Stardate: 80617:1900
Title: Happily Ever What??
Author: Emma Smith
Time: After "The Sound of Muzak"
Scene: Still Planet-side


Being at the front of the group, Emma had been the first to succumb to the 'program'. Although filled with concern, Captain Deadilus couldn't help but compare his COS to the canaries that were used to detect poisonous gas in the old coal mines on Earth.

"This is as far as we go," he said to the group, "at least until we find a way to get to that castle without falling under its spell."

The others couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at their usually scientific captain. After all, a computer program was far from magical, still, the word seemed to fit with their situation.

Emma finished her song, then spotted Ensign Sparky. "OH NO!" She cried, "The woodsman!! My evil stepmother has sent him to cut off my head!!!!!"

She turned to run, but was caught by the scruff of the neck by the Tactical Officer. "No," he replied rather indignantly, "I am not the woodsman."

"Phew! That's a relief." She smiled, looked at the blue bird, then took a deep breath. "Drip drip drop little April showers..." She sang.

Ross rolled his eyes. "Sweet Mother of Kahless. Would you kindly SHUT UP!"

Emma cut her song short. Taking a long look at Alex Ross, she tilted her head slightly to the side. "Are you a prince?"

*EGAD!* "Uh...." His eyes darted from himself to the Captain. "These are not the princes you're looking for," he waved his hand..."...move along."

Emma sighed. "Oh well, I just thought... Anyway, I'm so hungry... I haven't eaten since... well?" She absently reached into her pocket..."OH! I nearly forgot..."

"WAIT!" Gitta yelled...

But it was too late. Emma put the apple to her lips and took a large bite. Almost immediately she fell to the ground.

"She's not breathing!" Matthews began CPR then the Heimlich. "I can't get the apple out of her throat."

As Emma lay lifeless on the ground, Commander Falls spoke quietly to Ross. "Well, you know what happened next... right?"

"OH you have GOT to be kidding me," then he added a little more politely... "Ma'am."

"Somebody better do something." Matthews added. "Her pulse if fading fast..."

"Right." Ross paced back and forth. "Do you people actually KNOW this story? I kiss her and she horks up some chunk of apple... then... well... the rest is just too horrible to even imagine."

"Look," Autumn reassured him, "you don't have to marry her... just try and get her breathing."

"Fine!" Ross threw up his hands, "but if she comes to and still thinks she's Snow White, I get to kill her myself."

Autumn considered the soundtrack. "Agreed."

Dropping to one knee he lifted Emma slightly from the neck and kissed her.

Several seconds later...

"Well?" Matthews hovered, waiting to start CPR again.

Emma took a deep breath as Ross spit a chunk of apple from his mouth. "Ick!"

The COS opened her eyes. "What the frig is everybody looking at?"

"Just tell me you're not going to sing again." Ross grunted.

"HUH?"

The Narrator's voice wafted in softly. "...And they lived happily ever after."

Wanting to make sure, Gitta leaned over. "What's your name?"

"Uh oh." Emma jumped to her feet. "Are you too close to that castle? And Ross... what the HELL were you doing while I was laying there?"

"Right." Autumn smiled. "I think she's back."

"More than that." Deadilus rubbed at his chin. "I think I see what we have to do to get out of this..."

"But we killed the gingerbread witch.."

"Yes... but that wasn't OUR story... Rapunzel..."

"Ahhh..." Autumn nodded.

"Even if we can't all bring our stories to a conclusion, the ones who can, should be able to make it to the castle..." Deadilus grinned at his XO. "All in the line of duty, Commander. Pucker up... buttercup."


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Lt. (S.G.) Emma Smith
Chief Security Officer
USS Horizon
NCC-72400
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