Excelsior

[Fiori]

Captain's Log, Stardate 57435.1

What was expected to be a routine check-up has taken a turn for the unexpected, after arriving at Draconis Prime to find the planet in an unrecognizable state. Instead of a sprawling metropolis with over a million inhabitants, we have arrived to find a primordial jungle with zero signs of intelligent life. A party has been beamed down to investigate further; consisting of myself, Science Officer Alenko, Commander Sh'raia and Ensign Fairbanks.

"Captain, this doesn't make any sense..." said Alenko, scanning the local flora with a troubled look on his face. "According to my sensors, Draconis Prime seems to have reverted to a pangean state"

"That's impossible!" spat Commander Sh'raia, the passionate Andorian storming up to her fellow Starfleet officer. "We all saw it just moments ago - this is a continental world! What are you saying, that we beamed back in time or something?"

"Improbable, perhaps, but..."

"BUT WHAT?"

"Enough you two!" yelled the Captain, rubbing her troubled brow. The Department of Temporal Investigations were going to have a field day with this one. "Ensign, any lifesigns?"

"Nothing yet Captain" said Ensign Fairbanks, only to be interrupted by a loud beeping from her scanner. "Wait... I'm picking something up!"

There was a bright flash of light, the four intrepid Starfleet officers blocking their eyes as a mysterious Being materialised. Over ten feet tall, with an androgynous build and an air of superiority about them.

"Captain, get back!" cried Fairbanks, reaching for her phaser.

"FAIRBANKS, DON'T!"

Too late. The Being raised their hand and fired a beam of light from its finger, striking Fairbanks in the chest. The ensign let out a pained scream, as their corporeal form was rapidly reduced to...


"Miss Riley?"


"Hmm?" went Florida, looking up from the notes on her desk. "Oh, sorry! Was having a brainwave!"

"Ahuh..." replied Mrs Donner, hands on her hips. "Can you tell me who George Orwell is?"

A couple desks along, Koa sat back in his chair with a guilty look on his face.

"Oh? Of course!" said Florida, clearing her throat and sitting up straight. "He's the author of Animal Farm and 1984, and the reason why we use the term Orwellian to describe heavily-surveyed totalitarian societies!"

Mrs Donner blinked. "Well... Alright then, carry on Miss-" she began, before spotting something out of the corner of her eye. "MARCY, what have I told you about gum in class?!"

((Florida Riley continued in Excuse me, may I interest you in...?))