Christmas on Electra

The Electra rested, hovering 800 meters above the ocean below.  The weather was calm; below the airship, the sea moved gently, softly enough that resting a small boat on it would rock its occupant into a sweet slumber.  The air was crisp, cool, and clear.  After nightfall the stars shone spectacularly, seemingly brighter than they ever could on land.

Lance, Stan, Rae, Keanna, and Kelly stood on the deck along with other members of the crew, admiring the sky.  One of the galaxy's arms was clearly visible in the sky.  This was complimented by the aurora borealis.  The crew talked quietly on the deck, so the peaceful atmosphere was relatively undisturbed.  The only sound that broke through the pleasant chatter was the occasional small gust of wind.

"Beautiful night," Keanna observed.

The others agreed, but were quiet.  They started speaking quietly among themselves, as other crewmen had.

Lance asked what the group was wondering.  "It is a great, peaceful night and all, but I do wonder why we're out here, and told we can go on deck and enjoy the night."

"Worried, Lance?"  Rae was also curious, but asked him in a slightly serious, slightly teasing manner.

Lance rebuffed the tease.  "Ah, heck no.  The skipper's a good guy.  It's just unusual."

There were a few moments of thought, then Stan spoke.  "You do realize what day it is, don't you?"

"December 24," Lance answered, "why?"

Commander Colt had approached them by that time.  "Captain Johns has a little tradition," he stated.  He addressed Stan.  "Captain Davis, are you ready?"

Stan nodded.  "Aye, sir."  He turned to the others.  "See you in a bit."

As Stan and the commander left, the others turned to each other, with puzzled expressions.  "Wonder what he meant?"

They didn't have long to wait.  A few minutes later, Commander Colt's voice was clearly heard, from above everyone's head, calling everyone to attention.  When the crew faced him in the ordered posture, he spoke.  "At ease.  For those interested, the Electra is hosting for its crew, the Christmas midnight observation.  There will be a bit of music, a reading, and another bit of music.  Those interested can remain afterward, to hear a few words from Lieutenant Robson.  Thank you."

Commander Colt had been standing on a platform that was half a meter above the Electra's main deck.  He stepped back and to the side, inviting someone else who was carrying a violin.

Rae saw the person holding the violin, and brightened.  "Omyword, Lance, look!  Stan!  I love it when he plays!"  Somehow, she kept her voice down, even though she was excited.  She turned to the Evans sisters.  "You'll enjoy this."

The crew respectfully waited quietly, while Stan made some last minute adjustments to his instruments.  Nobody would ever think to consider him timid, shy, or lacking in confidence; yet being in front of people like this was not a strength of his.  Nonetheless, Captain Johns had asked him to do this.  After taking a breath to steady himself, he began.

Under Stan's expert hands, the violin rendered the opening strains of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," and continued through the end of one stanza.  He repeated while the crew listened attentively; some of them began singing along quietly.  He repeated the stanza's music one last time; repeating the hymn by accenting different bars, and ending with a flourish.  He stood for a moment after he brought his arms down, and stepped back slightly, while Captain Johns stepped forward with a large volume.

The captain had several places bookmarked, and he briefly looked through them.  After finding the bookmark he wanted, he opened the volume.  Immediately after he did so, the Electra's ship bell tolled midnight.  He began to read after the bell finished.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David: )  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Captain Johns closed the book thoughtfully, then returned to the back of the dais.  Stan stepped forward once more.  This time, he played "Silent Night."  Once again, some of the crew began singing quietly as he played.  When he finished, he stepped back quietly again, this time allowing Lieutenant Robson forward.

When Robson was done speaking, the crew mingled again.  Lance and Rae saw Stan shake hands with Johns, Colt, and Robson before he walked toward them.  When he arrived, Rae hugged him lightly.  "Well done, Stan.  You play well."

Stan turned red; though it was ten below, it was not from the cold.  "Thanks."

"I didn't know you played," Keanna interjected.

Lance interjected, "It's one of his better kept secrets.  He plays violin, and does so quite well."

Rae added playfully, "If he weren't so loquacious, it would be hard to miss."

The group laughed.  Kelly looked at Stan.  "You do play well, I have to say.  The music was very pleasant to hear."

He smiled.  "Thanks, again."

"You know," Lance added, "One of these days that second song is going to put a stop to a war."

The group chuckled on their way back to their respective rooms.  Even though they retired later than usual, what they had heard was refreshing, and they slept peacefully to the morning.