January Flashes

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.”

January 9, 2026 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.”

January 2, 2026 6

Flash Fic, January 28, 2025

Finally, right?

Spock bristled as they entered the drinking establishment Kirk had insisted they go to after their somewhat disastrous afternoon at a museum Spock invited his captain to attend with him while they were on shore leave.

Kirk had been in a bad mood most of the day and Spock felt drinking would hardly help the situation.

“That was like the worst place ever,” Kirk grumbled as he approached the bar.

Spock was losing patience with his complaints.

“You did not have to attend with me. It was your choice.”

“Believe me, I regret it. Mazebelian Cocktail, please,” Kirk said to the bartender.

“That has three different kinds of hard liquor,” Spock pointed out.

“Trust me, I need it.” His captain downed the drink in three quick gulps. He signaled for another. “I’m never letting you pick where we go again.”

Jaw muscle clenched tight, Spock snapped, “There will be no further invitations from me.”

Kirk looked past Spock to a blonde woman at the end of the bar who was giving him the eye. “Great. So I can avoid being bored to tears.”

He finished his second drink, slammed credits on the bar and headed over to the blonde woman. After a few minutes of conversation, during which she put her hand on his arm, they headed out of the bar and, presumably to Kirk’s hotel room.

“Want anything, pal?” the bartended asked, scooping up the captain’s credits.

“Thank you, no.” Spock turned to leave when he noticed Kirk’s small personal PADD left on the barstool next to where Kirk had sat. Spock picked it up and found that it was open to an email.

I regret to inform you that our investigation has found that your brother, George Samuel Kirk, was shot and killed fifteen years ago on the planet, Altoos.

Spock took the PADD with him and left the bar.

***

In the morning, Spock knocked on his captain’s hotel room door. He only hoped that the blonde woman had already left.

Kirk opened the door dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, looking freshly showered. “Spock. Come in.”

Spock did and was relieved to see that the hotel room seemed empty besides Kirk.

Kirk closed the door and turned back to Spock. “I wanted to say I’m sorry for yesterday. It was not a good day.”

“I also wish to apologize.”

“You? What for?”

Spock held up Kirk’s PADD. “I…may have seen personal information you would not want me to see.”

Kirk smiled slightly and took the PADD. “No, it’s all right. I would have probably told you about it eventually.”

“You were looking for your brother?”

“Yeah. Mom and I wanted to find him. I guess we did.” He sighed.

“I grieve with thee,” Spock said, quietly.

“Thanks.” Kirk blew out a breath. “So, anyway, I know I was being a shit yesterday. You didn’t deserve that.”

“Your…companion has departed?”

“My companion? Oh. No. I mean, that didn’t…I didn’t spend the night with her, Spock. I sent her away. We didn’t hook up.”

“Oh.” Spock thought about it. “I thought when you left together…”

Kirk nodded. “I wanted you to think that. But…no. I know that maybe something between the two of us may never happen, probably won’t really, but I don’t want even the slightest chance to be ruined because I hooked up with some random somebody.”

Spock frowned. “Why?”

“Why?” Kirk laughed at that. “I might as well tell you the truth. I’m totally in love with you and have been for…a long time…I don’t really need to go into how long. I figured you had to know by now. Anyway, I know you don’t feel the same way, but as illogical as it probably is, some part of me is holding out hope that someday—”

Spock pushed him against the wall and started kissing him. Hard.

Kirk tore his mouth away. “Spock, what—”

“You talk too much, Jim.” And he kissed the words away until Kirk had his arms around Spock’s neck and he was practically crawling up Spock’s body.

But then…

“Wait!”

“What for?” Spock demanded.

“We’re meeting the others for breakfast this morning,” Kirk reminded him.

Spock shoved an available hand into his front pocket, which wasn’t easy as he was unwilling to put space between them and removed his communicator.

“Spock?” Uhura responded almost immediately. “Where are you and the captain? We’re waiting.”

“I am afraid some business has come up and we are going to be thirty minutes—”

Kirk shook his head.

“An hour late.”

Kirk smiled his approval and pulled Spock back into the kiss.

“An hour? What are we supposed to do for an hour?”

Spock sighed. “Have a mimosa or a bloody mary. Spock out.”

And then he hiked up Kirk until his legs were wrapped around Spock’s waist and he carried him to the bed.

“Might be ninety minutes,” Kirk murmured.

“Might be lunch.”

January 28, 2025

Flash Fic, January 15, 2025

“God, I’m tired. That mission was a bitch.” Jim yawned as he stepped away from the biobed where Scotty was unconscious. Bones had said he would be okay.

Bones followed him to the doors exiting the medbay.

“You should get some rest. You look like you’ve been kicked one too many times.”

“Nothing serious, though, right?”

Bones nodded. “Nothing broken. Just a few contusions. Surprised Spock didn’t protect you from damage.”

“Nah, Uhura was there, he was more concerned over her. I had security.”

They stepped out into the corridor.

“You and me? Drinks?” Jim suggested.

Bones glanced past him. “Nah, I have patients. And looks like maybe someone’s waiting for you.”

Jim turned around and sure enough standing a few feet away stood Spock, hands clenched behind his back.

“Oh. Hi. Something you wanted, Spock?”

“Indeed. Come with me, Captain.”

Jim went to say something to Bones but his friend had already disappeared back into the medbay.

Jim walked over to Spock. “What’s up?”

“I’m escorting you to your quarters.”

“I should be going to the bridge.”

“Lieutenant Sulu has it under control for now and you require rest.”

He sighed. “Can’t really argue with you. Too tired.”

When they reached his quarters, Jim expected Spock to say goodbye there but to his surprise, Spock entered with him.

“Still something on your mind?” Jim asked, confused. “How’s Uhura?”

“She is fine, she suffered no injuries.”

Jim nodded. “That’s good.” He waited expectantly.

“I am going to make sure you actually get into bed to rest,” Spock explained, patiently.

Jim laughed. “Oh, come on. Why?”

Spock sighed. It was unusual, so yeah, Jim gaped a bit.

“You really are clueless.”

“What?”

“I am not romantically interested in Nyota.”

“Uh. No?”

“I am romantically interested in you.”

Jim stared at him. Spock stared back.

“I would appreciate a response,” Spock finally said.

Jim blinked. “I think I’d better go to bed.”

Spock arched a brow.

To Jim’s embarrassment, Spock helped him undress and put on his pajamas, and then helped him get into bed and pulled up the covers.

When Spock turned to leave, Jim reached for his hand, grabbed and held it.

“Can you stay? I mean, you said Sulu—”

Spock sat on the edge of Jim’s bed and squeezed Jim’s hand. “I will stay.”

January 15, 2025

Flash Fic, January 13, 2025

Time for a January flash. I’m not a fan of the “aliens made them do it” trope, but eh this one came to me.

Jim glanced at his first officer’s profile as they stood next to each other in the turbolift.

The atmosphere in the lift was artic.

“Are we going to talk about it?”

“Talk about what?”

Gritting his teeth, Jim stepped forward, beyond Spock and pulled the lever to stop the lift.

“You know what!”

“Captain—”

“Oh my God. Less than twelve hours ago we were—”

“I would rather not discuss it, sir.”

Jim clamped his mouth shut. He should let it go. Maybe. But he wasn’t going to.

He moved to stand directly in front of Spock. He crossed his arms in front of his chest so he wouldn’t look as vulnerable as he felt.

“Look. None of this was your fault. Or mine. Those bastards on the planet, they were responsible. And as far as I’m concerned after this we don’t have to talk about it again. But I know you probably feel bad about Uhura so…”

“Lieutenant Uhura and I are no longer engaged in a relationship.”

Jim frowned. Did he know that?

“Um. Yeah? How long ago?”

Spock’s expression was frosty. “Two months ago.”

“Oh.” Jim nodded, feeling disoriented. “Still she probably would be, um, bothered.”

“There is no reason she would be.”

“Well, okay. You know her better than me. Anyway, Spock, I just wanted to acknowledge that you might be feeling guilty or something, and you shouldn’t.”

“I was not forced to do anything I did not want to do.”

Jim snorted. “That’s a lie. Aren’t Vulcans supposed to be truthful?”

Spock gave him a look. “I did not speak falsely. I was indeed forced.”

“But—”

“However, it was something I wanted to do,” Spock said. “Not under those circumstances, of course.”

Jim opened his mouth, closed it, opened it. Stared at Spock’s raised eyebrow.

There was only one thing to do now, he decided.

He pushed Spock against the bulkhead and fused their lips together, threading his fingers in Spock’s silky dark hair while he was at it.

Jim was delighted when Spock kissed him back.

The boatswain’s whistle sounded in the turbolift.

“Security to Captain Kirk. The turbolift you’re riding in has been stopped for several minutes, Captain. Do you need assistance? Repeat—”

Jim sighed against Spock’s mouth but when he went to pull away, Spock drew him back, kissing him fiercely.

“Captain Kirk? Sir?”

He rolled his eyes, kissed Spock’s nose and went to the intercom.

“Kirk here.”

“Giotto, Captain. Has your turbolift malfunctioned?”

“No. I mean, yeah, for a second, but it’s okay now. Everything’s fine. Kirk out.” He restarted the lift. Glanced at Spock. “My quarters or yours?”

“We are still on duty.”

“Damn.” Jim grimaced. “Tonight then?”

The turbolift doors opened on a deck and standing outside of it was Sulu and Uhura.

Jim smiled and got out as they got in. Spock didn’t move. “I look forward to it,” Spock said as the doors closed once more.

January 13, 2025

Surprise Flash, January 16, 2024

“Geez, I’ve never been so cold in my life,” Jim complained. He’d been fiddling with the heater controls in the farmhouse for what seemed like hours but was likely no more than twenty minutes. “What kind of moron decides to arrive in the middle of the worst blizzard to hit Riverside in decades.”

“When the plans were made, no blizzard was anticipated,” the robot replied.

Okay, he supposed that was unfair. The robot was Spock and he wasn’t really a robot. Still, Jim was mildly annoyed with him so at present he didn’t give a damn.

He eyed the Vulcan who wore a big woolen sweater as he gazed blankly back at Jim. He had been of no help whatsoever since they arrived. Jim had gotten the fire going in the living room and now he was fiddling with the heater to try to get it to go on.

His family had never switched to a computer-controlled heat apparatus. They’d been convinced an old-fashioned heater was “charming”. Charming his ass.

“If I’m this cold you must be freezing,” Jim said as amiably as he could manage under the circumstances.

“As a Vulcan, I am able to—”

“Blah blah blah.” If Jim didn’t have his hands full of instruments, he’d be sticking his fingers in his ears. Immature? No doubt. “You know you didn’t have to come with me.”

Jim was sorry he’d come with himself. Or you know, whatever. Stupid blizzard.

They’d barely made it there and he wanted to turn right around and leave except the weather got even worse and they’d been stuck.

“You did not want me to?” Spock asked, neutrally.

He had wanted Spock to. They’d just started a…thing…er a whatever. Prior to this shore leave or break, they’d maybe had sex. Okay, not maybe, they had. Even though they hadn’t had the conversation as to what that meant at all. Jim didn’t really want to have that conversation. It made him sick even thinking about that conversation. And as far as he could tell the robot didn’t either.

But instead of answering that loaded question, Jim grimaced. “If I can’t get this heater started we’re going to be in a world of trouble. That fire isn’t going to do it to keep us warm enough.”

“I could look at it,” Spock offered.

And it was on the tip of his tongue to ask what a stupid Vulcan would know about an old-time heater, because he was that irritated with the world, but what the hell. He wasn’t having any luck.

He stepped aside and thrust the tools into Spock’s hands. “Knock yourself out. Well, actually, don’t. I don’t think I have any medical equipment for that.”

Spock didn’t bother to comment on that and Jim didn’t blame him.

With a sigh, he rubbed his neck and said, “I’ll be right back. I gotta pee.”

So he trudged up the basement stairs, shivering madly as he made his way up to the bathroom. He was really starting to hate this place and he was going to have more than a few words with his mom over it.

In the bathroom, having to lower his pants to pee, he thought his dick was going to break off it was so damn frozen.

He was eying the faucet and wondering how cold the water would be when he washed his hands when he suddenly heard the heater kick on.

A moment later a triumphant Spock came up from the basement, looking altogether pleased with himself.

“How did you—”

“Well, scientifically speaking, I—”

Jim covered Spock’s mouth with his to shut him up.

January 16, 2024

January 31, 2023

Jim wouldn’t exactly say he was disappointed to be back on the Enterprise.

The thing about shore leave was that it wasn’t really special if it was an every day thing. Or so he had convinced himself. He couldn’t entirely deny he would still love to live in a tropical paradise with an ocean view to wake up to every morning.

Waking up to the stars of the galaxy wasn’t such a bad view either, though.

And waking up next to Spock was perhaps the best view of all.

He was content. With Spock by his side and with Spock’s counsel, he could and would do another five-year mission. Then perhaps retire. Or semi-retire.

He just couldn’t imagine himself just sitting around in the farmhouse, getting up to chop wood for the fire or whatever. He didn’t really see Spock as particularly stationary either. Spock’s counterpart had stayed active and involved right up to his death. Spock would be the same.

Jim spent extra time with Bones, sharing a meal in the mess with him and then later a drink on Bone’s quarters because Spock had told him not to come to their quarters quite yet. He had a surprise for Jim.

Finally Spock communicated with him that he could come to their quarters.

“Got any idea what surprise Spock has for me?” Jim asked as he prepared to leave.

Bones smirked. “Maybe, maybe not.”

“You do know!”

His friend shrugged and said, “Have a good night, Jim.”

Jim made his way to his quarters, perhaps with a quick anticipation in his step. The door opened at his command.

Spock stood in the middle of their quarters, hands clenched behind his back, wearing his favorite pair of flannel pajama bottoms and a T-Shirt.

“Welcome, Captain.”

Jim smiled. “Captain is it?”

His husband’s lips twitched. “Would you like to take a bath?”

“A…bath?”

“In your new whirlpool tub.”

“My…what? Spock, we can’t have that on the ship.”

“In fact we can. It’s all approved and installed. And while you are correct in that it is neither advisable or practical to make use if it every day, once a week is acceptable.” Spock held out his hand. “Come, T’hy’la. Let’s try it out.”

The end….thanks for reading this little series. Starting tomorrow, February first, I will be posting flashes with the theme of love/Valentine’s. Only on Wednesdays I am afraid with the exception of Tuesday, February 14. You’ll still get Bombay chapters on Fridays too.

January 31, 2023

Flash Fic, January 26, 2023

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok on Pexels.com

Jim was resplendent when a short time later he appeared before Spock dressed and ready for their renewal ceremony. Somehow he’d obtained, Spock imagined by contacting McCoy, the embroidered robes he’d worn when they formally bonded all those years ago on New Vulcan.

“You are beautiful.”

Jim gave him a doubtful look. “Yeah? I mean It’s just a tad tight around the stomach. I guess I put on a few pounds in these last fifteen or so years.”

“Not many. You are quite fit.”

Jim smiled. “I’m more gray too. By a lot.”

“We all age, Jim.”

“Not you. Look at you. You look the same. I’m jealous.”

Spock shook his head. “You are stubborn as ever. You are magnificent and everyone knows it. Do I have the doctor to thank for sending our robes here?”

“Uh-huh. I contacted him right after I talked to T’Merr.”

“That is the priestess?”

“Yes. She’s ready anytime we are.”

“Are there to be guests?”

“Nope. I decided to make it private. Just you and me. Well her too obviously.” Jim looked uncertain. “That’s okay, right? Or should I have invited our friends?”

“I am content with just us,” Spock assured him. He took Jim’s hand in his. “Shall we?”

Jim leaned in to kiss him. “She’s waiting for us in the private garden.”

Hand in hand, the two of them walked out to the suite’s private garden area where Spock saw the Vulcan Priestess waiting for them. He didn’t remember ever seeing her before but she looked young.

“Spock, this is T’Merr. And this is Spock.”

She greeted Jim with warmth in her eyes and then turned to Spock. “I have heard much about you, Spock. I am familiar with your sire.”

Spock acknowledged this and couldn’t help nut murmur, “It is unusual to find a Vulcan Priestess on Risa.”

“Indeed. I suppose it is unusual to find a Vulcan at all,” she returned. “I am currently on sabbatical.” She paused. “A crisis of logic.”

“Fascinating.”

“I assure you I still quite trained and capable of this, however, or I certainly would not have agreed when your very charming mate asked.”

“My mate is persuasive.”

Spock was surprised when she chuckled. “As fascinating as I find him, I am well aware of your T’hy’la bond and how sacred it is. While predictable your jealousy is unfounded.”

“Hmm.”

Jim laughed right with her. “She’s got your number. And don’t worry, Spock, I’m all yours.”

He gave his mate a disgruntled look but then moved to stand beside Jim and before the Priestess.

After a moment, she put her hands on each of their faces. “You may begin.”

“Spock, I commit myself to you body, mind and soul,” Jim spoke flawless Vulcan.

“Jim, I commit myself to you body, mind and katra.”

T’Merr closed her eyes. “As it comes down from the beginning without change, this is the Vulcan heart, this is the Vulcan soul.”

Very slowly she lowered her hands from their faces. She folded them in front of her.

“I am honored to experience such a strong and worthy bond. Fortune smiles upon you.”

Spock arched a brow at her flowery, illogical words, but he nodded.

“Now, I will leave you to mark the occasion as you see fit.”

She departed in something of a willowy cloud and Jim turned to Spock, grabbing his hands.

“Thank you for that, T’hy’la,” Spock whispered.

“You are welcome. I thought, after everything, after our Pon Farr, after these years together, it would be nice.”

“And it was.” He glanced toward their suite. “We have one more night here. Perhaps we ought to go inside and mark the occasion as T’Merr suggested.”

Jim laughed. “I love the way you think.”

“Great minds, T’hy’la. Great minds.”

We will see these two one more time on January 31st

January 26, 2023

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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