Carry on Camelot - Part 1 -The Arrival

Posted on Tuesday 12 February 2019 @ 22:08 by Captain Melody Jones & Commander Caroline Miller

Mission: The New Collective
Location: Holodeck 1
Timeline: Current
1084 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Melody stood outside holodeck 1 waiting for Dr Miller and struggling for breath. She was wearing a very ornate old fashion dress, complete with corset. Caroline had said the dress was appropriate for the program.
When she saw her friend approaching she managed a smile "Caroline, this better be a good program as I hope you do realise I'm wearing this for you, not because i don't like breathing."

Caroline laughed. "You shouldn't laced it so tight, here let me help you loosen it a little." She was wearing something similar but her own dress was in purple and had no corset. "Galerez took me on a historical holo adventure and you know I always loved medieval. It seemed fitting, and can't believe we never did this the first time we were here. USS Merlin. The holoprogramme's Camelot Melody. Where the legend of Merlin springs from," she said excitably.

Melody found she could breath a little easier now and took a deep breath. "Ah, much better, thank you. You said there's be food as well, didn't you?"

"We are attending a great feast," Caroline grinned. "But its a medieval feast Mel. You know big hunks of meat, ale in flagons.

The holodeck doors opened to an idyllic woodland area with a path running through it. Off in the distance a magnificent castle could be seen. A carriage with a horse and driver waited nearby as the two entered.

As they approached the driver, he acknowledged them and opened the carriage door. "Lady Guinevere, Lady Rhiannon. The Great Hall of Camelot awaits. The King has prepared a great feast in your honor."

Melody whispered to Caroline "Which one am I again?"

"Your Guinevere, betrothed to the King," Caroline said. "I am you lady in waiting. This feast is in honor of your engagement."

They boarded the carriage which proceeded toward the castle.

Melody smiled "I like the sound of that." She mused as the carriage approached Married to a king eh? I supposed i could do worse......" Her voice trailed off as the carriage stopped near the mighty wooden door in front of which stood 23 knights, protecting the castle. One approached and bowed slightly.

"I bring greetings on behalf of King Arthur. I am Sir Lancelot...." He stopped as he gazed at Melody. "My Lady." He said, almost to himself, seemingly lost for words.

Melody noticed the young knight was staring and found herself staring back. Part of her was quite alarmed at having such a strong reaction to a holodeck character. Suddenly she remembered who she was meant to be.
"A pleasure to meet you. I am ...... Lady Guinevere. And this is my lady in waiting." She added, gesturing towards Caroline.

Lancelot only had eyes for Melody as he took her hand and gently kissed it. "Only in my dreams have I seen such beauty."

Despite herself, Melody found herself blushing.

Caroline grinned. Leaning over she whispered. "Like what you see? You can't go there Mel. He's not your husband to be."

Melody shot Caroline a look before Lancelot took her hand.

Allowing him to help Melody out the carriage Caroline followed. It seemed ladies in waiting didn't get the gallantry. "If you could direct us to my lady's chambers. I will go attend to her before dinner," she stated.

Lancelot nodded "This way please."

He led them to a very ornate room in the castle. "These are your chambers. The king expects you in the great hall presently. He looked around to make sure the other knights had left before stepping closer to Melody. His voice down to a whisper. "I know this is wrong as you are betrothed to my King, but you have enchanted me. I would die for you my lady and I feel I would die right now if you would not permit me a kiss of those soft lips."

Melody's breathing quickened but, she remembered Caroline's words. She managed to find some small resolve and replied. "I feel Sir Knight that it would be inappropriate or wise." Lancelot was causing Melody to respond far more than she would have thought possible. Her knees were trembling...... What was wrong with her?

She manged to say weakly "I think you should leave......"

Lancelot looked stricken for a moment but then responded "As you wish." and turned and left.

Melody collapsed into a nearby chair and looked at Caroline taking a deep breath. "A very..... intense character. Caroline..... He could have had me right then and there....... I don't know whats wrong with me......." She added as she tried to slow her breathing.

"MEL," Caroline said laughing. "He's Lancelot. Your supposed to swoon over him. The queen falls in love with him and they have an affair but that's meant to start after your married. You can't skip ahead missus. And …. no right then and there with me in the room,"

Caroline opened what passed for a dresser and found some jewellery. "Now lets get you feast ready. Your going to be queen. You have to look the part," she placed a tiara up to her head.

"Oh yes this will do. He is very hunky though," she acknowledged walking behind her, placing the tiara on her friends lap and pulling her ponytail out. Then she used the torture looking device that passed for a brush.

Melody winced as Caroline dragged the brush though her hair. "Well that's helping take my mind off things.... ouch...!"

Now properly prepared, the pair headed for the Great Hall. A trumpet fanfare played as they entered. The hall was packed with people who all stood to attention. On the top table were the Knights, Lancelot and the King. Arthur was older and had a very noble and regal bearing. He stood as Melody approached "Welcome My Lady. Your presence brightens my heart and our celebrations."

Melody inclined her head "It is an honor my King."

Arthur took her hand and kissed it "The honor is mine." He indicated two chairs. One for her and the other for Caroline. He then turned and addressed the hall. "Now your future Queen has arrived, let the feast begin!"

As they ate, Melody kept seeing Lancelot sneaking glances at her. "She whispered to Caroline "Did Arthur find out about his wife and Lancelot?"

Caroline looked at Melody with a devilish grin and whispered "Why don't we keep running the program and find out?"

OFF:

Commander Melody Jones
CSTO / Second Officer
USS Merlin

Commander Caroline Miller
Chief Counselor
USS Merlin