Star Trek Alternate Original Series

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, 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.

November 7, 2025

Flash Fic October 17, 2025

AI generated picture

“It’s really coming down out there.”

Jim turned away from the window. Outside the rain was slashing violently against the window, lightning flashed, and an occasional large boom of thunder could be heard in the distance, though he thought it was likely coming closer.

Bones sighed. “There’s no leaving here tonight then. Hopefully it’s better in the morning.”

They were in a cabin in the woods. They were lucky to have found the shelter since originally they had been tent camping.

“Yeah.”

Bones poured whiskey from a flask into a mug. “Fortunately this place is pretty well-stocked. We should have booked this cabin in the first place.”

Jim had found the contact information when they entered the cabin and had notified the owner they were there and would reimburse whatever they used. He had been glad the owner was pretty cool about the whole thing. The cabin was a rental, anyway, and Bones was right, they should have rented it to begin with.

But nothing about this trip had gone right.

It was meant to be a little camping trip to celebrate the end of their five-year mission. Bones had fond memories of camping with his dad when he was a boy and he had talked Jim and Spock into the idea of a couple of days.

Of course now Bones said they should have rented a cabin. It had been his damn idea to do the tents. But Jim wasn’t going to point that out. He was cranky and miserable. The clothes he wore still clung damply to his skin and he’d only just got the fire going in the fireplace.

There was also the plain fact Spock was not with them. Just before they were to leave on this camping trip from Hell, he and Spock had a huge fight. Spock declared he was going to New Vulcan to visit his father instead and that was that.

Jim thought maybe they broke up. He wasn’t even really sure.

Somehow Bones talked him into making the trek into the woods for camping anyway. They’d barely set up their tents when the storm came. A bad storm that had collapsed their flimsy tents and drenched them.

They had made their way back to their transport car only to find it wouldn’t start and it was stuck in the mud, anyway.

So here they were. Wet, cold and miserable. He’d change into dry clothes except that the rain had soaked the clothes he’d brought with him, too, as his whole bag had been drenched.

“I suppose you blame me for all this,” Bones grumbled as Jim joined him once more by the fire.

Jim picked up his own mug of coffee mixed with whiskey. “Nah, you couldn’t have known we were going to get the storm of the century. They didn’t even predict it.”

“True. But I knew you weren’t thrilled with the tent thing.”

“Eh. I was a boy scout a long time ago. I slept in a tent a few times.”

Bones smiled faintly. “You’re being too nice. I’m sure things would seem better if, well, you know.”

“Spock didn’t dump me?”

“I’m sure he didn’t dump you, Jim. He’ll cool off and when we get back to civilization you’ll contact him and the two of you will kiss and make up.”

“Mm.”

“This isn’t the first disagreement you ever had,” Bones pointed out.

“I know.”

Bones sighed. “I’m going to go and take a nice hot shower. I promise not to use up the hot water.”

Jim offered his friend a smile. “Thanks. I only wish we could put on dry clothes.”

They’d hung up the clothes they weren’t wearing by the fireplace. Unfortunately the cabin, though having a lot of amenities, a dryer was not one of them.

Bones disappeared down the hall to where the bathroom was and Jim continued to stare into the fire.

But a few minutes later he heard what sounded like a howl. Surely there weren’t any wolves in this area.

Jim waited to hear it again, but nothing.

He was just about to relax again when he heard a screech. He stood up and set the mug down. He went back to the window to look out, but all he could see was blurry rain. There was another flash of lightning and this time the thunder followed almost immediately after.

“Okay, really, get ahold of yourself, Jim,” he told himself out loud. “Just the storm. Storms have weird noises.”

Or a rat. Did the cabin have rats? Although a rat might screech, it wouldn’t howl.

He shook his head and went to the cabin door and opened it to look out at the storm and surrounding area. Another flash and boom.

It was hard to see very far in front of his face as the rain was pouring down harder than he’d seen in years.

“Hello?”

Not that he expected a wolf or other animal to answer him. And he got nothing. Just silence. The rustling in the trees.

Jim took a step back, wishing he had a flashlight or even his phaser.

Then there was another howl, this one sounding like…a ghost. His hair stood on the back of his neck and he rushed back inside, slamming the door shut.

“There’s no such things as ghosts,” he reminded himself.

And really, how did anyone even know what a ghost sounded like? This had been more of an angry moan then a mournful cry. Did ghosts have emotions?

“No, because there aren’t any ghosts,” he reminded himself.

And then the knob of the cabin door rattled.

Jim grabbed a log to use as a weapon, went to the door and wrenched it open.

“Spock!” Jim dropped the log and flung himself into Spock’s arms. Spock’s arms closed around him.

After a moment, Jim pulled back slightly.

“Get in here! You must be soaked and frozen half to death.”

He yanked Spock inside and closed and locked the door.

“Spock, what are you doing here? I thought you went to New Vulcan.”

“I intended to,” Spock admitted. “But I could not let another day go by where we were angry at each other. I apologize.”

“No.” Jim shook his head. “I’m sorry. Let’s get you out of that wet coat.”

He helped Spock remove his heavy raincoat and then once more threw his arms around Spock, holding tight.

“Where is the doctor?”

“Shower. How’d you find us?”

“I surmised when I saw your destroyed camp that you logically sought shelter elsewhere. I searched until I located this cabin.”

“I’m so glad you’re here. I…was a little worried.”

“Worried?”

Jim shook his head and smiled. “That maybe we broke up.”

“Impossible.”

Jim laughed. “Maybe. Did you hear howling by any chance?”

Spock arched a brow. “Howling?”

“Er. Never mind.” Jim kissed him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

October 17, 2025

Flash Fic, October 03, 2025

We start this month out with Fall/Autumn stories. No Spooky with this one!

Jim had just stepped outside the house, carrying a large uncarved pumpkin, when the hover car pulled up next to the cobblestone pathway his mother had put in some years ago.

He continued over to where he had decided to place the pumpkin even as he was aware of the tall, thin Vulcan getting out of the hover car.

“Captain.”

He crouched down and placed the pumpkin on the ground. “Jim. I’m definitely not on duty.”

“You are not answering your communicator,” Spock said, a clear reprimand in his tone.

“That’s right.”

“May I ask why?”

Jim straightened and stood. He walked backward to admire his handiwork on the Autumn décor.

“I’m not required to. Regulation 2465, Part A. If officer has been relieved of duty while under investigation they are not—”

“I know what the regulations say,” Spock interrupted.

Jim smiled faintly. “You probably wrote some of them.”

“Your being relieved of duty is temporary,” Spock pointed out. “And can be rescinded at any time. How would you know if you ignore attempts to contact you?”

“I figure they’d send a representative from Starfleet if that were the case.” He eyed Spock. “Is that the case?”

Spock shook his head. “That is not the purpose of my visit.”

“Ah.” Jim nodded, then shrugged. “Okay. So we’re back to I’m perfectly within my legal right not to respond. I was suspended for six months, Spock. I’m barely half a month into that suspension.”

“You are surely aware that you will not be suspended for those entire six months.”

“I am not aware and don’t call me Shirley,” Jim said with a laugh. And when that was met with a blank look, Jim laughed more. “Never mind. What do you want, Spock? And why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be acting captain?”

“I refused the position.”

Jim frowned. “It needs more pumpkins. And maybe some other gourds. Hang on.” He took out his personal communicator. He’d also ignored messages from friends on that too. His Starfleet one was up in his room, stuffed into his desk. He tapped out a message, closed it, and repocketed it. “Why? If you did, who is acting captain?”

“William Decker was brought on board upon my refusal.”

“Decker? Hmm. I guess he’ll do fine.”

“If you have concerns, you can fight the suspension and be reinstated sooner.”

Jim laughed. “I have no concerns, Spock. And I don’t regret my actions during that battle. Ten thousand lives were saved. That matters to me, even if it doesn’t to them.”

“I agree you did nothing wrong, but regulations—”

“I’m really not having this discussion with you. I haven’t been in Riverside for Fall since I was a kid. I intend to make the best of it.” He sighed. Looked up at the gathering clouds. “Want to go inside?”

Spock paused for a moment, looking slightly pained, and then said, “Yes.”

Jim led the Vulcan into the house, turning lights on from old-fashioned switches as he did.

“It’s nice to be back with no signs or ghosts of Frank,” he commented.

“Your stepfather.”

“Yeah. Dead and buried now. Thank God. And that might sound harsh, but I don’t care.” Jim went into the kitchen and poured himself coffee from the carafe sitting on the coffeemaker. “You can replicate yourself tea over there by the wall if you want. Or I think there’s a tea kettle around here.”

Spock went to the replicator and had it make him tea.

Jim added cream to his coffee and then leaned against the counter to observe Spock.

“There was a rumor she did him in.”

Spock arched a brow. “Who?”

“Mom.” He shrugged. “It was officially ruled a heart attack but I don’t think anyone really believes that. It wasn’t investigated too closely because he was a rotten Human Being. Terrible abuser of me and my brother, and mom.”

“You are serious?”

“About my mom? Yeah, maybe. I mean she’s never said, but who knows. I thought about it myself a dozen times.”

“Where is she now?”

“In the city, getting us some supplies. She’s living here full time now that she retired from Starfleet. And madder than a hornet about my suspension.” He grinned.

“I have taken a leave,” Spock announced then.

“What for?”

“I told you before I have no desire to serve aboard the Enterprise without you.”

Jim sighed. “I broke things off so my actions wouldn’t interfere with your career, Spock.”

“I don’t consider things ‘broken off’,” Spock said with a hint of a sneer. “I do not agree to end our relationship.”

“I said I wouldn’t bond with you.”

“I am aware of what you said and when all of this has been settled we will revisit that.”

Jim set his coffee cup down and went to Spock, who immediately pulled him into his arms. He could feel Spock trembling slightly as he held onto Jim.

“I didn’t want to wreck your Starfleet career,” Jim said into Spock’s chest.

“I do not think either of our careers will be wrecked, but if they are, then they are wrecked together.”

Jim laughed and pulled back to look at Spock. “You’re nuts.”

“I surmised that when I first realized I was in love with you.”

“Wait, is that a joke? Who knew you could tell jokes?” He kissed Spock. “I love you. That’s never going to change.”

“Just as my feelings will stay the same for you. Jim, we are together. And that means together in everything.”

“But my decisions shouldn’t harm you.”

“They did not. I agree with your actions.”

“Despite regulations?”

“Yes. And I believe ten thousand people also agree with your actions.”

“How long is your leave?”

“I specified that it would be as long as your suspension whether that is the six months conveyed or if it shortened when they conclude the investigation in your favor.”

“They might not.”

“They will.” Spock kissed him this time. “In the meantime, I have arrived with belongings that are still in the hover car and if you and your mother are amenable, I will spend my leave here with you.”

“Oh, I’m very amenable.”

Just then the back door opened and his mother came in.

“I got your gourds but you have to get them out of the car. Oh. Hi, Spock.” She smiled. “It’s lovely to see you.”

“I am pleased to see you as well.”

Jim wasn’t surprised at all when his mother came to Spock and hugged him, and Spock allowed it.

“Jim told me that you and he weren’t—”

“Jim was wrong,” Spock said coolly.

His mom laughed. “And that’s exactly what I figured. I’m so relieved you’re here. You’re staying of course.”

“Of course.”

“It would serve them right if they lost both of you. Old men assholes.” She sniffed. “I have groceries and gourds in the car. Firewood, too. You boys can go bring them in for me.”

Jim smiled at Spock. “Shall we?”

Spock took his hand and they went out to unload everything together.

And yeah, in reality, Jim knew they would rule in his favor, but he intended to spend as much time with his mom and Spock like this as long as he could.

October 3, 2025

Flash Fic, March 14, 2025

This isn’t really what I wanted to post for this week but time got away from me and I didn’t have time to devote to the flash I intended to write, so you get this one. It’s sort of a mix of POVs which I don’t like to do in the same scene but eh, it is what it is. It also ended up being a bit longer than I thought it would.

Uhura didn’t often come to this part of the observation deck. At least not anymore. It was nicknamed “The Crying Room” because it seemed the location most chose to come when they were feeling particularly down. You had to be an officer to have access to this area and it had some of the best views of the stars and also many private areas for reflection.

When her relationship with Spock was ending, she’d come there but she’d moved on from those days. She no longer felt sorry for what was not meant to be and looked forward to the future.

She wasn’t even sure what brought her there this particular night. Intuition of some kind, maybe? Whatever. She had only been there a few short moments looking out at the vastness of space when she heard someone crying.

They weren’t far away and she turned to leave, feeling as though she was intruding on the person’s grief, but something in the way it sounded reminded her of who it might be and that was strange. She wouldn’t have expected to find him here these days. Maybe once, but now…

“Captain?”

Uhura approached the corner area where she knew there was a small alcove with a cushioned bench, like one of the old-fashioned fainting couches in long ago history. It was secluded and she guessed many didn’t even know it was there. There was one small round window that looked out to space, like a ship’s porthole.

“Captain?”

He was huddled in the bench, legs pulled up tight to his chest, arms wrapped around those legs.

“Jim? Are you all right?”

He shook his head but didn’t speak.

She was torn about what to do. He seemed so distraught she didn’t think it would be good to leave him like this.

“What happened?” she asked after a moment.

He wiped his eyes. “I’ve just had a really bad day.”

Not too far away was a chair that she could bring over so she did so and sat close by him..

“Like what? Tell me,” she urged gently. She wanted to contact Spock but first she needed to know how bad the situation was.

He didn’t answer at first and she thought he might not and she was prepared to get Spock anyway.

“I woke up after a nightmare with a really bad headache. Bones stabbed me with a hypo in the neck when I told him. And they always hurt, but I don’t know maybe he got it in a weird spot, because it really hurt. And then I was notified Wilkins didn’t make it.”

“Wilkins?”

“Security guard injured during the mission yesterday.”

“Oh,” she said softly.

“Then Komack contacted me. He’s sending us to a sector that’s known to be hostile and dangerous. I argued about it, got reprimanded for arguing and told to go anyway. That’s likely going to cost us more casualties. Lots of crew members injured or worse. And why? Because bureaucrats say so. People signed up to explore new words and civilizations not to get murdered by maniacal alien forces.”

Uhura didn’t respond to that. Everyone knew it was possible but Jim knew that just like she did.

“Spock and I had a big fight.”

Oh.

“How big? Like not talking for a few days or break up big?”

He closed his eyes.

“Listen, it can’t be that bad. Spock loves you. Like a crazy amount.”

He blew out a long breath. “Then my mom contacted me. Sam…he’s dying. There was an accident on Deneva where he’s been living. He’s not expected to survive. I haven’t…you know…he’s still my brother.”

“You really have had a bad day,” Uhura agreed. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move.”

If he heard her, he didn’t acknowledge it.

She slipped out of the room and pulled out her communicator. “Uhura to Spock.”

It didn’t take long. “Spock here.”

“Listen, Jim’s in the observation area known as the Crying Room. He’s upset.”

“We had an argument and—”

“No,” she interrupted sharply. “Whatever your issue is, get over it. He’s really upset, Spock. I guess Leonard hurt him and Wilkins didn’t make it and Komack is being Komack and—”

“Nyota—”

“Spock. There was an accident and his brother isn’t expected to live.”

“I am on my way.”

Uhura wasn’t that surprised when he made it very quickly. She squeezed his arm and walked away, leaving her two commanding officers to it.

“Jim?”

Jim looked at Spock, his eyes brimming with tears. “Uhura contacted you?”

“Yes.” Spock stepped forward, scooped Jim up in his arms and moved to sit on the bench Jim had been only a moment before.

“We’re both not going to fit,” Jim protested.

Spock had to acknowledge he was right. “Will you come with me to your quarters?”

“Okay, but you’re not carrying me. I’m walking on my own.”

Spock agreed and set his captain down.

They departed the room and made their way to the turbolift in silence. Jim kept his gaze down and Spock was glad as they made their way to the captain’s quarters that they didn’t come upon anyone.

He entered Jim’s code and Jim stepped inside followed by Spock.

Spock instantly enveloped him in a tight embrace.

“I apologize for speaking in anger before.”

“Me too,” Jim mumbled against him.

“Do you want something to eat?”

“No.”

“Shower?”

Jim shook his head.

“Then let me get you ready for bed, where I will hold you and you can tell me everything.”

Spock took Jim’s hand and led him to the bed. He undressed his captain, then helped him into his pajamas, before undressing himself and putting on his preferred sleeping robe.

Then he got them both into the bed and pulled Jim close to him once more.

“I don’t like it when we fight.”

“I do not either. I was about to look for you when Nyota contacted me to apologize. I am so very sorry I contributed to your bad day, Ashaya. Your brother—”

Jim closed his eyes and pushed closer still to Spock, who tightened his grasp on him.

“I haven’t talked to him in years. Now I’ll never get the chance.”

Spock closed his eyes. “I lost a brother too.”

“You had a brother?”

“Half. My father disowned him.”

Jim looked at him. “So there’s still a chance that someday—”

Spock shook his head. “I have learned he perished on Vulcan when it was destroyed.”

“Oh.”

Spock kissed him. “Tell me about Sam.”

“Once he was my hero…” Jim began. .

March 14, 2025

Flash Fic, February 28, 2025

Here we are closing out February

“What are we doing here again, Bones?’

His friend shot Jim a disgruntled look. “We’ve never been here.”

“Right. I mean, tell me again why we’re here and you know it.”

They had just walked into a seedy bar. As those types of establishments went, this one was hardly the worst. But it had a sort of…dark vibe. Jim couldn’t quite decide what made him uneasy about it.

“You used to love these types of places,” Bones pointed out. He gave Jim the side-eye. “Back in the day.”

“Mm.”

“Now you’re a dud.”

Jim chuckled. “If you say so. But you haven’t answered the question.”

It was shore leave and without any particular plans of his own, Jim had accompanied Bones here.

“Well.”

They made their way to the bar counter itself and chose two seats, quickly ordering drinks. Jim watched the bartender as he mixed them. He had some experience with questionable drinks in places like this.

“There might have been a rumor that a woman from my past is on this planet and frequents this bar.”

Jim glanced at him in surprise. “I thought you dated only nice women. Other than your wife, of course.”

“Ex. And she was nice once. I probably turned her ornery.”

Jim smiled faintly. “Who is this former lover?”

“I didn’t say we were lovers. Just that she was from my past.”

“Mm.”

Bones looked around. “I don’t see her…wait. There she is.” When Jim went to turn around, Bones hissed, “Don’t look.”

He laughed. “What?”

“I don’t want to make myself a spectacle,” Bones insisted. “This is supposed to be a casual, just kind of a coincidental meeting while I’m on shore leave.”

“Ah, gotcha. So go on over there. Tell her you noticed her and ask her if she’s whoever. Or the other way around. Whatever.’

Bones nodded. “Okay. Yeah.” He eyed Jim. “Uh, I might be a while.”

“That’s okay. Probably going to go back to the ship.” He put his hand on Bones’ shoulder as his friend moved away. “Be careful.”

“Always.”

Jim decided to finish his drink before leaving and he was about to do so when a young attractive female member of that planet slid into the seat Bones had occupied.

“Hi, honey,” she said breathlessly.

“You come here often?”

Jim turned to his other side to see a tall Vulcan standing beside him. “First time.”

The female frowned and leaned forward. “Hey, I saw him first.”

“That is factually incorrect since I have been married to him for fourteen months, three weeks, forty-eight—”

“Oh my God. Just shut up.” She slid off the stool and hurried away.

Jim laughed. “You always manage to charm them, Spock.”

Spock nodded. “I do try.”

“You needn’t worry. She wasn’t my type.”

“Breathing?” Spock asked coolly.

He laughed again. “Ouch. You’re all snippy. Thought you weren’t coming down here.”

“I changed my mind and decided to spend some time here with you.” Spock looked around. “Well, not here.”

Jim emptied his drink, cast one last look to see Bones engaged in conversation with some woman, and headed out of the bar with Spock.

“Nyota convinced me I was being unreasonable,” Spock explained outside.

“Did she? She say you were being a poopy head?”

Spock blushed. “How did you know?”

“She’s used that line on me before. I know her tricks.” He linked arms with Spock. “Where do you want to go, husband?”

“There is a museum here filled with ancient planetary artifacts.”

“I love museums with ancient planetary artifacts.”

“If there is somewhere else you’d—”

“Spock. Let’s go. You know it drives me wild with lust when you explain those artifacts.”

Spock arched a brow. “In that case, I can show you a slide show in our private quarters.”

Jim burst out laughing. “Come on. It’s a beautiful day. And I happen to know a lot of that museum is outside. Let’s go, Pointy.”

February 28, 2025

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

Christmas in July #6

This one ended up being a whole thing and took some weird twists and became rather angsty. It may end up being a larger fic come December at Christmas proper. We will see. I am thinking there’s more to tell here that I can’t get into dealing with just yet. But then again, maybe I should just leave it alone!

Photo by Karolina Kaboompics on Pexels.com

“Boy, it’s really coming down out there.”

Jim nodded absently at his friend’s words. They were said with a false, forced cheer that he mostly appreciated.

He scooped another spoonful of eggnog ice cream, not bothering to glance toward the window of his hospital room where Bones stood. He could hear the pouring rain from his bed, anyway.

Next to his bed, on the end table was an arrangement of red, white, and green carnations with a glittery reindeer stick stuck in the vase with them. The card attached read ‘Get Well Soon and Merry Christmas, the Sulus.’

Bones turned back to him. “Let me see your chart again.”

Jim was in Starfleet Hospital in San Francisco. Bones wasn’t his treating physician, just his friend. But Bones was Bones and a nosey doctor he would remain.

Bones tsked. “Heart failure two days before Christmas.”

“Um hum. Drained a bunch of fluid off. It’s hereditary on Mom’s side.”

“Thought Khan’s blood would prevent that.”

Jim smiled faintly. “That was a long time ago, Bones. I’m aging at a normal Human pace. I don’t think he made me Superhuman or anything.”

“What use was he then?” Bones grumbled.

“There was no use for him. You know what. Anyway, I should get out of here before New Year’s. Gotta take pills, get regular checkups, blah blah blah.”

“Well, Admiral, you do have desk duty. So at least I don’t have to worry about you getting shot or something.”

“Small favors anyway. I feel fine, Bones. A little tired is all. And bummed I’m stuck in this hellhole over Christmas.”

“Your mom coming by later?”

“Yep. With a pre-approved mini tree for my room. She had to get my doctor’s approval, but he did.”

“What about David? Carol bringing him by?”

“Not until the day after Christmas,” Jim admitted. “I told her that they should spend Christmas in England with her husband and Carol’s mother.”

“Can’t believe he’s almost a teenager already. Hell, worse I can’t believe I’m a grampa.”

Jim smiled. “It suits you.”

Bones rolled his eyes and pulled up a chair. He brought the eggnog ice cream, also approved by Jim’s cariologist, and a white stuffed polar bear wearing a Santa hat.

He cleared his throat, so Jim knew what was to come, though he had hoped it wasn’t.

“Think he’ll show up?”

Spock, of course. Spock who had ended things with Jim six months earlier and left for New Vulcan to finally pursue Kolinahr.

They’d had a fight to end all fights. Jim wished he could say he didn’t remember what caused it, but he did. It didn’t really matter now. They were kaput. And Spock likely was knee deep in kneeling before some snooty priestess.

“No. What reason would he have?”

Bones stared at him wide-eyed. “You just had heart failure and almost died!”

Jim shook his head. “I wasn’t that in danger of dying. And I doubt anyone told him.”

“The mind thing?”

“Been dormant for months. It’s okay, Bones. We’re finished. Spock made that clear and I accepted it.” He shrugged. “I think when he’s finished with the Kolinahr, he’ll have the bond removed anyway.”

“That what he said?”

“He hasn’t said anything to me since he left, Bones. I’m just guessing is all. Fine by me. I don’t need it.”

“I should give him a piece of my mind.”

Jim chuckled and pushed away the ice cream bowl. “You need all your pieces. Let it go.”

Bones sighed. “Okay. Listen, I gotta leave for a bit, but I’ll be back later with a turkey dinner for us and probably your mom too. I’ll contact her first.”

“Bones, you don’t have to stay. It’s Christmas Eve. I know you have family.”

“You listen here, Jim, you are my family. I’ll be back.”

Jim teared up and smiled. “Okay, Bones. And you’re my family too.”

The nurse came in after Bones left to remove the ice cream bowl and offer him some tea and pills, but eventually, mercifully, Jim was left alone.

He must have dozed off some because when he woke up someone was sitting in the chair by his bed.

Jim stared. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

Spock said sternly, “Not funny.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Where else would I be? My mate is in the hospital after suffering heart failure.”

“I’m not your mate anymore, Spock,” Jim reminded him.

“Our bond still exists.”

“I kind of think that’s your problem. And I’m sure you can end it.”

Spock stood and approached the bed. “I am not here to agitate you, Jim. I have come to apologize and express my deep regret for my part in our separation.”

“Aren’t regrets illogical?” Jim sighed wearily. “I don’t…you said it was over.”

“I was wrong.”

“You wanted to purge me.”

“Negative. Never you. I was…confused. I wished to purge my emotions but I was unable to do so. My love for you was too strong.”

“Spock—”

“I ask nothing from you except that I am allowed to remain by your side to watch over you.”

Jim snorted. “That seems like a lot to ask.”

Spock lowered his gaze. “I mean I know I am not worthy of a return to intimacies we once shared but—”

“I’m not really cleared for that kind of thing right now.”

Spock nodded. “But I would like to be your friend and companion for however long you will allow it.”

“This is a lot to deal with right now,” Jim admitted. “And it’s Christmas Eve. Mom is coming and Bones too. I just…you broke my heart, Spock.” He waved away Spock’s wide-eyed look. “No. You aren’t responsible for this heart condition, you know that’s not what I mean. It’s just going to be hard to get past that for a while. If I ever can.”

“Can I stay while you are in the hospital through the holidays?”

“You aren’t making it easy to send you away,” Jim said, softly. “You know I still love you. That’s never changed.”

“It has not changed for me either.”

Suddenly there was a commotion outside Jim’s room and in popped his mom wheeling in a decorated Christmas Tree on a cart and next to it was a Santa sized sack filled with brightly wrapped Christmas packages.

Her mouth formed into a “O” she stared at Spock.

“Uh. Hi Mom. Spock’s here.”

“I-I see.”

Jim glanced at Spock who stared back at him with pleading eyes. “And for now, he’s staying.”

July 12, 2024

October 2023 Continuing Story

Part 2

“Professor Kirk!”

The loud yell startled Jim out of whatever trance he’d been in. That had been happening more often lately. He’d be in the middle of something and then he’d zone out. He wondered if he was losing his mind.

He plastered on a smile as he faced the student who’d just shouted at him. “No need to yell, Adam.”

Adam had the grace to blush. “Sorry, Professor. It’s just I’d been trying to get your attention for a while.”

Jim was a physics teacher at Riverside College. It was nearly the end of the day and he was in his office at the college having finished teaching two classes that day.

“I’m sorry. My mind was wandering.”

“I was just wondering if you’d had a chance to go over the papers we submitted last week.”

“Not yet,” Jim admitted. “I will this week though. See you in Thursday’s morning class.”

An effort to dismiss Adam and send him on his way. He seemed a little too eager to spend time with Jim and Jim certainly didn’t want to encourage any student crushes.

Beyond Adam, through the glass of his office door, Jim spotted a man walking by wearing a woolen beanie pulled down low well past his ears. It was the second time he’d seen the tall, slim man walking by. He couldn’t recall seeing him before and looked older than most of the students there. A new instructor?

“Sir?”

Jim blinked and glanced at Adam again. “Yes?”

Adam sighed dramatically and pushed the glasses he wore up his nose. “Nothing, Professor. See you in class.”

And he was gone.

Jim was relieved. He closed up his briefcase and prepared to leave his office to return home.

It didn’t really bother him to live alone at the farmhouse. He’d considered asking Becky to share the place with him but given what she’d just said to him, he was no longer sure.

He made his way out to the parking lot where staff members parked and got into his Escort.

He thought of the man with the beanie again. It was a warm day. It was the time of year where days were nice and nights chilly but either way it wasn’t the weather for wool beanies.

And if he was a new instructor it seemed strange as the semester had begun some weeks earlier, at the beginning of September. But then again he could be a substitute instructor, Jim guessed. It wasn’t as though the dean of his particular science gave him any inside information about goings on.

Jim guessed what made him the most curious about the stranger was that each time he’d walked by Jim’s office, he had stared into the office to look directly at Jim. And somehow, Jim had gotten a sense of de ja vu each time.

With a shake of his head, Jim started up his car and left the college. It was nearing four and though it wasn’t yet supper time he decided to go through a drive-thru for some hamburgers rather than cook for himself.

At home, there was nothing unusual. His front yard of pumpkins and scare crows looked untouched. Nothing was knocked over by the trash either. He would have thought he’d imagined the crash the night before except that Becky had heard it too.

His answering machine had a message so he pushed the button. Of course it was Becky.

“It’s just me. I’m in New York now for the night. I’ll let you know how I am tomorrow too when I get a chance. Bye, Jim.”

He felt no particular warmth at her message. No particular emotion at all. It was like she could have been anyone. A stranger even. What was wrong with him? Shouldn’t he be happy to hear from his girlfriend?

Jim just didn’t know and he began to worry about himself. Scratch that. He was already worried. It was just something to add to the list.

He’d just finished watching an episode of Dallas and was preparing to go to bed when a light flashed outside.

Jim grabbed the crowbar and a flash light of his own and headed outside once more.

October 4, 2023

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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Flash Fic, October 03, 2025

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