17 Forward had been changed considerably overnight, there were now various decorations regarding the end-of-year celebrations from Earth and other human planets, replicated green pine decorations, multicolored lights focused on red, green, and also white hung in the air seemingly on nothing but one could see the small drones keeping them aloft. There was a buffet of food from most human and non-human cultures that had similar traditions on the large table usually reserved for conferences and the like. Another new addition was a raised dais covered in red cloth with white fringes and gold accents. In the middle of the Dais was a large wooden chair, almost a sofa with red cushions and colored poles on either side with their own lights hovering around. Sitting on the Yule Throne was the hulking form of Peter Sigmundsson in the traditional red Santa uniform, leather boots, big belt, long red hat, and big white beard. He was sitting next to a large sack filled with presents. Next to him was an Andorian in a green elf uniform.

People hadn’t arrived yet so Peter looked at his Lieutenant and scowled “How exactly did you convince me to do this again?” He asked with no small amount of annoyance in his tone. Zalle just grinned at her boss “A wagers, a wagers, a wager boss” She looked odd out of uniform, especially in that green monstrosity they called an elf outfit out west Peter thought, trying to distract him from thoughts of hurtling his second in command across the room. “This damn beard itches” He complained “And I thought I explained that Saint Nick or Niklas or whatever is a central European or Northern American thing so is the sack full of presents and sitting on knees” He continued, Zalle just turned around and grinned “Yes of course, the proper tradition of the Yule lads stealing pots and pans, slamming doors or” she gagged exaggeratedly “Eating candles. Not to mention the giant cat that eats children that don’t get clothes” Peter nodded enthusiastically “Yes exactly, sure the Santa element creeped in there during the 20th through to early 22nd but still, that is a proper tradition” Zalle rolled her eyes and spoke up “Look, you spent months compiling data on the officers we serve with which makes you our very own Santa Clause, watching everyone and judging them and all that” She hadn’t grown up around humans or their tradition but the Dickensian nature of some traditions really stuck with the Andorian “Now you get to use your powers for good with gifts and all that” She said with a smile “Now stop frowning before you scare of the children”

CIO & Lt. Zalle