Star Trek: Season 7 - Masquerade

[Rico]

Lieutenant Zremm had finished his shift on the bridge and was in his quarters.  Since coming aboard the Arabella he had tried to adjust to the new ship and new duties.  While the ship was impressive, for many reasons he still found himself missing the Tiberius.  There was something about that ship that had really made him feel at home. 

For the past hour Zremm had been trying to read a new novel by one of his favorite Andorian authors.  It was similar to what he had learned was known to humans as 'pulp fiction' type of writing.  Most of the author's work featured a criminal investigator who used various scientific methods to solve crime on a remote colony world.  He found he enjoyed the main character and the way he used his mind to outwit the criminals he brought to justice.  But Zremm had read the same page several times now.  He was having trouble focusing.  He found his mind kept drifting to thoughts of her - of Marie.

He had attempted several times since reporting to the Arabella to record a message for Marie.  Each time he had stopped part way through.  He was finding it difficult to express in words what he was thinking and feeling.  They had parted on good terms, but sadly for both of them.  Zremm respected her decision about not returning to Starfleet.  But he was also having a hard time facing life each day without her around.  Even sleeping had been restless for him.  In fact, the only way he had been able to get much sleep at all was to drink several glasses of Andorian Blue Ice.  An alcohol based drink he never really cared much for - until recently.

Zremm got up and went to the replicator.  "Andorian Blue Ice, chilled."  He said to the panel.

"That substance is controlled, please make a new request."  The female computer voice informed the Andorian.

"Protocol override, Zremm - 1 beta - 5 gamma - 9 omega.  Execute previous command."  He had discovered that rank did have certain perks.  Also, he had discovered that if he used the override based on cultural heritage protocol he could access the drink he wanted.  Zremm knew this was bending the rules quite a bit, but lately he didn't care much about that.  The bright blue liquid materialized inside a simple glass cylinder inside the replicator.  Zremm took the glass and drank it down quickly.  Just then, his comm badge chimed.

"Lieutenant Zremm.  Please report to the holodeck for Camelot training exercise."  The voice of Commander Sevryll said.  Zremm tapped his comm badge and acknowledged the order.  He was not excited about this mission or the holodeck simulation.  He had studied this period of Earth history.  Andoria had a similar period long ago as well, he had discovered.  But he knew that he did need a distraction.  Maybe this would help.

He quickly slipped into the apparel that Sevryll had suggested for him.  When he finished he appeared to look like a robber or a thief of the time period.  He was dressed in simulated leather mainly, with black boots, a black cape and hat.  The hat was larger than normal to accommodate his antennae.  He replicated one final Blue Ice and downed it before leaving his quarters and heading to the holodeck.  As he entered the turbolift, Zremm tried to focus and push Marie to the back of his mind.

"Oh Marie.  Why is everything so hard now?"  He said quietly to no one but himself as the lift whisked him away.    :andorian

[Meds]

The alarm bells rang out and security around the solid metal building began shut down procedure. Hundreds of armored  clad men ran in different directions all carrying weapons, loaded and ready to shoot.

A tall man, gruff in nature shouted to one of the guards running towards him

"Status"

The guard stopped suddenly and saluted.

"Two escapee's sir"

Freenan, the head guard stood tall and lifted his chin up and began to stroke it. Looking back down at the worried young man he whispered,

"Find them, and kill them"

The guard saluted and ran back in the direction he came shouting orders at several guards who immediately began to follow him. Freenan's eyes fixed on his men as his mind raced with thought about what his superiors would say when they found out that two of the most dangerous men he was in charge of, had just escaped his stockade.

[ElfManDan]

Reese wanted to put his hands over his ears, but he felt it might be disrespectful to do so. Fissual just kept going on and on, on topics Reese had lost track of long ago. He didn't know how much more he could take. He prepared himself to tell him to shut up, but he heard Fissual come to a breathe and stop. Maybe Reese wouldn't have to say anything at all. The silence was peaceful to his stressed ears.

A few seconds passed and "Reese?"
"Yes, Fissual"
"What is it like in the science lab?"
Reese didn't want to talk anymore, or listen anymore. He liked Fissual, he was a lot of fun and could really make a guy laugh, but when trying to sleep this really wasn't preferable to Reese's tired mind.
"It's fine."
"Is that it?"
"No, but you mind" Reese had tried to be patient, now he was going to be honest, "I'm trying to sleep."
"Sorry, I just can't stand the quietness."
"You want me to replicate a white noise machine for you?" Reese joked
"No, I can manage without."
"Yeah, I know I have to hear it?"
"I'll try to be quiet."
"Thanks Fiss."

Now that the room was quiet Reese tried to fall asleep, but he just couldn't seem to do so. He couldn't calm his mind enough to sleep. He thought about his post. Every day he got up, ate breakfast with Fissual and made his way to the science lab, where there was usually something set aside for him to research. He was still hard at work. His current project weighted heavy on his mind. He was currently working with plants a new form of plant that no one in the federation had seen before. He was a bit annoyed at having to work with botany. He wanted to research space phenomenons. His job felt to him so boring at times, but he figured life would get better. Reese looked across the room at Fissual, who was staring up at the ceiling aimlessly. His dark eyes seemed to be like marbles, unable to stay in one place.

"Ok Fiss," Reese groaned, "you want to hear about the science lab?"

[Jen]

The harmonious blend of music and voices that filled the hall was disrupted intermittently by a frenzy of boisterous laughter.  The echo was amplified within the ample stairwell and peaked the vulcan's sensitive ears. She listened attentively for those belonging to crewmembers.

As she proceeded down an infinite number of spiraling steps, she watched her breath curl into wispy clouds of vapor. Torches painted the exhaled mist with golden crests, and cast a dancing ocher hue over her barely discernable features. 

The pungent aroma of a roasted pig, merged in the dank air with the smell of wood smoke, pine needles and mildew. These odors assaulted her with increasing persistence the closer she came to the bottom of the winding stone stairway.  She glanced up as a gust of air coursed through a narrow window high above. The blustery breeze lifted the edges of brightly colored pennants that hung from the oak rafters and tousled the tapestries that brightened the dull rock walls. She briefly paused to admire the scenes of war and love that were stitched into the textiles that covered the walls. The  artful draperies told the timeless tale of King Author and his Knights of the Round Table.

As her foot graced the last step, the vulcan lowered the skirts she had raised slightly to avoid stumbling. Sevryll was now standing at the base of the stairs, in a grand hall filled with people. She pulled back her hood in order to scan the crowd, searching for familiar faces. After some time, her eyes fell upon her daughter who was seated at a table, gripping the immense hand of a man whose face was contorted and flushed. His teeth were bared and his body trembled as though he were struggling. Sevryll started toward them, drawing attention from the lords who had gathered there. They bowed and smiled and if she had paused long enough, they would have kissed her hand. As she approached the table, Aria's placid face met Sevryll's. "Hail, mother," she said impassively.

Sevryll studied the fraught man and then turned her eye back to Aria, "What are you doing daughter?" 

"He challenged me to a test of strength."

The man was grunting now, in a futile attempt to impress the queen with a quick victory. "You are toying with him," remarked Sevryll.

Aria glanced to the man, examined his expression and turned her gaze back to her mother. "I am studying his sense of bravado. The men of this era were audacious... I find it intriguing."  With a quick move Aria slammed the man's massive arm to the table and stood. Sevryll watched the knight slither pathetically into the crowd. She had no doubt that the man would challenge her again, but for now his humiliation would keep him at bay.

"Where is the captain?" asked the elder vulcan as she searched the faces in the crowd. "He said he would meet me downstairs."

"I do not know mother," replied Aria.

At that moment, a man entered the hall and bellowed in a husky voice, "King Arthur has been captured!" He repeated the alert three more times before the crowd erupted in confused murmurs. When she heard the claim, Sevryll pushed her way toward the herald, "Did you witness this event?"

"Aye, my lady," the man replied as he bowed. Chaos began to take hold as the people began to raise their voices in arguments over what should be done. Before the bedlam could build too high, Sevryll shouted for calm. The vocal commotion was persistent, but before long the Queen had the floor. "Knights of the round table, come forth."

The noble men came forward and knelt before the queen. Among them were her fellow crewmen. "Take a group to pursue Arthur. Make sure a physician is among you." She glanced to Aria and back to the knights. " We will accompany you." The holographic knights began to protest but Sevryll silenced them with a glance.

[institches]

Mackie, with Counselor Margon's help, had chosen a more appropriate costume. He had left her alone in the holographic sylvan glade so she could change into it. She stripped out of the stretchy pink nightmare and stomped on the conical hat with a grin. The soft homespun tunic and leggings were much more comfortable, not too dissimilar from the clothing of her homeworld.

Mackie was just tying her bootstrings when she noticed an unwelcome tingle. She stood, dizzy, and called for the computer arch. She leaned against it to steady herself. "Enable olfactory interface and mute vocals," she ordered. When the computer had complied, she carefully replicated the fragrance she had just picked up. "Identify." A picture of a male appeared, complete with service profile and basic biological information. Damn! Of course she recognized the scent: Ginny brought it home to their shared quarters almost every day. She had dismissed it in the miasma of Ginny's bewildering conversation. But now it was pure and strong, overwhelmingly so. Something had to be done before it was too late. Mackie settled on a stopgap measure.

"Computer, when this scent appears, please filter it away from me and interpose with the following." She then emitted a smell of mild cleaning fluid she remembered from her childhood on Fertillier. "Medical priority one."

She took a deep breath: the scent was gone.  So was her dizziness. "Discontinue arch." She spotted the discarded pink sparkly costume, snatched it up, and headed to the recycler, tripping only once on her as-yet-untied bootstring.

[wraith1701]

A cool, spring scented breeze blew through the trees, causing the branches to sway gently back and forth.  The sun sat high in the clear blue sky; its light making the vivid greens and rich browns of the grassy meadow below appear somehow more sharp and clear than they should.  The breeze grew into a gentle wind, sending a shower of bright yellow wildflower petals swirling into the air, only to eventually drift gently back to the earth. 

This peaceful, pastoral scene strongly contrasted the bustling activity taking place in the center of the vast meadow.  Dozens of rustic tents dotted the field; some were simple, small structures designed to house no more than one or two people.  Many of the others were larger structures; large, earth-toned tarps held aloft by a series of uniform wooden poles.  The sides of these larger shelters were open to the air, revealing merchants selling beads, crude jewelry, and large joints of sizzling, roasted meat.  Crowds of archaically dressed people jostled to and fro between the tents, laughing, singing, and drinking from large wooden flagons.

The impromptu market formed a vast circle encompassing a rectangular, roped off section of field.   The roped off area was huge, roughly 100 meters long and 130 meters wide.  A fan of ancient earth sports might compare it to the size of a soccer field.  The crowd was thickest around this area; hundreds of people surrounded the field.  A small minority sat in a series of wooden bleachers lining one end, but the bulk of the crowd milled about on foot.  In the center of the bleachers,sitting in a boxed off area elevated above the others, sat a regal woman wearing a simple yet elegant crown of shining gold.  To her left and right stood a pair of guards, each sporting light but functional plate armor, and wearing brightly gleaming swords strapped to their waists.

All eyes were focused on the activities taking place on the grass below.  Two men on horseback faced off from opposite sides of the field, each wearing a set of worn but well maintained plate mail.  Each man carried an elongated pole-like weapon which narrowed to a point.  At a subtle hand signal from the crowned woman sitting in the bleachers, each of the riders lowered his weapon into a horizontal position, and spurred the horses into action. 

The horses quickly broke into a full gallop, their hooves throwing up clods of earth as they charged relentlessly towards one another.  As the distance between each competitor shrank towards nothing, a hush fell over the crowd.  The anticipatory silence was shattered by the thunderous clash of steel striking steel, and as one of the riders was violently thrown backwards off of his mount, the crowd erupted into wild cheering. 

In the distant treeline, out of sight of the reveling spectators, a rectangular doorway suddenly materialized out of thin air.  Lt. Commander K'Tan, brandishing a simple but solid fighting staff, stepped through the doorway, followed by Lt. D'Callan and Ensign Dunn.  As he surveyed the holographic environment, a grim smile grew on his face.  "Looks like the program is already in progress.  Some of the other crewmembers must have beat us here."

Turning towards D'Callan, K'Tan pointed towards the distant, cheering crowd, and the gleaming castle that lay beyond.  "Camelot, I presume?"

[wraith1701]

Joint post by HawkeyeMeds and wraith1701-

Before joining up with their crewmates, the trio decided to take a few minutes to acclimate themselves to their new environment. D'Callan and Dunn leaned against a nearby tree, drinking in the majestic vista.  K'Tan, loosing himself in the realism of the holo-world, decided to try and break in his battle staff.

"Computer; generate two opponents for me.  Give them dress and weaponry appropriate for this setting."  As two armor clad knights materialized before him, a predatory smile lit K'Tan's features.  With a roar of pure, primal joy, he waded into them, his staff spinning wildly about.  As the crash of his staff repeatedly striking armor rang out, he lost track of time, grinning madly as the minutes crept by...




The tree was amazingly realistic, and for the first twenty minutes, D'Callan and Dunn had enjoyed leaning against it, looking at the beautiful English country side. The only thing was they had now been there for just over an hour, and the only person enjoying himself was K'Tan.

"Is there any chance we can walk at least another five meters away from the archway?" asked D'Callan.

K'Tan was in full swing. His staff swirling around his head and making crunching noises on several Knight's heads.

"This is sport, and I am in full flow!"

D'Callan looked down at a now collapsed Dunn, who snored peacefully in the grass.

"Well, myself and bell boy here are starting to get, how can i say this... bored".

K'Tan, not loosing rhythm, looked over his shoulder at D'Callan in slight bemusement.

"Bored? How can you be bored?  This is the Way Of The Warrior!"

Another Knight fell to join a pile of several others, all dressed in exactly the same clothing.

D'Callan kicked Dunn to get up.

"Is it the Way Of The Warrior to have the attackers on repeat mode?  And on difficulty level one?!?   The only difference between that mighty warrior and the other 10, no 12, is that they all have slightly different broken backs or necks"

K'Tan stopped for a second and looked at D'Callan and Dunn.

"One more."

K'Tan spun round spinning his staff above his head and the arched back to do a flip before throwing his staff out to connect with a Knights spine. A loud crack shot through the air and Dunn winced. Joseph looked at Dunn and smiled.

"You want to see him when they've run out of bloodwine."

K'Tan held his staff out and pointed at the two awaiting men, Joseph now pointing at an imaginary watch.

"Well you have kept me here long enough.  I think it's best we left, don't you?"

K'Tan walked past D'Callan and Dunn with a slight smile on his face.  A few seconds later they followed him to search for the Captain.

[Bryancd]

Once in the holodeck, K'arath took the opportunity to have the replicator change his armor into something more manageable. He selected a more simple set of clothing consisting of boots, trousers, tunic, with a leather gauntlets and vest, and a more narrow long sword in a scabbard on his belt.

He had entered the program already running and was standing outside what he assumed was the castle Camelot. There were various servants running out the main door shouting something about the King being kidnapped. He burst into the Great Hall. Holding court at the end of the room he saw Commander Sevryll surrounded by a group of knights dressed in some of the same armor he had worn initially. For a moment he regretted taking it off as the men did strike quite the striking visage. He also recognized some members of the Arabella's crew, though the costumes made it difficult to tell who was who. No matter, he thought, as he strode up to the Commander.

In this program, she was clearly someone of great importance and wore a delicate jeweled crown upon her head. K'arath walked up to her and paused.

"Nice hat," he said.

[iceman]

A Joint Post by Iceman and Moyer777

Dr. Peterson received a few stares from various crew members as he passed down the corridor to the turbolift. Fortunately for him other then a few chuckles and snickers most of the crew members respected him too much to make any comment about his attire. Casey was grateful for this. He reached the turbo lift and headed to deck 5.

Peterson entered the holodeck and met  Margon and Ensign Farmer. From what he could gather from Margon's Costume he surmised that he was a blacksmith and Ensign Spring was a lady of the court.

"Hey Dr!" mused Margon.  "What in the world are you my friend?

Dr. Peterson explained that he chose the role of Physician as he felt it would give him access to more areas in the community and would allow him to communicate with the nobility on an even footing as he himself would be considered one of them himself. He would also make sure he had enough finances to cover any expenses that they might incur and that some of his pouches could conceal some medical scanners and devices they may require.

"Oh, I see, I understand your services will be needed, may I provide a nice sword or make sure your horse is ready for your journey?"  Margon smiled.

Peterson smiled as he accepted Margon's services and was given a nice leather saddle and long sword and scabbard to hang from the side of his saddle. His horse was a sturdy white stallion which gave the doctor a noble and respectful stature.

"Oh, by the way, Spring, this is Dr. Peterson—Dr. Peterson Ensign Farmer" 

The two looked at each other and then their surroundings. 

"Nice to meet you" said Spring.

Dr. Peterson bowed slightly as he replied with :

"And you My Lady".

The doctor, counselor and Ensign Farmer all headed toward the castle and hoped that while journeying towards it they would encounter some of their fellow crewmates.

They entered the gates of the castle and found a small band of Knights surrounding the Commander.  Dr. Peterson Dismounted from his horse and walked up to the Commander and bowed slightly as he said ...

"I am at your service My Lady".

[Rico]

Lieutenant Zremm had been sitting in the common room of a small inn just outside of Camelot for about 30 minutes.  He had been trying to ask those providing food and drink if they had heard anything about King Arthur and perhaps those that abducted him.  His attire hid most of his alien appearance and he shrugged off those questioning him about his strange look.

"For the last time mate, I haven't heard anything about oh high and mighty Arthur.  Sides, it's not like he pays much attention to us barely surviving out here in the country."  The burly gentleman said to Zremm.  He had provided Zremm some type of stew and several mugs of ale.  It tasted weak compared to the Andorian drink Zremm had gotten used to.

"I am sorry for your troubles.  Are you certain, good sir?  It is vitally important that I find the Cap,... I mean King.  Perhaps this will help."  Zremm said as he offered the inn keeper another gold coin.

"Well, much as I appreciate the gold sir I really don't know much.  Although the other evening some louts were in here discussing Arthur.  Saying this and that.  Mind you I didn't pay them much attention.  I was busy with other customers that night."  The man said as he pocketed the coin.  Zremm sat back, slightly defeated.  The fire in the room helped light the dim surroundings.  The room was quite cozy and he found it somewhat relaxing to be away from the sterility of a Starship - for a time.

"I understand.  Was there perhaps anyone else here that evening that might remember them or know anything that might help in my quest to find the King?"  Zremm said, desperate for any information.  He knew the others were also searching for Arthur, or the Captain.

"Let me think.  Well, me daughter Moira was helping me out that night.  Come to think of it, she had to slap one of those loud mouth braggarts when he tried to get a bit too friendly with her.  Hit 'em pretty good too, if I remember rightly."  The large man said as he wiped down the counter of the bar while Zremm took a long drink from his mug.

"Is she working tonight with you?  I would be grateful if I could speak with her."  Zremm said, becoming hopeful for a new lead.

"Aye, I think she just got here.  Why don't you go relax sir at a table and I will send her right out."  The man said as he walked into the kitchen area behind the counter.  Zremm picked up his large mug and went to a table in the corner and sat down.  The small room was filled with various people, couples, men drinking heavily and even a large dog on the floor by the fire.  It was fairly crowded, but most paid no attention to Zremm as he sat down.  But earlier his strange color had gotten a few looks when he had walked in.  But he just smiled and said he was from the north.  That seemed to satisfy the simple folk of this time period of Earth history.  After a few minutes, the inn keeper came back out followed by a woman in a red plaid dress with some type of bonnet on.  She held a tray with a full mug of ale and moved quickly to Zremm's table.  She sat the mug down and picked up the empty that Zremm had just finished.

"My father said you wanted to ask me something, good sir?  No what can I help you with?"  She said in a voice that sounded familiar to Zremm.  It had a slight accent, but still he knew that voice.  He looked up into the face of a blond woman and his jaw dropped.

"Marie?  Oh Marie, is that you?  Or have I had too much ale?"  Zremm said, not believing his eyes.

"Now go on there, who is this Marie?  Me name's Moira my fine sir.  And if you be needing more drink, that I can provide."  The woman said as she looked down at Zremm who seemed to have slumped even further into his chair now.

"I can't be imagining this.  I know that voice, your face.  What are you doing here Marie?"  He said, not giving up easily.

"I've already told you blue boy, I'm not this Marie.  Now if there be nothing more, I'll get back to me work."  She said and turned to walk off.

"Blue boy?!  Computer, freeze program local to just this inn."  Zremm said and immediately all the people, the dog, the fire, everything froze in place inside the inn.  The inn keeper's daughter also froze as she was now turned slightly away from Zremm.  He got up and moved around to face her more closely and looked at her.  As she stood there frozen in place he wondered if he was imagining things.  She looked so much like Marie.  But he also was thinking the computer had most likely just used some images in it's database to create some of the holographic characters to populate the simulation.  She wasn't real, he thought.  Just a collection of light and force fields.

"Oh if only you were my Marie.  I have so much I wanted to say to you.  So much."  Zremm said as he turned slightly, and his shoulders slumped down.

"Like what, blue boy?!"  The woman said.  Zremm turned and saw the smiling face of the woman he loved grinning back at him.

"Marie!?!  It is you!"  Zremm said as he moved and picked up Marie in his arms and swept her up into the air.  She felt light and laughed as he twirled her around twice before setting her back down.

"Easy there tiger.  You've had quite a bit to drink.  No need to make your cute blue head spin anymore."  Marie Barton said to Zremm as he continued to hold her close to him, not wanting to let go.

"I don't understand Marie.  What are you doing here?  On the Arabella?  You said Starfleet wasn't what you wanted anymore."  Zremm said, trying to come to grips with the situation.

"Yes, I know.  And I was wrong Ch'Fras.  Right after you left for Vulcan I realized I had made a terrible mistake.  Growing up all I wanted was to join Starfleet.  To help explore the frontier and see strange new worlds.  I was letting my fear control me.  And I realized if Cochrane, or Archer, or Kirk or any other of the great explorers had stopped when things got rough we would still be stuck on Earth.  And most important, I would of never met you.  So I hopped on the next transport and followed you to Vulcan.  I barely made it in time before the Arabella left dock.  I have to admit I've been hiding out a bit.  I wasn't sure how you would take all this.  I sound like some goofy Ensign who can't make up her mind Zremm.  But I do know what I want now.  I want to be here, on the Arabella.  Exploring the frontier - with you."  Marie said as she wiped her moist eyes.  Zremm pulled her close and hugged her tightly.

"Marie.  I don't know what to say.  I thought it would be such a long time before we saw each other again.  I thought I might of lost you."  Zremm said as he could feel his heart racing inside his chest.

"You didn't lose me Zremm.  I just had to find my way back to you."  She said as she moved her mouth to his and kissed him.  Zremm put his hands on Marie's face as he gently held her while kissing her back.  After a few more moments they stopped their embrace and Zremm remembered he had stopped the local simulation.

"I have to restart the program here, Marie."  He said to her as he sat down.

"I understand.  Go ahead blue boy.  I won't blow your cover."  She said with a smile and wink as she stood back in her previous frozen place.

"Computer, resume local program."  Zremm said.  Immediately the holographic room sprang to life again.

"So, I guess this Marie person must of been something special good sir?"  Marie said as she turned back around towards Zremm and smiled at him.

"Oh, yes.  She's one of a kind, my Marie.  Now, Miss Moira.  Might I take you outside for a spell?  Perhaps you can show me the direction those men from the other night went."  Zremm said to her.

"Certainly, sir."  She said with a small curtsy.  Zremm got up and moved towards the door with Marie.

"I'll be back in a little while, father."  She said as Zremm opened the door.

"All right, Moira.  Take care of my daughter sir.  It's dangerous out in these woods."  The inn keeper said in a serious tone.

"I won't let anything happen to her, good inn keeper.  You have my word."  Zremm said as he tipped his hat to the inn keeper as they both left.

[Meds]

Joint post by Wraith1701, Jen and HawkeyeMeds

The three men ran into the forecourt and K'Tan saw the rotating pig.

"Now that is what i'm after"

K'tan began to walk towards the feast when D'Callan put his hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear, "I think we have waisted enough time on your festivities, Sevryll is not looking too happy over there".

Dunn who was slightly panting and had his hands on his knees, looked up at the commander who was watching them.

"Are Vulcans ever happy?

D'Callan smiled at Dunn and winked, "Only every seven years." Dunn who by now had removed his hat and was looking for a missing bell.

Sevryll waited for the crewmen to walk over. She was not impressed by their late arrival.

"You are late gentlemen. The Captain has been kidnapped and as your are security and tactical. I really would have thought it logical for you to be ahead of the field."

K'Tan slammed his staff down and sneered, "we madam have been fighting a mighty fight against a hoard of devil worshipers."

D'Callan quickly looked at K'Tan and did a swishing movement with his hand to his neck, trying to get K'Tan to keep quiet, but K'Tan in full flow took the signal in a different way.

"Their necks were cut with D'Callan's mighty sword and we fought well"

"The monitor says differently Lieutenant. I suggest you two and your "merry man" here, assist me in finding the captain. Your holographic counterparts, and fellow crewmen, have already begun to round up additional group members. I do not believe it very 'warrior like' to come second in finding the Captain. Do you? You will find our horses in the royal stables. Aria and I will meet you there."

The three men stood to attention, bowed and turned. As they were walking away, D'Callan whispered to K'Tan.

"She looks pretty hot in the outfit.  I wouldn't mind....."

Sevryll butted in before D'Callan could finish, "I heard that Lieutenant..."

D'Callan winced as they walked out of the castle gate.

[X]

Aeric smiled as Beth made her way around the length of their quarters. Her inquisitive mind watched as he piloted the small model of the Tiberius over her head. Like a unforgiving giant, she laughed and giggled while attempting to capture her prey. He had just started to send the ship into a descending spiral when the laughter was interrupted by the chirp of his communicator.

"James here"

"Father," came the voice of his photonic child Rory, "a encrypted communications for you has just been transmitted to the Aurora. Should I transfer it to your personal quarters?"

"No thank you," Aeric replied. "I have a good idea who it's from. It can keep for a few hours, but I think that Beth and I would like to have you join us for some family time."

"I'd love to." Rory said softly. "I'm on my way. Is Aria going to join us?"

"The last I heard, she was still in Camelot. I'll leave her a message and I'm sure she'll join us when she can. I was planning on cooking."

"What are you making?" Rory asked.

"Something that includes cornbread. Beth loves the stuff."

"Cornbread!" Beth repeated and moved her attention from the Tiberius to her father.

Rory laughed at her sister's reply. "Cornbread it is!"

[Jen]

Sevryll frowned at the suit of armor the young squire presented her with. "Thank you Ensign, but I believe the iron body armor is a bit excessive."

"Protection isn't its only purpose, commander. Women didn't usually accompany men into battle in this era. Well, occasionally...but defiantly not Guinevere. It would be wise to disguise your appearance while in the field."

The vulcan could not argue with the logic of Ensign Farmer's statement, and though she did not revel the thought of wearing the heavy suit, she agreed to put it on. Twenty minutes later she was clad in alwyte, or white, armor. The weight was substantial, but not too strenuous for a sturdy vulcan. She carried the Pembridge Helm under arm to the ladder, climbed the steps and mounted her white gelding. The horse bobbed its head and snorted as Sevryll took the reigns in her left hand and directed the animal out the stable. When he wasn't being a spy, her husband was an avid horseman and had taught her to ride. She had not particularly enjoyed the activity, but it seemed the skill was a handy one to have in Camelot.

Spring followed on a blood bay mare that trotted along side the commander. Outside, the Knights of the Round Table waited with Aria the doctor and Counselor Margon. Sevryll tried not glare at Lietenant D'Callan as she rode up to them... The new Chief Of Security had not made a good first impression. Though she would allow him the opportunity to earn her respect, the sexist comment he made would not be soon forgotten.

The witness she interviewed had informed Sevryll that a wizard at the far end of the forest could direct them on the correct path. A magician named Merlin, who knew the Arthur well would aid them in their quest and help them recover the missing King. "His tower is at the other end of this forest. I was warned that there are many dangers along the way... highwaymen often attack from the tree tops." She kicked her horse into a gallop, "be wary and vigilant."

[moyer777]

"Computer" said Margon, "One blacksmith Wagon and a set of oxen yoked together" 

The computer chirped and a rustic drab wagon complete with a huge anvil appeared.  The interior of the wagon was lined with swords and sheets of metal.  Various armor parts graced the floor of the wagon along with a large fire pit with chuncks of coal smoldering within the large metal structure.  Two barrells of water hung on the sides of the wagon and tied to the back of the wagon was a fine horse clad in black leather tack.

His fellow adventurers looked at him in surprise.

"Well you didn't think I was going to walk the whole way did you? A man must have his tools at his disposal.  Anybody need a good longsword?"  he smiled and climbed up on the drivers seat.  Taking the reins in his hands he awaited his orders.

[iceman]

A Joint Post Between Iceman and Moyer777


Doctor Peterson looked up at Margon.  "Mr. Blacksmith, I think I am going to need some  leather armour."   Margon smiled and got down from the Wagon. After rummaging around for a few moments Dr. Peterson  was rewarded with a with a masterfully crafted vest of leather armour.

"I'm no tailor" said Margon. "Computer, adjust this for Dr. Peterson." the computer chirped and the leather changed form.  He handed it to the Doctor.

"Isn't that cheating?" said Casey.   

"No, we're not on the planet yet!" he chuckled. 

The Dr. smiled and thanked the blacksmith.  Then he promptly disrobed his Doctors robes and placed the vest over his white tunic while commenting, " It would not do for the Royal Doctor to be wounded in battle because he he was foolish enough to go into battle without some form of protection would it?"

"Of course not" replied the Counselor. "Don't let this go to your head Casey" he mused.

"That would be hard do do in this getup responded Casey" as they both chuckled

The Doctor Quickly replaced his robes and mounted his white stead and took his position Beside the queens white gelding.