Mess Hall
Praesidium
It never ceased to surprise me, that even with all the chaos this universe could conjure up, for some reason I couldn't quite explain, the Praesidium always felt so, well, normal. Damn all the death, loss, and whatever villains chose to rear their ugly head that day - everyone here just went along with their day like nothing was wrong.
Of course, the huge Christmas tree in the middle of the Mess Hall was a testament to it.
The damn thing was about as tall as the ceiling was high, with lights of all kinds of colors threaded over its branches. Ornaments hung off of it- some of them small memorials to fallen soldiers, others commemorating events. And at the very top was a gold star, nearly scraping the ceiling.
"Pretty, isn't it?"
I sensed Kunio walked up behind me, drink in hand. "Where'd you come from?"
"What? Your wizard brain didn't see me coming from a mile away?"
"I should be calling you a wizard. I mean, making portals and shit? That's like, literally some anime shit right there."
He snorted. "Anime. Please. If anything here's anime, it's you. Teenage girl with superpowers fights aliens. C'mon. I've seen that story before. Probably."
"Did you had an anime studio in your city? Violet would love that."
He took another sip. "Somehow, I am not surprised by that in the least."
"Oh yeah, she's super into anime. Or manga. Or isekai. Whatever the fuck it's called."
"Don't ask me, that's one thing Westerners might know more about our, ah, culture, than we do," he snorted. "You could at least appreciate anything that isn't sexualized animated women."
"Ah, don't ruin the Christmas spirit."
"Heh." He shook his head. "Nice tree though, right?"
"Yeah." I said. "Is it even real?"
He shrugged. "Don't know. If anything, Vahlen probably grew it."
"Vahlen? If she grew a tree, I'd bet my right leg it could probably kill or mutilate you in some way. You wanna bet it's got tentacles somewhere?"
"Okay, now you're just ripping off anime."
We both laughed for a moment, me in particular cackling like a sick mixture of hyena and witch.
"So, did you hear about Secret Santa?"
"What now?"
"It's a new thing here, apparently. It's like a lottery, sort of. You choose to enter, you randomly get someone chosen, you get them a gift and leave it anonymously for them."
"Huh." I said. "I think my parents' jobs had something like that." I paused. "Did you sign up?"
"Oh yeah."
"Who'd you get?"
He put a finger to his lips. "Shh. It's a secret."
"Oh well." I took another look at the tree. One of the ornaments had a picture of a cute-looking dog on it. German Shepherd, I think.
Aluma. The description read. XCOM's goodest girl.
Wait, XCOM had a dog?
"Shit, guess I'll got for it. Not like I have much else to do around here right now?"
"Don't you have that thing to work on? Something with an H?"
"The Commander and I are gonna meet about that, actually. Something about 'correcting some logistical oversights' I made. Besides that, I guess he liked it, otherwise he wouldn't have gotten back to me at all."
"You sure it's a good idea? I mean, I know you're the exception, but putting more people like you in XCOM? I respect your idea, but there's a lot of what ifs involved."
I pursed my lips. "I'm working on that. I...I'm not gonna lie, I've been doing some thinking about it."
There was a pregnant pause as the two of us stared at the tree, silently considering the morbidity of the situation.
"Well Dawn, if there's nothing else to talk about, I'll leave you to your Secret Santa. Hope you get who you're looking for."
"I'll figure it out. If I get Kane, I'll just make a paper-mache Isomnum head or something- hell, maybe a pinata for him to smash."
"Don't tell him that." He winked. "See you later."
"Oh, and one more thing."
"Yeah?"
"I sent my gift to your bunk."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Hope you like it."
He smiled.
Hope his family will dig that ceramic sake set.
As he walked away, I pulled out my phone and opened the Praesidium app, one of several JULIAN put on your phone. It was a neat little thing - it told you about all the goings-on here, from events to Dreamscape signups to schedules.
Let's see...holidays...Santa, yep, here we go…
I clicked on the 'Spin' Button as part of the Christmas tab, watching the red button spin with game show TV music in the background.
C'mon, not Vahlen, not the Commander.
Would he like a Pin-the-Jihadist-to-the-Cross game?
Heh.
And the winner was…
My eyes widened as the name popped up on the screen.
Oh you have to be kidding me.
Thirty Seconds Later
The Chronicler.
What the hell, RNG?
I furiously tried to tap the spin button, but nothing happened.
Shit!
I cursed under my breath, tightly holding the tablet.
Why is he even on the list? I thought to myself. Does he even care about Christmas? He already has a cool suit and powers. What does he even like?
I walked out of the Mess Hall, shaking my head.
"What do you even like, man?" I said. "Hmm. Maybe I should steal the Bayeux Tapestry? Nah, you probably were there when it was made. Wrap up the Mona Lisa for you? No, she was probably your girlfriend. Or maybe Joan of Arc was."
I walked back to my bed, plopping myself down and putting my phone away.
Great. That's just great. Getting a gift for anyone is one thing, but the Chronicler of all people? What's he even into? Old stuff?
Ugh. Shaking my head, I sat up, pulled my pillow up behind my back, and started typing on my computer.
Gift ideas…
Okay.
Thirty minutes later
Barracks
Praesidium
Okay. I'm stumped.
I had spent damn near close to thirty minutes looking online for something he'd find interesting. Some kind of historical book, maybe a copy of an image, something like that.
But I had nothing.
I wasn't going to leave the guy empty-handed. After all, he and his...boss? Master- whatever had saved us. A lot. If it wasn't for him, we would've easily been conquered by now. Even if he didn't know who it was for, it still had to mean something.
Maybe a model of him in his armor? No, done that before.
T-shirts are off the table - I don't even know if the guy has a fashion sense.
Something unique.
But what?
I sighed, lying back on my pillow and staring at the ceiling.
I need to get this off my mind.
The Next Day
Dreamscape
The convoy travelled to the SAS outpost, going on track, save one quick pit stop by one driver who had to answer the call of nature.
Unfortunate that one extra person decided to do a quick hitchhike right there and then.
I guess T'Leth had a sense of humor in some way.
I hung underneath the car, my suit's magnetic gloves and boots holding on, the engine rumbling as the gate opened and the convoy traveled inside of the outpost. I felt two psions - telepaths- scanning the convoy, and reached into their minds before they could touch me. I'd gotten used to the feel of them during my last trip to Africa. These two weren't too powerful, and it was easier then before to override their minds.
You sense nothing. The convoy is going as planned. Prepare to self-terminate in exactly thirty seconds.
It sure was convenient for one of the drivers to pull over the road and take a quick piss break.
Ain't it strange the kind of people you can find on the road?
Nothing like a good Dreamscape simulation to get your mind off of things.
As soon as the jeep parked and the gates closed behind us. I let go, hitting the ground with a thump.
"Huh?" What was that?"
Time to go loud.
I rolled out from under the car, pulling out my gun and shooting the drive in the head, blood splattering across the car's door. With a thought, everyone within my vicinity dropped dead, slumping over.
Step one.
Alarms began to blare as I dashed to the left, an SAS soldier shooting a rocket at me, flying into one of the cars. The car exploded as I dodged the plume of orange flame, firing my gun and taking the head off of the SAS goon. I threw a CIF3 grenade into a nearby hangar where some pilots were rushing to their planes. The explosive went off and enveloped the helmeted individuals, screaming as the air around the turned into fire, the hangar quickly becoming engulfed in flame.
I ran past the hangar and the smell of burning flesh and turned a corner, sensing more enemies. Unlike last time, I prepped my aura, focusing on the gang of armed soldiers on the other side of the building getting ready to kill me. I could hear their panicked yells as they armed their grenade launchers and mounted machine guns.
Hey guys! I thought. The people around you are being mind controlled!
You know what to do.
I crashed through the door as my new allies opened up on their unsuspecting former friends with their heavy weapons. One guy turned his LMG around and dropped a whole line of guys, his machine gun making a burrrrrp sound as his friends got turned into human Swiss Cheese. Another managed to kill his ex-friend with a headshot before a grenade launcher fired, turning everything from the waist up into meaty chunks, his legs flying into the air as blood splattered the face of my helmet. I started shooting, killing everyone not under my control.
Boom. One shot to the chest of a soldier lunging at the LMG guy with a combat knife.
Boom. Boom. Two shots with my pistol to the head of another soldier prepping a grenade, the resulting explosion tearing apart the people around him in a green explosion.
Boom. I tossed a grenade at a jeep rolling up with more reinforcements, the explosion flipping the jeep as it was torn apart, the enemies getting crushed by the sheer force of the grenade's telekinetic energy.
In a few seconds, the fight was over, soldiers strewn over the ground covered in blood and bits and pieces of the others. I turned to the rest of them, waiting at attention, completely unfazed by what just happened.
"Cut off this place's power." I ordered. "No one needs to hear what's going on. And could one of you turn that damn alarm off?"
They nodded, running off, saying 'yes' in Swahili- at least that's what my suit computer's translator told me. As they took off, I picked up one of the bloodied combat knifes.
"Computer, what's left?"
"The mess hall and barracks are still occupied. Your enlisted recruits are on their way to disable the outpost's comms systems. Recommend clearing out the mess hall-"
"Thank you, computer." Knife and pistol in hand, I dashed towards the barracks, sensing soldiers in a state of chaos, trying to throw on their clothes and grab their guns.
"Alright boys and girls." I whispered. "Let's make this fairer shall we?"
I walked up to the front door, looked for a doorknob, and tried to open it.
Locked.
"How very rude."
With a crash, I kicked the door down, knife and pistol in hand. Seven soldiers in the room froze, staring at me.
"Don't you boys know it's rude to stare at a girl like that?"
I charged, shoving the business end of the knife into soldier Number One's throat. I raised my pistol over his shoulder, shooting Number Two in the right eye, turning it into red mist. I shoved Number Two at Number Three, knocking him back before firing again, the psionic shot burning through Two's skull and killing Three.
Four left.
Number Four yanked a plasma pistol from a locker, yelling indiscriminately as he fired at me. I shrugged off the shots. I walked up to him and grabbed his wrist, crushing it in one fell swoop. As he yelled in pain, I put the pistol to his chin, killing him instantly.
Three left.
The last three ran for the door, banging on it and yelling for someone to open it. I walked up to them, dropping the knife and holstering my gun, clapping my hands and making a come on motion.
Five and Six charged at me, fists clenched. I pulled back, changing at Five, clenching my fist as I threw a punch with a sickening squelch as it punched through him. He yelled with pain as I pulled my fist out and headbutted him, breaking his skull. As he fell, I grabbed Six by the throat, lifting him off the ground and throttling him back down, snapping his neck.
Seven just whimpered by the door, covering his face with his hands, sobbing.
I just pulled out my gun and shot him.
As I went to open the door, I noticed something lying on one of the empty beds. An opened package, with a card and teddy bear.
Teddy bear.
I walked over to the stuffed animal, picking it up with my blood-soaked hand, looking at its beady black eyes and its brown fur.
"T'Leth, pause simulation."
Time froze around me as I looked at the stuffed animal, reminding myself of the ones I still had, left in my old house when I left to join the Priests.
A stuffed animal, representing innocence. Peace. Happiness. Even a bit adorable.
Hm.
I wonder…
A gift…
And then the dots connected, the lines fell into place.
A gift!
I turned to look at the corpses around me, shaking my head and looking at my bloodied armored hands.
For you, Qasira.
"T'Leth, end simulation. Now. I'm sorry, but I don't want to forget something."
The simulation almost blinked.
"Look, I'm sorry, but I need to talk to someone now. We'll finish this up later, okay?"
It fizzled out, my mind returning to the real world as I took my hand off the orb, looking at it for a second as if there was still blood on it.
Funny. I hadn't felt a thing when I'd killed those men and women.
Not one damn thing at all.
Shaking my head, I turned and walked out of the room.
A T'Leth plushy it is.
Training Arena
Praesidium
I found Fiona watching Kunio practice against Carmelita in the Training Room. He was using portals to reflect rubber bullets from a 'shotgun' she was firing, the bullets comically bouncing off her armor and onto the floor.
"Hey." I said, taking a seat next to my British sword-wielding mostly-human friend.
"Hi." She smiled warmly. "Come to talk some more?"
"Sort of." I nervously smiled. "I need a favor." I winced as Kunio dodged Carmelita's sword, nearly getting his arm whacked off.
"What kind of favor?"
I looked around, making sure no one was close enough to hear me. "So, you know about that whole Secret Santa thing?"
"Yeah. What about it?"
I shook my head. "I got the Chronicler as the person I have to make a gift for him. And long story short, I got this idea to make a T'Leth plushy, because that's cool and unique, right? And I don't know if you can tell me, but I need to know what he looks like because I'm out of ideas and-"
"Hold on." She held up a hand. "I'm sorry, you want to do what now?"
"Look, I know it sounds ridiculous Fiona, but I just decided-"
She giggled, almost dropping her drink. "You want to-I'm sorry-make a T'Leth plushy, for the Chronicler, for Christmas?"
I almost blushed. "Look, I know it's not exactly the most orthodox of ideas-"
She bent over laughing. "That's-ahahahahahaha! I'm sorry-ahahaha!"
I rolled my eyes, watching the Agent snicker. After a minute of her giggling, she recomposed herself.
"You seriously want to do that?"
"Hey, he's not gonna know who did it. Besides, it's the month of Christmas. Ain't it all about giving? And hey, if he doesn't like it, he can chase me with his fancy armor whenever he wants."
She looked at me with a sly expression. "Come now, I don't think he's going to do that. Alright. I'll help you. You got some pen and paper?"
"Uh, no."
"No problem." She vanished with a flash of green light, causing me to yelp, and return a moment later, holding a pencil and paper. "I imagine the Quartermasters will be asking about where these went." She giggled. "Give me a few minutes, and I'll have something for you. Won't be a work of art, but I think a sketch is going to be fine."
"Uh, this isn't breaking any Sovereign rules, right? We're not gonna be in any trouble for this, right?"
"No. We'll be fine."
Several minutes later, she tapped her pencil on the table, letting me know she was done.
"Here. This should help you."
She slid the piece of paper over to me, where I looked at it, raising an eyebrow.
I sure didn't know what I was expecting, but...well, I wasn't exactly expecting what she drew for me.
It was a rough outline of what looked like a large squid or crustacean, with several large, tentacle-like 'legs' protruding from the bottom. It had six eyes, and the body was overall somewhat shaped like an oval, with a very pointed 'top'.
"Well?" She asked. "Does that work?"
"So that's what he looks like." I said, still somewhat surprised she'd taken me up on my request. "Not going to lie. I thought-"
"That's he look different?"
"I guess?"
"What did you expect?"
I shrugged. "I'm not really sure. I guess...I thought he'd look more like a squid. More tentacles and all that. Didn't think he'd have so many eyes, though. I guess he would look more 'weird', I guess."
She chuckled. "All the things you've seen, and you call that weird?"
"Hey, it's not like I can't criticize our resident Sovereign Overlord."
"Ah, you don't need to call him that." She lightfully playfully shoved me. "Not yet."
"Ha!"
"Well then." She turned around and looked at Kunio, just in time to see him open a portal under Carmelita, causing her to fall through the floor and reappear in midair, faceplating into the ground with a string of curse words. "Sorry Dawn, but I'm going to have to cut this short."
"No problem." I said. "I have just what I need."
I quickly headed back to my room, and with picture in hand, I logged onto my computer and found a custom plush toy website.
Here we go.
MEC Hangar
Praesidium
Several days later, my little scheme had borne fruit.
I held, in my hand, my plush interpretation of T'Leth.
The little guy was the size of a teddy bear, almost all black, save for the blue googly eyes. He had three 'legs' on each side that could wiggle if you tugged on them. It had a little mouth with white pointed teeth under the eyes. It was very soft, comfortable and fuzzy to the touch.
"What is that?"
I looked up as Sierra walked over to me, my gift for her in the small bag next to me.
"Shit! Where'd you come from?" I said, surprised. "You said you were gonna take like ten more minutes."
"Robot legs." She patted her sides. "As well as scheduling differences." She chuckled. "Who's that for, and where did you get it?"
I looked around. "Look, you can't tell anyone, alright? It's for the Chronicler."
"Wait, that's for him?"
I nodded.
"What even is that?" She peered at the little plush in my hand.
"It's...a plush toy of T'Leth."
She scoffed. "Huh. So that's what he really looks like."
"I mean, it's not totally accurate." I said. "She only gave me a sketch, and then from there I kind of guesstimated some parts of him."
"Has she seen this?"
I shook my head. "No. Keeping it as a surprise."
She nodded. "And what's that box over there?"
"Why, gifts for you, of course. And your friends."
She took the box, eyeing. "Feels a little light. Oh, and thank you."
She sat down and opened it, raising an eyebrow as she pulled out a large box of crayons.
"Really?"
"Hey, once a marine, always a marine, right?" I smirked. "Open it."
She opened the box, revealing it to not be full of crayons, but instead was a group of bumper stickers.
"For your Valkryie MEC. And the other Archangels."
She took a look at one of them, a bright yellow rectangle with thick black lettering.
How's my driving? Call 1-800-EAT-MY-SHIT.
She laughed. "Okay, that's kind of funny." She smiled. "Oh, Anna's going to love this."
"You like it?"
"Of course! It's hilarious. Now what is-"
She touched a bundle of wrapping paper, picking it up. She unwrapped it, revealing a little bronze-colored model of her MEC. Her eyes turned red, a large smile spreading across her face as she ran a hand of fake flesh over it.
"Oh my." She said, a tone of wonder in her voice. "Oh, this is something, all right."
"You like it?"
"I love it. You used the 3-D printers, right?"
"Yeah. There was a hell of a waiting list. But I think it turned out alright."
"Yes." She nodded, holding it up. "Yes, yes it did. This will look great next to my bed."
I smiled with pride.
"I got something for you, too."
"Oh?"
She walked over to the locker with her name on it, took out a t-shirt and walked back to me with it in hand.
I Survived Zuwara And All I Got Was This Stupid T-Shirt, it said on the cover in white lettering against a black background. Under the words was a cartoony Skull Brothers helmet with a frowny face and tongue sticking out, with a huge knife poking out of its forehead.
I laughed.
"So…you like it?"
I lightly took it from her hands, feeling the soft fabric.
"Tell Ted I need to pay him back in an equally cool shirt."
Gym
Praesidium
It had been about a week since I'd left the plushy wrapped under the tree, and the day had finally come. I didn't notice him getting the gift in the initial wave of people, but when I came back for dinner, it was gone, along with the rest of the gifts that'd been missed.
I hadn't heard anything regarding a T'Leth plushy yet, so I guess what he thought of it was up in the air.
But that was something for another time - especially while you were in a fistfight with your psionic Russian boss.
Facing off against each other in the ring, I narrowly dodged a fist from him, throwing a punch at his gut and getting a hit, him wincing as he moved an inch back. I stood in a defense stance, fists raised.
I unfortunately didn't dodge the next one.
He threw a punch towards my hands, which I blocked, but left my stomach wide open- just where his target was.
"Oof!" I stumbled back, tripping over my legs as I hit the floor back-first, rolling over. I felt a foot on my stomach, keeping me down. "Ugh. Jesus, Bronis."
He took his foot off my back, letting me get up. "You keep letting yourself get exposed."
I snorted. "I don't even know why I come here."
"There's nothing wrong with trying."
"Even if I get my ass kicked?"
He nodded. "Even if you get your ass kicked."
I walked off the ring, putting my shoes back on. "Anything else going on, Overseer? Besides beating up kids?"
"Very funny." He shook his head. "You know that whole Secret Santa deal recently?"
"Uh, yeah. Something happen?"
"No."
"Not get what you wanted?"
"Hardly. Quite the opposite, in fact."
"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow.
"The weirdest thing happened. I was in a meeting with the rest of the Council when, I kid you not, the Chronicler is there with this...toy in his hand."
My eyes widened. Play dumb. Play dumb.
"A toy, sir?" I asked.
"Yes." he chuckled, almost laughing. "It was a plush-teddy bear-thing of T'Leth."
"Really?" I furrowed my eyebrows. "A toy? How'd he get it?"
"Apparently his Secret Santa made it."
I did my best to hide my reaction. "Did he, um, like it?"
"He did." Bronis said. "He said it was 'somewhat inaccurate yet entertaining as a gift'."
"Really?" I said, a mix of flustered and surprised. "I-I'm kind of surprised-"
"Surprised? Why?" His eyes narrowed. "Dawn, why are you blushing?"
"What?" Uh oh. "No-no I'm not!"
His eyes blinked. "You made that plushy, didn't you?"
"No!"
"You're good at a lot of things, Dawn, but you're a terrible liar."
I sighed. "Okay, you got me."
"Don't be ashamed. Between you and me-" He put a hand on my shoulder. "I thought it was cute too."
"Really?"
"Yeah. It was a little adorable. The small mouth with the cartoon teeth was a nice touch. How'd you even do that?"
"I got Fiona to draw a little sketch of T'Leth. Why?"
He gave a little grin. "Do you think you could give me that? The Commander seemed to like the plush, and I think it might get around if he got one."
"Really?"
"I'll give you all the credit for it. I promise."
I was a little taken aback. "Seriously?"
"Oh yes. All I need is the picture with your name on it."
"You mean it?"
"I do, Dawn."
I grinned with pride. "You'll get your picture, Bronis."
Conley Family Residence
XCOM Family Base
Once again, the Conley clan was gathered around the table during Christmas Eve, all four of us sitting around plates full of creature comforts: a turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and everything else. It was pretty much like Thanksgiving, but with mom's special chocolate cake to the side.
"Well, everyone's here." Dad said. "Shall we start eating?"
"Go ahead." Grace said. "Not my fault my sis got here late." She elbowed me.
"Sorry my furry friend wanted to show my gift to all of her friends. And then fight a few when they insulted it."
"What did you get Carreria, anyway?" My mom was getting better at pronouncing alien names, but like all of us, our thick Southern accents betrayed us, saying it 'Car-rerria' and overproncouncing the as in her name.
"I got her a model of her childhood pet."
"Oh that's sweet." Mom said. "Wait, what do they have as pets, anyway?"
"Think of it like a wolf, but all white, and with ice crystals all over its body."
"That sounds gorgeous." Dad said.
"Well yeah, but only if you tame it. Their pup forms are cute, but when they grow up, they get to be like lion or tiger-size. They have a tendency to be a bit violent."
"Oh." Mom looked down. "That's...something."
"Let's eat!" Dad was obviously trying to change the subject. We started to pass around our food, me in particular going after the mashed potatoes.
"You know, this year's been crazy." My sister said between bites of her turkey. "But you know, I think we came out alright. You guys didn't divorce, and Dawn's-well-still herself."
Dad puckered his lips. "Listen, kids. I know...I know me and your mother had a rough patch when Dawn first took up this job." I could tell he was choosing his words pretty carefully. 'Rough patch' was putting it lightly, and while we were mostly on good terms, we still had...well, incidents. Though they'd heartfully apologized, Grace had been the one who stuck with me from day one. She came with me, while they stayed behind.
Sure, they changed their minds. People do that all the time. But when they chose to stay behind, when Dad had his emotional explosion in front of the Vicar General, when Mom made comments towards my military service. Deep inside, I could tell they still weren't happy with my decision. They-while not telling me outright, of course - still somewhat resented it.
And I could and couldn't blame them for that.
On one hand, I had made a decision that could very get me killed- or worse. I worked for a man, which, though they didn't know, had a, shall we say, questionable history. I threw myself into the most dangerous battles known to humankind, against individuals, some of which had near-godlike power. And if I was going to put myself on the line fighting people like that, I'd need all the support I could get.
My friends here certainly did that.
My parents, on the other hand?
Eh.
But on the other side, I could see their concern. Raising two kids for eighteen years wasn't easy to do. Even with Treudant's better social programs that helped our family get back on our feet, we had quite a few hard times. One parent or the other getting laid off, loud discussions at the kitchen table about whether or not we would have to sell the house, things that you didn't forget. They had rough patches, but they never hurt us. They didn't abuse us, they treated us like people rather than mini-mes. They gave us everything, and then when one of your kids goes off and takes a super dangerous job, one could definitely be concerned.
But...a parent's supposed to always love their child, right? Love them and care for them?
There were points where Aegis of all people felt more parental then them. Aegis! Sure, we talked during the week, but there was this disconnect between us.
I didn't know what to say.
But if there was one thing I learned here, it was that you picked your family. Blood isn't everything.
Caelior, and now I, had both learned that.
"I get it." I said, trying to stay blase. "I know it's hard for you two to see your daughter going off on insane life-threatening adventures and not worry about it. But sometimes I feel like you both go too far."
"Dawn, you could die." Mom said. "We just want our little girl to be safe."
"I know that." I said. "And I'm glad you all are contributing to this organization. But I have to be honest, the two of you still need some serious work when it comes to talking about me and respecting me."
"Hey, I apologized for my comments-"
"And yet you still yap about them." I shot back. "Dad's gotten better about it, and you still try to poke at me even though me and my friends go out there and risk our lives and try to make the world a better place." I narrowed my eyes. "You're worried about me. I get that. But I'm a grown-ass adult. I can take care of myself."
"Dawn, you got your throat slit-"
"Charlotte." My dad said in a very matter-of-fact tone. "That is enough. Our daughter works hard with what she has. She's been through enough herself, and her friends can take care of her. Remember when that short lady came to see us while our little girl was in the hospital and talked about her?"
Wait, Carmelita visited them-
"That woman clearly had issues-"
"Hey!" Grace enough. "Mom, I love you, but for the love of god, please, cut the shit and eat. It's Christmas. You got her some good gifts, so don't ruin the fucking mood, okay?"
My mom's jaw hung open for a few seconds before she shut up and returned to her food, avoiding eye contact.
"Anyway." Dad said, shaking his head. "Your mom and I were talking before this, actually."
"If this is-"
"Hon, it's not." He shook his head. "It's about your Ethereal friend, actually."
"Caelior?"
"Yeah." Dad looked at mom for a second, his stare saying let me do the talking. He looked back at me. "Look, I know your mom and I have been kind of unsure about your relationship with him. I know you care a lot about, and though may not be entirely on board with your…" He paused, searching for the right words. "Choices, we respect them."
"What're you getting at?"
"I'm saying that if you want to start bringing him while you visit or go to family events, stuff like that, you can. It's not something we're used to, but if you want to, you can."
"O…okay?"
"And, remember that old thing we used to do at Christmas?"
"You're going to have to be more specific than that."
My dad got out of his chair and walked out of the room, returning with an open box. "We haven't sealed it, yet, but…" He walked over to me and showed me what was inside. "Thought we'd bring it back for you and your four-armed friend."
"Ohmygod!" I almost did a little squeal. I hadn't done this in years. "These are adorable! Wait, will these fit him?"
"We're sure."
My eyes widened as I imagined Caelior wearing these. I let out a chuckle. "You mean it?"
"We do."
I hugged my dad. "Oh my god, thank you Dad. This is awesome."
He squirmed a little bit under my strength. "We know you do, Dawn. Now can you let me go?"
"Oh, sorry." I did.
"No problem. Now come, let's enjoy the rest of our dinner. Then you can go spend the night with your friend. You deserve it."
And as I sat down with my family, and dove into my food, even though we had problems (seriously, Mom needed to just shut the fuck up sometimes), we had each other, and events like these made me realize that.
But at the end of the day, you choose your family.
Blood isn't everything.
And someday I felt like I'd have to choose who really was my family.
And I had a feeling that when that time came, blood wouldn't come first.
Caelior's Quarters
Praesidium
"Come in!"
The door opened, and I walked inside of Caelior's room. Our Christmas planning had gone off without a hitch. The little tree covered in lights and ornaments stood in the corner, something I'd mostly handled. An assortment of wrapped gifts were under the tree with my name on them. I myself was holding some for him in my hand.
"Welcome, sister. Ah, you brought the presents!"
"How could I not. I'm not leaving you hanging." With an oof, I sat them down under the tree. "I got something for you to open. Where's the food?"
He patted the machine quietly humming on a nearby table. "Ethereal food's just about ready." He paused. "Wait. Did you say an early gift?"
"Yep. Call it a Conley family tradition. Every few years, we…" I opened the bag, taking out the packing peanuts, spilling them across the floor as I pulled out a box, handing it to him. "Pull this little fashion stunt. Whole family dresses up just like this. I think you'll like it."
"What is it?" He inquired as he floated the box over to him, tearing the box open.
I only smiled.
This is gonna be hilarious.
A huge pair of checkered Christmas-themed flannel pajama pants floated out of the tattered box, followed by a red shirt that said Ho Ho Ho on it. A pair of slippers fell out of the box, hitting the floor in front of his feet as his orange eyes narrowed, analyzing the clothes like it was an unknown artifact.
"These...these look like the pajamas you wear sometimes. But very red. And bright."
"Well, since you consider me your sibling, I thought I should initiate you into our holiday traditions. Fugly Christmas sleepwear!" I put on a mock cheery smile.
"I don't understand? Would one not be mocked for wearing something like this?"
I chuckled. "It's kinda something we wear in jest. We all wear 'em together, sleep in it, walk around the house in it, that kinda thing. And when we grow out of them, they go straight to goodwill. We stopped doing it a couple years ago, but considering how you like my clothes." I gestured to the T-shirt I got him a while ago. "Thought you would like it."
He shook his head. "Why do you humans even…" He shrugged. "Very well. I will comply." He smiled. "A fine addition to my collection." He ran a hand over the fabric. "Hm. It's not as soft as the robes, but it's certainly something. What is this made of?"
"Beats me."
"Very well. I will change." He walked into the bathroom, closing the door. I smiled.
Gotta love Ethereals and their straightforwardness.
I took off my shoes and socks, changing myself as I put mine on, an exact pattern match like his. Mom had pitched in with these, and she hadn't left any part of it untouched. My shirt and sweatpants went in my backpack, and on went the Ho Ho Ho shirt. As I put my pants on, he walked out, slippers and everything, and I couldn't help but cackle like a witch, putting a hand over my mouth as he cocked his head.
Mom really had done her work. The sleeves of his shirt went down right to his wrists, and the pants went right around his ankles. His purple skin contrasted heavily with the red, white, and black of his sleepwear.
I slightly cackled. "You-wow. You look fantastic."
"If you want to know why I'm wearing the slippers, I clipped my nails earlier." He said in a mockingly dejected voice. "It's not bad. A bit soft, and not entirely my personal-"
He then noticed that I was wearing the exact same thing as him.
"Taste."
I smiled, posing while leaning against the wall. "See? Just like you."
He kicked off his slippers, walking next to me, visually comparing the two of us.
We stood together in our matching Christmas pajamas, our red-and-black flannel pants with our crimson red shirts scaled nearly perfectly, holding hands. I leaned into him as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder, the lights on the tree blinking.
"Did...did your mother make this?"
I nodded. "That she did."
"So that's why she asked for my clothing size two weeks ago."
"Gotcha."
He rubbed the fabric between his fingers, looking at his new clothes like they were a new set of armor.
"It's not half bad, Dawn. Not bad at all. You look wonderful. These foreign clothes are more relaxing than I expected. And while they are not my fashion style..I cannot argue they have a 'homey' feeling to it."
"And that's why it's a family tradition, big guy. C'mon, let's sit."
He picked me up, placing me in his lap as he sat on the floor, telekinetically placing the blanket over us. "Are you going to tell me what's in those presents?"
"Didn't I tell you not to look?" I rolled my eyes, poking his arm. "How rude."
He snorted. "Dawn, if I may ask-"
"Caelior. You can ask me anything, remember?" I squeezed his hand slightly. "No need to stress."
"Okay." He took in a breath before releasing it. "You could have spent your Christmas with your family or your fellow soldiers." He shifted his legs. "Yet you chose to spend it with me. You helped me get a tree. You got me these nightclothes. You helped me co-ordinate presents. Why?"
I could tell he was curious, but I could sense his hesitation.
"Cuz I love you man, that's why. You're my brother, my family. I know we haven't known each other for that long." I snuggled into his form. "But I care about you. Your parents may have loved you, but they screwed you over. So I'm gonna do my damndest to give you the childhood you never got the chance to. Birthdays, Christmas...it's gonna be there. For you. I don't care if I have to spoil the crap out of you. I genuinely feel happy when I see you enjoying yourself. Writing your book, playing games- I want you to have the chance to be you, not what other people want you to be."
I sighed. "I know I can't do whatever Ethereal holidays, but it's something I'm going to do my best. To make you feel like a kid. To enjoy it all. To make up for lost time."
He smiled. "Sister, that's…"
"That's what?"
He gracefully floated me up, where he rubbed his forehead against mine, the 'headbutt of love' as Ethereals did. "I love you too. I know I've said this before. But I appreciate it, all the things you've done for me. I feel like I'm truly at home now. I have a sibling, I have a new family, and I don't have to meet the expectations of those who want to use me like a tool. I have people who care about me now. I may be eighty years your senior, but in some ways you're more mature then me. You took the time to talk to me, to listen, to care. The other Ethereals? As you say?" He rubbed my hair.
"Fuck. Them."
I laughed. "That's the spirit!"
"Now come. Let us eat. I'd rather not have you celebrate this night on an empty stomach."
I got off his lap and waited for the plate of ga'sel'muschen with a swirl of whipped cream on top. He sat next to me, nudging my foot with his.
"Before we start, would you like to join me in a quick remembrance of the winter solstice?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"An old Ethereal tradition. Something to remember my primitive ancestors."
I shrugged. "Sure."
I placed my palms in the hands of his two upper arms, crossing my legs like him.
Close your eyes and focus.
We breathed in and out simultaneously, my silently mouthing along, following his words.
"Before we consume this meal, and experience the joy of sustenance with family and friends, we take this short period of time to remember those who came before us. We remember, during this joyous exaltation of presents and giving, those who are no longer with us.
I could sense a twang of sorrow in his heart. "I dedicate this time to my deceased lover and mate-to-be, Amera. She gave me companionship, love, joy, and pleasure when our two worlds collapsed around us. She is gone, but I will remember her forever."
He paused, swallowing as the last few words in his sentence slightly cracked.
"I also choose to remember my parents, Namater and Kamenen. They...were not the best, but they loved and cared for me as any parent did. They taught me well, and kept me safe, making me the man I am today."
He looked up. "Your turn."
I copied his position, thinking for a moment.
"Today I would like to remember...Elijah. I did not know him all that well, and at many points questioned his background. But he was a good man who taught me many things. He taught me to be strong, that there was more to being a soldier. To not be a pawn. To be...something more. Someone more."
I looked up at him. "Someone to care about. Someone others could look up to and rely on. And after what's happened this year, I'm more then grateful for that."
"Now, let us eat."
As we ate, he took a look at the gifts. "Are you sure you don't want to open them tonight?"
I smiled. "Too impatient?"
He chuckled. "Maybe I am. Here is an idea. How about some rock-paper-scissors? If I win, we open our presents early. If you win-" He pointed to me. "Then we wait until tomorrow morning."
"You're on."
I scooted in front of him, palm open, fist inside. He copied me exactly.
"Ready?"
"The challenge is on, little ape."
"He. Just remember to slow your reflexes down a notch, will ya?"
"I make no promises."
"Rock…"
"Paper…"
"Scissors…"
"Shoot!" Our fists hit our palms simultaneously, showing our signs.
I had paper. He had scissors.
"Present time." He cackled, walking over to the tree.
We separated our presents, and opened them. The sounds of crinkling wrapping paper and bows being undone filled the room as we carefully took our presents apart. I went for the biggest one first, carefully taking off the paper to unveil…
"A canvas?"
He grinned, showing off all of his teeth. "Go on."
I slowly pulled the frame out of its plastic protective casing, my hands carefully prying it out as the colors and shapes came into view. My mouth widened as the last part came out of the casing.
"Is this a painting?"
The wood frame enclosed a double portrait of me and Caelior, both in our armor, standing in front of a white background, hand in hand. The color contrasts stood out from the blue and silver of his armor and the obsidian black of mine, with my peach-colored face and brown eyes staring right back at me. His helm covered his face, his orange eyes just slightly blazing through the slits on it. Next to me, my psi gun hung off my hips, ready to fire.
"I had it commissioned. A testament to our relationship."
"Caelior…" I looked at him. "How much did this cost?"
"Don't worry about it, sister. Do you like it?"
I didn't speak, just scoff. "I love it! It's-it's so pretty! The colors, the canvas, I mean- my god! This is-I expected something, but not something like this!"
"I knew you would like it. I wasn't sure how your skin color would turn out, but I think-"
I carefully set it down, hugging him.
"This is the best Christmas gift I've ever gotten from anyone." I said, my voice muffled by his body. "No one's ever made a painting for me. Ever."
"And no one has ever called me brother before."
We hugged for another minute, before he released me, and I took his hand.
You want to?
Yes.
And we melded our minds together, becoming one as our minds enveloped each other. The feelings of every little aspect coming together like a whirlwind of emotions and feelings. The touch of flannel pants on my legs and his, the feeling of him wearing it for the first time compared to something I did most nights coming together. From our feet on the cold floor to my small, warm hands in his large cool hands, we became one- forging a connection this deep was something we hadn't done since I was attacked in Alaska.
Empowered and taking the initiative, I stood up and got on my tiptoes, Caelior freezing as he felt a mental surge from me.
What…?
Stronger, aren't I?
I can see that.
"Welcome back." We said in sync, our voices and thoughts perfectly aligned.
I missed this, he said.
I did too.
My memories were his, and his were mine. We saw each other wrapping our gifts, getting ready, Christmas music flowing through our ears.
Come, little sister. Let's see what else is in store.
And as we opened the rest of our presents that night, I could tell he was happy. The way he laughed as he opened my gifts, laughed at the way I wrote Ethereal script, shaking the huge Lego boxes, took photos of his new loot pool, the two of us on the floor, surrounded by a sea of wrapping paper and opened boxes, I could tell he was happy. No Ethereals, no Collective, no trauma, no peer pressure, it was just me and him.
He felt normal. He had company.
Now that our presents are open, how do you want to close out tonight?
How about I introduce you to Charlie Brown?
He cocked his head with intrigue.
Twenty minutes I was sitting on his lap, watching him laugh at the silliness of the animated show. I knew it was a kids' thing, but my family did it every year, and he didn't seem to care. He didn't point out the unrealisticness of it or ask about human traits- he just sat back, watched it with a hint of rapt fascination, and laughed. From the cartoony designs of the characters to the wah-wah-wah of the adult voices, he found it childish- but entertaining.
Just like I did when I was a little girl.
It was moments like this when he felt the most relaxed, and also in a strange way the least Ethereal. Be it movies, videogames, or any kind of human media really, he acted more human then anything- less rigid, more expressive, and just really more overall human.
Sometimes, even for me, it was hard to tell which species he liked more.
We fell asleep that night, me in his lap, with the blanket pulled over us, our minds closer than ever, our dreams interlocked as we dozed off.
But before I gave in to my sleepiness, something about his mind felt different- very different.
For a moment before we fell asleep, his mind almost felt…
Human.
And as we slept, our dreams mingled into one, once again. The two of us in a snowy hill behind my old house, the wind howling as a strange cacophony of Christmas carols in the background sang.
We sat together in the snow, his orange eyes looking at the rows of suburban houses, his hand in mine.
Dawn…
Shhh. Welcome to Christmas, Caelior.
Though our physical bodies both slept, our minds were more than awake. We were both equally cognizant of each other, our nerves and synapses firing as we sat in silence, embracing one another.
And for his first Christmas, I could tell he loved every second of it.
To be continued in:
Operation: Scimitar