ximilialog | OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

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.

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[ that draws on a low chuckle. ]

Buddy. What haven't we done?

There is no 'we'.

（ it isn't said defensively, or angrily. it's just simple fact. they are not alike, and itachi is not one to seek out a sense of camaraderie. ）

Point stands, Mr. Pedantic.

[ he meant we in the most general sense instead of itachi and erik, but go figure. he wonders if itachi realizes how much he reveals in these instances. ]

Neither have I.

[ Something, probably, quite unshocking.

He turns to face Sabriel, twisting his wrist the slightest bit so one hand is comfortably holding onto hers as he slips his other arm around her. ]

But you'll probably have that opportunity soon enough when you're married to royalty.

—which, by the way, I'm in no way attempting to infringe on with this! That should be obvious!

（ words mean things, erik!! itachi's scrutiny lasts on him another heartbeat and then slants away as one of the other members of the crew enters the far side of the common room. he watches them for a moment as they hunt for their stocking, and then, idly: ）

Then, to answer your question — no. I am not looking for either of those things.

['Humble' is not a word Sabriel would use to describe herself. She is Abhorsen, a position of considerable honor... but not one that exempts her from doing mundane tasks, like helping with cooking and other work around the station. And it is also a title that is meaningless to anyone outside the Old Kingdom, unless or until they have to deal with the Dead.]

I'll give you some when this party is over- I particularly like how the gingerbread came out.

[ which erik somewhat knew, tangentially. he was just wondering what itachi would admit to or say. either way, he files it in the back of his mind. it gives him a better perspective of where itachi is leaning. not a guarantee, of course. ]

I see.

[It's easy, to slip into the correct posture, and let her hands settle even as her feet start moving.]

Perhaps. Although I think both of us will be a little too busy with our duties to spend too much time at balls.

[At the mention of 'infringing', Sabriel just- laughs. An honest and relieved laugh, unlike the hysterical ones she's sometimes let loose on missions.]

Yzak, I know that! Besides, of all of the crew- you're the closest to a brother, to me.

[ The surprise is not sexual. Not necessarily anyway, it's not as if Jim's ever going to say no to sex with Finn. But no, what he has for Finn are some nice, hopefully touching gifts.

Before he gets to open his own box with the ugly sweater, Finn's leaning in for a kiss, and he instead focuses on returning it. A hand cups Finn's cheek while he does, head tilting just so to fit their lips together. ]

He's quiet and thoughtful as Blue explains, eyes on the shape of Blue hovering near, watching him. The last bit draws a smile from him, as he takes a sip from his eggnog.

You manage to establish connections with everyone you meet. Myself, Finn... you told me all Mu are connected in that way. I guess... if you've come from Humans a long time ago, then you may have lost those traditions, but nothing's to stop you from making new ones.

But that is curious. Do Mu not have traditions? Every species I've met so far has their own culture, their own traditions and customs developed over decades, centuries or even longer.

"That's a different rank altogether," he points out. But yes, close enough. As for a Captain's temperaments, Jim's probably not the most standard example; he's met plenty stuffier types, more serious and frankly boring people. They also do tend to be older than him.

"That's good to hear. Not that I thought he'd be unpleasant, but personally he can be a bit prickly sometimes. He's great at working with others, though. Are you also a doctor?"

[ Jim waits quietly as Xichen drinks the milk. He knows it'll work, but how fast and how well really depends on how much spicy food he's had. He may yet want to drink that whole glass, though, so don't knock it. ]

Oh, years ago, when I was a kid. It's just one of those things you're told helps, but you don't really understand why until you're older or look around for the explanation.

[ Speaking of! Jim sits down too, so he can try to explain it to Xichen, and why it's not actually magic. ]

Have I told you what molecules are?

Good.

[ He sets the bag down on the bed, producing a small rectangular box, and a rolled up tube, both wrapped in scraps of brown paper and thread that Jim's reused for all his gifts. ]

Here. These are for you.

[ erik glances at him curiously before he unwraps the box delicately, his fingers easily peeling it aside without making much of a mess. finally, he lifts the necklace up, awed. ]

It's . . . beautiful.

[ it's the light. something about the hues of the stone when it catches the light, it reminds him of — ]

[ Dean belongs on horseback, not on skates - that much is obvious. His bow legs do not allow for grace of any kind.

He looks annoyed as he sits there on his ass, the ice cold under his jeans; like he's debating setting it all on fire. Dean will, however, take the assistance that's offered. ]

Man... I'm just not great on skates. [ His cheeks are pink - embarrassment? the cold? frustration? - and he laughs a little, both at the tease and himself. ]

Yeah, well. I've never done this, and now I know why.

Clara get you too? [ Gasp, no well hung apron for you Jim? That's a damned shame. Dean also, at this point, has a green crown perched jauntily on his head as well. ]

Oh-- they're... [ He chuckles a little, cause they were supposed to be stuffed mushrooms but the player is a dumbass and said meatballs so-- ]

Well, this was supposed to be stuffed mushrooms. It's a recipe I saw on some cooking show back home, ever hear of Julia Childs?

Anyway -- I know I'm a meat eater, love it, so I thought I'd do a twist on the recipe and do stuffed meatballs instead. There's marsala wine, breadcrumbs, cream cheese...garlic. A bunch of stuff.

[ He's eased out of his trancelike stare into the flames by the gentle interruption of Clara, but it isn't unwelcome at all. He blinks out of it and looks around - it's just them now, and that's fine with him. ]

My little brother.

[ Maybe not the answer she expected, but there it is. ]

[ It's a tiger's eye, or at least close enough to it. Jim didn't originally get the gem to gift it to Erik, but now... it just feels like a perfect gift. Not just for its supposed meaning, but also for the deep golden color that reminds him of a sunset. And sunsets, no matter what, will always remind him of Erik. ]

I thought it'd suit you. It made me think of you.

Ah, one of those.

( but there's no sarcasm in his voice. he's seen gifts like that. hell, he's been given gifts like that before. he doesn't really get the point of them but that doesn't mean he doesn't seen why others like to do shit like that. )

You find that it works? Once you burn it, do you ever feel lighter? Like you've offloaded all the shit you took on?

Not quite, [ He huffs. ] Friend of mine and I decided we'd lend our hands to the task, and cook a family meal of his. He's, ah— Dr. McCoy, he's around here. You've probably met him, he's practically running the infirmary at this point.

[ Little does he know that Dean would know who he is by name (and by fame), even if not personally. ]

Not really, no, [ He shakes his head. Probably well before his own time, and while Jim does know a lot of late 20th and early 21st century culture, he can't say that he ever cared about cooking before arriving at the station. ] Well, they look pretty good. I can't say I'm much of a meat eater myself, real meat even less so, but I'll have to give those a try when they're done.

[ Finn leans perhaps a little closer to Blue than is needed, keeping them close together. In all honesty, he feels pretty light, too.

But to the question, he hums. ]

Some of it. We have a similar holiday at home called Life Day where we... celebrate life, pretty much. The decorations are largely the same from what I've seen. The skating, though-- We have that back home, I haven't heard of people doing it for fun.

[ People must, though. It is kind of fun. ]

What about you? I know you guys didn't really do parties like we do but-... [ Just wondering. ]

Oh, yeah -- Bones, right? [ Name and fame both, and he's pretty sure it was him, specifically, Bones was talking about on the most recent network post in regards to liquor in the medbay.

Oops. ]

She was some British cook lady that was also a British spy-- anyway, they're really good, and you should definitely give them a go. [ He'd thought about making his macaroni marshmallow fluff, but somehow, he didn't think anyone here would appreciate it quite like Sammy did. ]

Ah.

[ That both does and doesn't explain things, but it sounds like Xichen's energy is just as mysterious as the Force. He's... still not sure if they're actually two different things or not. ]

It's a really good trick. Useful. [ Finn wishes he knew about it ages ago. ]

I don't know if it's possible, but do you think you could teach me?

[ Right. Just step out. Easy.

Finn holds her arm, gently but firmly, and takes a deep breath. He's going to fall, he's prepared for it, so at least most of the fear isn't there.

But he does take a step out on a slightly wobbly leg. The other follows in a... less than graceful manner, but he's on the ice now. His wide eyes look up from his feet to Andy, making sure he's doing it right. ]

To me, he is, [ He says, rather pointedly. Excuse him if he gets a little defensive about the nickname, but it's not the first time someone else brings it up, and he will continue to press how it's a thing exclusively between him and Bones, with as little subtlety as possible.

His brow raises when Dean tries to explain this cook. Weird combo, but sure, he'll take it. ]

I will. Help yourself to some of our casserole too, when it's done. [ He tips his head down. ] I like the apron, by the way.

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OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

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