December Flashes

Flash Fic, December 08, 2023

I Saw Three Ships

“I’m sorry, Keptin,” Chekov said, looking sad as Jim and Spock surveyed the damage to the rec room and the destroyed holiday party decorations, including every decorated tree. “It took an indirect hit from those three Klingon ships, sir. Destroyed everything.”

“Yeah.” Jim sighed. “Can’t be helped. Get someone to trash all of this, would you? Scotty’s trying to get a much smaller celebration set up in the mess.”

“Yes, sir.” Chekov turned away.

“At least there were no casualties, Captain,” Spock said. “And repairs are already underway.”

Jim smiled faintly. “Right you are, Mister Spock. I’m going to help clean up a little. You have the bridge.”

“Yes, Captain.”

It wasn’t until much later that Spock realized Jim had not reported to the bridge and was still in the rec room. After handing command over to someone, Spock made his way back to the damaged room.

The damaged room was vacant except for his captain and everything had been removed except one small Christmas tree. Every ornament had been smashed into pieces, but Spock was surprised to note that the lights on the tree were on, and Jim sat on a chair nearby, staring at it.

As Spock approached he detected tears in Jim’s eyes.

“Jim? What has happened?” Spock asked, alarmed.

Jim shook his head and wiped at his eyes.

Spock knelt on the deck, directly in front of Jim. They were newly relationshiped and Spock was still getting used to Jim’s moods.

“I know the attack of the three ships was distressing but—”

“No. You were right. We got lucky. It could have been a lot worse. I’m grateful no one was killed.”

Spock took Jim’s hand in his. “Yet something still upsets you.”

“Just…” Jim swallowed heavily. “Memories.”

“Memories?”

“My stepfather was a dick. If Mom wasn’t home we didn’t get to celebrate…well…anything. One time when she was home though, he got drunk and fell into the tree. Completely destroyed it. Including a glass ornament my dad had given her. She tried so hard not to break down in front of us.” Jim blew out a long breath. “I never hated anyone as much as I hated him that year.”

“What was the ornament?”

“A starship.” Jim smiled and squeezed Spock’s hand. “Blown glass. He’d got it at a shop in New York. I guess I should get back to the bridge.”

Spock stood, lifted Jim up, and set him back in his lap as they stared at the tree together.

“It can wait.”

Later, Jim found a wrapped package on his bed. Upon opening it, he found a glass starship.

December 8, 2023

Flash Fic, December 06, 2023

“Want to go out for dinner?’

Spock shook his head. “I am not hungry.”

Nyota sighed. “How about that tea place you like? They’re having a holiday special.”

“I appreciate the effort, Nyota.” He sighed. “But that will remind me of the candy cane tea Jim likes.”

“Spock, you’re being illogical.”

“Yes. But even though I tell myself that I cannot seem to stop from feeling…sorry for myself. It is not only two days before Christmas and the middle of Chanukah, but we got married on Christmas Eve. Our anniversary is tomorrow.”

He knew that Jim wanted to be there. The snowstorm in Chicago prevented his return home. It wasn’t expected to let up until the day after Christmas. And Jim had been there in Chicago on Starfleet business.

“Come to the party with me. Everyone would be thrilled to see you.”

“Nyota—”

“I don’t want you to be alone. You’re far too sad.”

Spock replied, “Spending time pretending I do not miss Jim is not my idea of a great way to pass the time. My presence would only bring down your enjoyment.”

“No it wouldn’t!”

“Please, Nyota, I will be fine.”

She still continued to look reluctant but after a few more assurances, Spock finally got her to leave.

Spock made himself tea, put on some of Jim’s favorite holiday songs, and sat on the sofa, hoping that at least he’d hear from Jim. He hadn’t heard from his husband since the morning before.

He hadn’t even realized he had dozed off until he jerked awake at a fluttery touch on his cheek.

“Easy, shh. It’s me.”

“Jim!”

Jim laughed when Spock threw himself into Jim’s arms and he squeezed him tight.

“The storm—”

“You didn’t really think a storm would stop me, did you?” Jim kissed him deeply. “Miss Christmas, Chanukah, and our anniversary? Not a chance.”

“You didn’t take chances did you?”

“My middle name is Taking Chances.”

Spock frowned. “Your middle name is Tiberius.”

“Mm. Merry Christmas, Darling.”

December 6, 2023

Flash Fic, December 04, 2023

“Baby, it’s cold outside.”

Spock stood at the kitchen window and glanced out with some dismay at the falling snow.

He didn’t despise snow…exactly. It could be quite pretty. But he was a desert creature and he liked it that way, quite well.

“I really can’t stay,” he said, reluctantly.

He was supposed to be on his way to the shuttle bay to depart for an important meeting in San Francisco with several members of the Vulcan High Council. Now that he was an ambassador, taking over many of the duties of his late father, his time was hardly ever his own.

“It’s up to your knees out there.”

Spock arched a brow. “I wouldn’t say that.”

“Well.” Jim came up and hugged him from behind. “It will be soon, I think.”

“That it is likely, I’d better hurry.” He turned toward his husband who took his hands in his.

“Your hands are like ice, I’d better hold them.”

“You do not want to come.”

“Definitely not,” Jim agree with a dazzling smile. “I put on a fire. Listen to it roar.”

“Jim—”

Jim leaned in to kiss him warmly.

Spock stared at him dazed. “Your eyes are like starlight.”

“It’s getting colder, you know. You’ll freeze out there.”

Spock’s communicator beeped. He flipped it open and stepped out of Jim’s space.

“Spock here.”

“Sorry, Ambassador,” his assistant, Storan, spoke. “There’s a blizzard warning there. All shuttle flights are cancelled.”

“For how long?”

“At least forty-eight hours, sir. I cancelled your meeting in San Francisco.”

“Thank you, Storan. You may as well take some time off. I will be staying here in Riverside with my mate.”

“Yes, sir. Storan out.”

Spock closed his communicator and turned to see Jim smiling smugly.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you conjured up this snowstorm.”

“Hey.” Jim laughed. “I’m not Jack Frost.”

Spock drew him close. “You said something about a roaring fire?”

“I sure did. Come this way.”

Fun Fact: In actuality Chris was Jack Frost, at least the voice in Rise of the Guardians

December 4, 2023

Flash Fic, December 30, 2022

Here is your NYE fic for this year

Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi on Pexels.com

It was nearly midnight and Jim knew he should be sticking around for the virtual ball drop and for everyoe to scream Happy New Year while kissing everyone that they could get their lips on. But he’d finished his champagne, set down his glass, and snuck out a side door.

He’d explain to his date, Olivia, later. When last he’d seen her, she was surrounded by her throng of admirers. If she didn’t talk to him again, he wasn’t really sure that was a bad thing.

It was crisply cold outside and windy. It blew the scarf he’d wrapped around his neck around so violently it was a wonder it didn’t fly off into the air never to be seen again. He quickened his stride, wanting to be anywhere else but the streets of San Francisco as midnight struck.

There was only five minutes to spare when he made it inside the apartment building. He took the stairs two at a time not wanting to chance getting stuck if the lift broke down yet again.

It was a foolish dream. Time wasn’t even the same where Spock was. And yet, he had this burning need to contact his former first officer.

It has been months since their…whatever it was they’d had before their mutual departure.

He opened his apartment door, ordered the lights on, and rushed to his terminal. He immediately pulled up the information for contacting New Vulcan. But as the seconds ticked away and there was no answer, Jim’s heartbeat slowed, and disappointment soured the champagne that sat inside his stomach.

Jim briefly closed his eyes, willing himself not to give into the illogical emotion of regret. He hadn’t seen Spock since February. And yes they’d spent a night of scorching intimacy but parted as mere friends.

Spock had said so and Jim had done his best to convince himselr that was what he wanted too.

A knock on his door had him rising, prepared to face an angry Olivia or even a nosey Bones. He could hear the countdown to midnight outside his apartment even as he opened the door.

“Hello Jim.”

“Spock,” he whispered.

“Happy New Year.”

And the kiss he received at midnight was the best he’d ever had.

December 30, 2022

Flash Fic, December 28, 2022

This one ended up having more legs than I intended and could possibly be the beginning of a new story! Oh well LOL

Photo by Posawee Suwannaphati on Pexels.com

“Did you ever think we’d be together like this on Yorktown for the week between Christmas and New Year’s?” Jim asked his mom as they strolled along the street together toward the restaurant where he’d made a reservation for them.

“No way. It’s bene years since we’ve seen each other in person, let alone got to spend any quality time together. It was sheer luck that had me having to come here for my boss while you’re still here stuck waiting for the Enterprise.”

Jim agreed. “Most of my crew’s been temporarily assigned elsewhere. It was just fortuitous they decided to keep me assigned to Yorktown.”

His mom smiled and linked her arm with his. “I can hardly believe it. I’ve been so excited to get here. You didn’t need to arrange a fancy dinner though.”

“There’s not a huge kitchen in my apartment and the replicated food is okay, but I figured one night while you’re here, we can splurge.”

She sighed. “You’re right, of course. And it’s been a long time since I had a real dinner out, let alone with you.”

They arrived at the restaurant and shortly after got seated.

Jim ordered them a bottle of red wine while they settled in.

“When was it, you think?”

“Hmm?”

“Last time we went for a real dinner together.”

“Oh, gosh, Mom. Probably my first year in the Academy.”

“See? Absolutely shameful.”

The waiter returned with the bottle and poured them each a glass. Jim sent the waiter away and told him to come back for their dinner order in about fifteen minutes.

“We live in different worlds, mostly.” Jim leaned back after talking a sip of his wine. “Literally. Things could be a lot worse. At least we’re both still alive, yeah?”

She gave him a gentle smile. “Thanks to the miracles of modern medicine for you. And probably still some of that luck for both of us. How is your first office?”

Of course she’d guesseed his reference to Spock when speaking of lost parents. She’s met Spock once back when she visited Jim in the hospital back when he’d been “revived”. And she knew all about Nero. All too well.

“Good, I think. He was temporarily assigned to a science vessel exploring sector 24. He’s supposed to be back to Yorktown next week.”

“And you miss him, don’t you?”

Jim laughed. “Mom, come on. I mean yeah, I miss him because we’re friends. That’s all. He’s got a girlfriend or a fiancé or whatever.”

“Are they engaged?”

He shrugged. “I have no idea. I’d heard they were off and then after my ship was destroyed they were on.”

“Hmm. Are they on assignment together?”

“No separate assignments. He hasn’t mentioned her when we’ve communicated but that’s not unusual.” He waved that away. “Enough about Spock. Let’s order.”

He flagged down the waiter and they both ordered steaks and baked potatoes.

“This realy is an indulgence,” she said. “I can’t remember when I last had steak. Your dad was a vegetarian.”

“I didn’t know that.”

She smiled wistfully. “Oh not always. He tended to change his eating habits at his whim. He’d eat nothing but chicken. Then everything but chicken.” She laughed. “Whatever some fad was he’d read about. At the end though, yes, he was a vegetarian. And after, well, replicated steak isn’t so great. And I wasn’t…” She sighed again and shook her head.

“What?”

“I wasn’t home much after that. But you know that better than anyone, Jim. And here I’m going on about food when you were…:

“Hey.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “Tarsus was a long time ago now. And we’re having a nice dinner remember? Just the two of us.”

“Yes, you’re right.” She drank some wine. “I wish it could be three of us.”

“A logical friend of mine tells me not to have regrets,” Jim said gently.

“You’re right again. All right, all right. Tell me about the new Enterprise then.”

He perked up right away and began to tell his mom all about the improvements his new lady would have.

They had a nice dinner and Jim didn’t think about Spock again. Much anyway.

December 28, 2022

Flash Fic, December 26, 2022

As a child (okay and as an adult) I always remember feeling letdown when Christmas was over. You do so much planning and then blam, it’s over, and another year before the next one. So, there’s a slight element of that here.

Happy Day After Christmas

Winona founder her son outside fairly early on the day after Christmas. She had been quite happy to have him home for the holiday season. A very rare treat. In fact, since he’d joined Starfleet and came its most famous starship captain, this was the only time it had ever happened.

They’d had a good day on Christmas with food and drink and presents. Lots of reminiscing and hoping for the future, whatever that would be. They’d gone to bed late, so it was why she was surprised to spot him outside from her bedroom window so early.

She pulled on her snow boots and a heavy coat and trudged on out there.

“I didn’t wake you, did I?” He asked as she joined him, bringing him a travel mug of steaming hot coffee.

“Not really. I got up to pee and saw you out here. You okay?”

“I don’t sleep late most days,” he admitted. “But I was particularly restless this morning.”

“How come?”

Jim shrugged. “Christmas is over. Not much to look forward to. The day after is always a bit of a letdown.”

“Yeah. But there’s always New Year’s. When do you have to be back in San Francisco?”

“January second. It’ll be here before you know it. I’m grateful we’re getting this time together though.”

“But?”

He smiled. “No but. I do… miss some people though.”

She smirked. “People huh? Not just one Vulcan in particular?”

“I understand he wanted to spend the break seeing his dad on New Vulcan. Just like I wanted to see you.”

“Mm.”

“Plus, before the break, we’d barely gotten started. Only involved officially for three weeks.”

She sipped her own coffee. “Who are you trying to convince? It’s okay to miss someone you love.”

Jim snorted. “Love? Who said anything about that?”

“Well either way you’ll be happy to know I have one more present for you.”

“Yeah?”

“It’s not under the tree though.” Her smile widened as she spotted the hover car down the path to their home, approaching quickly. “In fact, here’s the delivery now.”

“Delivery?” Jim frowned.

“I couldn’t quite get it delivered on Christmas.” She paused. “Him.”

The hover car pulled up right next to where they stood. The door opened and out stepped—

“Spock!”

Winona couldn’t keep the beaming smile off her face as Jim went straight into his first officer’s arms.

Yes, she thought, she’d done well.

December 26, 2022

Flash Fic, December 23, 2022

It was funny to be stuck on a planet doing diplomatic negotiations on Christmas. Not to mention the three-year anniversary of when he had asked his now husband to marry him during a crew performance of the Twelve Days of Christmas. He smiled faintly remembering Spock dressed as a piper while he presented the Vulcan with a golden ring.

They had bonded and married a month later, but still Jim would rather be spending the holiday with his husband, family, and friends rather than fighting off the advances of a planetary inhabitant who couldn’t or wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Jim had just resigned himself to go back into a conference when a male from the planet approached him.

“Captain Kirk?”

“Yeah?”

“Lieutenant Uhura from your ship has contacted us and advised that you are required to return for an urgent situation.”

Jim nodded, all business, as he retrieved his communicator. “I’ll be in touch. Enterprise, energize.”

He stepped off the transported immediately.

“What’s the emerg—”

Standing there in the transporter room was Spock dressed in his dress uniform, holding a rose. Around his neck was a wreath with a big red bow.

“Merry Christmas and Happy Anniversary, Jim.”

Jim laughed. “Well, hell. There’s no emergency?”

“Only for you to spend the evening with me, having dinner, and then later celebrating with our friends.”

Jim rushed at him then, thoroughly kissing him. “Thank you. You always know just what I need.”

“It is the bond,” Spock murmured, kissing Jim back.

“No, it’s just you.” Jim hugged him. “I sure hope you’re my present because I have intentions of unwrapping you.”

December 23, 2022

Flash Fic, December 22, 2022

You’d be surprised how hard it is to find a free picture of an Ugly Christmas sweater without people in it. Impossible. I settled for a hand but I am not satisfied

Leonard was a typical bad patient. He knew he was. But he wasn’t supposed to be in the hospital being treated. He was supposed to treating them.

Then to be in the hospital on what was both Christmas Eve and the sixth day of Hanukkah, well, he was even more annoyed than usual.

He was in the middle of eating a tasteless meal of boiled chicken and baked broccoli. Okay, he guessed it was supposed to be the other way around. Whatever. It was nasty.

And in strolled Kirk. Jim.

Jim was dressed casually in jeans and an ugly Christmas sweater. He carried a poinsettia in a pot, which Leonard guessed was supposed to be for him. His mood soured more.

“What the hell are you bringing me that for?”

Jim, smiling warmly, put the plant on a table on the other side of Leonard’s hospital bed. He seemed, as usual, unfazed by his friend’s ill humor. They’d been pretty much like that their entire lives. Well since meeting like two hundred years or so ago.

“Merry Christmas.” Jim reached into the pocket of his pants and produced a paper bag which he placed on the table by Leonard’s unappetizing meal. “Happy Hanukkah.”

“What’s that?”

“A jelly donut.”

“Thank God.” Leonard grabbed the bag and tore into it, retrieving the oozing fried monstrosity. He took a large bite. “It’s good.”

“Chew, don’t talk with your mouth full.” Jim pulled up a chair and straddled it with the back of the chair toward Leonard. He dangled his arms over it. “Don’t think I’ve ever seen gray chicken, even on the Enterprise.”

“Thanks for this. But not the plant.”

“You don’t like poinsettias?”

“I do. But it implies I’m stuck here when I want to get out.”

Jim sighed. “Hate to break it to you, Bones, but you are. Your doctor’s talking about letting you out maybe a couple days after Christmas.”

“That’s outrageous.”

“You had a myocardial infarction. They want to be careful.”

“Just a tiny one.”

Jim snorted. “There’s no such thing as a tiny heart attack. Not to me anyway. You scared the crap out of me.”

Leonard sighed and nodded. “Sorry about that, kid.”

“Not a kid anymore, Bones. None of us are. I had to clear that sufganiyah.”

“I know. It just stinks being here. And why are you here anyway? Shouldn’t you be with your husband?”

Jim smiled and Leonard knew why. He smiled every time someone called Spock his husband. They’d been bonded close to five years now, but Jim seemed to never get over that they were.

“We’re having dinner with our parents when I leave here.”

“I’ll never get over Sarek and Winona being a thing.”

Jim laughed. “It works for them. For now anyway. I think Spock’s vaguely disapproving but whatever. They seem happy and Sarek’s mentioned bonding.”

“So that’ll make Sarek your father-in-law and your stepfather.”

“Something like that.” Jim rose and moved closer to Bones and took his hand. “Hey, don’t scare me like that.”

“I know, I know,” Leonard grumbled. “I’ll take better care of myself.”

“You do that. And I have a big surprise for you, so don’t freak out.”

“Another poinsettia?”

“Better than that.” Jim bent down and kissed Bones’ forehead. “He’s ready,” he called out.

The door to Leonard’s room opened and a young teenaged girl rushed in.

“Daddy!”

“Joanna,” Leonard whispered.

Jim smiled down at him. “Merry Christmas, Bones.”

And as his daughter threw her arms around him, Leonard saw Jim depart with a wave.

December 22, 2022

Flash Fic, December 21, 2022

I am aging Vanik here to be around 10 or 11 (it may not work with them being in the Academy still but who cares, right?)

“Dashing through the snow, on a one horse open sleigh.”

Vanik froze as he heard the hearty singing, his heart leaping happily in his side for a moment.

Jim!

But as Vanik rounded the corner of the hallway of the apartment building floor where his Uncle Spock’s apartment was situated, Jim’s name on his lips, his hope dashed along with the sleigh in the snow.

It was not Jim singing Jingle Bells but rather a delivery man knocking on old Mrs. Miniver’s door. As Vanik watched, she opened the door and received a big box of chocolates with a gold bow from the man.

“Oh my,” she exclaimed, happily. “This will be from my grandson.”

Shortly after this exchange, she closed her apartment door and the delivery man got on the elevator to depart.

Vanik could barely tamp down his disappointment.

Jim and Spock were fighting again and Jim had taken off. Again.

Last time Jim had done this, he had gone all the way to Riverside and Vanik had followed him in order to make sure Spock hadn’t lost the best thing that ever happened to them…him. Best thing that had ever happened to Spock. But…Vanik didn’t dare go to Riverside this time, if that’s where Jim had gone. Though initially he had believed he had escaped the ire of his parents, once he returned to San Francisco, Vanik had been put on restriction for weeks.

So his new plan was to go to his uncle and ask him to be the bigger Vulcan and apologize to Jim. Vanik knew that Jim could be, as Uncle Spock and his own Father, Sybok, said, “a hot head”, however, now was not the time to fight over who was in the wrong. The important thing was getting Vanik’s favorite Uncle by marriage where he belonged.

Vanik marched over to the door of Spock’s apartment and knocked on the door.

It took ages but finally Spock answered the door, peering out through a thin slit.

“Uncle Spock—”

“Not now, Vanik.”

Through the small opening, he could see that Spock’s hair looked messy and he wore only a bathrobe with no shirt.

“But—”

“It is not a good time.”

And then it occurred to Vanik. His uncle, his beloved relative, had cheated on Jim. Even now was cheating on him.

“This is unacceptable!” Vanik heard himself yell before he could stop himself. No wonder Jim had left Spock.

The door opened wider and Spock stared out at him.

“What?”

Vanik blinked uncertainly. This was well above his age range. This was adult problems he did not want to become involved in.

“I—:

“Bells on bob tail ring, making spirits bright…”

Eyes wide, Vanik’s heart leapt once more.

“Jim?”

And like a holiday miracle, Jim came out of the bedroom in Spock’s apartment, also wearing a bathrobe, his hair wet as though from a shower.

“Hey kiddo.”

“You are here!”

Jim glanced at Spock, smiling quizzically. Spock shrugged.

“I thought…I had been led to believe…that is, were you not fighting?”

“We made up,” Jim replied, his smile widening.

“I-I see. I am well pleased.” Vanik stepped back, feeling himself blush. He had been wrong about everything, clearly, and stepped into something a kid like him had no business stepping into. “I will be on my way now.”

“See you tomorrow for Christmas movies?”

“Yes,” Vanik replied. “That would be most welcome.” And for once, Vanik definitely did not wish to stick around.

December 21, 2022

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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