Planting Memories

by oneship

Dr. Beverly Crusher cannot remember why she has tried to remove the captain from command-ten days in a row-and as she struggles to solve the mystery, she discovers an even darker plot unfolding on the ship: one that will result in the complete genocide of another alien species. And she's the only one who can stop it. Warning: Some scenes may be disturbing. COMPLETE.

10. Chapter 10

Beverly stumbled along a corridor filled with vines. Roots grabbed at her boots and threatened to send her sprawling. She tried to avoid the sticky strings clinging to the walls and descending from the ceiling, but they were too numerous. The tiny suckers coating each vine clamped onto her uniform and bare flesh with ease. Each time she pulled one off—leaving a red welt where the suction cups had attached—another found her.

Laughter echoed along the corridor behind her, gaining. Her heart pounded in her ears; the moment that voice caught her she was doomed. Beverly quickened her stride, but the jungle made rapid movement nearly impossible.

A particularly thick vine descended and wrapped around her wrist. She pulled as she moved a few steps further but the plant remained firmly attached. All her instincts urged her to keep moving, to run, but she had to stop to free herself. She grabbed the rope-like tendril with both hands, heedless of the welts it would leave behind, and yanked.

The ceiling of the corridor groaned.

She pulled again.

The vine gave way, bringing a thick pile of debris with it. Beverly ripped the plant from her hands and wrist in disgust. Panic filled her as the maniacal laughter sounded again, closer. Much closer.

She turned to flee and tripped over a large chunk of debris. Cursing, she picked herself up and prepared to launch a terror-filled kick at the object. The sucking vines clung to it, obscuring details, but she could discern its roughly spherical shape. The tanned surface gleamed almost like gold in contrast to the grey-green plants smothering it.

Beverly drew her foot back and took aim. Without warning, the vines slid apart when her foot moved to within an inch of the object.

Beverly screamed and tried to alter her aim, but it was too late. Her boot smacked into the object and sent it careening down the corridor. It made a wet, slapping sound as it bounced. The laughter came from right behind her.

Beverly's heart lurched painfully in her chest.

She stared at the object at the end of the hallway. Its hazel eyes didn't blink as it stared back at her.

Jean-Luc.

Rough hands grabbed her from behind—