All characters belong to Paramount and Star Trek. I don’t own any of this.
Fasting From Fantasy
Part One
By Marie Nomad
Chris relished walking down the path, admiring the gardens. Some flowers resembled those from Earth, while others were distinctly alien, reminding him that he was on Talos IV, not Earth. He looked up to see the sky's unique red hue, contrasting Earth's familiar blue. The sensations of his boots on the ground, the sun warming his face, and the fragrant aroma of the flowers all felt remarkably real.
A deep unease churned inside him. It was the Captain's instinct, a trained reflex he couldn't dismiss. He was acutely aware that he couldn't walk or feel anything. Though everything felt real, he knew it was an illusion. His training at the academy had taught him to search for truth and to question everything. But the reality he now faced was one he loathed.
“Are you okay?” Vina asked, noting his troubled look.
Chris smiled, remembering that her appearance was an illusion. Even his ability to smile was fabricated. “Everything feels so authentic, and that's what unnerves me,” Chris confessed, holding up his hands.
“Why?”
“Because it's all an illusion. I’m grateful to you, Spock, and especially the Talosians. But I fear becoming consumed by these fantasies, like the Talosians themselves.”
Vina took his hand. “I understand your concerns.”
“I want to make a real difference on this planet. The Talosians are nearing extinction. If I become ensnared in these illusions, I won't be of any help,” he said, rubbing his smooth cheek where he knew a terrible scar from Delta radiation should have been.
“How about a temporary reprieve? Maybe just from sunrise to sunset,” Chris proposed. “The Talosians' downfall was their dependence on these illusions. I can't help them if I'm constantly under their spell.”
“But without the illusions, you're immobile and mute,” Vina reminded him. “You're here to experience things you can't in your actual state.”
“I just need a periodic reminder of my real condition. It's about grounding myself. The Talosians can understand my thoughts, but I won't be able to speak to you. It's a test, not a complete withdrawal.”
Vina hesitated. “I don’t want to see you suffer. But if it's what you need, I'll join you.”
Chris was concerned. “Vina, you've been here far longer than I have. The shock of leaving the illusions might be too much.”
“I want to support you,” she affirmed.
The Keeper appeared before them, confusion evident. “You seem content with the illusions. Why abandon them?”
Chris raised his hands reassuringly. “I'm grateful for all you've provided. But for our mutual benefit, I need this grounding experience. The illusions should be tools, not crutches. If it becomes too intense, I'll request their return.”
The Keeper nodded in understanding. “When you're ready, think it, and we'll assist.”
“Chris, can we prepare for a week before we try this?” Vina suggested.
“Good idea. Adjusting to reality, even temporarily, will be tough,” Chris agreed, rubbing his throat, thankful for the illusion that allowed him to speak and move freely.
“We'll strategize our communication and activities. There are some gentle paths and emerging wildlife patches we can explore,” Vina offered.
Chris nodded. “Sounds good.”
Later that week, Chris examined plants in the nursery. These were real plants the Talosians were cultivating, hoping they would one day thrive on the planet's surface. Though currently too delicate for the harsh environment, in a few months, they could be relocated to areas on the surface suitable for plant life.
She approached him, clutching a thick book with a sense of urgency in her steps.
Hearing her approach, Chris turned and saw the book in her hands. "What's that you've got?" he asked, curiosity evident in his eyes.
“It's an book on communication methods I found in the archives,” Vina began, her voice tinged with excitement. “And guess what? I’ve found a way for you to communicate: Morse code. You can control the beeps, right?”
Chris's eyes widened, and a slow smile spread across his face. “Absolutely. Morse code... that takes me back. I learned it during my early years at the Academy. Do you know it?”
Vina hesitated for a moment. “I’ll need a refresher, but I can relearn. It's been a while since I used it. But think about it: it could be the perfect solution, especially when the illusions aren't active.”
Chris leaned forward; his interest piqued. “It's such a basic form of communication. Why didn’t I think of it?” He remembered after the accident, and he was told about the ‘yes’ ‘no’ code. He was just defeated and was content into just wasting away waiting for death to show up.
“Why didn’t Starfleet?” Vina countered.
“I don’t know. It was dark times for me back then. I mostly didn’t want anyone to see me like that. I gave up.” Chris confessed.
“Well, you’re here now and we have a way for you to talk outside of the illusion.” Vina supported.
Chris looked at the tiny growing plants in the nursery. They were being grown and could help the future of Talos IV. “You’re right, the past is past. The plants are okay. Let’s work on the Morse code.”
Chris stepped to the side and asked the Talosians mentally to reveal his chair but not his body. The chair appeared before them. “I just revealed my real chair. The basics was, one beep will be ‘yes’, two beeps ‘no’, and three beeps ‘I don’t know’,” he informed Vina as he demonstrated with the beeps and flashes. A part of him winced at the sounds remembering that it was his ‘voice’.
Vina put her hand on the wheelchair. “Where’s your body?”
Chris leaned back slightly, a hint of weariness in his eyes. "That's the complex part. In this illusionary state, my actual body is still within the chair, though invisible to us. The Talosians’ capacity to craft such intricate illusions is beyond comprehension. It's almost paradoxical – a real chair that houses an unseen reality inside an illusion."
“It’s alright," Vina reassured him. "Once while examining some new gardens that we started, I found myself amidst a singing number, with Talosians as the chorus. The eerie part? Even the Magistrate had no idea how it was happening. Even the illusions were making them sing.”
Chris cringed, “Ah, the Great Musical Outbreak of 2259. Sorry about that.” He still remembered the time that the Enterprise had encountered a space abnormality and it somehow caused crew members to burst into song like in a musical. The memory was still fresh, and he was glad he hadn’t burst into song about the grim fate that awaited him back then. The effects must have reached Talos IV somehow.
Vina chuckled lightly, “It was funny looking back. Maybe I can show you some time.”
“I’d love that. I can also share how we countered the Space Anomaly responsible. The Enterprise performed quite the musical spectacle. But first, let’s master Morse code. We'll start with the basics and gauge your understanding.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
As the days flew by, Chris and Vina diligently practiced Morse code, using the wheelchair that appeared vacant but wasn't. Vina was a quick learner and was soon able to understand and respond efficiently.
The awaited day of the fast approached, and an anxious yet determined Chris woke up early. Even with the Talosians' assurance, the idea of relinquishing the illusion and returning to his wheelchair was daunting. Vina knows what he looked like but the idea of having her deal with him in his crippled state scared him. He had faced people looking at him with sadness or pity and he didn’t know if he could handle Vina looking at him like that. Still, he must treat it like a mission, a personal challenge. Seated on a bench, he clasped Vina’s hand. “Everything will be fine,” he whispered, “I love you, no matter what.”
Vina's eyes shimmered as she replied, “I love you too.” As dawn broke, she closed her eyes, mentally signaling the Talosians. When she opened them, her once youthful hand now clutched the wheelchair, revealing her aged skin and pronounced scars. Her hunched back made standing upright challenging. Chris gazed back with unchanged, affectionate eyes. Despite the reality of their appearances, their bond was unbroken. Vina gently placed her hand on his marred face, “Do I still look beautiful to you?”
Chris beeped once – a clear 'yes'. Vina knelt, wrapping her arms around the wheelchair in a tender embrace. Chris mentally struggled to adjust being back in the wheelchair, but Vina just accepted him. She was holding him despite his immobility and hideous face. The first part of the challenge had already been won. Vina still loves him, and he love her.
“Want to explore the surface?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Fasting From Fantasy
Part One
By Marie Nomad
Chris relished walking down the path, admiring the gardens. Some flowers resembled those from Earth, while others were distinctly alien, reminding him that he was on Talos IV, not Earth. He looked up to see the sky's unique red hue, contrasting Earth's familiar blue. The sensations of his boots on the ground, the sun warming his face, and the fragrant aroma of the flowers all felt remarkably real.
A deep unease churned inside him. It was the Captain's instinct, a trained reflex he couldn't dismiss. He was acutely aware that he couldn't walk or feel anything. Though everything felt real, he knew it was an illusion. His training at the academy had taught him to search for truth and to question everything. But the reality he now faced was one he loathed.
“Are you okay?” Vina asked, noting his troubled look.
Chris smiled, remembering that her appearance was an illusion. Even his ability to smile was fabricated. “Everything feels so authentic, and that's what unnerves me,” Chris confessed, holding up his hands.
“Why?”
“Because it's all an illusion. I’m grateful to you, Spock, and especially the Talosians. But I fear becoming consumed by these fantasies, like the Talosians themselves.”
Vina took his hand. “I understand your concerns.”
“I want to make a real difference on this planet. The Talosians are nearing extinction. If I become ensnared in these illusions, I won't be of any help,” he said, rubbing his smooth cheek where he knew a terrible scar from Delta radiation should have been.
“How about a temporary reprieve? Maybe just from sunrise to sunset,” Chris proposed. “The Talosians' downfall was their dependence on these illusions. I can't help them if I'm constantly under their spell.”
“But without the illusions, you're immobile and mute,” Vina reminded him. “You're here to experience things you can't in your actual state.”
“I just need a periodic reminder of my real condition. It's about grounding myself. The Talosians can understand my thoughts, but I won't be able to speak to you. It's a test, not a complete withdrawal.”
Vina hesitated. “I don’t want to see you suffer. But if it's what you need, I'll join you.”
Chris was concerned. “Vina, you've been here far longer than I have. The shock of leaving the illusions might be too much.”
“I want to support you,” she affirmed.
The Keeper appeared before them, confusion evident. “You seem content with the illusions. Why abandon them?”
Chris raised his hands reassuringly. “I'm grateful for all you've provided. But for our mutual benefit, I need this grounding experience. The illusions should be tools, not crutches. If it becomes too intense, I'll request their return.”
The Keeper nodded in understanding. “When you're ready, think it, and we'll assist.”
“Chris, can we prepare for a week before we try this?” Vina suggested.
“Good idea. Adjusting to reality, even temporarily, will be tough,” Chris agreed, rubbing his throat, thankful for the illusion that allowed him to speak and move freely.
“We'll strategize our communication and activities. There are some gentle paths and emerging wildlife patches we can explore,” Vina offered.
Chris nodded. “Sounds good.”
Later that week, Chris examined plants in the nursery. These were real plants the Talosians were cultivating, hoping they would one day thrive on the planet's surface. Though currently too delicate for the harsh environment, in a few months, they could be relocated to areas on the surface suitable for plant life.
She approached him, clutching a thick book with a sense of urgency in her steps.
Hearing her approach, Chris turned and saw the book in her hands. "What's that you've got?" he asked, curiosity evident in his eyes.
“It's an book on communication methods I found in the archives,” Vina began, her voice tinged with excitement. “And guess what? I’ve found a way for you to communicate: Morse code. You can control the beeps, right?”
Chris's eyes widened, and a slow smile spread across his face. “Absolutely. Morse code... that takes me back. I learned it during my early years at the Academy. Do you know it?”
Vina hesitated for a moment. “I’ll need a refresher, but I can relearn. It's been a while since I used it. But think about it: it could be the perfect solution, especially when the illusions aren't active.”
Chris leaned forward; his interest piqued. “It's such a basic form of communication. Why didn’t I think of it?” He remembered after the accident, and he was told about the ‘yes’ ‘no’ code. He was just defeated and was content into just wasting away waiting for death to show up.
“Why didn’t Starfleet?” Vina countered.
“I don’t know. It was dark times for me back then. I mostly didn’t want anyone to see me like that. I gave up.” Chris confessed.
“Well, you’re here now and we have a way for you to talk outside of the illusion.” Vina supported.
Chris looked at the tiny growing plants in the nursery. They were being grown and could help the future of Talos IV. “You’re right, the past is past. The plants are okay. Let’s work on the Morse code.”
Chris stepped to the side and asked the Talosians mentally to reveal his chair but not his body. The chair appeared before them. “I just revealed my real chair. The basics was, one beep will be ‘yes’, two beeps ‘no’, and three beeps ‘I don’t know’,” he informed Vina as he demonstrated with the beeps and flashes. A part of him winced at the sounds remembering that it was his ‘voice’.
Vina put her hand on the wheelchair. “Where’s your body?”
Chris leaned back slightly, a hint of weariness in his eyes. "That's the complex part. In this illusionary state, my actual body is still within the chair, though invisible to us. The Talosians’ capacity to craft such intricate illusions is beyond comprehension. It's almost paradoxical – a real chair that houses an unseen reality inside an illusion."
“It’s alright," Vina reassured him. "Once while examining some new gardens that we started, I found myself amidst a singing number, with Talosians as the chorus. The eerie part? Even the Magistrate had no idea how it was happening. Even the illusions were making them sing.”
Chris cringed, “Ah, the Great Musical Outbreak of 2259. Sorry about that.” He still remembered the time that the Enterprise had encountered a space abnormality and it somehow caused crew members to burst into song like in a musical. The memory was still fresh, and he was glad he hadn’t burst into song about the grim fate that awaited him back then. The effects must have reached Talos IV somehow.
Vina chuckled lightly, “It was funny looking back. Maybe I can show you some time.”
“I’d love that. I can also share how we countered the Space Anomaly responsible. The Enterprise performed quite the musical spectacle. But first, let’s master Morse code. We'll start with the basics and gauge your understanding.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
As the days flew by, Chris and Vina diligently practiced Morse code, using the wheelchair that appeared vacant but wasn't. Vina was a quick learner and was soon able to understand and respond efficiently.
The awaited day of the fast approached, and an anxious yet determined Chris woke up early. Even with the Talosians' assurance, the idea of relinquishing the illusion and returning to his wheelchair was daunting. Vina knows what he looked like but the idea of having her deal with him in his crippled state scared him. He had faced people looking at him with sadness or pity and he didn’t know if he could handle Vina looking at him like that. Still, he must treat it like a mission, a personal challenge. Seated on a bench, he clasped Vina’s hand. “Everything will be fine,” he whispered, “I love you, no matter what.”
Vina's eyes shimmered as she replied, “I love you too.” As dawn broke, she closed her eyes, mentally signaling the Talosians. When she opened them, her once youthful hand now clutched the wheelchair, revealing her aged skin and pronounced scars. Her hunched back made standing upright challenging. Chris gazed back with unchanged, affectionate eyes. Despite the reality of their appearances, their bond was unbroken. Vina gently placed her hand on his marred face, “Do I still look beautiful to you?”
Chris beeped once – a clear 'yes'. Vina knelt, wrapping her arms around the wheelchair in a tender embrace. Chris mentally struggled to adjust being back in the wheelchair, but Vina just accepted him. She was holding him despite his immobility and hideous face. The first part of the challenge had already been won. Vina still loves him, and he love her.
“Want to explore the surface?” she asked.
“Yes.”
