Jumanji, Star Trek Style

This is a Star Trek fanfiction created by Captain Nightjay.
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Chapter One
Nightjay stared up at the ceiling of her quarters. Her room was motionless and hushed and Nightjay didn’t enjoy it. She let out a deep sigh of listlessness and rolled over so that she could peer out the window. 
Her lying there gazing at the stars that zoomed past engendered a memory embedded deep inside her mind. Nightjay recognized herself as a child, staring out the window as the rain poured down, causing puddles to form outside her house. “Father! I want to go play!” The little Nightjay cried, racing into the Main Place. Her voice echoed around Nightjay’s mind, and now she desired to rid the once joyful noise.
Nightjay shook her head curtly and quickly with much force, trying to put the memory back in its place. It just made her wish even more that her parents had never abandoned her. Who knew where they were now, and if they were even alive. A tear slid down Nightjay’s cheek as she sat there on her soft bed in quietude.
Suddenly, her transmitter beeped from across the room and Nightjay leapt up and rushed over to it quicker than she would have liked, for she banged her foot on the side of her bed as she ran. “AAK!” Nightjay yelped as she tripped and fell, then after a moment she placed her hand on the transmitter from her uncomfortable place on the floor. “Nightjay here.” She groaned.
“This is Geordi… are you okay?” A familiar voice came over the system. “Yes sir, I just… fell. What’s wrong?” Nightjay asked as she struggled to her feet. “Can you come to engineering? Do you need help?” Geordi sounded worried for her. “Uh… OW! Ngh, I’m fine. I’ll be right there.” Nightjay limped lightly over to the door and was about to walk out.
“Nightjay…” Geordi chuckled. “I’ll be there!” Nightjay shouted, then galloped over to the Turbo Lift- while trying not to put a lot of pressure on her left foot- to go to engineering, just begging for something exciting.
When she got there, Nightjay stumbled into the room with an impressive share of clumsiness, and fell right into Geordi. “AH!” He exclaimed. He placed a careful hand on Nightjay’s shoulder to calm her and help steady her. “Calm down.” He whispered. “I’m sorry for my ungainliness, Geordi…” Nightjay let out a short breath, wincing as she took another step into the room.
As foolish as she was acting today, there was no way that Nightjay could do any service. She felt gravely ashamed of herself. Nightjay calmed her breathing, and tried to get a grip. “You’re limping,” Geordi immediately noticed, “you need to sit down.” He guided Nightjay over to a chair, then he sat down across from her.
“What I was going to say was, would you like to go to holodeck 3 with me? We have nothing else to do at the moment… The course is set and the Captain doesn’t need any more help on the bridge, from the last time I checked. In fact, he relieved Data and I from duty and told us to relax until we’re near the Neutral Zone. And anyways, holodeck 3 is the closest since it’s on deck 9…” He drifted off, glancing behind his shoulder at Lieutenant Commander Data who was advancing towards them. His gaze was fixed on Nightjay all the while.
“Commander Nightjay, do you need any assistance?” Data asked her. “No, but thank you for asking, Data. Geordi, I would love to go with you to holodeck 3. Lately things have been a little… slow.” Nightjay widened her eyes as she glanced over at the chief engineer of the Enterprise, trying to let him get her point without stating it directly.
“Ah, yes.” He nodded, a smirk growing upon his face. It would be rude to say out loud that sometimes life on this starship was boring, which to other ensigns or cadets back at Starfleet Academy- people who didn’t have much experience on starships yet -those words would be a major understatement. 
“Data, would you like to join us on holodeck 3? If Geordi is alright with it, of course.” Nightjay asked with a grin and a slight wince as she tried to stand. Data gave the impression like he was going to reply, but Geordi cut in before him. 
“Commander, are you sure you want to walk?” He asked. Nightjay’s grin faded as a flare of pain shot through her ankle. “Eh… it’ll heal in time. From what it feels like at the moment, I don’t believe that it’s a sprain.” Nightjay looked down at her foot, scrutinizing it with her keen eyesight.
“Nightjay, I would be happy to join you on holodeck 3 with Geordi, but I must insist on you going to see Doctor Crusher first. From your behavior at this moment, you must need help with your foot.” Data said. 
Nightjay smiled at him, trying to keep slight annoyance from creeping across her face. “Thank you for your concern, but I think it’ll be okay. I just need to walk it off.” Nightjay stood and began to walk around in a small circle. She flicked her foot every so often to make the little shocks of pain go away. And surprisingly, it worked. She had used this procedure of reducing pain once before. 
It was a strategy of her own creation that she had discovered when she had bumped her foot on the bottom of her workstation on another occasion that was recent as of yesterday.
“I’m fine now.” Nightjay said, and gave a small smile to the two standing beside her. Data still looked on, unconvinced, but didn’t say anything, to Nightjay’s relief. Going to see Doctor Crusher seemed unnecessary to her.
Geordi walked over to the doors and stopped when he neared the Turbolift that was right outside. “Let’s go, then.” He said, and turned to face Nightjay and Data who were still standing where they were before, gazing after the Lieutenant Commander.
Nightjay glanced over at Data and smiled, then made her way- trying not to limp as she did so -over to Geordi, trying to prove to Data that she was okay. Data cocked his head ever so slightly and finally joined them. 
“So what programming do you have in mind for the holodeck, Geordi?” Nightjay asked, turning to Geordi who had a small smile upon his face. “I’m thinking of something like a jungle or forest terrain. I think that would be interesting. I must say, you know Data’s already done everything there was to offer. Actually, honestly, I don’t know yet. That’s surprising, because usually I know what I’m doing.” He let out a nervous laugh. Data and Nightjay glanced over at each other on cue then looked back to Geordi with concerned and confused expressions.
“Jungle terrain. That’s what we’re doing.” Geordi looked down just as the doors slid open. They were on deck 9. Nightjay nudged Geordi gently with her shoulder. “Hey, we’re all together, hopefully going to have a good time. Please be happy.” Nightjay said. Geordi smiled and glanced sideways at her. “Now you’re sounding like Counselor Troi.” He laughed. Nightjay’s smile grew in joy. “There’s that laugh!” She giggled. 
Data turned his head to look back at them as he walked towards the holoroom. He managed a small smile at seeing the two happy together but… something was not exact. Somehow, he felt… slightly distraught. Nightjay always cared for him like that, she always laughed with Data and did things with him. Seeing Geordi and Nightjay together made Data feel a little… jealous.
Data looked away as he neared the doors and stood to the side of them. While waiting, he concluded that he should keep his emotions and feelings to himself. It was a good thing that Geordi and Nightjay were having a good time together; besides, it wasn’t like him to act selfish. Geordi and Nightjay stepped up to the doors shortly after him and they slid open. “Computer,” Geordi said, “activate jungle terrain programming.” He said.
Various small beeping sounds occured, and just like that a vast jungle formed right in front of them on immediate command. 
Nightjay shuddered. “I… don’t think I’ve done this programming before.” She murmured, and fiddled with her fingers out of sight from Geordi and Data. It was what she did when she was nervous. 
“In fact, I don’t think I have either. What about you, Data? Does this program look familiar?” Geordi asked. Data looked around and a small frown appeared on his face. “I believe I haven’t. I have done something similar to this terrain, but it is not the same,” Data cocked his head and walked through the doorway and over to one of the trees. “It seems very real… well… it is supposed to be, of course.” He said. Though it was unbelievable, Nightjay still thought Data looked a little unsure of himself as he stood there examining the tree.
The massive jungle in front of her looked very much like the real thing, even though it was only a recreation, only a simple illusion. Thinking of it this way eased Nightjay’s mind. She could stop this program any time she wanted, and besides, the holodeck safeguards would work if anything went wrong.
But nothing will go wrong in the first place, Nightjay thought, and carefully took a step into the room after Data. She let her hands fall to her sides and she relaxed a little. 
A calm breeze ruffled Nightjay’s hair and made her sigh deeply. The bright sun and warm atmosphere of this place felt almost... too tangible. Nightjay’s eyebrows rose and she stopped mid-step. The wind blew a bit harder and the sun shone through the limbs of the trees a bit harsher and clearer when the doors slid shut behind the trio.
“Nightjay, you look like you're contemplating something. How about taking it easy, alright? We’re off duty right now, if I have to remind you.” Geordi said from behind her. “Of-of course. Yes, you’re right. Sorry, I don’t use holodeck programs that often.” Nightjay stuttered. Geordi patted Nightjay’s shoulder gently and grinned. 
“Let’s go. I can see some sort of stream just to the northeast of here. Data, is it alright if you and Nightjay go ahead and check it out? I’ll examine the area around here. Let’s make it as if we’re exploring a newly discovered planet! Be on your guard.” Geordi beamed.
Nightjay nodded, a smile appearing on her face. She was overreacting for sure. Everything was fine. Data waited for Nightjay to catch up to him and they set off towards the stream that Geordi had mentioned. They walked in silence for a little bit until Nightjay spoke up, breaking the odd quietness. “Hey, uh… how are you doing?” Nightjay asked her friend. She looked down at the ground when she spoke, making the situation all the more awkward.
Data didn’t know what to say for a moment. He glanced over at Nightjay then back to where he was headed. “I’m fine.” He said without another word. “I-I’m sorry for focusing all of my attention to Geordi. That-that’s never happened before. I’m sorry.” Nightjay said, and looked back at Data. Her brown eyes shimmered and her short hair made her look perfect. Data smiled. “It’s alright. I’m thankful for the time we have together now.” He said. Nightjay smiled and slid her hand into Data’s.
Data was a little startled at Nightjay’s touch, but then he knew that this was a common human gesture for friendship. He smiled and held Nightjay’s hand as they progressed towards the stream.
The thickets and bushes thinned, but the trees still loomed around them, their vines hanging down as if trying to reach the two Starfleet officers. They shouldn’t do that. And not any normal tree would. Data stopped suddenly and let go of Nightjay’s hand. 
Something was watching him. He knew it. Data whirled around, his gaze cutting through every shadow, trying to find what was troubling him. After a moment, he concluded that nothing was there, and the feeling was gone. It must be a malfunction of his neural networks. He would let Geordi check it out when they got back to engineering. Although, there were very few times when his calculations were wrong. He was never wrong before...
“Data?” Nightjay’s voice was shaky, “Did you see something?” She asked. “No. I did not see anything. But I feel like I know something or someone was watching us.” He said as he turned back to Nightjay. She frowned. “That just concludes my worst fears.” She said. They began to walk again, and the sound of a gentle rippling in water came into earshot before long.
“There’s the stream.” Nightjay said, and walked through another rather large thicket of bushes and surprisingly, thorns that poked into Nightjay’s skin. “What the heck?!” She exclaimed, and lept out from the bushes, almost bumping into Data. “Is it normal on holodecks to have thorns that actually draw blood? Geordi didn’t set this program on a difficult level, did he?!” Nightjay exclaimed. “No, he did not. Those thorns are not normal for a holodeck program. There must be something wrong with the system.” Data said, frowning at the foliage.
Nightjay leaned down and plucked a rather large thorn from her leg. “Owch.” She flicked the thorn away and searched her legs for any others. To her dismay, where she had taken out the thorn left a sizable rip in her uniform. She had a hard time trying to keep her anger from showing. A darn holodeck messed up her outfit. Captain Picard would be furious for sure.
“I’m alright though, it’s just a scratch. And anyways, Geordi should be able to fix the settings. What’s troubling me is that the holodeck safety guards are not working,” Nightjay said, then she looked up into the treetops and said, “computer, pause holodeck program.” Nothing happened. When a few more seconds passed and there was still no response or change in anything, Nightjay fiddled with her fingers again. “Computer! Exit holodeck program!” She exclaimed. No matter what Nightjay ordered it to do, the holodeck didn’t do anything.
“This is not good.” Data said. Nightjay snorted sarcastically. “You think I haven’t noticed?” She threw her hands up into the air. “What on Betazed is going on?!” She shouted. 
Nightjay tapped her combadge, “Nightjay to La Forge.” She said into the system. She only had to wait a few seconds in hope for an answer. Geordi here. Is it just me, or are there some very odd things going on around here? Nightjay felt relieved to hear his voice. At least the com systems were still working. That was one good thing.
“Tell me about it,” Nightjay murmured into her badge, “You think you can find the source of the problem? The holodeck safety guards aren’t working, along with any response from the ship. We’re blocked in, and it looks like there’s no way out.” She was only stating the obvious. 
Geordi sighed, clearly showing his distress, I’m on my way over to you now. Don’t go anywhere. I have an uneasy feeling that there might be something else in this jungle. Data glanced over at Nightjay, their expressions matched in alarm. 
It wasn’t just a malfunction with Data’s neural nets. It was real. There was someone or something in here with them. The three Starfleet officers were either the prey or the predator now. Nightjay hoped for the best, but she knew better than anyone that the best rarely occurred.
I’ll see you soon. Geordi out.
Chapter Two
Geordi took a deep breath as he ducked under low-hanging branches and vines. Not only was Nightjay’s news alarming, it was true, and it was the same thing that was happening to him. Now a measly rip in a uniform was nothing. From what it looked like, they were in danger from whatever lurked in this vast jungle.
La Forge looked up into the sky, and was taken aback to find it was late afternoon. That didn’t usually happen either. He thought about contacting Nightjay again, but that wouldn’t be necessary. She probably had already realized that the sun was setting. Then it would be dark. Then it would be hunting time. 
The more he glanced around, the more anxious he felt. Something was definitely watching La Forge, and it was nearby. His gaze met the treetops. A cold chill went up Geordi’s spine and he froze. Now he really needed to contact Nightjay and Data. 
He tapped his combadge. “La Forge to Nightjay!” No response, only the unwelcoming sound of static. “La Forge to Nightjay!” He tried again, but to no avail. “Oh no, no, no…” The worst immediately entered his mind, and Geordi blanched.
His high-tech VISOR was picking up some type of heat signature from the trees, and it was coming closer, slowly and carefully circling him. He recognized the strategy as a well-used hunting tactic for most predators.
Instincts kicking in, La Forge began to sprint away from the creature, not only to flee from his demise, but also to make sure that Nightjay was still alive. 
He hoped that the reason for this failure to respond was just a malfunction with the combadges, and nothing worse. Although, Geordi didn’t have time to confirm or look into that assumption at the moment.
“La Forge to Data!” He tried, but that didn’t work either. Rustling in the trees confirmed that indeed, something was following him, and whatever it was, was catching up.
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“Where is he… where is he…” Nightjay murmured. She walked back and forth, and her continuous pacing was making Data feel worried as well. “Nightjay, please calm down.” He said finally, standing from his place on a large rock near the continuous gurgling stream.
Nightjay whirled, wild eyed, towards Data. She opened her mouth to say something, but before Nightjay could react, Data leapt toward her and pushed her to the ground. “What-!” Nightjay was cut off by a loud screech.
Something inordinately large with long razor-like claws flew over right above them as it clung to a thick hairy vine. It disappeared without a trace into the treetops across from them.
Nightjay stilled and stopped struggling immediately. After a moment, Data sat up and glanced around nervously. “It’s gone,” He confirmed after examining the trees, “I do not have enough gathered information to affirm what species the creature is, but I do know that it is a nocturnal predator. When Commander La Forge returns, we may be able to look further into the matter and hopefully uncover what we are dealing with.”
Nightjay realized that if Data hadn’t pushed her out of the way, that creature or whatever it was quite possibly would have killed her. Taking this possibility into careful consideration made her feel ever so grateful for the android.
The shadows were long, and the familiar stars that the two Starfleet officers knew so well began to peek at the horizon. Night had fallen, and they were still alone.
Nightjay didn’t move for a moment, until she sat up as well, and their eyes met. “Thank you.” Nightjay said, her tone filled with genuine gratitude. A soft breeze blew suddenly, and quickly turned into a gust of wind. It brought the scent of late summer along with it, a pleasant, peaceful smell.
Nightjay averted her gaze as her short hair fell into her eyes. Data reached up and tucked the strand behind her ear. “You are always welcome.” He said. Nightjay turned back to him, and the corners of her lips rose ever so slightly, revealing evidence of a beautiful smile.
“We need to find Geordi.” Data broke the silence after a few moments. Nightjay wasn’t surprised to see that Data looked a little bit embarrassed. She was about to make a sarcastic remark, but when she was about to get up, she thought she heard something in the distance. A faint rustling in the leaves… 
“Data, listen! Do you hear that?” Nightjay asked, looking up at him. Data cocked his head slightly. “Yes, I do.” He turned to Nightjay and helped her to her feet, then turned back to where the noise was coming from. It was getting louder.
“Quick, behind here!” Data gestured to the large tree from which the creature had swung from on the vine. Nightjay was a little uneasy at first, but then she knew that Data wouldn’t make the wrong decision if he knew what he was doing. And besides, whatever was coming towards them could always be worse than that thing, which was a thought that sent chills up her spine.
Nightjay dove after Data behind the tree, and peeked around the rough bark, trying to spot the source of the noise. A voice came with it... a familiar voice. The words were unrecognizable at first, but then there was no doubt that whoever or whatever it was, was shouting her name. 
Nightjay turned to Data, concern lit in her gaze. “That’s Geordi!” She whispered. “You assume that is Geordi.” Data replied. He knew Nightjay could quite possibly be right, but he just couldn’t risk her life. She was too important to the Enterprise and her crew… and to him. But then again, that could be the real Geordi La Forge out there. What if he was injured or needed help fast?
“Data! Nightjay!” A familiar voice sounded from the other side of the tree. Nightjay made a move to run towards Geordi, but Data stopped her, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. If anyone were to go out there, it would be him.
“I will go.” He told Nightjay, and with that, Data stepped out from behind their cover and took a sure step towards Geordi. “Data!” He exclaimed, attempting to limp towards him. Data didn’t move for a moment. “How can I be sure that it is you?” He asked, staying where he was.
Geordi stopped in his tracks. Where’s Nightjay?! He thought desperately. She's a Betazoid, surely… I’m here, Geordi. Please, don’t be frightened. It is us, but Data insists on knowing that you are who you look like you are. La Forge was more than relieved to hear her voice, even if it was telepathically. 
He looked at Data sternly. Typical Data to be so careful. He couldn’t blame him, though. Geordi honestly would have done the same, now that he thought about it.
“It’s me, good friend. I have proof: remember that time when the Lifesaver was almost out of power, so it had gone into an energy saver mode? It kept Commander Riker preserved but not animated. Remember how we figured out how to keep it powered? We even stabilized the cargo.” He said.
Without waiting for a reply, Nightjay rushed out from behind the tree. “Geordi!” She exclaimed, and raced towards him. Geordi pulled Nightjay into a hug and smiled. “I’m so glad you’re alright!” He exclaimed, “I thought something had gone terribly wrong because the com systems were static! I didn’t have time to check because something was following me from in the trees. I had to make sure it didn’t get to you first. I didn’t know what I would do if you were…” 
Nightjay hugged Geordi tighter and smiled. “I’m just glad you’re alive.” They said at the same time. Data walked over to them, and Nightjay pulled away. There was a moment of awkward silence between the trio before finally Data spoke.
He smiled at Geordi, relieved to see that his best friend was alright, for the most part. “How are you?” He asked, then noticed how Geordi was holding his right leg high, not applying any pressure to it and looking much like a wounded animal.
Geordi looked down at his leg and sighed. “Well, besides that, I’m fine, I guess.” 
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