05

(nominated for several K/Star awards)

A THOUGHT FOR CHRISTMAS - Ellen Thacher

Christmas. Spock almost hated the word. The humans on board the Enterprise were exuberant. Even more so than usual and the first officer, Spock, considered taking his back leave, effective immediately, and staying on Vulcan until the illogical holiday was past. True, the whole crew wasn't caught up in the frivolous insanity but most of the personnel were human and the ship's captain, James Kirk, most certainly was.

I cannot leave, Spock thought glumly. It would wound Jim. He adores this time of year and cannot accept that I do not. Spock heaved a deep sigh and jerked violently, almost breaking his knee on a table leg when Dr. McCoy spoke from behind him.

LOGICAL DECISIONS - Faille

Kirk had been ordered to present his prize scientist and the device to a designated test site, which necessitated a rendezvous in space and a longer trip on the Lexington. In other words, Kirk had unwittingly cornered himself and Spock most successfully.

ON OUR BEACH - Vera Barga

Chris was leaving; Chris Pike, his captain. Spock had followed this human's lead for many years. Formulating his opinions on ones he saw held true for Chris. All these years Chris had treated him like a real person, a person of worth despite his heritage

THE HIGH PRICE OF LOVE - Ann Carver

Lt. Rivers looked at Kirk and shook his head in wonder. "Captain Kirk, I've been using this enhancer for many years and this is the first time I've ever seen it give a true likeness of a person without requiring any changes. A remarkable feat of memory." Kirk blushed self consciously. "It's easy to describe Mr. Spock. He's a unique individual."

"Well," the lieutenant said, slapping his thigh. "It's time for me to get to work. Don't

worry, Captain, we'll find your Mr. Spock."

HIGH TIME - Jenny Starr

One of the reasons the recreational drug Speed-o-lite has been popular throughout the

Federation for the past five years or so, is its remarkable ability to remove inhibitions and provide its partakers with an evening of fantasy-fulfilled abandon, while allowing said partaker to awaken the following morning with a crystal-clear memory of all that took place and a complete absence of residual effects

WHERE YOU FIND IT - Zoey Brook

"Scotty! Did you hear me?! Get the ship out of here. This place is crawling with Klingons!" Kirk grabbed Spock by the arm and dashed for the cover of the slim trees

THE WALL - Kathy Tipton (novella)

"Now? Do you really mean that they want me to go now? In the middle of the hottest contest for new territory we've seen in years? Shit! Bones, they've got to be kidding!

Haranranth. Fuck! We'll die there! The average temperature is 100 at least, and the opposite in the evening. What the hell kind of test is that?"

POETRY by

Vanderlaan, Chris Waken, Shellie Whild.

COVER by

ART by

February 1986