Logical! Magical!

[Seiben 0]

Ensign Tar'Mok walks over to Cdr. Deveraux to go over the science scans when his console beeps indicating the end of his shift. Tar'Mok concludes that it would be most logical to resume the scans tommorow. As the Excalibur will be picking up the scientists from the Foulgrain, rest would be a logical conclusion. Tar'Mok heads to his quarters and meditates for an hour. Feeling refreshed, but not tired, Tar'Mok sits alone in his quarters with nothing to do. Tar'Mok decides to head out to the messhall. Tar'Mok sits alone, drinking some Vulcan tea and watches people converse with each other, and coming and going. Human social behaviour has always been a fascinating activity to Tar'Mok. This type of activity is a illogical ineffiecnient use of time in Tar'Mok's opinion, but most of the Excalibur's crew persue the activity. Shrugging, Tar'Mok sips his tea and looks out the window into space. Just then, Tar'Mok notices a shadow by his table. "Hey, is this seat taken?" the man says. "No. That seat is currently unreserved. You may sit here if you wish". The man sits down. "Thanks. This place is crowded today." he says. "By the way, I am Ensign Jack Parrington. I'm a security officer here."

 

Tar'Mok looks up at the man. Young, early 20s, brown hair, brown eyes. "I am Ensign Tar'Mok of Vulcan. Assistant Science Officer of the USS Excalibur." They shake hands, and introduce themselves. Mr. Parrington, born and raised in Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britian, Earth is like Tar'Mok, a new arrival to the Excalibur. Parrington has a drink of Guinness, whilst Tar'Mok drinks his second glass of tea. Together, they chat about their self, past lives and current positions. After awhile, Mr. Parrington invites Tar'Mok to the holodeck. At first, Tar'Mok politely refuses . "An illogical use of one's time, Mr. Parrington." Tar'Mok states. "Illogical?! If it wasn't for the holodeck, I'd go crazy." says Parrington. "I doubt you would go insane, just because of the absence of a holodeck." Tar'Mok says.

 

"Believe me, mate. I would." Parrington states. "I think you'd like it though. It's a medieval programme, set in 12th century England on Earth." Tar'Mok, being interested in Earth history, accepts and the two head off to the holodeck. "Computer, initate programme Parrington, Omega-3." says Parrington.

"Programme complete, enter when ready." the computer replies. Tar'Mok and Parrington enter. Parrington says something to the computer, and instantly Tar'Mok is dressed in a wizards's outfit. He looks over at Mr. Parrington who is dressed in silver armour. He practises useing his sword, and walks to Tar'Mok. "Whaddaya think, mate?" Tar'Mok looks around. " A very accurate portrial of medieval England." says Tar'Mok monotoniously. "Thanks." says Parrington. "Okay, what were supposed to do is slay a large dragon located in those mountains up there." Parrington points to a mountain. "I am Sir Parrington of East Anglia, and you are my faithful sorcerer, and sidekick. You can conjure up magical spells with that wand in your hand."

 

Tar'Mok looks at the long, 20 centimetre wand. "I doubt a wooden stick can do such a thing, Mr. Parrington." said Tar'Mok. Mr. Parrrington chuckles. "Maybe in real life, Tar'Mok. But this is the holodeck. Anything goes in here!" answers Hawthorne. "Computer, begin programme." says Parrington. A few moments later, a blonde haired woman dressed in a purple dress comes up to them. "Sir Jack! Sir Jack!" she says as she walks to Mr. Parrington. "Princess Guineverre.. how may I serve you, m'lady?" Parrington says galantly. "Sir Jack, the kingdom is in dire trouble. Please accompany me to the castle." She says. Mr. Parrington and Tar'Mok soon follow Princess Guinivere to the castle. They enter the castle and walk to the courtyard. They walk over to a large gold throne which predominates the room.

 

"Ahh sir Jack Parrington of East Anglia." says the old man on the throne.

Mr. Hawthorne kneels to the man. "Your majesty. Always a pleasure to be at your service." Hawthorne then whispers to Tar'Mok. "This is the ruler of this kingdom-- King Richard I. " Tar'Mok bows to the King as well. Knowing that King Richard I, ruled England from 1189-1199 AD. "Sir Jack" King Richard says. "England is in dire straights. A large dragon from the caves to the north have been terrorising the population. Burning our crops, killing off men, women and children."

 

At this point, Tar'Mok interjects. "Sir, wouldn't it be more logical to send an entire army? It is highly illogical that two men can slay such a beast." The King then put his hands up in sadness. "They have tried, but failed. I've sent my bravest knights to slay the beast, but none came back." King Richard then turns to Jack. "That is why I called you here. You are the best knight in all of England. If anyone can slay the dragon, you can. I have total faith in you two, and if you succeed, the reward will be great. Your names will go down in history as some of England's greatest heroes. " Mr. Hawthorne, and Tar'Mok bow to the King once again. "You are too kind, Your Majesty." Mr. Parrington exclaims.

 

King Richard I, sat up in his seat. "But I must warn you two. The journey is long and arduous. The dragon's layer is located up at Devilshire forest, at the top of a hill. Many a warrior trapped in Devilshire were never heard from again. I wish you both good luck, and God speed." King Richard I said. Parrington and Tar'Mok bow graciously to the King one final time. "We will not let you down, Your Highness." Parrington said. Parrington and Tar'Mok then walk to the stables. Parrington, takes out two horses. He hands the reigns of one horse to Tar'Mok. "Have you ever ridden a horse before, Tar'Mok?" asks Jack. Tar'Mok nods. "Yes, I have Mr. Parrington. I went horse-back riding with some associates near San Francisco during my academy training." Tar'Mok says. "Good." Jack says as he climbs on his horse. Jack steadies the reigns of his horse. "Whoa." he says. Jack's horse is an Arabian. Small, white and built for speed.

 

Tar'Mok expertly climbs aboard his horse. A large black one (like Black Beauty). Tar'Mok places his feet into the holsters, and adjusts his saddle. The two horses then begin to gallop out of the stable and towards Devilshire. Tar'Mok and Jack whip the reigns on the horse to make them go faster. "Giddy up" they say. The horses gallop graciously down the English countryside. Tar'Mok looks to the left and sees the English Channel shimmer past them. "Fun, isn't it?" asks Jack from his horse. Tar'Mok raises an eyebrow. "I do not feel emotions, Mr. Parrington. Thus, I am unable to feel this sense of 'fun'. I apologise for the inconvenience."

Parrington nods. "That's Okay, Tar'Mok. At least you are leaning something about my country's history. You're doing great so far too." Parrington said. "Thank you, Mr. Parrington" says Tar'Mok. They pass by bridges, and forests. After awhile, they stop to rest. Tar'Mok and Parrington dismount, letting their horses graze on the grass whilst they eat some lunch. They have some chicken legs and water. Both are feeling saddle sore. Riding for two hours does that to you.

 

Using his knife and fork, Tar'Mok quickly finishes his meal. "Thank you for the lunch, Mr. Parrington." "No problem, Tar'Mok." Parrinton said. They then re-mount on the horses and resume their journey to Devilshire. The closer they get there the darker it gets. The trees in this area are barren and black, and look as if they were taken straight out of an old Disney movie. "Is it niht time now, Mr. Parrington?" Tar'Mok asks. Jack tells him no, it is just part of the drama. Tar'Mok nods. The two cautiosly dismount and guide their horses up the steep hill. Parrington uses his sword to cut away the branches in front of them. After a long climb, they erach the hill's summit. A kilometre away, they see the large dragon layer. The two tie up their horses to a tree and cautiously make their way to the cave. Walking past, they see the burnt skeletons of knights who had already met up with the dragon, still in their armour. The dragon then lets out an immense roar, and the two duck behind a rock. The dragon emerges from its cave.

 

It is about 50 feet in height, and about 200 feet in length. Thick green scales protect its body, with softer yellow scales at the front. The dragon's 5000 teeth are each about the size of dishwashers, and are razor sharp. Parrington sneaks over to Tar'Mok. "Now, we must be cautious. You sneak behind the dragon, and I will sneakin front. You should then conjure up an incantation to incompasitate the dragon. You've read the spell book, right?" Tar'Mok nods. "I have, memorised every spell, Mr. Parrington." Parrington pats Tar'Mok's shoulder. "Based on the myticlogical history I researched on the European dragon, I conclude that spell #243 would be the most logical choice" deucts Tar'Mok. Parrington nods his approval, and begins to sneak in front of the dragon. Tar'Mok then takes out his wand and waves it around. He sneaks behind the dragon. He waves the wand, which begins to light blue when he uses his full concentration. "Fiero extinquishia!" Tar'Mok says and points the wand at the dragon. A bright flash of blue light hits the dragon square in the mouth. The dragon roars and opens its mouth at Tar'Mok and tries to make a roasted Vulcan out of him. However, all that comes out is a small puff of smoke.

 

Realising the dragon is distracted and incompasitated, Parrington then lunges the sword straight into the dragon's heart. The dragon roars in pain, then stumbles around. Parrington and Tar'Mok duck behind the rock, and see the dragon fall to the ground and die a second later. "We did it, Tar'Mok!" says Parrington. "Good job! Now, let's go back to the castle." The two intrepid warriors ride their horses back to the castle. When they get there, they hear festive music. People are dancing and roasting pig. They are instantly greeted by King Richard and Princess Guinevere. "My good and faithful warriors. You have sucessfully vanquished the dragon, and brought peace and prosperity to England. " King Richard said.

 

"You each shall be given a farm, and land of 10 acres. With cows, horses,pigs, chickens. Plus, 100 000 gold shillings each. " King Richard I, then said they can have the hand of any woman in the courtyard. They choose two, after much recluctance on Tar'Mok's part. They then spend the rest of the day dancing, eating and drinking. "Programme complete, Congratulations! You have won!" the computer said. The medieval setting disapears and the two are surrounded by the bare walls and panels of the holodeck. They exit the holodeck. Parrington once again shakes Tar'Mok's hands. "It was good meeting you, Tar'Mok. You can be my sidekick anytime." he says. "Thank you." replies Tar'Mok. "Today was an enjoyable time." The two then head off to their quarters and part ways. The time is about 2300, Tar'Mok briefly meditates, changes unto his night ware, then goes to sleep, having met one more intriguing associate in his new home, the Excalibur.

Edited November 20, 2003 by Seiben