When I enter the banquet hall, I find the place unusually quiet.
The T-Dolls are standing in front of the long tables like they've been waiting for me.

Commander Why are you all just standing there? Feel free to dig in.

Springfield We're near the end of exchanging presents, Commander.
Everyone has received something... Now it's your turn.
Please accept this Christmas present carefully prepared by all of us.

The T-Dolls part into two sides, making way for a large box half a person's height being wheeled out to me. It's even wrapped with a rainbow-colored ribbon.

Commander What are you giving me...
I-Isn't this a bit too big?

Springfield Just open it.

Commander Okay.
Anyone got scissors?

I cut the ribbon and am just about to open the lid when I hear a faint rustle coming from the box.

Suddenly a force from within pushes the lid clean off. I dart back in reflex. The lid whizzes just past my nose and falls onto the floor.

Commander ...That was close.

Before I even finish the sentence, I see two hands grabbing hold of the edge of the box.
Next to emerge is the flaxen crown of a certain T-Doll...

Commander That's...Suomi?!
What are you doing in there?

Suomi Never mind that, Commander. Please listen to me!

Commander Uh...sure.

Suomi Ahem, hmm...
Then on behalf of all T-Dolls, I give you our Christmas best wishes.

Suomi presents a snow globe solemnly to me.
Still getting over my shock, I accept the ornament a little bemusedly.

At that moment, the lights dim.

Suomi Dear Commander,
We thank you for organizing this Christmas event for us.
This is the first time we spend Christmas with you, the first time we experience the warmth of having a family, and the first time we receive our very own presents.
To us, you are our special, irreplaceable Santa.

When Suomi finishes the speech, candle after candle are lit across the dim room.
She starts singing.

Suomi Dashing through the snow...
In a one-horse open sleigh...

Today is the first time I have ever heard Suomi sing.

Suomi O'er the fields we go...
Laughing all the way...

Even though I've heard that her taste in music is a little unusual...

Suomi Bells on bob-tail ring...
Making spirits bright...

I never knew that her singing is so beautiful.

Suomi What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight.

Suomi finishes her solo and all the T-Dolls join in on the Christmas song.
For some reason I feel like tearing up.
All I can do by the end of their performance is clap my hands off.

Commander Thank you so much. This is honestly the best Christmas Eve I've ever had...

Before I could even finish expressing how moved I am, something unexpected happens.

Suomi The Christmas Eve Party is about to begin.
Let's have some music to heat things up!

Commander Suomi! Wait-!

By the time I notice where she is, it's already too late to stop her.
She has already fed a CD titled "METAL XMAS" into the player.

Deafening heavy-metal rock music overwhelms the entire banquet hall.
Most T-Dolls are covering their ears, but a few of them aren't fazed at all, and actually seem to appreciate it.
Meanwhile, those in charge of security are displaying commendable professionalism.

FAL I'll go handle the mixing console!
MG5, pick Suomi up and get her out of here!

MG5 Sorry, Suomi!

NTW20 I found the switch!

Under the cooperation of different T-Dolls, the playing track is promptly switched to more relaxing music.

The banquet hall soon reverts back to the warm and cozy state of when I first entered.
...Except Suomi is sulking in the corner.

Commander Not going to eat, Suomi?

Suomi ...No. Not hungry.

Looks like she's offended by having her track interrupted.

Commander What music were you playing just now?

Suomi A song from my favorite band.
It's music that gives people strength... Why don't they like it?

Commander That's not true, Suomi.
The music you played was a bit...niche, but I did see several T-Dolls enjoying it quite a bit.

Suomi Really... So some T-Dolls here do have decent tastes.
Do you like heavy metal, Commander?

Commander Uh... How should I put it... At least not all the time...

Suomi bows her head dejectedly.

Suomi I know that this kind of music is incomprehensible to many,
But it's one of the best things from my home country, so I still hope...that more people can appreciate it.

Commander Actually, it's quite interesting to try it every once in a while.

Suomi looks up and stares intently at me. Then she digs out a CD from the pile of presents next to her.

Suomi If you want a try, give this a go.
Beginner's level... Shouldn't be too hard to swallow.

Commander You're giving it to me?

Suomi Yes.

Commander But you've already given me a Christmas present.

Suomi That's from all of us. This one is only from me.

Suomi withdraws her hands awkwardly.

Suomi If you don't want it...I won't force it on you.

Commander Why would I not want it?
Every Christmas present is precious. I will try my best to enjoy it.

I take the CD from Suomi. She looks decidedly more cheerful.

Suomi Then give it a proper listen.
CDs like this are hard to find these days. It's the best memory of my homeland.

Commander Yes, I promise I will.

Suomi finally smiles again and rejoins the festive merrymaking.
And thus I spent an unforgettable night with all of them.