What the Dickens?

Posted on Sat Dec 29th, 2018 @ 7:41am by Lieutenant JG Gallia Norris

Mission: Season 2 Episode 3.A: Christmas cheer
Location: Anje's / Estelle's Cabin
784 words - 1.6 OF Standard Post Measure

Late one evening, when Anje was in her quarters, two ghostly figures appeared in the room beside her. One seemed to be a younger version of herself, dressed in a cadet’s uniform. The other, taller figure - no surprise there - was clad in a brown robe, brandishing an elaborate staff. “And this is what you would be!” the robed figure bellowed.

“No, spare me these twisted visions, spectre!” the cadet-Anje pleaded. “I’ve learnt my lesson!”

“Be sure that you have”, the spectre admonished before both vanished.

Inside her quarters, Estelle looked at Gallia and giggled. “I love holoemitters!”

“You do know one a’ these days we’re gonna pull a prank on the wrong one, right?” Gallia laughed hard, knowing the information she shared would stop neither Estelle nor herself from doing exactly what they were going to do no matter what.

“That’s a risk I’m prepared to take”, Estelle grinned. “Not worried with Tsarina, though.”

“Tsarina? I thought her nickname was Twinkle…” Gallia raised an eyebrow, then laughed, “Tsarina Twinkle it is!”

“It’s a nickname Liorga coined”, Estelle chuckled. “Plus, it doesn’t feel right to make fun of someone just because they’re short.” Not that that had ever stopped Estelle before.

Outside the door, the chime rang, and a tiny foot could be heard tapping outside, “Okay, geniuses, I know it was you two.” Anje said, pretending to be angry, ~Those two clowns….~

“Well, ya better let her in.” Gallia said, “It’s your place after all.”

“Come in!” Estelle said as she hid the remote control PADD between two sofa cushions.

“Very funny, you two.” Anje groaned as she entered, “But your prints were all over that one.”

“Well, we didnae really want ya ta not know.” Gallia began, “It was all in good fun.”

“We sort of hoped you were a fan of Dickens”, Estelle grinned. “It’s the season, no?”

“Yeah, I guess so.” Anje laughed, “Merry Christmas, Abbott and Costello.”

“Monks and knights?” Estelle grinned. “Or something of that nature?”

“No.” Anje shook her head, still laughing, “Two ancient Earth comedians my aunt is fond of.”

“Well, when it comes to comedy genius, that’s us.” Gallia gloated, putting an arm around Estelle, “Right, bestie?”

Estelle grinned and ruffled Gallia’s short hair. “One hundred and ten per cent.”

“Yeah, the girls of mensa…” Anje sighed.

“Sounds like somethin’ outta a porno mag.” Gallia snickered like a ten year old boy, picturing naked girls wearing mortarboards and glasses…

“I can’t even with you two right now.” Anje laughed and rolled her eyes, realizing she was now the straight woman to a pair of absolute goofballs.

“I, for one, would love to see you try”, Estelle said in a tone of voice she hoped was both challenging and encouraging.

“See me try what?” Anje raised an eyebrow, shooting a questioning look to Gallia who only shrugged in return.

“Pull even with us”, Estelle clarified.

“Oh, really?” Anje retorted, looking them both over, “Okay, you’re on. Remember though, you were the one challenged the Russian.”

"Uh oh, we’re in for it now.” Gallia chuckled, though a part of her did wonder what the Chief Operations Officer could unleash on them; I hope she remembers I’ve got a child, Gallia thought.

“Just don’t make me do extra work, right?” Estelle asked.

“An’ remember I got Kara and Tayalas, so my house is off limits.” Gallia stated.

“Of course.” Anje smirked, enjoying the uncertainty they currently dealt with.

“You’ll think of something, I’m sure”, Estelle grinned. “I can hardly wait.” She stood and poured Anje a mug of her tea, handing it over. “I’m always looking for more clever jokes and puns.”

“Rest assured.” Anje replied, sipping her tea.

“Right.” Gallia nodded, a mug before bed and another joke-out at the OK Corral.

“But when I rest, I won’t see it coming”, Estelle mused. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

“Even if you’re awake you won’t.” Anje winked, “Good tea.”

“Excellent”, Estelle grinned, rubbing her hands together. Getting pranked was almost as much fun as pranking, and all the creative effort was someone else’s.

“I got a bad feelin’ about this.” Gallia sighed.

“You could just stay home, in your safe zone”, Estelle suggested.

“She’s got to go on duty eventually.” Anje shrugged, draining her tea, “Well, good night and Merry Christmas, ladies. Sleep well….”

Estelle gave Anje a hug. “Good night. No worries, one a day maximum.”

Gallia did the same, "Right, and that's one total, not one a piece."

"Are you worried?" Anje smiled, "Pleasant dreams."