Orchestra 18

[cureofmanyworlds]

Video Post

Hi, everyone. Nozomi here!

Listen, I know we're all feeling a little down, so I was able to purchase something to make our days go by faster: mistletoe!

I'm sure it's getting close to Christmas somewhere and mistletoe's one of the best ways to get into that spirit! I had enough so that each car besides the engine is able to have one to have hanging around...

[she takes a thoughtful pose]

...wow, I hadn't thought about that. Odd.

[She waves it off]

Anyway, the only thing I ask of you is to not destroy them if you see them. I know some of you are oh-so-muscular and hyper-macho and must go on a destroying spree to protect yourself, but just ignore them, okay? I'm sure the train'll get rid of them after Christmas. Just have fun!

[She blinks as she realizes something]

Oh, that's right, some of you don't know what they do - if two people are caught under the mistletoe, they have to kiss! Use it for your romantic moments or to play pranks or whatever!

Action

[And once the feed ends, Nozomi's going to go inspect some of the mistletoe to make sure they're still there. You can find her in the kitchen, the dresser, the training gym or the spa before moving on to another area.]

Comments

[blue_ice]

...you really think that's going to help the tension? Encouraging people to fling themselves at each other in a fit of passion?

[cureofmanyworlds]

Well, not for everyone, but still...!

[blue_ice]

I'll leave them alone. I just hope you're right.

I know people can lose themselves to nonsense.

[cureofmanyworlds]

Oh, I understand. I don’t mean any harm, but…

[blue_ice]

I didn't say you did.

So. Have fun with that, I guess. Thanks for the warning.

[averyusefultray]

I take it this is an Earth custom?

[She's glad she's never had to deal with it]

[cureofmanyworlds]

Uh-huh! I take it there's none like it from where you're from?

[averyusefultray]

There might be something like it somewhere in the galaxy, but not on a planet I'm familiar with.

I'm going to guess also not on a planet any of my pilots are familiar with.

[cureofmanyworlds]

Prooooobably so. I know it’s an Earth custom and I think it’s been passed over to other worlds I’ve been to.

[averyusefultray]

I'm not sure I'd trust my pilots with a tradition like that.

[The train for that matter...]

[cureofmanyworlds]

It’s understandable. With what you do… yeah.

[so_dark_a_road]

This could be fun! [ Broad grin. ]

[cureofmanyworlds]

Oh, I hope so! Got any plans?

[so_dark_a_road]

Oh, I don't know. [ Another grin. ]. There are a lot of people on this train whom I wouldn't mind kissing.

And yourself? Who do you want to end up under the mistletoe with?

[wisdominshadows]

May I ask whether this is a compulsion or a custom?

[cureofmanyworlds]

Custom, honest! I would never do anything that would force anyone to do anything against their will!

[wisdominshadows]

I appreciate the clarification.

[It just seemed best to be sure. Some traditions- and some plants, really- are more, errr, insistent than others.]

I do think you might have less trouble keeping them safe if everyone knows this is purely voluntary.

[cureofmanyworlds]

I should have said so, huh? I’m sorry…

[wisdominshadows]

Please, don't be. Nothing untoward has happened.

[cureofmanyworlds]

I'm glad, but I still do feel bad for my lack of foresight.

[firewalled]

You know, you're totally allowed to put those up, but only if you tell me which one I can find you under.

[Rich quirks an eyebrow, his usual shit eating grin on his face.]

[cureofmanyworlds]

[Nozomi laughs at that.]

I’m heading for the Quiet Car after this, but let me get the first kiss from Kairi!

[firewalled]

Oh shit! Is Kairi your girlfriend? God, everyone who's cute here is taken...

[Even after his plea to the network, Rich is still so woefully single, aside from a few dates.]

Video

[salutosinedelectat]

Oh, a splendid idea. I'm sure there's plenty of passengers who might find an interest in such a tradition.

Perhaps there's other things to be shared from human winter holiday customs that people might also enjoy?

[ There's a near endless catalogue of possibilities there, and Aziraphale has been right there for most of them.

Although, as it can't be helped, he may well be looking forward to perhaps catching a certain demon under the mistletoe... ]