The Duval Christmas Party - Part Two

Posted on Tue Dec 27th, 2022 @ 1:52pm by Fleet Admiral Heather Duval & Captain Marcus Duval & Captain Duval Mia & Captain T'Nae "Wolfheart" Duval & Commander Ethan "Hardcase" Duval & Commander Arlene Duval-Connor & Lieutenant Commander Anthony Duval & Lieutenant T'Lee Duval & Lieutenant JG Suvak Duval & Ryuujin Duval & Enrique Duval & 1st Lieutenant T'Kera "Demolitions" Duval & Company Sergeant Major Jeffery "The Mountain" Duval & Commander Hsirr Duval

Mission: Mission 118: The Christmas from Hell
Location: Various Locations - Starbase Vanguard
Timeline: 1645Hrs - December 24th, 2393

The doorbell rang. Heather and Enrique shared a look as he went to answer the door. After a moment, Enrique got to the door. He found himself face to face with a dark-skinned Vulcan woman. T'Nae Duval suddenly grinned at the two people before her. "Greetings," she commented. "I was sent to inform you that everyone else is gathering at conference lounge three for the evening's festivities," she explained why she was standing before her sister-in-law and her husband.

Heather had a special place in her heart for her sister-in-law. "T'Nae. It's good to see you."

"You are wearing a dress. What sort of weird voodoo magic is this?" T'Nae inquired. "You said to me once upon a time that you would never be caught dead in a dress."

"I recall," Heather commented in a light tone with a gentle grin on her face.

T'Nae inquired. "Did you lose a bet on something?"

"I did lose a bet, actually." Heather smiled. "But thats a tale for later," she added. "Who's coming to the party?" Heather inquired.

"Everyone." T'Nae then smiled. "All your children and grandchildren. All of my children and grandchildren. Ethan will also be there." the Vulcan female explained. "His fiancee will also be attending the event."

"Excellent," Enrique answered as he pulled on his shoes. He was now ready to go, saying as much a moment later. He then led his wife out into the hallway with T'Nae bringing up the rear. The Vulcan woman was wearing a simple shirt and a pair of slacks, along with a pair of simple three-inch heels.

The three of them moved down the hallway toward their destination. The three reached their destination a short time later. A dozen or so children of various ages, from teenagers to infants were present. There were also two women present who were obviously pregnant.

Ryuujin Duval was sitting in a chair, listening to some music. If his head motions were anything to go by. Sitting across from him were two of his cousins, who were also enjoying the same music. Yet the area with them was completely silent, but they all had earbuds in their ears.

Hannah Mueller regarded the audience before her as she was sitting at a table. Sitting near her were Arlene and T'Lee. The three were having a rather animated chat if the look of the three was anything to go by. T'Kera was watching over the various children. But many of the adults were busy with the food preparation. Logan was busy checking a large turkey that was in the final stages of being prepared for the event. Assisting him was his sister-in-law. Duval Mia.

Teyla Duval was sitting nearby with a glass of clear liquid in her hand, she was watching over the children in silence. She spotted Heather and Enrique entering the room, she waved to them, and Heather waved back with a smile on her face.

On the large main screen located at the front of the room was a scene from a movie that Heather couldn't place. It wasn't until she watched as what she assumed was a wizard suddenly smashed his staff into the base of where he was standing and he uttered that famous line. "You shall not pass!"

Heather smiled as she realized she was watching a scene from one of her most favoured movies. "Lord of the Rings," she muttered softly. "Perfect," she added, but rather than go and sit down, she wanted to watch her favourite movie. Instead, she went over to the kitchenette where various people were busy. "Hey guys." she greeted the gathering that was busy working on food. "Does anyone need any help with anything?" she knew she was wearing bad attire for this but she felt the offer should be made.

Anthony Duval regarded his aunt. "Hey, Aunt Heather. I like the dress... Looks good on you." he smiled at her, he had not been expecting her to wear a dress but he wasn't going to object either.

Duval Mia raised an eyebrow with a questioning look. "I mean no disrespect. Why are you wearing a dress?... You once said you-" the Bajoran paused as Heather answered her.

"T'Nae already asked. I plan to explain once we're at the table." Heather smiled at her niece-in-law or her nephew. "You guys good?. Need anything?"

"Nah, we're good. We got this. Thank you though." Anthony answered with a gentle smile. Marcus came over with a large pot of potatoes. "Hey guys, coming through. Big and heavy," he commented. Anthony turned as he grasped the pot with his twin and together, they placed it on the stove. Marcus sighed. "Feeding forty-something is a challenge." he grinned at the gathering. "Aunt Heather." he greeted her, he then gave her a hug.

Heather grinned as she smiled at him. "Marcus. Looking as happy as ever. I see command suits you."

"It's got its advantages. But sometimes it has its issues too. I don't get to spend any off time with my spouse unless we're in the same battlegroup together." he grinned at the older woman before him.

Duval Mia suddenly grinned. "It's outright murder on our sex lives." she clarified.

"Well, that always sucks," Heather answered. "I know what thats like... It's why Enrique got out. Not that I blame him, of course." she explained. "So. Out of curiosity, how long before dinner is ready?" Heather inquired.

"It's still going to be a little while. The potatoes will take a while to cook. But the meat is almost ready." Marcus explained. "Most of dinner is cooked and ready to go. It's just the potatoes now," he commented. "Take a seat and enjoy the movie. Have a drink and enjoy yourself. Dinner is still a while away." Duval Mia answered this time.

Heather smiled. "I will. Thanks." with that, she moved off while she looked for a chair so she could enjoy the movie.