The station owners held a ball every year on the Outer Ring, in a docking bay converted into a recreation 18th century ballroom.
The guest list was exclusive, and the dress code black tie.
The Safety Officer was appalled, but obligated to attend. When he arrived he caused a stir, but he’d followed the letter of the dress code, squeezing a cummerbund and dinner jacket over his space suit. His gloves were white.
He endured criticism of his attire all through cocktail hour, but when the emergency docking alarm triggered during the salad course, he was the only one prepared.

“TINYHI Men’s Pre-Tied Satin Formal Tuxedo Bowtie Adjustable Length Satin Bow Tie” by Shopping Guide 7 is marked with CC0 1.0.

Everyday Drabbles © 2026 by Hugh J. O’Donnell is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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