Post 414: Surprise, Surprise

Stardate: 70821.21.00
Title: Surprise Surprise
Author: Simon Biggs
Scene: Seven
Time: 1900 Hours (Current day)
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Simon had entered Seven with his keyboard in hand, ready to set it up with the other instruments. Lt. Grace greeted him as she sat on the edge of the small stage, tuning her guitar. Ensign Benjamin Stratton from Engineering adjusted the symbols on his drum kit as they prepared for their last remaining band member to arrive, as one of tonight's guests of honor.

"You're late, Biggs!" Trick London exclaimed.

Simon replied, "Sorry, I had to change the angles on some of the surveillance cameras in the hall so we can see where Blane and T'Ana are, and be ready for them."

Simon put the stand up and placed his keyboard on it and started to play the Monty Python theme song for a warm up, drawing a giggle from Lt. Grace, who looked happier tonight than Simon could ever remember having seen her before.

The rest of the band joined in merrily and the whole of Seven forward cheered for them. Trick hurried up to the stage, "Hey you guys, they're almost here everyone hide!"

Suddenly all the lights went out and everyone went silent.

Lieutenants T'Ana and Blane came through the doors of Seven along with the Captain. They all walked toward the middle of the room and acting Captain Zanh said the secret words:

"So I figured, it was high time we started some special traditions of our own around here."

The lights turned on and everyone jumped out and shouted "SURPRISE!"

Lily, TC and Zanh all nearly jumped out of there skin, and the party was on.

Simon and the band started to play an intro of sorts, and then the Captain stepped up to the microphone and invited everyone to raise their glass, whatever they were drinking. Trick and Jeaq circled the room with glasses of champagne, and Zanh held her glass of sparkling cider high and then spoke.

"I'll make this quick, because no one likes speeches at parties," everyone laughed. "To T'Ana and Blane, our new Chief of Sciences and Chief Operations Officer, respectively. Congratulations on your promotions. I'm going to see to it personally that you work your tails off."

Again the audience chuckled. "But seriously, I couldn't ask for two more capable and able officers to run departments on this, the finest ship in the fleet. It is my honor to serve with you all. I salute you.."

"Cheers!" everyone toasted and then the band began to play once more, with Lily joining her mates on stage and picking up her bass. They took some requests from the crowd, and played a few songs by Dire Straits, Queen, Sting and lastly, a few trance songs. Simon loved playing the trance songs especially Knopfler's Wild Theme.

-----------------later----------------------

"And now we shall hear a little solo from Lt. Commander Lair." Simon announced, and everyone clapped and cheered for her as Lair sang along with a holographic pianist.

Simon walked down to the bar and grabbed a couple of drinks and went to a table with his pals when the captain walked up with T'Ana and Blane.

"Well done. Good choice of music," said Blane

"I've got a new instrument I've been practicing " Simon said, surprising everyone around the table

"What's that then, Biggles? Zanh asked curiously.

"That’s Ensign Biggles to you, Captain," he teased.

"Watch it, sunshine!" was Zanh's half-joking reply.

Simon laughed, then got up and went back to the stage along with his band to play one last song this time with every one watching curiously to see what Simon was about to play. He pulled out a case and opened it , taking out a saxophone and said "Ta-da!"

"Ooooooooo" said the audience and Simon's fellow band members. Simon had practiced with a holo singer and rehearsed a couple of songs. He brought the holo-singer online now, and the rest of the band played along.

"Lift me, won't you lift me above the old routineMake it nice, play it clean, Jazzman. . ."

Simon continued to play wild JAZZ with flair.

"When the Jazzman's testifyin'
A faithless man believes
He can sing you into paradise
Or bring you to your knees

It's a gospel kind of feelin'
A touch of Georgia slide
A song of pure revival
And a style that's sanctified

Jazzman, take my blues away
Make my pain the same as yours
With every change you play
Jazzman, oh, Jazzman

When the Jazzman's signifyin'
And the band is windin' low
It's the late night side of morning
In the darkness of his soul

He can fill a room with sadness
As he fills his horn with tears
He can cry like a fallen angel
When risin' time is near
Jazzman, take my blues away
Make my pain the same as yours
With every change you play
Oh, lift me, won't you lift me with every turnaround
Play it sweetly, take me down, oh, Jazzman

JAAAAAAZZ MANNN. . ."

Simon finished playing and the whole room cheered with thunderous applause lasting several minutes.

He finally saluted from the stage with a grin. "Thank you, and goodnight!"

Ensign Simon Biggs
Security Officer
USS INDEPENDENCE