Shakedown

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	Shakedown
Author(s):	T'Other
Date(s):	1994
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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Shakedown is a Kirk/Spock story by T'Other.

It was published in the print zine T'hy'la #15.

Summary

"After Spock's rebirth, Kirk is finally able to put aside his fears and face the love he's held for years."

Reactions and Reviews

A lovely, moody beginning as Kirk lies (because of J.S., I will never get "lay" or "lie" wrong again!) on his bed, feeling in tune with the Enterprise. But then what follows is a sort-of emotional "cliff notes' as Kirk runs through STII-STV in his mind. It would have been much more effective to have concentrated on one recent event and gone from there with all the explorations and insights that Kirk has gained over the years. As it is written here, it's unsatisfying and on the dull side to read a synopsis of what we already know, without any fresh insights.

The author does have a nice, clear style and there are some interesting points and some good inner-dialogue, but ultimately it's not enough. Even if a reader did know what happened, it wasn't enough. Perhaps one event could have been chosen, gone into detail and shown, not told, such as the camping in Yosemite.

Then there's an intimate scene as Kirk visits Spock in his cabin and they talk quietly. But, inexplicably, Kirk asked Spock to tell him about Sybok. Well, Spock does, and I guess it's interesting, but I was left cold emotionally by another lengthy synopsis, albeit an interesting interpretation. There was no transition, either, after the storytelling as K and S finally kiss.

Then, Spock gives Kirk another long summary of his time at Gol.

Don't get me wrong, I liked a lot of the things they said to each other, but so much was just telling, not showing, that it was like reading an article about it and made it lose any drama or impact. A smaller problem was some of the structure of the story. It was weighted down with lengthy paragraphs that were difficult to read when almost 1/4 page long.

So, although hidden in lengthy narrative, there were lots of interesting and exciting ideas in the story.

Post STV, Kirk and Spock are coming to terms with their as yet unresolved relationship and all the changes that have taken place in their lives. If you are looking for mature characterization of spirited men who know and recognize their own flaws, you will find it here. This is a very readable and enjoyable story of growth and understanding. The explanation Spock offers regarding his heretofore unrecognized brother, Sybok, is the best I’ve read and the sharing of it brings him closer to Kirk.

With such easy rapport between them, it is difficult to imagine that they are not yet lovers. You realize it when Kirk is nearly paralyzed with fear of rejection as he thinks, “Oh Christ, I love him so much. I’m sure I’m gonna mess this up...”. He finds his voice and explains that he comprehends the full meaning of T’Hy’La – a beautiful and uncontrived moment.

I enjoy an older Kirk and Spock, though I seldom am convinced they have waited this long to realize or express their love. I prefer to believe it has been with them for decades, but the premise was easy to accept as it was brilliantly presented and believable. Refreshingly absent was the frustration that usually accompanies such a discovery late in life. It was a relief to see them accept the concept without bemoaning the lost years and missed opportunities. There is much to read following their admission of love – several absorbing pages that are joyous and heartwarming. I found watching their love unfurl like the petals of a blossom irresistible. These moments were more extraordinary because Kirk and Spock were undergoing this personal metamorphosis on board the Enterprise and amid daily shipboard routine. I felt as though I was there and a part of the wonder of it all. A great read!