#fiadorable writes

[fiadorable]

@curator-on-ao3​ and I are pleased to present our offering for the Merry Month of Cohen 2024! Thank you again to @what-happens-to-the-heart​ for organizing this year’s event!

💖 Number One | Una Chin-Riley/Christopher Pike

📖 Chris touching a time crystal on Boreth should have made his life tick toward his predicted fate. Instead, something else happened. Something worse. (Canon-divergent after season one, episode one of Strange New Worlds.) Story is fully written and we will do our best to post a chapter a day.

🎬 Rated C for Cohen, D for canon divergence, F for funky and fun POV, and T for time crystals that give everyone a headache

⛔ Sci-fi mental illness depicted

📏 About 7k words, give or take

🏷️ Canon Divergence, first person direct address POV, narrator alternates by chapter, sci-fi mental illness, Caregiving, Established Relationship, Captain Una, Time Crystals, Boreth, Angst with a Happy Ending

🖼️ Cover art created with photos from here and here and are used under the Unsplash license.

[curator-on-ao3]

🩻

🩻: Has writing a fic ever led to you discovering something about yourself?

Sooooooo, I wrote two fics in a row in which a man is quiet so a woman can think and come to her own conclusions to correct her not-great line of thought. When I realized what I had done, I sat back and considered my own relationships — and like to believe I got better about saying, “Give me a minute to think about that.”

(Note for posterity: the stories are both one-shots, a Pikeuna and a Kathryn Janeway & Tom Paris friendship fic.)

Thank you for asking, @fiadorable (and I definitely know and appreciate your familiarity with that Pikeuna fic)! ❤️

| fic writing asks |

[startrekpotluck]

Time to get the dough proofing and ovens preheating! It's just one week to go until StarTrekPotluck2024 - and there's still room at the table if you want to join!

We have a truly dazzling array of delicacies on the menu this year and would like to welcome our latest chef to the kitchen:

@boldlyqueertastic SNW/AOS/TOS/DISCO fanart & poem, 12th August

... who joins our other culinary greats (listed under the cut).

Don't forget to check out two new, exciting potluck treats this year: @the-goofball will be hosting an end-of-potluck twitch-stream, so let them know if you'd like your contribution featured. And @pc-corner has generously offered to draw illustrations for people's fics and there are still a few open slots, so get them while they're hot 🥞✨

And for anyone still debating whether to whip up something to bring to the feast: StarTrekPotluck2024 welcomes fan creators of all types, from across all the Trek fandoms!

Do you have a foolproof recipe for jumja sticks you've been meaning to share? Feel like writing a series of drabbles describing your favourite crew's favourite delicacies? Are you keen to show off your label designs for the latest Andorian Ales?

Then ready your spoons and spatulas and send us an ask to book one of the open dates between the 1st and 14th of August! We're happy to accept new sign-ups right up until the start of the fest.

Serving 1 Serving 2 Serving 3 Serving 4: (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th)

Remember: Any Star Trek fandom, any media, anything food or drink-related! For more info, see here.

The StarTrekPotluck2024 Menu:

@regionalpancake VOY fanfic, 1st August

@scriptrix-eclectica TOS fanfic, 1st August

@majormiles AOS fanfic, 1st August

@dustydahorse TNG fanart, 1st August

@jazzfic PIC fanfic, 2nd August

@green-mug-tomato-juice TNG fanart, 2nd August

@saccharinestardust PIC fanfic, 2nd August

@grissomesque VOY fanfic, 2nd August

@the-willow-tree DS9-TNG-mashup fanfic, 3rd August

@marymoss1971 LWD fanfic, 3rd August

@yarboyandy (fandom tbd) fanart, 3rd August

@thebiwifeonao3 TNG/VOY fanfic, 3rd August

@wonderofasunrise VOY fanfic, 4th August

@iwritesometimes PIC fanfic, 4th August

@jordanlafordan DSC fanfic, 4th August

@kejsarinna DSC fanfic, 5th August

@astrotrek86 SNW fanfic, 5th August

@miisakee AOS fanwork(tbd), 5th August

@stpaulofsuburbia (tbd) TOS/TNG/DS9 fanfic 5th August

@iffnotwinter DS9 fanfic, 6th August

@spongynova LWD fanart, 6th August

@onmytallesttiptoesspinning SNW/LWD (tbd) fanfic, 7th August

@starry-bite PIC fanfic, 7th August

@aurora-cycle TOS fanfic, 7th August

@ussjellyfish DSC fanfic, 8th August

@dogearedfriends TOS fanart, 8th August

@altumvidetur TNG/DS9/VOY (tbd) fanfic, 8th August

@divinemissem13 VOY fanfic, 9th August

@coffee-in-that-nebula VOY fanfic, 9th August

@73chn1c0l0rr3v3l DSC fanfic, 9th August

@swordanddaggerarts TOS fanart, 9th August

@lipstickonmylabcoat (fandom tbd) fanfic, 10th August

@celestialvoyeur (fandom tbd)(fanwork tbd), 10th August

@candycurlsofmaddness SNW/DS9/TNG/VOY (tbd), 10th August

@curator-on-ao3 & @fiadorable AOS/SNW fanfic, 11th August

@pilcrowtudinous PIC fanfic, 11th August

@evieaves TOS comic, 11th August

@song-spero PIC fanfic, 11th August

@sun-lit-roses SNW fanfic, 12th August

@enterprise-come-in SNW fanfic, 12th August

@silvermillenniumqueenneptune TNG/PIC fanfic, 12th August

@robosexualunderground LWD fanfic, 13th August

@pc-corner SNW fanart/fanfic, 13th August

@iliveinfantasylife SNW fanart, 13th August

N_Squared SNW/DSC fanfic, 13th August

@android-and-ale SNW/TOS/AOS (tbd) fanfic, 14th August

@northstarfan PIC fanfic, 14th August

@jaegermonstrous DS9 fanart, 14th August

@horizonproblems & @procrastinatorproject PIC fanart & fanfic, 14th August

[what-happens-to-the-heart]

It is Cohen time everyone!!!

So excited to see what everyone will share this year.

To our participants: @marymoss1971 (VOY), @auguststargazer (VOY), BlackVelvet42 (TBD) @jellybeansarecool (TBD), @pc-corner (SNW), @70thousandlightyearsfromhome (VOY), @seemaunbound (VOY), @regionalpancake (PIC), Servelan (TBD), @go-tell-the-bees (VOY), @elephant-in-the-pride-parade (PRO), @muizeke83 (VOY), @sun-lit-roses (VOY), @mytardisisparked (ENT), @rocktherecorder (PIC or VOY), @grissomesque (VOY), @baylardo (PRO), @madamairlock (VOY), @whathappenstotheheart (SNW), @theredheadedcaptain (TBD), @gluecookie (DS9), @littleobsessions90 , @curator-on-ao3 and @fiadorable (SNW) — Here are some reminders for when you share your work!

Q: How do you make sure your work is shared by our Tumblr?

A: If you post your work on tumblr, you can @what-happens-to-the-heart or this year's moderator @elephant-in-the-pride-parade and I will make sure to reblog your work! If you don't post to tumblr, kindly send an Ask with a link to your work. This way I can make sure everyone's creativity get's celebrated.

Q: How do I post to the AO3 collection?

A. This AO3 instruction will walk you through each step. I also know not everyone on AO3 is comfortable posting directly to a collection - thats okay! I will create a collection bookmark to your work so that anyone perusing the event collection will still find it.

Q: What if I do not post work to AO3?

A: I will include links to non-AO3 works in that event collection's description. I will also make a post on Tumblr at the end of the fest with links to every person's work!

Q: what do I do if I am not done by my sign up date?

A: It's okay! Just send a message to let me know you are still working on it. I will keep an eye out for belated submissions and do my best to update the AO3 collection and Tumblr quickly to include your work! (And remember if you're writing a fic, it is okay to post just the first chapter for Cohen)

Q: What if I post earlier than my post date?

A: (Then you have a super power and myself and my legendary procrastination skills are very envious of it.) If you post your work early I will queue it up to promote on your original sign up date.

[ussjellyfish]

fic author q & a

Thank you, @fiadorable for tagging me!!

The questions:

Why do you write fanfic?

Which of your posted stories do you think about the most, even though the story is "finished"?

If you could give yourself fic advice from when you first started writing fic, what would that advice be?

What's your relationship to fic stats?

Is there a pairing or scenario or friendship you miss writing? If so, why? If not, why not?

Why do you write for the fandom(s) that you write for?

If you're stuck writing a WIP, what do you do?

What do you wish people knew about comments?

Maybe there's a question you wish had been on here. What's that questions (and answer)?

Why do you write fanfic?

I enjoy, so much. I love dialogue, I love trying to write something that's feels true to the characters in the moment I'm writing. Some of it is writing things that are simply not feasible/wouldn't film well/aren't things shows would bother making.

The worlds fiction creates are interesting to me and I like expanding them. I'm particularly into little hurts and comforts, and I have a specialty in the long epic that takes place around a pregnancy. I also really love f/f pairings and those are not usually offered in the canons I enjoy. (Maybe there's one...).

I like writing the things I would like to read. I love the community around it, exchanges are fun because you get to make something and someone makes something for you. Existing with people who also find writing fun is a neat and creative way to connect.

It's the freest creative outlet I get in my life, and I really love that.

2. Which of your posted stories do you think about the most, even though the story is "finished"?

Right now, Quantum Variations on a Love Theme, because I love that story, I invested so much of my life into writing it, and it stopped in a good place, so it's done, but it's a world I made that I am fond of. There are fun little friendships in there, and I built their relationship well. I had fun. I don't know if I have anything to add. It feels done, but I love it.

Two ficlets I really liked and feel like they could have more to them in a "proof of concept" kind of way are "legends of the space lanes" which is where Laira has amnesia and thinks she's space pilot much younger Laira (which was fun) because I really think space pilot Laira could go somewhere. So I think about that one because I write to write a more complicated fic vaguely in that direction.

I also think about Federation Labor Code Section 51A-11, subparagraph 2, because it's adorable, and I have such a soft spot for Laira doing her job, and feeling terrible while she does it, and only Michael knowing. This idea makes my heart mush in my chest. There are so many more labor codes to make up and fun ways to break them and it's cute, they're cute together.

3. If you could give yourself fic advice from when you first started writing fic, what would that advice be?

Worry less about what other people think about it. Comments are fun, they're wonderful, but the writing itself is a journey. You get better the more you write, and the process is what you enjoy. Write things that make you happy, enjoy writing them, don't be ashamed for liking what you like. I do the same thing over and over, but I enjoy it. Other people do this too, and enjoy themselves, I would feel better if I let myself write without shame.

4. What's your relationship to fic stats?

They're fun! I like that ao3 has been tracking things for me for 15 years. There's little fun things in there. In a good year, I write around 200,000 words. I'm almost to 3 million words on ao3. I'm almost to 1 million hits. These are fun things. I like knowing they are out there. It's little ways to motivate myself.

5. Is there a pairing or scenario or friendship you miss writing? If so, why? If not, why not?

I can't think of one at the moment. I miss the people who talked to me while I wrote some of my previously pairings. I seem to swap friend groups as I swap fandoms/pairings and I miss people when I don't talk to them any more. Lately they get too busy, move on before I finish something, and then I finish it on my own, and it's rather lonely. The last two long fics I've been really into (Michael Burnham/Laira Rillak) and ( gen Philippa Georgiou) have gotten me through since 2020. I definitely have a candle for all the pairings I've been really into. (Elizabeth Weir/John Sheppard - Stargate Atlantis, Beverly Crusher/Jean-Luc Picard - Star Trek: TNG, Kathryn Janeway/Chakotay - Star Trek Voyager, Beverly Crusher/Kathryn Janeway - TNG/VOY, Melinda May/Phil Coulson - Agents of SHIELD, Maleficent/Regina Mills - Once Upon a Time, Regina Mills/Emma Swan - Once Upon a Time.)

I feel contentedly done with most of them though.

Beverly/Kathryn is probably the one I'm most likely to go back to. Elizabeth and John get a little nod every October. Mostly my heart moves on, and I write my specialty for a new pairing, and I see how long I hang out there.

It seems like I will write Una/La'an babyfic at some point. They're adorable. It'll be fun.

5. What motivates you to write?

It may honestly be that femslash babyfic doesn't write itself. It's an unpopular corner of an unpopular corner and usually my favorite pairing is tiny. Some of them haven't been, and it's really fun to be part of a big ship. It's also fun to be part of a tiny little ship when people sail near you in their ship and wave. That's kind of where I am at the moment, and it's nice.

I don't remember a time where I didn't write fanfic. I wrote Addams Family fanfic when I was nine. I have ancient self insert TNG fic from when I was thirteen. I love support and friendship and feelings and vulnerability and little things that aren't important enough to be a whole episode that are important enough to me. I love building relationships and figuring out how to make something sound like it's from the show, and keep it vaguely close enough to the characters that it makes sense.

It's fun. I get a creative outlet and a challenge and friends and something I like reading at the end

6. Why do you write for the fandom(s) that you write for?

I like women with power and underlying vulnerabilities, often when they're terrible at dealing with their own feelings. I lead towards scifi or fantasy, lots of Star Trek. (probably two thirds of my works are Star Trek of some kind). I like being able to make things up, I love casts with lots of women.

I love the freedom of science fiction and fantasy. I love weird stuff. I'm not that intrigued by things too close to reality.

Usually I find a character I like and fixate on her and then decide whom I ship her with. (Often it's the person who would fuss over her if she had a headache). Sometimes they have scenes together, sometimes they don't. I've shipped several f/m pairings in the past, lately it's all femslash.

I care more about the mutual looking after each other when it's a f/f [pairing, I am kind of biased towards the female character in most of my f/m fics. She's Barbie, he's just Ken. Barbie/Barbie is much more fun for me.

I love it when the characters have people who love them around them, and I like building the friendships that go with the relationship. I like to make this place where they look after each other, or expand it. It brings me joy.

7. If you're stuck writing a WIP, what do you do?

Start another one! (i wish I was joking). Take a walk, paint, play video games, go do a chore. I rarely have enough time and energy free to be stuck. It's either going well or I'm too tired to write. Usually now my problems are not, I have time to write and I don't know what to write. It's I don't have time or energy to write. I have to work, I have chores and I…

I am filling this out instead of writing but this is fun and I've been meaning to do it for ages.

I talk about my WIP with anyone who will listen or write another fic, if I am stuck but have time to write. Rarely does this occur. Usually I have no time / energy, which is different than stuck.

8. What do you wish people knew about comments?

They're a fabulous way to make friends, if you want. I would love to hear the little things you didn't put into a fic when I comment on yours. If you're reading something for the 10th time, I'd love to know. I mean to reply to them, I try, and sometimes I forget or they get buried. I treasure them. Thank you for taking the time. It means worlds to me.

9. Maybe there's a question you wish had been on here. What's that questions (and answer)?

@fiadorable chose How are you feeling about writing today? and that's a good question. So I'll go with that.

I feel good about writing today. I'm finishing up my Discovery Big Bang, and that's going well, it's been fleshed out where it needed to be and I know what happens in the end I just need to drag all the threads together.

It's been a few weeks since I had the time and energy to write anything and it's nice to be on the upswing where things feel hopeful and fun.

It's genuinely been fun to add on little things and pull the big bang fic together. I'm excited about it.

Tagging @onmytallesttiptoesspinning @astrotrek86 @pilcrowtudinous @mylittleredgirl @moomkin77 @concentfortea @an-inky-fingered-lass @lenfaz @havocthecat @bessemerprocess @elephant-in-the-pride-parade @divinemissem13 @lorcaswhisky

if you feel inclined.

[the-redhead-in-a-dress]

Thank you @emonydeborah

1. Are you named after anyone?

Not really, but my mom said she liked the name after reading War & Peace.

2. When was the last time you cried?

I can't remember, it's fairly regularly to be honest (I am a crier) but cannot think of the last time.

3. Do you have kids?

Not yet.

4. What sports do you/have you played?

Figure skating was my main sport as a kid. As a kid I also did a lot of sports: field hockey, netball, rugby, tennis, basketball. Right now I'm into boxing.

5. Do you use sarcasm?

I have been known to dabble.

6. What is the first thing you notice about people?

Their outfits.

7. What's your eye color?

Green-y hazel.

8. Do you prefer scary or happy endings for movies?

Happy.

But I think @emonydeborah's answer here is also perfect: "I can appreciate an earned sad ending and then immediately go write fanfic."

9. Any talents?

I remember loads of personal things people mention about themselves or others. For example, I will remember your cousin's godmother's name and the fact she always sent you a cookie for your birthday. It can make for awkward conversations.

10. Where were you born?

Almost on the side of the road, but in the end in a hospital in the county over from me, a county for whom I'm forever burdened to have in my passport and that I reluctantly give over on official forms that ask for place of birth.

11. What are your hobbies?

Writing. Reading. Theater. Fashion. Travel. Walking through cities.

12. Do you have any pets?

My dog died this past year.

13. How tall are you?

5ft 7 1/2 (the 1/2 is very important)

14. Favorite school subject?

Government.

15. Dream occupation?

I'm still figuring this out to be honest.

Dream occupation that's achievable: Tenured Professor.

Dream occupation possibly not achievable: Full time writer/screen-writer

I tag @fiadorable @thursdayinspace @theartichokesarepurple (sorry if previously been tagged)

[emonydeborah]

20 questions for fic writers

thanks for the tag, @curator-on-ao3 :)

1. How many works do you have on Ao3? 43

2. What’s your total Ao3 word count? 289,964

3. What fandoms do you write for? Whatever catches my fancy. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has the most fics (8), but my most recent fic was for Black Widow.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

Family First- a Coco fic, the first multichap I ever finished, I think. An AU where Victoria stole the guitar when she was a child and she and Elena got stuck in the Land of the Dead.

Sick of Waiting for a Miracle- angsty Encanto! My take of Mirabel growing resentful instead of desperate, and the family falling apart a lot harder. Happy ending though because I am who I am.

Patching Up- post-Incredibles 2 fic of Bob and Helen patching each other up (hence the name). Short fluff I am astonished was my third most kudos-ed fic.

From the Hands of the Weak- Black Widow AU where Alexei and Melina take Natasha and Yelena and run.

Tia Victoria one-shots- Listen. My Coco phase was strong. And I did not have standards yet, so I posted whatever came into my mind. Most of these are about her tragic death. Unfinished, or it would have made "angstiest"

5. Do you respond to comments? Yes! I love responding to comments, especially to follow up on whatever the commenter found interesting.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? I had to go back through my AO3 because no matter how much I put my little guys through, I usually like a happy ending. Technically it would be 5 Times Una Talked Chris Into a Breakup and 1 Time She Didn't. But that's part of a series that had a happy ending, so. I am redeemed.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? I'll go with The World That Lives In You. I always write with a happy ending in mind, even if I don't finish it, but I picked this one because it ends with a domestic little scene of a traumatized family being cute and well-adjusted together.

8. Do you get hate on fics? Not that I have seen.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? Nope.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written? I have, not a lot though. I have a little series where I put the Incredibles in the Harry Potter universe. The Incredibles were Aurors and you can't change my mind was a fun time when I was very into Incredibles 2.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? Once, allegedly by accident.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? I don't think so.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? No, aside from spitballing ideas with @justreckin.

14. What’s your all time favorite ship? Don't do this to me.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? When I first started writing and posting fic, I had an enormous DS9 fic all planned out. It was going to span 20+ years, introduce so many OCs, and center around Kira Nerys, my OBSESSION for a long time. I posted maybe 4 chapters. RIP.

16. What are your writing strengths? Dialogue and cute little moments.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? I get bogged down in details and lose sight of the long game. OR if my intention is to make a little moment stretch, it lasts two sentences. There is no in between.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? I will do one or two words at a time, maybe a sentence if I can pull it directly from the source material and I know what it means and the context.

19. First fandom you wrote for? NCIS.

20. Favorite fic you’ve written? oof oof oof. Great question. I have plenty that I go back and read just for fun. The one I'm proudest of right now is Discipline, Diligence, and Learning to Fly. My favorites to read are And the Time Eve Collected Human Beings Like Shiny Rocks and Keep Us Connected.

I'm late to the trend so I think everyone has been tagged. Anyone who wants to, and @fiadorable, @justreckin, @sun-lit-roses and @raddocwrites if you'd like! (unless you’ve already done it and don’t want to again 😂)

[lindsaybob]

Oo, pike x una and number 8 or 10 for the pairing with a kiss prompt list!

A double drabble for a double prompt, since I’m going to argue it technically fulfils both 8 (…in secrecy) and 10 (…desperately).

Thanks for the fun prompt, @fiadorable, which I absolutely, definitely did not shirk any other responsibilities in order to write today 😇

*****

Chris was waiting right beside the transporter pad when Una rematerialised on the Enterprise following her court martial. The moment she stepped down he wrapped his arms around her and held her, perhaps just slightly closer than Starfleet would expect a Captain to hug their First Officer.

Una let out a relieved sigh as she returned his embrace, turning her head ever so slightly to press her face into his neck.

“Welcome home, Una,” he murmured quietly, before squeezing her gently and pulling back. He gestured for her to precede him out of the room.

Una led them towards the bridge, but as they reached deck one Chris pulled her towards the ready room instead. The moment the doors closed behind them his lips were on hers, warm and soft and alternating between achingly gentle and slightly desperate.

Long moments later Chris broke the kiss and pulled back enough to see Una’s face, leaving his hands resting lightly on her hips. “Sorry, I couldn’t wait any longer.” He grinned sheepishly and Una laughed.

“Don’t apologise. I almost went ahead and did it in the transporter room.” She kissed him this time, thoroughly. “I just didn’t want to shock poor Kyle.”

[the-lady-general]

Tag Game: First 10 8 Lines Challenge

Rules: Share the first line of your last ten eight published works or as many as you are able to (eight :p ) and see if there are any patterns!

Thank you so much for the tag @fiadorable and @indignantlemur! <3 (and possibly @aristofranes? I got a notification from you, but I can't see my name on your posts.)

.

"Does he know how hard it is, keeping a mission classified from your own crew?" <- quote from the episode

A challenge that the Doctor had failed, Zero thought smugly.

Change the World, Not the Rules

J'Gal had always been, in technical terms, a fucking nightmare.

Jankom's Dogs

The summer air in San Francisco, so close by the Bay, was sticky and humid and windy.

Aces High

Flight control, despite two kinds of reactors, multiple gravimetric systems, and the latest in duotronic computing technology, is a misnomer.

A Little More Light, A Little More Time

Birdsong and the river's gurgle cut pleasantly through the summer evening.

The Way You Shake and Shiver

"Play nice, Chewie. Kid's a decent shot. He needs his arms."

The Human Heart Is Hungry Still

Uhura’s companions excused themselves with Denobulan efficiency as soon as their plates were clean.

The Sheriff of Kumari Square

Vrath cradled her steaming katheka, nine sugars, because Shryss didn't charge for sugar.

Patterns: Huh. I thought the my pattern would be "Opens with snappy dialogue in medias res", because that how I start writing all my WIPs. Turns out limited perspective descriptions are actually my thing?

Tags: I have no idea who already played or who might want another go, so please tag yourselves if you want to play, and tag me in your post so I can see it!

[sun-lit-roses]

WIP Tag Game

Thank you for tagging me, @curator-on-ao3, @enterprise-come-in, @justreckin, and @fiadorable!! I'm sorry it took me so long to play - I had to write something for the first time since January to have something to post! So this was very helpful, thank you 🥰

RULES: Post the last sentence you wrote (fanfic / original / anything) and tag as many people as there are words in the sentence.

He nodded again, but couldn’t help adding, “This is a cheerful way to mark the passage of time.”

I feel like this has been so long that everyone has already been tagged. But if you're seeing this and haven't played yet (or want to play again), consider yourself tagged!

[fiadorable]

chief - a snw double drabble

🦾 Trektober Day Eight: Nightmares 🤝 La'an Noonien-Singh & Una Chin-Riley 📖 Una and La'an bunk together on the MLK Jr after her rescue from the Gorn

Una is having a nightmare.

I clutch my stuffed tiger, Chief, bury my face in her soft fur, then climb down to the bottom bunk.

Sweat soaks Una's pajama shirt. The blanket's tangled in her long legs. She opens her mouth, eyes closed. Screaming, but silent.

When I scream like that, Una wakes me up. She whispers my name like a prayer, rubs my back until I fall asleep again.

My hand is small on her cheek, her skin damp under my palm. She startles awake, breath ragged.

"Who're you running from?" I whisper. "Who's coming to get you?"

"No one, La'an," she says, eyes sharp, scanning the room. "Come here."

I crawl to the back of her bunk, near the wall. Una kicks the blanket free, covers me. She reaches up, pulls Chief down, tucks her in with us.

"I'm sorry I woke you," Una says. "Did I say anything?"

I shake my head. She never does. Neither do I.

"Good. Let's try to sleep."

She tucks her hands beneath her cheek. It makes me giggle. People don't actually sleep like that. She shushes me, smiling.

Una means "one". Alone. Like me. Like us. I hug Chief and sleep.

[curator-on-ao3]

⭐ Director's Cut on the First Impressions ficlets, please!

Bahaha! Thank you for asking about those, @fiadorable! ❤️😂

Okay, so the trio of ficlets that form First Impressions are all … first impressions … in the context of two first officers — Jack Ransom and Una Chin-Riley. I originally posted the first and second ficlets to Tumblr (sort of glorified shitpost fics) and people asked me to put them on AO3, which was really nice. I put all three stories on AO3 a few days before the Lower Decks/Strange New Worlds crossover was announced and I thought, “Whoa. Of all my crackships, is Chansom actually going to go canon?!” So, yep, the joke in the crossover made me happy because how can you have first officer actors married to each other and not make a joke about it? The show did good.

Anyway, for the first ficlet, Jack Ransom falling for an Una Chin-Riley hologram (and Mariner teasing him about pulling a Geordi LaForge/Leah Brahms) was fun, and Jack meeting — and respecting — the actual Una as an aged and wise ambassador, all in the service of Jack’s emotional journey for his own self-confidence, was nice to explore. I see Jack as having a really beautiful and needy heart that he hides to protect himself (per Deanna Troi’s analysis). Letting Jack be vulnerable with Una made my own heart happy.

For the second ficlet, I was amused by the number of Trek characters played by married Trek actors and I wanted to get them all into one place. Hence, the nightclub that in my mind is officially named “Okudas,” but I couldn’t get that in there. Having Kira and Bashir (married actors!) comment on Jack and Una (married actors!) while reflecting on Tilly and Ryn (married actors!) and so, so many more had me smiling. (B’Elanna and Damar! Spock and Admiral Rollman! Jean-Luc Picard and the lounge singer from a dive bar in 21st century Los Angeles!) I like to believe that once Una and Jack figured out why they were at the nightclub (“Okay, so we’re fictional characters played by actors who are married to each other. That’s ummm …” “Not even the strangest thing to ever happen to me.” “Yeah, same.”) that they sort of warily circled each other, then Jack made a joke about testing out the ol’ rod and berries (yeah, a Roddenberry dirty joke — I truly believe Jack would go there) and Jack got nervous when Una seemed annoyed at first by his humor … but then he saw the amusement in her eyes and they both absolutely cracked up laughing.

The third ficlet was the only one of the trio that I wrote directly for AO3 (didn’t begin life as a Tumblr fic shitpost). And I have to say, I have a special place in my heart for it. The way Christopher Pike initially dismisses Jack Ransom as an idiot and, sure, it’s fine if Una has history with this guy from the future because it’s obviously just physical attraction and … what’s that? Jack is actually intelligent? Well, shit. Writing Chris becoming more and more insecure while Jack and Una have no idea that Chris is freaking out … and Chief Kyle just wants everyone out of the transporter room … had me laughing (lovingly) as I wrote and every time I edited.

Thank you so much, @fiadorable, for asking about that trio of firsts for two of my favorite first officers. ❤️

Want more information about a fic I wrote? Send me an ask.

[startrekpotluck]

With an INCREDIBLE 34 sign-ups in 1.5 days, this is shaping up to be the biggest StarTrekPotluck yet! 🩵🤩

We're so happy to welcome Potluck veterans and newcomers alike to our 3rd round of sign-ups for this celebration of food, drink, community, and Star Trek! 🖖💕

A warm welcome to the kitchen to:

@saccharinestardust PIC fanfic, 2nd August

@marymoss1971 LWD fanfic, 3rd August

@yarboyandy (fandom tbd) fanart, 3rd August

@jordanlafordan DSC fanfic, 4th August

@pilcrowtudinous PIC fanfic, 11th August

@dogearedfriends TOS fanart, 8th August

@coffee-in-that-nebula VOY fanfic, 9th August

@73chn1c0l0rr3v3l DSC fanfic, 9th August

@candycurlsofmaddness SNW/DS9/TNG/VOY (tbd), 10th August

@evieaves TOS comic, 11th August

@song-spero PIC fanfic, 11th August

Who join our existing chefs:

@regionalpancake VOY fanfic, 1st August

@scriptrix-eclectica TOS fanfic, 1st August

@jazzfic PIC fanfic, 2nd August

@green-mug-tomato-juice TNG fanart, 2nd August

@the-willow-tree DS9-TNG-mashup fanfic, 3rd August

@wonderofasunrise VOY fanfic, 4th August

@iwritesometimes PIC fanfic, 4th August

@kejsarinna DSC fanfic, 5th August

@astrotrek86 SNW fanfic, 5th August

@beautyofsorrow SNW fanfic, 6th August

@onmytallesttiptoesspinning SNW/LWD (tbd) fanfic, 7th August

@starry-bite PIC fanfic, 7th August

@ussjellyfish DSC fanfic, 8th August

@divinemissem13 (fandom tbd) fanfic, 9th August

@lipstickonmylabcoat SNW/VOY/LWD/DS9 (tbd) fanfic, 10th August

@celestialvoyeur (fandom tbd)(fanwork tbd), 10th August

@curator-on-ao3 & @fiadorable AOS/SNW fanfic, 11th August

@sun-lit-roses SNW fanfic, 12th August

@enterprise-come-in SNW fanfic, 12th August

@robosexualunderground LWD fanfic, 13th August

@pc-corner SNW fanart/fanfic, 13th August

@android-and-ale SNW/TOS/AOS (tbd) fanfic, 14th August

@northstarfan PIC fanfic, 14th August

Remember StarTrekPotluck2024 welcomes fan creators of all types, from across all the Trek fandoms. Want to try embroidering some osol twists? Fancy writing a poem about Neelix’s love of Leola root? Think you can make a fanvid tribute to Pike’s cooking?

If so, put on your aprons and send us an ask to book a date between the 1st and 14th of August!

Serving 1: (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th) Serving 2: (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th) Serving 3: (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th)

Remember: any Star Trek fandom, any media. For more info, see here.

[revolutionsoftheheart]

Tagged by @waddinghamhannah. Thank you! 💜 (Trying to get better at doing these when I am tagged.)

Rules: bold the ones that are true and tag 15 people to do it.

APPEARANCE blonde hair // i prefer loose clothing to tight clothing // i have one or more piercings // i have at least one tattoo // i have blue eyes // i have dyed or highlighted my hair // i have gotten plastic surgery // i have or had braces // i sunburn easily // i have freckles // i paint my nails // i typically wear make-up // i don’t often smile // i am pleased with how i look // i prefer nike to adidas // i wear baseball hats backwards HOBBIES AND TALENTS i play a sport // i can play an instrument // i am artistic // i know more than one language // i have won a trophy in some sort of competition // i can cook or bake without a recipe // i know how to swim // i enjoy writing // i can do origami // i prefer movies to tv shows // i can execute a perfect somersault // i enjoy singing // i could survive in the wild on my own // i have read a new book series this year // i enjoy spending time with friends // i travel during school or work breaks // i can do a handstand RELATIONSHIP i am in a relationship // i have been single for over a year // i have a crush // i have a best friend i have known for ten years // my parents are together // i have dated my best friend // i am adopted // my crush has confessed to me // i have a long distance relationship // i am an only child // i give advice to my friends // i have made an online friend // i met up with someone i have met online AESTHETICS i have heard the ocean in a conch shell // i have watched the sun rise // i enjoy rainy days // i have slept under the stars // i meditate outside // the sound of chirping calms me // i enjoy the smell of the beach // i know what snow tastes like // i listen to music to fall asleep // i enjoy thunderstorms // i enjoy cloud watching // i have attended a bonfire // i pay close attention to colours // i find mystery in the ocean // i enjoy hiking on nature paths // autumn is my favourite season MISCELLANEOUS i can fall asleep in a moving vehicle // i am the mom friend // i live by a certain quote // i like the smell of sharpies // i am involved in extracurricular activities // i enjoy mexican food // i can drive a stick-shift // i believe in true love // i make up scenarios to fall asleep // i sing in the shower // i wish i lived in a video game // i have a canopy above my bed // i am multiracial // i am a redhead // i own at least three dogs

Tagging: @starg8rocks, @peregrintook, @alwaysbethisclose, @broadwayfreak5357, @modern-day-classic, @movrings, @bex-pendragon, @sophiedevreaux, @gilliandersons, @lesdeuxarbres, @doctorbeverlycrusher, @fangirl-corey, @rivendwellers, @dee-thequeenbee, @fiadorable

[grissomesque]

❔ for WIP It Good, please!

❔Choose a random WIP and talk about it.

Thank yoooou, @fiadorable! 💕

Okay so let's talk about the J/P 'Night' AU that no one's asked for, that I've been stuck on since June. Part of that is just that this fall has been, uh, bad. But I also couldn't decide how it ends. I didn't just want to sub in Tom for Chakotay, you know. And I also sort of don't buy how Night ends canonically, and I love Night with all my heart, but her despair is in no way resolved. They're just... busy again. So it's this heartwarming showing of the crew supporting her and her initial decision to blow up the Caretaker's array, but like... she knew that already, because nobody stayed behind in The 37s, either, and the Maquis have never mutinied, etc, etc. So with that in mind I tried four or five different versions, I tried condensing it into a drabble, expanding it again, tried writing it anew, by hand, on an airplane... then backburnered it.

But! I finally figured the ending out in the shower the other day, and it's probably next on deck after I finish High Place in the Darkness. Which feels, if I can randomly invoke Deadwood here, like advances, none miraculous. 👌

Thank you for the ask!!

WIP Ask Game

[emonydeborah]

thanks @curator-on-ao3!

1. Are you named after anyone?

Not really? I share a name with a distant family member but that wasn't the intention

2. When was the last time you cried?

Who knows. April? Had my last lesson with my favorite teacher and lost it that night lol

3. Do you have kids?

Nope.

4. What sports do you/have you played?

Like the last one: are we counting ballet? that would be it

5. Do you use sarcasm?

sometimes

6. What is the first thing you notice about people?

whether they look like they're going to talk to me

7. What's your eye color?

greyish blue

8. Do you prefer scary or happy endings for movies?

Happy. I can appreciate an earned sad ending and then immediately go write fanfic.

9. Any talents?

hmmmmmmmmmm

no

10. Where were you born?

I'm going to copy @curator-on-ao3 and say in a hospital.

11. What are your hobbies?

Writing. Watching shows. Writing fanfic about the shows.

12. Do you have any pets?

Dog

13. How tall are you?

Taller than average.

14. Favorite school subject?

Math

15. Dream occupation?

Real world: flight nurse. Wildest dreams: Starfleet nurse.

@justreckin @fiadorable @samnotsammy12 @sun-lit-roses @the-redhead-in-a-dress @clowncartardis @ziyan-idaris @ghostlyarchaeologist if you'd like!