And Let Us Gather 'Round [ Video + Action ]

[universal_charm]

Who: Kirk and The Fine People of the Fleet
Broadcast: Yes
Action: On the Iskaulit, Specifically at the Melting Pot - Note: After the Broadcast
When: After they start heading away from the system

Video
<sub>[ Kirk appears on the screen, and probably like many people he looks tired and a bit beaten up. Scratches not yet healed on his face, one even covered with a bandage on his cheek, that sort of drawn look around his eyes after all the sleepless nights and the battles and general horridness. A little to pale, perhaps.

Even so, he gives as warm a smile as he can as he begins to speak. ]</sub>

For those of you who might not know, I come from a world called Earth - or at least, one of the versions represented here. On my world, in the country I hail from, we celebrate something known as Thanksgiving roughly around this time of year if I've done my calculations correct. Some people call it Friendsgiving, but it's all the same really.

Essentially, it's a time to a give thanks for the good things in your life, your friends, and your family. In the spirit of that, I've arranged for a gathering at the Melting Pot - a thank you to Jarvis for that. Everyone who wishes to come is welcome.

I just thought we all could use a day, a place, to be together and to just enjoy each other. So I hope to see you there.

Action: The Melting Pot
<sub>[ The restaurant is set up to allow as much mingling as possible when people arrive - places to sit, of course, but there's gentle music playing for those who might want to dance and just to give some atmosphere (but not loud enough to stop conversation at all). Food and drink is laid out - things to nibble on rather than the usual feasts associated with a Thanksgiving. Not particularly ideal, but it's what could be managed. Unless, of course, anyone decided to bring something else to add to the spread.

Not a fancy party, to be sure, but it's warm and inviting, which is what Kirk had hoped for. A place for them all to come together and enjoy each other and just be glad they were all there and if not quite completely whole, then, well, able to be there. ]

[ooc: Open mingle! Feel free to create your own starters and do as you like - tis a warm Friendsgiving party for the Fleet! ]</sub>

Comments

[padadin]

[He can't help chuckling - why yes, the gels aren't exactly tasty. As an astroexplorer (aka astronaut), seeing everyone interact with space food is a funny experience, to say the least.

At the question, though, his faces becomes a bit more serious. A nod.] Usually it isn't so bad, but before the Vieziri, we visited a planet that got hit by a meteorite. We saved most of its people, thankfully, but it was still quite an experience. Some members of the crew got warning dreams before we arrived there, for both planets in fact. There's a third dream that may come soon, considering how accurate they've been so far.

[rebuildyourruins]

[It's a sobering topic, but one Thor is keen to pursue. It seems as though the Fleet has had a variety of experiences, and he's landed in the darker end of them.]

There are few things more dangerous than a meteorite. I'm glad you were able to save the people there.

[The mention of warning dreams sharpens his attention, though. He's had visions before... continues to have them, really. It never bodes well.]

How do you know another dream is likely to come?

[padadin]

[This party may be a relaxing time, but Shiro isn't one to say not to get down to business, especially if it helps the new people stay informed.]

I'm glad too. We lost some people of the fleet, too. But Atroma has the power to brings us back, in case you haven't learned that bit of information already. Still not an experience I would wish on anyone.

[He shakes his head.] Sorry, I didn't word that well. There were three dreams that reached a bunch of people the same night. After that, we arrived to Lyuku, which had the asteroid problem - that matched one of the dreams. Lato'li after that, which you lived through - it matched another dream. So we have one dream left, and I think it's safe to assume we'll visit a planet that will match that last warning too soon.

[He takes out his communicator and after a moment searching, he shows Thor the dream discussion so he can see catch up with the details.]

[rebuildyourruins]

...back from death?

[That's a power that few, if any, possess. To hear that these Atroma can do such a thing just deepens the bottomless well of questions Thor has about their origins. While he's died before, his revival wasn't from an outside force. The idea of someone being able to do that is unsettling.

He nods at the explanation, and leans over to look at Shiro's communicator. He's not going to read all that right now, but he gets the gist of it.]

So there have been three visions, and all but one have come to pass. [He looks up again, brow creased.] Is it the last one here, then, that hasn't yet happened?

[padadin]

Yes. It's as perturbing as it sounds.

[Lots of things are kinda disturbing when you think about, Atroma is just good at hiding them behind gifts and space adventure. At least most people in the fleet are willing to investigate and fight for their crew. That's one thing Shiro is thankful for.]

That's correct. We can't know if it'll be exactly the next planet or two or three later, but I'm sure it's something weighing in everyone's mind. Drifting time between planets visits is the usual schedule, but I'm still extra glad we're having this break more now than ever.

[A pause before he looks at Thor a bit awkwardly.] And I'm ruining that relaxing time for you now, ain't I. Sorry about that, I didn't mean to bring these heavy matters into the party. [A party made to celebrate, sure, but also one made to help forget with alcohol probably lbh. He offers his metal hand to Thor to shake.] I'm Shiro, by the way. Co-captain and pilot at the Blameless. Welcome to the fleet.

[rebuildyourruins]

[It's worrying, to know that two of these visions have come to pass, and a third yet remains. Thor knows that the spirits of the universe may impart this knowledge to people from time to time, and there is no reason to think this third dream won't happen.

His eyebrows go up at the apology, and he laughs a bit, waving it off.]

It's no trouble. I am used to this sort of talk! [He takes Shiro's hand without a second thought, shaking it firmly.] I am Thor, son of Odin. Security on the Blue Fish. It's good to meet you, Shiro.

[padadin]

Sounds like I'm not the only one that somehow feels this is a break from happenings at home.

[Because "used to this sort of talk" doesn't sound promising at all, yet Shiro understands. The man laughs and takes it well, though, and that makes him glad - the evening is far from ruined!

And now for the question Thor is probably tired of hearing. Sorry, man!]

Nice to meet you too. Named after the god of thunder? [Shiro has seen plenty of things by now and not much can surprise him anymore, but meeting real gods is still not in that resume.] The Blue Fish - with Sokka and Billy. You're in good hands.

[rebuildyourruins]

[Don't worry, Shiro, he gets that question a lot. And he's never shy about giving his answer.]

Not named after - I am the God of Thunder. [At least his smile is pretty disarming. He barrels on with the conversation like it was nothing more odd than talking about the weather.] Yes, I quite like the Blue Fish so far. They're good people there. What's the Blameless like?

[padadin]

[...ah. Both his eyebrows raise. That's definitely new. Gods. "Nothing is sacred anymore" is more accurate now than ever, isn't it?]

...wow. A real god. I suppose not even real gods are safe from Atroma, huh? [That's perfectly fine. Shiro can appreciate a man that can be as shrug-y as he can be some times.] Glad to hear that. The Blameless is... let's call it cozy. I heard is was a late addition to the Fleet when they used to have more people, but we aren't very lucky when it comes to keeping crew nowadays. But it's become my ship, you know.

[No, Shiro, not everyone is a nerd astronaut like you.]

[rebuildyourruins]

I am a god, but Asgardians like myself are still a race of people like any other. [Well, not exactly like. Thor still takes to heart what Odin says: they aren't immortal, or so far removed from the other peoples of the universe.] Whatever these Atroma use to ensnare their captives, it clearly works on anyone.

[Which is frustrating. Even the exceptional ways Asgardians move between worlds might be usurped by whatever the Atroma have done to get him here. Since Heimdall can't call him back, he does suspect something powerful is at work.]

Yes, I think I do. A place becomes homely after a while, if you enjoy the people you live with.

[padadin]

And as far as we know, they're the only ones with such means, too.

[The Interceptors were quite sure of that, at least, and Shiro has to wonder if their escape was really worth it in the end. He takes another sip of his drink before speaking again, glad to know Thor understands.]

Couldn't agree more. My team from home is here too, even if they aren't all in the same ship with me, and that helps a lot, too. Have you found anyone you know?

[rebuildyourruins]

I have heard from others that two of my own teammates are here in the Fleet. I have yet to actually find them, though.