It was a cool morning at the Vast Empire barracks and Zippy was heading to the mess hall. He was in the mood for some warm grub after being gone so long. As weird as it sounded to him, he seemed to miss the food hear. Zippy had grown tired of the food rations on missions and the small snacks he had brought with him.

"Zippy! You crazy bastard. It's been far to long. Honestly, I can't even remember the last time we saw each other."

Zippy turned around and noticed it was Lucky. He to couldn't remember the last time he had seen her. He quickly got up from his table and gave her a hug. It was good to see her and know she has been doing well.

"Lucky! It is so good to see you! What brings you over here this holiday week? Official business, or is this an actual social call? I'm hoping it's a social call. I don't know if I could go on another mission with the holiday fast approaching"

"Think of it more like, invite to do some holiday events with me. Such as, local snowball fight perhaps. Typical stuff to kinda let loose after the past missions. What do ya say Zipp?"

"Sounds good to me. I could use some leisure time for a change. The constant flow of missions is nice, but very exhausting. Some local activities sounds good to me."

"So do tell Zippy. Got any big plans for the holidays around here? Visiting some friends? Hanging with your buds from your squad? Fill me in. I always ask a few people I hang with about what they are up to for the holidays."

"Well, I plan on hanging with my squad mates a lot. They are my family now. It will be a Christmas worth remembering, that's for sure. I'm looking forward to having a big party at my place this year for all my good friends throughout the VE. Anyone is welcome to come."

"Sounds like a great time. I will see if I can make it. All depending on what plans turn out to be and what not, but hey, if I can, I will be there."

Zippy and Lucky continued to walk around the base. Catching up for a while, they talked of past assignments and talk about their squads. Holidays are always a great time for the VE. People catching up, visiting old friends, some new and some old. Zippy couldn't imagine a more happier time. The holidays were always meaningful to the troopers and naval forces within the VE. Vacations, extra pay, promotions, but more importantly, it was a time for people to come together. Be thankful for their survival on missions. To appreciate all their fellow soldiers. Their family.

"So tell me Lucky. Is there anything special you want to do this year to kick back? Where would you like to do this snowball fight of yours? We could stay around here and get a big VE brawl going down, or we can go with the locals."

"Totally your choice Zippy. I came to visit you remember? Whatever you would like to do is good with me. I'm not a very picky person when it comes to stuff like this. Not like we are on a mission,"

"Well alright then. Lets go see who we can find around one of these areas to get this leisure time started shall we? I want to kick back as soon as possible and just let go."

"Sounds good to me. Lets hope you don't embarrass yourself Zippy. We wouldn't want that would we now?"

"Embarrass myself? How on earth would I do that here? I think we all do that from time to time now as it is around here don't we? At least, from what I see any way. Maybe I'm wrong, as Zippy chuckled at the thought."

"I'm just saying that I hope you don't throw a snowball like a girl. Believe me, I've seen some people around here who do. Let's hope it's not you to. You're going to need a good arm against me, Lucky joked."