#spock’s sigh and step forward

[chasingstardustandmoonbeams]

Once More (II)

A/N: Thank you for your patience! I hope you enjoy. Next update should (hopefully) come quicker.

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: None

Masterlist & Playlist

You woke up with a start. You sat up, immediately reaching for your data pad. The stardate reads the same as yesterday - Thursday. 

This was real. This was happening. You sat up in your bed, mind reeling over the events of the last few days. 

Flicking on your data pad you made notes of everything you could remember. Uneventful morning shift, Ensign Sigala would offer you a cup of coffee, lunch would be spent with quickly and alone, the anomaly, drinks with Uhura and Ortegas, the turbolift with Spock. 

Spock. 

You needed to find Spock. 

Quickly, you got dressed, nearly falling over as you gathered yourself for the day. You quickly grabbed your data pad, now making notes about all the information you had managed to gather from the anomaly. 

You were still typing away as you made your way out of your quarters. If you could just lock on to the anomaly as it was happening you’d be able to figure out more. Why today? Why only you and Spock?

You looked up from your data pad as you rounded the corner. Spock was there talking to Nurse Chapel. They both looked directly at you. 

You faltered at your pace. Why- did she?

“There you are!” 

You turned to see Ensign Sigala coming towards you. He wore a bashful smile as he held out coffee for you.

“I wanted to make sure you had your morning cup,” He was smiling kindly at you, you tried your best to return the smile. 

“Oh, thank you, Ensign,” you managed to choke out. 

You felt his presence rigid behind you before you heard him speak. “Lieutenant L/N, Nurse Chapel and I need your presence in sickbay.” 

You looked between Spock and the Ensign managing one more small thank you before following Spock towards sickbay. 

“How did you -” 

“You requested that I find you sooner,” Spock made no motion to look at you as you followed him into sickbay. 

“Alright, Spock, what is going on?” Christine crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes looking between the both of you. 

You glanced at Spock before you stepped forward, “Christine, you’re never going to believe this,” you paused, “But I’m really going to need you to try.”

“Okay, now I’m just more concerned,” she dropped her eyes and moved closer towards you. 

“Spock and I, well we -” 

“We appear to be relieving the same day,” Spock added. 

Christine just gaped at the two of you. “What - you mean-” 

“Everyday is Thursday,” you sighed. 

“I believe we have completed the same loop twice, this being the third.” 

“How did this start?” Christine prompted, leaning backwards against one of the medical tables. 

“The anomaly-” you both say flatly. 

“And then it ends with the turbolift,” you swallowed, “We both sort of plummet to our death and then wake up again.” 

“And have we had this conversation before?” She asked, her head tilting a bit to the side. 

“No, this is our first conversation,” Spock added. “I wanted to inquire if it is possible to determine any abnormalities between Lieutenant L/N and I. This could help us to understand why only she and I have been repeating the day.” 

Christine simply nodded, picking up the tricorder, “Alright, well I don’t see anything out of the ordinary.” She paused making her way to a table. “Maybe if we -” 

Christine's eyes went wide, her hand reaching out to clutch her throat. 

“Christine!” you yelled as Spock reached out to help her. Christine simply fell to the floor, life quickly leaving her eyes. 

Your own throat grew tight, you tried to will air into your lungs but you couldn’t catch your breath. Desperately you looked at Spock, your hand reaching out to him before your knees buckled out from underneath you. 

“What….” you gasped, “Is….happening?” Spock caught you by the arms before you could hit the floor. His distressed eyes searched yours. 

“I do not understand,” he breathed out, his own breaths growing more shallow. He held onto your arms as you both sank to the floor. 

Your breathing grew more shallow as spots began to fill your vision. You have died twice now, this your third. Still, the fear had not left you. Only the feeling of Spock’s embrace tethered you. 

“Spock,” you whispered before your vision went dark once more. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You woke up gasping, your hand reaching for your throat as you sat up in bed. 

“What the hell?” you bit out. You threw the blankets off your bed and quickly got dressed. 

You opened your door walking towards the direction of the bridge. You bumped into Ensign Sigala who nearly spilled the coffee all over himself. 

“L/N, I’m so sorry! I wanted to-” 

“Not now Sigala, sorry!” you yelled out as you broke into a run. You felt breathless as you ran. You just needed to get to him. You could calm down once your eyes met his. 

You turned a corner to see Spock ready to walk onto the bridge. Quickly, you grabbed him by the sleeve and led him to a maintenance shaft. 

You stood directly in front of him. There was little space between you both. Your breathing came rapidly, your nerves and anxiety becoming newly unbearable. 

“What the hell was that?” you questioned, your eyes finding his. You almost took a step back, he looked tired. You didn’t think it was possible for Spock to look anything other than pristine. 

“I….do not know,” he managed to say, his eyes never leaving yours. 

“Why would that happen to Christine? I thought we only reset in the turbolift, but what if-” you stammered, “I don’t understand any of this.” 

You rubbed your face in frustration, anger and tears mixing together as your emotions boiled over the surface. You tried to steady yourself, crying wouldn’t help either one of you now. 

You could see the look of fear on Christine’s face, shock and confusion in her final expression. You closed your eyes, squeezing them shut. 

“We must continue to try and determine what is causing the anomaly.” Spock spoke gently as if trying to help ground you. 

Your eyes flicked to him, frustration clear across your face. “What do you suggest?”

“We can attempt to discuss this with the Captain and the bridge.” Spock’s expression was unreadable. There was something there - a lingering expression in his eyes that spoke of more than just exhaustion. 

“Okay,” you replied, your eyes downcast. “After you,” you signaled. Spock held your gaze for a beat more before straightening his posture and walking towards the bridge. 

You walked together silently as the bridge doors opened. 

“Ah, Spock there you are.” Captain Pike smiled warmly, “And Lieutenant L/N, this is a bit of a surprise. To what do we owe the honor?”

“Captain, if we may speak in private?” Spock stepped forward. Captain Pike gave him a questioning gaze. “Number One, the bridge is yours.” 

You both followed the Captain to his quarters. Your own anxiety began to flare up as Captain Pike leaned back against his ready room table. 

“Alright, which one of you wants to tell me what’s going on?” 

“We’re stuck in some sort of time loop,” you quickly said. 

“Excuse me?” Captain Pike spared you both a questioning look. 

“We have repeated the events of the day three times.” 

“I got that part Spock - I mean what is causing this to happen?” 

“I’m not sure,” you added, “last time we tried to figure out a medical reason Christine and I - we sort of choked to death. Every time before that Spock and I fell to our deaths in a turbolift.” 

“We believe it has something to do with the anomaly that has been intercepting our scanners,” Spock spared a glance at you before turning his attention back to Captain Pike. 

“The storm?” Pike reasoned. 

“Yes, Sir,” you breathed out. 

“Have we had this conversation before?” Pike was giving you both his full attention now. 

“No, but we -” 

“Captain Pike to the bridge!” Number One’s voice cried out through the intercom. “All crew prepare for a red alert!” 

“What-” 

All three of you were jostled to the side as the Enterprise lurched forward. A sickening groaning sound filled the room. 

You fumbled around for your data pad, your eyes looking at the current readings of the warp core. “It’s a core meltdown, we’re losing the antimatter containment. If we don’t eject the core…”

Captain Pike looked at you both, “Has this-” 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You sat up quickly, your hand clutching your chest. You knew what had happened of course, the core breach had occurred, leaving the Enterprise to explode. 

You quickly got dressed, not caring for your appearance or data pad. You simply marched out of your door, avoiding by instinct everyone in your way. 

“L/N, I brought-” 

“Not now, Sigala,” you grumbled before making your way to Spock. You found him as you did before waiting for you in front of the bridge doors. 

He opened his mouth to speak, but you simply waved him off, “Let’s just get this over with.” 

“Ah, Spock there you are.” Captain Pike smiled warmly, “And Lieutenant L/N, this is a bit of a surprise. To what do we owe the honor?”

You let out an annoyed breath, Spock remained neutral. 

“Captain if we may-” 

“We need to talk to you, Captain, in private. La’an, you can come too,” you added making your way out the doors. 

You could feel everyone on the bridge looking at you, but you could not find the will to care. 

“Apologies, Captain, but Lieutenant L/N, is correct.” 

“Alright”, Captain Pike managed to get out. Wordlessly, you followed Captain Pike to his ready room. 

“Which one of you wants to tell me what’s going on?” Pike looked between the three of you, but La’an simply shrugged in confusion. 

“We wake up everyday, living the same day. We live, we die, we do it again,” you grumbled out. 

“I’m sorry?” La’an, narrowed her eyes at you in confusion. 

“I don’t know how I can make this more clear,” you sighed, rubbing the temples of your forehead. You could feel Spock’s eyes on you, but he made no move to correct your behavior. 

“We believe it has to do with the anomaly, with the storm it is quite possible we are experiencing a Cauchy Horizon.”

“What have you done so far?” Pike questioned. 

“We have spoken with Nurse Chapel, to her demise, and to you, Captain, to the demise of the whole crew.” 

“What exactly do you mean by demise?” La’an crossed her arms over her chest. 

“Christine and I choke to death and the Enterprise has a core meltdown,” you whispered half heartedly.

“And prior to-” 

“Captain Pike to the bridge!” Number One’s voice cried out through the intercom. “All crew prepare for a red alert!” 

“Oh, come on!” you yelled, throwing your hands up in exasperation. You didn’t wait to go through the motions, simply closing your eyes and waiting for the flash. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You both attempted ten more times. Ten more deaths of the Enterprise crew where the ship either had a core meltdown, a breach in the hull, or a gas leak. 

Every attempt you made drove you more and more to madness. 

You needed a break. You needed to just go through a loop without watching all of your friends die. 

You didn’t bother putting on your uniform, opting for more comfortable clothing. You slowly made your way towards Spock. 

“L/N, I have-” 

“Thanks, Sigala,” you mumbled, taking the coffee and walking in the opposite direction. 

You shuffled over to the bridge, where Spock looked at you questioningly. He, like you, had grown to look more disheveled as the loops continued. His usual pristine Vulcan appearance was growing more weary. 

“I think we can take a loop,” you sighed. “Don’t you?” 

He looked at you, really looked at you. “What do you have in mind?”

“Oh, I got a couple ideas.” 

You swore you almost saw his mouth twitch in a smile, “Lead the way,” he started borrowing the term from you. 

You smiled widely back at him. Yeah, you both deserved a loop, maybe two. 

[illegalpaladin]

Could I get a cute one of McSpirk visiting bones’ family and Kirk and him help Spock learn how to ride a horse? Also a bit of Spock being surprisingly charming meeting Bones’ parents?

Thank you for the prompt! I did something a little different-- I wrote AOS McSpirk this time. I had a lot of fun writing this one! I hope you like it!

“Good god, man. It's just a horse.”

Spock stands stiffly at the edge of the corral. A bay stallion is nosing lightly at his sleeve. He is doing everything he can to ignore it.

“According to my research, a horse kick can have an impact of 8,722 Newtons.”

McCoy raises an eyebrow and his frown deepens. He's standing next to a horse of his own, holding the reins in one hand. His mother is standing behind the fence, watching them, and covering a laugh with her palm.

He rolls his eyes. “Didn't you grow up with a saber tooth tiger?”

Spock looks as offended as he ever lets himself look. “I-Chaya was a Sehlat.”

“And that's less scary than a horse?”

Spock opens his mouth to argue, but he's cut off as Jim rides up on the two of them. He’s moving too quickly and too wildly– he tugs roughly on the reins and the horse skids to a stop. “Y’know, Bones, I think I see where Spock is coming from.” His horse snorts. “Horses are intelligent animals. I'm sure it's strange for Spock to see such a smart and powerful beast being used as transportation. Right Spock?”

“No,” Spock says flatly. “It is simply that horses…”

“They freak you out,” McCoy offers.

Spock sighs, but he doesn't object.

“Don't worry about it, honey.” McCoy's mom watches Spock warmly, and McCoy can tell she's already falling for his Vulcan charms. “Not everyone's got experience with horses. We've all gotta start somewhere.”

“Yeah, don't worry, Spock. It's easy.” As if to prove a point, Jim pulls hard on the reins and leads his mare in a tight circle. “I’ve only ridden a horse one other time, and I've got it down already.”

McCoy rubs his free hand over his face. “When the hell have you ridden a horse, Jim?”

Jim shrugs. “I got drunk when I was seventeen and climbed the neighbor’s fence.”

“Did– did you ride bareback? How did you even get on the damn thing?” He makes eye contact with his mom, who has an eyebrow raised curiously.

“No idea. I don't remember.” He turns his horse back to look at Spock. Spock’s horse nibbles his sleeve. “C’Mon, Spock. It's just a trail ride. You can handle it.”

McCoy sighs. He steps over to Spock, and his horse follows dutifully behind.

He points at the stirrup. “Put your left foot in there, then swing your right leg over.”

Spock looks skeptical. His horse’s ears twitch.

McCoy and Jim stare at him expectantly.

“You can do it,” McCoy hears his mom say. “As easy as riding a bike.”

Jim leans forward on his horse, resting against her neck. “Do Vulcans ride bikes?”

Spock sighs again, but this time he tentatively steps to the side of the horse. He reaches up, and his fingers brush against its dark coat before settling on the saddle. He lifts a foot, puts it in the stirrup, and hesitates.

McCoy hands the reins of his own horse to his mom and steps closer. He puts a supportive hand on Spock’s back. “Go ahead. I've got you.”

Spock raises himself up and throws his leg over the horse. McCoy’s hand drops, and Spock settles into the saddle.

“See? You're a natural. You even have the perfect posture.” McCoy's mom smiles. McCoy steps back, and within moments he's hoisted himself into place on his own ride.

“Finally!” Jim grins wildly. “Let's get going already!”

McCoy throws one look at him and frowns. He steers his horse towards him until they're side by side, and he reaches out to move Jim’s hands. “You're holding the reins wrong, you idiot.”

“Well,” McCoy’s mom grins. “Not all of us can be naturals like Spock, now, can we?”

[anonymousewrites]

Logos and Pathos (AOS Edition) Chapter Eight

AOS! Spock x Empath! Reader

Chapter Eight: Aboard the Narada

Summary: Kirk, Spock, and (Y/N) go up against Nero and the Narada.

            After it took some time for Spock to return, (Y/N) did get up to check on him. They knew he might be with his parents, but they needed to check on him—they couldn’t just wait around if he wasn’t alright.

            Knowing where he’d go for peace, quiet, and calm to compose himself, (Y/N) walked to Spock’s cabin. They knocked on the door and called, “Spock?”

            “You may enter,” said Spock, and (Y/N) pressed the button to slide the door open.

            They stepped inside and found Spock sitting at his desk, readings and charts in front of him. He was already attempting to work.

            “How are you doing, Spock?” said (Y/N), walking to his side.

            “I am plotting a course that would hide the Enterprise behind a moon near Celia. Nero wouldn’t be able to sense us, and we could beam aboard as long as the drill is not activated,” said Spock.

            “That’s a good plan, Spock, but that’s not what I meant,” said (Y/N). Spock stilled, and (Y/N) sighed. They reached out and turned his chair so that he faced them. “Kirk provoked you into showing emotion. I know that you dislike it. So, I’m asking, how are you doing?”

            “I am…better,” said Spock. “I have composed myself. My Father and Mother are quite considerate.”

            (Y/N) smiled. “I’m glad you have them.” They reached out and squeezed Spock’s shoulder. “And Spock, I want you to know that I don’t see you differently.” They smiled encouragingly. “I would never make you express your feelings, but I also don’t judge. What happened wasn’t your fault, and your reaction wasn’t your fault, either, other than the violence. But you’re still Spock. And that’s what matters.”

            Spock reached up and touched (Y/N)’s forearm, close to their hand. “Thank you, (Y/N).”

            “Of course, Spock.” (Y/N) tilted their head. “Now, are you ready to head back to the Bridge?”

            Spock stood and nodded, but his hand continued to rest on (Y/N)’s arm. “I am.” He only let go when they stepped outside of the room.

l

            “From there, as long as the drill is not actiwated, we can beam aboard the enemy ship,” said Chekov, finishing his explanation of the same idea Spock had come up with as he and (Y/N) stepped onto the Bridge.

            “Aye, that might work,” said Scotty.

            “Wait a minute, kid, how old are you?” said Bones.

            “Seventeen, sir,” said Chekov.

            He’s good for his age, thought (Y/N).

            “Oh, good, he’s seventeen,” muttered Bones.

            “Doctor, Mister Chekov is correct,” said Spock, stepping forward. Everyone’s eyes went to him, but he didn’t react, and (Y/N) stood next to him confidently. “I can confirm his telemetry. If Mister Sulu is able to maneuver us into position, I can beam aboard Nero’s ship, steal back the black hole device, and, if possible, bring back Captain Pike.”

            “I won’t allow you to do that, Mister Spock,” said Kirk.

            “Romulans and Vulcans share a common ancestry. Our cultural similarities will make it easier for me to access the ship’s computer to locate the device,” said Spock.

            “I’m coming, too,” said (Y/N). Kirk and Spock’s eyes went to them in alarm, but they put their hands on their hips. “He’s going for Celia, my home. I need to stop him. And my empathy will give us an edge.”

            Spock clearly wanted to say something, but Kirk nodded and honored the decision. “Alright, but I’m coming with you two.”

            “I would cite regulation, but I know you will simply ignore it,” said Spock wryly.

            “See, we are getting to know each other,” said Kirk, patting him on the shoulder.

            They had a plan.

l

            “Transporter Room,” said Sulu over the comms. “We are in position.”

            The Enterprise had finally arrived, and, luckily, Nero had not begun his destruction of Celia. Unfortunately, they had very little time left to act.

            “Really? Fine job, Mister Sulu,” said Scotty, programming the Transporter. “Well done.”

            “How are we, Scotty?” asked Kirk.

            “Unbelievably, we’re ready,” said Scotty cheerfully.

            Kirk nodded and leaned into the communicator. “Whatever happens, Mister Sulu, if you think you have the tactical advantage, you fire on that ship, even if we’re still onboard. That’s an order.”

            Spock and (Y/N) nodded behind him. They understood the gravity of the situation.

            “Yes, sir,” said Sulu.

            “Otherwise, we’ll contact the Enterprise when we’re ready to be beamed back,” said Kirk.

            “Good luck,” said Sulu.

            Kirk stopped the communications and stepped onto the Transporter Pad with (Y/N) and Spock.

            “You two ready?” asked Kirk.

            “Yes,” said Spock.

            “As I can be,” said (Y/N).

            “Okey-dokey, then,” said Scotty. “If there’s any common sense in the design of the enemy ship, I should be putting you somewhere in the cargo bay. There shouldn’t be a soul in sight.”

            “Energize,” ordered Kirk.

            The three dematerialized.

l

            They rematerialized in a large, exposed area that was decidedly not a cargo hold. Instantly, several Romulans spotted them and shouted in Romulan. They grabbed phasers and fired at the trio. (Y/N), Kirk, and Spock ducked behind several boxes and pieces of machinery. The Starfleet officers pulled out their own phasers and shot back. Luckily, although the firefight was adrenaline-inducing, Kirk, Spock, and (Y/N) were the better shots and either killed or incapacitated their opponents (though not before one alerted Nero to their presence).

            “That one’s still alive,” murmured (Y/N), gesturing to a fallen Romulan. “Spock, you get the information from him.”

            “We’ll cover you,” said Kirk.

            “Are you certain?” said Spock.

            “Yeah, we’ve got you,” said (Y/N).

            Spock darted forwards towards the Romulan while Kirk and (Y/N) kept their phasers at the ready. Preparing for the Mind Meld, Spock placed his fingers on the Romulans temple, and (Y/N) and Kirk crouched beside him warily. Another Romulan snuck up while Spock closed his eyes, but Kirk shot him.

            “Do you know where it is? The black hole device?” asked Kirk.

            “And Captain Pike,” said Spock, opening his eyes.

            (Y/N) let out a breath of relief that Pike was still alive. Spock led the way through the ship, and all three kept their phasers up, alert to any approaching enemy. (Y/N) in particular pushed away Kirk’s emotional aura to focus on any sign of Romulans.

            Little did they know that far below them, the drill had begun to dig into Celia, and the Celians were running in fear to try to save their planet. The Enterprise needed to act soon.

            Spock, Kirk, and (Y/N) came to a halt in front of the jellyfish-like ship that contained the black hole device.

            “I thought the device was the Romulans’,” murmured (Y/N). “But this looks stolen.”

            “Who knows,” said Kirk, a flash of nervousness going through his aura. (Y/N) narrowed their eyes but followed him onto the ship.

            “I foresee a complication,” said Spock as they entered. “The design of this ship is far more advanced than I’ve anticipated.”

            “Maybe it’ll have some sort of automation,” said (Y/N), frowning.

            “Voice print and face recognition analysis enabled,” said the computer’s voice suddenly. “Welcome back, Ambassador Spock, Ambassador (Y/N).”

            “Wow, that’s weird,” said Kirk evasively, moving onward.

            Spock and (Y/N) exchanged a look. Something was going on right beneath their nose.

            “Computer, what is your manufacturing origin?” said Spock.

            “Stardate 2387. Commissioned by the Vulcan Science Academy,” said the computer.

            (Y/N) crossed their arms. The future. And Kirk had kept the knowledge hidden.

            The pair followed Kirk into the cockpit, and Spock attempted to confront him.

            “It appears that you have been keeping important information from us,” said Spock.

            “You’re going to be able to fly this thing, right?” said Kirk, ignoring the question. (Y/N), by this time, had realized he wasn’t going to answer anything.

            “Something tells me I already have,” said Spock.

            “Good luck, Spock,” said (Y/N), reaching out to touch his arm. “Live long and prosper.”

            Spock gazed back at them fondly and nodded. He knew they needed to go with Kirk to find Pike and help with any psychological damage, but it still frustrated him to put them into harm’s way without him with them.

            “Live long and prosper, (Y/N),” said Spock.

            (Y/N) stepped out of the cockpit.

            “Good luck,” said Kirk, turning to leave.

            “Jim,” said Spock. “The statistical likelihood that our plan will succeed is less than 4.3%.”

            “It will work,” said Kirk.

            “In the event that I do not return…” said Spock. “Please tell Lieutenant (L/N)—”

            “Spock.” Kirk gazed at Spock with firm intensity. “It’ll work.” He turned and left.

            Spock sat down on the captain’s chair, and it spun and lifted into the air. “Fascinating.” He gripped the steering wheel. It was time to finish the plan and take down Nero before he could destroy Celia.

            Spock took off.

l

            (Y/N) and Kirk crept through the corridors of the Narada until they spotted Nero himself on a raised platform captaining the ship. Holding their phasers tightly, they walked forward. Nero turned and stared at them, eyes cold but aura full of scathing rage.

            Kirk raised his phaser. “Nero, order your men to disable the drill, or I will—”

            “Captain!” (Y/N) pushed him out of the way as another Romulan jumped out of the shadows, his emotions coming out from the cloud of Nero’s a moment before he attacked.

            They tried to block it, but the Romulan swung hard with the butt of his gun, and (Y/N)’s phaser fell off the walkway, down hundreds of meters below. Kirk stumbled and raised his phaser, but the Romulan’s strength barreled into Kirk and sent him flying. Lacking phasers, (Y/N) and Kirk scrambled back. Already, though, the Romulan was raising the phaser. Nero let out a roar of anger and ran towards them. (Y/N) flinched at the burn of his fury against their skin.

            Nero grabbed (Y/N) by the shirt and raised them up.

            “(L/N)!” said Kirk, but the other Romulan hit him with the phaser again to keep him down.

            “I know your face from Celian history,” sneered Nero.

            He threw them back, and they hit the walkway hard. He dragged them up and punched them. (Y/N) grunted, but they grabbed his arm and let fear flash through him. Nero let out a cry and let go. The sudden emotion was overwhelming, and (Y/N) panted as they tried to pull themself away while he recovered.

            Nero lunged towards them again, and (Y/N) rolled to the side. He reached out and dragged them back, careful to restrain their arms.

            “(Y/N) (L/N) is considered quite the empath,” he sneered. “Went far in life. Got the Crown of Radiance.” One hand moved to (Y/N)’s throat. “But that was another life. A life I will deprive you with.”

            “(L/N)!” shouted Kirk, trying to keep them focused as the edges of their vision blurred without air.

            “Captain Nero,” alerted a lieutenant in Romulan. Nero’s head jerked up. “The Vulcan ship has been taken. The drill has been destroyed.”

            “Spock,” spat Nero. His eyes went back to (Y/N). His grip tightened. “I’m going to kill you…I wanted to punish you, too, but at least this way I’ll really wrench his heart from his body. Your death with destroy him.”

            The threat towards Spock refocused (Y/N), and in a surge of their own anger, they lifted a heavy leg and kicked Nero. Not expecting it, he jerked back from them, and (Y/N) coughed to regain their breath.

            Getting to their feet, they stumbled away from him, and Nero narrowed his eyes, moving to take a step towards them.

            “Captain, the Vulcan is escaping!” alerted his lieutenant.

            Nero let out an angry growl, turning and jumping to the platform to direct guns and artillery instead of fighting against Kirk and (Y/N). In his mind, it wasn’t like they had a chance on his ship under his men’s surveillance.

            “Spock! I should have killed you when I had the chance,” spat Nero after opening the channel to the Vulcan ship.

            “I hereby confiscate this illegally obtained ship and order you to surrender your vessel,” said Spock, logical as ever.

            It infuriated Nero, and (Y/N) let out a laugh, joyous that Spock had saved Celia and was still angering Nero. They loved a brilliant man.

            “That ship, take it out!” shouted Nero.

            “Sir, if you ignite the red matter, you will destroy—”

            “I want Spock dead now!”

            Missiles sped after Spock, but he moved into warp. (Y/N) smiled. He had gotten a hold on steering the futuristic ship.

            “He went into warp, sir.”

            “Go after him!” Nero was a flame of anger standing before his men.

            “Yes, sir.”

            (Y/N) and Kirk exchanged a glance. Nero was focused on Spock. That meant less trouble for them. They slowly stood, and the Romulan guard eyed them warily. He took a step towards them, but (Y/N) and Kirk launched themselves from the platform and landed on another walkway far below. Kirk nearly slid off the side, and (Y/N) grabbed him to haul him up. The guard landed behind them and scoffed at them.

            “Your species are weaker than I expected,” he sneered.

            (Y/N) spun from their crouching-position on the floor and swept his legs out from under him. He hit the ground, and Kirk grabbed his phaser.

            “Sure, but we’ve survived this far,” said Kirk. He fired.

            (Y/N) looked around. “We should find Pike before Nero looks for us again.”

            “Right,” said Kirk.

            As they ran according to Spock’s previous information, they heard firing and shots outside. Undoubtedly, the Enterprise had entered the fray, and Nero had caught up with Spock. They had precious few minutes left.

            Kirk and (Y/N) came upon a platform with a row of dentist-like chairs. Laying in one, Pike looked worse for wear. Kirk shot the guard before he saw them, and he and (Y/N) quickly moved to Pike’s side.

            “What are you doing here?” groaned Pike.

            “Following orders,” said Kirk, unstrapping him.

            “Here, Captain,” said (Y/N), reaching out and touching his arm.

            Pike let out a sigh as (Y/N) focused intently on the sensation of his pain—harder to manipulate since much less of a feeling—to alleviate his agony.

            “Thank you, (L/N). That’s enough,” said Pike, trying to push them away. “Don’t take so much onto your shoulders.”

            “I’m fine, sir,” said (Y/N), but they obeyed and let go.

            In an instant, Pike grabbed the phaser from Kirk and fired upon several Romulans approaching. Despite his exhaustion, he would fight to the end. That was the type of Captain he was.

            Kirk blinked in surprise and quickly helped him down from the chair. (Y/N) took a phaser from the fallen Romulans and tossed another to Pike. They were ready in case anyone else approached.

            Pulling out the communicator, Kirk said, “Enterprise, now.”

            White light swirled around them, and they began to dematerialize. On the Vulcan ship, Spock followed suit due to the order to Scotty in the Transport Room. However, despite his disappearance, the ship—containing red matter—continued its course towards the Narada.

            Nero watched as Spock’s ship slammed into his own as he lost. He let out a furious scream.

l

            Spock, (Y/N), Kirk, and Pike rematerialized in the Enterprise together.

            “Great timing, Scotty!” said Kirk, supporting Pike.

            “I’ve never beamed four people from two targets onto one pad before!” said Scotty, exhilarated.

            “Spock, you’re alright!” said (Y/N).

            “(Y/N),” breathed Spock, nearly expressing his relief.

            Unable to help themself, (Y/N) hugged Spock. Equally adrenaline-filled from nearly crashing into the Narada, Spock hugged them back. The two held each other tightly, relieved to be alive and together once more, victorious against Nero.

            “Jim!” said Bones, running into the room to help.

            “Bones!” said Kirk, glad to see his friend.

            (Y/N) and Spock separated and looked at Pike as Bones helped support him. Two other medical officers began scanning Pike, and (Y/N) and Spock watched him be guided out.

            “That was pretty good!” said Scotty, but everyone was already running out to either get to Medbay or the bridge. He pouted.

l

            Grinning in relief, Chekov reported on the situation as Kirk, Spock, and (Y/N) entered the Bridge. “Captain, the enemy ship is losing power. Their shields are down, sir.”

            “Hail them now,” said Kirk, focused.

            “Yes, sir,” said Uhura, opening up communications to the breaking Narada.

            As the channel was opened, the red matter began to explode into a singularity within the Narada. The danger for the Enterprise and its crew wasn’t over, either. But Kirk was doing the honorable thing and offering to save the Romulans’ lives. That was the type of captain he was.

            Nero’s face appeared on the shaky communication channel. The exploding Narada and black hole made up a crisis of a background.

            “This is Captain James T. Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise,” said Kirk with (Y/N) and Spock beside him. “Your ship is compromised—too close to the singularity to survive without assistance, which we are willing to provide.”

            Spock turned around and whispered over his shoulder, “Captain, what are you doing?”

            “Showing them compassion may be the only way to earn peace with Romulus,” murmured Kirk. “It’s logic, Spock. I thought you’d like that.”

            “No, not really. Not this time,” said Spock. He was fine with letting Nero die.

            “Well, at least (L/N) will think it’s diplomatic. That’s one of their specialties,” said Kirk.

            “I don’t negotiate with terrorists,” said (Y/N).

            Kirk winced. These two made quite the pair.

            “I would rather suffer the end of Romulus a thousand times,” spat Nero in response to Kirk’s offer. “I would rather die in agony than accept assistance from you.

            Kirk’s gaze was firm as it landed on Nero. He had made his offer; Nero had rejected. There was nothing more to do.

            “You got it,” said Kirk. The viewscreen shut off. Kirk turned away, and (Y/N) and Spock took their stations. “Arm phasers,” he ordered. “Fire everything we have.”

            “Yes, sir,” said Sulu.

            The Enterprise fired all of its phasers as long as it cut, cutting the Narada to pieces as the two halves cleaved by the black hole were pulled within. As the Enterprise crew watched, the squid-shaped ship disappeared into the singularity. The Narada, Nero, and his crew were gone.

            But there was no peace. The black hole was already pulling on the Enterprise, and a large red warning flashed on the viewscreen.

            “Sulu, let’s go home,” commanded Kirk.

            “Yes, sir,” said Sulu, punching into the computer.

            The Enterprise turned and tried to fly away, even as the singularity’s gravitational field pulled at it.

            “Why aren’t we at warp?” asked Kirk.

            “We are, sir,” said Sulu.

            “Kirk to Engineering, get us out of here, Scotty!” said Kirk.

            “You bet your ass, Captain!” said Scotty over the comms. “Captain, we’re caught in the gravity well. It’s got us!”

            “Go to maximum warp!” said Kirk.

            “I’m giving her all she’s got, Captain!” said Scotty.

            But the Enterprise was just falling closer to the black hole. Cracks from the pressure exploded up the sides of the Bridge, and the ship shook. Everyone tensed, and Spock and (Y/N)’s eyes went to one another to check on each other.

            “All she’s got isn’t good enough!” said Kirk. “What else you got?”

            “Okay, if we eject the core and detonate, the blast could be enough to push us away,” said Scotty, making a crazy suggestion. “I cannot promise anything, though.”

            “Do it, do it, do it!” shouted Kirk as the cracks spread.

            Scotty obeyed and ejected the core. The pieces of it fell into space towards the singularity. Scotty squeezed his eyes shut and detonated. A large explosion of silver light and energy went off behind them. A wave of pure power spread out from the center and surged over the Enterprise.

            The ship shook, and everyone held on to their seats for dear life as they surfed the wave of explosive energy. Spock and (Y/N) instinctively reached out and steadied one another protectively.

            The Enterprise was propelled out of the pull of the singularity, shaky but intact. Instantly, they were flying away as fast as they could go, and a sigh of relief went up in all quarters. Spock and (Y/N) let go of one another as Kirk turned and looked back at them. He smirked, and they avoided his gaze.

            Kirk began to laugh as the adrenaline continued to course through him, and his grin refused to be wiped away. They were alive. At the console, Sulu began to smile, and Chekov let out a chuckle. Slowly, smiles and relieved joy at being alive spread through the bridge, and (Y/N) let out a laugh as the soft warmth of happiness washed over them. After so long without it, it was rejuvenating even to feel others’ joy.

            “We’re alive,” said (Y/N), leaning back in their chair. “We’re alive, Spock.”

            He smiled ever-so-slightly and gazed at them. “We are.”

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

[flippyspoon]

April Fools

Note: Tiny TOS ficlet for @goblinsharknecromancy 's prompt! Thanks!

“But Vulcans do not lie.” Spock raised an imperious eyebrow.

“It’s not a lie,” Kirk insisted. “It’s a prank. It’s completely different.”

“I do not see the purpose in telling Dr. McCoy something which is abjectly untrue for the purposes of own amusement…even if it is Dr. McCoy.”

Some clever soul on the Enterprise (Kirk had heard it was Kevin Riley) had figured out that it was April 1 and connived to bring back the old Terran tradition of April Fools.

As far as Kirk knew, no one had come for Bones yet. 

He stood with Spock just outside the sickbay, leaning in close to discuss their little conspiracy and trying to ignore the attractive length of Spock’s eyelashes and the curve of his lips. 

It was getting more difficult to ignore that attraction lately, as well as everything he felt for Spock.

“Spock, he’s been driving me absolutely crazy lately with the teasing,” Kirk said, rolling his eyes.

“Always making little jokes that you and I are…you know. Together. I mean…” Kirk blushed. “Imagine! You and I… Ha!”

“Does the thought offend you, Captain?” Spock said, cocking his head.

“Of course not!” Kirk blurted. “Why, anybody who ended up with you should fall on their knees with gratitude! You deserve everything! I should be so lucky! But that’s not the point!”

Spock stood up a little straighter, his gaze flicking away. But Kirk didn’t miss the hint of a smile on his face. “And what is the point, sir?”

“To make Bones’ head explode. Metaphorically,” Kirk said with a shrug. “For a second anyway.”

“Very well. Let us proceed with the…prank.”

“Alright!” Kirk clapped him on the shoulder.

In the sickbay they found McCoy focussed on a tray of blood samples and he looked up as they entered, sitting back on his stool and crossing his arms. “Well, if it isn’t Troilus and Cressida.”

“Bones,” Kirk said, puffing up his chest. “We have something very important to tell you.”

“A matter of utmost importance,” Spock added.

Bones’s eyebrows shot up and he looked back and forth between them. “Yeah? Let’s hear it.”

Spock swallowed and said, “The captain and I are to be married. The nuptials will take place on Vulcan in two weeks’ time.”

Spock’s gaze flicked over to the captain who was obviously trying very hard to remain straight-faced.

Bones on the other hand…

Bones’ mouth dropped open yet instead of his eyes bugging out comically as Kirk had expected, they watered and he lunged forward, throwing his arms around both their necks.

“Why, that’s wonderful!” Spock squeezed them together and Kirk looked over Bone’s shoulder at Spock, who glared back, accusatory. “After all this time! This is the best thing I’ve ever heard!” He broke away, clasping his hands. “Am I in the wedding party? Now, if I’m not in the wedding party, Captain, I may commit a mutiny so-”

“Bones..” Kirk suddenly felt terrible. “Uh…”

“What what?” Bones rubbed his hands together. “Wait, this calls for a drink! Spock you’re having one too. I don’t care what you say!”

“Bones, it’s uh… Well, we were just…” Kirk licked his lips. “That is…”

“April Fools,” Spock said sternly.

“April…” Bones’ expression darkened rapidly. “Are you saying it’s not true?!”

“Not as such,” Spock said.

“Well, for Pete's sake! You get a guy all excited!” Bones wagged his finger in Kirk’s face. “Thought you two had finally gotten your heads out of your rear ends, but I guess that was too much to hope for! Get out of my office! Out! And don’t come back till you’ve sorted yourselves out! Out! OUT!”

Spock and Kirk found themselves shoved back out into the corridor and Kirk sighed, straightening his tunic, chagrined under Spock’s penetrating gaze.

“That didn’t go quite how I expected,” Kirk muttered. “Spock, do you ever think…?”

“Yes, Captain?” Spock took a step toward him.

“Maybe we should just… Rather…” Kirk screwed up his courage, cursing whatever fates had given him such bravery in anything unrelated to his feelings for Spock. “Spock, the truth is I do feel… Well, how would you like to go on a date? With me? Romance-wise?”

“I would be quite amenable to that, Jim,” Spock said. “Though, I am not inclined to take you at your word on today of all days.”

“Right.” Kirk clutched Spock’s shoulder and leaned in, kissing him softly. “Is that a little more convincing?”

“It is…” Spock’s voice cracked. “A helpful data point. Perhaps, more evidence would-”

Kirk chuckled and kissed him again, wrapping his arms around him, suddenly feeling as if a planet long out of orbit had suddenly found its way.

“Well, thank God for that,” Bones grumbled from the doorway. “I was serious, by the way. I better be in that wedding party!”

[tigereyes45]

The prompt for Trektober 2023 Day 23 was First Kiss, so I used it as a chance to write a fluff piece for Mcspirk.

Summary:

Bones and Jim have some questions about the cultural differences between humans and vulcan when it comes to what's considered a first kiss.

Preview of the story:

Bones takes a long sip of his glass and folds one leg over the other. With a tasteful sigh, he wets his lips, cradling the cup in both hands. He sets them on top of his raised knee. 

With the most nonchalant look on his face, the doctor raises a most curious question. “Are pressing your fingers against someone else’s a vulcan’s way of kissing?” 

Spock, to his credit, was able to refrain from showing much emotion at all. Instead, he raises a brow and slowly turns to stare at McCoy. “What brought this question on?”

Of course, the doctor pointedly avoids Spock’s gaze. Instead, he watches Jim with the faintest smile on his face. The game’s been set. McCoy’s eyes egg Jim on, silently saying, ‘Go on, your turn’. It’s a question they’ve long been curious about.

Jim sets his glass down. Crisscrossing his fingers he leans forward onto his arms. “He’s thinking about how your parents wouldn’t go anywhere without pressing two of their fingers together.” 

Spock’s eyes grow momentarily wider before his vulcan teachings allow him to quell the gut reaction. “My parents, are a very affectionate outlier.”

“Yes well,” McCoy sets his glass down on the desk. He turns to face Spock. “that brings me to my next question.” 

This time Spock is the one to avoid Bones’ gaze. “If it is not of great importance I would rather not discuss it, doctor.”

Jim does his best to hold back a laugh. None of his willpower could keep the light, teasing smile from his face. Warm brown eyes dart back and forth between the pair. Spock was a good man. He makes an even better vulcan, but they both knew he’d only stand for so much teasing before stepping out. Jim did not want their evening to end. Not so soon after it had just begun. “Where are you going with this Bones?”

[your-own-scifi-nerd]

I want truthful, honest opinions on this. It’s the beginning of a fanfiction, and I don’t know whether I should keep at it. Also writing tips will help,and be as harsh as you want. I need it.

encounter(verb): to meet someone unexpectedly

Captain James T. Kirk sighed as he stumbled down the hallway, rubbing the sore spot on his shoulder where Bones injected the cure to the strange virus that had infected the ship. The medical team had distributed the antidote in record time before Doctor McCoy had forced the entire Bridge crew at the time to end their shift early, allowing the vaccinated Gamma shift to take over. Kirk stumbled again over his own feet, before a hand wrapped itself around his forearm to keep him from falling.

"Careful, Captain. As your energy is drained, it would do you no good to fall before we reach your quarters," Spock's voice told him as they continued walking to the captain's room, his hand still wrapped around the shorter man's forearm.

"You're, right, Mr. Spock." He sighed, leaning against the wall near his door to enter the code. "I'm afraid that we will be unable to play chess tonight, as I'm-" he cut himself off as he noticed his code pad ripped apart, hanging by a couple of loose wires in the wall. He instantly stood straight and completely silent, Spock doing the same. They glanced at each other before slowly creeping into the room, both men ready for a fight.

The completely dark room took a moment to adjust to, but both could make out the sight of a figure huddled in the corner near the bed, a couple of things that had fallen off the selves surrounding it.

"Lights, sixty percent," Kirk called out, the lights coming on immediately.

A young girl, no older than eighteen, lay there glaring at them with big, red eyes through dark, thick lashes. She had tanned skin, giving her the look of someone from the Middle East. Her dark brown hair was tied away from her face, a dark line of red strands pulled together into the ponytail. She had dark freckles spotted all over her face, along with scars over her face and hands, which was the only visible skin, the rest covered by her clothes. Tight, black pants, a dark sweater of sorts covering what seemed to be a white turtleneck. All of these things were interesting, but the thing that caught the men's attention was the girl's obviously broken leg and the large cut bleeding out on her side

Kirk took a step forward to help, before a hand from Spock and a noise from the girl stopped him. She had raised her upper lip into a snarl, her sharp teeth obviously not human. The noise emitting from her was a growl, sounding like one of an animal predator. The noise didn't stop until the two men took a step back, but they didn't stop there. Kirk continued to walk him and his first officer backwards, out of the room, never taking his eyes off of the girl. When they were in the doorway, Kirk forced them to stop.

"Spock, call Doctor McCoy, tell him to bring his bag and to get over here quickly. I'll watch the girl.”

Spock nodded and ran down the hallway to follow the orders, returning a moment later to help the Captain. They continued to stare at the girl until she started to stand, wincing visibly as she did.

"Wait, don't-" Kirk took a step forward, but the girl once again started to growl. Spock put a hand on the captain's shoulder, before moving towards the girl. The growling slowly got louder, and Spock took notice of the girl's nails growing into claws.

As soon as he got close enough to touch her, the girl crouched into a fighting stance and tilted her head, watching him intently. Spock reached a hand forward, and she lunged at him.

Bones finally entered, going wide eye at the sight of Spock wrestling with a young girl. "Jim! What the hell-"

"Not the time, Bones! You got a hypo to get her sedated?!" Kirk yelled at him as he watched Spock and the girl. She obviously wasn't human, as Spock was struggling to hold her down, even with the Vulcan strength that he possessed.

Bones grabbed a hypo out of his pack, quickly approaching the two. "Hold her down Spock, just...keep...her...still..." he muttered, pressing the hypo into her neck as she slowly calmed down, before slumping on the ground. Spock finally got up and Kirk approached the group, bending down to examine the girl.

“Bones, I’ll get her to sickbay. Spock-”

"You're gonna do nothing of the sort, Spock here can take her to the sickbay. You need rest, and if you don't I'm going to inject you with what I injected in her," Bones commanded, leaving the room and gesturing for Spock to follow with the girl.

"The doctor is right, Captain. You should rest. I will take the young girl to the sickbay, and then I will take my rest in my quarters. Good night, Captain," Spock said before picking up the girl gently and following Bones. Kirk sighed before deciding he might as well do as they say. As soon as he's up, he'll check on the girl.

 

*

 

The morning had come, and Kirk found himself in the sickbay, sitting beside the girl. Bones had fixed her leg and the gash in her side, and as she slept she looked younger than she was. Kirk was right with his first guess, the medical scans showed that she was under eighteen, but over fifteen, female, and half human. Everything else was a mystery. Her past, her name, the other half of her species. Kirk was so lost in thought that he didn't notice Spock take a seat right next to him.

"Our shift will begin soon. I am certain that the girl will be alright, Captain. Doctor McCoy gave her the cure, and her injures have been healed," he stated, his hands still in his lap. Kirk sighed and leaned back, about to speak, Bones cutting him off.

“Her vitals are off the charts. Runs hotter than you, Spock, and I can only hope that that’s due to her half we don’t know. She woke up sometime in the night, Jim. I had injected her with the antidote earlier, and when she awoke all she did was stare at me. I gave her some food, light stuff. Soup. She inhaled it like I was gonna take it from her before passing back out."

"Food is food," a voice chimed in.

Kirk stared at the girl slowly sat up, not meeting any of the men’s eyes other than Spock’s. Her back was ramrod straight as she spoke. "Du nam-tor Vuhlkansu." It wasn't a question. Kirk glanced at Spock, who had quirked up an eyebrow in very well concealed surprise.

"Ha, nash-veh Vuhlkansu. Uf tor du stariben nash?"

"Wuh Vuhlkansu ha-tor k' nash-veh, au saven-tor nash-veh." She avoided Kirk's and Bone's eyes, keeping hers focused on Spock.

"You speak Vulcan impressively. Whoever taught you taught you well," Spock said in Standard, allowing the two human men to understand the conversation.

"Thanks, I guess. Listen, I don’t want any trouble. I just needed a ride. At the next space port or civilization with transportation that you arrive at, I’ll be out of your hair," she said, staring at Kirk right in the eye. Authoritative hazel stared into fiery red.

"I'm afraid I can't do that. You're a stowaway, but if you give us some information, we can help you out. Just, simple things, like your name-"

"Call me El.”

"-your family,-"

"Don't have one,” she stated keeping her nonchalant tone.

"or, what species you are."

The girl snorted. "'Fraid I don't have an answer for that one, buddy. Don't know myself."

Kirk sighed and leaned forward slightly. “Well, El, how’s your leg? And your side?”

El furrowed her brow, tilting her head in thought. “It’s….alright, I guess. Not hurting anymore.” She grinned, turning to Bones. “But can I have a lollipop? Isn’t that something that earth doctors do, Bonsey?”

"Yeah, yeah. Hold your stowaway ass right here." Bones waved her away, heading into the second part of the sickbay.

"How do you know his nickname?" Kirk questioned, nodding towards the other room.

El sighed. "I've been on this ship a month, Kirk. I know everyone here, and the name of this beauty," she paused, looking both him and Spock up and down. "Gotta say, pretty impressed with the scraps you get yourself in and out of."

"Miss El, am I correct in assuming that you arrived at the ship two point five three months ago, when we had docked at the starbase Ares II?" Spock cut in, cocking his head slightly to the side.

El nodded. “Was stuck on that planet for a bit when I saw your ship, and the rest is history. Also, no ‘Miss El’. I don’t like it, just call me El.”

“How did you find yourself on that planet, El?”

El just shrugged in answer, crossing her arms.

“El, how did you get injured?” Kirk asked after a moment of silence.

El mumbled incoherently.

"Would you please repeat that, El?"

She mumbled again, and yet again Kirk asked her to repeat it.

Kirk glanced from her hand back to her face. "Fine. I won't tell. Captain's honor," he smiled tersely, putting his hand over his heart. "Spock, we need your honor too."

Spock raised a brow, before his shoulders slightly loosened in the form of a sigh. "I won't tell as well, El. Vulcan honor." He put his hand over his heart. El copied him, nodding at their promise.

"Good. Now, where's my-"

Bones had returned, a red lollipop in his hand. El took it from him- "perfect timing, Bonsey-" and popped it in her mouth before taking it out. "Look, I hate sickbays. Not your fault doc, just not a fan of them. I'm useful. I can fix things, help out some places, whatever you need. Or, if you want, I'll-“

The boatswain's whistle of the ships communications cut her off. "Captain, we are approaching the nearby planet now," Uhura's voice called out of it.

Kirk looked trouble, glancing back at the girl. "Listen, I'll stick by you, or Spock's side for now. I can earn my freedom, and I know enough about how nice it is to not abuse it. Just let me outta here, and I'll be good," she pleaded, both eyebrows raised.

"It would be the most logical thing to do, Captain. We may ‘keep an eye on her,’ as you humans say, and decide on what we must do with her.”

Kirk sighed. "Fine. No funny business, and you'll stick by me for now. Got it?" He said, standing.

“Roger that! No trouble caused, promise. It’ll be like you never found me.”

Kirk sighed and nodded. "Okay. But, again, you need to be by me or Mr. Spock at all times."

"Yes, sir!" The girl saluted and launched herself off of the bed, landing gracefully on her feet. "But first, could I have my clothes back? I'm not one for..this." She pulled at the clothes she was wearing, something akin to a baggy, blag jumpsuit.

Christine Chapel walked in as soon as she finished saying that, the mended clothes of the young girl folded neatly in her hand. "Captain, Dr. McCoy told me to bring these clothes for the girl..." she trailed off, seeing her standing.

"Thanks, blondie. Talk about good timing," she said, taking the clothes with a smirk. The four watched as she dropped the clothes on the bed, holding up her sweater. She turned it around, before nodding in satisfaction. “You guys only mended it, right? Didn’t touch anything in it?”

Bones raised an eyebrow and crossed his hands behind his back. “Is there stuff in it?”

“Nah,” she stated, undoing the buttons on the jumpsuit. “I’m sure you’ve already noticed that I run at a high temperature. This sweater has internal heaters, cause without ‘em I get super uncomfy. Can’t control my damp heat, so I gotta run ‘em high.” She stepped out of her jumpsuit, leaving her in her undergarments.

All four of the occupants to averted their eyes elsewhere as she dressed. She handed the rumple jumpsuit back to Bones, who took it with a glare. She simply winked at him.

"Thanks, guys. Pretty good at this healing stuff.”

Kirk and Spock calmly walked out of the door, El following them to the side. "Just so you know, you might want to inform Scotty that the food replicator thingy is broken. I fixed it, but it's kinda hanging on the edge," she said calmly, shoving the lollipop in her mouth.

Kirk's eyes widened in surprise, and he and Spock shared a glance. "Thank you. You didn't have to-"

"I wanted to." She bit into the candy with a loud crunch. "I've been on ship after ship and I've never seen a beauty like this one. You should be proud of yourself, Captain. I would. I also wouldn't want anything to happen to the crew of a beautiful ship like this, 'cause who would take care of her?"

Kirk softly smiled at her, puffing out his chest in pride. "Thank you. She is a truly beautiful ship, and I'm lucky to have her."

When they reached the ship’s lift, El stuttered for a second as the two men entered and grabbed the handles.

“No other way to get to the bridge?”

Spock shook his head.

El sighed, as she stuff the now empty lollipop stick in a small pocket on the side of her sweater. “Listen, I don’t do…lifts. Bad experience. I’m gonna need to ask you something, if you could.”

“What do you need?” Kirk tilted his head, smiling confusedly.

“A lift on one of your guy’s back.”

There was silence as the two processed the request, before El sighed. “Look, it’s dumb, I know, and I guess I can just try. You know what, never mind, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it.” She took a step forward, grimacing as she grabbed a handle, her knuckles turning pale aw she gripped it as hard as she could.

“El.” Kirk let go of the handle and turned his back towards her. Not a moment later he felt her weight as she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his torso. A face buried itself into his shoulder.

“Thanks,” came her muffled reply.

Kirk just grabbed the handle and called out, “Bridge.” He met Spock’s gaze, who had a small upturn of the lips.

“El, next time I suggest that I will carry you, as I have three times more the strength than the average human.”

El just turned her head to the sighed and nodded, before shoving her face back in Kirk’s shoulder. “I hate lifts,” she muttered. Both men caught it, and could only wonder what had happened that caused her to despise something every ship had.

Translations:

(Du nam-tor Vuhlkansu) - You are Vulcan.
(Ha, nash-veh Vuhlkansu. Uf tor du stariben nash?) - Yes, I am Vulcan. Where did you learn to speak it?
(Wuh Vuhlkansu ha-tor k' nash-veh, au saven-tor nash-veh.) - I lived with a Vulcan, he taught me.

[raddocwrites]

Do you even lift, Bro Una

Una carries this crew. Literally

Una sighed in relief as she spotted part of the away team approaching her. All the other groups had made it back to the rendezvous location forty-five minutes ago, so una had started off in the direction that la’an, uhura and kirk had taken about 15 minutes earlier. She knew both uhura and kirk could become consumed in their work, but she trusted la’an to keep them on schedule. So, when they hadn’t shown up on time, something in una had clenched uncomfortably.

Una slowed as the trio neared. Her earlier relief evaporated and her worry returned with a vengeance. Kirk limped and held his arm at an awkward angle. La’an helped to support uhura who seemed only half conscious. There was a nasty gash above the communications experts forehead.

Una rushed forward, already offering her shoulder to kirk who shook his head, so una turned and slipped herself under uhuras other shoulder instead. “What happened?” she asked tensely looking towards la’an.

The Lt was pale and breathed heavily from the weight of supporting uhura. But otherwise she appeared uninjured. She didn’t take her eyes off the uneven path in front of them. “Ambush,” la’an huffed shortly.

“The locals knew we were Starfleet. And they weren’t happy we were looking into the unusual gravitational metrics,” kirk supplied as he limped along.

Una immediately opened her communicator but nothing happened.

“There jamming comms,” la’an said sharply. She shifted her grip and finally lifted her head to cast a worried glance at uhura. She didn’t like the pallor of the ensigns skin.

“Great,” una managed sarcastically. She sobered slightly. “We are less than a mile out.” She looked over to kirk who was in obvious pain but had a determined expression under that mustache of his. “Lt kirk, what are the extent to your injuries?”

Kirk grimaced but kept moving. “I think my arm is broken. Other than that, just scrapes and bruises.”

Una nodded and looked closer at uhura. “And the ensign?” she asked.

“They threw an improvised bomb at us,” kirk said in amazement. “Like, who even does that in the age of phasers?”

Unas eyes widened and la’an added, panting, “Shrapnel caught her in the head.”

Unas nodded grimly and tightened her grip. “Ensign? Ensign uhura, look at me.”

Bleary eyes turned towards una and worked to focus. “C-commander?” uhura rasped.

Una smiled. “That’s right ensign. How are you feeling?”

Uhura frowned with confusion. She looked down. “Why am I wet?”

Unas eyebrows rose and she scanned the ensign again. No sign of moisture that una could see. “We are almost there,” she said instead. And to her relief it was true.

She practically heard la’ans grateful sigh. Spock saw them coming and quickly sprinted the last several hundred yards toward them.

Una frowned as la’an seemed to slow, dragging the progress of all three of them. The other woman turned her head, coughed several times then continued determinedly.

Spock slid to a halt. “May I be of assistance, commander?” he asked, only the speed with which he asked the question belied the tension he felt.

La’an nodded to spock before una could. “Take uhura. She needs immediate evac.” Spock nodded and quickly extracted the ensign from both la’an and una. He held her effortlessly in his arms as he turned and ran, cradling the young officer to his chest as gently as possible.

La’an swayed slightly as uhuras weight vanished. Then she grit her teeth and continued.

Una moved closer to kirk, who was moving somewhat unsteadily. La’an seemed to slow even further so she trailed behind a step or two. Una didn’t worry. La’an usually liked to take either point or rear guard. But with safety in front of them, it made sense for la’an to cover their backs.

When they were just fifty feet away chapel ran up to them. She quickly took kirk and started mentally tallying all of his injuries while outwardly she chatted with him about what a weird day it was turning out to be.

La’an sucked in another breath through her nose. She forced herself to take another step. She let her lips twitch up in satisfaction as uhura was beamed to safety. She even breathed a sigh of relief when kirk joined the others. She took another breath. They had made it. She had gotten them home. She grit her teeth even harder and tried to force herself forward, but it was like moving through solidifying plasma.

Even as she slowed, she smiled. She had gotten all her people safely home. She let out a sigh at the thought then blinked, trying to clear the back dots from her vision.

Una let out a relieved breath and turned back towards la’an. She expected to see her friend smirking at her, ready to offer a smart comment. Instead, una felt her breath hitch as panic seared through her.

Her security officer was several paces further back than una thought and was clearly struggling. La’an ground her teeth, her nostrils flaring with each breath, determinedly forcing herself forward. But it didn’t stop her from swaying dangerously, like she was held up by a single, tiny thread about to snap. She pressed a hand to her side. A hand coated in red. BLOOD.

Una stared at it, her eyes drawn to the alarming crimson as if by a tractor beam.  Her stomach seemed to fall away and then land with a nasty jolt in her feet.

She sprinted back to la’an just as the smaller woman collapsed. La’an shifted, struggled, tried to rise up to her knees but didn’t make it. She-

But then una was there. She didn’t wait. She just scooped la’an gingerly up into her arms and ran. Shed never run so fast in her life.

“Damn it la’an!” she scolded breathlessly. “Why didn’t you say you were injured?!” She now felt the wetness that uhura had asked about. La’ans whole side was soaked. She could feel the warmth of it drenching her own uniform, seeping through the thick cloth and painting her own skin slick. How long had la’an been bleeding like this?

Unas nostrils flared, sick with worry and the coppery tang of blood. She slid to a halt in front of chapel and spock. Everyone else had already transported aboard. “Beam us directly to sick bay,” she commanded.

“Hey, chief,” la’an whispered. Her teeth were stained red. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head before una could respond.

Una was moving before she fully solidified. She crossed the room in two steps and carefully laid la’an on the biobed where Mbenga was ready for her.

“What did I say about being brave?” una scolded softly. Because she needed to believe that la’an could hear her.

[thesconesyard]

Yeehaw!

When the Cactus Blooms

25. Heatwave

Summer hit the ranch fiercely. The creek dried to just a trickle and the river moved lazily, with much of its banks showing. The animals moved with the shade in the pastures as best they could. A much longer quiet period was taken midday as everyone tried their best to keep cool. Breakfast was served earlier and dinner later to take advantage of the cooling air.

“It’s been ages since we had a June this hot,” Christine said. She was laid out in a chair fanning herself slowly.

“Will it break or get hotter in July?” Uhura asked, from her own chair with her own fan.

Both women looked over to Keenser who was sitting in his chair with his feet on the porch railing. He dropped his feet, leaned forward and studied the sky for a long moment.

“Break,” he said.

“Any cooler up here?” McCoy asked, coming around the end of the house with Scotty.

“Not really,” Uhura answered.

“Oh well,” Scotty shrugged. He and McCoy fell into a pair of chairs next to each other. McCoy undid his bandana from his neck and opened his collar. Scotty used his hat as a fan.

Quiet fell over the porch. No talk was needed as everyone slumped in the heat.

“See,” Jim’s voice was heard coming nearer. “Told you no one was working. It’s too hot, Spock. Just relax.”

The front door opened. Spock followed Jim out. Jim made himself comfortable sitting on the porch railing, as Spock settled on the steps.

“I met a man from Spain once. He told me, the people there take a long rest in the midday,” Scotty said. “Dinners are had in the late, late evening because of it. Whole towns shutter up during the hottest times.”

“Well, we’ll be men from Spain today,” Jim grinned. Oh! And ladies from Spain.” He grinned at Uhura and Christine.

“Careful! Careful! Want me to take it?”

“No! I can do it!”

Chekov, Sulu and Jaylah came around the corner of the house.

“Cool water from the well,” Sulu said. He was carrying a good sized bucket. Chekov and Jaylah had a tub between them.

“Yes please!” Christine called.

Uhura got to her feet. “I’ll get some cups.” She disappeared into the house and returned a few minutes later, hands full.

The bucket and tub had been set on a small table. Chekov and Sulu relieved Uhura of the cups and began to fill and pass them out.

“That hits the spot,” Jim sighed.

McCoy picked up his bandana and placed it in his cup. Making sure it was soaked, he pulled it out, squeezed it and draped it over the back of his neck. He stood and tossed the now dirty water over the railing, then refilled his cup before sitting again.

“That’s better,” he said, rolling his shoulders.

“I hope this is not what we are in store for,” Spock said.

“Keenser said It’s going to break,” Uhura informed everyone.

“How do you know?” Jaylah asked. She looked at the smaller man in confusion.

“East wind,” he said. He pointed off to the horizon. “Storm. Tonight.”

Spock stood up on the steps and looked to the east.

“Yes,” he agreed. “That will be a welcome relief.”

Christine woke as the first raindrops began to drum on the window. She was surprised to find she had fallen asleep at all. The second floor of the house had been a sauna still when she had turned in.

Quickly the rain fell heavier and heavier, and a cold rush of air blew in her room. At once she felt relief, though a moment later she startled at the first roll of thunder. She breathed deep as the smell of rain on the dry, dry ground drifted up.

A flash lit the room, and this time she was ready for the thunder. It echoed loud across the open pastures and fields.

Christine settled back and pulled up the covers she had kicked aside. The air was fresh and cool. The thunder would keep her up until it passed, but as long as it brought the cool air she didn’t mind.

[multirptrash]

Christine sighed…she hadn’t meant to insult or…hurt him — the thought made her chest ache in a funny way — but she had been terrified he would react poorly or even angrily. As a peace offering, she stepped forward and rested her head against his chest. “Of course I do, Spock.” She swallowed thickly and muttered, “Men don’t always react to this kind of news well, your know.”

She snuggled reached over and lightly let her fingers slip into his hand…wishing briefly that she could know how he felt the way he could to her.

Razor Valentine

multirptrash​:

Christine glared at him at first for snapping at her, and she pulled her hand back. “Yes! And I’ve been a nervous wreck about it for days! The test won’t be here for a few days, but let me tell you something: I will protect this baby with my life if need be, from anyone,” she snapped.

Her shoulders slumped down as she took a breath and tried to calm down. “Spock, I might be pregnant. And I need to know how you feel about that.”

“How I feel about that?” he repeated in disbelief. The idea that she thought she needed to protect his own child from him certainly felt like taking knife in the gut all over again. He sank down onto the edge of her desk and did something she’d never seen but had been doing frequently herself: he hid his face in his hands. If only she knew how his emotions were raging in that moment! It was more confusing, more like madness, than anything either of them had experienced on Vulcan a month ago. On Vulcan…well, it made sense. Most scholars theorized that pon farr had evolved as a means of keeping the species from going extinct.

After a long, tense minute, he regained control of himself and stood, looking her in the eye again. No wonder she’d acted that way: it was instinct for a mother to protect her offspring. Even if the offspring might not, in fact, exist. “Do you trust me, Christine?” he asked softly.

[chasingstardustandmoonbeams]

Once More (I)

A/N: This will be labor or love, truly. I'd like to thank Palm Springs and that one episode of Agents of Shield for helping with some of the science. Yes, I am making a playlist for the ambitious fic. No, I don't know how long it will be. Enjoy the ride.

Words: 1.7k

Warnings: None (unless you want to count me working on this as I go with only 10% of a plan and minimal proof reading).

Description: It was almost maddening. Repeating the same day over and over again. Waking, dying, waking, on and on again until you nearly spiraled. Or at least you would have if it wasn't for him. There was no one you could turn to outside of each other. You had only yourself, him, and the endless loop that trapped you both.

Gif taken from (x)

Soundtrack to the fic

Your heart was racing, adrenaline coursing through you as you ran. Not again. Not this time. It wouldn’t happen again - you wouldn’t let it. This had to end and it had to end now. 

You turned a corner and made your way to the turbolift. Spock stood tall - his eyes solely on you. 

“Together?” He said simply, his eyes taking in your face. 

“Together,” you repeated. You stood in front of him now, both your hands over the comm panel. Your fingers brushed against each other, Spock took a step closer towards you. 

Neither of you looked away as you both pushed down. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You can’t be serious!” 

“Oh, dead serious,” Erica smirked proudly. Her smile only grew at Uhura’s look of disbelief. 

“There is no way you won five times in a row,” Uhura slumped back in her seat. 

“I warned you not to play with her,” you added, smirking into your drink. Uhura merely huffed in response. “I lost three rounds of poker to her before I figured it out,” you laughed before Erica nudged you with her elbow.

“Learned what?” Uhura questioned, her accusing expression directed at Erica. 

“Nothing. There was nothing to learn!” Erica crossed her arms across her chest trying her best not to look guilty. 

Downing the rest of your drink, you got up from your seat. It had been a long day on the engineering deck. It had been one strange anomaly reading after the other. You weren’t sure what was causing it - every time you thought you were getting close, it disappeared. 

The enterprise was nearing uncharted territory. As far as you were concerned there had been no problems reported. But something had caused the peculiar readings. 

It wasn’t a big deal. Captain would have notified engineering if it was. Or a science officer would have reached out. Spock most likely. He never missed anything. 

“You can’t be leaving already,” Uhura stated, Erica mirroring her surprise. 

You let out a sigh, “Long day. Weird day.” You picked your data pad off of the table, holding it loosely in your left hand. 

“Weird?” Erica leaned forward in her seat. “That’s, like, almost everyday here. You gotta be more specific.”

“We had some strange readings today - I couldn’t pinpoint it,” you paused looking at both Uhura and Erica, “There wasn’t anything strange going on today on the bridge was there?”

They both shook their heads no. 

“I mean,” Erica paused thoughtfully, “There was this… storm, I guess? Nothing completely out of the ordinary. Sensors didn’t pick up anything significant.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Uhura said. Leaning back in her chair. “Go rest up, take it easy,” she smiled up at you. 

You smiled warmly at them both before making your way out of the mess hall. Your mind still drifting back to the strange readings from earlier. Uhura was right, you should let it go- but you couldn’t. 

Making your way to the turbolift, you were surprised to see Spock already occupying the space. 

“Lieutenant L/N,” he stated, nodding curtly at you. 

“Lieutenant Spock,” you smiled, stepping inside. “Engineering,” you said passively, the turbolift starting up. 

There was a beat before Spock’s voice filled the turbolift. “I was not aware you changed to beta shift.” 

“I didn’t,” you glanced at him, his expression blank save the quirk of his eyebrow. “I thought I’d check on the warp core one more time. There was something odd about the readings today.” 

You shifted your weight as you chanced another glance at Spock. 

He gave you his full attention now, “I too discovered irregular readings.” He looked down at you curiously. “What did you-”

The both of you were jostled as the turbo lift immediately stopped. Spock’s hands held you steady at the waist before letting you go. 

Your hands reached out for the console when the turbolift dropped down a level. 

“What is going on?” you gritted out, your hands quickly moving over the control panel to try and figure out what was happening. It looked like the power was being diverted. You weren’t sure why. Nothing prior to this would account for the ship needing to conserve power. Maybe-

“It appears that power is being diverted to essential ship functions,” Spock stated over your shoulder. 

“I hadn’t thought of that,” you said sarcastically as you popped open the panel. 

“I am surprised that, as assistant chief engineer, you had not come to that conclusion.” 

You let out a sigh before turning to look briefly at Spock, “I had thought of it.” 

Spock titled his head to the side, “You just stated -” 

“Spock. I was being sarcastic. I just - I need to get a better look at this. I might have to get access through the roof.” 

You knew you were being a bit short with him, you couldn’t help it. The whole situation made you anxious. Something about this didn’t seem right. It was all off. The only calming presence was Spock, always logical and reassuring. 

“Lieutenant, I would not recommend attempting to exit the turbolift. If the power -” 

“I know the risks, Spock, but what else are we going to do?” You turned to look at him now. “The comms aren’t working and my data pad isn’t getting any messages out.” 

You tried your best to breathe, to calm your thoughts. Everything was going to be fine. You both were going to be fine. 

Spock gave you a long assessing look before he nodded in agreement. 

“Will you help me up?” You asked, readying yourself to be lifted. Spock wordlessly lifted you. You worked quickly to try and remove the roof paneling when the turbolift jolted once more. Despite Spock's firm on you, the quick jostling caused your bodies to be thrown. 

Your head hit the side of the turbolift with a sickening thud. Pain radiated through you - your vision getting blurry. Warmth spread down the side of your face. Unable to move your body you could only assume you were bleeding from the impact. You tried unsuccessfully to keep your eyes open, but you couldn’t. 

Spock’s hands cradled your head as your eyes closed. Faintly, you could feel him resting your head in his lap. 

“Lieutenant,” he called out to you, “L/N”, he tried once more but the pain was beginning to dull until you felt nothing at all. “Y/N, you need to stay awake. Help will come. Don’t fall asleep, you have lost too much blood.” 

If you didn’t know any better you might have heard the worried tone in his voice. 

The turbolift dropped once more, rapidly descending in a way you knew both of you wouldn’t survive. Spock leaned down, trying his best to shield your body. 

The last thing you could recall was a light so bright that it nearly blinded you despite your eyes being closed, the sickening feeling of free fall, and Spock’s warm body holding you close. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

You awoke with a gasp. Sweat covered your body as you sat up in your bed. You rubbed your hands over your face. The dream, if you could even call it that, had been the most intense thing you had ever experienced. 

Absentmindedly, you found your hand reaching for the back of your head. There was no pain - yet you could almost feel the phantom ache. Shaking yourself from your dream, you got up and got ready for the day. Your engineering shift would be starting soon. 

Straightening out your red shirt, you made your way to the turbolift. You couldn’t help but feel a sense of deja vu. 

“Engineering,” you stated, waiting as the turbolift took you to your destination. You found yourself anxious. You couldn't figure out why. The dream was just a dream - nothing more. 

The doors of the turbolift opened and you walked to your station. Commander Pelia gave you a warm smile as before she continued work on her data pad. 

You began your routine scans when you noticed the same anomaly - the one from your dream. You stood gaping at your scanners. 

“Everything alright, Lieutenant?” Commander Pelia asked you. 

Before you could answer, the anomaly disappeared as quickly as it came. “No- yes. Yes, everything is fine.” 

It was fine, wasn’t it?

The rest of your day went by in a blur. Conversations, scans, everything repeated itself from your dream. It wasn’t possible. There was no way, unless…unless…

In an almost daze you found yourself in the mess hall. Erica and Uhura were already seated playing cards. 

“You can’t be serious!” 

You stopped dead in your tracks. 

“Oh, dead serious,” Erica smirked proudly. 

“There is no way you won five times in a row,” Uhura slumped back in her seat. 

No. 

No. It couldn’t be possible. 

“Y/N? You okay?” Erica was giving you a concerned look. Uhura was already out of her chair making her way towards you. She took you by the elbow and led you to the empty chair at their table. 

“Y/N?”

You blinked roughly, your eyes snapping to Erica. “Was there…was there some type of storm today?”

“Uh, yeah actually. Couldn’t really figure out what it was. Scanners didn’t pick anything up.” 

“I have to go,” you said quickly, rushing out of the mess hall. You ignored their calls of concern. 

You bumped into La’an as you rounded the corner to the turbolift. You mumbled an apology, not waiting for a response. 

The turbolift opened. Spock stood in the entryway, his expression nearly unreadable. His eyes frantically looked over your face, his eyes lingering on where you hit your head in your dream. 

“It wasn’t a dream was it?” you whispered, slowly entering the turbolift. 

“No,” he replied. His eyes not leaving yours. “I believe we are experiencing the events of yesterday again.” 

“No one else remembers,” you paused, “Why do we-” 

The turbolift jolted. Your frantic eyes met Spock once more. 

“The anomaly. I believe that whatever is causing the abnormal readings is triggering-” 

Spock caught you as you jolted forward into his chest, the turbolift dropping a level. Not again, not again. 

You took a deep breath, “I still couldn’t pinpoint the readings. Every time I get close, it disappears. It-” 

The turbolift began its rapid descent. Spock held onto your arms tightly, your eyes only on each other. 

“Find me sooner,” you said as the white light engulfed you both. The warmth of Spock's hands on your arms the only sensation you focused on as you both plummeted into the abyss.

[anonymousewrites]

Logos and Pathos (Book 3) Chapter Five

Spock x Empath! Reader

Chapter Five: Controlling Brain

Summary: (Y/N), Kirk, and Bones discover where Spock's brain might be, but they encounter problems as usual.

            (Y/N), Kirk, Chekov, and Scotty stared at Bones and Spock’s body. They certainly hadn’t expected this. Bones pressed a button on the controller in his hand, and Spock’s body turned to face them.

            “Bones…what is this?” said (Y/N).

            “A helpful way to bring him with us,” said Bones.

            “…Fine, bring him along,” sighed Kirk. He didn’t have anything within him to be shocked.

            Bones directed Spock’s body forward, and they all walked towards the cave. It was disconcerting to stand beside Spock when he was so empty, but (Y/N) refused to be disconcerted. They needed to bring Spock back, and they needed his body to put his brain in as soon as possible.

            “Keep him close to the right,” instructed Kirk. “Ready?”

            They stepped back into the storeroom. The cave entrance shut with a snap. The trap had been triggered. The room whirred and clunked. They were in an elevator of sorts. Scotty, Bones, Kirk, and (Y/N) jerked from the sudden movement.

            “Call Chekov and tell him to send my stomach down,” said Bones.

            “Phasers on stun,” said Kirk.

            “Captain, the power we picked up above—we’re getting closer,” said Scotty.

            “A lot of it?” said (Y/N).

            “Enough to push this planet out of orbit,” said Scotty.

            “What source?” asked Kirk.

            “Either a nuclear pile one hundred miles across or…” Scotty trailed off.

            “Or what?” prompted (Y/N).

            “Ion power,” said Scotty.

            The whirring hummed to a stop, and the room halted. Wherever they had been taken, they had arrived. The group braced as the door slid open to reveal a hallway and a woman in gold facing them. She reached for her bracelet like the woman in lilac had, and Kirk reacted quickly. He stunned her, and she collapsed to the ground.

            Kirk walked up to her prone body carefully and felt for a pulse. Satisfied that she was alive but unable to harm them, Kirk gestured for the others to come forward.

            “I’ll have her talking in a minute,” said Bones as he woke her.

            Kirk didn’t wait around as the woman opened her eyes, and he dragged her to her feet.

            “You do not belong here,” she said.

            (Y/N) cocked their head. Her emotions were wild and frenzied, almost childlike. Unusual for a humanoid of seemingly middle-age, though some species aged slower. Still, something was off about it.

            “You are not Morg,” said the woman.

            “Take me to the one in charge,” said Kirk forcefully. “I wish to speak to him.”

            “Him? What is him?” asked the woman.

            So neither the men nor the women have any concept of what the other is…Strange for the development of a planet and species, thought (Y/N). Even just for continuing a species, it was usually necessary to be aware that the other existed.

            “What have you done with Spock’s brain?” demanded Kirk. “Where have you taken it?”

            “You are not Morg or Eymorg,” repeated the woman. “I know nothing about a brain.”

            “You’re lying,” said Kirk.

            “She’s not, Captain,” said (Y/N). They could feel the emotions of the woman, and there was nothing that usually accompanied deception, just genuine, deep, childlike confusion. “She doesn’t know.”

            Kirk let go of the woman, as frustrated as (Y/N) was disappointed.

            “See what you can pick up on your communicator,” said Kirk.

            “Aye,” said Scotty.

            “We don’t want to hurt you,” said Kirk, turning to the woman. “What is this place?”

            “This place is here,” said the woman as if that was the only relevant answer.

            “Who are you?” asked (Y/N) gently.

            “I am Luma. I am Eymorg. You are not Eymorg,” said Luma. “You are not Morg. What are you?”

            “It’s no use,” said Bones, sighing and interrupting before Kirk could interrogate Luma again. “You’ll get nothing out of that one. Hers is the mind of a child.” The readouts of his scanner didn’t lie.”

            “That explains her emotions. They show up like young children’s do,” said (Y/N).

            “Captain,” said Scotty. “I’ve got something, but I can’t quite get a fix on it.” He handed over his communicator.

            Luma tried to run, but Bones caught her. Kirk examined the communicator and opened it.

            “Fascinating.”

            (Y/N)’s head whipped around at the sound of Spock’s voice coming from the communicator. “Spock?” they said hurriedly.

            “(Y/N)?” said Spock, voice lightening.

            “Yes, Spock, it’s me,” said (Y/N) in relief.

            “There is a definite pleasurable experience connected with hearing your voice, T’hy’la,” remarked Spock.

            (Y/N) smiled at the term of endearment.

            “Skip the flirting, Spock, where are you?” asked Bones.

            “Is that you, Dr. McCoy?” said Spock. “And are you all with the Captain?”

            “Well, where else would I be?” said Bones.

            “Spock, where are you?!” said Scotty, cutting into the argument.

            “Engineer Scott, as well,” remarked Spock.

            “Spock,” said (Y/N), and Spock got the message finally.

            “Regrettably, I do not know where I am,” he said.

            “We’ll get to you,” promised (Y/N). “I won’t be long.”

            “A practical idea,” praised Spock. “It seems unlikely that I shall be able to get to you.”

            “Quickly,” said Kirk, and the group started down the hallway, following the signal as best they could.

            They froze as the woman in lilac turned a corner with two men flanking her.

            “There she is,” said Kirk, tensing. “That’s the one.” He drew his phaser. “What have you done with Spock’s brain?!”

            “What did you do to—!” (Y/N) gasped as the woman pressed a button on her bracelet, and pain shot through the group. Only Luma and Spock’s body remained upright.

            “(Y/N)?” said Spock’s voice. “(Y/N)?”

            (Y/N) collapsed, and their eyes rolled back as they fell unconscious.

l

            (Y/N) awoke to find themself sitting at a table beside Scotty, Kirk, and Bones. Strange belts were latched around them, constricting their movements and unable to be removed. Several men from the surface above stood in the room, stiffly stoic and wearing similar belts. The four women sitting across from the Starfleet officers were free of the belts, and (Y/N) had a suspicion it was because they were women and the others in the room were not that they didn’t wear the belts.

            “What are you?” asked the woman in lilac. “Why are you here? You have something to speak?”

            All four women’s emotions felt strangely childish, but the woman in lilac’s empathic aura seemed a little more developed at the moment.

            “What have you done with Spock’s brain?” said (Y/N).

            “We do not know Spock,” said the woman in lilac.

            “This is Spock,” said (Y/N), gesturing to Spock’s body.

            “You saw him on our ship,” said Kirk. “You have his brain. It must be restored to him immediately. What have you done with it?”

            “Ah, yes—brain,” said the woman in lilac. “You spoke to Luma also of ‘brain.’ But we do not understand.”

            “I do not know about Luma, but you were on the Enterprise,” said Kirk firmly. “We saw you.”

            “I do not know these things you speak of,” said the woman in lilac.

            Their minds were strange, their emotions were strange, and the entire planet was strange. (Y/N) was growing frustrated.

            “You came to my ship!” said Kirk.

            “We know only here below and here belove,” said the woman in lilac. “This is our place. You are not Morg. You are stranger.”

            “You were on my ship!”

            “Jim,” said Bones. “She may not remember or even really know. Disassociation could be complete. It doesn’t seem possible she could have performed surgery on Spock.”

            “No, it doesn’t,” admitted (Y/N). But that didn’t change that one of the people here had. That was the only explanation.

            “You hurt Luma,” said the woman in lilac. “It is not permitted again to hurt anyone.”

            “We don’t want to hurt anyone. We’re sorry,” said (Y/N), speaking diplomatically.

            “If you wish to return to your home, you may go,” said the woman in lilac.

            “No, uh, we’ll stay here and…learn about you and tell you of us,” said Kirk, covering as best he could.

            “Oh, yes, for instance—above, it’s cold and harsh,” said Bones. “And below, it’s warm. The air is fresh.”

            “Aye, there’s no sun, but there’s light,” said Scotty.

            The women remained confused. (Y/N) shook their head to communicate as much to Kirk.

            He sighed. “I wish to talk to those in charge.”

            “ ‘In charge?’ ” said the woman in lilac.

            “Yes, the organizers, the managers,” said Kirk. “The leader of your people.”

            “I am leader,” said the woman. “There is no other.”

            A leader with no knowledge beyond that of a child? wondered (Y/N).

            “That’s impossible,” said Scotty. “Who built the machines?”

            “Who are the doctors?” asked Bones. “Who operates?”

            “Who controls this complex?” asked Kirk.

            “Control…” The woman’s expression brightened. “Controller?”

            “Yes, the Controller,” said (Y/N), seizing upon the moment. “Who controls? We would like to meet, to see them.”

            “No! It is not permitted,” said the woman in lilac sternly. “Never! The controller is alone. Apart. We serve Controller. No other is permitted near.”

            “We intend no harm,” assured (Y/N).

            “You have come to destroy us!” cried the woman, emotions flying wildly.

            “No, we haven’t. I promise we mean no harm,” said (Y/N) calmly but firmly.

            “We just want to talk to somebody about Spock’s brain, that’s all,” said Bones.

            “Brain and brain—what is brain?!” cried the woman in lilac. “It is Controller, is it not?”

            “Yes. Yes, in a way, it is,” said Bones, trying to make them understood. “The brain controls the individual’s functions.”

            “Bones.” Kirk stopped them as he made a connection. “Scotty, (Y/N). Spock’s brain controls…” He trailed off and gestured to the room.

            (Y/N)’s eyes widened. “No way. Could it be possible?”

            Kirk stepped out. “Great leader.” He fell to his knees dramatically. “Great leader, we come from a far place to learn from your controller.”

            “You lie!” cried the woman in lilac. “You know me; you have said that! You came to take back the Controller!”

            So Spock’s brain is the Controller. That was confirmation.

            “He is our friend,” said Kirk. “You must take us to him.”

            “Please,” said (Y/N), trying to appeal to them. “Soon it will be too late.”

            “Do not take them, Kara!” said Luma. “Do not take them to the Controller!”

            “They will be prevented,” said Kara.

            She pressed a button on her bracelet, and the belts on the prisoner’s activated. Pain shot through the Starfleet officers, and they cried out and fell to the ground.

            Kara watched them writhe in pain. “I must learn what to do.” She looked at her council. “Come with me.” She glanced at the men. “You will keep them here.” She and her fellow women left the room.

            “Yes, mistress,” replied the guards.

            The landing party groaned as the pain abated and struggled to their feet.

            “I never felt anything like that…” said Kirk. He helped the others up.

            “Every nerve was on fire,” groaned (Y/N).

            “I wouldn’t believe the humanoid organism could take such pain,” said Bones.

            “Aye. These are on to stay for a while,” said Scotty. “It must be a magnetic lock of some kind.”

            “No wonder the ‘morgs’ are so obedient,” said Kirk.

            “And terrified,” said (Y/N).

            Kirk moved towards the door, and the man stepped in front, looming over him.

            Kirk grumbled. “How is this place kept functioning by the primitive minds we’ve met?” He paused as he spied their communicators and other equipment laid out on the table.

            “Well, those women could never have set up anything as complex as this has to be,” said Scotty while Kirk tried to grab the communicators, but the other guard intercepted him. “Why, that takes engineering genius. But there’s no sign of engineering genius in any of those women.”

            “They were smart enough to invent these training devices,” said Kirk. “What a way to keep control over people.”

            “ ‘Pain and delight,’ ” repeated (Y/N). “That’s what the man on the surface said. This explains it.”

            “How does Spock’s brain fit into this?” asked Scotty.

            “With a communicator, we might be able to find out,” said (Y/N). And then I can talk to Spock again. They would like that.

            Kirk huffed and gestured to the guard. “This fellow is keeping us from our property!”

            “Well, isn’t there a way to correct that situation?” said Scotty, putting his hands on his hips.

            “I certainly think that science might provide an answer,” agreed Kirk.

            “I don’t believe Spock would approve,” remarked (Y/N). “But he doesn’t approve of many of our plans.”

            “He always agrees with yours,” said Bones.

            “Then I guess he’ll be fine with this,” said (Y/N) brightly.

            “Excellent.”

            Kirk turned and punched the guard in the stomach. (Y/N) helped push him down, and Bones and Scotty turned on the other guard blocking the door out. The pair were strong and threw the Starfleet officers around, but the humans and Celian were determined and resilient. Kirk tackled one, and (Y/N) struck him down while Bones and Scotty were thrown around. Kirk turned and kicked the other into the wall, and (Y/N) hit him over the head.

            “Great job,” said (Y/N) encouragingly, helping Scotty and Bones up.

            “Bones, give them something that will keep them out for a while,” said Kirk while he grabbed their equipment.

            (Y/N) opened the communicator and instantly radioed Spock’s…mind(?). “Spock? Spock? Come on, Spock.” They urged him to speak to them.

            “I’m here, T’hy’la,” said Spock. “I’m still here.”

            (Y/N) relaxed upon hearing his voice.

            “Have you returned to the Enterprise?” he asked.

            “No, of course not. We haven’t found you yet,” said (Y/N).

            “If you gave us some idea of what they took you for, maybe we could locate you,” said Kirk. “Is it medical?”

            “I am not certain,” said Spock. “I seem to have a body that stretches into infinity.”

            “Body? You have none,” said Scotty.

            “Then what am I?” remarked Spock.

            “You are a disembodied brain,” said (Y/N), knowing Spock would want the truth given to him succinctly.

            “Fascinating,” said Spock.

            (Y/N) supposed they should be relieved Spock was still being himself.

            “It could explain so much,” continued Spock. “My medulla oblongata is hard at work apparently breathing, apparently pumping blood, apparently maintaining a normal physiologic temperature.”

            “Spock, we don’t have time for that,” sighed Kirk.

            “Why are you endangering your lives by coming here?” asked Spock.

            “Because we need to save you, Spock,” said (Y/N). “You know I can’t leave you.”

            Spock was silent for a moment. “I cannot allow you to risk yourself for my sake. Additionally, I do not believe the doctor has the knowledge to restore a brain, so you would be risking yourself for nothing. I cannot let you do that, T’hy’la.” He couldn’t let (Y/N) get hurt trying to protect him. “No denigration intended, Dr. McCoy,” added Spock. “That skill does not yet exist in the galaxy.”

            “The skill to remove it exists here and now,” said (Y/N) in determination. “Restoring it has to be possible. That’s why we have to get to you now.”

            “Let me ask, how much time has elapsed since…?” asked Spock.

            “Eighteen hours and twelve minutes,” said (Y/N). They were aware of each passing second.

            “Dr. McCoy must have told you that twenty-four hours is the maximum my body can be—”

            “I told them,” said Bones, cutting Spock off as (Y/N)’s gaze saddened.

            “That leaves us exactly five hours and forty-eight minutes, Spock,” said Kirk forcefully.

            “It does seem all-too-brief a time to develop such skills, does it not?” said Spock.

            “Yes, very brief,” admitted Kirk. “But that’s why we have to get to you now. Beam us a signal so we can hone in on you.”

            “Acknowledged,” said Spock.

            “Got it!” said Scotty.

            (Y/N) let out a breath of relief. They weren’t in the clear yet, but they had a signal. They could get to the man they loved. “I’m coming, Spock.”

            “I do not doubt it, T’hy’la,” said Spock with what (Y/N) recognized as fondness. They smiled.

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

[captainpikeswoman]

SNW Spock slowly falling in love with a badass would include:

•he really tries not to be prejudiced towards people he’s just met. But something about you cuts straight through his logic and instinctively, instantly he dislikes you.

•and he’s none too subtle about it. Every time you step forwards with a new idea, every time you make a suggestion, he raises one eyebrow and immediately point out every single flaw in your plan. But you don’t sit idly by and take it…you fight back, arguing with him until you’re breathless!

•Spock thinks you’re reckless and impulsive, the very worst things to be. So he’s strict and relentless with you- cutting, scathing remarks, tearing up your work until you do it properly.

•there’s so many clashes- Captain Pike and Una are both fed up of being called over to your joint work stations to resolve disputes. But neither you nor Spock notice the frowns, sighs and smiles that are directed at you both from Number One and Captain- they can see how much you and Spock both seem to thrive on the fiery interactions; a begrudging comradeship is eventually formed.

•it all reaches a head some months after you’ve joined the crew, Spock very reluctantly has conceded that you are at least well qualified in your chosen field…though his dislike is still apparent, to you at least. But then one day you’re on an away mission, and you spot a danger that Spock hasn’t seen!

•so you act without thinking- you take the hit (literally as it’s from a gun of a native to the planet) and Spock is left cradling your injured body as you pass out.

•it’s not until you come round, having been healed in the Medbay by Dr M’Benga that you realised Spock hadn’t left your side. The minute your eyes were opened he launched into a speech about how reckless and irresponsible you’d been…but the whole time one of his hands was holding yours, stroking your fingers. He didn’t even realise it.

•but you did. It’s what your eyes strayed to, it’s why your face felt hot, why your heart started to pound with excitement. Eventually his eyes followed yours, and he blushed bright green! He dropped your hand like it was a hot cake and ran away.

•for the next few days as you rested and returned to light duties Spock avoided you, and you found yourself so annoyed. You were angry that he would kiss you like a Vulcan would and then avoid you like you’d given him a slap!

•actually you thought that might be a good idea. You tracked him down, letting yourself into his office and locking the door before he could even raise one of those impeccably groomed eyebrows.

•as he stood to greet you, and no doubt ask why you’d locked the door, you smacked his round the face and started to angrily shout at him that his absence, his deliberate avoidance, had caused you pain! You wanted to know how he could be so much of a coward!

•well it was like a red rag to a bull. He started to argue back at you too, letting his voice raise a little in a demonstration of his anger.

•your tempers were flaring, chests heaving, breath coming in snatches as you attempted to out shout the other. You weren’t quite sure who started it, but somehow you found yourself being laid back against the table top of the desk, as his lips fought furiously with yours to claim victory, to maintain the silence.

•things needed to be said…but maybe not with words. Even though Spock tried to control the kiss you didn’t give in, you demanded your own pleasure too, pushing back for more intensity, more passion, and naturally he responded. It turns out you can both still argue, but it can have a much more exciting outcome.

[bcnes]

"Don't count on that," McCoy mutters. He goes out of his way to not tolerate a great deal of things already, inconveniences be damned. Never mind if he has to spend the next ten, fifteen years - god forbid - of his life in this place, he doesn't plan on acquiring a taste for any of the nasty business that goes on around here if he can help it.

Still, he files the information away quietly into the (surprisingly, not as lengthy as he would have initially imagined) list of how exactly this Spock differs from... well, from Spock Spock. Their service records would overlap surprisingly neatly, not that it would matter all too much to his companion. The walk to sickbay, relatively short though it may be, is slow and strenuous, and he counts his lucky stars that the corridor is relatively empty. The discussion at least gives him something to focus on other than his own labored steps.

"Doesn't matter what they've done, Spock," he shakes his head, teeth gritted. "I don't have the right to let them die for it. Life's a damn shameful thing to put to waste. I hope you can at least understand that." If not from an empathetic viewpoint, then perhaps from a more logical one; who knows what potential a man might have if given the time to move in a forward trajectory? "Or maybe I'm just optimistic. One of these days somebody's gonna bother returning all these favors."

Wishful thinking, he knows. But delusion has kept him at least partially sane so far. He allows the conversation to lapse into silence on the last of the stretch to sickbay, sighing with relief when the doors part and he can swing the man over onto a biobed (not quite as gently as he was intending, but in his defense his arms were already half-dead). McCoy wipes his palms off on his pants, then twists his hands together as he surveys the state of the room, internally taking stock of the needed supplies. None of the nurses here ever leave anything in their proper place and hardly respond to orders, much less criticism. Threats would probably be more effective, he's sure, but he's not quite come around to trying that one out.

Crossing the room to rifle through a cabinet, he glances only briefly over his shoulder to ensure Spock hasn't fled the scene already. "I don't believe you. And you're right, I do have more important things to attend to, which is why you're at the bottom of the list compared to this poor son of a bitch," he jerks his chin towards the man on the biobed. "But you are still on the list, so if you'd save us both the energy and just sit down, I'd appreciate it."

There's a rather mild shrug in response to McCoy's claims about violence. It's become so commonplace in his daily life that the idea of being frightened by it is almost bizarre. He'd be more frightened if someone wasn't trying to kill him, since it would mean they were conspiring something truly dangerous. Either way his response comes quick, filling the silence while the victims pulse is checked.

"Thirteen, if I am not mistaken. That is only counting my time aboard starships specifically. If you mean serving with Starfleet in general, I assure you it has been much longer. I am sure you do not wish to remain here as long as I have served Starfleet, but if you must, you may gain a tolerance for it."

Usually he would be more sure in that judgement, but.. something about McCoy makes him doubt he would ever become used to it. Perhaps because the doctor has show how profoundly he tends to care, how his entire basis of being is built upon that. He feels he would rather be killed before harming another. Such claims are evident in the way he lifts the injured officer into his arms, struggling under the weight but determined to give him a chance at life, despite almost taking his own less than 5 minutes prior. He follows shortly behind the doctor dutifully, keeping a watchful eye to make sure he didn't topple over.

"In my opinion, it is. I fail to understand why you go to such lengths to preserve the lives of those who desire to end your own. However, I am also aware that the universe you have described abides by a way of living that is complete foreign to me. The way that I operate likely looks the same to you."

There's a longer than usual lapse of silence at McCoy's gratitude. He doesn't often receive such genuine appreciation for what he does, if at all. He.. doesn't find himself disliking such praise. After realizing how long the silence likely lasted, he decides the typical response couldn't hurt.

"You're welcome. I do not need an examination, seeing as I am unharmed and you have more important matters to attend to."

[getaway-gatsby]

Highly Illogical - 1/1

It is no easy task getting Dr Leonard McCoy to admit he needs a day off. Luckily, Y/N has a few tricks up her sleeve.

Originally posted on AO3 as getaway_gatsby. Trektober2022 gen prompt 26

"Y/N, I'm begging you, can you come and collect your fiancé? He's contaminating my med bay."

The exasperated voice of Nurse Chapel sounded from your communicator. You suppressed a sigh, although the call was hardly a surprise - you'd known that Bones was coming down with something since that morning. Aside from the persistent coughing, he had been unusually irritable at breakfast, a clear sign that he was under the weather. Leonard McCoy may have been notorious amongst the crew for his irascibility, but he was only tetchy with you when he felt utterly miserable.

With a groan, you flipped open your communicator.

“I did suggest he take the day off, but I got told to mind my own business.”

"Sounds about right. I've been trying to talk some sense into him for hours now. It's not going well. He's pricklier than an Andorian porcupine."

This piqued your interest. "When have you ever seen an Andorian porcupine?"

"I may have embellished slightly", Christine said dismissively. "The point is, you've got to help me before I have an epidemic on my hands. My job's so much easier when the Chief Medical Officer's not doubling as patient zero."

“Understood, Chris. I’m on my way.”

***

The doors of the med bay parted with a hydraulic hiss, revealing the harried face of Nurse Chapel. From the CMO’s office, the sound of raised voices drifted into the otherwise peaceful infirmary. Recognising the even tones of the First Officer, you raised a quizzical eyebrow at Christine.

“Why is Spock here?”

“He wanted the doctor to sign some reports, I think. Now he’s trying to logic him into going home.”

You heard Leonard’s unnaturally husky voice responding to Spock, his speech punctuated by ragged coughs. The sound was enough to make you wince in sympathy.

“He wasn’t that bad this morning. That cough sounds awful.”

Christine rolled her eyes heavenward. “I’ve been telling him that for the last five hours, but what do I know? I’m only the ship’s head nurse.”

Leaving Chapel to her patients, you wandered over to Bones’ office, where Spock stood in front of the CMO’s desk, his back to you. Leonard sat hunched over said desk, head in his hands. Both officers were too engrossed in their argument to notice your presence, and you let them quarrel whilst you considered your next steps. 

"You're making a fuss about nothing," Bones was saying, in little more than a hoarse whisper. "I'm hardly ready to kick the bucket yet.”

"I fail to see what relevance such a receptacle has to your condition." Spock sounded completely bewildered, and you bit back a laugh.

Muttering something very unprofessional under his breath, Leonard cleared his throat. "It's called a metaphor, you pointy-eared hobgoblin." It was some small comfort that the CMO still felt well enough to insult Spock.

"I am familiar with a metaphor, Doctor. A most illogical device."

"Spock, if you call me illogical one more time..."

"Very well." Spock smoothly interrupted the CMO's threat. "But you must admit you are being irrational, at the very least. Your productiveness is down 52.3%, and by refusing to leave, you risk infecting others. That is not the behaviour of a logical man."

Fortunately for Spock, Bones' retort was lost as he doubled over in a fit of hacking coughs. He clearly needed rest, but Spock's approach was getting nowhere. However, all this talk of rationality had given you an idea. If Spock’s logic was failing to make an impact, maybe you should try being illogical.

Stepping forward, you tapped the Vulcan on the shoulder, indicating that you would take over. Although Spock rarely showed his emotions, something akin to relief crossed his features as he exited the room. You moved closer to your fiancé, and, sensing a presence, Leonard groaned.

"Spock, if you don't leave me alone, I swear, I will find my dermal regenerator, and I will shove it so far up your- "

"Now, is that any way to address your loving girlfriend?", you reprimanded teasingly, and, at the sound of your voice, the CMO finally lifted his head from the desk. He looked absolutely wretched. His usually limpid eyes were red-rimmed, perfectly complementing the spots of high colour on each cheek. In contrast, the rest of his face was ashen.

You dropped your hand onto his shoulder, concerned by the tremors that wracked his frame. "Chapel says you aren't feeling too well."

A look of intense irritation flashed across his face. "People keep telling me that. I feel fine."

Now for the illogicality. "I believe you."

Bones peered up at you, his irritation replaced by deep suspicion. "You do? Why're you here then?"

"Do I need a reason to visit my fiancé?" You perched on the edge of the desk so that your face was level with his. "You know, I'm glad you feel alright. If you were ill, then I couldn't do this." And you slowly began to close the gap between his lips and yours. You knew there was no way he'd risk kissing you in his current state. Sure enough, a glint of alarm appeared in his eyes.

“I’m on shift, darlin’”, he said, recoiling uneasily. “Someone might see.”

You gently guided his face back towards you. "Who's going to see? Spock's gone."

“I know what you’re doing, Y/N, and it won’t work.”

“No?”, you replied, bringing his lips still nearer to yours; until they were almost touching. Three centimetres… two… one…

“Goddamnit, woman!”, Bones expostulated, pushing his chair away from the desk, away from you. “Fine! I’ll admit, I might be slightly under the weather. Are you happy now?”

Once more, you drew him close to you, but instead of kissing him, you pressed your lips against his forehead, frowning at the heat you found there. 

"I think slightly might be an understatement, Len. You're burning up."

Now that he had been caught out, his tough facade crumbled quickly. "I feel like hell", he confided quietly. As if to prove his point, he pitched forward in a trio of explosive sneezes, groaning dejectedly after each one. Your heart ached for him.

"Why don't you come back to our quarters, sweetheart?", you suggested softly. "I'll even make soup."

"Pressing a button on a replicator doesn't count as making, Y/N. And I've got all this paperwork to do." He gestured at his PADD and the notes scattered across his desk, but you could see his resolve was beginning to weaken.

"Chapel can do those. You're always saying you need to delegate more."

"I'll do anything." You hadn't realised Christine was standing in the doorway until she addressed Bones. "Just please get out of here. You're becoming a biohazard."

Bones grumbled something about traitorous nurses but rose to his feet regardless, swaying slightly as he did so. You tucked one arm around his waist and, winking triumphantly at Christine, started to wend your way back to your shared quarters.

You had nearly arrived when your communicator chirped. With some difficulty, considering you were still supporting Leonard, you hooked it out of your belt.

"Y/L/N here."

"This is Spock. I wondered if you had had any success regarding Doctor McCoy."

"Affirmative, sir. We're nearly back at our quarters now."

"I am curious. How did you get him to leave the med bay?"

You grinned. "I tried to kiss him."

There was a brief pause in which you could practically hear the cogs in Spock’s brain turn. Then: “A highly illogical approach, Lieutenant.”

“He’s a highly illogical man, Commander.”

“I heard that”, Bones groused, clearly not as out of it as you had assumed.

Smiling slightly, you signed off from your call to Spock, continuing on your mission to care for your highly illogical doctor.

Star Trek Taglist: @imherefordeanandbones

[make-me-imagine]

Food Fight

Plot: Things get a little out of hand while you and Pike are cooking dinner together.

Requested By: @onuen

Pairing: Christopher Pike x GN!Reader (established relationship)

Warnings: A quick kiss but that's it.

Words: 1.1k

-

You hummed in satisfaction as you tasted the sauce Christopher had been making. The aroma of garlic quickly filled your shared quarters as he pulled the garlic bread from the oven.

"Good?" He asked as he saw you set the spoon down.

"Always." You said with a smile as you moved to drain the pasta. As you noted how much pasta had been made, you smiled "Are we expecting the whole crew tonight?"

He smirked as he walked over to you, placing his hands on your waist as he stood behind you "We've got a busy couple of days ahead of us. Left overs are always useful when that happens."

"You know what's also useful on those occasion? Food replicators."

"True, but where's the love in replicated food."

You sighed as you grabbed a single noodle "It's in the hours of time engineers spent designing the replicators, all so the Captains of Starships will not use them." Tossing the noodle back, you watched as it smacked Chris in the face, sticking for a split second before it fell to the ground.

His eyes met yours as his face remained blank. You grinned. "Though cooking the food yourself has it's joys."

Pulling away from him, you walked over to the chopping board covered in chopped vegetables, and began to put them in a bowl.

Chris watched you with an amused grin before he reached over and grabbed a small bundle of noodles before dipping them into the sauce.

Walking up behind you, he leaned into your ear "There's more love in my cooking than any engineer can manufacture."

Bringing his hand around in front of you, you saw it and your heart jolted as you reached out and grabbed his wrist "Don't you dare!"

He chuckled "What? You can give it but can't take it?"

You let out a startled chuckled "Mine didn't have sauce on it! Chris!"

As he overpowered you, the sauce covered noodles splattered against your nose, lips and chin, before falling down your chest, leaving spattered sauce down the apron.

Looking over at Chris, you watched as he grinned and chuckled. Meeting your eyes, his face fell "Uh-oh." He said stoically as you stared daggers at him, all the while trying to repress a grin.

Without Chris realizing, you had grabbed one of the remaining tomatoes that had been only half-chopped. Lifting it up, you squeezed it, sending a stream of tomato juice directly into his face.

He sputtered as he stepped back, letting out a startled laugh. You brought your hand to your mouth as you repressed a bark of laughter.

"Okay-" He wiped his face "-that was good." He admitted as he nodded his head.

You saw his eyes dart to the noodles and sauce again before you lunged forward "No!"

Chris got to the food just as you did, as you each tried to wrestle each other away. Dipping your hand in the sauce, you flicked your fingers at him, splashing his face. Before you managed to grab some noodles and smash them into his once perfect hair.

He groaned between his laughs as he pulled you closer to him, smearing sauce in your hair as well.

You let out breathy laughs "Okay, truce, truce! Or we'll have nothing left to eat!

Chris chucked "Alright, alright."

Meeting his eyes, you both let out amused giggles.

Pressing a quick kiss to your lips, he hummed with a smile "You're right, the sauce is good."

You giggled as you wrapped your arms around his neck. You continued to smile at each other for a short moment, before you heard the doorbell ring. Your faces quickly changed from amusement to surprise.

"Oh no." You muttered as you repressed a laugh.

Chris closed his eyes for a moment as he shook his head, both amused and abash. "I bet it's Spock. It's always Spock."

As Chris cleared his throat, making his way to the door, you stood nearby, but out of view. Not wanting to entirely miss Chris's embarrassment at meeting someone at the door covered in food.

Chris stood firm as the door slid open, but felt his heart jolt when his eyes met those of Admiral April's.

"Admiral April." Chris muttered out

You brought your hand to your mouth in surprise as you stepped back. You didn't know if you wanted to laugh or run, as your cheeks and ears burned hot.

April stared blankley at Chris as he looked over him, noticing immediately the red sauce all over his apron, face and hair.

"Uh- sorry for the sudden visit Chris, I just thought with the negotiations coming up I should come early to make sure it goes off without a hitch. Didn't meant to take you by...surprise."

"Of course not, me and Y/n were just-" Chris looked down at himself before he met April's eyes again "Cooking."

"Right." April said, repressing a smile.

"There's plenty if you want some." Chris added.

You cringed as you heard him say it. Looked around, and seeing the mess you had made. Quietly, but as quick as you could, you began to wipe down the counters and pick up stray noodles, forgetting all about your own appearance.

"Are you sure there's enough left?" April looked at the pasta noodle dangling from Chris's hair.

Chris, seeing where his eyes were lingering, slowly reached up, and grabbed the noodle.

He smiled softly. "There's plenty."

April stepped into your quarters and looked around, seeing you tossing a rag into the sink and spinning around. You looked just as disheveled and messy as Chris did.

You smiled politely, but obviously flustered. "Robert. Lovely to see you."

He smiled "Y/n, it's nice to see you as well."

Chris walked over to you, noticing how you had cleaned the kitchen up a bit. He met your eyes and you saw the silent thanks, as well as the embarassment in them.

"I hope you like pasta Robert" You began "Chris made it with love."

Chris turned and stared at the back of your head as April rose his brow "As most of Chris's food is, I'm sure."

Giving Chris one last look you made your way over to the Admiral "Please, sit, make yourself comfortable, I'm just gonna...go clean up real quick."

Chris cleared his throat as he moved to follow you "Me too, just a moment."

Admiral April watched the two of you leave the room as he smiled to himself. He heard a repressed giggle come from you after you had disappeared around the corner.

April looked around, noting the various splatters of sauce around, that you had missed.

Shaking his head with an amused grin, he sat down, remembering the various times at the academy when he caught the two of you in similar situations in the past. He was glad nothing had changed.

xx End xx

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[lenievi]

[McCoy/Spock] promotions

I wrote this yesterday, and I still enjoy it today, so here it is~ It’s basically gen but I wrote it with them being in an established relationship in the last one, but since nothing hints at it, you can read it as a simple friendship if that’s your preference.

---

2267

“Congratulations, Commander,” McCoy said as he stopped next to Spock, who was standing in front of the dark observatory window. “You’ve finally been promoted.”

“Doctor, you have an unsurpassed talent for stating the obvious.”

“No, I’m not taking the bait tonight. This is a party. No place for arguing.”

“Completely unnecessary one.”

McCoy narrowed his eyes. “People are happy for you, Spock.”

“A promotion is merely a step forward, nothing more. As I was already the second highest person in the command chain, nothing will change.”

“Maybe. But you’re a step closer to getting your own command.”

“I do not want command, Doctor.”

“Hm.”

“You do not sound convinced.”

“I know you, Spock.” And you’d make a fine captain someday, he didn’t say.

“Maybe not well enough.” Spock looked at him. “You’ve never shown confidence in my command decisions.”

“Then maybe the both of us still have something to learn about each other.” McCoy raised his glass and took a sip.

2275

“There you are, Captain,” McCoy said as he entered the observatory deck and moved to stand next to Spock.

Spock sighed. “Doctor…”

“Yes, you don’t want me to call you that, but we don’t always get what we want.” McCoy pushed a glass in Spock’s direction. “Now, let's drink to celebrate them giving you the Enterprise.”

Spock took the glass, looking into the clear liquid.

“Can’t believe you’d talked me into staying,” McCoy grumbled, waiting for Spock to meet his eyes.

“I did no such thing, Doctor. As I recall, your words were ‘I can’t let you do this alone.’”

“Well”—McCoy rubbed his stomach and wet his lips—“someone needs to keep an eye on you.”

“And your company is welcome.”

McCoy’s cheeks heated. “Do you still not want the command?”

“That question is irrelevant now.”

McCoy measured him with a thoughtful look. “Well, drink it down.” McCoy raised his glass and waited for Spock to do the same. “Captain.” They clinked the glasses. “And… good luck.”

2296

“Ambassador Spock,” McCoy said, sounding the syllables. “It does have a nice ring to it.”

“You are not opposed to it?” Spock asked.

McCoy frowned. “Why would I?”

“You have always maintained that I should pursue command.”

“You’d probably enjoy being an admiral more than…” McCoy swallowed and started again. “More than Jim did, but you like working with Sarek. You have the skills and you have your father’s charisma. You’d make a good diplomat. Besides, you’ve already made up your mind about it anyway.”

“You don’t seem surprised.”

McCoy smiled. “Years ago, I told you I knew you, Spock. I still know you, and you haven’t been happy in Starfleet for years. You’ve been running away at every opportunity to work with your father for close to ten years. It was inevitable. To tell you the truth, I expected it sooner.”

“My compliments on your insight.”

“Thank you,” McCoy said and chuckled. “Now, I can finally retire.”

“I’ve never held you back.”

“No, but you’d be lost without me. Captain.”