"So you're telling me, you have a whole holiday where you dress up, yell and get drunk?"
"Yeap! I'm so excited, Neelix is letting us use the galley to make Hamentashen as long as we make enough for everyone to come to party. They're going to be way better than the replicator ones!" the ensign explained excitedly from inside the panel to their boss B'Elanna Torres.
"Honestly this has some Klingon vibes to it."
Ensign Rappaport chuckled. "Normally we're compared to Vulcans so I'll appreciate the diversity." They shut the panel and got their feet.
"I hope you're planning on coming? We really have invited everyone. Tom said in exchange for the cookie dough and the role of the king he'd convince the captain to play Esther. Chakotay is gonna be Haman and we're still hoping to get Tuvok to play Mordecai. We still need a Vashti if you're willing."
"Tell me about her again?"
"She's the king's first wife, but when she refused to be sexually harassed by the king at a party, she's forced into exile. She's kinda the traditional feminist icon of the Megillah."
B'elanna smirked, crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, I appreciate that you thought of me to play a character like that." The half Klingon thought for a moment. "Oh sure, why not, but I get to help write Tom's lines."
Ensign Rappaport beamed. "We'd love your help, thank you so much lieutenant!"
——————-
Ensign Rappaport sniffed the jar and gagged. "Neelix are you sure this is jam? Do you literally any others?"
"Well of course, but that one happens to be my favorite! It's a lot better when paired with something sweet," the Talaxian insisted, taking the jar.
The other Jewish crew members were working away at the dough, figuring out substitutions to avoid overuse of the replicators. This party was going to require a lot of alcohol, and they were hoping to replicate at least some of their favorites and traditional wines like Manischewitz so people wouldn't be forced to start with synthehol.
Ensign Rappaport was digging through, sniffing at and tasting the other jams when Tom Paris entered the dining room.
"Is cookie dough ready for the king yet?" he asked, mimicking a regal tone.
Ensign Rappaport popped her head out of the jars long enough for Neelix to see her roll her eyes. She shifted over to lean out towards Tom.
"Only if you've learned how to pronounce your name!"
"Ah... ah-shoe... hmm, ah-shoo-hairs."
"Closer this time! Ahasuerus."
Tom tried again to repeat. "Ah-ha shoe-air-ess."
Ensign Rappaport shrugged. "Eh that's probably close enough, just remember to mumble your name."
She walked over to the others, who handed her a small bowl with a ball of cookie dough in it. She passed in along to Tom along with a spoon, and he dug right in.
"We should have all the parts written out if you want to practice." She grabbed a PADD she had left on a nearby table and handed it to Tom. He took it in one hand as he continued to shovel dough into his mouth with the other.
——-
The holodeck had been set up as a large amphitheater, a few minimal props and set pieces present on the stage. Backstage was lowered so the audience wouldn't be able to see it. Tom was already perched on his throne, adorned in a purple tunic, ornate crown and styled beard. B'Elanna was pacing, wearing her own smaller crown and gold robes.
"Relax honey, the ensign said it would be fine if we had to check the PADD during scenes. It's all supposed to be low pressure," Tom said, leaning forward.
"I know, but I'm still worried I'm gonna be culturally insensitive somehow." She looked out at the audience that was already gathering. "I wish we could start drinking now too."
"Don't worry, they promised they'd keep some of the good stuff set aside for us," Tom reassured her with a playful smirk.
Chakotay appeared from somewhere below the back side of the stage, dressed in red and an oversized triangular hat. B'elanna visibly stifled a laugh with her hand.
"Is something funny lieutenant?" Chakotay raised an eyebrow with his own playful expression.
"No sir, not at all!" B'elanna responded, letting herself laugh out loud. Tom chuckled a little too.
Chakotay took off the hat for a moment to look at it himself. "I was told it's the most mandatory part of the costume." He placed it back on his head and sighed. "Well, if this is what it takes to support our Jewish crew members, I've had to do worse."
He reached into his tunic and pulled out a wooden groger. "Have you seen these things? They replicated them for tonight." He held it out to B'Elanna, who took it and examined it.
"You spin it," he instructed, and the half-Klingon did so. She was surprised by how much sound it made. Chakotay held his hand out to take it back.
"Apperently you're suppose to spin it and yell when anyone says my characters name."
"I do appreciate the audience participation aspect of this," B'Elanna admitted.
Ensign Rappaport called for everyone to get seated as she headed towards the stage. Chakotay gave an encouraging smile. "Break a leg out there, you two!"
————-
Ensign Rappaport served as the MC. She stared off by explaining the audience should boo and make as much noise as possible when Haman's name was said, and that they should cheer Mordecai's name.
Rappaport worked the crowd, practicing each response. She climbed down behind the stage smiling and slightly out of breath from yelling.
"Alright, Tom, B'elanna, Chakotay, other party characters, you're on!" Ensign Rappaport walked past them, patting several of the other ensigns on the back in encouragement. She headed toward the captain, who was sitting on a stone bench and working on her make up with a hand mirror.
The ensign blushed. "Sorry there aren't any proper dressing rooms. We thought the amphitheater set up would bring out the tradition aspect of things, but it definitely has it's drawbacks."
"At ease Ensign, I'm here to help, not to tell you how to celebrate this important holiday." She finished her lipstick and smiled up at the ensign.
Rappaport nervously returned the smile. Not having spent much time this close to the captain before, the ensign was suddenly regretting the fact she had put herself in a position to literally direct the person who ran the entire ship.
"Well perhaps I can hold up the mirror? Just to make things a little easier."
"Alright, but only if you keep the mirror on my good side," the captain teased, still trying to get the ensign to lighten up.
Rappaport chuckled nervously and picked up the mirror from in front of the captain and held it face high.
"Thank you, I just need to finish my eyes."
The ensign nodded. "Of course." She nervously smiled again, trying to fight her urge to provide a time check. To her surprise, the captain didn't seem to need one. She moved with speed and precision. After applying her eyeliner she checked in. "I'm not used to stage make up, but I feel like it should be darker."
"Oh yes, if you make the eyeliner a little heavier it'll help your eyes pop more further back," Rappaport explained. The captain gave a single nod in response and got right to work. Almost as soon as the ensign could blink, she was finished.
"You look wonderful captain!" Rappaport cheered. She listened in to what was happening on stage and added "And you finished with time to spare!"
The captain smirked. "That's one of the practical skills you pick up as a captain. I can get ready in my dress uniform and full make-up in under five minutes. The shorter hair takes almost a whole minute off."
She stood and set a hand on the ensign's shoulder. "You'll be an expert too by the time you're a captain." She dropped her hand and began to walk towards the stage.
Rappaport stared after her.
"Me? Captain?" Rappaport stammered softly to herself, but there was something about Janeway that made you believe it was really possible.
———-
Seven was sitting somewhat uncomfortably with Harry, Tal Celes and a few others. They had waved to her and in general been fairly enthusiastic in a way that was difficult to ignore. At that point it would be have been "rude" to just walk past and sit alone. Tal Celes was dressed as some kind of large alien cat, Harry was dressed in a neon-based historical costume, and their festive dress made her feel out of place in her everyday bio suit.
She noticed Icheb walking into the holodeck and tried to maintain a higher level of restrain in the way she motioned for him to sit with her and the others from astrometrics. He noticed, smiled, and walked towards her. She was relieved that in this event that promised to be extremely loud and alcohol filled according to her research, she would have her adopted son's quiet and sober company.
"Hello everyone, chag Purim sameach as I believe is the customary greeting," Icheb greeted everyone as he sat beside Seven.
"I'm glad you finally arrived. As you can see Harry has already started drinking."
"Just getting in the holiday spirit!" Harry slurred, spilling half his current drink in the process. Seven frowned as it barely missed her.
Icheb, upon seeing Seven's response, decided to distract her by opening a tin he had brought along. "Here Seven, the ensign who is organizing this gave me and Naomi each several hamantaschen to enjoy during their performance."
He held it out in front of his adopted guardian. She took the tin with some caution and studied them for a moment before taking one. She took a small careful bite, looking pensive as she chewed. "Very sweet but admittedly lighter than I expected," she said, handing the tin back to Icheb, before taking another small bite. Icheb took a cookie himself and nibbled at them with Seven. It was nice to be sharing in a holiday tradition with her, even it wasn't one of his own. It made him feel a little bit more like he was part of a family.
A hush began to fall over the crowd as Ensign Rappaport appeared.
"Whooo! You go Ruthie!" A tipsy Celes cheered.
The ensign on stage explained how the system worked. Though Icheb hesitated to join in with crowd, after looking to Seven for approval, she gave an apprehensive single nod.
Icheb was thrilled, and though Seven was a bit sensitive to how loud it had got, the joy Icheb was experiencing finally convinced her to join in at half the volume too. Seven noticed Harry pouring more wine for the others and decided while she was attempting to celebrate the holiday, she might try another sip or two herself. Though she had every intention of being careful after the champagne incident, she leaned over and asked for half a glass, and he enthusiastically obliged.
As the play began, she took small sips and asked Icheb for another cookie.
———
The moment she entered the stage and the lights focused on her, Seven's mouth fell open in silent awe.
There she was, dressed in shimmering spring green, her storm cloud eyes evoking the same poise and control she always seemed to command. She truly embodied Esther, Queen of Shushan, savior of her people, and the most beautiful woman that could be found.
Seven was so enraptured by Janeway that when Mordecai's name was said and everyone cheered loudly, she startled and almost fell backward.
Icheb helped her catch her balance. "Seven! Are you alright?" He asked, louder than she wished he had. Harry and Tal Celes turned around in concern. She put a hand up to signal they should hold off as she wobbled back up to a sitting position.
"I just... I do not.. handle alcohol... well," she stammered, shocked a single glass over an hour could have inebriated her so substantially.
"You should gotta go back to your thingy...alcove," a drunker Harry said, trying to be helpful.
"Do you need someone to walk you? I can!" Tal Celes offered, blush revealing her inhibitions were still kicking in, but a few moments too late. She had to remember she was talking to her boss, and though she wanted to be helpful in general, she definitely specifically enjoyed the idea of helping a beautiful woman like Seven.
The young blond cyborg shook her head. "No no ... I wish ...to stay! I like... the play.." Seven murmured, trailing off and hoping no one noticed.
Harry shrugged and returned to watching the stage. Celes pretended to bring her attention back to the Megillah, but occasionally she stole what she mistakenly thought were stealthy glances at Seven. Icheb found it hard to not keep his attention away from his guardian as well, but Seven was already lost again in Janeway after just a heartbeat.
————
Loud music, the color of the lights slowly changing and swirling, the holodeck had been changed into party mode. The staggered seating was now all flat sand that led to the lapping waters of a beach. The stage had stayed intact, but now housed all the food, including two huge mounds of hamentaschen.
Seven watched with a strong ache of jealousy as Janeway, still dressed as Esther, served as the center of attention. She stood at the edge of the crowd, knowing she could force her way in, but what would be the point?
"Seven, would you like to dance?"
She was surprised by the voice of Tal Celes. The former drone looked over at the crewman and saw she was holding out a hand. Ensign Rappaport was standing with her arm around Tal Celes in a way that suggested she was holding them both up. The ensign was smiling, and it was clear that this was a group invite. Seven took a deep dramatic breath before nodding and taking the extended hand.
"Come on, it turns out the engineers are really fun when they're drunk." Celes explained, gently pulling her boss through the crowd.
Seven let the hint of a smile cross her lips. As annoying as Celes could be on duty, the former drone had to admit part of her appreciated her enthusiasm.