Twas the shift before Christmas, when all through the ship
Not a thing was stirring, not even a blip.
The stockings were hung by the hatches with care,
In hopes that small gifts soon would be there.

The crew were nestled all snug in their bunks,
While those still awake wished they were drunk
And Captain in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled ourselves for a nice long nap.

When out of the com there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the terminal I leapt like a deer,
To open the link and a confirm my worst fear.

The crew on the bridge that dark lonely night
had seen something ominous, lookin’ for a fight, 
When, I looked upon that the bright glowing plot
there rested a ship I wish I’d forgot.

With a snap of command, “It’s them, prepare to fire!”
this moment I knew would be quite dire.
As we got closer and closer I feared,
suddenly com called out something quite queer.

"Now listen here, Mantie, we’re not here to fight!
We wish to share with you on this cold xmas night.”
I was stunned, what was this? She was quiet too
Was this offer too good to be true?

“Dear Haven ship, while your words sound quite tempting,
why should we even try to be accepting?”
The silence was tense and the ship ever watchful,
When the reply came, it made us quite thoughtful.

"Dear Manticoran, we are tired of war,
please share with us in this day we adore.”
As I turned to the Captain, and she nodded “yes”,
I gave a nod and the wish was now blessed.

The Peep captain came over to say his hellos
Dressed up all nice, he seemed very mellow. 
A small pack he carried at his side,
And he looked around as it was held with pride.

“Thank you Captain for catching my drift,
Now do your Marines wish to check my gift?”
I stared at the package; the marines gave it a poke,
And when it didn’t explode, they made a small joke.

With the atmosphere set and the tables made up nice,
It was time for us to pay a price. 
The Peeps came aboard and they mingled and chattered
About their wives and even the ‘weather.’

I shared many laughs with their tac.
While our main com officers got quite a bit smashed.
Oh how different this night now was!
With the enemy here giving cheers and applause!

To all of the crew it ended too soon,
Around the time which civvies call noon.
And as I watch that ship get away,
I reflect on what happened this fine day.

We may not be friends, nor the angels or saints,
In fact even we might draw some complaints.
And while few may approve of what we did late last night,
We all did and it felt just quite right.