[ 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

[beholding_archivist]

[ Yes, he remembers reading about Tatooine. The idea of a planet like that being home to humans still baffles him. ]

Tough skinned, huh?

[ No, he doesn't really get which one Cobb may be talking about. But he smiles a little at the sand comment. ]

Well. I mean. We'll be right by the water. You could bring a blanket or just stay in your swimwear and wash the sand off every now and then. And don't worry. That close to the coast the creatures aren't actually dangerous.

[heypartner]

[ Cobb laughed. ]

I ain't got any idea how to swim. I'll be stayin' on the sand thanks.

[ And he was not about to learn in front of everyone. The man had his pride and his scars to hide. ]

But maybe I'll set up out there for cookin'. Easier than tryin' to carry all the cooked food to the beach.

[beholding_archivist]

I could easily teach you if you like.

[ Jon has more scars and no intention of hiding any of them. ]

Might come in handy eventually - At least to get over the initial trepidations regarding an unfamiliar element. Even without learning to actually swim, learning to remain calm while in a body of water allows you to stay afloat. Quite relaxing, even.

It's just an offer, of course. I grew up in a coastal town and spent half of my childhood at the beach. Either reading some books, in the water or bothering tourists.

[heypartner]

I appreciate the offer but I ain't getting in that water. I know something big and ugly is down there.

[ He has heard that from other folks and seen the shadowy shapes in the deeper water.

No.

Also, he didn't want Jon to see his scars or get curious about them. He might accept that offer from Din or Starling but not Jon. ]

Maybe if we ever end up somewhere with safe water.

[beholding_archivist]

Quite likely. Though the shallow part of the ocean should be safe. I'd be more careful about the lake in the city. It's a lot deeper than it looks and we did encounter some unpleasant company when we dove down there.

[ It also gets very dark down there.

Jon shrugs, not overly wounded by that rejection. Cobb can still just dip his feet in as well. ]

But fair enough. Everyone should stay where they feel most comfortable.

[heypartner]

I try not to think about the lake that much.

[ A huge body of water in the middle of their town with dangerous things is not a pleasant thought for him. He's still adjusting to the wall of water in Cayde's bar. ]

I'm real comfortable on sand. And cookin'. I'll make sure everyone's got good food.

[beholding_archivist]

Very well. I will trust you with the food.

[ And let him observe the others having harmless fun in the ocean for the time being. ]

Is there anything I can bring to make you comfortable on your post?

[heypartner]

Ah, maybe something to sit on but I'm not worried. Used to long days on my feet.

[ An open fire here would be a lot more comfortable than a fire on Tatooine under the twin suns. Cobb would manage. ]

Maybe a cold drink now and then. Aren't you going to have fun? Go for a swim?

[beholding_archivist]

Hopefully. But that doesn't mean I can't try and make sure everyone else is enjoying themselves as well.

[ A lot of what happened has made them all feel less like a group working together somehow. ]

[heypartner]

Good luck, friend. I'm just a message away if you need help.