Role Playing
Posted on Mon Dec 23rd, 2024 @ 4:47pm by Captain Edmund Merrick & Petty Officer 3rd Class Emiko Marley
Edited on on Mon Dec 23rd, 2024 @ 10:58pm
4,555 words; about a 23 minute read
Mission:
Episode 16 - Silent Cries
Location: The Quarters of Edmund Merrick - Deck 3/Holodeck 2 - Deck 5 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD002 1900 hrs
How long had it been? Did Edmund not say that he wanted her to play in his D&D game, whatever that was? He wanted her! Yet, he had not called. There were no messages. Well, this was simply unacceptable. A girl could not wait forever!
Therefore, Emiko took matters into her own hand. She looked up Edmund's quarters, made certain that he was there, and dressed in the slinkiest outfit that she could think up. Rogue-mage was what he said that he wanted her to be. So, she dressed in skintight black clothing, that left little to the imagination, and held a wand in her hand.
As she walked down the corridors, she imagined that she was receiving some glances, but she did not care. Her target was Edmund and he was going to notice her today. She arrived at his quarters and rang the chime, anxiously anticipating him beckoning her inside.
Edmund had gone back to his quarters to get his drawing pad and pencils wanting to do some sketching while he was on shoreleave. He had just bundled them up in a small art bag and proceeded to head for the door when he heard the chime of the sound. "Wonder who that could be?" he muttered softly as he neared the door, it opening at Edmunds's approach. To his surprise there stood, "E-Emiko?" clearing his throat just a little bit as he noticed what she was wearing. His eyes though went immediately towards her eyes.
"What brings you to my quarters? And I am on the way back out to Empok Nor." Edmund stepping forward to leave his quarters.
Emiko caught his hesitation. Clearly, he was impressed with her physique, which made her extremely happy. A smile enlarged on her face. She twisted herself up to make herself smaller and to look cuter, she turned her head and tucked her chin slightly. It made it harder for Edmund to catch her eyes directly.
Her voice became higher pitched, yet softer. "Well, Edmund, you said that you were going to teach me D&D and you wanted me to be a rogue mage, I think it was. So, I dressed up for what I thought one would look like, so you could properly teach me."
"Yes, I did say that I will teach you," Edmund responded. "Okay, C'mon, let's go to Deck Five to the holo suites, and I'll put you through a scenario." He motioned for Emiko to follow. "And I will change for the scenario in the holodeck program." He slung the art bag over his shoulder. He was going to need to change outfits, as the outfit he was wearing certainly wouldn't be proper for the scenario. Black jeans which had stretch to them and a dark green tee shirt, plus his favorite boots. His artwork could be set aside for now.
Wearing an extremely satisfied smile, Emiko dutifully followed Emund to the holodeck on Deck Five. She simply told him, "Kuda ty povedesh', ya posleduyu." The grin became more playful as she knew that Edmund could not speak Russian.
Edmund was quiet on the way to the holodeck, going over possible scenarios. When they got there, he keyed in his code for his D&D program, beginning level. He also asked for a dressing room for him to change into his other clothing. The Arch way opened into the end of a small alleyway, with shops on either side. Edmund commented, "Why don't you go in the ladies area and pick yourself up a hooded cloak which will make the costume stand out more. Also, it will make you seem more mysterious. All a part of the outfit and with plenty of hidden pockets. And I will go in there." He pointed towards where he would be getting his costume.
Emiko had mixed thoughts regarding looking more mysterious. One the one hand, in cosplay, the entire purpose of dressing up was to show oneself off. On the other hand, seeming mysterious felt like an intelligence operation and she definitely enjoyed the thought of that. Well, if mysterious was what Edmund wanted, then mysterious was what Edmund would get.
She found a nearly floor length black cloak with a large hood that stretched nearly over her eyes. That seems mysterious, no? The cloak draped about her and made her seems wider than she was. Emiko still looked tiny but adding the illusion of width might help her seem even more mysterious. She wanted to seem like she glided on the ground, as opposed to walk on it. The sleeves contained several slots, as did the insides of the cloak. Places to store things.... Weapons and goodies, I think.
After looking at herself in a holographic mirror, she wondered if she looked like some sort of specter. Emiko came out, making no sound and wondering if Edmund was already there.
Edmund had just stepped out onto the cobblestone path, wearing a short sleeved soft leather tunic which showed his well-toned biceps. His boots in hand, around Edmund's waist was a black wide armored belt which had some pouches attached to it. He wore black cotton trousers which looked homespun ankle banded with lacings at the ankle. He sat down on a crate too pull on his black boots. which hit up to his shins. Beside him upon of a barrel, was his dark brown hooded cloak.
Strapped at his waist was a scabbard which held his sword at the moment it was at an angle. Edmund called it Nightbane. His last boot pulled on, he looked up towards Emiko, "What name will you be going by? Something different than Emiko. My name for this scenario will be Valen Ironheart." He stood up, picked up his cloak, and clasped it around his shoulders.
"I really had not thought about that," Emiko answered, her eyes lingering on Edmund's biceps before she focused back on his eyes from underneath her cowl. "Hm. Let me think.... What do you think of Takiyasha?"
"I like it. Also does the name have a meaning?" Edmund, or rather Valen, was curious if it had a meaning. He adjusted his scabbard and belt to where it felt more balanced. Upon his left thigh was a dirk in a well fitted sheath, clasped down to prevent it from falling out when he moved.
"She was just a sorceress that raised a bunch of Yokai to try and take over Japan. I figured it might be apt." She shrugged nonchalantly and asked, "So, now what?"
"When first starting out on an adventure, there are ways to start adventuring. One is to check on a bulletin board or go to a tavern to muster up some employment. Some of the adventures are guarding a caravan or even just doing some dungeon crawling. What sounds like fun to you?" Edmund asked.
"Um...." Emiko hedged. "What do you want to do? I'm new to all of this. I know about cosplay but nothing about this d&d. So, lead me on! I don't even know what I can do or should do. I'll rely on you!"
Edmund thought for a moment then smiled, snapping his fingers, "I've got it! Oh, and have you ever ridden a horse?" As he led the way towards a tavern. From the tavern doors could be heard lively music, played upon a mandolin. When the two neared the doors there were some singing, laughter from some of the tables, and conversations amongst themselves. Edmund stepped on through the doors, glancing about his eyes settling upon a board which had pieces of paper pinned to it.
"I can ride," Emiko answered. She then watched Edmund as he walked towards the board. However, her attention was more attracted to the quiet conversations. She listened closely in that direction, as she looked for someone to get a drink from. After all, it was important to look like she was not listening to the cover conversations.
At one of the tables there were soft murmurs and excitement. One of those at the table was a little bit louder than the others, "I don't know how the queen is handling this, nor the king. Someone has taken their boy the prince. Today was supposed to be his tenth birthday."
Another spoke up in quieter tones. "Are you certain he didn't run away? Or just wandered off?"
Another hissed towards the other. "You are daft. The prince wouldn't have left his younger sister behind just to go wandering about. My Martha was there making deliveries, and the princess was beside herself, crying. She had been looking forward to giving her brother a present."
Edmund looked at the board and saw a wanted advertisement, the king offering a reward for someone to find the missing prince. This looked like a good place to start. Missing prince a reward and perhaps something that Emiko could get into.
He turned to look for her, and to see if she would like a drink, as well.
Emiko already had managed to acquire a goblet full of something alcoholic. Had she swiped it? She did not remember ordering or paying for it. Mentally she shrugged, not caring how she acquired it. Come on! Someone must have more information. Someone clearly wanted that kid. Why no ransom note, though? What's the game? Emiko's intelligence mind whirred. Maybe it is to embarrass the royal family, but that should not be enough. Any king would have enemies. So how did one find out about them?
At that moment, Emiko noticed that Edmund was looking for her. She raised her acquired goblet towards him and took a drink. She then gave him a slight head nod, indicating that he should quietly come on over.
Edmund went towards her, pausing briefly to get himself a drink, joining Emiko at the table. "I found something on the board that we could be doing. The King is looking for some help...." He took a good drink from the tankard he held. He lowered it wiping away the foam that was on his upper lip with the back of his hand giving out a muffled belch.
Emiko lowered her voice and whispered at Edmund. "I've just been listening around here. It seems that the prince was kidnapped on his birthday, or so the locals suspect. Some of these folks seem to even have some ins with the royalty. It seems like a rotten way to run a kingdom to me, but what do I know?" she asked failing to stifle a giggle.
Correcting herself and lowering her voice again, Emiko continued, "So, if that's what the job is on the bulletin board.... But why would a king look for randos to do the job? Something doesn't sit right about this with me. It doesn't make sense."
Edmund called out, "Computer freeze program." The action and the hubbub paused. "Okay, so before we continue, the quest or job that is being referred to is a way for the characters to make some money and to gain experience levels. In the day there is sent out a call for those to help out the king or someone who is needing help. Also, one thing that I had forgotten to do is see if you had a spell book in one of your pockets."
"I still don't understand why a king would seek out randos rather than use their own people. Seems so foolish!"
"The King does use his own people, however when a royal child has been taken much like any child in modern times, they would send out word as to what had happened. The more people searching, the better to find the missing child." Edmund responded, he paused then called out, "Computer equipment for 1st level Rogue mage." He looked over at Emiko. "I should have done this in the first place." As a backpack shimmered into view, I will confess, I am just a wee bit rusty when it comes to working on a holo scenario. Most times it is just me, making adjustments as I do a walk through."
"I thought that you had games already planned and were running them," Emiko replied pouting. She then became more enthusiastic, "So, I'm your test for shedding your rust? I love it! I'm here for you, Edmund! Anything that you need!"
"You are right Emiko, I had been running some, but with more experienced players however this is basically teaching you how to play the game. Anyway, let's see what's in your backpack and see how you are equipped."
Emiko seemed to be very eager to learn, which Edmund thought was great. There, however, was something niggling at the back of Edmund's mind. He wasn't certain though what that was yet.
Emiko put the backpack on the ground and leaned over it so that Edmund could look if he wanted. Inside the backpack were some caltrops, thieves' tools including lock picks, pitons, a dagger, a mirror, torches, string, some food rations, a wine skin, and black gloves that conveniently matched the remainder of Emiko's outfit. The moment that she saw the gloves, she squealed with joy in her high-pitched voice. "They're so cute!"
Edmund briefly glanced over towards Emiko when she squealed at finding the gloves. "Always good to have gloves in this game," he commented, then directed his attention back to going through his own gear. There were food rations, a couple of torches, rope made of spider silk, shovel and a small handaxe. He had a waterskin along with a wineskin. "This is good to start with but we're going to have to get outfitted with some horses if we want to go meet with the king." Edmund started. "Also, computer continue program. Time to leave, Takiyasha." Edmund leaned in close. "And time for us to step into character."
Emiko was not certain exactly what her character was but she slipped on her gloves and slid her wand into a sleeve, as well as her dagger into another. "Can we afford horses?" she wondered.
"I can, I've got some money for transportation as well as being able to equip ourselves with bedrolls and two tents." Valen lead the way to where the horsetrader was. "What color of horse do you want?" he called from over his shoulder.
"Black," Emiko answered. Of course she would want black! How else could one sneak with any other colored horse? Part of her had hoped to have an adventure stealing a horse.
Edmund unaware of Emiko's wishes proceeded to get the horses legitimately.
Emiko waited patiently as Edmund acquired the horses, wondering when they were going to do anything exciting, like hug, kiss, or find this prince when they had so little information.
With the equipment and horses bought, Valen swung up into the saddle and waited for Emiko to get into hers. "We now head towards the castle to get some information then go from there. We need to get a bit more information as to what happened and who may have taken the boy." After that was said Valen gently touched the side of the horse with his heel and the horse set off down the road.
Emiko sprang onto her mount with extreme acrobatic ease. "So, all the attendants are just going to give two strangers information?" She rode her horse near to Edmund's. She gave him a mischievous grin, then a wink. "Bet you that I'll beat you there." With that, she kicked her horse and in a high pitched, "YAH!" kicked her horse into a gallop and headed towards the direction of the castle.
Edmund urged his horse forward hearing the hoofs pound the well beaten path where many had trod before. He was catching up to Emiko, chuckling as he saw her ahead. She did know how to ride a horse. He caught up to her, "You certainly do know how to ride a horse." Seeing the castle gates come swiftly into view. He gently pulled on the reins to put his horse into a walk as they came up to the guards, coming to a stop.
Emiko gave Edmund a wide grin when he told her that she really knew how to ride a horse. Oh, I can't wait for you to find out how true that statement is!
"Whoa," he uttered to his steed.
"Name your business." One of the two guards that were standing there, their spears crossed to not allow entrance.
Emiko looked at the guards and rolled her eyes. Did they not know that Emiko and Edmund were the protagonists of this story? In the most commanding voice, she could, which was not very commanding by the nature of her high pitched voice, she asked, "Do you not recognize Valen Ironheart? And I, I am Takiyasha. We have come to locate the prince. Let us in or you may rue the day that you ruined the only chance the king has to find his son."
Their eyes flicked from Takiyasha to Valen, their eyes widened. "V-Valen Ironheart? " Their spears moving aside. "Yes, please do come in," they said stepping to one side to allow passage.
Edmund on the other hand had given Emiko a sidelong glance. He was a bit impressed by how she stepped into the game. And it could briefly be seen before the expression slipped away and he proceeded though the gate.
Another guard was called over, "He will make certain to take you to the King." the one guard who had a handlebar mustache upon his upper lip.
The other who was clean shaven, motioned for Edmund and Emiko to follow.
He said to Emiko, "Rue the day. Hmmmnn?"
Emiko gave Edmund a sly smile and a short giggle. "Well, this is historical fiction, right? So, I figured that some ancient colorful language would be appropriate."
"You certainly seem to have a great command as to how the speech pattern should be," he told her as the guard led the way to where they could tie their horses, then took the duo to where the king was waiting.
"The king is in the reception hall, just mind you that you are not the only ones who are wanting the reward. There are three other groups who wish to succeed, as the King is offering a handsome reward," the guard informed the duo. "They look like a rough lot compared to the two of you. And I don't trust them," he said, his accent being somewhat English.
On the way to the king, Emiko reminded Edmund, "I'm a polyglot. That means, I'm a cunning linguist," she alluringly teased.
When the guard stated that he did not trust the others, Emiko reminded the guard, "Appearances can be deceiving. But, lo, there are no others that can compare to Valen Ironheart. Is that not so?"
The guard could only shrug his shoulders, leading the way opening the heavy iron bound doors with a grunt, which swung inside.
Edmund just chuckled, "There are others who could be better than I. I never am one to think I am better or above others. It's not in my nature." He strode in though with great confidence, giving a bow towards the King. "We also have come to find your son, your majesty."
"Ah good welcome. Welcome." The King answered in a booming voice. A quick description of the king, he was of moderate height, dark brown hair with some silvery streaks at his temples.
Edmund's attention was caught by the baleful expressions from the others who answered the call. At the moment he didn't see a furtive motion from behind one of the curtains near a door across the reception hall.
Emiko noticed the motion behind the curtains. Her face was obscured behind her hood, but her eyes narrowed and a scowl appeared on her face. She made no motion toward it, choosing to continue to observe the area, hoping she might notice the next move of the hiding figure. In her high pitched voice, Emiko said as she curtsied, "Yes, Your Majesty, Valen Ironheart, who's tales are too long to tell has come to assist you. I am but his humble servant, Takiyasha. We have heard of your plight and have come to assist on this noble quest, if you but allow us the chance."
"But of course I will do so, and the same for the rest of those here." The king turned to look at the others.
Just at that moment when the King turned his attention away from Valen and Takiyasha, there was movement from the figure behind the curtain, the material drawn to one side and it looked like the form which was clothed in dark clothing the features hidden, was getting ready to throw something.
Emiko silently cursed to herself. This king was stupid and now he was about to be assassinated. She allowed a dagger to fall from her sleeve and she threw it at the figure behind the curtain. "Valen," she called as she threw. "Over there!"
Valen glanced over towards Emiko as he swiftly put himself between the possible assassain, and the king, his cloak wrapping around the King and guiding the King out of harm's way.
The dagger hit the figure, causing the item that was about to be thrown to drop to the floor, it began belching forth a cloud of smoke. "Takiyasha, go after them, I'll follow after once the King is safe!" seeing the movement of the curtain move before, it became enveloped by the smoke.
Running was something that Emiko could do. She did that for fun. She had no idea how her wand worked but she had at least another dagger and basic training in her favor. Also, if Edmund wanted her to give chase, she would do that for him. Without uttering another word, she took off after the would-be-assassin.
Though there was smoke filling that area, the sound of a door closing could be heard, and before the door were some drops of blood indicating that Emiko had hit her target, there was no sign of her dagger.
Emiko looked quickly at the blood, hoping she could pick up a trail. There had to be something to tell her where to go.
The trail of blood from the other side of the door could be followed it leading down the hall where Emiko could see her quarry, holding their arm in an awkward way. The figure stopped momentarily to pull the dagger out.
Emiko mocked the man, "Awww. Did the would be assassin get hurt?" Her wand slid into her hand. "I could use this and obliterate you. By the way, obliterate means 'to destroy you.' I would not want my meaning unclear. The other alternative, and one that might save your life is, come back with me and tell me who has the king's son. Get some money, change your name, and you'll be right as rain. Your choice."
The figure still masked drooped their head down low giving a nod. Just then the door through which they had gone through, opened and out stepped Valen. Striding his way towards where Takiyasha and her captive were, "Good work," he said to Emiko. To the prisoner he said, "Let's take care of your wound but we'll do take care of that in the dungeon. Brace yourself. This is going to hurt pretty badly. Valen reached over and pulled the dagger out, causing the unknown person to give out a rather loud cry. Valen quickly staunched the blood that came from the wound.
Emiko beamed a proud grin over at Edmund after being praised. She trotted right over to his side, touching his right side. "You're rather handy, Valen." Reluctantly, she let her touch remove itself. "Well, that was fun. Now, tell us what you know about the king's son," she ordered.
Just as Emiko ordered the prisoner to give information as to the whereabouts of the king's son, they collapsed, Valen catching the person and lifting them into his arms. "We'll get our prisoner to the royal physician and once he or she-" deciding to find out male or female he carefully removed the mask, his eyes widening. He was carrying a female in his arms, her hair almost white in coloration.
Lucky bitch. He should be carrying me. She will have to pay for this at some point. She sternly looked at Edmund and said, "Let's heal her so she can talk. Then she can be hung for her treachery."
"So quick to judge, Takiyasha, the person she may be guilty or may not be guilty. We won't know until we find out after she is awake." Valen moved towards where the royal physician would help the injured woman.
Impatiently and annoyed, Emiko answered, "She pulled out a knife and was about to attack the King. I'm not certain how you can say she was not guilty. It is as obvious as the nose on your face."
"Are you certain she pulled out a knife to attack the king?" Valen moving swiftly through a door which led to the medical chambers. Once there, Valen placed the woman upon the bed to where she could be attended to. He turned to Emiko. "We're going to have to leave off here for the time being, our time is up." He turned to look at the characters in the story "We'll get back to this at a later time. Before we continue that adventure, you're going to have to be trained in how to use your magic wand and that will have to be looked into as well. You will be needing a spell book and also having the knowledge of using your magic wand."
The fictional woman and the scene frozen, Emiko's demeanor changed, her shoulders relaxing and her voice becoming less intense. "Of course, Edmund. Will you be training me? After all, I've never done this before, and you wanted to take me on."
"I was offering you a chance to learn something new, and also to learn a bit more of team tactics. Yes, I'll give you instructions." Edmund said to the computer. "Computer save program and close." The holodeck went back to its yellow grid marks upon a black background. He was still wearing his outfit from the holoadventure, minus his sword and backpack. "Okay time to go, I think I can hear someone waiting patiently or impatiently for us to leave." Edmund spun on his heel and headed towards the archway to exit.
Emiko pouted momentarily. She wanted to have more of Edmund to herself. "Well, you had better schedule more play time with me very soon, or I'm going to have to show up on your doorstep again." With that parting statement, she gave a secretive smile and wink at the people waiting outside the holodeck before practically skipping away.
A Joint Post By
Captain Edmund Merrick
Company Commanding Officer Officer, The Cure
USS Pioneer
Petty Officer Third Class Emiko Marley
Intelligence Communications Specialist, USS Pioneer
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