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.


calmness: (could it be so ☁︎)

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-21 12:32 am (UTC)(link)
Do we have any indication of how many more there are? [he's not aware of it but if there are more than six, more than ten, that seems like an awful thing for all of their realities.

he frown, looking around.]
Then perhaps they really are keepsakes for the holiday? [he tilts his head.] Is there anything like it in your world?
flickerandfade: (030 »)

[personal profile] flickerandfade 2021-12-21 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
He will never chill his exhaust pipes. He has zero chill.

"I agree. Bones is a most able physician and pleasant to work with besides."
homeostatic: (178)

[personal profile] homeostatic 2021-12-21 12:50 am (UTC)(link)
( With little else to do right now but assemble things once Jim has finished, Bones leans a hip against the counter, watching him work. )

Maybe if we get an over-abundance of eggs next supply drop. ( Arms folded across his chest, he leans in to tell Jim, voice low and intimately suggestive: ) And if you're really good.
aurable: (pic#15298800)

[personal profile] aurable 2021-12-21 12:52 am (UTC)(link)
But tonight is what everything has been building up to, is it not?

[ His foot tapping in time to the music, Drift relaxes his posture as he grows more comfortable with being here. He was surrounded by familiar faces that, while new, he was glad to have met and enjoyed the camaraderie. This was nice even if their time together was finite, with a finishing line looming over them. Almost like home. ]

What? [ Drift is startled out of his reverie by what McCoy said next. ] I- [ His mind tumbles over 'you shouldn't have' and 'at least give me a hint' before settling on. ]

Thank you. I'm woefully new at this tradition, so I've come up a bit short-handed this go around. All the same, I can't wait.
droide: (230 movie)

[personal profile] droide 2021-12-21 12:53 am (UTC)(link)
No... [ For some droids, maybe, but Elthree doesn't consume oil like a beverage. ]

The human equivalent would be more like shampoo, or lotion.

[ So no, it isn't outright poking fun at her, she's just learned to expect the worst from organics. Not that anyone aboard this station has proven her expectations founded, yet. ]

Most organics where I come from don't have the best feelings towards droids. If we were going to be given a "gift," it wouldn't be anything genuine. It would be something insulting, to put us in our place.
blackfire: (06334)

[personal profile] blackfire 2021-12-21 01:00 am (UTC)(link)
he's missing something. some nuance of conversation. it does not quite trouble him enough to ask about it — he sets it aside.

Was that all you wished to speak on?

shikamaru had asked him on a walk for a reason, after all, and if that business is concluded he has no interest in prolonging their contact.
bindsthedead: (art-cause for concern)

[personal profile] bindsthedead 2021-12-21 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
No, but... I think if there were only one or two left, Viveca would have said something.

We celebrate midwinter, and some of the foods are familiar, but... nothing involving stockings.
bindsthedead: (art-cause for concern)

[personal profile] bindsthedead 2021-12-21 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
It was autumn in Ancelstierre, and winter in the Old Kingdom.

[Sabriel says this as though neighboring countries having different seasons is an entirely unremarkable thing.]

Although I believe they were past the midwinter celebrations in the Old Kingdom- not that I would have had any time for such things anyway.

[The time of year, and the... chronological oddities that occured on the border, had really only occupied her mind in a passing, practical way, in details like when the sun would set or if creeks and streams would be flowing. Festivities had been the furthest thing from her mind.]
hatejakku: (longing)

[personal profile] hatejakku 2021-12-21 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
[ Finn feels much the same way, that there's a voice in the back of his head telling him that it's even more important to tell James what he means to him because of the time limit. But he can't, even though he knows that not saying it doesn't change how either of them feel.

It's not until James begins to eat that he comes out of his thoughts a little. Finn starts nibbling on his own food, too, snacking more than eating a meal while he leans against Jim's side, watches the snow, and thinks. His mind has a hard time leaving well enough alone.

When he eventually speaks after a long silence, his voice is soft, almost quiet. ]


You said that you had this holiday back home, but you didn't really celebrate it. Did you never do things like this?

[ Like just sitting with someone, taking the moment in, and being. Having time with the people he cares about without anything looming over their heads. ]
hatejakku: (wow)

[personal profile] hatejakku 2021-12-21 03:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ Finn grimaces. ]

They... are kind of interesting? Definitely breaks up the atmosphere.

[ Silver linings and all that! ]
homeostatic: (170)

[personal profile] homeostatic 2021-12-21 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
Don't thank me until you've seen it. ( He could tell him not to worry about it, but it might fluster him further, so he moves to obvious self-deprecation, smirking lightly, eyes sparkling as he sets his empty mug aside. ) You might hate it.
oiorpata: (23)

[personal profile] oiorpata 2021-12-21 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
Don't worry, she'll get there!

"I'll pass on the dinosaurs." At least those were dead before she was born.

It really shouldn't be so amusing that Zari thinks she's a time traveler. One day that correction will come out, but it's not like Andy has ever said she was one. She just... let the assumption play out. "There was plenty of time that existed before that Jesus guy was born. Lots to see."
calmness: DO NOT USE (falling apart ☁︎)

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-21 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
[unfortunately, his suffering is not over and xichen does keep drinking the milk. he follows the method jim's suggested, drinking slowly but surely.

he has no stomach for spice at all, most of the food back home he eats is horribly under seasoned -- boiled vegetables all around.]
Is a lot of the food where you're from so spicy?

[he shakes his head.] You have not. What are they?
calmness: by bangparty (in thought ☁︎)

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-21 06:09 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, then it was a lack of desire to try?

[xichen remains at his side and then, to make things a bit easier, moves so he's in front of dean and offering his hands out to stabilize him as he ends up skating backwards himself. it requires the occasional glance over his shoulder, but he remains balanced and quite graceful through it.

he may be showing off a tiny bit.]
I believe so. Once good enough, I know the disciples at home enjoy racing and trying tricks they've learned. Something about adrenaline and speed, taking a last minute turn.

[this one is guilty of it too.]
calmness: commissioned; DO NOT USE (LXC 27)

[personal profile] calmness 2021-12-21 06:14 am (UTC)(link)
[aside from rabbits that his brother keeps, xichen doesn't really have many interactions with animals under his belt.

he's not sure this is an animal, really. nor what it means that it isn't a real one.]
This is... alive? [he asks curiously, taking the tribble from the doctor to examine it.] Is it like a rabbit?

[he cannot make out the front or back of it. but maybe that's the fact he's not sleeping well. which.] Ah. The purr is strangely soothing. [he still looks dubious, but there's something about holding this creature that is calming.]
bossily: (Default)

[personal profile] bossily 2021-12-21 06:54 am (UTC)(link)
[Her eyebrows arch, but she doesn't pull back so he can see it. She does, however, steal another quick peck.]

For you? [Voice starting out like a tease, she lets the words hang in the air for a moment. Shifting so her mouth is in close to his ear, she whispers something only for him to hear. There's no hurry in her actions, just enjoying their closeness and the fact he's here with her.]

I'll go anywhere.

[Which is an opening for him to lead the way. Clara lowers herself back to being flat footed, sparing a quick glance around. It's getting late, and there's no harm in taking the rest of the night for herself. No one will even notice they're missing.]
bossily: (clara458)

[personal profile] bossily 2021-12-21 07:52 am (UTC)(link)
[Clara points out the ingredients that need to be used on the stovetop, letting Marta get to work. She's got to go find a nice big bottle of alcohol to add to things. This nog is going to be spiked and delicious and get everyone nice and tipsy.]

Are you used to having to apologize often?

[She finally asks, when she's standing at Marta's side, guiding her hand on exactly how to stir the liquid that's in the saucepan. It isn't that Clara wants to pry, but rather she's curious about why Marta always seems quick to apologize for things that don't need to be focused on. It reminds her in some ways, of how she had been once, a long time ago. Always so quick to apologize for standing out, or taking up space she wasn't sure she had any right to be in. ]
laviny: (004)

6.0

[personal profile] laviny 2021-12-21 08:05 am (UTC)(link)
[Yelena isn’t as bad as he is. She is, in fact, pretty decent and when he flails in her general direction and yells his warning, she glides out of the way with all the ease of someone 1.) used to ice and 2.) used to dodging people.]

I am guessing you have never done this before.

[She moves to skate next to him and study his form, though she does give him a wide berth in case he starts flailing again.]
groupiedrifter: <user name=bushyeyebrows> (pic#14789157)

[personal profile] groupiedrifter 2021-12-21 09:03 am (UTC)(link)
[He quirks an eyebrow, looking skeptical.

... But a sad kind of skeptical.]


You've never gotten a present like this?

Don't tell me your world is boring and doesn't bother with gifts.
groupiedrifter: <user name=bushyeyebrows> (pic#15004574)

[personal profile] groupiedrifter 2021-12-21 09:17 am (UTC)(link)
Ha, guess you have...

[They've all been... busy, it's true. Or in Newt's case, almost dying at least once this month. Which — totally just par the course, right? Could've happened to anyone on any mission, sure. (Pretend that it's totally the same kind of situation and don't point out he's an idiot, okay?)]

This simulation thing is bonkers. Love it, man.

You got music in particular you're good at back home?

... I'm guessing 90's rock music isn't your thing.
cruelyethuman: (Oh)

[personal profile] cruelyethuman 2021-12-21 09:20 am (UTC)(link)
What about me makes you think that I would enjoy raw fish and dried seaweed.

[Maybe it's the way he tends to follow her suggestions these days, or the way he can't help smiling, just a little, when he spots her across the room. The tremor of anticipation that comes from her nearness by the fire.

The Darkling nods.]


Yes. It runs in my family.
scarcastically: (murdered the murderers there)

[personal profile] scarcastically 2021-12-21 12:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Didn't realize we picked out roles.

[ still, he seems pretty relaxed all things considered. ]
scarcastically: (destroy all you see)

[personal profile] scarcastically 2021-12-21 12:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[ erik lets it dangle in his hands for a moment before handing it to jim. ]

Wanna slip it on for me?
winscenario: (hundred twenty five.)

[personal profile] winscenario 2021-12-21 12:34 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sure I could sweet-talk Viveca into getting us a surplus of eggs next time.

[ He won't, though; if he can avoid asking her or the Commander for favors, then he will at all costs. He's going to latch onto the second part of what Bones says, turning his head towards him, his own voice sweet and lips curled sharply into a smirk. ] Thought we'd established by now I am always good.
spacedisaster: (I mustache you a question)

[personal profile] spacedisaster 2021-12-21 12:36 pm (UTC)(link)
If you're really sure I'm not over stepping on any boundary. I do like to learn about other cultures. It was impossible not to, when I lived in space, I was the only human there for years.

[ Peter eyes the doll briefly again, and this time he does chuckle before his attention goes fully back to Marta. He takes the offered twigs with a small 'thank you' and his voice softens when he speaks. ]

I know you had a difficult year, losing your friend and all. Mine has been similarly shitty...this seems like a good step to start unwinding. What other traditions do you do at home? Maybe we can adapt them here as well.