02 | video (backdated to the 27th)

[fistofthejoestar]

[the video opens to the sound of the Thanksgiving dog show in the background and Jonathan settled contentedly on the couch, clad inexplicably in a turtleneck featuring the four Pac-Man ghosts. he smiles cheerfully.]

This isn't my holiday, but I hope that everyone who celebrates has been having a good time. I'm not entirely certain what purebred dogs have to do with being thankful, but I'm certainly grateful for the opportunity to watch them.

I never realized that dogs would be among the things that had changed in the future, but I suppose it shouldn't come as a surprise. People are always looking to improve their breed however they can.

Perhaps it's a bit childish, but owning a dog again is one of the things I'm looking forward to most when I finally feel able to leave the government housing. It's been a while since I've had a pet.

[he scratches his cheek, the smile becoming a tad nostalgic for a moment of two. the television announces the start of judging for the hound group and he shakes himself out of it easily with a roll of the shoulders.]

Ah, but I hadn't meant to simply chatter away about inanities! I've been thinking about this for a bit, and I wanted to ask someone who was more experienced in the matter - how does finishing one's education work here?

There's no way I could prove my qualifications, after all, but I'd like to finally graduate if at all possible. It's the principle of the thing.

[finally completing his degree feels kind of like a symbolic closing of the worst chapter of his life, even if in Heropa that wasn't technically true. and it would give him a little more confidence in perhaps looking for a job actually related to his field of interest.]

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[rathercommon]

[ computers are the future HACK THE GOVERNMENT etc. ]

That's a nice way of looking at it. Very positive.

[fistofthejoestar]

[he's 120+ years too old for this shit someone park him in a museum exhibit and shut off the lights]

Thank you. I've been told I'm something of an insufferable optimist, but it's really important to keep your spirits high when learning new things. Becoming discouraged doesn't help at all.

[rathercommon]

So what would you study in school?

[fistofthejoestar]

Archaeology, if everything goes the way I hope it does. My main focus at home was on Mesoamerican cultures.

[rathercommon]

Oh, right! You mentioned that was your main interest. Mesoamerican...Does that mean people here?

[fistofthejoestar]

It's generally meant to include the cultures and civilizations from Mexico downward. I haven't been able to read into things as much as I'd have liked, with all the practical research taking up my time, but it seems as if they've made some really amazing progress in the field!

[learning to use the microwave comes before boning up on progress in your niche vocation, sadly.]

[rathercommon]

And now you have your chance to catch up. Would you be able to get permission to go dig things up?

[ Her understanding of archaeology: still slightly fuzzy. ]

[fistofthejoestar]

It's possible, but that would be an endeavor to undertake very far in the future. I'd need my degree first, as well as proof that the expedition would provide something of use before even beginning to apply for all the permissions and funding necessary.

[something which is even more complicated than Jonathan realizes with the decline of the British Empire. can't just waltz into colonies and pull up their shit anymore, actual negotiations have to occur.]

[rathercommon]

Plus, I've heard that you need special permission from this country's government to travel abroad. Don't you?

[fistofthejoestar]

Yes, that's what I understand as well. I suppose I can understand them wishing to have people close at hand should something happen.

[but with how amazing their transportation technology is, Jonathan's not entirely sure that it's really the best policy to have. the uncertainty probably shows on his face even as he attempts to remain polite and give everyone the benefit of the doubt.]

[rathercommon]

[ She sees that uncertainty and takes note of it. ]

Well, all that will be easy enough to deal with when the time comes. I suppose now you've just got to worry about getting back into school in the first place.

[fistofthejoestar]

That's very true! My highest priority at the moment should be securing as few early morning classes as possible.

[he's joking, as evinced by the way his smile twitches with restrained laughter]

[rathercommon]

[ And that makes Kitty laugh as well. Grinning, she writes back: ]

Archaeology only at 3 pm or later.

[fistofthejoestar]

Our subjects have been slumbering for quite some time, after all. It would be very impolite to awaken them at an unpleasant hour.

[or him, at least when it comes to learning.]

[rathercommon]

That's terribly polite of you, Mr Joestar.

[fistofthejoestar]

We're privileged to be learning so much from them. It's only right to be as courteous as possible in return.

[rathercommon]

You'll let me know if there's anything I can do to help you, right?

[fistofthejoestar]

I wouldn't want to trouble anyone with my affairs...but I'll certainly keep that in mind. Thank you so much for offering.

[it's an offer he probably won't take up, because Jonathan doesn't like to inconvenience anyone when it comes to himself. he has no problem asking for help when he needs it, but at the same time he's more likely to take too much on alone in order to keep anyone from worrying.]

[rathercommon]

It's not any sort of trouble. If it were trouble, I wouldn't have offered. Or at least not like that.

[fistofthejoestar]

[...that sounds like something he'd say. it makes him smile a little more widely.]

No, I suppose that's right. I'm doubly grateful in that case.

[rathercommon]

Oh, there's no need for that. You've been really sweet to me. The best thing I can do is pay that back a little bit.

[fistofthejoestar]

There's most certainly a need. Kindness should always be acknowledged, no matter what prompts it.

[rathercommon]

[ He gives her the warm and fuzzies. ]

OK. Well, in that case, I acknowledge your kindness too.

[fistofthejoestar]

[the way that it's phrased makes Jonathan laugh, shoulders shaking gently as he tries to rein himself back in again.]

Thank you. I'm glad we're getting along so well.