PROGRAM LOG
By Junior
*Writer’s note - This story contains a fictitious filming of an Emergency! episode. When they are in character I have written it to look like so <person: yadda, yadda, yadda>. When I am in character I will be refered to as <Me:>*********
Part 1:
This is too Cool! I had a full day of walking as I toured around the different movie studios. On a hot summer day in California, I was walking around armed with a camera, mini camcorder and autograph book all packed up in a backpack. I had seen many movie sets and movie stars the past few days on my vacation. How would I ever know that this day would be the best day of my life!?
Touring solo I saw a studio door open. Being the nosy person that I am, I strolled over to take a peek inside. Lights were on but no one was around. A sign posted on the door announced STUDIO B- LUNCH BREAK-1 HOUR. I’ll just sneak in, check it out, take a picture or two and leave.
Hopping over power cable cords, I glanced around and saw different sets spread across the studio. To my surprise, I knew what it was. This is the set for Star Trek Voyager!
I saw the Bridge, Captain’s Quarters, Shuttle and Sick Bay sets. Walking towards them to check them out more closely, I noticed a set that made me giggle. It was a pair of doors with a sign reading Holodeck. This set is used as a “make your dream come true” room. I couldn’t resist. I’m not a Star Trek fanatic, but childhood dreams of being able to use the Holodeck were getting the better of me.
When I got closer, I saw the design a bit better. There was a panel next to the closed doors. I opened it up to find the Halodeck getting power. Looking around to see if I was still alone and finding out so, I cleared my throat and said, “Computer?”
I got a 'beep-beep' response just like on the show. I let out a short laugh and continued. “Computer make new program log titled Fantasy 51.”
'Beep-beep,' “New program log installed. Begin programming,” the computer responded.
Wow! This was getting very exciting. Thinking of what to program was not a problem. “Computer set place in front of 2049, 223rd Street Carson, California,” I said.
'Beep-beep,' “Place recorded,” The computer answered.
Hum, I need a date. Think, brain, think. OK, I’ll choose June 1st which is 4 days before my birthday. Now a year. I want to do this when the series got the actors more interactive with each other. Maybe a favorite episode....season 5 sounds good. “Computer set date June 1, 1976,” I said.
'Beep-beep,' “Date recorded,” The computer answered.
My heart was racing now. I stepped up to the Holodeck doors. They glided open. I stepped in and they closed behind me with a swoosh-clunk. I have seen how this set looks many times on TV. Seeing it in person though was pretty impressive. As my mind raced thinking that all this technology would actually be invented soon, I smirked. Well, time to day dream! I wish this really worked...oh well. I let out a quick sigh and said, “Computer start program log Fantasy 51.”
There was a short pause and then I heard 'beep-beep,' “Program log Fantasy 51 starting,” the computer’s voice answered.
At first the set stayed quiet except for the hum of the power running to the sets. Then I heard computer like noises all around me. Loud beeps, clicks, and buzzing sounds were coming from every corner of the room. Before I could figure out what was going on a bright light lit up the whole Holodeck set. It was so bright that I had to close my eyes. In my mind I thought, "Oh no, what did I do? Did I break it?" Then, the sounds stopped and the light went off. I opened my eyes, rubbed to clear them and looked around.
My mouth dropped to the floor! What is going on? Where am I? This isn’t real! Am I dead? Then in awe I said aloud, “Oh wow...”
I found myself standing in front of Station 51. As I took in my surroundings, I was still in awe. The program placed me on the side walk just on the right of the driveway facing the station. Movie crews ran around doing checks and errands. Electrical cords cluttered up the floor like Pick-Up Sticks. Lights of different height and shape were set up. Cameras stood everywhere. I saw groups of people talking and many trucks, cars and trailers were parked along the street and behind the station. The station’s big bay door was open and both the engine and squad were parked inside.
I stepped back so as not to get mowed over by the people running back and forth. I’m dead and I went to heaven... I’m dreaming...no, I’ve got it! I got so excited hoping about the Holodeck working that I passed out. That’s got to be it! Right now I am laying on the floor of the Holodeck set unconscious...
I caught a glimpse of two guys talking out of the corner of my eye. Those uniforms look familiar. I turned to see who it was and did a double take. It’s Kevin Tighe and Mike Norell, in costume, talking to each other! I think I’m gonna pass out...again!
Trying not to look like a bumbling idiot in front of the actors, I put my hands in my pockets and sneaked past them to take a look behind the station. Slipping by unnoticed, I walked past a trailer with the door open.
“Come on Dennis, I want more screen time! Tell the writers to write an episode around me or something...,” I heard a man say.
Another man replied, “I’m trying Tim, but you’ve got to give us some ideas. Do you want more with Henry, as the Phantom, in an accident...what?”
I know one of those voices. While trying to lean over to get a peek inside, I lost my balance and toppled over, taking an actor’s chair next to the trailer down with me.
BANG!
Before I knew it, I was on the ground. I made just enough noise and commotion to make Tim and Dennis stop talking long enough to stick their heads out. What they saw must have looked hysterical because Dennis started laughing and Tim let out a loud gawk.
I took a glance at myself to see my legs tangled up in the chair’s legs. My face went beet red. Good move slick! Just be cool...
“Hey, are you all right?” A man’s voice asked.
I looked up to see Kevin staring down at me. “I’m....ahhh....well.....yeah.....um....hi!” Oh yeah, that was smooth.
“Here, let me help you, ok?” Kevin said.
“Yeah...ah....thanks,” I replied.
Kevin grabbed hold of my legs and untangled them from the chair. Then he put his hand out to offer a boost up. I grabbed his hand and with a gentle tug from him, I was up on my feet again. I patted myself down to get any dirt off. Trying to get an ounce of composure back and barely succeeding I said, “Thank you. I’m really sorry about the chair.”
“Well, I don’t think the chair will need an IV or anything,” He said and noticed how nervous I was. Kevin smiled. “You sure you're all right?”
“Yes, thanks again. By the way, are you Kevin Tighe from the TV show Emergency!?” Ok, I’m saying full sentences now.
“Yes I am. And you are...” Kevin asked.
“My name is Connie. I’m...um...visiting and I kinda found myself in this area,” I answered. Yeah right, more like beamed here or something. “I stopped to see the show in action. I guess I supplied the action though.”
We both laughed at what I said, and I found myself calming down a bit. Here I was in 1976 seeing my favorite TV show actors in person! Now I’m talking to Kevin Tighe. Kevin Tighe!!! Will wonders ever cease? “Look,” I said, “it’s an honor to meet you. You're a great actor and I love the show and all the characters.”
“Thank you,” Kevin said shyly.
I think I just made him blush! That smile of his and his costume...whoa...must keep myself from turning into a drooling crazy person. I am face to face with the actor who plays Roy DeSoto! What should I say to him?
“Hey Kevin, aren’t you going to introduce me to the new stunt woman?” Mike Norell asked. While I was in a trance staring at Kevin, I didn’t notice him walk up to us.
“Sure I will. Connie I’d like you to meet Mike...”
“Norell. Yes, I know his name. I am a big fan of yours also. Your part as Station Captain is great! I’m VERY pleased to meet you,” I said. Mike stuck his hand out and we shook hands. This can’t be happening! I wonder if I can meet the others...
“I’m pleased to meet you too, Connie. Are you enjoying yourself?” Mike asked
Enjoying myself? What kind of a question is that? I’m practically wanting to bear your children... "Yes I am, thank you. I’ve only been here for about 10 minutes or so...say, is it alright if I get your autographs?"
“Sure,” said Mike.
“Not a problem,” said Kevin.
“The book is just inside my backpack here. Let me get it out.” I pulled the backpack off and opened it up. “Boy, when I get back home, I’m going to have to write this whole day up. I can’t believe I’m meeting you guys! All my friends who love the show are going to be jealous. Here’s the book.”
“I’ve got it!” A voice screamed inside the trailer. Dennis came out being followed by Tim Donnelly who plays Chet Kelly. “You there, yes you,” he said pointing at me. “My name is Dennis Donnelly, and I direct some of the shows. This here is my brother Tim.” Dennis grabbed me by both of my arms and looked me up and down.
“Yes, yes. Perfect! You are perfect,” said Dennis. “Tim, I think I have an idea how you can get an episode with more screen time. Come on, I’ll explain it over some coffee.” He let go of me and walked away with Tim following behind.
What just happened here? What did I say? I looked at both Kevin and Mike but saw no answers in their looks. They were just as confused as I was.
Dennis turned around before he went back into the trailer, looked at me and said, “Now you don’t go anywhere. I need you. Kevin, Mike, you’re in charge of keeping her from wandering off. Oh, and... keep her away from anymore chairs.” He smiled and disappeared into the trailer.
All three of us just stared at each other. What is going on...