Black Burden
Beta: Kathy Rose
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek or any of its characters. This is all written for non-commercial enjoyment.
A/N: I'm working on a long adventure, but it takes a lot of time. Inspiration struck, and turned into this little interlude. Just to let you know I'm still here!
Cold steel shimmered in the artificial light. The small, jagged knife was dangerously close to her bare throat. Unable to move, and her gaze intent on the scene playing out in front of her, she was conscious of its trajectory. The high, rigid chair on which she was seated did nothing to comfort her. Her vision was partly obscured by a lock of dark hair that had fallen on her cheek, highlighting her youthful appearance.
She held her breath, not wanting to risk an unpleasant outcome. The room was deadly quiet, while the still air felt even more confining. A hand pressed on her scalp, forcing her to bow for an invisible audience.
The sound of tearing echoed in her ear. It continued buzzing inside her head, and had a strangely soothing effect. Her eyes lost their focus as she was momentarily swept back to her early childhood.
Warm sunlight fell upon the garden, while her mother watered the thirsty flowers. A miniature version of herself was clearing weeds from between the rough stone tiles. She was clasping a blunt knife. It was satisfying to see the dark blades of grass fall under her determined hands. Steel scraped on stone, and she felt powerful.
Her captor suddenly stepped back, waking her from a cherished memory to stark reality. In one smooth motion, he took the strange knife and the grey cloth that had restrained her movements with him.
"There! What do you think?"
Ensign Hoshi Sato smiled into the mirror, enjoying the bouncy, lightweight feel of her new hairdo. She sighed happily in the knowledge that it would be easier to care for. She also hoped this change from her somewhat old-fashioned ponytail would not go unnoticed by her colleagues. Her smile widened. With a word of thanks to Crewman Matthews, she hopped off the dresser's chair, and with a toss of her head, Hoshi Sato was ready to conquer the world.
THE END
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