iTunes Shuffle Challenge, Part 2
1. "Das Nichtgesagte" (The Unspoken) by Annett Louisan
(Soji/Narek)
Soji never understood the Romulan saying that the loudest words are those that go unspoken – until today.
She remembers every conversation she and Narek ever had, at work and in bed, in words and in caresses, every question, every hint, every innuendo. She remembers being fascinated by the secrets behind his eyes, and she honestly thought he felt the same way. But in the end, his fascination and hers couldn't have been more different.
She wanted to discover him. He wanted to destroy her.
She should have guessed that something was wrong the night she asked him about true names and he walked away. She wouldn't be surprised to learn that "Chayan" was just another lie … but isn't there a chance, however remote, that it wasn't?
If she'd screamed that name, would he have turned around?
/
2. "Il mio sbaglio piu grande" (My Biggest Mistake) by Laura Pausini
(Rios/Jurati)
Cris has made a lot of mistakes in his life, but he can tell this one will be memorable. He and Agnes have that in common. That doesn't stop him from leading her to his cabin hand in hand.
Madre de Dios, but she's beautiful when she's broken. Like a porcelain teacup, so thin you can see the light shining through it, with hairline cracks that appear only in hot water. He'll have to be careful not to cut himself on the shards.
Can she see his own cracks running along similar lines? Is that why she's chosen him? Or is his body the only thing she sees?
Either way, he's going to sleep warm tonight. And when she disappears – which she will; they're under no illusions – it will be worth it.
After all, in a lifetime of regrets, what difference does it make to add one more?
/
"Bochum" by Herbert Groenemeyer
(Hugh & Seven of Nine)
"Are you sure you won't reconsider?" Hugh asks, escorting his fellow XB to the docking bay of the Artifact. "You'd be more than welcome here."
"I'm sure." Seven locks her hands behind her back to hide their trembling. "I respect your work, Director, but I couldn't live on a Borg cube. Never again."
It's the green light that gets to her, the smell of metal, and the constant background thrum of the machines. If she's not careful, she can hear them whispering: Resistance is futile …
"I understand." Hugh sighs, but smiles and holds out his hand. "Well, Seven, it's been a pleasure meeting you. I can assure you that we'll do everything in our power to help those people you saved."
"Thank you." She shakes his hand. Nothing will ever make up for Icheb's death, but at least the other former drones she saved from Bjayzl's slaughterhouse will somehow survive.
"If you need a pilot, call me." She hands the Director her card, and he tucks it into his pocket with a courteous nod.
Seven takes off in her shuttle at maximum warp, breathing easier the moment that cube is out of sensor range, and already regretting that card. When Hugh calls, though, she already knows that she'll be there.
What wouldn't she do for her Collective, after all?