Under the Mistletoe

 Episode Name:  Under the Mistletoe

   Written By:  Grey

         Cast:  Albertz, Anderson, Balin, Belgarath, Casya, 
                Dhar Dovoro, Foster, Gellan, Grey, Harris, 
                Hurley, Jatila, Krylow, Lopez, McTiernan, 
                Nabrun, Park, Rome, Shamash, Strell, Taimol, 
                Torin, Tshaya and Williams.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Grey

     Aired On:  Mon Jan 03 12:15:17 2005

     Stardate:  54653.6

Time: Sun Jan 02 20:47:34 2005

Stardate: 54652.1

For the evening, a change of appearance has been affected over the Warp Core Coffee House, and its hodgepodge of loosely confederated tables and chairs. Everything seems alive with light. One longish table near to the entrance, draped in champagne-colored gauze and sparkling blue netting, has been laid out with party hats and tiaras of various makes and sizes and noise-makers. Too, there is a little bowl of silvery cotton balls for those for whom the noise might be just a little too noisy. Effervescent juice-drinks of every color and clever coruscating desserts stud the countertop. At every seating there is a bowl in which there are clusters of bluish grapes that appear to have been rolled in glittering sugars. Glimmering garlands and streamers float overhead, partially concealing the surprise of mistletoe florets spiking the ceiling at intervals for which avoidance is difficult. All furniture seems to have pulled away from the center of the room, leaving space for milling about and even dancing for revelers so inclined. The floor itself swirls with a cool, thin mist generated from somewhere out of sight, and a plethora of whimsical translucent balls in various sizes bounce and are tossed around as they mimic bubbles. Every other spotlight overhead has been capped with a blue or golden gel and a perforated cover that creates the illusion of twinkling fizz. An amateur but lively quartet plays upon the establishment's low dais, taking requests as a many-faceted mirrored ball turns above.

Ana is just attaching the last bit of mistletoe leaning far across the door from her perch on the chair. "Here?" she calls for confirmation.

Tshaya looks up from where she's fussing over the last plate of hors'd'ourves to be set out, and grins. "Looks good. Don't fall, please. My insurance rates would skyrocket."

Foster steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Foster has arrived.

Shamash lurks at the door, or rather he is currently popping his head in and looking around. Eyes get hold of Ana first then he spies Tish. "You ladies ready yet?"

Foster makes his way in, whistling quietly. He blinks as he looks back and sees Agrim standing there. "Eh? He looks around the Warp Core, to see if it's been redecorated or something."

Harris steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Harris has arrived.

Lopez applies the adhesive and pops the sprig of pale mistletoe into place, carefully climbing back down to avoid the heads of the entering persons. "Sidle on in gentlemen, and mind the middle unless you want to be planting a wet one on eachother. Come have some punch?"

Dhar Dovoro steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Dhar Dovoro has arrived.

Gellan steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Gellan has arrived.

. o O Harris thinks, "The obligatory appearance at a social function, and then I can go home."

Tshaya straightens and turns to grin at the men, beckoning with both hands. "C'mon in! And snacks galore too."

Casya steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Casya has arrived.

Rome steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Rome has arrived.

Shamash teases Lopez right back as he decides walk further into the room, indeed minding its center "Oh, then i rather wait until you come back from your perch, Ana."

Foster looks around the changed Warp Core, and considers, "What, no succubi?" Then he ducks out of the way before he gets swatted.

Anderson steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Anderson has arrived.

Harris steps through the doors, offering a slight nod before he very carefully eases around the mistletoe sprig and heads for the counter. "Thanks for the heads up."

Tshaya snickers, pouring some punch of her own. "I think your wife would object to a plethora of succubi, Lieutenant Foster," she calls. "Incubi, on the other hand..."

Lopez remains to the side of the door even when she's down off the perch of the chair, to offer the same warning to all comers. "Mind the mistletoe, watch the middle, no I won't take it down... watch you step, have some punch, hi, hello, yo. Prospero año."

Anderson walks and almost sidesteps a little as he stands, his back against the wall, scanning the crowd. He says nothing as he just keeps scanning.

Casya steps into the 'Core, wearing her holiday dress--yes, the one lovingly referred to as the 'Naughty Elf' dress--for the final time of the season. She glances around with a surprised smile at the changed decor, stepping away from the doorway as she takes a good look around.

Gellan steps in among the crowd, still clad in her uniform, but the usuall padd that is customarily glued to her hand is at least not present. Apparently she's just slipped out of the office on her duty shift. She weaves her way around the frontmost party-goers to head for the counter.

Harris eyes the punchbowls at the counter for a moment before he scoops up a glass of... something blue.. and takes a sip.

Shamash sticks his tounge playfully out at Lopez "Not fair", but he lets it settle with this and tries to localize something to drink first. Hm. Juice.

Dhar Dovoro wanders into the festivities, glancing around the room as he dives right in. Seeing Lopez, he smiles at his friend, offering her a wave. "Hello, Ana. What's mistletoe? And wht should we mind it?"

Tshaya cheerfully plunges into the festivities, rarely moving too far from the tables full of goodies so she can keep an eye on them.

Krylow steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Krylow has arrived.

Nabrun steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Nabrun has arrived.

Casya makes hpub off

Taking a seat at the counter, Gellan turns a bit in her chair to watch the party unfold.

Lopez smiles, and moves aside a bit to explain, "You see those little clumbs of greenery, with white berries? On Terra, the traditions is that if you pass under the mistletoe, you give a kiss to someone to banish bad luck. Its silly, but... tradition. Wouldn't be the same without it. Keeps you on your toes."

Hurley steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Hurley has arrived.

In comes one of the station's newer couples, Krylow and Nabrun. The two are dressed to the nines for the occasion, Alek is a black suit offset with a blue shirt and Barana in a beatiful blue dress with silver heels, purse and jewelry.

Anderson is standing near the door, in uniform, his eyes scanning the crowd, no emotion is shown on his face.

Dhar Dovoro raises his eyebrows at the description of the mistletoe, grinning at the tradition. "I think that is a tradtion I can get into."

. o O Gellan projects, "You both look dashing tonight. I may regret not taking the time to change.."

"I'd object to those," Foster replies, pausing as many eyes turn towards the entrance. It's only through main force of will that he prevents himself from doing the same. He recognizes the sensation: Casya has entered the room, and the Naughty Elf has ways of drawing attention that have nothing to do with long (undisguised) legs, amber eyes, dark waves of ebony hair, or full lips. Foster stops for a long moment, and adds, "Though, you know, at least it gives you something to think about for Halloween."

Lopez whistles and gives the thumbs up to barana and Alek as they make their entrance. "Lookin' good," she grins. She says to Dhar, aside, "Well, most people ignore the tradition, and laughs it off. But its fun for an ice-breaker."

Nabrun pauses in the doorway looking around, eyes going a touch wide. "Oh," she breathes quietly. "Tshaya has done an absolutely amazing job. It's...amazing." Someone's almost speechless, and practically glowing. Once she gets over the decor, the Betazoid raises a hand, waving to those she knows.

. o O Nabrun projects, "You look beautiful, Sharra, as always."

Shortly after Krylow escorts Nabrun in, Christine Hurley steps in alone, gloved hands folded neatly in front of her with picture-perfect posture. She takes a moment to just *take in* the wonderous change that has overcome the Warp Core, and can't help but smile with that cheerful twinkle in her eye at every little detail she finds.

Casya makes her way carefully around to the drinks table, smiling warmly at everyone she passes, whether they be a familiar face, or a new one to the former slavegirl. At the table, she selects a glass at random, not paying too much attention to what's in it, and takes an absent sip as she gazes around the crowd to see who's about. She chuckles softly as she notices the lingering glances, some subtle, some not, being directed her way. She tosses a playful wink at some random, google-eyed ensign, and jauntily adjusts her Santa hat, with its unmistakeable sprig of mistletoe affixed to it.

Krylow grins to Barana and then returns the thumbs up to Lopez. He pauses with Nabrun, waiting on her lead, while glancing around the Core. "Its quite beautiful, yes. And quite the party." That's about when he spots Hurley and gives her a little wave too.

And here comes the Ambassador. Rome strolls on inside casually, giving the surroundings a curious glance. Just getting the lay of the land for the moment.

Tshaya blushes a bit, overhearing Nabrun, as she starts to head toward a particular Ambassador with another glass of punch. "I give good party, yep," she winks, then pauses, her eyes following Casya for a moment.

Harris drains his glass of punch, gently placing it on the tray of a passing barista. "Thanks for the drink," he murmurs before he turns for the doors once again.

. o O Harris doesn't want to be here, period. But, one has to keep up appearances for the troops, right?

Gellan looks acroos the way to Nabrun, giving her head a shake and quirking a small grin. She stands up a moment later, and goes in search of the punch bowl.

Foster blinks as he thinks he hears a familiar voice, and looks around until he spots Robert Harris. His eyebrows climb slightly, and then, finding himself a seat, he quiets, even frowns, and appears to be concentrating on something.

Nabrun glances at Alek, smiling, then grins at Tshaya. "You throw a lovely party," she calls quietly. Hudson catches Barana's eyes next. "Good evening, Ambassador Rome. Happy holidays." Her smile is warm and bright, open.

Dhar Dovoro shrugs his shoulders at Lopez. "Still, I think I might try it out." Turning around, he waves to Nabrun and Krylow. "Good evening."

Tshaya bows slightly to Nabrun, looking a bit startled as one of the guests starts to leave already. "Lieutenant Harris...?"

Andersons eyes keep glancing around the room as he gently crosses his arms across his chest.

Shamash has a slight problem at deciding where to look or even with whom to speak. Lopez. Tshaya. Hurley. Casya. All friends he wants to speak to, well, he did to the first, still shoots her a wink. So he moves to next on the list of no particular order. "Hi Tish, wanted to gratulate you for outdoing yourself here...." trailing off when her attention is caught by Harris

Krylow's wave catches Hurley's attention, and the cheerful woman returns the wave with a smile. She steps further in when she catches Harris' eye and she just stops, yet forces her smile to remain in place.

. o O Anderson thinks, "Why me, but when duty calls, ye shall answer."

. o O Foster slowly, laboriously, builds an image in his mind, which he consciously *tries* to project: Himself, in the Warp Core. He reaches up and plucks one of his eyes from his head (though, strangely enough, both eyes remain there). He tosses the eye in his hand onto... Harris?

"Barana! Good evening and happy holidays to you, as well!" Rome smiles broadly and moves to close any distance left between him and Tshaya, but he doesn't try to distract her from what she's checking out currently.

Lopez herself presses through, deeper back into the room across the empty space. She laughs a little at Agrim's wink, and takes to tossing one of the feather-light white "bubbles" about as she heads for the band.

. o O Gellan thinks, "What a sick little man.."

. o O Hurley is suddenly filled with worry and seems somewhat.. hurt.

Nabrun turns the smile to Dhar, brightening. "Dhar! It's wonderful to see you! I've been hoping to catch up with you sometime soon.

Casya spots Harris as he begins to make his way against the flow of traffic, moving /toward/ the doors. Her smile slips away as she watches him, inadvertantly ignoring a few greetings offered her way as she begins to move to intercept the Ops manager, murmuring absent apologizes as she pushes past people.

. o O Nabrun laughs quietly. "He wants me to keep an eye on Rob, Sharra. That's all. I've been working with Caleb on projection of images as a way of communication. It's...a new project."

. o O Casya thinks, "Ohdamn... no, Rob, don't go yet... please, don't leave because of me..."

Krylow grins a little as he glances here and there to wave or say to all those gathered. Dhar gets a wave. Foster too. Harris. Yes, standing just inside the doors is a great way to see people as they pour in.

Dhar Dovoro tries to close on Nabrun and Krylow. "Oh really? I'm glad to see you too. What can I do for you?"

"Great party," Harris calls to Tshaya, drumming up one of those forced sorts of smiles as he bucks the trend and continues moving against the flow of traffic.

. o O Harris thinks, "C'mon, fifteen more feet."

Balin steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Balin has arrived.

Nabrun mmms softly as she grins at Dhar. "I have a friend I'd like to introduce you to tonight. It'll take me a bit to find her...Besides, someone still owes me five pounds of chocolate." Her grin turns impish.

Hurley is just somewhat watching Harris when she realizes she's blocking the entrance to the party. A quick glance is cast to the floor around her and Christine moves further into the Warp Core, though somewhat hesitantly, and extremely quietly.

Tshaya sends a confused look after Harris, then shakes her head. She'll figure it out later. Turning to Rome, her smile reappears as she offers the punch. "Happy holidays. And thank you, Agrim. Don't forget to compliment the staff- they did most of the work."

Anderson is standing beside the door, eyes scanning the crowd, making sure everything is safe. Apperently he is on duty.

Gellan stops at the punch bowl, managing to squeeze in past elbows and not get stepped on, and gets herself a full glass of punch. Hopefully not spiked, either. Tshaya gets a smile. "Lovely party.." she says, even as she side-steps out of the melee to look for the food. Aha. There it is.

Krylow laughs softly at Barana's words and smiles to Dhar. "Five pounds eh? That's a lot of chocolate." He glances to Hurley and offers his other arm. "Feel free to join us, Christine, if you want."

Rome accepts the punch from Tshaya and flashes a smile at her. "Why thank you. And happy holidays to you." He has a sip of the punch and motions around. "I like the decor."

Shamash nods to Nabrun and Krylow as he detaches himself from Tish after a quick hug after her reply, and moves forward to the next on his list. Which is Hurley. However noting her unbouncy behaviour he halts next to her and his smile wavers slightly. "Hi Chrissy..."

Balin comes into the Warp Core in uniform and pauses briefly at the door to survey the room. He nods once to Anderson before making his way further into the coffee shop. He looks somewhat irritated.

. o O Balin's thoughts are dark, a whorl of angry emotions.

. o O Gellan instinctively flinches.

Foster finally gets up from where he was sitting to head in the direction of food and drink, not bothering to weave his way around the mistletoe. If someone wants to kiss him, first they much catch their quarry... and he's not bad at dodging. That is, of course, if he wants to avoid it. Who knows? But still, something on that table is calling him. But not calling him hard enough that he doesn't notice the Captain's irritation. It does, therefore, distract him from his goal.

. o O Gellan thinks, "Now where is that..oh."

GAME: Balin spends a courage point.

Casya finally manages to catch up with Harris, reaching out to tug on his sleeve. "Rob?" she calls out over the noise of the crowd, her expression one of concern and... embarrassment. Acute embarrassment. It's an expression that doesn't quite look natural on the face of an Orion, much less an Orion who is dressed up as an elf.

Anderson nods to Balin. He lets out softly "Sir." as his eyes scan the crowd even more knowing who's here now.

. o O Harris thinks, "Ten more feet... hell."

Tshaya nods with a smile and a sip, glancing around. "Ensign Lopez had some great ideas. She's one of the folks throwing this shindig."

<CONTEST> Gellan contests her Psi (Focus) skill vs Balin's Psi (Focus) skill (given advantage) and Fails!

Lopez gets the quartet playing something with a decided jumpy beat on her end of the party, grinning and turning with a dance step in her walk.

<CONTEST> Nabrun contests her Psi (Focus) skill vs Balin's Psi (Focus) skill (given advantage) and Fails!

"Agrim," Christine greets after a moment of distracted discomfort. "It's good to see you. Happy New Year!" she does try to sound as cheerful as normal, and in fact rests a hand on the arm Krylow offers to her. "Thank you, Alek, I probably will join you guys in a few minutes. I haven't seen Agrim in.. oh, it seems like ages."

. o O Nabrun flinches as well, shuddering for a moment.

Harris takes a deep breath as he's pulled to a stop. "Hiya, Casya," he greets as he turns to see who it is that's making him stop his progress for the exit. "How's things?"

Nabrun is standing near Dhar, apparently waiting on him to answer. She glances about briefly, eyes falling on Harris.

. o O Hurley thinks, "Smile, Chrissy. Big smile. It's no big deal. Just smile."

Dhar Dovoro chuckles at Nabrun. "Yes, I haven't forgotten. It is on it's way. I just had to pull a few extra strings to get you the absolute best chocolate in the galaxy." When she mentions meeting someone, his eyebrows perk up. "Well, aren't you full of surprises. Who is this person you want me to meet?"

. o O Casya feels /acutely/ embarrassed about something, and quite ashamed of herself.

. o O Harris fills with embarrassment.

. o O Harris thinks, "Please not here."

Krylow chuckles a little as he half listens to Dhar and Barana, while smiling to Christine. "Not a prpblem. Look us up anytime tonight," he says to her with a smile before turning back to his date.

The captain raises his voice. It's a Brass Bellow, alright, the kind that shiver the timbers of cadets. "/Ensign/ Nabrun, /front and center/!" He places his fists on his hips and looks about at the others, as if challenging them to intervene.

Shamash gives Hurley also a quick, affectionate hug "In months, Christine, in months. And a happy new year to you as well.!" He leans a little forward and mentions with a lower volume "it is /very/ good to see you again, and you look lovely."

Casya lowers her gaze for a moment, drawing a deep breath as well, and ignoring for the moment that they are standing in the midst of a thick crowd. "I'm... I'm okay. I just... I owe you an apology, Rob. I am /so/ sorry... I shouldn't have--" her words trail off as she hears the Captain's bellow, her attention turning toward him.

Gellan turns around, glass of punch half-raised to her lips and just short of the food table, to peer at the door and the drama unfolding in that direction. Thankfully she wasn't drinking, or the Captain's bellow would have made her sputter. She does get wide-eyed though, and looks over at Nabrun.

. o O Lopez thinks, "Now what?"

Hurley's smile drops and she looks over Shamash's shoulder at Balin, then at Nabrun and back to the Captain again. Her eyes narrow slightly as she begins to step around Shamash.

. o O Gellan projects, "Barana?"

Krylow glances up suddenly at the rather loud bellow. He's still arm in arm with Nabrun at this point, those he's looking to the Captain.

Anderson eyes fall on the Captain as he gently, ever so slowly rises from the wall.

Rome starts to say something or other to Tshaya, before he's cut off by the bellowing Betazoid. He blinks and looks off in Balin's direction. "This should be... interesting."

Tshaya blinks, looking around to frown toward the guy shouting. "What the..." One. Two. Three. Four pips. She shuts her mouth, but not without that cute little frown remaining.

If the Betazoid could go any more pale she'd be the color of milk. Whatever she was about to say to Dhar is lost as she spins on a heel and all but pushes her way toward the Captain. Anyone not out of her way will probably end up with a toe stepped upon or a hand gently pushing them out of the way. Barana finally ends up in front of Balin, shoulders back, chin up, eyes forward, at attention. "Reporting, Sir," she says. Her voice has only a hint of shakiness to it.

The music sinks down... yes... the Cadets have their timbers shivered. Ana balances a ball in her hands, brow knitting.

. o O Nabrun feels Panic. There's a moment of panic before she takes a mental breath and centers herself.

. o O Hurley thinks, "What is he doing to her? Oh, I'll change his voice and add a lisp this time, I will."

. o O Nabrun projects, "I don't know, Sharra."

. o O Tshaya thinks, "Bloody martinet. This is a /party/, dammit."

Harris glances over Casya's shoulder at Balin, lifting both of his eyebrows as he remains silent.

Dhar Dovoro straightens up as his antennae pick up the distinctive sound of a command voice. Reflexively, he comes to attention, giving his friend Barana a concerned look.

Foster watches the Captain go bellowing for Nabrun, frowning slightly as he thinks about things. He's trying to figure out what the Captain is doing as much as anyone... except he probably has something of a better idea than many others.

. o O Krylow feels a little bit of concern over the sudden development.

. o O Foster thinks, "I bet this is one of those 'scare the hell out of someone before I promote them' things."

"Ensign, you have /crossed the line/ this time, and I demand an explanation for your actions," Balin snaps crisply, pulling his shoulders back to make himself look more imposing to her.

Hurley looks around the establishment quickly, finding Lopez, and looking to Krylow before her attention falls back on Balin and Nabrun.

Confusion crosses Barana's face for a moment. Her own shoulders go back, but she's certainly not trying to appear imposing. "Sir?" she asks quietly. "Which line have I crossed?" The 'please tell me so I can uncross it' is unspoken.

. o O Foster thinks, "Yep. Gotta be. Standard Starfleet policy is not to call someone on the carpet in public, and the Captain certain wouldn't have the bad nature to do that in THIS kind of public. So it's going to be something good."

Shamash feels himself rounded by Hurley and he does look a little puzzled with a definete uh? on his face. Well. Balin the enigma speaks, so he does what most other people are doing, which is falling silent and.. moving a little out of the immediate blast radius.

Casya watches quietly, her eyes narrowing slightly as she watches the Captain suspiciously.

. o O Hurley thinks, "Ok. Procedures. Come on. There's an order that deals with proper discipline of officers. Think. Think."

. o O Nabrun whimpers. Yes. Whimpers. Then pictures a tall tree, one with deep roots. Ground and center.

Foster starts to smirk quietly, yes he does. He's pretty self-assured, he is, it seems, that this isn't a bad thing. Still, he's watching.

Krylow has made his way to the edge of the crowd, not more than a few feet from Barana and the Captain. There he stands watching quietly and listening like the rest of the Core.

. o O Dhar Dovoro thinks, "Why is he dressing her down in public?"

. o O Casya thinks, "This had better not be another one of his damned pranks. Last time, he turned the deck ice-like. The time before that, he turned off the gravity. I am /not/ dressed for this!"

Anderson face falls devoid of expression, eyes scanning the crowd looking for danger, trying to remember his training, and not look at the obvious.

Balin shouts, "Don't play games with me, Ensign! You know what you've done, and I think you've got some explaining to do! I want that explanation and I want it /now/, Ensign!" He emphasizes his point with a shaken finger at Nabrun's nose.

Tshaya jumps slightly at the shout, watching as she sips her punch. She glances sideways briefly toward Rome, an eyebrow quirked inquiringly. The frown gets deeper.

Lopez starts back through the people clogging the core, bubble under her her arm as she pulls in to park near the counter.

Rome glances back at Tshaya and can only offer a shrug, looking as a clueless as most about the situation.

. o O Foster thinks, "That's right. Now tell her to pack her things and get out. Or something to that effect. Oh wait, we're probably keeping her here. Nevermind, then."

. o O Tshaya thinks, "And to think, they volunteer to work for people like that. Nice. Real nice."

Foster, oddly enough, only starts to grin even more, still watching.

Casya inches a little bit closer to Harris. It's good to have someone you trust close by, so you have someone to grab onto (or duck behind) when the stuff hits the fan.

Krylow catches Foster's grin about the same time Balin does his latest tirade. The look that passes from Alek to Caleb isn't exactly warm. After all, whatever Calen thinks he knows, Alek obviously doesn't.

. o O Hurley thinks, "Gah. Grandfather should know all about disciplinary regulations. Why isn't he saying anything?"

Dhar Dovoro's antennae go up, then fall back down at the Captain's shouting. He's almost readt to stuff cotton balls in them. However, he doesn't move an inch being a seasoned enlistedman that is trying to avoid drawing attention to himself.

Yes, the Betazoid actually goes cross-eyed as she looks at the finger. There's a deep breath taken, which is difficult in that dress. "My apologies, Sir, but Jolan'Trouble left nothing in your shoes. I don't know HOW she got into your office in the first place, but she was removed. She has all of her papers and her shots, I promise." Erm? She's also got the expression that states she hopes like heck that she won't get backhanded across the room. "Other than that, Sir, I don't know which line I've crossed. Sir!" She's trying for serene, and failing.

. o O Lopez thinks, "And this is why you make sure the brass are safely out of range before you through the party. This had better be like turning the gravity off..."

If Foster notices Alek's chilly glance, it doesn't effect him, except, maybe, to make the grin even more. This is fun!

. o O Gellan bubbles. It's like champagne, the humor bubble that tickles the nose.

Tshaya's eyebrows rise a bit at that 'explanation'. She takes another shot of punch, deciding she doesn't want to know.

"I'm not talking about your /pet/, Ensign! I'm talking about you! Your actions!" Balin shouts. His brow furrows further, and the voice goes into a low rumble like thunder on the horizon. "The charges read as follows: Performance beyond the call of duty. Excellence in her job. Respect of her peers. So, now I ask you /again/, Lieutenant Junior Grade Barana Nabrun, what /have/ you got to say for yourself?" The expression twists suddenly into a smile and Balin opens the finger-shaking fist, to produce Nabrun's new pip.

. o O Gellan thinks, "Oh Barana, DID she? Oh. Priceless."

Harris looks vaguely amused for a second, shaking his head as the true purpose is revealed.

. o O Hurley thinks, "That man seems to like causing ulcers."

Foster bounces on his toes. Yep, yep. That's about right.

Casya's gaze flicks from confused face to confused face, until her amber gaze finally falls upon Foster. She blinks for a moment at the grin, looks back toward Barana, and then to Foster once more. Suddenly, just as Balin begins his tirade, a look of understanding crosses her features, and a grin spreads across her face as well.

. o O Harris thinks, "Jolan'Trouble? I probably don't want to know."

Hurley exhales, not even realizing she was holding her breath. A smile breaks and she.. applauds.

"I'm not sure whether to be relieved or disappointed." Rome comments idly once it becomes apparent what the situation is about.

Krylow has still got that look aimed towards Caleb when the latest tirade starts. A moment later he glances to the Captain and smiles a touch. Then he looks to Barana, a warm smile lighting up his face at the promotion.

Tshaya blinks, then breaks into a grin. "Be happy for her," she advises the Ambassador, setting her glass aside to support Hurley's applause action.

These are the times that being an Andorian really stinks. Poor Dhar tries to keep his antennae directed away from the Captain's booming voice. His expression and posture finally relax when the promotion is announced. In fact, he breaks into a broad grin.

It's probably only the fact that her legs are locked tighter than a nun's knees that keeps Barana from falling over. As Balin reads each of the charges, she goes more and more pale, until Balin smiles. Then she swallows visibly. "My apologies, Sir," she says quietly. "I promise to do my utmost to live down to expectations in the future. I understand that I will be keelhauled at dawn if I fail in that task." Anyone looking at her hands can see that she's shaking like a leaf.

. o O Casya thinks, "Oh, how wonderful! *pause* Wait. Promotion ceremony? Ohdear. There's DEFINITELY going to be a prank."

. o O Tshaya snickers. "You are an /evil/ man, Captain. Way to go, Barana!"

. o O Gellan thinks, "poor Barana." She pulls up an imagein her mind of a mound of icy snow. That thing that few people have really seen these days. All icy and cold and wet. Hands reach down and scoop it up, form it into a nice, tight little ball..."Oh, Captain..."

Anderson leans back against the wall and small smile on his face, that he quickly wipes off.

. o O Nabrun pictures something very, very briefly. There's a tiny little black kitten, no more than ten weeks old, all fluff and green eyes. She's delicately perched on one of Balin's empty dress shoes and has an utterly innocent, happy expression on her face. What she's doing is QUITE clear.

Casya moves another step closer to Harris, slightly behind him, one hand laying gently on his arm.

. o O Krylow is feeling nothing but pride right now. Yes, virtually bursting with pride at the sudden promotion of Barana.

Harris takes a deep breath, turning to face Casya and shaking his head. "Don't," he murmurs. "There's nothing to be sorry for."

Balin hands the pip to Nabrun with a chuckle. "Under the circumstances, I think your date should have the honors of pinning this to you." He gestures for her to go back to Krylow. "Oh, and Counselor."

. o O Foster, once again, carefully builds an image in his head. This time, it's his face, with one eyelid pulled down. Too bad Barana, the apparent target of this image, probably isn't familiar with Japanese animation, or she might catch the associated word that usually goes along with that teasing image. Yes, he's forgotten that Balin is a Betazoid. And that Gellan is in the room as well, though it's possible she might not get this at all.

Nabrun is slowly getting some color back into her cheeks. Ok, quickly. She's blushing now, even more as she glances over her shoulder at Alek. But then her head snaps back to Balin. "Yes, Sir?" she asks quietly.

. o O Nabrun projects, "Sharra? Can I smuggle the kitten into the office to pee in his shoes? Maybe his quarters..."

Gellan smiles over the edge of her punch glass. "Congratulations Barana!" she calls over voices, and then arches a brow. Aha. Not her. The other Counselor. She smiles again, turning to Tshaya. "Where did you get this punch. It's wonderful."

. o O Nabrun is flooded with relief and giddiness.

"We'll talk about the cat later," Balin says. He turns to the crowd, gives a single nod to those still paying attention to him, and strides toward the door.

Casya blinks up at Harris questioningly, confusion in her eyes. "Huh? Oh. Ohhh. Ah... yes, Robert... there is. I acted deplorably, and I am sincerely sorry for any discomfort I caused you." Her mind is only half on what she's saying, though, her gaze flicking warily back toward the Captain and the Counselor.

"Happy. Right." Rome agrees, offering as much of an applause as he can, with one hand holding a glass. Then he peers over at the other Betazoid counselor, when she speaks to Tshaya.

Lopez jiggles a little fizzy bit of champagne-colored gelatin, grins a little and calls out in a tease, "Oiye, Barana! Resolutions AFTER zero-hundred hours!" Clearly she looks pleased for that counselor.

Krylow moves towards Barana, moving over to give her a congratulatotry hug and kiss. Of course, there's no uniform to pin the pip right now. "Congratuatlions, Lieutenant," he says to Barana with a little wink.

Anderson eyes keep glancing around the room, searching for danger. He eases back against the wall.

Hurley turns a much-relieved and pleased smile back to Shamash. "I'll catch up with her later. How have you been, Agrim? I haven't seen you around much at all lately! Of course, I've been tied to Operations and paperwork recently, but, eh."

Harris holds up a finger. "Don't," he repeats softly, shaking his head.

Tshaya chuckles. "You're a diplomat. Fake it." She's in /much/ too good a mood now, but she does look relieved as the Captain apparently intends to leave. She calls out for the music to resume, then turns to smile warmly toward Gellan. "Why, thank you! Get? Heavens forbid. We made it. Old family recipe." Reaching for her glass, she offers, "Tshaya Cooper, Lieutenant. Proprietor of this joint and prestidigitator extraordinaire. Have we met?"

Nabrun finally unbends enough to lean against Alek, and she looks, well, a touch dazed. "Thank you, Sir," she calls after Balin. "I'll make sure she stays out of..." That doesn't get finished as she shakes her head. "And thank you, everyone. Let's get back to this wonderful party Tshaya, Ana and Alek put together!"

. o O Gellan projects, "that is completely up to you. I won't tell."

Balin gives another nod to Anderson as he passes the junior security officer, and makes his way out the door.

Balin moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Balin has left.

Foster hms, "You know, I would say that you can give Alek orders now, Barana, but since you're different Fleets, that might not be true."

McTiernan steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

McTiernan has arrived.

. o O Harris thinks, "How do I tell her that it's okay?"

Park steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Park has arrived.

Gellan looks a little dazed for a moment. "You know, I can't remember? I think so. Gr'laH...Ambassador Gr'laH and I used to come in quite often. Thank you," she adds, surrendering the glass. "It is wonderful punch. And a very nice party." A smile flashes. "Please excuse me..I only meant to stay a few moments and I need to congratulate Barana."

Anderson is leaning against the wall, near the entrance. His eyes searching the crowd.

Park enters the room, breathing a bit heavily as the doors slide closed behind him.

Krylow smiles to Foster and shakes his head, before looking back to Barana. He offers his arm again with a smile, for support and companionship as the well wishers start to arrive.

Casya watches the Captain's exit warily, her gaze darting around the room after he disappears, almost as if she's expecting something to happen, and is somewhat surprised that it hasn't, yet. She remains close to Harris, half an ear on the conversation he's having with her. "But I--I... okay... are you sure you're okay, Rob?"

Dhar Dovoro is eager to congratulate Barana, but waits his turn since Krylow has her full attention right now.

Nabrun takes Alek's arm, then grins at Foster, shaking her head. "We BOTH know how that would go over," she teases. The Betazoid takes a deep breath, still looking dazed, but slowing recovering.

Shamash had thought to speak to Casya next, then he is addressed by Hurley again. Break out the smile "is the Ensign er.. Jig a friend of yours, Chris? If so please convey my congratulation to her. She and I sadly never went past rank tites." a whishful shrug then "Well, I've been doing my share of Ops duty too, so we must have simply missed each other then. And paperwork, you say just the word here. Ever since I took up where Lt. Savarna left, I am drowning in Administrative duties, especially with the few officers staffing the various subsections"

Tshaya inclines her head. "Thank you very much, Lieutenant. And I should do so as well." For which she raises her voice to call, "Congratulations, Barana!" with a grin.

"Yeah. Just headed home," Harris murmurs in reply, gently pulling away from the Orion's grasp. "Don't worry. It's alright, I promise."

Rome raises his glass of punch in a salute to Nabrun, should Tshaya manage to get her attention. Yelling across the way isn't really his thing, after all.

Hurley pats Shamash's arm and nods quickly. "I will, of course. Barana will be happy for all well wishes, I'm sure. If you'll excuse me, though? I.. well." Her smile falters slightly and she steps back towards the door and towards the Casya/Harris pair. "Excuse me."

Now with her hands free once again, Gellan makes her way over to her fellow Counselor and the crowd gathered around her. "Barana," she says, grinning a bit. "Congratulations on the promotion. You definately deserve it."

Tshaya is a party gal. Yelling across the way is quite her thing.

Casya lets out a soft sigh, relaxing slightly as the party seems to be returning to full swing, with no further untoward surprises. She looks up at Harris and nods, a trifle sadly, and reaches out to give his arm a soft squeeze. "Okay. I just hope you're not leaving because of me. I'd never forgive myself. You... take care of yourself, Rob. Have a good night."

Nabrun raises a hand to Tshaya and Rome, a brow quirking just a bit as she grins at the pair, then she turns toward Gellan, opting for a one-armed hug. "Thank you, Sharra," she says quietly. "Of course, I'm blaming you as well." Definitely teasing.

Park glances over the top of the crowd, which appears fairly thick, so he just waits by the door until people start filtering out.

Krylow slides an arm around Barana's shoulder, giving her a little squeeze before smiling to Gellan. "Good evening, Counselor. Glad you could make it."

. o O Park thinks, "I'm surprised that I wasn't late for my own wedding."

Dhar Dovoro decides it is alright to approach Nabrun now. Stopping right in front of her, he puts on his most militaristic bearing coming to attention. "Congratulations, Lieutenant Nabrun, sir." After a few moment, he breaks into his trademark grin. "Congrats, Barana."

Harris brushes his hand over Casya's, patting it softly, before he tries to make tracks for the door again.

McTiernan slips into the party, wearing a radiant smile.. and well, a dress too. Yes, it's true. A dress. Muwhahaha. Ahem. Slipping silently up on Rome (C'mon, he's old and it's loud in here!), she puts a hand over his eyes and grin. "Put up your hands, copper.. it's all over for you!"

Foster smirks, "Oh, I don't know, Barana. When Kaitlyn got promoted before I did, we had a lot of fun with it." Notice that he doesn't give details. "It's too bad she's not here right now. She'd be all over you by now."

. o O Harris thinks, "Ten more feet. C'mon."

Hurley hesitates long enough that Harris is at the door before she can intervene, so she just stops and lets out a small sigh, watching the door silently.

Harris moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Harris has left.

Lopez grins sitting nearby the eye-covering spectacle. "Oh, c'mon on now," she says towards Piper, "-he's not THAT far gone," she jokes. "Hey, T'shaya, are you going to come out from behind there and dance with me?"

Casya watches Harris go for a long moment, letting out a soft sigh. Then she recalls that she's in the midst of a party, and forces the smile back onto her lips, making her way back over toward the punchbowl.

Gellan hugs back, and even flashes a smile at Krylow. "Evening, Alec. You both look nice." She pulls away fairly quickly though and eyes the door. Most likely thinking of following in Harris's footsteps and making an escape. "I have to head off. Enjoy the party though."

Rome is certainly not old. Merely seasoned. When his sight goes away, he pauses, then puts his hands up. "I'm more gold, less copper, really." he protests.

. o O Hurley is very disappointed.

Nabrun grins at Dhar and shakes her head, then even sticks her tongue out at Foster. "Tell her I said hi," she calls. "Dhar...Sharra! You're leaving?" The other counselor smiles and shakes her head. "Have a good evening? Now, Casya...I know she was here somewhere."

Taimol steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Taimol has arrived.

Krylow chuckles to Foster and winks. "Kaitlyn is here in spirit, if nothing else. She helped make sure I got the right shoes for Barana," he says with a little wink to Foster. Then he turns to Gellan and nods. "Alright Counselor. Take care and havea good evening," he says softly.

Park gives Gellan a smile as she heads out.

Anderson is leaning against the wall, near the entrance. His eyes searching the crowd.

. o O Casya feels regret, and a brief stab of loneliness as she glances around, quickly suppressing it as she forces a cheerful smile.

Taimol screeches through the doors, barely avoiding a collision with merrymakers as he arrives, looking a bit damp and extremely embarrassed.

Hurley's eyes drop back to the floor after Harris departs completely before she turns her head to look back towards the festivities, a little more distantly this time.

Gellan makes her way out then, waving a farewell. A warm smile is sent in answer to Park's just before she slips out through the doors.

Gellan moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Gellan has left.

Tshaya blinks a bit as Rome's eyes disappear. "He wishes," she notes with amusement to McTiernan, giving her a curious look. Catching Ana's call, she looks around quickly with a grin, calling, "In just a moment, Ana!"

. o O Taimol thinks, "Oh, dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. I hope she's not upset."

"She's over by the door. Casya, that is." Foster says. "I have to keep resisting turning that way." He's teasing, isn't he? "And I will tell her. She'll be all in a tizzy."

McTiernan pulls her hands away from his eyes and laughs. "Not what I meant but okay.. sure" she replies, leaning against him for a moment before she pulls on him. "Are you up for a dance?"

Dhar Dovoro nods to Gellan respectfully as she excuses herself. He then turns back to Nabrun. "Casya? Is that who you wanted me to meet?"

. o O Tshaya starts to get more a bit annoyed with this eye-covering woman.

Nabrun eyes Alek for a moment and grins. "I was WONDERING," she murmurs to him, then nods to Dhar. "Exactly. Shall we go find her? Trust Caleb's radar to help us out..." To say her smile is glowing would be an understatement. "Casya?" she calls.

"Why not?" Rome holds up a hand before he can be dragged off, though, and downs the rest of his punch. Then he motions to Tshaya. "First, Piper McTiernan, meet Tshaya Cooper, our gracious host."

Torin steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Torin has arrived.

Anderson is leaning against the wall, near the entrance. His eyes searching the crowd.

Krylow laughs and grins to Nabrun. "Hey, I picked everything else out for you. In fact, she was miffed that I choose so well," he says, giving Nabrun a little kiss on the cheek.

Casya takes up a cup of punch and offers a polite smile to Rome, Tshaya, and the others in the area, before quickly draining the glass. Refilling it, she turns to begin circulating through the crowd once more, glancing around as she hears her name being called out. Spotting Nabrun, her forced smile becomes just a bit more genuine, and she moves to close the distance between herself and the Counselor. "Barana. Congratulations... I'm so happy for you."

Tshaya inclines her head with a faint smile. "And prestidigitator extraordinaire. Welcome to the Core, Ms. McTiernan."

Park finally wades into the crowd to find Nabrun, who's got to be hidden somewhere in the depths of the people.

Taimol locates his quarry and makes his way through the crowd to Christine Hurley. "My apologies about my tardiness," he murmurs. "The latch for the shower door broke, and I was trapped inside for a time."

Caleb's? The woman is an Orion female, with the requisite pheremones. The male of the species (and not a few females) find them irresistable. Good thing there's only one in the room! Foster steps out of the way, if only to let the Betazoid and Andorian head in that direction. Now. Who to bother, who to bother.

Tshaya gestures toward the Orion woman in the Christmas elf outfit. Tshaya whispers to Rome, "Before you go dancing, that's the one I told you about."

Torin ducks his way in quietly. As he slips in he quickly sidles a bit to the side trying to avoid as usual the bulk of the crowds and attention. The Cadet wears his uniform though tugging at the sleeves self-consciously. He does at least have a faint smile on his face, curious as he studies the large gathering.

Hurley's attention snaps into Taimol's direction with a rather surprised expression. "It /broke/? Oh dear." She tries not to look amused, and adds, unable to stop the smile, "Well, you were able to get out safely, as far as I can tell."

Dhar Dovoro nods his head to Nabrun. "Sure, let's find her." Then lo and behold the Orion has found them.

"Mostly, yes," Edan replies quite sheepishly. "However, the bathroom is in quite a frightful state. I'm not certain if it will ever recover."

Nabrun's smile warms as she spots Casya. "Thank you," she tells the Orion woman. "Casya, this is the gentleman I was telling you about. Chief Dhar Dovoro, may I introduce Casya, a very good friend of mine." The good is emphasized gently. "Casya, this is Chief Dhar Dorvoro. Dhar is the gentleman who keeps me in chocolate. Well, one of them." There's that word again, gentleman.

Hurley reaches up to hug him, mainly to cover the laugh that manages to finally escape. Hurley whispers to Taimol, "Well, until Operations can dispatch someone to fix it for you, you're more than welcome to use my quarters for anything you need."

Lopez notes as she steps out towards the niche, that the medical staff is making a strong showing this evening. But she keeps looking to the door now and again.

Lopez sits down at viewport nook.

Casya listens quietly as Nabrun makes the introductions, her amber eyes sweeping over the Andorian appraisingly, a soft, genuine smile curving her lips upwards. She extends her right hand to the Chief, saying, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Chief Dovoro. Barana speaks highly of you."

Krylow smiles a little as Barana is more or less sweep away but the crowd. He remains near, but not that close. He glances around the crowd, taking stock of who is there, and who has arrived.

Taimol lifts both of his eyebrows. "What is the average time for processing those sort of requests?" he asks as he returns Hurley's hug.

Dhar Dovoro accepts the Orion's hand. "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Casya." Dipping his head, he leans in to kiss her. Afterall, she /is/ wearing mistletoe on her hat.

Nabrun studies Casya and Dhar for a moment, head canting just slightly to one side. Then she slowly blends backward, right into Park.

Foster sighs quietly, and makes his way to the counter, after picking up something to eat and drink. Apparently, even hotshot pilots choose not to be the center of attention every once in a while.

Foster sits down at counter.

Park sneaks in behind Nabrun, who runs right into him. "Well, at least I got a chance to talk to you.", he says with a chuckle. "Sorry I missed the promotion, but I wanted to drop this by for you." In his hands in a giftwrapped little box.

Rome glances off toward the Christmasy Casya and back to Tshaya, offering her a smile. "Time to mingle." he comments. Then he looks to McTiernan.

Krylow takes this chance to snag a couple of drinks, and turns make his way back to Barana. As he nears that's when he notives Park, and pauses near him and Barana, holding the drinks and waiting.

Tshaya inclines her head, her smile looking like it's pasted into place. ''I hope you enjoy the party as much as we've enjoyed putting it together.'' She moves off, pausing at a table. Tshaya whispers to Lopez, "Raincheck on the dance? I have to go check on some things."

Hurley shrugs in response. "It depends on the amount of requests. Hopefully within the same day the report is generated. Though, it can easily take longer."

Nabrun blinks up at Park, head canting to the side. "Thank you," she tells him, voice quiet. "Be glad you missed it. The Captain scared me so badly I nearly passed out. No one thought to warn me of the promotion ceremony." She grins and takes the package. "How have you been?"

Casya, still somewhat preoccupied with Harris, was honestly not expecting that kind of a greeting. But she certainly does not protest! "You're too kind, Chie--mmmmmmpf. Mmm." She just kind of melts against the Andorian a little, one hand reaching up to his shoulder to keep herself upright. "Remind me to have Barana introduce me to people more often." she murmurs with a dazed little grin.

. o O Nabrun thinks, "Merry Christmas, Dhar."

Lopez looks up to T'Shaya and eases herself into a seat where she can see everyone mingling. "Not a problem, T'Shaya. Anytime. Just mind the mistletoe as you take care of business?" she says cheerfully.

Torin continues to watch the group quietly for a long while. Eventually he raises a hand waving towards those he knows well, polite smiles here and there but he seems content to remain off to the side and watch the ongoings, slightly wide-eyed. Whether it's the various activities, or just the size of the crowd, he continues to look uncomfortable and slightly awed.

Park chuckles. "At least no one is floating around the room. I'm good, thanks for asking.", he says, then notices Krylow. "Anyway, I don't want to monopolize your time. Congratualations."

Nabrun glances over her shoulder and turns to include Alek. "Aaron? You've met Alek Krylow, yes?"

Tshaya grins at Lopez. "I plan to keep it all, you know, and coat the ceiling with it." She winks, and moves off again.

Tshaya moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Tshaya has left.

Dhar Dovoro wraps an arm around Casya's waist, smiling back at her. "I guess I did right by tradition then. I'm glad that you didn't object."

Jatila steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Jatila has arrived.

Krylow smiles softly to Park and nods. "I meet him on one mission, when I was injured," he says easily, nodding to Park. "Thank you for coming, Doctor," he says politely while offering Nabrun her drink.

McTiernan slips her arm through Hudsons and smiles over at Tshaya, "It was nice to meet... you" she finishes as the woman leaves. Then she looks up at Hudson. "We're mingling?"

Anderson is leaning against the wall, near the entrance. His eyes searching the crowd.

. o O Foster feels, oddly enough, lonely in this large crowd. He's missing his wife. Awwww.

Park smiles at Krylow. "Yeah, we've run into each other a couple of times.", he says. "Anyway, have a good time. Duty calls and all that." He turns and heads out.

Casya laughs softly, shaking her head at Dhar. "Oh, I think you have that tradition down pat, Chief." she assures him. "I think I could get to /like/ that particular Terran tradition."

Park moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Park has left.

Jatila steps in and moves to one side of the door, looking around for a moment. Perusal taken, she heads toward the goodies tables to give the punch a dubious look.

Nabrun takes the drink and smiles at Park, dipping her head. She watches him go, worrying her lower lip for just a moment. The package gets tucked into her purse, for later, and she looks up at Alek. "Shall we go find Ana, love?"

Rome guides McTiernan toward a table, so he can put down his glass. Then he peers toward the exit. "What?" he glances at McTiernan. "Parties aren't really my thing. I tend to just drink and ogle the women."

Dhar Dovoro's bright blue eyes gleam brightly. "I agree with you wholeheartedly. The Terrans definitely have some wonderful traditions that should be observed. And please, call me Dhar."

Lopez stands and leaves viewport nook.

Krylow nods to Barana and then offers her a arm, switching drink to the other hand. "Let us. I saw her earlier, before the rush really started. And I heard her when the Captain was here." Once Barana has taken the arm, he sets off towards the back.

Taimol blinks at that. "Oh, dear. It may be quite some time, then?

. o O Rome thinks, "Tshaya. I should go talk to her."

Lopez is actually listening to the band, and by now blowing bubbles with a table party-favor. The band is slowing for a leaning number, and she's still in observation mode.

"Only if you'll call me Casya." The Orion answers with a smile. "Would you like to sit down somewhere, Dhar? "

Nabrun takes Alek's arm and starts Lopez-ward. "I heard her voice from that direction, I think," she murmurs, starting to weave through the crowd.

"Well," Christine Hurley considers, dropping gloved hands back to her sides and noting Taimol's concern. "It could be. Though, I wouldn't worry about it terribly much. Of course, I can try to see if I can get the order expedited."

Jatila pours herself a glass, then straightens to take a look around, her gaze pausing on several people she knows. "Hmmmm." She sets out firmly toward the Cadet, evil Romulan that she is.

Krylow nods to Barana and the two push into the crowd and through, heading in the direction that Barana waved. A few moments later he spots Lopez and alters their course to head that way.

Dhar Dovoro smiles back at the Orion. "Sounds like an equitable deal to me. Do you have any preference as to where to sit?"

Lopez leans against the tables edge, and spots the approach of the new Lieutenant JG and Alek. "Hey," she says, capping the bottle. "You've got some color back, there, Barana."

Foster continues to sit at the counter, quietly watching the people around the Warp Core. Parties are good for people-watching, it seems. Still, he doesn't seem particularly /happy/ at the moment.

Torin remains off to the side, continuing to take in the activities. He eventually does note the Romulan woman setting in his direction. He offers a polite if careful and uncertain smile then tries to step to the side, assuming she's trying to get by him it seems.

Casya purses her lips slightly as she glances around, spotting the plush couch where it's been pushed off to the side, out of the way of the milling crowd. "How about over there?" she suggests to the Andorian.

Taimol shakes his head. "No, I would not ask you to do that," he murmurs. "At any rate, we should celebrate and discuss the shower later!"

Jatila smiles in a fairly friendly manner as she slows to a stop. "Jolan'tru, Cadet Torin. I trust you are enjoying the festivities?"

Krylow grins to Lopez as they approach. "She's got all the color she needs," he says to Ana with a grin. "How are you doing, Ana?"

Dhar Dovoro nods to Casya, offering his arm to her. "That looks like a wonderful selection. So, what do you do here on the station?"

Dhar Dovoro sits down at plush couch.

Nabrun grins at Lopez and leans in for a hug. "Just a little. You did an amazing job, Ana. Everything...it's perfect."

"A most *excellent* idea," Hurley nods to Taimol and takes his hand to lead him further into the remade Warp Core. "Barana was promoted!" she whispers to Taimol with excitement. "Come! Come! I haven't had a chance to congratulate her yet."

Casya sits down at plush couch.

Torin jumps a bit as he's named. He pauses for a moment and wets his lips studying for a moment, "Ah. Yes, ah, ma'm. It's, well these things are always enjoyable to watch. People seem to celebrate these things in some very....strange ways. But still everyone seems to be more pleasant during 'holidays'. Yourself?" He says rather slowly and more than a bit carefully.

Taimol follows along, smiling brightly. "Oh? How wonderful!"

McTiernan perks up a brow. "Oh.. well. Ok. Are you sure you're done oogling because I'd hate to steal you away and have you not be finished" she tells him, teasing him.

. o O Taimol bubbles with happiness.

Jatila's eyebrows rise a bit as she peers at Torin. "To watch? What about participation?" She looks around briefly, her smile reappearing. "So far, so good, and I have confidence that that will continue."

Casya takes the proffered arm with a grin and follows as he leads her over to the plush couch, settling down on the cushion beside him, absently smoothing her short, ruffled skirt down over her thighs as she turns slightly toward him, answering his question quietly.

Hurley nods quickly in response to Taimol, pausing long enough to figure out where Nabrun and company went. Being one of the shorter people in the crowd does have its disadvantages, but Krylow's head gives her enough of direction and she continues along her course, still chatting at the Bajoran. "It *is*! We all had a rather.. frightful scare for a moment there. Captain Balin certainly knows how to get a crowd's attention."

"Can't complain too much," Ana says to Alek with a small grin, and leans to hug Barana around the shoulders. Kisses to the cheek for all! "You know, Alek, you really ought to give your girl here a dance before they kill the music for the countdown."

At her place, Casya says "I am a teacher at the Children's Center."

Rome motions toward the middle of the room and replies, "I think I can offer you a dance now."

Krylow laughs a little at Ana's comment and then leans in to give Ana a hug when Barana is done with her hug. "Oh, I will Ana. We're still being swarmed over her promotion. We might have to hide soon," he jokes.

Lopez comments though, "The staff put almost everything up. I got Chris and a friend of hers to help me carry some stuff her before I went to go get dressed. Had to climb a tree for the mistletoe."

Nabrun grins at Ana and shakes her head. "Actually, Alek? Why don't you accompany our hostess out on the floor to open things up? I'll take the second dance." She smiles up at Alek, head canting slightly.

"Indeed?" Edan asks as he follows along, smiling brightly.

At his place, Dhar Dovoro says "Ahh. That's a wonderful profession. I am stationed here as the junior quartermaster. However, I consider myself the best quartermaster in the sector. Whatever you want or need, I can get it for you."

Hurley nods again! "I thought he was going to berate her right here in front of *everyone*!" She sighs, "And, of course, we were all *letting* him, but. It all turned out well, as it should have." Winding through the crowd, she draws in on Lopez, Krylow and Nabrun, a beaming smile offered to each, and finally falling on the counselor.

Krylow shakes his head to Nabrun. "No offence to our other lovely hostess, but I want my first dance to be with you," he says to her. THen to Lopez. "Tree climbing? You must have loved that."

. o O Nabrun projects, "She forms a mental image of Ana, alone and Barana surrounded by people. Then it shifts into Ana and Alek dancing, Ana smiling, Barana beaming at the pair."

Taimol considers that thoughtfully. "Well, that's very interesting," he finally replies, grinning at the trio. "Hi!"

McTiernan grins and nods, "All right. If you're up too it.. old man" she offers with a teasing smile.

Casya laughs lightly at something Dhar said, crossing her legs at the knee and again smoothing her skirt down. Her fingers pluck absently at the fuzzy white trim around the hem as she lifts the drink in her other hand up to her lips for a sip, before answering.

Lopez chuckles, and nods her agreement to Alek, saying, "Well, I didn't break anything... but there were no vines to go swinging from. Alas!" With a grin bright on her features, she turns to the approach of Taimol and Hurley, and says, "Hey! I thought I saw you milling around out there! Having a good time?"

At her place, Casya says "Barana told me about that, yes. I'll certainly have to keep that in mind, if I come up with anything that I just absolutely have to have."

. o O Foster thinks, "I wish Kaitlyn were here. She's going to hate having missed the party, and, particularly Barana's promotion."

Rome moves to guide McTiernan out onto the dance floor. Hopefully nothing insane is being played, music-wise. "You need to learn respect for your elders." he remarks, offering a smile.

"Of course we are!" Christine exclaims in response to Lopez before pausing to add, "Well, *I* am. I really shouldn't speak for Edan. It's *beautiful*, Ana. You've done a marvelous job." And, for her victim, Christine throws her arms around Nabrun's neck for a quick hug. "Congratulations, Barana. I can't think of anyone who deserved that promotion more."

At his place, Dhar Dovoro says "Then you definitely have me at the disadvantage, because Barana hasn't told me anything about you. In fact, I didn't even know that she wanted to introduce us until I got here tonight."

Taimol looks like he's having a good time. Of course, it's very rare that he isn't pleasantly cheerful, so it's hard to say if he is or isn't. "I am having a wonderful time."

Nabrun leans in to hug Christine, smiling warmly. "Thank you," she says softly. "I'm glad you were here to share it with me. It was...more than a little bit of a surprise. Edan, I'm glad you could come as well."

Torin blinks, "Ehmm, yes to watch. Crowds, and parties. Are... not precisely my forte, ma'm." He offers haltingly, wetting his lips once more.

At her place, Casya chuckles softly. "Well... if it makes you feel any better... she hasn't told me a /lot/ about you. Just that you are a very good friend, that you live in the Lodge, that you're a quartermaster extraordinaire, and that you are the local fine chocolate connection."

Krylow catches the greeting between Hurley and Barana and then turns to Ana. He winks and offers her a hand. "I suppose you're stuck with me for a dance," he jokes.

Jatila considers the young cadet as she sips her punch. "First of all, my name is Jatila. And my rank equates to yours." She smiles faintly. "And I can understand that, I suppose. So what do you learn from your observations?"

Taimol inclines his head slightly. "I am sorry that I missed the promotion ceremony."

Hurley glances to Krylow, then Nabrun. "Barana, if you would like to dance, please, don't let me stop you."

Nabrun shakes her head at Hurley and smiles softly. "I'd prefer Alek escorted Ana for the first dance. They're the ones who, besides Tsaya, who put in the most effort. This is THEIR party."

Torin ahs and looks about for a moment, as if confused. Finally then he shrugs, "Ah, yes, well it is a pleasure to learn that. Mister uh, Jatila." He says testing out, he speaks with the romulan woman like an engineer might search for land mines. Then going on, "As for what I've learned, well that piece of greenery seems to cause a variety of rather embarassing traditions. The mistletoe thing, but other than that, people just seem to forget the rest of the day to day things ongoing, in the pleasantness of the ritual, no matter what culture they come from."

Foster stands up, and begins threading his way towards the exit. Apparently, he's taking what another said earlier tonight, and choosing not to bring other people down with him.

Before Krylow and Lopez can escape, though, Hurley flashes another beaming smile at the both of them. "And it's a *delightful* party. But, I do have to ask." She pauses long enough to look up and point at the looming mistletoe just beyond the group, "Where on this station did you find all of this mistletoe?"

Jatila turns her gaze toward the mistletoe. "What sort of traditions? I try to avoid teh embarrassing ones, myself."

At his place, Dhar Dovoro grins back at her. "Ah, good. That means I get to tell you my stories myself."

. o O Nabrun forms a mental image of Lanie and the sensation of a hug. There's also warmth and the equivalent of a hug for Caleb.

Lopez looks for the door once more, catching the pecks under the mistletoe, and the bounce of the white "bubbles" as they are tapped from hand to hand. She says in a joking tone to Alek, "Guess so. Since our dates cannot be argued with. C'mon. I'll get you back in a minute, and then go beg the band for a slow one for you and your girl." She glances to Hurley's question, and chuckles. "Well, some of its real, and I got from the arboretum. But most of its fake, and just replicated."

Taimol folds his arms over his chest, falling silent and smiling.

Torin ahs and reaches up for a moment tugging at his earlobe. "Yes, well. Ehmm, I'm not quite sure just what it is. I've seen a few variety of forms of it. I'm sure if you watch a bit longer someone will demonstrate." He offers helpfully to the woman.

Krylow grins to Lopez and offers her a hand to head to the dance floor, whenever she is she is ready to head to the dance floor. For the moment he waits quietly.

Foster pauses near the doors for a long moment, a full-body shiver seeming to run through his body. He smiles, perhaps a little sadly, and then heads on out.

Foster moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Foster has left.

Lopez moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Lopez has left.

Lopez steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Lopez has arrived.

Jatila nods, then tilts her head, considering the cadet. "Do I make you uncomfortable for some reason, Mr. Torin?"

Nabrun remains to the side, watching Taimol and Hurley for a moment. She seems, well, relaxed, certainly. Eyes trail over to Dhar and Casya.

Hurley purses her lips at Lopez's response, head canting as she admits softly to Nabrun, "I had no idea there was mistletoe in the observation garden."

. o O Dhar Dovoro thinks, "Barana, you definitely made a good choice in introducing us."

Lopez steps out away from the table with Krylow, not really saying much of substance. "Some turnout," she observes.

Torin blinks and shakes his head, "No. Well, not precisely you. It's just you're part of one of the diplomatic delegations. I don't want to cause any trouble, or cause any extra work for the diplomats by upsetting you or anyone." He says directly.

Casya seems to be chatting quite comfortably with Dhar over on the sofa in the corner. She laughs at another comment of his, genuine amusement on her emerald face.

At her place, Casya says "Well then, by all means, tell me about yourself, Dhar! Don't keep me in suspense, now..."

"What is mistletoe?" Edan asks softly, still smiling.

Jatila's eyebrows rise, then she chuckles. "Mr. Torin, you and yours often upset us and ours. It's not unusual, and we take it in stride. Please, relax."

Nabrun leans in to murmur softly to Taimol, "A Terran plant, I believe. If I remember right, the custom is for two people who meet under the mistletoe to exchange kisses."

Krylow moves with Lopez out onto the dance floor and gives her a little. "You lead, so I don't embarass myself," he teases.

Hurley should have seen that question coming, really, but it still takes her a little off-guard. She blushes slightly, then motions upwards at the ceiling just beyond the trio at some of the white flowery pieces poking out of the greenery. "Barana is exactly right. *That* is mistletoe."

Dhar Dovoro seems quite content sitting on the couch talking with the sexy elf.

Torin furrows his brow, "Still, if I do it again, I'll get cashed out. But, I will try, others can maybe get away with it. I certainly can't afford more trouble attached with my name." He says quietly, flushing midly with embarassment.

Taimol tilts his head to the side as he considers that. "Ah. It is an aphrodisiac, then?"

At his place, Dhar Dovoro says "Well, I was born on Andor and grew up on a merchant ship with my family and several others. We traveled all over the Federation selling the best Andorian wares in the galaxy."

Nabrun coughs quietly and blushes, just a bit. "Well, not really. I don't think it emits pheremones or is edible. It's..." She looks at Hurley, helpless, laughing.

Jatila blinks a bit, peering at Torin. "Again?"

"Well... not.. exactly... well, no," Christine blushes as well, looking to Nabrun and getting No. Help. At. All. "It's just a tradition. Considered romantic in some circles. Fun in others. And.." The blush deepens. "Well, it's just a tradition. That's all."

Taimol frowns thoughtfully at that, tilting his head to the side. "Oh. Traditions are very important."

Rome sidles on over to the gathering between Nabrun, Taimol and Hurley. His dance partner must be otherwise occupied. "What are we talking about?"

Torin coughs and continues to tug at his earlobe. "Yes, well, really the details aren't important. It was just a bit of embarassment, earlier on in my cadet cruise."

At her place, Casya's brows arch a bit, a smile curving her lips upward. "Really? I grew up on a ship, as well."

Nabrun glances up to Rome and smiles, cheeks pink. "Mistletoe," she tells him. "Christine and I were trying to explain the tradition to the Vedek. He thinks it's an aphrodesiac. Help?

Lopez smirks a little, holding up her hands to form the classic dancing frame, one hand at shoulder height, the other slightly above the height of the elbow. "And you won't be embarassed being turned about by a girl?" Ana sticks out her tongue a little. "Okay, its easy. Take a step forward and push against this hand." She indicates the one not meant to go on his shoulder. "My foot moves back to keep from getting stepped on. Repeat, going any direction, pushing or pulling."

Hurley's blush is even redder at the ambassador's question. But, she does respond quite honestly as she echos Nabrun. "Mistletoe. Edan is not familiar with it and Barana and I were trying to explain, but apparently not doing well." Turning a bright grin to Taimol, she responds, "Traditions are indeed very important. It's a long-standing *millenia*-old tradition, I do believe."

Jatila nods amiably, sipping at her punch. "I see." She considers Torin for a long moment. Abruptly she overhears Barana, and blushes a deep olive, though her gaze remains steady on the cadet.

Krylow chuckles a softly and steps forward into the dance position. Jokes aside, he doesn't seem lost. Lopez's feet will survive the night, must assuredly. He grins a little as they begin to move around the floor. "Things worked out well, if I do say so."

Taimol smiles at Hurley, bobbing his head. "We do not have anything similar on Bajor." Score: Clueless, 1; Romance, O.

At his place, Dhar Dovoro says "Well, it seems like we might have something in common besides Barana being our friend."

Torin pauses at this, and locks on a way to change the topic. He motions and points out the group, "Ah yes, well see I think they are preparing to demonstrate if you wanted. I'm sure someone there could explain it more." He says helpfully.

Lopez follows, there being plenty of room. "Yeah. I guess it did. See, you are good at this. I think I'm being hustled... no, wait. Thats another dance. Dr. Albertz must have gotten a runner in his hose."

Krylow grins a little to Lopez and shrugs. "If it gives me a dance with you, then I'll send a thank you letter to his hose," say Alek with a teasing grin. "Seriously though, its terribly bad form of him."

At her place, Casya nods slightly. "I... have a feeling our upbringings were... /very/ different, though." she comments. "I was brought up on an Orion Syndicate vessel..."

Jatila looks around. "Perhaps," she responds to Torin, sipping from her glass. She gives him a look, then shrugs. "I shan't trouble you further, Moroko." And with that, she slips off to mingle with the crowd.

"It's really quite simple. When you see someone under a mistletoe..." Rome peers up at the ceiling and points at one of the flowers that just happens to be hanging from it above them, "... you give them a kiss." He looks back down and reaches out to gently grasp Taimol's face, lean in, and give him a kiss. Traditions are very important, right? Not any chaste kiss. A good one. But no tongue.

Nabrun covers her mouth with a hand and just blinks at Rome, staring for a moment. Rome shocked the thought out of her head.

Hurley's jaw drops as she stares at Rome and Taimol. "Usually," she murmurs, trying to gather her senses, but not really succeeding well. "Usually.. it's.. a bit more romantic.. than that.."

At his place, Dhar Dovoro nods his head slowly, his smile fading a touch. "I'm sorry. I hope that things are much better for you now."

. o O Nabrun forms a mental image of Albertz in the Infirmary, staring longingly at his suit, while cornered by Malloy.

Lopez laughs, and lifts up Alek's arm and does a lively turn underneath coming neatly back into step. "Its what you deserve if you see Doctors socially. Happens. No one's fault... and I've had fun anyway. Time... to call this dance though, Alek. Midnight approacheth."

Krylow nods to Lopez, lets the dance trail off just in time to see the Rome and Taimol kiss. Unlike some of the others he's not so shocked. He does blink a few times before laughing. "I think the Ambassador just upstaged everyone at the party."

Torin nods quietly towards Jatila, "Have a good night, mmm, ah Jatila." He offers lightly, a long blink then at the mistletoe antics. He watches for several moments in surprise, simply shaking his head, "That...I think may be a tradition I hadn't seen before." He says absently to himself.

Jatila pauses and just... stares, her eyes wide in disbelief. "And I thought he only was only a slut when it comes to women," she murmurs, and shakes her head, continuing on.

Casya nods quickly. "Oh, /yes/. My situation has drastically improved since Akeen and Michael brought me back to the Federation. There have been some.... ah... rough spots... but overall, I am very happy with my life here."

Ana's looking too, having a good giggle and starts back with one eyebrow upraised. "Does my twisted little heart good to see you all enjoying the party decor..."

Nabrun blinks for a moment more, then turns and looks at Christine, expression mostly solemn. "You know what that means, right?" she asks the other woman.

Hurley looks at Nabrun with eyebrow raised. "That he's no longer as innocent as we all had thought?"

Krylow glances to Ana and laughs again, before heading back over towards the group. He doesn't get two steps when he hears Nabrun's comment and he's laughing again. He's lucky enough to be coming up behind Hurley and he gives Barana a wink.

A million emotions run across Taimol's face, from rage to embarrassment to fury to shock to shame and back again. He firmly plants his hands on Rome's shoulders and shoves him back with all the might he can muster -- which, considering his sheer size, is considerable. As soon as the lip lock's broken, he skitters backward and trips over a chair, landing flat on his rear and being absolutely speechless.

Dhar Dovoro can't help but turn his head to see what everyone is talking about. Quirking a snowy brow, he shakes his head at the sight of the Ambassador kissing the Vedek. "Hmm. I wonder how that will influence Federation-Bajoran relations."

Jatila pauses and moves toward Taimol, to offer him a hand up. "He's done worse, believe me."

Casya's attention is diverted toward the scene with Taimol and Rome, her eyes wide as she catches the sight of the two men kissing just before her next-door-neighbor shoves the ambassador away and falls on his butt. "Wow. Now... /that/ was a sight I never expected to see."

Rome? Not the most physically adept. Nowhere near a benchpressing priest, assureldly. When he's shoved, he stumbles back and falls to the ground with a grunt, breaking his fall with one arm, so his head doesn't bounce off the deck. "That bad, was it?" he asks.

Nabrun looks to the falling men, then to Christine. One hand comes up to cup Christine's cheek, and the Counselor is leaning in for what is, apparently, one hell of a kiss.

Taimol just stares, absolutely speechless.

. o O Taimol has been violated.

The commotion snaps Hurley's attention back towards Rome and Taimol with obvious concern doting towards the latter, but she's forced to look back at Nabrun, eyes widening with *shock* at the Betazoid and a gasp is heard right before the one hell of a kiss presumably starts.

Jatila shakes her head a bit and beckons to Hurley. "Help me get him up before he's trampled in this crowd? I rather enjoy his company, and I would rather not be deprived of it." She shoots a /look/ at Rome.

Lopez offers her arms down to the fallen Ambassador, "You know, my first kiss under the mistletoe ended in a fistfight, so so far, you're doing better than me, Ambassador Rome. You trendsetter." She looks left and right, just laughing heartily.

The Andorian's attention is drawn from the falling men to the kissing women. His trademark grin creeps over his face. "Well, Casya, it seems like we've been outdone."

Nabrun steps back from Hurley after a second and grins, hand still over her own lips. It's clear that the liplock was actually a lip-to-hand-lock, thus preserving the Ensign's innocence. "And that," she announces to Rome, "Is how it's done. If you don't want to get hit." She grins and offers Hudson her hand. Her OTHER hand.

Hurley, blushingly grins towards Nabrun, but then turns to help Jatila bring Taimol back to his feet. "Are you ok, Edan?" she immediately asks, the grin fading to be replaced with clear-cut concern.

Rome grasps Lopez's offered arms and climbs back to his feet carefully, wincing. "Ow. Well, I aim to make myself the center of attention, somehow..." Of course, he doesn't fail to notice the womanly kiss next to him. "You're a tease, Barana."

Casya laughs as she watches the scene play out, amusement twinkling in her amber eyes as she looks to her sofa companion. "I think we could still out-do 'em. Care to try again?"

No sooner does Nabrun step back then Alek steps behind Nabrun, grinning as he does. "Of course, Barana, you're still under the mistletoe and still fair game."

Taimol doesn't say anything, still shocked to his very core as he accepts the hands up.

. o O Taimol thinks, "How could... what should... how -dare-... I'll kill... ARGH!"

Torin watches the competition that appears to be springing up around. He shakes his head quietly, eyes flitter around for a few moments. And then he begins to do what's prudent. He begins to slip towards the exit warily.

Dhar Dovoro grins, nodding to the Orion. "Yes, I think we should." Standing up, he offers Casya a hand to bring her back to her feet.

Jatila is gentle about it. "Are you alright, Vedek?" she inquires, a bit concerned. She glances toward Hurley, allowing that concern to show.

Nabrun squeaks quietly and leans back against Alek, head turning just slightly. "Uhoh?" she asks, eyes twinkling as she wraps her arms over his. "And I'm not a tease. I make good..." She stops that thought RIGHT there.

Hurley tries again, sparing a glance towards the Romulan woman before looking back to the Bajoran. "Do we need to go to the infirmary? Are you injured?" she asks again, more concerned now.

Casya's brows raise at the Andorian's answer, but she grins, accepting his hand up as she rises to stand beside him.

"I.. well... yes?" Edan replies, before he starts vigorously scrubbing his mouth on the sleeve of his jacket.

Lopez sits down at viewport nook.

Casya stands and leaves plush couch.

Torin moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Torin has left.

Krylow grins to Nabrun and slides his hands down to her hips, gently turning her around so they're facing one another one. "I know," he says to her previous comment.

Dhar Dovoro stands and leaves plush couch.

Jatila quirks an eyebrow. "Yes, you are alright, or yes, you are injured?"

Hurley just nods to Taimol. "I can take him to the infirmary, Jatila," she says softly, offering a gentle smile to the woman. "Please, continue enjoying yourself. I'm sure we'll be back. Ambassador Rome might still need attention."

Nabrun slips her arms around Alek's neck and, for a moment or two, it seems as though she forgets about everything else in the room. "Mmmm?" she murmurs, looking up at him, eyes dark.

Lopez takes a seat, taking a small bundle of the sugared grapes to occupy herself as the last minute of the year begins to tick itself away. Better to occupy the mouth around this bunch, she thinks.

Taimol turns an absolutely miserable look on Jatila, then just shakes his head.

Jatila considers the Vedek, then nods slowly to Hurley. Jatila whispers to Hurley, "Can it be of the physically violent type of attention?" she inquires hopefully.

"Usually I get compliments." Rome comments to nobody in particular, since nobody in particular appears to have hung around. He shrugs innocently.

. o O Taimol's night is, as of the kiss, officially ruined.

Hurley gapes at Jatila, jaw-dropped again. Hurley whispers to Jatila, "Well, I *assume* he would prefer a more.. gentle.. type of attention. But, I cannot give permission for hurting him." Pause. Hurley whispers to Jatila, "I'll let you know if Edan is injured, then I'll be able to decide from there."

Now that Casya is back on her feet, Dhar wraps his arms around her, pulling her close. Then he leans in for a long and passionate kiss filled with Andorian fire.

"I am uninjured," Edan finally murmurs. "But, I think I will head home -- I have neglected some of my duties today."

Krylow smiles down to Barana, likewise just watching her for a few moments while the others chatter. After giving her a little smile he leands down to kiss her.

Lopez gestures the Ambassador into a seat, offering a cluster of grapes. "Thirty seconds," she says helpfully.

Nabrun leans up on tiptoe to meet Krylow's kiss. It's completely without the dramatic passion of the Andorian/Orion liplock, but it has its own delicate charm.

Jatila snorts softly. Jatila whispers to Hurley, "Yes, I am sure he would. He's not about to get it from me." She straightens to look toward Taimol again. ''Hmmmm. Jolan'tru, Vedek,'' she offers with due respect.

Krylow lets his arms slip around Nabrun, almost lifting her into the kiss. Yes, little drama there. It would appear they're not trying to show off one bit.

Rome gingerly makes his way over to Lopez, lowering himself into the offered seat, and accepting the grapes. "Then?"

Hurley lifts a concerned brow at the Bajoran and slips a hand to intertwine with one of his after nodding to Jatila. Hurley whispers to Taimol, "Are you leaving because you're embarrassed? I do hope you're alright. I can leave with you - I have missed you."

Casya watches Taimol and the others for a moment, a hint of concern crossing her features... but it is momentarily forgotten as she feels arms slipping around her. She turns her attention back to Dhar, her arms responding with minds of their own as they twine around the Andorian's neck, the green woman responding to the blue man's kiss with matching ardor. She lifts herself slightly up on tiptoe to meet his kiss, one foot doing that cute bend-at-the-knee-and-point-heel-to-the-ceiling thing. Not that she expects that anyone's really paying attention to what's going on over in their little corner. Or that she cares, really.

Taimol turns his gaze on Hurley again, still looking miserable as he just nods.

Nabrun sighs quietly into the kiss. The station could be falling apart right now and someone wouldn't notice.

"New Year on Terra. The grapes are for good fortune," Ana says, finishing the last of her handful, not really so much watching all the kissing going on now, though to be sure she appears happy for them. "Fifteen seconds," she says. "We count down the last ten."

Hurley gingerly pulls Taimol off towards the exit, exhaling softly to herself with a shake of her head. What a way to start a new year. Explaining love beyond gender to a Bajoran priest.

Rome tosses a grape into his mouth, chews, and swallows. "Isn't there more kissing involved, then?" he asks.

Jatila shakes her head a bit and looks around, now quite firmly sure that humans have some strange traditions indeed.

Taimol follows along most willingly -- completely deflated.

Dhar Dovoro continues the kiss, keeping an antennae out for the final countdown so he can have the kiss roll into the new year. His own arms run up and down Casya's back, fully enjoying these Terran traditions.

Not to be completely outdone, Christine snatches a bunch of mistletoe and greenery from one of the tables and rolls it into her hand and out of sight as the duo disappears out of the Core.

Krylow is quite content to stand there for the whole night, if given the oppurtunitym it would appear. Yes, they're doing that lover's kiss and ignore everyone else.

Hurley moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Hurley has left.

Taimol moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Taimol has left.

Lopez waits for the counting to begin. "Something like that. In the wild, drunken fling that follows. Thats a luck in love thing. Supposedly you'll be with the person you're kissing all the year through-- but from my perspective thats a little realistic." 6, 5, 4...

Strell steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Strell has arrived.

Jatila pauses to consider Lopez for a moment. Not that there are many moments left. "Oh dear." She gets the jist of things, and looks for a fleeage route.

Strell steps through the doors, lifting an eyebrow as he eyes the festivities. "I presume that I will be unable to procure tea?" he asks a passing barista.

Casya is completely oblivious to the fact that there's a countdown going on, or that it's significant in any way. The Orion widow is aware only that she's been somewhat starved for affection since her husband's untimely death, and she's in the arms of someone who appears to be quite willing to make up for lost time. Like Nabrun, she probably wouldn't notice if the station exploded around her.

Numbers? Counting? Barana's a little too busy right now. Plus, she's getting kissed senseless (not that that would take much of a kiss).

Lopez listens to the seconds tick away. "3, 2," she says, and lastly, "-1. Prospero año."

"Happy New Year." Rome says mildly, peering over at Lopez.

Jatila spots her escape route, and flees toward Strell with a grateful smile, extending her fingers. "I do believe tea is available," she notes, then looks around toward the countdowning humans.

It appears that the Andorian hasn't seen much affection in a long while either. Even after Lopez finishes the countdown, Dhar holds the kiss and embrace for a good thirty seconds more.

Strell presses his fingers against Jat's, his brow remaining perked. "Are we expecting something?" he asks the Romulan.

On goes the kiss, from one year to the next. Not that the two have realized that, not until some of the patrons cheer. He pulls back a little to give her a soft smile. "Happy New Year, love," he whispers quietly to her, touching his forehead to her's.

Lopez eats her last grape. She laughs just a little and looks out the viewport into the starfield. "I was doing just exactly this last year too, I think." She pushes the bowl to Rome offering some of the other grapes. "Fortunadamente, I am not a superstitious person."

Nabrun rests her forehead against Alek's and just sighs softly. "Happy New Year, love," she whispers.

Jatila shakes her head a little, settling herself slightly behind Strell. "It is a holiday celebration, apparently."

Rome grabs another grape and pops it into his mouth. "Yes. The future is what you make of it, no matter what you do on one day of the year." he comments.

The Orion-Andorian kiss is finally broken, Casya gasping for breath and swaying against Dhar, her cheek pillowed against his shoulder. Slowly, awareness of the others in the room begins to sink in, and she smiles, lifting her head up to meet Dhar's intense blue gaze. "Happy New Year." she murmurs, still clinging to him, not quite trusting her own knees to hold her upright jut yet.

Strell considers that for a moment. "Indeed? It appears to be quite... animated."

Krylow watches Nabrun for another moment, and then gives her a little kiss. Krylow whispers to Nabrun, "I can't believe I've known you less than half a year. Happy New Year, Barana. You're stuck with me now."

Jatila nods her agreement with Strell, watching the Federation folks curiously. "That's one way to put it," she mutters.

Dhar Dovoro does indeed gaze into Casya's amber eyes, smiling brightly. "Happy New Year." And she has nothing to worry about since the Andorian has a firm grip on her.

Nabrun mmms and smiles up at Alek, just lost, for the time being.

Strell's brow finally lowers. "Indeed. Perhaps I should procure my tea elsewhere this eve."

Krylow gives her another little smile and then shifts his arms a touch. "How about that dance?" he asks softly, even he begins to slowly move with the music, arms still around Nabrun.

Lopez smiles a bit and pops a few more of the sugar-coated grapes. "All the same, its a nice way to start off the year. So, you gonna bruise, or what? I can walk you to the infirmary?"

Jatila takes a deep breath. "Tea is procurable here," she admits. "Or elsewhere. Your choice," she says to Strell.

Nabrun starts dancing with Alek, mindless of other things. People? Where?

"Likely." Rome frowns momentarily. "I forgot he lifts weights." He stands back up. "I think I'll be all right. But thank you for the offer."

Lopez herself gets up. "You

Lopez says, "You"

Strell turns his attention to Jatila, his brow arching. "Would you care to walk with me?"

Casya lets out a soft, contented sigh as she rests her head against the junior quartermaster's shoulder, her gaze turning in the direction of the dance floor. "I think Barana planned this..." she comments softly, grinning. "Remind me to thank her, later."

Jatila nods slightly toward Strell, her fingers never leaving his. "Certainly, sir."

Dhar Dovoro grins back to Casya. "I'm suspecting the same thing." Glancing towards the dancefloor, he inquires, "Would you care to dance?"

Lopez gets herself up and straightens a little. "You're sure, now, Sir?"

Anderson moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Anderson has left.

Krylow justs lets the quiet music guide them, slowly dancing around the floor. Yup, they're both still ignoring everyone else. Along with the dancing Alek adds in a kiss here or there, soft and gentle kisses.

Strell inclines his head slightly as he turns for the doors, falling silent.

Williams steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Williams has arrived.

"You dance, too?" Casya asks, an almost incredulous note to her tone. How on earth did she manage to hit the jackpot like this? "I would /love/ to."

"I'm sure." Rome nods, offering a smile. "But thank you. You're too kind to a serial kisser like me."

Williams walks into the room, a smile bright on his face, and heads towards the counter to get a drink.

Nabrun is in Alek's arms on the dance floor. There is, apparently, nothing else in the world going on.

Jatila moves after Strell, falling in stride with him

Strell moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Strell has left.

Dhar Dovoro nods his head in reply to Casya's question. "Yes, I do. When you've been all over the Alpha and Beta quadrants like me, you pick up a thing or two." Still holding onto the Orion, the Andorian guides her onto the dancefloor.

Jatila moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Jatila has left.

Krylow is moving with Nabrun, nothing particularly complicted. Its more of a together thing, than a dance thing really. Though they are dancing. He's holding her close, with his arms around her.

Williams surveys the drinks on the counter and takes one as he takes a sip, and turns around to survey. who is here.

Nabrun has moved close to Alek, ok, closer. Fingers trail through his hair as she follows his lead.

Williams walks over towards Lopez calling out "Morning, Ana."

Krylow smiles a little, as her fingers run through his hair. Krylow whispers to Nabrun, "What to head home and get your big present?" he asks her softly.

Nabrun grins at Alek and nods, once. "We need to check on Trouble, too," she whispers.

Casya is in heaven as she follows the Andorian out to the dance floor. Poor girl, she hasn't looked this genuinely happy in /months/. "I used to be a dancer." she explains softly. "I love to dance..." She follows Dhar's lead faultlessly, her short skirt swishing slightly as her hips sway to the music.

Lopez says to Rome, "Serial kisser? I wouldn't try that again... he might bite you, sir. Again... Happy New Year." She reseats herself, and lifts a hand towards Williams. "Evening, Mitch."

Krylow grins back and shrugs. "She's fine. She's got all those new toys. And my place is pretty claw proof," he says to her, still letting the two of them move around the floor.

"I'll see you around, Ana." Rome flashes her a smile. "Happy New Year." Then he shuffles off, heading toward the exit.

Williams nods "How is everything going, and the place looks amazing?" he smiles.

Rome moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Rome has left.

Nabrun leans in to kiss Alek's cheek. "Say goodnight to Ana while I grab our things?"

Dhar Dovoro grins at that admission. "Ahh, then I hope that an amateur like me can keep up with a professional like you" Dhar says playfully while leading her slowly across the floor.

Lopez rubs her forehead a little, and says, "I'll make sure to tell Tish you said so, Mitch. We managed to pull it together. It is pretty different looking, though, huh? Happy New Year."

Williams nods and looks around again. "Yep that it is. And happy New Year to you too."

Casya smiles warmly at her blue dance partner. "Don't worry, I can follow your lead. And if you'd like, I can even give you lessons." she teases softly.

Krylow smiles to Nabrun and nods, before giving her a little kiss and turning to spot Lopez. Seeing her with Williams produces a little sigh, but then he heads over towards the table anyway. When he gets close its pretty clear he's intending to give Ana a hug goodnight.

Williams catches Krylow in his sights and back steps a few steps to give clear birth and remains quite taking a generous sip from his cup.

Dhar Dovoro chuckles, grinning right back. "I think that we might have to schedule some lessons then." Noting that Nabrun and Krylow are about to depart, he calls over to the Betazoid. "Oh Barana, could you please come over here?"

Albertz steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Albertz has arrived.

Nabrun pauses, having been on her way to gather belongings. "Sure thing, Dhar," she says, heading that way, smile warm, cheeks pink.

Lopez observes the odd behavior from the front rather than from behind. "Oof," she says, and smiles to recieve her hug. "Prospero año, Alek. Heading out?"

Casya's smile is dazzling as she turns her attention toward the approaching Betazoid. "You know, Barana..." she murmurs softly. "If you ever decide you've had enough of the Counseling business, you could probably turn a tidy little profit as a professional matchmaker."

Krylow grins to Lopez and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "Happy New Year, Ana," he says warmly. "Yeah. Barana and I are headed out before we make the rest of you sick," he says with a little grin.

Nabrun's cheeks pinken just slightly as she looks at Casya. "You're just two people who seemed as though you'd make wonderful friends," she murmurs. "I'm guessing that you're getting along well?" She looks from Andorian to Orion and back.

Dhar Dovoro beams, nodding his head enthusiatically. After a quick glance to Casya, he replies to Nabrun. "I think that would be the understatement of this young year. Thank you, Barana."

Lopez just sits back neatly in her chair. "Boy are you ever late for that! But give Barana a hug from me, and I'll see you around some time. Thanks for helping me plan it."

Casya laughs softly as she rests her cheek against Dhar's shoulder. "I think I can put up with him." she teases. Gently pulling away from the Andorian she was dancing with, she extends her arms to Nabrun, offering a warm hug. "Thank you for the introduction..."

Krylow grins to Lopez and shrugs. "Hey, better late than never. Besides, its the thought that counts," Alek says, pulling out a couple of old saysings at once. "I will see you around Ana," he says, before turning to make his way back to Nabrun. He ignores Williams, yet there is a little smirk there when he turns away from Williams.

Nabrun slips her arms around the Orion woman and laughs quietly. "You're welcome, dear," she murmurs softly. "Take care of yourself, and enjoy the evening, hmmm?" The Betazoid is, at this point, glowing with happiness. The warmth she feels for Dhar and Casya is something that cannot be feigned.

Williams walks the few steps back to Lopez after Krylow has departed.

Williams says, "So, how has everything been going, Ana?"

Dhar Dovoro pulls Nabrun over to him for a hug, coincidently under some mistletoe. However, this time he gives Barana a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Barana, and congratulations again."

A slightly harried looking Albertz steps into the WC and gives the place a quick once over before venturing further in and heading for the counter.

Lopez watches the interactions between the two men with a sigh of, if nothing else, frustration. "Everything has been... alright. I've been working on getting this shindig planned between shifts. Prepping for OERs." Her eyes turn outward, towards the starfield.

Casya leans in to give Nabrun a kiss on the cheek as well, nodding and grinning in response to Nabrun's instructions. "You go enjoy your evening, too, Barana." She winks as she removes the Santa hat from her head, placing it gently on Nabrun. "There. Take some mistletoe with you."

Casya says, "And congrats again, /Lieutenant/."

Nabrun chuckles quietly, cheeks pinkening a bit, and grins at the pair of them. "Have a good night, dears," she murmurs. "Now I go rescue Ana from Alek and go home. A certain Romulan gave us a kitten for the Holidays. It was her first night in Alek's quarters. I don't know what will be shredded.

Krylow takes that moment to slide up behind Barana and abuse the mistletoe, leaning around her for a quick kiss. He gives her a hug and says, "That's from Ana."

Williams nods "Fun stuff, well, at least the party turned out good, from what I can tell."

Dhar Dovoro lets Barana go so that Alek can have her back. "Happy New Year, you two. And enjoy the kitten." Turning towards Casya, he tilts his head to the side. "How are you holding up?"

Nabrun leans back against Alek, tilting her head to smile up at him. "Going home?" she murmurs.

Casya's hair is a bit tousled from the Santa hat she was wearing all night, looking like nothing so much as a chronic case of bed-head. "I think... if you don't mind, Dhar... I'm ready to adjourn to someplace a little more quiet. Things seem to be winding down, here..."

Krylow grins to Nabrun and nods before looking to the others. "Happy New Year Chief, Casya. Have a good evening," he says warmly to them, while still hugging Barana.

Ensign Lopez says, "You missed the kissing fit that seemed to take the place earlier. I should have circulated a disclaimer about the mistletoe. Most of it's fake, you know. But... hey, the decorations worked out nicely... still some grapes if you want them? Noise-makers, hats?"

Nabrun waves to the rest of those assembled, then turns toward the door with Alek. "Happy New Year!" she calls to the others.

Williams chuckles softly, but shakes his head. "Thanks, but no. I'll help clean up though. If you need the help?"

Casya offers a wave as Nabrun and Krylow move off. "Good night, Alek. Happy new year."

Krylow waves to Dhar and Casya and then the others, before heading towards the door. He wraps an arm around Barana's shoulders, gently holding her against him as they walk.

Dhar Dovoro smiles, nodding his agreement with the Orion elf. "That sounds good to me. Though, if you want quiet, the Lodge is not the place to go." As the other couple departs he waves to them. "Good night, Alek, Barana."

Albertz gives Barana and Alek a wide smile as he passes by them, "Sure. End the party as I'm arriving!" Wandering over to Lopez and Williams he sketches a small wave, "Sorry I'm late."

Nabrun blows Albertz a kiss, smile warm, and continues out.

. o O Nabrun forms a mental picture of Balin screaming at her, and then the new pips. Then a picture of Ana's sad face, and brightening as Hamish arrives.

Krylow gives Albertz a wave, not quite into the man to man kissing like some of the partiers, still walking with his arm about Nabrun.

Casya shrugs slightly as she begins to lead the way toward the door. "Well, I'm sure it's not as crowded as it has been in here, tonight, at any rate... only a dull roar of noise instead of a cacaphony? But if you'd rather, we could have a drink and talk in my quarters... though it's probably a bit warm in there, for you...."

Nabrun slips out with Alek.

Nabrun moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Nabrun has left.

Dhar Dovoro follows the Orion's lead this time. "Either works for me. I was just taking into consideration that you wanted to go somewhere quiet."

Krylow moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Krylow has left.

Casya moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Casya has left.

Dhar Dovoro moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Dhar Dovoro has left.

Williams nods at Albertz politely, "Sir."

Lopez shakes her head to Williams, with a laugh of bemused mirth. "No, no bu thanks, Mitch. No help needed. Its fast enough to take up and put away, and Tish's staff will get it packed... Hamish! You missed midnight. Were you delivering a baby in the turbolift?" she asks, clearly surprised by pleased at his appearance.