Star Trek

March 20, 2024

Another after mission…a continuation from yesterday…

I’ll be out of town for the next few days but will likely continue after mission flashes when I am back next week!

Jim didn’t mind when Spock helped him into the chair directly next to the fireplace in their apartment.

It truly wasn’t that cold of a day but he felt a bit cold and Spock had made sure to get a fire going as soon as they got to the apartment.

Spock was being very gentle and caring with him ever since he was given the approval to allow Jim to finish the rest of his recovery at home.

Sure he was being a little overprotective, but Jim cut him some slack. Spock had been very freaked out over Jim’s injuries.

Just now his assistant, Ensign Morely, was busy tapping frantically at her PADD as she spoke to Jim. She had arrived about ten minutes before.

“The meeting with—:

“Canceled, Admiral.”

He narrowed his eyes. “That meeting is important and I have to be a part of it.”

“Which is why it’s been postponed until you are able to lead it.” She gave him a winning smile.

“On who’s orders?” Jim demanded.

Her gaze slid to a blank-faced Spock.

“I believe that will be all, Ensign,” Spock said. “I will see you out.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be in touch, Admiral.” She called over her shoulder.

A moment later, Spock returned to Jim’s side.

“You changed the meetings?”

“Of course. You are in no condition to see to normal duties during your recovery from not only your accidental fall but the flu as well.”

“I could do a virtual meeting. Wouldn’t even have to leave home.”

“The meetings are not urgent nature, therefore, it was agreed that they could wait for you to feel better.”

“I feel okay,” Jim grumbled, though it wasn’t entirely true. He did feel a bit weak still and he couldn’t seem to shake the chills. “Could I get some hot chocolate?”

“Of course.” Spock paused, then said, “She admires you.”

“Who?”

“Ensign Morely. She has a crush on you.”

Jim laughed but saw Spock was not joking, so he sighed. “Nah. I could be her dad.”

“Age does not stop people from attraction.”

“Yeah, maybe. But…she’s…maybe a tiny crush because she thinks I’m a big shot but—”

“You are a big shot.”

Jim snorted. “But she is well aware my heart and very soul belong only to you.” He put out his hand for Spock’s. “I love you. I’m going to be fine. Come sit with me when you return with my hot chocolate.”

“I definitely will. And I love you too, ashayam.”

March 20, 2024

Flash Fic, March 15, 2024

As blue eyes opened and gazed at him with recognition, Spock found himself suddenly breathing much easier. Even more so when those eyes crinkled in the corners, indicating a smile.

“It is delightful to see you awake, Captain.”

“It is delightful to be seen.”

When he felt his hand squeezed, Spock quickly realized he still held Jim’s hand, and though he supposed he should release it, he had no desire to do so.

“Close one, huh?” Jim murmured.

“Indeed. Had Mister Sulu and his team not located you and Doctor McCoy when he did chances are significant you would not have survived.”

“Significant, huh.”

“Ninety point—”

“Yeah, I get it. Bones?”

Spock nodded. “He has recovered and has been closely involved in your care.”

Jim yawned. “Good.”

“You are still exhausted.”

Jim smiled faintly. “Yeah. Listen, Spock…”

“When you are well there is something I wish to discuss with you.”

“Okay. But listen, I sorta promised Bones if I got out of that mess I’d…” Jim paused. Licked his lips.

Spock reached for a most swab that the doctor had placed nearby by and dabbed at Jim’s dry mouth.

The eyes crinkled again. “Thanks.”

“You were saying?”

“It’s just that I…I’ve been struggling with some-some feelings for a long time and I didn’t say anything because, well, obviously you were with someone else, and even after—”

“Oh for pity’s sake” Mccoy exclaimed, suddenly appearing to interrupt them.

“Bones!”

“Hiya, kid. You feeling better?”

“Yeah, just tired. When can I—”

“Don’t even think about that right now.” Then he scanned him. “Things are looking up. I’ll have an orderly bring you something to eat in a bit.”

Jim nodded.

McCoy glanced between them. “All right, I’m going to do you both a huge favor. Spock, Jim is in love with you.”

“Bones!”

“Jim, Spock is in love with you.”

“Doctor—”

He smirked. “My work is done. I’ll be back later to check on you.”

With McCoy gone, Spock turned back to Jim, still holding his hand. He felt rather lightheaded.

“Is it true?”

Jim swallowed. “Uh-huh. You?”

“Very much so.”

“Maybe you should kiss me.”

Spock’s lips curved. “Maybe I will.”

“No funny stuff in the medbay!” McCoy shouted.

Jim laughed. It was a good sound and lightened Spock’s heart.

He kissed Jim anyway.

March 15, 2024

Flash Fic, March 11, 2024

“I’ve been thinking.”

A heavy sigh and then, “I’m sure I should be worried.”

Jim chuckled low, though their situation was hardly something to laugh about.

Both of them, he and Bones, were shackled to a stone wall. Bones had a broken leg, Jim had been kicked in the side. Both of their faces were battered and bruised.

They had the Klingons to thank.

“If we get out of this—”

“We will.”

Jim appreciated Bones’ attempt to be optimistic. He really did. He just didn’t think it was warranted this time.

“What were you thinking?” Bones finally asked when Jim fell silent.

“If we get out of here, I should finally tell Spock how I feel.”

“Now I know you really don’t think we’re going to be rescued.” Bones frowned. “Not in time.”

“Well. It’s pretty dire, Bones.”

Jim was fairly certain he had internal injuries from the kicks. He was having trouble breathing and was getting weaker as time passed.

Maybe Bones would be rescued in time. Jim certainly hoped so.

“Things have been dire before, Jim. It doesn’t get any worse than you being dead.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m sorry, Bones. I’m just tired.”

“You can close your eyes, Jim. I’ll keep watch over you.”

“Bones, if I don’t wake up—”

“Jim, you will. I promise.”

Jim nodded and closed his eyes.

March 11, 2024

Flash Fic, February 28, 2024

There are all kinds of love, so what I leave you with on what would normally be the last day of February is a Mother’s Love for her not so perfect sons.

Winona opened her eyes to see him standing there. Her youngest.

He was a beautiful sight, dressed casually in civilian clothes, eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled down at her.

“Jim!”

“Hey.” His voice was cheerful enough, as was his smile, but he couldn’t hide the worry in his blue eyes. “I’d give you a great big hug but…” His gaze went to all the tubes and machines hooked up to her.

Because yes, she was in the hospital. On Earth. And that meant he wasn’t supposed to be there.

He reached for her hand. “I’ll hold your hand instead.”

“What are you doing here? You aren’t supposed to be here.”

“And yet I am.”

“Jim.” She was fretting now and she knew it. She wouldn’t cause harm or problems for her son any more than she had in the past. “Your ship.”

“Can do without me. It’s all right, Mom.”

“But surely—”

“They can for a short time. And don’t call me Shirley.”

The old corny joke they used to share made her smile at the memory, as she knew Jim intended.

“I don’t want to be any trouble.”

“Mom, you had a heart attack. Of course I’m going to be here.” Jim squeezed her hand. “I didn’t go AWOL. It’s all approved and all fine.”

She bit her lip. “It is good to see you. Seems like it’s been a very long time.”

“A few years. How do you feel?”

“Oh. A little weak. Feeling pretty old, I guess. But better with you here,” she admitted.

“See? What’s the prognosis?”

“Good. Change my diet, get more exercise, blah blah.”

“Mom.”

“I know, I know. I’ll do what they say.”

“Please.”

“Okay. Uh. There’s something else I have to tell you.”

“Uh oh. Should I be sitting down?” Jim joked.

“Maybe? Sam’s here.”

“Sam who?”

“Jim. Your brother, George Samuel.”

Jim narrowed his eyes. “What the hell is he doing here?”

She sighed. “Same as you. His mother had a heart attack.”

“Fucker,” Jim muttered. “Where is he then?”

“He went to get something to eat. But-but he’ll probably be back any minute.”

“Damn,” Jim swore.

“Jim—”

And before she could get in another word, the door of her room opened and her oldest stepped inside holding a cup of steaming liquid in his hands.

“Mom, I got you some tea…” He stopped. Stared. “Jim?”

“George Samuel.”

“Pardon me, but you are blocking the door.”

And suddenly Jim smiled, his face lighting up like the sun.

“Spock! Just shove him out of the way.”

But to her relief, her oldest son merely moved into the room and allowed Spock, dressed as casually as Jim to enter.

“Spock, how wonderful to see you,” Winona greeted him. “Jim didn’t mention you came with him.”

Spock glanced briefly at Sam before moving past him to stand beside Jim and look down upon Winona in her bed.

“Indeed. Given that you are family, I felt I had no choice but to accompany him. You are doing better?”

Winona had to admit she felt a little warm inside at Spock mentioning they were family. Yes, they were, technically, since Spock was Jim’s husband, but there had been times that Winona thought Spock didn’t really care for her.

“I am, thanks to having my three boys here.” She beamed. “But if you’re both here, who’s minding the ship?’

“Commander Scott is perfectly capable,” Spock replied.

“Spock, have you met my older son, George Samuel?”

Spock stared across the bed to where her son stood, looking uncomfortable. Judging by the cold look in his dark eyes he had definitely gotten an earful from Jim.

“I have not.”

“Hello,” Sam said. “I, uh, I wasn’t able to make it to your ceremony. Sorry.”

“Understandable given your whereabouts at the time.”

“Yeah.” Sam flushed red. “Nice to meet you…finally.”

Spock inclined his head but did not return the pleasantry, which clearly mused Jim.

Winona cleared her throat. “You brought me tea?”

“Yes.” Sam brought it over to the bed. Handed it to her. “It really is good to see you, Jim.”

“It’s definitely a surprise,” Jim allowed.

Winona huffed but she let it slide.

“This is great. I love having you all here.”

Jim leaned down and kissed her brow. “I’m glad you’re going to be okay.”

February 28, 2024

Forced Retirement (2023)

And a sequel to the sequel

Photo by Sebastian Hietsch on Pexels.com

Jim’s at his retirement party.

He doesn’t want to be here. When he was young he liked parties, but he’s not young now. And even though the expert on all things Jim, Bones, has said all his vitals are good and strong due to the super blood running through his veins, he’s at mandatory retirement age for Starfleet.

It sounds just as weird thinking about it as it did out loud when he was told in what could only be described as a gentle nudge.

He remembers Bones talking about it when he hit retirement first. He was being “put out to pasture” in Bones Speak.

Jim’s gaze sweeps the noisy room, seeking out Spock, who dressed in Vulcan robes, speaks with a casually dressed Uhura.

He remember a time when he was jealous of her, even of their very close friendship after their romantic relationship ended. He never viewed his own friendship with Spock as being as close. It bothered him then.

But it doesn’t now. Everything they have has evolved into what they have now. It is beyond friendship and romance. Somehow. And he can’t really explain it but it feels right.

Better than right.

He is happy with life, except for the forced retirement.

Coincidentally, it is New Year’s Eve. Long ago he’d experienced a few painful ones. One in particular when he was still a young admiral.

He remembers the heartache like remembering a toothache when you are a child. It’s distant and no longer relevant, but a memory of one’s passage through life events.

He avoids the captain deliberately making a beeline for him by hurrying to the double doors leading outside. He should feel guilt but somehow he doesn’t.

He makes his way down to the oversized balcony he once stood at all those years ago and stops there. He looks down from there, at the side of the building where he once let go of a picture of himself and Spock.

A lot has changed since then.

Some has not.

He still never found out what happened to Sam. And that still breaks his heart when he thinks about it too much. He wishes he could have saved his brother. His mom wished that too when she was alive. But they both were unable.

“Admiral?”

A smile touches his lips as he turns to greet his husband.

“Not anymore, my love. Retirement, remember?”

“Indeed.” Spock pulls him into his arms and draws him close, holding him into the warmth of his embrace.

“It’s not cold tonight. You know, like it was then.”

“Mm. It has been a warmer year. What have you been thinking?”

“Little things, mostly. Wondering what the hell I’m going to do with retirement.”

“I feel certain I will find a way to occupy your time.”

Jim laughs and it feels good to do so.

Fireworks are suddenly released in the distance and Jim knows it’s time.

“Happy New Year, Spock.”

“Happy New Year, Jim.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

December 31, 2023

Flash Fic, December 26, 2023

“Another Christmas over,” Jim said, forlornly, as he sat on a stump in their yard next to his older brother.

It was after midnight, and they really should be in the house and in bed but they had no school so Mom had given them permission to stay up a bit late.

Jim was six and Sam nine.

“I’m glad.”

“Don’t say that Sammy.”

Sam snorted. “Now the grandparents can go home. And Mom’s new boyfriend too. I hate all those people in my house.”

“I like them,” Jim insisted. “Grandma and Grandpa anyway. I don’t like Mom’s boyfriend. Besides what if Daddy comes back?”

“I’ve already told you Dad’s not ever coming back. He died, stupid.”

“But I wished on a star!”

“Wishes don’t work. And guess what? There’s no such thing as Santa. That was Mom.”

“What? There’s no Santa?” Jim was on the verge of tears.

“The sooner you grow up the better off you’ll be. Dad’s gone. Santa doesn’t exist and Mom’s gonna marry that guy and ruin all our lives. Life isn’t fair, Jimmy. It’s just life. And you live it. And sometimes good things happen, but mostly bad things do. You just gotta accept it.”

“But—”

“And Christmas sucks.” Sammy rose from the stump he’d been on and went slamming back into the house, leaving Jim to sit by himself, now in tears.

He sat there for a while wondering why Sammy hated him. Because he must. Sammy was always mean to him, Jim thought.

He was still there when his grandpa came t sit with him on the stump beside him.

“Getting a little cold out here, isn’t it, champ?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve got some cocoa brewing right now, so when we go in you can have some before bed.”

“Grandpa?”

“Yeah?”

“Daddy really isn’t ever coming back, is he?”

“No, I’m afraid not. Your daddy passed away. But he saved a lot of people and was a hero. We’re very proud of him and you should be, too. And his spirit is always with us. All of us.”

“And Santa?”

“What about him?”

“Sam says there’s no such thing as Santa.”

His grandpa put his hand on Jim’s knee. “Sam doesn’t know everything, Jim. He only thinks he does. You believe me when I tell you Santa is real.”

Jim brightened. “It’s true?”

“You bet it is. Now let’s go in and get that cocoa, all right?”

“Okay.”

They got off their stumps and Jim took his grandpa’s hand as they went back inside the house. He felt much better. And didn’t care what Sammy said. Santa was real!

December 26, 2023

Flash Fic Revisit December 21, 2023

From 2019, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

“Your nose is as red as Snow White’s Apple,” Leonard “Bones” McCoy cracked to Jim Kirk as they strode through the middle quad path at Starfleet Academy.

“Funny. I’ve been sneezing all day and my nose is starting to run. Think I caught a cold from…hey!” Jim squealed and covered his neck with his hand. “What you just stab me with?”

“Medication, you baby. Actually considering the time of year, your nose is as red as Rudolph’s.”

“You know that reminds me, don’t you think Santa was a dick to Rudolph?”

“Well. Sure. That was kinda the point, wasn’t it? To show that even a good guy like Santa can get it wrong.”

Jim stumbled and then stopped, putting his hand on his forehead. “I think I’m getting a fever.”

“I think I have something for that.” Bones dug into his medical bag.

“Easy.” Jim dodged him. “I’m still recovering from that bee sting you gave me only seconds ago.”

“Do you wanna get better or not? Haven’t you got a big date with the hob—”

“Jim. Doctor.”

“Speak of the devil,” Bones muttered.

Spock arched his brow at Bones but otherwise ignored him in favor of gazing at Jim intently. “You do not look well.”

“It’s the bright red nose.”

Jim shot Bones an irritated look. “Be quiet. I’m sure Spock can see for himself.”

“Pretty sure the whole campus can spot that shiny beacon,” Bones cracked. “It’s glowing. You sure you don’t want another shot?”

“You received a medical procedure from the doctor?”

“Involuntary, but yeah. That’s quite all right, Bones, I’ll pass. Be on your way.”

“Let me know if that fever gets worse!” Bones called as he hurried away.

Spock’s intense look became concerned. “You have a fever?”

“Just a small one.” Jim sighed. “But, um, I don’t think I should go to the dinner with your parents. I don’t want to infect anyone. I might be contagious. I’m sorry.”

“It is I who feel regret, Jim. I will cancel.”

“No, you don’t have to…”

“My parents are in San Francisco for an extended period. We can schedule the dinner for another time when you are feeling better. I would prefer to watch over your illness.”

Jim smiled. He did, even though, he really felt pretty damn miserable. But how could he not smile when he had this amazing Vulcan standing nearby, ready to take care of him?

And though Jim hadn’t quite got to the point where he told Spock he loved him or anything, Jim was certain he did.

“Okay.” He took a step forward and stumbled again, but Spock seized hold of him instantly. “Guess I feel pretty crappy.”

“Indeed. Come, Jim. It’s time for me to put you to bed.”

“Wish we were going to bed for something fun.”

“Jim…”

“I know. And this nose. It’s not very comfwutable.”

Spock shook his head and helped Jim out of the quad to get him to bed.

December 21, 2023

Flash Fic, December 18, 2023

“Why don’t you ask him?” Bones wondered. He had that kind of bug-eyed look he got when he thought Jim had lost his rocker.

Come to think of it, Jim saw that look a lot.

Bones took a large gulp of his brandy laced eggnog.

“You’re supposed to sip it.”

“What?”

“The eggnog. It’s best sipped. It’s not a beer chugging contest.”

There was that look again.

In the background Jim could hear the strains of a Christmas song sung by an ancient Earth crooner from the twentieth century. They were seated in the rec room as members of the crew had a holiday party.

“You think it’s true?”

“Doubtful from what I’ve heard about the hobgoblin.”

Jim frowned. “What have you heard?”

“Focus, Jim. Where exactly did you hear this anyway?”

“I read it about some old Vulcan well before I was born. She claimed it. T’Pol or something.”

“And what was the exact thing again?”

“Vulcans only mate seven years.”

“Well.” Bones smirked. “Do you think Uhura would have put up with no sex the whole time they were together? Did you ask her?”

“Get real.”

“Then you are back to asking Spock. You two just started seeing each other, what a week? Has he shown that kind of interest?”

“We’ve kissed.”

Bones nodded. “I can’t believe I’m going to ask this but did he, er, show any interest down there?”

“Aren’t you a doctor?”

“So?”

“I’m just surprised you’re embarrassed by that,” Jim said.

“Not ordinarily but this is you and Spock.” Bones straightened. “Saved by the entrance of the hobgoblin himself. I suggest you speak directly to him.”

Sure enough Spock had entered the rec room, immediately located Jim, and headed in their direction.

As Spock reached them, Bones stood. “I’m going to mingle.”

“Don’t leave on my account, Doctor.”

“Trust me on this, Spock. You’ll want me to.”

Spock arched a brow at the departing Bones and then turned his attention to Jim.

“You are not with the rest of the party?”

“Don’t feel much like it, I guess. Have a seat, will you? I want to talk to you.”

Spock dutifully took up the chair Bones had recently vacated. “How many of those have you had?”

Jim looked down at his empty eggnog and then set the mug aside. “Too many I think. Listen, I have a weird question.” He paused. “Or I think it’s weird.”

“Go on.”

“Do Vulcans have sex?”

“Yes.”

“No. I mean, yeah, I know they must as there are little Vulcans, but…you know, other than when Pon Farr hits.”

“I have a cousin who has a brother who is only fifteen months younger than himself. They have the same mother.”

Jim thought about that. “So they do?”

“Indeed. We do. Do you ask because we have not yet engaged in coitus?”

Jim was glad he’d finished his eggnog or he would have choked just then. Even then he sputtered.

“Er. Not really. I mean I’m fine to go at whatever pace you want. I just read about some old-time Vulcan once claiming that Vulcans only mated every seven years.”

“Vulcans undergo Pon Farr every seven years. The need to…mate…” Spock looked uncomfortable and blushed. “But we are able to engage in sexual activity whenever we wish as most humanoids can. There may be certain Vulcans who only participate during their time, but that is not common.”

“Why would she say that?”

“Likely she was, as Humans would say, pulling someone’s leg. Or deliberately provided wrong information. I cannot speculate. In my own case, I am also half-Human and therefore have normal Human urges.”

Jim felt a little giddy with relief. Not having sex for seven years hadn’t been a deal breaker or anything, but he couldn’t help feeling glad it wasn’t something he truly had to consider.

“In fact, if you are no longer interested in the holiday party, perhaps we could—”

Jim stared at him. “Are you saying—”

“I am not certain I could make it any plainer.”

“Hot damn.”

Jim stood and then grabbed Spock’s hand to pull him up out of the seat and toward the exit.

“Merry Christmas to me!”

“Captain?” Sulu asked as he entered the rec room. “Are you and the commander leaving so soon?”

“Uh.”

“Ship’s business, Lieutenant,“ Spock said, smoothly.

“Enjoy the party!” Jim called after him.

“Right,” Sulu muttered after they left. “Ship’s business.”

December 18, 2023

Flash Fic, November 17, 2023

Inspired by real events

“What? What do you mean the kitchen’s got a leak?”

Jim heard the exasperated sigh in his mother’s answer.

“Just what I said. One of the pipes behind the stove burst and it’s ruined everything in the kitchen.”

He took a big sip of his coffee and glanced around the shuttle he was riding from San Francisco to Riverside. Most looked curiously at him except for the two sitting directly next to him. One gave him a disgruntled side-eye and the other arched a brow.

“Can’t you fix it?”

His mom laughed. “Can you?”

“Well…no.”

“Anyway, it’s all ripped up.”

“What’s ripped up?”

“The kitchen, honey.”

“The whole thing?”

“Uh huh. No walls, no appliances. Nothing.”

“Not even the stove to roast the turkey?”

“James Tiberius, are you not understanding?”

“Mom, I’m coming for Thanksgiving and you’re saying we have no way to have it?”

“Not at the farmhouse, no. Fortunately, Ray has agreed to have us there.”

His stomach sinking, Jim stuttered out, “Who is Ray?”

“I told you I was seeing someone. He lives very close and invited us there. Including Spock and Leonard. It’ll be fine. See you soon.”

“Mom—”

“You might pick up some instant coffee on the way here.”

“What? No coffee?”

“No coffeemaker, Jim. I know, I know, it’s going to take a while to get used to this. Can’t wait to see you. And anyway isn’t that what holidays are all about?”

Jim sulked down into his chair.

“Problems?” Spock asked tonelessly.

“No kitchen. No Thanksgiving at Mom’s.”

Bones grumbled. “Should’ve gone to Georgia as I said.”

“You still can,” Jim snapped grumpily.

“Restaurant?” Spock asked, seemingly uncaring or unfazed by Jim’s distress.

“No. Ray’s.”

“Who the hell is Ray?” Bones demanded.

“Her boyfriend or something. He’s expecting us all over there.”

“What’s he going to cook?”

“How should I know?”

Spock reached over and took Jim’s hand, touching their palms and fingers together. Jim felt calmness flow through him.

“All will be well, T’hy’la. After all, aren’t we most thankful for each other?”

“I think I might throw up.”

Jim ignored him, leaned close to Spock, and kissed him.

“Yes, I am definitely thankful for you.”

November 17, 2023

Spirk (with a small dose of Pinto)

Fan Fiction and Personal Ramblings

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