Cmdr. Herrick: Name That Pet!
Mark P
(( Unknown location ))
Josh’s skin registered a touch of humidity and a slight increase in temperature.
Was he dead? Despite his attempt to escape the rainbow-esque ribbon that had seemed to have chased after them aboard the Syren’s Song, it had successfully made contact with him, and he had watched in abject horror as he began to vanish bit by bit.
This wasn’t the afterlife he was promised. His patron saint was not there to greet him and usher him into a review and reel of his greatest hits. He blinked a few times… could he do that as a disembodied soul? A few more shuts and opens of the eyes helped them adjust, seeing faint outlines of furniture and individuals.
It seemed to be Trake, based on the outline of his hair and someone with longer hair beside him, but it was too hard to make out more than that. He opened his mouth to ask what the frack was going on, but it seemed someone was ready to offer the answer unsolicited.
Voice-over voice (Vov): WELCOME BACK to Who’s Ready to Be an Admiral?
Well, that had a decidedly non-afterlife vibe to it. Particularly, the thunderous applause that seemed to surround them.
As the lights rose, spotlights blinding at first, he realized he was in front of a podium with a large round button on it. Looking to his side, he saw it was indeed his CO and -- bending forward a little -- Commander DeVeau?
Promontory: Josh?
DeVeau: What’s going on?
There was a sinking realization that had formed in the pit of Josh’s stomach…
Herrick: It appears we’ve been transported somewhere.
He looked around. There was a large board marked with three lighted zeros and a nine-box grid. Looking back at the other two, he realized the group had also changed into t-shirts reminiscent of the late 2360s fleet uniforms.
In retrospect, he realized how obvious his assessment was, but the booming voice seemed content to continue on.
Vov: Now you all know the rules.
The first officer tried to voice that he didn’t, but it was drowned out by the loud voice; it paid no mind to the crosstalk and carried on.
Vov: Contestants will have three chances to answer questions right and make it to our BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND! Let’s begin!
Josh noticed the light intensifying, and as he looked down, he realized there was a focused spotlight on him. Apparently, he was up for whatever this was. Hopefully, it was something easy.
Vov: Contest number one, your first question is: ::a box on the screen transformed to present the words that were being spoken:: “What specific, mundane item did the sentient, prankster Enterprise computer materialize in the crew lounge while trying to entertain Kirk’s crew?”
Herrick: oO What?! Oo
Promontory: WHAT?
A large buzzer sounded, jolting Josh slightly.
Vov: I’m sorry, you cannot steal in this phase of this round. Please let Contest One respond!
He replayed the question in his mind. It sounded familiar; in fact, they’d discussed it in JOPA as they planned various pranks. He shook his mental faculties, trying to come up with what exactly it had been… something sweet…
Herrick: (unsure) Cake?
Please, gods, let it be cake.
Then the buzzer rang.
Vov: I’m sorry, that’s incorrect. Players Two and Three, do you want to steal for half points or change the category?
Well, he wasn’t dead. Things were looking up, and now Josh looked at ‘players two and three’.
Promontory: Uh…
DeVeau: Pie.
That was what it was, Josh couldn’t help but feel excited for her momentarily, but the reality of the situation sank back in.
Vov: That is correct! Player three scores the first point!
The scoreboard has been updated. Alora’s position is now incrementing by one and taking the lead.
Josh had often found in the many, many, many, times that he’d been kidnapped and taken hostage that there was a benefit to playing along until either they learned something or that it was clear that there was nothing else to gain. So, he did what he saw on those retro programs.
Herrick: (clapping) Good answer, good answer.
Promontory: Response
Vov: Player three, you get to choose! Pick a number - one or two?
The spotlight had shifted off him, and he leaned over as Alora’s eyes glanced at the men, seemingly debating what number to choose.
DeVeau: Two?
Then, an incoming projectile came from the darkness. Directly heading for the Captain, and there was no time to intervene and stop it. As it made contact, halting on the Captain’s face for a moment, Josh saw an aluminum disk. It slowly crept down, leaving a white sticky substance -- Josh guessing it was pie.
The tray hung onto his chin for a moment before it clattered down on the ground.
Herrick: Captain!
Promontory: Response
At least Trake appeared unharmed, though adorned with fluffs of whipped cream. It seemed fun would be had at their expense here. Then, he heard the faintest giggle from Alora, and it was contagious, particularly while looking at his commanding officer.
Herrick: (trying to compose himself) Sorry, sir. It’s just, pie is a good look on you.
Promontory: Response
Vov: Now, a short break and a word from our sponsors. Upcoming family function? Employee Appreciation Day? Milestone Birthday? Soon to be contest winner. Whatever the occasion, be everyone's favourite by bringing a SkyPie. SkyPie, the best pie, that has your taste buds sailing through the skies.
Josh’s stomach gurgled, he hadn’t eaten well at the function and was now somewhat regretting he didn’t have a snack of his own. With the brief moment of respite they’d been afforded with the ad break, the XO looked over at Trake and Alora.
Herrick: Play along?
Promontory/DeVeau: Response
Shaking his head, Josh responded.
Herrick: You’re typically invited into a Wadi game, despite whatever pretenses they use. I’ve never heard of it being along the lines of what we experienced thus far.
Promontory/DeVeau: Response
The production break was over, signalled by the return of the voice.
Vov: Now, we’re on to Player Two! Prior to the onboard pets ordinance, there was an incident in which a Starfleet ship became overrun with a species known to have an Alpha Quadrant adversary. NAME THAT PET!
Promontory/DeVeau: Response
