It was almost Christmas and there was an atmosphere of excitment over all of the StarRaiders. Although they had lost their base, they were as cheerful as ever. They had all decided to lie low on pioneer 2 for a while, because they were all probably wanted criminals by now. To discuise themselves, they couldn't even wear their hunter uniforms, and instead had to wear civillian clothes. They were in a block of a residential area, and all the StarRaiders were doing their part to make it look festive... except Ming, who was still short circuited, and Faulkie, who was trying to fix her. It had been 5 days now, with no success. Everyone had given up on her, except Faulkie and Itxi. In their shared living area, Kidd said to Matthew 'Phew, putting these decorations up is hard work, what's the point of this, what is Christmas celebrating?' Nobody knew how the answer this. In truth, nobody on Pioneer 2 knew what Christmas really was any more. As generations went on, the people forgot the story of Christmas, and was now just a time of good will and kindness. Although they didn't know what it was celebrating, it was still held at the same time, with the same decorations. Most people assumed it was an acient religious holiday, but nobody knew for sure. 'Stop being such a Scrooge and help us!' joked Matthew, decorating a large tree in their shared living area. Serena, Itxi, Kasi, Kidd and Aurora were helping him, putting decorations of all shapes and sizes on the pine tree. Well, it resembled a pine tree of earth, but, of course, was a Ragol substitute. Jason and Garr were very happy at being allowed to go down ito the forest to get it, as they obviously missed the hunter life. Most of them did, but at the same time, wanted a little break. SirTom909 and Louie were putting up tinsel and lights around the room, until Kidd ran past and knocked it down again. They all laughed. It was Christmas, everyone was happy! In his room, Faulkie had Ming's lifeless body on his bed, while he was trying to wake up Ming's central chip, to add it to the new body he got for her. The central chip is like a brain. Personality, memory and control were all done in the central chip. All other parts could be replaced, except this part. Aurora came in. 'I brought some food for you', she said, and handed Faulkie a plate with a cheese sandwich on it. 'Thanks.' Said Faulkie, and she walked out again, to finish the rest of the party food. There was to be a Christmas party later, for all of the StarRaiders, but nobody expected Faulkie to come. A few hours later, the decorations were up, the food was made, and the music was ready. The party was about to start... without Faulkie. 'Shall we tell him the party's starting?' Asked Kasi. 'Better not disturb him' Replied Louie. 'Ok then, let's party!' Yelled Jason. For the next two hours, Faulkie was in his room, doing all he could to save Ming, the android that almost ended his life. He was alone all this time, except for the occasional visit from Itxi. The rest of the StarRaiders were in the next room, having their Christmas party, eating party food, dancing, and drinking beer (especially Jason), when suddenly Faulkie burst in. He ran in, then staggered because his legs had gone dead from sitting all this time. 'I've done it!' Faulkie shouted, and in came an android. It was Ming, but in a new body. This time her paintwork was bright pink, and she had humanlike hair. 'What do you think?' Boasted Faulkie. 'Sleek, cool... sexy?'. The rest of the non-android StarRaiders burst out laughing. 'You sound like Elly, mate!' Joked Kidd. 'Hang on, Elly who?' Asked Faulkie. 'I think he means Elly... Elly Parsons, or something.' Said Matthew. 'It's PERSON you fool.' Said Garr, correcting Matthew. 'Elly Person?' Asked Faulkie, 'She's the one that told me how to switch her central chip into the new body!'. 'Yeah, the body which I HATE by the way!' Shouted Ming, talking for the first time. 'That was the deal, I fix you, you use that body for a while. Besides, your proper new one still hasn't come.' Said Faulkie. 'Fine then.' Ming mumbled. 'Anyway, everyone, meet Little Ming!' Said Faulkie, introducing Ming's new look formally. The rest of the StarRaiders cheered, and toasted Ming and Faulkie. 'Anyway, enough talk, someone crank some tunes!' Shouted Itxi, clearly happy. In response to this, SirTom909 turned the music system on, and put in a CD. 'Vamos a Carnival' played. 'I love this song!' Yelled Faulkie, 'Dance with me Ming!', as he grabbed Little Ming's hands and wildly danced with her. 'Newman! You're touching--' Little Ming started, but finished, 'Well, it IS Christmas, but don't get used to it, ear boy!'. 'I wouldn't have it any other way.' Replied Faulkie, laughing. The others followed his lead, and started dancing. Serena danced with Louie, Aurora with Matthew, Kasi with Garr and, of course, Faulkie with Little Ming. Jason and SirTom909 were at the side, drinking beer, whilst Ixti and Kidd raided the snack table. Aerilas stood at the side, feeding his Rati. After the dancing, drinking and eating, came the traditional giving of the presents. Becuase they were low on cash, the StarRaiders could only afford one present for each member between them. Faulkie opened his present. A new tool kit. The other StarRaiders opened their presents too. Most of them got new weapons, excpet Jason, who got a punching bag and a bottle of wine, and Aerilas, who got some Dragon guts, courtesy of Jason and Garr, on their way to get the Christmas tree. Faulkie looked around, and thought about how happy he was to enjoy this with friends, for the first time. Little Ming looked at him. 'Um... thanks' She said to Faulkie, and Faulkie smiled back.