Disclaimer: I own nothing besides the characters. Paramount owns trek in all variants, and the songs belong to their respective composers and/or artists. For your ultimate reading experience, I suggest you dig out the songs, and play them while reading the story. A complete list is on the last page (Wouldn’t want to spoil anything for the people without access to them...)

Oh, and the expression “Shiver me timbers” means “Splitte mine bramsejl” in Danish – just so you know...

Enjoy

 

                                                            TALENT NIGHT

 

The talent night was being promoted like it was the second coming of Christ. Two weeks before the posters had been hung up in the mess hall, informing everybody of the time, date and the link to the website in the ship’s database. On the website were the rules, which was very quickly read: you chose a song (or a dance, a text to read or whatever you wanted), you performed it – the judges evaluated them, and the best participation was awarded with a trophy. There was also information on the judges – Dr. David McFly, Lieutenant Cynthia Wainwright and Lt. Commander Thomas Knight, respectively in charge of the ship’s choir, the dancing troupe and the drama club. They had taken the initiative to this little exercise, and all agreed that they were unable to participate – they were simply too good.

Fletch was not exactly thrilled by this event. The mood on the bridge had been electrical the last morning before the competition – everybody inquired into everybody else’s performance to the degree where it began interfering with normal duties.

Fletch was in the command chair, overhearing two ensigns at the aft science station discussing it, when he finally lost it.

“…And then, I’m going to wear my satin dress, and dance next to Bobby, while he sings “Satin Doll”

“Oh, how romantic. You are such a cute couple. Has he ask you to become engaged yet?”

“No. Well, what are you going to wear?”

“I think…maybe the blue dress with the low cut. I’m going to recite Keats’s poetry – I hardly think…”

Fletch stood, and walked over to the science station, hands clenched into fists.

“Ensigns Fox and Whittaker! I find your behaviour unacceptable. You are behaving like children. This is the bridge of a Federation starship – not a high school. You have been appointed to bridge duty – I suggest, you prove worthy of that responsibility!”

The two women blushed and looked embarrassed into their consoles. The bridge had suddenly become dead quiet.

Fletch sat down again, feeling a little bit more relaxed.

“Excuse me…Commander?”, Dmitri asked from his place at the conn.

“Yes, Dmitri.”

“Well…I was wondering…why are you so cross about talent night, Sir? Did you have trouble finding something to do yourself?”

“Lieutenant, you are walking a dangerous path here. Don’t push me.”

“I’m sorry, Sir. It’s just…everybody’s so exited. I’ve heard, even the Captain will be attending. Singing, I think.”

“I don’t think, the Captain will be attending. She has better things to do than…”

“Than socializing with my crew, Commander?”

Fletch turned towards the voice. Shirzina had come out of the turbolift and stood behind the command chair, hands on her hips.

“Um...hello, Captain…”, Fletch began, but he was cut of by Kirix:

“What is your problem, Fletch? You’re not usually the kind of person to back down from a social event like this one? What’s the matter with you?”

Fletch squirmed uncomfortably in the chair.

“Well, Captain…actually…I would like to discuss this in private.”

“All right. In my ready room. You have the bridge, Mr. Gagarin.”

“Aye Captain.”, Dmitri responded.

They went into the ready room, and Kirix sat down behind her desk.

“Now, Fletch, what was that all about?”

“I…I’m sorry, Blossom. It’s just…I really hate this kind of contest.”

“Why?”

“Because…because I don’t like to perform for an audience. Give me a choice between singing and dancing or a battle with a Klingon battle cruiser in a nebula with no shields and no sensors – I’ll take the battle cruiser any day.”

Kirix smiled, but hid it with the back of his hand.

“How come you have that kind of fear?”

“When I was in the Academy, my quadmaster got me drunk on Irish whiskey and made me sing “What a Feeling”.

This time, Shirzina could not hold back her laughter.

Fletch looked very hurt.’

“Sure, you can laugh. People from my Quad still ask me to do the flashdance, whenever we meet.”

“Tell you what. I actually hadn’t planned on attending the show – some last minute emergency would have come up, and I would have been on the bridge – but now I will go. We’ll go together. I’ll sing a song for you, and you’ll sing a song for me. When I sing, I’ll look at you. When you sing, you’ll look at me. That way, the rest of the audience won’t even exist.”

“Can’t I do something else than sing? Will Riker learned me how to play the trombone once…”

“I want to hear your voice. You know, how I love to hear it.”

“Well…”
”Oh, come on, honey. Pleeeeese? For my sake?”

“All right. And stop with the puppy dog eyes. You know, I can’t resist it.”

“That’s right. So – we’ll go?”

“We’ll go. But what do you want me to sing?”

“That’s up to you. A love song would be nice – but not a requirement. Just stay away from any “Right Said Fred” They always make me think of Picard.”

“Picard? Why?”

“The lead singer, Freddie Fairbrass. Don’t you see the resemblance?”

“Riiiight. OK, I won’t then.”

Kirix stood, and kissed his earlobe on the way out.

“Besides…there might be a special price for you, if I like your song.”

“Special?”

“Very special. There could be outfits.”

“Be still, my heart.”

 

Fletch went over the musical library at his console. He had a few hours off before the contest started – and even though it was short notice, he thought he could find something.

He read over hundreds of love songs, their big words and big feelings dancing before his eyes. Finally, he shut off the screen with an angry noise, and went to his window.

“There’s nothing good!”, he murmured.

All right, he thought. Maybe the trick was not reading a song. Maybe it was better to remember a song. Something from his childhood, perhaps…

Something clicked in his head. He suddenly remembered when his father had taken him on a trip up the Thames as a child. That had been the first time, he had left dry land – and he had absolutely loved it. He had been standing in the front of the boat, and he had pretended to be a pirate, robbing all the other boats. And his father had taught him something to say…some words, some expression of sailors, that also was a song…

“Shiver me timbers”, he whispered.

He went to the computer.

“Computer, musical lyrics and chords to the song “Shiver me timbers”.

The computer acknowledged.

Fletch downloaded the chords, and ran for the door. There was just time enough to deliver this to the music group.

 

When the spotlights hit the stage on the holodeck, almost the entire crew were there. Only a few key officers had stayed at their posts, to preserve ship’s functions in case of an emergency. Marine Sergeant Dekker had been stuck manning the bridge, since Lt. Harkness had ordered him to take it. He would not want to miss T’Laya performing.

Dekker, for his part, did not mind. He had brought a footstool, and now sat in the command chair, feet up, smoking one of his cigars. He was very careful not to drop any ash, however.

First up, David McFly went on stage to welcome all to the event. He was joined by the holographic Councelor, who due to the event had changed into an very nice white suit. He would not perform, since a lot of the crewmen claimed, that he was able to change voice and appearance at will – which would be unfair competition. He had taken it well, though, and gained an honorary place next to the judges. It was rumoured, that he would be head bartender at the afterparty.

McFly was in a black suit, which made the white of his wings stand out even more prominently.

HoloGeorge took a microphone from a stand next to the stage, and looked out over the enormous crowd. The Ironheart had a crew of 725 – and he would be damned if there was at least 650 people in here now. He was suddenly glad, that he was not programmed with stagefright.

McFly looked over at him from the other side of the stage. Behind them, the 8 man band was ready to roll. There had been some discussion as to weather to use holographic musicians, but since the band “The Federation Hornblowers” had been willing to go outside the competition and play all the musical numbers, the problem had solved itself.

“Are you ready?”, McFly asked.

HoloGeorge nodded. He cleared his throat.

McFly gave the sign to the band leader. The horn section blew the first tones, and everybody in the room focused their eyes on the two masters of ceremonies.

They raised their microphones, and began to sing the welcome song:

 

HoloGeorge: Out of the tree of light, I just picked me a plum

McFly: You came along, and ev’rything started to hum

H: Still it’s a real good bet, the best is yet to come

M: The best is yet to come, and babe, won’t it be fine

H: You think you’ve seen the sun but you’ve ain’t seen it shine

M: Wait ‘till the warm-up’s underway, wait ‘till our lips have met

H: Wait ‘till you see that sunshine day, you ain’t seen nothing yet

M: The best is yet to come, and babe, won’t it be fine

H: The best is yet to come, come the day ‘ o ‘ mine

Wait ‘till your charms are right for these arms to surround

M: You think you’ve flown, but you ain’t left the ground

H: Now, wait ‘till you’re locked in my embrace

M: Wait ‘till I draw you near!

H: Wait ‘till you see that sunshine place

M: Ain’t nothing like it here!

H: The best is yet to come, and babe, won’t it be fine

M: The best is yet to come

H: the best is yet to come

M&H: The best is yet to come – come the day ‘ o’ mine!

 

The applause was thundering. HoloGeorge felt almost overwhelmed. He never knew performing could be such a...kick.

Mcfly smiled at him, and padded his shoulder. Then, he turned to face the crowd.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! It is our pleasure and privilege to welcome you to this great evening of entertainment of a wide variety. You’ll hear great songs tonight, you’ll se great acts of artistry, and hear poetry that will touch your hearts and bring you to tears. Except the Vulcans in the audience of course.

George looked out over the crowd.

“Are there any Vulcans here tonight?”, he asked into the microphone.

In the back of the room, a couple of hands were raised.

“Did you take a wrong turn?”

There was scattered laughter.

HoloGeorge straightened his jacket.

“Well, David. I think, we’d better get this show on the road. You know, I’ve got a bar to take care of afterwards.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. Tonight’s psychoanalysis will be provided with a complementary blue drink with a parasol. Straws are optional. And people with proven schizophrenia gets double up for the price of one. ”

“I’ll look forward to it. But as you say, let’s get started. First, It is my great pleasure to introduce one of my greatest talents in the choir – Lieutenant David Miller, who will be singing and accompanying himself on a acoustic guitar. David, take it away!”

 As David Miller took the stage and began singing an old folk song from Tau Ceti, McFly and HoloGeorge pulled out into their places. They were not required to go on between every number – just every 2 or three. David took a sip of water, and HoloGeorge drank a big gulp from his glass. Holographic water, of course – but to him equally as good as the real thing.

 

In the stage right, Kaya Mkabe was preparing for her entrance. She was extremely nervous, and not entirely sure she would go through with this. After all, it had not even been her idea, but Ensign McCowski’s. he had seen her dropping her tricorder, hydrospanner and lasertorch and grabbing them all in the fall, as a juggler. McCowski was so enthralled by this act, that he insisted, she go on the show and do it.

She had sewn a very good looking dress, or so she thought – blue with light grey stripes. It was a little tighter across the bust than she usually liked – but she had to admit, it looked good. But she was still nervous.

David Miller finished his song, got a moderate applause and exited the stage. He looked at her, as he passed her, and his eyes spoke volumes. A response this modest was not going to win any prize, and he knew it.

Kaya looked up at HoloGeorge, who picked up his microphone.

“And now, a warm welcome for our chief engineer – Kaya Mkabe!”

As she went out into the spotlights, her stomach suddenly decided to crawl out through her ears. She felt dizzy, and was just about to turn around and high tail it back to the engine room...

...when she spotted Gomez on the front row. Smiling. Grinning, in fact.

She would show him, what she was capable of.

She nodded calmly to the band, and her musical accompaniment began. She had brought something slightly easier to juggle with than tricorders – ordinary coloured balls, 5 of them.

She began throwing the balls into the air. One, two, three...this was easy...for...a little harder...and five.

The crowd made a “ohh”-sound, as she made en elegant flick of her wrist and sent one of the balls out on an angle, grabbed it as quick as lightning and brought it back into the group.

Then, she began to vary her act – throwing the balls between her legs, behind her back and finally all into the air and grabbed them one by one.

There was a large cheer from the audience, and the applause almost deafened her. She blushed, unable to cope with this much praise – and then, she heard the voice of McFly:

“Kaya Mkabe, ladies and gentlemen. Fantastic, what do you say?”

More cheers, more clapping.

“You can take a bow now”, McFly whispered in her ear. She did, her head ringing. Then, she almost ran out to the dressing room.

On her way, she passed Lt. Dmitri Gagarin, the next talent to be up. He put a hand out to her.

“You did great, chief. That’s going to be a tough act to follow.”

 

Dmitri had not exactly wanted to be a part of the talent night himself. He would have been perfectly content to sit in the back, sipping a vodka and enjoying the show.

The counsellor, however, had other plans.

“It will be so good for you, Dmitri”, he had said at their session yesterday, “You’ve come so far these last months. You should continue forward. Become comfortable with public speakings. If you want to be a Captain someday, eventually you will have to address a large number of people.

“I’m not sure, I want to be a Captain”, Dmitri had put forth, but the hologram had not lost a beat:

“Nonsense. Of course you want to. Now, what kind of creative things are you good at?”

“Well...holoprogramming. I’ve been logging a lot of hours on that new program of mine – the continuation to the Star Wars-series, I wrote last year.”

The hologram looked interested.

“Really? A sequel?”

“No, a prequel, actually. You see, the guy who was the villain in the old ones....”

“That’s good. then, you’ll make some kind of trailer – a teaser of sorts, so people can get an idea about what it’s about. You’ll show that, maybe introduce it – that will be fine.”

“Really?”

“Yes, you’ll be fine. have you given it a title yet?”

“I was thinking something along the lines of “The Phantom Threat”, or something like that.”

“That’s good. Threat is to short – you’ll need a larger word. Think of something, make the trailer and we’ll run it tomorrow. People will be lining up for miles to try your new holonovel.”

 

Now, Dmitri was standing on the front of the stage, introducing his little movie.

“...So, I hope you’ll like this little trailer. it doesn’t show much, of course – except the podracer scene, which I’m particularly proud of – but it will give you an impression of it. Computer, run program trailer one!”

And as the trailer of “The Phantom Menace – a Gagarin production” played out on the virtual viewscreen,  Dmitri leaned back and sipped his drink. It wasn’t so bad after all.

 

Later, after the trailer, the very embarrassing ballet, performed by three ensigns with no sense of rhythm whatsoever,  Ensign Katarina Solesnjov took the stage.

Fletch, who was standing on a small podium with Shirzina, suddenly began to sweat. After the incident with her a few weeks ago – you could hardly call it an affair, but if he had not put a stop to it, there was no telling where it might have led – Fletch had deliberately avoided her, to give her a little space. He really did care for her – maybe even loved her – and he wanted her to be happy. He had thought, if he just kept his distance, maybe her feelings would cool down somewhat.

He took one look at her, and saw, that was not the case.

Katarina was wearing some sort of black dress, that was almost non-existent. It looked suspiciously like a Ferengi design. She was standing there, her eyes scanning the crowd, and when she found him, she held her gaze fixed upon him.

Then, the music began, and she began to sing. Fletch did not know the song – but he could feel the emotions behind every word:

 

I remember you.
You're the one who made my dreams come true,
a few kisses ago.

I remember you.
You're the one who said, "I love you, too.
I do. Didn't you know?"

I remember, too, a distant bell,
and stars that fell
like rain out of the blue.

When my life is through
and the angels ask me to recall
the thrill of them all,
then I shall tell them I remember you.

Was it in Tahiti?
Were we on the Nile?
Long, long ago, say, an hour or so,
I recall that I saw your smile.

And I remember, too, a distant bell,
and stars that fell
like rain out of the blue.

When my life is through
and the angels ask me to recall
the thrill of them all,
then I will tell them I remember,
tell them I remember you.

Katarina did not take a bow. She just left the stage, while the audience apparently did not know whether to applaud or start to cry.

Shirzina looked at Fletch.

“Why was she looking at you like that?”

“Um...she probably just had a fixed point to look at. That’s what actors do, or so I hear.”

Shirzina seemed to be satisfied with the reply, and Fletch wiped his sweaty palms on his pants.

That was close, he told him self. Much, much to close.

 

The next performers were 6 privates from the contingent of Marines. The audience wept with laughter as they performed a heartfelt version of “When The Going Gets Tough – The Tough Get Going”. They had no sing voice whatsoever, but they provided a much needed comic relief on top of Katarina’s song.

When the marines had stepped down, and was congratulating each other with hard slaps on the back, HoloGeorge and McFly took the stage again.

“Well, that was…certainly interesting”, HoloGeorge said, removing two pieces of parsley from his ears.

That brought a big laugh, not least from the marines. They were not in this to win – and had made that abundantly clear from the start. They just wanted a good time.

McFly nodded.

“Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, we’re going to an entirely other level. We’re going to hear Ensign T’Laya sing a traditional Vulcan meditation song. It should be a rather beautiful tune, so I’ll ask you all to close your eyes and meditate.”

Someone from the back yelled: “Yeah, and feel the force flow!”

“I see you’ve been using Mr. Gagarin’s holonovels!”, HoloGeorge remarked dryly.

 

The room fell silent. Then T’Laya came to the stage, dressed in a white robe. She began to sing a song, with such a haunting beauty that everyone in the holodeck suddenly felt a sense of peace flow through them. The words were ancient Vulcan, and maybe only 5 or 6 understood them – but it did not matter. The sound of her voice, the radiance of her black hair against the white robe and her finely chiselled face – it all formed into a whole, and everyone was touched.

In the middle of the crowd, Horace Harkness had to bite his lip not to cry out. He felt his love for T’Laya so strongly that it chest hurt and his breath was stuck in his throat. When her voice finally died away, he felt a mixture of relief and regret.

 

There was a few moments of silence after T’Laya’s song. Then the applause thundered, and T’Laya had to restrain herself not to blush.

She took a bow and left the stage calmly. She displayed no emotions on the outside – but inside, her human half was glowing with pride.

 

The show went on. There was all sorts of acts – a expert from the play “Cyrano de Bergerac”, a reading of John Keats’s poetry, and songs, songs, songs. From classical to rock’n’roll, from Andorian blues to Klingon opera.

One that deserves special attention was Ensign William Krasjenov’s very heartfelt rendering of “Moon River”, that made a few heads turn, and the judges make small notes in their notebooks:

 

Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
you dream maker
you heartbreaker
wherever you're going
I'm going your way

two drifters off to see the world
there's such a lot of world to see
we're after the same rainbow's end
waitin' round the bend
my huckleberry friend
moon river and me

 

HoloGeorge wrinkled his forehead, when Krasjenov’s song drew applause. He had received disturbing information in his latest upload from Earth – Krasjenov had a violent crush on Captain Kirix. He would have to look out for him.

The real Councelor O’Donnell had decided, that if he could not be cured for his unfortunate romantic fascination, he should either be transferred of the bridge, or in the best case, off the ship. It seemed, HoloGeorge had to concur with that decision.

 

Kirix, who knew nothing of the Ensign’s infatuation with her, gave him a standing applause, as did many others. Krasjenov saw it, made an embarrassed gesture, took a step back and tripped over his own feet. The room roared with laughter as he took a fall head first off the stage, but quickly silenced when he did not get up again.

There came a rush of wind, as David McFly spread his wings and flew for the unfortunate Ensign. In mere seconds, he had lifted him up, and called out:

“Computer, create a medical tricorder and a dermal regenerator!”

Obediently, the computer created the objects next to Dr. McFly, and he pulled open the tricorder.

A quick scan revealed that nothing serious had happened to the young man – he had simply taken a big bump on the head. It took only a few seconds for the dermal regenerator to remove the lump.

When he opened his eyes, the first sight he saw was the captain standing over him and looking at him.

“Are you all right, Ensign?”, she asked, her voice concerned. At her side, Fletch knelt down to assess the situation.

“He’ll be okay, Captain”, McFly said, “but he should really get home and lie down. That was a nasty fall.”

“No!”, Krasjenov almost shouted, “I want to see the end of the show! I want to see the Captain sing!”

McFly smiled. So did Shirzina.

“The show must go on, eh? Well, all right then. I think, we’re down to the Captain and the Commander anyway. George – please introduce the Captain, as the next number!”

HoloGeorge, who had remained at the stage, nodded and turned to face the crowd.

“All right, Ladies and Gentleman. The show still have two points to show you, before we choose the best of the evening. And since Mr. Krasjenov has expressed a great desire to hear the Captain perform, I hereby give you – Shirzina Kirix!”

As Shirzina entered the stage, the music began with a guitar riff. She took the microphone and began singing, while she looked at Fletch.

Unfortunately, since Fletch was standing not on meter from Krasjenov, both men felt that the target of her eyes was themselves.

 

 

Guess mine is not the first heart broken
My eyes are not the first to cry
I'm not the first to know
There's just no getting over you

You know I'm just a fool who's willing
To sit around and wait for you
But, baby, can't you see
There's nothing else for me to do?
I'm hopelessly devoted to you

But now there's nowhere to hide
Since you pushed my love aside
I'm out of my head
Hopelessly devoted to you
Hopelessly devoted to you
Hopelessly devoted to you

My head is saying, "Fool, forget him."
My heart is saying, "Don't let go.
Hold on till the end."
And that's what I intend to do
I'm hopelessly devoted to you

But now there's nowhere to hide
Since you pushed my love aside
I'm out of my head
Hopelessly devoted to you
Hopelessly devoted to you
Hopelessly devoted to you

 

The song was performed with such emotion, that every woman in the audience immediately identified with the Captain – they all knew of her difficult relationship with her first officer – and every man felt a little warmer inside. They somehow knew, that those words were meant for them – not as said by their Captain, but by their respective significant others – and it felt good to know someone was devoted to you.

Shirzina smiled a girlish smile when she was done, and bowed. She enjoyed the applause for a moment before she left the stage – it was not every day, her crew applauded her in this fashion.

David looked at the Ensign again.

“Was that, what you wanted to hear? Or do you want to see the prize as well?”

“No, thanks, doc,” Krasjenov said, “I’ve seen, what I wanted to see.” I could die a happy man, he almost wanted to add.

“Well, let’s get you home, then.”

McFly motioned to a security officer standing nearby.

“Mr. Summers, please take Mr. Krasjenov home.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

McFly went back to the stage and joined HoloGeorge.

“Well, only one left to go, people. Let’s hear it for Commander Kevin Fletcher Christian! Take it away, Fletch.”

 

Fletch came on stage, and took the microphone.

“I would like to sing for you now – a song of the sea. You know, sometimes you’re out on the sea at night and it’s so dark, you can’t see your hand in front of the face. You don’t know where you’re going on such a night. There’s a way to navigate, though – by the stars. I never learned.”

There was laughter in the audience.

“But I always loved the sea”, Fletch continued, “and the stuff about the sea. Sea horses, sea shells…C minus…stuff about the sea. Sometimes, I think of this song, and I think  - maybe it’s not about the sea at all. Maybe it’s about…getting out, getting somewhere – anywhere. Judge for yourself.”

And Fletch began to sing:

 

Well, I'm leavin' my family, leavin' all my friends.
My body's at home, but my heart's in the wind
where the clouds are like headlines upon a new front page sky.
My tears are salt water. The moon's full and high.

And I know old Joe Conrad is gonna be proud of me.
Many before me been called by the sea
to be up in the crows nest singin' my say:
”Shiver me timbers. We’re sailing away.

And the fog's liftin, the sand's shifting, I'm drifting on out.
Old Captain Ahab's got nothin' on me.
Swallow me, don't follow me. I travel alone.
The water's my daughter. I shall skip like a stone.

And the fog's lifting, the sand's shifting, I'm drifting on out.
Old Captain Ahab longs to hear me shout.
Swallow me, don't follow me. I travel alone.
The water, she's my daughter. I'll skip like a stone.

Won't you please call my old man. Tell him not to cry.
My goodbyes are written by the moon in the sky.
Say, nobody knows me. Can't further my stay.
Shiver me timbers. I'm sailing away.

 

In the audience, Shirzina listened intensely, while the man she loved sang the old, strange song.

There was something in her that stirred – the desire to sail on a real ship, a sailing ship with the waves beneath you and the stars above you. Feeling the wind in your hair, the sun on your brow and the taste of salt in the air….

She shook her head, trying to clear her head. She looked at the people around her, and found that they all were listening intently to Fletch’s song.

Then, as the last tones faded away, the crew clapped and cheered at the first officer, maybe even more than over the Captain. She could tell, she was not the only one who had been dreaming of the sailing ship.

Fletch bowed and climbed down from the stage.

Shirzina met him at the edge of the stage. She dragged him quickly into a corner, where no one could see them.

“So…was that good enough, Blossom?”, he asked.

She responded by taking his head between her hands, stand on her toes and kissed him firmly on the mouth.

“Well, Ladies and Gentlemen!” David’s voice boomed over the speakers. The judges will now confer, and we’ll be back in a flash with the result. In the meantime, please enjoy the Federation Hornblowers, playing some good old Earth Jazz music.”

As the music began, the crowd began to break up. Some headed for the bar – where HoloGeorge now appeared in white shirt and bowtie, mixing drinks. Others headed home – they only wanted to see the contributions, not the result.

 

A few minutes later, HoloGeorge called out from the stage:

“Ladies and Gentlemen – the jury has come to a conclusion!”

People came back from the bar, and gathered in front of the stage.

McFly stepped into the spotlights.

“This has not been easy”, he began. “There had been so many fantastic contributions tonight, and we wish we could give you all a prize. I don’t know about you – but we in the jury have laughed, cried and dreamed tonight. That’s a great experience – and I want to thank all the contestants for that. However, there was one performance that went further than everybody else’s – by admitting that they did not want to win. And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is something worth commending. Can we have the six singing marines to the stage, please!”

There was a great commotion in the area around the bar, as the 6 marines (who had remained in the bar ever since their performance) made their way to the stage.

As they climbed up to the stage, McFly continued to introduce them by name, and by an astounding miracle, managed to turn the one trophy he had in his hand into 6 identical trophies.

The marines cheered and performed a small victory dance as they received their prizes. They even offered to perform their song one more time – which McFly to great amusement begged them not to.

HoloGeorge took the microphone, and made a sweeping gesture around the stage.

“Well, that’s it, Ladies and Gentlemen. That’s all there is. And David – what do you say we finish this little thing up?”

“I would say, that’s a great idea, George.”

HoloGeorge:

Come fly with me, let's fly let's fly away
If you can use some exotic booze
There's a bar in far Bombay
Come fly with me, let's fly let's fly away

McFly:

Come fly with me, let's float down to Peru
In lama land, there's a one man band
And he'll toot his flute for you
Come fly with me, let's take off in the blue

HoloGeorge:

Once I get you up there,
Where the air is rarefied
We'll just glide
Starry eyed

McFly:

Once I get you up there
I'll be holding you so near
You may here, angels cheer - just because we're together

HoloGeorge:

Weather wise it's such a lovely day
Just say the words, and we'll beat the birds
Down to Acapulco Bay
It's perfect, for a flying honeymoon - they say
Come fly with me, let's fly let's fly away

McFly:

Once I get you up there,
Where the air is rarefied
We'll just glide
Starry eyed

HoloGeorge:

Once I get you up there
I'll be holding you so near
And you may here, angels cheer - just because we're together

McFly:

Weather wise it's such a kooky day

HoloGeorge:

Just say the words, and I'll beat the birds (pulls on McFly’s wings)
Down to Acapulco Bay

McFly:

It's perfect, for a flying honeymoon - they say
Come fly with me
Blast off, let's fly away

 

And with that, the stage lights went out.

Only HoloGeorge’s voice was heard:

“See you in the bar!”

 

Then, it drowned in the largest applause of the night

 

The list of songs in this story:

“The Best Is Yet To Come”, made famous by Mr. Frank Sinatra. This version is lifted from an MP3-file from the “Star Trek - Deep Space 9” show, featuring James Darren (Vic Fontaine)and Avery Brooks(Benjamin Sisko). Look for it on the ‘net – otherwise, use the original or James Darren’s solo from the album “This One’s From The Heart”.

 

“I Remember You” from the “For The Boys – Original motion picture sountrack”. Originally featuring Bette Midler and James Caan, on the album there is also a Bette Midler solo. This is the solo version.

 

“Moon River”, once again a Frank Sinatra song. It’s on every compilation album there has ever been made with him – look for it. It’s great.

 

“Hopelessly Devoted To You” – from the “Grease – the motion picture sountrack”, featuring Olivia Newton-John. I understand, it has since become her personal property, to a degree where you can’t perform Grease and sing this song without paying extra money to her. Since I don’t make a buck on this, I hope, she can live with it.

 

“Shiver Me Timbers”, from “Bette Midler – Live At Last”. It’s not her song (I think!), but this is the version, I’ve used for lyrics, and the opening speech.

 

“Come Fly With Me”, originally performed by Sinatra, is recently been made popular by Robbie Williams. The lyrics are from the version performed by James Darren on the “This One’s From The Heart”-album.