CAPTAIN TEKIN's BIRTHDAY (and USS Discovery's too)

[Hrafn Falleg]

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

T'Lara returned the small girl's bow.

"'Lesek' is the word for thank you. 'Ram-halan' is a simple way of saying farewell, otherwise you may say 'dif-tor heh smusma,' live long and prosper. I would not oppose meeting with you in the future to teach you more of the language." Once she'd ended her conversation with Nerys she had someone else take the conn and quietly walked over to enter the ready room since she was no longer needed on the Bridge. Making her way inside, she found a place where she wouldn't have to really talk to anyone and waited for the main event.

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

[As Tekin Nerys]

The blue transport lights yielded a young Scientist but not her parents, but it couldn't be more than a second.

"Lesek..." Nerys repeated, perfectly albeit a little accented.  She then held up her hand in the Vulcan salute and smiled "Dif-tor heh smusma Commander T'Lara!  I need to learn how to say 'I missed you Uncle Solluk!' before I leave and... do you have a celebration any time around the Earthen Christmas??  I want to surprise Uncle Solluk!  I'll talk to you later though, I need to help get the boys to do what they need to do.  Lesek!"

The young auburn haired girl ran off to stand near her brothers waiting and keeping a watchful eye out for the appearance of her parents.

[T'Lara]

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

[As Tekin Nerys]

The blue transport lights yielded a young Scientist but not her parents, but it couldn't be more than a second.

"Lesek..." Nerys repeated, perfectly albeit a little accented.  She then held up her hand in the Vulcan salute and smiled "Dif-tor heh smusma Commander T'Lara!  I need to learn how to say 'I missed you Uncle Solluk!' before I leave and... do you have a celebration any time around the Earthen Christmas??  I want to surprise Uncle Solluk!  I'll talk to you later though, I need to help get the boys to do what they need to do.  Lesek!"

The young auburn haired girl ran off to stand near her brothers waiting and keeping a watchful eye out for the appearance of her parents.

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

T'Lara returned the Vulcan salute. "Sochya eh dif," she said in a monotone. "Peace and long life," she provided in English. Technically they'd reversed the order of the phrases but she hadn't expected the girl to try it. She'd teach it correctly when they had a formal lesson. She thought for a moment. "I am not aware of any celebrations of that nature. As you may imagine, we do not feel the need to 'celebrate' and must make do with the Earth customs. Though most refuse to partake." She knew this was a lot to take in for a 6 year-old, but she wasn't going to lie to her. "I am sure your 'uncle' is part of the former category," she reassured her. "Farewell, Tekin Nerys."

[Danjar-Torra Addams]

Ensign Danjar-Torra
[USS Discovery - Ready Room]

Everyone invited were hiding in the darkness of the Ready room.. the automatic lights having  been temporarily turned off.  They were waiting for the children to run in ... and for Lamar to begin the 'Surprise'.

The seconds seemed to stretch out in anticipation.

[Tekin Nevir]

[Holodeck - USS Discovery]

[Hrafn]

"Well that was interesting... " Hrafn began referring to Nira, when she got a beep on her PADD.

Grinning like a Cheshire Cat she quickly sent a message to Torra saying 'Be there soon, I'll get us beamed to the Bridge first... stand by!' then stood and held out her hand to Nevir.

"Trust me on this one ja'lat, our evening is just about to become more interesting."

Two to beam directly to the Bridge... she said hitting her commbadge with her free hand.

She figured that would give the people in his ready room time to compose themselves and then shout 'Surprise!' or whatever they were going to do!

[Holodeck to Bridge - USS Discovery]

Nevir had been relatively quiet this day.  He had been perfectly content with spending time with his wife and eventually his children.  He did express slight annoyance when the doors of the holodeck opened and in walked in Nira, but Hrafn handled it in stride.  He couldn't really chastise her; he didn't exactly put his time in the computer.  Part of the perks of the Captain one would say, but since he didn't lock the holodeck... oh well.

He didn't have a chance to say anything as Hrafn did what he considered an abuse of the transporters. Why couldn't they walk there?  Still, it was done, and he wasn't about to sour the day alright.  Before he knew it, he was on the Bridge, where his First Officer was on the Bridge.  They were in transit, so it was a quiet shift, but even he was surprised at how empty the bridge was.

"Commander... um... status?  And where is the bridge crew?"

[Hrafn Falleg]

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

T'Lara returned the Vulcan salute. "Sochya eh dif," she said in a monotone. "Peace and long life," she provided in English. Technically they'd reversed the order of the phrases but she hadn't expected the girl to try it. She'd teach it correctly when they had a formal lesson. She thought for a moment. "I am not aware of any celebrations of that nature. As you may imagine, we do not feel the need to 'celebrate' and must make do with the Earth customs. Though most refuse to partake." She knew this was a lot to take in for a 6 year-old, but she wasn't going to lie to her. "I am sure your 'uncle' is part of the former category," she reassured her. "Farewell, Tekin Nerys."

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

[As Hrafn, and the kids]

Nerys nodded and got ready as the swirling blue lights appeared yielding her parents.

[Holodeck to Bridge - USS Discovery]

Nevir had been relatively quiet this day.  He had been perfectly content with spending time with his wife and eventually his children.  He did express slight annoyance when the doors of the holodeck opened and in walked in Nira, but Hrafn handled it in stride.  He couldn't really chastise her; he didn't exactly put his time in the computer.  Part of the perks of the Captain one would say, but since he didn't lock the holodeck... oh well.

He didn't have a chance to say anything as Hrafn did what he considered an abuse of the transporters. Why couldn't they walk there?  Still, it was done, and he wasn't about to sour the day alright.  Before he knew it, he was on the Bridge, where his First Officer was on the Bridge.  They were in transit, so it was a quiet shift, but even he was surprised at how empty the bridge was.

"Commander... um... status?  And where is the bridge crew?"

"Now Lamar!"  Tidu hissed.

"TAG!! you're it!" Lamar shouted and ran off into the Ready Room, Tidu following him.  Nerys in mock alarm ran in after them shouting "TIDU!!! LAMAR!!! you're not supposed to be in there and certainly shouldn't be running on the Bridge... you..." her words were cut off as she got into the Ready Room and caught her breath.  Seeing the shapes of adults she said in a loud whisper.

"They're out there.  Mammy will bring him here in a moment.  Ready Lambchops and remember those Rs!!"

"SuRRRRRpRRRRise!" the tiger also known as Lamar experimented quietly.  Nerys smiled in the dark and ruffled Lamar's hair.

"Perfect... ready!"

Meanwhile on the Bridge, Hrafn pretended to be incensed at such bad behaviour and took two strides quickly to try and stop them going into the Ready Room, she knew of course and said to Nevir, "I think this needs a good old fashioned Captain's dressing down in that room ... shall we do the honours?!"  she took his hand, hoping that he'd forgive her dragging him along, trying to look cross but probably failing as the excitement was bubbling within her, and pulled him in the direction of the Ready Room.  A quick wink at Don behind her was for him to alert Torra to be ready to get the lights up as everyone shouted 'Surprise'.

She reached the door of the Ready Room, it slid open and Lamar screamed

""

[Don Damien Addams]

[USS Discovery's Captain Ready room]

The children were doing great. They seem over the top. Then he had remember kids are kids.

When they were waiting Don had pass out the party hats, and confetti. He was going to use seeds which he thought was something like rice. But that was a mistake that his wife pointed out to him.

Don yelled "œSURPRISE!!!!!" and toss the confetti at his a Captain. All the Betazoids on the ship would feel that energy from this room. He was grinning ear to ear.

[T'Lara]

[Holodeck to Bridge - USS Discovery]

Nevir had been relatively quiet this day.  He had been perfectly content with spending time with his wife and eventually his children.  He did express slight annoyance when the doors of the holodeck opened and in walked in Nira, but Hrafn handled it in stride.  He couldn't really chastise her; he didn't exactly put his time in the computer.  Part of the perks of the Captain one would say, but since he didn't lock the holodeck... oh well.

He didn't have a chance to say anything as Hrafn did what he considered an abuse of the transporters. Why couldn't they walk there?  Still, it was done, and he wasn't about to sour the day alright.  Before he knew it, he was on the Bridge, where his First Officer was on the Bridge.  They were in transit, so it was a quiet shift, but even he was surprised at how empty the bridge was.

"Commander... um... status?  And where is the bridge crew?"

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

T'Lara was alerted to the sound of the captain and Hrafn entering and answered Nevir.

"Everything is operating normally, Captain. Reports from the departments are satisfactory and the Bridge crew-" she rattled off, but she was soon cut off by an attack by Nevir and Hrafn's children. She watched it occur and stayed out of the way.

[USS Discovery's Captain Ready room]

The children were doing great. They seem over the top. Then he had remember kids are kids.

When they were waiting Don had pass out the party hats, and confetti. He was going to use seeds which he thought was something like rice. But that was a mistake that his wife pointed out to him.

Don yelled "œSURPRISE!!!!!" and toss the confetti at his a Captain. All the Betazoids on the ship would feel that energy from this room. He was grinning ear to ear.

[Captain's Ready Room]

T'Lara came in with the Tekin family as well, but she quickly found a place that was out of the way while the festive activities began.

[Tekin Nevir]

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

[As Hrafn, and the kids]

Nerys nodded and got ready as the swirling blue lights appeared yielding her parents.

"Now Lamar!"  Tidu hissed.

"TAG!! you're it!" Lamar shouted and ran off into the Ready Room, Tidu following him.  Nerys in mock alarm ran in after them shouting "TIDU!!! LAMAR!!! you're not supposed to be in there and certainly shouldn't be running on the Bridge... you..." her words were cut off as she got into the Ready Room and caught her breath.  Seeing the shapes of adults she said in a loud whisper.

"They're out there.  Mammy will bring him here in a moment.  Ready Lambchops and remember those Rs!!"

"SuRRRRRpRRRRise!" the tiger also known as Lamar experimented quietly.  Nerys smiled in the dark and ruffled Lamar's hair.

"Perfect... ready!"

Meanwhile on the Bridge, Hrafn pretended to be incensed at such bad behaviour and took two strides quickly to try and stop them going into the Ready Room, she knew of course and said to Nevir, "I think this needs a good old fashioned Captain's dressing down in that room ... shall we do the honours?!"  she took his hand, hoping that he'd forgive her dragging him along, trying to look cross but probably failing as the excitement was bubbling within her, and pulled him in the direction of the Ready Room.  A quick wink at Don behind her was for him to alert Torra to be ready to get the lights up as everyone shouted 'Surprise'.

She reached the door of the Ready Room, it slid open and Lamar screamed

""

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

T'Lara was alerted to the sound of the captain and Hrafn entering and answered Nevir.

"Everything is operating normally, Captain. Reports from the departments are satisfactory and the Bridge crew-" she rattled off, but she was soon cut off by an attack by Nevir and Hrafn's children. She watched it occur and stayed out of the way.

[Captain's Ready Room]

T'Lara came in with the Tekin family as well, but she quickly found a place that was out of the way while the festive activities began.

[Deck 1 - Main Bridge - USS Discovery]

Saved by the children, he didn't need to hear any reasoning from her as his kids just... went nuts.  And running into the Captain's Ready Room.  HIS ready room.  Why was his ready room available to enter...?

"Lamar!" he called out as all of his kids ran into his office.  "Why is my office accessib-" he was saying, as he was walked in after them.  His sentence was caught off as he walked in and the lights were off a second longer then they should have been, and suddenly he was assailed by colors and sounds.  He had to block himself for a moment until the sounds made finally entered his brain.  Surprise?

The Captain lowered his hand... there were member of his crew all over his ready room as little paper slips flew down from their launch point.  He was in a state of shock as it became clear what was going on.  His... birthday?  He really wasn't planning on doing much, just spend time with his wife, but to see his own crew involved was... heartening.  Immediately he gave an accusatory look at his wife.

"Did... did you..?"

[Danjar-Torra Addams]

Ensign Danjar-Torra Addams
[USS Discovery - Deck One - Ready Room]

Torra stood to the side of the doorway, waiting until Lamar shouted his surprise then using her PADD controlled the lights sensors in the room to activate.  The sensors picked up their presence and suddenly the room lit.

"Surprise!!!  Happy Belated Birthday Captain Tekin!" Torra called out loudly - for her - though her voice was likely swallowed up in the din of the others calling out their well wishes.

[Luby Wentock]

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

[As Hrafn, and the kids]

Nerys nodded and got ready as the swirling blue lights appeared yielding her parents.

"Now Lamar!"  Tidu hissed.

"TAG!! you're it!" Lamar shouted and ran off into the Ready Room, Tidu following him.  Nerys in mock alarm ran in after them shouting "TIDU!!! LAMAR!!! you're not supposed to be in there and certainly shouldn't be running on the Bridge... you..." her words were cut off as she got into the Ready Room and caught her breath.  Seeing the shapes of adults she said in a loud whisper.

"They're out there.  Mammy will bring him here in a moment.  Ready Lambchops and remember those Rs!!"

"SuRRRRRpRRRRise!" the tiger also known as Lamar experimented quietly.  Nerys smiled in the dark and ruffled Lamar's hair.

"Perfect... ready!"

Meanwhile on the Bridge, Hrafn pretended to be incensed at such bad behaviour and took two strides quickly to try and stop them going into the Ready Room, she knew of course and said to Nevir, "I think this needs a good old fashioned Captain's dressing down in that room ... shall we do the honours?!"  she took his hand, hoping that he'd forgive her dragging him along, trying to look cross but probably failing as the excitement was bubbling within her, and pulled him in the direction of the Ready Room.  A quick wink at Don behind her was for him to alert Torra to be ready to get the lights up as everyone shouted 'Surprise'.

She reached the door of the Ready Room, it slid open and Lamar screamed

""

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

T'Lara was alerted to the sound of the captain and Hrafn entering and answered Nevir.

"Everything is operating normally, Captain. Reports from the departments are satisfactory and the Bridge crew-" she rattled off, but she was soon cut off by an attack by Nevir and Hrafn's children. She watched it occur and stayed out of the way.

[Captain's Ready Room]

T'Lara came in with the Tekin family as well, but she quickly found a place that was out of the way while the festive activities began.

Ensign Danjar-Torra Addams
[USS Discovery - Deck One - Ready Room]

Torra stood to the side of the doorway, waiting until Lamar shouted his surprise then using her PADD controlled the lights sensors in the room to activate.  The sensors picked up their presence and suddenly the room lit.

"Surprise!!!  Happy Belated Birthday Captain Tekin!" Torra called out loudly - for her - though her voice was likely swallowed up in the din of the others calling out their well wishes.

[Deck 1 - Main Bridge - USS Discovery]

Saved by the children, he didn't need to hear any reasoning from her as his kids just... went nuts.  And running into the Captain's Ready Room.  HIS ready room.  Why was his ready room available to enter...?

"Lamar!" he called out as all of his kids ran into his office.  "Why is my office accessib-" he was saying, as he was walked in after them.  His sentence was caught off as he walked in and the lights were off a second longer then they should have been, and suddenly he was assailed by colors and sounds.  He had to block himself for a moment until the sounds made finally entered his brain.  Surprise?

The Captain lowered his hand... there were member of his crew all over his ready room as little paper slips flew down from their launch point.  He was in a state of shock as it became clear what was going on.  His... birthday?  He really wasn't planning on doing much, just spend time with his wife, but to see his own crew involved was... heartening.  Immediately he gave an accusatory look at his wife.

"Did... did you..?"

[Ready Room]

Luby shouted surprise but stayed back while the Captain got his bearings and 'accused' his wife.  Instead she went over to T'Lara and smiled.

"Don't suppose this is much fun for you, Commander.  No disrespect to Vulcans but they aren't much for parties, they don't understand the logic.  I'm sure Captain Tekin appreciates that you're here though and I know you respect him and honour him with your presence.  Would you care for any refreshments, I can bring them to you, or I have some recent Science journals on my PADD if you'd like to borrow it for a while!" she said with a wink.

"And if you think I'm overstepping my bounds, maybe... but mental well-being is as important to me as physical medicine and having a bored, possibly depressed Vulcan XO on our hands is well with my remit to fix!"

[Lek]

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

Lek stepped out of the turbolift and going by the commotion coming from the captain's ready room, it seemed like he'd arrived right on time. He peeked through the door and saw the captain looked quite stunned by the goings on. This didn't make much sense to Lek as the captain knew his own birthday, so why he'd be surprised by the party eluded him. Regardless, it was time to make his presence known.

"Happy Birthday Captain."

[T'Lara]

[Ready Room]

Luby shouted surprise but stayed back while the Captain got his bearings and 'accused' his wife.  Instead she went over to T'Lara and smiled.

"Don't suppose this is much fun for you, Commander.  No disrespect to Vulcans but they aren't much for parties, they don't understand the logic.  I'm sure Captain Tekin appreciates that you're here though and I know you respect him and honour him with your presence.  Would you care for any refreshments, I can bring them to you, or I have some recent Science journals on my PADD if you'd like to borrow it for a while!" she said with a wink.

"And if you think I'm overstepping my bounds, maybe... but mental well-being is as important to me as physical medicine and having a bored, possibly depressed Vulcan XO on our hands is well with my remit to fix!"

[Ready Room]

T'Lara wasn't one to shout, in anger or exuberance, so she stood with the others but did not really participate. She would offer her congratulations privately when it was acceptable to do so. After the initial commotion, it was as if the whole room had let out a collective sigh as general feelings of merriment swept through the party guests and the guests of honor shared a moment.

The XO was distracted by Luby, who had come over to talk to her. She didn't think she was depressed exactly, but if the young woman was concerned about her well-being then perhaps she should make an effort to appear mentally healthy.

"Thank you, Cadet. I will be offering up my congratulations to the captain when he is free and I believe Miss Tekin Nerys will be providing me with a cookie, but in the meantime I would not mind perusing one of those journals."

[Don Damien Addams]

[Lieutenant JG Nira Said | Nira's Forensics Lab >- Ready Room | Deck Ten >- Deck One | USS Discovery NCC-78393-B]

"My apologies," said Nira, deciding she was seeing things and seeing the holodeck was occupied. Perhaps her mind wasn't in total alignment or working well, not after a night of pon farr with Savar. It'd almost be like a hangover without the headache and/or pain. Her own mind was still getting used to the mind link between her and the Vulcan. Nonetheless, she knew she had found the right man, and Savar himself had found the right mate himself.

She had just gotten to her forensics lab, figuring she could get into practice with the holodeck occupied, when she saw the message on her PADD. She raised it up and read it, her eyebrow arching so high, she'd be mistaken for a Vulcan herself...which would easily be the case, since she had impersonated something close enough (a Romulan) herself recently.

A party? For the Captain? she thought to herself in surprise. What's the occasion? There's a number of possibilities. Perhaps he got promoted, but that's unlikely; if Captain Tekin was going to get promoted, the whole ship would've heard about it sooner, not to mention he would've been removed from Discovery to assume his post as a rear admiral, unless he claims Discovery as his flagship. Perhaps it'll be his birthday...but why am I invited, when I don't know him as well as I should?

Nonetheless, she was invited, and by Torra of all people. It must be an occasion she was arranging, and Torra was Nira's best friend. Turning down the invitation would potentially hurt her feelings. So Nira called for transport to the Ready Room.

Upon beaming in, she found out the reason for the party soon enough: It was the Captain's birthday. Nira shrugged positively; she was invited by Torra, and now that she was here, perhaps it was an opportunity to get to know the Captain better.

Don slid near Nira. "Thank you for coming," he told Nira. Then he leaned over to her and whispered. "It was not easy. I had to think out of the box to keep it secret and plans for a year. You are so good finding secrets," he folded his arms in pride moment of his. Then he gave her a devilish grin. Now maybe Nira would realize Don can be sneaky as hell.

Then he moved his way over to his wife and took her hand. This was indeed a proud moment. Seeing the Captain in the spot light. "You are the best wife," he said to her as he squeezed her hand lovingly.

[Hrafn Falleg]

[Holodeck to Bridge - USS Discovery]

Nevir had been relatively quiet this day.  He had been perfectly content with spending time with his wife and eventually his children.  He did express slight annoyance when the doors of the holodeck opened and in walked in Nira, but Hrafn handled it in stride.  He couldn't really chastise her; he didn't exactly put his time in the computer.  Part of the perks of the Captain one would say, but since he didn't lock the holodeck... oh well.

He didn't have a chance to say anything as Hrafn did what he considered an abuse of the transporters. Why couldn't they walk there?  Still, it was done, and he wasn't about to sour the day alright.  Before he knew it, he was on the Bridge, where his First Officer was on the Bridge.  They were in transit, so it was a quiet shift, but even he was surprised at how empty the bridge was.

"Commander... um... status?  And where is the bridge crew?"

[USS Discovery-bridge]

Alexander got the notification and he didn't really have an excuse to ignore it so he teleported over. He assumed that this must have been something important that he couldn't refuse. He found out that it was a party for the captain and he thought it would be a good opportunity to get to know the captain better. He didn't mind talking about science even though that wasn't his specialty. He always had a curiosity to know how each department would work together even if it was at different times. He had a science question that he had for one of the science officers. "œCommander T'Lara I don't mean to bother you but I just have a question in regards to Astrometrics."

[Deck 1 - Main Bridge - USS Discovery]

Saved by the children, he didn't need to hear any reasoning from her as his kids just... went nuts.  And running into the Captain's Ready Room.  HIS ready room.  Why was his ready room available to enter...?

"Lamar!" he called out as all of his kids ran into his office.  "Why is my office accessib-" he was saying, as he was walked in after them.  His sentence was caught off as he walked in and the lights were off a second longer then they should have been, and suddenly he was assailed by colors and sounds.  He had to block himself for a moment until the sounds made finally entered his brain.  Surprise?

The Captain lowered his hand... there were member of his crew all over his ready room as little paper slips flew down from their launch point.  He was in a state of shock as it became clear what was going on.  His... birthday?  He really wasn't planning on doing much, just spend time with his wife, but to see his own crew involved was... heartening.  Immediately he gave an accusatory look at his wife.

"Did... did you..?"

[Ready Room - USS Discovery]

Hrafn tried to look innocent, hands together in a gesture of prayer, eyes cast heaven-ward but she couldn't hold it long. Laughing she spread her hands and beamed widely at the assembled company.

"Oh ja'lat if only you knew just how long this has been in the planning, the plotting the ... well originally it was thought that I'd be coming to the party via video, but turned out I managed to time it right with my knee operation and I was going to have to be on light duties so.. managed to be actually here! In person.  I'm not responsible for the decorations or confetti or naughty little people... well ok I'm partially responsible for them but only insofar as I gave birth to them!"  Hrafn chuckled.

"Happy Belated Birthday, you deserve it!" she said giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Daddy, are we forgiven?" Nerys said looking worried. "We'd never normally do what we just did, well not the running in here part.  I was talking about languages and Science to Auntie T'Lara tho and sat on the steps next to the big chair, was that wrong?"

"And me and Lamar were just playing tag to get you in here for the surprise, you will still take me round the Engine Room and to see Mr. Lek?" Tidu asked hanging his head.

Lamar seemed to realise that they might be in trouble and stopped with a cookie midway to his mouth and looked between his parents then to his siblings and looked like he would start wailing any moment, his eyes filling with tears.

"Nevir?" Hrafn asked.  "Oh and Mr. Graham, I think Commander T'Lara is over in the corner, I'm sure she'd welcome a chat about Astrometrics, I'm not sure in the confusion my children were causing that she heard you out on the Bridge, my apologies.  Kids, for my part I forgive you, you were only helping Uncle Don and Auntie Torra get Daddy in here. I know you wouldn't normally run on the Bridge or barge into places you shouldn't be without permission.  As for you talking to Commander T'Lara..."

It amused Hrafn that Nerys was already 'assimilating' T'Lara in love turns even if she didn't think the woman herself would ever admit to being 'Auntie' to anyone not related by copper-based blood and marriage!

"... why doesn't that surprise me.  So long as you weren't disturbing her that's fine."

"No.  I even specifically asked and she said it was ok to sit on the step.  She looked upset, turns out she was meditating, ... I-I don't mean upset at me disturbing her meditation, I mean before I took her some..."

Nerys tried to remember then held up a finger.  "Ah yes... Bar-kas tei if I say it in Vulcan.  I know Mammy understands that but I took her some spiced Vulcan tea, Daddy, ...and a couple of cookies, to cheer her up, then we got talking about Science, was that bad?"

[Danjar-Torra Addams]

Ensign Danjar-Torra Addams
[USS Discovery - Deck One - Ready Room]

[Bridge - USS Discovery]

Lek stepped out of the turbolift and going by the commotion coming from the captain's ready room, it seemed like he'd arrived right on time. He peeked through the door and saw the captain looked quite stunned by the goings on. This didn't make much sense to Lek as the captain knew his own birthday, so why he'd be surprised by the party eluded him. Regardless, it was time to make his presence known.

"Happy Birthday Captain."

Don slid near Nira. "Thank you for coming," he told Nira. Then he leaned over to her and whispered. "It was not easy. I had to think out of the box to keep it secret and plans for a year. You are so good finding secrets," he folded his arms in pride moment of his. Then he gave her a devilish grin. Now maybe Nira would realize Don can be sneaky as hell.

Then he moved his way over to his wife and took her hand. This was indeed a proud moment. Seeing the Captain in the spot light. "You are the best wife," he said to her as he squeezed her hand lovingly.

The well wishes chorused around the room.  Even Lek, the Ferengi Engineer had arrived to wish the Captain a 'Happy Birthday'.  The surprise had worked out beautifully - just as Don had intended.

While Hrafn explained in brief just how much prep work had been put into this venture, Torra smiled at Don as he moved to her side.  His hand took hold of hers and Torra gave it a slight squeeze.   Though the Captain might suspect the plan was his wife's idea, Torra knew differently.  She hoped the love she had for her husband showed in the way she smiled at him now.  His kindness and thoughtful was the reason that this had all been possible.  She leaned her horned head down toward his ear and whispered.  "I love you, Don. This was a wonderful idea."