Stardate: 80422:1900
Title: Five Characters in Search of an Author
Author: Emma Smith
Time: After "The Narrator"
Scene: Planet-side
~
Self-awareness can be defined as a concept that one exists as an individual,
separate from other people, with private thoughts.
We are all the same person, to the extent that we are all conscious of our past
and future; however, it's the private thoughts, not necessarily our outward
appearance, that sets us apart from one-another.
To say one can't judge a book by its cover seems simplistic in theory, and
nearly impossible in reality. So if the cover is what one shows to the world,
and the inside pages are what we keep for ourselves, then maybe it's the
binding... our intestinal fortitude... that actually defines us.
~
The little band of Horizon Officers stood, almost dumbfounded, with mouths agape
at Gitta's 'Fairy Godfather'.
"The Narrator," Gitta repeated, then, "where are we?"
The small man looked around, as if surprised by the question. "Andarus 5, of
course."
"Right," Ross added. "Then we are on the planet's surface?"
"Of course you are. Where else would you be?" The Narrator was beginning to get
annoyed.
Sans a tricorder, Remmick stepped up and did what any good engineer would do. He
reached out to touch the apparition. His hand caught air and passed straight
through him. "You're not real."
"I beg to differ, young Sir. I am a genuine Comp U 12 holographic interface."
Marc shook his head slightly. "Well, there is real, then there is REAL."
The Narrator shrugged.
"Why are we here?" Emma asked.
"To complete your quest."
"What is our quest?" Emma quickly looked over her shoulder to Ross and mumbled,
"You say to seek the Holy Grail and I'll slug you."
Ross simply countered with wide innocent eyes.
The Narrator sighed rather loudly. "Like everyone else, you must complete your
quest of self-awareness before you can enter into full citizenship and sit on
the council." He tapped his toe. "You were told this as younglings. This is all
quite irregular and I'm a very busy man, so if you have no more.."
Gitta's mind was racing. "What about the others... in the castle. They've been
here quite some time."
"There are no time limits, little Miss. The guidelines are simple. Complete your
quest, then move on."
Sparky stepped forward. "Move on to where?"
"I have already answered that, Master Large One."
"Fine." Three's patience with this ogre business was wearing thin. "Then what is
YOUR purpose?"
"To tell your story."
"Why can't we tell it ourselves?"
The Narrator's eyes softened slightly. "Such a deeply profound and enlightening
mission can hardly be spoken of objectively."
"I see," Emma continued, "then why are we dressed like this?"
"I don't understand your question."
"Why am I dressed like Snow White?"
"I really don't know. The choosing was yours."
"Mine? Snow White couldn't be farther from reality for me."
"Ah." He smiled. "Then that explains it."
"It does?"
Before they could press him for any more answers... he was gone.
=================
Lt. (S.G.) Emma Smith
Chief Security Officer
USS Horizon
NCC-72400
=================
