Seasonal celebrations

Posted on Mon Dec 29th, 2025 @ 5:13am by Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Gunnery Sergeant Luxa Gami [Naxea]

Mission: Season 6: Episode 6: Conglomerate
Location: Marine Country; USS Elysium
650 words - 1.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Naxea's office was filled with a rare sound--the squeals and giggling of an infant as Sle'anna was bouncing on Naxea's knee as Naxea held her. It was a celebration that humans called Christmas. Though she knew that several human cultures celebrated other holidays such as Hanakah and Kwanza, she knew it was a special time of the year for majority of humans.

Therefore she had arranged some downtime for the Marines--they needed it. They had even come together to plan a party for the occasion. In a few days, it would be the time of the Bajoran Gratitude Festival. It was a time to write your troubles onto a scroll and then burn it to symbolize starting the coming new year unburdened. She looked at Sle'anna. "Come on. Let's go see if the Marines are behaving themselves."

She picked up Sle'anna into her arms as she stood. She exited her office and then made her way down the corridor towards the Marine Mess Hall. Stepping inside, she saw a sight that brought her some happiness. Throughout the mess hall, Marines were either eating, playing games, or talking. And it wasn't just humans. Andorians, Trill, Betazeds, Orions, and even Vulcans were taking part.

"Hey!" came the voice of Gami as she approached Naxea and Sle'anna. "Nice of you to stop by and to bring the kid."

"How's the head?" Naxea asked.

"Still get headaches if I try to do anything more than empathic. But it's getting better."

"Good," Naxea stated.

"Here. Let me take Sle'anna here for a bit and you go grab something to eat and drink."

"You're sure?"

"Yes! Now go," Gami said as she took Sle'anna out of Naxea's arms, bouncing her slightly as she walked off to a quieter area of the mess hall.

Naxea moved towards the table where food was served. It was full with meats, breads, vegetables, and fruits from various Alpha and Beta Quadrant species. Picking up a plate, she grabbed some mashed potatoes, a slice of ham, and Andorian Yams. Finding a spot at a somewhat less crowded table.

Naxea sat down, pausing to take in the scene of her Marines enjoying themselves for however brief the lull in the action was Men and women were, at least for the time being, care free. It was Men and women living in the moment and not caring about the future. It brought a smile to her face as she took a bite of the Andorian Yams. Her mind wondered to Gary. She was happy with him--he had been there when she needed someone the most. She wondered briefly if she should have celebrated Christmas with him but had quickly decided against it as it was a family celebration that should be between him and his daughter.

Suddenly Naxea's train of thought was broken by a nearby commotion.

"Where is my Egg Nog?" An Andorian Marine demanded. "I walk away for one minute and one of you stole my Egg Nog!"

"Nobody stole your Egg Nog. You drank it," a female Trill Marine replied

"I did not finish it! Give me my Egg Nog!"

"Here you go, A'len!" another Marine called as A'len was covered by Egg Nog thrown by the Marine. Several Marines burst out in laughter as A'len turned, grabbing his plate and tossed it's contents at the Marine that hit several other Marines as well. A moment later, food was being launched everywhere as Gami took cover with Sle'anna

Naxea stood. "Are you serious?" she exclaimed just as she was hit in the chest by a chunk of Andorian Yams causing the Marines, largely covered with food and drink to stop.

A slow smile formed on her lips as she took in the sight. "You're all incorrigible," she said, chuckling.

"Thank you, Ma'am!" came a reply from one of the Marines, causing the Marines, covered in food, to smile and laugh.