Christmas
Posted on Fri Jan 8th, 2021 @ 12:31am by Lieutenant JG Gallia Norris & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Captain Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Taylor & Commander Sthilg & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Lieutenant Commander S'hib & Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Lieutenant Baeryn Whavi-Tonelly & Lieutenant Victor Barclay de Tolly & Ensign Olivia (Carter) Voight & Lieutenant JG Damien Blackford & Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen [Taylor] & Lieutenant Sapphire Morgan [Lalor] & Lieutenant Scott Gregory [Taylor] & Lieutenant Tonya King ( Barclay de Tolly ) & Legate Imik S'Niohun [Lia Taylor] & Consul Josephine Carlyle-Cragen & Lieutenant M'Tuuri Sh'iss [S'hib] & Lieutenant JG Nerinath zh'Rhilror [Lalor] & Lieutenant JG Louis Bordeaux ( Magnus ) & Lieutenant JG T'Kek [Naxea] & Ensign BF 345078 (john Snow.) [Sthilg] & Chief Warrant Officer Man'darr [Naxea] & Senior Chief Petty Officer Fernando De La Rosa [Taylor] & Lieutenant JG Heather De La Rosa {Kelea-Salik} & Cadet Junior Grade Triston Montgomery [Lalor] & Avalon [ADMIN NPC] & Lara Barclay de Tolly & Miran Lalor [Lalor] HRH
Edited on on Sun Mar 28th, 2021 @ 10:49am
Mission:
MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Arboretum - multilevel
5608 words - 11.2 OF Standard Post Measure
IC
Following the success of the previous year's Christmas celebrations in the multi level Arboretum, the Captain had chosen once again to not mess with success.
And Phoenix had chosen, probably unwisely, to decorate the entire 5 levels of the Arboretum, in that same theme. Snow, white, glittering fairy lights, and on level 3, a large dance floor was set up, all under glittering fairy lights and hanging crystal chandeliers. The Dance floor looked like Ice, and around it, chairs and tables were set for quiet conversation. A band would be set up on the stage, and the music would be pipped through the rest of the area at a softer volume.
Pathways were lined with snow, snow carpeted the grass areas. The pond on Level 2 was frozen and smoothed and an ice skate booth was set up for those who wished to go ice skating. And on level 1, there was a hill just great for sledding, with the sleds already waiting. All around there were booths that handed out hot chocolate, Mulled wine, and Christmas foods and treats. And on each deck, which were all linked by numerous spiral staircases, all decorated in white tinsel and fairy lights, were bars which served holiday appropriate drinks.
The entire ship was invited, officers, enlisted, families, children all. And Phoenix had made sure that all would find something to do and enjoy the evening. The Human myth of Santa Claus would also be arriving, at 22h for the children, bearing gifts of course. Her sister Miran had sniffed at that. Erisians didn’t celebrate Christmas. But she was more than willing to dress up and have fun.
With the Formal aspect not present this year, people were instructed to come dressed in their Christmas best. No Dress uniforms were permitted.
And at 19h00 the doors on all levels opened to allow the entire crew access to the winter wonderland.
On all levels, on sign posts and lamp posts, holographic images appeared. They read:
19h – Party begins, doors open
19h – Pond is open for Skating – Level 2 (Deck 3)
19h – Sled Hill Open – Level 1 (deck 2)
19h30 – Bars open, and food trucks commence operation (all levels)
20h30 – Dancing Begins, Main dance floor, Level 3 (deck 4)
20h30 – Buffet opens on Level 2 (deck 3) – this goes until 0330
22h – Santa Arrives, for the Children - Level 4 (deck 5)
0h30 – Fireworks display – All levels
04h – Doors close – Go home, get sleep.
==
In Lt. Victor Barclay de Tolly Quarters, his daughter Lara finished gift wrapping several gifts she made herself. She was noticing her father taking extra effort to make himself looking sharp which included wearing cologne. She places the presents in the only thing she did make herself which was a red Santa Clause red bag. Her father placed a few presents in the bag himself.
"Lara," Victor says looking at her, "Look at you. You are almost nine. So when we get to the party, how are you going to give each other's their presents?"
"Easy," Lara answers, "When it is twenty minutes to when Santa arrives, I will sneak out to get the bag."
"That is very wise," Victor says as he thought, "I know last two years on the Excalibur we did not celebrate the holiday. The missions we were on seemed non stop. Kind of lost the feeling of Christmas but now with all the changes in our life, I think it will be a great Christmas." He leans down to hug his daughter tightly.
"I think so too father," Lara replies with a hug back.
The door chimed as they were hugging. Victor went to go answer the door. When it opened, he saw Tonya looking more lovelier than ever with the biggest smile. "Tonya, you seem to be more happier than ever."
"That is because Bolt escaped protective custody only to be caught by your father," Tonya smiles. "Bolt tried to kill your father but your father's shot was more accurate. No more Bolt. May God have mercy on his soul."
Victor smiled. He looked at her. "There seems to be something missing,"
"What is that?" Tonya asks.
He pulls out a little jewelry box. At first she thought it might be an engagement ring but what it was a pair of earrings. When Victor came into this reality, had had the jewelry box with a diamond ring and earrings to match. Victor hands her the earrings as this brought back a fond memory. "Perfect," he said placing on her ears, the two earrings."
Lara watched them kiss. "Okay you two," she says teasing, "I want to get there in time to go skating."
Tonya did not even blushed, "Me too."
==
"Hello Lara." Arrianna caught up with Lara. "Welcome to the USS Elysium's Annual Christmas Ball." Arri was wearing a very elegant and very form fitting red holiday dress. "Our Captain enjoys throwing extravagant balls and parties, so much that it's rubbed off on her crew. We kinda adore the social events our Captain is famous for." Arri mentioned.
"Hello Commander," Lara says, "Been awhile since I celebrated Christmas. Last two years on the Excalibur had been missions for Christmas. Captain Calhoun wasn't too keen on celebrating."
Arrianna smiled and handed Lara a wrapped box. "Normally, it's my tradition to gift our crew with what's in my wardrobe Lara. But you might not fit into my size just yet. So I got this for you from the clothiers of the artisans on Alindar. They adore this silk as humans call it. Open it."
Lara opened it. She sees a beautiful dress with a lot of veils. "It is very pretty. Looks very lovely. I bet there is a tradition behind it."
Arri chuckled. "Nope. This is just me, purchasing a dress from Kierra Vania an Vaniis, who is one of our finest artisan clothiers, and wrapping it just for you." Arrianna mentioned. "Oh and that is no common dress. Alindari do not dress in substandard clothing. Wearing the best we can find shows the effort we put into our self-improvement and image. But mostly I just wanted to spoil you this Christmas."
Lara curtsied. "I am very humbled and I found have a present for you later. Would you like to come skating with me or are you planning to stick around here?
Arri raised her eyebrows. "You mean the strange exercise some of the crew are doing on a frozen sheet of ice? I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage, Lara. I have not yet devoted time to learning this exercise."
"Well I off to go there," Lara says as she holds her present. "I will stop by my Quarters to drop off the present. Thank you do much for it."
Tag
==
Jess walked into the ball wearing a tank-top, leather bomber jacket and a cap with NASA's logo on it. She moved to find a place to lean on to wait for Man'darr. One thing was for sure, if it were a part of the mission, there was no way the squadron commander was going to be caught dead in a dress.
Man'darr entered the arboretum and glanced around at the decorations, snow and ice, causing a shiver to go up his spine. "Only Humans, Andorians , and the Breen would celebrate the cold," he muttered with a shake of his head.
"Aw C'mon. You're not getting cold feet, Jarhead?" Jess began flirting again. "The best part about celebrating the cold is bundling up next to a fireplace. How does that sound? Sides, I got a present for you."
Turning to look at Jess, he wrapped his arm around her, embracing her. "Cold feet with you? Never. So what is this present you got me?" he asked curiously.
Jess spoke. "We'll have to go to my quarters for that. But I'll give you one of your presents right now." She reached into her jacket and pulled out a mistletoe. Holding it above them, she kissed Man'darr passionately.
Man'darr was happy to return the kiss, taking her into his arms and pulling her close. "So, can I get you anything?" he asked after finally breaking away.
Tag Jess
==
Damien sighed as he stood in front of his mirror, looking over the only tuxedo he owned. Was this really the right thing to wear? Yes, it was a formal ship event, but how formal? Not that he really had any other 'formal' wear. He could always replicate something, but he wouldn't know what to ask for. No. This would have to do. He let out a breath that he had been holding, running a hand over the jacket, smoothing out the non-existent creases. "It's gonna be fine." He muttered under his breath. "Yeah. It'll be fine."
He stepped out of his quarters and headed down the hall, entering the turbolift, and selecting the correct deck. It didn't take long for him to arrive, and it was only a short walk till he arrived at his destination. He took a quick glance at the holographic images, smiling slightly. Skating. That could be fun. Dancing on the other hand? Not his favorite activity.
He took another deep breath, before stepping through the doors, and taking a look around, letting out a small, "Wow." As he took in the sight. Okay. Yes. Tonight was going to a good night.
==
Alicia stood in front of the mirror brushing her hair, she’d chosen to wear an ankle length maternity size Christmassy red dress with green festive detailing. Christmas was one of her favourite times of year and she had replicated the cutest Christmas outfit for Connor to wear as well. Putting her brush down she walked out into the living room smiling at Savar. “I love Christmas! This is going to be so fun!!”
Savar stood dressed in an emerald green tuxedo to compliment Alicia's dress. "I confess, I do not understand the concept however it will be fun to see Connor react to Santa. I do hope he doesn't cry."
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he did but I think he’ll be okay” Alicia smiled warmly as she picked up Connor holding him in her one arm resting on her hip, having a protruding stomach made carrying him somewhat logistical. “Let’s go and have some fun.”
"An excellent suggestion Alicia. Let us proceed to the party." Savar replied. "Would you like me to carry Connor?" He inquired.
“Please!” Alicia smiled warmly. “As much as I love holding him it’s awkward over a long period of time.”
"Come Connor." Savar spoke to his son, Stretching his arms out to grab and hold the toddler. "We are going to see Santa Claus and Rupert the red nose reindeer."
Alicia grinned. “It’s Rudolph Imzadi. Rupert is a teddy bear!” She couldn’t help but laugh.
Savar tilted his head, arched an eyebrow and nodded. "Indeed, as you say Alicia."
==
Heather walked along the corridor with Fernando, she was wearing a three quarter length sparkly black and red dress with a designed split that went half way up one leg. She wanted to look sexy as she certainly didn’t feel it being pregnant. She smiled as she looked at Fernando. “I can’t wait to see the arboretum! Judging from the excitement in the air it must be something to see!”
Fernando was fixing his bow tie on his midnight black tuxedo. He glanced over at Heather and smiled. "You look absolutely radiant and sexy Heather." He told her. "I'm sure the arboretum is done up in the Christmas spirit. The Captain will go all out for this."
“I’ve no doubt of that!” Heather grinned. “I Oh so love Christmas!! I can’t wait to have fun.”
"As do I Heather. I have so much to be thankful for. You, our baby, our friends and shipmates. I am truly blessed." Fernando replied smiling.
“You and me both!” Heather grinned. “Let’s get going, I don’t want to be late.”
Fernando took her hand in his and kissed it softly. " I could not agree more." He said with a smile.
==
Elsewhere Gary was putting on his Santa suit. and pasting his beard in place. "This is going to be fun. Every year is but Tayalas is a year older and Connor is eighteen months old now. Plus the rest of the kids. I really get it a kick out of it. But you know the best part?" He asked as he slid over to Lia. "This is our first Christmas as husband and wife and I'm going to make sure it's one you remember."
Lia lent into her husband, "Well now Sana, I shall wait and see just what your present to me is". She kissed him and then rose and crossed to the sonic shower.
"I am quite confident you will like it." Gary said smugly. "Quite sure." He repeated..
Lia Taylor now dressed her self in a red Santa style dress with white fur along the top and bottom her legs were covered in black tights, she picked up a pair of red shoes and a black handbag. Her hair was down and had been styled in ringlets and bunches, "When your ready Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor wishes to go to the party".
"Then let us be off. Never let it be said Santa kept his wife waiting." Gary replied as he looked himself over in the mirror and was satisfied with his appearance. he then took Lia's hand. "By the way, you look marvelous!"
"Thank you kind sir", Lia replied as she poked Santa's rotund belly. "Me thinks you should ease up on the mince pies and other goodies Santa", she began to giggle as the pair now made their way to the party.
"Hey!" Gary protested, "That's not all me. Some is 'stuffing' you know to sell the image. Got to look the part for the kids. Nobody wants a thin Sana er Santa." Gary explained as they headed to the party and fun, they were both looking forward to.
Tayalas wanted to see her Sana, one way or the other, but mommy was insisting on doing things the hard way and it was very frustrating, "Momma, go see Sana now?"
"Nay, darlin', not yet." Gallia answered, not wanting to deny her daughter a thing, but there were things she had to do.
"Momma, you be impossible." Tayalas protested, crossing her little arms.
"I know, darlin', I know." Gallia promised, "We'll see Sana as soon as we say hello to Cap'n Lalor, a'right?"
"Okay, momma." Tayalas said, though the two year old with the bubble gum colored hair was counting the seconds until she saw Sana.
==
Baeryn walked into the arboretum wearing a paper thin dark emerald green halter top with the front slit traveling as far down as part her navel, the bare skin of her back and arms littered with freckles. She wore skin tight black leather pants and shimmering black stilettos,her hair loose and wild like usuals. By the looks of her attire you would have assumed she was headed to a club rather then a family friendly function.
The crew aboard her previous ships celebrated the holiday, but nothing like the extent this captain went to. Baeryn was in awe the moment her eyes caught sight of the snow, the ice rink, the dance floor. It was almost as if she had walked into a holodeck program. Goosebumps raced across her skin when the slight chill touched her. ‘Feels like I might need some mulled wine to warm me up.’ She thought, and set off in the direction of the closest bar.
==
The ship's chief MD had been busty for the last couple of days. With the health record from the children of the ships under their escort stored and presents prepared for his friends and family he was now free to relax as best he could. His own people had a day similar to the human festival even though it gift giver was the drunken fool who left bottles of beer and pickled fish on your doorstep.
He'd worn the green robes his people wore for the festival though altered to provide more heat retention. Stepping into the room he looked around for his family.
Ensign Napoleon Bond nods to the Gorn doctor. "Merry Christmas Sir. I am Ensign Napoleon Bond but you probably already know that even though we have not met yet. Hope your day was a great day."
Jessica walked up to the Gorn Doctor with a smile. "With how green you are, someone might mistake you for grinch." Jess noted.
" Thank you, ensssign." The gorn said to Bond befoe he turned to Jessica " I'm afraid i don't know that earth deity. "
Jess spoke. "Not exactly a God. He's a character in a children's book called; 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas.' You'll have to watch it." Jess noted.
" If it'sss a book then i'll maybe get the book to read to that grandssson of mine." the doctor added.
==
Arriving at the Arboretum Alicia’s mouth dropped open at the site of the decorated levels. “Goodness me! It’s absolutely beautiful!!” She grinned as the sight made her feel like a kid again. She saw the familiar figure of her father and motioned towards him. “Let’s go this way.”
"We are going to see grandpa Connor." Savar told his son.
Walking over to the Gorn figure she smiled warmly. “Dad, you’re looking festive.” She smiled warmly.
" As do you daughter," he said giving her a hug. Looking up at Savar and his grandson he gave both of them a warm smile. " It's good to sssee you asss well Sssavar and there my favorite grandssson."
Walking into the Arboretum Heather couldn’t believe the Christmassy sight. “Oh Fernando! It’s gorgeous!! I would love to go ice skating but I don’t know if I dare.”
Fernando nodded at the sight, "I agree Heather is quite festive." He looked at the skating rink. "We can do it Heather, do not worry, I will support you and keep you from falling."
“Are you sure?” Heather grinned. “I don’t want to hurt you either.”
Fernando grinned and shook his head, "You aren't going to hurt me Heather. We will go slow, like taking a leisurely walk except this will be on ice."
“Only this walk will be on blades!” Heather grinned. “Have you ice skated before?”
Mock shock clouded Fernando's face. "I will have you know I am the finest ice skater in my village. In fact I am the only ice skater in my village. You may be wondering how a Spaniard can ice skate. I took a liking to American ice hockey so I learned " He explained.
“Excellant!” Heather grinned. “You can teach me! But right now let’s find ourselves something to drink and nibble. I don’t know about you but we ...” She motioned to her rounded stomach. “Are hungry!”
"By all means, let us get something to eat. We can't have you getting hungry. You need to keep up your strength." Fernando observed.
“Strength I have plenty of!” Heather grinned. “I’m just eating for two, as the old saying goes!” She pulled Fernando towards the food carts. “So let’s go see what’s available.”
"Lead on Heather, I am right with you." Fernando replied, his eyes already trying to see what food was available to chose from.
Heather nodded. “It all looks so delicious, but I’m not going to make a pig of myself.” She grinned.
"Get what you want Heather. You are eating for two." Fernando pointed out "And you don't want the food to go to waste." He added.
“Being pregnant is not an excuse to over eat though.” Heather grinned.
===
Jessica looked out of one of the viewports with a glass of wine. She was counting on the crew to make sure she didn't drink too much, as she allowed herself one glass of wine this evening. She even asked Man'darr to make sure she did not drown herself with the bottle. "It's not fair..... That so many of our crew is not here to celebrate this Christmas with us. Curse them.... curse them ALL!!"
She shouted as she said that word.
" Jessssssic." The old doctor said walking up behind her upon hearing the shout. " Are you okay."
Jess spoke. "We're missing people that should have been here. Doc." The pilot noted. "People who made the ultimate sacrifice. And it tears at me that we're celebrating without them."
"I know. " the doctor said letting out a sigh.
“Is everything alright?” Alicia smiled and looked at Jess as she appeared beside the large Gorn figure her adoptive father. “Would you like to join us Jess I’m sure Connor would love to see his auntie Jess.”
"Just pissed over the people that should have been here Counselor. The thought of it makes me want to go back into the mirror and fire more Tricobalt Torpedoes. And every single time I look at a picture of those who didn't come back. I just get madder." Jess noted. "It's even harder celebrating Christmas without those people."
" I fell the sssame Jess." The doctor replied calmly. " All we can do isss make sssure their sssacrifice was not in vein."
Alicia nodded in agreement. “My father’s Right Jess, we can only make sure that the lessons we learnt the hard way are not repeated. Those we lost will never be forgotten.”
Jess thought a moment. "Easy to say now. I didn't know if I was coming back from that one." Jess gestured over a waiter and picked up a glass of wine. "To our fallen friends and family. They better be saving me a seat in Valhalla, because I am not going to Betazoid heaven. Just the thought of it makes me want to hurl. Hey Doc, what's Gorn heaven like. I hope it doesn't involve laying around in the sun for hours on end." Jessica grinned wickedly.
Tag Sthilg
TAG ALL
===
Amelia Tigan was the first of the children to arrive at the skating rink. She sees Alec Jordan about to walk in as she was lacing up her skates. "Hi Alex. So glad you could come."
Alec Jordan exhales. "Never skated before. Well there is a first time for everything."
"Do try but do not get over confident," Amelia answers as she finishes her lacing. "That is when accidents happen."
"Understood," Alec exhales again. "Well, let's do this."
Olivia wasn't sure what she would do during this Christmas Party since she was going to be alone this time instead of having Casper with her to enjoy some of the festivities. Last year she had pulled a sneak attack on him by throwing some snowballs at him before he could spot her and do the same to her. Olivia had picked out a simple green dress to wear this year to the party. She walked into the holodeck and looked around at all of the decorations.
===
Naxea entered the arboretum, dressed in her duty uniform, taking in the decorations and displays. It would soon be the time of the Bajoran Gratitude Festival which was similar to the human's celebration of a new year. She was hoping S'hib would be able to make it as she decided to make her way to a nearby refreshment stand.
"Finally..." S'hib snorted quietly as he raised up from behind the thick foliage he had been sat behind, hiding from everyone amongst the snow covered plant exhibits. "I'm going to regret this aren't I." He grinned as he gently squeezed the clump of snow in his hoofed digits, aimed and threw it, hitting Naxea in the back with a satisfying soft thump.
Cold remnants of the snowball slid down her neck as she recovered from the hit. She turned to see who had the audacity to hit her from behind with a damn snowball. Her eyes landed on S'hib and instantly saw the smirk he bore. "Jackass," she called before grabbing some snow from a nearby ledge and chunked it at S'hib.
A panicked neigh left his lips as he ducked back behind the dense shrubs and exotic plants, giggling to himself as he raised his head back up. "You look very pretty by the way." He called out, hoping his warm words would melt her icy vengeance and allow him to join her.
Approaching S'hib, Naxea slapped him playfully on the arm. "You have such a way with women."
"Ow!" he exclaimed with a fake pout as he joined her on the footpath, revealing his entirely white attire wrapped around his subtle cream Sequus coat. "If I knew all it took was a snowball to..." He muttered before simply consigning the rest of what he was going to say to be jettisoned into the vacuum of space.
"Go, keep digging your own grave," she teased. "So do Sequus celebrate anything like the human's Christmas?
"Well..." He started, clearing his throat before finding one of her hands with his own. "It's my understanding that Christmas was derived from an old human religion... something that sort of stuck even when the original meaning was forgotten, we don't have anything similar but there are a few things we celebrate yearly... the harvest festival for example and the month of the red moon."
"Interesting," she commented. "Bajorans have a tradition called the Gratitude Festival coming up. It's similar to a combination of the humans' Christmas and New Years in one. "What is special about the red moon?" she questioned.
"It's an old tradition... and it involves our last remaining moon, Dalu... his orbit is stable and matches Sequellas rotation but from the surface he has a strange wobble, dipping up and down over a seven month period," S'hib explained, trailing a single finger in a slow wave. "As such, at his lowest point, he almost touches the horizon... obviously when we were much younger, we feared he would suffer the same fate as his sister and come crashing down from the stars." He smiled, turning to eye up the refreshment stand.
"As such, we would shout at him... stomp our hooves and make noise to get his attention... trying to convince him to go up." He grinned, looking back to Naxea.
Having never been a fan of religions, largely in part to the lack of help from the Prophets, Naxea never bought into the religions of others, except Klingons, which she had learned killed their "Gods" long ago for being a pain in the ass so to speak. She could agree with that outcome. "So I take it that it worked?" she asked, managing a grin.
"Of course it did..." He grinned back before turning and picking up an empty plate. "Though obviously its no longer an important part of our day to day life since we are well aware our world isn't flat, but nonetheless... its a tradition we continue... because tradition is important."
"That it is," Naxea agreed with a nod. "Try to leave some food for everyone else," she teased as she watched S'hib load up his plate.
==
Phoenix took her time, being on Maternity leave, gave her the option to take her time and arrive late. She dressed as she normally would, in her favorite blue dress and low heals. She wore her hair down, enjoying the fact that for once in the past few weeks, she could do so without the twins pulling her hair.
For their part, Elisabeth and William were sound asleep in the pram she pushed before her, dressed in matching red jumpsuits.
Her sister Miran all but skipped beside her in a dark red dress that swished around her knees and ruby red shoes.
Their mother and brother had declined the invitation to participate, and Phoenix saw no reason to push it. She and Kyian had been speaking and it seemed more and more likely that they would depart for Earth sooner rather than later.
They entered the arboretum and Miran dashed off to find Triston.
Leaving her sister to wander the area by herself. Phoenix was not that concerned. She calmly smiled and walked into the party.
"Hello, Captain." Arrianna walked up. "I must say, You're parties get more extravagant every year. You know us far too well." Arrianna handed a drink to Phoenix and picked up something Non-Alcoholic for herself.
Phoenix nodded. "Thank you Arri." she said with a smile. She gave the twins a quick check. "So how have you been?"
"Oh, Preparing a gift for a certain someone. In reality it's a gift for all of us. I have been working on it non-stop in the shuttlebay. You remember my alternate's rather opulent yacht?"
Tag
"It is now a research vessel unlike any that has come before." Arri explained. I should show it to you."
Tag
"Cappy Lalor, we's here!" Tayalas squealed as they entered, she was getting to be a very loud child.
Phoenix turned from Arri and gave the child a smile. "Hello Ms Tayalas." she said, "are you looking for Santa?"
"Uh huh, uh huh." Tayalas amswered, about to nod her little blue head off, "Mommy say we have to see you first."
At that precise moment the music switched over to 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town' and a hearty but faint "Ho, Ho, Ho!" could be heard. Santa was indeed on his way to the party accompanied by Mrs. Santa Claus.
Now wearing her shoes, Lia held Gary's hand as they entered the party. She let go and stood still as Santa carried on forwards to do his thing.
Gary gave Lia's hand a final squeeze as he walked further into the arboretum. "Ho, Ho, Ho!!!!!" He greeted the crowd. He was in his element. He loved making the children happy. His eyes searching the crowd for Tayalas and Connor. He walked to his chair, dropping his bag by his side. The bag had a replicator inside it so he could replicate the children's wishes (within reason) Now he waited for the onrushing rush of children.
Having heard Santa’s arrival Alicia had returned to Savar and Connor, encouraging Savar to join her visiting Santa. She smiled as they joined the queue of children waiting. “Isn’t this great!?” She looked at Savar. “Do Vulcans believe in Santa?”
Savar got into line with Connor and Alicia. He looked at her as she asked her question. He raised an eyebrow as he spoke. "An overweight man dressed in a red suit, riding in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, who breaks into homes to deliver toys to children? No, we do not."
“Santa does not break into homes, he comes down the chimney or let’s himself in with a special key!” Alicia grinned. “He’s a jolly fat man that all children love, including me.”
Savar looked at Alicia, "As I love you, I will accept your explanation of this Santa, Alicia. However I have my doubts." He finished a ghost of a smile on his face.
Arrianna walked beside Savar and spoke. "A strange and bizarre custom, this Santa Clause." She then looked at the man's eyes. "Why is Commander....."
Olivia walked by in her wondering around the area checking things out to see what all was available. "He does it for a certain little blueberry," Olivia replied. "Plus all the other little kids."
Tayalas didn't make Sana wait long for her, she was almost instantly in his arms squealing, "Sana!"
Gary had his arms up and around Tayalas in an instant, hugging her tightly. "Why hello Tayalas, have you been good for mommy this year?" he asked even though he knew the answer was a resounding yes.
Olivia softly laughed as she watched Tayalas enjoying her time with her Sana.
"Uh huh, I good for mommy, Sana." Tayalas answered, feeling it very important to answer him right away, "Mommy Kara too."
Gary chuckled and hugged Tayalas close. "I'm glad to hear that darling. Very glad. I knew you would be and for both Mommy and Mommy Kara. That deserves something special." He said as he dug around in his bag and brought forth a bright yellow onesie with ducks embroidered over it. "An early Christmas present my angel."
Tag All
===
Jess smirked and leaned against the wall as the last of the kids visited Santa. "Hey Santa. For the record, I would certainly want to know what list I'm on this year? I promised I have only sent the most cruel rat-bastards on the naughty list to hell, and not anyone on the nice list." She knew it was Gary, she just waited until the last of the kids left.
Gary looked over at where Jess stood against the wall and smiled, "Why Jess, you are on the nice list, no doubt about it. You did what was necessary. So you'll have some nice presents under the tree."
"I already have what I want, St. Nick." Jessica mentioned. "You don't know what a gift freedom is until it's been denied to you. I think next year I won't take the gifts I have for granted." Jess mentioned. "Besides, I want to fly your sleigh." She chuckled. "If I could land an Apollo LEM on the moon in the Holodeck, then piloting nine reindeer should be cake."
Gary/Santa nodded, "I think I do Jess and I understand how precious a gift it is. As for flying my sleigh, I don't know." He teased, The reindeer are very particular on who they fly for. Especially Donner. He can be downright
stubborn."
