Columbus Stories 1.3 - Pleasing Forms

[Michael J. Tritter]

[Location: Promenade, time: 1800 hours]

Halloween aboard the Columbus was always something that both adults and children alike took to a new level. It is common to see ornate costumes, heavily redecorated areas and the haunted houses were always a hit. There was plenty of candy to go around and someone always in sick bay for an extremely upset stomach due to over partaking. There always naturally, at least later on in the night, the crowd that over partakes in the devil in the bottle as well, which would make it a busy night for both Security and Medical Personnel.

Tritter had been assigned to work the night shift due to the increase in activity. But that was not for a few hours yet and he was going to take the kids out trick or treating with the Husband first, there was no way he was going to skip that, even with having to work an overnight. He and His Husband didn't dress up for the night, but their two children did. Their Daughter had decided she wanted to be a spider, so they had done up a costume for her which involved a center section which her body was in, and than eight legs jettisoning out from the center black section of the costume. They had also helped make webbing to go between the legs as if the spider was on a web, the kids as well as Ryan were fairly creative.

Their son on the other hand, had decided he wanted to be a ninja for Halloween. Which they were all to happy to help with making the fairly simple costume, which required a ninja suit, and a metal sword that was dull, as the young child might hurt himself with something sharp. Overall, he made a good albeit small ninja. Both of the kids were hits as they had made their way through the various businesses on the Promenade. Tritter knew most of the faces as they made their way through, although he had to help the kids avoid some of the seedier folks who were out tonight. They almost walked past Puzzles, but he noticed that there were other kids inside, so he gestured for his to go inside and join in whatever they had going on, as he figured it was kid appropriate.

The two men, would not be far behind. Both of them took a moment to survey the area as they walked inside. Tritter was wearing a button down dark blue colored shirt, slacks and a pair of black sneakers. Ryan on the other hand was wearing a dark colored t-shirt, blue jeans and a pair of green/black athletic sneakers. They really weren't the type to hold hands that much, but they were in each-others personal "bubble" if you will, which indicated that they were comfortable with each-other, and they seemed to be in a good mood as they watched their Daughter help their much quieter Son go around and trick or treat the area. They weren't the super touchy feely type, at least in public anyways.

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Promenade]

An autumn chill was in the air, or so it seemed to Captain Adeyemi. The Promenade was filled with the smell of crisp leaves, hot apple cider, and all manners of foods. It seemed at every stall the shopkeeper had set out a plate or bowl of candy or goodies and was cooking overtime. Adeyemi smelled roasting meat, vegetables, and more desserts than he could count.

The area was also mobbed with people. Adeyemi had originally forbade on duty officers wearing costumes, but Counselor Ortega had warned him that the morale fallout on that would be unacceptable. Grudgingly, he had allowed costumes, so long as they did not interfere with the officer's ability to perform their duty.

This holiday is from the devil, anyway. The captain thought, but his heart wasn't in it. He had loved Halloween as a child, just like any other red blooded English boy. He remembered carving turnips with his foster family, putting on a smock to bob for apples, and trick or treating.

The Station's children were having a fun time. Every few seconds a happily screaming group of kids would shoot from shop to shop, reaping the sugary benefit. Thank God he had shunted off Analyn to another officer: she was hyper and headstrong as it was, let alone during a holiday.

"Pie, captain?" A voice at his side said.

"No," He said automatically, while turning to see who it was. A human merchant, offering him a plate with pumpkin pie. It was getting so much harder nowadays to sweat off extra pounds. And he had no taste for the stuff, anyway. The merchant left, offended.

"Captain," Said a resplendently deep Tellarite voice. Commander Daorn was wearing a Santa Claus suit. Someone was playing a joke on him about human holidays or the Tellarite had a weird sense of humor. "All Operations are nominal. We're green across the board."

"...thank you, commander." Adeyemi said, a trifle ill at ease at the large, hairy humanoid decked out in his Christmas best. "Please inform me if anything changes."

"Right away, sir!" Daorn sang out as he purposefully made his way to a food stall. The shopkeeper saw him coming, recognized him, and grinned big.

Everyone else was getting into the holiday spirit, why wasn't he? Adeyemi dodged three children, dressed as a ghost, a pumpkin, and an angel, respectively, and walked to the cider stand.

[Naira]

[Sickbay]

It seemed just about every other week there was some sort of holiday or celebration happening on the station. From the feasting and battle of the Klingon Day of Honor to the silent group meditation involved in Vulcan ceremonies to the bustling Ferengi holidays that seemed to be just another excuse to engage in gambling and sex, there was always something going on. As busy as she was, Naira couldn't imagine how much work the event planners must go to to put all of this together.

In the last twenty-four hours, she had taken a dermal regenerator to the hands of six individuals who had sliced themselves open in an attempt to hollow out a gourd and reattached one severed thumb. The Humans were celebrating Halloween. While many of the species on-board had a variety of different traditions in regards to honoring their dead, the Humans sure had a weird way of going about it. Over the past several days dozens of pumpkins with all manner of faces carved into the had been popping up around the starbase. Children had put on masks and and were dressed in all manner of different costumes as they ran around collecting and consuming far too many sweets.

She was left puzzled to what this all had to do with the dead because other than a few of the decorations and children dressed as skeletons or corpses, she wasn't seeing any kind of connection.

"What are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be packing?" Dr. Lunn asked as he made his way over to the biobed she was standing at while updating her latest patient's medical file.

"I just wanted to make sure everything was in order before handing things over." She said as she handed him the padd now that she was finished with it. "We finished the last of the packing last night."

"Dr. Akulov seems like a very capable and accomplished woman, I'm sure everything will be fine in your absence. You should go and spend some time with your children. Enjoy your time, while you still can." He said with a knowing smile.

"I really wish you..." She wanted to scold him, but thought better of it. Now was not the time. "I wish you the best and I will miss having all of you around. I couldn't have asked for a better team to work with."

"And we will miss you, but we'll survive. Go, before you miss your shuttle."

The large half-Betazoid man pulled her into a hug and patted her on the back before letting her go.

Naira walked over to her office, devoid of the usual plant life and preserved specimens on the wall and gathered up her bags. She took one last took around the the room, shut off the light and made her way toward the only entrance and exit out of sickbay.

Outside Leesill was waiting with the three young Orion girls.

"Mommy, are you sure we can't stay for the rest of the festival?" Lurels asked through a face covered in a thick layer of paint, made up to look like some kind of pink and purple butterfly.

"I'm really sorry honey, but no, we have to go."

Naira took the six year old by the hand and the five of them made their way to the shuttlebay. The girls and the last of their luggage was placed inside. Then, she took a moment to address the Trill woman standing just outside. The two of them kissed and for a moment the two of them stood there in silence, just holding onto each other.

"You'll keep in touch, as often as you can?" Leesill was first to break the silence. Naira nodded in return.

"I don't know how often that will be, but I will try. And you will continue your studies, put yourself out there more and strive to further improve your skills?" She asked.

"Yes." Leesill was starting to choke up as she continued to speak. "You be safe out there."

Naira nodded and gave the woman one last smile before stepping into the shuttle herself. She sat down and nodded to the pilot that she was ready to leave. In her lap sat a folded red uniform and a padd with transfer orders.

[Johannes Kentrat]

[Promenade]

To be on a Starbase, mostly housing Starfleet personnel, and to feel out of place while in Starfleet uniform was not a feeling that Johannes could have possibly anticipated. He was somewhat aware of what Halloween was, had known it was a holiday, and knew he didn't have to report in until tomorrow, but here he was. Every 5 or so minutes he was pawing at a directory computer to make sure he was going the right way; Johannes did however manage to find and follow a loose flow of traffic.

The trip up to the Starbase was somewhat delayed. Problems in Engineering and some supply problems had caused them to decrease warp speed for the last leg of their journey. All he had left were uniforms, that were clean anyway.

He could have easily looked natural among the few commissioned officers, unfortunately though they were less than half his height. The Promenade was much large than he'd ever encountered, even larger than some hubs in Armstrong. It was a lot friendlier too, most were all smiles. Some were in costume, but that just made him even more scared. What if he ran into the Captain dressed as some night terror? Or the Chief of Operations? Even a Petty Officer could bust him down now, his collar device all shiny and new.

If anyone asks you're jus- No, that was stupid for a man his age. If he were to say that, even on a holiday, he wasn't aware of the Command's sense of humor. A confusion about impersonating a member of the fleet was best avoided. Alcohol, especially after his trip, was best to be made readily available. He needed it.

The image back at the shuttle-dock was still fresh. She seemed like such a nice woman...why was she so sad?

The image however, had blinded his vision in the now. Square into the back of a rather large humanoid had he planted his face, a Klingon as a harsh about face would reveal. There were some strong words thrown at Johannes, but he made his apologies and hastened quickly through the floor, weaving in and out of the throngs. If there was one thing he could do, it was mane-

"Would you care to dance?" Tanned skin, dark hair, bright eyes. Just a bit shorter than him. Dressed splendidly, even bordering on provocative. Compared to his previous ship's Mess Hall...

"I'd love to."

[Auzual Knox]

[Upper Pylon 3: overlooking Shuttle Bay 4]

Although she had read the classified reports a few days prior detailing Dr. Naira's promotion and new orders, it was still difficult for Knox to see her friend depart from the Station. Her mind flickered through shared memories. Their time together in Sickbay, both recovering following the incident on Xa'zii Prime. How the Doctor had responded so seriously to her old Ferengi friend Zak's flirtations to play doctors and nurses. The time when General Yoduk saw the Doctor for the first time and began to strip for his physical right there in the corridor! She laughed and smiled, recognizing how far their relationship had come since that first time she passed by Sickbay for her vaccinations. As Knox looked on she began to feel somewhat guilty for witnessing the departing embrace between Dr. Naira and Leesill.

I wish you light and love, and a wonderful new beginning. Our paths shall cross again, my beautiful dear friend.

Her actual transmissions prior with the Doctor had been rather formal and strategic, of course congratulating her, but also of course adhering to StarFleet regulations. It would not have been permitted for personal matters to have interfered with procedural practices. And, there were quite a few matters that had needed urgent attention prior to Dr. Naira leaving.

Moments later the shuttle departed.

[Promenade]
Knox walked along observing several curious Ferengi consider the spectacle of Halloween on the Station. Many children and adults alike, officers and enlisted, were celebrating the tradition. It was one of the very few times where the most gregarious and vivacious of personalities could be free of the uniform and simply be anyone. For just one evening. Actually, it was still somewhat of a surprise that the Captain had allowed it.

Still feeling somewhat saddened by Dr. Naira's leaving, Knox smiled as she noticed the Tritters through the crowds entering Puzzles. The Commander and Ryan were not exactly dressed up in costume, though there was a spider and ninja close by their sides. Knox wondered if Leanna would only allow those in costume to enter. Though She had previously had no intention of involving herself in Halloween, but at that moment she changed her mind.

[Knox's quarters]
Knox had finished arranging the last few feathers and was about to leave for Puzzles but took a final moment to observe herself.

Done.

[Leanna Mazal]

[Puzzles]

Leanna was over by the large buffet table set up especially for the Halloween Party she was throwing for the whole station putting together the last platter of witches fingers which in reality were hotdogs made to look like them before standing back to admire her and her staff's handiwork. It was filled with all kinds of food, candy, drinks and other treats. The bar was busy and every part of it had been decorated and even though she wasn't from Earth loved the whole idea of Halloween and it was one of her favourite Terran holidays along with Christmas.

Her staff were all dressed in costumes including herself, the band were playing and even though her and Alex were no longer an item that hadn't stopped them from continuing their friendship and he winked at her as they launched into their next song. She grinned at him then turned away from the table just in time to see Commander Tritter with his husband and family enter the bar and it was good to see them.

She loved the whole atmosphere and there was no need for her to put up her mental barriers not when everyone was having a good time and besides the party wasn't the only reason why she was so happy lately. That reason soon appeared being carried by Seamus laughing and giggling in his arms dressed as a black cat.

"I'm so glad that your mum brought Ariana " He said smiling as they approached Leanna.

" Me too and you know how much she loves her Uncle Seamus" she replied as Seamus handed her daughter over. Leanna had finally been able to arrange for her daughter to move to the station after making sure it was safe for her and her mother to travel and the idea of having her immediate family so close to her again had made it all the stress worthwhile and she had wasted no time in sorting a costume out for her one year old and intended to make the most of it with her until it was time for her to go to bed.

Seamus smiled " She sure does and how about we go dance?"He suggested and Leanna nodded as she followed him to the dance floor carrying Ariana just as the band began to play one of her favourite songs.

https://youtu.be/zaC-WDrvmUQ

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Promenade]

Adeyemi had finally allowed himself a cup of mulled wine. It was ripe with lemons, cloves, spices, and a cinnamon stick. He wasn't one to drink on duty, but it seemed useless to protest. So many other officers around him, both in costume and out, were sipping drinks. And a crackdown on all of it would be ineffectual and do far more harm than good.

"Sir," Petty Officer Proscia said, appearing at his elbow. The captain turned slowly and carefully.

He had always found Proscia difficult to resist. She was a buxom woman with auburn hair and blazing dark green eyes. Her mannerisms and voice were all quite sensual. More than once, Adeyemi thought that he should have the beautiful woman transferred away. Eliminating temptation was better than trying to avoid it. But somehow he couldn't find himself to do it.

"Security reports that Ensign Kolya has woken up," She said in a husky voice. "Lieutenant Juckson is asking what the captain would like to do for NJP."

"This is Kolya's second drunk and disorderly." The captain said in his slightly accusatory way. "What do the regulations state?"

"Week confined to quarters, captain."

"Make it three days in the brig, let's give him something to think about." Adeyemi made a mental note to have Juckson relieved, it was long past his duty shift. "Anything else?"

"Ahem. Lieutenant Fidelio's trial." Proscia said with a touch of non-characteristic hesitation. "Vice Admiral Casas is asking to speak with you and any officers he dealt with."

"That's crewman recruit Fidelio. Starfleet stripped him down." Adeyemi corrected automatically. Two weeks ago an engineering lieutenant had taken it upon himself to wage a one man war against the criminals on the Station. The response of the command staff had been extreme but it had done the job. The captain regretted none of it.

"And the Vice Admiral, sir?"

"I'll talk to Commander Howell. He knows more than me. What else, Proscia?"

"Nothing, sir."

"Dismissed." It took a lot of self control to not watch her leave, but when he did he felt good, as if he'd withstood the test. He treated himself to more mulled wine, felt it snaking hot purple, spicy fingers down his chest.

" Captain to Commander Howell. Meet me on the Upper Promenade immediately. " Adeyemi tapped his commbadge again. " Captain to Cadet Tanner. Report to the brig for duty. "

[Johannes Kentrat]

[Promenade]

Adeyemi had finally allowed himself a cup of mulled wine. It was ripe with lemons, cloves, spices, and a cinnamon stick. He wasn't one to drink on duty, but it seemed useless to protest. So many other officers around him, both in costume and out, were sipping drinks. And a crackdown on all of it would be ineffectual and do far more harm than good.

"Sir," Petty Officer Proscia said, appearing at his elbow. The captain turned slowly and carefully.

He had always found Proscia difficult to resist. She was a buxom woman with auburn hair and blazing dark green eyes. Her mannerisms and voice were all quite sensual. More than once, Adeyemi thought that he should have the beautiful woman transferred away. Eliminating temptation was better than trying to avoid it. But somehow he couldn't find himself to do it.

"Security reports that Ensign Kolya has woken up," She said in a husky voice. "Lieutenant Juckson is asking what the captain would like to do for NJP."

"This is Kolya's second drunk and disorderly." The captain said in his slightly accusatory way. "What do the regulations state?"

"Week confined to quarters, captain."

"Make it three days in the brig, let's give him something to think about." Adeyemi made a mental note to have Juckson relieved, it was long past his duty shift. "Anything else?"

"Ahem. Lieutenant Fidelio's trial." Proscia said with a touch of non-characteristic hesitation. "Vice Admiral Casas is asking to speak with you and any officers he dealt with."

"That's crewman recruit Fidelio. Starfleet stripped him down." Adeyemi corrected automatically. Two weeks ago an engineering lieutenant had taken it upon himself to wage a one man war against the criminals on the Station. The response of the command staff had been extreme but it had done the job. The captain regretted none of it.

"And the Vice Admiral, sir?"

"I'll talk to Commander Howell. He knows more than me. What else, Proscia?"

"Nothing, sir."

"Dismissed." It took a lot of self control to not watch her leave, but when he did he felt good, as if he'd withstood the test. He treated himself to more mulled wine, felt it snaking hot purple, spicy fingers down his chest.

" Captain to Commander Howell. Meet me on the Upper Promenade immediately. " Adeyemi tapped his commbadge again. " Captain to Cadet Tanner. Report to the brig for duty. "

[Promenade]
The music was energetic, the chatter was low, there was an occasional squeal of delight from a child or two, but Johannes could make out bits and pieces of conversation. He should've been enjoying this dance with lovely young thing in his arms, but he was making rounds through the room for reconnaissance. He'd get a sense of the crew and the room if he could just pick out the topics of discussion. He had to do his best to make a smooth transition, so...

Wait, murder?

What?

"Something bothering you, hun?" Ohhhhh, that voice. It was like the air of a sauna that muddled his thinking. After his fiasco just getting here, this was nice. His feet were a little out of practice, but he was doing well to lead and this lovely followed every inch of him perfectly.

The word 'captain', however, had smacked the back of his head like a cold shower. He put his head on a swivel trying to locate the voice and there. There, towards the back, a...quite attractive woman was addressing a stern-faced man. He seemed a captain-y type, Johannes thought, and looking him over only confirmed it. The Command red, his collar device was correct, and he stood like he had a stick up his rear. But, maybe that wine in his hand would do him good.

Johannes made his farewells to his dance partner, gave his name so he could be found later so as they may continue tonight some other time, and made his way off with a step and purpose that sounded of confidence. He caught a whiff of the petty officer's perfume and was almost thrown off as they passed each other, but his eyes were set. Fully facing him, he let of a sharp salute and took up the position of attention. It seemed to fit him, with his broad shoulders and stiff upper lip.

"Good evening, Captain. Cadet Johannes Kentrat reporting, Operations. I'm sorry for the delay; the ship had some warp core problems, sir."

If he could get the chance, he'd ask about this vigilante. It seemed to be what was on everyone's mind. It was a little disheartening, though. The cadet had thought he'd gotten away from the drama of murder mystery.

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Promenade]
The music was energetic, the chatter was low, there was an occasional squeal of delight from a child or two, but Johannes could make out bits and pieces of conversation. He should've been enjoying this dance with lovely young thing in his arms, but he was making rounds through the room for reconnaissance. He'd get a sense of the crew and the room if he could just pick out the topics of discussion. He had to do his best to make a smooth transition, so...

Wait, murder?

What?

"Something bothering you, hun?" Ohhhhh, that voice. It was like the air of a sauna that muddled his thinking. After his fiasco just getting here, this was nice. His feet were a little out of practice, but he was doing well to lead and this lovely followed every inch of him perfectly.

The word 'captain', however, had smacked the back of his head like a cold shower. He put his head on a swivel trying to locate the voice and there. There, towards the back, a...quite attractive woman was addressing a stern-faced man. He seemed a captain-y type, Johannes thought, and looking him over only confirmed it. The Command red, his collar device was correct, and he stood like he had a stick up his rear. But, maybe that wine in his hand would do him good.

Johannes made his farewells to his dance partner, gave his name so he could be found later so as they may continue tonight some other time, and made his way off with a step and purpose that sounded of confidence. He caught a whiff of the petty officer's perfume and was almost thrown off as they passed each other, but his eyes were set. Fully facing him, he let of a sharp salute and took up the position of attention. It seemed to fit him, with his broad shoulders and stiff upper lip.

"Good evening, Captain. Cadet Johannes Kentrat reporting, Operations. I'm sorry for the delay; the ship had some warp core problems, sir."

If he could get the chance, he'd ask about this vigilante. It seemed to be what was on everyone's mind. It was a little disheartening, though. The cadet had thought he'd gotten away from the drama of murder mystery.

[Promenade]

Adeyemi may have been a bit stiff, but this tendency with the newer officers to salute was a bit puzzling. He had a theory that Academy Instructors and RTIs in Basic who'd all served in the Dominion War were pushing it. The captain had never cared for it.

Still, he was a Starfleet officer. Adapt and overcome. He didn't return the salute, instead crossing his arms over his barrel chest and gave the cadet a nod. He then raked them with a frank and measuring look.

"Welcome to the Starbase Columbus, cadet." Adeyemi had a peculiar way of speaking, more than a bit of an accent. It fluctuated from a working class accent from Islington, the King's he had picked up at the Academy, and good old fashioned Nigerian. He also was prone to peppering parts of his speech with bits of Pidgin: the UTs always took a moment longer to render his words into their listener's preferred tongue.

"You're between Department Heads right now, but see Commander Daorn." Adeyemi pointed, indicating a huge Tellarite wearing a Santa Claus outfit. "He'll be filling in until your direct report is appointed. Any questions, cadet?"

[Xander Dorset]

[Shuttlebay]

Alexander stepped off the shuttle and extended his arms over his head in a long, luxurious stretch. He had slept the entire flight here - even if the seats were annoying uncomfortable. This assignment is probably going to be one long string of annoyances. I'd better get used to it... A long-suffering sigh escaped his mouth as he stooped to grab his bag. He didn't want to be here. At his old posting, he had been working in a state-of-the-art lab - no faulty equipment, the newest model for everything, fresh samples pouring in every week, and plenty of eager "yes man" interns who didn't question his decisions.

Starfleet command had told him that he received this transfer because he was the most qualified, and they needed someone with his skills... But he couldn't help but hope they recognized that they needed his skills more back whence he came.

He was still brooding as he walked along the corridor when he was nearly trampled by a hoard of goblins... He snorted in surprise, and his eyes scanned the small things as they continued frolick their way carelessly down the hall. A unicorn?.. A mummified human... A knight... He squinted at the last child as he cocked his head to the side. It sort of looked like some sort of euglena, but he doubted the child was clever enough for that sort of costume. Besides, on the off chance that she was, she was missing the flagellum. No, far more likely she's some sort of pickle.

He ducked his way through the promenade, doing his best to avoid hitting people with his bag. If he ran into them, he'd have to talk to them. And if he had to talk to them, he'd be trapped socializing. It's an unfortunate side effect of parties like this. If his mood were better, he might have donned a mask and joined the revelry. As it was, however, he just wanted to get to the lab and see just what he'd be dealing with during his time here. Depending on how things went, he might end up enjoying the festivities later... Or he'd get himself a nice stiff drink and throw himself a pity party in his quarters. The night was still young.

[Science Department]

Eventually he found himself standing outside the main lab. Without ceremony, he opened the door and walked in, immediately dropping his bag by his feet as he surveyed the room - and the science officer currently running some scans. "So... You must be the Vulcan."

[Michael J. Tritter]

[Upper Pylon 3: overlooking Shuttle Bay 4]

Although she had read the classified reports a few days prior detailing Dr. Naira's promotion and new orders, it was still difficult for Knox to see her friend depart from the Station. Her mind flickered through shared memories. Their time together in Sickbay, both recovering following the incident on Xa'zii Prime. How the Doctor had responded so seriously to her old Ferengi friend Zak's flirtations to play doctors and nurses. The time when General Yoduk saw the Doctor for the first time and began to strip for his physical right there in the corridor! She laughed and smiled, recognizing how far their relationship had come since that first time she passed by Sickbay for her vaccinations. As Knox looked on she began to feel somewhat guilty for witnessing the departing embrace between Dr. Naira and Leesill.

I wish you light and love, and a wonderful new beginning. Our paths shall cross again, my beautiful dear friend.

Her actual transmissions prior with the Doctor had been rather formal and strategic, of course congratulating her, but also of course adhering to StarFleet regulations. It would not have been permitted for personal matters to have interfered with procedural practices. And, there were quite a few matters that had needed urgent attention prior to Dr. Naira leaving.

Moments later the shuttle departed.

[Promenade]
Knox walked along observing several curious Ferengi consider the spectacle of Halloween on the Station. Many children and adults alike, officers and enlisted, were celebrating the tradition. It was one of the very few times where the most gregarious and vivacious of personalities could be free of the uniform and simply be anyone. For just one evening. Actually, it was still somewhat of a surprise that the Captain had allowed it.

Still feeling somewhat saddened by Dr. Naira's leaving, Knox smiled as she noticed the Tritters through the crowds entering Puzzles. The Commander and Ryan were not exactly dressed up in costume, though there was a spider and ninja close by their sides. Knox wondered if Leanna would only allow those in costume to enter. Though She had previously had no intention of involving herself in Halloween, but at that moment she changed her mind.

[Knox's quarters]
Knox had finished arranging the last few feathers and was about to leave for Puzzles but took a final moment to observe herself.

Done.

[Location: Promenade]

Tritter had noticed Knox, although about as fast as he had noticed her, she was gone once again. He than returned his focus back onto his children, whom he kept a close eye on as they were on the candy hunt from various strangers. The two men were in an area slightly off by themselves, but where they could keep an eye on things. They knew the Station wasn't always a safe place, despite their efforts. It would take about half an hour for the kids to make their rounds before they returned... Both had plenty of candy to say the least.

The kids on the other hand, seemed to be getting a bit tired. Partly from being soo hyped up, they just had hit a proverbial wall if you will. They each scooped one up one of the young kids. Once they got them seated, the men would take a seat. Ryan would flag over a nearby staff member to place an order for some more... proper food if you will.

[Johannes Kentrat]

[Promenade]

Adeyemi may have been a bit stiff, but this tendency with the newer officers to salute was a bit puzzling. He had a theory that Academy Instructors and RTIs in Basic who'd all served in the Dominion War were pushing it. The captain had never cared for it.

Still, he was a Starfleet officer. Adapt and overcome. He didn't return the salute, instead crossing his arms over his barrel chest and gave the cadet a nod. He then raked them with a frank and measuring look.

"Welcome to the Starbase Columbus, cadet." Adeyemi had a peculiar way of speaking, more than a bit of an accent. It fluctuated from a working class accent from Islington, the King's he had picked up at the Academy, and good old fashioned Nigerian. He also was prone to peppering parts of his speech with bits of Pidgin: the UTs always took a moment longer to render his words into their listener's preferred tongue.

"You're between Department Heads right now, but see Commander Daorn." Adeyemi pointed, indicating a huge Tellarite wearing a Santa Claus outfit. "He'll be filling in until your direct report is appointed. Any questions, cadet?"

[Promenade]

Johannes' mind was drawing a blank on his captain's name as he was being assessed. He dropped into parade rest with regimental precision and allowed those eyes to pour over him. It was like his own observational stare, but a lot more impersonal. More practiced. The welcome was also practiced, worn thin was any feeling of warmth. Something was wrong with his Captain's commbage it seemed. Too much delay.

Malcolm. That was it, Malcolm Adeyemi.

His glance followed his CO's finger as curtly as he'd saluted, but his eyebrows flinched as he witnessed...some garish red and white costume clad around what was supposed to be his Department Head. Tellarites had been a very rare site in Armstrong, but he'd...God, who would wear that much red?

"Actually Captain, the word around the Base has me a little...concerned, I guess you'd say," eyes snapped back to find the Captain's in an instant. He could maintain an expression of concern only slightly. Behind a thin shroud in his azure eyes, there was a red anger. The air got a tad hotter.

"I seem to have arrived at an interesting time. Could you elaborate on...or, hopefully dismiss these rumors?"

[Auzual Knox]

[Promenade]
It was an interesting experience for Knox as she walked through the Station in such attire, somewhat unrecognizable which felt somewhat freeing. Though the swooshing and movement of her skirts was also quite 'freeing' with each step.

She smiled as she noticed the Captain and an Ensign in conversation. They both stood out a great deal due to their lack of a costume.

Not exactly wise, boys.

"Lieutenant, Lieutenant!"

She could hear a breathless voice running towards her.

"The installations, programming and re-initialization of our new Ops is complete. As instructed, we have been outfitted with several of the new beta visual systems for testing. Individual headsets require genetic imprinting. The integration of live organic systems shall take a little getting used to, but at least should prevent us from having another, situation, if structural integrity is lost, again."

Clearing her throat, the Ktarian looked up from her PADD.

"Risian Passion Wings are certainly scary during mating season. The amorous behavior of the females kills most of the immature males, no? And, the mature males last for several days attempting to coax the female into releasing an egg so that they may fertilize it. Curious that a species would evolve such aplomb."

"Thank you, Crewman Bnada. Tomorrow evening I would like reports on how to improve the efficiency of each of our new systems as well as improving internal system calibrations via the headsets. For now, do enjoy your evening."

[Puzzles]
Knox entered, hoping to see the Tritters and was taken back, though not at all surprised, by what she saw.

Leanna, you have outdone yourself.

Looking over to the dance floor and noticing her, Knox walked as another Earth song began playing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA

"Lovely costume, Leanna. Puzzles looks amazing. Dr. Naira would have enjoyed this with her daughters, no?"

Knox smiled as she danced along side her, and wondered what happened in the late evening of Halloween once the children had left.

[Leanna Mazal]

[Puzzles]
Knox entered, hoping to see the Tritters and was taken back, though not at all surprised, by what she saw.

Leanna, you have outdone yourself.

Looking over to the dance floor and noticing her, Knox walked as another Earth song began playing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA

"Lovely costume, Leanna. Puzzles looks amazing. Dr. Naira would have enjoyed this with her daughters, no?"

Knox smiled as she danced along side her, and wondered what happened in the late evening of Halloween once the children had left.

[Puzzles]

Leanna had never danced so much in ages and she was loving every second of being on the dancefloor with Seamus and Ariana, her little girl happily shouting out with glee and the occasional Mummy or Shay as she couldn't quite say Seamus yet and for once Leanna felt content as her and Seamus took turns holding her. Smiling as Knox came up to them and complimented her on her costume, Knox looked absolutely stunning in hers as she started dancing with them and mentioned Naira.

" Thank you Knox and you look stunning " She replied " As for Naira I agree they would of loved it and there's someone I want to introduce you too my daughter Ariana" she said as Seamus turned round holding her.

[Daniel Howell]

Howell's quarters
It was hard to believe that it was the month of October already. To some on the station it didn't mean a lot, but for Dan it was the wisp of Autumn. Autumn was a time of year Howell quite enjoyed. Back on Earth it would be the trees turning all kinds of reds and oranges, unfortunately being on a Starbase, that was left down to imagination... or a holodeck. He for once was taking some time out in his quarters, partly relaxing, partly catching up on some work that really needed doing.

He got up to get another cup of coffee, but before he reached the replicator, the comm tone sounded, followed by the voice of the Captain. He walked over to his table, tapping his combadge replying  =/\=Acknowledged sir, I'm on my way. Howell out. He very quickly put on his uniform and tidied himself up before departing his quarters to head to the upper promenade.

Upper Promenade
A few moments later, Dan arrived. He exited the turbolift stopping briefly to adjust his pips. The base was filled with everything you could think of. He very quickly located Captain Adeyemi and walked over to him, stopping just short and standing in a formal, yet causal pose said "What can I do for you sir?"