The Arboretum had been decked out to the nines. Black and silver streamers and globes hung through the space, and the deck had been checkered in the same colors. A long table held a plethora of food stuffs, and servers in silver shirts and black ties waited for the guests to arrive. Soft music played from nowhere and everywhere, and Chef Harv stood ata carving station with six… six… different roasted meats.

Captain Cochrane made the rounds one last time, looking much different than his norm in his black Mandarin-collar tuxedo with silver filigree embroidery. Once he was satisfied that everything was ready, he looked to the doors and nodded.

It was time for the festivities to begin.

Cochrane, CO