This is Halloween, This is Halloween

Posted on Tue Nov 19th, 2024 @ 5:14am by Lieutenant Commander Alexander Espersen & Petty Officer 2nd Class Sakura Tanikawa & Petty Officer 3rd Class Fulvia Benvenuto & Captain Calypso Skyie & Lieutenant Mark Valleroy & Lieutenant Rebecca McMillen & Captain Natalya Markova & Lieutenant JG Raven Windancer & Lieutenant JG Rala & Lieutenant JG Kally Kellerman & Senior Chief Petty Officer Jadizon Enor & Lieutenant JG Jenna Jade & Lieutenant JG Katie Kellerman & Petty Officer 1st Class Kael Draven & Michelle Erilin

Mission: Lower Decks
Location: Hydra Lounge

ON

What had once been a yearly custom had become an annual tradition.

For on the Earth calendar it was 31 October. The spookiest of dates. Where children sought candy from strangers. Where adults played their own kinds of games. All in costumes that might be scary, might be sexy, and were always fun.

The ship's children had had their fun. Most had gone to bed with candy in their tummies and more that awaited them tomorrow. Now the Hydra Lounge was decorated just right for the ship's officers and crew to cut loose and enjoy themselves.

Lieutenant Commander Alexander Espersen managed his group of volunteers. Well, they hadn't exactly volunteered, but Tanikawa and Benvenuto knew that their time was best spent making sure Espersen was happy with them. So they were present, in costume (a zombie maid and a sexy mummy, respectively). They set out tables, filled bowls with snacks, and were ready to listen to Michelle Erilin for more instructions, at least until she could cut them loose.

Espersen, for his part, was ready for some fun. He was happy with his costume: an adventurer from a pair of films from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. White button-down shirt, the top few buttons undone and sleeves rolled up to the elbows. Light brown pants. Dark brown leather boots, belt, and shoulder holsters for a pair of (prop) revolvers. Hair a little bit long and messy. He sipped a beer that Michelle had given him and waited for the crowd to trickle in.

Raven strode through the doors clad in full pirate regalia: maroon pantaloons tucked into calf high, real leather, black boots, a white, button-down, frilled at the cuffs shirt, a maroon corset style vest, cutlass, and to top it off, a genuine Captain Jack Sparrow hat.

"Ar, ti's a fine night fer a party!" Raven cackled, swaggering over to the small group.

=====

First one foot slid into the black heel. Then followed by the second into the accompanying black shoe. While not strictly useful for climbing ladders, Nat always wanted to add a certain... appeal when she wasn't in uniform.

The same was true of the loose, flowing, tan skirt. Shorter than the source material, it came to just about her knees. But then, her calves looked incredible with the heels. The plain, simple belt helped hold the skirt in place, and allowed the white, black striped dress shirt to tuck in nicely. It was a little over-sized, and a man's shirt, but that all helped. The black scarf running around her neck, and tied in front set the look off nicely.

Nat reached up a hand, and fussed with her hair. It had taken WAY too long to get the bangs to curl, and even longer to get the bun to stay put in the back. She had eventually had to use a hair stick to hold the thing in place. The thin, arched eyebrows, faintly smokey eyes, and rounded reading glasses were the final touches.

Evie Carnahan had come to the Chimera. "Bembridge scholars, eat your hearts out." She muttered with a smile.

Nat picked up the small brown blank book, just to add a little flair, and walked out of her quarters.

=====

The doors to the Lounge parted before her, and Nat paused as she looked left, and right. The simple glass lenses in the glasses not actually affecting her vision. Nat spied the XO, and her mouth broke into a smirk.

The XO’s mouth, meanwhile, dropped.

Alexander managed to regain his composure after (he hoped) few enough seconds. He crossed the room to rendezvous with the impeccably dressed Marine Captain. He had managed to put together a pretty good costume of his character from the holonovel they both apparently enjoyed, but she…she brought the character to life.

“Evie,” he said in his best American accent.

"Mr. O'Connell." The English accent was passable. The only flaw in the image. "I see you've got the bar set. Care to offer a drink to a lady? A very light one."

“Right this way.” Alexander / Rick O’Connell gestured for her to lead the way to the bar. The character was sometimes roguish, sometimes gentlemanly, depending on the moment. He regretted he’d likely not be able to suggest that someone was on the wrong side of the river. They stopped at the bar table where a mummy was serving punch. He chuckled. “Unplanned, I swear. Every damn day.”

Nat had to chuckle at the absurdity of it. Her drink was a very, very, 'very' diluted Vodka tonic.

Michelle plucked a potato chip from the bowl at the table and popped it in her mouth, the delicate crunch and burst of ranch flavor heaven on her tongue. This year she'd gone and put on a more traditional Hawaiian setup, grass skirt and 'coconut bra' top, though it was clear that wasn't the only thing she was wearing under there, crown of flowers and a triple-string lei around her neck, "And I see we have a matched pair here, good hunting, sir and lady."

The lights suddenly dimmed and went out, plunging the room into darkness. The same thing had happened to the corridors outside the room so that the doors opened without letting any light in.

Before anyone could move towards a comm panel, two glowing circles appeared on the floor at opposite ends of the room, one of bright gold, and the other crimson red. A spiral of golden smoke began on the gold circle, while a menacing column of red smoke rose from the crimson circle. They both illuminated the room with pillars of colored light before blowing away, revealing two figures.

The golden circle revealed a being dressed in white, her golden hair flowing behind her, her blue eyes shining as she stood holding a flaming sword in her hand and a pair of pure white, feathered wings unfurling behind her. The other figure appeared with similar hair and eyes, but red horns rising from her blonde locks, a form-fitting, revealing red one-piece, styled to reveal more than conceal, with a long, thin, pointed red tail wrapped around her leg and red, leathery bat-like wings behind her. She stood, holding a flaming, red pitchfork.

As the lights came on, the two of them squared off and pointed their weapons at each other.

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others," the angel said.

"Well I'm grateful to appreciate the virtue of vice," the devil taunted.

The devil retracted her pitchfork and the angel sheathed her sword, then they bowed to each other. "Happy Halloween, everyone!" they said in unison.

Raven banged her mug on the bar, hooting and cat calling along with the boys.

"Black Beard's Ghost! Ye lassie's ar a pair ta be recond' with!" Raven called, smiling wolfishly.

Vice grinned, her bat-wings folding behind her. "You have no idea," she said, walking up to the pirate. "But if you want to..." she whispered in Raven's ear, then left it hanging and walked away, her tail uncurling from her leg and waving behind her.

"Bbbuuu...uhuh...er....I..." Raven's cheeks flamed as the saucy Vice sashayed away.

[Great Moonrascles, Raven! Get a grip!] Raven chided herself, taking a VERY large swig of her none alcoholic Pinacolada.

With a little help from a friend, Rebecca was 'next' to arrive. Technically she was arriving with Jenna, as the pair had arranged something of a paired costume track as well. While Jenna was dressed as a slightly off-accurate female variance of the classic Peter Pan, Rebecca was sitting on her shoulder as the ever-adored sprite Tinkerbell.

"Are you SURE this is accurate?" the miniature woman in green asked, tugging at her costume. "I really don't remember Tink's skirt being THIS short." Rebecca wasn't showing any more leg than anyone else at the party, but it was a LOT of leg that was showing. Still, when life hands you a subspace compression event, you make lemonade. "Oh wow..." she said, looking around, "I suddenly do not feel like the least dressed person here." she sighed in relief.

"This is as accurate as Ah could make it, Ah mean, Peter never showed this much boobage, that's for sure." Jenna whispered up to Becca on her shoulder, "Why did Ah listen to you about it? These tights are gettin' hot!" She picked at the green tights that were only covered by a mini-skirt and the short sleeved shirt with a v-neck that was admittedly cut a bit low.

Vice walked up to Jenna and gave a grin. "Peter Pan, I presume? Who knew Engineers could be that hot, right?" She gave Jenna a wink. "Are you here to abscond with a young girl?" She looked at Jenna's shoulder and grinned wider. "Oh I see you have one. Very nice look, Becca. Love the skirt."

"Oh, thank you I...I kinda thought it was a bit too ambitious at first but...thank you." Having a colossal beauty compliment you did wonders for the self esteem. "You look... really nice, too."

"Thank you," Vice said. Her tail snaked up and stretched out to tickle Rebecca's thigh. "I'll have to give you a thimble later," she said, winking.

"Now heah," Jenna gave Vice a forced smile, "Just because you intend on tryin' to bring out the bad side of everyone? Ah have come to preserve decency and the like!"

"Boo! Boring!" Vice said, grinning and tickled Becca again. "Bad enough my double is covering that, we don't need you to slow us down too." She stuck her tongue out at Jenna but grinned playfully.

Tinkerbecca gave a giggle, swatting futilely at the teasing tail tip. In her reading for the character and costume, she did come across the reference to the thimble. "And I'd accept." a smirk. "Though a thimble doesn't make a good glass, so I might ask for a drink or two first." a tease. She knew exactly what the thimble represented.

Penny Pan reached up and swatted the tail away more effectively with a smile, "Ah'm sure we can arrange a drink, Becca, even if we have to sprinkle some of that fairy dust you've got in that pocket of yours."

It was several minutes later that SHE finally showed up, late to the ball as usual, and as always dressed as scandalously as a stripper at a frat house. The Captain's blonde locks were up in wavy curls, a torn white veil cascading down her back as the 'dress' she was wearing seemed to be set to reveal as much as possible without actually doing so. the bodice was artfully torn, yet still supported and covered enough that while everyone could see what she had, it wasn't as obscene as topless. The back was wide open, coming together just as it crested her rear and was 'technically' covered by the veil itself while the front of the dress was torn short. A trail of red dribbled out the side of her mouth and down one breast as if she'd just come from a vampire's meal, in fact, the 'fangs' were there, though muted, coming out over her lower lip by a fraction.

"By Davey Jones' Locker! Ye near turned me hair white!" Raven almost choked on her drink.

While Raven appreciated the Captain's attention to detail, her inside's for some reason always squirmed whenever Vampires were involved!

Virtue bowed to the Captain as Vice whistled appreciatively.

From the bar table, Alex/Rick looked at Nat/Evie and smirked. “What did we do to get assigned to this crazy place?” he asked, almost rhetorically, but doing his best to keep the accent. He lifted his drink to acknowledge the Captain’s arrival but stayed where he was.

Part of him was surprised by how, despite the generous displays of flesh, his attention was on the librarian.

Nat leaned in to the XO, dropping her accent for a moment as she gave a genuine answer to his question. "Well, I got in a bar fight. That landed me here." She saw his expression and waved the doubtless onslaught of questions away. "Another time."

Virtue walked over to the bar area and got herself a glass of water. She sat down on a stool and watched the two out-of-time costumes carefully, raising an eyebrow when the XO looked over at her. She gave a polite smile and raised her glass.

Nat/Evie looked over at the angel, and give an appraising look. "You know." The almost-but-not-quite British accent was back. "Once we're done with the Pharoah's of old, Mr. O'Connell, we might need to head to Rome. See what trouble we can get into there." She sipped at the mild drink. Barely a hint of vodka, and plenty of tonic.

Virtue raised an amused eyebrow at the mention of a bar fight, and watched Espersen carefully.

The XO was curious about the bar fight story, but that would need to wait for another time. He raised his glass back to Virtue. “Wherever you go, trouble will follow, Evie, but things’ll be interesting, so Rome it is.” The accent was starting to falter a bit.

The door swished open once again, admitting a slender draconid in a simple wine-colored silk tunic that was belted at the waist and reached to her thighs. She had wide golden bands around her horns, along with ornate ear cuffs of gold wire that spanned nearly the entire length of her ears. But those who knew Rala might do a double-take, as she looked...different tonight. Her chest was slightly narrower and deeper front-to-back, and completely lacked the breasts that were usually very noticeable regardless of her attire. Perhaps more strangely, she was also missing her second pair of arms; instead, a rather large pair of leathery wings spouted from her back.

The Draakri-turned-dragon paused for a moment as she took in the various costumes of those already gathered. She smirked and gave a small snort of amusement—which was actually accompanied by a small puff of smoke—and strode toward the bar to get herself a beverage.

Vice approached Rala and grinned. "You look fantastic!" she said, bouncing excitedly--almost out of her outfit--and looked Rala over. "I love how you did your wings! You have to show my sister; she's going to be wowed." She grinned at her. "Glad you could make it to the party! Join me for a drink?"

“Thanks,” Rala smiled. “Sure; I was just about to grab something I sent over ahead of time,” she said, hooking a thumb toward the replicator. “You’re welcome to try some.”

"So long as it has lots of alcohol, sugar, or both," Vice said. "Although if it's coming from the replicator, I'm guessing not likely."

"And whose to say that we only have offerings from the replicator?" Michelle had swayed over with a tray that had a sample set of drinks, but she also had her memory to work with, "We've got a full selection of alcohols upon request, you just have to know who to ask is all."

"Well evidently there's something special waiting for us, so I'll get back to you," Vice said, walking off with Rala.

“I mean, it’s certainly no Klingon bloodwine,” Rala said, stepping over to the replicator near the bar and pulling up the recipe. “The synthehol version will still get you buzzed, but—” she glanced over her shoulder at Michelle, then back to Vice, “—if actual alcohol is an option tonight, you might wanna be careful; this stuff’ll sneak up on you.” Switching the recipe from synthehol to alcohol, she replicated three servings, handing two mugs to Vice and taking a sip from the other herself. Perfect. She’d been told it tasted surprisingly like a human breakfast food called ‘French toast’, but she’d never tried said food to compare. Taking another sip, she gestured to where Virtue was sitting at the other end of the bar. “Shall we?”

Vice took an experimental sip and her eyes went wide. "Woah," she said. "I need this installed in a dispenser in my office." She took another sip and looked where Rala indicated. "I suppose so. So long as she isn't a buzzkill." She winked at Virtue who gave her a polite smile back.

“You two make quite the pair tonight,” Rala said as she and Vice approached where the angelic twin was sitting at the bar. “Thanks again for the help. The programming was a bit of a pain, but less so than I expected. And—” she spread her wings a bit, making sure not to hit any of the other partygoers with them, “—I think it turned out rather well.”

"I concur," Virtue said, raising her glass to them. "You look absolutely amazing. In fact, the three of us do. A phenomenal feat of holo-engineering."

"Hear, hear," Vice said, raising her glass.

Rala likewise raised her mug before taking a sip. She leaned against the back of a nearby vacant chair and gave Virtue’s costume another appraising look. “I see I’m not the only one of us who thought to incorporate fire. The flaming sword is a nice touch.”

"Thank you, I thought so," Virtue said, grinning. "My sister's trident was rather impressive as well, but I really wanted that sword to work."

As they sat down, Vice put her feet up on a nearby chair and toyed with her pitchfork with one hand and held her drink in the other. "So what do you think of this holiday? We don't have this on Gault. Terrans do have some interesting ideas of fun."

"Most of their fun can be found on Gault," Virtue said, joining them. "But Gaultians are far too superstitious to entertain the idea of being happy about ghosts and such."

“We have autumn harvest festivals, but nothing quite like this,” Rala said, taking another sip of her drink. “It’s...interesting.”

"That's definitely a word for it," Virtue said. "I think it's fun. A chance to dress up, play act as someone else. It's entertaining."

"And allows for some interesting eye candy," Vice giggled, looking around.

The doors to the Hydra Lounge opened once more, and two figures stood momentarily at the threshold. Senior Chief Petty Officer Jadizon Enor hesitated, eyes scanning the lively room filled with laughter, conversation, and costumes that ranged from playful to outrageous. Parties like this weren’t his usual scene, and it had taken considerable convincing for him to show up. Adjusting the deerstalker hat atop his dark hair, Enor exhaled and stepped inside, the weight of the long tweed coat making him feel both out of place and oddly prepared. He’d spent days studying Earth’s literature to embody the legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes, down to the magnifying glass hanging from a chain at his side.

Petty Officer 1st Class Kael Draven followed, more at ease. His unjoined Trill spots trailed down the sides of his face, adding a distinctive edge to his classic Dr. Watson ensemble: a tailored waistcoat over a crisp, high-collared shirt, complete with a pocket watch that glinted as he moved. Kael’s eyes sparkled with quiet amusement as he surveyed the crowded lounge, catching the mix of awe and confusion on some faces at their Earth-based costumes.

Enor took a deep breath, picking up on the surrounding emotions with his Betazoid senses—an intoxicating mix of excitement, humor, and anticipation. “Second thoughts, Holmes?” Kael teased lightly, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smirk. “Afraid of a room full of potential mysteries?”

Enor allowed a rare chuckle, stepping further into the room. “Hardly, Watson,” he replied, his attempt at a British accent more thoughtful than precise. “Just taking in the scene. Something tells me we may be called upon for more than just idle observation tonight.”

Kael raised an eyebrow and leaned in. “Let’s just hope our first case doesn’t involve determining what’s in that punch,” he said, nodding subtly towards the bar.

Enor’s lips twitched in amusement as he met Kael’s gaze. “Agreed. Let’s blend in before we become the mystery.”

The two shared a knowing glance before moving deeper into the lounge, ready to embrace the night’s festivities and whatever peculiarities it might bring.

Vice caught Enor's eye and blew him a kiss as they went by.

Over near the snacks table, the Vampire Bride picked up a glass and a knife and tapped it to cause a ringing. "Well, it appears that most of us are here now, so I would like to velcome you all to another one of the Annual Halloween bashes here on the Chimera! There is no rank here and anyone who attempts it will be the first sacrifices I drain dry! No doubt, this will be put down to some sort of bad memory tomorrow, but... Tonight is to have fun and make other memories!"

"When she says 'drain dry...' Vice said slowly.

"No," Virtue said, shaking her head.

"Not even with--"

"Nope," Virtue said again, sipping her drink. "Trust me." She stood up and gave Vice a kiss on the cheek, gave Rala a friendly squeeze on the shoulder and made her way back to the bar to get another refreshment.

Espersen’s two troublemakers looked to him with eager expressions after the Captain made her pronouncement and he nodded. They were free. They exchanged a high-five, got themselves drinks, and promptly went to talk to the various gorgeous people around the room.

====

The doors opened to admit Mark. He'd been busy getting two sugar-loving tweens to at least pretend to be going to bed, then had gotten into his own costume for the night. He had checked in briefly with the bridge, where Lt. T'Pinga had volunteered to keep bridge watch during the party along with a skeleton crew of those who either didn't really feel like observing an old Earth holiday or who wanted to use the opportunity to be able to log in some time in areas like the bridge or main engineering that they might have not otherwise had the opportunity to get.

Mark was dressed all in black - knee-high boots, trousers, a billowing shirt, with a band of cloth around the waist. Gloves, a bandana, a mask that covered the area around the eyes, and a sword completed the outfit. He nodded to several others as he he made his way in.

"And now, Mister Zorro," The vampire bride sashayed over to the security officer turned vigilante, "With you here, I do believe the party can truly start!" Calypso leered at him even as she felt the eyes on her as well from all across the room, "Just please don't stab me, 'tis only a stake through the heart that will do me in, not a sword!"

=====

Sakura and Fulvia explored and mingled and eventually found their way to Virtue, who had broken off from her sister.

“Well I can tell which one you are. No doubt that one’s the Doc,” Benvenuto quipped, gesturing to Vice. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Fulvia, you probably know my roommate Sakura, since she’s in your department. We both spend lots of time on Espersen’s shit list, so naturally we’ve become kindred spirits.”

Sakura bowed her head and sipped her very strong and very purple cocktail. It was a pretty big sip. It kept going actually. Wow that drink was sweet. Can barely taste the alcohol. The purple on her lips actually worked with the zombie-maid aesthetic.

"Hello," Virtue said. "I hope you're having a pleasant evening tonight." She looked at Benvenuto and grinned. "How's your hand?"

“Heard about that huh?” Fulvia sighed. “One mistake and your reputation goes down the tube. Thankfully the hand is fine. No loss of function.”

“I’ve made no complaints,” Sakura interjected, sipping more of her drink.

“Heh. Well.” Fulvia’s cheeks flushed. “Minor nick but everyone’s okay in the end.”

Virtue gave an amused smile. "Well at least you have a good story to tell," she said. "Speaking of...." She gestured towards the XO and his Old Earth-Dressed Companion. "What's their story?"

“Beats me,” Fulvia answered. “But I guess even a broken clock is right twice a day.”

“He uses anger to hide sadness,” Sakura mused, looking off into the middle distance. “She is standoffish to keep people from getting too close.” She drank more.

“Counselor Commstech here,” Fulvia said with a smirk. “Hey I’ve always said a bit of tail would chill him out. I guess we’ll see tomorrow.”

Virtue regarded Sakura thoughtfully. "An interesting perspective," she said, then glanced at Fulvia. "Companionship often improves one's mood, as the XO knows. Why do you think some of us on board always look so happy?" She smiled and took a sip of her water.

Fulvia's eyes narrowed at the angel.

"The Captain would be a prime example," Virtue said. "And so would this 'doctor' you're referring to that I'm sure I don't know who you're talking about." She sniffed haughtily, then gave a small smile. "And you, Fulvia, are you happy enough in day-to-day?"

The Iotian-turned-Petty Officer-turned-Mummy's lips curled into a sly smile. "Happy enough. I'm kept on my toes, which is all I can really ask for. How about you, Angelface? How's the new digs? Assignment I mean. Well, quarters too I guess."

"Angelface?" Sakura interjected. "That one's new. Usually it's dollface."

"Well yeah but she's dressed as an angel. And it's a compliment. Probably more of one than dollface. C'mon work with me here."

"I think 'Angelface' is perfectly apt," Virtue said, beaming. "And so far my quarters are cozy and put together, if a bit empty. I've spent most of my time on board with my sister. As for the assignment?" She looked around and thought about her first few days. "This is the best ship ever!"

“She’s not wrong,” Sakura observed, taking in more sweet drink until a slurping sound could be heard. “Be right back,” she said as she went to find the pretty hula girl with the drinks.

“Yeah it’s pretty good here,” Fulvia admitted. “So Angelface, whaddaya doin’ after the dance?”

Virtue glanced at Jadizon and then back at Fulvia. "No plans made yet," she said, smiling. "Are you thinking of...." she thought a moment for an appropriate phrase, "'blowing this ice cream stand?'"

Fulvia looked to her roommate, who was making her way back to them and already half finished her new drink. “Sooner than later, yeah.”

"And what did you have in mind for an afterparty?" Virtue said, smiling innocently.

"Oh not much," Fulvia said, equally innocently. "Just maybe learn how versatile mummy wrappings can be, and see how far down an angel can go?" She grinned and cocked her head toward her ever-tipsier roommate. "And of course zombies are best taken down with a friend."

Virtue grinned and held up a hand, snapping her fingers and causing her halo to disappear. "Sounds good," she said. "Let's go. I'll make a quick stop then meet you at your place."

And with that, the mummy, the zombie-maid, and the personification of virtue, suddenly halo-less, made a subtle exit.

=====

Raven sashayed her way over to Jadzion, feeling a slight flutter in her chest as she slowly approached.

"Ar! Tis a fine evening, Mr. Holmes, and Doctor Watson I believe?" Raven smiled, swirling her drink and standing in a slightly seductive way.

====

Vice glanced up from her table with Rala and eyed Raven carefully. She wasn't as much at reading people as her sister, but she knew the look on Raven's face. It made her uneasy, but she wasn't going to make a scene. She did make a mental note to talk with them later, however.

Rala glanced at Vice over the rim of her mug as she drained it, and followed her gaze to Raven. She gave Vice a questioning look as she lowered the now-empty mug, and was about to voice her question when she let out a sudden belch—which was accompanied by a burst of holographic flame. She blinked a few times before saying “Excuse me,” her previous thought lost to the alcoholic buzzing in her brain.

Vice's eyes went wide with shock, then she let out a melodic laugh. "You are excused! That was fantastic," she said, continuing to laugh. "I guess a burp truly is a universal constant among species. Do you get hiccups as well? Those are the worst. I envy the species that don't have that, although most of the bipedal, 'humanoid' species do."

Rala blinked and thought for a moment. “We do—Draakri, I mean, in general—but my understanding is that it’s less common for us than for most species. It’s only ever happened to me once, and that was...um...” she paused in thought, doing some mental calculations, “...stars and stones, almost twenty years ago, by the Federation calendar? Something like that.” She chuckled. “I hadn’t thought about that in ages.”

"Twenty years without hiccups," Vice said in wonder. "I get them if I drink something too fast." She shook her head. "What's it like? Your Homeworld?"

“Well, for starters, it’s larger than Earth,” Rala said, idly rocking her empty mug back and forth, “but it only has about three-quarters as much landmass. Our biggest continent is roughly the size of Australia. There’s another one that’s about half that big, and some large islands—think Great Britain, New Zealand, Madagascar; that kind of size—and several thousand smaller islands scattered in archipelagos over most of the rest of the world.”

"Sounds the opposite of Gault. We have some good water areas, but we have some pretty large continents, most of which is farmland. We're from the northern areas so we get some pretty strong winters too. That's one of my favorite times. Snowball fights, sledding down hills, building igloos. Good times." She grinned.

====

The party continued past midnight and into the witching hour. More crew joined and made merry, while others left for the night, often in pairs to enjoy themselves even more.

And as the lights became brighter ahead of Alpha Shift on 1 November, the crew would fondly remember another happy Halloween.

END