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.


kovach: (■ 200)

[personal profile] kovach 2021-12-20 09:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ whether or not, he'd be willing to admit it out loud, this probably would stand to be something of the best party he'd gotten to take part of, especially since he's not much more parties in the first place. but right now, his body feels good and loose, and he has a pretty girl in his arms, standing on her arms to kiss him.

this could all be so much worse.

he's still somewhat conscious of where they are, of the public display they make, but it doesn't stop him from lingering that kiss a little longer, sighing against her lips with a sense of satisfaction and relief.

humming between their kiss, he keeps his lips close as he mutters. ]
Might have something to boost up the rating a bit, if you want to ditch with me for a little while.
kovach: (■ 289)

[personal profile] kovach 2021-12-20 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ his history with the game has always mostly been with rei, at least in terms of competing against someone who actually poses a challenge, so in seeing the board, there's a familial air to it that makes him crave a bit of the nostalgia, particularly on a day that seems to almost inspire more of it.

whether someone else is willing to join or even knows about the game, he's not sure, but when he sees the young woman approach, his brow raises with a sense of intrigue, her question signaling to him that she's familiar with it. ]


I usually get stuck with black. My sister always liked the challenge in white. [ and it's been a long time since he's played with anyone else. ] If that works for you.
mendo: (xx91)

[personal profile] mendo 2021-12-20 09:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ his gaze drops down to the picture book in his hands. he might have flipped through a similar one earlier. ]

Yeah, 'pretty weird' is one way to put it. [ he slips his hands into his pockets. ] I wouldn't want some creepy old guy sneaking into my house in the middle of the night even if it's to leave me a gift.
homeostatic: dnt (017)

[personal profile] homeostatic 2021-12-20 09:29 pm (UTC)(link)
( Bones efficiently trades the dish for a mixing bowl, leaving two eggs for Jim to whisk with the other ingredients. The potatoes get another stir with the masher, just to help them cool faster, and he remembers in time to preheat the oven, whew. )

It's mostly molten sugar with egg whites, which sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
spacedisaster: (Soft smile | Heart eyes ♥_♥)

[personal profile] spacedisaster 2021-12-20 09:35 pm (UTC)(link)
It shows. [ Peter's got nothing against pink either, it's not a bad color, and it does look especially nice against certain skin tones. He smiles and shakes his head when Kovacs starts apologizing, having gone through this before with plenty of other people. ]

That's fine, you don't have to. I'm plenty happy giving just those out, sharing the Christmas love and all that. [ The Guardian visibly relaxes when Kovacs seems to at least enjoy the first present. As for the second, Peter studies his face, looking for any signs of annoyance beyond the initial shock, and soon enough his own face softens. As does his voice when he finally speaks, after giving Kovacs another moment. ]

I'm relieved to hear that, I was a little worried that I might have missed something important. I'm no artist, but I do have a good memory, I describes to Clarke how Quellcrist looked like and she worked her magic. She's very talented..

[ Peter knows it's specially hard to be cut off from the person one loves the most, and how meaningful certain mementos can be. He hopes this brings him at least a degree of comfort. Peter gives him a smile, even if Kovacs isn't looking he might still notice it. ]

It's a bit earlier for drinks but we do have hot chocolate, or even eggnog, if you want some. [ Hot chocolate makes everything better, does it not? ]
hatejakku: (over shoulder)

[personal profile] hatejakku 2021-12-20 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Finn, despite how great the food smells, kind of just wants to cuddle in next to him. But he can do both to varying degrees, so he sets his breakfast beside Jim's and climbs in, snuggling close, and passing over Jim's plate once they're settled and comfortable.

He doesn't say anything (though, he does want to ask if Jim's had these foods before seeing as Finn doesn't know what at least half of them are). Words don't really need to be said, and it's so quiet and nice right here. He bites into one of his treats, leaning into Jim's shoulder and watching the snow gently cover the ground outside, happy as could be. ]
bossily: (pic#15009275)

[personal profile] bossily 2021-12-20 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[There's a surprised look on her face as he says that, and she pulls a soapy hand out of the sink to point at herself.]

You got me a present?

[She's put so much work into making and preparing gifts for everyone else, and so much time into making Christmas perfect that she hadn't really stopped to think other people here would get her much of anything at all. But it's a pleasant surprise to hear that he's thought of her.

She's smiling as she sets back to work, washing and setting the clean dishes aside onto a towel on the counter to be dried.
]

I'll be sure to bring your gift along with me, then.
mendo: (xx77)

[personal profile] mendo 2021-12-20 10:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ caution is warranted on the ximilian. it is hard to discern which areas are being monitored, so it's safer to assume that they're always being watched.

they will have to figure out a more effective means of communicating with each other if they don't want what they say to be heard by either degar or viveca. it's going to be a bit of a drag until then though.
]

He does seem like a pretty elusive guy. Kinda like you, don't you think?
blackfire: (0623434)

[personal profile] blackfire 2021-12-20 10:19 pm (UTC)(link)
maybe it says something about both their characters' that deceiving him is not beyond the realm of itachi's own comprehension or ability. he has lied for konoha before — continuing in that vein would be no hardship to him.

shikamaru is right to be wary.

itachi cants his head faintly to one side. his attention falls briefly to shikamaru's hands, memorizing the motions that bring the little vegetable deer into being as easily as he might the hand seals for a jutsu. then:


No.

he would not consider himself as having been close with any members of akatsuki. if he had ever given kisame cause to doubt him, it's very likely they would have fought to the death. it is a fight he would have won, but it would not have been without cost.

as shikamaru nears the completion of his sculpture, itachi hands over the little wooden toothpicks for the legs.


Did Akatsuki remain a significant threat after my death?

there isn't any point in being coy about it. he has long accepted his own death — well before it happened.
mendo: ᴄʀᴇᴅɪᴛ: 𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒 (xx25)

[personal profile] mendo 2021-12-20 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Glide?

[ but why?

he can see how it could be fun for kids, but...
]

It seems kinda childish. [ although, he bet naruto would try it without hesitation. he's enough of an idiot to. ] And it doesn't look very safe. [ he motions at someone a little further off who'd just fallen flat on his ass. ]
winscenario: (hundred thirty seven.)

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-20 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, there's a lot of stuff happening, but Jim reacts accordingly, taking the bowl next and whisking the eggs with the other ingredients, tongue sticking out briefly in concentration. There's a little hum as Bones describes the sweet treats. ]

They sound delicious, though. We should definitely make some.

[ Shooting his brightest puppy eyes at Bones. Pretty please. ]
winscenario: (ninety six.)

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-20 10:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ They can manage the food. What's important is that he gets Finn scooted close to him, and he smiles happily once Finn manages to settle himself against him, kissing his forehead. He takes his plate with a thanks, setting it on his own lap over the blanket, lifting his mug to take slow sips while looking out quietly to watch the snow. It's a pretty and peaceful view, made all the better for the current company, a smile spreading across his lips whenever he thinks about how he gets to share this with Finn, in what's probably the unlikely set of circumstances to bring them here. ]

I'm glad I've met you, Finn, [ He blurts out, apparently apropos of nothing. He tilts his head and rests his cheek against Finn's head, sighing quietly. ] Here. Where all universes meet.
blackfire: (143322)

[personal profile] blackfire 2021-12-20 10:35 pm (UTC)(link)
does ace wanna die. is that what's going on here...



there doesn't seem to be any malice in his actions, which is why rather than immediately (try) to put a knife to his throat, itachi simply uses a clone replacement technique one-handed, too fast for most people to track. there is an almost seamless transition between his own presence and the swapping out of the clone — itachi is one to whom sleight of hand and speed have always come naturally.

this technique puts him a distance away (in one of the overstuffed armchairs near one of the many, many christmas trees) while the clone examines the falling confetti curiously, lifting one of its hands to capture the shredded paper. it lifts red-black eyes to study ace.


Is the miniature explosion necessary?

the clone speaks in itachi's same deep, even voice, its intonation more bemused than startled or upset in any way.
blackfire: (itachi002)

[personal profile] blackfire 2021-12-20 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)
itachi gives him a sidelong glance.

Do you feel I have not been forthcoming?

there are some secrets he has preferred to guard — but he has been blunt about his unwillingness to answer those.
hatejakku: (oh this is a good part)

[personal profile] hatejakku 2021-12-20 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The comment comes seemingly out of nowhere and completely draws Finn to a halt for a moment. His chest fills to the brim with every warm emotion in his body, though, all of his love coming to the forefront. It's enough to make him start crying, honestly, and maybe a happy tear does come to his eye. Jim can't see it from this position, anyway.

Food totally forgotten, he reaches out to hold Jim's wrist and shuts his eyes tight. ]


Me, too. I'm so glad I met you.

[ For a beat, his happiness is nearly drowned away in the grim reality that none of this will last. But he beats the notion away and tries to focus on the good, overwhelming feelings right now. ]
hatejakku: (longing)

[personal profile] hatejakku 2021-12-20 11:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That's an idea that brings sad smile to his face. He is happy, don't get him wrong, but if only... they could... ]

Maybe once you get home... you can share these memories with them.
winscenario: (hundred fifty six.)

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-20 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's fine to feel those sad feelings, because Jim has been feeling them too, trying to ignore them to the best of his abilities. They mingle with the joy he feels right now, though, and it's in good part because of that dim future that he's felt the need to say that out loud, to tell Finn just how happy he is that they got to have this, even if it doesn't last.

He rests a free hand on Finn's leg, giving it a squeeze, then letting his fingers curl into his thigh, a warm, lingering touch. For a while he pays no mind to his breakfast, letting it sit ignored, until eventually those strong feelings subside and he manages to lift one of the sweets to take a bite. Despite everything, this is a good moment and he's determined to keep it so. ]
mendo: ᴄʀᴇᴅɪᴛ: 𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒 (xx43)

[personal profile] mendo 2021-12-20 11:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ he has been racking his mind on when he should inquire after itachi's point in time, so it's a bit of a (pleasant) surprise that he would offer it on his own. of course it doesn't come without its own set of issues; not to mention, additional questions.

it does clear up some things though.

taking the toothpicks from him, shikamaru inserts them carefully into the shouryouma.
]

Yes. [ he adds the deer to the line of vegetable animals. this isn't really the time or place to bring up konoha's almost immediate destruction following itachi's death. ] But they're no longer a threat now. [ it's as much as he can offer him at the moment. ]
mendo: ᴄʀᴇᴅɪᴛ: 𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒 (xx32)

[personal profile] mendo 2021-12-20 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ SHRUGS. ]

Hard to say. [ a beat and then: ] But I guess you're a little better than him.
blackfire: (051peku)

[personal profile] blackfire 2021-12-20 11:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Until we know what it is he's choosing to conceal, it's dangerous to make that assumption.

sorry, shika. his sense of humour is a bit... deceased.
mendo: (xx113)

[personal profile] mendo 2021-12-20 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ he slides his gaze over to him, a vague smile lingering on his lips. ]

You know what? You're probably right about that. [ what a hopeless guy. ]
firstroar: (pic#6165278)

[personal profile] firstroar 2021-12-20 11:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Or they...find their ways here. [under the conditions that brought Blue and Finn and all the others here. there's a lot to lament and regret, after all! though...maybe it has to be something precise, something direct...like the action Blue had taken.

that seems the most likely to Blue, all things considered.

this is just how it is: Blue can't really think only of himself, not when he's lived his life so interconnected with others. good things, gentle things...he can't just accept them solely for himself! but sharing things here is...hard. skewed. most are uncomfortable with it, with how naturally Blue is apt to that exchange of feelings... and for most, Blue has to make the conscious effort to share outside of himself - something he'd have to ask again and again to be allowed to.

not around Finn, though. Finn can have those feelings - the bittersweet longing for his people, the reluctance to wholly embrace kindness for himself alone that's being pushed back by the fluttery, floating feeling of solace that being near Finn provides, the recollection of those so-recent kisses...]
calmness: commissioned; DO NOT USE (LXC 24)

12.24 13:00 - 14:00

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-20 11:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[the kitchens are a safe place to get away from most of the holiday buzz, even if they remain decorated and bustling with people. winter is a difficult time and as what would be the harshest days draw closer, xichen cannot help but feel melancholy even as most of the crew seems filled with cheer.

still, he's not about to let his own sadness seep outward into those around him. even if his energies are drained from the last mission and keeping up his usual smile is more tiring.

hey, maybe he'll sleep regularly again.

he's making a warm cup of tea when a stranger speaks to him and he glances up, schooling his face from tired to a gentle smile.]
Hm? Ah, yes. Christmas, I believe. [he offers a wry smile.] I am unfamiliar, I am afraid, but it seems.. to involve oddly decorated and bright sweaters, food, a tree, spending time together and quite a bit of alcohol. [amongst other things. but really he's assessed that the sweaters are important.]
blackfire: (pic#15232671)

[personal profile] blackfire 2021-12-21 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
I see.

that will likely mean more casualties on behalf of konoha, then. there is no way the remaining members of akatsuki would have been taken down without a fight. kisame, nagato and konan alone would have been dangerous enough, to say nothing of madara if his gambit with sasuke had failed. he is well aware that there are too many holes in what he knows of the man beyond mythology, his only hope was that surprise would have been enough. However, such a belief presupposes many things and none of them were a guarantee.

given that naruto has survived, though... that means that the plan to gather all the jinchūriki, at least, was stopped before it reached him. or perhaps he was the one to bring it to its end — the boy has untapped power that even he would not have wished to fight even if all the conditions for a fight were in his favour. samehada, though, and its insatiable hunger would have been a concern.

but, with akatsuki neutralized, he can assume considerable losses taken on konoha's side. they would have come for naruto, and given the grudge that amegakure would have held for konoha... he does wonder where that battlefield would have been. he is silent for a time, and then, with a gesture towards the little vegetable animals:


Do you wish to make another, for Asuma-san?
blackfire: (pic#15232640)

[personal profile] blackfire 2021-12-21 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
he lifts one shoulder in an elegant shrug.

I am indifferent.

he lifts a hand absently to correct that sad, floppy antler in what is obviously a practiced move by now.

But it is curious to see the effect these children's stories seem to have on many of the adults here.