Disclaimer: I do not own Vandread. I did make Kagen and I am ready to cooperate with anyone if they want to put him into another story. Neo Strife is a character that I was asked to put in my story by a fan of my writing.

On the Bridge

Belvedere asks, "Commander, can I show the comet's image on the monitor?"

BC says, "Sure."

Kagen looks around and sees women on scaffolds putting up Christmas decorations. He thinks, 'Why are they doing that? What day is it?'

He looks at his chronometer and thinks, 'Oh, they are preparing for Christmas Eve! I hadn't realized it was so close! It is a good thing I looked up the women's holidays or else I wouldn't be close to ready.'

BC says, "Ezra, give me the comet's data."

Ezra asks, "Commander! Which one is cuter?"

BC says, "Pick the one you like."

Ezra says, "What now? I can't choose!"

Kagen says, "Ezra, why don't you use both?"

Then the Captain walks onto the Bridge wearing a Santa suit.

BC says, "Captain!"

Magno says, "Well, Christmas couldn't start unless I became Santa, right?"

Amarone, Belvedere, and Celtic and another crew member run up to Magno and say, "Captain, you look so cute!" "That looks great on you!"

BC sighs and Meia almost smirks. Kagen checks his chronometer again and leaves to find Barnette. Kagen thinks, 'I need to know where they are so that I can keep my presents a surprise.'

In the Kitchen

Barnette is putting icing on a cake. Jura walks over to her and says, "Barnette, put more chocolate cream on it. And don't forget the powdered sugar…"

Kagen walks in and sees Dita with some of the icing. He gets Barnette's attention and points at Dita as she puts the icing in her mouth. Dita says,

"Delicious!" Jura walks over to her and slaps her on the head. Dita says,

"Ouch…" Jura says,

"I told you to watch over the turkey!" Dita says,

"All right." Kagen looks over to the oven and then quickly steps out of the room to get a fire extinguisher. Dita turns and sees the smoking oven says,

"Oh no!", and runs out of the room. Barnette says, "Wait a minute, Dita!"

Kagen walks in with the extinguisher and puts out the flaming turkey. Kagen says, "Do you need some help? I noticed that you just lost a helper."

Barnette says, "Men can't cook, that is why you have those pills."

Kagen says, "You think I always ate that stuff while I was on Tarak? I cooked when I had the ingredients. I think that is why I'm a bit smarter than the rest of the guys."

Barnette raises an eyebrow. She then says, "I think I'll let you cook the turkey since you have that extinguisher handy."

On the balcony

Hibiki asks, "What is all the commotion about?"

Pyoro says, "It's a Christmas high. Women get high like that come December 24th."

Duero says, "I see."

Pyoro asks, "You guys don't know about Christmas at all? Do you?"

Hibiki looks at Duero and then at Bart. Then they all look down. Pyoro says, "It's a festival! Wasn't there one on Tarak, too?"

Bart says, "There was a festival, but…Festivals aren't all that fun a thing. Right, guys?"

Duero says, "Yeah."

In the hallways

Neo thinks to himself, 'Where is Kagen? I think I'm lost. Why did I sleep in this late? Had I woke up sooner I could've kept up with him and I wouldn't be lost.'

Neo turns a corner and runs into Meia, knocking her down. Neo stops and says, "I'm sorry, but I think I'm lost. Can you help me?"

He reaches to help her up and their eyes meet. He thinks, 'Wow, she has beautiful eyes.'

Meia thinks, 'Who is this person? Why do I feel as though I know him?'

Meia snaps out of her stupor and says, "Sorry, but I don't think we've met."

Neo finally says, "Strife, my name is Neo Strife. Who are you?"

Meia says, "Meia Gisborn, but everyone calls me Meia. So Neo, where are you trying to go?"

Neo says, "I don't remember… Do you know where Kagen is? He's been showing me around since I woke up."

Meia says, "I think I saw him on the Bridge, but he probably isn't there anymore. He's been avoiding me lately, which is probably why we hadn't met before this."

Neo's stomach growls and he says, "That reminds me. Where can I get something to eat? I haven't eaten breakfast. All the Men's quarters had were those stupid pills."

Meia says, "I thought all men liked those… I'll lead you to the cafeteria. I don't know if they will be able to serve you though. They are pretty busy getting ready for the feast tonight."

Neo asks, "Feast?"

Meia says, "We always have a feast on Christmas Eve."

Neo asks, "Today is Christmas Eve? I really need to get a calendar or something."

Neo thinks, 'Wow, she really is beautiful. If only I could get her to smile.'

They reach the Cafeteria. No one is in there so they check in the Kitchen.

In the Kitchen

Meia and Neo walk in the Kitchen. Kagen sees them and says, "Neo, I'm sorry. I was supposed to show you around. I hope that it didn't inconvenience you, Meia."

Meia says, "It wasn't an inconvenience showing Neo around. In fact, I had nothing better to do and he was lost."

Neo says, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'm hungry."

Kagen checks and pulls the turkey out. Kagen says, "Barnette, the turkey is done. Also we have a hungry crew member here!"

Barnette walks over, checks the turkey, and tastes it. She says, "This is good. I need to get back to what I was doing, you serve him." She goes back to what she was doing. Kagen shrugs and asks Neo, "What would you like for breakfast?"

Neo says, "Pancakes, with maple syrup."

Kagen turns to Meia and asks, "Would you like anything to eat? It's on me."

Meia says, "French toast, with maple syrup and powdered sugar."

Kagen says, "Now if you will both go into the Cafeteria I will have your food ready soon."

Neo and Meia go back to the Cafeteria to wait for their food. They sit at a table, silently.

Neo says, "So, why would Kagen avoid you?"

Meia says, "I don't think I should tell you, but I will anyway. I got shot down by an enemy once and was severely injured, I almost died. Kagen connected with me and pulled me back from death. He reminded me that people cared about me."

Neo says, "Wait, you're saying that he linked with your mind?"

Meia says, "I think he still hasn't forgiven himself for intruding in my mind. I mean he saw some things about me that I would never tell anyone."

Neo asks, "Have you forgiven him?"

Meia says, "I never really thought about it."

Kagen walks in and says, "Your food is ready. While fixing your food I remembered I hadn't eaten breakfast either." He sets their food in front of them and starts to eat his own food. He looks up after a few minutes and asks, "What's wrong? Why aren't you eating?"

Meia asks, "Kagen, have you been avoiding me?"

Kagen says, "If I have, it hasn't been on purpose. Why?"

Meia blinks and says, "You're lying and I know it."

Kagen says, "Oh no, not again!" He quickly finishes his food and goes back to the Kitchen.

Neo asks, "How did you know he was lying? His face was as calm as ever as he said it."

Meia says, "I don't know… I just knew."

Neo says, "You don't think… no that would be impossible."

Meia says, "So would someone pulling someone else back from death. Tell me what your theory is."

Neo says, "Well, it could be possible that the link he created isn't completely closed. You may be receiving his thoughts. He might be receiving yours as well."

Meia says, "That would explain why he has been avoiding me. He feels that he is still intruding." They both finish eating.

Neo says, "I think I'll go find Kagen."

Meia says, "Well I guess I'll need to guide you."

Neo says, "No, I've inconvenienced you enough. I'll just ask someone else. Sorry about knocking you down earlier."

Meia shrugs and leaves.

Kagen walks in and says, "I thought she'd never leave."

Neo says, "Why have you been avoiding her? She seems very nice."

Kagen says, "And I want to keep her that way too. You have no idea what my memories would do to her. They hold a ton of pain. Almost too much for me to bear. I also am trying to plan my Christmas present."

Neo says, "Yeah that would be tough to do if you had her hearing your thoughts."

Kagen says, "Well, what are you going to get her?"

Neo says, "I almost forgot it was Christmas Eve! What am I going to do? I don't know what to get her!"

Kagen says, "So what did you think of my pancakes?"

Neo says, "They were better than what I hoped."

Kagen says, "She is very hard to shop for. She doesn't like what most girls like. Or at least she never admits it. Actually it's a struggle to get anything out of her."

Neo says, "Kinda like you."

Kagen says, "Don't remind me. Heck when I first met you, you didn't say a word."

Neo says, "Hey, I was in cyro-sleep!"

They leave to work on their presents.

Kagen goes down to Engineering.

In Engineering

Kagen walks up to the Paksis and jumps into it. He asks, "Please give me a piece of yourself, a tiny piece."

He suddenly is dumped out with his hand clenched on something. He opens his hand and then thanks the Paksis. He then leaves.

In the men's workshop

Kagen runs in with some metals and a Paksis fragment. He quickly melts the metals and makes a mold. He probes the mind link for a second. And thinks, 'This is a little underhanded but it will make for a better surprise this way.'

He picks a finger and measures it from the inside. He quickly resizes the mold and pours the metal in the mold.

As it starts to harden he thinks very hard about Meia as he presses the fragment into the metal. He then imprints her thought patterns into the fragment. He then lets it cool off and then takes it back to the Paksis and asks,

"Will you charge this with your power so that it will never fail her?" The Paksis glows at this and Kagen sticks the ring inside the Paksis. He pulls his hand out without the ring.

Soon the Paksis glows again and Kagen puts his hand in the Paksis again and pulls it back out holding the ring. He then bows to the Paksis and leaves.

In Neo's room

Neo runs in thinking, 'Why didn't I check earlier? Oh man, if it isn't here I'll have to ask someone for a favor.'

He looks around and then under his bed. He finds a lockbox and places his id card on it, unlocking it. He thinks, 'I hope it is in here. If not, I won't have a present…' The box opens.

Kagen says, "I was wondering what was in that box ever since I picked it up. I thought it was either very important to you, or it was a bomb placed in your belongings in case you woke up."

Neo drops the box and turns to Kagen. He asks, "Why would you think that?"

Kagen says, "Well, I was hoping not to have to tell you… all the cryo-pods were sabotaged. 999 people died of suffocation because someone cut the cables going to the locks on the cyro-tube hatches. The engineer was one of them. You were the only one the people could save by refreezing."

Neo asks, "Why? Are you sure it wasn't just a faulty cable? Or one that was chewed through?"

Kagen says, "No, I'm sure that they were cut. It was a clean cut. No jagged edges."

Neo asks, "Do you think they are still after me?"

Kagen says, "No, I'm sure they are probably dead by now. They probably thought someone would try to wake you up without checking the capsule or that finally the life-support would fail."

Neo says, "I never realized… if you hadn't come along… I might be dead."

Kagen says, "Well all I did was notice the cut cable and get you to someone who could fix your pod and wake you up. If I had tried to fix your pod and wake you up from cryo-sleep… One mistake… That was all it would've taken. I won't go into the gory details of what could've happened."

Neo says, "I guess I could show you what is in the box." He picks it up and lifts out a necklace with a red gem in the center.

Kagen says, "Wow that is… cool!" Suddenly his pocket starts glowing. Kagen reaches in and pulls out the ring he just made. The ring is glowing blue.

Neo asks, "Where did you get that?"

Kagen says, "Well, I made it. I'm planning to give it to Meia."

Neo asks, "You made it? From what?"

Kagen says, "A Paksis fragment and some line star material. It is pretty powerful."

Neo asks, "How can a ring be powerful?"

Kagen says, "Like this." He points it at a wall and thinks, 'Fire!' The ring shoots out a beam and marks the wall barely.

Neo laughs and asks, "You think that is powerful?"

Kagen says, "It is much more powerful than that, I just didn't want to punch a hole through the ship's hull. The power setting adjusts to the perfect setting for what you are shooting. Stun, kill, and disintegrate are only the three main settings. It looks through your eyes, judges how much power is needed and shoots. It was a small beam that did no damage because all I was doing was showing that it could shoot a beam. By the way, who did you get the necklace from?"

Neo asks, "How did you know someone gave it to me? Oh, well. If you really want to know, my mother gave it to me. It was hers. She said it would always protect me."

Kagen says, "A mother. I wish I had one. They sound nice from what I've read of them."

Neo asks, "Wait, did you read the records that had who went to sleep and who didn't?"

Kagen says, "Yes and your mother didn't go to sleep. It might have been her, who stopped your awakening, but the fingerprint records were kind of shoddy and I only got a partial. I wish I could've known."

Neo says, "You did your best. I couldn't have asked for a better investigator. I'm planning to give this necklace to Meia. I need to know something though…"

Suddenly a comm. window pops up. A video starts to play.

The video starts out looking into a fireplace, then it turns past a Christmas tree and centers on a couch that has a woman with a baby and a little girl sitting on it. The little girl waves to the person behind the camera. Then the camera shakes as it is put on a stand. Then a man comes from behind the camera and sits on the couch. He says something, hugs the girl and then puts his hand on the woman's shoulder.

Kagen says, "I read about it, but…ok, that is all the proof I need."

Kagen leaves after putting the ring inits box.

In Kagen's storeroom

Kagen says, "Hmm, now what to get Barnette? Oh, this part will be good, and this one, oh, and this one. This will be the greatest!"

After an hour of work

Kagen says, "Wait, Barnette likes old guns! Not new ones!" Kagen walks to his gun cabinet and picks up a case from the bottom drawer. He opens it and pulls out the pieces and starts checking each part and then he puts each one back after polishing them. Kagen says,

"This'll do nicely. It is the rarest weapon I have that she doesn't." He closes the case after checking and preparing the last piece. Suddenly the ship shudders and Kagen runs to the Bridge.

On the Bridge

BC asks, "An enemy attack?"

Amarone says, "No, we don't see anything."

BC asks, "Do we have data on the comet yet?"

Ezra says, "Y-Yes…The surface seems to be completely made of ice. No artificial objects have been spotted."

BC asks, "What in the world does that mean?"

Suddenly smoke billows up from the Garden.

In the Garden

Parfait says, "I did it…"

Another engineer says, "So it is impossible after all…to make it snow?"

Parfait says, "Not yet! I'll make sure that we have a white Christmas!"

The engineer says, "But at this rate… we won't be in time for the parade."

Parfait says, "That's right…Then for the first time…"

Jura says, "No! I can't imagine it! I refuse to have a Christmas without snow sculptures!"

Kagen jumps down behind her and says, "Well then, Parfait. Is Ms. Spoiled rotten getting in your way? Jura, unless you are going to help her, I suggest you turn your spoiled butt around and walk back where you came from. Otherwise you are just in the way."

Jura tries to slap Kagen but he dodges. Barnette turns red and catches Kagen with a backhand in the face. Jura and Barnette walk away. Kagen grabs his jaw and settles it back into place. He says, "Ow, all I did was speak my mind. Parfait, can I help?"

Parfait says, "After that slap I'm surprised you can even talk. Doesn't it hurt?"

Kagen says, "Yeah, but pain is nothing new to me. I think I'll start on this one over here." Kagen sits down and starts to read the calculations on the screen.

Parfait asks, "You can read Mejeerian?"

Kagen says, "I learned shortly after I got on your information network. I did learn a lot of it before then though. I have my ways."

On the balcony

Hibiki says, "What are they doing?"

Paiway says, "It's a snow machine. Parfet's trying to make it snow on the Nirvana just for us. How considerate of her! Unlike men."

Hibiki asks, "You do know that Kagen is down there helping her, right?"

Paiway looks at the garden, frowns, and asks, "So, what are you going to give?"

"What?"

"Your present. Don't tell me something stupid like you don't have one ready. For a woman, this is an important event for relationships."

Hibiki looks apprehensive and says as he walks away, "This is really starting to get annoying. What is all the fuss over a dumb festival, anyway? Christmas, I just don't get it."

In the Garden

Kagen looks at his chronometer and asks, "Uh, Parfait, is it ok if I leave now? I kind of forgot some preparatory stuff."

Parfait says, "Ok, sure." 'I wonder what is so important. Oh well, I just hope this works.'

On the Bridge

BC says, "Are you saying it is Parfait's fault?"

Belvedere says, "Uh, yes ma'am."

Ezra says, "Parfait truly is trying her very best to make it snow on the Nirvana by Christmas Eve for us commander. So try not to be angry with her."

BC says, "I'm well aware of that, but even so…"

Belvedere says, "Oh, commander a Christmas without snow sculptures would be just too sad to imagine, wouldn't it?"

BC says, "At the current rate of travel I believe we will be in position to pass the comet precisely at Christmas. That should satisfy our need for snow this year."

Belvedere says, "Yeah, but all we'll be able to do is look at it from inside…"

Hibiki and Kagen hear this conversation. Hibiki thinks, 'So they want ice, huh. I can do that.' Hibiki leaves the Bridge.

Kagen says, "Sorry to interrupt, but from what I understand, it has to be very cold for snow to form, and well, it isn't very cold in here… That's it! It has to be cold! I'm such an idiot! Bye!"

Kagen leaves the Bridge.

In the hallway leading to the Hangar

Kagen says, "Meia, where are you going?" 'She had better not be sneaking off before I can give her present to her.' Meia stops and thinks, 'Did I just hear his thought?'

Kagen says, "You probably did…" 'Opps, I need to stop that…'

Meia asks, "Did you just say something?"

"Yeah, I said, "You probably did…""

"But I didn't say anything, and I heard you say something after that!"

Kagen thinks, 'It is getting worse… I'd better give her the present before I ruin the surprise.'

Meia says, "You want to give me something? I was about to go on patrol."

Kagen says, "Will you please stop reading my thoughts! Here! I made it for you."

Kagen hands her the box. Meia says, "I can't open it now. It isn't Christmas yet."

Kagen says, "Just open it already… 'Before I ruin it… I hope she likes it.'"

Meia looks Kagen in the eye and then opens the box. She sees the ring and blushes.

Kagen says, "Try it on, It should fit itself."

Meia puts it on and looks at it on her finger. She opens her mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. She closes her mouth and kisses Kagen on the lips for a full 2 minutes and then says with a smile, "Thank you, Kagen."

Kagen faints and hits the ground hard. Kagen then snaps out of it and says, "Oh yeah, that is not just any ordinary ring. The jem is actually a piece of the Paksis. It is sort of a blaster ring that never needs recharging."

Meia looks at the ring and asks, "Well how do I fire it? And how do I change its settings?"

Kagen says, "All that is done automatically. It decides the setting needed and you fire by thinking about it. It will only obey you, and it will always pick the right setting."

Meia thinks, 'He really must've put a lot into this.'

Kagen thinks, 'More than she'll ever know.'

Meia hears that and quickly turns to leave. Meia says, "Well, I'm going on patrol now."

Kagen says, "Wait!"

Meia turns around wondering what he will say next.

Kagen says, "Neo wants to give you a gift also. All I ask is that you be back by Christmas, that way you can get his gift. I wouldn't want you to miss out."

Kagen looks disappointed at himself and walks away. Kagen says as he walks away, "You had better get to your patrol."

Meia sighs and thinks, 'I wonder what is wrong with him.'

In Kagen's room

sobs

Kagen sobs while punching the wall, "Why! Why am I such a fool! I need to get further apart, not closer. I have a feeling that my time is running out. And I still can't decide between the two. A ring is a very special gift, and a hand-made one is even more special. A rare gun is just a regular present. I need to make the sentimental value equal for both. What have I gotten myself into? Ahhh! Well, sitting here crying will solve nothing. I need to get to work and fast." Kagen grabs some supplies and gets to work.

In a hallway

Neo thinks, 'I'm lost. Again. At this rate, I'll never find her in time to give her the present. Maybe…No, I couldn't ask Kagen to do that!'

He hears footsteps and asks, "Excuse me, but do you know…"

Kagen walks around the corner and says, "She is on patrol. I already gave her my present and told her to be back in time for the party. I'll lead you there and we can both wait there."

Neo says, "Uh, you sound miserable, andyou already gave Meia her present. Then who is that briefcase for?"

Kagen says, "Barnette. The reason I'm so miserable is because I sense that soon I will have to leave."

Neo asks, "Leave? For how long?"

Kagen says, "I meant leave as in my time is running out!"

Neo says, "You're joking. You must be. You are, right?"

Kagen says, "I wish I was. I have been having visions of the future and I saw my own death."

Neo asks, "How do you know they are visions?"

Kagen says, "Because I never dream. Let's go to the Bridge already!"

Kagen walks off with Neo following. Kagen turns and says, "Uh, Neo, here is your present."

He gives Neo a small package. Neo tears it open and finds a data pad.

Kagen says, "It has a map downloaded into it. So when I'm not around you won't be lost. It automatically finds your position and tells you where to go from there."

In the Garden

Kagen says to Neo, "I'll catch up with you later. I just need to check up on something."

Neo says, "Sure, go ahead."

Kagen walks over to Parfait and says, "I'm back, I think I might have a part of the solution."

Parfait says, "Then you can work on that console over there."

Kagen gets to work inputting the programming and then he installs the parts her brought.

Parfait says, "This should work." She hits the button and gets nothing but cold air.

Kagen says, "I'm stumped. I'm also hungry. Parfait, do you mind if I go and get something to eat?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"If you want I can bring some back with me."

"No, thank you. I'll be fine."

Kagen leaves.

In space

Hibiki looks at the comet and smiles. He says, "If it's that big, there won't be any complaints!" He then flies into the tail of the comet. He flinches and says, "What the hell is this?"

Meia looks at the comet as she scouts the area. She thinks, 'The tail of the comet isn't solid. I might as well check inside.' She flies her dread into the tail of the comet.

The enemy senses Meia's dread. It deploys its claws and web. Meia dodges the claws and flies right into the web. Meia says, "So there was an enemy in here all along."

In the Garden

Kagen walks in with a few covered plates. Kagen sets the food beside Parfait and says, "Eat. Only I am supposed to starve while overworking." Kagen pulls her away from the panel and starts to work on it.

Parfait thinks, 'That was nice of him.' She asks, "Where is Duero?"

Kagen says, "I don't know. I passed him as I came in here. Ok, Here goes." Kagen hits a button and ice cold water shoots out. Kagen says, "It looks like I'll have to fix the energy converter. The temperature is almost cold enough. If we want to make the snow stay then we will have to alter the temperature in the garden." Kagen closes the first panel and opens another higher up on the machine. He makes a few adjustments and checks the connections.

In space

Meia tries once more to boost free again. The enemy attacks her with its claws. It rears back to make the final strike. Hibiki attacks the claw as it swings. He says, "Come on! Get out of my way, damn it!" He slices through the claw and then sees Meia stuck in the web.

Meia and Hibiki both ask, "Why are you here?"

Hibiki snaps out of it and slices through the last claw.

On the Bridge

BC says, "That light…

In space

Hibiki is hacking at the web trying to free Meia. Meia says, "Why don't you put that away and use firepower?"

Hibiki says, "Shut up! I don't need any pointers."

On the Bridge

BC says, "Captain, there seems to be something wrong. Should we send out scouts?"

Kagen says, "Meia and Hibiki have it under control."

BC asks, "How do you know that?"

Kagen says, "I… I… I just know. I don't feel like talking about it."

BC raises her eyebrow. Kagen picks up the part he was carrying when he had stopped and goes down the escalator to the garden.

In the Garden

Kagen walks to the machine and starts installing the new part. When he finishes he starts to adjust it. Kagen says, "This should be the last part. All that is required is to adjust it to the right cold frequency. Do you mind if I go? I have a gift to give to someone."

Parfait smiles and says, "You can go. Thanks for the help. I can take it from here."

In space

Hibiki is trying to pry some of the strands apart. The enemy sees this and sends a electric shock through the web which shocks Meia. Hibiki reaches back and throws a sword. He says, "Shut up!" As it flies right into the enemy's eye. He says, "Serves you right!"

On the Bridge

BC checks the battle comm. Hibiki says through the comm., "All right! Just a little more!" Meia says, "Humph."

BC says, "Kagen was right. They are in the comet."

Bart looks at his chronometer. He smiles and looks to BC.

In space

Hibiki finally puts the sword away and power punches the web causing it to shatter. Meia starts to leave and Hibiki grabs a big chunk of ice that floats past him.

Meia asks, "What are you up to?"

Hibiki says, "It is what you would call a present."

The enemy sneaks up behind Meia. She notices and starts her engines.

In the garden

"It's time for the main event now! Everyone, please gather at the center of the bio-park."

Parfait says, "I won't make it."

Another engineer says, "It's a shame."

Parfait notices Duero and turns to talk to him. Kagen sneaks around her and starts to make adjustments.

Parfait says, "Doctor, I'm sorry, but the snow won't be in time. I wanted to show it to you, too…"

Duero says, "Actually, mine is rather incomplete as well, but…"

Parfait asks, "What?"

In space

Meia is being chased and is dodging as the enemy is attacking her. Hibiki says, "Over here!" They combine. Hibiki says, "Let's hurry up and get back."

Meia says, "I agree." They turn around and destroy the enemy. The comet's tail widens as a result of the explosion.

Back on the ship

BC looks on in shock at the explosion.

Dita sees the explosion and says, "Wow! Beautiful! Amazing! I wonder if Mr. Alien sees this too?"

BC says into the comm., "Meia! Respond!" Then her screen zooms in and she sees Vandread Meia flying out of the comet's tail.

In the Garden

Kagen gets the right setting on the first one and says, "Parfait, I might have the right setting over here! Try to copy it over there."

Parfait looks quickly at the calibrations and starts to duplicate them on her machine.

"10 seconds until Merry Christmas! 9! 8! 7! 6! 5 seconds! 4! 3! 2!"

Parfait says, "It's now or never!" She hits the start button.

"1! 0! Merry Christmas!" Everyone starts celebrating.

Parfait says, "No good…"

Kagen walks up to her and says, "At least we tried. Now we can find out what went wrong and learn from it." He then starts trying to synchronize the two machines.

Everyone stops celebrating and watches as the Nirvana starts to pass the comet.

Vandread Meia flies up to the viewport.

Meia says, "This is as far as I'll go." Then they separate and Hibiki hits the viewport.

Meia says, "I've repaid the favor." Hibiki waves a slightly smaller piece of ice.

Parfait says, "So those two had gone out to get ice."

Kagen thinks, 'I think I've got it.' He hits the button. Nothing happens. He opens a panel. He thinks, 'This valve is clogged. Hmm…" He takes a hammer and hits the valve casing lightly. It starts shooting out snow. 'Now to find Barnette.'

The other engineer says, "We don't need the ice anymore though."

Parfait turns around and sees the snow machines running. She turns to Duero and hugs him. She says, "I did it!" She then notices that Duero is holding something and asks, "What's this? Could it be something for me?"

Duero says, "Oh, yes. I tried to draw the flow of blood. But if you say that this is snow… then the snow inside the painting will fall forever."

Parfait says, "Thanks."

Kagen walks over to the pond and lies down against a tree. He thinks, 'Whenever I try to find someone I never do. And I'm tired so I'll just lay here and wait.'

Soon he hears two people walking past and looks to see who it is. He sees Barnette and Jura a few feet away. He quickly checks his present and then waits.

Barnette says as she slides a ring on Jura's finger, "Here. Merry Christmas."

Jura smiles, hugs Barnette, and says, "I love you, Barnette! Now for my present to you."

She then kisses Barnette on the cheek. Barnette asks, "What? That's it?" They start to walk away when Kagen says, "Barnette, come here for a sec."

Barnette thinks, 'I wonder what he wants.' She walks over as Kagen stands up.

Kagen says, "Merry Christmas." He holds up the case. She asks, "A case?"

Kagen smiles and opens the case. He says, "I believe your collection lacks this gun. Oh, and I made some special ammo."

Barnette says, "All I see are gun parts."

Kagen takes the parts out of the case and put them together. He says, "It is much easier to store and clean when taken apart."

Barnette says, "Uh, thanks. What sort of special ammo did you make?"

Kagen says, "Stun bullets. You just put them in like a regular clip of ammo. The instructions for the rest are inside." He then takes the gun apart and puts it back in it's case. He then gives her the case.

Barnette looks at the case and then at Kagen. She says, "Thanks, I like it."

Kagen looks at her one last time and then leaves with her watching him go. Kagen thinks,

'She is still watching me. I can feel her eyes on my back. I wonder what is going through her head.' Kagen stops and turns around. Barnette sees him turn and snaps out of it. She turns and blushes. She thinks,

'Why was I staring at him? Why am I blushing? Why did he turn around?' She stops blushing and turns to see where Kagen is. He is gone by the time she turns. 'Where did he go?' She shakes her head and leaves the Garden.

In the Hangar

Neo watches as Meia docks her dread. He thinks, 'I hope she likes it.'

Meia thinks, 'This ring is a nice piece of work. I wonder why he gave it to me. Does he… no it couldn't be. Could it?'

The cockpit opens and she sees Neo. 'He is here already?' She takes the ring off and puts it near her controls. She then gets out of her dread. She starts to walk past Neo but turns to face him.

Neo hesitates for a second and then hands her the box and says, "Merry Christmas."

Meia opens it and pulls out the necklace. She looks at it and says, "This is nice. Where did you get it?"

Neo says, "It was my mother's. Try it on."

Meia does and her face ornament suddenly projects a screen in front of her eye. Meia says, "This screen shows the status of the Nirvana."

Neo says, "I did not know about this. It does look good on you though." Neo's stomach chooses to growl at this time. Neo says, "I'm going to go get some food."

Meia is shocked at her visor turning on and just watches as Neo walks out of the Hangar.

In the Cafeteria

Kagen is eating. He looks up from his food and sees Barnette walk through the door. Kagen finishes and then gets more food. He thinks, 'Is she following me? No… it couldn't be. Wait, Hibiki should be here stuffing his face with food. He isn't here. I guess he fell asleep. All this food will be gone when he wakes up. I'd better grab a few plates to go.' Kagen gets up and picks up a few plates of food and leaves the Cafeteria.

Barnette sees Kagen leaving. She goes and sits at the table he left. She looks to her right and sees a note on the seat. She picks it up and reads it. "The cake was delicious." She smiles and puts the note in the case.

In the Hangar

Hibiki wakes up. He looks around and sees Dita's present on his chest. He looks at his chronometer. Hibiki says, "Noooo!"

In the men's quarters

Hibiki walks into the men's quarters and says, "Life's not fair. How the heck could I have actually slept through the entire feast."

Hibiki walks in his door and looks around. He says, "I guess I'll take a look."

A ufo shoots out of the box and circles Hibiki 3 times saying, "Merry Christmas!"

Then it pops and turns into a Santa version of Hibiki with reindeer. It then says, "Santa Alien!"

Hibiki smiles and says, "What is this for? You silly…"

Kagen says, "Looks like she put a lot of work into that."

Hibiki turns around quickly and says, "How do you do that?"

Kagen asks, "Do what?"

Hibiki says, "How can you be so sneaky?"

Kagen says, "I just am. I got ya something too. I figured since you weren't at the feast that you'd be hungry so I snatched some of the feast and brought it here." Kagen hands the plates to Hibiki.

Hibiki starts to eat. Kagen says, "Hibiki, I have something to ask you."

Hibiki asks, "What?"

Kagen says, "If anything happens to me, will you take care of Meia and Barnette and Neo for me? I mean try to protect them."

Hibiki asks, "Why do you think something is going to happen to you?"

Kagen says, "I just know. I have a feeling something bad is going to happen. I am ready to die for all of you, I just want you to know that."

Hibiki says, "Ah, nothing could kill you. You're too stubborn to die."

Kagen just shakes his head and says, "Whatever. Good night. Oh, and could you take those plates back to the Cafeteria for me? Thanks."

This one is a bit long, but there was a lot to put in. I mean give me a break, I have 2 people to think for. Plus all the other characters. More later on this subject.

Here are my feelings on reviews: 1. Please do!

2. Any review is better than no review.

3. I don't like ROMs (Read Only Moron)s

So please don't be an Idiot and Not Review. I really don't care what you say as long as you say something. Anonymous reviews are fine. If you want to, you may email me. If you have any requests I'll be happy to listen to them. And who knows? I might just use them and give you credit.