Cowboy Bebop and all its contents are the copyright of Shinichiro Watanabe and Bandai.
Cowboy Bebop: Live and Learn
Episode 34: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
"... Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas."
'Twas several nights before Christmas, when all through the Bebop not a creature was stirring, not even Spike on his couch or Jet in his chair. When out in the hall there arose such a clatter they both turned to see what was the matter.
Faye picked up her mug from the hallway floor, relieved she had finished all her tea before dropping it, and quickly raised a tissue to her nose.
Achoo!
With a weary sigh she shuffled towards the common room, Spike and Jet returning to their respective activities, or in Spike's case, inactivity.
Faye peered over Jet's shoulder curiously. " What are you doee?"
" Searching the SSW." He replied.
" For what?" And she watched him enter an on-line store and type in a search for Santa costumes. " You're gettee a costume?"
Jet turned to her with a frown. " Faye, you sound terrible. Have you been taking the decongestant like I told you to?"
She nodded and blew into her tissue, her eyes tearing up for a moment before she sneezed again.
Jet shook his head. " You should be in bed, resting."
" But there's othing to do there." She whined.
" There's nothing to do out here either." Spike remarked without opening his eyes.
Faye sighed and glanced around the room for a few moments.
" We –eed a Christmas tree." She said softly.
Jet chuckled. " And who would pay for the Christmas tree, Faye?"
She shrugged and shuffled over to the other end of the table. " I'm just sayee. So why are you buyee a Sata costume?" She continued conversationally. " Cotemplatee a seaso-al part-time job or sometee?"
" I want to catch a high-profile bounty so that we can have a decent meal for Christmas."
" We always have decent meals." Spike commented.
Jet shook his head. " I want ham, stuffing, and mashed potatoes with gravy, dam-it!"
Faye smiled. " Me too, me too! Oh I ca practically taste them! Oh Jet, do it! I'll help clee the dishes afterwards."
" Now that would be a nice gift for Christmas." He smiled.
" Yeah." Spike agreed and sat up, working out a kink in his neck. " I'd even pay to see her do that."
Faye scowled.
" Hey Spike, when was the last time you had a Christmas meal?" Jet asked him.
Spike thought about that for a moment and finally shrugged. " Don't know."
" That's because he was too busy doee mafia stuff. He probably hasut had a Christmas meal before." Faye sneered.
Spike flashed her a glare and she flopped down on the couch beside him, sneezing hard into a tissue. He tensed and she looked up, sniffling with her little, red nose.
" Don't give me your germs Faye." He warned and slid to the furthest end of the couch. " So what bounty are you targeting, Jet?" He continued, placing a cigarette between his lips and lighting up.
" Well, I learned from my sources that someone dressed up as Santa and held-up a line of parents who had brought their kids to see him just two days ago."
" Huh. That's low." Faye remarked and eyed Spike's cigarette hungrily.
" ISSP said they arrested a few of the elves but 'Santa' got away. Now they're saying that they know where Santa's going to hit next but don't want the word out yet."
" How come?" Spike asked, leaning his head back against the couch and watching his puffs of smoke hit the ceiling and disperse.
" They're afraid the news could cause a panic, hurting businesses at an important time of year and possibly making the criminal more desperate."
" And you don't think the ISSP can handle this by themselves?"
Jet smirked. " I think we should go and help the authorities catch the crook. I know they will give a nice reward for keeping quiet about the details of their investigation. And I already have a contact in ISSP who will help us."
" So where is the next hit gonna take place?" Spike asked, taking out his cigarette and tapping its end in an ashtray.
" Sesame Mall in Messa City, Saturn. I've already fixed our coordinates. By this point it should only take us about twenty-four hours. We'll be meeting up with an old roommate of mine back when I was in the ISSP academy. Peter Guilliano."
" Hm. I knew a Guilliano during my time with the Red Dragons." Spike mused. " He had a bad attitude but was one hell of an expert marksman."
Faye frowned. " I hope this Guillia-o is -ot the same guy."
" Not a chance." Jet replied. " But I should warn you guys. Peter has always been…" And Jet rubbed his balding head, searching for the right words. "…well…short."
" Short?" Spike asked, confused.
" He's a midget." Jet clarified. " And the one thing he hates the most is for people to stare at him. So, no staring. At least not when he can see you doing it."
" Definitely not the same Guilliano." Spike affirmed.
" Huh! I –ever met a real midget before." Faye said looking to Jet. " What is he like?"
He pinned her with a pointed stare. " Short."
24 hours later in Sesame Mall, Mesa City, Saturn:
The shopping mall was filled with all manner of glitter and lights. The sound of holiday music a constant white noise to the hundreds of voices from shoppers. And the tantalizing smells of coffee and melted chocolate wafted in the air.
Spike took a careful sip from his coffee cup and sighed in satisfaction before turning into a back hall reserved only for staff. Walking for a few minutes he finally reached a corner that led to the employee lounge. And as he looked up he raised his eyebrows in surprise. Faye was standing just beyond the doorframe, peeking into the room.
" You're staring." Spike murmured close to her ear.
Faye jumped and released an aggravated sigh. " Don't do that! You almost made me drop my coffee." She scolded without taking her eyes off Jet's old roommate.
Spike glanced down to see she was holding a mug in her right hand. He hadn't noticed it a moment earlier. " Sorry." He apologized. " Hey! You're sounding better."
Faye nodded and took a quick sip of her coffee. " Yeah. The decongestant is helping."
Spike peeked around the door for a moment, above Faye's head. " So why don't you just go and introduce yourself?"
She shrugged. " I will… it's just…" And she lowered her voice, whispering to him conspiratorially. " I never actually met a real-life midget before."
Spike chuckle softly. " Sometimes I wonder about you." He smirked. " Come on, Romani. Let's go get acquainted. Besides, Jet said the guy hates being stared at." And without waiting for a response he took a firm hold of her arm and pulled her into the room with him.
Jet turned around and smiled as they entered, motioning for them to come over. " Oh hey, guys. Come over here for a few seconds."
The room was abuzz with casual conversation and Spike and Faye noticed several uniformed ISSP milling about.
" I want to introduce you two to the guy who helped me make it through the academy." Jet continued.
Spike raised his eyebrows curiously and Faye stared wide-eyed at the little man before them. He had a pleasant, boy-like face. With rosy cheeks and bright-blue eyes he was the prettiest midget Faye had ever seen.
" Peter this is Spike Spiegel and Faye Valentine." Jet continued. " Spike, Faye," And he gestured to his friend. " Meet Peter Guilliano."
" Nice to meet you." Peter replied warmly, and stretched out his hand to Spike who gave him a friendly smile.
" And it's definitely nice to meet you." He continued, taking hold of Faye's hand and placing a gentle kiss on top. Faye blushed.
" Charmer." Jet teased him.
" Looks like I still have it, Jet." Peter laughed jovially.
" You should have seen how he could stun a whole group of ladies back in the day!" Jet remarked with a grin.
" What are you talking about, back in the day? Man, I still can!" Peter exclaimed, feigning insult.
" Say guys…" Faye began, happy to interrupt the conversation. " What's up with all the ISSP?"
" Back to business." Peter remarked, folding his hands.
Jet nodded. " We need to discuss a few details on how things will go down tonight."
" What are you thinking, Jet?" Spike asked taking another sip from his coffee cup.
" You and Faye are going to play the role of a happy married couple with a young son."
" Huh?" Came Faye's startled reply.
" And Peter is going to play the role of your son." He finished.
" It will allow me to get close to the criminal." Peter interjected.
" Should be an easy catch."
Spike looked to Jet with a confused frown. " So then how do you and all these ISSP officers fit in?"
" I'm going to be the Santa from an earlier shift. That will grant me access anywhere Santa and his elves would be allowed. These ISSP officers are going to be dressing up as elves and waiting for the signal from Peter."
Faye frowned. " Do you guys really think this will work?" She asked.
Spike shrugged while Peter and Jet nodded emphatically.
Faye sighed. "I have a feeling things aren't going to be so easy."
" We're going to think positively, Faye." Jet reprimanded gently.
" Remember the mashed potatoes with gravy."
Faye suddenly lit up. " Like I said. This will be a piece of cake!"
" By the way," He continued, scrutinizing her appearance. " You might want to wear something a little-bit more… motherly."
Faye glanced down at her attire and frowned. " Well what am I suppose to wear? I've never been a mom."
" Spike," Jet began and handed him a woolong card. " Go help her find something decently mom-like."
" Wait-a-minute, Jet! I can do that by myself." Faye countered, making a grab for the card.
" Yeah, but temptation is great in a mall this time of year." He replied and lifted his arm higher than she could reach. " Better that your husband buy something nice for you." Jet smirked and handed Spike the card.
Faye killed him with her eyes.
" And what about him? Doesn't he need a wardrobe change too?" She asked, pointing her chin to Peter.
Peter pulled out of a duffel bag he had slung over his shoulder, a pair of sneakers and a bright blue jacket for kids. " I'll just make a few readjustments to my attire to complete my transformation." He explained with a smile.
Faye looked back at Jet with a dark frown.
" Once you've changed you, Spike, and Peter are gonna go and get in line for the next Santa." Jet instructed. " Don't make any moves to grab him until its Peter's turn to sit on his lap."
" Come on, Faye." Spike began and walked past her. " We can figure out what to get you by checking out the moms that are shopping in the mall." And he paused in his footsteps, mentally cringing at his own words. Turning back around he gave them a weak smile. " Uhm…that… didn't come out right."
Faye sighed in defeat and whirled on her heels, finishing off her coffee at the same time. " This had better work." She mumbled to herself.
As she and Spike disappeared from view Peter turned to Jet.
" Man, you weren't kidding when you said she's a looker!"
Jet nodded firmly.
" And she definitely knows how to make her feelings known."
" Yeah… sometimes." Jet replied mysteriously.
Peter raised an eyebrow at that. " Sometimes?"
But their conversation was interrupted when the mall manager entered the lounge and waved to Jet.
" Looks like I'm up!" He replied and put on his white mustache and beard before placing a red hat on his head and heading for the door.
" You look great Jet!" Peter smiled. " And don't worry. Everything's gonna work out." He stated confidently and gave him a thumbs up while several ISSP elves filed out the door.
An hour and a half later…
Faye sighed restlessly and fidgeted with the collar of her new sweater. " I still don't know why it had to be red." She grumbled. " I already have a red sweater."
" But it's the color of Christmas, Faye." Spike smirked, amused at her discomfort.
" Yeah but this get-up is just so… so… mom-like!"
" Exactly." Spike nodded and tossed his empty coffee cup in a trash receptacle as they moved ahead in the waiting line to see Santa.
Faye glanced at Peter who had turned to look up at them, a smirk on his face.
" What?" She asked. " It looks stupid, doesn't it?"
Peter shook his head. " No. Actually, I think you look like a mom that takes care of herself. It's attractive. And…" Peter lowered his voice and motioned for her to lean down closer. " You probably didn't notice but every guy in line has been sending glances your way since you've arrived."
" Really?" Faye asked hopefully.
Peter nodded.
" I wouldn't mind being a mom if I had a son like you!" She smiled. " See Spike?"
" Huh?" He asked, having been scanning the area while she and Peter talked. " See what?"
Faye motioned to Peter. " He gave me reasons to feel good about myself. Is it really so hard for you to do the same for me?"
Spike blinked at her uncomprehendingly and scratched his head in confusion.
Faye sighed and looked to the end of the line. " Where is this Santa guy, anyway? We've all been standing here and no one has even come to tell us what's going on." She whined, tapping her foot impatiently.
" I'm beginning to wonder the same thing, actually." Spike mused out-loud.
Peter nodded. " It is strange. Jet would be done by now. He should have contacted one of us."
Up and down the line several parents were dragging away their kids to continue with their shopping while those that waited became increasingly more agitated.
" How much longer should we wait?" Faye asked and checked her watch. " We've been standing in line now for almost an hour."
" When was Santa supposed to be here?" Spike asked.
Peter looked around and pointed to a sign at the end of the line. " The sign says he should have been here a half hour ago."
" Something's wrong." Spike stated, keeping his voice low so as not to let anyone else hear.
" What should we do?" Faye asked.
Peter reached into a back pocket of his jeans. " Let me try contacting Jet."
" No wait! You can't. Give it to Spike. You're his son remember? Don't you think it would look suspicious that a young son is making important calls?"
Peter and Spike exchanged glances before shrugging to each other.
" I don't think anyone really cares that a boy is making calls, Faye." Spike countered but took the com from Peter anyway.
For several moments he held it to his ear, waiting while Faye and Peter stared at him expectantly. But it soon became apparent that Jet wasn't going to answer anytime soon.
" Something's wrong." Faye sighed in agreement. " He would have answered by now."
Handing the communicator back to Peter Spike motioned for him to follow. " Come on. We better check things out. Faye, you stay here in case Santa shows up."
"Hey! Why do I have to wait?" She asked, fighting the urge to stomp her foot.
" Because little Pete here needs to use the facilities. And only men are allowed in the men's restroom, honey." Spike explained with a mischievous smirk.
Faye growled at him as he took Peter's hand in a parental fashion.
" Don't worry. We'll be back soon." Spike smiled and gave her a playful wink before stepping out of line, taking Peter with him.
Faye felt her cheeks grow hot as she watched them walk away. Breathing in deeply she did her best to remain calm while visions of strangling Spike danced in her head.
Sneaking into the back halls the sounds of happy shoppers and Christmas music faded away. Spike quietly pulled out his Jericho and glanced back at Peter who quickly released the safety on his own gun. As they neared the lounge Spike pressed against the wall and raised his fingers in a silent countdown. Peter nodded his understanding and stood tense and ready.
Within moments they stormed the room, weapons raised.
" What the?" Peter gasped.
The ISSP elves and Jet stared back at them. Stripped down to their underwear, tied up, and gagged.
Spike quickly tucked away his gun and hurried over to Jet while Peter went to the nearest ISSP officer.
" Jet! What happened?" Spike asked after managing to remove the duck tape from his mouth.
" We got set-up! That's what happened!" Jet growled.
" Set up? By who?"
" One of the ISSP elves wasn't really ISSP."
" You mean the thief actually had a spy?" Peter asked, incredulously.
" Yeah." Jet growled. " And once we were all on our way out to the mall we were ambushed and brought back here."
" Did you recognize anyone?" Spike asked.
Jet shook his head remorsefully. " They were all wearing Santa masks and armed with stun guns. We didn't stand a chance."
" How many were there?" Peter asked.
Jet thought on that for a moment. " Fifteen I think. Well, close to that anyway."
Peter frowned. " But …why did they take your clothes?"
Jet shrugged, a dark frown on his face. " They just wanted to humiliate us."
Faye sighed. She hated waiting for anything but she especially hated waiting for a Santa Claus that might never show up.
" So… you have a kid coming to see the top guy, huh?"
Faye turned around to see a man, no older than his early thirties, staring back at her. He smiled and she didn't miss how his eyes briefly took in her form.
" Uh… yeah." And she turned back around hoping the guy would get the hint.
" Me too!" He laughed.
Great. Faye moaned to herself.
" I thought this would be something nice to do with my kids since their mom and I broke up last month."
" Really?" Faye replied, completely uninterested. Her life was difficult enough as it was without having to hear every divorced guy's sob story about how he and his wife couldn't make it work.
" Yeah. I figured… going to see Santa was always a constant for them. Something we did as a family every year. So, keeping something the same would be good for them, right?"
Faye rolled her eyes, taking care that he wouldn't notice. A constant? Maybe you should have kept a constant relationship. They probably would have appreciated that more.
" That sounds… nice." And she gave him a strained smile.
The man smiled wider and Faye instantly recognized the gleam in his eyes. It was one she was more accustomed to seeing in the bars.
" So, uhm… I'm sorry I didn't catch your name."
Here we go. She thought to herself. Men.
" That's because I didn't give it to you." She smiled coyly.
" I'm Jack. Nice to meet you." And he gave her his hand. At the same moment Faye realized two things. Jack didn't have any kids waiting with him and just beyond the line was a group of elves heading for an exit led by Santa Claus.
" What the hell?" She blurted out and jumped out of line, leaving behind a flabbergasted Jack.
Running as fast as she could Faye pulled out her communicator.
" Spike! Spike!"
There was a moment of static before she heard his voice squawk through. " What?"
" Jet and the ISSP elves are leaving the mall! You better hurry up or you'll miss everything!" She smirked, happy at the thought that she would be present to see the thief taken down and Spike would not.
Serves him right for telling me to wait in line!
Her communicator squawked again. " Faye! That's not Jet! He's here with me! You found our target! Which exit are they taking?"
Faye reached the exit doors just in time to see a white van pull up to the sidewalk.
" They're getting away!" She shouted and pulled out her glock.
Passing shoppers gasped and screamed as she bolted through the doors with her gun drawn. A few of the elves, still waiting to get in the van, glanced her way and shouted to the driver.
" Stop! Freeze or I'll shoot!" She shouted, her finger tightening around the trigger.
But she lost her balance as a tremendous force plowed into her back and sent her reeling to the pavement. The gun clattered onto the street as she spread out her hands in an instinctive effort to save her face.
Angered and confused she looked up to see the van driving away with a squeal of rubber.
" No!!" She shrieked and turned around to swat at a man who had tackled her. " Get off me! What the heck are you doing? Those elves were the bad guys not me!"
" Yeah, right." He sneered. And as he got to his feet she realized he was the same man flirting with her in line and who was wearing a security uniform beneath his jacket. Roughly he slapped a pair of handcuffs on her wrists.
" You're a mall cop!" She exclaimed. " Why are you arresting me when we're both on the same side?!" She all but shrieked.
Spike and Jet stumbled outside just in time to see Faye get hauled to her feet, her wrists in handcuffs. The mall cop looked over his shoulder at them and nodded, his expression one of relief.
" Oh good. This lady had a gun and was threatening to shoot." He began. " She doesn't look like a terrorist but you can never tell these days."
" No, no. This is a mistake. She's not a terrorist." Peter replied hurridly and walked over to him.
Jet, now dressed in a long winter coat, stepped closer to talk with Faye. " What happened?" He asked.
" They got away! That's what happened." She snapped back and blew a wayward strand of hair from her face.
" What vehicle were they in?" Peter asked and released her from the handcuffs.
" There was a white van."
" Any license plate number?"
Faye shook her head. " It just said, 'hohoho.'"
Spike, Jet, and Peter looked at each other with varying degrees of disbelief.
" I'm not making it up!" She shouted defensively.
" Like I said." Jet growled. " They're just playing with us."
A moment later the mall manager stepped outside, with a dark frown. " Now what am I supposed to do? I have a long line of frustrated kids and angry parents waiting to visit Santa Claus!"
" Looks like you're gonna have to close the line for today." Spike replied around a cigarette.
Faye watched him light up and start puffing away with a quiet hum of satisfaction. She stared at him with wide, puppy eyes while Jet and Peter tried to console the manager.
" Just tell people that Santa got sick." Jet suggested.
" Santa Claus doesn't get sick." The manager frowned.
" Then say that one of the reindeer got sick and needed to rest today. Just reassure people that Santa will be back tomorrow." Peter answered.
Without even looking in Faye's direction Spike offered her a few puffs on his cigarette. Grateful, she immediately accepted. But after a few moments Spike shifted his grip and Faye froze. His fingers were very close to her lips and she felt a strange tingle rush up and down her spine as she realized her lips were pressing down where his had been only moments before.
" Jeez, Faye." He suddenly stated, turning to look at her.
" Leave some for me, will ya?" And he tugged gently. " You're gonna burn the whole thing."
Faye let him pull it away and shook her head. Since when do I think about his lips? She thought to herself and yet she continued to stare as he returned the cigarette to his mouth.
Aware of her eyes on him Spike looked back at her with eyebrows raised. " What?" He shrugged.
Faye shook her head, suddenly feeling her cheeks burn, and quickly turned away.
The next day, in a different mall…
With his hands in his pockets Spike meandered amongst busy shoppers and paused to look in a pastry shop window. His eyes bulged at the amazing variety of chocolates and sugary pleasures on the other side of the glass. Curious, he stepped inside and was immediately overwhelmed by the irresistible aromas.
" Can I help you sir?" A young woman asked with a bright smile. And he wondered if the sparkle in her teeth was just his imagination.
" Uh… I was… just looking." He stammered.
" If you're looking for a gift this is the best place to find it!" The girl exclaimed happily. " Here. Take a sample of our famous fudge brownies." And she handed him a small paper cup filled with bite-sized fudge brownie chunks.
Suddenly realizing that entering the store was a mistake, and potentially hazardous to his iron will, Spike started back for the door. " Uh… thanks but… I actually have to go now." Before I eat everything you've got in here! He thought to himself.
" Oh. Okay." The girl replied and turned her brilliant smile to another customer who just walked in the door.
Stepping back out into the mall Spike took in a deep breath and sighed.
With a spring in his step he continued on his way, his hands back in their pockets. It had been a long time since he shopped for anyone but himself. Well, grocery shopping for the Bebop didn't count. This was something special he wanted to do for Jet and Faye. But as he mingled amongst shoppers and visited the many shops available for perusing he realized that he really didn't have a clue what to get them for Christmas.
In another area of the mall a set-up crew worked to prepare Santa's House for the many visitors soon to arrive. Faye frowned as she readjusted her uniform, a blue jumpsuit that fit her loosely. All that work to find a job in this mall! She fumed to herself. That stupid Santa better show up this time cause I'm not putting my nails through this torture for nothing.
A fellow crewmember turned to her. " Here." He said, handing her a cardboard box full of lights. " We gotta change all the light bulbs on these strings before the hour ends." And he pointed to light sockets already hanging up high above their heads.
Faye frowned as she set the box down and looked up to where the stings were hanging.
" How am I supposed to get up there?" She asked.
" You have to use the ladder." He answered and pointed to one lying on its side a few feet behind them.
With a weary sigh Faye shuffled over and, after estimating its size, half carried, half dragged it back to where she needed it to be. But getting it open and standing right-side up was a bigger challenge than she first anticipated.
As she struggled to turn it around she heard a startled yelp. Reluctantly, Faye looked over her shoulder and stared in utter astonishment.
Spike stared back at her, equally caught off guard. For a moment they just stared and then Faye spoke.
" Spike! Wha-what are you doing here?"
He blinked at her in bewilderment. " What am I doing here? What are you doing here?"
Faye frowned. " I'm helping prepare Santa's House." She explained and motioned to all the lights and pretty Christmas decorations behind her.
" Oh…" Spike replied and took a few moments to stare at the scene. " …Why?"
Faye had returned to her struggle with the ladder. " Because… ugh! I want to be sure I catch the Santa this time and this… ugh!!" She huffed in indignation and kicked one of the ladder legs when it refused to budge. " Come on you stupid thing." She muttered under her breath.
Spike watched in amusement as Faye pulled and prodded, kicked and jabbed but nothing she did opened the ladder wide enough. " Need some help?" He asked, the smirk never leaving his face.
" Spike!" She replied, turning to him angrily. " You can't talk to me!"
" Why not?"
" Because you'll blow my cover!"
Spike glanced around, noting how her fellow crewmembers were too busy to care what she was doing at the moment.
" You need to apply enough pressure to both sides or it will never open." He instructed.
" Huh?" She replied, completely frustrated.
With a soft chuckle Spike stepped forward. " Move over, Faye, before you hurt yourself." And he quickly opened the ladder and set it firmly on its feet in two seconds flat. Once satisfied with its position he looked back at her.
Faye crossed her arms over her chest. " I just wanted to see if you could do it." She replied.
Spike smiled but said northing. He stepped aside as she picked up a light bulb from the box and proceeded to climb the ladder.
" He's not gonna be here, you know." Spike stated as she climbed back down for another bulb.
" You don't know that." She countered.
" It just doesn't seem to be a place he would choose."
" And you would know this… how?"
Spike shrugged. " Just call it a gut feeling."
Faye scoffed. " Sure. When I catch him I'll be sure to remind you of your words. Now get going before someone sees us." She said and shooed him away with her free hand.
Spike stepped back and shook his head. " Whatever." He sighed and, after glancing at her one last time, continued on his way.
Five hours later…
Closing the door to his room Spike paused a moment before turning back and locking it. There. Just in case. I hope the gift will be okay until Christmas. And he trotted over to the couch.
A few minutes later the common room hatch opened and Faye stepped through. Stomping down the stairs she paused when she noticed him, reclining on the couch as he usually did.
" Well, I hope you're happy." She began.
" I am." He smiled. " But why would you be hoping I am?" He continued, completely aware that she was being sarcastic.
" Because you blew my cover!" She shouted and flopped down on the yellow chair, a pout on her pretty face.
Spike laughed. " Come on."
" It's not funny." Faye uttered through gritted teeth. " I broke a nail over this!" And she looked as if she might cry.
Spike laughed harder.
" What's so funny?" Jet asked as he stepped through the hatch, a manila folder tucked under his arm.
" Hey, Jet." Spike greeted. " Where have you been?"
" Meeting with Peter about the Santa case. He gave me copies of surveillance recordings and passed along some detailed descriptions that were given to ISSP this morning."
" Oh yeah?" Spike replied, sitting up again with interest.
Jet nodded and set everything on the coffee table. " Its all right here."
" So what kind of descriptions did you get?" Faye asked, eyeing all the content on the table.
" Important info like how our Santa has the tattoo of a white cobra on the back of his neck."
" Are you sure?" Spike asked in surprise.
" Yeah. Why? What's wrong?" Jet asked, immediately noticing the dark look on Spike's face.
" Only members of the White Cobra can wear that tattoo and live to show it off."
" You mean another mafia group?" Faye asked.
Spike nodded, lost in thought for a moment.
" But… wait. I don't understand." Faye continued. " Why would a mafia member be dressing up as Santa Claus and stealing from parents and their kids? I mean if you wanted money there's a million other ways to get it."
Spike nodded. " Yeah. Which means things may not be as simple as they seem."
" What are you talking about, Spike?" Jet asked, crossing his arms over his chest. He hated getting involved with anything mafia related.
" It could mean several things." Spike continued. " One: this guy might be going rogue and operating without the consent or knowledge of the White Cobras. Two: it could all be a distraction from something even bigger going down. Or three:" And he paused, a silly smirk on his face.
Faye frowned. " What?"
Jet looked from Faye to Spike. " What?"
" He might just be bored."
Jet and Faye both rolled their eyes and sighed.
" Okay, okay. Well… you're first two ideas are possible." Jet replied and reached for a CD lying amongst the papers in his folder. " I say we review some of the surveillance recordings and see what we find."
He fed the CD into the monitor and adjusted its angle so that they could all watch clearly. It was several minutes into their viewing when one of the elves suddenly caught Spike's eye. Leaning forward he scrutinized the face and recognized the man. The memory of their last conversation was still vivid in his mind.
" Spiegel." The agent hissed from his position in the fallen chair.
Spike moved away from the overturned lamp light and pulled the chair up on its feet again, aiming his gun to the agent's head. " Like I said, you've been trying to track me down and I want to know why."
The man shook his head and smirked. " Yeah, I've been looking for you. I'm just surprised to see you here! I mean I knew you were the best while you were with the Red Dragons. But she wasn't kidding when she said you could disappear and no one could find you… unless you wanted to be found."
Spike's frown deepened. " Who's she?"
" Julia."
At the mention of her name the barrel of Spike's gun pressed harder against the agent's head.
" Whoa! Easy, Spike! I'm on your side."
" Talk!"
" Julia saved me life. She saved my whole family, actually."
Spike blinked in surprise, not expecting an answer of that nature.
" I wanted out of the mafia. Julia and Shin helped me fake my death. But it was Julia who helped me start a new life with my family. The only thing she asked in return was that I make sure you stayed safe if anything happened to her."
Spike lowered his gun, staring at him skeptically.
" It's true! So after I heard that the Red Dragons were destroyed… and after I learned that she was a casualty in the mayhem, I started looking for you. And I did what I could to stop anyone else from getting to you first. It wasn't an accident that you ended up in the MRS project."
For a long moment Spike stared at him, confusion and doubt playing across his face.
" Listen, I can prove everything." The agent continued. " Over there behind the picture on the wall is a safe. Open it up. The combination to the lock is 31775."
Spike did so warily. After opening the safe he found himself staring at a disk.
" Take it out and play it on the computer."
Wordlessly, Spike complied.
A moment later the room was filled with Julia's voice.
" Hello, Spike."
He stiffened, taking in an involuntary breath.
" If you're listening to this CD then it means that I died. I'm so sorry. A lot has happened while we've been apart, too much to explain I'm afraid. But that being said I want you to understand that the agent who gave you this recording is a good man. You can trust him.
I want you to be safe. I want you to be happy. But most of all… I want you to live. Really live. And I'm sorry I can't be by your side to see you do it. But know that I will always be with you.
And though it may not seem so right now, everything will be okay. I had to leave you but in my place I'm giving you a friend. Turn to him if you find yourself in trouble.
I have to go now. I wish you the best life has to offer, Spike. I love you. Always.
" So tell me again how you got all the info about the tattoo?" Faye asked, suddenly interrupting their quiet viewing and snapping Spike out of his thoughts.
" Peter told me that one of the Santa elves left the group and came to ISSP with info on our Santa."
" Did the elf say why this Santa guy is doing what he's doing?" Faye asked, annoyed at the whole situation.
Jet shook his head. " No. The elf was put in lock-up but disappeared four hours later. No one knows how he escaped or who he was."
" What?" Faye gasped. " Then for all we know this could just be another trap!"
" I don't think so." Spike stated, finally joining the conversation.
" Oh? How come?" Jet asked.
Spike smirked. " Because I just know."
Faye frowned. " What? Are you saying this is another one of you're gut instincts again?"
Spike's smirk blossomed into a full-fledged smile.
She raised her hands up in exasperation. " Jet, I say we just pass this whole thing up and accept the fact that we'll be eating Ramen noodles again for Christmas."
Jet was still staring at Spike, weighing the options. " You really believe the information is valid, don't you?"
Spike nodded, his expression suddenly sober and sincere.
" Alright, then."
" Alright then what?" Faye asked. " Even if we did go through with this, we still don't know where to look next."
" Not so." Jet countered. " The elf also told ISSP Santa's next target; Jubilee Mall in Oakland City. That's two hours north of here."
" Why that mall, exactly?" Faye asked.
" Oakland City is known for having the biggest Christmas celebrations of the entire solar system. It attracts the richest and most famous folks from all over. A perfect location and time to steal some wallets or… whatever you can get your hands own."
" Sounds like Santa is gonna go over his head this time." Spike smirked. " If that mall is as famous as you say then there's definitely going to be lots of security."
" Yeah, but don't forget that Bad Santa and his gang have been smart in infiltrating the malls they've targeted so far. They've demonstrated some pretty good skills in preparing for each attack. So ISSP is also bringing in SWAT to help, should things reach a critical point."
Spike smiled at him and then at Faye. " You know what guys? This is starting to sound like fun."
" More like a big headache, if you ask me." Faye mumbled to herself and stood up to leave.
" You know if you don't want to do this Faye you can stay here. But I don't want to hear any complaints come Christmas morning!" Jet called after her as she walked out of the common room.
Turning back to Spike Jet gave him a bewildered look. " What's with her? Earlier she was the one that said we should do this. And she went on and on about how much she wanted stuffing."
Spike shrugged. " She broke a nail."
" Women." Jet sighed. " Well, I'm gonna keep studying the surveillance recordings. You want to see more?"
Spike shook his head. " Naw, that's okay. I think I'm gonna call it a day. I'll see you in the morning."
" Okay." Jet replied, a bit surprised. " Everything alright?"
Spike looked back at him and smiled. " Yeah. I'm just tired is all. G'nite, Jet."
Once within the safety of his room Spike sat down on his bed, his thoughts once again on the agent he had seen on the surveillance recordings.
What was he doing getting involved in that group? Spike wondered, playing with his lighter distractedly. Julia had said he used to be in the mafia but she didn't say which one. Why would he get involved with them again if he wanted out so bad?
His leg bounced, a nervous tick that always found him when his thoughts became troubled. With a frown he stood up and began to pace the length of his room. She said I could trust him. So… maybe he got involved so that he could help the ISSP out. But why expose himself like that if he has a family to take care of? Unless…
Spike froze, his eyes wide at a sudden possibility. Unless his family was threatened and he had no choice. But still… Saturn is a long way from Mars. Would he trust them enough to travel so far? Or could it be that this is all some way to get to me?
And he started pacing the room again. But why would they be after me? I never had any involvement with the White Cobras. It can't be about me.
He sat back down on the bed. So then it has to be about his family.
And Spike remembered Julia's directions to contact the agent if he ever needed help. Reaching for his communicator he sighed. Guess its time to reconnect and find out what's going on.
The next day: Oakland City, Saturn…
The sound of carolers and the soft glow of Christmas lights filled the streets of Oakland City with a magical atmosphere. Everything seemed so peaceful and good and kind. Even strangers paused to nod a friendly hello and give a " Merry Christmas" as they passed by.
Faye found it all very enchanting.
" Isn't this wonderful? Why haven't we come here before?" She asked in child-like wonder.
Jet glanced up from reading his map. " I didn't think you would be interested in a place like this. You always seem to prefer the race tracks or casinos."
Faye shrugged. " Well, yeah. Who doesn't want to make some extra woolongs the easy way? But…" And she looked back up at all the lights and decorations. " This isn't something you have to pay for and its all just so, so…" And she struggled to find the right words.
" Peaceful?" Jet replied, returning to his map.
" Yeah… yeah, peaceful. Everything is just so… nice."
" Nice huh?" He echoed distractedly and started moving in a direction that he trusted would lead them to the mall.
" So where's Spike?" She asked after several minutes went by in silence.
Jet looked at her. " Uh, he said something about having an errand to run and that he'll meet up with us at the square."
" The square?" Faye asked. " He knows his way around here?"
Jet shrugged. " Guess so. He was the one who got me this map. He even highlighted what streets to take."
" Huh. I guess there's a lot we don't know about him, huh?" She mused softly.
Jet glanced at her. There was a sadness in her voice that he couldn't understand. And he wondered about it as they rounded a street corner and found themselves in the square. A large Christmas tree stood in the very center and a frozen pond lay at its base with a large crowd of ice-skaters.
Faye stopped and stared, transfixed. Jet stopped beside her and stood in silence, smiling at the scene. He had to admit that it was nice to be in such a pretty place. Time didn't seem to matter in those moments and everywhere he looked people were happy.
Young couples roaming here and there, families with their kids wide-eyed and full of life… it was how things were meant to be. And he took in a deep breath, as if trying to savor as much of the environment as he could.
Spike exhaled, a trail of smoke escaping his rounded lips. The square was the only public location in Oakland City where every street was visible at the same time. If meeting the agent was a trap, at least would be able to see it coming.
" Is there something going on that I should know about?" He asked, without looking at the man who stood beside him.
" I don't know. Is there?" Came the reply.
Spike frowned and looked at him, the cigarette hanging loosely from his lips. " You were in the group that attacked Jet and the other ISSP officers back in Sesame Mall."
The agent looked at him without a trace of surprise. And Spike turned his full attention on him.
" Either I'm in trouble and don't know it yet or you're in trouble."
The agent sighed and studied him for several moments without saying a word. All around them the world moved on while they stood isolated amongst the throngs.
" It's neither. I'm here returning a favor." He finally replied.
Spike scoffed. " A favor? To who?"
" That's none of your concern."
Spike grabbed his collar and pulled him closer. " Do not play games with me." He sneered.
The agent remained unfazed. " I came to help make things right." He began and pulled Spike's hand away. " And now that ISSP has all the information they need, I have the confidence that it will happen."
For a long moment neither man said anything, studying each other and weighing the situation.
" I'm helping ISSP on the case and so are the others on the Bebop." Spike stated, getting right to the point. " You're telling me there's nothing to get concerned about? Are you saying nobody's going to get hurt?"
The agent looked away. " I never said no one would get hurt. The business you live by is dangerous. But in regards to this particular case… I don't believe there should be any casualties. Just stay on your toes. Your Santa isn't as naïve as you might think."
" I never underestimate the mafia." Spike replied, darkly.
" Which is exactly why everything will turn out alright." The agent smirked. " You take care, now." And he turned up the collar of his coat as two familiar faces appeared in the shifting crowds. He nodded in their direction.
Spike looked over his shoulder to see Jet and Faye making their way over to the ice-rink. He smiled and turned back to the agent only to find no sign of the man anywhere in sight.
Faye walked towards the center of the square as if in a dream. All the lights, all the sounds, and all the sights had whisked her away into beloved childhood memories. She remembered her father and how his strong arms always reached out to steady her until she had her footing on the ice.
Jet walked beside her. Perhaps he was watching over her or maybe he was simply enjoying the atmosphere too. Faye couldn't tell. And as she found a spot to stand and watch she noticed Christmas trees for sale at the far end of the square.
" Look!" She said to Jet with a smile and pointed to them. With a sigh her smile faded away. " Too bad we don't have enough woolongs to get one."
" Well if we start saving, instead of spending at race tracks or casinos all the time, we might be able to afford one next year." Jet replied pointedly. But when Faye looked at him she could see that he wasn't angry.
" Did you have Christmas trees when you were a kid?" She asked suddenly.
Surprised that she would ask him a genuine question, and about his childhood no less, Jet blinked at her for a moment.
" Uh… yeah. My dad would make my brother and I go out tree hunting every Christmas Eve. And he wouldn't let us return home until we found the right one."
Faye thought about that and tried to imagine a much younger Jet trudging through snow looking for a tree to cut down. " You have a brother?"
Jet nodded.
" Older or younger?"
" Younger." He replied, staring back at the skaters.
" You never talk about him." Faye stated quietly, aware that he might stop their conversation at any moment. She knew that it was hard for any of them on the Bebop to talk about personal things… especially relationships. But he surprised her.
" My dad died in an accident many years back and my brother and I haven't spoken to each other since."
Faye looked up at him in surprise. " Oh… I'm sorry." She didn't know what else to say.
Jet took in a deep breath. " Thanks."
And as they stood in silence she wondered what else she didn't know about him.
" Sometimes…" Jet continued. " Sometimes I wonder how he's doing."
Faye bit her bottom lip. " So… why don't you find out?"
He gave her a sidelong glance. " I think about it from time-to-time. But I don't know if he would want me prying into his life now after so many years."
" You'll never know till you try." She offered.
Jet nodded. " Yeah. Maybe…"
Turning her attention back to the skaters Faye didn't hear Spike walk up beside her.
" What'r you thinking about?"
Surprised, she turned to him. " Spike! Where have you been? Jet said that you had to run an errand…"
Spike nodded, glancing at Jet who had returned to studying his map. " Yeah. But I'm done with that now so… here I am."
Faye nodded and looked back at the ice-skaters. Spike watched her for a few minutes. She seemed… reminiscent.
" Do you like to ice skate?"
Faye looked at him again. " Yeah. I used to go ice-skating with my father and my sisters when I was little."
" Oh yeah?" Spike asked, fascinated to learn more about the little girl on the video that had charmed him.
Faye nodded. " It was my father who taught me how to do it. He never let me fall. And then, when I got better at it I would race my sisters to the other side." She smiled at the memories. " How about you?"
" Me?" He asked with confusion.
" Yeah. Have you ever ice-skated?"
Spike shook his head. " Nope. Don't know how. Never learned."
Faye blinked at him in surprise. " Really? Y-you don't know how?"
Spike shrugged. " I can't roller blade or roller skate either."
At that Jet looked up from his map and joined Faye in staring.
" Spike, I never knew that about you." He stated in surprise.
Spike shrugged again. " Now you both know." He replied, nonchalantly.
" Well," Jet continued. " I hate to break up this time of sharing but I think we better get going. Everything happens two hours from now." He reminded them, checking his watch.
Spike nodded. " Right. Well, follow me. The mall isn't far from here."
" Spike!" Faye exclaimed. " How do you know where to go? Have you been here before?"
He tossed her a smile over his shoulder and kept walking.
" I hate it when he does that." She frowned.
Elsewhere, in an abandoned warehouse…
The room was silent save for the sound of a single heater. Everyone watched the man dressed in red, flanked on either side by two well-built and intimidating elves. Everyone waited for him to speak.
Slowly he stood up from the table and glared at them. " Now we all know that we were betrayed by one of our own. The ISSP are aware of our next and final target so we must be vigilante tonight."
He walked to a chair sitting in one corner of the room and picked up his hat and beard. " Once this is done you can all breath easier. You'll each be free citizens."
At that the group cheered.
" But if you fail," He continued. " You all go to prison and will never see Saturn, or any planet other than Pluto, again."
The group fell into silence.
" Alright." He smiled then, placing the hat on his head. " We all know what's at stake. So don't disappoint me. Lets go."
And he headed for the door, his two bodyguards by his sides. A few moments later the crowd of elves filed outside and into a waiting van.
30 minutes later in Jubilee Mall…
Jet switched on his com unit and took a seat beside Peter who was busy instructing fellow ISSP on how best to watch the surveillance monitors.
" Okay, Spike. We're just about set here in the monitor room. If anything suspicious happens we'll let you guys know."
Spike nodded, eve when Jet couldn't see him do it. " Got it. And we'll do the same if we see anything strange in the staff lounge."
" Great." Jet replied. " Okay. So let's all keep a wary eye out. Things should get interesting pretty soon."
" You got it." Spike replied and tucked his com unit away. Beside him Faye had suddenly stopped walking to stare at several ballerinas getting warmed-up behind a stage.
" Look, Spike." She stated. " I haven't seen a live ballet since I was seven."
" Huh." He replied. " In that case you should see a performance with high quality. Anything at a mall can't be as good as the Universal Ballet Company. I don't care how fancy the mall is."
" How would you know that?" She asked him skeptically.
" Being in the Mafia does have perks." He smirked. " Like getting first-class tickets to the best Ballets and Operas in the universe."
" You ever go to any operas or ballets?" She asked, thinking the thought laughable. She couldn't imagine him going to performance of that nature, let alone dressing up for such an occasion and sitting quietly for the entire time.
Spike nodded and placed his hand on her back, gently leading her away. " Sure. Actually, I went to them all the time. Julia introduced me to the finer arts."
Faye stared at him in shock. She opened and closed her mouth several times before simply giving up trying to form any coherent words and did her best not to get upset over his mentioning of Julia.
As they continued walking she suddenly spotted a small group of people entering a "staff only" area, their shoes curling up in a style that only elves would wear. " Hey look!" She pointed suddenly.
Spike looked up in the direction she had pointed. " What?"
Faye didn't bother to explain. Instead she hurried through the crowds to the other side of the shopping strip.
" Hey! Wait up!" Spike called out and followed her lead. Grabbing his com unit he hailed Jet.
" Hey Jet! Faye and I think we found something suspicious. We'll be in touch."
The com unit crackled back. " Okay, Spike. Be careful."
Rounding a corner in the restricted halls, Spike nearly bumped into Faye.
" Hey! What happened? What are you doing?" He asked, slightly annoyed.
Faye shrugged and shook her head. " I don't know where they went! They turned right here and now I don't see anyone." She replied, perplexed.
With a sigh Spike stepped in front and took the lead again. " Alright. Well, either way we're right where we should be. The staff lounge is up ahead. Let's just hurry up. Jet said our costumes are hanging in the changing rooms."
As they entered the staff lounge Spike and Faye came to a sudden halt, stunned. " Oh great." He grumbled.
" How are we suppose to do this?!" Faye exclaimed in exasperation.
Grabbing his com unit again, Spike called Jet. " Uhm… you never said anything about there being multiple Santas and his elves all going into the mall at the same time."
" What?!… I didn't know! And from what ISSP is telling me, they didn't know either."
" What? Jet! How could ISSP not know about something this important?" Spike shouted into the com.
" We're all just gonna have to do our best." Jet continued, the agitation clearly evident in his voice even over the static. " You and Faye pick different Santa teams and do what you can to learn if your Santas are the guy we're looking for. If not… then check another group."
Faye rolled her eyes. " And how are we suppose to pull that off?" She asked, grabbing Spike's com and pulling it closer to herself.
" No complaints!" Jet hollered back. " Just do your best. Now get going. You're wasting time."
With an aggravated sigh Faye stalked over to the changing rooms while Spike went to do the same.
20 minutes later…
Faye watched the growing line of excited kids with several degrees of boredom. This is what my life has amounted to. She told herself. I should be enjoying a warm bubble bath and a massage, not standing around dressed in a costume that's too short. And its all so that I can look cute while I usher little brats up to a man pretending to be a character that doesn't even exist!
An elf beside her suddenly nudged her arm. " Hey." She whispered. " Smile. I know dealing with this many kids can be aggravating but you're not gonna get called back to work here if you don't look happy."
Faye blinked in surprise and nodded. " Oh! Right! Thanks."
Suppressing an urge to sigh she stepped forward and ushered yet another child to Santa's lap.
I wonder how Spike's doing. She thought to herself as she tried to ignore the smiles and stares from several dads who decided to "wait with their kids" in line. She frowned. Men.
Spike cringed along with all the elves in his team, all the kids waiting in line, and Santa. The little boy in his lap wailed and screamed.
" Oh…uh… ho, ho, ho." Santa said and tried bouncing him on his knee, which only seemed to make the crying worse.
Looking helplessly at his elves Santa gently helped the boy down and into the care of Spike, who happened to be the closest elf at hand. Not knowing how to comfort a crying child Spike simply patted the little one on the back and shooed him away to his mother's waiting arms.
With a sigh Spike looked back at the line. " Man." He sighed. " This is gonna take a while."
" No joke." Another elf agreed.
Spike looked at him. " Hey, you know, if you're getting tired lifting them up onto his lap I don't mind trading places with you for a while."
" Really?" The elf replied, looking at him in surprise. " That would be great. I swear that some of those kids are as heavy as small rhinos."
Spike smirked.
" What are parents feeding them these days?" The elf continued. " Bricks?"
Another boy stepped forward and Spike offered to help him up but the kid looked big enough to handle it himself. And sure enough, he shook his head at the offered help. " Do I look crippled to you?" He snapped.
Lifting up an eyebrow Spike stood straight again and tried to smile for the other kids waiting their turn.
" Ho, ho, oof!" Santa huffed as the boy plopped himself on his lap.
" Okay. Here's the deal." The kid began. " I know you aren't real and all but I'm running out of options here. So, I'll keep things simple for ya."
Spike rolled his eyes and glanced at his fellow elf who only shook his head and tried to hide a smirk.
" I want a new wioo system, holograph screen, and multi-platform trajectory control panels."
Santa blinked at him.
" You got that?" The kid asked with a frown.
" How old are you, son?" Santa asked.
The boy glared at him. " Twelve. Why?"
Santa frowned. " Well, shouldn't you be asking your folks for these things?"
The boy suddenly blanched.
" Hey… are you okay?" Santa asked and glanced at his elves once more. But before anyone could do anything the kid bent over and threw up all over Santa's coat and lap.
For a moment everyone gawked, Spike and his fellow elf frozen in disgusted awe.
" Ew! Gross!" Kids started squealing and pointing in abject horror.
" Well, don't just stand there!" The kid yelled, his cheeks a bright red. " Help me down!"
Cringing, Spike offered him a hand and watched as the boy scurried for the men's restroom.
Santa rose to his feet, trying to figure out what to do while several elves stood in front to block the view from waiting parents and their kids.
" Uhm… look, maybe we should get you out of those clothes." Spike suggested when no one else made a move. Here, take off you coat." And he reached for the collar, positioning himself directly behind Santa and getting a clear view of the back of his neck.
No tattoo.
With a weary sigh, Spike held the coat at arms length and glanced at Santa's pants. " Uh…"
Santa shook his head remorsefully. " I think I'll have to take a break and go get changed." He finally replied.
Spike nodded and joined Santa as he headed back to the staff lounge. Letting Santa walk ahead of him a few feet, Spike pulled out his com unit and called Jet.
" Hey, what's happening? We've been watching the monitors and I see you and Santa heading back to the lounge."
Spike sighed. " Yeah. Some kid got sick and threw up all over Santa's costume. He has to get changed. I checked his neck. No tattoo. So I'm gonna see if I can sneak into another group."
" Okay, sounds good." Jet replied. " There's another Santa group in the west wing. Go get some disinfectant on your hands and then I'll tell you how to get there."
" Yup."
" Break time." An elf sighed.
" Yes! Finally!" Another replied and sat down on a step, pulling off one of her elf shoes so she could wiggle her toes.
Another group of elves gathered more gifts and piled them in one corner while others passed out candy canes to waiting kids in line.
For lack of something to do, and needing to find out if her Santa was the target or not, Faye decided to offer him a little refreshment.
Grabbing a paper cup she quickly filled it with water at a nearby water fountain and returned to Santa's side. " Ahem." She cleared her throat.
Santa looked up at her.
" Hi. Working hard, huh?" She began.
Santa shrugged. " Actually, I look forward to his all year."
Faye wasn't sure how to react to that statement. " Uh-huh." She replied and then remembered the water in her hand.
" Would you like some water?"
Santa smiled and nodded. " Why, yes actually. Thank you. That was very thoughtful."
Faye smiled and handed him the cup before glancing to the back of his collar. " Oh, hey." She said with a troubled frown. " You're tag is showing in the back." And she pointed to what she meant.
" Oh really?" Santa said in surprise, trying to see for himself.
" Don't worry!" Faye smiled. " Let me fix it for you." And without waiting for a reply she pulled down on his collar only to find no tattoo.
" Thanks." Santa replied. " Hey… do you think you could pass me a tissue? I think I spilled a little water on my beard."
But when he received no answer Santa looked over his shoulder to find no one there.
" Hey Jet." Faye said into her com, making her way through the throngs of shoppers. " My Santa has nothing to show in way of tattoos."
" Okay, Faye. Good work. Head for the east wing and I'll tell you where to go from there."
" Right." She nodded and hurried on.
40 minutes later…
With a heavy sigh Jet leaned back in his chair.
" It isn't always easy, is it?" He remarked to Peter who was busy watching a monitor.
" Nope."
" Four Santas and still no sign of the target." Jet muttered.
" He's a tricky one this guy." Peter remarked and leaned back in his chair, taking a sip from his coffee cup. " But we'll get him this time. Your crewmates are doing a great job! I'm half inclined to offer them positions in the ISSP!"
Jet laughed. " Oh no! Don't do that. What would I do to pay the bills?"
" Yeah, right! The bills. That's funny." Peter smirked at him. " But seriously, Jet, your friends are pretty good at coming up with things on-the-fly. I mean did you see how Faye spilled her water down the back of the last Santa? Or how Spike accidentally bumped Santa up-side the head and then searched for any signs of a concussion?!" Peter burst into a fit of laughter.
Jet was no better off, tears forming in his eyes. " Yeah, yeah! Those were priceless."
Another ISSP officer joined in their merriment. " And its pretty hard not to notice Faye, too. She wears that elf costume really well. I just don't see how you or Spike can be so close all the time and never-"
" Alright, that's enough Reggie." Peter interrupted.
" I didn't mean anything by-"
" We understand. Just get back to work." Peter continued and waved him off. But he smirked at Jet when the others weren't looking.
" Yeah, Jet." He whispered to him. " How do you and Spike handle being so close to a pretty thing like that?"
Jet's eyes bulged for a moment. " Awe, come on!" He grumbled. " It's not like that."
Peter raised an eyebrow. " Yeah, sure. Maybe not for you but what about him?" And he nodded to Spike's image on the screen.
Jet shook his head. " He's not like that either."
Peter sat back in his chair again with a short whistle. " Then I think this Faye of yours has really hit the jack-pot with you two."
" Yeah." Jet agreed. " That's probably why she'll never leave."
Peter laughed, shaking his head. " Unbelievable."
Faye scanned the elves in her new team. It was the third group in less than two hours. This is getting ridiculous. She thought to herself. Turning around to hold up a larger-than-life candy cane she suddenly noticed that one of the elves looked very familiar. Spike?!
Making her way over to his side she tugged on the hem of his jacket. " What are you doing here?" Faye whispered.
Spike smirked at her when the other elves around him noticed she wasn't standing where she should be.
" I'm doing my job. What are you doing?"
Faye frowned and, suddenly realizing that she was drawing unnecessary attention to herself, hurried back to her side.
" Who's that?" One of the elves asked him.
Spike shrugged. " Don't know her."
" Me neither." An elf to his left agreed. " One of you ought to tell him." And he nodded to Santa.
" Don't worry, guys. I'll do it once we're have our break." Spike replied, suddenly feeling uneasy.
" You better do it before he sets one of his bodyguards on her."
" Bodyguards?" Spike asked.
" Yeah. You know, the guys that are always by his side…" And the elf nodded towards the two, large men dressed in tight elf costumes on either side of Santa. Then the elf looked back at Spike with a quizzical expression. " Come to think of it… I don't think I know you either."
Spike raised an eyebrow at that. " And I could say the same about you."
The elf blanched and shut his mouth. Spike glanced back at Faye who continued to stare at him with questioning eyes.
" Ho, ho, ho! Merry Chrstmas!" Santa said jovially and lifted a child off his lap and back down on the floor. Standing to his feet he smiled and waved to all the kids standing in line. " Don't worry kids, I'll be back. I just need to have a short break and stretch a bit. Be good."
Two elves stepped down from their places and shut the doors to Santa's House. Santa nodded to one of his bodyguards who motioned for Faye's group to draw closer.
Each elf stepped up to him and took something out of his hand. Spike squinted, trying to see what he was giving them. There was a bag at Santa's feet and to the side that he kept reaching into.
Faye was also wondering what was being handed out and soon found herself staring at his frowning face.
" Who are you?" He asked.
Faye tried to smile. " I'm an elf, silly."
Santa wasn't buying it and motioned to his second bodyguard, who stepped up to her.
Spike tensed as the man grabbed her arm a bit too roughly.
" Hey! Let's talk about this, okay? I really need this job. I have bills to pay and-"
Santa grabbed her chin and pulled her face loser to his own. " I know every elf that works on my team and you are not one of them. Are you ISSP?"
Faye gulped. " No, I-"
But before she could say anything else Santa suddenly tensed, his entire body stiffening as the sound of a gun's safety clicking off.
" Now, now." Spike smirked. " Is that anyway for Santa to treat his elves?" And he pressed the barrel of his gun harder against Santa's spine. Reaching forward with his free hand Spike pulled down the back of Santa's collar and whistled. " The White Cobra. Interesting tattoo."
Santa scowled. " Let her go." He ordered to his bodyguard while the other one stood at attention, one hand on a weapon concealed under his jacket.
Slowly, Faye backed away and quickly pulled out her gun.
" Now to answer your question," Spike began. " She isn't ISSP. And neither am I."
" Bounty hunters." Santa growled.
" That's right. And we're about to get a nice, big reward for taking you in." He smirked.
Santa glanced at the elves to his right. Faye noticed too, but didn't have enough time to act. In an instant they pulled out weapons of their own and slapped magazines into the cartridges.
Santa laughed. " Looks like you two weren't on the nice list."
Cursing Spike launched himself at Faye, the momentum throwing them through the doors of Santa's House and down the stairs to lie sprawled at the feet of startled parents and their kids.
A moment later everyone looked up to see Santa and his elves armed and aiming weapons. Parents gasped and children cried.
" Now don't be scared, everybody." Santa smirked, ripping off his beard. " Just do as your told and everything will be fine. Disobey though, and you'll be sorry."
" Spike," Faye whispered to him as they got to their feet.
" Yeah?"
" Those aren't stun guns they're holding."
Spike looked up at the merry terrorists. " Yeah… I know."
Santa waved one group of elves towards the line demanding people place their valuables in his large gift sack, while the others took up guarding positions.
Santa looked to Spike and Faye. " And as for you two..."
They tensed.
" Drop your weapons."
Reluctantly they obeyed.
" You stay." He continued, pointing his gun to Spike. " You come." He said to Faye.
Slowly she ascended the stairs.
The sound of static filled the air and then a familiar voice spoke. " Spike?…Spike…" Everyone looked at him. One of Santa's bodyguards reached into Spike's jacket and pulled out the com unit.
" The ISSP are on the move!" Jet continued.
The bodyguard growled. " He's working with them!"
Suddenly a small army of shadows dropped from the ceiling.
" Its SWAT!" One of the elves yelled. People screamed and scattered while the elves aimed their weapons. An exchange of gunfire ensued and Spike dropped to the floor. Bullets whizzed by his head and he glanced about, searching for a way out of the line of fire. But his attention was soon refocused on Santa.
" Come any closer and I'll shoot her!" He shouted to SWAT members who had started zeroing in on him. Faye clutched at his sleeve, his arm wrapped tightly around her neck.
Backing away Santa disappeared from view with several elves following close behind. Spike jumped to his feet, snatching up his trusty Jericho from where it landed on the floor and delivering a sharp sidekick to the bodyguard who still held his com unit.
" Thanks." He grunted and leaped over the prone man's body. " Jet? Jet!" He shouted, breaking into a full-blown sprint.
" Yeah?"
" Santa got away but I'm on his tail."
" Spike let SWAT handle it!"
" Can't! Things just got more complicated!" He stated and paused long enough to hop from one escalator to another. " He has Faye!"
" What?!"
Santa ran as fast as he could and Faye found herself struggling to keep up. Bursting into the safety of the staff halls he turned to his faithful elves. " Stay here and secure the area." They nodded their assent, setting up a defensive position.
Continuing down the hall Santa rushed for the employee lounge, random Christmas decorations lined up against the walls waiting to be hung. Faye grimaced as his hold on her wrist tightened and she realized that being his hostage was going to end badly.
" Keep up, wench!" He growled at her, yanking her so hard she almost tripped and fell. As he headed for a y junction she managed to snatch a larger-than-life sized candy cane with her free hand.
Rounding a corner they came to a sudden stop when an ISSP officer stepped out of a men's restroom. For a long moment they stared at each other and then the officer moved for his weapon.
Santa aimed his gun and fired, hitting the officer in the shoulder.
Faye gasped.
" Ho, ho, ho!" He sneered and aimed for the officer's head.
" Ho, ho this!!" Faye shrieked taking the candy cane and whacking Santa Clause upside the head.
Momentarily stunned, Santa only had time to stumble back before she delivered a savage kick to the groin.
" Run!!" She shouted, breaking free from his hold and grabbing the officer's good arm to help him up.
Raising his weapon again Santa aimed for Faye but she grabbed the officer's gun, whirling around to fire several well-aimed shots in his direction. Santa ducked back around the corner and disappeared from view.
" Let's go!" She shouted and bolted for an exit at the other end of the hall.
Reaching for the back of her skirt's waistline she pulled out her communicator. " Jet! Santa's heading for the employee lounge! I'm with an officer who just got shot and we're heading for the south wing. He needs medical help!"
Her com unit squawked. " Okay, Faye! Are you alright?"
" Yeah, just peachy!" She replied tersely. " Where's Spike?"
" Hot on Santa's heels."
Bursting through the staff hall doors Spike immediately dove back out as Santa's elves opened fire on him. Passing shoppers squealed and screamed in alarm as bullets whizzed by their heads and dropped two reindeer that hung from the ceiling.
Cursing, Spike thought for a moment on what to do and suddenly spotted a panel in the wall directly in front of him. Taking out a nickel from his pocket he popped it open and began flipping off the switches.
Okay… now all I need is a shield for those bullets… He thought to himself, glancing around. A store to his left caught his eye. A life-sized knight in shining armor sat on a dolly in front of the display window. Perfect! He smiled and, with a little bit of effort, managed to push it through the doors.
Bullets ricocheted off the armor, momentarily illuminating the hall, as he ducked against the wall.
" What was that?" One of the elves whispered.
" Shh!" Another shushed him, nervously.
Letting the armor roll a few more feet past Santa's helpers Spike slipped around the corner and knocked the gun out of the hands of an unsuspecting elf with a sharp high kick. Whirling around he nailed a second one with a roundhouse kick to the chest and decommissioned a third with an elbow to the neck.
Turning back around he watched the first elf make a run for the exit leading back into the mall. Thinking for a moment on what to do Spike made the decision to keep going and grabbed his communicator.
" Jet, I'm in the staff halls but one of the elves got away."
" Be careful, Spike! These guys mean business. Don't worry about the one that got away. SWAT and ISSP are swarming the mall as we speak. Faye managed to get away from our target so let the authorities take care of Santa."
Spike smirked. " Awe, and miss out on the fun?"
" Spike! This isn't a game!"
" Yeah, I know." He replied, sober once more. " That's why I can't back down. If this guy feels cornered he'll kill without question. I saw it in his eyes."
" Spike…"
" I'll be in touch." And he sprinted down the hall, following his memory to where the employee lounge was located.
The halls were quiet and still. Not a sound was heard except for his own footfalls. And he stepped into the employee lounge with weapon raised, expecting a confrontation and finding the place empty.
Entering cautiously Spike made his way to the changing rooms and paused when he suddenly heard rustling. Moving silently he paused at the first changing stall and pulled aside the curtain. Empty. He waited for any sound and then moved to the second. Empty.
As he approached the third stall the curtain suddenly swung open. Santa zoomed out, firing his gun as he went. Spike dived into the previous stall, grunting when a bullet grazed his shoulder. With a startled yelp he fired back, missing Santa by inches.
" Ho, ho, ho!" Santa mocked as he disappeared from view.
Scrambling to his feet Spike sprinted back out into the hall just in time to see Santa zoom for the nearest exit on roller blades.
" Damn it!" Spike cursed as he broke out into a run, bursting out into the mall and spotting Santa already well ahead. Realizing that he couldn't catch up with him, or use his weapon without harming innocents, Spike glanced around for another idea.
" This is no good." He murmured to himself and pulled out his com unit. " Hey Jet!" He began as he pushed into the crowds.
" Jet!"
" Yeah?"
" I just had a run-in with Santa and-" Spike froze, his eyes focused on a display just outside a shop to his immediate right. " Never mind." He smirked.
Faye paced nervously as she waited for Jet to call her back.
With a buzz of static her communicator activated. " Faye?" Jet asked, his voice clear over its speaker.
" Jet! What's happening? Did Spike get him?" She asked, practically yelling into her speaker.
" No. He was telling me something when he suddenly cut off."
Faye growled in exasperation. " Ugh! Jet! Just tell me which way he was going! I can help!" And suddenly startled shouts and yelps erupted from the crowds of shoppers. Looking up she blinked in surprise.
Santa Claus zigzagged around oblivious shoppers, shoving aside anyone unlucky enough to get in his way. Gawking in astonishment she watched as he leaped over a stroller that an unsuspecting mother had just pushed out of a store and continued on his way, zooming through a startled throng of teenagers.
" -don't want you going after this guy!" Jet was saying over her communicator. " I told Spike to give up on the chase too. This one is too dangerous and too desperate-"
Shoppers began yelping and shouting again. Faye looked back to see Spike zoom by on a bike, yelling and honking a horn to warn pedestrians that he was coming.
Without a second thought Faye took off running.
" Faye, are you listening to me?" Jet's voice shouted at her. " Don't get involved anymore! Stay away!"
Approaching the massive food court she noticed a cop step off his segway to pay for his coffee. With a gleeful smirk she made a beeline for him, hopped on the segway, and drove off.
" Hey! What the-" The cop's yells and shouts faded as she pushed the segway faster.
" Don't worry Jet." She smiled. " I found Spike." And she cut him off, quickly dialing Spike's number as she gained up on him.
" Nice ride you got there, cowboy."
Spike grabbed for his com unit. " Faye? What are you-" And he stared in disbelief as she rode up beside him.
" Faye! What are you doing?" He shouted.
" What does it look like I'm doing? I'm going to catch the bounty!" She shouted back.
" No way Faye! This guy is dangerous! Let me handle this!"
Faye frowned. " Every bounty is dangerous, Spike! And if he's as dangerous as you say then why are you trying to catch him alone?!"
Spike opened his mouth to retort when Faye suddenly pointed to something in front of him. Looking back he hardly had time to brake and avoid hitting a group of old ladies in their wheelchairs. Faye shook her head with a victorious smile, zooming by as Spike hurried to pedal around and start again.
Looking ahead she noticed Santa glance back over his shoulder. " Don't worry." She smirked. " I'm right behind you."
Santa headed straight for a pile of huge, building blocks standing outside a toy store window and purposely knocked them over. Quickly maneuvering around them Faye bent forward, her tongue sticking out as she pushed the segway as fast as it would go. A moment later, her communicator buzzed to life. With a frown she grabbed it.
" Yeah?"
" Those were some nice moves back there."
" Spike, just give up already! I've got this!" She replied.
" Yeah, I can see that." He replied.
A moment later he was riding beside her. Faye did a double take, her jaw agape. With a playful smirk he winked at her.
" H-how are you?..." She stammered and glanced at him again. " How are you doing that? I have to be going at least twenty five right now!"
Spike smiled and pointed to something up ahead. Faye quickly looked back and gasped as she crashed through a " no trespassing" sign and the gate it was hanging on. Blinking in surprise she found herself zooming under the track system of an indoor rollercoaster.
Faye's eyes widened in shock as she watched the rollercoaster zoom through a loop that nearly touched the floor only a few feet away.
" Hang on!" Spike hollered to her over the roar of the coaster up above. " Just keep driving straight! You're doing great!" He directed, riding up beside her again.
" Spike! Spike!" She cried as the coaster zoomed down onto the tracks just above her head, causing her to duck and grip the handles so tightly her knuckles went white.
" Faye! Keep driving straight!" Spike shouted as she moved dangerously close to electrical wiring. Realizing that she was too frightened to maintain control for much longer he rode as close to her as he dared and grabbed on to one of the handles.
" Can you keep it steady?" He asked. Faye nodded tensely and he smiled at her reassuringly. " Good! Now the coaster's gonna spin under the tracks up ahead so we're going to have to get out of here, okay?"
Faye nodded again.
" On the count of three I'm gonna hop on the segway with you, got it?"
She nodded again.
" Okay." Spike shifted his hold and lifted himself up off the bike seat, gripping onto the segway tightly. " One…"
They drove over a bundle of wires and his bike wobbled dangerously for a moment before he regained control.
" Two…"
Faye glanced at him, anxiously. Up ahead the rollercoaster entered its downward spiral.
" Three!" With a mighty leap, he jumped off his bike and onto the segway, gripping both handles over Faye's hands and maneuvering them out of harms way just as the rollercoaster collided with the bike.
Glancing down at Faye Spike leaned in close to her ear. " You okay?" He asked.
She nodded. " But we lost Santa."
Spike scanned the mall up ahead and smiled. " No we didn't. Look!" And he pointed straight ahead where they could just see crowds scattering away from someone in red. " We must have taken a short cut through the no trespassing area cause he's coming our way."
Sure enough Santa was getting bigger by the minute and suddenly stopped when he finally noticed them.
" What is he doing?" Faye asked as Santa sat down on a bench and started taking off his rollerblades.
" I think he's getting tired." Spike smirked.
" Well it's about time!" She grumbled.
Spike frowned. " But I would really like to know what he's thinking.
" Does he still have his weapon?" Faye asked.
" Yeah." Spike growled.
As they approached Santa sprinted for a car on show.
" Oh no! Is he going to do what I think he's going to do?" Faye gasped.
" Yup." Spike replied as they watched Santa jump into the car and start up the engine a moment later.
" But doesn't he need the key?" Faye asked, perplexed.
" He's in the mafia, Faye!" Spike explained to her.
" He's getting away!" She yelled as Santa drove the car off its stand and onto the floor of the west wing, shoppers scrambling to get out of his way.
" Ugh! This guy just won't quit!" She growled in exasperation.
Following him into another courtyard Spike leaned down towards Faye again. " Do you have your gun?" He asked.
" Yeah, why?"
" Because one of us has to try and distract him. I'll drive. You shoot."
" Shoot? At what?" She cried out.
" Anything that might splatter on his windshield! We just need to slow him down so we can catch up with him before he kills somebody!" He shouted over the screams of passing shoppers.
Slipping her hands out from under his Faye took out her gun and aimed for various Christmas ornaments hanging from the ceiling. Huge snowflakes, candy canes, and balls of fake snow rained down on Santa's car but to little effect.
" It's not working!" She shouted.
" Damn it!" Spike cursed.
" Spike!" Faye gasped as they saw an exit up ahead. " He's going to get away!"
Spike glanced around, desperate for a solution but Faye beat him to it. Aiming ahead of the car she shot at a skylight up above the exit, raining thousands of glass shards down onto the floor below.
The car squealed to a stop and backed up, turning left and continuing further into the mall.
" Good thinking, Faye!" Spike exclaimed and patted her shoulder. " You just gave me another idea!"
" What's that?" She asked.
" Try to redirect him back to Santa's House. Jet said that SWAT was crawling all over the mall. If we can corner him then they can catch him."
" But how will SWAT know where he is?"
Spike grabbed his communicator. " I'm gonna let Jet know."
" Everyone hold their position." Peter ordered into his radio. Turning to Jet he took in a deep breath. " You think they can do it?"
Jet nodded confidently. " If anyone can herd a wild Santa its Spike and Faye. They'll pull through. Just make sure everyone's ready."
" Oh they're ready, alright." Peter replied, equally confident.
" That's good to hear cause I see them now!" Jet smirked and ducked down behind the barricade.
Peter waved to the SWAT members who gave him an affirmative nod. " Here we go." He murmured beside Jet.
The chief of the SWAT unit brought a megaphone up to his mouth. " Ready!... Aim!... Fire!"
The thunder of bullets hitting metal deafened all other sounds as Santa's car careened into the Santa House, exploding out the other side without slowing down.
" Shoot the tires!" The chief shouted.
A second squad, holding position just beyond the mayhem, aimed and fired. Two tires immediately blew out sending the car into a spin and straight into a brick wall at the other end of the hall.
" Gas grenades!" He ordered and watched with satisfaction as three shot through the windows of the car and quickly filled the interior with smoke. A few moments later Santa stumbled out, coughing and hacking.
Faye and Spike came to a stop and stepped off the segway, satisfied smirks on their faces.
" Great job guys!" Peter exclaimed to everyone as he joined SWAT in the arrest.
" That was some pretty crazy work, you two." Jet began. " Reckless and dangerous too. And you both disregarded me when I told you to stop!"
Faye and Spike remained silent.
" You both could have been hurt… or worse!" And then he paused, looking them over. " Lucky for you two lunkheads things worked out."
Faye and Spike looked up at him in surprise.
" But next time we go on a bounty you had better include me in on the action!" He reprimanded them.
Spike smirked. " Point taken."
" So," Faye began as they walked through what remained of the Santa House. " Can we grab something to eat somewhere? I'm starving."
Spike turned to her with a smile. " Hey! That's my line!"
Jet laughed. " I think we all need to get something to eat."
As they chatted several ISSP wandered about and one of them suddenly stopped to stare. A few moments later two more stopped what they were doing and did the same. And before long a small group had gathered.
Jet glanced their way, confused. " Uh… hey guys?" He said and tapped Spike on the shoulder. " What's going on?"
Several of the officers were snickering and sending approving nods their way. A few were even wiggling their eyebrows suggestively. And things only got worse when SWAT members joined their numbers.
" Hey Jet!" Peter shouted and stepped up to him, pulling him down from the step he had been standing on. " You might get a better view from down here."
" What are you talking about?" Jet asked, by now completely bewildered. Looking back at Spike and Faye he frowned, not seeing anything unusual. And then he saw it.
Dangling from a broken wooden beam, just above Faye and Spike's head, was a sprig of mistletoe.
" Oh."
" You gotta do it, man!" An officer stated to Spike who was still trying to figure out what was going on.
" Huh?" He replied.
The officers pointed up. Blinking in surprise Spike and Faye stared for a long moment. But it was Faye who reacted first.
" Oh grow up!" She hollered to the officers.
Several of them laughed while others tskd her behavior. " Come on, man! You aren't gonna let her get away are you?" Someone challenged.
" This is stupid." Faye mumbled and turned to step away but was stopped when he suddenly grabbed her arm.
" Spike?" She stated in surprise and looked up at him. " What are you doing?" She whispered.
" They want us to kiss." He explained as if she didn't understand the tradition.
" I know that."
" So we gotta kiss." He shrugged.
" Are you serious?!" She asked, gaping at him. Glancing down at Jet and then Peter and then the expectant crowd Faye sighed heavily. " I don't believe this." She muttered. " Alright! Alright lets just do this."
And she motioned for Spike to lean closer. Stepping up on her tiptoes she met him halfway and pressed a quick, soft peck to his lips. Spike raised his eyebrows in surprise.
" Uhm… you have… some of my lipstick on your mouth." She shmirked. Below them people started booing.
" You call that a kiss?" Someone yelled.
Faye turned around, both hands on her hips. " Oh go find someone to arrest!" She shouted and once again turned to leave when Spike suddenly pulled her back. Without missing a beat he wrapped one arm around her back and another beneath her head, dipping down to press a fantastically romantic kiss to her lips.
And for several moments Faye thought her heart would never beat again. Hoots, whistles, and cheers erupted from the crowd of onlookers and Peter jabbed Jet with his elbow.
" So it's not like that with him, huh?" He smiled, nodding to Spike and Faye. Jet shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck with a goofy grin.
A moment later Spike ended the kiss and the officers dispersed happily.
" Well that was quite the show!" Peter laughed while Faye and Spike stepped down to rejoin them. " I'm sure you just made their day!" He smiled. " But seriously, thanks for helping us catch our man." And he shook their hands in gratitude.
Turning to Jet, Peter smiled again. " We'll be in touch." He promised and walked away.
" Speaking about being in touch..." Jet continued, his eyes twinkling with humor. " I didn't know you had it in you, Spike-O." He smirked.
Spike shrugged and placed a cigarette between his lips, looking at Faye thoughtfully. She did her best to avoid eye contact and quietly straightened her tiny elf skirt. But she couldn't hide the blush that burned her cheeks and Jet was too much of a gentleman to tease her about it.
Two days later: Christmas Day back on the Bebop…
" I've got to hand it to you, Spike-O." Jet began, setting a plate of freshly baked cookies on the coffee table. " I never thought you would get us a Christmas tree. That was a nice touch." And he looked at Spike curiously. " By-the-way, how did you manage to keep it alive?"
" I prayed." Spike smirked.
With a satisfied sigh Faye stepped back to admire her handy-work. " There! All finished! How does it look?" She asked stepping away to get a better view.
Spike stared at the small Christmas tree and all the strings of popcorn that accentuated its branches. " It looks like a tree with popcor- littered all over it." He replied and quickly grabbed a tissue from its box at his feet, sneezing hard enough to tear up.
" Oh, poor baby." Faye sympathized mockingly.
Spike sniffled and reached for the plate of cookies sitting on the table.
" Ah, ah!" Jet admonished and slapped his hand away. " You're sick. That means no sugar until your healthy."
Spike frowned darkly as Faye purposely grabbed one and ate it slowly, in front of him.
" Mmmm. These are sooo good, Jet!" She exclaimed and quickly took two more.
" You like them?" Jet asked, his eyes lighting up. " I made them from an old recipe my mother used for baking cookies every year at this time." And he snatched one off the plate for himself.
" Mmm. Mmmm!" Faye moaned in delight, licking her fingers clean of crumbs. " It's too bad you're sick, Spike." She stated.
Spike folded his arms over his chest grumpily.
" Oh! I almost forgot." She suddenly exclaimed and grabbed a shopping bag from behind the couch. " I have presents for you guys." And she presented to them two wrapped gifts. One was a small box and the other looked like a bottle of some sort.
She handed Spike the bottle-shaped gift and Jet the small box.
" Okay, guys. Open them up."
Shrugging to each other they quickly tore away the wrapping paper and stared.
" -asal decogestat?" Spike asked, looking at Faye in disbelief. " You gave me… -asal decogestat as a gift for Christmas?"
Faye lifted her chin up, smugly. " Well I saw you getting sick. And since I finished the last bottle I knew there wasn't any more on the ship. So, since it helped me feel better I got you some."
Spike stared at her blankly for a moment before he sneezed into his tissue again.
Faye snatched the bottle from his hands and broke the seal for him, glancing at the label, before handing it back. " You know, you should be thankful you have someone as thoughtful as me willing to help you out."
" She's right about us having no decongestant left on board." Jet agreed and turned to Faye. " Uh… thanks for these." He stated and lifted a new pack of cigarettes up for her to see.
" Yeah, well…" She began. " I saw that you were running low and decided to give you another pack."
Jet nodded. " Thanks. That was… thoughtful of you."
" Well, it's not as fancy as baking cookies…" She began. " But they're useful. And your cookies are wonderful, by the way." She threw in to be polite, but mostly to anger Spike who watched with narrowed eyes as she picked up yet another cookie.
" Well we couldn't afford the fancy Christmas meal we were hoping for but there was enough woolong left over for me to make something rare on this ship." Jet stated.
" Like what?" Spike asked.
" Desert."
" Still…" Faye sighed. " It would have been nice to have mashed potatoes and gravy."
" And we would have had them too, if both of you wouldn't have let things get so out of control." Jet replied, and took another cookie.
" Oh come on Jet!" Faye smiled. " How did we let things get out of control?"
Jet raised his hand and began ticking off fingers. " Spike obliterated that store bike, destroyed a shining armor display, both of you damaged the rollercoaster track, you," And he pointed to Faye. " shot up all those Christmas decorations along with a few skylights, and ruined a segway."
Faye laughed nervously. " Oh well. It's like you said. At least we still had some woolongs left over for cookies. And nobody got hurt."
Spike sneezed.
" Well… almost nobody." Jet agreed, looking at him with a smirk.
" Poor baby. Maybe you should go lie down, Spike." Faye cooed. " You don't look so good."
" Thaks to you." He replied, grabbing another fistful of tissues. " You gave me your flu bug." He whined.
" Well it serves you right for kissing me without permission."
" It was cute though." Jet smiled.
Faye glared at him and Spike sat forward, a tissue close to his mouth.
A-A…. Achoo!!
Spread That Good Cheer
Opening Quote: Dale Evans Rogers
