TEST DRIVE #16 - Turbolifts and Ten Forward

[ten_fwd_mods]

Option 001. Trapped in a Turbolift: This space travel thing is new to you, and you're starting to think the ship is purposely out to get you. A turbolift is just a grandiose name for an elevator, which should be the safest way to travel after all! But someone out there is out to get you, you're sure of it. Because the next thing you know, the lights flicker and the lift grinds to a stop. You're trapped, with whomever was unlucky enough to be in the lift with you.

It could be hours before you're rescued. These turbolifts span the entire massive ship, and don't just travel straight up and down. No, they can travel horizontally, vertically, sometimes even diagonally. You could be stuck between any deck now. There is a small access panel on one of the smooth walls, but how good are you with getting these things to work? Let's not forget that sudden stop tossed everyone around a little, and people could be hurt. Time to put your emergency thinking cap on, and make friends with the people beside you fast. You could be the only way back to freedom.

Conversely, you could slide that pack of cards out of your pocket and start a rousing game of gin rummy. Really it's up to you.







Option 002. Ten Forward: You have no idea what just happened. One minute you were home, minding your own business, and now you're on a spaceship in the middle of a crowded room! It looks like a bar. There are people eating and drinking, some in uniform, others not. Some are clearly aliens, and some of the food is looking rather strange too.

You've managed to land in Ten Forward. A long bar with barstools and a bartender span one side of the room, with a bank of strange computers on that same wall. It looks like people are ordering food and drinks from them. Tables are sprinkled throughout, and the far wall is nothing but floor to ceiling windows with a view out to space. It looks like a nice lounge, low conversation making the room hum.

Better ask some questions and find out where you are, or just tap the closest person on the shoulder and try to make friends. The bar is open.

Comments

[the_blood]

"One thing I can tell you right away, is that except when acting according to the laws and rules of Protocol," you could almost hear the capital letter and the importance in the word from how she said it, "you can simply call me Ailyshia."


"Another proper address, and one more commonly used by males who serve a Queen, as you and I do, is Lady before her name. Politely and formally in our Society, you can use Lady for any female you wish to show respect to."

She muttered something under her breath, but otherwise let Theiorn's entry into the conversation pass. "This bond I have learned about, though this is the first I have felt it myself. A Queen rules through her court, and at the minimum, a Court is 12 males and a Queen. That makes up the core of the First Circle, though it can expand from there. The First Circle are those most trusted, those in the Queen's confidence, who handle the most delicate tasks and assignments. A Queen can choose the males who serve her in many ways," she began.

Theiorn decided to take pity on the poor boy, and he wanted to help one who would soon be like a brother. So he started providing mental commentary, explaining things from a more male perspective. *The Queens think they choose, but she's never set up her own Court, she doesn't realize we have more say in who we serve than they do. A Queen who isn't tainted cannot force a male to serve. She chooses, yes. But she chooses from those of us who offer ourselves to that choosing. Agreeing to serve a Queen means that you accept her rule over you, her will is your life. There are ways you can defy a Queen, of course, and we do have certain... rights that we can enforce on her, and on her behalf. People here seem to think it choking, handing our lives, our leashes to her, but it's more balanced than they seem to realize. At least in KAleer, where we are from.*

Unaware that Theiorn was communicating with Luke, she continued, "One way is by looking at simple logic. Who knows the area she is to rule best, who has a good resume, who could fill the roles she needs filled. Another is by asking the aid of a Black Widow." She touched the hourglass pendant she wore. "If she is not one herself. Black Widows have an innate sense that let them get a feel for a person. It is very hard to hide from one of us, harder still to lie."

She let her hand fall gently and tapped her fingernails against the tabletop, the darkly tinted sharpened nails making a subtle beat, her purple dusk ring catching and releasing the light.

"And then there is the bond, a call or a pull between a Queen and a male," she is so far into the explanation, and trying to recall her lessons and explain them afresh that she's managed to forget to sneer as she says male. "where each recognizes something in the other from the sound of their voice, and a look in the eyes. For a Queen, it's knowing without question that you hold the leash for that male, that your presence will sooth him, that he will follow you. I can write home, and ask for more information. I was not planning to set up a Court, I never intended to rule, and it has been a long time since these lessons for me."

She leaned back and stretched a bit. "Something to drink, ro eat, Prince?" she asked. He was now her responsibility, and if she suggested they got refreshments, perhaps it would stave off his desire to fuss.

Oh, Theiorn was so amused by this. He sent spear to spear, privately to Luke. *If we accept food and drink, it will be easier to ensure she eats and drinks as well.*