#and yes that is kirk looking at spock like hes the centre of all life in the universe thank you for asking

[agentamethystelf]

I'd say this was a valuable and productive use of my time

#star trek #star trek tos #barbie #barbie movie #barbie poster #schn tgai spock #james t kirk #leonard bones mccoy #in which im positive this has been done already #but its midnight and im tired and the poster generator is the funniest thing ive seen this week #mccoys is probably my favourite #and yes that is kirk looking at spock like hes the centre of all life in the universe thank you for asking #anyway back to my regulary scheduled lurking

[tgai-spock]

Chapter 9

“I try to read.” Spock said standing beside the Captains chair. Not like when he was an adult, because he wasn’t, he stood closer, his eyes more trained on the stars and the private going ons of people.

“What do you read, math?” Uhura asked.

“Lord of the rings, Harry Potter, Alice in wonderland. Terran classics.” Spock listed.

“Oh” Kirk said leaning forward on his chair “just the classics?”

“I try, but when I begin reading them I remember I’ve already read them.” Spock said.

“So what are you going to do for the next few weeks if readings not working?” Kirk asked.

“Unknown.”

“I could give you some books to read” Uhura said “they wouldn’t be classics, but they would be written in this decade.”

“I need a purpose to read them.”

“What purpose did you have to read lord of the rings?” Kirk asked.

“History.” Spock said. Sulu glanced back to Spock and then to Chekov.

“That was my favourite time in history” Sulu said.

“Yes I was fond of the orcs” Chekov said.

“I feel like a hobbit myself.” Sulu said.

“It is a shame that they went extinct.” Chekov said and Sulu giggled.

“Mr Spock, perhaps you are related to Legolass.” Chekov suggested.

“Captain, how are you allowing idiots to fly this ship? This is a new level of illogic I have not seen before, and I find myself unsure whether this ship will survive for twenty eight days in space.”

“Spock, don’t be mean, not everyone knows their books as well as me, or you apparently, nerd.” Kirk said light heartedly.

“What?” Spock asked sharply.

“Would you like to educate Sulu and Checkov on why Lord Of The Rings is historic?” Kirk suggested.

“Lord Of The Rings is symbolism for the second world war.” Spock said.

“Oh” Sulu rolled his eyes “good guys vs bad guys, I guess I should have seen that coming.”

“I love reading for symbolism.” Chekov joked.

“I do read symbolism in books” Kirk said offended “thats enough talking I’m sure you should be paying more attention to the ship.”

Chekov gave a hearty chuckle “of course Sir.”

Kirk spoke to Spock quietly after that. They were quiet whispers about Lord Of The Rings, of favourite characters. 

“Captain” Officer Finnegan said approaching him from the lift with a paid “is it wise to have Commander Spock here given that he’s a child.”

“He’s not working as the Commander right now” Kirk said with a smile.

“Nevertheless I don’t think the bridge is the safest place for a vulcan.” Finnegan said his eyes glancing over the tiny vulcan.

“Finnegan” Kirk said sitting up “it’s a quiet day, it is perfectly safe for him to be here.”

“I don’t think it is-”

“I will leave then.” Spock said taking a step back from the captain.

“Spock you don’t need to do that.” Kirk said “Finnegan who the fuck even are you? God this writers so lazy summoning up villains just to move the plot on, and make you say oof.”

“It’s fine. I’m well adapted to telling when I’m not wanted, I’m sure I can find something else to do.” Spock said and turned on his foot, walking past Finnegan with a breeze that even with his small height seemed intimidating.

“Spock come back. Come on” Kirk called.

“No” Spock said almost huffed as he entered the lift.

Spock was an adventurer. In the days before he’d go to the mountains, to walk deep into the desert finding what he could to survive with I-Chaya in tow. Today he wandered the halls of a starship. He started where he would always begin, at the bottom of the mountain. So the lift took him to the bottom of the ship.

He snuck out the lift into a hallway of pipes, where his ears stung from loud shouting humans. No one noticed him as he stayed close the side of the walls. The crew in engineering was different from anywhere else on the ship. Hands on and intelligent thinkers, tinkers and inventors, it was officially professional work, but the lack of professionalism they had would not be seen nor put up with else where on the ship.

Knowing that if he were spotted he would be made to leave, Spock ran and crouched, hiding behind pipes and boxes. Some meters from him Spock spotted a group of humans leaning over an upside down box that they were using like a table. They were smoking, and fans drifted the fumes away from themselves. A red shirt leant with cigarette in hand as he looked bright eyed at the other four around him.

“So I said to him, maybe if you had the surgery on your eyes and not you dick, we wouldn’t even be having this problem.”

His sentence ended with hearty laughter from the others, the sense of the joke, the story, a glimpse of documentation escaping the sense of Spock. 

There were boxes piled high in the corner of the room. There were boxes piled high in most places, but the pile in the corner caught Spock’s eyes. The boxes left little more than a meter between themselves and the roof, but on the roof, was a vent. Perfect to climb into. Dangerous to climb into. The perfect challenge. So Spock ducked and rolled to the boxes, and began his climb. He did it slowly and he did it carefully but that wasn’t the hard part. Spock laid flat on the top of the boxes, he had perfect sight over the people. Groups and couples that walked, carrying tools and scanners, tapping at pipes and - Spock squinted. One man was placing duct tape around a leaking water pipe. Spock sighed shaking his head. He should probably mention how bad that is - when he’s older. That can’t be proper procedure. When he was certain no one was looking Spock began to undo the screw’s from the vent by twisting them with his hand. When all the screws were undone and he carefully and quietly pulled down the vent grid and put it on top of the boxes. He climbed into the vent.

No matter how quietly Spock tried to crawl he was sure he was making a racket. He was sure every time he moved his arm forwards the metal clinked and banged. He was sure a knee forwards sent a shuddering though the whole of the ship. After spending ten minutes slowly climbing forwards Spock rolled on to his back and rubbed at his head. He was sure when he came out where ever that be, there would be a group of people waiting to question him. To ask him what exactly he thought he was doing. Why he had opened the vent. What the purpose of doing so was. This was why Spock had stopped. What was his explanation? He had not words he could say to those people. To the Captain, to McCoy. After a while, Spock rolled back around and made his way forth deciding to keep a vow of silence when they found him, because they would. He was certain.

The vent ended at a grid looking in to a dark room. It wasn’t fully dark, there were large windows that looked out in to space, and space lit his way. It took a while for Spock to realise why he couldn’t see anything in the room. There was nothing in the room. Spock slipped his fingers through the holes of the vent to unscrew it. But his fingers, from this side, weren’t long enough. He was stuck. He took a deep breath, and carefully turned himself around. Laying on his back with his feet facing the vent he gave it a few solid kicks. At the fifth kick the vent flew off the wall. Spock escaped. Walking over to the vent Spock picked it up. The screws were still firmly attached to the vent as was a small portion of the wall around the screws. Sighing Spock stood on the middle of the vent attempting to straighten out the mess he had made. The vent actually straightened enough to be passable so he carefully balanced it back on the wall. He took a few steps back examining the vent carefully. No one should notice unless they got close.

The room he had discovered was dark, and empty. It was some sort of unused, perhaps even forgotten observation deck. Could things be forgotten on a spaceship? The door showed the most sign of life, and that door had spider cobwebs across it. How? They must have sneaked on by sitting on someones shoulder. There was also a bench against it and some other planks of wood. The entire place was empty. There were other vents but they didn’t really take Spock’s attention. Spock walked up to window and sat staring cross legged out across the stars. He wasn’t sure what he would be doing for the next few days, but at least he had found this. He laid down on his side, one elbow beneath his head. It wasn’t quiet, wherever he was, he was too close to the engine room still. But it wasn’t a horrible racket he could hear, it was just a gentle purr.

Spock woke some time later, and he turned over on his other side as he watched the door shake. A crowbar shot through the centre of the door. Spock sat crossed legged silently watching the feat as fingers slipped between the door pulling it opened. There stood the Captain, McCoy, Finnegan and Uhura.

“Spock!” McCoy was the first to push himself through he door “what are you doing here?”

He ran forth, making Spock flinch slightly as he ran a scanner over Spock. Spock looked carefully at McCoy wondering if he should keep his vow of silence as the Captain rushed over.

“Is he okay?” Kirk asked crouching.

“According to this he is perfectly fine.” McCoy said standing up.

“Spock, what are you doing here?” Uhura asked concernedly.

“I didn’t even know this room existed. On my ship as well.” Kirk said looking around the room.

“Was it because of Finnegan?” Uhura whispered.

“Yeah Spock” Finnegan said in a carefree attitude “I’m sorry if like I upset.”

“I’m vulcan. You did not upset me.” Spock said standing up, as he decided he didn’t like the attention he was getting. He literally hadn’t spared a second thought to Finnegan.

“Wait, Spock where do you think you’re going?” Uhura asked “you can’t just go off by yourself.”

“Spock, I thought you had gone back to McCoy, do you realise what the ships been like since we discovered you missing? This past hour has been chaos looking for you.” Kirk said. Spock looked at the people surrounding him. His way was thoroughly blocked. The vent Spock had propped up fell on to the floor with a bang, cascading dust surrounded it as the humans jumped to look at it. They turned back to Spock, looking for an explanation as he finished a yawn.

“Oops?”

[Chapter 1]    [Chapter 2]        [Chapter 3]     [Chapter 4]        [Chapter 5]

[Chapter 6]     [Chapter 7]       [Chapter 8]

#spock #james t kirk #leonard mccoy #nyota uhura #star trek #star trek aos #asharpintake #asharpintake8

[britesparc]

Weekend Top Ten #413

Top Ten Episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation

So, the Star Trek: Picard of it all. At the time of writing I’ve only seen the first episode, and although it was a touch exposition-heavy, and bounced to a slightly distracting degree from one location and event to another (France! San Francisco! Japan!), it was really very impressive. It felt utterly like a sequel to the Next Generation era, whilst also feeling like something new (my wife compared it to Blade Runner). A more contemplative sci-fi experience, which suits the legacy of the series.

I’ve talked a little about Star Trek before. The Original Series is one of those things that’s baked into popular culture at this point, like Superman and Star Wars. I’ve no idea when I first heard of it, but I don’t remember not knowing who Kirk and Spock were. But I never watched it, even in repeats (not the way I watched, say, Batman ’66). I came to Trek through the films, chiefly The One with the Whales and, later on, Wrath of Khan and Undiscovered Country. The first thing I remember about The Next Generation was my cousins telling me that this week the captain is taken over by the Borg; I have a funny feeling that the first episode I saw was “The Best of Both Worlds, Part II”, with the whole “Resistance is futile” bit coming in the “Previously on…” section. And, to be honest, I wasn’t hooked. I didn’t really get into it until my teens, through repeats. But I saw enough for it to become my favourite of all Treks, and – like the original cast – I saw the movies and fell in love even more (Star Trek: Insurrection was one of the first films my now-wife and I saw together as a couple).

The 2009 reboot movie, and subsequent Kelvin Timeline universe, have been interesting and often entertaining, but they’ve not felt like “proper” Star Trek to me. A bit too flashy and gung-ho, more like space adventure movies; I feel like Trek should be more like Close Encounters and less like Star Wars. That’s not to say they weren’t enjoyable, just not Trek-y enough (and the less said about the second half of Into Darkness the better). I loved the original universe, with its sense of history and its forward momentum; my favourite stuff from the Kelvin ‘verse was the knowledge about life after Star Trek: Nemesis, with the destruction of Romulus and all of that. I wondered what Picard thought of it, how it played out politically, how the Federation had responded. Really, I just wanted to know what my favourite characters were up to. Was Riker still captain of the Titan? Did Crusher go back to Starfleet Medical? Was Geordi still being creepy on the holodeck? And did Data stay dead? With Discovery being another prequel series, I thought it might be a long time before we got any answers.

And so to Picard, a series I kinda thought I’d never see. Something I was very keen on was to go back and re-watch all of The Next Generation in preparation. I say “re-watch” but it turns out I’d seen a whole lot less of it than I thought, or at least had forgotten most of it. So it’s been a wonderful and rewarding experience for me, Code of Honor notwithstanding. I feel I’ve got a much better and more rounded view of the characters and the series than I ever had, which is nice. And it was fun in the first episode of Picard to spot some of the deep-cut references, from Bruce Maddox to Captain Picard Day.

Anyway, this is a really, really long preamble for me to say that this week’s Top Ten is my favourite episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

The Best of Both Worlds, Parts I & II (Season 3, Episode 26/Season 4, Episode 1): yes, both parts; it’s inseparable to me. Massive and dramatic but loads of great character stuff: Riker becoming captain, Picard as a Borg, Guinan… Star Trek’s Lord of the Rings.

The Drumhead (4-21): a brilliant examination of institutionalised prejudice, honour, justice… but really what sticks in the mind is arguably Picard’s best speech, when he explains the concept of a “drumhead trial”. Outstanding stuff from Patrick Stewart.

The Measure of a Man (2-9): another fantastic courtroom drama episode, another brilliant Stewart monologue. This also has the benefit of being an existential look at what constitutes life, and potentially seeds plot points in Star Trek: Picard.

All Good Things… (7-25): one of the greatest finales of all time, it has everything: Stewart on top form, trippy timey-wimey shenanigans, the Enterprise blowing up, Q… and an incredibly touching final scene. The sky’s the limit indeed.

Family (4-2): after the epic bombast of both Worlds, we come back down to Earth, literally, as a broken Picard recuperates at his family chateau and mends fences with his disapproving brother. An unusual but simply beautiful episode of TNG.

The Inner Light (5-25): boy, these are all Patrick Stewart showpieces aren’t they? Here Picard lives a full life in forty minutes as an alien probe shows him the death of a civilisation. Incredibly bittersweet and an episode that left subtle character ripples.

Sarek (3-23): bringing back an iconic Trek character is one thing, but giving him a tragic mental illness, one that feels very true but also suitably sci-fi, is a masterstroke. Brilliant performances from Mark Lenard and, yes, Patrick Stewart.

Chain of Command, Part II (6-11): Part I has some cool sneaky stuff and tense character work on the Enterprise, but Part II is where the meat’s at: a phenomenal Stewart cruelly tortured by a terrifying David Warner. Star Trek does 1984, superbly.

Remember Me (4-5): woah, a non-Picard-centric episode! Gates McFadden on fine form as Crusher questions her sanity on a ship with disappearing crew, the Twilight Zone premise artfully realised in a gripping bottle episode.

Q Who (2-16): arguably, this is where TNG really begins. The always delightful Q brings our heroes face to face with the franchise’s Big Bad, the Borg. Here they are unknown, terrifying, unlike anything we’ve seen before; the seeds of so many stories are sown.

This was quite a tricky list to formulate, to be honest. The top half was fairly set, but there could have been any of a dozen episodes bringing up the rear. Another bottle ep that I adore is “Disaster”, which manages to be goofy, great fun, tense, and have some superb character work. Similarly I’m surprised I didn’t find room for “Yesterday’s Enterprise”, another iconic episode and another of the timey-wimey ones I love so much. And Q only appears twice, both times in episodes that don’t really centre on his brand of off-beat humour. It’s also interesting that so many of my favourites centre around Picard, and so many of them seem to – at this stage – feature plot elements that are going to be referenced in the new series (Bruce Maddox, artificial life, Romulans, the Borg… I hope Q gets a look-in too!). Anyway, TNG is great, I’m loving Picard, and what more is there to say?

#top ten #star trek #picard #the next generation #tng #patrick stewart #tv #movies

[wickedsingularity]

What Makes You Different [One-shot]

Fandom: Star Trek Pairings/characters: Jim Kirk x reader (but not really) Words: 2351 Warnings: Disapproving parents, mention of bullying

Summary: Three scenes from Jim and his significant other's lives, showing their progress from friends to marriage.

Note: For @thefanficfaerie‘s Backstreet's Back challenge. Sorry this is so late! Moving is exhausting... I had the song "What Makes You Different". I wanted to do so much more with this, but lack of time and energy and living in boxes came in the way.

When I look at you, I see something rare A rose that can grow anywhere And there's no one I know that can compare

She had been in his Warp Theory, Basic Warp Design and Astrophysics classes at the Academy. Jim hadn't paid much attention to her at first. To him, she was just the same as what the rest of their classmates saw her as, the mining-spawn that didn't belong in Starfleet.

She had come from basically nothing. Her parents were third generation miners on a struggling moon that had been colonized right before the Federation was founded. She had been expected to join her two brothers in the family mining business – brothers who had too big ambitions about how to make the business flourish, but she had always looked to the stars.

Only when they had been paired together for a project in Astrophysics towards the end of the first semester, did Jim's eyes open up to her. Her determination to do well, and how well she actually did. How she was able to turn a deaf ear to their classmates' whispered remarks or a blind eye to the eye-rolling whenever she gave solid answers to their teachers. How effortlessly smart she seemed to be. Something about it felt familiar to Jim and they made fast friends, and towards the end of the first year of the Academy, she was one of his closest friends.

After celebrating yet another aced end-of-year exam, Jim came back from a bar in the city centre, a bit unsteady on his feet from one too many Andorian ales and found her lying across a bench near campus, arms behind her head, staring up at the sky.

"What're you lying here for?" he asked, stumbling over and leaning across the back of the bench.

She hadn't even turned to look at him, but just nodded gently upwards.

He looked up at the dark sky, littered with stars and the occasional blinking light from a shuttlecraft on the way to one of the many space docks up there.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" she asked, a small smile on her lips.

Finding it hard to stand there and look up in his state, Jim sauntered around and unceremoniously lifted her legs and plopped down on the bench, letting her rest her legs in his lap.

"It is," he replied. "But why're you lying here in the middle of the night staring at it?"

"It's the reason why I'm here," she said simply. "I just got so tired of studying for the exams and feeling like I'm constantly walking uphill, I needed to get out here and be reminded of why I'm here. I used to spend countless nights sneaking up to our roof at home and just stare at the stars. Have I ever told you about that?"

"Don't think you have..."

She went quiet for a bit, still gazing upwards. "My parents always said I was a dreamer who had her head stuck in the clouds," she said finally, quietly. Jim looked away from the diamond studded black canvas and down to her face, barely lit by a nearby streetlamp. "That's why I started sneaking up on the roof at night. Didn't want to sit on the porch or in the garden anymore. They said I had to keep my feet on the ground. Stop wasting my time in the clouds and join my brothers with the mining. But I never wanted to be stuck underground, in the dark. I wanted to go up, into the light."

"Space is dark," Jim then said, humour in his voice. "There's no light up there."

"It's light to me. Stars, suns, planets, all emitting light." She got quiet again.

Jim rested his hands on her legs. His thumbs moved absentmindedly over her smooth skin until she spoke again.

"I studied on my own. And then I ran away and took the entrance exam. My parents were not happy, to put it mildly. But I longed for the stars. I can't remember a time when I didn't long for them."

Jim hummed. "I think I've longed for them too."

She looked at him. "But it still took being beaten senseless and a dare from a Starfleet Captain to make you sign up."

"Gotta play hard to get." He flicked the skin on her ankle, right above her well-worn flats.

"Hard to get aren't exactly words I would use to describe you, Jim Kirk." She lifted a leg as if she was about to kick his face.

Jim chuckled, but then they fell silent again, looking back up at the night sky. Jim felt like he sobered up as his admiration for her grew.

And when they graduated a few years later, after the destruction of Vulcan, when he watched her from the crowd as she gave her speech as the top of her Engineering class, he felt so proud. Knowing where she came from, knowing how most of their classmates had ridiculed her and talked behind her back and said that "mining-spawn had nothing to do in Starfleet", and yet she had surpassed them in almost every class and had earned the right to speak for her division at the graduation.

He never told her though, how proud he was. Not until many years later.

You don't know how you touched my life Oh in so many ways I just can't describe You taught me what love is supposed to be

From the second Jim landed on Altamid in his escape pod, he worried for his crew. He was thankful Chekov was with him, that was one crew member accounted for. But the rest... He had seen so many pods being captured by swarm ships as he fell towards the atmosphere and it had given him a sick feeling in his gut.

How many were dead? How many had made it to the surface? What had they met there? More danger?

He tried not to let his worry cloud his judgement as he, Chekov and Kalara made their way back to Enterprise's saucer section. As he exposed Kalara's true intentions. As he and Chekov blew up the saucer to save themselves. As they found Scotty and Jaylah and made plans to rescue the others.

Thinking back on it all, it was all a blur to Jim. Finding out about the Franklin and Edison and what he had planned. The whole rescue operation was just blank, with the occasional flash of memory here and there. Grabbing Jaylah's hand in the air and being beamed back, the moment when the first swarm ships exploded, and Edison being ejected into space. Those three memories stood clear in his mind. Not even the aftermath – the medical check-up and the reports and the counsellor session he was required to have, all of it seems like a blur when he thinks back years later.

But like a bad classical movie, the blurry out of control world seemed to clear up and right itself the moment he laid his eyes on her at the birthday party Bones had arranged for him. He hadn't seen her during the rescue mission but trusted that she had been beamed onto the Franklin if she was alive. He had enquired about her after everything was said and done, but there hadn't been time to find her. It was a relief though, to see her safe and sound, albeit a bit tired and with a small bruise on her jaw. They had just started exploring the possibilities of a romantic relationship, and he was glad he still had the chance to pursue it.

She met his eyes and the classical movie-clichés continued, as his heart skipped several beats and he felt his face flush. He only hoped Bones didn't notice because the good doctor would think he was getting sick and would start pressing that wretched tricorder to his face again.

Jim flashed her a quick smile, regretting that he was stuck in a conversation with Spock and not able to go talk to her. But when she smiled back and raised her glass in a greeting, he turned to Spock.

"I'm sorry, Spock. But we have to continue this conversation later, there's someone I have to see." And without even waiting for an answer, Jim rushed through the crowd to where she leant on a table near the windows at the back of the room.

"Hi," she said. "Glad to see you're okay."

"You too," Jim said, feeling a bit breathless. The relief of seeing her alive and well was greater than he realised. "I've heard great things about how you held your own against Krall's men."

She flushed in embarrassment. "I'm sure it's all lies."

"I doubt it. And Scotty says that you averted a crisis on the Franklin, while we were falling to the ground."

"Oh, it was nothing. He could have handled it."

"No, he said he wouldn't have seen it. And if you hadn't redirected the power, Sulu would have never been able to take off."

Silence fell between them. Then she raised her glass to her lips, a playful expression crossed her face. "You come here just to embarrass me with praise?"

"No. I'm just proud of you. But... Can we talk later?" Jim asked quietly, staring into her eyes, watching them go from crinkly and smiley to worried at his question. "It's nothing to worry about," he hurried to add. "Nothing bad, I hope. I just... need to talk. About us."

"Okay, yes, we can talk." Her smile came back. "By the fountain out in the centre square? Or somewhere more private?"

"The fountain is okay. And then we'll see how it goes." Jim winked and was pleased to see her face flush again and her eyes blink rapidly for a moment.

Then she nodded with a small smile, recovering quickly. "Happy birthday, Jim," she said, laid her hand on his arm and leaned in to kiss him quickly on the cheek. And before he knew it, she was gone.

Love you give shines right through me Everything you do is beautiful Oh, you're beautiful to me

The room was packed with colourful and exotic costumes and dresses. Tables along walls with bright and flavourful food from most of the different members of the Federation. Flowers one could never find on Earth were set up in tasteful centrepieces on all the round tables, each one high and grand enough to strike awe, but each one restrained so as to not block the view of the other guests around the table. It all brightened up an otherwise bland ballroom on New Vulcan.

Jim had to admit it was strange seeing all this materialistic beauty, and frankly, a little bit of gluttony, on New Vulcan. But the Federation felt it was politically necessary to have this banquet there to show off how far the Vulcans had come in the years since Nero destroyed their planet. And it showed how adaptable they were, without losing themselves.

Movement at the table Jim had just left in order to get a plate of fruit caught his eye. In a dress in a shimmering colour that reminded him of the oceans on Risa at night, his wife grabbed Uhura's hand and pulled the communications officer up and to the dance floor.

Wow, wife. It felt too strange. They'd only been married for a month, and Jim was still getting used to the thought of being a husband, being tied down to one person for the rest of his life. He had never thought he'd get to that point, but he was happy he had. And thinking back, he should have known it would happen since the day he was paired with her for that project in Astrophysics at the Academy.

Jim watched his wife dance with Uhura, hypnotized by the way she moved. And he realised he hadn't yet danced with her that evening. So, he set the plate of fruit down and navigated between the other dancers and tapped Uhura on the shoulder, his eyes on his wife.

"May I cut in?"

Uhura glanced between the two, a small smile on her lips. "She's all yours, Captain. It's about time I get Spock onto the dancefloor anyway."

"Hello, husband," she greeted as he took her hand in one of his and laid the other low on her back. "I never get tired of saying that."

"And I never get tired of hearing you say that, wife." He dived quickly in for a quick kiss. "Enjoying yourself?"

"Meh, these events are so dull. It's much better now though." She winked.

They danced in silence, eyes only on eachother. As far as they were concerned, there was no one else there.

How far they'd come, Jim thought. She, from a cadet from a mining-colony to Commander-rank and Scotty's Assistant Chief Engineer. Assistant, because becoming just Chief meant being transferred to another ship. Jim, from a hot-headed too young captain who could never settle, to a diplomatic explorer with a crew he would die for and would die for him.

And the two of them, from good friends to her running scared when he flirted with her for the first time, to best friends years later and then husband and wife. Jim knew without a doubt that he wouldn't be the man he was without her. He had been ready to give up the life of captain, he had lost his way and his purpose. That talk by the fountain on his birthday on Yorktown all those years ago... He told her how he felt about her, and how he felt so lost in his life. She had taken his hand, and kissed him for the first time. And it fell into place for him. She tasted like space, she belonged in space. And so, did he. In space and with her.

Jim halted their dance.

"What?" she asked, looking concerned.

"I just... love you," he said, the hand on her back pulling her closer and his lips meeting hers.

Permanent tags: @imamotherfuckingstar-lord @geeksareunique @iguess-theyre-mymess @neeadinghugs @earinafae @mattmurdocksgirl @joulien @imaginesofdreams @brewsthespirit-blog @lemonlime799 @reading-in-moonlight

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[anotheroldmadhatter]

Star Trek - A new Recruit

2. Bones is always right, unfortunately for Jim

What she remembered were only bits and pieces. A cold table, where she was laying on. Lights, strong white lights that were blinding even when she had her eyes close. But worst of all the voices, not around her but inside her mind, the sensation that her brain was being probed with invisible sticks. She fell in and out of sleep for what it felt like ages. When she finally opened her eyes she wasn't on the cold table anymore. Everything hurt, and from what she remembered that was a good sign, it meant that everything was in its place. Or at least she hoped. She tried to get up, and growled at how much her muscles were strained. She felt like she'd been working out for twelve hours straight. She looked down noticing that she wasn't wearing her pj anymore, but what looked like a yellowish linen short tunic. Not very flattering and also a lot itchy. After feeling a wave of embarrassment, because someone had to have changed her into that she remembered that it wasn't as important as the fact that she didn't know were she was. Looking down at her body she didn't see any type of bruise or wound, and beside the general ache she didn't feel hurt. That was a good sign. She got up from what it looked like a really old bed, and decided to look around. The room was small, the walls were made of red bricks. Beside the bed, it contained a sink and a toilet.The floor looked like parquet but under her bare feet felt more like cold metal, and in the centre there was what looked like a Persian carpet. "I hope you like our creation" Alice turned to the sound of the voice, and realize than one of the walls had disappeared. In front of her was standing a creature, and she recognized the bright red eyes. Even though it resembled a man, there were little unsettling differences. Like the abnormally long fingers, or the pointed jaw. His hair were grey, but he didn't look old. He was wearing black clothes that accentuated it's pale skin, that was so thin she could see an intricate web of red veins running all over his bare arms and face. He continued talking, but his mouth didn't move, and with a sick feeling in her stomach Alice realized that his voice was inside her mind: "I tried to look and see what kind of habitat was best suited for you, but your will was stronger that I anticipated. Don't worry. After another session we will be able to provide more" He smiled. He didn't have teeth. Alice shivered "Where am I?" "Even if I told you that would not be helpful for you." "How long have been here?" "Your species is rather curios..." he seemed to study her. Alice didn't look away. "I have collected you 35 hours ago" Alice felt better for a moment. Her parents had already contacted the police, and they were probably looking for her in that exact moment. "You seem pleased" her kidnapped inquired Alice was ready to make a sarcastic comment when it hit her. Waves of sadness and terror so strong she had to clutch her head and close her eyes. She fought hard, trying to understand what was happening to her, when the man spoke again "Oh yes... I was wondering if it would've had consequences." Alice opened one eye "what...?" "When we studied you to understand what kind of species you were we accidentally unlocked.. something in your neurological connection" "What have you done to me?" Alice cried out, the pressures of hundreds of thoughts weighting on her mind. "We... don't know yet" Alice loosened the grip, letting her fingers run through her greasy her. She was drenched in her own sweat and felt nauseous, but finally she had been able to suppress all the thoughts that weren't hers into a low whispers, to create an invisible barrier against something she couldn't even see. They had taken her out of her cell to study her three times. Each one she'd been able to see that she wasn't the only one being held capture. Beside her cell there were five others, and inside there were creatures she'd never seen. A woman, barely dressed, with green skin. A black slimy creature made out of thousand of tentacles. A terrifying humanoid with spines and bony plates protruding from their sides, upper arms, and back, arms ended with clawed pincers, and one with light-grey skin, two thick, vertical neck ridges that receded back to the crown of their head, and an inverted tear-shaped ridge in the center of the forehead. In one cell what looked like white thick fog floated around without peace. After each study session, where they laid her down on the same cold table, she was brought back into her cell. They probed her brain, trying to look for something, but while they were doing so she realized she could do it to. She could take little pieces of information from their mind. She couldn't make out a lot of the meaning, only that soon there was going to be some sort of exhibition, but it seemed they didn't like her doing it. And when they realized what she was doing they stopped studying her. No one came to take her for what seemed like ages, but in the end they returned. That man, with his bright red eyes was with them: "it's time" ------ "I don't like it" Kirk smiled, clasping his CMO shoulder as they walked to the transporter room. "You never like going on missions Bones..." "This planet is way outside the Federation zone, never even turned up in the computer banks when the hobgoblin searched for it. They have made zero attempts to contact us. Why are we beaming down?" the doctor rumbled, checking for the tenth time that he had taken all the medical instruments he needed. "Because our mission is to seek out new life and civilizations, so it is only logical to leave no planet uncharted" answered Spock, meeting them right in front of the room. The door slid open "Ready to beam you down Captain!" informed Lt. Commander Scott "Thank you Scotty" replied Jim, stepping onto the platform followed close by Spock. "Don't you think it's weird that it is Class M? This far from our Galaxy?" Leonard insisted, standing near the door Kirk spread his arms: "Yes, but we've seen weirder things, haven't we?" "That is not my point!" Kirk sighed "Bones stop worrying. It's an uninhabited planet, we're just going down to collect some data. Now get up here." Seeing that his friend didn't budge he smirked "that's an order Doctor" McCoy scowled, but stepped onto the transporter. "Beam us down Scotty" ordered Kirk. Unfortunately for him, Bones was right, and he knew he was going to hear about it for months.

#star trek #star trek fanfiction #leonard mccoy #bones #jim kirk #captain kirk #mr spock #spock

[annoyedfanfiction]

Jim Kirk x reader (8)

“Intel refits,” Scotty muttered, following the guard – Atrixa – to the shipyards. “Comms console needs intel hardware. Genius, yes, but she’s not taken a day of engineering in her life.” Carcasses of scrapped ships towered over them, as Atrixa opened the gate.  “Do you need further guidance?” he questioned, stopping at the gate. “I am unfamiliar with the shipyards, but can remain here as a guide to return you to the Ambassador.” “Thank you, we can find our way in the shipyards,” Hendorff responded, before Scotty could open his mouth. Scotty nodded, brusquely, and led the way further into the yards. He picked up a small pipe, beginning to fiddle with it, absently, still caught on your words. “Comms!” he exclaimed, eventually, spinning to the two security officers. He flicked open his comm. “Scott to Enterprise.” “Enterprise, Uhura here,” came the response immediately. “Signals indicate someone has been separated, Scotty, what’s going on?” “The Betazoids sent me, Hendorff, and Jameson to th’ shipyards,” Scotty responded, still twisting the pipe in his hand. “Wanted (Y/N) to tell ‘em about the Maru, or somethin’. She said something about intel refits? Any ideas?” The line crackled for a second, and he could hear Uhura muttering something about fucking Kirk attracts bad luck this isn’t going to go well, it’s her first mission, before she returned. “Have a snoop around,” she answered, eventually, “Try not to get caught, or you’ll screw over not just yourself but (Y/N), and probably the other landing party.” Scotty scoffed, insulted, signing off. “Alright, split up,” he said, looking back at the security officers. “Hendorff, if they ask, you’re looking for Jeffries tube refits. Jameson, console wiring. Keep in touch.”

The village was surrounded by dilapidated walls, the gates padlocked from the outside. “So why are they trying to keep them in?” Jim wondered, aloud. “Phasers to low stun.” He shot the lock, and swung the gate open, before resetting his phaser and tucking it away. The streets were full, crowded with Betazoids of every age and gender, clamouring unintelligibly. “Hey!” The entire square fell quiet at Jim’s shout. “Did you send the distress signal?” An old woman stepped forward, timidly. “We did,” she answered, lifting her chin. “They have trapped us here and refused treatment.”  “Treatment for what?” McCoy interjected, immediately.  “Rigellian fever,” she answered, easily. “The capital is struggling for resources, and it was spreading so quickly. I am Queen Atraxa, I am responsible for the medical keep. I was working on manufacturing the treatment when I fell ill, so they confined all of us here until I had produced another batch to prevent spreading. But we have had no communication and no supplies for the last week. They’re starving us out.” “Rigellian fever?” McCoy repeated, incredulously. “All this for Rigellian fever? For fuck’s sake.” “This is my Science Officer Spock and CMO McCoy,” Jim introduced, gesturing to the two men. “They will help you complete the cure. Bones, you have full access to the medical supplies on the Enterprise.” Atraxa nodded, leading Spock and McCoy into one of the nearby buildings. Jim flipped open his comm, hailing the ship. “Lieutenant, you’ll likely be hearing from McCoy soon,” he instructed, quietly, “Have medbay prep available resources to treat Rigellian fever. Any news from the other party?” “Scotty’s been in touch,” Uhura replied, quickly. “(Y/N)’s been separated from them to attend with the queens, he, Hendorff, and Jameson are in the shipyards. Apparently there’s a non-federation ship being fixed up there, closed right off from the rest of the dock. He thinks it’s Orion.” “Tell him to get as close as he can, figure out what’s going on. Make sure he knows we’ve got an R fever epidemic down here,” Jim commanded, calmly. “I’ll get in touch with (Y/N). Kirk out.”

“How do you manage with men in charge?” Zitaxna asked, vaguely. “We don’t recall a time when we were not ruled by a matriarchy.” “Few of our societies prior to United Earth were matriarchies,” you answered, shrugging, “But for a long time, most societies had no rules about the gender of the ruler. It was usually a man just because of inherent bias.” Zitaxna hummed noncommittally, as one of the other queens hurried into the room. Your comm beeped, and you flicked it open, noting Jim’s name across the screen. “I am afraid I must attend to my Chief Engineer now,” you lied, easily, pulling Zitaxna out of her hurried whispering with the other queen. She looked up, the tight smile that almost hid the threat in her dark eyes was back. “I’m afraid I can’t allow that,” she answered, coldly. With a single nod, one of her guards appeared at your elbow immediately. “You understand. We need to manage our internal affairs. Without interference.” She nodded again, and the tall Betazed took your arm, firmly. “I really need to help my Chief Engineer,” you insisted, keeping your voice level. “Don’t worry, he’ll meet you in your cell,” Zitaxna smiled back, cruelly. The guard turned you towards the door, and you heard the tinkling rattle of chains, before you twisted away from his hands, kicking backwards as he moved to grab you again, and took off out the door. Left, left, right, left, right. The council palace was a maze of blue and gold painted marble, dotted by brightly coloured statues of important queens. Bursting out into the square in the centre of the capital, you flicked your comm open.

“(L/N) to Enterprise,” you said, panting, as you ducked into a public bathroom, locking the cell behind you. “(Y/N)?” Uhura answered, quickly, “Are you alright?” “Fine,” you whispered, steadying your breath. “Whatever Scotty was doing, he’s been caught. I need you to try and beam the other three up, alright? I suspect they’ll be on the way to the cells, so you’ll need to be fast.” “What about you?” she questioned, instantly. “Beam me up as soon as is convenient,” you answered. “But Scotty and the others have to be your priority, I’m safe for now. I missed a comm from Jim, I’ll get in touch with him now.” “Chekov, get down to the transporter room, see what you can do,” Sulu ordered. “Uhura, get in touch with Spock and make sure the other landing party knows what’s happening on in the capital.”  “(L/N) to Kirk,” you whispered, exiting the bathrooms and moving into the market place. You tucked your open comm into your belt, hurrying through the square.

“Excuse me?” You paused, a small child tugging on your sleeve. “You alright, sweetie? I really need to get going.” You bent down to the kid’s level, glancing around you, as market-goers didn’t even pause. “My sister’s missing,” the kid said, sadly. “My mom won’t stop crying since Lixa went away to Maidara. Can you help her?” You looked up at the sound of shouting, watching black-clad Betazed guards hurrying through the square. “Can you take me to your mom?” you requested, making a snap decision. The kid nodded, grabbing your hand, and leading you through the crowd as fast as her little legs would carry her. “Momma! Momma!” she shouted, nearing a stall decked out in the gaudy fabrics of Betazed dress. “I found a StarFleet! She said she’ll help us!” A tall Betazoid woman came rushing out of the stall at the commotion, took one look at you both, and the chaos on the other side of the square, and ushered you in behind the fabrics. “You can’t be here,” she said, quietly, tacking a measuring tape around your waist. “Yeah I’d gathered that,” you sighed, tiredly. “Thank you.” “Put this on, then we can talk.” She shook her head, pulling out a black dress and passing it over to you. You pulled off your uniform dress, tugging the black frock over your head, and smoothing it down. “I am Tixa.” “Ambassador (Y/N) (L/N),” you replied, crouching down below the stall’s tables as the clatter of guards drew closer. “We received a distress signal from Maidara. Your daughter?” “Rigellian fever,” Tixa said, immediately. “They shut the outbreak up there with Queen Atraxa, but I’ve been in touch with Lixa since. She said no supplies have come through since they closed them in.” “They’re shutting people out for R fever?” you questioned, sighing. “That’s…ridiculous. Why have they not contacted the Federation for support?” “Zitaxna reinstalled the role of High Queen when she was elected,” Tixa muttered, sadly. “All the other Queens have to follow her, and she is a proud and bitter ruler. She will accept no assistance from the Federation because she won’t show weakness.” Gold warmth appeared around you, and you cursed. “I’ll be back,” you promised, hurriedly, just as the transporter beam closed and you appeared in the transporter room, uniform dress slung over your arm.

“Save those coordinates,” you ordered the petty officer at the transporter console. “I’ll be back in ten minutes.” “Aye ma’am,” he answered, as you ducked out the door. You opened your comm, finally picking up the hailing signal from Jim. “Jim, hi,” you said, racing through the halls, “I’m back on the ship. I just need to find out what’s going on, but I need to beam back down. Have you got into the village?” “Yeah, we’re here,” Jim responded, quickly. “R fever outbreak. Any idea why they haven’t asked for support?” “Apparently Zitaxna invoked the High Queen status,” you said, slipping into the turbo lift. “She’s too proud to request help and everyone else has to do as she says.” “Brilliant,” he sighed, “Listen, keep in touch. I’ve gotta go. Let me know what’s going on.” “Yes sir.” You signed off. “Stay safe.” You stepped onto the bridge. “Did you get Scotty and the others?” You could see Uhura looking you up and down, seeming satisfied that there were no injuries. “No,” Sulu answered, pinching the bridge of his nose. “(Y/N) what are you wearing?” “It’s a Betazoid dress,” you answered, spinning in the black frock. “Like it? I got it from a local while I was being chased. I’m going to stop by the quartermaster for some black contacts. Listen, I know where they’re keeping the others, and I’ve got a contact whose daughter was taken to Maidara, so I need to beam back down.” Sulu stared at you, flatly. “Look,” you conceded, after a moment of silence, “I know it’s not the best plan, but we can’t afford to send anyone else down or we risk escalating this into an international diplomatic conflict.  “The best we can do at the moment is get in touch with StarFleet command and try and get all our men out, while the others fix the R fever outbreak,” Sulu agreed, nodding slowly. “Fine, one man is a better undercover than more. Beam back down, do what you have to do. Try and avoid making it worse.” “Yes sir,” you smiled, turning back to the turbo lift. “Thanks Sulu.”

#jim kirk x reader #james t kirk #jim kirk #mccoy #leonard bones mccoy #s'chn t'gai spock #spock #nyota uhura #uhura #star trek #star trek aos #aos #scotty #montgomery scott #sulu #hikaru sulu #chekov #hendorff #cupcake

[gumnut-logic]

Gentle Rain (Part Four)

Title: Gentle Rain

Warm Rain Series

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Author: Gumnut

21-22 Jan 2019

Fandom: Thunderbirds Are Go 2015/ Thunderbirds TOS

Rating: Teen

Summary: Sometimes it is so gentle, you don’t realise it is happening.

Word count: 2852

Spoilers & warnings: Virgil/Kayo, OC, spoilers for Warm Rain up to this point in the timeline.

Timeline: Six months after ‘The Proposal’, almost a sequel.

Author’s note: For @scribbles97  This is a challenge to write. A little different from my norm and proving challenging. Thank you for all your wonderful comments regarding my first original character in this fandom. I hope she doesn’t disappoint. And thank you all for your wonderful support, I couldn’t do this without you.

Disclaimer: Mine? You’ve got to be kidding. Money? Don’t have any, don’t bother.

-o-o-o-

Kayo stared at the ceiling. Virgil had long ago painted a beautiful pale abstract across the plain white plasterboard. Swirls of pastel swooped in lazy whorls like the surface of water at dawn, a calming pattern to trace with tired eyes and she was sure he used it in unconscious meditation to get to sleep some nights.

As usual she had awakened early, the light in the room disturbing her, but unlike most mornings she hadn’t climbed out of bed. Virgil was thankfully still asleep beside her, his soft snoring somewhat reassuring. His hair was mussed and his face mushed into his pillow as usual, but he was lying on his side facing her, rather than on his stomach and it occurred to her that she should have realised that she hadn’t seen him sleeping on his stomach since the accident. The stretch to get his arms under the pillow must be too much. How had she not noticed?

She reached over and touched his hair. She couldn’t help herself. But he stirred suddenly and she pulled her hand back. He needed his sleep.

Did men ever grow up? Did they need mothering all their lives? She sighed.

He was a challenge, but so worth it.

A hand reached out and sought hers. “Hey.” His voice was rough with sleep.

“Sorry, love, did I wake you?”

“No, no.” He yawned. “Dream.”

She frowned as he rolled onto his back stretching, and, yes, there was the flinch. Damnit, Virgil. She reached over and touched his bicep. “Come here, love.” She pulled gently and he rolled over.

Slipping her arm under his neck, she lay on her back, drawing his head to her chest and stroking his hair. He wrapped his arms around her and she was enveloped in him.

“Love you.” His voice was breathy against her breast.

“Love you, too.” Her voice equally soft.

They simply lay there for a while, not speaking, his breathing evening out as he drifted. She didn’t sleep, but let her thoughts wander, as she stroked his hair.

They had been lucky again. Oh, so, lucky. So close to losing Scott. Losing their big brother. Scott was an irreplaceable presence. They all were, but Scott was the Big Brother, the one they all looked to and followed. She had to admit that Virgil would likely be lost without his brother. In no way did she mean that as a negative, it was just simply how it worked. Virgil was strong, a powerhouse and she adored him, but he wasn’t a leader quite like Scott and he never wanted to be.

And for a long time Scott had been the centre of his world. That centre had shifted now to include her, but she would always stand alongside his eldest brother. The love was far from the same, but it was still love, and she could respect that.

Especially when she loved Scott too.

“You’re thinking too loud.” It was muffled and petulant.

She smiled, letting her fingers trace his ear and drift to his cheek. “I’m thinking about your brother.”

“Which one? And do I need to remove him from your attention?”

A grin. “Scott, and no, trust me, love, you have my full attention.”

He nestled in closer to her in response. “Good. Love you.” A moment later. “What about Scott?”

She rolled her eyes before sobering a little. “Just how lucky we were this time.”

He muttered an affirmative into her skin, his breath warm.

“Do you know what she did to save him?”

She felt his brow crinkle against her neck. “What?”

And she was back in the dark of that hole, Scott’s breathing harsh in the dim light.

“Kay?” And he was looking down at her. When did he move? “Are you all right?” There was concern in his brown eyes.

She blinked. “Fine.” But then she realised she wasn’t. She hadn’t witnessed what the doctor had done, but her imagination was quite capable of filling in the gaps. “She pulled herself from the rubble and dragged herself over to Scott to stop his bleeding.” When Virgil’s expression didn’t change, she pushed further. “She is a paraplegic, so she felt none of the damage that had been done to her legs and none she did by moving.” She swallowed. “Em Harris lost her legs, Virgil. The damage was that extensive.” Kay closed her eyes.

His voice was quiet. “How is she taking it?”

A sigh. “I don’t know. You saw her, she seems fine, but I don’t know how she can be. She has no family.” A pause. “She’s alone.” Perhaps that is what struck her and prompted her to visit the woman. Her background check had come up clean except for the incident that had led to her paraplegia and that was hardly her fault. She had a practice south of Perth and a steady client base in partnership with another doctor. She was managing.

But there was something...

His fingers touched her cheek, trailing down to her jawline. She turned and kissed their tips before leaning into his hand and closing her eyes. “She shouldn’t be alone.”

Leaning over, he kissed her forehead. “Then invite her over for Christmas.”

She stared at him. “Really?”

He stared back. “Why not? You’ve done the background check. If you’re concerned, ask Penny to double check for you.”

“She will need medical support.”

“Scott will be needing the same.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “We can ask Andre to bring his partner. He’ll jump at the chance.”

He was right. Andre would love to spend Christmas with the Tracys. Even better if he could bring Cecil with him. “You would risk Cecil and Gordon in the same mile radius for an extended period of time?”

“Gordon will behave. Penny will be here.”

“Point taken.” She bit her lip.

“C’mon, love, you can invite a friend over for Christmas. This isn’t Fort Knox.”

She stared up into his chocolate eyes. Concern sat under a slight frown. She reached up and drew him back down to her side, wrapping her arms around him, bringing his head back to rest on her chest again. “Love you.”

“That’s because I’m very lovable.” He smiled into her skin.

A gentle tap on the shoulder was enough to get her reply to that communicated.

His smile widened.  “Love you, too.”

Her thoughts turned back to Em sitting up in bed, verbally sparring with her brother.

Well, it would be interesting. Friend? She hardly knew the woman. But that could be changed. Something about Em Harris drew Kay towards her. She had saved her brother, but that wasn’t the only factor.

She stroked Virgil’s hair and let her thoughts take her.

-o-o-o-

“Oh, c’mon, you have got to be kidding me.”

Kay peered around the door of Em’s room. The woman was sitting up in bed glaring at her tablet.

“In no way is that a plausible argument, Scott Tracy. Not in a million years.”

She couldn’t quite hear her brother’s answer.

“Well, I prefer a little sense over a lot of fantasy.” More strong, but unintelligible words from the tablet. “Yeah, well, that’s a fool’s argument.”

Kayo blinked, suddenly glad she had left Virgil down at the cafe getting them coffee.

“Fine. Be that way.” Em caught sight of her. The frown turned immediately to a grin. “Hah! I have re-enforcements! Kayo, come and tell your doofus of a brother that ‘The Force’ is not the answer to everything.”

Another blink and a sigh of relief. “You’ll need to speak to John about ‘The Force’, though you may want to book yourself out for a day or two, he has a ten thousand word essay on it.” She waved a hand in the direction of the tablet. “The reason sits before you.”

Em snorted. “Yeah, well, this one can rave about Star Wars as much as he likes. Trek still trumps it.”

And yes, she had her arms crossed in front of her and the glare was back.

“You definitely need to speak to John. He’s been a Trekkie all his life.”

“Kayo, there is no way you are teaming those two up.” Scott’s voice was small coming from the tablet’s speakers, but his tone was still alarmed.

She stepped into the video pickup. “My dear brother, I will do what I need to do.”

He glared at her. “Han Solo could so kick Jim Kirk’s ass.”

A snort. “Don’t aim your arguments at me, Scott. Remember the Spock vs Chewbacca vs Virgil debate?”

He shut up, but Em straightened up next to her. “Oh, I’d like to hear this one.”

She grinned. “Again, you should speak to John and start with the Kirk vs Picard vs Scott discussion. It is the first in the series.” Her grin widened as Scott groaned.

“Okay, that’s it. I don’t need to listen to this. You ‘girls’ can go play now. I’m going to go and watch a real movie.”

To Kayo’s surprise, Em stuck her tongue out at her brother. “See you when boredom strikes.”

He grunted at her, but there was a glint of humour in his eyes and he smiled just before he cut the connection.

Kayo stared at the tablet a moment before turning her gaze to Em. “He been bothering you?”

The doctor grinned. “No, he is rather entertaining when he wants to be.”

A raised eyebrow. Oh, yes, the Scott Tracy charm was well at work. Kayo took a seat beside the bed. “And how are you, Em?”

The grin faltered, but stayed in place. “As best I can be. I can’t ask for more than that.” She straightened. “How is Virgil?”

Okay, so Virgil was going to be a deflection from her own issues. “You can ask him yourself.” And on cue, her fiancé knocked gently on the door, three coffees in a cup holder in one hand. “I bring sustenance of the gods.” He held up a large paper bag. “And muffins.”

“Yes, there are three members of our relationship. Myself, Virgil and coffee. Coffee gets him on early mornings with no competition.”

“Hey.”

She smirked. “Em, this is my fiancé, Virgil Tracy. Virgil, this is Em Harris.”

Virgil fumbled the muffins into Kayo’s lap as Em held out her hand. “Nice to finally meet you in person, Virgil.”

“Likewise. I hear you’ve been saving the hospital staff from the cranky Tracy.”

A smile. “He’s been entertaining.”

Virgil deposited the coffee tray on her bed table and handed one first to Em, then to Kay before taking the last one for himself and grabbing a chair. “That is not a word I have heard in relation to a convalescing Scott Tracy, ever.” A sip of his coffee, and, yes, there was that expression she only saw at one other time.

There was definitely a third member in their relationship.

Kayo placed the muffins on the table. “I hope you don’t mind us dropping in unannounced.”

“No, you are welcome. I’m happy to have the company.” She placed the coffee back on the table, untouched. “Actually, I was going to contact you.”

“Oh?”

Em turned to Virgil. “You were injured about six months ago?”

Virgil froze, suddenly wary.

Em held up her hand. “No, don’t worry, I haven’t been spying on you or anything. Scott gave me a little detail.”

“He did, did he?”

Uh oh. She reached out and placed a hand on Virgil’s knee. “He didn’t say much, love. Just that you were injured six months ago and your ribs were broken.” She looked back at the doctor, whose eyes had widened. “Em ascertained most of that herself anyway.”

Brown eyes hit pale blue. “How?”

“By watching you. It is subtle, but you are favouring your right side, even now.” Virgil self-consciously straightened and a faint wince flickered across his face. “And there you have it.”

-o-o-o-

She watched the man slump slightly in defeat. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be intrusive, but I want to help. I don’t know enough detail as yet, but I would like to assess you and see if something can be done.” She lowered her voice a little. “You shouldn’t have to be walking around in pain all the time.”

Her eyes darted between the couple. There was no way she was going to admit that she and Kayo had planned this. When Kayo had asked for specialist recommendations, Em had simply volunteered herself. Sure, she couldn’t practise from a hospital bed, but she wouldn’t be here for much longer and Virgil needed help.

It was the least she could do.

But Virgil was eyeing Kayo. “See a specialist in the morning, huh?”

Kayo didn’t flinch, her expression remained the same. “I didn’t lie.”

“I didn’t say you did.” He sighed. “Fine. What do you want me to do?”

“I will need your medical records at some point, but in the meantime, if you could give me some background, it would be a start.”

So, for the next fifteen minutes she learnt about how the two rescue operatives had fallen off a mountain and Virgil had gouged himself up his right side. With prompting from Kayo and with the room’s door secured, he unbuttoned his linen shirt and she got an eyeful of the massive scarring down his right side.

“My god, Virgil.” Okay, it wasn’t professional of her to say such a thing, but bloody hell. There were scars on top of scars. How much did this family have to pay to rescue all those people? She swallowed. He was staring down at her, an oddly hurt expression on his face. Shit, she should know better, sitting here with both her legs missing. Crap, damn...oh, hell. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” And suddenly there were tears on her face. Shit, not now!

“Em.” There were hands on her shoulders. “Take a deep breath.” And that same man, the man with all those scars, was looking at her with kind, calm eyes. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”

No, she wasn’t okay. She was far from okay. Losing it in a simple consultation? It wasn’t like she hadn’t seen worse. Look at herself for example.

Was that sob one of self pity?

Screw it.

“I’m sorry.” She took that deep breath, another, and forced it out with a trembling sigh. “I’m okay.”

He was rubbing her shoulders gently. Kayo was pouring a cup of water.

Mortification set in. Oh, god.

Kayo handed her the drink and Virgil sat back giving her space. She took a long drink and hid behind the plastic cup.

She cleared her throat. “So, I guess I shouldn’t consult while in hospital.” A half-hearted smile.

“It is completely understandable.” His rich baritone spoke only to reassure. She could imagine him using the same tone while rescuing terrified people.

Was she terrified people?

Maybe she was.

“Though I have to say that isn’t the reaction I’m used to when I take off my shirt.” There was a lopsided smirk. “I guess my bikini days are over.”

It worked. She couldn’t help but smile just a little. If only it hadn’t been at his expense.

“I can help you.” She forced strength back into her voice. She was Em Bloody Harris the survivor. Get over it already. Another deep breath. “We can at least start some scar massage and I will look into exercises that might help. I presume you had some exercises prescribed?” He nodded. “If you could give me the detail, I’ll look into alternatives. I have no doubt you’ve kept up the routine?”

“When not interrupted by call outs, yes.”

“Well, they don’t appear to be working as well as they could. Give me details and I will adjust the prescription accordingly.” Another breath. “After I’m out of here.” A forced weak smile.

He reached out and touched her hand. He was a very tactile man “Thank you.”

“It’s the least I can do.”

He frowned. “You don’t owe us anything, Em. You don’t have to do this.”

She looked up at him. “Kayo and Scott weren’t the only people you saved from that hole, Virgil. I have the right to thank you and I will do so in the best way I can.” She straightened her spine just a little. “Even if I have to conspire with your wife-to-be to do so.”

And that did it. A small smile spread slowly across his features. “I’m going to regret this aren’t I?”

He eyed Kayo and she smiled smartly back at him. “Possibly.”

Pushing back the chair, he stood up. “Okay, with that I’m making a strategic retreat.” He held up a hand as if to fend them off. “Thank you, Doctor Em. Your conspiracy worked, I will do your bidding. Kay? You and I will have words later.” The words were serious, but the tone was light. When Kayo’s grin widened into a laugh, Em found herself smiling.

“I will be with Scott, likely commiserating, if you need me.” And buttoning his shirt, he left.

-o-o-o-

End Part Four

Part Five

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #virgil tracy #virgil/kayo #kayo kyrano #scott tracy #warm rain

[jiminthestreets-bonesinthesheets]

Lost in Translation - Ch 8

Title: Lost in Translation

Fandom: Star Trek

Pairing: Mckirk

Rating: Lemon

Tags: minor character death, hurt, little bit of self destruction, stranded, possible smut down the line

Summary:

    “Attention citizens. This is the crew of the Enterprise asking for your aid. On Stardate 2264.78 a shuttle manned by our captain and fourteen cadets was ambushed by an unknown source and chased out of sight of our ship and into open space. Those cadets as well as our captain, James Tiberius Kirk, are still missing. We are asking anyone with any information on their whereabouts, or regarding the attack, to please contact the Enterprise immediately. Our family would appreciate any assistance you can give.” 

AO3 Link

Masterlist

Special Thanks: wanted to give a huge shout out to my girl Katie, AKA @goingknowherewastaken for being a huge inspiration for this fic as well as for being a huge help (especially when it comes to putting up with my frantic ramblings lol) you're awesome boo <3

A/N: So this is a work in progress but it’s basically finished and I’ve been making great headway with this recently, so this will be the first fic I’ve ever finished! Woohoo!! And I'm thinking that I’ll probably stick to a Sunday post schedule.

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Chapter 8

    Len let go a hard sigh. It had been nearly two days since Jim had been found, two days of sitting in his room waiting for him to wake up, waiting to see those blue eyes again. He had spent the majority of it going through the logs that Spock had gave him, but he just couldn’t bring himself to listen to anymore, at least not right now. For the first time since Jim went missing Len was able to take his mind to a happier place, a place where it was him and Jim and nothing else mattered.

    He ran a hand through his hair while his mind was still stuck on their time back in Georgia with Gran, and as his hand travelled into the back of his shirt it caught on something. He knew what it was, and all he could do was smile and close his eyes as the memories of their second day in Georgia flooded his mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~

    Jim woke to the sun on his face on their second day in Georgia. He stretched out in the bed, letting the warmth of the sun coming through the window wrap around him for a moment before pulling himself out of bed.

    He grabbed a shirt from the closet and shuffled across the hall into Len's room, but he wasn’t there. The room was empty and the bed already made… no Bones.

    With a pout and a furrowed brow he continued to shuffle down the stairs and towards the kitchen where he knew Gran was. He could hear the music playing and smell the food cooking, smiling when he walked in and Gran was dancing around the kitchen while she cooked.

    “Good morning, Jimmy!” she sang as he took a seat at the island across from where she was standing.

    “Mornin’,” he slurred as he rubbed his eyes, “where's Bones?”

    Gran grabbed a plate from one of the cupboards behind her and placed it in front of Jim, who was more then happy to oblige. “I had him make a run into town for me this morning. It’s Lenny’s birthday today, though I don’t think he's even realized it yet. Poor kids always so wrapped up in worryin’ about me, he neglects himself.”

    Jim laughed around a mouthful of scrambled eggs, “That’s right! The old mans twenty-nine.”     “Yes he is,” she chuckled, “I had him go into town and get me some groceries that included the supplies I’d need to bake him a cake, I also sent him for some home improvement items, and a few other things that should keep him occupied for most of the day. I invited a few friends over tonight to help us celebrate. So, the list I gave him should keep him away long enough for us to get things ready for tonight, and I should still have enough time to finish the cake before guests arrive. It’ll be a nice surprise for Lenny.”

    Jim gave her a devious smirk, “Gran, you are sneaky!” she threw him a wink before he continued, “He should have brought me with him, and if I had known about the plan I could have kept him out longer.”

    “He was going to wake you up this morning but he said you were sound asleep and looked like you could use the rest, he didn’t want to wake you,” she smiled at Jim, seeing the little bit of disappointment he was trying to hide in his eyes, then gave his hand a pat on the counter, “But I could use your help anyways. I’ve got some decorations in the garage I wanted to dig out before he gets back, and after that you can keep him occupied with some barn chores while I get everything else ready.”

    “I’d love to!” He stood and placed his dishes in the sink before thinking about the small package he had hidden upstairs in his bag, “I hope he likes the gift I got him.”

    “Oh, Jimmy,” she swooned slightly, “I know for a fact that Lenny would love anything you got for him, especially because it’s coming from you. What did you get him?”

    Jim gave her a smirk, “Can’t tell, you'll just have to wait and see.”

    Gran gave an overdramatic gasp, “You won’t even tell your old Gran what you got him?” Jim just shook his head, giving nothing away, “You devil!” she laughed and swat him towards the back door, “Come on now, out to the garage with you!”

~~~~~~~~~~~

    Gran opened the double doors to the oversized garage behind the house. Inside there were boxes upon boxes piled on top of each other, down both sides and in the centre of the garage, even up in the rafters. Jim stood in the doorway for a moment in awe before following Gran inside.

    He picked up a few boxes looking inside and not finding anything remotely close to party decorations, “What exactly are we looking for here, Gran? Is there something that can help us find the decoration box a little faster?”

    “I'm pretty sure I left it around this back corner over here,” she said pointing towards a very messy pile of boxes in the back, “haven’t used em’ in years, so I just hope they’re in good condition after all this time.”

    Jim followed her back towards the pile she had pointed to but before he made it there, his eye caught something, and if he was right in what he thought it was, he was very excited.

    He walked over and grabbed the cherry red tarp he had spotted and pulled. Jim was so excited over his findings that he nearly vibrated right out of his own skin. Before him stood the most beautiful bike he had ever laid eyes on. A deep cherry red with black edgings, double seat and road ready, he nearly fainted.

    “You have a motorcycle?!” He spun around to Gran who was watching him with a fond smile.

    “Yes,” she hummed as she walked closer, “this belonged to Lenny’s father. He loved this contraption, took it everywhere.”

    “I had one back before I joined the academy, but nothing nearly as nice as this,” he ran his finger tips gently across the bike, entranced, “the keys are in the ignition.”

    “Go ahead, Jimmy, see if it’ll start up.”

    She stood back and watched as he tried a few times and it wouldn’t start, but after a little bit of tinkering from Jim, another few tries, and the bike roared to life under him. He whooped as the engine hummed and echoed through the garage, smiling wide as he revved it a few times, then turned it off and stood next to Gran.

    “Well done, son!” she clapped his shoulder.

    “That,” he pointed back to it, “is an awesome bike!”

    “If you wanna take it out for a spin while you're here, feel free. It hasn’t been used since we lost Lenny’s father.”

    “Bones never rode it?”

    She laughed, “I think he was too afraid to. Wouldn’t even get on with his daddy to ride around the driveway when he was younger.”

    Jim hummed with a smirk… that could be fun.

~~~~~~~~~~~

    Around one that afternoon Gran was just putting the last of the food she was preparing for the party in the fridge when the back door opened.

    She turned to see Len walking in, bags in hand, and rounding the counter to place a kiss on her cheek, “It took a while, but I got everything on your list.”

    “Thanks, Lenny,” she gave his arm a squeeze, “go ahead and drop those bags on the counter and head on out to the barn. Jimmy’s out there looking like a true Georgian.”

    “Oh yeah?” Len raised a brow.

    “Said he wanted to help out with some chores, so I gave him some of your old working clothes and sent him out,” and now to get rid of Len so she could finish up the preparations, “he's been waiting on ya all day so you better hurry on up and get out there. And might I say, you're boy sure does look mighty fine in overalls and cowboy boots.”

    She threw him a wink and a smirk, watching his face go all shades of red before he laughed and said, “I’ll bet he does,” and practically ran out the door and to the barn.

~~~~~~~~~~~

    Len wandered through the halls of the barn but could not find Jim anywhere. He finally found himself by the back of the barn near the tack room when he was jumped from behind. Jim had wrapped himself around Len like a koala, clinging to his back with his arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders.

    “Happy birthday, old man!” Jim shouted and squeezed him tighter.

    Len groaned, “Oh lord, I forgot about that. But thanks, kid.”

    “Well, I would never forget your special day, and here’s your first present.”

    “You didn’t have to get me anything, kid-”

    Before he could finish he was cut off by Jim's lips pressed into his cheek in a long kiss. He felt the heat instantly rise up his neck and hit his cheeks, and before he was ready for it to be over Jim had pulled away and was now standing in front of him, bright smile spread across his face.

    “Well, if that’s what you got me, I’ll definitely accept more of those!”

    Jim laughed, perhaps even blushing a little himself, “That’s not all I got you, but you'll have to wait for the good stuff.”

    “You mean it gets better then that?” he smirked touching his cheek gently.

    “Sure does, Bones, and present number two…” he takes Len's hand and starts pulling him through the barn, “I volunteered us for a bunch of chores today, Gran shouldn’t be doing them all herself after all.”

    Len groaned at the thought of chores, especially on his birthday, but willingly followed after Jim anyways. He only needed to keep Len occupied for a few more hours before Jim could move him to the house just before the party.

~~~~~~~~~~~

    Jim was quite proud of himself. He had managed to keep Len in the barn and away from the Gran for an entire four hours. Not only that but they had managed to get a tone of chores done for Gran. They mucked out all the stalls, cleaned some of the tack, tidied the indoor riding ring, and even managed to have enough time to help the barn hands with the evening feeding. Looking at the time and seeing that it was after five, Jim thought it was a good time to head for the house.

    “Hey, Bones!” he called down the hall, and Len peeked his head out of one of the stalls, “Let’s head inside now. I'm sure Gran will have dinner ready soon and I am in desperate need of a shower.”

    “Yeah, me too,” he agreed, and they made their way to the house together.

    When they walked inside Gran was sitting at the kitchen table with a lady, who smiled at them as they walked inside.

    “Boys,” Gran greeted them sipping at her tea, “Lenny, you remember Anita from down the street.” Len nodded and smiled at the lady, “Anita, this is Jim.”

    “Howdy, ma’am,” Jim pretended to tip a hat, getting himself a chuckle out of Anita and an eye roll from Len.

    “We’re gunna head up for showers, Gran,” Len said, taking Jim's arm, “we’ll be down for dinner soon. Nice to see you again, Anita.”

    “You too, Len,” she smiled.

    “I’ll be up in a sec, Bones,” Jim took his arm from him, “you go first and I’ll shower after you, just gunna grab a water.”

    Len nodded and quickly padded up the stairs. When Jim heard the bathroom door close he turned to Gran, “Do you need me to do anything?! When are the people coming?! Is there enough time?!”

    Gran laughed, running a hand down his arm, “Don’t worry, Jimmy, everything’s going according to plan. While you boys were out in the barn I got all the food ready and the cake, it’s all in the fridge. And Anita’s going to help me set every thing up outside, along with some of the barn hands who offered to help. Everything will be set up and finished before you boys are ready.”

    “Ok,” he sighed in relief, “I’ll make sure he waits for me upstairs before coming down, and I’ll turn the porch light on before I bring him outside.”

    “Sounds like a plan, Jimmy my boy! Now head on up and shower, you smell like a zoo.”

    He laughed and waved to Anita before heading upstairs after Len.

~~~~~~~~~~~

    After Jim was finished in the shower and dressed in some decent clothes, he met Len in his room who was waiting for him while lounging on the bed.

    “Ready for dinner, Bones? I know I'm starving after all that work.”

    “I'm actually pretty comfortable right here,” Len said, shuffling back into the pillows more, “I forgot how tiring barn work is.”

    “No kidding,” Jim did the last button on his shirt before walking to the edge of the bed, “I don’t know how you did that everyday when you were a kid.”

    “Neither do I,” he turned his head to look at Jim and held out an arm, “you can join me for a few minutes before dinner, if you want.”

    Jim didn’t hesitate in taking the offer and climbed in beside him, curling into his side and laying his head on his chest.

    “This vacation was the best idea ever, Bones,” Jim mumbled lazily into Len's chest.

    Len sighed, “Yeah, too bad we have to back to classes and work after it.”

    “It’ll be worth it in the end, when I have my own ship and you're my chief medical officer.”

    “Who says I want to be stuck on the same ship as you for god knows how long?”

    Jim playfully smacked his stomach and laughed when his head bounced on Len's chest with his laugh, “You wouldn’t want to be on anyone else's ship, and you can’t even try to convince me other wise.”

    Len shook his head and smiled, “Got that right, kid.”

    They laid there for a little while longer in a comfortable silence until Jim felt the change in Len's breathing and could tell he was falling asleep. He quickly got out of the bed, jostling Len awake, and took his hand, “Come on, I'm hungry and you need to eat before sleeping. Not to mention I don’t think Gran would appreciate it much if we slept through dinner after all the cooking she did.”

    Without argument Len allowed Jim to guide him down the stairs and stopped in the doorway to the kitchen confused. The entire house was in darkness. He didn’t remember hearing Gran come up the stairs to head to her room down the hall, and surely she would have popped her head in to say good night like she always did.

    “Where is she?” Len asked, clutching Jim's hand a little tighter, worry taking over.

    “I'm sure she's fine, Bones,” Jim made his best attempt at feigning innocence as he brought Len over to the back door and turned on the porch light, “Maybe she's sitting outside?”

    They walked outside and Len looked around not seeing Gran, “She's not out here… where the hell could she have possibly gone?”

    “Maybe around the side of the house?”

    Jim started dragging Len down the porch steps and this time he fought back a little, “Jim, I don’t think she would have gone all the way around there, especially not alone at night. She must be inside somewhere, or maybe we should call Anita-”

    “Let’s just check, Bones,” he continued pulling Len around the house, despite him trying to hold back this time.

    “Jim, honestly, she wouldn’t come all the way around-”

    Len stopped in his tracks as they finally rounded the house. There were several large white tents popped up in the grass, one with tables and chairs and a buffet of food, and another with a small stage and a laid out dance floor. Both tents were connected and open, and lit up with beautifully coloured lights. A small band adorned the stage, and the tent was filled to the brim with people, neighbours and friends Len had grown up with, and at the front of the crowd was Gran with a huge smile on her face as Len stood there in awe.

    A loud, “Surprise!” was shouted from the crowd and that’s what Len needed to break himself out of his trance and soak it all in. The smile on his face at the gesture was ear to ear as Gran walked over to kiss his cheek with a loud smack.

    “Happy birthday, my sweet Lenny!” she kissed his cheek again before taking a step back as the band began to play behind her.

    “You didn’t have to do all this for me, Gran.” He leaned in and kissed her back.

    “Oh, it wasn’t just me,” she turned to Jim, “Jimmy had a hand in this too.”

    He brushed her off with a wave of his hand, “Naw, I just kept you occupied while Gran organized everything.”

    “Nonsense,” she gave his chest a pat, “I wouldn’t have been able to do it all in secret without you. Now, you boys go have some food and dance and have fun!”

    Len took the hand he was still holding of Jim's and walked him inside. They ate together and then Len took his hand once more and walked him around, introducing Jim to his childhood friends and neighbours. Jim didn’t miss a beat in any conversation and Len watched as Jim had all of them eating out of the palm of his hands. Everyone at the party loved Jim, and how could they not. He was funny and charming, and Len didn’t know how he had made it all those years before the academy, before he met Jim Kirk, the best thing that had ever happened to him.

    After Jim had been introduced to nearly everyone, Len was being led by Jim to the front row of tables by the dance floor and told to sit. Len watched as he walked over to Gran, whispered in her ear, and then made his way back to sit with Len, quickly lacing their hands together on top of the table.

    Before Len could ask what they were up to, the band stopped and Gran walked up onto the stage and took the mic. “Hello everyone, and thanks for coming to my grandsons birthday celebration,” everyone clapped before she continued, “Lenny, it means the world to me to be able to have you here again for your birthday. I know you’ve been working hard on your exams at the academy, and I am very proud of you, both of you, but it is so wonderful to finally have you home. I know life’s thrown some pretty heavy curve balls at you but you’ve over come every obstacle and, well, look at you now. You’ve got a great career ahead of you, wonderful friends and family around you to celebrate your birthday, and a gorgeous young man on your arm,” the two boys smiled, and Len removed his hand from Jim's so he could wrap his arm around his shoulder and pull him closer, “you’ve made your old Gran very proud, Lenny, and Jimmy I would like to hereby officially welcome you to the family! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you two boys! Happy birthday, Lenny.”

    Cheers erupted through the tent and Gran left the stage open for anyone else who wanted to say a few words. Anita spoke next, recanting a few sweet memories of Len running around the neighbourhood scant only in a diaper, reeking havoc in the local shops, and never failing to make everyone in town smile and laugh. An old teacher of Len's went next, remembering what a wonderful student Len was, one of his favourites he had said. A few other neighbours followed, everyone having only wonderful things to say about Len, and each one of them bringing up the fact that they were happy Len had finally found happiness in Jim, that Len's “boyfriend” was a wonderful man, that Len was lucky to have him. And despite that fact that both boys were not in fact in a relationship, neither of them denied it, and honestly neither of them wanted to. Every time someone mentioned Jim in their speech it only made Len pull him closer, tucking Jim right into his side with Jim's head on his shoulder and his hand resting on Len's thigh. Until everyone had their say and it was Jim's turn to take the stage.

  He hopped up on stage and took the mic from the last person to speak, turning to face the crowd, looking at Len as he leaned across the table to listen to Jim. “Hello new family!” everyone answered in kind, “it makes me very happy to see that Bones has so many amazing people to share his life with here and who love him as much as you all do, because if anyone deserves all that, it’s definitely Bones.” He smiles directly at him, and his eyes never leave Len's for the rest of his speech, “I remember the first day I met you on the shuttle in Riverside. I took one look at your drunk ass coming out of the shuttle bathroom, arguing with the attendant and yelling about infectious diseases and solar flares, and I thought, yep he's the one. And I think you’ve definitely figured this out on your own already, but the “housing snafu” that landed you in a suite with me instead of your own bachelor suite… yeah, that was totally me. I hacked the system so we could room together.” Jim winked at Len and everyone chuckled, “After that you… you seemed to turn my world upside down, Bones. In a life as crazy as mine had been up until that point, no ones ever wormed their way into my heart as quickly as you did. Almost instantly I knew I would give you my life, my trust, and I had never given anyone that privilege before you. After just a short amount of time with you, the thought of being away from you scared the hell out of me, and… I know I said that you going to Georgia for two weeks and me staying at the academy would be a breeze but I totally lied. I was so relieved when Gran invited me to come with you, because I don’t think I would have made it two minutes, let alone two weeks without you, Bones. And I don’t know what our futures hold after graduation but I hope that fate lands us together. But I mean, if it doesn’t then that’s ok, cuz I'm sure I can find a way to hack that too,” everyone laughs again and Len continues watching him with tears in his eyes, “but no matter what happens I know you'll be the amazing person you already are, and I’ll be standing right next to you the entire time, because I don’t want to be anywhere else. So, happy birthday, Bones.”

    Everyone in the tent clapped and cheered for Jim's speech, and Len found himself wiping away a few stray tears, and he definitely wasn’t the only one doing so. After a moment Jim waved at Len to join him on stage and said, “Ok, old man, time to blow out the candles!” and Len stood centre stage as a huge cake was brought up by two of their barn hands who had stayed to join the party.

    While the tent erupted into a choir of happy birthday, Len turned and reached out to Jim. At first Jim tried to wave him off saying it was his day, but Len wouldn’t have it and took a step towards him, and Jim finally gave in and allowed Len to pull him into his arms. Len held Jim in front of him, head resting on Jim's shoulder as his friends came to the end of the song, and with the last words he whispered into Jim’s ear, “together,” and after counting to three, the two of them blew out the candles together.

    Everyone clapped and when Len let him go, Jim placed the mic in his hand and took a step back for him to speak. “Well, I must say this is a mighty fine surprise,” Len gestured to everyone gathered in front of him, “thank-you all for coming out and helping me celebrate my birthday, and thanks to Jim and Gran who put this whole thing together. I know it’s been a long time since I’ve been back to Georgia, back home, but I promise that I will make more time to visit after this. I hadn’t realized how much I really missed it here and everyone in it. I won’t make the mistake of staying away that long again. But, I’ll keep this short and sweet so we can all have some of Gran’s amazing cake,” a few hoots were heard from the back and Len laughed, “I honestly can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me, not just tonight but in all my years. After hearing some of those stories I realize now that when Gran said raising me took a village, she was not kidding. Now, everyone enjoy the rest of the night, eat more food, have some cake, and let’s get the band back up here so we can dance the night away!”

    Len passed the mic off to someone as the band crowded the stage again, reaching for Jim's hand and walking them off stage. As their feet hit the dance floor the band started up with a slow song and without Len even having to speak a word Jim was already in front of him, waiting for Len to take the lead like he had the night before. Len pulled him in with his hand on his back, taking his other hand in his and started gently swaying them to the music, pulling Jim as close to his body as he could get him.

    As they danced, Jim rested his face in the crook of Len's neck breathing in his scent as Len whispered to him, “Thank-you for this, Jim.”

    “Don’t thank me, Bones, it was mostly Gran’s doing.”

    Len chuckled, “I'm sure the two of you are of equal blame, but regardless, this means a lot to me and I'm really glad you're here to spend it with me.”

    Jim smiled into his neck, “I wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else.”

    They continued to sway until the song was just about over when Jim lifted his head to look at Len with a smirk, “Do you think we could sneak away for a bit?”

    Len looked around at their guests, then back to Jim, “I'm sure we could, everyone seems pretty occupied right now with cake and dancing. Everything ok?”

    “Fine,” Jim stopped dancing and took Len's hand, “I just wanted to give you your next present.”

    Len perked up at that, giving Jim a smirk of his own, “Oh? In that case, follow me.”

    After quickly making sure they weren’t being watched, Len guided Jim to the back corner of the tent by the stage, and the two of them parted the material and snuck out the back. Jim then took the lead and ran with Len across the grass and to the garage by the barn. Once inside Jim flicked on the lights and turned to Len.

    “Ready for your present, Bones?”

    Len nodded enthusiastically and closed his eyes, leaning his face towards Jim and offering his cheek. Jim chuckled and pushed Len away, Len laughing with him.

    “Not that, Bones,” Jim turned and grabbed the cherry red tarp behind him and revealed the bike he had found earlier with Gran, “we’re going for a ride!”

    Len eyed the bike behind him. He remembered it, it was his fathers old bike from when he was younger. “Oh no, kid. I'm not getting on that. I wouldn’t as a kid and I sure as hell don’t want to now.”

    “Come on, Bones. It’s perfectly safe.”

    “The hell it is! It’s a death trap.”

    Jim couldn’t help but laugh, crossing his arms and giving Len a pointed look, “We are just a few years away from spending our lives in space, and you're afraid of a motorcycle?”

    Len didn’t quite know what to say to that because the kid did have a point… of course.

    Jim shook his head in amusement and turned to the bike. When he turned back he had a helmet in his hand and took a step towards Len. He stepped away with his hands out but Jim persisted and got in his space.

  “Remember when I said I trusted you, Bones, that I willingly gave you my life no matter what?” Len nodded, “I would never let anything happen to you, Bones.”

    “I know you wouldn’t Jim.”

    Jim shuffled the helmet between his hands before looking Len in the eyes, “Do you trust me?”

    Len looked at the helmet and smiled, “Of course I do, Jim.”

    Jim returned his smile and placed the helmet on Len's head, helping him to fasten it. A few minutes later Jim was in front with Len behind him, clutching desperately to Jim as they slowly pulled out of the garage and down the long driveway. Little did they know Gran stood watching them from the porch with a smile as Jim turned out of the driveway and disappeared down the road.

~~~~~~~~~~~

    Jim didn’t take them too far, knowing that Len was already sceptical about being on the bike in the first place. So he found a softly lit hiking trail a few minutes down the road and pulled into the small lot and parked the bike. Jim helped Len with his helmet again before taking his hand and leading him down the path. It was short, coming to a cliff at the end over looking a small city below, and the light from the almost full moon shone brightly over top of them.

    Len lead Jim to the edge and they sat with their legs over the side for a while in a comfortable silence before Jim turned to face Len, Len following suit.

    “So,” Jim began, fiddling with the small wrapped package in his jacket pocket, “I… I do have one last gift for you.”

    Len smiled, shaking his head, “Kid, really, you didn’t have to get me anything at all. Everything you’ve already done has been more then enough.”

    “But everything so far has been things you'll just remember, where as this is something you can keep forever. Something you can see and touch everyday, or as long as you want it, that is.” Jim hesitates a moment before pulling the box out and handing it to Len, “I… I hope you like it.”

    Len took the small package and slowly unwrapped it to reveal a small box. He popped the lid off and pulled out the item inside. A simple silver chain held a round medallion, also silver but with Starfleet's medical insignia on the front. Len brought the medallion down to rest in the palm of his hand, running his thumb gently over the insignia. It was perfect.

    “Jim I… this is-”

    “Turn it over.”

    Len did as he said and on the back he found two lines of engravings, both numbers. He suddenly found himself speechless, not to mention nearly breathless as his hands began to shake.

    Jim shuffled forwards slightly, brushing their legs together before asking, “Do you know what they mean?”

    Len let out a breathy chuckle, “How could I not?” he finally met eyes with Jim and the tears he had been trying to hold in since Jim's speech at the party flowed freely now, “It’s the star date and coordinates of when we first met. Jim…”

    Jim nodded and suddenly found himself shy, looking away from Len, “Do you like it? I know its not much but-”

    Jim's face was suddenly lifted to face Len, “It’s everything.” Jim reached a hand out to thumb away the tears streaming down Len's face, “This is the best, most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me. Jim… you don’t know how much this means to me.”

    “Of course I do, Bones, because those engravings mean the same thing to me as I think they do to you.” Len tilted his head in question and waited for Jim to continue, “That stardate and those coordinates were a new beginning, the start of the most amazing years of my life so far. The day I met you everything changed. I was a wash out before then, but you… you make me want to be a better person, the best man I can be. If I hadn’t met you then, Bones, I don’t know where I would be right now. You changed my life, and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for that.”

    Len didn’t even know what to say, because Jim had said it all and said it perfectly. Not to mention he was crying so hard that he didn’t think he’d be able to form coherent words even if he tried, so he did the next best thing. He removed his hand from Jim's chin, running it down Jim's neck and to the back of his head. He pulled him closer and pressed a long kiss to his cheek, then whispered a quick, “thank-you Jim,” before pulling Jim flush against him and burying his face in his neck. Jim did the same and the two of them held each other there for a long time, both occasionally peppering feather light kisses into the others skin.

~~~~~~~~~~~

    Len rubbed his fingers over the medallion he was now holding. Since his birthday back in Georgia with Jim, he hadn’t taken it off, not for one second. He meant what he had said when he told Jim that this necklace was his everything. It held the exact time and location of his first meeting Jim, the exact moment his life turned around for the better, because Jim was his everything and always had been, right from that very first second in Riverside.

    He let the necklace hang out over his shirt, moving his hand to run his fingers through Jim's hair, bringing his forehead to rest on Jim's as he whispered a promise, “Jim, when you wake up and we dock on Earth, I’m taking you back to Georgia for a two week vacation, just you and me. Maybe I’ll mandate that you need a month off duty and we’ll spend all of it in Georgia together, hell maybe we’ll just stay forever like you wanted to when we were... I should have just said yes back then, I should have just stayed with you in Georgia, then none of this would have happened. And when we do go back, when we go home Jim, I’m gunna take you back to that pond and I’m gunna love you, I’m gunna love you so hard Jim. I’m going I make sure you know how much you’ve always meant to me, how much I need you, how much I’ve always loved you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

A/N: Another long one for you guys... sorry! But I hope you enjoyed it! A little more fluff to come your way in the next few chapters before it gets worse... O-o And I wanted to give a super special thanks to my girl Katie for helping me figure out the gift that Jim would be giving to Len! I wouldn’t have figured it out if it wasn’t for you XXX Let me know what y’all think and if anyone wants to be tagged in future chapters or works let me know <3

Tags: @goingknowherewastaken @weresilver-in-space @resistance-is-futile81 @0dannyphantom0 @flaminglupine @bi-e-ne @medicatemedrmccoy @haveyouseenmymind @jimboy-mccoy @reading-in-moonlight

#star trek #star trek aos #mckirk #bones #leonard #mccoy #leonard mccoy #bones mccoy #doctor mccoy #dr mccoy #jim kirk #james t #james t kirk #james tiberius kirk #kirk #captain kirk #spock #uhura #nyota #nyota uhura #Lost in Translation #chapter eight #Chapter eight LIT #jiminthestreets-bonesinthesheets #fic #fanfic #fanfiction #star trek fanfic #star trek fanfiction #trekkies

[star-trekkin-across-theuniverse]

Five Minute Ficlet

For @anyakinamidala, who requested ‘any kind of Kirk fic, even just a ficlet’. Enjoy ;)

You were sitting in the garden, enjoying some fresh air. It had been unseasonably cool the past few weeks, overcast, rainy. But with the clearing of the clouds had come renewed good weather, and you were determined to make the most of it before the festival of snows. So you basked, enjoying the last of the summer heat, soaking it deep into your bones.

The garden was private, reserved only for the royal family, so there was no need for modesty within its walls, allowing every inch of your skin to feel the warmth of the sun. You felt the first prickles of warning on your skin, telling you your skin might be burning, and rolled onto your stomach to expose the back of your body. You rested your head on your folded hands and allowed your mind to drift.

The birdsong that seemed to be the soundtrack of the gardens ceased, rousing you from your thoughts and you opened one eye to look around the garden. As you did, curious bands of golden light began to materialize opposite the fountain you were stretched out upon, and with the bands, the figures of three men appeared, phasers drawn, pointed at you. 

With the practiced indifference that would have made your mother proud, you merely cocked at eyebrow in question.

“Gentlemen?” Despite being a single word, you knew your meaning was clear. The man at the front of the group, centred between two others, was wearing a green wrap-style tunic. His compatriots were both wearing blue. Of the three of them, he appeared both to the be in charge, and most bothered by your nudity. You smiled, impervious to the blush that was rising on his cheeks, and curled on your side before sitting up, and reaching slowly toward your thin robe. You didn’t break eye contact as you rose to your feet to pull it around you. All three men dropped their arms, sheathing their weapons on their hips. Once you’d tied the belt on your robe, the man in green stepped forward.

“I am Captain James T. Kirk, of the Enterpri-”

“Captain James T. Kirk?” You interrupted, with a soft laugh. “No noble rank? Oh, Mother is going to be angry with that.”

“Mother?” On of the men in blue asked, a troubled look on his face. You smiled and nodded, taking in that he was slightly different in appearance than his companions, with the pointed ears of a Vulcan. No doubt he would protest your traditions as illogical. It was going to be an interesting afternoon, at any rate.

“My mother, Dowager Queen of Galterna,” you provided. The pointed-eared man stepped forward.

“Captain, if her mother is the Dowager Queen, that makes her -”

“The Virgin Queen and High Priestess of Galterna, yes, Spock, I’ve realized,” Captain Kirk nodded, grimacing. The other man in blue, who had up to now been silence burst out laughing. “It’s not funny, Bones! Do something.”

The man’s laughter stopped and he shook his head. “Damnit, Jim, I’m a doctor, not a diplomat. It was your bloody idea to come down here, you can deal with the consequences.”

With a slight huff of irritation, you glared at the trio. “You do understand what an honour it is to be chosen, Captain Kirk?”

“All due respect, Your Majesty, I’m not looking to get tied down right now,” he apologized. You laughed.

“Again, that won’t make Mother happy,” you sighed. “Come along, as we are now betrothed, we should face the gallows together.” You turned and began walking toward the palace.

“Gallows?” Jim squeaked, scampering to catch up. Your brow furrowed.

“It’s a figure of speech,” you explained, wondering if he was simple or had just never heard it before.

“Thank god. Not much is known about Galterna, Your Majesty, I was worried that maybe the punishment for speaking to you would be death,” he explained.

“Beloved, we are as good as wed, you should be calling me Y/N,” you provided. “The reward for being the first man to speak to me is my hand in marriage, and the throne of Galterna.”

“Those aren’t just tales then?” Jim asked, a nervous tone in his voice. You laughed.

“I have turned down the suit of two hundred and forty-three men, Jim. I grow tired of the cat and mouse of life at court. You are handsome, your shape is pleasing to the eye, and you are young and therefore likely still virile,” you paused, and took in the incredulous looks on his friend’s faces. “Perfect for helping me continue the royal line.”

“But you said your mother would be unhappy that he isn’t noble,” the one Jim had called Bones countered.

“And she will be,” you nodded. “But I am the crown. And I decide. By tradition and decree, the first man to speak to me is to be my royal consort. James T. Kirk is the first man to speak to me, and therefore, in the eyes of the goddess we are already wed.”

“No other man has ever spoken to you, Your Majesty?” Spock asked. You shook your head.

“Every servant in the palace is female. Every cleric, rector or curate in the temple is female or a eunuch,” you responded.

“I’m screwed, aren’t I?” Jim asked, to no one in partcular.

“If I am to understand the vernacular correctly, my love, after tonight you will be,” you smiled. You laced your fingers in his and pulled him along to meet your mother.

[littlebitoffanfic]

Late Coffee

Fandom: Star Trek Characters: Kirk, Bones, Spock Relationship: Kirk/reader Request: Hello! I love your work and would like to request a one-shot where the reader has always been a bit of a loner on the enterprise, she is a forensic pathologist (directing dead bodies to find why they died) and one day while working she meets Spock and Kirk for the first time and they are spooked, while bones is all yup that's her, and Kirk sort of is trying to ask her out through the whole story at the end she sort of agrees You sat in your small office, sorting out some paperwork when you heard a knock at your door. It was rather late at night so you hadn’t expected anyone to be looking for you. Of everyone on the enterprise, you were probably one of the least busy people at this time. You were a forensic pathologist, which mainly consisted of examining bodies to try and piece together the cause of death. While it was sometimes a gruelling and frustrating process, especially when a case is complex, it was rewarding. You were able to give family’s some sort of closure. It was also very challenging. You had studied for years to work in this field, but that didn’t mean you were able to crack a case just by looking at a body. No amount of training in the world could do that. There are thousands of ways someone could die, some leave marks on the skin, some on the internal organs and some are as small as a pin prick. You had to have a keen eye to pick out these small discrepancies on the bodies. Due to the nature of your work, you often found yourself on your own. For one, the dead sometimes offered a better atmosphere and company than the living and two, people associated you with dead bodies. And that didn’t exactly scream ‘best friend’. You didn’t mind though. And you weren’t always on your own. For one, you had made friends with the head of the medical bays, Bones. You couldn’t help but chuckle to yourself every time you thought of how ironic his name was. It would be like you being called Death. He was rather like yourself, only a little more moodier. You worked really closely with him, especially if he has a patient that didn’t make it, you had to verify the cause of death for paperwork reasons. You would also go to him if you were a little stuck on cases. “Hello?” You called out, looking up at your door. The handle turned and Bones stepped in. “Hi, [y/n]. you know how there was a mission to the surface today?” He asked, walking closer to your desk. “yes.” You answered, knowing where this was going. It was a small planet which didn’t have much in the form of life. Which mostly likely meant they had brought back something dead. “They found a body. Can you come take a look.” He nodded his head to the door. You nodded, and got to your feet. Your office wasn’t far from the medical bay, so you followed him there. But as you entered the room, you noticed 2 men standing in the centre of the room. Normally when this happened, Bones wouldn’t allow anyone in the room apart from you due to the distressing nature some can feel at seeing a dead body. Instantly, you recognised them. The shorter one with bright blue eyes and dirty blond hair was Kirk, the captain of the ship. The Vulcan who stood to his right was Spock. You had not met either of them properly before but knew them from over hearing things. And Bones. “Good evening.” You greeted, nodding your head slightly. You could see the outline of a body beneath sheets behind them. “Bones, I thought you said you were getting the forensic person.” Kirk asked, unable to take his eyes of you as he addressed Bones. “And I did. This is miss [y/n] [l/n]. Shes the forensic pathologist for the ship, and has been for the last 3 years.” Bones said, sternly. You couldn’t help but smirk as you raised an eyebrow at the two before moving past them to the body. You glanced back and saw Kirk nodding to you with a confused and bewildered face while Bones smirked and nodded. “Where was it found?” You asked as you pulled back the sheet. You saw that it was human, which made your job a little easier. You grabbed some gloved from the side and pulled them on your hands before getting to work. “near a small river.” Kirk answered as the 3 men came to stand at the other side of the bed. “Male, age about 35, Caucasian.” You mumbled to yourself, making little notes for your paperwork. “So, you deal with all the dead bodies?” Kirk spoke, making you look up. “Yes, that is what a forensic pathologist does. I would have thought the captain should know such things.” You mumbled, the last part more to yourself as you leaned over the body. You heard Bones sniggering to himself as you gently opened the mans eyes. “brown eyes, very bloodshot. Eye lids inflamed.” You continued to mumble to yourself. “So how come we haven’t seen you before?” The captain continued to question you as if you weren’t pouring over a dead body. “Possibly due to the fact I prefer to deal with the dead.” You mused, not looking up. once again, Bones snigger and you knew he was enjoying this. He had always said if you met Kirk, he had to be there. “We theorized the cause of death might be due to the quality of the water.” Spoke offered, trying to bring the focus back to the body. “Was there anything else around the body to suggest that to you?” You asked, looking up. “Like what?” He seemed confused by your question. “Well, the body has a way of getting things out of its system by regurgitating it. If you are suggesting the water was perhaps poisonous, then before he died, his body would have tried to reject the water.” You explained, opening his mouth and looking for inflammation. “yes, there was vomit by the body.” Spoke answered. “That’s something, but doesn’t prove your theory, im afraid.” You said, straightening up. “How?” Kirk asked, followed by a quizzical look from Spoke. “Well, someone can suffer from an inability to keep down simple things like water and food in a variety of deathly situations. From a quick look at the body, I don’t think this was a murder or attack by any creature.” You turned and said to Bones. “So what do you think it is, love?” Kirk asked, walking around the table to you. You had to resist the urge to roll your eyes at him. “Probably something natural. I think there are 2 options. The first being that the water did not offer the correct nutrients or the water was poisoned, as you suggested. Or he dies of water intoxication.” You shrugged, pulling off the gloved. “I’ll have a better look in the morning.” Bones nodded, turned and walked to the cupboards to pull out some documents. Spock went over to speak with the medic. Leaving you and Kirk. “So, whats water intoxication?” he asked, seeming genuinely interested. You were taken back by his interest, considering most people would want to get as far away from the body as possible. “Its when the body consumes too much water.” Your answer was simple and straightforward. But he didn’t seem to think so. “I didn’t think there was such a thing.” He frowned, tilting his head. You did have to admit, he was rather cute. “It normally happens when someone is suffering from severe dehydration. They find a body of water and just keep drinking. That’s what probably happened to him.” You nodded to the body. “he probably thought he was helping himself, but he was actually killing himself.” “How come I haven’t seen you before.” Kirk suddenly asked again, making you frown. “Ive already told you. Im not a people person.” You said, smirking a little. “Plus, I spend my day around death.” “So do i.” Kirk chuckled and nodded to Bones and Spock. You couldn’t help but laugh. It had been a while since someone had made you probably laugh like this. You clasped a hand over your mouth and turned away from Bones, who looked up at your sudden laugher. “What do you say we go grab a drink and speak more about this water thing.” Kirk suddenly asked, gesturing to the body. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” You shook your head, unable to believe his audacity. And charm. “Why not?” He asked. “It is really something im very interested in.” You didn’t say anything but instead shook your head with a smile before walking past him to grab some documents. Bones and Spock were now walking out the door. Kirk followed you to the station. “How about coffee in your office?” He asked as you reached up and pulled down a folder. “Really, in my office that has photos of dead bodies cut open, operating tools and descriptive documents?” Your voice was dripping with sarcasm as you turned to him. “If it means I get to see you again, I’ll help with the dead bodies.” Kirk winked at you. You couldn’t help but smile as you shook your head. He was persistent, you would give him that. But he was also a distraction. So you couldn’t really have him in your office. Plus he had a ship to run. “Dinner tomorrow?” He asked, after you failed to answer him. You mused for a moment. “Breakfast.” You answered, wanting to see how much he would be willing to sacrifice just to see you again. “At 5AM.” “I’ll be there. And we can speak more about dead bodies.” Kirk suddenly smirked, taking you back. You hadn’t expected him to actually accept the offer. You expected him to say that was too early but he was willing to get up at that time. And considering it was close to 11.30pm now, it would only give him a few hours of sleep after a long day. he started to walk away, a new bounce in his step. You almost growled to yourself for actually wanted to see him again. “I don’t really eat breakfast. What about late coffee? At 11?” You called after him, biting your cheek as he turned to look at you again. You could see his eyes light up slightly. “How do you take your coffee?” he asked, turning back to face you. You told him, and he nodded before turning and walking out the door. A part of you was on cloud 9 at the thought of seeing him again. You hadn’t felt this excited about a meeting in well over 4 years. And you knew you had made the right decision when you received a knock at your office door the next day at 10.45am as you were getting ready to leave. When you opened it, you came face to face with the same brilliant blue-eyed captain holding two cups of coffee. He handed you one of them as you stepped aside and allowed him into your office. “To late coffee.” He announced, holding his cup up in a toast. You couldn’t help but giggle as you carefully knocked yourself against his. “To late coffee.”

#star trek #james t kirk #kirk x reader #kirk/reader #jame t kirk x reader #james kirk x reader #request

[generouslysteadyenthusiast-blog]

MY FIRST FANFICTION

This is my first fanfiction so please leave feedback!

TAGS:@trekken81

PAIRING: reader x Kirk

TRIGGERS:None (yet)

Page 1 CHAPTER 1

I laid down on my bed staring at the stars out of my window, like dancing fairy lights flying past. I was extremely fortunate to have my own double bed and a rather large room compared to most of the people on the star ship enterprise. The only reason I had a bigger room was because there were no other rooms.

I sat up and looked around the room. My bed was covered in fur blankets, they were so silky, I couldn’t stop stroking them! At the far left of the room stood tall double doors that lead to the electronic wardrobe with my uniforms in. Next to the doors was some sort of dressing table. It looked a bit out of place amongst some of the latest furniture but I liked its old-fashioned look. Then another door was located on the right side of the room which leaf to the bathroom.

I looked around for a clock but I couldn’t see one. I had one in my bag but I couldn’t be bothered to open it and take out everything else out to find a small piece of glass that projected the time. I stood up and stretched as I walked around the bed to get to the door that lead to one of the most used hallways of all.

The hallway that lead to the bridge.

As I opened the door to get to the hallway at least half a dozen people walked past nearly knocking me over. When I finally could get into the corridor I searched my pockets for communicator. I studied it while walking towards the bridge, where I was to report at 09:00, I slammed into someone I hadn’t seen. My device went flying out of my hand and onto the floor. As I picked it up I noticed a flash of command gold.

‘Uh-oh’ I said to myself. I had obviously bumped into someone that was reasonably important, but at least it wouldn’t be the captain.

I couldn’t have been more wrong, I had of course bumped into the captain of the whole entire ship. I turned around to see him picking something up from the floor.

“I am so sorry captain, I should have been looking where I was walking, I am so sorry…”

“It’s fine really I should have been looking where I was going it isn’t your fault, I haven’t seen you before, are you one of the new crew members?”

“Yes sir, the admiral thought that on your five-year mission you would need someone to document the new life forms and planets, basically I’m a fancy phycologist/ scientist that does some of the boring paper work!”

“Oh, I highly doubt it’s that boring and uninteresting, Captain James Tiberius Kirk.” He offered his hand for a hand shake.

Page 2

“Celeste Adams, pleased to meet you sir.”

“Well it was lovely meeting you Ms Adams but if you’ll excuse me I have to find Commander Spock, have you seen him?”

“No, I’m afraid not sir.”  He nodded and then we went our separate ways from there. I hadn’t really processed that I spoke to THE Captain Kirk! It was so over whelming that I completely forgot about the fact I had to report at the bridge.

“Your late Ms Adams.” Spock spoke sternly. Spock was someone else I admired apart from Kirk, he was smart, logical and still occasionally sensitive. However, he did scare me. He has such a brisk tone that it always makes me panic and now I had to explain myself to a Vulcan who might not understand how much I admire people like him and captain Kirk.

“I’m truly sorry sir, I bumped into the captain that was looking for you and…” I was then interrupted by a Russian voice. “Captain on ze bridge.” Followed by the captain’s voice.

“Spock you’ll have to excuse Ms Adams I’m afraid I kept her from being here on time.” He smiled at me and then to Spock, I returned him a smile full of gratitude and of slight embarrassment as I felt myself blush immensely.

I was surrounded by some of the most superior officers that were also attending the talk about drills and safety protocol. As being an alien phycologist was a rare talent I was the only one with that training on the ship, and because it was so rare to be one I also had to take other courses

Page 3

in case I wasn’t needed, such as engineering. I was standing next to senior medical officer, Leonard McCoy and Lieutenant Uhura.

As my mind drifted from the speech Mr Spock was giving I took in every detail of the room as I could. There were to main exits/entrances. One of which was a door which lead to the corridor near my bedroom. The other being a turbo lift that would bring you to most floors, however it didn’t directly take you to the engineering room. The door was on the left-hand side and the lift on the right. The walls were white panels with many lights that illuminated the room. All the walls were lined with computers and chairs apart from one. There was one huge window in the front of the room which was like the windscreen of the ship. The stars warped by like it did in my room, almost hypnotising you but I’m sure that the reason for it wasn’t to stare aimlessly at them, but to look out for other ships, planets or in situations which where complicated (being under attack.)

Just before the window stood a curved table with the controls for the engine of the ship. In the centre of the room was of course the captains chair. There were also two separate work stations either side of the chair.

Mr Spock then started showing people their different work stations I decided that I should probably return to listening to him in case my name was called. I was the last one to be assigned to a desk. Finally, Spock came over to me.

“As you specialise in several professions you will not always be in here but when you are this is where you shall sit,” and he pointed to a chair next to Lieutenant Uhura would sit. I was honoured. Nyota Uhura is one of the best in her field and I could proudly say that I worked right next to her!

Page 4

“I’m sure our head of engineering, Montgomery Scott, will speak to you about your second position.”

“Thank you, sir do you know when would be convenient for me to go see him about it?” I asked, aware that it might be a foolish question. The captain quickly answered for Mr Spock by saying, “Any time apart from lunch, he sure likes his food.”

Thanks for reading Chapter 2 coming soon! please leave comments!!!!!!! you can leave requests!!!

#@trekken81

[dwestfieldblog]

DELUSIVE ENLIGHTENMENT MEGLOMANIA

2019...and a true two minutes to midnight on the doomsday clock. Now there's a king hell lead entrance eh? Annihilation and dystopia, coming soon to a planet near you...'One total catastrophe like this, is just the beginning' What did I learn last week? The name of the Egyptian god who created the universe by masturbating was Atum. Worth mentioning eh? Seeds of creation in atoms, his chosen warrior must have been Onan the Barbarian. And...Ethyl formate is in the centre of the galaxy, tastes like rum and smells of raspberries. Close your eyes and you are there. 'Meta programming the human bio computer' Dr John Lilly. 'Art and science have their meeting in method'. Bulwer Lytton. A long collage from the magician's hat......

Back in late January, the dubious blue shaded Bono of U2 was railing loud and hard against the evils of capitalism...surely I am not the only one to see the deep level of irony in this...A multi millionaire from writing songs with a number of offshore investments and minimal tax payments (well, only a few humans actually want to pay the tax demanded, but some of them can afford to pay it)...Without capitalism it is a touch unlikely he could have made so much money and kept it... only the corrupt in various regimes get to be so rich -  and precious few musicians get this much moolah...Some messianic front men should never be allowed to do anything other than sing and dance. Still haven't found what you are looking for?

Anyway, Jesus said 'When you give arms,do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your arms may be given in secret'. Or maybe it was alms. Arf. Don't show your hand too early:-) Ace of spades high. Speaking of which...

White House Spokesperson Sarah Sanders mentioned on a religious TV network that God 'wanted' (Useful Idiot) Trump the gurning Golden Reptile 'to be the American President.' Perhaps that is true...maybe he will be the last moron leader that will make people truly aware and take more care over who they choose to elect in a democracy. Fnord. 'Well ah trust him cuz he aint a politician and he speaks his mind'. Duhh.What does he actually say when he speaks his mind? He has certainly been a gift (in more mysterious ways than one) to Presidents and populists in other dubious countries as proof of how useless free elections can be and how simple it is to affect them from afar and within. A standard bearer who carries his nation's flag so low he should be arrested under the U.S law for defamation. Germaphobes like walls, but a touch pointless when you have such filthy hands. A new world disorder....Love the title of the book 'Crippled America' by D. Trump with a scowling picture of the blonde psychopath on the cover. Says everything about the USA today. And love even more the idea of his Space Farce/Force... Flash Gordon meets Star Trek. Trump as Captain Kirk and Pence as Spock. Tired of being the policeman of the world, time to be the Warriors of the Universe and have laser space fights with China. (Wonder how their president chooses to interpret the I Ching? May he live in interesting times.)

'Sovereign' internet for Russia...(or 'the World Wide Web without the world', as the BBC World Service put it) a new law being prepared to control exactly what internet goes in to the Motherland and protect their people from freedom. Arf. Wouldn't want any false news or manipulated election results going on there eh? Or access to non Kremlin approved news. We shall see if this actually passes into legislation. What do the majority of Russian people actually think about this? Goddess bless Pussy Riot, Tatu and Vladimir Vysocki. Mr. Putin, remember Dostoevsky.  ( A week after writing that, 15,000 demonstrated in Moscow against the proposed new laws. There is already a law making it illegal to insult a member of government. Not much room for satire or polite criticism, but Russia has never pretended to be a democracy.)

World leaders in more and more countries following the old western lead in starting a war on the basis of an outright lie and receiving no punishment for it. (Perhaps at the gates of Saint Peter. ) Well, if the ones in 'Christian' democracies can get away with war crime atrocities under the pretence of righteousness and liberation, why not them? And let's not forget the ever useful catch all word 'terrorist', carte blanche to get away with murder and invasion on false pretexts. Terrorists are not shopkeepers, students, quiet religious folk or disaffected individuals without guns who disagree with their government and march/write songs in demonstration to protest apparent/ obvious wrongness. Terrorists use fear, manipulation and extreme violence to maintain, assert and spread their power. (and how many governments fit that description?) They don't make pop videos, they make snuff movies.  

Step by incremental naughty step Hungary and Poland becoming ever more damaged, Britain, Europe and America being gleefully and carefully encouraged to pull themselves apart. I have never (well, from the age of about seven, so that is almost never) been a believer of what America and Britain did to dominate the world in olden times Whatsoever. BUT, life under a Sino-Russian world government?? FECK that. All those wannabe socialists from western universities are going to have a screaming bloodily rude awakening in a red dawn. Or perhaps they have such a well built narrow reality tunnel that all will seem just fine and dandy when 'their' system wins and will thrill to the new accepted literature. Slightly depressing how this current apparent time stream appears to be developing.  

(Maybe a temporary control in the chaos is all most generations can wish for. Perhaps only a sidestep into the actual flow of the river which seems to be chaos is all that is needed to evolve into a deeper awareness. 'Sink or swim' appears to be false option perpetuated by alpha types. Flow, surrender control, and in the Being so, a (deep breath) an open hearted universal view...Makes astral sense to some of us.)

Totalitarianism is a foul bastard swine whatever side or form it takes, political or religious. Read interviews with those who survived life under the Nazis AND the Communists. Or those who escaped extremes of the main religions, those in new age mind warp sects, having their souls drained via manipulation and enforced delusion. Cowed into kowtowing, despising the manipulations but knowing how much it hurts to think and feel...and so choosing the easier path of submission. Some people are proud of endlessly suffering pain, but only very rarely does their endurance create a stronger person. Survive yourself. As the song says, 'The final conflict is within'. Stand, kneel, adopt the lotus, just don't bend over and expect anything positive to come your way. (Unless...yes you can guess the rest...)

And as for all the student snowflakes no-platforming dissimilar voices to harm their delicate ears and cluttering up the channels tweeting meaningless self righteous rubbish, shouting so loud there is no actual debate...where do you imagine your place will be in the new world scheme? Outsiders will be enslaved or executed by 'popular' demand. You are not Chinese dissidents in prison, however you might feel. You have the right to be heard, (even as you deny that to others) but not the right to deafen and attack. Did you ever wonder about the past mentality and spirituality of those who could stand and watch a heretic/ witch' being burned to death at the stake or these days, those who can sit in a small invited audience to watch a man be fried alive in a chair? Those men who could watch and take part in a gang rape? To coin an old comedic phrase; 'That's you, that is.' Dig into the dirt and get to the molten core of morality. Find yourself there, then choose the height of your evil, the depth of your Love without ego. Ethics. Arf. Thus spoke Westfieldthruster.  

'The black man motivates, the other man imitates'...Damn straight.

'But I'm confused between sexual, murder, magical and medical, is the difference metrical or imperial, septic, fertile, feral or sterile?' Health and deficiency. (J>B)

(Diary...There is no one in my life in any way for whom I do not have respect. Empathy and compassion I have, long term patience too but after my respect is gone then so are they. Deleted. This will very highly likely apply to myself. But I have never done anything with a woman that I wouldn't allow her to do to me, if she wished to. (So I am still a gentleman eh? ) Remember lonely boys, She might be a goddess but she's still human. Meanwhile again...Situation Normal, All Fecked Up...

After a certain age, recklessness ceases to be quite as attractive as once it did in youth, as 'Death becomes real'. (Dylan Moran) Illnesses and disabilities, permanent or otherwise increase in number with the procession of years and the long journey through suffering can make a human paranoid and fearful. Imagining the worst of declines can seem very logical. The 'unpleasant preliminaries' as Cohen said. Most of us have made up our minds (in a very literal sense) about what comes next or what doesn't and it is fairly easy, given how we adjust reasoning to fit with the least unpalatable truth to find a comfortable justification for our various behaviours. Self destructive types (which most of us seem to be in one way or another) use rationality to declare that if everyone dies including the thinker, then why not do what you enjoy the most for as long as you can. I do this and know of many others after the age of thirty who reached the same conclusion and followed through past sixty and beyond. Smoking, drinking, drugging, fighting can lead to some of the worst types of deaths. But even those who never did any of these things suffer strokes, dementia, heart attacks and chronic end of life pain. Just consistently negative thinking can make people ill, just in less obvious ways than smokers etc. So we/I seek to 'justify'.  

Reactions to stress matter. A lot, But how many working people with families have the time to sit under a Bo tree or read Eckhart Tolle etc? Most of us appear to attract some mental/physical cataclysm as a way of taking stock and making a 'brutal re-appraisal of the situation'. (HST) Very often this is the only way a human stops what they are doing and starts thinking about Being. We all do what we do to keep various feelings and thoughts at bay, but the brain (and thus the body. 'Where a thought goes, a chemical goes with it'; Deepak Chopra) are not fooled and store it all up until overload occurs. Getting old is not for cowards. Shame I seem to be one, such die many times before their deaths. Endless physical pain and mental fear can do that and it is very hard to see that as an Initiation sometimes. And these days, most of the time. Glad I have a gun. How many of us can hope to die 'peacefully in our sleep'? Tranquillisers? Not quite the Portal of Daath, more like the gateway to the abyss. Which as uncle Frederick said, stares right back into you when you look long.

For those with patience, it is easy to say that meditation might well be the best way to re-programme the mind into letting go the poisons. To un-wire and react to stress in a more positive way. Discipline. Old habits die hard. Older habits die very badly. Alpha theta delta waves and LSD therapy? Chinese Auryvedic Reki Tantric massage, more sex for the endorphins and oxytocins? Some people will read this as a very dull and obvious piece of writing. Others will know all about the idea of suicide as a 'problem focused strategy'. Get on with dealing with and solving the attacks from within and without...Want the truth? A truth. There have been thousands of days when the only thing that kept me going was the thought of unwinding my useless tension with whisky for a few hours every night. And it is that lazy thought which has been killing me for the last 22 years. A liver is a remarkable organ unless you flood it with alcohol, the power of her regeneration is astounding until the tipping point is reached. Milk thistle isn't going to solve this. Can you tell how I feel today?

What causes that 'tension' Dave? The usual. Overthinking, self hatred, anger, desperation, guilt, regret, doubt, all the classics. Most of us seem to have these in various combinations during our lives. A generalisation but seems to be a fair one eh? Some people deal with the negatives in highly positive and/or immoral ways... regular holidays, saunas, horse tranquillisers, painting, flagellation, righteous causes, deviant behaviour, local politics, role playing (well, we all do that one way or another), virtual reality games (also), teaching things we should know better before we set ourselves up as such, conning the gullible with vague promises of better things, healers as politicians and vice versa seeking money and power/sex, lying to ourselves on an hourly basis, doing anything to be 'happy' and sustain the illusion that we are somehow promoting our immune system and to bring meaning to our existence. Burning through the days, raging with light because it seems sexier than being peaceful, Attempting immortality (in physical form) through health supplements, work, sport and having offspring. Faking our 'realities' until they temporarily become real. Working on massive ideas because we are captivated by the energy within them and the possibilities of a better life, curing dis-ease via mental, physical, chemical and spiritual research, using ourselves as a laboratory, exploring exactly what Will-Power truly means. Further and deeper into realms of the without which is truly inner, the macrocosm which is the microcosm. '100 books you must read before you die', the first of which is your own. Your very own Book of the Dead. A lifetime preparing before the next step.  

Been there, done that. Next. (How arrogant.)

So, survive, evolve and move on...He writes with dead eyes and in daily pain. Normal is very overrated, whatever my foul mental weaknesses, I regret very little. Could always Do more. But Being is key. There is only a time limit on the flesh. 'Who will deliver me from this body of death?' What seems important to you? Really, truly? Define 'important' and instinctive reasons why. Or not...to hell with me, in hell I seem to be and to hell I go. Pathos and hubris simultaneously. Woo-hoo. Etc.

One more final 'time' for the universe...'God' is/was/probably possibly a telepathic scientist, architect of infinity, quantum physicist, astral engineer and a psychic musician. ALL. WE are tiny sparks and mirrors of 'God', parallel possibilities, all serving the purpose of existence, which is (so I seem to choose to believe) to Evolve and experience all that matter can. We do not all need to be Einstein, Da Vinci or Beethoven but we all are on various levels, perhaps less 'grand' (depending on perspective) but the Poet/ Creator is within us all every time we appreciate Nature, enjoy humour or a story well told, think of some connection for ourselves...Small things Matter:-) As the bishop said to the actress. Smaller things are Quarks. Arf.  

Stanislav Grof... COEX...(Condensed experience montage. ) Eg, 'You are re-experiencing the birth process, remembering pre birth inter uterine events, reliving ancestral or archaeological crises of people/animals from whom you are descended, seeing the  sub-atomic energy whorl from which Form appears, previsioning the Superhumanity of the future...all at once!'  (That was, apart from the LIGHT that smashed into me for five seconds in a garden in 2008, exactly what I experienced in the Reconnection. It went far higher the next time. I do regret I didn't practice.

1.Amniotic universe – the womb. The only world that life knows at this point. Blissful feeling of peace and joy in a healthy womb. 2. Cosmic engulfment – no exit – Equilibrium disturbed, contractions begin- unbearable feeling of being stuck in hell with no way of escaping. 3. Death verses rebirth struggle – second clinical stage of childbirth, intense struggle for survival.4. Death versus rebirth experience – the child is born. Intense ecstatic feelings of liberation and love. New world begins. ...

I found this scrawled by me on an old A4 scrap of paper, not sure who actually wrote it, perhaps E. Tolle. Along with 'Conscious Ego...Self Image/Persona/... Subconscious memories...Shadow/Denied psychic material... Anima/Animus/ Opposite sex qualities...Collective Unconscious/Universal+archetypal processes.  In a cycle learning and relaying...'Information received, decoded and transmitted by a structure'. (Definition of intelligence by R.A.W.).  

An infinite number of reality tunnels threading in a spiral of a labyrinth between matter and the non physical. The 'Akashic Record' to tap into and imprint our own levels of experience, the Eye recording Itself. Individually/collectively. Why do we think? Why remember? Why care? Why create? What is the chemical programme which sparks curiosity and fascination? The survival trip is a journey to.....

.....................................................................................................................

Back in Middle School...I knew before I started the run/essay etc, that it was mine. No pride or ego, just knew I had already won. A calmness descended, not grit and determination, just KNEW it. And so it was, every time. Another example from life of no planning, just Being, THEN doing it. My entire life was full of these. Thinking never worked out for me. Everything good which has happened has been spur of the moment choices, instinct, following what (or who) I Love. TRYING (or trying too much) usually ends in tears. Parallel to this is the absolute negativity of my/the mind. Agree to be optimistic as a behaviourally rewarding hobby...he almost giggles.

Reprogramming takes effort and how many of us can say we are not lazy? The most regular homework I give to students is to just to write diary type paragraphs about things they notice or feel on various random days. I have been given some wonderfully honest expressive stuff. What would we reach across/back and tell ourselves at younger ages? What would we attempt to avoid or undo? This exercise is pointless if we feel negative or sadness over it. So don't. Arf. Self forgiveness is a beautiful thing, valuable and worthy. So are we. Stay warm and in flow:-) Last famous words unknown. Happy rebirthing Easter day again. And again.

'Today I broke a personal best, successive days alive':-)

LOVE.

[willsherjohnkhan]

A Phoenix Rises

Chapter 1: Prologue

***

Captain’s Log, Stardate: 2261.87

In an attempt to rectify their error in judgment when appointing Alexander Marcus as the head of Starfleet, the Federation now placed their faith in Admiral Patrick Oswald.

Oswald was not the type to allow fear to get the better of him. Nor would he act first and suffer the consequences later. He offered Starfleet a calm, thoughtful and well measured approach to dealing with any and all situations.

As to whether he would make a better leader was still to be determined. Even as he took office, concerns were being raised.

Though all agreed that Starfleet didn’t need another Admiral Marcus, Oswald’s open armed approach to dealing with the increasing number of alien races the Federation was encountering was making many uneasy.

It was all very well offering the hand of friendship. But it was felt that it should only be done once it had been determined with absolute certainty that those being offered friendship were genuine, and did not have any hidden agenda’s or ulterior motives.

Initially Oswald’s policy seemed to work well, and everyone began to feel more at ease with his more moderate approach.

And then these policies were spread far and wide and into deep, deep space.

It was here that they caught the attention of a race of beings that were not interested in friendship, peace or even war.

They believed in only one purpose – assimilation.

Capt. James T. Kirk

***

Chapter 2: Desperate Times, Desperate Measures

***

Starfleet Headquarters – San Francisco

The first anyone knew of their existence was when the peace was violently shattered by a sonic boom as the solitary cube-shaped vessel breached the Earth’s atmosphere.

Shock, surprise and curiosity were quickly replaced with terror and panic as the new arrival made its intentions clear as the ship started firing indiscriminately.

***

The air was soon thick with smoke and debris as buildings toppled under the relentless onslaught.

There were fires in every direction. The acrid smell of burnt bodies wafted on the breeze.

And all the while, explosions and the constant scream of sirens battled for supremacy.

***

James T. Kirk fought his way through the chaos as the population stampeded en mass in a desperate attempt to get to safety.

But Kirk was headed in the other direction.

He didn’t have a plan in mind as such. He just knew that this threat, whoever they were, needed to be dealt with.

For that he was going to need the assistance of one particular individual. Unfortunately it was impossible to reach him by using his communicator.

***

“Did you find them?” Kirk asked as he made his way through the now abandoned warehouse.

Hikaru Sulu looked up from the manifest he was reading. “Yes Captain,” he replied, indicating vaguely in the area to what the Captain sought.

Kirk noted the grim expression on the lieutenant’s face. “Is there a problem Mr Sulu?”

“Yes Captain,” he paused briefly before continuing. “Where there should be 73 cryotubes, there is now only one.”

He then entered a code from the manifest into the terminal in front of him.

As soon as the code was entered, a concealed draw that was located in the wall gracefully opened.

Inside the draw was the remaining cryotube. Its inmate still blissfully unaware of what was happening on Earth at that very moment, nor the role that he would be asked to play to save the planet and its inhabitants.

“Captain, I feel it is my duty to point out…”

“I know what you’re going to say Mr Spock,” Kirk said as he turned to his Vulcan First Officer. “Unfortunately there is no time to debate the issue. Like it or not we need Khan, his intellect and his expertise with weapons.”

Kirk then turned back to Sulu. “Download all the data from the terminal about the missing cryotubes. It may give us a clue as to where they have been moved to.”

Sulu nodded and began to do as ordered.

“Captain,” Spock began.

Kirk spun around. “No Spock. I will not be accused of being another Alexander Marcus. We get all the information we can, and when this situation is over we give it to Khan. He can then decide what he wants to do with it.”

He then flipped open his communicator. “Scotty, four to beam up.”

***

Chapter 3: A Deal With the Devil

***

USS Enterprise NCC-1701

Medical Bay

“There’s no time to debate this. We have to do it now,” Kirk stated firmly.

He, Spock, Doctor’s Leonard McCoy and Carol Marcus were all standing around the as yet unopened cryotube.

“Have you forgotten what he did the last time?” McCoy demanded.

“Of course not,” Kirk responded, determined to keep his cool. He understood everyone’s concerns about what he was proposing they do. But if the reports he had begun receiving from the other Starfleet vessels that had attempted to engage the alien ship, it was becoming crystal clear that they were going to need something special if they wanted to survive the encounter.

He didn’t like no win scenarios, nor did he like losing. And he would not send his crew on a suicide mission.

So, if they were to have any chance of success, then they were going to have to rely on the skills of Khan Noonien Singh.

“He will not trust us,” Spock pointed out.

“I know,” Kirk replied.

“What do you have in mind?” Carol asked.

Before he could respond Ensign Molly Hooper came into the Medical Bay and made her way over to the captain.

“You wanted to see me Captain?”

“Yes Ensign. Your assistance is needed with a task we are about to perform.”

The young ensign looked over at the cryotube. When she saw who was within she unconsciously started to worry her lower lip with her teeth.

“Yes Captain,” she responded quietly.

Doctor McCoy pulled the Captain to one side. “Have you lost your mind?” He knew his friend well enough that he had an idea of what Kirk intended. “Goddamn it Jim, you’re playing with a girl’s life.”

“Bones, if there is one thing at this moment that I’m certain about is that Khan will not hurt so much as a hair on her head.”

“How much are you willing to bet?”

“Stop worrying,” Kirk said with confidence, trying to allay the doctor’s concerns. “Molly is the best person to keep Khan in line.”

“I beg to differ,” McCoy argued.

“She is, believe me. Don’t you remember? From the first time he came aboard this ship, whenever he got a glimpse of her he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. And whenever she was around he was more willing to behave.”

The doctor still wasn’t totally convinced. But even he had to acknowledge that the reality was they were going to need the Augments full and willing co-operation.

So, as crazy as the Captain’s logic sounded, it might actually work.

“All right,” he reluctantly agreed. “Lets get this over and done with.”

***

It felt like his eyelids were made of lead. But as soon as his internal organs started working again, he wanted to see exactly where he was.

Memories from the last time he’d been awoken overwhelmed him: Admiral Marcus, Section 31, designing weapons and ships, betrayal, revenge, the Klingon Homeworld, the Enterprise, Kirk, the death of his crew, crashing the Vengeance into Starfleet Headquarters, his trial and then oblivion once again.

“Its all right,” her soft voice assured him. “Try to take even, shallow breaths. That’s right, you’re doing fine.” And then he felt her small, delicate fingers as she gently ran them over his forehead and into his hair.

His eyes opened, then shut, the brightness of the room almost blinding. He opened his eyes again, looking right into the face of the young woman who had haunted his dreams.

 The Bridge

“Nice and steady Mr Sulu,” Kirk instructed his helmsman.

“Aye Captain,” Sulu responded as the Enterprise navigated its way through the debris of other Starfleet ships.

“Onscreen.”

On the bridges view screen there appeared the enormous cube ship.

Kirk turned in his chair to check with his Communications Officer. “Any response?”

Uhura shook her head. “No Captain. They’re not responding to our hails on any frequency.”

The Captain now turned to his First Officer. “Your thoughts Mr Spock.”

“They do not respond to our hails because they do not understand. Or because they choose not to.”

Kirk nodded in agreement.

The first option was a possibility, given that as far as he was aware the Federation had not come into contact with any beings with a ship such as this.

The second option had him on edge. If they could understand their hails but choose to ignore them, indicated that they were confident that they were the one’s in control of the situation, and they saw themselves as superior.

“Slow to impulse,” he ordered. “Shields up.”

“Yes Captain.”

Having announced its presence by raining destruction down on Starfleet Headquarters, and then destroying the ships that had tried to intercept it once it had retreated back to open space. The cube ship had then come to a complete stop, and waited.

“What are they waiting for? An invitation?” asked Ensign Paval Chekov, frustration and confusion colouring his words.

“Scan the ship Mr Sulu.”

“Aye Captain. Scanning.”

The turbo lift to the bridge opened to reveal Ensign Hooper and Khan Noonien Singh, who was once again dressed in his signature black Starfleet uniform.

“Permission to come on the bridge Captain,” he requested calmly.

“Permission granted,” Kirk replied.

Kirk turned back to the view screen. “Problem Mr Sulu?”

Sulu was busy checking, then rechecking the information that had come up on his terminal. “The readings we’re getting from that ship Captain. It doesn’t make any sense.”

“Explain?”

Sulu frowned as he re-read what was on his screen. “Its like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

Something in the Lieutenants tone caught Khan’s attention, and with a nod from the captain, he walked over to view the readouts for himself. And what he read astounded him. “That’s not possible.”

Sulu read the scanners findings aloud. “There is no bridge, or a command centre, no engineering section. And there appear to be no crew quarters.”

“What about life signs?” Kirk asked.

“There doesn’t appear to be any signs of life.”

“Shields? Weapons?” Spock queried.

“There are no shields and no weapons.”

“Impossible,” Kirk exclaimed. “They just devastated San Francisco. How could they do that with no weapons?”

He turned to Khan for his thoughts, but the augment looked as baffled as everyone else.

“It makes no sense whatsoever,” Khan stated, before turning back to look again at the findings. Then almost to himself he noted. “Their ability to limit the Enterprise’s scanners from being able to read anything about their ship would suggest some form of advanced technology.”

“Agreed,” Spock concurred.

Uhura cut in. “Captain, we’re being hailed.”

“Onscreen.”

The view of the cube vessel disappeared and what took its place took everyone on the bridge by surprise.

All they could see was a mass of compartments, in each there appeared to be two humanoid beings, all completely motionless. That was all the ship seemed to be made up of, rows and rows of compartments. They covered what appeared to be an unlimited number of decks. As to number, it was difficult to tell, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of individuals on one ship.

Kirk got up from his chair and took a step towards the view screen.

“I am Captain James T. Kirk of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise…”

There was an abrupt interruption from the other ship.

“We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ship. Your biological and technological distinctiveness will be added to our own. Resistance is futile.”

As abruptly as the transmission started, it ended.

Kirk turned to judge the reaction of his crew. Most looked as stunned as he, others were showing traces of fear. Then he turned to Khan.

The expression on the augments face was one of undisguised distaste.

Khan exchanged a look with Molly, who nodded her head encouragingly. He walked over to the Captain, his right hand outstretched.

“I refuse to give up that which makes me individual Captain. So I will help you in any way I can to defeat these…Borg.”

Kirk shook the augments hand firmly. “Welcome aboard.”

***

Chapter 4: Intruder Alert

***

Engineering

Chief Engineer, Montgomery Scott was busy checking and re-checking the systems to make sure that they were in full working order. He needed to reassure himself that the Enterprise was ship-shape and in top order. To that end he was on his way to check that the warp core was purring like a kitten.

As he made his way through engineering, the hairs on the back of his neck suddenly came to attention.

Scotty cautiously turned the corner, and stopped.

Standing at one of the terminals was a humanoid figure.

It appeared to be part human and part machine. More than half its body covered with mechanical implants.

From where he stood Scotty could see that he/she/it was scanning data from the terminal with its ocular implant.

The chief engineer got out his communicator and flipped it open.

“Scotty to Captain Kirk.”

“Yes Scotty.”

“We have an intruder in engineering.”

“On my way.”

*

By the time Kirk, along with Spock, Khan, Molly and a security team arrived, the Borg intruder had moved to another terminal.

“Update Scotty.”

“At the moment it just appears to be scanning our systems.”

Kirk stepped forward and addressed the Borg directly. “What do you want?”

It made no response.

In fact it was difficult to tell if it even registered their existence.

Molly pulled out a tri-corder and began scanning the Borg. But when she made to move closer, Khan placed a firm hand on her shoulder keeping her in place.

She turned, raising an enquiring eyebrow.

“I don’t think it would be advisable to get too close,” he responded. “We have no idea just what type of enhancements their technology gives them.”

“Which was why I was scanning him,” Molly replied.

“Better to be safe than sorry,”

“I agree,” Kirk stepped in. “Ensign stand back.”

Molly immediately complied.

“Captain,” Spock drew everyone’s attention back to what the Borg was doing.

Having scanned a number of systems it now used an implant, where its hand used to be, to try and download information from the terminal.

“Step away from the terminal,” Kirk ordered.

The Borg continued what it was doing, ignoring him.

“I’m ordering you, step away from that terminal.”

The Borg paused, turned and looked directly at Kirk before turning back. It then proceeded to download from the terminal.

Kirk turned to his security chief. He nodded, indicating his permission to engage the intruder. “Set your phaser to stun,” he said.

But to everyone’s surprise stunning the Borg only temporarily slowed it down.

When it returned to its task it seemed even more determined and immediately increased its efforts.

Scotty rushed over to check another terminal as lights all around began to flicker. “It’s draining the ship of power,” he reported.

“Neutralize the intruder,” Kirk ordered. “Use whatever means necessary.”

Security opened fire, their phasers still set to stun.

This time their efforts had no affect at all.

“Fascinating,” Spook commented.

Khan looked on in amazement. “Its adapted to the phaser setting.”

“Set to kill,” Kirk ordered.

This time the Borg fell down dead.

But no sooner had it died then another appeared and took its place at the terminal.

When it continued downloading security opened fire again.

To no avail, the Borg had adapted once again.

Once the download was complete, the Borg disconnected itself from the terminal. It then bent down to its fallen companion and calmly removed specific implants.

Then both were transported off the Enterprise.

Kirk turned to Scotty. “How much power did they drain?”

Scotty checked. He didn’t like what the readings told him. “Enough,” he replied. “All systems, shields etc are at 50%”

Outwardly he appeared calm, but internally Kirk was furious. The Earth had been attacked without provocation. Many that he had trained with had died when they had attempted to defend their home planet. And now his ship had been violated.

“I think we need to return the visit.”

***

Chapter 5: In the Belly of the Whale

***

USS Enterprise NCC-1701

The Bridge

Kirk was never happy being left behind. But he knew that the away team had to be small so as to not attract too much attention. Also with Spock and Khan as part of the team, they were more than adequately covered to deal with whatever situation they were likely to be faced with.

That did not mean that he would not be keeping a close eye on what was going on. Their safety was his top priority.

He turned to his helmsman. “Mr Sulu, if your fix on the away team wavers in the slightest, I want you to beam them back immediately.”

“Yes Captain,” Sulu responded.

***

The BORG Cube

The away team made up of Spock, Bones, Khan and Molly rematerialised inside the Borg ship.

Though they had all seen a glimpse of the interior when the Borg had contacted them. Seeing the reality up close took everyone’s breath away.

It was so alien.

There was simply no other way to describe it.

They cautiously moved to inspect their surroundings.

All found it disconcerting. There was nothing that they could see or hear that was anything like what they were used to.

There was no humming of engines, no voices, and no audible communications of any kind. If the Borg had not spoken when they had stated their intentions, it would have been reasonable to assume that they communicated telepathically.

As the Enterprises scanners had already indicated the Borg ship had no bridge, no medical bay, no engine room and no crew quarters, or at least none that the away team would recognise as such.

All they could see were compartments, with two Borg in each. That was all the ship appeared to be made up of, row upon row, level upon level. There were hundreds of them, thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands.

A closer inspection of them showed that they were stasis chambers. This realisation revealed a number of interesting areas for hypothesis.

Bones carefully checked one of the Borg in its allotted slot. “Incredible,” he murmured as he read his tri-corders readouts.

“Analysis Doctor,” Spock queried.

“Each chamber appears to be designed for a specific Borg.”

“To what purpose?” Khan asked as he examined a connection port on an uninhabited chamber. “To recharge their batteries,” he mused more to himself than to the others.

At that moment the away team was taken by surprise when a Borg made its way towards them.

When Khan went to reach for his weapon, Molly stopped him. He looked down at her in confusion.

“Wait,” she said.

The Borg completely ignored the away team and made its way to the chamber Khan had been examining and plugged itself in.

The doctor took some more scans before giving an explanation. “Their purpose appears to be a more…collective one.”

Intrigued, Spock walked over to the Doctor and scanned the Borg with his own tri-corder. “I concur with your analysis doctor.”

Khan looked around at his surroundings. The conclusions they were all coming to were simply awe-inspiring. But they left him feeling very uneasy and uncomfortable. “So basically the Borg are powering their ship themselves through their connection via these slots,” he clarified.

“It would appear so,” Spock responded. “Furthermore it would appear that the technology required for this type of interface is far advanced of our own,” he added.

“What are you saying?” Bones asked. “That they’re from the future!”

“We have to consider the possibility doctor. Everything we have observed so far leads to that being the only logical explanation.”

“So how did they get here?” Molly asked.

Spock looked around, his brow furrowed in thought. “It is possible that they may have developed the technology that could allow them to create a wormhole…”

Before they could continue their discussion they all became aware of a noise. One they were not expecting to hear on a ship such as this.

“Was that a…?” Khan started.

“I believe so,” Spock replied.

“But, how?” McCoy asked.

“Only one way to find out,” Khan said as he, followed by Molly made their way towards the unbelievable sound.

*

Khan, Molly, Spock and McCoy all stood completely stunned, none could believe what they were seeing. Inside a specifically designed humidicrib draw was a human baby.

Or at least that was how it had started out.

Spock flipped open his communicator. “Mr Scott.”

“Yes Commander,” Scotty immediately responded.

“Four to beam back.”

***

Chapter 6: A Difference of Opinion

***

Conference Room

The discussion to decide how best to deal with the Borg had quickly descended into a heated argument between Kirk and Khan.

The others in the room had sensibly decided to stand back and allow the two titans to battle it out.

“You cannot negotiate with them Captain,” Khan argued. “They’re not interested in anything you have to say.”

“They are sentient beings and therefore they must be given due consideration,” Kirk countered.

Khan knew Kirk was doing his best to temper his usual gung ho attitude and attempting to take a more measured approach, more befitting of a Starfleet Captain. But really there was a time and a place, and that most definitely was not now.

“Due consideration? Kirk have you forgotten their demands when they first communicated with us. They don’t wish to be friends, or allies. Their only intention is to conquer, and given their advanced technological capabilities that wont be difficult to achieve.”

“You sound as though you admire them,” Kirk noted sourly. “Though I suppose I shouldn’t be so surprised, given the similarities between you,” he taunted.

Khan looked momentarily stunned at the implied accusation, but he quickly recovered himself.

“You were the one who brought me into this situation Captain. You did so for the exact same reason that Admiral Marcus revived me. You need my superior intellect, my savagery to defeat an alien threat that has attacked the Earth for no known reason, other than that they can.”

Kirk blanched at the mention of Admiral Marcus’ name. It was clear from the knowing smirk on Khan’s face that that had been his intention.

“I did not bring you here to destroy them.”

“Then you’re a fool,” and with that Khan turned and left the room.

Kirk was furious. To be put down in front of his senior officers was intolerable. And it didn’t help that deep down he knew that just about everything Khan had stated was true.

He desperately needed to take his anger out on someone.

He chose Ensign Hooper.

As she moved to follow Khan, he intercepted her.

“Ensign, I thought I’d made my orders clear. You were to keep Khan under control.”

If Molly was supposed to be intimidated by his stance she showed little sign of it. “Even when everything he said was right?” she queried.

The Captain, and everyone else in the room looked at her with a mixture of surprise and admiration.

“At the very least,” she continued. “Do him the courtesy you would of anyone else in this room and at least consider what he suggests. Don’t dismiss them outright because Khan is the one who has made them.”

“That’s not…” Kirk began, but he knew he was on shaky ground.

“Really?” Molly queried as she headed out of the room intent on finding Khan. “Prove it.”

***

Chapter 7: A Moments Peace

***

Observation Deck

She found him on the observation deck looking sightlessly out the window. His spine rigidly straight, arms folded across his broad chest, legs slightly splayed. Khan’s posture spoke volumes, of his anger, frustration, hurt, and…

His loneliness.

Molly paused, uncertain what she could offer him in the face of such powerful and conflicting emotions.

He was a man out of time. Completely out of sync with everything around him. He had no one to confide in. No one who understood how he felt, or cared about what had been done to him, what he had been forced to endure for the sake of his crew since their ship had been discovered drifting in Federation space.

Was it any wonder that he was now so defensive? He had been physically altered without his permission, and his memories modified. When his augmented DNA had reinstated his memories he’d still been unable to obtain any justice. Instead he’d been further manipulated by Marcus to do his bidding, being threatened with never seeing his crew ever again if he didn’t.

She watched his stance change as he become aware of her presence. His gaze met hers in the windows reflection. Bravely she returned his gaze before slowly approaching him.

“He’s nothing like Admiral Marcus,” she began.

Khan looked down at the small woman at his side, and raised an inquiring eyebrow, his expression sceptical.

“He’s brash and hotheaded I grant you,” she continued. “But he would never use anyone the way Admiral Marcus treated you. There are few in Starfleet who would.”

Khan gave a derisive snort.

“Do you know why Kirk chose you?” he asked.

The question took her by surprise. After a moment’s thought she responded. “Because I like you,” she said, blushing prettily.

“Oh if only that were so,” Khan’s deep voice rumbled in wistful amusement.

When Molly opened her mouth to reply, Khan forestalled her by gently placing a finger against her lips and shaking his head.

“No Molly. The reason your captain chose you was because he remembered when I was first brought on board the Enterprise. As soon as I saw you I couldn’t keep my eyes off you.”

Molly’s eyes widened so delightfully at his confession, that he couldn’t contain the smile that spread across his face. But only for a moment, he needed to make her understand.

Taking her upturned face in his hands Khan continued his explanation. “I’m not a nice man Molly Hooper, I have done many terrible things.” He paused, his mind focussed on memories from his distant past through to his futuristic present. He looked deep into her big brown expressive eyes and said with a sigh. “I regret some of what I have done and been accused of, but from where I stood I could see no other alternative.”

Molly nodded her understanding. By the time Khan’s trial had come to an end, and all that Admiral Marcus had done in his attempts to turn Starfleet into a militarised organization had been revealed. There were few that did not feel some sympathy for the Augment who had been so cruelly used as a means to an end.

The timber of Khan’s voice deepened as he admitted. “I took one look at you, and I wanted you. You were something pure and innocent, and I knew I had to have you… body and soul.”

Molly trembled in response to his ardent declaration.

“Kirk saw it, and now he’s using it as a means to keep me under control. He knows I would be willing to do anything to have the opportunity to earn the right to be with you if I can.”

Molly observed Khan’s tortured expression. She read his longing for freedom, to begin a new life, one that might even include her, if she so chose.

Reaching up she brought his face down until it was level with hers. “We all have the capacity to be good or bad, depending on the choices we make. You’ve made some bad decisions, but I refuse to believe that they define you. Nor do I think the Captain believes that of you either. If he did, he could never justify placing me in harms way. So, we’ll help him, Starfleet, the Federation and the Earth’s population to rid our solar system of the Borg. And then maybe your case can be reviewed, and they may be willing to see you in a more favourable light.”

She released her hold on him and stepped back.

As they existed the observation deck, Molly added. “I will help you all I can Khan, but be warned, I am no ones fool. I wont do anything to jeopardise or betray the Enterprise’s crew. Do I make myself clear?”

Khan looked at her with admiration. The more he got to know Molly Hooper, the more he willingly fell under her spell. Without hesitation he readily agreed to her terms.

***

Chapter 8: Making Plans

***

The Bridge

When Khan and Molly exited the turbo lift onto the Enterprises Bridge, it was clear that the debate over what needed to be done had already begun.

They made their way over to the group standing around the Captain’s chair.

Not surprisingly Mister Spock and Doctor McCoy were in the middle of a heated, at least on the doctors side, discussion.

“Given that they appear to be connected together in a hive mind, we must consider the possibility that they’re communicating with others of their kind across space-time.” Spock stated.

“Now there’s a cheery thought,” Bones muttered under his breath.

Spock turned, one eyebrow raised. “Problem Doctor?”

McCoy let out an exasperated sigh. “I just think we’re dealing with enough as it is at the moment. These Borg are clearly the most dangerous species we’ve so far encountered.”

“Your point Doctor?” Spock enquired patiently.

“My point, you pointy-eared bastard is that this crew is dealing with enough as it is at the moment. If you destroy their hope completely, they’ll feel there’s little point in fighting.”

“Agreed,” Kirk interrupted, bringing their bickering to a premature end. “But the question still remains, what can we do to defeat them?”

“If I might make an observation?” Khan requested.

Kirk nodded.

“If the Borg do possess a collective consciousness, then our best chance of defeating them is to take them by surprise.”

“What did you have in mind?” the captain asked, genuinely curious.

“We need to do something they’re not expecting.”

“Like what?” McCoy demanded, waving his arm to vaguely indicate the debris that appeared through the view-screen. “From the wreckage out there I’d say that a number of options were tried. All of which failed I might add.”

Khan gave himself time to consider his words before replying.

“While we were aboard their ship they did nothing to hinder us, even though we were clearly armed.”

Spock saw where the augment was going. “They didn’t view us as a threat.”

Khan nodded. “Correct. If an away team could board their ship with a number of small devices…”

“Explosives?” Kirk queried.

Khan shook his head. “A weapon of that type, no matter how small would be easily detected.��

“What then?”

“What about a device that when activated, only incapacitates?”

Spock looked sceptical. “Surely the Borg would adapt too quickly for them to be effective.”

“Not necessarily,” Khan argued. “If it’s something they’ve never come across before, thereby not expecting, it could work as a diversion. They will adapt to it, but it may give us enough time to get our real weapon up and running.”

Khan’s plan certainly seemed feasible. “What weapon do you have in mind?” Kirk asked.

“Red Matter.”

The hope that was building up in everyone involved in the discussion immediately died.

“It’s all gone,” Kirk said.

“Something else that came from our future,” McCoy added dourly.

But Khan refused to be defeated so easily. “The one who brought the Red Matter into the past is still alive is he not?”

Everyone nodded.

“Then surely we can ask him how we can create it, or something like it.”

“For that we would require knowledge of technologies far beyond our capabilities,” Spock pointed out.

“Then allow Ambassador Spock and I to discuss the matter,” Khan responded. “I’m certain between the pair of us we can come up with a solution.”

Kirk turned to Uhura. “Make contact with Ambassador Spock on New Vulcan.”

“Yes Captain,” she responded.

“In the meantime,” Khan continued. “We need to get to work on a diversion. Mister Scott, I believe I’ll need your assistance.”

 Engineering

When Khan and Scotty presented their devices to the other senior crew, their response was more sceptical than impressed.

“Are you certain they will work?” McCoy asked. “They look too simple, so primitive.”

“That’s the beauty of them,” Scotty responded with his usual enthusiasm. “They appear totally non-threatening.”

“And as such the Borg should totally ignore them,” Khan explained. “Only when they’re activated will they realise their mistake. By that time they will be temporarily out of commission. Hopefully long enough for us to get the second part of our plan into motion.”

Kirk had no idea if this crazy plan would work, but really what choice did they have.

“Well let’s hope it works,” he said. “Because we wont get a second chance at this.”

***

Chapter 9: Plan Into Action

***

Engineering

“You don’t have all the components to replicate it,” Ambassador Spock warned.

“Well I’ll just have to do the best I can with what we have,” Khan responded. But as he made to end the transmission, Ambassador Spock waylaid him.

“Khan.”

“Yes, Ambassador,” Khan replied calmly. He was impatient to start work on recreating the Red Matter. The clock was ticking and he didn’t have time for pleasantries.

Ambassador Spock held up his hand, giving the familiar Vulcan salute. “Good luck.”

“Thank you Ambassador.”

With a raised eyebrow the Ambassador added. “You will need it.”

Noting the Vulcan’s expression, Khan muttered none too softly. “A Vulcan with a sense of humour, just what I need.”

*

But the Ambassador’s warning kept reverberating in the back of his mind.

Red Matter was a highly volatile substance at the best of times. Attempting to replicate it knowing you don’t have all the correct ingredients and with no time to test how it would react, was simply a disaster waiting to happen.

Then again, what choice did they have?

The safety of not only the Earth but also that of all quadrants of the Federation could well be in jeopardy if they didn’t attempt it.

Khan knew that with his genetically altered DNA that he was far superior to many around him. But when he looked at the Borg and their way of adapting and improving their knowledge using assimilation and artificial components, it churned his stomach and left him determined to halt their progress in this star system before it could begin.

“Mr Scott,” Khan got the attention of the Chief Engineer as he made his way over to him. “I believe our plan may need a few adjustments.”

*

The Bridge

Kirk, Spock, and Bones looked rightly concerned when Khan and Scotty explained what they had done.

“Let me see if I understand you correctly,” Kirk chose his words carefully as he looked at the cylindrical container in the augment’s hands. “You have now placed Red Matter within the device that is to incapacitate the Borg.”

“Correct,” Khan replied.

“To what purpose?” Commander Spock queried.

“To use a quaint old Earth saying,” came back the response. “We are going to ‘kill two birds with one stone.’”

When all he received was perplexed expressions, Khan went on to explain. “This device contains two timers, the first will activate the Rankine nullifier, which will temporarily incapacitate the Borg. A second timer will go off five minutes later, releasing the Red Matter, if it works as it should, then the Borg ship should rapidly become crushed as it morphs into a Black Hole.”

With no other option Kirk had little choice but agree to the mad plan.

“So, now what?” he asked.

“Given the completely unpredictable nature of the Red Matter we have created, I feel it only right that I be the one to transport across to the Borg ship…” Khan began.

“No,” Kirk stated firmly.

“But, Captain…”

“You’re gonna need help,” Scotty pointed out. “We’ve made six devices, and as you say all are unstable and unpredictable. So I’ll be coming with you.”

“As will I,” Spock announced. Responding to the surprised look on the augments face, he responded with his typical logic. “With three of us, we can place the six devices in the most strategic positions more efficiently.”

“And the quicker we get them placed, the faster we can get outta there,” Scotty added.

Feeling more relieved with the plan, Kirk finally gave Khan the go ahead.

***

The Borg Ship

When the away team first transported to the Borg ship there had been little movement. The same could not be said this time.

Though the Borg continued to ignore the intruders, they themselves were far more active, with the away team having to constantly weave and dodge around the ever-increasing number of Borg as they made their way around the ship.

“I don’t like this,” Scotty said, having to once again move out of the way of some oncoming Borg.

“It would appear they too are getting ready for some plan of action,” Spock noted.

“Then gentlemen,” Khan stated. “ I suggest we get these devices placed as quickly as possible.”

“Agreed,” Spock and Scotty answered together.

***

Enterprise Bridge

“Are they back on board?” Kirk asked.

“Affirmative Captain,” Chekov responded.

With the away team safely back aboard, there was only one thing left to do.

“Okay Mr Sulu,” Kirk instructed his helmsman. “Time to get their attention.”

“Yes Captain,” Sulu responded.

“Fire!”

***

Chapter 10: David and Goliath

***

The shielding on the Borg vessel was far superior and easily deflected the Enterprise’s phaser strikes, which were likely regarded as nothing more than an irritation.

But it was enough to get the Borg’s attention.

Their response was immediate.

*

Enterprise Bridge

The Enterprise was suddenly rocked as if struck by a large asteroid, and the exterior hull began to shudder.

Sulu checked the readings appearing on his terminal. “Captain,” he exclaimed. “They’ve locked on to us with a tractor beam.”

“Go to warp,” Kirk instructed.

Sulu attempted to do as ordered once, twice, three times. But it was all in vain. “We can’t Captain.”

Kirk spoke into the communicator in the armrest of his chair. “Kirk to Engineering. Khan, how long until the Rankine nullifier is activated?”

*

Engineering

Khan glanced over at the timer he’d set up at his station. “Any second now Captain.”

*

The Bridge

No sooner had the words left the augment’s mouth, than the tractor beam became disengaged.

Kirk gave his next order to his helmsman. “Go to warp Mr Sulu.”

***

The Borg Ship

Everything inside the cubed vessel was frozen into motionlessness. The ice-like material clung to every inch of the ship and to the many thousands of individuals that manned it.

But within a couple of minutes movement was detected. And shortly after that, the ship was once again fully functional.

Though the expression on the Borg’s faces showed complete indifference to what had happened, their actions showed an unwillingness to be beaten by a race they had initially believed to be inferior.

The actions of the individuals aboard that one small ship however had shown that they were clearly a race with surprisingly unexpected resourcefulness.

And they would therefore be of great benefit to the Collective.

It did not take the Borg long to discover where the ship had warped to, and they set off in pursuit.

***

The Enterprise re-emerged into an area of space already proven to be uninhabited. And it was here that they waited for the Borg to follow.

They didn’t have long to wait. The Borg ship soon loomed into view.

*

Enterprise Bridge

The atmosphere on the Bridge was tense, a mixture of anticipation and dread, in equal measure.

The view on the Bridge’s view screen suddenly changed from an external view of the ship to an internal one, and as before all that could be seen was deck upon deck of compartments, where the Borg stood connected to the ship.

And as before they spoke as one. “Resistance is useless. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.”

*

Engineering

Scotty and Khan could hear the Borg’s transmission as it was being broadcast ship-wide, but their focus remained on the countdown of the timer to the second device containing the Red Matter.

“Three… Two… One…”

***

The Borg Ship

The remaining half of the six cylinders exploded, releasing a number of what appeared to be inconsequential red droplets.

The droplets drifted aimlessly around the ship, completely harmless, until they began to bump and collide into various parts of the ship.

A number of Borg paused, something was wrong. The ships systems were failings, as was its structural integrity.

***

Enterprise Bridge

The Borg’s transmission came to abrupt end.

Kirk allowed himself the luxury of a well-satisfied grin. The plan had worked.

“All right Sulu, I think its time we headed home.”

*

Engineering

Khan and Scotty were also looking very pleased with themselves, but their grins were quickly wiped from their faces when the ship jolted abruptly, and to their horror it was dragged forcibly towards the Borg ship.

“That can’t be good,” Scotty noted, stating the obvious.

*

The Bridge

“Is it their tractor beam?” Kirk asked, hopeful that it was so.

“Negative,” came Sulu’s reply.

“Can we go to warp?” Kirk knew the answer, but felt compelled to ask.

“No Captain.”

Kirk and Spock exchanged knowing looks. Kirk shrugged his shoulders. “It was worth a shot.”

*

Engineering

Scotty remembered the last time the Enterprise had been caught up in a Red Matter created Black Hole, and he’d sworn then that he’d never allow the Enterprise to be put through such a situation again.

And yet here they were. He winced as he heard the creaking of the outer hull and observed the cracks that were sprouting up all over the place as the ship began to go through her death throes as she was drawn back into the all consuming void that the Black Hole was creating.

The sheer force of this Black Hole was far and away more intense than what they had faced before. And if he were honest with himself he wasn’t certain his solution of ejecting the warp core and then detonating it would be enough this time to get them out of their current fix.

What they needed now was a miracle.

Khan had not been idle. As soon at the Enterprise had become ensnared he began looking for possible options. He was aware of Mr Scott’s solution the last time the Enterprise had faced such a situation, and had been extremely impressed by it. But the situation they were facing this time was far graver, and the solution needed was also going to require an extra special kick.

And then he had it.

“Of course,” he murmured, his gaze wandering up and down the dilithium chamber.

*

The Bridge

In desperation Kirk contacted Engineering. “Scotty please tell me you’ve found a solution to get us out of this?”

“We’re working on it Captain,” was not the reassuring response he was hoping for.

“Then work harder,” Kirk ordered. “We’re running out of time.”

“Understood.”

*

Engineering

Scotty looked at the augment like he’d finally lost the plot completely. “You can’t be serious,” he said.

“Increasing the matter/antimatter reaction in the dilithium chamber will give the warp core a super charged boost when it’s ejected. Then when its detonated, the force should push us clear of the Black Hole. You know it will, you’ve done it before.”

“But to increase the reaction would require direct contact with the crystals, which raises the risk of exposure to radiation.”

“Yes, I know. That’s why I’ll be the one to do it.”

“Are you certain your body can handle the potential radiation that the crystals may release?”

“It’s a risk I’m prepared to take.”

“No,” came the distressed cry. Molly had just entered Engineering in time to hear Khan’s statement.

Not daring to look her in the eye, in case her expression weakened his resolve, Khan strode with determined steps towards the chamber. Molly made an attempt to stop him. But Scotty pulled her back.

His expression grave, as he shook his head. “No lass. Let him try, it may be our only hope.”

***

Chapter 11: From the Ashes

***

The Black Hole continued to expand, consuming all matter that was caught up in its destructive mass.

Nothing could escape its pull.

Almost nothing….

A soundless flash before an object was ejected from the Black Hole’s very core as if hurled by an enormous slingshot.

The object spun out of control, its momentum only returning to something approaching normal when it was finally free of the dark matters deadly grip.

The Enterprise was free. The ship’s outer hull had taken a real beating, and internally things weren’t much better. But for all that, they had just enough power to enable them to limp back to Earth at impulse speed.

*

The Enterprise - Engineering

When Khan finally emerged from the dilithium chamber, he was greeted with a jubilant “Ya bloody did it, ya mad bastard,” before Scotty enthusiastically thumped the augment on the back.

When Molly flung herself into his arms, Khan’s exhausted limbs crumbled, spilling them both to the floor. Pulling Molly securely into his embrace, Khan let a smile play upon his lips as he lost himself in the delightful sound of Molly, laughing and crying with relief.

But as his strength returned, his thoughts turned to the rest of the Enterprise crew. “How bad is the damage?” he asked, as he observed Scotty attempting to ascertain the damage with only limited data available.

“It’s bad,” Scotty finally admitted. “But it could’ve been worse…”

Khan nodded in subdued acknowledgement, accepting Molly’s comforting embrace as she wrapped her arms around him and laid her head against his shoulder, offering solace and support.

*

The Bridge

Damage and casualty reports were coming intermittently from all over the ship. But the one area that so far had not reported in was engineering, and that had Kirk worried.

“Scotty! Khan! Is everyone all right there?”

There was an agonising pause as the ship’s damaged systems attempted to re-establish internal communications. Until finally. “All’s fine here Captain,” The Chief Engineer assured him.

Kirk gave an audible sigh of relief, before giving Sulu one last order. “Take us home Mr Sulu.”

***

The Borg Ship

In the final death throes before succumbing to complete annihilation, one final report was sent to the far reaches of the Delta Quadrant, to the Borg’s central base at Unicomplex.

What it contained, and whether it was received is unknown.

***

Chapter 12: Epilogue

***

Starfleet Headquarters – San Francisco

In light of Khan’s contribution to the repelling of the threat that the Borg had posed, no opposition was raised when Captain Kirk made a request for a retrial.

Though the attempted destruction of Starfleet Headquarters could not be overlooked, the late Admiral Marcus’ manipulations of Khan, was now given due consideration. For it is certain that had the Admiral lived, he would have been charged with war crimes, and probably more.

Then the senior members of the Enterprise crew gave their statements. But by far the most compelling was the statement, and insights made by Admiral Spock, who laid before the Tribunal his knowledge of the Khan Noonien Singh that he knew in his timeline, before giving a comparison based on his thoughts having now had the opportunity to interact with the Khan Noonien Singh of this altered timeline. He spoke eloquently of the decisions made by the augment that led to events for which Khan was originally charged, challenging judge and jury to place themselves in Khan’s position and asking if they would have acted any differently?

In the end Khan’s original charges and sentence were downgraded, and he was released into the custody of the Enterprise’s Captain.

*

Celebrations were in full swing. Celebrating not only the decision of the tribunal, but also their survival, when so many others had not been so lucky when they'd attempted to take on what was clearly the most powerful beings Starfleet and the Federation had ever encountered.

Everyone looked happy and relaxed, though there was one who stood back, preferring to observe the proceedings in quiet contemplation.

Kirk watched Khan closely. But this was a Khan many had never seen before, smiling and relaxed, though Kirk was certain that the young ensign at his side had a large part to play in his transformation.

Kirk himself remained troubled, as there was still the matter of the information he’d withheld from Khan. Information the augment had every right to know.

As if he sensed the intense observation he was under, Khan turned away from the festivities and headed over to the Captain.

“You look troubled Captain, something on your mind?”

It was now or never.

“Actually yes,” Kirk began. “It concerns your crew…”

When he’d finished his explanation he observed the augment’s reaction, noting deep sadness and pain, that his crew were again lost, but sensing no animosity towards himself and his crew.

“We will do all we can to assist you in finding out who has your crew and where they are being held,” Kirk earnestly assured Khan.

“I think you will find Captain that the where is the more important question,” Khan responded after much thought. “For I believe I already know who has possession of them.”

“You do”

“Oh yes,” he replied bitterly. “There is only one organization ruthless and arrogant enough to undertake such an audacious plan of action with the means to conceal their movements. I know them all too well. These actions bare the unmistakable stain that is Section 31.”

***

#khanolly #uneasy alliance #angst