Tag: Star Trek

  • Flash Fic, April 13, 2022

    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    Jim had to admit he hated seeing his big strong dad sitting in a recliner chair with a blanket draped over his shoulders and he felt the need to punch Sam in the nose for his earlier assurance their dad was okay. It brought home for Jim that his parents weren’t going to live forever. No one did, of course. But…

    “There’s my baby!” His mom rushed at him, pulling him into a very tight and long hug.

    “Don’t maul the boy, Win,” his dad grumbled.

    “I’m not a baby or a boy,” Jim protested as his mother dragged him forward.

    “Sit down on the couch there across from Dad. What can we get you? Are you hungry? Do you want a sandwich? I have fish in the freezer. Or maybe you’d rather have steak?”

    Jim laughed. “Mom. I’m good.”

    “You left right after work though right? You didn’t eat? You didn’t eat one of those awful, greasy fast food burgers while you were driving, did you?”

    “Mother, leave him alone.” But Sam was grinning.

    “Well.” She sniffed. “He’s probably hungry.”

    “In a bit, Mom. I want to see how you and Dad are.”

    “Fine, fine. You didn’t have to come all this way,” Dad said. “But since you did, how about a game of chess later?”

    “You’re supposed to rest.”

    “Chess isn’t going to wear him out, Mom.”

    She stuck her tongue out at Jim’s brother.

    “Jim almost brought someone with him.”

    Jim almost did kick him then. “Shut up. Why did I tell you?”

    “Because you tell your brother shit like that.”

    Mom looked at Jim doubtfully. “You met someone, Jim?”

    “Why do you all react like that?”

    His father chuckled and patted Jim’s leg. “Because you’re bookish.”

    “I am not bookish. I’ve had plenty of dates and things. They’ve all just not worked out.”

    “Who are you sweet on?” his dad asked.

    Jim groaned. “I’m not sweet on anyone. I just…I like my neighbor. I only just met him which is why I didn’t bring him.”

    “If he’s like that Gary person, no thank you.” His mom shuddered. “He gave me the creeps.”

    “He’s nothing like Gary.”

    “What about Ruth? She was snooty,” Sam pointed out.

    “I still say she stole my bracelet.”

    Jim buried his face in his hands. “He’s not a snooty thief either.”

    Dad laughed outright. “What’s loverboy’s name?”

    Jim stood. “You know what, Mom? I am hungry. Starving in fact.”

    “Okay, okay.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the kitchen. “You do look too skinny.”

    Jim loved them. He did. But man was he glad he hadn’t brought Spock.  

  • April 04, 2022 Flash

    AKA Totally Modern Jim

    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    For a long time, the Human who’d introduced himself as Jim just looked at Spock. There was no fear on his face nor even open curiosity. His expression was simply blank. He rivaled any trained Vulcan Spock had known.

    When the silence stretched on, Spock finally spoke.

    “You do not seem surprised.”

    “Well. I’m not sure exactly where Vulcan is,” Jim said honestly. He really was quite a handsome man. “Is it part of another country?”

    Ah, that explained it.

    “Do you not see my ears?”

    Jim nodded. “Cosplay?”

    “Cosplay?”

    “Uh-huh. Like for an elf. Lord of the Rings I’m guessing. You just come from a convention?”

    Spock frowned. “I am not an elf. My ears are…real.”

    Jim cocked his head. “Plastic surgery? It’s cool. Whatever gets your goat.”

    “Gets my…”

    Jim smiled then. It was an appealing smile. “So not a monk?”

    “I am not.”

    Jim opened the pizza box. “You have any paper plates?”

    “They are wasteful.”

    “That a no?”

    “It is, yes.” Spock gestured to his dining room table. “Perhaps we’d better sit down.”

    Jim moved to do just that as Spock got out two non-paper plates from the apartment’s cupboard. He also poured himself a small cup of Sake.

    “Do you wish a glass for your malt beverage?”

    Those plump lips curved. “I’m good.”

    Spock brought his Sake to the table and took the offered plate from Jim with a slice of pizza.

    In truth, since his unexpected arrival there, Spock was not in the habit of explaining his appearance. Both in theory and physical. Most Humans would have trouble believing anyway. So Spock was uncertain what cause himself to lower the hood to expose his ears.

    In general when leaving his apartment, Spock wore a hat or hood to cover his nonconformity.

    “New here huh?”

    “I have recently come to occupy this apartment, yes.”

    He had been stranded on Earth for several months now, but found it necessary to leave the first place he stayed.

    “I resided on the Eastern side of town until recently.”

    “Rent increase?”

    Actually, the warehouse he had been hiding in had been demolished.

    “Something like that.”

    “What do you do?” Jim asked. “Like I said before, I’m a teacher. I teach physics. Full name is Jim Kirk.”

    Spock nodded. “As it happens, I am looking to get a position as a teacher myself at the Science Institute. I have interviewed and expect a decision at any time. In the meantime, I am waiting tables at an Asian Fusion restaurant on the corner.”

    “Oh, yeah, I know that place. Good food. So are you a scientist?”

    “Correct.”

    “Cool. I’m glad we have so much in common. What’s your name?”

    “As I said, Spock.”

    “No, I mean, your whole name.”

    “Spock.”

    “Oh. Okay. Like Cher or Bono. Gotcha.”

    Spock did not know what Jim got but he let it pass.

    After he finished a couple of slices of pizza and his cup of Sake, Spock waited for Jim to decide to leave. He liked Jim and didn’t mind the company, but he hadn’t failed to notice several yawns from the Human.

    “Sorry, long week. And my dad’s in the hospital, so a bit stressful.”

    “I am sorry to hear it. Is he gravely il?”

    “Not anymore. He had bypass surgery though. I’m going to drive out there to see them next week.”

    “Where is out there?”

    Jim laughed and it was a pleasing sound. Not that Spock could get close to Jim. Or anyone. His main goal was to return to where he came from. If that was possible.

    “Originally Iowa. Riverside. But we moved away from there a few years back. The family unit now lives in Napa. My dad has a small vineyard. Sam helps him run it.” Jim smiled. “Sam’s my older brother. And now I’m babbling my life story. It’s just…you’re really easy to talk to.” Jim stood then and picked up his empty pizza box. Spock noted he had eaten quite a bit of it.

    “I’ll let you get back to whatever you were doing. I hope to see you again, Spock. It was nice to meet you.”

    “It was nice to meet you as well, Jim.”     

  • Kris’s Birthday Flash, March 19, 2022

    I used Kris’s favorite meal for what Jim wanted in this flash. Enjoy!

    Photo by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels.com

    “Come here.”

    Jim pouted petulantly. “No.”

    Spock sighed. Walked over to where Jim stood, looking out at the stars on the observation deck. He put his hand on Jim’s back, but Jim shrugged it off.

    “I am sorry.”

    “Yeah, I know. I’m over it.”

    “Obviously you are not. I…I did not think about it.”

    Jim pursed his lips but did not respond.

    He’d forgotten Jim’s birthday. That was bad enough. But the last birthday Nyota had, Spock remembered it, and had even presented her with flowers, though they were no longer together.

    Humans desire to celebrate the passing of each year since their birth was peculiar to Vulcans, but Spock had adjusted to it with his own mother, and then later with Nyota. It hadn’t really occurred to Spock that Jim cared that much. But as Leonard had reminded him, that was also the day that Jim’s father had been killed.

    His relationship with Jim was new and untested. This particular test, Spock had failed.  

    “Jim, if I could change what happened, I would. There has simply been so much going on lately that I just—”

    “Forgot to think of me.”

    “No, Jim. I always think of you. Every moment I am awake, every moment before I sleep.”

    “You remembered…hers.”

    “She made sure of it by constant reminds,” Spock said honestly.

    Jim glanced at him. “I wasn’t going to do that.”

    “Yes, I know. It led me to the false conclusion that you did not care. I remembered on Yorktown that McCoy had planned your celebration as a surprise because normally you don’t make a big deal of it. From your own words.”

    Jim sighed. “And you relied on that. Yeah, I get it. Sorry, Spock.”

    “You owe me no apology. I just ask for forgiveness for my own thoughtless ineptitude.”

    Jim turned fully to face him. “Never mind. I forgive you.”

    Spock nodded and opened his arms. “Come here,” he said again.

    This time Jim stepped close as Spock wrapped his arms tightly around him.

    “I love you, Jim. And I do not like causing you pain. But I am far from perfect and I will make mistakes, but that does not make me love you any less.”

    Jim laid his head on Spock’s shoulder. “I love you too. So much.”

    “If you will permit me, I would like to go back to your quarters and prepare for you a meal for your birthday.” He paused. “With the replicators assistance of course.”

    “You don’t have to.”

    “I wish to.”

    Jim pulled back and smiled. “Yeah? Spaghetti?”

    “What else?”

    “Ice cream for dessert?”

    “Of course.”

    Jim smiled brighter and kissed him. “And you.”

    “Indeed.”

  • Flash Fic, March 14, 2022

    Photo by Golnar sabzpoush rashidi on Pexels.com

    Spock was aware of Nyota watching him as their captain slipped out of the booth after a muttered, “I’d better take this.”

    Spock’s gaze followed after Jim.

    Nyota sighed but there was a small smirk on her face. “You’ve got it bad. You’re really in love.”

    He thought about denying it, thought to do so was idiotic, and shrugged instead.

    “It’s all you can do not to get up and follow after him,” she continued. “Anyone else wouldn’t notice, but I know you pretty well.”

    “Does it…bother you?’

    “Oh, not really. Maybe at first,” she conceded. “It’s difficult to maintain a friendship with your ex-lover, Spock. I don’t know many former couples that do it successfully. So I’ve had my challenges.”

    “I realize,” Spock acknowledged. “And I appreciate all the efforts you’ve made.”

    “It’s because of my great affection for you that I do. And I also want to maintain my position on the Enterprise. Anyway, when your relationship with Kirk first started, it bothered me. It made sense, too, because there always seemed to be an invisible third person in our relationship, and I realized then who it had always been. The point is, that doesn’t bother me anymore, Spock.”

    Jim reappeared at their table. “Sorry about that.”

    Spock wanted to move out of the booth and allow Jim to slide in first, mostly in a protective manner, but he also knew his captain would not appreciate it at all, so he scooted a little bit in and allowed Jim to resume his seat on the outside.

    “Trouble?” Spock asked.

    “Only in a purely bureaucratic matter,” Jim answered. “Did you order?”

    “No,” Nyota replied. “We were waiting for you.”

    Spock sniffed. “Why do you smell like perfume?”

    Jim laughed. “Oh that.”

    His gaze narrowed while Nyota snorted.

    “After I talked to Harker, I had to go to the bathroom—”

    “There was perfume in the bathroom?”

    “No, no. Anyway, I was coming out and…you remember that girl from Risa I hooked up with in our second year?”

    Spock’s lips thinned. “Yes.”

    “Well as I came out of the bathroom, she launched herself into my arms and kissed me.”

    “Kissed you?” Spock bristled.

    “On the cheek. I moved at the last minute so she wouldn’t get my lips,” Jim grinned.

    “I suppose she thought you would just pick up where you left off.”

    Jim shrugged. “Who knows. But whatever she thought, I did tell her I was here with the two of you, and that you and I were together.”

    “Hmm.”

    Nyota stifled a laugh. “All that in just the few minutes you were gone?”

    “I don’t know why this kinda stuff happens,” Jim said.

    She rolled her eyes. “Uh-huh. Wanna share a pizza?”

    “Yes.”

    “No,” Spock said. He shook his head. They continued to talk about what pizza they would get. Coming down the aisle toward their table, Spock spotted the female from Risa. He gave her a death look as she met his gaze. Her eyes widened and she turned and went the other way.

    Jim glanced at him. “You look smug. Why?”

    “No reason,” Spock assured him. He turned his attention to his own menu and food choices.  

  • Flash Fic, March 7, 2022

    “You know you should be with Spock.”

    Jim looked up, annoyed at the interruption from Uhura as he sat in an isolated corner of the mess choking down what passed for his dinner while he attempted to file multiple reports that were due yesterday at least.

    “Yeah because I’d definitely rather be doing this,” he snapped.

    She wrinkled her nose. “I just mean…today’s the anniversary of his mother’s death.”

    “I know. I was there.”

    She sighed and sat down. “He’s upset and trying not to show it.”

    “I know, Uhura. But this has to be done. Komack is breathing down my neck and I’m so behind on this shit, I’m getting my ass chewed and spit out.”

    “I could do them for you,” Uhura offered.

    He shook his head. “It’s classified. You aren’t allowed to touch them.”

    “Since when do you care about regulations?”

    Jim snorted. “I’ve cared for a long time. And so should you. I don’t want you getting into trouble.”

    “Okay, but…”

    “You could go and spend time with him.”

    “Sure, I could. But he’s stopped wanting me around for comfort a long time ago, Jim. He needs you. He wants you.”

    Jim pinched the bridge of his nose, eyed his half-finished fried shrimp and fries and grimaced. “Okay. I can spare a few minutes.”

    She covered his hand with hers. “I’m sorry you’re feeling so much pressure. You know I would help if I could. We all would.”

    “Yeah, I know.  They send the Enterprise out for everything these days.”

    She smirked. “Our famous command team.”

    “It’s creating way too many headaches. I don’t know why they need all of this.” He turned off his PADD and stood.

    “You go on to Spock. I’ll clean up here.”

    He nodded. “Thanks.”

    ****

    When he got to his quarters, Jim wasn’t surprised to find Spock there and meditating in his alcove.

    So Jim sat down at his desk and turned his PADD on, continuing to work. He’d learned long ago not to interrupt Spock when he was meditating.

    Since they’d gotten together, though they had separate quarters, Spock spent all his time with Jim. They both slept better together, and they had decided not to bother fighting that.

    He worked for an additional hour before he saw movement where Spock had been, so he paused his work, and rose from behind his desk.

    “Spock?”

    “Jim.”

    He approached the alcove and without a word, opened his arms.

    Spock hesitated only a second before he stepped into Jim’s embrace. He wrapped his arms around his Vulcan boyfriend and just held him wordlessly.

    Finally Spock whispered, “I will help you with your reports.”

    “If you want to.”

    “I need a distraction and you need help. No better solution.”

    Jim drew back and offered a soft smile. “I love you.”

    “And you own my heart,” Spock responded. “Thank you. Let us finish your reports.”

    Jim took Spock’s hand and led him over to the desk.

    Not quite the right situation but decided to use it as it is them hugging
  • Flash Fic, March 04, 2022

    A bit sad this one

    “You know, you look familiar.”

    Jim eyed the sultry lady who had sauntered up to him at the bar as he gulped down the rest of his fourth drink.

    “I get that a lot.”

    “Hmm. Well, I’m sure you definitely get a lot of attention that’s for sure. A hot, sexy guy like you.” She leaned toward him and he saw her black eyes.

    “Betazoid,” he slurred.

    “Very good.” She put her hand on his. “You’re very sad. Want to tell me all about it?”

    “I don’t—”

    “I am afraid he will have to pass.”

    She looked past Jim to the Vulcan who suddenly loomed over them. “Who are you?”

    “At the moment, his keeper.”

    Jim swatted at the hands that grabbed him and slid him off the bench at the bar. “Can get down myself.”

    Jim knew the tall Vulcan dressed all in cool black from head to toe was giving the Betazoid lady a death look and really he ought to be offended on her behalf or something but there was something also quite…tantalizing about it.

    The Vulcan hooked his hand in Jim’s arm and led Jim away and out of the bar. A short while later, Jim found himself shuffled into a lift.

    He sagged against the Vulcan.

    “You look like my husband,” he muttered in the Vulcan’s black sweater.

    “Likely because I am.”

    Jim nodded. “This days sucks, Spock.”

    Spock wrapped his arms around Jim and held him close.

    “I know, Ashaya. I read the missive.”

    “Sam’s dead,” Jim said, feeling the sting of tears as he fisted that black sweater.

    “I know,” Spock replied softly. “I am sorry.”

    “I just…wanna know why.” He sniffled against Spock. “I know why and how he died. I don’t mean that. I mean…why didn’t he…”

    He couldn’t finish. But he knew Spock knew.

    “Something was lacking in him, T’hy’la, not in you.”

    “You sure?”

    “Positive. Come, I will take care of you.”

    “Always do.”

    “Always will. Always.”

  • Flash Fic, February 25, 2022

    Jim had the best idea. Or so he thought.

    There was a ship-wide malfunction that was causing all sorts of problems with temperature control. His quarters were steaming hot and he could not lower them. Spock’s was icy cold.

    He came up with the brilliant idea of going to Spock and telling him they should share Spock’s bed to keep each other warm.

    Okay, yeah it was a blatant way of getting into bed with the Vulcan, but Jim had been hinting for weeks that they should act on their mutual attraction, assuming Jim was accurate in that assessment, and either Spock was being deliberately obtuse or Jim was being way too subtle.

    This malfunction had been fortuitous.

    “Hey Spock, I have an idea.”

    “What is that, Captain?”

    And Spock looked absolutely adorable. He had wrapped himself in several layers to ward off the cold in his quarters. He even wore a knit cap to cover his ears.

    Jim smiled faintly and pointed to it. “Where’d you get that?”

    “Nyota presented it to me. I believe she made it herself.”

    “Cute.”

    “You were saying, Captain?”

    “Right. Since your quarters are so cold and mine are so blasted hot—”

    “You are suggesting we exchange quarters until the situation is repaired?”

    Jim closed his mouth.

    Spock nodded. “That is a brilliant suggestion. The heat will not bother me at all. In fact, I will relish it. And since you are often too warm, you will be reasonably comfortable here. I must say, Captain, that is the perfect solution.”

    “Uh, glad you like it.” Jim deflated. Well, hell. That was stupid. He should have guessed Spock would think he meant that. Honestly, maybe he should have meant that.

    And as he watched, Spock prepared to gather his belongings to temporarily switch quarters with Jim.

    In his head he could hear Finnegan’s voice, “Yeah, Jimmy, you’re an idiot.”

    Yes, he was.

    As soon as they’d made the exchange, Jim felt even worse. Sure, he was usually a lot warmer than Spock, but Spock’s quarters still felt like he’d be bedding down in an igloo.

    He couldn’t stand it.

    “Ah, Bones, how would you like a roomie?”

    ****

    “You spent the night in Doctor McCoy’s quarters.”

    Jim winced at the blatant hostile tone of Spock’s voice. He’d almost call it some sort of weird accusation if it hadn‘t been his first officer.

    “Er, yeah. How did you know?”

    “I went into my quarters for something I forgot and you were not there, so I asked the computer to locate you.”

    Jim definitely heard some kind of attitude there. He stabbed at his pancakes as he contemplated his response to the almost angry Vulcan sitting across from him.

    He shrugged. “It was cold in there and the blankets weren’t doing it.”

    “Then why did you not advise me you wished to switch back?”

    “I wouldn’t. You were happy to be warm. It was no big deal. Bones’ quarters are normal temp.”

    “Did you share a bed?”

    Jim laughed. “No. Geez. What exactly are you asking, Spock?”

    Spock blushed. “I do not understand why you made the suggestion to change rooms if you would be uncomfortable.”

    Jim sighed. “I didn’t.”

    “What?”

    “I wasn’t suggesting that. You just…assumed, so I let you think that.”

    “Then what were you suggesting?”

    “That I stay with you in your bed so we could huddle for warmth and uh you know, be together.” Now Jim was blushing.

    Spock frowned. “Why didn’t you just say that?”

    “I don’t know. You seemed eager to change quarters. I felt kind of foolish. Like I have for weeks,” Jim admitted. “I’ve been…” He licked his lips. “I’ve been trying to get you to notice me for weeks and take this-this whatever to the next level and well, I’m guessing you aren’t interested. And that’s totally okay, Spock.”

    And he tried to make it okay, but honestly it would hurt, it did hurt, and he knew it. This was why he didn’t do love.

    Yes, he was in love with Spock. Not just lust.

    “Jim, you are not a subtle person.”

    “Well, okay, but—”

    “Why did you not speak plainly in your attempts to get me to notice you?”

    “I guess I was trying to woo you?”

    Spock arched a brow. “Consider me wooed.”

    Jim closed his mouth, thought about it, and then asked, “What does that mean?”

    “You will be sharing a bed with me tonight.”

    “Oh.” Jim grinned. “Oh.”

    Spock smiled slightly and shook his head. “It is time for shift.”

    And side by side, they made their way to the bridge.

  • Flash Fic, February 21, 2022

    “If we actually get out of this,” Jim paused, as he fired his phasers at the village’s invaders, “we should get married.”

    Spock broke his concentration to glance briefly at his captain. “What?”

    “I said, if we actually get out of this, we should get married.”

    “Yes, that is what you said,” Spock agreed. “You and me?”

    Jim fired again. “Well, yeah, obviously.”

    “Why is that obvious?”

    “Who else would I mean?”

    Spock stopped to fire his own phaser and then duck behind a boulder. “We are not engaged in a relationship.”

    “Well, if we were married, we would be, wouldn’t we?”

    “I cannot argue with that logic.”

    Jim grinned. “I think you just called me logical. Coming from you that is a love confession.”

    “I believe,” Spock said dryly, “I said I could not argue with you. And that is because there is no point.”

    “Exactly.” Jim’s grin widened. “And by the way, I love you too.”

    Spock frowned. “I did not say I love you.”

    “But you do.”

    “Captain—”

    “Scott to Captain Kirk.”

    Jim paused as he flipped open his communicator. “Go ahead, Scotty.”

    “Ready to beam you and Mister Spock out now.”

    “Great. Energize.”

    Spock felt the disorienting sense of his particles breaking up and being transported back to the Enterprise.

    He glanced at his captain as Jim stepped down and greeted Mr. Scott.

    “That was a close one. Thanks, Scotty.”

    “Aye, Captain. Glad to have you both safely back aboard. Admiral Lowinsky awaits your report.”

    Jim nodded and turned to Spock. “Well, Commander, what’s your answer?”

    Spock arched a brow. “I believe the proper response is, I do.”

  • Flash Fic, February 18, 2022

    There are all kinds of love, including a mother-son

    Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

    It wasn’t often Jim was around for his mother’s birthday. In fact, he couldn’t even recall the last time. Vaguely he had memories as a child of celebrations surrounding it, surrounding her, but as an adult? No.

    She’d told him once that since her birthday was right after Valentine’s Day, growing up she’d often had a heart-shaped cake. And so on his way to see her, he’d picked up a heart-shaped cake at the bakery. The frosting was a light pink rather than an overdyed red. He’d brought her a bouquet of flowers too,

    He wondered if they’d let him bring the cake, but the stern nurse at the door just glared at him, so he figured that was as close to permission as he was going to get.

    The Enterprise was in San Francisco at the moment, undergoing some needed upgrades, so her crew had a few days off. He would rather not be visiting his mother on her birthday in a Riverside hospital, but she was there, so what choice had he had?’

    She’d had a small stroke, just a teeny one she had assured him, but they were keeping her there for a few days to observe.

    He located room 215 and went through the open doorway. Winona Kirk sat up in her bed with her head turned to gaze out the window. It was snowing that day.

    A memory flashed of her in the hospital when he was pretty young, his grandmother had brought him, and he had scrambled onto the bed, yelling, “Mommy!” before he’d been scolded to get down.

    “Mom,” he spoke softly.

    She turned her head to look at him and he noticed the slight droopiness of the left side of her mouth, but she smiled.

    “Jimmy”

    “Happy Birthday.” He held out the brightly colored tulips, her favorite. Her eyes lit up. “I know it’s not tulip season, it’s a bit early, but I found these.”

    “They’re beautiful. I’ll have a nurse put them in a vase.”

    He set them on a nearby table.

    “A cake too.” He showed her.

    “Ah, you shouldn’t have,” she protested, but he could see she was pleased.

    He placed the cake next to the flowers, approached the bed, and leaned down to kiss her. He straightened.

    “How are you feeling?”

    “Better. Even better now that my baby is here.”

    He rolled his eyes but smiled. “Not a baby.”

    “I didn’t say you were a baby I said you are my baby.” She gestured to her face. “They say it’s supposed to get better. I have to do some physical therapy.”

    She patted the edge of the bed and he sat there.

    “I’m glad I got the chance to see for myself.”

    “Me too. It’s been way too long since I got to see you. How’s life on the Enterprise?’

    “Good. Still going where no one has gone before.”

    “Have you got a certain someone?”

    “Mom.”

    “Well?”

    “Maybe.”

    Her eyes lit up. “You have one!

    “Maybe not.”

    “James Tiberius!”

    He grinned and took her hand. “Just—”

    “Jim?”

    He rose and turned to see Spock standing in the doorway of his mother’s hospital room. “Hey, Spock, come meet my mother.”