Story Star Trek: Snippets, Like Scattered Petals. Kessel Run Challenge.

This is hosted by ViariSkywalker and is fantabulously inspiring!

Prompt 1 is to write 100 to 1000 words with the first sentence of "Saying goodbye was never easy, but she could not put it off any longer."

Characters: Ensemble

~~

Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye was never easy but she could not put it off any longer.

Audrey Pearce had issues with farewells dating back, not surprisingly, to when her father and mother separated in her youth, for a span of months that had been heart-wrenching. Even the fact that they had eventually reconciled had not made the prospect of goodbyes easier. It made something tug and twist at her heart every time the occasion or necessity arose.

This was not a permanent goodbye, arising out of disillusionment or bitterness but one driven by external demands.

It did not make the fact any easier.

The fact that the future was uncertain for the two of them just when things seemed so promising made it all the harder.

Jim was an easy one to be captivated by, to be enthralled by the undertones as well as the immediate appeal of his take-chargeness.

"I don't expect you to wait for me," She told him upon leave-taking. "That wouldn't be fair."

"Yeah, well," He grinned somewhat wistfully, "You'll be a hard act to follow, Audrey. If it comes, it won't be because I'm actively looking."

Her heart melted at the sincere words.

After a tight, fierce hug, she left the ready room.

She could only hope that the parting would prove to be temporary, after all.

+++

 

So honest he is, not cutting himself off or making insincere promises ... excellent take on the character.

 

Audrey will know that he will come back. Great first post

 

Week 2-- A dialogue-only story between 400 and 800 words in which two characters have a disagreement.

Note: Nyota and her sister enjoy a sweet treat.

~

"I can't believe the mess in here. It looks like a summer storm erupted in here."

"Well, you can either stand there and make unnecessary comments or help me clean up."

"What were you doing anyway?"

"Kashore, I was making fudge with extra caramel sprinkles."

"Sounds yummy. What's the occasion?"

"An end of term party with my choral club."

"Ah! Were you following a recipe?"

"I was using Gram's. It's ready... let's see how it turned out."

"Perfect ... just the right blend of chewy and moist!"

"Whew, what a relief. I would have hated it if they turned out like bricks."

"Honestly, I had my doubts, given the state of the cooking island and counters."

"Shhh. Or you won't get a slice."

"I guess you're going to be in the solo recital? I would be surprised if you weren't included."

"Yes. They nominated me, but I'm having a hard time picking a song."

"Whatever you choose, I know you'll be super at it. No one has a voice quite like yours, Nyota."

"Oh... thanks so much. I'm glad you think so."

"So, now that I'm back in your good graces, can I have a piece?"

"Oho! Is that why you complimented my singing?"

"I meant that in all sincerity!"

"Hmmm."

"I did...!"

"OK. I'm having a slice of fudge too... let's have some hot chocolate to go with."

"Great idea!"

 

comments on the mess cooking makes but making nice remarks too about the singing

 

Week 3 is as follows:
Write a letter with no framing narrative of 300-1,000 words.
(I did this in lieu of the drabbles).

~~

Dear Nyota,

I am so happy to know you will be groundside and living within a short distance of Tristan and I. I was seriously thinking you would be continuing/renewing your tour of duty.

I suffered no shortage of anxieties with your harrowing missions. It was in no small part due to your courage and the Enterprise crew and Captain's resourcefulness that you had so many successes, grabbing them from the jaws of imminent defeat and peril! It did not hurt that your heart's truest love would not let any lasting harm come to you. You've really found a gem in that one, you know? Although I do not need to tell you that... you knew that from "Hello."

I'm happy that you are pursuing a diplomatic career path, which will doubtless be full of interesting and never-dull events and first encounters, besides also the hair-pulling frustrations that come with dealing with stubborn Gundark butts. That is the perfect choice to utilize your communication skills, the least of which is the literal affinity and ease with the spoken word.

Tristan and I are going to take a tour of the Grecian Isles come June, and we would be very happy if you guys could join us? The history and natural beauty just beckons! Please let me know via comm or return message.

Much Love and Hugs,

Sherralyn

 

Love the concern for her and the dealing with 'Gundark butts'
and a tour of the Grecian isles should be nice for her and Spock too

 

Week 4, write an entry of 100 to 1,000 words from the perspective of an overarching 'force' or other such entity.

I am writing from the intriguing POV of the Guardian of Forever.

~

I have existed for countless millenniums. I do not affect the stream of time as it flows merely monitor it and the myriad permutations and ripples of choices that eddy out from the unnumbered worlds, as civilizations rise and crumble.

I, of course, cannot form opinions or conclusions about the 'proper' or 'right' outcome or end point of such changes. I am by my very nature unaffected. My existence continues regardless.

Yet, when the timestream was impacted by a seemingly random event, it rippled out and had dire and unexpected consequences.

A world did not break free of its gravity and launch towards the stars... Exploration of other places stalled ...
The galactic and personal destinies of many were negatively affected. Many whose hearts and minds sought for fulfillment lacked and had less than otherwise...

When the timestream was righted and the ripples flowed as formerly, the continuum seemed to hum with the 'rightness' of it all.

+++

 

One of my favorite episodes. Good that the time-stream was restored

 

Week 5
Write a story between 600 and 1,000 words with your OTP (or any romantic pairing, canon or otherwise) in which your characters do not touch, and includes the following sentence: ”All things considered, this was an interesting way to wind up in prison.”

"All things considered, this was an interesting way to wind up in prison…"

Kiana put down her writing stylus, looking over the words she had just written in her letter to Nyota. That was a dramatic way to put things, and the last thing she wanted Nyota to accuse her of was theatrics.

Nyota was easy to confide in. Even though her family life was warm and happy, in contrast to Kiana's own chaotic home life at present, still she knew that Nyota would be more than willing to provide a warm and sympathetic ear.

Kiana had not too long ago thought her family life was all to be envied by others, something to feel gratified over and happy about, a place of nourishment and safety. But then, the proverbial roof had caved in.

Her Dad had up and left the family for a much younger woman, and it was no consolation that her mother claimed he would be back, that it was just a midlife crazy thing.

That had been six months ago, and still he had not come back. As a matter of fact, he seemed quite content and was rather gushy about his new lady love.

Which was why Kiana felt trapped. She felt caught squarely in the middle. Naturally, she felt her and her mother's betrayal most keenly.

But she still loved her Father and wanted to be close to him, but something essential had shattered, and she did not know if or whether the pieces could be put back together again.

"I feel humiliated and like everything I ever knew was a lie." She continued in her letter. "I keep telling myself one day I'll gain some perspective and be able to relate to my Dad in a sane, affectionate way again, but I don't know how that'll ever be. I am on edge expecting Mom to put me square in the middle. She has not yet, to be fair and honest, but expecting it or knowing it might happen just adds to the whole sense of chaos and makes me wish this was all just a bad, warped dream."

~~

Nyota read Kiana's letter and felt her stomach clench in sorrow and sympathy. She had always loved her Uncle Frank and Aunt Siobhan. They had showered her and her sister Kashore with warm, loving attention growing up and their two families had frequently shared happy vacations together.

Of course, Nyota was at some remove from the entire situation but even she felt echoes of Kiana's sense of betrayed trust and as if so much of what she'd thought was unmovable certainty in the realm of family ties had been ripped apart.

It made her feel tenderly grateful towards those she counted on, that things with her own family were still on a very close and harmonious footing.

She did not know exactly how to respond to Kiana. If they were in close proximity, she could just lend a sympathetic ear, but being physically distant, she had to acknowledge the other's distress in writing. She did not want what she said to be seen as cliches or platitudes especially since that was not how they would be meant.

Needless to say, Nyota's sense of distractedness carried over into her work day. She carried out her tasks with efficiency but it took all her concentration to do so. He was her colleague but also something … more. It mattered to her immensely that she perform her tasks to his satisfaction.

When he queried gently about what was the matter, she replied, "A relative, my cousin, is going through very trying times, and I wish I could lighten her burden. I just don't know how."

"Perhaps instead of writing a letter, you could reach out via a holocall?"

Nyota beamed and blushed. Why hadn't she thought of that? Perhaps being so close to the situation made her unable to think of a clear solution. "I always find that confiding in you gives me such clarity." She added with fond appreciation.

"Indeed. I am pleased that I could provide a viable resolution to your quandary."

"Oh," She answered with a soft smile, "You do more than that, as well you know."

 

Oh it's just a false dream. Reading this situation makes me feel sure that Nyota's call will strengthen her cousin. What else is family for?

 

I am sure Nyota will be able to help her cousin