At 1700 hours, the entire crew of the Outpost assembles on the terrace except for Lieutenant (junior grade) Hightopp, who is manning the Ops Centre. Almost everyone is in mufti, some in bathing suits as they plan to use the hot tub. A few chaise longues are available for those who wish to sun themselves, and a larger number of deck chairs are scattered about. An open grill is set up opposite the hot tub and appetising aromas waft through the air on the slight breeze. Lieutenant Atek stands in the centre of the gathering and addresses the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our inaugural bash. In about half an hour, it will be Stardate 53000.0, the official Federation New Year and the beginning of official operations here at Dyson Base Outpost Three, Dodge City. I would like to welcome our new Runabout crews commanded by Lieutenants MacArthur Anderson and Cassiadora Dul—take a bow. Their crews are Lieutenants (junior grade) Kurasa, Merawdr, Gazzo; and Seingalt, Rai and Ensign Sosal. Welcome all, and dig in!" He raises a glass in toast. The 'afternoon' is sunny and warm with a slight breeze. Numerous fragrant flowers in the planters at the edge of the rooftop terrace add their perfumes to the smell of food.

Cassy will attend the reception dressed in a flowing yet understated grey and white gown.   Her mood... pensive.  It was hardly the best start to her commission but when faced with believed injustice, she was simply not one to stand aside.   For now though, celebration and she'll accept a glass of bubbly and will mingle taking in the 'mood' of those around her and making very sure not to project her own onto others.

The party seems to be going well. Argent is still unsure of the social niceties of humamoids' celebrations, but several people attempt to engage him in conversation. One in particular is theFlight Control officer of the USS Dog River, Lieutenant Brent Leroy. He is a portly, balding Human in his late thirties. Strangely, he wears a pair of lenses over his eyes. Argent has seen these 'spectacles' or 'glasses' before but is uncertain as to their purpose. "Hi, there, ah... Argent? That's an interesting name. In English it means silver,but I notice that your fur is black. Story?" he asks. "Oh, sorry, my name's Brent. Pilot of the Dog River."  At 1726, Atek announces, "One minute until 53000.0 Mr. Hightopp, you may stand by." Several seconds later he says, "Ten... nine... eight..." and so on until he reaches "Three... two... one! Happy New Year!" as a series of brightly coloured firework shoot into the sky, popping loudly and leaving behind a cloud of haze which smells of unburnt black powder.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:00, Wed 17 Aug 2016.

In reply to Cassiadora (msg # 2):

Shione moves around the room "sensing" the moods of the people and greeting those she hasn't met before ,warmly

Upon seeing Cassy she waits til she is alone and approaches "You look lovely Lt.
I guess you decided not to speak with me after all,Hmmnn?"

See PM

Shione speaks with Cassiadora for a minute or so keeping her voice low(or using Telepathy)

She then  rejoins the party moving through the crowd to the bar and sitting alongside Chief Schmidt


"I believe I owe you a drink Chief.
Nice party by the way.
What will you have? I'll have a German Lager" She orders both

After ordering she grins at him I'll let you start with the first story,before giving you one of mine.That sound fair to you Chief?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Wed 17 Aug 2016.

Gian enters the terrace in civilian clothes fit for an outdoorsman. Adjusting the cuffs of his shirt, he orders a 2258 port and finds his crew mates just before Lt. Atek greets him.

Cassy's attire almost makes him do a double take, but her mood makes her look small and fragile. How much of this drama with Shione has affected her fellow Betazoid? A brief flash of concern crosses the engineer's face, but he sets it aside for the moment and begins to mingle with the others.

He finds the Iotian nearby, and heads over to introduce himself. "Mr. Gazzo? Gian Seingalt."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:41, Thu 18 Aug 2016.

Gazzo arrives ahead of schedule 'togged to the bricks' (dressed up). Wearing a fine, velvet suit tailor-made to hide the 'gat' he feels naked without, he saunders up to the bar. A painful experience in his youth has taught Gazzo to always "case" out a joint and whenever possible sit with your back to the wall and observe all exits. Starfleet has dulled this instinct to a degree, but old habits are hard to break.

Never fond of the bland taste of synthehol, Gazzo orders a couple of shots of his favorite 'hooch' kept behind the bar. Observing his fellow officers as they each arrive, he particularly perks up when Cassiadora walks in..."What a fine tomato this dame is", he thinks, "Wonder what me chances are?".

Cassiadora looks in Gazzo's direction as if knowing what he is thinking. A tall, athletic-looking lieutenant walks up to him..." Mr. Gazzo? Giam Seingalt. "

Firmly shaking Seingalt's hand, Gazzo offers him a seat and a shot of his best hooch.." I make
it myself ", he says with a wide grin. "Drink up."

Happy new year?   That certainly wasn't the case and Shione was apparently set on ensuring that any chance Cassy had on enjoying the little party was... lost.   The young woman certainly lacked any sort of control over her emotional side - Vulcan of Betazoid - and it was beginning to grate - more so as she 'has her say' and then leaves Cassy and heads for the bar.

Cassy remains standing there, silently, for a time before slowly drifting towards where Gian had began chatting with Fast Tony.... (Does he actually think this at her?  If so, he may actually receive an answer!)  Then to the two men, "Mind if I join?"

Lieutenant Rai enjoys the fresh air at the periphery of the reception, nursing a whiskey sour. She's still feeling a little introverted and ill at ease with the constant deluge of new faces. After weeks of prep for this new posting, she's ready for a good scientific conundrum to sink her teeth into. Deciding that she should at least make an effort to socialize, she seeks out Sosal.

" Ensign," she says, smiling," how are you settling in?"

"Gak! Another party! What kind of mission is this?" Argent mutters to himself as he wanders through the party. "Oh, look! We woke up! Must be time for another party!"

Then a Human 'confronts' him. Someone named Brent who wears spectacles.

"Yes, I am Argent," he replies to Brent. "My cousin was named Silver, and that made the name feminine, so my parents named me Argent because it was another name for silver. Both names were because of our eyes."

As Brent looks, he sees that Argent's eyes really are silvery in color, a color that has also been called 'steel gray'.

"I've heard of 'party colleges' back at the Academy, but no one ever mentioned 'party assignments'. I suppose it's too late to request reassignment."

And then the fireworks went off and Argent momentarily started to hide under a table, thinking that they were under attack.

Gian downs a shot, and grimaces as it burns past his throat and into his stomach. Exhaling audibly, he croaks, "That's...solid."

He takes a moment to recover before adding, "Your own blend, eh? Is this a corn whiskey? Do you keep a still, or is it programmed?"

He sees Cassy edging towards them, and consciously attempts to clear his thoughts -- especially the way her dress made her seem to glide across the room. A man could get used to that.

When she asks to join them, he stands and smiles warmly, "Please do. Have you met Mr. Gazzo? Tony -- may I call you Tony? -- may I introduce Lt. Cassiadora Dul, my flight officer."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:52, Fri 19 Aug 2016.

Cassy couldn't help but notice Gian's glance but makes nothing of it as he introduces Tony, "No I have not."  She'll offer him her hand and smile, "Please to meet you, Mr. Gazzo."

"Oh, quite well, Lieutenant Rai," he replies brightly. "Of course, I've been on Dyson Base for a few months, now, but I'm just as new here at Outpost Three. My new quarters are adequate, very similar to those I had at the original Freeman's Island installation. Have you tried the barbecue? There are many vegetable-only dishes—roasted corn, grilled zucchini, and a concoction of fresh vegetables known as crudité."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:45, Sat 20 Aug 2016.

LeRoy steadies Argent. "Whoa, there big fellah! Just a little harmless sound & lightshowmdash;don't they have fireworks where you come from?" he laughs, showing his teeth and barking in that way primate-descended Humanoids have.

Fast Tony ignores the fireworks—they sound like the mob on the next block tuning up their Chicago typewriters (Tommy guns). The high-class dame he's talking with looks like she might consider something more... physical. But she ain't no moll in a juke joint.

Shione notes a new bunch just arriving at the reception. They must be the crew of the Runabout USS Miramichi, which had been announced over the tannoy as arriving 15 minutes ago. "Have no fear, Sinjin's here!" announces the tall blond Human leading them. He's wearing Lieutenant's pips and a Command red shirt. From her perusal of the outpost's personnel manifest, he'd be Lieutenant St. John Stanford-Smythe, commander of the runabout female Human with him his Science Officer Lieutenant (j.g.) Sophie Bourque. The Vargr and Edoan following them would then be Ensign Mantichiore Greywolf and Lieutenant (jg) Arrif, respectively.

Argent's neck hairs briefly try to stand up. "A dog? Is that a dog in an Ensign's uniform?"

Mac is still trying to feel his tongue after trying Gazzo's 'bathtub gin', which tastes nothing like the evergreen-tasting gin he'd tried back at the Academymdash;this stuff was more like engineering degreaser. He tries to wash the taste out with something called 'Newfoundland Screech'—a most appropriate name for the harsh rum-based beverage.

In reply to Gian Seingalt (msg # 10):

"It's good old-fashioned home brew", chuckles Gazzo, "Pops came up with recipe years ago. Supplying all the local `gin mills' in our territory started his rise to BOSS."

As Tony starts to explain the making of his special 'whiskey', he notices Gian looking a little distracted, glancing across the room. The 'tomato' he noticed earlier is making her way towards them... "Mind if I join?", she says.

Gian stands and smiles warmly, "Please do. Have you met Mr. Gazzo? Tony -- may I call you Tony? -- may I introduce Lt. Cassiadora Dul, my flight officer." With a warm smile, Cassiadora replies, “Pleased to meet you Mr. Gazzo”.

“Mr. Gazzo…please. Mr. Gazzo is me father”, Tony replies with a huge smile, “Lieutant Tonio Gazzo...my friends call me Tony”. Gazzo takes her offered hand and lightly kisses it, offering her his seat and orders a round of drinks for everyone. As Cassiadora takes the offered seat, fireworks begin to go off. Having grown up on the Lower East Side back home, Gazzo takes no notice to the noise.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Sat 20 Aug 2016.

Still feel something 'tender' after Shione's outburst Cassy responds, "Pleased to meet you, all the same."  She is a little surprised by first of the fireworks but no stranger to concept of using them on new years and turns to watch them with appreciation.

In reply to Ensign Sosal (msg # 12):

" I haven't yet, but I'm certain I'll try a bit later," she responds." But speaking of that, I'm certainly curious about the local vegetation. I can only imagine how radically different the endemic biosphere must be, having evolved in constant daylight."

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 13):

Shione finishes her delightful conversation with the Chief bidding him a good night ,explaining"I think as one of the new ones here I should do some mingling.Thanks for the company Chief,it's been a pleasure and I look forward to working with you in the future"

With a nod to him Shione moves through the crowd greeting the officers of the Miramichi warmly

"Lt Stanford-Smythe,Lt Bourke;a pleasure to meet you both.

I am Lt(jg)Shione Kurasa of the Kitchissippi. I would love to hear all about your explorations."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:49, Sun 21 Aug 2016.

"Oh, but it isn't constant... The upper atmosphere polarises to provide an artificial day/night cycle of 15.4 hours of light and 10.2 hours of darkness. That's consistent over most of the Sphere—a 'day' of 25.6 hours. Pretty much an average of your Terran solar day and a standard 26 hour 'day'." He sips his mineral water. "The frustrating thing is that we cannot find the control mechanism for this polarisation, nor do we understand just how it is achieved. Oh, by the way, try the vegetable chili, with or without textured soy protein, if that is too close to a meat substitute for your tastes." He seems personally offended that the Sphere's mysteries are unfathomable to the Starfleet Sciences crews.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 02:23, Mon 22 Aug 2016.

In reply to Shione (msg # 18):

"Sinjin, please. It's actually spelled St. John, but English being what it is, the pronunciation has been... streamlined." he replies with a saucy grin.

"Sophie," Bourque says, with slight traces of an accent Shione doesn't recognise. "Physical Sciences, USS Miramichi."

"We've been here a little over a month," continues Sinjin. "I gather you got in this morning."

"Ahem!" Atek announces, "A reminder that we have business as usual tomorrow, and some of you have to return to duty following the party, so I ask that those drinking real alcohol, as well as those being subjected to Gazzo's engine coolant, please keep that in mind and imbibe accordingly." He wanders over to Cassy and says, "You're looking ravishing, my dear. How are you settling in?"

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 20):

"Yes.I did.It's been fairly eventful for me since arriving in the Sphere,but.."

she drops her chin onto her palm looking up at the duo and miming a pout"Not in a good way I'm afraid.
Personality conflicts ,but I was hoping to get my mind off my troubles and have an enjoyable evening"

She brightens,batting her eyes at them."Any suggestions?"

With Atek joining Gian, Tony and her she raises her glass in greeting, "Well thank you, Lieutenant.  I've a few reports submitted awaiting review and a crew ready to begin our mission."

Gian smirks and raises a glass -- his second -- at the mention of the "engine coolant," downing it in a gulp. The same burning sensation ensues, but the engineer powers through it with a vigorous shake of the head.

He sets the glass top down on the table. "That's enough of that for me; back to the port."

At Cassy's mention of a "few reports," Gian quips, "Already? We may need to review your definition of 'down time.'"

It's about a beat after he says it that he realizes what he had said. Gian sets the wine glass down and pushes it gently toward the middle of the table. "Altair water, please," he sheepishly calls to the attendant.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Mon 22 Aug 2016.

In reply to Shione (msg # 22):

Both their interests damp down at her flirting. It seems they're put off by its suddenness. You've only known them for ten seconds after all.

"Maybe after you've settled in," suggests Sophie.

"... Or a session in the holodeck..." mutters Sinjin sotto voce before heading over to the barbecue.

Cassy laughs lightly, "That's ok."  She avoids using his name or rank... simply easier to keep the light mood going, "I'm sure a glass of port won't dampen your spirits."

"Oh, it's not about spirits at all," the engineer replies pleasantly. "When I start making comments best left in my skull --" he knuckles it to emphasize his point, mentally adding, ~not that anything in here is hidden from your native talents~ -- "I've had my share of alcohol for the night. A man's gotta know his limits."

"Fair do's...."  She smiles but as she's not actively reading his mind and he hasn't pushed his thoughts at her, she doesn't know or react to his thinking.  She also sips from her own glass.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 25):

The blush is quite evident on Shione's face, as she stutters a reply;silently berating herself for her over eagerness
Sorry....thank.. you for understanding."

Nodding in thanks to them both and still with a blush on her face she whispers back "I guess I'm really out of practice."
Blushing again as she realizes that she has just confirmed their assumptions

My friend on the Haida was sent back to earth,2 months ago and I've been on the move since then."

In reply to Shione (msg # 29):

Sophie takes her hand. "No problem, my dear. Perhaps some time later—I'd like that. It was just a little unexpected. And don't worry about Sinjin, he's just got this 'terribly English' sense of propriety." Her brief parody of Stanford-Smythe's accent is amusing. "Now, I'm famished and the food smells good. We can talk while we eat."

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 30):

Shione's smile is a warm and genuine one,her tone expressing her gratitude as much as her words
"Sound's great.I'm suddenly very hungry myself"

Gazzo has a few more ' engine coolants ', as it's been referred to. Having grown up on the stuff, he knows his limits and will be fully alert and functioning the next day.

Observing and listening to the conversations around him, Gazzo has a good feeling about his new crew mates and is looking forward to getting to know each of them...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Tue 23 Aug 2016.

In reply to Shione (msg # 31):

Shione spends time talking with Sophie and takes advantage of the first opportunity to apologize to Sinjin for her foolish and aggressive behaviour.
She bids them a good night and heads for the door

As Shione departs and reaches out towards Cassy with her mind, she finds the woman's mind firmly shut and she does not turn towards Shione as she leaves.

When the server arrives, he trades his port for the Altair water and takes a sip. ~It'll do.~

Gian grabs a bite to eat and continues to make small talk with the others, making a point to introduce himself to the Miramichi's crew, especially Ms. Borque.

On his third Altair water -- having elicited a cheeky "slow down there, partner," from the attendant -- the engineer makes his way over to Sophie and "Sinjin," as the flight officer is apparently called.

"Evening, lieutenants. Gian Seingalt; pleased to meet you," he says in a friendly tone. "Are you folks going to join us on the jaunt over to Gamma Two?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Tue 23 Aug 2016.

In reply to Gian Seingalt (msg # 35):

[OOC - Did you mean Gamma Two? Assuming you did...]

Sophie is busy speaking with Shione, but Sinjin says, "Sorry, no. Just your Cuyahoga and the Kitchissippi. Good luck. We're doing a mapping survey in sector 7-11. Boring—looks like you lucked out with an interesting mission."

(OOC: Yeah, that. ;) And, I was trying to time it for Gian to come up after Shione left the party.)

"It certainly has some intriguing architecture," Gian admits. "Have you been operating out of this outpost for a while? What's your take on it so far?"

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 36):

Shione wanders the hallways somewhat aimlessly not tired enough to sleep.She is still smarting from the misunderstanding with Cassy and unsure as to what the he## to do next.

She finds a chair with a view out a window and just sits,unable to figure why things are the way they are

Under her breath she finds herself muttering "Why did I ever want to come to this place?!"

In reply to Gian Seingalt (msg # 37):

Shione exits just as you're talking to Sinjin, and Sophie wanders over. "Hi, there," she says by way of introduction. "Sophie Bourque, Physical Sciences. And you're Gian Seinfeld?" she mispronounces. She orders a synthale and a concotion of French fries with white cheese and gravy called poutine. It looks sloppy but smells tantalising. "So, did I just hear you're going out to explore one of the Gamma stations in the morning?"

At 1900 hours, Atek announces, "OK, Alpha shift, it's time to go to work! Tell Lt. Hightopp he can stand down and attend the rest of the party. Flight Two [OOC Kitchissippi and Cuyahoga], briefing at 0700 hours tomorrow. See you there. I'm going to leave now, but don't let that stop everyone else." A pale young man in JayGee's pips with a mass of curly bright red hair enters as Atek leaves.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:34, Wed 24 Aug 2016.