[ video ]

[beholding_archivist]

[ And this is Jon appearing on your network feed, actually outside of his library and in all likelihood enjoying a nice evening at the open air. ]

Good evening, Temba.

I... I mean. We don't need more apologies, and yet I feel like I owe quite a few. Things happened. I hurt people both physically and verbally and I'm sorry, but...

...it happened.

[ He falls silent, eyes dropping for a moment. Then he clears his throat and looks back up and over his screen. ]

The beach here is gorgeous. Have been here a few times now and- I think it would be nice to- To come together. Here. Have a nice day and enjoy- uh, well. The beach. The water. Find some time to just... Talk. Maybe... Have fun...

I... I will organize something.

[ Is he awkwardly announcing a beach party? Oh, you bet he is. ]

Comments

[thesepreciousthings]

I think that's a nice idea, Jon. And I appreciate the apology. None of us were ourselves.

Need me to bring anything from the diner? Cold drinks? Snacks?

[beholding_archivist]

That's true. I- I still feel bad about what I did.

I have gotten a few offers already, but more snacks and drink can't hurt, I suppose. Thank you.

[thesepreciousthings]

The fact that you do means you care, and that's all I need, all things considered.

Maybe I'll see if I can whip up some ice pops with some pureed fruit, maybe fresh cream from Lance's cow. Like Mexican helados. You can't have a beach trip without ice cream.

[beholding_archivist]

I used to enjoy some good ice cream...

[ Rum and raisin. Don't judge him. ]

Do you have something to keep it cold?

[thesepreciousthings]

[only a little because raisins are disgusting, but she might be able to make something close if he fesses up. as a treat for working through all that guilt]

We brought back something from Coruscant that makes ice. I can make an insulated container pretty easy out of a crate or somethin', unless you've got a better idea.

[beholding_archivist]

[ It's fine, he isn't picky. He just has this old man taste with certain things. ]

Hmm. When I helped with the hospital we were clearing out large storage areas that were full of these plastic containers that were most likely used to store medical supplies. Those might actually do nicely with some added insulation.

[thesepreciousthings]

That's genius, Jon! I can ask Billy if he can set aside a couple for me to experiment with. Should I try it with mangourd or glueberries first? I was thinking of some pathistery blossoms too, maybe infuse them in the milk to add a little lightness.

[beholding_archivist]

I'll be honest with you, I'd be interested in trying either of these.

[ He's never afraid of going on ice cream adventures. ]

I will make sure we have a spot prepared where we can keep these cool.

[ They will need some shade either way. And may just dig a hole for Clarice's improvised cool box. ]

[thesepreciousthings]

Two batches it is, then. Double-decker sundaes. Maybe if we're feeling real decadent I'll make a sauce of those huge cherries, see if boiling them will cook out some of their kick.

[she winks]

Not all of it, of course. Gotta have a little cuttin' loose at a beach party.

[beholding_archivist]

Oh, Jesus. I remember getting embarrassingly intoxicated by those...

[ But since then he has decided not to touch any alcohol anymore. For Tony's sake. ]

M-maybe we can label which items might possibly have such effects on people.

[thesepreciousthings]

I've been told they're really somethin', yeah. Not a bad idea. ... The daisies, they do somethin', too, right?

[beholding_archivist]

Yes, those make you- Run. A somewhat extreme version of an energy drink.

[thesepreciousthings]

At least it's not the other kinda runnin', if you catch my drift.

[she made a little face, half-smiling]

Is there a sorta burnout crash after it wears off, like an energy drink?

[beholding_archivist]

[ He winces a little, but nods in regards of understanding what she is talking about. Then he simply shrugs. ]

I wouldn't know. I have not tried them.

[ But he's hardly one to judge these things. ]

[thesepreciousthings]

Huh. Well, I'm a jogger, anyway. Might have to try one and find out.

[beholding_archivist]

Feel free to leave a report for the library once you do.

[thesepreciousthings]

As if I'd deny our resident archivist another thing to keep track of. [she winks, smiling] You take care, Jon.