Extraterrestrial Christmas

Extraterrestrial Christmas

Original Story: Will Logan

Tis Christmas eve in the North Pole and things are going as they should. The elves are carefully inspecting the sleigh and finishing list request. Santa is inside the workshop gathering his coat and telling Mrs. Clause goodbye. As he heads for the door, “See you soon dear” shouts Mrs. Clause. Santa replies hohoho be back before you know it dear. Outside the elves make way, parting into two lines. Santa walks through with each elf standing at attention. Boarding his sleigh an elf in an extravagant uniform hands Santa a folder. Head elf Bucky stands firmly, decked in green and red, head to toe. Thank you, Bucky says Santa. All systems are ready for departure sir, Bucky shouts in a stern confident voice. Santa begins to call upon each reindeer as their hooves begin to glow with Christmas magic. The sleigh takes to the air and begins to accelerate. Away our Christmas joy crusader flies, to bring the gift of giving. Systematically visiting house by house, Nation by Nation. Delivering the toys to all sleepy children of the world. Shortly after departing from Europe, Santa taps the display on his instrument panel. The dashboard of the sleigh lights up. He selects the icon resembling a cup and a small box below the console begins to hiss. Santa reaches in to grab his thermos of hot chocolate. He then taps the autopilot icon and places the reins onto two small levers sticking from the console, and begins to recline Slouching in his seat and letting his eyes wonder. The night sky so vast, every star shimmering at Its brightest. Clouds on all sides and the Atlantic Ocean below. This has to be the second-best part of the job; he says to himself. As Mr. Kringle sips on his steamy beverage and ponders, he suddenly spots something in the distance. Switching off autopilot, and grabbing the reins the sleigh begins to veer. What in the name of Christmas is this, he says aloud. Focusing intently, it appears to be a craft of some sort. Drawing closer he can make out an oblong shape, with a deep somewhat reflective black color, it is like looking into a rippling pond. The sleigh almost reaches a grouping of clouds, when the mysterious craft zips out of sight. Appearing right over head, it emits a loud frequency. Santa blinks and suddenly he and his sleigh are in a large dimly lit room. The lights begin to brighten, the reindeer begin to bleat and grunt. He steps down to soothe his animal companions and take note of his new surroundings. From one of the large doorways connected to this chamber appears a short slender figure. The bipedal silhouette continues walking forward, feet ever so slightly clacking on the floor. The figure comes into focus. Large black imposing eyes, not quite the size of a drink coaster, yet almost cat like in shape. Head only slightly larger than the average human. Skin a pale blueish-green, ears slightly pointy at the tips with small lobes. Santa stands ready and braces himself, with a look of intensity. The figure speaks, hi my name is (series of clicks and tones) but I can understand how that would probably be hard for you to say. Since you lack the vocal structure to even attempt it, you can just call me Ronan. Well then it seems your quite adept at my language, says Santa. Ronan replies well of course, every broadcast and video reel earthlings have ever uploaded is in our data base. I can speak and human dialect you desire, dear Mr. Kringle. So, you even already know who I am as well? Indeed, I do good sir. You are actually one specimen that’s actually quite hard to find solid information on, and we do pride ourselves on knowing all. Ok well nice to meet you but enough of this banter, its Christmas eve and I still have half a globe of presents to deliver. I'm a very busy man tonight, can't we reschedule this? Well, I'm sorry Santa but the thing is I'm on quite a deadline with Central Command and you’re already here now. Don’t worry so much if nothing else I can guarantee your mission will not fail tonight. Guarantee you say, I suppose I can spare and hour at the most. Wonderful Mr. Kringle in that case simply follow me, all your things will be perfectly fine here. I will send maintenance drones to synthesize some carrots or whatever your hairy creatures eat. Synthesize?? Yes, Mr. Kringle our species has a vast understanding of molecular structures, creating substance from molecules is quite simple. The pair continue walking, Santa admiring the sleek design of the vessel. Everything smooth and polished, not a crease or line to be found in its architecture. They reach a room with nothing in it when suddenly chairs sprout from the floor. Have a seat will you Mr. Kringle, says Ronan. So, let's get started. shall we? Your delivery bag, how does that work? How exactly do you fit all those gifts into such a seemingly small bag for the task?..... You are really serious replies Santa. All the technology on this ship and that’s what you want to know. Indeed, as I said before we know much about your planet, yet a lot of what humanity considers myth or legend is also a bit mysterious to us. Well, to answer your question its Christmas magic. “Christmas Magic”? Explain please.. Well, it’s the same reason I age slowly and have been able to do this job for as long as I have. Ahhh! Your immortality, that was going to be next question. I love it when the subject makes the interview easy on me. Please continue Mr. Kringle. Well, long ago I made a deal with the spirits of the earth. As long I stand for the virtues on which I vowed, I am allowed to continue mw work untouched by time. Including those who are connected to me. From my beautiful wife to the elves which help me with my work they are all covered by the blessings of Christmas spirit. You see I was once but a simple craftsman who made trinkets and toys for fun. One year in particular the village where I lived was stricken with incredible hardship. I decided to help the children in order to give them hope. I went around to place one of my toys in the house of each child. In the process of navigating the outskirts of town, I was caught in an avalanche. As I lay there buried beneath the snow, I began to lose consciousness. Suddenly nature began to speak with me, the spirits looked deep within my soul. They told me that my heart was pure and they wished to make me an offer. I would receive powers in the form of magic and that my life would be greatly extended. All I had to do was maintain my pure heart and try to be a light for those in need. To instill a message that no matter how bad things may be there is always a glimmer of hope and possibilities. So that I may be an anchor to the youth of the world, to show that sometimes the best gift is not something you receive to yourself. Instead, the best gift sometimes is the smile you can bring to another. As the two continued their talk getting lost thought, Discussing all manner of things. Eventually Santa rolls up his sleeve, confident that an hour had passed. He looked upon his watch and the hands had not moved. Looking at his wrist in a puzzled manner, Ronan chimes in. Oh, did I forget to mention, Ronan says in sarcastic tone. The inside of my ship is like a pocket dimension all to itself. Time dilation here works quite differently. Infact, we have probably been conversating for around three human hours. Santa jumps to his feet in shock and disbelief. What have you done Ronan?! Christmas will be ruined! Oh Mr. Kringle didn’t I mention before not to worry. There is still plenty of time to get the gifts out to the children. I'm glad we had this talk; I believe I understand now. This concept of giving and good will really is something special. Our species is very cold and calculative, all about precision and fact. I don’t know how to describe it but I have this odd feeling stirring within me. Now then dear Santa, if you will grab your bag and follow me once more. Santa follows and the pair walk into another large empty room. Ronan pulls a device from his pocket and clicks a few buttons. Dozens of circles appear in the floor and begin to swirl into portals. Alright Mr. Kringle, all you have to do is grab the gift from your bag, focus on the child it belongs to and toss the gift in. It will then be instantly transported to the home of that child. By Jack Frost’s beard, says Santa. What are you waiting for says Ronan, get to tossing. Santa reluctantly grabs a gift from his bag and closes his eyes taking great care to visualize the boy it belongs to. He tosses the well wrapped box into the portal and instantly it displays and image of the young boy asleep in his bed. Santa pauses for a moment and inspects the portal. Well, would you look at that he exclaims... “Surprised Mr. Kringle”? Ronan says, in a chuckling manner. Santa ignores the outburst and grabs another gift from his bag. Each present with its own unique wrapping and trim as it materializes from the bag. As Santa picks up his pace, becoming faster and faster with each throw. Ho Ho Hooo, he begins to chuckle loudly. Ronan looks on, studying this magic in action. This magic thing seems to be really similar to some of our technology. It's as if this bag which he enchanted is similar to pocket dimension inside my ship. Quite fascinating indeed. Perhaps with some practice he could still increase his own abilities exponentially. Never the less, I would have to study this specimen a good bit more to actually understand how this human magic works. After sometime Santa comes to a halt and grabs the last gift from the bag. He winds up and pitches it with great velocity, as he shouts “That was actually very fun”. This is incredible, I just beat a personal record Santa shouts the heartiest of tones. It would appear so my festively suited fellow. Well, I believe you have provided me with the most wonderful report when I return home. Come and I will walk you back to your sleigh. As they wind through the corridor, Ronan breaks the silence. Mr. Kringle have you ever given thought to the idea that your magic abilities could improve? Well, actually now that you mention it. I suppose I should give this a little thought. Maybe it's time to pull out the old training suit. Indeed Mr. Kringle, after I submit my report, I may even request a return to this sector of the universe. I will be in touch. I may even be able to convince the elders to implement some of this “Christmas spirit” as you call it. As for now, you will be ejected right above your workshop. Farewell for now Mr. Kringle!

Original short story: Will Logan