ximilialog | OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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?"

Edited 2021-12-18 09:23 (UTC)

"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."

"That's a different rank altogether," he points out. But yes, close enough. As for a Captain's temperaments, Jim's probably not the most standard example; he's met plenty stuffier types, more serious and frankly boring people. They also do tend to be older than him.

"That's good to hear. Not that I thought he'd be unpleasant, but personally he can be a bit prickly sometimes. He's great at working with others, though. Are you also a doctor?"

"I meant it as a position, not a rank. I am aware of the difference," Megatron replies testily. Don't presume to correct him, thank you!

"I have some experience in the medical field, yes. Primarily with emergency and battlefield medicine."

Jim lifts both hands in a placating gesture, his smile unwavering. Alright, chill your exhaust pipes there, buddy.

"Seems to be fairly common, among the Orbers. It's come in handy with the missions, and I know Bones is arranging for more lessons."

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."

Not the first time he hears that, it's nice. Not that he ever doubted Bones's ability to be part of a team, but he can be a little cranky sometimes. He's getting a decent medical team together here, though, Jim's happy for that.

But moving on from that topic! "This all must be very weird to you. Christmas and all. Do you celebrate any similar holidays?"

"We have several of our own but none which are quite analogous. The start of a new Stellar Cycle can involve gift-giving and well-wishes for the next orbital period and often involves fortune telling or prayers to Primus, which I think might be the closest analog I can think of," Megatron says in a thoughtful tone.

"I can think of little else that is quite the same."

"That sounds close enough, yes," he nods. A few differences, but then Jim wouldn't expect an exact replica of the same holiday. Mostly he was curious as to whether Cybertronians have things like holidays, as Jim has met some species in the past who don't.

"Christmas isn't quite as widespread as it used to be. It started as a religious celebration, then turned into more of a capitalist holiday. We still have some religions on Earth, each of them with their own unique celebrations, but most people don't adhere to them. Plus, we no longer have currency, so with the more capitalist aspect gone, Christmas lost some popularity over the centuries."

"How gratifying to know that there are at least some places that have thrown off the chains off capital," Megatron says with a casual look at Jim.

"Did it require a revolution?"

Jim smiles a little. "It's common to the whole of the Federation, for what it's worth. So that's about a hundred and fifty member planets," he explains.

"It... required a world war, the near extinction of the Human race, and yes, a number of different revolutions. It was a culmination of many issues that led to us changing, gradually but permanently, in many ways."

"Impressive." Megatron says it with genuine admiration. His own revolution had fizzled into utter depraved violence, so to hear that there was a polity that enjoyed a life free of the chains which he had always abhorred was in some small way gratifying.

Even if it was organic.

"Hardships such as those can sometimes point the right direction. Well done to your people, then."

"It is a shame, nevertheless," he says, looking down quietly and briefly. "That people have to be pushed so close to their own destruction to see that they can't go on like that anymore. But I should be glad that at least it wasn't too late."

He looks back up, smiling honestly at Megatron. "Thank you, ah. I guess. Has your people been through some revolution like that?" He seemed pretty quick to make that assumption, so.

"I lead the revolution," Megatron replies with a grim clench of his jaw.

"It descended into war for war's own sake. I lost control of myself. I lost my vision. I failed."

There's a quiet pause at that, but Jim's look is understanding. Not from a place of experience necessarily, but from a place of empathy. He nods, slowly.

"It's a fine line. All too easy to lose your balance and tip over that edge." How many times has peaceful intent evolved into violence, war, needless deaths? If anything, it's more unusual how Megatron seems to have accepted his part in it, and the consequences of being judged for it. "I'm sorry to hear that it didn't work out how you wanted it to."

"Few things work out the way we imagine or the way we planned. I failed to plan correctly and that fault is mine." And you know, approving a pack of vicious murderers, torturers, slavers, and worse in his effort to simply win.

"I killed or ordered to be killed billions. Possibly even more."

That gets nothing but dead silence from Jim for a while, eyes glued to the Christmas tree blinking away in front of them. Then he looks up at Megatron, almost bewildered for lack of a better word.

"Is this how first conversations with new acquaintances go, for you?" Because, you know, for Jim they don't tend to involve genocide right off the bat.

"Yes," Megatron says without a hint of irony. He turns his gaze back to Jim, the red glow of his optics almost some kind of weird accompaniment to the Christmas lights.

"It's important to me that those I work with know and understand just who and what I was before I came here," he continues in a low, unhappy voice. "It is a part of accepting and recognizing my faults. It is better for you to understand it now before you possibly grow fond and find the revelation later to be some sort of betrayal rather than a simple acknowledgement of my guilt."

Funnily enough, it's the bit about working together that gets him most. All this crap about missions doesn't sit well with him, and the more missions they're in, the more involved they get, the surer he is that this is all a bad idea that's going to end in disaster.

But as for the rest— he absorbs all of it, then nods slowly.

"I understand." Not in the sense that he gets what he did or why he did it, because he doesn't and he never will, but he accepts the reasons why he is forthcoming about it. Jim can appreciate that much. He's not sure if being truly repentant of one's actions is enough to atone for all the bad they've done, but it's not his place to say either way, or to judge anyone for it. And he is, after all, a firm believer of second chances.

"In that case, I appreciate your honesty. I... can't say how I feel about it personally, guess that's a lot of information to absorb. But I'll keep it to myself, for what it's worth." It's the kind of thing that Megatron should be the one sharing with other people, not Jim.

"There's no need for you to do so," Megatron says bluntly. "I've made it known to several others. It is not a secret I wish to conceal from others." Plus Drift knows all the grisly details better than almost anyone else still living.

"I thank you for listening. It's all that I can reasonably expect from most, when it comes to my past." Trust Megatron, no one feels as shit about his past as he does.

Except maybe the survivors.

"That may be so, but some things are for us to share, not for others to spread around." It's Megatron's past, so it should be him who tells others, not Jim or anyone else going around doing it for him. But he is, in a way, relieved to hear that Megatron is upfront about it; it's not something he would like to keep from Bones, particularly.

"I should, ah... leave you to your tree observation," he says. "Unless you'd like to decorate it with me?" Doubtful, but he'll ask anyway.

Megatron seems nonplussed by the question. He stands there for a moment, as if considering the options before him, then nods.

"If you would like the assistance, then I'll help. I have nothing better to do in any case."

Conveniently, there's a box full of ornaments right next to the tree, which Jim promptly picks up.

"Well, you're tall so that'll make it easier to reach the higher branches." He holds up the box for Megatron. "Take your pick."

With an odd sense of deja vu, MEgatron reaches over and delicately selects a few bulbs. That done, he begins to hang them on the tree with a great deal of intense concentration. He'll make some small talk if Jim insists, but now he's all in on the task of decorating the tree.

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OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

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