December 24th, Christmas Eve:
"This team is going to participate in what--?!" the booming but amused voice of Mason Templar echoed in the meeting room.
Phil Smith sighed. "It's a two-day Christmas Parade, Templar," he said. "And it begins today."
Mason Templar laughed loudly for an inconsiderately long time and finally said, "You're all a bunch of pansies, aren't you? A 'parade'? A 'parade'? Why don't all of you try tying daisies to your hair and prance through the bumbleberries? HA-HA-HA-HAAA!!! And here I believed I was joining a team full of men who love adventure! Tell me, you can't be serious about this, can you? I mean, it must be a joke, right?"
"It's no joke, newbie," Phil said. "We just finished saving the world and lost some good men in the process -- the team needs some down-time..."
"Fine, fine! No need to lecture me, young man -- I understand fully," Mason Templar bellowed. "But if I might make a suggestion?"
"Shoot."
"You may wish to make a new order of team uniforms for the new year, in keeping with your current priorities. I suggest you get something in pink or baby blue! Ah-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HAAAAA!!! 'Christmas Parade,' indeed..." The voice of Mason Templar trailed off as he left that room.
