Calypso Christmas (part 1)
Posted on Thu Dec 29th, 2016 @ 4:10pm by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant JG Elizabeth Jackson & Lieutenant JG Ronnie Wolfe & Lieutenant T'Pral & Lieutenant Arnon Barak MD, PsyD & Lieutenant Illise Hale & Commander Alexandra Vance
1,096 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Shadow Dance
Location: Holodeck 2
ON
It was Christmas Eve, Earth time, and Sam wanted to celebrate with her officers. Invitations had been sent out earlier that week to give people time to adjust schedules. Shift rotations were arranged so everyone would be able to attend, at least for a short time.
The holodeck was transformed into the inn from the old Earth movie, White Christmas. A large fire blazed in the fireplace, a small band was playing in the corner, and a large Christmas tree sat by the French doors, a large pile of presents beneath it. Along one wall sat several tables filled with finger foods and pastries. Outside it was snowing.
Sam dressed in a long red velvet dress with white trim and waited to greet her guests.
Illise entered the holodeck and was immediately surrounded by a general feeling of warmth. Not a warmth that was a change in temperature, but more the remarkable change in atmosphere. It was cozy. She looked around at the setting Sam had chosen, admiring her attention to detail. She particularly liked the fireplace.
Illise had chosen a dark green knee-length chiffon dress, with an o-neckline and short puff sleeves, that was tied at the waist with a sash of the same material and color. Her dark hair lay long across one shoulder, tastefully curled and pinned on one side with a cream-colored flower. Her shoes, earrings and necklace matched the flower to complete the ensemble.
Illise pause only briefly by the door, then crossed over to Sam. "This is lovely, Commodore." She said. "And if you don't mind me saying so, you look lovely as well."
"Thank you," Sam said, smiling warmly at the science officer. "So do you." She waved a hand around the room. "Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. Feel free to wander around and have something to eat."
Ronnie walked in a minute later, dressed in a Celtic Christmas gown, her hair adorned with sprigs of holly. "Hi, Sam, Illise," she said, walking up to the two women. You both look great!"
"Thank you," Sam replied. "How are you doing?"
"Pregnant," Ronnie replied, grinning. "But apart from that, I've settled in."
"I'm glad. You and Wolfe deserve to have some good luck for a chance," Sam replied.
Ronnie nodded. "Damion definitely does. He's going to be a great father, if I can get him to stop hovering." She glanced over her shoulder. "He's working right now, so I thought I'd stop by and visit some friends."
Sam waived a hand at the tables of food. "Go help yourself. We have plenty."
Ronnie grinned and headed for the tables.
Lizzie walked in a few minutes later, dressed like one of Santa's elves. "Hi, Commodore!" she said cheerfully.
"Hi, Lizzie! I'm glad you made it out of the arboretum."
The botanist looked around appreciatively. "I love the decor."
"Thank you," Sam said, smiling at Lizzie's enthusiasm.
"There's Ronnie. Excuse me, Sam," she said, heading after her friend.
T'Pral appeared at the holodeck doors, an eyebrow rising as she cast her eyes at the artificial environment. She still wore her crisp Starfleet uniform, her hands at their usual position behind her back.
"Hello, Lieutenant T'Pral," Sam said. "Welcome. I know you don't celebrate the holiday, but we do have some Vulcan dishes. Have some food and meet some of the crew you've yet to work with."
The Vulcan inclined her head. "Alien celebrations are... fascinating. The cultural history, in particular. I cannot stay long, I have a shift shortly. However, I may partake in a small bowl of plomeek soup."
Sam bowed to the Vulcan and turned to greet her next guest.
Arnon entered the holodeck, dressed in a formal tunic, trousers, and boots. Victoria had said she'd meet him at the party, so he was alone at the moment.
"Happy Christmas, Commodore," he said, kissing the Commodore's hand. "You look lovely. As do you, Lieutenant Hale."
"Thank you, Lieutenant. I'm glad to see you here," Sam said.
He kissed Illise's hand, then kissed Ronnie Lancaster's hand.
"Thank you, kind sir," Ronnie replied, grinning.
"And Happy Christmas to this vision of motherhood!" Arnon said. He turned to the Vulcan engineer and offered the Vulcan salute. "Long life and prosperity, Lieutenant T'Pral. You are vision of....propriety and good sense."
T'Pral returned the salute, while critically eyeing Arnon's approximation. "Peace and long life," she returned.
The next entrant to the party would be the shock of the evening on more then one account as for one, Alexandra Vance was supposed to be dead and two, she loathed parties as was evident on her less then cheerful face. Adorned in a form fitting red mid length strapless dress complete with green leggings, she glumly humbugged her way from the entrance to the proprietor of her misery, Samantha York. "Commodore, I've changed my mind. I think I would rather have Morat kill me than.....this." She commented to Sam.
Sam's eyes twinkled merrily. "Hello, Alexandra. Scrooge is an appropriate costume for the evening. Welcome."
"I would prefer one of the ghosts instead." She retorted.
Sam contemplated that for a moment. "Yes, I do believe the Ghost of Christmas Future would suit well."
"So that means I can disappear until the end?" Vance asked hopeful.
"Afraid not. You have to stick around until dawn," Sam replied. "You've got plenty of time to pretend you're having a good time." She grinned at Alexandra for a moment, then relented just a bit. "Well, maybe just an hour. I hope there won't be too many people still here at dawn."
"Ah, Commander Vance!" Arnon said. "We've not met. Doctor Arnon Barak, at your service. May I say you are the most stunning reanimated corpse I've ever had the pleasure of attending a Christmas party with!"
"Thank you doctor, but I assure you reanimation was not a component of my return." Vance replied looking around feeling increasingly awkward.
"You were not reanimated," Arnon said. "But you are currently animated, so I deduce that you were never 'de-animated'! So, reports of your death were largely exaggerated! Well, welcome back to the land of those were are reasonably certain are alive! I hope your journey in the land of people we were almost certainly positive for the most part were dead was pleasant!"
(To be continued...)
Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer
Lieutenant Illise Hale
Chief Science Officer
Lieutenant JG Ronnie Lancaster
Assistant Chief Science Officer
Lieutenant JG Elizabeth Jackson
Botanist
Lieutenant T'Pral
Chief Engineer
Lieutenant Arnon Barak
Chief Counselor
Commander Alexandra Vance
Former Executive Officer
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