JANUARY 31, 2018: Christmas Challenge

by **chrisbishop** » Wed Dec 27, 2017 9:44 pm

Hello all and welcome to the first posting for this year's Christmas Edition!

To start the challenge, we have three reposted stories this week - with new presentations. Reposting are common during Challenges, and it's a good way to revisit past stories for those who read them already - or to present them to new readers.

I tried to select various stories, so that everyone could find something to enjoy.

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY
Original series
Suitable for all readers
by Ronda Curtner, reporter.
A Christmas cracker starring Captain Scarlet and the members of Spectrum, which features pictures from Spectrum HQ 2005 Unofficial Captain Scarlet Calendar Spectrum is Gorgeous. Originally posted December 31, 2004.

BLOOD AND CANDLE SMOKE
New series
Suitable for all readers. Bad or strong language. Action-oriented/low level of violence
by Skybase Girl.
December in Mexico - and Captain Ochre finds herself struggling to deal with the aftermath of a Mysteron attack. Originally posted December 12, 2010.

THE SUBSTITUTE
Original series
Suitable for all readers
by Chris Bishop.
Revised version. Captain Scarlet is asked to take over the job of a very old friend. Originally posted January 1rst, 2007.

Come back soon for more!

by **Skybase Girl** » Thu Jan 04, 2018 8:48 pm

New stories seem in short supply thus far into the festive season. I will do my best, but no promises...
However, lovely to see a revised version of ‘The Substitute’ which is a rather different re-imagining of Captain Scarlet’s future. Very touching. And welcome back Ronda Curtner, our roving reporter! 8M-M)

I think it’s about time we had a few more stories about the intrepid Mary-Sue Mackay-Wells. Just saying..... ((()))

by **chrisbishop** » Sun Feb 04, 2018 6:21 am

The Challenge is now ended! And so for the occasion, I submitted to you my own story - which, unfortunately, isn't the one I originally announced:

NOT THE WAY TO SPEND A BIRTHDAY
Original series Suitable for all readers
by Chris Bishop.
It's Symphony's Birthday - but the day doesn't go at all as she would have wished. ff 642

And also, a story from the earlier days of the website was reposted, with a brand new background and title art:

I JUST WANNA BE YOUR TEDDY BEAR
Original series Suitable for all readers
by Marion Woods.
While doing some shopping in London, Captain Blue and Captain Scarlet make a stunning discovery. ff 203
Originally posted December 19, 2004.

While the Challenge didn't propose as many stories as it did in the past years, it's still enough of a success, and I want to thank everyone who participated in their own fashion: Writing, beta-reading, encouraging, reading... You all contribute to the ongoing success of each challenge, and as a whole, to the Spectrum Headquarters website.

A big thanks to you all!

by **Marion** » Sun Feb 04, 2018 8:35 am

Really enjoyed your story, Chris! (You knew I would, didn't you?

)
Although there were fewer stories they were all very good reads, as always, giving new and interesting insights and views of the characters and situations our heroes find themselves in.
Thank you to everyone for providing a good challenge!

by **chrisbishop** » Sun Feb 04, 2018 3:40 pm

Thanks, Marion!

Yep, I did hope you'd like it.

by **chrisbishop** » Fri Nov 16, 2018 7:43 pm

Look out people!

The Christmas Challenge is now officially launched for this year! Follow the link below to know how to participate!

And may I say a big THANK YOU to Caroline Smith for this year's wonderful title art for the launching? It's totally brilliant! :-;)

by **Carrie** » Fri Nov 16, 2018 10:23 pm

It's my absolute pleasure, Colonel Chris! Maybe it might even inspire ME!
((()))

by **Marion** » Tue Nov 20, 2018 5:42 pm

It is a very inspiring picture 8M-M)

Now, where's that IF again?

by **Carrie** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 12:15 pm

If anyone hasn't seen it yet, (and I'm guilty as charged - sorry Isabelle! Just spotted the link today...) have a look at the Christmas pics page/

Isabelle Saucier has done a wonderful Christmas on Skybase montage. That must have taken some work, Isa (hugs)

I love the figures, and the expression on Black's face.

http://www.spectrum-headquarters.com/chrismas_images.htm

by **Isabelle** » Tue Jan 29, 2019 6:02 am

Well I did wonder a few times what I had gotten myself into as I added countless layers to the picture! :lol:

You know how those are, they seem like a simple idea at first and then reality strikes! I like Black in that picture too. Poor chap always gets the bad side of things so I figured the Spirit of Christmas could be nice to him for a change. I'm glad I could contribute something else to the challenge, as I had no ideas for stories this year.

This challenge has seen some good additions to the fanfiction vault so far with our newcomer Janile and familiar writers Marion right before Christmas (and you feared you wouldn't think of a B-day fic on time...) and VMR and Caroline this week (you were right, you were inspired! Literally!). Well done, everyone.

I'm always amazed at how many new ideas and stories come out of the authors' minds. There are more than 650 stories on this site!!