Becoming Human

Star Trek AOS Fanfiction
Title:	Becoming Human
Author(s):	Beedlebarg
Date(s):	2010
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: AOS
External Links:	Becoming Human (now offline)
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Becoming Human is a Kirk/Spock story by Beedlebarg .

Reactions and Reviews

Becoming Human by Beedlebarg is a four parter in which an alien artifact turns Spock into a human, leaving Jim to help with the (very) emotional fall-out while the Science and Engineering team work around the clock to figure out how to reverse the process. The premise isn't anything new, but it's the way the author handles the subject which makes it refreshing and enjoyable. The story is narrated by Kirk and written in the present tense, so what the reader gets is his observations of Spock's behaviour and his own reactions to it in a very immediate way. The story opens in a flurry of excitement with Kirk and Spock beaming on board, and McCoy having to perform resuscitation to bring Spock back while the captain watches on helplessly, and from that point forward, the tension doesn't let up. What Kirk discovers is that Spock has no control over his emotions. He is likened to a toddler, trying to come to terms with a mind and body that not only is he unable to control, it doesn't respond the way he wants it to. The subsequent frustration leads to bouts of anger, sometimes turning into explosive and destructive tantrums, that are anathama to Spock. As he tries to explain to Kirk what the problem is, we are given a unique insight into what it is to be human from an outsider's perspective and the comparison with what it is to be Vulcan. This is Beedlebarg‘s first venture into K/S, although she's been a fan for over a decade. In her own words when she put the pairing in the header as Kirk/Spock, she added: (OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE I JUST TYPED THAT. THIS IS HUGE FOR ME. HUUUUUUUGE). As a result what we get is a lively narrative that clearly demonstrates her affection for Kirk, Spock, McCoy, with wonderful cameos for the rest of the crew (like Scotty's appalling drunken jokes which still managed to make me laugh out loud), and a real understanding of the Trek universe. The characterisations were really spot on for me. We have a conflicted Kirk giving Spock the space he needs, while at the same time, his heart is going out to him. We get to see his command presence, brooking no argument and taking crew to task - what he lacks in formality he makes up in discipline, running a tight ship. He has been in love with Spock since long before this happened, but the events throw him for a loop as Spock reaches out to him - the only person he is truly willing to share the full extent of his feelings with about what has happened. In these moments we find some wonderfully angsty hurt/comfort with Kirk working hard not to give into temptation and stepping over a line. After having spent his lifetime doing his best to suppress what humanity exists in himself, for Spock to find himself fully human is like some cosmic joke. He hates what has happened and finds himself emotionally entirely unequipped to deal with it. It is not just that his body is uncoordinated, or that he is unable to supress his emotions, it is also that his five remaining senses are under a constant barrage from external stimuli that floods his brain, never having learned, in this form, to ignore such sensory inputs (think about it, until I brought it to your attention, you were probably not aware of the feel of your clothes against your skin, the sound of your computer, a clock, traffic outside, or other subtle noises, the taste that lingers in your mouth - you learned to mostly ignore them so that you're not overwhelmed). Since Spock's brain is also human, he has to start from scratch. After a while, in typical Spock fashion - and at McCoy's suggestion - he begins to treat it as an experiment - his way of trying to make sense of non- sense. McCoy is his sparklingly irascible self, gruff and understanding...up to a point. Bones, who has always wanted Spock to be more human, finds himself in a unique situation and takes every opportunity to needle Spock further, knowing that emotional reactions are now likely to be forthcoming. He's not disappointed. This story is full of wonderful, funny and insightful moments, with a well-paced narrative and great dialogue, the contemporary nature of which leaves us in no doubt this is reboot Trek. As to what happens in the end...well, you'll just have to read it, won't you? I doubt you'll be disappointed. And one other thing. Beedlebarg still feels uncertain of her ability to pull off writing good K/S. I think LOTS of feedback will help persuade her to write another story, so please leave comments galore, while I quietly work to turn the thumbscrews just a teeny bit tighter. Becoming Human - go on...you know you want to read it!