TEST DRIVE MEME #4 - The Arboretum/Ten Forward

[ten_fwd_mods]

Option 01: Aboard the Enterprise, The Arboretum: In exploring the Enterprise, you end up on Deck 17, section 21 alpha: the arboretum. Instantly upon entering you can tell this room is different from all the others. For one thing, you're now standing on grass. It's no illusion, no simulation; it's real grass, leading up to a small pond in the center of the room. All around you grows a variety of plant life, trees and bushes and hanging plants, flowers and herbs and even what one might consider weeds. The arboretum is, for all intents and purposes, a botanic garden, used both recreationally for passengers to relax and enjoy, and scientifically for research and study. After all, the scope of alien plant life is impressive, from the Cyprion cacti down to the Earth variety roses.

The room is well lit and large, with benches to rest on and small walking paths. Children are grouped off in one corner working on botany projects, while some passengers are seen kneeling in the dirt carefully tending to their garden patches. There are even windows along one wall, allowing for a view of space while the room itself gives the illusion of daylight. It's the perfect spot to relax, read a book, or grab a spare spade and dig in the dirt. Or perhaps you've been looking for the right moment to say hello to the passenger standing off by the venus flytraps.





Option 02: Aboard the Enterprise, Ten Forward: Or maybe not. You've just arrived, and you have no idea what just happened. One minute you were somewhere else, and now you're in what looks like a spacious, well-appointed bar. The hum of the crowd is inviting, and the drinks look invigorating. There are people eating and drinking, some in uniform, others not. Some are clearly aliens.

Try to find out why you're here, or catch a drink at the bar; there's always something happening here.

Comments

Not a problem!

[just_be_quiet]

His dog barely even stirs at the faun's approach. Andrew can't help but really look at him. He is reminded very faintly of stories he used to read.

He traded them out for Sherlock Holmes. He likes detective stories and puzzles.

"It is nice here," Andrew agrees. A little too perfect. He misses the chance that there might be rain. He likes a good rain storm if he can find decent cover.

"You seem new here."

[windandtreesknow]

His response is a confirming kind of smile as he inclines his head, turning his palms up in a disarming gesture. "What gave me away?"

It's perfectly true. He has no idea where he is or how he got there, but with a sense of curiosity and a certain lust for adventure, how could he not investigate?

[just_be_quiet]

"It wasn't anything specific," the boy admits. "I just thought you might be. You don't seem used to the Arboretum."

He glances about taking in the trees, the small decorative pond, and the strategically placed rocks. He finds this place is rather peaceful. "I come here a lot. The trees are nice and there's room to play with Bernie."

The big dog that is mostly asleep on him. The animal stirs but it seems that Bernie cannot be bothered to investigate a few person.

[windandtreesknow]

The faun knows better than to needlessly disturb a sleeping animal. Maybe later the dog will decide to say hello.

"Could you be so kind as to tell an old creature such as myself where I am?" That really ought to be the best place to start figuring this place out.

[just_be_quiet]

"On a ship. It's called the USS Enterprise," Andrew tells him. There is no reason to hide anything from what looks to Andrew like a faun. What else could he be?

"It's not a normal ship. We're in space. With the stars and everything."