Alnitah

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Zine
Title: Alnitah
Publisher: Star TreKon (the first two issues), Orion Publications (the rest)
Editor(s): Ann Looker was chief editor for all of them, Margaret Draper was one of the editors for the early issues
Date(s): 1975-1983
Series?:
Medium: print zine, fanfic
Size:
Genre: gen
Fandom: Star Trek: TOS
Language: English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Alnitah is a Star Trek: TOS gen fanzine from the UK which was published from 1975 to 1983.

Alnitah was one of a handful of all-Trek fiction zines issued during Star Trek fandom's infancy in the UK. It was known for its high production and crisp appearance. From IDIC #1: "With the exception of Alnitah, fanzines were duplicated; there was simply no other practical way to reproduce the news and fan fiction cheaply."

It was believed by some to be the only fanzine in England at the time, which was not the case, but Alnitah was the best known British zine. An American fan in 1977 called the zine series "thoroughgoingly, almost aggressively, English..." [1]

The zine series features back cover "Sehlat Sagas" cartoons, Kryptic Krosswords for Klingons, and short jokes scattered throughout.

This zine won a 1988 "Federation Class of Excellence" Surak Award.

There are fifteen issues and two collections called Omnibus. It has a number of sister zines. One is Alnitah Omnibus and the others are the nine Gropes.

Title and Pronunciation

"Alnitah" is the name of the star Zeta Orion, the far left star of Orion's belt.[2]

From an American fan in 1982: "It took attending a British Con for the first time for me to learn I had been mispronouncing the title all these years. They call it AL-nit-ah, saying it is a Greek name." [3]

The K/S in "Alnitah"

Some fans use the term K/S to describe stories in this zine series.

In the early days of Star Trek fandom, the symbol, "/", (a virgule) between two character's names did not necessarily indicate a sexual relationship, but rather denoted a story that focused on an intensely described portrayal of a close friendship. In the late '70s-early '80s, many fans meant friendship when they spoke of "K/S". At this time, the symbol was seen on stories with and without descriptions of sexual intimacy.

For more information about the history of the term "slash" and the / symbol see Slash Terminology.

General Reactions and Reviews

From a fan in 1977:

These zines are delightful. They almost make up for Space: 1999. Thoroughgoingly, almost aggressively, English, from the schoolboy canings and getting lost on the moors to the understandable but still startling British spelling ('The Corbomite Manoevere'?) they show us our own chauvinism. To paraphrase Shaw, the English and the Americans are two fandoms divided by a common interest. Of course Kirk is American but that doesn't guarantee he'll be like us any more than we are like Alexander Hamilton. Alnitah demonstrates a bit how everyone makes Trek over into his own image... There aren't a great many illos, and those there aren't all that good. Yet the layout (unreduced offset) is very fine, competent, and balanced. Nor are the stories winners, suffering from too many two-paragraph scenes and lots of the shoosh-blooey-blam that made 1999 so dear to our hearts. Yet the characters are whole, if simplistic; the stories begin at the beginning, go on until they reach the end, and then stop; the humor is terribly, delightfully pawky... and sometimes the illos are just so -- right... It's a potpourri, something for everyone, for this is, I'm told, England's only fiction zine. [4]Definitely worth a look; at the price, it can't be beat.[5]

From a fan in 1982:

Zine snobbery - I admit to being an offender! One reason I'm such a fan of Alnitah is because of its 'professional' appearance. I've always found that a good-looking story makes for a good-reading story - though of course this shouldn't be an excuse for poor writing. [6]

Issue 1

Alnitah 1 contains 42 pages, was published in November 1975, and edited by Ann Looker, Margaret Draper, and Joyce Cluett. Cover by Helen McCarthy; Back cover "Sehlat Sagas" cartoon by Helen Sneddon. Other artwork by Margaret Austin and Beth Hallam.There was a second printing in March 1976.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

See reactions and reviews for Cold Snap.

See reactions and reviews for Nameless Enemy.

[Incident in a City]: I would like to pay homage to a story that I find had a profound effect on me, but I just didn’t realize it until years later. It is one of those stories you find you keep re-reading at odd moments over the years. Which story? One of those epics? A classic K/S? A one-off Gem? No. But this story was my first step into the wonderful world of K/S, but I didn’t know it at the time. It is approximately three and a half pages long and printed in a gen zine. That’s right, a gen zine. No sex … no relationship except for that of friendship (and even that appears a bit fragile). The story is titled "Incident in a City" by Beth Hallam. It’s published in Alnitah around 1975-76. [7]

[zine]:
  • "Incident in a City" -- During "City on the Edge of Forever", tensions between Kirk and Spock are exacerbated when Spock accidentally spills some green blood.
  • "Cold Snap" -- Kirk sends Spock, Scotty and Chekov to investigate a signal on an uninhabited and very cold planet. When McCoy finds out, he demands they bring Spock back because he is not up to the cold, still suffering from the effects of “Operation: Annihilate!” Communications have gone out, leaving Scott and Chekov to deal with Spock, frostbitten and hypothermic to the point of rambling - in a very cute touch - about “T’Puh” the sehlat (Pooh). By the time McCoy’s rescue party arrive, Spock has been rescued and sent into hibernation by the watcher from a party of Vulcan colonizers who hibernate through the planet’s decades of winter and wake to resume their lives in the spring. Rabbit illos frolic about.
  • "Nameless Enemy" -- Interesting and dramatic dilemma. Kirk, McCoy and Spock are escorting a young Romulan prisoner when the shuttlecraft is damaged and Kirk knocked unconscious. There is possibly enough air for three to survive until rescue, but definitely not for four. Spock decides to sacrifice the Romulan woman. An interesting bit here is that McCoy offers to do it so that Spock won’t have to; one reason Spock won’t let him is that the woman is about Joanna’s age.
  • "Paternity Order" -- A crewwoman gives birth to a child with pointed ears, and the entire crew take a new attitude towards Spock.[8]

[a review of both #1 and #2, but emphasis on #1]: A new Star Trek 'zine published by the Star TreKon group is ALNITAH. ALNITAH (the far left star in Orion's belt) aims to print high-quality fan writing in an attractive format; its production standards are high and the 'zine is far and away the most skilfully-produced ST fanzine in Britain at present. Issues 1 and 2 are currently available and Issue 3 is in production.

As I was involved in the production of both issues it might be suggested that I have a vested interest in them; however, as any of my acquaintance can testify to my hypercritical, not to say downright unkind, attitude towards bad writing, I can review with impunity.

This 'zine is excellent. Both issues are the only ones so far produced in Britain to rank with Audrey Baker's regrettably one-off production "UK - 1701", which contained a minor classic in Jennifer Gutteridge's "The Snow Serpent" and much that was good besides.

The main strength of each issue is a story by Margaret Draper. Ms.Draper, a quietly-spoken individual with an unexpectedly original sense of humour, is one of the most subtle and skilful writers it has ever been my pleasure to come across, and her stories alone are worth the price of the 'zines. She reads, understands and appreciates writing as diverse and as far removed from the ST universe as A.A. Milne and A.C. Doyle, and manages to weave these outside interests into ST stories which are intelligent, varied in texture and genuinely funny. As these qualities are comparatively rare, her work is not to be missed; so if you have ever wondered why Sherlock Holmes wore that peculiar hat, what was Moriarty's true motivation, or whatever really happened to that expedition to the North Pole - not to mention the one about the 15 rabbits and the little old lady from Leningrad - buy ALNITAH and find out.

"Incident in a City" is a prime example of one of the most prevalent modes of ST fan writing, in which the writer, instead of inventing a new situation, takes an incident from the plot of a "Star Trek" episode and gives her view of the feelings and actions of the central characters. It's a nicely-written story, but as an Ellison devotee since I was twelve, I still prefer the original script.

The rest of the contents of both issues are of a high standard, the artwork being particularly well chosen and printed. Accompanying an excellent Helen Sneddon poem is one of the most vivid pictures of Uhura I've ever seen, dominated by the delectable Lieutenant's wide, alluring eyes. The illustration to "Incident in a City" is striking, and "Cold Snap" has a delightful little dark-haired, pointy-eared Christopher Robin and, of course, those ubiquitous rabbits, based on the Shepherd drawings for Milne's books.

Altogether, ALNITAH is a well-thought out 'zine with a number of pleasant surprises in its pages. If it maintains its standards it will be an asset to ST writing.[9]

Issue 2

front cover of issue #2, Helen McCarthy
back cover of issue #2, Helen Sneddon

Alnitah 2 was published in 1975, contains 44 pages, and edited by Ann Looker, Margaret Draper, and Joyce Cluett. On the cover: "Inside: A Study in Star Trek." Interior art by Anne Cockitt and back cover by Helen Sneddon.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

See reactions and reviews for A Study in Star Trek.

[zine]:
  • "A Study in Star Trek" -- Star Trek / Sherlock Holmes / Dr. Who romp. Somebody (Moriarty, using a phone booth) has been going back in time to prevent humans from discovering dilithium. This necessitates Spock going to 19th century London where, naturally, he becomes Sherlock. Very nicely crafted, with several entertaining subplots going on behind the Sherlock story - ties over from “Cold Snap” in that throughout this story, Sulu keeps trying to hear the joke Chekov told to Spock (to keep him awake) about the little old lady from Leningrad and the 15 rabbits; also Scotty trying to court Carolyn Palamas, who is totally disinterested.
  • "A Kind of Caring" -- Kirk, Spock and McCoy beam down to meet a planet's delegation, and become stranded with Kirk badly injured by a hapless former friend, now driven "godmad" after witnessing all of his companions butchered in a local ritual.
  • "A Spoonful of Sugar" -- A yeoman afflicted with xenophobia is stranded with Spock in the aftermath of an earthquake, and resolves to overcome the problem.[10]

Issue 3

Alnitah 3 contains 68 pages and was published in July 1976. Cover by Michael Eason; Back cover "Sehlat Sagas" toon by Helen Sneddon. Additional interior art by Helen McCarthy. It was edited by Margaret Draper and Joyce Cluett.

back cover of issue #3, Helen Sneddon
front cover issue #3 by Michael Eason
  • art from issue #3, Helen McCarthy

    art from issue #3, Helen McCarthy

  • art from issue #3, Helen Sneddon

    art from issue #3, Helen Sneddon

  • art from issue #3, Mick Eason

    art from issue #3, Mick Eason

  • art from issue #3, Helen McCarthy

    art from issue #3, Helen McCarthy

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

See reactions and reviews for Reconciled Among the Stars.

See reactions and reveiws for The Nebulous Crab.

[zine]:
  • "Festive Spirit" -- Chekov, determined to help Spock enjoy a Starbase Christmas party, spikes his lemonade with dramatic results. Uhura to the rescue of Vulcan dignity - and proper retribution.
  • POEM: "'Twas Hogmany on the Starship" -- More Christmas mischief from the senior officers.
  • "Alien" -- Spock is sucked through a space-time doorway into 20th-century Earth, where he is captured by Straker, heading a team trying to develop ways to protect Earth from extraterrestrial invasion.
  • "Captain Slog" -- Vignette; Kirk bemoaning how sick and tired he is of... a number of things and people. Cute.
  • "Reconciled Among the Stars" -- After "Paradise Syndrome," Kirk is unable to overcome his grief, leaving an already-exhausted Spock to do both their jobs. Spock's attempt to shock Kirk into accepting the reality that Miramanee could never have been a meet companion to the real Kirk puts an insurmountable rift between them. McCoy's hesitation to relieve them both of duty results in Spock blacking out at a crucial moment, causing the death of a crewman. Kirk calls an inquiry at which McCoy defends Spock and gets the two back together.
  • "The Nebulous Crab" -- Kirk, Spock and McCoy land on a planet where nothing mechanical works. Trapped by a rockslide, they are reconciled to dying together, but discover a previously technological civilzation dying from the loss of mechanical function. The cause turns out to be crab-like telepathic aliens who have settled in the neighborhood and set up a blocking field to protect their brains from sonic interference. They put the boys through an intelligence test; when they pass, the crabs depart for other territories. Pretty sentimental and not a very convincing plot.
  • "McCoy's Bad Day" -- The editor's child's (unedited) tale of pteradactyls trying to eat McCoy.[11]

Six fanzines of potential interest to the enquiring mind have come my way over the past month, so a quick review of each seems to be the fairest way of dealing with then all [see "City" for a list of the other five zines]. Talking ST fanzines first, ALNITAH 3 comes out best of the bunch, with its usual high production standards complemented by an even better range of contents than in ALNITAH 2 and an excellent cover by Michael Eason. 'Festive Spirit' is the best of Margaret Draper's stories to date; her handling of the inter-relationships of the 'Enterprise' crew is far subtler and more realistic than anything yet achieved by any other ST fan writer, and there is a delightfully illogical twist in the story's tail. 'The Nebulous Crab' far outclasses the rest of Sheila Clark's recent output; its virtual freedom from sentimentality suits her cool, simple prose style and the story is almost elegant. The illustrations, however, are less elegant than they might be. On 'Alien' I will spare comment, except to say that, for utterly unsound and critically indefensible reasons, it is of all my ST stories my personal favourite. The awfulness of this issue's corny jokes sets a new high for the genre, and the predominantly light-hearted tone of the whole is sane and cheering, and well worth the 75p you'll have to pay for it. available from: Ann Looker [address redacted].[12]

Issue 4

front cover of issue #4 by Robin Hill
back cover of issue #4, Helen Sneddon

Alnitah 4 contains 64 pages and was published in July 1976. Front and back cover by Robin Hill. Other cartoons by Joyce Deeming and other artwork by Helen Sneddon and Beth Hallam. It was edited by Margaret Draper and Joyce Cluett.

  • inside page from issue #4, Beth Hallam

    inside page from issue #4, Beth Hallam

  • inside page from issue #4, Helen Sneddon

    inside page from issue #4, Helen Sneddon

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

See reactions and reviews for Countdown.

See reactions and reviews for The Human Computer.

See reactions and reviews for Teeth of the Lynx.

[zine]:
  • "Open House" -- Romp told from McCoy’s pov. He pushes for shore leave and they get it - on Vulcan - and also have to give a ship tour to a group of Vulcan children, one of whom wrangles with McCoy, creating a stink (literally) in the laboratory and also dropping hints of a prank Spock pulled as a child.. McCoy’s voice is excellent and the story quite funny.
  • "The Human Computer" -- Enterprise recovers and revives android Tarik, whom they find drifting in space. Tarik's quick actions save Spock from an observation pod accident, but when Spock learns that Tarik holds secret Klingon commands, he destroys the android. Standard adventure.
  • "Countdown" -- A reluctant McCoy has been chosen as guinea pig for Spock and Kirk's tinkering attempts with a complicated electronic gizmo. Cute shaggy-dog short.
  • "Dilithium Crystals Are Forever" -- Vignette: Kirk as 007.
  • "Teeth of the Lynx" -- Spock resigns after "killing" Kirk by ignoring his own foreknowledge of danger, and wanders off into the galaxy into a series of hellish lives, with Kirk's unintelligible voice pursuing him everywhere. A bit tedious; resolves as coma dreams from a head injury.[13]

The standard of ALNITAH 4 is, as usual, high, from Robin Hill's very attractive cover to the invasion of the back page, usually sehlat territory, by those ubiquitous tribbles. Very encouragingly, the bulk of the contents are by new fan writers, Margaret Draper, one of Britain's three best ST fan writers, displays a new talent in her remarkably sensitive poem "For Christine." [14]

Issue 5

front cover issue #5 by Michael Eason
back cover of issue #5, Helen Sneddon

Alnitah 5 contains 50 pages and was published in January 1977. Cover by Michael Eason; Back cover "Sehlat Sagas" toon by Helen Sneddon. Other art by Robin Hill. It was edited by Margaret Draper, Margaret Austin, Ann Looker, and Joyce Deeming.

From the editors:

Those of our regular readers who can also count will realise that we are now a committee of four instead of six. Both Beth and Richard have recently left the committee and are now very busy with other commitments. They remain valued friends and contributors and we shall greatly miss them and their advice. We should like to take this opportunity to thank them for all the time and effort they have expended on this publication during the past year. We are sure everyone will join us in wishing them well in their future activities. And talking of counting, we regret the rise in the price of ALNITAH, but we hope our readers will agree that the improved printing is well worth the extra...

  • inside page from issue #5, Mike Eason

    inside page from issue #5, Mike Eason

  • inside page from issue #5, Mike Eason

    inside page from issue #5, Mike Eason

  • inside page from issue #5, Mike Eason

    inside page from issue #5, Mike Eason

  • inside page from issue #5, sample text

    inside page from issue #5, sample text

  • inside page from issue #5, poem

    inside page from issue #5, poem

  • inside page from issue #5, Robin Hill

    inside page from issue #5, Robin Hill

  • inside page from issue #5, Michael Eason

    inside page from issue #5, Michael Eason

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 5

See reactions and reviews for Menage a Trois.

See reactions and reviews for The Six-Million Credit Space Trek.

See reactions and reviews for Border Incident.

[zine]:

We enjoy this one immensely, sort of Britain's answer to WARPED SPACE. Comes out almost as often, too. Margaret Draper is not only bananas, she's a superior writer as well. Her "Border Incident", concerning the events immediately after "Enterprise Incident," details how Kirk and Tal come to an under standing.

But the highlight of this issue is—dah da da dah! --"The Six-Million Credit Space Trek," which is a 25 page black & white comic strip mish-mash of Star Trek, 2001, Space 1999, Mission: Impossible, UFO, Bioncism, and Planet of the Apes, with a little Lost in Space thrown in. Hilarious. The same gang puts out GROPE, a semi-porn adjunct. The third issue is to be called DEEP GROPE, or maybe THE GROPES OF WRATH. Ask about it when you order. Rating: Graphics 5 Content 4 $ Worth 4. [15]

[zine]:
  • "The Six-Million Credit Space Trek" -- Well-drawn, pun-ridden comic-book tale of Romulans capturing the Tardis and Spock ending up as the Bionic Vulcan.
  • "A Friend Like That" -- Kirk, grieving over the loss of Spock, permits a red-shirt to go after his partner, against orders. [sequel, from Norton's point of view, is "Flight of the Red Hawk" in Alnitah 10.]
  • "Border Incident" -- As they head home with the Romulan Commander aboard, Enterpriseinvestigates an attack on a space station. The landing party encounter a Romulan scoutship's crew; in escaping from them, Kirk is injured, then rescued from a monster rat by the leader, Var. Spock takes the ship away when attacked by the Romulan flagship, but maneuvers the scout into plowing right into it. He rescues Kirk and Vav, who turns out to be the Commander's son. Best bit in this one is the new-fangled Romulan universal translator that speaks in lines from bad movies.
  • "Menage a Trois" -- Starting into pon farr, Spock finds that he is drawn to Miranda ("Is There In Truth No Beauty"). Miranda and Kollos - after some reluctance on Miranda's part - agree to do what needs to be done to save Spock, but end up caught in each other's heads. McCoy solves the dilemma by having Spock look at Kollos, to shock him out of the meld.[16]

[zine]:

Shortly after this issue [of "City" #3] was typed ready to run off ALNITAH 5? appeared - which makes the ALNITAH 4 review [in "City" #3] less than topical, I admit! - and I felt it was impressive enough to merit an instant review. In brief, it is a very good zine. (Only those who want more detail need now read on.)

The most striking feature is, obviously, Mick Eason's 26-page cartoon epic. I'm told it took ten months of work, but the artist must feel it was well worth it. It's a spectacular achievement in terms of work alone, and there are some fine pieces of artwork in it, though naturally enough the standard of the very best frames is not maintained throughout - a target rarely achieved even by the professionals of DC and Marvel Comics. The impact of the whole is enough to carry such lapses as the frankly sloppy treatment of the Romulan villains, or the first Bridge drawing. My main criticism of the artwork is its static quality; movement is rarely depicted and the best drawings - usually portraits - have the effect of photographs, precise and still. This is not, however, to detract from the fine craftsmanship of the portraits, or the highly imaginative layout of each page.

The story is slight, but affords the opportunity for some splendid puns and jokes - Alan Carter "preparing an Eagle" and Kirk's problem with the Alpha uniform's oddly-placed zip spring immediately to mind. Altogether this is worthy of ALNITAH'S high standards and constant inventiveness. It is not, however, the best thing in the zine. I never expected to read even in ALNITAH, a story which could compete for stylistic skill with the work of Margaret Draper, but "A Friend Like That" is such a story. Beautifully written, it also displays a fine understanding of Kirk as a man who can stand any pain but that of losing a commander whose own human weaknesses still make him need the help of others to climb out of a trough of selfpity and yet whose pride and sorrow make him reluctant to accept that help. I felt intensely for Kirk, for Isaaksen,and for McCoy, as the story of Kirk's loss unfolded side by side with that of the younger man. It is not often that we are reminded of the rest of the crew of the "Enterprise" as real people, with something to do other than die for the Cause. Emotional yet unsentimental, this story is an achievement;I hope we see more from Julia Felton.

Ms Draper herself comes over strongly with one of her marvellous parody poems and a wellcrafted story called "Border Incident". This is not the best thing she's ever done, but it's still very, very good - wellplotted and fastmoving, with accurate characterisation. The third story, a new version of the eternal-triangle theme,is by Matthew Brown. The triangle consists of Spock, Miranda and Kollos and gives rise to all sorts of fascinating speculations - for instance, how would a threeway mindmeld fare if it was forced into permanence? How far would the component minds stay individual? Miranda Jones, an inadequate, selfpitying bitch in the STAR TREK episode, is here convincingly shown to have matured into a far more love-able woman, and comes through the testing of this new maturity as a fine human being. The Kirk/Spock/McCoy relationship, so often reduced to the level of a threeway schoolchild crush, is also handled well.

Joyce Deeming contributes another sensitive poem on the Spock/Sarek relationship, and Robin Hill a drawing of Uhura, which,though not in my opinion looking at all like Uhura, is an excellent drawing.

ALNITAH 5 is offset-printed,with photoreduction, which accounts for the increase in price to 85p. When you consider that most zines, not half as attractive to look at and far less absorbing to read, cost around 59p, it's good value for money. The price includes postage from Ann Looker [address redacted].

FOOTNOTE : The third issue of Britain's answer to GRUP is now in production. It will be entitled "Son of GROPE". Enquiries to above address.[17]

Issue 6

front cover issue #6 by Michael Eason

Alnitah 6 contains 44 pages and was published in June 1977. Cover by Michael/Mick Eason; Backover "Sehlat Sagas" toon by Helen Sneddon. Other art by Mick Eason, Robin Hill, Sandy Sapatka, Beth Hallam, Helen McCarthy. It was edited by Margaret Draper, Margaret Austin, Joyce Deeming and Ann Looker.

back cover of issue #6, Helen Sneddon
inside back cover of issue #6, Mike Eason
  • art from issue #6, Sandy Sapatka

    art from issue #6, Sandy Sapatka

  • art from issue #6, Robin Hill, a Gorn models some spiffy duds

    art from issue #6, Robin Hill, a Gorn models some spiffy duds

  • art from issue #6, Mick Eason

    art from issue #6, Mick Eason

  • art from issue #6, Mick Eason

    art from issue #6, Mick Eason

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 6

See reactions and reviews for And Peace on the Haven, and Peace on the Sea.

See reactions and reviews for Open Sesame!.

[zine]: 'All in the Family' is a story I can read again and again. Kirk, having been invalided off the E, is replaced, not by Spock, but by a Howard Lessor, and the crew resents Spock's being bumped. This plot has been done before, but never so well. Lessor is not a martinet, a clown, nor a creep; he is a captain and quite a likable one, too. He could be a damned good captain of the Enterprise, but his 'tragic flaw' is that he doesn't happen to be either Kirk or Spock -- the Excalibur idea, only the 'rightwise King of England born' can wield the sword/drive the ship. There is some unnecessary business when Lossor and Spock discover they are cousins, and somebody's great-uncle is an an admiral, but on the whole, a most pleasant story. 'Open Sesame' is still better. Spock does something dumb but in character, resulting in him, Kirk, McCoy, and Uhura getting trapped underground in a deserted city. The Captain gets hit by a loose rafter, the air is running out, and their only route of escape lied in a recalcitrant computer that induced fear and pain in tamperers... and then -- and then -- a marvelous suspense piece. 'The Great Shirt' is rather odd, like a Monty Python out of The Prisoner, but somewhat disappointing for a piece by Margaret Draper. Nor is 'And Peace on the Haven' and 'Peace on the Sea' as well written as the ones above. Nevertheless, #6 is a bloodigood ish of a bloodigood zine, and comes highly recommended. Content - 4 Graphics - 5 $ Worth - 5. [18]

[zine]:
  • "All in the Family" -- Kirk has been permanently removed from command due to injury. When Starfleet's policy of having captains of the same race as the majority of their crews effectively prevents Spock from captaining Enterprise or, indeed, any other ship, McCoy resigns in a huff and has to eat his words at Spock's request. The new captain, whom the bridge crew treat badly, turns command over to Spock in a crisis, risks himself to correct a radiation problem, and supports Spock's promotion to captain.
  • "The Great Shirt" -- Silly screen-play format spoof; devious Spockian plots involve expanding and contracting uniforms and aging/de-aging crew.
  • "And Peace on the Haven, and Peace on the Sea" -- Well-written and original. An artist, whose husband has died in the Fleet service, has been commissioned to create a statue of the spirit of Starfleet. In order to do so, she has been working on Vulcan. Interesting love/hate relationship of the artist and the sculpture; also good development of her own and McCoy's sense of something awry.
  • "Open Sesame" -- Investigating a dead civilization with an operating computer control, the landing party and rescue party are trapped in the underground control center, Spock and an injured Uhura on one side of a forcefield, McCoy and an injured Kirk on the other. McCoy has to operate. Spock determines that he has been mentally attacked, undermining his determination to fight, and is able to overcome the reluctance by drawing on Kirk's will to fight and getting McCoy to curmudgeon him into going on.
  • "Totally Illogical" -- Star Trek is revealed to be young Spock's school-time daydream; the Vulcan hierarchy decide to take steps to remove all that violence from his mind.[19]

Issue 7

front cover of issue #7 by Maggi Draper uses "Great Wave at Kanagawa" as inspiration, see Imitation for more examples
back cover of issue #7, Helen Sneddon

Alnitah 7 was published in January 1978 and is 44 pages long. The front cover is by Maggi Draper; back cover "Sehlat Sagas" 'toon by Helen Sneddon. Other art by Robin Hill, Bob Shaw, Mick Eason, Beth Hallam, and Alan Hunter.

  • inside page from issue #7, Mike Eason

    inside page from issue #7, Mike Eason

  • inside page from issue #7, Robin Hill, "Spirit of Enterprise"

    inside page from issue #7, Robin Hill, "Spirit of Enterprise"

  • inside page from issue #7, Maggi Draper

    inside page from issue #7, Maggi Draper

  • inside page from issue #7, Mike Eason

    inside page from issue #7, Mike Eason

  • inside page from issue #7, Alan Hunter

    inside page from issue #7, Alan Hunter

  • inside page from issue #7, Mike Eason

    inside page from issue #7, Mike Eason

  • inside page from issue #7, sample poem

    inside page from issue #7, sample poem

  • inside page from issue #7, inside back cover by Alan Hunter

    inside page from issue #7, inside back cover by Alan Hunter

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 7

See reactions and reviews for In Check.

[zine]: It is probably one of the best fanzines that I've seen come out of England for awhile. Although everything in this issue of Alnitah may not be a classic, there are a few superbly written stories and some new and ORIGINAL artwork. There are two stories within dealing with the computer on the Big E: one serious and one not so serious. 'Soul Circuit' is basically a twist on 'The Ultimate Computer,' except that in this piece the Enterprise is gifted with a soul through he implementation of a new computer unit. I found myself wishing, after ending the story, that Robin had dealt a bit more closely with the problems attendant to any being with a soul, even if it may look like a machine outwardly, but it does give some cause to think about. 'Whirr Click,' on the other hand, is a delightful comedy in which the computer breaks down and begins fouling things up on the ship. The type of story is fairly old hat in fandom but the author handles the story with a timing and rhythm worthy of a professional comedy writer. And speaking of delightful, ' Ear to Ear' is a charming jaunt into a whimsical storybook world. Spock is perplexed in the story when he finds himself on a planet with characters straight out of A Wizard of Oz or Mother Goose. The writing style is so captivating in this piece and Spock's straight-laced character contrasts so splendidly with the little gnome in tthe story, that I was sorry to finish it... Two pieces of serious fanfic within are 'In Check' and 'No Other Love.' The first explores what happens when aliens experiment with Spock, and Kirk must force him into an emotional crisis. The other concerns Kirk's efforts as an old man with a terminal disease to find a way back in time to be with Edith before her death. In all, the zine's contents may not be a classic, or 400-page epic, but something about the whole zine clicks. It's TOGETHER somehow. Try to get it and see for yourself.[20]

[zine]: The stories range from good to excellent, with artwork to match. #7 contains five stories, two of these, 'Whirr Click' and 'Ear to Ear,' are short and humorous. 'Soul Circuit' is about what might happen if the Enterprise were able to feel love for its captain. 'In Check,' perhaps the best story in this issue -- in it, the landing party is subjected to an experiment by alien intelligences. It has beautiful illos by Mick Eason. Finally, 'No Greater Love,' -- Admiral Kirk's escaped from the now well-explored galaxy, to the only true love of his past, Edith Keeler.[21]

[zine]: The first thing you'll notice about this zine is the cover: it's a take-off of Hokusai's famous "View of Mount Fuji..." with the Enterprise in place of Fuji. This in itself is almost enough to make Alnitah worth the price. I believe it is a first for Alnitah although it's sister publication Grope has had a number of parodies of famous pieces of art (the "Creation of Vulcan" and the "Death of Kirk" come to mind). Alnitah is off-set, saddle-stitched, with a heavy cover. Issue seven contains five short stories and a poem. The best of these is Margaret Draper's "In Check", a well-written story that takes place early in the Enterprise's history. Most K/S stories are blatantly emotional and more than a little melodramatic. While "In Check" is basically a hurt/comfort story, it is better done than most and the fact that it was Kirk who caused the original hurt gives it an interesting twist. There were a couple of places that could have used a little more detail or explanation. First, it's not quite clear what was stopping Spock from helping Kirk. I would have liked to see a little more overt motivation behind his original refusal and a longer, more explicit struggle—on his part rather than Kirk's—before he broke. It just seems a bit sudden as it stands. Likewise the scene between Spock and Soril and the final scene between Kirk and Spock. Surely Spock would have taken a little more persuading? He'd been so wooden on the previous page but at just one word of explanation on Kirk's part, he has "a ghost of a smile deep in his eyes." Somehow I think Spock might be a little more wary of trusting Kirk again. The other stories are all interesting and on the whole well done. Two of them are funny0 The first, "Ear to Ear" by Caroline Nixon, was quite hilarious but will probably mean absolutely nothing to all of you poor slobs out there who weren't brought up on Enid Blyton. The other story, "Whirr Click" was quite well set up but two "Embarrass Spock" stories in one zine seems a bit much. "Soul Circuit" by Robin Hill was an Enterprise-comes-to-life story in which the Enterprise is sentient, female and insanely jealous of any other women. Interestingly enough, she tries to kill Uhura but Spock kills her first. Kirk is mildly upset but decides that he prefers to love his ship in the abstract rather than the concrete. The worst story was the last, "No Other Love" in which Spock and McCoy help an aged and dying Kirk to return through the Guardian and regain both his youth and Edith Keeler. This is one of the best zines we have yet reviewed and comes highly recommended.[22]

[zine]:
  • "The Soul Circuit" -- The Enterprise gets a new computer control circuit and begins a nasty campaign against Uhura in a fit of jealousy over Kirk.
  • "Ear To Ear" -- Spock has a whimsical encounter with the elf Noddy - apparently a well-known toy or book character in Britain.
  • "In Check" -- Kirk, Spock, Uhura and McCoy are zapped away from shore leave and subjected to studies which end with Kirk forcing Spock into an emotional reaction to prevent their tormentors from killing him. On return to their own dimension, Spock is catatonic. A Vulcan healer rescues him, but the rift between Kirk and Spock is only healed after Kirk loses it on the bridge and Spock covers for him. Heavy on the angst, and both Kirk and Spock seem rather out of character. Nothing very novel in the old lab-rat premise.
  • "Whirr Click" -- Romp. A bug in the computer system has it swapping answers to questions around, with amusing results -- including McCoy stumping Spock with a song about a "choochoo."
  • "No Other Love" -- An aged Kirk, faced with slow death by increasing debility, persuades Spock and McCoy to assist him in going through the Guardian to return -- young again -- to Edith Keeler. They find that, this time, he has managed to save her as well as the future. Implausible on all counts, but sweet.[23]

[zine]:

When I first pulled out my copy from the mailing envelope, I had a bird. The cover is a takeoff on one of Hokusai's most famous ukiyo-e prints, "View of Mount Fuji thru the Waves off Kanagawa," with the E in place of Fuji-san. This gives us cloddish American readers an inkling of the ALNITAH editors' minds, as well as an intimation why their stories, tho short, are so often good.

A little off stride from #6, #7 contains five ST stories which for some reason come close to other plots we've seen before. Inadvertently, I'm sure, still there're: "Ear to Ear" by Caroline Nixon, another embarrass-Spock-as-the-Easter Bunny/Xmas Elf /Birthday Boy short; "Soul Circuit" by Robin Hill, similar to many Mary Louise Dodge stories in the Kirk/Uhura emphasis; and "No Other Love," rather like Burt Libe's "The Last Voyage" in BABEL 5. For my money, the best story was Margaret Draper's "In Check," an extremely wel1-i11ustrated get-em charac ter study. Never a disappointment, ALNITAH is the best zine for the "never-say-die" Trekfan.

Contents - 4. Graphics - 4.5. $ Worth - 4. [24]

[zine]:

Alnitah has long been one of the finest zines to come out of Great Britain, and the latest issue proves again that there's a wealth of talent across the ocean for someone perceptive enough to tap it.

There are five stories of short to medium length in this one. They ere varied, well written and satisfying. SOUL CIRCUIT by Robin Hill is a unique whodunit, a blend of intrigue and science fiction in which Uhura is featured prominently. It's cleverly constructed and resolved, and the author's only failing seams to be a tendency to overwrite. That is, to express things a bit too dramatically where simplicity would suffice. The characterization, dialogue and plotting make up for any weaknesses, though. I don't want to tell you too much about the plot for fear of giving it away.

EAR TO EAR by Caroline Nixon is a fantasy whose fictional references are, I believe, British. Has anyone heard of the 'Noddy Books'? This one is a short, simple, lighthearted look at another cross-universe which, naturally, is all just a dream.

IN CHECK by Margaret Draper is an attempt to explore the early seeds of friendship between Kirk and Spock under stress. One of the longest stories in the issue, it's written very lyrically, but at times it is very confusing. Kirk is forced to elicit emotion from Spock in order to save his life and the results are nearly disastrous. The resolution is too simple and the whole thing lacks a feeling of depth and sensitivity which could have made this an excellent story. It's a good premise and spots are executed brilliantly, but the overall effect is a passable fair.

WHIRR CLICK by Helen Sneddon is a brief whimsy, droll and to the point. This is one area that the British always seem to handle so well. The 'straight-man' in this one is the Enterprise computer, whose circuitry causes a verbal mix-up that's amusing and clever.

In NO OTHER LOVE, Helen Sneddon proves she can handle more serious fiction as well as humor. This is a 'years later' story where a last ditch effort by a terminally ill Kirk launches him on a journey through the Guardian back to his Edith. It's a fresh interpretation and I have a personal weakness for a story that correlates several aired-episode concepts under one cover as this one does. The pace and style are excellent. You find yourself reading quickly to discover how it's going to end. There are no flaws in characterization or dialogue , and it's truly a satisfying story.

The issue's last offering is a poem, Edith by Joyca Deming. which ties in nicely with the story preceding it. This is a neat trick of layout, and while we're speaking, layout, everything is well presented, as usual. Graphics are nice, neat and appropriate to the story; I grimace with frustration at finding a zine which is virtually free of typos (How do you do it?). A lot of care and love goes into each issue and it shows, folks.

The artwork is excellent. Mick Eason is clearly the best artist in Britain (if you missed his 'comic strip' in #5, by all means get it!), and he seems to keep improving, if that's possible. He has a double-half-page spread for IN CHECK that's stunning in a style similar to Faddis or Landon, and the rest of his work is equally good. There's a lovely stylized illo of the Spirit of the Enterprise by Robin Hill for her story which shows she can draw as well as write. Another stylized concept is by Alan Hunter (where do they get these males?!) for WHIRR CLICK, a design in computer circuitry that's lovely. A new artist, Maggi (who happens to be the mother of Margaret Draper) shows definite talent and promise.

Can I find any faults? Yes! There's not enough of it. By all means, try to get a copy. The price is reasonable, it's just a darn shame we have to pay so much postage to import them. Inquire, too, as to what back issues are available. They're all good and getting better. My own favorite was #5, but this one's a close contender. Nothing is ever terribly heavy, but everything's well done and original.

And incidentally, any of you who are planning to attend AUGUST PARTY will have a chance to meet some of our British friends. Ann Looker (one of the editors or ALNITAH and GROPE) won the Fan Fund Award and will be there, accompanied by Beth Hallam and Margaret Draper. It will be a good opportunity to say 'thank you' personally. [25]

Issue 8

front cover of issue #8 by Alan Hunter

Alnitah 8 was published in August 1978 and contains 44 pages. Cover: Alan Hunter; Back cover "Sehlat Sagas" toon by Helen Sneddon. It was edited by Margaret Draper and Joyce Cluett. Other art by Alan Hunter, Beth Hallam, Mick Eason, Maggi Draper, Gordon Carleton, Anne Cockitt, and Robin Hill.

back cover of issue #8, Helen Sneddon
  • Home Run by Margaret Draper (p. 4-14) (second part of a trilogy)
  • Policeman's Lot by Caroline Nixon (p. 15-17)
  • POEM: The Trouble With Quibbles by Helen Sneddon (p. 19)
  • The Axe by Anne Cockitt (p. 20-23)
  • To Your Mind by Robin Hill (p. 24-28)
  • POEMS: The New Voyagers by Margaret Draper (p. 28-29)
  • Leila by Meg Wright. Spock meets Leila Kalomi. (p. 30-46)
  • inside page from issue #8, Gordon Carleton

    inside page from issue #8, Gordon Carleton

  • inside page from issue #8, Mike Eason

    inside page from issue #8, Mike Eason

  • inside page from issue #8, Mike Eason

    inside page from issue #8, Mike Eason

  • inside page from issue #8, Maggi Draper

    inside page from issue #8, Maggi Draper

  • inside page from issue #8, Mike Eason, from "Home Run," portrays the OC Var (possible fan casting using the Blake's 7 character Kerr Avon)

    inside page from issue #8, Mike Eason, from "Home Run," portrays the OC Var (possible fan casting using the Blake's 7 character Kerr Avon)

  • inside page from issue #8, Mike Eason

    inside page from issue #8, Mike Eason

  • inside page from issue #8, Alan Hunter

    inside page from issue #8, Alan Hunter

  • inside back cover of issue #8, uncredited, tip of the hat to the newly-released Star Wars

    inside back cover of issue #8, uncredited, tip of the hat to the newly-released Star Wars

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 8

See reactions and reviews for Leila.

See reactions and reviews for Home Run.

[zine]: The stories range from good to excellent, with artwork to match. Issue #8 contains 5 stories and some poems. The major stories are 'Home Run' and it involves a likable Romulan prisoner, and his effect upon Kirk and Spock's loyalties to Starfleet and to each other; 'The Axe' -- Uhura is stranded on a primitive world; 'To Your Mind' -- Kirk spends a pleasant shore leave on Vulcan; in the longest story in this ish, 'Leila' -- Lt. Commander Spock meets Leila while on shore leave. The art is by Mick Eason, Alan Hunter, and Gordon Carleton.[26]

[zine]:
  • "Home Run" -- Spock and McCoy join forces to spring the Romulan Commander's son Var from custody on Starbase 10, enabling Kirk (whom Var managed to rescue though he lost his own crew) to keep his promise that Var would be exchanged without interrogation. But first they have to make sure Kirk himself can't be suspected of the jailbreak. Well-written adventure with nice characterization.
  • "Policeman's Lot" -- Nice little vignette of an English policeman trying to convince his boss that he was immobilized and dis-uniformed by a pair of strangers materializing from nowhere.
  • POEM: "The Trouble With Quibbles" -- Scott quarreling with Kirk over his reason for attacking the Klingons in "Tribbles." Accompanied by nice Gordon Carleton cartoon.
  • "The Axe" -- Uhura is sold to a trapper on a primitive planet. Short tale of her adjusting to the life and the trapper and contemplating the decision that will be required if her communicator ever replies. She uses the axe both to defend herself from him and cut off his gangrenous leg.
  • "To Your Mind" -- Visiting on Vulcan, Kirk is rather inexplicably approached by a Vulcan woman who mind-melds with him to show him how a Vulcan makes love, and wishes him to reciprocate by demonstrating the Terran style.
  • POEMS: "The New Voyagers" -- Short jingles on life and death in space. Interesting.
  • "Leila" -- The back-story of Spock's not-quite-romance with Leila Kalomi, just before Enterprise command is transferred from Pike to Kirk. Very well-written, and includes hints of how Leila ended up on the colony and why Kirk and Spock hit it off so well (Pike gives Kirk a few tips). Leila rescues Spock from near-drowning, then gives him sailing lessons which eventually result in them being stranded on shore together long enough for her to fall in love -- which he logically rejects, but only after a few kissing lessons.[27]

Issue 9

cover of issue #9 by Mick Eason
back cover of issue #9, Helen Sneddon

Alnitah 9 was published in January 1979 and contains 40 pages. Cover: Mick Eason; Back cover "Sehlat Sagas" toon by Helen Sneddon. Other art by Mick Eason, Beth Hallam, Robin Hill, Maggi Draper and Helen Sneddon. It was edited by Margaret Draper and Joyce Cluett.

  • inside back cover, issue #9, Maggi

    inside back cover, issue #9, Maggi

  • inside issue #9, Mick Eason

    inside issue #9, Mick Eason

  • inside issue #9, Mick Eason

    inside issue #9, Mick Eason

  • inside issue #9

    inside issue #9

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 9

See reactions and reviews for A Few Curves.

See reactions and reviews for Of Things to Come.

See reactions and reviews for A Lasting Request.

See reactions and reviews for Auld Lang Syne.

[zine]:
  • "A Few Curves" -- Kirk and Spock meet up with the Taurean women from "The Lorelei Incident" (TAS) and find them desolate at the discovery that they are barren. Number One shows up with a solution - she is from a planet of women who reproduce technologically, having eliminated men because of their aggressive tendencies. They need caregivers for their infants. Kirk and Spock go along on the trip to see if the Taurean women will fit in, and Number One tutors the Taurean women on the evils of males and drives Kirk nuts with insults to his male ego all the way there. On arrival there is a disaster in the incubator, which proves to be a test of whether Kirk, as a representative Federation male, will respond in a humanitarian fashion despite being provoked to hostility. He passes, Number One's reclusive society agree to join the Federation, and all rejoice. Fun tale with good characterization.
  • "A Lasting Request" -- Short adventure story with a fine shaggy-dog denouement. McCoy desperately tries to contact Enterprise to rescue Spock from imminent death by firing squad, but Spock solves his own problem by serenading the executioners.
  • "Queen of the May" -- Kirk and Spock try to convince a primitive village not to sacrifice their young maidens to the local volcano, only to discover that the villagers are quite right all along -- the volcano really does protect them from the Klingons and other outsiders, and requires the sacrifice. A nice twist on the arrogance of Starfleet's finest.
  • "Island" -- Pretty standard little vignette of Kirk and Spock sharing a heart-to-heart after Gary's death.
  • "Of Things To Come" -- Christmas is only a few days away, and Spock drives himself to distraction in dread of it. Cute.
  • FILK: "Federation Wassail Song" --Roberta's typical clever send-up.
  • "Auld Lang Syne" -- Romp. Sulu stumbles on a dragon - leading Spock to relate his childhood encounter with said dragon, on Berengaria, to Kirk. Clever and good fun.[28]

Issue 10

front cover of issue #10 by Maggi
back cover of issue #10, Helen Sneddon

Alnitah 10 was published in March 1979 and contains 40 pages. Cover: Maggi Draper; Back cover "Sehlat Sagas" toon by Helen Sneddon. It was edited by Margaret Draper and Joyce Cluett. The art is by Maggi, Mick Eason, Jake Grigg, Helen Sneddon, and Alan Hunter.

  • inside page from issue #10

    inside page from issue #10

  • inside page from issue #10

    inside page from issue #10

  • inside page from issue #10, "Fallen Star" is a poem interpretation the cover—shows an astronaut with cracked face helmet and curious aliens checking him out.

    inside page from issue #10, "Fallen Star" is a poem interpretation the cover—shows an astronaut with cracked face helmet and curious aliens checking him out.

  • inside page from issue #10

    inside page from issue #10

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 10

See reactions and reviews for Expose.

See reactions and reviews for A Cold Cup of Water.

[zine]:
  • "Expose" -- Young Spock, traveling with his mother, experiments with practical jokes; Amanda retaliates with a human form of discipline as recommended by Mark Twain. Leslye's usual charming rendition of the mischievous Vulcan child.
  • "A Cup of Cold Water" -- After a shuttle wreck, Spock is rescued and carried off by felinoid herdsmen and ends up breaking the non-interference directive in encouraging cooperation between the herdsmen and the budding farming culture.
  • "Flight of the Red Hawk" -- Lt. Norton goes after his partner and finds himself fulfilling a Native American-like prophecy and restoring a mechanism that maintains the planet's ecological balance. . [retelling of "A Friend Like That" in Alnitah 5, from Norton's point of view]
  • "Autumn Is the Dying Time" -- Non-Trek. Pensive piece on a lost relationship.
  • "Operation Goldilocks" -- Entertaining little tale of Spock calling Kirk and McCoy in to assist him in rescuing a wild female sehlat stuck in a ravine. Things get sticky when they find Baby Bear, badly injured, and need to convince the male that they mean no harm..
  • POEM: "Fallen Star" (cover) / Margaret Draper
  • Poem for illo of astronaut with cracked face helmet and curious aliens checking him out.[29]

[zine]:

Alnitah is always an entertaining zine, and for the price, you would never be sorry you bought it. Thish is taken up largely by an excellent alien planet story, "A Cup of Cold Water”, by Margaret Draper. — a shuttlecraft crashlands with Spock and 3 junior officers; this is a gripping tale of survival, and an interesting iook at an alien culture.

"Expose” by Leslie Lilker is an amused and amusing tale, revealing what it was Spock did to a Starship at age 5; (so much for the myth that Vulcans are well-behaved children) This is a sequel to ’Open House', which appeared in Alnitah 4.

"Autumn is the dying time" is a poetic but obscure one-pager.

"Flight of the Red Hawk", is a sequel to ’A Friend Like That', appearing in Alnitah 5.

Helen Sneddon makes another witty entry with one of her gently funny stories — this time, "Operation; Goldilocks"— which tells you more about sehlats than you’d ever want to know!

And finally, "Fallen Star", a deceptively simple little poem by Margaret D., it will leave you thinking about it for some time after; it adds several pages to the depth of the zine in a few short lines.

Nice artwork by Alan Hunter, Maggi, M. Eason and Dithers. Recommended. [30]

Issue 11

Alnitah 11 was published in July 1980 and contains 42 pages. Cover by Glyn Probert & Lynda Probert; Back cover "Sehlat Sagas" toon by Helen Sneddon. Other art by Alan Hunter, Mick Eason, Maggi Draper, Helen McCarthy, Gill Draper, Gordon Carleton, and Steve Mackey. It was edited by Margaret Draper and Joyce Cluett.

front cover of issue #11 by Glyn & Lynda Probert
back cover of issue #11, Helen Sneddon
  • inside issue #11, Gordon Carleton

    inside issue #11, Gordon Carleton

  • inside issue #11

    inside issue #11

  • inside issue #11

    inside issue #11

  • inside issue #11

    inside issue #11

  • inside back cover, the illo is not credited

    inside back cover, the illo is not credited

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 11

See reactions and reviews for Reflections on Damocles.

See reactions and reviews for No Credit, All Credit.

[zine]: Another issue of ALNITAH is out, with many attractive things for the reader. Not the least of these is the artwork. From the "tribble" fillers within to the cover composite of Kirk and Spock, to the accompanying artwork for the poem "One Star Too Many," the editors have included a number of remarkable illustrations. The reduced offset printing is clear and easy to read. The only suggestion I have about the overall format is for the editors to put the authors' names along with titles of stories and poems, so the reader need not refer back to the ToC to see who wrote the piece. The lead story "First Year" by Jackie Stone is typical of the quality stories that ALNITAH has published of late. The story is of Spock's first year at the academy, and the characterization is impressive. Spock is unemotional without being stuffy, analytical without being over-calculating. In particular, his reactions to the humans are believable. The story maintains reader interest by introducing a number of well-rounded characters. The only drawback to the writing is the occasional parenthetical digression, which contains information peripheral to the situation that could have been handled just as well through dialogue. But this is minor—it's a good story. "No Credit, All Credit" by Tina Pole, is a delightfully humourous story of events on the ENTERPRISE that take place when they are denied shore leave at Wrigley's Pleasure Planet because of an error in the crew's credit rating. McCoy's remark, "That's just bloody marvelous!" may strike the North American reader as odd, and I did wonder whether the author intended "football" to mean soccer ball rather than the American football in Gordon Carleton's illustration, but such things, to me, add flavor to the story. The characterization is believable, and the story is well-written. On the other hand, "If Only I Were the Daughter of the High Ambassador of a Desirable Shore Leave Planet," by Teresa Hewitt, strikes me as a wish-fulfillment fantasy. In itself, that's not necessarily bad for a story, but the main purpose of the story seems to be to get laughs by placing the characters in awkward situations. Though many editors publish this type of story, and many readers claim to enjoy them, I prefer stories in which the major emphasis provides insight into a character, and any embarrassing situations that arise are secondary to the point of the story. Further, I do not think that Kirk would find being kidnapped, bound, and slapped even mildly pleasurable. "The Moon was Yellow," by Helen Sneddon, is the kind of story where the events in it are puzzling to the reader until the very last line, when all is revealed. Again, many readers enjoy a tale in which the story is written entirely for the "tag" at the end, but I found it confusing. In this case, I think the story would have been better had the author placed a clue as to what the tag would be in the beginning. "Reflections on Damocles," by Valerie Mackney, is the longest story in this issue. Kirk is transported to an alternate "Mirror, Mirror" universe, where Spock is female and a revolution to overthrow the Empire is in progress. It's mainly a character story, and the characters are believable, but I found it ponderous. A little more emphasis on the events and action rather than on the thoughts of the characters might have made this flow better. "One Star Too Many," by Helen Sneddon, is a poem I enjoyed. I only regret that I don't know enough about poetry to recommend it in more detail.[31]

[zine]:
  • "First Year" -- Young Spock deals with homesickness and culture shock during his first year at Starfleet Academy.
  • "If Only I Were the Daughter (of the High Ambassador of a Desirable Shore Leave Planet...)" -- The spoiled title character abducts Kirk for a little silly bondage entertainment.
  • "The Moon Was Yellow" -- Chilling tale of why Vulcan has no moon... not anymore.
  • "No Credit, All Credit" -- Fun farce of Spock's trials and tribulations as the rest of the bridge crew go slowly stir-crazy when they are denied leave on - but have to stay in orbit around - Wrigley's Pleasure Planet.
  • "Reflections on Damocles" -- While inspecting a planet devoted to Federation military and espionage technology, Kirk lands in a Mirror universe in which Spock is female, devoted to him, and gruesomely sadistic. Interesting take on the premise, and Kirk's reactions of mixed love and horror are well-drawn.
  • POEM: "One Star Too Many" (cover) -- With illo. An astronomer's discovery of a nova in counterpoint to the destruction of that far world.[32]

Issue 12

front cover of issue #12 by Mike Eason
back cover of issue #12, Helen Sneddon

Alnitah 12 was published in December 1980 and contains 42 pages. Cover: Mike Eason; Back cover "Sehlat Sagas" toon by Helen Sneddon. Other art by Alan Hunger, Mike Eason, Gordon Carleton, A.R. Gill and Gill Draper. It was edited by Margaret Draper, Ann Looker, and Joyce Cluett.

It had an original print run of 1000 copies. The demand for back issues led the editors to publish the first Alnitah Omnibus which contained stories from Alnitah issues #1-4.

  • inside back cover issue #12, Gordon Carleton

    inside back cover issue #12, Gordon Carleton

  • inside issue #12, Alan Hunter

    inside issue #12, Alan Hunter

  • inside issue #12

    inside issue #12

  • inside issue #12

    inside issue #12

  • inside issue #12, art by A.R. Gill for "The Things I Do for the Federation"

    inside issue #12, art by A.R. Gill for "The Things I Do for the Federation"

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 12

See reactions and reviews for Reflections on Damocles.

See reactions and reviews for A Man Will Tell His Bartender.

See reactions and reviews for The Things I Do for the Federation.

See reactions and reviews for Double or Quits.

See reactions and reviews for Ka-Ree-Ah.

[zine]: ALNITAH is one of the finest quality zines available. You can always count on each issue being delightful and entertaining. The three editors (Joyce Cluett, Margaret Draper, and Ann Looker) know how to choose their stories well. ries are intelligently and skillfully written. "The Things I Do For the Federation," by Audrey Baker, is about a not-so-pretty minstrel persuaded by Captain Kirk to pose as the fiancee to the Ruler of Harmatt at the betrothal ceremony. It seems the real lady has been delayed and the touchy Ruler of Harmatt will forego this alliance with the Federation if she does not appear at the appointed time, which would make the Romulans very happy. This minstrel, Pandora Exning (I kid you not), has a striking resemblance to this Emmeline Broms-grove (really!), who has been personally chosen by the Har-mattian Ruler. Complications do arise of course, due to Pandora's constant companion, MacKenzie, a wise-cracking sentient Arcturian wolf. "Kah-Ree-Ah," by Sue Bursztynski and Jan McDonnell, is an intriguing account of what Stonn did after TPring dishonored him in "Amok Time." It is a new and fascinating interpretation of Stonn, sympathetic and provocative. "Double Quits" is the third part of Margaret Draper's series of stories based on the episode "The Enterprise Incident." Fortunately, there is a summary of what has gone before, and the story's ending does not leave you hanging. It is a complete story all its own, and worth the read even if you've never read the two preceding stories or the following ones. This is the best, and the longest, story in this issue, engrossing and skillfully plotted. The art is sparse and ranges from mediocre to very good. Mike Eason's cover is interesting: Kirk, in his ST:TMP uniform, holding the old uniform, and an expression on his face that is left to your interpretation (perhaps longing?). Alan Hunter has a lovely rendering of a snow-bound scene on Romulus on page 33. Gordon Car let on, A.R. Gill, and Gill Draper are the other artists that appear in this issue. And Helen Sneddon's recurring (and funny) "Sehlat Sagas" strip is on the bacover. Bound in a nice wraparound cover, ALNITAH is very comfortable to read. You don't have to fight with it, like so many other zine with difficult bindings. Highly recommended.[33]

[zine]: * "The Things I Do for the Federation" -- Romp. Kirk must convince a minstrel woman - with a companion Arcturian wolf - to substitute for a look-alike in a betrothal ceremony, and then extricate her from the groom's clutches.
  • "Ka-Ree-Ah" -- Interesting take on the aftermath of "Amok Time." Stonn reclaims his honor by following ancient law to the letter, Challenging T'Pring's brother and forcing Vulcan to re-examine the absurdity of death challenge in Kal-i-fee. Nice touch is T'Pring ending up the consort of a legend, after all.
  • POEM: "Circles" -- McCoy muses on his and Spock's entrapment within their antagonistic parts.
  • "Double Or Quits" -- ["Var" series, sequel to "Border Incident," Alnitah 5, and "Home Run," Alnitah 8] Var witnesses Spock selling Federation secrets to the Klingons - actually, Spock's capture by a privateer captain who sells him to the Romulans. Kirk and McCoy piece together what has happened, and Kirk, disguised as a Klingon, goes off to the rescue with Var. Spock is briefly reunited with the Commander, about to be exiled for returning alive from Federation capture. As the Enterprise men escape, she makes good on her refusal to be a pawn by blowing up the pursuit ship on which she is a captive. Excellent characterizations.
  • "A Man Will Tell His Bartender" -- Told from the bartender's pov. Kirk, Spock and McCoy gather at a local watering hole for a round of farewell drinks when Spock is promoted to Captain of the Lincoln. As the trio - yes, including Spock - become ever more inebriated, Spock reveals to his friends that he has declined the post. A charmer.[34]

[zine]: Offset, 42 pages, heavy purple cover with a very good illo by Mike Eason of Kirk, now an Admiral looking regretfully to the old uniform he has just removed. The standard of art throughout the zine is typified by the cover - all of high quality - usually relevant. Its a neat, attractively designed zine - my only beef about layout would be the fact that the author's name does not appear under the title. In fact, not at the end of the pieces either. You have to continually scrutinize the contents page as you read through to find out the authors. A pity since the authors are extremely important to make a worthwhile zine. A thing may look good, but if the contents are not as good as its looks, it's a waste of time buying it.

However, ALNITAH 12 does not have this problem. [Its] contents live up to expectations. The first story "Things I Do For the Federation" by Audrey Baker would be the highlight of the issue - a story humourously told with witty glimpses of the ST people told by one outside. It is the story of a professional entertainer who must sacrifice her modesty for the sake of galactic peace. Very entertaining sf. The next best would be the one written by two Aussie authors, Sue and Jan McDonnell and is a Stonn/T'Pring

story. It's ironic (for T'Pring) ending [round-up] this different, well-paced story that gives a further insight into Vulcan life and philosophy. These two stories are the best of the contents. The third major story (there is also a cameo short) by Draper, "Double Or Quits" is the third of a trilogy following the "Enterprise Incident" Trek episode and requires patience to follow who is who and how they got there. They are all new characters and therefore harder to follow than the previous two of the series. I enjoyed ALNITAH and it.[35]

[zine]: "The Things I I Do..." - how Pandora Exning helps to cement a diplomatic marriage with MacKenzie her companion adding his comments to the situation. 'Kah-Ree-Ah' - Stonn wants T'Pring, T'Pring contried [sic] to have him but not the way agreed between them! How Stonn takes his revenge within their system is ingeniously well thought out. 'Double or Quits' - the final installment on Commander Tal/Var confrontation. When McCoy Kirk and Speck help Laria recover her honour, Tal and Val came to an understanding, the Federation gains plans for a new weapon. What can one say? All Alnitah stories are always good. I think the last is a little below standard in a few places but this is the only fault in the writing department. Illustrations always enhance the stories but detract when they are too dark for clear expressions. I liked the cover illo as Kirk seems to regret the new uniform - it isn't as comfortable as the old one is.[36]

Issue 13

front cover of issue #13, Alan Hunter
back cover of issue #13

Alnitah 13 was published in July 1981 and contains 40 pages. The cover is by Alan Hunter. It was edited by Margaret Draper and Joyce Cluett. Art is by Alan Hunter, Robin Hill, Gill Draper, Bob Shaw, Joan Thomson, A.R. Gill, and Helen Sneddon.

The editorial:

Flourish of trumpets. A tucket sounds.
Enter a messenger.
News, gentle folk, I bring you tidings rare.
The Mistress Hallam, erst our consort true,
Now free of STAG'S behests, returneth hence -
Her native seat. (She's joining in Fourteen.)
Whilst Mistress Looker, hight the Queen of Grope,
Now to fair Swansea Town with haste repairs
(The window frames, the floorboards and the stairs?)
And can be found at [address redacted],
And eke at AUCON, FAIRCON and the rest.
Margaret and Joyce maintain their former state -
Welcome to Thirteen (once again it's late!)
Exit, pursued.

  • inside page from issue #13

    inside page from issue #13

  • inside page from issue #13

    inside page from issue #13

  • inside page from issue #13

    inside page from issue #13

  • inside page from issue #13

    inside page from issue #13

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 13

This zine has always "been a best buy, even though the editors have had to raise the price $1 in recent years, probably to cover additional postage costs. It took attending a British Con for the first time for me to learn I had been mispronouncing the title all these years. They call it AL-nit-ah it is a Greek name. Current issue consists of 5 stories stories illoed by Hunter, Joan Thompson, writer-artist Helen Sneddon, and others. Art ranges from hilarious cartoons to Hunter's superb pile of monstrous sf creatures topped by the "dead" Spock of Audrey Baker's "Not To Reason Why." This is one of the two serious stories, and concerns Spock's capture by a sadistic planet doctor for certain experiments, and Kirk's and McCoy's tricks to free him. It's entertaining, but lacks the credibility of Helen Sneddon's "Mother Kaeli's Doorstep." Mother Kaeli is a Vulcan woman disguised as a Romulan brothel madam, a member of the Vulcan Intelligence. When Spock is secretly ordered to obtain information from her to transmit back home, it raises all kinds of problems for him and for his stunned shipmates when they hear he has been visiting a house of ill-repute. There is much humor through out, but stays in excellent characterization, and Spock's first experience with the "Vulcan vuvemova" proves very enjoyable for the reader and the two Vulcan's involved. Best in zine, for my money.

"Better the Devil" "by Tina Pole gives the E a temporary full-blooded Vulcan first officer, to the detriment of all involved, while Margaret Draper's "Rank Hath Its Privileges" details what might happen to Doctor McCoy when he suddenly and erroneously achieves 146 years of seniority over his shipmates with the Captain confined to sickbay.

"And Where Shall I Lay My Bones" by Beth Hallam rounds off the contents, a gentle heart-tearing account of McCoy's death and the ancient Vulcan Admiral who comes to do him honor.

In short, an excellent zine buy; I have always risked my $5 bill in the mail all these years promptly, no matter our domestic problems in sending cash. If you send a check, best include an extra $1.00 for their somewhat steep bank charges.[37]

As always, Joyce Cluett, Margaret Draper and Ann Looker have come up with an immaculate zine, in terms of writing, artwork, presentation and value for money. Issue 13 contains two poems, of which I prefer the second - a sonnet by Meg Wright - for the simple reason that it rhymes. (I have vary simple tastes.) The rest of the zine is taken up by five stories, all ably illoed, the artwork credits listing such names as Alan Hunter, Robin Hill and A.K, Gill.

'Better the Devil' by Tina Pole, a lighthearted story in which Spock is temporarily exchanged with the First Officer of the Intrepid II, could have been more tightly written, ' But McCoy's despair at losing his sparring partner, and his 'scheming to get Spock returned before time are nicely put across. The slightly predictable twist-ending needs condensing, but otherwise perfectly rounds off a delightful tongue-in-cheek caper.

In 'Not To Reason Why' by Audrey Baker, Spock mistakenly believes that Kirk has ordered him to get out of a tight spot by committing suicide. The blind trust with which Spock obeys, and Kirk's agonised reflections when he realises the misunderstanding, beautifully delineate a relationship that has always been one of this author's strong points. With her articulate, forthright style, she brings poetry to the page without sentimentality. If here she doesn't quite rise to the great heights of the classic 'Lost Decade', well, who does?

Helen Sneddon is a competent and fluent writer, and 'Mother Kaeli's Doorstep' is typical of her. It deals with Spock carrying out a secret mission for Vulcan Intelligence; or rather, with the relationship of sorts that develops between him and his contact, the Mata Hari-like Vulcan, Peria. Their conversations occupy the bulk of the story, and subtly reveal much about both of them. I can easily imagine this adapting into a stage-play, with its emphasis on this transient relationship set against the more enduring (though nicely understated) one between Spock and Kirk. Any thoughts in this direction, Helen?

An old, old Dr, McCoy as seen through the eyes (or memories) of his young great-nephew, Dee (!), and recounted to Dee's friend Meg, is the subject of Beth Hallam's 'And Where Shall I lay My Bones?'. I love these nostalgic, looking-back stories, and this doesn't disappoint. The venerable Admiral Spock turns up unexpectedly to pay his respects to the late Doctor, and his gravely bantering conversation with the children says more about how he has grown and developed with the years than half a dozen stories on the subject could. Ostensibly it is a McCoy story, but on another level, it's a rather haunting K/S/M. In fact, it comes close to being a tear-jerker. But the idea of Spock as a grandfather is strangely comforting.

And finally, buried in the heart of the zine, is 'Rank Hath Its Privileges', a small gem by that mistress of gems, Margaret Draper. Let me just say that I consider her to he the finest writer we have in British fandom, and leave it at that. If you want to know more - read the story.

And really finally, I mustn't forget to mention Helen Sneddon's Sehlat Sagas on the back cover. Comparing with a much earlier issue, it's interesting to see how her style has simplified. I'Chiya's fangs have virtually disappeared!.

This zine breathes talent from end to end, and just goes to prove that 'amateur' 
need not equal 'shoddy'. I really don't think you'll find anything better for the
price on this side of the Atlantic. [38]

Issue 14

cover of issue #14, Maggi
back cover of issue #14, Helen Sneddon

Alnitah 14 was published in November 1982 and contains 38 pages. It was edited by Margaret Draper, Beth Hallam, Ann Looker, and Joyce Cluett.

The art is by Maggi Draper, Alan Hunter, Joanne Hughes, Mike Eason, and Helen Sneddon.

The editorial:

Firstly - ALNITAH is not a club, nor is it affiliated to any club or other Star Trek fanzine. We have no membership fees, and all contributions are welcome. Indeed, how long we are able to continue publishing depends on your contributions!

Nor are we professional publishers. We publish issues as and when we have the material, money and free time to do so. This in turn means that we are unable to accept subscriptions, since we can't guarantee when an issue will come out, or how much it's likely to cost. We are, though, always pleased to send information on our next issue as soon as it becomes available to anyone who sends us a stamped self-addressed envelope. If in doubt, it's always best to check whether an issue is in print and its price before sending us money. Overseas readers, please note that we cannot accept non-British stamps, and that we are unable to enclose any correspondence with 'zines we Send abroad, since to do so would increase the postage due considerably: please enclose one irc (international reply coupon, available from Post Offices) for a reply to Europe, two for replies elsewhere. We regret that we are unable to answer enquiries or acknowledge receipt of letters which don't enclose return postage, since we operate on a very narrow profit margin.

We bring out new issues as quickly as we can, but hold-ups do occur, since families/homes/jobs must come first, and also because we live in different corners of the country, so getting together isn't always easy. Similarly, we try to deal with orders and enquiries within a week, but hold-ups can occur here also, especially at holiday times, and since we send all inland letters and orders by second class mail (unless you've sent us first class postage). Fortunately, most of you are very patient with us - thank you!

We bring out new issues as quickly as we can, but hold-ups do occur, since families/homes/jobs must come first, and also because we live in different corners of the country, so getting together isn't always easy. Similarly, we try to deal with orders and enquiries within a week, but hold-ups can occur here also, especially at holiday times, and since we send all inland letters and orders by second class mail (unless you've sent us first class postage). Fortunately, most of you are very patient with us - thank you!

We're always pleased to hear from new readers, but it can take a while to reply if you've asked a lot of questions about clubs, conventions, bookshops, etc. We try to help as best we can, but it takes time to hunt around and find the answers to anything not connected with ALNITAH.

And finally, thanks again to all those of you who voted ALNITAH the 'Best British Star Trek 'Zine of 1982'. We're very pleased and proud of that honour!

So - here is issue 14. Read and enjoy...!

  • The Ways Converge by Sue Bursztynski (4)
  • Second Year by Jackie Stone (9) (about Spock's second year at Starfleet Academy, sequel to "First Year" in issue 11) (also in Academy Days)
  • The Ambassador by Margaret Draper (31)
  • poem by Margaret Draper (39)
  • art by Maggi Draper (front cover), Alan Hunter, Joanne Hughes, Mike Eason, Helen Sneddon (back cover)
  • inside page from issue #14, Alan Hunter

    inside page from issue #14, Alan Hunter

  • inside page from issue #14, Joanne Hughes

    inside page from issue #14, Joanne Hughes

  • inside page from issue #14, Mike Easton

    inside page from issue #14, Mike Easton

  • inside page from issue #14, Alan Hunter

    inside page from issue #14, Alan Hunter

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 14

'Alnitah 14' is, as we have come to expect of this series of zines, well presented and beautifully illustrated.

Alnitah has always produced interesting artwork, if not always related to the stories or even to Trek. This issue contains three pieces each by Alan Hunter and Mike Eason. Mr. Hunter always gives a wonderfully alien atmosphere to his drawings through the use of pattern and texture but I find that in his illustration for 'The Ways Converge' his rather oddly drawn figures do not quite match his superb background. Elsewhere in the zine he produces two skillfully drawn figures. Mike Eason's illos for 'Second Year' are detailed, delicate and compliment the story perfectly.

'Second Year' by Jackie Stone is the longest story in the zine. It is also the best. It is a sequel to 'First Year' which was also illo'd by Mike Eason and appeared in Alnitah 11. Although this story does stand on its own, it is a good idea to read them both if you can in order to appreciate the way Ms. Stone has handled the development of her main character.

The stories are perceptive and very funny. They are centred on Spock and his progress through his first few years at Starfleet Academy. The most attractive feature is that most of the characters and events are seen from Spock's slightly bewildered point of view. We see a miserably ill at ease Vulcan arriving and only just restraining himself from booking a seat on the next flight home. At first he spends most of his time swallowing rising panic as he is engulfed by waves of good natured humanity. This gives way to a feeling of intense curiosity and as time goes on, greater understanding. There are times when the writer's view of Spock does not quite match my own. I can't really see him swapping cake recipes in the communal kitchen, nor can I see an expression of near rapture travelling across his face at his first experience of walnut honey surprise, but in the context of this story and this characterisation, it works well.

'The Ways Converse' by Sue Bursztynski is a short account of a first, accidental meeting between Romulan and Vulcan. The action takes place on an isolated research station close to the Neutral Zone. It is perhaps a little too neatly plotted. The twist at the end comes as no surprise.

'The Ambassador' by Margaret Draper involves an ambassador, a racehorse and a red haired, Irish Vulcan. In other words, all the ingredients for a very funny story. But it doesn't make me laugh. Humour is very much a matter of personal taste. It's not only difficult to write, it's difficult to review. I think the reason this story doesn't work for me is that it is so far removed from reality. Undoubtedly, other readers will come to different conclusions.

Alnitah 14 provides a set of totally contrasting stories and some high quality artwork. It is well up to standard. [39]

'Alnitah 14' is a 40 page Genzine and costs £1.60. It is professionally produced and therefore the type face is much smaller than usual. As no space in Alnitah.is ever wasted, the one poem of the zine,' Miranda,' by Margaret Draper is to be found on the ba.ck cover. The zine appeals to be thin for the money paid but the printing and presentation are excellent. Three of the 40 pages are taken up by illos. The zine contains only three stories.

'The Ways Converge' by Sue Bursztynski is a short 4 page story concerning the meeting between a Vulcan and a Romulan couple on an uninhabited planet. The story is set after the Federation and Romulan war when the identity of the latter was still unknown. The Vulcan couple agree to adopt one of the Romulans twin sons when they learn that twins were considered dangerous and one was always killed.

'The Ambassador' by Margaret Draper is an 8 page humourous story concerning a race
horse called Ambassador. The horse is being trained, by Spock, in the Low Gravity 
chamber on board the Enterprise. The aim of the exercise is to win large amounts of
money so that they can buy back the Shuttlecraft that Jim had sold to pay off his
 gambling debt.

'The Second Year' by Jackie Stone is a sequel to 'The First Year' in Alnitah 11. It is not necessary to have read the first story but it does help. As the title suggests the story concerns Spock's second year at the Academy. During the course of the story, Spock becomes more accepted at the Academy, aids a fellow student, if unwittingly, who is having romantic difficulties and through the mediation of 'Walnut Honey Surprises' works with a female student, Rhoda, on a Science project. On the successful completion of the project, Rhoda cooks Spock a meal and then suggests that he might like to stay for the night. At which a slightly tipsy Spock beats a hasty retreat.

The dropping of an Alnitah through the letter box always ensures an engaging read. In some respects this is still the case. I can admire the skill of the authors but in A.14, I was disappointed in the contents. All three stories left me with a distinct feeling of indifference, none making me feel that I would wish to read them over and over again. The expected answer by an author to the statement that 'my Spock would not do that' is of course 'Spock just did'. Having accepted that, I still found the Spock of 'Second Year' difficult to take. As this story, at 21 pages, outweighs greatly the other two in length it tends to dominate the zine and in consequence colours my overall appreciation. The author can, of course, justify, what are in my opinion some most unVulcan actions, with the argument that this is a very young and immature Spock who has not yet learned proper control.

Having said that I was not over-impressed with the content of the stories, the writing style of all three authors is superb. The zine is expertly turned out and should be read by all fans who enjoy 'good' writing, after all appreciation of content is a personal matter but class writing cannot be denied. [40]

Issue 15

front cover of issue #15 by Alan Hunter. Reminiscent of the Easter Island statues, which are a frequent subject in sf art.
back cover of issue #15 by Alan Hunter

Alnitah 15 contains 48 pages and was published in August 1983. Covers: Alan Hunter. Other artwork by Joanne Hughes, Mike Eason, Bert Gill, Bob Shaw, Beth Hallam, Helen Sneddon and C. Sibbett. It was edited by Margaret Draper, Beth Hallam, Ann Looker, and Joyce Cluett. It was the final issue.

From the editorial:

You will have noticed our new tri-colour cover. Oh, the expense! Also, this is a special Celtic edition - with artists from Hibernia and Caledonia, an editor from Cymru and two Irish-orientated stories, it must surely be minorities V week! The introduction of the new-look ALNITAH is due to our desire to become even better than the Best British STAR TREK 'Zine of 1982'. (Anyway, we were bored with the old format.) So here is ALNITAH 15: brighter, thicker, prettier, longer - and on time! We do hope you enjoy it.

  • art from issue #15, Joanne Hughes

    art from issue #15, Joanne Hughes

  • art from issue #15, Mike Eason, illustrating "Finnegan's Wake". This story "involves Kirk's nemesis from his academy days, and in which Uhura has to perform a rather exotic dance in order to save the day. The things a girl has to do!" [41]

    art from issue #15, Mike Eason, illustrating "Finnegan's Wake". This story "involves Kirk's nemesis from his academy days, and in which Uhura has to perform a rather exotic dance in order to save the day. The things a girl has to do!" [41]

  • art from issue #15, Bert Gill

    art from issue #15, Bert Gill

  • art from issue #15, Bob Shaw

    art from issue #15, Bob Shaw

  • art from issue #15, Helen Sneddon

    art from issue #15, Helen Sneddon

  • art from issue #15, C. Sibbett

    art from issue #15, C. Sibbett

  • art from issue #15, Beth Hallam

    art from issue #15, Beth Hallam

  • art from issue #15, Bert Gill

    art from issue #15, Bert Gill

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 15

See reactions and reviews for A Word of Four Letters.

See reactions and reviews for The Ultimate Nightmare.

See reactions and reviews for When in Rome.

See reactions and reviews for More Than a Touch of the Blarney.

See reactions and reveiws for Finnegan's Wake.

[zine]: 'Alnitah' is a nicely produced glossy, English fanzine with an emphasis on humour. #15 is a special Celtic issue beginning with 'Finnegan's Wake' which involves Kirk's nemesis from his academy days, and in which Uhura has to perform a rather exotic dance in order to save the day. The things a girl has to do! In 'Four Letter Word,' an expletive painted on the Enterprise to psych out some Klingons fortunately turns out to be a sacred word used to invoke the great spirit on a world in which Kirk is involved in diplomatic negotiations. Funnily enough, this word, when written, also bears a strong resemblance to the name of a certain famous starship captain. In an hysterical story, 'The Ultimate Nightmare,' Kirk is a chicken (literally) who cannot escape his mother hen. Even Spock accuses him of behaving most unchickenlike. Of course he wakes up, and it's all just a dream, but it's lots of fun. My favourite story in this zine, though, is 'More than a Touch of Blarney,' in which Kirk and McCoy coax Spock into kissing the Blarney Stone, which as everyone knows, gives people the gift of gab. It certainly works on Spock, whose speech immediately takes on an Irish charm and verbosity, but his friends find this disconcerting when it goes on and on... and on.[42]

[zine]:
  • "Finnegan's Wake" -- Romp. Finnegan plays a last trick on Kirk, without realizing that he has played into the hands of Klingon raiders. Taken captive, Kirk uses one of Finnegan's old tricks to escape - which involves Uhura doing a ping-pong dance and having a celebratory drink with Spock.
  • "A Word of Four Letters" -- Koloth throws a kink in a delicate diplomatic mission in the sensor-fouling Murasaki area. Escape necessitates separating the drive (Adam) and saucer (Eve) sections. Kirk paints a Klingon obscenity on the hull in order to determine whether the Klingons can see them, and it turns out to be miraculously a holy word of the culture Fox is contacting.
  • "The Ultimate Nightmare" -- Kirk's annoyance at McCoy mother-henning him leads to a nightmare in which McCoy really is a mother hen, with a nest full of bridge-crew chicks. Bizarre but funny..
  • "When in Rome" -- Spock is bitten by a plant whose psychotropic properties McCoy is investigating, and is mentally propelled into Vulcan's racial memory and life as a tribal raider while McCoy tries to come up with a chemical concoction to jolt his healing center back into action. Spock kills, eats meat... and is about to take the woman he has abducted when McCoy gets through. Spock quite logically decides to hold him off for a time. Clever premise for getting Spock into pre-reform times.
  • POEM: "Turn Around" -- Someone (presumably McCoy) laments Christine's infatuation with the Vulcan she can't have instead of the human she can.
  • "More Than a Touch of the Blarney" -- Romp. Kirk and McCoy connive to make Spock kiss the Blarney stone, and regret it when Spock develops an exhausting gift for gab.[43]

[zine]: 'Finnegan's Wake' - poor Finnegan, he played one joke too many, Uhura gets to play a part though 'Lullubelle' is a dubious honour and Spock is as unflappable in all the turmoil. 'A Word of Four Letters' - Klingon swear words sometimes have unexpected results. This one gives the Planet 2hol reason to join the UFP with joy, for anyone who uses it must be worthy of co-operation. 'When In Rome' - Spock transported to pre-reform Vulcan at least in spirit. All he does for Rig, his possible ancestor, enhances his probable election to leadership. But his discovery of one of the medical puzzles must always remain unspoken - how do you explain a discovery not logically arrived at. 'More than a touch of Blarney, - Kirk and McCoy deserve this type of treatment. After trying to have Spock do something undignified, it backfires and rightly so. Best of all in this collection is 'When In Rome" as Spock experience a Vulcan, he has only read about. It is primitive and savage but gentleness is there in tiny quantity from the girl. Each of the stories is well-written and in character, illustrations well drawn and this cover with its three colours just a bit different. Are we to believe that these sculptures will end up on Easter Island.[44]

References

  1. ^ from Implosion #3
  2. ^ "Alnitah at the TOS Zinedex". Archived from the original on 2008-12-02. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
  3. ^ from Dixie G. Owens in The Clipper Trade Ship #39/40
  4. ^ This was not England's only fiction zine, it had a higher profile than others, and was therefore more on fans' radar.
  5. ^ from Implosion #3
  6. ^ from Communicator #5
  7. ^ from The K/S Press #13 (1997)
  8. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  9. ^ by Helen McCarthy in "City" #1
  10. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  11. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  12. ^ by Helen McCarthy from "City" #2
  13. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  14. ^ by Helen McCarthy in "City" #3 (1977)
  15. ^ a review by Sharon Ferraro in Menagerie #11
  16. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  17. ^ by Helen McCarthy in "City" #3 (1977)
  18. ^ from Paula Smith in Menagerie #12
  19. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  20. ^ from Spectrum #37
  21. ^ from Scuttlebutt #11
  22. ^ Starbase M.T.L. #6
  23. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  24. ^ review by Paula Smith in Menagerie #14
  25. ^ review by Nancy Kippax in Atavachron #1
  26. ^ from Scuttlebutt #1
  27. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  28. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  29. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  30. ^ from Spock #18
  31. ^ from Universal Translator #9
  32. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  33. ^ from Universal Translator #21
  34. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  35. ^ from Beyond Antares #10 (1981)
  36. ^ from Beyond Antares #28
  37. ^ Dixie G. Owen in The Clipper Trade Ship #39/40
  38. ^ from Communicator #5 (May 1982)
  39. ^ from Communicator #10 (1983)
  40. ^ from Communicator #10 (1983)
  41. ^ from Truffles
  42. ^ from Truffles
  43. ^ from Halliday's Zinedex
  44. ^ from Beyond Antares #28
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