LtJG Kayla Drex: Christmas in Inlet PT3 (NT, JP backsim with Eleanor Alexander)
Kayla Drex
Gulliver: Wait … you’ve never had turkey?
Alexander: Nope never, Christmas back home ran like clockwork, breakfast, followed by a traditional church service, then I would have to watch…:she paused, was she really going to say she then had to watch her parents open their gifts first:: well let one say that I always got to open my gifts last, with been the youngest. Then it was more a traditional feast, my family always follows tradition, I had to cause so much fuss for them even to consider letting me join Starfleet ::The smiling disappearing from her face:: In-fact I had to make several compromises ::but then her attention fell back to the Turkey:: So I can’t wait to try the Turkey, May I try the breast please ::Picking up the plate and holding it out, the smile returning::
Gulliver: Well then, you’re in for a treat. ::serving Eleanor first:: My wife is the best cook in the quadrant. I’ll stand by that too! ::smiling at Leanna::
::Ordered chaos followed this pronouncement. The serving of Christmas dinner was something akin to a 3-ring circus - a whole lot happening in a small space where it was a wonder there weren’t more tiger attacks.::
Braiden: ::piling mashed potatoes onto his plate:: This looks incredible as usual, Mom.
David: Where’d the parsnips go? Phil, can you pass ‘em when you’re done?
Philip: If there are any left, sure.
Leanna: There’s plenty for everyone, boys…
Drex: Cranberry sauce me, Michael.
Leanna: Would anyone like the peas? I made a mint sauce for them this year.
Drex: Ooh, that sounds good. I’ll take some, mama.
::Placing the plate back down with a couple of freshly carved pieces of turkey breast steaming, Eleanor gently began to pile up the plate with everything from the table, before glancing at Michael::
Alexander: Could you pass me the gravy please
Michael: Sure thing
::Michael stood up from his seat to more easily pass the gravy across the laden table. He met Eleanor’s eyes … so blue.::
Alexander: ::Gently smiling as Michael got to his feet and gently reached over to pass her the gravy boat, she leaned forward toreach out, their hands touched and lingered for more than a moment as she made sure she had firm hold of it::
::Kayla watched the handoff, a smirk widening into something resembling the Cheshire Cat’s grin. She opened her mouth to say something glib, but felt a foot gently but firmly kick her leg under the table. Looking toward the owner of the foot, she saw her mother giving her the “don’t-you-dare-say-a-word” look. Then she winked at Kayla. Apparently she had a co-conspirator in her matchmaking.Kayla smiled to her mother to let her know she’d gotten the message across, and went back to piling peas next to her mashed potatoes.::
Alexander: Thank you ::she said, realising that he was holding onto her hand a little to long, with a distance look in his eyes::
Michael: My pleasure.
David: Would it be your pleasure to hand me the cranberries, Mikey?
::Michael didn’t look immediately away from Eleanor.::
Michael: Sure, Dave. ::beat:: and call me “Mikey” again, and you’re going in the lake.
David: Pffffffffffff - The ice on that lake’s been a foot thick since just after Thanksgiving, and you know it.
Michael: Try me, little bro.
::Eleanor poured the gravy all over her plate, she had certainly accumulated what looked like a fairly decent portion, she gracefully put the gravy boat down and smiled as she looked around, she was not accustomed to starting a meal before everyone had plated up and permission had been given to start to eat.::
::When it looked like everyone’s plates were well-stocked, Gulliver stood up. The hubbub died down as the family looked toward him.::
Gulliver: First things first: Eleanor, welcome to Christmas at the Drexs’. We’re not exactly what you’d call a typical family, but we hope to make you feel welcome and at home. It is our deepest desire for you that you feel like an honorary Drex while you’re here.
::He smiled warmly at her, gave a small nod as a geni may have done, granting a wish.::
Gulliver: ::to everyone:: It is a wonderful thing we’re sharing here. Not every family is lucky enough to come together as a single unit and share in so magnificent a meal. As this may be our last Christmas altogether for a while with Kayla graduating soon - we don’t know where she may end up getting stationed.
Philip: ::interrupting:: That’s assuming they don’t chuck her out before then!
Drex: ::smiling:: Shut up, Phil. Go ahead, Daddy.
Gulliver: Anyway, what I want to say is that I’m particularly grateful for this year. I’m grateful for each of you. Braiden, you’ve grown into an incredibly steadfast man. I’ve never seen you lose your cool. Even as a child you could keep your peace in the most strenuous situations, and that quality is still serving you well. Philip, You are always ready to lighten the mood of a room. Your spirit comes through when you play your music, and the fortunate ones that hear it are soothed, calmed, and changed for the better as a result. Michael, you are a creator of bonds. I have witnessed you taking enemies and creating more long-lasting friendships between disparate cultures than many thought possible. You have a gift in seeing people as they are as people, not as a title or station, and this recognition of and respect for individuality does not go unnoticed. David, you are intuitive in a way that is at times uncanny. I sometimes wonder if you’re part fish - the ease with which you have taken to your work in the Marianas Oceanographic Station is truly remarkable. Kayla, you have blown me away with your work at the Academy. Your experiments in applying theories you and I have discussed for so long has impressed me at every turn. You are dauntless, innovative, and a never-ending source of joy to those around you.
::He paused here a moment, turning fully toward his wife.::
Gulliver: Leanna ::beat:: my darling wife, you are everything to me. Your heart, your love, your soul will forever be my inspiration. The way you improve everything by simply existing is a phenomena for which there is no equation. As a scientist, that should terrify me, but without mystery and magic, there would be no use for science. You are the magic in my life, my dear, and I will love you until the last star in the universe goes cold.
::Turning to Eleanor once again::
Gulliver: Eleanor, though we’ve only just met you in person, you have been a member of this family in our hearts since Kayla’s first mention of you to us. You are a loyal friend, a kind soul, a gifted mind, and have a thirst for all this life has to offer. Again, we are honored to have you with us. And now, my dear family ::long pause as he raised his glass in a toast:: Merry Christmas!
All: Merry Christmas!
Gulliver: Let’s eat!
::He sat down again as the sound of silverware rattling sounded from every point around the table. Kayla leaned over to Eleanor before digging into her own plate.::
Drex: Merry Christmas, sis. ::a wink::
::Eleanor reached out and squeezed Kayla’s hand, before leaning in and whispering to her::
Alexander: Thank you for allowing me to share this special time with you, you could have left me at the Academy but I’m glad you talked me into this. It’s the best birthday a girl could wish for and I hope to one day return the favour and host your family back on Cayava Prime
Drex: Cayava Prime? So that’s where you’re from! ::smiling:: So the mysteries begin to be revealed, eh? It would be amazing to visit you and your family there.
::Kayla focussed on the name of Eleanor’s planet in order to (hopefully) throw her off the scent…. Dinner proceeded for what felt like a delightful eternity. Everyone ate until they were forced to lean back in their seats. The table however, looked as though they’d only just begun. They would feast again tomorrow - Christmas Day - on the leftovers. Braiden was known for making a truly magnificent leftover sandwich.
::The groans of delight came from every overly-stuffed person around the table, but there was still one more matter to attend to: dessert.::
Leanna: Kayla, will you help me get dessert?
Drex: So. Full. Must. Not. Explode.
Leanna: Is that a no?
Drex: No, ma’am. I’m coming.
::While Leanna and Kayla went to the kitchen to fetch the next and (thankfully) final course, Michael looked across to Eleanor, who was smiling contentedly.::
Michael: So … turkey. Not bad, right?
Alexander: ::eyes wide with delight: The turkey is to die for
Michael: Mom really is a great cook. I was homesick at one point and tried some replicated turkey. Came nowhere close. ::he smiled at the thought of his mingled disappointment in the meal and pride in his mother.::
Alexander: My apologies, :shouting: the whole meal was delicious Mrs Drex, you certainly put the chef and kitchen staff back home to shame.
::Kayla suddenly cleared her throat with a loud “a-HEM” to get everyone’s attention. When they turned, they saw what Leanna was carrying as she slowly walked to the table. It was a birthday cake with lit candles protruding from the chocolate icing spread smoothly atop it.::
Drex and Leanna: ::singing:: Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…
::The rest of the family quickly put two and two together and joined in::
Drex family: ::singing:: Happy BIRTHDAY dear Eleanor… ::Kayla’s voice rose above the rest:: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOOOOOOOOOO YOU!
::The family applauded as Leanna set the cake directly in front of Eleanor. Kayla leaned in to give her friend a quick hug.::
Drex: ::whispering:: Surprise. I found out about your birthday before we left the Academy.
Alexander: ::feeling her own cheeks blush:: Ohhhh...just found out did you
Michael: ::good-naturedly to Eleanor:: Well, you going to make a wish or let the candles burn themselves out?
Alexander: ::closed her eyes and blew out the candles, making her wish in the process:: Thank you everyone :reopening her eyes and smiling, for once this was a time to allow her emotion to show.:: But you know the cakes mine right, I don’t share. :: she said pausing for a few minutes, just to give them the impression she was serious::
Drex: ::beat:: I’d actually pay to see you try to eat that whole cake, Ellie.
::Dessert passed and the eight of them spent a lovely, laughter-filled evening in the family room. Eventually though, the yawns grew more and more frequent. It was time to sleep::
((Kayla and Eleanor’s room))
::Laying in her bed in the dark room, Kayla could hear Eleanor shift in her own across the room.::
Drex: Ellie? You awake?
Alexander: No, I’m sleeping :she whispered:
Drex: I just wanted to say again, I’m really glad you’re here. You’re my best friend - in my mind, a sister really. Having you here just feels right, and it’s exactly everything I wanted for Christmas.
Alexander: I’m having such a wonderful time, I’ve never had this much fun in years. It was quite lonely growing up back home, There were many expectations, I couldn’t do things normal children could do, but now that I’m experiencing the world on my own, I can see what I have missed and how some families like yours are so close. Thank you Kayla
Simmed by:
Lieutenant JG Kayla Drex
Science Officer
USS Eagle, NCC-74659
Image Collective
Writer ID: E239510KD0
Science is life, art is soul, love is home
~and~
Ensign Eleanor Alexander
Engineer
Embassy Duronis II /USS Thor
C239509EA0