#Spock x alien reader

[yona049]

𝚂𝚙𝚘𝚌𝚔 𝚡 𝚐𝚗! 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛

Part 1? (maybe)

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Warning :

> lil blood

>cosmophobia

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His pace was strong and exact as he walked through the ships shining white hallway. Hair cut to a precise straight line with pointed ears, a shining example of his Valcan linage.

His uniform was nothing short of excellent, no wrinkle or crease would dare disturb it's perfection. The tablet in his hand had many names of crew members across the screen.

Behind him, hundreds of cadets, Ensign's and officers ran through the hallway. Some carrying baggage or equipment for the long journey that lay ahead.

The blue, red, and yellow uniforms looked like smudged lines to Spock. No one daring to crash into him or hinder his way, as his intense focus on the tablet demanded his presence to be known.

Behind him came a red uniform, short skirted Lieutenant Commander Uhura runs closer. Her pace quickened to a jog to catch up to him. She dodged one of the Cadets carrying heavy boxes until she finally caught up to Spock.

"Spock!" she called to him but his attention never faltered from the tablet screen.

One name of the many pops up and he selects it. The profile of Ensign Y/n L/n appeared.

"What is it, Uhura?"

"I just needed to enquire on the specific time of launch."

Spock scrolls down to the information on the profile.

"There's no question, we leave O' eight hundred hours, current planet time. We've given everyone sufficient time to prepare for a life long expedition of exploration."

Uhura growls and dodges another Cadet carrying some equipment and engineering tools.

"Yes I understand! But some Cadets have questioned the captains choice to bring inexperienced Ensign's on board for this mission."

Spock finally stops once they've reached the back of the hallway with a large door at the end. His hands are placed behind his back delicately and without hesitation he answers.

"Uhura, I can see the unease that this may have caused. However our Captain has never put us in harms way before and he certainly won't now. I trust Kirk's decisions whole heartedly."

Uhura sighs and nods slowly. Her arms fold into a somewhat comforting hug.

"I guess I should too. It's just a really big decision for everyone to make. There's a chance we may never come home."

She slowly glances through the large window beside them at the spinning blue and green planet below.

Spock looks at earth and then back at her.

"The U.S.S Enterprise is our home now. And like earth. We must protect it."

She laughs a little through her nose at Spock.

"Yeah, you're right."

With a small hand, she pats on his shoulder and then makes her way back down the hallway.

"Oh! And Good luck with the new Ensign!" she calls back to him before disappearing into the corridor.

Finally, the hallway seemed a little quieter. Spock looks back down at his tablet and scrolls through the profile. The first thing he noticed is no picture of the Ensign. Odd.

The second thing he notices is the lack of specified species. The Enterprise was a decorated vessel with many mixed species staff. A proud ship of the The United Federation of Planets.

The doors at the end of the hallway finally slide open.

"Ensign L/n! You're-"

He looks up at the new Ensign but stops when he sees a short bodied, light blue skinned species. Not a harsh blue, but a pale skin tone similar to the planet Andoria.

The blue uniform perfectly hugging their figure and snow-white hair covering their ears.

"...-Late."

He finishes looking at their profile then back at them.

"Sir, I'm sorry. They had some trouble confirming my authentication due to my incomplete file."

They look down shyly. Holding a suitcase and a box of glass tubes and bottles.

"Then let's make an effort to complete it."

Spock walks a circle around them them with a raised eyebrow as he studied their species.

"Tell me, Ensign, what's your species? Your skin and hair would suggest Andorian. However, I see no antennae."

Y/n slowly scratches the bottom of their ear and clears their throat.

"I am Andorian, sir. I lost my antennas in a chemical accident."

Again, Spock looks down at his tablet. His face showing no visible confusion, but he was, in fact, a little confused. Yet also mesmerized.

"It says here you're a Medical Ensign."

They quickly nod watching Spock.

"Yes! Chemistry is my main practice. I can't have the Medical Officer mixing the wrong, atorvastatin with fluticasone and causing someone to come down with some disease!"

They finish their explication but quickly step back after.

"Apologies! I didn't mean to sound so accusatory."

Spock nods before turning on his heel and starting his walk.

"Not at all, I am Vulcan. We try to keep our emotions-"

"-Controlled." Y/n says, catching up to him.

"Yes, I'm aware." they confess, looking down.

Spock squints for a second before looking back at the tablet for some information.

"Now, your room is on deck 37. This deck is reserved for medical and research personnel. Med Bay is also on deck 37."

He explains as they walk to the turbolift, taking them both up to Deck 37. The lift is filled with a few seconds of awkward silence. Spock takes this time to study his blue skinned Ensign.

Their existence is shrouded in mystery. The story of their antennas being chemically detached is questionable, Andorian's antenna grow back after time. Their short stature compared to many of the tall built andorians. An incomplete file made Spock's curiosity spark.

Finally arriving at their room. Spock hands them a key card. He turns his back to them without a goodbye.

"Spock!" Y/n calls.

Spock turns back to them. A darkened blue color covered their cheeks like blush would a human's face.

"Yes, Ensign?"

Y/n takes a breath of confidence and looks at Spock.

"Thank you for accompanying me. You have other duties to see to. But I appreciate your time."

Spock only bows his head.

"It's my duty, Ensign. Now hurry to your medical checkups. We launch in 5 hours."

Y/n gives a happy nod, then entering their room with a little excited skip.

Spock couldn't tell why, but his heart gave a pleased thump when he saw the excitement from Y/n. A young new Ensign is unaware of the vastness of space that lays ahead.

The crew started settling into their bunks and rooms with quick paced ease. A fast five hour jump to the launch and Spock was confident in his preparation.

He was sat at his launch pad watching all systems make necessary calculations. As Head Commanding Science Officer and First Officer. He had to be sure the Enterprise was ready for Captain Kirk's arrival.

A sudden hand placed on Spock's shoulder pulls him from his thought process. Jim Kirk stood behind him. His close friend and captain. Even though he was human, Kirk knew what to say to let Spock know everything was ok.

"Well, Spock! How's she lookin?"

Kirk questions.

Spock straightens himself out and with a proud, non emotional face, then says.

"She is, in human terms, Spick and span!"

Kirk smiles giving Spock a good smack on the shoulder.

"Good! Because I'm about ready to head on a life long adventure. To explore strange new worlds!"

Kirk monologs while he strides over to the Captains chair. His palm slides over the arm rest and guides him to his seat.

"Yes, Captain. We're about ready for launch!"

Kirk smirks and turns to a button on his seat. Once he presses it the button starts broadcasting his voice though the entire ship.

"This is your Captain speaking."

Y/n was in a room with a scanner in their hand when they quickly look up at the speaker.

"We are preparing for Launch now. So to start off our journey. Here's a little quote from the very first Starship Captain. Captain Johnathan Archer."

Y/n smiled hearing the name of a big Historical hero. looking back at the Cadet they were doing a Medical check on. Y/n delicately pushes the Cadets head to the side and presses the scanner against their neck.

"He started the voyage by saying and I quote: 'We're going to stumble, make mistakes - I'm sure more than a few, before we find our footing. But we're going to learn From those mistakes. That's what being explorers is all about.'"

Captain Kirk smiles to himself hearing a few Crew members cheer down the hallway.

"This Voyage will be long. But it's purpose is to bring species together united. To Explore and to forge alliances. With that being said! Everyone hold tight!"

Cadets suddenly run off and hold steady to a rail or to anything nailed down. A brand new ship, Y/n stumbles past everyone while packing up the equipment. They look down at the list of Cadets to check but sees one name still open.

Spock had yet to be checked. With seconds before lift off, Y/n decides that the Bridge Control room isn't too far, and they might be able to make it there on time for launch.

With a little stumble, they make their way past the cadets and run for the lift to the Bridge.

Captain Kirk on the bridge looked at his pilot and smirked.

"Hit it!"

The ship yanks a little at the sudden force blasting them into hyperspace at warpspeed.

Y/n still in the turbo lift gets yanked forward suddenly and their hand slips from the rail with a heavy thud.

Spock holds carefully and waits till they get to an even pace. He watches everyone applaud as the ship steadied and they comfortably sat at hyperspeed.

The Captain pats the pilots on the back and Uhura gives Spock a smiling nod.

The lively energy circled though the bridge, even when Y/n fell through the door holding their head people surrounded them with cheers.

They smiled, clapping along and laughing a little before silence once again fell and everyone returned to their posts.

Uhura walks up to Y/n and shakes their hand. Brief conversation that Spock couldn't hear but he could tell Y/n was anxious.

Their hands clutching onto the medical case and their shoulders tightened into a straight, tense, posture.

"Y/n!" he called.

Y/n runs over to him with a thankful smile.

"Ensign, may I enquire as to your purpose on the bridge?"

Y/n sets their equipment down and stands straight at ease.

"Sir, I was on my way to take your vitals and complete medical check up's. But I was interrupted by launch! And I took the lift-"

During Y/n's anxious ramble, Spock studied her movements and noticed a light trickle of dark blue blood coming from beneath the white hair.

"Ensign."

"Yes sir! I know it was foolish! But I wanted to finish soon to get to other duties-"

"Y/n!" Spock's sudden voice brings Y/n's attention back to look up at him.

The chatter of crewmen in the background started fading out as Y/n's heartbeat took its place.

Spock delicately moves his fingertips to the side of their head and wipes the blood away bringing Y/n's attention to it.

"I.. Fell in the lift." they confess with their hand looking for the point of injury.

Spock looks down at the medical box and lifts it back off the ground.

"Ensign. I will report to Med bay for my medical check up in two hours. For the moment, see to your own medical care. Please."

A soft plea from Spock brought Y/n's heart back to a calm beating. They inhale and exhale slowly, focusing back on the problem at hand.

"Yes sir! I will be ready once you arrive!" Y/n says with a determined smile.

They take the bag with new found bravery but once again shyly smile at Spock before walking to the lift.

Uhura watches Y/n walk off and the doors slide shut as Uhura arrives at Spock's side.

"You saw it too?" Uhura questions still watching the lift doors.

"Yes. No Antenna scaring or any signs of growth. Andorian's antenna usually grow back in a matter of weeks."

Spock turns to Uhura and they start their deduction.

Spock continues :

"I considered the fact that it was a Chemical accident into my theory. However even a chemical wound wouldn't stop antennae from growth."

Uhura taps her finger on her folded arms while nodding in agreement.

"Y/n's accent has no clear signs of being raised in an andorian environment. No matter how faint the accent is. As the Communications officer I can hear it."

Spock takes a tablet off his desk and opens Y/n's profile once more.

"Y/n is not Andorian."

°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○°○

I had fun writing but I'm not sure If it'll become an ongoing series. 👀🖖If you enjoyed this and want a part two please let me know in the comments!

[lamelycool]

𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑡ℎ 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑀𝑒 (𝑆𝑝𝑜𝑐𝑘 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)

"I'm sorry... This is all my fault I should've payed more attention I should have... I don't know I just wish-"

"There is nothing you could have done to change this. It is not your fault." Spock calmy states.

You begin to notice the slight shiver in his voice, and the growing green tint to his skin that's increasing along side the dropping temperature. It really concerns you. The cold must be getting to him. Gods, all of this because of a shuttle crash. The two of you were luckily this planet happened to be inhabitable. Well Inhabitable... but unpleasantly freezing. There's no telling how cold it must feel for Spock with his Vulcan heritage.

"T'hy'la are you alright?" Spock asks breaking your train of thought.

"Sorry, I just... I just feel useless. Sitting here freezing just waiting for the Enterprise to rescue us. If they even rescue us."

"The Enterprise will likely rescue us do not worry. " The unspoken question of when is avoided. There's not telling how long it will take. Hours, days, or worse... The two of you go silent.

"Are you cold? " You eventually speak up.

"I am adequate. "

"Spock, please don't lie... "

"Vulcans do not li-" you cut him off by reaching out a hand placing it against Spock's cheek. You gasp jolting your hand back.

"You are freezing cold! Why didn't you tell me?!" You panic and quickly shed your emergency blanket wrapping it around Spock.

"I did not want to tell you, I do not want to worry you. Please...keep your blanket you need it." Spock shivers out.

"Spock... please let me warm you? "

Spock paused then reluctantly nods. He uncovers himself holding his arms out for you to crawl into. Seems he already knew what you were planing. You snuggle up into him and cradle him close.

"May I touch your hands? "

"You always may. "

"Thank you... " you take his hands in yours gently holding them and rubbing them. Then you breathe warm air on them, breathing warmth into him like you always manage to do.

[anonymousewrites]

Logos and Pathos (Book 4) Chapter One

TOS! Spock x Empath! Spouse! Reader

Chapter One: Emergency Request

Summary: Spock and (Y/N), enjoying their married life, get a request from Starfleet that reunites them with their crew.

Mouse Note: Welcome back to Logos and Pathos! I'm so excited to bring this series back, even if it's for the last book of the series! Let me know your thoughts, I love talking to readers, and let's get on with the stories!

            “Sir, the alien object is continuing to approach the planet,” reported a Starfleet officer to their commander.

            So far, it was three days and several hours out from Earth, but it was approaching quickly. It was a danger to everyone—as seen by what it had done to the Klingons. Starfleet needed to handle it quickly, but the strange machine-like alien was like a cloud of destructive power. They needed plenty of people on deck to work on a solution, here and in space. The question, however, was how to attempt to reason with a being of electricity? They needed real experts.

            “The Enterprise is being called out to investigate,” said the commander. “Kirk and his officers are all on their way.”

            “Can they handle this on their own?” asked the officer worriedly.

            “They may be a different generation than you,” said the commander. “But they’re all well-known for a reason. They’re experts in all their fields.” He frowned. “However…”

            “What?” asked the officer.

“There are still two experts in alien technology and cultures that I want to call in,” said the commander.

            “Who?” asked the officer.

            “Two of the Enterprise’s most valuable assets,” said the commander. “And, indeed, Starfleet’s.”

            “Wait, are you talking about the Science Officer and Negotiations Officer?” said the younger officer excitedly. “They’re legends, just like Kirk!”

            “I suppose they are,” said the commander.

            “Where are they now?” asked the officer.

            “Researching. Working as Starfleet ambassadors,” said the commander.

            “Together?” said the officer.

            “Don’t you know?” The commander chuckled in amusement. “They’re married.”

l

            “T’hy’la?”

            (Y/N) rolled over in bed. Opening their eyes, they smiled as they found Spock sitting on the bed next to them. He had put a tray of food beside the bed, and, despite the early hours, he was fully dressed for the day.

            “Good morning, dear,” said (Y/N), sitting up. “Don’t tell me it’s already time to work.”

            “Starfleet sent a message. They want to talk to us,” said Spock. “But there is still some time.”

            “Good,” said (Y/N), smiling and stretching. “After so long off a Starship, I’ve been learning to enjoy my mornings.”

            “Indeed,” said Spock.

            “You need to learn to enjoy them with me,” said (Y/N), smiling and leaning in.

            Spock leaned in and kissed them. “I am content to watch you relax, T’hy’la.”

            “That’s sweet,” said (Y/N), taking the tray. “Do you know what Starfleet is contacting us about?”

            “The message didn’t say. It was quite vague but requested urgent contact,” said Spock.

            “Hm.” (Y/N) frowned and stood. “I’ll eat and get ready then.”

            “Apologies for having to wake you,” said Spock as (Y/N) pulled out clothes.

            “Don’t worry, Spock,” said (Y/N) as they changed. “I’d rather know what’s going on.”

            “As would I,” said Spock. “Though I prefer spending time with you.”

            (Y/N) chuckled, knowing Spock was watching them. “I know.” They turned around. “But let’s see what’s wrong before we do anything else.”

            Spock nodded. “Yes.” That was the appropriate plan of action.

            “And whatever it is, I’m sure we’ll handle it. We’re together, after all,” said (Y/N).

            It was the quite the illogical statement because it was based on pure faith, but Spock nodded all the same. He believed (Y/N). And over all the years they’d been married, he had become quite accustomed to a bit of heart. It was, after all, one of the things he loved about them.

l

            A few days later…

            “Signal from a Federation-registered long-range shuttle, sir,” said Uhura across the comms.

            She had no idea she was interrupting a disagreement between Bones and Kirk about him taking command of the Enterprise again instead of leaving it to the younger generation and Kirk saying he was doing the responsible thing, but Kirk was grateful for the break in the conflict.

            “She wishes to come alongside and dock on,” said Uhura.

            “For what purpose?” asked Kirk.

            “My security scan shows a Grade 1 priority, Captain,” reported Chekov. “Non-belligerency confirmed. I suspect it is a courier of some kind.”

            “Very well, Mr. Chekov, see to it,” said Kirk. “We’ll be right up.”

l

            (Y/N) and Spock stepped onto the Enterprise Bridge. Uhura gaped, and Chekov’s eyes widened. Sulu grinned, and Bones nodded with a small smile.

            “Well I’ll be,” said Bones.

            “Spock! (L/N)!” Kirk smiled as he saw them. To know that two more of his friends were present was so relieving at a time of stress.

            “Hello, everyone,” said (Y/N), smiling. Uhura hugged them, and they hugged back. “We weren’t going to miss the reunion, were we?”

            “Can we have a reunion on a planet instead of in space, next time?” said Bones.

            “This is not a reunion, it is a mission,” said Spock.

            “Good to see you haven’t changed,” said Kirk, smiling. “How have you been?”

            “Busy,” said (Y/N). “But when aren’t we?”

            “We’re here to offer our services as Science Officer and Negotiations Officer,” said Spock.

            “Would I ever say no?” said Kirk.

            Spock raised a brow.

            “That means yes, you formal goblin,” said Bones, but he was glad to see them both, too.

            “You haven’t changed, either,” said (Y/N), smiling.

            “Yeah, yeah,” said Bones, waving a hand. “How are you? Is he treating you well?”

            “He’s the best husband I could ask for,” said (Y/N).

            “Good, you deserve it,” said Bones, smiling at the person that had become like a sibling over the years.

            (Y/N) smiled. Then, they looked at Kirk. “So. What is our current situation?”

            “We need to fix the engines before we can continue in pursuit of the machine,” said Kirk.

            “I will assist,” said Spock, nodding.

            “Scotty is already at work in Engineering,” said Kirk. “After you’re done, we’ll continue our travels.”

            Spock nodded and left the room. (Y/N) looked at Kirk.

            “Fill me in on the all the information about this ‘cloud’ we have,” said (Y/N). “Starfleet is worried. I want to make sure there’s no reason to.”

            Kirk nodded. “Sit down. There’s not a lot, but it’s complicated.”

            “Well, we have time until the engines are fixed.” (Y/N) sat down. “Go ahead.”

            Kirk smiled. He was glad to have his crew back with him.

l

            “What do you think?” said Kirk after he explained everything.

            (Y/N) paused and considered. “Hm.”

            Kirk noticed with amusement that they steepled their fingers. Apparently, the years with Spock had caused them to pick up one another’s habits.

            “I think until we know whether or not we can communicate with this cloud defines whether or not it’s a large threat,” said (Y/N). “If we can reason with the super-intelligence, then we can find a peaceful solution of some sort. If we cannot, then it does become a question of stopping it by force. That would be a problem…”

            Kirk nodded. “Yes. We want to avoid casualties as much as possible.”

            (Y/N) felt the worry swirl around him and the dark clouds settling on everyone’s shoulders. “That’s always a danger in our work. But if we arrive at the cloud soon enough, we’re more likely to find a solution. We have people with talents in all parts of life—technology and interpersonal—and not just Spock and I. We just have to keep clear heads.”

            “Always the voice of reason,” said Kirk, again glad to have them back.

            “They are an expert in negotiations,” said Spock, reentering the room.

            Now, he was properly dressed in a Starfleet uniform. (Y/N) had also put their Starfleet pin onto their new, crisp white uniform. They were truly back on the Enterprise as crew members. In a way, they were home.

            “Is everything ready?” said Kirk.

            “Engines are operational,” said Spock.

            Kirk pressed the comms. “Bridge to Engineering. Take us away, Scotty.”

            “Aye, Cap’n,” said Scotty.

            The Enterprise crew was off on an adventure once again.

l

            “Captain, visual contact on the cloud in five minutes,” said Uhura.

            “Thank you, Uhura,” said Kirk, nodding.

            “Red Alert! Red Alert!” A moment later, the lights flashed red, and a computer voice blared through the Enterprise.

            Of course, nothing is simple, thought (Y/N).

            “Red Alert! Red Alert!”

            Young officers raced to their places on the Bridge, but (Y/N), Spock, and the original crew remained calm. (Y/N) felt the familiar buzz of anxiety and looked at the viewscreen.

            “Standard light, Engineer,” said Kirk. “Full mag on viewer.”

            “Full mag, sir,” said Sulu.

            The strange, blue, electrical cloud floated in the space before them as the Enterprise flew closer.

            “Linguacode?” said Kirk.

            “Continuing to send friendship messages on all frequencies,” reported (Y/N).

            “All decks and divisions confirmed. Status Red,” said Chekov.

            “Captain, we are being scanned,” said Spock.

            “Do not return scan, Spock,” said Kirk. “It could be misinterpreted as hostility.”

            “Intruder scans emanating from the exact center of the cloud,” reported Spock. “Energy of a type never before encountered.”

            “Captain, there’s no response to friendship messages,” said Uhura, frowning.

            “Shall I go to battle stations, sir?” asked Chekov.

            “Negative. We’ll take no provocative action,” said Kirk.

            “Recommend defensive posture, Captain,” said Decker, a younger officer that had almost been captain before Kirk arrived. “Screens and shields.”

            “No, Mr. Decker,” said Kirk. “That could also be misinterpreted as hostile.”

            “We want to preserve the possibility of negotiations,” said (Y/N).

            “Cloud composition, Mr. Spock?” said Kirk.

            “Twelfth power energy field,” said Spock.

            “Twelfth power?” exclaimed Sulu.

            (Y/N) frowned. That was powerful. If things went sideways…

            “Captain, we’ve seen what their weapons can do!” said Decker. “Why shouldn’t we take every precaution?”

            “Mr. Decker,” sighed Kirk.

            “Captain,” said Spock. “I suspect there’s an object at the heart of the cloud.”

            Kirk frowned before addressing Decker first. “Mr. Decker, I will not provoke an attack. If that order isn’t clear enough for you—”

            “Captain, as your exec, it’s my duty to point out alternatives,” said Decker.

            Kirk took a deep breath, composed himself, and nodded. “Yes, it is. I stand corrected.”

            (Y/N) smiled to themself.

            “Five minutes to cloud boundary,” said Ilia, another officer.

            “Navigator, lay in a conic section flight path to the cloud center,” said Kirk. “Bring us parallel to whatever we find in there. Mr. Sulu, tactical plot on viewer.”

            “Tactical on view, sir,” said Sulu.

            The Enterprise drifted closer, and everyone tensed in anticipation. How would the cloud react?

            And then confusion entered (Y/N)’s senses. They frowned and rose from their seat.

            “(Y/N)?” said Uhura.

            “What is it?” said Kirk, seeing them.

            “I feel puzzlement,” said (Y/N). “There’s a consciousness in that cloud.” They blinked and looked at Kirk and then Spock. “I think it’s tried to contact us.”

            “It’s confused as to why we have not replied,” said Spock, nodding.

            “Contacted? How?” asked Kirk.

            The alarm blared, cutting off further discussion. Spock and (Y/N) got into their seats, and Kirk whirled to the viewscreen.

            “Standard on viewer,” said Kirk, getting into his chair. “Forcefields up full! Deflectors, now!”

            “Mark zero. Incoming fire ahead,” announced the computer readout.

            “Forcefields and deflectors up full, Captain,” said Chekov.

            A crackling bit of light flashed towards the Enterprise, and everyone braced for impact.

            “Analysis, Mr. Spock,” said Kirk.

            “Alien weapon is a form of plasma energy, Captain,” reported Spock. “Exact composition, unknown. Guidance system, unknown.”

            “All decks brace for impact,” said Kirk.

            Spock instantly looked over to (Y/N), and they held onto their chair as the plasma hit the Enterprise. The energy crackled loudly, piercing (Y/N)’s senses as light and sound attacked them.

            “Registering power loss on forcefields,” warned Chekov.

            “Engineering, what’s happening to forcefields?” said Kirk.

            “Systems overloading, Captain!” said Scotty.

            Chekov cried out as electricity overloaded his computer and the energy burned his hands. (Y/N)’s display came to life, and Spock grabbed (Y/N)’s arms to pull them to safety.

            “Medic,” said Kirk so that Chekov got treatment, and he received a nod from Spock that (Y/N) was alright.

            The crackling electricity stopped, and everyone looked at the viewscreen warily.

            “The new screens held,” said Sulu in relief.

            “Engineering to Bridge!” radioed Scotty. “Cannot hold full power on forcefields! Deflector power is down 70%!”

            “Divert auxiliary power to deflectors,” said Kirk.

            “Captain,” said Spock. “The intruder has been attempting to communicate. Our previous transition mode was too primitive to be received.”

            “Ah. Computers?” said (Y/N).

            Spock nodded. “I am programming our computer to transmit linguacode at their frequency and rate of speed.”

            “You may want to hurry, there’s more plasma fire coming,” said (Y/N), seeing a new bolt of energy appear in the distance.

            “Engineering, status report,” said Kirk, grimacing.

            “Our shields cannot handle another attack,” said Scotty.

            “Mr. Spock!” said Kirk. “You hear him.”

            “Impact in twenty seconds,” said Ilia.

            “Spock,” said Kirk.

            “Spock, dear,” said (Y/N), holding onto the back of his chair.

            “Fifteen seconds!” said Ilia.

            “Transmit now!” said Kirk.

            “Ten seconds,” said Ilia.

            Spock hit the button.

            “Transmitting,” said (Y/N).

            Everyone whirled to the viewscreen. The plasma ball abruptly disappeared.

            “It would seem our friendship messages have been received and understood,” said Kirk with a sigh of relief.

            Spock nodded. He wanted to make proper contact with the strange cloud, but, more importantly, he wanted to protect (Y/N) from any harm, and the message had done that.

Taglist:

@a-ofzest

@grippleback-galaxy

@genderfluid-anime-goth

@groovy-lady

@im-making-an-effort

@unending-screaming

@h-l-vlovesvintage

@neenieweenie

@keylimeconstellation

@wormwig

@technikerin23

@ilyatan

@nthdarkqueen

@kyalov

@starlit-cass

@rookietrek

@gingertimelord

@snowy-violet

@jaguarthecat

[space-helen]

E.T

Words: 739

Pairing: Spock x Reader

A/N: This is the first thing I've written since last October so... I'm sorry if this is clunky. I'm note sure which Spock you wanted it for so I went AOS but I think it's pretty 'neutral' Spock if that makes sense?

Request: Spock's reaction to female reader singing the song E.T. by Katy Perry cause the reader lost a bet to Kirk so now she has to sing that song to basically admit she likes Spock. As a added bonus you can add a part where Spock tells Kirk that was unnecessary since he and the reader are already dating. If you don't like the bonus idea just ignore it! Keep up the awesome writing! - @originaltyphoonkryptonite

______________________

“You’re not being serious?”

“I won Y/N. A deals a deal.” Jim said with a smile.

You rolled your eyes “The song is so, incredibly, old. Could you not pick something more current?” 

“It just makes it funnier. It’s a classic.” the man put his hand on your back and began to guide you towards Spock's quarters. 

Grumbling as you went he quickly shoved you inside. Spock stood from where he was sitting and looked between the two of you. “What is the problem? You look distressed.” his eyes fell to you.

“Nothing, nothing.” you turned around to leave but Jim stopped you and turned you back around. 

“Y/L/N.” it was almost a warning from your Captain.

“Spock.” you looked at the man before looking down at the floor and hesitating, this was so embarrassing “You’re so hypnotizing.”

“Y/N” Spock spoke, grounded to his spot as Jim nudged you.

“Could you be the devil? Could you be an angel?”

“Sing” Jim whispered under his breath.

You sighed and the next parts came out with some tune “Your touch, magnetizing, feels like I am floating. Leaves my body glowing.” the following lines came out rushed and you took a break.

“Properly now.” Jim encouraged.

“Y/N please-” came Spocks voice as he took a step towards you. 

“Kiss me, ki-ki kiss me. Infect me with your lovin’ fill me with your poison. Take me, ta-ta-take me. Wanna be your victim ready for abduction. Boy, you’re an alien. Your touch, so foreign It’s supernatural. Extraterrestrial.” you quickly turned to Jim “Happy now?”

“The whole song-”

“I’m not singing the whole song Jim that’s ridiculous. I think you’ve made me get my point across alright?” 

“And what point would that be Captain?” Spock questioned Jim directly.

“Come on Spock, think about the words. What do you think she’s trying to tell you?”

“Was this your scheme to get Y/N to tell me that she finds me attractive?”

“Well… Yes it was.” he moved his hand to the back of his neck and looked at you.

“Did it ever occur to you that I may already know this?”

“You- Then why would you pass up the opportunity?” you watch Jim sweat under the pressure.

“Did you consider in any way that Y/N and I may be in a relationship at present?”

“You’re what?” the man looked between the two of you “Impossible. Actually impossible. Why would Y/N have been so scared to come here and sing?”

“We were keeping it a secret” you pitched in “We didn’t want everyone to know right away. Plus I was so embarrassed. I don’t like singing in front of people.The whole situation was just awkward.” you made a gesture to the room.

“I take your point but really? You weren’t going to tell me?”

Spock came to stand beside you as you spoke “We were going to tell you at the game night on Saturday.”

“We thought it would be best to tell everyone at the same time. Before we go on shore leave. To give you all time to digest the information.”

Jim nodded “Right.” he hesitated for a second “So I’m not allowed to tell anyone before Saturday?”

You shook your head “we’d prefer it if you didn’t”

“So I won’t get the joy of telling everyone I got the two of you together.”

You beamed with a smile “No Jim, no you won’t. But you can keep that little narrative in your head if that makes you happier.”

“That I will.” he smiled. He gave the two of you one last look and you could see a gleam in his eyes. “I should leave the two of you love birds to it.” turning on his heels he quickly left. You heard him clap his hands together and laugh as he moved through the doorway “perfect just perfect.” 

As the door closed behind him you wrapped your arm around Spock and gave him a side hug. “I’m sorry. Jim insisted.”

“It was probably for the best. He may have combust if he found out with the others on Saturday.”

“You’re not wrong there.” breaking away from the hug you straightened out your uniform. “I’ll catch you later, I should probably get back to work.”

“I await your return.” he watched as you walked out of his quarters and he could feel his eyes expression soften in admiration.

Tag List: (open, please ask if you want to be added)

All Star Trek: @heyitsaloy  @angel-with-wings-castiel @starfleet-imagines @perasperaadastrawriting @butchers-girl

All Fics: @perasperaadastrawriting @asgards-princess-of-mischief @trippol-threat @captainsophiestark 

[courtofcravings]

Don't do anything stupid (2)

Bones thinks you and Captain Kirk are very similar, and it takes an away mission to prove him right.

Captain Kirk x reader

Fluff and Adventure (Completed Series) Warning: minor blood, needles, minor injuries. mild violence This is a rewrite of a fic called "Another You" I did. Fixed it up a bit. Read Part 3 here <3 Read Part 1 here

The mission had seemed straightforward: collect plant samples with regenerative properties to help with the tissue regeneration project you and Dr. McCoy had been developing in the lab.

But something had gone terribly wrong. You suspected it had something to do with the diplomatic party that accompanied you. Gathering the samples had been quick—fifteen minutes at most—but when you tried to contact the ship, there was no response.

No response from the mission team either. You pushed aside the thought that they might have forgotten you—unlikely, but still, it lingered. You couldn’t recall the exact location where they had been transported, and whether it was worth heading back to the last known coordinates was a debate you kept having with yourself.

You needed shelter—maybe even a fire. The temperature on this planet was plummeting, and it wasn’t safe to stay exposed. Without defence or a map of the dense jungle around you, you started walking. You couldn't help but remember how Bones had laughed when you'd confidently said nothing could go wrong.

"Y/N to Enterprise," you repeated under your breath every few steps, as you pushed through thick foliage. As night fell and the temperature dropped, your steps slowed. The shadows thickened, and it was becoming too dangerous to keep wandering without a plan.

Then, a flicker of light caught your eye. It was faint—barely visible through the underbrush. Could it be your crew? You considered the possibility of following it, but then a thought flashed through your mind: like the anglerfish on Earth, was this light just a trap to lure you in?

It might be better to stay put, you reasoned. But where else could you go? Against your better judgment, you moved closer, pushing through the darkness.

The closer you got, the clearer the light became. It was a fire. You picked up your pace, relief flooding you as you heard voices—your crew, for sure. Almost to the camp, you were ready to shout their names when disaster struck.

Your foot caught on something, sending you sprawling. The rough ground scraped against your palms, and your knees slammed into the earth. Pain shot up your arms as you tried to push yourself up, wincing at a jagged cut on your forearm, likely from some hidden branch. Flushing with embarrassment, you tried to gather yourself before facing the others.

But as you approached, the relief quickly turned to dread.

Across the camp, your heart sank. Captain Kirk was tied to a massive tree, surrounded by unfamiliar figures. They weren’t attacking, but their stance—sharp, deliberate—they weren’t there for small talk. They were interrogating him. Panic surged in your chest, and you dropped to the ground, hiding in the brush.

The situation looked grim. Uhura stood between the captain and one of the aliens, her hands bound behind her. She was speaking urgently in a language you didn’t understand, her voice sharp, but there was an edge of command.

Nearby, Sulu and Spock were also tied. Several other crewmembers, ones you didn’t know as well, were scattered around the camp, eyes fixed on their captors in uneasy silence.

Uhura spoke again, but the alien leader barely reacted. Every few seconds, she would glance at Kirk, likely translating or negotiating on his behalf. But her body language—frustrated and tense—told you the negotiations were falling apart.

You crouched lower, trying to stay hidden as you scanned the camp for any sign of what was going on. There were no devices that might be blocking the comm signal, so why had no one responded?

Frustration simmered as you noticed something else: Starfleet-issued phasers. More phasers than you had people, in fact. It looked like this group had been capturing Starfleet officers for some time.

You flinched as one of the aliens grabbed a long, cruel-looking fork and drove it into the captain’s leg. His curses and screams sliced through the air. The alien who’d attacked him untied Uhura and the others, leading them into the forest without a word, leaving Kirk alone with two of his captors standing guard.

A plan began to form, but doubt clung to the edges of your mind. You weren’t trained for combat, and your skills—biomechanical engineering—were hardly suited for a hostage rescue. If you could somehow get a phaser to the captain, maybe you could get him to McCoy. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance.

Carefully, quietly, you moved through the trees, staying behind cover. Your arm throbbed, blood soaking through your uniform sleeve, but you shoved the pain aside. It wouldn’t matter if you didn’t get out alive, right?

The phasers sat on a flat table, surrounded by other confiscated items, untouched—for now. You had to move quickly. A shaky breath escaped your lips as you reached for one, then another.

Your fingers froze, hovering over the weapons. You were in way over your head—nothing like what you’d been prepared for. Being stranded on an alien planet with a bleeding arm? Manageable. Seeing your crewmates bound and injured? Sorta manageable. But this...

You’d been trained to use low-power phasers, barely enough to defend yourself in a pinch. But these? They were a far cry from what you’d practiced with—too many buttons, too many settings.

The air felt thick with tension as you crouched behind a large rock, eyes locked on Captain Kirk. His leg was still bleeding from the attack, The strain in his eyes unmistakable, he was tough, but even he wouldn’t last much longer in this state.

You moved slowly, deliberately, making sure not to make a sound. Every step felt like it could give you away.

You crept up to the captain, careful to stay out of sight, you knew there wasn’t much time before the guards would glance over. You gently placed a hand on his shoulder, careful not to startle him.

"Don’t make a sound," you whispered, your voice urgent but low. The last thing you needed was for him to move suddenly and draw attention. "I have no idea how to use this," you continued, hands shaking as you pressed the weapon into his still-bound hands. "So I really hope you’re not too out of it from blood loss to move."

"Y/N?" Captain Kirk whispered, his voice hoarse. "Don’t do anything stupid." You couldn’t help but appreciate the irony of his confidence in you.

“Yeah, don’t worry your pretty face captain,” your fingers working frantically at the rope. It was so close to giving way, but then you heard the soft shuffle of one of the guards' footsteps drawing nearer. You had no choice but to abandon your efforts.

You watched the captain look around, his eyes scanning the camp, but you were already hidden in the bushes. You saw him subtly begin to loosen his bound hands.

Now, it was time for the distraction.

You moved quickly, deliberately putting distance between yourself and the captain. Once you were far enough, you shouted. "Hey!" The word rang out, loud and sharp in the stillness of the night.

"Hey!" you yelled again, arms flailing as you waved the phaser in your hand. You could feel the guards' attention shift. They began moving toward you, their pace slow but steady.

"Okay, I know you can’t understand me," you called, trying to sound confident, though your throat felt tight and itchy. You aimed the phaser at them, holding it as steady as you could given your pumping heart. “But I know you understand this.”

The guards kept coming, their large figures closing in. As they neared, you could see them clearly in the firelight—leathery skin stretched taut over massive muscles, and their hands gripping enormous weapons. The sight only deepened the pit in your stomach.

“You guys are big huh—Hey, I mean it! I… I don’t want to hurt you, so don’t come any closer!" you shouted, waving the phaser at the guard to your left. But they didn’t slow down, until they were right in front of you.

Before you could react, one of the guards grabbed you by the throat, lifting you off the ground. Your feet dangled, helpless, as he squeezed, the pressure building slowly. You knew he could snap your neck instead, he chose to apply the pressure slowly.

The sound of a phaser firing cut through the air, loud and sharp. The guard released you immediately, both of you crashing to the ground. You gasped for air, your chest heaving as a violent coughing fit took over. Every breath was a struggle to fill your lungs.

Through the haze of coughing, you heard a thud. The second guard had fallen. A warm hand rested gently on your back, and a familiar voice spoke.

"Are you okay?"

It was the captain. You glanced up, still gasping for air, and saw him standing next to you, phaser in hand. Blood was still pouring from his leg, staining the ground beneath him.

"You’re the one with the stab wound," you said hoarsely, your concern cutting through the pain in your chest.

"It’s nothing," his strained voice and slight sway betraying his lie.

You immediately moved to support him, slipping your arm under his to help him stay upright. "Let me help," you said.

He leaned on you, his weight heavy but manageable for the moment. You might not be able to carry him for long, especially with your arm throbbing with every movement. "Sit down over here. We need to tie something around your leg."

Once you got him seated, you fumbled through your bag, desperate to find something useful. Thankfully, your tiny first aid kit was still intact. You pulled it out,

He chuckled weakly when he saw it. "That little thing’s gonna save my life?"

You shot him a determined look. "Laugh all you want, but I don’t see a better option," you replied, your voice firm despite the fear clawing at you.

You tore open the kit, searching for the small roll of gauze. Every second counted.

“That’s not why I’m laughing,” the captain said, his voice strained. You looked up at him, curiosity flickering across your face.

"I’m sorry, but…” His eyes flickered to the small first aid kit in your hands. You wrapped a long strand of gauze around his leg, twisting it as you’d been taught. "I have this deep stab wound, and you pull out the smallest that..."

You took an alcohol swab, gently cleaning his wound.

"When I looked into your bag this morning and saw that little thing, I thought it was cute," he continued. "I thought it was cute you’d bring a tiny first aid kit when we have an on-hand medic with us."

You glanced around quickly for anything else you could use to dress the wound, but your options were limited. "And now," he added with a weak chuckle, "you’re the one doing the first aid, in the field, with it. I don’t know, I just find that funny."

You ripped his pant leg slightly to get a better angle, ready to start packing the wound.

"I’m not sure if I should pack dressing around… this fork thing, or if I should take it out and dress you properly." You leaned back on your legs and met his gaze, weighing your options. "Leaving it in would be safest," you said after a pause, your face serious. "I can’t be sure if it hit an artery, and you’d bleed out if I pull it. But on the other hand, if we have to move fast, it could do more damage staying in."

"Take it out," he said, his voice unwavering. "We need to get moving. We still have to find Uhura and the others."

The urgency in his words made your stomach tighten. You had no training for this. Killing your captain wasn’t exactly a résumé builder. But there was no choice. You reached for the dressing packets, praying the tourniquet had done its job.

Taking a deep breath, you prepared yourself. Without warning, you pulled the foreign object from his leg, tossing it aside. The captain groaned in pain, and the sound sent a chill through you. “McCoy told me it hurts less without warning,” You placed one hand over the wound to apply pressure, heart hammering in your chest.

“I’m so sorry,” you said quietly, your voice sincere. As you reached for the dressings, you couldn’t help but wish that your kit had painkillers or something to ease his suffering. It was a thought you’d make sure to follow up on, the next time you were out on a mission. “I know that must’ve been really painful.”

It was over, but Captain Kirk was still breathing hard, his body tense with the aftereffects of the pain. He leaned forward, resting his head on your shoulder, and for a moment, everything else faded. You gently ran your fingers through his hair, keeping your hand on his head, both of you silent in the calm that settled over you.

"Your arm," he murmured, his hand reaching for your sleeve, where a stain of blood had dried. He tried to inspect the injury, but you pulled your arm away gently.

“It’s just a scratch from a branch,” you explained, trying to downplay it. "It hurts, but it’s not bleeding anymore. Besides, I used all the dressing on you—your injury was more urgent."

He nodded, though his concern was still evident. “We need to move. They might have heard me.”

You helped him to his feet, his weight leaning heavily on you. Together, you shuffled through the darkness, struggling to see anything in the thick night. “It’s so dark,” you muttered. “I don’t know how we’ll find everyone.”

The captain rummaged through his pocket, pulling out a phaser. “They went to their nest. Should be north. There’s a map on this, and we can use it to track the terrain.”

With a press of a button, the phaser blinked to life, the map and a small flashlight glowing on its screen.

"Captain," you hesitated, glancing at him. "Do you think you’re in any shape to fight? I’m surprised you were able to stand long enough to take down those guards."

He gave a small, reassuring smile, though his eyes were still shadowed with exhaustion. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

"Well, thank you," you said, suddenly struck with a wave of gratitude. "Thank you for saving me back there. I’ve never been that close to dying before."

He looked at you, his expression softening. "Y/N, without you… I’m fairly sure my pretty face would still be tied up at that camp, bleeding out.”

[v-o-i-d-e-d]

May we have a oneshot based on this scene (https://youtube.com/watch?v=BgVJDd5vHfw&feature=share) for Spockxreader?

Omg, I love this scene! Of, course I will do it! I altered some parts just a little bit but the gist is the same. I hope you like it!

Title: Hello Sweetie

Pairing: Spock x fem!reader, implied platonic Jim Kirk x reader, and platonic Bones x reader

Warnings: canon violence, it's implied that Jim meddled for matchmaking purposes, nothing else I think

Word Count: 2924

She really shouldn’t have been here. Pure lunacy had gotten her here in the first place. Doctor (Y/N) (L/N) was never meant for this type of fieldwork and she was willing to bet that her own lack of skill was a huge reason why she was in this particularly dangerous situation. She was stood in the middle of a very ornate room – a sort of banquet hall she surmised – with her hands cuffed in front of her. Her elegant dress was singed at the hem and her hair had fallen out of its elegant updo. She looked around and noticed there were a total of three other people in the room all of whom wore heavy robes with hoods to obscure most of their faces: the alien guard beside her the one behind her and the one standing by the door they just came in through.

            “You know when I get invited to parties, normally there’s food,” She said to the guard who stood closely to her right. He did not acknowledge her at all and his large, bug-like eyes stayed focused on the door at the other end of the room. (Y/N) rolled her eyes, “So much for small talk.”

            As she shifted her weight from foot to foot with impatience she couldn’t help but place partial blame on the genius who thought this plan up in the first place. Captain James T. Kirk. Just a day earlier he had cornered (Y/N) in her office and asked her to take part in a simple recognizance mission.

“I’m telling you this is an easy mission and it will go off without a hitch! You’re in, you’re out, you’re done,” Kirk pleaded as he followed her out into the main area of the medbay. He had just explained how it would be perfect for her because she was sociable and friendly. Of course, he couldn’t help but add in the added benefit of her good looks. “People will be spilling their guts to you! All you gotta do is bat those eyelashes.”

“Captain, this is harassment. I told you: missions like that are not in my job training.” (Y/N) turned to face Kirk and used her hand to apply emphasis to her statement. “I. Am. Not. Going. End of story.”

The door opened after what felt like hours but what was only a few minutes. (Y/N) watched as an alien that looked similar to the guard but larger walked confidently into the room accompanied by a few other guards. The big alien was dressed in fine clothes and had an elaborate and heavy-looking headdress on, signaling to (Y/N) that it would be good for her health to not piss him off. She stayed silent until the alien stood so close to her that she could smell him. He smelled of rotten meat and expensive oils.

“You are Doctor (Y/N) (L/N) of the starship Enterprise.” He said. “I have reason to believe you are a cohort of Commander Spock.”

This took (Y/N) by surprise. Her brows furrowed and her lips tugged into a frown. Sure she had worked with Spock plenty of times but surely not enough to be considered a cohort, or associated with him by name.

“I think there’s been some sort of mistake here. I don’t even know Commander Spock that well!”

“Spock suggested you specifically for the mission.”

(Y/N) paused and dropped her hand down to her side. Kirk could very well be lying just to get her to agree but then why else would he want a surgeon doing a spy’s job.

“No, he didn’t. You just want me to give in,” She huffed and gathered some old patient files that needed to be sorted and brushed passed Kirk and into her office. She couldn’t deny the rush of warmth spreading across her face but she could do her best at hiding it.

“I’m serious! He said you were beautiful and that you would be disarming enough to get people to talk to you about anything,” Kirk once again followed (Y/N) into her office but this time stopped to lean on the door frame. He crossed his arms and smirked as he watched the doctor deadpan at him.

“Commander Spock said that? Those exact words?” She didn’t believe Spock even knew how to actually compliment people, even behind their backs.

The alien huffed and one of his henchmen stepped forward. He was very scrawny and his large eyes darted wildly around the room.

“We have reliable intel that you are close to the Enterprise’s second-in-command and we would like you to divulge his whereabouts. We know that he has been trying to infiltrate our databases and that is a crime that can not go unpunished,” his voice was harsh, like a steaming tea kettle and (Y/N) winced.

“Well, I’m sorry but your intel is wrong. I wouldn’t even classify us as friends. Well, I mean it’s not that I don’t want to be his friend. I actually like him a lot but he spends just about every moment with me in silence or critiquing me so-“

“Enough! Quit your useless rambling and tell us where he is!” The boss alien thundered out so loud that the floor seemed to shake. (Y/N) was officially freaked out.

“Look, I’m telling you, I have no idea where he is! I don’t even know if he’s on this planet!” She pleaded with the aliens and hoped they believed her because it was the truth. She hadn’t seen Spock for a while, even before Kirk made her go on this mission.

“Yeah, he didn’t say those exact words but that’s definitely what he meant to say. I could tell.”

“Kirk, get out of my office.”

Kirk sighed and walked up to the desk, “Just please do this mission. We are so close to our goal we just need a little push. (Y/N)-

            “Doctor (L/N).”

            “(Y/N). Please.”

If there’s one thing that (Y/N) can’t resist, it’s James being sincere. It just happens so rarely that she caves right away. After a moment of glaring into Kirk’s pleading eyes, she rubbed her eyes and sighed, “Fine!”

            “Yes!” Kirk pumped his fist in victory.

            “But I want to talk to Spock first.”

Kirk paused and side-glanced before looking back at (Y/N), “You can’t.”

            “Why not?”

            “Cause he’s on the mission.”

            “I thought you said he asked for me. How could he have told you that if he’s on mission already?” (Y/N) raised an accusatory eyebrow, she was sure she caught Kirk in his lie but he was quick.

            “Because he just left this morning. Now find your hottest dress and meet me in the transport room for your briefing,” Kirk tapped the desk before quickly exiting the room.

            “Wait, Now?!”

(Y/N) could honestly say she had not thought of how to get out of a situation like this. All attention was on her – something that she would normally thrive with – but she was at a loss for words for the first time in her life. The big alien grumbled and leaned forward to look closer at her face. She didn’t hide her fear.

            “Look, I swear on my life I don’t know what Spock is doing or where he is,” She couldn’t hide the tremble in her voice but she tried to be as firm as possible.

            “Humans,” the alien spat, “They lie so blithely.”

            “I’m not lying!”

            “How can you claim to like someone but know nothing about them? You are lying!”

(Y/N) huffed and rolled her eyes, “Just because I like him does not mean he likes me! The guy does not even think that way! He doesn’t talk to me unless it has something to do with my job!” She had stepped forward during her rant but was immediately seized by the guards that were closest to her. They gripped tightly on her upper arms but the guard on her left quickly loosened his grip and she couldn’t help but think that the sensation was familiar. It reminded her of her first meeting with Commander Spock.

            She was in a hurry to get to the medbay as she had been sent a 9-1-1 message by Bones. In her hurry she had been completely disregarding the safety of other people in the halls, bumping into several people while shouting an apology over her shoulder. It was while she was giving one of these hurried apologies that she managed to bump into a solid form that barely stumbled while she went tripping toward the ground. With a yelp, she braced for the ground but was stopped by a strong hand taking hold of her upper arm.

            “Doctor (L/N), it’s not safe to be running through the halls. The hazard is amplified when one is not paying attention.”

The monotone voice of Commander Spock caused (Y/N) to snap her eyes open and scramble to stand on her own two feet rather than being suspended by her arm.

            “Oh, gosh, I’m so sorry, Commander! You’re totally right, I wasn’t paying attention-“

            “Apology accepted, Doctor,” Spock interrupted her rambling and then walked passed her without waiting for a response. (Y/N) huffed and frowned as she too walked away from the scene of the social crime.

            “Well, isn’t he a sweetie,” She grumbled before picking up her pace through the halls, this time paying attention to where she was going.

            From then on, “sweetie” was (Y/N)’s nickname for Spock. She was careful to never say it to his face since she had worked with him a lot more since the “incident” but in private and amongst friends, the sarcastic endearment rolled easily off the tongue. It got to the point where she even used it with the Captain.

            “Why do you call him that, it’s weird,” Kirk questioned one day over drinks in the lounge.

            “Because every time I talk to him, he’s an asshole. I think it’s funny.”

Kirk laughed and sipped his whiskey. “Well, I think you might have a crush on our favorite Vulcan.”

            “Oh, I definitely do,” (Y/N) was very direct. Kirk choked on his drink in surprise and coughed as (Y/N) continued, “But that’s out of the equation because I don’t even think Spock thinks about anyone unless they’re useful for something he needs doing.”

            (Y/N) downed the last of her drink and shook her head to try to rid herself of the floaty state the alcohol put her in. In the morning, she would regret letting James Kirk in on her best-kept secret but she was not worried about that or anything else except for going to bed.

            “Well, speak of the devil,” Kirk said with a smirk. Spock walked in with his hands clasped behind his back and his usual blank expression. Upon noticing the state of his friend and his colleague he resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

            “Oh, hello, sweetie!” (Y/N) laughed at her own words and Kirk couldn’t help but laugh as well. Spock was stunned into silence. He let his hands drop to his sides and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He didn’t know exactly how to respond, she had never called him anything other than his name and rank before. He decided to ignore the sudden endearment.

            “Captain, you’re needed on the bridge,” He managed to finally say what he needed to say before quickly turning and leaving the room.

            When Kirk took the liberty of retelling the story to (Y/N) the next morning, she was mortified.

            The large alien hisses to one of his henchmen in a language (Y/N) doesn’t understand and then another one of them steps forward. In a tone that seemed to be unsure of the words he was saying, he started,

            “Our studies show that typically when one human likes another, the feeling is reciprocated,”

            “Spock is not human,” (Y/N) couldn’t help but laugh before correcting herself, “Well, not all human.”

            “Then you have no reason to protect him.”

            “That’s not how feelings even work! Not human ones! I admire him and I will protect him but I do not expect any such action from him. Just as I don't expect a sunset to admire me back or for the stars to gaze back at me! Feelings are not about reciprocity!”

            “This does not align with our intel,�� The big alien was clearly angry, and (Y/N) had a strong feeling that things would not go well from here but as she said she would do her best to protect Spock.

            “Regardless of your intel,” (Y/N) scoffed, “Commander Spock has much more important things to do than worry about me or what I’m doing so. I’m of no use to you. Let me go.”

            Why did she never know when to shut up?

The large alien’s face stretched into what (Y/N) had to assume was his version of a grin but looked more like he was preparing to eat her. She wouldn’t doubt it if she was being honest.

            “If you are of no use for giving information, you can be put to other uses, Doctor.”

            “What? Wait!”

The guard to her right started to lead her back toward the door they came through and (Y/N) began to struggle.

            “Take her to the nursery, the larvae must be fed,” The big alien ordered with a loud cracking laugh. Just as (Y/N) yanked harshly away from the guard pulling her, the guard to her left took firm hold of her arm once more but instead of leading her forward, he tugged her back into him. Suddenly, he pulled a phaser and shot the other guard. Crying out in fear, (Y/N) struggled once more to get away from this rogue guard as the henchmen began to make their way over to stop him. The guard removed his hood and revealed his face.

            “Commander!” (Y/N) gasped and her cheeks reddened. Everyone paused for a brief moment of shock before the big alien roared for his henchmen and guards to seize the two star fleet officers. Spock shot a few more before looking down at (Y/N) with an almost unnoticeable smirk.

            “Hello, Sweetie,” He said before moving his grip from (Y/N)’s arm to her hand and pulling her to a run. (Y/N)’s face was warm and it was not because of the running. She couldn’t help but laugh as they ran through the corridors, dodging phasers and guards. “We have to get to the front entrance. That’s the only place Scotty can beam us up!” Spock shouted over his shoulder.

            “Right!”

They ran until they reached the front room. Standing in the middle of the room was not the best option but they were only there for a moment before they both felt the familiar feeling of being beamed up to the transport room. Upon their arrival, Spock immediately ushered (Y/N) toward the awaiting Doctor Bones.

            “I’m fine! Just a few cuts and bruises. Nothing I haven’t had before,” (Y/N) tried to wave the grouchy Doctor away but he swatted her hands away and then removed the cuffs.

            “I’ll be the judge of that, cupcake. You look like you caught on fire.” He was gesturing to the hem of her dress.

            “I think for a moment I did,” (Y/N) laughed while Bones shook his head.

            “All right, you’re free to go. You too, Spock.”

Bones finally released the two, though he had told Spock that he could leave about twenty minutes ago. The Vulcan had refused. Spock and (Y/N) walked side by side in silence for a while before Spock broke it.

            “You have misread me.”

(Y/N) furrowed her eyebrows and looked up at her Commander who was still looking straight ahead. “What do you mean, Commander?”

            “My feelings about you. You have misread them.”

Her eyes widened. In the chaos of escape, she had forgotten that Spock was standing right next to her when she basically saying she loved him. Okay, slight exaggeration but she still felt embarrassed.

            “Oh.” That was all she said. All she could say. Another time of silence passed.

            “I apologize if my actions suggested that I do not enjoy your company,” Spock was deliberate with his words as if he didn’t know if what he was saying was the right thing. The tips of his ears were tinged a faint green when he finally paused in his step to look at (Y/N). She noticed the blush on his ears and couldn’t help the small smile that snuck onto her face.

            “So, you like to hang out with me?”

            “Well, I’ve never accompanied you in a social setting so it would be illogical for me to say that I like something that I have not tried.”

            (Y/N) rolled her eyes.

            “However, I do enjoy working with you. You are very good at your job, Doctor (L/N),” Spock clasped his hands behind his back so that (Y/N) would not see him picking at his cuticles. He was nervous.

            “(Y/N).”

            “Pardon?”

            “Call me (Y/N). Outside of work obviously,” (Y/N) shrugged and looked away from Spock’s intense gaze.

            “(Y/N).” She could’ve melted at the way her name sounded coming from his lips. It was experimental and a bit rigid sounding but it was a start. She finally looked back into Spock’s eyes and smiled brightly.

            “Do you want to go get dinner with me, Spock? I’m starving,” (Y/N) resumed her walk, this time in the direction of the cafeteria. She heard Spock’s steps fall in line with hers.

            “I highly doubt that you are starving. You always attend normal meal times which means you must have eaten this morning,” Spock said in a matter-of-fact tone. (Y/N) laughed and shook her head.

            “It’s an expression, Spock.”

[mystery-star]

Occupational Hazard - Spock

Pairing: Spock x fem!reader

Warnings: robbery and insults

Words: 717

Please do not repost my work on other sites or platforms!

-

You had never believed that there would somewhere be a planet that was almost exactly like Earth during the early 20th century. And while the inhabitants did not call themselves ‘human’ one could almost think you had just landed in an old, American city. Since the Captain had been fascinated to find out more and put together a landing party. Since the aliens looked very similar except for two single facial ridges, you even could meet the natives, of course pretending you were from the planet too. What made you especially happy was that you could be down there with your husband. But as history expert you figured it was logical that you would be part of the small landing party that went down first.

As you walked along the streets, you were happily rambling about certain stuff you found, marveling at the similarities to Earth of the time. And yet, there were some differences, which were even more interesting. Spock patiently listened and sometimes did his own scans or asked questions. Suddenly, there was a young man in front of you.

“Hand over your dough and valuables, now!”

“I am neither carrying rough bakery products nor valuables with me at the moment. Even if I did I fail to understand as to why I would want to give them to you”

“Oh yeah? Maybe this helps” he pulled out a gun. Had Spock been human, there surely would have been a frown on his forehead

“Are you attempting to engage in a barter transaction?”

“If you wanna call it that” the guy adjusted his hair “Your money or your lives”

“I doubt this qualifies as a legal swap”

“Spock” you hissed, nudging his side because he was unknowingly making the situation worse

“Finally sunk in, huh? Now give it to me”

“As I have stated previously, I carry neither of the objects you desire and if I had them, I would be disinclined to leave them to you”

“Thinking you’re funny?”

“I am merely being serious and honest”

“Well, maybe the whore listens” he pointed his gun at you and you took a small step back “That gun you wear and your… whatever its” the pointed at the tricorder that you wore around your hip. Exchanging a glance with Spock you just wanted to hand them over because you didn’t fancy being shot.

“I would appreciate if you did not refer to my spouse in such a pejorative manner, especially seeing that her profession is entirely different from the one you have mentioned”

“You know what, cocksucker? I’ve had enough of you” with that he pointed his gun at your husband, making you cling to his arm.

“Please” you said, directed at both of them. To Spock that he should just shut up and to the man to stop “He’s just trying to be funny. He doesn’t mean it. Here” you took off the tricorder but Spock caught your wrist

“Handing over our equipment would violate the prime directive”

“And let him violate us instead? This is a robbery”

“See now, I think your Missy’s seeing sense”

“Robberies have always been considered a crime, no matter the culture” he told your attacker, who didn’t seem to like it at all

“Spock” you gently touched his arm and lowered your voice so only he could hear you “Let’s just give it to him and then you take him out. No harm done. ‘Cause even if such pistols are old they still were deadly” your husband didn’t react and at first you thought he had not heard you but then he gave a nod and took off his own tricorder. When the robber leant forward to take it Spock’s hand shot forward and he nerve pinched the guy, making him fall to the floor with a groan. You let out a relieved breath.

“Perhaps this individual would be better off searching for work instead of threatening people on the street into giving him their private possessions. I suppose it would a much safer occupation that would even earn him more” you chuckled

“Well yeah, work always was better and safer than robberies. Can’t be said for us though” you nudged him in the side with your elbow. “Our job almost got us robbed on the street right now”

[princessvomitiloveyou]

Spock X Reader Vomit Headcanons!! ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

Warnings: Emetophilia, vomiting/vomit, gender neutral reader (no genitals are described!), fluff, semi-smut

Notes: Still have to write some stuff requested but I decided to pump this out for now! Same warnings as my Silco one :3 Spock vomit is so silly

Can Spock vomit? If he can, it's a interesting experience.

What's the taste?

The taste itself is incomprehensible and also not. It's alien puke with a pinch of tuna. You could def get a taste tester to try it and they'll be surprised.

What's the color?

For Spock, I feel like it's orange and green. It's probably lighter and not so chunky. Ya know, logical! It's def acid green, like the color of a olive!

Would Spock vomit on you?

VERY, VERY HESITANT

I don't know if Vulcan culture involves vomiting BUT his human side, would be a little less hesitant.

If you asked him, he would give you a cunty eyebrow raise

Like this

He would be confused, since it's not logical to vomit, since it's...less than healthy.

Spock would think it's the most healthy to vomit on your stomach, just make sure it doesn't get on your genitals.

He wouldn't do it often though so really savor the moments he wants to.

After he vomits, Spock will immediately take you to go shower/clean up.

Then you both clean together, head to bed and cuddle. :3

That's all! ( ´ཀ` )

[lucycola]

TOS!Spock x Fem!Reader; The Visitor Part 2

ON HIATUS FOR THE TIME BEING

Modern!AU where Spock is an alien who lands in the reader’s backyard and seeks shelter while repairing his ship. Eventual romance and smut.

In The Original Series it is said Spock is a vegetarian, not vegan, so I’m basing this part off of that information. 

WARNINGS: Mentions of blood and bodily harm. Awkwardness. Spock is tall and the Reader is not. Foot kink if you squint. Not proof read at all. PART ONE 

Part 2:  And the zipping white light beams disregarding bombs and satellites. That was the turning point- that was one lonely night

Sparse sun rays of a dreary morning ghosted through the curtains of your bedroom. The night was enveloped in sweaty tossing and turning. You remembered anxious nights before the first day of school where it took you hours to fall asleep and when you finally did you dreamt of still trying to fall asleep. You could never tell if you actually slept that way.

This night was no different.

It was easier to help your visitor into the house, as he wasn’t unconscious this time. He had leaned onto your shoulder and excused himself to the bathroom to change.

You hadn’t been sure what to do at that point, but directed him exhaustedly to a spare room. You had sealed most of the rooms to reserve heat to save money. You felt guilty for how cold it had been and thankfully the old heater in the corner worked.

You shut yourself up with your dog and lay with the fire poker for good measure. You were still equally spooked as you were tranced. Was it a dream? The green blood felt real, but it was so outlandish it couldn’t possibly be.

At some point Spaghetti was scratching the door so hard you let her out of the room. If she wanted her liver eaten, fine so be it.

When you were sure it was finally morning you roused from bed feeling your whole body ache.

You slowly pushed open the door wincing at the creak. His room was only a little down the hall. You ridiculously crawled on all fours until you came next to his doorframe. You swore you had left it closed but now it was just wide enough for your dog to push her way through.

You peeked in and saw he was lying under the two quilts you had placed atop him. Spaghetti was nestled into his side and you inwardly screeched. His head faced away from you as you slowly crept in. 

His chest rose and fell calmly. The pit of anxiety in your stomach unfurled into a sigh of relief. Spaghetti’s tail began to thump and you slowly crept back out. 

You dawdled to the den slowly and fumbled the fire poker back into its stand. 

You felt a chill slither down your back and absentmindedly you fiddled around for some kindling to make another fire. Despite not having cleaned out the ashes from the night before it caught easily. You would have to chop more before the weekend was over and fortunately for you the logs outside were protected with a tarp. Otherwise they would be soaking wet. 

You didn’t know why such a thing preoccupied your mind. There was a damn alien in your house and firewood was at the top of your list? 

You fell back into the couch. How long would he be here? Would his own kind come looking for him? Would your kind look for him? You desperately did not want the FBI knocking at your door. 

What the hell were you going to feed him? Could he eat Earth food? He did say he was half human-albeit he also said he was a vegetarian. What were you supposed to feed a vegetarian.

“Woof.”

“Dog,” you huffed in response, accustomed to your pet’s voice. 

“Human.”

You looked up to see your guest had risen, still in your grandfather’s clothes. He was a bit pale, but seemed alright for the most part. Spaghetti was at his side, tail still wagging. Damn dog. 

You stood immediately, “Did I wake you?”

“Yes, but it is of no consequence,” he replied, “I extend my gratitude for your assistance last night.”

You nodded, mouth feeling dry. You ran your fingers through your hair, finding a large knot. Your neck flushed. You must have looked awful. 

He himself endured the awkward silence. Spaghetti was the first to break it. 

“Breakfast,” you chirped, “I need to feed her. Are you hungry?”

You went into the kitchen, trying to smooth down your hair and retrieved her food bag from the pantry. If you didn’t keep it locked up she’d devour all of it in one day and probably die of an intestinal blockage. You almost learned that the hard way shortly after inheriting her and the house. 

Spaghetti trudged to you once her bowl was filled and began chomping away. 

Spock still stood at the corner of the rug, the left side of his frame bathed in little fire light. You avoided his gaze by ducking into the fridge.

“You said-eh-Vulcans don’t eat meat, right? Can Vulcans eat eggs and toast?” you asked, still feeling the heat at your neck and ears. 

“I suppose that will be acceptable.” 

His voice was much closer, causing you to jump and hit your head inside the refrigerator. You turned and found that indeed he was much closer than before. You hadn’t even heard his footsteps.

You had forgotten how tall he was. 

“Right!” you blurted, “I’ll get started on that. Do you drink coffee?”

He shook his head, “Although my mother has an affinity for it, Vulcans prefer tea.”

You nodded again, “I’ll see what I can do.” You began to rummage through the cupboard. 

“Could I be of assistance?” he asked, having taken a step back. Did he sense it-how you felt?

“No-no, please. You’re still hurt. Just sit down.”

He didn’t move to argue with you and did as instructed. He laid his hands atop the kitchen table, brushing off some crumbs from the placemat. 

Why were you so flustered by him? You didn’t feel that way helping him change or into bed. If anything you were wholly consumed by anxiety. 

What if you hadn’t stitched him properly? you remembered thinking, What if he bled to death in your house? 

He had developed a shiver about him that night so you layered him heavy with quilts, even pulling one off your bed for good measure. You had whispered fiercely into the old heater in the corner, threatening it with the dumpster if it didn’t turn on. Thankfully the old crystals rattled to life and filled the room with its orange glow. 

Now he was at your kitchen table politely and patiently waiting to be fed. Spaghetti was done with her own breakfast and settled at his feet. 

You scowled inwardly. That dog had never been that nice to you. You wondered if it was because of the scent of his clothes-reminding her of her old master. 

You managed to find some ancient tea your grandmother had in the cabinet and set the kettle to boil. You hoped to every and any holy entity it didn’t taste like shit. You fetched eggs from the fridge and procured a pan. 

“How do you like your eggs?” you asked. 

“I was not aware there were multiple ways to like them.”

“Well, there’s more than one way to skin a cat.”

“Am I to understand your kind consumes them?” he quipped.

You stifled a sigh, settling on whipping the eggs in a bowl, “No-we don’t eat cats. Well, some people might. I’ve never met one. It’s just an expression really.”

Neither had you seriously met someone seriously considering eating a feline either. You had only heard racists jokes, which was not something you wanted to unpack right now. 

While you were scrambling the eggs Spaghetti had managed to flip over her food bowl and began to whine. She sat sternly by it, despite the fact that it had long been empty and she knew how to flip it back. 

She whined loudly, wanting more kibble. 

“No,” you replied, “That’s all you get for now. Don’t indulge her-she’s just an asshole.”

Despite your order Spock was already crouching with the ghost of a wince on his features. He flipped the bowl back over. 

You were seriously considering eating dog. 

“Do your people have expressions?” you asked after depositing toast and eggs on a plate for the both of you. 

He settled back down at the table, his reply deterred by the sudden whistle of the kettle. You rushed to it, setting it off the eye. You poured the water in his cup, hoping the tea wasn’t awful. It almost looked like it dated nearly twenty years. When you had first moved in and were cleaning out the freezer you found frozen vegetable and meats dating even farther back. 

“Yes, but they are not as colorful as Terran ones I have found. I know a few from my mother, but none of the likes of which you shared today.”

You blushed again, “I’m sorry-it’s my raising I guess.” You set his plate and tea before him gingerly, avoid eye contact. You felt silly. 

You had a million questions. How far was Vulcan from Earth-what was it like? What was their language like? Did they all wear robes as he did or was that exclusively for travel? Were their more planets beyond Earth like Vulcan? Did all Vulcans have pointy ears?

“Do you have shame?” he asked. 

You were snapped out of your inner wondering. 

“What?” you sat across from him. 

“Your tone indicates your ‘raising’, as you put it, as an excuse rather than an explanation. It would seem you are shameful.”

You sighed for a moment and decided to be truthful, “Sometimes. Not for my grandparents or this house. I mean we weren’t the richest or the most sophisticated.”

He looked at his plate for a moment and picked up the fork, twisting it in his right hand. 

“I understand,” was all he offered. 

You normally ate a quick pace. Spaghetti had trained you that way. You had to be fast so she wouldn’t purposely drool all over your feet or lap. 

The visitor ate slowly, without an hint of whether he liked his breakfast or not. You flushed again at the sight of your empty plate and his still half full. 

He probably thought you were a pig. 

“Do you?” you blurted. 

“Pardon?” He glanced up from his ministrations. 

“Feel ashamed of your upbringing?” 

“Vulcans do not feel shame,” he stated plainly, resuming his meal. Spaghetti trudged over to him and began to slobber at his socks. He gently prodded her head to the side, not paying her much attention other than so.

“Why?” you asked incredulously. 

“Shame is a human emotion.”

“What-do Vulcans have their own set or something?” you snarked, allowing yourself to giggle. 

“Vulcans adhere to a practice in which we do not partake in such expression. Such is the philosophy of Surak.”

You stared at him. Like you were supposed to know what that meant.

“Who’s Surak?”

His right brow twitched ever so slightly. 

“A Vulcan philosopher.” He drank his tea, once again with no hint to whether it tasted good or bad. “One who taught that emotions makes one illogical and hindered the improvement and growth of a successful and peaceful society.”

You tapped your foot, beginning to feel the red swell on aggravation behind your lips.

“You have no shame, yet you understand it? How is that possible?”

“I was taught the history of my civilization. We were once like the humans-living rashly at the expense of survival-at the expense of our evolution to a greater society.” 

“So, what, you’re saying Vulcans are better than humans for that?”

He placed the utensil back down cleanly on the plate and moved his elbows to prop on the table. He steepled his long fingers and locked his eyes with yours.

“Once again you keep inferring from declarations I have not given.”

You crossed your arms, “Indirectly. You were once like humans and now that you’re not you’re better for it?”

“Once again-”

The shrill bell of the kitchen phone interrupted the tension, slicing through it with each ring.

You went to it quickly, leaving your breakfast alone. Please, God, don’t let it be the FBI. 

“Hello?” 

“Good mornin’!”

“Doctor Beltik!” you strained through clenched teeth. You instantly recognized the cheery voice, slowly deteriorating in sharpness from its age. 

The town veterinarian was as old nearly as the town itself-as old as your grandparents would be if they were still here. He was a good friend to them and Spaghetti’s mortal enemy. 

“Little lamb, how are ya?”

“I’m well.” 

You glanced back at Spock and mouthed an apology. He only nodded ever so slightly and continued his breakfast while coolly keeping your dog at bay with the heel of his foot. 

A fucking pro already. You chuckled at that. 

“And the ole girl?” 

You stifled a huff. You did not have time for old chit chat, as much as you loved the old vet. 

“She’s the same-Doctor Beltik I really-” you started but were cut off.

“I won’t keep ya long, lamb, I wanted to ask if your power went out last night. It was quite a storm-largest lightening strike we’ve seen since your ma was a wee thing! Darned thing lasted a long time, nearly blinded me! Not that I’m not already halfway there anyway.”

You paled a bit feeling the eggs churn in your belly. What if someone saw the crash or the ship? How foolish could you be to think anyone could really believe that that was lightening. The vet was a fossil and maybe a little silly, but anyone in their right mind-”

“Y/N?” the vet asked, “Ya still there?”

“Yes!” you sputtered, “It woke me up, but I didn’t have too much trouble going back to sleep. Bad weather is like white noise, y’know.”

“Did your power go out? All of downtown went black.”

Shit. 

“Wow, really? Uh-it did for a short time. Listen, doc-I’ve got biscuits in the oven-”

“That’s alright. Enjoy your Sunday, lamb!”

“Thankyou, Doctor Beltik.”

You hung up the phone and grumbled. You smoothed out your robe and turned around.

The table was empty. No spaceman. Spaghetti was sniffing at the back door after leaving a trail of drool from where Spock had sat to the doorframe. 

Great, just great. 

---

You were already half way out the door, tugging your rainboots when you spotted him at the tree line. 

“Spock!” you called, “What’re you doing?”

It had already began to sprinkle. You darted towards the tree line, the ache in your calves reminding you of the night before-both dragging and half carrying him. 

You nearly ran into him as he stopped so suddenly you had no time to slow down. He steadied you with a strong hand, fingers brushing the bare skin of your collar bone. Droplets of morning drizzled flecked his dark hair and you found yourself crooning your neck back to meet his gaze. 

“I must repair the ship,” he stated plainly, unmoved by your close proximity to him. 

You couldn’t speak. The pads of his fingers were warm at the base of your throat. You felt a chill run up the entirety of your body. 

“Breathe,” he commanded. 

You took in the damp morning air and felt your face go hot immediately. You hadn’t even realized you were holding your breath.

He let you go and you instinctively took a step back. Your brain was fuzzy. It kept shouting the same things over and over, as if arguing with itself. 

Friend. Predator. Stranger. Liver.  

You hated how tall he was. 

He turned curtly and began into the woods. You bumbled after him. 

“I hope no one saw the crash,” you informed him, shivering. “The vet over the phone saw the light from your ship and it knocked out the town’s power, not just my house last night!” 

“There was suitable cloud cover and I was able to move quietly under the detection of Earth’s authorities,” he replied, “Until the storm worsened. I was temporarily blinded and almost struck a metal structure- I believe it’s purpose is to provide the facilities to operate mobile communications.”

“You mean a cell tower?”

You stumbled over a root, sliding in the mud. You grabbed onto his sleeve without thinking. He locked his grip under your elbow and helped you along. You felt pathetic, but steadier. 

“Affirmative. Fortunately, I avoided it,” he explained, “But I was not so quick to avoid the trees up there.” 

He motioned with his hand and you saw the tops of the evergreens were indeed quite taken out. 

The ship loomed into view, sleek and colorless in design. It seemed smaller in the daytime. 

He stopped short of where the ramp used to be and pressed his fingers to the cool metal. The maw of the ship opened quietly and out streamed the light again. 

“The right side of the landing gear is damaged along with a small piece of the hull. Some of the infrastructure of the cargo bay has been warped,” he continued, still leading you carefully up the slick ramp. It’s almost like he knew how you had to crawl that night in order to keep from falling.

He was right. In the dark you had never seen it. Beams fashioned of the same white metal that crafted the cargo hold were indeed bent and some broken. One had been completely severed and was like a sharp pike. It sported a coat of dried green. 

You glanced at his right flank and back up at him. He did not acknowledge your expression of horror.

“What is unknown to me is how the sensors did not detect the cell tower.”

You realized he was still holding on to your elbow. 

“Maybe something was already broken?” you offered in a soft voice. 

He looked down at you and removed his hold. 

“I will investigate as I was not able to last evening,” he replied already starting up the ladder. “Then I must repair the ship and return to Vulcan.”

You followed after him carefully, not wanting to fall. “And how are you gonna do that? There’s not exactly many alien spaceship workshops around here.”

You poked your head through. The cockpit seemed to have the Tardis effect. Unlike the outside it seemed much bigger on the inside. Lines of soft light lined the elongated wind screen and the runway between seats. Spock was kneeling at the console. 

“Aboard each private Vulcan vessel are tools and minor parts for replacement. Although it will take me some time I should be able to repair it sufficiently to return me home.”

You ran your fingers gently along the railing along the bottom of the glass outlooking the forest. 

You finally registered what he had said and whipped around. 

“You can’t do that in the middle of the woods out here! Someone already noticed the ship’s light last night. Who knows that someone won’t come poking around here. You-” you sighed and rubbed your temples, “-you need somewhere to work.”

He stood, once again towering over you at too close distance. “I suppose you already have a space in mind?”

“Actually,” you tapped your finger against your lips, “I might. If it will fit. God willing.”

He eyes did not meet yours, but below. You didn’t realize it at first but his gaze was following your finger, right at your lips. You didn’t know if he knew it, but he had began to chew on his bottom lip. 

You felt heat blooming at your neck. 

“But-!” you interrupted your line of thinking, “I don’t think I can tow this thing with my truck. Can it fly anymore?”

He nodded, “That is something I can tend to now. Although it is still cloudy it might be preferrable if we perform this operation at night.”

“This thing already stands out like a sore thumb from the sky-I mean it’s straight chrome almost.”

Almost. Not nearly as silver. More delicate and duller. 

“Then I shall try now,” he said and rapidly moved back to the console, flipping switches and the like.

“Wait-wait-” you scrambled back to the ladder, “I don’t want to be on this thing when it moves.” 

You were already half way down when he murmured, 

“Humans. So peculiar.”

--

How it fit into your garage was nothing short of a miracle. You never kept the truck under there anyway. Most of your grandfather’s tools had been stuffed to the side. There’s used to be more vehicles,  but in your grandparents will you had been instructed to sell the car and boat to help you with your finances. You could sell the house if you wanted, but you didn’t. 

Not yet anyway. 

There was a large concrete pad in front of the double garage doors and you stood there in the raining morning, motioning with your hands for him to land there. From there on you guided him to slowly back in into place. It funnily reminded you of helping friends’ parents park at graduation. 

Instead of activating the ramp which if extended would destroy the stairs up into the rest of the house, he appeared from a sort of port hole near the back of the vessel. 

“This will do quite well, Y/N, thankyou,” he said.

You squeezed your arm and nodded. You looked up at the sound of Spaghetti scratching the basement door. 

“I-I need a shower,” you said, “Are you all set?”

“Affirmative.” 

He had already began to examine landing gear, having a sort of tool belt of sorts that resembled the ships lack of color and sleek design about his waist.

“I’ll be up stairs if you need anything. Just holler.”

“I will, pi’veh.”

You slipped out of your boots and left them at the base of the staircase. He glanced back at you as the creaking of your bare footsteps filled the room.

He turned back to his work, noting subconsciously that your nails were painted.

Peculiar indeed.

[billconrad]

If Aliens Arrive, Fiction Must Change

    We all enjoy fictional stories like Star Wars, Back to the Future, Harry Potter and Bridget Jones’s Diary. How amazing would it be to travel through time? Or wave a wand to make something appear? Fall in love with a beautiful person? Yes, please.

    Fiction is based on the possibility that something amazing could happen. In science fiction, this includes amazing technology such as warp drives, transporters, cloaking devices, time travel, holographic people, intelligent robots and phasor rifles. We accept that there are all kinds of baffling lifeforms could be possible, like Chewbacca, green blooded Spock, the half-robot Borg or the all-powerful Q.

    At the other spectrum are the characters like Superman who can fly, Iron man who has a nuclear reactor in his chest or Deadpool who cannot die. We also have the magic characters like Harry Potter. And then there are westerns, romance and mysteries. This wide spectrum of entertainment is quite enjoyable. But…

    Someday, an alien spaceship might land, and the aliens on board would have unimaginable knowledge. From that point forward, we would know what is possible and what is not. That will be an amazing day full of fantastic discoveries. Yet there is a big problem.

    It will be a bad day for fiction writers. Scientists have already proven that many technologies we interweave into fiction do not exist. Transports, time travel? Probably not. Amazing aliens? Biologists have clearly shown that evolution prefers basic lifeforms with practical features. Creatures with green blood, telepathy, X-ray vision? Never. Half-robot cyborg? Impractical. Heroes with super abilities? Nope. Magic spells? Definitely not. Today, we cling to the belief that these concepts are a tad out of reach. Just one more atom here or an extra watt of power there and POOF! Time travel exists. Magic? It certainly is possible. We just are not looking in the right places.

    The day after the aliens arrive, humans will face a stark reality. They will definitively prove the fictional concepts we cherish are incorrect. Readers and movie audiences will suddenly have to make significant changes, and beloved stories like Star Wars will instantly become outdated. Perhaps even racist (against our alien friends). The powerful image of Superman will be relegated to a silly children’s story. Magic? Yeah, right.

    What about Westerns? Surely aliens know nothing about the Texas panhandle or barbed wire. Heck, they probably have never even ridden a horse. Actually, they have had their western period and know stories that even famous western novelist Zane Grey could have never imagined. As a result, the existing western books would become outdated, and writers of additional works would have to adapt radically.

    Romance? Well, aliens would bring new ideas about love, biology, logic (how beings interact), and their own love stories. Like westerns, existing works would be outdated, and writers would have to adapt. Mysteries, young adult, adventure, humor, poetry, and thriller? It’s the same issue and the same outcome.

    It sounds like we need an example. Aliens land and reveal, “From our analysis, when humans fall in love, they give off radio signals. Using this simple receiver, you can tell when this occurs.” After that information becomes common knowledge, readers will expect to see this device in romance stories. Is this radio signal realistic? Who knows what is possible? Recall that Alexander Fleming found Penicillin in a moldy sample.

    Does this mean that all fiction writers are out of a job? Or will they have to make a considerable adaptation to the new facts? Our core strength has always been the ability to adapt. The likely outcome of an alien landing will be a renaissance of “earth fiction,” where fiction writers must adjust their “universe” to the correct reality.

    For example, Star Trek would get a reboot. The new stories would confirm the actual technology and habited alien worlds. We would ignore old shows except for their media historical value. Superhero stories would be limited to characters like Batman, a real person without superhuman abilities. It would take a much further leap for those diehard fans who must have superheroes, magic and science fiction. For example, Superman would only exist in a completely different universe (the multiverse).

    What about my books? Would they be relegated to the “not recommended classics.” Wow, that is a depressing thought. Perhaps fiction authors could attend a book/comic/DVD burning party the day after the alien’s land. Bummer.

    Yet, I would love to know how the universe works. Meeting lifeforms from other worlds? Yes, please. I guess this means I am torn about an alien landing. Alright, truth. I worked hard to create my books. Hey, aliens. Stay away from earth!!!

    You’re the best -Bill

    December 02, 2023

    Hey book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:

    Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.

    Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.

    Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.

    Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.

    These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.

[specialagentartemis]

ITPE: Dear podficcer letter

Hello! I am specialagentartemis here on tumblr, and ArtemisTheHuntress on AO3. I participated in ITPE last year, and it was a lot of fun! I look forward to this year’s too.

I give BLANKET PODFIC PERMISSION for my fic for the purposes of ITPE—you don’t need to ask for that.

I will appreciate whatever you make and look forward to it! Thank you! Here are some prompts and suggestions for diving into the fic options:

General likes: Filk and poetry; soundscaping, sound effects, and music in podfics (obviously not necessary! But if you are into that, feel free to go wild); worldbuilding; epistolary and found-footage; languages and multilingualism, especially if you give the other-language pronunciation your all; adventure, angst, whump, comedy, or character study; academia, study, and science; asexual and aromantic interpretations of characters; non-romantic intimacy and varied relationship types

General dislikes: Modern AUs; ship-focused fics; character x reader; kissing or eating sounds

Do Not Want: explicit sex; broken bones. (Most types of injury are okay! I like whump! I’m just easily squicked by descriptions of broken bones, ESPECIALLY if there’s audio associated)

———

For media-specific prompts:

The Murderbot Diaries: I love pretty much all the characters, and I don’t think there are any characters I wouldn’t want to hear about! Favorites are Murderbot, Three, Pin-Lee, Mensah, Indah, and Human One, but I mean it that I like everyone. One particular thing I like a lot is FlipSpring’s Pod AU and the spinoffs people have written of it, and I think it would be super funny to podfic it if that’s something you’re into. Podpod. (DNW: any romantic or shippy fics with Murderbot.)

Wolf 359: I love the Hephaestus crew! Both Hephaestus crews! Minkowski and her crew! Lovelace and her crew! The Hermes crew too! I am less interested in SI-5 (Kepler, Jacobi, and Maxwell) and would prefer they not be the focus. Minkowski & Eiffel, Minkowski & Lovelace or Minkowski/Lovelace, Eiffel & Hera, Lovelace & Lambert are some of the relationships most interesting and appealing to me. (DNW: romantic Hera/Eiffel. I’m just not really into their relationship that way.)

Danny Phantom: I admit I’m kind of picky about DP fanfiction, but I love absolutely everything phantomrose96 writes. I’m most interested in Danny’s relationship with his parents, with Valerie, with Jazz, and with Sam & Tucker. Vlad is cool but I feel mixed on a lot of Badger Cereal work or Vlad-focused fic… though the Maddie-Jack-Vlad college trio IS compelling to me. Really, I like when Maddie and Jack really do love Danny and would never want to hurt him… but they are scientifically compelled to catch, study, and possibly vivisect Phantom. Where Danny is torn between his love for and fear of his parents. I don’t really want Maddie and Jack to be straight up Terrible Parents, but I’m interested in how their flaws and blind spots are hurting their son without them realizing it, and Danny struggling with that. That’s one of the most interesting parts to me. I also like when Lancer is a supportive figure in Danny’s life. And when Sam, Tucker, and Valerie get to be characters with personalities in their own right. Adventure, ghost biology, blood blossoms stuff, ghost zone stuff, all of that is fun and good too. (DNW: DPxDC crossovers. Fics where someone else adopts Danny or he’s secretly someone else’s son.)

Star Trek TOS: I am delighted by and fond of the whole main cast. I like Kirk/Spock fine and have a soft spot for Sulu/Chekov and am happy if that’s present but would prefer a fic that’s not focused on a ship. I like the adventure, aliens, and weird space stuff that is TOS’s bread and butter. More serious stuff about Tarsus IV also good. I like Uhura getting the chance to be cool and Spock having Issues. (DNW: fics that also take from the AOS movies.)

Star Trek DS9: Kira is my Favorite. Kira, Bajorans, the Resistance, Kira’s relationship with all of that, yessss my fave. I also love Odo. I prefer Kira and Odo’s relationship to be platonic. Kira and Damar are also super interesting. Kira and Sisko have an underratedly interesting relationship too. Sisko and Jake, Jake and Nog, Keiko getting to do science and be interesting, Bajoran religion, Bajoran-Federation politics, and baseball are all also themes I like. Again, this is an “I like the whole main cast” situation. I don’t have anything against Garak/Bashir, I like them, but would prefer they not be a major focus for this ITPE.

Severance: TBH there’s so little fic out there the pickings are slim but HELLY R. MY GIRL HELLY. Love herrrrrr. I like Mark a lot too but tbh am not into their romance (are u seeing a theme here lol)

ars PARADOXICA: Sally Grissom my loveeee. Crossovers with other podcasts are also cool.

———

My Offers: Generally pretty open to most stuff rated T or lower. I AM happy to offer The Murderbot Diaries podfic I just forgot to add that as I was going through all the less-requested sign-up summary list!

I would prefer not to be matched on Wolf 359 where the requester wants a Hera/Eiffel fic. I wouldn’t really have fun making that. The same for people requesting The Murderbot Diaries ship-fics. I don’t really want to be matched on DPxDC Danny Phantom crossovers. If matching on Original Work, I’d prefer a request for something sci-fi or fantasy.

[lamelycool]

Annoy Me

Spock x Reader

A/n: this is my first fanfic so go easy on me. Just thought there needed to be more Spock fics out there! Also this isn't a specific version of Spock I just liked this gif. Also the reader is a wee bit bratty and of a southern persuasion just a warning.

Summary: You can't help but to love hitting on Spock. Much to his annoyance. Anyday now he'll airlock you. And if not him then space hr would surely. But he comes to realize he looks forward to your teasing and even encourages it. The only thing is that it takes you dying for him to realize :(

Warnings: fem reader, angst, fluff, flirting, character death?, blood, injury, drowning, throwing up.

"Whats up hot stuff, what do ya need?" You say laying your pad down with an easy going grin. After all you can't help but to smile, it is a pleasant surprise that is Spock standing in your doorway.

Spock quirks a brow up, "I am neither an item nor is my temperature high." Crossing the threashold he stops about five feet in front of you. But even that is too close and brings butterflies to your belly, jitters to your hands, and makes your cheeks feel flush.

"Of course of course. Anyways, what's up?" You respond quickly to distract from your flustered feelings.

"I am here to remind you of the away mission scheduled today." He says stoicly, hands pressed firmly behind his back.

"Away mission? Today? I don't remember being told about this..."

"You were messaged about this an hour and fifteen minutes ago." Spock furrows his brow slightly. Had you really been so careless as to not see the message? Or had you read it and forgotten. Spock isn't sure which is more irresponsible. He finds it odd for you to do so. You are normally very hardworking and punctual.

"Oh... I must have over looked it. Not that I'm complaining. I got an excuse to see you." Your eyes scan him from head to toe suggestive yet filled with jest. "After all your company is always more than welcome. But uh could you summarize the mission for me? Since you're already here and all?"

"It is a standard mission. Simply a small away team to the surface of the planet to gather samples and scout the area."

"Yes I will be on the away team. There will also be two other science officers, three security officers, Dr. McCoy, and yourself. Does that satisfy all of your inquiries?" Spock states with the slightest hint of exasperation.

"Nothings simple or standard when it comes to away missions on the Enterprise..." You mutter under your breath.

"Oh also, who all is on the away team? And more importantly will I have the pleasure of you accompanying?" Oddly enough you finding yourself hoping he will be. When had your teases and jokes turned into genuine feelings? You can't help but to wonder...

"Yes it does, thank you very much! You're a lifesaver." You beam at Spock.

"I fail to see how my summarizing of an away mission is saving lives." He dead pans.

He finds himself thinking, ' Why am I dragging this conversation out further? She obviously did not mean her statement in a literal sense. I'm only encouraging her teasing. I must meditate on this later.'

"I look forward to seeing you then." You say genuinely. The only statement you've said so far that wasn't paired with a joke, jest, or tease.

Spock responds only with a curtious yet stiff nod. And with arms tucked behind his back he leaves with a whoosh of the door behind him.

You breathe easy now that he's gone. It's not that he intimidates you. Well... At least not in a bad way- You just don't know how to behave around him. He makes you forget how to act. Around him you feel like a young dumb girl again.

'Snap out of it, we got a job to do!' You think with a sigh and check your messages. You must prepare for the impromptu away mission.

~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•

"How much longer are we going to be scanning this area?" You ask Spock. You guys had been walking around and scanning for hours now. And you were quickly losing patience. How many unique plants could possibly be on this ice chunk of a planet?

"As I said two times previously only a moment longer." Spock sighs out continuing to scan the evergreen plant in front of him. He had long given up on acting like your whining was anything but annoying.

"Pphff it's too cold! Please hurry up before I lose my limbs to frostbite." You plead to him while shivering.

"I assure you that you still have at least 2.34 hours until serious frostbite would be a concern. As well as the fact complaining will not change that you are cold." Spock barely spares you a glance as he continues moving from plant to plant and scanning some rocks.

"Mr. Spockk I know you are a hotty, but how are you not even the least bit cold right now? The temperature on this planet is ridiculous!" You whine arms crossed like a petulant child.

"I never said I was not cold. I simply have control of my body and can handle it. It is an issue of the mind over matter." Spock calmy states and stands brushing the snow off his pants.

"Now come on, let us begin to our rendezvous point." Spock orders you already walking ahead.

"Hey wait up! Not everybody has pretty long legs like you do you know!" You scurry to catch up to him and luckily he is kind enough to slow his gait for you.

"My legs are not long they are proportional to my body." He says ears flush a twinge of green.

After that comment a silence falls between you two. Only the sound of crunching snow and howling wind can be heard. Said wind is whats responsible for the low visability. You have to be careful to watch your step. Because it's nearly impossible to see much further than a couple feet ahead of you.

'This is going to be a long trek back,' you think with a sigh.

~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•~°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~

You finally reach the point where snow meets ice and sigh out a puff of air. Definitely not looking forward to crossing the frozen sea again. Just looking at it gives you the creeps. Despite the fact the ice is thick you can still see the murky black nothingness of the waters below. There's no telling what lurks beneath either.

"Uh Mr. Spock is there any life on this planet we should be worried about?" You anxiously inquire.

Spock pauses for a moment then responds carefully, "There is a possibility of dangerous alien life yes. I will not tell you otherwise. Information on this planet is rather limited at this moment."

"Oh... Okay. " You can't help but feel a wave of dread flow over you as you continue to look at the murky sea below you. You can't wait for this trek to end.

Spock glances over his shoulder at you. You look... uncomfortable. For some reason this bothers him. "We are almost to extraction. Also allow me to remind you we are equipped with phasers. "

"Oh trust me I have not forgotten about my phaser..." You mutter tracing the phaser on your hip attempting to soothe your increasing anxiety. Spock only nods in response not pushing the matter.

~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•~°~•°~•°~•°~•°~•°~

Spock in a daze scrambles for his phaser. Fumbling with the settings he changes it from stun to kill. Not sparing a moment he locks on to the beast in a burning rage and continuously pulls the trigger. Giving it no chance of getting up. The beams hit the beast in rapid succession and it collapses in a heap dead.

You and Spock continue the long walk in silence quickly nearing your extraction point. Despite this your anxiety hasn't eased. In fact your heart is now racing. Your eyes pry away from the icy ground to glance around trying to clam down. But what you see scares you shitless.

"Spock! Look out!" A massive mangy beast akin to apolar bear with a set of knarly horns charges towards Spock. There's no time to grasp for your phaser. So you quickly push Spock out of the way. The beast collides with you instead ramming into you with the might of a freight train. It knocks the breath out of you. Narrowly misses lodging deep into your abdomen only slicing your sides. Your body is thrown across the ice and the beast immediately charges at you to continue the assault.

Urgently he speaks, "Bones! There has been an accident. My partner has been hurt and is under the ice we will need immediate medical attention." Spock commands urgently.

All Spock can think about is you.

"Ensign? Ensign?!" Spock looks around frantically. A chill runs down his spine once he sees a hole in the ice. He rushes to the hole and hits his com badge.

"What did you say!? Shes hurt? What do you mean under the ice? Whats going on Spock, what happened?! You green blooded hobgoblin expl-" Spock cuts off his com. He rips off his jacket and dives in the water hoping to find you before it is too late.

He swims down quickly and begins feeling around blindly for you. He searches frantically until his lungs begin to burn begging for air. Only then is when he finally latches on to an arm. Without a second to spare he drags you to the surface with him and heaves you guys back onto the ice.

"Ensign? Can you hear me? Stay with me!" Spock begs brushing your hair out from in front of your face. He lays his head against your chest to hear for a heartbeat. He listens closely for any sign of life. Spock begins to feel sick to his stomach when cannot find any and begins to panic.

"I implore you to please breathe. Please..." He begins cpr while his thoughts race. He cannot simply let you die like this. He cannot.

"Please do not do this. I do not give you permission to die. You should have never been so reckless as to do this! You are human and fragile. It was stupid! I could have taken the damage much easier-" he cuts himself off by giving you mouth to mouth resuscitation.

Not long after he started to try and breathe life into you do you jolt up and twist to the side to spew out dark water. The slightly acid water burns and hurts about as much as it did when you first gulped it in.

Spock let's out a chocked gasp of relief and worry. He moves closer and rubs your back through all of your heaving while speaking gently to you. You can only make out bit and pieces of what he says. Mummurs of reassurance and comfort. And whether it's more for you or him is debatable.

When you are done gagging up water you cough out to him, "if you wwantedd tto kiss mme you coulve jus saidd so." Shivering violently you let out a breathless laugh you say, "II'd ddrown more offten if I knew II'd gget a kiss ffrom yyou. Mmakes it worthh iit."

Spock allows a small laugh of suprise to slip from his lips as he wraps you in his discarded jacket. He begins to massage feeling back into your frozen hands. "No, please refrain from doing such a reckless thing. I will kiss you as much as you wish without such an action." He begins to apply pressure to your wound with his unoccupied hand. You wouldn't die today and he'd still have to listen to your teasing and deal with your flirting. But he's grateful and he would have it no other way.

A/n: hope you enjoyed the fic! If you have any suggestions or criticism feel free to leave a comment. I'm very much a noob to fanfic writing especially on tumblr. Thanks for reading!

[anonymousewrites]

Logos and Pathos (Book 4) Chapter Three

TOS! Spock x Empath! Spouse! Reader

Chapter Three: Intruder Request

Summary: The Ilia-Probe comes aboard, and the Enterprise tries a unique tactic. Spock takes matters into his own hands.

            Ilia’s face stared out at the shocked group. Spock raised a brow. (Y/N) furrowed their own. They felt only very slight emotion coming from Ilia where they had sensed a normal amount before she had—This was not Ilia as completely herself.

            “You are the Kirk-Unit.” She looked at Kirk evenly. “You will assist me.” Her voice was flat, mechanical. “I’ve been programmed by V’Ger to observe and record the normal functions of the carbon-based units infesting the U.S.S. Enterprise.”

            Once again, only a true acknowledgement of the machines, the computers. This “V’Ger” must not be carbon-based. Interesting. (Y/N) tilted their head as they watched Ilia.

            She stepped out of the sonic shower, dressed in a plain white dress. A red glowing bulb sat at her neck, another robotic piece of the puzzle.

            “Bones, tricorder,” said Kirk. Bones nodded while Kirk stepped forward. “Who is V’Ger?”

            “V’Ger is that which programmed me,” said Ilia.

            “Is V’Ger the name of the captain of the alien vessel?” asked Kirk.

            “Jim, this is a mechanism,” said Bones, looking up from his tricorder.

            “A probe, Captain,” said Spock. He looked at the red glass. “No doubt a sensor-transceiver combination recording everything we say and do.”

            “Where is Lieutenant Ilia?” questioned Kirk of the probe.

            “That unit no longer functions,” said the probe.

            (Y/N)’s gaze went to the ground in a moment of morning before they looked back.

            “I’ve been given its form to more readily communicate with the carbon-based units infesting Enterprise,” said the probe.

            “(L/N)?” said Kirk, glancing at them.

            “Very few emotions to sense, Captain,” said (Y/N). “Barely anything. No signs of deception within those, though.”

            “Carbon-based units?” said the security guard.

            “Humans,” said Bones. “Vulcans. Celians. Us.”

            “Why does V’Ger travel to the third planet of the solar system directly ahead?” asked Kirk.

            “To find the Creator,” replied the probe.

            Hm. (Y/N) exchanged an interested glance with Spock.

            “To find the Creator?” repeated Kirk. “Whose…What does V’Ger want with the Creator?”

            “To join with him,” said the probe.

            “To join with the Creator how?” said (Y/N).

            “V’Ger and the Creator will become one,” said the probe unhelpfully.

            “And who is the Creator?” said Spock, attempting another line of questioning.

            “The Creator is that which created V’Ger,” said the probe.

            That clears that up, thought (Y/N) with a sigh. “Who is V’Ger?” they tried.

            “V’Ger is that which seeks the Creator,” said the probe matter-of-factly. Then, it turned and straightened even further. “I am ready to commence my observations.”

            “Doctor, a thorough examination of this probe might provide some insight into those who manufactured it and how to deal with them,” said Spock.

            “Non-invasive,” said (Y/N). “To hurt the probe would be an affront to a vessel that can destroy us.”

            “Oh, god, you talk like him now,” groaned Bones.

            “I do my job,” said (Y/N), smiling at him.

            Spock rather liked when they got efficient and logical. He loved them as they were, but there was something especially attractive when they were so engrossed in their job and just perfect at it. (Vulcans had interesting turn-ons in partners, not that most would admit it).

            “Ilia-Unit, uh, Probe, would you accompany our doctor to Sickbay?” said (Y/N).

            “I am programmed to observe and record only the normal functioning of the carbon-based units,” said the probe.

            “The examination is a normal function,” said (Y/N). “We undergo them regularly for our health.”

            “You may proceed,” said the probe to Bones, and when he stepped to the door, it followed.

            “I’m glad we have you, (L/N),” said Kirk.

            “Starfleet asked for me for my expertise for a reason,” said (Y/N), smiling.

            “You are the only true expert,” said Spock.

            “Spock, I thought you didn’t lie,” said (Y/N), chuckling.

            “I don’t think he believes it could be a lie,” said Kirk, cracking a small smile.

            Spock didn’t dignify that with a response. He loved his spouse. He would never lie about what he thought of them—the fact that it was all positive notwithstanding.

l

            The probe lay staring blankly up at the machine as it scanned. Bones examined the reports of the machine, and Spock, (Y/N), and Kirk awaited his information.

            “Micro-miniature hydraulics,” said Bones. “Sensors, and molecular-sized multi-processor chips.”

            The doors of Sickbay slid opened, and Decker stepped in. Instantly, the room filled with anger and shock as he saw Ilia’s face on the probe. He looked like he was going to speak, but his shoulders dropped mournfully, sadness overtaking his surprise. Decker remained silent as he stood to watch the report continue. He hadn’t expected the probe to wear the woman he obviously loved’s face—(Y/N) always knew these things—but he had the sense to try to remain calm.

            “And take a look at this,” said Bones. “An osmotic micro-pump. The smallest body functions are exactly duplicated. Every endocrine system is the same, too. Even eye moisture.”

            Decker gazed down at the probe, and its head turned to see him. (Y/N) started as the probe’s hair raised and its lips parted upon seeing him.

            “Decker.”

            More emotion than (Y/N) had felt so far in the probe emanated from her with that one word; with it, (Y/N) understood for certain that something was left of Ilia within the perfect mechanical replication.

            “Fascinating. Not ‘Decker-Unit?’ ” observed Spock.

            “She felt something more than a blank baseline when she saw him,” said (Y/N) softly.

            “She? You think—”

            (Y/N) nodded in response to Kirk. “A perfect replica, feelings and everything.”

            “A machine with emotions?” said Bones.

            “Why not?” said (Y/N). They’d seen stranger. Besides, emotions hardly followed logic. Why couldn’t a probe made with the heart of woman who loved someone retain some of that? The world had created more miracles than that. Love was a magical thing, after all.

            “Gentlemen,” said Kirk, drawing the group aside. “Will.” He caught Decker’s attention and drew him into the hall. Better to have the rest of this discussion without the probe overhearing.

            “What happened to her?” said Decker, grief evident in his voice even as he attempted to keep himself level-headed.

            He does have the makings of a great captain, thought (Y/N) approvingly.

            “Captain, this probe may be our only key to the aliens,” said Spock.

            “Probe? Ilia is the probe?” said Decker.

            “Exactly. It is a programmed mechanism, Commander,” said Spock. “Its body duplicates our navigator in precise detail.”

            “But beneath that programming, Ilia’s real memories and…self are in some way copied, too,” said (Y/N). “They created a perfect copy, and that means she has the same…feelings she had when alive when she looks at you. There aren’t any feelings to truly sense in the probe—which, in itself, is strange since it’s a machine—but she does feel more when she sees you.”

            “Ilia’s memory, her feelings of loyalty, friendship, might all be there,” said Kirk.

            “Evidently,” said Spock. A long time ago he wouldn’t believe it. This was a machine, after all. But it made complete sense, and he had seen the power of emotions, the heart, and memory time and time again. His spouse was powerful due to those illogical notions. He would never discount them.

            “You had a relationship with Lieutenant Ilia, Commander Decker—” upon seeing Decker’s eyes widen, (Y/N) smiled ruefully “—Your emotions upon losing her showed that clearly.”

            “Well-Yes-But that probe, in another form, killed Ilia!” said Decker.

            “Commander,” said Kirk. “Will. We’re locked in an alien vessel, six hours from Earth’s orbit. Our only contact with our captor is that probe. If we could control it, persuade it, use it—even just get more information—”

            Crack!

            They all jumped as the wall was torn open. Calmly, the probe stepped through as if it hadn’t broken through a metal wall without a problem.

            “I have recorded enough here,” it said, monotone once more. “You will now assist me further.”

            Kirk glanced at (Y/N), and they stepped forward. “The Decker-Unit will assist you with greater efficiency,” said (Y/N).

            The probe’s gaze lowered with true confusion, and she—this felt like Ilia once more—looked at Decker. He gazed back at Ilia’s face with a tiny smile. He was angry at the probe for what it had done to her, but when he saw her face, he couldn’t help but soften slightly. Such was the case for those with a heart.

            “You have your assignment, Commander,” said Kirk.

            “Aye, sir,” said Decker.

            The probe stepped to the door, and it opened. The probe walked out, and Decker followed, letting the door close behind them.

            “I am concerned with that being our only source of information,” said Spock, lacing his hands behind his back.

            “Well, what else can we do?” said Kirk.

            Spock just looked at the door again. (Y/N) frowned as they felt something course through their marriage bond, a sense of resolution within worry. They glanced at their husband with a furrowed brow.

l

            Kirk and (Y/N) sat forward in their chairs as they watched the security monitors. On the screen, Decker was giving the probe a tour of the Enterprise, answering questions as they went. He was careful not to reveal anything sensitive or important for their defensive position, but the probe appeared satisfied with each answer it was given.

            Bones entered and looked at the screen. “How is it going?”

            “He’s sitting the probe down for chess,” said (Y/N). “It’s likely something he and Ilia did together. Good. That will prompt more memories.” They nodded approvingly.

            “An audio-visual association,” agreed Bones.

            On the screen, Decker and Ilia gazed at one another—more and more of Ilia was breaking through. For a moment, her brow creased, and her expression turned oh-so gentle. Then it hardened, turning unreadable. The probe turned away.

            (Y/N) frowned. “The programming is hard to overcome, it seems.”

            “Why does Enterprise required the presence of carbon units?” asked the probe, the camera following it as it walked around the recreation room.

            “Enterprise would be unable to function without carbon units,” said Decker.

            “More data concerning this functioning is necessary before carbon units can be patterned for data storage,” said the probe.

            “That doesn’t sound good,” said (Y/N), frowning.

            “What an understatement,” said Bones.

            “What does that mean?” said Decker on the screen.

            “When my examination is complete, all carbon units will be reduced to data patterns,” said the probe.

            “Definitely not good,” said Kirk grimacing.

            “Not good? That’s beyond that,” said Bones, waving a hand.

            “Within you are the memory patterns of a certain carbon unit,” said Decker, stepping forwards towards the probe. “If I can help you revive those patterns, you could understand our functions better.”

            “That is logical. You may proceed,” said the probe.

            “Spock would be proud of that statement,” said Bones wryly. He paused. “Speaking of, where is the pointy-eared man of logic?”

            “He said he wanted to work on attempting more scans of the alien ship,” said Kirk. “To get more information.”

            (Y/N) paused. “That’s what he said?”

            “Yes,” said Kirk.

            (Y/N) felt their stomach flip over worriedly. “Spock knows that there is no way through the shields reflecting our scans back,” they said slowly.

            “He thinks we could make contact in some way,” said Kirk.

            (Y/N) stood. “Then that means he’s doing something stupid and dangerous.”

            The comms beeped the moment they spoke. “Bridge to Captain,” said Chekov.

            “Kirk here,” said Kirk.

            “Captain, airlock four has opened.”

            Bones looked at (Y/N). “Would that be the stupid and dangerous thing Spock does?”

            (Y/N) gritted their teeth. “That is absolutely something my husband would do.”

            Wasting no time, they opened the door and darted to the elevator. Kirk was quick on their heels.

l

            “Captain,” said Chekov as Kirk and (Y/N) entered the Bridge.

            “Situation report,” said Kirk.

            “Starfleet communication growing in strength,” said Uhura. “They still have the intruder on their monitors. It’s decelerating.”

            Kirk nodded, and (Y/N) looked at Chekov. “What’s happening with the airlock?”

            “It was opened, and a thruster suit has now been reported missing,” said Chekov.

            “That’s Spock,” said (Y/N), groaning. Their husband was in huge trouble when he got back for causing them this much worry.

            “Bring him back here,” said Kirk. He paused. “Wait. Get a fix on his position.”

            “Aye, sir,” said Chekov.

            Kirk looked guiltily at (Y/N). “We can get good information?”

            “Captain, I am respecting your decision as captain. It’s a good one, tactical,” said (Y/N). They smiled sweetly. “But you two are both in trouble once this mission is over, understood?”

            Kirk coughed. “Understood.”

            (Y/N) looked at the viewscreen as Spock came into view from the cameras. He floated towards the closer aperture of the inner workings of the vessel. Their heart twisted, and (Y/N) held their hands together. They closed their eyes and focused on the bond with Spock. Be safe, they thought, sending the feeling of warmth to him. They couldn’t support him much this far away, but their heart was always with him.

            They felt the same warmth filter back through the marriage bond to them, and (Y/N) relaxed. No sooner did they calm then the thruster suit ignited and send Spock shooting towards the vessel. Instantly, all of (Y/N)’s anxieties returned.

            Spock disappeared into the aperture—small enough to fit—and disappeared from view. All (Y/N) could do was cling onto the bond to monitor Spock’s health. For a moment, it felt calm, then curious. And then (Y/N)’s entire body felt a shock of pain so intense they doubled over.

            “Spock!” they gasped out, eyes widening in horror. “Kirk—”

            “Chekov, have a thruster suit waiting for me,” said Kirk. He knelt next to (Y/N). “I’m going to get him, (Y/N).”

            “Please,” whispered (Y/N). They needed Spock to be safe.

Taglist:

@a-ofzest

@grippleback-galaxy

@genderfluid-anime-goth

@groovy-lady

@im-making-an-effort

@unending-screaming

@h-l-vlovesvintage

@neenieweenie

@keylimeconstellation

@wormwig

@technikerin23

@ilyatan

@nthdarkqueen

@kyalov

@starlit-cass

@rookietrek

@gingertimelord

@snowy-violet

@jaguarthecat

[companionjones]

Lover/Awoken

Pairing: Spock x Reader

Fandom: Star Trek (Kelvin Timeline)

Summary: While saving the children of an alien species, you are injected with a toxin that causes immense pain. What will be Spock’s reaction to this?

Warnings: Pain, almost-death

*******

    “Just do it!”

    Scotty beamed you back, causing you to feel like you were hit by a starship.

    “--y would you do that?!” Bones had practically caught you when you showed up in the beam room. He was yelling at Kirk, as always. “You should never beam someone wen that kind of toxins been introduced to their system!”

    “S-Sp--” You tried to ask about your lover, but the words wouldn’t come out.

    Bones just nodded. He knew what you were trying to say. “Spock’s on his way. He just got back, too.”

    “I am right here, my love,” your partner suddenly appeared and knelt next to you. He took over from Bones in holding you.

    Your brow furrowed at the term of endearment. Then, with another stabbing pain, you realised you must’ve been worse off than you thought. “Spock, it...it hurts,” you gritted as you leaned into him.

    “I know, baby. It-It is going to be okay.”

    “Baby. Hmm. I must be dying,” you thought.

    Spock and Bones blurred as you drifted from consciousness.

***

    “Spock. I think they’re waking up.”

    There was the sound of frantic rustling as the world came back into focus. The first thing you saw when you opened your eyes was your half-Vulcan. A quick glance at and behind him revealed that he had probably been sleeping when Kirk told him of your waking.

    “How long have I been out?” you asked.

    Spock answered. “...Two days.”

    “I’ll give you two some privacy,” offered the captain.

    If you knew Spock, he would’ve forgotten to eat while waiting for you. It occurred to you that Kirk probably took care of Spock as much as he could while you were sleeping.

    “Jim,” you called after him, getting him to turn around. “Thank you,” you told him.

    Smiling, he nodded, “No problem,” and left.

    “Are the children of the species okay?” you immediately asked Spock.

    He nodded. He was sitting on the side of your bed, holding your hand and brushing his thumb over the back of it. “Yes. We were able to neutralise the toxin. There should be no more casualties.”

    You nodded in return, then pulled your hand from his to place it on your cheek. “You haven’t shaved.”

    A smile flashed across his face. “Yes. As I am sure you understand, I was indisposed. I could go now and--”

    “No, wait. I like it,” you stopped him to say.

    There was no mistaking the smirk on Spock’s lips then. “I missed you very much,” he stated simply.

    “And I you, S’chnn,” you replied with all the sincerity that you had. You took his face in your hands brought him close to you so you could kiss your lover for the first time since you had awoken, but certainly not the last time that day.

*******

Author’s Note: Thank you for reading! Fill up that heart and reblog if you liked it! I would also really appreciate a comment, if you have the time. If you would like to read more, check out my masterlist. Have a nice day, night, or whatever time it is for you! <3 <3 <3

[crazyk-imagine]

Leadership and Mended Relationships

Pairing: Leonard “Bones” McCoy x Ex-Captain! reader Characters:  Leonard “Bones” McCoy, Ex-Captain! reader, James T. Kirk, Spock Warnings: Fake aliens, bad alien biology (author created), mentions of crew mates dying or being dead, Kirk and reader interactions, Kirk and Bones interactions, classic Spock behavior, fighting, mentions of stabbing Word Count: 3,357

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You sigh, staring up at the sky as you think about everything that’s happened to lead to this moment; you in a tree, so your friends don’t harm you. 

Can you even call them friends if they’re constantly trying to kill you? 

You shrug off the idea and return your focus onto nothing and stare at the sky with an empty head, no thoughts running around. 

It’s almost… peaceful, even if there are times where you wish you still had someone to talk to. 

-

The annoying whispers of people below you, draw your attention onto them. 

They clearly don’t know who resides on this planet now and certainly won’t know how to protect themselves. 

You sigh and climb down from the tree branch. You stand behind the two. “Would you two shut up?” 

The blond male raises his phaser, aiming it at you. 

He looks familiar but you can’t focus on that. “What are you two doing here?” 

The two men glance at one another, each with a raised brow. “Where’s your ship? I need to get you two out of here.” 

The darker haired one furrows his brows, unable to tell if you’re being honest or not. “How do we know we can trust you?” 

‘That voice is familiar?’ You roll your eyes, shaking your head. ‘Absolute idiots.’ “Those things you’re hiding from, are infected with an unknown disease. They were once people I knew but now, they will severely harm anyone that gets in their way. Now, I’ll ask you again, do you want to live?” 

“Which way.” The captain interrupts before the darker haired man could interject. 

“Good.” You jerk your head to the side, “follow me.” As you slowly move away, you listen to their complaints and sketchy attitude towards you. 

-

“I don’t think this is a good idea.” 

James glances back towards you, rushing ahead of Leonard. “Yeah, well, we don’t have a lot of other options, huh.” 

“How do we know we can trust her?” 

He stops, barely having enough time to keep distance between you and him. The lighter haired man turns around to face his friend and loyal shipmate with a questioning look. “Do you see anyone else willing to help us?” 

You shush the two, not wanting either of them to draw anyone closer. 

The man in blue continues to make unhelpful comments. 

You can’t take it anymore and decide to do the only thing you can and cover his mouth with your hand, needing him to shut up. “You need to shut up, okay?” 

Your gaze travels up from his hand, leaving you to stare into his eyes. “If you don’t, you two will not make it out alive. Do you understand?” ‘These eyes…’ 

A vulcan runs through the bush blocking you three from the rogues. “There seems to be a tribe of- oh. Hello.” 

“Both of you keep,” you stare at the two who seem to be the most compliable. “’complains too much’ quiet and stay here. Do. Not. Move.” 

-

You push the push aside, needing to see where they are and come up with a plan. You turn back, glancing over your shoulder, “when I say run. You run.” 

“Wait,” the captain begins to argue. 

You shush him, “don’t speak another word. Do as I say when I tell you to, okay?” 

The captain sees the fire in your eyes and nods. 

You run forward heading towards a tree, knowing it’s your only means of safety. 

-

James glances over at his buddy. “Are you happy, Bones? Our one chance of survival just ran away.” 

“Shut up, Kirk.” 

-

You jump down onto the first one that moves closer, tackling it to the ground. 

You two battle with one another, struggling to dodge the punches coming your way, only to succeed when you punch it in the nose and it proceeds to fall to the ground, no longer moving. 

Your head snaps up as two others stomp, rushing towards you. 

You pull out your handmade dagger, swiping at the closest one. 

It lets out a shriek, holding its arm as if it’s in pain. 

“Run!” 

-

None of them could move. 

Spock tries to get you to move but neither of them listen as he tries to persuade them away from here. 

The other rogue comes up behind you, wrapping their arms around your waist, pulling you into their grasp. 

The two of you struggle before you manage to get the upper hand, thrusting your elbow up, hitting its nose. 

There’s one thing you’ve come to realize and won’t hesitate to teach the others, wanting to save lives. Maybe make up for the lives you saw lost today. 

The rogue that got away from you shrieks, most likely upset that its two companions are now dead. It isn’t much of a fight between the two of you once you get the upper hand. 

-

You take a deep breath, holding your side at the sharp pain that comes with every breath you take. ‘Slowly inhale. Exhale.’ 

You push the bushes aside, showing the three your tired expression. “Now,” you huff. “I ask again, where’s your ship?” 

“Why do you want to know so badly?” James asks you. 

Leonard chimes in before you can answer. “What did you do to those-” 

“Rogues. Can I get a captain, a doctor, and a Vulcan back to their ship because that’d be great.” 

“And what of you?” Spock asks. 

You shrug, “whatever you see fit.” 

“I don’t believe I understand the term “you see fit”. There is no reason to see why things are fit. Are you referring to your camouflage attire?” 

The three males have been unable to see your face this entire time, but you simply answer his question with a stare. 

“Call your crew. They’ve waited long enough. I want to get you out of here. The longer you stay here, the more at risk you all are at becoming a rogue.” 

“Is that what happened to you and your crew?” The captain asks. 

You sigh through your nose, “yes.” 

Leonard grits his teeth. “We can’t contact our crew.” 

You pinch the bridge of your nose, “what’s the last thing you remember seeing before being chased over here?” 

“It was really colorful.” 

“Well, isn’t that helpful. Can any of you tell me something else? Something distinct?” 

“We were near a camp or what looked like an abandoned campsite,” the dark-haired man chimes in. 

“Oh.” Your voice doesn’t come out as comforting as they could have hoped. 

“You know where it is?” The captain asks, surprised by your answer. 

“Yes,” you say, with a sigh. “Get up, it’s time to start walking.” 

“How do you know there aren’t going to be anymore coming after us?” 

You take a deep breath. “Those three were the last of my crew.” 

“Who are you?” The Vulcan asks. 

“Someone trying to help you. Now you can either sit here with a high risk of being infected or you can follow and be quiet while I get you out of here safely.” 

“Why’re you talking like you’re never getting out of here?” James asks. 

“I never thought it was going to happen... still don’t. I also don’t expect you to invite me aboard. You have a crew to protect and look out for. I understand.” 

“You went through the same thing.” 

“… look at where that got me.” 

“I’m sure you did everything you could.” 

“It wasn’t enough.” 

“You seem like the kind of person who would do everything they could to protect those they care about and, in some cases, even complete strangers.” 

“Is this how you get girls into your bed?” 

“Well- not mine- but- that doesn’t matter. How- how would you know?” 

“You have a quality.” 

“A quality?” 

“I bet you use those blue eyes to reel them in.” You push plants aside, giving the three more space to walk through. 

“Am I wrong?” 

“I don’t find this to be necessary regarding our escape, captain.” 

The corner of your lips tugs upwards. “That’s correct, Spock.” 

“Wait- wait. You two know each other?” Leonard asks, shocked at the interaction between the two of you. 

“We were all in the academy together.” 

“If I’m not mistaken, at one point, we were in the same class.” 

You stop, looking up at the sky as you take a deep breath. “We’re here.” 

“Cap- Capt- Captain.” The captain pulls out his comm. 

“Scotty.” 

You smile when you hear the classic sigh of relief from a crewmate. “How’re we lookin?” 

“Good. Better now. Ready to beam up, Sir?” 

“Yes. Beam up the four of us.” 

Your head snaps in his direction. 

“Four?” Leonard leans closer to his captain, “Jim, are you sure about this?” 

-

Before you know it, you’re on the ship and find a few others giving you strange looks. “Are you sure you want me here? I don’t even know your names.” 

“You never told her our names?” Spock asks, although he's sure you know their names. He knows you were always one to try and remember people’s names, reason unknown to him. 

You cross your arms, “does it matter?” 

“It will when we have you checked out?” James says, unsure of what he’s suggesting. 

“I’ll pass,” you assure him. 

“Pass? You’ll pass...” Leonard chimes in. “On a visit to the doctor which you haven’t been to in how long?” 

You avoid his gaze. “A while.” 

“Exactly.” 

“Nope. I’m not doing this” you spin around to walk away. “Bye.” 

“Hey! Wait up!” The captain shouts, running after you. 

-

“I’m Jim.” 

“As in Kirk?” 

He tilts his head. “How’d you know?” 

“I went to school with you.” 

His expression doesn’t change. 

“You definitely did not pay attention the first time this was mentioned.” 

He scoffs, “that’s rude of you to assume.” 

“It’s not assuming if I’m right. Now, go get me a new uniform and we’ll talk.” You raise a brow when he doesn’t move. 

“O- okay. Follow me.” He shows you where the spare uniforms are (after asking one of his crew members where to go) and grabs one for you. 

You take it, examining it. “Is there anything else besides a dress?” 

“Not at the moment.” 

“Could I get a red one? Gold just- it’s not my color anymore.” 

“Yeah, no problem.” He switches the uniforms for you. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” You unwrap the scarf from your head and remove your goggles, followed by the rest of your attire. 

His eyes widen at the sight of you stripping down. “Wow, your just-” 

“It’s skin, not a new undiscovered planet. If you can’t handle this, turn around.” 

“I think I’m good.” 

He squints when he sees your tattoo. “Have I met you somewhere?” 

You pull the dress up, slipping your arms through the sleeves. “I did mention we went to school together.” 

“Yeah, I know. I meant besides that.” 

“I’ve been everywhere so it could have been a number of places.” 

“Okay. It’s just- I’ve seen that tattoo somewhere before.” 

“I’ve had to change on the way to class before. Could have been then.” 

He nods. “Follow-” He’s cut off when the ship shakes, you fall against the wall. 

-

“Captain on the bridge.” 

“What’s going-” 

“You need to get power and you need power now,” you tell the two men who sit in front of the captain’s chair. 

“There’s too little power. We can’t leave.” 

“I’m getting us out of here. Jim, I need your permission to-” 

“Captain, they’re trying to make contact,” a woman in a red outfit says, holding her headset in one hand. 

“Let them.” 

“Isn’t this a surprise?” 

You turn to see the man who did this. “Krealigah. (kr-ee-leh-gah) Taking my crew wasn’t enough. You’ve decided to steal this ship’s power. Still trying to continue with your torture plan?” 

“I wouldn’t say that. You know what happens to those who bad mouth me.” 

“And you know what I can do. Seems to me like we know hardly enough about each other so how about you and I beam down so we can have a proper talk?” 

“As nice as that sounds, I’m going to pass.” 

“Why do you need their ships power? You have enough to leave.” 

He chuckles, “who says I want to leave. Maybe I want to see how long you think you can survive with this crew.” 

“The only thing you want to do is see innocent ships become tainted and ruined by whatever poison you have on you.” 

“We’ll see about that.” 

“He’s scanning us,” the dark-haired man sitting in front of the captain’s seat says. 

“His shields are down, right?” You ask. 

“Yes.” 

“Put yours up now. Jim, you need your shields up now and someone to go down to engineering. One of his men came aboard and messed with your systems. I know who. If you give me your permission, I can stop him and make sure the same thing that happened to me doesn’t happen to your crew.” 

He nods, “Mr. Sulu, shields up. You and I are going down to engineering and stop this guy.” 

“You should be-” 

“Let’s go.” 

“You don’t like to listen, do you? Always one to throw yourself straight into danger, huh.” 

“It’s called protecting my crew.” 

“Protecting your crew and being stupid are two different things.” 

“Now that you two have been acquainted, can we go down to engineering now?” 

“Spock, good timing as always.” 

-

You rush towards the doors and step inside. 

“She’s still here? Why is she- and you gave her clothes?” Seems like he does remember you. 

You spin around and poke his chest, “you need to shut up and know when to respect someone who’s saving lives, not in the same way as you but keeping people alive know the less. Keep talking like that and you’ll wind up with a foot up your-” 

“Okay,” James pulls you away from Leonard, making sure to keep a distance between the two of you. “You know, this would be a lot easier if you two could be friends.” 

“I don’t see that happening.” You cross your arms. 

“She isn’t making this easy.” 

You shake your head. “I swear,” you mumble. 

“What do we need to prepare ourselves for?” 

“A whirlwind of torture. When these doors open… grab anyone, you can and get them out of here.” 

“But we could-” 

“Spock.” 

“Yes.” 

“You don’t like to admit when anyone is right but if either of these two are the last ones here, you get them out of here.” 

He nods, “understood.” Leonard furrows his brows at how you managed to get the Vulcan to cooperate with you so easily. ‘She’s certainly changed…’ 

The ding makes your heart race. 

-

You know what’s coming but don’t want to experience it… again. You run out the doors, knowing exactly where he is. Placing the makeshift weapon into your belt. 

“Where are you going?” Leonard asks, from the bottom of the ladder. 

“Don’t follow me.” 

He grumbles and runs over to his captain when James calls for him. 

-

It wasn’t hard to find him, he threw the first punch. 

You continue fighting him even as you hear your name being called. 

Before he could try to escape you, you managed to grab the weapon you made for this occasion and jam it in between his ribs. 

“This is where our paths never cross again.” 

He stumbles backwards, his arms thrown out in front of him as he attempts to catch his balance. In the blink of an eye, he’s gone. 

You let out a deep breath until you cry out in pain. 

Krealigah managed to grab your ankle, pulling you with him. He uses the little amount of upper arm strength he has left and pulls himself up. 

Before you know it, all three use their phasers, giving you the opportunity to kick him off the wired path. 

James and Leonard haul you up, off the ground. “Is that it?” 

You nod, “yeah. He’s gone. It's over.” 

The captain gives you the biggest smile he could have. 

“I don’t like that look you’ve got there.” 

“Why? I’m not doing anything wrong?” 

You glance back at the other two to find Leonard shaking his head and Spock as emotionless as ever. “Start walking, I need to see a doctor or something.” 

“Then it’s a good thing we have a doctor right here.” 

You glance at him up and down. “I only see “complains a lot” standing there.” 

James snickers into his hand, “Bones… you’ve got a new name.” 

The man rolls his eyes. “I’m not going to stay here and listen to this.” 

You roll your eyes, “neither am I.” You step around James, attempting to leave until your body doesn’t want to cooperate. You slowly limp away from the three males. 

“Are you limping?” 

“No.” 

“Your ankle is hurting from when he grabbed it, is it not?” 

“Shut up, Spock.” You make it to the ladder. “I’m fine.” 

“You are not going down that ladder with your ankle being the way it is.” 

“I’m doing it. None of you can stop me.” 

“Fine. Hurt yourself more.” 

You give Leonard a sarcastic smile. “Just means you’ll have to take care of me longer.”

He shakes his head, “there’s an elevator over there. Come on.” He grabs your arms and pulls you up, keeping a tight grip on you so he doesn’t lose you. 

-

You four stand in the elevator with James and Spock in front of you as Leonard lets you lean against him. 

As soon as you get close to the med bay, people are asking questions and pulling him away. You manage to catch yourself before you can fall. 

You look around, everyone’s busy saving lives and fixing everyone’s wounds. 

You turn around to leave and sit in one of the break rooms, wondering where you should go from here. 

-

“Here you are.” He pulls out a chair and sits across from you. “I thought you managed to get off the ship.” 

“No,” you glance at the ground. “I just needed to let you all do your jobs and-” 

“I didn’t see your chart anywhere.” 

“That’s for a good reason.” 

“No one pulled you onto a bed?” 

“I left before anyone “could” besides I don’t need it. I’m fine.” 

“You could have fractured your ankle. Come here.” He moves the chair closer and lifts your ankle, examining it. “It doesn’t seem like anything’s broken but I need to be sure.” 

“No,” you shake your head. “I’ll be fine. I-” 

“You’re going to the med bay and getting examined. You’ve been gone for three years and no one’s…” 

“Three years is a long time.” 

“She divorced me a year before you got promoted and assigned that mission.” 

“So, your babygirl’s about seven now?” 

“She’ll be eight in a few months.” 

“That’s good to hear.” 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” 

You avoid Leonard’s gaze. “I thought you were dead this entire time. How could you not tell me?” 

“I was given orders.” 

“That’s ever stopped you before.” 

“I needed to know you’d be safe.” 

Hearing those words warm his heart, you’ve been protecting him this entire time… something he wanted to do in return for the longest time. “I missed you.” 

“I know,” you smile at him. “You used your relieved angry voice on me this entire time.” 

He shakes his head, hiding the smile that slowly stretches across his lips. “I’m happy you’re safe.” 

“I know.” 

“Aww.” 

“Dammit, Jim.” 

“What’d I do?” 

You roll your eyes. “I’m glad to see someone else adopted you.” 

“Yeah, we’re really a match made in heaven, aren’t Bones?” 

“Kirk, if you don’t shut up. I’m going to inject you again.” 

James narrows his eyes at his friend as he hauls you up out of your chair, knowing Leonard wants to have you get checked out at med bay. “Don’t forget I’m your captain, Bones.” 

“You’d die without me.” 

“Okay, can you two keep it in your pants and take me to that damn med bay before I start limping there myself.” 

Leonard shoves Jim away and helps you get there, needing to make sure that you’re okay.

[elen-aranel]

Hold My Hand

For: @youvebeenlivingfictional Winter Writing Prompt 14, Mistletoe / Hands / Fake Dating Pairing: Captain Christopher Pike x F!Reader (no Y/N) Warnings: None! Reader has mild anxiety a couple of times WC: 6k Rating: Teen Notes: I haven't felt like I've had time for anything I want to do recently, least of all writing, but today's prompt really spoke to me, so here we are! <3 Summary: “We don’t like to make a big thing of it, but yes. We’re getting married when we get back to Earth. We’re only waiting so we can be with our families.”

The first time, you aren’t expecting it.

An alien sun is shining down on you as you sit cross legged on the ground in the Syndarch medicine garden. You breathe in a mix of something herbal and something sweet; there are insects buzzing around, trilling birdsong in the distance, and the voices of your fellow officers and your Syndarch hosts.  But all of those are background details; you’re hunched over your tricorder, scanning a tiny green cactus-like plant poking up between two paving stones which is producing a range of interesting-looking alkaloids. You are wondering whether the plant is just a weed, or if it had been cultivated in the past and has somehow managed to survive where it is, when a warm hand grasps yours and hauls you up.

“—is the lieutenant here.” Captain Pike is gazing at you with some kind of sappy, affectionate expression on his face, clearly put on, and you replay the last few seconds of conversation you overheard in your head.

You smile back. Ultra sappy.

“We don’t like to make a big thing of it, but yes. We’re getting married when we get back to Earth. We’re only waiting so we can be with our families.”

The Syndarch Chancellor studies you as Pike raises your hand, gently kissing the back of it. And… you don’t have to fake your pleased little shiver. Which is something you’ll have to worry about later. For now, you try to project that sense of togetherness that established couples you’ve known have had. Like Admiral April and his wife, Sarah.

The Chancellor shrugs, blue slitted eyes suddenly brightening up. “Perhaps, after all, a captain isn’t quite… right for my daughter. You must have to travel a lot. But others may be… more settled? If Starfleet establishes a permanent presence here?”

You glance around as the captain makes some vague reply. You see a question in Spock’s raised eyebrow, and Una is studiously ignoring you; you’d bet she’s working hard to stifle a laugh. You dread to think what they’ll say when you get back to the ship.

“Thanks for the save there, Lieutenant,” Pike says as you step off the transporter platform, falling into step with you as you go through the doors. “I would not want that chancellor as a father-in-law. I owe you— What’s your favourite meal? You’re invited to dinner tonight. You too,” he adds, turning, nodding to Spock and Una. “Good work down there.”

“You don’t owe me. I mean, I’m not stupid, I’m not going to say no to your cooking, but I don’t think I’d have gotten to talk to that botanist so quickly if our host didn’t think we were engaged.”

“I found the ease with which you dissembled noteworthy, Lieutenant,” Spock says. “I know that humans are adept at lying, but you did not hesitate when the captain said you were to be married, even though you didn’t appear to have been paying any attention to him and the chancellor.”

“I was in my high school drama club, sir. I know how to put on a performance.”

You don’t tell him that wishing it were true makes it easier.

The next time is planned.

“Jentiri culture is complex, and the Transit Ceremony has a lot of rules, one of which is that each leader that takes part must be accompanied by their consort.” Pike stares up at you from his desk, and you know you could get lost in those blue eyes, but no. Whatever happens, this isn’t real.

“Why not just use Commander Chin-Riley, Sir?”

“Number one... she said no.” He quirks a rueful smile. “Her exact words were, ’I could better serve you if I didn’t have to act as some sort of decoration.’ But don’t worry,” he adds, reading your dubious expression. “You don’t have to do anything difficult. You just have to hand over our offering, and then enjoy the spectacle. I’m told it’s quite beautiful, and few outsiders get to see it. I’ll owe you a meal?”

“In that case, it’s a yes. Not for the Transit, though.” You grin. “For the food.”

Astrophysics is not your forte, but even so you know how incredibly rare this is: an M class planet with a stable orbit that takes it between two stars.

You are on the flat top of a hill that has been cut into wide terraces, and to the left and right, on the horizon, are the suns, like sunset and sunrise. The sky fades from orange to pink to deep purple and back, but it is lit with hundreds of shooting stars and the occasional bright flare of an aurora.

There are thousands of Jentiri, mostly on the lower levels of the hill, from all six inhabited planets in their system. This planet was traditionally neutral ground between all of them, and although now they have one common hierarchy, their old traditions remain.

You have done your part, giving Starfleet’s offering – an ornate carved wooden box – to the Third King, so now you get to relax and enjoy the spectacle for a while, while the captain and first officer negotiate on Starfleet’s behalf.

“So, tell me more about Captain Pike. How did you meet? How long have you been together? What’s he like?”

Emyn, the consort of the First Queen, leader of Jentiri Prime, relaxes back on her cushion. You never thought you’d be a diplomat, but it’s impressive to see a good one at work. All the consorts, but Emyn especially have made an effort to make you feel included in the group; making sure the silky cushions were comfortable for you, offering you sweet delicacies from each of their planets, and talking, about their partners, about Jentiri, and about your experiences in Starfleet.

You can’t help but feel relaxed around them, which you know is the point. If you think of yourself as one of them, you’ll be candid.

“Captain Pike – Chris – and I met when I transferred to the Enterprise, on stardate… um… well. It was a while ago now. We got together on—on shore leave, a year or so later? It was very romantic, he cooked dinner for me in a cabin by a lake…” You smile at your made-up story; it would be lovely if it had been real. “And Chris is…” you smile, relaxed. You can be completely honest here. “He’s genuine. He’s principled. He isn’t naive – you don’t get to be a captain if you are – but he’s kind, generous. Willing to see the best in people. To do whatever it takes for his crew. That’s why I… why we…”

“Of course,” Emyn returns your smile. “My Adrimyn is the same way. She puts all of Jentiri first. You’re lucky to be consort of such a man.”

You nod. “Yes, I am.”

“I’m glad that it went so well for you, with the consorts. But you two need a legend,” Una says, gesturing with a forkful of Pike’s macaroni cheese as you debrief that evening.

“A legend? Sir this is amazing. Truly,” you add as you take a bite yourself. It’s a delicious balance of creaminess with just the right amount of sharp cheese flavour, and it’s complemented perfectly by the white wine Pike poured you.

“We’re off the clock. Call me Chris. And a legend is a back story. How we met, milestones, things like that. We got away with it today because no one was asking me about our ’relationship’, but if we ever did this again, we may need to get our stories straight.”

“We’re not going to do this again though, right?”

“What, you didn’t enjoy the Transit?”

“I did, it was—it was beautiful. But I’m a biologist. I still have a crate of samples to catalogue from my last mission. And you know the what the chief science officer is like…”

But of course, it does happen again. And this time you can’t even complain.

You’re in the ready room by the big screen, senior officers around the conference table, looks of concern on their faces.

“Starfleet has suspected that Eryran III is a hub for the illegal animal trade for a while now; there have even been reports of a gormagander being held in orbit. We have jurisdiction, in theory, but we’ve never been able to get any evidence; as soon as a starship is scheduled to go through the system, they move everything deep undercover. But a pair of critically endangered Lysisian golden bears have been stolen from the sanctuary at Lysis Alpha.”

You tap a control, and an image of two small bears appear on the screen. They have zebra-like stripes of gold on dark brown fur, and big brown eyes edged in gold.

 “They’re difficult to distinguish from other, non-endangered species unless you’re an expert. The pattern of the stripes, the morphology—” you adjust the display, showing the golden bears alongside the more common Lysisian brown bear, although you know the others won’t see the details you see, in the way the stripes branch, in the shape of the ears relative to the eyes relative to the jaw.

“The Enterprise is close – only a few hours away normally, or a couple at high warp. I could take a shuttle to Eryran IV,” you change the screen to show a schematic of the Eryran system, “which is currently on the far side of their stars. Sensors from Eryran III wouldn’t be able to detect the low-powered Starfleet signature, and I can take a civilian transport from there. If I find the bears, I can signal the Enterprise to secure them. But it has to be me; I’m the only one here who can identify them.”

Pike frowns. “It’s risky. The Eryran system... Eryran III is a pleasure planet, isn’t it? Like Risa?”

“Yes, Sir, but probably more like Casperia Prime. Not as hedonistic as Risa— it’s the kind of place to see and be seen.”

“Hmm. You may stick out alone. And with respect, if it gets to be a fight and you’re by yourself, we wouldn’t be able to get there fast enough to give you backup.” He shakes his head.

“Sir, I don’t enjoy the risks, but an ecosystem is at stake. I—”

“Hold your horses. It’s not ’no’. It’s ‘I’m coming with you.’”

“Damn. There really is a space whale. Look, darling— over there.”

You look past him out the viewport of the transport, trying to control your reaction to the term of endearment. You didn’t realise hearing him call you darling would make you feel all melty inside, even if only for a moment. Even if you know it isn’t real.

The gormagander is there, buoys floating round it which must be forcefield emitters to keep it contained. But at least it looks healthy.

“Wow. I’ve only ever seen holos of them before. They’re so rare.” You raise your brows, just a touch, and Pike nods fractionally. Whatever happens, the Enterprise will have to come for this creature.

Pike leaves you in the lobby of the hotel you booked to make you seem like real tourists, but it’s too nice out to stay indoors. You love space, but you always relish sunlight on your face. Or sunslight, in this case. There are something like palm trees outside, but with blue leaves, and the botanist part of you is wishing you could scan them and find out what specific chlorophyll molecule is in them, when the door opens.

If you weren’t ready to be called darling, you definitely weren’t ready for the sight of Pike stepping out into the street. He’s ditched the sweatshirt he was wearing on the transport and his navy-blue Henley is tight. You knew he must work out to fill his uniform in the way he does, but it’s one thing to know it, and another to see it.

His smile as he catches sight of you is just a little knowing, like he’s seen you looking, and you focus on adjusting your shoulder bag – it looks innocent, but it was shielded by engineering to hide your all your equipment – while you get control of yourself.

“I’ve taken our things up to the room. You ready to go?” He holds out his hand, and you smile up at him as you take it. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but perhaps you see a little admiration in his eyes, too.

It’s a short walk from the hotel along a wide boulevard, lined with trees and teeming with other tourists, to the transport hub. You’re at the zoo in no time.

You try not to hold your breath as your bag goes through the beefy looking security scanner – larger than you would expect for a place like this, and another sign that something illegal may be happening. But the bored looking security guard hands it back to you, and you’re in.

The zoo is large and spacious, and not crowded, which you’re glad about. It has animals from all over the quadrant, and you and Pike— you and Chris wander around, occasionally stopping to take photos of the animals, and even a selfie or two. For appearances’ sake.

There are some species you recognise from Earth, like snow leopards, and a kangaroo carrying a joey in her pouch. You spend too long admiring the horses: a palomino stallion, and a chestnut mare Chris says reminds him of his horse Mary Lou. You manage to drag him away before he has a chance to ask about riding them.

There are a lot of rare creatures, most of which you’ve never seen in person before, like an Aldebran serpent which is a little difficult to see in the sunlight, and even a Drayjin from Dakala. Rare, but legal.

But even though all the animals seem to be reasonably well cared for, like the gormagander in orbit, the more you see – sometimes an empty pen, sometimes animals in an enclosure that looks too new, too pristine, a couple more security guards wandering around than should really be needed – the more you think there really is something going on under the surface.

 “I think that’s a Vulcan sehlat. Don’t you have a friend who had one of those as a pet?” You point at the brown bear-like animal, and Chris quirks an amused half-smile at you.

“Yeah, he had it as a kid. Says they’re very loyal. Though I think I’ll stick with horses,” he adds as the sehlat yawns, exposing those six-inch-long fangs.

“Mmm, I don’t think I’ll be adopting one soon. But maybe one of these bears? They’re super cute.” You work to try to keep the anxiety out of your voice as you approach the Lysisian bears. Now you’re here, the tension is getting to you. Your heart rate speeds up as you begin to feel a little lightheaded. Your stomach is churning.

But Chris picks up on it, of course. “You’re okay,” he murmurs, just for you. “Breathe through it.”

You take a breath, slow, and focus. You are Starfleet. You can get this done.

You look into the enclosure. You can’t see the forcefield but you’re close enough to feel the electric prickle from the generators, which along with a ditch protect you from the animals, and, in theory, the animals from you.

The first bear is slowly climbing a tree trunk, and you get a good view of its markings. A brown bear, not a golden bear. The second one is sitting on the ground, rummaging in the ground cover. You look at the head, and no. Also not a golden bear.

But further along, there is one bear alone, and another on the ground with two cubs. And—

“Look at these cubs, Chris, they’re adorable. I have to get a holo.” You turn to face him, rummaging in your bag. There’s no one else within a few metres of you, but there is an Andorian family nearby looking at some Terran giant pandas. Chris has his back to the nearest security camera, and you pass him the EMP generator, while you get the holo cam out. Hopefully the zoo’s sensors will just read an error in the power grid, but you know you’ll only have a minute or so after he activates it.

When you went into this you had been expecting two bears. But you can deal with four.

You turn back with the camera out, and snap a couple of quick holos. You switch it off, and Chris activates the EMP.

You immediately feel that prickle disappear, and you get out your blow pipe and a handful of tiny trackers so the Enterprise’s sensors can find the bears. You dart the lone bear, glad that unlike when you did this with anaesthetic at the academy it doesn’t matter where you hit. You go for cubs next; you can hear an alarm as you hit the first one you hit cleanly, but the other you only graze. You hit it with your second go but not before it squeaks in pain. The closer parent is on the move immediately, and you can hear running in the distance, but you narrow your eyes and hit perfectly.

“We’re good,” you mutter to Chris, and he gets an arm around you, hustling you along while you re-pack your bag. You feel the electricity in the air as the power is restored.

“Remember when we saw the giant pandas in that bamboo forest? In China?”

A little Andorian girl gazes up at you as you approach, which was Chris’s plan – you couldn’t run, because that would be suspicious, but if you could look like you were associated with another group for long enough…

“That was such an amazing hike. I still can’t believe that they were just there. Eating bamboo in that little clearing.” You feel your heart rate rise again as security runs past, but not as badly this time.

“Yeah, a special memory.” Chris tightens his arm around you a little as you look at the pandas. “I think it’s the Maravel dragon’s feeding time soon. You want to go take a look?”

The two hours you spend waiting for the Enterprise are two of the longest of your life. But you’re lucky – a better security operation would have been on to you, but the operatives at the zoo seem to have grown complacent, and you suspect that you just missed some even more valuable animals. Either way, you’re glad that you’re able to use an EMP again to disrupt their shields long enough for the Enterprise to beam the golden bears aboard.

“Thank you for today,” you say, as you hand your report in to Pike when you’re back on the ship.  “I find it easier to be brave when the people around me are more… nervous… than I am, I guess. Those bears and that gormagander needed you. I needed you. I couldn’t have saved them alone.”

“Given their lax security, you would have found a way. But we couldn’t have anticipated that.” He looks up, catching your eye.

“I’m glad I was there for you.”

The moment holds, but then he smiles, wide and open. “Now we can add pandas to our legend for real.”

After that... it isn’t something that happens frequently. But when a delegate is paying Chris too much attention at a reception aboard the Enterprise, stopping him doing his work, he catches your eye from across the mess hall, and you find your way there to his side, and you stay too close to just be a colleague. When you’re at a party a colony is throwing after your team decontaminated their water supply, and one of the colonists is drunk and won’t leave you alone… You can stand up for yourself, but you don’t want to turn things into an incident, and it’s just… easier if Chris takes your arm and leads you round the dance floor for a few minutes.

Chris invites you to crew dinners, sometimes as a thanks, but more often not. You enjoy spending time with him off the clock. Getting to know him as a friend.

But you try not to think about the sly looks Una gives you sometimes. You try not to lie awake at night, after one of you has bailed the other out, wishing it were real.

The holiday season is supposed to be a time for family. In Starfleet, your crew is your family. But this year, for the first time in a long time, the Enterprise happens to have a stopover on Earth for nearly two weeks around Earth’s Christmas and new year.

The buzz on the ship is palpable – most of the human crew are excited to spend a holiday season at home, and a lot of non-human crew are able to take some leave on their respective planets too.

But your family is on a far-flung colony, and it would take more than a week to get there from Earth. You don’t mind; Earth holiday traditions aren’t very important to you, and you saw your family a few months ago when the Enterprise was mapping a nebula in a nearby sector. A lot of the crew haven’t seen family in years.

You volunteer to stay on board, but you are assigned leave anyway; you don’t have bridge or engineering officer certification, and everything in your lab is safe to leave.

You don’t argue the point. Instead, you make plans. Visit Australia, learn to surf, try a Christmas Day barbecue on the beach, and maybe head into the bush one day to see some marsupials in the wild. The weather net means conditions will be perfect.

You’re looking through a catalogue of swimwear on the synthesiser, trying to decide whether you want a one piece, bikini, or both, when the door chimes.

“Enter,” you say, puzzled about who it could be. There aren’t many people left on the ship; certainly no one you would expect to pop by. You turn away from the synthesiser to see Captain Pike standing in your doorway, that half smile on his face. And you almost feel a little vulnerable, a little exposed – this is the first time he’s been in your space. You try not to let the feeling show.

“Chris, hey, come in. Can I—Did you need something?”

“I wanted to ask a favour. I know you’re getting ready for your leave,” he glances across to the synthesiser screen, still showing swimsuits, “but I wondered if you could delay for a day? My folks are hosting a party, and—” he grimaces. “My mom is going to try to set me up with every un-attached woman there, and I—”

“And you want a ‘date’ to take the heat off?”

“Yeah. It’ll be busy; I can make sure you don’t have to make small talk with my parents. But I…” he shakes his head. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to ruin your plans. Australia, wasn’t it? You should have your break— you’ve earned it.”

You glance at the chronometer. “Sydney time is nineteen hours ahead, so really that’s like five hours behind us? I was planning to beam over mid-afternoon local time – my room won’t be ready until then. If I join you, I’ll just be getting there in the evening instead.” You nod. “I’ll come.”

It’s worth it for his relieved grin.

After you’ve packed and taken your holiday luggage to the cargo transporter, you swing by the arboretum for one of the cuttings you’ve taken from a flowing plant that you picked up on an away mission. It will only grow in the medium you prepared for it, based on the soil of the planet it comes from, so there’s no biosecurity risk, and it’s pretty, with glossy green leaves and clusters of red and gold bell-like flowers. Perfect for the holiday.

Then you synthesise a dress. It’s understated, nice but not too formal, and you feel pretty in it. You synthesise a wrap, too, in case you need to spend time outside.

Chris is waiting in the transporter room when you get there, looking handsome and festive in a Fair Isle sweater over a button-down shirt. It’s in shades of dark green, red, and cream, with a couple of bands of small snowflakes among more abstract patterns.

“I told you; you didn’t need to bring a present,” Chris says as you step onto the transporter pad at his side.

“I know, but I would have felt wrong without one. We’re doing this properly, right?”

“Right. Kyle, two to beam down.”

The sun has just set when you arrive, and the light is fading from orange to pink to purple to deep blue, reminding you a little of the Jentiri Transit. Here, though, the stars in the sky are mirrored on the ground by a galaxy of fairy lights, picking out what must be Chris’s family home, some out buildings, and a large Christmas tree. You hear music and voices, and there’s a scent of pine in the air.

There are a couple of groups of partygoers approaching the house, and you’re glad that you transported down a little way away – you can orient yourself before you start meeting them.

“Ready to get this show on the road?”

“Yeah. Yes, I am.” Chris takes your hand, lacing warm fingers through yours.

Chris greets people as you cross the yard, some going into the house, others a big barn where the music is coming from, as he leads you to the front door. He’s relaxed – you’ve seen him in enough tense situations to know when it’s real, and when he’s putting on a show – and you relax, too, smiling at his friends.

The front door is open ahead of you, warm light spilling out, and you step across the threshold into a large open hallway, open to the second floor with stairs leading up on one side. There are garlands of greenery with golden pinecones and fairy lights hanging round the upper floor, and soft instrumental music is playing, different to what you could hear from outside.

“Welcome! So glad you were able to join us.” The woman who comes to greet you must be Chris’s mom; she’s older, with silver hair, and Chris’s blue eyes.

She favours you with a warm smile like her son’s as he makes the introductions.

“Thank you for having me, ma’am. I brought you this,” you say, handing over the plant.

“Oh, call me Willa, please. And how beautiful! Thank you – I’ve never seen anything like it. The mix of the colours of the flowers… It’s not from Earth, I take it?”

“No, I collected it on an uninhabited planet in the Iota Lyrae system. I wanted a sample because the soil there was unique, but I chose this plant because it was the prettiest.”

“So you’re a botanist?”

“Exobiologist, but my specialisms are botany and zoology.”

“I look forward to hearing your stories,” she says with an unmistakeable twinkle in her eye, “but for now, Christopher, I think your dad is cooking up some mulled cider. I’m sure you’d both like a drink?”

She smiles again and gives your arm a little squeeze as she steps past you. “Ahmed, Sara, good to see you...”

There’s a touch of relief in Chris’s eyes as you move through into the large open plan living, kitchen and dining room. It must be full of light during the day with large floor to ceiling windows, and it’s still quite bright now, with holiday lights and decorations all around the place, including a traditional looking tree in the corner, mainly decorated in white and gold, with presents underneath. The room is busy with people, a lot Chris’s parents’ age, but a wide range of younger people too, standing in groups and sitting on sofas and armchairs, chatting, drinking, and eating nibbles.

You feel Chris tense a little, though, as you both catch sight of the man who must be his dad, turning from a steaming pan on the kitchen stove to make a space on the counter. You remember Chris mentioning that their relationship could be a bit strained, and you try to resist tensing up yourself as Chris’s dad catches sight of you too.

“Son, perfect timing. Taste this and see if you think I have the spices right – your mom said the last batch was too heavy on the clove. Then your lovely lady can have a drink. I’m sorry, Chris did mention your name when he stopped by this afternoon, but my memory is not what it was.”

You introduce yourself, as Chris dips a spoon in the pan, and sips, thoughtfully.

“I think that’s good, dad. What do you think?” He offers the spoon to you, and you step in closer and lean in to take a sip, all too aware of his proximity, his eyes. Then the flavours register, fruit and spice and sweetness, and you find yourself smiling. You turn.

“I think it’s delicious, sir. I see where Chris gets his talent in the kitchen from.”

That seems to have been the right thing to say, because Mr Pike smiles. He dips a ladle into the pan and pours the cider into a glass mug, then hands it to you. “There. Now you can enjoy it properly.” He hands the ladle to Chris. “Would you—?”

“Of course.” Chris takes the pan off the stove, still holding the ladle, and brushes past you as he goes to put it on the table.

Mr Pike turns his attention back to you, a shrewd look in his eye.

“So do you celebrate Christmas? Will you be spending it with your family? Or do you celebrate another winter festival?”

 The questions come thick and fast, about your beliefs and those of your colony, and about its traditions and celebrations. You’re surprised to find yourself thinking again about some of them that you had always taken for granted.

“Sorry about that,” Chris says in an undertone a few minutes later, his gentle hand at your back guiding you into the main part of the room. “I know how he gets, but… the mulled cider is popular.”

“It’s fine. He was asking about my home, not— he seemed genuinely interested.” You stop yourself saying not about us. And then you wonder why.

You don’t have time to think about it, though, because you’re being drawn into conversation. Ahmed, it turns out, went to school with Chris, and they spend some time regaling you and Sara with tales of their high school escapades, and the time in a Parrises Squares tournament all four members of their team somehow managed to get knocked out cold on one play. Then you talk to Esther, a friend of Chris’s mom, about her art, and the inspiration she draws from the desert landscape, flora, and fauna.

You continue making the rounds of the room, Chris catching up with old friends and neighbours. The party feels alive around you; people coming in and out, music playing, food and drink being shared, conversation flowing. And through it all Chris keeps you close, and includes you. You find you’re enjoying yourself, much more than you expected.

“You ready for a change of pace?” Chris asks eventually.

“Sure. What did you have in mind?”

“You dance, right? There’s a dance floor set up in the barn, live band too. Would you like to go see?  I don’t usually have a partner,” he adds, soft, mindful of his mother on a sofa nearby.

“That sounds like fun. Lead the way.” You reach for his hand this time, and give it a little squeeze. There is something in his voice... you know Chris belongs in Starfleet, and you know he knows that too, but an occasion like this must make him think of other paths his life could have taken.

Outside there’s a slight chill in the air, and you’re glad you retrieved your wrap from where you put it on a coat stand in the hallway. But it isn’t far to the barn, and soon you’re enveloped in warmth.

There are warm white fairy lights strung along the beams, and another Christmas tree, this one very large, with lots of different baubles and decorations. Of course there is food and drink in here; you smell gingerbread from a table near the door.

There are a lot of people, some who you’ve seen pass through the house, and others you haven’t. There are people standing around the edge of the room, including Chris’s dad, deep in conversation with a group of four Andorians. And there are people on the dance floor, dancing to a jaunty number being played by the band. You don’t know if it’s traditional for the season or not, but it doesn’t seem to matter; everyone is having a good time. As you listen it comes to a stop, and everyone claps.

“May I have this dance?” Chris asks with one of those small lopsided smiles.

You’ve danced with Chris a couple of times before, and it’s always a pleasure. You can relax, safe in the ballroom hold, in sync with him, easily able to follow his lead around the dance floor. And if you pretend to yourself, while you’re in his arms, that this is real… well. You haven’t noticed any Vulcans or members or other telepathic species in attendance.

You dance several dances, until the band takes a break, although the music continues – a singer with a guitar takes over, singing something about a sleigh ride. You’re passing by the Christmas tree on the way to a drinks table when you see it.

“Hey Chris, is that the Enterprise? On the tree?” You step closer to get a better look. “It is! It even has the lettering on the saucer. NCC-1701.”

He laughs, warm. “I think they usually put it on the tree in the house. Bob gave it to my parents as a present, the Christmas after I was made Captain.”

“That sounds like Admiral April. I remember, he—” but you’re interrupted by laughter.

“Chris! Didn’t expect you to get caught!”

You look around to see a group of people all staring at you, expectantly.

“You’ve got to kiss now, guys, it’s the rules.”

“The rules?” You’re confused.

“Look up.” Sara, who you met earlier is there, pointing to some greenery suspended above your head. And you don’t think you’ve seen it before in person, but the way people are talking, it must be—

“Mistletoe.” Chris steps in close. “I’m sorry,” he adds, quiet. “I thought we— never mind. I’ll just—”

He leans over, and brushes a light kiss to your cheek, and it’s chaste but... your breath still catches a little.

“That doesn’t count,” one of the onlookers says, and a murmur of agreement ripples across the group.

Chris looks at you, questioning. And you know he would respect it if you said no, or showed any trace of hesitation. But you give him a tiny nod.

His hand rises up to your face, his fingers warm against your cheek. He leans in slowly, still giving you the chance to change your mind, but your eyelids flutter shut as his lips brush yours. And you’ve been close before. You’ve held hands, walked arm in arm… you’ve been dancing with him all evening. But as his lips brush yours you feel a jolt of energy flow between you, and the party, the audience, the pretence, none of that matters anymore, because Chris is kissing you again. Harder. Sweeter. His hand slips round to the back of your neck and you press against him, kissing back, eager, for a moment suspended together in your own little bubble.

The bubble bursts, though, as you hear cheers and clapping, and you pull away, or Chris pulls away, and suddenly it all feels… too much. The singer is too loud. The people are too close. The barn is too warm. You feel your heart thudding in your chest.

You try to keep it together. You’re here for Chris — you can’t just run out as soon as he kisses you. You nod and smile, make it to the drinks table, and when someone claps Chris’s shoulder, loudly proclaiming that they haven’t seen him in years, you mutter that you’re getting some air, and get out.

You feel like you can breathe again when you get outside. Like you can try to get your whirling thoughts in order. But the door to the house opens and you see Mrs Pike, and your feet are moving before you even think about it, and you’re pushing the door to one of the outbuildings open and slipping inside.

Immediately you feel movement, and smell animals—horses. The stables. It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the dark, then you make your way slowly past the stalls until you reach one where what could be a chestnut horse with a white patch on its face has its head out, curious to see you. You hold out your hand for it to sniff.

“Are you Mary Lou? I’m sorry, I wasn’t really planning on coming here. I don’t have any apples or sugar lumps or anything.” She nuzzles your hand anyway, and you rub her nose. “I know your owner. I know Chris. Actually, I’m pretending to date him. But then we kissed, and I... I wished...”

“What did you wish?”

You turn, startled. Chris is standing there, holding your wrap, expression unreadable in the dim light.

“I—you—” you stare at the floor.

“Your wrap. You left pretty suddenly; I didn’t want you to be cold. You weren’t outside, and I saw the open door. Should’ve known you and Mary Lou would be making friends.”

You step closer and take the fabric from him, barely raising your gaze, and wrap it around your shoulders, slowly. You hug it to you.

Then you take a little breath, and look up.

“I wished we weren’t pretending. But I know that we are. So—so if you need to transfer me, or—”

He touches a finger to your lips, silencing you.

“When we kissed... I was right there with you. Wanting this. Wanting you.” He shakes his head. “I’ve wanted it for a while, actually, and sometimes I thought... but you—you know how to put on a performance.”

“Not where you’re involved.”

You reach up, still almost disbelieving, almost afraid to make contact. But you can feel Chris’s face stretch into a smile under your touch. His hands settle on your waist, pulling you in closer, and you kiss, lips parting, and it’s gloriously real.

In the end, though, Mary-Lou’s soft whinny reminds you of where you are.

“We should get back. I think Mom saw me head this way, and knowing her, she’ll come looking.” Chris belies his words, kissing your neck, and you gasp as he hits a sensitive spot.

“I—I guess you’re right. We should go.” You miss Chris’s warmth as he finally steps away. He goes over to pat Mary Lou before holding out a hand for you. You lace your fingers together, and he leads you back out of the stables into the night outside, back towards the barn.

“Wait.” A thought occurs to you, and you pull on your joined hands, getting Chris to stop. He turns to you, profile highlighted by the lights shining from the tree. “Is this now our actual first date? And… do you have plans for later this evening? The room I booked in Sydney is a double…”

Chris laughs. “I guess it is. I could join you in Sydney tonight, I know you want to learn to surf… But… have you thought about learning to ride instead?”