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

[bossily]

[She hears those words, and they put a content little smile on her face. Though that smile may also have everything to do with the compliment she's just recieved too.]

It is, isn't it? It feels like we've been going back and forth between missions for months now. Everyone deserves a break to just get together like the family we're becoming.

[spoilers]

[ Something in River warms. She may not be at a point of accepting most of the station's crew just yet, but somehow along the way, a few of them have started to work their way past her defenses. Clara being one of them. Newt another. But admitting that... ]

Not the easiest of missions, either.

[ Deep breath. ]

You know, dear, we are. Becoming family.

[bossily]

[Hearing River say that makes Clara feel an overwhelming sense of warmth. She's leaning in to wrap her arms around River in a tight hug before she has time to think better of it. She wants so much for River to not feel alone in the world, and to know she has people who care about her.

To hear that she thinks people here are like family is absolutely wonderful.]

And we always will be. Don't forget that, River.

[spoilers]

[ River makes a soft sound of startled confusion, her awkwardness possibly reminding Clara of someone who won't be named. It isn't that she doesn't hug. It's just that she isn't used to an overabundance of contact she hasn't initiated.

Slowly, carefully, she wraps her arms around Clara in turn, releasing a breath and, with it, any remaining hesitance. ]

Thank you, Sweetie.

[ She doesn't quite know what else to say. There's only ever been the Doctor, and before Darillium, he slipped in and out of her life on a whim. ]

[bossily]

[Hearing River call her sweetie makes Clara's smile a little more warm. As she pulls out of the hug, it's easy to see how content she is. It's more than just the party, it's more than River giving in and melting into the hug. It's the fact that she's able to tell River feels like she's belonging to their makeshift family.]

Come on. [She urges, taking hold of River's hand.] I have something else to show you.

[With a laugh and a grin, she tugs River along past the Christmas tree and over to the wall of stockings. There's one for everyone here, including River.]

You should check and see if you were left anything good. Everyone's gotten lucky so far.

[She hasn't checked her own, but is eyeing it like she might go ahead and take hers to examine what's inside.]

[spoilers]

[ Her hand slides easily against the smaller one around hers, feeling the warmth of Clara's contentment settle over her as she follows her across the room. ]

They really have gone overboard, haven't they?

[ It's ridiculous. But for all she tries to make it sound like a judgement, she fails terribly. The Doctor is ridiculous. And relentless. And amazing. And so many other things. He drives her mad. That's why she loves him.

She reaches for the stocking with her name, gold letters etched out over a crisp TARDIS blue. ]

Going to have a look at yours? Go on.

[ Oh, she's caught her looking, and she won't at all feel put out.

River takes a moment to trace the lines and swirls of her name before reaching into the stocking. Inside is a similarly TARDIS-shaded journal, smooth rather than textured like the one she still carries, and a pen secured to it with red ribbon. ]

[bossily]

Nah. [She insists, giving a shake of her head.] I'll peek in mine lat-

[Okay, it's hard to resist. She reaches out and takes hold of her stocking to pull it from the wall. It's clutched close to her chest for a moment before she peeks inside. There's a new book for her to read and a new pair of black tights, which is nice given the ones she has now are starting to wear thin.]

I always feel ridiculous, peeking in stockings like I'm six all over again.

[spoilers]

[ Both the speed with which Clara gives in and her comment make River chuckle. She slowly runs her hand over the cover of her new journal, appreciating the feel of it beneath her fingertips. ]

I know what you mean. I wasn't quite that young, but of course, who could tell?

[ She glances Clara's way. ]

Anything exciting?

[bossily]

Oh, just a book.

[She shrugs, trying to make it sound like she isn't excited about having something new to read. There's always an edge of wanting to impress River, to try and not appear young and insignificant to her. After all the things River has done and seen, Clara worries that discussing things like books would be a bit dull.]

Someone remembered how much I enjoy reading when I find the time.

[And being here these past handful of weeks, they've had nothing but time.]

[spoilers]

[ If only she knew how little River needs to be impressed. Her life has been nothing but horror, criss-crossed timelines, and chaos. What could be more wonderful than something ordinary? ]

Right. You're a teacher, aren't you?

[ Maybe she's asking to be polite. She knows her story as well as she knows any companion's, even if the Doctor hadn't clearly remembered her by the time she met his oldest self. ]

[bossily]

Used to be.

[She gives a half smile and a shrug, trying to play it cool. She knows that River intersects with the Doctor's path at different points. And yet, by the time she knows his bowtied self, she's long since been dead. There's a large part of her that wonders when she intersects with the Doctor in his older face, if she's able to properly give him the love that Clara's always wanted to be able to.

And maybe there's a brief flash of jealousy as she thinks on that, wondering if River ever has the chance to be with him the way he needs and deserves. The way she's not able to, because even if she had lived, and even if she hadn't erased his memories of her, she would always be too toxic for him to keep in his life.

But that isn't the thing she should be thinking on now, not when they have stockings and Christmas and River is trying so hard to be kind. Her smile grows as she says a bit more on the matter.]

It feels like I left that life behind a long time ago.

[She thinks River may be able to understand the sentiment.]

[spoilers]

[ River smiles, and there's a hint of something shadowed that vanishes as quickly as it appears. She runs her hands once more over the diary cover before it too disappears within the folds of her clothing, and she returns the stocking to its hook. ]

Yes. That happens when you chase after the Doctor.

[ She finishes smoothing the fabric, a careful distraction from her choice of words. There's a razor's edge between love and obsession that the Doctor seems to have a gift for inspiring people to walk. And so often, he doesn't even realize until it's too late.

She spent a lifetime, lifetimes, running after him, so tangled up she couldn't stop. And Clara's devotion to him is as clear to her as her own.

But now she sees things a little more clearly. She knows the Doctor is capable of more, and Time isn't making the rules for any of them anymore. ]

Sometimes, Sweetie, it's okay to stay a bit ordinary.

[ Her tone suggests it's meant as anything but an insult. ]

I'm still an archaeologist. Drives the Doctor mad. Always has.

[bossily]

[Clara doesn't agree with staying a bit ordinary, but also kindly doesn't point out that it's easy for extraordinary people to say things like that. It's not an issue that's worth potentially offending River or starting a debate. This is Christmas, and she's determined to make this one good after the past few have been nothing but a disaster.

Her hand reaches out, lightly touching at River's arm. The smile on her face is warm, unguarded despite the thoughts she's keeping to herself.]

I think you'll manage to drive him mad for as long as you chase after him, River.

[It's said with every ounce of fondness that she feels for the other woman, and she laughs as the touch to River's arm slips away.]

It must be so different to have them here in one place, going through time with you the long way.

[She understands completely what a gift being here like this is.]

[spoilers]

[ That makes her laugh, full and genuine. ]

Well, I certainly try.

[ Her next question, however, earns a slow nod and a somewhat noncommittal 'hmm.' ]

A bit, yes. We've been married decades. Centuries? Most of it has been in stolen moments. The occasional prison break, the odd explosion...lots of running.