Variables

[Annabelle O'Halloran 0]

Sometimes too much choice was a bad thing. The past couple of days had been stressful and Anna, dressed for hiking, had two hours of holodeck time reserved and was in a hurry to pick one as she scrolled through the programs available, emphasis on hiking in natural spaces that didn't require a life support unit, and having a difficulty rating of moderate to difficult. She had decided to try each of them at least once. However, she hated doing things by alpha search; A to Z quests lacked all whimsy. In her heart of hearts, she really did feel that more excitement lurked in appellations that made use of x, y or z than those that had the misfortune of being first in line at a, b or c. Although... Big Bear. One of the programs was named for a large ursine. Maybe there were bears in the program. Did she want to hike with bears? There was nothing in the content listing to lead her to think it was one of those programs that honed your survival skills by being hunted by indigenous animal life.

 

A time period wasn't indicated, so it didn't matter. The description just mentioned that the place was named after grizzly bears and it was a lake in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. Easy choice...it reminded her of her Academy years spent in San Francisco. A few quick taps to the control panel outside the holodeck and a brief moment for the program to take effect, and the holodeck doors slid back to reveal very picturesque and forested mountains. Turning, she had a view of the lake, and she stood for a moment, enjoying the sight of the overhead clouds reflected in the water.

 

The program promised that the hiking trails experienced swift and extreme changes in elevation. There would subalpine meadows full of flowers, lots of streams, and the lake with boats and fishing gear on hand, although fishing could wait for a return visit, when the purpose wasn't for exercise. There was also skiing, she'd noticed, but that was if you chose to make it a late fall/winter visit. She didn't know how to ski, and would rather go in early summer. She'd also programmed a partly cloudy day with an afternoon thunderstorm due to roll in. She loved storms and had a poncho with hood rolled up in her light backpack, along with lunch and water. This was going to be fun, she thought, as she shouldered the backpack and adjusted its straps.

 

About 5 minutes later...

 

Will Tomlinson, dressed in comfortable civvies, was walking around on deck 7; just wandering a bit when he saw that Holodeck 1 was activated. On a whim, he decided to bring up the program that was playing and was pleasantly surprised that his "Big Bear" program was active. He brought up who was inside and smiled when he found that it was Lt. Anna O'Halloran. He'd seen the newly appointed Chief Science Officer a few times but never had the chance to speak to her.

 

Opening the doors to the Holodeck, he smiled as he entered, once again enjoying the view of his hometown. He looked around and spotted Anna as she was looking at the lake a few meters away. Walking up, he spoke, "Welcome to my home town, Lieutenant." He smiled warmly.

 

The ambient sounds of the program had blocked the sound of the doors opening, and Anna turned in surprise as she was addressed. She smiled automatically, as she recognized Will Tomlinson, and greeted him in kind with a 'Hello, Lieutenant', her momentary confusion at seeing the pilot fading as she registered that the program represented his home on Earth.

 

"You're lucky in your home's natural beauty," Anna stated, before asking, "Is this your program, then?" She suddenly felt a little awkward, adding almost apologetically, "It's listed with the public programs, but if you were wanting to use it, I can release it and pick something else. I only just started it..."

 

Will kept a warm smile while he spoke, "Actually I just happened by the holodeck and saw that this program was on. And you are welcome to use this program. My Dad gave me this program for when I ever got homesick. That's why I call this program "A little taste of home." Notices her gear and the apparent time as well as season of the program, "A little nature hike on your plate for today?"

 

Anna felt a sudden stab of envy and wondered what it must be like to have your father be so supportive and understanding of your career that he actually gave you a little slice of home in case you were in need of comfort. Of course, a holoprogram about Kilo station was more likely to be of interest to Federation Intel than useful as a cure for homesickness, she thought and the smile she flashed back to Will was full of restrained humor. "That was a wonderful idea on his part, and as for 'little nature hike', I was hoping to be challenged by Big Bear's trails. They sound like a real workout." She sent a cautious look towards a stand of fir trees where the trail began and then looked back to Will. "Lieutenant...are there bears?"

 

Will laughed at her question, "Yes but only if you want there to be bears. And call me Will please, we're off duty right now." He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, "You know, since we're both off right now, mind if I join you for a little trip? I can show you some of the best trails and I know a great place that you can overlook the lake."

 

"That's generous of you, Will," Anna answered and wondered if he was just too nice to tell her he'd rather use the program himself, and instead was willing to share it with her. On the other hand, maybe he wanted to make sure she got full benefit from the program; it was a representation of his home and it was natural that he'd want to show it off. If she came from a place this beautiful, she'd enjoy introducing people to it, too. Decision made, she smiled easily, her eyes brightening with enthusiasm. "If you've got the time and don't mind spending it playing trail guide, I'd appreciate the company."

 

Will nodded, "Give me a few minutes then. Computer, hiking gear package Beta." A medium pack that appeared to be full of stuff along with some cooking gear and other assortments on the sides all perfectly packed. On the side also were some hiking boots and a web belt with two canteens attached. Will sat on the ground and changed into them. He stowed his shoes and attached the web belt. Once he had his gear settled, he looked at Anna, "Alright ready." As he turned, a thought came to mind, "Oh and for the record, I almost always have time to show this pretty land to a pretty lady." He smiled charmingly before heading off up the trail.

 

"Both the offer and the compliment are much appreciated," Anna replied, a little dryly, but with a smile, as she fell into step behind Will, following his lead. "When was the last time you were actually home?"

 

As he went around a bend, he sniffed the air, noting the possibility of a storm before replying, "I took about two weeks off just after I graduated before came to the Reaent so not too long ago." He chose a moderate path that climbed upwards. Part of the way down the trail, he stopped and pointed to a lakeside cabin a little ways away, "That's my home there." He smiled seeming to glow with warm memories, "Around this time my Mother would be making blueberry muffins while Dad would be out chopping wood for the fire place tonight." He turned that bright smile on her for a moment before proceeding further up the trail. A little time later and a few hundred feet up he waved a beautiful panoramic view of the lake to her. "I've seen quite a few beautiful sights in my short time amongst the stars..." He stated in a voice filled with wonder, "...but nothing has come close to this scenery for me yet."

 

As she looked at the replica of Will's home and listened to him describe his memories, Anna thought back to the childhood camping trips spent with her parents and brothers. Things had been more relaxed away from the station, easier to be a family when all the family consisted of were its nuclear members. She hadn't written the letter to her father yet. Caroline Curtis' suggestion had been a good one but she hadn't budged on it. The truth was that she was her father's daughter in many ways and one great flaw they shared was stubbornness. Or maybe it was pride.

 

"Oh, Will." Anna came to a stop at his side, the beauty of the vista spread out before her, defeating her ability to describe it properly. Heavily forested mountains swept down to the lake left behind when the glaciers that had covered Earth had moved on more than 11,000 years ago. From this vantage point, she saw no boats on the water and she was unable to pick out structures such as the one that Will and his family called home. To her eyes, it looked completely unspoiled, almost as if she and Will had the privilege of looking back through a window in time. And it wasn't just a program; according to Will it was a real place. The sheer pleasure she took in that knowledge, and the sight before them, was revealed in her expression as she turned her head to look at him. "Thank you, Will. I would have found my way here on my own but I wouldn't have had the context I do now."

 

Will was pleased at seeing her so enthralled by the scene. Will sat on a nearby rock and enjoyed the vista as he did so many times before when he was growing up. "My father kept this program on a chip when he was deployed during the war. A little taste of home he called it." He gestured to a flat part of the ground, "Take a seat, and enjoy the view. It's a wonderful place to just sit and think, eat or just relax." His smile was a boyish grin of happiness full of memories of home.

 

Will was clearly enjoying himself and his mood was infectious. It was fun seeing the program through his eyes but Anna bit back a laugh, before slipping free of the backpack and setting it down. The whole purpose of today's holodeck time was exercise, but here she was, sitting on the ground, leaning comfortably against a rock, her arms wrapped around her knees. She lifted her face into the breeze, and closed her eyes. Sometimes it was good to just sit and not do anything, although, she was not very good at not doing anything. "Your father fought in the Dominion War?" She asked Will, thinking that probably a lot of crew on Reaent had relatives that had served.

 

Will nodded, "Starfleet Special Forces. He cut his teeth during the Cardassian/Federation War, fought during the Klingon/Federation War and then retired after the Dominion War. My old man has more medals then probably half of Starfleet put together." Will spoke with extreme reverence when it came to his father, "And yet, when he was home, he was with only his family." He looked at Anna, "My father and my uncles taught me everything I know but survival. How to hunt, fish, build shelter. I guess that's why I love the outdoors so much." He looked at Anna, "I've got some food in my pack and this is a great place to eat. You bring food?"

 

"That's what a father should be. His family should come before everything else." His pride in his father was obvious, and she understood it. She felt the same for all she was very angry with her own and had been for the past seven years. "My father was always very careful to make sure he spent time with my brothers and I when we were growing up." Anna turned a speculative eye on Will and his pack as the conversation went from family to sustenance. "You replicated that pack, ergo, that pack has replicated food in it." She pulled hers onto her lap and patted it fondly. "I visited the mess before coming to the holodeck and I got lucky." She grinned at Will, her eyes twinkling. "Fortunately for you, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach." She looked around, as if making sure there was no one around and then leaned forward, her voice dropping into confidential tones. "They had fresh peanut butter today..."

 

Will laughed, "Yes, well if I had the chance to properly prepare for this, I would probably have visited the mess hall." He stated in a rather pouty voice but when she mentioned that her eyes were bigger than her stomach and the fact that they had fresh peanut butter his eyes lit up like a little boy at Christmas, "So does that mean there's at least two sandwiches in there?" He asked in a hopeful tone with that charm filled smile again.

 

"There are two," Anna assured him, silently laughing at his aggrieved tone. "And, since you did drop everything and have been nice enough to share your program with me, the least I can do is offer to share my lunch with you." She opened the pack, and with all the finesse of a magician doing his best reveal, she pulled a wrapped sandwich from inside of it and flourished it in his direction. "Not just fresh peanut butter, but also...real moba jam! Bajor's best. I even have it on good authority that the white bread is real and contains nothing of nutritional value."

 

Will laughed as he accepted the sandwich with a grateful nod. "Thank you." He sat back on the rock as they ate and continued to make small talk and he told her about the area and some of its history. As he finished his sandwich, he froze for a moment and took a sniff of the air. He looked up at the gathering clouds and stood. "Uh, we need to go." Not a few seconds later, the first droplets of rain began to drip on them.

 

Unperturbed, Anna tossed her sandwich wrapper into her pack, and then pulled the rain poncho, packed for just this moment, out. "I programmed the rain, Will. It's just going to be very, very light, and the wind's going to start picking up. It'll be a good hour of sound effects and pyrotechnics before it rains in earnest and by then...I'll be ready to go." She cocked her head at the far away sound of rolling thunder, and then looked at him with a smile of anticipation. "I love thunderstorms."

 

Will pulled out a poncho as well and sat near her but keeping a respectful distance, "Uh-huh. Personally I like hearing rain beating on a rooftop but since you programmed this little addition, I think I can find it in my heart to stick around and enjoy it." He replied with a little teasing in his voice. He saw the flash of lighting and counted until the thunder hit. "Still a few miles out but still..." He voice had a slightly ominous and playful tone to it, "...you never know what variables I might have programmed into the weather." He winked at her and enjoyed the sprinkle.

 

"I grew up where the weather was never any kind of factor, and so the wilder, the better," Anna said with a laugh, nonetheless shooting him a suspicious glance from under the rim of her hood. "You were just making a fuss like you might melt or something and now, all of a sudden, there might be variables?" She scooted back a little bit and to the side, so that overhanging trees blocked most of the very light rain, and Will acted as a convenient windbreak. "Is that kind of like there might be bears?"

 

Will's smile took on an innocent look, "Bears? Nah! I wouldn't do that to you." The wind suddenly began to howl louder and the rain began to drop into a torrential downpour in a few minutes. He had to yell as he got up, "But sometimes, the weather gets a lot worse real quick. Come on!" He offers a hand to her, "We've got to get to better shelter than this! Follow me!"

 

"This is not what I programmed!" Anna yelled, struggling to be heard over the wind and rain, as she grabbed his hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet. She hauled her pack with, holding onto it by the straps as she followed Will. "Gentle rain and a gradually approaching thunderstorm! That's what I programmed!" She jumped as lightning struck nearby, an almost simultaneous explosion of thunder not able to mask the sound of a tree crashing down.

 

It took a few drenching minutes before Will lead them to a small cave-like shelter. At first glance, the cave was bare but Will lit a glow stick from his pack and tossed into the cave and it was stocked with supplies and clothing. The available room made it roomy for one person and cozy for two. He took off his poncho and shook it out a bit, "By the way, I programmed the weather to change spontaneously at times. Kind of a survival test thing. He saw she wasn't too happy, "What was it you said about the weather? The wilder, the better?" The lightning lit up the inside of the cave and the thunder crashed outside.

 

She dropped her pack just inside the cave opening and sent Will a reproving look as he threw her words back at her. "I was talking about real meteorological events and not some holographic trickery." She pulled her dripping poncho off, and taking his, dropped them both by the door. A flash of lightning so bright it left after images on her retinas, had her blinking as she turned to grin at him from the cave's opening. "My plan was to hike for an hour or so, find a good spot to eat my peanut butter sandwiches and watch a massive storm roll in over a period of time."

 

Stepping back into the shelter of the cave, Anna took an elastic band out of the pocket of her sweatshirt and pulled her damp hair back and into a ponytail before sitting on a sturdy box full of...something. Looking up, she met Will's eyes in the half gloom provided by the light stick, the constantly flashing lightning doing more to disorient than illuminate. "Instead, I found myself trespassing at the Tomlinson family homestead, given the cook's tour by the owner himself, charmed out of a peanut butter sandwich and was almost electrocuted by stealth programming." Poking around in an open carton, Anna pulled two bottles of water and offered one to Will, with a disarming smile. "I sure haven't been bored."

 

Will laughed as he took the bottle, "Well next time you're in this program just tell the computer to shut down the weather variables and you'll get exactly the weather you want." Will sat back against the cave wall, "Oh and if you go on the lake, shut down the lake variables. And if you go above the snow line turn off the avalanche protocols and..." As Will was listing of the variations in the programs he did his best to try and hide the grin that was threatening to bust out at the growing look of horror on her face but in the end he couldn't contain it and began laughing, "...I'm kidding. Those variables are in the restricted part of the program." He flashed her his most winning smile again as the lightning lit up the cavern again.

 

"Next time I'm in this program? Anna's tone made it clear she thought he was crazy. "I've already proved I'm a thrill seeker by not transferring off this boat; I don't need to pit myself against your old neighborhood! The next time I want some exercise-"

 

Whatever she was going to say next was drowned out by a sudden roaring sound so loud, it made the ground tremble and the cave walls shake. Choking back dust, Anna suddenly realized that the cave entrance was now blocked by a rockslide. She looked from the pile of rocks that had hurled its way almost to their feet and then sent Will a sideways look. "Yeah, I can feel your dad's love." Laughing at the latest 'variable', she stood up, calling out, "Exit."

 

Walking to the doorway, now evident in the middle of the rockslide, Anna paused as the doors slid back, revealing the corridor beyond. She looked back at him, still completely amused by the latest curve ball dealt by 'Home Sweet Tomlinson'. "I'm guessing this is where you have to dig your way out with a spoon and a penknife. If someone told me I had to choose between an afternoon enjoying the bucolic splendor of Big Bear or spend it fighting for my life in a reenactment of "The Most Dangerous Game", I'd have to go with Game, just so I'd have a fighting chance. Nature's too diabolical as programmed by the Tomlinson male." Picking up her pack, she shot him a grin, "Thanks for the pretty scenery, Lieutenant. I'm kind of glad there weren't any bears...I'm sure they would have been very, very hungry."

 

Will left the holodeck with her and smiled that boyish grin he seemed to always have when he was in that program, "Seriously though if you do want to visit my home again just tell the computer to go to static mode and it will shut off all the variables so that you'll only get exactly what you program. And you're welcome it was nice to visit my hometown. If you want next time you can meet the family." He winked before heading off to his quarters.