A Matter of Trust (Star Trek: TOS story by Crystal Ann Taylor)

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	A Matter of Trust
Author(s):	Crystal Ann Taylor
Date(s):	1978
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

A Matter of Trust is a Kirk/Spock story by Crystal Ann Taylor. It was illustrated by Pat Stall.

It was published in Naked Times #1.

Summary

"How much do Kirk and Spock trust one another when other people become involved in their professional lives?"

From the flyer: "A MATTER OF TRUST is an exploratino of the very real possibilit that Kirk might not be able to simply 'turn off the old charm' toward women as easily as he might like. What would Spock's reaction be? What would happen to the very special relationship if jealousy reared her ugly head?"

Sample Print Pages

• 

  Pat Stall

• 

  Pat Stall

Reactions and Reviews

1978

"A Matter of Trust" by Crystal Ann Taylor is a lovely story that goes beyond the "first time" theme of so many K/S sex stories to confront the issue of jealousy between e bonded Kirk and Spock. When an attractive woman boards the Enterprise, stirring old desires and unsettling emotions in Kirk, they are forced to reevaluate their commitment and what it means. Crystal's sensitive writing style evokes the turbulent feelings of both men end provides a satisfying re- solution to their difficulties.

1979

I enjoyed most of the prose [in this zine], particularly Crystal's A MATTER OF TRUST — a good effort at examining possible conflicts or problems cropping up for K/S after being an accomplished fact — personal psychology and behavior are the best grounds for problems not outside influence, i.e. Starfleet. The only thing I didn't buy was Kirk's final scene with the commissioner. In spite of his emotional state, I think Kirk would behave with a bit more finesse in extricating himself free her presence.

I'll admit that I didn't at all like A MATTER OF TRUST. Oh, the writing was fine and the gift of the IDIC medallion was a nice touch — except that it symbolized something repugnant that was contrary to IDIC. The chain was the operative factor here. Kirk is being chained to exclusivity. It doesn't have to be! What is the meaning of IDIC? It is the recognition that people are different. These differences must be respected. All beings must have space and freedom to grew. Is this story showing us a growing relationship or one that has been locked in stagnation?

I liked MATTER OF TRUST. How the honeymoon is over, the subject is getting past the first thrust (thank goodness) and they have to deal with the rest of life — not only themselves. Like us. I've wondered if the K/S premise did, as was suggested in TURBOLIFT REVIEW I, arise partly from the failure to find a suitable female, but also a need to explore this side of life and beyond. The question of homosexuality was only a side issue, though a roadblock to someone, who could read no further. I know I didn't want to when I first heard about it, but SHELTER was a door opening. Now inside, it doesn't matter if they are same or opposite gender if the feelings are there. Readers, can identify with this partnership in spite of gender. We are all human; the problems of trust and jealousy in Crystal's story are our problems, too.

You certainly made an excellent choice in getting those illos from Pat Stall -- especially for the story, A MATTER OF TRUST! I consider Pat one of the top artists in fandom today.

MATTER OF TRUST — Interesting idea. At least one thing was right about this tale: Kirk had not lost all chance of being attracted to women even while he was bonded to Spock. Brings out one of the chief objections to the theory.

2001

This author contributed a lot in the very early days of K/S, both poetry and short stories. In A Matter of Trust she explores what happens when Kirk is attracted to a very beautiful woman despite the fact that he is well and truly bonded to Spock. Commissioner Croix beams aboard, and "He couldn't help responding to her beauty.... And the answering light in her eyes told him that she was attracted to him, too. It was nice to know he still had it— that, after all this time, he could still arouse a woman." Of course, Spock notices right away. But he doesn't insist that Kirk stay away from the woman. Instead, he almost throws Kirk at her, insisting that he gratify his desires and admit what he really wants. (I will admit that I did get a little confused here in this middle section of the story, as I'm not quite sure what it was Spock was asking of Kirk, whether an admission of how he feels or actually acting on those feelings.) At any rate, Kirk insists that he won't act on the attraction, that he will remain sexually faithful to his bondmate. It's a matter of trust, as the title implies. But Spock doesn't seem to see it that way. The bondmates are at odds.

Kirk seeks out McCoy and says, "Bones, you were married before. Didn't you ever feel an attraction for someone else while you were in love with your wife? It happens to everyone. What's important is what you do about it. Why can't Spock understand that?"

It seems that it's a cultural misunderstanding more than anything else, and when Spock finally makes Kirk so angry he can't even think straight, the captain goes to the ambassador with every intention of giving Spock a show he'll remember (through the bond). But he only gets as far as one kiss in the woman's arms. "He realized that her soft body wasn't the one he hungered for. In his mind, he could trace every line of the strong, hard body he sought.... He had no doubt that he could find pleasure with this woman beside him, but she couldn't feed his soul. There was only one touch that could do that—one being he could blend with completely."

Sounds right to me!