A Flash of Red

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	A Flash of Red
Author(s):	Cybel Harper
Date(s):	1987
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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A Flash of Red is a Kirk/Spock story by Cybel Harper.

It was published in the print zine First Time #14.

Summary

"Kirk almost dies after being attacked by an unknown crewman but Spock immediately knows of his danger and uses a mindmeld to keep him alive."

Excerpt

"As Kirk lay down and pulled the covers up over his body, he let his mind recall the events of the day. He felt again the overwhelming frustration of being caught in the Melkotian trap, forced, no matter what they had thought of, to replay the fateful fight at the OK Corral."

Reactions and Reviews

This is an interesting little story. After the events of Amok Time, Kirk realizes that his feelings for Spock are sexual, but he won't act on them. "At least he had Spock's friendship and companionship." Spock, on the other hand, is just really grateful that he still has Kirk's friendship.

"... Spock was more than a little frightened. He had never truly had a friend until Kirk had set about with patience and determination to win his trust and regard, and the relationship they shared had become very important to the Vulcan. Without it he would be completely alone again, and the prospect chilled him."

This equilibrium would have continued except that Kirk is attacked while in his quarters. There isn't any explanation in the story for why Spock also feels the pain Kirk suffers, but he does manage to stagger to Kirk's cabin and scare the intruder away before Kirk is killed. He subliminally registers the fleeing attacker, but he is focused on his injured captain.

The rest of the story goes over some old ground as Spock melds with Kirk to keep him alive, and they become bonded in the process. And Spock becomes aware of Kirk'sfeeling for him. But most importantly, he eventually processes what he had observed of the would-be-murderer, just in time to thwart another attempt on Kirk's life.

I've always liked the title of this story, as it is woven into a few images presented.

This is scary. Kirk and Spock are just beginning to feel differently about one another, each has gone to his own cabin after shift to get ready for a chess match that each secretly hopes will be the beginning of a different game.

Kirk pulls his shirt over his head and catches a glimpse of movement. With shocking speed and unerring accuracy a blade plunges into his chest! He sinks to the floor knowing he cannot survive this, his last thoughts those of regret that he has not told Spock of his love. Next door, Spock doubles over in referred pain, barely managing to get to Kirk. The scene that greets him is nightmarish. Kirk covered in crimson blood, more blood than is possible, Spock fears. He frantically reaches for the meld points, Kirk’s descent into death pulling him along. This meeting of their minds is briefly but expertly defined.

This is real enough that we are relieved when both survive, with a bit of a surprise in store. To save Kirk’s life, Spock risked all and bonded them. Beautifully, there are no regrets expressed by either man and the story ends serenely.