Stardate: 80527:1822
Title: Band of Eight
Author: Scott Deadilus
Time: During / After "Memories and a Candy Cottage"
Scene: Andarus V


As the child whimpered in the cage, the hag turned to look, her sweet offering to Lieutenant Commander Falls still in hand. The Captain realised that the game was up, but before he could say a thing the COO landed a short, sharp blow across the back of the neck of their would-be captor. Catching the old woman as she slumped forward, Autumn smiled.

"Once a Security Officer, always a Security Officer."

Deadilus smiled, moving to help bring the old lady further into the cottage.

"So I've rescued you from Rapunzel's tower and now we've rescued these children - I assume Hansel and Gretel. What next?"

"Well, if we want this story to end then I believe the old hag here has to be stuffed into the oven..." Autumn responded. Scott raised a single eyebrow quizzically before realising that she was correct...

~

The large, old-fashioned, seemingly cast-iron oven proved to be plenty big enough to fit the old woman in. Even so, Deadilus had some concerns about this storyline and where this world would take them next. Opening his mouth to speak he found himself interrupted by an unknown voice.

"The sudden appearance of the candy cottage makes our group of heroes wonder what other surprises this world of fairytales holds for them."

The two Starfleet officers turned to look from where the voice had come from as the door to the gingerbread cottage opened and several familiar faces appeared...


=/\= A Short While Later =/\=

As Lieutenant Smith had filled the Captain in on their findings and he had filled her in on theirs, he couldn't help agree with Ensign Conway's misgivings about heading to the castle, but likewise agreed that they had no other option.

Packing plenty of water and food into some small satchels taken from a cupboard, the band of eight stepped outside, heading towards the castle and, hopefully, some answers.


======================
Captain Scott Deadilus
Commanding Officer
USS Horizon
NCC-72400
======================