"Thank you for joining us. Here it is, your moment of zen!" By uttering these words Jon signals for his staff to play the last video clip before going off air. Another day another episode.
Jon could still hear the screams of his fans as he made his way backstage; weaving his way through a gauntlet of staff workers, occasionally receiving a thumbs up or someone saying "good job." After a few seconds of navigating Jon finally found his way to his office where he liked to go after each show to mentally unwind. His version of a cool down lap.
No sooner did he collapse in his hair did someone knock on his door and ask to come in. Usually no one would do such a thing as it was an unwritten rule that after a show no is to disturb Jon for awhile, but in this case Jon made an exception.
"Yes Selina; doors open." Jon yelled, sitting up in chair and buttoning up his coat to hid his protruding stomach.
A woman walked in wearing mostly black. Her dark brown hair held tightly back in a professional looking bun which complimented her glasses and Pantsuit. This was her usual ensemble with the only thing missing being her diamond necklace. The woman was Selina Jenson, the backstage manager and Jon's personal assistant.
"The show went very well today. The crowd especially took a liking to your Romney impersonation." She said, her gaze never leaving the clipboard she usually had with her.
"Thanks Selina," Jon responded as he took out his trusty list of names. "Could you please tell the tech guys to do something about the soundboard. The dramatic 'dun dun dun' sound effect came in kinda late."
"Of course, Sir." She said, still looking at her clipboard. "I'll make a note of that and have it fixed by tomorrow."
Jon was about tell her to call him 'Jon' instead of 'sir,' as it made him feel old. He didn't however as it would have been pointless; he'd asked her to do so many times before but she never did. It was just they was she was, always professional all the time. Jon didn't complain though, she was a great assistant. She was 20 years his junior and already she knew the ins and outs of the entertainment business almost as much as him.
As she jotted down anther note in on her clipboard she noticed the list of names on his desk. At first she thought nothing of it but her curiosity was peaked once she recognized a name or two.
"So that's the famous list I've heard so much about." She said. "Can I have a look?"
Jon, at the behest of Celestia (And even his own bosses) made sure to keep the details of how they did business a secret. Many people were trying to figure out how Jon was communicating with the people of Equestria in an attempt to do the same themselves. But in this case he figured letting his assistant look at the list was no big deal.
"No problem," Jon said, handing her the list. "I'll give you a five bucks if you can find a name that doesn't sound like a Crayon color." She looked at the list and read some of Jon's notes, which either described a pony or in some cases were reminders to get more information.
"So these are the people that everyone wants to get their hands on," she finally said, as she switched to another page. "It's incredible...an entirely different world out there at your fingertips."
"Your making it sound more extravagant than it actually is." Jon said.
"Am I?" Selina retorted. "Tell me, when was the last time someone else got the chance to interview a talking mythical creature of legend?"
Jon didn't answer, he instead just sat there massaging his head and did his best to not sound tired.
"I swear: Dragons, talking ponies, Pegasus...it's all so unreal." She said, putting the list back down. "So. Still not going to tell me how you manage to do all this?"
"Do what?" Jon said with a gin. "Manage an award winning show on television? I have this assistant who helps me. You should meet her, she's great. Knows how to brew up kick ass cup of coffee too." She didn't respond she just gave him a nod and began to walk out of the office.
"Who should I choose next?" Jon said. Selina stopped in her tracks halfway out the door and turned to Jon, her expression still the same.
"What do you mean sir?" She said.
"Common Selina you've worked here for almost 10 years," he said, picking up the list of names. "And in that time I've learned two things about you. One; you always have an opinion about something. And two; your opinion is usually right."
Jon placed the list of name on his desk facing Selina and sat up in his chair.
"You've seen the list and you've read my notes," Jon said, extending his hand. "If you're as good as an assistant as I think you are then you already know who should be on the show next...so who should I choose?"
With that Selina closed the door and made her way to Jon's desk. She flipped to one of the pages and extended her finger outward, placing her perfectly manicured nail on a name.
"Octavia. Next to her name you wrote 'Sophisticated musician,'" she said with a smile, turning around once again making her way for the exit. "....sometimes I feel that this show could use some class."
Later that day:
This time around Jon didn't head home at his usual time but instead stayed in his office a little longer. He was finishing up some paperwork but more important he stayed longer to make sure he was alone. After a few hours of paperwork he walked out of his office and into the area that had the other rooms and cubicles; he wanted to make sure no one else was around. The coast was clear.
Jon proceeded to pull out his phone and dial the number that he had dialed many times before; each time bringing something new and exiting his way.
"Hello Jon," Celestia said from the other line. "How can I help my favorite human today?"
"Well for starters you can tell who your second favorite human is," he responded. "I want to find him and rub it in his face."
"Oh my," Celestia said with a chuckle. "Someones in a good mood today."
"Eh what can I say," Jon said with a shrug. "I've gone the entire day without someone calling me an 'asshole' so I must be doing something right. But hey now that I have your attention...I was wondering if you could help me with out something."
"Certainly Jon." She said. "Is this regarding having someone on your show."
"Why yes It is! You just...you just get me." He said jokingly, walking up and down the now empty hallway. "I've decided who I want to appear on my show for tomorrow."
"That's great," She responded. "Just tell me who you wish interview and I'll have a talk with them."
"Thanks! The pony this time around is one, Octavia." Jon said taking a moment to reflect on how good and loyal a friend Celestia turned out to be. She was truly someone he could always count on for help.
"Oh...well I'm afraid I can't ask that particular pony." Celestia said. Jon took a moment to reflect on previous reflection.
"So when you say I'm your favorite human..." He said.
"Please hear me out," Celestia continued. "This particular pony is actually busy at the moment. I don't know if you recall but she is actually a well renowned musician in her field." Jon could vaguely remember a past conversation with Celestia in where she mentions a Pony who was a musician. Hence the phrase he put next to her name: 'Sophisticated musician.'
"You see the thing is at this moment she's in the middle of something important," she continued. "And I'm afraid it wouldn't be very proper of me to summon her right in the middle of personal affairs."
"Yeah I guess you're right." Jon said. He had to admit that what she was saying made sense; he wanted to have a noteworthy guest on his show but not if it meant inconveniencing them. Jon almost gave up on the idea but just as he did he realized that there was actually a second option.
"But hey what about this," He continued. "You can't pull her away at the moment and I understand that but...but what if you teleport me to her and I'll ask her myself after she's done with her whatever it is she's doing? That way I'll be sure to approach her when it's the most convenient, I'll get my guest, and you don't have to get your hooves dirty." Jon felt proud that he remembered to use the term 'hooves' instead of 'hands.'
"Well I don't see the harm in that," Celestia replied sounding amused. "Alright consider it done. If you have trouble finding her remember to look for a pink bow tie. Oh and one last thing. Don't be offended if she comes off as spiteful...deep down she's actually a very sweet pony."
Jon nodded and stood up readying himself for the incoming magic. He was still in the suit he wore that day so he didn't feel he needed a change of wardrobe, but at the same time he underestimated the exquisiteness of his soon to be location, as evident by him unwilling to pull back up his tie or button up his jacket.
"Alright!" Jon said. "I'm ready!"
Intermission: Jon goes to a concert
After closing his eyes and waiting a few seconds Jon could feel a change in atmosphere as he was slingshotted from his world to another. He still had his eyes closed but he could still sense that he was in a new location. The first thing that grabbed Jon's attention about his new settings was the difference in what he could hear. The silent ambiance of his deserted office was not replaced with the sound of muffled voices coming from somewhere nearby.
Jon opened his eyes to find himself inside an empty room with lockers on one side and mirrors on the other. On the floor was the occasional article of clothing or suitcase designed to hold whatever given item one might have. Jon had been a comedian for many years now and knew exactly what all this meant. He was in a dressing room.
Across from him he saw a door where the muffled voices could be heard. He was about to make his way there when he heard another sound, this time from behind him. He spun around only to realize that he actually wasn't alone.
Behind him in a chair was a blue stallion, with light blue hair, who was about half way dressed in a tuxedo. His cutie mark seemed to be music notes and his ever present horn was activated as he was trying to put away his violin. Jon couldn't help but notice the the ponies face which had an expression surprise and fear, but more importunately he noticed that pony was in fact male and bore no pink bow tie.
"Oh uh...sorry," Jon said making his way to the door. He was about to exit when he turned back for a second. "Oh and by the way...your fly is open." With that Jon was out of the room and into a crowded hallway leaving the terrified unicorn alone once again.
Jon now found himself in a new location, a narrow hallway crowded with all matter of ponies. Some looking like musicians and others looking like what appeared to be stagehands. Almost all at once the ponies stopped and gawked at Jon's towering presence; some dumbfounded by this strange species' sudden appearance and some even star stuck.
"Hey how you doing?" Jon said, waving his hand at the many eyes now fixated on him. With the sea of ponies coming to a standstill Jon could hear something in the distance. It was the sound of music.
"Excuse me." He said as he made his way down the hallway, following the music and capturing the attention of more ponies as he did.
As he progressed through room after room the music started to get louder and louder to the point where Jon could clearly identify that it was classical music. Usually someone would have stopped Jon from going any further as he was heading towards the main stage but in this case everyone present was too shocked to do anything about it.
Eventually he found his way to the source of the music. Jon was now just outside of what appeared to be the main stage of a music hall. In front of him were dozens of ponies, each wielding a different type of instrument and facing an audience of hundreds.
Unknown to Jon at the time Celestia had teleported him to the famed Canterlot Concert Hall located right under her castle. Even though it was a music hall it was located outside as opposed to inside a building. Columns supported the structure and the walls looked to be made of ivory and gold with the floor constructed of pure redwood (The entire hall itself was located at the edge of a forest. The same forest which was used to make said floors). In addition the stage itself was massive with the orchestra only filling up a small fraction of it, which to Jon meant it served multiple functions besides music concerts.
At the time of his visit Canterlot was having a concert in celebration of the annual Summer solstice. Anyone could attend, and its strategic location meant that anyone in the castle could hear its music.
"Wow. I guess she really was in the middle of something important." Jon thought as he buttoned up his jacket and straightened out his tie.
As Jon glanced over the ponies producing the lovely music he had a difficult time finding Octavia. It was dark outside but the expert lighting made it so you could see everyone on stage (Though the people in the audience were almost completely invisible to those on stage). What made it hard for Jon to locate her was the many unicorn horns that were alight with magic, each being used to control whatever given instrument was playing.
But one pony eventually stood out to Jon and for two main reason. For one she was located at the front of the orchestra almost to the point where it looked as if she was the main attraction. But what Jon found most interesting was, as far he could tell, she was the only Earthpony present as displayed by her playing a cello with her hooves.
As Jon continued to look onward at the gray Earthpony, with an even darker gray mane, he saw that this she also had around her neck a loose collar complete with a pink bow tie.
"Hey," Jon said, turning to an aging white unicorn who even Jon's presence couldn't tear his eyes from the performance. "That Gray pony upfront...is that Octavia?" The unicorn turned to Jon to give him a quizzical look then swiftly went back to watching the show.
"Yes, yes, yes," He said waving his hoof at Jon. "Now be quiet! The show, she is almost complete!"
Jon followed his orders and watched as the symphony neared it's completion. He had to admit going to Equestria on business had its perks. This being one of them.
The music he was listening to was probably the most hauntingly beautiful thing he's ever heard. Jon had a soft spots for the arts and had even watched the New York philharmonic Orchestra once or twice in his life but this...was something else.
A few minutes had passed and the final note was struck. Every pony in attendance stood up in applause as the musicians on stage took a bow. After awhile of cheering and applauding the orchestra split down the middle and began exiting the stage either to their left or right. Jon saw this and decided to head back in the hallway and wait for Octavia as to not cause a scene.
This proved to be only somewhat effective as one by one each pony stopped in their tracks at the eventual sight of Jon. This caused something of a traffic jam in that narrow hallway as no one dared to move any further. Like the hallway was a circulatory system and Jon had just caused an artery block to the heart.
Before anyone could say anything the crowd began to move aside as a lone figure began to walk through. It was Octavia who did not say a word, she just kept on walking. Eventually she made her way to the front of the crowd where Jon was. She briefly looked up at him and for a split second almost stopped in her tracks but then continued onward.
"Hi there," Jon said extending his hand. "I was wondering if I could have a moment of--"
Before Jon could finish his sentence Octavia walked passed him without even saying a single word, much to the surprise of her fellow musicians who at this point were already whispering rumors. Jon did not see that coming at all and for a brief moment just stood there hand outstretched.
Down but not out he turned around and did his best to follow her through the crowded hallway.
"Excuse me!" Jon shouted out, trying to get the attention of Octavia.
She was a few feet ahead and could easily hear him but chose not to respond. Her stride never broke as she effortlessly walked in and out of the incoming wave of ponies, occasionally receiving a fleeting compliment.
"Could I please have a moment of your time!?" Jon shouted once more, slowly closing the gap between them. Eventually Octavia made it to a room designated "Dressing Room." She opened the door and was about to enter when Jon finally caught up, making it that much more difficult to ignore him.
"Hey wait a second!" Jon said as he tried to catch his breath. "Hi...sorry but I was wondering if I could talk to you for a second? You may not know me but my name is--"
"Jon Stewart." Octavia said, her hoof still on the half opened door and her eyes looking forward.
Jon wasn't sure if her knowing of who he is was a good or bad thing.
"Yes, I am well fully aware of who you are. I hear you have a fondness of popping up in random places." She continued. "You've made quite an impact here in Equestria"
"Oh, well I suppose I have." He said, with an awkward smile. "If you've heard of me then I'm assuming you know about...what I do?"
"If you are referring to your television show then yes I am aware of your profession." Octavia said, continuing to avoid eye contact.
"Well then in that case I was wondering," Jon said with a pause. "Would you like to be interviewed on my show tomorrow?"
Octavia opened the door to the dressing room and walked halfway in placing her cello on the ground. She turned to face Jon and for the first time looked him in the eye.
"No." She said, closing the door in his face. Jon was at a loss for words.
"O-o-oh well I..." He said, raising his voice so she could hear him. "Well what about at a later time when you're not--"
The audible sound of Octavia locking the door cut Jon off mid sentence leaving him standing there alone.
"You sure do know how to pick em, Selina." Jon said to himself with a sigh.
Later that night:
Jon was now back home in his study calculating his next move. He could either call Celestia to try and get someone else on the show or use a back up filler in the mean time. Jon was determined however to get an Equestrian citizen to come on so he spent the better part of his night looking over the list of names again.
"Maybe this was a blessing in disguise." Jon thought to himself, feeling as though he dodged a bullet. "I mean she sure didn't seem like the life of the party. I can only imagine what she'd be like on national television."
Jon was no stranger to people refusing to come on his show so this wasn't that big a blow to his ego. In the past he's had both high and low profile figures reject his invitations, usually because of scheduling or a lack of interest. Though he had to admit getting reject in person didn't feel very good.
As Jon looked over the list again he picked up his phone, ready to call Celestia when something unexpected and frightening happened. Jon leaped from his chair with a look of shock on his face at the sight of green fire bursting in front of him. He held himself as the green flame vanished into thin air as quickly as it appeared, leaving behind only a single 8x11 note.
"Spike?" Jon thought to himself as he slowly approached his desk reaching out where the note now laid. Jon would have been more hesitant about this a few weeks ago but his time in Equestria almost made occurrences like this second nature to him. The note was addressed to him but didn't say who it was from, thought the way it was delivered and the hand writing suggested that Spike had sent it.
Jon opened the letter and began to read it:
Dear Mr. Stewart:
I have changed my mind. I'll be there tomorrow morning.
-Octavia
"You got to be kidding me." Jon thought to himself.
At first Jon thought about rejecting her reconsideration and call Celestia to get someone else. The more he thought about it the more it seemed like a good idea, after all Jon was certain that someone like her wouldn't be a very likeable guest to have. He was about half way through dialing Celestia when he remembered what she had told him before...about how Octavia can seem off putting but was actually kindhearted.
Jon decided to let cooler head prevail as he put down the phone and made a mental note to call Selina and confirm the intended arrival of his new guest. As Jon made his way to his room to go to sleep a thought popped in his head.
What made Octavia change her mind?
It was something that Jon was determined to ask her himself tomorrow.
Interview: Please welcome to the show Octavia
The Daily Show Interview transcript archive:
Series: Equestrian interviews
Interviewer: Jon Stewart
Guest: Octavia
Date: ???
Location: Daily Show headquarters
733 11th Avenue Manhattan, NY 10019
THIS IS THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART
As one more commercial comes and goes the audience in attendance begin to cheer at the sight of the 'Daily Show logo' appearing on screen and vanishing. This signaled the shows return from it's last segment which ultimately meant it was time for Jon to conduct yet another interview.
The camera did its usual pan over to Jon who could be seen looking into the camera and swiveling back and forth in his chair. As the camera came in closer he began to wave at his audience before eventually looking back at the camera, ready to speak.
"Welcome back to 'The Daily Show', my guest tonight!" Jon said, cracking his neck. "She is a musician, whose achievements have made her renowned all over Equestria as one of the best cellist ever in her field. Please welcome to the show, Octavia!"
The crowd could hardly contain their excitement as the new Equestrian guest made her way on the stage. The last time Jon saw her was in the dark hallway of the Canterlot Concert Hall, so this was was his first time seeing her up close and in better lighting. It was at this point that he noticed for the first time her cutie mark, which was with a purple music note matching her eye color. This made sense to him as she was a musician.
As she made her way to the desk it looked as if she wasn't going to even look at the audience, who were cheering for her. Eventually, as she got closer to Jon, she acknowledged their existence by looking at them though she didn't wave or smile.
When she arrived at the desk Jon met her by shaking her hoof and offering her a seat which she gladly took, though it was hard to tell how appreciative she was towards the gesture.
Jon, now satisfied, sat in his chair and waited for the crowd's cheers to decrease in volume before starting. Before that happened however Jon was surprised to see a stagehand run up behind Octavia and place a new mug of water in front of her then dash off again backstage.
He would have asked what he was doing but he came and went too quickly and it would have been impossible for him to hear Jon over the roar of the crowd.
His curiously took a temporary back seat due to the crowd's cheering slowly coming to a stop.
"Welcome to the show Octavia great to have you here!" Jon said, adjusting himself in his chair.
"Thank you for having me Mr. Stewart," Octavia said. "It was most generous of you to ask me to attend." He actually got a thank you. Jon wondered if this was the same Octavia from last night.
"It's no problem at all, and please call me 'Jon,'" He said. "Now whats...whats interesting is that you almost--"
Jon stopped mid sentence to see Octavia reach below her and grab something delicately in her hoof. It was a tea bag which she suspended over her mug of water. Jon now understood what the stagehand had given her. She requested hot water.
Before she could submerge the pouch of tea-leaves in her drink she noticed Jon looking at her.
"Oh. Do you mind?" She asked.
"Not at all." Jon said, motioning for her to continue. He could already tell this interview would be different.
"So as I was saying," Jon continued. "What's interesting is that you almost didn't...appear on today's show. You had originally uh-- rejected my offer."
"That is correct." Octavia said, but not before once again dipping the tea bag in her mug.
"So I guess what I'm asking is...wha--why did you decide to come on the show after all?" Jon asked, his question hanging in the air for a second. His inquiry seemed to have resonated with Octavia as her attention was torn away from her tea to Jon. This didn't last long as she once again focused on her beverage.
"Let's just say I had a change of heart." She said, taking a sip of her now ready tea.
"Oh I see." Jon said tapping his pen against his desk, not believing a word of it. He didn't want to press the issue to much so he let it slide making a mental note to come back to it later.
"Well either way I'm glad you could make it!" Jon said sincerely. "And hey! Now you get to see me in my natural habitat."
"I suppose that's true." Octavia said, taking another sip of her tea.
"Yeah for those of you who don't know, when I uh-- When I first approached Octavia here she was in the middle of a symphony." Jon said leaning towards the camera and then back to Octavia. "And may I just say this: That was without a doubt the best performance I had ever seen. You were great!"
Usually she would have thought the compliment was just a hollow attempt to butter her up. But as Octavia looked up from her drink into Jon's eyes she could see that his words were authentic.
"Oh well...thank you very much." She said, nervously brushing back her chair. "I rather appreciate hearing that. Oh and...I apologize for acting so cold towards the last time we exchanged words."
"Ah fogettaboutit!" Jon said, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Trust me as a comedian in New York I've experienced worse rejections." Octavia was now paying more attention to Jon.
"Thank you for understanding," She said. "It's just that I don't like being bothered right after a major performance. I'm sure someone like you could understand that." Jon knew all to well what she was saying.
"And hey, at least I didn't get teleported to uh-- right in the middle of the stage." Jon added. The thought of this happening caused Octavia to cringe in her place. She took a sip of her tea to help remedy the feeling.
"I suppose if that were to happen you would have asked the audience in attendance if they wanted to see me on T.V. like you did with dear Ms. Cheerilee." She said, looking at Jon was serious eyes.
Jon was surprised; he was not expecting her to make references to previous shows of his.
"Oh well, well, well." Jon said, stroking his chin. "If I didn't know any better I would say it sounded as if you're a fan of the show."
Octavia was about to take another drink when the question stopped her mid sip.
"Well if you must know," She said, putting down her drink. "I am somewhat familiar with your show--"
"Oh really." Jon interrupted, his eyes now widened. "So you do watch the show?"
"No I'm afraid I don't. I'm just familiar with how it works." Octavia said, causing Jon to jokingly put his closed fist to his chest as if he was stabbed in the heart.
"Like I said before, a lot of people in Equestria know of you," she continued. "And as such I know how you conduct yourself on this show. This is actually one of the reasons why I refused to attend at first."
"What do you mean?" Jon asked, wondering if he was finally going to get her to open up more.
"Well its like this Mr. Stewart. I know that you and your correspondence have a real talent for inviting people on the program and making them look like fools." Octavia answered, while the audience gave a slight chuckle. "Say for example one your colleagues got the chance to interview a politician, or celebrity...they would know exactly what to say to make them sound like simpletons."
"What can I say." Jon said with a proud shrug. "They were taught by the best."
"Exactly my point." Octavia continued, sounding defensive. "And from what I understand you yourself enjoy a good fond ribbing of your guests as well. Now, I understand you do so playfully and with no ill tidings but you'll forgive me if I wasn't entirety thrilled with the idea of being mocked on television."
Jon was beginning to understand Octavia a little bit more.
"Well...i-if it'll make you feel better how bout I promise not not make any jokes at your expense?" Jon asked, extending his hand.
Octavia wanted to respond indifferently towards his proposal but in truth she was very thankful for his willingness to compromise with her. Though she tried her hardest to not telegraph these feelings.
"I...I would appreciate that." She said, shaking his hand and effortlessly holding back a smile.
"Well alright then!" Jon said with a smile as picked up his notes. "No cheap shots."
Jon waited a few seconds before taking the top three pages of his notes and crumpling them up. He then proceeded to throw them over his shoulder with a look of fake disappointment. This caused the audience to laugh hysterically and while Octavia herself found it humorous she wondered if perhaps those really were jokes aimed at her.
"Were those really all jokes about me?" She asked.
"So-- oh no I mostly just play hangman on those things." He responded.
Octavia still couldn't tell how genuine Jon was being.
"So Octavia," Jon continued. "You are a musician back in Equestria, am I right?"
"Indeed you are Mr. Stewart," she answered. "I am a cellist for the Royal Canterlot Symphony."
"Now...your not just any cellist, you have quite an impressive resume." He said looking over his notes very briefly. "According to my research: You graduated top of your class at the Canterlot University of music, you were hand picked by Celestia to be the first-chair cellist for the Royal Canterlot Symphony, you're the youngest pony to ever win the Equestrian peace price in the art of music, and the only pony to ever be a member of both the Royal Symphony and Canterlot philharmonic orchestra at the same time. Now--"
Before Jon could go any further he was cut off by the sound of the audience applauding at Octavia. She didn't respond to them as she was very much used to hearing this sound.
"Now I gotta say that is all very, very impressive." Jon said. Octavia took this time to take another sip of her tea.
"Thank you Mr. Stewart," She responded. "I suppose it is but I can always do better." Jon couldn't help but laugh at her tone.
"So you spend most of your time in Canterlot then?" Jon asked
"Well yes I do," she answered. "Although I do travel a lot to attend performances but for the most part...yes I primarily conduct myself within the walls of Canterlot."
"So what's it like living in a city like Canterlot?" Jon asked. "Do you feel that the environment...helps you fulfill yourself artistically?" Octavia took a moment to respond as she was in the middle of swallowing down a gulp of tea.
"I actually don't live in Canterlot," she answered. "It's too expensive to live in the city so I commute there from Ponyville."
"Oh I had no idea." Jon retorted
"Yes, the rent there is much less expensive," she added. "Especially when you have someone who helps you out." Jon understood what she meant but for some reason thought it'd be good to press the issue a little bit further.
"Oh so you live with someone?" Jon asked. Octavia took a moment to respond. She was clearly thinking of what to say next.
"Yes...yes I do," She replied. "A roommate as a matter a fact, we split the rent evenly between us"
"Is this roommate of yours also a musician? He continued.
"You could say that," Octavia said quietly. "She does her own thing and I do mine."
Jon couldn't help but feel she was avoiding the question somewhat but in the end decided to steer the interview in a new direction.
"So what inspired you to be a musician?" Jon asked, "Was it listening to the famous works of artists like...uh, Beethoven, Mozart, or Bach? Or ya know, something like that?" Octavia was about to answer but before she could she felt lost over something he had just said.
"I'm sorry Mr. Stewart," she said, looking skeptical. "But I'm afraid I haven't the faintest idea who those people are." Jon shook is head as if to try and clear his thoughts.
"Really!?" He said. "You've never heard of them?"
Jon knew that her being from a different world would bring with it a certain degree of ignorance but a classical musician now knowing about someone like Beethoven just seemed inconceivable.
"No. But I can infer that they, much like myself, are musicians in the art of classical music." She said, once again picking up her cup of tea.
"Yes, yes they are and-- you know my personal assistant thought something like this might, actually." Jon said, pointing a finger backstage. "So having said that...Octavia would you consider participating in a little experiment with me?"
She was about to take another drink but stopped mid sip to look up at Jon.
"What kind of experiment?" She asked.
"Ok, basically Its like this," Jon said. "I'll have my team backstage play some songs over the speakers. And you, being the gifted musician that you are, will give us your opinion on what you think of them. What do ya say?"
Octavia took a moment to think about it. She looked over at the audience who were cheering her on to do it. The peer pressure proved to great.
"Very well then," she said. "I'll participate in your...'experiment.'"
"Excellent!" Jon said. He turned slightly to his left and began to raise his voice in no particular direction. "Ok Chuck when I give the signal role the first song!" The speakers system turned on and an already put together playlist was waiting in the system like bullets in a revolver's chamber.
"Ok Octavia," Jon continued, looking at his notes once more. "This first piece is from a man called Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and is entitled 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.'"'
Octavia braced herself for what was to come by closing her eyes and tilting her head upwards. The music began to play with everyone but the musical Earthpony recognizing it immediately. She didn't say or do anything, she simply listened to the music which eventually cut off after 30 seconds.
"Magnificent," She finally said, looking back at Jon. "Simply magnificent. The way the music flowed was very sublime." Jon found it odd to hear her talk so expressively like this.
"Glad you liked it," Jon said, signaling chuck to play the next song. "Alright now just as a warning...this next song is a bit more modern than what you're probably used to." Once again she prepared herself by closing her eyes and tilting her head.
"This next one is a personal favorite of mine," He said, "It's a song called 'All you need is love' and its by a very famous group called 'The Beatles."
As the music played some of the audience members could be seen mouthing the words as it played overhead. This time around Jon joined Octavia by closing his eyes too. The soundbite was only 30 seconds long but it was set in just the right place so she could hear the 'All you need is love' portion.
"Hmm, very interesting," She said, now looking at Jon once more. "You were right that wasn't what I'm used to, but I have to admit it was very...compelling. I liked it; especially the orchestra in the background." Jon was so pleased to hear this that he pumped his fist and grabbed her hoof for quick handshake, much to her surprise.
"Alright just two more," Jon said, holding back a devious grin from appearing on his face. "Ok this next one...is very modern. It's a song called "RIGHT IN"
Some of audience members couldn't help but laugh at Jon's plan. At the time Octavia paid them no mind.
"This particular song is composed by a young lad by the name of Skrillex," Jon continued, sitting up in his chair, "A very famous musician of today's youth."
As Jon signaled for the song to play Octavia continued her ritual of closing her eyes and raising her head. Had she not done so she would have noticed Jon using his hands to cover his ears.
The music began to play and immediately it caused Octavia to tense up and sport a look of disgust on her face. The soundbite ended much sooner than the last two and she began to rub her ears as if she was in great pain.
"That...was revolting. Absolutely abysmal" She said, glaring at Jon. "I'm sorry to whoever Skrillex is but that was the most ghastly noise I have ever heard. Please tell me that's not what all music sounds like over here."
Jon chuckled and then proceeded to check his notes for a final time.
"Alright...we--" Jon said trying not to laugh. "This final song is called--" Jon stopped mid sentence at the sight of Octavia looking at him with suspicious eyes. Jon quickly scooted forward and placed a hand on her hoof for comfort.
"No, no, no!" He said vigorously. "I can-- I promise, this next one will be good! I swear! Can...can I play it?"
Octavia took her hoof back and hesitantly allowed him to proceed.
"Thank you!" He continued. "Ok this final piece is called "Für Elise" and was composed by the legendary Ludwig van Beethoven .
She gave Jon a nod and for the last time closed her eyes and held her head skywards. As the music played something different occurred. Even though it was a very small gesture Jon was surprised to see that this time around Octavia started to sway side to side to the rhythm of the music. She even at one point took a deep breath as is she was trying to breath in the melodies.
"So what did you think?" Jon asked after the music had stopped.
"That...was heavenly," she said, her eyes still closed. "I've never heard such wondrous music before. It was simple and yet it contained so much beauty. I could feel the composer's love for the arts engraved in every note. Who did you say composed that?"
"Ludwig van Beethoven." Jon answered, happy to see his guest more at ease.
"Well then before I leave you must give me the sheet music to some of his others works." She said, her eyes now open again.
"Should be easy enough." He said. "Since I won't have to deal with pesky lawyers to get them."
"Ah. I can only assume Mr. Beethoven is no longer around then." Octavia said.
"Afraid not," Jon said. "He passed away many, many years ago."
"How sad." She replied.
"Yeah he's actually one of our worlds most famous musicians," Jon added. "At one point in his career he actually went deaf."
Octavia's eyes shot up at Jon so quickly she almost spilled the remainder of her tea.
"I'm sorry, but did you say he was deaf?" She asked.
"Yeah he was," Jon answered. "But despite all that he still produced music."
"I see," Octavia said, looking at her reflection in her tea which was almost gone. "I can only imagine the amount challenges and hardships he had to endure as an artist because it."
Years of interviewing people gave Jon many skills. One of which was identifying when a guest what ready to open up about something.
"What about you, Octavia?" He asked.
"What do you mean? She responded.
"Have you ever had to overcome any challenges as an artist yourself?" Jon retorted. For the first time she looked like she was at a lose for words. Finally she began to talk once more.
"Well actually yes I have. It may not be as extreme as losing ones sense of hearing but I have." She said. "You see Mr. Stewart, as you can probably observe I am an Earthpony." Jon nodded and continued to listen. This was something he had indeed noticed.
"Well the thing is most musicians, especially those who perform with string instruments, are unicorns." She continued, once again regaining her composure. "It makes it easier to properly operate them when you can do so with magic." Jon was starting understand where she was going with this.
"As for me, well I have to use my own hooves which as you may guess is very difficult." She added.
Thinking back Jon did notice that a large number of ponies at the concert he crashed were unicorns. The more he thought about it the more he realized Octavia was the only Earthpony he saw that day.
"It must have been hard for you be taken seriously by others." Jon said.
"You have no idea," Octavia responded. "Growing up all I wanted to do was to play the cello but I was constantly told by others how impossible it would be for someone like myself."
"With hindsight...being where you are now, do you ever feel like finding those same people and just going: 'What now asshole? How many first chairs do you have?'" Jon asked trying his best to lighten the mood.
"As...tempting as that may sound I would never do that," She answered. "Its not very becoming."
"Now. What would you say did-- helped you to achieve what you have today," Jon asked. "Basically despite everyone saying otherwise...what kept you going."
The question was very straight forward but Octavia still took awhile to respond. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as if what she was about to say were her final words to the world.
"Well Mr. Stewart...I would like to say that I did it all on my own through sheer determination," Octavia said. "But the truth is I had some help...from a very special friend."
"And who would that be?" Jon asked with anticipation. Octavia looked as if she was struggling to put together her next string of sentences.
"Well...I don't know if you recall but remember earlier on how I mention I had a roommate?" She asked.
"Yes, yes I do." Jon answered.
"Well actually she's...more than just a roommate." She added. "She's actually a very close friend of mine. Her name is Vinyl Scratch."
Jon was amazed that he had finally gotten Octavia to open up about something personal. But what amazed him more was that for the first time since the start of the interview (And indeed since they first met) Octavia had smiled; she did so when she said Vinyl's name.
"You see I've known her since we were both little fillies," she continued. "And she was always there by my side, ready to give me a pat on the back when I succeeded or a hug whenever I failed."
"She sounds great." Jon said.
"Oh she is Mr. Stewart, she is. You know at one point in my life I almost dropped out of music school because I couldn't take being teased and laughed at by my classmates...you know for being an Earthpony." Octavia said. "But vinyl talked me out of it the next day. She said she'd never forgive me if I gave up on myself."
"Teased and laughed at, huh." Jon thought to himself. "I can see why she didn't want to come on my show at first."
"Actually, she's also the reason why I'm present on your show today." Octavia said with a smile.
"Oh really!" Jon exclaimed.
"Yes, after our little...encounter I went back to our place and told her what happened," Octavia continued. "She then convinced me reconsider and said she would be cheering me on from back home."
Jon was happy that he had finally gotten Octavia to open up about something, he just didn't know that this certain something just happened to be the most important person in her life.
"Wow...she really does sound like a good friend. It's always nice to have someone you can rely on to help you." Jon said. "You know based on your description of her one could say she's your better half."
The offhanded compliment caused Octavia to blush somewhat but she quickly recovered and fired back with a "compliment" of her own.
"Thank Mr. Stewart. Oh and by the way I would like to recant a previous statement of mine," she said with a grin. "I actually have watched your show before."
"Is that so?" Jon said leaning forward.
"Indeed I have." She said. "Though its usually because I'm just waiting for 'The Colbert Report' to start...you know with Stephen Colbert, your better half."
The crowd laughed at Jon while Octavia sat there looking proud of herself.
"I knew bringing you on the show was a good idea." Jon said, waving his finger and adjusting his suit.
"Which reminds me," Octavia added. "Why did you decide to have me on your show? Especially after how I treated you when we met."
"Well it was actually my assistance's idea," Jon answered. "She saw a little profile I did of you and thought the show could 'use some class.'"
"Well that was certainly a nice gesture," Octavia said. "But if I may comment. I think your show is very 'classy' without me, especially since your last guest."
"Who Ms. Cheerilee?" Jon asked, looking puzzled. He certainly thought she was a stand up woman but to describe her as 'classy' seemed a bit much. Especially compared to Octavia.
"Oh heaven yes Mr. Stewart. I mean I may be a renowned cellist..." She said, taking a second to finish the last drop of tea in her mug. "...but Ms. Cheerilee has class every Monday through Friday."
Jon was certain that hell had just frozen over. Not only did Octavia tell a joke but she managed to make Jon laugh. The entire audience joined Jon in laughter but took it to another level and began to applaud the gifted Earthpony.
"Octavia...it was great having you on the show!" Jon said over the audience. "I wish nothing but the best of luck to you and your future endeavors!
"Thank you, Jon!" She said leaning forward to shake his hand.
"Tell Vinyl I said 'hi.'" He added. "Octavia everyone! We'll be right back."
The crowd stood in tumultuous applause as Jon leaned forward to whisper something in Octavia's ear. As he did the camera slowly panned away just barely missing seeing Jon walk around his desk to pose next to Octavia for any fan to take a picture. The last thing the viewers see is the 'Daily Show logo' flying on the screen only to dash off screen as the program fades into another commercial break.
