OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

[lateness]

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.

Comments

Megatron » Transformers IDW

[flickerandfade]

2.0

Megatron is staring at the Christmas tree with a feeling of growing familiarity and uncertainty. There had been the whole cloaking device that had been put together to hide the crew from anti-mechanoid organics back on the Lost Light and it had looked distressingly like this human Christmas tree, right down to the ornamentation. Anyone who comes upong Megatron will find him staring at the tree in deep and contemplative thought. Perhaps pondering the strange whims of the universe. Or maybe just what the hell Brainstorm's convenience engine actually ended up doing.

[ Happy to write other starters or to go with a wild-card if you've something else you want to do! ]

[spoilers]

Plenty of orbers had paused to admire the Christmas trees scattered throughout the station, or even to help decorate them, but there's something different about the way Megatron seems to be staring at it, lost in thought. River recognizes him from their first conversation, considers perhaps such a very human ritual as Christmas might be stretching his understanding of organics.

"We meet again. Am I interrupting?"

[flickerandfade]

"You are not. I'm merely... ah. Considering," Megatron replies and glances down at River. There's something inscrutable about his expression.

"I've never encountered this particular human custom before."

[spoilers]

River could understand if it's all a bit...much. The Doctor does tend to go overboard when it comes to this particular holiday, and she can't help but indulge him when it brings such joy to his too often heavy hearts.

"It isn't the worst one," she promises with a smile. "It's one of the Doctor's favourites, even though he isn't from Earth."

[flickerandfade]

"I'm certain it's a perfectly lovely day of celebration and togetherness," Megatron says with a touch of amusement.

"No, I'm just considering the oddities of unintended and coincidental cultural overlap."

[spoilers]

"At its best," she agrees easily. She hasn't had as many Christmases embodying that spirit of celebration and (more importantly) togetherness as she'd like, but she does cherish the ones she has.

"Seeing something familiar? Bringing up good or bad memories?"

Despite her own habitual need to hide the truth, River can be a rather straight-to-the-point sort.

Wilcard | Morning of the 25th

[spacedisaster]

Oh there you are! [ When Peter walks over to Megatron in the common living area, he's holding a large box, wrapped in a blue paper that has silver constellations drawn on it, and a matching silver bow on top. It seems a bit heavy, by humans standards, but Megatron should have no problem lifting it with one hand. ]

I made you something. [ Peter lifts the box, waiting for the Cybertronian to take it. ] Merry Christmas, Megatron.

[ Once he decides to open the present, he will find inside a metal orrery. It's not about any nearby galaxy, or even earth. It's a reproduction of the planet Cybertron, with two orbiting moons, a light representing the nearest sun, golden metal arches around, and a base depicting the movement of each element. There are a few imperfections in the welded joints, not being as smooth as other parts of the machine, showing that the orrery is very obviously handmade. ]

I know you don't celebrate the holiday, and that this is probably not all that accurate since it's how I remembered it from my childhood but...[ He tried. ]

Re: Wilcard | Morning of the 25th

[flickerandfade]

[ Megatron looks up from whatever he's reading wiht an expression suggesting that if he had glasses, he would be peering over them at Peter. There's a faintly disgruntled expression that seems to come from a place of not wanting to be disturbed, but--oh.

That's right. They give gifts on this day or something. He reaches out and accepts the box gingerly. ]

...I don't celebrate, nor do I have anything to offer in return.

[ He warns as he begins precisely removing the wrapping paper. He's the sort who removes it as intact as possible, almost like a surgeon. It takes him a few moments to have the paper off and folded, then the box is opened and...

Megatron lifts the orrery from the box with a faint sound of surprise. It takes him a moment to realize what he's looking at and there's something like an amused smile. The timescale for the orbits is wrong, of course and there are other nitpicks that could be made but there's something deeply touching about the fact Peter went to the trouble. ]

I'm afraid that Luna-1 vanished some millions of years ago, but Luna-1 and Luna-2 both orbit New Cybertron now, so I suppose that it's fitting.

[ His throat feels thick all of a sudden. Is this emotion? ]

Thank you, Star-Lord.

[spacedisaster]

[ There's a brief, amused moment when Peter pauses, looking at Megatron but seeing someone else. He remembers now how his grandfather used to give a similar look in those mornings when he was trying to read the newspaper and someone demanded his attention. Peter hadn't thought of that in decades, he tries not to dwell on the memories of the alive family that he had to leave behind on earth, but maybe it's this time of the year that makes him sentimental. ]

I, ehm...[ He smiles fondly and blinks quickly a couple of times, chasing away the memories and giving Megatron a shake of his head. ] That's all right! The point of Christmas is not reciprocation, I just thought you might like it.

[ And judging by Megatron's reaction, Peter made the right call, even if the orrery isn't fully accurate. He looks more and more amused the longer Megatron goes on about how the moons aren't right, but then his expression softens. ]

You're welcome. Merry Christmas, Megatron. Maybe one of these days you can tell me more details about the moons.

[ Now, this is a day to relax and have fun, and Peter doesn't want him to think about the reasons why the moons were destroyed in the first place. ]

[flickerandfade]

It's well done, certainly. I appreciate the thought.

[ Even though people giving him gifts is just... weird in a lot of ways. ]

Mm. Well, the Cybertron of my universe was destroyed by Unicorn, so the only extant Cybertron is technically the neo-Functionist Cybertron which was brought into our universe through... complex means.

[spacedisaster]

Thank you. I imagined that I wasn't going to get everything right, but I still wanted to give it a try.

[ He's always been a sentimental guy who liked to keep keepsakes, to remind himself what his home was like once. Peter figured that others might enjoy them too. ]

Neo-Functionist Cybertron? [ He's not going to ask about what those 'complex means' imply, he would rather not sour this moment with too personal questions. ] Ah, well, I'm glad you managed to get a new home in the end. Starting again is never easy.

[coordination]

[ Yzak approaches, noting the strange look Megatron's giving the tree.

He casts his own glance at it, as if expecting to see something strange or off about it to answer his sudden, blooming curiosity. But ... nothing.

So he asks. ]

What is it? Have you never seen one of these before, or something?

[flickerandfade]

[ Megatron glances down as Yzak speaks. A pause fills the space between them while Megatron tries to work out the best way to answer this question, his face pensive. ]

The strange thing is that I have. Or something very close to it.

[coordination]

From a similar kind of celebration, then?

Things like that happen more than one would assume, here.

[flickerandfade]

Not exactly.

[ Megatron frowns. ]

It resembles a cloaking device we used aboard the Lost Light once.

[coordination]

That's a ship, I'm assuming.

But, a cloaking device that looks just like a Christmas tree? That sounds ... weird. But you've interacted with humans before, right? Maybe something inspired that?

[aurable]

"I nearly panicked when I saw that thing go up," A voice off to Megatron's side chimed in to interrupt what was undoubtedly some very important naval gazing on the other's part. "Now I'm starting to think Brainstorm made the cloaking device Rodimus was telling me about look like that on purpose."

Drift offers a pleasant but subdued smile as he moves to stand at Megatron's side. Neither of them had really spoken since they both had time to cool off after the fight or when Drift had been sober. There was still tension between them that Drift hoped to lay to rest here.

"Got a minute?" Drift held up a rectangular package wrapped in bright red and gold paper and gave it a slight wave to grab Megatron's attention. "Not really our thing but I got you something."

[flickerandfade]

"I don't think Brainstorm has ever been to Earth so I've no idea how or why he would have done so," Megatron says in his typical brusque manner. He's been trying his best not to be too overbearing but it's been hard not to show any sort of concern considering Drift's recent escapades. Not to mention that tension lingering between them unpleasantly ever since they'd fought. As Drift offers over the package, Megatron seems almost startled.

"...I didn't get you anything," he says after a moment and reaches out to accept the package.

"If I had known you planned to exchange gifts, well..." What? What could he possibly get hold of here that Drift might want. He holds the wrapped thing awkwardly.

"Shall I open it now?"

[aurable]

"Who even knows with that guy," Drift offered. There was no rhyme or reason to the chaotic genius that half-terrorized the Lost Light all those years ago. There was a twinge of something near his spark—the sharp pang of nostalgia, maybe.

"And you didn't have to, this was more of a last-minute thing," Drift shrugged as he handed over the gift and added with a coy grin,

"No time like the present."

[flickerandfade]

"Ugh. If I open it will you promise to stop making puns?" Megatron asks, half-amused. He carefully undoes the wrapping paper--he's the sort of asshole who doesn't tear it, but neatly folds everything. The paper is taken care of and carefully set aside--and he turns whatever it is he's gotten over in his hands to examine it.

[aurable]

"No promises," Drift answers as he watches Megatron make the act of unwrapping a Christmas present as grim and perfunctory as only he was capable of.

"To be honest, I didn't think it would come through," Drift explained as Megatron turned over the large data-pad with the word 'LAYERS' set into the frame just above the screen. "Most of it was published, anonymously of course, in a single collection fairly recently, so I thought...you'd like a copy."

[winscenario]

Much unlike the piece of technology that Megatron is reminded of, this particular tree does absolutely nothing to hide his huge form from... well, anyone here, friend or foe. Jim approaches with curiosity, mostly because he's met Drift in passing but is yet to greet the other Cybertronian he's seen around the station on occasion.

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

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

[flickerandfade]

Megatron's gaze is torn from the tree and down towards Jim Kirk. Megatron scoffs. Apparently he's not one for humor.

"No. I am not." He pauses, as if taking a moment to try and remember Jim.

"...Have we met? I apologize but I have some difficulty telling humans apart at times."

[winscenario]

Ah well, Jim knew it was a shot in the dark to begin with. He doesn't seem to be particularly bothered that his joke doesn't land the way he intended it to, and quickly moves along with Megatron's question.

"No, you haven't, and that's fine," he says. Actually, not the first time he's heard that from an alien species... and Jim has to admit that some species tend to be fairly similar among themselves too, with differences that only they can see. Humans do tend to be a little more singular than that, but still, no hard feelings there. "I'm Jim Kirk, Dr. McCoy's Captain from home. I believe you've met him?"

[flickerandfade]

"Ah, the commander of his vessel." Megatron studies Jim Kirk and decides that human star captains must have a disturbing resemblance to Rodimus in temperament as a general rule.

"I have, I work with him in the infirmary. A keen medical mind and quite pleasant to work with."