Bear stopped to straighten his tie one last time before entering the event. He was feeling a little out of place already. He had only been back from a year-long sabbatical teaching at the University of Edinburgh for a few weeks when the Ministry had closed, and he hadn't felt reintegrated yet. Going a few more months without being there didn't help that feeling, like he didn't quite belong. He supposed this was a fresh start, what with the reopening and all, but... He was nervous. As per usual, really. It seemed like "nervous" was his default inner setting, regardless of how cool he may look on the outside. (And he usually did.)

Walking in, he noticed a few of the others from Accidents & Catastrophes, including his Department Head, but he didn't greet anybody quite yet. He wanted to get his bearings first. Heading toward the refreshment table, he quietly poured himself a glass of wine -- a Riesling of some sort -- and moved toward the wall, wanting to stay out of the way of the mingling crowd.

Remind him why he was here again?