Posted by Captain Zachariah Cobb (Commanding Officer) in Package Deliveries

(snip)

“A date? I didn’t know you felt that way Zachariah.” She teased her normally tightly braided straight black hair, now bouncing with bright pink curls. “I’m not going to have to watch you and Ryder go at it like a couple of cave men am I?” Casela turned to the controls and with very adept movements set the course and engaged the warp drive after Alfred confirmed McReady’s report. The shuttle took off on it’s way. Casela wouldn’t have taken the drink anyway, but it was starting to bother her that the crew was still so adamant about not offering, afraid she’d actually say yes. She wasn’t going to make that mistake again. She’d just hide in her quarters with the door locked if she felt the need to get drunk again, but that wouldn’t happen. Maybe when was in her 120s and on her death bed.

“Now why do I get the feeling that you might enjoy such a tussle between the Commander and myself, eh?” Zachariah laughed in reply.

Casela grinned. She certainly wouldn’t mind watching Ryder spar with someone other than her, but she wasn’t going to tell Cobb that. And since Ryder was the XO, Cobb could get in some exercise without his opponent worrying about brig time. “It certainly would be interesting to watch.”

It was a different feeling in the shuttle. Casela was very relaxed and seemed almost excited for whatever they were doing. “We’re going to Delotha. It’s the holiday season there. And as I said, you and the rest of the staff have decided I can’t be trusted to go alone. And since everyone else I trust has already been there, that leaves you. I can’t take them back. The children won’t understand. They’ll hope they are coming back to adopt them. And though I hope that one day they all find a family, I can’t do that to them. We are going to bring gifts that the house mother has written to me about. And you my dear captain,” Casela gets up and walks to the back of the shuttle, opening one of the cargo spaces pulls out a red and white trimmed suit “Get to be Santa.” Her eyes danced with amusement.

“Santa?” Cobb’s eyes grew wide, his mouth hanging open for several seconds longer than was dignified. “Come now, Cass. I’m hardly a model of wholesome, family cheer, am I?”

Family? What did he know about family! As a child, his father had abandoned him for the stars, his mother deserted him for the tomb. And as an adult, he had been sure to lay the same indignity upon his very own flesh and blood.
And what of these children? Did they know anything of family? A life spent watching and waiting for a saviour that would never come, for a belonging that they would never, ever know.

With a sigh of resignation, Zachariah got to his feet and took the costume from Casela, holding it up before him and to cast a skeptical eye.
“Well there’s one thing for certain, lass,” he chuckled as his other hand fell to his rounded belly, “I won’t be needing the extra padding.”

“Mistress Casela?” Alfred’s voice sounded through the shuttles computer system speakers, “There is a message coming from Delotha for....Zanya.” Casela turned to the screen and read the note, her face breaking out in a huge smile. The shuttle on autopilot she jumped up and programmed the replicator and returned with a paper letter, something looking very official, and envelope and an old fashioned pen. She handed all of them to Cobb. “Go ahead Santa, sign the letter. You are about to give one very special little boy the gift of a life time.”

Dear Neltus Omad,

This holiday season is all about family. And you have a wonderful one here on Delotha. But I heard you had a special wish this year, and I am happy to tell you that I am able to give it to you this year.

Ho Ho Ho,

(space to sign as Santa)

To: Neltus Omad
From: Judge Kentaira Arroz

In the case of Tabris Asam vs Pied Piper Orphanage, Delotha, House Mother Karra, the Federation courts have taken into account all evidence provided. After extensive background checks, interviews, and observation, the court has found that Tabris Asam is fit to adopt a child. Furthermore, I, Kentaira Arroz, Family Court Judge, Federation Courts Sector 293, find in favor of Tabris Asam adopting Neltus Omad. Here by this stardate 239612.10 do proclaim that Neltus Omad is now the legal and real son of Tabris Asam and will here by carry the name of Neltus Omad-Asam.

Signed,
Judge Kentaira Arroz

Lt. Synthi-er, CNS

He signed it without question, knowing Casela well enough at this point not to dig too deep into matters that did not immediately concern him. Then, placing the letter on the console before her, he retreated to the rear of the shuttle and began to change into the costume.

• Captain Zachariah Cobb

She folded the papers and put them into the envelope and sealed it. The name Neltus Omad on the outside. When Cobb returned there was a picture of a young 8 year old El-Aurian boy on the screen. “This is Neltus Omad. The paper you just signed are his adoption papers. Santa will be delivering them to him. And then we will be taking him to the Ark Angel and his father. Every once in awhile, Zachariah, we get to do things that almost make up for the darkness we carry.”

It would be another day before they finally arrived and settled into orbit around Delotha. So in the mean time.

“Alright, Zachariah, who is Prim?” Casela turned her now purple gaze on Cobb and sat back, propping her feet on the console while the shuttle flew on autopilot for the time being.
Lt Synthi-er, CNS