<br/>Cate (http://www.pyroradio.com/images/uploaded/amy%20adams%20front.jpg) had taken longer than usual to get ready, actually spending a bit of time on some light but feature enhancing makeup.  She loosened her hair from the thick braid, allowing it to cascade in soft coppery waves down her back.  Her fair face was flanked with long silver earrings ... quite shiny!  And, in spite of herself, Cate had to admit, she did feel feminine, and<em>that </em>felt pretty good.<br/><br/>The heels of her metallic silver shoes (http://fashiontribes.typepad.com/main/images/2007/08/06/shoes.jpg) made a notably different noise than her standard black boots, causing her to 'hmmm' to herself as she walked down to Three Forward.  Cate's stride different now, her shoulders were dropped, she stood taller and there was a distinct swivel to her gate, causing the subtlest swish from her dark teal dress (http://images12.greatglam.com/prod_images_large/MagnifyTealXA11.jpg) with every movement.  It certainly showed off her curves more flatteringly than a Starfleet uniform.  Alright, getting dressed up every so often wasn't horrible.  Inconspicuously giving the dress a slight  tug to smooth it she cleared her throat, fought the flush that threatened to come to her cheeks, and strolled through the doors as they opened.<br/><br/>There was that momentary feeling of nakedness, not true nakedness, more like when you have one of those dreams where you're back in high school and suddenly you realize you've forgotten all your clothes, yet inexplicably you keep walking through the halls anyway ... yes, that kind of naked.  But Cate kept walking, tall, pointing her toes consciously so as not to trip over herself and letting her foot hit the floor evenly.  She smiled politely at any of the crew who met her eyes, though her chin remained tilted downward, she was still herself after all.  It was pleasing to note that everyone had their own style of dress and none seemed uncomfortable, whether it be casual, formal, or somewhere in between.<br/><br/>Quickly, possibly too quickly, Cate made her way over to the bar, not quite at ease with the idea of being in the center of the room for any extended period of time.  As she leaned against the bar she suppressed the urge to tug her dress down further, of course that would have only served to expose more of her chest region.  She resisted.  Catching the bartender's eye she smiled softly to indicate she wanted a drink.<br/><br/>"Be-" she stopped herself and pursed her glossed petal pink lips.  "Bellini, please ... no wait ... eh screw it!" she muttered under her breath, a slightly wicked glint coming to her bright blue-green eyes.  "Ale, please.  Something from Earth, just surprise me."  Well, it wasn't a beer, was it?  No it was not, and she'd already been taken far enough outside of her comfort zone for one evening.  When the bartender returned with the  thistle glass (http://feeds2.yourstorewizards.com/3363/images/250x1000/lg-3402.jpg) Cate made a conscious decision to<em>sip</em>, not<em> gulp</em>.  Progress was progress.<br/><br/>Once surfacing from the surprisingly good ale she noticed the Chief of Engineering a little ways down the bar from her, scanning the room.  In an effort not to be a complete social failure she nodded to him, tumbling a few strawberry tendrils forward, and greeted him pleasantly.  "Good evening, Lieutenant."  Then came another<em> sip</em>.