"Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars. Let me see what spring is like on, a-Jupiter and Mars! In other words, hold my hand. In other words, baby, kiss me!" The singer doing a great cover of the famous Frank Sinatra song began as the band finally settled in and the conversations on the ship died down to a low whisper. Adam was already into this. Pizza and a Frank Sinatra cover band? Honestly, those pirates had to be stopped. It would be a crime to the world to let them destroy this paradise.
"Adam, you are drooling." Mira said with a teasing tone as she watched Adam, slack jawed, listening to the music on stage. Adam was quick to wipe his mouth but found no drool like Mira had said. He looked back at her and she just stuck her tongue out at him. "You could rein it in a little." She chuckled.
"I don't see why I should. I'm sitting on a large boat at a public venue, eating my favorite food, listening to my favorite singer's cover band, with all my friends. I have a right to be happy." Adam said, a sharp tone but clearly meant to just tease back. However Mira just laughed, shook her head, and let her hair fall and cover her cheeks as she resumed eating.
"Fill my heart with song let me sing forevermore. You are all I long for all I worship and adore. In other words, please be true. In other words, in other words I love you." The singer wrapped up the song and Adam gave a very hearty round of applause along with many other members of the crowd.
"Well I'm glad you are enjoying yourself at least." Mira chuckled as she looked at Adam again, who was all smiles.
"You telling me you aren't having fun?" Adam laughed.
"I'm not the type of woman who can really let her hair down until the job is done. We accepted a job, I can't relax no matter how hard I try."
"You should learn." Adam teased. "In our line of work you never know when we may face death. You can't survive without a little humor and joviality."
"You should listen to him, miss." Percy spoke up. "Ain't nothing worse than having nothing to remember your comrades by when they are gone. It's moments like this, when we can relax, that you remember most. If you are all frowns all the time, you will end up as grumpy as a super mutant."
"I find myself agreeing with Mira." Deccanus said as he put the piece of pizza he was holding down. "I find it helps to focus my mind to stay on task. Idle hands aid the enemies of Caesar after all." He said as if it was obvious, then realized what he said and was quick to backpeddle. "Or… so to speak."
"Still isn't that a stifling way to live?" Adam asked.
"I find those that take frivolity too far are the first ones to fall in an ambush. Waiting for an enemy to be drunk and unaware is basic legion ambush strategy." Deccanus returned.
"Seems like a dull way to live." Percy remarked, though without any venom.
"I find it suits me." Deccanus said back, casual, as he took a sip of his drink.
"Well while you two party it up over there me and Deccanus will keep an eye out for you two." Mira said back, teasing again.
"I promise you, Ma'am, once the shooting starts you won't find a steadier gun than mine. I don't let it get in the way of my work."
"Well we can all agree to disagree then." Adam chuckled as he took another bite of his pizza.
A few more songs were played before eventually the band seemed to step aside as the Songbird herself stepped up onto the stage. Her moves graceful, each step like a tiny ripple on a pond as she took her spot at the microphone. That is when the band kicked in, playing a smooth soft melody that seemed to entrance everyone in the crowd, even Mira and Deccanus.
Then she began to sing. Her song was about finding hope in disaster, a custom piece that spoke of the travesties of war and the world it left behind, but even in the horrors love shines through.
Adam had heard good singers before. Of course he came from the pre-war world. He had heard a huge number of artists, both live and on the radio. He had also heard live performances since he woke up. The Oasis's singer that Mr. Cantelli loved came to mind. However the Songbird's singing felt so powerful, so full of emotion that Adam could feel the pain and hope she was trying to convey through her song. Had she been a singer in the Pre-War world she would have taken America by storm. It was beyond words.
Her song was followed by uproarious applause. Adam could tell why she was picked of everyone here to be the Songbird. She may not have the leadership qualities one would usually expect of someone in her seat. But he understood now. Her role was not to handle the day to day decisions to make a society run, her job was to inspire. And, as far as Adam was concerned, he was certainly that.
"Today's song was dedicated to our lovely and wonderful new guest who I'm sure you all noticed. Adam Baxter." She said as she gently gestured with her hand to where Adam was sitting. Adam blushed, feeling embarrassed, not exactly super comfortable with the spotlight but not really sure how to address it. For the moment he just sheepishly looked around and waved. Meanwhile Mira and Percy had impish grins on their faces that showed they were eating this up.
As Adam scanned through the crowd briefly, he noted that the crowd had grown exponentially larger than when he first sat down. Not just all the tables he could see, but behind him, in the standing room only, people had crowded onto the deck to hear her speak. Or rather sing.
"I also have the news you have been waiting to hear. We have come to a concert for the coming pirates." She paused and took a slow deep breath. Adam was not sure what she meant by 'came to a concert' but judging by the way she said it, it seemed to be a variant of 'came to a decision.' Interesting. "We have decided that we shall not give in any more to the outlandish demands of would-be raiders. We shall not flee and hide, we shall offer no more tribute. We shall stand and fight. We shall make them pay for threatening our home."
There was immediate chatter among the crowd. A mix of fear and fervor began to simmer. The people seemed hesitant, but willing to follow their Songbird's lead. However she did not seem to be done.
"In addition, we have enlisted the help of our lovely guest. He and his friends shall brave our trouble and aid us in the fight to come. We shall not fall. We shall not yield. For we are not alone! The hero of Chicago stands among us!" She shouted with a firm and inspiring tone. With her words, the crowd erupted into cheers. The confusion and worry was immediately overwritten by the spirit of these people. Ready to do what they had to in order to protect their homes.
"Through unity we shall find strength! Through strength we shall find courage! And our courage will carry us forward unto dawn!" She shouted over the cheers which seemed to only increase the volume of the crowd. Say what you will about her, she really knew how to get these people riled up. She was a great orator.