[The video switches on in BUR offices -- and look, Randolph is there, sitting hunched over a desk. He looks up from his paperwork, obviously unaware he’s being recorded. And then he lets loose in glorious song

Well, not quite glorious. Actually, he’s a little off key. More than a little. And there’s a distinct note of howling when he hits the high notes. But that’s not important. What matters here is the music and heartfelt song.]

Picture perfect memories scattered all around the floor
Reachin' for the phone 'cause I can't fight it anymore

[Look! The video slides to the side, and a second fills the empty space -- It’s James! He’s moving around his cabin in the Dutchman, evidence of heavy drinking all around. Bottles of alcohol, two empty glasses on the table-- it’s an eighteenth century party! By contrast, his voice is a rich baritone, and unlike some people (ahem) he can actually stay on pitch.]

And I wonder if I ever cross your mind

For me it happens all the time.

It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone, and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call, but I lost all control and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without,
I just need you now

[James moves through the cabin, neatening things up. He comes across the last of a bottle and, with a grim shrug, finishes it off in one swig.]

Another shot of whiskey, can't stop looking at the door
Wishing you'd come sweeping in the way you did before

And I wonder if I ever cross your mind

For me it happens all the time.

It’s a quarter after one, I’m a little drunk, and I need you now
Said I wouldn’t call, but I’ve lost all control and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without,
I just need you now.

[It’s amazing how, despite being in different worlds, they can actually harmonize. Sort of.]

Yes, I’d rather hurt than feel nothing at all

It’s a quarter after one, I’m all alone, and I need you now

And I said I wouldn’t call, but I’m a little drunk, and I need you now

And I don’t know how I can do without
I just need you now.

I just need need you now...

[Dramatic fade to black? You bet your ass.]

[OOC: James, Randolph, Both]

[ the video starts and you see Finn dressed in coveralls, working in Burt's tire shop. The hood of a car is up and he's tinkering with something inside it, until a woman - his mom - walks over holding a brown paper bag ]

Finn, I brought you lunch.

[ he straightens up, turning to her with a smile ] Oh, thanks. [ he ducks his head so she can stretch up and kiss him on the cheek, then tells her to leave the bag on the side near his toolkit. As he cleans the oil from his hands, she tells him that she and Burt won't be home for dinner since Burt has a meeting to discuss his campaign plans ]

But you're okay to close up the shop by yourself, right?

Sure, it's fine.

You are a good boy. It's so great that Burt can rely on you to hold down the fort here while he's busy. I'm so proud of you, sweetie.

[ Finn tries to return her smile, but it definitely looks a little forced. As Carole wanders over to talk to one of the other workers, some music starts playing (who knows how) and Finn starts to sing, watching her with a sad expression ]

Told you I was joining the army, had no excuse
Seemed the right thing to do.
And you called me a fool,
Said I'd come back mean and cruel.
I said I just wanted to make my father proud
Even though he's not around.
Been gone since I was a baby.
I'm still worried what he'd think about me.

Playing the drums just ain't gonna cut it for long.
I mean singing these songs don't compare to what he did over there.
Need to prove I can carry my share,
Take on my own load and bear.
To me it all seems fair.

[ and just like that the strange musical quality of the video stops. Carole waves to Finn, giving no indication that she heard the song, and leaves.

With a small sigh, Finn grabs his lunch and heads to the back office so he can eat ]

[[ regular text is Finn, italics are Carole. Replies will ICly come later, once he's home from work and realizes this got posted! ]]

My, but the community does seem musically inclined, as of late.

[A beat.]

Say you were faced with a time of crisis and danger was inevitably to fall upon you and your companions. The only way to stop it temporarily would be by sacrificing your lives. Would you choose theirs? Or yours? There'd be no way of knowing if the danger would return again, or not, so consider that.

[Izzie's post is audio this time! She's getting a little more lax about the internet safety thing, though she still isn't going to show her face/picture to just anyone]

Am I the only one who's been here a while but still can't believe a lot of the things that happen? Even when I've seen proof?

I'm a child; I'm supposed to have a better imagination than this. It's concerning.

[Pinkie has only being in the community a little while, but it seems she came at the right time! All this singing! She can barely keep the grin off her face as she appears on screen.

Whether she's affected by the event or is just singing because that's what she does is anyone's guess, but an up-beat song emerges.]

♫ All you pretty creatures!
Singing all the while!
It's fun, it's brilliant!
Do you do this all the time?

Is this a party? Do you need balloons?
Or streamers, cakes, confetti?
I can bring them soon!♫

[Well, at least somepony is enjoying herself during this event.]