1936-2026
I had the honor of meeting him, briefly, at a convention a few years back. Such a sweet man.
Category: Star Trek
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Flash Fic, October 23, 2026
Decided to do a little sequel to last week’s
Photo by Toni Cuenca on Pexels.com “I thought I’d see you at the Halloween Dance last night.”
Jim was pretty sure he hadn’t had enough coffee for this. But he took a fortifying sip of the creamy brew, because as many joked who knew Jim his coffee was almost all cream with a little coffee.
He smiled at his best friend. “Didn’t you? Guy dressed up like a vampire?”
“There were dozens of vampires,” Bones pointed out.
Which is what Jim had counted on.
“I don’t think I saw you either,” Jim murmured. “What were you dressed as?”
“Humpty Dumpty.”
“What? Man. I would have liked to have seen that.”
Bones narrowed his eyes. “I was pretty hard to miss if you were there. I know you told me you were going to ask, um, Peyton something.”
Jim nodded sagely. “Right. Transferred out of the Academy.”
Bones laughed. “He did not. He was the Dance.”
Jim scratched his neck. “Interesting.”
“So you didn’t ask him.”
“Nope.”
Jim yawned so big his jaw popped.
“So then—”
“Good morning, Doctor.” Spock took the seat next to Jim at the cafeteria table.
“Morning, Spock. I was just trying to find out from Jim why I didn’t see Jim at the Halloween Dance.”
Spock nodded and took a bite of his toast even as Jim reached over and stole a strawberry from his plate.
“Bones said Peyton was there,” Jim said, pointedly.
“Ah.” Spock shrugged. “Perhaps he was there as a last hurrah as they say.”
Jim snorted. “’They’ may say that but you’ve never said that in your life.”
Bones looked at them. “Something going on with you two?”
“Bones, do you know if Marcy Winters has a boyfriend?”
“Hell if I know. Why?”
Jim shrugged. “No reason. How about whether Arnold Milton went on a training mission with Captain April and came back with a disease?”
“I’m pretty sure that’s private information even if I did know that,” Bones told him. “Why the questions?”
Jim glanced at Spock and smiled. “Nothing.”
Bones leaned back with his arms crossed. “I don’t think you were at the Dance, so where were you?”
“I meant to be. But, uh, well, Spock and I never made it.”
“Spock and…” Bones gaped at him. “Are you two–?’
Jim flashed him a smile. “Mmmhmm.”
His friend looked at him and then at Spock. “Is that a-a hickey?”
Jim laughed. “Now you see why we didn’t make it to the Halloween Dance. I took one look at Spock in his costume, and well, how could I resist?”
“I am sure I will regret asking, but what was Spock’s costume?”
“A pre-Surak Vulcan warrior,” Jim said, dreamily.
“Oh for God’s sake. I’m late for class.” Bones rose.
“Your class doesn’t start for another hour,” Jim pointed out.
“Then I’m late for something else. See ya.”
Jim stole another strawberry.
“Do you regret not making it to the Halloween event, Jim?”
“Are you kidding, babe? No regrets. The only thing I’ll regret is if you don’t wear the costume again tonight.”
“You are impossible.”
Jim laughed and held up a strawberry to Spock’s lips. “Told you.”
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Flash Fic, October 16, 2026
Photo by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels.com “I want your opinion on something.”
Spock’s gaze rose and he lifted his teacup to his lips. “My opinion?”
Jim flashed him a smile. “As a neutral observer.”
“Very well.”
“I was thinking of asking Peyton Lucking to the Halloween dance at the Academy Hall. He’s pretty cute and I think he’s into me. What do you think?”
“I believe he has transferred out of the Academy.”
“What? I just saw him.”
Spock nodded. “It was quite recent. Family issues, I believe.”
“Well. Damn.” Jim sighed. “I liked him.”
“Unfortunate indeed,” Spock murmured.
It was the next day that Jim said, “So I think I’ll ask Macy Winters to the dance.”
Spock blinked, leaned back in his chair and arched his brow. “What does her boyfriend think?”
Jim’s jaw dropped. “Her-her boyfriend?”
Spock nodded solemnly.
“Since when?”
“It was quite recent.”
“Isn’t that what you said about Peyton?”
Spock shrugged. “I might have used similar words.”
“Hmm. Okay. Well. Damn.”
“Milton.”
Spock looked up from his soup the next day. “Milton? Not Arnold Milton.”
Jim frowned. “Yeah. Why?”
“You have not heard the rumors?”
“Rumors?”
“He went on a training mission with Captain April and managed to get infected with the planet’s disease.”
“A disease? You’re joking!”
“Vulcans do not joke, Jim,” Spock assured him.
“That’s just great. The dance is tomorrow. Who am I supposed to go with?”
Spock dipped his spoon into his soup. “Me.”
“Did you just say you, Spock?”
“I did.” His gaze rose to Jim’s face. “Will you?”
Jim grinned. “Will I?” He laughed. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Spock’s lips quirked. “No costume though.”
“Oh, you’re wearing a costume. Not sure what yet.”
Spock sighed. “Very well. But nothing complicated.”
Jim leaned over and kissed him.
“Or offensive.”
Jim kissed him again.
“Or anything that requires makeup.”
Jim laughed. “Shhh.” And kissed Spock again. This time he did not speak.
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Flash Fic October 09, 2026
A small bat clings upside down to a damp, moss-covered tree in the forest. “Are you, uh, coming to the party?” Jim asked Spock, as the were finishing up their lunch at the Academy cafeteria.
Of course given the blank stare Spock gave him, Jim figured he likely had the answer.
“Party?”
Jim tried not to let it bother him that he’d mentioned the Halloween party probably four times since mid-September and a few more since October began. Of course he knew it wasn’t important to Spock, but he thought, maybe, since it was important to Jim, he might remember.
Fat chance.
“Halloween party at the Sulus house.”
Spock nodded. “Right. I recall now. If it is all the same to you, I would rather skip it.”
Jim tried not to be disappointed. But the truth was, this was more than just the Halloween party. Spock had been showing a decided lack of enthusiasm about anything to do with Jim lately.
They’d started out hot and heavy but now…clearly Spock had gotten everything he’d wanted out of Jim and now knew they didn’t have much in common.
Other than Jim was crazy about Spock. Didn’t seem to be mutual, though.
Jim forced a hopefully convincing smile. “No, that’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”
“You may, of course, attend yourself.”
“Oh, I will.” He almost added he didn’t need Spock’s permission. But that would set things off on a bad note, he guessed, so he refrained. “Anyway, got it. So I’ll see you.”
He didn’t want to make any promises of tomorrow or the next day or whatever, because honestly he didn’t know when he was going to see Spock again, it certainly wasn’t going to be by any plans made by him. If Spock wanted to see him, Spock could plan something.
But Spock barely looked up from his PADD as he called his goodbye.
With the help of his best friend, Bones, Jim chose a bat Halloween costume and went off with a group of friends, Bones included, to the party. He had a great time.
“So what’s with you and Spock?” Bones asked Jim a few days after the party as they had breakfast at a café on a Saturday morning.
Jim shrugged. “Nothing.”
“What do you mean nothing?”
“Just what it sounds like. I think it’s over.”
“Yeah?”
“Pretty much. I haven’t heard from him in days and even before that he was pulling away from me.”
“I’m sorry, Jim. I know you were really into him.”
He sighed. “I still am. I’m in love with him, Bones. But he doesn’t feel the same, so I have to move on. I feel pretty stupid about the whole thing.”
Bones frowned. “Why?”
“Me? Get caught by all that love nonsense? Never in a million years. Except I did. So the joke’s on me.”
“Well, again, I’m sorry. I did wonder when you went without him to the party.”
“Yep. That was pretty much the end of it. I mean, I don’t care that he didn’t want to go to one stupid party, I get that he’s not a party guy, it was just…the accumulation I guess of not really being present in anything we did and acting like I was an afterthought. It hurts. It does. But I will definitely get over it.”
“Yeah you will.” Bones looked past him. “Morning, Uhura.”
“Hi guys. I’d ask to join you but looks like you’re done with breakfast.”
“We are,” Bones said. “Sorry about that. Rain check?”
She smiled, squeezed Jim’s shoulder, and said, “Sure. Next time. See you guys.”
When she moved away, Jim made a face. “Well that was weird.”
“What?”
“She squeezed my shoulder with like…affection.” Jim laughed. “Normally she acts like I have cooties.”
“You do have cooties,” Bones said. “But maybe you’re just growing on her.”
“Like a wart.”
Bones chuckled. “Seriously.”
“More likely she’s just cheerful because she won.”
“Won what?”
“Spock. You know she wanted him before I met him. She’s probably already made her move.”
“I don’t know.”
“I do. And I have to pick up candy for tonight.”
“I thought you already got candy for trick or treaters.”
“I did.” Jim grinned. “I ate it. You coming over to watch scary movies?”
“Sure sure. I’ll be there.”
His doorbell rang and Jim rose from the couch, picked up the bowl of candy and opened the door of his apartment.
Only it wasn’t the kids from the apartment building.
“Oh.” Jim blinked. “Spock?”
“May we speak?”
“Uh.”
Spock looked past Jim. “I was unaware the doctor would be here.”
“Yeah, uh.”
Bones came over and took the bowl of candy from Jim. “I’ll take care of the door. Why don’t you and Spock go speak in the bedroom?”
Jim moistened his lips. “Right. This way.” Even though Spock certainly knew the way to Jim’s bedroom.
“I hope I didn’t interrupt anything,” Spock said at once when Jim closed the door.
“No. Just dumb Halloween stuff.” Jim exhaled. “Are you here to make it official?”
“What official?”
“That it’s over between us. You didn’t need to. I figured it out for myself.”
Spock closed his eyes briefly. “That is not why I am here. In fact, it is quite the opposite. I am here to apologize.”
Jim frowned, confused. “For what?”
“Being…a crappy boyfriend.”
That startled a laugh out of Jim. “What?”
“Not the words I would have chosen,” Spock admitted. “True nonetheless.”
“Who—”
“Nyota. She overheard your conversation with Leonard.”
“Oh.”
“It is…sometimes I get in my own way and I did not mean to likewise get in yours.”
“What does that mean?” Jim asked.
“I have no excuse, but my father has been unwell lately and I allowed my concern to take over everything. Until Nyota told me that you said our relationship had ended, I was unaware I had made so many mistakes. I analyzed all our recent interactions and—”
“Spock, stop.” Jim pressed his fingers to Spock’s lips. “I didn’t really care about the party, though I was a little disappointed, it was all the other stuff. You could have told me about your dad. I would have understood. Is he okay?”
“Yes. He is doing much better.”
“I thought you didn’t like me.”
“I love you, Jim.”
Warmth infused him.
“Yeah?”
“Yes. And I do not want our relationship to be over. If you will give me another chance I promise not to be a crappy boyfriend.”
Jim laughed and kissed him. “You’re on.”
Twenty minutes later, they returned to the living room. Jim had a hold of Spock’s hand.
“Guess what? Spock is staying to watch the movies with us.”
“Swell,” Bones said, but Jim didn’t miss his smile. ”You were in there a long time.”
“Well. We did have to do a little making up.”
Bones made a gagging noise so Jim tossed a Snickers at his head. It landed.
“Nailed it.”
“Sit down you two and watch the movie.”
“What are we watching?” Spock asked, drawing Jim close to him.
“Halloween, of course.”
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Flash Fic, September 04, 2026
“Are you sure you want to go back to the Academy for another semester?” Winona Kirk asked her son. She crossed her arms in front of her defensively.
She knew her youngest was going to do what he wanted. He always had. But the last couple of summer months with him at home with her had been so very precious.
Predictably. Jim just laughed.
“Of course I’m going back.”
She nodded. “Of course.”
He gave her a soft smile. “You know my decision to join Starfleet is no reflection on you.”
“I’m your mother.”
“Yes, you are. And I know you think given what happened to my dad, you don’t want me going out on a starship but—”
“You are.”
He nodded.
“You have absolutely nothing to prove.”
“Maybe a little something.”
“No,” she insisted. “Will you come home during the winter break?”
“I don’t know,” Jim told her. “Maybe. And if I do, I might not be alone.”
“You mean the Vulcan.”
“Spock, Mother. And yes. Spock.”
She gave him a look. “Why didn’t you bring him this time?”
“Because he went to visit his folks on Vulcan. And before you ask, he did invite me to go with him, but I told him I was spending the summer with you. Which was good, yes?”
She smiled despite her impending loneliness. “It was very good. I had a wonderful time and I hope you did too.”
“I did. We built some pretty good memories. And I’m happy. But now my hover taxi is here and I gotta go.”
She held him tight, not wanting to let him go, but eventually he gently dislodged her. He smelled like George. She didn’t know how, but he did.
She had tears in her eyes as she called after him, “Let me know when you get there!”
“I will, Mom.”
And he was gone.
She went into the house and had a very long cry. Eventually, she rose from her pity spot on the couch and went into the kitchen to make tea and to bake a cake to make herself feel better.
When the message came through, Winona smiled.
“I’m here. Love you.”
And he’d attached a selfie of himself with a Vulcan who looked very uncomfortable to be in the picture, but Jim was grinning from ear to ear, and she didn’t miss the soft affection in Spock’s eyes.
Winona smiled through her tears and responded.
“Thank you.” And with it, a heart emoji.
If I’m still doing this blog by December you might see that visit we shall see
Happy Labor Day Weekend
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Flash Fic, August 28, 2026
Last flash of August already!
“You’re off duty for now if you want to stay,” Jim informed his first officer. He put his hand on Spock’s shoulder as they both looked down on an unconscious Uhura. “Bones says she’ll be all right.”
“Yes.”
He smiled faintly and squeezed Spock’s arm and then made his way out of the medbay. He was exhausted really but instead of making his way to his cabin immediately, Jim found himself heading to Ten Forward.
Only Scotty was there, standing behind the small bar, and he greeted Jim cheerfully.
“What’ll you have, Captain?”
“Something strong.”
Scotty poured him scotch. “I hear Nyota’s going to be all right.”
Jim took a gulp of the liquor. “Yeah. But Harris wasn’t so lucky.”
“Aye, I heard. Poor lad.”
Jim sighed. “It never gets easier. I’m haunted by the faces of those we’ve lost.”
“You gotta let it go somewhat, laddie. But I do know that’s part of what makes you such a good captain.”
Jim smiled. “Maybe. Anyway.” He stood. “Thanks for the drink. I’m exhausted so I’m going to bed.’
“Night, Captain. I’ll be closing up here too.”
Jim had fallen asleep curled up on his sofa with a book when his cabin door opened and in walked Spock.
He rubbed his eyes. “Hey. I didn’t expect you.”
“I do live here.”
Jim laughed. “I know.”
Spock came to the sofa and sat down, pulling Jim into his arms. “Why did you not tell me of your aunt’s passing?”
Jim sighed against Spock. “You had other things on your mind. How’d you know?”
“I stopped by while you were out and saw the message from your mother. I am sorry, Jim. Please do not attempt to hide what concerns you from me.”
“I would have told you eventually,” Jim assured him. “She was just…she was really nice to me when I was a kid, you know. When others weren’t. She’d crochet things for me. She once crocheted a dragon.”
“She sounds remarkable and I am glad she was there for you when others weren’t.”
“How’s Uhura? I thought you’d stay.”
“There is no need. She woke briefly but she is sleeping now. My place is here.” He placed his hand on Jim’s face. “You need sleep also, ashaya.”
“I do, yeah.” He yawned.
“The mission still troubles you.”
“Can’t help it. We almost lost two crew members. We did lose one. As Scotty has pointed out, we’re supposed to be explorers.”
“We are but sometimes circumstances during exploration turn violent even though we would rather they do not. We must be prepared for all eventualities.”
“I know. I don’t have to like it though.”
“No,” Spock agreed. “Come and rest.” He tugged Jim off the sofa and over to the bed.
“Will you sleep with me when you’re done meditating? Just to sleep, of course.” He yawned again. “Though I’m never opposed to the other.”
He felt Spock’s amusement through their bond.
“Ine the morning before duty.”
Jim smiled and kissed him. “You’re on.”
