6

IF SPOCK HAD A HOLODECK - Karla Kelly

The fog clung to the sailor's jacket like an old friend, loosening its grip only a little as the man squinted at the paper in his hand under the dim gas light. The dampness made the ink run and he could barely see the address, "10 Baker Street."

TRIALS - Kitty Berman

"Damn! Damn! Damn!" he repeated. "Why now? Of all the times for the blasted thing to malfunction, why does it have to be now?"

James Kirk, a minority human in the Vulcan Space Fleet, had been so sure that he could complete the L'an'wan test needed to get into command training, he'd pushed until he was allowed to try. His instructors had advised him it was illogical to make the attempt as he was too young; no human had passed the grueling test before they were 30. He'd almost made it, too, until this.

WILDER SHORES - Alice Hooker

The rusted metal door was slammed shut on the huddled prisoners, and the small party of five moved on.

Sarek, Lord of To'Zage'Re, member of the high council, and chief Ambassador of the Vulcan Empire, was in conversation with Dr. Addams, Governor of Tantalus colony.

BLACK MAGICIAN - Sharon Travis

Until that shore leave three weeks ago in Glencree.... I left the other men at the harbor and went alone for a lay. By chance I overheard in Montgomery's Inn some old men talking about mysterious things. The evening was still young, my Ale fresh and no Lady insight, so I pricked my ears. First it was the usual yarn spinning...until one story held my interest. A story about a magician in the near Cashel Forest. He came straight from hell so they said.

VULCAN AFTERMATH - Sharon Travis

It is done.

I should feel shame. Or at least regret, binding you this way forever to me. But the only thing I feel is what you humans call "happiness."

STAR STEPPER - Robin Hood

Delicately, but with purpose, he strides the open sea of stars, searching, ever searching, but for what he knows not.

SAME TIME NEXT YEAR? - Kate Sheridan

"Computer off," Spock said with a very heavy, very human sigh. Sitting back in his chair, he steepled his fingers and contemplated his current dilemma. It had been years since he'd resolved the oft times conflicting needs of the dual nature of his personality and hybrid physiology. Although Vulcan logic sometimes found it difficult to understand certain human needs, the Vulcan did accede to their necessity. Such as the sigh he'd just allowed himself.

POETRY by Robin Hood, Patt, Sharon Travis

COVERS by Chris Soto.

ART by Teri O'Brian, Chris Soto

June 1994