The New Year's Eve Party

"Are we going to have a New Year's Eve party, Jean-Luc?" purrs Bev softly as I try to complete my weekly Report for Starfleet.

"Beverly." I reply, "This ship is fast growing a reputation as the top party giver around. We have them for Christmas, New Year, birthdays or any excuse we can find."



"Then it no surpise that there is a waiting list of people ready to join." she answers.

"Bev" I struggle to say, "This ship should be exploring the universe, crossing new frontiers, boldly going where..."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Beverly comments dismissively, then whispers, "I'll change into Six's dress after the party...just for your eyes."

I recall the dress the Cylon creature Six wore prompts me to reconsider.

"Go on then, Bev."

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Some time later, Ten Forward is all decked out, with Vic Fontaine and his band ready to play. Seven of Nine approaches me.

"Locutus." she starts, "I fail to see why Starfleet celebrate New Year when calendar years had been abandoned some time ago in favour of stardates."

"It's tradition, Seven." I explain, "People like the old ways of ringing out the old and bringing in the new year. It would not be the same with stardates."

Seven gives me a puzzled look.

"On our Borg Cubes we mark events by giving us a longer break in our alcove, " she tells me, " The Alpha Borg Queen's Birthday is a major celebration."

I then hear a familiar voice behind me.

"Hey, when is the party starting?"



I groan. Ensign Britney and her friend T'Pol both come in matching leather outfits.

"Ensign!" I say, "You can't wear that. You have to maintain a sense of decorum within Starfleet."

"Don't be a party pooper, Captain." T'Pol adds, "It's New Years Eve. Brit and I just want to have a bit of fun."

I sigh. She's probably right.

"Very well." I concede.

The two girls shout "Yay!" and go off to the bar to get a powerful Fasakian Brandy before going to the dancefloor to dance together.

"You're very generous, Captain." Riker says as he walks up to me, "I would never have allowed Deanna to go out in something skimpy and revealing."

"Never have ALLOWED?" Deanna shouts to him as she digs her finger in his ribs.



Riker looks at Deanna's dress and his eyes almost pop out, as they would have done had he been a member of the Ptarian race.

"Er...Deanna" he starts, "Sorry...I meant....err..do...you think that is revealing?"

"Yes!" she replies, "But you have no say in it."

The pair walk off, shouting at each other. Eventually they kiss and make up while dancing.

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As the night wears on, Vic Fontaine plays classics such as As Time Goes By. Midnight approaches.

"5-4-3-2-1...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"

Everybody kisses their loved one and sings Auld Lang Syne.

"Happy New Year, Jean-Luc"

"Happy New Year, Bev."

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And Happy New Year to all Journal readers!