Project Boussh: You Call That Music?
by scifantasy

He walked in the door. *Is this a briefing or a party?* The music was
loud and, to someone with his taste in music (namely, a taste more
suited to a person who had lived through the 1960's), extremely
annoying. *I don't know how the hell they can stand that Eminem guy
anyway.* A quick glance around the room confirmed that many of the New
Republic personnel didn't understand the music either.

He backed into a corner, partially obscured by shadows, wondering how
long it would take for those already here to realize they had company.
As he looked, he counted. Alison and Emily, as the hostesses, were
already busy. Vickie was--How could she meditate through this noise?
Becki was accounted for. Policrat' was somewhere wandering. Morwen and
Kristy were here--and it looked like they'd managed to rescue Gate
from wherever they had left him, because he was helping Whistler DJ.
*Maybe that's why the music's bad. Droid DJ's?* But no, there was Mike
at the computer. *Does that make it better or worse?* Counting Sharon,
Josh, Brad, Nick, and himself, that made thirteen. Apparently it
didn't take that long for them to realize there were unexpected
arrivals. The music stopped suddenly, and he saw many faces--and some
blaster muzzles--pointing in his direction.

Wedge, as the highest-ranking New Republic official present, was about
to speak, but he quickly stopped, probably remembering that the
Terrans were given command in this instance. Wedge nodded to Kristy,
who nodded back and turned. "Raise your hands, and keep them where we
can see them. Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

He raised his hands and stepped forward. "Pointing a loaded weapon at
a commanding officer...Who knew the New Republic lacked such
discipline?" Those with blasters quickly holstered them.

"I wondered when you'd show up, Sci," came Pol's voice.

Sci smiled. "I always liked making an entrance. So, got any decent
music?"

Mike smiled back, pretending to take umbrage. "How do you define
decent music?"

"Well, basic characteristics include some semblance of tune and
instruments, instead of synthesizers and atonality. How about
something by the Beatles? Say, Elanor Rigby?"

"Too depressing. Not a good idea right now."

"Hmm, good point. OK, what about Hard Day's Night? Seems like that's
why there's a party here in the first place."

"Works for me. Whistler, Gate?"

Over some only half-faked protests from the Australians and Scots
present, the music was quickly acquired and started. Sci spent a
little time talking with some of the people present, noting quickly
the lack of details about the Project so far. Probably made
sense--operational security and all that.

*We all needed this,* thought Sci. After this, it was time to get down
to business. Mendellia awaited.