Lt JG Taj'el - Oops, dropped it
Taj'el
((Holosuite #2, Deck Five, USS Thor))
(Character assumed decisions were asked of the player)
Admittedly, the entire situation had been disordered and was not something Taj’el would normally have engaged in. There had been chaotic missions before, but this circumstance existed on an entirely different scale. Observing their Acting Captain measure herself against a Klingon over food ingredients had not been an outcome Taj’el had logically anticipated for the day. Nevertheless, they had been mildly impressed that she had managed to maintain pace with the massively built Klingon as the two struggled for control of both the ingredients and the advantage. Taj’el had considered whether a subtle nerve pinch might have been beneficial; however, the constant movement of the two combatants had left little opportunity for such precise intervention.
Conversely, the other two officers had appeared as though they were approaching imminent failure, or that whatever they might produce would prove equally fatal. There had been no ambiguity in the defeated expressions both Saa and Ensign Vharo displayed, as each seemed to dwell on the full implications of the situation. Taj’el had not experienced enthusiasm for cooking, but they had not considered the task so dire. Logically, it seemed improbable that the act of preparing food could present such difficulty.
Taj’el had proceeded slowly, as it had become apparent that each individual had been operating independently. Consequently, they had taken the time necessary to select the ingredients they considered most suitable. Upon returning, Taj’el had begun the preparation process by cutting the vegetables and constructing a broth-like liquid derived from the unusual fish contained within the can. This option had been preferable to utilizing the small, wide eyed creatures that had also been available.
Taj’el: Does anyone need assistance?
Vharo: There is not enough assistance in the universe that could help me currently, Taj'el.
They had looked up with the intention of approaching and assisting the Ensign. However, upon observing the state of their station, Taj’el had paused. They remained motionless for a moment, examining the chaotic disarray before them. Logically, they could not immediately determine whether meaningful assistance was possible under such conditions.
Initially, Taj’el had assumed that Vharo’s earlier statement regarding the universe had been primarily emotional in nature. However, after further observation… it was conceivable that the assertion that nothing could assist them contained a measurable degree of truth.
Saa: …I need a drink.
After a moment of consideration, Taj’el had approached and offered Saa a glass of water in an attempt to be helpful. However, it had quickly become apparent that this had not been the type of beverage she had been requesting. Taj’el set the glass down regardless and returned to their station.
Once there, they had occupied themselves by using the knife to produce more precise, decorative cuts of the vegetables. It had been a more logical use of their time.
Vharo: Look at the audience at the back, they've vanished.
Saa: …Why would the program remove audience members?
Tam: That does not fit in with the current simulation or the last simulation. It must be a power drain. Rather than stalling or shutting down like the last one, this simulation might be removing unessential aspects of the program.
Taj’el: Agreed. I assumed the adjustment had been intended to conserve power or reallocate it elsewhere, which would suggest that some development had been anticipated.
The persistent ticking of the clock had seemed to grow progressively louder in their ears.
Vharo: Time is almost up, if we have any last ideas to impress now would be the time. I am happily resigned to my fate currently.
Saa: I… think my set will fail. Everything is going wrong, just like with the Klingon ship. The failure protocols of the previous simulation have made their way into this program…
As the broth had begun to boil, Taj’el had started adding the small, carefully cut vegetable pieces to it, each resembling a minor work of culinary geometry. Maintaining simplicity had seemed the most logical approach. They had not expected the result to be exceptional; however, it would likely prove adequate.
The various aromas in the room had grown increasingly overwhelming, and Taj’el had briefly considered the possibility that their nasal suppressant had been wearing off.
Tam: Mine seems good. This is curious. Everything has gone wrong for you, and nothing has gone wrong for me. The totality of those results is unnatural.
That consideration had given Taj’el pause. They reflected on the nature of the holodeck itself. Beyond training exercises, it was frequently used for recreational activities and holonovels. Holonovels were narrative constructs centered around a participant who assumed the role of the primary character.
This line of reasoning had prompted a further hypothesis: it was possible that the overlapping programs had aligned in such a manner that Commander Tam had been positioned as the central figure within these scenarios.
Taj’el: Perhaps there is a reason for that… ::They said, still in the process of formulating the thought::
This realization had prompted a further question: did that imply that even their relatively simple dish might catastrophically fail in some manner, solely to elevate the primary character to greater success? It had been an unusual hypothesis, but one Taj’el considered worth retaining for future observation.
Saa: Has the computer even set the stakes, is it a final two or three?
Tam: We were only told to use ingredients, nothing else. Even the time frame is based on the big countdown clock. Oh no. I've been following what our opponent has been doing. We should have asked more questions before diving in.
Taj’el: That would have been the logical course of action. However, at this point, all we could do was gather the information available to us and proceed accordingly.
Vharo: Response
Voice: We’re glad you asked! The top two competitors will move forward into a final showdown where only one can claim the title of Tritanium Chef, as well as decide the fate of those who dishonor their house through their shameful culinary skills.
Saa: Excuse me?
The situation had taken on the character of a distinctly Klingon. As if compelled to preserve his own pride, Rejac had then turned his attention toward putting down his opponents, Saa in particular.
Rejac: Your performance soft one is abysmal. Your culinary skills dishonor your parents, your house, your ship, and your planet.
Saa: Computer, I need a culinary bat’leth for reasons.
They had not been accustomed to witnessing this sharper, more combative side of Saa. Admittedly they would enjoy seeing someone attempt to take on the massive man, Taj’el regarded the statement with mild curiosity. They had already observed Commander Tam attempt such a confrontation.
Taj’el briefly considered the possibility that the confidence stemmed from the lingering Betazoid influence. It seemed plausible that the emotional current from the Commander might have emboldened Saa to entertain the idea.
Voice: Tick-tock, competitors, you have 2 minutes remaining. ::looks:: Commander Saa, it appears you do not have a dish prepared and must be removed from the running
What had been the purpose of the clock? Had it existed to compel them to continue working, to keep them in a constant state of urgency? Perhaps it had been intended to force action without adequate deliberation. If that had not already been sufficiently problematic, Commander Saa had now simply been removed from the immediate situation.
Looking around, Taj’el had noticed Commander Tam glance upward. They followed the direction of her irritated gaze and located Saa suspended above them. The structure holding her there resembled a large hourglass like apparatus that appeared to maintain her position.
Taj’el exhaled slowly. The situation had become increasingly absurd, and they had clearly been confined within the operational rules of the scenario. However, if rules existed, there were almost always methods by which they could be bent.
Tam: Saa! Are you okay? Can you hear us?
Taj’el: Commander I would like to remind you that this is a simulation. She should be perfectly safe.
Vharo/Saa: Response
Voice: Time is up! Contestants, bring your dishes to the front of the stage for judgment.
Logically, only two participants would proceed. The possibilities therefore consisted of themselves, the Klingon, or Commander Tam. Ensign Vharo had already been notably candid regarding their difficulties; it was therefore reasonable to conclude that they would soon join Saa in elimination. That outcome, Taj’el reasoned, might be used to their advantage.
They closed their eyes briefly, allowing themselves a moment to think and calculate. Any object provided by the holodeck environment could potentially be removed or altered at the program’s discretion. Consequently, reliance upon such items would be strategically unsound. However, tools that had been brought with them into the program would remain beyond the narrative control of the simulation.
The holodeck appeared intent on telling a story, and the current narrative framework had clearly established itself as a cooking competition, with a Klingon serving as the primary rival. Taj’el considered how best to operate within that structure while subtly manipulating its limitations.
Tam: What happens if we refuse?
Voice: Not advised, Commander Tam. If you refuse, your friend will be dropped in the soup. She will make delicious seasoning, don't you think?
Observing a quantity of boiling soup rise beneath Saa had been an unexpected development. The mechanism itself had possessed little logical basis, yet it remained… interesting. The host’s voice had carried a noticeable sense of satisfaction as it presented the consequence of failing to participate in the program’s game.
Taj’el remained silent, continuing to analyze the situation. The next sequence of events already seemed increasingly predictable, and they intended to take advantage of that likelihood if the opportunity presented itself.
Taj’el: Vharo… ::spoken softly::
They gave a subtle hand signal. Taj’el understood that they did not possess the kind of deep, unspoken rapport that the Commanders shared, and therefore could not fully communicate their plan through gesture alone. However, as an intelligence officer, they trusted that Ensign Vharo would recognize that they were getting their attention
Vharo/Saa: Response
Tam: Computer, end program.
Nothing changed.
Tam: Let's continue, but let me know the moment either of you has an idea about what is going on or what we can do to break this thing.
Taj’el nodded and gave a small, deliberate tug on the Commander’s uniform as they retrieved the phaser Commander Tam had taken from their station earlier. Once it had been secured, Taj’el attempted to make the next action appear accidental. The effort was only partially successful; it more closely resembled them simply dropping their bowl onto the floor.
In the same motion, they pressed the phaser into Vharo’s hands.
The outcome, Taj’el calculated, would ensure that both they and Vharo would be removed from the competition, joining Saa, leaving Commander Tam alone to face Rejac.
Voice: Contestants. What do you have for us today?
Rejec: I have prepared a jelly mold with Gotak worms.
Holding out his dish it vanished as the light moved to the Commander next.
Tam: I have prepared Bulgogi Beef Pizza.
Same as before holding out her dish it vanished as the light moved onto Taj’el.
Taj’el: I have prepared a remainder vegetable soup in fish broth.
Their messy bowl vanished as the light then moved onto Ensign Vharo.
Vharo/Saa: Response
The result had been the same. A drum roll echoed through the small arena as the tension was artificially prolonged.
Then the lights abruptly went out.
A moment later there was a sharp zap, and both Taj’el and Vharo appeared inside the oddly shaped glass casing. The lights returned just as quickly, and small pieces of colored cut paper drifted down from the ceiling.
Voice: Congratulations to our two finalists! Our Long Time Reigning Champion Rejec oh and Commander Tam… Wish them both luck as they face off Head to Head!
The crowd, which had appeared and disappeared as the program required, returned in full force. Applause erupted throughout the arena as they clapped and cheered for the remaining finalists.
Voice: For this final round we will allow the Commander to recruit one of their old team mates to help out! Come on, who do you want to join you in this final thrilling battle?
Taj’el: Hello Commander, and pardon me. ::spoken to Saa as their joined her::
While this unfolded, Taj’el had already removed their tricorder and begun attempting to open the casing. When the host offered the remaining contestant the option of selecting someone to remove from the chamber, Taj’el paused in their work.
Logically, they would have been the most practical choice. However, the tools required to resolve the situation were currently in the possession of both Vharo and Taj’el.
Turning to face Commander Tam, Taj’el attempted to signal as quickly as possible that Saa should be selected instead. Their proficiency with rapid nonverbal communication was limited, but they reasoned that the intent should remain clear. After all, pointing was among the most fundamental and universally understood forms of nonverbal expression.
The crowd started to chant making the feeling of picking someone feel timed and rushed.
Vharo/Saa/Tam: Response
Voice: What a twist! What was to be a boon for our finalist Commander Tam will now probably be a handicap! Choosing to pick the individual who was taken out of the show. What dedication but will it pay off!
Rejec: This puny pray will need all the help it can get! Ha!
Taj’el released a quiet sigh as Saa was freed. They then gave a brief nod to their Acting Captain before turning their attention to Ensign Vharo.
Taj’el: I apologize, Ensign Vharo, for placing you in this situation. I also apologize if any of the soup came into contact with your uniform. However, I believe I have identified a potential method of removing us from this scenario, particularly given that the program appears to be primarily focused on our commanders.
Vharo/Saa/Tam: Response
Removing one of their gloves, Taj’el proceeded to open the back of the tricorder. They extracted the power cell, carefully removing several of the electronic components before isolating the crystal and placing it within the glove.
They then instructed Ensign Vharo to apply a controlled burst from the phaser to heat the crystal while it remained inside the glove, even as the spectacle of the competition continued below them.
Taj’el: Once the crystal is sufficiently heated, I will be able to lift you up to the metal cap above us. You may use my gloves to hold it; however, the heat from the crystal should be enough to warp the metal, allowing it to be opened. From there, we can exit the enclosure and attempt to locate a solution, perhaps even a means of altering the program itself. It would appear that a scientific background has its practical applications after all.
Taj’el possessed sufficient strength to lift her, and the Ensign appeared adequately capable of pulling Taj’el up afterward. The process would require time, and with no opportunity to verbally inform the Commanders of the plan, Taj’el calculated that they would simply have to hope there was enough time to execute it and conduct a brief search for a solution once free.
When everything had been prepared, Taj’el extended a hand toward the Ensign, offering assistance to help lift them upward.
Vharo/Saa/Tam: Response
[[TAGS/TBC]]
