[h2]Arkadios and Zoe[/h2]

[@Terrans]

As the toasts died down, Zoe stepped over to Aden, a glass of white wine held casually in her hand, "So," she declared, with a slight smile forming in the corner of her mouth, "The old boy made it sound like you leaped in front of a bullet intended for the whole crew.  If so..." she raised her glass, taking a genteel sip, "Though I must say, I'm distinctly impressed by the quality of the stitches.  Excellent work, you're healing up nicely."

She glanced idly around the party, "Nobody is dancing, which is distinctly boring."

[@Bingelly]

Meanwhile, Arkadios had propped himself up against the side of the doorway leading up to the bridge.  People seemed to be relaxing, which was definitely a good thing.  The last thing he needed were further clashes between the soldiers and some of the more bellicose civilians.  He took a sip from his whiskey, letting his gaze drift across the room as he took a small sip from his whiskey.  He needed to pace himself; it wouldn't do to be caught drunk if another crisis occurred.

As Volodar left Carter's presence, Arkadios quietly stepped across, "This is an interesting distraction, is it not?" he posed, "Though I must say it is not a bad idea to keep the civilians distracted while we head to a friendly port and refit the ship for a purpose other than a rescue vessel."