Sixty-Fifth Theory [Video]

[i_speak_softly]

[The video feed clicks on, and Don looks thoughtfully at the camera for a moment before speaking.]

Another Christmas in Luceti.

[His tone is direct, just stating a fact, but somewhere behind it is a note of melancholy.]

This is my third. All of them have been in this house. All of them have been with different people.

[He slides back from the journal, revealing a corner of his winter room. He's been gradually moving into it over the past week, and has more or less taken up residence now.]

I've seen a lot of people come and go. There probably aren't many left who remember when Luceti didn't have electricity.

[He picks up some small bit of tech and squints at it.]

When I arrived here, the drafts were just starting. There were no missions. The Battle Dome didn't exist. We didn't have a farm and there was a desert where the ocean is now.

[He carefully threads a length of wire through a hole in the tech part.]

The buildings were shorter. Some of the stores and restaurants weren't open. [A pause.] I think I'm forgetting things...

[The wire slides through, and he knots the loose ends to form a loop.]

Does anyone remember other things that have changed? Or, does anyone want a history lesson? I'll be here all day.

Comments

[herotypical]

Well? I think it's sweet. Giving is the reason for the season, after all. Getting is just a bonus.

[i_speak_softly]

If you say so.

[But seriously. Weird custom.]

[herotypical]

You could always give it a try. See what it's like.

[i_speak_softly]

Thanks, but I don't think so.

[herotypical]

It's called trying new things, Donnie. You should give it a test.

[i_speak_softly]

I tried dying and didn't enjoy it very much.

[herotypical]

...That's hardly a fair comparison. I also never enjoyed dying, but I do enjoy Secret Santa.

[i_speak_softly]

But one is likely to lead to the other.

[You don't seem to be understanding his point.]

[herotypical]

How?

[i_speak_softly]

[How are you not getting this is the question.]

If a stranger sneaks into your house and leaves a wrapped, unmarked package, then more than likely it's a bomb.

[herotypical]

B-but...

Donnie. Hun. That's not how it works. At least -- not how it's supposed to work. Yeesh.

[i_speak_softly]

I think I understand the intention, but it only takes one insane person signing up to ruin it for everyone.

[herotypical]

Pretty sure we're delivering the surprises to a nice, non-partisan tree at the rec centre. But your concern is noted and -- perhaps -- just a teensy bit sympathized with.

[i_speak_softly]

If you want, I can check them before they're opened.

[herotypical]

Although I appreciate the offer...

[ she trails off. ]

[i_speak_softly]

[Well, said offer stands. He won't press the point.]