Cate Meowdy!

*As she was moving a crate, she paused, hearing someone walk up behind her. She turned, noticing @cate-meowdy, and giving her a friendly wave.*

Hey!! Cate, right? I'm so busy in the cockpit I usually don't socialize much..

*She chuckled a bit,*

The RWs blimp was nice but it never felt peaceful, the air was always just a little tense, like something was constantly about to happen. Jaina's blimp however felt much more relaxed, like it was built for comfort instead of logistics. Cate returned Jaina's smile with a little wave]

It's so nice to meet you! I've heard nice things about you. Don't worry about being busy, I understand how time seems to run away from you.

Once as many as possible (the Visitor noticably absent) were gathered, she entered the conference room. Makeup and shades had covered all evidence of her lack of sleep, but it couldn't cover the dimming of her usually bright personality.

She took a breath, looking out at everyone gathered for a moment, and set her papers down.*

Good morning, everyone, and thank you for coming. I know that the events of the past few days have been... traumatic, especially with a lot of us trying to find new homes.

On that subject, the Sanctuary is open to anyone who needs a temporary bunk while they look. Just talk to me or Jaina for a room assignment after this.

*She paused, then started again, eyes down.*

First, I've heard some rumors going around that Jones is dead. He is not, but he is in a coma, which is why I'm here. He was shot. I am investigating.

Evie spread her hands, looking up at Cate.*

I don't know.

There is no known protocol. All we can do is guess the next step.

To that end, I'm looking for people who understand the Zero Point on a scientific level. The Scientist is already assigned, and anyone who applies will be vetted by him to ensure that the team is properly knowledgeable.

Our first order of business is to attempt to stabilize the Zero Point. Those who don't have the expertise for that, like me, will be helping stabilize the people here.

Once as many as possible (the Visitor noticably absent) were gathered, she entered the conference room. Makeup and shades had covered all evidence of her lack of sleep, but it couldn't cover the dimming of her usually bright personality.

She took a breath, looking out at everyone gathered for a moment, and set her papers down.*

Good morning, everyone, and thank you for coming. I know that the events of the past few days have been... traumatic, especially with a lot of us trying to find new homes.

On that subject, the Sanctuary is open to anyone who needs a temporary bunk while they look. Just talk to me or Jaina for a room assignment after this.

*She paused, then started again, eyes down.*

First, I've heard some rumors going around that Jones is dead. He is not, but he is in a coma, which is why I'm here. He was shot. I am investigating.

@cate-meowdy

Never?? Ohmygod, kitten, you are so missing out!!

How's this? You come over to my place in Humble Hills, I'll take you shopping for an outfit - on me, don't worry - and then we head down to Sandy Strip and I show you what the nightlife is all about!!

Hey, kitten!! It's been forever!

[Was it something about this place that was unusually harsh to these newcomers? Or was it whatever they carried with them from before? First the Empress next door, then Eugene, now Cate, all in desperate need of a break. Was being a part of the Zero Saga in real life actually worse than the movies made it look?

Well, if there was anyone on this Island who knew how to take a good, solid break, it was Cat Holloway!]

I know? It's been far too long since we've last spoken! You have an absolutely gorgeous house by the way, perfect for a movie star.

[Cate smiled even brighter while Cat spoke. Already imagining what the two would be doing together. She already felt better than before]

[Grinning, Cat slung a bag with a hanger sticking out of the top into her car and stepped into the driver's seat, a peaked mask poking out of her purse. Firing up the engine, she reached across the car and popped open the passenger side door.]

[Cate climbs into the car, making a remark of how nice it is as she gets in. Cate thinks for a moment, trying to think of what her favourite colour might be, truthfully she's never really given it much thought before, she just always bought colours that matched her fur colour.]

[Laughing brightly, Cat drove them both down to a rather lavish boutique in the city, immediately commanding the attention of the young shopkeepers, who swarmed Cate to take measurements and test color and texture swatches against her fur.

The request for a red dress was made clear, and the tailors scuttled off to work, giving Cate a break and Cat a chance to change into the outfit she'd brought; a glittering blue sleeveless dress that moved on her figure like water.]

Wow. You look gorgeous! That dress is just perfect!

[Cate thought for a minute. Truthfully her usual dress was whatever looked nice in one of those big retail clothes stores and even then she rarely wore anything other than jeans, coveralls and sweaters.]

[Cat stepped over, teasingly straightening Cate's overalls straps.]

Now's the time to think about it, cutie! You're getting spoiled tonight, and I won't have you stepping out in anything less than perfection in both look and feel!

[The tailors returned just then, scuttling off with Cate for a few minutes, several red dresses in tow, until finally they brought her back out into the showroom lights. Cat squealed with delight at the dress being tried; a gorgeous scarlet satin, long in the skirt with a slit in the side, gathered in lovely pleats at one hip, spilling soft ripples across Cate's stomach. From thinly strapped shoulders to the hugged figure to the trailing skirt, it flattered Cate perfectly.]

Oh. My. GOD. I think we've found a whole new you, kitten!!

[She looked very different now from the shy little thing that had turned up on Cat's doorstep. Whatever bad day had been giving Cate a hard time, Cat was determined to see it washed away in the fantastical night ahead.

First though...]

Put this on my tab, loves, I'll take care of it tomorrow!

Wow... I cannot thank you enough for this. I cannot believe that's me in the mirror.

[She hugs Cat before pulling away, feeling just ever so slightly awkward. The dress makes he feel more confident, more comfortable in here own fur. She bounces on her feet as she gets an idea]

[Cat positioned herself slightly behind and to one side of Cate, so they were both in the frame of the mirror. Sky blue and fiery red, shimmering under the showroom lights. Their contrasting colors and styles complemented each other and set each other off, creating a pair that was sure to stop the show.

This was her favorite thing to do when she felt bad. Reinvent herself for the night. Put everything down, go have a grand time, and the next morning would let her approach the problem with a fresh mind.

Letting Cate drag her off to a local Italian restaurant, Cat indulged in carbs for the first time in months, getting herself a shrimp and scallop Alfredo fettuccine with "all the breadsticks" as a side. Cate ordered a fancy spaghetti carbonara, and they both tried the house Moscato, which grossed them out and made them laugh.

Their next stop was the fancy Olympian spa, where Cat arranged a full mani-pedi for them both, and they spent about half an hour relaxing in the pool while the sun went down outside. From the poolside they could see the evening glow dim...

... And then Sandy Strip came alive in all its nighttime glory. The massive jewel projector outside blazed like a blue star fallen from the sky. The Deca Hotel lit up, the water fountain flaring in colored lights. Wherever the ambient music was coming from turned it up a notch, the beat matching the flashing strobes.

Cat squealed with joy, grabbing Cate's hand in excitement.]

I've not felt this pretty in a long, long time. It's a change from the grease stained coveralls or the jeans and sweater I usually wear. I feel like I could stare at myself for hours and still not believe it's me there.

[The food was some of the best she'd eaten in a long time, she had to try to make it herself at some point. If she could figure out what's in- No. Not now, she's here to enjoy herself, not to study Spaghetti Carbonara. However her eyes were maybe a bit bigger than her stomach as she ate far too many bread sticks and was so full she thought she was going into a food coma. But that Moscato was bad.

Cate chatted throughout the dinner, she still kept a few walls up but she wasn't as guarded as before. It's not as if she didn't trust Cat, the opposite actually, she just found connecting with others hard, especially in a deeper level.

That all changed however at the spa. Sometime after the Mani-pedi during the sit by the pool Cate just began talking. Spoke about her work, girlfriend, her family everything she kept down just came out all at once. The relaxing atmosphere and comfort In friendship just made talking easy. By the end she was a little flustered because she didn't expect to share that much. She talked Cat's ear off for 15 minutes.