by Unknown
Amazingly, as parts of the Messiah were performed, the assembled chorus and audience joined in and gave it their all. Most of the crew had already learned each of the parts with each chorus, and when begun, the different voices could clearly be heard as if a 1,500 person choir were singing as one. The hanger resonated with the sound of each note.
But the best had been reserved for last. With a flurry of sound from the orchestra and the singing of the chorus, a large Christmas tree was suddenly lighted on the barn-like stage. It was surrounded by beautifully wrapped boxes covered with bright bows. As the lights came up further, four of the soloists came out on stage in red Santa-like suits, along with several children. As if on cue, the giant hangar doors opened to reveal the myriad of stars of the galaxy through the barn doors. Immediately the atmosphere inside the hangar changed, and snow began to fall on all of the participants. Dressed in his red outfit, Hadaie began to sing White Christmas. He was joined by the other three soloists and finally everyone in the hangar. Even the off-Earth crewmembers were singing along and sharing the joy they felt with their friends.
For the Therans seated in the front row, the sounds and sights were overwhelming. Each was amazed at the zest for life the people from the Alliance, and particularly Earth, displayed. For Rokka and Shala, it confirmed all the good things they had learned from Mike and Jo and opened up whole new ideas for them both. They were looking forward to a long relationship with them.
For the Angelans, it was their first taste of life with a whole new group of people. Olena sat spellbound as she listened to Hadaie sing along with the others. She began to feel very good about the new future placed before her.
As it had for centuries, the Holiday Season had capped off another year. But this year was different. Not only had they brought a little happiness to the friends and families in the Lexington crew, but they had brought some of that joy to new friends in a world very far from home.
The End