takes place during, you guessed it: "A Christmas to Remember". Supermarionation kids pre Joe90 give me the creeps. But Barry can stay cos i love his interactions with the shores. How old is the kid though? Seven? Ten? they let him co-pilot stingray. Even though Fisher wasn't trusted too till after his test?

I am normally the first to moan about early seasonal stuff in shops. Yah boy is a grinch. But posting a Christmas story in October because... I mean I post my other fandom's Christmas themed stories in June normally. Who knows, I might post Halloween story in mid-December!


"So, can't Miss Marina speak at all then?"

Young Barry Byre was walking with Troy and Atlanta, hand in hand between the two adults back towards the living quarters.

They'd spent the Christmas morning ice skating on one of the Frozen ponds out in Marienville's green space. Commander Shore had even left his post for an hour so to come join them. Now everyone was heading back to the Shores where hot cocoa and dinner preparations were waiting for them. And a sack of presents waiting for Barry to unwrap from 'Santa and the elves '. i.e. Phones and the fellas from the power plant.

Troy has his and Barry's skates around his shoulder tied together by the laces; While Atlanta's had hers in a prim little personalised bag. Barry's Pulling and swinging both arms more than either were used too; but neither really minded. Nor minded the continuous questions from the kid. Most had been technical or about the working of the base but He'd seemed very puzzled by Stingray's third ( 'not-mentioned-in-any-publications' ) member of crew. The commander was up ahead of them along with Phones, Fisher, and the Marina in question.

"I'm afraid not." Atlanta told him.

"Not even a little bit?" Barry pressed.

"No, no Not even a little bit." Troy awncered.

"Gee that's sad." Barry frowned bottom lip out and kicked up snow underfoot.

"Tell me about it." Troy sighed. (And got a short sharp warning glance from Atlanta.)

But Barry didn't notice that bit and continued.

"We used to have a boy in my group before he got adopted. Kit. He only a little bit sometimes cos he was par-cel-ly none ver. None vay ." Barry struggled. "None Vertical. Well not that. But it sounds like it a bit. Kit couldn't talk much. Lots of noises but He struggled a lot with even saying hi."

"Non... verbal?" Troy tried. "That's a thing, right?"

"Yeah! Non Ver-bal! That's it!" Barry said, excited that an adult was taking him seriously. "And then there's Cindy in the year above me at school, he's really shy and doesn't talk ever!"

"Marina is certainly not shy. A little skittish around strangers maybe, but not shy." Atlanta chuckled. But Barry went on.

"Okay but-! And little Judal in the little kids' group? He can't talk- well he can talk but the words come out different 'cos he's deaf. And is still only a toddler really. But his words are just sounds." Barry said. "Oh. is it like that? Is Marina deaf then?"

"No. Marina's just mute. Completely. I suppose nonverbal is the nearest similar thing if that makes it easier to understand." Atlanta explained. "There's nothing wrong with that. Or with her hearing."

"If anything, Barry, her hearing is better than most people's. It's fantastic! She can pick up a lot of stuff we can't. It's saved our necks quite a few times." Troy said. It earnt a wow from Barry. "Yeah! And I swear sometimes, I think Marina can see in the dark!"

"Really?!"

"Troy, don't exaggerate." Atlanta laughed; then added in a mutter, "again."

"I'm not! You should see her when we're swimming in the deep. There's me and phones fumbling with lamps and she's off. That's why you have to eat your vegetables Barry."

Barry nodded. You could almost see him privately vow to eat more carrots.

And then more seriously Troy continued, "Marina just can't speak. At all. But Marina can hear and understand us."

"And we work out her gestures to understand her." Atlanta smiled. "Or we try to at least. It takes a little time, sure. And it's taken nearly a year and different codes for if we need the radio or videophone for us both to get the hang of. But we normally get there okay eventually."

"We taught her some diving signs, so that's something too." Troy agreed. "question, problem, danger, which way? That sort of thing."

"I know some of those!" Barry said. then frowned. "How do you use speak on land though?

"Well, we just... use them on land." Troy replied. "It is a bit limited, I'll give you that."

"There's only so many that's not about air tanks and surfacing." Atlanta agreed. "Oh, and based on that idea, this last month or so? We've all started learning some basic sign language. ...Very basic."

Troy had the grace to blush. It wasn't Marina who was struggling with the ASL course book.

"I'm the only non-communications officer in the team." he grumbled. Then to Barry he demonstrated pulling his hands free and raising one to his chest.

"Look! This is how you say Happy Holidays-!"

"With the other hand, Troy." Atlanta stage whispers.

"THIS is how you say 'Happy Holidays'." Troy corrected, he made a lumpy circle toward his chest with one hand, then both hands fingers splayed shifted them them back and forth.

"And I think that's merry Christmas? No wait, Happy Christmas. And it's one you can do one handed."

He made the same circle gesture, then made a C with his fingers and pulled it across the air.

Barry let go of Atlanta's hand and copied both signs. In a more polished manner, despite his mittens. Twice to make sure he'd got each, muttering under his breath.

"Happy holidays, happy holidays. Happy Christmas, Happy Christmas."

"Oh that's real good, kid!"

"Thanks Troy. Huh… I do know some signs; but it's baby stuff mostly for Judal. Just words. This-" Barry said, concentrating hard. He made a beard arch at his chin.

"That's Santa. I think? And oh and this! I know this one!"

He made out as if he was holding a small sort of box shape but with just his thumb and index fingers; then 'handed' it over in a little arch.

"But I don't know if that's spec-if-ally birthday present or just a present? I'll have to ask Miss Gurtude."

"Oh, you'll have to show Marina those then." Atlanta beamed as Barry took back their hands, grinning back at her. "that reminds me, we should have gone through everyone's names with you and her both..."

"But just because she can't talk, Barry, it doesn't stop Marina being a valuable member of the team." Troy insisted.

"I understand." Barry nodded. "Well I'm sad she can't talk. But she seems nice. I like her."

"Well that's good. I'm glad you two are getting along. And I know she enjoys listening to you to you talk about your models." Atlanta smiled. Into a stage whisper as if revealing a big secret, she continued, "Marina will just hide behind a magazine if she's not interested. Or even walk out the room doesn't like the person talking."

"Really?"

"Uh huh."

"one time we were all in the tower? and the admiral Denver and the commander were arguing over something important. and were going on for ages? Marina just lent back on her seat, pulled a technical manual off the shelf and started reading that instead." Troy said in a hush hush tone.

"Woah. That's really brave." Barry gaped.

But then his little face went all worried like.

"But She didn't want to play on the ice today with us-?"

"Well, no?"

Barry bit his lip and asked in a little voice. "That wasn't because I was there was it?"

"Oh no, no Barry! Marina does like you. It wasn't because of you at all, don't worry." Atlanta assured him. Or tried to. "It's just, that- urm."

"The rest of us ice skate every year when the pond freezes. Or go to the rink a few towns over." Troy tried. "I don't think Marina ever has?"

And looked to Atlanta for help. Atlanta shook her head.

"No. I Leant Marina a pair of skates to try it out when the water first froze. But she struggled with getting them on because of- well …"

Marina's got webbed feet, was what Atlanta was going to say. They didn't bend into a thin solid skate. But the team had agreed not to discuss that with Barry. They weren't really being open about the whole 'girl from under the sea' thing. It had led to some funny questions previously when they'd been so casual about it. Plus a few kidnappings.

"We couldn't find any skates that fit her I'm afraid." Atlanta half lied. "I Leant her some winter boots instead. And that said I don't think she was keen on the idea anyway?"

"This is only Marina's second time on any ice that I know of." Troy agreed. "The first time she did it was the pink ice. That might have put her off."

"Pink ice?!" Barry said so loud it was nearly a shout. "You were there? I saw it on the news!"

"We were there alright. And Stingray was trapped in it!"

"Trapped!? How did you get out, Troy?"

"I'll tell you all about it." Troy promised with a wink. "maybe later. As a bedtime story?"

Barry pouted.

"Aww."

"No he won't. He can tell when we get inside. Or tomorrow." Altlanta scolded. Both boys, child and adult alike looked very confused.

"You can't tell that one as a bedtime story. That one will give him nightmares Troy!"

"I won't get nightmares I promise!"

"He can tell you about it while there's still daylight." Atlanta said firmly and sniffed. "It was horrible. Missiles going off and the whole planet freezing over-!"

"Hey don't spoil the surprise." Troy complained. "You were only scared because you thought we couldn't do it."

"You weren't the one with the read outs in front of you!" Atlanta snapped. "You could have been killed."

"But I wasn't!"

"Hey it's snowing again!" Barry realised, yanking on Troy's arm to point at the sky. Fluffy white flakes distracted the love birds. And made for a very neat segway for slipping back to their previous topic.

"Okay so if Miss Marina doesn't ice," Barry asked, "Does she like snow?"

"Yes, a lot. I wish I'd had a camera when she saw it for the first time!" Atlanta smiled. Then mused aloud. "I think she's not sure what to make of the cold though."

"She swims in the sea all the time?" Troy frowned.

"Well cold wind and Dry cold then is." Atlanta said.

"Ah.

"Dry cold?" Barry asked.

"This is only Marina's first winter here with us at Marienville. Her winters are normally a lot…wetter. They don't have snow where she's from." Atlanta explained. "Ever. Less than we do. I had to show her how to build those snow men we made at the entrance."

"Wow! Wait so this was Marina's first snowy Christmas ever?!" Barry was so excited he didn't even wait for an answer. "Gee! You reckon we can all have a snowball fight? Maybe she'll let me show her how to make a snow angel! What do you think?"

As though reading his mind; up ahead, Fisher suddenly scooped up a big handful of snow, bolted forward and shoved it down the back of Phone's jacket as he sprinted past. Phones yelped, laughed, and made to chuck a big snowball back at Fisher. He missed. And very nearly hit the commander upside the head. But instead it hit Marina across the hip with an exploding wooph Troy and Atlanta could hear from their trio from way back. Marina Sprang back like she Would have shrieked too if she could and threw snow back at Phones. But she hadn't packed it into a ball so snow smattered every way and hit Phones Fisher and the commander. So then everyone was good naturedly throwing snowballs, With the commander swinging his chair to get himself out the way and also spray them with snow.

Eager To join them Barry Tugged his hands free and ran over.

Both Troy and Atlanta however had stopped short a few moments before the chaos had started hands hanging. And mouths open. Still think about what Barry had just said.

"Her first Christmas?" Atlanta said slowly.

"ever? Sh- shoot." Troy agreed.

"I didn't think of that."

"Yeah it would have been the end of January Marina came here, right?" Troy asked.

Atlanta nodded. "Closer to February really than Christmas and New year's."

They started walking again following Barry at a trudge and crunch of snow, hands brushing.

"Did anyone explain the holidays to her?" Troy said, puzzled.

"I didn't. Not really." Atlanta frowned, "I haven't had time! I told her what we'd be doing. Not so much the why as far as I can recall. You?"

Troy shook his head.

"I didn't think too. Maybe Phones or Fisher have? Besides Marina's smart; she'll have twigged it's some sort of community celebration, right? Rather than like, I don't know, a birthday or something- oof! Poor fella!"

Despite the commander clearly telling them to quit fooling around, Fisher was tackled and picked up between Phones and Marina, and dunked butt first into a deep snow drift. Barry jumped around, clamouring to be next.

"If Barry ends up with a cold I know who to blame!" Atlanta said. "And I hope so, Troy. I mean, I can put on some cheesy holiday movies to explain it? There's plenty on the television. I haven't done anything to make it particularly special for her though...especially with trying to make it special for Barry."

"Yeah…"

They were quiet for a few moments. Punctured by the squeal of delight as Barry was swung back and forth by his arms and legs, before being very very gently and carefully dropped sideways in the snow drift.

"Is it really Marina's first Troy?" Atlanta asked. "I mean we don't know much about her life before."

"I can't imagine that shark Titian declaring merry Christmas to all and dressing up as Santa, can you?"

"No. I'd hate to see the type of presents he hands out." Atlanta agreed. "Mind, I don't suppose they share our holidays anyway? What with being from the sea and all. We don't even share the same time measurements."

Troy hummed in agreement. And sighed.

"No, I guess this really is Marina's first Christmas then. You're right though. I doubt they've ever had missionaries invading Pacifica. Or carol singers that far down-"

"Down where?" Barry asked; making Troy jump. The kid had suddenly appeared right in front of him looking very serious despite being out of breath and covered in Snow. "In the south? That's where miss Marina's from?"

"AH! Err Yeah! Deep deep down. In the south." Troy phubbed. Barry accepted it, turned around and started walking alongside them again. And took Atlanta's hand like it was the most natural thing in the world to do. And not adorable as Atlanta's expression betrayed.

"More southern than Lieutenant Phones?" he asked.

"Very deep deep." Troy insisted. Barry's expression was thoughtful. Atlanta laughed.

"What's funny?" Troy asked.

"Nothing just. If Marina could speak-?" Atlanta started then spluttered, giggling "Could you imagine Marina with a south Carolina accent?! Even stronger than Phones'!"

Troy looked appalled but Barry laughed too. then waved back up the path. The others stood waiting for them. Or more Marina was standing waiting for them. Phones was head first in the snow drift up to his waist with his legs poking out, the commander berating him while trying to tug him out by the ankle. Marina waved back to Barry. And then jumped a good foot in the air. She turned and flung more snow at Fisher; it seemed he'd snuck up on her with another snow down the back of the neck trick.

"Come on, let's catch up with them!" Barry insisted, tugging on Atlanta's hand.

"race you!" Atlanta challenged.

It wasn't much of a race seeing as Barry didn't let go of her hand and pulled her along instead. There was a mock outraged "hey!" at them from Troy having a head start on him. Not that it mattered as he easily overtook them. But then he had to double back anyway when Atlanta realised he'd dropped the skates and sent him back for them.

And Troy was then subjected to the barrage of snow balls that were lobbed at him on his return. The way of the snowball fight had no set teams. It jumped between tower vs stingray crew, Girls vs boys, lieutenant's vs everyone else; with Barry and the commander making their own separate team entirely being indiscriminate at who they were aiming at. There were also several more tackles onto and dunks in the snowdrift Until they were all worn out pink faced and in need of warm dry clothes.

Then the quiet Christmas Atlanta had planned (with the additional trashy TV movies) quickly went out the window…


See you next week. I ho-ho-hope