STARDATE 49812.25

Mira fell down upon her bed, exhausted. "Why are people so clumsy during the holidays, even light years away from Earth?" she wondered. Sitting up she pulled off her work boots and noticed a light was flashing on her monitor indicating she had a message waiting. Getting up and going over to her terminal, she sat down.

"Computer, show message."

The message read: "You are hereby ordered to Cargo Bay One at 1800 hours for a holiday celebration. You are required to dress in your finest finery. No uniforms or casual clothes are allowed. Captain Forrester.

"A party? That doesn't sound like the Captain. Computer, confirm sender of message."

"Message confirmed as originating from Captain Marcus Forrester, USS Alliance."

"Well. Guess I'm going to a party then," she said. "But first, I need to rest a couple of hours. Pulling off her uniform, Mira went back and lay down on her bed. "Computer, wake me at 1500 hours. Lights off."

1745 hours

"Hmm. Not bad," said Mira standing in front of her floor length mirror. Although she originally didn't want to go to a party, she had to admit that she did enjoy getting all dressed up.

She was dressed in a floor length, silver dress with thin straps. Fitted at the bodice, the skirt gently flowed around her ankles. Mira turned around and noticed how the lights caught the dress folds making the dress look like liquid metal. "Wonderful!"

She wore silver, two-inch sandals. Her hair was worn down and slightly curled with the right side pulled back with a silver oval hair clip. Her diamond and silver Bajoran earring sparkled in the light.

Her only jewelry besides the earring she wore, were her wedding and engagement rings and a small diamond necklace on a thin silver chain.

"I think this qualifies as my finest finery," she said, picking up her matching silver shawl that she draped across her shoulders, thinking what a good job Simon did of picking this dress out for her. It was a beautiful Christmas present! Just then her door chimed.

"Enter," she called.

Commander Rebecca Sinclair came swishing in through the doors in her floor length black satin taffeta gown. "I'm ready, are you?" she called.

Mira stepped into the living room. "Wow! You look great," she remarked.

"You're not bad yourself, Doctor!" said Rebecca, turning around nearly knocking a vase off the coffee table.

"Oh, sorry! I didn't realize just how big this dress is!" The dress was a heart shaped bodice with ruffles around the top of the tightly fitted bodice. The skirt was large and billowy, spreading out all around her and swinging as she walked. A matching satin wrap was slung on her arms. She wore black satin sandals with two-inch heels. Her jewelry consisted of a black silk ribbon tied around her neck with a black and white cameo at the front. Matching earrings completed the ensemble. Her hair was worn swept up from both sides with ringlets to the back.

"You look like you stepped right out of a romance novel, Rebecca," said Mira.

"Thanks. My intention exactly. Ready to go?"

"Yes," said Mira, taking Rebecca's arm, both trying to exit at the same time.

"Oops! Looks like you will have to go first with that dress," said Mira, unable to fit through the doorway at the same time as her friend.

"At least the cargo bay doors are larger!" exclaimed Rebecca, making her way through the door first.

CARGO BAY ONE

Mira and Rebecca walked through the large cargo bay doors together and stopped. The bay had been transformed from its usual sterile environment into one with brightly colored silver, gold, red and green tinsel draped all over the walls and ceiling. There was a large holographic evergreen Christmas tree in the middle, complete with twinkling multicolored lights. The few pieces of cargo that could not be moved were pushed all the way to the right with a large wall erected in front of it displaying a holographic choir softly singing carols in the background. To the left was a long banquet table filled with all kinds of cookies, cakes, candies and drinks at one end.

Balloons were floating along the ceiling and in every corner while soft multicolored lights blinked on and off. The large cargo bay doors to the outside were opened with just the force field in place so everyone could see the stars as they partied.

There were few people present, but many came streaming in all the time right behind Mira and Rebecca.

"Let's get something to drink," said Mira, leading the way to the banquet table.

"This is wonderful," said Mira, " but it doesn't seem like something the Captain would think of, does it?"

Rebecca took a sip of her blue drink. "I think first suggested it, and Marcus thought it was a good idea."

"Ah. That would explain things then."

"Look! There's Maxine!" said Rebecca, pointing to the doorway.

"My oh my!" said Mira. "I don't think I've ever seen her looking so good! Let's go over and tell her."

Maxine Taggert stood in the doorway looking at everything and thinking how much work she could get done if she didn't have to be here. She wore an ankle length, strapless white dress with a long sleeved matching jacket covered in pearls. Matching white slippers completed her outfit. Her hair was fluffed out and she wore a tiny white pearl necklace.

"Maxine," said Mira, "you look wonderful tonight."

"I was ordered to," she said stiffly, looking at both officers standing in front of her. "You two look very nice."

"Thank you. I hope you enjoy tonight," said Rebecca.

"I will as long as I have to," she said. "I think I need a drink. Excuse me."

Mira and Rebecca watched her as she walked off toward the banquet table. "She'll loosen up," said Mira.

Rebecca gave her a quizzical look. "I doubt it."

"Let's take a closer look at this tree", said Mira, moving over to the middle of the bay.

As more and more people filed into the cargo bay, the volume level rose and the atmosphere begin to feel festive. Mira discovered that on each star on the tree were the names of all the crewmembers. Each time the star twinkled, another crewmember's name appeared.

"Look! There's Captain Forrester's name," said Mira. "Wonder where mine is?"

"It's there," said a voice from behind her. Mira turned to find Jake dressed in a black tuxedo with a frilly white shirt, smiling at her.

"Jake! I've never seen you dressed up like this! You look great," said Mira.

"Thought it only fair to dress up since everyone else was ordered to do the same. May I have this dance?"

"Sure. Rebecca, hold this, will you?" asked Mira, as Jake whisked her off onto the floor of the bay and around the tree.

Seeing the first dancers, others joined in and soon most everyone was dancing around and around the tree to the sounds of earth carols.

Rebecca was dancing with Captain Forrester who looked marvelous in his long coat of pale blue that made his intensely blue eyes stand out even more.

Even Maxine was dancing. Cmdr. Marlin Robbins who looked great in a black and gold tunic, was dancing Maxine around the tree. For a second, people thought Maxine had even smiled!

Ensign Sartek stood looking at the Christmas Tree, a puzzled expression on his face as Mira came up behind him while Jake went off dancing with Hyper Nor who was wearing a gold lame' body suit with flared legs and a long silver sash tied around her waist.

"Looking for your name?" asked Mira.

"Doctor Montgomery. No. Actually I was wondering what a tree has to do with a spiritual celebration. I do not understand the connection."

Mira smiled. "Christmas incorporates many different traditions. Actually, the celebration at this time of year began not as a religious one, but to celebrate the Winter Solstice. It was many years later that the religious parts were added to offset the so called pagan celebrations." "Hmmm. It is not logical then," said Sartek.

"No, not really. It's just enjoyable. Look! There's your name," said Mira, pointing to a blue star.

"Yes, so it is."

"Doctor, may I have this dance?" asked Captain Forrester, coming up from behind them both.

"Yes," said Mira. "Excuse me Sartek."

"Of course."

"You are a wonderful dancer, Captain," said Mira as he whirled her around the tree.

"Please, for tonight I'm just Marcus. And yes, I had to be a good dancer in my previous occupation."

"You mean, being from a royal family?"

"Yes. One had many duties to perform. But I must say dancing was one of the more pleasurable ones. You too are a good dancer, Mira."

"Thank you. Simon and I loved to dance in our quarters as well as the holodeck from time to time," Mira said wistfully, missing Simon's presence.

"How is the new Chief Science Officer settling into Starbase One Fourteen?"

"Let's see, the last message he sent said that he was overworked, running all over the starbase, reorganizing his whole department, not getting enough sleep---"

"And loving every bit of it," finished the Captain.

"I've never seen him so happy," laughed Mira. "And thank you for this party. I think this is something we all needed."

"I thought it would be a good idea. The crew being away from family and friends especially at this time of year--for the Terrans at least. Who knows how long the peace will last."

"Have you heard something, Marcus? About the Khynah or Romulans?" Everyone had been edgy since the most recent Khynah attack on the USS Glenn.

"Nothing official yet, but there are rumors. Let us not speak of such things at this time. Enjoy the night, shall we?" He smiled at her, his blue eyes sparkling.

"You're right. I want to take in all this glamour and celebration and forgot about everything else…just for a time."

They continued to dance around the tree two more times and then decided to take a rest. "I see the Warrior Crew is here," remarked Marcus.

Mira looked towards the entryway and saw Captain Margret Fulton come in wearing a two-color dress. The bodice was off the shoulder white velvet while the skirt was of purple satin which stood out almost as much as Rebecca's billowy gown. Purple satin slippers completed her outfit, along with a garnet necklace, matching ring and bracelet. Her hair was worn loose and softly rested on her bare shoulders. The rest of her crew followed behind her, each dressed in their finest.

Terry Sauter sat with Peter Masian in the chairs that were placed around the walls of the bay. Terry was dressed in a sheer red body suit with a sequined red vest and thigh high matching skirt. She wore matching ankle boots as well. Her hair was worn up in a ponytail on the top of her head with a few strands framing the sides of her face.

Peter was dressed in a white tuxedo with dark blue trim and bowtie. "I've been transferred to Starbase 237," he said.

"Really? When?" Terry didn't know what to think of this turn of events. She and Peter had been dating lately, but it was not like it was before. She really didn't feel much of anything at this moment.

"When we dock at Starbase 300 next week."

"When did you put in for this transfer?"

"Last year, when we first broke up. I thought it would be best if we didn't work on the same ship. I had forgotten about it until they contacted me two days ago. I didn't think it had gone through."

"You could refuse it," said Terry, kind of hoping he wouldn't.

"Yes, I could, but I don't think it would look too good on my record. But more than that, well . . . you know as well as I do that it's not working between us."

Terry knew he was right. It felt like a strain for them to see each other these days. "You're right, Peter. It's not working. I'm sorry."

"No, don't be. It's all my fault. I know that now. What we had before was great. But because I got scared at how close we were becoming, I panicked and broke it off between us. I was hoping we could get what we had back, but I know now that we can't."

"That's because we're two different people now, Peter. Too much has happened. It's no one's fault, really. It just wasn't meant to be, I guess."

"I still want to be friends, Ter. I care about you and always will. Can we?"

"Sure, Peter. I care about you too. We must keep in touch, for sure."

"Hey, let's get a holo done with the two of us as a keep sake." A well-known Bolian trader had come along at the right time and was invited into the party. He dealt in making small holographic projections and selling them. Each holovision would be set on a small, round golden platform and would last one or two minutes, depending on how much one wanted to spend. Mira had one made up for Simon so he could see her in her Christmas present.

"Oh, I don't know, that's really expensive," said Terry, shy about having her holovision made. She always thought she looked terrible in those.

"No problem, I'll pay."

"Well, ok. That would be nice." The couple got up and walked hand in hand over to the holobooth where they stood in line waiting. A burden had been lifted from Terry's shoulders--one that she didn't know she carried until Peter said he was leaving the Alliance.

----------------

Mira was talking with Kate when Cam came into the cargo bay wearing a typical Vulcan dress of a long emerald green robe with gold trim--not something Cam would normally wear.

"There's Cam," said Mira, waving to her. Cam saw her and headed in her direction, a pained expression on her face.

"Mira, Kate," she said. "Are you enjoying yourselves?"

"Yes, very much," said Mira.

"Yep," answered Kate. "What are you wearing Cam? That's not your usual style."

Cam glanced down at her robe. "Well, since my . . . transformation, I find that none of my old clothes fit. And for some reason, this felt comfortable to me." During a battle with Khynah rebels in which Cam had been fatally injured, a Vulcan crewmember from Starbase 114, T'lal, transferred her own Katra, or soul, into her Cam's body, thus preserving Cam's personality. Her body was then destroyed in a fire.

"Mira, I need to ask you a few questions."

"Sure Cam. You want a drink or something to eat first?" asked Mira, sensing her friend's uneasiness.

"No, but that's what I want to ask you about It seems that now I have no appetite for Terran foods--only Vulcan ones. My mind says Terran, but my body doesn't seem to react very well to it. Is there something wrong with me?"

Kate smiled as she knew exactly what was happening to her friend.

"Cam, your body is now Vulcan--raised on Vulcan cuisine. That's perfectly natural. In fact, I'd be worried if this wasn't the case."

"Will it change? I miss my Terran foods."

"In time it may. But it will take a long time for the physical changes to happen. The mind is a powerful tool and may override your body's preferences."

"Is there anything I can do to help it along? I want to enjoy my favorite foods again," sighed Cam.

"I would suggest eating mostly Vulcan foods for now, Cam, with small bites of Terran foods at each meal. Your body needs time to adjust. If you try and put foreign foods into it too quickly, you'll get sick."

"Yes, I have realized that already," she said, grimacing, remembering being terribly sick just this morning. "Is there anything you can give me to help?"

"No, not to help with the readjustment. But I can give you something for nausea. Do you need something now?"

"No. I haven't eaten anything since this morning. I will do as you suggest then."

"Good. Try eating some Vulcan sweets with a bite or two of something Terran. I would drink only Vulcan drinks tonight though."

"Thank you. I will remember that."

"Cam, have you talked with T'lal's parents yet?" asked Kate.

"No. Counselor Bek says it's too soon for me, although I've been told they are taking it quit well. They seem to think it's all very logical for some reason."

"They would, being Vulcan, Cam," smiled Kate.

"Have you talked with any of the Vulcans on board the ship?" asked Mira. "They might be able to give you some helpful insights."

"Bek suggested that too."

"Why don't you talk with Ensign Sartek. He's right over there," said Mira, nodding in Sartek's direction.

"Maybe I will then, after I get something to eat and drink"

"Good," said Mira as Cam moved over to the banquet table.

"Cam's going to have a hard time of it," said Kate.

"Yes, I'm afraid she will," said Mira. "At least she has her friends and Counselor Bek to help her though this."

"Yes," said Kate. "Oh, there's Jesse. See you later Mira," said Kate as she rushed over to talk with Sanchez.

The Christmas Party would continue on until midnight Christmas Night in order to give all crewmembers a chance to celebrate. Captain Forrester had a feeling it would be a long time until the next celebration would be held aboard this or any other ship.

______________________

PLANET OF LOMO (named after the ancient Earth African Goddess of Peace)

"Klingon Blood Wine! And make it fast!" called the large Klingon warrior as he slammed his fist down upon the wooden bar.

"Stow it, Kra'oth! I'm in no mood for your blustering this evening," replied Jacob, the Terran barkeep. "Here. Your friends are in the corner waiting on you."

Kra'oth took his wine and headed for the large table in the corner of the large bar. "Good news! The Khynah attacked the Federation again! Now, they have to declare war!" he said as he took a seat beside a Vulcan male.

"Wrong Kra'oth," said Armand, setting at the end of the table. "We've had word that the Federation will do no such thing. They consider that attack an act of rebels and not sanctioned by the Khynah government. This changes nothing." Armand had long dark hair and a mustache with intense brown eyes. He wore dark clothes and knee high black books. A knife was always strapped to his belt around his waist.

"No!" yelled Kra'oth, jumping to his feet. "They MUST go to war!"

"Well, they aren't, now sit back down. We have plans to make," said Armand.

Armand was the leader of a group who called themselves, 'The Guardians'. They lived on Lomo, an Earth colony established some 200 years ago for those who basically just wanted to get away from the busy universe. Self sufficient, the 2000 odd colonists scattered all over the earth-like planet, raised their own food, made most of their own clothes and furniture and enjoyed a relatively peaceful, simple lifestyle. While all the settlers had some modern conveniences such as sonic showers, medical facilities and even a few replicators, there were no transporters anywhere on the planet.

Lomo was the first planet to be ravaged by the Khynah. They took most of its inhabitants captive. Some died, all were injured and some were never seen again.

Most of the people here preferred to try and forget about what happened and continue with the lives they had left. Some could and would not do this. These were a group of people who took it upon themselves to get the Federation to stop the Khynah once and for all. These were the 'Guardians.

Armand was off world when the Khynah came to Lomo. His brother and sister-in-law were taken and he never saw either of them again. From various sources of information he learned that his brother had died on the Khynah homeworld of Den'a and his sister-in-law was taken somewhere off world. He didn't know if she was dead or alive. For her sake, he hoped she was dead. He heard what the Khynah did to females. Since then, he had made it his mission in life to pull the United Federation of Planets into a war with the Khynah. They must be stopped at all costs!

The Guardians had many members all across Lomo and many other places throughout the galaxy. While not all on Lomo were members, everyone knew who the Guardians were and what they wanted to do. No one talked of them, however--to off worlders or even amongst themselves. They would not interfere with their mission.

The Guardians had people and ships stationed on several different starbases and planets. The people who helped ferry supplies and information to Lomo were doing so in secret and were the Guardians greatest help.

"I was hoping the Federation would see what's happening, but once again, they have refused to act," said Armand, leaning back in his chair, his foot resting against the side.

"What are our plans, Armand?" asked G'lynt, once of the two Vulcans involved in the command staff. His wife, F'yra was also part of the team.

"Our plans are the same as before," said Armand. "We must convince the Federation to attack the Khynah."

"Then we begin," said Isha Karee, a Bajoran and Armand's second in command.

"Yes," said Armand, "we begin."

"Qa'pla!" shouted Kra'oth.

"Qa'pla! Everyone shouted.