(March 4, 2002/2215)

Wesson's BBQ Pit(#4313en)

Wesson's is neither a large or fancy restaurant, having at most twenty tables of varying sizes. The decor is western, of course - this /is/ Texas, after all. Lining the walls are pictures depicting the states past, from the Spanish conquest to the pioneers to the Alamo to the Summer Olympics held in Dallas a few decades ago. There is a small waiting area near the register up front, and a jukebox to entertain diners with the best in modern and classic country music.

The menu is fairly simple. Your choice of beef, pork, or chicken barbeque, served either sweet, mild, spicy, or extra spicy. Salads are strictly optional. For those who can't abide by barbeque, there is a small selection of grilled steaks or chicken. And of course every table gets a small pail of peanuts as a tider-over until the food is served.

Contents:

Phoebus

Bowie walks into the restaurant, a lopsided smile on his face. It's nice to be back, because of (or even in spite of) the memories. He's already reserved a table, though he has a feeling it's going to be more than just him and Phoebus kicking back tonight.

Phoebus walks in since he was invited, and he seems to be wearing a santa hat for this festive occasion. He scans the room for a moment and then catches sight of Bowie, grinning slightly. "Long time no see, cousin."

Bowie returns the grin as he waves. "Howdy, Phoebus."

Michael Eildath has arrived.

Seismic Earthworm crawls around the restaurant and peers in a window hungrily. He's always liked Texas. They understand about big people, big appetites, and big food.

Chance Tanuki has arrived.

Bowie is already inside, talking with Phoebus. He heads for one of the larger tables in the back. "So..." He tries to find a topic of conversation with his RF friend, but considering everything that's happened the past few days, most of them are hot.

Seismic Earthworm raars happily at the smells, then peeks inside longingly. He doesn't fit... wah...

Phoebus smiles innocently enough, "So ... The Hunters treating you alright, old man? Or are they ...", he blinks and looks towards Seismic Earthworm...and stares. "...er ...You've got friends in..um..big places it seems...^^;"

Blade Raven has arrived.

Chance Tanuki waves to Seismic outside as he wanders in, already smoking away on one of his usual cigars. "Now, this is my kind of place to hold a party. No one's going to complain if I smoke or get drunk off my ringtailed ass here."

Bowie says "Yeah, thay're treatin me all right...." He glances behind him, noting Seismic looking longingly in the window. "Heh. I guess Ah shoulda chose a bigger place..." He turns around and flags down the waitress. "The large gentleman on the street's a friend a mine. Wouldja be so kind as t'get him a menu?"

Seismic Earthworm is brought a menu! Yesss... is there an all-you-can-eat special? The worm scans the menu with a content growl.

Phoebus winces at Chance's statements and then glances back towards Seismic and gets a little nervous. Therefore, he looks back to Bowie and says, "Dunno how long I can stay..but ... uh ...", he pauses, "Happy Birthday, old man."

Bowie chuckles. "Thankee, Phoebus. An don't worry 'bout em. Thay're all right." He grins. "Sides, Ah can still hold mah own in a scrap, 11 years or no 11 years."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Kalinka transmits, "Chill!!! Where are you? If you're with who you -say- you're with, then...get out of there, as fast as you can! Don't make me come looking for you."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Zero transmits, "What's going on, Kalinka?"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Kalinka transmits, "Chill says that Dr. Doppler's with him!"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Rock transmits, "... what?!"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Zero transmits, "..where, I'll go save him.. then go toss him in a lake someplace."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Stealth Nekojin transmits, "*spit-takes* *sound of keys tapping* Uh... I can't confirm, GPS satt isn't overhead. He's in Siberia, but I can't confirm the presence of Doppler."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Zero transmits, "Going."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Rock transmits, "Be careful, Zero."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Zero transmits, "...when am I?"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Rock transmits, "Point."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Chance Tanuki transmits, "That's like trying to tell Vile to be nice"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Main Rigger transmits, "..Don't mention him."

Phoebus smirks slightly, "I'm sure." he relaxes slightly and nods slowly, "Well I got you something but you're going to have to wait, you see," he notes Michael out of the corner of his eye but says nothing.

Chance Tanuki would agree with Mike on that sentiment, as he wanders towards the birthday boy. And for once, his Western duds don't stick out like a sore thumb, either. "So where's the booze, barbeque and chicks, huh? I thought this was suppose to be a party?"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Blade Raven transmits, "Hrm...Well, if he's with Doppler, then that old coot is either trying to get him to defect to the Mavericks, or doing some kind of horrible experiment on him."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Blade Raven transmits, "So lets hope it's the first choice."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Zero transmits, "Think you can give me better than Siberia? Like.. within 100 miles?"

Bowie's easy smile fades as he catches some of the chatter over his radio. Of all the lousy timing. Fun and duty never seem to want to go together. Chance's call distracts him, at least for the moment. "Barbeque's cookin, beer's chillin...wimmen's yer own problem." He manages a grin.

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Stealth Nekojin transmits, "*more tapping* I can give you within ten meters. Will that do? Co-ordinates are... *whatever*"

Michael Eildath smiles, settling into a seat near the door, so he doesn't exclude Seis. "Man, I gotta remember this kinda party when my own birthday rolls around."

Chance Tanuki smirks, leaning on the bar as he waves down a waitress long enough to order a bottle of said beer. "Oh well. Two outta three ain't bad. I'll live," he mock pouts, and then smirks back at Bowie. Not that he can do much with a lady other than annoy her to death by flirting, anyways.

Blade Raven wanders in, late, looking around for the Hunter group, or something. He's not really sure why he's here, other than it's a celebration for a fellow Hunter. Not like he knows the guy.

Seismic Earthworm finally finishes /placing/ his order. The waiter gets wide eyes, and then realizes the huge sandworm could very well be serious. He stumbles backwards into the restaurant again.

Bowie puts in an order for a beer as well. It's hard to find good American brew in Japan that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. And barbeque as well. Now, to find some decent music...

Kalinka has arrived.

Phoebus doesn't order but winces at the group... He really wasn't expecting this. Sigh. He's gonna have to treat this like work, while not. "...Cheers to many more birthdays, of course."

Seismic Earthworm waits outside for his order... they're going to need more cows.

Chance Tanuki chuckles as he pulls the cap off his bottle once it's brought to him. "Yeah, cheers to that." And tosses his head back as he proceeds to suck down most of the bottle in one drink. And without taking his cigar out of his mouth, either. Now that's talent.

Bowie smiles. "Thankee." He peruses the jukebox's selection, and in go the zennies, out blares the music. Classic country fills the air, at least until someone changes it. Noting Phoebus' long face, he says "Somethang wrong?"

Kalinka strolls into the BBQ restaurant, carrying a small, neatly-wrapped present, and sniffsniffing the aromas coming from the kitchen curiously. This isn't the sort of cuisine she's accustomed to; she either eats McDonalds, school cafeteria, or Russian takeout on most outings. Looking around the place, she locates the Hunter party, and heads over to them.

Blade Raven finally spots the other Hunters, and makes his way over towards the guys, "Uh, hey guys." He says, waving with one of his hands as he wanders up closer.

Seismic Earthworm perks up from his drooling (not literally) adoration of the menu to spot Kalinka. Worm must go on guard duty now... He raises up slightly and leans over the restaurant, scanning the horizon.

Phoebus shakes his head, "Nah...", he pauses, "D'you like Baseball?", he asks quasirandomly.

Michael Eildath blinks, waving to Kal and Blade. "Heya guys."

Bowie waves to Blade, and to Michael and Kalinka now that he's noticed them. "Course Ah do," is his answer to Phoeb.

Kalinka grins widely as she comes over to the table, waving around at everyone. "Hi Mike, everyone! Happy Birthday, Bowie!" She hands the small gift over to him a mite bashfully.

Blade Raven grabs a chair and sits down, "Hey Mike. Yeah, happy birthday, Bowie." He takes shifts a little, but then takes his broadsword off his back and sets it next to the table, "Hard to sit with that thing, sometimes."

Phoebus smiles, "Perfect.", and offers Bowie a small package. "Went through hell to get these...", he adds after Bowie takes Kalinka's package too. Yes! He's gonna have to carry them all himself! Well he probably can chuck motorcycles over his head so it's all good.

Alex Reinfield has arrived.

Seismic Earthworm raars happily as part of his order arrives... a huge slab of ribs slathered in tangy BBQ sauce.

Chance Tanuki shakes his head at Blade. "Easy way to fix that, Blade." The temporal tanuki kicks the leg of another chair, spinning it around backwards before he sits, straddling the seat and leaning on the back with his arms. "Granted, you can't lean back on it this way."

Axle has arrived.

Alex Reinfield drops Axle.

Bowie gives Kalinka a broad smile. "Thankee, Miss Kalinka. Ya didn't hafta, ya know." He looks the gift over for a moment, admiring the packaging before it gets torn off. And then another present gets dropped into his other hand. He chuckles. "Ah'm gonna run outta hands at this rate..."

Kalinka seems to have gotten Bowie a 2-CD set of '101 Country Greats - By The Original Artists!' Looking on as Bowie opens the gift, she grins. "Hope you enjoy it!"

Blade Raven looks at Chance, "Yeah, true." He says, "Oh, Bowie." He pulls out a package, "Catch." He tosses the package over.

Axle sends a radio transmission to Chill Snowcat.

Seismic Earthworm begins to gnaw at the H-U-G-E slab of ribs. "gnar..."

Phoebus got Bowie baseball cards. A large collection of baseball cards. Seems like they're all Texas Ranger Baseball cards. How predictable. However, "...I hope I don't have to vanish before the true festivities begin but if I do, then I'll see you later, 'kay?"

Michael Eildath sits back. "Nothing like some good ribs, I always say." He smirks at Seismic's giant ribs, then walks over towards Bowie. "Well, things goin' down like ya planned 'em to tonight?"

Speaking of running out of hands...Bowie's hands are full. At least for the moment. He tosses the CD set into the air, sets the cards on the table, snatches Blade's present out of the air, and catches the CDs again on their descent. Age hasn't dulled his reflexes any.

Entering the festive of things is Alex. He has a nice box in his hand. The box is covered with a golden foil and a red bow. The human Maverick Hunter is walking to see the people around. "Hey guys."

The metool is fooling Alex, muttering about how Doppler's a *** **** *** and all the other stuff that has to be censored in this MUSH.

Blade Raven smirks, "Good catch, Bowie." He says, as he leans back in the chair, "Well, go on, open it up." He wonders if Bowie will like it.

Alex Reinfield receives a radio transmission.

Kalinka peruses the menu. "Hm..." Her brow furrows in bewilderment. "What's 'okra'? Maybe I'll just get some chicken or something..." As Alex & Axle show up, she glances up from the menu and waves. "Hi!"

Bowie nods to Phoebus. "If ya hafta, Ah unnerstand. Jus order yer food t'go." He sets the CDs down on the table next to the cards. Glancing over at Michael, he answers, "More people than Ah wus expectin, but that's the good kind a surprise."

Axle sends a radio transmission to Chill Snowcat.

Chance Tanuki looks up at gives Alex a wave, and chuckles a bit at Axle. "You forgot *@&#*@#&!#!**@#@@@!$##4380$@#!@#!@#," he adds to the Metool's comment, chuckling and then taking a long drag on his cigar and blowing thick plumes of smoke into the air. This is the nice thing about being a robot. Smoke all he wants, and no cancer to worry about.

From afar, Blade Raven(Raven) got you...A four DVD set, containing every single episode of Walker: Texas Ranger. Ever.

Long distance to Blade Raven: Bowie laughs. :)

Phoebus chuckles softly and then as if he summoned bad joodoo (or however it's spelled), winces, "...Well I just got a call. They need help with some repairs.", he smiles slightly, "Nice seeing you... I'll talk to you later. ... Glad to see you're doing well. And Happy Birthday again."

Seismic Earthworm rumbles softly at Kalinka. "Get okra. Try it. If you don't like it, I'll eat it."

Bowie nods to Phoebus. "Business 'fore pleasure. Ah unnerstand." He extends a hand. "Take care a yerself. Thanks fer comin."

Kalinka giggles, gazing WAY up at Seismic...there's no doubt in her mind that Seismic could finish the stuff if she didn't care for it. "I will, then!"

Michael Eildath smirks, leaning back in another chair. Ahhh.

Alex Reinfield sighs towards Chance and Axle. Then, his eyes shift towards Kalinka. "....Not around the teenager....You two would be a bad influence." Then, Alex is walking towards Bowie, "Happy birthday." He smiles warmly. Then, he hands the present towards Bowie. "Here you go."

Seismic Earthworm grins. He has simple tastes. After all... -everything- tastes better than asphalt. Except maybe COFFEE!!

Phoebus nods towards Bowie, shakes his hand, "Goodbye.", and then he walks out. because his player must leave. eek!

Chance Tanuki urfs, and shuts his mouth, he didn't realize Kalinka was here. He gives her a polite nod of his head and a tip of his hat. "Sorry 'bout that, li'l miss. A lady shouldn't have to hear them sorta words."

Bowie takes a seat and sets about opening his present from Blade Raven. What's this? Under the wrappings is the complete video collection of the old Walker: Texas Ranger tv show. "Thankee, Blade."

Kalinka looks over at Chance, peeping over her menu. "Hm? Oh, you should hear the kids in my school, you guys are clean comparing to them, that's for sure!"

Blade Raven nods his head, "Yeah, no prob, Bowie. Figured you'd like something like that." He finally gets his own menu, and looks over it, "Hrm."

Axle stares towards Kalinka, then he smirks. "Wanna bet?"

Alex stares at the met. "Don't....even.." Then he chuckles a bit, then he glances at Bowie.

Axle sends a radio transmission.

Kalinka giggles, looking across at Axle with a wink.

Alex Reinfield receives a radio transmission.

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Kalinka transmits, "Is Chill going to be okay?"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Zero transmits, "He will be.. unless he decides that he likes Doppler."

Axle sends a radio transmission.

Seismic Earthworm sends a radio transmission to Alex Reinfield.

Alex Reinfield receives a radio transmission from Seismic Earthworm.

Alex Reinfield receives a radio transmission.

Bowie finally gets his order of beer and beef barbeque. The presents are carefully set out of splatter range. "Thare ain't a bad thing on the menu, by the by." He twists the cap off the bottle.

Axle eeks towards Seismic's radio. The metool shudders a bit, then he backs away.

The Human chuckles a bit, then he says, "Hey Bowie...Open up your present. It is a gift that Axle and I bought you." At the meanwhile, Alex is walking towards Seismic, "Great to see you again."

Chance Tanuki blinks at everyone else a moment as he sets down his bottle, and then facepalms. "I knew I was forgetting something." A pause as he rummages under his duster with a paw, pulls out a wrapped box similar to the others given out, and lobs it to Bowie. "Here, another one to fill your hands, bud."

Bowie catches Chance's present before it lands in his food. Looks like the birthday dinner will have to wait a few more minutes. Alex and Axle's present comes first though, since he's opening in order of presents received.

Chance Tanuki(chance) pages: It's a box of western novels. Old fashion paperback style. ;) I'm finding the similarity in tastes here weird. c.-;

Long distance to Chance Tanuki: Bowie chuckles. You have a horse? :)

Chance Tanuki(chance) pages: Only my alts. ;)

As her dinner is brought out, Kalinka digs right into the BBQ chicken, though she seems a bit reluctant to try the fried okra. She pokes one of the little okra-nuggets with her fork, experimentally. "Hm. Well..." Grudgingly, she decides to give the okra a go. Popping one of the pieces in her mouth, she begins chewing as she watches Bowie open up his gifts.

Seismic Earthworm gnaws on the ribs, pulling meat from bones and... bones from bones... and then crunching the bones and eating them too... just in time for a second HUGE slab of ribs to arrive.

Axle grins towards the man. Then he hops around.

Inside of the present is a video of one of the old cowboy movies. And another a Wild West Novel.

Alex chuckles a bit, then he says, "Happy Birthday!"

Rock has arrived.

Rigger has arrived.

Bowie holds up the video and book for a moment and grins. His copy of Tombstone was starting to get worn. "Thankee, Alex. Axle." Those are also set safely outside the splatter zone on the way to Chance's present. He tears open the wrappings and finds more books. Paperbacks, no less. "Thankee, Chance. Ah haven't read these yet."

Seismic Earthworm is wrapped around the restaurant, gnawing at the largest slab of ribs in the southern states.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission from Chill Snowcat.

Bowie is seated at a table within easy view of Seismic and the others and large enough to hold the collection of presents with a side of beef barbeque. The air is rich with the scent of Tex-Mex cooking, Chance's cigar, and the sound of classic country.

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Chill Snowcat.

Michael Eildath hrms. "Well, while I'm thinking of it... here ya go." Mike hands over a gift, not wrapped up but sealed so it stays clean and such... "It ain't much, but I didn't have much time to go shopping." It's a costume, obviously... a replica of Clint Eastwood's outfit from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly... also being Mike's Halloween costume from last year. "I think everyone else would kill me if I ever wore it again, anyway."

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Chance Tanuki chuckles at Bowie as he leans forward on the back of his chair again. "And if ya need more to read after that, just ask. I've got a pretty big collection myself." He pauses long enough to order another beer, then huffs on the end of his cigar, smoking it down to the stub. Smoke is returned to the air as he puffs a few fancy rings, then grinds out the burnt stub in an ash tray. Now that he's done with that, he can finally eat.

Alex Reinfield chuckles towards Mike. He tilts his head. "How come?" He grins a bit, then he ponders to himself. "Well, I am glad we are celebrating a birthday of a Hunter."

The metool grins. "Ah..morale booster...Now, let's party!" The metool grins. "..Oh, and Alex, I don't think this place has dancers." The metool winks at his 'brother'.

Alex stares at the met. ".....Cute...just cute." He scoops the met off of the ground, and he noogies the bot.

Kalinka has decided that she likes fried okra. She spears some more of the little veggie-nuggets with her fork, and pops them into her mouth, chewing as she watches to see what Mike is giving Bowie. In the meantime, she fires off a couple of radio transmissions.

Rigger comes strolling in with Rock, and a box tucked under her arm. It's not wrapped sadly, but given she *just* bought it on the trip over... She really needs to plan things better. She sidles in with the grouping, trying to hide the box behind her back for now while grinning broadly. The best part of parties is watching the person open gifts. So she just looks at the things already opened, and what he's currently getting.

Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Seismic Earthworm's present floats up to Bowie through an act of technological telekinesis. It's wrapped in plain beige paper, and inside is a nice plain box... containing ostrich-skin boots. Overdrive. They even have the little spurs added...

Bowie laughs good-naturedly at Michael's present and confession. "Thankee, Mike. Ah'll give it a good home." Nodding to Chance, he tells him, "Meybe once Ah get through The Scarlet Letter..."

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Chill Snowcat.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Chill Snowcat.

Bowie continues plucking gifts from the air, though this one at least is moving at a slower pace than the last few. He unwraps Sy's gift, propping the boots up in the box so that the others can see. "Thankee, Seismic."

Michael Eildath sends a radio transmission.

Seismic Earthworm nods and murrs contentedly, then goes back to eating ribs. gnarlshredgobble.

Blade Raven gets up out of his chair, "Man, just noticed the time. I gotta go get back on duty." He shakes his head, "Sorry I couldn't stay, Bowie. Enjoy the gifts, and have fun everybody." And with that, he dashes off, because his player is going to watch Raw.

Blade Raven has left.

Kalinka waves at Rigger and Rock as they walk in. She enthusiastically points toward a seat next to her. "I saved you a seat, Rigger!" No, not Rock. She saved -Rigger- a seat. Girls!

Bowie waves to Blade. "See ya around."

Rock follows in behind Rigger, whistling cheerily as the door swishes behind him. A small gift bag is in his hand as he follows -- yes, like Rigger, someone's in need of a better dayplanner, because it's one of those giftshop jobs. "Hey, guys!" he greets in return, starting to wave before deciding against that with a slight grunt, and opting for a smile instead.

Axle stares over towards Rigger, then he smiles. "Hey Rigger!" The metool grins. What? He doesn't jump over to her? Well, this is odd of the little guy. Nevertheless, Alex puts the met on his head.

Bowie has quite the collection of western gear. New boots, a package that holds what looks suspiciously like Michael's Clint Eastwood costume, a number of books, music, and videos. He waves again, this time to Rigger and Rock. "Howdy, come on in, join the party." Somewhere in this he takes a quick break to sample the barbeque.

Michael Eildath sends a radio transmission.

Michael Eildath receives a radio transmission from Chill Snowcat.

Michael Eildath sends a radio transmission.

Rigger glances towards Kalinka with a broad grin. For a moment she parts from Rock's side to join the girl, only to stop as she recalls the box she holds. Heading for Bowie first, she slips it somewhere into the stack with a chuckle. "Kind of last minute, but I figured I'd grab it on my way here anyhow." The box itself contains several bottles of various hot sauces from Mexico. Chipotle salsa, green chile habanero sauce, and other such things that would make her even cringe at the thought of tasting them.

Chance Tanuki is busy stuffing his face with barbeque and beer. Why can't all birthday parties be like this?

Alex Reinfield hrms to himself. Then, he stares over towards the barbeque. "Mmmm..." He then grins for a moment. The human is grabbing a pice of the ribs, eating them down.

Grabbing a chair and dragging it over on his way there, Rock slumps himself down into with a grin at Bowie. "Happy birthday," he says with a grin, holding the small giftbag out to the man of the hour. "Sorry we're a bit late; Rigger was putting some repairs on my shoulder from last night." He really isn't too upset that Kalinka didn't save him a seat -- girls! Inside the bag, however, is a small box. Inside said box is a finely coloured and detailed miniature of the greatest American cowboy ever to grace screen and print: John Wayne, seated upon a horse in that classic 'wild west cowboy' style.

Kalinka looks up...WAY up, at Seismic. "You know something," she remarks, "I kind of like this oprah. I mean -- okra. I'll let you have some, though." She grins. "It isn't half bad, really."

Michael Eildath sends a radio transmission.

Seismic Earthworm naaah... "That's okay, littl'n. You enjoy your okra. I've got some on the way." He snarfs down the next slab of ribs.

Bowie smiles. "S'all right. Ah did kinda sprang it on y'all at the last minute." He goes ahead and opens Rigger's and Rock's presents, beaming at the selection of sauces and the newest item for his collection. "Thankee, y'all." He leans back in his chair, grinning and holding up his longneck in an impromptu toasting fashion. "Now this is how a birthday's supposed t'be."

Michael Eildath takes the distraction of more guests to grab himself a plate and a brew. Ah, sweet alcohol. You've never let me down.

"Hear hear to THAT!", chimes in the Tanuki, as the Chance pauses a moment to wipe sauce off his face with a napkin. Then crumples up the napkin, but instead of throwing it away, eats it as well. Is is a raccoon, sort of, after all. Eating trash is part of the trade. "Best damn ribs I've had in a long time. Ya just can't get 'em like this in Tokyo."

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Zero transmits, "That one was for you, Cossack. *image of Doppler getting tagged in the head by a nerf ball*"

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Chance Tanuki can be heard sniggering through a mouthful of food

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Seismic Earthworm gags laughing on a slab of ribs.

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Seismic Earthworm clears his throat and states implicitly, "Poink!"

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Bowie can be heard chortling. Or is that choking on his beer? You be the judge.

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Rock transmits, "HAhahaha! Nice one."

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Rigger transmits, "...I get the feeling I'm missing something."

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Alex Reinfield snickers.

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Seismic Earthworm oh yeahs... "Hey Zero... tell the story for the humans... they don't have vid-radio recievers."

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Axle laughs.

Rock grins a bit as he gets himself a plate of ribs and a cola, not really one for hard drinks. Except when depressed. But let's not talk about that. He splutters into his drink at something that comes across the radio, wiping quietly at his chin. "Hee," he manages before looking up at Bowie. "Every birthday should be a great one," he replies with a chuckle. "I'm glad we were able to make this one worth it."

Rigger does the food grabbing thing too. Though she's a bit more selective with what she gets, knowing Bowie's tendency to like overly spicy things. Finally she joins Kalinka in the seat she'd saved, grinning over at her. "Looks like you're enjoying yourself."

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Chance Tanuki coughs a few times to keep from choking, then cackles louder. "For a new stapler: $10; Psychiatric treatment for depression and anger from losing original stapler: $500 bucks. Seeing Doppler getting beaned with a Nerf Ball: Priceless!" He desolves into laughter again.

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Axle and Alex are laughing on the radio.

Michael Eildath receives a radio transmission.

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Seismic Earthworm feels the need to reiterate, "Poink!"

Bowie manages not to choke on his half-swallowed beer. Sometimes not having to breathe is a good thing. He wipes his chin with the back of one hand. "And Ah'm glad y'all could join me. Ah wus originally expectin this t'be jus Phoebus an mahself."

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Rock splutters for a moment before sniggering noisily.

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Dr. Pavel Cossack transmits, "Zhat is zee new Labs terminal vallpaper."

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Zero transmits, "Chill, get the heck outta the way, Doppler's only gonna be off guard for a second by that surprise.. hell, I'm off guard! Just hit and run!"

Kalinka nods to Rigger. "Oh yeah, and Bowie got a bunch of great stuff, and this is my first time trying this sort of food..." She grins, fork-pointing at her beloved bowl of fried okra. "And THAT stuff is just...much better than it looks, let me tell you."

Michael Eildath sends a radio transmission to Chill Snowcat.

Meanwhile, Alex is digging into the barbeque. A chuckle is given faintly, then he continues to eat.

Meanwhile, the metool glances around for a moment. "So...." The metool waddles over towards Rigger, then he says, "Hiyas Rigger."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Rock coughs for a moment before laughing at Cossack's comment.

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Axle transmits, "Yeah! Our new wallpaper. Ooh....Eheheehe. I hoped he enjoyed the nice hole I put in his Ride Armor last night."

Rock chuckles as he gnaws on one of the ribs. Sauce ends up on his fingers, the tip of his nose, and one cheek before he gets through it. "Wow, these are great!" he enthuses. "Never had one so good in Tokyo..." He looks up at Bowie, looking serious as he can while covered in barbeque sauce. Which isn't very, and he ends up cracking a grin anyway. "Well, Bowie, we wouldn't be much of a family if we didn't at least show up for a pretty important day in your life, right?"

[Radio: (C) Hunter] Bowie transmits, "Give him one fer me. Teach him not t'mess with Texas."

Michael Eildath drains a bottle, grabbing another as he loads up with BBQ, corn, beans, and all those good ol' fixin's you just don't get at gourmet and/or fast food places. "Man, I've gotta remember this place..."

Rigger chuckles at Kalinka with a nod as she begins to prod at her barbecue with a fork to make the meat flake off of any bones. "Never much liked it myself. Always preferred fried squash." The voice calls her attention away, and she looks towards Axle with a grin... Only to pause as her eyes shift back towards Kalinka with some bit of concern. Eh heh. "Ah, Kalinka, you met Axle right?"

Seismic Earthworm mms contentedly as his plate of okra arrives. "Creators, I love Texas!" he bellows with a chuckle.

Alex Reinfield chuckles towards Seismic, then he nods. "Texas, one of the great places to be..." He then ponders for a moment. "...I love this place...." He loves Chicago more...If any Master or Maverick attack Chicago, there WILL be Hell to pay.

Kalinka smiles innocently, looking across at Axle with something of an awkward gaze. "Oh yes, we...certainly have," she remarks sheepishly to Rigger. "Yup."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Chill Snowcat snarls, "I'm NOT a traitor!"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Dr. Pavel Cossack transmits, "Shut up, Chill."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Daito CO Michael Eildath transmits, "Guys, a little more civility, por favor."

Chance Tanuki chuckles, working at his, what, third beer now, and something like the forth helping of food. Never was one to bother keeping count when it's this good. "Yes, this place is definitely going on my list of hangouts now."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Dr. Pavel Cossack transmits, "Zhat vas civil."

Bowie nods to Rock, cracking a grin himself. "Best kept secret in Houston, Ah thank." He chuckles a bit at the mention of family. "True, that. Ah'm not feelin as much a tenderfoot as Ah wus." The last of the beer gets drained from his bottle.

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Chance Tanuki transmits, "Remind me to never piss Cossack off."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Kalinka transmits, "Chill, what are you doing -now-? Tell me you're not still talking to...!"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Zero transmits, "He's not, but I can't get to him at the moment either."

Rigger bobs her head slightly as Kalinka seems okay about now. Good. She didn't want her freaking out again. Reaching down, she scoops up Axle and deposits him in her lap. "Good. Remind me to cook sometime and I'll whip up something you'll probably like too."

Axle grins towards Rigger. Then, the metool waddles over to leap at Rigger's arms. The metool grins a bit, "Wee!"

The human sighs for a moment, then he glances towards the table. "Heh heh.." He eats the food some more. He stops eating, then he has a warm smile.

Rock chuckles a little at Bowie, nodding thoughtfully. "We'll keep it a Hunter secret now," he says with a lazy wink as he starts in on another rib. "I mean, if the whole city found out, we'd never get a table again." He starts slightly at Seismic's bellow, relaxing a moment later. "And it looks like it's a hit with all of us." Finishing it off, he starts in on the process of licking his fingers off, rummaging for a napkin once one hand is semi-clean.

Bowie finally gets around to having more of his dinner. He's been so busy yapping and present opening that he hasn't had more than a few bites. "Wull so long as y'all don't mind sharin the secret with the boys in Company A."

Kalinka looks over at Rigger curiously. "Oh, maybe we can put together something! I've got a few surprise recipies, too! Well, they're not -mine-, but...they sort of got passed down, and I've gotten halfway decent at making some of them. We could make a day out of it."

Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

Michael Eildath concentrates more on food than conversation for the moment, occasionally talking into his radio.

Chance Tanuki twitchs a bit, and looks away from the two girls as they start to plot ladies stuff. Um, he'll just stick to eating his food. Food good. Beer good. Just ignore the evil girly plotting, yes.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Rigger wiggles her fingers along the top of Axle's helmet as if she were petting a cat. Habit, really, with anything this size sitting in her lap. Her fork twists in the barbecue a moment, gathering enough for a decent bite. It's tucked away into her mouth, and chewed thoughtfully as she grins towards Kalinka. After washing it down with a sip of soda, she nods in agreement. "All I really have so far as family recipes go are a few from my grandfather. Sounds like it'd be fun, though. Might give Roll a day off of cooking too."

Kalinka perks. "Yeah!! Her, too! The three of us! That would be -great-!"

Chance Tanuki clears his plate, and then pauses to turn his chair around, and lean back in it so he can let everything digest. Or process. Whatever it does for a reploid. His cigar case is dug out of a pocket, and a new stogie is lit up and planted between his lips, already smoking profusely.

Rock shakes his head at Bowie's question. "Heck, naw. The more the merrier -- to a point," he jokes, taking a sip of his cola thoughtfully before looking over at Rigger and Kalinka plotting. That.. can't be good. When women plot, the world collapses. Or something equally catastrophic.

Axle grins at Rigger, then he nods. "Excellent." The metool chuckles for a moment. "Oh yeah. Rigger, did you hear what I did last night?" The metool grins.

Rigger nods in agreement before glancing down at Axle with a curious expression. "Hm? What's that?" Of course, now that she's had a bit of the food, she seems intent on finishing it as well.

Bowie concentrates on enjoying his meal than creating more conversation. The mention of cooking does get his attention, and listens to the ladies and their plans for commandeering the kitchen.

Axle chuckles. "Well, I tried to jump off of our Ride Armor to land on the Maverick's Ride Armor. However, I was knocked away. So I decided to climb over to the Armor from the back. I hanged on with my energy pick-axe. Then, I blasted a nice hole into the Maverick's Ride Armor while Alex's Ride Armor smacked it like..." He stares towards Kalinka. Tact Axle. "...A fly."

Alex chuckles towards Axle. "Yeah.."

Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

Seismic Earthworm has disconnected.

Michael Eildath hrms, looking at his radio and sighs. Quiet, finally. Prolly won't last. Wiping his face off, he has a little more drink, looking around at the others, just watching for the moment.

Rock leans back in his seat, idly chewing on another rib and trying not to think of what sort of ... creation ... the three girls could come up with if left to their own devices. Axle earns an amused look as he recounts a story, a low chuckle in his throat.

Chance Tanuki pulls his hat down over his face a bit, cigar sticking out from under it and puffing away as he takes the time just to sit back and relax. Not very often they get to do this sort of thing without worrying about the usual madness interfering.

Bowie chuckles as Axle tells his tale. "Ah thank yer 'bout the bravest metool Ah've met."

Kalinka smiles sweetly at Axle. She probably knows full well what he wanted to say, but she thinks it's sweet that he's actually watching his potty-mouth intentionally. "I second that," she says, agreeing with Bowie.

Rigger grins at the metool around the fork hanging out of her mouth, nodding in apparent approval. Good metool. No more vocal adjustments for now.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Axle grins. "Now, we'll see how Doppler like me now. Dr. Cossack will get his stapler back one way or another."

Alex nods towards Axle. "They'll get theirs." He shrugs for a moment, then he smiles.

Bowie wipes off his hands with a napkin. Unlike Chance, he's not making it a part of dinner, instead setting it aside. He picks up one of the videos and flips it over to read the back. Now if only he could keep all those 20th century actors straight.

Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Dr. Pavel Cossack.

Rock chews like a rabid little mutt on a bone for a moment to get the last bits of meat off. Then, he sets about wiping his fingers off and leaning back into his chair, enjoying the sound of relaxed chatter about him instead of the roar of fire from last night.

Rock has left.

Kalinka very quietly sends a transmission by way of datapad, biting her lip as she does so. (Message sent,) she thinks. (Hope Daddy took his blood-pressure meds today...)

Michael Eildath hrms. "Man, it's too quiet in here." He starts looking around. "This place have a jukebox or anything?"

Bowie glances over at the jukebox sitting in the corner. "Musta run outta zenny."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Chill Snowcat transmits, "Zero....if I can freeze him in place....ya wanna do the honors of blastin the hypocrite?"

Axle glances over at Rigger, then he smiles. "I can't wait for my actual body armor." He grins. "Alex's been training himself too. Taking up a new identity....Delta."

Alex blinks for a few minutes, then he nods. "Yeah...I figured that I wanted to get more into field combat a bit....Besides the Geographic Tactical Expert." He chuckles.

Michael Eildath strides over to it, looking over the selection. Hrm. They appears to have both kinds of music: Country and Western.

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Zero transmits, "...oof. Naw.. I'll handle it now. Watch out for any of his kids, though.,"

Bowie turns his gaze on Alex. "Delta, huh?"

Kalinka peers over toward Michael over by the jukebox. "Any Patsy Cline?" she asks hopefully.

There's more than western and country on the jukebox. There's bluegrass, too!

Kalinka receives a radio transmission from Dr. Pavel Cossack.

Michael Eildath blinks, turning over towards Kal. "Yeah. Just gimme a sec." He sticks in a dozen plays or so worth of zenny, starting off with some Patsy Cline, going on to some bluegrass, then a little of everything else. I may look like Mike's pushing random buttons... but he isn't. He's deliberately picking old stuff... this music fan doesn't care much for any of the half-dozen revivals these particular genres have had over the last few hundred years.

A nod is given towards Bowie. "Yeah. I don't know what made me come up with that identity, but it sounded rather nice." He chuckles a bit. "Once I get the power surge of my Arm Cannon boosted, I will be in business. Til then, I am learning swordsmanship from Zero." He shrugs. "When he's not busy of course."

Chance Tanuki can be heard as he starts to hum along under his hat, an occasional puff of cigar smoke accenting his agreement with the choice in music. "Good job, Mike. You choose any of that new stuff and I would of had to hurt you."

Michael Eildath fehs. "I know my music."

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Dr. Pavel Cossack.

Bowie nods his agreement with Chance. "Yer right. Thare's been a few good songs these days, but mos a it's gawdawful." He extracts Kalinka's gift from the small pile, brandishing the CDs. "Now this is good music."

Alex Reinfield grins towards Bowie and the others. He is deciding listen to the music. He isn't into country music, but he'll give it a chance. Either that, or whatever is playing.

Kalinka grins. "-Classic- country is quite popular in Russia," she remarks to Bowie. "People over there like...you know, Patsy Cline, Elvis country songs, and Johnny Cash. Not the -modern- country."

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Rigger chuckles in amusement as she nibbles on a rib carefully. Just to ensure she gets all the meat.

Bowie says "Ya don't say? Ah can't say Ah care fer Elvis, but the rest is all right."

Michael Eildath hrms. And here he'd thought that was just a stereotype. Shrugging, he wanders back over to his plate. Ahh, ribs.

Through some complex and inexplainable warping of the very fabric of space and time, Chance Tanuki dumps a shower of cookies on your head.

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Chill Snowcat transmits, "Ummmmm rumor of Zero's violent streak seem rather.....underestimated....."

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Dr. Pavel Cossack.

Bowie stands up, brushing off some collected crumbs from his pants, and walks over to the bar. Time to do the worst part of the evening - settling the bill.

Alex Reinfield smiles a bit towards Bowie, "Like I said, it is great that we were able to celebrate your birthday.." He is standing up. He walks over towards Bowie. He glances towards the bill. With a smile, he places his share of the money in. "This should help."

Kalinka says, "Oh, Bowie! Don't pay for your own birthday! I'll pay for everyone's meal, it won't be any trouble..."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Zero transmits, "Don't worry about me, just keep watch for those rein-- damn, too late. Right, kick Doppler's ass harder, then handle that idiot bird."

Michael Eildath fehs. "No way anyone's paying for it. I'll cover it."

Bowie is suddenly assaulted by offers of money. Too bad it happens only on birthdays, huh? He was about to politely refuse Alex when Kalinka and Michael chime in. He's outnumbered, and somehow he doesn't think he can reach his wallet in time. "Ya sure? Ah mean, Ah don't want t'be a bother..."

Michael Eildath shakes his head. "De nada. It's your party... not your bill." He smirks.

Kalinka shakes her head. "No trouble!" Looking over at Mike, she offers, "If you're getting the tab, I'll get the tip?"

Michael Eildath hrms. "Fair 'nough."

Bowie chuckles and holds up his hands in capitulation. "All right all right. Y'all win."

Alex Reinfield nods in agreement. "Yeah, I'll add in the tip.." He adds the money in for the tip.

Michael Eildath pays up with his apparently bottomless wallet. Bwa.

(And a fun time was had by all.)

============================ BB Post in Progress =============================

Group: Maverick Hunter

Title: Fridge note

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tacked to the fridge in the FSH's commissary is a hand-written note:

Thanks y'all for a great birthday. For those of you who couldn't be there, help yourself to the barbeque we brought back. And Famine, I already donated your share, so don't worry.

-Bowie

==============================================================================