For the record, John was not ordered to attend, he was already planning on it, but the slight nudge from Erik just takes the fun out of everything. Now he's not sure if he's allowed to get drunk or not. He decides that he'll just pace himself. A younger reporter decided to tag along, because Howl Barrow parties are usually the best, but he abandons John immediately, which is totally cool, bro, thanks. John gets a beer, eyes the cat, and first moves around just to see who all is here. This isn't a mission, he's just... not entirely sure it isn't, therefore he'll do work first and drink later. And no one would ever peg him for a serious business terrorist person, at least; he's some dude in a threadless t-shirt (they are ubiquitous throughout the multiverse).