The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Posted on Wed Dec 11th, 2019 @ 9:56pm by Fleet Admiral Mike K`Wor Bremer & Captain Paul MacLeod & Tom Vercetti & General Janice Fultian-Bremer
Edited on on Thu Dec 12th, 2019 @ 12:55am

1,383 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 101 - Peace During War
Location: Starbase 400
Timeline: MD3 - 2350hrs

ON:

The Pegasus had returned to Starbase 400 a few hour before. Mike had been stuck aboard the ship, in his Ready Room, writing and signing off on report after report.

"Computer, what's the time?"

"The time is 2350 hours, Stardate 73444.7." The computer replied.

Mike paused a moment, "Computer, what's the Earth date."

"December 11th, 2395." The computer replied.

Mike leaned back in his chair a moment. It was nearly Christmas, and he longed to be home. Family, big tree with lights and ornaments, fireplace, music. However with the war on, taking leave wasn't possible. Mike then thought back to the Dominion War. A Christmas tree was once placed on the Bridge to boost moral. Of course, that year's Christmas gift from none other then Q, repairing the ship and passing out gifts while dressed as Santa Claus, also brightened the mood.

Mike decided to try to bring a little Christmas cheer to Starbase 400. Even with repairs going on, some decorations would be brighten the mood. Of course, not everyone on the station believed in Christmas, religious, traditional, or secular, so if someone wanted to add some decorations for another holiday that occurred this time of the year, like Hanukkah, they would be welcomed to do so as well.

It was a dark time for the Federation, but Mike also wanted to bring a little peace and good will toward others in hopes that the war would be a quick one.

Mike left the Pegasus and beamed back to Starbase 400. Arriving in Ops, he found his brother finishing a conversation with Commander MacLeod. Mike waited until they were finished before he stepped forward.

"Admiral." Mac said with a respectful nod.

"How was the trip to RDB8?" Mike asked.

"I just gave K'Temoc my report. It was, interesting to say the least." Mac replied before he excused himself and left Ops.

Mike walked over to K'Temoc, "Brief me tomorrow. I want to do something aboard the Station for Christmas."

"What did you have in mind?" K'Temoc asked.

"Decorate the Promenade with Christmas trees, lit green garland, a holographic Santa Claus, music, the works." Mike replied.

K'Temoc smiled, "Just like home."

About that time, Janice arrived in Ops. She had set an alert to let her know when her husband returned to the station. "What's like home?"

Mike proceeded to tell her his idea for decorating the station. Janice smiled while Mike explained.

"Most of the holo-emitters are back online, it shouldn't take too long to program them to display traditional Christmas trees and other decorations on the Promenade." K'Temoc added.

"And I want a couple of trees in here, over by Deela's and my Offices." Mike added.

"I can work on that. Danielle was working late in the main science lab, I'll get her to help me out." K'Temoc said.

Mike nodded. "We're going down to the Promenade to make a few arrangements and to work on the music."


Several minutes later, Mike and Janice were walking through the Promenade, the sections that were open anyway. Some areas were still under repair or otherwise closed off. Janice made notes on a PADD about where displays and decorations would go.

They stopped and talked with one of the Decons and an Associate Pastor on duty at Northside Church of Christ and they were more than happy to host a Nativity Scene just outside their door. They then spoke to one of the Rabbis at The Promenade Synagogue who said they would happily have a Menorah on display along with some Beaded Blue Dreidels and traditional food for people to enjoy.

Mike and Janice then continued walking but they were stopped by Tom Vercetti. He told them of his and Splendora's proposals to each other, and while a wedding date wasn't set yet, he wanted Mike to preside over the ceremony.

"I'd be happy to." Mike said with a smile. "Congratulations to you both."

"Thank you. I'm still a little in shock." Tom said with a smile.

"I know you both will be happy." Janice said.

Tom replied. "I do too. So, what are you doing around these parts so late. Hungry?"

Mike told Tom about his idea for Christmas and Hanukkah decorations and displays.

"I think that's a good idea. I can get with a few other restaurant and shop owners tomorrow about cooking up some traditional holiday foods from across Earth. Fruitcakes, Stollen, Plum Puddings, hams, goose, turkey and all the trimmings, fudges, gingerbread cookies." Tom said with a smile.

"That just leaves the music." Janice said.

"I know a guy." Mike replied.


A few minutes later Mike and Janice walked into Holo-Suite 1. The bar was open but only a few people were there. The tables where the audience sat were less than half full. The stage was set up, but none of the musicians were there. After a few moments, Mike heard someone from across the room, "Hey Pally, where've you been hiding?"

"Hiya Vic." Mike replied. "I know, it's been a while."

"Yeah." Vic replied with a smile. "You here for the late set? Business has been a little slow since the attack."

"Actually, I have a favor to ask." Mike replied.

Vic glanced at Janice a moment, "My program has been active aboard the Pegasus then Starbase 400 since Lieutenant Urek managed to get a copy from Nog just after the Dominion War ended and this is the first time you've ever asked for a favor." Vic smile, "How is that little Ferengi anyway?"

"Urek is a Commander now, Executive Officer of the USS Normandy." Mike replied.

Vic smiled, "I knew he'd make it big one day. What's this favor?"

Mike and Janice explained the idea for Christmas decorations, food, and music for the Station to help ease tensions, raise moral, and just try to bring a smile to some faces.

"I think I can help you more than you know. I have some friends coming to town tomorrow for a holiday gig. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Miss Ella Fitzgerald, and Miss Jo Stafford. Traditional Christmas music doesn't get any bigger than them." Vic explained.

"Vic, you're amazing pally." Mike replied with a smile.

"I'll have an iso-chip ready for you in the morning with music for the Promenade or Ops, but people will have to come here to see them live." Vic replied, "I've got to drum up some business somehow."

"Thank you Vic." Mike replied with a smile and a handshake.


From there, Mike and Janice make their way to Holo-Suite 2 and into Cheers. Mike explained his ideas to the bar owner Sam Malone.

"I think we can work something out to help." Sam replied. "I'll get Woody and Coach on the decorations right now."

"Sam, come on, why would we get on the decorations? That wouldn't be very comfortable." Coach replied, "But, if you want help getting them out of storage and set up I'd be happy to help with that." Coach turned and walked toward the back room.

"Well, Christmas is the time for giving, so how about a free beer." Norm said holding up an empty glass.

"Just one, for you Mister Peterson." Woody replied.

"You know," Cliff said as he walked up, "The whole idea of the Christmas tree doesn't come from the Christian church. Yeah, it uh, actually was started by a lonely German wood cutter..."

Mike cut Cliff off, "Thank you Sam."

"You bet Mike." Sam replied. He looked back to see if Coach needed help then walked away.

"Hey Dianne, you know Christmas is about giving. How about a free beer." Norm said as Dianne walked past.

"Norman." Dianne said as she cut her eyes.

"Well, it is better to give then receive." Norman replied.

"Unless it's free beer." Frazier added.

"Right, then it's always better to receive." Norm said with a smile.


Mike and Janice returned to the main level of the Promenade in time to see the holographic Christmas decorations coming to life. They watched as many of the people walking stopped and watch then smile. Some were of course confused, Christmas was new to them, but to the ones that knew what was going on they couldn't help but feel at least a little better and have a little brighter outlook in these dark days...


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