Posted by Commander Shara Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) in While the Cat’s Away…

Bethany waved her officers off. “No, you all go. I’m not big on the holidays and parties anyway.” Truth of the matter was, with most of the crew gone, it was the ideal time for Elias to do something. Of course he wouldn’t take advantage because he enjoyed a challenge. But the moment she assumed that he would take advantage. Plus this time of year was really a big deal for most humans and those species that had adopted human traditions. They were important to Bethany’s family, but she had spent so many years away from home and family, it didn’t matter anymore.

This mission was going to be hard on the entire crew. Whether they stayed on board or at the station. They deserved a chance to let loose and relax and celebrate. Bethany shut down her terminal and left the security office to make her rounds. She’d make stops along the way to let those who had to stay get a break long enough to go enjoy the party.

Gadi, CoS

She didn’t make it far before a casually dressed Shara appeared, stepping silently, as usual. “You too, huh?” Calloway said, calmly looking over her shoulder, before focusing again on the COS. Despite the ease she projected, there was an edge to the CIO that while understandable, irritated Shara. She hated being transparent to people. Ever. And yet she couldn’t seem to shake it.

Commander Calloway, CIO

Bethy too was irritated. She was on edge and the thought of abandoning the whole project for whatever idiot brought Elias here to their fate. She tried to talk herself into the idea that it wasn’t her responsibility but it was. She hated that Calloway knew how she was feeling and imagined that Shara felt the same about her. Bethany just nodded, “Yep.” Her perpetual grin held in place by years of habit and nothing more.

Gadi, GoS

“The nice thing about having had the length of career I’ve had and being how old I am is that I’ve done all the party-going to information collecting nonsense. And now, unless Kiernan really wants to order me to go, I can say, ‘nope, not interested’. So I was going to head up to the bridge to relieve people there and watch over the junior officers and crew.”

Bethany nodded. “Same. I was going to take some spots so others could go. It will be the last normal day they will have in a long time. Easier for us than them, huh?”

Shara eyed Bethy as a twinkle formed in her foggy blue eyes. “Bethy… if you want to have some fun and still remain on duty, I have an idea. Ever played ‘Never Have I Ever’? We used to play it back in my Maquis days when we were hiding out. Made time pass better.”

Commander Calloway, CIO

“Many many times.” The grin in her face looked slightly more easy. “What are you thinking?”

Gadi, CoS

Calloway looked around like she was worried someone might overhear her before she fixed her slate blue eyes on Bethy. “I say we go to the bridge and shock the juniors with stories of life lived with shots alone. Though obviously no alcohol. We can’t break too many rules.” She wasn’t above rule-breaking at all but she also wasn’t going to possibly put others in danger.

Commander Calloway, CIO

Bethy stood up a little straighter. The idea was like a breath of fresh air coming down the corridor. “Yes. Let’s do it.” The idea of letting loose a little bit, after everything else going on, seemed a little reckless. Bethany was ALL for that. She really shouldn’t, but why not? Taunt fate just a little bit. She turned a quick corner to the nearest lift that would go to the bridge.

Gadi, CoS

OOC: We started this back in Dec when there was a holiday party going on, but it’s fun so we’re continuing it. If anyone wants to join in as an NE, feel free!
IC:
Making their way to the bridge, Shara stopped briefly to pick up the one food she detested: black liquorice. It wasn’t shots of alcohol but it would be unpleasant to have to eat a lot of.

Bethany shook her head, “Know what’s worse than black liquorice? Black liquorice soaked in Vodka.” She gave a shiver that went from the top of her head to her toes like an frozen icy drop of water.

Stepping off the turbolift, Calloway eyed the quiet bridge full of junior officers looking bored as hell. “Gee, looks like they could use a party up here, don’cha think Gadi?” she said, a gleaming her steel blue eyes as she shot Bethy a glance.

Commander Calloway, CIO

The JO at the tactical station was slouched, elbows on the top edge of the console gazing blankly at the large view screen. Hearing the lift door open and Calloway’s observation she jerked up to attention. Gadi waved a hand and walked half way down the ramp before vaulting over it and landing in one of the auxilary command chairs, sideways, legs draped over the arm of the chair and grinned at the on duty bridge officer in charge. “Oh yeah, Calloway, a party is in order. Let’s start with music. What do you think? Punk rock?” Punk rock was infamous for it’s rage against ‘the man’ themes, and music was a great way to influence people’s minds set and emotions. Get the crew in the habit of thinking that way. “And all good parties need a game.” Her gaze travelled the junior officers, a hint of wicked amusement in her eyes. “What do you think Calloway? Should we play a game?”

Gadi, CoS