Christmas Day

Posted on Sunday 5 February 2017 @ 07:00 by Commander Save'ena (Sav) Tillatix & Captain John "Apollo" Barstow, M.D.
Edited on on Sunday 15 April 2018 @ 09:55

Mission: Intermission
Location: Lounge
4814 words - 9.6 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Martin found the pile of presents in the corner in a special bag he had wrapped up the day before and proceeded to put on his dress uniform and smarten up for the party and present giving tradition. He scooped up the bag of presents and tugged at the collar to straighten it before heading out to the lounge for the party to give the crew presents and have fun. He had special things for each of the crew Barstow aviation themed a gift from the Archer CO Martin thought he would enjoy, Cale a present given to me by Starbase 6 to see my homeworld with, Jones a bunch of holodeck stuff given by the CO of the Nottingham to myself, Scarlet this was given to me by the Starbase Vanguard CO who was a big Nelson fan for some reason and though Martin would enjoy it, Tan something special from a diplomatic mission which he would enjoy using, Miller a gift given to me by Starfleet Academy to increase my knowledge of certain era, Caleb just the small gift from the Rockhampton Martin had no intentions of reading and Sav something vintage fighter pilot wise from R&D they would enjoy more than me.

John smiled as he moved through the corridor with the red-headed little girl who had come with her mother, his ex-wife, to surprise him. Scoops had gone back to the station, wanting to give John and his 6-year-old daughter Sierra to spend some much needed time together. The Captain walked into the lounge holding her hand, smiling proud of not just his ship and the recent recognition from Starfleet Command, but also because of the girl dressed in a smooth, green simple dress and pigtails walking beside him.

Save'ena walked up to the lounge doors. While Mephetians didn't celebrate Christmas, she had picked up the holiday at the Academy and knew how important it was for many Terrans. She checked her sash for the holodeck time cards. She had found out early on that not bringing presents was not taken lightly, and almost everyone seemed thrilled to get extra time on the holodeck. She had so much saved up that she could dole out 20 cards with 2 hours each on them, and still have time left. So, that is what she had on her for the brass who showed up for the party.

She checked over herself on final time, then entered the Lounge. She saw Strat Ops Martin and the Captain within. And, Apollo had a kitling with him, dressed so prettily. She approached the pair, not wanting to encroach, but yet wanting to say hi. And, it depended on the kitlings' reactions on how they took her and her appearance. She moved up to be about 10 feet away, then Churred out loud. "Hey, Captain Barstow. I see you have a very pretty kitling with you. Can I say hi?" There was wistfulness in her voice as she knew what had happened to her, a kitling might never be in her future.

"Of course," Barstow replied with a smile, "this is my daughter Sierra, Sierra, this is Save'ena," he said, motioning to each in turn as he did.

Sav didn't see any negative reactions and so came on over to be in front of Apollo and Sierra. She crouched down to be more at eye level. "Heya Sierra, nice to meet you. And, if you want, you can call me Sav. You sure are a pretty kitling."

Sierra smiled and puffed up her chest a little, "thank you, Sav, and you're a pretty kitty," then little rehearsal replied with a beaming smile.

John blushed a light shade of red, "I'm sorry, Sav," he said then looked at Sierra, "honey, she's not a kitty," he corrected softly.

Sav churred louder, letting Sierra hear her 'purr' that Mephetians had. "Not a problem, Captain, I think it's rather endearing she thinks I'm also pretty." She returned her attention to Sierra, "I'm a Mephetian, Sierra, but Kitty works. We have what is considered one of the most luxurious tails for the known planets, and my furr is silky soft. Wanna check it out and give me a hug?"

~~~~~~

David and his family had returned to the Merlin the day before, having been allowed to take a day away from the ship in order for a surprise visit to on of Lana's closest friends, who was lecturing in a nearby system. They had been 'getting ready' for the best part of an hour now, but he had long ago stopped wondering how three girls could take so long to dress, so he sat in the living area reading up on the progress of the work being carried out on the Merlin. Finally, Lana came out of their bedroom. Dressed simply but elegantly in a deep blue, almost cobalt coloured, knee-length, dress, which somehow seemed to move totally independently of the flesh beneath. She was wearing the gold pendant, a crucifix, a family heirloom left her by her great, great, great, Grandmother. Again he was speechless, as he was the very first time they met.

"Your daughters are ready," Lana said, moving to stand beside him as Mackenzie and Mia appeared. They too were dressed as their Mother. both came into the living area and performed perfect duet curtsey. He was biased, of course, he was, but every time he looked at his Children, still only four and six years old, he couldn't help but believe they were nothing, short of angelic. Once everyone was ready they made their way to the party.

~~~~~

As they entered, David could feel Lana's grip on his hand tighten fractionally, but only for that first second. The room was quite full already, and he wondered if they were unfashionably late. Kenzie and mia had no such worries:

"Can we go play Daddy." four-year-old Mia asked.

"Let's get in first OK girls," Lana said, nodding to one Officer who had noticed their arrival ...

But this was neither any normal officer nor a member of the crew. She wore a deep blue full-length dress that was accented with command piping. Long, curly red hair spilled like a waterfall down her back, and her eyes, crystal blue. The kind of eyes that pierced a man to his soul. Her smile warmed the room, and it was directed toward John and his party. She was accompanied by a smaller woman of strikingly similar appearance in general, with the exception of her dress which was accented with the markings of an Engineer. The younger woman nodded at the trio as well, then both returned to studying the PADD the younger woman held.

~~~~~

Melody loved Christmas time. More for the feeling of togetherness than for the gifts. She had always made a big deal of Christmas at the academy and managed to get her roommates into the festive spirit. She had opted at first to wear her dress uniform for the occasion upon hearing that some Starfleet brass was going to be present but, at the least moment she had a change of heart and the dress uniform was replaced with a satin red dress that was rather figure hugging. Cut rather low and slit rather high. She had managed to find a festive 'pair of antlers' headband and a red nose which she was now wearing. She was carrying a bag which contained some gifts for the Senior officers which she would hand out.

For the Captain, she had got an antique pocket watch which was a replica of the watch worn by Lord Nelson. For Cale, she had made a recording of her performing favorite piano sonatas. For Caroline, she had managed to get hold of some real Brazilian coffee, not replicated and a coffee set with which to brew it.

For Save'ena she had thought long and hard about what to get her. In the end, she had gone with a scarf made of Tholian silk, and a silver necklace with a locket which had a picture of herself and Sav together in it.

She had some other presents for the rest of the officers. Walking into the lounge she spotted Sav straight away near the Captain and walked over to her smiling "Merry Christmas Sweetie" as she handed over a well-wrapped box. She then nodded to Barstow "Captain, Merry Christmas Sir" as she handed him his parcel.

Sav received the present even as she responded in kind, "Merry Christmas, Melody."

"Merry Christmas," the Captain replied as he took the package, "thank you," he said then motioned to the red haired little girl at his side, "Melody, this is my daughter Sierra," he introduced.

Melody crouched down next to Sierra "Well hello there, I do like your dress. Are you enjoying the party?"

"Thank you, I like yours too, are you my Daddy's girlfriend?" She asked innocently then whispered, "mommy said he really likes red hair."

Melody blushed and smiled "Thank you, sweetheart. No, I'm not your Daddy's girlfriend but I see he has impeccable taste."

Sav held in a chuckle and beamed. She remembered the saying, 'Out of the mouth of Babes.' But, why is she asking about a girlfriend when her mommy is obviously... Sav's eyes opened wide as she realized what happened, the 'D' word that many races employed as they did not do enough diligence to find a mate for life.

To cover up her surprise, Sav curtsied to the three, then reached into her Sashe. Pulling out three cards, she gave one to Sierra, Apollo, and then Melody. She grinned, "Merry Christmas to All. These are time vouchers for holodecks. There are two hours on each one. Have fun, enjoy."

Melody straightened up again "Why thank you, sweetie, I do hope you like your present."

Sav felt the present she had already placed in her duty sash. "I know I will like it. Sorry for mine not being wrapped. It just... felt silly to wrap a bunch of holodeck time cards." Sav felt the present again. "Umm, so, in your Tradition of Christmas, do I open this now, or wait till morning? I have been with ladies who celebrate both ways."

Melody smiled "Its entirely up to you Sweetie."

Sav nodded, thinking about the why for Christmas, and said, "Ok, later, for after midnight, in keeping with full Christmas tradition."

Sav returned her attention to Sierra. "So, gonna take your dad out on a sleigh ride, build a snowman, and degenerate into a snow ball fight? That's what happened last time I went on a snowy wonderland holodeck adventure." Of course, Sav would not mention that the juniors in her third year at the academy made her into the snowman just to see how well her fur would stand up to the snow. She had survived with only light hypothermia.

John let out a sigh of relief as Sav changed the subject, "I love building snowmen," Sierra replied excitedly, "I live in Colorado and we get lots of snow."

~~~~~

"Daddy, why didn't we bring presents for everyone ?" Mia asked after watching the scene in the room. David looked at Lana before kneeling and picking up his four-year -old.

"Well sweetheart, we decided not to give presents because we don't really know anyone well enough to have a good idea as to what they might like, understand?" he asked. Mia frowned for a second as if mulling the brief explanation over in her mind for a few seconds, then she nodded.

"So it was like when the new people moved in along our street, we sent cards and everything, but no presents this time?"

"That's right Princess, and once we know everyone a little better we will be able to make a better guess at what they might like. We sent cards to everyone though, you remember, you signed they with Kenzie, mummy, and me ?"

"Yes, I remember." she replied, her face brightening as the tiny frown vanished to be replaced with her Angelic smile. She wriggled to get down. Kenzi whispered something and the two laughed their 'secret' laugh. David rolled his eyes as Lana feigned a cringe, "Can we go play now Daddy ?" Mia asked.

"OK, but not too much running around, there are a lot of people here and we don't want any accidents."

"Oh and no going out of this room OK." Lana said, but doubted they heard given they had practically sprinted away even before David had finished his instructions. The two parents moved to the bar, acknowledging those that nodded acquaintance, passing brief comments with other officers, "I know it's early, but do you mind if I have a brandy?" she asked needlessly. David ordered two, waiting patiently while the steward prepared their drinks. Kenzie and Mia seemed to have found a friend, they were chatting to a girl, maybe a couple of years older than Mackenzie. Lana handed him his drink and they talked, each keeping a wary eye on their daughters. Not that they were ever any trouble, but both had a knack for speaking their minds or asking the most awkward of questions at times, and the last thing they needed was an Officer feeling as if they were being put on the proverbial spot.

A young Marine Lieutenant stepped into the room with a small box under his arm. He looked around, suddenly getting uncomfortable with the ship's most senior officers gathered. After a moment he approached the Tan family, "Lieutenant Tan, Major Johnson wasn't able to make it tonight, he was shipped out yesterday. However, he wanted me to drop off something for an O'Tool with your daughter? He said he was keeping a promise to her," the young man explained and held out the package, wrapped in silver paper with Mia's name handwritten on top.

David and Lana had turned at the mention of his name:

"Ahh, Lieutenant, good to see you again." David said, glancing at the box, "O'Toole? Oh, right, It's for Mia." he looked around the room finally spotting his daughter near one of the tables containing snacks. Managing to get her attention he waved her over.

"Daddy?" she asked, smiling at Lieutenant Mitchell, who knelt on one knee and handed the present over. Unsure, Mia looked up at her mother who told her to open it. Doing so she tore the wrapping paper Mitchell had so painstakingly done earlier and lifted the lid of the box. Her eyes lit up and she jumped up and down, making several officers glance in their direction, grinning as they saw it was only one of the children. she lifted the present out, proudly displaying the Starfleet Command uniform.

"It's for O'Toole!Admiral Wolf said he would get it for me and he did ... He DID !"

"OK, calm down a little. You can thank the Mister Wolf next time you see him, but for now let's put it back in the box and you can put it on O'Toole when we get home, OK." Lana said, mouthing a 'thank you' to Lieutenant Mitchell. She waited while Mia replaced the uniform, placing the lid on the box and handing it over.

"Be careful with it Mummy," she said, running back to Kenzie telling her excitedly what she had got. David turned to Mitchell.

"So the Major has been transferred ?" he asked, receiving a nod of confirmation from Mitchell, "Let's hope he finished my evaluation before he went," David said, a wry grin forming as Lana dug him in the ribs playfully.

"So, how are you finding the Merlin Lieutenant? I know when we came aboard and I began preparations for the new school, I was admittedly a little apprehensive, new pupils, new environment, it all seemed a little too much for the first day or so, but once we were busy getting everything ready, and I got to know some of the parents, things seemed to settle, hardly daunting, but ...." she grinned, wondering if she had portrayed herself in a bad light.

"I am liking the ship quite a bit," Caleb replied, but I think I may have to change my name, or at least go by my last name. The Executive Officer and I share a very similar first name and it could get confusing."

~~~~~

Cale walked into the lounge slowly. He noticed Sav and the captain conversing and decided to let them talk. Cale swallowed hard and walked over to the bar, ordered an Irish Mint Hot Chocolate and cased the room. Noticing Martin, he walked over to him. "Lieutenant, how are you enjoying the party?"

"It's alright at the moment I guess" Martin replied

~~~~~

"Pardon me. Captain Barstow, my lady wishes to speak with you for a moment." The young redhead had managed to approach John without his realizing it. When she made eye contact, it was almost as if time glitched for a moment. The temperature had noticeably warmed a bit as well.

John nodded and looked at the two officers with him, "Lieutenants, could you keep Sierra company for a moment?" he asked Melody and Sav before following the officer who had come to get him over.

Sav immediately responded, "Oh, most definitely, Sir. We have her." Sav watched him go, then returned her attention to his kitling. "I have an idea, why don't we go get some drinks? Do you like Hot Chocolate, Egg Nog, or Spiced Apple Cider? Those are the drinks I think are the norm for a Christmas party, right?" She slyly glanced at Melody to see if Melody had anything to add.

Melody smiled "The apple cider sounds nice, I think this one might have to stick to the hot chocolate," she said indicating Sierra.

Sierra just nodded excitedly, seemingly not noticing her father walking off. Barstow covertly looked back, the fact that she hadn't noticed stung him, but he was thankful for his officers and crew. Despite events with them the fact he could trust them enough to leave his daughter with them was something he was extremely grateful for.

Etain made her way back to where Kathleen was standing, with John following just a few paces behind. As he watched, She walked up to Kathleen and whispered into her ear for a moment, to which Kathleen's only response was a simple nod. Kathleen then walked over to John and offered her hand to him. "Captain Barstow. I can't tell you how much of a pleasure it is to meet you."

Apollo extended his hand, "you as well, Commodore," he replied then smiled, "we actually met just after you saved Merlin from that junkyard when I went to teach at the Academy. I was just....a little rougher around the edges."

She took his hand, which he found to be very warm. "I must say that had not realized that. I must do a bit of memory searching. But that was...an interesting time."

John chuckled, "Yes, very interesting," he replied with a nod, "she's come a long way since you drug her out,though, I actually chased command until they gave her to me," he added with a grin, "they finally remembered why you don't tell Marines they can't do something."

Kathleen laughed. "You think that they would have decided that with me, but some folks never learn. I am glad to see that she has a master and commander worthy of her." She paused for a moment to appropriate a glass of wine from a passing steward. "I'm not sure if you remember my Personal Assistant, Rosaleen. She is out at Utopia at the moment getting her first command ready for travel as well." A twinkle in her eye. "She took the Arthur. So it looks as if there are two old Marines conning Excaliburs now. The universe is definitely in a trouble now."

Martin put his satchel on the chair and left to go grab a missing present trying not to move the legs on it or the rounded shape in the paper trying ever so hard not to rip it as he reentered the room and headed for Cale trying not to break the glass inside or rip the paper with its odd shape "trying not to rip it its pretty hard" as Martin put it down in front of Cale onto its legs "Happy Xmas Cale hope you get hours of fun with this and the universe outside the window a previous person tole me I could see my homeworld with it out the window" Martin explained waiting for Cale to unwrap it.

"Thank you, Martin. I love it!" Cale exclaimed looking at the telescope. "It's perfect. I've actually never possessed one of these. Thank you very much! I'm sorry for not getting you anything it's just that I never had much use for Christmas having been raised by the orphanage system," Cale said suddenly looking rather sullen.

"I've never been in one place long enough to get this far so have not celebrated Xmas since the Leeds and my homeworld" Martin explained "I just felt it be nice to give something this Xmas instead of looking bah humbug but it's nice to know you like it" Martin explained then went looking for Barstow.

Landau found Barstow in the back of the room swinging by his table to pull the silk scarf from the bag on the floor all wrapped up he thought John will love this and probably wear it a lot. "Hey john merry Xmas" Martin explained handing over the gift

The CO smiled and took the gift, "Thank you, Merry Christmas," he replied and looked at the scarf, "this is very nice," he added as he lightly ran his fingers over the fabric.

After speaking with Lieutenant Mitchell, they walked over to the long table containing a number of snacks. Taking four plates Lana began to place a few things on each, making sure not to over-fill Kenzi's and Mia's. She was reaching over for one of the snacks when someone else beat her to it.

"Talia, it's good to see you here, is Carmen with you?" she asked her Assistant teacher.

"Yes, she's over there talking that Officer's glass eye to sleep," Talia said, grinning at her witticism. Lana looked over at the man, not recognizing him. She turned back.

"He has a glass eye!" she whispered conspiratorially, "Surely they could fit a working prosth ...... Oh, very funny." she said, seeing both her husband and the teacher trying not to laugh out loud. Talia waved Carmen over.

"Hi everyone, David," Carmen said.

"I was just explaining to the Head of our new School that the man over there has a glass eye," she said, oozing innocence. Carmen looked over her shoulder, not missing the wink from her friend and roommate.

"Oh yeah, one hundred percent silicone." she said, nodding seriously.

"I can see this is going to be a long day." David said, laughing, "Can I get you ladies drinks ?" ...

~~~~~

Melody had now spotted a piano set up in one corner of the lounge. She took Sierra by the hand and spoke to Save'ena "Come on you two" and led them over, setting her cider on a small table next to the piano stool as she sat herself down.

She looked at Sierra and Save'ena "Either of you two have a favorite Christmas Song?"

Sav, watching Sierra, said, "I love Little Drummer Boy, who teaches Christmas is not about what you have, but what you truly can give; Rudolf, who teaches don't give up, you can make a difference and be appreciated for it; and Frosty, to appreciate friendship, even fleeting, and keep those memories close as they keep that friend alive." She turned to wipe a tear away from the memories evoked by stating the deep meanings within those songs and how they affected her. She turned back, sitting down and churring, "Want to sit in my lap while we sing your Favorite, Sierra? I'm soft and cuddly.."

"RUDOLPH!" the young girl said as she jumped onto Sav's lap, "can the other kids come sing too?" she asked and pointed to the Tan family.

Sav churred in agreement, "Most Definitely, Most Definitely. The more, the merrier, and it will cover up those of us who sing bad, eh?"

... Kenzie came over to them and said a little girl near the piano was pointing at them.

"I think that is the Captain's daughter," Lana said, waving at the six-year-old, who waved back enthusiastically, "I think they are having a sing, why not grab Mia and go over there, we'll be right here watching ?"

"Hmm." their own six-year-old said as if weighing up the possible pros and cons of joining a group of adult singers. Apparently, her mind made up she darted over to where Mia was nudging food along a table trying to decide on what to have. They whispered back and forth for a moment, Mia seemingly hesitant, then that 'sparkle' that usually meant trouble appeared and she allowed her big sister to pull her towards the group, and the six-year-old daughter of the Captain.

"What's your name ?" Mia asked without preamble. They stood eyeing the girl waiting for her to reply as the singing began ...

Melody struck up, her hands dancing on the keyboard "Rudolf, I think I can manage that." Quite soon, a small crowd had gathered around the piano singing.

Cale looked around the room scanning for any friendly face, then settled on Caleb's face and blushed. He remembered the kiss the two shared and if made him a little hot under the collar. Walking over to the bar, he felt some eyes fixating on him but rather than turn to look at them, he decided to leave the party and return to his quarters to be in peace alone. As he made his way to his quarters, he burst into tears for an unknown reason. He hoped no one would see the XO in tears on the day of Christmas. He was becoming moody and distraught more these days and he couldn't figure out why. As he approached his quarters, he dried his eye and entered his sanctum sanctorum. "Alone at last," he said out loud.

Sav, in singing facing out to the crowd with Sierra, noticed as the XO walked towards the bar, then turned around and left. She felt a sudden surge of needing to go after him, to find out why he left and bring him back to the party, but she also remembered his words to her in his office. So, she could not go after him, but, wait, the Counselor was there, at the bar. Maybe, after this song, she could attract his attention and ask him to check up on the XO. She made up her mind to wave to him to come over if he looked her way.

Mitchell had seen Cale leave, and was tempted to follow him, but decided instead, he should give him some space. He stood at the bar sipping a Brandy Slush and joining in the singing.

As the singing continued, going from one themed song to the next, quite forgotten was the party around them as they bellowed out in merriment to the Piano 'Man' blasting her tunes for their merriment.

... Lana could see that Mia was getting tired now. They had been at the party for several hours, and both their daughters had enjoyed themselves. Lana and David had taken the opportunity to get to meet some of the Staff. As the singing died down somewhat Mia climbed onto her Fathers knee and snuggled close, a sure sign that she was about to fall into the 'Land of Nods' as Lana called it.

"I think I should get her home." Lana said. David stood, lifting his sleeping daughter as he did so, then looked around for Mackenzie. He could see her talking with the Captain's daughter. They walked over to where the girls were sat:

"Say bye to your friend Kenzie, time to go." Lana said, smiling warmly at the girl.

"Got to go now .. Byes." their seven year old said, rising to her feet before taking her mothers hand. Saying their farewells the Tan's left and headed home to their Family quarters ...

Sav smiled to them, saying out, "Bye, glad you came, thanks for singing." She was starting to feel tired herself as she snuggled Sierra to her chest. "Need a drink or potty break, Sierra? Melody or I can take you."


OFF:

Captain John Barstow
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin

Lieutenant Commander Cale Llewellyn
Former Executive Officer
USS Merlin
NCC-84401

Lieutenant David Tan
Chief Operations Officer
USS Merlin

Lieutenant Commander Melody Jones
Second Officer / CFCO
USS Merlin

Lieutenant Save'ena Amillia Tillatix
CAG/Uroboros Squadron Leader
Bridge Command Specialist
USS Merlin

Commodore Kathleen O'Shea
==as played by==
Lieutenant JG Etain McLaughlin
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Merlin