Eurasia - Gateway Park

An impressive park, this place is reminiscent of the city parks that make such an impression on the cities of Earth. Monuments are under construction here to celebrate the station, but the park is still unfinished. The lights here mimic sunlight, and a holoimager projects the vision of a blue sky on the ceiling.

Starburst Dragon [Casual] [RF] Ricochet [Uniform] [RF]

Harmony [Casual3] [RF] Abernathy [Working] [C]

Alpha [Wing] [MH] Blues [Protoman] [MH]

Gemini Man [Human] [RM] Gale Sorcerer [Civilian] [C]

Retro Packrat [C] Edward Hampton [Casual] [C]

Jet Stingray [RF] Dynamo [Sephiroth] [C]

Bit [Nohelm] [M] Rigger [Peacoat] [MH]

Pey [Unarmored1] [C] Quint [Civvie] [RM]

Party Scene (Look!) Tengu Man [Armor] [RM]

Kalinka [Formal] [MH]

West <W> leads to Eurasia - East Quadrant.

For this evening, Eurasia's Gateway Park has undergone a rather astonishing transformation. The entire park has been rented out for an enormous party. Across the bandshell is a large cloth banner with print in both English and Russian: HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY, KALINKA.

Along the north boundary of the park is a long buffet line packed to the brim with delicious food, and worked by a cheerful Russian catering crew. Many tables are set up amongst the park's shady trees, so people can sit down and enjoy their meals without feeling crowded.

For those more adventurous, the area around the bandshell has been turned into a non-stop dancefloor -- and of course, the area closest to the speakers has become a makeshift mosh pit for when the louder bands are playing.

This party is hardly tame, for along with inviting the entire Repliforce, Maverick Hunters, Pravda News, and United Nations delegations, she's also invited about 1,000 of her closest friends. Whoever said that Russians were reserved has obviously never met Kalinka's friends.

(OOC Note: OK, feel free to @emit entertainers, bring an NPC 'friend' to this shindig...whatever you want, most anything goes, except for one thing...NO FIGHTING. Kalinka's player is going to get really pissed if someone tries to turn this party into a brawl, so...let's just not go there. Otherwise...go nuts!!)

((Kalinka

Kalinka Cossack has certainly come a long way from the time she was a helpless, scared child rescued by Protoman from Skull Fortress. On this occasion, she much more resembles a princess. There's something very mature and regal about the way the young Russian prodigy carries herself. After all, she has a big name and an even bigger reputation to uphold. For this occasion, her blonde hair is permed and perfectly coiffed. An expert makeover, likely done at an exclusive salon, makes her look much older than her 16 years.

She wears a rose-pink satin dress, created especially for her by the famous Russian designer, Vitaliy Gavrilova. It isn't skin-tight, but it is fashioned to fit her every curve perfectly. The sleeves of the matching silk dress-jacket are three-quarter length, and slightly ruffled at the shoulders. The dress itself is sleeveless, with spaghetti-straps holding up the slimming bodice. The skirt does not flare, but instead falls gracefully into place slightly above her knees. As she moves, the dress shimmers magically...an effect caused by a translucent 'drape' of glittery fabric sewn over the satin, which isn't visible apart from the dress unless one is looking very closely. On her feet are matching Italian pink satin pumps.))

Naturally, Ricochet's day goes from bad to worse. Orbit sends calming thoughts towards Rico, to prevent the Pokemon trainer ripoff's murderous thoughts from growing even more... well, murderous. Well, no, not really murderous but he's not in happyhappyfunfunland. His ego takes yet another stab through the heart as he tries to keep himself from thinking about injuring Dynamo badly and he diverts his attention towards Retro... nnng. He can't lie. But he CAN jazz up the truth. "Yeah, but... it was a really powerful vending machine!" Yeah, that's the ticket. The best thing about it is, thanks to it's insane inventor, it really WAS. It's a miracle Rico survived the encounter.

Retro Packrat shakes his head. "I know what you mean. What was that guy thinking? Military grade stuff, in a freakin' vending machine." He shudders. "I wonder if he ever got fired for that..."

Harmony laughs. "That vending machine thing was so funny, I'm sorry! If you could've seen yourself, really.." she shakes her head. It /was/ pretty cool. "I think the owner said it was posessed or something, I'unno." Nooging Ricochet, she continues cheering for Dynamo, clapping her hands above her head.

Dynamo sings low as the band solos, picking up in intesity as it gets closer to the final verse. "Listen All Of Y'all It's A Sabotage! Listen All Of Y'all It's A Sabotage! Listen All Of Y'all It's A Sabotage! Listen All Of Y'all It's A Sabotage!" He runs up to the front of the stage. "I Can't Stand It, I Know You Planned It, But I'm Gonna Set It Straight This Watergate! I Can't Stand Rockin' When I'm In This Place, Because I Feel Disgrace Because You're All In My Face, But Make No Mistakes And Switch Up My Channel! I'm Buddy Rich When I Fly Off The Handle! What Could It Be, It's A Miracle, You're Scheming On A Thing; That's Sabotage!"

Alpha smiles at Blues before nodding to Kali. "Mmhmm", she says. "Go ahead.", what's inside!?? Well, if Kali opens it she'll fiiiiinddd....

A level three Dreamcatcher, a white and black feather tied to one end of it, fluttering lightly in a slightly glossy metallic way. Alpha herself seems a little worried, biting her lip slightly, "Hope you like it.", she comments, "Um, and I hope you're having fun."

Saigama starts scanning the party scene for either Gemini or Kalinka. Something tells him he should be around to see whatever the Twins have planned. He idly smashes a cockroach with his toe.

Ricochet finally gets some sympathy! "Yeah, I'm surprised that they didn't--" Nnnng. Harmony getting a laugh off of him again... oh, the humiliation. AND she's cheering for Dynamo. Again. "...toss him in jail." he says after abruptly stopping. Nnng. It wouldn't be so bad if she wasn't obsessed with him outside of this... not that he knew that he COULD sing. Siiiighhhh. . o O (That reminds me. What DID you get Kalinka for us, Orbit?) (*BWIP BWIP* <It's a secret.>) (...you don't know yourself, do you?) (*BWIP BWIP* <Asking questions like that causes pain. For you, mostly.>)

Finally fighting her way through the crowds dancing at the bottom of the stage, Rigger hoists herself up onto it. No one bothers to stop her for the most part. Just a fan after all, right? This was typical actions for someone who wanted to jump into and surf the mosh pit. That's hardly the direction the Hunter goes in, though. Instead, grinning broadly, she pulls out a roll of duct-tape. A mechanic's best friend. The *shriiip* of it being unwound is lost in the thrashing music as she edges up towards Dynamo to clap it over his mouth at the end of his song. "Sorry. *My* turn now. Got to give the girl a proper 'Happy birthday' after all," she offers quietly so just Dynamo can hear. "The microphone, if you please?"

Unsurprisingly enough, the area around Gale starts getting more empty as the RDI Director walks a bit towards the crowd, apparently totally sober, on his two feet, and with a calm and totally normal glare on his eyes. It's freaky, really, if you've been watching him for the last 10 minutes. "Now, where's that Packrat..."- he mentally mumbles -"I knew I should have stayed home, what a waste of my free time..." No really, Gale enjoys parties. Only if he's got someone he knows to chat with.

From the showing up at the last possible minute department....a certain Texan Hunter strolls through the park gate. Technically Bowie isn't late, but he's not arriving as early as planned. Which means that there are a lot of people already here, and now he wonders how on (above) earth he's going to find the birthday girl in this.

Tengu Man sends a radio transmission to Bowie.

[Radio] Tengu Man sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Hello."

Gemini Man leaves the bag behind. Still holding a goblet of champaigne, he scans the crowd for Kalinka. Now...where could she be? He locates her soon enough, as, she seems to have plenty of hangers-on surrounding her. He eyes the area where the Gullible Girl and the Stupid Girl are exchanging pleasantries, and, starts to walk in that direction. He passes by a pair of Russian girls that look similair as sisters... He eyes them up, and down, then, shakes his head, and goes back to moving forward.

Kalinka grins with delight, giving Alpha a hug. "Thank you so much!" she says. Suddenly, she looks stunned as she sees Saigama standing nearby. "Oh my god, look who is here...do you know who that is, Alpha?" she asks.

900 teenagers thrash about on the dancefloor and in the moshpit. No SANE person would enter that slamming, bumping pit of certain injury. "Mjolnirr, Mjolnirr!!! Sabotage!!!" They're whipped into a frenzy.

Harmony blinks, stopping her clapping as Rigger takes over the stage. Frowning, she cups her hands around her mouth. "BOOO, GET OFF THE STAAAAAGE!" ..and other things that are obscene and not nice to say to ladies. What's her malfunction, making Dynamo stop like that? "Booo!"

Dynamo mrrphs! He's covered with tape, and the SOLDIER just looks at Rigger for a moment. "Mmmll, Mm Mmn't Mmmare." He hands over the microphone, glad to be done while he goes to rip the tape off his beautiful face.

Ricochet sends a radio transmission.

Rigger receives a radio transmission from Ricochet.

It really is beautiful.

Uhoh. Saigama has been noticed. He simultaneously notices Kalinka. Oh boy. Here we go.

Tengu Man receives a radio transmission.

[Radio] You send Tengu Man a direct message: "...howdy."

Retro Packrat shrugs, looking about. He manages to spot his boss and waves to him, though, signaling his whereabouts. HOwever, he quickly remembers something. "....OH CRAP, I forgot to give her a present!!" He starts skittering toward her, apologetic, while trying to figure out something to make it up to the birthday girl. . o O (Make her a...no, why would she need another weapon. Maybe give her one of my posters? Nah, I scrounged for those a long time, I can't just GIVE those away...hrm, maybe make her something. Like a remote cam? Nahhh....)

Tengu Man sends a radio transmission to Bowie.

[Radio] Tengu Man sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I daresay you're late."

Quint seems to be missing again. Someone should put a bell on him or something, make sneaking around a lot harder..

Jet Stingray just continues his vigil in the corner, sipping his cream soda and soaking in the partage. You say that partage isn't a word? Well it is now!

How disgraceful - although Bit had to admit, it was a touch amusing to watch, as all of the screaming fans went absolutely nuts out there. Well, if they couldn't put up with this sort of thing for just a moment, then they were as undisciplined as they came, weren't they?

The Yang Yomi climbs to his feet, tucking his pipe back inside his armor and stowing his sword at his waist. Scratching the Kammas idly, he starts making his way over towards the buffet bar. "Tell me, is there something you prefer to eat?" he asks the odd creature, curious.

(...We DON'T know. Who is it?)Oo Gemini says nothing aloud, but, he hears Kalinka's question, and, as he gets closer to where she is standing, he follows her gaze. He knocks back his glass, finishes it off, and sets it on the table. He looks toward Rigger on stage, for a second, then, smiles a pale smile as he waits for his chance to speak with the girl of the day.

Alpha returns the hug! Mission accomplished, 200 exp gained. Alpha seems to relax considerably."You're welcome. And thank you.", she bobs her head before turning her head to look at Saigama, taps her teeth together thoughtfully, "Hrnn....", she intones as if trying to recall something. "I'm sorry.", she says, shaking her head. She glances to the stage at the sound of the booing. Her eyes widen. RIGGER!? ... And why is Dynamo covered in ducttape? "This is odd.", she states accurately.

Tengu Man receives a radio transmission from Bowie.

[Radio] You send Tengu Man a direct message: "Fergot the time diffrence."

Tengu Man sends a radio transmission.

[Radio] Tengu Man sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "That's a lame excuse."

Blizzard Wolf has disconnected.

Blues just narrows his eyes slightly at the sight of Saigama. Now, who is this....? Then, his attention's grabbed by the approach of Gemini Man. Like he didn't have enough people to appear vaugely threatening too.

Dynamo mrphles indignantly!

Harmony sighs as Dynamo wanders offstage, hoping his face will be okay. Stepping beside him, like the sneak she is, she raises her eyebrows. "Poor thing! Do you need help with that, what a bitch.." she complains, eyeing Rigger onstage. Bad Rigger!

Bowie wanders among the crowd, trying to keep the bouquet of flowers he brought from being crushed in the process. He nods to the people he recognizes, and refuses to let the radio voice in his ear bother him overmuch.

Saigama's eyes widen. As his name is called out for all the world to hear, he jumps. Oh damn. But what can he do?

Obediently, and utterly unaware of all the eyes on him, Saigama walks over to join Kalinka and Alpha.

Retro Packrat finally skitters up to Kali, getting off all four and bowing apologetically. "I'm sorry, I forgot to get you a present! I'll make it up to you, I can try and make you something, anything!....within reasonable limits!" . o O (Oh please, don't let her dad find out about this!) Yes, he does fear Dr. Cossack that much. Not to say he doesn't actually like Kalinka...he just has an irrational fear of her father.

Ricochet is... abandoned by Harmony. SIGH. . o O (Well, this is a bust so far.) . o O (*BWIP* <...we did get to watch Dynamo get covered in duct tape.>) . o O (...well, not a total bust, then.) Opticing where she left, he starts trying to make his way to whereever the presents are deposited. This probably means he'll be lost for the rest of his natural life.

Dynamo gives Harmony a cross look. "Mmll, mmf mmourse mmt's mmonna mmurt! MMmt's mmmuct mmmape!" He pulls out a beam dagger, snapping it to life with a little hiss.

The AMAWZINGLEEEESUPERSMARTALPHA smiles as she sees Dynamo walking offstage and Harmony helping him, "Oh she's not so hopelessly violent after all.", she says, "She's helping Dynamo with the tape out of the goodness of her...", okay, maybe not so SUPERSMARTY after all. She glances to Bowie, grins, and slowly starts to sliiiiide away from Kali. Bowie deserves this, even if he does eat people.(rp for Bowie)

Rigger takes the microphone and gives a mocking bow towards Dynamo as he departs, all the while twirling the chord of the microphone between the fingers of her other hand. Ignoring the jeering from those-who-are-old-enough-to-know-better she lifts the microphone to begin her 'present' to Kalinka. "<Happy Birthday, Kalinka.>" That uttered in the best Russian she can manage she turns to the band to quickly tell them just what to start playing. Loud, fast, typical punk stuff with a good thrashing beat. "This ain't a song for the broken hearted! No quiet prayer for faith departed! And I ain't going to be just a face in the crowd, you're going to hear my voice when I shout it out loud: It's my life! It's now or never! Well I ain't going to live forever; I just want to live while I'm alive! It's my life! My heart is like an open highway; like Frankie said 'I did it my way!' I just want to live while I'm alive... It's my life!" Bon Jovi might be ancient but it was still good.

Gravity Beetle applauds Rigger's singing loudly and dances like a loon.

Harmony rolls her eyes, somehow not affected by his annoyance. Maybe because she deals with these kind of people often, or maybe it's just because she's too arrogant. "You can put that away, what do you think I'm gonna do, huh?" Reaching over, she grabs the duct tape on tries to rip it off, swiftly and.. probably.. painfully.

Gemini Man is, in fact, watching this Saigama.... though, he'd like to keep an eye on Rigger as well. The easiest way to do this is also the obvious way, and, he 'doubles up,' appearing in the same guise elsewhere in the dancing crowd. He doesn't seem to get into the dancing as much as the teens, but, after the arrives there, halfway through the song, he does tap a toe, and watch her closely enough that it's almost uncomfortable.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Sunshine? Ya have yer radio on?"

Dynamo drops the beam dagger, which embeds itself into the floor, and his eyes go wide. "YEEEEOOOWWCH!" He now has a nice red stripe along his face where the tape was pulled off.

When Saigama is within reaching distance, she puts her hand on his shoulder. She's probably about to tell him something, when...Rigger catches her complete attention, and she just STARES at the stage, half-grinning. "Well. Who knew."

Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I do, handsome! And hello! I am now at the party!"

Blues just shakes his head. "This is why I hate big parties."

Alpha winces, nodding to Blues.

Retro Packrat nods frantically. "Ok, ok...you sure, though? I can easily just make you something and....huh?" Then the stage takes his attention, Rigger stepping up to the mike. ANd as the song starts, he blinks. He knows of Bon Jovi, but never heard THIS song before...though after it starts, he realizes why. No fault of Rigger's, he just can't stand the song. "I thought they were gonna play some Guns 'n Roses!"

Alpha sends a radio transmission.

Dynamo receives a radio transmission from Alpha.

Dynamo sends a radio transmission.

Alpha receives a radio transmission from Dynamo.

Jet Stingray just blinks as he watches Rigger. He blinks a few times, then just faceplatepalms, his faceplate snapping back into place from the motion. He just continues to be content to sit on the sidelines, perhaps not wishing to steal the show from the birthday girl or others that want to have their time in the spotlight. With how busy and all taht Jet's done, the Stingray is more than willing to let people have their time too. Aww, the Stingray /can/ grow up. To some degree. Okay, a /small/ degree. Better than nothing.

Saigama blinks. Blinks blinks blinks. "I had no idea." That rigger could sing, of course. But hey. "Why isn't Bowie over here yet?" asks Sai-Tengu, almost meekly.

Harmony tilts her head. "See? It's like a bandaid, it's better to have somebody else do it." Unfortunately flirting with him isn't the point right now, she's just being herself. Which isn't helping. Picking up his beam sabre gently, she holds it out.. turned off, of course. "Sorry about that, here you go!"

Ricochet blinkblinks at this singing. Rigger... can sing?... "*BWIP BWIP BWIP*" <I wonder if she needs accompanyment on the accordion.> Orbit's tail wags a bit and his ears flick.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission from Bowie.

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "So am Ah. Didn't realize ya knew so many people."

Alpha sends a radio transmission.

Dynamo receives a radio transmission.

"This is for the ones who stood their ground! For Tommy and Gina, who never backed down! Tomorrow's getting harder, make no mistake. Luck ain't even lucky; got to make your own breaks!" Now that the song is starting to get into her favorite part Rigger starts to, well... Show off a little. Holding the mike in one hand she lifts it above her head and tips it back so that it still catches her voice. It frees her from the chord and allows her to start, of all things, dancing. It's no wonder she usually avoided a stage. Once she got started... It was hard to stop. "It's my life! It's now or never, I ain't going to live forever. I just want to live while I'm alive. It's my life! My heart is like an open high-way. Like Frankie said I did it my way. I just want to live while I'm alive; cuz it's my life!"

Bowie continues wandering through the crowd, pausing as he catches a glimpse of the stage. Is that Rigger up there? Huh. Who knew.

Kalinka shrugs to Saigama. "He is probably trying to find me, this park is quite big..."

The teens in the crowd, now thoroughly hyped, begin rhythmically rocking out and dancing. "My life, my life!!" they chant, bouncing up and down.

Jet's admirers have caught up to him again. One of the girls asks him... "Are you going to sing? Are you Stingray of Singing?" The teens laugh.

Gale Sorcerer finally desists on keeping up on tracking Retro down, and deciedes to just move onto staring at the scenario, and Rigger on it. Which is probably better than what he was currently doing. Not much better though. "I hope no one payed for this..." he mumbles, to no one in particular, a twisted expression on his mouth while he moves his hands back into his pockets. This is just horrible, alone in the middle of a bunch of people he doesn't know at all, with nothing to do, now even with the risk of getting a massive headache. Argh. He feels like... like...

"Hadoken!!"

Gale finds himself in the middle of some scared bystanders watching him stand in a spellcasting pose, apparently having shout something he didn't pretend to even say. Bleh, look at what Dr. Trunk achieves by giving to him a bunch of 8-Bit Theater comics as a Christmas present. The RDI Director just slaps his forehead violently and moves to another place embarrassed.

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Wow... I'"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Wow... I've gotta get a recording of that. It's really good."

Dynamo just winces. "There /are/ easier ways to do that, Harmony." He shakes his head. "But alas... yes. Thank you, nonetheless. Enjoying the party?"

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Bowie.

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I am over by the food tables! Standing near the end!"

Blues takes a /long/ slug of his drink, then looks over coolly at Saigama, in case something comes up...

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Inquisitor transmits, "Aye! Record that! I want to hear it, myself."

The teens who were closest to Gale shriek and scream, scurrying away and eyeing him with suspicion.

"Oh," says Saigama. Because, see, Bowie doesn't have a Ride Armor.

The ochre-haired teen calmly looks to the side, and sees Protoman. "Uh...hi." Meep.

Retro Packrat's ears flatten out, hearing Gale shout out, wondering what it's all about. "Mr. Gale? Um..."

Bowie starts ambling in the direction of the buffet, moving to hide the tissue-wrapped bouquet behind his back. Unlike the overwhelming majority of American men, he does on occasion ask for directions.

Harmony shrugs, grinning. "Pain makes you stronger, or something. I am, yeah, I just got here! I really don't think Kalinka knows half of these people.." she says, looking around. Eurasia might fall out of the sky with this load. "I didn't know you could sing either, you're pretty good!" He remembered her na~ame! Relaxing, she clasps her hands behind her back.

Bit browses the buffet bar, looking around for something decent to drink. As well as a bottle of something alcoholic as well - after all, if he's going tto recline and watch the festivities, he's going to do it in style. During the meantime, he brings various bits of food up for the Kammas to presuse, wondering if there is anything it takes a fancy to.

There is a minor disturbance on one edge of the crowd, toward the entrance of the park, that is not caused by panicking fangirls, cockroaches, or strippers. Just Interpol security officers. Two of them. And the black-clad individual who happens to be with them. Nothing to see here, carry on.

Jet Stingray just blinks as he glances down and notices the fans have found him again. Being ten feet tall has /some/ disadvantages here. Using his free hand to rub his beret awkwardly, he offers, "Me? Sing? ...Well, um, I'm not so sure.... There seem to be a lot of people willing to take the center stage. Besidse, it's been like forever and a half since I last sang," he says with a nervous laugh.

Ugh. This really is a terribly dull conversation.

Gemini Man takes Tengu's word for it; if he's going to bother Kalinka there's really no time like the present. He moves past Saigama entirely, and slips next to Kalinka to cut into, and, liven up in his own way, this gossip circle. "Having a good time, Kalinka Cossack?" he asks.

Edward Hampton quietly observes Blues from a distance, looking perfectly normal and relaxed as he sips at his drink. The datapad in his pocket, however, is nowhere near as casual as it performs complex mathematical work and data rearranging... Also known as decryption. Mmmm... Eavesdropping and observation. What a sneaky bastard he can be sometimes.

"Remember: Stand tall when they're calling you out; don't bend, don't break, baby, don't back down!" Is it any wonder the Hunter chose this particular song to sing? Even if some certain individuals didn't like it... it was fitting, just a bit. Especially given it was Kalinka's birthday. With a quick swivel of her hips she turns to stalk across to the other side of the stage as she finishes off the chorus again. "It's my life and it's now or never! Cuz I ain't going to live forever; I just want to live while I'm alive! It's my life! My heart is like an open high-way, like Frankie said 'I did it my way!' I just want to live while I'm alive! And it's now or never... I ain't going to live forever... I just want to live while I'm alive! Cuz it's my life!"

Dynamo grins. "Many thanks, milady. I do try to be a renaissance man of sorts." He looks over at Rigger, nodding appreciatively at the song. "But, alas, I must away, and return to an outfit more befitting my duty as chief of Eurasian security. Ja ne!" And laying a hand upon his beam saber, then winking an eye, blinked away he did go.

Alpha nods to herself, striding away on her own power to the teleporters without another word. She did her duty, and Kali's happier, so now she has to get out of here before she explodes.

Harmony sighs dreamily, crossing her arms. "He never stays long enough, you know?" she says to herself, sadly turning around to look for Ricochet again. Where'd he go?

Kalinka blinks a few times, eyeing Gemini. She should have known this party was going to be crashed...she just hopes that the party crashers in question only have the intention of having fun, and nothing more. "...It is a surprise to see you here," is all she can muster, as she applauds Rigger for having the nerve to get up there on the stage and sing.

The teens in the crowd scream and cheer -- looks like Rigger might have a sleeper hit in Russia, especially if one of these teens recorded her!

Retro Packrat shakes his head, trying to ignore Gale's seemingly involuntary action for now, but ponders. "Heh...maybe I should get up there. Just for the hell of it. What do you think Miss Kalin...ka?" He then stares, wondering who the wierd guy who just approached Kalinka (and garnered an eying from her) is.

Hoping no one he knows saw him do that, something that wouldn't amaze him considering his usual luck, Gale Sorcerer stays already next to another table full of food and drinks, far away from his former possition. A cold breeze is already blowing around him. Were he actually capable of weather control, you'd be able to see a black cloud over his head. He's just going to keep on putting into his mouth whatever he finds, trying to ignore the curious and scared children staring at him while whispering amongst themselves.

Saigama is (so far) spared Cossack wrath. This is a good thing.

Gemini approaching, however, not so much. The teen shoves his hands in his pockets, wondering what the Twins have in store and whether or not he should be trying to stop them. Oh, well... we'll see.

Blues narrows his eyes, and steps just a bit closer to Kalinka, eyes on this party crasher, the glass he'd been holding left on a table.

Gemini Man raises a brow, making this a clearly visible expression. "So. Recognize me. That makes life easy. I was just thinking... Now that you're sixteen." He leans forward just a bit, speaking the next sentence in a hushed undertone. He smiles as he whispers, seeing he's collected a bit of an audience, whether they recognize him or not.

With the grace of a born diplomat -- and the months of experience of working with overprotective security personnel -- the black-clad figure on the verge of the crowd spots the knot of people around Kalinka, and begins wending his way through mob of screaming teenagers. It's time to go pay Interpol's respects to the birthday girl.

Bowie knew Kalinka was going to be the center of attention today. He also knew that the party was going to be packed, and subconsciously he's been keeping track of the people moving around him. The fact that the party has already been crashed does not terribly surprise him. He comes up on the cluster of people surrounding Kalinka, his stetson hat probably visible above or around them.

Having not really found anything to drink that fits his requirements at this point, Bit runs one finger along the back of the Kammas' head for a long moment, considering it. "Perhaps you are a present meant for our guest of honor," he decides, before turning to walk towards the throng of people in the center of the room - the area where Kalinka's small court is gathered, all in adulation of the Guest of Honor. Bit doesn't necessaraly need to force is way through - he simply holds out one hand, and gestures for the younger people to move aside. His size, and likely his reputation, do the trick, and he quickly makes his way towards where Kalinka is standing.

"Miss Kalinka..." Bit intones quietly. "I believe I have something..."

At that moment the Kammas decides to become rather agitated by the crowds, and rears its head - before launching itself back off and over the crowd, away from the mass of people. The Yang Yomi just shakes his head... how sad. After all of that, and now... nothing.

Edward Hampton continues to observe, sipping his drink. Unlike the others, he doesn't recognize Gemini, but he does note the change in stance. Hmmm... This can be interesting.

Blues has disconnected.

Ricochet hasn't followed Harmony up to the stage. OOCly, he's been distracted. But ICly?... he's lost. Completely friggin' lost. If he's even still in the park, it'd be surprising. Of course, he probably is, but nevertheless, if anything the lack of a magnetic north pole seems to exhaserbate his problems. If that's even possible. Plus, there's also the fact that his arch-nemesis can change shape whenever hot or cold water is applied thanks to... argh. Wrong script again.

Retro Packrat simply scratches the back of his head, wondering what all is going on. "What's up?...what's going on?" . o O (I'm gettin' that baaaaaaaaaaad feeling again...maybe I should just relax and maybe try and get up on stage or something...yeah, like THAT'll relax me).

Tengu Man was pressed into joining this court, darnit. You'd better believe he'd still be standing in the corner like a coward had Kalinka not called him over here. He watches gemini like a hawk. What's he gonna do, what's he gonna do? Get it over with already...

Kalinka listens to something that Gemini tells her, and she pales visibly, the smile fading from her face like the sun going behind an approaching storm cloud.

She stands there, looking somewhat numb...the expression is not unlike a picture taken of someone whose house just got destroyed and they somehow survived by dumb luck. Bit's resonant voice brings her out of the gloomy reverie, somewhat, and she turns toward him, the haunted look still in her eyes.

Harmony sighs. "Lost him.. he'll come back, he probably just wandered into the crowd." she decides, heading over to one of the many refreshment tables. "Thirsty.." she complains, pretty parched after all that screaming. Grabbing a cup, she pours herself something that /looks/ good. 'No idea what this is..' she thinks to herself, taking a small sip. Mmm.. tasty! Spiked punch, most likely.

Gemini Man laughs lowly, his voice deep in the back of his throat. That's all he wanted to say. ...Stupid, stupid girl. He turns away, and walks away, as if he were demanding for the surrounding crowd to part for him.

As he does so, one of the roaches--real or not, and, place your bets on not--from the surrounding ground starts to crawl up onto Kalinka's shoe...followed by another, and another. Gemini's eyes catch 'Sai's, and, suddenly, he does in fact recognize his brother. He chuckles again.

... Wow. What a response. Rigger stares out over the crowd cheering, clapping, and screaming at her. Not at her: for her. She practically turns beet red at the thought. Maybe... just one more wouldn't hurt, right? Besides there wasn't anyone else here to sing. ... Where *did* Mjolnir's singer go anyway? As the last strains of the song are worked through she takes a few steps back to suggest another song to the band. They nod and communicate amongst one another as she strides to the fore of the stage again. Just *one* more and if there wasn't anyone else here by then they'd be on their own. ... Really. She's not enjoying this *one bit.*

The music starts up into a slightly racier rendition of the Goo Goo Doll's 'Long Way Down.' My but she was fond of the oldies. "Aww, here you are, there's nothing left to say: You're not supposed to be that way. Did they push you out? Did they throw you away? Touch me now and I don't care, when you take me I'm not there. Almost human but I'll never be the same! Long way down, I don't think I'll make it on my own. I don't want to live here alone. Long way down... I don't think I'll make it on my own."

The Kammas' flight over the crowd as it leaves Bit is elgant, graceful, even playful as it dips and spins over the heads of those within it. One certain head however, pale as it was, causes the Kammas to circle back and dive bomb in for a closer look at the director of Interpol.

Saigama's eyes narrow in response. The attention has been shifted off of him, yes, but...

It steadily begins to eat at him -- what did Gem tell her? Damn him. And, more important, what can he do? What is he *supposed* to do? He briefly entertains the notion of putting his hand on her shoulder. BUt no. That is probably not a good idea.

Bowie taps Sai-Tengu on the shoulder, since he stands the best chance of getting by him. " 'Scuse me..."

The Russian teens surrounding the stage break out their lighters, and hold them up toward Rigger. "Yaaaay, blondie!! Blondie!!"

Well, nothing has apparently changed much, looking back at Gale Sorcerer. Maybe a bit. Actually, between glass and glass, he's trying to calm down and relax again. This attitude can't definitely be good for his nerves. But then, there is those damn brats staring at him, the crowd, the people all over the scenario... and him alone in the silly party. How else could this get even more horrible? Well, just watch and try to find out if the Interpol General Director manages to chatch him finishing all the bottles of the table before reaching to Kalinka. Yes, that'd definitely be fun, wouldn't it?

The flicker of color and motion out of the corner of one eye as the Kammas takes wing causes more than one head to turn to follow the reptavian. Among the eyes drawn to the creature in flight are -- yes, the Director of Interpol's. Fortunate that he does actually catch sight of it before it decides to land on his head, or something equally silly. Even as his two security personnel shift their attention to the animal -- was it a weapon? More importantly, was it /Xiang's/ weapon? -- the Director shifts his own bag of presents to his other arm, and holds up a hand, offering it to the Kammas as a falconer would to his bird.

And Gale is just lucky that Abernathy is nowhere /near/ the buffet table, at this point.

Kalinka begins to tremble violently as the 'roaches' begin walking up her legs. She closes her eyes tightly, too terrified and anguished to even scream.

A weird-looking man grins at Harmony. "You like vodka punch?" he asks with a *hic*. Yup. Spiked, indeed.

Gale Sorcerer is lucky indeed. Yes.

The roaches are not going to get a chance to go very far - moments after they even touch Kalinka's leg, the creatures goes flying across the room, arcing over the heads of the collected crowd. Bit's blue eyes lock onto Gemini for a long moment as he draws his sword back, still in its shealth and festooned with a variety of golden ribbons to hold it in place - the ancient sign of the peace seal - and scoffs. "Such an impolite course of action," Bit comments, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he looks at the disguised Master. "To take the light of joy from the eyes of a person, even if they are your enemy, when it is justly deserved, violates the tennants that any true man of honor, or warrior, should observe."

Harmony sips her mystery drink casually, a thin eyebrow raising as she looks over. "..uhh." she starts, cocking her head at him. "I suppose so, it's good. ..were you invited?" she asks, wondering if he was some kind of.. janitor?

"Oh, of -course-, of course I was," insists the spiked-punch man to Harmony. "You have more punch. As much as you like, dear lady!"

Harmony smiles crookedly. "..thank you." Just slowly walk away, don't startle him.. just slooooowly..

Signas arrives from the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Retro Packrat shudders at the roaches. Now he's getting that bad feeling even worse. Maybe it's time to bail. Quickly enough he heads off and says goodbye to Kali and anyone he might know around here (which don't number particularly high), before heading out of the park.

Out in the audience for the music, one of the twins sedately applauds for Rigger.

Meanwhile, the more agressive of the Geminis is being faced down by a well-meaning Maverick. How noble. "Pity then, that I'm neither a man of honor, nor a warrior, hm?" Gemini tosses back his head, and laughs openly. The fake roach assault backs off, at least. "Happy, Happy Birthday, baby," Gemini snips off toward Kalinka. "You deserve it."

Retro Packrat has left.

Saigama jumps /again/ as somebody taps on his shoulder. He turns. Oh, it's just Bowie. Ha. "Konbanwa. Here." Saigama steps to the side, allowing BOwie to pass, silently praying he won't be chosen as Kalinka's next target. Also makes a note to self: beat Gemini in the near future.

Rigger lowers her head over the microphone as her voice drops to a softly sung whisper. The microphone picks up every nuance of her voice as she continues to sing the next verse in this manner. "I never put you down; I never pushed you away! You're not supposed to be that way! And anything you want, there's nothing I could say." Again her voice rises to spill out over the crowd in a demand she knows there will be no answer to. "Is there anything to feel? Is it pain that makes you real? Cut me off before it kills me!" Again the music breaks out louder and she's forced to raise the pitch of her voice to keep up. At this rate she'd wear her voice out! ... Oh but what fun. "I never put you down. I never pushed you away. Take another peice of me! Give my mind a new disease! And the black and white world never fades to gray! Long way down! I don't think I'll make it on my own. Long way down! I don't want to live in here alone! Long way down... I don't think I'll make it on my own... On my own..."

Ah! A hand! Finally someone knew how to properly offer Kammas a perch. It's weight slams into Abernathy's arm though more due to his flight speed abruptly ending than an attempt to rip off his arm or anything remotely similar. For a moment it's fins remain splayed in a brilliant display of color. A quick flutter follows as they slide back over it's body to fold up properly and the Kammas gives it's stoic toothy grin to Abernathy while examining him calmly.

Long distance to Gemini Man: Bowie checks. You're obviously Gemini Man, right?

Spin Cougar arrives from the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Spin Cougar has arrived.

"Oh my god, shut up and leave me alone," Kalinka laments, getting teary-eyed. "Have you not done ENOUGH already? Things I can never forget..." She stares at Bit in surprise. She certainly wasn't expecting him to care. Then again...a lot of things have happened this evening that have come as a complete surprise. One way or another.

"LONG WAY DOWN," sing-chants the youthful crowd, waving lighters and flashing hand-signs at Rigger. Some nice, some not.

"Such is the only justification we can hold while we do battle - and if you choose such actions, you are no better than the animals that the humans accuse us Mavericks of being," Bit replies to the Gemini Man before him, his sheathed sword still extended in front of him. "Justice, fidelity, honor, pride - if you lose these things, then your cause has no meaning behind it. Only senseless terror and violence." His eyes narrow ever so slightly, his golden wash of hair falling down over his eyes for a moment as the air circulates in the park. "I reccomend that you take your leave of this place - I doubt that your venom is needed here."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Main Rigger transmits, "... Okay that's it, the band's on their own."

Bowie slips past Saigama, apparently not interested in a confrontation with him right now. He smiles as he finally makes it to Kalinka...and the smile vanishes as soon as he sees the teary-eyed expression on her face. Anyone still between him and her had best be moving aside. And if looks could kill, Gemini would be needing two graves about now.

Jet Stingray merely scans over the party again, but by the time he notices that something is wrong from how Kalinka and others are reacting, it is too late for him to do anything. Problem with trying to watch an entire party by yourself. It's not easy. An outsider this night, perhaps by choice, Jet continues to do his silent guardian bit.

Ricochet is, in all likelihood, right behind Harmony. Orbit, naturally, has led them foodwards. "*BWIP BWIP BWIP*" <C'mon. Before you go find something worth hitting, let's load up on some food.> His metabolizer growls.

Plant Man arrives from the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Plant Man has arrived.

Harmony sips her drink, now a table away from the scary punch man. Not noticing Ricochet, she sighs and looks around, still trying to spot ANYBODY she knows. What a big group of crazy strangers..

As for Saigama? He quietly clenches his fists. Dammit! He'd hit something/someone, but there's no one convenient. Except for this drink he'd held onto. He waits a moment while Gemini talks to Bit, then hurls the can with frightening accuracy.

Then he /zips/ back into the crowd of the dance floor. He'd rather not let Gemini know whodunnit, but it's probably useless anyhow. And it might be a good time for him to leave.

Kalinka quickly wraps her arms around Bowie...he's her anchor in these troubled times. There's probably a lot she needs to explain to him later on.

As Ricochet and Orbit approach the food table, a 90-year-old serving woman greets them. "Hello. You are both too skinny." She piles plates full of potatoes, beets, and other large helpings of food. "Eat, right this minute! Eat this!"

Signas arrives from... the entrance, wherever that is. Somewhere off to the west. He pauses, looking briefly surprised, as he looks over the crowds... And there certainly are a lot of crowds, aren't there. Thousands if not tens of thousands, mostly appearing to be military types, some not. The Diplomat shrugs, and glances about a moment for anyone he knows, or anyone he might like to get to know, such as Mr. Beer.

At the edge of the party zone, Spin can be seen headed towards the area Kalinka's in. (Why did my shift have to last an extra hour?) he inwardly mutters, clutching a small package in his right hand. Some distance away, he locates a couple of his acquaintances - of course Kalinka, but also Harmony, RicoWAIT A MINUTE. His optics widen. Rico's alive and well? He never gets told anything. Grinning, he offers a wave to the birthday girl. "Hey there!"

Orbit's optics light up. He gets that anime glimmer in them. Someone who understands him even better than his neural-bond-mate. Someone who understands the REAL him!... not what's inside his mind, but the metabolizer that's ASSISTED by that mind! "*BWIP BWIP BWIP*" <You are the wind beneith my wings.> He begins gorging himself.

Ricochet sweatdrops... "I... ah..." *scorfscorfscorf* Orbit is, naturally, making a bad example for the both of them. He'll likely be expected to match his rate of food destruction.

Bowie gives Kali a one-armed hug. The other is still clutching the bouquet of flowers - daffodils - which he presents to her as soon as she loosens her hold on him. "Happy Birthday, sunshine," he beams.

Edward Hampton moves from his observation post, drawing near the confrontation and peering at the weird guy. "Hey, don't go spoiling a perfectly good party like that. Give Kalinka a break, will ya? Why not go tear wings off of flies or something?"

Gemini Man nods to Bit. He even gives him a sort of salute, casually, with his left hand. "Already on my way out. I just wanted to pay my respects like everyone else." He looks sideways slightly as a reflex, spotting a can flying toward him. He keeps his arm up to block it from striking him right in the head, but it still slams against him, splattering all over his good suit. He frowns...spits slightly, and walks off.

The second twin in the crowd waves up at Rigger, before turning away, pushing back through a group of loud teenagers.

Gemini Man sends a radio transmission to Rigger.

Rigger receives a radio transmission.

Abernathy braces, expecting the impact, and is only slightly staggered by the Kammas hitting his fist. The two officers with him are not quite as relaxed, training their attention -- but not their weapons -- on the creature, with some worry. The Director, for his part, returns Kammas' stoic look with one of his own, examining it with the same amount of scrutiny it's paying him. Finally, after half a minute of exchanging sober regard with it, he looks away, giving the officer on his right the slightest of smiles. "I don't think it intends to kill me," he murmurs, amused -- before straightening, glancing back to Kammas with that same smile, and starting off toward Kalinka and her protectors again.

"Miss Cossack!" he calls out, once he's in hailing range -- and he is very careful to keep his unusual living burden from startling at the increased density of people. Animal magnetism? Maybe.

Harmony closes her eyes, quickly downing the rest of her vodka punch. Whistling, she creeps back over for more.. pretty tasty! Creeping mostly because of that janitor guy, or whoever it was. Pouring herself an extra helping of drunk, she looks around. Putting the ladle back in the bowl, she raises her hand to wave at Signas. There's someone she kind of reconizes! "Signas! Didn't think I'd see you here, or anybody I knew for that matter. How are you, sir?" she smiles, sipping her new cold drink.

Starburst Dragon has disconnected.

Rigger sends a radio transmission.

Gemini Man receives a radio transmission.

Chest arrives from the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Chest has arrived.

Rolling Minicam has arrived.

Chest drops Rolling Minicam.

So, should we remark something else from Gale and the area around him? Probably not. The intel has finished with 6 bottles and 2 plates of various things already. Neat stuff. Children and other people around him are starting to get really scared, seriously.

Gemini Man sends a radio transmission.

Rigger receives a radio transmission.

Kalinka smiles once more, gently, as Bowie gives her the flowers. She kisses his cheek. "Oh, thank you so much!" Spin gets the radiant grin, once again back. "Hi!! Welcome, I know this place is crazy, but thank you for coming!" She hears her name again. "Oh my god, this place is nuts, who is calling?" She cranes her neck, peering in Abernathy's direction with a raised brow.

Le sigh. And the whole can thing didn't work out. Damn.

Saigama continues making his way less-than-gracefully through the crowd near the stage. Oy. Only problem is, now he's a little lost. And unsure what to do about. C

Ah, poor Kammas. First Rigger tried to take him into the crowd, then Bit, and now Abernathy. The creature makes an odd sound like air wheezing out from between it's teeth as it starts to adjust itself just a bit to be more comfortably draped over it's perch. It's tail curls forward to tuck against the Director's arm and it seems quite content to rest just like that. Chitter.

Some kid sitting near Gale hasn't moved since he started. Finally, the kid speaks up. "Are you a devil?"

"Good, good," says Signas, waving over to Harmony. "I just got here about a minute ago. How have things been going so far? Any trouble?"

Rigger sends a radio transmission to Gemini Man.

Gemini Man receives a radio transmission from Rigger.

And here's another body for the masses, a redheaded lady who's seen a specific old movie one too many times. Taking off her sunglasses with a grin, she folds and stuffs them in a pocket of her trenchcoat with one hand, scanning the crowd. "All this for lil' Cossack's Birthday? My my . . . "

It's possible to spot where Kalinka is, and with a potted mini-rosebush in hand, the one known as Rosea starts heading through the crowds towards the now-older Kalinka.

Bowie slips over to Kalinka's side, so that she can once again play hostess. He made her smile. Mission accomplished.

Spin Cougar hustles up near Kalinka, mindful of the crowd. He seems somewhat hurried. "I apologize, but I only have a few minutes to be here." Sad smile, as he looks around. "Crazy indeed .. but I do hope you're having the time of your life?"

Harmony shakes her head, supporting her elbow with her other hand, steadily sipping her drink. "Not that I know of, uh-uh. Lots of people, it's totally nuts." she chuckles, eyes wandering the area.

Bit watches as Gemini Man retreats... and slowly, he slips his sword back into his shealth, letting it hang there for a moment as he looks around. A single, long look... and he turns to walk back through the crowd, without a word to Kalinka or any of the others gathered here. Just one more gold armored warrior, walking out when everyone else is trying to move in for some reason or another.

Chest scooters into the area on his hoverpad, followed by his ever faithful companion, Camera. "I don't know why the Hell I let you come along with me." Chest mutters to the minicam, "But if you so much of THINK about acting up you're being shipped back to HQ in pieces." Camera beeps in its machine jargon, and although it's unintellible, it sounds an awful lot like a string of curse words. The pair finally reach the park, and Chest peers up at the huge banner, "Impressive little shin-dig."

Edward Hampton looks over to Kalinka as Gemini Man retreats. "You all right, Kalinka? Just relax and let it slide. That guy will probably get his soon... After all, you still have this great party to deal with, right?"

Tengu Man sends a radio transmission to Kalinka.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission from Tengu Man.

Ricochet knows his and Orbit's specifications well. Nevertheless he's still in awe at the raw amount of FOOD Orbit ingests. It's really a sight to behold. Orbit continues scorfing at a prodigious rate, as Rico is trying to keep from getting criticized for his meager takings thus far. He glances around looking for Harmony, albiet chances are with his luck it'll be a little while before he finds her. If he finds her. If he survives. There's a real possibility that six weeks from now, Rico will be reported AWOL when he'll be found on some bench here, the synthflesh picked from his hydrolic skeleton.

The joys of Ryouga syndrome.

The trick is all in -- something. The Director's eyes flicker toward the critter on his arm as it begins making noise, and he shifts the bag up his other arm, reaching up to rest a reassuring -- and light -- touch on its back. As well as staying just shy of the thick of things. "Over here, Miss Kalinka," he calls again, wryly, as she casts around for him. "I seem to have acquired a passenger, and I'm not sure he likes crowds." He moves his free hand from Kammas' back, to offer her an analyst's salute. "Happy birthday, by the by."

Signas picks up a drunken teenager attempting to steal his hat by their shirt collar, and sets the lad back on the floor behind him before speaking with Harmony again. "It would appear that way. I had no idea young Mrs. Cossack had so many... ah... friends. She certainly is well-liked, isn't she?"

Chest arrives at the long buffet table, right near Richochet. Camera peers up at Orbit and beeps at him questioningly. Chest, meanwhile, eyes the food and rubs his hands together, "A /very/ impressive shin-dig." He corrects himself from before. As Richochet looks around, clearly on the lookout for someone, Chest blinks behind his greenish shades and does as well. "Lost something?" He inquires.

Harmony giggles. "I don't think she knows half these people, honestly." she says, shaking her head. "Hey, the peanut gallery's here.." she grins, watching the arriving Chest and Camera. Speaking of peanuts, she wonders where Dynamo went? ..and what he even had to do with peanuts, but she can come up with something.

Silo arrives from the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Kalinka nods to Edward reassuringly. "He will...oh believe me, he will. He is just one of those...not very nice people in this world. Something like a...thorn," she explains. As 'Rose' comes over, she cries out in delight, giving her a hug. "Oh, HELLO...thank you for being here, thank you! Watch out for the mosh-pit, Rose, it is...very much moshing right now, yes." As Abernathy approaches, she chuckles. "Thank you...oh, and thank you for coming, uh...my invite list did get a little bit...big." With a smirk, she admits... "I do not know all of these people...anyhow! Plenty of food left, lots of music..."

A number of teens begin following Chest around, hoping to get on global broadcast. "Hello, Mom! Hi Daddy!" They wave at the camera.

Ricochet bablinks as he notices Chest. "Uh... yeah, kinda." Pause. Doesn't he know this guy from somewhere? Could it be that one guy on TV? The one who's always on with Plum?... nah. "*BWIP BWIP BWIP*" <Rico, stop talking and eat something.> Already Orbit's on his second plate. Literally. He ate the styrafoam and paper recepticle, as well. At least he cleans up after his messes.

The 90-year-old catering server gives Ricochet and Orbit each another plate of some unidentifiable casserole. "EAT."

Rose returns the hug easily, grinning delightedly at Kalinka. "Hello, Kalinka. It's been a while, hasn't it? And I noticed . . . " She laughs softly as the teen's words hop around a bit. Glancing around to see the other person Miss Cossack's talking with, she gives first Bowie, then Abernathy a warm yet polite smile.

Rolling Minicam beeps cheerfully at the teens, but is not actually broadcasting right now. Chest, on the other hand, seems unaware of the popularity that his faithful drone is gaining. Shrugging at Ricochet's blunt answer, Chest recognises the look he's given. The GNN CEO gets that a lot. "Chest. A pleasure to meet ya." He holds out his hand as Camera tries to carry on two conversations with the passing teens and Orbit.

Spin Cougar smiles as Kalinka receives such a welcoming embrace, stepping back and allowing for everyone to have their time with her. He then finds himself looking right at Abernathy. "Ah, Director, good to see you here."

Bowie stands next to Kalinka, an easygoing smile on his face. It's not like he's known for the gift of gab, and so it shouldn't be a great surprise that he isn't speaking much now. Spin, Rose and Director Abernathy are both given a friendly nod as they give their well-wishes to the birthday girl.

"Are they?" asks Signas, turning around briefly to spot Chest and his camera. "Ah, I see. Rather surprised the whole thing hasn't been a media spectacle from the start."

Jet Stingray merely continues to stand in one of the corners of the party with his arms crossed. He almost looks like a bouncer. A rather big boxer. Using his larger than most size, he just continues to scan. He doesn't really catch anything, but he's trying his best.

"Meh," observes Saigama. Just when he'd gotten up the courage to actually *say* something, she gets distracted. Curse his luck.

He finally manages to push his way out of the crowd, finding himself rather close to the buffet line. He takes one look at it and just frowns. Russian food. It's a mystery to Tengu.

"Oh, what the hell," Sai murmurs, and proceeds to get in line. Fooood.

Gemini Man enters the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Gemini Man has left.

The kids in the mosh pit suddenly all seem to come to the same realization...they're hungry and thirsty! Rather eerily, there's a MASS EXODUS from the dancefloor area to the catering table, as 900 sweaty teens try to get a 'refuel'. "Man, this is best concert," says one teen. "Duct-taped Mjolnirr. Then, blonde roadie chick sings two songs!"

Tengu Man suddenly finds himself surrounded. Oh crap. He very firmly stands his ground at the front of the line. No quarter given or asked! Remember the Alamo! Etc, etc. He is not above shoving people who skip him out of line.

Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

Ricochet pauses. The name clicks... CHEST?... who the heck is Chest? Orbit . o O (*BWIP BWIP* <He's a GNN guy, Rico.>) "...oh! Chest! I thought I knew your face from somewhere." He shakes Chest's hand. "Lieutenant Ricochet. 'n this is Orbit." He nods towards the Replichu. "What brings you all the way up here?" His optics strike the camera... it's pretty obvious by now, of course.

Kalinka taps Spin on the shoulder, pointing over the crowd toward Chest. "Is that the guy from GNN??" she asks incredulously. "Are we going to get BROADCAST? Oh. My. Goooodd..."

Edward Hampton hmms as he glances over where Gemini left. "A thorn, eh... I get the feeling he won't be hurting you much longer. Have fun, Kalinka!" He smirks slightly as he heads back to his handy wall spot.

Uuuuh... He shouldn't really be doing this... No, he really shouldn't... Really. But the urge is so giantic... and it's raising... The place, the atmosphere, the mood he's currently in. He really shouldn't, but the poor kid has asked for it. Gale Sorcerer gazes the kid sitting near him the words came from. On his face, a big grin, sober as like at the very beginning. With this face, he speaks to the poor kiddo. "Do you think I am a devil, young man?" His gloved hands make a slow movement together, fingers against each other. "Tell me, if I was a devil... would I look..." The grin on his face suddenly turns to a wide evil and megalomaniac smile, showing his teeth fiercely. His eyes are now shining in yellow light like a black mage's, and his hands slash fiercely upwards into the air as wind blows around him coldy.

"...LIKE THIS???" Not even a second after this, all the SFX, wind, and horrible mood give the results they were supposed to give. The kid, without considering it twice jumps off the chair and runs into the crowd as fast as possible as he screams. "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh"

Chest may be a rich old bastard who loves profiting from a war that's cost millions of lives, but he's a rich old bastard who draws the line at covering a young girl's birthday party. That, and Cossack might throw a hissy fit at him. Chest's optics widen as a huge number of teens suddenly swarm the buffet, "Ah geez..." Damn young punks! Git off mah lawn! Chest shakes Ricochet's hand and says, "Hey, like I'm going to miss a free party. Plus there needs to be a blurb or two about it on the nightly news. Chest inclines his head at Orbit in greeting, but Camera merely watches with mild disinterest.

Abernathy takes a moment to slide the bag of gifts off his arm, straps clutched loosely in his fingers for a moment -- before he half-leans, half-crouches, to set it on the ground within range of Kalinka. Keeping Kammas steady on his hand the whole time, of course -- no sense startling it more than it already is. Straightening again, he returns Rose's high-voltage smile, Bowie's nod, and Spin Cougar's greeting all with a polite nod of his own, and a murmured, "Good evening to you all." Then, raising his voice, he continues, to Kalinka, "So it appears. I'm not one for crowds, so I'll leave your presents here, and go find Dr. Matthews before she has the opportunity to slip -- into anonymity again." There's an odd little amused tone in his voice there.

What a childish turn of events - well, it was decent, at least. Bit finally manages to locate a large bottle of something alcoholic - he doesn't really bother to stop and see *what* it is - and he wanders back to the tree that he had so recently vacated. Sitting down, his legs crossed medatatively, the Yang Yomi rests his sword on one shoulder, and reaches into his armor to pull out his long, tapered pipe, and a small cup. Setting both down on the ground next to him, he rests his blade on one shoulder, and returns to watching.

Abernathy

----Abernathy----

There is something unfinished about this man, a sort of loose ranginess that most young humans evince at some point in their lives. On many people, it lends an air of awkwardness, but he wears the look like a set of well-fitting clothes: comfortable and almost elegant. This grace of carriage nearly serves to erase the pronounced limp he walks with, minimizing it to a peripheral flaw.

His thin build--muscular, but still distinctly ectomorphic--serves only as an accent to the deceptive appearance of a kid in his teens. Combined with the lean lines of his face, it creates an overall appearance of effeminateness, an appearance helped by the black makeup--lipstick, eyeshadow--he wears.

An albino, his coloration is stereotypical of that disorder: Skin and hair both white and nearly translucent in the proper light, eyes a pale, unnatural pink. His attire--primarily black, from collared shirt and greatcoat, to slacks and steel-toed boots--seems a calculated effect, rendering him positively spectral. A single lapel pin, the blue-and-silver emblem of the United Nations, breaks up the unrelieved darkness of the outfit.

The details of his appearance lend him a roguish mien, from the gel-spiked hair to the small silver ring in his pierced left ear. A pair of round-framed sunglasses--more functional than affectation, given his disorder--are perched on his nose, hiding his eyes and lending him an enigmatic touch appropriate to his position.

----Director General of Interpol----

Rose sighs, shaking her head at the huge mob o' teens that attack the buffet line. Abernathy's . . unusal looks catches her eye again, when he states he's heading off somewhere. Phooey. A small shake of her head, and she diverts her attention back to Kalinka, holding out the mini-rose bush. It's about the size of a table lamp. "That reminds me, this is for you, Kalinka."

Oh what the 'eck, nothing risked, nothing gained. "Mind if I go with you, I'm rather . . curious about you." Addressed directly at Abernathy, her attention focused on him.

Kalinka gasps. "Oh, you did not have to get me anything," she protests to Abernathy. "But...thank you so much, that was thoughtful. Hey, did you know Rigger SANG today? Did you see her? It was awesome! She was just like a rock star."

Speaking of 'slipping into anonymity' Rigger is presently quite glad that all the kiddies fled from the stage. She slips down off of it with a sigh of relief at not having to strain her vocal chords further. That was fun but not something she was used to. Usually, she just hummed to herself along with songs. She slips through the lingering crowd to edge away from the stage and towards an area that looks relatively open and free of over-crowding. Perhaps, not surprisingly, because Bit is there sitting under a tree. Oh, bother. "...Never doing that again..." she mumbles while rubbing at her throat and trying to re-orient herself to find the door. Not to mention Kammas. Where *did* it go?

Once Rigger leaves the stage, a few wolfish-grinning Russian teen boys follow behind her. "Hey, baby, what is your name, Blondie? You are hotness on stage. Yes...HOTNESS."

[OOC] Rigger says, "This is Kammas: http://ykk.misago.org/Volume2/1"

Spin Cougar turns to Kali's question, peering at Chest. "Yes, that's .. that's Global News' CEO, Chest." A small grin. "You're popular, indeed. If I were you, I'd be enjoying what parts of it I could - oh, and before I forget .." he hands a small cubic package to Kalinka. "It's not much, but it's what I've been able to whip up on my off-time. There hasn't been much since the White Rust epidemic."

Suddenly, a certain Repliforcer arrives from the west in a near jog. Silo does, however, instantly slow down, and quickly peers around at the very large party. And after a tiny bit of blinking that follows, he gazes around again, trying to spot Kali...

Chest idly reaches into a mechanical pocket and draws out a long slender cigar. The little cigar ring indicates that it's most likely extremely expensive. Reaching into a different compartment, Chest reveals a gift about the size of a book, wrapped neatly together. Thankfully, the weight is all wrong, so it isn't a book. It is addressed to 'The Cossack Family', but it's clear it's meant for Kalinka. "Now then..." he mutters to Ricochet, "Where is the birthday girl, anyway?" Chest looks around, but while Kalinka spotted him fairly quickly, Chest's too short to see over anyone to find out her location.

[OOC] Rigger says, "Baby kammas are cute. http://ykk.misago.org/Afternoon2002/140"

Signas has disconnected.

Meanwhile, a really scared kid keeps on running across the crowd. "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Main Rigger sputters with barely restrained laughter.

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Kalinka transmits, "What is funny?"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Main Rigger transmits, "The fact that a handfull of boys half my age are trying to hit on me right now."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Alloy transmits, "Well Kali's already spoken for..."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Michael Eildath snickers.

"I did hear her, yes. That was rather impressive," Abernathy replies, still smiling slightly. "And unexpected. So, if you will excuse me -- ah?" He glances to Rose as she addresses him, sizing her up before replying to her inquiry. That -- could be taken many ways. " ... If you wish," he finally acknowledges, shifting Kammas' weight slightly on his arm. The two Interpol officers both give Rose similarly appraising looks, the one on the right with a slight frown on his face. One never knew when opportunistic beautiful woman might try something funny with one of their charges. Their silent survey of her is cut short, however, as the Director offers a final nod to Kalinka and her court, and turns away to hunt for Rigger -- apparently uncaring weather Rose chooses to follow.

Kalinka gives Spin a hug. "You did not have to get me anything," she insists... "Thank you so much!" She peers curiously into the bag that Abernathy got her, though she stops herself from doing it right this moment -- she wants to wait until later to open these, so she can write a thank-you note to each and every gift giver.

Up at the buffet table, the old serving woman (who's likely...er...a little bit touched by dementia) shoves a plate full of mystery casserole in front of Saigama. "Here, quickly! Eat this. You are malnourished!"

Ricochet smiles a bit. "I... uh..." pause. Glances around. He searches far and wide for Kalinka... "...I think she's... over there, somewhere." Pause. "Or... is it over there?" Dang, but there's a lot of people here. So much for the purported superiority of Reploids, eh? "*BWIP BWIP*" <Mph.> Orbit 'says', before moving over to Chest. "*BWIP BWIP BWIP*" <Try about thirty feet that way. This guy gets lost on his way to the bathroom.> "HEY!" "*BWIP BWIP*" <Trust me on this.> Gotta love the Replichus.

Some teens pass by Chest and Richochet. "What did she give you?" "BEETS, man. What did you get?" "Borscht." "...Dude."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Alloy transmits, "And some men /do/ go for older women, I've heard..."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Main Rigger transmits, "Half my age is 15. That's.. no where near a man."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Bowie transmits, "Teens are like that sometimes. Thay'll get over it."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Kalinka transmits, "Ooooh, they like you! Ooh lala. Rigger will be the next rock star in Russia!"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Main Rigger transmits, "Ha! Doubtful. It was just for your birthday."

Bowie is still watching quietly, still smiling. Social? Not terribly, no.

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Kalinka transmits, "Well...thank you, that was special."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Michael Eildath transmits, "Makes me feel old..."

Choose to follow, she does. Rose gives Kalinka a grin and a wave, seeing just how busy she is. As it is, she'd rather follow the cute goth's rump around the party than get stuck doing nothing while waiting. She's said her hellos, time to have some fun!

Rose eyes the officers cheerfully, giving them a grin. Oh, she knows why they're there, and doesn't care one bit that they probably view her as a potential threat. Humming cheerfully NIN's "Hurt", she casually walks after Abernathy.

Saigama is malnourished. Right.

Reluctantly, the Master-teen takes the plate, staring at this...woman. Oy. He peals away from the line to go grab a drink. (What the hell do they make this stuff out of? People?)o.

Tengu Man sends a radio transmission to Bowie.

[Radio] Tengu Man sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "So. Do you think I'll ever get a chance to get a word in edgewise?"

Tengu Man receives a radio transmission.

[Radio] You send Tengu Man a direct message: "Eventually."

Tengu Man sends a radio transmission.

[Radio] Tengu Man sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Well...good. The waiting is...bad."

Spin Cougar grins, and kneels a bit so he can return the hug. "I do hope you enjoy it... unfortunately I must be off now. Happy Birthday, Kalinka Cossack." He stands after releasing the hug, bows slightly, and then makes his exit - hurried. The White Rust must have really hurt Repliforce's MSE division.

Rigger begins to slide her hand away from her throat to run her fingers back through her hair. The gesture is halted as she finds herself accosted by some eager 'fans' she'd gained. Well now. That... was unexpected to say the least. She bites at her lower lip to keep from laughing even if she doesn't manage to stop the smile that breaks over her face. Oh. What the heck. Just once couldn't hurt right? They'd probably mangle her name by the end of the day anyway. "Dr. Matthews of the Maverick Hunters. The singing was a gift for Kalinka's birthday."

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Main Rigger transmits, "You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Edward Hampton remains in his handy relaxation spot, nice and relaxed and listening to all that the party has to offer. This is one great party. Too bad Blues did his ninja-vanish thing... Ah well.

Silo begins to walk further into the park, before looking north and spotting the buffet line. And without a thought, he begins to walk towards it. Not because he's hungry, but because it's a good place to start looking for the birthday girl.

Chest's optics dart around to wherever Ricochet points to, but the GNN Manager has pretty much figured out that the Repliforce Lieutenant doesn't have a freaking clue. Thankfully, Orbit proves to be the brighter of the pair as he points out Kalinka's location. Camera snickers at the insult against Ricochet, and then translates for Chest, who also snickers. "Thanks." he tells the Ratploid, "I better get over there and give her my regards. C'mon, Camera." Camera beeps and follows behind Chest as he heads towards Kalinka.

Kalinka hugs Spin, and waves to Rose as she goes off to stare at Ab's gluteus maximus. "Thank you for being here, I mean it. This would not have been the same without my best friends being here. That means more to me than anything else."

Over by Rigger, the boys grin eagerly. "Thank you, Dr. Matthews," says the 'alpha male' - probably the one who knows the most English. "I am Piotr Alexandrov, and I think you have...total hotness, when you are on the stage!" Hey, he's trying. "I want to give you now my phone number."

It seems as if Abernathy will be coming to Rigger's 'rescue' from fast and danger Russian teenagers -- as he takes the opportunity of Piotr's offer to loom up behind the Maverick Hunter's shoulder, Kammas still riding point on his hand. "Good evening, Dr. Matthews. Turned cradle-robber on us all?"

And, with the complete dignity of someone used to being followed about by members of all four extant genders, the Director wisely pretends not to notice Rose's staring at his butt.

Tengu Man meanwhile stares at his plate of...something that could maybe be called food. He pokes at it briefly with a fork while his player goes to get dessertage. ^^

Kalinka beams a smile at both Silo and the GNN Newsman, when she sees them approaching. "Hi!! Silo, glad you could make it! And hello, sir! Welcome to the party! I hope we have not...err, bothered the rest of Eurasia!"

[Radio: (B) H-Chat] Main Rigger mumbles, "Crush the boy, or just walk off..."

Chest finally gets around to lighting up his cigar as he approaches the birthday girl. Camera mutters something about it being dangerous to his mechanical health, but Chest ignores it. Scootering up to Kalinka, Chest takes a deep bow, "Miss Cossack. It's a pleasure to see you. Please, call me Chest." He chuckles as he's refered to as 'sir'. If only Reporto could do that. "Wonderful party you have going here." The Android holds out his very well wrapped book-sized gift, "Happy sweet 16th." Camera beeps in agreement.

Bowie nods to the RF pilot as he joins them. "Howdy Silo," he says with a smile. Chest gets a vaguely puzzled look, as if he's trying to place a name with his face. The Texan finally settles on, "Evenin, sir."

Silo smiles as he walks over to Kali, giving a glance to Chest on his way, before then nodding to Bowie, "Hey there, Bowie." And when he finally arrives near Kalinka, his smile just grows. "Well, happy birthday Kali!"

Rose does indeed stare for a while, enjoying the view while she can. After all, he'll be stopping to talk with someone at some point. And that point seems to be now, as she pauses, gaze rising to Rigger + teens. Odd.

Piotr makes a little face at Abernathy, but he's undaunted. "Well, Dr. Matthews," he says with a charming smile, presenting her with his phone number, "You can call anytime you want. Remember."

Kalinka beams a brilliant hostess-smile at Chest, shaking his hand. "Oh, thank you so much, and also for the gift, too!" She blushes, not expecting this. Silo gets a hug. "Thank you for being here," she tells him.

Chest nods in greeting to both Bowie and Silo. "Evenin'." He echos to the former. He smiles as Kalinka accepts the gift and says, "Give my best regards to Dr. Cossack." Camera whistles something as Kalinka hugs Silo, and gets an angry glare from Chest in response.

Dr. Cossack arrives from the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Silo gives Kali a bit of a hug back, before replying. "Oh, no problem." He appears not to be carrying any gifts with him... But he most likely has something planned. A glance is also given to Camera and Chest, but only for a second.

Bowie doesn't seem to mind Kalinka hugging people, even Silo. At least, he isn't raising a fuss, or even his eyebrows. It's her nature to hug her friends, and far be it for him to tell her different. So he continues to stand at Kalinka's side, being friendly in a quiet sort of way.

Jet Stingray continues to watch on the sidelines, his arms still crossed. He is actually half asleep. Seems like he's waiting for something... The question is what.

Saigama, by now having found another nice spot on the wall to lean on, recommences poking at the casserole. Should he eat it? What is made of? Is it /safe/?

"Here goes nothing," he comments to himself, then takes a bite. Let's hope it's edible.

Rigger rolls her eyes upwards as she takes the offered number for now. Best to just go with it and toss it in the trash later. The fact that Abernathy is looming over her shoulder incites her to utter a few expletives over the situation. Thankfully she chooses to do so in German to spare the Russian and English speaking ears of the small crowd around her. A tight smile is plasted on her face as she utters, "Oh, I dare say I won't forget this moment any time soon." It's all she offers Piotr before turning towards the Director and his managerie to mutter beneath her breath, "Abject embarassment tends to stick in one's mind."

Harmony is on her third vodka punch, boredly hanging around the table it's served at. Anybody she knew got swallowed up by the crowd, so she's just hanging out.

Having discrete and silently moved into a new possition, by one of the scenario's corners, Gale Sorcerer leaves on the ground the bottle he picked up on his way out. It's half empty, but it probably doesn't really matter for the person who will pick it up. Even though Gale could stay around some more and keep on abusing of the service of free food and drinks, he's already had enough. He should have known he shouldn't have even come here, even accompanied by Retro. It's always the same. It was stupid to even think it'd be different this time. The wizard starts walking away from the place quietly, just in the direction of the teleporters and away from the crowd. And this way end up two weeks of cheerful and nice mood. The RDI personnel won't be enjoying this tomorrow, definitely. Hurrah for angst!

Kalinka heard Camera's whistle, and she briefly blushes red, giving the l'il fry a look. "Ahem. Anyhow...can we all sit down somewhere? All of that dancing, and my feet do have blisters in these shoes...I think the band needed dinner break anyhow."

Tengu's casserole is tasty, but the ingredients are kind of obscure. Is it tunafish? Is it pork? It's...weird. There's bits of...stuff, in it. Only the chef knows for sure.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission from Jazz.

Kalinka sends a radio transmission.

Bowie glances around, the gestures to one of the nearby large dining tables. "How 'bout over thare?" he suggests.

Dynamo enters the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

Edward Hampton pushes off of the wall again to snag some food and a refill of the drink. Lots of fun! Finally he notes the presence of the Director, and grins widely. After he gets the chow, perhaps he can pester Mr. White.

Chest resists the urge to launch into a 'in my day, girls didn't go around hugging everyone. They were prim and proper. We didn't have any fancy smancy Reploids and Mavericks, either. We had one kid in underwear against no more than eight other robots, and we LIKED IT. We even had to hover all the way to android-school through fifty feet of snow... uphill... both ways!' speech. Chest nods at Kalinka's suggestion, assuming he's invited to this sit-down offer.

Over by Rigger, Piotr wiggles his eyebrows, and winks. "Good evening to you, dear lady." He walks away with the other boys, and they al begin chuckling. "<< And that's how you do it. Works every time! >>" he says to his friends in cheerful Russian.

Jet Stingray blinks as he notices Harmony by herself. Still having the gift bag for Kali by his side, he moves over toward the femme fatale Repliforcer. "Hey," he offers simply to her, his optics scanning around, as if searching for something that demands him to drink or eat it.

Heeeey, neat. It tastes pretty good. Saigama chews experimentally, keeping an eye on the crowd. He will have his chance -- "eventually". And hey, he could definitely eat more of this. It's still potentially made of people, but it tastes good..

Silo steps back from Kalinka, before nodding when he spots the large dining table Bowie gestures at. "Looks good to me."

Abernathy merely gives a Piotr a thin, humorless smile -- and a /look/. An absolutely frigid one. Seems the Director doesn't take teenage hassling very lightly; or he's felt the desire to do Rigger ... a favor. Though the comment in Russian nearly causes him to snicker, but he quells that desire. He does catch the expletives in German, as he takes his attention from the Russian teens and transfers it to her. "Seine Deutsch ist sehr schoen, Frauelein," he offers, accent flawless, tone teasing, before he switches back to English. "And hello as well, Dr. Matthews." Thankfully, this far from the packing of the starved teenage crowd around the refreshments, he doesn't need to expend as much attention to keep Kammas from darting off for a third time.

Harmony downs half of her vodka punch, sighing lightly. "Hey, Jet. How're you?" she asks, looking disappointed and borderline drunk.

"Good choice, handso-- er, Bowie. Let us have a seat there, and talk...if you do not mind? We can get away from the crowd. I know some of these kids...when they are done eating, they will head right back to dancefloor once the DJ gets here," says Kalinka.

A man walks in to the party -- no one in particular. The ushanka on his head and his long, beige coat make him look like any other middle-aged ex-military Russian. In fact, compared to the commotion going on around him, he is entirely unremarkable.

Doctor Cossack moves into the flow of the crowd, making his way through the buffet lines. Intermittently one of the help pauses, stiffens up a bit as if coming to attention, and is waved to a more relaxed state by the Russian.

<< "Don't mind me," >> he mutters, collecting a plate. << "I am just an old man today. No concern to you." >>

Bowie moves to take Kalinka's hand and lead the way over to the table. It's unoccupied for the moment, so there's plenty of room. And of course he'll take the seat next to the birthday girl.

Silo doesn't seem at all moved when Kalinka almost calls Bowie 'handsome'. Looks like he may actually be finally accepting what's happened... And not saying anything else, he begins to head over to the table.

Kalinka gestures for Chest and Silo to follow to the table, and once she has a seat, Bowie might notice that she kicks her shoes off immediately. She has blisters on her feet from all the dancing. These fancy shoes weren't made for dancing at ALL. Ah, the pain of being a hostess. Her father goes unnoticed for the time being; there's plenty of Russians at this party, and many are dressed like him.

Jet Stingray blinks at Harmony, glancing over at the punch, his Stingray Sense telling him that something is amiss. Or might be amiss. No one said Stingray Senses were perfect. "You all right there, dudette?" he offers with a hint of concern. "This /is/ supposed to be a kicking party after all. If this is from the grief I was giving you before..." he leads off quietly.

Jet's Groupies all look toward Harmony in unison. All of them wear the same look of concern that Jet has, mixed with curiousity.

Harmony swishes the drink around in the cup, looking down at it. "I suppose so.. things didn't work out exactly like I would've liked." she chuckles, shrugging. "You're right sometimes, and I don't like it, you know?" she half grins, peeking up at the Stingray. ..what a bunch of weirdos he hangs out with.

Chest scooters along with Kalinka and Bowie, with Camera following behind. The minicam idly extends one of his many attachments. In this case, a device for zooming in on targets far away. The device idly checks out all the cute girls in the crowd. Camera raises another optical sensor attachment to also pay attention to what's going on around the table and gives a Beep. Chest nods discreetly in reply. Yes, he can feel the tension between Silo, Kalinka and Bowie. Chest takes a seat awkwardly, given his bizarre body shape. Unless Silo beats him to it (any amount of effort at all would do it), Chest'll wind up next to the birthday girl on the other side of Bowie.

Bowie doesn't sit down just yet. "Ya need anythang t'drink, sunshine?" he asks. Apparently he's gotten over the use of pet names in public, and he doesn't realize the elder Cossack is nearby.

Rigger pauses mid-turn as she catches just what Piotr said. She still had alot of work to do on learning Russian. Alot. But she had a middling understanding of it. Enough that when she hears *that* tone, that tone she could recognise in any language as boasting, she can swivel back to face the teens on her heel with a venemous smile. "<<I speak Russian, idiot.>>" Gathering herself up indignantly she turns to face Abernathy fully. Finally. Just in time for her aggitation to be cast to the winds as surprise overcomes her instead. "Director, is there any language you *don't* kno--Kammas!"

The Cossack appears -- WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT! No, not really. The elder Russian is making no attempt to be stealthy. In fact, he strikes up brief conversations while moving through the line with some of the Foundation people who came to the party; but in the chaos of the gathering, it could easily go unnoticed.

Eventually, he finishes building a plate, then picks up a bottle of water from the refreshment table. He pops it open and starts walking towards the edge of the room -- inadvertently heading /right/ towards Tengu Man/Saigama.

Well, of course Silo beats Chest to it. The pilot calmly takes the remaining seat next to Kalinka, but as of yet, doesn't say anything.

Edward Hampton carries a plate of random food from the buffet, intermittently chewing on something as he balances his drink on the plate as well, leaving one hand free as he homes in on the neatly-dressed Albino... But it'll take him a few to crowdsurf over there.

A loud roar of anger washes over the park from the western entrance, followed by an unending stream of shouted Russian, which doesn't seem to be very civil, from the reactions of the numerous Russians here. It looks like it's an old face; specifically, a Maverick Hunter who seems to have gone on an unannounced leave of some sort. A sunken face, a filthy, ancient trenchcoat, squeaking joints, and a characteristic crutch: Famine. The Russian android looks infinitely incensed by the lavish display, and in fact, he looks to be trembling violently just trying to contain himself from throwing over the tables as he screams rather insulting things in Russian involving bourgeois excesses, starving children, whether Cossack has a single compassionate bone in his body (he's skeptical), and many, many colorful turns of phrases, ranging from Christ On Fire to things that cannot be repeated in proper company.

The scorned Piotr curdles when Rigger 'bites back', and his friends cackle and mock him. Peer pressure!

"Could you get me a glass of water, please?" Kalinka asks Bowie sweetly. Her feet are really paining her, and she doesn't want to seem 'helpless', but...she just really doesn't want to slip back into those shoes unless she has to. Looking over to Silo and Chest, she remarks... "Mjolnirr's Bloody Hammer was here, and also I have a DJ coming, and...and..."

Kalinka trails off, PALING when she sees who's making a commotion over at the entrance. "<< Oh, God in Heaven, what have I done to deserve this... >>"

Alia arrives from the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Bowie doesn't seem to mind playing fetch and carry at all, and so walks off to the buffet table again. He pauses, however, as he hears the commotion at the front gates. Again that puzzled frown. That voice. He recognizes it, but he can no longer remember from who or where he knows it.

Chest is seated directly across from Kalinka, as both her boy-toys rushed to be next to her, even if Bowie hasn't actually sat down yet. Camera, having wheels rather than legs, remains 'standing'. The poor thing has to raise its optical sensor attachment as high as it'll go to be able to peer over the table-top. Chest smiles at the birthday girl. He has no freaking clue who Mjolnirr's Bloody Hammer is. A drink? A band? Some new fangled drug all the hippies are using these days? Chest blinks at the comotion and looks over his shoulder. "Eh? What the...? Camera, go check it out!" Camera beeps off a retort, but starts rolling towards the west entrance anyway.

Silo remains quiet as Kalinka speaks, before raising an eyebrow as Kalinka pales and speaks again. And then, slowly, he turns to look at the western entrance, where the commotion is taking place. He doesn't actually know who's causing the fuss, but he's probably going to find out...

Jet Stingray glances back at the groupies. He wants them to go... but that would be so wrong to do to his fans. Well, at least there aren't any taboid people here to take pictures and make raving articles about how he's dating random girls that he is talking next to. "Yeah, well, maybe he likes you... maybe he doesn't. With an operator like Dynamo, it's hard to say. He's record is far from perfect." He pauses for a moment, trying to think of what else to say. Finally, he figures out something to break the awkward pause. "As for things not turning out the way they need to, well, it happens. I mean, you might not believe it, but I /lost/ a Battle and Chase once. Granted, it was due to the fact that I was /stabbed in the back/ by a fellow 'forcer that didn't cover my back, but well, that's life." Turning to his fans, he gives his trademark thumbs up. "This year though, Jet is returning with righteous victory. The Ray of the Race /will/ take first place!" Sometimes he's as bad as professional wrestler with his comments.

"In any case, the point is to keep going. You can't control the other racers in life, but you can always control your course. Don't let life throw you out of the race. Give it all you got... Dyanmo or no Dyanmo. In any case, I'm mostly being really cheesy and werid. ...I should leave this sort of things to General or something..." He looks down as he finishes, clearly not sure what else to do. Curse his low Charisma Stat!

Meanwhile, Sai-Tengu has finished off his plate of mystery casserole. He's tempted to get another one, what with his being malnourished and all, but...mrf. He's been slowly changing to a party sort of mentality, as opposed to his prior depressed one. Yippee. He's still becoming increasingly impatient. The time should be right, but still he hasn't gotten his chance. Feh. And what is all this *new* fuss about...?

Several of Cossack's bones are made out of ceramic-polymer compounds, reinforced with carbon rods to keep them from shattering. A few others in his ribs are made out of soft plastic. Unfortunately, `compassionate' bones were out of stock the last time he went in for massive invasive surgery.

But the Cossack blissfully ignores Famine. For whatever reason, he doesn't seem at all concerned with the party, or his daughter's mental state, or anything going on around him at all. Is he medicated? Has he had a chemical lobotomy?

He smiles as he walks along, looking out the window while he tries to locate a small table near the window away from the main drag. He walks within a meter of Tengu Man, moving right past him to a small table set up by one of the large convex windows. He sets down his plate and his water, then takes off his coat and drapes it over his chair. Manipulating his silverware and napkins a bit, he can't help but think he's missing something in his surroundings. Indeed, as he pauses to pray over his plate of food, something taps at the back of his mind. Hmm.

Bowie is not a boytoy. He's a boyfriend. Small difference, at least in his mind. One large glass of ice water (with lemon!) is gotten from the lady at the refreshment table, and he returns to the others.

Harmony rolls her eyes. "I'm lucky he remembered my name, please." Emptying the cup, she tosses it in a trash can. "I'm heading back to base, I have work to do anyway. Have fun, kay?" she smiles a little, patting him on the arm before heading off, unshaken by the recent chaos.

Shouting. Shouting in russian. So much Russian . . . all this, and not a word that's fully familiar, even though she could understand Rigger's German just fine. The happy reuniting of Rigger and . . thing gets a half-smile, as the redhead gives the teens a less than welcoming stare. But it's the very loud, obnoxious old reploid at the entrance that gets the most hostile stare. Folding her arms, she sighs. "Great. Just /great/ . . why is it that any large gathering attracts the /weirdos/?" She mutters to herself.

"English, Russian, Japanese, German, Korean, Esperanto, and I'm making inroads on Mandarin and Cantonese," is the Director's very calm reply, eyes bright with amusement behind his sunglasses. Mandarin and Cantonese? Of course. It's an exercise in 'know thy enemy'. "So this is yours, then?" he continues, nodding significantly to the reptavian drowsing on his arm. He'd say more, except someone is screaming out a very educational stream of Russian on the other side of the park. Some of this is invective even /Abernathy/ hasn't heard in the near side of forever. He glances that direction, listening some moments more -- and recording every delightful syllable of the diatribe to his memory chip -- before returning his attention to the matter at hand. "It's like gravity," he mutters in reply to Rose's comment -- even if he wasn't meant to overhear. "Concentrate enough people in one place, and passing freaks get sucked in, sure as fate."

Quint has connected.

Jet Stingray blinks as Harmony goes, merely offering a wave as he watches her leave. .oO(Hmmm...)

And now, walking into the park, comes Alia. And she's dressed in her very best, just like everybody else. Just that for Alia, her very best happens to be a nicely polished version of her normal armor - headset and all. She has nested between her arms a rectangular-shaped (badly) wrapped present.

Tables. Somehow Tengu managed to miss those. He could've sat down. Yeesh. The approach of Dr. Cossack goes largely unnoticed -- it's just another...old...guy...right... sure...nothing wrong about that. Tengu takes a second look, and blinks. Um. That can't be right. Please say it isn't... and what is all that hullaballoo over yonder? Tengu has missed out on a lot here. That's what you get for lurking.

The Cossack lifts his head from his prayers, then sits back and picks up his silverware, starting to cut into the small steak he was served from the buffet. As his hands cut it into strips, which are cut into small rectangles, his eyes track across the room. He is intensely aware of his surroundings, making sure that nothing happens in his vicinity without him knowing about it.

Eventually his attention comes back to Saigama/Tengu Man. His memories are jogged slightly; he squints his right eye as he replays the security footage from the last `Bass Incident' on the station.

Ah, so that's who that is, thinks the Cossack. He eats a few pieces of steak, followed by a mouthful of fresh spinach, before taking a drink of water, pausing to collect his thoughts, and gets back up.

The Cossack walks back over to Saigama, looping his thumbs in his trouser pockets. He stops, looks him over, and speaks to him in quiet, even tones. He doesn't seem aggressive for some reason.

"Tengu Man, isn't it?" he asks.

"Kammas is mine, yes. I'd thought of gifting it to Kalinka but..." Rigger agrees with a look at the creature which seems quite content to remain perched on Aberanthy's hand for now. The screaming invectives garner only a glance from it before it makes a slight sound akin to a disgruntled snort. People. Loudness. No good lakes. What was a Kammas to do but perch and look pretty? So it does. Rigger, meanwhile, winces at the all-too-familiar voice. "Ah... Famine. Unfortunately, limited as my Russian is, I *do* know most of *that.*" When your major learning factor revolved around swear words uttered in the midst of a temper tantrum those tended to be the words learned quickest.

Saigama-Tengu continues watching the Cossack as he prays and eats. (Oh fudge. Please don't...come..over...here...dammit.)o.

Tengu quietly remains leaned against the wall; a small crack appears in the plate he's holding. Eeeeep. When spoken to, he reverts to Japanese. Not too complex, though, anyone who's heard a bit can understand him. Due to his speaking in sentence fragments.

"Annooo...hai..."

*Cough*boy-toy*cough*. Chest gives one last glance at the commotion that's going on before returning his gaze to those at the table. Camera can serve as his eyes as the little android rolls over to the source of all the shouting, taking it all in and recording it just in case it turns into a huge brawl. Huge brawls are good for ratings.

Looks like getting attention pushed Famine off the edge. He begins to limp his way to the refreshments table, shoving anybody in his way roughly down to the ground with the hand not occupied holding his crutch. All the while, plenty of expletives, of course. When he reaches the tables, he begins to clear one roughly with his arms, crashing the refreshments to the floor, before reaching under the table and overturning it entirely. With that, he musters his strength and turns to address the crowd in English. "Bourgvheois pigs! Yhou should all be ashamed of yhourzhelves! Look at zhis debauzhery! Do you haff a zingle humane carhe in your heads?!" He limps to another table, a wooden one, and, without clearing it, brings his crutch down and breaks it in two, sending the refreshments either falling or flying. "How much did zhis cost?! Do yhou know how much a meal of rhice costs for a ztarvink Zhinese zhild or a zhufferink Avrhican revhugee?! Do yhou know vhat zhis is? Zhis is mhurdair, plain and zhimple! Millions zhtarve to death and yhou zplurzhe on zhis vhone pointless day of gluttony!"

Edward Hampton arrives behind the Director. Bwaha. He takes a long sip of his drink before gesturing with cup in hand, ignoring the raging Russian tempest brewing behind him, "Hello Director. Nice party, isn't it?"

Rose glances at Abernathy when he speaks, thinks on what he's said . . . and nods. "Makes sense." And now, the obscenity-spewing nuisance has a name, courtesy of Rigger. " . . Famine? I don't want to know what he's saying, do I?"

A bit later, she adds, "I wonder who's going to throw him out on his face first."

"That does it," Kalinka says, jamming her sore feet back into her shoes. "I have got to take care of this, or he will totally ruin the party. If he has not already. Dammit, this is ridiculous." Exasperated, she leaps up, quickly making her way over toward where Famine is smashing tables.

Bowie never quite reaches the table. If Kalinka can see him, his expression takes on that odd frown of his. Perhaps another elusive memory is trying to surface. The texan walks purposefully over to the swearing hunchback, raising an eyebrow at the display of temper. "Uh...'scuse me sir," he says, trying to get his attention. "But have we met?" There's a non-sequitor for you.

The teenagers who were rather innocently seated at the tables, scatter like roaches when Famine begins swinging his crutch. "Aaacck!!"

"I don't speak much Japanese, I'm afraid," says the Cossack, not turning even as tables fly and people shout in the background. Security will deal with it soon enough.

"You took trip out into space for your trouble, if I vecall," he says, smiling thinly. Smiling like a crocodile. "Here is vhat I do not understand, Tengu Man. Vhy do Robot Masters find my daughter so attractive? Surely zeir are less inconvenient vomen to bother."

Chest stands up as well, following Kalinka. Of course, Camera gets there first, having left two poses ago. The little minicam rolls up near this 'Famine' character and beeps questioningly, clearly trying to figure out what the heck he's doing. Besides breaking things, that is. Perhaps 'why' would be a better question to ask. "Be careful, Miss Cossack." Chest says as he scooters after her, "This fellow could be dangerous."

Silo watches as Kalinka gets up and heads for Famine, before getting up himself, just as Chest does, actually. And while following Kali, he eyes Famine, wondering just who this annoyance actually is...

"Well, uh..."

Tengu is now absorbed, and thus Famine and his business is unimportant. At least while Tengu has to talk to the Cossack.

"Er, well...well... uh..." The words! They just don't come! Tengu grimaces, still attempting to come up with something marginally intelligent to say. "It's...um...her...personality?" he says rather slowly. "I don't think it's a, uh, widespread problem..."

Security, hell. You've got Kali. And then you've got Alia. From out of the woods, a now far less happy looking dispatcher stomps out, her brow narrowed at Famine. She jams Kali's badly wrapped present into the arms of the nearest familiar body, that being the Stingray Who Ain't Getting None Of This Blondie. "Here, hold this," she grunts while whipping out another rectangular-shaped-object with her free hand. 900 pages of Everything You Needed To Know About Hacking Maverick Computers But Were Afraid To Ask. "Alright, Famine. Step away from the refreshments before I make you the star of Hunchbacks In Space!"

"Vhwamine, Mhaverick Untair. I haff taken leave fhor zharity vork. I rhemember yhou, capitalist dog." Famine briefly shoots Bowie a disgusted look before beginning to limp onward to the dance floor, swinging his crutch and trying to scatter them as he did the teens at the refreshments. "Go on! Get zhe hell out of my zhight, you bloody bhastairds!" More Russian expletives, now getting very in-depth about excrement, suffocation, and the dancers. "Zhrowink money avay vhen people are dyink of hungair and disease! Yhou're no bhettair zhan zhe Mhavericks!" He whirls around on his feet, faltering briefly before getting up again, and points a finger at Alia. "Yhou zhupport zhis blood rhevelry? Gho to hell! And vhile you're zhair, learn zhat zhere are more vhays to die zhan to be zhot by Zhe Enemy!"

Kalinka marches right up to Famine, looking very radiant. And very annoyed. "You know what? You were not invited for a REASON. And the complete idiocy you are showing now is the reason!! You fool! I am collecting for charity here tonight, in lieu of gifts should anyone wish to contribute! I have made that clear...you are wrecking my birthday and also ruining charity opportunity. Now I want you to get the hell out of here right now, you are doing this without getting the facts and I am very upset!"

Bowie rubs his temples with one hand. Famine. The name sounds familiar, but the memories remain elusive. "< Look Famine,>" he says, slipping into Russian, "< You may not approve of this, but it /is/ Kalinka's birthday, and besides, the rest of this will be donated to charity anyway...so would you please calm down? For her sake?>"

Rolling Minicam is at first annoyed that his unintellible question goes without response, but as Famine starts swearing at Alia and Bowie, Camera takes it as a blessing in disguise, backing up slightly to let Bowie handle the discussions. Chest mutters something about the drone taking stupid risks. Hey, Camera's an expensive piece of hardware, and Chest isn't made of money. Chest reaches the area, but is sure not to get too close to Famine. If he's whining about capitalist dogs, how do you think he'll react to the capitalist here?

Jet Stingray moves over to group of people, just blinking as Famine makes a scene. Moving to Alia's side, his leans over to try and whisper to her. "That dude doesn't have may dates does he? If you need me to take him back to the teleporter, I will... It's not like he's anything I need to worry about. Heck, I'm sure he could kick me in the head with both feet and it wouldn't do a thing to me."

"I'll give him credit for creativity," Abernathy murmurs under his breath. "And some extra points for stylistic expression of his ideals. I don't think he's going to beat out Christ and the moneylenders, however." Apparently, he also caught sight of Famine's trick with the tables -- and it seems as if he and Kammas are in agreement about what to do about it. Raising his voice, he continues, "My bet is on Eurasian security. No sense in losing revenues on the rumor of crazed Russian hunchbacks gatecrashing." He gets the oddest look of irony in his eyes, and smiles to himself, thoughtfully.

"Not videspread," comments the Cossack. "Yes, I suppose not. Zeir are a little over eighty of you, after all, and it's only been zee two or t'ree. Vegardless. It is enough to get my attention."

He takes a cigarette from his breast pocket, lighting it up with a smooth movement. The Russian is still incredibly calm. "I can understand vhy somevun vould be attracted to her. She is beautiful girl, kind-hearted, generous to a fault. But she has suffered greatly in ziss liff, both from zee Robot Masters and zee Mavericks. Beyond zhat, she never got to know her mozzer and half of her family uses her as a tool to get to me. Yet, she maintains her kind heart. It is a testiment to zee forgiffink power of human nature."

He puffs on his cigarette. "I know she vas upset vhen she found out who you vere, just like she vas vhen she found out about Astro Man. I imagine she vill find it hard to forgiff you. Perhaps she vill, in time." He pauses, ashes his cigarette, and speaks again. "She is 16 now, Tengu Man. She is no lonker a girl. In two years, zee government considers her a full adult. I can no longer spend my liff protectink her from zee verld."

He pauses, looks over his shoulder to watch Kalinka's outburst, then looks back to Tengu Man. "She must become stronk enough to rule my empire vhen I die. Vhen she does take command, she vill haff more vesources at her disposal zhan even I haff had. She can behave in vun of two vays wiff zem ... she can either continue her good verks, or she could pursue vevenge."

The cigarette burns between his lips. "Men liff short lives, Tengu Man. I vill pass from ziss verld, and my grudges vill fade into history. You vill haff to deal wiff her much lonker ... /much/ lonker ... zhan me. It is not I vho you should fear, but her."

"For zee vengeance of a voman is zee most lethal t'ink in zee verld."

Silo just watches the scene unfolding in front of him. He decides not to get himself involved though, especially since he doesn't know Famine at all...

Alia regains her composure, which is good given what Famine tells her to do. She silently quirks an eyebrow and shakes her head at Jet as she steps forward, posed with her Manual of Doom like Matt Lawton expecting a 3-0 fastball over the plate. In a nice neat and tidy voice, the one she uses to tell Rock how to use an E-tank, Alia simply says, "And if you don't do what Miss Kalinka says, you're going to learn Discipline by Kinetic Osmosis."

Oh, yes.

Tengu knows exactly what Cossack is talking about. It has taken an unusually high amount of courage for him to get on over here to the party. More to talk to Kalinka (if only briefly). Even more to come at her beckon and call; and yet more to *stay*. It is a rare moment when Tengu is absolutely, truly terrified. And this is one of those times. Not because of Cossack, but because of Kalinka.

I mean, she's got the Triumph. Ad she *knows* him. Really, actually knows him.

He listens, remaining quiet... well, maybe not.

"I know."

Edward Hampton glances over to the Director, munching on some salad. He gestures to the Director with his fork as he steps more into view. "Good thing we were invited, eh?" His eyes move from the Director to Rose, and he smiles. "Hello there. Your fashion sense is astonishingly unique... Quite catching, isn't it?"

Bit is, strangely enough, still here. With only a few minor exceptions, he has been here for quite a long time - and while teh security guards are giving him rather nevious looks from time to time, none of them have gathered the courage to ask the Maverick to leave the scene. Mainly because Bit also hasn't really DONE anything, either - he sits beneath one of the trees in the park, his incricately carved pipe in one hand, a small half dish, half cup - commonly used to drink sake in Japan - balanced in the other, his sword resting on his shoulder.

Mainly, Bit has shown up to watch - first to ensure that no Mavericks caused a disruption that would threaten their neutrality on Eurasia, and now... now, at this point, as Bit has simply said earlier, he is in persuit of something even more strange.

Elegance.

Abernathy glances over at Edward as he moves into view and speaks up again, his thoughtful smile disappearing. "Mm. Yes. I would wonder about the political implications, except I believe Miss Cossack herself drew up the guest list." He reaches to give Kammas a cautious scratch behind the ears -- or where its external ears would be, had it any.

"<The rest! The rest! Sure, I shot the one fellow, but absolve me, for I could have shot the other but didn't! It matters not if you're donating the excess to charity if in the process you slap the poor in the face and pour their hard-earned money, filtered to you through the Goddamn parasitic capitalists, into filet mignonne and Dance Dance Revolution!>" Famine begins to respond to Bowie in a calmer tone, thanks to the wise choice of Russian to address him by, but soon he's screaming at the top of his lungs again. He turns to Kalinka, and stares daggers. "<And you! When I was last active, you were a nice little Russian girl, though the crass Japanese society was getting to you. Look at you now! Where are your principles, girl?! Where is the revolutionary spirit?! You cannot, how does the English saying go - it disgusts me to use their metaphors, but it fits - burn the village to save it! I'll leave. I'll go! I'll go the moment you show a scrap of morality about this thing!>" He turns to Alia, and throws his free hand up, triggered back into Russian-Obscenity mode by the threat of violence. When he's calmed down enough to speak English again (which still isn't very calm), he remarks, "Violenze! Is zhat all yhou can zholve yhour problems vhith?! I am a rheasonable man. I'll go peacefully, vhen yhustice is zhorved!"

Jet Stingray merely comments behind Alia's back to Famine, "As Crash would say, 'Oooooh snap!'" Hmming, he glances down to Alia again as Famine speaks, hoping she'll change her mind and let him deck the dude or something. Viloence might not be Jet's only way of solving his problems, but he has qualm with using it when he feels he should.

Rolling Minicam rolls over to his master, beeping softly as Famine rants and raves about capitalism and western civilization (or whatever passes for that nowadays). Camera is actually translating for Chest, who knows virtually nothing of Russian. Chest folds his arms and scoots back a few feet. "Geez..." He mutters, thankful that the party-crasher is at least about to go. He'll have to answer the moral dilemma of whether this is newsworthy or not later.

Bowie stubbornly refuses to lose his temper in the face of Famine's tirade. "< I'm sorry if we can't all meet your standards of...>" he trails off as he tries to find the Russian words, "< Equality for all. Look around, people are having fun, and think how many people Kalinka has empoyed tonight. Is that really so bad, Famine?>" Why does this conversation feel so familiar?

Kammas has no ears. It does, however, have a ridge of gills which it seems to delight in having scratched lightly. Oh yeah, baby, right there. Having legs that couldn't bend in that particular direction did make it a bit odd to scratch itself. Something that wouldn't be a problem if it were still in water as most fish should be but it was a land and air creature, now.

Rigger watches the interaction between Abernathy and Kammas while doing her best to ignore the screaming famine. She already had a headache and that was only causing it to blossom much more. "Seems you two are getting along rather well."

Kalinka is calmer now; she stares daggers right back at Famine. "<< Just...go, alright? Get out of here. You're about as reasonable as a pack mule. I respect your points, but I don't respect you coming in here and wrecking my party. >>" She takes a long, long swig of her water, surprised at how well she's keeping her cool. Deep down, though, she wants to take one of those damned crutches, and find a place on Famine to shove them. He'd probably prefer it that way, she thinks...even another way to suffer.

Plant Man says, "Mm, I'd have to bet on the big guy by Kalinka . . something Stingray, I think." Rose grins wickedly for a few seconds. "He looks plenty strong--mm?" And then she's talked to. Oh, how fickle the attention of the female is! Giving Edward a smile, she shrugs. "Not too unique, I think, but thank you, Mister . . ?"

Alia relaxes slightly in her batting stance. He does have a point, and it wouldn't do any good to litter the already messy party with Famine parts. But only slightly. "I would do as she says, Famine. You're Russian, you above all else would know better than to anger a Cossack."

Lex Loath enters the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Lex Loath has left.

Silo has disconnected.

Abernathy has this unparalleled talent for stealing the hearts of those around Rigger, from Alpha to Kammas and who knew what else. He's not doing it intentionally, though. Honestly. He continues to scratch right around the reptavian's gill-ridges, keeping covert tabs on the Famine encounter as it spirals between shouting match and reasoned discussion. "Hmph. Well." He looks up at Rigger, giving her an easy little smirk. "Call it animal magnetism, perhaps." Animals, unlike humans, are incredibly easy to please. Then, attention flickering briefly to Rose, he asides, "Or it might resolve peacefully. How boring."

Edward Hampton grins. "Call me Edward. Really, the ensemble works well together. It has a certain... Reserved flamboyance about it, Miss...?" He ignores the confrontation of Famine, noting that it seems that it is being attended to. However, he does mention to the Director, "Depends. That guy sounds pretty strident about his little beef with Capitalism. I'm sure someone will say something and set the nutcase off again."

Scribe Robin makes it back into the room, having gotten himself put back together after being mobbed by the horde of NPC fangirls who thought he was a comic book character. Long story. Anyway, he's holding the present he bought for Kali, and is heading over towards her. "Miss Kalinka?" He calls.

Kalinka is, at the moment, standing next to Bowie, and the pair seem to be facing down an ugly reploid wearing a tattered trenchcoat, and causing an awful commotion.

"You have no idea. He's a communist through and through," Rigger remarks while casting a tired gaze off towards Famine, Kalinka, and the others. "Cossack was the only one he'd ever listen to and after this evening I doubt that will hold true anymore." Her gaze lingers just a moment longer only to be followed by a careless shrug. Once more her attention shifts to Abernathy and Kammas as she contemplates that very thought. He did seem good with those she'd created or taken under her wing. Why should she be surprised over it now? Quietly she watches the pair interact. "Kammas enjoys long walks by the water. Fresh water prefered. I'm sure you can accomodate him."

Famine addresses Bowie first, since he once again had the courtesy to speak calmly in Russian. He seems to appreciate that, and once again reverts to a calmer tone. "<Look around! People are having fun! Much more important than people surviving. What are a few deaths from malnutrition and disease if you can make a handful of lives shine with a few minutes of adrenaline? Yes! Yes, that is really so bad, you careless fool! These people who got jobs tonight will need another tomorrow; that hasn't solved anything! I do not demand that all are perfect, but all must try! Not to strive to be the best person one can be is unforgivable; that is the way of sloths and criminals.>" He turns then to Kalinka, and visibly burns with anger - literally, as an internal coolant tube overheats and bursts, and foaming white coolant begins to pour from his incapacitated right leg. "<Fine! I can see you're too far gone to give a single apology for the people you let die today. I'll leave. I hope you choke on your own bile.>" Famine throws up his free hand again and begins to limp his way back to the entrance. On the way, he passes Scribe Robin, and looks down at the present he's holding before turning back to Kalinka. "<Donate to charity in lieu of presents, you say?"> He shouts Russian obscenities and stops on his way back, attempting to grab the gift from Scribe Robin with the goal of hurling it to the floor and stomping on it.

Rose grins right back at Edward. "I'm Rose, Rose Ohmo. And thank you very much, I was told once this was all the rage for a short while . . " A light shrug, and she glances over at Abernathy and his new pet. "Just what is that?"

Retro Packrat has arrived.

Serena Gilbert arrives from the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Serena Gilbert has arrived.

Serena transforms into her Casual clothes.

Bowie stifles a sigh at the continued tirade, still not visibly upset. He can't shake this feeling of deja-vu that's run through the entire conversation, as if he's had these words with him before. He makes a note to ask someone about Famine later. Much later. He gives Kali an apologetic smile, in spite of the fact that none of this is his doing.

Scribe Robin gets the gift grabbed from him, and stares at it as it is stomped on the floor. "... Um... uh... Why did you just stomp on my present?" Scribe knows Latin, but not Russian.

Kalinka sighs, heading back to her table with her water, shaking her head. "Jackass," she grumbles. Suddenly noticing his accosting Scribe Robin (yet another unfamiliar face! But kind strangers bearing gifts...there's been many today), she does a double-take, and then stalks back toward him. "<< You leave him alone! That isn't charity, you senile fool -- that's assault and robbery! >>"

Kalinka sends a radio transmission to Bowie.

[Radio] Kalinka sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "I'm sorry, sweetie. This was a great party until HE showed up...you have to believe me."

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "It's okay, sunshine. Don't let him getcha down."

Kalinka receives a radio transmission.

[Radio] You send Kalinka a direct message: "Ah'll be right back."

Alia just shakes her head again and puts the manual away, quickly grabbing her gift to Kali from the nearby Stingray of Badly Wrapped Present Holding. "Thanks, Jet, you're a dear," she says with a thumbs-up.

Bit sends a radio transmission.

Scribe Robin receives a radio transmission.

Scribe Robin sends a radio transmission to Bit.

Bit receives a radio transmission from Scribe Robin.

Scribe Robin receives a radio transmission.

Bowie does not follow Kalinka over to the table. Instead, he does an about face, weaving through the swarm of servers and cleaners that have appeared to clean up the spilled food and beverages. It looks like he may be heading in the direction of the band shell.

Jet Stingray offers the gift back with a "Sure, no prob" to Alia, getting his own gift bag that is secured to his belt. He looks around once or twice, saying "I could have sworn I heard someone way 'stingray'... Must have been a fan," he concludes, deciding to drop off his gift.

Scribe Robin just continues to stare at his stomped-upon present.

"Then /he/ is one to talk about those who have died for the excesses of their masters," Abernathy grates, tone taking a brief turn for the dire. "The ideals are all well and good, but he's no better than those he condemns when he carries then from unreasonable thought into unjust action. Oh, /justice/," he spits. "Yes, we will /mightily/ advance the cause of justice by overthrowing our unreasonable masters for the good of the proletariat, without ever pulling our heads out of our asses long enough to see the facts or judge the /real/ guilt or innocence of the 'villians'." Despite his venomed tone, he seems perfectly calm otherwise. And even the venom fades, replaced with mild bemusement, as Rigger makes her offer. "That's a very kind offer, Dr. Matthews, but I see no reason to take -- " He glances down at Kammas, assessing it, before looking back up at her. " -- Your work from you merely because it happens to like me." As Rose interjects, he casts her a look as well. "Dr. Matthews called it -- Kammas, I believe."

"<Sometimes you need a jolt to get through. The tables certainly didn't! You said you would take charity donations instead of presents. That did not look like a loaf of bread or a vaccine! And I've committed assault? Did I just fall asleep and sleep-punch that man? I'm not here to hurt people. I'm here to shove it through your brick-wall skulls that buying lobster while people in China don't have rice is wrong! And failing, it seems! Cold, uncompassionate liar, may sharks gut you a thousand times over! I came here thinking you were a reasonable young woman and had a heart in you, but it seems I was mistaken!>" Famine launches another indignant tirade before he turns around and begins to limp back to the west again, resuming his exit.

You hand Famine a cookie!

Off to one side of the stage, a meting is hastily convened. Not that one can really see through all the teenagers dancing to the music the DJ's currently playing.

Rigger dips her head slightly in a nod of agreement. Her attention shifts breifly to Rose though her voice is raised enough that all gathered around their small group can hear and understand the explaination if they care to know. "Kammas is what it is, and Kammas is it's name." Both eyebrows lift slightly as she gives Abernathy a mildly amused grin. "My 'work' happens to be alive and have a mind of it's own even if it might not quite be on par with what we consider to be 'intelligent life' in our narrow-minded definition for it. As such, I have to allow Kammas to make it's own decisions. Just like I let Alpha make her own decisions."

Hailstorm Eagle arrives from the Eurasia - East Quadrant.

Hailstorm Eagle has arrived.

"<< Yeah, I guess you're right, >> Kalinka says to Famine's retreating back. "<< Wow, you sure showed me. Guess I'm just a cold, heartless, hopeless capitalist bitch. You win! Thank you for showing me the error of my ways. How dare I have a want for anything -- I guess I should just sit around all day, naked and chained to a wall, taking only thin greul in for nourishment. Thank you, Famine. Goodbye now. >>" She's just about had it. If she's learned ANYTHING about this party debacle, it's to hire security bouncers the next time around, and give them a 'black list' ahead of time. With a sigh of exasperation, she heads back over toward the tables...limping a bit. The fancy shoes are really starting to hurt, now.

Scribe Robin kneels and starts to sort through the ruins of his present. It might still be salvagable... Ah, here we go. Scribe fishes out a mangled peice of metal, attached to an equally mangled metal ring. A key and keyring, if you will. "Ah... Well, I guess you can have another one made... it is what it starts that counts, correct?"

Alia jogs to catch up to Kalinka, waving her present in the air. "Wait up, I have your gift! You have to open it now before the wrapping falls off!" Indeed, the ribbon is now draped across Alia's headset and around her antenna. And I need to give