What a wonderful night. No new inductees, no cleaning or repairs, nobody too unruly (ahem. BabySub? Well...). Got to do the fancy cooking I enjoy, and the ladies offered to clean up and put away. An after-dinner Chambord, some beautiful music, and so to bed.

The ladies have all gone to bed, and I just have to set the alarms and off to a long winter's rest. There's the setting, lights down to nightlight level, and so to sleep. Aah, a hard mattress and a soft pillow. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

HUH? What the hell is that noise? If BabySub is raising hell at... 2:45 AM?? she won't sit for a week. Out in the main room. Just grab the flash light...

Who the hell are you, and how'd you get in here?

"Merry Christmas, Sir Chksng."

Ummm. Right. Santa?? C'mon, Mobius. Take off the fake beard and padding. I'm *really* not happy to be woken this time of night... and I HATE practical jokes. I..... umm.... you're not Mobius, are you.

"Certainly not. Mobius is far away visiting family. Don't you recognize me?"

(Holy Scrooge!) Ghost of Christmas Present, right?

"You have a sharp sense of humor, Sir Chksng, just as you did as a child. I remember your letters well."

Santa? Right. Who are you really?

"Oh, it's me all right. Been a few years since I've heard from you, but I haven't forgotten you or your lovely friends here tonight. I do apologize for waking you, but I tripped over a few of these interesting devices."

Sure. Ah, that's ok. Don't worry about it. I thought you specialized in kids?

"Well, you have all been good, and have entertained a lot of readers with your little stories. So I've stopped by to drop off some little gifts to express the appreciation of Mrs. Claus and me, and quite a few elves, who get pleasure from reading your stories. (Mrs. Claus especially.... as Santa comes but once a year, and she wants to make the best of it!). You'll find the goodies under the tree in the morning. Now get back to bed or you'll only get a lump of coal!"

Good night, Santa. And thanks! Er, no cookies, sorry. Care for a slice of fresh baked pie?