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.


winscenario: (ninety seven.)

[personal profile] winscenario 2022-01-04 10:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, technically that's true, if he really is just a Commander.

[ But either way, he'll take the compliment. Yeah, he better be the favorite. ]

Then maybe we can watch something Holiday themed. I'll look around and see if I can find something, you're in charge of popcorn. Deal?
winscenario: (hundred fifty four.)

[personal profile] winscenario 2022-01-04 10:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Jim's not so bad at it, but he's no expert either, and it takes him a little while to find that balance while on the ice. He is caught off-guard when Erik spins them around, however slowly, laughing nervously as he somehow manages to only wobble on his feet, but not topple over, his grip on Erik's hand all the tighter. ]

Erik!
bossily: (clara426)

[personal profile] bossily 2022-01-04 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
I've sampled a bit of the eggnog.

[She lies through her teeth, because she's already had a few glasses. The smile on her face says as much.]

Why? Are you offering to get me something to drink? Someone's stepping up to be a gentleman.

[When all else fails, divert attention away from yourself with flattery.]
bossily: (clara356)

[personal profile] bossily 2022-01-04 11:22 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't, actually. Hear that often enough.

[That she's cute or that someone likes it when she blushes. But she knows she's cute, and despite that, always appreciates hearing it from others. She's a little vain like that.]

I guess that means you'll just have to find reasons to make me blush more often.

[There's nothing wrong with some harmless flirting.]
bossily: (clara288)

[personal profile] bossily 2022-01-04 11:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Wait.

[Clara pulls back, fixing Gwen with a look of interest.]

You jump from universe to universe too?

[She'll get back to the deal issue, she promises. But for now, she's too taken with the fact that someone else here has the same sort of crazy life she does.]
bossily: (Default)

[personal profile] bossily 2022-01-04 11:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Somewhere along the way, the ridiculous 80's song shifts into something more seasonally appropriate. It's along the chorus somewhere, when everyone is screaming at the top of their longs, that Clara takes hold of his hand.

He helps keep her balanced and steady as they stomp and slide their way across the bartop. And Clara is momentarily distracted when she bumps right into him, her mind going totally blank. her head is swimming with entirely too much alcohol, and all the words to the song totally leave her mind.

So of course the best thing to do is start scream singing a christmas song out over everyone else, hoping they'll just join in and sing along. She'll have Billy bully anyone here who doesn't cater to her whims.
]
bossily: (Default)

[personal profile] bossily 2022-01-04 11:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[This is a lot. And she doesn't mind hearing any of it, and listens to each and every word before saying anything. By the time he finishes talking, she really can't help but look like she's been kicked a few times. There's a few tears streaming down her cheeks, and she tries to quickly wipe them away before he can see.

Here she is, feeling sorry for herself and what she's lost tonight. And he's been through so much worse, his losses so great that she can't even begin to imagine what she would do if she was in his shoes.

She can't find the right words to say at first, so she moves from her spot sitting so she can stand before him. And despite her tears, there isn't any pity in her eyes. She doesn't pity him. But her heart aches for him, and she wishes so much she could make this better.

She can't though, and she knows it. He wouldn't allow her to, even if she could. So she does what she can, and what that means is supporting him no matter what. Her hand goes to his cheek, palm pressing gently against him. And she tips his head just enough that he can look up at her. He can see the sadness that she's feeling, but also the admiration there. She respects him for his choices. Protecting the people you love is always something she values others doing.
]

Then we'll work to find a way to undo your deal. You and me, we'll find a way to save your soul.

[And with that promise fresh on her lips her hand drops away from his cheek so she can lean down to embrace him in a tight hug.]
construing: (watch.)

[personal profile] construing 2022-01-04 11:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ in answer, gwen pulls back her sleeve. above her web-shooter, a delicate if techy-looking, snug white bracelet with an attached round trigger that sits in her palm, is an even stranger-looking apparatus. ]

Dimensional travel watch. Got it during my first go-around. [ inter-dimensional cannibals are no joke. ask her for the details another time. ]

Sadly, I think the trip here borked it somehow. [ she taps one of the round screens on the watch. ] No portals. Not even a stray ding.
Edited 2022-01-05 00:11 (UTC)
aurable: (pic#15298788)

[personal profile] aurable 2022-01-05 12:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ On three Drift pulls and the satisfying pop was an exemplary explosion—polite and not the abrupt clamor he had braced for. A relieved smile broke across his face as he caught bulk of the confection downpour.]

Those are the colorful paper animals strung up and beaten with sticks popular with kids, yeah? [ He's distantly familiar with the concept. He jostles the handful of candy, making sure not to drop anything, and offers it to Shang-chi ]

Here, your cracker, your winnings. I can't partake, either way.
catchatting: ([refresher]50081608507_db7cfe8c6c_o)

[personal profile] catchatting 2022-01-05 12:20 am (UTC)(link)
[ It takes Zari a moment to actually take that in. For not saying much, he sure did just say a lot. ]

You know, that's fair and a pretty big thing to put on the shoulders of one man, even if your shoulders are pretty broad. What exactly do you think you can change that will fix all of that?

[ The look she gives him is open and curious. She doesn't want to tell him that he can't do that, but she's really curious to know where he got the idea that he could. Hell, Zari still doubts her own ability to really fix anything and her ask is a lot smaller. ]
naloxone: (pic#15314429)

[personal profile] naloxone 2022-01-05 12:23 am (UTC)(link)
[ marta's hand pauses in its idling shuffling, and for a moment so does the rest of her. she's staring at yamato's profile, waiting for the other shoe to drop, but she knows it isn't like them to joke about something like that.

which means... ]


Why did he do that?

[ for a second she wonders if it's too prying, but then again they had been the one to bring it up, and so breezily too... ]
naloxone: (pic#15307952)

[personal profile] naloxone 2022-01-05 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
[ marta glances around them then, waving a hand at the bookstore and all its various tomes. ]

Like this? A simulation is just another illusion, isn't it?
oiorpata: (58)

[personal profile] oiorpata 2022-01-05 12:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ entirely straight faced: ] They were really good for public transit. A little bumpy, but no pollution.

[ and then she takes a decently sized bite of the weird meat. ]
catchatting: ([squarebox]TA2_51)

[personal profile] catchatting 2022-01-05 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
Zari takes the moment to whap at his hands now, really just trying to chase him off of her hair, but she knows it's all in teasing fun between them. She's reasonably sure he's not even all that much older than she is. Probably. For all she knows, he's a well-preserved 90. Everything is weirder in space.

"I would never call you old and decrepit. Stressed and paranoid, maybe." She grins.
peasant: (alina-sab-00260)

[personal profile] peasant 2022-01-05 12:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ are you sure? it sticks in her throat like syrupy molasses, sluggish and slow to rise to the surface. her uncertainty has so little to do with clara herself, and everything to do with alina's expectations: that she has so rarely been enough for anyone, as she is. not without fingers wanting to mold her into a different shape, a different woman — more powerful, more useful to them, like malleable clay molded into their ideal version of alina starkov. not without directly serving a need, made into a servant to some unseen whim.

ravka's desire for a savior. mal seeking a new purpose in protecting her. aleksander leeching her power away. no one has turned to her and settled for what she has to offer — to the point that alina is not so convinced she has anything to offer. certainly not enough to mend the fissures halving clara's heart. certainly not enough to dry the dam of tears the other woman swipes away — unsubtle, much as alina tilts her head away, to gift her the illusion of privacy.

the crackling fire fills in the hesitating gaps in her silence. speechless, fumbling for the right words to say — some magic phrase that might stitch together clara's wounds, set her right again. but if there were such a power ... wouldn't alina herself have found a way to fix the grief she nurses like an old friend, that looming shadow she hasn't yet learned to live without?
]

I'll still be here tomorrow.

[ and the day after, and the day after that. a promise brought to life as the bonfire's flames cast them in hazy flickers of desert-orange. it's not a grand or sweeping vow like those found in storybooks — but significant, still, in its sincerity. maybe it means more, to present clara with such a simple oath — and not impossible odds, filling her head with the soft fluff of starry dreams. ensuring, in alina's own way, that the other woman knows she means to keep it.

an awkward pause follows for a heartbeat, all of the hesitation of someone debating what fork in the path to take. in the end, she thinks clara might appreciate the distraction, as alina latches onto the bag of marshmallows at her feet. the bag crinkles a little as she waves it, in offering.
]

Christmas isn't over yet. [ the corners of her eyes crinkle, soft. ] Would a marshmallow salvage some of it? I have to warn you, I don't share sweets with just anyone. Be rightfully grateful for my sacred offerings.
oiorpata: (23)

[personal profile] oiorpata 2022-01-05 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
[ knowing it's the doctors who put this all together, andy makes the realization that maybe there really is no reason to question the appearance of aggressive snowmen. maybe there's a planet out there full of them. ]

[ in a light, almost teasing tone: ] I've got a knife on me just in case.

[ is she serious?? it is a mystery. (it is true, she definitely has a knife on her). she tilts her head, nodding towards where she just came from. ] This way.
Edited 2022-01-05 00:31 (UTC)
naloxone: (pic#15335311)

[personal profile] naloxone 2022-01-05 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
[ a kuu- masquerading as a yan-

she had said what she said mostly for levity's sake, but his words have a sobering effect on her that turns her expression thoughtful. for the first time that night, she really stops to take a look at him. standing there among the remnants of festivities, so very quietly out of place. ]


Have you known any other life?
oiorpata: (120)

[personal profile] oiorpata 2022-01-05 12:37 am (UTC)(link)
[ andy has seen many a christmas tradition, even participated in some, but the holiday itself just sort of exists for her. ]

[ she looks over, still munching on her pastry very enthusiastically, shoving the last of it in her mouth. ]


I think this one's my favorite. [ so far. the next one could be better! ] The food's the best part of all this.
catchatting: ([squarebox]TA2_40)

[personal profile] catchatting 2022-01-05 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
"I don't draw or anything like that, but I do sing if that counts. I like acting a lot, too. Sometimes it's nice to just be able to put on another layer, you know?"

Because for all Zari's blustering, she's a lot more afraid of being hurt more on the inside than she is of injury at this point. She's survived some pretty harrowing dangers, but she has no idea how long her heart is going to feel like this now that it does.

"Do you do anything creative? You seem like you'd be good with your hands. You have that patient competence energy."
naloxone: (pic#15307862)

[personal profile] naloxone 2022-01-05 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ it's the fact she can't tell if he's joking or not. he's got an awfully good poker face. ]

Then I guess I came at a bad time.
blackfire: (Default)

[personal profile] blackfire 2022-01-05 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
mr 'wouldn't understand levity if it slapped him in the face' may in fact be recognizing that it did, in fact, slap him in the face. a statement made as a cautionary tale against glamorizing the ninja lifestyle is now, directly, a testament to his own existence. he had not quite... intended that, and there is a brief line of consternation that creases his brow before it is swiftly erased back to schooled neutrality. have a little crisis of mortification at being known, as a treat.

hmTM.


No.
oiorpata: (113)

[personal profile] oiorpata 2022-01-05 12:46 am (UTC)(link)
[ she's met the doctors, clara, she Understands. but andy takes a lot of craziness, even in people, astride. she mostly finds them amusing, though she can guess how their friends might be embarrassed. ]

I think that's the point. It's supposed to feel real, or why would we bother using any of it? [ just like she knows the sunlight room isn't real, but it doesn't stop her from slipping in there and pretending it is. ]

No more snowmen? [ she doesn't seem bothered either way. she is mostly here in the first place to wander around and eat some snacks. she's got no goals. ]
naloxone: (pic#15335319)

[personal profile] naloxone 2022-01-05 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
[ marta blinks, the flicker in his expression so brief it could well be a trick of the fairylights casting extra shadows. ]

This all must be refreshing for you then.

[ hm. ]

Or jarring.
blackfire: (pic#15232602)

[personal profile] blackfire 2022-01-05 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
It is new.

which is neither refreshing nor jarring, and was specifically chosen to describe his experience for that reason.

Stop Perceiving Him, Thanks.


I will not say it has not required some adaptation on my behalf.

he barely sleeps, and when he does it's with tripwires across his door. this is not peace, it is simply a cessation of immediate danger.
stationmaster: (10)

[personal profile] stationmaster 2022-01-05 01:03 am (UTC)(link)
Something on my face?

[ it's a teensy bit unnerving how closely clara is staring at him, but the moment passes quickly enough. phew. that was weird. ]

A gift? Oh, hey, there's no need for a — [ her hand goes up, prompting him to stop mid-protest, and then she's disappearing to grab something while he remains where he is, surprised but touched.

and when he opens it, he's staring like he isn't really sure what to do with himself.
] This is for me? Really?