TEST DRIVE #3 - Alien Bazaar/Ten Forward

[tenforward_m]

#1

Option 001. Alien planet, marketplace: So you're new to this whole space travel thing. The ship is cool and all, but there are hundreds of alien worlds out there. You want to explore. To see what the universe REALLY looks like.

Well, here's your chance! Your first stop is this lovely indoor marketplace, which looks kind of like a mall. There are stalls one after the other as far as the eye can see, and they sell all kinds of things: food, clothes, trinkets, animals, fabrics, jewelry, perfumes, books, etc etc. Some things look human, easy to recognize; other things look very alien. There are two levels, and constant chatter as people hawk their wares and discuss prices.

Do you want to explore? Poke at the weird shops? Buy a gift for a new friend? Flirt with someone at the food court? Maybe you see a pickpocket, and must run to the aid of the victim. Maybe there's some other villainy afoot. After all, a crowded marketplace is a good place for villains to lurk, causing trouble. Whether you're a hero or just an unassuming traveler, there proves to be some adventure for you on this planet.


2

Option 002. Aboard the Enterprise, Ten Forward: You have no idea what just happened. One minute you were home, and now you're on a spaceship, in the middle of a crowded room. It looks like a bar. There are people eating and drinking, some in uniform, others not. Some are clearly aliens.

You've managed to land in Ten Forward a long bar with barstools and a bartender, tables sprinkled throughout, and the far wall is nothing but windows out to space. It looks like a nice lounge, low conversation making the room hum.

Better ask some questions and find out where you are, or just tap the closest person on the shoulder and try to make friends. The bar is open.

Comments

[in_the_wrong_q]

And there's applause from the other man, his grin widening once more.

"Yes! Bingo! Well done!" He says, laughing. "You're the first person to come to that conclusion without me being incredibly obvious."

He lowers his hands. "Yes. I'm Q... but as for being... Part of it? No. I'm not."

oh my god plz say you're gonna app him

[spideys]

Peter's knowledge of the Q isn't exactly extensive and he internally curses his lack of initiative to do a little more pre-emptive sleuthing instead of webslinging in the alien marketplace.

(Not that he regrets that decision either.

But right now a little knowledge would help him from feeling like prey.)

His expression doesn't share the same maniacal sentiments that Q's does. Instead, he looks grim and serious. Tense, too.

"You're just in it for the entertainment."

Not right away! The mods don't want another Q in until everything stabilises.

[in_the_wrong_q]

"Entertainment? No! Of course not. Well. Maybe not just for the entertainment. Frankly, you lower life-forms can get quite dull."

He clicks his fingers, and an orange-coloured drink flashes into existence in his other hand.

"I like to see myself as a mediator. Q has a nasty habit of getting in over his head."

i guess that makes sense. he's fun anyway. :3

[spideys]

Peter's eyes flick from Q's face to the sudden materialization of the orange drink in his hand, then back again.

"So, what? You're supposed to be the 'good' guy in this? What are we supposed to expect from your -" Colleague? Family member? Friend? "- from the other Q, huh? Why's he doing this?"

Glad you think so!

[in_the_wrong_q]

A sip of the drink, before he grins at Peter.

"Come, now. That's just asking for spoilers! Where's your sense of adventure?"

[spideys]

"I think I got my fair share of adventure, being brought here in the first place, thanks."

Peter's expression goes flat.

"You guys are playing with alotta people's lives."

It's not right.

[in_the_wrong_q]

"Hey, you want to blame someone, blame Q. I have no involvement over who plays with what lives."

A shake of his head.

"You jump to conclusions so easily. Just because a member of our continuum is doing something you don't like."

[spideys]

'... something you don't like'?

Wow.

Peter keeps his hands bunched into fists, controlling the sudden flare of his temper, under the table.

"Then why don't you help us," he says, teeth nearly clenched. He lets out a breath. "Just. Stop him from doing this. Help us get back home."

[in_the_wrong_q]

"Because it's not our business." A shrug. He might be the more... benevolent Q, if there's such a thing, but...

"Besides, how do you know that I can?"

[spideys]

"It's worth a shot, isn't it?" Peter tries.

He's not sure if this Q is pulling his leg, but at this point this is the closest he's ever come to talking to one of their kind, and he's gonna do something, he's gotta at least try.

"We're not pawns in a game. We're people. We have lives. Everyone here's got - they've all got homes, and jobs, and loved ones. We're not s'posed to be here."

[in_the_wrong_q]

"I'm afraid you're speaking to the wrong Q." He comments, setting the drink down. "Appealing to my sense of... humanity. How quaint. Yes. I can see why Q finds you interesting."

[spideys]

That right there shuts Peter up.

There's no use talking to this guy. But at least he gave it a try anyway.

Right now he wants to be anything but interesting. Interesting means there'll be poking around. And poking around means that somehow, in some way, his superhero identity is going to be found out. Maybe even exposed.

"Whatever, man. Like I said: not. Interesting. I just wanna go home."

[in_the_wrong_q]

"And like I said... I beg to differ." There's a wide grin before Q blinks out, and his voice comes from Peter's right ear.

"Sit back. Relax. Enjoy the ride. You'll love it."

And he's gone.