| Ch: |
Computer, identify a program.
|
| Co: |
The program in progress is a holonovel based on the epic Earth
poem "Beowulf".
|
| Tu: |
Beowulf?
|
| Ch: |
An ancient English epic said(?) in 6th century Denmark if I remember
correctly. It's about a hero named Beowulf, who fights a creature
that's terrorizing a kingdom of murdering its subjects. Monsters
and a sword play, that sort of thing.
|
| Tu: |
I'm not detecting any life signs, but there's still considerable
interference.
|
| Ch: |
I can't determine the source.
|
| Fr: |
Speak as a friend, or stand, challenge.
|
| Tu: |
Computer, delete character.
|
| Ch: |
The holodeck command systems must not be functioning, either.
|
| Tu: |
We must also consider the possiblity that the safty programs
are malfunctioning as well.
|
| Fr: |
I am Freya, sealed(?) maiden, daughter of King Hrothgar. I hold
this guard post if(?) any intruders who would bear us harm. So declare
yourselves. I will hear your answer before you march any farther
through this land.
|
| Tu: |
We have no desire to trespass. However, we are on urgent mission. So if
you allow us to continue, we would appreciate it.
|
| Fr: |
What land you call home? Your faces tell me you are not men of Danes.
Are you kinsmen of Beowulf?
|
| Ch: |
Yes, We are Beowulf's kinsmen. My name is Chakotay, and this is Tuvok.
Have you seen Beowulf?
|
| Fr: |
Yes. He was like no other. Hair straight and raven black, eyes bright
with fierce fire, the burning gaze of a hero.
|
| Tu: |
Grand(?) elephant's(?) not outstanding. That would qualify as the
description of Mr.Kim. How would you know he was Beowulf?
|
| Ch: |
This is Harry's holonovel. It makes sense that he be playing the hero.
She might be able to help us figure out what happened to him.
|
| Tu: |
A reasonable assumption.
|
| Fr: |
Your kinsman was truly noble warrior. It is right you should revenge
his death.
|
| Ch: |
Yes. But first we'd like to know more about how Beowulf died.
|
| Fr: |
Of course. Come. I'll take you to the King.
|
| Fr: |
Hail, Lord Hrothgar. I bring new friends, Chakotay and Tuvok,
kinsmen of Beowulf, who come to revenge his death. Greet them well.
|
| Hr: |
I would welcom you to my home. But the days of blood tidings
are gone from this place. We agree with you for your kinsman.
|
| Ur: |
We'd hoped that the warrior Beowulf's strength and renown would be
able to liberate us from our curse.
|
| Tu: |
Could you tell us exactly what happened to him?
|
| Ur: |
He met with the same fate as the 30 of our own warriors.
|
| Hr: |
Grendel.
|
| Tu: |
That's the monster who's been attacking you.
|
| Hr: |
Repeled my light and a laughter. The beast waits until we slumber then
left every(?) more squendre(?) comes in murderous range to my home
to take my people. There is nothing anyone can do to stop it.
If you were wise, you would forgo your vengeance and return home.
Death lives here now.
|
| Ur: |
My lord is fatigue. It is time to retire.
|
| Tu: |
We'd like more information about Beowulf. Would it be possible to
examine his body?
|
| Fr: |
The body of Beowulf is gone, dragged down to Grendel's foul ????,
no doubt. be sleaves(?) no traces.
|
| Ch: |
Did any one actually see the battle?
|
| Fr: |
No. Beowulf chose to face Grendel alone.
|
| Ch: |
And I think we'd like to see this Grendel for ourselves.
|
| Ur: |
To what purpose? To raise false hopes of our king again did your kinsman?
Leave us alone in our misery.
|
| Fr: |
Unferth. He's man of our guests. You'll show them our hospitality they
deserve.
|
| Un: |
They deserve nothing. If their Beowulf was truly the champion he
clamed to be, then Grendel would be dead. His head mounted on a spear.
Instead we spend at another night in terror.
|
| Tu: |
If you allow us to assist you, perhaps we could help alleviate
your terror.
|
| Un: |
Your names mean nothing to me. There's no song of your deeds, no
stories about battles of your fort. Who are you to believe you could
slay Grendel?
|
| Tu: |
We have no intention of slaying anyone. We simply wish to examin
the creature.
|
| Ur: |
Uwhaaa...Grendel might not wish to be examined without a fight.
And if you would fight Grendel, then you would first prove your worth
to me. Defend yourselves.
|
| Hr: |
You're able warriors. You may stand as sentries tonight.
|
| Fr: |
Oh, brave man. I hope to see you again, fate permitting.
|