Companion (Star Trek: TOS zine)

For similar titles see Companion (disambiguation).

Zine
Title:	Companion
Publisher:	Relationship Press
Editor(s):	Ellen Kobrin & Carol Hunterton
Date(s):	1978-1980
Series?:
Medium:	print zine
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Companion is a K/S slash Star Trek: TOS anthology published by Relationship Press from 1978 to 1980. It was edited by Carol Hunterton and Ellen Kobrin. There were three issues.

In the first two issues, the different stories by different authors form a consistent chronology that takes Kirk and Spock from friendship to love to sexual union. These stories are coordinated into a single storyline.

Submission Ad

The Development of a Relationship in Poetry and Prose -- This zine will trace the development of the Kirk/Spock relationship from its beginnings. The editors view the relationship as a warm and loving one and acknowledge the validity of physical expression of that love. If you have any hang-ups about physical intimacy between members of the same sex, do not read 'Companion. This zine contains some extremely explicit sexual material (indeed!) and will not knowingly be sold to anyone under 18.

An Ad

An ad for the first issue:

...due June This zine explores the Kirk/Spock relationship and contains some extremely explicit sexual material, which may offend some. The editors request that you do not buy Companion if you have hang-ups about physical intimacy between members of the same sex. The line-up of writers looks good.

Editorial

The title of the editorial issue #1 is titled: "...No Redeeming Social Value." --

"We are pleased and proud to present Companion: The Development of a Relationship in Poetry and Prose. We hope that you enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed compiling it (and editing, and typing, and writing, and layout, and paste-up, and anguish, and heartache, and heavy breathing, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera). Extremity is the point.

In order to get the most enjoyment from Companion, the stories and poems should be read in the order in which they appear. The nature of the zine is chronological, and of you skip around it will probably seem disjointed. (Or worse yet, out of character.) However, we also feel that anything in the zine is quite capable of standing on its own.

The title of this editorial is tongue-in-cheek. We hereby state that we do not agree with some of the more vociferous elements in fandom which loudly and continuously castigate those of us who read, write and publish material of this nature."

Works Inspired By

In the 1980s, an unknown filk group featured the fanzine in their series of Zine Melodies:

COMPANION

(sung to the tune of "Love Me Tender")

Love me tender, love me true,

And then inside you'll grow.

I will grope and fondle you,

You'll give me a blow.

Love me tender, share with me,

Providers help us through.

Then after death, if you'll agree,

I will meld with you.

Issue 1

front cover of issue #1, Pat Stall

Companion 1 was published in June 1978 and has 185 pages. It has the subtitle: "The Development of a Relationship in Poetry and Prose." The front cover is by Pat Stall and back cover by Pete Kaup. Calligraphy by Beth Guynn. Art byKathy Carlson, Russ Volker, Michael Verina, Pat Stall, Nan Lewis, Laurie Huff, Gerry Downes, Mary Ellen Matyi, Merle Decker, Edith L. Crowe, Gayle F, Afrend, and Bob Lovett.

Mary Ellen Matyi's original 9x12 illo for this zine ("Meld -- True Value Received") was listed on eBay in late 2020 with the asking price of $250

The content should be read in the order that is on the table of contents:

• Touching, poem by Pete Kaup (inside front cover)
• No Redeeming Social Value, editorial (1)
• Beginnings by Ellen Kobrin (2)
• The Discovery by Teri White (Pre-K/S: On his first landing party as captain, Kirk is stranded alone with a wounded Spock: Sequel: Without Ceremony.) (5)
• Friends? by Ellen Kobrin (14)
• Chronography by Ellen Kobrin (15)
• Haunted by Crystal Ann Taylor (17)
• Without Ceremony by Christy Mathews (Pre-K/S: Kirk and Spock are taken prisoner while searching for Kodosʼ henchmen: Prequel: The Discovery. Sequel: The Essential Seed.) (18)

inside art from issue #1, Gayle F. Note: Marked as sexually explicit; minimized.

• Images by Ellen Kobrin (27)
• Petition/Offerings by Ellen Kobrin (28)
• The Essential Seed by Nancy Kippax (Spockʼs sensory perceptions are destroyed by an unknown probe: Prequel: Without Ceremony. Sequel: A Change of Mind.) (29)
• Heartsong by April Valentine (39)
• The Waters of My Soul by Ellen Kobrin (40)
• Awareness by Ellen Kobrin (43)
• A Change of Mind by Toni Cardinal-Price (On shoreleave together, Spock is dismayed when Kirk elects to go off with a former girlfriend: Prequel: The Essential Seed. Sequel: Some Time Beyond Place, or Place Beyond Time.) (44) (also in Cheap Thrills #4 and Nome)
• Equs, an illo by Kathy Carlson (64)
• Why Not? by Ellen Kobrin (65)
• Green Eyes by Ellen Kobrin (66)
• Red Blood by Teri White (67)
• Some Time Beyond Place, or Place Beyond Time by Jeannette Paris (Spock is isolated for six months after contacting a deadly illness: Prequel: A Change of Mind. Sequel: More Than Yesterday, Less Than Tomorrow.) (68)
• What Exact Moment by Crystal Ann Taylor (79)
• X by Ellen Kobrin (80)
• True Value Received by Ellen Kobrin (82)
• More Than Yesterday, Less Than Tomorrow by Ellen Kobrin (Spock is summoned to Vulcan and Kirk fears losing his new lover. Prequel: Some Time Beyond Place, or Place Beyond Time. Sequel: In the Rainy Pleiads.) (84)
• Afterthoughts by Ellen Kobrin (98)
• In the Rainy Pleiades by Teri White (Kirk and Spock tell McCoy of their new relationship: Prequel: More Than Yesterday, Less Than Tomorrow. Sequel: A Matter of Approval.) (99)
• A Lack of Communication by Teri White (104)
• Companion by Ellen Kobrin (105) (song, reprinted in Starsong, heard on Omicron Ceti III and Friends)
• A Matter of Approval by Toni Cardinal-Price (also in Nome #12) (Kirk and Spock go to Vulcan to get Sarekʼs approval of their bonding. Prequel: In The Rainy Pleiads. Sequel: Where Joys Never Cease.) (106)
• Point Counterpoint by Nancy Kippax (125)
• Daybreak by Teri White and Ellen Kobrin (127)
• Fever Dream by Ellen Kobrin (128)
• Where Joys Never Cease by Ellen Kobrin (129)
• Owned of Thee/Murmur of Yearning by Ellen Kobrin (Kirk and Spock are impatient to be together after Kirkʼs bout of illness: Prequel: A Matter of Approval. Sequel: The Price.) (136)
• Sonnets for Hephaistion by Edith L. Crowe (137)
• The Price by Christy Mathews (Kirk and Spock contemplate leaving Starfleet after an exceptionally harrowing mission. Prequel: Where Joys Never Cease. Sequel: Nights, Winters, Years.) (140)
• Reflections by Ellen Kobrin (151)
• The Essence of Being, art Interpretation by Susan Dorsey (152)
• Contrasts, art interpretation by Ellen Kobrin (154)
• Nights, Winters, Years by Teri White (Kirk and Spock quarrel after Kirk almost dies during a landing party: Prequel: The Price. Sequel: Penumbra.) (157)
• Nor All Your Tears by Ellen Kobrin (171)
• Perchance to Dream by Ellen Kobrin (172) (originally in The Sensuous Vulcan)
• The Black Spirit of Space by Susan K. James (173)
• Penumbra by Ellen L. Kobrin (Kirk has a premonition of disaster: Prequel: Nights, Winters, Years. Sequel: Eclipse.) (175)
• Eclipse by Hillary Tenzing (Kirk and Spock lay dying after a fierce battle: Prequel: Penumbra. Sequel: ...And Patiently Abide.) (176)
• Endings by Ellen Kobrin (IBC)

This zine has EXTENSIVE art, a sample is below.

• 

  art from issue #1, Edith Crowe

• 

  art from issue #1, Michael Verina

• 

  art from issue #1, Kathy Carlson

• 

  art from issue #1, Pat Stall

• 

  art from issue #1, Bob Lovett

• 

  art from issue #1, Pete Kaup

• 

  art from issue #1, Edith Crowe

• 

  art from issue #1, Afrend

• 

  art from issue #1, Gerry Downes

• 

  art from issue #1, Pat Stall

• 

  art from issue #1, Michael Verina

• 

  art from issue #1, Mary Ellen Matyi: "The Meld -- True Value Received"

• 

  art from issue #1, Pat Stall

• 

  art from issue #1, Russ Volker (art) Ellen Kobrin (poems)

• 

  art from issue #1, Merle Decker

• 

  art from issue #1, Pat Stall

• 

  art from issue #1, Merle Decker. One reviewer commented: "I ADORE this picture so much! It is so loving & tender & sweet! It has all the right elements: protective Jim holding his T'hy'la, Spock so relaxed & peaceful in his arms, looks like they could be enjoying the afterglow of making love, or Jim comforting Spock after something happened! Just so.....Nnnnnggghhhfff! One of my absolute faves!"

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

See reactions and reviews for Some Time Beyond Place, or Place Beyond Time.

See reactions and reviews for A Matter of Approval.

See reactions and reviews for A Change of Mind.

[zine]: In a logical and well-developed innovative approach, Carol Hunterton and Ellen Kobrin have produced a magnificent new zine. Even though the reader may not agree with its theme, 'Companion' is done with such great style that it certainly deserves mention as a top-notch zine for the mature Star Trek fan. Illos by Stall, Verina, and Lewis are superb! Carlson, Bob Lovett, Downes, and Volker have certainly contributed some outstanding artforms too. Stories by Kippax (her usual great self), White, Cardinal (one great story), Kobrin, and Taylor have left me very impressed. Kobrin has written some great poetry, too. I especially loved Dorsey's 'The Essence of Being.' The prose, poetry, and lovely artwork make 'Companion' a must even though it deals with a mature theme. 'Companion' is done with a touch of real class.

[zine]: I am admittedly a K/S fan to a point. I think the idea/fantasy/possibility reached its peak with Thrust. 'Companion' is the first slip on the downhill fall. Though the idea of showing the possible development of a relationship, including physical intimacy, between Kirk and Spock is basically a good one, 'Companion' has overdone the idea. While the art is at least adequate, and some very good, the writing, with few exceptions, has an embarrassing tendency to slip rapidly from the possibly sublime to the ridiculous. A number of stories strike me as over-written, soppy-sobby romantic and inappropriate. On the other hand, I've never been madly, hopelessly in love. However, phrases like 'his hands massaged Spock's buns...' (page 132) tend to hit me a silly and end up ruining the erotic mood. Though I've read little or no so-called porno (outside of fanzines), this is close to what I think bad porno (bad as in poorly written) would be like. Personally, I think the ideas and 'excitement' got in the way of the writers' abilities as writers. This zine, though a brave effort, is overdone and will jar on you, unless you are a D/S fan addict who must have EVERY K/S story in existence.

Issue 2

Companion 2 was published in February 1980 and has 247 pages. It has the subtitle, "Between the Lines" and is "an exploration of the happenings around and between the events described in Companion 1." Front cover is by Michael Verina and back cover Kathy Carlson.

Art by Pat Stall, Merle Decker, Nan Lewis, Evallou Richardson, Kathy Carlson, Michael Verina, Laurie Huff, Ruth Kurz, ERIC, Gayle F, Sonia Gingras, Edith L. Crowe, Stephanie Hawks.

front cover of issue #2, Mike Verina

• Till It Be Morrow | Till it be morrow by Ray Newton & Fiona James
• Loving by Pete Kaup (IFC)
• The Fifth Freedom -- editorial (2)
• And Patiently Abide by Ellen Kobrin (3)
• Deja Vu by Katy Young (7)
• Curiosity Killed by Ellen L. Kobrin (8)
• Time Present...Time Past by Victoria Clark (9)
• More Than Love by Jimmye Galli (13)
• Exposure by Ellen Kobrin (14)
• Sand Castles by Toni Cardinal-Price (16) (also in Nome #12)
• Love Storm by Sharon Decker (20)
• Sons of the the Dawn by Ellen Kobrin (21)
• The Sorcerer by Della Van Hise (22)
• Some Sweet Oblivious Antidote by Pamela Rose (27)
• Sungod by Sharon Decker (51)
• It is Enough by Barbara L. Storey (52)
• To Know You Love Me by Barbara L. Storey (53)
• Searching by Jimmye Galli (54)
• Sanctuary by Jimmye Galli (55)

back cover issue #2, Kathy Carlson

• Together by Bonnie Guyan (56)
• Amanda's Approval by Victoria Clark (57)
• Apotheosis by Toni Cardinal-Price (59) (also in Nome #12)
• Coming Home by Toni Cardinal Price (59) (also in Nome #12)
• Our Dreams to Share by Ellen L. Kobrin (78)
• Morning... On Waking by Maria Shaw (80)
• Friendly Persuasion by Sandra Gent (81)
• Conversation Pieces by Ellen L. Kobrin (82)
• Sometimes by Ellen L. Kobrin (88)
• Communion by Marguerite Marasciulo (90)
• The After by Bonnie Guyan (91)
• Homage by Della Van Hise (93)
• Such Sweet Sorrow by Ellen Kobrin (94)
• Rescue by Sharon Decker (104)
• Lovetalk by Maria Shaw (also in Duet #1) (105)
• Shadows by Jimmye Galli (106)
• Till It Be Morrow by V.C. Park (107)
• The Fire This Time by Ellen L. Kobrin (124)
• Nor Mightier Joy by Jimmye Galli (125)
• Renascence by Ellen Kobrin (126)
• Ice Capades by Linda White (128)
• Haiku to Jim by Sharon Decker (152)
• A Little More Love by Sandra Gent (153)
• Indefinable by Maria Shaw (155)
• The Struggle by Cheryl Resnick (156)
• Till the Night Closes In by Toni Cardinal Price (157) (also in Nome #12)
• L'Essai by Ellen L. Kobrin (173)
• The Gambler by Ellen Kobrin (175)
• A Letter by Ellen Kobrin (176)
• Payments by Jimmye Galli (177)
• Love's Lesson by Sharon Decker (178)
• Compensation by Ellen L. Kobrin (180)
• Fire by Sandra Gent (182)
• A Shoreleave by Maria Shaw (183)
• A Time to Be Born by Alexis Fegan Black (also in K/S Collected) (Kirk and Spock go through Spockʼs pon farr while on shoreleave for a month in Iowa: Prequel: 'Til the Night Closes In. Sequel: Visions and Revisions.) (184)
• Touches So Different by Paela Rose (201)
• La Mort de Sang-Froid by Sharon Decker (202)
• If This Be Love Indeed by Jimmye Galli (203)
• Visions and Revisions by Barbara L. Storey (204)
• Day's End by Sharon Decker (215)
• Repairs by Pamela Rose (217)
• Time Passages by Ellen Kobrin (218)
• Voice in the Night by Merlin Adams (220)
• Farewell by D.J. Booker (222)
• Rebirth by Kathy New (236)
• Another Time, Another Place by Pamela Rose (237)
• Perdu et Trouve by Ellen Korbin (IBC)

• 

  art from issue #2, Pat Stall

• 

  art from issue #2, ERIC

• 

  art from issue #2, Kathy Carlson

• 

  art from issue #2, Merle Decker

• 

  art from issue #2, Nan Lewis

• 

  art from issue #2, Stephanie Hawks

• 

  art from issue #2, Edith Crowe

• 

  art from issue #2, Sonia Gringas

• 

  art from issue #2, Stephanie Hawks

• 

  art from issue #2, Michael Verina

• 

  art from issue #2, Michael Verina

• 

  art from issue #2, Gayle F

• 

  art from issue #2, Gayle F

• 

  art from issue #2, Ruth Kurz

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

See reactions and reviews for Another Time, Another Place.

See reactions and reviews for Coming Home.

See reactions and reviews for Sand Castles.

See reactions and reviews for Apotheosis.

[zine]: This second volume of 'Companion' utilizes the same format as its predecessor and is more like a novel (with the various chapters written by different authors and interspersed by poetry) than a zine. Like a novel, it is meant to be read from start to finish and the editors discourage jumping around. The art work, with two [Gayle F] drawings and fantastic illos by Nan Lewis, is excellent and worth the price of the zine. Unfortunately, the characters of Kirk and Spock are not as well presented as well as the art. Instead of being captain and the first officer aboard a Federation starship, Kirk and Spock appear more like pals scampering their way merrily through a series of rather monotonous adventures. The only hint of Spock's Vulcan heritage are well-worn phrases from the TV show and repeated frequently throughout the story. Kirk's commanding presence as captain of a starship is submerged completely in the process of his continual and never-ending relating to Spock, The authors appeared almost embarrassed at various parts of the story and skimmed quickly over intimate scenes so that the details are left to one's imagination. It is obvious the writers tried hard and this is a thick zine with lots of really great illos. Despite the flaws in the story, I feel it is worth the price. After all, K/S fans have little enough to satisfy their appetites. While there will undoubtedly be those who disagree with me, I feel that, considering what it might have been, this second volume of 'Companion' is disappointing and not a very good argument for the K/S premise.

[zine]: I have to write this rebuttal [to above review]... The reviewer said three things in particular that I feel should be refuted. First, she says that Spock's Vulcan heritage is almost ignored. One reading of 'Some Sweet Oblivious Antidote' should dispel that notion. It's all about Spock's Vulcan heritage and his problems in dealing with it, and is treated differently from anything we saw in aired Trek. Second, she says that Kirk's 'commanding presence' is submerged in his 'never-ending relating to Spock.' Well, 'Companion' is a love story, not an action-adventure tale. Their relating to each other is what it is supposed to be about. If you want Enterprise-adventure stories, you don't look for them in a K/S love story. Third, she complains, apparently, about the scarcity of explicit sex scenes. It seems to me that there were just enough. In my opinion, the authors didn't 'fade to black' because they were embarrassed but rather because they (or the editors) know that too much explicit sex can get repetitive and boring. What's wrong with leaving some details to one's imagination? We all have pretty good imaginations. If you couldn't tell, I really love this zine. To this reader, it has just the right balance of serious sex, romance, humor, adventure, and a touch of pathos. And I can't wait for 'the rest of the story.

[zine]: 246 pp. offset. A K/S zine of quality and taste. The illustrations are sensitively drawn except two explicit [Gayle F] illos which are ritualistically stylised in any case and a welcome addition to any K/S zine. The stories for by different authors follow a time line from the first time remembered to the end of the Enterprise (which incidentally is the beginning of Companion #3). Perhaps far too much poetry for a single issue although I found a few gems in amongst the others that all too often sounded the same. The Sorcerer by Delia Van Hise was evocative; Loneliness Unbroken by Jimmye Galli is one of the most sensitive poems about McCoy I've ever read and Homage by Delia Van Hise is the most erotic poem I have ever read. Most exciting even for a non K/S fan. Some Sweet Oblivious Antidote by Pamela Rose I found to be the highlight of the zine in fiction and it concerns itself with the examination of Spock and his feelings from leaving Vulcan until his commitment to Kirk. Told by flashback and exceedingly well done and worth reading. A good magazine.

Issue 3

front cover of issue #3, artist: Gayle F

back cover of issue #3, Kathy Carlson

Companion 3 was published in September 1980 and has 158 pages. The front cover is by Gayle F. Other art by Nan Lewis, Kathy Carlson and Merle Decker. It consists mainly of a novel called "The Rest of the Story" by Pamela Rose.

Other fans were inspired to write their own sequels to "Companion #3."

• The Only Logical Reason (in T'hy'la #5, author is K.S. T'Lan) (1985)
• A Learning Experience (in Progressions, author is Lenora Moore) (1985)

The editorial:

This editorial is not an editorial per se. We are not expressing our opinions this time; we are asking for yours.

This may or may not be the final installment in the Companion series. The direction Companion, takes is up to you, the reader. We need your input. Should there be a Companion 4? Would you prefer stories in the Companion 1-2 format, or would you prefer stories which develop the Companion 3 time line? Perhaps a combination of the two, in the form of a "double" zine, would be logical. Please let us know what you think. Remember that there can be no Companion 4 without your contributions. We welcome submissions of stories, poetry, etc., to fit either or both of the possible formats mentioned above. Publication date of Companion 4 will be dependent upon your response. We hope you enjoy Companion: The Rest of the Story. As always, your comments are welcome, and will be passed along to the author and artists as requested.

When Companion 2 was first being compiled, we had no intention of bringing Kirk and Spock back to life. However, when Pamela Rose presented us with the first draft of The Rest of the Story, the resurrection was accomplished with such grace, and so logically, that we knew the novella had to see print. We wish to thank Pamela for writing The Rest of the Story. Her talent is prodigious; her patience is endless, and we are proud to bring you the product of her labors.

Zine contents:

• Rebirth, poem by Kathy New
• other poetry by Ellen L. Kobrin
• the novel, The Rest of the Story by Pamela Rose

• 

  inside page from issue #3, sample text

• 

  inside page from issue #3, Nan Lewis

• 

  inside page from issue #3, Kathy Carlson

• 

  inside page from issue #3, Merle Decker

• 

  inside page from issue #3, Nan Lewis

• 

  inside page from issue #3, Merle Decker

• 

  inside page from issue #3, Kathy Carlson

• 

  inside page from issue #3, Merle Decker

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

[zine]: So you think Kirk and Spock would have it made, if they were free of their "Silver Lady", the Enterprise? If you did—forget it! Pamela Rose's novella takes them away from the Big E permanently, under tragic circumstances. They must forge a new life, under the auspices of their saviours, the enigmatic Preservers, who influence civilizations for their "artistic patterns". Not only are Kirk and Spock isolated from their former world; but also, due to the bond severance, they're adrift from each other. Ironic, actually: the bond which seemed to be their greatest strength in the new relationship, also becomes their greatest weakness. Without it, they must struggle to communicate with each other; and for the first part of the novel, they have little success. Furthermore, Kirk and Spock encounter role reversals in this new life. Kirk, the former womanizer, faces jealousy when Spock is sought after by a Vulcan woman. Spock, the former follower, must command their ship and send Kirk on a perilous mission. Once again, a life-threatening crisis clears the air-temporarily. But the biggest challenge is yet to come, when Kirk and Spock attempt something that I found impossible to accept. They try to change history, by preventing the destruction of the Enterprise. I had two big problems with this. First, how could Kirk and Spock exist in two places at the same time? It sets off a very troublesome time-paradox. Second, in view of their experiences with Edith Keeler, shouldn't they have considered that long-term consequences from this good act might be disastrous? Even in their grief, they are risking disruption of the time-continuum. However, the results of this attempt do prove explosive in another way - and produce some surprising reactions for both of them. Even with the flaws I mentioned, I still enjoyed the story. Kirk and Spock stumble through trying times - but the love, the commitment to each other are still there. Sex is still a part of their relationship - but it's only a part of their life together. They learn to see each other as total beings, under new roles; and how to deal with possible future separation. Ellen Kobrin's poetry is delightfully appropriate to each chapter. The artists, especially Merle Decker, did an excellent job on the illos. I recommend this - only for those "relationship" fans who can accept the Kirk/Spock relationship on any and all possible levels.

[zine]: The COMPANION series has shown considerable growth in the three issues published to date. Beginning with a mixture of basic hurt/comfort and K/S sexual speculation in the first issue and continuing into the second with more sex for sex's sake and less out-of-the-bedroom action, the series has taken its place as good, romantic Kirk/Spock entertainment. In The Rest of the Story, though, Pamela Rose has presented a more fully developed story. She has raised questions, offered answers and the characters have progressed, learned and grown as a result. At the end of COMPANION I, the characters of Kirk and Spock were killed off, dying an untimely death after a years long affair. COMPANION II, then, had to back track, to include stories that took place, obviously, before the deaths of the central characters. Still, included in COMPANION II was a death story, this time from the point of view of Sarek and Amanda as they receive the news of the loss of the Enterprise with all hands. However, this was not 'The End'. Pamela Rose's "Another Time, Another Place" gives us hope -- Kirk and Spock have been saved from death by the Preservers. That story serves as the opening chapter of the novel which comprises COMPANION III. The Rest of the Story is at times realistic, at times highly romantic, sometimes delightful and at other moments, quite frustrating. Kirk and Spock are alive, but the rest of the crew and the ship itself were not rescued by the Preservers. The theme of Kirk suffering the loss of his ship and crew is a familiar one, and Rose's treatment of this is adequate, though not without problems. Kirk's guilt and anger would be difficult enough to portray, but with the added complications of his being 'reborn' and the ship still lost, as well as changes in his relationship with Spock, the character of Kirk seems at times to be in quite a muddle. Rose has tried to keep things clear by using a great deal of inner dialogue, but the constant switching of point of view from Kirk to Spock, the analyzing of both characters of every word he says and the interpretation of what the other says in return becomes a bit tedious at times. Having Kirk and Spock at cross purposes is a good dramatic device and it is realistic that they would be confused In their feelings about themselves and each other under the circumstances of the story, but every now and then the reader does want to scream, "Just admit you love each other and want to get back together!" There are no simple solutions in real life and in adult love affairs, though, and in this aspect, the novel is on the right track. Though the reader may earnestly want the 'happily ever after' ending that seemed so easily achieved in other COMPANION stories, patience must be observed. There are often easy answers for Kirk and Spock in other installments of the COMPANION series, and that is one thing the characters learn in The Rest of the Story. Most obvious is the element of communication between Kirk anq Spock. With their bonding, communication was easy. In Rose's story, they must learn how to talk to each other without the bond -- a condition which results in misunderstanding and difficulties. On a more subtle level, it is revealed to the characters that Kirk, perhaps unintentionally, used Spock's great love as a way to manipulate the Vulcan. Gradually, both see this and mature in their attitudes concerning love, becoming more equal in their dealings with each other. Kirk tempering his commanding nature, Spock gaining the emotional strength to express his own needs and wants. And finally, they see that after all, they both want the same thing.... All things considered, Companion III is an enjoyable novel, successfully portraying the overall idea behind the Companion series -- the growth and endurance of love. While flaws can be found and discussed, it does maintain the mixture of realism and romanticism so essential to effective fanfiction. Both the reader and the characters gain from the experience; it satisfies on an emotional level, and those two points are the main ingredients in any good story.