EPISODE LXXIII - DECK THE HALLS WITH WYZENHYMERS, FA, LA, LA, LA, LA, LA, LA, LA, LA
Reed and Proteau strode onto the bridge, finding that with the battle complete, the crew moods had swung to a celebratory gayety. Ensign VaTedly, now propped in the corner, was
hung with colorful strings of lights, and though conscious, seemed quite content with remaining motionless while he was decorated. Mr. Schultz sat sipping from a fresh cup of coffee at the command console
and nodded a greeting at the two entering officers.
"A success, I think", the Huckster commented as he vacated the commander's chair.
Reed nodded his agreement. "I'd have liked to take Slile into custody", he replied wistfully, "but I'll take a victory regardless of whether my own personal agenda was served."
Captain Jacobs stood to make room for the science officer. "What are my orders, sir?";, she queried professionally.
Schultz looked over at the commander who merely shrugged. "Take the night off.", Schultz said, then raised his voice to the rest of the personnel on the bridge, "In fact, if you're not scheduled
for the next regular shift, you are hereby relieved of duties until further notice."
The normally reserved bridge crew, began to shout and whoop as the non-essential personnel began to exit the bridge. VanTedly began to shamble toward the door, pulling the light chord from the wall socket.
"Not you, Ensign.", Schultz informed the hapless, young officer, "We can't have Christmas without a tree."
VanTedly returned to the corner and plugged himself in.
Reed looked over at the science officer. "You're relieved too, Mr. Schultz."
Schultz shook his head. "With all due respect, sir, I'd like to remain on duty, and", he added meaningfully, "you are needed elsewhere."
Reed considered his statement for a moment, then nodded. "So be it, Mr. Schultz." He got up to leave, looking at Proteau.
"I'll stay too, sir", the shape shifter informed his commander.
Reed accepted his statement and made his way to the door. He took a long look at his crew before he departed. "Merry Christmas, people.", he said as he stepped through the door.
Schultz returned to the commander chair and keyed the com-link located on one of the arms. "Galley, this is Schultz. Send Christmas dinner for ten to the bridge."
"Aye-aye.", the galley responded.
Proteau took the science officer's seat and leaned back to stare at the ceiling, becoming immediately lost in his thoughts. Schultz took a sip of his coffee and reflected on the numerous Christmas's he'd
spent in space appreciatively. He was gently pulled from his thoughts by the sound of low singing drifting through the air. He looked around at the crew, his eyes coming to rest on the slowly swaying
tree-man in the corner singing "Silent Night".
"Mr. VanTedly", Schultz said thoughtfully, "you can have my cookies if you stop singing."
