[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.]

[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.

video;

[maskmaker]

[She was about to respond when]

-- Huh!?

Video;

[a_bit_odd]

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

What a lovely thought!

[curatesecrets]

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

[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.

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;

[painfeels]

A talent competition? That sounds like fun!

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.