An Inhabited Garden

Fanfiction
Title:	An Inhabited Garden
Author(s):	Cynthia Drake
Date(s):	1983
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:	An Inhabited Garden online, Archived version, An Inhabited Garden (ao3, restricted access)
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An Inhabited Garden is a Kirk/Spock story by Cynthia Drake.

It was published in the print zine The Final Frontier #2 and was nominated for a 1984 K/Star Award.

Summary

"lt'd been nearly two years since Spock was taken captive and compelled into a life of sexual slavery. He allowed the first forced mental probe to destroy his technical knowledge and tactical information but held tight to his memories of his captain. Someday he knew Jim would find him."

Reactions and Reviews

2000

“Inhabited Garden” is a story that triggered a mixed reaction from this reader. “Garden” is a slave story with the typical scenario of Kirk looking for the pleasure slave, Spock. With the aid of Sarek’s wealth, the two-year search finally pays off. However, Kirk must make sure he can keep Spock with him for the two months that they are trapped on the planet. The whole time I read this story I wondered how Kirk could still be in Starfleet. This has been something that has bothered me about the rationale behind such stories. I like the fact that Kirk or Spock would search the universe for their lover, but real life always starts nipping at my heel. Would it be possible for any of us to up and leave our jobs on a quest and still expect to have the same post or position or job afterwards? Also, the story made me feel rather uncomfortable with the mood swings of Spock, the domineering nature of Kirk, and a hellish orgy scene. Sadly, I did not feel the closeness of spirit our two boys should have had in this story, which was a disappointment. However, the story did have a bit of a mystery in it with a very surprise ending. It was this unusual twist that saved “Inhabited Garden” for me.

2021

I was only a little into this story when I recognized it as one of my favorites from my zine days. Although it is difficult to experience Spock as totally broken as he is shown to be here, it is still a tale of loss, strength, and coming together again. I'm so glad to see you publishing here and hope that you will move on to AO3 as we transition there so that I can continue to read your old "new" work. Thanks!