The Promenade was completely decked out in decorations celebrating a dozen Yuletide holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Bajoran Aphelion Festival, the Birth of Surak among others. Celebrants from every tradition sampled the fares and traditions of their fellows in the most awesome display of good cheer yet seen in the Briar Patch.
Kitty and Troy, newly committed to one another, were reveling in the atmosphere. No one was quite sure how or why this all came together the way it did. It just did. But nobody was complaining either. The Essentialists were in on the act too, although they kept to themselves and generally were left alone for their bad attitude.
Paul Deveraux came up to them with a Bajoran woman neither of them had met before. "I see you're having a good time!" Troy commented.
"Yes, mon amis, I'm 'aving a very good time!" he said as he hugged his companion. "Congratulations to both of you!"
"Thanks, Paul!" Kitty said. She could sense that Paul was genuinely enjoying himself... and genuinely trying to stay on his best behavior.
Eventually they found their way to Tarik, Kassia, and Tiyanna, who were walking with a large group of humans singing a song in Spanish as they went from shop to shop.
"What are you guys up to?" Troy asked.
"It's called the Posada," Kassia explained. "They're reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for lodgings in Bethlehem." The three aliens in the procession of mostly Hispanic humans dropped out, and joined Kitty and Troy.
Tiyanna, Zac and Arianna immediately began giggling and laughing and they ran around the adults in an impromptu game of tag.
"I can't believe the turn out," Kitty said. "I mean, I knew that I had okayed several plans for this, but I still had no idea how big an event this was going to be!" she laughed with delight as she looked around. "I can't remember when I have seen anything more wonderful!"
"I know what you mean!" Kassia smiled, as she watched the kids and then looked around and everyone around them. "The holiday spirit has definitely shown itself on the Station!"
"We needed it, too," Tarik said, nodding his head in agreement as he retrieved several cups of egg nog from a vendor. "This stuff's great! Probably pure fat, but great! How are the new parents doing?" he asked.
Kitty's cheeks tinted a bit as she smiled brightly. She was still getting use to the pregnancy. She looked to Troy and he pulled her closer. As their eyes met, he kissed her tenderly.
"Things are wonderful," he said, his eyes not leaving Kitty's.
Suddenly, Arianna tugged on her mother's pant leg. "Momma, pick up."
Kitty laughed gently as she turned her attention to her daughter, picking up the green velvet-clad child. The dress bringing out the color in the girl's eyes. As soon as she was in her mother's arms, she rested her head on her shoulder.
"It's a little strange, at first," Troy said. "First finding out about the baby, then my moving in with Kitty... so much happening I can't keep track of it!" he said as a tray of pierogies came by. Troy grabbed one, looked at it with curiosity, then took a bite. "These are great! Anyway, I'm sure you know all about that by now," he said. "I just hope everything works out." Troy reached out to stroke Arianna's hair, causing her to pull away. "No! Don't like!" she said with a smile on her face.
Kitty smiled and Kassia seeing the impish grin on Arianna's face laughed.
"That little girl knows exactly what she's doing," Kassia said. "It's all a wonderful game for her."
"You're telling me?" Troy laughed. "She plays peekaboo with me all the time, pretending she's scared of me, but smiles and giggles I catch her eye."
"She's an imp," Kitty confirmed with a laugh.
Suddenly Tiyanna ran by and Arianna looked at her. She began to wiggle.
"Want down," she said.
Kitty put her down and instantly she was off running with Tiyanna and Zac once again. The kids had managed to grab some candy canes from somewhere and were laughing as they ran and ate them. Arianna look a lick and put it down. She didn't like the mint. Zac managed to find her one that was a different flavor. The adults just laughed.
Suddenly Kassia spotted someone drinking eggnog looking into a window featuring children's clothing. It was Tara. She was with her friend Ryan.
"I think there's someone else we can add to our party! What do you think?"
"Sure, why not?" Kitty said. She went over to Tara and Ryan -- now both in Starfleet uniform -- and invited them over.
"I'd like to introduce Warrant Officers Tara Carmichael and Ryan MacLeod," Kitty said. "The latest additions to our staff." Everyone shook hands, Tarik eyeing Tara's skryll with considerable interest. He'd read Deveraux's report. Glad that thing's on our side, he thought. He noticed the yellow yoke of Ryan's uniform, indicating an Operations specialty. "I know Tara's in Security, Ryan; where'd you end up?" Tarik asked.
"I'm training to be a shuttle pilot," Ryan said. "I was an Air Force F-22 pilot and astronaut candidate before the Taelons came to Earth, and I drove the Taelons' small craft after that. It just seemed like a natural fit." Tarik nodded.
"They're coming along very well," Kassia said, "but let's not waste our time talking shop tonight, okay?"
"Sounds good," Tarik said as the group walked through the celebration. A Bajoran monk was ringing a gong calling his acolytes to mandatory prayer. "Guess some people still have to work, though," he said, watching the monks file into the temple.
Tiyanna and Zac ran through the grouping of adults, chased by a group of Bajoran youngsters. "Tag!" one of the Bajorans said as he caught up with Zac. Zac promptly shifted into a greyhound and tagged the boy back. "No fair!" the young Bajoran protested. "You can't do that!"
"Why not?" Zac asked as he shifted back to his normal form breathing heavy from the running.
"Because its cheating!" the boy said. "You have an unfair advantage!"
"He's right," Kitty said as her eyes met her son's.
"Mom..." He said and rolled his eyes. But as he sighed. "Okay... I won't do it anymore..." But just as quickly he ran and tagged the boy again and ran off before the boy could react.
"HEY!!" the boy yelled and began chasing Zac again. Zac laughed as he ran.
Kitty shook her head. Tiyanna and Arianna laughed and ran away as well, though no one tried to tag Arianna, her being so small, but she was having a wonderful time running and squealing as if she were part of the chase.
Tara laughed as she watched the antics thinking that one day she would be watching her own child run and play like these children. But it was bittersweet. She still missed Ron... She sighed and smiled as she watched. Ryan saw that look in her eyes and squeezed her hand. She met his eyes and gave him a reassuring look letting him know she was all right.
Suddenly, a group of performers caught the group's attention. They were acting out a comical Christmas presentation with Santa and his elves. There were adults and children in this play and many people laughed as the performers acted out their scenes.
Tiyanna's attention was draw too, and the tag game was suddenly forgotten as she watched the play. Tarik and Kassia both could feel the wave of interest and contentment emanating from the little girl. They joined hands and smiled, watching the play with her.
Suddenly, as the little presentation ended all the adults and children were laughing and all the little elves on the platform that served as a stage were throwing candy canes into the audience. Zac and Tiyanna caught several. Arianna caught a couple and handed them to Kitty.
"I don't like," she said.
Kitty smiled. Just then she noticed someone in the crowd. Someone she decided she would like to introduce Tara to.
"Tara, come with me for a minute," Kitty said, as she left Troy's side. She lead her through the crowd.
Tara could sense Kitty wanted her to meet someone that she was going to be working with. She was actually anxious to meet people so she could to start build working relationships. On her Earth it had been very important. It had helped her so many times just to help people... Of course, those were different times in a different place, she reminded herself.
"Tara, I'd like you to meet Petty Officer Second Class Jayson Sandoval. He'll be one of the people you'll be working with in your Security orientation. I'm told he's one of the best," she said as Jayson extended his hand. Tara took the hand, then did a double-take. The man was Philippino, in his early thirties, and looked very familiar... "Ron?" she asked, forgetting herself.
"Uhhh, no, ma'am, the name's Jayson. It's a pleasure to meet you," he said, smiling. "Jayson Sandoval."
"I'm sorry," she said, her cheeks tinting, "You look exactly like..." Suddenly she stopped knowing she shouldn't say what she wanted to say. "Like someone I use to know..." Her green eyes met his brown as she smiled softly.
"That's okay, I get that all the time," he said, laughing, until he caught the look in her eyes and got quiet.
"I think I'll let you two get acquainted," Kitty said, unable to keep from reading the thoughts coming from both Tara and Jayson.
"I... I don't know what to say... I feel like I should know you," Tara replied, she laughed. "I'm sorry, it's going to take me some time to get use to this. The station is new for me... Everything here is new for me," she explained.
"Don't worry, ma'am, I'll get you squared away. Er, I mean, we'll get you squared away... I mean--"
She laughed. "I understand," she replied. "Thank you," she said. "It's all so fascinating here! And I have so much to learn! But I do love it...."
Their eyes met again and there was an electricity in the air. Tara's mind kept going back to Ron. Her body reacted as if she were next to him. It was all very confusing.
"Would you like a drink?" he asked.
"Sounds wonderful," she replied, "As long as it's non-alcoholic, of course." With that she gently caressed her bulging abdomen.
"Of course." Sandoval stepped away from Tara for a moment and returned with two cups of a steaming hot beverage. "Raktajino. Klingon-style coffee... just the thing to keep you going during a watch!" he said as he handed her a cup.
She sniffed the strong brew and enjoyed the aroma. She smiled and sipped it. "This is very good! Thank you." She took another sip and then suddenly grunted as she put a hand on her belly.
"You okay?" Jayson asked, alarmed.
"I'm all right," she said reassuringly as she took a deep breath. "My daughter just decided to kick me, that's all. She's quite strong already..."
"How much longer do you have to go?" he asked.
"I have a month and a half left," she replied. "She's due about half way through February from what your doctor here says."
"Good luck! The Medical staff here is excellent; you'll be in good hands. My sister is expecting her first around that time so I've heard all about it!"
She smiled. Just then Kassia came up to them. "There you are! You have to come see this! There is what they call a Living Nativity! Since you're both from Earth I thought you two might appreciate it the most... Of course, I don't know if you're Christian or not..."
"I'd love to see it," Tara said with a smile. She looked again to Jayson. She couldn't get over the feelings she had around him.
Tara and Jayson joined the group at the Living Nativity. Some of the livestock had been brought up from New Canada; other animals (such as the Magis' camels) had been holographically generated. The sheep seemed utterly bewildered at the camels that appeared to be there but weren't. The men playing shepherds had to actually do the job to keep the illusion from being broken. And the Christ child probably bore very little resemblance to the newborn Vulcan baby -- the youngest resident on the station -- playing the part. But overall it was an outstanding performance.
Kassia took Tarik's hand as they looked on at the scene, Kitty and Troy held each other, the children looked on in awe at the animals, though Arianna had to be restrained from trying to actually go up to the animals. Ryan had found a young woman who was also a Starfleet officer and was watching on and Tara with Jayson standing beside her looked on at the scene several thoughts running through her mind.
Kassia squeezed Tarik's hand. "It's wonderful, isn't it?" she asked.
Tarik nodded. He hoped that the coming year would be as hopeful as the story of the Nativity promised and found it strange that he could be so moved by a tradition from a world not his own. Then again, how much of my life is truly Romulan these days? he thought.
After the show, the farmers who had brought up the livestock allowed the children to pet the sheep and donkeys. Tiyanna ran her hand along the back of a ewe. "That doesn't feel like real wool!" she said skeptically.
The farmer laughed. "Of course not, little one. The wool has to be sheared off the sheep first, then it's washed, sorted, and dyed. Then it feels like your sweater!"
Tiyanna felt her sweater experimentally, then rubbed the sheep again. "Oh. Okay..." she said, then found her attention diverted by a donkey colt.
Zac had Arianna by the hand and was carefully watching her up against another of the sheep. His sister was fascinated. She would touch the sheep briefly and then pull her hand away and laugh with glee. She would then do it again. Zac looked at his sister as she pet the sheep with his other hand and just rolled his eyes and shook his head. As Kitty watched she laughed.
"The animals are a big hit with the kids," she said aloud, voicing her thought.
"No matter how many fancy gadgets they come up with, there's nothing like live animals to get a kid's attention," the farmer replied as he grabbed the rope around a goat's neck to keep it from straying off. "I'm glad you let us come up. Once I heard about what was going on up here me and the rest of the co-op had to get in on the act!"
"Well, it was certainly my pleasure," Kitty replied with a smile. "And it's a definite pleasure to everyone. Thank you for coming and giving your time."
As The group began wandering off, Ryan spotted Tara still with the Captain's group. She approached her and touched her shoulder.
"Hey, Tara, are you having a good time?" he asked. Suddenly his eyes spotted the man standing beside her and his mouth dropped.
"I'm having a wonderful time!" Tara smile. "Ryan MacLeod, let me introduce Jayson Sandoval."
"Pleasure to meet you," Ryan said, shaking Sandoval's hand. "Do we know each other from some place?"
Sandoval rolled his eyes. "A case of mistaken identity, I assure you!"
"The resemblance is uncanny," he replied as he looked to Tara. She nodded at him.
"So Tara told me," Jayson smiled.
"Look, seems Kassia and Tarik has found something over there," Tara said distracting Ryan from asking anymore questions at the moment.
"These are fantastic!" Kassia said as she bit into a Latke with applesauce on the side. She had never had a potato pancake before and it was very good.
"And the children can play with these," and older woman said as she handed the children colorful tops.
"What do we do with them?" Zac asked.
"Ah, you don't know how to play with a dreidle!" the woman smiled and laughed. "Learn how to play the game you want, nu?"
She went to explain the different symbols on the sides of the top and what they meant. But it was a game that required coins! So of course, the woman produced gold coins for the children as well. One symbol represented adding a gold coin to the pot. One represented nothing. You didn't win or lose. One represented getting half the pot and one represented getting the whole pot! Tiyanna and Zac immediately got into the game and laughed, but it wasn't until Arianna put a coin in her mouth that they discovered the coins were chocolate as the chocolate melted and dribbled out of the corners of her mouth.
Tarik helped himself to a latke, when Yeoman Kaplan caught his attention. "Another latke already? You'd think the Romulans were one of the lost tribes!" he said jokingly.
Tarik laughed. "Who's to say we aren't?" he replied. "I mean, if the Klingons can claim Shakespeare..."
Just then K'Tag and N'Garen joined them. "What do you mean, claim Shakespeare? He was one of our greatest!" N'Garen rolled her eyes.
"Don't listen to him," she said. "He's already on his second keg of bloodwine tonight!"
Tarik laughed as he devoured the latke. "Oy vey! Everybody thinks he's Jewish these days!" Kaplan exclaimed as he listened to the two Klingons argue.
Kitty couldn't believe how good the latkes tasted and ate a few of them.
"I guess you like them?" Troy asked with a smile.
"Either I do or the child I carry does," she laughed. She watched on as Zac played with Tiyanna and Arianna ate more gold coins. There was a menorah nearby with candles lit. It was beautiful, she thought. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have everything, she thought. This was a time of reflection on the miracles they had and here she was, she had her children, she was the Commander of a starbase, she had a wonderful man in her life and she was having another baby... She had many miracles and she was very thankful. Troy looked at her and noted the look in her eyes.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked.
"About just how lucky I am...," she said as she smiled brightly at him.