about your health too, Cayde. ]

I see how exploring beyond the city is necessary as well, but. Not knowing what might lurk out there...

[ That's terrifying. Yepp. Especially since not knowing is very quick for him to turn into must know. Which historically leads to very stupid and very unhealthy decisions. ]

I'm always careful!

[He grins. Nah, he's not careful. He's reckless and impulsive and too curious for his own good. But he's got a knife and a gun that only has so many shots.

...he'll be fine.]

Eh, it's probably just a lot of rough terrain. You'd think this place would have been crawling with more critters otherwise. How long's it been since they abandoned the city anyway?

According to the data points... A few centuries.

[ He doesn't really look convinced, though. ]

If you ask me, however, Temba doesn't look as if it has been abandoned that long. We have cities on Earth that have been abandoned for decades that are comparable. I would expect a more advanced of decay after centuries.

[ But that may just be him. ]

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