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Posted by Ensign Tellek Bog (Engineer) in MPT - ‘Festival of Frights’ - Holodeck 1 - All welcome

Posted by Crewman Jonathan Durheim (Engineer) in MPT - ‘Festival of Frights’ - Holodeck 1 - All welcome

Posted by Lieutenant Casela Synthi-er (Counsellor / RTF) in MPT - ‘Festival of Frights’ - Holodeck 1 - All welcome

Description of the festival for any newcomers: https://www.star-fleet.com/core/stf1/leviathan/posts/102382/

“Why Teller, this form is even more ugly than you usually are. I didn’t think that was possible. I like the imps though. I might steal one.”
Lt. Synthi-er, CNS

The smell of brimstone competed with his natural musk. “I will claim your tattered sole at a later date Captain.” The little Tellarite’s tusks were manifest in all their glory.

“Ms. Casela, be careful what you wish for, they may bite.” Bog was beginning to enjoy this human deliberation.

Bog

“Bite?” the captain repeated, still slightly rattled by Bog’s arrival, although he could not deny the majestic theatrics of it all. “I’m thinking that might only serve as an invitation,” he shot a wink at Cas. The captain was clearly in a playful mood, now that his imminent demise had moved on.

Casela grinned wickedly. “Bite? Not too bad I wouldn’t think. The safeties are on tonight. Too bad. Might be interesting. We could set them loose on people.” At the looks from Cobb and Bog she raised a brow and looked at them with an innocent “what?” expression.

Jonathan looked at his screen, a contemplative expression in place. ‘Festival of Frights…’ ‘Costume…’ ‘Theme…’ What an interesting and foreign custom! Not being entirely familiar with this ‘Festival,’ Jonathan took some time to do some research - what was considered appropriate? Countless results immediately popped up; upon skimming them, a pattern was found - costumes tended to be either (debatably) humorous, frightening, and/or culturally significant.

Wanting to participate in this festivity (socializing was encouraged, and it truly did seem fun), he added some filters to a general costume search; and eyed the results. several were appealing - he nearly settled on one getup in particular - an ensemble that included a red and black striped sweater, a brown wide-brimmed hat, and an interesting glove covered in blades. But it occurred to Jonathan that while this character was interesting, he had no frame of reference for it - he certainly couldn’t perform a convincing portrayal. An idea had been coalescing in the back of his mind; and it was finally coherent enough to make its presence known - and Jonathan found himself smiling broadly at the idea of it. After all… what could be more terrifying to an Engineer?

Durheim stepped into the holodeck; still grinning broadly. His typical outfit had been changed; he now wore a dirty brown set of coveralls and a low cap, carrying a stout toolbox with various wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers poking out. In his other hand, he carried a large oilcan; dripping slightly with every step. The Gremlin had arrived.

Crewman Durheim, Gremlin (for the night)

He’d been an engineer himself, once upon a time, and a small child with dreams of the same before that. So as the unmistakable rattle of a toolbox reached his ears, Cobb lifted his head and found himself eye to eye with his very own, personal, boogeyman.

“Ah, Mr Bog,” he muttered, hurrying over to the Tellarite and taking advantage of the defences provided by huge, bovine horns. “Is that what I think it is? Keep it away from my warp core, please?”

• Captain Zachariah Cobb

“Warp core? Oh, no need to trouble yourself about that Mr. Cobb! I’ve already paid it a visit and increased worker efficiency. All those safeties really slow maintenance down, don’t you think so?” Jonathan’s grin was downright devilish; perhaps more befitting the Tellarite’s costume than his unassuming one.

Still yet to meet Durheim out of costume, for a moment Cobb was unsure whether his talk of warp core modifications was a truth or merely part of his costumed act. But when Bog displayed no alarm at the thought of his precious engineering deck being tampered with, the captain decided that situation must be the former instead of the latter.

“Ah, thank you, Mr…” he held out a hand to the Gremlin. “We left drydock in a hurry and I confess the calibrations have been in need of some attention.”

The Tellarite come devil looked the new arrival up and then down. “ Yes, I do believe that is a gremlin Captain. Not the only one we have on this ship I fear.” Bog had to admit to himself the idea of a gremlin gave him pause. “Unseamingly appropriate Mr. Durheim, good work.”

Bog

Druheim took a mock bow (and scattered dark oil all about as he did so). “Oh, gremlins are such fascinating things, wouldn’t you say, Mr Bog? All evidence suggests that we don’t exist, yet I challenge you to find a single technician or engineer who denies their presence… And I must say, your… getup is truly impressive!”

“Aye, anyone who accuses them as myth should take a look in Commander McHarrie’s lab!” Zachariah chuckled, although since he was the only member of the gathered crowd granted access through those fabled doors, it was possible that the joke was lost on his companions.

Casela shook her head, “Very well done Durheim and you as well Bog.” With an internal laugh she left the three engineers to posture and pontificate amongst themselves. She wandered over to the fires. She quietly called for a pair of fire proof gloves from the computer. She sat down near the fire and watched the imps dancing in and out of the flames. Drawing on the gloves she picked up a stick and lit it in the fire. Then slowly she coaxed one of the imps out of the flames, luring it with the flame on the end of the stick. It wasn’t too long before she had one perched on her fire proof glove, much like a falconer with his bird, and was letting it eat the burning end of the stick. She briefly considered having Bog install holoemitters in her office so she could keep this thing as a ‘pet.’ She was already the crazy, hot headed, scary counselor. Why not a pet made of flame. The idea made her laugh with dark humor. She got up, imp still on her glove, flaming stick in the other hand, and began to wander around the festivities.
Lt. Synthi-er, CNS/Monster tamer

“Tell me that’s not what I think it is in your hand, Cas,” the captain called out, although were Synthi-er to glance back, she would find his expression one of amusement.

Crewman Durheim, Gremlin

“I will admit to saying prayers, greasing an access cover and leaving offerings on occasion, Mr Durhiem.

Bog

“Aye, as have I,” murmured Cobb, surprised to find the usually practical Tellarite engaging in superstition. Still, one could not be too careful where starship mechanics were involved.

“So, are you planning to check out any of the attractions?” he asked Bog and Durheim, although in truth the pair were quite the attraction themselves.

• Captain Zachariah Cobb