Admiral Robert Baine walked over the Academy campus. He walked around the campus a lot: every day at least an hour. Not only did he enjoy it, but he also found it easier to talk to Cadets when he was just walking around. Indeed, talking to others in his office might be more official, but that was exactly the point: it was *too* official. No Cadet dared to enter without a dress-uniform, so to speak.
No, out here he would be able to talk with Cadets much easier. In fact, he had gotten the idea of what was about to happen here, from a Cadet during one of his walks. Oh yes, Cadet Ahrmell'ah was a Cadet with lots of ideas. She would go far in Starfleet, or so Baine predicted. In fact, Baine would not be surprised if this Cadet would get a Command of her own, one day.
Her idea had been an interesting one. From what Baine had heard, the idea was simple, and that was which made it so fantastic. She had reminded Baine of the obvious fact that it'd soon be Christmas: An Earth holiday, which was celebrated throughout the planet, every Earth year at the same time. Baine knew about this of course: every year, he'd give a Christmas show, in which he -and some willing and/or unwilling instructors or Cadets- would play the classic story of Charles Dickens. This would always be lots of fun, since Baine always played the part of Ebeneezer Scrooge. And, in his opinion, he did it pretty well. Sometimes he would make faces to the audience, doing something which the players hadn't rehearsed. . . and everyone would laugh. This year, he had decided to offer the person who played the ghost of Christmas future -a Vulcan Cadet whom Baine had managed to convince to play- a drink. That would indeed make the audience go wild. . .
However, Ahrmell'ah's idea had changed everything. Her idea was to change the way the Academy celebrated Christmas year after year, and to do something original for a change. If that wouldn't work out, they could still play that play. Of course, Baine had been curious as to what Ahrmell'ah's idea entailed. The Cadet hadn't wanted to be specific, but she had asked for access to certain controls. Reluctantly, and after some more explanations, Baine had given her that access. However, she would have to let Instructor Creenan accompany her. It was of course standard policy never to give Cadets total access to whatever control here on Earth. . .
When Instructor Creenan had heard about the idea of Ahrmell'ah -which Baine still did not know that much about-, she had been delighted. Ever since that day, about two weeks ago, Baine had seen Creenan walking around with a bright smile on her face. And whenever the Instructor met with Cadet Ahrmell'ah, the sound of both giggling would fill whatever room they were in. This promised to be something. . .
Well, it was Christmas Eve now. December 24th, 2391. Baine hadn't gone home yet, even though it was well past duty-hours. No, he had been asked to stay here. Asked of course, by Instructor Creenan. Apparently he would play a part in Ahrmell'ah's plan. Well, whatever it would be, he was prepared for it.
Or so he thought.
It was at this moment, that the usual pleasant sea-breeze which usually brought a visit to the Academy Campus -thanks to Earth's Weather Control, of course- changed into an icy storm. Baine, shocked by this sudden and unexpected change in weather, looked around to see several Cadets stand frozen in their places. Not by the icy wind though, but by surprise. Although if they would stand still for much longer, they *would* freeze because the icy winds. . .
"Everybody!" Baine shouted out, trying to get his voice over the icy winds which were now turning into a blizzard. "Get inside!" If people would stay outside in these beautiful -and usually blessed with a comfortable temperature- gardens, then they would certainly catch a cold, or worse! "Inside! Quickly!"
A few icy moments later, Baine was the last one to go inside. What was happening here? It was freezing out there, and there was snow falling down in the well-kept lawn. Was the weather control system broken? Had there been a power failure somewhere? Baine didn't know. He shook his head, and turned to Commander Royek, Head of Academy Security, whom he had asked to check if everyone was inside. Apparently, everyone was present. . . except Instructor Creenan and Cadet Ahrmell'ah.
A smile appeared on Baine's face, when he heard this news. Of course. They were behind this sudden change in weather. But for what purpose? Why would they make this night the coldest night the Academy had ever seen? Was this part of their plan? Was this plan worth freezing all Mr. Green's flowers to death?
Baine did not know. What he did know though, was that it was nearly time to go to sleep. Tomorrow was Christmas Day, and with or without Instructor Creenan and Cadet Ahrmell'ah, and even with or without Baine's play, it would be a great day. There were festivities planned: a Christmas meal, for instance, where Baine would give a speech. A speech about what Christmas meant for him. And he was *not* going to let some cold night practical joke of an Instructor and a Cadet get in the way of that.
*****
Admiral Robert Baine woke up in the middle of the night. He had been sleeping in his quarters here on the Academy, but this bed was nothing like the one he shared with his wife, Sandra, back home. It was too bad, he figured, that Sandra would be alone at Christmas. . . that just didn't feel right.
He sighed, and decided that it would take at least an hour for him to get back to sleep again. He might as well open his eyes and look at the time. So he did. His eyes opened, and he leaned to the side to look at the chronometer. But instead of a chronometer, he found. . . an animal, licking his nose!
"Wowa!" He shouted, backed off, scaring the poor animal. A reindeer. That was what this animal was called. But. . . what in the name of Christmas was a reindeer doing in his Academy quarters?
He stood up, and only now realised that this *wasn't* his Academy quarters. This seemed to be a stable of some sort, with hay and straw piled up there in the corner, two reindeer standing in a separate compartment next to where Baine's bed was, and a couple of large. . . sacks, filled with. . . something, next to where a large cabinet was standing. No, this sure wasn't his Academy quarters at all.
What a night. First the cold, and now this! Was this part of a practical joke as well? Was Baine a victim of such a joke here? Christmas or no Christmas, Baine would not stand for this! He shook his head, and was about to walk around to see where exactly he was, when he felt something. . . on top of his head.
Carefully, he put his left hand up to his head. Slowly, centimetre by centimetre, he was getting close to. . . well, to whatever was on his head. It could be anything. A Romulan brain-altering device, maybe. Or a Dominion mind-reader. No, that was ridiculous. Neither race would be able to get close to Earth without Starfleet noticing. Baine could be very sure that whatever was on his head, was nothing which could harm him. And yet, he remained cautious.
He touched the. . . well, the hat, it seemed that it was. It was soft. Warm to the touch. It felt quite pleasant, actually. With a sudden movement, Baine grabbed that hat off of his head, and had a good look at it. It was red. Red and white. Baine's eyes scanned this hat, which looked awfully familiar. It was the same kind of hat which belonged to the legendary figure of. . .
"Santa Claus!" A voice rang out from a couple of meters further, when the door of this stable was opened. "Oh, it's good to see that you're awake!" The voice was familiar. The figure approaching Baine though, was not. Although. . . was it?
"Creenan?" He asked the woman who was standing before him in. . . well, in what Baine could only describe as a ridiculous outfit. She was dressed in green, with red and white striped socks, protected by bright green boots with black laces. Not only that, but the green jacket she was wearing was the same bright green as the boots, the pants, and the. . . cap, was a perfect contrast to the red cheeks which this woman had. "Creenan, is that you?"
The woman smiled. "Please Sir. Tonight, I'm called Pixy, and I'm your Chief elf. Oh, and you're Santa Claus." Before Baine could say anything, 'Pixy' walked away again, only to retrieve some clothes from a cabinet nearby. Those -mostly red- clothes were again in deep contrast with 'Pixy's' green appearance. "Sir, you must wear this. You're Santa Claus, after all. I'll take my leave now: if you're done changing, walk out that door," She pointed at the door through which she had come in, "and we'll be waiting for you outside. Goodbye." And with that, not leaving Baine a chance to say anything, 'Pixy' walked away. . .
Baine just stood there, holding this costume, gasping like a first year's Cadet who just saw the beauty of the Academy gardens. . .
*****
Two elves were standing in the large room. Well, they weren't elves, of course. Instructor Creenan and Cadet Ahrmell'ah had dressed up in elves-costumes. All part of their plan, of course. Both were looking at the large doors, which connected this room to the stable where Admiral Baine had been transported to, after the man had gone to sleep. Not exactly according to Starfleet regulations, and if the Admiral would press charges, both could indeed be in a very serious and career-breaking situation, but. . . well, they counted on Baine's gentle nature. In fact, they really needed it. For it was Baine who had to be the Santa Claus in this little plan they had come up with.
"What did he say?" Ahrmell'ah, the Andorian Cadet, asked Instructor Creenan. Ahrmell'ah too, was dressed in these bright green colours. "Was he angry? Surprised? Mad? Shocked? Mad? Angry?"
"Don't worry, *Dixy*." Creenan said, addressing the Andorian with her 'elfish' name. "I've known the Admiral longer than today. He might indeed be angry and mad and shocked at first, but after he calms down. . ." 'Pixy' couldn't finish her sentence, since the large doors finally opened, and a figure, dressed in red and white, with a long white beard, stepped out of the room.
"I feel like an idiot in this suit." 'Santa Claus' complained.
*****
Outside of the large cottage, where the snow had been falling for quite some time now, stood a Starfleet shuttlecraft. It was a normal type 9 shuttlecraft, ordinarilly used for ferrying people to and from the Academy. An interesting feature about this particular shuttlecraft though, was that on the sides, instead of the registery number of the ship or base this shuttle belonged to, a large image of Santa Claus was now shown.
When Admiral Baine walked out, with his two 'elves' behind him, carrying the sacks which contained presents, he turned around to face the two others. "You've got to be kidding. . ." He said through this fake beard he was wearing.
Creenan did her best not to giggle. "Sir, with all due respect," She pointed at the shuttle, "What is Santa Claus without his sled?"
The grumbling Santa Claus couldn't disagree with Pixy the elf, and pretty soon, all three were on board the shuttle, named 'Santa's sled', just for this occasion. "You might be angry now Sir," Creenan said with a smile, while she sat down in the pilot's chair, "But wait until you see the happy faces of the Cadets whom we'll be bringing presents. You'll feel much better then."
Even though he'd rather not admit it, Baine did find all of this amusing. It was his job to be angry at the Cadet and Instructor for kidnapping him, making use of a Starfleet shuttle without permission, and maybe even for dressing up like a fairy-tale figure. Nevertheless, he knew they were doing this out of -what was once called- the Christmas Spirit. It was strange to see that an El-Aurian and an Andorian could grasp such a Human concept as 'the Christmas Spirit' better than a Human could. . .
While the shuttle started defying gravity, Baine looked at the Cadet who was sitting in the chair next to the pilot's chair. "Cadet. . ." he started, but was interrupted.
"Tonight, it's Dixy, Sir." Ahrmell'ah said with a smile on her face. While it was the Andorian Cadet's plan which was now put into motion, she herself thought that maybe they had made a mistake to kidnap Baine like this. Maybe it would have been better if she'd have asked the Admiral, instead of deciding -together with Creenan- that it was best to let this be a surprise to the Academy commandant.
"Very well then." Baine replied. He seemed to accept what was happening now, since his face no longer showed anger. This was a good thing, Ahrmell'ah figured. "Could you at least just tell me what is going on? In all honesty, I haven't got a clue. . ." Baine complained.
Ahrmell'ah couldn't help but grin. "I'm sorry Sir, it must be frustrating. Let's see. . . ah yes, we are going away from the North Pole: Lieutenant Creenan had rented a small cottage there. That's where we beamed you to while you were asleep. I've done quite some research on Christmas Sir, and I found that Santa Claus comes from the North Pole. So I thought it'd be best to get you -Santa Claus, that is- there first, before going back again."
Baine rubbed the bridge of his nose, although that wasn't all that easy because of this fake beard and moustache which he was wearing. Not to mention this ridiculous hat. "And. . . where are we going?"
"Why Sir, that's easy." Ahrmell'ah replied. "The Academy. My research also told me that at Christmas, people used to receive presents. I thought it would be nice if we were to honour that Earth-tradition, and let Santa Claus bring presents to the Cadets at the Academy. That is why we asked everyone to stay there for the night. . . so that if they would wake up, they'd have a couple of presents."
Now, Baine smiled through his fake beard. "Cadet. . . uhm, Dixy, I mean. . . that's a very nice gesture. And while I do not really approve of this. . . kidnapping, I will play along." He grinned broadly now. "It is Christmas, after all." His grin faded rapidly though, when he thought about this. "It's just a shame that I cannot be with my wife on this jolly day. . ."
Ahrmell'ah flashed the Admiral a smile, and then turned to Creenan. "Are we in range, Pixy?" She asked her 'elfish colleague'.
"Just about, Dixy." Creenan replied, the same mysterious smile on her face.
"Very well then." Ahrmell'ah tapped some lights on her console, and then turned to Baine. "Santa Claus, what would Christmas be without Mrs. Claus?" And with that, she tapped a light on the console again, which caused the back of the shuttle to be illuminated in blue light. There, where nothing was before, now stood a female figure, in about the same suit as Baine was in. Without the beard and moustache, of course.
"Sandra!" Baine said, his wide grin apparent through this beard. "You're in on this too?" He asked his wife.
"I never miss a good party, you know that." Sandra said with a wink. "And don't call me Sandra. I'm Mrs. Claus, remember, Santa?"
Whatever anger was left in Baine was now totally gone. He gestured to the seat next to him, in which Mrs. Claus sat down. After making sure she was comfortable, he turned to face the Instructor and the Cadet. "Well Pixy and Dixy, what are we waiting for? We've got Christmas Presents to deliver! Let's get moving!"
Creenan and Ahrmell'ah grinned to each other, and replied instantly. "Yes Sir, Santa Claus!"
*****
The Academy grounds were no longer green with grass, filled with flowers of every colour. No, now the whole campus was covered in a white blanket of snow: courtesy of Cadet Ahrmell'ah and Instructor Creenan, who had adjusted the weather control for this area.
The campus was silent: more silent than normal. This too was probably because of the snow, or was it because of the Cadets who were all asleep? Whatever it was, the silence was soon broken by the sound of a shuttle approaching. To anyone who might be watching, this shuttle seemed like an ordinary type 9 shuttlecraft, although the markings on the side had changed. It now read 'Santa's sled'.
Santa's sled landed on the white surroundings, in what was the middle of the campus. Again, silence filled the area, but only for a short amount of time. When the large door opened, both Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus jumped out, both carrying a sack full of presents: enough for every Cadet on the Academy.
"Now remember." 'Santa Claus' told his wife. "We have to be careful not to wake anyone. It's supposed to be a surprise. . ."
'Mrs. Claus' nodded. "I know. . ." She winked at him. "Brrr. Never thought it would be so cold here."
A smile now crept up Santa's face. "Now it seems this costume actually has a purpose. . . it's not as cold as I thought. And besides. . ." He gestured around. "I've never seen the Academy grounds like this. So white, and peaceful." He nodded. "This certainly will be a white Christmas. . ."
"Oh Robert, that's so romantic." Mrs. Claus told her husband. "Maybe you should order some snowfall every year, around this time. Not only would it be. . . white and peaceful, as you said, but it would also let the Cadets learn how to survive on an ice-planet." She finished with a grin.
A loud Santa-like laugh emerged from Baine's lips in reaction to his wife's comment, while he stepped forward towards the Academy entrance. However, his laughing soon stopped: sirens suddenly started howling, spotlights went on, and a localised forcefield was activated around both Clauses. "Freeze!" A voice came from the darkness of the Academy. "Who goes there?"
Baine blinked, although this too was difficult to see through the costume. "It's Santa Claus! Ho ho ho!" He bellowed. "We're here to bring some presents to Cadets who have been nice!" He paused, recognising the voice who had been talking. "Have you been nice this year, Royek?"
The lights inside the Academy went on, and the Main Entrance Doors opened, revealing a team of armed officers and Cadets. This team was led by the man Baine had just addressed as Royek. With careful steps, the team stepped out into the snow, surrounding the two Clauses, and the shuttlecraft. "Who are you?" Royek, the Tellerite in charge of Academy Security, asked.
"It's me, Baine." Santa Claus replied, removing the beard from his face. "Now please Royek, we're participating in an Earth tradition known as Christmas. It's supposed to be a peaceful tradition, and it certainly doesn't involve having phaser rifles being pointed at Santa Claus." He smiled. "So please, put those things away, will you?"
"Stand down!" Royek ordered his men, only to turn back to the Admiral and his wife. "Well Sir, I'm sorry, but I didn't know you would participate in this. . . when I came by your quarters to get some information, I discovered you were gone. Transported away! I quickly put the Academy at high alert, and I was ready to move out with a Security Team, when you suddenly landed here. I quickly ordered the Academy lights to shut down, making it seem as if we were unaware of your coming." He smiled faintly. "Which, in retrospect, we were. I'm sorry Sir, but you could have told me about this. . ."
Baine smiled as well, now looking at the shuttle where his two 'elves' were being escorted towards him and his wife. "Believe me, if I had known about this advance, I would have told you Royek. Let's just say it came as a surprise to me as well. . ."
The force-field around Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus was quickly shut down, while quite a number of curious Cadets made their way outside. "So much for a surprise. . ." Creenan whispered to Baine. The Admiral could see that she -and with her, Cadet Ahrmell'ah- was disappointed about this.
"Cheer up Lieutenant, Cadet." Baine said, putting his beard back on. "It's Christmas, remember?" He put a hand on his wife's shoulder, and smiled. "So what if it's not a surprise. . ." He turned towards the Cadets who were coming out of the Academy, admiring not only the snow, but also the unusual people in these unusual costumes. "Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!" Baine shouted. "And guess what? Santa Claus has brought you all some presents! So why don't we all just go inside where it's warm, and we'll get this party going!"
With a loud cheer, the Cadets came towards the four people, and started carrying them on their shoulders. With that, they turned around, walking towards the entrance of the Academy, towards the Main Hall. And the rest of the night, nobody would go to sleep: the Christmas Party was on.
*****
The following morning, December 25th 2391 according to the Earth Calendar, Instructor Creenan walked by Admiral Baine's Office. She could see that the Admiral was just finished making some calls to Starfleet Headquarters, Starfleet Security and the UFP Council, to apologise for any inconvenience he and the others had caused. . . and of course to wish them a Merry Christmas.
When Creenan entered the Office, Baine leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes. Last night had been. . . tiresome, to say the least. Of course, it had been fun. It had been a great experience for everyone involved. Except maybe for Starfleet Security, who had nearly embarked on a rescue mission to find Baine. . .
"Well Lieutenant." Baine said, seeing the woman come in now. "That was quite a plan you and Cadet Ahrmell'ah came up with. You do know that kidnapping a Starfleet Admiral is against the usual regulations, right?"
Creenan frowned for just a moment, but then smiled. "I didn't think you would mind, Sir. And I thought correctly, am I right?"
Baine showed a smile as well. "You are, Lieutenant. Just. . . next time, please talk to me about this first. I don't like being part of something without me knowing about it."
"Of course Sir." Creenan replied, looking out of the windows to the white landscape outside. "Beautiful, isn't it?" She asked. "You don't mind that we're made some changes to the weather control system, Sir?"
Baine shook his head, still smiling. "I don't, Creenan. The gardener, Mr. Green, might. But I've already told him that you and Cadet Ahrmell'ah will help him repair all the damage." The smile on his face only grew. "I hope you don't mind?"
The smirk on Creenan's face gave Baine the impression that she had already expected something like that. "Of course not Sir." She replied to him. "I figured as much."
A pause followed. A long pause, in which both the Admiral and the Lieutenant looked outside of the window. There were a couple of Cadets outside, tossing snowballs, of making snowmen. They were enjoying themselves: that was all that mattered to Baine. It was Christmas Day: they should indeed be having fun..
Instructor Creenan broke the silence, after a minute or two. "Sir, my apologies for not letting you play Ebeneezer Scrooge in the annual Christmas play. I know that meant much to you. Still, now you got to play Santa Claus." She paused for a moment, but quickly went on. "If I may Sir," she asked with a curious look in her eyes, "which did you enjoy playing the most?"
Baine smiled, and looked at the Instructor. "Merry Christmas, Lieutenant." He said, tapping the light on his desk which let the doors go open.
Reluctantly, Creenan backed off. Baine wasn't going to answer her, Creenan knew. "Merry Christmas Sir." She said, walking out of the Office.
When the doors closed, Baine opened one of the drawers of his desk. In it lay the Santa Claus hat. He grinned, and put it on, while turning around to look at the snow, and the Cadets having fun there. "Merry Christmas." He murmured to himself. "To each and every one of us. . ."
