what am I seeing?

Is that a couple of bungee cords wrapped around the rifle and scope?

https://archive.is/3mjmy

Is that a couple of bungee cords wrapped around the rifle and scope?

https://archive.is/3mjmy

Could be. Looks like rubber straps but any hooks are on the opposite side.

Terry

The tube taped to the eyepiece looks silly, too.

Or maybe large zip ties holding the scope on. Highly unlikely it's solid enough for a reliable zero.