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[u]  DINNER PARTY: PART 1[color=red]◢[/color][/u]
[sub][b][url=https://goo.gl/maps/8NZG8vBYe89FGe7z8][code]Basecamp Spitsbergen,[/code][/url][color=gray][s] Longyearbyen[/s][/color][/b]
[b][color=gray][s]Evening,[/s][/color][code] April 15[/code][/b]
[sup][@Shu][@Shift][@Auz][@bitsnpieces]
[@KaiserElectric][@Awesomoman64][/sup]
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[indent][indent]
On a Mid-April night on Svalbard, the sun would not set until an hour before midnight. But April 15 was not a sunny day. In the sky above, desolate swirls of white snowflakes with gray dust particles blotted out the sun. It wasn't just the intermittent snow storms. No, earth was heading toward a "nuclear winter" after the reaper war. Widespread devastation kicked up massive amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere. And when the polar vortex carried them into the arctic circle, Svalbard became colder than ever.

But inside the brightly colored buildings of Longyearbyen, warmth blossomed from wood burning fireplaces to miniaturized fusion reactors. One such building was Basecamp Spitsbergen, the best rated lodge in the entire city. In the past month, its rustic yet renowned dining room was filled with refugees. The loss of its chef, who had volunteered to fight in mainland Norway and never returned, doomed the establishment to become a soup kitchen. However, its fortunes had returned in recent days. A newly fabricated food bank building finally allowed the throng of hungry mouths to depart. A replacement chef came in the form of an asari culinary celebrity. Best of all, SRN paid generously for a private dinner party.

The dinner was a traditional Scandinavian-inspired buffet. A long wooden table bisected the dinning hall in half, with a larger levo food and beverage section on one side, and a smaller, yet still more than generous dextro section on the other side. Further inside the hall was a small lounge of soft cushioned sofas, wooden coffee tables and cute round stools. There was even a makeshift stage, and on it was a holo-karaoke set!

The first one inside Basecamp was...an elcor? Tank arrived well before everyone else, even Charles himself. He was so early that the asari chef was still preparing food inside the kitchen. When Charles did arrive later and the chef was bringing out trays with her staff, they found a big elcor looking very much out of place among the wooden furniture.

[color=00ffff]"I see you've gotten the invitation."[/color] Charles looked at Tank with a bit of apprehension. Unlike everyone else later on, Charles did not offer Tank a handshake. Was handshaking even a thing for elcors?

[color=00ffff]"You did get the entire invitation, did you? Was there an error in time conversation?"[/color] Charles opened his omni-tool to check, however, the asari chef was asking for his attention.

[color=00ffff]"Ah, you can set the [i]akevitt[/i] there. Yes, the largest glasses, so they don't drink directly from the bottle."[/color] Charles said to the asari chef. [color=00ffff]"Thank you again for coming to Svalbard; good food and good drinks will lift a lot of people's spirits in SRN."[/color]

Speaking of people, other guests started arriving one by one. Members of the new crisis response team had reached Svalbard yesterday and earlier today. Charles notified the older team yesterday, though most of them were too busy on their personal escapades to notice until this morning.

Once all 12 guests - and possibly a dog - were in, Charles made a brief introduction of the new team. This was their first impression of SRN, and Charles told them to enjoy themselves and enjoy the company.

[color=00ffff]"Moments like this are what makes our hard work worth it."[/color] Charles told everyone. [color=00ffff]"And can we agree this is far more enjoyable than impromptu suicide missions?."[/color]

Unfortunately, Charles himself would not stay for the evening. He needed to finalize plans for the missions tomorrow. He grabbed a bite-sized meat roll and washed it down a long swig of [i]akevitt[/i]. Then Charles took a bite of a blue asari marinaded kilxen, cringed at its arcane aftertaste as he headed back out into the cold.

Standing at the front of the scene, now occupying the space where Charles had been, was none other than Zelfia D’Veo - the Asari chef that SRN had saved back in Cuba, practically unrecognizable at first by comparison to her disheveled state she was found in back at Havana. 

After her rescue Zelifa had been placed under SRN’s protective custody wherein she offered her services as a cuisiner. Seeing a golden opportunity for both PR growth and for better quality food at Svalbard, Charles Saracino provided immediate transport across the Atlantic for D’Veo and procured for her everything she needed to run a proper eatery on Svalbard. With quality facilities, equipment, ingredients, and assistance Zelifa had gone all out to provide the best of the best for her new “coworkers”.

“Well, welcome all of you,” Zelifa beamed with a pearly smile, “it is good to be here and to serve to you the best that I could provide, especially for my rescuers.”

D’Veo’s eyes drifted between the familiar faces of the Cuba team, lingering on Nadara and Amina before she continued, “My new assistant, Karl, and I put all we had into making this grand buffet for all of you, and I have a little treat shortly on for those who want things to be a little more… loose. For now, sate your appetites, fill those stomachs, Karl and I will be on hand if anyone needs or wants anything else!”

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
Earlier that day, Solveig had wanted to speak with Nadara, to express her thanks for returning Janiri. While there, she had stumbled upon the Asari's treasure trove of clothing, and after a few awkward moments, and an agreement - Solveig decided to let Nadara dress her for the party. It hadn't taken too much persuasion, really the woman didn't want to turn up in a hoodie, and it wasn't like she had a whole lot else to choose from. 

More awkwardness followed as Sol tried on a number of outfits. Several growls and scowls later, they'd decided on a simple black dress with long sleeves. Nadara had spent a while convincing Sol that she looked nice, and eventually, Sol went with it. 

Now, however, in the room with her peers, she fiddled with the hem of the dress, trying to pull it lower. It had looked so much longer on Nadara.

Even worse of a feeling, was a sense of absolute and immediate irritation at the person next to her. Another human, shorter than her, but he was watching around everyone like a hawk, and with a playful smirk too. He must have sensed her own gaze because he quickly turned to look at her and offered a smile, raising a brow at her from behind his glasses. Sol didn't give him a chance to speak before she had shuffled away elsewhere in the direction of the food - leaving him to his own devices.

"Something I said?" he asked with his thick London accent, punctuating with a short laugh.  He brought his hands together, rubbing them happily with his trademark smirk - casting a glance to one of the Drells in the room, to whom he also raised a knowing brow. [i]New people to get amongst[/i], he thought to himself - eyes then taken by an Asari, then by another human woman. [i]Where to begin?[/i]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
[color=89cff0]“Interesting fact; Elcors do not actually sit on human chairs… In fact… in our own culture… we take our meals-”[/color]

Kysar’s eyes rolled harder than a washing machine set to maximum spin. All he’d made was a joke about the alien standing and now he was stuck listening to the giant's life story. The Turian’s hand dragged down his face almost as slow as the Elcor talked. [color=800000][i]Spirits, he’s worse than Zenn talking about the Quarians.[/i][/color]

A wash of relief rolled over Kysar as down the opposite end of the table, Zelifa gave the go ahead to hit the buffet. The Turian maneuvered his cape to one side, careful not to step on it as he practically leapt to his feet. He’d not been to many formal events since leaving prison and as such, had no real clothing for the event bar one get-up. The suit he’d worn to meet with their Earth side Primarch, Invictus. A very formal black number, made of the finest Turian threads with a cape that was worn over the front and back of his right shoulder. The mantle was also slit up the middle to allow his arm to protrude. Kysar stretched, [color=800000]“Yeah, very interesting chat… uh, your name?”[/color]

Realising he’d not properly introduced himself, Tank’s face flushed a mild tinge of red. Quite the faux pas, what would the Elcor council say about such a thing? [color=89cff0]“Apologetic Introduction; Apologies Turian SRN mem-”[/color] 

Kysar’s hand shot to his temples once more. [color=800000]“Yeah, tell you what, why don’t you keep that sentence going and by the time I get back, I can catch the tail end of it.”[/color] Patting the Elcor on the shoulder, the Turian left for the buffet, making a beeline towards Sol. 

[color=800000]“Awks, swap seats with- woah, wait."[/color] Putting most of his weight on his back foot, Kysar looked the woman up and down. [color=800000]"What are you wearing?"[/color]

[color=662d91]"A dress. Nadara's dress,"[/color] Solveig answered quickly, turning to face the Turian, surprised as well to see him in something other than armor for once. She would have found a compliment for him if she was not instead preparing for whatever wisecrack he was brewing. 

[color=662d91]"Wait... seats? Swap?"[/color]

Kysar took a few steps forward, circling Sol. [color=800000]"Yeah... a painfully slow Elcor."[/color] He said, waving the conversation away. [color=800000]"But, yeah, a dress. Oh, I. Can. See. That."[/color] Pausing for a moment, Ky brought his hand to his chin. [color=800000]"I suppose I'm not used to seeing you in anything bar the guts of some husks but, hmm…”[/color]

The Turian's eyes narrowed as a big grin came over him. [color=800000]"Now, you wouldn't be trying to impress someone would you?"[/color]

Sol's own eyes narrowed at Kysar as he drew closer. [color=662d91][i]Impress someone?[/i][/color] she wondered. [color=662d91][i]Can't I just wear a dress?[/i] "Watch it. Might be in skirt but... can still kick you in the face."[/color] The slightest of smirks flashed at him, if he blinked, he'd have missed it.

Kysar threw up his hands, gesturing a fake surrender. [color=800000]"Aha, okay, then girl but I've got my eyes on you."[/color] He said, backing away while at the same time pointing two fingers at his own eyes and then at Sol.

Nadara surveyed the room as chef D'Veo excused herself. [color=82ca9d][i]Finally some sustenance I'll enjoy consuming.[/i][/color] she thought, manipulating the gemstone necklace she wore. It was more subtle than the accessories she typically adorned, and this was only so as to highlight the Dolbana & Galce dress she'd stored away for a party such as this. The iridescent silk fabric hugged her form in a luxurious gown with a plunging neckline. To honor the momentous occasion, Nadara had also adorned her fringe with delicate beads that captured the light in an alluring display akin to her own bioluminescent skin patterns. 

She watched the exchange between Solveig and Kysar with a satisfied expression. As soon as the typically verbally challenged human came to her, she'd planned on fulfilling one of the immediate desires she'd had upon meeting the woman, lending her clothes that would be better suited to someone of her stature. Accentuating her long, slender legs. Nadara had no doubt Sol would draw attention from many eyes, even her own had a difficult time pulling away, but there was so much to see in the room, it was quite literally a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. [color=82ca9d][i]Such is the power of a little black Goorxi dress.[/i][/color]

It seemed they weren't the only ones to put in some effort in their attire. As Sol and Kysar bantered, Nadara couldn't help but realize the Turian could actually appear quite... [color=82ca9d][i]I did [b]not[/b] just consider him handsome.[/i][/color] she thought, shuddering and deciding to turn her attention elsewhere.

The SRN had apparently contracted a new team, and... [i]my[/i] did they add a certain appeal. Nadara found herself smiling and fluttering her fingers at a human man in glasses.

Playboy waggled his eyebrows at his friend when he noticed a delightful Asari waving at Himbo from across the room. The man had pulled the likes of which he'd never seen, and Playboy admired the hell out of it. Not wanting to be left in the dust, he pulled on his collar and offered his most charming smile to the human woman beside him. She seemed a bit stoic, but perhaps she was just nervous. A little conversational lubricant might help ease things along. [color=e0b0ff]"I might need a map to keep from getting lost in those beautiful eyes,"[/color] he said, holding out his hand. [color=e0b0ff]"May I know your name?"[/color]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
Sitting near the corner of the room, a grumpy looking quarian sipped at a glass of whiskey while glancing around at everyone. They all looked amazing. Nadara obviously looked stunning as usual, but even Kysar was “dressed to the nines” as the humans said. And Sol in that dress… She was really turning heads. There was even a human and drell making their rounds who were absolutely striking.

Then there was Zenn. Still in the same suit adorned in the same fabrics, but hey, at least he had attempted to wash and clean it up a bit. It was more than he’d usually do for these events. Usually he just wouldn’t even show up! But he was still trying to build and even mend relationships with the team. Worst case he could just finish his drink, say hi, then slip out without anyone noticing. Except someone had noticed. Standing just behind Zenn was a Volus in a bright red pressure suit.

[color=ff0000]“HEY!”[/color] The volus suddenly exclaimed

Zenn nearly spat his drink out in surprise [color=0054a6]“Keelah! Where did you come from?”[/color]

[color=ff0000]“WHY ARE YOU LOOKING SO DOWN?”[/color] The volus asked [color=ff0000]“PARTIES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE FUN!”[/color] 

[color=0054a6]“I’m just, not a big party guy, alright?"[/color] Zenn explained trying to recompose himself after that scare [color=0054a6]"If it were up to me I’d be out looking into those assassins. You know, following leads, maybe doing a stakeout.”[/color] 

[color=ff0000]“SOUNDS LIKE YOU’RE WORKING TOO HARD! THE ff0000BALL THINKS YOU NEED TO TAKE A BREAK. LEARN TO CUT. LOOSE!”[/color] The Cannonball started pumping their fists into the air.

Zenn rolled his eyes [color=0054a6]“And how do you suggest I do that? By stuffing my face or getting completely drunk while trying not to think there are people out there who we could be helping instead?”[/color]

[color=ff0000]“MAYBE! BUT YOU HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE! AND THE BEST DISTRACTION IS SO-CIAL-IZING! GO TALK TO SOME OF THE FINE FOLK HERE! LIKE THAT HUMAN WOMAN YOU’VE BEEN EYEING-”[/color] Cannonball was cut off as Zenn quickly slapped his hand over the volus’ mouthpiece. 

Zenn slowly moved his head close to the volus’ and stated [color=0054a6]“You need. To lower. Your voice.”[/color] Zenn quickly looked around to make sure he hadn’t drawn any unwanted attention before letting out a sigh and releasing the volus. [color=0054a6]“If I go talk to people, will that satisfy you?”[/color]

[color=ff0000]“AB-SO-LUTELY!”[/color]

[color=0054a6]“Fine. I’ll go 'socialize'."[/color] Zenn said as he shook his head and stood up from his chair. [color=0054a6]"Maybe I'll get lucky and get someone to point a gun at me."[/color]

Across the room Kysar's ear's felt warm, noticing his Quarian friend out of the corner of his eye. Scooping up a few more dextro delights onto his already overpacked plate, the Turian whisked back over towards Zenn, gracefully pirouetting anyone who got in the way.

[color=800000]"Hey Zenn, wanna trade sea-''[/color] Looking over the Quarian's shoulder, Kysar saw who Zenn had sat next to and groaned. [color=800000]"Fuck me, not 'The Pinball'. What rock did Charles look under to find these goons?"[/color] 

The Turian did his best to shoo away the memory of bumping into 'The Cannonball' on his way to the event by continuing before Zenn could answer. [color=800000]"Oh and have you seen Sol? She wore a whole dress! Here I was thinking she was going to wear a hoodie or something."[/color]

[color=0054a6]"Oh. She is? I hadn't noticed."[/color] Zenn replied to Kysar a bit nervously before taking another sip of his whiskey. [color=0054a6]"Maybe I'll see her sometime tonight."[/color]

[color=ff0000]"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"[/color] Cannonball butted in. [color=ff0000]"YOU HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO TAKE YOURS EYES OFF HER SINCE SHE GOT HERE!"[/color]

[color=0054a6]"Cannonball, I swear by Rannoch I will [i]end[/i] you!"[/color] Zenn said, shooting a nasty glare at the volus.

The Turian's eyes widened as his head cocked to the side. Slowly, Kysar slid between the Volus and Zenn as if he were gliding into frame. [color=800000]"Aha, um, WHAT?!"[/color]

[color=0054a6]"They're confused. I've been watching everyone. Clocking each person as they walk in. Maybe I saw her and didn't recognize her or something."[/color] Zenn tried to excuse the volus' statement, all while avoiding eye contact with Kysar. His face was starting to turn his now signature shade of red.

[color=ff0000]"REALLY?"[/color] Cannonball said quizzically. They jumped on the seat next to Zenn to get a better look at the crowd to make sure they were talking about the same person. [color=ff0000]"ALL THIS TIME AND YOU'VE BEEN STARING AND YOU DIDN'T SEE HER ROBOT ARM? THE ff0000BALL FINDS THAT HARD TO BELIEVE!"[/color]

[color=0054a6]"And I find it hard to believe you're still talking, but here we are.”[/color] Zenn grumbled under his breath.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
Himbo noted the waving from the Asari, and offered her a smile from across the room, as well as a flagrant look up and down. The kind that only implied he'd be seeing her shortly. 

Sensing a commotion from another corner - particularly, the loud and proud voice of his team-mate, he made his way over with a confidence in his stride. He stood close with a grin. "Alright lads?" He gave Cannonball a slap on the shoulder and a nod. "Good line up on your crew man." he said to both Zenn and Kysar, his eyes on Playboy trying it on with a woman across the way.

Nadara noticed the handsome human approach Kysar, Zenn, and one of the new members— she’d forgotten his call sign. She wasn’t quite yet comfortable with Zenn and Kysar after their last interaction, but what better place than a party to get things headed in a better direction? 

She walked by the group, nodded to Zenn, and paused briefly. [color=82ca9d]“Seems you know how to clean up nicely when you’re not waving guns around in people’s faces,”[/color] she said to Kysar before offering a nod to the short, loud, round one. Nadara then locked eyes with the handsome human, offering him a sultry smile, her eyebrow twitching in humor and intrigue. 

As she made her way towards Sol, Nadara swayed her hips, knowing their eyes would follow her. 

[color=82ca9d]“We’ll teach you that move next,”[/color] she said upon reaching Solveig with a wink. [color=82ca9d]“But I must say, you look even better here in a more proper environment than those stuffy excuses for rooms they gave us. The boys can’t keep their eyes off you.”[/color]

Sol was halfway through a strawberry, a glass of champagne in the other hand and her gaze tilted upwards at one of the paintings in the basecamp. This one in particular was a nod to her own ancestry and Sol couldn't help but admire it quietly. 

[color=662d91]"Move?"[/color] She asked Nadara, before watching [i]exactly[/i] what the Asari meant. [color=662d91] "Oh... uh,"[/color] she muttered, her cheeks turning slightly red. [i]Where was her tactical cloak tonight?[/i] she thought. [color=662d91] "Not doing that. Don't want... eyes on me, keep it to themselves,"[/color] she said uncomfortably. Downing the last of the drink before placing the glass down so she could fidget with the hem again. It still wasn't budging any lower than her upper thigh.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
Amina pressed her right forearm into the chest of the Drell that had invaded her personal space and gave him a firm push back as she stepped past him. She had already politely given him her name despite his obvious attempt at bizarre flirtation. Apparently the piercing look she had flashed him as she tightly shook his hand did not land an obvious enough hint so now she had to be blatantly rude as he probed on, something she did not wish to spend the evening doing. Tempted as she was to make a scathing side remark, Amina resisted and instead made her way to the buffet line to get a plate.

Amina was attired somewhat “dress-casual”, wearing a black turtleneck and a pair of beige dress slacks bottomed off with brown loafers. She had never been one for dresses, the last time she had worn a dress or skirt was when she graduated high school over ten years ago and it was at the heavy insistence of her parents - namely her mother. Amina had always found them too fussy a thing to wear, inconvenient, and just not suitable for her.

[i]Hopefully the drell wanting in was the worst of tonight,[/i] Amina thought as she scraped away with a spoon, piling food onto her plate, [i]what am I saying? This will be nice.[/i]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
[i]This Team 3 is almost as relentless as Nadara crying for attention.[/i] Kysar scoffed, rolling his eyes at the commotion behind him. Regardless, the Turian had just been given the news of the century! He wasn't about to let anyone get in the way of that. 

Grabbing hold of Zenn by the arm to ensure there was no cloaking away, Kysar turned to the others. [color=800000]"Oh yes, the Asari especially is into Volus's. Pin- I, er, mean, Cannonball, you should definitely introduce yourself. And you,"[/color] the Turian looked the human up and down, [color=800000]"Whatever your superpower is, see that beautiful human female at the buffet? She pushed away your Drell friend because she's [i]really[/i] into human males. Plus you might be able to make the Asari jealous. Now scoot along!"[/color]

Dragging Zenn as best as he could to the side, Kysar's eyes lit up as he giggled once more like a schoolgirl. [color=800000]"Spirits, it all makes sense now! On the ship I thought you were being weird, that maybe your suit was malfunctioning and cutting off circulation to your brain but now I know. You've got a crush on Awks."[/color]

"I don't think you understand," Himbo said to Kysar, his eyes trailing the Asari as she moved through the room. He wasn't falling for whatever tricks he was playing. "That one is signed and sealed, I just have to deliver..." and with that, he was off in her direction.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
Nadara pouted at Solveig, not understanding why the woman wouldn’t want attention. It was so easy to get it from men. Regardless of species.

[color=82ca9d]“Stop that,”[/color] she said, lightly brushing Sol’s hand away from the hemline. She was about to continue their conversation but noticed the handsome man approaching from the corner of her eye. 

[color=82ca9d]“About time,”[/color] she muttered to Sol. [color=82ca9d]“Enjoy yourself,”[/color] she urged, stepping away from the woman and towards a more secluded section of the large room they were in. She feigned interest in the decor, though really, she’d seen better in a hovel.

Ready for another drink, Solveig saw Amina at the buffet table - having witnessed the woman rebuke the advances of the new Drell, she felt like she could do with her company. She approached quietly, grabbing another glass of champagne. [color=662d91]"Be careful of that one,"[/color] she indicated to Himbo, who was now with Nadara. [color=662d91]"He has a perverts eyes..."[/color]

[color=ffb302]“Ha, thank you for the warning.”[/color] Amina said to Solveig as she finished heaping her plate full.

[color=ffb302]“You do not have to remind me!”[/color] Amina chuckled as she started on her food, digging her fork in. [color=ffb302]“It is always the worst at lower ranks. They think they can get away with it.”[/color]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
Tank stood at the table, waiting patiently for his new Turian friend to return so he could finish introducing himself. It sure was an exciting event to have all these new people in a room alongside his team. 

The Elcor's stomach growled, reminding him that he'd been waiting to eat for quite a while, seeing as he was the first to arrive. But what to do? He didn't want to appear rude to his new friend, who'd been kind enough to break the ice with jokes. 

Looking over at the buffet, Tank knew it would take some time to move across. Looking back over at the Turian, he seemed to be heavily engaged with a Quarian. [color=89cff0][i]Hopeful Observation: My new compatriot looks quite engaged. Perhaps I will return in time for introductions.[/i][/color]

And with that the Elcor set off, one very slow step at a time, towards the buffet.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
Playboy had played it off good naturedly when Anima walked away. He figured she was shy and simply couldn’t handle the charm he was dishing out. The touch to his chest was evidence enough she’d had some interest in him, otherwise why the physical contact? 

He smiled to himself and brought a glass of alcohol to his lips, taking a few long drags before standing. Himbo was closing in on his target already, who seemed just as eager for his company. [i]Hm,[/i] Playboy thought, glancing around the room.

His teammate was alone and he couldn’t very well have that. [color=e0b0ff]“Viper,”[/color] he greeted after walking over to her, with a dip of his head. [color=e0b0ff]“The lack of humidity here is quite agreeable, but I must say, the temperatures are much too low. We might need to keep each other warm tonight.”[/color]

Nearby, Viper was enjoying a glass of champagne when Playboy approached her, not even bothering a proper “get to know you better” before tossing her his little pickup line. 

The female drell squinted in what appeared to be annoyance before smirking suddenly and looking into her champagne, giving it a good stir. [color=B2BEB5]“Well, we could. But I’m sure that Volus over there could keep you just as warm. Or that dog I saw earlier.”[/color]

Viper took a slow sip of her drink as her eyes glinted in prodding glee at Playboy, awaiting his response.

[color=e0b0ff]“Sure,”[/color] Playboy said, nodding as he leaned against the back of a chair. [color=e0b0ff]“But they wouldn’t be half as much fun as you.”[/color]

[color=B2BEB5]“I am very fun indeed.”[/color] Viper said flatly to Playboy, [color=B2BEB5]“But I think you need to work on your, what do humans call it, ‘pitch’ a little.”[/color]

Playboy chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. [color=e0b0ff]“You’re probably right,”[/color] he admitted. [color=e0b0ff]“Beautiful women just make me a little tongue tied and I end up making a fool of myself.”[/color] He pulled the chair away from the table and sat. [color=e0b0ff]“Shall I try another ‘pitch’? If there’s even a chance one of them hits home, I’ll practice all night.”[/color]

[color=B2BEB5]“Well…”[/color] Viper let a slight grin escape, [color=B2BEB5]“am I as or more beautiful than that dark-skinned human I saw you leaning in to? Hmm?”[/color]

Playboy shook his head with a laugh. [color=e0b0ff]“No no, I’m not falling for that one. I know better.”[/color] He found an empty glass and poured himself another drink. [color=e0b0ff]“I’d never dare compare one woman against another. It’s as if asking which is more beautiful, the desert rose or the orchid. Both exemplify the best of their own species,”[/color] he finished with a wink and a sip.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
[color=ff0000]"THE CANNONBALL DOES NOT HAVE TIME FOR FLIRTATION!"[/color] The Cannonball exclaimed in response to Kysar’s suggestion. However, they happened to catch a glance of Amina avoiding conversation. Granted it was mostly with Playboy and Himbo, but she still needed to mingle! [color=ff0000]"BUT THERE ARE OTHERS WHO NEED TO LEARN HOW TO. GET. DOOOOWN!"[/color] They strummed their arms as if they were holding a guitar then jumped off their seat and waddled across the room towards Amina.

By the time they got there, they found that Sol had beat them to the punch. [i]WELL ALRIGHT![/i] They thought to themself and shot two thumbs up at the two. Looks like neither of them needed their help after all!

[color=662d91] "Oh-"[/color] Sol said at the Volus in front of them both. Once more, she downed her champagne and took another glass - scooting away from him, offering a rather timid thumbs up in return.

[color=ffb302]“That Volus is strange.”[/color] Amina said casually, talking to Solveig directly.

[color=662d91]"Very... Excited to be here..."[/color] Solveig responded to the Volus. [color=662d91] "I am, not feeling quite as... In the spirits, I think. Uhhh,"[/color] she mumbled, sipping the champagne this time. The bubbles were starting to make her head tingle.

Amina and Sol were covered, but there was one person who was noticeably being left out. Cannonball turned their attention from the humans and walked to the lone elcor at the buffet.

[color=ff0000]"89cff0 MY MAN! HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS FINE AS HELL EVENING?"[/color]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
Kysar’s hand on Zenn's arm felt like a handcuff had been slapped on him. There was no escape from this, was there? This. This is why he hated parties. Defeated, Zenn willingly went with Kysar as he was dragged away from the others. He sat there still avoiding eye contact when Kysar accused him of having a crush on Sol. Slowly, Zenn placed his straw in his mouth and proceeded to suck down the rest of the whiskey in his glass. Once the last drop was gone, he finally spoke in a very hushed voice.

[color=0054a6]"So what if I do?"[/color]

Releasing Zenn, Kysar slid his arm around the Quarian, chuckling to himself in delight. Sure, his plan to annoy Nadara hadn't worked out but this was much better.

[color=800000]"Zenn old pal, we're gonna need more drinks, cause we're going to get you a date."[/color]

A date? Zenn could feel his stomach twisting into knots at the idea. How would he even ask Sol on a date? Would she even be interested in him? There was no way, right? He had none of the looks or charm as half the people in here.

[color=0054a6]"Kysar. I appreciate that you want to help me, but that's a job so impossible even I wouldn't take it."[/color] Zenn said and hung his head as if already defeated. [color=0054a6]"I mean, just look at me. I'm short, scrawny, and I can't exactly improve my image stuck in a spacesuit. On top of that I've got about as much charm as a vorcha compared to everyone else… Keelah I need to refill this glass."[/color]

Kysar chuckled, leading his friend towards the booze end of the table. [color=800000]"Zenn, first off, that's what the alcohol is for, to take this sad, defeatist attitude off the table."[/color] Grabbing the Quarian's cup from him and then reaching for one himself, the Turian continued. [color=800000]"Secondly, you're both weird, awkward creatures who excel at killing stuff. It's so perfect I almost wish I thought of it myself."[/color]

Grabbing a bottle of the dextro-whiskey, Kysar popped the top and gave it a smell. The fumes burned the end of his nostrils as the Turian pulled back. [color=800000]"Phew! Oh yeah, that's gonna work."[/color] Pouring out a double into both cups, Ky handed the cup back to Zenn. [color=800000]"Alright my guy, lay it on me. Pretend I'm Sol and you're gonna ask me out."[/color]

Putting a hand on the top of his head, he covered one eye with his fingers, mimicking the way Sol's hair covered half her face. Pouting, Kysar looked down and off to the side.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
Tank's smile beamed as his teammate approached. Though they had not known each other for long, Cannonball's upbeat enthusiasm had left the Elcor feeling elated with every conversation.

[color=89cff0]"Utter Delight: Cannonball... my friend... I have engaged in conversation... once so far... it was... exhilarating."[/color] 

Moving closer to the buffet, Tank reached for an empty plate and placed it on the table. Of course it would be rude to eat while in the presence of company and worse still to feed himself first. [color=89cff0]"Polite Enquiry: Cannonball... may I gather some... nourishment... for you?"[/color]

[color=ff0000]"THAT. IS. WONDERFUL!"[/color] Cannonball raised their hand for a high three from their elcor pal.

Tank's hand slowly rose to bump Cannonball's before reaching over to the buffet. Suddenly, the Elcor froze. Beads of sweat began to form on the top of his head as he felt his cheeks flush. What did Volus eat? The pit of his stomach dropped, overpowering his own hunger.

[color=ff0000]"YEAH! I'LL TAKE SOME GRUB! GOT TO KEEP A PROPER CALORIC INTAKE TO MAINTAIN THIS MASS!"[/color] They said flexing their tiny arms.

Turning, steadily, Tank faced Cannonball. [color=89cff0]"Embarrassing and Apologetic Admission: My dear friend... I do not know... what your species... eats... please... forgive my... ignorance... if you could... educate me... so I may... provide... you... with nourishment..."[/color]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
Meanwhile, at the other end of the room, Himbo had brought himself close to Nadara, as smooth as anything he'd placed his hand gently against the small of her back in the way he knew women appreciated. "You wear that dress very well," he whispered in her ear. "I'm Jonah, by the way."

Nadara shivered from Jonah’s soft breath against her skin. [color=82ca9d][i]Goddess.[/i][/color]

She turned slowly, disappointed at having to depart from his gentle touch on her back. [color=82ca9d]“Nadara,”[/color] she replied in a low voice. [color=82ca9d]“I’ll admit I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”[/color] She held out her hand so he would take it.

And Jonah did take her hand, but not before taking a few steps back, and pulling her in close to him, the music of the room as his guide. "I'd be delighted to dance with you, Nadara."

Nadara blinked, but acquiesced to his gentle tug, laying her other hand on his upper chest. [color=82ca9d]“My,”[/color] she murmured, swaying against him. [color=82ca9d]“You certainly know how to keep a woman on her toes.”[/color]

"Of course, especially the beautiful ones," Jonah answered, swaying her in time with the music. "So I know your name..." he smiled at her, "tell me what there is to know about you... Who [i]are[/i] you?"

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
“Excuse me…”

Amina, halfway through her plate of food, looked around to see Zelifa D’Veo approach from the side. The chef was still adorned in her white uniform from the kitchens.

[color=ffb302]“I remember you…”[/color] Amina acknowledged awkwardly, unsure of what else to say. D’Veo flashed a pearly white smile at the human, extending one hand out and offering not a shake but a tall glass of alcohol.

“[i]Esala[/i],” Zelifa explained,” from Thessia. I had a reserve bottle or two on hand and thought I would personally offer the first glass to my hero - heroine rather.”

[color=ffb302]“Thank… you,”[/color] Amina managed, setting her plate down on the edge of the table and gingerly taking the glass, [color=ffb302]“I have never had… much al- asari spirits.”[/color]

“Go on, try!” Zelifa encouraged. “But be careful, it is very potent.”

Amina found out the hard way, taking a liberal swig from the glass despite Zelifa and feeling an immediate cool sensation rising in the back of her skull as the strong taste lingered in her mouth and her throat burned a bit. Amina blinked a time or two as she looked down at the odd-colored liquid. [color=ffb302]“A few glasses of this and this whole resort would be a nightclub.”[/color] 

“Maybe.” Zelifa smiled.

Amina sharply cleared her throat and raised an eyebrow at Zelifa, [color=ffb302]“You know it was not just me that saved you.”[/color]

“I guess not,” Zelfia shrugged, “so should I specially serve everyone this?”

[color=ffb302]“Actually…”[/color] Amina considered as she slowly raised the glass again.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
As Amina left, Solveig remained in her spot, looking awkwardly around the room. Everyone seemed to have someone to talk to at this point. Nadara was with the new human, Amina sampling a new drink by the looks of things. She thought about joining Zenn and Kysar, but after looking over at their table and being unable to deduce whatever strange situation it was she decided against it. 

[i]Are you that drunk already?[/i] she wondered with a raised brow and a quirked frown. [i]Leave you to it then.[/i] She couldn't see Zenobia - probably for the best, the Turian might just be swimming in a keg somewhere. Oh well, grabbing more fruit into a small bowl, she made her way back to peruse the artwork. Somehow having managed to obtain her 6th glass of champagne. It went down so easily, she thought.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
[color=0054a6]"Is. Is this really necessary?"[/color] Zenn started nervously looking around. What if the others were watching? What if Sol was watching? Screw it. If Kysar believed in him, then he at least had to give it a try. Besides, this way when he inevitably failed it wouldn't haunt him forever, right?

Zenn grabbed his glass from Kysar and took a large swig of whiskey. He made a face behind his mask as the liquid burned down his throat. He was starting to feel the effects of having two glasses so quickly, but he would need to be numb and lose to get through this. He took a deep breath, then looked straight at Kysar.

[color=0054a6]"Hey Sol. Looking good tonight! Not to say you don't normally look good. Just tonight you look especially… I mean compared to… Vot, I'm out of practice. Let me start over."[/color] Zenn fumbled, taking another swig from his glass before giving it another go. [color=0054a6]"Hey Solveig… How are you… Enjoying the party?"[/color]

[color=92278f]"Zenn.."[/color] Kysar had lowered his pitch considerably, talking in an almost quiet muffle. [color=92278f]"Am well.. parties.. too many people and too much attention. Like hiding in shadows and maiming creatures with my cool arm."[/color] 

Still not looking up from the floor, the Turian flicked his head back, pretending to get the hair out of his face. [color=92278f]"You need something?"[/color]

Zenn stood with a blank stare. Kysar mentioning Sol’s arm had his mind drift back to the image of Sol pinning that reaper brute. After a few seconds he snapped out of it [color=0054a6]“Yeah yeah. Parties aren’t really my thing either… Um. I uh. I do need something. Well more want something. And only if you want to as well, you know, maybe… After a mission one of these days… You and me… Hang out… Alone?”[/color] Zenn finally managed to get out, then slowly lifted his drink to his mouth. A rapid clicking could be heard as the ice in his drink tapped against the glass in his trembling hand.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
“Esala?” 

Zelifa D’Veo approached the pair of drell, smiling up to her ears as she presented tall, full glasses of pale green liquid. Viper looked down at the near empty glass of champagne she had and shrugged. 

[color=B2BEB5]“I haven’t had any good esala in forever. It certainly is a better choice than this human crap.”[/color] she said.

Viper swapped her glass out as Zelifa handed the other to “Playboy”. The female drell took a long drink and had to brace herself as she felt her knees wanting to lax a bit. She embraced that cool sensation that washed over her skull as her senses felt numbed.

[color=B2BEB5]“That… hits the spot!”[/color] Viper smiled looking to Playboy, [color=B2BEB5]“Enough of this big man and you might just start to look good enough to kiss.”[/color]

Playboy’s eyebrows raised in pleasant surprise before he turned to the Asari chef. [color=e0b0ff]“By all means, bring us a separate bottle,”[/color] he requested, gladly exchanging his glass for the esala.

[color=e0b0ff]“While we wait on that,”[/color] he held out his now full glass toward Viper to clink her own against, [color=e0b0ff]“here’s to exciting possibilities.”[/color]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
Nadara’s eyes flashed and she turned her body, pressing her back against Jonah as she brought his hands to her hips which continued their rhythmic movement. 

[color=82ca9d]“Careful, Jonah,”[/color] she said. [color=82ca9d]“I’m a dangerous woman.”[/color] Nadara turned her head to the side to address him. [color=82ca9d]“I’m not yet certain you’re worthy of knowing more of me.”[/color] She smiled coyly.

"How do you know I'm not dangerous?" Jonah responded, simply enjoying the moment and the desire to sweep her off her feet. That was, until he felt a familiar sensation in his stomach. His face didn't change, and instead, he twirled her around. "How rude of me though," he said with a smile, "I haven't even got you a drink yet. Let me fix that." With that, he let go of her hand and slow walked backwards from her, leaving her with a wink as he turned around and headed into the room. 

A strange sight took his attention, the Turian and the Quarian seemed to be.... flirting? Or sharing some kind of tender moment. Tank and Cannonball having a grand old time at the buffet. Legs were in the corner just staring at a wall. Playboy was... [i]making some moves[/i]. He gave a smile at it before finding a safe area to let go.

A prolonged and steady note that seemed to curl into a question at the end and then punctuate itself with a short, sharp exclamation mark. 

He thought it best to keep moving, leave it behind as he searched for suitable drinks.

Nadara sighed in disappointment, though she couldn’t deny she’d welcome a drink. In fact, she hadn’t had anything to drink yet other than the few sips she’d taken as accompaniment to the delectable spread the renowned chef had made for them. How unlike her.

Now that her attention wasn’t so singularly focused, Nadara surveyed the room and saw Sol swaying slightly as she looked at one of the pieces that tried to pass itself off as art on the walls. 

[color=82ca9d]“Why are you standing here on your own?”[/color] She asked after walking over, tilting her head to look at the painting in the same way Solveig was doing. Could it be that she saw something worth noticing in this drab piece?

[color=662d91]"Just looking at this,"[/color] Solveig mumbled. [color=662d91] "Colourful,"[/color] she added with a mild shrug. 

[color=662d91]"That man has pervert face,"[/color] she added, turning to face Nadara. [color=662d91]"Not sure what else.... to do. Do we go home yet?"[/color] She asked, finishing her champagne.

Nadara frowned at her comment. Apparently, aside from assistance in the wardrobe department, Sol would also need to be shown what real art was. 

[color=82ca9d]“What man? Wait— what do you mean ‘go home’? The party hasn’t even gotten started yet!”[/color] Nadara groaned and rolled her eyes. [color=82ca9d][i]Goddess, Solveig has so much to learn.[/i] “Come, let’s put on some music you like,”[/color] she said, pulling at the woman’s arm toward the stereo system where the karaoke was also set up. [color=82ca9d]“That might perk you up some.”[/color]

[color=662d91] "You know what man I'm talking of,"[/color] Solveig answered with narrowed eyes, following Nadara anyway. She hoped that the woman wasn't going to try and make her sing, she hoped even more that she wasn't going to have to watch everyone else drunkenly stumble through karaoke. She'd seen her father at it enough to know she'd seen it [i]enough[/i]. 

[color=662d91] "I'll sit..."[/color] she said, raising her hands up - somewhere along the walk from the corner to the couches she'd picked up more champagne. The woman sat down onto the couch, fluffing a pillow behind her. [color=662d91] "This is nice... Thank you Nadara."[/color]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
[color=ff0000]"DO NOT ASHAMED!"[/color] Cannonball said, giving Tank a pat on his leg. [color=ff0000]"ASKING QUESTIONS IS THE FIRST STEP IN LEARNING AND BETTERING YOURSELF! WE VOLUS EAT LEVO BASED FOOD AND ARE HERBIVORES! SO ANYTHING GREEN IS GOOD FOR ME! AND THE MORE BLENDED THE BETTER!"[/color]

Though on the outside Tank barely moved, had another Elcor been in the room, they would've noticed the joy pour forth in the form of subtle movements and pheromones. Similar to a child seeing a rainbow. [color=89cff0]"Extreme happiness: An interesting fact... Cannonball... I will... fetch you... something appropriate."[/color]

Perusing the table, Tank noticed a section for blended shakes. Moving closer to the small paper plaque in front of the beverages, the Elcor read aloud. [color=89cff0]"Important information: These are... blended vegetarian meals... for some our... non-common... mouthed guests."[/color] 

Reaching out, Tank picked up a silly straw that was tangled into a fun web that made him chuckle on the inside. Putting the straw into one of the shakes, he steadily handed it to Cannonball before taking his time to do the same for himself. [color=89cff0]"Utterly content: Enjoy this... beverage... with... me... friend. To.. team three.”[/color]

[color=ff0000]“HELL YEAH!”[/color] Cannonball happily took the smoothie Tank offered and was ready to toast the team, when they had another idea. [color=ff0000]“STAY RIGHT THERE, TANK!”[/color] Cannonball instructed. They scrambled onto the table, then jumped onto the elcor and pulled themselves on top of Tank’s back. The volus raised their smoothie and called out to the entire room

[color=ff0000]“EVERYONE! I’D LIKE TO MAKE A TOAST! HERE’S TO THE SRN’S LATEST, GREATEST, AND MOST BADASS SQUAD! TO TEAM! FUCKING! THREEEEEE!”[/color]
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