Chapter 1: Monday
Chapter Text
PRIVATE MESSAGE
WTGhost: hey did you end up getting that promotion??
D’Ville: No, I was passed over in favor of a coworker.
WTGhost: thats unfortunate but you weren’t really qualified anyway [shrug]
D’Ville: I truly wasn’t. I did not know the extent of the disaster that is the current archive. I’m not sure the preceding Head Archivist did any work whatsoever. It’s horrendous. Sasha has a degree in Library Science and is working on completely revising the labeling system, which is something I doubt I'd be capable of.
WTGhost: Thank god thats not your problem
D’Ville: It is still my problem, thank you very much. I will be working very hard to help get everything in order.
WTGhost: but at least it isn’t your responsibility
D’Ville: True.
WTGhost: hows the band? I havent seen anyone since the last concert
D’Ville: The last concert was on Friday, Georgina.
WTGhost: And your point, Jonathan?
D’Ville: Today is Tuesday.
WTGhost: my point stands
D’Ville: I will see if they would like to meet up.
WTGhost: hell yeah [emoji stream]
GROUP CHAT “The Aurora”
9 members
D’Ville: Georgie wants to know if you would all like to hang out.
YesSir: of course!
GPTim: We always want to hang out with your ex girlfriend
Any ex of yours will do really
Nastya: Rude
But accurate
D’Ville: I suppose I will let her know.
GPTim: Hold on, did you get the promotion??
Jonny boy
Hello
D’Ville: I was passed over in favor of a more qualified coworker.
Nasta: So the mighty has fallen at last. Press F to pay respects.
GPTim: F
Nastya: F
YesSir: F
Ashes: F
Drumbot: F
theDoctor: F
Raphaella: F
Ivy: F
D’Ville: You need to show more respect for your captain.
GPTim: First mate
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Nastya: You beat me to it
D’Ville: Captain.
Raphaella: First mate
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D’Ville: I hate you all.
GPTim: See you on Friday for rehearsal then?
D’Ville: Absolutely. I could stand to sing about gore and violence right now.
Nastya: My place at 7. Bring Georgie, we haven't seen her in ages.
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D'Ville: It has been precisely three days since you have last seen her.
But yes. I'll bring her.
D’Ville, GPTim, and 7 others have logged off
Chapter 2: Tuesday
Summary:
Tim makes the Archive group chat. Apparently nicknames carry over in the app. Chaos ensues.
Notes:
I've got to preface this for any mechs fans reading: I'm new to the Mechs. Like, less than 2 weeks new. I don't know the characters well, and I know the people behind the characters even less. So I'm 100% pulling most of this from nowhere. Hope that's chill.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT, 10:22 am
Tim Stoker has added Sasha James and Martin Blackwood to the chat
Tim Stoker has changed the chat name to MA Fam
Sasha: was this necessary
Tim: absolutely
Tim Stoker has changed Sasha Jame’s nickname to Bosslady
Bosslady: I will allow this
Bosslady: on one condition
Bosslady: We can only have a work group chat if everybody is included.
Tim: But Sashaaaaaaaaa
Tim: I straight-up can’t find him in the system
Tim: I know I’ve seen this app open on his phone but there is no “Jonathan Sims” ANYWHERE
Bosslady: I’ll track him down
Bosslady: I'm sure his personal email address is in these records somewhere, and if not I'll hack it
Martin: All hail Sasha James, technological miracle worker
Bosslady: you know it!
Tim Stoker has changed his nickname to Stoked
Martin: do I get a nickname?
Stoked has changed Martin Blackwood’s nickname to Martino
Martino: oh come on, you can do better
Stoked has changed Martino's nickname to Tea-king
Tea-king: much better
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 11:11 am
Stoked: we need to come up with a nickname for Jon
Tea-king: okay but if you choose anything mean I’m nixing it
Stoked: mr.grumpy
Tea-king: nixed
Stoked: book.boy
Tea-King: nixed
Stoked: tea-lover
Tea-king: ASDFHDKFL;SDKFSLDFJS NIXED
Stoked: I’m onto you
Tea-king: please dont.
Stoked: it’s okay man, i’ve got your back
Stoked: I don’t understand but i’ve got your back
Stoked: we are no closer to a nickname, however
Tea-king: Why can’t we just let him choose his own?
Stoked: you’re no fun
GROUP CHAT: MA Fam, 11:33 am
Bosslady has added D’Ville to the group
Bosslady: found him!
Stoked: Jon?
Tea-king: Jon?
D’Ville: What is this?
Stoked: it’s a work group chat my man!
D’Ville: is typing
D’Ville: is no longer typing
D’Ville has changed his nickname to JSims
Stoked: but but but NICKNAMES
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, 11:35 am
9 members
D’Ville has changed his nickname to JSims
GPTim: Hey hey my man, what is that for?
GPTim has changed JSims nickname to D’Ville
GPTim: You don’t get to abandon us that easily
D’Ville has changed his nickname to JSims
D’Ville: you dont UNDERSTAND my coworkers just started a group chat and apparently nicknames carry over to all of your conversations!!!
Ashes has changed JSims nickname to D’Ville
Ashes: Boo hoo. What are they going to do, tease you about being in a band?
D’Ville has changed his nickname to JSims
JSims: THEY DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE BAND
JSims: THEY THINK IM NORMAL AND PROFESSIONAL
JSims: I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP IT THAT WAY
YesSir: sucks to be you lmao
YesSir has changed JSims nickname to D’Ville
D’Ville: what have I done to deserve this
GROUP CHAT: MA Fam, 11:35 am
4 members
JSims nickname has been changed to D’Ville
D’Ville has changed his nickname to JSims
Stoked: what is happening
JSims nickname has been changed to D’Ville
Bosslady: beats me
D’Ville has changed his nickname to JSims
Tea-king: is he okay?
JSims nickname has been changed to D’Ville
D’Ville: I have given up.
Stoked: So… what was up with that?
D’Ville: My friends from college have used this app to keep in touch since graduation. They find it quite entertaining to humiliate me.
Tea-king: Are they the ones that first gave you that nickname?
D’Ville: Not exactly.
Stoked: is typing
D’Ville: I am not explaining further.
Stoked: is no longer typing
Bosslady: I’m still curious how you got nicknamed after the lady from 101 Dalmations, but I think enough time has been spent here.
Bosslady: back to work, everyone
Stoked: But SASHA
Bosslady: you heard me
D’Ville and Tea-king have logged off
Bosslady: Timothy.
Stoked and Bosslady have logged off
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, 11:40 am
D’Ville: I’ve given up. You all win. I hope you’re happy.
D’Ville: they think I’m nicknamed after the lady from 101 Dalmations?
D’Ville: what even is that?
Ivy: Its a kids movie
Ivy: Don’t tell me you’ve never seen it
Ivy: Even Toy Soldier has seen it
Ivy: And they’re immortal
YesSir: what do I have to do with this
Ivy: Nothing at all my dear
YesSir: [thumbs up]
D’Ville: I googled it. There’s an evil lady who kills dogs?
D’Ville: My evil backstory is way sexier
D’Ville: and so is my character
D’Ville: Clearly I am the superior D’Ville.
GPTim: Never said you weren’t
GPTim: but I may start calling you Cruela
D’Ville: No need. I'm Captain D’Ville, terror of the galaxy
Ashes: First mate
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D’Ville: fuck you
D’Ville: at least on Friday I can heal my soul with some Old King Cole
8 people have liked this message
9 people have logged off
Notes:
Do group chat apps work like this? I wouldn't know, haven't ever used one. Am I projecting desired interactions with friends onto this motley group of characters?
Yes. Yes I am.
Chapter 3: Wednesday
Summary:
In which Jurgen Leitner does the only useful thing he's ever managed in his life, the bastard
Notes:
Previously I had this tagged as No Supernatural but then I had An Idea(tm), so here we are back again in the land of the spooky. This will still be lighthearted though.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: MA Fam, 7:45 am
4 members
Bosslady: The hubris of this man
Bosslady: Our esteemed boss Elias Bouchard himself called me in to come to his office early this morning
Bosslady: I’d been hoping to show him my revised filing system that I finished last night, so I made sure to show up extra early to go over it
Bosslady: Guess what he did.
Bosslady: He bitched about my decision to hold off on digitizing the records
Bosslady: The hubris of this man
Bosslady: I’m the one with a degree in Library Science. I am the one who is qualified to do this job. If he wants these records digitized, he can wait for me to do them in the proper fashion or he can do it himself, the prick.
Stoked: You tell him, Sash
Stoked has changed his nickname to IStan1Queen
Tea-King: Amen
D’Ville: Did you tell him this to his face?
IStan1Queen: Please tell me you said this to his face
Bosslady: I absolutely did
Bosslady: You should have seen it
Bosslady: He reacted as if I’d just spit all over the grave of his most esteemed ancestor
IStan1Queen has changed Bosslady’s nickname to TheQueen
TheQueen: I now have just over an hour before our actual work shift starts, and beginning early feels too much like conceding a victory to Elias. I think I’m going to do a coffee run (on institute money of course). How do you all take it?
Tea-King: Not at all, but I would love a pastry or two
IStan1Queen: Black with cinnamon
D’Ville: With an ungodly amount of sugar and 4 extra shots of espresso
IStan1Queen: Holy shit dude
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D’Ville: Are we allowed to swear in a work chat? Is that professional?
TheQueen: I’ll allow it
D’Ville: Then fuck off, Tim, its my coffee
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Tea-King: Jon getting feral in the group chat this morning
Tea-King: Thanks for the breakfast Sasha!
Tea-King: Best boss ever!
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TheQueen: See you all at 9!
8:45 am
TheQueen: Did one of you leave a box on my desk?
9:15 am
TheQueen: Emergency meeting. My office. Now.
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 11:02 AM
IStan1Queen: So… how much of that note do you think was legitimate?
D’Ville: To be honest? I’m not certain. 14 fears seems excessive.
D’Ville: The Web, though, that’s real.
IStan1Queen: So’s the Stranger. What was your run-in?
D’Ville: A Leitner. You?
IStan1Queen: A mannequin stole my brother’s face
D’Ville: is typing
D’Ville: is no longer typing
D’Ville: That sounds quite… traumatic.
IStan1Queen: Sure was.
IStan1Queen: I see why you hate Leitners so much now
D’Ville: I’ve always thought of them as the epitome of evil.
D’Ville: I was more correct than I could have guessed.
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 12:06 pm
D’Ville: Are you still on for Friday night?
WTGhost: Sure am!
D’Ville: Could we meet up beforehand? I would like to talk to you about something from work.
WTGhost: Oooooh, something Spooky happen at the Magnus Institute?
D’Ville: Its not SPOOKY
D’Ville: But yes, I learned something… unsettling, and am uncertain what I think about it.
WTGhost: Just call it spooky like a normal human and move on
WTGhost: But sure. See you at 5 for dinner?
D’Ville: Thank you. Indian?
WTGhost: What else?
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Notes:
Thanks for all the positive comments guys!!! I'm touched that ya'll like my nonsense
Chapter 4: Thursday
Summary:
In which Jon messages the wrong Tim. Twice.
Notes:
Some notes both for TMA fans who don't know the Mechs, and Mechs fans who know the Mechs way better than I do.
"Ashes" is Basira. They are voice acted by the same person. Her personality here is going to be a mix of the two characters bc I just really really love Ashes.
"Toy Soldier" is Nikola. As far as the other members of the Mechs know, the whole "i'm really immortal" thing is just a running gag. They just think Nikola is always, always in character.
I'm new to the Mechs, so all the other characters will just be referred to by their character names, no voice actors. In this fic, they're all human (beside Nikola) and have created their characters for their band, but their individual personalities will largely be the same as their characters (with a little less violence). Nastya is here because she's my favorite and I say so. Also, I don't know the timelines for when songs were written so I'm going off of release dates for the cds.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: MA Fam, 9:42 am
4 members
IStan1Queen: We need to do a team bonding activity!
IStan1Queen: Since were apparently stuck with each other now
IStan1Queen has changed his nickname to PartyTim
PartyTim has changed the group chat name to shots shots shots
TheQueen: I’m down for a bonding activity, but not on a Thursday.
TheQueen: Something tomorrow night perhaps?
PartyTim: I could accept that
TeaKing: I’m free tomorrow
D’Ville: I am not sure it is professional to socialize after hours.
D’Ville: Also I have other commitments.
PartyTim: Stop being such a stick in the mud
PartyTim: You’re not our boss
PartyTim: And you’re stuck with us
TheQueen: You could really stand to lighten up a little bit, especially since you’re stuck with us for life now
TeaKing: Leave him alone, guys
D’Ville: Thank you, Martin
TeaKing: :)
D’Ville: And as I have stated, I have other commitments on Friday.
TheQueen: And if I make it a mandatory work event?
D’Ville: It’s not like you can fire me.
PartyTim: What could possibly be more interesting than a work event for Mr Workaholic himself?
PartyTim has changed D’Villes nickname to Mr Workaholic
Mr Workaholics nickname has been changed to D’Ville
D’Ville: The friends that won’t let me change my nickname. Its jam night.
TeaKing: Jam? As in biscuits and jam?
D’Ville: is typing
D’Ville: is no longer typing
D’Ville: Actually we will go with that.
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 10:05 am
PartyTim: “Actually we will go with that” what could POSSIBLY be more embarrassing than ‘jam night’ meaning biscuits and jam
TeaKing: what makes you think he’s embarrassed?
PartyTim: he changed his mind about whatever he was typing
PartyTim: embarrassment
TeaKing: it's something with his friends, and they’re clearly a little odd, so thats probably it
TeaKing: seriously, Cruella D’Ville? Why does he have that nickname?
PartyTim: its probably the hair
PartyTim: [cruellahairstreaks.jpg]
TeaKing: ASDFDKSA;FLJASLDFJSLADFA
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 11:11 am
D’Ville: hey Tim, what do you think of doing King Arthur?
PartyTim: Are you talking about BBC Merlin’s Arthur? Because I’d totally “do” him, if you catch my drift
D’Ville: I have made a terrible mistake.
D’Ville has changed PartyTims nickname to WorkTim
WorkTim: how many Tims can you possibly know
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 11:11 am
D’Ville: Since you’re already in the archives, could you bring me the lightning monster statement?
GPTim: The what now?
GPTim: and also no, I cannot
D’Ville: I am so sorry, I mixed up messages with you and my coworker
D’Ville: [screenshot]
D’Ville: can you BELIEVE this guy
GPTim: asdhfkdsal;fjsalkf what else could you have possibly meant?
D’Ville: LITERALLY ANYTHING ELSE
GROUP CHAT, The Aurora: 2:15 pm
9 members
D’Ville: Ulysses has been a fun go, but I think it's time to start writing the next set. What do you all think of doing the legend of King Arthur?
Ashes: I love that idea.
Ivy: Sounds good to me.
GPTim: I like it
ToySoldier: I’m just happy to be included!
Ashes: We know, Nikola
Nastya: Let’s do that, but we need a twist
Nastya: I propose gunslinging western
Ivy: All in favor?
GPTim: aye
Nastya: aye
Drumbot: aye
D’Ville: aye
Ashes: aye
ToySoldier: aye
Raphaella: aye
Marion: aye
Ivy: There we have it, gunslinging King Arthur is on the to-write list
Ivy: who wants to help Jonny out with it this time?
Nastya: I can help out
Drumbot: oh oh oh I want to be Merlin!!!
D’Ville: You can’t just be Merlin, Brian
Drumbot: you let Basira be Hades
D’Ville: That’s different
Drumbot: why?
D’Ville: [lotr meme, one does not simply say no to Basira]
Ivy: I’m slightly concerned that you had that ready, but it is very true
Drumbot: merlin merlin merlin merlin
D’Ville: No.
Ashes: Let him be Merlin.
D’Ville: Fine.
GPTim: lol pushover
Ashes: You wanna go, timboy?
GPTim: actually
GPTim has left the chat
Ashes: lol chicken
Notes:
Hope y'all are having as much fun as I am with this. Leave me a comment, they fuel the typing
Chapter 5: Friday
Summary:
In which the author projects their taste in books onto Sasha
Notes:
This is terribly self indulgent. Shoutout to Edgedancer and any other Stormlight Archive fans reading this. Hit me up in the comments.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: shots shots shots, 9:44 am
4 members
DashingSash: Hey y’all I’m making this quiz mandatory for work purposes
DashingSash: [radiantorderquizlink]
ImStoked: what is this?
Tea-King: it looks like something book-related?
DashingSash: it’s a personality quiz of sorts, puts you in a Knights Radiant order
Tea-King: Knights Radiant?
DashingSash: have none of you read the Stormlight Archive series?
ImStoked: not all of us like books that can be used as weapons, Sasha
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DashingSash: well in that case
DashingSash: its sort of like a Hogwarts house, except there are 10 possible results, and they’re all bands of superhero-ish people, and the author isn’t a TERF
Tea-King: preach
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DashingSash: each Radiant order comes with its own set of powers
DashingSash: and a spren, which is… a spirit? Of sorts? It gives them the powers. Unique kind to each order
ImStoked: I followed precisely none of that but I’ll still take the quiz
DashingSash: oh and tell me your second order as well, it’ll rank them by how well you fit
D’Ville: It says I’m an Elsecaller. I don’t know what that means but it says I’m probably wise and a scholar.
ImStoked: bullshit on the wisdom
D’Ville: My second was Truthwatcher.
DashingSash: “I will reach my potential” and “I will seek truth” says a lot about you.
DashingSash: Who is next?
Tea-King: I’m Edgedancer and then Truthwatcher.
DashingSash: eeeyyyyyyyyy Edgedancer club! “I will remember”
DashingSash: The Edgedancers have my favorite character in the series!
DashingSash: My secondary one is Bondsmith. “I will unite.”
ImStoked: I got Willshaper and Lightweaver. Freedom, personal fulfillment, and personal truth, I guess?
DashingSash: “I will seek freedom” and “I will speak my truth”. This has been surprisingly enlightening
Tea-King: We’re still not reading your books.
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DashingSash: You’re no fun.
D’Ville: Do you deny that this was a play to get us to read the series?
DashingSash: ….
D’Ville:
Gotcha.
GROUP CHAT, The Aurora, 3:15 pm
9 members
Nastya: Don’t forget, my place at 7!
Nastya: Marius, if you even think about touching my violin I will personally end you.
Marius: But we both play violin!
Nastya: That has no bearing on this.
Nastya: You pull too many dumb stunts and my violin is worth more than your pitiful existence.
Ashes: Oh burn
Marius: Fine, I’ll leave it alone.
ToySoldier: Do you want me to bring dinner?
Ivy: Absolutely not.
ToySoldier: :(
Raphaella: You can bring takeout. Just please, don’t cook.
ToySoldier: :)
Ivy: And no surprise teeth this time, Nikola.
ToySoldier: :(
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 4:22 PM
Nastya: Do we want to cover the Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot love triangle at all?
D’Ville: Absolutely not. I hate romance lines.
Nastya: Liar. Cinders/Rose was your favorite bit of OUATIS, you can’t deny it
D’Ville: Actually I mostly just like singing about death.
Nastya: Liar
D’Ville: back to the point
D’Ville: what if… trio
Nastya: poly? Yes please
D’Ville: I refuse to write a cishet if at all possible.
Nastya: oh mood
Nastya: That’s why I’m dating The Aurora
Nastya: robosexual ftw
D’Ville: that wasn’t an invitation to invite your obsession with robots to this discussion
Nastya: Rude.
Nastya: I’ll have Aurora throw you out the airlock again.
D’Ville: I’d like to see you try.
GROUP CHAT, The Aurora, 4:28 pm
9 members
Nastya has kicked D’Ville from the chat
Ivy: Why?
Nastya: He insulted my robots again.
Ashes: lol rip
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 5:01 pm
WTGhost: where r u
WTGhost: ur late
D’Ville: it is precisely 5:01 pm, Georgie. Give me a second to pack up.
D’Ville: It’s not like I can make it all the way to the restaurant in 1 minute anyway.
WTGhost: Who said anything about meeting at the restaurant?
D’Ville: …
D’Ville: Are you outside?
WTGhost: :)
D’Ville: Please don’t talk to my coworkers. You’ll embarrass me.
WTGhost: Martin seems like a lovely fellow.
D’Ville: GEORGIE
Notes:
In case y'all haven't cried today yet, one of the Ideals that the Edgedancers swear is "I will remember those who have been forgotten." Now associate that with Sasha. Sorry not sorry
Chapter 6: Weekend-Monday
Summary:
Jon’s friends like to give him a hard time.
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, Friday 11:22 pm
8 members
Nastya: Thanks again for cleaning up, hope you all got home safe!
7 people have liked this comment
Nastya: Hang on where is Jonny boy
Nastya has added D’Ville to the chat
D’Ville: It took you that long to realize I was still kicked out?
Nastya: You still owe me an apology.
D’Ville: I apologized at your house. And I brought you cupcakes from your favorite bakery. Was that not enough?
Nastya : What cupcakes?
Ashes: Those were for Nastya?
D’Ville: BASIRA
Nastya: BASIRA
Nastya has kicked Ashes from the chat
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 11:33 pm
Ashes: I was joking. They’re in your fridge.
Nastya: They better be.
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, 11:35 pm
8 members
Nastya has added Ashes to the chat
Nastya: They’re in my fridge. You two are forgiven.
Nastya: For now.
Nastya: Thin. Ice.
GROUP CHAT: shots shots shots, Saturday 2:01 am
4 members
ImStoked: Thanks again for the great time guys!
TeaKing: you;re all the besr
TeaKing: the besg
TeaKing: best
D’Ville: Go drink some water, I beg of you.
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 4:02 am
ToySoldier: The Computer Says You Are Online, Jonny
ToySoldier: You Should Not Be Awake!
ToySoldier: You Are Human! You Need Sleep!
ToySoldier: Sleep Is Necessary For Optimal Skin Health!
D’Ville: I am not human anymore. I am a being fueled by caffeine and rage, plagued by the incessant sound of the harmonica.
ToySoldier: A Joke?
D’Ville: Yes, Nikola.
ToySoldier: A Jolly Good Joke! Put Away The Harmonica And Get Some Sleep!
ToySoldier: Protect The Beautiful Skin!
D’Ville: You’re incredibly strange.
D’Ville: But at least you care I guess.
D’Ville: Good night.
D’Ville is offline
D’Ville is online
D’Ville: If sleep is so important to good skin, how do you always look so good? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you offline.
ToySoldier: I Am Made Of Plastic!
D’Ville: I should have known better than to get a straight answer from you.
D’Ville is offline
PRIVATE MESSAGE, Monday 8:28 am
Ashes: I’m stopping by your office today btw
D’Ville: ????
Ashes: I was called in to investigate the murder of the former archivist? I think Sasha James is the one who called me?
D’Ville: Good for her
D’Ville: But also
D’Ville: Do NOT acknowledge me
D’Ville: We are not friends
D’Ville: We do not know each other
Ashes: I thought you liked being my friend.
D’Ville: I do. And you’re wonderful.
D’Ville: But I know you.
D’Ville: They’re going to ask you how we met and you are going to tell them the truth.
Ashes: You don’t want your coworkers to know that you dress up in steampunk and scream about blood and gore on the weekends?
D’Ville: I do NOT.
Ashes: No promises.
GROUP CHAT: shots shots shots, 8:59 am
4 members
DashingSash: Quick reminder that I asked the police to come investigate Gertrude today. I mean, we know Elias did it. Or at least the note said so. But we don’t know who left the note yet. So I decided to call a formal investigation.
TeaKing: Does Elias know that we know yet?
DashingSash: That’s an excellent question.
DashingSash: Let’s assume yes.
DashingSash: Nobody meet with him alone if you can at all avoid it.
DashingSash: Also let me know when the police arrive so I can meet them.
ImStoked: Will do boss-a-roo!
DashingSash: Never say that again.
9:02 am
TeaKing: The police are here
DashingSash: Coming up
10:31 am
ImStoked: Spill the tea, D’Ville, how do you know the cop lady
D’Ville: I don’t.
D’Ville: I just really hate the song she was whistling.
TeaKing: What was the song? It sounded nice.
D’Ville: I’m not telling you because I don’t want to hear it for the rest of forever.
ImStoked: The tune has nothing to do with this
ImStoked: She said something about Friday and you agreed
ImStoked: It sounded like a date
ImStoked: Are you dating the cop????
D’Ville has left the chat
ImStoked: I’ll take that as a yes
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 10:40 am
D’Ville: Congratulations, my coworkers think we’re dating.
Ashes: Gross
Ashes: As if I’d ever date you.
Ashes: [lesbianpride.jpg]
D’Ville: The feeling is mutual.
Ashes: You could never achieve a wonder such as myself.
D’Ville: Who said you were a wonder?
Ashes: Literally everyone attracted to women
D’Ville: [acepride.jpg]
Ashes: fiar enough lol
D’Ville: fiar
Ashes: FIARREEEEEEE [fire emoji] [fire emoji] [fire emoji]
D’Ville: I can’t even tease you about misspellings. You play it off so well.
Ashes: I’m just cool like that.
D’Ville: I thought you were [fire emoji] hot?
Ashes: …. Well played.
Notes:
Shoutout to everyone who commented on the last 5 chapters. I love you all.
Basira is whistling Ashes’ part of Underworld Blues by the Mechanisms.
Chapter 7: It’s probably Tuesday or Wednesday but author no longer cares
Summary:
Deals with Elias and more Cruela jokes
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: archives gang, 7:45 am
4 members
daBoss: I’ve finally finished the new statement filing system based around the fears!
daBoss: I’m going to go present it to Elias
daBoss: He can’t avoid me forever
TimStaker: It’s dangerous to go alone!
daBoss: That’s why I’m letting you know I’m going.
daBoss: If I don’t come back, tell the cop.
daBoss: @D’Ville, you’re in charge of telling the detective if I don’t come back.
D’Ville: For the last time, we aren’t dating.
TimStaker: I’ll believe that when I see it.
TeaMaker: I believe him.
D’Ville: Thank you, Martin.
TimStaker has changed TeaMakers nickname to Traitin
Traitin: What is that supposed to mean?
TimStaker: Traitor. Martin. Traitin.
D’Ville: That’s a ridiculous nickname.
TimStaker: Shut up Cruela
TimStaker has changed D’Villes nickname to Cruela
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, 8:00 am
9 members
Cruela has changed his nickname to D’Ville
MoonSlayerTim: Hey wait thats hilarious
MoonSlayerTim has changed D’Ville’s nickname to Cruela
Cruela: You’re a traitor
Ivy: Just run with it, Jonny. It’s less painful that way.
Cruela: *sigh*
GROUP CHAT: archives gang, 8:59 am
4 members
daBoss: I have survived the meeting with creepy eye boss!
Traitin: How did it go?
daBoss: Elias for sure knows that we know. And we know that he knows that we know.
TimStaker: And he knows that we know that he knows that we know.
Cruela: Can you all please stop?
TimStaker: Fine.
Traitin: Are we safe?
daBoss: He’s willing to leave us alone as long as we do make the effort to record the statements. We’re allowed to go slowly, 1 or 2 a week.
daBoss: He seems surprisingly pleased by my new filing system.
TimStaker: of course he is. He seems like the type that does spreadsheets for fun.
Cruela: I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him do that through his window actually.
TimStaker: Jon. Jonathan. Have you been spying on our boss? [eyes] [eyes]
Cruela: Its not my fault he has a weird technological setup! You can see everything when you walk by his office!
Cruela: You’d think someone who serves the god of being watched would be better about setting things up so he can’t be watched
Traitin: Maybe that’s the point. He feels like he’s always being watched so he forgets to account for normal people watching him.
daBoss: Could be that. Could just be an idiot
Cruela: That’s not outside the realm of possibilities here.
10:02 am
Traitin: I’m making tea! Would anyone like a cup?
daBoss: You are a saint and a champion among men.
daBoss has changed Traitins nickname to Champion
TimStaker: yes please
Cruela: I’d greatly appreciate one.
Champion: 4 mugs coming up!
2:15 pm
TimStaker: Yo @Cruela are you ever going to explain the nickname?
Cruela has changed TimStakers nickname to ShutUp
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 3:02 pm
Champion: Hey, Georgie, can I ask you something?
WTGhost: Absolutely, Martin!
WTGhost: Do you need help wooing?
Champion: I’m not wooing
WTGhost: [somehow portrays skepticisms in a string of emojis]
Champion: I’m not
WTGhost: Whatever you say [shrug]
Champion: Well if I’m going to ‘woo’ him I at least have to get to know him first! He won’t talk to any of us!
WTGhost: Oh he’s doing the thing again
Champion: The thing?
WTGhost: The thing where he is intensely aware of his lack of social skills and overcompensates by being as formal as possible.
Champion: oh
Champion: OH
Champion: yeah that tracks
WTGhost: Now ask your question
Champion: oh yeah I almost forgot
Champion: What’s the best way to get him to talk?
WTGhost: Ask him about something he’s passionate about and be prepared for an intense infodump
WTGhost: he likes cats, music, and Indian food, and has very strong opinions on all of those
Champion: Thank you Georgie!
Champion: I’m going to ask him to come to lunch with me tomorrow!
WTGhost: Good luck!
WTGhost: You’ll need it
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 4:35 pm
ShutUp: What is he humming over there??
ShutUp: It’s familiar, but it’s not, and if I don’t figure it out its going to drive me bonkers
Champion: I think its a version of Poor Wayfaring Stranger
ShutUp: You’re the best, Martin
Chapter 8: A wild Daisy appears!
Summary:
Good friends love and support you but can also roast you at the drop of a hat.
Notes:
I will no longer be replying to every single comment but I love you all and hope you keep enjoying this nonsense.
Also, acab, but I love daisy as a character. She’s less Hunt-y in this fic.
Chapter Text
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 7:52 am
Ashes : Hey Jonny boy
Ashes : I was supposed to come by and check up on some things with your boss again today but I’m feeling under the weather
Ashes : Daisy is going to come instead
Ashes : Can you give Sasha a heads up?
Cruela : I can do that, or I can send you her contact information so you can do it yourself.
Cruela : Up to you.
Ashes : Send me her info plz
Cruela : [sashajamescontactlink]
Ashes : thank you
Ashes has changed Cruelas nickname to HonoraryPyro
HonoraryPyro : oh you do love me
GROUP CHAT, The Aurora, 8:02 am
9 members
Ashes : The new nickname stays.
ToySoldier : aye aye Quartermaster
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HonoraryPyro : How come you all will never “aye aye” me?
HonoraryPyro : I’m the Captain (or the closest thing here) and I have never gotten an Aye Aye
Marius : Well you see
Marius : Its for the same reason we refuse to let you have any rank higher than First Mate.
Marius : First of all, an actual Captain would have to be capable of wrangling our chaotic gang
Marius : Which is clearly impossible
Marius : And secondly
Marius : None of us respect you enough for it
7 people have liked this comment
HonoraryPyro : Ouch
GROUP CHAT, archive party, 11:18 am
4 members
KayaKing : … did that just happen
MarTEAn : it sure did
Miniboss : What did I miss? I was recording a statement
KayaKing : This incredibly tall cop lady ran in, threw Jon over her shoulder, and ran out
Miniboss : wat
KayaKing : He was laughing
Miniboss : what the HELL @HonoraryPyro
KayaKing has changed the chat name to what the HELL sims
MarTEAn : Im not sure he’s capable of responding to a message right now
MarTEAn : Actually, are we sure he’s okay? Do we need to go make sure he wasn’t just kidnapped?
KayaKing : He was laughing, I’m sure he’s fine
KayaKing : You’re good, right @HonoraryPyro?
HonoraryPyro : I’m alright. This is Detective Alice Tonner, also known as Daisy.
HonoraryPyro : Basira’s partner.
HonoraryPyro : I apologize for that. She’s here to see you, Sasha.
Miniboss : Oh yes. I’d forgotten about that. Send her in.
KayaKing : Detective partner or romantic partner? [eyes] [eyes]
HonoraryPyro : Yes.
KayaKing : That wasn’t a yes or no question!!!
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 11:30 am
MarTEAn : I’m going out to lunch today. Would you like to come with me?
HonoraryPyro : I’m going out with Daisy today, but you’re welcome to come with if you would like!
MarTEAn : perhaps not, I don’t know her really after all
MarTEAn : rain check?
HonoraryPyro : [thumbs up]
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, 11:45 am
4 members
KayaKing : WAIT
HonoraryPyro : now he gets it
HonoraryPyro : [theyrelesbiansharold.jpg]
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 11:52 am
KayaKing : But you’re dating the other cop??
HonoraryPyro : I literally never said that
KayaKing : then what’s on Friday???
HonoraryPyro : no comment
Chapter 9: The Not-Sasha
Summary:
Based on that one episode of The Office.
Notes:
Quick reminder for anyone worried by the title: this is a comedy. Love y’all
Formatting and such isn’t working right but I’m on mobile and I don’t care enough to fix it right now [shrug]. UPDATE: have fixed the formatting, whoop whoop
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: archive hell zone, 8:52 am
4 members
D’Ville: Who is in Sasha’s office?
SashaDash: Just me!
GROUP CHAT: 8:53 am
D’Ville has added KayaKing and TeaMaker to the chat
D’Ville: I don’t know who that is but that is not Sasha
KayaKing: What are you talking about?
KayaKing: I’m almost there btw
TeaMaker: I’m on my way too. What do you mean it isn’t Sasha?
TeaMaker: She didn’t say anything about being gone today
TeaMaker: And she answered her phone when I messaged her about being late
D’Ville: [imposter.jpg]
D’Ville: That is the person in her office
KayaKing: Holy shit that’s not Sasha
TeaMaker: Yikes
D’Ville: I’m going to go confront her
TeaMaker: Hang on I’m almost there. I can take her some tea
KayaKing: That’s a great idea actually. Have Martin ask the awkward questions
TeaMaker: I’m literally 2 minutes away
D’Ville: Okay, that is probably a wise plan
9:05 am
TeaMaker: Well she takes her tea the same way as our Sasha
TeaMaker: I tried to politely say that something seemed different, ask if she’d done something with her hair or something
TeaMaker: She just laughed and said she did the same thing she always did
KayaKing: Alright I guess politeness didn’t work. What should we try next?
TeaMaker: Perhaps we should ask Elias if he replaced Sasha or something?
D’Ville: Okay I’ll do it
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 9:08 am
D’Ville: Have you replaced Sasha?
El.eye.as: What do you mean? Sasha is in her office.
D’Ville: I don’t know who that is but it is definitely not Sasha.
El.eye.as: That is Sasha James.
El.eye.as: If you do not believe me, I have the paperwork to prove it.
D’Ville: I would like to see that.
El.eye.as: Come up to my office in 5 minutes.
GROUP CHAT: 9:12 am
3 members
D’Ville: According to Elias Bitchard’s paperwork, Sasha has apparently always looked like that.
KayaKing: What the hell is going on
KayaKing: I’m going to start asking her questions in the main chat
KayaKing: but before that
KayaKing has changed the group name to Archival Assistants
KayaKing: I’m too stressed to think of anything more clever than that
GROUP CHAT: archive hell zone, 9:18 am
4 members
KayaKing: hey bosswoman, what would you like us to work on today?
SashaDash: Same thing as yesterday.
KayaKing: And what is that?
SashaDash: Second corridor from the left, the 3rd section of shelves on the right hand side. Reading through the statements and categorizing them into which fears they likely are, then boxing them accordingly.
KayaKing: Thanks Sash!
GROUP CHAT: Archival Assistants, 9:23 am
3 members
Kayaking: Well that was a bust
TeaMaker: I’ll give it a try
GROUP CHAT: archive hell zone, 9:25 am
4 members
TeaMaker: Hey Sasha, what was the name of the place we went out drinking that one time? I was telling my friend about it and can’t remember the name
SashaDash: Honestly? I don’t really remember, but its 3 blocks west of here between a Chinese place and that cell phone repair shop
SashaDash: I’m notoriously bad at remembering store names but I could walk you there in a heartbeat
TeaMaker: That’s valid
TeaMaker: Thanks!
GROUP CHAT: Archival Assistants, 9:28 am
3 members
TeaMaker: Is she always that bad at remembering store names?
KayaKing: Yes, actually. Its kind of annoying
TeaMaker: well thats unfortunate
GROUP CHAT: archive hell zone, 10:02 am
4 members
SashaDash: I can see all of you on your phones, you know.
SashaDash: As much as I also appreciate downtime, let’s do try to get a shelf or 2 done this morning, please?
D’Ville: Yes ma’am.
GROUP CHAT: Archival Assistants, 10:04 am
3 members
KayaKing: @D’Ville you’re no fun
D’Ville: She has a point though.
D’Ville: Shall we meet at lunch to discuss this further?
TeaMaker: I like that plan
KayaKing: Sounds good to me
11:59 am
TeaMaker: Lunchtime!
D’Ville: I will be in the break room shortly.
KayaKing: It may be better to talk outside the office. Should we buy something?
D’Ville: Absolutely
TeaMaker: works for me!
1:03 pm
KayaKing: That’s Sasha????
TeaMaker: That’s our Sasha????
KayaKing: Sasha is BACK baby!!!
D’Ville: I have no idea what is happening here.
D’Ville: I’m going to look at Elias’s paperwork again if I can.
1:22 pm
D’Ville: He let me look at the paperwork again, insisting it was the same sheets as this morning.
D’Ville: Except this time, it had our Sasha’s face. Not the face of whoever that was.
TeaMaker: This has been the strangest morning at the archives.
GROUP CHAT: archive hell zone, 1:30 pm
4 members
KayaKing: Sasha.
KayaKing: Explain.
SashaDash: I have no idea what you mean.
KayaKing: So be it.
2:11 pm
SashaDash: Tim, please do some actual work. No more headstands at your desk.
KayaKing: Not until we get an explanation.
TeaMaker: How are you even typing while in a headstand?
KayaKing: I’m too cool for physics.
2:13 pm
D’Ville: sending that last message made him fall down.
KayaKing has changed D’Villes nickname to ShutUp
ShutUps nickname has been changed to D’Ville
2:25 pm
SashaDash: One of you was bad enough. No more acrobatics protests.
D’Ville: Not until we got an explanation.
SashaDash: Fine.
SashaDash: But I gotta say, this was the prank of the century.
SashaDash: [screenshot] [screenshot] [screenshot] [screenshot]
PRIVATE MESSAGE, the day before
SashaDash: Elias
El.eye.as: Miss James
SashaDash: I would like to request your assistance
El.eye.as: In what manner?
SashaDash: As you are aware, I have an appointment tomorrow morning that will cause me to be absent until after lunch.
SashaDash: I would like to use this opportunity to play a prank on my assistants, but my idea requires your cooperation.
El.eye.as: I’m listening.
SashaDash: I have a cousin who’s name is also Sasha James. She’s an actor and quite good. If you agree, I have asked her to be my replacement for the morning.
SashaDash: I will leave her with detailed instructions on what needs to be done and how to interact with the boys.
SashaDash: Would you be willing to play along as if she has always been here?
El.eye.as: I will, just because I will greatly enjoy watching the chaos.
El.eye.as: If you send me a picture of her tonight I will draft some false employment paperwork to aid with the deception.
SashaDash: As long as it truly is false.
SashaDash: I don’t need her stuck here as well.
Notes:
Thank all of you guys for the comments and kudos and such! All of them make my day!
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sash, June 30, 8:01 am
4 members
theRealOne: Happy 51st riot anniversary guys!!!
theRealOne: [SashAndSash.jpg] [it is a picture of the two Sasha James. One is tall and dark-skinned with braids and sunglasses; thats our Sasha. The other is short, pale, and blond, wearing a hat; she is Not-Sasha. They appear to be at Pride, both decked out in trans-flag attire.)
Softie: Oh! Are you at Pride right now??
theRealOne: I wish! This is from last year.
Softie: You are both very pretty!
theRealOne: Thank you, Martin!!!
KayaKing: Well I guess if we are sending Pride pics for Riot Day
KayaKing: [imBi.jpg] (It is a picture of Tim Stoker wearing a pink shirt, blue pants, and random purple items: sunglasses, belt, shoes, hat. He’s holding a very purple drink in one hand. He looks ridiculous but like he’s having a great time.)
Softie: I’ll get in on this I guess
Softie: [rainbowmartin.jpg] (Martin is wearing a rainbow scarf that he quite obviously knitted himself. It has some holes from dropped stitches but looks very well cared for otherwise. Martin is smiling, curly hair sticking up in all directions because he is walking in the wind.)
KayaKing: Your turn @D’Ville!!
D’Ville: *sigh*
D’Ville: I don’t have anything current.
Softie: Old pictures are fine too!
theRealOne: Show us the old pictures @D’Ville!
D’Ville: No.
Softie: Fine, I’ll ask Georgie.
theRealOne: I’ll ask Basira.
D’Ville: OH HELL NO
D’Ville: Give me one second to track it down.
8:12 am
D’Ville: [firstprideparade.jpg] (It is a picture of Jon and Georgie at Pride. They look to be much younger, perhaps college aged. Both of them have bi flag colored hair; it looks to be self-dyed or possibly spray painted. Georgie has continued the bi theme with her clothes. Jon is wearing an ace flag t shirt and some intense eyeliner. They are smiling and appear to be having a good time.)
D’Ville: This was my first pride parade, junior year of college.
KayaKing: Who did the hair???
KayaKing: I need to know so I can do that next year.
D’Ville: Georgie did it.
Softie: Well you look lovely!!
Softie: And now I have blackmail material on Georgie.
D’Ville: Good luck with that.
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 8:17 am
Softie: Guess what I was blessed with today!
WTGhost: A picture of me from college.
Softie: how did you know??????
WTGhost: Bold of you to assume Jon would share my picture without informing me.
WTGhost: He knows better than to risk himself like that
Softie: … what is that implying, exactly?
WTGhost: Easy. He pisses me off, I withhold the Admiral.
Softie: You’re evil.
WTGhost: [sinister smile]
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, 9:05 am
9 members
Ashes: Happy Pride everybody!!
Ashes: [nonbinarypride.jpg]
Ivy: [lesbianpride.jpg]
Brian: [aromanticpride.jpg]
Raphaella: [lesbianpride2.jpg]
Marius: [gaypride.jpg]
D’Ville: [acepride.jpg]
Toy Soldier: [agenderpride.jpg]
GPTim: [pansexualpride.jpg]
Nastya: [robosexualpride.jpg] (While the other memes have been the relevant flags overlaid with Happy Pride Day, this one is a poor line drawing of what appears to be Nastya kissing a robot. The backdrop is the lesbian pride flag with extra lines of gray and black added. The caption reads Robosexual Pride.)
D’Ville: Bloody Hell Nastya
Nastya: You love me :)
D’Ville: Like a particularly annoying sibling.
D’Ville: Not that I would know, being an only child.
Nastya: Well you have 8 particularly obnoxious siblings right here, and we all love you.
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D’Vile: The feeling is mutual. [black heart] [purple heart] [white heart]
Nastya: And if sometimes we wish that we were truly Mechs so that we could shoot you with impunity, well, siblings be Like That.
8 people have liked this comment
Notes:
Nastya’s Robosexual thing is a running gag that serves the dual purpose of being good material for the Mechs shows and driving Jon up a wall.
Chapter 11: Go home, Jon
Summary:
Not being the boss hasn’t stopped all of his bad habits.
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sash, 8:20 pm
4 members
DashingSash: Does anyone know if the sound of the harmonica is associated with a specific entity?
DashingSash: I know bagpipes are associated with the Slaughter, so it feels like a valid question.
KayaKing: Harmonica could also be the Slaughter
Windrunner: same vibes(™)
KayaKing: absolutely same vibes
DashingSash: oy Martin you’re reading the Stormlight Archive!!!!
KayaKing: oh NO Martin you can’t just give in to reading her books!!! You’ll never escape!!!
Windrunner: Not sure I want to. I think I’m in love with Kaladin.
DashingSash: aren’t we all <3 <3 <3 <3
Windrunner: in any case, why are you asking about harmonicas at this time on a Wednesday night?
DashingSash: BECAUSE I CAN HEAR ONE IN THE ARCHIVES AND ITS FREAKING ME OUT
Windrunner: oh god
KayaKing: were worms not enough?????
KayaKing: the Corruption came for my beautiful beautiful skin and now the Slaughter is here for our lives
DashingSash: don’t be so dramatic Timothy, we don’t know for sure that its the Slaughter yet
DashingSash: and when did the Corruption come for you?
KayaKing: in every single nightmare I’ve had for the last week
Windrunner: valid
DashingSash: back on topic, it might not be the Slaughter
DashingSash: we don’t have any reports on harmonicas after all, just bagpipes
DashingSash: I just wanted to ask before I go check it out
Windrunner: No Sasha! Its dangerous to go alone!
Windrunner: Take Jon!
Windrunner: @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville
DashingSash: I don’t think he’s here. Didn’t he leave when you guys did?
Windrunner: No, he said he was going to stay late and try to do another shelf today
Windrunner: @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville
DashingSash: Well, he isn’t answering
KayaKing: Maybe the Slaughter got him
Windrunner: oh no
DashingSash: I’m going to go check it out
KayaKing: be careful!!
Windrunner: be careful!!
DashingSash: Don’t worry, I’ll be sneaky about it
DashingSash has changed her nickname to SneakySash
SneakySash: going in
KayaKing: I can’t look
8:25 pm
SneakySash: So guess who decided to set up a cot and stay overnight in the archives
SneakySash: @D’Ville stop ignoring your phone, I’m watching you
SneakySash: all sneaky like and such
Windrunner: oh my god
SneakySash: I can see his phone going off. He’s just ignoring it
SneakySash: @D’Ville
KayaKing: but but but what about the Slaughter person
SneakySash: you mean the harmonica music?
SneakySash: [apparentlyJonPlaysHarmonicaWTF.jpg]
KayaKing: oh my god
KayaKing: can you get a video???
SneakySash: maybe!
8:27 pm
SneakySash: [harmonicabits.vid]
SneakySash: he keeps stopping and writing something down but then plays again. Same bit over and over
SneakySash: oh shit he saw me
D’Ville: Are you spying on me, Sasha?
D’Ville: oh
D’Ville: shit
D’Ville: I can explain
SneakySash: get out of my fucking archives, Sims. We can discuss the harmonica in the morning.
SneakySash: Sounded good though
KayaKing: it really does, for a harmonica!
Windrunner: You should be in a band!
D’Ville: Nope. I can’t take this today.
D’Ville has left the chat
KayaKing: are you going to add him back in @SneakySash?
SneakySash: tomorrow morning, perhaps. Right now, I’m gonna let him have this
SneakySash: now lemme go make sure he doesn’t try to sneak in and stay overnight after all
SneakySash: good riddance
Chapter 12: The next morning
Summary:
A special encounter
Notes:
Job hunting in this economy has me stressed out yo
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, 9:18 am
3 members
Stoinks: what kind of band would even use a harmonica though???
Stoinks: the only things i can think of would be those weird american country people
Stoinks: and that music SUCKS
COWS: hey the old stuff is good
COWS: modern american country can go hang though
Stoinks: fair
Stoinks: but my point stands
Stoinks: can you really see Mr Boring Stuffy Jonathan Sims Himself playing in a country band
Stoinks : can you
daBoss: speaking of our dear Jon
daBoss: he is late for work
daBoss: this is unlike him
daBoss has added D’Ville to the chat
daBoss: @D’Ville, you coming in today?
9:25 am
COWS: @D’Ville, everything okay?
9:40 am
Stoinks: @D’Ville
Stoinks: my man
Stoinks: coming in?
10:45 am
D’Ville: Sorry I am late.
Stoinks: eeeeeyyyyyyyyy there he is
Stoinks: can we ask about the harmonica now
D’Ville: If you would PLEASE give me a chance to explain
daBoss: why were you late Sims
D’Ville: I’m getting there.
COWS: give him a minute, guys
D’Ville: thank you, Martin
COWS: :)
D’Ville: I had an encounter with the Distortion this morning.
daBoss: oh
COWS: oh
Stoinks: oh
Stoinks: and how is our dear Edward Scissorhands this morning
COWS: you caNT JUST CALL HIM EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
D’Ville: His name is Michael, actually.
D’Ville: Michael Shelley.
D’Ville: or was, I suppose.
daBoss: is he… THE Michael Shelley?
daBoss: of Gertrude’s Assistant fame?
D’Ville: Yes.
Stoinks: shit
daBoss: What happened to him?
D’Ville: We didn’t get into that. I have a lot to tell you though.
D’Ville: I’d like to just come in and make a statement, if that’s alright with you, Sasha.
D’Ville: I think it will be easier to tell you everything with a little Eye help.
daBoss: Fair enough. On your way in?
D’Ville: Be there in 15.
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, 4:15 pm
9 members
Ivy: I’m hosting a pizza/movie night tonight so we can practice one more time before Saturday’s concert, since its the end of the Ulysses bit for now.
Ivy: Are you all up for that?
Ivy: All in favor say aye
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Ivy: I will count those as “ayes”
Ivy: You too busy for practice, @D’Ville?
D’Ville: No, I just had a rather… unsettling experience this morning.
D’Ville: Practice will probably be good for me. I’ll come.
Toy Soldier: Oh Yes! Michael Said He Saw You! Hope He Didn’t Give You Too Much OF A Fright!
Ivy: Michael who?
D’Ville: NIKOLA HOW DO YOU KNOW MICHAEL
Toy Soldier: He Is An Old Friend!
Toy Soldier: Would You Like Me To Come Walk With You Tonight?
D’Ville: …. I would, actually
D’Ville: But mostly so I can get more answers out of you.
Toy Soldier: Jolly Good! I Have Teeth To Share With You!
D’Ville: Bloody hell TS now is not the time
Toy Soldier: I Will Leave The Teeth At Home!
D’Ville: Thank you.
Ivy: Seriously, Michael who?
Notes:
Assume Jon’s encounter is like Sasha’s from canon.
Chapter 13: This is why we don't read Sasha's books, Martin
Summary:
Tim plans another 'team bonding' night. Jon can't slip out of it this time.
Notes:
Yes, they're talking about The Stormlight Archive series that was referenced in an earlier chapter. I'm obsessed with it. Fight me.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 2:12 am
COWS: SASHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
COWS: HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME
COWS: I just hit THAT part
COWS: You probably know which one
theNamesSash: I absolutely do not. Remind me which book of the series you are in?
COWS: The first one!
theNamesSash: ah
theNamesSash: the Jasnah bit?
COWS: no????????
theNamesSash: lmao
theNamesSash: [honeyyougotabigstormcoming.jpg]
COWS: … is that a pun on Stormlight Archive?
theNamesSash: absolutely.
theNamesSash: go to bed, Martin. We’ve still got work tomorrow you know, and I’m not letting you call in sick for a book
COWS: You would understand if I did tho
theNamesSash: true lol
theNamesSash: but if you come in we can gush about it together
COWS: tru
theNamesSash: have a good night!!!
COWS: HOW
PRIVATE MESSAGE: 7:55 am
NotPeach: Don’t forget about movie night tonight!!
NotPeach : If you don’t show up on time I WILL come kidnap you
D’Ville: I’ll try to avoid being late then
D’Ville: … what time was I supposed to come, again?
NotPeach: you’re hopeless
NotPeach: I’ll come pick you up
D’Ville: at what time???
NotPeach: :)
D’Ville: DAISY
PRIVATE MESSAGE: 7:59 am
D’Ville: what time are we having movie night tonight again?
Ashes : Ask Daisy
D’Ville: she’s being threatening again
Ashes: lmao sucks to be you
D’Ville: BASIRA
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, 9:15 am
4 members
Stoinks: hey we should do a team bonding night again
D’Ville: didn’t you just do one of those
Stoinks : two whole weeks ago!!
Stoinks: you didn’t even go!!
D’Ville: I apologize for having outside plans?
Stoinks: Apology half accepted! You’re coming tonight.
KaladinNo: do the rest of us not get a choice in this either? I’m too tired for this
Stoinks: Nope!
theNamesSash: Timothy, it is too early in the morning to even be thinking about this.
theNamesSash: Stop harassing your coworkers and get back to work.
theNamesSash: Martin, do you want coffee or something? You look like you had a rough night.
KaladinNo: I am not talking to you.
Stoinks: oh shoot
KaladinNo: I’m making tea. Anyone want some?
theNamesSash: Can I have a mug?
KaladinNo: ABSOLUTELY NOT YOU BOOK-SHARING ASSHOLE
KaladinNo: YOU MADE ME LIKE THIS AND YOU CAN SUFFER FOR IT
Stoinks: oh no Martin
Stoinks: This is why we don’t read Sasha’s books
theNamesSash is typing
12:52 pm
Stoinks: Seriously though lets do a team bonding night tonight
Stoinks: I’m thinking burritos and then Karaoke
D’Ville: I still have other plans tonight, Tim
Stoinks: Come on, just reschedule
Stoinks: We’d really like you to come with us
Stoinks: right @KaladinNo @theNamesSash ?
KaladinNo: oh it would be great if you came!!!
theNamesSash: I’m officially making it a mandatory work event. You’re coming
theNamesSash: If you don’t come I’m going to give you all the worst grammar-mistake-ridden statements for the next month.
KaladinNo: Ouch
D’Ville: *sigh*
D’Ville: I have plans with friends tonight. I can attempt to reschedule, but if it does not work I probably won't be able to show up either way.
D’Ville: I’ve been threatened with kidnapping if I’m late.
theNamesSash: Well then I’ll just message your friends and get it cleared up
D’Ville: You don’t know my friends.
Stoinks: Dude, you’re at work all the time, you have pretty much no social life.
D’Ville: I do too have a social life.
D’Ville: I have 10 entire friends
D’Ville: Not even counting you lot
D’Ville: And you’ve only met 3 of them.
theNamesSash: 3???
D’Ville: You’ve met 2, Sash
KaladinNo: I met Georgie :D
KaladinNo: She is very nice!
Stoinks: I saw him walking home with somebody else the other night
Stoinks: Did a double take, didn’t know if it was a real person at first
Stoinks: who tf dresses in weird old-fashioned military outfits?
D’Ville: Nikola is… rather strange.
D’Ville: Very sweet though
theNamesSash: Well I’m going to message Basira in case your plans are with her
KaladinNo: I’ll message Georgie
Stoinks: You’re not getting out of it this time!!
D’Ville: *sigh*
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 1:03 pm
NotPeach: We will postpone movie night to a later date. Go get to know your coworkers, nerd.
D’Ville: *sigh*
D’Ville : I will do that.
2:15 pm
D’Ville: Hang on
D’Ville: What later date are we postponing movie night to?
NotPeach : :)
D’Ville: DAISY
Notes:
An archive staff out on the town, what will they do next?
Chapter 14: Thoughts on karaoke night
Summary:
In which Jon demonstrates that he doesn't know how to Friendship very well.
Notes:
Thank you again to everyone who comments on the chapters. I recognize your names and love every one of you. Writing this fic and reading all the comments are the two highlights of my day and are really the only things holding me together right now, so thank you.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 1:15 am
D’Ville: I am letting you know that I arrived home safely, as requested.
NotPeach: Glad to hear it. Would you like Thai?
D’Ville: Absolutely. But right now?
NotPeach: Of course
NotPeach: Its in your fridge
D’Ville: …
D’Ville: How did you get in my house
NotPeach: :)
D’Ville: Daisy.
NotPeach: Don’t worry about it :)
NotPeach: How was socializing?
NotPeach: Actually hold on, let’s take this to the other chat
GROUP CHAT: 2 lesbians and a nerd, 1:17 am
NotPeach: So how was socializing?
D’Ville: Can we PLEASE change the chat name
D’Ville: Also @Ashes your girlfriend broke into my house again
Ashes: Why? It’s accurate
Ashes: And good for her
Ashes: highfive @NotPeach
NotPeach: [highfive]
D’Ville: I feel bullied
Ashes: Fine. I’ll change the chat name
Ashes has changed the chat name to A Hopeless Case and his Two Moms
D’Ville: That is NOT what I meant.
D’Ville: But I will concede the point.
D’Ville: It was… enjoyable, I suppose.
D’Ville: Tim(work) dragged us to a karaoke bar.
D’Ville: And before you ask, I neither sang nor drank. Chips were decent though
Ashes: You’re no fun.
Ashes: Are you glad you went?
D’Ville: I suppose so. They’re nice enough people. I just don’t know how to get to know new people. I’ve never really made friends before
NotPeach: But you’ve got us!
D’Ville: I met you all through different people, which is different. Georgie didn’t really give me a choice in being her friend; she kind of just adopted me on sight. Then she introduced me to Tim(fun) and Nastya, and before I knew it the band was coming together which is how I met Basira, and of course with Basira came you. So I don’t really know how to make my own friends. I’ve always just followed Georgie around.
Ashes: Sure, let the extrovert do all the work
D’Ville: It's been a functional strategy so far.
NotPeach: It works fine for me!
Ashes: Point
Ashes: But you’ve gotta learn sometime
Ashes: Sasha is a gem I can already tell
D’Ville: She’s wonderful to work for.
Ashes: She’d probably be a lovely friend too
Ashes: Promise you’ll try to be friendlier?
D’Ville: I wouldn’t promise, but I get the sense that I don’t have much choice in the matter.
NotPeach: :)
D’Ville: Case in point.
NotPeach: So if you didn’t drink or sing at the karaoke bar, what did you do?
Ashes: Please tell me you at least tried to be good company.
D’Ville: In my defense, I panicked.
Ashes: Oh no.
Ashes: Which exposition did you deliver today?
D’Ville: HEY
Ashes: Am I wrong?
D’Ville: … I talked about tannins for probably 15 minutes straight.
NotPeach: You’re hopeless
NotPeach: You’re lucky I love you
D’Ville: I am.
D’Ville: Can I go to bed now?
Ashes: You better.
Ashes: Don’t forget we have the last Ulysses concert tomorrow night.
D’Ville: Technically it’s tonight.
Ashes: Time is imaginary and we did a poor job of making it up
Ashes: Go to sleep.
D’Ville: [thumbs up] Good night. Love you
NotPeach: Love you too, doofus
Ashes: Just go to bed already
3 members have logged off
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 9:20 pm (earlier that evening)
Stoinks: You have a crush on a man who can talk about tannins for 15 minutes straight
Windrunner: Isn’t he wonderful
Stoinks: I have so many concerns about your taste in men
Windrunner: Let my gay ass yearn in peace
Stoinks: He won’t even sing
Windrunner: he’s probably just nervous
Windrunner: And I’ll take somebody who just WONT sing over YOUR tone-deaf screeching any day
Stoinks: feeling the love marto </3
Windrunner: Good.
Notes:
Will absolutely take suggestions for batshit topics for these weirdos to debate. Leave me a line in the comments
Chapter 15: Writing the new set
Summary:
In which the author gets to make their favorite headcannon about High Noon Over Camelot into reality
Notes:
Once again, the writing process and the personality for all of the characters is my own invention. And the Arthur backstory is a headcannon, but I love it so I'm bringing it here.
I had to make a second google doc to continue the fic bc I got tired of waiting for 35+ pages to load, lmao. I was not planning to continue this thing for that long, but here we are, still having a blast whoop whoop
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, Sunday 11:52 am
9 members
D’Ville: Nastya and I have finished the rough outline of the next set
Nastya: [gunslinglingarthur.doclink]
D’Ville: You know the drill. Claim a character, make any story edits you like, and put in ideas for songs you want to do. We will hash out the details once everyone has had a go-over.
Ashes: Fuck, Sims, we just did the last Ulysses concert last night, did you even sleep?
D’Ville: … yes?
Ashes: [skeptical emojis]
Nastya: Can confirm, he did sleep at least a few hours
Nastya: [JonnyAsleepOnTheCouchInFullMakeup.jpg]
Nastya: passed out mid-debate on Morgause/Mordred
Ashes: how many hours are we talking?
ToySoldier: It Is Not Good To Sleep In Makeup Jonny!
ToySoldier: Your Skin Does Not Like That!
D’Ville: So I have noticed.
ToySoldier: Your Skin Is Generally Oily. Try Witch Hazel!
D’Ville: In general or for recovery from this?
ToySoldier: Yes!
D’Ville : Thanks Nikola
Ashes: You never answered my question
D’Ville: I got at least 5 hours of sleep
Ashes: That’s half as much as you need
D’Ville: Its twice as much as I’ve gotten all week!
Ashes: JONATHAN SIMS
Ivy: That is not healthy Jonny!
Drumbot: Go take a nap or something
GPTim: holy shit dude
Marius: As the doctor of the friend group I prescribe you several hours of sleep!
ToySoldier: Humans Need Rest For Optimal Health
Raphaella: What a way to summon the whole chat
Nastya: He’s still here, I’ll force him to rest
D’Ville: you can’t make me do anything
Nastya: Watch me.
Ashes: ooooooooooooooooooooh
Raphaella: Challenging Nastya never goes well, Jon
D’Ville: *sigh*
D’Ville: If I go nap, will you all do your thing?
Marius : yes
Marius: just go sleep dude
D’Ville: don’t forget Brian has dibs on Merlinskalanknnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Brian: You good man?
Nastya: he’s asleep
GPTim: ALREADY?
GPTim: how the FUCK did you do that Nastya
Nastya: Easy. Wrap him up in a weighted blanket when he isn’t paying attention and he will almost always immediately conk out.
Ashes: I’m going to need to remember that.
Nastya: I’ve got an extra one if you want it
Ashes: Yes please
3:15 pm
D’Ville : Are you all happy now
Drumbot: [ZukoImNeverHappy.jpg]
Drumbot: But yes, we have all edited the document
D’Ville: Okay I’ll check it out
3:22 pm
D’Ville: You can't just give yourself prophetic powers Brian
Drumbot: I can too
Ashes: Sure he can
D’Ville: I refuse to accept that gaining a robotic body would somehow give you prophetic powers
Drumbot: It’ll be a great gag for shows though
D’Ville: You’re not wrong
D’Ville: But
Ashes: Let him do the thing you old stick in the mud
D’Ville: I’m younger than you
Ashes: and who has the grey hair here?
D’Ville: touche
Ivy: hold on
Ivy: hear me out boys
Ivy: The official Drumbot backstory is that you crashed onto a planet with no memories, correct?
Ivy: And we are planning on yeeting Arthur into space
Ivy: He could lose his memories in the long journey, crash, and become Brian
Ivy: So his ‘prophecies’ are actually memories but he doesn’t realize
D’Ville: Ivy, you’re a genius, but we can’t write that into the story
Ivy: Then don’t
Ivy: We can put the theme from Lost in the Cosmos somewhere in the background as a hint for the stowaways to figure out if they want
Ivy: Then we can still use the prophecy gag and you have the explanation to soothe your demented mind
D’Ville: Hey
Drumbot: You’ve always got my back girl <3
Ivy: <3
D’Ville: I can deal with that.
D’Ville: Now that that’s settled, I like the rest of this
D’Ville: I like the idea of the song for the camp, @Ashes
D’Ville: The Saxon song sounds interesting
D’Ville: Thanks for not ignoring my dibs on Gallahad, I’ve got an excellent idea for that song
D’Ville: Did you touch it up a bit before I woke up @Nastya? This all looks much cleaner than it usually does after the doc thing
Nastya: You caught me
D’Ville: Good work
Nastya: [thumbs up]
D’Ville: I hate to admit that I feel better after that nap, but apparently I was in need of more rest. Thank you
Nastya: Of course <3
Nastya: Now take better care of yourself, dipshit
Nastya: I love you but making you get sleep is not my job
D’Ville: That’s fair, and I’ll try
D’Ville : But no promises
Ashes: I’ll sic Daisy on him if he doesn’t rest better this week
Nastya: Good
Notes:
thanks again for all the notes and comments you wonderful wonderful readers. Next chapter we will be back to the Archive crew
Chapter 16: 🎵 is it a smoothie 🎵
Summary:
Jon really likes to be an infuriating little shit
Notes:
A short chapter today since the stomach bug has been making the rounds here at my house. We are all on the mend now but it's been quite the week.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, 11:52 am
4 members
Timotea: Thanks for the snacks, @Sash! What is this veggie dip?
Sash: It’s hummus!
Timotea: What the heck is hummus?
Sasha: 🎵 is it a smoothie 🎵
D’Ville: 🎵 or is it bean paste with A DREAM 🎵
Sasha: eeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyy
D’Ville: [FinallySomeGoodFuckingReferences.jpg]
Timotea: first of all, What The Fuck
Timotea: and secondly, what is hummus???
Marto: hummus is NOT a smoothie
Sash: its not
D’Ville: Well
Timotea: oh no
Timotea: I recognize that tone and I do NOT like it
D’Ville: it would depend on how you define ‘smoothie’
Timotea: there he goes
Marto: a smoothie is blended up fruit with milk
D’Ville: And vegetable smoothies?
D’Ville: And what about dairy-free smoothies?
Marto: Even vegetable smoothies have at least 1 fruit in them
D’Ville: Point
Marto: but I guess the definition would be fruit (and possibly vegetables) blended up with a liquid, whether dairy or water
D’Ville: And nut butter additives in smoothies?
Marto: jfc Jon
Marto: Fine! Smoothies are blended up usually-healthy things! Contains at least 1 fruit and some liquid!
D’Ville: then by your own definition
D’Ville: Hummus is blended up fruit (lemon juice) with some liquid (olive oil, tahini) as well as various other ingredients, and is usually considered a healthy snack
D’Ville: a smoothie.
Marto has changed D’Villes nickname to SmartAss
SmartAss has changed his nickname to D’Ville
D’Villes nickname has been changed to SmartAss
SmartAss: Dammit
Timotea: Well since none of you would answer my question I googled it. Its chickpeas?
Sash: yeah
Timotea: cool I’ll try it
Marto: I refuse to accept hummus as a smoothie
SmartAss: well then tighten your definition :)
Marto: the liquid used has to be either dairy or a widely-recognized dairy replacement, such as soy or almond milk
Sash: mm I love a good almond milk
Timotea: yeah yeah you’re lactose intolerant, we know Sasha
SmartAss: Well that would preclude hummus as a smoothie
Marto: THANK YOU
SmartAss: But do you know what still qualifies?
Sash: Oh no
Timotea: Don’t say it
SmartAss: Tomato soup.
Marto: NOW LISTEN HERE YOU LITTLE SHIT
Timotea: Whelp things are about to go down, guess I’ll get back to work
Sash: Me too
SmartAss: Bring it on @Marto
Marto is typing
Sash and Timotea have logged off
Notes:
If I can project my taste in books, I can also project my incredibly niche taste in Youtube videos too. Sasha and Jon refereneced this one here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbGAva-U3HE (part in question is 1:15-1:27 but the whole thing is worth a watch, the dude is hilarious).
Thanks as always for commenting and for the kudos! You're all welcome to come yell at me on tumblr if you'd like! @100storiesin2020 is my writing sideblog and @renee-with-knives is everything else.
Chapter 17: A week of missed opportunities
Summary:
All Martin wants is to take Jon to lunch, is that too much to ask?
Notes:
Still trying to job hunt in a pandemic. Send me all the good vibes plz
This chapter spans Monday-Thursday. Different days are separated with “*****”, hopefully that helps it make more sense
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
PRIVATE MESSAGE, Monday 10:56 am
Mahtin: I just realized that I haven’t cashed in that rain check for lunch. Would you like to go have lunch with me today?
D’Ville: As much as I appreciate the invitation, I have a lot to get done on this statement, and I don’t think I will have time to take a full lunch hour today. Perhaps tomorrow?
Mahtin: Let’s plan on that!
*****
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, Tuesday 10:22 am
4 members
RadiantLift: I’ve got some assignments for you boys
KayaKing: Lay it on us Bosswoman
RadiantLift: @Mahtin I’d like you to do some follow up on the flesh monster puzzle lady. I’ve found somebody who might be the lady, and I’d like you to go talk to her since you’re my most non-threatening person.
Mahtin: Are you sure you want me?
RadiantLift: Absolutely.
RadiantLift: @D’Ville, I’d like you to look into Breekon and Hope, just for kicks and giggles. They’re mentioned too many times. I’d like to figure out if they’re very entity-touched people, or something else.
D’Ville: Roger that.
RadiantLift: @KayaKing You’re going to use those muscles you’re so proud of and help me move some boxes.
KayaKing: Aye aye cap’n
RadiantLift: @Mahtin, come to my office and we’ll get you some train tickets and money for lunch. If you leave soon you should be able to be done by the end of the day.
Mahtin: I’ll be right there
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 10:30 am
Mahtin: Try again tomorrow?
D’Ville: Yes.
*****
GROUP CHAT: A Hopeless Case and His Two Moms, Wednesday 7:52 am
3 members
Ashes: @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville
Alice: @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville
Ashes: @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville
Alice: @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville
D’Ville: That was unnecessary.
D’Ville: Also @Alice WHY
D’Ville has changed Alices nickname to Daisy
Daisy: Just thought I’d try it out for a bit but I guess that’s being shut down
D’Ville: Why did you summon me.
Ashes: We were wondering what time the Institute opens. We stopped by and nobody seems to be there yet. I wouldn’t let @Daisy break in.
D’Ville: Thank god
Daisy: :(
D’Ville: Official opening is at 9. Sasha is always there when I arrive at 8:30 but I’m not sure when she gets there.
Ashes: I’m surprised you don’t come in even earlier than that.
D’Ville: She gets mad if I come in too early.
Ashes: I knew I liked her
Daisy: Somebody has to keep you from working yourself to death
Ashes: Speaking of the legend herself, Sasha has just arrived. See you in about 30 min then
Daisy: Bring me a coffee
D’Ville: No.
Daisy: :(
Daisy: Please?
D’Ville: Fine.
Daisy: :)
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 10:32 am
Mahtin: Are we still on for today?
D’Ville: As far as I know, yes.
D’Ville: Is a late lunch okay with you? I should finish this bit around 12:30.
Mahtin: Okay by me :)
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, 11:58 am
4 members
KayaKing: I think the cops kidnapped Jon again
Mahtin: You think?
KayaKing: Okay they absolutely kidnapped Jon again
KayaKing: Carried him out over her shoulder and everything
KayaKing: Bets on how long he will be gone?
D’Ville: Just for lunch, it appears.
KayaKing: You’re no fun
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 12:12 pm
D’Ville: My apologies, Martin. Daisy isn’t somebody I’m good at saying no to.
Mahtin: Did you even have a chance to say no? She threw you over her shoulder and left. You looked very embarrassed about it.
D’Ville: I have resigned myself to my fate.
Mahtin: Rain check, again?
D’Ville: Absolutely.
*****
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, Thursday 9:15 am
4 members
Mahtin: Has anyone seen Jon yet today?
RadiantLift: Is he not in yet?
RadiantLift: I didn’t hear him come in this morning but he doesn’t always stop by my office so that wasn’t unusual.
KayaKing: I haven’t seen him yet. Is he lost in the stacks maybe?
Mahtin: I guess I’ll go check.
9:30 am
Mahtin: I didn’t see him. @D’Ville, where are you at?
RadiantLift: @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville
KayaKing: @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville
10:30 am
Mahtin: @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville
RadiantLift: @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville
KayaKing: @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville @D’Ville
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 10:45 am
Mahtin: Hey, Georgie, Jon hasn’t come in today, and he isn’t responding to his messages. Do you know if he’s okay?
WTGhost: Not personally, but I’ll ask some of our friends and get back to you
Mahtin: Thank you
WTGhost: Of course <3
GROUP CHAT: the jonny sims protection squad, 10:47 am
10 members
WTGhost: Double order of business, guys
WTGhost: first of all, petition to add a certain Martin Blackwood to the group
Ivy: Oh isn’t that the coworker he talks about all the time?
Marius: The one he’s obviously pining over?
WTGhost has deleted this comment
WTGhost: That’s him, yes
Ivy: Petition granted
WTGhost has added Mahtin to the group
WTGhost: Alright guys, this is Martin. Martin, say hi
Mahtin: Hello I guess
Mahtin: what is this group
Nastya: Exactly what it says on the tin.
WTGhost: Second order of business
WTGhost: @Everyone does anyone know where Jonny is? He’s apparently not come into work and is not answering his phone.
Nastya: Oh that’s concerning
Nastya: I haven’t seen him since jam night last week
Daisy: Neither I nor @Ashes have seen him since yesterday at lunch
Mahtin: What’s jam night?
WTGhost: LIPS SEALED, HE DOESN’T KNOW YET
7 people have liked this comment
Marius: Ditto on the jam night
Ivy: Better line of attack: @Everyone, if you have seen Jonny since yesterday at lunch, like this comment
1 person has liked this comment
Mahtin: He did go back to work after lunch, but I haven’t seen him since about 5 yesterday.
Ivy: New plan. @Everyone, who is closest to Jonny’s house to go check on him?
GPTim: I’m at work
Marius: I’m at school
Ashes: I’m on patrol with @Daisy
Raphaella: I live a good hours drive from his house
Mahtin: I am also at work
WTGhost: I’m about 30 minutes away I suppose
Nastya: I’m also at work
Brian: Georgie is closer than I am
Ivy: Looks like it may be up to Georgie
ToySoldier: I Can Do It!
WTGhost: Are you sure, Nikola?
WTGhost: Are you even in the area? We still don’t know where you live
ToySoldier: It Will Not Take Long To Get There!
ToySoldier: It Is No Trouble For A Friend!
Ivy: Thank you, TS
11:20 am
ToySoldier: Jonny Is Sick Today!
ToySoldier: [SadJonnyInABlanket.jpg]
WTGhost: Thank you, TS. Do you guys need any help?
ToySoldier: No, Thank You. I Can Help Him
ToySoldier: Does Jonny Like Soup? I Will Make Soup
ToySoldier: Soup With Teeth! [teeth] [teeth]
Raphaella: How about you focus on making sure he’s okay, and I’ll order soup to be delivered for both of you
ToySoldier: A Jolly Good Plan! I Will Do That!
ToySoldier is offline
Raphaella: [whew] disaster averted
Mahtin: … is this standard for your group of friends?
Raphaella: If you’re referring to the teeth, TS is just… like that, I guess
Raphaella: I think the rest of us are a little more functional
Marius: Speak for yourself
Raphaella: I am
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, 2:15 pm
4 members
D’Ville: I’m sorry to worry you this morning.
D’Ville: I believe I contracted food poisoning, and spent most of the night in absolute misery.
D’Ville: Fortunately one of my friends came to check on me. Not sure how they knew I needed it.
KayaKing: Oh you can thank @Mahtin for that
Mahtin: Or Georgie, really, I simply passed on the message.
D’Ville: In any case, thank you.
D’Ville: @RadiantLift, Apologies for the lack of notice. I apparently fell asleep this morning without hitting send on my message about calling out sick.
RadiantLift: Understandable. You rest up and get feeling better, okay?
RadiantLift: Take tomorrow off as well.
D’Ville: It was simply food poisoning. I feel much better now and should be able to work just fine tomorrow.
RadiantLift: Send a selfie as proof.
D’Ville: *sigh*
D’Ville: [RollingEyesAtTheCamera.jpg]
RadiantLift: Alright @Mahtin @KayaKing how would you guys rate those eyebags?
D’Ville: excuse me?
RadiantLift: I’d give them an 8/10. Not quite designer but a good knockoff
D’Ville: HEY
KayaKing: 9.5/10. Long lost sibling of a racoon.
D’Ville: This is uncalled for.
RadiantLift: @Mahtin?
Mahtin: 7/10. Perhaps an unruly clown went strange directions with the makeup.
D’Ville: Bloody hell
RadiantLift: Get some rest this weekend. You can come back to work when the eyebags are at a 4/10 or lower.
KayaKing: Our ruthless queen
D’Ville: I can’t believe this.
D’Ville: See you Monday, I suppose.
Mahtin: Take care, Jon.
Notes:
We somehow passed 700 kudos here and I’m blown away. Thank you all ❤️💜💙
Chapter 18: A quiet weekend
Summary:
The further I get into Mechs lore the more niche the jokes become.
Notes:
Thanks for all the well-wishes with the job hunt. Y’all are the best!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
PRIVATE MESSAGE, Friday 9:15 am
Ashes: So I hear you forced Jon to stay home for once in his life
Ashes: How did you do it?
Edgedancer: It helps that I’m his boss
Ashes: true
Ashes: wait
Ashes: hold on
Ashes: you read Stormlight Archive???
Edgedancer: You know it!
Edgedancer: Did I just find a Cosmemer in the wild?
Ashes: I’ve never heard that term before but yes, yes you did
Edgedancer: Cosmere + memer. The fandom needs a real name :(
Ashes: It does!
Ashes: Isn’t Kaladin just the best?
Ashes: I could almost be straight for him
Edgedancer: asdkfjslda;dfksalf
Ashes: [IJustThinkHesNeat.jpg]
Edgedancer: but also, yes
Edgedancer: while I’ve got you online, do you have any updates on who could have killed Gertrude?
Ashes: unfortunately, no
Edgedancer: It was worth an ask
Ashes: I’ll let you know if anything comes up
Ashes: In the meantime, are you excited for Rhythm of War?
Edgedancer: AM I EVER
*****
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, Saturday 11:52 am
9 members
DrumbotBrian: Anyone up to come jam tonight? I’ve got lots of ideas for the next album and could use a few more instruments/voices
D’Ville: Please tell me you didn’t write the entire album already
DrumbotBrian: I did not
DrumbotBrian: But only because I’ve been forbidden to do that
D’Ville: I don’t know what devil you sold your soul to in order to be able to compose at the rate you do. It’s impressive and a little worrisome.
DrumbotBrian: So are you coming to jam night or not
D’Ville: I think I’ll rest tonight if its all the same to you
Ashes: Jonny? Resting? [shocked faces]
Ashes: I’m going to hold you to that
Nastya: I’ll come to jam night
Ivy: I will too
Marius: I’ll pass, but I do have a list of puns I’m compiling
Marius: [kingarthurpuns.doc]
Ashes: @Marius, these are atrocious
Ashes: X (ten) Caliber gun? That’s horrible. I love it
Marius : I aim to please
Ashes: you can’t aim worth shit with that goggle thing
Marius: It’s called a monoggle and it serves a very important purpose, thank you
Ivy: MONOGGLE?
Ivy: M O N O G G L E
Marius: Did I stutter
Marius: I’ve been calling it that this whole time
Ivy: WHAT IS A MONOGGLE
Marius: It’s a cross between a monocle and goggles, obviously
Ivy: THIS IS A WORSE CRIME THAN YOUR BOOT BELTS
Marius: YOU TAKE THAT BACK, MY BOOT BELTS ARE BEAUTIFUL
Ivy: THE BELTS ARE TAN AND YOUR BOOTS ARE BLACK
Ivy: YOUR BOOTS DONT EVEN NEED BELTS
Nastya: Here we go again.
Marius and Ivy are typing
*****
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, Sunday 8:42 pm
4 members
D’Ville: Do I have clearance to return to work tomorrow?
Edgedancer: That depends. I think I need selfie evidence that you are feeling better.
D’Ville: Is this truly necessary?
Edgedancer: I said 4/10 eyebags, Cruela D’Ville. You need to look a little less gross than your namesake.
D’Ville: Fine
D’Ville: [AdmiralOnMyShoulders.jpg]
Edgedancer: IS THAT A CAT
GoodCows: CAT
ImBiBabey: CAT
GoodCows: [cat] [cat] [cat] [cat]
ImBiBabey: what is this good kittys name???
D’Ville: This is The Admiral.
Edgedancer: Is he yours??
D’Ville: Not quite.
D’Ville: He was mine originally but Georgie got him in the divorce.
Edgedancer: He looks so soft [heart eyes]
D’Ville: He is the softest.
D’Ville: Am I good to come to work then?
Edgedancer: Yes
ImBiBabey: Please bring the cat?
Edgedancer: NO ANIMALS IN THE ARCHIVES.
ImBiBabey: even cute ones?
Edgedancer: no.
ImBiBabey: please?
Edgedancer: no.
ImBiBabey: If no animals are allowed
ImBiBabey: Am I allowed
ImBiBabey: cause i’m a party animal
Edgedancer has kicked ImBiBabey from the chat
*****
PRIVATE MESSAGE, Monday 9:20 am
D’Ville: I believe you said something about wanting to get lunch. I do apologize for all the delays of the last week.
GoodCows: Oh, it’s fine! :) It’s not like you had control over any of it!
D’Ville: I do still apologize.
GoodCows: It’s perfectly alright. Would you like to go today?
D’Ville: Where are we going, exactly?
GoodCows: Well I heard that a new Indian place opened up just around the corner. I was wondering if you wanted to try it out?
D’Ville: Is it the one between the chinese shop and the grocery store?
GoodCows: That would be it, yes
D’Ville: I’ve tried that place. It’s atrocious
GoodCows: Really? I heard good things about it
D’Ville: My grandmother would roll in her grave if she knew that the slop they served claimed to be Indian food
GoodCows: Oh
D’Ville: There's a place I know that serves MUCH better stuff. I doubt we could make it there and back for lunch, though.
D’Ville: Do you have any plans for dinner?
GoodCows : No??
D’Ville: Then I’m going to show you REAL Indian food.
GoodCows: Okay!!
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 9:28 am
GoodCows: I think I just got a date??
Georgie: Really? You managed to get Oblivious Jonny Himself to agree to a date?
GoodCows: I think so?
GoodCows: [screenshot]
Georgie: oh you poor baby, that’s not a date. He’s genuinely offended by the restaurant.
Georgie: it’s a good start though!! He’s agreed to spend time with you and that is not a small step!
Georgie: Have a nice night!
Georgie: Good luck wooing!
GoodCows: *sigh*
GoodCows: Thank you, Georgie. I will do my best
Georgie: [thumbs up]
Notes:
Jon’s reaction to the Indian restaurant is based on my own experience in moving from a largely-Hispanic state to a state that did NOT have ANY real Mexican food, holy hell, what is going on (I’m glad to be back home if only for that reason lol)
Chapter 19: 🎵 I’m blue 🎵
Summary:
Tim can’t sing.
Notes:
These songs came out way before my time but that didn’t stop them from being played at every dance when I was in high school.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, 10:52 am
4 members
D’Ville: What on earth is that racket?
SashaJamesBond: Well there's some drama happening upstairs but I’m assuming you’re referring to the yowling from the archive stacks?
Marson: What do you mean there’s drama happening upstairs?
SashaJamesBond: Elias dress coded Rosie for too bright of a green shirt when his tie is even more horrifyingly neon and she is rightfully chewing him out
Marson: And you know that how?
SashaJamesBond: …
SashaJamesBond: shit
SashaJamesBond: I think I need to take the statements a little slower.
SashaJamesBond: They’re just so interesting!
Marson: We will keep you in check
SashaJamesBond: Thanks Martin
D’Ville: So what is the yowling in the archives?
SashaJamesBond: I forgot that you’ve never heard @Stoinks sing before
D’Ville: He’s SINGING?
D’Ville: That is NOT singing
D’Ville: @Stoinks you cannot carry a tune in a bucket
Stoinks: Rude
Marson: He isn’t wrong
Stoinks: You’ve pointed that out to me before
Stoinks: but
Stoinks: when the song is in your soul
Stoinks: you just gotta sing
Stoinks has changed his nickname to TheTrumpet
D’Ville: I don’t even know the song you’re singing
TheTrumpet: Really? You dont know Mambo No 5?
D’Ville: I don’t listen to a lot of music
TheTrumpet: Probably just classical and the like, am I right?
D’Ville: Folk, actually, but you were on the right track
SashaJamesBond: That’s still no excuse for not knowing this song
Marson: It is kind of a classic
TheTrumpet: hold on
TheTrumpet: [MamboNo5LouBega]
SashaJamesBond: I’m going to play it from my computer, get in here
D’Ville: I should never have accepted the transfer to the Archives.
11:32 am
D’Ville: What is he singing now?
Marson: Oh thats Blue
Marson: or Da ba dee da ba die
Marson: Or whatever the song name is
SashaJamesBond: Its Blue (Dah Ba Dee) by Eiffel 65
SashaJamesBond: You really don’t know any late 90’s music do you
TheTrumpet: Time to correct that
D’Ville: Do I get any say in this?
Marson: Nope
TheTrumpet: Nope
SashaJamesBond: Absolutely not.
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, 1:53 pm
9 members
D’Ville: Why are we here?
D’Ville: Just to suffer?
D’Ville: Every day I have to deal with Timothy Stoker.
Ashes: Is this related to the music I heard when I came to see your boss today?
D’Ville: Yes. Yes it is
Marius: @Ashes what music?
D’Ville: Please no
Ashes: Blue (Dah Ba Dee)
Marius: hell yeah
D’Ville: Why are you here, Basira? I thought the case went cold.
Ashes: It did. I’m lending Sasha my copy of Legion.
Ivy: The friendship must be getting serious
Ivy: It’s at book-lending levels
Ivy: That’s no small feat
Raphella: You would know, wouldn’t you @Ivy
Ivy: I know you want to borrow my copy of A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor but the answer is still no
Ivy: Go to the library if you want to read it so bad
Raphaella: It just came out!! The library doesn’t have it yet!! Is this so hard for you to understand?
Ivy: You have stains from your experiments on every book I’ve seen in your house!
Raphaella: Most of those are food actually
Ivy: YOU ARE COMPLETELY MISSING THE POINT
Raphaella: Is that a no on borrowing your book then?
Ivy: I will throw you out of the airlock.
Ivy has kicked Raphaella from the chat
Raphaella has joined the chat
Ivy: How did you do that
Raphaella: I’ve got wings, sucka, you can’t get rid of me that easily
Ivy: The answer is still no
Raphaella: Please?
Ivy: Hell no
Raphaella: Fair enough
Notes:
Books referenced are Legion by Brandon Sanderson and A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor (sequel to An Absolutely Remarkable Thing) by Hank Green. I haven’t read that second one yet because MY LIBRARY DOESNT HAVE IT CURSE YOU and I’m too poor for buying books.
Chapter 20: the Date(tm)
Summary:
so how was the Indian food, Martin?
Notes:
I keep trying to make Georgie say y'all. She's british. She should not say y'all. Its kind of a problem.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: the jonny sims protection squad, 9:23 pm
11 members
WTGhost: eyyyyyyyyy I’ve got news for you peeps
Raphaella: oh do tell
WTGhost: @Mahtin went on a date with jonny boy earlier this week and I just remembered that he never told me how it went
Raphaella: a date? [eyes] [eyes]
Mahtin: you said it wasn’t a date!
WTGhost: did I now?
Mahtin: I have proof
WTGhost: [screenshot] [Georgie: oh you poor baby, that’s not a date. He’s genuinely offended by the restaurant.]
Marius: Oh yeah he’s like that with food
Mahtin: So it wasn’t a date!
WTGhost: well I still need to hear the story and im going to guess everyone else would like to too
WTGhost: @Everyone come get your juice
9 people have liked this comment
ToySoldier: A Date? Jonny Went On A Date?
GPTim: fucker didn’t even tell me
Ashes: he didn’t tell you? He didn’t tell ME
Ashes: What day did this happen?
Daisy: It was Monday night, I’d guess, since he had leftovers from his favorite Indian place on Tuesday
Mahtin: …
Mahtin: How did you know that
Daisy: oh I broke into his house tuesday morning
Mahtin: … why?
Daisy: needed something
Mahtin: …
Brian: chill out @Daisy, he’s not used to you yet
Mahtin: @Raphaella I thought you said the rest of the group was more functional
Raphaella: I thought Marius made it clear that I was primarily speaking for myself
Raphaella: Ivy and I are the braincells of the crew and nobody else should be taken seriously
Raphaella: Besides @Ashes of course
Ivy: @Raphaella [highfive]
Ashes: Damn straight
Ashes: btw martin I’m Basira Hussain, the police officer that drops by every so often
Ashes: @Daisy is my partner
Mahtin: That would explain a lot, actually
WTGhost: we have gotten waaayyyyyyy off course here
WTGhost: @Mahtin, date details, stat
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Mahtin: fine, fine
Mahtin: it wasn’t a date though
Mahtin: we took the subway out to this little hole-in-the-wall Indian food place
Mahtin: they seemed to all know Jon by name which was kind of funny
Daisy: yeah he’s there at least once a week
ToySoldier: Hush, Daisy, Let The Man Continue!
Mahtin: he spent quite awhile explaining what all the dishes were which was kind of cute and kind of nice bc i don’t actually eat much Indian
WTGhost: oh for shame, Indian is amazing
Mahtin: i can’t afford to eat out much and my mum only ever made Polish food
WTGhost: okay that’s valid
WTGhost: so what did you guys talk about?
Mahtin: food, mostly
Mahtin: he was quite scandalized about my lack of knowledge on food in general and indian spices in particular
WTGhost: how long did he spend explaining different types of spices
Mahtin: a long time
WTGhost: oof
WTGhost: his infodumps are A Lot(™)
Mahtin: it wasnt bad actually, especially when he started venturing into spices i recognized from herbal tea blends and then it became an actual conversation and i quite enjoyed it
Mahtin: i did some infodumping of my own tbh
Mahtin: told him all about the time i tried to infuse honey with ginger. It did NOT go well
ToySoldier: It Is Too Cute!
ToySoldier : You Seem Nice! How Is The Condition Of Your Skin?
Mahtin: … normal?
ToySoldier: Jolly Good! I Shall Approve The Union!
Mahtin: IT WASN’T A DATE
ToySoldier: Approved!
Brian: @Mahtin with Nikola it’s best to just let it happen
Brian: You’re one of us now. Just accept the chaos
Notes:
Good news: I'm officially turning in my 2 weeks at the job I hate. Finally escaping! Bad news: I have absolutely 0 idea how my update schedule will be affected with this change in circumstances. While nothing is official, I've always tried to aim for 3 updates a week (even if they're short), and I just don't know if that will still be feasible. Maybe it will and I will be pleasantly surprised. Maybe you'll just get 1 short update a week, or maybe even radio silence from me for awhile. We shall see! I love this story, I love all your responses, and it all brings me a lot of happiness, so I'm going to try to keep up with it.
Chapter 21: All Hail The Tube Sun
Notes:
*walks in late to the discourse with Starbucks*
So while I was on hiatus this fic passed both 900 and then 1000 kudos which is wild?!?!?!?!? Thanks for the love, y'all!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Group Chat: The Aurora, 4:22 pm
9 members
Ivy: Have we figured out the shape of the space station yet?
Raphaella: I think we decided it was cylindrical. Why do you ask?
Ivy: Because if its cylindrical, and the “sun” on the inside lights up the entire middle, wouldn’t the sun have to be cylindrical in order to reach the entire inside?
Marius: Ivy
Marius: You’re a genius
Brian: That would make sense actually
Nastya: of course it reaches the entire length, they’ve all got to be able to see
D’Ville: No
D’Ville: I refuse
D’Ville: How are we going to have it be high noon if the sun is a tube? It ruins the aesthetic
Marius: All in favor of Tube Sun say aye
Marius: Aye
Brian: Aye
Ivy: Aye
TS: Aye
Nastya: Aye
Raphaella: Aye
Ashes: Aye
GPTim: Aye
D’Ville: Absolutely not
Marius: Ayes have it. 8/9 Mechs approve the Tube Sun
Marius: ALL HAIL THE TUBE SUN
D’Ville: NEVER
Marius: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
Brian: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
Ashes: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
TS: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
D’Ville: Are you going to stop this nonsense?
Marius: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
Ashes: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
Ivy: There’s a zero percent chance they will.
Brian: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
Marius: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
TS: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
D’Ville: Sometimes I hate you all.
Ashes: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
D’Ville has left the chat
Brian: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
Ashes: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
Ashes: party pooper
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Marius: TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN TUBE SUN
Nastya has changed the group name to All Hail The Tube Sun
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 4:31 pm
Ashes: Hey James can you do me a favor
Sashings: Is it spooky?
Ashes: Make a joke about the sun being a tube in your work group chat
Sashings: ??????
Ashes: Its to annoy Jon
Ashes: He left the other group chat but I refuse to let this go
Sashings: Other group chat??
Sashings: Oh for your band
Ashes: Did he finally tell you about the band?
Ashes: It’s about fucking time
Sashings: YOU’RE IN A BAND WITH HIM?
Ashes: You and your spooky nonsense I swear
GROUP CHAT: the jonny sims protection squad, 4:32 pm
10 members
Ashes: @Martino @Daisy and @WTGeorgie, I need a favor
WTGeorgie: Discourse again?
Ashes: You know it
Martino: What?
Ashes: Just message him and say the sun’s a tube
Martino: ????
Daisy: [thumbs up]
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, 4:34 pm
4 members
Sashings: Hey @D’Ville
Sashings: Sun’s a tube
Timbo: ???
Martino: *gun cocks* Sun’s a tube
D’Ville is typing…
GROUP CHAT: the jonny sims protection squad, 4:36 pm
10 members
Martino: @Ashes He is going ballistic
Ashes: lmaooooooooo
Notes:
Chapters will continue to be short but should hopefully be coming with more regularity now. Thank you for all the well wishes with the job situation!
Chapter 22: so about that band
Summary:
in which we finally return to the characters and plotline y'all followed this fic for originally
Notes:
This chapter isn't where I wanted it, but it is done at least, and sometimes that's whats important lol
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
PRIVATE MESSAGE, 4:45 pm
Sashings: so…. Were you never going to tell me that you and Sims are in a band together?
Ashes: He asked me not to
Sashings: but why not?? That’s so cool!!
Sashings: I’ve worked with him for 2 years and I never knew he was in a band!! I don’t understand why he kept it secret
Ashes: I don’t know either, James
Sashings: Well I guess I’ve just got to get to the bottom of this
GROUP CHAT, 4:46 pm
Sashings has added Ashes O’Reilly and Jonny D’Ville to the chat
Sashings: @D’Ville you have a lot of explaining to do
Ashes: And before you ask I didn’t tell her
D’Ville: Tell her what, precisely?
Sashings: That you are in a band!!!
D’Ville is typing....
D’Ville has left the chat
Ashes: Oh no you don’t
Ashes O’Reilly has added Jonny D’Ville to the chat
Ashes has changed D’Ville’s nickname to Coward
Coward has changed his name to D'Ville
Ashes: Stop running away from your problems
Sashings: Im sorry to have intruded on your privacy, Jon
Sashings: I haven’t quite mastered the Spooky yet
Sashings: And that’s not an excuse
Sashings: I am actually very sorry
D’Ville: Apology accepted.
Sashings: I just don’t understand why you kept it a secret?
Ashes: Same here, actually. I thought you liked us
D’Ville: I do like you all! And I would have liked to tell you. I have a perfectly rational explanation.
Ashes: It better be a good one.
D’Ville: Elias
Sashings: Oh
Ashes: What?
Sashings: He’s the freaky eyeball boss
Ashes: OH
D’Ville: I, of course, wasn’t aware of his supernatural abilities at the time, but he knew about the band. He didn’t say it outright, but I knew that he knew.
D’Ville: He told me that I needed to be at my most professional at all times if I wanted to succeed at this job. “You’re welcome to spend your free time however you please, but if you wish to rise in the Institute then those… activities… must remain private.”
D’Ville: He never specifically denoted the band, but I just Knew, you understand
Ashes: What a douche
Sashings: Eli-ass Douche-ard
Sashings has changed the group name to Douchard Hate Club
Sashings: Well now that you know you aren’t fireable, were you ever planning to tell us?
D’Ville: Not really. The secret-keeping and fear of being caught by Elias kind of moved to the back of my mind. Haven’t been thinking about it really
D’Ville: …
D’Ville: THAT BASTARD
Sashings: ugh he was enjoying a free meal for the Eye wasn’t he
Ashes: well now that that’s all out
Ashes: Are you going to tell the rest of your friends?
Ashes: Martin and
Ashes: and
Ashes: the other one?
Sashings: Tim?
Ashes: No, Tim is in the band
D’Ville: Work Tim
Ashes: oh. Two Tims. That’ll be fun
D’Ville: Yes, I will let them know.
Sashings: So do I get to hear about the band now? All I know is that you’re in one. I don’t know what music you do or anything
Sashings: How long have you been playing together?
Sashings: I need ALL the details
Ashes: You or me, Jonny boy?
D’Ville: by all means go ahead, Basira
D’Ville: I need to run to the store so @ me if you need a specific comment.
D’Ville has logged off
6:10 pm
D’Ville has logged on
Sashings: So let me make sure I’ve got all of this straight
Sashings: Your band is called the Mechanisms because you basically roleplay immortal space pirates, and you were each made immortal by a Mechanism (mechanical body part)
Sashings: Except for the Toy Soldier (and I still don’t know what is going on there but apparently it has a pretty voice?)
Sashings: You all have backstories and some of you have songs
Sashings: You take myths and fairy tales, set them in space, make them tragic (and very queer), and set them to folk tunes
Sashings: You’ve so far done general fairy tales and Greek mythology
Sashings: Did I miss anything?
D’Ville: We were made immortal by a vampire
Ashes: oh yeah I didn’t explain Carmilla
Sashings: a VAMPIRE????
D’Ville: She originally got the band together but had to leave, for various personal reasons. The in-universe joke is that she had an accident with the airlock
D’Ville: I miss singing with her. Have you kept in touch @Ashes?
Ashes: Not as much as I would like, but she’s still making music
D’Ville: Good for her
Sashings: Not a real vampire I hope???
D’Ville: Heavens no.
Sashings: Do I have the rest of it straight?
D’Ville: You seem to. It took you an hour to get all of that?
Sashings: Basira got a little too involved in the backstories of the specific characters and I got lost pretty quickly
Ashes: I get very enthusiastic about my main non-work pastime. Sue me
D’Ville: That’s fair
Sashings: So when’s the next concert??
Ashes: We actually have a mini one coming up next weekend, with just the backstory songs
D’Ville: Nastya won’t be able to make that one though
Ashes: Her and Ivy, right?
D’Ville: Oh yes, Ivy too
Ashes: That’s okay, you can meet them later
Sashings: I will look forward to it!
PRIVATE MESSAGE: 7:11 pm
Ashes: I just had a thought
Sashings: fire away
Ashes: knowing Jonny, he’s going to forget to tell your coworkers about the band unless you prompt him
Ashes: How about you don’t do that
Ashes: and you just bring them to the concert as a surprise?
Sashings: I’m sold
Sashings: This is going to be chaos
Ashes: I can’t wait
Notes:
Still blown away by the love, guys. Thanks
Chapter 23: Sasha Plots
Notes:
I would like to reiterate that I have fictionalized all the band members of the Mechanisms. The band is full of real people with real talent and real lives and they're not part of this universe. That is all
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT, Monday 3:52 pm
Bosslady has added Dracula and COWS to the chat
Dracula: whoa Sasha made a group chat without somebody in the office?? [eyes emoji]
Dracula: what are we plotting
Bosslady: quick on the uptake as ever, I see!
Bosslady: Are you two doing anything this weekend?
COWS: I was going to go to a poetry reading but I’d rather hang out with other people to be honest
Dracula: There’s plotting in the works. All other things are cancelled
Dracula: What are we doing?
Bosslady: Its a surprise :)
COWS: And why is this a secret from Jon? Is there a reason he isn’t invited?
Bosslady: Basira Hussain (cop lady, Jon’s friend) has invited the three of us to a concert this coming Friday. Jon will be there with his other friends, but we’re invited as a surprise, so don’t mention it to Jon please
Bosslady: I’m really excited to meet his friends because I’m half convinced they don’t exist. They just seem really wild, you know?
COWS: You haven’t even been in a text exchange with Nikola. You have no idea how wild they are
Bosslady: Exactly! :D
Dracula: Concerts aren’t usually my thing but I’m absolutely down to embarrass Jon, let’s do it!
Dracula: When and where?
Bosslady: 7 pm Friday! I’ll send you the link to the location
Bosslady: [concertdetailslink]
COWS: Oh, and what kind of music is it? If it’s going to be loud I need mental preparation time
Bosslady: It’s folk-inspired concept music. Basira says it can be kind of rowdy. Do you need some earplugs?
COWS: I’ve got some [thumbs up]
Bosslady: Now back to work!
GROUP CHAT: what the HELL sims, Wednesday 10:04 am
4 members
Dracula: So
Dracula: Theoretically speaking
D’Ville: Oh no.
Bosslady: That is never a good conversation starter from you timbo
Dracula: im not that bad!
D’Ville: You are ABSOLUTELY that bad.
Kaladin<3: You’re bad enough to make Jon do all caps, that’s pretty bad
Bosslady: ^^^
Dracula: Rude.
D’Ville: Prove me wrong then.
Dracula: Okay then
Bosslady: oh no
Dracula: Theoretically speaking
Bosslady: @D’Ville you have made a mistake
Dracula: If you could have chosen any of the 14? Entities to end up serving, which would you have chosen?
Dracula: Assuming you absolutely had to choose one
Bosslady: Oh that was not nearly as bad as I thought
Dracula: See? Have some faith in me
Bosslady: never <3
Dracula: -.-
D’Ville: I probably would have ended up with the Eye in any case. I’m just too curious for my own good.
Dracula: That is very true
Dracula: second choice?
D’Ville: The Slaughter.
Kaladin<3: ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Dracula: seriously?
Bosslady: is it because of the evil music?
D’Ville: It is absolutely because of the evil music.
D’Ville: More entities should be inclusive of the harmonica.
Dracula: ALKSLDFKLSAD;
Dracula: Alrighty then! Anyone else? @Kaladin<3?
Kaladin<3: I was probably a pretty good candidate for the Lonely before I became good friends with all of you! Wouldn’t ever choose it though. None of them really call to me tbh
Bosslady: Martin’s vibes are too pure for fear entities
Dracula: Amen to that
D’Ville: Absolutely.
Bosslady: I’d probably put you as Web though @Kaladin<3
Kaladin<3: Really?
Bosslady: You’re smarter than you let on and from what you’ve said of your past, you’ve had to learn to manipulate to survive. You’re good at it now. I don’t think it would claim you because you have done it out of necessity rather than desire, but you’ve got the skills
Bosslady: I don’t mean that in a negative way, you did what you needed to to make it out of that situation
Kaladin<3: I guess that makes sense
Kaladin<3: I do love spiders!
D’Ville: To each their own.
Dracula: Your turn @Bosslady
Bosslady: I’m very eye myself! I like the Spiral though. I think we’d vibe
Dracula: Funky colors?
Bosslady: Funky colors!
Bosslady: Alright @Dracula your turn!
Dracula: I think I’d be the End. So much in life feels inevitable. Danny is gone. I am here. I am stuck in a job that I cannot escape, and I have friends I would not have necessarily sought out but came to anyway. Someday I will die. It’s all inevitable and I think I’m coming to peace with that
Dracula: To reword it feels like I would be here in this Archive in any version of the timeline and there’s something inevitable about that. And that’s End shit
Bosslady: Interesting
Bosslady: I would have pegged you for Vast
Dracula: Really? Why?
Bosslady: Infinite Kayaking.
Dracula: INFINITE KAYAKING
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, Friday 4:45 pm
9 members
Nastya: Best of luck with the concert tonight everybody! Hope it goes well!
Marius: Same to you! Hope your stuff goes well too!
Nastya: You can’t remember what it is, can you.
Marius: No [crying emoji] but I support you anyway!
Nastya: <3 <3 <3
Ivy: Good luck from me as well!
Marius: Good luck on the exams tomorrow!!
Nastya: Oh, so you remember Ivy, but not me, your fellow strings player?
Nastya: I’m wounded! </3
Nastya: jk Marius I’m not mad, play well tonight :) I’ll see you all in a few weeks
Marius: In a few weeks???
D’Ville: She’s visiting family in Russia.
Marius: IM SO DUMB I KNEW THAT HAVE FUN NASTYA LOVE YA
Nastya: Love you too dumbass <3
D’Ville: The rest of you lot need to be there by 5:30, don’t forget. I don’t have Nastya here to help me with the wires and I’m not technologically proficient enough to get this all set up alone yet.
Brian: omw
Raphaella: Be there soon!
GROUP CHAT: the surprise squad,, 6:15 pm
3 members
Cows: I’m here! Where are we sitting?
SalsaSash: I’m not sure. Basira said somebody named Georgie would be holding seats for us.
Cows: Oh, I know Georgie! One sec
6:18 pm
Cows: Okay we are on the left side when you guys get here
KayaKing: Be there in about 2 min!
SalsaSash: I’m 5 min out with chips for all of us!
Cows: You’re the best
6:21 pm
KayaKing: I can’t find you??
Cows: look to your left, I have been waving for 30 seconds
6:25 pm
SalsaSash: I can’t find you and there’s a lot of people here!
Cows: Wait by the door. I’m coming
GROUP CHAT: concert squad, 6:45 pm
Cows has added 3 members to the group
Cows: Between the noise and the earplugs I cannot hear a single thing, can we move the conversation here?
WTGeorgie: Absolutely!
KayaKing: Sure thing Marto!
SalsaSash: Great idea, I was having a hard time too
Cows: Sasha, didn’t you say Jon would be here with his other friends? I’ve been watching for them but haven’t seen anyone yet.
WTGeorgie: Oh, they’re here! You’ll see them in a bit
KayaKing: I gotta say this isn’t boding well for the “his friends aren’t real” theory that’s been passed around
Cows: Nobody could pretend to be as strange as Nikola obviously is just over text
WTGeorgie: Amen to that! Love her though
SalsaSash: I’m very excited :D
WTGeorgie: Me too :D
WTGeorgie: Did you grab any drinks? These chips are salty
SalsaSash: I didn’t :/
KayaKing: I’ll get some from the bar
WTGeorgie: Thank you King
6:58 pm
SalsaSash: Stop flirting with the bartender and get back over here, there’s just 2 minutes til the show starts
Cows: And I still haven’t seen Jon
SalsaSash: You will, don’t worry Marto
Cows: If you say so
7:01 pm
KayaKing: Is that?
Cows: ?!?!?!?!?!?!?
WTGeorgie: Lmao they’re having sound issues again, I’m guessing Jonny had to set up
Cows: HOLY SHIT IS THAT BASIRA
WTGeorgie: I’m so glad I got those faces on camera
WTGeorgie: flabbergasted.pic [Tim and Martin sitting at a table. Tim is leaning back in his chair, about to fall over. Martin looks like he has just choked on a glass of water. They have equally shocked faces.]
SalsaSash: Basira looks so good! Who is the guitar guy? He’s hot
WTGeorgie: Oh that’s Gunpowder Tim
Cows: “I’m singing a song into the microphone” I love it
WTGeorgie: And that would be Nikola
Cows: really?
KayaKing: What kind of music did you say this was going to be? I wasn’t expecting steampunk outfits!
KayaKing: I also wasn’t expecting Jon to be singing but cool I guess!
SalsaSash: folk-inspired concept music!
WTGeorgie: They’re a band of immortal space pirates! :D
KayaKing: They’re WHAT
Cows: Shh they’re starting
Cows: DID HE JUST SAY D’VILLE
KayaKing: IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW
Notes:
Next chapter will have in-concert and after-concert reactions!
End!Tim is a call to the Road to Damascus series by Renwhit here on AO3! It's very good! Highly recommend!
Chapter 24: The Aftermath
Summary:
And the moment you've all been waiting for...
Notes:
Updating this as a birthday present to myself, whoop whoop
Note: The concert is Revenge of Spaceport Mahon (which can be found on youtube)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
GROUP CHAT: concert squad, 8:02 pm
4 members
SalsaSash: So.
SalsaSash: What did you all think?
WTGeorgie: I am most excited to find out!
KayaKing: That
KayaKing: That was
SalsaSash: Spit it out Timothy
KayaKing: But I have no words left!
SalsaSash: Fair enough I suppose
WTGeorgie: How about you, Martin?
Cows has changed his nickname to MoonKaiser
MoonKaiser: That was incredible!!!
KayaKing has changed his nickname to Gunpowder
WTGeorgie: No, you can't use Gunpowder
WTGeorgie: I'll get you mixed up with the other Tim too easily
Gunpowder: >:(
Gunpowder: Oh wait that explains something actually
WTGeorgie: You're taking too long
WTGeorgie has changed Gunpowder's nickname to TimothyLaCognizi
TimothyLaCognizi: You know what
TimothyLaCognizi: I'll take it
WTGeorgie: Well I'm glad you all liked it
WTGeorgie: I'm going to go help them tear down, and then we are all going to the bar for a round. You all want to come?
TimothyLaCognizi: Absofrickinlutely
SalsaSash: Sure
MoonKaiser: I should probably go home :/
WTGeorgie: Aww :/ well, hope to have you next time!
PRIVATE MESSAGE: 8:05 pm
TimothyLaCognizi: Everything okay, Marto? You don't have to go if you don't want to
MoonKaiser: I'll be alright
MoonKaiser: I'd really like to go
MoonKaiser: But I've had as much noise and people as I can take in a night
MoonKaiser: As much as I would really like to stay, it probably wouldn't end well, earplugs or not
TimothyLaCognizi: Noted
MoonKaiser: Give Jon my regards
TimothyLaCognizi: Just regards? ;)
MoonKaiser: TIMOTHY STOKER
GROUP CHAT: The Aurora, 8:10 pm
9 members
Nastya: So, how did it go?
Marius: Excellently, actually!
Nastya: So Operation Coworkers was a success?
D'Ville: WAS I THE ONLY ONE WHO DIDN'T KNOW THEY WERE COMING??
GPTim: Yeah, pretty much
GPTim: Basira arranged it
D'Ville: Hey @Ashes!
Ashes: Yeah?
D'Ville: Thank you.
Ashes: You're welcome
Marius: [confusedblinkgif]
D'Ville: Were you expecting a different reaction?
Marius: Yes, actually
Marius: You've been so adamant about not telling them about us even though you consider them friends and talk about them a lot
Marius: Basira passed on why, of course, once she knew
Marius: But I figured you would want to tell them yourself
D'Ville: Well, you're right.
D'Ville: I did want to tell them myself.
D'Ville: I actually intended to invite them to this concert.
D'Ville: But how do you just bring that up in conversation?
D'Ville: "By the way, we've been friends for like 4 years, and all that time I've secretly been in a band I didn't want to tell you about. Can you come to our concert this Friday?"
Ashes: You do it just like that, dumbass
D'Ville: Fair enough.
D'Ville: But this was admittedly more epic.
Drumbot: Nastya, you should have seen their faces!
Nastya: Oh, I did
Ivy: Georgie sent us a picture
Ashes: I'm going to need a copy of that
Ashes: For non-blackmail related reasons, I swear
PRIVATE MESSAGE: 9:25 pm
D'Ville: Martin
MoonKaiser: Hi Jon
MoonKaiser: The concert was excellent by the way
D'Ville: Thank you.
D'Ville: I was a little worried you wouldn't like it.
D'Ville: Steampunk folk music isn't for everyone.
MoonKaiser: I liked it a lot!
MoonKaiser: The venue was a little loud for my taste but the storytelling was excellent
MoonKaiser: and your voice is even better!
D'Ville: Thank you, Martin. That's very kind.
MoonKaiser: I had a question actually
MoonKaiser: Would you like to go to dinner with me tomorrow?
MoonKaiser: As an actual proper date this time
MoonKaiser: I want to hear all the band
MoonKaiser: All the stuff I probably missed out on at the party tonight
D'Ville: ...
D'Ville: I would love that, Martin
D'Ville: See you tomorrow?
MoonKaiser: See you tomorrow :)
Notes:
You may have noticed from the chapter count, but I am tentatively closing this fic. It's been a fun journey, but I feel like I've told the story I wanted to. If I ever have fun bits I want to add, I will, but at the current moment it doesn't seem likely. I started writing this fic because I desperately needed it, and it did its job. The love was a surprise. Thank you all so much for the comments, the kudos, and the love.
If you're interested in it, I'm currently working on a Stormlight Archives/Mechanisms crossover that updates on Saturdays. It's going to be a long one, folks, but I'm very excited about it.
As always, you can come give me a holler over on tumblr at rosie-with-knives. Thanks everyone

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