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

[naloxone]

[ there she'd been, innocently minding her own business...

nah, in truth marta is actually really pleased to see ace, as she'd lost track of him somewhere after the christmas morning opening of gifts. being rather new, marta hadn't thought to get anyone anything, and so she'd gotten content living with the guilt of being a horrible person when people started turning around and gifting her... but she honestly hadn't expected to feel so towards one of her very own roommates.

she looks up from the bundle in her lap, touched. hands already moving to pull the reused wrapper away. ]

Ace, you shouldn't —

[ her eyes fall on the cover ]

...have.

[ she's silent a few moments, before very slowly, very carefully lifting her eyes back up to meet his. she's looks at him closely, trying to figure out if its mischief or firelight dancing in his eyes. ]

You know this book?

[doze]

( listen.

he tried his best, okay? books aren't exactly a big thing to him; he can read, but he doesn't make a habit of devouring books. that was best left to someone else. and maybe it's because there's that thread of commonality that's in marta that ties her to his old friend that drove him to do this in the first place. there's no telling. but, he genuinely thought this was a good idea; this isn't some ximi version of punk'd.

anyway.

there's enough alcohol in his system to dull his senses just a little bit that it doesn't register with him that marta doesn't seem to like his very thoughtful gift. which, speaking of alcohol, he takes another mouthful of the wine and shakes his head, gesturing toward her with the cup. )

No. Sounded more interesting than the one you had the other day. That one's got pirates— ( a beat ) I think.

( he snickers, almost more to himself than anything. )

Besides, I thought the title was pretty funny.

[naloxone]

[ she doesn't dislike it! she just doesn't know if she's being messed with here, but further investigation leads her to believe his gesture is genuine... if not a little misguided.

honestly it's oddly endearing. ]

It is a pretty funny title, [ she concedes, the corner of her lips finally lifting into a smile as she relaxes.

she turns the book over in her hands, scanning the blurbs of praise along the back. perhaps foolishly, a thought strikes her. ]

Want me to read you a few lines?

[doze]

( fortunately or unfortunately — all depending on how one looks at it — ace isn't messing with her right now. not really, anyway. sure, it might be a little bit of a joke but it's also kind of serious. logically he knows there are all different sorts of books, but at the same time ace is of the mind that book-people just enjoy all types of books.

so, it's a genuine gift. sorry, friend.

he glances up at her, brows raised; this is unexpected. )

Sure, if you want to.

[naloxone]

[ marta has to wonder if a man so comfortable wandering around in just a pair of shorts and a stetson can even feel shame, but at this point she's already offered, and he's already accepted. so she turns to a random page in the book, sitting up straighter and clearing her throat a couple of times before beginning to read out loud—

her eyes had immediately honed in on the phrase Her glistening bosom heaved and simply kept reading on from there, painting a vivid picture of our heroine and her love interest's first torrid meeting that ends a couple of pages later in torn silks and corsets.

marta flips a couple of pages further, mostly for her own curiosity and, sure enough, the couple reunite not too long after anyway.

she snaps the book shut in one hand before finally turning to ace, giving his nose a soft bonk with the paperback. ]

It's a romance novel, el fuego. The book is probably 80% of stuff like this, and 20% plot.

[doze]

( listen.

he has a sweater on right now, first of all. also, his hat is just attached and hanging against his back. he even washed his hair this morning! granted, he didn't style it and it looks like a bird's nest, but that's beside the point.

now, he should've known what to expect just from the cover of the book, and yet somehow he doesn't and hearing it read aloud so crisply without hesitation has him feeling some kind of way. embarrassed, mostly. but, whatever. what!! ever!! he splutters a little at the nose boop and shrugs his shoulders. )

W-well, there's still a plot!

( . . . . . . . . . . . )

What's L Fwaygo?

[naloxone]

[ she was definitely being generous by giving the plot 20%. it's probably more like 10%. her smile only widens at his flustered response; honestly, she loves her gift for that moment alone. ]

El fuego, [ she says after a brief headshake, enunciating every syllable. ] It means "fire" in Spanish. [ she pauses, then helpfully supplies, ] That's my native language.

[doze]

( hey. that's still a percentage of plot happening. maybe it's good, too! never know until one reads it, after all. so maybe it'll be worth something more than his embarrassed reaction. (though, truthfully, he's going to go nosing around to see if there are any others. maybe take up reading as a hobby...)

ANYWAY.

he hums in thought, murmurs it in an attempt to make it sound like marta does — though it's not very good. but, as with most things, he's doing his best. )

Oh. Is that where you're from? ( he thinks again, trying to parse what spanish might mean in terms of a place. ) Span?

[naloxone]

[ it's a pretty decent guess, all things considered. if the universe were any kinder, made any more sense, he'd be 100% right. ]

Cuba, [ she corrects gently, then adds, ] but the language did come from Spain. It's complicated and weird, don't worry too much about it.

Where are you from?

[doze]

( dang. he was close! mentally, he pats himself on the back for a correct guess. even if it wasn't exactly correct and marta's not exactly from there, it was close enough that it definitely counts as a win in ace's book. )

I'm from a place called Dawn Island in East Blue. But, it's not on your "earth" ( yes, air quotes ) so I don't know that it'll directionally mean much. What is your Cuba like?

[naloxone]

Much warmer than this. [ she laughs a little, because it hasn't escaped her that this chill lingering in her bones is artificial. ] You'd probably like it a lot.

[ she stretches her legs out in front of her, dead leaves and snow crunching under her movement. her gift she cradles delicately over her lap. ]

But I actually haven't been there in quite some time. Maybe it's changed.

[doze]

( he hums in acknowledgment. the places he's been have been a lot warmer than this, too. he doesn't hate it, but he definitely prefers warmer weather. especially considering his clothes — or lack thereof. he's taken to wearing different things around the station since he hasn't really had to fight or anything.

anyway.

the image of cuba he conjures up in his mind is mostly... not correct, but some things would be similar enough. he wonders, briefly, if any of the books scattered around the station have anything about ""earth"" and the places on it. )

Places don't fundamentally change that much. ( he drags one leg up so he can rest his arm against his bent knee. he watches the fire for a few moments in silence. ) People make places more than anything. ( he glances over at her with an encouraging sort of expression on his face. ) It probably hasn't changed as much as you think.

[naloxone]

[ marta had begun tracing the spine of the book with her fingertips when the comfortable silence fell between them, but at the rest of his words she pauses to glance back up. her lips quirk into a mirror of the smile he offers her, and somehow that in itself lifts her spirits up. ]

Yeah. I guess you're right about that.

[ she's spent a lot of time mourning her old life in cuba, but if she really thinks about it, everything (or rather, everyone) that made cuba worth living in had come along with her. and marta would take her family over those golden beaches any day. ]

Sorry I didn't get you a gift in return. Do you have any hobbies?

[doze]

( ace could understand. since he's arrived here in this place, he's been doing a lot of thinking about his past life. his life in the past? whatever. he's just been thinking a lot. he doesn't like doing it because it's still very fresh and very painful, and if he's honest, he's beginning to regret his regret. funny how that works, isn't it? somehow it feels a little unfair or something. sometimes he wants to go home, sometimes he wants to just accept what's happened.

surely keeping all that bottled up will work out really well for him in the end. everything's fine.

so, he's thankful for the out there even though he knows marta didn't even give him one. it's much better to think about such mundane things like hobbies and such. )

It's alright, ( he waves off the gift remark easily, ) I didn't even know what this Christmas thing was until a couple days ago. ( so it's no skin off his nose to not get anything. ) But, um, hobbies...

( hobbies... hobbies. ace rubs his chin in thought. most people wouldn't have to think about something like this, but life's different when you're a pirate. )

I guess I don't! ( he laughs in spite of himself. ) Haven't really had a lot of time for stuff like that. Weird, huh.

[naloxone]

[ in many ways marta finds herself envying ace's lackadaisical nature. it seems so effortless, though she's not quite so foolish enough to believe that an easy smile like his means he's never felt pain before. if she's learned anything from getting to know yamato, it's that sometimes the ones that can smile the most are the ones who've gone through the most pain.

she doesn't know a lot about either of her roommates, but she hopes to change that soon. ]

Not so weird. It sounds like you were busy. What is it that you do back home?