02 » video

[lesterzeppelin]

[ The feed opens up on Lester, giving the camera a quick two-fingered wave and a bright, too-forced smile. He's standing behind the counter of his music store, as evidenced by the rows of guitars behind him. Business as usual, right? Well, it would be if he didn't look exhausted, with bags under his eyes that most certainly weren't there a month ago. ]

Hey, guys. Been a while. [ Both since he's posted on the network and... well, been here. ] First, it's getting close to the holidays, so I wanted to remind everyone that my kids are putting on a winter recital. December 8th, Heropa Performing Arts Center, 7 PM, and well - free tickets for any imPort that shows up. If you're free, you should totally come. They've been working really hard on it!

Second... [ he pauses, knowing what he's about to say is entirely uncharacteristic of him, ] Sorry if I worried anyone for being gone so long. But hey, I'm back, better than ever, and I've got more than a few new haikus and songs up my sleeve.

If anything, I think I've gotta worry more about this rotation of holiday music on the radio. [ lies and slander. He's Living for them all. ] Has it been annoying anyone else, or are any of you the lucky souls who just happen to listen to carols all year long?

Comments

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[cannotrest]

I did wonder why the base was so tuneless lately.

[read: she worried]

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[lesterzeppelin]

[ He laughs, a little sheepishly - ] Sorry, Lieutenant.

I uh, I know I have a lot of work to make up, [ another uncharacteristic statement for this slacker!! ] so I'll drop by the base later and see what I can do.

[cannotrest]

[eyebrow raise]

Did you get hit on the head while you were gone, or are you just feeling bad about missing that hell of a Swear-In?

[lesterzeppelin]

[ he blinks, like a deer in headlights - ]

What? What happened at the Swear-In?

[cannotrest]

A hostage situation. People got taken over and controlled with Scarabs in an attempt to take over the moon.

[lesterzeppelin]

[ If it's not one thing, it's another... and not for the first time, Apollo feels like he's been thrown into the deep end.

He takes a breath, pinching the bridge of his nose, and standing taller: ]

One, who was trying to take over the moon, and two, did we suffer any casualties?

[cannotrest]

[Ah, she's seen that before - albeit in the Marines, not necessarily on him. Ashley approves.]

The Negotiator, who, as far as I'm aware, was the only casualty. There were definitely injuries, though.

1/2

[lesterzeppelin]

[ Negotiator... like the aquarium guy Negotiator? Lester's frown worsens as he takes a moment to Schmoogle this guy and Oh.

Oh boy. ]

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[am_i_a_monster]

[She gives him a smile.]

A free ticket has to be the best price. I'll go.

Is it too obviously self-serving if I say I could listen to my holiday music all year long?

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[lesterzeppelin]

Thanks, Abigail. [ Lester smiles right back, ] The kids would love seeing you.

You know, I don't think so, but I am nowhere near the best judge of "self-serving".

video;

[ambasciatore]

[ at first he was mad, angry at Apollo for his disappearance but when he learned what happened with Jason... he looks almost worried when he clicks on the video. ]

Apollo...?

video;

[lesterzeppelin]

Hey, Nico.

[ He pauses, wincing as he mentally goes down a list of people he texted and... ah. Shit. He should've contacted Nico and Clarisse earlier. ]

I'm okay. [ Not really, but details. ] Or I will be okay, anyway. You in the mood for some coffee?

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[ambasciatore]

Yeah. I could get some coffee.

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[lesterzeppelin]

Cool. [ "Cool cool cool cool." Lester draws in a breath, ] You wanna come here, or should I meet you in De Chima?

[video]

[cigarbribery]

I'm one of the unlucky souls being hounded by Santa Buddy. [And he pulls a slightly disgusted face. Ugh.] I swear, it's like it's stalking me.

Holiday music in general, though—man, at some point, it all just becomes white noise.

[video]

[lesterzeppelin]

Yeah, I didn't expect to tune out the music here as fast as I did.

Though you never know, [ and he smirks, tapping his fingers as the sweet sounds of Santa Baby comes on. The Eartha Kitt version, of course. ] Maybe that song is stalking you.

[video]

[cigarbribery]

That might be a blessing, depending on the quality.

[Foggy actually breathes a sigh of relief.] That's a way better version than the one I've been hearing all week. I don't think I'd mind that stalking me.

[video]

[lesterzeppelin]

Wait, if this isn't the one that's been haunting you...

[ . . . ]

Do I want to know what's passing for music these days?

[monster_san]

I must say, it was a shock to discover just how ubiquitous Christmas is in America. It's hard to turn around without running into a conifer.

[lesterzeppelin]

That's half the fun, though. [ Lester brightens up, genuinely - ] I used to watch the lighting ceremonies every winter. Not so much this year, but hey. Maybe next time.

What's it like back home?

[monster_san]

Hmm... it's more of a romantic holiday than a family one, though we do have decorations like the ones you see in America. Trees and lights, and so on.

And, of course, there's the traditional KFC meal.

[okay it's actually just a chicken meal that KFC swooped in on SHE JUST WANTS TO SAY IT THAT WAY]

[lesterzeppelin]

KFC... KFC.... [ he tilts his head thoughtfully, ] You know, I remember someone saying something like that last time I was in Japan.

Not the meal I would've associated with Christmas, but it sure sounds good.

[monster_san]

Oh yes. If you want to make sure you have the best meal, you have to order it ahead of time.

Where in Japan did you visit, if I may ask? If you were there in December you may even have seen the lines.

[lesterzeppelin]

Uh, Tokyo and Kyoto, primarily. During the spring, so we could see the cherry blossoms bloom.

[ Now that brings back memories. ]

I don't remember a lot of it, beyond discovering the genius that is a haiku, but it was nice.

[monster_san]

Oh, you chose a beautiful time to visit. I've always loved the cherry blossoms and the haiku they inspire. Did you have any particular favorites?