Not meant to be accurate, just a feel good snippet featuring Patriot and Britannia.

The whole team was in mourning. Since the news of Prince Phillip's passing each person had their own way of dealing with their grief. Ben retreated to be with Georgie. Tonia was holed up in her room last anyone looked. As for Rita, Britannia herself, well she couldn't do her usual as Patriot was back in the states so she settled for the next best thing; binge watching Netflix. All the sappy, lovey, drama-filled soap opera's she could find. Still, it wasn't a great substitute.

Meanwhile, in New York, another AC75 was fretting but for a different reason.

"Okay, tell me who came up with this tradition so I can snag SoDac's time machine and give them a good dousing!" Patriot grumped as she browsed through a veritable selection of dresses.

Behind her, an amused Terry chuckled. "It's traditional for teams to join together following the match."

"And if it was just some Sunday fishing trip I'd be fine with it but why does it have to be a Ball?" Patriot groaned.

Each NYYC AC75 had their own distinct personalities. Defiant or Diana to use her personal name was cautious and had a strong taste for formality. She'd chosen her dress months ago. Patriot however was less enthusiastic. Her look before you leap attitude ended at the water's edge. And with the Ball just a week away, she'd been finally forced into some emergency shopping. Hence the dresses.

Terry watched, his amusement growing as his boat sorted through the selection, growling and grumbling all the while. Patriot always hated dressing up, even as a kid. She'd always been the covered in mud type rather than the lets play tea party type. Being stuck in a fancy dress shop wasn't the most enjoyable way to spend his time but Patriot was his kid. And with Dean out with Defiant, he'd gladly take up the slack for his fellow skipper.

At last Patriot picked a few and went into the dressing rooms to try them on. The first was a golden satin. "I feel like a bee in this." She growled.

"Then go try another one." Terry suggested, hiding his grin. He didn't hide it well enough so it seemed for she tossed him a glare before going back inside.

Next one was a dark blue cocktail gown that did a good job of accenting her figure. It suited her complexion as well.

"Well I like it." He said.

She growled. "I feel like I'm choking in this thing." She replied. Her anger ebbed away as quickly as it came and she sighed. "Dad, can I ask you something?"

"Anything, sweetie."

"The Ball. Britannia's gonna be there and she was so looking forward to it, but now with, you know, what's happened, I don't know how to..."

"Support her?" Terry guessed. "Grief can be a difficult thing to understand, let alone manage. All I can suggest is to be kind, be gentle, and, try to understand. Phillip was like a grandfather to her. Losing him would be like, if you lost Agnes."

"No don't even suggest that!" Patriot cried. America may be an old hatter with a formality stick shoved up her stern but Patriot loved her kindly wisdom. Unlike Columbia or Vigilant, she wasn't biased or cruel.

"I wasn't, merely making a comparison. So now you understand." Terry said gently.

"I still have one more dress to try on. And, I think you'll agree with me when I say this is the one." Patriot got up and went back into the dressing room. She was in there for a good minute before reemerging.

Terry stood up upon seeing her. "Patriot, are you certain this is the one?" Not that he had any issues with the design, but the color...

"Yes. There are some traditions Britannia holds close to her heart. The least I can do is support her." Patriot replied.

"Patricia," Terry sighed, using her name for the first time. "You are really something."

...

Britannia found herself herded to the orderves table and was trying to make conversation with Te Rehutai. Unlike Britannia's Victorian style mourning gown, Te Rehutai had a beautiful blue gown. Ben was with Giles, the two men observing their yacht from a distance. Britannia was a known troublemaker and although Ben had often expressed his trust in her, he would be the first to admit she sometimes required careful handling.

"Oh Ben, look." Giles tugged on his sleeve causing Ben to turn and when he did, his jaw dropped.

"She looks beautiful." Te Rehutai's comment made Britannia look and she was stunned speechless.

Patriot came down the stairs with Terry ceremoniously holding her gloved hand. Like Britannia she too was dressed in black but her dress was a more fashionable Vera Wang design. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Terry let her go with a kiss on her cheek. Patriot made a beeline for Britannia as soon as she was free. Britannia met her half way.

"Patriot," Britannia's usually strong voice was weak with emotion. "I'm so glad you came." She said at last.

"My girlfriend is here, why wouldn't I come?" Patriot smiled as she gently grasped Britannia's arm. "You look beautiful."

"Nevermind me, look at you!" Britannia exclaimed. "Oh Patriot, you didn't need to do this."

"I wanted to. He was your grandfather. It's only right that I honor him as well." Patriot replied.

The background music shifted, playing a softer, gentler tune. Patriot smiled and held out her hand. "May I have the pleasure?"

"Why Patriot, I thought you'd never ask." Britannia smiled and accepted the offered limb.

Terry joined Giles and Ben. "Your girl is really something Terry." Ben said.

"As is yours Ben." Terry replied as the trio watched their boats hold each other close across the dancefloor.