the delphic expanse

Been a long time since I've done any kind of prompt, but I figured what the hell. Halloween always puts me in a somewhat inspired mood.

Words. Art. Whatever your thing is. Create something Enterprise-themed based on the following Halloween-inspired prompt:



THE WITCHING HOUR



Now go make something. Trekker Treat!

Oh, my! I'm so tempted. Don't know if I can, but I do have an idea. The only impediment is that I'm trying to finish up a November Drown Malcolm story. We'll see.

Here you go. My attempt at getting my muse to cooperate with me after being on bed rest for far too long; I didn't incorporate the actual words, "the witching hour" but this is what it inspired. No beta on this, obviously.

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"Is someone there?" Hoshi set the book down and leaned slightly out of her bunk to peer around her quarters, heart pounding.

There was no one there, of course. Just her uniform hung against the wall over here, a shadow over there, a flickering light from the matter recycler in the head. The room was quiet and the rhythmic hum of an engine at warp two was the only sound.

Hoshi shook her head as she picked up the book again, embarrassed despite her solitude. It's just my imagination. She tried to relax, scanning for the paragraph she'd read at least a half dozen times now. But it was no use. Now her shaking hands couldn't hold the book steady enough to see the words.

She let it drop on the coverlet and quickly slid out of the bunk, into the middle of the room where she could see every corner, every nook. Rubbing her shoulders briskly, she tried to rid herself of the feeling that she was being watched but it took only a minute before an edge of panic set in.

How ironic. A little over a year ago I was afraid no one could see me, and now I can't shake the feeling I'm on display!

She grabbed her uniform, jerking it on in a hurry and zipping it up as she headed for her door. But just before she hit the button to open it, she paused. Who could she talk to? Kelly was on shift, but he wouldn't understand. Trip might blame in on the selection for Movie Night but she'd hardly paid attention to the ancient, schlocky "horror" film. T'Pol? She might not understand irrational fear. Travis? He'd be understanding but, then again, he might tease her, and she just couldn't handle that tonight. This feeling went deeper than the sort of fear one has after watching a bad movie.

Then it struck her. It'd been six months to the day that Tarquin had appeared to her, almost haunting her her every movement aboard Enterprise until he revealed himself. Great. Is he back? On Halloween? She opened the door, knowing it was something she should tell the Captain, but something made her hesitate once again. What if she really was just jumping at shadows? She didn't want him thinking she couldn't handle it.

Malcolm. Lieutenant Reed would understand, and he'd know what to do. Decision made, she quickly exited her quarters and trotted down the corridor towards the turbolifts.

As the lights automatically dimmed in her quarters, two eyes briefly shined in the darkness then disappeared with a soft and lonely sigh.

Oh, that is creepy. Nice job, EntAllat. Hopefully Reed can make her feel better.

Thank you! I couldn't help it, I went back in and corrected a few mistakes and lost italics.

OOh! Nice stuff! The shipper in me wanted her to turn to Archer but Reed was a better fit for this piece! Thanks for making my evening.

Well done! That last line sent shivers down my spine.

Kathy Rose wrote:Well done! That last line sent shivers down my spine.

Yeah, not only did it give me shivers, but there was something poignant about it. That's not something most writers can combine -- creepy and poignant -- for such effect.

Kathy Rose wrote:Yeah, not only did it give me shivers, but there was something poignant about it. That's not something most writers can combine -- creepy and poignant -- for such effect.

Awww. Thank you! That's the kind of comment that just makes my day as a writer.