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TWO SOLITUDES - Alayne Gelfand

Spock watched Kirk from across the room as he made his way through the crowd, greeting people, stopping for short conversations. As he progressed, Spock saw a pattern develop; people were moving back as Kirk passed, giving him space without conscious consideration. It was obvious that no one saw Kirk's 'do not touch' sign, no one that is except a very astute Vulcan.

INSPIRATIONAL PERFORMANCE - Jaki Van Colan

"You can't do that! My fans will never stand for it!" said Jamie, tossing his head proudly.

"Well I'd sure hate to lose three regular customers," retorted Derrold. "But that's the way it'll have to be if you don't shape up." He slammed the door on his way out.

PORTIONS OF OUR HEARTS - Tere Ann Roderick

"Even a Vulcan needs help to recover from something like that he needs your help.

You're the one he allows to see his emotional side. He needs you." "Does he?" Kirk wondered.

"Even after this? I failed him once already. Do you honestly think I can make him forget that?

I

can't."

AT NIGHT ALL CATS ARE GRAY - Carolyn McTarrell

"Well, I'm for sneaking out of here! What say we get back to our cabins?" He stroked his abused stomach gingerly, avoiding the healing knife wound on his side. "I'll order us something easy to eat and we can talk." Kirk's eyes softened as they registered Spock's continued unease.

He knew something had happened when he'd been unconscious.

FANTASIES DWELL IN DARKNESS - Lisa Joas

"Meld with me and save us both time!" Kirk was impatient. He wanted Spock now!

Again terror threatened the Vulcan and he trembled.

IS THIS PARADISE, OR WHAT? - A. T. Bush

"He ran from the grotto and onto the beach and ran and ran until burning lungs and stabbing pains forced a halt. Finally collapsing, he beat clenched fists into the sand, physically venting his despair and frustration.

A FOOL FOR LESSER THINGS - Toni Cardinal-Price

The cabin door opened and Kirk flew in, only to stop and abruptly say, "Oh, my God!"

The Enterprise captain gaped at the sight before him. Spock's usually impeccable room was now a shambles.

ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR - Pam Smith

"Ah . . . Garth took your form in my prison cell and fooled me for a time." "He pretended to be me?" "Yes," Kirk nodded. "And made advances " "Advances?" Spock flushed darkly as the idea clarified in his mind. "You know a pass ?" "A pass," Spock echoed. "As in flirtation?"

He gulped quickly. "Yeah, but heavier!" Kirk said grimacing.

LANTERN IN THE DARK - Chris Waken

"Lie down," the woman ordered. Kirk did as he was told, his eyes returning to Spock, trying not to beg but unconsciously pleading for understanding of what he was about to attempt.

Spock put his soul into his silent answer, offering any and all comfort at his command. While there was nothing physical Spock could do, Kirk was eased and he suddenly shivered, feeling more than nude feeling naked.

POETRY by

Rathbone, Chris Waken.

COVER by

ART by