*** Rangis Quarters *** The Eskimo had walked towards the door running her hand over the fur trim of her hood. Glancing at her reflection in the wall mirror near the door, she had smiled at what she saw. Her face was surrounded by white, thick warm fur and her body, as much as was visible there, was enveloped in a white bulky fabric smooth and soft to the touch. Her mittened hand,fur trimmed and matching the hood, poked back a tendril of hair. She had opened the door and blinked. A tall figure had stood there dressed in green and white. "Hello Milacik" it had said and the Eskimo, a moment later, had stepped back saying "Please...come in." The door slid shut and they had eyed each other. 'Hello darling' she had said smiling up at him and after her first surprise, determined to keep her eyes above waist level. He had seen the mischief plainly in her eyes and had asked innocently, if anything was wrong. She had assured him with equal innocence that nothing was but unable to keep a straight face, had dissolved into laughter at which he had pulled her to him, at first hugging her tightly then kissing the laughter away. * Mess hall* 'Wouldnt she be too warm?' he had asked as they walked hand in hand into the mess hall because they would be dancing later and he thought an Eskimo or any polar type person might find fur boots a hindrance, not to mention the mittens and bulky suit. "Dont worry.." she'd replied "there's less underneath" Deliberately ignoring his raised eyebrows, she had looked around the room and exclaimed at the decorations. Music was already playing, the tree twinkled its lights, the table groaned under the weight of food and the atmosphere was set for a happy evening. There were three father Christmas' and one or two reindeer. There was a Snow Queen, a snow flake,some snowmen and many other costumes that captured the spirit of winter and the Christmas time. The mittens and hood were removed after the first dance and Rangi excused herself , told Shane she would back in a moment and made her way through the throng to a quieter corner where she slipped off the Eskimo outfit and feeling immediately cooler, ran her hands across the slim ski suit she wore underneath. Her attention was caught by a figure who sat nursing a glass and looking decidedly 'delicate'.She walked over to him. "Lieutenant Versey? Are you ok?" she asked. He nodded and said he was though he definately didnt look it. She observed him for a moment then stepped to the table, filled a plate with four or five selections and returned to him. "You might feel better if you eat something." she told him. He eyed the purple cookie, smiled weakly up at her and accepted the plate. Rangi saw Shane was making his way toward the Christmas Tree and small table on which stood the boxes for the promotion ceremony. Excusing herself from Hawk she turned and immediately gave a cry of fright as she found herself inches away from a large furry creature. It bowed slightly and wished her a Merry Christmas. "To you too." she replied with a smile, almost certain she recognised Lt Tereks voice from the depths of the mask. "Snowman, Father Christmas..everyone.." called the Elf beneath the tree. " Your attention please." The music stopped and the as the conversation died away. People stood with glasses and plates in their hands looking expectantly at the green and white elf. Rangi met Shanes gaze as she joined him for the short award ceremony. *** End Log *** Commander Rangi Summers XO USS Chimera-A