BEGIN PARTY

BEGIN PARTY

BEGIN PARTY

:: already in Ten-Forward mingling with those present ::

:: strolls into 10F, nods his greeting to those he makes eye contact with ::

:: holding court at the pool table ::

:: walks through the doors in an Earth vintage 1950s A-line dress in a fabric covered in sunflowers on a black background, with a black satin ribbon tie at the waist, a black 3/4 sleeve cropped cardigan, and a sunflower yellow satin ribbon tying up her hair. On her feet are black satin peep-toe kitten heel mules, with a black satin bow over the toes. She is conspicuously towing a large cart, upon which rests a lumpy, irregularly shaped mound of something or other covered with a tablecloth. She deposits the cart over by the bar and makes her way over to Kate ::

:: letting Zorro beat her for a change ::

:: her hair is down, and she's wearing tight black jeans with heeled leather boots and an olive green crop-top sweater, along with the bracelet that Lexy had Emily make for her and matching pearl earrings ::

:: hugs her wife as she arrives, and glances at the cart with a question in her eyes ::

:: sits at the bar, waiting on the bartender to fetch her a drink, turning in her seat to look around. Her curls are fully down, which is a rare sight, and she wears plain black pants and a fuzzy blue sweater ::

:: sets up camp at the bar, orders a G&T ::

:: leaves his guest quarters for Ten Forward. Even after all these years, it's strange to be in guest quarters. ::

:: makes a small "it's fiiiiine, don't worry about it" gesture at Kate, rather unconvincingly ::

:: shrugs and nods ::

:: enters 10F as well, dressed in uniform casual for her, giving Leirone a brief smile before making her way towards the bar upon spotting Acacia. Unlike the rest of her crewmates, she was wearing her marine shirt paired with black leggings, and slides into a seat next to Emily :: Emily: Heya.

:: sinks the 9-ball for the win and smirks at Jester :: Just who am I playing against, anyway?

:: receives the drakberry wine with a grateful smile and nod, sipping it before turning to Grey :: Ryleigh: Hey, how's it goin'?

:: smirks at him :: Zorro: It felt like you needed the ego boost.

:: walks into the ten forward, wearing her usual casual wear: a floral dress. makes her way up to the bar, where the bartender puts down her usual order of a Märzen ::

:: shrugs and orders a simple water :: Emily: It's goin. Ethan's busy with research again, for a consulting case, so he's gonna be late. :: rolls her eyes slightly, but her voice betrays the fondness ::

:: laughs :: No, it's not like I'd been shot down twice in the past two months this time, come on and play!

:: shrugs :: Very well. But remember you asked for this.

:: smirks :: Ryleigh: You know, I can always make Ethan less busy. He's just so eager for more work all the time.

:: smiles over at Rike when she comes in, giving the woman a small wave ::

:: arrives at Ten Forward and walks through the grandly-opening doors. Looking around, he seeks out faces of members of the crew he knows. ::

:: waves a stern finger at her friend :: Emily: You better not. He loses himself too often in research on Earth.

:: takes a moment to admire Lexy's ensemble, then leans over to whisper in her ear that she's beautiful ::

:: thanks the bartender the notices Wright, looking over and waving back. she decides to make her ay over, taking a sip of the beer ::

:: raises her hands in surrender :: Ryleigh: Alright, alright. I won't go easy on him. :: she laughs ::

:: falls into his old spy habit of passive observation; pulls a novel up on his personal PADD while observing everyone else in the room ::

:: blushes at Kate, but is blessedly saved from responding by Tav's entrance - she knew Tav was on board, but hadn't seen him yet, and waves him over::

:: walks up to Harper and Wright :: Wright/Harper: Good evening.

:: moves into Ten Forward ::

:: walks to the bar ::

:: smiles at Tav :: Hey, Spots! Glad you could make it!

Tav: Tav! It's so wonderful to see you. :: tentatively gives him a hug ::

Bartender: Lagavulin, one rock, please.

:: once another game of 9-ball is racked, he breaks, but sinks nothing, and looks to Jester ::

:: hugs back :: I wouldn't miss this for the world. Formal party? Whatever. But this... Never. :: beams ::

:: makes her way up to Wright and Harper, just as this- Tav? individual hugs the others ::

:: looks towards the pool table ::

:: eyes the piano ::

:: strolls around the table, making calculations in her mind ::

:: sips her wine and watches the room, picking out faces she knows ::

:: sees Leirone ::

:: stands the cue in one hand and watches Jester stroll ::

:: gets his drink, nods to the bartender ::

:: takes a sip, stands, and moves towards the piano ::

:: smiles to Rike as she approaches :: Hello, Rike! Meet Dr. Jorvan Tav, former CMO of Atlantis. :: gestures to the Trill ::

:: also greets Rike, smiling ::

:: gives a nod to Harper then turns to Tav :: Tav: Hello, nice to meet you! Rike Herschel. :: puts hand out of a shake ::

:: nods :: Hello, Rike. Please, call me Jorvan. :: shakes Rike's hand ::

:: shakes some hands, sits down at the ivory keys ::

:: takes another sip ::

::As the doors part to admit one more, McKnight enters once again. And while he does carry a bottle again, his attire is notably different. A pair of old boots and faded jeans lead up to a hunter green t-shirt and a grey Marine field jacket. He pauses just past the threshold, smiling as he notes it looks about like he remembers it.::

:: selects her angle of attack and leans down into position, making a smooth strike which knocks the one ball into the two ball, sending them spinning into opposite pockets ::

:: nods appreciatively ::

:: takes mental note of the pool game, Ammora sitting down at the piano, and the introductions—all while reading Chapter 15 of Green Bays ::

:: gets up and starts a wandering path through the room, looking at the pool tables, then idling over to Kate, Lexy, Rike,and Tav. ::

:: starts playing a normal and upbeat song ::

Rike: Jorvan was actually CSO briefly, during my leave of absence.

Rike: He is a man of many talents!

:: smiles as Emily approaches ::

:: rises to follow her friend, preferring to stay close to people she knew, and stepping up to Kate, Lexy, Rike, Tav, and now Emily with her glass in hand ::

Wright: Ah, yes. I had all but forgotten that. After I left Atlantis, I stayed with Medical.

:: notes McKnight's entrance, but is not sure whether to wave, as she was never particularly close to the man; instead, greets Emily ::

Oooh! So he is. :: gives an impressed nod to Tav ::

Rike: Oh, and he's a fighter pilot, too. Tav: Keep up on that at all?

::He doesn't rush it, but after a few moments, he's done reminiscing, and makes his way toward Kate.::

:: sips her wine, smiling in greeting then listening intently to the conversation ::

Harper: Harper! I'd apologize for gate crashing, but...well, "our ship". Plus, I didn't come alone.

:: introduces Tav to Emily and Grey ::

Tav: Ooh! Fighter pilot. That's something I couldn't do. Last time I pilot a shuttle, I ended up cursing like a sailor and nearly gave my partner a heart attack.

:: offers a hand to Tav with a smile, glancing towards the door as it slid open, then back to the rest of the group :: Tav: Nice to meet you. Ryleigh Grey, current Marine captain.

:: brightens as she hears McKnight :: Doug! :: gives him a quick hug :: I did say our ship, didn't I? Fair enough, and besides, you are not even the first crasher. :: gestures to Tav ::

:: shakes hands with Jorvan and introduces herself :: Tav: Emily Acacia, current CMO. Nice to meet you.

:: lines up a shot on the three ball and takes it, efficiently sinking that one as well, but leaving herself with a challenging angle on the four ball, which does not quite make it into the pocket ::

:: finishes playing the song ::

:: sips his drink ::

:: gives a small clap when the song ends ::

:: joins in the applause ::

:: claps as well ::

:: takes another sip of beer as she glances at this apparent Doug ::

:: inclines her head at McKnight in a polite greeting ::

:: stands up and steps down to the bar ::

:: glances over to McKnight, offers a hand as well as a smile in greeting ::

:: glances at Grey ::

:: waits her turn to introduce herself to Doug ::

:: leans over the table and casually finishes off the four ball ::

:: shrugs; this was expected ::

Ammora: What was that song you were playing, Lieutenant?

Rike: It's quite an adventure, being just inches from the vacuum on all sides. Even with half a millennia of perfecting the technology, it still got to me the last time as my canopy came down. Things back at Starfleet Medical are much... cushier.

::Grins and hands over the bottle.:: Spiced rum. Hope the contraband is excused, but I figured you'd probably gone through the last one I gave you by now.

:: extends his hand to Doug in greeting ::

:: sees Leirone ::

Jack: Sir?

Ammora: The song you were playing on the piano. What was it?

::Takes the hand:: Tav. Been a long time. I'll try to hold off on swearing at you this time.

:: beams as she gratefully accepts the bottle of spiced rum :: Doug: You remembered! But then again, you always do. Thank you!

Jack: An instrumental version of a song called... uh... Piano Man.

:: shakes with Doug :: McKnight: And I promise not to cut you open this time. There's someone else for that, now.

:: juts bottom lip, nods :: Ammora: It was good.

:: raises an eyebrow at overhearing the two :: McKnight/Tav: I'm sorry... swearing? cutting open? What kind of bullshit happened?

:: snorts, then covers her mouth ::

::Glances over at Grey.:: Truth be told, that one I DON'T remember too well. Emergency surgery after a run in with an..energy lizard.

McKnight: Oh, but just for memory sake... :: pulls out some handheld-sized medical equipment and hands them to McKnight, Wright, and Harper. ::

Apparently I had an unusual reaction to some of the drugs.

Jack: Thanks, sir! I sped it up a bit. Otherwise it can be mush.

:: accepts them, curiously ::

:: is shocked by how cold they are, and almost drops them ::

Ammora: How long you been playing?

:: as she accepts the tool, she swears sharply in Risian before continuing :: Cold!

::Is less than shocked at how cold they are.:: Cute.

:: nearly jerks beer towards herself when Wright has a sudden reaction :: Aooh!

Jack: I don't play, actually. I mean, I do. But I don't read music. I just... uh... you know... :: sips his drink :: ...play.

Group: How is Dr. Carre doing these days? I've not had any contact with her.

:: frowns at the mention of Roxanne, having not heard from her in some time either ::

Ammora: Some of the most notable musicians in history weren't music-literate.

:: wonders what these tools are and why they are so cold, is there a joke here? ::

:: tosses the tool back to Tav then smiles wistfully at the mention of her old friend :: Tav: Roxy's fine, for Roxy. She's just so busy with that company she and her husband run.

:: nods slowly in understanding :: McKnight: Ah... I understand that completely. My husband has videos of me on drugs, says it always makes him laugh.

Jack: I hear and play. It may take me a couple of years listening incessantly, but I'll get there.

:: hands the tool back to Harper :: Harper: Next time you see her, give her this. No refrigerator needed.

:: smirks :: I think she'll appreciate that.

:: plays the five ball into the eight, sinking the latter in the corner ::

Jack: I could say that I messed up the third measure after the bridge, but I'd only be guessing.

:: makes a mental note to reach out to Roxanne ::

:: glances at Harper, wondering what was it about them being in a fridge ::

:: also makes such a mental note ::

:: glances over to Ammora :: Scott: You did well. If there were mistakes, I didn't hear them.

:: is silently grateful that Emily does not refrigerate her instruments ::

:: looks at Grey, beams :: Grey: Thank you, Captain!

:: raises an eyebrow and glances at the cold instrument ::

Ammora: You ever play with other musicians? Real or holo?

::Pockets the medical instrument with a chuckle, if only so he doesn't have to hold the damn thing with his bare hand. That done, he finally returns Wright's nod.:: Lex, how ya been?

Jack: Yes, sir. I have an inability... to... adapt to changes. I just play, and then all of a sudden they do something else and I'm lost.

:: stashes the rum away with the bartender who will, of course, hold it for her and defend it until she leaves ::

:: is surprised that McKnight is speaking to her, but turns to him with a small, tentative smile :: I am well, Co... McKn... Doug. :: takes half a second to compose herself after that :: And you?

:: then drops the five ball into the side pocket ::

:: watches as the surface of the table slowly clears ::

Ammora: I ask because I knew a guy on the Meridian a few years back. Transferred somewhere else after about a year. Songwriter. Could technically read music, but not like a pro. Didn't know music theory. He learned by doing, kind of like you. Had a holo-band in a program he wrote. He seemed to really thrive in that environment, especially since they were holograms.

Ammora: He didn't even practice that much. Once a week, two hours. But he did it religiously. The routine seemed to be a big part of it.

:: nods :: Jack: Sounds about right. I'm not that disciplined.

:: leans against Lexy as everyone chats, especially glad that McKnight's here, given that they served together for so long ::

Jack: :: motions to the piano :: Whenever I can. Or whenever I have holodeck time.

:: has to take a more difficult shot on the six in order to get position on the seven, but the cue doesn't take the english he gives, and he just misses ::

Ammora: You should get a keyboard for your quarters. Then you don't have to wait for the holodeck.

:: wraps an arm around Kate's waist, making a mental note to tell her how much she likes that outfit later, in private ::

:: considers this crew, this... yes, family, looking around and making eye contact with his former crewmates, people who were such a major part of this life ::

Jack: I should. Weston's better. I dabble, he plays.

:: smiles as she looks around at everyone ::

:: smiles at all the good vibes, even if she's only just meeting some of these people ::

:: pats Zorro affectionately on the shoulder, with a hint of playful condescension :: Zorro: You did your best. :: steps up and surveys the current position of the cue ball ::

:: thanks a waiter who delivers her a margarita and, as she's turning back to the crowd, she smiles to Acacia :: Emily: That is such a pretty sweater!

:: snorts and rolls his eyes, but figures that he's doomed ::

:: grins, waving a hand like 'oh, stop' :: Kate: And I love your earrings! New?

:: notes Acacia :: Acacia: Here's a cool medical tool. It was tradition of my... our predecessor to refrigerate her tools. So I found a material that keeps them cold. Colder than she ever did. And unlike hers, they don't warm up with use. True medical cruelty. :: smiles at Acacia ruefully as he hands her one of the tools ::

:: nod nod nod :: I picked them up just recently when I was at home! I needed something to match this lovely bracelet!

:: glances at Grey again ::

Jack: I play for fun, and my book of songs is about one page long, and only a couple of above 75%.

:: takes the tool and tenses a bit at the cold touch :: Jorvan: Oh, that's... wow. Interesting philosophy.

:: blinks :: Tav: I have... so many questions.

:: sips his drink, asking for another ::

:: returns Ammora's glance, raising an eyebrow curiously ::

:: finishes her wine and orders another from the waiter taking orders from others ::

Emily/Rike: Roxy's a character, you would have to know her to really understand.

Grey: :: perks an eyebrow in return ::

:: smirks :: Kate: I can bring back chilled tools, if that's what the people want.

:: nods in agreement with Kate's assessment ::

Emily: No!

Emily: No!

:: laughs heartily ::

:: lines up her shot and sinks the 6 ball, clipping the 9 ball in an unsuccessful hail mary ::

:: stares at Wright and Harper ::

Ohhhh, nice try.

:: gives him a look before returning to the table to try to line up a nearly impossible shot on the 7 ball, but is ultimately unsuccessful, and backs away from the table with some choice sulky words in Japanese ::

:: answers back in Japanese, chirping a bit ::

::Steps back in from a brief absence::

Wright: Sorry about that, got a sudden call. Fact of life these days. Believe me, there are times I miss leading formations into weapons fire.

:: nods solemnly, understanding being on call ::

:: contentedly leans into Lexy's arm around her waist ::

Wright: But in spite of that...life's been good to me, can't deny that. It's definitely given more than it's taken from me. Hell, even Hobbes is still slinking around back home.

Rike/Emily/all: As I was taking over, she tried to get me to keep up the tradition. I just couldn't make it work. :: chortles ::

Ammora: What other songs do you know, other than 'Piano Man'?

:: hearing the piano conversation across the room :: shouting: FREE BIRD!

:: narrows her eyes at him ::

:: looks at Tav, chortling ::

:: receives a new wine from the waiter and sips it, chuckling at the suggestion ::

Jorvan: A trope as old as time. :: cheers ::

:: studies the table a bit, then calmly leans over to take his shot ::

Doug: We still have Anna, too. Such good kitties!

:: looks at the shot he's lining up, and is pretty sure she has lost this game ::

:: looks to Jorvan ::

Jorvan: I have a holodeck program where that gets you tossed out. :: smiles ::

Scott: Of course. As is and should be the way.

:: chuckles :: Scott: Hot Cross Buns!

:: shoots with hard left english, sending the cue into a billiard off the 7, which does not fall, but the cue ball strikes the 9 and sends it into the corner pocket ::

Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm feeling naked. Back in a moment.

:: sighs and gives him a slow clap ::

::Heads to the bar to order up a bourbon.::

Jack: :: looks to Jack :: To answer your question, I know some songs.

Emily: :: glances at Acacia :: I'd rather die.

:: laughs ::

:: smirks ::

Ammora: Whyn't you play some more? :: nods chin toward the piano ::

:: graciously dips his head :: Gracias. Still, that was more like the Jester I'm used to playing against.

:: double takes, pounds his drink ::

Zorro: Best two out of three.

Jack: I can play a song, if Scott wants to switch off. :: smiles at the CEO ::

:: narrows his eyes and thinks a moment :: Jester: Alright.

::Returns in short order, a bit surprised but with his drink in hand.:: Huh. Apparently they were ready for me.

Grey: :: looks to Grey :: Have at it, Captain.

Grey: Want a drink? Liquid courage?

:: gives Doug a sly grin :: Doug: I figured you'd be here, and I thought you might enjoy that. :: nods to the drink in his hand ::

:: grins at another opportunity to win, and proceeds to rack the balls ::

:: chalks his cue as he watches her rack the balls ::

Harper: Well...well played.

:: raises her drink and winks ::

Harper: I DID figure after last time I should make a return visit. It was so busy before, you had so much small talk expected of you. So I wanted to ask, how are you? Really?

:: takes this as a cue to step away, so Kate can speak freely, and heads for the bar ::

Harper: The last time we served together, I don't quite know what I was expecting, but for me, that was pretty much my last hurrah. But you've been through the wringer more and more...and more over the past few years.

:: holds up an almost-filled glass of water :: Scott: Nah, I'll pass. I'm sensitive to alcohol anyways. :: excuses herself from the group to walk over to the piano and slide onto the bench, breathing deep, before launching into a slightly jazzy tune, staying in the upper ranges at the moment before branching down the keys ::

:: perks an eye at the water, watches her play ::

:: smiles contentedly and watches Lexy as she leaves before turning back to McKnight :: Doug: Well, aside from all of that, and believe me, there was a lot of that... things are wonderful, honestly.

Jack: And that's why I play on the holodeck. :: motions to Grey ::

:: listens to Grey, recalls how Ammora played :: Ammora: Maybe I'm too untrained to notice, but you're just as good.

:: the music shifts to a different song, then back into another tune ::

:: breaks, sinking the 2 in an energetic break, and nods appreciatively :: Nice tight rack, that one.

Jack: :: chuckles :: On my one song... sure.

:: listens back and forth between Grey at the piano and Kate, not really a part of either but just vibing ::

:: nods graciously, accepting the compliment ::

Doug: Lexy and I are great; we even bought a house on Risa for when it's time to move on. Atlantis herself always seems to somehow be the center of everything, but that's Starfleet life for you.

:: sends the 1 all the way down the table into the far corner on a short cut ::

Kate: Yeah, I heard a rumor about that. I'd wondered if maybe that time was approaching for you too.

:: orders something cold and fruity from the bartender, and sips it through a straw as she wanders over toward the pool table ::

Kate: Of course, I ALSO heard about that fancy promotion.

:: lets the music finish up, glances over towards Ammora and silently gestures if he wants a turn ::

Doug: I finally caught you! :: chuckles ::

:: claps at Grey, shakes off her offer ::

:: smiles slightly, giving a careful half-bow, turning back to the piano and setting up for another song :: All: Any requests?

:: watches Zorro and Jester circle the table like prowling tigers, with an undercurrent that even she notices, and sips her drink ::

:: tries to think of a piano song, but draws a blank :: Grey: What's your favorite song?

::Grins:: Well, don't get complacent just yet. I might have a FEW surprise moves left in me.

:: smiles in greeting to Alexis before he bends over the table to gently shoot the 3 into the side ::

Doug: I would be foolish to put it past you, my friend.

Emily: Ethan enjoys the 21st-century soundtrack covers I play when we're back on Earth, but I can play pretty much anything as long as I know it. :: grins at her friend, turning on the bench :: Emily: Including pop songs.

::Leans in and lowers his voice:: Kate: So...seriously. Does Wright think I'm gonna shoot her or something?

:: claps politely for Zorro when he sinks a ball, as it seems like the right thing to do ::

:: balks at '21st century' :: Grey: Oh, oldies? Jeez... How about uhh... James Lemon? No.. John Lennon? Imagine? Know that one?

:: looks at the CSO clapping and laughs to herself ::

:: shrugs and looks in Lexy's direction :: Doug: She just takes time to open up to people socially. We had a lot more time before she even got to Atlantis.

:: however, he was a bit too gentle and the cue didn't quite get far enough out from behind the 8 to leave him a good shot, so he chuckles to himself, both for the error and for the clapping ::

Lexy: I'm sorry to disappoint, but this next shot is not possible, so I must play it safe. :: shoots a 3-rail bank to tap the 4, sending it off behind another ball ::

Kate: Hmmm. Fair enough, I guess. I guess I didn't exactly go around offering free hugs in my time here.

::Privately hopes he wasn't TOO much of a grouch, beyond the stern commander persona his job required him to adopt.::

:: laughs :: Emily: Oldies, indeed. But Ethan and our families love it :: gives a small pair of finger-guns :: Emily: Absolutely! I can do that one. :: turns back to the piano and sets to playing John Lennon's Imagine ::

Doug: Exactly, but no one expects the Marine tactical officer to be handing out hugs, either.

:: makes a good-natured "awwww" sound and looks to Jester for her play ::

Doug: They just had to get to know you.

:: sips her wine and enjoys the music ::

:: frowns as she looks at the position of the cue ball, Zorro having left it in a difficult place ::

:: looks over at the pool game again, trying to predict the winner ::

:: sees a shot, and he's pretty sure that Jester would see it as well, but it's a tough one ::

Doug: I mean, Percy must see something in you, right? :: grins ::

::Chuckles:: It's the cat.

:: perks up :: Who has a cat?

:: feigns thinking before nodding and laughing :: Makes sense!

:: circles around to the other side of the table and lines up a shot, and executes a challenging 2-rail bank shot to somehow manage to knock the 4 into the corner pocket without hitting the 7 first ::

Rike: Both of us. :: gestures to herself and Doug ::

:: hums along ::

:: looks over :: Kate/Rike: Me as well.

:: sucks air through his teeth - she sure saw the shot and surely sunk it ::

Jester: Nice shot!

:: claps with excitement, since that seemed difficult! ::

:: moves up next to Grey at the piano ::

Then you all have committed the crime... of not showing me your pets!

:: tips an imaginary hat at both of them, playing it cool that the cue ball didn't end up exactly where she'd planned ::

:: grins :: Rike: I suppose I have—you haven’t met Vinny, either, have you?

Rike: Yeah, my first ship posting after the war was on a long range scout vessel. Little ship, potentially long deployment. A cat puts up with that better than most people.

Sings: "You may say I'm a dreamer..."

Rike: Stop by some time and meet Anna!

:: studies the table and sees that the cue is a bit out of place, so he watches to see how she handles it ::

Emily: No, I haven't. Bob and Barb are more familiar with you than I to yours! Harper: Absolutely! Make it a date!

Rike: Check the feeds. You'd have to do some digging, no question. But I brought Hobbes into this very room more than once.

:: glances up at Ammora with a grin, then back down to the piano and continued playing ::

:: nods dutifully :: Rike: We will remedy that.

Doug: Well you should see when I bring Bob and Barb in here!

:: concentrating on the table, she finds the best angle she can and sends the cue ball smartly into the 5, hitting it at an oblique angle that sends it skidding into the 8 ball, which rolls incredibly slowly until it finally tips into the pocket ::

::Laughs as he polishes off the last of his bourbon...that glass, anyway.:: Send it along to General McKnight's office, Starfleet Command. Just make the header something official sounding so that my aide doesn't flag it.

:: eyes his reaction to the bourbon, judging for future reference ::

:: tries, in vain, to gesture the 8 away from the pocket :: Jester: Perfect stroke on that shot.

:: claps again, as that seemed REALLY hard ::

::She will note an appreciative nod. Has a respectable bite, but a smooth flavor. He does, however, then put on a slightly more stern expression as he turns back to Harper:: That does remind me of one more thing I meant to ask. Grey.

Doug: Yes, what about her?

:: smirks, brushing imaginary dust from her shoulders ::

:: watches the pool game more closely now ::

Jester: Though I am curious what you're going to do with that leave, Jessie.

Kate: Now look, I know that after all this time, it's doubtful any of MY men are still even posted here. Still, I can't help but feel a certain paternal protectiveness for this unit. So even though I have no cause to doubt, I'd still like to hear it from someone I trust.

:: dips her head in understanding ::

:: finishes up the song, sitting back on the bench to breathe evently, fingers a bit sore from playing as much of the songs as she had ::

Kate: She treats them right? Firm but fair, leads sensibly and places the utmost value on the welfare of her marines?

:: thinks a moment before looking to Grey and Ammora sitting together at the piano and nodding :: Doug: She stepped in to the role before she should have had to, and there have been some growing pains, but she's got this, Doug.

Zorro: Simple, really. :: she lines her cue up at a high angle and chips the cue ball into the 6, sending that careening off uselessly and dropping the cue ball into a difficult spot between the 7 and 9 balls :: Zorro: Just for you. :: blows him a mocking kiss ::

And I thought you liked me. :: shakes his head ::

:: shifts to the side, patting the bench for Ammora to sit next to her :: Scott: Sit... want to play a duet?

:: is starting to wonder whether she should be here, but keeps sipping her drink ::

PAUSE PARTY

PAUSE PARTY

PAUSE PARTY