Trouble in the Heartland...Maiden Voyage

[Hob Marshmallowfoot]

"Great, no really, everything’s just peachy, couldn't be better...finest riverboat I've ever been on," Zach says quickly, clearly trying to look around his now obstructed view of the redhead. "If you'll excuse me." He pops up and saunters over to sit next to Tom, backwards on the bar stool so he can continue his lecherous ogling. "Now what, do you figure a girl like that is doing with an old fellow like him? Must be his winning personality, or his numerous social graces... or perhaps he is unusually kind to animals..." Zach smirks, then taps Tom on the shoulder with the back of his hand, "Hey man are you watching this girl? She is HOT. I think she likes you..." He grins and winks back at her when her geriatric escort isn't looking.

"I'll take gin and tonic, top shelf... and make sure it's good gin too.", he says as an afterthought to the bartender behind him.

 

[Gramcrackered]

Tom slowly rotates his stool about, giving a deep pull on his beer as he does so. His eyes float about the rim of his drink as he gives a good hard look at first Zack, then the woman he was pointing to.
To the woman he shoots a disaproving snort. To Zack, a loud grunt. To Zack's choice of drink, a snort of beer through his nose.

"Well, guess I might as well move on to what you're having," Tom says good naturedly (for a change), finishing off the rest of his beer with much smacking of lips. It was different than what he was used to. Not bad, but definitely different. "Even if I can't find anything fun to do, I'm sure I can find some way to spend my damn time."

With two fingers and a nod of his head he motions for a gin of his own. "Skip the damn 'tonic' though. I ain't buying my drinks just to have 'em watered down."

 

[cryptkpr9]

Urlich Returns to the bar with his laptop.

 

[cdsaint]

Roger Grant takes all of your questions in stride, seeming perfectly at ease with having his picture taken and being bombarded with questions.

"Well, if country isn't your thing, tomorrow we've got oldies like '50's rock, then the next day will be the big band sound from the '40's. I'm afraid that the next day is bluegrass though, so I'm sure that will be painful for you."

On questions about his military service "Oh, well, I never did get a chance to serve really. Damned flat feet disqualified me you know. The uniform is a reproduction 1900's riverboat Captains uniform. I'm not really the Captain, but being the owner has to carry some perks you know."

Mr Lounds, I'll be happy to make some time to sit for an interview with you later on in the cruise, but right now I'm trying to circulate among my guests and customers to find out what's working and what's broke. Got to keep the folks happy don't you know. Talk to my Administrative Assistant, You'll likely find him in the Purser's Station on the Cabin Deck. He'll schedule some time for an interview.

So good to meet you all, I hope you'll have a memorable trip." And moves on to another group of passengers.

The stunning redhead watches Zach watching her, a naughty-girl smirk on her face. The old man seems oblivious, just has all he can do to stroll slowly by with her on his arm. In response to Tom's snort, she sticks out her tounge and scrunches her face, then blows a kiss and twiddles her fingers, most likely at Zach.

Shortly after Roger leaves, the Dinner bell rings, and people start moving towards the Dining Room on the first level of the ship.

 

[cryptkpr9]

Heads off to the dinning hall with my laptop of course.

 

[cdsaint]

Dinner is O.K., but not as good as you would expect, the service is enthusiastic, but inexpert, and people are starting to complain about being bored and generally dissatisfied with the cruise so far. Things aren't to the point of getting ugly yet, and there are those who are very optimistic, the leader of whom is Tom Albemarle, the father of the family who was so disapproving of your drinking earlier.

"Well, you have to understand, This is the first cruise, and you know you don't find riverboat crew hanging around the unemployment office these days. I assure you, Roger, er, Mr Grant that is, is my wifes cousin, and I'm certain that this will all be straightened out." His wife, Ashley supports his claims quietly but firmly.

Meanwhile, The hot redhead is eying zach while her escort has a dribble of some sort of red sauce dribbling down his chin.

 

[Zaarin]

Joseph takes a swig of domestic, and says "Uh-huh, wall it can't get much worse. Not even a slightly interesting occurance has happened yet." Then he turns around and stares at the wall.

 

[cryptkpr9]

Urlich continues to eat and tries to watch everyone as much as he can.