The meal had been lovely, and the company even more so. He had found Sarah an articulate and witty companion, though more than once he had to gently steer her away from her work. She was definitely commited to her Hippocratic Oath..
Reynard had shown an interest in virtually every aspect of Baffin. Mal answered as best he could, being the "discoverer" of the system, and most of its mysteries and wonders. Of course, the Leonardo was welcome to stay indefinitely in Baffin; but Mal sensed that "Leo's" curiosity would soon have him off exploring.. seeking other sorts of answers.
Mal looked about at the others, laughing and chatting, picking at rich desserts, and becoming perhaps a bit "tipsy" in the process. The one exception was a solitary silent figure, who seemed to project an aura of disdain. Mal wondered if the person even saw the futility of that aura among this vibrant group.
He leaned over and whispered something to Leo, who nodded in return. He rose, wine glass in hand, clinking its' side with a dessert fork to gain the room's attention.
"My fellow TAZ, Erisians, and good friends.
"On happy occasions like these, I sometimes lament that we are told we must "stick apart". It is my personal belief that there is some 'wiggle room' in that Catma. Very few things can exist in a vacuum. Even our dear Scrubbies must have the occasional morsel to munch, and molecule to metabolize.."
Mal detected a few rolled eyes and "not another bloody sermon" looks in the crowd, but pressed on.
"We domesticated primates may think we are bright enough to survive many things, including the rigors of space.. of 'vacuum'; but our meat shells are every bit as fragile as they were thousands of years ago.
"But I am referring more to the mental and ontological vacuums we sometimes create around ourselves, attempting to prove that we need nothing else in our lives except ourselves.
"I submit to you that this gathering tonight supports my 'wiggle room' theory.
"Good discourse and sharing of ideas cannot exist in a vacuum.
"Fellowship and companionship must struggle to survive in a vacuum.
"But most of all, Love abhors a vacuum; and, without Love, we are nothing."
He raised his glass, watching a certain withdrawn guest carefully for a response..
"Here's to four-letter Words! Eris! Evoe! Love!"
Mal continued standing as a plethora of four-letter words resonated though the room. He smiled, but his gaze did not waver. Mentally, he projected a challenge into the gloom.
"Alright, Mnemosym. The floor is yours. Get if off your chest, Haridan!"
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