[ video ]

[beholding_archivist]

...aight.

[ The video comes to life with Jon giving the camera a weary look. Though aside from his usual appearance of disheveled restlessness, he actually looks... Healthy? Like he's been having a very good meal? None of that makes him look any less concerned, however. Or less stressed. He may have gone even more grey over his own birthday. ]

So- The storm is over. And... I can't help but notice we have lost- A few of us.

[ He presses his lips into a thin line for a moment before going on. ]

No actual victims to the crash or the storm, just... [ A small gesture with his hand. ] Vanished. Their names are no longer on the network.

[ He checked. He freaking went and picked up the Communication data point to check especially for certain people but he's not going to admit how much his hands have been shaking and how long it took him to pull himself back together after seeing those names still present.

Especially one name.

A deep breath. ]

Some of those that- Left. They had information on the Atroma. And I... I never got any of that on record. I believe it might do us well to get what information is still present recorded. I ask those of you who know anything about them to find me at the former library. Yes, former. I don't think it's quite accurate anymore to refer to it that way. It's just...

[ And he shakes his head, waving the matter off dismissively before muttering. ]

...hope everyone's alright.

[ A pause, and another deep breath and he turns the video off with a soft click. ]


[ PRIVATE to Tony ]

[ -but he's really just setting the feed to a locked frequency before losing his nerves on a public broadcast. ]

Talk to me, please. I couldn't find you in the storm, I-- I... I was worried... Still am. Please tell me you're okay!

Comments

[doubled_speed]

I meant books and stuff. I don't remember a lot, and it won't be as good, but I can try.

[beholding_archivist]

Yeah, and- You remain welcome to do so.

[doubled_speed]

Every library has to start small, right?

[beholding_archivist]

...right.

[ He will concede to that. ]

You know where to find me, I suppose.

[doubled_speed]

Yeah, I do. And I intend to find you. Because you need to interact with people more, man.

[And Tommy has, now that they're buddies, declared himself the people.]

[beholding_archivist]

You're making it sound as if I'm some sort of recluse.

[ Which he is rather sure he.. Isn't. ]

[doubled_speed]

There's a comment about shoes and fitting.

[beholding_archivist]

[ Jon gives a huff of indignation in response, than relents. Not without reluctance. ]

...fair.

And yet I want to make it known that I do not spend all my time in the library - Or alone. I usually explore by myself but-

[ Aaaand there is a pause. A slightly flustered one, mayhaps. ]

[doubled_speed]

You want help exploring then? I mean, I'm great company.

[beholding_archivist]

I- ah...

[ There's another pause here. And a sigh. ]

I would only slow you down.

[doubled_speed]

Yeah. That isn't always a thing I mind.

[beholding_archivist]

...but I mind being in the way.

[ And he can't be in anyone's way if he's by himself. Simple logic? ]

[doubled_speed]

It's not in the way if we're intending to go out together?

[beholding_archivist]

[ Does he pause at that? Yes, he pauses. Then he offers a small smile and a nod of acknowledged defeat. Even Jon knows that there is a point where he needs to stop pushing. ]

Right.

I suppose it... It can't hurt- Not being alone, I mean.

[doubled_speed]

I mean, it totally could hurt. I just don't imagine it will.

[Or he hopes not. And now he's chuckling.]

If it is something you think is going to be a problem, I can stop being nosy.

[beholding_archivist]

No, it's fine. It's fine. Maybe it'll be... Fun?

[ At least Jon assumes Tommy to be one who would do such explorations for fun. ]

[doubled_speed]

[Totally fun. Tommy grins and nods, backing away.]

I'm always a fucking hoot.

[beholding_archivist]

[ Ooookay. There is a pause here. Maybe Jon is just trying not to chuckle, who knows. ]

Tommy... Please.

[ He pauses. ]

There... Actually is a place I would be interested to check out, though.

[doubled_speed]

[Oh come on, he deserved a chuckle. A large one. What the hell man?]

Your wish is my destination.

[beholding_archivist]

It might lead us to a few locked doors. I am... Figuring that out, still.

[doubled_speed]

[Ooooh, locked doors. Tommy grins.]

Provided it isn't a ship, or that freaky tunnel, I can probably get through them. I'm just that good.

[beholding_archivist]

I don't believe it's either, to be honest. But I may need to take a closer look first. Can I come back to you about this?

[doubled_speed]

[Still grinning. Tommy nods.]

Yeah man. I've learned about patience.