[ 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

video;

[kyley_b]

Yeah! Tommy has a tool that Clarice found on Coruscant or something, we can totally make flour, it was the wheat situation I was thinking of.

Okay, well, I'll see if we can't get at least something approximating summer barbecue shit. You know, show everyone how we eat ourselves into heart attacks on Earth. It'll be great.

Do we have balls? Not, uh, testicles. Like an actual ball. For volleyball or something. You can live your Hot Boy Summer dreams, Jon.

video;

[beholding_archivist]

...Hot Boy Summer Dreams...

[ Now there's a suggestion. ]

Yes. Actually, yes. I am in possession of balls.

[ And unlike Kyle, he doesn't clarify this any further. ]

You have some good ideas, Kyle.

video;

[kyley_b]

Yeah, dude! [He's trying to help. Maybe a little too hard.] It's kinda a joke. You have Megan Thee Stallion on your earth?

Okay, awesome. You need anything else, you just let me know. Everyone will totally appreciate it, and it'll be super sweet.

thus I spent too much time googling to confirm if that meme predates Jon's apocalypse. It doesn't.

[beholding_archivist]

[ He looks thoughtful. ]

Well, there certainly used to be a person going by that name, but- Never paid much attention to that type of music.

[ He mainly knows of her since he just ended up knowing literally every person on his Earth. ]

That's kind of you to offer, though I must say that plenty of people are already offering to help. It's quite touching, actually.

a worthy use of time imho

[kyley_b]

Aw, no? Nicki Minaj? No? Yeah, I guess not, you look like a jazz guy. Or like... weird old music from the 20s.

I think everybody really wants to reaffirm that this, in fact, reality and that it doesn't totally suck.

[beholding_archivist]

I rarely listened to music back home. Some classic pieces while reading and otherwise more of the 80s. Which fortunately make up the majority of the titles on Cayde's karaoke machine.

[ Yes, he's actually using that thing. ]

I'm actually a decent singer. Used to work with a band while in university so we could afford paying rent.

[kyley_b]

There's a karaoke machine? And I am a little surprised you dig the 80s.

No way! Dude, that's totally sweet. I'm like the world's shittiest bassist.

[beholding_archivist]

[ Jon lets out a little huff. ]

Kyle, I was born in 1987, which still makes me a bloody millennial. Which may not mean anything anymore after what happened on my Earth, but- I did listen to the 80s plenty growing up.

My band was more into storytelling cabaret. Never learned an instrument, but I- Well.

[ He had a talent for commandeering the room. ]

[kyley_b]

No, it means something. You just seem so... I dunno, classy? Yeah. So it's hard to picture you jamming out to like, George Michael or whatever. Hey, you like Run-DMC?

Okay, what the fuck is that? I've never even heard of 'storytelling cabaret.'

[beholding_archivist]

I listened to them. Though I will admit that hip hop is not my strongest genre.

[ Look at him. Clearly he's more into heavy metal. ]

We dressed up as immortal space pirates and told tragic stories via song. A mix of known myths and legends and horror elements. I wrote none of the songs.

[kyley_b]

Oh, I love it.

...

[Kyle bursts into cackling laughter.] What?! I love it, oh my god, that's awesome!

[beholding_archivist]

[ Congratulations, Kyle, Jon looks a little flustered now. ]

Ah, w-well. Thanks. I mean- You haven't heard any of the pieces, but...

[ Yepp. There he goes, scratching the back of his neck. ]

[kyley_b]

Dude, I wish you could preform some of em. That would be so sweet. We'll have to get you drunk and make you sing one some day.

[beholding_archivist]

Ah, actually.... I’m not drinking anymore. For Tony’s sake.

[ Gotta be supportive! ]

Though I generally don’t mind singing. I do use that karaoke machine in Cayde’s bar, you know? Can be rather relaxing.

[kyley_b]

Oh, dude, that's awesome. I totally understand. My best friend is an alcoholic.

Well, I'll totally have to hear you then.

[beholding_archivist]

[ Jon simply nods, offering a smile. ]

I'm glad you understand.

For now I'll see you at the party. Going to ask Cayde to borrow the guitar from his bar. Just in case.

[ He can't play it, however. ]