Stardate: 53860.48
Tue Mar 01, 2377 0900
Holodeck Two, Deck Three
USS Thunderchild
It has been a week since the heroic battle over at Deep Space Nine and the
USS Thunderchild is still under going repairs at Deep Space Nine. While the battle damage was not nearly as extensive was many had first suspected, it was the flight deck that required the majority of the repairs. Starfleet Command even sent out a specialized repair tender and mobile dry dock to speed up the repairs to the ship. Not that the crew were complaining, as they were able to enjoy the facilities of Deep Space Nine while the ship's repairs continued. During the repairs many crew members took this opportunity to explore Bajor and Deep Space Nine. However, for the Hanger Deck personnel, Lieutenant Paxton ran her crews on double shifts attempting to speed up repairs as much as possible.
Captain Campbell on the other hand had other thoughts regarding his extended lay over. He was not enjoying the fact that his ship was side lined while the
Kelish was still at large. The
Kelish is a Cardassian/Dominion warship designed to carry fighters in to combat. This ship was purely designed as a carrier with Dominion technology. Prior to a week ago, this ship was thought to only be myth, a left over rumor from the Dominion War. Now the ship was proven to be real and a serious threat within the region. A report just a few days ago placed the Rebel Cardassian carrier, the
Kelish, near Hugora Nebula. The rebel carrier hit a convey of supply ships out of Starbase 214. She was pursued in to the nebula by a pair of Starfleet starships, only to turn the pursuit in to a trap. After a short battle, both Starfleet ships were left critically damaged as the
Kelish vanished deeper in to the nebula. Starfleet has tasked the 4th Fleet with the mission of stopping the
Kelish. However, to Captain Campbell's dismay currently the
USS Thunderchild has not been made part of this mission.
Aboard the ship, all was not well between the divisions. It was Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Noonia and Ensign Skytower who took note of this growing rift and realized something had to be done to heal the rift between the different divisions aboard the ship. Their answer to all of this was a grand mixer called the
Ice Cream Social. As the planning of this event took shape, it was clear that the mixer would not be what was first envisioned. What it turned out to be instead was something more along the lines of a Holiday Festival. And based on the turnout already, it was sizing up to become a major success. Officers and Crew lined up to take part in the
Thunderchild's first mixer in years. On their lips, were the crew's thanks to the master mind behind this, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Noonia.
The scene was taken right from a painting and reflected the holidays of Earth of old. Falling snow greeted the crew as they walked in to the holodeck. A blast of sub-freezing temperatures caused most visitors to find their way along the lake edge to one of many fires nearby. Hologram servers ensured that the crew were given their fill of hot coco and treats. But the single largest treat for the crew was the well planned placing of Captain Campbell. Many of the crew had heard of the Captain but few had a rare treat to meet this war hero in person yet. This was due largely to the crisis that they just survived through.
The crew lined up for a chance to meet their Captain face to face. Some of the ship's cadets actually brought something to record the moment. Others took time to ask the Captain questions about the recent engagement with the
Kelish or about any number of victories that the Captain had his hand in. It was Cadet Picket who phased the meeting correctly, "Its not every day one gets to meet a real hero." Most simply paid their respects to the man who would lead them in battle and will carry them on to victory.
It was a late addition to the program that caught the attention of most. It was a simple memorial be built for those lost during the most recent battle between the
Thunderchild and the
Kelish. No one knew who added the memorial to the program but most truly believed it was Lieutenant Noonia. After all, who else would have done it. As crew members met the Captain and paid their respects to Lieutenant Noonia, they then would make a personal trek through the snow up a small hill where this simple memorial set. Their they would have a moment of silence as the images of those lost could be examined. Most left something personal behind while others lit a candle or said a prayer in respect for the lost.
The event was even supported by Lieutenant Paxton who ordered her entire deck crews off duty during the event. In her words, "this will be your place of duty and your mission WILL BE to mingle or else!" While the event started off as a major success, it wasn't till Commander Bonham slipped in that the whispers started. It didn't take long for rumors of the 'accidentally' discharge of one of a rare pistol he had in his collection to spread. These rumors were only fueled by Commander Bonham having his flight status pulled by the Flight Surgeon and his regular meetings with Dr. McCoy since the accident. Officially, he claimed that the weapon went off when he was attempting to clean it. However there are rumors around the ship that suggest otherwise. Not wanting to steal the attention, he slipped in and hovered along the edges of the event.
Before anyone realized what was going down next, the men and women of the
Thunderchild's Flight Crews walked in as if they owned the entire ship. The large group of pilots were led by none other than the Trouble Sisters, Lieutenants Pander and Etxebarria. The pair were dressed in their best winter outfits and caught the eyes of just about every male in the holodeck. Truly the life of the party, when they arrived it was clear this event was going to be a success. But even this pair of attractive women were humbled by another pair in the holodeck. After paying their respects to the Captain and to the small memorial to those lost just a week ago, the pair moved to pay their respects to Lieutenant Noonia and Ensign Skytower.
It was clear by the number of crew members who made their way over to Mordecai and gave their thanks, that he was the guest of honor today. Toasts were raised in his honor from around the holodeck while others made more casual displays of their thanks. Even Ensign Skytower was not left out of the gratitude. While Noonia might have been the brains behind the event, it was commonly known that Skytower planned out the event and did all the leg work for it. They were officially named, the King and Queen of the
Thunderchild's first Winter festival. Someone even took the time to create a crow for the Royal pair. Just as the event was taking off and the last of the major guests showed up, the King and Queen were encouraged to have the first dance of the Winter Festival. Within moments, the air was filled with music and laughter as the crew joined the dancing.
Act One, Scene One
