-=/-\=- Christmas/Awards Celebration -=/-\=- "Bloody wankers", Richard said from the back of the dance hall. He had found himself a nice corner to stand in, where he was making love to his drink, and where most people wouldn't notice him. His face was solemn and dark. He couldn't understand how after just loosing several of his team, the captain would have the nerve to throw a party. But this seemed to be normal procedure. Maybe it was done on purpose to try and help ease every ones spirits, but Richard wasn't much in the mood for being cheerful. He never liked the holiday of Christmas anyways. "Bah", he grumbled to himself. Eventually the party wore on and Guzman began handing out awards and promotions like they were candy. Just another way to keep the crew in good spirits, Richard thought to himself just before his name was called. He had drank quite a bit and was stumbling a little on his way up to the front of the group of people, but tried to play it off like he was still hurt. He accepted his promotion and some shiny piece of metal shaped in a star, its name he had forgotten to remember. Then quickly exited back to his previously taken corner. He lost track of time, just standing in the far corner, out of the reaches of most every ones attention. He watched as the beautiful Samantha Palmer fell asleep in a chair and hated everyone for being happy and cheerful. He saw the Captain and the XO merrily dancing and groups of people talking to each other as if they were all on some sort of pleasure cruise. Eventually he grew disgusted of what he saw and decided he'd had enough of this frivolous show of excess. Gulping down what was left of his drink he dropped the glass onto the floor and headed for the exit, hands clenched in fists. Almost at a jog, his ribs still aching, he made his way down the corridor and towards the nearest holodeck. Once there he programmed an 18th century sailing vessel, floating on the high seas. Stepping onto the wooden vessel he climbed up to the port side of the ship and leaned over the edge and stared into the distance. It was dark, the only light coming from the moon and stars over head. He stood and stared into the distance, not thinking of anything inperticuliar. Then pulling out the small metallic medal that he'd been awarded earlier, he chucked it into the water. It didn't feel right. There were dead ODA and the Captain wants to award him for it. He shook his head again and fell down onto the deck on his back. He lay there for a while just staring at the stars, trying to fall asleep, hoping the nightmares wouldn't return. -=/-\=- End Log -=/-\= First Lieutenant Richard Cortez ODA Assistant Commander USS Chimera