And we're all adrift together through the cold mist, 'til we're lifeless together

[dokkalfheimr]

[The preparations hit differently this time.

Last weekend was at least an attempt at being festive, even with the light supplies they have; at being joyous, at giving people at least one nice thing to look back upon before things inevitably took a turn for the worse. And now two people are dead, and instead of trying to figure out structure placement and how best to keep everyone entertained and occupied and well-fed, the preparations now are given to much more practical purposes.

Large amounts of bottled water from the machine. Bagels and bread and muffins, light starchy things to avoid forcing anyone to keep meat or seafood down after seeing a corpse. Fruit for the sake of providing energy. Avoiding including bananas for any reason. Quietly pulling aside one of the first people she sees with any experience in the matter and asking them to help her make tea.

Once she's got one of the tables at the party zone set up and the tea is on its way to being prepared, she'll set around letting people know; the invitations are simple, written in Freyja's broad, elegant handwriting:

I think another gathering tonight would be beneficial. Not to celebrate, but to remember; perhaps more importantly, to ensure that no one is alone if they don't want to be.

Tonight is hard. There is nothing further to do but get through it.]

Comments

[hypnowhip]

[He can't believe this is getting turned around on him like this.

But despite what Data says, Sylvando still can't help but worry about him after what happened at the trial...]

And I'll happily take you up on that!

[He takes a seat near Data.]

Thank you for coming, first of all. It's nice to see everyone, despite the circumstances.

[ltcommandroid]

Of course. I think it will be beneficial for everyone to be together.

[Excluding like, Magica and probably Alice, but.]

[hypnowhip]

I feel the same way. I know that for some, socializing is a bit daunting right now, but just being around others does help keep the dark thoughts at bay.

[And yet he’s going to shy away to the top deck later anyway, but listen. It’s fine.]

[ltcommandroid]

[Data considers briefly, then nods. Yes, that tracks with his observations over the years.]

It is good that people have the option. It was kind of Freyja to put this together. [especially given that the trial went in some not-great directions for her personally]

[hypnowhip]

It really was. I'm grateful that she did.

[Because...yeah, no kidding.]

I think despite everything, she'd still like to some sort of unity between us. That's what I hope too, even though... [His gaze tips downward for a moment.] I worry we'll have more gatherings like this one, rather than our first.

[Gatherings with a funeral-like atmosphere.]

[ltcommandroid]

Indeed.

[Seems like the only way to avoid it might be to have a random party every third day or something.]

We shall have to meet to discuss possible counter-measures.

[hypnowhip]

What, to combat the sad gatherings with happy ones? I certainly like the sound of that.

[That's totally how he's interpreting this.]

[ltcommandroid]

[blink]

I suppose. Are meetings...happy gatherings?