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Flash Fic February 13, 2026

We interrupt our continuing story to give a sequel to the flash on January 16.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Pexels.com

Jim closed his eyes and sighed, leaning his head back against the sofa cushion in his quarters just as Spock walked in via their shared bathroom.

 They still maintained separate quarters, mostly because now Spock used his quarters for meditation and sometimes reports when he didn’t want to keep Jim up in Jim’s quarters, but most of the time, when Spock slept, he stayed with Jim in his quarters.

“Hey,” Jim greeted Spock with a weary smile.

“Are you well?” Spock asked immediately, concern in his tone.

“Mm. Just tired. It’s been exhausting working this all out for Bones, but worth it.”

“You will be glad to know that our guests arrived, and Doctor McCoy does not have any idea.”

“I am glad, thank you.’ Jim yawned. “I guess that means I should go greet them.”

“You can rest a little longer. You are still recovering from traumatic injuries. I welcomed them aboard on your behalf and they are settling in and preparing for the ceremony.”

Jim nodded and picked up the cup of tea he’d made himself earlier. He took a sip. He’d never thought he could get into tea drinking the way he had before Spock. But Spock had changed so much about him. Not that he had given up coffee. No way.

Spock hesitated and then said, “I have something for you.”

“Hmm?”

“I was going to wait but I think perhaps it is time to give it to you now.”

“What is it?”

“Given our deepening relationship, I thought it an appropriate expression of our commitment.”

Jim frowned. “Wait. Are you going to ask me to marry you?”

Spock arched a brow. “Technically we are already married.”

“In the Vulcan way, yeah, I know.”

“While I am not opposed to a Terran marriage ceremony that is not what this is.” Spock tilted his head. “I hope that does not disappoint you.”

Jim brushed that off with a wave of his hand. “What is it then?”

“I will be right back,” Spock promised, and departed through the shared bathroom once more.

Jim sipped his tea, wondering what it could be. He loved Spock like crazy, but it wasn’t like the Vulcan to be romantic. Sure, it was Valentine’s Day but as far as Jim knew Spock had never observed it. Jim hadn’t either for that matter, except maybe as a child giving his classmates Valentines.

 Spock returned with a large square box that holes in it. And as Spock came closer to Jim he heard a distinctive high pitched squeaky sound.

Mewwwwwwwww

Jim straightened. “Wait. Is that—”

Spock set the box down on the floor next to Jim, reached in and withdrew a tiny orange kitten, which he then deposited in Jim’s lap.

“Oh. My. God. He is soooo cute.” Jim melted as he picked up the kitten and he started to purr instantly. “It is a boy, right?”

Spock nodded. “To be named as you see fit.”

“Where in the world did you get a kitten?”

“I had Leonard’s daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law bring it aboard with them.”

“This is…” Jim’s eyes brimmed with tears. “This is the best Valentine’s gift ever.”

“It is not meant to be specifically a Valentine’s Day presentation, Jim.”

He laughed as the kitten swiped a paw at him. “I know. But the timing is perfect. And I love him. And I love you. And now I’m going to want to spend all day, every day in here playing with this little guy. Damn it.”

He could feel Spock’s amusement through their bond.

Jim sighed. “We’d better go. Time for Bones’s surprise.”

****

“Jim, what the hell is this all about?” Bones demanded. “Making me come to the rec room. I’m a busy man.”

Jim smiled. “I’m sure you are.”

Mewww.

“Did you just mew at me?”

Spock stared at him. “Did you bring Marmalade with you?”

Jim grinned. “Well. I mean, how could I not?”

“Okay you two are even more nuttier than usual,” Bones protested. “What the hell?”

“Spock got me a kitten for Valentine’s Day.”

Bones eyed Spock. “You replicated a cat?”

“Certainly not. It was brought on board.”

“And that’s where your surprise comes in, Bones.”

“My what? Jim, I don’t have time for this nonsense.”

Jim squirmed as the kitten moved against his chest and popped his head out the top of Jim’s collar.’

“You really are crazy.”

“Bones, it’s time for…well…just come out, will you?”

As Bones’s daughter and fiancé suddenly walked into the rec room, Jim was satisfied to see Bones eyes bug out and that he was clearly speechless. Who would have thought he could manage that?’

“Daddy!” Joanna threw her arms around Bones who hugged her close. “We’re getting married on the Enterprise. Captain Kirk is going to marry us.”

Bones looked at Jim. “You did this?”

He shrugged. “Who else?” He swayed a little and Spock was instantly at his side helping him to sit. “Sorry I still get a little lightheaded sometimes.”

“You back in medbay when this is all over,” Bones said, turning toward the man who stood quietly by.

“Daddy, this is Mark.”

“Humph.”

Jim grinned and let the kitten swat at him with his paws. Spock sat beside him.

“Your plan was successful.”

“I’m a corny soft hearted sap at heart,” Jim told him.

Spock leaned over to capture Jim’s mouth with his own. “That I know.” 

10

Flash February 02, 2026

Uhura moved out of his arms and gave him a tired smile. She looked good, though. She wore black slacks and a camel-colored sweater with big gold hoops in her ears.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Jim told her.

“Same.”

He gestured to the table. “Join me?”

Uhura nodded. “Let me just get my drink.”

He slid into the booth and a minute or two later she came back carrying what looked like an orange soda. She sat across from him and gestured to the drink beside him.

“Shirley Temple?”

“I’m here with my mother. She stopped drinking a while back. She’s joining me shortly.” He picked up his whiskey sour. “Where’s Spock?”

She stared at him just as she brought the orange drink to her lips. “Spock and I aren’t together anymore.”

He frowned. “You aren’t?”

“We’re divorced. Last year.” She shook her head. “Didn’t he tell you?”

“We don’t keep in contact,” he admitted softly.

Uhura closed her eyes briefly. “Who told you about Pavel passing if it wasn’t Spock?”

“Admiral M’Benga. On-on behalf of Bones.”

 She lowered her gaze, eyes sad. When she looked back at him there was just the barest wet sheen there.

“It was a simple enough divorce. No kids. No bond.”

“You guys didn’t get bonded on New Vulcan?”

Uhura rolled her eyes. “No. And I can’t believe you don’t know that either. We were going to, after you married us, that was the plan. But the Elders on New Vulcan said we weren’t mentally compatible.” She grimaced. “After that Spock retreated even farther away from me. We should never have forced the marriage, but I guess we all thought that was the thing to do at the time. Have one moment of joy after everything. Trouble was the feelings we once had for each other couldn’t be recreated no matter how hard we tried. And we did try.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said, and he was. He’d wanted it to work between them after it hadn’t worked between him and Spock. 

“You really should talk to him, Jim.”

He ignored that and forced a smile. “How are you doing then? I’m guessing you’re going somewhere since you’re here at the bay.”

She brightened. “I’m going to Alonder 2. I might not be with Starfleet anymore, but I took a position as a communications director with the Federation’s President.  She’s sending me to Alonder 2 for a conference related to their possibly becoming part of the United Federation of Planets. Do you know it?”

“I’ve heard of it and its richness of minerals.”

“Which is why they are desirable to join.” An announcement came over the speakers and she began to scoot out of the booth. “And that’s me. We should really get together soon, Jim. I know how difficult it’s been with the others, but I’d like to keep in touch.”

He nodded. “Okay. Take care of yourself, Nyota.”

“You too. And talk to Spock.”

She hurried off then just as his mother came through the swinging doors of the bar. She glanced back at the way Uhura had gone and then joined Jim at the table.

“Was that Commander Uhura?”

“Former Commander Uhura, yeah. She works for the President now and is off to Alonder 2.”

His mom nodded. “I’ve got our bags packed and already on the shuttle for Orion.” She picked up her Shirley Temple. “Paperwork is in order too. And I have a shot for you.”

He finished off his whiskey sour. “A shot?”

“Orion pheromones can be dangerous and you’re a magnet for attractive members of both genders no matter the species as well as a magnet for danger.” She pulled out a syringe from her purse. “Stick out your arm.”

“Is this really necessary?” But he stuck out his arm, and she pushed up his sleeve and pressed the needle in.

“We need to stay focused on the mission, Jim. Get those kids and get out.” 

January 16, 2026 Flash Fic

A little bit of hurt/comfort and perhaps a hint for a flash to come in February

Jim leaned against the pillow in his biobed, smiling faintly as he listened to his best friend rant. There really was no other term for it.

“And then she just announces like it’s nothing that she’s gonna marry this boy.”

‘She’ was Bones’ daughter, Joanna, and ‘this boy’ was a grown man she’d met while they were both doing residencies in a Georgia hospital, because Jo was following in her father’s footsteps as a doctor. 

“That’s good though, isn’t it?”

“I’ve never even met him,” Bones retorted as he held his tricorder up to Jim.

Jim smiled wider and nodded. “Kind of hard to do while you’re on a starship.”

“And I blame you for that. ‘It’ll be an exciting adventure, Bones. I have to have you with me, Bones’. And look where we are now?” Bones gestured to Jim.

“I definitely don’t want to be here,” Jim agreed. A wave of nausea hit him, and he blew out a long breath.

Bones watched him.  “Let me give you another shot for that.”

Jim just nodded, which should tell anyone how truly bad things had gotten this time. He remained quiet while Bones hit him with a hypo in his arms.

“Better?”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Did I tell you they’re getting married on Valentine’s Day?”

“Good for them.”

“Do you know who else got married on that day?”

“You.” Jim chuckled softly. “Not everyone who gets married on that day gets divorced, Bones.”

“I know. Still. Pretty corny, don’t you think?”

“Come on. It’s sweet. She’s sweet. You should be happy for her.”

Bones sighed. “It’s just that her life is passing me by, Jim. When we started this whole thing, she was a kid.”

“We were practically kids.”

“And now she’s going to be a doctor and get married. Where did the time go?”

“Beats me.”

Bones looked over when they both heard footsteps, announcing the arrival of Spock.

“I’ll go see how those test results are going and I’ll be back in a little bit,” Bones assured Jim.

“Hey,” Jim said to Spock as the Vulcan approached. “You got a break?”

Spock nodded. “I left the bridge in Mister Scott’s capable hands. You look very tired.”

“I am, yeah. It’s okay though. Bones was telling me about his daughter and her fiancé.”

“You need rest.”

“I will, I promise.” Jim looked him over. “You look pretty wiped out yourself.”

Spock hesitated and then admitted, “It is hard for me to rest or meditate when you are not there.” He shook his head. “It is strange.”

“Why strange?”

“Prior to our relationship I did not stay overnight with a companion,” Spock replied. “During my time with Nyota, I would always return to my own quarters after whatever time we spent together.”

Jim considered that. “What makes me different?”

Spock stared at him intently. “Everything,” he said, almost reverently.

Jim smiled and accepted the touch of Spock’s fingers to his.

Bones returned. “All right, are you done with the mushy stuff?”

“Yes,” Jim said, while Spock said, “I am uncertain.”

Bones rolled his eyes and looked at his PADD. “I’ve got good news, Jim.”

“Yeah?”

“Your test results are much improved, and your vitals are stable. One more night here for observation and in the morning, you can spend the rest of your convalescence in your quarters.” Bones looked up from his chart. “I want you resting there for forty-eight hours with no duty at all, not even reports.”

Jim glanced at Spock. “That’ll put a lot on you.”

“It is acceptable.”

“We’ll reevaluate after that as to when you can return to light duty. But you’ve got to follow my orders regarding this to the letter.”

“He will,” Spock spoke up.

 “Yes,” Jim agreed without complaint.

Bones pointed at him. “You rest.” He pointed to Spock. “You out.”

Spock curved his hand around Jim’s. “I will see you in the morning, T’hy’la, to escort you to our quarters.”

“Great. Thank you.”

Spock left and Bones turned to him.

“Lights out. I’ll check on you later.”

“Thanks. And Bones. Maybe there’s a way for you to be at the wedding, you know? Let’s talk about it.”

“Okay, Jim. Go to sleep.” Bones paused as he went to turn away. “Don’t put us through that again.”

January 09, 2026 Flash

Rated: PG in case you are, er, um…offended by the functions of the body, or at least mention of them.

“Do Vulcans fart?” Jim asked, inappropriately, sure.

“What?”

They were trapped in a cave. The only way out would be folly. The aliens that had managed to injure both officers waited somewhere out there.

Jim had his back against an uncomfortable rock wall that dug into his back with sharp precision. He held his phaser at the ready, should it become necessary.

Spock sat nearby also holding his phaser. He had green blood smeared across his forehead from his injury. Jim’s left leg was currently oozing blood also from an injury.

“Do they fart?”

Spock gave him a trademark ‘you’re a dumbass human’ look. “I am not having this discussion, Captain.”

Jim shrugged. “I mean, I figure they do. Because you know, you’re humanoid and all. And all humanoids have those, er sorts of bodily functions, hell, even animals do. When my brother and I were kids, we used to speculate about that.”

Spock pursed his lips but did not make an inquiry as to what Jim meant.

“We’d play this game where we wondered which alien species would fart.”

“That is ridiculous.”

Jim laughed. “Well, we were kids. Bored kids at that. We’d sit out in the cornfields at night, looking up at the stars, and wishing we were anywhere but there. With Frank. He wouldn’t come out to those fields, so we spent a lot of time there.”

“I see.”

“I’ve spent time in pretty close quarters with a number of Vulcans, including you, and I’ve never smelled anything. So I wondered. But logically I’m guessing you do.”

“You are delirious,” Spock said without inflection.

He laughed again. “No. Just…I know I’m going to die here and I’m trying to distract myself with idiotic conversation.”

Spock glanced his way, but Jim didn’t move his own head to look at Spock. He kept his gaze trained where his phaser was pointed…the entrance to the cave.

“You are not going to die,” Spock said quietly.

“Sure.”

“At least not today,” Spock qualified.

Jim sighed softly but did not reply.

“For the record,” Spock spoke up. “I have also been in close quarters with you and have never smelled anything.”

Jim chuckled. “Good to know. You know you’re funny. No wonder Uhura wants to marry you.”

“Nyota does not wish to marry me.”

“Since when?”

“Likely around the time we ended our romantic relationship two months ago.”

“I didn’t know that,” Jim admitted.

“Because you do not pay attention,” Spock told him. “You are deliberately obtuse about a number of things.”

“Name one.”

Spock arched his eyebrow. “Besides the end of my relationship with Nyota?”

Jim rolled his eyes. “Yeah, obviously.”

“You do not seem to be aware that I have been attempting to court you for two months.”

Now Jim did look at Spock, with his mouth hanging open. “You what?”

“I have made my point.”

Jim blinked and looked back at the cave entrance. “Well. I mean, for the record, you are very subtle.”

 “Clearly too subtle.”

“Clearly,” Jim said dryly. “So, um, suppose we do make it out of this alive, would you…I mean…would you like to do something together that might be considered a date?”

“Yes, since everyone else believes we have been dating for two months.”

“Now you’re delirious.”

“Ask them when we return to the ship,” Spock replied.

“If we do, you bet your cute ass I will.”

His communicator beeped to life.

“Son of a bitch.” Jim fished it out of his pocket and flipped it open.

“Scott to Captain Kirk.”

“Scotty! Spock and I are injured. Can you beam us up?”

“Locking on to your signals now.”

Jim grinned. “Hallelujah!”

In seconds he and Spock appeared sitting on the transporter pad. Bones stood, scowling, nearby.

“Scotty,” Jim shouted. “I could just kiss you!”

“You probably ought to leave that soft of thing to Mister Spock.”

Jim looked at Spock, who shrugged.

Bones came to Jim, ordering orderlies to help him onto a gurney.

“Hey Bones? Are Spock and I dating?”

“For the last two months, why?”

Jim sighed, glanced at Spock again, and grinned. “I guess you are my boyfriend.”

Spock’s lips twitched. “So it would seem.”

Bones rolled his eyes. “Take them both to the medbay. Stat.”

“Bones, do you think Gorns fart?”

“That’s it.” Bones took out a hypo and aimed it at Jim’s neck.

“Nooooo.”

Flash Fic, January 02, 2026

Better late than never, I say. We return to Friday flashes for January. This is a follow up to the NYE flash of a couple days ago.

“How was your brunch with the doctor?” Spock as Jim the question as he rejoined the Vulcan after meeting Bones for a New Year’s brunch.

Spock had declined to accompany Jim, advising he had matters to attend to that would ensure the Enterprise leaving Yorktown would not be further delayed.

“Good.” He plopped down on the sofa beside Spock who had been typing on his PADD before Jim returned. “I told him about us.”

“Did you?”

Jim’s stomach turned nervously. “I mean…that’s okay, right? There is an us, isn’t there?”

“Of course, Jim.” Spock set his PADD aside and opened his arms for Jim to scoot closer so that Spock could wrap his arms around him. “You need not worry so.”

“I…I’m not. It’s just…”

Spock nodded. “I know. You are unused to such unwavering affection.” Spock’s lips twitched a little. “You will get used to it.”

Jim grinned. “I sure hope to.”

“I have already informed Starfleet of the change in our relationship.”

“You-you did? What did Womack say?”

“Congratulations.” Spock rubbed Jim’s back. “They are all well aware we make a good team. They have no immediate concerns but will of course monitor the situation for any changes.”

Jim laughed. “Of course they will. Man, this is the best New Year’s ever. And in just a couple of days it’s my birthday. You’re all the present I need.”

Spock kissed him. “No parties?”

“God, no. I already told Bones I don’t want a repeat of last year. I mean I know everyone needed the distraction after Altamid, but this year, I want to spend a quiet night with you.”

“I like the sound of that,” Spock murmured.

“I will have to call my mom, though, And I guess I should mention the change in my life.”

“That would be wise,” Spock agreed. “But for now…perhaps it is time to…cuddle…in bed.”

“I thought you’d never ask. Let’s go.”

New Year’s Eve Flash

Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

It was hard to believe they’d celebrated his last birthday on Altamid and now it was nearly a year later, and he was attending a New Year’s Eve gathering. A tradition that Federation had adapted all those years ago when it had been founded.

Jim had his own memories of New Year’s Eve over the years. Some pleasant and some not so pleasant.

This time it just reminded him he was still in limbo. The Enterprise wasn’t ready and his life was delayed.

He was outside on a patio that had been decorated for this kind of thing. Gold and silver, balloons, garlands, glittering lights, champagne pyramids. All very classy.

Across from where he had temporarily placed himself stood Uhura with her new very close friend. A few months back, Uhura and Spock had ended things seemingly for good, but if Jim had anticipated anything changing, he was disappointed.

Bones walked over to him and handed him a flute of champagne. “You look miserable. You used to love parties.”

“Hmm. I can’t wait for the ball to drop on this one. I’m tired and cranky and look forward to sleeping all day tomorrow.”

Bones smirked. “First you have to play Chekov’s game.”

Jim groaned and glanced over towards Chekov who wore a tuxedo of all things and had Yeoman Martha Landon on his arm. Yeoman Landon wore a tight sparkly silver ball gown. They made a very attractive couple.

“He’s doing that again?”

“Yep.” Bones patted Jim’s arm. “He’s about to start.”

“Attention, attention,” Chekov spoke into a mike. “This year’s game vill be different than last year’s. My beautiful Martha vill draw a name out of this top hat and then that person vill be asked a question based on this prompt in this other hat.” Chekov paused. “Does everyone got that? Does anyone have any questions?”

“Yes,” Jim spoke up. “Executive officers are exempt, right?”

“Jim,” Bones muttered.

“Captain!” Uhura admonished.

“Fine. But at least the captain should be exempt.”

“All in good fun, laddie.”

“This is stupid,” Jim groused.

“Play along,” Bones told him.

Jim clamped his mouth shut.

Yeoman Landon pulled a name and handed it to Chekov.

“Keptin Kirk,” he announced, rather gleefully. She handed him another slip. “Oh! This is good. If there was one thing you could ask Commander Spock vhat vould it be?”

Jim looked around for Spock and saw him standing somewhat close to Uhura and her new partner. Jim shrugged.

“Are you a cuddler, Spock?”

Spock looked blank. “What?”

Jim spoke louder. “Are you a cuddler?”

“I do not understand the question.”

Jim snorted. “You understand. In bed…do you like to cuddle?”

“Jim,” Bones said in a low warning voice.

“You know…whatever.” He downed his champagne and handed the empty glass to Bones. “I’m not in the mood.”

He turned and went back inside.

“Jim! Captain.”

He turned to face Spock who had followed him. “What?”

“Are you all right? You seem…unhappy.”

Jim shook his head and kept walking. “It’s nothing.”

Spock grabbed his arm and stopped his forward motion. “It is not nothing.”

“It’s just…nothing has changed. I’ve been here a year. Nothing has changed. And Carol…”

Spock frowned. “Carol Marcus? What about her?”

“She just got married.”

“I was unaware you were following her life.”

“I’m not. I wasn’t. I mean…once we were…there was a chance.” Jim stopped and shook his head. “Never mind.”

“You were in love with her?”

“No. Not really. I really liked her. Once. We were going to give it a try but…it’s hard to fall in love with someone when you already love someone else.”

Spock seemed to consider this and for a moment Jim though maybe he’d ask if Carol loved someone else then which would certainly be the safe thing to say. To ask.

“You loved someone else when you thought about a relationship with her?”

“Yes. And I don’t really resent the fact she’s found someone and is happy. I don’t. But it just reminds me that I still haven’t moved on from the unrequited love I’ve felt for…years. It’s just…it’s making it just a little hard to think another year is passing me by.” Jim blew out a breath. “It’s not your problem, Spock, and I apologize for what I said out there. I need time to myself.”

“I do not think that wise, Jim. And besides…I have something to discuss with you that I think you may find of great interest.”

“You’re looking unexpectedly chipper this morning,” Bones grouched the next morning when he met Jim for brunch.

“Afternoon, actually.” Jim grinned. “I’m feeling pretty good, too. You look a bit worse for wear though.”

Bones grumbled. “What happened to you last night? You disappeared.”

“I found out the answer to my question.”

“Your question?”

Jim smiled. “Spock’s a cuddler.”

Flash Fic, November 27, 2025

It felt…not exactly awkward to be on Vulcan again after everything that happened with Spock but, perhaps, uncomfortable.

Jim didn’t feel unwelcome. He wasn’t treated badly. Spock’s parents always treated him with respect and kindness. In some ways, he was treated by those on Vulcan as a hero given saving Earth and other planets recently.

But Spock was only just getting his memories back and sometimes Jim felt as though his…husband…if he could still call Spock that…was closer to McCoy then he was to Jim. Unfair, perhaps. He tried not to be jealous by Spock being forced to give Bones his Katra.

And yet Jim was floundering just a bit.

“There you are, Jim.”

He turned to greet Amanda.

“You’ve been missing for a while.” She smiled. “Are you all right?”

Had he? Jim had admittedly lost track of time. He’d come out to gaze out the Vulcan desert from this stone bridge because it had a cover and was reasonably comfortable temperature otherwise.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was gone for so long.”

And now that he noticed the shadowed areas around him he realized it had been a while.

“I come out here myself sometimes to think,” Spock’s mother admitted.

She was looking a bit frail these days and Jim was reminded Human spouses did not live as long as their Vulcan mates. And yet, Spock had died before him. Coming back to life thanks to Genesis notwithstanding.

“It’s a great view,” he commented as she came to stand beside him.

“You wouldn’t be avoiding Sarek, would you?” She seemed amused. “He means well even if he’s quite severe.”

Jim smiled. “No. Of course not.”

“Ah.” She nodded sagely. “It must be my son then.”

He wanted to deny it but found that the words to do so stuck in his throat.

She put her hand on his arm. “He is trying.”

“I know. Maybe that’s what makes it all so hard. It’s illogical I know, but I’m hurt and disappointed that there’s so much of me, of us, that he can’t remember.” Jim sighed and looked out over the desert landscape. “He might never remember.”

“I think he will, but if he does not then you build new memories. Jim, I understand. There are memories of his childhood that will likely elude him. But you must remember yourself that Spock did not choose this.”

Jim shook his head. “He did in a way.”

“To save you. To save your ship and your crew. He did not think he would return so he would never have forgotten you. Having him back, however he is, is a gift to us, Jim. You must remember that.”

“Yes,” he agreed. “I know.”

She squeezed his arm. “Come, we are about to gather for the meal.”

“All right.” He took a step forward and then stopped. “I just remember back on Earth, in Iowa, today is Thanksgiving.”

“That’s right. I recall.”

Jim chuckled. “I haven’t had one of those in I don’t know how long. My parents, my brother, they’re gone now. I have a nephew but I haven’t seen him in years. And my son…”

Amanda smiled. “We can remember our past loved ones while being thankful for those who are still with us. We, Spock, Sarek, me, we are your family, Jim. Let us count this meal as our Thanksgiving.”

He impulsively hugged her and felt less weird about it when she willingly hugged him back.

As they entered the house, he spotted Spock standing just inside the door looking rather anxious but trying to hide it.

“I found him on the bridge,” Amanda announced. “Wool-gathering.”

“You are all right, Jim?” Spock asked.

Jim offered his husband a smile. “Yes, I’m just great.”

A couple of days early. Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends. And this concludes November’s flashes.

Flash Fic, November 21, 2025

This story is inspired by the not unexpected announcement that Paramount would not be making another movie in the Kelvin universe. After nearly 10 years since the last one and several false starts I don’t think anyone is that surprised given the new ownership there. I have mixed feelings. I would have loved to see one more movie with them all but on the other hand I can now happily break up Spock and Uhura without ever having to see them together as a couple in another movie. They didn’t work, they never will.

Anyway, just one more after this for “family” month and I might make it TOS. We shall see.

“So unfortunately they’re pulling the plug on any more adventures,” Jim confirmed to his crewmembers gathered before him. He sighed. “If the Enterprise goes out again, it’ll be with a new crew.”

“So the rumors are true,” Bones said softly.

Jim nodded. “Afraid so. Some of you may be offered assignments elsewhere in Starfleet.” He smiled faintly. “But for this exact crew, that’s the end.”

Scotty grunted. “Aye. Maybe it’s for the best anyway. With Pavel dying on that last mission, it doesn’t quite seem the same without him.”

“True. Anyway, check your own messages for assignment in the future, but for now you’re all officially on leave.”

Bones shook his head. “That’s it for me. I’ll be sending in my resignation. Been thinking about it anyway. Kind of tired of dealing with so many catastrophic injuries. I’ll probably head back to Georgia and set up practice to be an old country doctor.”

That didn’t really surprise Jim. He could sense Bones’ weariness for a while. And the death of Chekov and Bones’ inability to do a damn thing about it was sort of the last straw. He got it. More than most, really.

“How about you, Sulu? What do you think you’ll do?”

Jim knew Sulu was likely to be promoted to captain soon and the pilot would deserve it.

Sulu shrugged. “For now, I’ll be going to Yorktown to be with Ben and Demora. I’ve missed too much time with them.”

“Scotty?”

“Don’t know yet and that’s the truth. Not sure I’m ready to hang up my engineer’s hat, so we’ll see what they have in store for me. What about you, Jim?”

“They want to promote me to admiral,” Jim admitted. “Have me stationed at HQ. I haven’t decided whether to accept it. I’ve got more aches and pains in my limbs than I have limbs,” he joked. “I’m considering retirement.”

Uhura, who had stood there looking defiant, had her arms crossed in front of her chest. “And what go back to being a farm boy?”

“Maybe.” Jim turned to look at Spock, who had remained stiff and silent, as usual. “What about you, Spock?”

“I have already offered my resignation,” the Vulcan said. “I have no desire to command a ship, and I have already served with the two finest captains in Starfleet. My intention is to settle on New Vulcan.”

Which is entirely what Jim had expected to hear. No reason to expect anything else.

He simply nodded and went to turn away when Uhura made an irritated noise. He glanced her way.

“What is wrong with you?” Uhura demanded. “You both act like this is all settled and off you go.”

“Uhura—”

“No. The rest of you might keep your mouths shut but I definitely won’t. Just like that, you’re going to let him go to New Vulcan without ever telling him how you feel?”

Jim opened his mouth, closed it.

She then turned to Spock. “And you! I can’t believe you. You’re really going to leave him behind and never tell him he’s your T’hy’la and you’ve worshipped him from afar for years?”    

“Nyota, this is not your concern.”

“You bet your Vulcan ass it is. We broke up because of the way you feel.” She pointed at Jim. “And you go around with a sad puppy dog face all the time while drowning your sorrows in booze and casual lovers because you think Spock will never love you or want you and I’m sick of both of you. So get your act together. I don’t care if you both resign from Starfleet but you sure as hell aren’t going to sit here and tell us you’re living separate lives.”

Jim stared at her, his heart pounding.

“I know I speak for all of us,” Uhura said. “We’re a family. All of us. And you don’t get to walk away from us without a payoff for all the time we’ve put up with you two.” She pointed at Spock. “You…talk to him. The rest of us will be over here, pretending not to listen.”

Jim watched as the group of them took several steps away from him and Spock. He was shaking as he glanced at Spock, who was clearly blushing.

“Um, listen, what she said, you don’t have to—”

“It is true,” Spock interrupted quietly. “Everything Nyota said.”

Jim swallowed. For a moment he couldn’t form words. But then he tried to lighten the mood a bit because everything seemed so intense all of a sudden.

“I’m sure worship is a little over the top.”

Spock shook his head.

“No?”

“I do worship you, Jim.”

“Well.” He didn’t know what to say. He felt overwhelmed.

Spock suddenly looked smaller. “You are under no obligation to—”

“Yeah, I am,” Jim said, quickly. “It’s not that…it’s really kind of a shock.”

“A shock?”

“To go for years wanting something you know you’ll never get, couldn’t get, to suddenly be looking at it staring you in the face, somehow actually getting it, I don’t know how to act, what to think. I’m at a loss.”

“What does that mean exactly?”

“It means I think I’m having a heart attack.”

“Jim—”

He shook his head. “No. That’s wrong. I love you, Spock. I think I always have. From day one. From the minute you tugged your uniform down to accuse me of cheating. I don’t know. I just know it’s always been you. Always will be you.”

“Why don’t you kiss him then?”

Jim glanced over at the group and saw Bones smirking.

“Do you mind? You’re supposed to be pretending not to listen. And—”

Spock kissed him silent, speechless. Jim grabbed hold of him and clung to him as the kiss deepened between them.

“I don’t think Spock will be going to New Vulcan after all,” Uhura said, smugness in her tone.

No. At least…not alone.

Not alone.       
   

Flash Fic, November 14, 2025

This one is more like the lead up to the family gathering.

“How do I look?” Jim asked his husband after observing himself first in the mirror. He’d chosen not to wear his uniform for this was a personal occasion and they were not on duty. While Spock had dressed in Vulcan robes, he had opted for nice slacks and a long-sleeved button-down shirt he was certain he’d be too warm in.

“Acceptable,” Spock replied, absently.

Jim sighed inwardly. “Some day you’re going to have to tone down those compliments, Spock. They’re starting to give me a big head.”

Spock glanced at him. “Your head is of appropriate size.”

“That’s a relief.” He tamped down his annoyance. “Do you think she’ll like me?”

‘She’ was Sarek’s new Vulcan wife. Many years after the death of Spock’s mom, he had formally bonded with another and Spock and Jim had been invited to their home on New Vulcan for a ‘Meet and Greet’ or a family dinner, Jim supposed. Sarek had offered his lodging for them to stay overnight as well.

“I cannot say.”

“You can’t even guess?”

Spock shrugged slightly. “To speculate would be illogical. I do not know her specific preferences and cannot speak to them.”

“See, on Earth when you meet someone’s parents and they ask if they’ll like you, the usual preferred response is ‘I am sure they will love you as much as I do’ or some variation.”

“That would not be an accurate statement,” Spock told him. “Vulcans do not form opinions based on the perceptions of others.”

Jim’s jaw clenched. “Your dad likes me, though, right?”

“He has never stated whether he does or does not.”

“But you must have an impression.”

Spock denied this too.

“Oh my God. Why…why am I even going to this with you?” Jim exclaimed, no longer bothering to hide his anger and disappointment.

Spock now appeared perplexed. “Because you are my husband and I want you there with me.”

Jim narrowed his eyes. “What for?”

“Because you are important to me and should be included in a gathering with my family.” Spock came forward and took Jim’s hands in his. “Jim, their opinion of you is irrelevant.”

“How?”

 “Whether they like you or not, it does not change who you are. You remain an outstanding individual with many honorable accomplishments, a great many admirers, a number of people who love you and respect you, me most especially.”

Jim blew out a breath and smiled a little. “You most especially?”

“Of course. I only meant that I cannot predict what her opinion of either of us will be, but that it does not change what is true, who we are to each other, and how we will go forward. That is what I mean by irrelevant. We remain committed mates with a deep, lifelong bond.”

Jim’s smile widened. “When you put it like that…”

Spock smiled slightly. “On the other hand, I cannot imagine how either my father or his new wife could find you lacking, because you are a treasure to me.”

Now he laughed. “Okay, okay. Now you’re making up for it. Come on, Spock. Let’s go meet the parents.”

“She is not my parent.”

“You know what I mean. Your father’s wife.”

“Indeed. And while I will respect that and perhaps even come to appreciate her, she will never replace my mother.”

Jim kissed him. “I know. Not in a million years. Come on. They’re waiting.”

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