Christmas Shopping

Jaya was already wrapped in a thick dusty rose coloured sweater and jacket as she waited for Tyran to arrive. They were going Christmas shopping today . . . something she hadn't done in almost seven years, she thought, and she had so many gifts she wanted to buy. For the first time in all those years, she actually had a real life . . . Real friends . . . Someone who loved her . . . and she was enjoying life again.

"There you are!" Tyran smiled as he walked up to her, through the snowy streets. "This is good for the atmosphere, a white world. Danayal asked us to order a Christmas tree for the bar. I don’t know if I’ll put one in my house. It was so long ago since I did..." He said thoughtful.

"I think I'm going to put one up . . .” Jaya replied with a smile. “I just . . . Well, it will actually mean something this year. I think I saw some nice holographic ones . . . You can decorate them yourself too."

"I want a real one." Tyran said. "Those holographic ones are not real enough."

She smiled. "Well, whatever works for you," she replied. Her preference was more of an environmental one, rather than taste. After all, nothing smelled better than a fresh Christmas tree. "I can't believe I have a Christmas list a mile long now!" she laughed.

"Only a mile? What are you gonna buy, and don’t tell what you’re getting me." He laughed and walked with her into the town.

As they talked, Jaya spoke of all the kids and all the things she wanted to get them . . . and the special things she had in mind for Dominic, Alec, Danayal . . . even Joshua and Lara . . . It was clear she had been plotting this out for awhile.

"You have many plans." He grinned, and told her what he wanted to get for his friends. "But *you* will be surprised, I promise you." He grinned and walked into the first shop on his list. "I need to order a few things for the Christmas feast I’m planning to have for my friends.”

"Mmmm, a feast, huh? Now that definitely sounds like Christmas to me! Oh! I want to get some fruitcake!" she smiled. "Nothing beats the homemade stuff."

"Exactly, I plan on a huge turkey, fruitcake, Jell-o, ice cream, fried potatoes, rice, chicken for the ones who do not like Turkey - Danayal does not like it no matter how I prepare it." He sighed.

Jaya laughed. "I can make candied yams . . . They were always a favourite when I was young."

"The children will love that. I plan to invite only our closest friends... but there shall be children there, Rachel for instance. And we can also put all our gifts under the tree. There’s room enough in the bar."

Jaya's face was glowing as she thought of Christmas . . . For the first time in many years, it didn't hurt so much. "Oh, and I have something very special in mind for Rachel, as it is . . . I already spoke to Josh and Lara about it too and they gave me an okay."

"What then?" He asked grinning. "How are you planning to spoil her this time?"

"I'm gonna get her a kitten!" she smiled.

"Ah . . . So that’s why you asked me if I knew someone among my acquaintances with a litter of kittens. Well, I’ve found you a litter," he said grinning. "A friend of Danayal’s has one litter; they can leave the mother around Christmas."

"Perfect!" she smiled. "But I'm also getting all the items that go with the kitten too; including a scratching post. I think Rachel will *love* it . . . You know how much she loves cats."

"Yeah, she’s asked me for a kitten for years now. So yes, I know.” Tyran said. “Danayal said that if you have time, he can take you to see the litter when I take over his shift at dinner.”

“Perfect!” Jaya laughed. "I can't wait to see the look on her face!" she said. "Her eyes are going to sparkle so brightly . . ."

"Well, Danayal said the kittens were cute. The guy lives next door to him. It’s a litter of six.” Tyran said with a smile. "Not real breeds though."

"Well, sometimes just the regular domestics are the best," Jaya replied, her green eyes sparkling. "I just can't wait to see the look on Rachel's face!"

"Did she ever tell you, that she either wants a red or a gray cat? Danayal said they had those, and that a male was the easiest for her?"

Jaya smiled. "She pointed out one in a book, that looks a lot like a Siamese, but wasn't . . . It was adorable. I had one once . . . a long time ago that was a Siamese mix . . . He was the sweetest cat ever. He even let Emmy pick him up and carrying him around like a doll and didn't once hiss or scratch her . . . Best cat we ever had . . ." Her eyes misted gently thinking about the cat and Emmy.

"I’m sure you’ll find a cat to your liking at Michel's place, trust me. If you don’t find one there, he’ll probably have no trouble getting you the one you wish for, because he works at the animal shelter.”

Jaya smiled. "Good! Oh! Book store!" she said as she began walking inside. There were several books she was planning on getting. One a book of Klingon History for Bethany . . .

"I have to get something here myself; I’ll meet you in an hour, alright?" He said grinning, Tyran loved to read, and he could spend hours in the bookstore.

"One hour," she replied with a laugh.

Busily, she searched all the titles. She found a book or two she, herself wanted, but hesitated to get them. There was always tomorrow . . . Instead, she focused on a book Alec had wanted, then browsed the section on self-help . . . She found a wonderful book about keeping romance alive in a marriage - especially after children and bought it for Joshua and Lara, liking many of the suggestions it contained.

Tyran went up the stairs and picked up his order. He got two books about battle tactics and techniques through the ages in the Federation - large books and rather expensive. However, he knew Jaya wanted them, and that she could not find them anywhere. Of course, that was because she’d tried to order them in this shop. Tyran had made an agreement with the owner not to let her order them. Further, he had a book about cats and feline behaviour on several planets for Rachel, a book with Klingon legends and novels for Bethany... he paid and arranged his books to be delivered at the bar. Then he went to the second hand department where he soon lost track of time, browsing through old novels.

Eventually, Jaya found him, a bag hanging off her arm. "I thought I'd find you here . . ." she smiled as she kissed his cheek.

"Huh?" He looked up and smiled. "Am I late?"

She laughed softly as her green eyes sparkled. "Just a little," she replied.

"I am going to buy this one." He got up and went to the counter; he soon had the book and put it in the backpack he had taken with him. "Alright, where do you wanna go now?"

"I don't know . . . I need to go to that Body Sense shop," she said. "Then I want to go to McCairn's Kids Depot," she replied. "They have everything you could possibly imagine in there . . . Oh and that specialty shop that handles nothing but sweets! Their chocolate is the best!"

"Then we’ll go there last. We can get ourselves hot chocolate with cake and whipped cream at that place." He smiled and walked to the toy store she mentioned. "What do you have in mind?"

"What do you think?" she smiled. "I'm getting gifts for the kids . . . and I was thinking of getting Rachel that other doll she wanted and the unicorn that goes with it . . . I know, I'm spoiling her." Jaya smiled.

"I know why,” he said softly with a smile. “I’m going to find something for Bethany here. She wanted a card game I’ve never heard of before, but it seems to be in the fashion now. It’s called Tampero. And I want to get Dom a new chess board. He wants that crystal one."

"Ah yes! The avid chess player . . . The crystal set is over there," she pointed having seen it before, "And Tampero decks are over there," she said pointing in the different directions. It was obvious she'd been in there a few times before.

"I see you know your way around." He grinned.

"Where else do you think I go to pick up trinkets for Rachel," she laughed. "Unless I bring them from off-world!"

Suddenly a strawberry blond woman came up with a megawatt smile that was completely genuine. "Hi, I'm Summer McCairn," she said. "Can I help you two find anything?"

"Hi, Summer. I need a Tampero deck, collector’s edition and the Avid Crystal chess set." Tyran said with a charming smile.

"Hey, Tyran, it's good to see you back in here . . ." she smiled. "Well, come with me and I'll show you." Summer showed them to where each thing was. "Can I help you with anything else?"

As Jaya asked her where the specialty items she wanted were, she took note, thanked the woman and walked off, but not before kissing Tyran, telling him she'd be right back.

"She's real pretty, Tyran . . . Is she your girl?"

He smiled. "Yes, miss nosy, she’s mine."

"I've seen her in here a couple of times. She's real quiet and looks everything over so carefully," Summer smiled. "Does she have kids? I mean, it looks like she has kids with the way she loves to look at everything!"

"No, she doesn’t have kids, but she is fond of little Rachel. You know, that little girl I take here once in awhile."

"Oh yeah . . . the little blond," she smiled. "Her parents come in here too from time to time, and of course they've been in here doing some holiday shopping."

"Jaya’s fond of Rachel. So am I." He smiles.

They got his items as they continued to talk. "So can I help you with anything else?" Summer asked. "Or are you pretty well set? OH! And you know what? They're actually going to have someone dress up as Santa this year and have someone take photos of him and the kids that go see him! Kaylee can't wait!"

"You should tell that to my girlfriend. Christmas is still not an El Aurian festivity; I celebrate it because of Danayal... And her..."

She smiled. "Well, glad you can enjoy it anyway," Summer smiled. "If you have everything I'll go ring you up."

"Alright, what is the verdict?" He said smiling as she totalled everything.

Summer gave him the amount. As he took care of the bill, Jaya came up behind him. Her arms were loaded. As Tyran gazed at her she just smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

"I couldn't resist," she smiled at him.

Summer laughed. "I hear that a lot around the holidays."

"I hope I don’t have to carry all of that." He said smiling, taking his own bags, making sure she could pass him towards the counter.

"No, I think I can handle it," she replied. "I've carried more than this before," she added with a wink at him. "So where do you want to go after this? I have to pick up wrapping paper and bows yet and I could use some hot chocolate." Her smiled was warm and enticing.

"I know a good tea room across the street where they have the best chocolate milk and cake." He smiled.

"Works for me," Jaya smiled as she followed him from the story.

"See you later, Tyran!" Summer called from the counter.

"Yeah, later, Summer." He walked out, smiling, to the tea room he mentioned. They found it pretty crowded, but Tyran spotted a table in the back and sat down.

Jaya could smell the tea and all the wonderful goodies that came with it. "This was a great idea," she said as she took off her jacket and set her bags down. "The atmosphere is really cozy."

Though it was crowded, each table was surrounded by thick, cushioned chairs. The tables were wood and the walls were covered with wallpaper that suited the ambience of the place.

"I’ve come here for as long as it’s existed. Besides my bar, this was the first human establishment." He smiled and ordered hot cocoa with whipped cream and cake.

Jaya followed suit. As soon as the hot cocoa arrived, she was holding it in her hands to warm them up as she began sipping at it carefully. "This is very good!" she smiled. "We'll have to come back here again; if for no other reason than to warm up again!" Her green eyes twinkled. "So do you want to call it a day for the shopping or do you have a few more things to get today. I know that I have a lot more on my lists, but there's only so much one can carry!" she smirked, knowing that she was already loaded down a bit.

"We can go to Martimer. He has a transporter. For a strip of gold latinum he will transport this to our homes." He said. "Then we can work on the rest of the list."

"Good!" she smiled. "The more I can get done in one day, the better."

Though she never lost her smile, there was the unsaid reason . . . that she could be called away at anytime . . .

"Come on." He said after the food was finished.

He led her through a few alleys to a store with the sign. Rademaker Transporters - transports goods on and off planet for a decent price.

"This is it." He said and entered.

"Heya, Tyran," greeted an older man with a pleasant smile and day old whiskers on his face. "Haven't seen you in here for awhile."

"That’s right, you haven't. How’s life here nowadays, Mortimer?" He smiled.

"Can't complain," he smiled. "People seem to be coming to Serenity in droves . . . Makes my business pretty good."

"I haven’t seen you in the bar either, my friend. Drop by for a beer, if you will." Tyran smiled. "My girlfriend and I, have some gifts to transport home though."

"Ah! So that's who that's pretty lady is with you," he replied.

"Yeah. How much will it be, for my things and for hers?" He pointed at their packages and bags.

"For you, I'll give you a deal," he smiled. "How about a strip of latinum from each of you? And you can come back once more if you're not done with your shopping yet."

"That’s acceptable." He took his wallet out of his pockets and handed him the requested two strips. "Do you mind if I put this in your heap? It is my gift for Danayal." He asked Jaya.

She smiled. "Of course not," she replied brightly.

"So are you going to introduce us?" Mortimer replied, unable to not notice Jaya pleasing shape.

"Of course, Jaya, this is Mortimer Rademaker, owner of this little business, Morti, meet my girlfriend, Jaya Bourne." He said with a bright smile.

Mortimer extended his hand in greeting. She took it and he could feel the strength in her. "You're not like other girls, are you?" he asked.

She smirked. "Nope . . ." She almost laughed.

"You know me better than that,” Tyran smiled. “If I want someone, she has to be special."

Mortimer laughed. "That's true. All right, I'll take care of these right away. I just need your address," he said to Jaya.

She quickly gave it to him.

"Okay, now go have fun!" he said good-naturedly teasing them.

"We will, and we’ll come back for some of that herbal tea of yours. And for sending more packages!" Tyran grinned and walked out with Jaya.

She looped her arm through his and smiled. "So where are we off to next?"

"Tell me, you are the one with the big plans... but... are you here tomorrow?" He asked.

"As far as I know . . ." she said softly. "Alec hasn't contacted me with any plans. But with the holiday season, you never know when someone might take an opportunity."

"Well if you’re here tomorrow night... there’s a holiday from my planet, called Myransa Yhlam. It’s family day, where you have a feast, and where we have to give each other gifts. I know Christmas is close but... Danayal and I would love you to come.”

Her smile brightened. "Really?" she replied. "Thanks! I'll be there. I wouldn't want to miss it."

"You have to come in the afternoon. The bar’s closed tomorrow, so use the back entrance. Danayal will sleep in his room in my apartment as well."

"So do I get to spend the night?" she asked playfully.

"If you’d like to," He smiled.

"I'd like to," she replied with a kiss. "Oh, in here!" she said guiding him into another store.

For several hours more they browsed and bought more gifts, along with wrapping paper, candy, bows and all the other wonderful things that went with it. She even bought stockings, though she didn't really know why. Hanging them up on her own mantel was going to be a bit strange, but she thought of them for decoration. Finally, they transported the rest of their items.

"I'm starved!" she said. "And my feet are killing me." she laughed.

"Then why don't we find ourselves a place to eat? Damn. Look outside, a real snowstorm!" He blew in his hands to warm them.

She smiled enjoying the falling snow. "What about over there?" she asked pointing to a little restaurant out of the way. It was called the Galaxy Diner.

"That must be new, I’ve never seen that one before. There used to be an Irish pub there."

"Want to give it a try?" she asked as she pulled him playfully toward the place to see the menu. The menu was packed with a bunch of Earth favourites like cheeseburgers, French fries, onion rings and malts. There were also items from other places through the quadrant.

"I’m tired and hungry, so yes." He pulled her off the ice cold streets and into the place, looking around.

Inside it looked just like a 1950s diner from Earth, except for some funny lights and decorations from different cultures through the Alpha Quadrant.

They took a seat in a red booth just across from the other as a waitress came up to them, dressed to fit into the restaurant's theme, smacking gum. "What can I get for ya?" she asked.

"It’s like I am back in San Francisco again." He grinned with amusement. "French fries, mayonnaise, Salad and a chicken burger special... and oh yeah, a milk shake, large, banana."

"And for you, hon?" she asked looking at Jaya.

"I'll take a cheeseburger, onion rings and I would like an eggnog shake with that."

"You've got it. The order will be up shortly," she smiled and walked off

Other people started coming in and sitting down, but it still wasn't crowded. Jaya gazed into Tyran's eyes as she reached out and took his hands.

"Thank you for this," she said. For the first time in many years feeling like she was actually a part of the holiday season again . . . That she was real again . . . alive.

"Hey, no sweat, I celebrated Christmas only for Danayal. For me it had no meaning after my wife died. But I couldn’t say to the boy that I didn’t like to celebrate it anymore. So what could I do? And I started to like it again... and tomorrow we have our own feast… we have to make the whole meal together, by hand. No replicators."

She smiled. "It sounds great . . ." Something that was real . . . truly real, she thought.

It wasn't long before their order was brought out and they ate every bit. As he walked her home to make sure everything had arrived in one piece, she stopped at they turned up the path. In front of her door, sitting there was a wrapped present with a card on top. Something about it didn't sit well with her as she approached it.

"Jaya... no... Don’t touch that thing..." Tyran had the feeling it could be anything, even a bomb!

"I don't think it's a bomb," she said softly carefully taking the card off the top. There was no sign that it was going to explode. She opened the card. It was a standard Christmas card, but as she opened it, her face paled for a moment.

"Well, who gave you that package?" He asked, wondering, could it be...

She handed it to him. "He hasn't forgotten me apparently . . ." she replied, feeling sick to her stomach.

Tyran took the card and opened it. Inside, it was signed

*Merry Christmas,*

Love,

The Dark Shadow *