Winter Wonderland...

Posted on Sat Jan 11th, 2025 @ 12:03am by Captain Dr. Nairut Noxi & Lieutenant Paisley F'rar & Lieutenant JG Elysian "Elly" Clarke & Lieutenant Commander Mira Napier & Lieutenant Commander Andrew "Drew" Chandler & Lieutenant Commander Lae'or Tahlin & Lieutenant Rose Andrake & Lieutenant Valok Larel & Captain Neyin Vessk & Lieutenant JG Mike Barton & Ashley Chandler & Ambassador Devon Harrison

5,121 words; about a 26 minute read

Mission: To Boldly Go...
Location: Holodeck 2
Timeline: Winter 2380

The Mental Health and Wellness committee, along with a couple of the crew's volunteers, had put together another party-this one for the various cultures' winter holidays. Noxi remembered Christmas-her ex husband's family had celebrated it. She had never gotten much into it, but she DID enjoy some aspects of it-the togetherness, the sights and sounds, and the general "easy" feeling that people had that time of year. She had always liked learning about other people's cultural holidays, and teaching them to Benny, too.

Now, she stood in front of a holographic scene of a cabin, with a fire roaring, two couches, two armchairs, and a "Christmas" tree in one corner. In the other corner stood a large candelabra, which she remembered marked Hannukkah-she didn't know much about that one, unfortunately. Each crew member had been asked to add a single element to the hologram on their arrival to signify a custom from their culture-religious or not-and to share with others if asked. She'd added the symbol from the Bajoran flag; their Independence Day was in late November. There was never a formal celebration-such thing would've been regarded as near blasphemy-but she liked to mark it anyway. She was sipping some spiked, warmed eggnog, and smiling.

Rose's contribution to this celebration was a simple one, marked by the caricatures of anthropomorphic animals milling about in the background, a favor of the game engine used, heavily modified originally for her hydroponics bay simulation. Her people valued favors, acts of service, and community bonds, especially around the christening dates of their vessels, the calendar changes, and major milestones. In fact, the last few days, Rose had taken a break from the arboretum, by volunteering her time to touch up the hull paint and lettering. Now, Rose entered the holodeck visibly unkempt with a heavy bag slung over her shoulder and a set of tools that needed maintenance hung on one hip. It seemed she would be maintaining her space suit and some tools while the celebration was underway. "Found the christening panel while I was cleaning the deflector array, Captain. You never told me this would be a centennial hull next year. I know Gregorian calendar's a bit Terran and dated, but still. Explains why her hull song's so... Lively."

Noxi nodded. "Yes, it is," she said. "I never really thought about it," she said, with a light shrug. "You look nice today. Enjoy your evening," Noxi said. She fully intended to have a REALLY good night herself. "And I appreciate your contribution. It is, as my teenaged son says, "really cool". She shook her head. Benny had begun to pick up some odd speech patterns, which Noxi and her ex husband attributed to wanting to "fit in" at the Academy.

Rose gave a dark chuckle at the comment about her looking nice. "Don't lie to my face like that, Captain. I look so much like shit Neyin won't let me curl up on him without a shower. But thanks. I spent a long time modding this engine. Felt right. By the way, anything you need done before the year-end?"

Noxi chuckled. "Everyone looks nice in their own way, after all," she said. "I can't think of anything, but coordinate with Engineering and Commander Morgan," she said. "He was an Engineer before going Command and that kind of thing is more in his wheelhouse. How goes plans for the Arboretum? I fear our botanist is lovesick and might...forget," she said.

Neyin would show up sometime after that sentence from rose after a marine nearbye walked off. "Alright rose you know the drill 1 cup of coffee beans in the jar for putting yourself down. oh hey Noxi How have you been? would you like some tea, Rose said im great at making her tea."

Valok, having finished settling in to his quarters, had heard about the gathering. He enjoyed meeting people but sometimes got nervous at social functions. He'd changed into some casual clothes, hoping it would help him relax. Walking into the room., he ordered a mug of Jasmine tea and found a seat along the wall.

She had been surprised, when her abilities had begun returning weak and unstable as though learning to walk again, at the sheer level of debauchery of the ship's command staff. And was still learning to sleep through the emotional and sensational noise, though she refused to speak her distress aloud. But Noxi was speaking to her, and she had best answer. "We're waiting on damage control for their inspection of the pumps and foundation systems before we close it up with dirt and water. And based on the oddly cheerful heart and Elly's palpable distraction... She already forgot the arboretum. Which is okay. I'll remind her when we're ready for planting. Excuse me for a moment. Neyin, if you take my coffee for spitting facts, I'm gonna stop making those cricket flour pancakes you like. Self deprecating would be saying live laugh toaster bath, not I know full damn well I look like a bag of smashed ass!"

Noxi simply smiled. Rose actually reminded her A LOT of her friend Vila, another Bajoran-that woman had a mouth like a sailor and the balls of a bull. "I will get with the Engineering Chief tomorrow," she said. "I am eager to see it," she said. At Rose's request that she wait a moment, Noxi nodded, and sipped her drink. She looked around for Devon.

Neyin pauses his stride and looks back to rose. "If you feel the need to punish me to keep you from self deprecating yourself I will put a parental code on your infinite map." he states evenly letting that sink in. "Anyway ill be back later gotta go bag a cup of coffee beans."

"You wouldn't dare! Especially if I'm not punishing you!" Rose put a hand to her forehead, as though trying to press out a headache. "First surgery, then Mom, then this? Granted, probably the least bickering I've ever done with a partner, but damn. Cause he knows full well I'm switching almost entirely to cricket flour cause wheat isn't good for him... Are healthy relationships always like this?"

Noxi shrugged. "I am not the woman to ask," she said. "My marriage ended. In the early days, it was much like this, though, and I'd like to think we were generally a healthy pair," she said. The truth was that she had been FARRRR too young to get married, but had been desperate to leave the war-torn planet she was from, and when his ship came through DS9, which they'd only JUST won back, she saw Ben as a way out. She DID love him, in the way that a nineteen year old girl could love someone, of course.

"That pair are trouble, no, Captain" Tahlin entered, added a small model of her father's old freighter, then moved over to the ship's captain and Rose. Stopping her Bajoran, she turned to Rose. "I knew you were trouble the first time I saw you in what passed for an arboretum at Starbase Aerhart... But, we're not here to ponder the past. Where might I find a drink, and meet some people? To answer your question, however, I've been happily married for fourteen years, and we bicker but out of love."

"Trouble? You're one to talk, ya scrap hauler!" Rose instantly clapped back in perfect Romulan.

Ashley came dashing into the holodeck, a grin from ear to ear upon her face. She was bouncing up and down excitedly and gestured to Drew and Elly as they stepped into the holodeck. She couldn't contain herself any longer and burst out loudly and so quickly it sounded like on word. "MyDadJustProposedToEllyDuringGiftExchangeAndSheSaidYES!!!"

Drew blushed as shook his head with a smile looking at Ashley making the announcement he was sure could be heard over the entire ship...without the shipping communications circuit activated.

Elly, too, had blushed red. "Ashley!" She said, under her breath. Then they looked around, and she nodded. "Yes! I did," she said. And she was still scared about it.

From the table, Noxi smiled. "Alright!! Excellent! This calls for a toast!" She said. She picked up her Springwine, and waited a minute for everyone to quiet down. "As Captain, Seeing you two together, it is so clear that you were made for each other and the love you share is unmatched. Now, there is plenty more excitement to come in the months ahead, so know that we're all here to support you, cheer you on, and celebrate the life you are building together —far beyond when you two say 'I do." She raised her glass a moment, and then took a long sip. Young life...sometimes she missed it.

"Damn, you move fast, Chandler! I can see how happy you make her, and you would not believe how worried she was about making you happy. I wish you two many fat babies!" Rose swept a glass from the table before slamming the contents down and crushing the glass in her hand, ensuring the glass could never be used for another toast.

Tahlin raised one eyebrow at Rose. "... You don't do things by half, do you?"

"Why would I? Now. If y'all don't mind, I'm'a fix my suit cause the neck seal needs replaced and the power connector's older than me." She dropped the duffel with a heavy slam, unzipping it to reveal a personal space suit as she grabbed the helmet and sat down on the rest. "And while I'm doing that, I'm gonna drink the hard now cause growing up, dairy was a special treat. We didn't have replicators, you know."

Drew looked at Noxi and Rose and gave them both a smile. It was true that Elly and he had been dating for only seven weeks, but she was the woman of his dreams nearly every night. More importantly, Ashley and Rachel adored her for the joy she had brought back into Drew's life. "Thank you Captain. Thank you too Rose." He took a modest sip after the toast.

Feeling slightly out of place, since he hadn’t met a lot of the crew yet, Valok debated slipping out of the party. Curling up with a good book or film may be a better use of his evening. Finishing his tea, he started crossing towards the door.

Tahlin intercepted the leaving crewmember. "Who are you now? I know, I know, I'm new here, and its probably a bit scary. Breathe, breathe... Lae'or Tahlin--new CSO."

A sudden, unseen stimulus washed over Rose as her head snapped to... Her mind's eye felt somehing distinctly froggy alongside the familiar presence of Vulcan reason. Not cold, quite the opposite. And yet somehow tempered. "Hey, new guys! Get yer butts over here and come celebrate year-end!"

As the happy couple came in, and others cheered, Noxi watched as the groups parted-by now, groups of friends and coworkers had formed, often the officers and enlisted were separate, but not always. She watched carefully, enjoying the fact that everyone has having a good time. Excellent. They'd had a rough couple of missions, and they deserved it; they all worked very hard.

Pushing down a sigh, Valok turned to the voice that called to him and replied " It's nice to meet you. I'm Lieutenant Valok Larel the new Chief Counselor and Assistant Chief Medical Officer. Sorry if it looks like I'm running away, but big crowds kind of overwhelme me." Hearing someone boisterously call to them, he raised an eyebrow in the stereotypical fashion and added "Do you think we should join whomever that was before they become more persistent?"

Tahlin looked over at Rose, scoffed, then said to the Vulcan, "Trust me, no. I'll shield you from the craziness. I'm social, but I appreciate and understand being overwhelmed." She snagged a raktajino off a tray, sipped, then made a face. "Decaf... Not my style, but if I want to sleep tonight... So, you're not fully Vulcan, I see? The hair and eyes give it away--Betazoid?"

Devon entered and made a beeline to Noxi's side. He looked about and nodded. "Seems like your party is kicking off nicely. Did I miss anything important?"

She nodded. "Drew and Elly are getting married; his daughter just announced it," she said. "But otherwise, no," she said. She smiled. "What was the hold up?" She asked, slightly concerned. Hopefully his tardiness didn't mean trouble.

Devon looked over to the obviously happy couple and smiled. He turned back to Noxi. "Getting some reports finished up and uploaded into the computer for transmission back to DS9. Unlike Starfleet's most beautiful Captain. I don't have a staff to assist me in drafting and filing reports."

Noxi smiled, but shook her head. "I have a singular yeoman," she remarked, dryly.

Drew spotted someone he hadn't seen since the Academy. He turned to Elly who was showing her ring to the Hospital Corpsman who had pretty much performed the physical for Ashley. "Excuse me for a moment. Just need to say hello to someone."

Elly nodded. "Ok, honey," she said, and continued her conversation with Trudy.

Drew approached Tahlin, a good friend and classmate of Rachel's, late wife, during their Academy years. "Lae'or Tahlin, how are you?"

The Bajoran smiled. "Drew..." She hugged him. "Goodness, its been a while... I'm sorry I couldn't get back for the funeral--we were off Prophets know where... This is Lieutenant--I'm sorry, Vulcan names aren't my strong suit. Is four too much in a group, Counselor? I think I..."

She was caught off as her legs were tapped by something. She looked, then smiled. "Ali, old-school tonight?" She turned to the men. "Drew, I think you remember my daughter? Lieutenant-Counselor, this is my daughter Alexandria."

The twelve-year-old smiled a little awkwardly. "Call me Ali... Yea--wanted to see how many people I could trip, and/or terrify."

Tahlin's face momentarily grew pensive. "Remind me to have a talk with you... We don't trip folks, at least not intentionally."

Drew looked at the young girl. "A pleasure Alexandria. You keeping your mom out trouble these days?"

"Who are you now?" The tween looked up at the taller man. "You don't sound familiar... We keep each other out of trouble, honestly." She made a face. "Everybody calls me Ali--well, I might make an exception for the captain."

Tahlin ruffled her daughter's hair. "Hey now, what's gotten into you... Drew, did I hear right you've got kids about Ali's age?"

Drew nodded. He waved to Ashley. "Ashley, there's a couple of people I want to introduce you to."

Ashley strolled over and smiled at Tahlin and Alexandria as her father made introductions. "Pleased to meet you both."

Nodding, Valok replied " Nice to meet you as well. I'm Lieutenant Valok Larel. " Feeling a bit overwhelmed suddenly, he added "If you'll excuse me a moment. " Carefully he navigated himself to a nearby seat and put his head between his knees, trying to take deep breaths.

He might feel something brush against his senses, sensations that weren't his own, and emotions. Serenity, peace, a reminder to breathe as the soreness in his forearms of working on something. Not a pressure or attack, but an invitation.

Trying to calm down. Valok focused on his breathing, and tried to call on his training to steady his anxiety. He felt a strange sense of ...something in the back of his mind but couldn't place it.
------

Mira and Mike both had declined to join in the holodeck. No answer was given as to why.

The newest crew member, Lt. Paisley F'rar, entered last. Whoops. The Engineer was always late; she was too busy in the Tubes to pay attention to the time. She was dressed up a bit, and had highlighted the single ridge on her nose in blue. She was looking for a good time tonight.

She approached the Captain. "Good evening, Ma'am," she said, pleasantly. She quickly got a drink and ducked away; Command types always made her nervous.

Noxi looked around. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. She took Devon's arm. "Let's mingle a bit, then I'll tell you about what WE do on Bajor for holidays," she said, with a wink, She led him towards the small group huddled near Elly Clarke. "Elly," she said. "Congrats!" She smiled.

Devon gave Noxi a gentle squeeze. "I look forward to you telling me and more to the point demonstrating how Bajorans like to celebrate."

Elly looked up as the Captain approached. OH NOOOOOO. But the woman didn't seem upset. She just nodded. "Thanks!" She said. "Ambassador," she said, with a nod. "When are you two going to do it?" She asked.

Noxi laughed. "It's a bit soon for that," she said. She made a face. Honestly, she didn't know if she ever WOULD remarry, but she was in no rush to find out.

Devon nodded. "That topic hasn't come up in our discussions Lieutenant. Perhaps when we finish this patrol and return to Deep Space Nine. I will have to find out if the Federation Diplomatic Corps will keep me assigned to the region."

Elly nodded. Whoops. At least they'd recovered well. She just liked it when everyone was happy. Discord made her nervous and twitchy.

"I understand. My apologies-sometimes my mouth runs away before my brain can," she said. She bit her lip. "Ma'am, sir. This is Petty Officer Third Class Trudy Mitchell." She let out a breath. She looked around. Where was Rachel or someone to rescue her?!

"Ay! Elly! Need you for a moment," Rose looked up, directly at Elly's discomfort, and held up a chunk of her suit before setting it down to slam back another glass of egg nog. She may not have had the details or knowledge to know who she felt, but she knew that nervous energy, knew the thoughts like a fireworks show and the twitchy nerves of something akin to a scared mouse. Too obviously Elly. And a welcome distraction from the waves of someone else and his lovers. Just as clearly, she took better care of that space suit than herself, but an offer of rescue was what it was. "How's your phycology? Life support's giving some odd readings and I could use your help. Bring your friend if you need."

Elly smiled. "Please, excuse me," she said, bounding off towards Rose. "It's ok," she said. "I prefer mycology, though. I can look. Trudy can handle herself," Elly said, talking a mile a minute, per usual. She arrived at Rose's side. "What do you need?" She said.

"You good?" Rose offered a smile, pulling a canister out of the backpack module of her suit, a mass of lines and slightly glowing algae canisters that filtered air through massive surface area. "Could feel you stressing. Heart racing and nerves. Not just from every time you look at your pretty Earther."

Elly laughed. "Nah, said something dumb," she said. "Thanks." She said. She looked at the piece of Rose's spacesuit. "What is that?" She asked.

"A biological rebreather. 2100s tech. Uses a couple of strains of algae in a gel matrix. Just need you to use a tricorder and double check the health of the colony." Rose shrugged. "We all say dumb shit, you know that, right? Like I'm kind of an ass. I don't want to be. I just... By the way. You're the first to know. Sorry if I was looking too close. I... Can feel the sensations, muscle memory of other people. Haven't tried broadcasting yet. The surgery was successful. And the way you and Drew light up when you think about each other? It's beautiful. I envy you."

Elly blushed. "Thank you," she said. "I'd use a fruticose lichen, like Stereocauln," she said. "I am glad your surgery went well," she said. She sipped her drink. "Where's your lizard man?" She asked.

Closing her eyes. Rose let her head tilt and brows furrowed as she focused, feeling. "I... Smell coffee and gun oil. Can't see anything. Muscles ache. He's probably working out with the other Marines?"

Quickly, she returned to her work of putting new seals throughout her suit. "I don't know if he's gonna be... Well. There's some suspicions and I got a lot going on in my head that make me a little suspicious of anything going on. I never could read intent. Not any better than you. So it does kinda freak me out a bit."

Elly nodded. "I see.." she said. "I would imagine it's a little weird to know what someone is thinking 24/7," she said. "I wouldn't want to know ALL of Drew's thoughts," she mused. Only the oogd ones, about her.

"I can't get thoughts. Just memories and sensations. Sometimes surface thoughts. Like if you shout in your head at me I can kinda hear it. Nothing complex." Rose continued her work. "And some times, especially when I was a kid, it could be really hard to tell what's my body and what's someone else. And now... Well. You know how Cramer broke his arm? You heard it from a report. I felt it. As though it was my own. Hurt like a sonovabitch. So yeah. I grew up with this. It's how I interact with the world around me. It let me borrow skills, muscle memory, do things as though I was trained from birth just being near a master of the craft. Some times it stuck around. Often it didn't. Means I can share my memories and sensations with someone back when I was stronger. Or be a bridge to share skills across groups of people. But it's easy to lose yourself in it. And wouldn't wish it on you. Unless you want to feel what Drew feels while you two have your fun. Just remember. I can't do emotions or thoughts. Just memories and sensations. I mean... If you want it, I can bridge you two. For a bit. With his consent. But it's not something I've ever done, so it won't be for long and I might fuck it up."

Elly looked at Rose, and nodded. "That sounds both...interesting and, frankly, annoying. I wouldn't necessarily want to feel everyone else's emotions all the time. I mean...what if you're sick or something?! That would suck," she said. "I'll bring it up to Drew. It might be interesting once or twice," she said. "We do have a good connection, and I can tell what he's thinking sometimes, though," she said.

"Oh, yeah, no, the guy's scary perceptive." Rose gave a laugh. "Like when I said his was the last mind I touched before I lost my powers, I meant it. I thought he was open and whackadoodled him with some of my trauma... Or... Tried. He promptly stunned me and charged me with resisting arrest on top of the suspected smuggling and piracy charges. All got dropped like a week later, but he saw it coming. Sitting in that cell I thought for sure he was at least telepathic. Or that he was a fuckin' precog. But let's face it, the broken nose was better than catching an assault on a Starfleet Officer charge. I wouldn't be surprised if he's a latent. Also. Sensations. Physical senses. Not emotions. Memories. Not thoughts. Like I can share my skill with this space suit with you, and I can feel your heart rate. But I can't hear or see that you're visualizing sharing sensations in bed."

Elly nodded. "I don't think he's a latent," she said. From what she knew, humans did not possess that kind of power without augments, and they certainly couldn't pass on the augments genetically. She knew that Drew wasn't augmented. "I understand," she said. "Still. I would prefer to discuss it with him," she said. It was only right. "I think he's just good at reading people. Body language is a powerful tool for security types," she said, with a shrug.

"Fair. I feel like I would have been able to smack him a few more times if he was even close to expressing any abilities no matter how uselessly weak." Giving a shrug and beginning to reassemble her suit, Rose continued. "I mean, what do I know? I never learned that skill so that kind of perception is just one of those weird human superpowers a weirdo telepath like me can never actually understand no matter how often I borrow it for basic communication cause without my powers I'm just autistic. Could be worse. But you discuss that with Drew. At your convenience. Ain't my place to push it..."

Rose gave a sudden small hiss, breaking away from her soft tone to rub her nose. "Damn it, Neyin, stop scratching."

Elly blinked. "What's happening?" She asked Rose. She looked around for Drew; just to see what he was doing. He seemed to be in a deep conversation. Good. He needed it.

"Remember that acid took half Neyin's face off? Turns out it still itches like a motherfucker. And he managed to scratch himself open again. One more time and I'm putting him in a cone of shame!" Nonetheless, Rose gave a small laugh. "I envy more conventional psykers. Emotions and thoughts? Gods, sounds so refreshing."

Elly smiled lightly. "I hope he'll be ok; can't Medical do more?" She asked. "Has he tried any kind of herbal treatments? Tea Tree is good for skin ailments, and birch bark for itch. I'll see if I can make up some tinctures. Have him apply it with a cotton pad of some sort."

"You're an angel, Elly. Herbology wasn't my strong suit. And Medical' doing all they can, but most of their gear isn't geared for big ass reptilians. Everything just takes longer with him, medically. And that I've changed a chunk of my diet around his so we can eat together... I never thought I'd miss mashed potatoes." She gave a laugh.

"You're welcome!" She smiled. "I better go find Drew before Trudy tries to steal him from me," she laughed. "Byeee," she said, wandering away.

Trudy looked at the Captain and Ambassador and giggled. "I think Elly's in an overstimulated state." She glanced at Drew for a moment. "Of course if Lieutenant Commander Chandler had asked me to marry him, I would be too."

Noxi smiled. "Nice to meet you," she said. "He seems to have all the girls excited for him," she said. Frankly, he wasn't really her type-a bit soft. "I understand, she didn't need to run off," Noxi said, with a laugh. "If you'll excuse us," she said to Trudy. She pulled Devon along with her again.

They stopped at the group that had gathered with Drew Chandler, plus Lae'or, and their families. "Hello," Noxi said.

Devon extended his right hand to Drew. "Congratulations Mister Chandler, Noxi just told me of the upcoming nuptials. You are very lucky."

Drew shook hands with Devon as he glanced at Elly with a nod. "I am lucky and thank you."

Noxi nodded. "Congrats," she said, echoing Devon. "And Elly," she said, smiling. "Do you have any ideas yet?" She asked. "We can do a ceremony on the ship!" She said. "I've seen it happen. Myself, we did Bajor, but it was...well. A long time ago," she said. "Anyway. It can be arranged!" She said, cheerfully.

Drew looked at Noxi with an appreciative expression before shaking his head. "We have decided to take leave once we return to Deep Space Nine and have the wedding and honeymoon on Risa while the Deliverance is undergoing resupply and refit. We still have to contact family and let them know. Also there's a great many details to iron out."

Noxi nodded. "That sounds lovely," she said. "And yes, there is, and that's soon so you should get started! If you need help with any of the arrangements, I'll see what I can do," she said.

Valok, having regained his composure, slowly made it towards the door. He didn't want to make a scene leaving early, but needed some quiet time to center himself.

Noxi noticed the new doctor leaving, and smiled to herself. She, too, was ready to leave but she needed to say hello to a few more people, so she pulled Devon along with her, moving on to the next group of folks. Finally, having greeted the entire crew, she drained the last sip of her drink, and turned to her companion. "So. Holidays on Bajor can get a little...wild. Hope you're ready," she said, making her way for the door.

Devon smiled at Noxi and kissed her on the cheek. He was more than willing to follow Noxi to the ends of the universe someday. Tonight he was simply happy to follow her back to quarters. "After you my lovely Captain."

Noxi smiled wickedly, and headed for the door without a word.

Ashley had spent a little time hanging out with Alexandria at the party. She went to speak with her father for a few minutes before returning to Alexandria and her mother. "Question. Would it be OK if I stayed with you guys tonight. I think my dad was hoping for a little alone time with his new fiancee."

Drew walked over to where Elly and Rose were. He nodded to Rose. "Good evening Rose. If you don’t mind I need to speak with Elly for a moment. He held out a hand to Elly.

"She's all yours, pretty boy," Rose shrugged. "For what little it's worth, I like this one."

Elly chuckled. "Thanks, Rose," she said. The other woman wasn't so bad.

Rose responded with a shrug. "Don't let it go to your head. Your obsession with coconuts is still weird. But they are tasty. Drew, I'm putting up a psi damper in my room. Will take a bit. You two have fun."

Drew pulled Elly aside and planted a light kiss on her cheek as cover to whisper in her ear for a moment. "Ashley is spending the night with her new friend. That leaves our quarters free of distractions and interruptions. So. Any time you want to take off, just give the word.?"

"Take me home, or lose me forever!" She giggled but led him towards the door.

Drew slipped an arm around Elly's waist and pulled her along gently towards the door. "No need to tell me twice." He leaned in to whisper in her ear. "One thing you are losing when we get back to quarters is your dress...and anything else you have on future Mrs. Chandler." A moment later the loving couple was out the door.



END

 

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