Stardate: 80708:1900
Title: Ever After
Author: Emma Smith
Time: After "Happily Ever What?"
Scene: Still Planet-side


Ross, Smith, Deadilus and Falls, having completed their storylines and received their 'happily ever afters,' now felt confident that they would be able to reach the castle without falling under its spell.

Still, they felt uneasy leaving the rest of their crewmates behind. "Many hands make for lighter work," Deadilus had said.

Emma thought for a moment then called for Gitta's Fairygodfather.

"I am here," he answered rather indignantly.

"Didn't Lt. Remmick complete his story when he killed the wolf?"

"I hardly think rolling over a hill covered in blood and entrails begets a happy ending."

"He did save the pigs."

The Narrator took the holographic equivalent of a long breath, then answered. "Very well, I guess they lived happily ever after."

"There ya go." Emma grinned in Marc's direction. "Now about Doctor Matthews..."

"Well, in his case, he stole a goose then murdered its owner. I don't see where this is a very nice conclusion..."

"Uh... evil giant... starving mother...?"

"Oh fine." He was getting annoyed. "The thieving giant killer lived happily ever after too. Satisfied?"

"Almost. What about Cindergitta and our Ogre..?"

As Emma tried to make her case to the Narrator, Gitta had decided to slip off her shoes, sit down and rest her neural transducers.

"It appears we may be left behind." Ensign Sparky had made his way over to her side.

Gitta looked up and smiled. "I guess happily ever afters can be a little difficult to come by."

"Indeed." He nodded stoically. "I do not understand what is expected of me."

"We needed to complete our stories," she shrugged. "It just didn't happen." Gitta leaned forward, grimaced slightly from the transducer pain, grabbed a shoe and put it on. The second was just beyond her reach.

"Here, let me help you." Sparky scooped up the other shoe, then dropped to one knee and placed it on her foot.

Gitta opened her mouth to thank the Tac Officer, but was interrupted by the Narrator.

"...And they lived happily ever after."

"Hey!" She leapt to her feet and threw her arms around him. "You did it! " She quickly took a step back. "I guess Prince Charmings can be found where you least expect them."

"I believe you are mistaken." Three looked down at his tattered clothes. "I am obviously not of noble birth."

Gitta tilted her head. "Well, there is noble... then there is 'noble'. Come on! Let's catch up to the others. I'll explain it on the way."


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