Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Night on Christmas / Story
Different Plans
>Based on the calendar used by humanity in the past, we're approaching the "Winter Solstice".
The so-called "Winter Solstice" means the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. It's also when Earth reaches its closest proximity to the sun, with sunlight shining directly on the Tropic of Capricorn.
This day will be the shortest day of the year—
So humans have always cherished this special day.
But the primary reason isn't just purely based on astronomical data, but rather on the warmth of culture and tradition.
Apparently, "Christmas" was originally established to commemorate the birthday of a religious prophet.
Later, it gradually evolved into a holiday when people can relax and liberate themselves after working hard for the entire year.
People were said to prepare all kinds of decorations, food and gifts the day before.
Christmas Eve symbolizes peace and serenity with the coming of the new year.
In the past, people would prepare milk and cookies, go to bed, and wait for Santa Claus to climb down their chimney and place gifts under the Christmas tree.
...
Well, I'm sure the commandant would be very happy to receive my gift.
But... I'm a little embarrassed. Is this really worthy of being called a gift? Will the commandant think I'm just being coy...
If I can find a good time... When it's just the two of us... I will...!
...Liv, she... always seems worried... Is that why?
...Can you just drop it? You always have to... get down to the bottom of everything...
...But the commandant...
...The commandant is busy enough as is... Our business can't be...
Ah?! Commandant?
Did you hear everything?
(Sighs) Guess we have no other choice but to tell you.
Here's the situation, Commandant. Something seems to be on Liv's mind recently.
It's not affecting her M.I.N.D. stability, but I'm worried that it's affecting her performance on missions.
Agreed. After all, we've already been notified about the start time for our next mission.
So I've been thinking about how to cheer Liv up.
I know you've been really busy recently, so I was just discussing it with Lee. I wasn't expecting to drag you into this.
You should've taken the commandant into consideration, Lucia.
Sorry, Commandant! I just don't want you to worry about us.
Now then, Lucia, fill the commandant in with everything you just told me. After all, our decision is up to the commandant anyway.
Well, this all started more than ten days ago, at the beginning of the month.
That day, as usual, I went to Liv's room to ask her about maintenance.
But seeing her frown, I figured I'd find something else to talk about and put her heart at ease.
—Speaking of, everyone's always out on missions. We don't have any time for a break. I'm sure you'd be happy with a vacation, right?
That really got her attention.
Vacation...? Feels like I haven't heard that word in ages.
Well, we belong on the battlefield. It's not like the Corrupted ever take a day off.
However—the missions haven't been as urgent recently. I'm sure if you talked with the commandant... you could get some time off.
...Even you take time off, Lucia? But if it was a real vacation, then... Um...
That reminds me! Speaking of vacation, it's almost "that time"!
"That time"?
Christmas! It only comes once a year! When humans still lived on the surface, everyone always looked forward to it!
Whenever someone would mention a holiday vacation, it was always during Christmas!
I heard that Christmas used to be a festival to commemorate the birth of a prophet. At least, that's what that "Sister" told me.
But I've never celebrated Christmas...
So it goes like this... Every Christmas, the entire city becomes alive and bustling.
Um... Like when refugees run away during an air strike?
...Only you'd put it like that, Lucia. Um... No. It's not like that. Around Christmas time, everyone is relaxed, cheerful, and stress-free.
Christmas trees line the streets, colorful lights decorate houses, and parents prepare gifts for their children...
Children go play outside in the snow and have snowball fights until someone calls them back home for Christmas Eve dinner.
Everyone gets together to eat and talk. It may seem small, but it's a time of joy.
Seems like you sure have some fond memories.
Well... its not like that. I don't remember my family ever celebrating Christmas...
...Why?
I... I don't know.
I just remember always being jealous of the kids from normal families. I always wanted to celebrate Christmas with my family just like them...
...
It's sad to think about it. Now that I'm a Construct, I'll never have a chance to be with my family, let alone celebrate Christmas with them.
Well, you can ask the commandant to have some time off.
Can I... really?
...
But... I... Forget it...
Seems like it.
Maybe I shouldn't have brought the topic up with Liv... But seeing how much it would mean to her, I don't want her to be disappointed.
But didn't you already give Liv advice?
Like ask the commandant for some time off?
It's a strange concept to me, but maybe combining work and rest will be more beneficial for performing missions.
And this is also a good opportunity for our team members to get a better understanding of each other. Removing social barriers between each other should prove beneficial to future operations.
Lee, you mean...
Yes.
Sorry?
...What are you saying, Commandant?
...Understood. You're right. Babylonia hasn't imposed any restrictions over mission control. As long as circumstances permit, holding a Christmas celebration won't affect our mission.
Speaking of which, I've confirmed that the next mission will be located in a town in the northern region of what was once Russia.
It's just a simple recon mission. As long as we proceed with caution, we won't encounter any large groups of Corrupted. There shouldn't be any safety concerns.
The location appears satisfactory.
Location?
Lucia... You can't have Christmas without snow. Correct?
...Really? Think Hassen took this into consideration when he assigned us to the mission?
You're overthinking it...
Simultaneously at Babylonia HQ...
Achoo—!
That's odd... Is the thermostat broken?
It feels chilly in here.
Maybe someone's talking about you? After all, you sent people to Russia to perform a mission in the middle of winter...
You know that wasn't entirely up to me, Celica.
I had no idea!
Enough. Quit playing games. We still have a lot to do.
So, Mr. President, when's it my turn for you to send me on a relaxing winter getaway?
I said quit playing games...
Very well, Mr. Hassen... But I think you're spoiling them. Sending a team with such high combat power as Gray Raven is a bit overkill.
They've had it hard enough as is.
..And that's why I supported your decision.
I hope everything goes according to plan. I don't know if those kids have even seen snow.
