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ONE NIGHT'S COMPROMISE - Sylvia Bond

Kirk had requested he be notified when the Enterprise docked at Starbase 11 for shore leave, and Spock did so automatically. Moments after he gently thumbed the communications channel closed, the Captain came striding through the door of the lift.

HEROES - Karla Kelly

"Do you think Surak was ever loved, Spock?" Right brow raised, Spock looked at his captain over the chess board. Kirk was obviously not interested in the game.

DREAMSCAPE - Bryan Taylor

The Enterprise has been assigned to investigate a strange phenomena that seems to be disturbing a peaceful culture known as the Mirani civilization. A few days ago, they reported unusual behavior patterns in their population, driving normally quiescent individuals into madness.

THE POWER OF SUGGESTION - Barbara Taylor

As he made his way to the rec room for dinner, Kirk contemplated life. It's good on this ship. Damn good. Best of Starfleet, ship and crew. Best assignments, too, mostly challenging ones, for certain. And dangerous, though even the routine can turn dangerous out here.

TIDAL WAVE Pandora H.

"Okay, Spock, I give in."

"Give in?"

"Yeah...give in, concede...admit defeat."

"In that case, Doctor...."

THE MOST PRIMITIVE ORGAN - Jane Yambe

"May I inquire, then," the Vulcan said, "what is troubling you? You have been preoccupied."

THE MATCH - Penny Wise

He wanted a companion, someone to love, to talk with and play chess with; to snuggle with. Someone who loved him. Someone who knew his needs and met them, who took care of him occasionally, instead of his role always to take care of others.

MUSICAL BEDS - Kay Wells

James Kirk rolled over and immediately wished he hadn't. He hurt. Unable to identify anything specific, he only knew that he didn't want to move again.

HUMAN . . . AND FROM THE STARS - Shelley Butler

Spock continued gazing intently at him. "Human," he said and frowned with the attempt to comprehend. "From the stars." He sat back on his heels, placing his hands on his thighs.

The unfathomable ebony lakes drowned Kirk with their sight. Despite the turmoil, despite the fear, despite the foreboding he felt, there was something about this Vulcan that made him feel as though he belonged here, with this warlord.

NO WITNESSES - Kate Singer

No one but the transporter technician had seen the ship's first officer (looking somehow more imposing than ever in Vulcan civilian garb) when he beamed down to the planet late into low watch.

POETRY

COVERS

December 1992