time isn't real and the party is always } network + action

[sisterswitch]

[hey, it’s a jack video! and she is grinning with excitement, because she has something cool to show you.]

So. Time is a construct, right? But it’s a pretty important one to a lot of us. We mark the passage of time in cycles, with celebrations, and I’m guessing most of us have missed at least one birthday, favorite holiday, or anniversary since we’ve been on this long, strange trip. For me, it’s been four birthdays since I was home. Not that I did a whole lot for my birthday, but it was still nice to take myself out for ice cream and check the box for surviving another year.

[the video feed flips around to show the observation room/lucifer’s bar, tastefully decorated with sparkly silver streamers and balloons. as jack slowly pans the camera across the room, you’ll see tables have been brought in and are loaded up with a variety of foods, an assortment of drinks, and of course a nice big cake.]

Anyway, whatever it is you’ve missed, we’re celebrating it - right now. So get thee to the observation room! If nothing else, you can celebrate an unbirthday with the rest of us.

[have a party mingle! or you can talk to jack on network, if you really want. feel free to assume your involvement with party setup, making food, etc. and have a good time!]

Comments

action | OTA

[misterbrekker]

[As far as Kaz was concerned, the only thing worth celebrating involving the passage of time was marking another year he hadn't found himself on the Reaper's Barge. That, and watching the rises and falls of share prices at the Exchange. While he had passed another year avoiding the barge (barrel scum like him didn't rank high enough for a grave), he wasn't sure where he had ended up was much better.

Back home, members of his gang vied desperately for his attention, but no matter how much they wanted him to make small talk or join their social circles, he never indulged them, choosing instead to keep to himself. However, in a setting such as Navi, where everyone was crammed together in close quarters, it was much easier to trap him into socializing. The observation room, despite it being a trip down four flights of stairs from his room and back, was one of the places he liked to frequent, the wide window and view offering him a place to clear his thoughts.

While he's not here out of a desire or interest to celebrate anything, he is physically in the room, standing near the window and leaning on the cane, open for anyone to pester him.]

[10billionpercent]

[ Kaz isn't the only one who enjoys the view. In fact, it was what Senku liked best about the observation deck, and he would grump endlessly about the fact it had been turned into a bar.

He rarely came in when people were playing or partying like this any other time. He tended to sneak in when it was dark and quiet and he could just admire the sky. ]

No telling where in the universe we are, or if it's even the universe I'm familiar with...and it's no less fascinating, don't you think?

[ Stars tend to have stories attached, and hold many mysteries yet to be solved by human minds, and that's what's always interested him the most. The potential. ]

Re: action | OTA

[imarealistnotacynic]

[Richard's expression when he sees Kaz is one of nervousness and a bit of unease. He has not been the most...hospitable or mature with the man.

Or well. With anyone.

So clad in a version of what Ruby called his "chaotic!professor outfit - white shirt and blood red tie. He nods mutely and sips calmly at his water.]

Evening.

ohhh teeee ayyyyyyy

[dealwiththe]

[ It's a good thing Lucifer's Devil Bod Incident has been taken care of by now - he's back to his normal, handsome and charming self in time for the party. Because of course, you can't have a party without music, and no one touches his piano but him.

So that's where he is - he's got a drink sitting on top, in easy reach, and he starts with a nice, jazzy rendering of "Feelin' Good". Because he is, again, and he wants everyone to know it.

Feel free to approach, strike up a conversation, request a song, whatever. ]

[laughing_magician]

[Ah, there he is, the big fancy drama queen himself. John is content to just listen at first, well behaved enough for the time being. It's very pretty, very nice music and there's nothing really to complain about. Save for the fact that it's just not John's thing.

But after a bit of listening, John has a request of his own.] Play us some Pistols, will you? [It's more to attempt to trip Lucifer up than actually seriously requesting it. John doesn't think he can pull it off.] God Save the Queen would be nice.

[dealwiththe]

[ Well, there's a fly in the ointment of this little get-together. Of course, there are worse people who could show up on this sentient space-carnival ride, Lucifer supposes. He glances up, plastering a fake grin on his face as John approaches. ]

As I live and breathe, John Constantine, in the flesh. [ He actually does plonk out a few bars of "God Save the Queen", just to poke fun at him. ] And here I thought Navi was only picking the really fun people to go on this space vacation.

[melodiouspacifist]

[ A party sounds like a fun idea. A fun thing where people who gather and mingle, and probably not stab each other in the back. At least, that's what Demyx has heard, but what does he really know?

More interesting than anything else is the piano and the man playing it. He approaches, listening with his head cocked a little bit.

No, he doesn't know the song, but if he listens he'll be able to pick up the melody. Lucifer needn't worry - piano playing was never his style anyway.]

[dealwiththe]

Are you going to keep staring indefinitely or will you be making conversation at any point?

[ Lucifer hasn’t moved, hasn’t looked up, hasn’t even stopped playing, his fingers expertly skating over the keys as he addresses the newcomer. ]

[imarealistnotacynic]

[Have a few glasses of wine, feel a bit more relaxed. Richard offers a half toast to the devil before moving over to hello at the piano.]

You play very well. Any classical?

Action | OTA

[laughing_magician]

[John's arrival and settling in period was marked with dramatics, fits, and futile attempts at opening portals. And then it was marked with isolation, keeping to himself while he wrote down rituals and spells in fear of losing them without the original books to guide him. And once he was done with all of that, he figured if nothing else he needed to get to know the other poor sods he was stuck with for the time being. And Jack's video provided the perfect opportunity to get out.

Constantine doesn't particularly feel like celebrating, but he's frankly tired of going out of his way to avoid people and moping alone in his room. So he makes his way to the observation room, ready to attempt to socialize for a while. If nothing else, there was food, and he's not likely to turn down a free meal.

John can be found at the party, either hovering around the drinks, enjoying a bite to eat, or observing the party with mild interest. Regardless, it feels good to be out of self-imposed isolation and with people again. Even if he'd never admit to it.]

[albatrossomen]

[The duty of adding far too many over-sized snowflakes to the decorations had become an all consuming task, but not so much that Murmur wasn't going to notice and meander his way over to bother their newest resident.]

I was wondering when you might make your presence known.

[He mused quietly, sidling up not far from John as he conjured up a fresh snowflake sending it up to stick along a line of them near a light fixture.]

Overcome the initial disorientation and existential distress, have you?

[They've all been through it, after all. This one was a bit odd. When he spoke, it was in a soft monotone, no intent made clear in the lack of strong inflection. Nor did he make eye contact, wholly focused on his current task of generating icy decorations for the party. Even if he weren't, there's a strong probability he still wouldn't make eye contact.]

[chocobosnap]

[ Prompto doesn't know this man, which makes him nervous, but not nervous enough to avoid the spread of food on offer. He's kind of hungry and curious because some of it seems strange to him. ]

H-Hey! [ Prompto greets with good cheer in his voice. He might look a bit out of place, he's wearing black, thick leather pants, and the boots come all the way up to his knees and seem complicated in the way they're laced and constructed, a piece protecting the knee like armor. His top doesn't have sleeves and can barely be seen under the vest that has a fussy silver pattern on the front. He's also wearing fingerless gloves with wide cuffs and a piece of black fabric over his bicep. There's not much he can do about his uniform, it's what he came with. ]

Have you uh, tried these? Whatever they are?

[ He gestures at some delicious chicken wings. They're way too small to be chickatrice, but they're really tasty. ]

finally i come for you :3

[sisterswitch]

[guess who else likes observing? that's right - it's jack. and she has made her way over near john to do some observing of her own, glass of space beer in hand.]

"God Save the Queen," huh? [yeah, she overheard john talking to lucifer. Lurkers gonna lurk! she nods approvingly, though her gaze is still centered on the crowd.] Not a bad choice. I'm more of a Clash and riot grrrl gal myself, but credit where credit's due, the Pistols were massively influential in the history of punk rock.

[this is apparently just how jack strikes up a conversation. now she turns to john with her full attention.]

You're new here. I'm Jack. Welcome aboard.

Murmur | OTA

[albatrossomen]

[Of course Murmur wasn't going to make Jack set up alone. While he had absolutely no experience in mortal celebrations he was at least vaguely aware of their customs. Food was generally involved, as were decorations. For his part he was adding something of a... magical touch.

The ice keeping certain cool snacks chilled, for example, wouldn't melt. Nor would the small and intricately formed owl ice sculpture. Swans never did make sense to Murmur, what did they have to do with winter? An owl was clearly the superior choice. This particular icy owl, formed out of ice so clear it might easily be mistaken for glass, also seemed to have within it the faintest point of light, giving the whole thing a bit of unusual sparkle. He was rather pleased with his work there.

In addition to the evercold ice and small sculpture he was going about adding hand-sized intricate snowflakes to Jack's various streamers or hanging around a few lights. Each of these, also, seemed to possess their own internal glow to give the place a nice bit of ambiance.

Murmur was busily continuing to add more snowflakes even after things got underway. He might be going overboard. Guy just likes snowflakes. Please interrupt him, or request something else.]

[dealwiththe]

Taking up interior decorating, I see.

[ Lucifer is lounging. He's not helping decorate, he's just color commentating. ]

Fascinating use of your skills.

[10billionpercent]

Fascinating.

[ Senku would comment from behind Murmur as he was setting up one of his snowflakes. The guy's not going to complain, he likes snow and ice just fine. ]

You have ice magic then?

[ The question is obvious, but maybe he can get some insight as to how Murmur is doing that. He hadn't even considered looking into elemental magics. ]

a bit later.

[aparticularlyhollowlaugh]

[giant snowflakes? neat. giant snowflakes that glow and don’t melt? well, that’s something you just don’t see everyday. jon, ever curious, has acquired one of these magic snowflakes and is sat on the floor near the observation window, slowly turning it over in his hands, then holding it up to catch the light from the stars visible outside the window.]

Fascinating, [he mutters, to no one in particular.

he has, unfortunately, also overestimated his tolerance with respect to persephone’s contribution to the available drinks. jon isn’t inclined toward drinking in excess, but he is undeniably beyond tipsy tonight after imbibing very little.]

[sisterswitch]

[are you still at it with the snowflakes this far into the party? that's adorable. jack wanders up to her friend with a drink in hand and a grin on her face.]

You know, there might be a career for you in event decorating. Assuming we ever end up anywhere with regular events that need decorating, of course.

Re: Murmur | OTA

[imarealistnotacynic]

[Richard stares upward at the snowflakes before raising an eyebrow at the angel. The owl gets more than a passing glance, studying it before reaching a hand out to it - and drawing back.]

...Habib would be proud. I'd like to think at least.

[Half ice half fire angel of the Islamic faith was always a sort of nice story amid all the awful ones.]

Do you take requests?

OTA

[melodiouspacifist]

[ Demyx hasn't met that many people, and some kind of gathering is definitely a good enough reason to meet them.

In theory, that was true.

He had a friendly smile, he could be engaging and outgoing when someone paid attention to him, but naturally he was a bit of a lone wolf.

Not to mention, as for birthdays? He has no idea what birthday he should be on.

For a bit, he'll be listening at the piano, but after that, he might situate himself in a corner, expecting everyone to ignore him while he watched and observed. He seems calm and relaxed, but he's paranoid. Any one of them could attack him at any time. What made him excellent at subterfuge is how he doesn't look anything more than relaxed.

Eventually, he will pull out his sitar, playing very softly and picking up the music coming from the pianist, if only so he'd remember later. ]

OTA

[chocobosnap]

[ Prompto still only has his uniform on hand, although fortunately he's left the jacket behind. It probably looks out of place at a party, but what can he do about that?

He's an adventurous enough eater, he would say, because those who prepared the food would make mostly food that he's unfamiliar with. They might remind him of a thing or two from home, but something about them doesn't seem quite right. He can probably be found at the table looking confused.

Otherwise, he'll sit back with a drink and a meal and possibly he's eating like someone who doesn't get a nice big meal all that often.

He doesn't think his birthday has passed, but that's alright, everyone was allowed to come. ]

OTA

[10billionpercent]

[ For the sake of not inviting awkward questions about his usual attire from home, he was in tan cargo pants, hiking-style boots and a forest green polo shirt today. His hair's a little too unwieldy to stay up on its own, so it's pulled up into a ponytail, tied by a length of silk rope in a slightly unusual knot. He'd cut it, but Gen seems to be entertaining himself with his hair for the moment.

He's not the partying type, but he appreciates the savoury spread. Some people might be surprised how hard it is to go to a party and not get sugar shoved in his face. At least, his train mates tended to think only junk constituted party food.

He's been around long enough that in fact, his birthday would be upon them, actually, thanks to the time differences in his journeys. He's not one to mention it though he's sure Gen will remember.

He'll have to remember his birthday later. So Senku is more the type to grab food, a glass of wine and sit somewhere where he can look out the window.

Socalizing is optional, but partly he just doesn't know anyone well on this journey yet. He'll also take the tiniest piece of cake, just to say he had some. His eyes are on the stars, but he can be interrupted without much difficulty.]

Re: OTA

[imarealistnotacynic]

[Richard isn't really the partying type either but he has something very small and reasonably special (he thinks) for Alex and that's enough to bring him out to at least try and be more friendly.

Besides, at some point...at some point he does want to talk to Senku.]

Still doesn't seem real to actually be in space.

for simon.

[sisterswitch]

[one of jack's monster bros is notably absent from the party. she gets it - crowds and parties aren't for everyone.

still, he shouldn't miss out on everything! so if simon won't come to the party, she'll bring the party to simon. she's been meaning to check in on him anyway, and she picked up a little present for him on the last planet that she needs to deliver. with that parcel tucked under her arm and a plated generous-sized slice of cake in her hands, she arrives at the door to simon's cabin and knocks.]

Room service!

Re: for simon.

[bilocates]

[Crowds, parties, and angel magic. All too much for the reticent demon boy. That said he didn't mind the quiet. He's been hiding out since the whole thing with Alex being closer to his age anyway. Eventually he'll have to come out of hiding, for now though he's happy to hide away and steal his meals when others weren't so active on the ship.

With a party going on Simon didn't expect anyone would bother him, so the knock of course came as a surprise.

The door cracks open cautiously, opening a little further once he saw who it was.]

Jack?

[The question wasn't so much who it was, it was more what was she doing there? Wasn't the party her idea?]