From: ALLEN MELINDA K 
Subject: Just a Bit of Light

A note for chronology buffs: this episode takes place between "Meltdown"
and "Ripper at LMC1."


[Aboard the Subaru, Quixote is sleeping peacefully in his Star Fleet
uniform, which he would never wear otherwise.  His armor and sword are
in one corner.  In another corner stands a bookcase filled with various
books of poetry, fiction, and heroic deeds done by other great knights
(he has begun to rebuild his collection of chivalric tales)  As he
sleeps, Sancho also rests peacefully, his head nestled comfortably on
Dave's stomach.]

[Suddenly, Sancho begins to stir.  He gets up and sniffs around, which
leads him to the door.  Once Sancho gets up, Quixote immediately awakes
and looks to see what his squire is up to.]

Quixote: Sancho?  Sancho, you half-witted peasant, what are you doing?

[Sancho now comes to the door and begins to run in circles, barking
crazily.]

Quixote: You say there is adventure in the air?  Perhaps it is a fiery
     dragon, or a basilisk which has somehow entered the Queen's castle.
     I must defend her!  I shall drive the fiend out.  Sancho, my armor!

[Sancho runs over to Dave Quixote's armor and nudges it over to Dave
with his muzzle.  It falls to the floor with a resounding clang.  The
breastplate practically flies right into Dave's hands, so, thanking
Sancho, our knight begins to put it on.  Five minutes later, he is still
putting it on.]

Quixote: Ugh . . . this is not . . . ugh . . . easy to do . . .

[The door opens and Lieutenant Panza enters, curious about the noise.
Quixote has his back to the door, and does not see his old friend
standing there.]

Quixote: (to his dog) Er, friend Sancho, would you help me don my
     armour?  It seems rather difficult.

[Sancho (the dog) runs behind Quixote.  Panza lifts up the armor, helps
Quixote put his armor on, and straps it together.]

Panza: There you go, Your Grace.

Sancho: Woof woof!  Woof woof woof.

[Sancho's barking covers up Panza's talking so that Quixote does not
hear Panza.]

Quixote: Ah, many thanks, loyal friend.  Now I shall get my sword, and
     we will be off.

[Panza can see there won't be any more noise coming from here, assumes
Quixote is merely going to engineering, and leaves.  Quixote grabs his
sword, and he and Sancho march out the door.]

Quixote: (bursting into song--a full orchestra appears out of nowhere to
     accompany him.)

     Hear me now, oh you bleak and unbearable world,
     Thou art base and debauched as can be,
     And a knight with his banners all bravely unfurled
     Now hurls down his gauntlet to...

[The song is interrupted when one of the doors along the corridor opens
and a rather sleepy crewmember leans out.]

Crewmember: HEY!  Knock it off!  I'm trying to get some sleep!

[A big tuba player gets up and starts to argue with this crewmember, at
which many other doors open and many other crewmembers start to
complain.  Dave Quixote, no longer singing, continues on his journey,
blissfully unaware of the altercation, prepared to fend off the fiercest
of foes single-handedly.]

Sancho: (stops in front of a door and begins to sniff) Grrrr.

Quixote: Have you found the enemy, Sancho?  I shall destroy it.  (after
     a pause, looking at the door)  Why, these are the Lady Missy's
     quarters.  The fiend!  Doubtless, his plan is to attack her in her
     sleep, while she is defenseless.  But I shall rescue her!

[Sword held high, Quixote charges Missy's doors, which are unlocked and
automatically open.  Shenando sees the pair barge in, and immediately
leaps to attack, her fur standing on end.  As she leaps, Sancho yelps in
terror and runs toward the door.  Unfortunately, the door does not
register his mass and he runs right into it, then falls confused to the
floor.  Shenando now leaps at Quixote and bounces off his armor.]

Quixote: A dragon.  Perhaps even the same one that attacked us down on
     the lower floors of the Queen's castle.  I shall destroy it now.

[The next minutes are difficult to capture accurately.  Suffice it to
say that Quixote swings wildly at Shenando and succeeds in cutting
grooves in the side of Missy's walls, knocking a few things over, and
generally making a mess of her room.  A few of her seats are impossible
to identify after this fight. Meanwhile, Shenando is screeching wildly,
running here, there, and everywhere, clawing up whatever furniture
Quixote doesn't cut up.  As the two of them go at it, Sancho comes to
his senses and tries all sorts of ways to escape from the dreaded
Shenando.  At last he decides the best method is to tunnel out, and
therefore attempts to dig through the floor, but succeeds only in
tearing up Missy's carpet.  Missy, who until this time had been sound
asleep in the adjoining bedroom, is soon awakened by this caterwauling. 
At first she is convinced it's just a nightmare, but gradually realizes
what is going on.  She storms out of her bedroom and immediately is hit
by the remains of one of her sofa cushions.  Shenando is attached to it
and quickly scrambles up into Missy's hair where she is safe.]

Missy: (outraged)  Lights on!

[The lights come on, and we now see the battleground.  Nothing is left
untouched or unmarked.  Everything is scratched, torn, shredded, or
worse.]

Quixote: Lady Missy!  Thanks be to the Preserver that you are still
     alive!  I was afraid this dragon had slain you in your repose.

Missy: (red with anger) GET OUT!  GET OUT OF MY ROOM!

Quixote: But...we came only to protect you, milady.

Missy: PROTECT?  HAH!  GET OUT NOW!  AND TAKE YOUR STUPID MUTT WITH YOU!

[Quixote and Sancho leave the room.  The door shuts behind them, and
they walk back to their quarters.]

Quixote: Be not disheartened, loyal Sancho.  Even Jesu's good works were
     not accepted, but he was scorned by men and eventually led to his
     death by those he loved.

[Missy, meanwhile, surveys the damage done to her room.  White with
rage, she storms out of her room, dressed in her nightgown, Shenando
still clinging to her hair, and stamps her way to the bridge.  One
crewman whistles at her, and finds his head sticking through the ceiling
while his body dangles about three and a half feet above the floor, his
legs flailing wildly.  Missy arrives on the bridge.  half japanese is in
charge.  Missy grabs her by the collar and drags her so they are nearly
touching nose to nose.]

Missy: I want him cured *now*, do you hear me?

hj: Missy, that's an . . . interesting hat you have.  And just who is it
     you want cured?

[Shenando jumps down.]

Missy: That madman Quixote just trashed my room trying to kill my
     defenseless cat.  I want him cured *now.*

hj: What am I supposed to do?  Aside from his oddities, he's a perfectly
     normal, functioning member of this crew.

Missy: I think it's more than a mere oddity that motivates a man to put
     on armor and think he's a knight.  He's a lunatic, captain.  He has
     to be cured before he hurts himself or another member of this crew.

hj: All right, all right.  I'll have him see Eliana tomorrow.  Satis-
     fied?  Eliana's the best counselor in the fleet.  Primarily because
     she doesn't juggle.

Missy: Fine.  But captain, once my ribs are healed, I'm going to try to
     cure him my own way if this doesn't work.

hj: If you say so.  Now why don't you get some sleep?  I'll send him
     over tomorrow.  He's been on the Melbourne before, so I doubt there
     will be any trouble.

[Still angry, Missy stomps off the bridge.  We cut to a scene of Dave in
his quarters, once more peacefully asleep as if nothing had happened. 
The screen fades to black.]

************************************************************************
STAR TREK: THE CROUTON GENERATION "Just A Bit of Light"
By Melinda K. Allen and Dave Learn

With thanks to C.S. Lewis, Miguel de Cervantes, and (as always)
     Christina Marzano for their significant contributions/inspiration
     for this episode.  Also, thank you to Dale Wasserman, Mitch Leigh, and Joe
     Darion, who are responsible for the most excellent musical, "Man of La
     Mancha," and who generously loned us music and lyrics for this episode.    

Text edited by: Tom Donaghey
                Dave Learn

Exclamation points censored by: Dave Learn

Directed by: Eustace Clarence Scrubb
             (and he almost deserved it, too!)

Music by: Salamanca Symphony Orchestra
          Again, thanks to Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion in this department.

Lighting by: Fiat Lux, Inc.
************************************************************************

[Darkness.  We hear a confused, muffled series of noises; gunfire,
shooting, the sounds of tramping feet and over all this the recognizable
sound of Eliana screaming; we see a few dim, red-tinted shots of
violence, explosions, people running, and so on.  Gradually, these
pictures fade and a bedroom appears dimly, where we see a human form in
bed, shaking under the blanket, tossing and turning.  Suddenly, the
noise reaches a crescendo and the form sits bolt upright into the camera
as all sound cuts off abruptly.  It is Eliana.  Aren, who until now had
been sound asleep and still as a log, sits up next to her and puts his
arms around her as she trembles and gasps for breath.]

Aren: You've had the nightmare again.

[Eliana nods and clings to her husband.]

Aren: I think you should see the doctor in the morning.

Eliana: (firmly, now calmer)  No.  I'll be fine.

Aren: But this is the fourth time this week.  Why won't you see the
     doctor?

Eliana: I don't want to talk about it, Aren.  Please...just leave me
     alone.  I'll be fine.

Aren: (concerned)  Eliana, you know you can't fool me, so stop trying so
     hard.  Everyone else on this ship thinks you've adjusted so
     wonderfully.  But I know you haven't--you're just making it harder
     on yourself by pretending everything's all right.  Why do you
     insist on playacting like this?

Eliana: Please, Aren.  I...I just want some sleep.  We'll talk about it
     tomorrow.

[She lies down again and turns away from him.  With an exasperated sigh,
Aren also lies back in bed and closes his eyes.]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL BREAK


* Do you have trouble sleeping?
* Do you have horrible nightmares?
* Is your rest disrupted by agonized memories of alien invasions?


Then try *NEW* Morphinex, the wonderful new drug that will guarantee you
a long, useful sleep, no matter how terrible your dreams get.

[Picture of a man in his bedroom, sound asleep, screaming in terror.]

Morphinex!  The new wonder drug from Melathrion Medicine.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[It is afternoon on the Melbourne.  Muirden is sitting in his office at
his desk.  Aren paces back and forth in front of him.]

Muirden: So, you say she really hasn't adjusted as well as it seems.

Aren: She hasn't adjusted at all, Captain.  Eliana has always been one
     to hide her problems from the rest of the world.  Really, I'm
     surprised she ever said anything to the drewid about me--they must
     have been good friends.  But she can't hide it from me, no matter
     how hard she tries.  And now--I just don't know what to do.  She IS
     trying to hide it from me--she's never tried to close her mind to
     me before.

Muirden: Perhaps she just doesn't want you to worry about her?

[Aren finally sits, glances about the room, and sighs frustratedly.]

Aren: I know.  But she's only making me worry more.  (pauses)  Captain,
     Eliana truly loves her job as Counselor--she's always wanted to
     help other people, and she's good at it, too.  But I just don't see
     how she can continue to help others if she won't allow anyone to
     help her.

Muirden: Are you sure it's this bad, Aren?  I mean...she seems quite
     happy when I see her, quite well adjusted to the blindness.

Aren: I wish you were right, Captain.  But it's all an act--I know her,
     and she hasn't been able to close her feelings off that completely. 
     And lately, she's been having horrible nightmares, usually the same
     one.  She hasn't actually told me about it, but I know that lately,
     her mind is full of the awful memories, especially of that last
     Anterean attack, in which her brother and sister were killed...

Muirden: And you were taken...

Aren: Yes.  And also, the awful terror that she felt when she woke up to
     darkness in that Anterean hospital bed.

Muirden: Well, if it were anyone else on my crew, I would order them to
     see the Ship's Counselor.  Perhaps I could have a counselor from
     one of the other ships come to see Eliana.

Aren: And if she refuses that?

Muirden: If things are as bad as you say they are, then she has no
     choice.  If she wishes to remain Counselor aboard the Melbourne,
     then she MUST get things together for herself first.  I'll have a
     talk with  her this evening, as soon as she's off duty.

[Dramatic chords.]

Aren: Thank you, Captain.  If...if only she'd listen to me, I'd know how
     to help her myself.  But she just won't listen.  I appreciate your
     help.

[Aren rises to leave.  Muirden remains contemplatively at his desk. 
After the doors close behind the young man, the Captain muses aloud.]

Muirden: I wonder--does Eliana know that Aren has come to me?  Probably
     she doesn't, or else she would have found some way to stop him. 
     (wryly)  This whole affair should be quite interesting.

[Eliana is walking with Aren in the corridors of the Melbourne.  He is
holding her arm, but they are not speaking with each other.  Eliana is
obviously very pregnant. She looks quite exhausted, and Aren just looks
worried.  Eliana's communicator bleeps.]

Muirden [ic]: Counselor?

Eliana: Yes (yawns) Captain?

Muirden [ic]: Could you please report to my Ready Room?  I've something
     important to discuss with you.

Eliana: Yes, Captain.  I'll be right there.  (to Aren)  Aren, could you
     take me there?  I've left my cane in the office.

[Aren nods and leads Eliana to the Captain's Ready Room.  He waits
outside as she enters.  Muirden motions for Eliana to have a seat, then
stops when he remembers she can't see him.  He gets up and helps her to
a chair.]

Muirden: Thank you for coming, Eliana.

Eliana: No problem, Captain.  Is there something wrong?

Muirden: Yes--I'm quite worried about one of my crewmembers.  I'm afraid
     she's trying to deal with problems too large for her to handle
     alone, but  she's refusing to share them with anybody else, and
     this is hurting her more than she'll let on.

Eliana: Hmm.  How do you know about this, sir?

Muirden: A good friend of hers knows about the problem and is very
     concerned for her. If all that he told me is true--and I believe
     it is--then I  think that she should get some counseling.  The
     problem is, whenever  he has suggested it to her, she has refused.

Eliana: Well...maybe if she won't let me be a counselor to her, I can at
     least be with her as a friend.  I could help that way more than...

Muirden: (exasperated)  No, Eliana.  That won't work.  Don't you see?
     (Realizes what he's just said and blushes)  The friend is Aren. 
     *You* are the crewmember I'm worried about.

Eliana: (shocked, then enraged)  What?  Aren has been talking to you
     (pauses) about me? ...I can't believe it.  I...why...what...what
     did he say?

Muirden: He tells me you've been having recurrent nightmares and that
     you haven't recovered emotionally at all from what you suffered on
     the Seventh Moon.  I'm glad he came to me, Eliana, because you're
     only hurting yourself by refusing to let anyone help you.

Eliana: That...that's not true.  I'm fine now.  And everyone has a
     nightmare once in a while.

Muirden: Four times in one week?  Aren says that your conscious mind has
     been full of bad memories about Xavion and Anterea lately, too.

Eliana: (weakly)  Not really.  Nothing too bad.

Muirden: Well, Aren's concern for you is enough to make me concerned as
     well.  And I have a feeling you aren't being quite honest about all
     this.  If you are having problems, then you need counseling not
     only to help yourself, but in order to be a greater help to the
     people you counsel.  (firmly) Therefore, I am ordering you to talk
     with a counselor as soon as one can be brought on board.  You may
     within reason choose the person you speak with, but you cannot be
     allowed to work as Ship's Counselor unless you speak with a
     counselor. (His tone softens) And...Eliana, I would certainly miss
     you. You've been a big help to everyone on this ship, and you've
     also become a good friend.  Please consider it.

[Eliana stands up and feels her way to the door.  Muirden watches her
leave, looking rather uncertain about his decision.  The door opens, and
Eliana walks out. Aren is still waiting in the corridor, and she
practically falls into his arms. He tries to hold her tightly, but she
stiffens visibly.]

[Muirden, still visible through the open door, overhearing the following
conversation, begins to look more and more sure of himself.]

Eliana: Why, Aren?  Why did you tell him?

Aren: I had to.  Don't you see--I'm worried about you, and I'm not going
     to let you go through this on your own.  Come on, now.  You're done
     with your appointments for the day--why don't you go get some
     sleep?

Eliana: But...if I sleep, the...the dream will come back, and I...
     (shudders)  No.  I can't.  I just... (unstiffens and hugs Aren
     tightly)  Couldn't we just go somewhere?  And talk?

Aren: Of course.

[He guides her through the corridors to the Ship's Lounge.] 

Aren: Let's go in here and sit awhile.  I could use something to drink,
     you?  And we could talk a bit.

Eliana: I...I suppose. 

[They enter the lounge and sit at a small, rather secluded table.  For a
few seconds, neither of them speaks.  Aren stares out a porthole at some
stars, and Eliana just sits silently, looking as if she is fighting the
tears fiercely.  Neither of them speak out loud, but we hear voiceovers
as they converse telepathically; rapidly, so the voices overlap.  Of
course, this discussion should take place in the Old Speech, but since I
don't have enough of a vocabulary built up, English will have to do.]

Aren: You know the Captain is right.  You've got to talk to a counselor.

Eliana: But I can't.

Aren: Why not? 

Eliana: I don't know any of them very well...

Aren: They're trained to help people, even ones they don't know.

Eliana: They don't know Shonyo.  They wouldn't understand.

Aren: Well, what would *you* say to someone in your position?

Eliana [out loud]: That's not fair, Aren.  It's not "someone else" in my
     position.  It's me.

Aren [startled by her voice, also aloud]: That's not an answer.

Eliana [voice-overs resume]: I know.  You're right--I'm so caught up in
     pretending.  I don't know if I can stop now.

Aren: You've got to.

Eliana: I've convinced everyone.  Everyone but myself...and you.

Aren: Our minds are linked together, Eliana. Unbreakably.

[A waiter comes to take their drink orders, and clears his throat rather
loudly when they don't seem to notice him.  Startled, Aren looks around
and then orders aloud.]

Aren: Two glasses of the honeyed mead, please. [return to voice-over]
     You can't fool me, Eliana. You know that. Why are you trying?

Eliana: Aren, I'm afraid.  This darkness--it's all around me,
     suffocating me.  When I was little and afraid of the dark, all I
     had to do was run to my window and look at the moons and the stars. 
     Now, when the darkness is closing in on me from all sides, I have
     no escape from it.  (She begins to speak aloud again, her voice
     filled with desperation)  All I want is a bit of light, Aren...just
     a bit of light.  It's terrifying to be locked in this darkness when
     I know that everyone around me can see light.  I just want to see
     light again.  It's not so much the faces or other sights that I
     miss--the things that mean the most to me--your face, Mount Ivan--I
     can picture perfectly in my imagination.  All the years we were
     apart, I would fall asleep holding some image from home  in my
     mind, so that I would never forget, and now it is easy to call up 
     the pictures.  But I can't picture light any longer.  That's what I 
     miss, Aren.  It's the light, the . . . well . . . the goldenness
     . . . the . . . I . . . I  can't even describe it the way I want
     to.

[Aren closes his eyes and takes her hand.]

Aren [voice over]: You don't need to describe it to me in words.  Speak
     to me as we have always spoken, your heart to mine.

[The camera angle changes, and we see them sit silently, eyes closed, as
their drinks are brought. After ten seconds or so their hands squeeze,
Eliana smiles briefly, and Aren, smiling, opens his eyes.]

Aren [voice over]: Will you do as the captain asks?  Will you talk with
     a counselor?

Eliana [voice over]: But...can't I just talk with you?  You know
     everything there is to know about me.

Aren: No.  I'm too close to you and all you're feeling. It's too much a
     part of me.

Eliana: Yes. You're right.  But I couldn't talk to a Federation
     counselor.  I need someone who knows Xavion, someone who knows
     Shonyo.

Aren: Perhaps Captain Muirden would let a Smarag come aboard.

Eliana: He said I could choose my counselor.  Please, Aren.  Let's talk
     with him about it.  If...if only Sharina could come.

Aren: Sharina?  The Sharina who lives like a hermit in the caves of
     Mount Ivan?

Eliana: Yes.  As I child I went to her whenever I had troubles.  And she
     always knew just how to help me--she always understood. (pauses)  I
     need Sharina, Aren.  I know she can help.

Aren: Very well, then.  Tomorrow we'll talk with the Captain.  Now, try
     to put the fears aside for a few hours.  Finish your drink and
     we'll go back to our quarters and enjoy this night.  Or we could
     take a walk on the Observation Deck, and I will share with you all
     that I see.  Perhaps I can give you your bit of light that way.

[They both sip at their drinks, and soon finish them.  Then Aren leads
Eliana from the Lounge as the scene fades to black.]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL BREAK

Bowling Bowls 'R' Us proudly presents it's semi-annual Halloween Sale,
featuring:

Black Bowling Balls!
Blue Bowling Balls!
Brown Bowling Balls!
Golden Bowling Balls!

And our special, collectors' item, 

          JACK O'LANTERN BOWLING BALLS!

Stop by Bowling Balls 'R' Us to take part in this amazing special.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[In Muirden's Ready Room.  Eliana and Aren are sitting next to each
other, in front of Muirden's desk.  Both of them look rather tired and
pale.]

Muirden: Well, Eliana, have you made your decision?

Eliana: Yes, Captain.  I will talk with a counselor.

[Muirden looks relieved.]

Muirden: Thank you, Eliana.  I'm glad.  Do you have a preference for a
     particular counselor, or shall I call a Federation ship?

Eliana: Well, Captain, I was hoping . . . I thought . . .

Aren: She was hoping that you would allow her to speak with one of the
     Smarags from Xavion.  They are trained as she has been, and they
     are more capable of understanding her problems than anyone else
     would be.

Muirden: Hmm.  I'd have to get approval from Star Fleet, but I think
     it's possible...and  Xavion is not too far from our current
     destination.  Once the Subaru has been delivered to the base, we
     could go for your Smarag.  Shall I put through a call to King
     Stephen?

Aren: There's no need--I've already been talking with him.  (At
     Muirden's surprised look, Aren grins a bit sheepishly)  Stephen is
     my best friend, Captain.  We have no need of communicators.  I have
     asked him to send for the Smarag Sharina, who lives in the
     mountains of Xavion.  By the time we can get there, she should be
     waiting for us.

 Muirden [gives him a hard look for a second, then shakes his head]:
     Bloody  difficult getting used to this telepathy of yours.  All
     right, I'll  put in a call to Admiral Bradford, and if it's all
     right with him, we can be in the Xavion System in just a few
     days.

Eliana: Thank you, Captain.  And...well...I'm sorry for all this.

Muirden: It's all right, Eliana.  I understand.  Now, I'm relieving
     you from your duties till this is all worked out.  I really think
     you've been overworking yourself, and that you need a break.  Go on
     and get some rest.

Eliana: Captain--are you sure?  I mean...there's so much...please--let
     me keep working.

Aren: Eliana, the captain's right.  You've been so busy trying to hide
     all this that you've exhausted yourself.  You need the rest.

Eliana: Well... I suppose I could use some time off.  Thank you again,
     Captain.

Muirden: No problem.  Go on now, and I'll let you know how Admiral
     Bradford responds.

[Aren and Eliana leave and Muirden turns to the small view-screen on his
desk. The scene fades and a commercial for some ridiculously overpriced
product comes on screen.]

[Interior, Subaru: main engineering.  hj is staring seemingly at nothing, a surprised look on her face.]

hj:  You know, I can't believe people actually fork out money on things like...
     what...we're on the air...oops.  (looks at the camera, smiles insanely, 
     then walks over to Quixote, who is helping to fix the damaged warp coils.]

Quixote: My queen!  (he bows, dropping the fragile magnatomic valve,
     which shatters on the floor, pieces scattering everywhere)

Worker: Groan.  That's the third one he's dropped by bowing to someone.

hj: Dave, come here for a few minutes.

Quixote: Certainly, your majesty.

[They walk over to the other side of engineering.]

hj: Dave, Missy tells me you entered her private quarters last night.

Quixote: 'Struth, I did.  A fiery dragon was threatening the Lady
     Missy's life, so I ran to her rescue and drove it out by myself.

hj: Dave, you can't just go barging into other officers' quarters.

Quixote: (puzzled) Not even to save their lives?

hj: Um, we have other knights stationed in the women's quarters to
     protect them from dragons.  Missy would have been all right.

Quixote: I see.  I was completely unaware of this, my Queen, or I would
     not have intruded.  I merely had the Lady Missy's survival in my
     mind.

hj: I don't doubt it.  But please--don't do it again.

Quixote: If you so command.

hj: I do. [faking cheerfulness, as if speaking to a child] Now Dave,
     Missy and I think it would be a good idea for you to visit the
     Melbourne again, and see a friend of ours there named Eliana. 
     She's the ship's counselor.

Quixote: I see.  She is in jeopardy?

hj: No, well, not like that.  You see-

Quixote: Say no more.  I shall go to her rescue at once.  Your Highness,
     I swear to you that I shall not leave her till all is well. [He
     clanks out. (Well, full armor does make rather a lot of noise, you
     know.) Missy has overheard the conversation and now heads over to
     join hj.]

hj: Well, he's going to see her, at least.

Missy: Eliana should get the idea--not too many people walk around these
     days in full armor.  She should be able to help him if anyone can.
     There's not much more we can do for him.

[Interior of the Melbourne, on the bridge.  Dave Quixote and Sancho
croutonize in.]

Larkin: (who has the con right now) Oh ho!  Look who we have here.  Dave
     Quixote.  Haven't seen you on board for a while. What're you up to?

Quixote [waving his orders under Larkin's nose, not letting him see
     them]: I have come to see the Lady Eliana.  I understand she is in
     great need of my help.

St Cyr: (to Larkin) She asked for *him*?

Larkin: (to St Cyr) I guess so.  Eliana's in the Lounge, Dave.  You can
     go see her now if you want.

Quixote: Many thanks, Lord Tim.  May Jesu bless the grapes of your
     vineyard to prosperity.

[Quixote and Sancho head off the bridge.]

Larkin: How did he knew I own a vineyard back home?

[St Cyr shrugs his shoulders and turns back to his work.]


[Quixote steps into the Melbourne's Lounge, where Eliana is sitting
alone at a table.  Aren is at the bar, fetching some drinks.  Quixote
approaches an unnamed crewmember.]

Quixote: My good Knight, can you tell me where I might find the Lady
     Eliana?

Crewmember: (somewhat drunk, and thus not overly surprised at seeing a
     knight in armour)  Over there.  (points)

Quixote: Ahh, I thank you, milord.  May Jesu bless you abundantly.

Crewmember: (gulping his drink)  Yeah, yeah, whatever.

[Quixote now approaches Eliana's table and kneels before her.  She
doesn't see him, of course, but the clanging of his armour alerts her to
his presence and she turns towards the noise.]

Eliana: Who's there?  Aren?  What is that noise?

Quixote: 'Tis only I, fair lady, humble Dave Quixote, knight-errant.  My
     queen has advised me that you are in need of my assistance, and
     thus I have come immediately.  I pledge my right arm to your
     protection, whatever the peril may be, whether it is a fiery
     dragon, a most wretched basilisk, a towering giant, a devil which
     oppresses your kingdom, or any foe of all that is good.  I am in
     your service.

Eliana: Ahhh, right.  Dave Quixote?  Don't you work on the Subaru?

Quixote: Yes, my lady, I am in the service of the fair queen hj of that 
     wondrous palace.

[At this juncture, Aren returns with two drinks, and can hardly restrain
himself from laughing at the sight of Dave.  However, he succeeds and
sets the drinks on the table, then sits.]

Aren: Eliana, who is this?

Quixote: I am Dave Quixote de La Mancha, and I have come to protect this
     fair lady from the danger which threatens to overwhelm her.  And
     who might you be, good Sir?

Aren: I am Aren of Xavion, husband to this fair lady.  Rest assured,
     good Knight, she is well protected. 

Quixote: I see.  Why then, I wonder, has the Queen sent me to her?  Is 
     there any way I may serve you, Lady Eliana?  Any need I might
     fulfill?

Eliana: I think I have some idea why Cap...that is Queen hj has sent you
     here.  Aren, I think I'd like to talk with this knight a bit more.

Aren: Eliana, the captain said . . .

Eliana: I don't care what he said.  I'm going to talk with the
     lieutenant as soon as we've finished our drinks--he needs my help. 
     Aren, perhaps Dave would like a drink as well?

Quixote: Oh no, milady!  Neither of you must wait upon my needs! No 
     knight-errant would ever complain of his needs--indeed, he finds
     all his needs supplied in the visage and thought of the lady to
     whom he pledges himself.

Aren: Indeed?  It must be some lady to whom you have pledged yourself,
     good knight, to be worthy of your attention.

Quixote: She is indeed.  Dulcinea is the purest, most lovely, most noble
     of all women.  A knight without a lady is a body without a soul,
     and in the most highly esteemed Dulcinea I have a soul without
     match or equal.

Aren: I see.

[He finishes his drink.  Eliana has been gulping hers to keep from
laughing during Dave's talk.  Shaking her head in bewilderment that a
Star Fleet lieutenant can speak like this, she lowers her glass to the
table.]

Eliana: Very well.  Then we can go to my office.

[At this moment, Muirden enters and comes over to Eliana.]

Muirden: (seeing Quixote)  Oh, hello Dave.  Good to see you around
     again.  (to Eliana, apprehensively)  Bad news.  Admiral Bradford
     turned down the trip to Xavion.

Eliana: (disappointment showing) Why?

Muirden: He doesn't want to divert an entire starship just for one crew
     member's personal needs.

Aren: But Eliana nee--

Muirden: I understand your position, Aren.  Really, I do.  But Admiral
     Bradford is under enough pressure managing LMC1 while Admiral
     Avenger is on personal leave.  He certainly does not need increased
     paperwork--it's a miracle he hasn't cracked under the strain
     already.

Eliana: I suppose so.

Muirden: At any rate, the Heisenberg is in the area.  I've asked for
     Counselor Jiapa's services.

Eliana: But I can't--

Muirden: Can't what?

Eliana: She can't help me.

Muirden: What?  Why not?  I realize she's not a Smarag, but she's an
     excellent counselor.  She needs to be, with the lunatics on the
     Heisenberg.

Eliana: (weakly, feeling a little foolish)  But she doesn't know Shonyo.

Muirden: (rolls his eyes) Eliana, this is no time to be picky.  We can't
     go to Xavion.  Counselor Jiapa is all there is available.  Now will
     you see her, or will I have to relieve you of your duties
     permanently?  Remember, you agreed to see a counselor.

Eliana: (giving in) All right.  I'll see her.

Muirden: Good.  Thank you.  Now I need to get back to the bridge.  I'll
     talk with you later. (he eyes Dave suspiciously, then turns again
     to Eliana) Remember, you're OFF duty!

Eliana: (anxiously) Yes, Captain.  Don't worry.

[Muirden leaves.  Hours later, Jiapa exits Eliana's quarters.]

Muirden: Well?

Jiapa: I can't help her.  Somehow we just don't connect.

[Muirden sighs.]

Muirden: What do you suggest?

Jiapa: Take her to Xavion.  I'll make my recommendation to Admiral
     Bradford.  It's only ten hours or so from here at jolt-warp six,
     and you can use it for shore leave for your crew.

Aren: I agree.  I could have told you this wouldn't help.

Muirden: Then why didn't you?

Aren: Eliana did, but you didn't listen to her, either.

Muirden: All right, all right.  Counselor, thank you for your efforts.

Jiapa: Sure.  I just wish I'd been able to do more.

[Later, on the bridge.]

Muirden: (muttering) Then I'll say to him, "It will be great for the
     whole crew, Admiral.  We need to go planetside, not to some
     madhouse like LMC1."  No, no, that won't do it.  Maybe I can try
     reminding him of a few favors . . . no, I don't think he owes me
     any.

n.d. lt: Captain, incoming message from the Heisenberg.

Muirden: On screen, lieutenant.

[Kabeta appears on screen.]

Kabeta: (ic) Hello, Captain.  Can you take a passenger to Xavion?

Muirden: Well, if I can convince the Admiral to let us go there, sure.

Kabeta: (ic) No need to convince him--I already did.

Muirden: Come again?

Kabeta: (ic) I've been meaning to visit Terim--one of the moons of
     Xavion--for a while.  Bradford owes me a few, so I convinced him to
     let you go there while I tag along.

Muirden: Good news!  Croutonize on over and we'll take you there
     immediately.

Kabeta: (ic) I'll be over in a few minutes.  Kabeta out.

[Viewscreen returns to view of LMC1, where the Subaru is docked.  NB:
for an episode detailing the Subaru's adventures at LMC1, ask Crossfire
for "Ripper at LMC1."]

Muirden: Eliana, Aren, I have good news for you--we're headed to Xavion
     after all.  Our clearance just came through.

Eliana: (ic) We are?  Captain, that's wonderful.  It will be good to see
     Sharina again.

Muirden: It's only ten hours from here, so before you know it, we'll be
     there.  (closes channel)  I wonder if there are any flirters
     available?


TO BE CONTINUED!

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 2 Oct 91 11:10:46 -0600
From: Allen Melinda Kay 
Subject: Just a Bit of Light, Part Two

This is part two of the episode, "Just A Bit of Light."  As noted
before, it takes place between the previously released episodes
"Meltdown" and "Ripper at LMC1."


[External view of the Melbourne as it moves through space.  In the
background we can see LMC1 with the newly-docked Subaru.  The Melbourne
goes to jolt-warp, and the tableau disappears.  As the stars whiz past,
we hear Captain Muirden recording his log entry.]

Muirden: Captain's Log.  We have just left the Subaru at LMC1 for
     repairs, and are now on our way to Xavion, where the Smarag Sharina
     will, hopefully, provide some help for Counselor Eliana.

     This is apparently the tourist season for the Melbourne.  Captain
     Kabeta has decided to accompany the Melbourne to the Xavion system
     and Lieutenant Quixote has requested to remain on board the
     Melbourne while the rest of the Subaru crew enjoys leave on LMC1. 
     He seems to have taken it into his head that he must serve Eliana
     until hj calls him back to the Subaru.  He's harmless, really, so
     I've agreed to let him stay.  Perhaps he'll lighten the mood a bit
     for us all.

[The camera zooms in on a window of the Melbourne, and suddenly, we are
inside, in Eliana's office.  She is sitting at her desk with both Dave
and Aren.]

Aren: (voice-over)  Eliana, this isn't a good idea.  If the captain
     finds out . . .

Eliana: He won't, unless you tell him.

Aren: I won't, but still, it's a bad idea.

Eliana: I'm a counselor.  This is my job.

Aren: The captain has *relieved* you of that job temporarily.

Eliana: Then what I do on my free time is my own business.

Quixote: Milady?  Is something amiss?  The two of you sit so quietly.

Eliana: No, Dave.  Nothing's wrong.  Perhaps you and I should talk
     later.  Aren and I need to discuss some things.

Quixote: Very well, milady.  Should you require my services, I shall
     await your command in the hall.  My sword is at the ready.

Eliana: Thank you, Dave.

[Quixote leaves the office and positions himself like a sentinel before
the door.  Alone, Aren and Eliana continue their discussion via, of
course, telepathy.]

Aren: (voice-over)  I won't tell the captain about any of this if you
     stop now, but if you persist in disobeying him, I will have to say
     something.

Eliana: But...Aren...why?  Why can't you side with me for once?

Aren: What has happened to you?  If you would just remember what's
     between us--if you'd look into my heart--you would know my motives.

Eliana: I wonder about this "link" you always talk about it.  After all,
     it  didn't tell me a thing when you went to the Captain before.

[At this, Aren turns pale and a look of profound sorrow crosses his
face, then turns to anger.]

Aren: (out loud, voice angry but forcibly restrained)  Eliana, I have
     tried through all of this to show you that I am on your side.  I
     have done all I can to stop you from hurting yourself this way, 
     but you refuse to listen to me.  The other day, in the lounge, I
     thought we had resolved all this, but now I see there has been no
     resolution at all--only a temporary cease-fire, to which you have
     now called a halt.

     Listen to me, Eliana.  I love you.  I have loved you since we met
     sixteen years ago,  and I have felt with such agony every hurt that
     you have suffered that it almost killed me.  But if you will not
     listen to me--if you are too stubborn even to listen to your own
     heart--then there is nothing I can do.  I am and always shall be
     there for you, and if you will not come to me, I will come as close
     to you as you allow.  But there is a point beyond which I can do no
     more.  You must come the rest of the distance on your own, and I
     will meet you there.

[Aren storms out of the room, and Eliana sits alone, crying.  A moment
later, Dave rushes in.]

Quixote: My lady, what has he said that has so upset you?

Eliana: Just . . . just go away, Dave.  Just leave me alone.

Quixote: Are you sure, my Lady?  Will you not allow me to comfort you in
     some way?

Eliana: I said go away.  Now go.

Quixote: (woefully)  Yes, my Lady.  I will wait outside and allow no one
     to enter so long as your wish is for solitude.  But please, Lady
     Eliana, call on me at any time.  My sword is pledged to you!

Eliana: (screaming through her tears)  JUST GET OUT OF HERE!

[The camera follows Quixote at the door, where he sits down and strokes
Sancho's head thoughtfully.]

Quixote: The Lady Eliana is very sad, noble Sancho.  I fear some
     grievous sorrow has pierced her heart, and I must do all I can to
     release her from its grip.  (sadly)  But for now, I can only wait.

[Aren comes around the corner and slumps down to sit by Dave.  He has
heard the last bit of Dave's comment.]

Aren: Yes, we can only wait.  But how long?  No one can help her if she 
     refuses to listen.

Quixote: Good sir, perhaps it is we who must listen now?

Aren: You sound like a Smarag.  But a wiser Smarag than I shall ever be.

Quixote: Tell me milord, what is a Smarag?

Aren: A Smarag is a priest of Xavion who has vowed to serve Shonyo, the
     Great Wolf.

Quixote: Shonyo?  Is this Shonyo a god among your people?

Aren: No, not "a" god, lieutenant--the only god.  Shonyo is the name we
     give to the Christian God.

Quixote: Then I know this Shonyo of yours well, for my service is ever
     first to Him, and second to the incomparable Dulcinea de El Toboso. 
     (pause) Tell me, then--you are one of these Smarags?

Aren: Yes.  So is Eliana.

Quixote: Then do not despair, my friend.  Servants of God should never
     despair, for they must see that all troubles will one day end, and
     will prove to have worked for good.  A servant of Jesu once wrote
     that "suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and
     character, hope, and hope does not disappoint us."  Your wife will
     not always refuse to listen, and, God willing, you will both grow
     from this trial.  It is written elsewhere that "all things work
     together for the good of those who know God."

[Aren shakes his head disbelievingly.  How can a lunatic make sense?]

Aren: I hope you're right, my good Knight.  I truly hope you're right.
     Come, I shall tell you more of Xavion.  I believe you would enjoy
     life there.

Quixote: If you will forgive me, I must remain here.  For I have
     promised my queen not to leave the Lady Eliana until all danger has
     passed and left her unscathed.  But if you would sit awhile with
     me, I believe I would much enjoy a tale of this most wondrous land
     called Xavion.

Aren: Very well, good Knight.  Such a tale might help to clear my mind. 
     Hear then of the most beautiful of worlds, where the high peaks of
     Mount Ivan tower grandly above the Sea of the Wolf and are lost
     among the clouds.

[Aren's voice and the picture fades gradually to black.]

*******************************************************************************
STAR TREK: THE CROUTON GENERATION   Just a Bit of Light, Part Two.
By Dave Learn and Melinda K. Allen

Thanks again to Cervantes and the makers of the musical "Man of La Mancha."
And another thank you to the Smarag Paul from Tarsus.  

Guest Starring

Ian Lamb as King Stephen

Directed by          Puddleglum the Marshwiggle

Music by             ISO   (Invisible Symphony Orchestra) 

Lighting by          Fiat Lux, Inc.

******************************************************************************
COMMERCIAL BREAK

Presenting . . . Star Trek: The Crouton Generation action figures!


[Two children are playing with dolls made to look like Admiral Avenger
and Highlander.]

Boy with Avenger: Highlander, what have you done?  Chris gives you the
     conn while he's in bathroom, and you *lost* the Croutonprize.  How
     can you lose a starship?

Boy with Highlander: F***!  F***!  F****!

[The Avenger-toting boy pulls out his hair.]

Star Trek: The Crouton Generation action figures, brought to you by
Burger Shack.]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Outside Eliana's office, where Aren and Quixote are still sitting and
talking.]

Quixote: This evil sorcerer was defeated by four wolves?

Aren: Indeed, Friend, and not so long ago, either.  It all happened a
     few years before my birth.

Quixote: I had always thought the wolf an evil animal, a servant of the
     Dark One.

Aren: As perhaps some are, but my people are, for the most part,
     followers of Shonyo.

Quixote: So you have told me, and I know you to be an honest and good
     man--your tale rings true in my heart.  Lord Aren, I greatly desire
     to see this Xavion of yours.

Aren: You shall be my honored guest.  King Stephen will be pleased to
     have a knight of La Mancha at his table.

[At this point, Muirden and Kabeta walk down the corridor to Eliana's
cabin.  When they see Aren, Sancho, and Dave they come to a stop.]

Muirden: Aren?  What are the two of you doing here?

Aren: Well, uh, Captain, Lieutenant Quixote here is guarding the door,
     and I am keeping him company.

Kabeta: Guarding the door?

Quixote: The Lady Eliana is in a most sorrowful mood, and does not wish
     to be disturbed.

Muirden: Well, she'd better get ready to meet Sharina.  We're
     approaching Xavion now.  Lieutenant, step aside.  I need to go in
     and speak with her.

Quixote: King Richard, much as I would like to obey you, the Lady Eliana
     has given strict orders that . . . dear God.  Is it truly you?

[Everyone is puzzled by this.]

Aren: Dave?  Are you all right?

Quixote: (staring at Kabeta)  Is it truly you?  Oh, I dare not gaze
     fully upon you, lest I be blinded by your beauty.  Speak but once
     your name.

Kabeta: (uneasily) Kabeta.

Quixote: (unbelieving) My lady jests.  The name of a starship captain,
     or one of my lady's serving maids, but not--

[Kabeta, understandably bewildered by this undue attention from a
complete stranger, raises her fist to ward him off and make their way
into Eliana's quarters.]

Kabeta: I told you my name.  Now leave me alone, or I'll--

[Muirden grabs her wrist, stopping her from attacking Quixote in her
confusion and natural anger at hearing someone say that her name is not
good enough for her.]

Quixote: (releasing her wrist from Muirden) My lady seeks to test me. 
     How could I be untrue to you, milady?
     (singing)
     I have known you too long,
     Never seen you or touched you
     But known you with all of my heart.
     Half a prayer, half a song,
     You have always been with me
     Though we have been ever apart.

     Dulcinea, Dulcinea!
     I see Heaven when I see you, Dulcinea!
     And your name is like a prayer
     An angel whispers. Dulcinea, Dulcinea!

[Everyone looks around.  Where is the symphony orchestra hiding that is playing
the music to Quixote's song?  Kabeta screws her face as she tries to
figure out what she's done to deserve this sort of abuse.  She tries to
back away from Quixote, but he follows her along, still singing.  Muirden
and Aren take advantage of Dave's absence to try to get in to see
Eliana, but suddenly discover that his song has an instrumental break,
and he leaps back to guard the door once more, sword at the ready.  The
pair wisely beat a hasty retreat.  Quixote approaches Kabeta once more.]

Quixote: (still singing)
     If I reach out to you,
     Do not tremble or shrink from 
     The touch of my hands on your hair.
     Let my fingers but see,
     You are warm and alive,
     And no phantom that fades in the air!

     Dulcinea, Dulcinea!
     I have sought you, sung you,
     Dreamed you, Dulcinea!
     Now I've found you and
     The world shall know your glory,
     Dulcinea, Dulcinea!

[At last, Dave finishes his song and looks up at the perplexed Kabeta
with a look of love and undying devotion.]

Muirden: Well, that's all fine and good.  Now would you please step
     aside so we can talk to--

Quixote: None shall pass, by order of the Lady Eliana.

Muirden: (authoritatively) I gave you a direct order, lieutenant, and I
     expect it to be obeyed.

Quixote: I have sworn to guard this doorway with my life.

Aren: (calmly) Captain, it wouldn't hurt to leave Eliana alone, I think. 
     She could use the time to herself for a while.

Muirden: (glaring at Quixote) All right.  I'll let it go this time.
     Let's go to the bridge to meet Sharina.  Come on Aren, Captain
     Dulcinea.

Kabeta: What!?

Muirden: Um, come on, please?

[The trio arrive on the bridge.  Kabeta is still obviously disturbed by
the scene with Quixote a few moments ago, so Muirden tries to lighten
the mood with a joke.  As the lift doors open, we hear the punchline.]

Muirden: . . . and then the bartender says, "Hey!  That's not a duck!"

[All three burst out laughing.]

Kabeta: (under breath) I don't get it.  Admiral Kirk and a duck?

Aren: (under breath) Me neither.  Just laugh, it makes him feel better.

nd lt: Captain, King Stephen is hailing us.

Muirden: On screen.

[On the viewscreen appears a fairly regal-looking man, who appears to be
a few years older than Aren.  Aren kneels before the viewscreen.]

Aren: My liege.

Stephen: Aren, my Brother.  It is good to see you again.  Stand
     up--there is no reason for you to kneel before me. 

[Aren rises.]

Stephen: Captain Muirden, I thank you for coming here.  There's just one
     problem--we've not been able to find Sharina.

[Dramatic music.  Everyone tries to locate the orchestra again.  Fade to
black.]

TO BE CONTINUED!