A/N: This was written for ShipWars on LJ, and all I can say is:: Go Team Tribble!
Disclaimer: This is the fandom that got me writing, so I humbly admit, I don't anything.
One More Good Bye
"Welcome back—don't ever leave again."
Spock had said in his deep rumbling voice last time Kirk had been gone to long on an away mission. Hardly any inflection, but the emotion was raw and it was there. Last time, hell, they'd made love too. Spock had nearly snapped his wrists, and Kirk certainly had bruises from that old rendezvous. It was worth every minute for the fire he felt running through Spock's veins. But he guessed that was a long time ago. This time, Spock hardly said goodbye. Not even a kiss. He doubted his welcome back would be anything special.
Kirk looked up at the stars. Hiding up there in atmosphere was the I.S.S. Enterprise, and sitting in the Captain's chair was Spock. Kirk sighed and looked back around the planet. Night had just fallen and the moon lit up the alien surroundings with a strange glow.
Flanked on either side by two science ensigns, they continued in the underbrush. The Der'ma flower only bloomed at night, and this was their one chance to grab a sample before the ship moved. With any luck, its poisonous barbs could be synthesized to use as an effective… 'incentive' in interrogations.
"Welcome back—don't ever leave again."
Those words echoed at the back of Kirk's mind as he pushed aside another bush, and stepped over a couple more roots. He tried to think of the last time Spock had shown him affection. For the life of him, he could not recall. The ensign beside him, Claire, Clementine, Cindy-- hell if he could remember—let out a startled gasp.
Kirk looked up at what was causing her fright.
They knew the Der'ma flower only bloomed at night, but this was their first time really seeing it. The blossom was as large as his Captain's chair and as tall as Spock. Kirk's breath caught in his throat as he saw the fluorescent pattern wound around the leaves. It was lazy series of spirals and dashing turns, colored by its own design. "Stunning." The other officer declared.
That wasn't what had made Cindy, for lack of a better memory, stop though. It was the large predator curled around the base of the flower. It looked up at them with large yellow eyes, and its ears flattened against the back of its head as it growled.
The noise shook Kirk's very bones. "Move!" he barked out as he felt his side for the disruptor. He took aimed, and noticed Cindy was still frozen. The beast lunged at her throat as Kirk took aim. Cindy was burned to a crisp and the bastard was only singed. Cursing, Kirk took aim again.
It was too quick though, and now it was furious. With a swipe of its powerful paws it knocked aside Kirk's disruptor and tore out his throat.
On the bridge Chekov reported to Spock that the life signs of the away team went dead. Spock stroked his goatee and nodded. He smiled for the briefest instant, pleased to learn his position as Captain was secure. But he wondered sadly, at what cost. Spock wished half-heartedly he'd said a proper goodbye.
Chekov looked down at the screen and frowned. It was another terrifying example of how quickly you could lose someone in the Empire. He promised to himself that the next time he saw Sulu, he wouldn't choke on his words. He'd simply tell Sulu, "I love you, you are mine. Let's go back to my quarters now." They wouldn't play games of avoidance anymore. Because after all, you never knew if when you left, you'd come back to your loved ones at all.
All you can do is say good bye while you have the time.
…the end…
