[ 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]

[ Jon simply nods at the written response, but doesn't change his own mode to text. It's easier for him to talk. ]

In a couple of days. I- We won't need long to finish our preparations.

[ And he smiles lightly. He hasn't actually expected to get as much help as has been offered. ]

[sinistral]

The library will be empty, during?

[beholding_archivist]

Why... Do you ask?

[ That’s totally not suspicious, right? ]

[sinistral]

I still owe you a manuscript. If everyone is otherwise occupied, the timing seems ideal.

[beholding_archivist]

Ah, oh- Well, sure.

There... In the back is a secluded room. An office. You can find everything there. And it offers some privacy from the mothcats.

[sinistral]

The cats do not bother me.

[And somewhat belatedly, because manners don't occur naturally anymore:]

Thank you.

[beholding_archivist]

Alright. As long as neither of you gets hurt.

[ The mothcats can be a handful. And there are still about two dozen of them. But he believes you. ]

[sinistral]

I can keep them harmlessly occupied.

[If they're at all like regular cats, all he has to do is twist that shiny metal arm in the sunlight, and the cats will chase the reflected light spot on the wall or ceiling and leave his actual work alone.]

[beholding_archivist]

Very well. Enjoy yourself.

[ Since they are attracted to shiny things, that might work very well. They will love his arm in general. ]