The BLTS Archive- Under The Sun: Life is but a Dream
by T'Thrill (TThrill1216@aol.com)

---

Warning:  This story contains very explicit m/m sex.  If you are not
interested in and/or offended by such things, you will find reading
this a complete waste of your time so please move on.  If you are
under 18 years of age, please move on.

Warning:  It's a story with a lot of sex!  If it's not your bag, move
on.  I used no beta's on this, so ALL of the mistakes are of my very
own doing.  Thy shall blame no one but me.

Disclaimer: Copyright 2000 by T'Thrill. This is an original work of
amateur fiction based on Star Trek. This work makes "fair use" of Star
Trek copyrighted material; it is not intended to infringe on the
intellectual property rights of Paramount, Viacom or other owners of
copyright in Star Trek or any of their assignees or licensees. The
author's copyright extends only to the original material in this work.

Archive:  Okay to archive provided that headers, disclaimers, my name,
and email are attached.  Please archive complete text only and drop me
a note to let me know where it is. Thank you in advance.

---

Jim woke up with a start and looked at the crono.  It was only 0400
hours. He could feel the heat of a lover spooned against him, a warm
arm wrapped around his waist.  He turned to see the dark outline of
the man nestled against him.  Turning his body toward this unknown
lover, he raised his head slightly.  He could see another silhouetted
figure contrasted on the light bedding. His breath caught as the fog
in his mind cleared and the confusion of who was beside him became
reality.  How many times, in the last years, had he turned to a lover
beside him and not known the face? He wanted to reach out and touch
the faces beside him, but they had only collapsed into sleep a short
time ago.

The three had found each other.  Bearing their souls to each other,
they had bridged the crevasse that had existed between them for more
than two years.  Like men lost in a desert that had just found life
giving water, they had attempted to consume each other.  Hot hungry
mouths and needing hands, each not aware of whose mouth and whose
hand, it was just enough that it was their mouths and their hands.
Gasps of air, touch of skin, and need, hot unrelenting need until
sheer exhaustion set in and sleep claimed them.

"No turning back," they had agreed.  There could be no turning back.
Whatever may come, they would be together, they must be together.  He
reached out and softly stroked an errant lock of dark hair on the
pillow.  Needing desperately to convince all of his senses that this
was not some cruel dream.  He breathed deeply into the pillow; the
intermingled scent of them was still fresh on the linen.  Gently he
let his lips brush against the heated neck. Two years of desperation,
searching for a body, any body, to loose himself in.  Searching for
anyone that could numb his need for these two.  A need that he had
denied even to himself.  No, that was incorrect, he had wanted these
men much longer than the two years they had been away from the ship.
Could he remember a time that he did not want, did not need, these two
beside him?  In these years since the end of the mission, he had found
that he could survive without these men in his life, however, he was
as incomplete without them as he would be if his limbs were severed
from his body.

Spock stirred and opened his eyes.  "Spock." Jim whispered.  He just
wanted to hear the name on his lips, to reassure himself that this man
was beside him.  He could feel his heart pounding against the walls in
his chest. 'Please, let this be real!'

Spock tightened his arm around Jim and pulled him close. "Jim," Spock
whispered in a deep rough voice that made shivers run through Jim's
body, "have you not been satisfied?"

"Time and time, again, with you." They brushed their lips across each
other's.  He felt his body burst into flame.  The touch against his
skin brought warmth that he had forgotten existed.  Feeling the
texture of the others mouth, Jim turned his body against Spock's,
letting the man feel his arousal.  Their mouths searching to explore
each other's with a need that ran as deep as any ocean.  Jim ran his
hand across the chest and began teasing the erect nipples.  He traced
the pattern of the fur across the chest and let his hand follow the
faint line of hair that ran down the abdomen, the beautiful line of
hair that he had seen disappear into Spock's waistband.  The line of
hair, that for years, had taunted him so. He traced the path down
across the abdomen until he felt it join with a larger thatch of fur.
He ran his fingers through the patch until he touched the base of the
hardened cock.

Spock's breaths became shorter and quicker, he rolled over onto Jim,
allowing their erections to rub together.  The mouths released only
after a lack of oxygen overcame their desire.  "I fear that I cannot
get enough of you" Spock rasped in Jim's ear.

"I hope you never do" Jim moaned and let his tongue wander to the
magnificent ear.  Licking the ridges and tracing the outline of the
point.  Spock gasped as Jim spread his legs apart to allow him to lie
between his thighs.  Spock began rocking his hips so he could rub
against the hard shaft and the soft fur. Thrusting against each other.

They felt Leonard stirring against them.  Spock reached out a hand to
pull him to them, but heard him whisper, "No, I am fine," and felt the
light touch on the back of his hand, reassuringly.

---

He lay there, within the soft glow from the city lights coming through
the window, his body still recovering from the intense activities
earlier, watching the silhouettes of the men that were his lovers.
Two men that had known little happiness in these last years, finding
pleasure.  He watched as the dark form rocked above the other.  He saw
their heads move together and their lips find each other's.  He heard
his whisper that he wanted to feel him inside.  He watched the dark
form reach beside the bed and then come to his knees.  He saw an arm
reach down to the one beneath him and heard the moan escape and knew
that he had pressed his fingers inside.  He felt the movement as the
dark one pulled the legs up and positioned himself.  He heard the gasp
as the heat penetrated.  Heard the erotic sounds being emitted from
them both, the whispering of the names at the feel of being penetrated
and surrounded.  He felt the movement as the one pumped against the
writhing body beneath him.  He saw the dark one lay down on the other
and roll his head back and felt the bed shake as both bodies convulsed
with powerful release. He watched as the dark figure collapsed onto
the paler figure below, saw their lips find the other.  And, even
without the orgasm, Leonard felt the warmth.  With a smile, he drifted
back to sleep.

Jim moaned against the neck and wrapped his arms around the strong
waist above him and pulled him tight, the wetness of Jim's orgasm
between them.  "Spock," he breathed, "I want to feel you, like this,
against me, for a long time to come."

"That would be my desire, as well," he whispered.

They lay like that for a few minutes then Spock raised his chest and
gazed into Jim's eyes.  His hand caressed the features of the face
beneath him and ran his fingers through the golden hair. A fantasy
realized, a fantasy he had denied himself for so long.  He traced the
sides of the face fingering each meld point.  His soul wanted the
bond.  He knew he had to refrain.  The desire was strong.  He wished
to fall into the bright thoughts.  He knew he could not.  If he
allowed himself to fall into that brightness he would not be able to
withdraw.  He would demand nothing from these that he loved.  He would
not subject them to that type of commitment.  He pulled his fingertips
away from the points of contact.

Jim felt a rush of intense desire from Spock to meld with him, 'yes,
Spock, yes.' Jim thought, but Spock removed his hand, took a deep
breath and rolled off to Jim's side.  He pulled him to his chest so
that Jim was now lying against him.  'He will meld us in his own time,
I will not rush it,' Jim thought to himself.

"I need a shower," Jim whispered to Spock.

"I concur."

"Well, you are not in great shape, either," Jim said through a smile,
touching the sticky outcome of their lovemaking.  "Would you care to
join me?"

"That would be agreeable."

Both men slid out of the bed and Spock pulled the blanket back up
around McCoy.  He caressed the hair of the sleeping man and followed
Jim into the bathroom.

Jim had turned on the shower and when he turned and saw Spock was
standing against the door smiling.  That smile, the one that only he
and Bones, and even then on very rare occasions, had been privilege to
see. "What?" Jim asked.

"You amaze me.  I have made love to you on two different occasions,
but I have never had the opportunity to look at you, standing before
me.  I have seen you disrobed, I have just never been able to gaze at
you."

Jim became self-conscious and a flush that he could feel begin in his
stomach worked its way up his body, blooming in his face.  Just two
weeks before he had stood here in this bathroom and caught the image
of himself in the mirror.  The memory of what he saw that evening
caused a shiver to run across his skin.  He had become older and his
muscle tone was no longer that of his youth.  The hair was dull, the
skin pale.

"Spock, I know I have changed quite a bit since last time we were
together," he began.

"Jim, do you not know how beautiful you are?"

Jim checked the temperature of the water and reached out for Spock's
hand and pulled him into the shower with him.  He wrapped his arms
around the strong neck and pulled him into an embracing kiss.

He released his hold on Spock and reached for the soap and bath sponge
began working the soap into lather.  He held the lathered sponge up
and looked at Spock and asked, "May I?"

"Yes."

He began with the neck and ears and bathed the front of his lover,
slowly, all the way down.  Learning each muscle and ridge.  He gently
turned him around and did the same to his back.  He was certain that
he heard a purring from the man under his hands.  He took the shower
spray and rinsed the soap from the magnificent body.  Spock then took
the soap and sponge and did the same to Jim.  Each being able to, at
last, admire and explore each other.  When both were clean Jim reached
for two towels from the warmer and wrapped one around Spock's
shoulders and took the other and dried him off.  He then reached for
another towel to dry himself.

That is when Spock saw the two cuts on the inside of Jim's hand.  They
were nearly healed but the marks were still red and he could tell that
they had been quite deep.  He reached for the hand and turned the palm
up.  Spock examined the hand and asked, "What happened?"

"Oh," Jim said, pulling his hand back quickly and reached for the
towel, "It is nothing, I just cut it on something a few days ago.
Bones fixed it up.  He said it should heal fine, now."

Spock did not push the issue but he felt that there was more than he
was not telling him.

Both were clean, warm and dry.  Jim reached for his robe and handed it
to Spock.  He grabbed a pair of jogging pants and slid them on.

"I think I am going to make a pot of coffee, would you want to join
me, or go back to bed?"

"No, I will join you."

He went into the kitchen and poured some beans into the coffee maker
and set the control to brew.  He went back to the main room where
Spock was standing at the windows staring out over the city.  Jim came
up behind him and said, "It will be ready in just a couple of minutes.
What are you thinking?  If you don't mind me asking."

Spock turned and put his arms around him.  "I do not mind you asking
me anything.  I think I made that clear last night.  I was just
contemplating the turn of events in the last few hours.  It was my
conviction to suppress all emotions.  It was going to be enough just
to stay close to you."

"That is one conviction I am very glad you were not able to keep."  He
pressed his face to the side of Spock's neck.  Breathing deep.
Wanting to keep this warm smell with him always. He released his hold.

---

He went back to the kitchen and returned with two cups of coffee.
They sat at the table where they had had dinner the night before.
'Was it only last night that we sat here?'  He looked at the chiseled
features of the man seated beside him.  There was a character to this
face that had not been there before.  A beauty that seemed the time in
the desert had carved into the features. How many mornings, like this,
could they have enjoyed, if not for his own foolishness?

"Now may I ask what you are thinking?" Spock asked.

"Oh, the years I wasted.  I regret the time I have lost with you.
Time we could have had if it I had not been such a fool. I was the one
that caused the break in the relationship.  I am the one that drove
you to Gol and sent Bones out of my life.  If I had any sense I would
have wrapped my arms around you, that day in the commons, and begged
you not to leave.  I would have held on to Bones the day he came to me
at Starfleet Headquarters.  I was blinded to areas of my life that
were good.  I was blinded by uncertainty.   No, that is not even
accurate, I was blinded by fear."

Spock reached for the cup and took a sip, collecting his thoughts.
"Jim, it would not have mattered if you had asked me to stay."  Seeing
the stunned look from Jim, he continued, "I think I should tell you
why I went to Gol.  I had allowed myself to become consumed by my
emotions.  My ability to concentrate had diminished.  I had begun to
put you, and Leonard, above my duty.  I could no longer disassociate
my obligations with my anxiety for your well being.  I became obsessed
with wanting to feel you close, and I could no longer function
efficiently when your safety was in question.  I could not live with
the knowledge that I had betrayed you, both of you.  Even more, I had
betrayed my heritage and myself.  Death was unacceptable, so Gol was
the only answer for me. I could not have stayed, even with your
acceptance.  I went to Gol to purge myself of these undesired the
emotions."  He took another sip of coffee and continued, "My time
there helped me gain perspective. The emotions I sought to rid myself
of were stronger than logic, but, I came to realize I have the
capability of having both."

"I do understand.  I was floundering as well.  I was afraid of losing
my command, afraid of the changes I knew were inevitable.  I was even
afraid that I was getting too old. There were younger captains than I
taking command.  It has taken me until now to realize that I am where
I need to be.  Up until now, I have allowed myself to be used as a
pawn.  However, those days are over.  I have finally, again, taken
control over my life.  Since the original mission was coming to an
end, I have relinquished control to the demands of Starfleet.  That
was, until this situation came about.  Sad to say, but it took a
crisis to pull me to my senses."

"Jim, maybe this all worked out for the best.  It seems the time apart
has heightened the awareness, of all of us, to what is meaningful. I
believe the time for self-retribution is over.   We are here, now, and
I believe all are satisfied with that decision." "You know I am,
Spock.  Whatever may come, my friend, I'm acutely aware of what is
important."

---   Bones stumbled out of the bedroom.  "That smells good, may I
have some?"

"Well, good morning, Bones!" Jim exclaimed.  "Sure, come sit down and
I will get you a cup."

"Leonard, I hope you rested, well" Spock said.

"Sir, I can tell you that I have had better nights for sleep, however,
I cannot think of another morning that I have awakened as relaxed as I
am this morning."  Sheepishly grinning, he sat in the chair beside
Spock.

Jim returned with the cup of coffee and sat it in front of Bones.  He
placed his hand on the shoulder of his friend and gently squeezed.
Bones looked up at Jim and smiled. Sipping his coffee, looking at
these men, he thought of the night's activities and his skin became a
deepening reddened shade.

"Leonard, are you uncomfortable?" Spock asked him.

Now, in the early light of day, Leonard was having a bit of difficulty
dealing with the actions of the night before.  In his life there had
only been one other occasion that he had completely let himself go. Of
course, that was with these two men as well, over two years ago.  Last
night they had made up for lost time.  Actually, that had been the
last time, before last night, that he had physical contact with
anyone.  He found that masturbation was the best way to avoid any
possibility of emotional involvement. 

"I wouldn't exactly say, uncomfortable."  Bones looked down at the
cup.

"Bones, are you, embarrassed?"  Jim asked gently.

Leonard glanced at Jim and slightly shrugged.

"It's all right, Bones," Jim said assuringly, "it is only the three of
us here.  I certainly hope to have many mornings when we are here like
this. Can you be OK with this?"

"Yes, I am fine, I am just not used to letting myself go, not like
this.  It is a new experience for me."  He looked up at the men beside
them.  "I have only let myself go completely, well, sexually, one
other time.  And, we didn't exactly have breakfast together on that
occasion."

"Bones--," Jim began.

"No, Jim, we have all of that straightened out, I am just having a
little trouble with the effects of the morning after, that's all.
I'll be fine.  That is, as long as I know the two of you still feel
the same as last night."

Spock reached over placed his hand on top of the doctor's.  He
entwined his fingers within the shorter fingers.  He could feel the
disconcerted emotions emanating from this man.  "Leonard, nothing has
changed, we are here, together, as friends and lovers, as long as you
wish it."

Jim winked at Bones in agreement.  Bones felt the heat in his hand.
He felt the bewilderment in his mind fade with the warmth that spread
up his arm.  They were all becoming comfortable with each other.  This
felt good, no better than that, this felt right.  He smiled as he felt
his body relax with the knowledge that this was how it should be.

"So, Jim, how is the hand doing?" He noticed the places where he
sealed the cuts were looking better.  "Are you having any problem with
the feeling in you fingers?"

Jim sat his cup down and looked at the palm of the hand.  He wiggled
his fingers and said, "Seems to be fine. I certainly haven't noticed
any," quirking an eyebrow, "decreased sensation, anywhere." "Jim, what
did happen to your hand?" Spock asked softly.

Jim took a deep breath and looked out the window.  He did not want to
tell them of that night, but he had said he would hide nothing from
them.  "I was here, having dinner and drinking tea.  It reminded me of
the night we went to your cabin for tea.  I, well, I had a breakdown,
of sorts.  I evidently shattered the cup in my hand and did quite a
lot of damage.  If Bones had not fixed me up when he came on board the
Enterprise. I could have been in pretty bad shape."

"He was in damn bad shape.  He severed two vessels and messed up the
ligaments.  Could have lost two fingers." Bones interjected.

"It seems to be fine now.  I may not even have a scar.  Even if I do,
I do not think I will let you dissolve it," he said looking at the
ugly red marks in his palm, "it is a reminder of the night that I
realized what was most important to me."  He looked up at Spock hoping
he would not see disgust at the inability to control his emotions.
Instead he saw acceptance.  Spock reached for the hand and held the
palm to his lips, brushing the place where the injuries had occurred.

"So, it wasn't just a broken glass." Bones spoke gently, "You had not
been able to just let it go, either."

"No, Bones, I had not."

They sat there for a moment, just appreciating the presence of each
other.

---   "Well, I need to get a shower," Bones stated, breaking the
silence.  "I've gotta find an apartment.  I have been offered a unit
in the Medical Residences building, I guess I'll take it. And, I have
to get my offices set up in the Medical Services Complex.  I'll
primarily be working on my research, but it looks like I will be
keeping a hand in at the Hospital, as well."  

"You know, I have been thinking," Jim smiled and said demurely, "why
don't the two of you move in here.  There's really no reason to have
three residences in this city."  He paused, "That is, if you want to
make this a permanent arrangement."

'That tone of voice, that smile, that way he had of looking through
his eyelashes was what caused half of the knees in the Universe to
buckle!' McCoy thought, watching this man.

"Jim," Spock spoke up, "I do not think the permanence of the
relationship is in question.  However, you are one of the Joint
Chiefs'. I believe, that for the sake of propriety, it would be
sensible to each keep our individual residences."

"I agree, and besides," McCoy added, "there will be times I'm stuck at
the hospital and I am gonna to need a place to crash when that
happens."

"I suppose your both are right.  I know that there are many
individuals at Starfleet that have same sex relationships, I am not
aware of any that have an arrangement quite like this one."  He
grinned at both.  "Maybe we can consider it breaking new ground, we
have been known to do that before."

"Jim," Spock said raising and eyebrow.

 "And," McCoy interjected, "Jim, there is another problem to consider.
That slimy worm, Komack, is after you any way he can get you.  If he
finds out that you are in a sexual relationship with either one of us,
he will find a way to use it against you.  Remember, you have been
superior officer to us both, and if he wanted to press it, there is
the possibility that he could find out that we began this relationship
while you were still in command."

"Yeah, I know, I have considered that, but I have thought if he said
anything I would just tell him to fuck off!"

"Jim," Spock added, "it will not be Komack that would press the
charges.  He would only bring the charges against you, it would be put
before Nogura and the other Joint Chiefs'.   The 'no sexual contact
with subordinates' rule isn't subjective.  If they decided to press
the issue, you could be court-martialed."

Jim sighed, knowing they were right.  'Don't ask, Don't tell, is alive
and well in Starfleet.'  He couldn't help wanting to scream from the
rooftops that they had finally found each other. "I know, I know, you
are right. I guess we are all just going to have to keep this to
ourselves for a while."

"Wise." Spock stated.

"Oh, Hell!  What does it matter?  At least, now we have each other.
That's better than we had twenty-four hours ago!"  Bones stated.

Jim smiled at Bones, he always had a way of putting things in
perspective.

Jim looked at the crono, it was now 0645.  He had not been this late
going into his office since he was promoted to Admiral.  These men
were going to cause him to slip into bad habits; he could just feel
it.  Very bad habits, lusciously bad habits, God, how he loved
thinking about the bad habits they had already gotten him into.  He
felt his groin react with the thoughts.  'Damn, if I don't go now,
I'll never get there today' he mused to himself.

"Bones," Jim said,  "Spock and I have already had a shower, you are
welcome to take one anytime you like."  He smiled at Leonard wickedly
and said, "Do you need company in there?"

"Hell, NO!  You two are going to kill me!  I better do this alone if
you want me to be any good tonight!  Some of us are older than others,
you know!"

"Doctor, in earth standard years, I am actually three years older than
you are," Spock smiled at Leonard.

"Yeah, but I don't have a goddamn two-hundred year life span!"
Leonard said, as he rose and headed down the hall.

Jim just shook his head.  He had missed the bickering between these
two.  Jim looked at Spock, "Well, time to hit the real world.  What
are your plans today?"

"I have to go to the Academy and look over the curriculum and staff
assignments for the start of session, and we all have to go the
reception for the V'ger mission.  It starts at 2000 hours."

"I am very uncomfortable with this reception.  I don't feel like being
honored over a mission where I have lost four crewman."

"Jim, none of those people were lost due to anything you did.
Remember, Captain Decker and Lieutenant Ilia are not lost, Starfleet
has them officially listed as missing, we know that they are in
another dimension.  And, as for the two crew members that were lost in
the transporter accident, that was due to mechanical failures that
occurred before you took over."   

"I know.  Maybe it is because until you arrived on the bridge, I was
feeling out of my element.  I would never have been able to pull this
off without you.  I think looking back, even on the original mission,
it was you that pulled our butts out of the fire more than anything I
did".

"Jim, I could never have accomplished all that I have, without you in
command. It is your direction has made a better officer of me.
Besides, if it makes you feel better, it will be the crew that they
will be honoring."

Jim stood up to get ready to go to Headquarters.  Spock stood up as
well and gathered the cups up and took them to the kitchen.

"Well, in any case, the reception is this evening." Jim was stating,
"I will be back here around 1700 hours to get ready.  Are you going to
get ready here, or at your place?"

Spock walked over to Jim and put his arms around him.  "I think here,"
he whispered into the round ear.

Jim pulled Spock's mouth down to meet his.  He kissed the lips and
gently tugged on the bottom lip with his own.

After a moment Spock broke the kiss and said roughly, "If you do not
choose to leave now, I may not be able to let you leave at all."

Jim smiled and pulled away.  He headed for the bedroom to dress.

Spock rested his hands on the back of the chair to steady himself.  It
took just a moment to regain his composure. Then he headed to find the
clothes that were hastily discarded last night.

When Jim was dressed he emerged from the bedroom.  Spock was standing
in the main room wearing the black outfit from the evening before. 'I
have got to tell him not to wear that for anyone but me' Jim thought.
'No one has the right to look that good!'

Bones came in wearing his clothes from last evening and looked at
Spock and his eyes grew very dark.  "Spock, you're dangerous in that
outfit!  If you weren't already my lover, I'd jump you!"

Jim smiled an agreeing grin.

Spock looked at the men and raised an eyebrow.

Jim turned his attention to Leonard, "Bones you know we have the
reception tonight.  Spock and I are going to meet here and get ready.
Do you want to leave from here as well?"

"Sure, but is there any way of getting outta this thing all together?
I think calling it a reception is just an excuse.  I think their real
objective is to make us put on the Dress Blues which will choke us to
death!"

"I'm afraid not, Bones."  Jim chuckled.  Then he thought about the
door lock, "Spock, you and Bones scan your voice print into the COM
unit so you can get in if you arrive before I do.  I always just do a
palm scan, but we can key in the voice print for the two of you."

They walked over to the COM, "What is the code, Jim?"  Spock asked.

Jim looked down and then back at Spock and said softly, "Never
parted."

Love shown from the black eyes looking back at him, "Never parted" he
spoke into the COM.

"Never parted," Bones spoke into the COM.  My God, he loved these men!

The three walked out of the safe haven of the apartment.

---

Jim had arrived in his office at 0800.  Lieutenant Daniel Moricy, his
administrative assistant since he accepted promotion, was surprised to
see him come in so late.  "Admiral Kirk, I wasn't sure you would be in
today."

"And why would that be, Lieutenant?"

"Well, sir, you are usually here before this.  I thought after the
debriefing of the recent mission you may be taking the day off.  I
have just received a notice that Admiral Nogura requests to meet with
you as soon as possible, and Admiral's Komack and Rohm wish to see you
about the V'ger report, and Captain Ashland is waiting to see someone
regarding staffing on the USS Alexander."

"Is that ALL, Lieutenant?" Jim asked emphatically, but then flashed a
smile at his assistant.

"For right now, sir," Moricy smiled back.  There was something very
different about this man today, Moricy thought.

"Lieutenant, before we get going today, I have not had the opportunity
to apologize for snapping at you regarding the scheduling problem.  I
am aware that it was not your fault.  I am sorry I have not had the
chance to address this until now."

"Well, sir, I understand you have been quite busy the last few days."
Moricy smiled at Kirk, "think no more of it, sir."

Jim smiled and nodded at Moricy. "Very well, then.  Get Admiral Nogura
on the COM and see if he can see me at 0930.  Send my respects to
Admiral's Komack and Rohm and tell them that I will be in a meeting
this morning and that I will try to get with them this afternoon, and
send Captain Ashland in.

Jim spent the next hour with Captain Tori Ashland regarding her choice
for officer assignments on her new commission as Captain of the USS
Alexander, which had recently finished a refit and was now being sent
out on a seven-year mission.  Jim had served on this ship as Lt.
Commander and then as Captain.  It was his first command.  He felt
that the Alexander was in good hands with this woman.  He liked Tori
Ashland very much, she was about his age, brilliant and beautiful.
Had circumstances been different, he would have pursued a relationship
with her.  However, when he met her initially, he had just been
promoted, 'railroaded,' into the Admiralty and was not interested in
any type of long term relationship.  Now he has two lovers and his
heart did not allow room for anyone else.  Tori had often made it
quite obvious that she would be interested anytime he was ready.  But,
she never pushed the point and they found that they could just enjoy
each other professionally. 

"Admiral Kirk," Moricy stated when they walked out of Jim's office,
"Admiral Nogura will be expecting you at 0930."

"Very well, thank you."  He walked Tori to the lift and wished her
good luck on her new assignment.  He felt just a twinge of envy.  He
could remember the way it felt, years ago, to be heading to the
Enterprise to take command.

He went back to his office to check for messages.  He briefly checked
the posting board that he had been using for private meetings and saw
there were several postings from Shayan, the woman that he been
meeting in the Club District for the last few months.  He posted a
brief message to her that he would be unable to meet her in the
future, but wished her well.

He checked the crono, and headed for Nogura's office.  At exactly 0930
he was signaled into the office.

"Well, Jim are you getting settled back into your routine?" Nogura
asked with a smile.  Jim did like this man. More than that, he trusted
this man.

"Yes, thank you.  It seems that I was not all that missed.  Most of
the communiques I have received involve the V'ger incident.  Very
little regarding other issues.  That is something I would like for us
to discuss."

"Certainly, what's on your mind?"

"Admiral, since I accepted this position, I have accomplished very
little. I have the most experience with the unknown of any of the
department chiefs.  But, I have been used as window dressing.  I
realize that is due, in no small part, to my reluctance to accept the
situation.  I would like for that to change.  I wish to discuss the
expansion of my objectives.

"What would those objectives be, Jim?"

"Admiral, from this position I can make a difference for the fleet.  I
believe I have the capability to get this force ready for what it
will, unquestionably, face down the road."  Kirk paused to see if this
was a direction Nogura would allow him to continue with.

"I am interested.  Please, go on."

"Forgive my saying so, Sir, but Starfleet has become complacent.
Resting on its laurels, safe in the assumption that we are invincible.
I believe we may be kidding ourselves.  Just because we have been able
to hold the Klingon's, Romulan's, and an array of smaller empires at
bay on the other side of the Neutral Zone, we have become idle.  Now
we are developing ships that have the capability to take us further
into deep space.  We do not know what, or who, we will be contacting
on longer missions.  We have to be ready to encounter these new
cultures.  Our Diplomatic Corp. needs to be more involved with
training for long term missions.  Our staff preparation for these
voyages must improve.  Crews will be put into situations where they
may not have outside contacts for months, possibly years.  We must
make sure that our crews are prepared for this isolation.  We must
assure that their well-being is fully realized as well as address some
of the attitudes that we have regarding the personnel on these
missions.  I wish to become active in these areas.  And, I need,
within reason, to have a free hand."

"Jim," Nogura said thoughtfully, and then paused, he looked at Jim,
his white hair set off the silver of his eyes that held a glint which
Jim had not seen before, "I have waited, since your promotion, for you
to assert yourself in this capacity. I have known all along that if
anyone can move us toward the future, it would be you.  That is, if
you can get past thinking yourself a Starship Captain.  Jim, I realize
that you felt that you were pushed into this position.  I knew it
would take time for you to get that out of your system.  Actually, I
was beginning to be concerned that you never would.  And, with putting
you back in the center seat on this mission, it had occurred to me
that you might resign your position as Admiral all together and demand
to be returned to the rank of Captain with a command. As effective as
you are as a Captain, I prefer you here; you can do much more for the
Federation from this post.  But, I want to make certain you are
confident about this decision.  The reason I wanted to see you was to
find out what your choices are for the future.

'He is offering me the chance to get a ship back!  All I have to do is
give the word!  Why was that so very important a week ago, and not
now?  You know why.  The most important things are here with you, now.
And, he is right, I can accomplish much more from the chair of an
Admiral than from the bridge of a ship.'

"Yes, I am certain about this.  I am not going to tell you that I
don't love it out there.  But, if I can do what I am capable of,
without having to report to others," 'meaning Komack' he thought,
"then this is what I desire."

"Jim, I understand, and agree.  I will meet with Admiral Komack," an
almost undetectable smile crossed his lips, "this afternoon and advise
him that he will no longer be involved in the Operation's area.  I
will send through your new status as Admiral, Grade III, effective
immediately.  You have your free hand, Jim.  The only person I will
expect you to report to is me, and I will not interfere unless I
foresee a problem."  He stood up and extended his hand, "Admiral Kirk,
I told you this two years ago, but today I truly mean, Welcome
Aboard!"

"Thank you Admiral," standing and accepting the outstretched hand,
"your confidence will not be misplaced."

Jim turned and walked from the office.  It was all he could do to keep
from bounding out of the office.  For the first time in years he was
happy.  Personally and professionally happy.

---

'Can't wait to tell Spock and Bones about this day!  Of course Bones
will think I am crazy not to get my command back, but I am never going
to be able to make the changes that this fleet needs from the deck of
a ship.  He's got to understand that.'


He checked the time, only 1100 hours.  His mind was beginning to
wander when Moricy beeped in.  The next five hours were spent on
various emergencies that arose.

He was just getting his thoughts back together when Moricy advised him
that Admiral Komack wished to see him.  'Joy, I guess he had his
meeting with Nogura!'  "Send him in" Jim stated flatly.

"Well, Kirk," Komack came into the office, his fury was very evident,
"I understand you are solely in charge of Operation's these days!
That you think that single-handedly you are going to take this fleet
into the future.  Just what do you think those of us that have been
here all these years have been doing?"

Jim started to blast this man but thought better of himself and said
calmly and coolly, "Sir, I assume that all of the Chiefs' have done
their very best in their departments.  I was appointed to the
Department of Operation's.  I intend to do my best in this department.
It was my decision to change my own performance, not anyone else's.
That frees you up to concentrate on your department. I would think
that no longer having your responsibilities drawn elsewhere would
please you."  Jim looked at this man and raised his eyebrows, waiting
for a response. "And you presume to do this alone?"

"Admiral Nogura has faith in my decisions, I will report directly to
him for any guidance, deemed necessary," Jim stated in a very matter
of fact tone.

"Well, Kirk, I wish you the best." Komack said through clenched teeth.
He got up and walked to the door. He turned and in almost a pleasant
tone asked, "I assume you will be in attendance at the reception
tonight?"

"It is to honor the crew of the Enterprise, yes, of course I will be
there."

"See you then."  He stated with a grin.

"Then." Jim stated flatly.

Bones was right, this man deserves watching.  'Well, I have always
said keep your enemies close' he thought. 'I would have to adhere this
man to my hip to keep an eye on him, disgusting thought!'  He looked
at the time, 1649!  Time to get the hell out of here!  Time, finally,
to see them.

He closed his office door and stopped by Moricy's desk.  "Lieutenant,
I am leaving for the day, will you be at the reception this evening?"

"Sir? No Sir. I have not been, included, on the guest list.  I was not
involved, in the mission." Moricy stated, surprised that Kirk would
think of him being included.

"Well, would you care to attend?"

"Well, yes sir, but,"

"No 'buts', Mister, consider yourself invited.  On my say so.  Notify
the necessary contact and include yourself, and a guest if you wish,
on the list."  Jim smiled at the man and turned to walk toward the
lift.

Daniel Moricy sat there with his mouth open.  "Thank you, Sir," he
finally managed to call before Kirk boarded the lift.  Kirk raised his
hand in acknowledgment.   He keyed the COM and relayed his Admiral's
request.  'His' Admiral?  How long had he thought of Admiral Kirk as
'his' Admiral?  Today, that's how long.  He had spent the time here
just waiting until something better was offered.  He was certain that
Kirk never gave him a thought, actually he occasionally thought of
Kirk as a cold-hearted bastard, however, he did respect the man.  He
knew of no one that worked as hard, or knew as much.  He had learned a
lot since serving under him. Now, in one day, this was 'his' Admiral
Kirk.  Shit, he had never noticed that this man had a smile that could
melt a polar ice-cap! Damn, if space travel does that to you, maybe he
should rethink his career choices.

---

McCoy arrived before the other two.  He accessed the apartment with
the voice code and entered.  Realizing that he was the first to
arrive, he walked back to the bedroom and into the dressing
room/closet and hung the torturous dress uniform on the rod and sat
down the bag he had brought along.  He heard sounds coming from the
main entrance and walked back toward the front of the apartment.
Spock was coming in.  He was now wearing the gray regs.  The only
addition was the insignia showing that he was Chairman of the Science
Academy.  He was, also, carrying his dress uniform and a small bag.

"Well, hello, Spock, how was your day?" McCoy was smiling his famous
ear to ear smile.

Spock greeted Leonard and replied, "Satisfactory, Doctor, and you?"

"OK, I guess.  I just hate the whole settling in process in any new
position.  I have already put my stuff in Jim's closet, would you like
to do the same?" he asked Spock.  'Boy, back into his Vulcan mode, I
guess it's hard to have to keep that facade up out there.'

"Yes, I believe I will," addressing the question as to where to put
his things. He headed back to the bedroom and into the large closet.

When he had hung up his uniform and sat his bag on a shelf he turned
around to find McCoy standing there.  McCoy tentatively reached out
his arms.  Spock looked at the man before him, and after a moment,
moved into the outstretched arms.  Their lips met and Leonard could
feel this warm Vulcan relax in his arms.  They explored each other's
mouths with their tongues and felt each other begin to come alive.
Spock felt the hardness of his lover against the top inside of his
thigh. Releasing the kiss, they parted slightly and gazed at each
other.

"I have been half aroused all day thinking about this," McCoy smiled,
"God, you feel good!"  He could feel the heat begin to radiate from
the man in his arms.  He was giving off some heat, himself.  He could
feel his body flush with excitement.

Spock liked the feel of this man in his arms.  The muscular, compact
form and the flood of emotion directed at him when he touched his
skin, was pleasing.  He still found it surprising that feelings of
that intensity could be directed at him.  The feel of the hardened
groin against his thigh was most pleasant. He pulled off the Doctor's
gray tunic and flicked his thumbs over the taunt nubs.

Leonard moaned in excitement.  He pulled off Spock's shirt and
unclasped the trousers.  He noticed the changing shape at the Vulcan's
crotch.  He wanted his hands on that hardness.  He plunged his hand
under the waistband and stroked the heat.  He pushed the trousers and
underwear down in one stroke.  He bent down and removed the boots and
slid the pants off.  His lips and fingers found what he wanted so
badly.  He licked the tip of the cock while his hands roamed up and
down the shaft of silken steel.

Spock was stroking the head of the man who was kneeling before him.
Watching, and feeling, Leonard stroke him was very stimulating. He
pulled Leonard up to him and pressed the lips against his own,
exploring the warm mouth with his tongue.  Looking down, he observed
the swelling organ through the material of Leonard's trousers. He slid
his fingers over the erect form.  He led Leonard from the closet and
into the bedroom, released him and backed up.  "Take those off," he
commanded, nodding toward the trousers.

Leonard kicked off his boots and unclasped the trousers letting them
flare open at the crotch.  His erection, covered only by his
underwear, was now protruding from the opening.  He grasped the
waistband and slowly began to work the two articles of clothing down.
He pushed the material down from the back, revealing his ass. 'Jeeze,
I am doing a strip show for Spock and he is devouring it!  Well, I
will give him the show of his life!'  He pulled the pants down from
the sides exposing all but his erection, which was the only thing
still holding the briefs in place.

Spock stood there watching this display, his own cock reacted with
excitement.  He could see against the light, silky blue briefs a dark
blue wet spot, indicating where the Doctor's pre-ejaculate had begun
to form.

McCoy then worked his hands around to the front and stretched the
waistband out and slowly, seductively, exposed the hard cock to his
lover. 

When Leonard's cock appeared from underneath the briefs, Spock could
stand the show no longer.  He fell to his knees and stripped the
trousers down and off and engulfed the hard cock in his mouth.
Tasting the fluid leaking from the tip.

McCoy thrust his cock into the mouth and throat of his lover.  After a
few strokes of the hot mouth he said, "Spock, if you do not want me to
cum, you better quit that now," Leonard rasped through clenched teeth.

Reluctantly, Spock released his mouth from around the cock.  McCoy
groaned from the sensation of the mouth being removed.  Spock nibbled
at the scrotum and gently sucked the hot pouch, then stood up against
his lover. 

Both men held each other, nuzzling each others neck. Leonard was
trying to retreat from the edge of orgasm.  Last night was about
quenching a thirst, but today, this was something to be savored.
Neither man wished the release to be rushed.  It was all Leonard could
to keep from rubbing his cock against the hot body.  His mind was
straining for control, but his body was searching for release.

Spock led them to the bed.  He laid Leonard down and stretched his
body out on top of him.  His cock pushed against the scrotum as
Leonard's pressed into his abdomen.  Their mouths consumed the other.
Searching and straining against each other.  Writhing with every nerve
ending on fire.

---

"UH'HUM," they heard from the door of the bedroom.  Jim was leaning
against the doorframe enjoying the event taking place in his bed.
"Now if the two of you want to be alone," he smiled.

"Jim!" Leonard exclaimed, and sat up, rolling Spock to his side.

"It's all right, Bones, we are all lovers, here. I was just enjoying
the show," Jim said in a voice becoming deep with passion.

Spock was being driven by lust.  He gently pulled Leonard back down on
the bed and covered his body with his own.  Bones, now over the shock
of Jim entering the room, wrapped his legs around the hot thighs and
pull him closer.  Jim slipped out of his clothes and knelt beside them
on the bed. Spock was rubbing his erection against Leonard's while
assaulting the mouth with his own.  "Leonard, do you want me in you,"
Spock moaned in his ear.  "Will you let me penetrate you?"

"I have never been, I want you in me, it's just that I've never-,"
Leonard stammered.

"I know, I will be gentle, I need to feel you surrounding me.  I will
not injure you."

That deep voice, horse with desire resonated throughout his body.  He
wanted to feel this man inside.  Feel that which he had only observed
previously.  "Yes, Spock, yes."

Jim reached into the bedside drawer and pulled out a tube of
lubricant.  Spock spread his legs so that Jim would have access to
Leonard.  Jim spread some of the gel on his fingers and reached
between Spock's legs and found the puckered orifice and began applying
the gel.  Bones jumped with the sensation.  His fingers entered the
opening.  His fingers had entered the tight ring the first night they
were together and again last night.  These were the only occasions
that this sensitive area had ever been invaded.  Now he was preparing
the tender opening for Spock.  Spock continued the assault on
Leonard's mouth, neck and ears.

When Jim had worked three of his fingers into the opening he withdrew
and spread more gel onto his hand.  He found Spock's cock and began
applying the gel to the head and shaft.  The unexpected stimulation of
Jim's hand almost brought Spock to orgasm.  He paused a moment to
control the urge to ejaculate.  Jim removed his hand and Spock rose to
kneeling between Leonard's thighs.  He drew the legs up, bent them and
spread them apart.  He saw apprehension in the face of the lover
beneath him.

Suddenly, Leonard felt more vulnerable than he ever had.  On his back
with Spock between his thighs, holding his legs open, his most private
area displayed, and Jim watching as Spock positioning himself for the
most intimate invasion.  He felt his body tighten.  He looked up into
the black eyes, and saw a look that he never thought he would see from
those eyes.  Never directed at him.  He saw love and passion.  His
body began to relax.  Everything would be all right.  This man would
not harm him.

"Leonard, I will not enter you if you do not desire it."  Spock softly
reassured him, seeing the hesitation in the face beneath him. "Or, if
you feel pain, and wish me to withdraw, I will."

"I want this, I want to feel you inside me."  He could feel the tip of
the cock pressed against his opening, waiting.

Bones relaxed and Spock gently rocked his hips forward and eased the
first ridge into the tight, slick opening. He allowed his lover to get
used to the feeling "All right?" Spock asked him.

"Yes, oh yes!" Bones moaned with the sensation.  He could feel the
heat radiating through his body.  "More, please, more."

Spock gently eased the second ridge in.  Bones felt a sharpness as the
full head invaded this most private opening.  There was pain with this
invasion, but the desire to be one with this man tempered the pain he
felt.  His body grew accustomed to the tightness and Spock felt the
hips move toward him.  He let Leonard set the pace that the shaft
moved into his body.  He resisted his body's urgent need to be fully
engulfed.  He would not hurt this man. It took a short while for the
shaft to be fully submerged into his lover's body.  Spock began a
gentle rocking motion into the opening.  With the movement, Bones felt
the shaft graze the ultra-sensitive spot behind his penis.  He wrapped
his legs around Spock's waist and pulled him into him.  Waves of
ecstasy roared through his body.  Spock reached down and began
stroking Bones' cock.

Jim was kneeling beside them stroking his own fully engorged cock.
Bones was soon comfortable with the full length of Spock's organ and
was allowing him to pump the full length into his body. Jim watched
the hips as they moved up and down pushing against Bones. Jim's
fingers traced the crevice that led to the opening of Spock's body and
allowed his fingers to brush across it as Spock was moving in and out
of the body beneath him.  Realizing that this, also, was an unexplored
area.

Bones moaned and became rigid.  He used his legs to pull Spock down on
top of him and they wrapped their arms around each other as Leonard
felt the powerful orgasm roll over him.  His semen splashed between
them.  Spock rocked against him to allow the orgasm to continue until
completion, holding him until the last of the contractions had passed.
He used all mental power to control himself and not ejaculate.  He
knew the sensation of the hot semen might be uncomfortable to the
newly irritated tissue.  He slowly withdrew from the tight opening.
He collapsed onto his side on the bed, gasping for air, his body was
screaming for relief.

Jim now knew what Bones was experiencing when he watched Spock fuck
him.  Jim was beyond aroused, he was at a level of excitement that he
had never reached before.

"Spock," Jim lay down behind Spock, and began nuzzling his ear, "have
you ever been penetrated?"

"No, I have not," Spock panted, "I wish to be.  I must have release."

"Yes, my friend, you shall have release." Jim whispered in his ear.
Bones, who was facing Spock, stroking the raven hair, reached for the
tube of gel that was lying on the pillow beside him and handed it to
Jim.  He spread more of the gel into his hand and reached down to
prepare the opening.  At the first feeling of the fingers inside,
Spock convulsed in pleasure.

This area had never before been invaded, and the realization of that
caused a swell of tenderness in the pit of Jim's abdomen.  Seeing his
fingers disappear inside, and the knowledge that this man would allow
him to touch him in this intimate way, was overwhelming.

The heat inside the body was wonderful.  Jim continued to stretch the
opening until he was satisfied that Spock could accept him.  He spread
the cheeks apart positioned his cock against the opening. He
cautiously pressed against the opening and found that he slid into the
heat easier than he had expected.  Spock had relaxed his muscles in
anticipation of the invasion.  Jim reached around and grasped the hot
cock and stroked it in time to the rhythm that he was pumping into the
opening.  He nuzzled his mouth to the back of the neck.  Bones was
caressing the beautiful Vulcan face that was contorted in ecstasy.
Jim felt Spock's muscles contract around his dick and felt the hot
semen begin to splash into his hand.  The contracting muscles around
his organ pushed him over the edge and he plunged into the opening and
in a flurry of thrusts and moans they both came with a vengeance.

"Oh!" Jim finally gasped, "Is it always going to be this good?  I
haven't felt like this since I was sixteen years old!"  His, now
softening, cock slipped from the opening.  His arms still holding on
to Spock, his face buried in the back of his neck.

"I hope so," Bones said, "I may not live long, but I am definitely
going with a smile on my face!"

"Speaking of going," Spock interjected, when he found speech was once
again possible, "We must be going to the reception, and we all need a
shower." Spock reached to his abdomen and felt the drying stickiness.

"Well, I have a sonic and water shower in this bathroom and a water
shower off of the back bedroom.  Take your pick."

All agreed that water was what they needed.  McCoy headed for the back
shower and Spock to the one he had used this morning.  Jim went to the
closet and noticed the shed tunics and Spock's boots and pants in the
floor and the additional clothes hanging in the closet.  'No doubt
where this started' he mused to himself. 

He pulled out his dress uniform and hung it out.  He looked around at
the closet; there was a lot of unused space.  It took only a few
minutes to move all of his things to one side of the large closet and
free up the area along one side and across the back. He moved Spock's
uniform to the area along the side and Bones' to the back.  He took
the discarded boots and uniforms and placed them in their respective
areas.  He got the other items he would need from the drawer and when
he heard Spock exiting the bathroom he went for his shower.

Both men noted, as they were dressing, that they now had their own
area in this closet.

Soon they were all clean and decked out in the dress uniforms.  The
picture that they made did not pass Jim's notice.  He loved the
occasions to dress to the 'nines' and, except for the fact that Bones
kept tugging at the collar of his uniform, they all looked phenomenal.
It was now 1823 according to the crono.  "I hope you don't mind, I
made reservations at the Lotus Spot for 1830.  I wanted to make sure
we could get in and out in time for the reception.  Bones, we will
have to transport over instead of using the hover if we are going to
get there on time."

"God, I hate those things.  One of these days its gonna scramble my
molecules, I just know it."

---

They left the building and walked across the street to the transport
station and keyed in their destination.  In moments they were standing
in front of the restaurant.

Jim walked over to the steward and advised him his party had arrived.
The boy was very impressed and escorted them to their table.  Every
eye looked up as they walked to their table.  There were mummers of
adoration whispered throughout the establishment.  "That's Admiral
Kirk" and "Those are the officers from the Enterprise" and "God, they
are beautiful" could be heard all around the room.  Jim thought his
chest would burst from the pride he felt walking at the side of these
men.

They placed their order and Jim ordered a bottle of wine.  "Gentlemen,
we are celebrating, tonight."

"Jim, I was under the impression this morning, that you were
apprehensive regarding this evenings event."

"We are not celebrating the reception, we are celebrating my meeting
with Nogura."  Jim proceeded to tell them about the outcome of the
morning.  The meal arrived and as they ate, Jim explained the
discussion he had with Nogura.  When he told them that he was all but
offered a ship command, Bones, as Jim had expected, voiced his
displeasure that Jim had chosen to stay in the Admiralty.   Jim
explained his reasons.  He, also, told him about the visit from
Komack.  When he was finished he looked at Spock who had a concerned
look on his face.

"What is it Spock, this is good news," Jim asked him.

"I do fear that Admiral Komack may be up to something to dishonor you,
something that may reflect badly on you.  Jim, be careful with this
man," Spock voiced, sincerely concerned. "I agree," stated Leonard,
"that is one dangerous son-of-a-bitch and now that he knows he no
longer has his thumb on you, he will be after your butt!"

"Oh, screw him, he doesn't scare me.  It's just a case of professional
jealousy."  Noticing the looks he was getting from his companions he
added, "OK, OK.  I promise, I'll keep an eye on my back."

Spock raised an eyebrow!  He knew exactly what Jim was saying, he just
could not get used to these human expressions.

Bones had been oh so slightly squirming in his seat since they had
arrived.  "What's with you Bones, the collar getting to you?" Jim
asked with a smile.

"If you must know," he leaned in and whispered very softly, "that's
not the end that is bothering me, I'm a little, umm, tender."

Jim bit his top lip to suppress his smile and Spock just looked at
Leonard and raised the other eyebrow to meet the one already there.
No one, except the two humans at this table, would have noticed the
flush that appeared on the Vulcan's stoic face.

They finished their dinner and left the restaurant.  The Starfleet
Headquarters campus was just across the street.  They walked toward
the convention building.

Outside the hall they were ushered into a conference room to assemble
with the other Enterprise officers.  They entered the conference room
and saw the senior crew. They all greeted each other. Uhura, Chekov,
Sulu, Chapel, and the rest of the officer compliment were in
attendance, except for Scotty.  "Where is Mr. Scott?" Jim asked Uhura.

"He will be here, Sir.  He arrived home late and we came ahead.  He
should be here anytime now, I hope." She said.

The fact that she had mentioned "home" and "we came ahead" was not
lost on Jim.  He gave her that sideways smile that told her she had
just said more than she should.

She became a little flustered, not the usual for this woman.  This was
a woman with nerves of steel.

He lightly put his arm around her.  "Not to worry, Uhura.  Your secret
is safe."  He whispered into her ear and gave her the slightest hug.

This was the man she remembered.  The man who had contacted her about
her reassignment to the Enterprise had been a stranger.  What had
caused this turn about in the Captain she loved?  Was it being back on
a mission, or was it something more?  She knew one thing, no one she
would ever serve under again, would have his style.  At that moment
her thoughts were interrupted, Scotty walked through the door
fastening the collar on his uniform.

"Mr. Scott, good to see you," Jim called to the man arriving.

"I'm sorry, Admiral.  We had a wee bit of a problem as I was leaving
the space dock.  We have discovered a problem with one of the
matter/antimatter converters.  The poor lasses were quite shaken up,
you know."

"I know, Scotty.  But I have faith that you will have them back in
perfect health before long." Jim said apologetically to the man.  He
does love his engines so, but with the looks he is giving Uhura,
Chekov and Sulu, it was obvious that is not all he loves.

"Admiral Kirk," the coordinator of the reception was calling to him.
"Admiral Kirk, If we can get your officers to line up we will proceed
inside."

Jim asked the officers to get into formation.  Something they had done
many times before.  Taking their position behind this man.  Jim
started the procession with Spock, then Scotty and McCoy immediately
behind him and the other's fell in and followed.

At precisely 2000 hours the doors of the reception hall opened, and
they filed into the room.  A round of applause and cheers arose from
the thousand, or so, that were in attendance.  The ones that had been
seated all stood up.   As the compliment of the twenty-eight senior
officers filed into the reception hall the noise was deafening.  A
"Hero's Welcome" for the crew that had saved the planet.  The officers
walked to the front of the room where the rest of the crew waited.
Jim bowed graciously to the crowd, stepped aside and indicated the
officers and crew beside him with a waive of his hand.  That action
brought on a renewed round of cheers.

Kirk, Spock, McCoy and Scott were seated at the front table, with the
Starfleet brass, as the others took their seats across the first row
of reserved seats.  There was a speech from Admiral Nogura and several
shorter speeches from other selected members of Starfleet and the
Federation.  Once these were completed, Admiral James T. Kirk,
polished, bright, shinning, brilliant, proceeded to charm the
attendees.  By the time he had finished speaking, adoration shown from
every eye, well all but two, Komack was seated at the table,
expressionless.

---

The crowd rose, again, to its feet and gave Kirk and the crew another
round of applause.  Then everyone began milling around the hall.  The
crew circulated among the guests, answering any individual questions
that were not considered classified. Waiters wandered about with
various offerings in liquid refreshment.

Kirk saw Lt. Moricy and his guest, a lovely girl, and walked over to
speak with them.  He liked Moricy.  He realized today that he had been
taking him for granted.  His loyalty, efficiency and capability were
all Jim could expect in an assistant.  Moricy introduced his partner,
Laura, to the Admiral.  Jim felt ashamed that he did not know the man
was joined.  After a few minutes Jim left to move about the room.

He really wanted to see Spock and McCoy, but could not locate them at
this moment.  He turned to see Komack coming in his direction.  He
wished for someone, anyone, to approach him to ward off any
conversation he would have to have with this man, but no one appeared
to preclude the encounter.

"Kirk, congratulations.  This does seem to be your night!"  Komack
said in an almost pleasant tone, almost.

"A night for the crew, Sir.  Thank you, I hope you are enjoying
yourself."

"Oh, yes indeed.  I however have some matters to attend to.  I hope
you will not be offended if I slip away shortly."

"I certainly understand when duty calls."

"Very well.  I wish you a good evening" Komack stated and walked to a
group of brass milling together in one corner.

He turned and found Spock at his side.  "Was that unpleasant?" he
asked.

"No, actually quite the opposite.  I think he was actually trying to
be cordial.  Where has Bones gotten off to?"

"When I saw him last, he was making his way toward the atrium.  There
is a Doctor that he has been speaking with.  Evidently one that has
been involved with the new design of the long range ship sickbay."

"Oh shit, we better go get him out of trouble, we know what his
opinion of the new design is."

They made their way through the crowd and toward the doors leading to
the atrium.  There they saw him, red faced, and gesturing deliberately
toward a woman with her back turned to them, facing McCoy.

As they approached they heard him saying loudly "the extra time
involved with the accessibility of equipment could be the seconds
needed to save a life!"

They reached the two and Jim said, trying to defuse the conversation,
"Dr. McCoy, would you like to introduce us to your companion?"

McCoy snapped his eyes toward the two approaching.  His eyes were
glowing with anger but in an instant the anger began to moderate.

"Um, yes, of course.  Admiral James Kirk, Commander Spock, allow me to
introduce you to Dr. Shay Hollis."

The woman turned toward the two men and Jim froze.

"Commander Spock it is a pleasure to meet you.  Hello, Jim." Jim
managed to close his mouth and then said "Shayan?" in disbelief.

"Do you two know each other?" Bones asked, looking at the expression
being traded between these two.  Actually, it was obvious that they
'knew' each other, in the biblical sense, that is.  What was it with
this guy?  Was there an attractive female in the quadrant that James
Kirk did not have carnal knowledge of?

Jim, finally able to gain his composure, said, "Yes, the Doctor and I
have met previously."

Jim could not take his eyes from this woman. "Doctor, Hollis, is it?
It is pleasant to see you, again," he said.  He was lost as to how to
address this woman.  This had been his primary lover for the last six
months.  They never exchanged personal information but he never
dreamed that she was in service.  He would not have recognized her in
her Starfleet uniform.  She certainly looked like a different woman
than the one that he had been meeting in the Club District.  He had
given her no thought since that night in his apartment, except for the
brief message he posted to her only this morning.

"It is pleasant to see you again, Admiral.  It has been some time."

"Yes, well, I have been somewhat preoccupied, the last couple of
weeks." Jim glanced at the men beside him who were taking in the event
before them.  Looking around at the crowded setting he asked, "May we
go somewhere, less populated, to talk Doctor Hollis?"

"Certainly, wherever you wish." She replied.

He looked apologetically at the men at his side, "Gentlemen, If you
would please excuse us."

Jim escorted her through the doors, through the atrium, and out to the
commons.  There were a few individuals milling through the paths but a
modicum of privacy could be achieved here, with caution.

"This is quite a surprise.  I was unaware that you are in Starfleet."

"Understandable, Admiral.  We never really concentrated on the
particulars of each others professional life, did we?"  "Shayan, or is
it Shay? Jim asked

"It is Shay.  Shayan is the name I use in more, private,
relationships."

"Then, Shay, were you aware of my identity, prior to this evening?"

"Of course, Jim.  Everyone inside Starfleet, and all but a few
outside, would have the ability to identify you. But Jim, I have a
private life away from my job, as do you.  I saw no reason to
complicate our 'arrangement' with details," She smiled knowingly at
him.

"After all," she added, "you were clear that you were not interested
in an enduring relationship.  I am assuming that is still accurate?" 

"Not quite correct, I have recently found myself in a more resolute
frame of mind.  However, you were quite adamant regarding a, no
strings, relationship."

"Admiral, I find you quite interesting.  I gave you several openings
to expand our relationship but you did not take any of the
opportunities offered. So, if I had made my intentions clearer, you
would have pursued a more meaningful association?"

"No, I'm sorry, I did not wish to have a relationship, with anyone,
that required durability."

"And now?"

"Shay, as I said," taking her hand, "events have recently come about
that has altered my decision.   I have recently become, involved."
Thinking of the two men that he loved. He wanted to get back to them.

She seemed as if there was something else she wanted to ask, but she
stopped, pulled her hand from Jim's and said, "I understand. Well,
things just do not work out sometimes.  I do wish you well.  I hope we
have the opportunity to meet again, sometime."  She seemed somewhat
disappointed but not certainly not devastated.

"As I do you.  I am sure that with your involvement in the design
process of the new ships, that our paths will cross again."  They
walked back toward the conference center and reentered the atrium.

"I am sure they will, Admiral," she said smiling at him.

Spock and McCoy were waiting for Jim to return.  Shay spoke to
Leonard, "Doctor McCoy, I would be interested in discussing your ideas
regarding the new design.  Would we be able to meet in a more
conducive setting at some point?"

"Certainly, Doctor Hollis, I would be very responsive in pursuing our
discussion."

"Wonderful, I will contact you soon."  She acknowledged the other two
men, "Admiral, Commander, it has been a pleasure." She hesitated, but
then offered her outstretched hand to both Spock and McCoy for a
handshake.  It was not usual protocol to offer a handshake to a
Vulcan.  But Spock was not offended.  His experience with many
different cultures had trained him for the unusual.  He briefly took
her hand.

"Indeed," replied Spock, raising an eyebrow and becoming very stoic.

"Good to see you, Doctor Hollis," Jim said with a smile.

She turned and returned to the conference room.  "Quite a lady," Bones
said, "pretty, too!"  He was dying to ask just what had happened
between them, but decided this was not the place.

Jim just looked at him and smiled and gave a small shrug, "I thought
so, once.  I have found others more attractive, of late."  

"Jim, how long do we have to stay here?  The crowd is beginning to
thin out, can't we leave?"

"Sure, let's go make our appreciation known and take our leave."

Turning to reenter the room they saw Dr. Shay Hollis leaving the
function with her companion, Admiral Komack.

---

A short time later the three men were leaving the Starfleet compound.
They engaged a hover for the trip back to the apartment.  Spock had
been quiet since the encounter in the atrium.  "Spock, you seem to
have something on your mind, care to share" McCoy asked him.

"There is something that is causing me concern.  Jim, do you know the
ethnological origins of Dr. Hollis?"

"No, Spock, I am afraid we never spoke of anything that personal.  I
suppose by her dark golden complexion and dark hair, I would believe
her to be perhaps Native American, maybe some Spanish descent, why?"

They arrived at the apartment and went up.  Jim palmed the lock and
they entered the apartment and closed the door.  They sat around the
table and Jim brought out hot water and tea.  He was glad that this no
longer had to have a bad connotation to it.  Some of the best
discussions he had ever had with these men were over tea.  Bones had
already unhooked the collar of the uniform.

"Why the interest in Dr. Hollis, Spock?" Jim asked, again.

"It is my belief that she is, at least part, Lavidian.  When I made
contact with her I realized she is a touch telepath.  I do not believe
her skills are strong enough to read the subconscious, but she does
have the capability to read active thought patterns.  I was able to
shield her when we shook hands.  It was only an impression, but due to
the failure in protocol to offer a handshake to a Vulcan, I felt she
wanted me to realize her telepathic status." 

"Spock, I have been a sexual partner to this woman for several months.
Do you mean that she has been reading my mind?"

"I think there is every possibility.  Jim, what was your relationship
with her, if I may ask."

"Yeah, I would like to hear this!" Bones chimed in.

He took a deep breath, he hated having to go deeper into this.  Hated
having these men see what he had really become during that time. "You
have to know that in the last couple of years I have tried to numb my
mind with many different bodies.  I was not able to find the kind of
release I have needed.  I thought that sex, any sex, was the answer
for me.  I refused to face what I was really searching for. I was
going to the Club District quite a lot in the last couple of years.  I
was always on the lookout for willing, available bodies.  My selective
processes were, shall we just say, broadened?"

"Several months ago I met that beautiful lady and she seemed to
fulfill my needs.  She loved sex, and was very good, I might add.  She
stated that she wished to bed whomever she wished, without having to
feel responsible to anyone.  I felt the same.  We would post as to
what club we would be going to and, if the other were available, we
would meet.  We usually met several times a week and would go to one
of the clubs set up for this type of activity, or to one of the local
hotels.  I never brought her here, and she never invited me to her
place.  Hell, we never even exchanged last names!  The last few times
we met she began to speak of places she would like for us to go
together, but no mention of anything permanent.  I did not realize
until tonight that she was indicating that she wished our relationship
move to another level.  And, I never picked up on the fact that she
was telepathic.  I only knew that she was a very satisfactory lover."

"Jim, the decision to delay any knowledge of our arrangement may no
longer be in our hands."  Spock stated softly.

"I don't know what she could have received from me during that time, I
had denied to myself what," he paused and looked at Spock and Bones,
"who, I was needing in my life.  I do not believe I had any thoughts
for either of you during that period."  His mind was reeling.  Could
he have reveled anything to this woman?  Anything that she could share
with Komack?  What about classified Federation information?  He was
concentrating on the many times that they had been intimate.

"And tonight?"

He had walked to the commons with her. "Yes, I held her hand when we
were in the garden.  I was telling her that I was involved. I was
definitely thinking of you both and how I wished to get back to you."

"Jim, I don't know what the relationship is between Dr. Hollis and
Admiral Komack.  We have no way of knowing what she will tell him.
But I can just about bet you that it was his idea to use her to get
something on you!  I always said he was a slimy bastard!"  Leonard was
sure this was no coincidence.

Jim sat in silence.  Contemplating the chain of events.  His mind was
spinning.  Was there anything she did that would have tipped him off
to her telepathic capabilities?  He rested his forehead in the palm of
his hands.  What did she know, what could she do?

Raising his face to the two men in the room they were surprised to see
a sparkle in his eye.  "Well, if she tells Komack about us, the worst
he can do is attempt to file charges against me. However, I have got
to tell you, I do not believe that Komack can make a lot from this.
He would have to have solid proof in regard to our relationship while
on the Enterprise. He would need to have ship records back him up.
Also, as I said, I do not believe that Shay could have gained much
information from me regarding the one night on board that we were
together, due to the fact that I had buried it in my subconsciousness.
I think the only thing he will have to go on is what has happened in
the last two days.  There is no regulation against our relationship at
this time."

Spock considered this and said, "You may be correct.  If you are,
Admiral Komack may be left with nothing.  Leonard do you remember what
your thoughts were when Dr. Hollis was in contact with you?"

"Yeah, I was thinking cute, but anyone that could screw up the new
design that badly, couldn't be all that bright!"

Jim laughed, Bones and his propensity to get caught up in the issue of
the moment.  Of course he was thinking about the sickbay design.  He
had been furious with this woman when he and Spock located them.

Jim was feeling better.  This matter was far from over.  If Komack did
not push the issue, Jim was certain he would.  He had every intention
of discovering what Komack had tried.  If he had sent a telepathic spy
to discover something against him, it may not be Komack pressing
charges.  Jim may press charges of his own.  All things to consider,
later.  Right now there were other things to consider.  He had wanted
the pleasure of seeing the dress uniforms peeled from these men all
evening.  The time had come to fulfill that fantasy.

"I don't know about the two of you, but I am ready to get out of these
clothes." Jim stood up and walked to stand between Spock and Bones,
"Anyone want to join me?"

"Sure, anything to get outta this thing!" Bones said and smiled.  He
turned in his seat to get up and he winced.

Spock noticed this and understood that Leonard was sensitive from the
afternoon's activities.  He pulled Leonard to his feet and wrapped his
arms around his waist.  "I hope you are not in pain, it was not my
intention to do you any damage."

"Just a little tender.  Actually I have enjoyed the feeling. It
reminded me of you at the most interesting times tonight.  It has kept
me quite aroused all evening.  Thank goodness for the long jacket on
these damn dress uniforms."  He pulled Spock to him and pressed their
lips together.  He felt the heat coming from beneath the silken
jacket.  They released the kiss and followed Jim to the bedroom.

---

Bones tore open the clasps holding the torturous jacket together and
let it slide to the floor.  His arousal was very obvious once the
jacket was discarded.  He turned to Jim who had just kicked his boots
off.  Bones ran his hand through the golden hair.  Jim let his hands
wander over the muscular chest and tight nipples and down to caress
the erection through the soft uniform material.  He wrapped his arms
around the flushed body and pulled his mouth to him.

Jim loved the taste of this man.  Of both men.  They were so very
different, just as the taste of a fine brandy or a vintage wine.  Both
very different, both very distinctive, both very pleasant against the
tongue.

Bones pushed Jim back slightly and began to remove his uniform.  He
let the jacket fall to the floor and reached for the clasp on the
pants.  He quickly had the pants pushed down and Jim stepped out of
them.  Bones ran his hands over the tight abdomen and down to the soft
patch of golden hair surrounding the fully erect cock.  He loved the
feel of this man.  Spock knelt down and removed Bones' boots and
released the opening of the trousers and slid them off.  He stood and
then backed up to watch them.  The humans never let their hands leave
each other.  Spock had never thought of himself as someone who became
visually excited, but the sight of his two human lovers exploring each
others bodies brought him to full arousal.

Spock's attention was not lost on Jim.  He turned Bones in his arms to
where he was pressed against his back, and McCoy was facing Spock.
Jim nuzzled the back of Bones' neck while one hand was teasing the
hard nipples and his other was exploring the hot cock and scrotum. He
rubbed his erection against the buttocks and allowed his cock to rub
in the crease between the firm cheeks.

Leonard opened his eyes and saw Spock standing before them.  His
jacket was open but still hanging from his shoulders.  His erection
was obvious beneath the trousers.  Spock's eyes were black with
passion and he softly bit his lower lip.  Bones was quite ready to see
this man naked, "This afternoon you were quite demanding about my
disrobing, sir.  I think now is your turn, get that uniform off,
Spock."

Jim continued his massage of Bones but stopped the assault on his neck
and looked up to watch Spock disrobe.

Spock let the jacket slide from his shoulders.  He reached for the
clasp on the trousers and unfastened it.  He kicked off his boots and
slid the trousers and underwear down and stepped out of them.  He
stood there looking at his lovers. Jim proceeded with the massage of
the cock and returned to the assault on the neck.  He ran his tongue
over the neck and up to Bones ear.

Bones eyes were half closed from the sensations, but he could not keep
his eyes off of Spock.  He watched Spock move his feet slightly apart.
He watched the Vulcan's erect cock begin to quiver from the scene that
was being played out before him.  He saw the fluid forming at the tip
and watched, as he could no longer deny his body the attention it
craved, and Spock brought his hand to his erect member.  He watched as
he slowly began to stroke the shaft and spread the fluid across the
tip and fingered the most sensitive areas.

Bones felt Jim's hot cock pumping along his crease and grazing the
still somewhat tender opening.  He could feel the wetness of the
precum against his butt.   He was unable to imagine having this tender
area invaded again so quickly but, as he became overcome with desire,
he knew he wanted to feel this man inside of him.  He wanted this man
to release himself inside of him.  "Jim," he gasped, "I want you to
fuck me.  I want to feel your fluid inside of me."

"Bones," Jim asked cautiously, "are you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure.  I want to feel you inside me," Bones panted.

Spock walked to the drawer and removed the tube of lubricant. He
handed it to Jim.  Jim spread the lube on his fingers and touched his
fingers to the opening.  He gently pushed one finger into the tight
orifice.  Bones tensed.  "Bones, are you sure," knowing that it was
only this afternoon had this area first been invaded.

"Yes, please.  I am fine."  He willed himself to relax the muscles.
Once Jim had worked two fingers in, he no longer felt the tenderness.
He only felt desire, lust, need.  Jim applied more lubricant to his
cock and positioned the tip to the opening.  He was still pressed
behind Bones with Spock standing in front of them.  He wrapped his
arms around Bones to brace himself and slowly pressed his cock into
the tight opening. Once his head had penetrated he stopped to make
sure Bones was all right.  He felt the pressure as Bones pushed back
against him, impaling himself on the hot cock.  Bones took a sharp
breath and then began moving his hips against Jim.

Jim reached down and began to stroke the dick in rhythm with his own
propulsion in and out of the tight channel.  Spock went to his knees
before Leonard and began to tongue the tip if the cock.  Jim felt his
hand graze against the hot mouth as he was stroking the shaft.  He
removed his hand from the shaft to allow Spock to bring him to climax.
With the feeling of Jim's cock in is ass and the hot mouth sucking
him, Bones cock began to convulse and he came into Spock's mouth. With
the stimulation, Jim pushed deep into the opening as his cock began to
contract and release his semen deep into the body.  Spock drank deeply
until the last of the fluid had been released.

Jim slipped out of the body and released his grip on Bones.  Leonard
was reeling from the sensation and lay down on the bed.  Spock stood
up and wrapped his arms around Jim.  He captured his mouth with his
lips.  Jim could taste the remnants of Bones' salty fluid.  He
explored the mouth and then worked his way to the neck and let his
tongue form a trail across the tight nipples, stopping to tease them
with his teeth.  He continued across the abdomen and came to rest on
his knees in front of Spock.  Spock was beyond the capability to
control his actions.  When Jim took the head into his mouth Spock
reached for the golden head and pressed as much of his erection into
the entrance as he could.  He began to forcefully pump his organ in
and out of the mouth feeling the tongue caress the sensitive spot
around the ridges.  Jim wrapped his arms around Spock's hips and
grabbed the firm mounds. His fingers teased the opening within the
crevice.  Spock pressed deeply into the mouth and came violently.

Jim tried to drink the fluid down but quite a bit escaped his lips due
to the volume of fluid released.  Spock withdrew the cock from Jim's
mouth and fell to his knees, capturing Jim's mouth with his own.
"Jim," he moaned between breaths.  He tasted his own spent fluid on
Jim's mouth and face. The two men managed to get up on the bed, pull
the covers around them, and collapse entwined with Bones.

---

Again, Jim woke before the other two.  He knew he would be unable to
go back to sleep. Old habits die-hard.  He eased himself out from
beside his lovers.  He grabbed a quick shower threw on shorts and a
T-shirt.  It was cooler this morning than it had been, or was it that
he was just more in-tune with the fact that Spock was in the
apartment?  He adjusted the thermo up.

He went to the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee.  Real coffee was a
luxury they rarely had on a starship and, since accepting the ground
assignment, he had made sure that he always had a supply of various
beans.  He looked around for something for breakfast.  There was
little to offer.  He was usually at Headquarters by 0600.  Not much
time for breakfast. He replicated some biscuits, and found some fruit.
He set out the biscuits on a plate and cut up the fruit and added it
to the plate.  'Well, it'll have to do.  Spock will be satisfied, but
not exactly the bacon and eggs that Bones' likes to cook over a fire
on our camping trips,' Jim mused to himself.  'All of those camping
trips, all of those wasted opportunities to really enjoy the outdoors!
We must plan another trip, now that we can truly appreciate the
natural setting!'

The thought of the two men in the bedroom caused a shiver to run down
his spine.  McCoy and Spock were his lovers!  They were here, in San
Francisco, with him!  'Better than that, they are in my bed with me!'

He was sitting on the couch, sipping a cup of coffee, and considering
the turn of recent events.  His thoughts turned to Komack and what Jim
suspected he had been up to.  Going to the office today was going to
be interesting.  If he were correct, he would be confronting that
son-of-a-bitch.  If he were incorrect, he may be brought up on
charges.  Either way, he would not have to keep his relationship with
these two men a secret.  Hell, the worst they could do was bust him
out of Starfleet, and only a few days ago, he was contemplating
resigning anyway.

He heard the shower from the back of the apartment and knew that his
companions were beginning to rouse.  A few minutes later Spock walked
into the room, his hair wet, wrapped in Jim's robe, "Good Morning," he
whispered to Spock.  Spock leaned down and took Jim's shoulders in his
hands and pulled him into a brief kiss.  Oh, the smell of a warm,
damp, Vulcan!

"Good Morning," Spock whispered.

"Coffee?" Jim asked his warm lover.

"Umm," Spock nodded his head.

"Is Bones up, too?"

"Yes, he is in the shower.  He will be in shortly."

Jim brought in the coffeepot and two cups and sat them on the table.
He retrieved the plate of fruit and biscuits and sat them down.

"What will you do regarding Komack?"

"I am going to meet with him at my earliest opportunity.  No sense in
delaying it.  I want to find out what his relationship is with Hollis.
If it is, as we suspect, that he has conspired with her to cause harm,
I suppose I will take action at that point. The worst that could
happen is that Starfleet discovers that we became lovers while I was
Captain of the Enterprise and they drum me out of the corp.

"Spock, I am afraid that you are correct that the news of our
relationship will no longer be private. Once this is reveled, I don't
know what ramifications we will face.  It could get rather tough for
all of us. I do not wish to bring any difficulty to the two of you.  I
have to admit, I am torn between dropping it, or do what I feel I
must, which is pursue charges against both of them."

"Jim, you cannot go against your convictions to protect us.  That is
not who you are.  We are not so weak that we are unable to face the
choices that we have made.  This association was not your decision
alone.  We all made the conscious judgment.  We knew there would be
consequences.  We will all face them, in our own way, when the time
comes."

"Spock, it is possible that the fact that our first sexual encounter
occurred while I was in command, will be reveled.  Yes, Komack has
performed an illegal act to try to support his suspicions, but I am
not without fault, either."

"Jim, was it against Starfleet regulations for four of your top
officers to be involved in a personal relationship?  These individuals
do vary in rank."

Jim was taken back by the fact that Spock was aware of this
relationship.  He had only become certain of it the evening before,
although he had suspected as much for years.  "Well, technically, yes.
However, they are consenting adults, and there have certainly been no
complaints from any of the individuals involved. There would, at the
very most, be a reprimand placed in their records if it were pursued."

"Would it be morally, or legally acceptable for you to send me to
covertly monitor their thoughts to gain that information?"

"Absolutely not.  That would be invasion of privacy and conspiracy.  I
would have lost my command and my rank if I tried that."

"And, if you had chosen to execute such an act, and charges were being
filed by those crew members against you, would it have a bearing on
the case that such a relationship did exist?"

"No, of course not.  The charges would be for the act of conspiracy
and deception.  Any information regarding the actual relationship
would be immaterial." Jim understood what Spock was telling him.
Allowing the relationship to occur while still onboard had violated a
Starfleet regulation.   But, this does not negate the fact that there
may have been deception used to try to confirm these suspicions. 

"Thank you.  I have had a difficult time trying to sort this out. By
the way, how did you know about the relationship you used as an
example?"

"Jim, it's getting late."  Spock replied which meant he was not going
to reveal any information regarding this.

"All right Spock, I'm going," He said as he stood up and headed toward
the dressing room.  He met Bones in the hall, entering the main room,
and advised him there was coffee and breakfast on the table, gesturing
to where Spock was still seated.  "Sleeping in late again today?" he
kidded Bones about, once again, being the last to get up.

"I woke up early this morning, thank you!  It's that horny Vulcan you
need to have the talk with!  I swear the man is insatiable!" Bones
growled, but the glint in his eye told Jim he was not too upset.

Jim turned to Spock with a surprised look on his face and Spock just
raised his eyebrow.

---

Arriving in his office just slightly later than his usual time, Jim
was pleased to see that he had beat Moricy in this morning.  He got
coffee and began checking his messages. He saw the COM unit signal
that Lt. Moricy had arrived.

Daniel always signaled the Admiral that he had arrived at his desk,
should Admiral Kirk need anything, but the signal was not usually
responded to.  This morning he keyed the signal into the COM and Kirk
responded with a request that he come into his office.   He picked up
the data pad and proceeded into the office, assuming that Admiral had
orders for him.  He opened the door and stepped inside, closing the
door behind him.

"Come in, Lieutenant.  I just wanted to tell you I enjoyed seeing you
and your partner, Laura, last evening.  I am ashamed to admit that
after working with you this length of time, I was unaware that you are
joined.  She seems  lovely.  Is she with Starfleet, as well?"

"No sir, she is a biochemist.  She is currently working with the
AP-Dar Corporation."  He answered.  Small talk was something he was
not used to with this man.

"Do you have children?"

"Yes, sir, two sons.  The oldest is twelve and has just been accepted
the Columbia Academy of Science.  The youngest has just turned three."
He replied, trying to keep his answers factual and to the point,
however, there was a certain amount pride reflected in his voice.

"That's excellent, Lieutenant, I know you both must be very proud of
him.  The Columbia Academy is an excellent program.  Perhaps in the
future he will be interested in Starfleet?"

"Well, actually, at this point the only thing he can talk about is
becoming a Starship Captain." He almost told him that Admiral Kirk was
his hero, and the fact that 'Dad' worked for Admiral Kirk was the
greatest!  But, although very true, he decided against it.

"I highly recommend it, but of course I am quite prejudiced on that
subject," he smiled at Moricy.  "Well, I suppose it is time to get
down to business.  I need for you to set up a meeting between Admiral
Komack and myself.  I would like to meet with him, late this morning
if possible, and on neutral territory.  I would prefer to use a
conference room delta-four if it is available.  Until that is set, I
do not wish to schedule any other meetings.  This will take precedent
over anything else, except Admiral Nogura."

"Yes, sir.  I will take care of it, Admiral.  I will advise you as
soon as I have spoken with Admiral Komack's aid.  Is there anything
else?" He got up to leave the room.

"Yes, Lieutenant, one more thing, will you please pull any information
you can find in the banks on a Dr. Shay Hollis, and forward it to my
COM.  I need that information ASAP."

"Yes, sir, I will get that right away, Admiral."

"Thank you. That will be all, for right now, but the day's still
young!" Jim tilted his head to the side and grinned.  "And Daniel, In
this office, my name is Jim, if you wish"  

A smile beamed from the Lieutenant, "Thank you, Jim."

"Thank you, Daniel."

"Yes, sir." He left the room to pull the information and set up the
meeting.  There had always been talk about the crew of the Enterprise,
and their loyalty to this man.  It was legendary.  The reasons for
that loyalty had been lost on him, until recently.  He wasn't certain
if the change was in James Kirk, or in himself, but he was beginning
to understand.  When Kirk spoke at the reception last night, Daniel
found the hair on the back of his neck standing on end.  He had not
had that type of reaction to a speech since his youth.  And, that man
had a smile that could fillet your very soul!  It comes straight out
of his eyes!  'If I wasn't joined, I could fall into that smile!
Dammit, get a grip on yourself!  You are thinking like a schoolboy!
But Damn!' 

"Jim, I have the meeting you requested scheduled for conference room
four at 1130 hours, and the information you requested is being sent
now, sir," he relayed over the COM.

"Thank you.  Please hold all calls, except from the individuals on my
contact list, for the next hour.  Oh, just a moment, let me update
that list for you," Jim had certain people that he would allow
interruptions for.  Nogura, Komack and Carol Marcus, who was listed on
the slim chance that she would contact him regarding David, his nephew
Peter, and several other individuals that were associated with the
Federation.  He pulled the list and added McCoy and Spock.  "Now the
list is updated, you may pull it."

"Yes, sir.  I have it."

Jim proceeded to read all information provided on Dr. Shay Shepherd
Hollis.  She was born in Chicago, IL.  Her parents were Anya Shepherd
and Demarcus Hollis.  Both doctors, and both had served with
Starfleet.  Her mother had been involved with the research that
advanced the treatment for beta radiation poisoning.   Jim continued
reading the impressive bio information and found that there was both
Native American and Spanish descent.  Then he found that her
grandmother had been from a Lavidian-Russian union.  That would have
been just two years after the first Lavidia contact.  Well, due to her
other lineage, it was no wonder the very fair Lavidia features were
unrecognizable.

He began to explore her personal info.  It was documented that she was
a present-thought touch telepath. So, Spock was correct, she could
only read current thoughts, and only with touch.  How many times had
she been inside his head?  Probably as many times as his head had been
inside of her, so to speak!  He finally found what he had been looking
for; she had a Vow of Privacy on record.  This meant she was not
allowed to touch the thoughts of anyone without permission and
consent.  Spock knew she tried to read him, and she certainly had not
asked permission.  However, he did say he felt that she wanted him to
know about her telepathic ability.  Was that to warn, or to gloat?
Something worth finding out.

No partners were listed, so she had never had even a time designated
joining.  Other personal information was very limited.  Jeez, this
woman read like a nun, and Jim was certain she was no nun!  It seems
that this lady is very good at concealing all information regarding
her private life.  'I could learn something from this woman, my
profile reads like a porn chip!'

So, it is already obvious that Dr. Hollis had broken one Starfleet
regulation.  What else is she capable of?   He needed to meet with
her.  He looked at the crono, it was 0942 hours.  Plenty of time.  He
placed a vid message to Leonard McCoy.

Bones appeared on the screen.  "Hi Jim, what's up?"

"Bones, do you know where Dr. Hollis' office is located?"

"Well, yeah, I had checked into that this morning.  Seems the lady is
located right here, on gamma level, suite 710.  I've had a lotta
question running around in my head about her since last night.  I was
considering going to see her."

"Bones, mind checking the building log to see if she is in her office
at this time?"

"Sure, Jim.  Hold on."

Bones reappeared, "The lady is in her office."

"Thanks, I'm transporting over.'

"Can I come along?"

"Not right now, Bones, I need to see her privately for a few minutes.
Would it be all right if I drop by your office after I talk to her?"
Jim paused and looked in the vid screen,  "Bones, I have a meeting
with Komack at 1130."

"Everything will be fine, Jim, see ya soon."

---

He pulled on his jacket, took the lift to the Central Transportation
Center and beamed to the Medical Services Building transport center. 
He took the lift to gamma level and found the suite he was looking
for.  The outer room was large. There were groups of prototype medical
equipment being considered for the redesigned ships.  He located her
office and walked in.

She turned and saw him coming into her office.  She did not seem
surprised.  She was on a COM call and nodded his presence and gestured
to a chair.  She was completing a conversation regarding newly
designed bio-beds.  "Hello, again, Jim."  She stated after she
completed the call, and rose to close the door to the office.  "I have
been expecting you."

"I have a lot of questions for you," Jim said bluntly.  "Like how long
have you been reading my thoughts, against my permission or consent,"
quoting the requirements of the Vow of Privacy.

"I see you have pulled my profile."

"Did you expect otherwise?  Your profile was quite interesting.  For
instance, there is very little personal information regarding
relationships.  I find it hard to believe, knowing you as I do."

"I have been very careful not to become involved in relationships that
would appear on my record," she answered.  She was sitting very
stiffly in her chair, her hands folded in her lap.

"Then why would you begin the type of relationship we had and not
address the issue of your telepathic capability?"

"Jim, I had no intention of you ever knowing who I was.  Later, when I
was hoping that our situation would change, and you made it clear that
it would not, I saw no reason to advise you."  She relaxed her
shoulders and looked down at her hands.  "Jim, let's get it all out.
I have been reading you since the first night that we met.  Yes, I was
very well aware of who you were.  I found it a terrific game.
However, I must say, when you are looking for sex, you are very
focused.  You think of very little else," she shrugged slightly,
glanced up and a small, nervous smile crossed her lips.

"However," She continued, "due to my contact with you last evening, I
am aware that you are, involved.  I am very aware of the deep feeling
that you have for both Dr. McCoy and Commander Spock. I do not know
how long, but I believe it is very recent that you have found each
other.  I can only assume that the feelings are returned but, I was
unable to read anything from Commander Spock, and all I could pick up
from Dr. McCoy was, well, not exactly flattering."

"Why would you allow your abilities to be know to Mr. Spock?  Why now
when you have kept this from me so far?"

"Regardless of what you may think, I am no fool.  I am certainly aware
of the Vulcan telepathic capability.  I chose to make him aware of my
capabilities.  Jim, you have some very powerful enemies in Starfleet.
I really do care for you, but I have been put into a situation that,
due to my own carelessness, has put me in the middle."

"Admiral Komack." He stated conclusively.  "How did you become
involved with him?"

She looked down at her desk, "Admiral Komack came to me right after
your return from the recent mission.  He is very concerned about your
latest success.  He knew that this accomplishment would heighten your
capability to make demands of Starfleet.  He had discovered sometime
ago that we were involved.  Our liaisons were of no concern to him,
but he always suspected that you had relationships, personal
relationships, with members of your crew.  He of course, was aware of
my telepathic capabilities, and wanted to know if I could confirm any
of his suspicions.  Jim, I swear, I told the bastard to fuck off.
But, during the heat of the discussion, I led him to the conclusion
that I had never advised you of my capabilities."

She drew a deep breath, and continued, "He was thrilled to learn that
I had deceived you.  Now he had something that he could use against
me.  He advised me I was to obtain all information from the three of
you regarding your status.  If I failed, he would see to it that I
lost my commission.  You had not responded to any of the postings I
had placed on the COM board since your return, so hence, my presence
at the reception last night.  He saw to it that I was included on the
guest list."  She looked away, "Jim, he is aware that the three of you
are involved."

"You advised him of this fact?"

"Yes, but he was wanting information regarding the depth of your
involvement when these men were assigned to you.  I advised him that I
have no knowledge of any occurrence prior to your return from the
recent mission."

She raised her head and met Jim's eyes.  "I am very aware that this is
going to cost me my commission and even a possible term in a
confinement center.  I am guilty of conspiracy, deception of a
superior ranking officer, and violation of the oath I took when I
agreed to the Vow of Privacy. But, nevertheless, I do apologize for
deceiving you.  The one thing I have discovered about you, Admiral
James Kirk, is that you are a very decent man with a great capacity to
love."

Jim sat there looking at this woman. He remembered her starting to ask
him something last night, but instead she pulled her hand from his.
He realized this was when she decided not to pursue any damaging
information.  Finally he responded, "Shay, I do not know what
ramifications will be forthcoming.  Although I had certainly
considered it, I do not, now, desire to bring charges against you.
However, this issue is not over.  I intend to confront Admiral Komack
regarding this situation. The outcome of that meeting depends on how
hard I push for charges.  I will say, at the very least, you are going
to face reprimand.  I am not pursuing revenge, but I cannot let
conspiracy go unchecked."

She looked at the man sitting before her and nodded, "I do understand,
and I will face whatever comes."

"Very well, as long as we understand each other.  And, Shay, if I ever
get any even a hint in the future that you have violated anyone else
in this manner, be assured the possibility of a confinement center
will no longer be in question."

"Understood, Admiral."

He left the office. He headed for McCoy's office.

"I have just left Shay Hollis."

"Well, how did it go?"

"She started this as a game, and has found herself in a real mess.
Komack blackmailed her into trying to get information out of us.  He
found out she had deceived me, and used it against her. However, to
the lady's defense, she made the decision not to pursue anything
damaging and she revealed her telepathic capabilities to Spock to warn
us.  She was aware that with revealing herself to Spock, she was
flushing her career down the pipe."

"God, Jim!  What the hell was she thinking?  Didn't she realize she
was playing with fire?"

"Bones, keep in mind that I've been scorched some in my past, as
well."

Jim was right.  This was a man that had learned to juggle fire!  He
just shook his head and smiled.  "Now what are you going to do?"

"I have a meeting with Komack in thirty minutes."  He looked into the
face he knew so well.  A face that he wanted to have beside him
forever.  He did not want this man hurt by events that were about to
take place.  "Bones, whatever happens, you know that our situation
will no longer be a secret.  Earlier, I was very cavalier about
letting others know about us, but you were not counting on anything
like this."

"Jim, Spock and I discussed this.  Basically he brought me up to date
on the conversation the two of you had this morning.  Jim, he is
right.  Neither one of us will break.  We are adults and have made
this choice together.  I'm certainly not going back whatever happens.
And Jim, this may turn into a huge scandal, or it may be much ado
about nothing.  Either way, I have no regrets, do you?"

He put his arm across Bones' shoulder, "No Bones, absolutely no
regrets."

"Jim, can we get together this afternoon?"

"Sure.  Let's plan on grabbing something to eat and meet at the
fountain in Memorial Park, say 1330?  It's a beautiful day and I
haven't been getting out enough lately."

"Perfect.  Don't worry about getting anything, I will bring us both
something."

"If something comes up, before then, I will contact you."

"Fair enough."

---

Jim arrived back at Headquarters.  He was about five minutes late for
his meeting.  When he arrived at the conference room, Komack was
leaving.  "Going somewhere, Admiral?" Jim asked the man.

Komack scowled, and went back in.  When Kirk came into the room and
closed the door he said, "Kirk, what the hell is this all about?  I
have matters that need attending to in my own department!  I do not
have the time to wait on you.  You said 1130.  If you were not
planning on being prompt, you should have come to my office."

"Admiral, have a seat.  We have some very important matters to
discuss.  I think that you will probably prefer the privacy before we
are finished."

"Listen Kirk, just because you have the Federation wrapped around your
finger, does not mean that you can make any demands on me.  I still
deserve the respect of my rank!"  Komack's face was livid and his
coloring had gone to a deepening red.

"As do I, and since I am now your equal I believe that puts us on an
even playing field." Jim looked coldly into the man's eyes.

"Kirk, you spent more than two years here accomplishing absolutely
nothing.  Now, all of a sudden, you demand the command of the
Enterprise and come home the conquering hero," hatred shot from his
eyes, "you have placed yourself in the second most vital position in
Starfleet and answer to no one. Well, do not expect adoration from
me!"

"Komack, it is my capabilities, knowledge and experience that have
placed me in the position I hold today.  And, as to coming home the
'conquering hero,' it was the best crew of in the fleet that
accomplished the mission you refer to, a mission, that without
success, would make any discussion today a moot point.  However, none
of this is what I wish to discuss with you."

"So, what is the topic of the day, Admiral," Komack spat.

"I wish to discuss your involvement in conspiracy, deception and
blackmail.  I am officially advising you that I am pressing charges
against you.  I am well aware of your scheme to use Dr. Shay Hollis to
try to gain damaging information against me."

The color began to drain from Komack's face.  He stared at Kirk in
disbelief that he had been discovered.  His plan was fool proof.
Hollis had as much to lose as he, even more.  Surely she would never
admit to anything.  "How, or what, are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I am speaking of.  I have spoken with Dr.
Hollis, and I have the complaint in my COM ready to forward.  There is
no doubt that a full investigation and court-martial will follow.
These charges are serious enough that you will be indicted for
misconduct."

"Well, well.  I never believed I would see it.  You, standing before
me with a full set of balls! My, hasn't the little boy grown up! It
seems that fucking your buddies has given you a great deal of
confidence!"  Komack knew denial was useless.  Now recovered from the
shock of being found out, his loathing of the man before him returned,
full force.  "What is your next move?"

"Let me make it very clear to you that I have not been a 'little boy'
in years.  As for my next action, that is your decision.  If you
choose to go to Nogura and the Joint Chiefs' on your own, I will leave
the decision regarding charges and reprimands to their discretion.
Otherwise, I will press the charges myself and you will be formally
indicted."

"You cannot bring charges against me.  You must be aware that any
charges regarding this will result in the revelation of your personal
situation with Spock and McCoy, as well as Hollis.  I would, of
course, be forced to disclose all information that I have received if
you choose to push this course of action against me.  However, if you
choose to drop this, we will just let bygones be bygones," Komack
smirked.

Jim, seething, leaned across the table, supporting himself on his
arms, stared straight into Komack's face and said, "Sir, you are a
fool. Not only do I not mind that the personal relationship I have
chosen be reveled, I welcome the opportunity to have my choice
validated.  You dare to sit here, and attempt the same tactics with me
that you used with Hollis.  Attempt to blackmail me, Sir, and I will
include that charge in my report as well.  Are you sure you wish to
pursue this?" Jim's eyes flashed.

Komack sat back.  Kirk had him.  He had nothing he could counter with.
He was unable to accumulate any proof to support his suspicions, and
his covert operation had just exploded in his face.  Worst yet, Kirk
was not intimidated by the knowledge that his personal life would be
exposed.  Komack had to admit that even though it was an
unconventional arrangement, there were no regulations against it.  "I
will present myself to Admiral Nogura this afternoon." Komack stated,
defeated.

"I would expect nothing less," Jim stated, still staring into the
man's face.  "I will be speaking to the Joint Chiefs' on behalf of Dr.
Hollis.  I do not agree with her actions in this matter, and I believe
disciplinary action is in order, but I understand how she could be
coerced.  I will expect you to fully address your part in her
deception."

"Yes, yes, I will."

"Then we have nothing further to discuss, Admiral."  Jim left the
room.

Komack sat in the chair for a few moments, contemplating the events of
the last few minutes. He looked at his hands, they were shaking. What
went wrong?  Hollis has everything to loose.  Why would she jeopardize
her career for this man?  How had he allowed himself to spiral down to
this?  At what point did the hatred he felt for this man consume him?
It didn't seem to matter now.  He rose from the chair and headed for
Nogura's office.

---

Jim was very aware that before the afternoon was over the news would
be swarming through the staff offices that the former Captain, First
Officer and CMO of the Enterprise were lovers.  Jim went back to his
office.  "Well, Moricy, it's been a Hell of a day!" he stated as he
reached his aid's desk.  "I think we need to talk, will you please
come into my office?"

"Yes, sir, " Moricy rose and followed Kirk through the door.  Kirk
closed the door and indicated for him to be seated. Kirk was fond of
this man and he felt that before the gossip started that he needed to
advise Moricy of certain facts.  He owed him the respect of advising
him before he heard it from the support staff.  He, also, wanted to
give him a choice of transferring if he could no longer serve here
efficiently.

"Lieutenant," addressing him by his rank. "I am aware of events that
are going to happen here this afternoon.  I also fully understand that
scuttlebutt will circulate as soon as it starts.  However, until you
hear it elsewhere, I would appreciate it if what I am about to say,
does not leave this office.  Can I trust that you will respect that
request?"  Jim removed his jacket, hung it up and sat down on the end
of his desk.

"Absolutely, sir."  'I will respect any request this man makes of me,'
he thought to himself.

"There will be a lot of information being released regarding choices I
have made in my personal life.  It involves charges that will be
brought against a fellow officer, which I will not get into at this
time." Jim paused, unsure of how to proceed, "Daniel, there will be
information released regarding my personal relationship with Commander
Spock and Dr. McCoy. You being my assistant, I feel I owe you the
respect of preparing you before the rumor mill gets too rampant.  Once
the information is released, you may then comment or react in any way
you deem necessary.  I will certainly not require you to come to my
defense. You have been an excellent assistant, and I would not like to
lose you to anything other than advancement. I do not know what your
personal feelings are regarding same sex relationships, especially one
as unconventional as this, but this is the choice I have made.  If you
feel you will be uncomfortable working with someone who had made such
a choice, I will honor any request that you wish to make for
transfer." He looked to Moricy for a response.

"Admiral Kirk, I have no intention of transferring anywhere.  I am
satisfied where I am assigned." He smiled at the man before him, "I do
not understand why your personal life is being exposed, but I have to
believe that there is good reason.  Be assured, I will do all I am
able to make this knowledge as innocuous as possible among the staff
personal.  Actually, being your assistant has given me some clout with
the support staff.  If there is anything else I can to do to be of
assistance, all you need do is ask."  The sincerity was obvious.
There was no judgment in his face.

"Thank you, Daniel.  I do appreciate your offer."

Moricy rose to leave the office.  "I appreciate the respect.  And
Jim," he looked down at the floor trying to find the exact words, and
he looked back to the man sitting on the desk, "I am glad you have
found a satisfying relationship."

It wasn't long before Daniel Moricy began to get communiques from his
associates.  His message board was filling up from other staff members
wanting all of the details!  The rumors were frenzied.  Shaun Whitman,
aid to Admiral Rohm, and Daniel's oldest friend, called to see if he
wanted to get lunch.  "Sure, but let's go off campus."  They made
arrangements to meet at a local restaurant.  When Daniel arrived he
saw Shaun had already been seated.

Daniel sat down and they placed their order.  "Shit, Dan, what
happened with Admiral's Kirk and Komack this morning?"

"In what regard?"

Shawn leaned close and said quietly, to make sure they were not
overheard, "Well I heard that Komack presented himself to Nogura and
has been indicted on conspiracy, defamation of character, blackmail,
and a host of other charges.  It all seems to be regarding Kirk and
two other officers that served on the Enterprise.  Something about
them being, umm, lovers?"  Whitman stated, raising his eyebrows and
shaking his head.

"Yes."

"You knew about this?"

"Yes."

"Is it true?  I mean that they are lovers?  Kirk, Commander Spock AND
Dr. McCoy?" He asked in disbelief.

"Shaun, yes it is true, but why should the choices that any of us make
regarding our companion, or companions, be surprising?   It seems to
me that the real story is that someone in the position of Admiral
Komack, would commit these types of offenses.  You would think someone
in his position would know better."

"But it had something to do with the three of them.  Don't you find
that bizarre?"

"I find that not nearly as bizarre as that Myluten bitch that you
decided you wanted to take home to your mother!  You remember the one
with four tits and the nasty disposition!  Hell, I at least understand
what they see in each other, however, what you ever saw in her, beyond
her chest, I'll never understand."  He didn't bother to remind Shaun
of their Academy days, when they had done some pretty heavy
experimenting themselves.

"OK, OK...point well taken.  I guess we have all had our unusual
relationships.  God, can you imagine the knowledge combined in that
match!  Not to mention the power each one of them wields!  Good thing
they're on our side, otherwise together, they could conquer the whole
damn galaxy!"

"They have already done that.  They were the officers on the
Enterprise, you know!  And, yeah, I'm glad they're on our side!"

Shaun laughed.  Dan was right!  Damn, what a union!  "You know what,
Dan?  You may think I'm crazy, but I almost envy them."

Before the day was out, most of the Starfleet staff was doing more
dreaming about one day finding a relationship this strong, than
condemning the love of these men. When you have the two assistants, to
two of the most powerful Joint Chiefs', putting a positive spin on the
alliance, the relationship became generally accepted as enviable, not
sordid.  The very few who actually did disapprove, were so
outnumbered, that before long, the few dissenters chose to keep their
opinions to themselves.  Most of the staff concentrated on the
indictment of Komack.  Now that was scandalous!  The gossip mill had a
great time with that one.

---

The transporter beam dropped Jim just in front of the fountain at
Memorial Park.  The park was relatively deserted due to the fact that
it was somewhat distanced from the Business district.  Most people did
not use this park during the week.  Bones had not arrived, so Jim
wandered around the fountain reading the stone memorials to various
men and women that had given their lives for this country, continent,
world, or sector.  Some of the stones were so worn that the words were
very hard to read due to the fact that the engravings had become worn
and rounded from the various exposures to weather and chemicals that
used to be found in the air.

He traced one of the dates on the older stones.  It was honoring a
Sergeant that served the US Army in WW2 in the year 1943.  Jim stood
there looking at the date, contemplating what it would have been like
to live back then.  Very specific guidelines on right and wrong,
everything in black and white. Condemnation of anyone or anything that
did not mirror your beliefs, condemnation of the different races,
religions, genders, sexual orientation.  How would it have been to
have to live in a society that was so very intolerant?   The possible
ramifications that Spock, McCoy and himself may face, once their
status is revealed, may be somewhat uncomfortable.  But, in the era of
the early twentieth century, had they been discovered as lovers, they
would have been put to death by most societies in the world.  

He heard the whine of a transporter beam off to the right.  He turned
to see Bones appear.  "You, using a transporter?  I can't believe it!
I thought you would have walked the twenty kilometers or so first!"

"I would have, if I hadn't been running so damn late!"  Bones growled.
His mood lightening at the site of Jim he asked, "Have you been here
long?  What have you been doing?"

"Not long, I was just reading some of the memorials, and thinking how
very glad I am that we have each other, here and now."  The sun
glinted off of the dark golden hair, but the glow in the eyes put it
to shame.

"I know Jim, I know," Bones whispered.  No one else would have
understood, but there was no doubt he was telling Jim that he loved
him.

They found an area in the open and settled on the grass and removed
their jackets to take advantage of the warm sun.  Bones handed Jim a
salad and a bottle of juice.  They sat together eating when Bones
looked at Jim and asked, "How did it go with Komack?"

"About as well as could be expected. He is going to present himself to
Nogura today and is supposed to confess his crimes.  I advised him if
he did, I would not bring charges against him, that I would leave the
disciplinary action to the desecration of the Joint Chiefs'."

"Do you think he will?"

"I believe we came to a meeting of the minds on why he should.  I
guess I'll find out this afternoon.  I have no doubt that Nogura will
call me in for a statement.  I told Daniel Moricy the basics of what
was going on.  I wanted him to be prepared before the shit hits the
fan.  I offered him and out if he wanted to transfer, but he insisted
it's his wish to remain with me.  He really is a helluva nice man.  He
actually congratulated me on finding a satisfactory relationship."
Jim laid his salad to the side and stretched out on the grass, folding
his arms under his head.  The sun felt good on his face.  He had been
earth side for these years, but never got out during the day.

"Well, what ever happens," Leonard, stretched out on his side, propped
up in one elbow, "remember, we are in this together.  I know ya, Jim,
you always want to take everything on yourself.  Keep in mind you are
not alone in this."

Jim freed one arm from under his head and ran his fingers down the
face of the man beside him.  The texture of the skin, the slight
stubble of the heavy beard, these were becoming second nature to him.
He loved the feel of this man.  "I love you, too, you know," he
whispered.

Leonard glanced around to make sure they were unobserved and leaned
down to join his lips to Jim's.  The freedom to do this was still new
to him.  He had wanted his lips on Jim's for so long, he could not
remember a time when he did not dream about this.  The ability to now
take advantage of his desires always effected him the same.  He felt
his body react.  He pulled away from the lips, knowing this was
certainly not the place to engage in anything more physical.  He
couldn't resist a glance to the groin on the man beside him, 'yep,
same response,' he thought, noticing the movement beneath the fabric.

Jim moved his hand to the bulge in Leonard's pants and brushed the
back of his hand against the hardening mass.  "Later," he whispered.

"Promise?" smiled Bones, wickedly.

His communicator beeped.  "Kirk, here"

"Admiral Kirk, Admiral Nogura wants to know if you could come to his
office," Moricy stated.

"When, Lieutenant?"

"Now, sir."

"Yes, advise him I will be there in five minutes.  Pinpoint my
location and have me transported to CTC.  Kirk out"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, Bones, duty calls.  I'll see you tonight."

Bones nodded as the whine of the transporter picked up the signal and
Jim disappeared.  Bones shook his head and called for a hover.

"Well, Jim, I have had an interesting discussion with Admiral Komack.
But, I am sure that comes as no surprise to you." Nogura sat back in
his chair and looked at Jim.

"Admiral, I advised Admiral Komack that I would give him the option of
presenting himself to you, or I would press formal charges."

"He has done so.  He has been indicted on the charges of conspiracy,
blackmail and actions unbecoming to an officer.  There is, also, a
Lieutenant," he looked at the report, then back at Kirk, "Hollis, that
has been charged, as well.  I would like to get your statement
regarding the charges against these two individuals.  This will be for
the record, do you consent to having this recorded?"

"Yes, Admiral, I consent."

He keyed the record command on the COM unit.  The next thirty minutes
were spent answering questions regarding the charges.  At the end of
the session Nogura asked, "Do you understand, and accept, that by
making this testimony, that facts alluded to in this report, regarding
your personal life, will become a part of the official document?"

'Here it is, with this affirmation the information will be there for
all to see.'   Jim looked directly at Nogura and replied, "I
understand, and I accept."

Nogura turned, keyed information into the COM and flipped off the
record command.  He then turned back to Kirk, his tone was softer.

"Jim, you know that this information will be released, and that you,
and your companions, may encounter, adversity. I want you to know that
I understand how difficult it can be to forge a relationship from a
position of leadership.  Unfortunately, most unions do not survive.
May I say, I wish you the best."

"Thank you, Admiral Nogura, I have two very strong individuals at my
side."

"Indeed you have, and they can say the same for you.  I understand
that this could not have been an easy decision.  No one wishes to have
his personal life held up to scrutiny."

He became more authoritative, "Now, as to Admiral Komack, there will
be a meeting and vote tomorrow to decide the penalty for these
admissions.  You may attend, however, due to your involvement, you
will be unable to vote on this decision, therefore, you may choose to
excuse yourself from the proceedings.  I will tell you that I will be
recommending impeachment with censure and a grade reduction to Admiral
I.  Jim, this may seem insufficient punishment but, Admiral Komack has
clout with several fractions of the Federation Council that we need to
keep appeased at this time.  I do not need to explain to you, some of
the problems we are having in Sector 9.  He has been an effective
liaison for those planets that have been courted by the Klingon
Empire."


"Admiral Nogura, I do understand the importance of that sector.  I
have put this matter in your hands I will abide by any decision.  May
I add, that as for Lieutenant Hollis, I would like for the panel to be
aware that without her cooperation, we would be unaware of the actions
by Admiral Komack."

"That will be taken into consideration."

"Thank you, Admiral.  I will excuse myself from the meeting tomorrow.
I believe my presence would only serve as a disruption."

"As you wish."

Kirk rose to exit the office when Nogura added, "Jim, I hesitate to
bring this up, I do not have any intention of pressing the issue as to
whether this existed on board the Enterprise.  It has no bearing on
the charges at hand, but you are aware that it is against Starfleet
regulations for Spock and McCoy to serve under your command in the
future."

"I am aware that that rule does exist.  However, without making a
statement regarding past occurrences, I do feel we need to revisit
some of these regulations."

"Well, Jim," Nogura looked at him and smiled, "in your capacity as
Chief of Operation's, present alternatives to me."

"Affirmative, sir.  I will begin work on that." He returned the smile
and left the office.

---

Jim spent the next hour with Admiral Cartwright and his staff
regarding the V'ger report.  Cartwright's department was in charge of
the final report from the data obtained from the ship computers.  All
seemed to be going well.  He left the data center to return to his
office.

Oh yes, the news had spread!  By the looks he was receiving from the
support staff it was obvious.  It always amazed him that the only
thing that could travel faster than the fastest warp drive in the
fleet, was the speed of a good rumor.  However, it certainly didn't
seem to be disdainful.  Quite the contrary.  The reaction from the
individuals he passed seemed to be genuine smiles of acceptance.

Jim felt that he owed a great deal of appreciation to Daniel Moricy.
He wasn't sure what he had done, but Jim was sure that this reception
was directly related to his assistant.  'The staff seems supportive,
and my meeting with Admiral Nogura went better than I could have ever
hoped for.'  He would never have believed the acceptance of their
relationship would be this easy.

He arrived back at his suite.  Daniel was not in, so Jim proceeded to
his office.  He checked for messages and saw he had several.  One was
the notification of the convening of the Joint Chief's that would be
held at 1400 hours tomorrow.  The purpose, of which, would be to
address pending charges against Admiral Komack.  Most of the other
messages were from members of the Starfleet brass inviting him, Spock
and McCoy to various gatherings.  He had always been in demand for
social functions, but this was beyond the norm, even for him.  One
message was from Uhura, she wanted him to know how happy 'they' were
for the three of them.  Well, it seemed that approval was across the
board.

Moricy signaled he had returned.  Jim went to his desk.  "Daniel, I
just want to thank you for today.  I believe you had a hand in the
acceptance I am receiving from the staff."

"Jim, there is no reason to thank me.  I have only expressed my
opinion," Moricy stated.

Jim nodded, he noted it was only 1530 hours.  "I have decided to leave
for the rest of the day, and make it a long weekend.  It is my
recommendation that you do the same, Lieutenant."  This was hours
earlier than he usually left his office.

"You, sir? Actually leaving before dark?" Daniel asked him, his humor
was obvious.

"Daniel, there are times that we must put other things before
business!"  Probably much more that he should have said, but he had
become very comfortable with this man.

"Yes, sir!"  Moricy began to close down for the day.  He sure hoped
Laura was home, and alone, this afternoon.

---

Jim placed a message to both Bones and Spock telling them he was
headed to the apartment.  It was still early and he knew it would
probably be some time before either could break away.  Arriving home,
he felt the emptiness here without them.  He had spent the last two
years alone here. This apartment had become a refuge.  He had relished
the quiet he found here.  He never brought his casual partners to his
sanctuary.  But now, being here alone was different.  Two very
important entities were missing.

He decided to treat himself to a long hot bath.  He discarded his
clothes into the recycler and started running the water.  Although
still only mid-afternoon, it had been a long day.  There are only so
many warp speeds that your emotions can transition through before
exhaustion will take over.  And, sleep had not exactly been a priority
the last few nights.  He could feel the tension in his shoulders and
back.    He stepped into the tub and eased himself into the steamy
water.  He touched the jet control and the hot water began to pulse
against his body.  He lay there and felt the tension being massaged
from his muscles.  Relaxed, so very relaxed.  He laid his head back
against a towel and drifted in and out of consciousness.

Jim's thoughts had turned to his lovers as the water pounded against
his skin.  How they feel, how they smell, the sensation of them
against his body.  He could feel his erection grow and he lifted his
knees and spread his legs, letting his hand glide over his genitals.
Now that he did not need to fear the memories, he found it pleasant to
touch himself.  He had not been able to do this for years.  Only the
memory of the three of them together would bring him to release and he
had been unwilling to allow himself those memories.  Now he could let
his hands run over his body and not be afraid.

He rolled a tight nipple between his thumb and forefinger and them
moved to the other.  The air in the room was cool to the wet skin and
made his nipples that much more responsive.  He concentrated on
exploring the area between his thighs.  Felt the heavy sack that was
becoming swollen, felt the orbs inside gently moving with the
increased arousal. Let his fingers graze up the shaft and caress the
ridge encircling the head.  His head was laid back and his eyes nearly
closed, enjoying the response of his body to his own touch.  

Leonard had received the message that Jim was going home for the day.
He had been called to the hospital unit for a consult but as soon as
he was finished there, he went to his apartment, picked up most of his
casual clothes and headed for Jim's.  He entered the apartment and
started back to the bedroom to stow his clothes when he heard the jets
running in the bathroom. "Hello," he called into the bathroom.

His mind's momentary first reaction, to the sound of the man calling
to him, was to hide the activity of the last few minutes but it was
only a momentary reaction.  This was his lover, one of the reasons he
was able to lay here and pleasure himself.  "Hi, Bones." Jim purred
from the tub, "You want to join me?"

He walked into the bathroom and saw Jim sitting back in the tub, his
body flushed from the heat of the water, droplets of water clinging to
his chest, and his knees spread with his fingers playing over the
exposed head of the engorged, swollen shaft.  He was looking at him
through the fringe of lashes, which were in clumps from the water,
making them even darker than usual.  Leonard slipped out of his
clothes and eased himself into the other end of the tub.  He was
already becoming erect from the sight of Jim and the feeling of the
water bubbling against his scrotum brought him to a full hard-on.

"Well, Jim, how did it go? I am assuming the word is out," As he
stretched out his legs.

"Amazingly well for me, how about you?  Any problems?"

"Well, yeah, it seems that I have been added to the "A" list for
social gatherings!  Every Administrator has invited us to a dinner
party!" Jim lowered one leg and McCoy felt a foot traveling up the
inside of his calf.

Jim chuckled, "Well, it looks like you are just going to have to get
used to the collar on that uniform, I have received quite a few
invitations myself," allowing his foot to caress the inside of Bones'
knee, slowly inching upward.

Bones rolled his eyes, then moaned with the sensation of Jim's toes
brushing against the inside of his thigh, "We could just turn them
down."

"Bones, they are welcoming us, as companions, into the loop, I think
we should do all to accommodate these invitations, at least for a
while. Let's face it, it could have been received a whole lot worse!"
He let his toes brush against the testicles.

"Have you heard anything about what will happen to Komack?" his
breathing was becoming ragged.

"Yes," Jim still stroking his own cock, "my meeting with Nogura went
quite well.  They will be meeting tomorrow to court-martial Komack.
Nogura did say that he would probably be reduced to a Grade I and
censured."

"Is that all? For all of the charges against him?" McCoy wanted Komack
drummed out of the fleet, but right now, watching Jim stroke himself,
he was beginning to want something else.

"Bones, the problem is, he is our best liaison with the Federation
members in sector 9.  It is either let him continue, or risk war in
that sector with the Klingons.  Given the choices, personally, I
prefer Starfleet going somewhat easy on him and keep him communicating
with these delegates.  And, I am OK with this.  It has forced his hand
to admit to his wrongdoing, documented it for the record, and has
allowed us the freedom to let our status be known."  His toes found
the base of the hard shaft. "I just hope Spock isn't receiving any
flack from the administrators at the Academy."

"Spock will handle this just fine." McCoy was trying to soothe the
worried expression that had appeared on Jim's face.  "Besides, with
the stellar reputation he has, they are not going to say, or do,
anything to risk loosing him.  They never dreamed they would get
someone with his qualifications to Chair the Science Academy.  Their
damned lucky, and they know it!" He reached down and began to massage
the toes that were pressing against his dick. 

"I'm sure you're right, Bones, I just am eager to hear from him."
McCoy maneuvered a little so he could stroke his foot against Jim's
organ, Jim jumped a little with the sensation of the foot against his
genitals.  He rubbed his cock against the toes.

"Jim, I think, I think, OHH GOD, I forgot what I was saying," Bones
moaned.  "I think we should continue this conversation later, when I
can concentrate. That feels so good!"

Jim watched the face of the man dissolve into pleasure.  He had ice
blue eyes that would become very dark when he was aroused.  Those eyes
mirrored a soul of fire and ice.  His temper could cause walls to
quake, his tenderness could melt stone.  Jim wanted to feel this man
in his arms.  He turned in the tub to lay beside Bones.  He placed an
arm around the solid body and used his other hand to trace the face of
this man.

Even now, he was in awe at being able to touch this man in this way.
He ran his hand down the arm and pulled the hand up to examine it.
This man has amazing hands, so skillful but very soft and gentle.  He
ran his hand down the chest and abdomen and felt the thighs part.  He
caressed the inside of the thighs and the hot pouch.  Finally
encircling the shaft with his hand.   He stroked the shaft and his
fingers played over the head, tracing the small opening.  Wanting to
feel this mans weight against him, he stretched out in the water and
pulled Bones on top of him.  He ran his hands through the wet dark
hair and touched his lips to the soft lips above him. One-third of his
essence held here in his arms.  They lay together exploring each
other's mouth and tracing the patterns of each other's face for some
time, letting their bodies enjoy the feel of rubbing together.

Leonard McCoy, lying here in the arms of James Kirk, 'amazing'.  How
long had he fantasized about lying naked against this body, touching
this beautiful mouth to his own, feeling the hardness press against
him?  He only knew it was years after they had met before he would
admit it to himself.  Hiding his thoughts and covering with the gruff
exterior.  Now, he was here with the men that had caused him, on many
occasions, to engage the privacy lock on his office and relieve
himself of the evidence of his desire.

He felt a shiver run through the body lying on top of him. "Are you
cold?" Jim whispered, realizing that Bones' back was exposed to the
air.

"A little, but I don't want to stop this."

"Bones, nothing is going to stop this, but let's get out of the water
and into someplace a little warmer, and softer.  "He placed another
kiss on the lips and shifted so they could get out of the tub.  He
handed them each a warm towel.  They dried themselves and walked into
the bedroom.  Jim pulled Bones down beside him on the bed and wrapped
his arms around him, "Better?"

"Better, but let's not rule out that tub thing altogether, OK?"

Jim rolled on top of Bones and began a much-increased assault on his
mouth.  He then nuzzled the neck and ears until he heard Bones breath
break and the sounds of pleasure begin to come from him.  Jim had
dropped his towel on the floor but Bones still had his wrapped around
his waist.  Jim moved his hips off to the side and began to trace the
mound created by the towel over the erection.  He stroked it through
the soft material, felling the heat from the organ radiate through the
cloth.  He bent down and gently massaged the head of the wrapped cock
with his teeth.  Applying just enough pressure to cause Bones to gasp
with pleasure.  He moved back up the body and opened the towel to
reveal the straining erection.  He loosened the towel at the waist so
it would fall open.

He loved the sight of this man, lying beneath him, naked.  The thick
shaft protruding upward, surrounded by a patch of black fur, the solid
abdomen that he loved running his hand over the well-defined chest and
the nubs of the overly sensitive nipples.  He leaned and ran his
tongue across the nipple closest to him and felt Bones' back arch
upward.  Jim was lost in the splendor of the body.

"Jim, I want-," and he stopped.  He knew what he wanted, however,
putting that into words was a different matter.

"What. Bones, what do you want?" Jim breathed into the neck.
"Anything, just ask."

"Jim, I want to, to," he paused, "I want to be inside of you."

"You want to fuck me?"  Jim purred into the rounded ear, wanting to
hear him say it, his cock seized in excitement.

"Yes, God yes, I want fuck you," McCoy gasped.

---

They heard the door to the apartment open and close and they knew
Spock had arrived.  Jim stood up to get the lubricant from the drawer
and Bones came to a kneeling position on the bed.  In a voice,
unmistakably tinged with passion, Jim called softly, "We're in here,
Spock."

Spock walked in the room to the sight of his lovers on the bed,
obviously in the heat of passion.  "I see you both arrived early," he
stated.

The sight of Jim and Leonard making love was the most erotic sight he
had ever experienced. He was instantly aroused.  He shed his clothes
and left them in a path from the door to the foot of the bed.  When,
years ago, he had contemplated a relationship with these men he had
researched the film library regarding male sexuality.  In viewing
these films he was never aroused, it was pure research.  However, the
sight and sounds of these two men, in very similar positions, made him
burn with desire.

Jim had noticed how aroused Spock became watching him make love to
Bones.  He had learned that to Spock, being a voyeur was very
pleasing.  He spread some of the lube onto Bones' fingers and some
onto his own and tossed the tube aside.  He reached down and spread
the lube in his hand onto Bones' cock, making sure Spock could see the
strokes his hand making over the head and down the shaft.

Spock knelt on the end of the bed and Jim looked into his eyes.  He
wanted Spock to be more aroused than he had ever been, "You just watch
until I tell you that you may participate," Jim told him.  The glow
from the hazel eyes stopped Spock from advancing.

Leonard turned Jim around and gently pushed him down on his hands and
knees and moved behind him.  He also enjoyed putting on a show for
the, now very hot, Vulcan.  He made sure that they were positioned so
that Spock would not miss a thing.  He applied the lube to the
puckered opening and worked the gel inside, pressing first one then
two fingers inside to prepare for the entrance.  He had never entered
a male, but was very excited at the thought of having his cock plunged
into the tightness.  He removed his fingers and moved close behind
Jim.  He positioned his cock at the opening and pressed gently.  At
the feeling of the head entering the hot tight orifice, he almost
came. He stopped to allow the muscles time to adjust and to catch is
breath.  He felt Jim press against him and he slid the shaft into the
opening.  Jim's head rolled back with the pleasure of being filled.
He withdrew all but the tip and reentered the tightness.  He was
surrounded by heat.  He looked down and saw where his body and Jim's
were joined as he pumped in and out of the body.  The sight nearly
undid him.  To be allowed to penetrate this man, in this way, pushed
his emotions into overload.  He had spent years patching this body,
never believing he would ever touch him like this.  He caressed the
back, thighs and buttocks as he pumped into the body.  He felt the
heat gathering in his scrotum and he began to thrust deeply and
rapidly into the body, holding Jim's hips tight against him he arched
his back and came.

Jim felt the pulsating cock in his ass and the warmth of the fluid.
The feeling pushed Jim to the very edge.  He felt Bones strong hands
on his hips and Spock had moved to kneeling in front of him.  Spock
ran his hands along Jim's back and sides as Bones came.  Bones
withdrew from the opening, once again making two separate bodies.  Jim
rolled over on his back and lay down with his head supported on one
bent arm.

Spock straddled Jim and leaned over him, supporting himself on his
outstretched arms, hovering above Jim.  "I thought I told you to
watch, Spock, it seems you felt the need to participate.  You may need
to be reprimanded for not following orders." The tone he was using was
very authoritative but the sparkle in his eyes gave him away.  He was
in the mood to tease this hot Vulcan.  He reached down and stroked the
hot erection briefly.  He then moved his fingers to one nipple and
rolled the nub between his thumb and finger, which caused the Vulcan
to emit a distinctive hiss of passion.   He ran his hand across the
chest outlining each bulging muscle and down the steel of the abdomen
allowing the back of his hand to brush against the hard tip of the
cock.

"You are not in a position to reprimand anyone at this moment,
Admiral," Spock stated.  He moved his legs up until he was kneeling on
Jim and raised up to a sitting position.  The body weight was solid on
him and he was unable to move.  Spock began to rub his cock against
the lower abdomen, and his hips and scrotum against the bulge
underneath.

Jim felt the heat from the scrotum and felt the fur as it scraped
against his cock.  He felt his erection began to throb against the
scrotum.  His cock pressing against Spock's testicles seemed to ignite
the Vulcan.  Jim pulled the arm from underneath his head so he could
use both hands to caress the body sitting on him.  Spock grabbed Jim
by the wrists and pulled them above his head and held them tight.  "I
believe I made it clear that you are not in control here, Admiral."
Spock rasped as he leaned over Jim, his mouth just inches away from
the cooler lips.  His legs still pinning Jim to the bed below.  He
resumed his rocking against the hard cock, enjoying the sensation of
Jim's hard organ pressing against the sensitive area.  He continued to
rub his erection on Jim's abdomen.

Jim felt a moment of panic at the feeling of being so controlled by
this man.  He was helpless underneath the strength of this man. He
looked into the face of the man above him, and all fear ceased.  He
would allow this man control anytime he wanted it.  He felt his cock
begin to jump with each brush of the hot pouch. "Spock, you are going
to make me cum'" Jim moaned.

"I will make you do anything I wish, but you will not cum, not yet,
not until I am ready for you to do so," Spock forcefully growled.

Spock changed his grip on Jim's wrists.  He freed one hand and held
the wrists in place with one of his powerful hands. Jim would have
felt the pain from having the bones in his wrist pressed together had
the ecstasy of Spock rubbing against him not had him so close to
ejaculating.  Spock took his free hand and carefully touched the meld
points.  Gently caressing the areas that would create a meld.

"Yes, Spock, yes, meld us," Jim begged.

Jim could feel the current flow from Spock's hand to his temple.  He
could feel the desire for the meld but Spock pulled his hand away.  He
moved his hips down so his erection was pounding against Jim's.

He had moved beyond desire, he had a hunger that must be satisfied.
Spock's instincts were animalistic. He humped against the body beneath
him, panting, sweating, moaning and thrusting.  Consuming the mouth
beneath him until Jim thought he was going to pass out from lack of
air.  He had never felt the intensity that he was feeling radiate from
Spock.  His hands were becoming numb from the pressure of Spock's hand
holding his wrists.  Spock threw his head back and groaned.  His
scrotum began to jerk against Jim's cock but he was not ready for this
to end.  He used his free hand and his knees to open Jim's thighs and
moved between them.  He pulled the leg up and positioned himself at
the opening and pushed inside, sinking his cock fully into Jim.

Jim winced at the sensation.  Spock's dick was no thicker than Bones',
but it was somewhat longer and there were muscles that were not
prepared for the sudden entry.  Thank goodness he was already slick
because he didn't think it would have mattered.  But it felt so hot,
so full inside him.

Spock pushed forcefully inside the opening and groaned with
animalistic pleasure, feeling the wet heat from the presence of
another just moments before.  Logically, he would have expected the
wetness, but he was not thinking logically.  The feel of another
inside this body incinerated him.  He began to taunt Jim's shaft.  He
wished to feel the spasms of the climax surrounding him. Bringing Jim
to a shattering orgasm, feeling the channel spasm against him, he
pushed deeply and released himself inside Jim.  Spock collapsed onto
Jim, releasing the hold he had on the abused wrists.  In a moment he
rose up and looked at Jim.

A look of what could only be described as fear was on Spock's face.
"Jim, I am sorry, I don't know what came over me."  He took the wrists
in his hand and rubbed them.

"Spock, it's fine, beyond that, it is wonderful!  Sometimes, even
humans need unrestrained passion," he whispered to Spock while
breathing heavily.

Spock raised his eyebrows in disbelief

"Honestly, Spock.  We even call it rough sex.  It's not as caring as
the love making we normally engage in but, on occasion, it is very
satisfying."

He had been filled by Bones and then Spock, suddenly his body was
calling out to release the fluid.  "Spock, get off, I need to get up!"

"Jim?" Spock asked concerned, "are you injured?"

"No, Spock, just let me up!"

Bones saw the desperation suddenly appear in Jim's face and
understood, "Spock, I'd let him up if I were you!"

Spock rolled off and Jim jumped up and headed for the bathroom.  When
he returned, the men were sitting on the bed.  By the raised eyebrow,
he could see Bones had explained the "problem."

---

Over dinner that evening they discussed the events of the day.  Spock
had no one express concern over the revelation, but had been visited
by several Starfleet Academy Administrators regarding other issues.
All visits were pleasant and most ended with an invitation to a social
gathering.  All had gone well.  The fact that they were lovers was
general knowledge and there had been no backlash from the disclosure. 

In the weeks to come, the three highly sought after guests were
discovering that it was not a curiosity that had them included in the
invitations that they were receiving.  It was that, although each of
these men exuded power individually, together there was no match to
the level of intensity they could add to a function.

Komack, however, did not fare as well.  He found himself in the
uncomfortable position of being ostracized by the very individuals he
had hoped to turn against James Kirk.  He was reduced in rank to
Admiral, Grade I and censured.  He had wanted a scandal and he got
one.

Lieutenant Hollis was reprimanded and reduced in rank to Ensign, but
was not court-martialed based on James Kirk's testimony that it was
her assistance that focused the attention on Komack's crimes.  If Jim
knew anything about Shay Hollis, she would bounce back in no time.
This time, maybe she would be aware of the pitfalls and avoid them.
She seemed like a very determined lady.

As the weeks continued, they all found the niche they seemed to
belong.  Leonard McCoy, in addition to his other duties, was placed in
charge of designing the Med. Facilities for the new long-range
carriers.  He was, also, awaiting the distribution of his first two
papers regarding the New Consolidated Middle Alliance research. 

Spock had made instructor assignments to the Science Academy by
individuals that the administration never believed they could get.  It
seemed the most brilliant minds in the galaxy were willing to work in
conjunction with this influential Vulcan. 

Jim Kirk had arranged for the Diplomatic Corp. to work hand-in-hand
with the crew for the new expeditions that were being planned.  He had
written a proposal that would allow for personnel aboard the long
range vessels to choose their own relationships, regardless of rank,
conventional or not, and apply for joining even while serving on the
same ship.  He had, also, factored in the necessity of creating
nurseries and schools within the ships for the obvious outcome of
these newly sanctioned relationships.

But, in their off time, these three men relished in each other.  They
gained their energy and strength for the outside word from the nexus
that held them together.  Apart they were each a dynamic force, but
allied they were invincible.

Whatever challenges the future would bring, they would face together.

---

The End