Catharsis (Star Trek: TOS story by Ginna LaCroix)

Fanfiction
Title:	Catharsis
Author(s):	Ginna LaCroix
Date(s):	1983
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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Catharsis is a Kirk/Spock story by Ginna LaCroix.

It was published in the print zine Matter/Antimatter #3/4.

Summary

"After VʼGer, Kirk comes upon Spock in the OD where both are finally able to confess their love for one another."

Reactions and Reviews

2000

No one quite captures the tenderness of feelings between Kirk and Spock with the same gentle innocence of this writer. She never strays into the erotica that defines so much of K/S (nothing wrong with it, folks). Yet the longing, the love, the commitment and understanding she portrays in our characters is matchless.

Ms. LaCroix is also a master at expanding on aired Trek. She does so with precision in this behind the scenes exploration of ST-TMP.

There’s some very nice one-on-one between Kirk and Spock as they find each other again, ending with something atypical of this writer -- a genuine embrace! Nice!

2001

Almost passed over this as I re-read the zine, because I have an anthology of Ms. LaCroix's work and have read it countless times. I did choose to read it, and as always was drawn into the wonder ofK/S in this lady's most uncomplicated style. I don't know what it is about the way she writes that always evokes such a feeling of truth and believability. This is the way it really was/is!

That she holds Kirk and Spock in awe is clear. They are heroes in every sense of the word—and yet both are very vulnerable in their own way. This never detracts from their strength, but somehow reinforces it. Her characterizations are flawless. Her dialogue is perfect. There is little plot on a grand scale, but so much plot regarding the molding and evolution of two lives.

Scotty holds Kirk in awe. One paragraph tells you this. McCoy sees him as a one-of-a-kind leader. Spock loves him. Awesome simplicity.

In this particular view, it's the end of the V-ger mission and Kirk wants some time alone with Spock. McCoy asks:

"Have you seen Spock lately?"

"No," Kirk replies, his voice strangely deep. "God, that's al I want to do and everything's held us apart."

See what I mean? Does everyone sense the depth of feeling in those few words, or is it me? In 5 1/2 pages, the reunion and its impact are driven home with such honest feeling.

Together in an otherwise empty officer's lounge, they come to terms with all that's happened. Listen to this quietly delivered photon blast from Spock (Kirk has just asked why Spock didnt turn to him instead of running to Gol and says "I was here").

Spock nodded slowly "Yes, and had I not loved you so much, I might have found the courage to turn to you."

I love this well-honed subtlety.

There may be no erotica here, but there certainly is more love than you can measure. If you need a warm-up on a chill Spring morning, search out Ginna LaCroix.