Part VI.
The Masquerade Ball I

Commodore Siit

OK, this masked ball will be getting underway.... I'm sorry if I sound unsure.... but this is not my idea and I am not real sure how to proceed.... However I believe it will be way cool:):)

So.... people, please feel free to post in the other ID...and someone start it:)

Twinkle Bear

Okay Okay...I'll start. This will indeed be fun sir. :-) Anyone care to dance or something? I would love a nice big cup of coffee..perhaps something from Honeybeezes?? They have excellent coffee!

Feel free to take a stab at guessing who I am...LOL

Merlin the Magician

He stepped out from the turbolift and looked around at the costumed people loitering about, adjusting his fake white beard.

He took a deep breath and moved forward in an attempt to blend himself into the crowd, but doubted he could get away with it wearing such a disguise: Dark purple wizard hat and flowing purple robe, decorated with glittering planets and stars. He held a staff of carved wood with a crystal ball mounted at the end. Fake hair, eyebrows, and beard were all cottony white.

The commanding wardrobe did little to hide his uneasiness. Neither did the laments of some unknown crewman in a dog suit. He walked slowly through the thickening crowd, wondering what should be done next.

Twinkle Bear

She walked into the crowed and mingled walking up to a man looking like Merlin. She had a costume on of a bear with a pretty sparkly purple dress over the bear costume and a bow on its head to match. "Hi..having fun?" She asked the man.

The Eternal Mask of Light

The bearer of the mask of light floated silently into the ballroom.

And looked around. And what a sight! Merlin the Magician... a sailor... a bear... and a dog.

S/he took a second, snorted indignantly, and quietly walked towards the bear and Merlin.

With a booming voice, "HELLOHOWAREYOUDOING?"

Merlin the Magician

What to do next, he thought.

"Hi... having fun?" He was met by a bear wearing a dress and a bow on her head, slightly favoring an ear. Her outfit matched his in deep purple.

His eyes shifted nervously, incongruously dark beneath his fake white eyebrows. Once he was certain that nobody else was being addressed, he responded: "It's hard to tell at this point. Are you?"

His cheeks betrayed the makings of a smile behind the cottony beard.

Before the bear in purple could reply, a nondescript entity wearing a mask of light greeted the two of them in a synthesized voice:

"HELLOHOWAREYOUDOING?"

Merlin remained silent. His eyes widened.

The Mask Of Light (insert thunder effect)

Harumph, the bearer of the mask of light said to himself.

"WHATISTHEMATTERHELLOHOWAREYOUDOING?"

S/he took out some incense and stared profusely at it, seeming to project the energy of the mask to light it... and within seconds, the incense started to burn.

"AGIFTFORMERLINANDTHEPURPLEBEAR."

S/he stood there, holding out the incense towards the two... beaming!

The Mask Of Light, while waiting for a response, reaches over the bar to get a drink for herself.

"WOULDYOULIKEADRINKASWELL?"

He was just trying to be courteous. She certainly had no ill intentions.

Merlin the Magician

The two purples looked at eachother.

Merlin timidly accepted the stick of incense, catching the scent. "Thank... you...," he said tentatively, then with a little more certainty: "thank you."

He and the bear followed the Mask of Light over to the bar, where it helped itself to a drink and offered:
"WOULDYOULIKEADRINKASWELL?"

The magician thought for a moment, then: "No thank you." He turned to the bear, momentarily distracted by the bow and still thinking how unlikely it would be for bears to normally wear clothes. "How about you?"

Twinkle Bear

She grinned, "Am I who??" She was having a blast..no one had figured out who she was yet. "This is fun...I have no clue who you are either." This was turning out to be one heck of a party.

Merlin the Magician

"A drink. Would you like a drink?" asked Merlin to the bear over the din of the rising music.

He offered her the stick of incense and smiled again: "I brought my own magic with me this evening..."

Shaggy

A tall lanky young man, dressed in an orage shirt and green pants walks throught the door, he has a goatee and light brown hair growing down over his ears.

He walks over to the wet bar and orders a cola. "Like, what's going on mister Bartender? Pretty good party."

Taking a quick look around, checking out all the costumes, there is one that catches his eye.

"Zoinks!!!!!! Someone is dressed up as Merlin The Magician. That reminds me of one of our cases...." Shaggy bemuses. "But I am not here to think of work, I am here to have fun, so I am gonna do just that......"

And with that thought, Shaggy begins to mingle, cola in hand.

Twinkle Bear

She smiled, "Thanks..id love something to drink, maybe some brandy." She took the incense stick and smiled again. "Hmm smells nice.." She laughed and looked around. She wondered if her "special friend would show up...he was always buried in work.

Merlin the Magician

The Mask of Light handed Merlin the drink, and Merlin passed it over to the bear. She appeared to be enjoying the incense, but was somewhat distracted by something. She looked at the crowd, no doubt guessing who she knew among the attendees.

The Mask of Light (insert thunder effect)

The Mask of Light's attention was caught by a "What's going on dudes?", to which s/he silently floated towards.

S/he sped up, accelerating at an incredible speed, and stopped short of hitting this guest in the face.

"WHATISADUDE?"

A blank stare from the new guest.

"WHATISADUDEHELLOAREYOUENJOYINGTHEPARTY?"

Nicht Tanzer

Down the wide stairway a figure moved with stately grace. Gentle hands encased in long black gloves clapped imperiously, three times. At once, the strains of a Strauss waltz began to filter through the 'ballroom' from a chamber orchestra in the corner.

The figure stopped to survey the scene. Her head moved consideringly on her long and graceful neck as she took in the scene below. Strange and wonderful costumes filled the room. Animals, characters from legend and fantasy, all acting out their own little charade. One or two couples started to dance to the music.

As Nicht Tanzer continued her descent, her long, deep purple dress swept around her legs, the black tulle overskirt studded with tiny stars, like the night sky. The close-fitting laced bodice spilled over with black and silver lace. A traditional half-mask, decorated with black and purple feathers, hid her upper face, her eyes sparkling through the gold-rimmed eye holes. A small smile appeared on her full lips. The evening had begun!

Nicht Tanzer stood at the foot of the stairs, unwilling to move from the last stair. She was not tall, and, once on the floor would just be one of the crowd. Nicht Tanzer definitely did not want to be just one of the crowd on this night!

Princess Rashka

Rashka entered the mall area she stood at the top of the stairs looking over the crowd watching the different people (and dogs and cats) mingle. She pulled the hood closer to her face then adjusted the black mask she wore to cover her identity. 'I can't believe she talked me into wearing a dress' she thought as she lifted the front of the dark red and black gown to walk down the stairs she stopped about halfway down looking over the crowd again.

Rashka was a little heisitant to join the crowd, she started down the stairs once again, she stepped on the front of the dress, 'stupid dress' she thought, 'She could have atleast picked something shorter so I wouldn't be tripping over it' Rashka then continued down the stairs when she was about 4 steps from the bottom she tripped falling the rest of the way down knocking the woman standing on the bottom step down with her.

They both ended up in a heap on the ground, "Well nothing like a graceful entrance" she mumbeld to herself then looked at the woman sitting on the ground infront of her, "I'm sorry about that, I guess we both got out big entrance now? Atleast everyone has noticed us." she looked over most of the crowd was watching them.

Merlin the Magician

Merlin gasped when he saw a woman stumble on the stairs. Another woman in a purple dress (apparently, purple was a popular colour at parties) broke the first one's fall, and they landed in a heap. He was instantly on hand to help them up. "Are you two all right?"

Their body languages spoke volumes about the humiliation and indignance they had to have been experiencing at that moment, but they each managed to confirm that they had not been physically hurt beyond a few bumps and bruises. That was a relief.

The old wizard started to help them up, when he suddenly noticed the enigmatic Mask of Light entity nearby. Merlin anticipated a loud, synthesized voice.

Nicht Tanzer

Summoning as much dignity as was possible under the circumstances, Nicht Tanzer accepted the aid of the Magician, Merlin, she supposed.

"Many thanks, kind Sir" she replied.

A loud and strange sound noise came from a strange creature nearby. It was very loud and practically indecipherable. Judging from the lift in pitch at the end, it may have been an interrogative sentence, but Nicht Tanzer was not sure. She looked coolly at the Mask of Light.

"Kindly moderate your tone" she instructed it "I do not wish to have hearing damage by the end of the evening"

"Mr Merlin - I know this is contrary to custom, but would you care to dance?"

Merlin the Magician

"You're most welcome," he said.

The Mask of Light also came over - presumably - to help. The feathermasked woman in black, silver, and purple impressed him with her authoritative air in the face of the imposing entity. Apparently, he/she hadn't phased her.

Once she had sufficiently straightened herself out, the masked woman smiled. Merlin smiled back shyly from beneath his beard. "Mr Merlin - I know this is contrary to custom," she said, "but would you care to dance?"

Merlin was caught offguard. He hadn't anticipated this. "I - " He also found it hard to respond to the invitation. It meant admitting his indequacy. He careful pondered his choice of words: "I've never... danced... before." He sighed. "I don't know how."

Nicht Tanzer:

Nicht Tanzer smiled gently at Merlin's admission that he'd never learned to dance.

"Well, this is a waltz, which is one of the easiest to learn...I could teach you...or, if you prefer, we could promenade the room and observe the revellers?

She awaited the gentle magician's response....

Merlin the Magician

Merlin calculated the variables. The less people he interacted with, the less chance anyone would be likely to guess his true identity. Not only that, a friendly and beautiful woman was not only paying attention to him, she offered to teach him a dance step. All signs pointed to one reply:

"Seeing that you're willing to teach me, I would be eager to learn the Waltz," he said in his friendliest tone. "How do we begin?"

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer turned to begin teaching Merlin the waltz when another woman came in in a purple dress (spit) perhaps the theme had been purple and she hadn't known!

"Well the first thing is to hear the rhythm of the music...see ONE two three, ONE two three etc. You can hear that?"

Merlin looked as if she did so she continued.

"A travelling step on the ONE and two small steps on the other two counts...let's just try it side to side"

She took Merlin's hands and they soon had the hang of it.

"Now, we have to travel, and that means the correct hold...your right hand on my back, left hand hold mine...so"

She smiled happily at him.

"Ok...ready to give it a go?"

Princess Rashka

Rashka remained at the bottom of the stairs watching Merlin and the woman she had knocked down the stairs she leaned against the railing waiting for something interesting to happen or someone interesting to come by. Rashka bent down pulling the strap of one of her shoes tighter, 'why did i listen to her? this is the last time i wear a dress' she growled. She pulled the hood down a little lower hoping noone would recognize her.

Merlin the Magician

This Waltzing wasn't so hard after all. For someone who had never danced, it came to Merlin quite easily. They managed to hold his staff in one hand together as she lead him in a pattern across the floor. Eventually he felt confident enough with the steps to lead. He listened to the tempo of the music and worked with it.

He noticed that her lips below her feathered mask made a smirk when yet another woman arrived in a purple formal gown. There seemed to be a trend: most women in purple or as cats, men in childish animal costumes.

Still, one purple woman was fine to dance with. "This is quite enjoyable," he said, "I am pleased we decided to do this."

Nicht Tanzer

Merlin began to lead. Nicht Tanzer was happy...there was very little more pleasurable than dancing with a man with a sense of rhythm.

"This is quite enjoyable," he said, "I am pleased we decided to do this."

It was even more pleasurable when your partner was enjoying it too.

"So, Mr Merlin, how come you've never learned how to dance? What else keeps you busy?"

Merlin the Magician

It got so that the magician was able to observe others briefly while keeping time and dancing with his partner. He never knew things could be this way for him.

"So, Mr Merlin, how come you've never learned how to dance? What else keeps you busy?"

He thought an answer over carefully. "Well, to tell you the truth, I don't get out very much. It's usually all work and no play for me."

More and more mysterious couples joined in to dance around them.

Nicht Tanzer

She giggled.

"It's a starship...no-one gets out much!"

They began to have to avoid other couples as the dance floor became more crowded.

"Have you figured out yet who anyone is?" she asked Merlin.

Merlin the Magician

It appeared that he had said something to make her laugh. Humour was a good thing, he thought.

"It's a starship...no-one gets out much!" she giggled.

"That's true... when you look at it that way," he grinned wider beneath his beard. He was having fun! He could dance forever, but he had to consider his partner and *her* level of endurance. Thus far it was not a concern.

"Have you figured out yet who anyone is?" she asked.

"Hm?" He looked around as they continued to dance. "Not a clue," he replied slowly while appearing to scan the faces and bodies for some clue. The fact was: he really WASN'T the social type, so any people he'd recognise would be those he met from his duties. "Have you any hunches as yet?"

Nicht Tanzer

"I have a few ideas" Nicht Tanzer replied to Merlin's query, "but I'm not really sure about any. I wonder when the unmasking will be?" She looked carefully at Merlin. He seemed to dance too well for a complete novice and she wondered whether he was misleading her. His eyebrows overhung and it was difficult to see his eyes. They were always a good indicator of identity as was the mouth, but he was wearing a beard. Oh well, perhaps some more questions. On the other hand, they were having a good time...so why rush things?

Merlin the Magician

He was about to reply when he noticed that she started looking at him funny. His answer degraded into a stutter by the time it left his lips, until he realised that she was trying to phathom who he was. With deduction out of the way, he was better able to focus on his reply: "I- I don't know. It appears that people are still joining the festivities."

They continued to dance. He got very good at it, he thought. Maybe there would be an opportunity in the future to socialise more and learn new dancesteps. He doubted it.

Her voice invaded his thoughts. I am enjoying this dance a great deal" she said to him "I hope you are too...but perhaps you'd prefer to have some refreshment?"

Taking this as a signal that his partner had had enough dancing for the moment, he lead her to the side and they stopped. "Yes, I'm enjoying this very much. Thank you for the lesson. It wasn't so hard once we got started." He looked over towards the food spread and the bar. "I ate before I came, and I'm not thirsty," he said cautiously, "but there's no reason why you must not indulge while we converse. Is there anything I can get you?"

Nicht Tanzer

"I should love some champagne, if you don't mind" Nicht Tanzer replied "and I should also like to dance again afterwards, it has been such an enjoyable experience"

They made their way to the bar.

"I shall feel very self conscious unless you have something too. Won't you at least have some water?"

Merlin the Magician

His brown eyes widened. He hoped the disguise sufficiently hid his panic. But he was determined to see this through. "All right," he agreed. "It can't hurt."

They strolled over to the bar, where Merlin ordered a glass of champagne for his partner ("could this be a... date?" he wondered). "What is that?" he asked as he pointed to a pile of cylindrical metal containers piled in a storage trough with ice. The bartender told him that they were sodas. "I'll have... that one." An opaque container meant nobody could see what progress if any he would be making with his beverage.

"One ginger ale comin' up." The barkeep opened the can and parked a straw on a strategically designed hook. Merlin knew the straw would allow the ruse to work further in his favour; he had made a lucky choice.

The two smiled and toasted, her sipping her champagne, and he sucking into the straw. He allowed the bubbly fluid to touch his lips (hidden by the beard), then held it there to give the illusion that he was taking a long sip. He remembered to do a couple of gulps as well to make the illusion complete. He grinned.

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer sipped her champagne and peeked at Merlin. She really wanted to know who he was, but at this point had no clue. She wondered if he knew who she was.

"Oh, another waltz! Would you dance with me again, please? I do so love it and get very little chance normally" She gave Merlin her very best smile as she awaited his answer.

Merlin the Magician

He beamed from beneath his fake, cottony beard. "I would be delighted to dance again!" He was also delighted to get rid of his full can of ginger ale.

With staff in hand, he stood formerly in the lead position and awaited her contact. This was fun! And it was clear that she thought it was fun, too...

Nicht Tanzer

Whirling round the ball room, Nicht Tanzer looked at the others present and tried in vain to work out who they all were. She was just going to have to wait until the unmasking. Unless, of course there were any further unfortunate unmaskings such as Dr Holland's [aka Shaggy]. A sneaky thought began to cross her mind.....

Merlin the Magician

The dancefloor was even more crowded than before. With so many in attendance, curiosity over who was who among the partygoers grew significantly. Likewise, his partner looked this way and that distractedly, presumably in an effort to recognise somebody beneath their hood or mask.

They collided briefly with another pair, one of whom dressed in a stylised vintage sailor outfit. The incident almost knocked his staff from their hands. But they made through the situation otherwise unaffected.

The same could not be said for Dr. Holland. His disguised failed him, and he dejectedly extricated himself from the scenario.

Merlin caught an odd look from his lady companion as she momentarily bit her lip. He hoped she hadn't anything in store for him. It was so much easier just to dance and have fun.

Nicht Tanzer

After she and Merlin had survived the collision with familiar-looking sailor-suited blonde, Nicht Tanzer decided not to cheat.

"Tell me, Mr Merlin, have you been with the ship long?"

Merlin the Magician

He smiled. "Haven't we all for the most part?"

The masked woman tilted her head.

Merlin grinned. "I don't believe I would be giving anything away if I were to reveal that I've been on board from the start of our voyage."

They continued to dance, only this time the pace seemed a little more strained. That wasn't as much fun. "How about you?"

Nicht Tanzer

I've been here for quite some time" Nicht Tanzer replied. She looked around again and noticed another woman near the dancers wearing a green satin dress. She looked like she wanted to dance.

"I feel guilty keeping such a good dancer to myself when there are others with no partner. The Lady in Green looks as if she wishes to enjoy the dancing. Perhaps you might wish to practise your new skills on her?"

Merlin the Magician

Merlin stared at her. Was this common practise? Or had he done something wrong? He turned to follow his partner's gaze. His mouth fell ajar and decided to take her advice and stopped dancing. "You're very generous with praise over my novice skill. I had a very lovely time." He bowed. "Thank you for enlightening me as to the joys of Waltzing."

She smiled back, and Merlin went over to a slightly disoriented Dr. Williams, then bowed again, picking up her mask with one fluid motion. "May I have this dance?"

Sailor V / Counselor Annie Flynn

Sailor V then noticed the mask fall off. Merlin came over and picked it up for Dr Williams, handing it back to her as he asked her to dance.

"Well, enjoy, Doctor," Sailor V said. She nodded to Merlin and walked away, looking for someone else to talk to...

Annie blushed as she felt the blond wig slip off the back of her head, revealing her red hair. She sighed.

"Well, that's three of us," she said to no one in particular. "Oh, what the heck," she said. "No reason to ruin all the fun." She put the wig and mask back on and disappeared into the crowd.

Merlin the Magician

Merlin noticed while waiting for the stunned "Jane Eyre" to respond that the seeming child in sailor dress fumbled as her wig came off. It was Dr Flynn! He grinned bemused, observing how the Endeavour's medical staff seemed to be the least adept at keeping their costumes on. He turned his attention back towards his prospective new dance partner and awaited her reply.

She timidly took the mask from his hand and looked up into his face...

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer made a graceful curtsey as Merlin left her. She'd enjoyed so much dancing with him, but felt that it was unfair to monopolise him.

There seemed a sudden rash of falling masks. Dr Williams was not unexpected, but Nicht Tanzer had had no idea that the Sailor Girl was Annie. She watched as the counsellor retrieved her disguise and vanished into the crowd.

She stood for a few moments watching Merlin and Michaela dance and sighed a little. However, it was time now to find another partygoer to interact with. She noticed the mask of light talking with a woman and decided to investigate this intriguing pair.

"I am Nicht Tanzer, pleased to make your aquaintance" she said to the woman, then nodded to the Mask of Light "and pleased to reaquaint myself with you"

The Mask of Light / Security Chief Lt Cmdr Eric Woo

"HMM-YOU-WANT-A-CLUE-HUH-ALRIGHT-HERE-GOES-"

He paused for a second, then spoke.

"I-SPEND-MOST-OF-MY-TIME-IN-TWO-THAT'S-RIGHT-TWO-SECTIONs- -OF-THE-SHIP-ALTHOUGH-I-DO-AT-TIMES-GET-TO-GO-ON-AN-AWAY-MISSION. HOW'S-THAT?", the mask of light gave his clue, grinning.

He eyed the champagne glass in her hand. "DIDN'T-WE-AGREE-NOT-TO-CONSUME-ANY-MORE-CHAMPAGNE- -I-WON'T-IF-YOU-WON'T."

Merlin the Magician

Dr. William's eyes were agog, but her stare was not directed towards Merlin. It went past his shoulder. He turned and beheld the Mask of Light. It was an enigma no longer.

Counselor Annie Flynn

Sailor V turned as the strange voice suddenly faltered and sounded an awful lot like Eric Woo, Security Chief. She laughed to herself, not feeling too bad about her wig falling off earlier. At least she wasn't the only one. Of course, she wasn't about to let that keep her down...

Evangelina Everslay

Evangelina smiles, nodding her head gracefully.

"I am pleased to meet you Nicht Tanzer, The Ball does seem to be unmasking on it's own, although I am sure I am unknown to most of you. I am enjoying the festivities, are you?"

She places her glass back on the counter.

"It is true what you say about alcohol being unhealthy, but champagne like wine still contains that which is good for the blood. But over consumption can cause serious damage."

Nicht Tanzer

"I am enjoying this...it's even more amusing to see the inadvertent unmakings. However it is narrowing down the options on who is left!" She smiled at Eric Woo, hoping he wasn't too embarrased.

One thing Nicht Tanzer knew, was that she'd enjoyed this social event so much that she would make an effort to mingle more often instead of hiding away in her department all the time.

"So Evangelina, tell me more about you...do you have any particulAr friends or colleagues on the ship that you might have expected to recognise here?"

Dr. Micheala Williams

"It seems most have unmasked." Micheala commented looking at all the masked that had fallen in the past few minutes, but there were still some players still concealed.

Merlin nodded in agreement as he spun her around the floor. She hadn't danced like this in years and she was thoroughly enjoying the experience now.

"If I might say so Merlin...you dance rather well." Micheala complimented. At this moment she didn't really care who was behind the mask.

Merlin the Magician

"If I might say so Merlin...you dance rather well." Micheala complimented.

"Why thank you," he said.

Dancing with Doctor Williams was a different experience. Her identity already been revealed obviously put her into an apathetic mood where identities were concerned. All she appeared to concern herself with was the dance and having fun. Merlin smiled. "You're most generous. I only learned to dance thirty minutes ago."

Dr. Micheala Williams

"Really??" she replied surprised..."Your previous partner must been a good instructor then."

The dancing and the wieght of her gown was also making her warm and she was thankful for the bareness on her shoulders which helped keep her cool.

"Do you feel like something a bit more up beat...like a polka....it's simialr to a waltz but faster?" Micheala inquired.

Merlin the Magician

"A polka?" he tilted his head, eyes looking up while he pondered his answer. "If it is as enjoyable as a Waltz, I would be pleased learn."

Dr. Williams smiled. Merlin grinned back from beneath his beard. "I'm sure you too may prove to be a worthy instructor. What do I do?"

Evangelina Everslay

Evangelina glanced at Nicht Tanzer "There is one here I know, as he is a part of the team on which I work."

She looks around the room, hopefull yet dissapointed.

"and there is one I was hoping to see that I do not, perhaps he had decided not to attend after all. I know not many of the crew, tis the first I have gone out to socialize. But, I am not new to the ship. Is there anyone you had hoped to see?"

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer was pondering Evangelina's words...only two people she'd expected to know.

Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Tathia, one of the catwomen cross the room to talk to Rocky. As the catwoman stretched, her mask slipped so that Nicht Tanzer could see who was under it. Yet another identity revealed.

Still more people were entering and joining in the ball. Perhaps it would take some time before everyone was unmasked. She turned back to Evangelina and Eric.

"Do please excuse me" she murmured to them "I wish to sample the comestibles"

Dr. Micheala Williams

"It's rather simple actually. Ok you will star with your left foot and me with my right. you take a side step to your left them with yur right foot close you feet....them take another step with your left foot, similar to a side skip. Puting your wieght on your left foot you hop. and the hop is when we circle. You going forwards and me backwards. The step are them repeated starting on you right foot." Micheala said explaining the basic fundementals whilst trying to demonstrate.

Merlin looked slightly confused but seemed to grasp the idea.

"It's easier to actually do it than to listen to explainations. Shall we??" Micheala said raising her arms ready in a waltz stance ready to lead off.

Merlin the Magician

It didn't seem too difficult for Merlin to understand after hearing her instructions in his head a second time. He smiled and they took eachother's hands, which were practically full between her holding a fold of her elegant green skirt and their sharing a grip of his wizard staff.

To the new music they started, and Merlin found this to be a very lively activity. The Polka was entirely different from a Waltz, with its timing more frantic. It was fun in its own way.

He smilled at Micheala. "This is a fun dance step. Thank you," he said. Merlin figured he wasn't doing bad at all, otherwise she would not have smiled back.

Dr. Micheala Williams

"You have caught onto the steps rather quickly. I'd said you might have a natural ability." Micheala complimented as she was swung around the floor.

It was a rare thing to find a partner that could make you feel like you were dancing on clouds. Very soon she was laughing with the enjoyment of the dance

Merlin the Magician

"Thank you. Perhaps I have missed my true calling," quipped Merlin. Indeed music was known to have a positive effect on people. It just never occurred to him that it could have an influence him as well.

He was also glad that with its help, Merlin had managed to cheer up Dr. Williams following her impromptu unmasking.

"This is quite a lively dance!" he said. "You are very energetic."

Dr. Micheala Williams

"Why thankyou kind sir. It is definately not one for the faint hearted." She commented, as the tune ended. She was breathing heavily partly from the exhaustion of the dance but also the tightness of her dress.

The music started again and they looked at each other.....

" Again???"

Merlin the Magician

The music started up again, but Merlin saw that Dr. Williams was panting from the workout the Polka gave her.

"Would you like rest during this selection?" he asked. "Perhaps I could get you something to drink..."

Dr. Micheala Williams

"A drink would be nice, thankyou." she replied, in need of a drink.

They made there way over to the bar and found a couple of stools.

"That's your poison?" the bartender asked.

"A water for me thanks." Micheala replied

"And you sir?" the bartender continued

Merlin the Magician

"I'll have another of those aluminum cylinders of 'Canada Dry'," he said. "With a straw," he added.

Merlin smiled at Dr. Williams, who was still catching her breath. She smiled at him as he grinned beneath his beard.

Suddenly, he said: "The doctors have a reputation for being very serious at all times. Isn't it fun to show another side and disprove that?"

Dr. Micheala Williams

"It is enjoyable to be out and about but normally there isn't alot of time for socializing, not when you are almost constantly on duty. Even in the quiet time there is always something to attend to." Micheala replied.

Her breathing was back to normal. She finished her water and placed the glass back on the bar looking curiously at her partner.

"I assume your job also keep you out of trouble?" she inquired.

Merlin the Magician

He fiddled with his can of soda, noting the pattern of its surface design and the nutritional content. "You might say," he looked up and met her gaze, "that I am a slave to my work. This is the first time I've been able to get away." He smiled.

Dr. Micheala Williams

"I definately know the feeling." she agreed smiling.

"So it seems to me that we are both slaves to our jobs, take little time off and work almost constantly." Micheala casually surmised.

Merlin laughed at her comment.

"So how are you finding the social aspect of life?" she asked.

She leaned on the bar, looking at Merlin with slight wonder about who the man behind the beard was.

Merlin the Magician

Merlin looked up to ponder Micheala's question for a moment, then back down at his can of soda. "I would have to say that the social aspect of life agrees with me very well. But, once the party's over..."

He noticed the current song ended and turned back to Dr. Williams. "Would you be interested in - one more turn on the dancefloor?"

Dr. Micheala Williams

"Of course." Micheala replied hopping down from the stool and Merlin lead her onto the floor.

"So what tempo should this one be?" she asked

Merlin the Magician

He lead her to the dancefloor for the next song, which started up. "I'm not much of a dance expert. What are the moves to this new song?"

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer heard Sailor V offer drinks to everyone.

"May I join you in fetching the drinks?" she asked

"I'm feeling a little out of things now that I've stopped dancing"

Nicht Tanzer was bored. She'd given up a good dancing partner and no-one else seemed interested in talking to her. Perhaps socialising wasn't so much fun after all. She noticed a flash of spots on Evangelina's leg. Curious.

Perhaps it was time to have a grand unmasking. No-one else seemed to be likely to reveal themselves and the ball had gone on a long time.

Merlin the Magician

Merlin watched Micheala's expression while she tried to guess what type of dance would be good for the song. It must have been a challenge, since it appeared that most of the music seemed to come from 400-500 years ago. He trusted her expertise in such matters and continued to wait.

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer looked around.

There was Tijo dressed as a tree talking with someone.

Dr Williams and Merlin preparing to dance.

Evengelina Everslay chatting up a drunk at the end of the bar.

The Sailor and Mask of light talking.

And Bhat'lex looking somewhat mystified as to what this was all about.

She decided to go and speak with Bhat'lex.

"I know that Klingons have different ideas of social events, but I wonder if you would care to dance or just talk?"

Dr. Micheala Williams

The music was an interesting choice. She hadn't heard this style in a while but definanately had a waltz beat to it.

"It's definately a waltz but a slightly faster beat," Micheala informed him. "and seeing you have had your practise runs, you can lead."

Underneath the wizards beard she thought she could see a slight flicker of uncertainty.

"Don't worry, You'll be fine." she reassured with a big smile.

Merlin the Magician

Merlin's dark eyes lit up. "You mean it's just a faster waltz? oh, I could do that!" he said with a burst of confidence. That seemed to make Dr. Williams smile even bigger.

So again they took position and launched into 3/4 time. This party was turning out to be quite a success after all.

Someone (he thought his former dance partner) mentioned something about unmasking. It never occurred to him that this was going to occur. When he was told about the ball, he had no idea as to this practise. The magician tried to conceal a sudden wave of anxiety which flooded him as they danced.

At this point, Dr. Micheala Williams left the sim.

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer noticed Merlin looking forlorn. She made her way over to him.

"Are you free to dance again, Mr Merlin? I'm getting rather bored standing watching the proceedings"

She looked at him in her most winning way, hoping he hadn't been offended by her suggestion earlier that he dance with Dr Williams.

Merlin the Magician

It appeared more and more as they danced that Micheala was far more interested in trying to discern who was who behind their masks than dance. She looked at everyone's face whil she led the two of them dancing toward the tables of food and drink. Eventually, they just stood and watched.

Merlin, having never attended a masquerade party before, was in no rush to relinquish his disguise. He brooded uneasily, until a familiar voice caught his attention:

"Are you free to dance again, Mr Merlin? I'm getting rather bored standing watching the proceedings"

It was the woman he had first danced with! Apparently, he *had* done nothing wrong, and her sending him to dance with others was a normal practise. She smiled at him most infectiously.

He looked at Micheala. "Would you mind?" he asked. The doctor nodded, still scrutinising the other revelers and not seriously paying attention.

Merlin turned and smiled at the woman in purple from behind his cottony beard and bowed.

Nicht Tanzer

"Thank you so much! I was getting dreadfully bored, and I do so love dancing" she smiled at him again "I have to admit" she added confidentially "I did regret encouraging you to dance with Dr Williams. I haven't been enjoying myself half so much since then"

Merlin the Magician

"You are very kind," he said. Merlin was pleased that this woman, whomever she was, enjoyed his company and was willing to dance with him some more. Not that he didn't have a good time with Dr. Williams. Micheala was also great fun, and he was glad to share a few minutes with her under different circumstances.

The woman in purple seemed very happy to dance with him. It seems that there were not too many men willing to dance. That was curious. It didn't seem so difficult to do.

Nicht Tanzer

"Much as I am enjoying the anonymity of the circumstances, I must confess to being intensly curious about people's identities. Take Evangelina, for instance. I'm fairly sure she's a joined Trill, but I don't know who on board is a Trill. And you...the most mysterious of all..."

Merlin the Magician

Merlin looked at Evangelina Everslay. "It's possible," he said. Other than those who had accidentally allowed their disguises to slip, he had little interest in finding out who anyone was. Dancing and interacting was rare for him if not a first, and he didn't want to compromise it with stigmata. He didn't know the name of his companion, and thought it irrelevant.

"...And you: the most mysterious of all..." she finished.

"Me?" He smiled. "I'm just your typical wizard. There's nothing mysterious about me"

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer let out a peal of laughter.

"Typical Wizard?!!" she looked at him closely "I don't think you're a typical anything. Besides, I don't get to meet too many wizards, and I have no idea what a typical one is!"

The music changed to a faster set and the pace increased, leaving little breath for anything but dancing for the next few minutes.

Merlin the Magician

Before this evening, Merlin didn't even know what a wizard was. But he knew he resembled that of the stock image of a wizard offered in the database. He was certain he looked very typical for a wizard.

He smiled. "I'll admit that my wizard hair isn't exactly Starfleet regulation."

The both laughed as they danced.

Nicht Tanzer

"One problem with not knowing who we are, so to speak, is that it's quite hard to get to know someone. I mean, we can't really talk too much about ourselves and what we do without giving something away" Nicht Tanzer said to Merlin.

"But please tell me, what do you hope for on this one way journey of ours? What are your dreams for the future?"

Merlin the Magician

He was puzzled. "By journey: do you mean aboard the Endeavour, or life in general?"

Nicht Tanzer

Merlin's reply to her question made Nicht Tanzer pause. She thought for a moment.

"I suppose that for me, they are the same thing. My old life has gone, I left that behind before I joined Starfleet" she thought about her lost children for a moment "When I joined the Endeavour it was the start of a new life for me, and I realised that as far as I knew, I would probably spend the rest of my life on her"

She raised her eyes to Merlin.

"So, I suppose I really meant both things. And another question for you - do you believe in different planes of existence?"

Merlin the Magician

"Well," He thought his reply over carefully. "I had a bit of a career change when I was assigned to the Endeavour. I must admit that it's for the better. Barring that, I hope to do my best and see to it that we get to wherever we go." She stared at him, so he added with a grin: "My kind have an unusually long lifespan."

"...And another question for you - do you believe in different planes of existence?"

Merlin tilted his head. "You mean... as in space and subspace? Or infinite possible scenarios?

Nicht Tanzer

"I think the latter, really" Nicht Tanzer replied "but also the idea of life after death?"

Merlin the Magician

Such an esoteric question, Merlin thought. Could she be trying to figure out his identity? It didn't much matter. He would have answered the same either way.

"Well, I don't discount it," he said, "but I'm afraid it's one of those things which you'll have to experience first-hand to confirm. Naturally, by then, it's too late."

The music ended and everybody on the dancefloor applauded. Merlin noticed his dance partner was a little out of breath. "Well, what would you like to do next?" he asked.

Nicht Tanzer

"I should just like to sit and talk a little" she replied. "I see that you are not at all out of breath. Do you take much exercise to keep so fit, or is it an inbuilt fitness?"

They wandered to a bench and she waited for Merlin's response.

Merlin the Magician

"Fitness is in part an innate ability. Nothing too acrobatic, mind you," he smiled as he sat. It felt awkward to do so in a long robe, but he didn't let it show. He set his staff on the floor at their feet, a little relieved to be rid of it for a time. "You also seem to be fairly fit. We've danced quite a bit this evening, and you've exhibited quite a lot of stamina."

Nicht Tanzer

"I just love dancing. It's one of the things I spend my spare time doing. Besides, on this ship one needs a great deal of stamina."

A low growl erupted in Nicht Tanzer's middle and she laughed at herself.

"Unfortunately, all this excercise must be fuelled. Would you join me in a little food? I hate eating on my own."

Merlin the Magician

Her lips smiled sincerely beneath her feathered mask.

Merlin pondered carefully the right words: "I'm afraid I eat a specialty diet once a day as per my species allows, and I already had my meal. But I would be more than happy to take a 'Canada Dry' while you eat. It would be a shame if you went hungry on account of me."

He understood that for most people, eating in public was a social event. His partner had previously expressed discomfort in taking food and drink alone, and hoped that his offer would suffice.

"Where would you like to go?"

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer considered the choices. They could either try the buffet there, or move to one of the eating establishements in the Mall. Although if Merlin was only going to drink...

"I think I'll just help myself to a few nibbles here" she replied, filled with curiosity as to his race. She made a mental note to check her records on her next duty shift.

They drifted over to the buffet tables and she helped herself to a few morsels while Merlin drank his Canada Dry.

Merlin the Magician

Merlin and his dance partner (was she his date?) sat together at a little patio table decorated with streamers danging from the umbrella. They observed others eating and dancing. He was relieved that she accepted his excuse, even it was stretching the truth somewhat.

Although she ate daintily, he could tell she was famished; no doubt she had no time between the end of her duty shift and the ball to grab any nourishment. He watched her while sucking his beverage up a straw and holding it at bay with his tongue. He was getting good at this...

"Does your metabolism deny you alcohol as well?" she queried.

"I'm afraid so," he sighed. "I suppose it's for the best that I don't know what I'm missing. Most people I've observed appear to enjoy synthahol. Why do you ask?"

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer smiled.

"I'm just professionally curious, that's all - I'm somewhat involved in such matters, and wasn't aware of any species on the ship that fit your description" she left her words hanging for a moment.

Merlin the Magician

Merlin met her gaze, and they looked at eachother for many moments. "Are you certain? Several species we have on board require only minimal nutrition to exist. Their social and cultural practises do not include group ingestion or-," he stopped himself and smiled. "I'm a bit of a trivia expert in Xenobiology. The way one race will deem something essential to their daily lives which is applied on a whim by another" isn't it just fascinating?"

Nicht Tanzer

"You're quite right" Nicht Tanzer replied "but does that mean I could ask for something on a whim that turns out to be essential to you? Is there anything like that that applies to humans and your race?"

Merlin the Magician

"One might say it is true of all races." Merlin lifted his can of ginger ale. "For all I know, your culture or species may hold a three day festival in honor of the discovery of this 'Canada Dry'" He grinned, bringing a slight curve to the sides of his cottony beard.

Nicht Tanzer
Merlin the Magician

Nicht Tanzer burst into peals of laughter at the thought of such a festival. When her chuckles had subsided, she wiped a tear of laughter from her eye.

"That was so funny...you are good company...I haven't laughed like that for ages!"

Having had such limited social expertise, her reaction to his words surprised him. And had his physiology allowed, her laughter would no doubt have caused him to turn a deep shade of red. He smiled, trying not to appear too bashful or awkward.

She put down her now-empty plate.

"I think I'd like to stroll around a little now...it's not good to dance again straight after eating...does that meet with your approval?"

"I- Why, yes it most certainly does." He pondered: She chose to follow a sensible regimen, even during a party. He told himself that a good companion is accommodates these things. Especially since he wasn't entirely sure whether she was altogether human.

Merlin stood and took hold of the back of her chair. The woman gathered up her flowing skirts as he helped her to stand. He then held out his hand for her to join him.

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer put her hand in Merlin's and together they began to promenade around the room, looking at the various characters.They then moved on into the gardens discussing the various different varieties they saw there. The strains of music from the ball could still be heard.

"It's peaceful here" Nicht Tanzer said "I like to come here when my shifts are over. It helps me relax before I sleep."

She looked at Merlin "Next, I suppose you'll tell me that you don't sleep either!"

Merlin the Magician

Merlin smiled at her playful retort. "We all have our downtime," he said. "It is nice here. Do you know where I like to visit?"

She looked at him in askance, eyes wide behind the feathered mask.

"There is a carousel in a corner of the arborium. I enjoy the music, the children's faces when they pass me with each rotation. It makes me feel good." He wished he had better words to describe the experience. "I often sit and watch, when I should - retire. Have you been to it?"

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzer listened as Merlin described his experience of watching the carousel.

"I have been there - would you like to go there now?" she offered "although I'm not sure it will be operational at this time. I don't know if the ball has interferred with other pursuits that normally take place here."

She looked at him, trying to judge his reaction behind his fake white beard. It was hard to interact as succesfully as possible when so much of her companion's face was hidden. She wondered if he was having similar problems.

Merlin the Magician

They walked in the garden: two figures in purple, with stars and moons on their clothing. In the shadows they must have resembled the detailed insert of a constellation on a display. She seemed interested in his description of the carousel, despite his difficulty in relating it.

"I have been there - would you like to go there now?" she offered "although I'm not sure it will be operational at this time. I don't know if the ball has interferred with other pursuits that normally take place here."

"Oh, that's not necessary. It's just fine here. It looks and smells... nice." He smiled again. He didn't know who she was underneath the feathered mask, but she was also very nice. He wondered whether they knew eachother out of costume? It was unlikely, and it was very possible they'd never even met. And even if they had, what then? Would this idyllic walk change their work climate? And if so, for better or worse?

Nicht Tanzer

Merlin fell silent, and Nicht Tanzer wondered what he was so lost in thought about. It seemed that behind his disguise, he'd gone to another imaginary world.

They continued to stroll along the dimly lit pathways, listening to the gentle sounds around them. She realised that she was now fiercely curious as to who he was, and looking forward very much to the time when all would be revealed!

Merlin the Magician

Merlin and the mysterious woman walked in silence, taking in the night simulation over the garden and enjoying eachother's company. Anonymity held an allure between them he wished would continue. But he knew that rarely ever happened.

As they rounded a path and caught sight of the revelers at the ball, he noticed that most people had begun to remove their masks. It must have been that time.

He stopped. "On second thought, I have an idea."

She looked at him, curiously silent.

"Why don't we meet as ourselves by the carousel?" He blinked his dark eyes and awaited her response.

Nicht Tanzer

Nicht Tanzers eyes widened at Merlin's suggestion, it was the last thing she'd suspected he would say.

"Well..." she hesitated "I suppose it's about time we did...do you mean in uniform, or just with our faces uncovered?"

Merlin the Magician

He saw between the feathers of her mask that her eyes beneath had grown very large at his suggestion. Perhaps he was too abrupt? He was not exactly a master of subtlety, even though he fared quite well this evening.

"I would say..." he looked up thoughtfully, "That we should be 'ourselves,' so to speak." He looked solemnly into her eyes. "I think perhaps away from the chaos of the ball, and in an environment where we would normally appear in uniform during a break in our duties, etcetera. What do you say?"

Nicht Tanzer

Returning Merlin's serious look, Nicht Tanzer smiled.

"Very well, I agree to your terms!" she looked away momentarily, thinking to herself.

"You say away from the ball...do you mean once the ball has finished...on another day?" she paused "And if so, does that mean we continue to enjoy the rest of this occasion as our 'alter egos'?"

Merlin the Magician

His dark eyes betrayed a slight uneasiness below his false cotton eyebrows, despite the steadiness in his voice. "I say we depart now, and meet at the designated locale. Have our own unmasking. If we choose, we can return here." The idea came to him while he explained. If things didn't, then they would part ways with no pressure and nobody there to see. However, if things worked out, they could return to the ball and enjoy the rest of the evening.

He heaved a sigh. "Well," he smiled. "I'll see you there in a few minutes."

As she nodded, he decided to try something new: he took her hand and kissed it. Then, he whirled around and departed for the arborium.