Posted by Captain Orvos Legen (Commanding Officer) in Holiday hijinks, come one come all

Posted by Civilian Marishka (Lounge Host) in Holiday hijinks, come one come all

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Faye Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) in Holiday hijinks, come one come all
Posted by… suppressed (11) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The Parthenon sparkled with lights, streamers, and many other small delicate decorations as well as the traditional Grecian decor everybody on board the Athena was accustomed to by now. It smelled of pungent conifers and other near Earth species. Marishka had taken time decorating the Parthenon to represent many world’s end of year celebrations. Some called it Christmas, others had interesting names for such things and others didn’t celebrate anything at all. Her own Klingon people had end of the year hunting and gathering type celebrations and Orion’s never needed a reason to celebrate, they just did. She had decided that after everything the crew had been through lately that they really didn’t need a reason to celebrate but the timing was perfect. Stepping out into the near empty space in a gold and red gown she glanced about several times before declaring everything fit to open. It was at that moment that Ted stepped up beside her dressed like some Earth nearly mythical figure in a red hat and some gaudy beard, he swore it was tradition of some kind but Mariska hadn’t quite checked into it yet.

“Hey boss lady, lieutenant Dexter says he’s got the scent of the snow right and he’ll be ready for it whenever you signal. Also, I think I have just enough cinnamon in the coffee cake if you’re still interested in having that on the dessert menu. Do you even celebrate christmas?”

Marishka turned to Ted and smiled. She counted him as a type of friend indeed she had several aboard the Athena and he had been one of the first that she had made.

“Of course I celebrate christmas, if it’s a holiday I usually celebrate it. Hell, I don’t really need a reason to celebrate it’s in my Orion blood, my Klingon blood too if I think about it. Thank you for the update on the snow and the cinnamon. So, who do you think will be the first to show up?”

• Marishka

First to arrive was the ship’s Medical Chief, he wore dark slacks and a red and green sweater with white fringes, it was based on a sweater his cousin had gifted him when they were in their teens. He held in one hand a basket with various assortments of food and in his other a box that clinked when he took a step “Miss Marishka” He placed both vessels down on a free table before removing a small red bag from the top and walking to the proprietor “My Nanna always said that first footers need to bring the host gifts” He opened the bag and removed a glass bottle with a dark brown liquid “Whiskey, single malt 15 years from Aberdeenshire” He handed the half liter unmarked bottle to Marishka then reached in the bag again “A Black Bun, there’s an ingredients list in the bag as well as the standard bread and salt”

Benjamin took a quick sniff and frowned “Hmm” He grabbed his necklace, opened it, inhaled deeply then returned it “Oh and there are cookies, mince pies, and similar smaller snacks in the basket, some of it’s replicated but mostly I used the Holodeck as a kitchen.” He smiled a more polite smile than anything, he hadn’t planned on bringing anything beyond some whiskey and the Black bun as gift but once he’d started gathering ingredients more ideas came to him and he felt inspired to continue.

Dr. Grey - CMO

“We had the same idea,” a voice said from behind and the petite head of counselling stepped forward carrying a deep sided white ceramic serving dish with a blue filagree pattern inspired by traditional Portuguese tiles and filled with small balls of dough that were deep fried and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. “Filhós, a treat from one of my mothers’ heritage that we always had every Christmas. I figured deep fried dough with sugar was a safe bet.”

Janna herself was in an emerald green velvet off-the-shoulder dress that skimmed her chest and hugged her small frame to the knee. A pair of gold pumps with an ankle strap mirrored the matte gold hammered hoop earrings she wore.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Marishka and Ted looked pleasantly surprised to see the two early birds bringing such bountiful gifts. Ted moved quickly to help arrange the table Benjamin had set things down on and made room for what the counselor had brought.

“Oh wow, such ingenuity. Thank you for being so hospitable and gracious with your time. I’m certain these won’t last but the half hour. Be careful, if these are as good as they look I’ll be stealing recipes.”

Marishka ducked behind the bar and brought out several shot glasses to set with the whiskey. She wondered if she should keep that behind the bar for herself and staff, but it was such a generous wonderful gift she wanted to share. She opened the whiskey and inhaled deeply before holding it out to everyone else with a raised eyebrow.

• Marishka

“Oh, what the hell, it’s a party,” Kingston said and grabbed a shot glass, holding it out for Marishka to fill.

Orvos was fully aware of the time of year coming up. But this year it had quietly crept up on him until it was too late. He had not put much thought into his garb as he grabbed the closest thing to a festive getup as he could muster. The captain strolled into the the Parthenon wearing vibrant green slacks and a white sweater with the image of an evergreen forest imbued on its face. He carefully stepped forward as he took in the surroundings. “Lovely decor Marishka. As usual, its fantastic.” he said with a grin.

“Why thank you, green really is your color.”

“And greetings Janna, Ben,” he said with a nod and lingering look on Janna. In his typical awkward fashion, he added, “Well, you lovely Janna!”

Janna’s bright green eyes lit up more and she gave him a grin and bow of her head. “Why, thank you,” she said, not at all attempting to hide her pleasure at him noticing. After all, as much as wearing the dress made her feel great, feeling his appreciation made it all the better.

Taking note of Ted dressed up in his red suit, Orvos remarked, “Well isn’t this a treat! It’s Santana! If memory serves me right, you either distribute gifts or play songs? Perhaps both?” He shrugged his shoulders. unsure of the correct answer.

“Is Santa claus. I pass out presents, believe me you do not want to hear me sing.”

-Captain Orvos Legen, CO

The hatch opened again, this time admitting Serena Stone, but unlike the others, she wasn’t dressed festively. Instead, she wore her dress uniform. It was, after all, 2nd watch and she was still on duty. There was no expectation of trouble, and it would only take a moment to get to the bridge if there was trouble. For now, she was the primary point of contact. Still, seeing so many there, she broke into a smile and nodded in greeting. “Captain.”

Turning to Marishka, she offered the host another gift. “I couldn’t think of anything you might not already have. But then I remembered my first day here.” In her hands was a case, about a meter long, flat on the broad sides. It was shaped almost like a bottle, and was about 30 centimeters thick. She opened the top of the case, revealing black acoustic guitar. Six strings, glossy finish, with a lovely Spanish-style inlay around the sound hole. Around it the paint went from a medium royal blue, radiating out and fading to black, as though it were the corona of a blue sun. The fret board was a deep ebony color with silver bars, and pearl dot inlays. Silver tuning knobs on the machine head completed the look. “I figure this would accompany the piano nicely, or be perfect for anybody who wanted to play it solo. I bring the gift of more music.”

She broke into a bright smile then. “I hope it sees plenty of use.”

Lt Cmdr Serena Stone
Executive Officer, USS Athena

“Hello, Serena,” Janna said, so very glad to see the first officer out, and at least dressed up, if not quite able to be off duty. “And that’s a lovely instrument. I’m sure this crew will put it to good use.”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

“Counselor,” she said, her tone full of warmth matching her smile. “I hope so.” The redhead glanced around, seeing the whiskey and shot glasses. “I’ll take one of those.” When she first came aboard, she wouldn’t have dreamed of that little bit of indulgence. Certainly not ‘on duty.’ But there was no foreseeable issue, and it was a testament to her growing confidence in the crew and of course learning to relax a little. To not be wound quite so tight. The standard was still high, but it wasn’t in the stratosphere anymore.

Lt. Cmdr. Serena Stone
Executive Officer, USS Athena

Marishka took the guitar from Serena and caressed lovingly. She smiled her silver eyes glistening.

“Captain, this is santana, or at least an instrument that Santana would have played. Look up Earth’s history of music during the latter third of the 20th century and even into the 21st. You’ll understand what I mean. Now, shots for everybody.”

• Marishka

Serena’s face lit up in delight, seeing the chord she’d struck with Marishka. It was as good of a reaction as she’d hoped for. But more than that, mentioning Santana, a famous guitarist. When she thought about it, Marishka was right. She knew she’d seen that style of guitar somewhere, probably from years of being around her mother’s musical pursuits. Thinking of the gift of music, her mind immediately went to the guitar and… it was a perfect note. “I’m glad you like it.”

Faye gripped Daggum’s arm as they entered the Parthenon and she had to immediately steel herself not only for the festive energy of the place but also the ‘shots for everyone’ call out that made these sort of social situations even more awkward for herself.

Faye was feeling at least festively dressed in a black, silver and bronze pleated skirt, a one shouldered fitted top and thigh high boots. her dark brown hair was puled back loosely off her face and secured by gold pins with large emerald green stones. “Thirty minutes. Then I have to right to leave if it’s too much. Deal?” she said softly to Daggum.

Lt. Cmdr. Faye Calloway, Chief Intelligence Officer

Catching movement out of the corner of her eye, Serena turned with a smile still on her face. Seeing Fae and Daggum, she gave them both a friendly wave, but let them be. Social gatherings could be difficult enough without added pressure. Better to let them move at their own pace.

Returning her attention to Marishka and the small cluster, her mind wandered back to the guitar. Her expression dropped just a little and her gaze fell to her feet, just for a moment. She really should call home, talk to mom and dad more often. Especially with the holidays. They would probably love to hear from her. Especially with her recent promotion. Clearing her throat, she put it out of her mind… for now. Or at least, as best as she could.

Lt. Cmdr. Stone, Executive Officer

Bump

Marishka had been giving out shots, listening to conversations, and generally enjoying the time with her friends on board the Athena for about a half hour. She had also been getting to know this lovely guitar the XO had gifted her and the ship in general as she felt. The gift of music given must be passed on she felt. So, she made her way to the stage and looked out over the crowd smiling.

“Good evening good crew. I thank everyone who is here tonight and those of you who are listening throughout the ship. I find this beautiful gift tuned very nicely and have just finished tuning it while attending this lovely gathering. I would love to play it for you now. Just one piece before I set it with the other instruments so please ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the show.”

https://youtu.be/lEr8H4B8DAo?si=GtrGm9QprOtTDQG_

• Marishka

By this time, more of the crew had joined in the partying. Orvos had taken a seat with Janna. Matthias Meadows had managed to make an appearance, though he was still in uniform after having just come from bridge duty for the moment. He was mingling with folks as they appeared to him. And Dawson had also appeared from the shadows, much like a certain caitian intelligence officer had once been known for doing. Everyone paused and listened to Marishka’s beautiful performance. Dawson’s eyes never left Marishka’s, a smile pulling on his lips as he watched.

-Captain Orvos Legen, CO
-Dawson, Intel
-Lt. Matthias Meadows, Helm

Marishka smiled and bowed slightly. She thought of continuing the performance but decided to keep it singular and unique like a snowflake. She winked at Dawson and her eyes lingered on his for a few seconds before subtly glancing towards her office. Stepping off the stage she placed the guitar with the other instruments that had been collected since her arrival and even before then.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back in half an hour. More drinks?”

• Marishka