TEST DRIVE #1 - Ten Forward

[tenforward_m]

You know how you were standing there, back in your home world, just minding your own business?

Time to forget all about that.

Instead of doing whatever the heck you were just doing, you're standing in the middle of this very stylish, sedate barroom. Happily, you're not alone there - in fact you're surrounded by people who seem to be as confused as you are...and some of them look a little, well unusual

Now would be a great time to do....well, something. Ask some questions of the person nearest you, throw a fit, stage a coup....maybe do a little exploring? No matter what you do, you're going to be here for a very long time.

For others might call it the USS Enterprise, but for the foreseeable future, you'll be calling it home.

[OOC: this test drive's open until the next app period.]

Comments

[ancientstalker]

"Interesting is far too mild a term."

There's a man standing by where Picard has settled, and he's looking completely non-plussed about all of this. He's definitely not Starfleet or Federation, but he doesn't look too bothered.

"I'd probably go for something a bit stronger."

Although, this gentleman doesn't seem as though he's capable of any emotions other than the bland expression on his face.

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

His eyebrows arch slightly, but Picard settles for amusement.

"You may be right," he says, sipping from his cup and setting it aside. "However, 'interesting' may show itself to be the most diplomatic term one may use in this situation."

He turns to give the man his full attention, resting his hands upon his knees. "I'm sure no one would fault you if the circumstances left you feeling less than convivial."

[ancientstalker]

A small 'ah' noise. "Diplomacy. Yes. Of course."

And a slight smile right there. "The situation doesn't bother me overmuch. I would like to return to my own universe, of course, but that doesn't mean I can't experience something new."

He looks around Ten Forward curiously.

"I'm impressed by how far humanity has come in this universe."

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

Intriguing.

"And we are eager to return you all to your homes unharmed, I assure you," he says. "In the meantime, won't you please join me?"

He gestures to an empty seat.

"The Enterprise is happy to provide safe passage for all aboard her for as long as that may be." He still has to work out the finer details of that timetable, unfortunately. "Tell me, do you come from a point in humanity's future? You speak as though that may be the case."

[ancientstalker]

"Of course."

And Orlin is going to take the indicated seat.

"I have no doubt that you want us out of the way as soon as possible. I can't imagine having this many people is condusive to an ideal environment for a ship." He comments, smiling slightly. "And, no. From your perspective, I'm probably from your past."

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

He smiles in return, and bows his head slightly. Perhaps he feels caught out by the stranger's observations.

"It is not conducive to many things, but we have managed under much worse conditions before," he says. "I only mean to allay any concerns our visitors might have with our intentions. It is equally strange for all of us, I'm sure."

He motions for Guinan, in case this man would care for a drink.

[ancientstalker]

"I'm sure your intentions are perfectly noble." He pauses. "I am to assume that you're in a position of authority on this vessel?"

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

"I am, in fact, the ship's captain," he nods. "Do forgive me for not introducing myself. Captain Jean-Luc Picard, of the USS Enterprise."

He offers his hand in greeting.

[ancientstalker]

"Ah. My honour, Captain." He reaches forward to take Picard's hand. "Orlin of Velona."

Because it wouldn't do to show his Ascended status just yet.

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

"Velona," he repeats, giving Orlin's hand a firm shake. "I'm afraid that is a world I am not quite familiar with. Or colony, as the case may be."

However, he will not forget the name.

[ancientstalker]

"If it is the case that I'm from your past, the civilisation on Velona ended long ago." Even from Orlin's perspective.

"I'm not sure what year on Earth it was when I left."

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

Picard makes a low, considering hum. The past has always interested him, particularly when it comes to pursuits such as archaeology. He frowns, wondering if Velona is a lesson he has merely forgotten.

"Before or after space travel?" he asks, gathering this man may be older than he appears.