"A soiree, but effectively, yes. Networking with people is an excellent way to gather information."

"You get to socialize and achieve your other goals at same time. Efficient."

"We get to socialise and achieve our goals. You are all, of course, invited. I suspect 'Chelle would be truly offended if she heard I was throwing a soiree and not inviting her."

"Oh, don't worry. I already knew we were invited." He taps his forehead.

"Quite the handy gift," Angelique says cheerfully.

"Also good for dividing up portions we've found!"

"Hm, we should probably go shopping on the way home," Aaren muses. "Get you some more clothes, Percy."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Please tell me you're not going to make this black tie?"

"A quiet evening among friends? Of course not. Besides which, I'd end up watching you tug at your tie all night. Smart casual will do just fine."

"Aww, but I've never seen Aaren being awkwardly uncomfortable in black tie."

"We can engineer a reason for you to see that."

"If you try, I will dig out my dress uniform and wear that."

"You're not giving me less incentive, you know."

"I'm sure we can get Dad into something. Or dig out old photos."

"Pretty sure 'Chelle has video evidence of Aaren's discomfort."

"Family movie n-" Percy starts saying, then he freezes in place.

"Absolutely!" Lan's agreeing before Percy's even halfways through speaking.

Aaren immediately notices the change in Percy. "-Are you okay?"

 "Wonderful." Percy is sort of basking, but at no particular direction. He nods slowly. "Don't worry. There are people coming."

"There's always people coming and going around here," Angelique says a little sheepishly.

Percy nods, not looking at Angelique. He raises a hand to point-

And the door opens to reveal three...

...identical young women...

...Who walk-in and look around. Percy is staring at them all, but specially at the last one to walk-in.

"Sorry, did we interrupt something?"