The BLTS Archive- Role Model
Sixth in the Trefoil seriesTrefoil 5
by EmGee (mgtrek@altavista.com)

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Archive: Yes

Comments:  This story fits into my "Trefoil" universe, in which ST
II: TWOK and everything after it never happened.  David Marcus does
not exist.  Khan is still on that wretched planet.  Spock does not
die saving the Enterprise from the Genesis wave.  There be no whales
here.

Honest and thoughtful criticism is appreciated, whether delivered
publicly or privately.

DISCLAIMER:  Claire Kendall is my own creation.  The other characters
are the property of Paramount.  I'm just borrowing them so Claire
will have someone to play with.  Paramount can have 'em back when
they're done, safe and sound.

---

"He's gay, Jim!" McCoy exclaimed.

"I know, Bones," Kirk replied calmly.  "I'm surprised you didn't.  I
thought doctors know everything about their patients.  Don't you have
a form somewhere where you have to record sexual orientation?"

McCoy snorted derisively.  "Not likely.  With all the races and
preferences in the Federation, it'd take too many pages.  God knows
what we'd do about the Alryssians.  Four sexes, and they choose day
to day which one they want to be.  The Records Officer would have a
nervous breakdown trying to keep up with the changes.  Besides, he's
not my patient anymore.  Who knows what he was when he was here?"

"Well, it's not as if he suddenly turned gay overnight," Kirk said,
amused.

"Why not?  You did."

"I'm not gay, Bones.  You know that.  I'm --"

"I know, I know.  You're bisexual."

"Actually, I was going to say ? selectively omnisexual," Kirk
said thoughtfully.  "Currently, and hopefully for the rest of my life,
engaged in a bisexual three-way committed relationship.  And I didn't
turn into *that* overnight, either."

"That's a pretty long label for someone who's always resisted
labeling."

"I prefer to think of it as acknowledging who I am and what's
important to me."

"Finally."

"Finally," Kirk agreed with a smile.

So how long have *you* known about him?"

"Ages," Kirk said.

"Don't know why I hadn't heard before now.  You'd think someone would
have said something."

"He lived a pretty celibate life, Bones, by his choice."

"Yeah, but still ? I guess I always assumed that Claire and he
--" He broke off at the 'don't go there' look on his friend's
face.  "Well, they've known each other a long time."

Kirk wasn't about to relate to McCoy the content of his conversation
with Claire on that subject.  One episode of experimentation didn't
make a man heterosexual, after all.  And it had happened a very long
time ago.

"I always thought he and Uhura had something going," McCoy continued.

"Just friends, Bones.  Guaranteed.  He really wasn't interested in
complicating his life with any relationships.  She agreed not to
correct anyone who assumed anything different."

"So who told *you*?"

"He did.  Uhura's the soul of discretion."

"That must've been an interesting conversation," McCoy muttered.  "He
told you?  Not Claire?"

"Nope.  It never came up.  After he told me, then Claire and I
discussed it."

"I'll bet you did," McCoy said, under his breath.

Kirk chose to ignore him. "So, Bones, are you going to the wedding?"

"Wouldn't miss it," McCoy replied.  "Assuming we all don't miss it,
that is.  When was the last time we made port on schedule?"

"To the best of my knowledge, Doctor," Spock said, entering the cabin
and hearing McCoy's question, "we have never adhered to our planned
schedule for Earth docking."  His hand rested for a moment on Kirk's
shoulder as he passed through to the sleeping area.

"Well, then, we've got a pattern to break.  I'll do my best to get us
to the church -- or whatever -- on time," Kirk answered cheerfully.

McCoy drained the last of his brandy and hoisted himself to his
feet.  "It's late, and I've got a long day tomorrow.  I'll say
goodnight."  His friends bade him a pleasant evening, and as he left,
they could hear him say, "Gay.  I'll be damned."

---

Kirk sat at his desk, finishing up some reports while waiting for
Spock to complete his nightly ritual of meditation.  He finally
dispatched the last one and then turned his attention once more to
the message he had received earlier that day.

/\/\/\/\
Captain Kirk --

I wanted my former Enterprise shipmates, and particularly you, to
know of my coming marriage to Erik Janssen.  You may remember Erik as
he was posted briefly to Enterprise as a biosciences specialist. 
Enterprise is where we met, but we broke up when he was transferred. 
We lost contact, and then I was when I was promoted and went to the
Yuri Gagarin as Exec, Erik was there as Chief Medical Officer.

Our careers are important to both of us, and for a long time we
couldn't see our way clear to making a permanent commitment.  Well,
to be honest, I was the one who kept saying no.  But watching you and
Claire and Spock, and the life you've made together, I started to
believe that it was possible to have a successful marriage and a
Starfleet career.  I hope to have a ship of my own someday, and
you've showed me that it's possible to command someone you love, even
live with that person openly, and compromise neither your command nor
your relationship.

It won't be easy for us -- I know that -- I'm still trying to come to
terms with the idea that I might one day have to order Erik into a
situation that will kill him. I hope it's not presumptuous of me to
ask, but -- how do you live with that knowledge?  Any insight you can
provide would be appreciated.

Anyway, I've checked the schedules and, as they stand now, Enterprise
and Gagarin are scheduled for resupply, Earth, at the same time. 
We're planning to be married during that time, and we'd be honored if
you and Spock would join us for the ceremony.  Claire too, of course;
I've already sent her a message.  I've also sent messages to my other
Enterprise friends.  But whether or not the schedules match up, the
wedding goes on as planned, on Earth.  We're not going to put our
future on hold any longer.

Please extend my greetings to Spock. I look forward to seeing you
both soon.

-  Hikaru Sulu
/\/\/\/\

Kirk was interrupted in his musings by the pleasant sensation of
strong hands on his shoulders.  "Finished with your reports?"

"All done, Spock.  I was just rereading Sulu's letter.  I'm glad he's
found someone to share his life."

"I too am pleased.  Everyone is deserving of happiness."

Kirk leaned his head back against Spock's chest and smiled fondly
into the upside-down visage of his beloved.  "I doubt he could be as
happy as we've been."

"Perhaps not," Spock replied, stroking Kirk's jawline with paired
fingers. 

"It's funny.  I always hoped I was something of a role model for
Sulu," Kirk said, "but as a commanding officer.  Not as a -- a what? 
Partner.  Spouse.  If you'd asked me ten years ago, I'd have said I
was destined for life-long bachelorhood."

"And a series of -- what do you call them?  One night stands."

"Well, not always," Kirk protested mildly.  "One week stands,
sometimes.  One month stands.  Only the Enterprise, lovely lady that
she is, could hold me longer."

"And then you saw another path."

"Thanks to you and Claire."

"No, Jim.  We merely were there when you were ready."

"If that's the way you see it.  I'll always believe that it never
would have happened without the two of you.  And now look at me. 
Poster boy for the joys of marriage."  Turning beneath Spock's hands,
he pulled his beloved's head down for a kiss.  Spock offered no
resistance.

"Will you come to bed, t'hy'la?" Spock asked.

"Only if you promise to ravish me."

"If you insist.  However, I require something in return."

"What's that, my love?"

"Tomorrow night, you will ravish me."

"Nothing would make me happier."

"Then let us delay no longer."  And sweeping Kirk into his arms,
Spock wasted no time in keeping his promise.

---

The End