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

[bi_otic]

[He's not going to turn down the drink because it looks like good stuff, but that doesn't mean he's not concerned. And he hadn't quite meant to pull rank, it simply felt...natural.]

That's how it works with most things, I figure. Do you...uh...do you want to talk about it? Did something happen down there?

[candothat]

[It is good stuff. A refined palate is one of Chekov's less appreciated qualities.

And pulling rank encouraged an honest answer where informality wouldn't have, so... good call?]

Many things happened to all of us. I would rather forget those things than talk about them. [He frowns at his own impoliteness.] Thank you, however. You are kind to offer to listen.

[bi_otic]

[Well, it's not like shoving unpleasant things into boxes isn't new to him but he understands that those boxes don't hold indefinitely. He's not in the position to insist, though, and not even rank will help him there.]

It's the least I can do. For the drink...if nothing else. And because maybe I've been through some pretty awful things before this. So...if you change your mind...the offer stands.

In the meantime...[He extends the glass towards Chekov, slightly] Cheers. Or, uh...how do you say in your language again?

[candothat]

I will remember that, thank you. [And very likely never take him up on the offer. At least not until those boxes are actively collapsing.] Should you want to talk about any of those awful things... I can listen.

For today? Na zdorovie. [He clinks his bottle against Kaidan's glass and takes a drink.]

[bi_otic]

[It's not a no, so he'll take it.]

Well, you have one thing right...it's not the best party conversation. But...maybe.

Na zdoroviee] [His pronunciation is pretty terrible, but he tries, and takes a drink, grimacing in a appreciative fashion at the feeling of the scotch]

...Mmmm. Wow. Where'd you get that?

[candothat]

Maybe someday when we are not at a gathering where we are meant to be having a good time.

[He smiles a little at the attempt, disinclined to comment on Kaiden's pronunciation when his own (in anything but Russian) leaves something to be desired .]

Lyuku. [Ah, right back to the depressing.] I meant to save it, but it would be sad to have it go unappreciated.

[bi_otic]

[Lyuku was rough, but he'd died to help save it, and Kaidan Alenko has no room for regrets. The mention is more bittersweet to him, and he nods in what he thinks is understanding]

Trust me, I appreciate it. For...a lot of reasons.

[He takes another sip, clearing his throat as he attempts to backtrack and find something that might be a more pleasant subject for the other man. He isn't sure what qualifies, at the moment.]

[candothat]

Then I'm glad to share it with you.

[Sensing the need to move on to something frivolous, he nods in Kirk's general direction.]

The captain does things like this at home. I think sometimes he makes occasions up.

[bi_otic]

[Kirk is an excellent distraction, true, and Kaidan smiles]

That does sound like something he'd do...but I'm glad he still appreciates the classics.

[candothat]

Then this holiday is a classic where you are from as well?

[It's hard to keep track of which universes observe roughly the same holidays and occasions.]

[bi_otic]

Yeah, of course. Canada has Thanksgiving too, and most humans still celebrate, even if they weren't born on Earth. I think traditions have a way of sticking around.

[candothat]

Many humans in my time have moved away from them as the universe has become smaller and Terrans less important. It's a little sad, I think.