KaleidoScope (Star Trek: TOS anthology published in 1993)

Zine
Title:	KaleidoScope
Publisher:	Emily Adams, then Morjana Coffman after Emily's passing
Editor(s):	Emily Adams
Date(s):	1993-1998
Series?:
Medium:	print
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

KaleidoScope is a slash Star Trek: TOS anthology.

Issue 1

"I asked [Deeb] to design a "kaleidoscope" cover (she'll never ask me that again, will you Deeb?). I think she did a great job. And, by the way, did you really look at the cover? Do those shapes . . . er . . . remind you of anything?" -- from the editorial.

KaleidosScope 1 is 208 pages long and contains 9 stories, as well as poems and illustrations. It was published in October 1993.

From the editorial:

Here it is—the first issue of a new series. One issue is a series, you say? Well, I have a cover and several stories and a number of promises for the second. So if two is a series, then we're on our way.

I have to give special thanks to all the gals who took a chance and submitted stories, poems and art to this first issue. It's always a risk, you know. You're never sure that anyone else will take the gamble and send something, and if they don't then your story will sit around in limbo forever (or it will seem like it). And I must mention Karla, who sent not one but three stories, two of them with my favorite supporting character. Ensign Enid Pulver (from "Dear Diary" in Counterpoint 5). and Deeb, who said she wanted something interesting to do, so I asked her to design a "kaleidoscope" cover (she'll never ask me that again, will you Deeb?). I think she did a great job. And, by the way, did you really look at the cover? Do those shapes . . . er . . . remind you of anything? Thanks, too, to Robin who sent poetry, ideas, moral support, and a shoulder to cry on; and to Marian, my right hand, who helped with the editing and proofreading (which is so necessary, because when I've typed something I read right over the errors) and also writes poetry when I need it.

For those of you who requested a sequel to the story "Pan" (the one about Spock's cat) in Counterpoint 7, I have included "Pan-Demonium". I hope you like it. In fact, I hope you like the whole zine and that you'll write and tell me so (or at least write and give some constructive criticism). We all like to hear how our efforts are received, and appreciate anything that will help us improve and grow. And I promise to send comments about stories on to the authors.

• Kaleidoscope by Robin Hood iv (Based on the poem, "Farewell to the Alien Ambassador" by Linda Frankel, published in Way of the Warrior #2.)
• The Alien in My Heart by Gena Moretti. A/U: Ambassador Kirk helps Vulcan by agreeing to meet with a tribe of warriors in the desert who still live as in pre-reform times and falls in love with Spock, the son of the chief. (1)
• Tangled Webs by Karla Kelly. Kirk has trouble procuring a tape of pre-reform poetry for Spock from the shipʼs library. (43)
• The Contest by Mildred Manhill. A/U: After having to leave the academy due to lack of funds, Kirk becomes an exotic dancer and meets a certain Vulcan when both enter a dancing contest. (55)
• Re-Light the Stars by Robin Hood (82)
• A Trip to Vulcan by Karla Kelly. Cadet Picard is given the honor of attending the ceremony honoring Kirk and Spockʼs bonding. (83)
• Permutations by Dana Austin Marsh. Kirk buys Spock a computer game to assuage his guilt for his neglect of his bondmate, but comes to regret it when Spock becomes even more addicted to it than he was. (89)
• Observation by Lee Owers Samsome (116)
• Rituals by Karla Kelly. Having to abstain for a week before their bonding is harder than Kirk anticipated when he agrees to wear a devise that arouses without allowing completion. (117)
• Empath by Lee Owers Sansome (126)
• Altered Views by Kay Wells. Kirk finds out that Spock has been to a pleasure house and goes to find out why. (127)
• Pan-Demonium by Emily Adams. When Spock snubs Kirk after returning from a mission on a colony planet, Kirk at first believes that Spock has decided against them having an affair but slowly discovers that things are not as they seem. (163)
• Aliens? by Marian Flanders (196)
• Clowns by Elizabeth Scott. Spock returns to Vulcan after a mate bond is created between him and Kirk during a meld to keep a poisoned Kirk alive until an antidote can be found. (197)

• 

  interior art for issue #1, for the story Tangled Webs, artist is Deeb

• 

  interior art for issue #1, for the story, The Contest, the artist is Rudas

• 

  interior art for issue #1, for the story, The Contest, the artist is Rudas

• 

  interior art for issue #1, for the story, The Contest, the artist is Rudas

• 

  interior art for issue #1, for the story, The Contest, the artist is Rudas

• 

  interior page for issue #1, for the story Pan-Demonium, artist is uncredited

• 

  interior art issue #1, DEW is the artist, for the story Altered Views

• 

  last page from issue #1, artist is Deeb

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

See reactions and reviews for Permutations.

See reactions and reviews for Tangled Webs.

See reactions and reviews for Clowns.

See reactions and reviews for A Trip to Vulcan.

See reactions and reviews for Rituals.

See reactions and reviews for The Alien in My Heart.

See reactions and reviews for The Contest.

See reactions and reviews for Altered Views.

See reactions and reviews for Pan-Demonium.

[art: Kirk by DEW opposite page 158]: Would "fantastic" do for an adjective here? Wow! Is it possible that anyone has ever looked this good? Never mind. As far as I'm concerned, DEW can keep turning out nude Kirks until the day I die. Super!

[art between 78 and 79 by Rudas]: This lovely portrayal of a naked Kirk and Spock engaged in passionate activity on the floor next to a formally made up bed reveals both urgency and sensuality. I'm not normally fond of long-haired Kirks, but Rudas has his long curls spilling around his head like sun rays. The details of the scene are also well-rended - the pillows behind Kirk and Spock, the tray with drinks and bowl of fruit and the fronds of the plant in the corner. K/S artists rarely show us an entire scene. I would like to see more of this kind of artwork in K/S zines.

[art facing pages 62, 71, 74, 75, and 78 by Rudas]: [They] present a varied view of the talents of this artist, who appears to be fairly new to fandom. In creating these pieces it would appear that she had a very definite feel for the story. The views of the dancers are especially well done, from the masked Kirk to the facing pictures of the performers in the null-grav chamber. The drawing of the dragon, making a meal of tree fronds, is charming and what a lovery friendly looking beast she is. Last but far from least is a breathtakingty erotic nude scene, so well done that the figures almost come to life. I don't know when I have ever seen so many illustrations with a story this short, but it's very obvious that Ms. Rudas was not only able to capture the author's intent, but it's plain to see that she has a very definite love for her subject.

[poem: Empath]: This moving McCoy viewpoint is based on one of my favorite episodes. I have always believed that McCoy knew about the love between Kirk and Spock and deliberately sacrificed himself to preserve K/S. Lee Owers Sansome expresses this poignantly. I couldn't have done it better myself.

Issue 2

cover of issue #2

KaleidoScope 2 contains 206 pages, 10 stories and 3 pieces of art. It was published in October 1994.

From the editorial:

I am constantly amazed by the sheer abundance of K/S stories now in existence. When I first started collecting K/S zines, back in the dark ages when it was still within the realms of possibility to obtain every one, I cleared part of a shelf in our library to hold them (way back in the corner where they would be unobtrusive and no one would ask what they were, [hoped), Of course, my collection kept growing and soon took over that whole shelf. Unfortunately, a whole shelf of comb bound lines is not as well hidden as in a dark corner, and started being noticed by, among others, my mother. “What in the world are those?” she asked. I had prepared for just such on emergency, and pulled out my one obligatory genzine. “A collection of Star Trek stories,” I answered glibly and, not wanting me to get started on that subject, she went on to other things. After that my husband built a bookcase just for K/S in my bedroom where the uninitiated wouldn't happen on it. it was a good size, and it took a while to fill it. But it happened, and now half my collection also resides in the family room. But, as I was saying, the sheer magnitude of these stories is overwhelming! When you think that all the stories concern either getting Kirk and Spock together (a good percentage of them are first times) or exploring a facet of their sexual relationship, you wouldn't imagine there could be so many variations. Every time I get a submission for a new zine, I think it couldn’t possibly be anything new, but usually it is. And even when the basic idea has been done before, the treatment is new and different. I think that is one reason why K/S is so exciting. It’s such a challenge to create a story in such narrow limits that is also plausible. Unlike other slash fandoms, where the plausible is not accomplished nearly as much of the time (from what I’ve read, they seem In deal more with alternate universe than not), our writers and artists always seem to make me believe, and do it beautifully.

• All the Oceans by Linda Frankel (iv)
• Love Letters by Emily Adams. A letter left in one of Kirkʼs books begins a comedy of confusion for its sender, its recipient, Kirk and Spock. (1)
• Sure Thing by Karla Kelly. Non-K/S story (31)
• Just Desserts by Mildred Manhill. Kirk buys Spock some of the dessert he sees him eating on shore leave, unaware that it acts as an aphrodisiac on Vulcans. (39)
• Filk Songs by Jenna Sinclair (53)
• Split-Aparts by Robin Hood. A crew member relates a tale from his world to a friend when they notice how close Kirk and Spock are. (57)
• “Enterprising Tours” by Dana Austin Marsh. Kirk and Spock decide to use different places on the Enterprise to make love while it is deserted during a re-fit, unaware that some crew members have started tours through the ship. (67)
• Burnt Rain by Robin Hood (95)
• The Roots of Reverence by Linda Frankel (100)
• Players in the Game by Bethany Hawke. Kirk takes Spock sailing on shoreleave and their love for each other is realized. (101)
• Communication by Karla Kelly. After Omicron Ceti Three, Kirk is afraid he is losing Spock when he sees him with Leila in the rec-room and then hears them play together in a concert with Uhura. (137)
• In the Human Fashion by Karla Kelly (142)
• Vulcan Horoscope by Marian Flanders (158)
• Firespeak by Robin Hood (160)
• Eye of the Beholder by Emily Adams. Kirk realizes that the archaeological team on board has found their universeʼs tantalus field, and decides to take it until he can decide what to do with it. (161)
• Catharsis by Lee Owers Sansome (Spock takes out his anger at his bondmate after rescuing him from the planet where Kirk has spent three months with no memory and with Miramanee as his wife. [Note: this is not in the TOC that appears on the Agent With Style site]
• “Fairy Tale Dreams” by Dana Austin Marsh and Morgan Phaedra (Humor: Willing to service Spock during pon farr, Kirk fears are played out in a series of dreams.) [Note: this is not in the TOC that appears on the Agent With Style site]

• 

  art from issue #2, by Deeb, for Players in the Game

• 

  art sample from issue #2, Deeb

• 

  sample page from issue #2

• 

  art from issue #2, Deeb, art for Players in the Game

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

See reactions and reviews for Just Desserts.

See reactions and reviews for Split-Aparts.

See reactions and reviews for Burnt Rain.

See reactions and reviews for In the Human Fashion.

See reactions and reviews for Communication.

See reactions and reviews for Sure Thing.

See reactions and reviews for Players in the Game.

See reactions and reviews for Catharis.

See reactions and reviews for Love Letters.

See reactions and reviews for Enterprising Tours.

See reactions and reviews for Fairy Tale Dreams.

See reactions and reviews for Eye of the Beholder.

[art by Deeb]: When I first saw the picture facing page 108 I was immediately reminded of the ocean scenes in ST IV: The Voyage Home and it wasn't till several days later that I read the accompanying story of another ocean on another planet. Besides showing us a side of Spock that isn't always so dignified, there's no doubt that Deeb has captured the love between these two in her picture of lovers playing in the waves.

[filks]: Sheer poetry, lovely. Reading them is second only to hearing Jenna and JS sing some of them at Shore Leave. My favorite, "Shivering," because it reminds me of the delightful shivery tingle you get down your back sometimes when you're happy and things are going just right. Thank you Jenna for letting us have the words to these beautiful songs.

[filk: Shivering]: Seeing this filk in Kaleidoscope solved a problem for me. I was wondering if I could nominate a filk for a STIFFIE award if it had only been sung and not printed somewhere in a zine. Now, happily, the problem no longer exists. For those of you haven't heard Jenna and J S Cavalcante sing this at Shore Leave, all I can say is that you truly missed a wonderful experience. (Join us this year, and perhaps we can persuade them to do it again for you.)

Three other filks are also presented here, and they are, needless to say equally excellent, but this is my favorite. It perfectly captures how Spock would feel about this almost magical affection Kifk has for him, and how it has enriched his life. Lovely.

The subtle reference to Jenna's novel ties it all up with a red ribbon.

[meta: Vulcan Horoscope]: An interesting look at Vulcan astrology. Vulcan astrology?? Yep -- Marian neatly side-steps the immediate objection to such an illogical pursuit by informing us that, of course, this horoscope stems from Pre-Reform time, The symbols are lovely, graceful, and so authentic looking they could have come straight off Spock's mediation robe. One could expect ancient Vulcan society to see a t'favron or lirpa or le'matya in the stars, and I liked the use of words that have longstanding meaning in the Trek and K/S universe. But a constellation named for plomeek? I always imagined the stuff to taste foul to human taste buds, but Vulcans obviously regard it as comforting as chicken soup, so why not?

The only term I wasn't familiar with was "koveet." I'd be interested in knowing whether this was coined particularly for this piece or if it, too, is from early Trek lit.

Turns out my sign is the sehlat, a lumbering bear-like creature with long tusks. It figures.

[zine]: Ms. Adams has compiled some superior stories and the look of the zine is lovely. While the cover is a little plain, it's what's inside that counts. Starting with the graphics: the borders and the accompanying illustrations look great. I even like the little graphic that separates each scene within a story.

The typeface is one of the most readable I've almost ever seen. Although this may seem like a small thing, I love the headings on each page with the name of the zine on the left and the story and author on the right. This is such a help to me when I'm LOCing and also when I am reading and want to remember the title. Excellent idea.

One thought occurred to me when I read the little note accompanying "Love Letters". I'd really like to see that kind of thing for each story. Maybe just a brief anecdote or thought on the writing or publishing of the story. Another aspect of this zine that I appreciate is the editorial. I really enjoy reading the thoughts or ideas of the publisher. Emily's is personal and interesting.

Then the best part of this zine is the stories. They are all good choices and a couple have become some of my all-time favorites. And I would be remiss not to mention the astonishing lack of typos! This is an extraordinary feat and one that I and many others appreciate!

And finally, the beautiful art is printed with a blank back page. It makes such a difference.

Wonderful effort, beautiful result.

Issue 3

cover of issue #3, "Kaleidoscope Kiss," by Shelley Butler -- "Okay, so who's got the nitroglycerin pills? My heart goes into palpitations every time I look at this picture. Wow! For once Shelley's over-enthusiasm with musculature goes unnoticed because this picture just shrieks a whole bunch of other things, none of which can be printed in a family magazine... I lent this zine to a non-K/S friend a while back, and when it was returned the first thing I did was gaze soulfully at the cover for a while, breathing deeply to restore order to my disordered senses... Have I mentioned the hands yet? No? Well, perfection comes to mind. The way Spock's arms are wrapped around his captain, and the way Kirk's hands rest passionately over his lover's.... And the way Kirk has abandoned himself to his passion with his eyes tightly closed, his lips slightly parted, his head flung back, exposing the side of his neck for Spock to loss with typically intense Spockian devotion This picture is a window into two souls and characters. Obviously on display are Kirk's human passion and ability to surrender himself to emotion, and Spock's intensity, his fierce Vulcan instincts that can allow him to love and protect. Let me breathe and get rational again. Great picture. Shelley! I haven't the slightest idea of how art works, but my guess is that the differing perspectives of this picture were difficult to draw. For example, Kirk's head and neck are flung back away from the viewer, so the artist has to draw the eye up from Kirk's chest and then further up to the ecstasy of his face, ail the while conveying the spatial depth of his pose. And then the opposite had to be done with Spock. since there is a foreshortened perspective on Spock's face because his head is bent forward to kiss his captain's shoulder. This was masterfully done, I don't see any discontinuity or distortion at all, just two incredibly sexy guys in a pose that screams at me to go write a sex scene, RIGHT NOW! Now. all I could wish for would be a matching picture with Spock being the one arching back into Kirk's firm hold... (Oh. Lord, there goes my heart again...)

KaleidoScope 3 was published in 1995 and contains 211 pages. It has a cover by Shelley Butler. Summaries are from the publisher's ad in On the Double #34.

• DiscrePANcy by Emily Adams. Kirk is accused of murdering the visiting ruler of a planet trying to gain admittance into the Federation. (1)
• K/S Generations by Karla Kelly. Kirk longs to be able to conjure up Spock while heʼs in the Nexus, but then doesnʼt have enough time to return to his bondmate before dying on Veridian 4. (17)
• Golden Boy by Robin Hood (20)
• Green God by Robin Hood (20)
• As Others See Us by Alice Hooker. Kirk is substituted with an android created by a reclusive businessman who now plans on keeping him a prisoner and having the android commits “suicide” so no one will look for the real Kirk. (21) (appears to have also been published as a standalone novel in 1994, see As Others See Us.)
• Famous Stars by Robin Hood (74)
• Memo to a Vulcan by T'Hera (86)
• The Auction by Mildred Manhill. Spock and Kirk go to an art auction where a bored Kirk starts daydreaming about himself as his bondmateʼs sex slave in prereform Vulcan. (87)
• Appointment on Vulcan by Karla Kelly. While on Vulcan during a diplomatic mission, Kirk gets a visitor from Gol. (97)
• Bound by Blood by T'Hera (102)
• Bridges to Cross by T'Hera. Spock becomes ill while he and Kirk are on shoreleave at the place they first became lovers, and must journey to the future for the cure. (103)
• Fate by T'Hera (172)
• Proximity Breeds Contretemps by Dana Austin Marsh. Assigned a shared bathroom, Kirk at first has problems with not wanting to interrupt Spock, and then when that is resolved, starts to have problems by becoming aroused by him. (173)
• After Sybok by Karla Kelly (190)
• The Awakening by Bethany Hawke. On their way to Vulcan to reunite Spockʼs body and katra, Kirk tells McCoy about his and Carol Marcusʼ second attempt at a relationship after the first 5 year mission and what she learned about him and Spock. (191)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

See reactions and reviews for As Others See Us.

See reactions and reviews for Proximity Breeds Contretemps.

See reactions and reviews for The Awakening.

See reactions and reviews for Bridges to Cross.

See reactions and reviews for DiscrePANcy.

See reactions and reviews for Bound by Blood.

See reactions and reviews for Appointment on Vulcan.

See reactions and reviews for The Auction.

See reactions and reviews for Famous Stars.

See reactions and reviews for K/S Generations.

[art by Rudas]: Absolutely wonderful illustrations accompanying two stories. I love being able to see what's happening in a story and it's such a delightful surprise to come across these drawings as I'm reading. I wish there were more artists who would directly illustrate a story. I don't usually do it because it's very, very difficult to be able to actually translate an author's vision into an illustration.

These remind me of Gayle F's drawings, especially the one for "The Auction" (my personal favorite). I know they're not the same style, but they share a similar feeling of intensity.

I got to meet this artist for the first time at Shore Leave. I wish I had seen these then so I could have told her in person. Excellent, excellent work!

[art by Rudas, facing page 137]: I don't usually review the art, because I feel it's in better hands with people who appreciate it, but I thought it only fair to warn people that I tried the position shown in this picture with my partner, and it didn't work. Of course, in the story it illustrates Kirk has some problems with the encounter, as well. Great jealous Vulcan eyes are shown in the background of the picture.

[art by Rudas]: This drawing goes with "Bridges to Cross" by T'hera. All of the art by Rudas in this story made me curious. I almost got the feeling the story could have been written around the drawings, as opposed to the drawings being done to illustrate the story. In any event, a very nice job. The drawing on P. 106 in particular I loved. A beautiful moment in the story; a beautiful capturing of it in the drawing. Kirk is lying with his head on Spock's leg, his eyes closed. Spock is staring down at Kirk's face and fingering his hair.... This is before any overt expression of love between them, so it is an especially precious moment. Spock's gaze is...indescribable. And I love their clothes—Spock's casual tunic, sleeveless, wraparound, flowing. Kirk's top is really nice too; I like the "feminine" lines. And a nice swell between Spock's legs, which of course Kirk is well aware of....

[art by Rudas]: This artist, who is unfamiliar to me, has very successfully illustrated “Bridges to Cross”. The renditions are so true to the story I wonder if author and artist are one and the same. The first drawing shows Kirk resting ever so peacefully, his head on Spock’s thigh. Spock is clothed is very silky looking trousers that are enticingly revealing and he has the most tender look on his face. We know from the story that this pose precipitates their first intimacy, and one can easily tell from the expressions on their faces just how right it is for them. Another illustration shows Kirk apparently making love to a woman, with Spock’s imposing eyes showing their clear disappointment and disapproval. The third picture again exactly matches the description of the scene between them, both men in their naked glory, with Spock’s hand possessively cupping Kirk’s face. They are gifted additions to the story.

[art by Kathy Stanis]: Accompanying her very fine written portrayal of an emotionally bereft JTK in “Holding On”, Ms. Stanis furnishes a black and white drawing of Spock that is equally thought-provoking. His head is bowed and his graceful hands are reaching toward his face as if he is in pain. No doubt he is in mental contact with Kirk and the pain he’s bombarded with is so well depicted. Makes me want to hug him – better yet send Kirk to hug him.

Issue 4

cover of issue #4, Deeb

KaleidoScope 4 is 205 pages long and contains 8 stories, poems and illustrations. It was published in February 1996. The front cover is by Deeb and there is other art by Rudas. Summaries by publisher from On the Double #34.

• Looking Glass by Robin Hood (iv)
• Deceptions and Delusions by T'Hera. Spock is caught in an earthquake while on an inspection for Kirk and, losing his memory, is befriended by an unscrupulous doctor who hides his identity from him. (1)
• A Meditation on Leaving by Yanka Maslinova. Spock thinks about his decision to go to Gol and how his loverʼs acceptance of the promotion to the admiralty has split them apart. (47)
• Music I Once Heard by J S Cavalcante (56)
• The Longest Journey by Carrie Ann Prentiss. The Enterprise finds the Discovery, 200 years after its disappearance from its orbit around Jupiter. (57)
• “Mirror Valentine” by Dana Austin Marsh. Mirror Universe: Kirk uses Valentine’s Day to make his feelings known to Spock. (97)
• Case Closed by Robin Hood. Picard discovers Kirk in the Nexus-along with Kirkʼs lover, Spock. (107)
• Meeting of Minds by Ida Vega. A/U: While Kirk is on Vulcan helping with their entry into the Federation, he takes a trip to an ancient ruin and meets up with a young Vulcan, not realizing it is the son of the Vulcan diplomat he has been working with. (111)
• Warrior's Songs by T'Hera (166)
• Enid Pulver and the Romulan Invasion by Karla Kelly. Ensign Pulver is assigned to a clumsy Vulcan who is instructed to teach her about his planet. (169)
• The Eye That Saw by Gena Moretti. McCoy buys an ancient 2D camera at a junk store and starts taking pictures of the crew, including Kirk and Spock who even though they have just gone through Spockʼs pon farr together, still do not realize what the other feels. (181)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

See reactions and reviews for Enid Pulver and the Romulan Invasion.

See reactions and reviews for A Meditation on Leaving.

See reactions and reviews for Deceptions and Delusions.

See reactions and reviews for Mirror Valentine.

See reactions and reviews for Case Closed.

See reactions and reviews for Meeting of Minds.

See reactions and reviews for The Eye That Saw.

See reactions and reviews for The Longest Journey.

Issue 5

KaleidoScope 5 was published in 1996 and contains 201 pages. Poetry and filks by Hood, Brata, and Sinclair. Art and cover by Shelley Butler ("Snowbound Love") and Deeb. Summaries by publisher from On the Double #34.

front cover of issue #5

• Snowdrift by Robin Hood (iv)
• Like a Song by Gena Moretti. Kirk and Spock become lovers with the understanding that their future will remain open. (1)
• Covenant by T'Hera. Spock is called away by a mysterious scientist who had a part in his birth process and finds a brother he didnʼt know he had. (8)
• Lotions and Potions, Etc. by Phaedra Morgan and Marsh. Sulu tricks Spock into hosting a party to sell Suluʼs line of sex potions and toys, a situation that does not sit well with Spockʼs lover, Kirk. (35)
• Departure for Gol by Imya Brata (50)
• Along the Way by Emily Adams. A/U: Kirk is transported to another universe by a disgruntled crewmember and finds a relationship with the Spock of that universe that he never had with the one in his own. (51)
• Last Rounds by Imya Brata (132)
• Learn to Love by T'Kuhn. Spock and McCoy must endure Kirkʼs memorial service after his death on the Enterprise B, after which McCoy learns of the great changes Spockʼs bonding with Kirk made in Spock. (133)
• Rusty Soul by Robin Hood (138)
• After Effects by Rosemarie Heaton. After taking the Rigellian drug to speed his blood production, the aftereffects keep Spock in sickbay along with his lover, who is still recuperating from the knife wound he took. (139) (subsequently published online in Side by Side Issue #5, 2002)
• Filk Songs by Jenna Sinclair (155)
• Not Aloud by Imya Brata (160)
• Alone by Gena Moretti. Spockʼs emotional memories of his life on the Enterprise and his love affair with Kirk are destroyed during the fal tor pan and multiple melds are suggested with those he was close to in order to retrieve them. (161)
• A Personnel Matter by Karla Kelly. When the Gorn aboard the Enterprise requests a transfer, Spock thinks that he must find a way to make her see herself as attractive by “sexually stimulating” her, a comment Kirk totally misunderstands. (193)
• Vision of Love by Imya Brata (201)

Art:

• Shelley Butler (front cover) interiors
• Deeb

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 5

See reactions and reviews for Along the Way.

See reactions and reviews for A Personnel Matter.

See reactions and reviews for Lotions and Potions, Etc..

See reactions and reviews for Learn to Love.

See reactions and reviews for Covenant.

See reactions and reviews for After Effects.

See reactions and reviews for Alone.

See reactions and reviews for Like a Song.

[art by Deeb on page 133]: Simply beautiful Spock—older, moody—in a meditative contemplation, yet troubled somehow. Excellent use of light and dark to create this dichotomy of feeling. Spock is deep in meditation, but his brow is furrowed and even his hands seem strangely tense. Is he thinking about Kirk? Is he filled with pain and agony because he can't be with the man he loves? Absolutely gorgeous rendition of Spock's hands and even his lovely manicured fingernails. Too beautiful. Deeb is a master at capturing emotion in the subtleties of her drawings.

[art by Shelley Butler: front cover and opposite pp 62, 99, 111]: It's really difficult to write a LOC on a picture. It's even more difficult to write LOCs on Shelley Butler's pictures. They are gorgeous, wonderful, magnificent... nearly like photos, but even more expressive. My favorite in this zine is the Kirk opposite page 62. His eyes, his mouth, his hair... he's so real!.

[zine]: Before I begin commenting on the stories, I'd like to say that it has long been my opinion that Emily Adams puts out a MOST attractive zine! I have atways been charmed by the graphics she tracks down for the beginning of our stories. From experience I know that can be time consuming. But it sure is rewarding. Her zines are beautifully presented.

The cover. Shelley's artistry is unquestioned. Spock is perfect. But I wish she hadn't felt she needed to make Kirk so old and fat. To me. Kirk and Spock are forever frozen into the looks and age they were during the three years Star Trek was originating. Unrealistic? Well, we all have our little foibles.

Poem. By Robin Hood. Snowdrift. This is one of those can't think of anything in the way of added plot or action that would make it sufficiently different from the two dozen other stories that used this theme. I'll have to give it more thought.

Like a Song, is mine. This was going to be a full sized story. But it went eight pages and then refused to budge. Everything I wrote beyond that just ruined it. I gave in gracefully.

Covenant by T'Hera. As far as I'm concerned. THera has Spock's reactions re: making love, down perfectly. Especially during the initial love scene which Kirk enjoyed reliving. I can never see Spock as a wimp, either. Inexperienced, yes, when the story calls for it But not timid. Both love scenes were excellent The brother didn't stay around long enough to get involved with, nor did the brother's ex-bond mate.

Lotions and Potions, Etc. By Phaedra Morgan and Dana Austin Marsh Have you ever noticed that when two writers collaborate on a story, it's usually a comedy? I hadn't actually realized this until I read this story. Comedy isn't easy to do. But it is refreshing. Like everyone else. I wish we could have more of, especially if it could be as well done as this one was.

Poem: Departure for Gol by Imya Brata. Poetry is something that most of the time you have to feel. Yet what it makes you feel is almost impossible to describe. Where Robin's poem made me want to fill it out into a storyt this one made me sort of hurl inside. Something else. I think this was Kirk lamenting, but in spots it could be either. A good piece of work.

Along the Way by Emily Adams. When a turned page reveals an Emily Adams story, I just settle back and prepare to enjoy. I can't ever remember her letting me down. She didn't this time either. This is an outstanding story. It has everything! Plot, loads of it. Suspense, and even more questions than plot. Romance? In spades! Great love scenes. Different from any Trek story I've ever read. (Which isn't easy to manage any more.)

Broken Image. I think that's the name of that full length story, had something very faintly like it. but not really. On a scale of one to ten, I would give her a twelve on this one.

Poems: Last Rounds, Not Aloud and Vision Of love by Imya Brata. This lady is talented. I will look for her work in the future. I feff every one of these inside of me. At least 60% of the poetry I feel nothing when I read it. Not emotion or inspiration. These are unusually good.

Art. Pages facing 62 & 99. All of Shelley's drawings are wonderful, but these two were special In 62 Kirk looks so puzzled, worried, just as he should at that point in the story Page 99. its Spock I'm especially enchanted with. Shelley has his figure, his build, not to 30 years ago. Kirk s build is also perfect. I just don't remember his face as being so lined or puffy. The detailing on their uniforms, the normal wrinkles in the clothes, the gold braid. To get every little detail so correct, that means you really have to SEE what you look at

Learn To Love by TKuhn. I read stories like this, because they're there, I suppose. But I don't really enjoy them. They leave me depressed. I know. Death is a part of life and living. I guess TKuhn did a good job of writing. I felt awful when I finished the story.

Art. Page feeing 133, by Deeb.. A study of a grieving Spock. He looks devastated. An excellent portrait

Poem. Rusty Soul, by Robin Hood. Again, a poem with meat enough that its a basis for a story. Downright inspirational.

After Effects by Rosemarie Heaton. A cute story. Poor Spock with the runs1 and a room full of people watching him trot back and forth to the 'john'. I wouldn't have liked that, so I'm Certain he didn't A fun read.

Filk Songs, By Jenna Sinclair. Down right clever! That's the nastiest thing I can say about them. I only wish I could have been familiar with the tunes they were matched to. It would have been fun to hum along with the words.

Alone This one is mine too. I was pleased with what emerged from the final draft. I hope you will like it too. It deals with McCoy s efforts to help Spock regain some of his memories after his Katra is replaced.

A Personal Matter By Karla Kelly. This was a little shorty, but a cutey. I especially liked one of the final sentences when Spock mentally informs Kirk. 'Thy'la, you never had a problem.* Enjoyable.

Issue 6

cover issue #6, Caren Parnes

KaleidoScope 6 was published in 1997 and contains 200 pages. The front cover is by Caren Parnes. Interior art black and white piece by Kathy Stanis.

• Lovely Captain Ariel and Her Vulcan Squeeze by Theresa Kyle. Kirk passes the time recording a story into his tricorder while trapped in a deep hole, waiting for the Enterprise to beam him up at the appointed time in three days. (1)
• Desert Dreaming by T'Hera (38)
• Foresight by Gena Moretti. A/U: Cadet Kirk is thrown through the Guardian and ends up the property of a pre-reform Vulcan, Spock. (39)
• Dancing by Jenna Sinclair (76)
• Without You by Jenna Sinclair (78)
• Give Him Some Rope by Alita Whipman, Saido Mas, & S’Mack Urass. Kirk talks Spock into playing out a sexual fantasy. (79)
• Of Nights and Pawns by Karin Porter. Kirk and Spock are sent to rescue two Starfleet researchers on a planet populated by both a human and a vulcanoid race. (91)
• Overheard at Arecibo by T'Rhys (126)
• Spock's Lullaby by Jenna Sinclair (128)
• Holding On by Kathy Stanis. After the five year mission, Kirk has trouble keeping his life on track, as his memories of going through pon farr with Spock dominate his thoughts. (129)
• “None So Blind ” by Brianna Falken 153

Poetry

• On Berengaria by T'Hera
• Desert Dreaming by T'Hera
• Dancing by Jenna Sinclair
• Without You by Jenna Sinclair
• Overheard at Arecibo by T'Rhys
• Spock's Lullaby by Jenna Sinclair

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 6

See reactions and reviews for Lovely Captain Ariel and Her Vulcan Squeeze.

See reactions and reviews for Holding On.

See reactions and reviews for Give Him Some Rope.

See reactions and reviews for None So Blind.

See reactions and reviews for Of Nights and Pawns.

See reactions and reviews for Foresight.

See reactions and reviews for Overheard at Arecibo.

[art by Kathy Stanis: "Nearly Touching"]: I just fell in love with this drawing! Beautifully done from start to finish, this portrait of Spock took my breath away, I believe this to be from the episode Errand of Mercy where Spock is holding his hands close to his face and trying to shield his eyes from the Organians blinding transformation.

Essentially the drawing is a study of Spock's face and hands set against a black background, and it is the choice of background that is extraordinary. The elegant hands, the perfect strands of his hair, the angles and planes of his face are all done to perfection and could seem disassociated from each other, but the background unifies them onto one integrated whole. I also like the way the right side of picture ends abruptly giving what could be a static drawing a feeling of drama and depth.

Kathy has always brought a fresh new slant to her writing. Now it is evidenced in her art as well. I am hungry to see more of it.

Issue 7

KaleidoScope 7 was published in February 1998 and contains 200 pages.

The editorial:

More K/S! More K/S! More K/S! is a cry we all hear at the conventions and in our mail. Well, we editors would like nothing better than to supply you with all the K/S you could possibly want—but the stories have to come from somewhere, you know. We in the K/S fandom are blessed with exceptionally good writers (and artists), and some are very prolific and write quickly. But many are not and a good story make take months or even years to write. So what is the answer—more writers. And this means you.

Haven't you ever had a great idea for a story, saying to yourself, "what if Kirk and Spock were in this situation and then "Or haven't you ever finished a story and said to yourself, "that was a good story, but if I were writing it...." Or haven't you ever read a story and then said to yourself, "well, I could write at least that well." Of course you have. That's how we all got started in this. So give it a try. We editors do our best to be helpful and supportive. Talk to us and well see what we can do together.

The reply I often get from people who I've talked to in this way is, "I can't write. (Actually, how can you know that if you haven't tried?) And the fandom needs readers too." Of course it does. But we need feedback from those readers. Their LOCs are the only payment the writers get for their hard work, and this little bit of encouragement is what keeps us going. So if you really don't want to write (and not wanting to is really the only thing keeping you from it), then at least send your comments about the stories and art. It's discouraging to work hard on a project and then send it out into the void and never hear another word about it. If you'll do this—write more stories and send more LOCs, I guarantee well have More K/S, More K/S for you!

cover of issue #7, by Rudas features a long-haired Spock and a long-haired Kirk -- about the cover art by from two fans in The K/S Press #21: "Two long-haired unclothed warriors locked in a passionate kiss. I love the kaleidoscope in Spock’s hair. It takes my breath away each time I look at it. It is nicely framed on the page, but I find myself wishing it covered the entire page" and "What a lovely, hot, dynamic drawing. The entire drawing was in print before, but this is a close-up of just the kiss, which makes it even more powerful. A passionate, master/slave kiss...Spock master/Kirk slave...and drawn quite nicely—lines on the spare side that are nonetheless fully expressive."

art by Deeb for Unfinished Business

sample text, first page of Babes in the Woods

• Unfinished Business by Bethany Hawke. After V'Ger, Kirk must overcome Spock's memories of Koon-ut Kali-fee.
• In the Beginning by Jenna Sinclair. A shuttlecraft with Kirk, Spock & a small girl is forced down by [an] alien who learns of love.
• "Babes in the Woods" by Dana Austin Marsh. Kirk & Spock take a group of cadets on survival training & have no time for each other.
• Stay the Morning by Yanka Maslinova. After the VʼGer mission, Kirk goes to Vulcan to try and understand what he wants from life and from his relationship with Spock.
• Before I Die by Gena Moretti. Kirk & Spock, trapped on a useless shuttlecraft, experience sex before being rescued.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 7

See reactions and reviews for Babes in the Woods.

See reactions and reviews for Stay the Morning.

See reactions and reviews for Unfinished Business.

See reactions and reviews for Before I Die.

See reactions and reviews for In the Beginning.

Issue 8

cover of issue #8, Shelley Butler -- "The inimitable Shelley Butler strikes again with the covers of this 1998 fanzine. I have to mention here that the front and back covers of my zine are identical, and I can only presume this is intentional and not an anomaly limited to my copy. In the foreground is a studious Spock, his arms resting on a flat surface, his long fingers interlaced. Obviously deep in thought, perhaps he is envisioning the bare-chested Kirk who forms the background of this drawing. The image of Kirk’s face is larger than Spock’s, the proportions indicating he is not actually behind Spock, but is a memory or a fantasy. I surmise a memory, and likely the cause of Spock’s perplexity. Kirk’s hair is gorgeously tousled, maybe wet from the shower and he has a very intent expression. I can’t decide if it is concern or anger or perhaps a mixture of both. Unsurprisingly, both are exceptional likenesses of our heroes, as only Shelley can draw them. She’s added a few flowers – something of a trademark – but they take on a minor role when compared to Kirk and Spock. Thank you, Shelley, for bringing these fantastic men to life for us.

KaleidoScope 8 was published in July 1998 and contains 200 pages. It has art by Liz Woledge and Deeb. The front cover is by Shelley Butler.

The editorial:

Ah, the Internet, source of infinite information: anything you want to know, it's out there somewhere. Well, as far as my experience goes, that's probably true, even to finding K/S stories.

For a long time many of us who bought and read zines thought that was all there was, and, I'm told, the people who published on the net were as unaware of us as we were of them. But now the two different media are opening up to each other, and for some reason this seems to be causing some consternation. The "zine" group seems to feel that it will be taken over by the other and eventually disappear. I don't think we really have any cause to worry. There are so many advantages and disadvantages to both methods of publishing. There's nothing like the instant gratification of posting a story on the newsgroups and getting comments back right away. But there's also nothing like curling up with a nice paper book with its gorgeous artwork to drool over. Or like getting a nice LOC from someone who has just discovered K/S and has just read your story that you wrote five years ago and published in a zine. Now that the two groups have become acquainted, writers from the net have begun to submit stories to zines, and some of the zine writers have started posting on the newsgroups. And we, as readers, can only reap the benefits. New writers, new plots and writing styles — I think it's encouraging and exciting.

In this issue of KaleidoScope I've included a number of stories by writers who have previously published on the net. Two of the stories were previously published there, the others are new. I'm delighted to welcome these gals (along with our "regulars", to whom I'm eternally grateful), and when you've read their stories I know you will too.

• Crossword by Marian Flanders (iv)
• Fancy's Hot Fire by Jungle Kitty. While on the Shoreleave planet, Kirk is seduced by what he at first thinks is a construct of Spock, but then has second thoughts when he returns to the ship. (1)
• Demon in My View by T'Hera. While on shoreleave in Scotland, Kirk and Spock end up 500 years in the past. (11)
• The Ultimate Pon Farr Story by D.A Marsh and Phaedra Morgan (65)
• Balancing Act by Heidi M. (72)
• Transporter by Gena Moretti. Kirk and McCoy are accidentally transported to a nearby planet when the transporter malfunctions, but when they are found, McCoy brings along a young boy heʼs been treating after the boy attempted suicide over his deformities. (73)
• Misunderstanding by T'Rhys. Humor (109)
• Iowa by Jane St. Clair. While Spock is at Gol, Kirk is drawn into his bondmateʼs pon farr, and even though they are worlds apart, they are one. Prequel: I Leave This At Your Ear. Sequel: Wednesday Morning, 3AM. (111)
• Details by Dana Austin Marsh and Phaedra Morgan. Kirk gives Spock precise instructions. (131)
• A Wish Come True by Heidi M. (135)
• Spare the Rod by Jungle Kitty. Spock overdoes it when, unaware of the degrees of spanking when part of lovemaking, he hits Kirk too hard but ultimately finds it an effective persuasion on his lover. (137)
• Soliloquy on the Eve of Bonding by Heidi M. (142) (winner of a Surak Award)
• Child of the Empire, Child of Vulcan by Karin Porter. M/U: Kirk and Spock become lovers until Spock goes into pon farr and has to return to Vulcan, but Kirk is unaware that there is more to their relationship, and their past, then he is aware of. (143)
• Puzzle Solution by Marian Flanders (192)
• Dying Words by Emily Adams. Kirk is upset when he delivers the dying words of a crewman to a woman the man had never approached while alive, but it makes Kirk decide that he and Spock need to say the words to each other. (193)

• 

  inside issue #8, Deeb

• 

  inside issue #8, Liz Woledge

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 8

See reactions and reviews for Iowa.

See reactions and reviews for Fancy's Hot Fire.

See reactions and reviews for Demon in My View.

See reactions and reviews for The Ultimate Pon Farr Story.

See reactions and reviews for Transporter.

See reactions and reviews for Spare the Rod.

See reactions and reviews for Child of the Empire, Child of Vulcan.

[art by Deeb on page 120]: Ah, I like this very, very much! Being an angst junkie and a hurt/comfort aficionado, how could I not be overwhelmed by the image of Spock cradling an obviously distraught Kirk in his arms? Spock is sitting upright, one arm around Kirk’s shoulders and the other cradling his head, which is mostly hidden in the folds of the Vulcan’s shirt. Spock’s cheek rests against his captain’s tousled hair. Kirk’s leg is pulled up over Spock’s lap, leaving him in nearly a fetal position. This aptly depicts a scene in “Iowa” where Kirk is stricken with remorse over giving up his ship to accept a post in the admiralty. He suddenly realizes he could have fought to keep the Enterprise and can’t understand why he was so weak. I think we’ve all had moments like this when we recognize much too late we’ve taken the wrong turn in life. What we wouldn’t give to surrender that wretchedness to the strong arms of the one we love most in the universe. Deeb has captured such a rare moment with gentleness, warmth and beauty.

[art by Deeb and the entire zine]: Stunningly gorgeous artwork from the anthology Kaleidoscope. This is from issue #8...not sure of the artist, Deeb perhaps? Guh! So emotional....the Kaleidoscopes are absolute masterpieces, with fabulous stories, meticulously edited and presented on high-quality paper with crystal-clear font. Currently immersed and cannot wait for more..