Path: newsspool2.news.atl.earthlink.net!stamper.news.atl.earthlink.net!elnk-atl-nf1!newsfeed.earthlink.net!newshosting.com!nx01.iad01.newshosting.com!yellow.newsread.com!news-toy.newsread.com!netaxs.com!newsread.com!POSTED.newshog.newsread.com!not-for-mail Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative.erotica.moderated Approved: ascem@earthlink.net Organization: Better Living Thru TrekSmut Sender: ascem@earthlink.net Message-ID: <008101c4883c$526061c0$6700a8c0@tarzan> From: "kira-nerys" MIME-Version: 1.0 Mailing-List: list ASCEML@yahoogroups.com; contact ASCEML-owner@yahoogroups.com Subject: NEW2LIST From the Mouth of a Predator 5/5, K/S NC17 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Lines: 696 Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2004 12:55:25 GMT NNTP-Posting-Host: 209.198.142.218 X-Complaints-To: Abuse Role , We Care X-Trace: newshog.newsread.com 1093179325 209.198.142.218 (Sun, 22 Aug 2004 08:55:25 EDT) NNTP-Posting-Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2004 08:55:25 EDT Xref: news.earthlink.net alt.startrek.creative.erotica.moderated:82923 X-Received-Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2004 05:55:30 PDT (newsspool2.news.atl.earthlink.net) PART FIVE McCoy had certified Spock healthy. Getting rid of the drug from his system had been fairly easy, and once that task was accomplished, Spock had recovered more quickly than anyone had expected. For that Kirk was grateful, for more than one reason. He had decided that their long overdue talk was going to take place right now. Two long days filled with writing reports and succumbing to McCoy's examinations was more than enough time to wait. This day's shift had finally ended, and he was now walking toward Spock's cabin. This was it. Either Spock would accept him and the truth of his feelings, or they would part ways. He knew the Vulcan planned to ask for a transfer. He'd seen the request for the necessary paperwork on the outgoing transmissions. Why hadn't Spock said anything? Kirk swallowed. Was he already too late? He rang the door chime and waited nervously, shifting from foot to foot. "Come," Spock murmured, and the door finally slid open. Kirk tried to compose himself before entering. He'd never felt quite so nervous or uneasy before. He and Spock were friends, and they were colleagues. There was no other creature in the universe he trusted more than Spock-so why did he feel like he was approaching his own execution? "Sit," Spock invited, and Kirk sat on a chair in front of Spock's desk. Kirk felt vaguely uncomfortable at the thought of entering his sleeping area. Spock was standing in the doorway to his bedroom. Kirk leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, studying his intertwined fingers carefully while trying to find the right words to say. He glanced up. The Vulcan was still wearing his uniform, and Kirk felt oddly grateful. He'd not expected it since Spock's shift had ended much earlier than his own had. McCoy wouldn't let the Vulcan work a full shift just yet. Perhaps Spock was wearing the uniform to create some kind of barrier between them, to remind Kirk of the reason why they weren't together already. Or perhaps it was only that Spock felt more comfortable wearing his uniform. But to Kirk, it was easier to address Spock as his colleague. Spock in science blue was the strong, competent, loyal officer and friend he knew. Had Spock been wearing his black meditation robe, the distance between them would have been more tangible and made it more difficult for him to say what he had to say. "You wished to speak," Spock said. His face wasn't exactly cold, but there wasn't that spark of warmth that Kirk was used to seeing either. The Vulcan shifted slightly, betraying unease. "Yes." Kirk realized that words would be inadequate, and he rose from the chair to stand before Spock. The Vulcan drew back slightly, and the mask cracked. Desire and shame all mixed together were suddenly visible in the dark eyes. They were always so expressive. Seeing Spock's shame made Kirk feel guilty, knowing that he had caused it for no other reason than his own fear. He wasn't proud of it. He reached out, circling his hands around the Vulcan's wrists, feeling the warmth and relishing it. Spock closed his eyes as if in pain. "Jim," he said. "Please, do not touch me." Anguish was written in every line on Spock's face. "Is it unpleasant?" Kirk whispered, knowing that Spock wouldn't lie to his face. "No, it is not," Spock inhaled sharply as Kirk moved his thumb across the slender wrist. He wanted to touch Spock more, but the simple sensation of Spock's pulse throbbing underneath the warm skin made Kirk's heart beat faster, too. "You know I could never find your touch repellent." Thank heavens, Kirk thought. It might not be too late. Then he leaned forward to kiss Spock. The need to touch Spock's lips with his own was impossible to resist. At first, Spock tried to pull his wrists free, but Kirk wouldn't let him. He wrapped his arms around the slim waist, pulling the Vulcan closer and into his arms. If Spock really hadn't wanted the embrace, Kirk would never have been able to hold him so close. The fact that Spock didn't make a stronger effort to pull away felt like a comfort, and made him hopeful. Then, as Spock turned his head and started to protest, Kirk moved his hands from the waist to the narrow shoulders, brushing the nape of the neck, until they finally buried themselves in the silky soft hair, gripping tightly. "Don't turn away from me," he begged. "Because I do want you. You must believe me, Spock, I want you so much." Spock moaned softly, a helpless sound that made Kirk instantly rock hard. What seemed like a lifetime ago, he'd promised himself he wouldn't give in to his physical desire, but coming so close to losing Spock, he had finally managed to get his priorities straight. Without Spock he would not be who he was. Without Spock he wouldn't want to be the captain of the Enterprise. She would mean nothing to him without Spock beside him, as his first officer, friend-and lover. It was too late to draw back even if he wanted to, because Spock's arms came around him, pulling him closer. Ultimately, he had no desire to pull away. "Do you mean it, Jim?" Spock asked. Kirk nodded. He wanted this so much, and the physical evidence should be obvious even to Spock. Pleasure rippled through his body, swelling like forceful currents. Spock's answering hardness pushed against Kirk, and he gasped, unable to remain calm. Taking advantage of that, the Vulcan kissed him fully, thrusting his tongue deep inside Kirk's mouth. The taste exploded; spice, impossible heat and something that was uniquely Spock. It was a real, lover's kiss, and Kirk groaned, wanting more of that touch, needing it more than anything else. How could he have been so blind? But he was abruptly pushed away, and Kirk swayed to keep his balance. It came so suddenly that he didn't know how to react, and before he had time to say anything, Spock's dark eyes were blazing with hurt. "Is this what you truly want from me, Jim? I do not believe you! You are a brilliant strategist, and you would proceed to do anything.." At first Kirk was shocked. Why would Spock think he was lying? Then anger rose in Kirk even faster than the passion had. "For heaven's sake, Spock! What do I have to do to prove it to you?" "Your career is too important to you." Spock stumbled away. His eyes shone in confusion. "I could never ask you to give that up, and I believe that you would say and do anything to make me stay on the Enterprise. You said you wanted me on A'sharon's ship, and I understand your desire to save my life, but I am no longer suffering from the pon farr. You do not have to do this!" "I need you in my professional life, that's true. I could never lie to you, and I would rather leave the Enterprise with you than stay on the ship without you, Spock. I want you, and I love you! How can you think so little of me?" Kirk said and took one step closer to Spock. What was wrong here? Spock wasn't stupid. Why did he keep insisting that the feelings weren't real? Spock swallowed and turned his back. His voice was suddenly calm and disconnected. Kirk waited. "I know that you need me, Jim, and you may even want me right now.but I do not believe that you truly love me, and that is the only way I could give in to you. I do not mean to pressure you. It is the truth, and you know that it is if you give it proper consideration." "Spock-" "No, Jim. Allow me to finish." Spock turned around again, his eyes locking with Kirk's. "To you 'love' is only a word. I have seen you and the way you love. You may believe that you care for me now, but what of the future?" The Vulcan's face contorted in pain. "Please, do not do this to me. If you care at all.." The anguish in Spock's eyes was more than Kirk could take. He took the final step to close the physical gap between them and grabbed the Vulcan's slender arms in a steel grip when Spock tried to move away. "Spock, this is different. What I feel for you is different." "Do not lie to me, Jim." Spock's voice cracked and the dark eyes shone with defeat. "I will stay. I will not transfer off the Enterprise if your need for me to stay is so great, I promise, but do not say things you do not mean." "I'm not lying." "I wish to believe you.." "Then believe me! Look at me. What is it that I am doing to you? I'm trying to tell you that I love you, that I want you. What is wrong with that? Tell me!" Kirk's grip around Spock's shoulders tightened and he realized he was shaking the other man. He forced himself to quit. "I am Vulcan, Jim," Spock said, and his eyes locked with Kirk's meaningfully. And Kirk did know what that meant. Spock thought that he knew him so well. He knew about the ladies, the promiscuous life he'd led, and Spock loved him despite it all. To a Vulcan, there was only one option available. He let his grip around Spock loosen as realization dawned and he turned away. The bond. It was the answer; he knew that a bonding for life was the only way to go for Spock. "You had valid reasons not to pursue this, Jim. Have those concerns just disappeared?" Leaning against the mesh-divider, Kirk remembered their discussion just a few short days ago. It seemed as though a lifetime had passed since then. His concern had been that being lovers was bound to make a difference, but as they were captured by A'sharon again, he'd had time to think, and he'd realized it had made a difference. The feelings were already there, and his loving Spock was a fact that wouldn't change. He wouldn't stop just because they didn't act on it. He still had to be able to send the Vulcan on dangerous missions. He wouldn't stop caring just because he wouldn't add the physical to their relationship. Kirk straightened and swallowed. He knew he had to get this clear in his mind before he said anything to Spock. No wonder Spock hadn't believed that his concerns were valid. No wonder Spock had seen right through him and realized that only one thing truly made him pull away, and that was the Vulcan bond. If he couldn't make that commitment, he would have to let go, but even as the thought crossed his mind, Kirk knew that he couldn't let go. No one would ever be able to read his every thought the way that Spock did. Without Spock, he would be incomplete, and only half the commander Starfleet and the Enterprise crew had learned to depend on. It simply wasn't possible for him to let Spock go. He turned around to look at the best friend he'd ever had, the most loyal and caring being he would ever meet. The Vulcan suddenly seemed so lonely, so fragile. He'd never seen Spock that way. In his mind, Spock was the strongest individual he knew, but perhaps it was as true for Spock as it was for him, that alone, he just wasn't complete. He watched as Spock looked down at his hands. But he knew that his command and the friendship were only small parts of why he couldn't let Spock go. The deepest truth of it was that he couldn't picture Spock with anyone else. He couldn't picture Spock being touched by anyone else or loved by anyone but him. The Vulcan belonged at his side, just as the Enterprise was his ship. But not giving Spock what he needed, what they both wanted would eventually mean death for the Vulcan. In a few years, at the onset of Spock's next real pon farr.. If Spock hadn't found a suitable mate by then.. "Jim, please leave." Spock said harshly. "Please leave now, before it is too late." Spock wasn't looking at him, so Kirk moved closer, putting his hand under the Vulcan's chin, forcing him to meet his gaze. The fire deep down in Spock's eyes had not diminished, but now there was also desperation, and Kirk finally realized that Spock was essential to him, not only to the captain of the Enterprise or the Starfleet officer, but to the human being, to Jim. "You don't understand, Spock. I'm not going anywhere." "You do not know what you are saying." "I know perfectly well," Kirk said stubbornly. "I will never leave you." Spock fought what he apparently desperately wanted-needed-to do. Kirk closed his eyes and waited patiently. He had done what he could. Now it was up to Spock to trust and to believe. At the pressure of Spock's body against his, and the fierceness of passionate lips, Kirk knew he'd made the right choice. He was pushed up against the wall to the sleeping area, completely helpless in the wake of Spock's overwhelming desire. "Oh, god," he moaned, unable to stop himself. "You do not know, Jim." Spock gasped and drove his fingers through Kirk's hair. The warm, powerful hands pulled him closer for a hungry kiss. "You do not know how I have longed for this.." "I do." Kirk kissed back with equal fervor, opening his mouth to a plundering tongue. He was grateful that the time for talk was over, for now at least. He buried his hands in the Vulcan's hair, marveling at the silk-like softness. Spock pulled away, and the Vulcan's breath was hot against his chin. Kirk leaned back, relaxing and giving himself over to sensation. Exposing his neck to the questing lips, he moaned. Spock's mouth moved over his throat in hunger as he sucked at the sensitive skin, causing shivers to travel across Kirk's shoulders, making his nipples harden and heat gather in his belly. Kirk felt as though he could never get enough of those kisses, of Spock's demanding lips tasting every exposed area of his skin. His bones felt as though they had melted and he couldn't remain upright, but Spock was there to support him. As always, Spock was there. "You feel so good, Spock, taste so good," he murmured, and he pulled harshly at the almost-black hair to get Spock to kiss his lips again. Kirk couldn't get enough of the spicy-sweet scent and taste. He thrust his tongue into Spock's mouth, and the response was immediate as Spock sucked him in, tasting and playing with him. Pulling Spock closer, he gripped the Vulcan's ass tightly. Kirk kneaded the muscles, hardly believing that this was happening, that he was actually touching Spock like this. He pulled away to watch the Vulcan's face. Dark strands of hair lay in disarray over Spock's forehead, his eyes were dark with passion and his mouth was swollen from Kirk's kisses. He looked so wanton. By god, Kirk could never get enough of that sight. He couldn't believe he had ever hesitated. Ever. "I want you so much," he insisted. "Spock. Do you believe me?" Spock met his eyes and spoke haltingly. "Jim.yes." They started pulling at each other's clothes at the same time. Kirk pushed Spock from him just enough to look at him. "I want to see you, Spock. I can't get the image of you undressing before A'sharon out of my mind. You were so beautiful." Spock stepped back and Kirk swallowed, feeling bereft for a moment. Soon, though, his gaze was glued to the sinewy figure of Spock as he pulled his tunic off. The black t-shirt underneath clung tightly to his muscled torso. Beautiful. Their eyes met and Kirk swallowed as he saw a hint of amusement in the Vulcan's eyes. At last, Spock believed him. He was secure enough to tease. Their gazes held as Spock pulled the t-shirt out of his black pants, exposing the first hint of the hair on his stomach. Kirk had seen Spock naked before many times, but not like this, not wanting him like this. His gaze lingered on Spock's deft fingers undoing the fastenings of his pants slowly. Then Kirk looked up and Spock was watching him. "Undress for me, Jim," he asked huskily. "I will," Kirk whispered. "Once you're done.." Spock threw the t-shirt on the floor and quickly toed off his boots. "Don't rush it, Spock. Please. I love seeing you like this." The hair on Spock's chest looked soft, and Kirk couldn't wait to find out if it was. "I am not certain I can proceed with this, Jim," Spock said slowly. "It is making me feel.exposed." "Don't, Spock. Don't feel like that. You're gorgeous. Looking at you like this-I've never seen anything.. Look at me, Spock. Can't you see how much I want this, want you?" Spock continued, his long-fingered hands opening his trousers languidly, his eyes never leaving Kirk's. He couldn't tell if Spock was teasing on purpose, Kirk pulled his own shirt off, slowly, deliberately teasing the Vulcan, and the hunger in Spock's eyes drove him on. The Vulcan paused with his hands holding the trousers open, as though transfixed by the vision before him. There was such desire between them. Kirk hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his pants, and Spock stepped closer. "Uh-uh!" Kirk said and shook his head, smiling seductively. He was going to enjoy this. "Jim, please. Allow me.to touch you." The words were more effective than a caress. Kirk felt his erection growing, pressing urgently at the fly of the pants still hanging precariously on his hips. He groaned softly and closed his eyes for just an instant. "Don't talk like that, Spock," he whispered. But he really didn't want Spock to quit. The warm, velvety voice sent rippling pleasure through him. Spock walked around him, looking him over appreciatively, and Kirk couldn't help but shiver. The dark eyes roamed every inch of him. As Spock was standing behind him, Kirk was suddenly pulled against the hot, Vulcan body, as needy as his own. Spock's warm hands glided slowly across Kirk's stomach, and he gasped. Spock pushed the pants open, and the Vulcan-warm hands made their way inside the tight trousers. Kirk felt powerless in the wake of the pleasure caused by that intimate caress. "You, too, are beautiful, Jim. I have always thought you were beautiful." Spock's hands brushed the head of Kirk's already leaking cock and he moaned, leaning more heavily against his companion. "God, Spock.." The pants fell to the floor, and Kirk kicked them off, turning around to bring his arms around Spock's slender waist. He marveled at the hardness of the muscles. Caressing the narrow shoulders and smooth back, slowly, Kirk smiled when he managed to provoke a breathy moan. "Does that feel good?" "Yes," Spock hissed, and Kirk felt the Vulcan's still confined sex push against his hip, and he wanted to free the Vulcan of the remaining clothes keeping them apart. He pushed his hands down the back of the trousers, feeling the taut globes of Spock's beautiful ass. He squeezed them experimentally and Spock swayed, impatiently pulling at his trousers. "Shh," Kirk whispered and gently pushed the Vulcan's hands away. "Let me, Spock. Let me undress you." He pulled the pants down the narrow hips, falling to his knees as he took in the beauty of the smooth, jade-tinged flesh that was slowly exposed before him. The cock, nestled in black, soft hair sprang free of its confines. Inhaling sharply, Spock stepped out of his boots, and the trousers followed. Finally, they were both naked. Almost reverently, Kirk got to his feet, stepping closer to Spock. He groaned when his own erection jutted forward, as if seeking to rub wantonly against Spock. When they touched, the satiny smooth skin and the hardness of Spock's sex were delicious. "God, you feel so good." The hairs on the Vulcan's chest were every bit as soft as they looked. Kirk moved his hand over the chest, brushing a nipple and causing Spock to gasp. The Vulcan leaned his head back, exposing his throat, and Kirk moved forward, licking the soft skin of neck and collarbone. "Jim." Hearing Spock saying his name like that drove Kirk insane. So passionate. Spock's hands were hot as they cupped his ass, and Kirk buried his face in the Vulcan's shoulder, fighting the cry that wanted to escape his mouth. They stumbled slowly and awkwardly toward the bed, not wanting to let go of each other. They fell onto the bunk in a tangle of limbs, Kirk's erection sliding in between the Vulcan's legs as Spock lay beside him. "Spock. You're so hot." He was, literally. Kirk's cock found an incredibly warm haven between Spock's muscular thighs, and he couldn't stop himself from moving against the silken skin and the coarse hair. The sexual need he'd carried for so long intensified, and Kirk wrapped his arms around the slender body lying beside him. Spock was like a furnace and he craved that heat. "God, Spock, I need you." Spock pushed him to his back and moved in between his legs. Spreading himself wider, Kirk allowed the Vulcan to settle more comfortably. Such heat, such hardness and the silk of the Vulcan's erection against his own nearly made him lose his fragile control. He wanted to turn them both around and to drive himself mindlessly into Spock's tight, hot flesh. "Jim," Spock whispered, burying his face in the crook of Kirk's neck. Kirk felt the tremors run through Spock's body, as though he was fighting his need. As though the imbalance were still there. "You can do whatever you want to me, Spock," he whispered. "I want you so much." Spock's warm tongue traced his cheekbone, across his jaw, up toward his ear, alternating with small, stinging nips that turned Kirk's bones to water. Spock followed the round edge of his ear with the tip of his tongue. Kirk moaned and arched beneath Spock. He could feel himself leaking, his balls tightening, knowing that it would take very little to bring him over the edge. Spock shuddered and pressed closer; their cocks kissed, sliding together. "Oh yes," Kirk moaned. Spock's caresses grew bolder, brushing over his nipples downward, and Kirk tensed. "I'll come, Spock. Don't." And Spock hesitated just before wrapping his fingers around Kirk's erection, their eyes meeting, the connection between them so strong. "Not yet?" "Not yet," Kirk agreed. He enjoyed the feel of hot hands moving over him across his stomach and flanks, and still that fairly innocuous touch was driving him inevitably toward the edge. He'd wanted this so fiercely, for longer than he knew. All of a sudden it was too much to try to drag it out or to hold back, and Spock knew it, too. Cupping his ass, Spock pulled him closer. Kirk gasped and mirrored the Vulcan's action, reveling in the feel of the round buttocks. His undulations became quicker, uncontrolled, and Spock responded in kind. Their gazes met and locked. Spock leaned down to kiss him, thrusting inside Kirk's mouth. They dueled, tasting each other hungrily, enjoying the intimate touch. Spock's hands grabbed at his hips, asking a question with his eyes, and Kirk couldn't get a sound across his lips. He just nodded mutely, understanding what Spock wanted. The Vulcan sat back on his haunches and pulled Kirk into his lap. As he parted Kirk's buttocks, it allowed his hot, hard cock to slide along the crack, just brushing lightly, teasingly across the sensitive opening, not entering. Kirk thrashed and bucked, wanting to feel Spock inside him with a need that he couldn't stifle. He cried out from the surge of pleasure cascading through his body. He tensed, and the exquisite touch of the Vulcan's cock again sliding over the entrance to his body was enough to put him at the end of his control. His balls drew tight to his body, preparing for release. He could have screamed when Spock stopped his movements. "Oh.yes.Spock.no.. Don't stop. Please." "Now?" "Now. Oh, yes. Make me come." The pleasure returned as Spock aligned their erections tightly together, wrapping his hot hand around them both. "Touch me, Jim. Please." Spock moaned, and Kirk wrapped his hand around them both as well. The sound Spock made was frighteningly close to a sob. Intense pleasure rippled through Kirk in never-ending waves, and their hands tightening around his now spurting cock heightened the pleasure to an almost painful level. He heard Spock cry out from what seemed like a faraway place, and the cock pressed together with his jerked and spurted its Vulcan-warm liquid between them. Kirk drifted back to consciousness slowly, waking up to the heavy weight of Spock on him. It was a wonderful feeling like nothing he had experienced before. After sex, Kirk usually wanted to get out of bed to clean up, but not this time. Instead, he lifted heavy arms to wrap them around narrow shoulders and hold on as tight as he was capable. "I love you," he whispered. Spock lifted his head from its resting place on Kirk's shoulder. Their eyes met and Kirk smiled. He felt completely satisfied. Spock's eyes held a question. Kirk nodded and didn't shy away as the slender fingers settled against his face. The Vulcan found the meld points easily, speaking of familiarity and practice. Kirk simply lay there, closing his eyes, waiting for the sweet tingle of Spock's mind entering his. He soon became aware that this was nothing like what he'd experienced before. Where he'd felt a flickering presence in their previous melds, there was now a rush of light, of warmth and unbridled emotion. It exploded in his mind like a thousand fireworks, possessively spilling into every corner of his mind, filling him-completing him. Surprisingly, it wasn't frightening or uncomfortable, and he welcomed it, opening himself to the Vulcan's mind and soul without hesitation. "You truly do love me," Spock whispered as he rested his temple against the top of Kirk's head, removing his fingers. His voice was filled with undisguised awe. "Yes." "But it is too soon," Spock said regretfully. Kirk felt a cold hand grip his heart. "Too soon? What are you talking about?" "I will not bond us." "Spock." Kirk began to protest, but the dark eyes met his, and Kirk cut himself off mid-sentence, waiting to hear what Spock had to say. Kirk owed him that much at least. "I understand your insecurity now," Spock explained, "Not having grown up in an environment where lifelong commitment is very common, I can understand how the finality of a bond might frighten you." "I don't fear it anymore, Spock," Kirk whispered, and he knew it to be the truth. "I know you do not, but you may change your mind. A bond will bind you to me for the rest of your life. I will not do that to you at this time." "But.." Spock just looked at him and Kirk fell silent. "If you still want to be my mate when my next pon farr arrives, we will bond. Until that time, I will not bind you to me." Kirk closed his eyes in pain. Spock knew him, or thought he did, and believed that the love he felt now wouldn't last. "I could not do this to you, Jim." "Spock." Kirk was so sure that this was what he wanted, he wanted Spock to know it, and he watched the Vulcan intently, reaching out to grab his hand once more. "No, Jim," Spock pulled away. "Do not try to persuade me otherwise. I shall love you always, and if your love for me is true, we will be one." Giving in finally, Kirk was surprised to find that, instead of being angry or hurt by Spock's words, he relaxed. If Spock needed time for reassurance, he was glad to give it. "Can we still meld?" "Yes, the bond will not be sealed permanently until we are both ready for it to happen." "Good," Jim said. There was no doubt in his mind that they would be bondmates. One day-sooner than Spock might think. ŻŻŻ Four weeks later "Captain, there's an incoming transmission for you on subspace." "Who is it from?" There was a stunned silence before Uhura continued. "It's the Klingon Commander-Korasz." "On screen." "Captain Kirk." Commander Korasz' haggard face appeared. Kirk felt a twinge of regret, wishing he'd been able to save She'zaron from A'sharon's vengeance. "Commander, my condolences," he said. "Thank you, Captain Kirk." There was an awkward silence. "What can I do for you, Commander?" "I am contacting you personally to inform you that the Klingon High Council has tried and convicted A'sharon. She was executed early this morning." Something inside Kirk shifted then, and he glanced at his lover. There was a quiet sadness in Spock's eyes. Capital punishment was no longer used in the Federation, but on the Klingon home world it was still very common. As much as Kirk disliked the death sentence, he couldn't help feeling relieved that A'sharon would never again hurt them. It was as though a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. "Thank you for informing us, Commander." "You're welcome. Your help was appreciated. I will not forget it," Commander Korasz stated before the screen went black. "Captain." "What is it, Mr. Spock?" Kirk wondered and swiveled his chair around to face his first officer, who was standing beside the center seat, close enough to touch. The soft expression on Spock's face made Kirk's gut fill with anticipation. "I believe it is time for me to put the past where it belongs-in the past-and trust the future." "Indeed, Mr. Spock?" "Indeed," Spock replied, and an elegant eyebrow rose in challenge. A wide smile spread across Kirk's face, and he couldn't help laughing softly at Uhura's puzzled frown. If he wasn't entirely wrong, Spock had just proposed. On the bridge. End part 5 of 5 ~ END ~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ASCEM messages are copied to a mailing list. 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