7th Kind 1: Christmas in Dreamland by Cheryl Dragon

the lab.
    As they walked into her territory, Charlie spotted Meg sucking a candy cane. Her dress was perfectly on theme, green with little red flowers.
    “Merry Christmas.” He kissed her on the lips.
    “You, too!” She kissed Ike and Henry, as well. “So what’s the big surprise?”
    Charlie wondered if the relationship felt normal yet. For years, they’d doubted they could find a woman who’d fulfill their alien needs and relationship model. Finally, they had, but that didn’t mean it would be easy for her to adjust.
    “Why don’t you be patient?” Ike threaded tinsel into her ponytail.
    “No! Stop playing.” She walked away from the troublemaker. “Whatever it is, there better be enough to go around.”
    Charlie put an arm around her. “Of course. Look, it’s the holidays. It’s just dinner. A nice home-cooked meal—or as close as we get to it here.”
    Just then, the lab doors opened and a row of cooks walked in carrying heavy trays.
    “How did you get them to do this?” she asked.
    “Your guests can’t go to the mess hall, even under guard. It’s too exposed. So we brought a holiday meal to them.” Henry nodded to the pod.
    “That’s so sweet. They haven’t been very chatty. They don’t know exactly where they were, and their guards weren’t very open. They endured interrogations and tests. I think they just want to see Liz.”
    “A good meal can’t hurt them.” Ike shrugged.
    She smiled. “You’re all so nice. They don’t celebrate Christmas, but they might as well get into the spirit because Liz does.”
    “I think she wants to be alone with us.” Charlie winked at Henry.
    Meg blushed and adjusted her glasses. “Stop it. I love being with you guys, but it’s the holidays. I really appreciate you including them. We can be alone all night.” She opened the door.
    Charlie shook his head. As she’d promised, the door wasn’t locked. The aliens could close it for privacy, but they weren’t locked in except for security posted outside the lab doors. The woman had courage and conviction. Before they all knew it, they’d love her. Charlie now truly admired her.
    “Come on out and stretch your legs. Dinner and some holiday fun.” She pointed the way.
    The cook staff hustled out of there quickly when the aliens emerged. Charlie wondered what they’d say if they knew part of the security team had the same alien DNA.
    “Get started. I’ve got one thing to grab.” Meg headed to her office.
    Charlie and Henry exchanged curious looks. Then Meg returned with a big bowl and two containers. She poured one fully into the bowl and added a ladle. Then she mixed in some liquid from the other bottle.
    “Eggnog?” Ike asked.
    “I didn’t make it too strong.” Meg grabbed a cup and began serving.
    “Eggs are for breakfast. Not drinking.” One of the aliens stared at the liquid.
    Meg giggled. “Eggs can be a lot of things. This is a creamy drink with some alcohol. I had it sent along on the last supply run.”
    “You’re getting the aliens drunk?” Charlie shook his head.
    “No, not drunk. But I know they’ve probably never had it unless Liz gave them some. It’s Christmas. I didn’t have presents bought for you guys or anything. This is all I could think of for a treat. The lab guys ate all of my mom’s fudge before they left.” She shrugged and handed out more cups.
    Ike took a sip and nodded. “They should probably eat dinner first.”
    Meg nodded. “Let’s dig in.”
    The group of eight sampled ham, roast turkey, stuffing, rolls and green beans, and soon, the food was gone. No one talked of abductions or experiments. The worry was forgotten. Everything one wanted in a holiday was there. Still Charlie felt bad for his fellow aliens, but he’d been in lockdown and under quarantine once upon a time, too. Three years was hard and scary for children. Hopefully, the new aliens’ confinement would be shorter.
    “I’m stuffed.” Meg didn’t look an ounce heavier, but