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

[bobbyprentice]

"That sounds awful, sir," Bobby says, because it does.

But they got out of it alive, apparently, which makes him look at his superior with a new admiration. He already looked up to La Forge, of course - he's the chief engineer of the flagship, how could he not? - but this is a new level.

[postorganic]

If he were still totally human, he'd probably be struggling to get his words out, with all the thoughts swirling in his mind. But, despite this information, despite the fact that his son is alive and on this ship, he can process it all with ease, and speak freely.

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, there's probably only one person on this ship like me." He's not sure how consoling that is, but at least it's true. "I'm not a telepath, and you're not an android. But, the fact remains that neither of us belong on this ship."

[usescontractions]

"It is no trouble." She smiles just slightly, and somewhat awkwardly as she replies. The more subtle expressions are the hardest to mimic. "If you do not wish to be examined, perhaps the Enterprise's logs can provide information on your arrival."

[abyssum_invocat]

"I'm not just a telepath," she says quietly, shaking her head before returning to looking out the window. "I can teleport, and walk through walls, and I'm telekinetic."

She's powerful for an eight-year-old, yeah, but she's also not the world's most willing to use these things. "What do you propose to do about being on this ship?"

[postorganic]

Not knowing too many species who could teleport (or any species actually), he raises a brow at that. As interesting as it might be, it would not likely be useful here.

"I do not yet know." He breathes quietly. As much as he wants to rush to Data's quarters, it would be difficult to explain that action. A couple of unintentional stowaways accessing the ship's computer would be equally suspicious.

"A ship such as this has ways of detecting people who don't belong on it. The crew must know we are here, and, for some reason, are not alarmed by it. If they plan to offer us quarters... Well, it's probably foolish to hope, but that would be the ideal way to learn more about our situation." Even without his ship, or his equipment, he should still be able to access, undetected, anything he pleases on the ship's computer. Assuming he has time to work in private.

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

It is a curious affair being sized-up by a boy half your age (and only half, Picard will claim, despite what Starfleet records may reflect). More and more this Andros reminds him of himself.

Chuckling, he retrieves his teacup. "Spoken like an officer. I'm afraid if I'm supposed to recognize the title 'Space Ranger', I'm only going to disappoint you; however, I can guess that it involves some form of law and order. Where are you from?"

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

He arches an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

[mr_laforge]

"It was, lieutenant," Geordi says. "But it's just the type of thing you'll have to get used to serving aboard the Enterprise. Old girl's seen worse."

He's fond of the ship. It's hard not to be after all this time keeping her in working condition. "How long have you been out of the Academy?"

[abyssum_invocat]

She nods, and focuses on the teacup Picard has, laying her hands on her lap in plain view. Slowly, it starts to life itself up unsupported, and turns gracefully, handle spinning round and round as she lowers it back down, not having spilled a drop of the contents.

"I can teleport, and walk through solid things, but I don't want to. I don't know how thick the walls are and I don't want to get stuck."

[abyssum_invocat]

"What else would they plan to do? They can't keep us locked in here forever, can they?" she asks, eyes widening as if she's mildly horrified by the thought. She hates being locked into rooms. It never means anything good.

[holds_her_own]

There's a very slight tilt to Hill's head.

Interesting.

"And what about Director Fury?"

She's indulging herself more than answering Steph's unasked questions, but there's a lot you can learn from pushing someone to the edge.

Not over the edge. Not yet.

(But it's a hell of a lot of fun to see Rogers get angry.)

[stark_spangled]

He's surprised by the change of heart. Part of him feels like he should insist -- he's unraveling just a little, the edges of this moment bleeding into everything from his past, all the built-up anger and sadness and resentment -- but he's never been the kind of guy to walk away from somebody in need.

"Okay," he says, holding her gaze. She's safe. More than anything else, he wants her to know that. She's safe. "I can introduce you to some new people, if you like. Guinan is a friend. She can even get you some food, if you're hungry."

[stark_spangled]

He doesn't answer right away, although he might be trying to communicate through blinking and jaw tics. It's not like he isn't aware of his own celebrity. It's inescapable, part of his public identity, and part of his obligation to his country. Everyone thinks they know who Captain America is. Some cheer for him in the streets, and some jeer from passing cars. It's just never settled in enough for him to expect it.

"Really?" His face heats as he thinks back on his brief film career. "You wrote a paper on me? An academic paper?"

[tased_lightning]

"Well, I guess it depends." Darcy rests an elbow on the table. "Are you Captain America, or do you just play him on camera?"

[holds_her_own]

"Wow."

The woman two stools down is also in uniform, but it's nothing like Starfleet.

It's practically a catsuit; black, dark blue, with an eagle emblazoned on one shoulder.

"And I thought I was having a bad day. You keep this place lit with that sunny disposition of yours?"

She smirks around her tumbler of scotch.

[stark_spangled]

To his credit, Steve doesn't look startled. He's sitting at a table with a pad and pencil, drawing some of the patrons as they enter and exit the room. He's still frowning in concentration when he looks up.

"USS Enterprise," he says with full authority. "Ten Forward, the galley."

[stark_spangled]

He startles. Again, it's not the first time he's been asked that question, but it doesn't happen often. And really, it was a tad presumptuous answering her as if it was personal.

"Good point," he says, chuckling nervously. "I never really liked -- performing. The things I do, how I serve my country, those things I'm proud of. That's me. But kissing babies and selling bonds was just what I was told to do to serve my country."

I'm sorry, I saw her face and was like, "I WILL GET THE AVENGERS AND YOU WILL BE AVENGED." >>

[shut_up_dammit]

Leonard glared at her at first, downing the rest of his drink before silently ordering another. Then he gave her a once over. She looked fit, strong, dare he say, attractive. Jim'd chase after that. If he was here.

As the bartender poured him another drink, Leonard eased his glare a bit.

"If I was actually a part of this damn crew, then it might."

COULSOOOOOOOON! NOOOOOOO, COULSON. D:<

[holds_her_own]

"What, they didn't accept your resume?"

She clicks her tongue.

"Can't imagine why."

She's used to the once-overs, even encouraging them from time to time.

Still, that's not going to make her go any easier on him.

She's bored, and a bored SHIELD agent is a dangerous commodity.

"Maybe you should take up a second language. Potential employers love that shit."

I'M LAUGHING SO HARD I CAN'T BREATHE HELP.

[shut_up_dammit]

Leonard scoffed.

"They accepted my damn resume a hundred years ago. Same ship, different goddamn crew."

She must be bored if she wanted to annoy the shit out of him. Maybe she could take some damn initiative and walk around the place, see if she actually knows anyone here instead of pestering him.

"Don't need one. Apparently being a doctor's enough... most of the time."

[zerocharliexray]

All she'd meant to do was take a quick stroll outside to stretch her legs -- honest! She's still in uniform and all, flight jacket stretched snug against her back and shoulders with her hands in the pockets, boots parade-glossy, service cap perched jauntily atop blonde curls. Every single little thing is in place, just like it ought to be.

Except the Aerie One, which is looking a heck of a lot different from when she last saw it, all of five minutes ago.

Zinda Blake's no stranger to being tossed out of her own time and life, but gee whilikers! Couldn't a girl get a little warning?

At least there seems to be a bar, and that's universal language. Even better, a tall, broad-shouldered square-jawed fella of the kind that seems created for the express purpose of giving an unsuspecting gal the sort of stomach-twisting knots that normally come from aeronautics. She cocks a smile at him, and winks from beneath the brim of her hat.

"If I'd known I was getting invited to a party, I'd have put on my dancing shoes."

[awol_redranger]

Actually Picard, Andros looked more relieved than disappointed.

"Actually, sir, it's a welcome change. There are different factions of Rangers--they help in instances where the military would be overwhelmed. I'm a Space Ranger, my team and I help where there are no Planetary Rangers--although sometimes it can be more diplomatic than violent. What of your ship?" The Enterprise looked big enough, her crew intelligent and skilled.It was definitely military of some kind.

And here, no one wanted to touch him, or sneak pictures of him with Ashley.It was profoundly creepy to find reporters sneaking around trying to get good pictures or interviews. They were going to have to do damage control soon, make some kind of statement to the press before everything got out of hand. Andros hated the very idea, he was so tempted to sabotage the Megaship so he had to stay behind and fix it.

"KO-35," Andros paused, forgetting again that just because this man was from space, didn't mean he was familiar with the same planets. He didn't know the Rangers, obviously they were from different universes. So, Andros started again.

"Karovan Outpost number 35. It's a space colony in the Karova system. But I'm guessing that's not exactly in the vicinity, and it's not home anymore. I'm usually on board my own ship. The Astro Megaship." Why yes, Andros is proud of his ship.

[abyssum_invocat]

"I don't...have any money," she says softly, still nervous. "I just don't want to be alone when I don't know where we are."

Sorry not sorry. NO REGRETS. :D

[holds_her_own]

She whistles.

"Awkward."

The sing-song quality of her voice is slight, but unmistakable.

If only Leonard knew what she had to deal with on a daily basis. Compared to Fury, Stark, and Rogers, he's a puppy.

"You look pretty good for a guy over a century old. And a doctor? You're right, life is terrible."

Sarcasm is a girl's best friend.

[not_annika]

She considers this advice. "Perhaps," she agrees with a nod. If nothing else, a rooting through the computer might reveal what the sensors recorded as she arrived.