USS Arondight Mission 10609.24

Cast

SM Bafii……………………………………. Brian
ACO Madson…………………………. Reuben
CNS Jakiel………………………………  Theresa
CSO Axin………………………………….  Greg
OPS Ko`Bil……………………………….  Rich

 NPCs

OLD Man, Voice, Smile, and Cheshire Cat……….. Brian

Host Bafii says:
      Prologue: The Arondight crew has returned from yet another grueling mission that                                                          took many tolls on the brave crew.
Captain K'Beth has returned to Earth for debrief and reassignment.  While it hasn't been made official as of yet, it doesn't look as if she is returning to the Arondight.
Commander Kostandinos has accompanied her, and as such we are left with missing our command crew.  Orders have seen sent for Commander Madson to assume the position of acting CO until such a time as new command orders are received.
With that done, the crew finds themselves back at Ke'Po Vor, the ship is docked and being repaired and we are well into Beta shift.
The station is oddly quiet, as if in mourning for what has passed lately on the Arondight and the mood is subdued.
Four members of our crew find themselves coincidentally running into each other on the stations arboretum.
Host Bafii says:
<<<<<<<<<< BEGIN MISSION >>>>>>>>>>
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::Sees other members of his crew as he enters the station's arboretum::
CSO_Axin says:
::idly wandering around the arboretum, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the plants::
CNS_Jakiel says:
::walks around the arboretum, planning on soon visiting the station hospital to have a heart to heart talk with the little oriental man::
ACO_Madson says:
::sitting on a bench, reviewing the protocol of being an ACO::  Self: I'm glad this is only a review.  Too much here to learn quickly.
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::watches where the Counselor is and tries to avoid her as he knows that she isn't to happy with him yet::
Host Bafii says:
Setting: The starlight is filtering through the trees in a calming way that mixes pools of shadow and light all over the paths and sitting areas.  There is a local version of a nightingale singing in the distance.
CSO_Axin says:
::is glad that he found this area, an oasis of tranquility aboard the station... if he had to spend time aboard, this is certainly the best place to do so::
CNS_Jakiel says:
::sees Scott and walks over::  CEO:  Congratulations!  I see you've been named Acting Captain.  ::senses his worry::  Not a little anxious are you?  Looks like you're studying hard.
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::wanders over to where the CSO is:: CSO: Evening.
ACO_Madson says:
::sits it down a moment:: CNS: Yeah, well.  It isn't permanent or anything, I'm just trying to brush on stuff.
CSO_Axin says:
::jumps almost out of his skin in surprise::
CSO_Axin says:
OPS: Uh, good, god, sir, good evening.  ::swallows, and blinks slowly, trying to restore some sense of normality to his heart rhythm:: OPS: I'm sorry sir, I didn't hear you...
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: An elderly Vidoli man is pushing a small cart down one of the paths towards the collected crew.  There are smells of delicious foods coming from the cart.
CNS_Jakiel says:
::shakes her head::  ACO:  Now, you never know that, so your studying might be pay off.  Did you want the job?  ::smells the food::  I am hungry.  Forgot to eat.
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::sees the CSO Jump: CSO: Sorry about that I know that this place has quite a calming effect that is why I spend a lot of time here.
Host Old_Man says:
::makes his way over to the officers and smiles quietly::
ACO_Madson says:
::shrugs his shoulders:: CNS: Anyone would, but that doesn't mean anything.  ::looks over and shutters a bit at the sight of a Vidoli::
CSO_Axin says:
::still breathing slightly more quickly and deeply than usual:: OPS: Yes, sir... it's very pleasant... I haven't spent much time aboard the star base, but of its areas... this so far is my favorite...
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
CSO: I found this place on my first trip to the station. I also found my cat here.
Host Old_Man says:
::opens up the cart and starts making four plates of food::
CSO_Axin says:
::simultaneously frowns, and smiles slightly, realizing that he knows next to nothing about any of his colleagues:: OPS: You have a cat, sir?
Host Old_Man says:
::opens the tap on a brown barrel strapped to the cart and pour four mugs of a light colored liquid with an attractive aroma::
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
CSO: Yes I found it wandering around in here and after trying to find it owner I ended up keeping it.
ACO_Madson says:
::notices the four plates and waves at the Vidoli:: Old_Man: No Thank you.  ::then notices the liquid pouring into a mug:: Well, perhaps just a drink for me.
Host Old_Man says:
::smiles and places the food on a nearby table with the drinks and some other assorted treats before packing up and moving on::
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
CSO: It looks like someone has sent us something to eat and drink.
CSO_Axin says:
::starts - again - and glances around, desperately wishing the paths made more noise::
CSO_Axin says:
OPS: Vidoli food is something I've avoided so far, sir... I don't have a particularly, uh, a.. I'm not very adventurous with my eating.
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
CSO: you should try it some of it is very good.

CNS_Jakiel says:
::takes a seat:: CEO: You'll need energy for that studying.
CSO_Axin says:
OPS: I was told that about Bajoran cuisine.  I don't think they were very impressed when I.... spat out... my first mouthful of hasperat...
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::moves over and take a plate and mug:: CSO: Here try some of this it is quite tasteful. :: point to some of the things on the plate::
ACO_Madson says:
::starts into the mug:: CNS: Eh...maybe.
CNS_Jakiel says:
::sniffs the food and decides it looks and smells quite delicious.  Tries a bite experimentally::  ACO:  Not bad at all!
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::takes a drink from the mug and then sees what else there is to eat::
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: The glasses are inscribed with the words "Drink Me" in various languages.   The plates are rimmed with similar languages and the words "Eat Me"
CSO_Axin says:
::uneasily picks up a plate, wondering if Ko`Bil’s instructions were an order::
ACO_Madson says:
::finishes his drink:: Self: Eh, I'm not to hungry, just maybe a bite.  ::takes some food from the plate::
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::eats some of the food on his plate::
CSO_Axin says:
::gingerly lifts some of the food off and sniffs at it, as if he's afraid it's suddenly going to get up and bite him::
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: The nightingales song  becomes louder, filling the air with a pleasant melody... interweaving harmonies... a tapestry of sounds
CNS_Jakiel says:
ACO: Isn't that a beautiful bird!  ::picks up the glass and notices the words::  Isn't that a bit strange to have this embossed on the glass?  ::takes a drink::
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::listens to the nightingale’s song finding is quite soothing::
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: The starlight becomes slowly brighter and the crew notice colors in the trees and plants that were hidden before..  Vibrant colors as if they were coming out to be part of the nightingale’s song.
CNS_Jakiel says:
::doesn't take the bite that is almost to her lips as she looks around.  Lowers the fork slowly::  CEO:  Alright, now I know something isn't strange...even if it is pretty.  ::picks up her tricorder that she sat on the table next to her and does a nonchalant scan::  Do you see the colors?  More vivid?
CSO_Axin says:
::still looking at the food just in front of his mouth, and now being made more uneasy by the changes in the song and the leaves... things are changing, starting to make him feel more claustrophobic, more trapped::
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::notices the thing around him and thinks Wow this could be a wild trip::
ACO_Madson says:
CNS: It might be, or it could be a reaction to the food.  Or both.
CNS_Jakiel says:
CSO/OPS:  Do you see the colors more differently too?  Or am I going crazy?  ::realizes how amusing that last question is given her position::

OPS_Ko`Bil says:
CNS: If you are then so am I. Isn't it great?
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: The air seems to ripple for a moment, like a pool of cool, glass clear water and then suddenly everything is different.  The colors have exploded and there are plants of all sizes and colors.  The starlight has been replaced by a brilliant blue sky and a bright yellow sun. 
CSO_Axin says:
CNS: Things are changing...
CSO_Axin says:
::instinctively reaches down for his tricorder, before remembering he left it on the Arondight - he was *supposed* to be off duty::
ACO_Madson says:
::stands up:: All: Everyone on your toes.
CNS_Jakiel says:
::pushes her plate away a little::  All:  Well, I’ve scanned this area and the food and drink...we'll see.  ::looks at her tricorder::
CSO_Axin says:
::drops his food to free his hands:: CNS: Things are definitely different, Ma'am...
CSO_Axin says:
::looks around::
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::sees the changes around him and wonders just what is going on.::
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: The counselor finds herself in a flowing blue dress with a white apron trimmed in lace.  OPS seems to have been wrapped in some sort of odd breastplate, backpack armor thing that is various shades of green and brown.  The CSO is wearing a suit jacket and bowtie, and a pair of tall hairy ears while the new ACO is wearing a waistcoat with a pocket watch and is holding a pair of gloves and a fan.. his nose twitching and making the whiskers move in humorous ways.
CNS_Jakiel says:
::stands up abruptly and does another set of scans::  All:  This is like a Wonderland...and I'm not really liking it too much.
CNS_Jakiel says:
::almost has to giggle as she senses its Scott in the furry suit.  Tries to tug on it:: ACO:  Scott?  Can you get that off?
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: The tug hurts as it pulls his skin.
CSO_Axin says:
::doesn't move his mouth, but trembles very slightly as he wonders what's happened to them::
ACO_Madson says:
::smacks the CNS:: CNS: Cut it out.
CNS_Jakiel says:
::puts her hands on her hips::  All:  Okay, I read a story similar to this...Alice in Wonderland.  Back when I was on Earth.
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::sees what he is dressed in and wonders just what kind of trouble they are in ::
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::looks at the CNS:: CNS: Alice in wonderland?
CNS_Jakiel says:
::looks up into the sky, but only sees a vibrant blue::  ~~~whomever:  Is there someone here...reading our minds? This is not funny and we'd like to go home...~~~
CSO_Axin says:
::can feel additional perceptions he shouldn't be able to, as the air feels as if it is brushing against protrusions that don't exist on top of his head::

CNS_Jakiel says:
OPS:  Right.  A children's tale.  And Alice...   ::looks at her dress and slightly raises her skirt::  ...presumably me chases a rabbit.  ::nods in Scott's direction after saying the last part more hushed::
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: A voice comes from behind "Alice"
Host Voice says:
CNS: It isn't polite to speak in code when others are about.  Tsk tsk
CNS_Jakiel says:
All:  I used to love the children's tales of Earth.  Still have some back at our mansion on Betazed.
CSO_Axin says:
::still has his teeth gritted firmly together, making his speech sound slightly odd:: CNS: How.  Lucky.  For.  You.  Ma'am.
CNS_Jakiel says:
Voice:  Sorry, but it isn't polite to whisk us off without our consent either.  ::returns back:: Touché!
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
CNS: Is it possible that we are in one of Loki's little pranks again?
ACO_Madson says:
:: lowers his voice:: All: Let's just play along for now, until we know what we are dealing with.
Host Voice says:
CNS: Presumptuous child.  I'm just on my way through the forest when you all were suddenly in my way.   
CSO_Axin says:
::turns toward Ko`Bil, and continues without moving his teeth:: OPS: Loki?
CNS_Jakiel says:
OPS:  Loki?  ::shakes her head uncomprehendingly::  I haven't had time to look over all the past reports...who is he?
CNS_Jakiel says:
Voice:  So could you tell us where we are?  And how to get home.  Do you know a 'Loki'?
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: On a tree limb above the clearing everyone is standing in a large smile can be seen floating.  The voice is now coming from there.
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
CSO: Yes a Q like entity that we first encountered when we arrived on the station.
Host Smile says:
All: Who is this Loki you mention?  Does he work for the Queen perhaps?
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
CNS: Any ideal what that is ?:: points to the smile::
CNS_Jakiel says:
OPS: Oh no...that isn't...  ::finally remembers::  ACO: Scott, you and Joanna told me about some odd adventure that you...got killed in?
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: The face of the cat slowly fades in around the smile.
CSO_Axin says:
::frowns:: OPS: Somebody.. shaped like a letter?  ::follows Ko`Bil’s pointing up to the floating smile::
ACO_Madson says:
CNS/OPS: Oh yeah, I recall that.  We went to Valhalla, or something of the sort, a heaven for Norse warriors.  I took a sword to the stomach and died.
CNS_Jakiel says:
::looks at the floating smile:: OPS:  I...I'm not sure.  It's been a long....  ::sees the feline::  Oh yes.  A  Cheshing cat  or something like that.
Host Cheshire_Cat says:
OPS: It isn't polite to point, the Queen has been known to take a head for less.

OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::feels a lump in his throat as he hears the possibility of loosing his head::
CSO_Axin says:
OPS: Is that your cat?  Sir?
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: Ko`Bil finds a bright red rose next to him that seems to be almost reaching out towards him.
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
CSO: No my cat is much smaller and doesn't talk.
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: Suddenly the cat is no longer on the branch but down on the path.
CNS_Jakiel says:
::listens the cat and not feeling too confident about their situation:: ACO:  But you lived, so maybe this will all just go away.  OPS:  Oh, there's something next to you.
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
::sees the nose and jumps back::
Host Cheshire_Cat says:
All: So will it be left, or right?  One path leads to madness and the other to insanity.
ACO_Madson says:
CNS/OPS: This might all go away, but I wouldn't count on coming back to life afterwards.
Host Cheshire_Cat says:
::begins to fade slowly away::
CSO_Axin says:
Self: This seems like a good time to reject the premise of the question...
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
CC: As far as I am concerned it is all insanity and I am staying right here
CNS_Jakiel says:
::let's a breath exhale slowly:: Cat:  How about neither?
Host Cheshire_Cat says:
::down to just the smile once again:: All: As you wish....  ::and disappears::
CNS_Jakiel says:
All:  I don't know...that didn't sound too reassuring either...  ::looks pointedly at the area the cat was just in:::
CSO_Axin says:
::finally dares to raise his hand, and run it along the top of his head, nearly retching when his hand is stopped by finding.. things.. growing out of it::
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
CNS: well you are the expert on this. What do you suggest?
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: Suddenly the flowers behind the group seem to have grown to immense proportions and they are all reaching slowly towards the crew.  A lily opens its petals to show sharp teeth and a rose's thorns are growing longer and thicker.
ACO_Madson says:
All: Run!!
ACO_Madson says:
::hops in the opposite direction::
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
:: takes the ACO advice as he sees the plants coming his way::
CSO_Axin says:
::follows Madson's suggestion::
Host Bafii says:
ACTION: A snapdragon barely misses taking off the ACO's head.
CNS_Jakiel says:
::takes off down the path::  All:  I...think...we're...being...herded!  ::pants out the sentence as she runs off::
CNS_Jakiel says:
ACO: Scott!  Look out!
OPS_Ko`Bil says:
ACO: Looks like we are going to take part in this insanity where we want to or not.
ACO_Madson says:
::starts down the path to the left:: All: Lets go this way.  If we're lucky, it's insanity.  ::gives them a wink as he hops down the path::
CSO_Axin says:
::follows Madson, wondering if insanity truly is better than madness::
Host Bafii says:
<<<<<<<<<< PAUSE MISSION >>>>>>>>>>