A brief respite from the cage - Part 2
Posted on Sunday 31 March 2019 @ 15:06 by Commander Caroline Miller
Edited on on Sunday 31 March 2019 @ 15:07
Mission:
The New Collective
Location: Holodeck 3
Timeline: After Part 1
3326 words - 6.7 OF Standard Post Measure
ON:
When they arrived at the Turbolift, Stephanie stared at the panel thoughtfully for a moment and said "Computer, Run Stephanie-Papa-Uniform-Bravo.
"Program running. You may enter when ready."
The door opened up on an Irish pub. A strikingly gorgeous woman with skin, hair and eyes all in shades of melted chocolate stood behind the bar. She visibly brightened upon seeing Stephanie. She bounded over the bar and ran across and threw her arms around the Engineer. "Ohmigawd, Steph. You're not dead! I can't tell you how happy I am to see you!"
Stephanie rolled her eyes and pushed the woman off. "Not now, Sarah." She said. "Can ya just call f'r th' Stage, please?"
Sarah looked dejected, then looked over to Caroline and frowned deeply. "Oh, I see," She said. "She doesn't seem like your type, but whatever. However, perhaps time for a pro tip. Bringing a date to a holographic bar run by a hologram of your ex is questionable at best."
"She na m' date," Stephanie grumbled. "She's m' therapist."
Sarah's eyes went wide as understanding invaded her mind. In classic extrovert fashion, she turned her back on Stephanie and walked straight up to Caroline in an attempt to ingratiate herself. "Hi! I'm Sarah! Welcome to The Black Rose! Can I get you anything?" As she was asking, she found her way back behind the bar. Out of habit more than anything else, Sarah plucked the bottle of Jameson's off the shelf. This was Stephanie's poison of choice. Without a word to the redhead, she set it on the bar in front of Stephanie and turned back to Caroline.
Stephanie hadn't asked for the beverage, but she wasn't about to turn it down.
"She'll take something non alcoholic, therapists orders," Caroline stated pushing the glass back to the hologram. "And I'll have hot chocolate please." She turned back to O'Hara. "No alcohol remember."
"So your ex ehh. What happened? Is she why you put this angry unpleasant act on all the time and don't let anyone in?" Caroline asked.
O'Hara had been reaching for the shot when Caroline reached over across the bar and pushed it away. Stephanie gave the Councilor a sour look. "Can I at least smell it?"
Sarah shot her a disapproving glance and Stephanie, who hung her head. "Cheer up, Miss Thing. How about a Raktijino instead. I'll make it just the way you like it." The last sentence was delivered in a sing-song tone with all the vowels unnecessarily drawn out.
Stephanie rolled her eyes. "Sure."
Sarah went about fixing the drinks.
Stephanie looked at her hand and realized that she was still holding it exactly if she was reaching for the shot glass. She waved her hand and dropped it to her side. She then looked over to Caroline. "Who says it's an act? Angry an' unpleasant are ol' drinkin' buddies o' mine. We're damn near inseparable. "
Stephanie regarded Caroline critically for a moment, then asked: "Why was the first thin' ya latched on to is that Sarah was modeled after m' ex? Th' first thing tha' most people would have noticed is that she knows she's a hologram. If you think she's gonna give ya some deeper understandin' t' th' inner workin' o' my brain, I'll have t' disappoint ya. She doesn' know anathin' about me th' main computer doesn' know... She's a great deal o' fun t' look at, though, don'cha think?"
“Are you looking for a pat on the head? For creating a hologram who knows they are a hologram? As I know of several – the emergency medical holograms for example. I’m not the right crowd for that,” She told her bluntly.
“Or are you deflecting from Sarah was it, changing the subject to look how beautiful she is and focus on something else because I just touched a nerve? Its not exactly healthy keeping a hologram programme with your Ex the main star.
And I wasn’t exactly planning to ask her anything about you. I don’t need too. For you to have this either you want to remember her and keep her in your life because she’s gone but something about her had an affect on you - one you need or you regret something in the relationship and keep a reminder of when it as you haven’t dealt with everything properly. Which is it?”
"Both?" Stephanie shrugged. "She was th' one bright spot in an otherwise dreadful existence on New Sydney. She was killed by th' Orion Syndicate. Na a day goes by where I don' miss 'er. " Her eyes started to water. She ignored it. There was obviously more to this story, but Stephanie didn't care to tell it so she skipped ahead. "She's a bartender because th' bar is a line I won' cross. An' she knows she's a hologram because her knowin' helps me remember too. That's why I modeled th' bar on a pub in Boston an' na one on New Sydney. Takin' her outta where I remember her reminds me she's na real. If I'm divorced from reality enough ta na know th' difference, I'm never comin' back."
"You know she can hear both of you, right?" Sarah said as she set the hot chocolate down in front of Caroline and the Klingon Coffee in front of Stephanie. The voice held no malice. It actually sounded sweet and playful. "You're lucky she doesn't hold grudges. Now I heard something about a stage?" She looked over to one side and said "Computer, Stage."
A raised platform that extended the entire length of a wall materialized. It appeared to made of sturdy posts and wooden planks, with plywood on the top to give it a flat surface.The entire affair had been painted black.
Stephanie smiled and moved over to regard the stage. Saved by the hologram. She though She then looked over to Caroline. "A band you say? Computer, Arch." It appeared. Stephanie walked over to it and began punching in commands. Three figures appeared on the stage. In the back a drum set with a man seated behind it. In front of it a man and woman, both holding guitars stood. She turned back to Caroline. "You mean like this?"
She hopped up on the stage and said "Computer, mic stand with vintage mic." The 1920s style mic appeared in front of Stephanie. She spoke into it. It definitely worked. "Maybe I can have a spot o' fun with this after all. All o' these are modeled on famous musicians from th' twentieth century. Shall I introduce th' band?" She looked expectantly at Caroline.
It wasn't exactly what Caroline was going for but it was her "escapism" and she was learning more of the inner O'Hara so she nodded. "Seems a good place to start," she told her.
She turned to the hologram and said politely, "Thank you for the drink. So Sarah, she comes here to use you as a sounding board a lot then?" The actual interesting thing about the existence of the hologram of her ex was that knowing she was a hologram or not, she was still programmed how to act by O'Hara.
"Councilor," Sarah began with a slight chiding tone. "You and I are basically in the same business. People will tell their bartenders things they won't tell their doctors... Or their therapists. Those occupations are bound by the law to not discuss what people tell them. I am bound by my programming. Besides, What kind of bartender would I be if I went around gossiping about my patrons?"
Caroline laughed. She had too. Everything the hologram had just said to her was ridiculous.
"Yes Stephanie programmed you alright and with no understanding of doctor/patient confidentiality. Our jobs are nothing alike. Your not a doctor nor a therapist so are not bound by anything and you have been programmed to state what you just stated. I am her offical therapist and as such in order so she can get the appropiate treatment and support she needs able to pull in as many information sources as required. For instance I can just make a request to the holodec logs to see how many times she has accessed this programme and look at all the data if your going to be awkwardly programmed," she smiled at Sarah.
"And in answer to your last question, you are the kind of bartender she has programmed you to be. Gossip just doesn't come into it."
On stage, Stephanie looked out over the room. There had been a definite transformation in her demeanor once she called for the microphone. She seemed to come alive more than she had been in days. The band, on the other hand, stared impassively and unmoving. She picked the mic stand up and, holding it with one hand, she walked around the stange and stood next to each musician as she called out their names. As she introduced them, each one played a riff on their respective instrument.
"On th' drums, Neal Peart of Rush! Bass Guitar, formerly o' th' Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea! And on lead guitar and backup vocals, Heart's very own Ann Wilson!"
She listened to the silence. "That's na right. Computer! Provide an audience appropriate t' th' venue." A great deal of people suddenly appeared in the small space. They weren't body to body, they were mostly clustered around the stage. They cheered and screamed. "That's bloody well more like it!" Stephanie said into the mic. "Since this was your idea, Councilor, perhaps ye'd like t' make a request?"
Caroline laughed again internally. She was sure whatever she picked wouldn't be right just as the clothing but if she could get a point across to O'Hara. She was an infinitely stubborn woman that much was sure but all that energy, that inner power. Her possibilities were endless if she just focused in a healthier direction. I.e not dead, not pissing off and arguing with everyone and stopping hiding and pushing everyone away.
"Computer load lyrics for The flaming lips, With all your power but change the word would to could through the entire song," the blond ordered.
"I'm na sure I know that one." Stephanie said holding up her hands. " There were literally millions o' songs released in the 20th and 21st century. I can' be expected t' know 'em all. I mean I can read th' music, but I need t' hear it t' be able t' sing it. Music isn't just about th' notes. Ya have t' be able t' feel it. It's th' difference between someone givin' ya vague directions instead o' a map. Besides, if ya change th' lyrics it's like paintin' a mustache on th' Mona Lisa."
"Hey, you can take the therapist girl to the virtual irish bar, but you can't take the therapist out of the girl," Caroline shrugged.
Stephanie blinked as she tried to parse that statement. "How about we split th' difference? I don' have to spend a week learnin' a new song, and we get close to th' spirit instead o' th' letter?"
Caroline looked confused. She thought the point of Kareoke was that the words were projected out in front of you while you sang and that negated having to learn any words. Also there was only about 8 lines, most of which were repeated so it wasn't the most taxing of songs. As it wasn't an offical counselling session anyway she just shrugged.
"Stephanie I think it would be wise for you to pick the song. Obviously I am not going to get it any closer to right than I did with the clothes I brought you. And besides this is meant to be your blowing off steam session."
"Well, clearly you an' I are at odds about most things. It's na a bad thing. It's jus' a thing. Variety is th' spice o' life.
You said 'band'. The difference between th' two is night an' day. I figured I'd try one on for size. There's a different feel. When you're singing Karaoke... Ya have a few drinks. an ya go up an' make an ass o' yerself, and everyone hoots an' hollas and ya get drunk with yer mates and a good time is had by all. Actually performin' feels different. it's more exhiliartin' an' terifyin' because ya know all eyes are on ya. It's a high ya can' get from a pill or a drink or a plant. Since ya won't let me get drunk, and we're na mates. I decided on an alternative."
"Your not drinking as the last time you did that you did something truely stupid," Caroline shot back getting up and walking to her. "And just because we a "Na mates" as you put it doesn't mean you can't have fun. You don't need alcohol to enjoy yourself.
Give me that mike. Your splitting hairs now and I'm not as boring as you have me pegged thank you very much," the blond stated grabbing the microphone off the redhead. She wondered if the other woman actually had any friends the way she carried on some times. It would sure as hell be interesting to meet any of them.
"Computer, Neil Diamond, Sweet Caroline,"
Where it began, I can't begin to knowing
But then I know it's growing strong
Was in the spring
Then spring became the summer
Who'd have believed you'd come along
Hands, touching hands
Reaching out, touching me, touching you
Sweet Caroline - Bomb bomb bomb
Good times never seemed so good
I'd be inclined - Bomb bomb bomb
To believe they never would
"Your'e go," she handed the mike back. "The words are there. Don't skimp on the bom bom boms it makes the song."
Stephanie half-grinned and slow clapped. "Very nice, Councilor, but I'll na be beaten at m'own game... But your song jus' won' work f'r me." her voice had a playful tone to it.
“Naturally, I thought we had already established I was going to get it wrong regardless,” Caroline said amused.
She giggled. "Computer, Spotlight."
Obediently the computer focused a light on her.
The band went into a brief huddle with the Engineer, and then she took center stage behind the mic stand. "Computer, Delete audience." The audience disappeared, and a slow bass beat was plucked out, with very subtle percussion and occasional riffs from the guitar. When she sang, her voice was quiet, and breathy. It was a voice that practically oozed sex. It was an almost instant and almost complete transformation. Suddenly, Stephanie could have been Marlyin Monroe, or Judy Garland, or Mae West singing this song. On the outside, she hadn't changed a bit, but something definitely came over her.
Never know how much I love you
Never know how much I care
When you put your arms around me...
She crossed her arms over her chest, resting her hands on the opposite shoulder.
I get a fever that's so hard to bear!
She dropped her left arm, but put the back of her right hand dramatically against her forehead.
You give me fever (you give me fever) when you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight (you give me fever)
Fever in the mornin'
Fever all through the night.
She detached the microphone from the stand and as she sang the next verse, she stepped down off the stage and began advancing on the bar, where Sarah looked on in quiet awe. She moved with exaggerated and theatrical steps in time with the music. She had full intent of putting on an impromptu production number. She sang the next verse to the woman directly behind the bar, the entire time shimming her body in a provocative manner.
Sun lights up the daytime
Moon lights up the night
I light up when you call my name
And you know I'm gonna treat you right
You give me fever
When you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight
Fever! in the morning
Fever all through the night...
She grinned evilly as she turned away from the bar and focused her attention on Caroline and began walking tward her, stalking in much the same way she had just walked over to the bar, smiling suggestively at the seated Councilor.
Everybody's got the fever
That is something you all know
Fever isn't such a new thing
Fever started long ago...
Showing a flagrant disregard for Caroline's personal space, Stephanie circled around behind her and put her hands on the other woman's shoulders. and brought her mouth close enough to the ear that she had to deliver the next verse in a breathy whsiper.
Romeo loved Juliet
Juliet, she felt the same
When he put his arms around her
He said, "Julie, baby, you're my flame
The last line saw her straighten up as she moved around to the front of the seat and without any kind of permission, sat herself squarely in Caroline's lap, crossing her legs at the knees and twisting her torso to lock eyes with the councilor.
"Thou giveth fever
"When we kisseth
"Fever with thy flaming youth
"Fever! I'm afire
"Fever, yea, I burn, forsooth."
She made a kissy face at Caroline before she returned to the stage to finish the song, using in turn Flea, then Ann for props in her production, dancing provocatively near and against them.
Cap'n Smith and Pocahontas
Had a very mad affair
When her daddy tried to kill him
She said, "Daddy, oh, don't you dare!
"He gives me fever
"With his kisses
"Fever when he holds me tight
"Fever! I'm his missus
"Daddy, won't you treat him right?"
Now you've listened to my story
Here's the point that I have made
Chicks were born to give you fever
Be it Fahrenheit or Centigrade
They give you fever
When you kiss them
Fever if you live and learn
Fever! till you sizzle
What a lovely way to burn
When the song was over, Stephanie re-affixed the mic to the stand.
Sarah erupted in applause, stopping only to place her thumb and middle finger in the corners of her mouth to whistle.
Caroline smiled politely as she lived through a performance clealy designed to poke fun at her and try to make her uncomfortable. As the engineer got her big finale out of her system she clapped.
Stephanie affected a curtsy. "Thank ya, Thank ya very much."
“Lovely but we both know you weren’t really singing that for me,” she said gently indicating her head to Sarah. “I think when we offically start your counselling we will plenty to talk about.”
"Councilor," Stephanie began in a shocked tone. "Even Freud said sometimes a cigar is just a cigar." She grinned.
"He also said “It is a predisposition of human nature to consider an unpleasant idea untrue, and then it is easy to find arguments against it.” Caroline quipped back.
"That reminds me..." Stephanie said. "Somethin' Sarah did when we first got here. Did ya see how much nicer she was t' ya when she found out ya weren' m' date? Didn' that seem jus' a shade jealous t' ya? Funny bit is, I didn' give her a jealousy subroutine. Where'd it come from? I think I'm gonna have t' take this offlne and go through th' bloody thing bit by bit until I figure out where it went wrong. At least it'll give me somethin' t' do while I'm in th' box... Provided th' doctor will let me have a PADD."
OFF:
Stephanie O'Hara
Chief Engineer
USS Merlin
Commander Caroline Miller
Chief Counselor, USS Merlin
