Winter Wonderland

[Tyra Crawford]

== A specially created holodeck programme for the crew to enjoy some winter fun. Now over to the architect... ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Upon entering the holodeck, one might think that they had been transported to the wintery Scottish Highlands and would be close to the mark. After all, every detail had been meticulously taken care of by Aeryn Miller, who had spent weeks putting the programme together, to make it special for those who called Artemis home. The snowy landscape seemed to go on for miles, complete with snow-capped mountains and trees native to the region.

In the immediate distance was a carnival offering rides, sleigh rides, and sideshows, with food and candy vendors offering items that weren't just limited to Earth. Tantalising the senses with the sights, sounds, and delicious smells carrying them towards you in the slight breeze. Those wanting something a little stronger than the mulled wine and hot chocolate available from little kiosks dotted around the area, or if they simply want a place to hang out and chill, will find a traditional pub at the end of the thoroughfare.

It was traditional in every sense, but with an extensive drinks menu that you wouldn't necessarily find in the Scottish pubs of old. There was also a vast array of bar snacks available along with a dartboard, and several packs of playing cards if anyone was so inclined to play. Music came in the form of a four-piece band playing Celtic songs in the far corner, while a fire roared in the hearth.


== Open tag ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Having been the first to arrive to ensure that everything was functioning correctly, Aeryn was standing at one of the hot chocolate stations, after deciding to treat herself before those she had invited arrived. The dress code had simply been to dress warmly and comfortably, which Aeryn had adhered to, in the form of a long sparkly purple jumper dress with matching furry gilet. Black leggings, long black boots that were fashionable yet practical, and she had finished it off with a wooly hat that hid most of her red hair, and gloves.

She wasn't alone. Some of the crew had already arrived and were spread out enjoying the winter wonderland that she had created especially for anyone who wanted to join in before she was handed a mint hot chocolate, complete with whipped cream and marshmallows.

The Commander was hopeful that this would be a success as well as a chance for the crew to unwind a little, which had been the main reason for her going to the Captain with her idea.

== Open tag ==

[Hallowette Maxas-Darl]

Winter on Trill had always been a delightful time. Growing up among the planets dense forests, Hallowette had become used to the changing of the seasons, something she had missed during her time on the oppressively hot climated Cardassia. Her time at the Academy had allowed the hybrid to rediscover her love for snow and colder temperatures, though rarely in San Francisco. She had made it a point to travel Earth while there, witnessing the spectacle of a rare planet with so many different biomes - Heat and humidity, dry arid regions, frozen tundra and snowy wastes. 

She liked the temperate forests and mountains best though. 

While she rarely thought of her youth on Trill as particularly fulfilling, she still harbored a great love for the ecology of her home planet, and had found places like the Appalachian mountains, the peaks in the UK like Yr Wddfa and Ben Nevis, and the Austrian Alps as places of enormous beauty.

Upon entering the holodeck she had been immediately taken back to her travels on Earth, though, She wasn't too surprised. Humans loved nostalgia, and admittedly so did the Bajoran and Trill. Honestly it seemed an almost universal trait among most species - even Vulcan tended to have a physiological response to 'home'. There was something comforting about familiarity, and even being someone who grew up light years from Earth and was completely new to Human festival periods until just a few years ago, she found the scene before her comforting.

Hallowette stepped into the holodeck and immediately the holographic interface simulated the sense of cold temperatures befitting the winter climate. She shivered against the sensation and pulled her traditional Trill style cold weather wrap closer around her. The garment was scarlet in color and draped over her skinny frame loosely, allowing her gloved hands to protrude from the sides dexterously. Her legs were covered in tight black leggings patterned with a subtle gold colored interlace, and her dark brown boots came to her knees but folded over stylishly at the top. The young midshipman's head was covered in her coveted hunter green French style beret she had been given by a paramour several years prior (she had long since dumped him but kept the beret), and her auburn curls spilled chaotically from below it. Her nose was bright red from the cold, beginning a dull red at her Bajoran ridges which brightened as scattered down reaching the tip. Her teal eyes sparkled in the light, filled with the excitement and joy of the festivities.

Hally ventured further inside, stopping to watch a large Lurian as he shaped and worked a block of ice into some sort of creature she was unfamiliar with. The animal appeared majestic though, broad bodied and antlered, almost regal - though she did wonder why he had painted its nose bright red. A human child near her seemed particularly enthused by it though, so she grinned and applauded as the Lurian artist bowed at the affirmation.

She moved on from the area stopping to get a spiced cookie and double vanilla Vulcan mocha before continuing on, stopping from time to time to enjoy the lights and falling snow before she saw the ships CSO Commander Miller enjoying a drink of her own.

"Hi Aeryn! Cheers!" she said with a smile as she approached her friend, offering her own beverage to clink.

[Aeryn Miller]

Remaining where she was for the time being, Aeryn took a careful sip of her hot chocolate, trying not to get cream all over her mouth. It was by no means an easy task, but the redhead managed to avoid any embarrassing hiccups, before welcoming the chocolatey goodness. Regardless if it had been replicated, it was delicious as the CSO looked around for a spot of people watching. Smiling slightly as people began to arrive, recognising officers from her former and new departments.

Of course, she hoped that Beka would be joining her, but in the meantime, Aeryn was content to stand and soak in the Carnival atmosphere, while enjoying her hot chocolate. However, she greeted Hallowette warmly when the pilot approached and clinked her cup against hers.

" Hi, Hallowette, and cheers to you too".

Having a new friend was always a bonus for Aeryn as she then asked Hallowette what she thought of the programme so far.

" What do you think of Carnival?".

== Tag Hallowette & anyone else ==

[Miles Grant]

Miles was looking forward to the event when he had received the invite from Commander Miller. Being the time of year it was, the only downside to Miles was that he was still abroad on the Artemis instead of back home with Lina. But this was his life, and he and Lina both understood the importance of the Star Fleet career. He would do his best to semi-enjoy himself.

Luckily, he got along with most, if not all of, the crew. For those he didn't know that well, he was at least cordial and could work with. He could enjoy himself, and now was the time, as he arrived at the designated Holodeck. Entering, he noted the set up of a winter carnival. The area looked and felt familiar to him, and he quickly understood why. They were in the Scottish Highlands, not too terribly far from Lina's family home in York. He was still familiar enough with the area to feel at home.

As he perused the different games and rides, he eventually came upon their host, Miller, speaking his new Tactical Officer, Maxas-Darl. He approached the two with a wave and smile.

"Nice day for a carnival, ladies?" he said.

==Tags==

[Tyra Crawford]

Normally, Tyra would have timed her arrival for the annual Christmas gathering towards a more fashionably late status. This wasn't because she was typically a tardy individual -- quite the opposite -- but she understood after years in the center seat that her presence typically changed the atmosphere at gatherings, no matter how close she's grown with her people. It was just the nature of command and there was very little she could do about it.

However, today, a force beyond her control was propelling her into the holodeck much earlier than planned, a force dressed in mint green ski pants with a matching puffer coat and a crimson beanie with a fox face and ears sticking up.

After last year, Tyra had thought more than twice about even bringing her spawn anywhere near an Artemis crew gathering. Truthfully, Tyra had been loath to sacrifice what little time she got with her daughter between missions and had decided she could give maybe an hour to the Christmas party before returning home to the little one but after Evie had overhead Cera describing all the wonderful things Miller had planned for the party, there was nothing stopping Tyra's own stubborn streak from being used against her by her mini-me.

And that was how she ended up hand in hand with an overly excited 6 year old, who was unmistakebly her child, being dragged through the snowy landscape towards the sparkling lights of countless booths filled with great smelling food and interesting trinkets. If it hadn't been for the child, she might have been able to blend in with the crowd of party goers in her dark leggings, warm boots, green sweater and matching bean but there was nothing incognito about Evie. Her appearances among the crew were rare and that meant her presence was most definitely noticed. Her clothing choice certainly hasn't helped but there was no telling a 6 year old what to wear.

In record time, Evie had a glass of wassel in one hand, the steam rising like a smoke signal over the little girl's head, and was eying a stand that sold what looked to be a cross between a pretzel and a mozzarella stick. It was a shock to no one when the girl managed to pour her way into filling her free hand with the large salty treat. And it was even less of a shock when she immediately darted off, likely following the sound of carnival music towards where Tyra assumes the games were.

Fortunately, thanks to her coat and the fox ears, Tyra could track her easily in the crowd, right up until Evie suddenly vanished from her view and for some reason didn't continue on her previous trajectory, which brought Tyra up short.

For Evie's part, she had misjudged her trajectory right into the side of Miles Grant's legs, which halted her forward momentum. As soon as she made contact with Miles, her head tipped back, big blue eyes going wide in surprise. Her fox ears bobbed at the sudden movement, sinking the hat lower over her eyebrows. Somehow, she had managed to keep a grip on her drink, only sloshing a little bit into her hand, and her prized treat.

"Hi..." She squeaked, eyes somehow getting wider before darting around in hopes of finding her mother somewhere near by. When she didn't immediately see her, she took a deep breath and squared her shoulders in a move that was probably familiar. "Do you know where the games are?"

== Tag! ==

[Hallowette Maxas-Darl]

Soft snow fell over the serene and jovial setting, and Hally noted it piling in small clumps on the rim of her mocha and the surface of her gloved hands.

"What do you think of Carnival?" asked Aeryn with a return 'clink' of her glass against her own.

"It's beautiful!" Hally said, her husky toned voice cracking slightly in the cold. "Is this based on a real place?" she said, her words lined with marvel at the sheer lovliness of the setting. If this was a real place, she definitely wanted to visit the next time she was on Earth.

"Nice day for a carnival, ladies?" 

Grant had approached the pair with a wave and a smile. Hallowette had grown to respect her superior officer, and she had wanted the opportunity to get to know him a bit better as more than just her boss, but unfortunately in the short time she had been on the Artemis, she hadn't been able to accomplish it in any meaningful way. He was a busy man, and she was...hopefully not a common source of paperwork, so she had bided her time in approaching him outside of work.

"Evening Sir." Hally said somewhat demurely. She wasn't one to be shy, in fact her Grandmother on Trill constantly had scolded the girl for her 'unbridled extroversion', but Grant was her direct superior. He held her career in his hands, and while nothing suggested he was anything but respectful of that fact, she still felt the weight of the power he held. "Aeryn has done a wonderful job, don't you think...Sir?"

It was at this moment a young human girl crashed into Grants legs, her blue eyes sparkling with mischievous glee, "Hi...Do you know where the games are?"

Hally chuckled under her breath. The little girl immediately reminded her of her own half sibling, Ralora, back home with her Father's family on Cardassia. Hally bent over slightly, her short frame measuring not much taller than the girl as she completed the gesture...

Hallowette's teal eyes gleamed with a playfulness that matched the girls, "I. LOVE. YOUR. HAT." she said with genuine affectionate warmth.

==Tagarinos!==

[Aeryn Miller]

" Thank you, and yes, it's based on where I was born" Aeryn replied. Okay, it had a couple of extras that you wouldn't necessarily find in this part of the Highlands, but the general vibe and atmosphere were exactly how she remembered it. A little creative liberty, if you will, to ensure that everyone enjoyed themselves, as she and Hallowette were then joined by Miles Grant. The CSO had always gotten on well with the Tactical Chief, ever since he had initially joined Security before his transfer to tactical, and had known him long enough to call him a friend.

However, before she could answer Miles, a small child collided with him, and Aeryn knew immediately to who she belonged, as Hallowette got down to Evie's level and spoke affectionately about her rather adorable-looking hat.

If Evie was there, then that meant that her mother, their Captain, should be nearby, and it was probably wise to wait for her to catch up, rather than show the little girl where the games were located.

" Hey Evie, why don't we wait for your Mummy, and then we can show you where the games are?".

Of course that might not work, but hopefully it would, bide them enough time until Captain Crawford arrived.

== Tags ==

[Miles Grant]

Miles was slightly taken aback at how demure his Midshipman acted towards him when he had noticed how open she had been with Miller. On the other hand, he could understand how a young officer would think and act, especially in front of their immediate superior. It was something Miles hoped she would eventually come out of her shell with, given enough time. Before any response came, however, Miles felt a sudden impact to the side of his legs. Whatever it was, it was not strong enough to make him lose balance.

He looked over, and then down...and down...to see a smaller child. He was honestly surprised with how much she had impacted his legs that she was still standing. Even more impressive was the fact that she was holding a drink that she had kept from spilling or sloshing. As he got a good look at her, he noted a miniature replica of their Captain. During his time aboard the Artemis, he knew this to be Captain Crawford's daughter. Without missing a beat, the child asked Miles where the games were. Before he could reply, his Midshipman had doted on the girl about her hat, before Miller spoke to the girl about waiting for her mom. Miles followed up her words with his own.

"I agree," he said. "I'm also sure your mommy would love to join you at the games." He smiled as he looked around hoping to locate said mother.

==Tag all==

[Carol Harriman]

Carol hoped the winter wonderland party was something that would help her get more in the spirit. She’d tried her best to throw some decorations up in her quarters and it helped, but she needed to get out more. She’d also been working on learning how to snow ski, purposefully to get active again. While she wasn’t out of shape, she wasn’t by any means as active as she had been. Seems tables had turned, once being completely on fire, doing anything and everything to being a recluse…and it was beginning to wear on her. She didn’t enjoy drinking anymore or at least like she once had. One or two beers was enough for her now.

She decided to dress as if she were ready to hit the slopes. Thin, black ski pants with a red turtleneck and black ski vest. She tried going fully in the ski motif, wearing ski boots with her chosen clothes, but soon chose better, wearing tennis shoes. Throwing her hair into a ponytail, she headed out.

No more dancing on tables… could I even get on a table anymore? Geeze, I need to get on some workouts.

From Carol’s first view of the transformed holodeck, she wanted to go skiing. Ah… this is perfect. She looked around at all the decorations, noting the refreshment areas had been carefully picked. Okay, so maybe no tables, but carnival rides are okay, no?  A slight, maybe mischievous smile appeared on her face. But first… cider…and fudge. Let’s find that holiday candy.

Carol made her way to finding a drink, hoping to find a hot cider cocktail and fudge. Man… I’d kill for some of Grandma’s peanut butter fudge.

== The Winter Wonderland looks marvelous! ❄️☃️⛷️? ==

[Tyra Crawford]

Evie looked up at Hallowette, her head tipped back slightly and the fox ears bobbing at the movement. Her face broke into a beaming smile, her missing front tooth on prominent display.

"Thanks! It's my favorite hat; my auntie made it for me," she answered, her voice was high with pride and excitement.

However, her eyes didn't stay on Hallowette long as her two companions spoke up, suggesting that they wait for her mother. Her blue eyes, one of the clearly dominant Crawford genes, bounced between the two with the same assessing look as her mother. Though what a six year old could be judging was anyone's guess.

"Hmm," was the only answer as the little girl made a show of blowing on her drink before taking a sip of it. She managed to only dribble a little down her chin, which was rubbed away by the back of her other hand. Of course, she managed to smear a little salt on her face in the process.

"My mommy is very busy. My daddy says she runs a... a cir...a circus," the little girl paused, her brow furrowing slightly in thought.

"Does a circus have lions with the big hair? Are there lions here? Can we see the lions? Pleaseeeeeeee."

[Hallowette Maxas-Darl]

To the passion driven Bajorans, humans were akin to an enigma. To the diplomatic and scientifically focused Trill, even moreso. Hallowette, as a child of Bajor and Trill, had come to see the prominent species from Earth in somewhat of a combination of the two; Humans were often adaptable, outgoing, versatile and predictably unpredictable. This little human seemed like she could be an ideal example.

Hallowette had always enjoyed the company of children, though most of her experience was with her own species and a small number of Cardassians. Human children, themselves, were not incredibly different. All children, regardless of species tended to be precocious, often rebellious and nearly always too inquisitive for their own good. But Human kids were especially so. It seemed that Earthling parents went out of their way to encourage their children to explore their natures, to break expectations, and revel in their immaturity.

Lucky little Va'shals (Trill word for miscreant, or 'boogers').

Hallowette returned the girls shining smile, and she nodded approvingly at her declaration. She was about to mention how skilled her auntie was, and ask if she thought she might make her one when the girls attention turned to the others. Hally decided to respect the circle and simply stay quiet, placing her gloved hands on her mocha. She felt the warmth radiating from the cup as she cradled it before her, and she glanced silently between Lt. Grant and Aeryn as they attempted to talk the girl into waiting for her mother. 

"My mommy is very busy. My daddy says she runs a... a cir...a circus," the girl said matter of factly to the group.

Hally's teal eyes sparkled as she barely stifled the chuckle that escaped her.

Mother running a circus, how cute! I wonder who Mommy is? 

As the young human inquired about lions (Which Hally thought she recalled being some sort of Earth based felinoid) she caught sight of her fellow Tactical Officer, the ship's de facto helmsman, Lt. Harriman. Hallowette hadn't had much time to spend with the Artemis' senior pilot, but she felt compelled to give a little wave in her direction, just so Carol would know she was welcome to come over if she so desired. If the group was going to go visit lions (though she wasn't sure what they had to do with a circus), then she figured this might be a good chance for her to get to know both of the ships senior Tactical staff.

==Tags! Hally is kind of excited to see the lions too  ==

[Aeryn Miller]

Miles was thinking the same way as Aeryn as her friend and fellow Chief followed up her response with his own. Meanwhile, young Evie was happily telling Hallowette all about her hat and who had made it before she pulled a look that was very reminiscent of her mother. Even if you didn't know who she belonged to, you would soon realise as she remained silent for a moment, as if pondering what she was going to do or say next while taking a careful sip of her drink.

What came out of Evie's mouth could have been taken as an insult by some, however, Aeryn had to hide her burgeoning grin, by conveniently hiding it behind her mug as she also took a sip of her hot chocolate. As humorous as it was to be referred to as being part of said 'circus', Aeryn didn't dwell on it for long, or hide her emotions either when Evie then asked about lions, and if she could see some.

Animals other than reindeer hadn't been on the agenda for the programme, and Aeryn faced a potential issue of disappointing the captain's daughter. Perhaps she could avoid that by offering her the chance to feed them. There was only one way to find out as she used the momentary distraction of waving to Carol Harriman before making her proposal.

" I'm sorry Evie, there aren't any lions, but we do have reindeer if you'd like to meet them and feed them?".

Time would only tell whether it would work or not, and even then she might have to think of plan C.



== Tags ==

[Tyra Crawford]

" I'm sorry Evie, there aren't any lions, but we do have reindeer if you'd like to meet them and feed them?"

For a second, Evie's bright blue eyes got wide like saucers, darting from Aeryn to Hallowette to Miles before settling back on the Chief Science Officer. Her weight started shifting from side to side in excitement.

"Like Santa has?" There was a dose of awe in her voice before her toothy smile came back full strength. "Like Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Blitzen and Donald... Donald is a silly name for a reindeer," the little girl stated with all seriousness.

"Sparkles is a better name and someone should tell Santa," she stated, her tone a tiny mimic of her mother's matter of fact voice. Her hand even found its way to her hip for a second before it flapped outward in renewed excitement.

"Don't you think?" She asked, turning her big eyes back on Hallowette.

"Can we go see them, pleaseeeeee?"

[Hallowette Maxas-Darl]

"Don't you think?" came the query, one born of just as much mischievousness as innocence.

"Sparkles is good! Where I am from there is the legend of a winter..." Hallowette paged quickly through the different translations of her native Trill tongue to find the correct term for the fanciful being, before settling on, "...Fairy... that came from the cosmos and brought gifts buried in passing comets. Her name is 'Tal'ma O'le'kyn' - in your language it would be translated as 'Beautiful Star Queen'." Hally grinned sweetly at the young human, more than a bit of mischievousness in her own words. "But that name might be a bit long for one of Santa's reindeer, so I think Sparkles is perfect."

She stood to her full height and began scanning the carnival for the storied human in a red suit from their holiday. "Lessee...what do you think Evie? If you were a jolly ol' elf, where would hide around here?"