I saw the end in the mist of the river

[demjiin]

WHO: Kaz and anybody
WHERE: Starting at the fountain, all over Temba
WHAT: Newly arrived, checking things out
WHEN: 2/1
WARNINGS: Blanket warning that Kaz is a total dick

This was most definitely not where Kaz had gone to sleep. The creaking of the Slat settling was replaced with the open-air quality of being somewhere outside and the subtle smell of freshwater close by were his tip-offs that this was not Ketterdam. His cane was neatly laid alongside him and at least he still had his gloves. It was downright eerie in the silence once he was on his feet and looking around. It would seem to be a city square if it had any actual citizens init. Kaz went as far as the corner of the square and saw a squat building next to a tower. It was the tallest structure in walking distance so he made for it with the staccato beat of his trademark steps.

Comments

[beholding_archivist]

Jon isn't aware of anyone in the city making use of a cane to walk, so naturally the noise catches his attention when he walks back up to the library. And in fact, the figure he spots is not one he would consider familiar.

He decides for the obvious approach and calls out to try and get the man's attention. "Hello?"

[demjiin]

There's an impulse for Kaz not to answer the first person he sees. But since he has no idea where he is, or who is greeting him for that matter, instead he goes for "the poor lost cripple" routine. When he does speak his voice sounds like he gargles with whiskey and broken glass every morning

"Hello. I don't suppose you could tell me where this is?"

[beholding_archivist]

Jon is well aware that he looks rather old for his age, but this guy? Sure sounds a lot older than he looks. It makes Jon pause and frown slightly for a moment, but that is easily shaken off and he steps closer.

"Temba. Capitol city of Agra 10. There... I assume you just woke up here? There should be a data point near the fountain with the basic necessary information- Unless you dislike having knowledge forced into your brain, of course." Not everyone is fond of that. And many outright distrust the data points.

[demjiin]

Kaz looks 17 and sounds like he's easily twice that age. It's questionable if he's always sounded like that. Kaz would certainly distrust that. He has somewhat of a grimace at the suggestion of a data point.

"I have a solid dislike of knowledge dropped directly into my brain. Isn't there another way?"

A pamphlet or something. Though Kaz had no idea what waking up in a totally different place would call for, to begin with.

Your patience is greatly appreciated <3

[beholding_archivist]

Not trusting the data points may be a sound decision, all things considered, and Kaz certainly isn't the only one with a dislike to simply having knowledge installed into their head. For Jon, it's just something he has gotten rather used to in his capacity as Archivist and therefore never questioned it. So the look he gives the other man in response is one of slight wonder at first. Then he nods regardless.

"Fair enough. Guess I can just answer your questions then, if you like." He finally says, shrugging a little before offering his hand out in greeting. "I'm Jonathan Sims. I have been here for... A while now."

So is yours <3

[demjiin]

Kaz wasn't much for shaking hands (or hugs or high fives and certainly not kisses) but there was little to no call for it in the Barrel. So he only glanced once at the outstretched hand (his are notably covered with gloves) and only replied "Kaz Brekker. The first question I have is 'where are we' with 'why have we been brought here' as a close second."

[beholding_archivist]

Well, Jon can recognize when someone doesn't wish to make friends and he pulls his hand back with a nod. He can be professional about this. "Well then, Mr. Brekker. As I mentioned before, this is Temba. Capitol city of the planet Agra 10, home planet of the Agrii. They are the ones that brought all of us here via means neither of us fully understands so far. As for the why," He uses his hand to lightly gesture at their surroundings. "They want you to help rebuild this place."

[demjiin]

Kaz has that general effect on people, which usually suits him just fine since he's not a friendly person to start with. At the moment he glanced around dubiously. If this was supposed to be a capital city it looked woefully lacking. Not the least of which because it seemed to be deserted.

"I'm not much good with a hammer and nails. But by the looks of it, this place needs to be demolished and started again."

[beholding_archivist]

“Oh, don’t worry, neither am I. And the Agrii have brought in pregnant women and toddlers before, so their.... Requirements seem to be utterly random at best.” Jon explains quite matter-of-factly. “Most people have their strengths, though.”

And this? He still tries to tell himself as well. So far he hasn’t really found much of a use for himself or his... Abilities.

[demjiin]

Well, Kaz had nothing special going for him physically. In fact without someone else to gather the information he needed, then there was precious little he had the ability to do. So as far as 'abilities' go he didn't have much at all. He would have to get creative. At present, Kaz raised an eyebrow in confusion (and a little dismay).

"Toddlers? How many young kids end up here?"

[beholding_archivist]

Being creative can be enough already. It's not an area Jon is very good in, being as wound up in facts and research as he is.

"Thankfully, not many. We had one born here and- I want to think he left to stay with his mother. The other kid that currently is among us has a very competent guardian at their side."Competent and intimidating.

[demjiin]

The idea of having an adult guardian was foreign to Kaz, but at least the kid wasn't all alone.

"Alright, next question; what is this called?"

Kaz pointed first to the mostly translucent building near the fountain.

"And is there a map already for this place?"

[beholding_archivist]

"You can access the map through your phone." Jon answers and pulls his own phone out to demonstrate how to open up said map.

He then nods towards the building in question. "Many of the buildings are labeled on it as well. Including the Greenhouse."

[demjiin]

Kaz had never seen or used a smartphone before and watched what Jon did avidly.

"Interesting. Is it only a collection of maps that can be carried around inside a pocket?"

Not that a collection of maps wasn't extremely useful enough on its own.

[beholding_archivist]

"It- It's a smartphone..." Jon replies, seeming a little baffled by the question at first, but then reminding him that, well. Of course no everyone would be familiar with them.

"I mean. It's a device to communicate with everyone connected to the network in the city. Mainly it's used to send messages, maybe take pictures and videos. The data on it, such as the map... It's a useful tool." And he starts to walk Kaz through the various functions of the device and how to use it to talk to other people.