[video]

[keep_smiling]

[The feed opens to show Elmer's usual cheery self, holding that old violin he's found. He plays a few notes on it, slowly, just a pleasant little tune, before he speaks.]

I've got an idea! I think we need more to do around here to distract ourselves, don't you? Sure, there's lots of work to be done, but that doesn't mean we can't try to have some fun, too. Everyone's so down, and we could use something to help make people smile! Something fun that we can all enjoy. And I got to thinking about all the different people here, from so many different times and places, and how varied everyone's talents and skills are. So I thought, why not hold a talent competition! This way we can share all our talents with one another, and have some fun while we're at it. I can be the host! And we'll get a panel of judges, and some prizes. Maybe some trophies! Hey Monimoni, you should be a judge!

Yes, I know, I'm going to hear a lot of "But we're at war!" or "We have so much rebuilding to do!" We can still do both. I was thinking we can hold the competition in a month or two, to give people plenty of time to prepare, and in case anything else happens. Like a UE attack or time travel or whatever else in the world can happen. We can all work hard, find time to practice, and find a way to spread smiles to one another. Happy people make for better workers, after all. What do you all think?

Comments

audio;

[biwinning]

"Talent competition."

Sounds lame.

[More like Sollux is too socially awkward to enter.]

audio;

[keep_smiling]

Are you saying that because you think you don't have a talent? Everyone's good at something, you know!

audio;

[biwinning]

Stop it.

[candystar]

That sounds like it would be a lot of fun! I don't really have anything interesting I can do, but you're right - even when things are bad, you still need to have fun sometimes.

[keep_smiling]

Precisely. I've dubbed myself Chief Morale Officer, and it's my duty to keep these troops smiling. I think this could work! Even if you didn't want to perform, we'll need judges and an audience!

[candystar]

Good to meet you then, Chief Morale Officer! ...Should I call you 'sir', or no? [her tone of voice makes it clear that she realizes this isn't 100% serious]

I'd definitely be in the audience. I love seeing cool stuff like that.

video;

[maskmaker]

[She was about to respond when]

-- Huh!?

video;

[keep_smiling]

How about it? You can be on the distinguished panel of judges!

video;

[maskmaker]

That sounds flattering but I don't know how to judge anything!

Video;

[a_bit_odd]

[Luna blinks at him with her large eyes before giving him an excited smile.]

What a lovely thought!

Video;

[keep_smiling]

[Aaah yes IT'S WORKING ALREADY. What an excellent smile.]

I'm glad you agree! Would you be interested in performing?

Video;

[a_bit_odd]

I don't really have a talent... unless I could speak about the creatures in my world.

[She thinks for a bit.]

I've been an announcer before! Do you need an announcer?

[curatesecrets]

Honestly, Elmer? I think it's a fantastic idea. ... Need a classical pianist, by any chance?

[keep_smiling]

Thanks! I'd like to think so too!

Sure, we could use everything! Maybe you can even collaborate with someone.

[curatesecrets]

As a matter of fact, my partner, Claudia ... she plays guitar. We don't usually play the same sort of music, but she might be interested in doing something of her own.

[a pause] I still owe you that coffee and that story, you know.

[bad_is_better]

P'raps e'en a swimsuit contest? Let the ladies - and the men, too - show off a bit if they feel the desire.

[keep_smiling]

Oh, a swimswuit competition, eh? We could do that! But I think that could be a separate contest all together. A double feature!

video;

[bittertears]

If I'm to be honest, I think you'll find a way to make this happen, one way or another.

[it's not really a compliment.]

video;

[keep_smiling]

You're right! [g r i n] But why wouldn't you like the idea?

video;

[bittertears]

I have yet to say that much, or am I mistaken?

[spoiler: she kind of does like the idea. only a little bit!]

video;

[painfeels]

A talent competition? That sounds like fun!

video;

[keep_smiling]

I think so too! Do you think you'd be performing anything?

video;

[painfeels]

M-Me?! No way! I really couldn't...

You really think I'd be able to?

video;

[5055034455]

[Oh, hey.

It's this guy again.

And instead of being annoyed at Elmer's perpetually good mood as Saul often is, he's pleasantly surprised to find that he thinks this is actually a good idea. This could be the community-building thing he'd been trying to brainstorm with Sonya.

Or part of it, at least.

So here, Elmer. Have a smile in return.]

I think that's a great idea.

video;

[keep_smiling]

[Elmer looks pleased, not because Saul agreed with him, but because of that legit smile.]

I'm glad to hear that! Interested in performing? I bet you've got some crazy talent, eh? Maybe you breathe fire or swallow swords?