003: Festive Cheer [Visual]

[childoftwo.livejournal.com]

Spock is not given to making frivolous network posts. He considers them to be an unproductive use of time that could be better spent assessing the city and its technology. So, when he switches his tablet on, it is immediately clear – at least to those that know him – that something is wrong.

However, the thing that is most unsettling about the post is the not the fact that it has been made in the first place. It is the fact that the half Vulcan on the screen looks, for want of a better word, happy. Although he is clearly endeavoring to control his emotions and logically process what is happening, he is struggling to do so successfully.

“I believe I am feeling the emotion known as ‘happiness’. A curious experience, though the neurobiological responses are not unpleasant.”

It would appear that Buddy has claimed another victim (or given a gift to another fortunate individual, depending on your viewpoint). Unfortunately, Spock is ill-equipped to deal with holiday cheer.

“I request further information on the human holiday known as ‘Christmas’."

Although he understood the historical significance of the festival, and many of the associated rituals, the truly human aspects - the associated emotions, for example - had previously been lost to him. He had never truly felt the joy associated with giving and receiving presents. He had never experienced the desire to eat a copious amount of food or wished to spend an afternoon relaxing in front of the television while it digested.

"What are the protocols associated with the giving of gifts?"

OOC: Backdated to Christmas Eve. I didn't have a chance to post at the time, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

Comments

[iwantafamily.livejournal.com]

"I agree with you. Personally, I think that's the best part." Mary firmly believes that it is better to give than to receive. Most of the traditions that she has kept up, while she does enjoy them, are more for the benefit of Toby and Dean than anything else. She can understand how being in this city would make someone want to give more to the loved ones who are with them. They don't know how long anyone will be there for, and they might as well enjoy it while they can.

"There's not a right or a wrong way, you know. You should do whatever feels right to you. Families tend to make their own holiday traditions, and I imagine that it'll be the same here. You can create your own protocols."

[childoftwo.livejournal.com]

"Then I shall look forward to it."

The idea of doing what felt right was entirely alien, entirely illogical. For Spock, there was always a correct solution and an incorrect solution, and it was simply a matter of selecting the appropriate action and carrying it out correctly.

"I am unfamiliar with the concept," he admitted, "Though the humans on my ship will assist."

Alhough they would first have to recover from the shock of seeing him celebrate Christmas.

[iwantafamily.livejournal.com]

"Humans?" Mary smiles, noting that the way he refers to them is somewhat impersonal. "Are they your friends?" She isn't bothered by the suggestion that he's not human. She can tell that this man isn't out to hurt anyone, and has met enough people who were different from her to understand that there are plenty of them who aren't dangerous.

"I'm sure that they look forward to celebrating with you," she adds, wanting to offer him a little encouragement. Considering the way that the city looks, and how focused everyone is on Christmas, this has to be overwhelming to someone who has never experienced the holiday before.

[childoftwo.livejournal.com]

"Yes." In ordinary circumstances, he would have deliberated a little more and spent some time examining his relationships with the Captain and Doctor McCoy. (And, indeed, his relationship with Nyota, which had passed friendship some time ago.) Presently, however, he was filled with holiday cheer and a great deal of affection for all of his crew mates.

"I hope so."

An unusual feeling, hope. Highly unusual.

"May I ask your name? I wish to give you a gift as well, to thank you for your assistance."

[iwantafamily.livejournal.com]

"That's not necessary, but I'm Mary. Mary Winchester." Names always slipped her mind when someone started off a tablet conversation with a question. She knew that she should have had better manners than that; Dean would have loved getting a chance to tease her for not being very polite, but she hadn't been thinking about it. "It's nice to meet you, but I didn't get your name, either."

[childoftwo.livejournal.com]

"I am Spock," he said. He was already aware that the gesture was unnecessary. In fact, Christmas was, in itself, an unnecessary display of affection with tentative links for human religious holidays. "Are you a recent arrival in Taxon?"