One starry night on the Marauder, the party was well under way. Echo's G-rated egg nog was "improved" when his back was turned while everyone was a good sport and willingly partook of Omega and Wrecker's Christmas cookies.

"What is this?" Phee asked, holding up one oblong cookie.

"It's a proton torpedo, with sprinkles!" Wrecker enthused.

"How creative." Phee replied as she took a bit. Stifling her choking, she gave Wrecker a thumbs up. "Good!"

In a corner, Crosshair's rifle was propped, dressed in garland and tinsel with Omega's trooper doll perched on top and Lula propped up underneath. Men's socks and one small girl's sock were tacked up on the wall around the "tree" in hopes that Saint Nicholas would soon be there.

And then there arose such a clatter. "All right, all right, simmer down. I'm pulling rank. The first song we play is my favorite."

'Fine."
"Whatever."

With that, Hunter happily played the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Christmas time is here,
Happiness and cheer,

"You're using my rifle for a tree, so I get to go next," asserted Crosshair.

"Fine, your turn." sighed Hunter.

Crosshair would have rather died than admit that his favorite carol was A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives, so instead he played his second favorite, You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch, rumored to have also been Mace Windu's favorite. "Your heart is full of unwashed socks" got Crosshair right in the feels.

"I'm next!" Wrecker bellowed, causing everyone to jump and slosh their egg nog (Echo still didn't suspect his nog was now PG or worse).

Everyone murmured their agreement as they wiped up their spills. Soon, Wrecker, Omega, and Echo were singing along in a very off-key "All I want for Christmas…is….Yoooooouuuuu, baaaabyyyyy…"

"My turn!" Tech announced, jumping up and staggering just a smidge. "You can never have too much Manheim Steamroller. Deck the Halls, please."

After the super-cheerful tunes of Manheim Steamroller, Rex raised his hand. "Excuse me, can we do mine next?"

"You don't have to raise your hand, Rex. Just shout everyone down like we do," a bleary-eyed Hunter noted.

"Un, fine. Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes, please." Presently, a loud chorus of "ring a ling a ling ding dong ding" arose, some of it even in time with the music.

When the music subsided… "Huntah?" Omega smiled.

"Again?"

Sweet smile. "Please?"

"Oh, all right."

I…don't want a lot for Christmas,
There is just one thing I need…

Omega, Wrecker, and Echo happily bounced along.

I just want you for my own,
More than you could ever know…

"I'm going to barf," Howzer moaned.

"Ring a ling ling ling ling ding ding...*hiccup*" sang Tech.

Omega frowned and peered into her cup. "Why does this egg nog taste fun-" Howzer's hand clamped over her mouth cutting her off.

"Run, Run, Rudolph, now!" barked Howzer. "Get the kid a soda!"

As the song concluded, Tech, slumped in his chair, raised his cup. "Ding ding!"

"My turn," Phee announced. "Last Christmas." Phee sang along with George Michael, giving an oblivious Tech a pointed look.

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart,
But the very next day, you gave it away,
This year, to save me from tears…

"I'll give it to someone special!" boomed Howzer, winking at Phee. She winked back.

"There won't be snow in Africa this Chrishmish time." informed Tech.

Wolffe stood awkwardly in the corner observing the merry chaos. This was Wolffe's very first party, and he had no idea what to do. What did one do at a party? Who is in command? Apparently not Hunter, who was slumped in his chair nursing his cup of egg nog, humming along to the Charlie Brown Christmas music regardless of what else was playing.

What were Wolffe's orders? What is the procedure? Wolffe had spiked the egg nog with a particularly potent rum found only on Ryloth because Howzer insisted that was the correct party procedure.

Should he speak up? Should he request a song? No, that was a bit…social. Best to stay here and observe. There might be a report to fill out later.

But in the back of Wolffe's mind…there lurked the song he longed to belt out.

Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree for me,
I've been a awful good girl,
Santa baby…

It made Wolffe feel giggly and flirtatious, and Clone Commanders were not giggly and flirtatious, at least not where anyone could see.

Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

While Howzer and Phee slow danced to Bruce Springstein's Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, Echo subtly made his way to the comm panel and put Mariah Carey on repeat. Chaos and threats of violence commenced.

"Serves you right for spiking my egg nog!" Echo yelled over to Howzer. Howzer in response began shout-singing,

We three Clones of Orient are…

He was joined by Hunter and Tech who both basically sang just random words:

Shuttle!
Blaster!
Hyshpershpace!

Silently watching this, arms folded as usual, peppermint flavored toothpick in mouth, Crosshair smiled to himself. There was a reason why he rarely drank, and he absolutely did not like egg nog, much preferring peppermint mochas. While Echo and Howzer sang-argued, Crosshair slipped over to the comm panel, and soon the happy tunes of Holly Jolly Christmas rang out.

Have a holly, jolly Christmas,
And when you walk down the street,
Say hello to friends you know,
And everyone you meet.

"Hey!" both Echo and Howzer protested. Crosshair, though, was back in his usual spot and in his usual position as if nothing had happened. Did someone change the music? Oh well.

In the middle of the ruckus, Wrecker staggered outside, neglecting to see that the socks had been filled with candy and other gifts. Climbing up on top of the Marauder , he announced to the universe, "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Chris-." Stopping suddenly, Wrecker froze, and there, flying away was a sleigh drawn by eight tiny reindeer. Santa looked back and waved. Wrecker rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

What the hell is in that egg nog?