A SilverHawk's Christmas Carol

By
Charra Loon

The snow was falling all across Limbo galaxy. It seemed as though its inhabiting planets were going to have a white winter this year. That would be good news for the citizens of Bedlama, for the Limbo Solstice was just around the corner. It was a holiday very similar to the Earth holiday of Christmas, and it was on the same day, too. Which was probably why Chatterbox was spending the day singing Christmas carols, driving everyone crazy with his singing.

"Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la la la la! 'Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la la!"

"Chatterbox, if I hear one more word out of you, I'm installing a mute button on you!" Sapphire shouted.

"Can you relax, chica?" Chatterbox asked. "It's Christmas Eve! Or, should I say Solstice Eve?"

"You know I don't celebrate human holidays. It's a downfall on being raised by Mykari; not that I don't mind."

"I told you about Christmas, right?"

"About a gazillion times."

"Almost everybody is getting ready for holiday leave on Earth."

"Stargazer, Condor, the Kidd and the Twins aren't going."

"The Kidd celebrates something else, Stargazer and Condor have no family and the Twins are Jewish."

"Jewish? Is that some sort of species?"

"It's a religion, Seska. Jewish people celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. They light up these candles every day for eight days straight. I don't know the story behind it, though."

"No wonder other species consider humans complex. They're so diverse, you'd think Earth was a colony planet."

"You, mira, have a lot to learn about being human." The pair turned to see Quicksilver, Bluegrass, Hotwing and Moonstryker stuffing their bags into Seymour's cab.

"Are you sure everything will be okay here?" Quicksilver asked Steelheart.

"Relax, Lieutenant." Steelheart replied. "Nothing is going to happen at this time of the year. Now, get going!" The departing 'Hawks then boarded Seymour's cab and headed for the spaceport, and their awaiting families.

"Are you certain nothing will happen while they're gone?" Sapphire asked.

"Sapphire, no one is going to try anything on Solstice Eve." Chatterbox reassured her. "If anything, the Mob might be planning their own party."

"Speaking of parties, Chatterbox." Steelheart said. "Weren't you helping out with the Bedlama military's annual Solstice party?"

" Cariumba! I forgot! Oh, man, I am sooo dead!!" Chatterbox then proceeded to quickly fly to Bedlama's surface.

"Everyone seems to make a big deal out of the winter holidays." Sapphire commented.

"Well, things do get kind of crazy at this time of year," Steelheart explained. "But nothing serious. Even the Mob takes some time off for the holidays."


Meanwhile, at Brim Star, the Mob were busy with their own plans. The entire fortress was loaded with decorations for a huge Solstice party. Everyone was in the holiday spirit, except for one robot who definitely would've put Scrooge to shame.

"Solstice tidings, Solstice presents. All a bunch of crap!" Poker Face mumbled as the other Mobsters were setting everything up. Jester and Dragor put up the mistletoes, Astrala was developing the stockings with most of the other Mobsters and Glycerin was in a heated argument with Hardware (again).

"If I told you vonce, I've told you a million times!" The scientist snapped. "Stay avay from my eggnog!"

"Eh, you wouldn't know good drinks if it bit you in the butt!" Hardware shouted back.

"Oh, this from a troll who couldn't figure out a few basic instructions on producing narcotics!"

"Watch it..."

"Mellow out, Hardware!" Buzz Saw said. "It's Solstice Eve! Can't you two give it a rest for one day?"

"NO!" They replied.

"Nice to know they agree on something." Windhammer commented.

"This is such a waste of time!" Poker Face complained. "All this Solstice stuff is bad for business!"

"Pokey, give it a rest!" Jester said. "You bring this up every year; we celebrate Solstice, and you go bitchin' about lack of profits!"

"And what would you know about profits, Jester?" Poker Face sneered. "You waste a lot of yours on useless materials!"

"And a bah humbug to you, too." Poker Face just snorted and stormed out of the fortress.


"Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh! O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way--hahaha!" Chatterbox sang. "Bells on whatever rings, making spirits bright! Oh what fun it is to rise and sing a sleighing song today! Oh... Jingle bells, jingle bells! Jingle all the way! Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells! Jingle all the way--"

"Shut up now before I tape your beak shut." one of the soldiers mocked. Chatterbox glared at the comment.

"Well, excuse me for keeping tradition alive!"

"Hey, birdbrain!" another soldier called. "Where's that stuff you said you were going to bring?"

"You mean my special eggnog? Oy, I have to make it! I'll be in the mess hall!"

"This doesn't involve any baking, does it? The last time you used the oven, the base nearly blow up."

"It's only a drink. I have the ingredients all set; I just have to mix them."

"All right..."

Chatterbox quickly flew off to the mess hall and gathered the eggnog ingredients he left there earlier. After preparing a few utensils, it was eggnog time.

"Alright," Chatterbox said as he cracked and separated a few eggs. "Mix the yolks and the sugar together." He did so until they were completely mixed. "Excellent! Now, for some very delicate procedures. A little sirdura, a few drops of gitu from My'Ka...perfect!" In a matter of minutes, the eggnog was ready. Chatterbox was about to add the whipped cream when..."Okay! Who took the cinnamon!?"


Meanwhile, Sapphire was on monitor duty when SteelHeart came to check up on her. "How's the Commander?" Sapphire asked.

"Not so hot." 'Heart replied. "That bug that's been going around Limbo seems to have a bigger impact on Stargazer than anything. Probably because of the species difference."

"Well, that cargo ship carrying the medicine we need hasn't arrived yet. Will...will he be okay?"

"Don't worry. The Commander's been through too much to have himself brought down by some disease."

"I hope so."

"Seska, may I ask a personal question?"

"Go ahead."

"Why haven't you taken any holiday leave like the others? I know you have family somewhere."

"Only my adoptive parents, and they're Mykari. We have no holidays during the winter."

"No?"

"We celebrate the Equinox, which takes place twice a year; Spring and Autumn. Both of them are very different and celebrate the sun's balancing of My'Ka's three moons. They say the Vernal Equinox is when the Goddess is at the peak of Her power and the Autumnal Equinox is when they are the weakest. Either way, the Goddess is law and demands respect."

"Leo said something about that."

"What about you and Will? Chats tells me you two celebrate...Chakunah because of your religion?"

"It's Chanukah, Ses."

"What's the story behind that?"

"Well, it all started in ancient times. Some humans despised each other because of their beliefs. One of them, the Romans, conquered the Jewish people, but they eventually fought back and won. But even though the Jews took back their land, the Romans did a lot of damage. The worst they did was defile the Jewish temple. Well, the Jews managed to restore their temple, but they had enough oil for one day. The oil was used for special ceremonies and it took a week to get more."

"What's the point of all of this?"

"Anyways, when the oil was lit, a miracle happened. The oil stayed lit for eight days, more than enough time for more oil to be gathered. Since then, Jews from all over the universe celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, in honor of this miracle."

"That's amazing, Sarge."

"Well, not exactly the Equinox, but..." Suddenly, laser blasts were heard. Sapphire checked the monitors.

"It's the cargo ship!" she shouted. "And it's being attacked!"

"Mon*Star." Heart stated as she saw the attacker on the monitor. "And I thought the Mob would give us a break for one day. Come on!"

"I'm right with you!"


Mon*Star wanted his own Solstice present; the death of Commander Stargazer. He had attacked the cargo ship and deep-spaced the two Coquat that were driving it. After some severe wreckage, Mon*Star lifted up a small vial with some liquid. Suddenly, Mon*Star found himself attacked by the Sprinthawk and Road Nova.

"He's got the medicine!" SteelHeart shouted.

"Don't worry." Sapphire replied. "We'll get it back!"

"Hehe.." Mon*Star laughed. "Two lady Hawks come to give me my present."

"You'll be begging to give it back when we're through, yungar!" Sapphire snapped as she let loose a laser blast which barely missed Mon*Star.

"Sapphire, be careful!" 'Heart cried. "We need that medicine."

"Noted." Sapphire gave a charge towards Skyrunner, but the squid had managed to get her in his tentacles. Sapphire vainly tried to wriggle out. "I really didn't want to do this, but I have no choice!" She let loose some dark energy on Skyrunner which not only caused him to let go of her, but his armor had begun to buckle and he tossed Mon*Star off, who still clutched the vial. "Give it up, Planet Bastard."

"Is this what you want, rookie?" Mon*Star mocked, holding the vial. "Then go fetch!" He then crushed the vial and let the remains float into space before finally retreating. "Happy Solstice, SilverHawks!"

"NO!" Sapphire shouted. "The medicine!"

"SteelHeart to Sapphire, what's your status?"

"Mission failed. We've lost the vial."

When the two Hawks got back, more bad news was presented to them.

"The bug in Stargazer's gotten worse." Will explained. "It's spreading to all of his systems. The cybernetics are delaying it, but it's only a matter of time..."

"We lost the medicine." Sapphire said. "And it's all my fault."

"Seska, don't blame yourself for this." 'Heart argued.

"If I had tried harder, Mon*Star would've never been able to destroy the one thing that could save Commander Stargazer."

"Will, any chance on getting more medicine?" 'Heart asked.

"There's no more medicine that can be delivered. Not for that bug, at least. Unless someone's got a spare vial of medicine, I'm afraid it doesn't look good. He might have at least a few months, tops."

"This has got to be the worst Solstice in Limbo history." Sapphire said. "We should inform the others."

"No." 'Heart said. "No reason to ruin their holidays."

"But--"

"That's an order, Corporal."

"Yes, Sergeant."


Meanwhile, Poker Face had taken a cab back to the Starship Casino. After paying the fare and a grunt, Pokey started to walk in, grumbling about Solstice as usual. An eerie whistle was heard all through the casino. Probably just the wind, Pokey thought as he stepped into his office. But little did he know that this was one Solstice he was never going to forget.

"Having a good Solstice Eve?" a voice said. Poker Face looked around. His chair was facing the back wall and began to turn. Pokey felt some relief when he saw a familiar face.

"RJ, how many times have I told you not to sneak up on me like that?!" Pokey snapped.

"Nice to see you, too." Yesman replied. "Anyways, I'm here on a business trip."

"Oh, really?"

"Mon*Star sent me to get his 'Solstice bonus' and I have some time to spare. We need to talk."

"Yes, we do. But, as you can see, things have just gotten rather complicated."

"The MATI. They're the least of our worries. For now. We still need to get a chance to strike."

"You're still working on that revenge plot of yours?"

"Yep. The longer we wait, the slimmer our chances. But one of those SilverHawks may be the key."

"Which one?"

"That rookie. I sent a special Sky Shadow to spy on the MATI. I overheard Lady Tifa talk about Sapphire. Turns out that rookie isn't all she's cracked up to be."

"A mutant?"

"Possibly. She says the 'Hawk disappeared into thin air. Teleportation, maybe. But I'm not sure."

"That reminds me. RJ, before the meeting with the MATI started, I heard something rather interesting. She's alive."

"What?"

"Jadine. She's still alive, but no one knows where."

"You sure about this?"

"Positive."

"I knew it. I knew she was a survivor like her mother."

"Yeah...like her mother."

"It's been...what? Over twenty years since she died?"

"Twenty-six. And about thirty since her father died."

"I have to go, Pokey." Yesman said as he took a big bag of Limbo bucks. "Mon*Star'll get suspicious if I take too long."

"I understand." Poker Face replied as Yesman slinked out of the office. As soon as he left, Poker Face shook his head of long-suppressed memories and went to recharge his batteries.


"Poker Face...Poker Face..."

"Who's there?" Pokey asked. Whatever was making the noise had woke him up. Pokey looked around. Nothing.

"Poker Face...Poker Face...Poker Face..."

"Show yourself!" Silence. Poker Face felt a bit relieved, until he turned around and saw a ghastly figure staring back at him. "AH!"

"Pokey, what's the matter with you?" the figure asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost. Then again, you have seen a ghost. Me."

"Who...who are you?" Pokey asked.

"Oh, ya push up daisies for a few decades and you're instantly forgotten. Oy, what a world! Don't you recognize me?"

"Not really..."

"This is going to be harder than I thought. Well, before a certain Mob boss took me out--and I don't mean to dinner, mind you--I used to own the Starship Casino alongside you."

Poker Face examined the figure. "Jake?" he pondered. "Jake Malari? It can't be! You're--"

"As a doornail. Thanks to that miserable Planet Master. It's bad enough he threatened to take my life, but to use me against my own daughter and double-cross her...oh, you have no idea how much I've suffered."

"Watching Lina tortured like she was must've been painful."

"Indeed. But I have some peace knowing that my granddaughter didn't suffer the same fate. Poor child, what a childhood she had. And you know what caused all that? We did, Pokey."

"We? It was your idea to move the Casino outside the Limit, or have you forgotten? I know things were tough, Jake, but.."

"Don't you think I know that?! But I was a fool! All I cared about was making a profit and what did it cost me? Only my family, the only valuable possession I had left."

"A decent profit, Jake. Times were hard in Limbo and we moved the Casino outside the Lightyear Limit to avoid the heavy taxes. You wanted Lina to have a future."

"And thanks to me, she had no future. As punishment, I'm stuck in a flux, my spirit wandering the galaxy forever! Watching my family tortured beyond human means. You don't know what that's like, watching your daughter and her daughter become pawns and punching bags most of their lives."

"Sorry to hear about your troubles, old friend, but why bother me about it?"

"Do you remember that old Earth Christmas story I used to read Lina every Solstice Eve?"

"I think so...it was called 'Christmas Carl', I believe."

"'A Christmas Carol', Pokey. About the miser who learned the true meaning of the holidays thanks to three spirits. Well, partner, this is exactly like that story. You're going to be visited by three colleagues of mine from the spirit world. Pay attention to every detail of their visits. Learn the lessons well, or you'll suffer a fate even worse than mine." With that, the ghost disappeared.

Poker Face abruptly got up. While robots usually don't dream, this was the weirdest experience he ever had. "I got to take a day off." Poker Face thought. But then, he heard a sound. Feeling quite groggy now, Pokey decided to investigate.

"Well, well, well! If it isn't the robotic Scrooge!" a high voice shrilled. Poker Face turned around to see a godly woman in a green dress. "I have to admit, Jake sure did have some weird partners in his life."

"Uh..." Poker Face started. "Who are you?"

"Do you need your memory chips scanned or something?! I'm the Ghost of Solstice Past!" No response. "One of the colleagues sent to guide you? Honestly, how in the universe do you ever survive with that memory of yours?"

"Are you going to criticize my memory abilities all night or what?"

"You're right. So much to do, so little time to do it! Straight to business!" A flash of light filled the room. Poker Face looked around. They were in a scrap yard. "Recognize this place?" the spirit asked.

"I can't say that I have..." Poker Face replied.

"Either you're seriously absent-minded or something happened to your circuits when Mon*Star did that memory wipe on you. Look closely." Poker Face did so, and not even his trademark shades could hide the shock on his face.

"By the gods...this was the Robot's Graveyard, right before it got turned into rubble."

"Amazing. You do have a decent memory. Yep, this was the old Robot's Graveyard, where obsolete 'bots got turned to scrap."

"How could I forget? Not one of those robots that went in ever came out."

"Except one. Let's see, an outdated banking droid was sent to the Graveyard one Solstice and was about to be turned to crap when..." The scene the spirit described began to play itself out. A tall male began to shove a busted droid into the crusher when a young blonde girl stopped him. "Oooh, blonde human female. I wonder if them being airheads is true."

Please, Daddy! Don't scrap this one!

Ya sure, Abigail?

Positive! I wanna fix it up and use as a playmate! Maybe I can even teach it some card games Please?

Well, it is Solstice Eve. Tell ya what, you keep this here bucket of bolts and see what you can make outta this. I always say one man's trash is another man's treasure!

You're the best, Dad!

Poker Face could only stare at the girl as she finally convinced the man to let her have the droid for herself. "Abby." he said. "I remember. That droid--the one that was about to be scrapped--it was me."

"I've heard of humble beginnings, but this is ridiculous."

"Abby saved me from the crusher that day and reprogrammed me. She really was a bright one. Taught me everything I knew about gambling. Eventually, we became friends, close friends, and I went with her when she married Jake and I stayed when..." Poker Face tried to block the memory to no avail. "she died, giving birth to Lina."

"Hmm, sad story."

"My gambling knowledge allowed me to help Jake open the Casino. We became partners. I even helped him with Lina."

"Speaking of which..." Another flash of light shone and Poker Face found himself at the Casino. "I know you hate Solstice now, but there were times you enjoyed the holiday."

"I remember this. Jake used to throw these Solstice parties every year to attract customers and celebrate at the same time. Lina would sing old Christmas carols to help out. There were happy times." Poker Face grinned as the shadows of a past Solstice played out for him.


All right, my friends, it's time for some entertainment. Poker Face watched as his younger self heard the announcement and stared at the stage. Both he and the Solstice spirit watched as a young girl with long green hair began singing a Christmas carol.

"I don't believe this!" the spirit cried. "You fell in love with your own ward, didn't you?!"

"Shut up." Pokey replied.

"You spent years and years watching little Lina grow up, then lust for her the instant she hits puberty. What is she in this time, fourteen? Fifteen?"

"Sixteen. She was sixteen. And, yes, I did grow fond of her...to a romantic point. She never even knew."

"'Cause of Mon*Star?" Pokey nodded, then looked in shock as he realized the past was playing out one particular Solstice.

"Of all the Solstices you had to pick--" he started before the images swirled. The two found themselves in a furnished office. Poker Face saw himself and Jake talking.

What in the galaxy--Jake, this is crazy!

It may be crazy, Pokey, but it's the only way.

Moving the Casino outside the Light Year Limit is like handing the deed to the Casino to Mon*Star himself!

We got no choice, Pokey. These taxes are eating up our profits. I want to be able to give Lina a future. Can't do that with the miserable crumbs we've been makin'. We need some serious dough. Outside the Limit, we'll be away from the law, and those taxes.

Outside the Limit, we'll be vulnerable to the Mob!

I ain't makin' any decisions yet. Right now, I'm just thinkin'. We're partners in this, Poke; I want your decision before we try somethin' serious. Abby trusted you, Poke, and so do I.

"We moved the Casino outside the Limit months later." Poker Face recalled. "It was weeks afterward that trouble started. Blast it, Jake, it was your idea that got us into this mess!" The spirit began to laugh. "What's so funny?!" Pokey asked as the images began to swirl. This time, Pokey saw his younger self with a sturdy snake-creature.

"Ooh!" the spirit swooned. "What a piece of beef! Oh, snakes may be cold-blooded, but this one's makin' me boil!"

"That's RJ." Poker Face said. "At least, it's him before..."

"A Mobster in the Casino?! Oh, how risky, considering it was still in Legitimate Space!"

"RJ was a regular in the Casino. He'd come by, watch the show, gamble a few Limbo bucks. Never brought any trouble. Hell, he even gave some valuable information regarding the Mob."

"Like tonight?" A conversation took place.

I don't know, RJ. Moving the Casino outside the Light Year Limit is really a big chance.

But you'd be makin' a whole lotta Limbo bucks instead of wasting them on what those miserable politicians call taxes.

True...but what about the Mob? I can't take the chance of them trying something on the Casino.

Speakin' of the Mob, there's somethin' I've been meanin' to tell you, Pokey.

What is it?

It was three hundred years ago, but someone's actually been able to cream Mon*Star.

What?? Was Mon*Star...

If he was, why do you think I'm still a lackey? Unfortunately, the only thing Mon*Star lost that day was his eye, and he has a new fashion statement thanks to that loss. I think you're familiar with that eyepatch of his.

RJ, you're pulling my leg!

I swear to all the patron gods of this galaxy, it's true! I was there.

Details! Now!

All right, but don't spread this about. Mon*Star's pride is still smartin' from that little...scuffle, and he's got some mind control ability that resulted from a combo of the Moonstar and his cybernetic eye. Hello! What do you think made the Lightstar in the first place?

Wonderful.

Anyways, we were on Bedlama lookin' for new recruits when we catch a glimpse of this kid from the military academy. Looked to be a first year at best, and a full-blooded Hash'a'Glith, too.

A tenderfoot beat Mon*Star? And it's a pure Hash'a'Glith? Sure it wasn't some kind of hybrid or something?

Nope. Full Hash'a'Glith. Yea, I know they're supposed to be peaceful, but this one looked like a fighter. From the way he fought, he was anything but a tenderfoot. Well, Mon*Star decides to invite him into the Mob with promises of wealth and power, and you know what that punk does?

Umm, tells Mon*Star he'll think it over and runs away?

No way! Turns him down. Flat. Actually said 'no' to the Planet Master. Now I'm thinkin' either this kid lacks brains or has a lot of guts. Well, I ask if I could take care of the kid, but Mon*Star makes me back off, then spits out a death threat. Kid doesn't back down one bit. Well, I back away while Mon*Star proceeds to teach that punk a few manners. It was a tough fight, but somehow that kid lucked out, grabs Mon*Star's weapon and uses it to stab 'im, right in the eye! Well, they're both breathin' hard and blood's spittin' out of Mon*Star's head, so I drag the poor Planet Loser to Brim Star, and he's vowin' revenge and everything! He's still a little sensitive to that dilemma, so I didn't say anything!

You have my word. So...Mon*Star got his ass whipped. Interesting. Maybe we will move outside the Limit. Mon*Star can't be all that tough if some kid punk was able to beat him.

"Oh, gods..." Poker Face shook his head as he saw the events play out.

"Moving the Casino may have been Jake's idea," the spirit nagged. "But you were the one who really pushed it along."

"I risked too much. Pushed my luck. I really thought we could make it outside the Limit. Man, what I wouldn't give to strangle the punk RJ told me about."

"You'd have a lot of trouble doing that, especially since you know him."

"I do?"

"Umm, yep. I believe your last encounter with the man was a couple of years ago, shortly after the SilverHawks arrived. You were in a jail on Bedlama, just waiting to be escorted to the Penal Planet. You make a last ditch effort to escape by trying to buy your way out, and I believe that so-called punk's exact words in reply was, 'Attempted bribery; I'm adding that to the charges.' Sound familiar?"

"Oh, no..."

"Oh, yeah. The one Bedlamian who's even more annoying than the Governor. Honestly, Pokey, why did you think Mon*Star hated his guts almost as much as the SilverHawks? But then again..."

"Show me no more, spirit. Take me home right now!"

"Not yet! There's one more Solstice of the past we have to see." The images swirled yet again, and Poker Face didn't dare look until they reached their destination.


"Where are we now, spirit?" Pokey asked. He soon found himself in a simple structure; it seemed to look like a home, but barely.

"My time grows short, Poker Face." the spirit said solemnly. "So pay very close attention here."

"I still don't understand what this place has to do with me..."

"You'll see." At that moment, two female figures, whom Pokey immediately recognized, walked into the room.

"Lina." Pokey whispered. "And Jadine."

"Just before the Mob's big escape."

Happy Solstice, Mom.

Oh, Jade, honey, I wish it were a happy Solstice. The one where I can get you at least one decent present.

But it is, Mom. We're all together; that's enough present for me.

You're such a good soul, baby. It's obvious you take after me, thank the gods.

Mom, I know Dad--I mean, Mon*Star hasn't been the best person in the galaxy, but still--

I don't want to hear another word about Mon*Star! It's because of him we're livin' the way we are! Runnin' from the law and such! I couldn't even put you in a real school in fear the foster homes'll take you from me. You're the one good thing that bastard's ever given me.

Mom, don't cry. I'm almost eighteen; a legal adult. After that age, the homes can't touch me. I'll go for my GED, work hard and get ourselves a nice living.

You know I can't show my face in that society. As Melodia, I did such awful things.

You were forced to do those things; surely, they'll see that.

All they'll see is Mon*Star's pet whore. But you make yourself a good future, hon. That's all I ask of you.

It's only a good future if you're in it.

"They were so happy..."

"Yea, until Lina learned Mon*Star double-crossed her in the first place. She was heart-broken, but what really pushed her over the edge was learning of Mon*Star's escape two years later. Rather than risk more pain and humiliation, that poor child stabbed herself with a kitchen knife. Her daughter walked in that moment and was devastated. After burying Lina, Jade saw no reason to pursue her dreams and hoped to have some sort of reconciliation with her sire, so she took up the family business. The rest you know."

"It was because of me Lina suffered. My greed led to this..."

"Fortunately for Jade, she saw a chance to redeem herself; the moment she betrayed the Mob for a little girl's innocent childhood. You heard about that, right?"

"The beginning of the Mob's alliance with the MATI...oh, spirit, why do you delight in torturing me so?!"

"All of this is not my doing; they are simply the shadows that have been. If anyone is to be faulted for their design, it is you." The images swirled once again.

"No....no, spirit, come back! Come--What?!" Poker Face found himself in the Casino, rocking on the floor. "Just a dream. It was all just a dream."

"I'd hate to break it to you, Pokey." a stout voice called. The android turned to see a giant robed creature standing in the center of the office. "But I don't think robots dream. Even with AI."

"Oh, no. Not another one..."

"Ghost of Solstice Present, at your service."

"Fine, fine. Show me what you have to show me and get it over with."

"Wow. You really are a Scrooge. Come on, Hokey Pokey. Show some Solstice cheer."

"I'll do no such thing! And don't you dare call me that!"

"But everyone is in such good cheer! Come on!" The spirit scooped Poker Face up and they flew all across Limbo. "Let's start with your fellow colleagues. Even the Mob has some holiday spirit. Pardon the expression."

"Jolly." Poker Face kept a sour puss all the way to Brim Star.

"It's Solstice Day, my friend!" the spirit cheered. "See how your comrades are celebrating."

"Gee, real swell." Pokey sneered. He then noticed Hardware leaving the party taking place. "Where's he going?"

"Come on. I want to show you something about your little mutant buddy." The two specters followed Hardware to his personal quarters, where he made a direct call.

"Hello?" an elderly weasel-like female answered. Poker Face could hear shouts of joy and laughter in the background.

"Hey, Aggie." Hardware said. "Happy Solstice."

"Mack! What in the galaxy are you doin', callin' like this? You know you shouldn't be contacting the homeworld during your exile."

"Eh, those lousy enforcers couldn't even find their own noses, let alone a pirate signal."

"I still think you're takin' a big risk."

"It's worth it if you tell me that shipment I sent got in."

"The toys reached us just fine, Mack. The kids are so pleased to be getting something this Solstice."

"I know I can't do as much as I used to, but I sure as hell try my best."

"Of course you do."

"How's that boy of yours?"

"I haven't heard from Weasel since he left Plunn-Dar. He got an emergency call from Rakuna and took off for Third Earth. Gods know what kind of trouble they're in."

"They'll be fine, Aggie. You know Rakuna wouldn't do anything to hurt Weasel; they're like brothers."

"Still, I can't help but worry."

"Have you heard from Stalker?"

"Stalker? That hybrid you took up before...no, I'm sorry."

"Well...you'll let me know if you hear anything, right?"

"I most certainly will try."

"Thanks, Aggie. You're the best." Poker Face and the spirit left the room, the android confused about the turn of events.

"What was that all about?" he asked the spirit.

"Mack Hautagar, better known to you as Hardware, was exiled from his homeworld of Plunn-Dar for raising illegits."

"Illegits?"

"Bastard children. Plunn-Darian government is strict on two-parent families. Mack would search the streets for unwanted kids, take them in and raise them as his own. Once they're old enough, they would find work on other worlds to avoid being touched by their law."

"I didn't know Hardware was such a sucker for children."

"There were two specific wards he worried about since the enforcers caught him. One was an illegit named Rakuna with an attitude and smarts that made you swear he was Mack's protégé. The other was a mutant-Thunderian hybrid called Stalker. That one was orphaned in a terrible massacare. Most of the homes would usually get the orphans they claimed to take care of and use them for either government experiments or secret soldiers. The more fortunate orphans were on the streets as criminals. That woman you saw was one of the few decent mutants who ran a proper orphanage. Mon*Star doesn't know about Hardware's past; that would've given the poor troll away. It's a long story, and we have much more to see."


The Solstice spirit then took Poker Face to Earth. Pokey soon found himself in a ranch-like home with lots of humans. "And what does this have to do with me?" he asked the spirit.

"Oh, I just thought you'd like to see how families on Earth celebrate Christmas, a holiday similar to Solstice."

"I know what Christmas is! Anyways, this par--" Pokey was cut off as he saw a young woman with green hair. She was smiling and hanging on to one of the young men. "Jadine?"

"Surprise! As you can see, she's alive and well, and--the best part--she has a boyfriend who brought her home with him for the holidays."

"Boyfriend? I don't suppose I know this gentleman, do I?"

"Oh, you do. He's right there next to Jade." Poker Face took a good look at the male. He had huge brown eyes and a cowboy hat on. He pulled out a mistletoe and kissed his sweetheart, taking his hat off as he did so, which revealed the mohawk. It took a few minutes for Pokey to recognize him.

"Oh, gods! Tell me that's not who I think it is! It can't be...him! Can it?"

"If you've guessed Colonel James Holsten, aka Bluegrass, then you're absolutely correct!"

"Of all the males in the universe, she had to chose that Cowboy!"

"That Cowboy was the catalyst that got her out of the Mob in the first place; he also treated her a heck of a lot better than Mon*Star ever did. Besides, would you rather she end up with either Zero or Windhammer?"

"You have a point there. Ah, well, at least she's happy."

"A lot happier than the rest of the 'Hawks this year."

"What do you mean?"

"I may as well show you..."


Poker Face later found himself on Hawk Haven, where he noticed the small group of 'Hawks that haven't left for the holidays moping. "And they say I'm a Scrooge." Pokey thought. "Whatever that means." He turned to the spirit. "Spirit, what is wrong with these birds?"

"They mourn for their Commander, who has taken ill with a local bug." the spirit explained. "They were supposed to receive medicine, but Mon*Star slagged the delivery."

"Oh..." Pokey didn't care much for the Commander, but he knew how bad Limbo diseases affected humans and couldn't help but feel just a little bit sorry.

"Why?" SteelHeart asked. "Why did this have to happen, of all times?"

"I told Gaze not to skip his physical." Condor said. "But he wouldn't listen. Stubborn old goat that he is."

"Yeah," Will replied. "Sapphire, where's Chatterbox?"

"Volunteering for some benefit party at a temple down on Bedlama." she answered. "He wouldn't give any details, though. He doesn't know; figure I let him enjoy the holidays."

"That's good." 'Heart said. "Will, are you sure we can't get anymore medicine?"

"I checked, but the only medicine for that bug isn't toned to the Commander's genetic make-up." he replied. "I'm afraid by the time the next shipment comes, it'll be too late."

"By the gods...." Sapphire started. Poker Face looked towards the spirit.

"What?" the spirit asked. "You wanted Stargazer gone, didn't you?"

"Not like that." the droid answered. "I mean, I know that old rust bucket can be a pain in the circuit, but he was a shrewd old man."

"Oh, so you do care about what happens!"

"Absolutely not! It's just that he...well, he sorta reminds me of what Jake would've been like if..."

"I get the picture."

"Spirit, I'm only asking this out of curiosity, but...will the Old Man make it?"

"I see an antique office and an empty chair; a distraught TallyHawk perched above the desk staring into space. If these shadows remain unchanged by the future, I'm afraid Mon*Star will truly have his Solstice wish."

"No..." Suddenly, it all went black. Poker Face had no idea what was happening, but he could tell it wasn't good. He then saw a ghostly, hooded figure stand before him. "You're the Ghost of Solstice Future, aren't you?" Pokey asked. The spirit nodded. "Well, then, show me what lesson you have to teach me."


Poker Face found himself on Fence. The air around the small asteroid seemed darker than usual. "What could I possibly learn from this guy?" he thought as he glanced towards the dreary spirit. They walked to the Sini Star Diner, where the normal patrons were sitting around a bunch of gold laughing and such.

Look at all of this dough! I think there must've been billions of Limbo bucks he kept!

Yea! Hey, when we're done counting this money, let's go back and get some more!

Why the hell not? It's not like he's around to stop us!

All three of them laughed at that.

"Spirit, of whom do these individuals speak of?" Pokey asked. The spirit simply walked on. Poker Face followed it only to appear on Brim Star. The entire planet was deserted, as if no one had been around for years. There was dried blood all over the throne room. "Spirit, what's happened?" Pokey asked. "Why is Brim Star like this?" The spirit pointed to the monitors, which instantly came on. It showed a final confrontation between Quicksilver and Mon*Star. The two killed each other instantly, after most of the Mob became slaughtered. Poker Face wondered if there were any survivors. The spirit took him back to Fense, where they saw Dragor running wild.

"I never did like the bastard." Dray said to himself, counting his stolen goods. "But he did allow me to become Intergalactic Enemy No. 1! And I thank him for that. Now, everyone fears me as they once did Mon*Star!!"

"Whoever caused this turn of events must've been an idiot." Poker Face said. The next thing he knew, he was on Android Morte. "Now do I get to meet the unfortunate sap who caused Dragor to rise into criminal power?" The spirit pointed to two gravestones. In front of them were Sapphire and Chatterbox.

"Ten years today, chica." Chatterbox mumbled. "I still can't believe it."

"Believe it." Sapphire said. "It was Solstice day that Stargazer died of that disease, and the next Solstice, Quick went on a suicidal killing spree. He took down most of the Mob, Mon*Star and himself. Any survivors joined Dragor's new gang, and it was all because of that dumb lackey of Mon*Star's."

"Seska, you know it's too late to change that."

"He had what Stargazer needed to survive, and he never gave it up. Then again, what did we expect, a Mobster helping the SilverHawks? Still, he was the first one Quicksilver destroyed."

"I know. Let's go; who knows what Dragor's up to now."

"Yea, you're right." Chatts and Sapphire left. Poker Face examined the graves.

"No..." Pokey whispered. "Not Stargazer!" The spirit pointed to a third grave, one that was distant from the others and completely dusted. "Spirit, is that the grave of the Mobster who caused all of this?" The spirit nodded. "How terrible, to be buried all alone, with no visitors." Poker Face walked towards the grave, and what he saw terrified him.



Here Lies Poker Face


The Android Mobster


The Limbo Scrooge


He Hated Solstice And All Holidays


Thus This Is His Fate


"NO!!!!" It was then that Poker Face realized the lesson; if he didn't change his ways about Solstice, this future would erupt. "Spirit, I am not the robot I once was!" he cried. "Is there no way that I can prevent this from all happening?! I'll do anything to stop this, I'll celebrate Solstice every single day every single year! Please don't let this be my fate! PLEASE!!!

"PLEASE TELL ME THIS ISN'T MEANT TO BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Poker Face opened his eyes, and saw that he was back at the Casino. He started to walk out, seeing that nothing has changed, nothing at all. "Was it all a dream?" he thought. "No, it couldn't be!" He then saw Zeek, riding around in his Limo. "Hey!"

"What?" Zeek called.

"Do you know what day it is?!"

"Silly robot. It's Solstice Day. Zeek, are you okay, Poker Face?"

"I'm just fine, Zeek. Just fine." The spirits did it all in one day! Poker Face rushed back to his office, gathered several possessions and packaged them all nice and neat. He then threw the package at Zeek, who barely caught it. "Make sure all of that stuff gets to Hawk Haven!" he directed. "And, Zeek."

"Yes?"

"Happy, Happy Solstice!" Zeek sped off after hearing that, wondering when was the last time Poker Face had gotten a tune-up.


Meanwhile, at Hawk Haven, the remaining SilverHawks gathered round their ill-stricken Commander when the COM rang. Sapphire immediately answered it.

"Happy Solstice, SilverHawks!" Zeek called from the other end. "I have a present for you!"

"Hold on, Zeek!" Sapphire raced to the hanger, where Zeek landed. He handed her the package, which she brought before the other SilverHawks and opened it. Inside were some papers and the medicine that they had desperately needed. SteelWill didn't hesitate to give Stargazer the medicine. In a matter of hours, he was greatly improving. As soon as he was well enough, Stargazer asked SteelHeart to hand him the rest of the package. He examined the contents.

"I don't believe it!" he finally said after several moments. "This is the deed to the Starship Casino and the last will and testament of Jake Malari!"

"Who, sir?" Sapphire asked.

"The last owner of the Casino, before Mon*Star took it over. Says here if anything happens to him, it's to go to his daughter, or next of kin. And the only family that Jake had left was...ah, nevermind. Where's Zeek?"

"I'll go fetch him." Sapphire said. She returned with him a few minutes later.

"Zeek," Stargazer started. "Where in Limbo did you get all of this stuff?" Zeek explained what had went on between him and Poker Face. None of the SilverHawks couldn't believe this, but Stargazer knew everything that had been sent was legit and genuine.

"Looks like someone regained the Solstice spirit." Condor remarked.

"Zeek, you are not to tell anyone what just happened, and I mean ANYONE. Got that?"

"Zeek, I got it!" Zeek said.

Meanwhile, in the distance of the galaxy, a lone robot looks upon the stars and prays for the safety of his loved ones. He starts to sing an old Christmas song that he learned oh so long ago.

Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
Peace on Earth and mercy while
God and sinners reconcile.

Joyful all ye nations rise!
Join the triumph of the skies!
With angelic host proclaim,
Christ is born in Bethelhem!

Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn king!

"Happy Solstice, Jadine." Poker Face said silently. Thus Limbo became peaceful for the holidays.

-fin


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