4

AMBER LANTERNS - Sue Cameron

There was no light, no brilliance as the human knew it no happy pink, nor winter white, or even grey overcast. Nothing, he decided, on this alien world could remind him of home. The only illumination was from the amber tri-suns floating so far from their single, orbiting tiny planet that the scant glow made human eyes frantic to adjust just to see.

"I'll bet you don't have any problem seeing, do you. Mr. Spock?" James Kirk asked his friend. "With those superior eyes of yours, I'll bet you than a cat at midnight. Hell, but what I wouldn't give to move a little faster."

TO ALFALFA, WITH LOVE.... - Ellen Thacher

I've sat down here in front of this infernal piece of paper, attempting to make my poor stubby fingers write something logical since you say it's much more personal. All of this just to talk to you. To say all those things that I've never said before nor meant before, or possibly ever even thought I'd really say, to someone of the same sex, let alone anyone. I apologize fore not being able to tell you face to face ut after all these years of hiding, it's a surprise to find out just how frightened and excited you are capable of making me feel. I need a clear head for this.

THE NETTLES - Carole Turner

He stepped softly, afraid terribly afraid of being discovered here, under cover of night, in the middle of his captain's cabin. Spock held his breath, grateful that as a Vulcan he could do so with ease.

Traversing the floor quickly he stood at the captain's beside. But why was he here? He had no idea. Something had called, demanded his appearance, and rather than logically consider the implications, he simply obeyed. If truth be know, he was most calm in his captain's presence.

A fact he had struggle with for a long time.

TOUCH THE MASTERPIECE - Sue Cameron

He was golden.

Colored as none of our people he was gold , from gold shirt to golden hair. All over, even his hair gleamed in the light of window-splintered Eridani more powerful than a beacon. And his eyes drew me as a magnet. I needed to touch the vision so I walked forward into the exhibition.

ALWAYS IN MOURNING - Carole Turner

Mists of remembrance seep into my mind stirring the image of life and the Before. Is it time?

Should I spend myself coming to full awareness? How much time has passed and the real question welling my empty veins has it bee long enough? Can I come to full life without dealing Death to those I touch? For I cannot bear to kill. And yet, cannot live without it.

Without the blood. The drops of emerald that fuel my existence.

SHALL WE DANCE - J. Mercedes

Kirk stood close to his friend, scooting a bit closer just before beam-up. "Do I make you nervous, Spock?" he asked. "You start to swallow whenever I get into your space and yet you let me do it without moving away or saying anything. Why I wonder?"

Spock thought the light eyes were piercing and fought the typical response. He forced himself to remain still. He will not know what I feel if I remain calm....

RUBY SANDS [ BESIDE MYSELF IV ] - Robin Hood

The shuttle doors sprang open and almost on its heels, James Kirk exploded directly into the heart of Vulcan. Punched in the chest by the oppressive hand of heat, his stress stalled. He rocked back on his heels, making a mental note to slow down calm down. It wouldn't do yo arrive at Spock's dripping with sweat and exhaustion. Sweat on Vulcan would be more than enough.

COVERS:

1996