I've been working on this, for a while, and thought of posting it. It was just something I threw together, scenes here and there. It's a different kind of love story, inspired, partly, by my favorite one. Enjoy! :)
Summer Snow's gloved hand closed delicately around the pristine railing. She loosened her grip as she stood straight, feeling a firm hand on the small of her back.
"Up, straight, darling, you'll ruin your posture." a deep, false concerned voice rang in her ear. She put on a masked smile and replied,
"Yes, dear."
Young Summer Snow stared wistfully at the stars that surrounded the shuttlecraft. Every second the thing was bringing her closer and closer
to her death.
Not in a literal sense. But it may as well have been. How ironic, she thought.
At seventeen, there was really no place for a young woman of her status, other than married to one of the most powerful men in the galaxy.
Her white pinstriped suite, accented with fine purple silk, spoke of her soon to be husband's wealth, and power. Her auburn curls, still
retaining a hint of their fiery wildness, lay pinned, perfectly combed, and stiff.
There was no question that this woman was one of fine upbringing. But what no one knew was that she wasn't a woman of fine upbringing.
She'd been ''rescued'' from a war ravaged village, on a remoter planet. Her parents had adopted her after she'd been left with them. Her real
parents, humans, both died from a virus known only to that world.
Summer thought back, for just an instant, to the day when she was given the ''option'' of marrying. Or being on her own. She knew that she
would never be able to live on her own; a child born of rape was shunned from society. At least hers.
As they materialized on the pad, Summer caught sight of the Captain, and his First Officer.
"Greetings, Ambassador, and-"
"Hello, Captain." Pim greeted the captain with a false, friendly voice. Picard and Riker both noticed the facade. But kept their mouths shut.
Please, allow me to escort you to your cabin. I think you will find them to be quite luxurious."
"Your ship is a wonder, Captain Picard. Isn't it, darling?" Pim spoke for his fiance. Summer nodded politely. They walked together, arm in arm,
down the corridor. Lead by Captain Picard, who was escorting them to their best guest quarters. Summer nodded politely.
As always, Pim was followed by his personal butler, also Summer's ''babysitter'', but she didn't care. As well as Summer's maid, Violet. Violet
was sweet, but had to turn her cheek when she knew something was wrong. And a chaperone. In their society, it was unheard of for an
unmarried woman to travel without a chaperone. Especially one who was under age.
"You had to drag that hideous thing along, didn't you? I told you I could purchase a much better one, darling."
"I'm sorry, love. But I simply could not part with it," Summer daintily pulled her white leather gloves off as her fiance tossed her ''thing'' onto
the floor.
Now, really, she thought. I ask for nothing, but to be allowed to keep a simple little brush, and he throws it onto the floor like it's garbage.
She picked it up, giving her fiance's back a reproachful look. A look she would never dare give his face.
Pim sighed. His white blonde hair was perfectly brushed back, shining slightly in the dim light.
"Well, the Captain would like to have dinner with us, in an hour. Do you suppose you can make yourself presentable by then?" he said, taking
a sip of his mineral water. Summer nodded, unbuttoning her jacket.
A white and black gown, with a sparkling black sash around the waist later, Summer fidgeted slightly as they stepped into the turbo lift.
"Stop that, darling, you'll muss your gown." A gentle tap on her shoulder from Pim.
"I'm sorry. I'm still not used to this darned thing," Summer explained, meaning the tightly tied corset. The one she wore under the formal
gowns were particularly painful.
"Well," Pim said firmly, "You must get used to it, and fast. My wife will not appear anywhere looking unkempt."
"So, on this ship, there is a larger room, called the Ten Forward. It's usually used for functions such as this, but...I think I can make an
allowance while you're on board. I understand you prefer to hold the company of a smaller crowd." Picard said kindly. Pim nodded curtly as
they sat at the table in the Observation lounge. Summer sat, perfectly still in her artichoke colored satin dress with a skirt of layers and layers
of delicate lace. And of course, a wide, bright red sash hugged her waist tightly.
"It's quite a story, behind the reason,I might say. When I was a boy, I was subjected to many parties, full of strangers, of my father's circle.
Summer shifts slightly, feeling the uncontrollable urge again. To run. It seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.
"So, now, I dislike crowds." Pim finished, noticing Summer's discomfort. He gave her a slightly disapproving look, which she heeded with a
sweet smile.
They sat and ate lunch, with the Captain, the Klingon named Worf, Geordi La Forge, and Commander Riker.
"What are your plans for after you are married?" Goerdi asked. Pim gave another glance in Summer's direction, as she smiled and opened her
mouth.
"Summer's far too young to make any decision regarding her future, but I will see to it that she is well cared for."
That wasn't the answer any of them were expecting. Summer felt a lump in her throat. Swallowing it, she sighed and looked up. It was quiet,
and she felt all eyes on her.
"Pim, darling, I think I'm going to go and lie down. I'm feeling a bit tired."
"Yes, dear. You look a little pale. I shall wake you in time for dinner." Pim said.
The urge was back again, as Summer stood, excusing herself.
Her black heels clicked softly as she walked, absentmindedly down the hall. the bright lights seemed to mock her. Shining on her, and warming
her skin. But inside, she was cold. and not far from dead. A moment of weakness passed, and she looked around.
Data had a routine for the days he didn't have duty. Today, he was going to meet Counselor Troi in Ten Forward, for lunch, where he was
going to try a new meal, with his emotion chip finally installed.
Data looked up, hearing a female voice somewhere nearby. She sounded close, and nervous. Turning in the direction of the sound, Data saw
her for the first time. Her hair was a fiery red. Her face, a pale, peachy complexion, with rosy cheeks. And her eyes. Bright, emerald green.
"Um...Computer? Oh, I should have asked for directions before I left. Now I look like-"
"Are you lost, madam?" Data asked gently as he approached her. Summer jumped slightly, gasping as she turned to face him.
"oh, um...y-yes, sir. I'm sorry, I was just trying to find my cabin-"
"Apologies are not necessary, I assure you. Please, allow me to escort you back to your cabin. You are Miss Summer Snow, Am I correct?" Data
said. Summer nodded.
Data, ever the gentleman, escorted her back to her quarters, and left her with a suggestion to try a hot chamomile tea to relax.
"Humans often become nervous during their first trip aboard a starship. You are not alone." He told her as they arrived at the door.