The Night They Shot Santa

Associates News Press Report:

Unknown to the rest of the world, ANP has managed to embeded reporter Benjamin Quebert into the Reindeer Revolution during their commando raid against the enemies of MCDS CEO Santa Claus.

This is Benjamin's Story.

As I sit writing this, the one thing that is constantly on my mind is the cold. The liquid crystal screen on my laptop is frozen solid. The ink in my pens is frozen solid. I am frozen solid as I watch my breath condense into cold steam and write this report with an old fashion #2 pencil, the only "technology" that can hold it's own against the cold.

Around me are nine tiny reindeer, house hold names each and every one. They work as a team, like a well oiled machine with a feeling that only comes to a group who has worked together for years, who think as one and as one, share the same goals and dreams. These are determined deer and nothing will be allowed to stand in their way.

Also here, a small, blond elf named Just'l. Too young to even sport the facial hair elves are know for, he seems as cold as I do. He is a critical part of the situation, but as welcome and as needed as he is, he's like me: an outsider to the reindeer revolution.

Days are spent planning, working on equipment and consulting maps. At night, the deer fly recon missions over the snowy plains of the North Pole.

Rudolph, his glowing red nose, is the recon group leader and has been pushing himself to exhaustion. At times, he can barely light up his nose, but this is a determined deer and nothing is going to stop him.

The rest of the recon team, Dancer, Dasher, Prancer and Blitzen are also relentless, relying more on technology than Rudolph does.

Technology? That's right. There is one deer here that's not content with the traditional - Cupid, who models himself after "Q" of the James Bond movies and now wishes to be called "Q-pid."

Out of the bits and pieces he's managed to scrounge from defective toys and discarded electronics, he's managed to create a wide spectrum of devices to help in the reindeers mission.

Reindeer night vision? Check!
Listening devices? Check!
Heated Elvish-sized socks? Check!!

Perhaps Q-pids most mysterious contribution is what lies under a tarp, unseen by this reporters eyes. It's about the size of a mini-van, but that's about all I can tell you.

Along with Q-Pid is Vixen, the computer hacker of the group. Vixen is responsible for accessing satellite imagery used to plan the recon outings. Tracking heat signatures in the frozen north is no game for amateurs, but these deer are learning and they are learning fast.

This night, my 8th night frozen along side these brave, antlered warriors, turns out to be a turning point. It's close to 4 AM. Pursuing a lead provided by the small elf, Vixen had turned a phone call into an address in Asia. It's a distribution center for MCDS. Since the delivery agreement CEE Gorf made with UPS, this facility should be shuttered, empty and awaiting sale.

Tracking the phone call Just'l received at the barn 4 nights ago is the first major break they've gotten. Rudolph is elated - his nose glowing like a red sun. Fatigue is forgotten.

"We've got him. There's no doubt." somebody says.

The recon team, along with Vixen, Comet and Q-pid all came together around a map. Donder, who has become the mother-hen figure to the group, noses a warm cup of hot chocolate in the direction of the little elf, Just'l, who seemed lost in all the excitement.

"He's here." Rudolph said as he pawed a spot on the map atop a frozen mountain in Asia, along the line of a snow covered ridge.

Rudolph, clearly in his moment, looks each of his reindeers in the eye, one at a time.

"We're getting the big guy back, you have my word on it. Here's my plan......"

To be continued.......