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.


morethan084: (leanon(2))

[personal profile] morethan084 2021-12-17 07:48 pm (UTC)(link)
That sounds depressing.

[Sometimes she can be blunt, but she’s pretty sure he wouldn’t disagree with her. Who the hell wants only a month of warmth? It’s part of the reason Daisy moved to the west coast.

Tilting her head to look up at him when he laughs, Daisy’s nose wrinkles at his question.]


Not really.

[She admits, before quickly adding…]

I’m not really a fish person. Unless it’s sushi. How did your mom teach you to make it?
calmness: (gather myself ☁︎)

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-17 08:29 pm (UTC)(link)
It gets easier with practice. [xichen offers, amusement in his eyes twinkling before the softness returns.

it takes him a moment to realize his mistake with the drink and that softness melts to concern, as he lifts a hand as if preparing to help finn if he does choke and drops it when it's clear the other is shocked, but unharmed.

the other dangers of alcohol, go figure.]
I apologize, I should have warned you. [his smile is sheepish before he lets out a wry laugh.] I'm burning off the alcohol, so forgot its strength.
calmness: DO NOT USE (plays out before me ☁︎)

3.0 feasting!

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-17 09:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Speaking during meals is for-- [it's an automatic response that xichen lets trail off, as he looks up from his food and offers newton an apologetic glance.

he's taken all of his meals without speaking out of life-long practice but he doesn't expect that of anyone not from his sect. which is no one here. so, sheepishness colors his features.]
I apologize, it's habit to recite the rules from home.

[and he's sect leader so the one to enforce them! but, back to sheepishness.] I would lay with you if you request it but why are we forgetting the world? [and oops that sounds more risque than he intended.]
coordination: (my blow up doll only wants to be friends)

[personal profile] coordination 2021-12-17 09:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Fair enough. Although I don't think we're from the same universe, maybe similar beats like this occur somehow despite having different roots?

It still confuses the hell out of me, too.
calmness: by bangparty (in thought ☁︎)

ii. ice skating

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-17 09:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ice skating is something xichen enjoys back home, when the lakes in the mountains freeze over in the winter months.

he's taught his brother, then his nephew and the young disciples of the lan sect before. so, watching as dean struggles -- well, he can't help but feel the need to help.

he manages to skate up to dean's side as he teeters, but is not so fast that he stops the man from falling. he looks apologetic at that but does offer both hands to the other to help him up.]
Are you alright? [he tilts his head, offering a very gentle tease when dean's recovered.] Looking ahead instead of at your feet may help prevent another fall.
calmness: DO NOT USE (falling apart ☁︎)

stockings

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-17 09:12 pm (UTC)(link)
[xichen is looking at his own gift, a set of brushes and paint that he's quite pleased with, when he looks up at sabriel.

the gift is thoughtful, similar to hers but different and tailored to him.]
It looks like they did. Everyone so far that I've seen has received a gift suiting them.

[elthree got oil, from his understanding, and xichen's glad that wasn't what everyone received.

the matter of stockings though--]
Ah, I am not certain. We don't have such a holiday.. but if the stockings are meant to be discarded it seems like a waste. [which is worrying.] It would be strange to only wear one, no? Though... not as strange as other traditions.
unbreachable: bangparty (Default)

[personal profile] unbreachable 2021-12-17 09:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He nods, a small smile on his face. Newt really does know everyone. ]

Yeah, we're from the same place. Roughly the same time.
calmness: (oooooo ☁︎)

christmas day

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-17 09:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[xichen's taken to the comfort of modern clothing after observing so many of his shipmates. he still can't quite understand why people wish to wear such tacky and bright colored sweaters though. his own is a pale blue with white snowflakes.

he looks more tired that he did during his time in the infirmary when he passes doctor mccoy, tucked away and looking quite comfortable with a very bright sweater and creature on him.]
Doctor, you -- is that pile of wool purring? [which is forward but forgive him, he's tired and there are bags under his eyes so someone's forgetting their manners.]
calmness: (Lan-Xichen-35)

2.0

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-17 09:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[at first xichen's not really helping with decorations as much as observing what his crew-mates are doing, hands tucked behind his back and dressed in modern slacks but a navy blue sweater with snowflakes on it that match the shade of his forehead ribbon. he's willing to help if asked but -- this isn't a holiday back home.

so happy to assist, but in need of guidance.

the tree seems easy enough and while some of his ornaments get moved, as he tends to group them together by color -- logically, it's going well.

he is tall and strong, though, so a good candidate for helping anyone reach up high --- still, the request is one that has him thrown off and he glances around for a moment before realizing, well.]
Ah-- I don't have my flute so only if you don't mind being physically lifted. [and there's that small bow in apology.]
calmness: by bangparty (in thought ☁︎)

5.0b

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-17 09:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[for all the drinking xichen has been doing lately, and not doing as he burns off the alcohol and doesn't take the leap to actually drinking, he's in places where alcohol is served a lot.

he has a mug of mulled wine this time, having discovered he likes the taste when someone pulls him out of -- well, looking into that mug contemplatively. great things he's considering like if he should stop burning off the alcohol itself, but that might involve dragging a companion on a flight through the forest or dancing on rooftops.

there's danger there! though fun to be had. he glances up, then chuckles because this fellow orber is one to have seen him actually drink.]
Would you believe me if I said I don't drink often enough to go to any establishments like this often? [says the man who takes a sip of wine.]
ruinously: made by @messenger (2021-10-31 13_59_12-Netflix — Mozilla Fi)

[personal profile] ruinously 2021-12-17 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Dean is more than happy to let Finn swipe a few, holding the tray steady. He recognizes the voice, remembers the whole meet the goal thing. Awk, but it's Christmas, and Dean's drank a little of the marsala cooking wine, so. yolo ]

Marsala meatballs. Badass, am I right?

[ Don't mind him tooting his own horn a little. ]
coordination: (just a Wilson to my Tom Hanks)

d a n c e !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[personal profile] coordination 2021-12-17 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Yzak is certainly dressed like he's ready to dance. Though that no dancing festivities have started until Sabriel approaches means he's just hanging out and watching the bonfire in the meantime.

He briefly, automatically starts to tug his hand away when grabbed, but upon realizing who it is, ]


Ah?

[ he settles a little. Though he does look down at their hands and fluster the slightest bit, before glancing around at the others. ]

So this is probably one of those 'just waiting for someone else to start' situations.
winscenario: (seventeen.)

4.0

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-17 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Jim's come to the simulation room with curiosity too, eyes having gone wide when he stepped in to see the extravagant decorations. It all looks exactly like an old-fashioned Christmas from a staged picture from over two hundred years ago, and he's even more delighted when he steps inside and immediately his clothes vanish to be replaced with cozy pajamas, a pair of striped pants and a grey sweater.

When he spots Finn by the tree, box in hand, he immediately goes over, sitting on the floor next to him. ]


Happy Christmas, [ He smiles, kissing Finn's cheek. Not that either of them celebrates Christmas, but it's in the spirit of the simulation. ] That's a cute sweater. Old, old videogame from Earth, by the way.
aurable: (pic#15232259)

[personal profile] aurable 2021-12-17 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Drift falls gracefully into the seat beside him and makes a small production of settling in, even rubbing his hands together despite not needing to. ]

You look like you're getting into the spirit. [ He looks out around the bonfire and smiles, ] And the others are getting into the spirits.
Edited 2021-12-17 23:06 (UTC)
winscenario: (hundred eighty two.)

mom friend

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-17 11:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Unlike most others, who're probably hitting that spiked eggnog a little too hard, Jim's current issues don't stem from drinking too much. Well, he has had a bit to drink, and he was on his way to a very comfortable buzz, which at most might have been the cause for his lack of attention when he grabbed the first dessert he could see, and ended up getting a mouthful of strawberries.

Martha happens to come across him just as he's starting to feel the first effects of what he very quickly recognizes as an allergic reaction. Face red and a little puffed, tongue swollen, he looks around in a panic, getting up a little too quickly in his rush to try and find Bones. He'd know right away what's happening to him. ]
winscenario: (ninety seven.)

happy holidays

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-17 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's been a nice, quiet couple of days. Aside from his quick detour to the infirmary to take care of an tiny unexpected little allergic reaction, of course, but he's spent the eve with Bones for the most part, helping with preparing food and just being generally Subtle and Not Gross At All, the morning having met up with Finn, then dragged Erik to the sim room after lunch. He's been with Erik until now, having parted briefly, just so he can greet a few familiar faces, which is what brings him to Newt's side. ]

For me?

[ His eyebrows raise, surprised by the offer, but he takes it with a smile. ]

Wow. Thanks... I left you one, at the lab. Don't know if you've seen it yet.
Edited 2021-12-17 23:24 (UTC)
winscenario: (hundred ninety five.)

24th, 18-22

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-17 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Jim isn't as startled by the ghostly presence as much as others might be, just glancing over with a bit of surprise but soon dissolving into a soft, amused laugh when he recognizes the voice that reaches out and rings in his mind. He looks back across the room, sending the answer through thoughts, or at least making his best attempt at doing so. He's been getting a lot of practice at that, between Blue and Finn.

Just relaxing. Having eggnog. I've had dinner, and I'll be helping Bones clear up in a bit. Where are you?
winscenario: (ninety seven.)

3.0

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-17 11:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It turns out that Jim's the one he ends up bumping into. He lets out a surprised sound, his plate wobbles and maybe just a bit of his food tips over and falls to the ground, but Jim's concern over any potential mess doesn't last. ]

Xichen! [ He beams at him, then notices how red his face is, the tears in his eyes— then looks down at the food on his own plate. Ah. ] Overboard with the spicy food, huh? Come on, come with me. There's milk in the kitchen, that'll help.

[ The eggnog wouldn't be the worst choice necessarily, but there's nutmeg in that. So, probably best not to risk it. ]
winscenario: (hundred seventy six.)

3.0

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-17 11:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Jim's been enjoying the festivities more than he thought he would. He's in an appropriately festive dark green turtleneck that, by coincidence, matches McCoy's red sweater, and he's spent the few hours before the feast cooking with him too. (And yes, he is still wearing his bright gold paper crown.) Right now he's also down a couple of naughty eggnogs, and feeling maybe just a bit warm but not anywhere near drunk just yet.

He smiles when Clara approaches, looking down at the tray she's holding. He's not necessarily reticent about helping himself to the souffle, and it does smell pretty phenomenal, but... Jim has to worry about things that other people usually don't, so— ]


I'll help myself, but first I need to know what goes into these. Just to play it on the safe side, [ He says, then further explains. ] Allergies.
winscenario: (hundred seventy eight.)

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-17 11:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Much unlike the piece of technology that Megatron is reminded of, this particular tree does absolutely nothing to hide his huge form from... well, anyone here, friend or foe. Jim approaches with curiosity, mostly because he's met Drift in passing but is yet to greet the other Cybertronian he's seen around the station on occasion.

The fact he's currently studying the tree with such dedicated attention just gives him an opening to come and say hi.

"I'd ask if you need help reaching the higher branches, but I doubt you're running into that particular issue." You're big, mister.
winscenario: (twenty nine.)

I

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-17 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Jim has been in the kitchen for a while now too, preparing a potato casserole together with Bones, looking very cozy and happy with the doctor. He's dressed in less festive/blatant gear than Dean, his green turtleneck and the gold paper crown atop his head the only touches of festivity, but his apron is tragically black and graphic-less. ]

That smells good... [ He leans in next to Dean, peering at what he's doing. ] What is it?
winscenario: (hundred thirty three.)

closed to Erik

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-18 12:06 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's a little after lunch on Christmas day; Jim's been in the simulation room since morning, enjoyed the first simulation with the Christmas morning theme, and then moved on to visit the village before deciding that he would love to share this.

Christmas may not be something either of them really celebrate, but he doesn't want to waste the opportunity to create a new memory with Erik regardless. ]


Are you free today?

[ Just in case the answer to that message is 'yes', Jim is standing right outside Erik's door, knocking as soon as he gets that reply, a bag with gifts in his hand. ]
firstroar: (pic#6892344)

[personal profile] firstroar 2021-12-18 12:13 am (UTC)(link)
[hm...] Is it possible...there's a connecting thread...among all of us? Even those of us...who never knew Earth.
firstroar: (ʜᴇsɪᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴs)

[personal profile] firstroar 2021-12-18 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
The answer's loud and clear, and Blue's pleased to know Jim's pretty unfazed to respond as he does. It emboldens Blue to make a reach to see whatever it is Jim's focusing on in the moment, to borrow a bit of sight to see the things that aren't just colorful minds within the area.

In my room. Was the dinner good?
firstroar: (ɢᴜɪᴅᴇ)

[personal profile] firstroar 2021-12-18 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
[Blue would hesitate to agree, considering his lack of...creative vision and the hundreds of years lacking in it. but if Yzak's going to happily tell him what to do, that seems to be something that wouldn't be too much trouble.]

I'll follow your instructions...best I can.