Last Night on Novgorod: Toast

Novgorod - Orbital Space Station
E Deck > Drifters Bar & Grill

Povel greeted both Mr. Adama and Ms. Maciel cordially, with a hint of professionalism over casual. He remembered that he had corresponded a few times with Ms. Maciel in his previous job. It was standard protocol to provide a synopsis of the scope of scientific research and progress to other departments. He recalls the emails to be straightforward and intentional. On the other hand, the geologist was brand new to him.

Povel was content to let the more charismatic present to steer the conversation at the moment. He was curious to learn more about them; what they said, what they did, their body language and tone. It was all painting a better picture of those he would be devoting his life to, starting tomorrow. He knew his good friend, Russ, would take point when it came to the socializing scene.

Russ was impressed with how things were going. It would not be long before most of the crew was there at the table. Now Russ was looking for Rita Del Ray, the ship xeno-botanist. Russ kept looking around the room. By now the word had gotten around to the crew one way or another. Russ was sure this was the right thing to do, team building from the beginning. He was surprised and a little disappointed that the Captain did not do this, but that's what medics are for. Morale. Russ spotted Rita nearby. He got out of his seat and walked over to her.

Povel did have many questions though and was able to slip one in to all those present. “If you don’t mind me asking, what were you all doing prior to this venture? And why the switch?” He didn’t have profiles on the rest of the crew like the doctor did.

Billy heard the question from Povel, as he looked away from the music and lights. He sipped his beer, as he pondered the question a bit, then gave a simple answer, "Well in my line of work, my job is merely to prospect and find the big mineral score in the ground. Once I locate a big enough mineral supply source, I am no longer needed, so I take my finder's fee, end my contract, and move on to the next big job. Since I bounce from one gig to another, I don't have time to set down any roots."

Povel nodded in affirmation to Mr. Adama. “Does that mean your time on the Nomad will be based on the interval between launch and when we find a big score?” Povel didn’t get the memo that work talk was supposed to be off limits, as promised by Russ when inviting the others over.

Billy shrugged as he looked at Povel and then sipped his beer. He replied, "Its a strong possibility, but everything is negotiable. If the company pays me to extend my stay, and its worth it, I will hang out for a bit longer. But it doesn't happen that often. Since most companies don't require my services once they begin excavating." Billy drank more beer and smiled as he enjoyed the flavor.

“I get the impression the Nomad probably won’t stick around for excavating either, unless there is something unusual or worthwhile to be investigated further.” He wasn’t entirely sure if that was true, but it made sense for an exploratory vessel.

Povel took a drink of his own water, it was nearly empty, and then looked to Ms. Maciel wondering if she would share a response to his question or choose to refrain.

Elisabet looked at Povel with her glazed eyes, the drinks had really got to her now. "There's no real switch for me, Mr. Vieregg. My position on the Nomad is not really any different from my past work on behalf of the company. I serve the interests of the company and it's representatives. I suppose the only real difference is that it'll be more hands on and our correspondence won't just be through the company's messaging client this time of course." She took a sip as she finished her sentence. "But we can worry about work tomorrow, when we're all recovering from a terrible hangover," she drunkenly chuckled.

Povel tipped his glass of water and grinned as he downed the rest like a quick shot. At the rate they were drinking, there was an increasing probability they wouldn’t remember everything said tonight anyways. She was right though, enough work related questions. He changed the topic. “I noticed you leaving the bookstore earlier before I arrived there myself, Ms. Maciel. Are you a collector of books? Do you enjoy reading the non-digital versions?”

"I always appreciate a non-electronic text yes," she giggled. She placed the book she had brought from the shop earlier on the table. "I had to settle for this, I always like to have a physical book wherever I am, I read the them slower. Savoring my time with them. Honestly, I wish I could carry a whole library with me, but the digital alternative will have to do for now. Are you a reader, Mr. Vieregg?" She pulled the book back off the table and rested it upon her lap.

To an observer, Povel gave every indication he was genuinely interested in her perspective on books. And his eyes quickly glanced at the title as if it was a clue to her literary preferences.

In response to her question, “Yes indeed. Quite voracious.” He reached down next to himself and pulled out the book, the Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis, he just bought from the same store. “I agree that there is something special about the hard copies and it is also a nice reprieve from looking at a screen all the time.”

Billy smirked as he saw Povel and Maciel talking about reading books. They seemed to do it for a hobby. Billy, on the other hand, read books for improving his life. He read countless digital books on geology and earth sciences so he could graduate in the top ten percent. He didn't have the time or patience to read for fun since his future was always on the line. Maybe he might try it out when he retired. He sipped his beer as he quietly listened to the others.

"I agree completely. There's something too, about the scent of the paper, the texture of it under your finger tips. It's all so pleasant," she explained. Her drink was coming to an end again, but ordering anymore would be the death of her. "I think I've had too much."

“Exactly.” Povel smiles softly hearing her explanation of the books. He could relate to her experiences. It was refreshing to see someone enjoying those things which are so easy to under appreciate.

------
Russ approached Rita, "I see the two doctors I was looking f... Wait... you know one another? Oh, I am Russ Garrett, the Chief Medical Officer on the Nomad. I was wondering if you would join me and the crew for a meet and greet over there," Russ asked politely. He looked at Rita. "The photo of you in your medical records does not do you justice, Ms. Del Ray." He honestly looked surprised.

A set of bright green eyes lead her head to regard the medic, Russ Garrett, "Not a doctor yet..." Rita corrected Russ. "This mission will help provide the last bit of information I need for that..." His words of flattery did bring a slight blush to her cheeks as she nodded. "This however, is Dr Eldon Blair...who by the by, has a great recruitment strategy... flattery."

Rita looked over to Eldon again. "To answer your question: Yes. I will be joining you aboard the Nomad. This is going to be a very interesting mission..." Rita concluded.

"What?" Russ chuckled "Wait, Dr. Blaire, you did not know Miss Rita was part of the Nomad? I would like to thank you for trying to recruit her. She is good at what she does as are you," says Russ. "I do look forward to working with you both."
------

Not wanting to exclude Mr. Adama, Povel volleyed the same question to the geologist. “Do you like to read too, other than work related materials?” Povel assumed all those on the Nomad were well versed in works pertaining to their fields of expertise.

Billy swallowed his beer and smirked as he replied, "For me reading is just a means to an end. I don't do it for a hobby or pleasure like others. I read both digital and paper books related to geology and earth-like sciences since helps me get work. I grew up poor so the only guilty pleasures I engage in are food, drink and the occasional fling." Billy winked as he sipped his beer again.

Povel hadn’t seen a wink in a while and he deduced it was for Ms. Maciel’s benefit. “Where did you grow up?” He inquired while simultaneously wondering if Ms. Maciel was going to last much longer based on the visual influence of the alcohol in her system.

Billy sipped his beer then shook his head no. He replied, "The slums mostly. It was a place so unimportant they tore it down 50 years ago to make a hangar. I'd be curious if you ever heard of it before."

Povel shrugged, “Most likely not. Well you seem to have done well for yourself.” He gestured about them, “Not in the slums anymore. A diamond in the rough.” The geological pun was intended.

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

"So what do you think? Want to join our table over there and meet the rest of the crew? It is a social thing, nothing work-related," explained Russ.

"Can't blame me for trying to acquire the exceptionally talented ones when I see them.", he said to Russ and Rita with a grin. "Yeah...sounds good. Let's join the party."

"Just follow me over," said Russ motioning to the table, and then started to walk in that direction.

As they passed Alistair, Rita gave a passing smile that evolved into a flirtatious wink, and her hand went out and grabbed one of the shots.

"Thanks, peach..." Rita said as she kept walking.

“You’re welcome, apricot.” He gave a chuckle to the young woman who seemed to have stolen his tequila. He was planning on ordering more anyway. He did the two finger call and ordered another two tequila shots. He lifted one up in Rita’s direction and then downed it.

Rita chuckled at the name apricot. "I guess it's better than vanilla..." She commented and offered a salute with her pilfered shot before downing it.

The shot glass was returned to the bar before she moved to rejoin Russ Garrett and Dr. Eldon Blaire with where they were being directed.

Eldon chivalrously motioned for Rita to precede him, then silently cursed lab coats for their figure-concealing properties. As they made their way to the table, he recognized a few faces, offering a smile and a nod of the head to any that caught his eye. The flirtatious whiskey theft raised his eyebrows.

'Damn. This woman's a firecracker...', he thought.

Arriving at the table, Russ paused for a moment to introduce the two crew members he had with him. "Ladies and gentlemen this is Miss Rita Del Ray and Dr. Eldon Blaire. Rita Del Ray is our ship's xeno-botanist and Dr. Eldon Blaire is our Xenobiologist and Exo-Scientist," said Russ introducing them. "Oh and Dr. Eldon Blaire is our in house recruiter," Russ joked.

Russ had returned, thank goodness. Povel could hopefully now return more to people watching than pivoting conversations with an ever increasing number of people. Povel's glass of water had been refilled by now, so he raised it in the direction of the new people in greeting. He simultaneously shifted his place at the table to ensure comfortable spacing for the increase.

“Nice to meet you Ms. Del Lay and Dr. Blair, welcome to the unofficial and serendipitous first contact of the Nomad.” He smiled.

Billy held up his beer mug at the toast then drank with the others. He remained polite since he had to work with this crew for a long time. At this point he was in a chill mood and was enjoying the show and lights. He knew it would be a long time before he saw them again after he and the crew shipped out. Greedy companies don't spend on luxuries like that for the crew.

Russ remained standing as they were introduced, grinning sheepishly in response to the 'recruiter' comment before raising his whiskey glass in response to the toast, sipping it, and taking a seat.

Russ grabbed a few nearby chairs and put them next to the table for Miss Rita and Dr. Blaire. " Look this table even comes with chairs." says Russ with a sarcastic grin. "So what did I miss? I hope nothing interesting," commented Russ. He did not seem too worried about interrupting anything. "I did hear something about books. But unless it has a lot of pictures, I cannot read it." says Russ his tone sarcastic and a funny smile.

Russ was sure they got the joke. He was medical and the books were boring and drawn out. More like a technical guide to the body. Russ thought the crew could be a good team. Seems like they got along so far. But he would have to see when they were stuck on a ship for months at a time. The women were good looking, definitely eye candy in his opinion. Russ wondered if he would ever have time for something like a romantic relationship. Something everyone hopes for one day in his job.

Ali leaned back after his third tequila shot and listens to the groups around him. Some talking business, some talking pleasure. The people around him seemed to be all over the place. So many mismatched groups, not that he was a fine one to talk. He gets on with everyone.

Something was eating at Russ as he watched everyone interact some of the crew was missing and Rita would glance over to someone drinking. He looked familiar. "ah shit" mumbled Russ looking at Alistair Maddox. A former Marine and the security for the team. Russ looked up his face showed he was frustrated at the blunder of overlooking Maddox, Russ stood up abruptly and walked away from the table towards Maddox.

"Alistair Maddox, why are you sitting alone? The crew of the Nomad are sitting over there," Russ motioned. "We would like you to join us. Oh, I am Russ Garrett, Team Chief Medical Officer. This is not so much as a request Marine more like you not there yet?" says Russ his tone was a commanding one but a lot like an NCO also with a little sarcasm.

Alistair raises two fingers to the bartender again, ordering two more shots of tequila. He finishes one quickly and brings his second beer and last shot of tequila with him. “Thanks Doc.” Maddox chuckles. “Didn’t want to bulldoze my way in and find out it’s the wrong crew.”

Rita raised an eyebrow at this. "Peaches is going with us huh?" Rita nodded slowly as she looked him over. "Welcome aboard...I hope ya don't mind science stuff ." Rita reached out and grabbed the last shot of tequila from him and winked.

"Here is to a successful mission." Rita winked at Alistair, but gave him ample time to get his shot back.

“Sure am, apricot. You scientists need a little muscle around so the science work doesn’t turn into you being experiments.” He chuckled.

Alistair’s quick reflexes got him his shot back. “You already got your one, apricot. Two doesn’t happen.” He lifted the shot and downed it. Sighing contentedly before shooting a wink in Rita’s direction.

For some of the crew, the rest of the night was a bit of a blur.