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CHRYSALIS - Kay Wells

"Do not grieve," the Vulcan said quietly, his own big hands coming to rest on top of his companion's.

"I'm not," Kirk denied. "At least not yet. It's such a stupid way to die."

"Is there a good way?" Spock's remark could have been a superb example of his dry wit, but Kirk didn't take it that way. The question was entirely sincere, pulling the rest of the human's formerly long-dormant feelings to the surface with an urgency born of desperation.

"Do you know how much I love you?" he whispered into the pointed ear.

THE HEART HAS REASONS - Rebekah Lyons

The Drella tasted her success it was indeed a sweet victory. How strong she felt revitalized, energized young and replete. Glutted on the love that the two starship creatures had expressed in the tiny cave, she felt the completion that so long had been denied. This much relief from just one loving, it was still unbelievable fate that their paths had crossed. Her anticipation of more made her energy field glimmer in wild abandon as she dared to dream of an endless supply of love, allowing her to binge on their passion.

THE BLESSING - Kitty Berman

"Your brother realized what I felt for you. He came to me on the ship and made me an offer he told me he could give me the illusion of being your lover. Forgive me, Spock, I was tempted for a short time but in the end he wasn't you. It would have been a lie and if I'd have accepted and you'd found out well I ran the risk of loosing you again and I couldn't let that happen. I never told him, though I think he knew. Just before he joined with the entity, I sensed his thoughts. He told me that he loved us, that I should go to you and that he believed you wouldn't reject me."

THE LAST WORD - Karla Kelly

"Jim!"

Kirk looked worriedly at Doctor McCoy, whose own frown etched deep lines in his face.

"Try saying 'illogical', Spock."

MAGIC HEART - Elizabeth Kay (novella)

At the sound of his name, Spock looked up and felt the years tumble back into place. The slightly blonde hair had grown chestnut, short and curling, the same frank, expressive eyes were staring at him. All at once it seemed like nothing had ever come between them. They were clearly just as in synch with one another as they had ever been; even after two years of strict Kohlinar disciplines on his part, and a failed marriage on Kirk's.

***

Tonight, something was going to happen.

Tonight, he was certain he was finally going to cross the barrier, and breach the confinement of the Pseudoverse.

With the flash of careening optic circuits behind him, Spock moved toward the beckoning light.

***

I am about to die, Spock thought, and knew he was powerless to stop it. He hoped that Kirk would not be watching as the madman pulled the trigger. Though it didn't matter. He was so close to the phaser that he wouldn't live to hear the whine that tore into his chest.

***

POETRY

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February 1995