ximilialog | 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

●●● CLOSED — RUMOUR HAS IT;

[ Ah, mistletoe. A poisonous parasitic plant, and the source of some very silly tradition that the Doctor admittedly is only partially fond of … mostly on account of his inability to understand what a plant has to do with kissing someone else to void a dark omen and chase away the shadows of bad luck.

Still. He isn’t against the humany superstition wherever he’s spotted a sprig of mistletoe pinned over the opening of the doorway, and somehow during conversation, the tradition comes up. He doesn’t quite remember what he’d said, only — there might have been a remark at one point, a question pertaining to kissing on the station.

What is it with humans and kissing, anyway? They always seem to be going on about it. Not that the Doctor doesn’t … well, you know what, that’s a little too much information already. But he’s not immune, he’s well versed in it, isn’t even a bad kisser himself, and yes, yes, a kiss of sorts did happen when he’d arrived here. On Braccia. During a mission. Who had it been with? Well, the big, tall, handsome bloke over there — yes, Kovacs, that’s right.

How was he? Well, he was perfectly okay, as far as kissing went, a bit dry maybe, and it was really quite rushed. Of course it was all for the — oh, well, yes, there’s more eggnog over there.

The Doctor, of course, thinks nothing more of the conversation because as far as he’s concerned, those toy dinosaurs aren’t going to race themselves. And maybe he’ll help himself to some hot cocoa too. ]

[ the party is many things, but it's definitely not something kovacs actually anticipates enjoying or anything, especially because he's not actually a party kind of guy, not in the usual sense that everyone else here seems to be clinging to. but it doesn't mean he can't find ways to enjoy himself, particularly when he has plenty of alcohol in his system, and the aid of a few convenient pieces of something to smoke on the side that isn't a pack of cigarettes.

it keeps him loose through the night, a little more engaging in conversation than he might typically be found to be, even sporting what could be considered something of a subtle smile from time to time.

except all signs of a fun, happy kovacs seems to vanish as a certain rumor begins to float around, overheard in fainter whispers at a certain point of the night before he hears the direct words from alina whom chooses to tell him directly what's being said rather than urging the gossip to continue going on behind his back.

considering he very highly doubts it's clara sending the story around about how disappointing his kisses are, there's only one other candidate in the station who'd have the experience to have an opinion to even spread on that subject at all.

when he finds the doctor (the dorkier and less angry one), he snags him by the collar of his coat from behind, pulling him back towards him. ] So, Doc — enjoying a bit of storytelling tonight?

[ The Doctor, enjoying a grand old time, is just thinking about finally getting started on that incredibly detailed, 10,000 piece LEGO Burj Al Arab when he feels himself being tugged rather roughly by the collar in a manner that can really only be described as 'being picked up by the scruff of his neck'. Like he's a puppy in want of discipline, and Kovacs is — well, suppose that makes him his ... mum.

Yowz. ]

I always enjoy a good bit of storytelling. [ He's been telling so many stories tonight, as many as he could think of, and the funniest ones he's got — of which he has plenty of material. Possibly over too much of that naughty eggnog too. (Which, once you've masked every last taste of the alcohol, doesn't taste so bad?) ] But you're going to have to explain this one. [ Oh. Wait — ] Was it the tennis racket story? I knew that one might've been a bit risky. It involves Perry's — pants.

[ funny how the doctor isn't actually too much shorter than his own height, but the scrawniness of the other man, a little dangly in certain areas, makes him all too easy to snag and pull around, where kovacs would likely even be able to lift him up a little by the collar to earn more of his attention. luckily, he doesn't take it that far, even if he maintains the light grip, offering a stern look as the other man moves into his typical routine of rambling. ]

Maybe your shit-talk about what happened at the strip joint in Braccia rings some bells.

[ does he need to go further? ]

[ Dangly! Please, how insulting. He is absolutely not ... dangly. And, all right, that's a bit more force than he's used to from his friend, but he really isn't sure what this could be all about.

And then.

Wait. Hm. ]

I don't shit-talk. [ Is this literally the first time the Doctor has ever sworn? Maybe, maybe. ] Now, what exactly have you heard? I suspect someone else has been telling stories.

[ is the use of a swear from the doctor going to send kovacs into shock? no, not necessarily, even if he does raise a brow at the man who often uses vocabulary like he's trying to remain appropriate like some mediator for a kid's program.

he hums a disbelieving mhmm as he lets go of his grip to go on crossing his arms as a reflexive intimidating tactic. ]

Really? Someone else, huh? So it wasn't you going around describing it as dry and stale? Rushed and messy? Disappointing? [ maybe the story's become more exaggerated as it's exchanged mouths through the night, but there's still going to be a particular person to blame for starting it at all. ] You know — during that time that you kissed me?

[ The Doctor, meanwhile, straightens his jacket and readjusts his bow-tie; this is also a reflexive motion, but not so much for intimidation nor for tactical anything.

Besides, Kovacs has just twisted it a little out of place, and no one likes a wrinkled jacket either. ]

‘Dry and stale’? ‘Disappointing’? Hah. [ None of those words strike familiar, but oh, all right, maybe some other part of his memory's being jarred a little and he's remembering the conversation with some clarity.

Who had he even been speaking to, anyway? There was discussion about Braccia, yes, and the mission and a teasing question about his snogging Kovacs, which the Doctor wasn’t going to deny by any means, it did do the trick, didn’t it? And the Doctor is very fond of Kovacs, of course, though perhaps he might have described their quick snog as ... ah.

'Well, it was all right, I suppose. Bit rushed, really. Not nearly the best, but let me tell you about the time I very nearly married Marilyn Monroe —'

The Doctor clears his throat. ]

Those were not my words. In fact, I think there’s been an unfortunate game of ‘broken telephone’ playing around the room.

OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

closed to kovacs — ;

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deadeye stare into the camera @ 'kid's program' how dare u