Cate was once again back in her quarters after the staff meeting.  She said a lot more in her own head than she had aloud, which was somewhat typical of her personality when around new people.  Of course when there was a barrage of opinions and comments sometimes it was best to just sit back and take it all in.  Really weapons didn't affect the way she flew so what was there for her to say, either way a defensive and evasive flight pattern was good for battle.  Leaning back against the gray wall from her perched position on the utilitarian bed the young ensign sighed a bit.  There was a social gathering to attend.<br/><br/>That was good in some ways, she would be far more relaxed and at ease to get to know the crew ... if she let herself.  Such was the folly of growing up on a cargo vessel, never in any one place long enough to pick up decent social skills, hence why she felt the need to learn a bit of every language from the cultures she'd visited.  She was made for this job, this crew, and she knew it.  Somehow though Cate just wanted to make sure everyone else knew it.  For the first time in her life she<em> really</em>cared about fitting in.  And to start with, she had no clue what to wear.  Really her uniform would suffice ... but would she be the only one not dressed in more civilian type wear?<br/><br/>This was not her area of expertise by any means.  She needed advice, as much as that pained her, and there was only one person she'd ever gotten this type of advice from before.  Aunt Margaret (http://downloadhousemdepisodes.edogo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/38358.jpg) was probably the foremost authority in the eastern continental America on socialization, or at least it had felt that way during Cate's teen years.  Not always a good thing.  Sitting at her desk Cate pulled up her personal viewscreen and instructed it to contact her aunt's home in New York.  In mere moments her aunt was chattering and gushing over the fact that Cate had already called.<br/><br/>"Okay, what's<em>his name</em>?!" Margaret demanded, her smile spreading from ear to ear as she practically bounced up and down in her designer chair.<br/><br/>"I ... what?" Cate questioned, arching a golden red eyebrow in utter confusion.  "Oh ... no no ... there's a social gathering tonight in the crew lounge, casual apparently, or we can wear our uniforms ..." she trailed off a bit, knowing her aunt would pick up the train of thought immediately.<br/><br/>"Wear that dark turquoise dress I bought you last time you visited!" the older woman exclaimed.  "With your hair and eye color, not to mention your legs, you'll be stunning!  Oh, with those silver shoes too ... and a nice pair of silver earrings."<br/><br/>Jewel jumped up onto the desk, very purposefully walking in front of the screen in order to demand attention with a "rrrrraaaaow!"  Cate silently scolded her and scooped her up into her lap, petting the feline creature until she began purring and nuzzling.<br/><br/>"But isn't that a little overdressed for casual?" she asked visibly uncomfortable at the mere thought and compulsively tucking her red hair behind her ear.<br/><br/>"Sweety, better to be overdressed than underdressed, this I know.  Besides, if you look fantastic you'll feel fantastic and you'll be sure to make a good impression."  Margaret paused and Cate just nodded.  "And DON'T drink beer, for the love of Pete!" her face was stern now, nearly horrified as she imagined it.<br/><br/>"But I like beer!  I don't see wh-"<br/><br/>"DO NOT!  Order a bellini.  It's delicious, it's refined, it's<em>feminine</em>," Margaret's brows furrowed on that word and her lips pursed.  "Please, just trust me on this.  Other than that feel free to be yourself!"<br/><br/>Cate folded her arms over her chest, almost seeming to pout a bit.  "Fine, I won't get a beer."<br/><br/>"Great, you'll be fabulous!  Just make sure you show off that beautiful smile ... oh and keep your shoulders back.  Now seriously, tell me his name, please?"<br/><br/>The redhead sighed and shook her head.  "His name is McNair and he's my only love for the duration of my assignment.  I'll talk to you soon, thanks."<br/><br/>"Fine, I give up!  And anytime, my dear.  Love you!"<br/><br/>"Love you too."  With that Cate ended the call and looked over at her pack, imagining that dress, those shoes.  She did feel quite good in them, but then again that was out and about, not at a work affair.  And, irritating as it was to admit, Margaret was usually right about these sorts of things, so after placing the cat down on her bed Cate began the 'arduous' task of getting ready.