Archivist Catch-All

[beholding_archivist]

WHO: Jon & YOU
WHERE: Coruscant - Various places
WHAT: Coruscant Event catch-all. Some open, some closed prompts. See what your little Eldritch avatar has been doing...
WHEN: Coruscant Event
WARNINGS: One of them includes Tony. Approach at own risk.

The Perfect Gift [ OPEN ]

Coruscant is- A lot. A lot of city, a lot of people a lot of- Everything. Even for Jon, who has been living in London for a good decade now. But even London seems unnaturally small compared to Coruscant. And yet living there has ensured that Jon isn't intimidated by crowds. In fact, he has come to find himself quite capable of adjusting himself to their situation and as he learns more about the planet and its inhabitants, Jon also learns more about how to navigate it and find that which he is looking for.

Which proves invaluable While out to acquire goods and supplies he deems useful for their inevitable return to Temba.

It's a long list Jon has for himself. A variety of clothes and footwear are on it, including some actual swimwear, equipment and supplies for his little chemistry lab, writing utensils, notepads, new variants of tea and other luxuries, a couple of handy little tools and - Gifts. And especially those gifts prove to be the difficult part. Since the person Jon is trying to find a gift for is none other than Tony. The man that tries to fix everything and constantly makes gifts for others himself. Finding a gift for such a man is harder than one might wish to think.

Apparently a selection of treats are about to become part of the assortment of gifts Jon has already picked up and he is currently studying the packaging of what may be actual chocolate. One can never go wrong with some sweets and a good wine. Jon smiles softly to himself and his attention drifts over to something that is either a futuristic bottle opener or a very peculiar toy, making him frown before reaching out to pick it up, vaguely addressing either the person next to him or no one in particular. "No idea what this is, but- I'm curious."

Being A Monster [ OPEN ]

Some may say it is ill-advised for Jon to be heading down into the lower levels of this multi-layered city. And yet here he is, his worn clothes and too large poncho making him easily melt into the crowd of beings who ignore his seeking stare. A stare that isn't seeking for difficulties with finding its target, but rather because every being down here proves to be a remarkably suited target for his needs.

He takes the easy route and turns into the next bar he passes. There are plenty of dreadful stories here for him to request, confine to memory and later record. Which will have to wait until they are back in Temba, since his tape recorder has not been brought along on this trip.

It's later that night - Or maybe early the next morning that the Archivist returns to the hotel they are all staying in. His steps swaying a little from the alcohol, but a contentment rarely seen by many on his expression. He even gives a cheerful wave to anyone else he encounters at this odd hour. "Someone is up early!"

Among Force Sensitives [ CLOSED to Obi-Wan ]

It's not without a healthy degree of trepidation that Jon walks up to the intimidating structure that he has been told to be the Jedi Temple. He is dressed in a set of new clothes, which he assumes to be local enough in style and clear of the wear and grime of the clothes he has been wearing down over the past months on Agra 10. Well fitting grey pants covering the better part of dark boots and a light, long-sleeved tunic paired with a very functional messenger bag is just one outfit the Archivist has come to pick up so far and he finds himself particularly happy to now own some footwear that isn't meant to be purely decorative while one spends the better part of the day behind a desk.

Though even his new attire doesn't fully keep Jon from pausing briefly in his steps to look up the massive building. Home and training ground of the Jedi. Jedi like Cal and Obi-Wan and Ezra. Beings sensitive to an energy field called The Force.

Beings that can sense something is not right with him.

Jon swallows once, hand tightening around the strap of his bag before he pushes forward, expression set into a stubborn set of determination. It will be fine. The Jedi Master has agreed to accompany him into the Temple, meaning Jon won't be heading in there by himself. It will be fine.

At the top of the stairs, he comes to another stop, finding himself looking up at massive columns of a height that raises questions for the Archivist. Questions he will be keeping to himself at least for the time being before taking his attention back down and looking around for the man he is supposed to meet up here at the very entrance of the Temple, muttering to himself. "...Christ. I hope he hasn't forgotten."

It's a date! [ CLOSED to Tony ]

New clothes that actually fit him and that Jon feels good in are but one of the things this planet has provided. Another thing is the chance to get his hair cut back to a more reasonable length, get the items required for a decent shave and of course have a proper bath. Small luxuries that add noticeably to Jon feeling human again. And to provide him with the confidence to ask Tony out for a proper date. How many chances like this will they get anyway?

The beings tending to their needs at their hotel have been quite helpful to him with setting everything up and recommending the right places not too far away. From a good, rather exclusive restaurant high up in a tall spire looming over Coruscant's upper level along with similar, yet distant skyscrapers and providing an excellent view to an artificially created and very unique park at the very base of said spire to the suggestion of a sensual and very private message provided by specially programmed droids up in their hotel's poshest suite offered by the beings in charge of the hotel tending to their guest's needs. Being that are remarkably eager to please this easy source of good credits. And after all these months on Agra 10, Jon has very little qualms about spending what the Agrii provide them with.

Having arrived a little early, Jon has already been seated at one of the rather few tables the restaurant actually possesses. All set apart and separated with strategically placed pots filled with colorful alien flora and a stunning view out of the large windows making up the entire outer walls of the place. A soft tune hangs in the air that Jon listens idly to while looking out of the window, over the city and every once in a while daring a glance down, feeling a bit thankful that Mike Crew hasn't instilled an even greater fear of heights into him. His hands are loosely clasped in front of him on the table, having very little to do at the moment.

When he hears a set of footsteps approaching, Jon turns his attention away from the window to greet who he assumes to be Tony with a gently, yet genuine smile.

Comments

[hadthehighground]

When Jon comes to the top of the steps, he will find himself being stared down by the temple guards. Their hands holding fast to their lightsaber pikes as their shrouded faces look him up and down.

Fortunately, Obi-Wan has indeed not forgotten about Jon. The Jedi stepping past the guards to greet him. “Jon, I’m glad you could make it. Please, come with me.”

At that, the guards relax as this stranger is obviously the guest of a master. They are then let by unchallenged, with Obi-Wan leading Jon into the entrance hall.

[beholding_archivist]

The tension from the guards and the resulting stares are not something Jon misses, and by the time Obi-Wan arrives, he is more or less glaring right back at them. Not in any way that would imply imply hostility, but it certainly is a quizzical look Jon is casting back when the sound of a familiar voice redirects his attention to the approaching Master.

"Obi-Wan!" Jon greets the other man with a smile that is partially one of relief as he steps forward to properly meet up with him, the guards already mentally set aside. "I haven't seen you since we landed - You look good!"

[hadthehighground]

He does look good actually. The Jedi is in noticeably higher spirits. Looking happier than he ever had back on Agra 10. Being among his people again has really made a difference.

"I've been spending my time here," Obi-Wan says, placing a hand on Jon's shoulder and leading him in through the entrance. "My people have agreed to allow our group limited access to the temple, and I'm arranging for a tour. It should help everyone with the task that the Agrii have given us."

[beholding_archivist]

"Well, that's very generous of them- And hopefully will help us figure out what the Agrii hope to learn." Jon replies, looking up and around them as they walk through those massive doors. "Have you told them about our situation? About the Agrii?" There could have been some compulsion in those questions, but even though he is currently rather distracted by the inside of the temple and the sheer size of it, Jon manages to keep his questions free of any intrusive side effects.

"Jesus Christ, this place is massive!"

[hadthehighground]

“I have, and in a way that they understand and also makes us a bit of a curiosity. However, what I told them won’t leave the High Council, so best to keep details to yourself among the Jedi here.”

An amused glance was then given Jon as they walked along. The corridors were wide with very high ceilings and stone pillars supporting it. It certainly was an impressive building. One that he had always called home.

“That it is. Thousands of Jedi live, train, and go about their business here. I only ask that you show your respect.”

[ezra_of_lothal]

There was a time, not very long ago, when Ezra had been used to getting up early pretty regularly for various reasons, including prepping for missions and meditating with Kanan.

In his first week or so on Agra, once he'd felt relatively safe, those habits has fallen by the wayside as he crashed into sleeping a whole lot while he tried to recover from not just injury, but physical, emotional, and even psychic exhaustion.

Ending up where there was a bunch of Jedi was a good reminder to get back into the habit of meditating regularly, and while Coruscant is a planet that never sleeps, fewer minds were awake and active in the very early morning than any time else - a little less input Ezra had to sort through if he cast himself open to the Force.

Ezra pauses in faint surprise when he comes down from his hotel room and spots Jon. He hardly knows the man well, but the few times they've interacted, anxiety, or sadness, or both have been practically wafting off of him strongly Ezra doubted picking up on it really required the Force. The contrast to right now was marked.

"Yeah, extra early. I was about to try to locate some breakfast. You seem...chipper."

[beholding_archivist]

"I've had a lovely time!" The Archivist announces brightly and makes his somewhat unsteady way over to Ezra. "Met some locals - Or maybe not entirely locals. Had some interesting chats, though. Tried a few drinks and nearly got mugged." He sounds quite pleased with himself at his little summary. At least from the sound of it whoever has tried to rob Jon hasn't been successful.

It doesn't take him long to reach the young Jedi and Jon casts Ezra a curious look. "I imagine you are headed somewhere good when you're up this early."

[ezra_of_lothal]

"Uh, nearly is better than actually mugged?" Ezra replies, voice hitching a little higher as he gives Jon another quick once over, to make sure he's not, oh, bleeding somewhere. Maybe the guy can fight, he just doesn't look the type?

"I got up early to meditate, but yeah, I heard about this open nearly all the time diner place that's supposed to be pretty good. Are you hungry or are you going to go crash out?"

[beholding_archivist]

It's fine, Ezra. Jon may be unable to fight, but he can... Convince people to do things like abruptly not wanting to mug him anymore but instead tell him about a traumatic experience from their past. Which can be a surprisingly effective survival tactic.

"Breakfast and meditation. I see." Jon nods. "Right. I- I just ate, but I wouldn't mind to join you for some tea. There is a lot to see and learn on this planet. It's fascinating!" And he hardly ever sleeps anyway, so it's fine.

[ezra_of_lothal]

"I can't vouch for their tea. We'll see, I guess! And yeah, Coruscant...sure is a lot. I don't think I really get why this many people want to live on top of each other. And I grew up most in the biggest city in my home world."

Which was, admittedly not that big. But it wasn't like he grew up in a village of a few hundred people, either.

daaate night

[in_extremis]

There was so much of this city that the last way Tony expected Jon to want to spend their comparatively limited time here was on a date. It had been a clear offer, but Tony found himself second guessing whether he had actually understood or there was some as yet undiscovered cultural barrier that he had interpreted incorrectly. A date was an arguably effective way to understand the city from a unique perspective, though. Maybe it was a scientific endeavour. Maybe Tony was just surprised that it was Jon that was the one who had asked.

Not that this surprise had led to Tony dragging his feet, but he was, inevitably, still late. By ten minutes, tops, or at least that was what Tony was hoping, and the cause might have been self-evident; those approaching footsteps weren't alone. Beyond the screen of blooming flowers, Tony's voice was low but clear, "Yes, thank you, thank you--could you, uh, take them...?," followed by a muddied response of a few people at once and the impatient clearing of the maitre d's throat. They retreated, with Tony dismissing, "I'll call you!"

When Tony did finally appear, it was while looking dubiously over his shoulder as he pulled his glasses off until he was sure he wasn't being followed anymore, and then he really had intended to look to Jon with relief. Relief was definitely present, though it was quickly overtaken by the bright grin that Tony had not anticipated enough to control at the sight of Jon's smile and--Jon. He really did look better every time Tony saw him. And that wasn't just all of the new things to take in and catalogue. Tony had been busy as well, looking very trimmed, polished and tailored, flagrantly expensive and black-on-black in a way that he carried with inborn familiarity, but the long cape edged in gold and loose-fitting shirt that he had tucked into dangerously tailored trousers must have been more of his space pirate indulgence than anything he had worn on Earth. It was into the cape that Tony stuck his hand as he bowed over Jon to greet him with a kiss to the temple, murmuring, "Hey, boss," with his free hand dancing fingers up the back of Jon's neck to follow the new line of his hair, where he lingered as he tasted any new scent that Coruscant had gifted Jon before retreating to his own seat, leaving a small, black box behind on the table. A watch, though they had called it something else, obsidian with a green, glowing face, and a total mystery whether it would only work here in the city to keep Jon oriented during their stay.

[beholding_archivist]

That approaching mix of noises has left Jon curious. And that curiosity shows in the way his brows are pulled up slightly even as he closes his eyes for a moment to appreciate the greeting.

"Hey." Jon returns softly, blinking his eyes back open to cast an admiring look over the man in his new attire when Tony steps back. It's certainly a new look on the man, but it's not one that doesn't suit Tony. "I know I don't have to tell you this, but you look great." And he's glad he isn't the only one taking the chance to freshen himself up. Tony practically shines, leaving Jon certain he is drawing many eyes even on this alien planet.

While Tony takes his seat, Jon's diverts his attention down to the gift left before him, eyes going wide and lips forming a silent 'Oh.' at what he finds inside. "Jesus Christ, Tony. It's beautiful!" Jon comments, taking the device out of its box and proceeding to put it on his wrist right there and then, a tone of fond amusement settling into his voice. "I haven't owned a watch in years. Though knowing this place it's probably not just a watch." A chuckle as Jon inspects the device on his wrist for a moment, then redirects his eyes to settle back on Tony. "Thank you."

And that's as far as Jon gets as the waiter arrives with two high glasses filled with a sparkling drink that may or may not be this galaxy's version of champagne. It's this glass Jon raises towards Tony, his expression brightening. "Also thank you for coming."

[in_extremis]

There was no way for Tony to take a compliment like that graciously, but he did so as graciously as he was capable of, which was a cocky smile that only amplified how little he needed to be told. It lingered as he poured himself into his seat, legs crossed primly but fingers immediately finding a cloth napkin to twist and crease restlessly on the table before him as he watched Jon raptly, unheeding of the expansive window and whatever magnificent view was supposed to win his attention. The shrug he gave for the thanks managed to be more humble, it really was an impulse buy among the array of jewellery he was offered to complete his own look, not wanting to turn up empty handed, but he did grin to have it so well received. "Should we cut our losses now...?" Tony proposed, twisting in his seat like he might get right back up and leave while the date was still good, before he did whatever he definitely was going to do to ruin it.

The waiter appearing eased him back, cutting the joke short to a glittering smile Jon's way that faltered but didn't quite drop at the unmistakable, even a dimension away, champagne flute. He could at least play along, raising the glass with a slightly more guarded expression in response, to chime against Jon's before shoving it quickly to the side and up against the window. "My pleasure," he covered with, talking quickly. "I have high expectations, you know, I've never in my life waited this long for a first date, you better make it count. Wait, hold on--" It occurred to him only after it was out of his mouth that they could play with that, and shifted pointedly in his seat again, sitting up straighter like he wasn't nearly as comfortable and said, "It's so nice to finally meet you."

[beholding_archivist]

Jon raises his brows in response to Tony's fidgeting and those little displays of anxiety the man can't exactly hide. "Tony, wha-" Jon starts asking, the slightest prickling brush of his compulsion ghosting across the back of Tony's neck before Jon cuts himself off with a little shake of his head before he tries again, raising his eyes to meet Tony's. "I just want to share a nice evening with you, Tony. Make use of this chance we were given and- Enjoy a few luxuries while we can." No, he certainly isn’t above spending some money on a few pleasantries after months of living in a ruined alien city.

He exhales and looks down to his own glass at last, only now realizing that his fingers have been toying with it this entire time. “Let’s just relax. I.... For once I don’t want to think about gathering information or supplies or preparing for when we inevitably head back to Temba. And I want to spend some time with you. Which- Well. It may be initially selfish, but I want to believe you are fine with the idea.” Otherwise Tony wouldn’t have come.

The bare ghost of a chuckle escapes the Archivist. “Heh. I actually felt nervous when I sent out that invite to you. But now I’m glad I did. I feel... Good. About it- Even myself. I’m more used to practically being crushed by doubts.”

[in_extremis]

The itch that had Tony raising a hand to his neck, where it remained hooked with his fingers working idly along his spine, felt to Tony like just another symptom of anxiety that had him slouching back into his seat when it was clear that Jon wasn't interested in playing with him, and finally looking out the window to absently consider the skyline while Jon lectured him on how he should be feeling. Everything Jon said kind of sounded like a lecture. Not that he was in any way wrong; Tony hadn't wasted any time before indulging in those luxuries himself. This cologne wasn't exactly a survival tactic. It should be marvellous to just spend time with Jon, where Tony just had to perform incredibly well on this first chance to have a real, pre-apocalyptic date, with his boyfriend, in public, where they were not immediately aware of the constant spectre of death that probably made him a very welcome distraction. What did he have to be worried about?

Jon's familiar doubts were what got Tony to meet his eye again apologetically for threatening that rare peace, and lean forward onto one elbow on the table as he reached the other hand with a crawling tentativeness toward Jon. "I'm still nervous," he admitted, as though Jon couldn't practically taste it. "Not, listen, because I don't want to be here," he quickly amended before Jon got the wrong idea, sweeping his balancing hand restlessly across the tablecloth. "It's just, I've thought about what this would be, a lot, too much, and in most of those futures we're not still here, we're back on Earth and we're, y'know, so--And we're probably in London, because its my jet, so its probably raining, hell, it's a storm, and it knocks the power out at the restaurant, but its fine because they light all of the candles and treat everyone to a gazpacho and a dessert while we all wait for it to blow over. But we've got tickets to a show, so we take a chance, but by the time we hail a cab we're already soaked, so we go back to your place instead where we can light our own candles and there doesn't have to be anything between us so I can kiss you wherever while you tell me about your scars and I tell you about constellations." He was still talking, Tony was very aware of that, and he was grateful despite jumping up when the waiter reappeared so he could redirect and ask for a glass of water. He was obviously fine with the idea.

The Perfect Gift

[out_of_order]

It's a lot busier than anything Cal remembers, but while he still has some apprehensions he's gotten at the very least a little more acclimated to being around so many people on a thriving world. He's purposely kept a distance from the Jedi temple while awaiting news from Obi-Wan Kenobi, but there's plenty else to see and do in the meantime.

And then there's catching up with people that while they're not native to the galaxy he knows, he still feels closer to them than even being in a place that should have been familiar.

"...you know, I'm not really sure what that's supposed to be," the padawan admits as he glances over. He'd wandered into the shop when he'd sensed Jon's familiar presence, and while it's not a place he thinks he would have stopped to look through on his own, he'd still been curious.

[beholding_archivist]

While he hasn't been expecting to meet Cal here, his presence isn't unwelcome. And despite the brief reaction of surprise, Jon smiles at the young man while picking up the strange item that has caught his attention. "Hey. It's nice to see you, Cal. I-" He starts fiddling with the object, turning it this way and that to try and find a potential purpose that isn't purely decorative. "-I'm looking for something Tony might like. But I don't think this is it."

Jon sets the item back into the shelf where he has spotted it and looks back over to the Padawan. "Being on this planet must feel weird. I hope you are okay." It's sort of a question while not being actually asked. Jon can imagine that Cal may have mixed feelings about Coruscant even though the planet appears at peace.

[out_of_order]

Cal smiles. "Well, there's a lot of places to look around, here, so I'm sure you'll find something."

He can't really say he'd be much help for picking out anything, but there plenty of ground to cover. He also isn't all that surprised as Jon speaks on with that prompt. Picking up a small glass with fine engraving along its rim, his smile fades into something a little tighter.

"I'm okay," he says, which for the most part is true. "It still is pretty strange though, to be here. A little easier being out in the city. I never really got to explore it back when I lived here. But it's a lot more people than I've been used to being around. And the temple is another matter entirely," he laughs lightly.

[beholding_archivist]

"Actually I already got a few things, but-" Jon shrugs mid-sentence, his tone edging towards a mildly embarrassed one. "Thought he might like a nice pen, then realized he probably doesn't like using pens. Also looked at some tablets and watches. I have no idea what they were. Probably a sort of toy..."

Inclining his head a little Jon lets his words trail away. "I see. It's more like exploring an unfamiliar place rather than visiting a familiar one that feels alien. I will admit that I am excited to be here. o see all these things and be able to learn more about what your galaxy is like."

[out_of_order]

"It looks like there's just all sorts of odds and ends in this shop," Cal observes. "I was looking into maybe getting a new headset to replace the one I lost on Bracca, but then I realized I wouldn't be able to get any of the music I used to listen to." He chuckles a little. What sort of music is even the trend in this day and age? Although maybe it's refreshing to know that even a Jedi has developed some more mundane tastes.

Cal nods at Jon. "Yeah. I've still got some mixed feelings about it, but maybe it's pointless worrying about things that haven't happened." Like what if the Agrii put them in a different timeline much closer to what they were all more familiar with? "I think we might be closer to if not within Altair's timeline." He doubts they'll find the Sith here though.

Jon's enthusiasm is a little infectious that even the padawan has to smile. "I'm glad you're able to experience it, and well before any Imperial influence."

Monster!

[mrsklover]

Richie isn't sure what to make of this place but he at least isn't hard up for alcohol. Not that he's looking to get completely wasted, of course. No, he needs to keep some of his wits about him in case one of the weird aliens walking around decide to bite his face off or something. Who knows. But that doesn't mean he can't spend some of these weird credits getting relaxed and buying a bottle or two for his room. At least there he can black out safely, right? Sure.

Before he can get there, though, he sees a guy swaying around and calling out to him like they know each other. One look makes Richie take the leap into thinking this is one of his people instead of the local crowd. Still, they haven't met yet.

But he seems friendly enough.

Richie waves back, a wry smirk on his face. "Hey. Yeah, you too. Making sure all the bars around here aren't skimping on their pours? That's real hero work..."

[beholding_archivist]

The man Jon has blindly called out to is- Well. Not someone Jon has met. But even in his somewhat inebriated state and actually fed he can't help but notice that heavy knot of anxiety weighing down on this person. It has the Archivist pause and stare for a moment, but then he shakes himself out of it and makes his way over, not missing the presence of the bottles he carries.

"Few of the bars in this place close, you know? Ever." Jon informs the other. "Finding talkative company is-- It's easy!" And maybe he should be caring a little more about the ones he has asked to share their worst nightmares with him. But at the same time he just doesn't.

[mrsklover]

Oh, great. Another extrovert. Richie warms up pretty quickly with that comment and laughs a little. "Yeah, as long as you can understand what they're saying. Some people are just all..." He garbles out an imitation of Huttese which might accidentally be saying something about trees and pants. He clearly doesn't know.

"But I guess it's the thought that counts, right? Unless all that garble means like... 'Fuck your mom' or something. If Mom Jokes are even a thing on this planet. I would think they'd be universal, right? Hm. Might be worth researching..."

[beholding_archivist]

"I... I don't find understanding the difficult art, necessarily." Jon notes, making a point to appear thoughtful on the matter for half a moment. "It's notably harder to make sure you are being understood yourself. But I can assure you that, yes, Mom Jokes do, in fact, exist in this galaxy." Not that he will stop this man from doing any active research of his own.

He offers a not entirely sober hand out to the stranger. "I'm Jon. And I-" Jon pauses a moment to gesture briefly, yet not entirely without some dramatic around the hotel lobby. "I reside here. Temporarily."

[mrsklover]

Richie pumps a fist in the air, clearly pleased at the ubiquity of Mom Jokes. Maybe he could have a career off Earth. Wouldn't that be something?

He lowers his hand and takes Jon's pleasantly, shaking it firmly. "Richie Tozier. And, yeah. I am passing through, too. No offense, but you and I kinda stick out a little. I figured we were... you know. From the same place." He winked obviously, hoping to get his point across.