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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.”

7

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.”

6

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.”

Flash Fic, November 07, 2025

This is “family” themed month. Enjoy

“It’s going to be all right, Captain. Just rest.”

Jim nodded, or tried to. It seemed to take more strength then he could manage.

Uhura. That’s who was with him. She put her hand on his forehead.

“You’re burning up.”

“F-freezing.”

“That’s the fever,” she told him. “But it’s going to be okay. They’re coming for us.” She tucked blankets around him, the emergency kind, so they weren’t particularly soft and cozy.

“I know, Jim, but that’s all we have.”

He hadn’t realized he spoke that out loud.

“You’ll be with Spock any minute, okay? But in the meantime you need to stay with me here. Rest but don’t close your eyes.”

His dry lips felt like they were about to crack open and bleed. “Water.”

She held up a canteen and helped to lift his head up so he could take a sip.

“You need to drink more.”

“No. Save it for you.”

“I don’t need it. And they’ll come and get us before I will,” Uhura insisted.

“Listen.”

“I’m listening, Captain.”

“Tell Spock—”

“No. You tell him yourself,” she said firmly.

He was dying. He knew he was. And he was fading fast. He could barely think coherently. He’d been speared in the side by a native of the planet and he’d been bleeding pretty badly. He was going into septic shock. And unless the ship beamed them up right now, he was going to die.

“Not going to make it,” he whispered.

“You are too!. Listen to me, Jim Kirk. We’re all supposed to have shore leave in just a couple of weeks on Earth and we’re going to your mom’s farmhouse in Riverside for a big Thanksgiving gathering for all of us as family and you most certainly are going to be there!”

“Nyota.”

“You are! They’re going to get to us any minute and then Leonard is going to fix you.”

“Tell Spock—” He closed his eyes.

“Jim! No! You open your eyes! You hear me! Open your eyes.” She sobbed and grabbed hold of him. “Open your eyes!”

****

He woke up. Somehow he was not dead.

“There you are.”

“Bones?”

Bones gave him a small smile. “Welcome back.”

“I thought I was a goner.”

“We all did. We beamed you up with Uhura draped over you begging you to wake up. If it weren’t for Spock—”

“Spock?”

“He’s here. He did something in your bond, somehow he brought you back.” There were tears in Bones’ eyes. “Here.”

Bones disappeared and in his place was his…Spock.

“Hey.”

Spock grabbed Jim’s hand and held it tight.

“Close huh?”

Spock nodded but did not speak.

“Guess I’m going to make it to that Thanksgiving shore leave after all.”

****

“Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh, through the white and drifted snow.”

Jim, Sulu, and Bones finished singing as they approached the Kirk Farmhouse.

“Only she’s not our grandmother, this isn’t a sleigh, and there’s not a hint of snow anywhere!” Jim declared.

Spock said, “The original poem was actually written to Grandfather’s house and was written in 1845.”

Jim grinned. “Thanks for the history lesson, babe.”

“You are welcome, Jim.”

“Doesn’t know sarcasm when he hears it,” Bones muttered under his breath.

They all got out of the hover car and headed to the kitchen door to enter the house. They’d always used that door growing up, Jim mused, rarely using the front door.

His mom greeted them warmly and as they all filed in before him, Jim used the chance to pull Uhura aside before she entered the house.

“I wanted to thank you for everything you did down there,” he told her.’

She smiled. “It was nothing, Captain.”

“It was more than nothing and we both know it.”

“You would have done the same thing for me. And now we’d better get in there. Ever since that incident, Spock won’t let you out of his sight.”

Jim laughed. “Yeah.”

And sure enough Spock was waiting anxiously by the door.

“Still okay, honey,” Jim assured him.

Spock looped a hand around Jim’s upper arm and held on to him, drawing him close. Jim let him.

“Now, welcome everyone,” his mother said, cheerfully. “We’re going to have turkey and stuffing and pie, and yes some vegetarian fare, and wine and cheer. We’re all thankful and blessed.”

I’m here Jim sent through the bond, sensing some underlying anxiety still coming from Spock.

For which I am thankful.

Jim smiled and squeezed his hand, then accepted the glass of wine his mother brought to him.   

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Flash Fic, October 31, 2025

And we come to the end of October. Happy Halloween

Photo by Sergej Eckhardt on Pexels.com

Bones eyed Jim as he approached the rec room entrance. Bones stood there like a sentinel guarding it. Beyond the CMO, the Halloween Pary was going full swing. Loud pounding music, drinks, food, laughter, dancing.

“What are you supposed to be?” Bones demanded.

“Little Red Riding Hood, obviously.”

“What’s obvious about it? You aren’t wearing a little dress.”

“Ya think?” Jim fingered his red cape and hood. “This doesn’t give it away?”

“I suppose.”

Jim held up his basket. “I also have a basket full of goodies for grandma.”

“Hmm. Still pretty lame.”

Jim looked Bones over. He was wearing some kind of soldier’s costume, heavy with armor and some kind of helmet over most of his head and face with only his mouth showing.

“What the hell are you supposed to be?”

“Judge Dredd.”

“There’s something dreadful about the way you look all right,” Jim said with a laugh.

“Hardy har har. Where’s Spock? Are you telling me he got to skip this?”

“No way. If I had to come, so did he. Who’s idea was this anyway?”

“Who do you think? Uhura and Sulu. They’re on the morale committee.”

“They are the morale committee.”

A tall slender man attired all in black except for the wolf mask covering the whole head appeared behind Jim.

“This is very uncomfortable, Captain,” Spock said, his voice muffled by the mask.

“I know, honey, once we get into the party you can removed the head.”

Bones laughed. “So he’s the wolf gonna eat you, huh?”

“What else?” Jim grinned. “He made a better predator than a granny.”

Bones shook his head. “All right, go in, don’t let me stop you.”

“Why are you the doorman anyway?” Jim asked as he and Spock moved past Bones and into the rec room.

“Uhura’s orders. No one is allowed in without a costume. I only have duty for another ten minutes then Scotty takes over.”

Jim and Spock moved further into the party until they were approached by Uhura, who was dressed as the Huntsman.

“You’re going to come to my rescue after the wolf devours me,” Jim joked.

She smirked. “You wish. You guys want a drink? You’ll have to take off the mask, Spock.”

“He wants to anyway.’

Spock started tugging at it. “Captain, it won’t come off.”

“What? Here let me.” Jim started tugging at it. “Damn, it’s really stuck. Uhura, help me out here.”

She joined Jim in trying to tug it off. “It won’t budge. Sorry, Spock. You’re going to have to remain a wolf.”

“What? We can get someone to cut if off.”

“You run the risk of cutting Spock’s head off then, Captain.”

“Well, sure, but isn’t that better than staying a wolf” Jim turned to Spock. “What do you want to—”

Spock howled, then growled, pouncing on Jim and knocking him to the ground.

“Oh my GOD!” Jim sat up in bed, breathing heavily. His heart pounded hard.

“Jim? Jim, what is it?” Spock exclaimed next to him.

“Computer, lights.”

His bedroom lit up, and next to him Spock, looking perfectly normal.

“That was…that was a weird dream.”

Spock appeared concerned. “You were yelling, something about a wolf.”

“Uh-huh. Remember I was saying we should go as Little Riding Hood and the Wolf to Uhura’s party?”

“Yes.”

“Forget it. No way.”

“What will we go as then?”

“No idea. But it’s not going to require masks, heads or make-up of any kind. You know, you should go as me and I’ll go as you. We just switch uniforms and easy peasy.”

“What about my pointy ears?” Spock asked with an arch of a brow.

“Not doing that either. Just uniforms. That’s gotta be good enough.”

Spock nodded. “As you wish, Captain. Can you return to sleeping?’

Jim thought about it. “I…think so. Computer…lights out.”

 “Jim?”

“Hmm?”

“What big teeth you have.”

Jim laughed. “That’s my line. But go ahead and eat me.”

Spock pounced on him and began to kiss him until Jim forgot, sort of, about the bad dream.  

Flash Fic October 24, 2025

A gentler flash

Leaves fell outside the window of the hospital room on a late October day. Jim stared out that window as daylight disappeared and nighttime took over. He stayed out of the way as nurses fussed over his mother.  

When they departed, he turned from the window and smiled.

She fluffed her blankets. “You don’t have to stay here, you know. They’ll be bringing my dinner in soon.” She made a face.

Jim laughed as he approached the bed. “What are they bringing?”

“Supposed to be Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes but given the trout they served me last night, which was not trout by the way, I don’t know what it was, I don’t have high hopes.”

Jim pulled a chair closer. “What did the doctor say?”

“I have to stay three more days.”

“So you get out in three days? That’s good.”

His mom snorted. “That’s the way to put a positive spin on it.”

“I believe in positivity.”

She smiled and reached for his hand. “You didn’t always.”

Jim acknowledged that with a nod.

“Anyway, I’ll have a list of things I can and cannot do and medications to take and all that.”

“You did have heart surgery,” he reminded her gently. “I’m glad you’re here to get those lists.”

“Me too. But you really don’t have to stay. I’m sure you have other things to do.”

“I’ll stay through your dinner.”

As if on cue, the food services person appeared in the doorway, wheeling the cart, followed by one of his mother’s nurses.

“Can I get you anything, honey?” the nurse asked Jim. “You’re entitled to a dinner of you want one.”

“Thank you, no.”

“Okay.”

They both watched as the food services person put the tray in front of his mother. Jim peered at the Salisbury steak.

“Looks vaguely gray, that gravy.”

His mother sniffed.

The food services person looked vaguely affronted but departed with her cart.

“That’s one of our most popular meals,” the nurse insisted.

Jim smiled. “I’m sure.”

“Coffee? Tea? A date with my single daughter?’

His mother laughed. “He’s very much taken, Lois.”

“Hmm. Didn’t see a ring.”

“His Vulcan husband didn’t feel rings were required,” Spock said from the doorway.

Jim chuckled. “And that’s him, there. And I didn’t feel the need either.” He tapped his forehead. “He’s branded me his…here.”

Lois rolled her eyes. “I’ll never understand the younger generation.”

She slid past Spock to leave the room and Spock came over to his mother’s hospital bed.

“Here to collect him,” she said. “Believe me, he’s ready. He’s been hovering.”

“I have not,” Jim protested.

“We can stay as long as Jim wishes. How are you feeling?”

“Like I want to get out of her yesterday,” she admitted. “But seriously, take him home. I’m going to eat this slop, watch some things on that screen up there, and go to sleep. See you tomorrow, honey?”

Jim leaned over and kissed her. “Of course you will.”

They passed Jack O Lanterns and fake skeletons decorating the nurse’s areas and the lobby as they exited the hospital to Spock’s waiting hover car.

Jim sighed and closed his eyes once he got into the passenger seat.

“You are exhausted, T’hy’la.”

“Mm. Long day. Meetings at HQ, then coming here. All I want is some Plomeek soup, a massage and to laze in bed with you.”

Spock’s lips quirked. “Fortunately, I can make all of that come true.”

Jim grinned. “Let’s go home.”

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