And now, a very special Quirinus Holiday Special...
December 8th, 1955 - "Yuletide Reverie"

---BEGIN FESTIVITIES---

ACTION: The town of Milieu is a small hamlet nestled between the mountains, a great place to raise your family. Now, thanks to the Travis group, a large festivity is just beginning underway. The parade, which was well planned earlier, is going on, under the careful supervision of Ms. Fiona and Ms. Jane. The earlier blue sky has been replaced by gray clouds, from which snowflakes are beginning to trickle. The townsfolk have all moved to the town center, a large park surrounded by various buildings, and the Town Hall before it, where the festivities are mainly taking place. It is chilly out, but not too bad. The parade is moving through the center as we speak, complete with elves, snowmen, reindeer and Santa himself.

Keith says:
::roars up on his Harley, dressed in tight black leather pants and Jacket, parks the bike, watches the parade::

Linda says:
::walks around the Local PTA's lemonade stand fund raiser booth and checks out the line of customers.. or lack there of::

Jane says:
::watches "Santa" hoping he's not so drunk he falls out of his sleigh::

ACTION: Santa does not appear to be inebriated.

 Mitch says:
::stands on the steps of the city hall with the mayor as the parade passes by::

Jane says:
::breathes a sigh of relief::

Jeff says:
:: busily passing out the "Mini-Golf - The Family Fun Game!" flyers to anyone who will take one ::

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
::Standing with Mr. Travis:: Mitch: Mr. Travis, I must say, your group has put together a splendid affair.

Eddie says:
::in the truck looking through his stockpile of fireworks while on his hand held radio organizing Firefighters in case of an accident::

Keith says:
::picks his teeth with a switchblade, leans against the wall::

Linda says:
::checks the beverages and the kids playing around with the powder mixes..:: PTA member: I see..  

PTA member says:
 Linda: Well... it's more donations then sales…

Jane says:
::winces as the local high school marching band marches by making a horrible mess of a Christmas carol::

 Mitch says:
Crenshaw: Well, your honor, we aim to please.  You said you wanted it memorable, and that's just what my folks intend to make it.

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
Mitch: It certainly seems like it will be.

Jane says:
Fi:  Looks like its going okay.

Eddie says:
Self: This should get the kiddies.

 PTA Member says:
::Walks up to Linda:: Linda: Miss, might I perhaps suggest we put up a hot cocoa stand ... it seems Jack Frost is settling in with us this day.

Linda says:
::goes over to the hog dogs and the new pork rinds cooking in hot oil over a coat stove.. Smells pretty good::

Linda says:
PTA Lady: I don't think the kids could handle that. The local church has that covered for now.. 

PTA Member says:
Linda: Aha, I see.

Fi says:
::Looks around::

ACTION: One of the floats breaks down. A few elves fall off it.

Pam says:
::heads up the stairs to the town hall and stops behind several men and tries to get a better view of the parade as it passes::

Jane says:
Fi:  Spoke too soon.  ::rushes over to the fallen elves and helps them to their little elfin feet::

Linda says:
::pulls her coat tighter and goes on over to the cakes and sweets.. Which is doing pretty well with hot apple cider and pie::

 ACTION: The snow falls a little bit heavier, but not so much to disrupt the festivities.

Jeff says:
:: puts down the flyers and goes to help the elves get up and out of traffic before they are run over by the next float in line ::

Fi says:
::Hurries with her to help with the float::

Pam says:
::unfortunately the men are too tall and refuse to move so that she can see::

Jane says:
::recalls that Keith has some experience with mechanics.  Looks around for him::

Linda says:
::walks over and looks at Keith as she passes him.. going toward the grilled corn ont he cob stand and the beans and sausages::

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
::Notes the petite female behind them:: Pam: Hello.

Keith says:
::saunters over to Mitch:: Mitch: Yo Daddy-O. I gottcha covered for tha bands. Some cats named "Bill Haley and the Comets" are going to rock the kids to bedlam, and some dude named Lawrence Welk is going to happen for the old guys ::toothy smile::

 Kris says:
::A short rambunctious type girl runs up and tugs on Linda's shirt:: Hi!

Jane says:
Fi:  Find Keith would you please.

Pam says:
::looks up at the man speaking ::Mayor: Oh hello your worship.

Eddie says:
::steps out on to the field and starts laying some of the fireworks out::

 Mitch says:
::eyes his associate:: Keith: ummm yes, well see if you can go help with the float that just boke down.

Linda says:
::looks down at the kid:: Kris: you shouldn't be alone out here...

Jane says:
::sees the elves are all unhurt.  Approaches the float driver and confers with him::

Pam says:
::moves a little closer to the mayor still trying to see::

Fi says:
::Begins to search through the people for Keith::

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
::Chuckles like a father might:: Pam: Mr. Crenshaw is okay, if you would like. Your "worship" sounds too ... worshipy.

Keith says:
Mitch: Whatever you say Dad ::goes to help with the float:: Ladies: Never fear Kiefer is here

Jeff says:
:: shepherds the elves over to the hot chocolate stand and orders a cup for each of them ::

Jane says:
Mutters to self:  Lucky us.

 Kris says:
Linda: I'm not alone silly, you're here.

Keith says:
::takes out a flask and drinks from it, then attempts to fix the float::

 Mitch says:
::looks at the mayor:: Crenshaw: well the float seems to be a minor glitch, but things do happen in an affair of this size.

Pam says:
::shuffles her bags from one hand to the other :: Mayor: Sorry your....Mr. Crenshaw, just a habit. My mother always told me to respect my elders. ::grins slightly::

Linda says:
::hands the kid a piece of candy and tells her to go find her mommy.. while she goes to make the last rounds before evening.. And check out the local taverns for the event officials::

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
::Sees the Float:: Mitch: So I noticed.

Jane says:
::whispers::  Keith:  Do you really think you should be drinking on the job?

 Kris says:
::Keeps up with Linda:: Linda: So whatchya doin'?

Linda says:
Kris: going for a walk.. Now go back to your mommy.. It’s getting late

Keith says:
Jane: Keeps the blood flowing while I work

Pam says:
::looks on her other side and sees Mitch:: Mitch: Am I in your way?

Jane says:
::sighs::

 Kris says:
Linda: Nonsense. The night's just begun. ::Cutesy smile::

Fi says:
::Comes back seeing Keith has already been found::

Jane says:
Fi:  Do you think we can move the rest of the parade by this hunk of junk?   ::tries to estimate the width of the street and the width of the next float::

Keith says:
::bright eyed:: And how is....Sweet Jane tonight! ::plays with a wrench, neglecting the float for a moment::

Linda says:
::watches a stray cat chase a mouse out from under the hotdog stand and looks back at the kid:: Kris: go to your family or I'll have to take you to see the local police man.. 

Fi says:
::Looks at it:: Jane: Guess well just have to see.

Pam says:
::brushes the snow from her bangs as she stands there still trying to see the parade::

 Kris says:
::Frowns:: Linda: That's not the Christmas spirit.

Jane says:
Keith:  Looking forward to getting this over with so I can go home and relax in front of my fireplace... ::looks him over::   with a good book.

 Mitch says:
Pam: Oh, of course not.

Linda says:
::looks at the kid and tilts her head:: Kris: maybe not to you but it's being responsible and right now your responsibility is to be with your mommy.. Now scoot

Eddie says:
::starts laying down fuses:: Self: This is gonna be a big one ::grins and just hides a little bit of laughter::

 Kris says:
Linda: My mum's not that responsible.

Keith says:
Jane: Aww. That shy sensitive type. What a shame.

Linda says:
Kris: that’s not a very nice things to say..

Jane says:
::peers over her glasses at Keith::

 Kris says:
Linda: Maybe not, but quite true.

Pam says:
:: smiles and look him up and down for a moment:: Mitch: Could you hold these for me? I need to find something in my purse.

Linda says:
Kris: and what makes you say such a thing?

Keith says:
::goes back to fixing the float, after another tip of the flask::

Pam says:
::holds her hands out with the bags for him to take::

Jane says:
Fi:  Let's see if we can get this parade back on the move.  ::gestures for the next float to proceed around the broken down one::

 Mitch says:
::takes the bags:: Pam: glad to be of service.

 Mitch says:
::grins over at the Mayor::

Pam says:
Mitch: Thanks, it will just take a moment. ::rummages around in her purse::

Fi says:
::Looks on as she sees the tight fit::

 ACTION: The parade goes on.

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
::Nods with a smile::

Jane says:
Fi:  Where on earth did you find that jolly fat guy to play Santa.  He's surprisingly good at it.

 Kris says:
::Kicks some snow around, her larger than her head hat slipping forward to cover her eyes, she pushes it up with one mittened hand:: Linda: Jus' cuz.

Fi says:
Jane: To be honest he found us... he wanted to play the part so badly.

Pam says:
::pulls out a scarf, then gloves and hands them to the mayor:: Mayor: Here you hold these.

Jane says:
Fi:  How odd.  Oh, by the way, I got that case of silly string you wanted.  ::hands her two cans::  Green and red, just like you said.  ::grins::

Linda says:
Kris: I see.. Well then I suppose you should get inside with the other children at the church.. And play with some toys.. Come along.. 

Fi says:
::Smiles Evilly eyeing the cans in hand::

 Mitch says:
Crenshaw: Next thing you know, she'll pull out the kitchen sink.  ::chuckles::

 Kris says:
Linda: Awww, can't I just come along with you.

Jane says:
::wonders if she should warn all the little old ladies in the crowd::

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
::Holds the gloves and scarf:: Pam / Mitch: You never know ...

Eddie says:
::straps some M-80's to the rockets nice little explosion it will produce::

Jane says:
::moves back to the broken down float::  Keith:  How's it coming?

Linda says:
Kris: no.. it's too cold out here.. and you should be playing with the other kids.. now lets get some hot cider and go play.. ok?

Fi says:
::Begins to run around spraying the string::

ACTION: A new "float" enters the tail end of the parade ... a carriage being pulled along by horses who have reindeer antlers tied to their heads. Old Man Thorn, the troublesome local grouch, is dressed up as Santa as well, sitting in back.

Pam says:
::looks up at Mitch and smiles:: Mitch: Be careful or I might just. After all a ladies' purse is sacred. We have to carry a lot of things.

Jane says:
Self:  Ack!  Who is that?!

 Old Man David Thorn says:
HO HO HO ... ::Coughs a whole bunch:: .... HOarck!

 Kris says:
::Grumbles:: Linda: Fine ...

 Mitch says:
Pam: Well one must keep up one's appearance.  If you don't think it to forward, you seem to do quite well at it.

Jeff says:
:: gapes as the unscheduled float passes by ::

Kris says:
::Looks behind Linda with sudden puzzlement:: Wow, that's weird.

Linda says:
::takes Kris into the church for cookies and cider and to play with the other kids.. informs the local nursery lady that her mother lost her and might be looking for her later.. ::

Jane says:
Keith:  Never mind that.  I need your help.  ::walks at a brisk pace toward Thorn's carriage::

ACTION: A bunch of snowballs hit the Mayor, Mitch and Pam.

Jane says:
Thorn:  Hey you!  What do you think you are doing?

 Kris says:
Linda: What's with your tracks? ::Points to the snow from which Linda just walked::

Pam says:
::finds what she wants and pulls it out:: Mitch: Thank you. You're not so hard on the eyes either. ::smiles::

Old Man David Thorn says:
Jane: Celebrating Christmas you ol' hag! ::Coughs some more::

Linda says:
Kris: I'm sure it's nothing the local officials can't handle.. now comeon.. 

Keith says:
Jane: Whatever you say ::follows::

Jane says:
Thorn:  Hag?!  Why you smelly old *#$&#!!  Get out of my parade!

Old Man David Thorn says:
::Cracks his whip, but the horses don't move any faster:: Lazy things ...

Pam says:
::gets hit with the snowballs:: All: What in the......? tries to hide behind Mitch::

Keith says:
Thorn: I don't think you know what you're messin' with old timer

Jane says:
::grabs the lead horse by the bridle::

Old Man David Thorn says:
Keith: Who ya callin' old timer! ::Coughs some more::

 Mitch says:
::brushes off the snow and hands back the bags:: Pam: Kids.  I must admit I pelted a few grownups in my time.  ::smiles::

Keith says:
::helps Jane stop him::

Linda says:
::takes Kris into the church and sets her down with a cup of warm cider and the nursery lady::

Pam says:
::peeks out:: Mayor: Can't you do something about those children Mr. Mayor?

Jane says:
::starts unhitching the horses from the carriage::

ACTION: The horses are brought to a stop.

Eddie says:
::takes out some lemonade and sits down for a quick break and covers the fireworks incase of rain::

Keith says:
Thorn: I'm callin' You old timer! Now get the hell out of here before I pop you one, Pops!

Jane says:
::calls out::  Fi:  Give me a hand.  These poor creatures.

Pam says:
::brushes off the snow as she takes her bags back:: Mitch: I'll just bet you have.

 Kris says:
::Thinks Linda's a peculiar one::

Fi says:
::Runs over helping her as much as she can::

Linda says:
::pats Kris on the head and smiles.. Then turns and leaves the church.. Shrugging that she doesn't have to baby sit on such a busy night::

 Mitch says:
Pam: Come now, miss, you must've stirred the pot a little when you were younger.

Jane says:
::finishes unhitching the horses::  Fi:  Let's get these stupid antlers off of them.

ACTION: As Linda leaves, she notes that instead of two sets of footprints, there is only one set ... and a trail of paw marks, as if some large cat came through here ...

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
::Chuckles, recalling his days of youth::

Fi says:
::Begins to take the antlers down::

Pam says:
::pretends to looked shocked:: Mitch: Me? Why I never did anything so bold...well maybe once...::chuckles to herself::

Old Man David Thorn says:
::Angrily tries to swat at them with his bag o' "presents" ... which is actually nothing but a bag of dirty laundry::

Jane says:
Keith:  ewww... what's the smell?

Linda says:
::looks down at the ground and doesn't remember hearing of a large cat near town.. decides to head to the local store and see if one of the hunters has their hunting riffel primed just in case::

Keith says:
Jane: Even I don't want to know. Want me to kill him?

Jane says:
Keith:  That might be a bit extreme.  Maybe you could just drink him under the table, so to speak.

Pam says:
::takes her things back from the Mayor::Mayor: Thank you sir for holding them.

Linda says:
::walks in the tavern and heads to the bar.. waiting for the local bar tender to see her and come over to see what she wants::

Jane says:
::looks over the horses for any signs of mistreatment::

Keith says:
Jane: Please. I have standards.

Old Man David Thorn says:
Keith: Kill me?! You won't be able to barely lay a hand on me! I still got sum spunk left in me! ::Takes another swing with his bag:: I fought in the war, y'know! Lost my wife and family as a result! No appreciation from you young'in, after all I tried to do for ya!

Jane says:
::chuckles::

Jeff says:
:: returns to the parade route after getting the elves settled... sees the commotion at the end of the parade and starts in that direction ::

 Mitch says:
::turns to make a remark back to Pam, but he is halted by what appears to be familiar looking uniform...then it's gone:: Pam:  Ummm, sorry lost my train of thought.

 Bartender says:
::Walks over:: Linda: How y'doin' miss, what can I getcha this fair eve?

Keith says:
Thorn: Just leave.

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
Pam: No problem at all.

Old Man David Thorn says
::Takes another swing at Keith with the bag, looses his stance, and falls into the snow::

Linda says:
Bartender: Markus, I noticed some rather large cat prints in the snow.. I think.. maybe the smell of the food cooking may have attracted some local wild life.. you think you could get some of the boys ready incase they come back for seconds?

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
Mitch: Things seem to be going on fine. Are the fireworks going to go off before or after the lighting of the tree?

Jane says:
::watches the old crank fall into the snow::

Pam says:
Mayor: Feeling alright? ::looks concerned and pats the mayor's arm::

Bartender says:
Linda: Large cat prints? Hmph ... haven't had any large cats this way in a long time. Are you sure?

Keith says:
::tries to grab the bag, and stuff it down a storm drain:: Thorn: I don't know which smells worse, you or the bag. ::disgusted::

Pam says:
Mitch: Something wrong?

 Mitch says:
::removes his hat and scratches the top of his very full head of hair pondering what he's just seen:: Crenshaw: Pardon me Mr. Mayor.  We can do it any way you like.

Jane says:
Fi:  See if you can find these beasts someplace warm to spend the night until their master sobers up.  ::passes the reins of the team to her::

Linda says:
Bartender: yes.. very sure.. well no we haven't. But you never know if someone had a pet that got loose.. it might just have been a raccoon, but even that can be dangerous to little kids.. and we do have a few around tonight

Fi says:
::Takes them cautiously and begins to lead them away.::

Bartender says:
Linda: I understand quite well.

Pam says:
::pulls off her tam to shake the snow off and her auburn hair cascades to her shoulders::

Jeff says:
:: reaches down and helps Thorn to his feet :: Thorn: All right, Dave... I think we're just gonna walk you home now, you and I. Tell me again about that charge you led up the hill at the Battle of the Bulge...

Old Man David Thorn says:
::Stares at Jeff. Seems a bit inebriated:: D-don't patronize me blue boy ...

 Mitch says:
::he starts to place his hat back on his head and brushes his hair back only to find that he seems to have gone quite bald.  He stares at his hand and then rubs his head again, but his hair is as thick as ever::

Linda says:
::leaves the bar and sighs.. Heads for the cider boot for a drink::

 Mitch says:
::he places his hat back on.  this really is all too strange::

Kris says:
::Is waiting outside for Linda::

Jane says:
::looks over at Keith::  Keith:  I hear you found a good band.  When do they start their set?

Fi says:
::Finds a stall and begins to tie them up there.::

Linda says:
::notices the kid standing out side and looks down at her:: Kris: yes?

Eddie says:
::gets in his trucks and leaves fireworks setup and goes to setup Firefighters incase of accidents::

Pam says:
::sees a rather puzzled look on Mitch's face ::Mitch: Are you sure you're feeling alright? You look a little strange.

Kris says:
Linda: Why are you strange?

Keith says:
Jane: They should be here any minute

Jeff says:
Thorn: No patronizing intended, Dave. It's always been a good story, and I enjoy hearing it.  :: smiles ::

 Mitch says:
::he remembers what the Mayor had asked:: Crenshaw: Did you have a preference for the fireworks start? I really do need to inform Ed of the plan time.

 Mitch says:
Pam: No.  Just an odd sensation, really.  Probably the cold and lack of sleep.

Jane says:
Keith:  Great.  ::smiles::  I'm going to go help the parade disassemble.

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
Mitch: I think right after the lighting of the tree would be good.

Linda says:
Kris: because I'm old.. now come along.. no reason for you to be out in the cold

Jane says:
::turns and walks to the endpoint of the parade route::

Pam says:
Mitch: I think you need to find some space where you can rest for a while.

 Mitch says:
Crenshaw: I'll make sure Ed knows.

Kris says:
::Gestures to her clothing:: Linda: I'm quite bundled up.

 Old Man David Thorn says
::Grumbles and goes along with Jeff::

Linda says:
kris: well good.. did you get some cookies? ::walks along with the kid in tow::

ACTION: There is a quite reflective bucket of water in the stall with the horses ...

 Mitch says:
Pam: That is very thoughtful, but I have a festival to run.  Let me go tell one of my people about the firework plan and then maybe you'd let me buy you a cup of hot chocolate.

 Kris says:
Linda: I'm not hungry.

Jane says:
::congratulates everyone, even the crappy high school marching band, on their performance.  Passes out free tickets to the dance::

Linda says:
Kris: well all right then.. so where's your mommy? it's getting late

Pam says:
::is concerned about Mitch::Mitch, that would be lovely. Please don't hurry though, I'm not going anyway. ::smiles sweetly::

 Mitch says:
::smiles at Pam and then excusing himself crosses over to Jeff:: Jeff: See if you can find Ed and tell him that the fireworks should go off right after the lighting of the tree.

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
Mitch: I'm going to go prepare for the lighting of the tree. Things should be wrapping up soon ... ::Starts walking to the tree as an announcer starts announcing the lighting of the tree to happen soon::

Eddie says:
::passes by Mitch on the way into town and looks in the rear view mirror and sees a corridor from the Quirinus ,he stops looks back and sees just the group behind, parks, and gets out to talk to Mitch and the crew::

 Fi says:
::Notices a woman looking back at her through the bucket. She seems so familiar and her clothing... it looked very different from the clothing she was accustomed to::

Eddie says:
Mitch: Hey how you guys doing over here?

Kris says:
Linda: Mommy's gone. ::Looks up at the cloud-filled sky::

Kris says:
Linda: Have you ever wondered about your dreams ...

 Mitch says:
::Sees Ed:: Jeff: never mind.  Ed: The fireworks all set to go.

Fi says:
::Stops looking into the reflection and begins to back away a bit::

ACTION: As the parade winds down, many start moving toward the large Christmas Tree at the center of the town square.

Linda says:
Kris: ohh.. I see.. Well.. Then I guess you have to follow me around for now while I tell the booths to shut down for the night.. Maybe we can get some free food for later..

Eddie says:
Mitch: Yes sir I already set up the Firefighter angle and I have the permits in hand already.

Keith says:
::hustles up to the end point to see if the bands are there::

Pam says:
::takes out her compact and powders her nose::

Jane says:
::shakes hands with all the parade participants and wishes them a Merry Christmas and all that::

Linda says:
Kris: I'm sorry.. What?

Mitch says:
Ed: Good as soon as the tree is lit, I want the fireworks to go.  Better get a move on that should be soon.

Kris says:
::Looks back at Linda:: Linda: Your dreams. Did you ever think that having a dream is a convenient escape from the real world? ::Picks up some snow:: Mine are always too real. ::Starts making a snowball out of the snow:: It makes ignoring real life easier.

Linda says:
Kris: thats.. um.. interesting.. your a bit too young to talk like that.. lets go find an officer and see if we can get you someplace to stay tonight

 Mitch says:
::walks over to where the tree stands:: Crenshaw: Mr. Mayor.  If you could give a short speech, it will give my man time to get into place.  Not long just a few minutes.  He'll shine his flashlight at us as soon as he's ready.  Then all you have to do is press that button there on the stand.

Eddie says:
Mitch: Gotcha ::hops in the truck back for the Fireworks::

Kris says:
Linda: You're making your cat tracks again. ::Tosses the snow to the ground, right next to the paw marks that Linda has indeed been making ... which makes no sense considering they are of a small feline, and hardly the size of a human foot::

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
::Stepping up the podium:: Mitch: Certainly.

Jane says:
::watches the parades rush off to see the tree lighting ceremony::

Linda says:
::looks down and tilts her head.. lifts her skirt a bit to look at her feet::

ACTION: A group of children run by Jane, one of them appears to be a Klingon child. Then he disappears.

Keith says:
:Stands aside, a little mournful, disconnected::

Jeff says:
:: looks up at the sky as he and Thorn walk home... a small star just to the left of Orion's belt catches his eye... why does it seem so familiar? ::

Pam says:
::moves down the steps of the town hall towards the tree::

Jane says:
::takes her glasses off and cleans them, thinking they must be filthy or something::

 Mitch says:
::steps back and crosses over to where Pam is standing:: Pam: Now as soon as the fireworks go off, I'll buy you that cup of cocoa.

Linda says:
::doesn't notice anythign odd::

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
::Starts speaking to the crowd about the holidays, family, etc. etc. etc.::

Pam says:
::smiles:: Mitch: I hear that Sheri's Den makes the best in town.

Jeff says:
:: a word starts to form in his mind... 'bas'... 'bez'... 'benss'

 Mitch says:
::looks out to the field and waits for the signal:: Pam: The Sheri's Den it is.

Kris says:
::Watches Linda checking out the tracks::

Jane says:
::heads towards the tree, then sees Keith looking a bit mournful::  Keith:  Everything all right?

Keith says:
::Looks at the crowd as if from a great distance::

Keith says:
::shaken:: Jane: What?

Pam says:
::looks up anxiously for the tree to be lit:: Mitch: I love the tree lighting don't you?

Linda says:
::looks at the furry gray legs under her long skirt, a pair of not so human feet stuffed into tight shoes.. bends down and takes them off and looks around the area.. The colors change and smells and sounds suddenly get brighter.. Growls a bit and sniffs.. Then pauses and stands back up.. :: 

Jane says:
Keith:  You don't look too happy.

 Kris says:
Linda: You remember who you are now, I take it.

Jeff says:
Thorn: Dave... does the word 'Benzar' mean anything to you?

 Mitch says:
Pam: Christmas has always been a special time for me.

ACTION: Old Man Thorn flashes out of appearance for a moment, being replaced by David Thorn in full leather Storm outfit, but then changes back.

Pam says:
Mitch: Do you have a family to share the holidays with?

 Old Man David Thorn says
::Squints eyes:: Jeff: Hmmm ... is that a German town?

Fi says:
::Begins to go back about her business after contemplating what she had seen::

Keith says:
Jane: No...I...can't explain. It's almost....like I'm not really here ::Bright smile:: But I am, aren't I?

Linda says:
::looks at the kid:: Kris: yes.. but that doesn't explain what you have to do with this.. ::looks around the snowy area and can sense the presence of familiar scents.. Looks for them::

Eddie says:
::shines a light out to signal ready and standing by::

Jane says:
Keith:  It appears so to me.  Come on... let's go see this tree light up.

 Mitch says:
Pam: Well there is my Mother, but I'm afraid work will keep me from getting back by Christmas.

Jeff says:
:: blinks, not certain what he just saw :: Thorn: No, I don't think so...

 Mitch says:
::sees the light and he waves to the Mayor that its time::

Pam says:
Mitch: What kind of work do you do?

Keith says:
::distant:: Jane: Yes, lets go

Pam says:
::turns to watch the tree::

Kris says:
Linda: My real name is Tzainar. I'm like the unnamed one ... the shape-shifter. I've just arrived here ... well, not here ... but where you all are in body form. I sensed your turmoil, and decided to create this for you. I knew it would be temporary. But I felt a reprieve before death was a kind gift on my part.

Jane says:
::takes Keith's arm and walks with him::

 Mitch says:
Pam: This is my work.  We cater big affairs.

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
ALL: Now, let's start the count down ...

Linda says:
::looks at the kid:: Kris: death you say... who's death?

Pam says:
Mitch: That must be a wonderful line of work to be at this time of year.

Kris says:
::Looks around at the snow:: It really is a beautiful thing ... this holiday season your human friends come up with ...

 Mitch says:
::smiling, he starts to count down with the Mayor::

Jeff says:
:: turns and faces the town, sensing that something important is about to happen ::

Kris says:
Linda: Everyone's death, most likely. If Mordiggan gets its way.

Pam says:
::joins in the countdown::

 Mitch says:
::pausing:: Pam: It is but it does keep me busy.

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
10

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
9

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
8

Linda says:
Kris: That’s why we are here.. to stop that.. to save our crewmate.. you can help us yes?

ACTION: The sounds of the crowd chanting and counting down fill the area.

Pam says:
Mitch: Like being the Captain of a ship huh? ::grins::

Keith says:
::feels himself fading::

Kris says:
Linda: No, I don't have the power. We, my fellow "comrades," if you will, are arriving here. Some of us are drawn to the resurrection ... others will most likely go into hiding in fear. I should be in hiding ... Mordiggan will kill me first.

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
7

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
6

 Mitch says:
::it feels oddly familiar that Pam would say that:: Pam: Why yes now that you say it...

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
5

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
4

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
3

Linda says:
Kris: let us wake up and have a fighting chance.. maybe we can help you as well... you don't have to fear us..

Pam says:
::waits for the tree to light up::

Kris says:
Linda: I don't fear you. ::Smile:: I was drawn to you primarily ... I figured you would be the first to "wake up."

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
2

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
1

 Mayor_Crenshaw says:
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! ::The tree lights up::

Jane says:
::stops and looks at the tree::

Kris says:
::Sees the Christmas tree light up in the distance::

ACTION: The tree lights up. It is a beautiful, multi-colored spectacle.

Linda says:
::hears the count down:: Kris: that’s not good.. Where’s command Pangborn?

Pam says:
::cheers loudly and claps:: Mitch: Oooooo how beautiful!

 Old Man David Thorn says
:: Mumbles:: Well, would you look at that.

Keith says:
::vision blurred, looks at the light through a haze::

Eddie says:
::fires off the show::

 Mitch says:
Pam: Perfect.  Now for the fireworks.

Kris says:
::Frowns:: Linda: The sentinel? I had considered bringing him into this dream as well ... but it was too dangerous. I don't need the unnamed one to focus it's attention on me as well.

ACTION: Various displays of fireworks launch, making an amazing display.

Linda says:
Kris: what is his role in all this?

Jane says:
::looks at Keith with concern.  He seems kinda.. Insubstantial::

Jeff says:
:: stands transfixed by the lights and explosions ::

Kris says:
Linda: He was to be the best defense against my kind ... and ironically, turned out to be our best offense.

Linda says:
Kris: so your what ever this trickster fears.. Great.. your going to kill him to stop this thing you fear may hunt you?

Keith says:
::turns to speak to Jane, but cannot::

Pam says:
::instinctively latches on to Mitch's arm as the fireworks go off::

Jane says:
::tightens her grip on his arm::

Kris says:
Linda: The unnamed one doesn't fear me. We are equal. What the unnamed one serves is what we all fear.

Eddie says:
::is proud of his work::

Jeff says:
:: starts to run back to town, somehow convinced that the others there may need him ::

Linda says:
Kris: I can't let them sleep to death.. ::turns and heads for Mitch::

Linda says:
::watches things go blank around her.. grabs Mitch with both hands around his shoulder and yells:: Mitch: Captain! Snap out of it! it's not real!

Kris says:
::Watches Linda run off to warn her "Captain"::

Kris says:
::Closes her eyes, and vanishes::

Eddie says:
::takes out his special one:: Self: Have fun boys ::laughs out loud with an mischievous tone::

Mitch says:
::grins and then puts his arm around her shoulder pointing at a particularly big firework.  he awws with the rest and then..::

Eddie says:
::fires off the last Firework Call sign "The Big ONE"::

ACTION: As the fireworks die down, everyone [including "Keith"] in exception for the Travis group vanish.

ACTION: And then, the entire Travis group falls unconscious, including "Linda."

Jane says:
::is unconscious::

Linda says:
::falls forward on Mitch::

 Mitch says:
::unaware...it's all a dream::

ACTION: The town of Milieu and the crew's guises fade away to reveal the darkened Quirinus, red lights flashing. The entire crew lies unconscious on the deck.

Keith (aka XO Pangborn) says:
@ ::drifts in the void, the fires of Hades surround his tortured soul::

 Tzainar says:
::A mysterious looking creature, one of the many demi-gods like "the Trickster," stands amongst the unconscious bodies of the crew. It shakes it's head, and walks through the view screen, floating toward the stone structure where the final fight awaits... ::

---END FESTIVITIES---