Unexpected Party
25 May 2022Willow Thorn
So its like this. I’m not a bar person you know? I’m not into hanging around a bar making small talk, but I do need to like, talk with other commanders because I’m still new out here. Yeah so I found this bunch of people that just like talk about anything and you can drop in on them and say like “Hay, I’m thinking about going to visit the Guardian stuff, what do I need to know” and they can’t wait to help out. Like great, just what I need and no awkward “Can I sit here and start asking you stuff” problems. So yeah I like go away for like one day getting ready to go to Guardian space and I just drop in to see what’s been going on with the guys and they are like “yeah, lets do it, the party is on. Come on guys” and I’m like what! What did I miss? So all of a sudden I’m feeling like an outsider and I’m like where did that come from Willow? You haven’t even really got to know this like bunch of strangers yet, but I’m still feeling left out.
Like I’m nervous now and I think like fuck it, if I want to be part of a thing, I need to like, put myself there. So I like try to ask if I can come, and the fumble-mouth thing starts up and I’m like thinking they are going to be all like “No, this is an us thing and you’re not one of us” but their like “Sure you can come, it’s at this system. See ya there” and then like the next person is all “everyone is welcome on my ship” and like someone else says “the more people the better it will be”
So just like that, I’m going to a party with some people I’ve been like arguing with and like I’m happy about it, like real happy, but also sooo nervous about actually meeting everyone. But whatever right? Like just dive in and get it over with. So I was going to take Wisp for speed, but like I got Ocotillo now and like I want to show off my new ship.
Yeah so I type in Forculus, and it’s a real system. I was worried they may have given me the wrong address, but like that insecurity is on me. When I get there, there really is a station called Irrational Exuberance.
Like I shouldn’t be surprised, I mean I come from a system with a planet called Stapled Peacock Flesh.
So I’m docking and thinking about how do I get to the party and then I’m like what do I wear and should I bring a bottle or something, but like I’m on a station right so I can just go get something while I wait for deets. So this place hits you right in the face once you step out of the elevator. The station looks like any station so do the docking pads, but the inside is like . . like. . Nothing I have ever seen.
I’ve heard the phrase all day cabaret, but I never thought it was real.
Right above me is a shield bubble filled with like water or something and a woman is in there dancing like a zero gravity dancer. Like almost everyone I see is . . . a something you know. Like there are some red people, like bright red dressed in carnival outfits carrying shopping bags. A big round guy is challenging anyone to try and knock him off a platform and another big round guy is offering free hugs. . . dressed as like candyfloss maybe? Where ever, this place is like much. Way much.
Then there’s this voice saying like “Hi, is this your first visit to Irrational Exuberance” and I’m like huh looking at this hot guy smiling at me holding a pad and he just goes on “It is, I can tell. Would you like a guide while your here?” So I’m like yeah sure because the place is weird. . . and he IS hot.
So he’s walking me through the station telling me about its history and like this place is all about letting people be who they are. Like anything goes here as long as you don’t get in anyone else’s way or hurt people. He says like anyone that’s been othered can be that other person here without judgment. So I’m looking around and I get it. Now he says, I see it and I’m like blown away.
So I’ve been all pissed off because I can’t do anything without some arseholes attacking me for no reason, and like the Thargoids didn’t fire at me when I was literally stealing their stuff. So I’m down on humanity and then I find a place like this just sitting there. OK like some guy that’s been all over looking for rare stuff told me about it, but like I’m here now.
So while I’m having a personal revelation, this guide guy just say like “Oh you’re on the Patron Wylair of Keltim-Bright party list. Like a shuttle will be waiting once the barges are linked and ready to receive guests”
While I’m thinking how the hell do you know, he’s looking me up and down and just fires off “ No no, those are your job, not you” meaning my flight suit I guess, then he’s like “come with me, I know just the place” and I’m like following him wondering what the hell is going on and before I know it, I’m in front of a store called Undercroft.
Like I guess he saw my black makeup and took a guess. So he guessed right but I still don’t know how to feel about it. But here I am in front of a clothing store that’s full of stuff I sure would wear and I’ve got a party to get ready for. On top of that, I’m feeling good but still a little scared about meeting some possible friends, and I’m not so down on the human race.
Whatever happens now, I’m already better off.