E Pluribus Unum
Posted on Mon Feb 18th, 2019 @ 7:06am by Lieutenant Sandra Adamson
Mission:
Run Afoul
Location: Deck Five, Holodeck One
1315 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure
Wilfred stretched as he made his way out of the brig at the end of his shift. He was tired but there was no use going back to his quarters, there was nothing to do there, he wasn't hungry and he was sure he would not be able to sleep yet. He walked down the corridor toward the holodeck and was pleased to see it was not in use. He loaded his favorite program, a fairy tale of sorts that allowed him to watch a live telling of an old classic without being too involved. Wilfred sat down on a rock and waited for the program to begin.
From the trees to the right of Wilfred came a beautiful princess. Her hair and eyes were raven black, porcelain skin, and very voluptuous. She looked as if she were being chased by something dangerous, yet always graceful. "Oh dear, where shall I ever find someone to rescue me?" she asked to the wind, a hint of fear in her voice.
A cackling laughter could be heard as it echoed through the woods. A figure appeared, flying on a wooden broom, black robes billowing in the wind. "There's no escaping me," the figure laughed, moving to swoop down onto the beautiful princess.
"You've got to be kidding me. Didn't you two learn any kind of lesson the first time!" Wilfred threw up his hands, got to his feet and headed toward where he thought the door ought to have been. Nothing opened. "Computer, exit." Still nothing happened. He looked back at them. "Funny. Hilarious. I'm requesting a transfer."
"A transfer to where? My castle is that way," the princess asked, genuine confusion on her face. "I am in danger and all you can think about is your entertainment?!" she exclaimed incredulous that her would be rescuer seemed to have better things to do.
"Jex," he said, using her first name to hopefully gain her attention about this. "Obviously you're mad about the letter but this is really childish and stupid. I just wanted to be left alone for five minutes and enjoy this program." He frowned as Lhaes seemed to be swooping closer to them. "This is beneath you too," Wilfred shouted at him. "You should be ashamed of yourself."
Suddenly a poof was heard behind Wilfred. The blue fairy, with wings and her wand stood behind him. She giggled a bit. "There you are, I have been looking all over for you." She looked at the witch heading towards. "Oh my, that's not good." She raised her want and turned the witches broom in to a duck. "Oh dear....I think we should run now." She poofed into a smaller version and fluttered away.
"Computer, end program." There was again no response and the hooded figure, the witch or whatever Lhaes was trying to be was getting really close. Wilfred frowned and grabbed a hold of Jex's hand, pulling her along with him.
The witch laughed, despite his broom being changed into a duck. "you can't stop me," he cackled, "I'll find and get you all. The princess is mine!"
Anna with her long red hair was riding a reindeer and caught up to the pair trying to escape the witch. "Blue fairy, get them a reindeer now!" She called out.
The blue Fairy appeared and waved her wand and a reindeer appeared.
"Get on it!" Anna shouted, "And follow me, I know a safe place." She rode off turning around to see if the pair was following them.
The princess version of Jex immediately climbed on the reindeer. She had a certain grace that only a fairytale princess could possess. "How far?" Jex called out toward Anna.
"I'm not getting on that thing, I don't even know what it is!" Wilfred protested.
The witch waved his wand, first turning his duck back into a broom, before aiming the sparking wand at the group trying to get onto the reindeer. "You shall not escape!" he hollered, sending streaks of flame towards them. "I shall have the princess." Sparks turned to flame as they hit the ground, setting dry twigs afire.
"Owww, that fire is hot. Hot," he repeated looking stunned then he jumped on the animal, which he felt sorry for at this point and took off. "What's your name?" he yelled in the ear of the woman in front of him, not that it mattered because she was only a holodeck character.
Anna turned around. Her face was that of doctor Adamson, but her red hair was much longer, and braided. They were following her. She then answered the princess. "Not that far, but we have to hurry, that witch is getting closer. Let's get in to that forest up ahead, we could loose her there. But please, stay close to me, don't wonder of the path, and don't talk to strangers!"
Turning back to her savior, who she was actually saving, the princess called back, "Jexalena, Princess of Berondale." As the fire kept being set, Jex kicked at the reindeer and raced it to follow Anna.
"Of course you are," He rolled his eyes skyward. Why did everything happen to him? "I'm Will," he said, feeling like the shortened version of his name would be enough though few people called him that.
"Sir Will, you must hold on," Jex replied. The reindeer was swift but the ride was hard. While he was supposed to be her savior, his odd clothing did not match any of the known kingdoms. She was unsure who he was and what his skills were.
And the barrage of bolts being shot towards them probably didn't do the wild ride any favours. The Witch swirled his wand through the air, sending bolt upon bolt after them in the hope of unsettling them. He laughed as one of them struck the reindeer right on its ass. Another landed right in front of its nose, making it swerve to the side in a sudden motion.
Wilfred nearly toppled off at this. He grabbed a hold of Jex and the reindeer simultaneously and managed to stay on. "I swear if I get out of this alive I'm going back home and becoming a farmer. Princess don't like farmers right? Good." He said without waiting for an answer.
In a great show of colours and sparkles, the witch waved his wand about, crying out an intricate spell which turned the reindeer into a frog. Swooping down, he caught the princess mid air and set her on his broom, arm around her waist to keep her 'safe'.
Wilfred tumbled off and rolled several time before flopping down on the grass and looking up into the sky where he saw Jex, or whatever her name was being caried off by the witch to a nearby tower. He groaned. He just wanted erase this program, go home and take a shot shower. Why did he suddenly feel guilty. She wasn't real. Jex wasn't a princess and she wasn't in danger. But the expression on her face sealed it for him. He had to help this stupid holographic character or he wasn't going to sleep tonight.
Anna walked to Wilfred with the Blue fairy next to her. Anna looked to the Blu Fairy. "Please help!" She pleaded with the Bue Fairy.
The Blue Fairy thought a moment. And then she waved with her want. A carpet appeared. "A flying carpet, she almost said proud. It can help you get there. Anna got on to it. "Are you coming, Prince, let's get your princess."
"No," Wilfred said, more amused than anything, I don't think this stupid program is going to shut down until I get a while horse. Think you could manage that for me? Oh, and a sword?" He sincerely hoped that no one on the ship ever found out about this.
End of Part 1
