There was something meditative and soothing about holodeck programing. V’alura sat in one of the holodeck rooms, a portable programing console settled across her lap as she made adjustments to a new recreational program. Her fingers danced across the haptic keyboard, bringing her vision to life one line of code at a time. And what a grand and terrible vision it was. V’alura was passionate about many things, and nothing excited her more than the macabre realm of horror. Inspired by towering gothic castles framed by stormy skies and lit by lightening. Terrible and cruel vampire lords of the castle who preyed upon the fear and blood of the hapless village below. Classic horror. But what if there was something else that lurked the halls? Something even more terrible and horrifying? A mystery shrouded by darkness and ancient magics. Positively thrilling!

V’alura finished her last line of code with a flourish and pushed her console off her lap so she could stand. “I think it’s time to run some tests! Computer, activate program Belmont Horror Five in test mode. Setting: castle greenhouse. The computer acknowledged her request and materialized the foreboding castle greenhouse around her. It was night, of course, and heavy rain pounded against the glass ceiling and walls. Towering, and twisted plants bloomed around her, some with closed buds that seemed to be smiling. Sharp gardening implements of all kinds were scattered about, strewn among a variety of pots and planters. V’alura assessed the area with a smile. Everything looking as it should.

V’alura Belmont, CSO