Holonovel: An Unexpected Journey

Posted on Wed Mar 20th, 2024 @ 2:45pm by Captain Shran dh'Klar & Lieutenant Commander Shoniara T’ghann-Travis Dr & Lieutenant Inara Senn & Ensign Kate Kono

Mission: Lost & Found
Location: Middle Earth, Holodeck 2

A young elven woman had been tracking four hobbits from the old forest into the Barrow Downs. Her curiosity was piqued when she was traveling to Lindon for her final journey... Her journey to leave Middle Earth when she heard their sounds... Felt their vile presence. The Nazgul? In the Shire? There was nothing that could possibly interest them there.

But still, curious and curiouser... She walked into the fog, until her ears heard a hobbit's voice. She then moved fast with her spear and stabbed it into one of the Barrow-Wrights. It screamed and recoiled. She then drove her spear into it again and the fog dissipated as the creature retreated deeper into the Downs.

"What lunacy would compel four Hobbits of the Shire to venture out into the woods, with nine of the vilest evils men have unleashed on this world through their greed, and wander straight into this cursed land?" Inarien noted.

"I'm Frodo Baggins of the Shire. These are my companions Samwise Gamgee, Peregrine Took, and Meridoc Brandybuck." He noted. "We're just lost wanderers, on our way to visit relatives in Bree."

"Maybe the Took has relatives in the shire, not sure about a Baggins." Inarien noted. "And if that was true, you wouldn't be travelling through this place. Now on your feet. We need to leave."

"That... Wasn't natural..." Samwise noted. "Long ago when Arnor fell, three kingdoms took their place. This was the seat of power for Cardolain. Without a king, the lords of Arnor, bickered and took what they could for themselves. When Arnor fell the Dunedain sought refuge here, and when Cardolain fell... The Great Plague wiped them out. Then the Witch-King of Angmar came here and raised the dead to serve him, sending these wrights here."

Time passed, many days within the story in the holodeck, though only an hour in actual time in reality. Shran and a pair of companions entered the holodeck to a familiar setting, once more into the realms of Middle Earth. He enjoyed this program that the admiral had sent him, and he was happy to find that others of the crew were making use of it as well. He and his companions found themselves within the confines of Rivendell, and once more Shran took a moment to speak with Lord Elrond before he and his companions took to a tranquil seating area, waiting to see if Shon would indeed join them, as well as to see who else might already be present in the program.

Shran sat back in his chair and put up his feet, pulling out his elaborate pipe and igniting the contents, taking in the first few puffs of the old Toby, and letting out several elaborate smoke designs.

Deanna and Ayana both looked out at the vista, the forest and mountains forming a tranquil view, the sound of the waterfall cascading down into the pool below. "I wonder who was using this program when we arrived?" Deanna questioned.

"I'm sure we will find out in short order" Ayana replied. "With luck, we won't have the same issues we had last time. This is a wonderfully elaborate program, but it can be dangerous should the safeties be turned off."

Inarien entered Rivendell needing to speak to Lord Elrond when she noticed the Captain and Ayana. Then she noticed Deanna. Inara shook her head. "Computer, pause program." She noted. "Who invited her?" Inara noted gesturing to Deanna.

"I came with the captain" Deanna said matter-of-factly. "It is his program we are using, so he can invite anyone he so desires, lieutenant.

Ayana wished to ease the sudden tension. "Computer, resume program." She looked at Inara, "So you are playing an Elf as well. I am playing an Elf from Mirkwood, a vassal of Lord Thranduil."

Shran stayed quiet, continuing to toke on his pipe and blow interesting smoke rings and shapes.

The early morning sun rose over Edoras and the turrets of the Golden Hall of Meduseld shone gold as the flags of Rohan skirled in the wind. Shoniara, warrior and Shield Maiden of Théoden the King of Rohan was saddling her black stallion on the orders of the King to look into the Elven situation. The King had received a message that Shoniara would be welcome at the Council of Elves in Rivendell and he had decided to send his most trusted vassal.

Shon loved this particular holodeck program and Seth and Shasta had agreed to look after Sage for the day so that she could go play engaging her Tolkien passion. The situation with the Hereshi had been particularly difficult for her and she longed for some free holodeck time, so, when the Captain invited her she couldn’t wait.

Shoniara donned her travel clothes and light armor , after all one never knew what, or who one would encounter in the lowly lands. She swung her leg over the restive stallion who danced and sidled as she took her reins. She cantered out of the stables her sword in its scabbard by her side and pushed her horse to a gallop towards Rivendell and whatever adventure awaited her.

Shran glanced in the direction of Inara, "Sit young one. Allow yourself to enjoy the hospitality of the House of Elrond. We won't be here long, best to enjoy the peaceful serenity while you can."

"It is quite beautiful here" Ayana added. "I do love Rivendell."

The Holodeck doors opened and the shortstuff Asian Girl walked through wearing black pants, long black shirt, with armor on her legs, thighs, forearms, and chainmail over the shirt, along with rugged dark hiking boots, a belt with various knives and daggers, and slung over her shoulder was a bow, an arrow sack, and a backpack. The short haired Asian now had pointed ears that she scratched out of confusion before pulling an electronic bull horn out of the bag to shout through.

Just as Kate drug in a breath to tell through the speaker, the Holodeck beeped in error and the bullhorn dematerialized in her hand.

"Hey!" Kate screamed to the sky. She stopped a moment and just used her hands to scream through. "Heyyyy you guuuuuyssss! Where are ya! I want in on this medieval hokey!!!"

An elf, clad in dark robes approached Kate. "Are you part of the Ithryn Luin gathering?" he asked in a soft voice.


Kate squinted one eye as she looked at the Elf, clad in robes. Kate pulled out a PADD so that she could research just what it was he had asked her but then the PADD dematerialized into nothingness. Come to think of it, Kate adjusted the strap of her backpack and could tell that it was much lighter than when she walked into the holodeck. She unslung the bag and looked inside only to find a packet of salt. With a scoff, she just threw the bag onto the ground.

She looked to the Elf and shook her head. "So like, all my reference material is gone but if you're here for the Orgy I'm game. Lead the way..." Kate insisted. "Hey, have you seen a guy about this tall that looks like a blueberry with two antennae?" She held her hand just a little bit over her head. "Or perhaps a girl that looks like everything is life or death on her face as if everything that happens hinges on her every decision?" Kate drew an imaginary circle around her face as she tried to describe to the Elf as best she could, her best of friends.

She pulled out a bottle of water, but the bottle vanished, and water just sprayed to the ground. "Not even plastic?!" She gasped. "Come on!"

"You seem strange young one. Are you alright?" asked the robed Elf. "I believe you speak of the Ithryn Luin and his party. They are gathered there" he said as he pointed to a high stone balcony that overlooked much of the surrounding area. The Elf guided Kate up to where the others were and left her to speak with the others.

"Greetings ensign" Deanna said politely. "I see you have made it to Rivendell, though I sense you didn't realize how period and genre specific this program is. I'm sure you'll get a handle of in eventually."

"Well, I recognize this only we were on the other end of it," Kate said as she pulled her bow off her back and shook it around. She then looked at it. "At least I finally got something fun in my life that doesn't run on batteries." She nodded approvingly while trying to figure out how to load an arrow into the primitive device. She looked back to Deanna and smiled, what's first on the agenda?!"

it had taken Shon three days to reach Rivendell sleeping under the stars, out running wolves and various other strange creatures. Reaching Rivendell in the early morning she breathed in awe of the soaring towers resting on high peaks water rushing between them in spectacular waterfalls.

Shon handed the waiting elf her stallion lathered in sweat. "Look after him well he is my companion and friend. I would think ill of you if he was mistreated."

The elf genuflected and led her stallion away whispering to him in Elvish.. "Your party awaits you."

She climbed the steps to find Shran, Ayana, Deanna, Inara and a very strange looking Kate. She approached Shran and bowed. "All hail and well met once again. The High King Theoden has sent me to lend you my sword and find out what is happening once again in the lowlands."

Shran smiled as he puffed one last time on his pipe before putting it away. Standing, he looked around at those gathered, taking in their appearance before speaking. "Much has happened in Middle Earth since last such a grouping was gathered. Easterlings lay siege to Dale and Erebor, the Ring of Power has been found and a Fellowship formed to destroy it, a Balrog was awoken in the depths of Moria, and we learned of the treachery of Saruman as he sent his armies of Isengard against Theoden at Helm's Deep. Now a new threat arises, one I have brought you all here for us to deal with personally. A lifetime ago, at least for some, Gandalf gathered a group of Dwarves, and one Hobbit burglar, to deal with the problem of Smaug. Since that time, none of the children of Glaurung have been seen in the inhabited lands, but we must ensure that none can come to aid the forces of evil. And so, we will go into the north, deep into the realms of Morgoth, and slay any dragons we encounter, both fire drake and ice drake alike."

"Do you think it wise to attempt such a quest?" questioned Ayana.

"In such few numbers, fewer than even the Fellowship of the Ring or those that challenged Smaug, we would be at a great disadvantage against any dragon. And we would have other things to be concerned with as well, going into those dark places you suggest" Deanna added.

Shon unsheathed her sword. “This is exactly why we should go my friends. A dreaded enemy, too few of us, without an army, facing the dark creatures of Middle Earth, certain death then yes, we should go.” She held her sword high. “We go?” She looked expectantly at Shran.

Kate nodded and pretended to look at her wrist watches that didn't exist. She didn't understand the lingo, but she was doing her absolute best to stay in character. "Yes, I do think I got the time in my schedule for this... Let's rock!" Kate said it excitedly as she gave a thumbs up. She knew that no matter what, this was going to be fun and was just so happy to be invited despite her lack of knowledge. This was going to be one heck of a ride.

Inarien spoke. "My father threw himself at Sauron and died. Now Lord Elrond sees fit to send the ring of power into Mordor in the hands of a halfling. We might as well have handed the ring to Sauron with the Crown of Gondor or maybe my realm of Lindon. No matter, it is important the kingdoms of men are saved. Despite my objectives. Hobbits... They think only of fattening themselves."

"You think it reckless that I propose this mission?" he asked rhetorically as he looked at Deanna. "Inara certainly thinks it reckless. Just as reckless as Elrond allowing hobbits to venture to Mt. Doom with the ring of power. I don't think it is reckless, nor foolhardy for those that may consider it that. Many believe that you need armies to defeat evil. So Sarumon believed for centuries. He often chastised Gandalf for his love of the halflings, his beliefs of good in small packages. Sarumon is wrong. He was wrong when he tried to keep the Dwarves and Bilbo from going to Erebor to defeat Smaug, and he was wrong to think Frodo and the others are incapable of completing the task at hand now. Great victories come from those with courage and heart. We will be victorious in our effort; I have no doubt. Let the heavens tremble and the ground shake and warn all those in our path of our approach, for we shall not be daunted."

"You will have my sword" Deanna said confidently.

"And my bow" Ayana added with a smile.

Inarien sighed and spoke. "If we're entrusting hobbits with the future of this world, then at least I can offer my spear. I suppose madness is what's needed to fight Sauron. I offer my spear indeed."

Kate nodded at Ayana, Deanna, Inarien and the others. "Yeah, I'm totes going to help out, but you can't have my bow, or my knives, or my dagger, or my Karambit. I'm going to need all of them in order to help you out, but you're free to borrow them if you need them. Everything in moderation, especially when preparing for battle. A heavy pack on one person will cause more fatigue even if it means having all the armaments required to win a fight." Kate stated. "At least if I keep my weapons with me, it'll be more evenly distributed. Besides, those swords are heavy!" She pointed toward Deanna's sword. "IF you give it to one person that's really going to weigh him down." Kate folded her arms and nodded approvingly at herself despite not quite understanding that she misunderstood the euphemism in the moment.

Deanna drew he sword from its sheath. The sword was an elegant blade, looking fairly similar in appearance to that used by Arwen. She walked towards Kate and showed the blade off, making a few graceful swipes. "This is an Elvish saber. It may look like a heavy weapon, but the craftmanship is such the weapon weighs practically nothing. I think you will find that everyone's weapons are far more balanced and extraordinary than what you might normally find from your standard human Medieval period."

Shran looked over at Shon, "I assume you are eager to go."

Shon sheathed her sword on the old leather case strapped to her back. “Eager and more than ready for adventure. Anything that may help Rohan is in my purview and my King is eager to find out what is happening in the dark areas of the world. As always, the Rohirrim is willing to fight for good and freedom.”

"I knew you would be ready and willing" Shran said with a smile. "Nothing like a little adventure."

Inara sighed and shook her head. "Kate have you even read Lord of the Rings?" She whispered to Kate.

Kate whispered back, "Stephen King, Bentley Little, Christopher Moore, Dean Koontz, Elizabeth Moon, and I once used Stephanie Meyer's book to stoke a campfire, so if you need anyone with experience with keeping a campfire alight, I was an expert by the time I used New Moon and a squeezy of lighter fluid. Really burned brilliantly. Sadly though, no, I never read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I saw the old movies though! It was just -- a long time ago." Kate looked out at the horizon. "I was there... A thousand years ago... When 75MM High Frame Rate just made it to the screens, I was little then..." Kate stated in a stoic tone reminiscent to Hugo Weaving's monologue, but coming from her, it was so fake and forced that everyone around her knew that she was just having her fun. She snapped out of the farce and looked back to Inara and shook her head simply. "I'll do my best. If I'm as good a shot with a bow as I am with a rifle, I think I'll be able to hold my own. Especially if the Holodeck has cheats to make up for my bad form with strings and wood to launch arrows --- kinda an Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right A B kinda thing ya know?"

She reached down to her belt and pulled out throwing knives.
"These though.... Daddy taught me these." Kate held her hand up half the blade to make her throw a single turn throw. It wasn't every day she got to show off a skill that nobody ever really needed, and she enjoyed sending knife after knife into a nearby tree until the blades not only sunk in perfectly, but a smiley face began to form on the tree as she emptied her belt of deadly silverware. "Yep," smack, "Yeah," Thump, "I got..." Smack "Skills" Smack, "For" Thump "Kills" Smack.

The smiley face was complete. Kate giggled as the tree looked like an anime character with a triangular grin made of cutlery and two upside-down perfect chevrons depicting closed, happy little eyes.

"So even if I can't get a cheat out of the holodeck, I can totally turn someone's smile upside down with these things. I hope the holodeck has safeties for this sort of thing. I know usually people come in here with guns blazing and stuff...." Kate kept rambling on as she stood across from her razors-edge artwork of fatherly-taught decimation.

Deanna walked over with Ayana with a serious look about her. She removed the knives for the tree and looked at Kate, "While I applaud your demonstration, you might want to take into consideration that while we are here in Rivendell, every tree here is considered sacred." She handed the knives to Kate.

Ayana offered a smile. "You didn't know Kate. No harm done."

Inara spoke to Shon. "When King Theoden has darkness whispering right next to his ear."

"Oooh!!! That's totally my bad!" Kate exclaimed. "I'm sorry. Computer! Delete the forest!"

Error, deleting Rivendell forest cannot be deleted without encountering runtime errors associated with stack overflow in the memory core

"Computer! Delete just that tree then, and replace it with a brand new one!"

The computer beeped again. The tree of smiles vanished and then reappeared unharmed.

"There we go, I'm sorry. Uh. Tad-daa?" She asked. Kate felt so out of place that even her attempts to impress her friends with the few associated skills she did have just backfired.

"I guess nobody makes fires here then do they?" Kate mused.

"They do, but likely not the way you are thinking" Ayana said with a smile. "don't worry, we'll be out into the wilderness soon enough, and you'll be more in your element."

Shon was surprised by what Inara had said. “What do you know of this?” She said suspiciously.

Inarien spoke. "I have been travelling for some time." She noted. "Theoden is unwell. He has a new advisor that simply appeared in the royal court and earned the trust of the King. His name is Grima, but Rohan's people call him Wormtongue. Fitting name. It's been some time since I was in Edoras, but I could tell that not all was well there. In the many years I have journeyed across Middle Earth. I have never seen such... Fell people in the company of kings." Inara noted. "And you will not find sanity or any form of alliance from Denethor of Gondor as well. I am told he loves one of his sons.... and hated the other for reasons that make sense to Denethor, and Gondor does not ride to anyone when they have problems. They are not the proud and virtuous people of Numenor at its height when they were lead by Tar Minatyr. They are paranoid, and suspicious of people in their borders. But I cannot leave Middle Earth when my father's enemy is still a threat. I will wield Gil-Galad's spear and drive it deep into the hosts of Mordor."

Shran approached Inara and Shon, "Forgive my interruption of your talks, but I feel it is important for you to have the most up to date information. What she says is in fact true, up to a point. Grima Wormtongue was indeed the advisor for Theoden, but no longer. Gandalf freed the king of Grima and the spell he was under. Rohan fell back to Helm's Deep only a fortnight ago and did battle with the forces of Saruman, ultimately defeating them when Gandalf arrived with the Rohirrim. I am told Theoden has returned to Edoras and is in the company of Aragorn son of Arathorn, Legolas Greenleaf, and Gimli son of Gloin. They await to see if Gondor will request aid. It is because of these events, along with others that have made me decide on our quest."

Deanna poured glasses for all present and passed one out to each. "I offer a toast" she said aloud, "to this Fellowship. May we fell all those that oppose us and complete our task with grace and honor."

Ayana whispered to Shran, "What are we drinking?"

Shran smiled. "It is called Elven Moonwine. Quite potent. For Elves, it enhances their trance, but for others it has a sedative effect. Most here should sleep well tonight, and tomorrow we shall venture forth."