A Walk in the Dark

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	A Walk in the Dark
Author(s):	Elise Madrid
Date(s):	2004
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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A Walk in the Dark is a Kirk/Spock story by Elise Madrid.

It was published in the print zine T'hy'la #24.

Summary

"Spock regrets not accepting Kirkʼs request to accompany him on shoreleave after Kirk dies while answering a distress call."

Reactions and Reviews

"Walk in the Dark" by Elise Madrid also ends T'hy'la 24, which makes me wonder why two different editors, Kathleen and Gail (Kindred Spirits), wanted her story to be the closing one since I think editors consider this position something of importance. This is a five page story which has appeared in another zine but I don't recall reading it before.

There's nothing much to the story but it is a pleasant one. And it is well done. I can actually imagine the beginning conversation between Spock and Kirk. I recommend the story.

Added note: I have finished the zine and future KSPs will have more LOCs for the remaining stories. I do recommend the zine, although I do not like all of the stories. And that is fairly normal for me. I think most publishers try for variety because we the readers all have different tastes.

Immediately following the events of Devil in the Dark, in a dark tunnel several levels below the surface, Kirk and Spock acknowledge their mutual feelings and their impossibility for the moment... but are unable to refuse themselves a quick taste of the forbidden. Hot and sweet. And yep, there is a double meaning to "taste" :-p

This story was first printed in the K/SConnections 2003 contest zine, and I am really glad that it is reprinted here for wider distribution and the enjoyment of all. It’s just a short piece, which is atypical for Elise Madrid, who has produced some great longer, complexly plotted stories, but it’s satisfying in its own way. The story takes place after The Devil in the Dark, when Kirk and Spock are walking through the caverns made by the Horta. Spock is concerned about his lapse during the events of the episode when he had thrown his concern for an endangered life form to the wind as he thought Kirk’s life was being threatened. Of course, Kirk, being no fool, has picked up on Spock’s emotion and uses it as a springboard to a discussion about the feelings between them.

I really like the way Kirk forthrightly discusses this: “There’s something going on between us. I feel it, and I know you do, too.” I like the unexpected turn this discussion takes (hey, isn’t this a K/S story?) and then the second unexpected turn it takes! Yeah, one kiss with Jim Kirk would do that to me, too. Don’t feel bad, Spock, it is inevitable.

And the final scene to this short story provides some real satisfaction. This is a good example of a compact story that delivers the K/S you want to read.

A short story is unusual from this author—but I have no complaints with the detail and passion she managed to fit into only a few pages! Devil In The Dark was a very illuminating episode in that both Kirk and Spock openly revealed how much they cared. Their concern for each other was palpable and quite logically triggered a progression in their relationship, meticulously expressed by Ms. Madrid’s fluently selected words. I’m pleased as can be that she chose to take this event one step—no, several meaningful steps—in the right direction. I loved envisioning them in those familiar tunnels doing what their hearts told them was right.

Instant gratification might describe this short story, but that’s a positive not a negative. Loving “Devil in the Dark” as I do, it tempted me from the moment I realized Kirk and Spock were walking through those caverns again, after peace was made between the miners and the Horta. Kirk has a question which Spock answers with a disappointing revelation. It might have ended right there as they sat side by side on a flattened rock in a little-used tunnel. Might have. Never underestimate James T. Kirk, who chooses that moment to abandon words in favor of action, reaching out for Spock in a way he’s longed to do. The results may be predictable, but they are no less captivating because of it. This is a fine little story, wrapped up nicely at the end with a warm promise for the future.