NationStates Jolt Archive

"The asteroid is due to pass us at a distance of several million kilometers."

"How big is it?"

"About 1500 kilometers around."

"Good. Send out probes Television and Medicine. And prepare a crew to board the Hang Brain"

"Sir? Weren't we going to let it pass?"

"Of course not! We must explore it!"

"Why?"

"Why?! Because its there!"

"Yes, sir."

The probes were packaged up and loaded on to a "Ex Cathedra" class rocket, and schlepped into orbit within twelve days.

Crew:

"Why are we doing this again?"

"Because. Have you no spirit of adventure?"

"Its pretty small. If you want to see it, you need a magnifying glass."

"Here, stand in the sun while I look for it."

Shuttle to the Hang Brain:

Daniel: "Burnin' down the house!"

John: "Don't sing, please."

Aboard the Hang Brain:

John: "Wow, look at how crappy everything looks."

Shecklar; XO: "Yeah, some of the sections are still de-pressurized. Be careful."

Daniel: "Is this ship even fit to fly?"

Shecklar: "Not really."

Doctor Tasmin Barton and her assistant Guy Renshaw found the nearest two chairs in the living area, and sat down, making sure they had picked seats with belts attached.

Tasmin attempted to fasten hers, but her hands were shaking too much to be able to get the two ends to meet. She didn't know why she was always picked for these missions. She didn't like flying in an airplane, let alone a spacecraft. It didn't help matters that the last time she took part in space travel they'd almost been killed.

Guy walked over to her chair, and did her belt up. He watched her visibly relaxed at the locking mechanism clicked into place. He took his own seat, and made himself comfortable.

"Exciting, isn't it, Tasmin?" He smiled in her direction. "I hope we get space pirates again." He pulled out the gun that he carried ever since the last space voyage. He had become quite fascinated with them, and slept with one under his pillow. "I'm prepared this time."

Tasmin swallowed hard. "Guy! Put that thing away!" She quickly looked around to make sure no one else had seen. "Are you trying to get us a walk home?"

He sighed as he returned the gun to his pocket.

The crew settled in to what one would call "rooms", if one had never seen them. The ship was full of harsh metal, and rebar for floors in some places. They had managed to pressurize the ship, and get everything in mostly working order. The operations AI was finicky at best.

"Hell``o. I am Leaf. What can [may?] I do for you all?" A typical sentence on a terminal. Not even speakers for her to speak through. Just some old screens.

John fretted. "We're all going to die, aren't we?"

The 122 year old Hang Brain was off.

As the engines were fired, Tasmin said a prayer to all the Gods she could think of, unfortunately it wasn't that many as she was an atheist. So to be on the safe side, she made a few up.

She looked across at Guy, who was sitting beside her humming a merry tune. He smiled at her, but that was soon wiped off his face as the Hang Brain began to move. Soon they were both sitting there ashen faced, as the tin can they were travelling in shuddered.

Suddenly that Asteroid felt a long, long way off.

John walked along the hallway, and promptly fell through the floor, onto the only non-metal table on the ship, splintering it.

"I...hate...this...ship."

He staggered up, covered in various foodstuffs, and apologized to the crew members who happened to be eating there, before walking off.

He walked to the elevator to get back to the second floor, and pushed the button. The doors slid open, and he got in. The doors closed, and trapped him in. The elevator wouldn't move.

Someone came along four hours later and pried him out.

Shecklar punched the control panel, leaving a dent. Work, you stupid...

He flipped a switch and was promptly electrocuted.

If I don't get this message out, we're all fucked.

He finally got the intercom to work.

"All crew. Message to all crew. The automated defenses have malfunctioned. All crew members are required to arm themselves and fight for their lives."

He tossed down the intercom mike, and picked up his standard issue MD-94C, flechette 4mm.

We're just lucky that only 1/3 of them were actually functioning.

He took aim, and fired, bringing down a defense drone.

He repeated this several times, before the drones just stopped in their tracks.

We are all going to die before the end of this, aren't we?

Tasmin heard the message from Shecklar and immediately went into an uncontrollable panic. She began flaying her arms, and in the process managed to knock out Guy, who was trying to undo her belt. She watched at he hit the floor in slow motion, then promptly began to float around the room.

Damn, the artificial gravity must be out.

She unbuckled her belt, and managed to swim over to Guy. She pulled him to the exit and pushed the button. The doors swished open.

THUD.

They both promptly hit the deck. After several minutes, Tasmin got to her feet and began to drag him to the sick bay.

"what the hell is going on" Henry asked the person next to him

" The defence system when down i think."

Just then the door opened up with woman pulling a guy in.

"what the hell happened to him." Henry asked

Tasmin looked up at the man and pointed to Guy. "He...um...fell and hit his head." She cast her eyes around the room. "Is this the sick bay?"

Suddenly Guy started to grumble, and tried to get up. "Where am I?" He stared at the people standing around him. "Who are you?"

Tasmin sighed and raised her eyes to heaven. "Come on, Guy. That's not funny."

Guy looked at Henry. "Is she talking to you?"

"I don't think so." Herny said

"I thought she was talking to you." looking at Guy

"Buy the was my name is Henry incase you people have forgotten. Sorry but i can't seem to rember your. I saw you when we got on for this mission. But i havn't seen you sence." looking at the woman who was dragging the guy.

"This is the sick bay or at least i thought i was. I am no docture i can in here looking for some medison for my headace. I Can't seem to rember what happen after i got in here all i remeber is waking up and askking what is going on after the statemnt that was said. wonder how i got to be sitting down in the chair."

"Do you know if this is the sick bay?" looking at the woman who was dragging the guy

Tasmin looked at the others in the room and pinched herself.

"Ouch!"

She pointed to a bed. "Help me get Guy over there, and then you'd better get on the other one." She smiled. "I am Doctor Barton, so you are in safe hands."

Best not to tell them I study rocks and plants, but how much different can people be?

She helped the groggy Guy get onto the bed, and began to look around for medical supplies. She was not disappointed, the sick bay was as up to date as the rest of the ship. She came back with some aspirins.

"I think these are as old as the Hang Brain, so they'll either cure you or kill you."

" Oh that be great. I don't care which way it goes just as long as my headach goes away." Henry says

"So how long have you been a doctor. Dr. Barton"

Tasmin stood beside Henry as she handed him a glass of water. "A couple of years." She said in her best bedside manner. "You have nothing to worry about. You will be fine." She patted his arm, in a sympathetic way.

"So, Henry, have you seen any of the crew?" She took a moment to check on Guy, who had thankfully fallen asleep.

OOC: you guy do not mind a future tech nation coming in do you?

[ooc: it says open to all, so I guess it's alright]

"I was talking to John just before he He fell through the floor. I asked if he was alright but he never aswered me all he said was i hate this ship got up and then kept walking i don't know what happen to him after word. From there i walked round to the control room where i ran into Shecklar talked to him for a few mins. I think i hit my head on something in the room becuase that was the time i got my headach so i told him i be back and went from there to the sick bay where i must have fallen and nocked my self out because i don't know what hapened after i got in here. So to answer you question i havn't seen any one latly. but i soke to a few of them before. Why do you ask?"

*The holodeck lay empty, save for a lone person in an interactive soap opera. A black-armor-clad figure falls from the roof behind her, landing quite softly. Still, it makes a thudding noise and the nurse turns. She sees the Xexan bounty hunter but cannot react; she is unconcsious as soon as the image of him appears in her brain. The tranq needle sticks from her arm.*

XEXAN BEING: 250ml of aresthinine ought to do it. *He radios to base:* Black Raven radioing in from the Hang Brain. I am on board. The captain shall soon be dismantled. *His radio cackles off.* Damn, I hope no one sees me. *He whispers a prayer in his native tongue to the Christian Lord, and opens the holodeck door...*

(OOC: I should read things more carefully.)

[ooc: who has your character tranquilised Xexo?]

OOC: you guy do not mind a future tech nation coming in do you?

OOC: How future? We don't want insta-drives, and lasers. (As in StarWars lasers, not as in pointer.)

*The holodeck lay empty, save for a lone person in an interactive soap opera. A black-armor-clad figure falls from the roof behind her, landing quite softly. Still, it makes a thudding noise and the nurse turns. She sees the Xexan bounty hunter but cannot react; she is unconcsious as soon as the image of him appears in her brain. The tranq needle sticks from her arm.*

XEXAN BEING: 250ml of aresthinine ought to do it. *He radios to base:* Black Raven radioing in from the Hang Brain. I am on board. The captain shall soon be dismantled. *His radio cackles off.* Damn, I hope no one sees me. *He whispers a prayer in his native tongue to the Christian Lord, and opens the holodeck door...*

(OOC: I should read things more carefully.)

OOC: At least RP how you somehow managed to get on the ship.

"This is the flight controller from C-GSP-1 (Canada-Germany Space Platform-1) to unidentified ship, you are approaching space territory under CG control, identify yourself and state your mission."

(The platform was built here: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1443109&highlight=#1443109 just go to the last page and scroll down, lol.)

"Just so you know i havn't seen the people lately but i have talked to them before why do you ask if i have seen any of the crew?" Henry asked

Tamin looked at Henry, and shrugged. "It's just that I haven't seen any around. Kind of hoped someone would tell me we weren't just floating in space." A large shudder visibly spread across her body. "Sorry, just mentioning the word space..." Another shudder. "...makes me shudder."

(OOC: I tranqed a random guy, unless we have no random guys, which then we have a problem. And if you want to know how I got here...wait and see.)

(continued from other post)

*...an empty hallway. Considering himself safe, he rushes down the hall and slaps an obvious-looking camera near a closet door. He then dashes into a closet. He presses a few buttons on his Rolex watch and a holographic viewscreen of the camera's cone of view comes up.*

BLACK RAVEN: Now to see if anyone else is on this ship.

(OOC: I tranqed a random guy, unless we have no random guys, which then we have a problem. And if you want to know how I got here...wait and see.)

ooc: The only thing i want to know is how you boarded the ship

IC: "yea floating in space is a very scart thought. and..." Looks around the room

"Is guy still here?"

"Don't now how i'm not seeing him but i can't seem to see him" Henry said

"are we going to respond to the intercom?"

OOC: you better hope so, lol

"I say again, this is the flight controller from C-GSP-1 (Canada-Germany Space Platform-1) to unidentified ship, you are approaching space territory under CG control, identify yourself and state your mission, or we will be forced to consider you hostile and treat you as thus."

OOC: you better hope so, lol

"I say again, this is the flight controller from C-GSP-1 (Canada-Germany Space Platform-1) to unidentified ship, you are approaching space territory under CG control, identify yourself and state your mission, or we will be forced to consider you hostile and treat you as thus."

###Begin Transmission; C-GSP-1###

We recognize no such sovereignty over stated area of space, and violate no laws. We are passing though to the asteroid "Malis". This is an exploratory mission. Please stop harassing us.

###End.###

"Well that's part of what we've asked you, now, would you identify yourselves? I don't really give a damn, but I have to log all ships comming to and from this area."

###Begin Transmission; C-GSP-1###

Well, if you had looked at the data stream with your pathetic computers, you would have seen the auto-identify stamp/manifest. A manifest of everything aboard, and a nation identifier. No matter.

Imnsvale
Hang Brain
Crew: 61

Anything else you need, honey?

Leaf.

###End.###

"Roger that, Hang Brain out of Imnsvale. Say, could you huck back a chunk of that rock you're gonna go see? We need it for alittle bit of an experiment."

###Begin Transmission; C-GSP-1###

Can we "huck" it back at several kilometers a second? Preferably at your forehead?

Leaf.

###End.###

"that was a good one!!!"

"any way do have anyidea where the rest of the drew is. We haven't seen anyone for a while."

"So how close r we from the rock anyway."

###Begin Transmission; C-GSP-1###

Can we "huck" it back at several kilometers a second? Preferably at your forehead?

Leaf.

###End.###

"No need to be impolite about it. On your way then, and good luck on your mission."

###Begin Transmission; C-GSP-1###

Well, a puny station, from a puny country harasses us. Then they ask us to do them a favor. Can you see the agitation?

Love and kisses,
Leaf.

###End.###

"I'm just doing my job, Hang Brain out of Imnsvale. Just like the crew of your ship is doing theirs. You approached a corner of space that we consider ours, and we politly asked you for identification. When you did not respond, we less politely asked you for identification, any of your crew members would have done the same in our position. In anycase, good luck on your mission, C-GSP-1 Out."

"yea floating in space is a very scart thought. and..." Looks around the room

"Is guy still here?"

"Don't now how i'm not seeing him but i can't seem to see him" Henry said

Tasmin walked over to Henry and held up her hand in front of him. "How many fingers am I holding up?" She thought this would be the easiest way to determine whether he had gone blind or just mad. She pointed over to the other bed. "Guy's over there, sleeping like a baby." She sighed. "I must have hit...um...he must have hit his head harder than I thought."

BLACK RAVEN: *still in closet* No exterior activity detected on this deck. But the engines are going...looks like I'll have to find the bridge myself. *He closes the holographic viewscreen and opens the door.* I sense bio-activity on my scanner...where is everyone, then?

"you are holding up three. I can't think stright when i get very nervous. I look around the room and really wasn't looking when i said i can't seem to find guy. My nerous just got the better of me. so where is everyone eles. whe haved a hugh crew going into this flight now we are down to 4 in this room so where is every one else." like John or Slakter or anyone else for that matter.

Tamsin shrugged, as she lowered her three fingers. So he wasn't blind, did that mean he was mad? She thought that they must all be slightly mad to be floating through space in a bucket of bolts.

"I guess everyone is dealing with those killer drones that the captain spoke of." She quickly cast her eyes at the other people in the room, hoping that none of them were a drone in disguise.

BLACK RAVEN: *dashes down a hallway* Great. Now I have NO idea where the hell I am. I wish I had a map of this damn ship... *runs into a steel door* Hey, who but a door here?! *reads sign* "Bridge"...hey, I guess I finally found it. *He attempts to open the door...*

...And he finds himself on an actual bridge spanning two sections of the ship.

A voice booms from above.

"You have no identity badge. Identify yourself, mortal."

"sorry i didn't see him. i was wiping my head around so fsat becuase my heart was pumping so hard that i could think straight. i was having a very bad case of clastraphobia. I hate it when i am in a confind space and can't leave the place with the feeling of hopelessness running through my brain."

Tasmin looked at Henry with a look of pity and surprise. She thought it was strange that someone like herself, who hated flying, would take this mission, but someone who was claustrophobic must be mad to agree to it. This conclusion just made her more sure that Henry was a sandwich short of a picnic.

She placed a hand on his forehead. "So, how is your headache now?" Entering her doctoring mode had made her forget all about those killer clones and the missing crew.

BLACK RAVEN: *shocked at the booming voice* Ummm...my name is Black Raven. Serial Number Gen-412. I work in stealth ops. Are there any other intelligent lifeforms on this ship?

"Better and my nervs have gone down a bit too. now to find out where the rest of the crew is."Henry sais.

Just before he goes to leave the room a thought comes over him.

"this is only my third mission. How many missions have you been on?" asking the doctor.

Tasmin stood and thought for a moment. Should she tell him the truth, which could well make him nervous or she could lie, and give him a bit of confidence? What harm could it do to lie?

Her face took on a confidence, that belied her own terrified feelings. "Oh, I've been on so many, I've lost count." She smiled. "I forgotten more stuff about space travel, than most people know." She nodded. It sounded convincing. Just as long as Henry didn't ask any questions.

She pointed to the door that her and Guy had come through earlier. "Are you ready for a swim?" She grimaced. "The artificial gravity gone in there."

"Ready when you are. Where to first?"

Tasmin thought for a moment, a furrow appearing on her brow. "Perhaps we should head for the canteen or something." She shrugged. "Seems to be the place most crew members hang out."

I know I could do with a drink right now.

BLACK RAVEN: *shocked at the booming voice* Ummm...my name is Black Raven. Serial Number Gen-412. I work in stealth ops. Are there any other intelligent lifeforms on this ship?

"Yes, there are. And I know they wouldn't appreciate you sneaking around. Tell me why I shouldn't shoot you dead."

BLACK RAVEN: :shock: The only reason I'm here is to find any intelligent life forms on this ship, which I thought was derelict, and warn them of the impending danger. There's an asteroid headed straight for them at high velocity. I just wanted them to know. Please don't kill me!!

BLACK RAVEN: :shock: The only reason I'm here is to find any intelligent life forms on this ship, which I thought was derelict, and warn them of the impending danger. There's an asteroid headed straight for them at high velocity. I just wanted them to know. Please don't kill me!!

"I'm sure. Just how did you manage to get aboard?"

Tasmin hit the door release, preparing to float her way back across the nest room, but was most surprised to find that she remained standing on the floor. She sighed audibly, and raised an eyebrow. "Seems the gravity is back on."

She walked across the room that her and Guy had started from. Strange that she should have been on this ship for this amount of time without seeing any crew and only visiting two areas.

She turned to Henry. "Keep your eyes open for any signs of life. There must be someone around here."

John wandered down a corridor, as food steadily dripped from his jacket.

"Hello! Who might you be? Haven't seen many people. This ship was fitted to be carrying over a thousand people. We should have sixty or so aboard, if none of them have been sucked into space. Which is a distinct possibility. I hope you can all hold your breath."

"will do." "have you seen anyone one yet." henry asks.

"You know i only see about 4 rooms so far. the cockpit, the corider the area where John fell and the sick bay. we have been on the ship for how long now and i have only see this areas. how strainge. anyway where on the ship are we now?"

OOC: Uh, that's the John who fell.

Tasmin looked at the food covered man in front of them, and tried to surpress a grin. "Hello. I'm Tasmin and this," she pointed to the man beside her. "...is Henry. We've just come from the sick bay."

Her eyes stared transfixed to a lump of what looked like potato, which appeared to be ready to leave its resting place. She watched as it struggled to defy gravity.

"Sucked into space, huh?" She inhaled deeply, then started coughing as she started to choke on her breath. After a minute, red faced, she gained her composure. "Do we have a breach?"

"I'm sure. Just how did you manage to get aboard?"

BLACK RAVEN: Long story. I was flying through, heading toward a Space Pirate frigate, when I saw your ship...and noticed it was on a crash course with an asteroid. I docked by bonding my ship with yours and drilling a hole in. (Of course it's much more complicated than that.) I came here to warn people, but I encountered some hostility on first entry.

So, can I find everyone now?

"I know he knows who i am because i was talking to him until the moment when he fell through the floor onto one of the tables below." Henry responded talking about John.

"so anyway where should we go from here?"

ooc: sorry forgot which nation i was again. that's the problem with having two nations.

Henry is standing their wating for someone to resond to his question

Tasmin looked at Henry, then looked at John, before returning her gaze to Henry. As none of them seemed to know what to do, she decided to take the bull by the horns.

"Umm, I suggest we try the cockpit." Her brow furrowed. "I take it there is someone flying this ship?"

"May be may be not. we could just be fly aimlessly in space. anyway it won't hart trying. I'll lead the way. If you don't mind. i know how to get there because i came from there before."

About 20 min later after having gone in circles for awile. they finally made it to the cock pit.

"well here's the door that leads into the cockpit" Henry says. See it says "cockpit".

and with that Tony opens the door.

"Do you see anything yet?" Tony asks

Tasmin stopped and took some deep breaths as they stood outside the cockpit door. She was sure there must have been an easier way here. She was sure that Henry had taken the scenic route, and she would swear that several times they went down the same corridor twice.

"Let me...get my...breath back." She panted, as she bent over, her hands resting on her knees. "We have...practically...been round...the whole...ship."

"I'm sure. Just how did you manage to get aboard?"

BLACK RAVEN: Long story. I was flying through, heading toward a Space Pirate frigate, when I saw your ship...and noticed it was on a crash course with an asteroid. I docked by bonding my ship with yours and drilling a hole in. (Of course it's much more complicated than that.) I came here to warn people, but I encountered some hostility on first entry.

So, can I find everyone now?

"No. Mostly because you drilled a hole in my ship. And I don't like you. So I'll shoot you dead. But I'll play with you first."

A single door opens.

(Actually a quintuple post, but it let me delete three of them.)

Tasmin stopped and took some deep breaths as they stood outside the cockpit door. She was sure there must have been an easier way here. She was sure that Henry had taken the scenic route, and she would swear that several times they went down the same corridor twice.

"Let me...get my...breath back." She panted, as she bent over, her hands resting on her knees. "We have...practically...been round...the whole...ship."

"Nah, probably only half of it. The other half was quarantined off, after that bad lab experiment..."

John trailed off. He was not to talk about that.

Tasmin gave up fighting gravity and sat on the floor. "Umm, this may be a silly question, but shouldn't this..." she tried to find just the right word but failed. "Um...ship, have been scraped?" She looked up at John. "This thing breaks all the laws of physics by actually being here."

"Should it have been scrapped? Yes. Was it? Yes. They didn't quite finish fishing parts out of it when it was patched back together and re-commissioned. Imnsvale doesn't have many ships, because they have no reason to build many. And we wanted to explore this asteroid soon. And it doesn't break all the laws. I'm sure there is one or two somewhere that allows this to exist..."

Tasmin sighed and pinched herself to make sure she wasn't in bed having a nightmare.

"Ouch!"

She wasn't. This was real.

"Aaaaaarrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhh," she screamed.

Why did nothing ever work out for her? Was she destined to float round in space for the rest of her life. And looking at the state of the ship, it would probably be a very short one.

"Yes, we re all going to die, but ear-shattering screams won't help. Just don't..."

*THUD*

And the gravity kicked back in.

"...Go through that door...Ow..."

The macaroni ground itself farther into his shirt.

Tasmin had lost the will to live - or at least to walk. She remained seated, leaning against the wall. "Well, it helped me."

She began to hum a little ditty, until she heard John cryout in pain. "Are you alright?" She looked at him suddenly she had the urge to eat. She hadn't had anything for hours. She began to eye John ravenously.

Either she was licking her lips because she had a little thing for him, or...

He didn't want to think about that. He hoped for the best...

I could have told you that. That is the reason i was choosen to participate on the first mission i was on. I am a scientist. Who has a lot of quarks. you have problele heard of me i one the noble piece prize for my decovery of have to minipulate gravity. I am the reaon this ship doesn't make any sence. i desind the gravity minipulation machine. the only problem is i don't know how to get it to work properly. any way my name is dr. Henry Rawhimer

OOC: You have plenty of time to correct spelling and grammar. Please do so.

BLACK RAVEN: *pulls the RCP-90 strapped to his back into a viable position for a firefight* Wanna play? *mentality switches to "bounty hunter" mode* Then let the games begin. *loads the automatic weapon and dashes through the door*

http://goldeneye.detstar.com/realguns/rcp90.jpg
Black Raven's Ra'ashi RCP-90.

"Oooh! A feisty one! Even better!"

Leaf sends two defense drones, armed with WSTE-M shotguns. Both take aim and fire. And fire. And fire. And so on.

"No artificial colors!"

Tasmin couldn't resist any longer. Her stomach was beginning to think her throat was cut. She dragged herself off the floor and walked over to John. She smiled sweetly. "Do you mind?" She grabbed a piece of macaroni, and ate it."

She turned to Henry, as she chewed. "You designed parts of this ship, and they gave you a Noble Prize." She laughed. "Well, there's hope for me yet." She grabbed a piece of cheese from John's collar.

John was perplexed at this, but cared not. He'd offer his hand for her to eat, if she wanted it.

"I-i-is there something I can g-g-get you?"

ooc: sorry you are right i guess i could correct my spelling.

ic: "This is going to be very interesting. So where are the defence droids going?"

Tasmin looked at John, and suddenly felt guilty. She probably should have waited for him to consent, but when her stomach spoke to her in its gargling voice, she couldn't help but listen. She laughed nervously. "No, there's nothing I need."

She coughed to hide her embarrassment. "Soooo, where do we go from here?" She turned her full attention to the situation at hand. Although she continued to eye a piece of bacon sticking out of John's breast pocket.

"Where should we go to next."

"Oooh! A feisty one! Even better!"

Leaf sends two defense drones, armed with WSTE-M shotguns. Both take aim and fire. And fire. And fire. And so on.

"No artificial colors!"

BLACK RAVEN: Crap! *rolls out of the way, then lands and fires back, shooting up the defense drones. THe drones drop in crumpled heaps.* That takes care of them. Now I need to find a dataport...I've got an idea.

"Oooh! A feisty one! Even better!"

Leaf sends two defense drones, armed with WSTE-M shotguns. Both take aim and fire. And fire. And fire. And so on.

"No artificial colors!"

BLACK RAVEN: Crap! *rolls out of the way, then lands and fires back, shooting up the defense drones. THe drones drop in crumpled heaps.* That takes care of them. Now I need to find a dataport...I've got an idea.

"Oh, my mistake. I forgot to give them ammunition for their grande launchers. Now you meet some of my friends. If you can find the single exit."

Love and kisses,
Leaf.

Tasmin turned to Henry and smiled, although she was a bit concerned for a moment when she realised she was imagining his as a succulent piece of pork. She shook her head until Henry appeared as he should.

"Well, as we're this close to the cockpit," she pointed to the door. "Perhaps we should try there. At least we'll finally meet the captain." She hit the door release, and walked in.

What the...?

It was empty.

"Damn, we are floating in space." She passed out.

John's heart was a-flutter. He crouched over the unconscious body of Tasmin.

Thank you...

He leaned over to kiss her. He prayed she wouldn't wake up and attack him. Or find out about it later and attack him. He kissed her once more, and stroked her hair. He noticed the bacon slip out of his pocket and fall on her. He picked it up and placed it in her pocket.

Tasmin was standing at the top of a grand staircase, below she could see a handsome man in a tuxedo, waiting. She floated down the stairs in a flowing white ballgown. As she reached the bottom, the man held out his hand and pulled her into a passionate embrace. He swirled her away from him, holding onto her hand before guiding her back into his arms for one final kiss. A waiter walked past carrying a tray full of bacon...

...Suddenly her eyes shot open. It took a moment for her brain to work out where she was. When it finally dawn on her that she was still floating through space crewless - and clueless - she wished she'd stayed unconscious.

She saw John and Henry standing over her. "Oh, what happened?" She looked around the room, as she touched her head. She blushed as she recalled the dream.

A thunderous look crossed her face, as she noticed that the bacon had gone from John's pocket. "Wha...?" She put her hand in her pocket and felt the rasher, taking it out she took a bite and smiled. "Thank you."

He smiled with his big dopey grin.

"You are welcome."

He offered his hand to help her off the ground.

"things are geting very interseting. S where the hell is the rest of the crew. did they all get killed or something?"Henry asked

Tasmin accepted John's hand and got up from the floor. She brushed herself down as she turned to Henry. She couldn't couldn't get rid of that empty feeling in the pit of her stomach, and it had nothing to do with food.

"I don't what know happened here." Her eyes rested suspiciously on John. "I'm beginning to wonder if there was ever any crew on this ship."
She sighed deeply. "In fact, I'm beginning to wonder why I'm here. Is it some kind of conspiracy. Does Fate hate me..?" She continued on this train of thought for some time.

Five minutes later, she looked at the others. "So, John, what exactly is going on?"

"Well, we weren't given enough money to have an actual pilot or captain. So we "borrowed" an AI. She's flying the ship at the moment, and directing our actions. I'm not sure I approve, but then, I didn't have much of a choice. Anything else you need?"

Tasmin looked John in the eye. "So, we are under the control of an AI, who just happens to have vanished." She indicates the cockpit. "Should she be here?" She sighed an eventually shook her head. "No...wait, what are you doing on this mission? What is your role?"

A booming voice emanated from the ceiling.

"Yes, I should be here. Which is why I am here. Actually, I am everywhere. Bwa-ha-ha-ha!"

John, unsurprised at Leaf, smiled.

"I am a geologist. I am to analyze samples and bring as much back as I can."

Tasmin looked up at the ceiling as the voice boomed. "Was that evil laughing?" She shrugged, nothing seemed to surprise her any more.

"A geologist? I would have had you down for the cook." She laughed, then stopped suddenly as she realised no one else was. She coughed. "I'm a bacteriologist, but there was no one else free for this mission, so I got the short straw."

"I wouldn't call it a short straw... Maybe just, oh never mind..."

He stopped, but wanted to continue.

Tasmin furrowed her brow, looking at John in a confused manner. "You can't seriously tell me that you're happy to be here." She smiled sadly. "We are here at the mercy of..." She lowered her voice to a whisper. "A mad AI system." She raise it to normal. "The ship itself is ready to fall apart. If that's not the short straw what is?" She looked him in the eye. "What is good about this mission?"

The booming voice was back.

"MAD?! MAD?!?! I'm not mad! How dare you call me mad?"

John was perplexed, but was still focusing on Tasmin.

"Well, you are on this mission..."

Yes, the line was used before in a different form. Yes, it has been used a million times. Yes, it was lame. But he didn't care.

Tasmin jumped as the voice returned.

Damn, and I whispered to. Must try sign language next time.

She thought she ought to try to calm the AI down. "Sorry, didn't mean it." She exhaled the breath she was holding.

She noticed that John's were still on her, and smiled. "That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me." She touched his cheek gently, before moving her hand to his forehead to check his temperatue.

He doesn't seem to have a fever.

"Perhaps you can guide us to the canteen. I don't know about you, but I could do with a drink."

"Oh, of COURSE you didn't mean it."

John's palms sweated.

"I'd love a drink. Right this way."

He walked down the hallway, and opened the door, to the canteen.

"'Ello, mates! What can I get for you?"

"I'll have a Beaujolais."

He looked at her, waiting for her to order.

Tasmin looked at John and smiled. "I think I'll have the same." She indicated a table. "I'll go and grab us some seats."

As she sat down, she noticed the hole in the ceiling and the large mess of food all over the place. She saw the outline of body, imprinted into the splodge. She looked back at John.

Oh, that explains it.

She waited for him to bring their drinks over.

John glanced over at the table.

If I hadn't fallen through that floor, none of this would have happened...

He poured said drinks and brought them over.

"Can I getcha sumpin to eat, mates?"

John looked at Tasmin, as if unsure.

Tasmin accepted the drink with a smile, and took a sip. She immediately felt the effects of the wine, warming her up inside. She looked at John, and thought how sweet he was.

"Would you mind ordering for me?" She cupped her glass in her hands. "You were so successful with your choice of wine."

Well, gee, if I pick the wrong dish, there goes that...

"How 'bout the BLT?"

"Only if you want to get trichinosis, mate. Its not fresh."

Poisoning the sweetest, prettiest girl I know probably wouldn't go over well.

"How 'bout the turkey?"

"Turkey's a good decision, mate. I'll roast the bird for ya, and bring it out."

Phew.

Tasmin watched as John walked back to the table. She smiled as he sat down. "What have you ordered? I'm famished." She slowly licked her lips before taking another sip of her drink.

As she drank, Tasmin took the opportunity to run her eyes over John. He wasn't exactly eye candy, although the food did add something to his appearance. "So, John, what is there for a girl to do on this...um...ship?" She still found it hard to use that particular word on this rust bucket, they had the misfortune to be travelling in.

"I ordered a turkey. This ship might not fly, but it can cook."

What was there to do on this ship? Naked bedtop wrestling!

He thought it wise not to speak his mind. That usually ends in disaster.

"What is there to do? I think the virtual deck might still function. Maybe the slot-cars..."

Tasmin licked her lips again. "Turkey is a perfect choice. Although I could eat a horse right now." She cupped her drink in her hands, swirling the contents around the glass.

"The virtual deck sounds fun." I can pretend we're somewhere else for a few minutes. "Is there anything you want to do, as I'm easy." She smiled sweetly, although it was probably the alcohol on an empty stomach.

"Not really. I'm just as easy."

Easy, huh? Yeah, sure.

It occurred to him a second later, that it wasn't "easy" in THAT sense.

Tasmin watched as the turkey was finally brought over to the table. If it tasted as good as it smelt, they were definitely in for a threat. She looked at John. "You have surpassed yourself with your choice. I could kiss you." She grabbed a legged as soon as the plate hit the table.

"What is our ETA at the asteroid?" If we get there at all, she thought. She took a bite of her turkey, and began drooling over the taste. Even her stomach was cheering - well giving one final rumble before the food hit it.

Could kiss me? Please do. Many times.

John was trembling just a little and wasn't that hungry. He just stared at her, and pretended to eat.

"ETA? About another month, probably. But there will be tons to do when we get there."

Tasmin stopped eating, and looked at John, stunned. "A month?!" She sighed and carried on chewing her turkey leg - nothing put her off food for more than a couple of seconds.

She swallowed, and took a sip of her wine. "I don't know what I'm gonna do to entertain myself for a month." She looked downcast. "I mean, the virtual deck is alright for the short term..." She looked at John. "A person can go cabin crazy without something to occupy their mind and body."

She raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "What do you plan to do, to wile away the endless hours?"

"I hadn't really thought about it. Trying not to get myself killed, maybe. Solitaire. Poker. Variations on poker..."

Occupy your body? Hmmmmm...

OOC: Lots of posts!

"Well, perhaps we can help keep each other occupied. What do you say?" She took another bite of her turkey. "Mmm hmm." She looked over at John. "Aren't you eating?"

She stopped an thought for a moment. "Do you really think we're gonna die?" She sighed deeply. "There was so much I wanted to achieve before my life was extinquished. Bungey jumping, deep see diving, joining the mile high club, going on safari..." She stopped suddenly and replayed the last sentence.

Did I say that out loud? She lowered her eyes and took a large swig of wine, finishing her glass.

Maybe the ten-thousand mile high club...

"No, I don't think we are. I think we will be just fine."

Eating? Oh yes, the food.

John took another bite, mostly because he didn't want to seem strange.

Tasmin visible relaxed. "Well, if you say we are going to survive, then I trust you. You haven't been wrong about the food or the wine." She smiled, as he took a bite of his turkey. "It's not going to bite you, you know. Unless they didn't kill it properly before cooking." She laughed.

She coughed, when no one else laughed. "So, what do you want to do before you die?" She smiled. "If we have any goals in common, perhaps we can achieve them together."

"Before I die? Hmmm. I wanted to get hit by lightening, just to see what its like. Maybe see some world landmarks. And solve one of those confounded Rubik's Cubes."

Tasmin looked at John, with a puzzled expression - just like someone trying to work out a Rubik's Cube. She had heard some strange goals in her time, but his really took some beating. She thought for a moment and realised that she was probably the only sane person on board.

"Well, seeing the sights of the World, that's a good one." She took a bite of her turkey leg, and chewed as she thought of some places she's like to visit. She swallowed. "I think you'd better leave the lightning 'til last, just in case." She shook her head.

Why am I having this conversation? This man is mad, and I'm telling him to put off being struck by a bolt from the sky. Who's the more foolish? The fool, or the fool that answers?

She smiled.

He smiled back.

"Naw. Lightening is rarely fatal. The only way it kills you if it decided to travel through the spinal cord, or if you go into cardiac arrest, and there is nobody around to give you CPR."

I'd like to give her mouth-to-mouth...

He gnawed at the turkey some more, still not really chewing it. He gnawed a whole piece off, and it simply fell to his plate.

Tasmin looked impressed. "Well, that's good to know. I'll feel much safer now, when I get caught out in a storm." She took a big gulp of wine - then realised that she had grabbed his cup by mistake, as hers was empty. She put it down hoping he hadn't noticed.

Her brow furrowed. "You don't have to eat that if you don't want to." She smiled - feeling a bit like his mother.

You can drink from my cup anytime...

"No, its alright. Can I get you anything in addition? Dessert?"

Tasmin put the now meatless turkey bone, onto her plate and patted her stomach. "Nothing else thank you. I have to watch my figure." She stood up and brushed the crumbs off herself. She looked at John.

"Right, lead the way" She grabbed his hand and pulled him up out of the seat. "Let's go and do some virtual...something." She shrugged and marched out of the canteen.

Virtual something? I know something...

He melted when she grabbed his hand. It was so soft. He followed her out of the canteen and opened the door for her to the virtual room.

"What do you want to do?"

Tasmin stood and thought for a moment, then shrugged and smiled. "Surprise me." She looked at John with a look of excited innocence, like a child waiting to see what Santa had left under the tree. "Let's see if you can make it three out of three with your perfect choices."

"Lets see. Leaf! Load Grassy Plains number two!"

Instantly, the room transmuted into a wonderful blend of color. Blue skies, with white marshmallow clouds. The greenest grass was everywhere. An enormous oak tree was off in the distance. It seemed to go on forever. You could pluck the grass and feel it, you could eat the apples on the trees. You could never tell it was fake. It was almost too wonderful for words.

"Woo! Even better than I remember it!"

Tasmin looked around the now transformed room - if you could now call it that. The scenery was particularly breathtaking. You could see for miles into the distance, and the sky was just a perfect summers day. There was a slight breeze rustling the leaves.

She walked up to the tree and placed her hand against the rough bark. Circling the tree, she was momentary reminded of home, which suddenly made her feel slightly homesick.

"This is perfect." She walked over to John, and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "If I do nothing else during this trip, but sit in this room, I shall be very happy."

MEANWHILE:

BLACK RAVEN: *has been battling the sentry drones for sometime now, to no avail on either end* Where do they keep coming from? I'm running low on RCP-90 ammo, and my Nikko would do squat against these robots. And I don't want to break out my sabre...Wait! *sees a dataport* Just what I need. *He shoulders his RCP-90 and presses some buttons on his watch. A small interface pops out. He puts into the dataport and sends the entire ship into a Red Alert. Sirens blare everywhere on the ship. He places the location of the red alert at that dataport.* Let's hope I survive this parade...

"Red alert! AHHH!"

Leaf paused.

"Pathetic human, It's never that easy, is it? My, you ARE gullible. Hmmm. You know, I have this bridge to sell you..."

Tasmin looked around the now transformed room - if you could now call it that. The scenery was particularly breathtaking. You could see for miles into the distance, and the sky was just a perfect summers day. There was a slight breeze rustling the leaves.

She walked up to the tree and placed her hand against the rough bark. Circling the tree, she was momentary reminded of home, which suddenly made her feel slightly homesick.

"This is perfect." She walked over to John, and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "If I do nothing else during this trip, but sit in this room, I shall be very happy."

John melted at the kiss.

"I...am glad you like it."

He tried to pull himself together, but failed. His stomach was doing somersaults. Somersaults of joy, but they still hurt.

"I..is there anything else you need?"

Tasmin looked again at her surrounds. "No, there's nothing else." She smiled. "You have fed me, watered me, and now you've put me out in the sun." She laughed. "It's lucky you're not a botonist, I sound like a plant."

She lowered herself to the floor, and leant against the tree. She looked up at John. "You have been so kind. Is there any thing you need? I feel that you may be missing out from doing something because you are stuck here with me?" An apple decided to fall from the tree and hit her on the head. "Now I know how Newton felt."

"No...there is nothing I need. Being with you is all I need. You are my food, water, and sun."

He gently brushed the hair away from her face, and smiled.

For the past half an hour Henry has been walking the halls of the ship trying to find out where John and Tasmin went off to. He has been walking around in circles becasue he still can't seem to figure out this ship.

"I built the gravtional device and i don't even know my way around the ship i tested it in. what a shame."

Hey, waitaminnit, isn't there still a hole in the holodeck from where I came in? Wouldn't they NOTICE that?!

BLACK RAVEN: Eh? What do you mean, "gullible"? *He checks the dataport again. It says "Red Alert" alright--and a fleet of security drones are coming to get him.* Backtrack time! *He runs back to the door he came in from.*

Tasmin sat looking at John speechless. She had been expecting a reaction to her question but not that one. She smiled, but a curious glint appeared in her eyes.

Has he hit his head? Or is he mad? Her gaze met his. He's serious.

She lowered her eyes, and blushed. She wasn't very good in these circumstances, probably lack of experience. Normally when she mentioned what she did, she would watch the shutters come down and would find herself standing alone. So she wasn't sure how to answer.

"That's...um...the...er...nicest thing anyone has ever said to me." Her cheeks grew an even deeper sad of pink.

Hey, waitaminnit, isn't there still a hole in the holodeck from where I came in? Wouldn't they NOTICE that?!

BLACK RAVEN: Eh? What do you mean, "gullible"? *He checks the dataport again. It says "Red Alert" alright--and a fleet of security drones are coming to get him.* Backtrack time! *He runs back to the door he came in from.*

"Gullible. Adjective. Naïve and easily deceived or tricked. You don't seem to realize I control the terminal you accessed. And those drones are fake too. So I'll just lock you in here, and wait for you to suffocate."

Tasmin sat looking at John speechless. She had been expecting a reaction to her question but not that one. She smiled, but a curious glint appeared in her eyes.

Has he hit his head? Or is he mad? Her gaze met his. He's serious.

She lowered her eyes, and blushed. She wasn't very good in these circumstances, probably lack of experience. Normally when she mentioned what she did, she would watch the shutters come down and would find herself standing alone. So she wasn't sure how to answer.

"That's...um...the...er...nicest thing anyone has sad to me." Her cheeks grew an even deeper sad of pink.


He thought she was so adorable, and wondered how anyone could not want to be with her. He plopped himself down next to her, and leaned against the same tree. He clasped her hand, and kissed it. He could not stop himself from smiling. He thought silence was the best thing at the moment.

Tasmin smiled as her kissed her hand. He really was sweet. Here they were floating around space, with killer drones, a ship that could fall apart any minute, and he had brought her to this little patch of paradise. As well as opening up his heart to her.

She felt a frog in her throat. She leant over and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for making me forget all our problems."

He again melted at the kiss. It was pure delight, solidified into this wondrous being, kissing him and holding his hand.

"I am elated you enjoy it."

Tasmin look at John's face, as he sat beside her. She could his fingers slowly slowly stroking her hand. She leant her head back against the tree and closed her eyes. Listening to the sound of their breaths in the silence.

"How long could you stay in here without anyone ever finding you?" She asked little more than a whisper on the wind, so as not to spoil the moment. Although in the back of her mind, she couldn't help feeling that they were being watch my the AI.

BLACK RAVEN: *runs to the door and notices it is locked* Damn! Well, looks like it's time to get down to business. *He breaks out t3h secret weapon: his Lightsaber. (OOC: No, he isn't a Jedi, but he did kill one once.) He uses it to melt the door, Episode I style, and runs down the hallway back to the holodeck he entered the ship from.* Hey, the door's closed. I could've sworn I left it open. *opens door to see-you guessed it-Tasmin and John in the "grassy plain".* ...Um...am I interrupting something?

(Note: It'd be kind of imposing to be hitting it off with your lover and suddenly a heavily armed bounty hunter just strolls in the door.)

"Forever, probably."

Forever would be too short to spend here...

BLACK RAVEN: :shock: Aw, crap. *fires 3 shots from his Nikko into the air* Hey! You mind if I get to my ship now?! This place is trying to kill me!

"Did you hear something?"

Why did I break the nice silence? Its probably just a fake animal or something.



OOC: The way this kind of virtual deck works, they would never tell you are there. They only hear the sounds that are directed to them. You would make no noise, and not be seen. You are unable to affect them at all.

OOC: Curse you, Imnsvale! Why can I not interact with any characters on this ship?

OOC: Curse you, Imnsvale! Why can I not interact with any characters on this ship?

[ooc: Guy is in the sickbay and Henry is strolling around]

Tasmin didn't even open her eyes as John spoke. She continued to sit with her head resting against the tree. Her mind replaying the dream from earlier, over and over. A smile played at her lips.

"I hear nothing but music, and the gentle rustling of my dress on the carpet, as I'm swirled across the floor." She opened her eyes and coughed nervously. Looking at John, as if she hadn't spoken at all. "No, I didn't hear anything."

John pondered for a minute.

Do I take away this grassy plain she seems to adore so much, with the risk she will enjoy dancing even more? Aw, hell, carpe diem!

"Leaf, ballroom one!"

The plain was instantly replaced with a delicious ballroom, red and violet velvet carpet, crystal chandelier, Baroque paintings on the walls.

John looked nervously over.

"Care to dance?"

OOC: Curse you, Imnsvale! Why can I not interact with any characters on this ship?

[ooc: Guy is in the sickbay and Henry is strolling around]

OOC: There's them, and its because you have a gun and are hellbent on destruction. Anything that moves seems to be shot, and you seem to want to cause trouble. Play nice. :)

Tasmin smiled, wondering whether John was a mind-reader. She pick herself up from the floor, as she was now leaning against a pillar. She spun around looking at the new room.

Taking hold of John's hand, she laughed lightly. "I would be honoured to."

John hoped if his face was going to freeze, that it would freeze right then, with that big smile on his face. John held her close, and began to twirl and spin her about the room, and around in circles, to the music played by a personal string quintet. John was a quite skilled dancer, and began to flip her backwards, and lift her over his head, down to the ground to dance more.

"Shall we keep going?"

ZOOM!

What was that?

A quintuple post!

Tasmin was speechless, but happy. John had surprised her with his ability to dance. She had to admit that she was expecting him to have two left feet.

"Yes, let's keep going. I could dance all night." She smiled at him, and looked deep into his eyes. "You are a very good dancer."

She was reminded of her dream.

Oh, this is even more perfect.

"As you wish..."

John kept dancing, mixing his moves up, so it wouldn't become stale.

How is it possible that she has come across no persons of sound mind that would want to be with her in a heartbeat?

Caught up in the moment and the music, Tasmin began to become a part of her dream. She loved to dance, and the setting was almost as she had envisioned it.

As John swung her out, holding on to her hand, then guided her back into his embrace, she stopped suddenly and kissed him passionately. She was reminded of the moment that the man in her dream had pressed his lips to hers.

When she broke the kiss, she realised what she had done, and blushed a deep red. "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm...um...afraid I got kind of...um...carried away."

"Don't be sorry."

And with those words, he returns a passionate kiss to her. When he broke away, he spoke softly, "Now, would you like to go somewhere else or do something else?"

All with that same ear-to-ear smile.

OOC: Actually, I'm not. But you won't let me interact with anybody, so no one can learn my REAL motive.

BLACK RAVEN: So, I'm outside the hologram and inside it at the same time. I get it. *sees it flicker to a ballroom* Hmmm, I should be inside it now since it changed. Well, it's a long shot, but...*goes up and taps Tasmin on the shoulder*

His hand passes through Tasmin, and she turns around, with a demonic look on her face. Then, just as suddenly, the room flickers to a white, sterile room, with no obvious door.

"You should not believe what you see," Leaf mentioned in a rather haunting voice.

Part of the wall slides up, revealing a cadet, in uniform.

"Oh, I'm so sorry sir, I thought this room was unoccupied."

She dashed off down the hallway, embarrassed by him.

BLACK RAVEN: :shock: Bloody hell! What was that?! *dashes out said door into a hallway* Okay, NOW I'm mad. *jostles after said cadet* HEY! Get back here!! Where is everyone?!

She peeked around the corner.

"I really didn't know that room was taken! Please, don't hit me!"

BLACK RAVEN: *has already pulled out his Nikko, but hears the desperate cries* Hit you? Lady, I don't even know who you are. I'm in a ship that's trying to KILL me, with people who obviously aren't here. In fact, besides that guy I tranqed about 2 hours ago, I haven't seen any life on this ship. I believe it to be derelict. The only other thing I know is that there's an asteroid here that's going to impact with us in approximately 20 minutes.

"Derelict? Asteroid impact?"

She cocked her head to the right.

"Sir, have you been beaned in the head recently? How is it possible that you do not know where we are going, and why we are here? Here, let me take you to the infirmary."

She takes his arm, and begins to tug him to the infirmary.

"Don't be sorry."

And with those words, he returns a passionate kiss to her. When he broke away, he spoke softly, "Now, would you like to go somewhere else or do something else?"

All with that same ear-to-ear smile.

Tasmin smiled, her mind trying to catch up with her. She seemed to be in some kind of waking dream. One that she didn't want to emerge from, especially as her real world wasn't that pleasant. The words floating in space kept trying to invade her thoughts.

"I want to stay here forever, but if you can think of something to top this, then show me."

This trip has definitely improved ten-fold.

BLACK RAVEN: Um...no. *forces her to let go* I don't know where we're going, or why we're here, because I was not here at whatever mission breifing you had. So if I seem ignorant, it isn't on purpose. Now where is everyone else?

Guy takes that particular moment to wake up in the sickbay. He looks around feeling a bit dazed. He climbs out of the bed and walks over to the door. A huge bump can be seen on his head.

He struggles through the door coming face-to-face with a man and a woman. "What's going on? Where's Tasmin?"

OOC: Realizing he is referring to me and this cadet...

BLACK RAVEN: Huh?! *He sticks his pistol right in Guy's face.* Who are you? Name and rank! And don't BS, we're down to 19 minutes to an impact with an asteroid!

Guy blinked as he stares down the barrel of the gun. He began to think that Tasmin was right about space travel. He looked at the man holding in front of him.

"I think you are mistaken." He indicates the gun with a nod. "Can you put that thing down?" He shrugs when he realises the man isn't going to. "We're on a discovery mission to the asteroid, it's not going to hit us. And nineteen hours to impact? It's going to take us weeks to get there." He shook his head. "I think your readouts are faulty."

This man is mad, he thought to himself.

BLACK RAVEN: Okay, you're not a threat. *lowers his pistol* But my calculations aren't faulty. Or at least, I don't think they are. That asteroid looked pretty big from where my ship was. *thinking: This man is mad.*

Guy looked relieved as the man lowered his gun, and laughed. "Well, of course it's big, how else are we going to work on it." He shook his head in a pitying manner as if the man in front of him was incapable of understanding. "Do you want something to eat?"

"Don't be sorry."

And with those words, he returns a passionate kiss to her. When he broke away, he spoke softly, "Now, would you like to go somewhere else or do something else?"

All with that same ear-to-ear smile.

Tasmin smiled, her mind trying to catch up with her. She seemed to be in some kind of waking dream. One that she didn't want to emerge from, especially as her real world wasn't that pleasant. The words floating in space kept trying to invade her thoughts.

"I want to stay here forever, but if you can think of something to top this, then show me."

This trip has definitely improved ten-fold.

"I can't see anything to top being anywhere with you. Would you like something to eat?"

He tilted his head and brushed the hair from her face again.

Tasmin was just about to remind John that they had just eaten, when she realised that he in fact hadn't. She would have preferred to stay here with him in this ideal location, but she know she was being selfish.

She leant forward and pressed her lips briefly to his, especially as she had never had anyone react to her kisses as he did, and it was a bit of a novelty. "Food would be great." She smiled, as she linked her arm in his.

He links his arm around her linked arm, after enjoying the luscious kiss.

"Would you like a good, formal dining hall, or would you like to go back to the bar like earlier?"

Tasmin couldn't hide her surprise. "They have a formal dining room on this...ship?" She still had trouble getting the word out. She knew there was only one obvious choice. "Formal it is."

As they began to walk out of the room, Tasmin turned to John. "How formal is it? I mean, do we need to dress up or something?" As she hadn't brought anything with her for a posh dinner.

"There is a formal dining room, but it is rather a secret. Dressing up is not needed, but we can, if you would like to. There likely isn't anyone there, but if they are, they surely wouldn't be caring about what you are wearing because of your radiant presence, your eyes, your lips."

John, ever the gentleman. opened the door for her into the landing of the staircase that lead to the formal dining room.

Tasmin blushed at his compliment. She wished that her mother could be here now. She remembered her shrill voice constantly harping on about her choice of career, and her lack of boyfriends.

"It's all that science, it puts them off. No one wants a girlfriend who would be kissed and then go home to see what bacteria was found in it."

She sighed, as the thought, before smiling once again as they entered the dining room. Even though she wasn't that hungry, she suddenly had a burning desire to eat here. She couldn't find the words to express her joy, so she stood looking around, open mouthed.

What greeted them was a lavish dining hall. Tasteful toffee carpet, with red cushioned, ornate teak chairs, circling redwood tables, with candles, crystal glasses, real silver utensils, fine china plates, all on an indigo silk tablecloth.

"Wow, its even better than I remember it. Of course, you are here, and that makes everything better, doesn't it?"

He meandered over to a table and pulled out a chair, pausing, for her to sit.

Tasmin graciously accepted the seat, and lowered herself onto the chair. It was almost like the perfect end to the perfect evening. Kind of like a date. She began to wonder if her would walk her back to her room, and kiss her goodnight at the door.

She began to smile like a silly schoolgirl. Pulling herself out of her daydream, she looked across at John, who had by now taken his own seat. She looked into his eyes and placed one of her hands on the table, reaching out for one of his.

"You have been wonderful to me today. I shall never forget it, ever." She looked her eyes bashfully. "I hope that we can do it again."

He put his hand over her hand.

"I would be delighted if we could do this forever."

The waiter dashed up to the table offering calligraphic menus, printed on a parchment like paper.

Tasmin accepted the menu, and hid behind it as she began to blush. She couldn't get over how foolish she was behaving. She was never like this during her youth. Not that she didn't like the experience.

She lowered the menu and began to read its contents, her mouth beginning to water. She looked at John, and smiled. "I don't know what to have, it all looks delicious."

She picked up her glass, and was about to take a sip, when she realised it was empty. She lowered it quickly and laughed. "Jumping the gun abit there, I think."

OOC: Changing the way I do it here...

"No thanks, Guy," Black Raven said. But he noticed it had been about 3 hours since he had eaten lunch, and he could go for something to eat. "Actually, I will take you up on that offer." His helmet dissolved into just a plate leading up the back of his head, which sunk into his skin. His brown, messy hair and icy blue eyes were now free in the stale air of the ship. The triple traaiangle pupils made his eyes look like the 'radioactive' sign. They rotated as Black Raven focused to the light streaming acrost his face. He turned to the cadet. "You wanna come?"

Guy looked at Black Raven, as if he had just seen the most poisonous spider creep into the shoe of his grandmother, just as she put her foot in it.

"Well, let's go and some." He began walking down the corridor. "My stomach thinks that my throats been cut."

Black Raven smirked. "Ah, you've never seen a Xexan transform before. Believe me, the entire coat of armor I'm wearing can sink back in." He shrugged to readjust the RCP-90 resting in its holster, which rested on Black Raven's shoulders. "Well, I guess we might as well go now. Show the way."

Guy shook his head. "No, never." He shrugged. "But then I'm not really a very well travelled person. This is only the second time I've left Tartarus."

As he walked down the corridor, he was reminded of where they were and he shuddered.

And this is the last time, he thought.

Tasmin accepted the menu, and hid behind it as she began to blush. She couldn't get over how foolish she was behaving. She was never like this during her youth. Not that she didn't like the experience.

She lowered the menu and began to read its contents, her mouth beginning to water. She looked at John, and smiled. "I don't know what to have, it all looks delicious."

She picked up her glass, and was about to take a sip, when she realised it was empty. She lowered it quickly and laughed. "Jumping the gun abit there, I think."

He smiled back.

"Well, I am going to have the duck, have you decided what you would like?"

I hope this never ends...

Tasmin scanned the menu one more time before raising her eyes to John's. She smiled. "I think I'll have duck, as well. You're choices have been perfect so far." She leant over, her hand reaching out for his. "I'm not going to spoil it now."

He grasped her hand after stroking her arm a little.

"As you wish."

He flagged down a waiter, and ordered duck, with a nice Cabernet Sauvignon.

"Do you think we'll be in the same group when we get there?"

Tasmin shrugged her shoulders slightly, before looking deep into the doorways to his soul. She sat there looking at him, for several minutes before speaking. "I hope we will. If not, we always have the return journey to look forward to." She rubbed her thumb across the back of his hand.

"If you survive that long."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, look around you. You'll be lucky to get there. It'll be a miracle if you get home again."

"Miracles happen."

"Get your head out of the clouds, Tasmin. You're gonna die!"

"Shut up! And go away before you spoil the moment."

"Are you sure? I could give you some tips."

"Go!"

Tasmin shook her head to clear away her thoughts. She looked at John and smiled.

Guy shook his head. "No, never." He shrugged. "But then I'm not really a very well travelled person. This is only the second time I've left Tartarus."

As he walked down the corridor, he was reminded of where they were and he shuddered.

And this is the last time, he thought.

Black Raven followed him to the mess hall. It was surprisingly well-stocked for a ship that was "derelict". Perhaps he had been wrong.

"Is there anyone else on this ship?" Black Raven asked, as he grabbed a Golden Delicious apple from the rack.

Guy turned round to look at Black Raven, a stunned expression on his face. He pointed to behind where they stood at the people sitting at the tables. "Well, there's them." He said nervously, thinking he must be taking to a mad man.

"You weren't in the sick bay earlier, were you?" Guy asked, thinking he needed to get this stanger there quick.

He notices where Guy is pointing. "Oh, I didn't see them." He laughed. "I wasn't in he sick bay, but I did put someone into it, I think. I don't know, he may have recovered by now."

Guy nodded, a rather blank expression on his face. He couldn't shake the feeling that the man in front of him had just escaped from a mental hospital and he was expecting the men in white coats to come around the corner any minute.

"So what would you like?" He looked at the food laid out on the table in front of the other people in the canteen. "They seem to have a wide variety." He began to feel very hungry suddenly.

Black Raven was starting to get annoyed with the feling that this man thought he was insane or something. But he shook it off. "I'll just have a ham and provolone sandwich, thank you."

Guy turned to the man behind the counter and gave the orders. He had decided on a nice T-Bone with all the trimmings, and a whiskey.

Placing his hand on his head, he 'ouch'ed as he touched his bruise. Just to make sure it really hurt, it prodded it another couple of times. Safe in the knowledge that he did have a painful bump on the head, he made his way to the table.

Sitting down, he gave one last check, in case it had stopped hurting during his short walk. It hadn't. He motioned for Black Raven to take a seat. "So, what exactly do you do on this mission?"

Black Raven looked shocked. He wasn't really part of this mission. He was just here to warn everyone about a threat that was apparently nonexistent. "Oh, I'm just here for the food," he said, and laughed quietly. He took a bite out of the sandwich and reached for a drink he noted he had not ordered. "Oops. I'll be right back." He ordered a vodka martini from the front desk. After recieving it, he took a sip and sat back down. "What about you? They do some weird scientific test on you, thus explaining the bump?"

Guy laughed. "Me, a test subject?" He laughed even more. "No, I am a scientist. I'm here to work on the asteroid." He leant in conspiratorially and whispered. "If we ever get there. I'm not sure this thing is safe." He looked up at the large hole in the ceiling.

Prodding the bruise once more for emphasis, and wincing at the pain. He shook his head. "You know, I'm not sure. I remember helping Tasmin with her safety belt, then the rest is a blur." He took a mouthful of his food, chewing it thirty-seven and a half times, as was his custom, before swallowing. "I'll have to ask her."

Black Raven tilted his head. "Tasmin? Who's Tasmin? Was that the cadet I ran into?" He took another bite out of his sandwich. He looked back up at Guy. "Yeah, I'm not sure this thing is ridable. But let's just hope we get there alive." He sipped his martini and looked at Guy. He looked pretty funny with the bump on his head. He smiled.

Guy laughed again at the thought of Tasmin as a cadet. She had enought trouble getting herself into work in the morning, let alone running some assault course or other.

He continued to laugh until he begins to cough. "No, Tasmin's no cadet. She's a scientist on this mission. I seem to have lost her somehow." He took a sip of his drink. "Who was that cadet you were talking to?"

Black Raven thought for a second. "You know, I really don't know. She said she was taking me to the infirmary. Something about getting hit in the head. Of course, that was after--" He decided not to tell Guy about the incidents of earlier. "No, nevermind."

Guy nodded, and took another bite of his food. "The infirmary's pretty nice. Other than here and the room we were in when we took off, it's the only place I've seen."

He stops and ponders for a moment. "So you don't know who you were talking to? That cadet didn't give you her name." He sighs. "In that case we'll need to find someone else to show us around." He looked at Raven. "After what?"

Black Raven looked up from his sandwich. His pupils had narrowed a little. "Let's not talk about earlier, shall we?" He cooled. "The cadet didn't give me her name. She said something about a room being occupied, though. Talk about crazy. You been to the bridge?"

Guy looked confused as he replayed his previous statement. Then shook his head. "Nope."

Black Raven nodded. "Ah. I've been trying to find the commander of this ship. You know him?" He sipped his martini. It was now empty. He thought about getting a refill, but decided he'd get something less alcoholic to drink later.

Again Guy shook his head. He hadn't actually seen anyone except Tasmin until he had met this man in the hallway. Which he thought was rather strange. He took a moment to pinch himself, to ensure he wasn't still asleep in the sick bay.

"I haven't actually seen anyone except Tasmin until..." He got a feeling of deja vu. Shaking his head, he continued. "I didn't know there was a crew before we entered here."

"I didn't know there was ANYONE until I met that cadet. I've been here--" No, wait, he thought. He couldn't tell Guy about the fact he had to invade the ship or that he was chased around be security drones. "I...I've been here since launch and haven't seen anyone. Say, did you see that red alert earlier?" He nervously took another bite out of his sandwich.

Guy shook his head a third time, and suddenly felt dizzy. Fighting to focus on the world around him, he passed out. Falling backwards off his chair, he landed on the floor.

"Perhaps you shouldn't shake your head so darn much." He finished his sandwich and put away the tranq gun he had concealed in his hand under the table. "Now you get to taste 150 mL of anesthinine. And you're coming with me." People, however, were starting to gather around the fainted Guy. Black Raven quickly pulled the needle out. "Give this man some AIR!! I'll get him to the infirmary!" He carried Guy out...but not to the infirmary. Instead, they ducked into a large, empty room.

Guy opens his eyes suddenly, and sees his surroundings have changed. He closes them again and focuses his mind, getting everything in order.

That bump on my head must have effected me more than I thought.

He tentatively opened his eyes again. First a crack and then grew bigger. He was disappointed to see that he was still in a strange room.

Where am I?

He looked up and saw Raven. "Where am I?" He wrinkled his brow as he realised he'd wasted a thought.

Tasmin shrugged her shoulders slightly, before looking deep into the doorways to his soul. She sat there looking at him, for several minutes before speaking. "I hope we will. If not, we always have the return journey to look forward to." She rubbed her thumb across the back of his hand.

"If you survive that long."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, look around you. You'll be lucky to get there. It'll be a miracle if you get home again."

"Miracles happen."

"Get your head out of the clouds, Tasmin. You're gonna die!"

"Shut up! And go away before you spoil the moment."

"Are you sure? I could give you some tips."

"Go!"

Tasmin shook her head to clear away her thoughts. She looked at John and smiled.

Her thumb running over his hand was like ambrosia. He smiled back and formally ordered the duck, with several sauces.

"That we do. Although, I don't know how long we will be on the asteroid..."

Tasmin looked into John's eyes. "We'll know as soon as we get there. My only concern is that when we land, we won't be able to take off again." She really wished he hadn't watched all those disaster movies before coming on this trip.

She looked down at her hand in his, and smiled. "If we don't survive, these moments will have made all of the difference."

"I think these moments make all the difference anyway. I wouldn't trade them for anything."

He smiled, and tapped his foot metaphorically, waiting for the food to arrive.

Tasmin smiled, as she looked around for the waiter with their food. "I don't think anyone would want to trade with you." She took a sip of her water. "One, it's me. Two, we're floating in space towards an asteroid."

She smiled as the door to the kitchen opened and the food was brought out. She could smell the delicate aroma of the duck drifting towards their table. Her stomach began to growl a greeting.

The Waiter arrived, decked out in a three-piece suit, with a silver platter, and gold cover for the platter. He rested it on the table and lifted the cover away. He sharpened his knife before carving up the duck. He left them to serve themselves, with the sauces.

John almost flooded the table with drool.

"How much would you like?"

Tasmin looked at the duck sitting on the table in front of her. she really found it hard to remind herself that they were weren't sitting in a pleasant restaurant somewhere on Earth.

Just enjoy. Don't think about where you are. You'll have enough time to do that on this trip.

She smiled to John. "A couple of spoonfuls would be lovely." Unwrapping her napkin, she placed it lightly in her lap. She wished she'd taken the time to change.

He served her the duck, and left her to dish out her sauces, as he served himself some duck, and some orange sauce.

The duck is ambrosia, but not as good as just being with her...

"Mmmm. Do you like it?"

Tasmin cut a small piece, the sauce trying to escape down the sides. She quickly popped it into her mouth, the succulent meat tantalising her tongue. "Mmm, that's perfect."

She looks at John, and continues to smile. She whole face lights up as she speaks softly. "The whole day's been perfect."

"I wouldn't have it any other way. The day has been more than perfect. You are more than perfect."

He speared the meat with his fork, and dropped it into his mouth. Mighty tasty, and the orange sauce was just tart enough to be fantastic, and just as sweet as it needed to be.

"Do you need anything else?"

Tasmin smiled and shook her head slowly. Looking at John, she realised that she felt happier now than she had ever felt. She took another morsel of duck, savouring the taste.

"I have everything I need right here." She smiled at him, her face aglow with her feelings.

He grinned back, and kept eating. Actually eating this time. Not like last time.

The waiter came back and asked them if they needed dessert. John looked meaningfully at Tasmin, passing the decision off to her.

Tasmin smiled at John, and turned to the waiter. She looked at him for a moment before decided. "Something lemony, I think. A meringue or cheesecake, perhaps." She turned her attention to John. "Is that alright for you?"

John's mouth watered.

"That would be scrumptious."

The waiter silently nodded and dashed off. He returned about a minute later, with two lemon meringue pies, and a lemon cheese cake. He left all three on the table, and dashed off again.

"What would you like?"

Guy opens his eyes suddenly, and sees his surroundings have changed. He closes them again and focuses his mind, getting everything in order.

That bump on my head must have effected me more than I thought.

He tentatively opened his eyes again. First a crack and then grew bigger. He was disappointed to see that he was still in a strange room.

Where am I?

He looked up and saw Raven. "Where am I?" He wrinkled his brow as he realised he'd wasted a thought.

"That's a good question," Black Raven asked. "It looks to be a security room. Sorry about the needle, but I needed your handprint to access it. I need you to do me a favor, though, because you might know the password to the security systems. I want you to put this ship on full red alert. If you do, I'll tell you the reason I'm here."

Tasmin looked at the desserts laid out before them. She could already taste the lemon on her tongue, her mouth beginning to water. She eyed both types before pointing to the meringue. Then she pointed to the cheesecake.

"Hmm, I think I'd better have both, as they look equally delicious."

"What?!" Guy looked at Raven, his face a picture of confusion and anger. "Are you crazy? You drugged me? Drugged me?" He walked around the room shaking his head.

Stopping suddenly, he turned to Raven. "I'm a scientist. That means I do science." He continued to pace. "I have no clearance to override anything. Hey, I don't even have a key to the executive bathroom."

Tasmin looked at the desserts laid out before them. She could already taste the lemon on her tongue, her mouth beginning to water. She eyed both types before pointing to the meringue. Then she pointed to the cheesecake.

"Hmm, I think I'd better have both, as they look equally delicious."

John sliced her up some of both, and smiled. He served himself a slice of pie, and resumed eating.

"Mmm, this is divine. Much like you, I think."

Tasmin looked at John and blushed. She could feel the warmth growing on her cheeks. She lowered her eyes to her plate, before returning them to his.

"I wouldn't call me divine." She smiled, then took a mouthful of cheesecake. "Mmm, that is divine."

"I would call you divine. Well, I did. But I would, repeatedly. Because you are."

John stopped himself from rambling more, and returned to his pie.

Tasmin continued to look him in the eyes, her face full of her feelings. No one had ever made her feel this special before. She sat in silence, her thoughts focused on him.

She picked up her spoon and took a piece of meringue. She felt it melt upon her tongue. "And you are very special. I can't think of anyone I'd rather spend my last few days with."

Stop being so negative. You're not going to die

"Last few days? What makes you say that?"

It better be more than days. I refuse to die.

He chipped off a bit of the crust and munched on it.

Tasmin smiled, and looked embarrassed. She gazed around the room before settling her sight back on John. "I guess this place makes me feel a bit...you know...negative." She took another mouthful of cheesecake. "If these were to be my last days - and I hope they're not - then I'd rather spend them with you, more than anyone else."

John blushed for maybe the first time.

"I don't know what to say. But these aren't out last days. I won't let them be."

He smiled sweetly.

I love you...

Tasmin watched as John's cheeks matched hers in colour. She couldn't believe that she had said what she had; she wouldn't have normally. She licked her spoon, as she caught his eye.

"You don't have to say anything." She smiled at him lovingly. "And I know, deep in my heart, that these won't be our last days. Fate couldn't be that cruel."

She reached over the table and took his hand.

He clasped her hand.

"See? Just look on the bright side of things!"

He smiled, and just stared into her eyes.

Looking around the restaurant, she found it easy to forget where they were. She knew that when she walked back into the corridor all her fears would return. But now was the important part, being here with John.

She laughed lightly. "You make me see things on the bright side." She lost herself in his gaze, drowning in those blue pools. "Thank you."

"What?!" Guy looked at Raven, his face a picture of confusion and anger. "Are you crazy? You drugged me? Drugged me?" He walked around the room shaking his head.

Stopping suddenly, he turned to Raven. "I'm a scientist. That means I do science." He continued to pace. "I have no clearance to override anything. Hey, I don't even have a key to the executive bathroom."

"I highly doubt it." He ripped the ID card off Guy's shirt and scanned the barcode on a barcode scanner. The computer montior flickered, and Guy's info was present on the screen. Options for security popped up, including a button that said "Activate security alert". Black Raven pulled out his Nikko, which was now recharged. "I'm gonna make this simple. Activate that alert."

He gazed right back into her eyes.

"You are welcome."

She was so beautiful. He thought any man would be crazy for turning her down; he just couldn't see any reason to do so. Not even anything little. She was perfection, solidified, and holding his hand.

"I highly doubt it." He ripped the ID card off Guy's shirt and scanned the barcode on a barcode scanner. The computer montior flickered, and Guy's info was present on the screen. Options for security popped up, including a button that said "Activate security alert". Black Raven pulled out his Nikko, which was now recharged. "I'm gonna make this simple. Activate that alert."

Guy looked at the weapon pointing at him, and swallowed. "Really, I have no idea how this ship works. I know no security codes." I don't even know how this damn ship is still in one piece.

He shook his head and looked pleadingly at Raven. "I'm not the person you need. You'd have been better off taking one of the other people in the canteen." He sighed. "A member of the crew, not one of the scientists."

Tasmin laughed lightly. "I don't know how we'll ever be able to able to top today." She smiled at John warmly, her feelings reflected in her face. "I wish today could go on forever."