It was a perfectly normal, sunny day.

But isn't it always when the shit's about to hit the fan something drastic? Well that's convenient, because today was going to go every which way but right, and a young Terran boy named Jim Hawking was about to find himself rocketing through a series of events that would forevermore be spoken of in hushed, reverent, awed tones as 'The Fred Luo Dance Party Event.'

Yes, this party was so legendary (Or legendarily shitty as Gene recalls it to this day) that it became classified as an Event in recorded history. At least, to the crew of the Outlaw Star, it did. It started innocently enough - A video invitation showing up at Starwind & Hawking Enterprises, forwarded straight from Fred Luo's compound. Gene advised chucking it. Jim seemed terrified to play the tape. Melfina wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Suzuka stood by silently, as was pre-usual. Aisha was stuffing her face with pork rolls - Once again, something the group had accepted as a daily routine. Eventually, the revelation that Melfina had learned the rare and highly dangerous 'Puppy Dog Eyes' technique was more than enough to break Gene into playing the tape. After crossing himself, of course.

"Geeene! Gene, Gene, Gene! I simply can't believe it's been over a year since we last saw each other! I can only hope that you haven't been rendered destitute and in need of my financial aide! I'm always more than happy to lend you a hand!" Gene and Jim both muttered at that, but a nudge to both from Suzuka kept them quiet. "Well, I just wanted to let you all know that I'm having a party! If you all would be so kind as to act as extra bodyguards, I'll let you dance and eat, free of charge! Just consider it a little send-off to Starwind-Hawking enterprises, which a little birdy told me actually has a second store!" He laughed. "I guess I should say a little cat, but no matter. Please, do be there! I'd be so happy to have seven guests of honor like all of you!" All eyes were now on Aisha as the tape ended.

The Ctarl-Ctarl looked up from her plate. "Whaff? I di'n't do annyffinngggh!" She heaved, kicking her legs. If one of her kicks hit the table, there would be a lot of food everywhere - Not to mention the wood and glass shrapnel. Thinking quickly, Suzuka sped to right behind the other young woman, raised her bokuto, and slammed the bottom of its grip into the small of her back. An entire pork roll flew across the room and landed conveniently in the trashcan. "Heeey! I was eating that!" She squeaked at the rap across her head.

"Correction," Suzuka said mirthlessly, "You were choking to death on that." She looked up from the scowling Ctarl-Ctarl. "Are we really going to go to this party? I'm not sure if Luo remembers that I'm technically still bound by contract to kill him once I get around to taking Mr. Starwind's head." At the pale look Gene's face gained, Suzuka cracked a rare smile and - If everyone there hadn't seen it, they'd have said the others were lying - Winked at him.

Gene spluttered. "Suzuka, was that a joke? I've never heard you tell a joke the entire time I've known you!" Like the morning dew on a hot spring day, Suzuka's smile evaporated without a trace. "Well, you have a pretty smile, but at least now I'm more convinced I'm not dreaming." He checked his belt suspiciously. "Yep. Pants are still on. Not a dream." He cackled at the elbow Jim sent his way.

With a sigh, Jim looked around. "Look, I'm the last guy who's gonna say we should abandon shop for even one day, but Fred Luo is letting us into one of his parties for free! The best food! Reclining in the lap of luxury! A chance to spread our name around! Besides, I think the worst that can happen is that he makes us dress up in fancy outfits. A bullet Aisha and I are used to taking for you guys, anyways." He and Aisha shared a quick smile.

Melfina at last spoke up. "I think it would at least be nice to show up. After all, Fred Luo has done a lot for us, even if we had to twist his arm or maneuvre around circumstances from time to time to make it there. He really, really cares about us, and I think it might hurt his feelings if we turn him down." She gently held Gene's hand. "Please, Gene?" And there, Gene was hit by the Puppy Dog Eyes Phantom Return. Melfina was a quick study in negotiation and verbal warfare. Gene had gone toe-to-toe with some of the deadliest space pirates, but he was no match for Melfina's brand of unstoppable personal charm.

And so, the group soon found themselves in the car, picking up gifts to bring to the party. It was ironically Aisha, just about to take a huge bite out of a hotdog, that had a thought. "Mrow. Wait a minute. Fred Luo said seven guests. Who are the other two he was talking about?" If everyone hadn't been too caught between the dichotomy of thinking what to get for their flamboyant friend and the notion that a thought that kept Aisha from food, they might have noticed what they were passing by sooner.

Standing in the shade of a foodstand was a tall man wearing a long coat and a widebrimmed hat. At his side was a small girl in a wheelchair, her head covered by a sunhat. In her lap was a calico-patterned bobtail.

Chuckling as the car went by, the man looked down to his companion. "Looks like the rich boy wasn't pulling our leg. Guess decadence doesn't completely turn your heart to wormwood after all. Let's go get some presents, hm?" He began pushing her wheelchair away. "They are going to have a fit when they see me."

The small girl smiled from under her hat. "I can't wait to see his face."

In its comfortable spot, the cat mewled gleefully.

Author's Notes:

Why does this event to transpire live in infamy?

Who are these two mystery figures, claiming to know our heroes?

Will Suzuka tell another joke ever again?

Only time will tell.