Story Time...

Posted on Fri Dec 24th, 2021 @ 9:33am by Captain David Tonelly [Reece]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Uss Elysium, Holodeck Three
Timeline: 24 December
764 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

David sat in front of a roaring, holographic, fireplace. He was looking through the PADD in his hands, when he noticed the arrivals.

"Well hello there!" He said with an easy grin. "It's that time of year again. Time for your Uncle David to read, Twas the Night Before Christmas." He showed the title on the cover screen to the readers, then turned it back to himself, crossed his left leg over his right knee, and placed the PADD in his lap.

"Now, this is an old story. Not as old as I am, but, old enough. It was originally written, on Earth, in the 19th Century." He adjusts his position in his plush, wingback chair, and smiles to the reader.

"Of course, throughout the years, the story has been modified a little here and there, to make it more relevant to both the reader and the listener. So, with that in mind, sit back, settle in, and let's enjoy this version of, Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Looking down to the PADD, he activated the program and began to read aloud.

"Twas the Night Before Christmas,
When all thro' the ship,
Not an animal stirred,
Not even S'Hib.

The phasers were hung in the charging stations with care,
In hopes that Saint Nicholas would soon be there.

In the barracks, the Marines were all tucked snug in each cot,
While dreams of glorious combat, made each one grunt.

And Baeryn in her 'kerchief, And I in my cap,
Had just settled down, for a three day winter's nap.

When outside the ship, there arose such a clatter,
I sprung from our bed, to see what was the matter.

Away to the viewport, I flew in a flash, Powered open the shudders and Peered through the glass.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a medium-sized shuttle, And eight cybornetic reindeer.

With a lively little pilot, So lively and quick, I knew it was either Miraj, or possibly Saint Nick.

More rapid than Romulan Warbirds, his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name.

Now! Phoenix Now! Garrett Now! Naxea and Rin!
On! Aurelia On! Barclay de Tolly On! T'Kara and Sthilg On!

To the top of nacelles! To the top of the hull!
Now dash away, dash away, at impulse power, full!

So up to the saucer top- the coursers they flew,
With the shuttle full of toys - and Saint Nicholas too!

Then, in a twinkling, I heard on the hull,
Through, through duranium plating, the sounds of hoof beats seemed dull.

As I scratched my head, and turned around,
Out from my replicator, Saint Nicholas came in a bound.

He was dressed in an fur-lined EVA suit, from head to foot,
And his uniform was all tarnish'd with stardust and comet soot.

With a pack full of toys was strapped to his back,
He looked like a peddler when he opened the flap.

His eyes, how they twinkled, his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, His nose, like a cherry.

His small little grin, curved just like the ship's bow,
And the beard on his chin as white as fresh snow.

The stump of a cigar held tight in his teeth,
The smoke rising to encircle his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round torso,
When he laughed, it shook like a bladder full of Slug-O.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf.
And I laughed when I saw him, despite myself.

A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know, I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work.
And filled all the Armories, then turned with a jerk.

And laying a finger against his commbadge,
He nodded and said, I'm ready, energize.

He vanished away in a flash of red light,
I knew right then I must not have seen right.

He sprung to his helm, and gave his team the signal,
And away they flew, like the down of a thistle.

And I heard him exclaim, ere he warped out of sight,

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!! AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT!!"

Once David was finished reading, he put the PADD on the small coffee table on his right, then turned back to look at the readers.

"Well, my friends, I hope you enjoyed my rendition of this classic poem. May you and yours have a wonderful Christmas, and a very safe and Happy New Year!"

~FIN~

 

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