Another Trip to Babel

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	Another Trip to Babel
Author(s):	Mary Kay
Date(s):	2009
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
External Links:	Another Trip to Babel
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An Interesting Past is a TOS Kirk/Spock story by Mary Kay.

It was published in the print zine T'hy'la #29 and later online.

Summary

An intense hurt/comfort story. Kirk is kidnapped by a hostile alien race, and Spock must do everything in his power to rescue him.

Excerpt

"Spock worked at keeping his voice and face neutral. "I am Commander Spock. I wish to speak with you regarding the release of our Captain." Gr'tl smiled, baring his teeth. "We can do that. All we ask in exchange for your captain is you give over Ambassador Sarek." "That will not be possible." Spock countered. "That is too bad. You see this offer will be taken off the table very soon as I do not think your captain is going to be alive for much longer." Gr'tl sat back, satisfied. "Here, let me show you what I mean." The screen changed to show Kirk leaning against a wall, struggling to breathe."

Reactions and Reviews

Mary Kay always has very interesting plots for her stories, and this one was no exception. As we can tell by the name, the Enterprise is making another trip to Babel with more diplomats on board, including Spock’s parents. All does not go well on Babel, and Kirk ends up being taken hostage with his captors trying to exchange him for Sarek. The rescue of Kirk would seem to be the end of the story, but it continues with a lot of twists and turns. There are attacks on the Enterprise for Spock to contend with, Kirk fighting for his life due to infection from his wounds, and a bonding ceremony on Vulcan. This story has a little bit of everything and was very enjoyable – an exciting, action filled plot, some great hurt/comfort scenes, passionate love making, and some wonderful scenes with Sarek and Amanda. They had been told of Kirk and Spock’s relationship during the trip to Babel, and Sarek plays a crucial role in helping Spock save Kirk. I enjoyed this sympathetic portrayal of Sarek very much, and Sarek and Spock come to a better understanding of each other by the conclusion of this story. This well written story is my favorite one by this author.

What an entertaining trip this established relationship escapade was! That is, if you enjoy drama, angst and a story heavy on hurt-comfort. I do. Without giving away story details, I‘ll tell you that dialogue is very much on-target, the characters are ever so recognizable and things move along at an uninterrupted pace from start to finish. There is just enough plot to keep the reader involved but allow concentration to be on Kirk, Spock and how they are affected by everything that happens to them.

The involvement of Sarek and Amanda is welcome and credible. There are carefully constructed, loving encounters between our two favorite men. They are at ease with each other and completely comfortable in their relationship. All this foreplay, showing the blissful side of their lives, makes the horrendous outcome of their mission all the more dramatic and gut-wrenching. We know from the early scenes the depth of their love, so when Kirk is injured in the most horrific way, we feel so strongly what the cost is to Spock. I have to mention here that things do not end with a miraculous rescue, but are pursued far beyond such a simple solution, which only intensifies the anguish for the characters and the reader.

If you are looking for something to lose yourself in for a couple of hours, you‘ll find it here.