Last Night on Novgorod: Unofficial Meet & Greet

Novgorod - Orbital Space Station
E Deck > Drifters Bar & Grill
Povel knew something had gone wrong with Russ’s last marine mission and many had died; however, that was about the extent of what he knew. It was apparent back when he learned of it through an e-comm message that it threw his friend in a tailspin of grief. Povel hadn’t been much help at the time, going through his own nightmare himself. It seems time was now a bit more on their side to remedy this lapse, therefore, he wouldn’t press the issue further at this moment.

“We should have called you Dr. Death instead of Dusty.” Povel chuckled. “You had a more efficient kill ratio than Dice. You do realize that part of an exploratory mission is 'don’t kill all those we meet' in these exotic locations?” It was a silly rhetorical question.

One thing that set off a red flag in the back of his mind was Russ’s comment on owing BMI one. From his observation, BMI was not the company that exhibited charity from a place of pure generosity. There were always strings attached.

Povel took a drink of his water and patiently wondered with an arching eyebrow why his friend suddenly took a more secretive demeanor. “The mission? Basically explore the unknown, record everything possible, discover things that lead to opportunities and innovations … and pursue the whims of BMI. Ultimately, the goal is to bring enormous profit, prestige and power to the company and its shareholders. I would wager in the hopes to overtake their competitors and beyond. Oh, and don’t die in the process … but more importantly don’t lose their assets. I presume there is a hierarchy to that, and we are closer to the expendable side of the spectrum than their capital resources.” Povel eyed the doctor with a sneaky suspicion that his answer fell short of something.

"No, that's the line they feed us. I am sorry after my last mission I am very skeptical of what the corporation says. Sure we were Marines but the mission was requested by the corporation. It was a real shit show in the end. Let's just say they lied a lot more than normal," explained Russ. There was anger in his tone.

Russ took a breath "I am sure there was some money exchanged and some favors and all of it was swept under the rug," said Russ, looking over to a guy sitting at the bar down at the other end.

"Hmm... Doctor Billy Adama is also on the roster... and the brunette over there is Elisabet Maciel company rep," informed Russ, looking around. "Let me see if I can convince them to join us. If that's ok with you."

Not waiting on an answer, kind of knowing Povel would go for the idea, Russ slid off the barstool and made his way to Elisabet Maciel first. Hr tried not to appear like a pickup, keeping his demeanor more professional.

"Miss Maciel. I am Russ Garrett, the Chief Medical Officer on the Nomad. I was wondering if you would join me and Povel Vieregg, our Interstellar Systems Engineer and Communications Strategist. Over there. Sitting at the bar. Or... we can sit at a table if you would like," offered Russ, remaining charming, polite, and professional when he spoke.

Elisabet turned and studied the man a little. "Mr. Garrett, nice to meet you." She extended her hand and shook Russ' gently. "Did you say you're with Mr. Vieregg, it's been a while since I saw him. It'll be nice to catch up, in a non-professional capacity, of course.." Elisabet stood, carefully holding her third glass of whiskey in her hand. "Well then lead the way!"

Russ gave a smile, happy with the way it was going. He was not sure how Elisabet would take the invitation. "This way Ma'am," he said, leading the way. Most of the time the Corporate reps were treated like officers of sorts, but most of the time, kind of like his position as warrant officer. When arriving, Russ motioned to a seat. "Mr. Povel Vieregg, it seems you already know Ms. Elisabet Maciel," said Russ. "If you excuse me I see another crew member," said Russ, and he walked over to where Billy Adama was sitting. 'What the hell Russ, let's see if we are all here in this dive,' he thought to himself.

"Doctor Billy Adama?" he asked. "Russ Garrett, Chief Medical Officer on the Nomad. I was wondering if you would join me and some of the other crew members for... let's say meet and greet. Over there," he offered, motioning to a place at the bar. " There is no obligation. Just asking if you want to join us."** he assured courteously.

Billy was drinking his beer when he was approached by the rugged looking man. At first he thought he was being hit on and almost choked on his beer. However, after Russ introduced himself as the Medical Officer on the same ship he would be working on, Billy swallowed his beer and nodded at him. Billy looked over and saw a male and female at another table near the bar, and gave a small wave at them as he smiled. He took a breath of relief and replied, "Oh sure. We were bound to meet up tomorrow, but what the heck."

Billy stood up and followed Russ to the table with the others. After he greeted them he ordered another mug of beer and replied, "So, is this a casual get together or is it business related?"

Russ quickly responded, "Casual", making sure everyone understood what was going on. "We are off the books for right now we can talk shop tomorrow," interjected Russ. Then he sighed with a smile "Except me, I am always on the books technically. As medical," he added with some disappointment in his tone. "So don't get hurt and play nice." semi-joked Russ, pulling another chair over to the table they moved.

Elisabet watched as Russ brought over another man that she recognized as Dr. Adama from his file. "Dr. Billy Adama, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Elisabet Maciel, I'm with Blackstone-Mori Corporate." She took one last swig of her drink, emptying the glass. "I'm sure your geology skills will be welcome onboard the Nomad. I almost feel intimidated being surrounded by so many men of medicine and science. It's not really my area of expertise."