TEST DRIVE #2 - The Holodeck/Ten Forward

[tenforward_m]

Where were you a minute ago? Well, you aren't there anymore. Instead, you're standing in a very large, dark room lined with yellow. There are doors at either end of it.

Here's where things get a little choose your own adventure-y. You could:



1: Approach a console filled with buttons, located a few feet away. Press one, and it'll let you out of the room. Travel down a long hallway and you'll be in Ten Forward, the Enterprises' entertainment lounge. Have a drink, mingle and try to figure out why you're here.

OR

2: Maybe you just muttered some vague request under your breath. Maybe you wished aloud you were somewhere else. Or for help? If you did, might be in a fire station. Muttered something about killing whoever dumped you here? Surprise - you're in a slasher movie!

Though they're confusing, these visions feel about as real as they can be. And guess what - other people can experience those fantasies with you, as if they too were really there. How ever will you escape? Or do you want to?

[OOC: Welcome to the Holodeck! If you choose this option, whatever your character chooses to say out loud will cause a virtual reality program to load and play. While your character feels as if what they're experiencing and seeing is quite real, they're purely living through the latest and best in what he Enterprise has to offer in entertainment. Make sure to detail what your character's fantasy is, so that those threading with them will know how to react.

Open til next month's test drive!]

Comments

Enjoy

[blind_arrogance]

A Cardassian slid in right next to Julian. No, not just any Cardassian. Gul Dukat. And then, with a Cardassian PADD in one hand, he politely addressed the woman tending bar and ordered a mug of red leaf tea. He turned to the Federation officer, and gave him a polite smile. Dukat was irritated. Slightly annoyed. The lights were much to bright and the air was cold. Just how the humans liked it. It was going to give him a headache.

"I don't know how I'm expected to stay here much less continue to do my job." The man complained. "I can't stay here. On the Federation flagship. Central Command will be in uproar."

well who invited you. :|

[asklepian]

Julian knew that voice. And wondered what vengeful God he pissed off to hear it.

He covered his urge to curse by taking a drink of his own. And wrestled down his impulse to tell him he'd be out of a job soon anyway. The Occupation was in its death throes, he'd find out soon enough on his own.

"You could think of it as a vacation."

He invited himself. He's quite courteous.

[blind_arrogance]

Think of it this way Julian. It could be Dukat and Garak, arguing. Incessantly. But, as it was, he was just graced with Dukat, who had been oh so rudely taken from his office in Terok Nor. Trying to manage a rather big problem, thank you very much. It was difficult enough to do, without Bajorans continuously trying to assassinate you. This was how they repaied him? After all he did to help them and make life easier?

"A vacation. I could certainly use a vacation, but a Federation ship is not the location I would choose.At this rate I'm going to miss my son's birthday. Only this time, this time he's not going to hear that his father was too busy dealing with Bajoran terrorists to play with him, he'll hear that he's on a Federation ship and isn't allowed to leave. And who do we think he'll blame? Me? Or the Federation?"

You're always inviting yourself. Don't you have better things to do?

[asklepian]

At least if Garak was around, Julian would have one of his own friends. As it is, the Chief and Worf both don't so much as know his name. It's rather distressing, once one stops trying to drown themselves in a shot glass to think about it. Also, you and Garak arguing is a sight to behold, rather entertaining, actually.

Also, shocking that, people not taking kindly to being ruled over with terror and starved and worked to death. Julian experienced a handful of days of the same sort of treatment, any more and he'd be right there alongside them.

"Well, from what I hear he should be blaming Q. And I wish you and he luck with holding him accountable for anything."

How many of Ziyal's birthdays did you miss, again? And good luck making them up to her now.

He needed another drink after that particularly dark thought, but the synthehol suddenly was not half as appealing as it used to be. Considering it wasn't that appealing to begin with, Julian just sighs and sets it aside.

"How is the red leaf tea, anyway?"

Nope. It's this or execute some more slaves. OMG he's so delusional.

[blind_arrogance]

"The red leaf tea is quite good today, thank you for asking." Dukat did love to hear himself talk. Every syllable, every word was enunciated, slowly, precise. It was a miracle no one had strangled him yet. Although that's probably because they'd be executed.

"At least here I can take a rest from the bomb threats. Bomb threats! Do you believe it? I try to help these people and they show their gratitude by trying to kill me. I guess I let my hopes climb to high. I thought I could change them. Help them lead better lives." He paused, switching tracks. "Would you like some? The tea. Not the bomb threats."

Yes, it was a very good thing he didn't know about Ziyal yet. Enjoy the only semi-crazy Cardiassian.

[asklepian]

He supposes it's a Cardassian thing--it's far more charming in Garak, but he talks about nice things like literature and culture and not oppressing the Bajoran masses. Listening to Dukat is like trying to have a conversation with an Aldebaran screech owl--wholly unpleasant and grating on the nerves.

"It's almost as if people don't take kindly to being subjugated and killed by the thousands," Julian says casually. Those are the least of the Occupation's crimes, that he knew of. "Shocking, that."

He smiles genially and orders his usual Tarkalean tea, extra sweet, and apologizes for the change to the bartender, assuring them that the other drink was perfect, but he just felt like a change. Then he lifts his glass, as if to make a toast.

"To a lack of bomb threats."

He looks so thrilled.

[blind_arrogance]

"Now I object to that. They wouldn't be getting killed if they would just behave and do as they're told. Really, I don't do this out of spite. I would much rather be at home with my children, but we all have to do our duty, don't we? But it seems you have me at a disadvantage. Who might you be, Lieutenant?"

Dukat took a long, slow sip of his tea. It really was too bad Quark wasn't here. He was going to miss all those cases of Cardassian ale. Maybe Q would get them for him. After all, it'd be a shame to let them go to waste back on Terok Nor.

oh he is *so* very thrilled. look at how thrilled he is.

[asklepian]

No, they would be dying of malnutrition, disease, and exhaustion instead, at an even greater rate than they already are.

Well, this put him in a bit of a tight spot, what with the complications of being from the future and knowing Dukat personally in said future. Really, he probably shouldn't give his name. It would only complicate matters when the Julian Bashir of this timeframe got his posting on DS9 and encountered this man.

But not to introduce himself would pique Dukat's curiosity--and his suspicions. Best to not.

"Doctor, actually. Julian Bashir."

He should be. Gul Dukat is gracing him with his presence

[blind_arrogance]

Oh hush Bashir. You expect Gul Dukat to let a little like like Federation morals get in the way of the greatness of the Cardassian Union? Bajor is under Cardassian rule after all, complete with Cardassian morals. It's really too bad at this point in Federation history they really don't care too much about Bajor and its plight.

"Doctor Bashir then. I'm Gul Dukat, but it seems my reputation proceeds me. All good things I hope."

ugh. Julian wants to gracefully shove him right out an airlock.

[asklepian]

How about common humanoid decency, a little of that could go quite a long way.

It's truly unfortunate, but it was one of those issues that the Prime Directive was open to interpretation on, and thus far it had been interpreted as 'not our place to interfere.' They cared--there were sanctions and talk and diplomatic pressure, but intervention? No.

"Oh, of course."

His tone is just barely the right side of civil, but that could be attributed only to the recent war between Cardassia and the Federation, there's absolutely nothing to indicate he's feeling anything personally.

I'm sure he could find a willing accomplice!

[blind_arrogance]

Sure, Dukat loves to talk about decency. How about the fact that he abolished child labor? Decreased quotas by 50% and increased food rations and medical care? Or maybe Julian wants to talk about the bombs the Bajorans were planting.

With the bureaucratic pressure the Federation was putting on Cardassia, combined with the cessation of hostilities between there two governments, well, Dukat was sure he was going to have a wonderful stay on the Federation Flagship. We could go around starting another war now could we? The current one was barely over.

"And that would be? Or should I just attribute your knowledge to Ferengi's who can't keep there mouth shut?" At least when latinum was tossed their way.

Possibly several! And if he couldn't before, give him a week.

[asklepian]

Oh yes, you're truly a saint. He doesn't agree with the bombs, granted, but he also doesn't think you're a shoe-in for Person of the Year either.

"Oh, no, now that would be telling. And I can't be doing much of that," Julian says casually, taking a sip of his tea. "It would ruin the mystery for you rather thoroughly. Besides, I won't meet any sort of Ferengi for a while yet, I'm sure. Unless one happens to end up here."

Two years, actually. And it would be the younger him, meeting Quark, Rom, Nog, and the others on DS9.

Picard might even help after Dukat starts whining

[blind_arrogance]

That's Dukat. He should definitely be nominated for Person of the Year. Even he thinks so.

"I shall live a perpetual state of suspense then. Imagine what that might do. It could have unpleasant side effects. I would hate to think that you might be responsible for such a thing. It might go against your oath." And unlike Bashir, Dukat had absolutely no problem with causing harm. Imagine that.

Dukat finished off his tea, and ordered a glass of kanar. He wasn't exactly on duty, and even if he was?

"You know, I'm thinking I might have to talk to the Captain here about security. It would be a shame if anything happened to harm the peace talks."

Wouldn't that be glorious. Surely no one would miss him. Well. No one in present company.

[asklepian]

Now see, the thing about person of the year nominations, is you generally don't nominate yourself.

"Yes, but it also might go against some other oaths I've taken, so there is that." Besides, what do you know about the Hippocratic Oath, honestly. You're just talking shit.

"You're on the Federation flagship, and the Chief of Security here takes his job very seriously. I can scarcely think of a safer place in the Quadrant."

On second thought just stick him in a room with K'Ehleyr

[blind_arrogance]

"Yes and the Federation and the Cardassian Union have been getting along so well lately, I shouldn't worry at all. I'm sure none of your Bajoran crew members wont try anything. Misunderstandings tend to occur and things get heated fast, wouldn't you agree, Doctor?"

Dukat took a sip of his kanar, wondering if it was possible they might have some springwine on board. If he was going to be stuck here for the immediate future,well, he would miss the Bajoran springwine.

y'know what would be even worse? if he gets roomed with Julian. not that Julian would stay there.

[asklepian]

"Even if there are Bajoran officers here, Starfleet officers do have more self-control than that." It's almost insulting to think they don't, Dukat, and you wouldn't want to insult them, would you?

"Lucky for you, on the off chance you do find yourself in need of a doctor, I've experience treating Cardassians." Probably the only one in the Fleet at this point that has, and that's going to invite questions.

That would be great! Especially when Dukat kicks up the heat to 32 C.

[blind_arrogance]

"I won't be staying here long. This situation is unacceptable. I'm sure Central Command will be sending a vessel to pick me up shortly.


"Most of the Bajorans I've met seem to have bit of a problem with self control. I'd be delighted to learn that Starfleet has taught them restraint and self control." Dukat drolled on.

"And no offense Doctor, but I have no intention of letting the Federation examine me."

well Julian could probably take that better than most. thanks, genetics!

[asklepian]

"Again, I wish you all the luck with that. If Q wants you here, Cemtral Command isn't going to be able to pull you away. You may even be slightly out of temporal phase, so even now there may be another you on Terok Nor." Julian shrugs slightly. For someone with Q's alleged abilities, that wouldn't be particularly difficult.

"Funny, all the Bajorans I've met have been nothing but friendly, cordial, and patient with me." Even when it had been obviously difficult, especially for Kira. But he'd been a bit of a tosser with her.

"Are all Cardassians so uncomfortable with medical professionals?"

[blind_arrogance]

"Well there is only one way to find out isn't there? I suppose we could call and check, or just check the date. Unless you think he's duplicated me as well? Do I have a clone on Terok Nor now?" It wasn't that Dukat didn't believe him, it was that he didn't take it seriously at all.

"Ahh, you've had the pleasure of treating a Cardassian before, have you? We are a very private people, Doctor. " Not to mention rather xenophobic.