Christmas Celebration Pt. 1

Posted on Wed Dec 25th, 2019 @ 11:46am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Lieutenant JG Nerinath zh'Rhilror [Lalor] & Cadet Junior Grade Triston Montgomery [Lalor] & Miran Lalor [Lalor] HRH & Elisha Pryce-Randal [ADMIN NPC] Ms & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Lieutenant Carter Smith & Lieutenant Commander S'hib & Ensign Lunara Hol & Lieutenant JG T'Kek [Naxea] & Chief Warrant Officer Man'darr [Naxea] & Private 1st Class Durak

Mission: 2395 - A Christmas Time
Location: Decks 2 - 6
3110 words - 6.2 OF Standard Post Measure

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 Phoenix had set the tone in a short, ice-blue cocktail dress that showed off her legs, and her shoulders, as it was strapless and her long black hair ran down her back in waves. On one wrist she wore a intricately carved bracelet. And her favorite silver earrings dangled from her ears.

Giving the area a final glance, Phoenix checked the time. 19h - perfect, time to open the gates. “Avalon”

“Yes Captain.”

“Open all entrances to the Arboretum please. Let’s get this party started. And don’t forget to make sure the signs show the timeline of events for this evening.”

The AI didn’t reply, but Phoenix noted that off a little way, a holographic image appeared. On it 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.

Holographic waiters and greeters appeared at the doors and throughout the area to give directions and hand out the program of events to people as they came through, printed on nice paper.

Nodding with satisfaction, Phoenix turned and headed off into the room, she would merge with the crew and mingle.

In the quarters he and Lia shared, Gary looked at the red suit on the bed. Had it been a year since he had last worn it? He supposed it had but it felt like a lot longer. Truth was he was looking forward to wearing it and seeing all the smaller children especially Gallia's little Tay. He smiled as he thought of her calling him "Sana" and looked forward to hearing it again as well as hearing the children's requests. He just needed to sneak out in time to change into the suit and it's extra padding and be back before anyone missed him.

Anje hadn't wanted to get her early, it always felt so awkward for her, but here she was again, early and awkward, ~If only I could be like Milla, a quarter inch of hair and still spends so much time on it that she's late...~ Out of the corner of her eye she spied Phoenix, happy to see someone she knew. Getting there as fast as she could in her six inch heels and red and white min-dress, she walked over and embraced her Captain, "Oh I am so glad to see you!"



S’hib trotted in as quietly as he could, his hooves crunching on the snow in between the mass of bells that rattled along the harness he had over his chest. ~Wow, captain really knows how to throw a party...~ S’hib thought, ducking under a low hanging branch, the strangely realistic looking antlers atop his head catching the snow covered leafs above him, sprinkling his bare shoulders and bright red kilt with the icy cool snow.

Moving along a white forested path, S’hib breathed in a sigh of cold air, enjoying the peaceful serenity for the next few fragile moments before spying more people entering from various entrances. A happy snort left his nostrils and he crossed his arms, wondering what Tayalas would think of her Sib being a Reindeer today instead of a Sequus.

Lia was in her old cabin, she had decided to wear her ice blue Kimono with the snow around the bottom once again. As such she was busy getting everything ready to just put on once she had her sonic shower, Her hair was going to put in a traditional Japanese style, which would take a little time. But hey, it was Christmas. She opened a drawer and removed her only Japanese fan, an antique and very valuable. The picture on the fan now also adorned the wall in Gary's cabin, Mount Fuji the sacred mountain of Japan.

Imik stood in her cabin, her computer terminal flashed with a seasonal greeting and an invitation to a party. The problem was Imik had no idea what Christmas was all about, what was she supposed to do? She needed advice but knew very few people to ask, she had an idea. The Human female in the strange clothing, perhaps she would inform her of the correct procedure.

In her quarters, Naxea crossed her arms, dressed in her underwear as she stared at the invitation on her terminal in disbelief, especially the part stating no formal uniforms. "What the hell am I supposed to wear? Go butt naked?" she complained to herself. She didn't even have a dress to wear. To her, they were unnecessary and an extra burden when moving from post to post. She still weren't sure why the kids got so excited about an old, bearded, overweight person breaking into their homes to leave presents. How did such a tradition start anyhow? After a few minutes, she sighed in frustration as she walked over to the replicator. "Computer, show me a selection of dresses suited for a terran Christmas get together."

After a few minutes of searching, she came across one dress that seemed to be decent enough to wear and actually allow her to move. "Computer, replicate item Six-Alpha, along with the matching pumps in my size." A moment later, a the burgundy-colored dress and shoes materialized in the replicator. It took a moment for her to slip into the off the shouder, skater-style dress with a floral lace design for the sleeves. She moved to fix her hair and then stepped looked at herself in the mirror. "I feel like an idiot," she mumbled as she smoothed out the dress. With a long sigh, she stepped off to make her way to the party.

Imik now pressed the chime on Lia's cabin door, inside Lia was surprised as Gary would just open the door and call out. Opening the door her shock was even greater as Imik bowed an spoke, "Konnichiwa, onegai shimasu?" Lia bowed back and motioned for Imik to enter, "Doozo". Imik entered and in true Ojnas style sank down to sit on the floor, Lia watched fascinated. "Can I get you a refreshment?" Imik looked back at Lia, "No thank you, I am need of advice". Lia now sat on the floor in her Geisha way, and waited for Imik to continue. "I learned that one sentence so you would assist me, I do not know what Christmas is. So this invitation has me concerned, will you tell me what I am supposed to do?" Lia simply nodded, "Of course, but first a question. Do you have any other clothes besides your uniform?" Imik shook her head, and pointed to her uniform. Lia now walked over and asked her to stand, she took out a red Kimono and checked it against Imik. "This will fit, and I will assist you in putting it on. As for Christmas, it is an old Earth religious ceremony". A look of alarm appeared on Imik's face, Lia continued. "Don't worry, all you have to do is turn up and get to know people. I'll be there to help you, ok?" Imik nodded and the pair now began to dress for the party.

After about an hour, both Lia and Imik emerged ready to hit the party. Imik was now dressed in a bright red Kimono, complete with the correct under garments her silver white hair parted into two long flowing ponytails. Lia had replicated a bright green Obi, so that she still had her service colour on her outfit. She had also replicated three proper Japanese sandal's for her, Lia herself was now dressed in her ice blue Kimono again complete from head to foot correctly with her own pair of sandal's. "You really suit that Kimono Imik", Lia stated. Imik blushed, she wasn't used to girly things. But she had to admit, this Kimono clothing was for her extremely practical. "Thank you Commander, your assistance is gratefully received", Imik replied. Lia shook her head, "For tonight Imik, call me Lia. And your welcome, I hope we can become very good friends". The pair now waited for Gary, who was probably working out what to wear.

Gary had finally settled on what to wear. Black shoes, black slacks, garnet shirt with a black sports jacket. A splash of cologne and he was out the door and headed for Lia's old cabin. Reaching it he knocked to alert her and opened the door and found not one but two Geisha girls! Both Lia and Imik were dressed as Geishas and looked absolutely stunning! "My lucky night, not one beautiful Geisha but two. You both look fabulous." He said as he kissed Lia. "Imik, that attire suits you. You are quite attractive."

Both girls now bowed in traditional style, Lia as a Japanese Geisha Imik as both a Geisha and an Ojnas. Imik glanced at Lia before she replied, "Lia helped me greatly, a kindness I was not expecting. I thank you for your kind words, shall we go?" Lia just smiled and as she left her cabin took Gary's arm, "That hair of hers is fantastic, I wish mine was as long as that. And didn't you know, two Geisha's is considered lucky". She giggled as she snuggled into Gary.

Gary glanced at Imik as Lia spoke, " You are welcome and yes let us be going." He turned to Lia as she took his arm, "Her hair is fantastic." He replied, "But I like yours, just the way it is Lia." He chuckled as the three of them walked along. "I didn't know it but I certainly agree. It is lucky for me."

Lia playfully hits Gary's arm, "You sir are walking a fine line, this Geisha may sulk if she thinks her boyfriend likes the other girl instead of her". She pouted her mouth just to make sure Gary got the point.

"Now Lia." Gary bantered back. "I only have eyes for you, so no sulking." As he kissed her cheek to make his point.

Giggling to herself Lia just hugged Gary's arm tighter, "Your getting the first round of Sake, I don't think our OJnas friend drinks alcohol what do we get her?" Then she kissed Gary back, "Ok no sulking, but I'm allowed to get jealous. Just a little, you rogue".

"Fair enough." Gary replied with a grin. "Hmm. How about a vanilla milkshake? Jonathan Grayson said that the Onja he knew loved them." He smiled broadly as Lia returned his kiss. "Okay as long as it's only a little jealous." He teased.

The words (Vanilla Milkshake) sounded in imik's ears and she turned to her new friends, "A milkshake will be required when I arrive at this party, although the Kimono is practical for me I am unused to the weight". She smiled at them both, "And do not fret Lia, your intended is not to my taste. No insult intended Commander, but you are missing an appendage and your colour is to pale to be attractive for me".

Lia now burst out laughing, "Gary Taylor, I do believe you have just been turned down. That's gotta hurt, even if its just a little". She continued to giggle as they carried on towards the party.

"Um, sure no problem Imik." Gary stammered at Imik's statement. Then just sighed and grinned as Lia continued to giggle at him.

Imik looked at Gary again, "We Ojnas judge each other on the colour we present, a healthy male Ojnas can have a rich dark hue. Humans although colourful, can not compete. And as I stated, your are an appendage missing. But I thank you for your interest in me, even an Ojnas female enjoys when a male finds her attractive". She then looked over to Lia, "You are a lucky female, he seems very smitten by you".

Lunara hurried around in her quarters, putting the final touches on her outfit. "Almost done... okay, there we are!" She put on her coat and looked in the mirror. With a thigh length red coat and warm pants, she would be plenty warm during the party. She stuffed a Santa hat into her pocket and hurried to the arboretum.

Carter had decided not to attend this party that the captain had organized. He was too depressed for parties. After his promotion and medal award, he had been drinking almost all the time.
He was depressed because he knew he was a coward, and not worthy of a medal, much less a promotion.
But since his private stock of alcohol was gone, he figured there be something to drink at this party.
So even in his hung over state, he cleaned himself up, dressed in a new uniform, and made his way to the arboretum.

As Lunara walked down the hall, she saw a familiar face. She hadn't gotten to know most of the crew nearly as well as she'd like, but now seemed like a great time to rectify it. "Carter, right? Carter Smith?"

Carter turned around. "Yes?" He saw the woman walking towards him.

"Just wanted to see if you'd like to go to the party with me. After all, these things are so much more fun with someone else. What do you say?" Lunara smiled.

Carter really wanted to be alone. The entire idea of being here was to drink enough to get numb, then return to his quarters. "I will go with you..if you wish."

This guy really wanted to be left alone. Lunara shook her head. "Hey, it's fine if you don't want to!"

"No....I apologize...please....let's go in together." At this point, all Carter wanted was a drink.

"You sure?" Lunara started down the hall.

"I'm sure." Carter realized that he had to speak to someone about his problems....who better then one of the ship's counselors.

Once again, Lt. Vaii had showed up wearing a t-shirt, bomber jacket and tight-fitting jeans. "I wonder if I could have a little practice dogfight with an old man flying a sleigh with Reindeer?" She said to herself.

Several minutes later, Naxea made her way into the arboretum. She studied the layout, happy she had decided to bring a white dress coat to stay off the cool air. But overall, she felt ridiculous--dresses had never really been her thing but Captain Lalor seemed to have a vendetta against formal uniforms. She sighed before spotting S'hib and burst into laughter at the sight of him jogging down a nearby trail.

"You look nice too." S'hib snorted, trotting over to Naxea and crossing his arms, the bells on his reigns shaking as he stopped near her, a smirk on his face.

"Hush. I feel like a fool in this," she commented. "So was your outfit your idea or did you lose a bet that I'm unaware of," she grinned.

“I picked this outfit actually.” He snorted, the many silver bells adorning his harness jingling with an overly festive chorus at every little movement. “I think it suits me.” He said sarcastically, moving around slightly to show off his outfit.

Naxea could barely contain her laughter. "So where were you headed?"

“Nowhere in particular, just enjoying the scenery until the children arrive,” S’hib smiled, moving his arm out for her Naxea to hold. “Care to join me until then?” He asked, tilting his head down slightly, a small amount of snow falling free from his antlers.

"Sure," she said as she brushed off some of the snow that fell off S'hib's antlers before taking his arm and walked down the path together.

Feeling the gentle weight of her hand around his arm, he put a gentle smile on his face. "You do look very pretty by the way~" S'hib said softly, looking down at her at his side.

"Thank you," she said, smiling. "So are you dressed this way for Tayalas? She seems fond of you."

"I thought I'd surprise her and her mothers, take Tay off their hands for a little bit so they can enjoy some time together as a couple..." S'hib admitted, a small smile creeping onto his lips. "Plus, what could be more Christmasy than going on a date with a reindeer..." S'hib quipped cheekily, leaning his head forward slightly and looking at Naxea as they walked, his tongue sticking out between his lips.

Naxea shook her head and chuckled. "Better treat Tayalas good or the reindeer will get a beating," she joked.

"If I didn't I think you'd be waiting in line to beat me... so don't worry," S'hib replied, widening his eyes slightly at the terrifying prospect of two angry mothers.

Naxea chuckled and grinned as they continued down the path