lateness: (251)
𝚃 𝙷 𝙴 _ 𝙳 𝙾 𝙲 𝚃 𝙾 𝚁 . ([personal profile] lateness) wrote in [community profile] ximilialog2021-12-12 02:57 pm

OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

CHARACTERS: the doctor (12), the doctor (11), clara oswald, river song, and all of you
LOCATION: the mess hall, the kitchens, the simulation room
DATE: december 24th, 25th
CONTENT: team tardis throws a big christmas party for the station
WARNINGS: none for now, will warn as needed (no fires!!!)

PART I
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ...

1.0 Inside the kitchen and mess hall, Orbers will find the entire place decked out to the nines (Or elevens! Hohoho). No one knows how this all came together, but you will find almost everything Christmas related decorated along the walls and tables.

Hanging all around the walls are blue Christmas stockings! Each stocking will have the name of Orber etched in gold knitting. Inside each stocking is an array of personalized treats (if your character is a smoker, for example, then they will find a pack of cigarettes, a lighter, etc.)

On the tables at each place setting there are various coloured paper crowns for Orbers to decorate on their head – courtesy of Clara Oswald and her assistant, the Doctor (the chinny one) – and Christmas crackers to share with friends. Go on, then! Pull that cracker, see the assortment of sweets and surprises you’ve received. As far as refreshments go, there is plenty to share amongst everyone! There is eggnog, "naughty" eggnog, cookies, cakes, candy canes and sugar gumdrops. It is a downright delightful spread of treats to indulge and tide you over for before you feast with your teammates.


2.0 Before the main feast is prepared, there are plenty of activities to keep you (or a friend or two) occupied. Do you see those Christmas trees on almost every corner of the station? Yeah, the Doctor(s) got awfully distracted (something about if a hot dog is a sandwich) and these bare trees could use some decorative love. Or perhaps you can express your creative talents in the kitchen, where you may want to test out a new recipe to share with the rest of the class. Whether it be a savoury or a sweet dish, there is sure to be at least one person who might like it.

There is also a magician’s kit lying around if you want to take a crack at learning a few new tricks to show off to others! Or if you wish to partake in any group activity, there is a stack of board games and a deck of cards to play a friendly game of Go Fish! Who knows? The game-world’s your oyster.


3.0 By evening, the mess hall will be set up with napkins and plates and cutlery of varying Christmas-y colours. It isn’t perfect, but nothing ever really is, is it? Especially after the Doctor (the cross Scots one) might have very nearly burned the kitchens down a little earlier – something about improving the heat for the roast. Still, it’s finally time for the Christmas feast! And oh, what a smell there is wafting through the large space. There’s plenty of delicious food to go around – especially using much of the ingredients that had come in through the last supply drop. There are varying plates of savoury and sweet dishes, some recognizable, some a little more ... eclectic (you use what space ingredients you’re given, after all), but all of what the hosts have prepared look ... surprisingly edible, some of it even delicious. Roast veg, gravy, stuffing, biscuits, gingerbread, hot cocoa, marshmallows, something mulled, and sweets!

Of course, the more food, the merrier! If you’ve taken part in the cooking and baking from earlier, arriving with your own special Signature Dish, the Doctors (yes, both of them!) will be so pleased to see it join the rest of the feast.

And for those who might have run across the Doctor’s enthusiastic ramblings on Jammie Dodgers at one point will finally get a chance to try them. They’ll be stacked up to resemble a tree on a plate, sprinkled with (edible) glitter in blue and silver.


PART II
SIMPLY HAVING A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TIME

4.0 Christmas Morning finds everyone with an open invitation to the simulation room to attend a very merry Christmas morning. Step inside and be taken away to a warm and cozy living room that is elaborately decorated for the holiday. You’ve been decorated for the occasion too, decked out in pajamas and a robe. With slippers to match, everyone that’s a part of Christmas morning will look like they’re ready to play their part in the festivities. There’s a fire crackling in the fireplace, the smell of cinnamon and clove in the air, and the distant sound of traditional Christmas songs playing on an antique radio over in the corner of the room. There’s also a tree, of course, one that almost seems too large to be in such a quaint place. It’s fully decorated, absolutely covered with a variety of kitschy ornaments like Santa Claus on a T-Rex or bears in tutus. There also happen to be ornaments of every single orber present on the station, presented in the form of ridiculous looking little elves.

Around the tree and scattered around the floor are opened gift boxes, wrapping paper strewn about. Toys from the boxes are discarded on the floor and around the room, plastic dinosaurs and robots that come to life when you wind them up. There are ridiculous looking squeaky alien toys, marshmallow launchers, and even a giant stuffed giraffe. Who could all of these toys belong to?

There also happen to be gifts beneath the tree for everyone. There aren’t any labels on the gifts so feel free to choose whichever one you like (but only one, there won’t be any greedy Scrooges here on Christmas!). No matter what size package that is chosen, big or small, there’s a sweater inside: an ugly Christmas sweater for everyone. One that can be put on over your pajamas to take part in an ugly sweater contest once everyone has unwrapped their gifts.

And of course no Christmas morning is complete without some sort of breakfast. Set up in the corner of the room is a small table with pastries and cocoa, with a big bowl of mini marshmallows. There’s coffee present too, for those that prefer their breakfast with a little less sugar. There’s plenty of seating around the living room to grab a leather chair or a spot on the fluffy couch. Or maybe sit in one of the red velvet chairs over by the windows to watch the slow and steady snowfall over a picturesque view of the British countryside.


5.0 As the events of the morning slowly come to an end, the simulation shifts to a quiet little town. There’s snow on rooftops and colorful lights lining buildings that manage to glisten and glow even in the daylight. The entire street is completely over the top with decoration; fresh garlands that smell of pleasant pine, miniature christmas trees decorated from top to bottom, and vibrant red bows are just about everywhere. There’s no hustle and bustle here, just a relaxed afternoon in the most Christmasy town ever.

The smell of cider and gingerbread baking are in the air, brought on by a bakery that’s open for a visit. Want to make a gingerbread house? There are materials set out to do that. There are things for gingerbread people too, if that’s more your bag.

There’s a bookstore filled with all kinds of books. If you’re not from Earth and are curious about Christmas, there’s plenty of children’s books on the matter waiting for you to enjoy. They’re set up on an elaborate display up front, though anyone is free to browse around and look through what else they have to offer.

A toy store, magician’s shop, and a boisterous pub round off the shops found on the street. There’s street vendors selling chestnuts that have been roasted over an open fire, wassail, and marshmallows for roasting. There’s also a band playing live music, Christmas carols of course. Join in and sing along or don’t. No one’s going to judge you either way. Take your time to enjoy everything or rush through because it’s too much Christmas, all in your face at once. Either way, the marketplace is present for hours in the afternoon and leading into the evening hours.


6.0 As night falls everyone is guided out of town and down a candle lit path that leads to a frozen over pond. It’s been set up for ice skating, with skates set aside for anyone that wants a pair. There’s baubles of lights set out all around the area, and the moon hangs high overhead. No seriously, the moon looks incredibly huge tonight. It’s blue glow reflects on the ice along with the warm yellow glow of all the lights. It’s a welcoming atmosphere, inviting anyone that’s brave enough to put on skates and take part.

The band from the Christmas market earlier are back to play throughout the night, playing quieter songs mixed in with lively pieces that are meant to get people speed skating around the ice.

Set a short distance away from the ice is a long table, with plenty of mismatched seats. Fairy lights twinkle overhead, and are also glowing from inside glass canisters that make up the centerpieces on the table. There’s dark blue galaxy dinnerware at every place, and a small feast spread out so no matter where someone sits there’s plenty within reach. It always manages to stay warm, and nothing ever seems to run out. It’s a perfect place to take a break and grab a quick meal, or just sit and chat with someone while you both enjoy a drink.

The area around the pond can be explored, so go crazy playing in the snow or whatever it is you want to do there. Just don’t wander too far off from the group. There may or may not be razor-toothed snowmen keeping you from going too far. They may hiss or blow snow in your face, but they probably won’t try to bite anyone.


🎄 After all of that is said and done, Orbers may find themselves drawn towards a small bonfire billowing from the center of this quaint little town. But it isn’t just the scent of warm Maplewood dancing underneath your nose. There sitting on top of a milk-crate is The Doctor (12) playing a jaunty little tune from his electric guitar. Orbers are more than welcome to sit around the bonfire and reflect on these past few months and where they might find themselves in the future.

If you find yourselves by your lonesome fear not! The Doctor (11) will be there offer you a hug (or smooch if you’re feeling saucy).

No matter what strife you have been through this year, just remember ...

Each and every one of your lives is a story. So best make it a good one.


hatejakku: (just so happy)

[personal profile] hatejakku 2021-12-16 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ah, the appearance of the Doctor (er, this Doctor, Mr. Cool, it's hard to keep up) always brings a smile to Finn's face. His happiness is infectious.

Anyway, Finn goes ahead and does as told, leaving a t-shirt on underneath seeing as the sweater looks a little thin for this weather. Never mind it's all a simulation. But he pops his head through it and looks down at himself with a little smile. ]


Thanks. And thanks for putting all this on. Happy Christmas to you, too.
firstroar: (ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇ)

[personal profile] firstroar 2021-12-16 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[Blue is able to keep his balance, hanging onto an arm with his free hand.]

Ah-- [he smiles, shaking his head.] No, I don't think that'd be a good idea. [he may be on borrowed stamina from Itachi, but that's not going to keep him from breaking something.]

You managed to catch yourself psionically. [...] With your Force, I mean. Your powers are improving by the day. [and Blue's happy to see it.]
firstroar: (pic#5951960)

[personal profile] firstroar 2021-12-16 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah-- thank you. [Blue reaches and takes the arm, getting to his feet with that help.] Have you already seen it? What some of the others are up to. Decorating.
catchatting: ([squarebox]TA2_38)

[personal profile] catchatting 2021-12-16 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Zari looks up with cartoonishly-feigned surprised. ]

Oh my gosh where did that come from?

[ And then she smiles at him and pats the seat next to hers in invitation. ]

Well, I'm pretty comfortable here, so I guess I'll just have to suffer the danger of being kissed by all the incredibly attractive people at this party. However will I handle that ordeal?
firstroar: (ʜᴇsɪᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴs)

[personal profile] firstroar 2021-12-16 10:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ghost-eyebrows lift with interest - a distant echo of those curious Mu children who swarmed Yzak.]

On the Earth you know...?
catchatting: ([squarebox]TA2_3)

[personal profile] catchatting 2021-12-16 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
With a warm laugh bubbling out of her, she skates closer and comes to rest against the edge of the rink right next to where he is on the other side. She's used to courting attention, so she doesn't feel self-conscious about being watched. On the contrary, she soaks it up, but it also gets her mask back up--the one she'd been starting to drop more and more because of John--and she's not sure if that's really progress.

"Oh, no no no. No jumps for me. I like have two functioning ankles, thank you." She inclines her head towards him. "Don't tell me you're done already."
flickerandfade: (005 »)

[personal profile] flickerandfade 2021-12-16 11:25 pm (UTC)(link)
"Layers?" Megatron asks, turning it over in his hands to peer at the title. He presses a button and the tablet lights up to the first page.

"Poetry? I appreciate it. I haven't had a chance to read anything new since they won't even allow me reading material that isn't approved and re-approved by my jailers. I've made do with a lot of classics, but... Well, it's one of the few pleasures I have left and..." Megatron trails off as he turns the first page to the dedication and there's a pause as he reads it aloud.

"Dedicated to the mech that taught me I was greater when I didn't hide my truth behind an armored shell. Thank you for showing me that it was the size of my spark that mattered and nothing else.

Also dedicated to those that helped me to find comfort in who I was and not who others wanted me to be."
The mech's voice fades.

Megatron's grip on the data-pad tightens and there's a creak of polymer before his grip eases. He turns away from Drift and without saying a word, he leans up against the bulkhead with one hand, shoulders hunched as he fights... something. It's a long moment before Megatron manages to find his voice again.

"You know who the author is, don't you?"
aurable: (pic#15241749)

[personal profile] aurable 2021-12-16 11:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Drift was afraid he had made a terrible mistake in the silence that followed Megatron reading the dedication. Something in the way the lights from the Christmas tree exaggerated the shadows playing across's Megatron's profile. Everything about the other mech seemed older, more worn down than the figure who still kept his head high and moved through life with a dignity a lifetime of regrets failed to snuff out.

"Of course," Drift replies cautiously as he remains the other put between them at a distance. "Ratty told me a while ago. Before these were published, he more or less implied Magnus- that Minimus was a favorite of yours."
winscenario: (twenty five.)

christmas eve

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-16 11:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Jim has never really celebrated Christmas, but he has to admit that the overall mood's been getting to him. He's gotten well into the spirit of it, making and putting up decorations, getting gifts for everyone he's gotten to meet here, and now even cooking for Christmas Eve apparently.

He's also dressed to match the theme, though it's a lot more discreet than some of the ugly sweaters he's seen around. He's opted for a dark green turtleneck instead, cozy black trousers, and of course, the yellow paper crown propped atop his head. He's also got an apron on because, well, he doesn't want to make a mess of his clothes. He's standing next to Bones, mostly paying attention to what the doctor is doing and following his instructions, having already cut up the potatoes and now that they're done boiling, getting ready to drain them over the sink. ]


What's next?
flickerandfade: (005 »)

[personal profile] flickerandfade 2021-12-16 11:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"Minimus was..." How does Megatron explain Minimus? He had started as another jailer, another stranger. He'd come to admire Minimus' forthrightness and dedication, his refusal to leave any matter less than thoroughly completed. The fondness Megatron had felt for him was immense. Megatron's frame feels heavier than it has in a long time and the way he sags and slumps seems so uncharacteristic of Megatron that one might convince themselves they couldn't possibly be looking at the same mech.

He had had to stop himself from saying something both of them would have eventually regretted more than once.

"I was very fond of him, Drift. He's a good mech." A mech who deserved better than a broken down old fighter who was soon to be dead or imprisoned.

"Thank you. Thank you very much for the gift."
Edited 2021-12-16 23:57 (UTC)
homeostatic: dnt (191)

[personal profile] homeostatic 2021-12-17 12:28 am (UTC)(link)
( He slides into that seat beside her with a low hum, like he's deeply considering her very worrying plight with all the seriousness it merits. She does look very pretty, framed by the silvery scene behind her. )

I don't know about 'incredibly' attractive, I think you're outshining the rest of us there. You'll make it, somehow, ( Leonard offers in assurance, tipping his face toward hers. )
catchatting: ([squarebox]TA2_15)

[personal profile] catchatting 2021-12-17 12:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ She beams at the compliment. Looking good has always been a part of her job, but she's not going to refute a compliment, especially not from a handsome doctor.

One who is she is very happy to lean into for that kiss, though she's not aiming for anything too steamy. It's not that kind of party.
]

At least if I have a medical emergency, I can put myself in your capable hands.
aurable: (013)

[personal profile] aurable 2021-12-17 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
"I know you are," Drift said with a knowing smile as he witnessed an all too familiar feeling try and fail to remain hidden beneath the layers of Megatron's own -self-imposed miserable stoicism.

Not sure what else to do, Drift hesitated before reaching out and placing a hand on Megatron's shoulder.

"He told me he promised you that he would destroy his arm—he made good on that. For you as much as for himself, I think."
hatejakku: (SMILING)

[personal profile] hatejakku 2021-12-17 02:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ Finn's just about to make a case for ice skating, something along the lines of "I'll keep you steady so you don't fall unless I fall then we'll both fall" or "just relax and sprawl so there's less of an impact." Thankfully, he's immediately distracted and smiles. ]

You think so? I've been trying to use it a little more lately. [ Being less scared, it's a good thing. ]
firstroar: (pic#5951989)

[personal profile] firstroar 2021-12-17 02:19 am (UTC)(link)
[while now is about the best time for Blue to be falling at all...nah.]

How does it feel? The connection. Have you been able to meditate in that space inside?
hatejakku: (omfg rey wtf)

2.B

[personal profile] hatejakku 2021-12-17 02:20 am (UTC)(link)
[ Finn had been wandering near the perimeter, too, curious about these reports of evil-looking snowman. Can confirm, they are evil-looking.

He kinda freaks out when he watches Yzak actually punch one, though. ]


WAIT--

[ And he's close enough to feel the gust that blows Yzak into a nearby snowbank. ]

Yzak!? Are you okay!? [ When did this become stressful? ]
coordination: (Seeking hot tongued man)

[personal profile] coordination 2021-12-17 02:22 am (UTC)(link)
I have. And I've been helping them out where tree decorating is concerned. Because there's a method to it!

[ Helping them, directing them like he's some kind of expert. ]
firstroar: (ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇ)

[personal profile] firstroar 2021-12-17 02:26 am (UTC)(link)
[his mouth tugs.]

That must be enjoyable...do you like decorating, Yzak?
coordination: (pack of emos)

[personal profile] coordination 2021-12-17 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
That's right.

The traditions obviously followed us to PLANT, too. But they originated there.

From the look of things, it seems it's just as familiar with a large portion of the crew.
hatejakku: (yeah man sure)

Christmas Day - Bookstore

[personal profile] hatejakku 2021-12-17 02:29 am (UTC)(link)
I'm not sure.

[ Finn has a few thin ones in hand already as he looks around. The simulation won't last long enough for him to get through a whole novel but he's excited to read something while he's here. Something new and different than the, like, five things they have on the station. ]

These stories are all new to me. They look cute, though.

[ He indicates one in his hands that include flying animals and children with bells on their shoes dancing around an old man in a red suit. ]

And... pretty weird. I don't really get it.
coordination: (I am married and it isn't going well)

[personal profile] coordination 2021-12-17 02:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ IT BLEW ON HIM FIRST, OKAY!! IT HAD IT COMING!!! ]

Ugh.

[ It's fine, he's fine! As he pulls himself out of the snowbank and makes a face at Finn. Because someone actually witnessing that is what's actually NOT fine, here. ]

I'm fine! Of course I'm fine! Stupid enchanted ... why are these things even here!?
firstroar: (ᴅɪsʙᴇʟɪᴇғ)

[personal profile] firstroar 2021-12-17 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
[that's right...the timelines of our threads are crossing and the topics are merging...DO NOT COME AT ME IF I FUCK THIS UP.]

Is that not strange? Human natures are one thing, but...shared traditions? Histories?
hatejakku: (wow)

I

[personal profile] hatejakku 2021-12-17 02:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Finn had been hanging back during the party, mingling when he wanted but mostly just watching what everyone else was doing. He did much the same during Halloween.

But when Dean stops by him, Finn has a little laugh about the apron before trying one of the meatball things and oh kriff-- ]


That is so good.

[ He takes another if Dean doesn't swipe the plate away. ] What are these?
bindsthedead: (Art-Notice; Almost a smile)

Sabriel | Old Kingdom | OTA

[personal profile] bindsthedead 2021-12-17 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
Christmas Eve, stockings

[Sabriel's first thought is to wonder why they're only giving them one sock instead of a pair, particularly when it clearly doesn't fit.

Closer inspection of the stocking makes things much more clear, and Sabriel is delighted with the contents of hers- a notebook and pen, along with some toffee and a new pair of gloves.]


That's thoughtful. Did they pick out different things for everybody?

[That's... thoughtful. That or someone in the crew is alarmingly observant. And why in stockings, of all things.]

And are we supposed to wear the stocking afterwards?

[That sounds like the kind of bizarre holiday tradition people here would love.]

Christmas Day, ice skating

[This brings back happy memories of her time at school, of eagerly waiting as the days grew colder for the pond to freeze over, so they could skate.

Sabriel grabs a pair of skates as soon as she spots them and is quickly gliding over the ice- and coming to a quick stop if she sees someone struggling.]


Do you need some help?

Christmas Day, dancing

[Music in the air, a crackling bonfire, little lights twinkling on all the buildings- only one thing's missing. So Sabriel finds someone she knows- or maybe someone she doesn't, who seems like they might be receptive, and takes their hand with a shy smile.]

Would you like to dance?

[Sabriel is, in fact, a good dancer, although her idea of 'modern and cutting edge' is things like the tango and the Charleston.]

Christmas Day, gift giving

[If you know Sabriel- really, if you've exchanged more than a few words with her- you might find her approaching you with something, carefully wrapped in dark blue paper, and tied with a silver ribbon.]

This is for you.

[Sabriel's gifts are, in general, practical things, tools and weapons she's enchanted with Charter magic, or nonfiction books about either magic or various skills, although if she's noticed a particular food someone likes, or a hobby of theirs, that will probably be part of the gift too.]
hatejakku: (little smile)

[personal profile] hatejakku 2021-12-17 02:49 am (UTC)(link)
It feels-... [ Geez, he doesn't know how to describe it. ] It feels deeper than I imagined. Larger.

But I have. It's helped so much. And Luke's helped, too. Have you met him yet? He just arrived a week or so ago.