[OPEN MINGLE] So long, and good movie night.

[groupiedrifter]

CHARACTERS: Everyone! Top level away!
LOCATION: The Mess Hall
DATE: Sometime after the mission, but before the main festive station log.
CONTENT: Movie Night! Probably the last one ever. What the hell, guys. Also, birthdays, christmas tree ornament making, and robot fish. And food from... particular places.
WARNINGS: None! People will mark anything accordingly.

So, nearly the end of the road, huh? It's crazy how fast things have gone. Or how slow. Or both? Either way,

Newt plans this one like it's maybe the last one — like, sure, his movie night thing was kinda stupid. Dorky. Whatever you wanna call it. But the idea of it being the last one kind of gets him all... choked up? In private, anyway. He's not about to get all weepy about the impending loss of his teammates when they all (probably) head home and (maybe) forget each other.

But that's something to think about later.

For now — movies and food, as the good fucking lord baby Jesus intended in December. Well, mostly. Newt isn't against launching into a long history lesson on paganism and all of the pitfalls of commercialized Christmas. Please, don't let him fall down that rabbit hole. Instead, enjoy the pretty lights that are strung up, leading into the mess hall. Probably courtesy of Yzak, honestly, because Newt isn't that coordinated when it comes to pretty colors and decor.



Onto the important stuff first! There are... four — yes four! — birthdays they're going to each be singing for.

Yes, all four get their own song. It'll start up the moment the last song is done, and each of the birthday kiddos get a little cake to go with it.

Finn, Natasha, Chishiya, Alina... here is what happens when you leave this guy in charge of getting cakes.



Make sure you give them all presents. We should enjoy the birthdays we've got to celebrate, right? And with cake comes food. But not just any food, no. There is a metric megaton of food at this movie night; a banquet, even, and some of you may find the food... oddly familiar? But not from your world, no. These all appear to be samplings of different foods from... different missions. Yes, from Badrock snake to Viveca's world and their questionable tablets, every single planet or universe is accounted for. Enjoy, guys. Or don't, because some of the food is kinda weird.





The movies tonight are much more feelgood, save for the, uh... Romeo + Juliet option that someone had recommended. Honestly, 8 Crazy Nights had been on the cutting room floor for the holidays, but who doesn't love an excuse to watch a bunch of muppets reenact the ye old tale of Ebenezer Scrooge?



And near the projector, there is also a very pleasant-looking white tree, glowing with a prism of many colors. And next to that, there's a collection of arts and crafts tools at one's disposal. Feel free to create an ornament, team; it can be as stupid or as dead serious as you want. Whatever the case, this poor pagan-inspired tree is too naked, and that's sad.

(And yes, in case you're wondering — Newt did, in fact, make that little alien ornament in the examples. Of course.)

There's one final offering that Newt has, in the form of what is... some kind of large fish tank? Yes, there's a large aquarium in the corridor, just outside of the mess hall, where there are clearly little... robotic fish swimming around? More studious members of the team may have noticed him feverishly building these little suckers the last... half a year? Maybe more? He's been busy either way. Newton wastes no time pointing out the one that was created based off you, either.



Feel free to stop by, so that he can show off the little toy fish (or other critter of the sea) that is in dedication to his teammates. (No, really, comment here and you'll get a specially made fish.)

Happy Holidays, and here's to the last mission, guys. Whatever it's gonna be.

The tree so far:

Comments

[singlelogbridge]

[That gets a snort out of him and he shakes his head, huffing with exasperation.]

Aiya, sweet a-xing, I've long given up on my goal. [His smile is warm when he fixes it on her though, and he seems at ease with the decision.]

I'm afraid there never was a single fix that could have saved everyone, and it's enough for me to know that there are universes out there where it didn't go the way it did.

[He reaches for her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her into his side. He's always been affectionate with her, but he'll admit to himself he's feeling it more now as their time draws to a close.]

It was a hard place to make a decision. You did the best you could, and I'm proud of you.

[shadysided]

[If there's anything that can make her relax, that would be it. It's hard to stay wound up, knowing he's given her his approval. It'd be easy for him to get mad at her, blame her, tell her she's a screw-up. It's not remotely in his nature, but he could, and it'd be easy... After all, they all have so much riding on collecting these.

Though, one thing he says does gather up all of her focus.]

You're not going to undo your regret?

[singlelogbridge]

[Caught that, did she? Well he had spelled it out for her. His smile turns wry and he nods, expression growing wistful.]

I'm not. There are things I've learned that make me wonder if it'll do more harm than good, and beyond that, I...I don't think it should be up to me.

So many of the mistakes I made in my life were because I was trying fix things and I took on powers I shouldn't have to that end. I think it's time I accept things, even if they're hard. [His eyes flicker to Ziggy and his smile curls warmly.]

And if my goal energy can be used to fulfill someone else's, someone's more worthy, that's more than enough for me.

[shadysided]

Yeah, well... As long as you're happy.

[She shrugs, trying not to look too sentimental.

(It's failing.)]

I mean, that's important, too. That whatever you do, it makes you happy. Or gives you peace. Or something like that. If there's something I've learned, seeing all these people from planet to planet, it's that we all could really use a little peace and happiness.

... Blegh, I sounded like a sappy Hallmark card.

[He can probably use context clues for that one.]

[singlelogbridge]

I am. [He says quietly, a little wonder in his voice.]

And if it's possible, I'm going to remain here after it's all over. [With the others who choose to remain. With Itachi. The thought of it is enough to bring a soft smile to his face.]

Do you think the Ximilia has changed you, Ziggy? Have you found any kind of peace?

[shadysided]

[She goes quiet herself, though her expression is a little somber -- less wonder, but more uncertainty. Uncertainty if she should be honest... if she should put that kind of thing on Wei Wuxian to hear. But that's what they're all here for, right? When the missions are over? And lying... it's never really been her thing, anyway. Her sister could have testified to that.

After a moment, she lands on something she truly believes:]

... I've found my potential.

[She shrugs, offering a slight smile.]

There's so much about the Ximilia and what we've done here that's made me a better person. And more capable than I thought I'd ever be. But it also did a lot of things that -- really, really hurt. And knowing what I still have to make up for, back home...

I think I still need a little more time to get there.

Maybe I could, though. Peace. I think one of the biggest changes for me is... realizing that even if I don't have something now, it's not impossible to have later. Peace isn't impossible for me, and I hope... I can find it, too.

[singlelogbridge]

[It's a good answer. An honest one, and the smile he aims at her tilts affectionate. Believing in herself, knowing that she's capable of more, it's important and it's powerful. More than that, he hears the hope in her voice.

He sets one hand on her shoulder and squeezes it.]

I know you will, a-xing. And for whatever part of that journey is here, I'll always be by your side. [His smile this time is strong and filled with pride.]