Help Wanted (2023 Version)

Posted on Mon Dec 18th, 2023 @ 8:31am by Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Gary and Lia's Quarters
Timeline: TBD
670 words - 1.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary had come into his and Lia's quarters and her Christmas song greeted him as he entered. He stopped just inside the doorway as the music engulfed him and he listened to the song and the message it conveyed. She knew him so well and what made him tick. It felt good to be able to talk to Lia without it degrading into an argument. This Christmas would be extra special as they had a daughter. Little Lia 3, who was anxiously looking forward to Santa coming. Both he and Lia both desperately wanted the small girl to have wonderous and memorable holiday.

Moving into the kitchen, he poured himself a glass of red wine and thought of something he could do to get him more into the Christmas spirit. He thought and he drank some more, and he thought some more than he had it. A funny poem or song. Something to put a smile on everyone's face and forget the tough times they had been through, the accident with the quantum filament. The loss of over a third of the crew Then being stuck on a planet that was really a giant deep freezer. They had been through a great deal and the stress they had placed on them was enormous.

Sighing, he walked into the study and sat down at his desk and began to compose. The words came quickly (thanks to the wine) as he composed them on a PaDD. As he did, he could feel a smile coming to his face. the corners of his mouth up turning into a smile as he read what he had written. It was funny and he hoped no one got offended. It was all in fun. He even chuckled at what he had composed.


Santa needs new reindeer.
The first bunch has grown old, slow and tired.
Phoenix has arthritis;
Mattias is way out of shape.
Teevs hates the cold.
Naxea's sick of staring
at S'hib's big behind.
David married Braeyn
and lost his mind.
Gary's mad at Lia
for stepping on his toes.
Rin is being thrown out—
she laughed at Myne's nose.
Miraj is pissed at Santa as he doesn't.
know how to drive.
Maxine wanted lead but no way.
Lee-McEntyre plots the best course in the freezing snow.
Damien stares vacantly and doesn't know what to do.
Heather and Fernando just want to cuddle and kiss.
Savar looks at Alicia and wonders what is amiss.
While N'vok sits in science and plots and schemes.
 Kovitz and Topaz-Symthe, wonder if they are all possessed.
Sthilg and J'airesh mend broken bones and bruises, that come
from falling off roofs.
While Orin stares and wonders if all have lost their minds.
Magnus was checking the presents hoping there were no
surprises.
While Kyle plotted evasive tactics in case the needs arise.
Woolheater, took his place as rear gunner on the sled to ward
present snatchers.
If you think you have what it takes
we hope you will apply.
There are just a few tricky parts:
You must know how to fly and be good with directions.

As he finished, Gary looked at the PaDD and nodded in approval. "That isn't half bad. It isn't Shakespeare but it isn't bad. Definitely better than what Alf E. Newman could come up with." He debated if he should have Lia read it and after several seconds of internal debate, he decided not to. He would surprise her by just singing the little ditty and watching the look on her face. As he waltzed her around their quarters. He was sure it would be priceless.

His spirits lifted by the copious amount of wine and Lia's moving and oh so appropriate song had done the trick. This silly, little song just put the icing on the cake. He rose from his chair and went back into the living room to await Lia's coming home and spend some quality, alone time with his wife and daughter to enjoy both their company and the holiday.

 

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