Hailing Frequencies Open
by Ann Douglas
(ann_douglas@hotmail.com)
The following is a work of erotic fiction and includes scenes of sexual activity. It includes characters that are copyrighted by Paramount Pictures. This story is intended for the non-commercial enjoyment of fans and should be considered a parody. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit will be made from the distribution of this story.
Written for the Femme Fuh-Q Fest -
http://femmefuhqfest.svpress.us/
James Kirk was dead.
No matter how many times the fifty-four year old Commander had repeated that simple phrase in her mind, she still found it almost impossible to accept. How often over the last three decades had she'd heard them uttered, only to have them disproved as the Captain managed to change the odds once again. If the latest proclamation had come from anyone other than Pavel, she would still be waiting for Jim Kirk to show up and prove everyone wrong.
But this time there would be no miracle escape. This time, the former Communications Officer of the USS Enterprise would have to accept the hours old communication as fact. Only legends lived forever, not the men who made them.
Club 606 had been a Starfleet bar for as long as there had been a Starfleet. The walls were covered with mission patches and other paraphernalia dating back over a hundred years. One wall held photographs of the men and women who had pushed the envelope in those early days of warp flight and made Starfleet what it was today. The names of Jonathan Archer, A.G. Robinson, Erika Hernandez and "Trip" Tucker were but a few of the honored. Another wall held a collection of ship's insignia from the days when each starship crew wore a different design. It was a source of pride to the veteran officer that the delta arrow worn by the crew of Enterprise was later adopted as the standard for the entire Fleet.
Tonight, as on most nights, the club was filled with officers and crewmen from Starfleet Command as well as those ships in orbit around Earth. Few of them failed to recognize the veteran Commander, who had returned to the teaching post at the Academy she had occupied at various points in her career. A prize post she had willingly, even eagerly, abandoned when James Kirk had called and asked her to rejoin his command crew. For all the awards that a grateful Federation had bestowed, none meant more to her than the simple right to say, "yes, I was there." That she'd served on both of Kirk's five-year missions as well as the epic adventures beyond.
But those days were now gone, never to return. The Captain was dead and there would be no more adventures. Deep in her heart, Nyota Uhura wished at least one of her old friends were still on Earth, so that she could have someone with which to share the pain. But Scottie and Chekov, both of who had joined the Captain to help celebrate the launch of the Enterprise - B, were still at least a day's journey away as the damaged starship limped home. And even then there would be the inevitable debriefing that would run on forever, as if the inquires of desk bound Admirals could change the facts.
And Sulu, dear Hikaru, was off on Excelsior, the starship he had waited so long for and so richly deserved. And with him, serving as his Communication's Officer, was Janice Rand, her friend and lover of many years past. She knew they both would move the heavens themselves to get back for the memorial that was already being planned, but that was days in the future.
Spock had returned to Vulcan after the Enterprise - A had been decommissioned following the Khitomer Mission. The last that she'd heard was that he'd resigned his Starfleet commission to join the Vulcan Diplomatic Corps. It was already being whispered that someday he would replace his father, Sarek, as that world's Ambassador At Large.
Finally, even Doctor McCoy, who never left Earth these days, had done so to watch his granddaughter graduate from the Vulcan Science Academy. He would return with Spock for the memorial of course, but again that would be at the end of the week.
Several times, Nyota had caught glances from the starshipmen around her. She knew what they expected from her, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. It was a tradition older than even the Federation, to drink a toast to a fallen comrade. But one who had served with them could only properly raise the toast, and as unlikely as it seemed, no one else in the bar qualified. To drink that toast, to raise her glass and call for all others to do the same, would be to finally admit that he was gone. And as much as her mind said it was so, her heart still couldn't bear to agree.
The sudden clanking of a three hundred year old ship's bell a minute later caused both Uhura and just about everyone in the tightly packed bar to turn and look to the small platform in the corner that had once served as the bridge of a nineteenth century clipper ship. Standing there, clad in the burgundy uniform of a full Commander was a tall, fiftyish blonde, wearing the accouterments of the Communications Division. In her hand she held a crystal tumbler, filled almost to the rim with Saurian Brandy.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Fleet," the woman called out in a powerful yet controlled voice, "I ask you to stand up with me and raise a glass to the memory of the best of us."
Almost in unison, every person in the bar took their glass in hand and rose to their feet. Recognition and relief filled Uhura's eyes as she did so as well. Finally a familiar face, she thought, one that could render the honors that she couldn't.
"To James T. Kirk," the Commander echoed, "Captain, explorer, hero and friend."
The words were simple; they didn't need to be anything more. Many times in the days to come, personages of station would recount in detail the deeds of James Kirk. But among those he called his fellows, such adulation was as unneeded as it would've been unseemly.
"James T. Kirk," the assembled echoed in return as they lifted their drinks and then downed them in one quick shot.
Honors rendered, the blonde stepped down from the impromptu stage and headed immediately to where Uhura was standing. Before Nyota could say a word, the new arrival threw her arms around her and kissed her cheek, the tears that had been held back during the toast now making an appearance.
"Oh Nyota, I'm so sorry," Elizabeth Palmer said as she held her one time superior officer. "I couldn't believe it when I heard it on the Comm channels."
"As much as I didn't want to believe it myself, I'm afraid it's really true," Uhura replied as she returned both the hug and the kiss.
"At least he went out like he would've wanted to," Elizabeth offered, "saving the Enterprise."
"Even if it wasn't his Enterprise," Uhura nodded her head, thinking that the center seat of the vessel that had left orbit early this morning belonged to John Harriman and not James Kirk. That was the reason she hadn't accepted her own invitation to attend the launch.
It seemed so strange to her to have anyone else sit in that seat, even if mentally she knew that made no sense. Other Captains had sat in that chair, Robert April, Christopher Pike, Will Decker, and even Spock, and all had a part in the history of Enterprise.
Just like the crewmen who, unlike her, had come aboard, served a few years, and then moved on, never to return. A class that Elizabeth certainly fell into, yet that made it no less right for her to have given the toast. It was the loss of the Captain that made her feel this way she knew, and she also knew that James Kirk would be the first to say accept what had happened and move on. He did what he had to do, and so should she.
"So how are things going on the Lexington?" Nyota asked to change the subject as one of the bartenders refilled Uhura's drink and poured one for the new arrival.
"About what you'd expect," Elizabeth said as she took a short taste of her drink. "Captain Lincoln expects a lot from his department heads, but I had a good teacher."
Uhura smiled. Elizabeth had spent her time on Enterprise serving first as the relief communications officer and then later deputy department head. Even before her posting, the two of them had been friends, having been in the same year at the Academy. Both being in Communications, their classes were always overlapping and during their last term they had even roomed together.
They spent the next half hour catching up, sharing information about common friends, recounting tales of days long past. The only problem was, try as they could to avoid it, the conversation always came back to the one that brought the both of them to Club 606.
"You know what we really need to do?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, what?" Nyota asked in return, even though she had a good idea of the answer.
"We need to get out of here and let it all come out," the blonde haired commander replied. "Where we can be just friends dealing with a loss, and not officers and gentlebeings."
"My apartment is only about ten minutes from here," Nyota replied, the decision made instantly.
"I'll order us a bottle to go then," Elizabeth said.
"No, don't bother," Nyota said as she placed her hand on Elizabeth's arm to keep her from calling the bartender. "I have a bottle of "clear blue" that I've been saving for the right occasion. It was a gift from the Captain on my fiftieth birthday, and I can't think of a better time to drink it."
"Really?" Elizabeth said in surprise, remembering that was the code word they'd used back in the day to refer to illicit bottles of Romulan Ale. A drink that was as prized as much as it was forbidden.
"Let's go," Uhura said as she left her thumbprint on a padd to settle her tab at the bar.
-=-=-=-
An hour later, the newly opened bottle of ale showed considerable use as Nyota and Elizabeth sat back on the large plush couch that rested against the bay window of Uhura's apartment. Both had changed into more comfortable civilian attire, Elizabeth having had her shore leave bag beamed down from Lexington.
They had again taken up the subject of common friends, but this time covering areas much more personal than could be covered in a public setting. Of past lovers and would be lovers. Both women laughed when they realized that in at least one case, they both had slept with the same man.
"Was there any woman on Enterprise who didn't sleep with Lieutenant Leslie at one time or another?" Elizabeth laughed.
"I'm beginning to think not?" Nyota grinned. "What was it about him that everyone seemed to find so fascinating. I can't remember."
"Well, I know a few others who enjoyed the Lieutenant's charms, and almost to a woman, they said he reminded them of Captain Kirk," Elizabeth offered.
"Really?" Nyota asked, "I never saw him that way."
"Well, if anyone would be in a position to know, I guess you would," the blonde said with a sly grin on her face.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Nyota said, with a look and tone that said exactly the opposite.
"Oh come on, Nyota, there's no reason to deny it anymore," Elizabeth said as she leaned closer, "Everyone's heard the rumor that you and the Captain had ..."
The words didn't need to be said, Nyota had been hearing the rumor for twenty years. Perhaps it was time to set the record straight.
"Okay, but I still don't want this to be common knowledge," the dark skinned woman began, waiting until her guest nodded in acknowledgement before continuing. "Yes, Jim and I did have a brief encounter a long way back. But it was before he was given Enterprise. I don't want anyone thinking he would've compromised his position by having a fling with a subordinate."
Elizabeth nodded her acknowledgement.
"It was back when I was a newly promoted Ensign, waiting for my first assignment and he was Second Officer on the Republic, which was in spacedock for repairs." Nyota began, putting the incident in perspective. "We met one night, believe it or not, at Club 606. It might be nice to say we had a deep meaningful relationship, but to be honest I'd have to say we were both young, lonely and very horny."
"Not that there's anything wrong with that," Elizabeth quipped with a smile.
A smile that was echoed by Nyota.
"So as an old friend, I can now ask you the question that just about every woman who ever served aboard Enterprise always wanted to ask," Elizabeth went on, her grin growing more mischievous. "How was it?"
The older woman took a long moment before answering, taking a sip of her ale while she considered her reply.
"Well, we both were a lot younger back then," she began, "and a lot more inexperienced you understand."
"Of course."
"But I can honestly say," she continued, her smile becoming broader, "that even back then, there's no way you could ever mistake Leslie for Jim Kirk, at least not in that regard. And that, is all I'm ever going to say on that matter."
"Really," Elizabeth replied, the single word filled with envy as she remembered how impressed she'd been with Leslie after their night together. It was nice to know that part of Kirk's legend was as true as his Captainship.
"What about you?" Nyota asked.
"What about me?"
"I'm sure there was some secret lover in your past that you never told anyone about," Nyota continued, her smile now turning from mischievous to wicked as the stress of the long day was washed away by the potent ale.
"I'm afraid my great secret would be the one that got away," Elizabeth answered, a touch of sadness in her tone.
"You let the big one get away?" Uhura laughed softly, "Somehow I find that hard to believe."
"Well there were extenuating circumstances."
"Such as?"
"Such as she was involved with someone else, at least at first," Elizabeth confessed. "And then later, I just couldn't seem to get her interest."
"Then she was a fool," Nyota exclaimed, downing the last of her ale.
"I never thought her that," Elizabeth said in defense of her unrequited lover. "There was also the problem that she was my superior officer."
"Your superior ..." The senior Commander started to repeat, then paused as understanding washed over her. "Oh God, Elizabeth, I never knew."
"I know," the blonde simply replied, then added, "Even back in our Academy days, you sometimes had problems with short range communications."
"I guess I wish I could say that I've gotten better at them since then," Nyota offered, "but obviously I haven't, at least in some areas."
"Well, I learned anything from my time on Enterprise, it was that phrase that Mr. Spock was so fond of saying," Elizabeth smiled as she put the last of her own drink down and moved even closer to her hostess. "That there are always possibilities."
-=-=-=-
Few words needed to be said after that. They'd been friends for far too long not to know that both needed the other. Pain shared was pain halved, Elizabeth remembered being told by her grandmother when she was young. Nyota, on the other hand, remembered the words of her own mother who had always told her that there was no better way to deal with the sorrow of death than by celebrating the joy of life.
Their first kiss was that between friends, but filled with the promise of what could be. The second more intense as Elizabeth pressed her tongue between Nyota's lips to deeply explore her mouth. At the same time, the blonde brought the palm of her hand to rest against her fellow communications officer's right breast. Through the thin material of Uhura's dress, she could feel the hardness of her nipple and the warmth of the flesh around it. Elizabeth smiled as she remembered how many nights she had hungered for the near perfect mounds.
As they continued to kiss, Nyota reached out to also explore Elizabeth's body. The loose two-piece suit her guest had changed into was hardly designed for easy access, but Uhura was sure she wouldn't be wearing it much longer. Almost as if she was reading her mind, Elizabeth reached up and pulled down the zipper that held the short-sleeved top together. Her blouse fell open, exposing the naked breasts beneath.
Nyota took her cue and immediately ran her ringers across both globes, circling the bright pink areola and tickling the thick pert stubs standing in the centers. A soft moan spilled from Elizabeth's lips, one that grew in volume and intensity as the dark skinned lover leaned forward and planted a kiss on each nipple, pausing at each just long enough to run her tongue across them.
"Why don't we take a moment to get more comfortable," Nyota suggested as she lifted herself back up.
Eager to do just that, Elizabeth had her top off before her hostess had even finished the suggestion. Her equally loose fitting slacks only took a short time more. Nyota rose to work her way out of her dress, but as she reached for the clasp behind her neck, another hand stopped her.
"No, let me," Elizabeth said as she pressed up against Nyota from behind. "I've waited a long time to do this."
"Of course," the older officer said as she removed her hands.
Only a single clasp held the blue dress around the full-bodied woman and once undone, the flowing garment fluttered to the floor. Before it fell all the way there, Elizabeth's hands were on Nyota's breasts, her fingers caressing the rich chocolate flesh that her bra didn't cover. Then they slipped under that thin, but strong material, to slide across the skin beneath, closing around the thick, hard tips.
"Oh yes," Nyota purred as she closed her eyes for a moment, tilting her head back to meet Elizabeth's for a brief kiss.
Even as their lips met again, the blonde's fingers had moved to the hook holding the twin hemispheres of her bra together. A hook that quickly gave way, releasing their prize. Elizabeth backed away just far enough to slide off the now unnecessary undergarment, then quickly closed her hands around Nyota's breasts again.
She squeezed them tightly, playing with the excited flesh even as her mouth covered Uhura's neck and back with kisses. One hand worked its way down across Nyota's stomach, pushing down the simple white panties that held an even greater jewel.
Nyota gasped as she felt two fingers enter her, brushing against the sensitive walls of her womanhood. Slipping in and out of the woman in her arms, Elizabeth was nevertheless unwilling to relinquish the large brown mounds she had just uncovered. Her other hand continued to play with them at the same time. Soon enough, both hands moved in unison, bringing Uhura waves of delight from both directions.
Long gasps became shorter as Elizabeth worked her magical fingers faster and faster, teasing Nyota's warm, wet flesh. Her kisses became feverish, reflecting the heat in both their bodies. A third, then a fourth finger joined the first two, with the pace of their motion nearly doubled.
Back and forth they rocked, pressed so tightly together as to be almost one. The raging fires within Uhura quickly built to a conflagration. Even as her short gasps truncated into even briefer grunts. Until they suddenly exploded, along with her body, into an almost silent but still shattering scream.
"E...liz...a...beth!" Nyota cried out as her body shuddered in Elizabeth's tight embrace.
Elizabeth continued to hold her tightly until the last of the tremors subsided. Once they did, she again tilted Nyota's head back and kissed her again, sharing the feelings she had brought her old friend.
"Elizabeth, I don't know what to say," Uhura said with a warm smile as she bathed in the afterglow of her orgasm. "I never imagined you could do anything like that."
"Well it wasn't like I never tried to tell you," Elizabeth grinned, "going back twenty years if you remember."
"Well, I promise you this," Nyota said as she turned around in Elizabeth's arms and kissed her hard, "the next time you want to send me a message, I'll have all my hailing frequencies open."
With that promise still echoing on her lips, Nyota took Elizabeth by the hand and led her into the adjoining bedroom. Half as large as the outer room, it was dominated by a large, oversized platform bed in the center. Like the rest of the apartment, the bedroom was decorated with an eclectic mix of artifacts, collected on a hundred worlds. A large double bay window displayed a magnificent view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and filled the chamber with the soft light of an early moon.
Stripping themselves of the last of their undergarments, the two women took a moment to appreciate the other. Despite both being on the near side of fifty, their bodies defied the calendar. In a world where luxury and leisure time had risen to practically an art form, a life spent in Starfleet had kept them both in excellent shape.
They approached the bed from opposite sides, meeting in the center with a hungry kiss. Tongues interlocked as strong, yet soft hands caressed eager flesh. Arms wrapped around the other, they savored the passion of each other's desire.
A desire that soon took control as Elizabeth cradled Nyota's large breasts in her hands, playing with them as she rubbed her thumbs against the dark nipples. Tilting her head downward, she ran her tongue across the inviting mounds, leaving a wet trail across their breadth as she moved from one to the other, and then back again. Pausing each time to take the erect niblets between her lips and suck on them deeply.
Running her fingers through Elizabeth's hair, offering sweet encouragements, Uhura again asked herself how she could ever have failed to pick up the signals from her one time roommate. After all, she'd always had a thing for blondes. No matter, she answered herself, what was important was that she had a chance to make up for it now.
Shifting positions, Nyota brought her own mouth to play against the bright pink nipples of the blonde's smaller breasts. A loud, satisfying sigh filled the air as Elizabeth closed her eyes and delighted in the embrace of her lover's wet warmth.
Back and forth they went, alternating their kisses between both the other's mouth and breasts. Nipples pressed against, nipples, lips against lips, and tongues against tongues, as well as every combination possible.
And all the while, their darting hands continued to explore the rest of their bodies, bringing with them a playful mix of hard and soft touches. Lower and lower they ventured, until almost simultaneously, they both arrived at the precious treasure between their legs.
Their bodies interlocked, their lips intertwined, Nyota and Elizabeth each slipped three fingers deep into the other. Twin moans of delight, echoing deep in the other's mouth, encouraged them to press even deeper. An encouragement that was hardly needed.
Each had one hand deep within the other's sex and the other pressed hard against their breasts. Fervent kisses continued to be shared, matching the rising temperature of their bodies as they quickened their pace.
A pace that became frantic as a shared enthusiasm and desire propelled them far down the road to bliss. Each had decades of experience, as well as the secrets of many worlds that they could draw upon, skills that they couldn't wait to share with the other.
It was impossible to tell which of them climaxed first, but it was enough that the second joined her scant heartbeats later. A raging ecstasy ripped through both their bodies, crashing between them and then resounding back upon each other.
"My God, " Elizabeth gasped as she tried to catch her breath, "that was ..."
"Unbelievable," Nyota interjected as she ran her fingertips across the blonde's sweaty breasts.
"Overwhelmingly." Elizabeth purred as she took Uhura's fingers and gently kissed them before adding invitingly, "Want to try again?"
As if there was a chance that either of them was going to say no.
Not even pausing to finish catching her breath, Nyota kissed Elizabeth hard, forcing her backwards on the bed. Her kisses continued, working their way once more across her breasts and down to her stomach. At the same time, a dark hand started at the ankle of the light skinned woman's leg and worked its way upward, until it found itself once more between her legs. There it caressed the bare mound, stoking the fires within.
Fires that burned even more brightly as Nyota's trail of kisses found their way to that priceless pearl. Using her outstretched arms to balance herself, Elizabeth arched back as she spread her legs further open. At the same time, Nyota used her own version of the formal Vulcan salute to pave the way for her tongue to slip deep within her love.
"Blessed Great Bird of the Galaxy!" Elizabeth cried out as she felt the electric touch of Uhura's tongue on her clit.
A touch that quickly increased in speed and ferocity as Nyota applied the same dedication she brought to the bridge of the Enterprise to the task of bringing this woman pleasure. Darting, probing, her tongue and fingers found every sensitive spot within Elizabeth, playing a magnificent opus. A melody that reverberated throughout her body, bringing with it an even greater desire.
Elizabeth took hold of Nyota's head and pushed it down further, driving her deeper inside her. It only took a little more effort, which Nyota was more than willing to give, to push her to the brink of orgasm.
"Oh, God, Nyota!" she cried out as she felt her body begin to shudder once more, "Yes, yes, Oh God, yes!"
Knowing that Elizabeth's explosion was imminent and now unstoppable, Nyota suddenly abandoned her efforts save those of her hand and lifted her head up from between the blonde's legs. Reaching upward with her free hand, she slipped it behind Elizabeth's head and pulled it down to hers.
Their lips met just as the fuse Nyota ignited set off one of the most powerful orgasms Elizabeth had ever experienced. Ever fiber of her body exploded as the older woman pulled their bodies tight together, sharing in the detonation.
The waves of pleasure lapping over her seemed to last forever, or at least Elizabeth wished they could have. Through it all, Nyota continued to stroke the blonde's special places, to enhance and prolong her climax.
Finally the tides subsided, as the small, still rational part of her brain knew they must. Still, Elizabeth continued to hold Nyota tight against her, unwilling to let her go.
Something that her new lover had no intention of doing. They lay locked in each other's embrace for an immeasurable time, gently stroking the other's body and whispering quiet words of satisfaction. Finally, reluctantly, Elizabeth slipped from Uhura's arms and sat up alongside her.
"Nyota, I know that this is just one of those Starfleet things," Elizabeth said as she tried to put the night in perspective, "after all, a week from now we're going to be light-years apart for who knows how long. And we're both feeling a sense of loss about the Captain, but still I want you to know that..."
Her words were cut short by the press of Uhura's fingers against her lips.
"You know, I guess it is true what they say about Communications Officers," Nyota said in a mock serious tone. "They do sometimes not know when to shut up."
Elizabeth had to laugh, but if anyone other than Uhura had said that to her.
"Next week is next week, and tonight is tonight," Nyota went on, "and we still have a good many hours until tomorrow. Time that we should make the most of."
The message in her words were more than clear as Nyota leaned over and despite her recent exertions, forcefully thrust her tongue deep into Elizabeth's mouth. The unexpected, but nonetheless appreciated resumption of their lovemaking, took the slightly younger woman by surprise. But only for a few moments as she was quick, and quite happy, to respond.
Rolling on top of Uhura, she continued to share her kiss, even as their bodies rubbed together. Breasts brushed against breasts, nipples creating electric sparks as they made contact. The fires that had so recently cooled burned hot once more as Elizabeth shifted her thigh so that it slipped between Nyota's legs, causing her bare mound to press hard against the gray and black patch that covered Uhura's.
Like matter to anti-matter, the reaction was explosive, causing load moans to fill the air as they ground their bodies together. Still covered with the sweat and the natural lubricants of their previous couplings, their bodies rocked hard against the other. Quickly gone was the fatigue that both had felt such a short time before.
Waves of passion raced across excited flesh as this time the two women shared a mutual orgasm. Compared to those that had gone before, these had been mild but extremely satisfying. But also unlike those, these little delights signaled the start of something more rather than the end.
Elizabeth continued to orally caress Nyota's body, covering it with kisses and the wet trail left by her tongue. She was again drawn to the large, dark nipples she had so often dreamed about and took them deep inside her mouth.
Uhura moaned again appreciatively, as her own mouth and hands traversed Elizabeth's body. But for the moment, the initiative belonged to the blonde haired woman and Nyota was content to let her take the lead.
Elizabeth's nimble fingers traced a path down Uhura's center, working their way across the short, curly hairs that guarded her womanhood. Close behind her touch, her talented tongue and mouth closely followed.
Soft kisses announced their arrival, followed by a gentle penetration deep within. Nyota moaned even louder, savoring a touch that was already filling her with anticipation.
Elizabeth went on to work her own magic between the older woman's legs. Her technique was different, but no less effective. Nyota hadn't been the only one who had taken full advantage of all the cultures the galaxy had to offer.
Uhura closed her eyes for a few moments and allowed herself to drift along on the blissful currents bathing her body. It would be so simple to lay back and let Elizabeth do all the work, but Nyota had a better idea.
It only took a moment to present her idea, with body motions rather than words. Instantly agreeing, Elizabeth repositioned herself so that her own legs now rested on either side of Uhura's head and her equally inviting mound rested only inches from her face. From there it only took a small moment to close that small gap.
Both women quickly fell into a pleasing rhythm, mirroring the actions of the other. Neither could really be said to be in control, rather it was the most perfect joint effort possible. Neither was concerned with their own pleasure, certain that the other would take care of it. All that mattered in their hearts was the joy they were so freely giving of.
Tiny orgasm followed orgasm, with a repetition too frequent to keep track of. Each built on the last until finally, both shared in a soul shaking orgasm that rocked them to their cores. A force so shattering that both lost consciousness, if only for the moment.
-=-=-=-
Faded moonlight eventually gave way to the bright rays of the dawn as Elizabeth and Nyota slept naked in each other's arms. When they finally awoke, neither was in a rush to pull themselves from the other. Nyota had been relieved of all Academy duties until after the memorial service and Elizabeth had already requested leave time while the Lexington was in Earth orbit.
"What are you thinking?" Elizabeth asked after Nyota seemed uncharacteristically quiet for a while, a far away look on her face.
"Strangely enough, I was thinking of Mr. Spock," Nyota said as her eyes again focused again on the woman sharing her bed.
"Not my first guess, or even my thousandth," Elizabeth laughed. "I never suspected you had a thing for our Vulcan Science Officer."
"No, not that," Nyota smiled, "at least no more than any other woman on board. After all, you hear all the stories about Vulcan stamina." she grinned. " What I was thinking about was when Mr. Spock died."
"I'd almost forgotten about that," Elizabeth said, recalling the event over a decade past.
"Spock died saving the Enterprise, and then he came back," Nyota said. "And now the Captain died that way too."
"And you think he might also come back?"
"No, not really," Nyota admitted, "but if anyone else could, it would be Jim Kirk."
"You ever read Le Morte d'Arthur?" Elizabeth asked.
"I preferred The Once And Future King," came the reply.
"Basically the same story," Elizabeth said. "At the end, as Arthur laid dying, he's taken away to Avalon, leaving behind the promise that he'd return some day and save Britain."
"I remember that part."
"So maybe the Captain is still out there somewhere," Elizabeth offered, "waiting to return one day when he`s most needed."
"That's a nice thought," Nyota said with a smile.
"But until then," Elizabeth said, "we do honor to his memory by remembering what he valued."
"You know what else I was thinking?" Uhura asked, then answered herself. "That the Captain, ... Jim, would've greatly approved of the way we honored his memory last night, both at the club and here."
"You knew him a lot better than I did," Elizabeth replied, "but I think you're right."
Uhura smiled, glad to see that her lover saw it the same way.
"And as long as neither of us had to be anywhere for a while, what say we honor him again."
As she leaned forward to kiss Elizabeth, Nyota was sure that somewhere, out there, Jim Kirk still sat in the center chair. And if he could see the two of them right now, he would've smiled. A smile she would forever remember.
END
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