Inside the Nexus

Posted on Wednesday 4 October 2023 @ 12:06 by Captain Melody Jones

Mission: The Search
Location: The Nexus
Timeline: Meaningless
765 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

It was a bright sunny day and Alex and Victoria had taken Melody to the beach. The 8 year old Melody, full of vibrant imagination and insatiable curiosity, skipped along the sandy shore, her bare feet sinking into the warm grains, her eyes sparkled with excitement. The rhythmic crashing of the waves and the salty breeze filled her senses as if nature itself was orchestrating a symphony just for her.

Every now and then she paused and looked back to where her parents had set up two deck chairs and were sat admiring the view. Something ticked at the back of her mind… Melody couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something was undeniably wrong. No, she quickly pushed that thought aside and carried on.

Melody's day at the beach was not just about building sandcastles or splashing in the foamy waves. No, she had a mission. Armed with her trusty magnifying glass, she scoured the shoreline for hidden treasures. With each step, she discovered a world within a world. Tiny seashells, polished by the sea's gentle touch, revealed intricate patterns and secrets of the ocean's depths. Melody's imagination soared as she envisioned the tales these shells could tell, of mermaids and pirates, of forgotten treasures and daring adventures.

As she explored, that niggling feeling returned. She turned and looked back at her parents who smiled and waved at her. She frowned “No… This can’t be real. You were assimilated…”

As if sensing her distress, Victoria stood and came over to her. “Hey there Sweetie. Would you like to go for a walk and get an ice cream?”

Melody was not sure where she was but she could feel its seductive lure wrapping itself around her like a warm blanket. Her parents were here, she had a chance to grow up with them here for her. To be a little girl and have fun.

For a moment she just looked at her mother and then embraced her in a tight hug. “I love you so much. Don’t ever leave me.”

Victoria held her daughter close to her. “It’s OK Sweetie. We’re not going anywhere.”

Taking her mother's hand they started walking toward a small ice cream stand a few hundred meters down the beach. As they approached the ice cream stand, Melody's eyes widened with anticipation, her taste buds already dancing in excitement.
With a mischievous grin, her mother whispered, "Let's try something new today, my dear." They bravely ordered a scoop of mango and chilli ice cream, a flavour that promised a fiery twist. As they took their first bite, their faces transformed into a delightful mix of surprise and delight. The sweet and tangy mango danced harmoniously with the fiery kick of the chilli, creating a symphony of flavours that made their taste buds sing….

Yet still at the back of her mind… there was that lingering thought….. It's not real.....

She heard her mother's voice. “It’s not every day you see your daughter graduate from Starfleet Academy.”

“What?” Melody said as she turned around she suddenly found herself standing on a stage in front of a large group of Starfleet cadets with their parents. All the Cadets were in dress uniform and Melody could see her parents sat at the front with pride on their faces.

She was no longer an eight year old girl but an eighteen year old young woman, also in a Cadets dress uniform.

Next to her at the podium, Admiral Jackson addressed the assembled crowd.

“Cadet Melody Jones has always dreamed of soaring through the stars, her heart pulsating with the rhythm of adventure. With unwavering determination, she embarked on a journey to become a top test pilot, graduating from Starfleet Academy with full honours. Her days here have been filled with rigorous training, pushing the boundaries of her intellect and physical endurance. Melody's sharp wit and quick thinking have earned her the respect of her peers and instructors alike.

Now, the day has arrived when Melody can stand proudly among her fellow graduates, her wings ready to take flight among the stars.”

He turned and extended her diploma towards her which she took while shaking his hand. As she received her diploma, the room erupted in applause, celebrating her remarkable achievement. Many people came up to her parents congratulating them.

Melody smiled to herself, content. Where ever she was she didn’t care. All she knew is that she was happy.

OFF:

●●●● Captain Melody Jones
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin