#and his ancient Andorian husband

[aspiringnexu]

One of the funniest things about the Kelvin alternate timeline is the fact that Jonathan Archer is a) still alive, b) still in Starfleet, and c) seems to have taken up breeding beagles whilst teaching courses at the Academy and Scotty lost his best one in a transporter accident.

One of the movie writers even confirmed that this is meant to be that Jonathan Archer, same as the Prime timeline, but this motherfucker is like 146 years old and still turning up to teach these young hooligans that space is dangerous and aliens can be unreasonably mean.

I'm headcanoning that in both timelines the usual lifespan for Humans and Andorians is about 120 years but Archer and Shran are beating the odds by fondly arguing every day with neither wanting to die before getting the last word in. A strategy Bones would later employ. (No, seriously, Bones in the Prime timeline got to 137+. Via spite, I think.)

[kinetic-elaboration]

April 25: 2x16 The Gamesters of Triskelion

Finally watched some more Star Trek. I feel like it’s been forever...

Today’s ep is The Gamesters of Triskelion, which is... okay. It’s not terrible but I think its best aspects are the most familiar: the type of alien, the moral values at play; and its weakest are its most unique.

I think Spock likes it when Kirk says “mind the store.” What a folksy human thing to say!

Plus now that he’s Captain he gets to sit in the chair.

This conversation between Spock and Scotty is hilarious. “I’m assuming you mean they disappeared in an unusual way??” “Uh, yeah?? Do you think I’m dumb?”

This alien looks like Lady Gaga c. 2010

Kirk is being very Dramatic today.

Come on, Spock, gotta get your man.

You know Spock is worried when he mentions hope. That is, as McCoy says, a human emotion.

“Collars of obedience.” Kinky.

Stylish pink jail.

I’m really feeling this Spock and Bones interaction today. That’s a great eyebrow lift.

If the random alien is leaving, Uhura must have been his ass down.

“Nourishment interval.” We need to bring this into our modern vocabulary.

Not one, but TWO ladies in command gold today (one at Communications, and one at Spock’s station).

Wild aquatic fowl.

I feel like this episode is another example of a writer putting her alien sex fantasy on television. Like, a hardcore alien sex fantasy. The obedience collars, the training harness, the whipping, the weird flirtation between Chekov and his “training thrall”--herself a very androgynous alien, just to throw some gender play in there.

Kirk turning up the charm again. I missed Charming!Kirk. I mean, picking up a silver platter to use as a mirror and saying “That’s beautiful”? This man has no shame.

I feel like this episode shows how Spock’s logic is actually a very effective life strategy. He’s facing a very mysterious situation with high stakes--literally his best friend/soulmate/captain lost, plus two more crewmen--but he isn’t defeatist like McCoy or defensive like Scotty. He just follows the evidence, even when the evidence seems wild. And he was right.

Detective Kirk time!

“Are they computers?” He’s hoping so, since he’s very good at defeating computerized enemies.

Could it be instead another example of aliens who have transcended their physical bodies?

He is really laying the charm offensive on thick here.

I get how people have vague memories of TOS and remember Kirk as slutty, because certainly there are lots of shots of him kissing ladies, but like... 90% of the time he's using charm as a weapon, like he doesn't like Lady Gaga, he just wants to get off this planet.

“Love, for one thing.” Time for Kirk to be a Romantic Nerd again. He sure does love love!!

See imo just as it’s ridiculous for him to limit love to being one of the most important things on Earth, since he barely even spends any time on Earth and his general thesis is about what all intelligent creatures can care about besides their basic needs being met by “Providers,” I think it’s silly to limit love to being between men and women. And just as he’s kinda lying about the Earth thing, I think he’s lying about the heterosexual thing.

People in love “live together, help each other, make each other happy.” I love his definitions of love!! Like with Edith, he center helping each other in the definition.

McCoy and Scotty think they can take on Spock lmao. The Captain’s life is at stake; he’s not fooling around. And he’s right too so y’all can shush!!

Honestly, that leaning down to talk quietly to them--I know it’s because he doesn’t want to say the word “mutiny” too loud where other people can hear him, but it really reads like he’s mocking them.

Shauhna is harassed at work.

Spock’s like ‘screw a landing party, I will retrieve my space husband by myself... and I guess McCoy can come too.’

McCoy’s voice was the one Kirk heard but he still calls out to Spock.

Mmm, yes, disembodied alien brains.

I like the painted background behind them, too. Which is apparently stolen from Devil in the Dark. S2 needs more painted backgrounds.

“You think YOU’RE competitive? A race that does nothing but gamble? Well you’ve never met humans lol.”

Since when has Kirk ever competed for a woman? Hardly a competition when he always wins.

“Fresh thrall” something so... ugh about that phrase.

Ah, yes, an Andorian.

I’m starting to feel like this is Spock’s Pre-Reform Vulcan Sex Fantasy.

I feel like Shauhna will eventually become the leader of the Triskellion people. My mom thinks it would be cool for Kirk to meet her again in the future. I feel like there’s a fanfic in there somewhere...

“I didn’t lie, I just...lied.”

Honestly, don’t bother leaving everything to these disembodied colorful brains, just take Shauhna with you and enlist her in Starfleet. Or at least, like, high school.

...And after all that she STILL has a crush on Kirk. The man is too powerful.

What, no return to the Enterprise? No Kirk appearing shirtless on the bridge? No everyone acknowledges that Spock was right the whole time? No awkward little joking time?

I guess perhaps Kirk is embarrassed.

So overall... again, B basically.

As far as commonly used tropes in Star Trek go, this one is actually one of my favorite ones. I like it more than “godlike man must be defeated” and probably even more than “computer runs society,” though not as much as “old Earth tech becomes sentient.” But generally speaking “aliens transcend corporeal bodies by becoming too smart” is a good trope and I like seeing the different spins on it: the Organians, who can choose corporeal bodies if they want and are incredibly peaceful; the aliens from Return to Tomorrow, who wish they still had bodies; the aliens from The Cage/The Menagerie, who do have bodies but can’t do much with them, who must rely on aliens they capture to do physical work on the planet’s surface for them; and these aliens, who are so bored they must rely on arbitrary wagers using enslaved aliens just to have something to do. There’s something sort of... sad but fitting about that fate. Understandable, awful, pathetic. Still, I wouldn’t call this my favorite take on the trope.

But the specifics of the story, outside the “brain-aliens trope,” I didn’t like so much. The BDSM kink stuff mixed in with like actual slavery made me super uncomfortable. I know it’s based on Ancient Rome but like... even though it was a clear bread and circuses situation, that was not what I was thinking of tbqh.

This is a good episode for showcasing Star Trek Values, which overall I would say are my values. I do see how some people today would criticize them for being a little... well. How to say it. Colonizer-savior. I completely disagree that this is the reading that should be given to them and in fact I think it’s a bad faith reading but people are the way they are and certain things are in vogue sometimes and not others, so. I just mean that when Kirk says that they (the Federation, one would assume) have helped other civilizations “progress” or whatever word he uses, it sounds a little like they came in and made alien societies better using their own values. But I would say that what we actually see, in specific examples throughout the series, is the Federation wanting the civilizations it interacts with to be free, in fact requiring members state to be free, and that is really the one value a free society can impose on others or require of others--choosing slavery or dominion is choosing to relinquish all future choices, and thus cannot be allowed by any society that values freedom. That catch-22 that we see so much now. So, my point is, I think the values Kirk epitomizes for the show are freedom, self-determination, and a certain conception of progress, too: the ability to grow and develop, the avoidance of stagnation. And certainly this episode shows a clear case: having everything provided for you in exchange for being the professional playthings of a bunch of disembodied brains is objectively bad! Surely we can all agree on that. But this obvious example is used as an excuse for Kirk to speechify on the topic of what a utopian future will look like, what the best of humans can be, and what the rest of the universe could be like if it learns from our best traits (and not our worst). Which is overall something I find very comforting.

I’d just been thinking, at the beginning of this episode, that I think S1 is a better Kirk season than S2. S2 has too many episodes that problematize his leadership or his heroism, or that barely even use him--even episodes like The Trouble With Tribbles that outright mischaracterize him imo. But this episode really was Classic Kirk and I appreciated that. We see him being charming, smart, selfless, strong, creative, romantic... coming in at the end to embody the utopian values of the series.

Spock was so well characterized and so smart and so heroic, too, that he kinda was the mvp for me, though... Don’t take away my Kirk stan card lol. Spock was just so In Command... You can see how he could become a captain later, even if being in command never really interested him much.

I don’t entirely get why Kirk bargained for the thralls to all stay and make their own government (or to be trained in self-governance by their enslavers... a whole different issue tbqh), given that it’s already been established that most/all of them have been kidnapped from other planets. Should they not be... returned?

And if most/all of them are 2nd or later generations, that’s a whole other complex issue that could perhaps use third party mediators or something...

I also wondered about Shahna's origins. Was she the descendant of another civilization that is native to the planet, or is it just that her people were kidnapped so much earlier that she herself, personally, has never lived anywhere else?

I think it both makes more sense and is a more fitting ending if it’s the first. It makes sense to me that the first peoples enslaved by the brains were natives of the planet: more convenient that way. Also, I think we need to see more alien planets with more than one humanoid or human-intelligence level species.

And, if her people are native to the planet, having them become leaders of their own right again and not just possessions of the glowing brains is more powerful. Otherwise it's kinda sad: yes, they can form their own government here, but they've still been robbed of their real history and their real homeland, which they don't even remember.

Also as my mom pointed out, it’s not clear the brains themselves are native to the planet. They could have been invaders--the last real thing they did before they started wagering fake money--and Shauhna’s people the natives.

I really did like Shahna a lot and I hope she becomes the leader of whatever government they set up and eventually does get to travel into space.

Imo this was one of those TOS eps where the potential back story and the hints of world building are more interesting than the actual story.

Also apparently the actor who played Galt was trying to walk in a gliding manner so it wouldn’t be clear what he was hiding under those robes and... I have to say, definitely wheels.

Next up is A Piece of the Action, one of my favorites. Great plot, great fun, great sci fi concept, great Kirk material!

[speedygal]

Not a logical intervention - part 2

A/N Meant to be a short long fic being oms reunion but since tonight the Orville was coming on tonight, I had to split it up into parts.  The first part had to be posted. (and the first part written) It was minutes before the Orville’s newest episode started airing. . . So here I go, making a fix it fic!

“Here is your temporary quarters, Ambassador,” George said. “the quarter master will come in to give you some Vulcan decent clothes in the next five minutes. You look like you didn’t come with anything so consider this the captain’s parting gifts.”

“Tell your captain that he has sound logic,” Spock said, then he walked forward into the room.

“Don’t mind if  I do,” George said, pleased.

The quarters were familiar yet a little different to the Vulcan. The doors had closed behind him with a soft woosh. The colorful scenery stood out to the Vulcan. He warily looked over in the direction of the computer stationed on the desk. The room held no forms of comfort for the elder. No sign that someone once lived in there. Spock briefly closed his eyes with a heavy heart then reopened them to see the vastness of space. He approached the large windows watching it pass the ship. A familiar, nostalgic sight. Spock’s shoulders shrank with a depressed sigh. Sure, for being a member of the diplomatic corps, he had a knack for bringing as few things as possible. Which is why he barely had anything with him except for the clothes on his back including the ones inside the duffle bag back in the future. The meditation mat that was left behind. All he had was a photograph and his holo-emitter.

Spock unzipped his coat then slid it off placing it onto the chair across from him.

He slipped out a large photograph  from his coat sleeve pocket. It had a extra layer in the sleeves that made one assume that he hid it within his sleeve when in reality, the ambassador had hidden it inside a pocket. He left the object onto the counter alongside him. There was enough room in the well lit cabin to perform meditation to collect his thoughts. He had annihilated a entire species. And he was still alive to talk about it. He promised them that everything would be all right. He promised. His trembling hands were having difficulty remaining steady. His emotional control was falling to shreds. Meditation had helped him in the worse of his emotional half. Trying to save the planet and he willfully aided in its destruction. A sun that went supernova too soon. He sat down onto the rug beside the counter.

He looked over toward the photograph of his deceased crewmates.

Spock shook his head in shame.  Spock closed his eyes cupping his hands together into his lap. He cleared his mind then slowly submerged himself into his typical meditation routine. His fingers stopped trembling. His demeanor changed from the most vulnerable, emotional state to a calm, relaxed aged Vulcan. The doors opened behind him. A young man looked over toward the Vulcan then placed the outfit onto the counter.  His mind slowly put together a elaborate plan to handle the oncoming future. He could always take two short cuts. The guardian of forever or slingshotting around the sun. Kaiidth. Perhaps he had been in the ancient hall of thoughts before applying for it while making his will. A stable time loop. Perhaps he applied under a different name to make it not as confusing with his younger self. His younger self might be different now that he has arrived.

Only Surak would know if he had done any damage with his bondmates future. The Kirk family would remain alive and well. Spock listened to the man’s heavy footsteps walking out of the cabin. The Vulcan seemed to be visibly relaxed by his meditation. He used the counter as his support to help himself up. He slowly strolled in the direction of the  outfits. They were unique for visiting Earth. He felt the warmthness of the freshly cleaned attire. A warmth that he once held in his youth. A warmth that he once cherished and loved. A warmth that he had accepted he would outlive. Just not in the chain of events that had happened between him and his T’hy’la. Spock reeled himself  back gaining control over his emotional half. Spock rubbed his shoulder visualizing his husband. Holding him within his arms in bed.  His curly graying hair face planted by the Vulcan. He can still feel the man’s hair against his face. Hands wrapped around the younger man’s stomach.

A painful reminder of what he had lost. Warmth to the Vulcan’s fingertips reminded Spock of who he had lost. It was so long ago.  He thumbed through the attire selecting what his next attire should be in the morning. The Vulcan hadn’t been happy. Not since McCoy left the plane of the living. His dearest, cherished friend. Someone he enjoyed arguing within their mind-skype (as the dear doctor liked to call it) realm. Someone Kirk and Spock courted at the same time only for the offer to rejected because 1) Not ready,  2) Over his dead body, 3)  He doesn’t need another telepath invading his brain twenty-four-seven. But Spock knew they were all excuses. They were almost there when Jim vanished from Spock’s life. Jim would say that they were there but they hadn’t gotten the ceremony ironed out. Spock believed McCoy was scared or either stalling because he was suffering from ‘Am-I-cramping-up-their-marriage?’ angst. A familiar one seen typically in interspecies Andorian marriages.

The other members of the bridge crew, the remaining ones, stuck around for a few years  before falling flat into the grim reapers arms in a domino effect after the fateful transporter incident that took Jim away in the late 2370′s. Spock glanced over toward the photograph. He can hear their insistence and reassurances regarding the matter. Spock took off the holo-emitter from around his neck then hit the side button. The holo-emitter, well worn and aged, began to play a old man singing. He missed his husband. There was a small throb in his heart and numb aching in his mind. A healed broken bond that could be repaired at any moments notice. Spock wiped away a tear that formed at the edges of his eyes. One day he would join his crewmates, his family. The holo-emitter deactivated and back it went around his neck. Spock  saw a box across from him. He approached the box. It was a puzzle box. 

It was decided.

He needed to put this puzzle together.

Spock always did like a good challenge.

[amandagraysonsarek]

Mirror Play

@spacemomx

There were very few places Amanda loathed more than Starfleet HQ. 

For one thing, it was cold. Frigid. Compared to the Vulcan environments she spent most of her time in now that she was married, Starfleet HQ was one giant walk-in freezer. 

For another, it was designed in a completely ridiculous manner. There were Empire crests all over the place, on every door, along corridor walls, and even as little accents on lightswitches. Skewered Terra, as Sarek liked to call it, was  all around them.

But the worst thing about Starfleet HQ by far was the men. Terren men made her blood boil and everything about this place was designed with them in mind, the Boy’s Club come to life. 

Amanda was only there to pick up Admiral Archer’s copy of an Andorian songbook. Similar to the “Great Songbooks” of Ancient Terra, Andorian songs were often party songs meant for clan gatherings, and undoubtably contained new words for the Universal Translator database. 

Songbook in hand, Vulcan guards at her back, Amanda made good time through the giant, icebox of a building, aimed straight for the exit. 

Later, when Sarek asked, she remembered that it was the tone of his voice that stopped her. The Terran jeered, his voice dripping with lust and a casual, oppresive air. It made her stomach tighten, still a Terran woman even years after near complete immersion in Vulcan culture. 

“I know it hasn’t been long, and I truly empathize, but think of your career. If you want to continue to rise, you’ll need the support of a fellow rising officer. And trust me when I say I have no trouble rising for you.”

She snapped. Stopping on a dime, Amanda turned her head and looked behind her for the source of that trash---and found a blond woman in one of those ridiculous mini dresses long shirts that were the Starfleet female uniforms. She was in a doorway and a male officer leaned on the wall directly in her path, blocking her way and then chatting her up.

She closed her eyes and concentrated on her bond with her husband. 

I’m about to do something scandalous. If you hear about it later, don’t act surprised.

She felt a nudge of acknowledgement from him and opened them again, still seeing red. Taking a moment to relax, Amanda let go of that anger and focused on how much cock-blocking this Starfleet Terran gutter troll was going to please her.

“Hafa’uh,” she said, tilting her heads back behind her. She had no doubt that the guards would stop at her command.

“Winona, is that you? You didn’t tell me you were getting in today!” 

Amanda’s voice was excited and light as she walked right up to the Starfleet Officer’s back. He saw the Vulcan guards, his eyes widening as he looked back at her and then stumbled out of her way. 

Sarek was an enemy no one wanted to have.

Pushing through the opening he’d created, Amanda walked right up to the woman and put small, pale hands on her more muscular arms. She thought of Sarek, tricking her mind into making her eyes dilate and her face soften. 

“I’m sure you are terrifically busy and I have to get back to the Embassy, but walk with me. We should schedule a time to... catch up...”

Now, Terrans in general and Starfleet officers more specifically were known for their exaggerated expressions of lust and mysoginistic power---as evidenced by the scene that had drawn her over---but Amanda always believed that the key to selling a lie was in the minor details. The way her thumbs drew across the other woman’s arms was more than enough to make her point.

[speedygal]

Not a logical intervention - part 41

A/N this is a LONG. LOOOOONG post. Which is why there is a read more.

Kirk was filing out the medical padd regarding his husband's history. Spock was listed under the name 'Selek Miller' with his parents listed as 'unknown'. Kirk was in his admiral uniform while Spock was in his colorful, loud sweater and long pants that ended in a way strikingly resembling the trousers used in the historic five year mission. Kirk wore his antique glasses staring down at the screen. Spock was holding Italian in his arms gently stroking the cat's head. The cat was purring, happily, wearing a harness around his torso. Kirk stood up then briefly left his bondmate going over to the reception desk.

"Doctor T'Hell will attend to you shortly," the receptionist said.

Spock's eyebrows perked up and his head raised up.

"What kind of name is T'Hell?" Spock said, as his bondmate returned. "Who would name their child after a place that does not have any positive meanings?"

"The name itself sounds unique," Kirk said, taking Spock's hand. "You know, a name like Spock doesn't sound too bad itself." he wiggled his grayed eyebrows back at his partner.

"That is different, Jim," Spock said. "I was named after the Vulcan who was of Vulcan's early society builders."

Kirk lowered his eyebrows with a "Oh."

"Maybe they like colorful metaphors," Kirk said. "This is a different timeline."

"Poor Vulcan," Spock said, in pity. "Not aware what it means."

"Spock . . . remember the time we came across a Vulcan scientist with the name T'Heli?" Kirk asked.

"Yes," Spock said.

"That was awfully close to the pronunciation of hell," Kirk said.

Spock paused.

"Yes," then Spock added. "It does."

"And perhaps they are aware of what hell means," Kirk said. "They are probably a little bit dark themselves."

Spock nodded then held his two fingers out for his bondmate which was returned

"Selek Miller," came a voice. Kirk looked over to see a Andorian nurse in white uniform. "Right this way."

Kirk helped Spock up to his feet.

Italian fell out of Spock's arms then landed to the floor.

Spock held onto the long black yet soft leash.

Italian guided Spock down toward the door. Spock had already spoken to Kirk about letting the cat do the guiding as it gave him some independence. Kirk understood. Italian enjoyed snoozing while his owners walked around the Kirk property, quietly, enjoying the view that the hills and green scenery made. That also complimented the blue sky littered with clouds. It was different from the walks they had around San Fransisco on their evening strolls. In a way more at home and retired. Kirk only went into Star Fleet Command for only emergencies such as the discussions over the marine life miraculously returning after the whales returned. Kirk could not explain that. Kirk looked over to see a picture of the extinct white rhino. The sad rhino with its downcasted eyes and lowered head, sadly. He looked over to see a picture of two black squirrels burying their nuts. Kirk beamed at the image. A rather hopeful, endearing image. Life goes on with the animals that were too stubborn to go extinct. Kirk and Spock came into the medical room then sat down side by side. Spock sat down with a relieved but audible sigh. Kirk looked over in the direction of his bondmate as the nurse left.

"What is wrong?" Kirk asked.

"My legs are swollen," Spock said, quietly.

Kirk looked down to see the Vulcan's legs were bulging then dragged over a table.

"Put your leg on the table," Kirk requested

Spock obeyed.

"Good, this will help the swelling go down," Kirk said.

Spock raised an eyebrow.

"My dad once had swollen legs," Kirk said. Italian was laid in the Vulcan's lap. "He drank a lot of water and exercised. Claimed he was dong it for the sake of science." Spock had a laugh.

"Humans never cease to amuse me," Spock said.

"I hope they don't," Kirk said. "I need you too much. I enjoy hearing your laughter."

Spock guided his hand over placing it onto the human's smaller but still large hand.

"Taluhk nash-veh k'du," Spock said. I cherish thee.

The door opened to the examination room. In came a human like doctor with messy hair then sat into the seat. Kirk saw the name tag read "Mac'ie Koster' seemed neither male or female at first glance with non-distinguishing features. Mac'ie put their hair up into a bun with a scrunchy explaining that their arranged doctor was currently on leave claiming to be very ill for today. Then picked up a padd. They took out their medical kit placing it alongside. They reached out for the pen that was in a cup on the table. Which was across from them. They looked over, blinking, stumbled.

"Sorry about that," Kirk said. "I am Admiral Miller and," he gestured toward the Vulcan. "he who is my husband, Selek Miller."

"It is difficult to walk with swollen legs," Spock said. "Even with the shortness of breath," Kirk turned his head toward the Vulcan as his smile began to fade. "the increased swelling is distressing. I have been unable to properly arrange myself to meditate in the past three days.”

"And?" Mac'ie asked.

"My heart beat has been rapidly beating faster than normal," Spock said. Mac'ie wrote down on the padd. "the swelling was not as bothersome after my return to Earth."

"You should have told me that earlier," Kirk said.

"I did not wish that beginning of a new life with you to start on a sour note," Spock said. Kirk grew a understanding look. It was logical. "I believed it would go away after I performed meditation and drinking lots of tea," The Vulcan grimaced. "It only slowed the growth of the swelling. I believed it would be gone long within the month."

"You realize that you were wrong," Kirk said.

"Very so," Spock said, solemnly.

"When the swelling start?" Mac'ie asked.

"It started after being in Doctor Talron's care on the USS Shran," Spock turned his attention toward the doctor.

Mac'ie looked up from the padd raising an eyebrow.

"Zelese Uka-ito Talron?" Mac'ie asked.

"Yes," Spock said.

Mac'ie lowered the padd then took out a hypspray.

"Any fatigue lately?" Mac'ie asked.

"He has been sleeping more often than usual," Kirk said. "'I thought that was partially because he is so old."

"Mr Miller, please roll up your sleeve." Spock rolled his sleeve up. "And you will need a chest x-ray to be sure."

"Why?" Spock inquired, as the hypospray went in.

"Because I want to be sure what I think you have," Mac'ie said.

Spock looked over toward Kirk, concerned.

Mac'ie turned away from the screen as Spock waited in the machine. She turned off the audio looking grimly in the direction of Kirk. Kirk recognized that look. It only said bad news. They wore the kind of grim look that normally would be seen on a doctor handing the loved one bad news. In that moment, any hope that it was just a curable illness went away. He shifted from civilian to Admiral.

"Lay it down, doctor," Kirk said, in his captainly voice.

"Your husband has congestive heart failure," Mac'ie said. "He has five years."

Kirk turned toward the window then placed a hand on the screen, bitterly.

"If there was a clone of Spock can you transplant his heart to him?" Kirk asked.

"What? Mac'ie said, alarmed. "We are not authorized to do that in this hospital."

"It can be done," Kirk said.

"How are you so sure about this?" Mac'ie asked.

"Because I authorized a mission regarding cloning," Kirk took his hand off the screen. "There is a civilization capable of cloning and Star Fleet has their technology in area 51." he turned toward Mac'ie. "I am allowing you to clone my husband and save his life."

"Admiral, I need that clones consent before the surgery," Mac'ie said. "It is not ethical without it."

"I knew this day would come one day." Kirk said. "I didn't think it would be that it would be so soon. . ." he had a heavy sigh. "I have my old uniform back home. It's in a box. Covered in Spock's DNA before . . before. . ." Kirk was unable to finish that thought. "You need to rapidly age his clone."

"We will do our best," Mac'ie said.

"You can expect the technology to be in here tomorrow morning," Kirk said. He turned toward the window.

"What about your husband?" Mac'ie asked.

"I can imagine that he wouldn't want his clone to see him," Kirk said. "We will figure that part together."

"Alright," Mac'ie said. "How do I tell him. . ."

"Just tell him that we need to clone him to fix a problem the Romulan's made," Kirk said. "After he gets out."

It had to be the Romulans. Those were the only people who had meant harm to Spock. Whatever they did to him. What they had done to him. . . Kirk's fist trembled in anger. The ones who did it got what they deserved. The scars that Spock had received were fading from the light green grayed skin. They were dead. All of them. Every single one who played a part in harming his husband.

Mac'ie turned on the audio.

"Mr Selek, thank you for the cooperation," Mac'ie said.

Kirk went out of the room to join with his husband.

The lift slid back and Spock came up from the bed sensing Kirk's delight.

"Husband, you seem to be a happy camper," Spock said.

"I am happy because I have you," Kirk said, holding his two fingers out.

Spock returned the gesture, touching his husband's two extended fingers.

Kirk stood there, frozen, where he stood. He had one hand out for the Vulcan that missed his shoulder as he had stepped back. The young Vulcan was in Vulcan robes that matched his sudden turn into a dark lane. Dark long pants, pitch black shoes, black dress wear with white Vulcan calligraphy that was ancient. He looked so long. Young enough to have been Kirk's son. He looked young to be fresh off the historic five year mission. The blue eyeliner. His face a mask of someone he once knew.

"I have decided to attend Gol and participate in a ritual known as Kolinahr, admiral," came the rich deep familiar voice. His hands clasped behind his back. "It is unfortunate that our time together is short."

Spock was awakened by the sounds of familiar crying. Crying that Spock recalled from being in McCoy's mind shortly after his death. He leaned forward feeling around in the dark. His hands landed on Italian's head. Maru was on the corner of the bed fast asleep. Spock's hand moved to the human's legs. He continued patting around until his hand was on the human's shoulder.

"Jim," Spock said, in concern. He wiped a tear off the human's face. He cupped the side of the admiral's face. "What is wrong?"

"Nightmare,” Kirk said.

"What was it about?" Spock asked.

"Your clone went to Gol," Kirk said. "I . . I . I am scared, Spock."

"I only considered Gol once," Spock said. "a individual calling themselves Spock but defies his obligations as your mate by purging his emotion is not a Spock at all," Kirk briefly closed his eyes. Thinking, damn he's right. "He is a entirely different person."

Kirk looked at Spock's eyes.

"Are you scared?" Kirk asked.

"No," Spock said. "I am not."

"Why?" Kirk asked, curiously.

"Should anything go wrong during the operation. . . " Spock said. "You shall have a Spock by your side, either way."

Their foreheads were pressed together, lightly. Spock brought his free hand over to the human's shoulder and brought him into a hug. Kirk's head moved resting against his chest. Spock softly sang to the human. It was one of the more sleep inducing music that Kirk enjoyed listening to on the radio. Spock had made it his mission to master the lyrics for a special occasion. May it be when the power went out and share a intimate, close moment together. His right hand holding onto the human's right hand between them. Kirk's eyes fluttered closed as Spock reached to the ending. Spock lightly planted a kiss onto the human's forehead then snuggled into bed holding onto the human. Kirk was never in the mood to kiss when he was upset. Spock's eyes remained focused on his husband.

This, too, shall pass.

Mac'ie stared at the complete set. It was a rounded tube like object with a bed at the center. Kirk's old uniform was laid inside a small box section into the machine. She had stared at it for the past two hours. The machine was quite unmistakenable. Quite new and advanced than any technology they had seen. it was a lot like a tank with a doorway that allowed a body to be slid out. It had a wide window showing the inside of it. Their patient and the admiral were okay with the cloning. They had decided that Spock go into a stasis pod. The admiral had a cat carrier with him. The two elderly men were holding hands grounding each other down. Mac'ie turned their attention back toward the control panel. There were so many options but with the time they had spent studying it, Mac'ie was sure that they could operate it. Spock's swelling had gone down visibly at his legs yet they still looked a little too large to belong to him. Spock's long, grayed thumbs rubbed the sides of Kirk's hands who looked at the Vulcan. They had been silent since their arrival. Italian was not mewing from his carrier. Spock let go of Kirk's hands.

"Promise me that you shall not let him see me in this condition while in stasis," Spock said.

"I give you my word," Kirk said. "That's better than a promise."

Spock planted a kiss on the human's lips, a bit unexpected. His hands cupping the side of the human's face while the other came to the back of his head. Kirk's hands at first were palm opened then slowly grasped onto the Vulcan's shoulders. The admiral squeezed them, tightly. Kirk passionately returned the kiss. They stood there ignored by the younger human like individual with little thorns along the top of Mac'ies fingers. The kiss was drawn out long between the two men. Kirk's hand slackened on the Vulcan's shoulder becoming loose and light. T'hy'la! They stood that way for fifteen minutes. The kiss became slower. . . and slower. Until it was Spock, the one who ended the kiss. The Vulcan cupped the side of Kirk's face.

"Do not grieve, admiral," Spock said.

"Who said I will?" Kirk said. "You will come back to me, Ambassador."

"I shall do my best," Spock said.

"The cloning machine is ready," Mac'ie said.  The two men didn’t turn their attention to her. Then came over to the elder. "Have you been given the stasis shot?"

Spock turned away from Kirk.

"Not yet," Spock said.

"Nurse Tehell will attend to you," Mac'ie said.

"Did hell become a popular name that I was not aware of?" Spock said.

"It's a beautiful name on Gorgon," Mac'ie said.

"Well, that explains it," Kirk said. "Gorgon did have a first contact with Earth roughly thirty years ago."

"Logical," Spock said. A stool was brought over to the side of the stasis pod. Spock walked up the stool then sat down into the stasis pod. The stasis pod was a size large. Nurse Tehell put the hypospray to the side of the Vulcan's neck. Spock laid down. The door began to close on him. Spock placed a hand on the wall in the shape of the ta'al.  I love you. “I have, and always shall be, yours.”

I love you, too, baby. Kirk replied, his hand placed on the glass.

“See you after the operation, Ambassador,” Kirk said.

I love you more than you do, came Spock's reply.

Spock mental shields raised up as the stasis pod began to activate. The stasis pod became foggy. Spock's hand fell from the glass leaving the imprint of his hands behind. Kirk stepped back allowing the nurses to move his pod into a stasis pod wall holder. Directly into a wall with the shape of the pod's back end sticking out. Kirk rubbed his wrist. He closed his eyes shoveling down his rocky threatening to explode emotions. Kirk walked over as he saw the inside of the cloning machine glowing. He came to the side of Mac'ie. The shape of a wailing baby. Before his eyes came into formation that began to morph with age as a toddler, a child, a teenager, and a adult. The machine abruptly stopped mid-way. The blue color faded away. The Vulcan had jet black hair, lines littering his face, large pointy ears that were curled and not as much pointy nose.

"Doctor, what is going on?" Kirk asked.

"We can't go any further," Mac'ie said. "It won't budge."

The screen began to glow a shade of red.

"Get him out, now!" Mac'ie said. "Turn it off, turn it off!"

The nurses began flipping switches. The machine powered down little by little by each flip. They moved to the exit of the machine then opened it up. A very much naked but hairy Vulcan was slid out on the bed. The nurses dressed the Vulcan standing in the way of the admiral. Kirk was escorted out of the room by Mac'ie. He paced back and forth awaiting for word. He rubbed his hands anxiously. Mac'ie returned minutes later, collected, and calm regarding the situation.

"Admiral Miller," Mac'ie said.

"Yes?" Kirk asked.

"Your husband. ." he braced himself. "is alive."

Kirk sat down.

"Which one?" Kirk said, looking up.

"Both," Mac'ie said. "the clone is asleep. He will awaken in three hours."

"Good," Kirk said. "I will be waiting."

"He is in room 307," Mac'ie said, then slid a padd forward. "He will need to sign this."

Kirk looked down toward the padd then handed it back to her.

"You have to add in his alias," Kirk said. "His name is Spock Miller."

Mac'ie took the padd.

"Yes, Admiral Miller," Mac'ie said, then left the room.

Captain Spock's eyes fluttered open. His vision cleared from the darkness to a semi bright scenery. The lights were dim. More dim then the USS Saratoga’s sick bay. One that he found himself arriving not as often as the one on the Enterprise with Kirk in tow. The neutral zone was a place to be observed and protected at all costs.  He sensed Kirk’s presence was nearby. Right beside him. Spock’s brown eyes adjusted.

"Spock," came a familiar but older staccato voice.

Spock looked over.

"Jim," Spock said, in bewilderment. "How did you get so old?" his hands were on his knees. His hand came to the human's broad shoulder with a gentle but caring touch. The human had grayed curly hair. His hair style had changed drastically from the last time that he had seen. The man had laughter lines around his eyes that hadn't been there earlier. Spock could not feel the bond with Kirk. He stared at the human observing him, dumbstruck.

"We're in the past, you're a clone, and you need your heart." Kirk said.

"You need my consent for the operation," Spock said. Kirk smiled in return, brightingly.

"Yes," Kirk said.

"I refuse," Spock said. Kirk's smile began to fade as a puzzled look replaced it.

"Why?" Kirk asked, feeling his heart breaking into pieces.

"I do not wish to outlive you," Spock said.

Oh, it dawned, oh. It hit Kirk harder than it should.

"'That's fair," Kirk said. "What stardate is it?"

"2288," Spock said.

"Captain, it is Stardate 2234," Kirk replied. "We have been in the past together for a month."

"I do not understand, why have you not slingshotted to the future?" Spock inquired.

"We are retired," Kirk said. "we have outlived the rest of the crew."

Spock was silent.

"My parents?" Spock asked.

"We outlived them too," Kirk said. "They're alive and they're raising a four year old Hybrid on Vulcan."

Spock shook his head.

"I shall not intervene," Spock said. "And yourself?"

Kirk looked at the past, the golden days, of what had been reeling in the silence between them with hands linked behind his back.  A affectionate, admiring look. Spock was a physical reminder of a time that had been their glory days. This was a Spock who rather live in San Francisco for his retirement with Kirk in their golden years. Golden years that had passed the Vulcan like a second. Kirk came to an answer.

"I have a timeline to work around, Captain," Kirk said, then he wiggled his index finger. "Don't think of taking the name Selek."

"Really?" Spock inquired.

"Yes," Kirk replied. "Really."

"Then it seems I will have to choose another name," Spock said.

"It's Spock Miller," Kirk said. "We decided that before the operation."

"Your mother's maiden name," Spock said.

"Yes," Kirk said.

"I do not deserve your kindness," Spock said. "After declining to be part of a fatal procedure, heart breaking to humans, you give me a name."

"It's my gift for you," Kirk said. "For everything you’ve done under my command," Kirk held his hand up then performed the ta'al. "Live long and prosper, Mr Miller." Kirk walked around the hybrid lowering his hand to his side. "It would be pointless to follow me home as we're not married." Spock realized that there was no bond between him and Kirk. Kirk turned away from the door. "Starting today, you're a new man."

Kirk picked up the cat carrier on his way out. Spock stood there, feeling numb, and abruptly confused what to do with himself in somewhere he most certainly did not belong. Perhaps he could. . . Spock deeply considered the issue at large to stay out of the timeline's way. It was a little over thirty-three minutes was he given a new exchange of clothes. Spock looked at the history, closely, to find out a new life for himself. Where history had noted nothing alarming happened, looking back at what he did know. It was remarkable how Ji---Kirk had been able to keep himself together in the discussion without bursting into tears. Professional, calm, and---how had he done it? The scene panned to Kirk. Kirk sat down on a bench in front of a water front at a park. There was a flood of feelings coming over him. A feeling of fault and guilt.

He made a promise to Spock. Not to show the clone his aged counterpart. He couldn't kill him as it was morally and ethnically murder. It would also mean damaging the heart. Kirk didn't want to break the heart of the younger Vulcan, again. If they got together, Spock would have outlived Kirk. He would become Spock 2.0 and mourn the loss. Then Spock directly would land himself into trouble, get hurt, and be reunited with him in some manner and then being cloned again. So Kirk had broken the chain by setting the Vulcan free of his obligation as his husband. Kirk didn't have the heart to tell him how old his counterpart was. Some Vulcans were known to live into their hundreds living on to three hundred when it came to being 100% pure. Italian mewed from the small cage. Kirk opened the cage. Italian slid his way out of the cat kennel. Kirk watched the sun set. He stood up and then turned toward the cat, sadly. Kirk walked away with the kennel in tow in the direction of the air car. Kirk opened the door then set into it with the kennel alongside. Italian tailed after the car Kirk drove away in.