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COVER UP - Kay Wells

"Okay," Kirk laughed. "You're not supposed to agree with me when I say I'm behaving badly. I did volunteer for this. I just wish it didn't have to be with Tom Galen."

Spock turned off his terminal and shot the human a puzzled look.

THE KISS - Penny Wise

Kirk inhaled sharply as the dark head moved closer to him, midnight eyes shining with warmth, chiseled Vulcan features beautiful in the subdued lighting.

"T'hy'la," Spock murmured as his lips touched the rounded ear.

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES - Gena Moretti

It was too days later when Kirk again spent hours studying in his little haven, and as always, before leaving he looked at the gorgeous old chess set. He reached to return the pawn to its proper place and froze. Someone has countered my move!

TOUCHING - Karla Kelly

In the shower, Kirk gazed fondly at his friend, water matting his eyelashes. At Spock's acknowledging glance, Kirk shrugged. "Even nude, you're dignified. You're the only one I know who can appear fully clothed without a stitch on.

CHECK AND MATE - Elizabeth Kay

"Jim?"

For a long moment Kirk lay still, oblivious to the passage of time, as he focused past the Vulcan. Bright lights glared back from the turbolift ceiling? "Uhhhhh, damn," he muttered beneath his breath. Then his mouth twisted in a curiously wry grin. "What the hell happened?"

"I would venture to say, Jim, a turbolift system failure."

RIGHT-HAND MAN - Barbara Taylor

Captain James T. Kirk was taking great delight in teasing Leonard McCoy, M.D., about this decidedly old- fashioned way of dealing with a minor sprain and hairline fracture. "What happened to those miracle laser bone- knitters, Bones?" he taunted, half seriously. "Always worked on me before, haven't they?"

WHITHER THOU GOEST - Carolyn Spencer

The second wave of pain hit even harder. Spock's eyes clenched shut as he doubled over in the chair. Jim . . . ?! he sent through the link. Jim, answer me! Where are you? What is happening? A black empty void met him as he probed. Nothing! There was nothing where Jim's comfortable presence had lingered just a moment ago. Control! he ordered fiercely to himself.

ORDEAL BY CONSENT - Ciana Mitchell (novella)

The shuttle plowed through the galactic seas. Stars shone like precious gems and nebulas splashed brilliant colors on the black void. A pair of brown eyes studied the beauty. With a pang of sorrow, their owner mused that only a short time before he might never have had the chance to see these wonders again.

A presence behind him brought to mind a weary traveler finally come home; again warming his body by the hearth-fire of that familiar aura. It was good to be home again.

POETRY

COVERS

ART

December 1991