USS Arondight – NCC 80477
Stardate 10512.18
Episode #127 “Holiday Surprises”

Starring
CO K’Beth	Beth
XO Kostandinos	Erin
OPS Ko’Bil	Rich
CTO Grey-Feather	Ted
TO Kizlev	Delon
CEO Madson	Reuben
EO Solek	Dave
CSO Tarrez-Hunter	Char
IO Jakiel	Theresa

Guest Starring
Noelle	Pam
Auron	Bafii
Astan	Bafii

Prologue: The fun and joy of holidays reach through time and space, even to our far away home of Ke'Po Vor. The arboretum has been decorated to match the festive spirit that started on Earth so many centuries ago at this time of year.  A section has been devoted to the Terran winter season with snow and evergreens, and best of all, a large skating rink. The senior staff of the Arondight find themselves at that ice rink, skates already replicated, to enjoy a little of the Terran festival themselves.
     
<<<<<<<<<< START MISSION >>>>>>>>>>

XO Kostandinos
 ::pulls on another pair of gloves over her freezing fingers and looks at this "ice" cautiously... not quite seeing how tiny little sharp blades are going to keep fully grown humanoids upright on something so slippery looking::
 
CO K’Beth
 ::sitting on the side of the rink holding a sharp ice skate up wondering if she was supposed to wear it or attack someone with it::

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: on the station trying to find a gift for his fiancée, but what do men know about shopping?::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::looks at the skates and then at the ice rink and thinks some one has to be crazy ::
     
Auron
 ::moves slowly across the ice, his legs still feeling a bit shaky::

XO Kostandinos
 ::sits down next to K'Beth:: CO: So how does th-this w-work again?  ::still cold::

CSO Tarrez
 ::laughs as she watches Owyn help Hawk to skate his first time::

CO K’Beth
 ::looks closely at some little tiny kids skating easily by and growls to herself before turning to the XO:: XO: I think we are supposed to tie these things onto our feet and do that. ::points to one girl twirling and jumping about like an Olympic athlete::
 
IO Jakiel
 ::sits next to Kizlev, holding up one ice skate, studying it.  Furrows her brow, then watches someone already on the ice::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::walks over to the CO and XO:: CO/XO: Have either one of you done this before?

CTO Grey-Feather
 ::passing by the skating rink decides to be a kid for a bit, goes down to the ice and tries running and sliding across in his boots ::

XO Kostandinos
 ::laughs, hard, until the look on the CO's face tells her that she isn't joking:: CO: You're serious....
     
Auron
 ::his legs slip out from under him and the Vidoli man lands hard on the ice, on his rear of course::  Ouch!

XO Kostandinos
 OPS: No,I'm afraid ice and snow don't have much of a place where I come from ::grins::

CSO Tarrez
 ::looks amused as she scans the area::
  
EO Solek
 ::sits on a bench beside the ice rink, reading a PADD and keeping to himself::
     
ACTION: Joshua slides gracefully across the ice, even leaping over the fallen Vidoli man and skids to a halt center ice.
 
CO K’Beth
 ::decides that she had better set the example:: OPS/XO: No...but how hard could it be...there are babies doing it. ::laces the skates on and steps wobbly out on the ice holding onto the railing for dear life::
 
TO Kizlev
 ::sits back and grins at Rhianna's suspicion of her ice skate:: IO: It's really quite simple to skate, but only if you'd let me show you how it's done.

OPS Ko’Bil
 XO: Well I guess we can't do any worse that that person out there. :: points to the Vidoli man that just fell::

CTO Grey-Feather
 Aloud: Woo hoo  :: starts out again ::
    
Noelle
 :: pushes her cart along the path next to the rink and smiles at the skaters having a good time ::

XO Kostandinos
 ::is about to stand up and follow when all of the sudden her world goes dark as two hands cover her eyes, and a laughing voice speaks into her ear:: <Adrienne>: It's even harder to do it blind, I'd imagine...
 
CO K’Beth
 <Dog> ::runs out onto the ice yapping happily until she finds she can't stop and slides across the ice until she hits the other side with a yip::

CSO Tarrez
 ::skates out to where the CTO is:: CTO: It looks like you are getting the basics down ::smirks::
 
TO Kizlev
 ::takes a deep breath of the chilly air, thinking this so-called "winter" environment is quite mild compared to the icescapes of Andoria::
 
IO Jakiel
 TO: That would be a help.  ::finally dawns on her and she feels silly for having forgotten::  Of course you know how...you lived in ice!  ::slides her foot in one of the skates and tries to tie it on like she sees other doing::

Auron
 ::carefully finds his way to his feet and tries again, thinking that soon his rear will be without feeling if he falls a few more times::
    
Noelle
 :: stops beside the rink and takes off her gloves and rubs her hands together before getting down to work ::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::places the skates on and heads out on the ice hoping to stay upright::
 
CO K’Beth
 ::tries to stand up straight with dignity but still holds on tightly as her feet seem to slide everywhere but where she wants them to go::

XO Kostandinos
 ::knows that voice all too well and stands up instantly, almost landing flat on the ice in the process, grinning:: Adrienne: What are you doing here? ::hugs her, barely resisting the urge to jump up and down like a little girl::

CTO Grey-Feather
 CSO: Kind of...you think?  :: grins ::
    
Noelle
 :; picks up the thongs and opens the lid to the griddle then throws several large pieces of meat onto the grill ::
     
Auron
 ::slowly skates back to the side of the rink towards Noelle::
  
EO Solek
 ::looks up at the rest of the crew enjoying themselves on the ice and watches them, thinking to himself::

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::grins:: Watching you make an idiot of yourself...  it's a hobby of mine
 
TO Kizlev
 IO: Here, let me tie those for you. I can see you're not used to laces or ice for that matter ::bends down on one knee in front of her and ties her skates for her::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::starts out on to the rink shakily and falls flat on his face::
    
Noelle
 :: moves to the other side of the cart and stirs the pots containing the hot chocolate and hot apple cider ::
 
CO K’Beth
 <Dog> ::stands up carefully and sniffs the sir smelling the meat grilling.  Scrambles her little legs until she gets some sort of forward motion heading towards Noelle::

CSO Tarrez
 ::Grins::  CTO: I think a big burly of a guy like you might find it a bit difficult to skate on these little blades?

XO Kostandinos
 ::gives her a Look:: Adrienne: So... you can do this, ice skating thing they're talking about?

CEO Madson
 ::sitting off to the side, reading::

CTO Grey-Feather
 CSO: What blades  :: takes off again ::
 
IO Jakiel
 ::feels a bit embarrassed, like a little child. Says meekly::  TO: Thanks...and this activity they are doing? is it hard?

CSO Tarrez
 ::giggles and skates off::
 
CO K’Beth
 ::lets go of the railing only to find her feet flying out from underneath her.  Grabs onto the railing again just in time to stop her from landing on her rear.  Mutters:: Self: This is why there is no snow on Kronos...Klingons do not do winter sports.
     
Auron
 ::holding himself up at the side of the rink::  Noelle: That smells interesting ::indicating the cider pot::  What is it?

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne>::grins wickedly, pushes off onto the ice and goes around once - very fast - then comes to a sliding stop in front of her mother, kicking up ice shavings as she comes to a halt:: XO: Yes.
    
Noelle
 :: turns to watch the crowd as she places the lids back on the pots :: Auron: Hot apple cider made fresh. Care to have a cup?

CSO Tarrez
 ::skids to a stop in front of the EO::  EO: Hello.  I don't believe I have had the pleasure to meet you.  I'm Sykora, Chief Science Officer.
 
TO Kizlev
 ::grins wicked up at her:: IO: To be brutally honest....it most certainly is, but only if you don't believe you can do it. But you'll have my help, and it's never too late to learn. Now, hold onto to my hands and try to stand.
     
Auron
 Noelle:  ::eagerly:: Oh yes, please!

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: slides up to the CO:: CO: Never knew Klingons were sports challenged captain :: grins ::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::gets back to his feet  wobbly and watches some of the others to see if he can figure out how to make these thing work::
    
Noelle
 :: picks up a large cup and fills it with the dipper and hands it to Auron :: Auron: Now be careful it's quite hot.
  
EO Solek
 ::stands up:: CSO: I am Solek, duty engineer. I was only assigned to the Arondight a few weeks ago.
 
CO K’Beth
 <Dog> ::slides to a halt by Noelle and wags her hind end so fast her back legs slide out from under her as she begs for a treat::

XO Kostandinos
 Adrienne: Brat.  ::laces up her own skates:: This ice and snow may be your cup of tea, but just try spending one summer at the resort back on Risa... just one.. and we'll see how you fare in 40C temperatures... and that's at night.
     
ACTION: Scott's reading is disturbed as a large snowball hits him hard in the back of the head.
    
Noelle
 :; looks down and smiles before placing her hands on her hips :: Dog: So I see we have someone that looks hungry.

CSO Tarrez
 ::she nods and looks at the rest of the crew::  EO: Ever skate before?
 
CO K’Beth
 ::growls while still trying to remain upright:: CTO: Only winter sports Lt.  Blades should be used in a fight...not used on your shoes.
 
IO Jakiel
 ::stands carefully, feeling the wobbliness of the thin blades and tries to find her balance.  Takes Kizlev's very warm blue hands and trusts his judgment, determined to figure this out::  TO: Then I believe I can do it!  ::says more quietly and with her eyes narrowed, feeling Kizlev's mood::  But you better be nice to me...

CEO Madson
 ::rubs the back of the head and take look around for the culprit::
  
EO Solek
 CSO: I have not.. the rest of the crew, however, seem to be enjoying themselves.
     
Auron
 ::looks greedily at his steaming cup and carefully sips at it:: Noelle:  Oh my!  What a wonder.  This cider ::stumbling a bit over the word::  is better than anything I have ever before tried.

CTO Grey-Feather
 CO: I agree :: shows his boots :: we didn’t have skates as kids.  Just brooms and tennis balls for hockey
    
Noelle
 :: reaches over and rolls a sausage to the side of the grill :: Dog: You'll have to wait for it to cool a little.

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne>::looks around for a moment and sees someone getting creamed with a snowball and laughs to herself... she didn’t throw it, but that didn't mean she couldn't enjoy it:: Ashlynn: You think this is fun, you should try something called "snowboarding"...
     
ACTION: Scott eyes a group of giggling Vidoli children hiding behind a few shrubs.
 
CO K’Beth
 <Dog> ::waggles even harder and tries to look pathetic::

CSO Tarrez
 ::smirks::  EO: I am surprised that a Vulcan wouldn't jump at the chance to try a new experience for the knowledge that could be gained from it.

CSO Tarrez
 ::looks at him still smirking::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::sees how some of the people are skating and tries to do the same::
 
CO K’Beth
 ::growls even more:: CTO: Unfortunately I have to set an example and use these contraptions. ::does a quick two step and almost falls again as she just manages to catch the railing again::
 
TO Kizlev
 IO: Aren't I always? ::winks at her:: Okay, hold tight and walk in small steps. Don't overdo anything when it comes to wearing skates, even if they do have stability enhancements. ::leads her to the ice rink carefully::

CEO Madson
 ::gets up and walks over to Noelle:: Noelle Could I get some?
  
EO Solek
 ::raises an eyebrow:: CSO: What could possibly be gained from skating?

XO Kostandinos
 ::stands up, intent on not giving her daughter any more funny stories to tell back home about her crazy mother who can't ice skate:: Adrienne: Let's save that one for later, for right now I need to try this on for size ::enters the ice cautiously::
    
Noelle
 Auron: Just a moment. :: drops a cinnamon stick in the cup :: There that's better.

CTO Grey-Feather
 CO: Fancy foot work there captain, if you can't skate you could always make it as a prize fighter :: takes off again across the ring ::
     
ACTION: A sleigh pulls onto the ice being pulled by a small white pony.  The back of the sleigh is filled with wrapped packages.   The sleigh stops in the middle of the ice.
    
Noelle
 CEO: Of course you may. :: pours him a large cup :: It's hot. :: grins as she hands him the cup ::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::moves rather slowly but seem to be getting the hang of the skates::
 
Auron
 ::sniffs at the new addition, his eyes go wide and he drinks eagerly::

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::grabs her mother's wrist and pulls her along, very quickly, much to Ashlynn's shock:: XO: It's called "Crack the Whip"....

CSO Tarrez
 CSO: Why a greater understanding of the natural order to things... ::motions to the arena full of people::... like forces and motions. ::appears to be having a good time at what she is doing::

CEO Madson
 ::starts sipping on the cider before taking several large gulps::
 
CO K’Beth
 ::growls at the CTO and then gets her balance and pushes cautiously off towards the center of the ice....only to find herself heading straight for the sleigh and the pony without any idea of how to stop::
 
IO Jakiel
 ::does as instructed, her ankles working hard, but is content that she has not fallen yet as she's seen others do:: TO: This is not too bad.  Small steps, is it?  ::as they get to the ice she tentatively takes a few sliding steps and almost loses her balance once, clutching hard on Kizlev's hands::
    
Noelle
 :: smiles at dog as she picks up the sausage :: Dog: Ready for it girl? :; dangles it just high enough so dog can't reach it ::

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: sees the CO's predicament and goes over to try and help ::
  
EO Solek
 ::remembers what his father said about embracing other species and their traditions, and exhales loudly:: CSO: Very well. I will try this... skating.

XO Kostandinos
 ::half-smiling, trying to get used to this crash course:: Adrienne: I will crack something on you, young lady...  ::can't make good on the threat as any sudden movements would cause her to land flat on her face::

CO K’Beth
 <Dog> ::tries to sit up and beg but can't find any traction on the ice.  Instead scrambles with her hind end and ends up on her nose with a small grunt::

CSO Tarrez
 ::stifles a chuckle and leans against the wall with her back to it::  EO: I will wait right here for you to go get your skates.

OPS Ko’Bil
 :: feels that he is getting better and then suddenly finds himself on his back::
     
Astan
 ::sees the approaching CO::  CO: Whoa there missy.  This isn't a derby.
     
Astan
 ::jumps quickly down from the sleigh and tries to catch the CO before she hits the pony::
    
Noelle
 :: chuckles at the dog :: Dog: Poor baby, here you go. :: tosses her the sausage ::
  
EO Solek
 ::sets his PADD down and pulls out a pair of skates from under the bench, proceeding to tie them up::

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::sees the wall approaching and lets go all of the sudden:: XO: Okay, look out!
 
IO Jakiel
 ::winces as she sees Ko'Bil hit the ice::
 
CO K’Beth
 ::doesn't see anyway to stop as glides towards the pony:: Astan: Then tell me where the brakes are.

CEO Madson
 ::finishes off his cider and walks calmy towards the children that hit him before::
 
TO Kizlev
 ::feels Rhianna's vice-like grip hold hard on his hands, and he smiles, giving her a reassuring look, and he glances around to see the sleigh on the ice:: IO: Hm, now that is strange. Let's move over there as part of your first skating lesson. You might even come out of this with a gift in the process.
     
 ACTION: Another snowball hits the CEO, this time in the middle of his back.

XO Kostandinos
 ::puts her hands out as the both get "stopped" by the wall... hard... and figures the wall is a good place to stay for now::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::Sits up brushing himself off and then get back to his feet again::

CSO Tarrez
 ::thinks 'Vulcans are so easy'::

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: grabs for the CO to stop her figuring she cant weight that much ::
     
Astan
 ::grabs the woman and stops her easily::

CEO Madson
 ::balls up a handful of snow and launches it at the kids::
 
CO K’Beth
 <Dog>::scrambles upright in time to catch the sausage::

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::leans over, grinning mischievously:: XO: Besides, here we can watch the show ::gestures to the snowball fight that is getting underway::
    
Noelle
 :: stirs the pot again as the smell of chocolate begins to drift towards the rink along with the smell of grilled sausages ::
     
ACTION: The kids scatter.
 
CO K’Beth
 ::is squished between the two men who stop her::

CEO Madson
 ::laughs up himself as he watches the kids run off::

CSO Tarrez
 ::watches as Owyn picks up their little boy and take him to the sleigh::
  
EO Solek
 ::finishes tying his skates and stands up, trying to keep his balance on the thin blades as he approaches the rink::
     
Astan
 CO: You should be more careful, K'Beth.  ::seeing the CTO has her, he walks to the back of the sleigh::

CSO Tarrez
 ::turns::  EO: It is easy... just keep your legs shoulder length and balance your body over them equally.

CTO Grey-Feather
 CO: Might I suggest you hitch a ride with the man in the sleigh, no dishonor in riding :: winks ::
 
CO K’Beth
 CTO/Astan: Erf...thank you...::stops for a moment realizing that Astan knew her::
 
IO Jakiel
 ::concentrates on staying upright, but trying to relax a little, knowing from experience that learning a new skill is intuitive too.  Smiles a little::  TO: This is not so bad.  It's like gliding.  ::realizes what Kizlev just said at the last::  A gift?!
     
Astan
 ::returns with a bag of packages and begins to pass them out among the Arondight officers, stopping first with the CO and CTO::
  
EO Solek
 ::manages to stand on the ice without slipping::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::finally make his way around the rink and comes up next to the CSO and EO:: CSO: Cmdr Is this suppose to be fun?

XO Kostandinos
 ::leans back and watches the others try with varying degrees of success to navigate the ice::

CSO Tarrez
 OPS: Of course it is. ::smiles at him::
 
CO K’Beth
 CTO: That I can agree with. ::grins and then takes the package from Astan with thanks, holding onto the edge of the sleigh::
     
Astan
 ::moves on to the others, TO.. IO... CSO.. EO.. XO... OPS.. CEO::
    
Noelle
 :: pushes a loose lock of grey hair back from her face as she watches the skaters ::

CSO Tarrez
 ::takes her package and reads the note::

CEO Madson
 Astan: Thanks.  ::stares at the package::
 
CO K’Beth
 ::sees a small note on it and reads it::
     
ACTION: The CO's tag reads "for the enjoyment of you and your crew"

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: takes the package :: Astan: Thank you ..merry Christmas to you :: moves off looking at the package ::

XO Kostandinos
 ::takes the package curiously and looks at the tag::

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::being half an inch taller, looks over her mother's shoulder::
  
EO Solek
 ::holding on to the wall with one hand, takes the package and looks at it curiously::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::takes the package offered to him and reads the tag::
 
IO Jakiel
 ::feels very excited, then a bit nonplussed at the emotion, and looks at Kizlev, her cheeks a bit red::  TO:  Why did that man give everyone a gift?
     
ACTION: The CTO's tag reads "a symbol of the heritage you wear with pride”
  
EO Solek
 ::motioning toward the package:: OPS: What is this?

CSO Tarrez
 OPS/EO:  If you would both excuse me ::smiles and heads over to Owyn and Hawk to open her present with them::
 
CO K’Beth
 ::looks around wondering why a strange man would give her a present.  Opens it up and grins as she sees a much better Karaoke machine than the one she had::
     
ACTION: The CSO's tag reads "to be used for time with your family”

CTO Grey-Feather
 Himself: Can this be from my family?
 
TO Kizlev
 IO: Yes. The man coming this way. ::watches Astan approach with a jolly demeanor and plops two small gift boxes into Kizlev's hands, one for him and one for Rhianna:: Astan: Thank you, good sir. IO: In this case, it may be better we didn't question this man's good will. Come, let's go back and sit down so you can see your gift.

OPS Ko’Bil
 EO: I believe they call it a Christmas present.

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::impatient:: XO: Open it!
     
ACTION: The XO's tag reads "to remember the past, celebrate the present and dream of the future"
  
EO Solek
 OPS: Curious.

CEO Madson
 ::takes a look at his note::
     
ACTION: The OPS's tag reads "to care for a friend"

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: opens his package, has the same feeling his always gets on Christmas...just a big kid, hope nobody notices ::

XO Kostandinos
 ::Arches one eyebrow and grins:: Adrienne: Yes ma'am...  ::begins to unwrap it, curious at the message on the tag::
     
ACTION: The CEO's tag reads "for one of both a memory of each"
    
Noelle
 :: hands a cup of hot chocolate to another skater as he skates by ::
 
IO Jakiel
 ::keeps her gift tucked under her arm so she can think about what her feet are doing:: TO: This is fun!  Relaxing is not a bad waste of time I think.
     
ACTION: The EO's tag reads "for peace of mind amidst the insane"

OPS Ko’Bil
 EO: It is an Earth custom. My foster parents use to celebrate is every year.

CEO Madson
 Self: That's odd...::starts unwrapping the packaging::
     
ACTION: The TO's tag reads "for a student of art and history"
     
ACTION: The IO's tag reads "a simple way to explore the universe"
  
EO Solek
 OPS: I see. ::shakes the box curiously, wondering what could be inside, then reads the tag::
    
Noelle
 :: catches Astan's eye and nods approvingly ::
     
ACTION: There is a gift next to Noelle, the tag reads "for someone special"

CSO Tarrez
 ::hugs Owyn and shows him the tag::  Owyn: Looks like someone knows me pretty well.

CSO Tarrez
 ::grins at him::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::looks that the tag again wondering what it meant and decides to unwrap the gift::

CSO Tarrez
 ::starts to open her present::
     
ACTION: The CTO finds a beaded Seminole vest
     
ACTION: The CEO finds scale models of both a nebula class vessel and an akira class.
 
IO Jakiel
 ::reads her message and holds it out for Kizlev to see::  TO:  Look!  How did they know?!  ::starts to unwrap her gift with care, wondering if it is fragile and very eager to see what it is::
  
EO Solek
 ::starts to open the wrapping on his gift, carefully and methodically, as not to rip the paper::
 
TO Kizlev
 ::gazes silently at the tag on his gift, thinking the words on it to be incredibly profound, as if a gift for his younger, more innocent self::
     
ACTION: The OPS finds a plant with a label that reads "Catnip" and a book on "Living with Felines"

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: wide eyed in amazement, he quickly puts in on :: Himself: I will wear it with pride.

CEO Madson
 Self: Wow....this is awesome, but...hey, how?  From who?
    
Noelle
 :: moves around the cart and sees a package on the ground with her name on it :: Self: Why that old dear. :: picks it up and places it on the edge of the cart for a moment ::
     
ACTION: The XO finds a group of photos... one of her and Adri as a baby... another with Adri a bit older and with Brynn, on the Hayden... another with Adri older still at the Black Widow with their new family... and finally a blank space to be filled.

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::looks at the gifts and thinks this is just what he needed:: EO: dont be so fussy just tear it open.
     
ACTION: The EO finds a new kal-toh set made of rare vulcan materials
     
ACTION: The TO finds a Japanese screen with a silk painting of two samurai warriors
 
IO Jakiel
 TO:  Kizlev...what does yours say?  ::almost has her gift open::
     
ACTION: The IO finds a sample of teas and teapots from all corners of the known universe

XO Kostandinos
 ::stares, remembering each of the moments in time but never having been aware that the pictures were taken:: Adrienne: Did you have anything to do with this?
     
ACTION: The CSO finds a large family style picnic basket... inside are a few gifts for her family
    
Noelle
 :: carefully unties the ribbon and slips it off before opening the paper wrapping and then the edges of the box ::
 
TO Kizlev
 ::suddenly feels afraid to open his gift, almost sad even as he guides Rhianna off the ice near to the CEO, but then fights the fears and opens it to see the mystifying eastern art::
 
CO K’Beth
 <Dog> ::scrabbles over towards the CO licking her lips and sniffs at the pony and the man::
  
EO Solek
 ::opens the box and looks inside, taking a closer look:: Self: Interesting.

CSO Tarrez
 ::exclaims as she opens it up::  Owyn: Its perfect!
     
ACTION: Dog finds a wrapped bone near the sleigh

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: moves closer to the others  to see what they got ::
  
EO Solek
 ::looks around at the other crew members, excited and happy about their gifts::

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::for once, is lacking in flippant commentary:: XO: Umm... no...
     
ACTION: Noelle open the gift to find a dozen delicate roses, each a different color, and each made of a different type of precious stone.
 
CO K’Beth
 Astan: ::looking him over closely and then towards her crew:: Do I know you?

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::sees what the EO has gotten:: EO: That looks like a fine present.
     
Astan
 ::winks and is back on his sleigh and gone before the Captain can ask any more::

CSO Tarrez
 ::takes out the little Starfleet science officer action figure to give to Hawk::
 
CO K’Beth
 <Dog> ::sniffs the bone and drags it towards the CO whining and scratching at it::
  
EO Solek
 OPS: Indeed. I have not played Kal-toh for many years.
 
TO Kizlev
 IO: This... ::sighs deeply, his antennae hunched over his forehead to show his mild sorrow:: ...this represents what I originally wanted to be.

OPS Ko’Bil
 EO: Maybe you could teach me how to play it also?
 
CO K’Beth
 ::bends down to pick up the bone and sees Astan wink and is gone before she stands back up again:: Outloud: What the....??
 
IO Jakiel
 ::says in wonder::  TO:  Ooooooh!  The strange man at the apothecary!  ::glides with Kizlev over to wherever he is taking her and then sits down to remove one of the teapots, but almost drops it as her eye catches a very familiar face.  Is in total shock::  Self:  Scott?!  ::whispers almost as if she's seeing a ghost::  CEO: Scott?!

XO Kostandinos
 ::smiles:: Adrienne: They're beautiful, though...  ::runs one finger absentmindedly over Brynn's face and leans over so that Adrienne can look at them as well::

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: moved over near the CO :: CO: I think we all know him.  Does your culture have a being that rewards young warriors at a time of festival?
    
Noelle
 :: is surprised by the roses and wipes a tear from her eye as she closes the box again ::
 
TO Kizlev
 ::perks up again with Rhianna's sudden loud tone of recognition::
  
EO Solek
 ::nods slowly:: OPS: Perhaps. It would be a change to play with an opponent.

Auron
 ::watches this all as he sips at his cider::
 
CO K’Beth
 ::unwraps the bone and hands it to Dog who is dancing around slipping and sliding:: CTO: No...a young warriors reward is to live another day.
  
EO Solek
 ::looks at the OPS's gift:: OPS: What was your gift?

CSO Tarrez
 <Owyn>  CSO: Here let me take  this over to the side. ::takes the basket over to the benches on the side and sits it down::

OPS Ko’Bil
 EO: Then I will look forward to it. I am always looking for ways to expand my knowledge.
    
Noelle
 :: hands a sausage wrapped in a bun to another passerby :: Passerby: Enjoy my dear.

CTO Grey-Feather
 CO: Well we Terrans do.  Goes by many names but all the same being

CSO Tarrez
 ::picks up Hawk and moves to the rest of the group::
 
IO Jakiel
 ::turns her head away from Scott for a moment as what Kizlev said registers::  TO: Oh!  Your picture...  ::cannot help but look back at Scott and reaches to touch his arm::  CEO: What...how...why did you not tell me?  When did you come on the ship?  What are you doing?  ::stops talking and just looks at him in wonder::

OPS Ko’Bil
 EO: I received a book on the care of my cat as well as some catnip for her.
 
CO K’Beth
 CTO: You mean to tell me that you receive a gift just because it is a certain date on the calendar?

CEO Madson
 ::looking curiously at the models, curious as to who would give him those:: IO: Oh hey.

CSO Tarrez
 CO: K'Beth what did you get?
    
Noelle
 :: slowly pushes her cart down the path ::
 
TO Kizlev
 ::gazes at the IO and CEO apparently having a reunion and decides to skate back out onto the ice, wanting to be alone with his gift, the joyful and painful memories it brings him::

CTO Grey-Feather
 CO: Remember captain that centuries ago earth was poor.  We linked gift giving for our families to significant festivals
 
IO Jakiel
 ::blinks::  CEO:  Hey?!  This is all you say to me when you in such a surprise?  ::remembers suddenly that he should be surprised at how much older she is.  Asks tentatively::  CEO:  You...you recognize me?
     
Auron
 ::having taken off his skate and hung them over his shoulder he follows Noelle with her cart::  Noelle: I think this is going to be a fantastic day.

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::sees the lady with the cart:: Noelle: Ma'am would it be possible to get some hot chocolate please?

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::looks them over and looks back at her mother, grinning:: XO: Well we know whomever gave these to you must be a magician... they got the Brothers Grim to smile ::gestures to the one with Rafi and Little Tom::
    
Noelle
 :: turns and smiles at Auron :: Auron: One of the best my dear, one of the best.
 
CO K’Beth
 ::wobbles on her skates as she is now standing in the middle of the rink without the benefit of the sled and shows the machine to Sykora:: CTO: I think Betazeds do the same thing but my mother never did.
  
EO Solek
 ::turns around to move off of the ice and place his gift on the bench when he suddenly slips and falls hard on his rear and sends the box flying through the air::

CEO Madson
 IO: Yeah, I...I think so.  I'm just a little distracted at these models, I'm really wondering who would give these to me.

CSO Tarrez
 ::groans at seeing the darn contraption::

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::moves trying to catch the box and finds himself flat on the ice again::
 
CO K’Beth
 <Dog> ::trots off towards the edge of the rink with a huge bone in her mouth.  Occasionally one of her legs will slip out from underneath her and she lands belly first sprawled on the ice but never drops her bone::
     
ACTION: Attached to the karaoke machine is a lifetime warranty.

CTO Grey-Feather
 CO: The creature was called  Saint Nicolas, Santa Clause, Kris Kringle, and now maybe Astan  :: moves off across the ice ::
 
TO Kizlev
 ::skates towards the OPS and goes to help him up:: OPS: I see you are new to this as well.

EO Solek
 ::attempts to get back to his feet::

CSO Tarrez
 ::sees a note attached to the machine and reads it::

CSO Tarrez
 ::curses in Romulan::

OPS Ko’Bil
 TO: We never had any use for these torture devices on the Mars colony?
 
IO Jakiel
 CEO:  I know.  It is very strange.  I do not understand why we were given these gifts.  ::senses how much Scott is enjoying his gifts::  But they are very good rewards.  ::looks closely at Scott::  ~~~CEO: I have much to tell you, cousin.  I am just...so surprised to see you here.  You must tell me how Joanna is doing!  And Mother and Father Jakiel.~~~
 
CO K’Beth
 ::swooshes her feet to try and get momentum back towards the edge of the rink and suddenly finds her feet flailing around as she turns and twists and finally ends up sitting down hard on her rear and back but cradling her new toy carefully from harm:: Oooof!

CTO Grey-Feather
 ::repeats the CSO's curse in Romulan then :: CSO: Such language commander

EO Solek
 ::manages to make it to his feet and off of the ice, sitting down on the bench::

XO Kostandinos
 ::laughs and almost loses her balance:: Adrienne: That's definitely a feat of science... or magic, whatever you want to call it.  I'm seriously curious though... no one who knew us when you were little, also knew us on the Hayden or here... so it's interesting

CEO Madson
 IO: Yes, of course.  But, these gifts are nice, but I just uneasy about receiving them, very suspicious.
 
TO Kizlev
 ::shakes his head with a chuckle:: OPS: Torture? Never. Fun? Always. ::slowly helps him back to his feet:: There you go. Try to take it easy more often, lieutenant. ::pauses:: Say, could I ask you something?

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::grabs the rail to help steady himself:: TO: Sure what is it.

CSO Tarrez
 ::watches as the CO goes down and smiles after making sure that she is okay.  Then turns to the CTO and whispers::  CTO: I take it you have not heard the CO sing before huh?  I'm surprised that K'Vas never mentioned it.

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::gets a look on her face that always makes her mother nervous:: XO: There's one blank though...  maybe grandchildren? ::grins::

IO Jakiel
 ::nods seriously to her cousin and whispers::  CEO:  Yes, I am wary, too.  It is as if someone were reading our minds.  Kizlev...oh, I must introduce him...  ::turns to speak to the Andorian and sees he is gone, then sees him on the ice::  CEO:  There is someone I want you to meet.  ::leans closer to Scott::  CEO:  But I think we should be careful
 
TO Kizlev
 OPS: Do you know where I can acquire good art equipment and tools? I find myself in need of a good artist's easel and some canvas boards. I was hoping you'd know where to find such things, perhaps?

XO Kostandinos
 ::horrified:: Adrienne: Please tell me that you're not... ::cannot finish the words::
 
IO Jakiel
 CEO:  Perhaps we should scan these items...
 
CO K’Beth
 ::tries to get back to her feet but can't get any traction.  Decides that her dignity be damned and scoots on her butt across the ice with her karaoke machine in her lap::
  
EO Solek
 ::exhales deeply as he picks up his PADD and begins reading again::
    
Noelle
 :: glances over at the rink one last time as she brings her cart to a stop ::

CTO Grey-Feather
 CSO: He did said it was quite good :: moves closer and whispers :: almost provocative he said.  :: shrugs :: no figuring Klingons :: grins ::

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::laughs so hard that a few people near them stop and look over:: XO: Wow, you should have seen the look on your face...  no, going by our family traditions I'm already to old to have kids of my own ::grins wickedly as her mother's face turns various shades of sheet white::

CSO Tarrez
 ::chuckles::

OPS Ko’Bil
 TO: I believe that I may be able to acquire some of those things for you. I have a few contacts on the station.

CEO Madson
 IO: Alright, just a sec.  ::walks over to the cart:: Noelle: Can I have another cup of cider?

OPS Ko’Bil
 TO: If you will make a list of what you need and send it to me I will get right on it.

CTO Grey-Feather
 ::laughs at the sight of the CO :: CSO: Well you can't say the captain doesn't per her best ...ah foot? forward
 
CO K’Beth
 <Dog> ::trots quickly towards Noelle and puts her bone down on the ground in front of the woman.  Looks u0p at her and barks, waggling her back end::
 
IO Jakiel
 ::her mouth falls open at the sight of her...Captain!::
 
TO Kizlev
 ::smiles and shakes the Takaran's hand:: OPS: Thank you. I needed fresh supplies. Replicated just wouldn't do. And if you need anymore help on the ice or with your department, just let me know. ::briskly skates away::

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::her attention is momentarily drawn from her mother's near heart-attack to the Klingon moving.. awkwardly... across the ice and her eyebrows shoot up:: XO: Oh, this is just not right...
 
IO Jakiel
 ::reluctantly removes her gaze from the Captain and tries to wave with eagerness to Kizlev to return::

CSO Tarrez
 ::turns and tries her best not to laugh at the CO's predicament::
    
Noelle
 :: smiles down at dog :: Dog: You are a lucky pup to get such a lovely gift. Now here's one last one from me. :: tosses dog a sausage :; Now scoot precious.

OPS Ko’Bil
 ::watches the TO leave and decides that the best thing for him to do is get off this awful ice::

CTO Grey-Feather
 :: takes off across the ice proudly showing off his vest as he does ::
    
Noelle
 :: nudges Auron :: Auron: I believe it is time.

CEO Madson
 ::coughs a bit:: Noelle: Excuse, one more cider, please.
 
CO K’Beth
 <Dog> ::catches the sausage in mid-air...and then pushes her new bone towards Noelle with her nose, wanting to give it to the nice lady. Trots off happily gulping her sausage::
  
EO Solek
 ::sits by himself on the bench he started off on, studying his PADD like his life depended on it::

CSO Tarrez
 ::smiles up at Owyn as he approaches again and kisses him::

XO Kostandinos
 <Adrienne> ::skates off quickly across the ice and comes to a stop in front of the CO:: CO: Um... you need some help?
     
Auron
 ::winks at Noelle as the pair fade from sight, leaving a steaming cup of cider in Scott's hand::
 
TO Kizlev
 ::waves back to Rhianna, but skates over to the captain's side first to help her out:: Self: I feel more and more like a medic each day.
 
CO K’Beth
 ::reaches the railing and pulls herself up with a nod to Adrienne. Grins at the young girl:: Adrienne: You wouldn't have a soft pillow would you? ""feels her rear end gingerly::
     
ACTION: New snow begins to fall, covering the ground in a bright, clean blanket of white.
     
<<<<<<<<<< END MISSION & HAPPY HOLIDAYS >>>>>>>>>>