Poltergeist #32"
By: Jeff Westfall, Tactical Officer, [PST]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58204.20 1845

=Sick Bay, USS Zion=

I still have some things to do here, would you mind picking me up at my quarters around 18.45?" Teilani asked.

"That sounds excellent. I'll go get changed then into a clean attire. Thanks for your help Doctor".

"Very well Mr. Westfall, until later."

"I'll double check and see if I can get holodeck 2 in the mean time. I'll see you then, at your quarters".

"I'll see you then". Teilani quickly finished up her work and left some last instructions for her head nurse Ally. She went to her quarters and decided not to put on a uniform but the new green dress she had purchased previously on QT. She had been in her uniform much too long and decided to dress up for the occasion.

Jeff Westfall went back to his quarters, changed into a proper tailored suit, complete with jacket, vest, dress shirt with cuff links and tie bar, and a pair of Doc Marten style dress boots that were apparently popular at the time. They were comfortable for walking, and spit polished to a high sheen.

Jeff chose a black necktie with the Maquis Crest on the middle third. It was old-fashioned, but fit the period of Earth; at least as he understood it.

He took a quick sonic shower, and got dressed quickly.

Proceeding quickly, he made his way to the Doctor's quarters, "At the Double". He stood for a moment and straightened his jacket, then rang the door chime.

Teilani fixed the last part of her hair instead of putting it in a ponytail she had put it up, small rhinestones attached to some strands. "Enter", she called.

Jeff Westfall entered, and took a deep breath when he saw the Doctor, dressed not in Uniform, but very formally attired. "Doctor, you look wonderful," he said. "I can see now we're going to have quite an evening".

"Thank you Mr Westfall", Teilani responded. "You look pretty smart yourself too. Shall we go? Please lead the way."

"Holodeck 2 has been booked for two and a half hours, there's the dinner program I've been working on, and then a little entertainment for later, if you'd like".

"Well I have nothing else planned for this evening, she said amused. "So Mr Westfall I am al yours." Teilani was curious as to what kind of program he had planned. She needed a break and was planning to have herself a good time.

Jeff Westfall offered Dr. Dane his arm, and walked in step beside her, slowly, enjoying the casual occasion, one of few in which he'd had company.

They arrived at Holodeck two, and Jeff activated the interface, pushing a button, bringing the controls on-line from standby. "Computer: Activate Red Lion One Westfall Delta Three".

**********

The doors opened to show a 21st Century main street thoroughfare, complete with noisy electric conveyances called "Streetcars". Long before the advent of the Transporter, people relied on personal vehicles called "cars". Those who didn't have "cars" used "Public Transit".

A short walk down the block hung a black and red sign above a door that said "Red Lion Pub". Quality English Fare served Here Daily.

"There's our Pub, just down there, across the street, Dr. Dane. We'll cross at the traffic light when it turns green.

Teilani looked around amazed. "You have created this program Mr. Westfall," she asked. "It is amazing. I have never been to earth so this is all so new to me".

Both Westfall and Dane crossed the street and headed for the entrance of the pub. "Mr Westfall, as we are in our off time, perhaps you can call me Teilani or Red, what ever pleases you."

Well, I think in that case, Teilani would be appropriate, it's a very pretty name. Can you tell me what it's origin is"?

"It is a name my grandmother had, Teilani explained. "But where it really comes from I do not know. My mother might have known it."

Teilani stepped through the door and entered the pub, the atmosphere was cosy and relaxed. There were not many people present.

"I can understand that, it sounds vaguely Celtic, but I'm not sure. I know it suits you. "

You just looked like you'd been through the wringer today when I saw you, so I thought I'd invite you to experience a bit of my hobby--holosuite programming. I started learning how to apply it when I wanted to improve the training simulations, I finally after some "messing about" managed to construct a data grid to import actual ship's log metrics into the program. I decided to try and model programs out of other environments from descriptions in books of history and fiction. I find reality to be the most stimulating creative influence".

"I see", Teilani responded. "I must admit you have done a terrific job. But let's not talk about work. We are here to have a nice time aren't we?"

Teilani walked to an empty table and sat down.

"That sounds right to me, I sometimes let my fascination with my work "boil over" and become far too pervasive in the other aspects of my life.

Jeff sat down across from Teilani and took a sip of the water that was at their places. The decor of the restaurant was dark panelled oak, with electric chandelier lighting. The silver was polished, and the glasses with the water were heavy and large.

Over in the corner behind them, was an area secured, and covered in cork with a clear safety screen. A 20 sectioned target was being hit with sharply pointed projectiles, aided by what looked like avian "Feathers

A table behind the players held their beverages while they took turns going "around the clock".

Teilani looked around the pub it was a delightful place. "Jeff, What is that for, a kind of game? she asked. It looks difficult".

It's a game called "Darts", I found it described in an old volume of games, and decided to try and replicate it. The hardest part was replicating the darts," there were no aerodynamic specs. I think I got them done right. If you'd like we can delete the holo_players and try it out.

"I would love to try it out, but to be honest I am a little hungry. Perhaps we could eat first?" she asked

"Well, then you're in for a real treat. This place has a fabulous Regular Cut, Extra Cut, and King Cut Prime Rib Roast of Beef, with Yorkshire pudding, brown Gravy, roast new potatoes, fresh baby green peas, and garden fresh horseradish...and that will cure sinus congestion faster than any hypospray you've got".

"Well as you seem to know all about it, perhaps you could order for us", Teilani asked. She was curious as to the type of food. It did sound delicious. She took a sip from her water and looked at Jeff. "By the way, I understand they do *REAL* coffee here. They import their beans directly, they're not replicated".

Jeff caught their waitress' eye, and she came over to their table. "Can I get you something from the bar"?

Teilani I'd recommend a white wine cooler to begin, and a cup of Jamaican Blend, Double Strong, Double Sweet, Jumbo".

Teilani laughed. "That sounds good to me Jeff. It seems that by now everybody knows my cravings for coffee."

"Well, there's nothing like "The genuine article" to taste good, when it's drip perked. I'd say you're doing okay if that's your "primary addiction". "And I'll have a Tall Club soda with a twist of lime, on ice". It did not took long before the waitress came to deliver their drinks and placed the wine cooler beside their table.

"That's excellent, thank you Laura," Jeff said, looking at her name tag.

"Have you decided what you'd like to order," Laura asked.

"I think we'd like two of the King Cut Roast Beef platters with extra horseradish".

"That's an excellent choice, Sir", Laura said, looking at Teilani. "Ma'am, I hope you brought an appetite, the King Cut is 16 Oz of Prime Rib Roast of Beef," Laura said.

Teilani took a sip of her wine. "O yes I am nearly starving, It seems my last meal was 3 days ago."

At the same time their waitress came and placed two big plates on the table.

"And you probably drink coffee as a meal substitute. Here's dinner. Be careful, the Horseradish is a sinus clearing specialty, and enough to blow the top of your head off in large quantity".

Teilani took her knife and fork and cut a piece of the roast beef. As she tucked it in her mouth she was overwhelmed by the taste of it. It was like something she had never tasted before. Carefully she took a bit of the horseradish, taking Jeff's warning. She skewed it, and promptly she had to sneeze, and tears appeared in her eyes. "Boy you were right this is strong stuff", she said laughing, quickly she took a sip from her wine.

"That's why it's a good idea to have a good glass of something cold nearby...beer works, wine works, milk works, and so does Chinese Green Tea--just don't ask me why. Just take your time and eat slowly, a certain Medical Officer tells me rushing causes indigestion".

Teilani smiled. “I think I know which Medical officer you refer too.”

The place was beginning to fill, as the dinnertime crowd arrived, and the sun set to the west, filling the sky with a red orange glow, accented by whispy clouds overhead, looking like floating cotton.

Would you like some music to go with dinner Teilani?

“I would love to hear some music,” she responded.

"What Genre do you enjoy"?

“Something from earth, something quite and nice like country and western.

"That sounds good, I'll ask our Waitress".

Jeff caught Laura's eye, and she came over to ask "Is there something else I can get for you"?

Yes, Laura, could you please ask Michael to call up the band now? We'd like some country and western music. And could I have a cup of coffee Jamaican Blend, Double Strong, Double Sweet when you have a moment"?

"Certainly", she said. Laura walked to the bar, and spoke to Michael, the bartender.

The house lights dimmed, and from the side door, a group appeared wearing a uniform of sorts, black denim trousers, called "jeans", and cotton shirts, apparently made of the same material , and ties of western style. Their boots were "Cowboy Style", and elaborately tooled.

"And now, by special request", Michael said picking up a microphone from the cabinet below the bar, "We have "THE POSSE to provide some musical entertainment for your listening enjoyment". The Band Leader walked over to Teilani and said, "Good Evening Ma'am, what would your listening pleasure be this evening"?

“Hm Teilani frowned. “There used to be a song that I particularly liked. Now let me think. Yes it is called Green Green Grass of Home.

"That's a very good choice Ma'am, we're happy to take requests, My name's Reg, do me a favour please, and just whistle if ya think of anything else".

"We will do that thanks, Reg", Jeff replied.

Reg walked back up to the stage, and the house lights went down, a spotlight shone from the other side of the room, bathing Teilani in a bright wash of light. Reg spoke up, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we've had a special request from my new friend "Red" here, for a song that's near and dear to our hearts. Green Green Grass of Home, a song particularly associated with our good friend, the late great John Denver, who was killed tragically in a plane crash, doing what he loved, to fly. May he rest in peace, and sing in heaven with the angels of God".

"Red: This one's for you...Keep smilin'"!

"The old home town looks the same as I step down from the train, and there to meet me is my Mama and Papa. Down the road I look and there runs Mary hair of gold and lips like cherries. It's good to touch the green, green grass of home. Yes, they'll all come to meet me, arms reaching, smiling sweetly. It's good to touch the green, green grass of home. The old house is still standing tho' the paint is cracked and dry, and there's that old oak tree I used to play on...".

Jeff enjoyed seeing Teilani having a good time, she'd made a valiant effort with the Roast Beef Platter, and eaten *ALL* her vegetables. He had half a mind to ask Commander Wright to find out if she's got a hollow leg. He smiled, knowing he'd finally got the home grown horseradish *right*.

As Teilani was basking in the glow of the moment, singing along as she remembered the words from so long ago, Jeff stood up, and walked over to see Reg, and asked for Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places," one of his own rollicking favourites...it was definitely "Up Tempo".

Jeff walked back to their table. “Would you care to dance Teilani,” he asked. “I am not that good in it,” Teilani admitted. “It has been a while.”

Jeff smiled. Just follow my lead and you will be fine. He took Teilani’s hand and let her to the little dance floor.

It didn’t take long before Teilani had the ritme and she and Jeff danced until somewhere far away the sun came up.