Delta Triad

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Zine
Title: Delta Triad
Publisher:
Editor(s): Laura Scarsdale & co-editor Melinda Shreve (and Teri Meyer?)
Date(s): 1975-1979
Series?:
Medium: print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom: Star Trek: TOS
Language: English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.
flyer
a flyer printed in Spectrum #22 and A Piece of the Action #29: "Professionally Illustrated and Written "Like Seeing Three New Star Trek Episodes!"

Delta Triad is a gen and het Star Trek: TOS anthology of fiction and extensive art. It had seven issues and is Kirk/Uhura oriented; it also ran a series of McCoy stories. The Supplement issues have more sexual content.

In Forum #12, the editor said she would publish a successor to this zine under the name The Gallian.

The editors note in the first supplement's notes that as of 1977, there had been 2,500 copies of the first four issues of this zine series printed and sold. In the first print run of the first issue, over 700 copies sold.[1]

There was one "Delta Triad Supplement" published, and while there were plans for a second one, the editor wrote a note to Universal Translator #1 to say that it had been canceled.

General Reviews and Reactions

A review of the first two issues:

While the emphasis of DELTA TRIAD is on serious TREK fiction, humor is amply enough represented. The artwork ranges from fair to excellent, and the covers are beautiful. This 'zine is probably the foremost promoter of a romantic relationship between Kirk and Uhura and the subject is handled very well. The fiction got a general rating of 8 (good) by the reviewers, and the 'zine overall had the same rating. Several reviewers mentioned that the price was slightly high, and several were disappointed by 'The Second Gift.' To quote one reviewer, 'Second Gift may have been written by horsepeople for horsepeople, but I find it hard to believe that horsepeople don't want the same basic elements in a story that the rest of us want; like strong plot, believability, characterization, cohesion ...' I am inclined to agree (and I even like horses), but the horse artwork was magnificent. Somehow, though, the thought of horses on the ENTERPRISE is a turn-off. Still after all, DELTA TRIAD is a lovely 'zine, and if it is somewhat over-priced, it's in good company.[2]

A review in 1977:

DELTA TRIAD is dedicated to the exploration of the Uhura/Kirk relationship. The love-affair between the two is handled tastefully and believably, and adds new depth and dimension to the character of Uhura. The presentation of DELTA TRIAD is outstanding: crisp, clear copy, outstanding art-work, and excellent covers. The fiction, on the whole, is uniformly good. The collection are all handled nicely, particularly Uhura. The plots range from gentle romances to action-adventure tales. DELTA TRIAD SUPPLEMENT is DT's 'adult' zine; however, the stories are rated 'R' (or even 'PG') rather than 'X'. Strong characterizations, interesting plots, and smooth, even writing.[3]

Read by James Doohan

In 1980, James Doohan was asked in an interview printed in A Companion in Zeor #6 about his reading habits :

CZ: Have you read any of the Science Fiction Fanzines, or the professional fiction of Jacqueline Lichtenberg, whose zine we represent?

JD: I have not read any of Jacqueline Lichtenberg, but I have read zines. You have to realize there is a tremendous amount of material around. I am not always at home and I can not sit down and read them. However, I have read some of the stuff in "Alternate Universe" and "Delta Triad" and I think its terrific stuff.

The Kirk/Uhura Stories and the McCoy Stories

Delta Triad focused on Kirk/Uhura relationship stories, but also ran a series of McCoy stories. Supplement issues have more sexual content - none very explicit.

The Kirk/Uhura Stories:

The McCoy Stories:

Issue 1

first edition, issue #1, John Martin
Variation of the cover of issue #1, "Later printing", John Martin
Variation of the cover of issue #1, fourth printing

Delta Triad 1 was published in 1975 and has 132 pages.

It contains a trio of Kirk/Uhura stories, an article and art.

There were at least 5 print runs. There were 100 copies printed in the first print run (June 30, 1975); 200 copies in the second printing (Aug. 18, 1975); 200 copies in the third printing (Nov. 8, 1975); 300 copies in the 4th printing (undated); and an unknown number of copies in the "Later Printing". The first three printings all used the same cover. The 4th printing and the "Later printing" used different covers, as shown on the right. The "Later printing" internally claims to be a 3rd printing, but can be distinguished by the cover and by the color of the numbered count for the printing. The true 3rd printing says something like "Number 77 of 200", with "77" in blue ink, while the later printing is a copy, and hence the number is black. Up through the 3rd printing, there was a foldout drawing of a castle (between pages 6 & 7), and a later cartoon titled "The Foldout" with an imaginary argument between the authors about using a "Grup" style foldout vs. the castle. This foldout art has been omitted from the 4th and later printings, although they still have that cartoon. A crossword puzzle in the first three printings has also been dropped as of the 4th printing, although it is still listed in the table of contents, and the answers to the now non-existent puzzle are included in the 4th printing. The 4th printing is also missing a full-page frontispiece, titled "Kirk & Uhura" in early printings, and is missing the "List of Illustrations". The "Later Printing", being a photostatic copy of the 3rd printing, includes those pages.

From the editorial by Scarsdale:

Ever wonder how these things began? I could start with "Once upon a time there was a man named Roddenberry...", but I won't. The spring of 1974 should be sufficient. It was then that a classified ad in The Monster Times caught my eye; a request from a Trekker asking to hear from others of her species. Knowing full well what it meant to be the "Lone Trekker", I answered the ad and met Julie Huston.

Through Julie I met a Kentucky Trekker, Melinda Shreve, who lived practically in my front yard...

[...]

Through Julie and Melinda I met Sharon Emily, the editor of Star Trek Showcase and eventual catalyst of Delta Triad.

The actual conception of DT took place that fall. Melinda and I had become good friends and...

[...]

Sharon happened to be deep in reading submissions by Mary Lou Dodge for Showcase II and they were good stories. Melinda read over her shoulder most of the afternoon, then asked to bring the copies back for me to read. Sharon finally agreed, but only after Mel had promised to offer both of us as a human sacrifice if anything happened to them.

We liked them and that evening talked about how some zine should publish them. Four hours later, convinced that these stories needed a zine all their own, we called Mary Lou Dodge, She recovered rather quickly from the shock of such a late night call from two total strangers, and agreed to let us publish her work, thus the formation of our original triad. Later that week a quick trip to Louisville ended with John Martin, a local artist, in our camp, Sharon agreed to be our advisor.

For almost a year one editor, one editor-artist, one artist, one advisor, and one talented green telephone receiver worked on this zine. This past May, Mel and I ventured forth to Ourcon in Lansing and discovered that Mary Lou was not a green telephone receiver with a genie voice, but human and a very lovely lady at that.

There you have it. The birth of a fanzine. We hope you enjoy reading and criticizing DT half as much as we enjoyed doing it!

From the editorial by Shreve:

For as long as I can remember (actually, Sept, '66, when I was all of 15) I've been a fan (short for fanatic) of STAR TREK. And, I'm not sure why — whenever someone asks me why I like it, it usually takes a few minutes to cogitate an answer, then I can talk for hours. From '66 to '74, I thought I was the only ST fanatic in the US. Then, in Nov, '7[4], I bought a Monster Times and there, on the back, was an ad for a ST convention in New York City. New York City? I couldn't afford to go to New York. I read the guest list: Issac Asimov (oh, my favorite Sci-Fic author); George Takei (hmmmm...); James Doohan (I wondered what he really sounded like without his Scottish accent); Nichelle Nichols (Nichelle In NYC? Weill, maybe if I raided the ol' savings account...); Deforest Kelley (Waitaminute! De Kelley? Really?? I know. I'll mortage [sic] the house; should be good for a couple bucks). Hocking everything I had of value (both of them), I attended the New York Con and had the time of my life. I couldn't believe it. There were actually people there who are crazier than I am (and that's going some), I found out about other cons, fanzines, etc. Got in touch with other Trekfans, one way or another. I also met Sharon Emily in the Hucksters Room at the Con; found out she lived, 'just across the river' I visited her quite often, and learned more about the disorganized organization of ST fandom.

  • My Gracious Silence by Mary Louise Dodge [#3 in a 7-part Kirk/Uhura romance series.] ("Lt. Uhura's sudden and mysterious disappearance precedes a situation endangering the Enterprise and everyone on it.")(1)
  • Reflections, poem by D.C. Tapp (46)
  • Star Child, poem by L. Symenek (47)
  • Star Trek Quotes for All Occasions (48)
  • How About a Raffle? by Mary Louise Dodge, Laura Scarsdale, and Mel Shreve (#4 in a 7-part Kirk/Uhura romance series. "Uhura is unknowingly sold at a dance auction/exhibition on Orion. "The Enterprise officers find good-will ambassadorship at a Cultural Fair leads to embarrassing complications.") (reprinted in Archives under the title "Match and Rematch") (49)
  • Federation Fashions by Mel ("Introducing the perfect Womens Dress Uniform, elegant enough for a formal dinner, practical enough to answer a "Red Alert".")(67)
  • crossword puzzle (68)
  • The Alphan Primaries by Mary Louise Dodge. (A secret from McCoy's past threatens to destroy him. McCoy has been invited to attend the manhood rites of a son he has not seen since the boy was 5 days old. "A secret from Dr. McCoy's past leads him to a planet whose coming-of-age ceremony may destroy him.") (69)
  • Artwork by John Martin, front and back covers

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

See reactions and reviews for My Gracious Silence.

See reactions and reviews for How About a Raffle?.

See reactions and reviews for The Alphan Primaries.

[zine]: It consists mostly of three enjoyable stories and a fair amount of good artwork. 'My Gracious Silence' is about the kidnapping of Uhura while on leave and why she insists when she gets back, Kirk is going to kill her. It suffers a bit from making it too easy for Kirk and Spock to solve the problem -- and the scene where Kirk and Spock capture the bad guys is unbelievable. 'How About a Raffle' is delightful. In it, Kirk accidentally auctions off his communications officer. 'The Alphan Primaries' is a well-conceived story in which Kirk and McCoy go to the graduation exercises of McCoy's illegitimate son; things are NOT as they appear. This zine is well paced with an overall relaxed quality. Read and enjoy.[4]

[zine]: For a first issue, Delta Triad shows a lot of promise. The three stories are enjoyable... The zine has an interesting premise; it is based on Ms. Dodge's article, "Kirk/Uhura: Speculation' in T-Negative #23. The Kirk/Uhura relationship has been some of some interest among fans, and Delta Triad devotes two of its stories to it with more to come in future issues. 'My Gracious Silence. is about the mysterious disappearance of Uhura while on shore leave and why, on her return, she insists that Kirk kills her. The first half of the story builds up the suspense and Captain Kirk reveals his secret love affair with Uhura! But the second half makes it to easy for Spock and Kirk to discover and capture Uhura's abductors... Still, an enjoyable, if not credible story to read. 'How About a Raffle' is sheer delight. In it, Kirk accidentally auctions off Uhura in a dancing contest. It's lots of fun and luckily, will be continued in the second ish. 'The Alphan Primaries' is about McCoy's illegitimate (!) son, who is facing the demanding graduation testes of Alpha V, which the doctor has been invited to attend. It is well written, a good representation of an intelligent and complex human colony, and the author wisely obeys the Prime Directive... It's an excellent story.... The format of DT is relaxed but well-paced and suffers a bit from a bit too much artwork of a mediocre quality, instead of a few select, good pieces. DT has gotten off to an excellent start...[5]

[zine]: Another surprising zine to come out. This summer has been filled with a good many activities in fandom and I'm happy to says that Delta Triad fits in that roster somewhere... 'My Gracious Silence' is a sort of a Kirk/Uhura story. If you read Mary Lou's ideas concerning Kirk and Uhura in T-Negative #23, you'll know where she already stands, if not see if you can get a hold of that issue. In this story, Uhura is captured by kidnappers for some mysterious reason. She later reappears; and Kirk (with Spock's help) discover that Uhura has been implanted with a listening device and that there is a bomb aboard the ship. All of this is involved in a master plot of some sort. The story suffers a lot, especially because the reader isn't subtly introduced to the fact that Kirk and Uhura are lovers, it's just thrust upon you. Secondly, the solution to the problem is much too reminiscent of the ending Ruth Berman used in 'Coup de Partie' in Kraith Collected #3. I think also it might have been more suspenseful if the entire story had taken place planet-side, where another element of the exotic could have been added to the structure of the story. "How About a Raffle' is also a Kirk/Uhura story, but easier to accept after reading the first story in this zine. Uhura enters what she thinks is a dancing contest, against (of all things) green Orion slave girls! The 'contest' is actually an auction, and Kirk has just signed her away to the highest bidder. The story is very good, and ends very well. No qualms with this one to be sure. A few interim pages here are devoted to a couple of Federation fashions that 's like to have seen on Uhura, Rand and the other ship's regulars. 'The Alphan Primaries' is by far, the best story in the lot. McCoy receives an invitation to attend the 'graduation' tests of a son he hasn't seen for 18 years. The tests turn out to involve much more than McCoy was led to believe, and there is a great deal of interaction between all of the characters, as the story evolves. This is very well done for a story of its length. Good characterization is shown here, but then I've always thought McCoy makes a better character study than Spock; this story doesn't help disprove the point. One of the better things I like about this story is that I couldn't second guess the ending. It ended differently than I thought it would, and what's more, the ending works nicely. In general, this zine makes for some very good reading. Recommended.[6]

[zine]: Delta Triad is obviously designed as a showcase for Mary Lou Dodge, as she has a hand in all three stories. The first, "My Gracious Silence" is a Kirk/Uhura love story of average proportions. It's a fast paced story that left me less than lukewarm. The second, "How About a Raffle..." is another Kirk/Uhura love story, but this time it's handled in a more platonic way. The story is like a good cake, all the ingredients are well blended. The story is also fast paced and extremely well written. This one is of exceptional quality. The third story, "Alpha Primaries", at first appears to be rather bland, but appearances are deceiving. After one progresses further in the story, one finds a host of sub-plots so well entwined that one can't help but be envious of Miss Dodge's writing abilities. All in all, DT#1 is an extremely good issue, with good to mundane artwork, a look at the Federation fashions, a crossword, and little else.[7]

Issue 2

Variation of the front cover of issue #2, first printing. Also used for the 2nd printing.
Variation of the front cover of issue #2, first printing, John Martin
Back cover of issue #2

Delta Triad 2 was edited and produced by Laura Scarsdale and Melinda Shreve in April 1975 and contains 160 pages.

The art is uncredited in the table of contents. John Martin did the front and back covers.

There were 500 copies, numbered, in the original print run. A second printing was made; the size of that print run was not listed.

From one of the editors, Laura:

About DT 2: DT 1 was child's play by comparision, all the stories were written and the two major ones had been written by Mary (who, by the way, has her own comment page in this issue). Mel and I edited and haggled peacefully over what should or should not be cut of added and that was about it. When we started planning DT 2, only one of the stories was written. As you can see, three of the stories were a combination of two or all three of us. So aside from editing, we were also actively involved in writing.

Here I have to say the "Second Gift" was undoubtedly the hardest story we've ever written. It's very hard to tread the line between the unusual and the hokey and maintain fact and believability, and we've researched very carefully. Our local vets provided us with X-rays and other material as well as loosening up and letting their imaginations play with what will be available in animal medicine in 200 years. I regret that only a minute bit of our research is reflected in "Gift". We hope "Gift" doesn't come across as hokey, but as stated in the "Warning" we did it strictly for ourselves, then decided to share it.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

See reactions and reviews for The Denebian Bell.

See reactions and reviews for How About a Rematch?.

See reactions and reviews for The Second Gift.

See reactions and reviews for Companion Four.

[zine]:
  • The Denebian Bell / A group of young terrorists intent on overthrowing their elders rules and creating a world governed only by power and greed kidnap Kirk and Uhura, subjecting Uhura to torture under a bell jar (rather like an agony booth, it seems) to ensure Kirk's cooperation. Particularly nice scene in which Uhura points out that "I think it's important that one of us be dead when they come back." An excellent version of Uhura, strong and capable. Also good bit with McCoy preventing Kirk from imposing similar torture on the leader of the revolutionaries. Kirk and Uhura try to figure out what to do about their new status as lovers.
  • How About a Rematch? / Romp. The Enterprise officers try to get rid of an Orion dancer Spock has won by ensuring that she lose a dance competition. The competition is also trying to make sure she loses, and the Feds and the Orions keep interfering with one another's schemes. The Orion dancers are presented here as overgrown and oversexed poodles; this one wants Spock.
  • The Second Gift / An Arabian horse fan couldn't resist writing a story combining them with Star Trek. A few nice bits, but overall, it didn't work for me. The Mizaran culture gave Arabian horses to cultures around the galaxy, but finding their gift always used for war and pillage, became a technophobic society. Their sister planet, once a colony, continued as a technological world. The Federation has talked the Mizarans into giving their gift again, all Arabians elsewhere having succumbed to a "genetic flaw," and Enterprise is assigned to transport the breeding stock. Someone aboard is trying to sabotage the gift.
  • Companion Four / Kirk and McCoy go in search of a missing survey party and find a planet of clones. The leader puts Kirk into suspended animation when he discovers this secret, leaving McCoy to solve the mystery with the help of a weakening woman due for a new body; she ends up sacrificing herself to convince the leader that the Federation do not intend to conquer them.[8]

[zine]: It was, in my opinion, one of the single most entertaining fanzines, single issue, that I've ever read...The balance of fiction was good; the fiction itself ranged from better-than-average ("How About A Rematch?") to excellent ("The Second Gift"). I found "Rematch" much more entertaining than the first segment in DT 1..."The Second Gift", while I am not a horse freak and know next to nothing about riding or dressage, had enough "human" interest to grab me at the beginning and drag me, kicking and screaming in places but entertained all the way, through the story...The individual non-Trek characters had nicely developed personalities, and while they may not have been quite as unique, each one from the other, as other writers may have developed them, at least the motivations of each of the people was believable, mostly, and I was quite satisfied with the compromise ending. Somehow, I expected the denouement to be contrived, (So did we. Mel) and it really wasn't. The illustrations by Kris Trott were superb (She's a superb artist. Mel)...Helen Jordan's frontispiece for the story is handsome... As you semi-warned me, "Denebian Bell" was disappointing. Uhura was well-done, believable, but Kirk just didn't come through as hard-boiled as we have seen him under pressure before. Of course, that's a matter of interpretation, and each writer has his/her own. A pity that the "Children" weren't better developed; they seemed awfully plastic. By rights, "Bell" could have been a novel to do it justice..."Companion Four" had a lot going for its an original and interesting plot, competent characterizations, logical development, skilled word selection —- yet it came out flat and lifeless... (We've been trying to find a way to describe "C4" for ages; Connie, thank you, we couldn't have said it better. Mel)...Granted, that was partly intentional, as you were dealing with a stagnant culture, but it affected even the ENTERPRISE characters, robbing the story of its emotional intensity. Still, it had its moments, and it kept my interest throughout, though it didn't pick me up and cart me off head over heels like "Second Gift" did...And, then, of course, there are the covers...Magnificent...[9]

[zine]: ...I was disappointed with the last two stories, but the rest of the zine made up for that. The illos were well done, as was the poetry, and the atmosphere of the zine is very friendly and uncluttered. And, as usual, I enjoy DT's having its emphasis on Kirk, Uhura, and McCoy...[10]

[zine]: ...I'd like to comment on the wrapper before moving on to the contents - the covers are just gorgeous (Compliments of Mr. John Martin and Progress Printers, Owensboro. Mel)...I personally prefer the back cover because the Horsehead Nebula is one of my favorite sights in the whole Galaxy; but the feel of both covers-I can't think of a word for it; not eerie, ethereal, maybe? - is very nice...[11]

[zine]: 'The Second Gift', which I would have read even if it had been badly written - which it certainly wasn't. Quite a good, complex, anthropological whodunit; I like...I've never, never seen better illustrations...than K. Trott's lovely Arabians... "The Denebian Bell" was more than just a good adventure story; it had several fine psychological insights, too. Very sharp of Mary Lou to pick up on the fact that whenever one of these Neitzchean "supermen" types pushes Kirk too far he gets really mean; as ruthless as any arrogant super-type could want, and then some... "How About a Rematch" had me in stitches. Oy, the plot twists! If it wasn't as easy or spontaneous in writing as "Raffle", I certainly couldn't tell it from reading the finished product. Congratulations on craftsmanship..."Companion Four" was delightfully spooky, and eerily familiar...finally discovered why. Migod, a world peopled by Edgar Allen Poe characters! Aha, sneaky! McCoy's solution was a good one, although the denouement was something of a letdown, and didn't really need to be there...[12]

This 'zine emphasizes the proposed Kirk/Uhura relationship. It has some beautiful artwork. Fine quality stories. The covers are gorgeous.

"To a Time Divided" takes the ST characters back to the Civil War. "The Second Gift" tells how the Arabian horse may have been an extraterrestrial gift to us. Though it is beautiful in appearance, I wouldn't rate it quite so high in fiction. It is nice to see the Kirk/Uhura relationship explored, though. [13]

Issue 3

cover of issue #3, John Martin
back cover of issue #3

Delta Triad 3 was published in August 1976 and is 160 pages long.

flyer for issue #3

It has extensive art, some of which is in the gallery below. Illos with MEL/Martin are collaborations. From the editorial:

People have asked why we don't credit artwork. Actually, I figured that people would read the artist's signature; I usually acknowledge contributors elsewhere, and it seem to be redundant to keep listing myself and Mr. Martin as regular artists. So, anything signed with MEL is me [Melinda Shreve], J. Martin is John Martin; the rest is whoever does the work and signs it." One of those artists is Connie Faddis.

This issue announces the first supplement, due out in February 1977. It will require an age statement and "will be half the size of a regular issue."

  • Old Child, Young Child by Laura Scarsdale, Mary Louise Dodge ("While on an espionage mission to a Romulan outpost, a time warp causes Uhura to disappear, replaced by young and old versions of herself. Kirk must complete his mission with the aid of elderly Uhura, while protecting young Uhura.") (1)
  • Gemini Lover, poem by L. Scarsdale, art by Connie Faddis (35)
  • Untitled, poem by L. Scarsdale, art by Connie Faddis (reprinted in Fesarius #3) (36)
  • Aircraft Landing by Mary Louise Dodge ("Mr. Scott demonstrates the "traditional" method of celebrating graduation to a group of newly commissioned Engineering officers.") (37)
  • Federation Fashions - Vulcan Portfolio by M. Shreve, Mattie Jones (45)
  • A Question of Priorities by Mary Louise Dodge ("McCoy is gravely injured and in need of immediate transport to a medical facility. Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk are on a planet out of contact with the Enterprise and with chem-immunity to the planets deadly radiation for a few hours. Does Mr. Scott deliver McCoy to the medical help he must have or wait to retrieve his First Officer and Captain?") (55)
  • Universe Within, poem By L. Scarsdale (84)
  • To a Time Divided By Mary Louise Dodge, L. Scarsdale, M. Shreve ("A whiplash back to the year 1864 with Kirk, McCoy and Uhura being sent to Earth. Archaeologists have uncovered a library with a storehouse of knowledge that can only be opened with a key that happens to be hidden in Georgia, Terra.") (85)
  • Insight Into The Empath, article by L. Scarsdale, William Hickey ("An article explaining the religious significance/parallel of the STAR TREK episode, The Empath.") (135)
  • two single cells, prints from the episode "The Empath" that were cut from the show, one shows a dead McCoy, and the other shows Gem kissing him
  • Letters (138)
  • Acknowledgments (147)
  • from issue #3 showing two missing cells from the episode "The Empath"

    from issue #3 showing two missing cells from the episode "The Empath"

  • from issue #3, John Martin, art for "Old Child, Young Child"

    from issue #3, John Martin, art for "Old Child, Young Child"

  • from issue #3, John Martin, art from "To a Time Divided"

    from issue #3, John Martin, art from "To a Time Divided"

  • from issue #3, MEL/Martin, art from "To a Time Divided

    from issue #3, MEL/Martin, art from "To a Time Divided

  • from issue #3, Mel Shreve and Mattie Jones

    from issue #3, Mel Shreve and Mattie Jones

  • from issue #3, John Martin, art from "To a Time Divided

    from issue #3, John Martin, art from "To a Time Divided

  • from issue #3

    from issue #3

  • from issue #3

    from issue #3

  • from issue #3, John Martin, art for "Old Child, Young Child"

    from issue #3, John Martin, art for "Old Child, Young Child"

  • from issue #3, Connie Faddis

    from issue #3, Connie Faddis

  • from issue 3, MEL/Martin, art from "To a Time Divided," Uhura and the crystal rose

    from issue 3, MEL/Martin, art from "To a Time Divided," Uhura and the crystal rose

  • from issue #3, MEL

    from issue #3, MEL

  • from issue #3, MEL

    from issue #3, MEL

  • from issue #3, Melinda Reynolds (MEL), from the story "A Question of Priorities"

    from issue #3, Melinda Reynolds (MEL), from the story "A Question of Priorities"

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

See reactions and reviews for Old Child, Young Child.

See reactions and reviews for A Question of Priorities.

See reactions and reviews for Aircraft Landing.

See reactions and reviews for To a Time Divided.

[Insight into "The Empath"]: Eh. Two outclips - of Gem hovering over a dead McCoy and of her kissing him (I'm not convinced in either case) are used to put forth the premise that Gem is a Christ-figure, in training to become a savior. It's true that folks either love or hate this episode. I love it despite the fact that the premise is absurd, not to say horrific - and I don't see much point in trying to give it a worthy premise. The story is about self-sacrifice, period. All extraneous stuff - such as a set - is cleared away. Everyone here is a Christ figure, each offering him/herself up for the others.[14]

[zine]: This third try by Scarsdale and Shreve proves they are getting into their stride. The issue is very even in quality and extremely enjoyable. There is nothing spectacular in the writing but if you are the type who likes to sit down for an hour or so and just read, this is the zine to do it with. 'Old Childe, Young Childe' concerns a secret mission that Kirk, due to a time warp, must complete with an old Uhura while protecting a young Uhura. While the story is correct in the mechanics, the feeling of it is a trifle bland; though it is difficult to give suspense to continuing characters, Scarsdale and M.L. Dodge have done it before. A little more work would have really brought this tale up to peak. 'Aircraft Landing' by Dodge is a little gem of a Scott story. If you college ever has a traditional graduating stunt, you will really emphasize with this one. 'A Matter of Priorities,' also by Dodge, gives us an in-depth look at command responsibility by putting Scott in charge of the Enterprise and really giving him a series of conflicting crises. Despite the problems, Scot performs with his usual efficiency and I was left with the curiosity of what the Enterprise would be like if Scott were the regular captain. 'To a Time Divided' is a well-knit story of a time trip by Uhura, Kirk and McCoy back to Civil War Georgia in search of a 'key' to an alien library. The trip brings to each some realities and destroys some fantasies; there is a haunting thread of doom through the entire story that grips the reader. The artwork in this issue runs from fair to outstanding. There is a full-color front cover and interior illo are definitely unique. Most of the art is done by Shreve and John Martin. There is one B&W foldout by Martin that is truly outstanding. The reproduction is excellent and readable. This is probably the best of the three DTs and it will be interesting to see the fourth.[15]

[zine]: I have read all three issues of DT and they all have been superior to about 90% of fan-produced publications. Visually, they are somewhere between very good and magnificent. The editors must have the best printer in the Western Hemisphere.... So, with all of this, I have often asked myself, why don't I like this series any more than I do? A few reasons are relatively apparent. In spite of the lush printing, certain errors have cropped up in the copies I've seen -- a page printed upside down on one side, etc. In my DT3, several pages were missing totally and others are there in excess. But that is minor. The main reason for my disappointment is that the writing and art just do not live up to the caliber of the packaging that surrounds them.... it is good but not exceptional... Anyone reading the table of contents will notice a very limited number of people credited. To be blunt, they are not quite talented enough to totally succeed in filling entire zine of this size. Other fans probably could... Gerry Downes, Ruth Berman and Connie Faddis, but not these three. It would seem logical then, for the editors to use outside sources. This is discussed in the LoC column in the back of the zine and thereby gives me, at least, the basic reason why this zine makes me a little uneasy -- their editorial policy... [a reader writes a LoC and asks if DT would consider work from other writers, and the editor answers:] 'Yes, if we get any; also, few if any writers will allow us to rewrite and edit their stories to fit DT... then, even tho the original author receives credit or co-credit depending on the amount of rewrite, it is no longer solely the work of the author - it all depends on the person involved... We think too much of DT, and our readers, to let the zine get bogged down in the Same Old Thing rut; we have nothing against out side contributions of stories as long as the authors leave their egos at home.'... They give new meaning to the word 'submission.'... I think most authors would be better off to leave their stories as well as those unwelcome egos at home rather than send them to this publication.[16]

[zine]: The first story inside is called "Old Child, Young Child." By some wild quirk of nature, Uhura is split into an 8-year old and an 80-year old version on route to a spy mission against the Romulans. The plotting and rationale of this story are both weak and instead of the characters being pursued closely by the Romulans, you get the feelings that it's the fanciful whims of the authors fortuitously creating the circumstances along with the way, with everything falling neatly into place. 'Aircraft Landing' is a Scotty-gets-shore-leave story. It has no real tale to tell, but it's fun, I suppose. 'A Question of Priorities' is a drama taking place between Kirk and Spock on the surface of a radioactively-contaminated planet and the Enterprise. While Mr. Spock has control of the ship, an explosion occurs in sickbay, critically injuring Dr. McCoy. Scott must decide whether or not to take the good doctor to a medical base or stay in orbit around the planet to pick up the landing party before their radioactive immunity wears off and they die. This reads like a TV script, and you can almost tell where to put the commercials, but once again it suffers from poor plotting. The crises which occur are too sudden and happen at just the right time, making them suspiciously convenient. 'To a Time Divided' is the best piece of the zine, if only because the authors have enough historical background to make it really believable. It concerns a story of the Big E going back in time to earth's past around the Civil War period to recover a lost object. Good plotting and a fine flow of action.... The art, despite the $$ put into the half-tones, foldouts, and 4-color illos, is sketch, imprecise and undetailed ... If you have $5 or $6 to flaunt on a zine, this may pass a few hours, but it'll probably be too steep for most.[17]

Art ranges from 9/10; fiction 8/10; non-fiction 6/9; poetry 8/9; readability 9/10; binding 9/10; LoCs 7/9.

Contains a color cover and one interior color illo, and an outstanding fold-out. One fan called it "comfortable, though no spectacular reading." Another fan said: "This issue is handsome, full of good reading, and well worth the cost, shored up by entirely believable detail and continuing that spicy relationship of Captain/Communications Officer and lover/lover that balances off so well." [18]

[zine]: ThisfanzineispackedwithI50pagesofexcellentstoriesandbeautifulartwork. Avery professionally done fanzine... This is of special interest to anyone who thinks there might be something going on between Kirk and Uhura since one of the continuous undercurrents throughout all the stories in this magazine is a Kirk/Uhura relationship going much deeper than friendship

(to say the least.)

The feature story is one in which Uhura, on a secret mission, is split into two people; an older and a younger version of herself. For Scotty fans there are two stories, a lighthearted comedy called "Aircraft Landing" and on the more serious side, "A Question of Priorities" in which Scotty discovers that, with command and, comes heavy responsibilities. The last story, "To a Time Divided", finds Kirk, Uhura and McCoy in the southern United States during the Civil War. Scattered throughout are poems and some wonderful artwork. All in all, an excellent zine. Rating: "9 out 10." [19]

[zine]:

Innovation/Creativity (5), Graphics (4), and Quality of Layout (4), Artwork (5), Literary Merit (5), Overall Appraisal (4) -- from a scale of 1-5.

The term "adult' when applied to a periodical, refers to its relative bawdiness and ability to exploit and degrade man's natural urges.

It does not refer to the quality of literature, the maturity of concepts nor does it refer to the relative intelligence displayed by the authors and the characters they've created. It does not refer to material that attracts the more adult (i.e., mature) reader.

There is no term for this form.

Thus Delta Triad is a rare jewel in the tiara of fanfiction. Intelligently constructed, its literary work surpasses much of what I've been forced to read lately....

Aircraft Landing is an amusing Scotty story, that does not, at all, end in the direction it infers (unless, of course, you know something of airforce traditions).

To A Time Divided - Finally, someone has written that fabled "Uhura and McCoy in a slave state" story that De said he wanted to do. Excellently written, although more could have been done with personal feeling (e.g., McCoy's true feelings when he viewed his ancestors' slave quarters).

Uhura's belief's on slavery were glossed over. It appeared that the trip was a big joke for her. But to have to conform to mores that are anti- your beliefs and anti- your own heritage (she is African and not American Black) and history, has an internal effect. You failed her as a black woman. Did she have trepidations about returning to that time, fear, horror? Something? (I am not of American descent, and I KNOW HOW I WOULD FEEL in her place.') A good story otherwise.

A Question of Priorities - Exquisite. The suspense is well utilized. An extremely tight situation for Scott to be in Once again, the stories were well researched for historical accuracy, behavioral responses and plausible occurrences.

Federation Fashions: The fashions are interesting, but the figures are bulkily drawn. This detracts from the costumes they support. They are too cardboardy to breathe life into these works. The use of zip-a-tones is good

Hair adornment is well used. But work is needed on the figures, especially hands and feet. [20]

Issue 4

front cover of issue #4, John M.
back cover of issue #4 by Rick Pearson

Delta Triad 4 was published in November 1977 and has 201 pages.

The editors in the previous issue said issue #4 would "will return to mimeo, and probably B&W covers."

NOTE: Issue #3 listed five stories that were planned to appear in issue #4. Two did not, nor in later issues, unless they were retitled. They were: "'A Matter of Security' - Special security is assigned to the ENTERPRISE personnel following a security leak involving them. (Warning: This is DT's Lt. Mary Sue story) and "The Lost Weekend" — Fifth story in our K/U Series; a comedy of errors which takes place before "Child" and after 'Raffle/Rematch.'

  • Dark of the Moon by Joe Martin with Mary Louise Dodge. (Fourth story in our K/U Series, and the 'bridge' story "between "Bell" and "Silence". "Kirk and Uhura face adjustments to their relationship; and the ENTERPRISE is endangered by an unknown alien force.") (1)
  • I'll Come to You by Moonlight by Mary Louise Dodge (30)
  • Federation Fashions: The Klingon Empire by Amy Harlib (62)
  • Bivouac by Melinda Shreve, Laura Scarsdale and Mary Louise Dodge. ("His patience at an end, Kirk orders his Science Officer and Medical Officer to settle their differences, once and for all, one way or another. -- Laura and I have come up with a McCoy/Spock story to replace "Autumn's Echo" [which appears in Supplement 1] in DT 4 called "Bivouac" — we figure they must have 'had it out' at one time or another." (NOTE: despite this description from the editorial of issue #3, this story is a gen one. Another summery: Deeply concerned by the antagonism that exists between McCoy and Spock, Kirk sends them on an isolated one week survey in the hope that it will bring them closer.) (68)
  • Portrait art portfolio - Kirk's Officers by Kristina Trott (109)
  • Rigel Five by Joe Martin. ("A McCoy story, key scientists from Rigel 5 work with the ENTERPRISE to stabilize their sun.") (118)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

See reactions and reviews for Dark of the Moon.

See reactions and reviews for I'll Come to You by Moonlight.

See reactions and reviews for Bivouac.

See reactions and reviews for Rigel Five.

See reactions and reviews for Lillith.

See reactions and reviews for Act of Defiance.

[zine]: A lot of people told me they were going to pass this zine by because of Dodge's involvement with it. I think that would be a mistake. Yes, there are two of of her Kirk/Uhura stories in here, and it took me several weeks to get up the courage to read them, because I disagree so strongly with Dodge, and mighod, suppose they were good? I need not have worried. And it's a large zine, they are only a small part of it. To be fair, Dodge is one of the co-authors on the dolphin story, 'Bivouac' and it is excellent. Seldom have I seen the interaction between Spock and McCoy played out so well. There is other beautiful stuff in here, too. Kristina Trott's art folio is so... well, I know they are drawings and not photographs -- they are too perfect to be photographs. The Star Wars art folio by John Martin is also grand. Mel's McCoy on page 203 I'd like to frame and put on the wall. All in all, I have to say I'm glad I've got this zine, and I hope they do a #5. And I hope you're still speaking to me, Mel.[21]

[zine]: 'Delta Triad' has never been that spectacular of a zine. Mary Lou Dodge's work aside, the stories in it were never extremely dramatic (and hence, never melodramatic), but good, solid, wholesome tales of 'love and like' on the Big E. Turnips, if you will, in the vegetable garden of trek lit. Shreve's and Scarsdale's editorial control is obvious, but it does guarantee that their writers won't ignore plot for characterization, nor character for sensation. So this time, instead of race horses, it's dolphins starring in the major story 'Bivouac.' It is early in the five-year mission; McCoy and Spock have yet learned nothing of each other's character. To conciliate them, Kirk sends them off alone together to a century-abandoned project involving Terran dolphin dolphins on this watery planet. There, a mystery brews with the dolphins, 17 hogsheads of a fry, and a 33-year cycle. To solve it, McCoy and Spock must form a 'modus convivendi' and incidentally run some personal risks. It's a neat story! Joe Martin and Fran Smith have a couple of interesting minor pieces in 'Rigel Five' and 'Lillith,' M.L. Dodge has a somewhat drawn-out Italian comedy called 'I'll Come to You by Moonlight'; and Martin and Dodge's 'Dark of the Moon' is a flawed but readable psychological horror story.[22]

[zine]:

DT has always been a beautiful zine: well-edited, handsomely illustrated, and worth every penny of its price, but this truly an outstanding issue for its good fiction. Most of DT's stories have as their basis the 'secret romantic relationship' between the Captain and Uhura; "Dark of the Moon" by Joe Martin and Mary Lou Dodge deals with the efforts of the Enterprise to help a marooned giant alien they take aboard, in spit of his maniac attempts on the crew. One of his victims is M'Benga, who McCoy has innocently chose to matchmake with Uhura, and some of the best writing has to do with Kirk's uncertainties and jealousies which never leave the back of his mind all the time he and his officers work to solve the alien's problem.

"I'll Come to You By Moonlight" by MLD alone is a love story comedy of errors, of hits and misses, as everything the writers can imagine conspires to prevent Kirk and Uhura from getting together for their brief shore leave. The reader can forgive all the do they/don't they suspense (that more than once feels a bit contrived) in the good sensitive writing we have come to expect from Mary Lou.

The prize story in thish is "Bivouac," a Shreve-Dodge-Scarsdale joint effort, combining humor and wit with one of the best fan-written stories I have ever read. A lovely dolphin tale, among use of the technology developed by Starfleet during the last two years of the E's five-year mission -- The Aquashuttle. It sets up a rather rare situation with McCoy and Spock deliberately sent off together by Kirk on an assignment which (he hopes) will teach them to understand each other's strengths and weakness better. The suspenseful story is beautifully developed as the two work together to save the lives of the dolphins, and the Doctor and Spock do learn considerable respect for each other.

The last story in the zine is one with the most elements: "Rigel 5" by Joe Martin and MLD again, is a deeply moving story of friendly aliens whose paths cross those of the E crew briefly; of high courage and lessons learned by all involved. No love story here in sight, but most absorbing. There was an unusually clumsy addendum to the main plot, however, with the authors' apparent effort to link this story chronologically with one in an earlier issue. The item was distinctly obtrusive, and can serve no there obvious purpose than the attempt to interest the reader into buying the other zine. Inept, in a zine of this caliber.

In addition to the fiction, there is art aplenty, with chief honors shared by Mel and John Martin. Amy Harlib has a Klingon Fashion Folio, and Kristina Trott a series of lovely pencil drawings of "Kirk's Officers." Martin also has a folio of Star Wars characters, highly inappropriate in a purely Star Trek zine that is treasured for the same. There are 10 pages of zine reviews, plus puzzles, ads and LoCs. Some very sensitive poetry is interspersed with the fiction, in particular by Sarah Leibold.

All in all a fine issue. [23]

DT#4 is an excellent collection of stories and art. Unfortunately, Shreve used a mimeo which spoiled both of the otherwise beautiful artwork. The writers represented in this zine are "fascinated" with the relationship between Kirk and Uhura, which they maintain (tastefully) is a silent love affair.

One of the main stories, "I'll Come to You by Moonlight," is another chapter in the Kirk/Uhura love epic. This semi-conical epic is will handled, and even if you don't think there may be some hanky-panky between the Captain and the Lieutenant you should like it. Another main story is "Bivouac". In this ong, McCoy and Spock are left on a waterworld with orders to solve their differences. This story is handled expertly and does justice to McCoy's character, especially. Two other stories are not as good as the other ones. One involves a group of scientists who must sacrifice their lives to save the Rigel V system and the enormous population there. The other is about a giant aboard the ship who is bent on destroying it. There are also three single-scene stories, including McCoy's goodbyes to his family when joining Star Fleet, Uhura doing the same and the last has McCoy about to leave Star Fleet in order to save the service from disgrace. (He feels he has insulted T'Pau.)

The zine has some very good poetry, also a few puzzles and a fairly good review section. Although most of the art is poorly printed, there are two portfolios that are beautiful, one on the Enterprise officers and one on the Star Wars characters. There is also a section on Klingon fashions.

The stories alone make up for the poor printing. If you buy zines for the stories, you'll like this one.

RATING: 7 out of 10. [24]

Issue 5

front cover of issue #5, John Martin
back cover of issue #5, Melinda Shreve

Delta Triad 5 was published in June 1979 and is 241 pages long.

The art is by John Martin (front cover), Mark M. Stephenson, and Melinda Reynolds.

The editors announced it was their last issue. See notes on next issue, issue #6.

The editorial:

[Laura]:

EDITOR'S LOG, Stardate 7903.30: It seems like only yesterday I sat down, starry-eyed and anticipating to write my first Editor's Log, but in actuality that was four years ago. A lot of things have happened In that time.

The past four years have been glorious and filled with the loving friendships that are such an Intimate and beautiful part of Trekdom, and with the excitement of conventions, travel, and new people. They have seen two of my dearest friends. Ken Reynolds and Melinda Shreve, become one. They have meant growth and change and appreciation of all the man hours of work and devotion that have gone Into D.T. from the many who have contributed and helped. (You know who you are, and I thank you).

As Editor, I offer my special thanks to Melinda for her wit, wisdom, criticism, drive, and above all, her friendship. And a great big thanks to Mary Lou, who, though she sometimes stared unbelievingly, never refused to work on the most outlandish story outlines we could devise. John Martin also has my sincerest thanks for all his lovely art work, some of which was certainly above and beyond the call of duty.

In summing up, this is our last issue (more about this from Teri), I'd like to say that STAR TREK and being associated with the people who make it live has been a mountain-top experience, one that re-affirms the message that there is a future out there, one worth working toward and living in, where all men are brothers and love has been ultimately defined. So to all my friends, readers and loved ones, I wish you PEACE.

The editorial:

[Melinda]:

CO-EDITOR'S LOG, Stardate 7903.31: Well, here it is at last, our final issue. This is the last issue that will be solely in my editorial and publishing control. Since my marriage to Ken Reynolds last Oct. 28, I find I no longer have the time or captial [sic] to continue DELTA TRIAD as I would like to, maintaining quality and lowest possible price.

This issue is offset due to the fact that the printers using mimeo reproduction has become so expensive, offset wasn't too much more. This issue is the culmination of our ideas and visions. "Love's Renaissance" is rather in the romantic vein; a sort of romance/fantasy combination. I feel this Is the best of our Kirk/Uhura Series.

"Mission and Men" had been in the works for three years. Mary Lou finally got around to it, and has presented a very plausible storyline to continue our loose collection of our 'McCoy Series', so to speak.

Both "wanderlust" and "The Cultural Investigators" are short stories to break up the longer ones; "Wanderlust" is ably done by Anna Mary Hall. And "My Dancing Day" is another addition to our Kirk/Uhura Series, and answers some questions about a certain Xmas party with Kirk and Helen Noel.

"The Adv. of the Three Rodericks" is totally my idea and conception. So you know where to lay the blame. When I broached my story idea to Mary Lou, I received a long silence at the other end of the phone. When I hastily assured her that a Sherlock Holmes/Star Trek story was not meant to be taken seriously, she relented and came up with an entertaining, 'other universe' story. Just because this is our last issue, don't think we don't want to hear from you. I am most anxious to have comments and criticisms on our 5th issue. Send them to my new address at the end of this editorial...please.

Now--this is our last issue, but not DELTA TRIAD'S last issue. I have spoken with Teri Meyer. (INTERSTAT, BERENGARIA) about the possibility of continuing the DT zines, and she agreed to take over publishing and editorial management.

  • Editor's Log (1)
  • Co-Editor's Log (ii)
  • Love’s Renaissance by Mary Louise Dodge ("Possibly suffering amnesia, Kirk and Uhura are stranded on a planet of mixed races, kings, slavery. McCoy poses as a healer to look for them.") (1)
  • Wanderlust by Anna Mary Hall (102)
  • Wilderness, poem (107)
  • My Dancing Day by Mary Louise Dodge ("Christmas on the Enterprise.") (108)
  • Federation Fashions, artwork by Melinda Reynolds (121)
  • The Cultural Investigators by Mary Louise Dodge ("In the name of cultural understanding, Scotty and McCoy investigate the quarters of their First Officer.") (126)
  • Mission and Men by Mary Louise Dodge ("After failing to save a patient for whom he has special feelings, McCoy plans to hide away doing pure research. Then a critically ill Lt. Kirk comes under his care. McCoy risks his career to win a battle his colleagues believe is hopeless. Kirk recovers to promise that when he becomes a Captain, McCoy will be his CMO. McCoy's faith in himself as a doctor is renewed.") (132)
  • The Adventure of the 3 Rodericks by Mary Louise Dodge and Melinda Reynolds (crossover with Sherlock Holmes. "A jolt to the Enterprise sends Kirk, Spock and McCoy to a planet-like earth of three hundred years before, to London and Baker Street.") (186)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 5

See reactions and reviews for Love's Renaissance.

See reactions and reviews for Wanderlust.

See reactions and reviews for My Dancing Day.

See reactions and reviews for The Cultural Investigators.

See reactions and reviews for Mission and Men.

See reactions and reviews for The Adventure of the 3 Rodericks.

[zine]: In DT5, there's "Love's Renaissance," wherein Kirk and Uhura, both amnesiacs, are mistaken for a princess and her slave on a medieval type planet with (you guessed it) blacks as masters and whites as slaves. Not very original, but it's filled with romance and diplomatic intrigue, which make it a lot of fun. It also has an overlong sequence of Kirk and Uhura's escape through the wilderness. Others like this are "Missions and Men," wherein Lt. Kirk tries to avoid an interplanetary war and contracts choriomeningitis in the process, and "The Tale of the Three Rodericks," a ST/Holmes crossover. Being a longtime Holmesian, I was delighted at the resemblance to Doyle's style... Other stories in DT5: "Wanderlust," by Anna Mary Hall, gives us a glimpse of Sulu before he joins the Fleet. There's something very expressive and stylish about Hall's writing that I like. Then there's "My Dancing Day," with another Christmas party aboard the Big E while the aliens take care of the ship (nice idea, that). I just wish Dodge hadn't assumed all humans, especially Uhura, celebrate Christmas. Kirk's and Uhura's dialogue, particularly Kirk's, is often embarrassingly heavy-handed, like most of their speech in these stories. (In "Love's Renaissance," Uhura tells Kirk "Oh, the singing of my blood when you touch me!") "Dancing Day" also has a rather turgid scene in which Kirk tells Uhura of their future marriage and her having to give up her career for him, followed by Uhura's unblinking acquiescence. My, what progress we've made in two centuries. "Rebellion. . ." is one of those rehashes of Spock's argument with Dad over Starfleet and doesn't offer anything new in this 10,000th telling. "Paradise Found. . ." is a funny short-short set during "This Side of Paradise" in which Kirk, angry and hurt at Uhura's abandonment of him and her sabotage of the communications board, beams down to Omicron Ceti and finds her skinny dipping. This is one of the many stories where Dodge effectively gets your erotic juices going without being graphic... As for the art, DT5 has truly beautiful work by John Martin, Mark Stephenson, and Melinda Shreve-Reynolds. It seems to be all pencil. There are some stunning fairy tale, or other stylish, illos here that should be put up at an auction. The depth, composition, choice of scene, and subjects are breathtaking... If you can overlook some of the occasional prejudices toward women and if you enjoy real romance/adventure stories, you'll probably enjoy DT. However, the lack of diverse talent may occasionally bore you.[25]

Issue 6

cover issue #6

Delta Triad 6 has 126 pages and was published in 1984. There were 300 issues printed.

  • Rebellion by Mary Louise Dodge (1)
  • Paradise Found...? Mary Louise Dodge (11)
  • Lost Princeling Affair by Mary Louise Dodge. (20)
  • Though Hell Should Bar the Way by Mary Louise Dodge (55)
  • Dragon Teeth by Mary Louise Dodge (87)
  • The Adventure of the Cursed Coronet by Mary Louise Dodge (102)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 6

[zine]: Issue 6 has "Though Hell Should Bar The Way," a story in which Uhura is in the hands of a woman-hating maniac in an exclusive starbase hotel while Kirk tries to rescue her.

Next is "The Lost Princeling Affair," with Sulu in the middle of ,a resistance movement, a lost imperial baby, and the secret police hard on Sulu's trail.

"Dragon Teeth" has Uhura (pre-Enterprise) in her first command duty of a landing party, which runs across some maize-like beasties. Her success as a commander is nicely portrayed when her captain looks at her as an equal on a job well done.

And lastly, there's a sequel to DT5's Holmes story, "The Adventure of the Cursed Coronet," a self-contained story that brings back Irene Adler, Holmes' 'The Woman', and introduces her to Kirk. The interplay between Holmes and Spock is delightful but frustratingly infrequent...

Issue 6 has two small, lovely poems by Laura Scarsdale that are so consciously lyrical and yet to the point that I had to read them more than just twice. The subject is, again, Kirk and Uhura. The main Enterprise characters are largely drawn close to the series people, although Uhura is sometimes hard to get a handle on. As for Kirk, I like his smooth professionalism which is, again, so like the TV series, and which appears quite often in these stories. There are also some good science fiction ideas and interesting political intrigue offered. But the original characters never really come to life. And though the ideas are good, the various planets and aliens never seem . . . alien. And you'll find only two types of women here: shrews or saints. Uhura's the latter.

Then too, there's the lack of variety in the writing style, since the same few people are doing all the writing...

The art in DT6 is less [beautiful than in DT5] so, but I think it's due to the xerox reproduction. The covers of both issues are very well reproduced and gorgeous. The bacover of issue 6 is also full of striking fantasy images...

If you can overlook some of the occasional prejudices toward women and if you enjoy real romance/adventure stories, you'll probably enjoy DT. However, the lack of diverse talent may occasionally bore you.[26]

Supplement 1

front cover of supplement #1, Kristina Trott
back cover of supplement #1, Melinda Shreve

Delta Triad Supplement 1 was published in February 1977 and is 101 pages long. This issue was dedicated to Carol Frisbie and Joan Winston.

It required an age statement to purchase.

The art is by Connie Faddis, John Martin, M. Shreve, Kristina Trott, and Monica Miller.

The first printing was February 1977 and consisted of 400 copies. The second printing was May 1977 and consisted of 300 copies.

NOTE: Some issues of the second printing appear to be bootlegged. The page numbers do not match the table of contents, and the art (especially pieces by John Martin) are either poorly reproduced or missing entirely. This is not simply a case of blank pages (though there is one of those), but of the zine being retyped and put together in an odd way.

"Introduction" page from the supplement, first printing -- while the text remains the same, the second printing does not include the photograph of the editors but instead an uncredited illo of the Enterprise

[From the editorial]: Why a Supplement? Several reasons, really; but the chief one is the illustration accompanying the love scene in "Uhura's Decision". It was originally meant for "Denebian Bell" (DT II); as much as we wanted to use it, we felt it would he considered unsuitable for younger readers of DT (and, if they didn't mind, their parents might!). Second, the whole premise of "Uhura's Decision" was somewhat heyond the limits of our usual G rated storylines. Then, there's "The Ambassadress" and it's rather provocative storyline. "Autumn's Echo" serves to 'round out' the Supplement and to provide a story for McCoy fans. The short short "...meanwhile...", bridges the two shore leave stories, and brings in Spock and Scott.

"Uhura's Decision" is the last in the Kirk/Uhura series, but we still have 3 or 4 more K/U stories to print in DT 4 and 5. There might be a DT Supplement II (we're already working on a Scott romance), but nothing is definite yet. If it is printed, prior notice will be in DT 4 or 5: the Supplement will not go beyond two issues.

The Supplement was intended for and written for a more mature reader; there is no pornography, no sadism, no senseless violence. These are character stories with a STAR TREK background and reference; our own look into the characters we admire and love so much.

The Staff Of Delta Triad

[From the afterword]:

Hi, y'all. I wanted to use this space and opportunity to share some thoughts and ideas.

First, from going over our lists, I've noticed the majority of you who ordered the Supplement, also ordered DT 4. Our fourth issue will be delayed — we need a rest. In the space of 29 months (Aug. '74-- Jan. '77),, we've written 16 stories, 9 poems, drawn 112 illos (approx, 560 pages), printed four zines (total 2500 copies), attended 15 conventions, and sponsored 1 and aided 2 local cons. Each of us have our own jobs, responsibilities, and outside interests, which have grown, in the past year -- especially for Laura, and Mary Lou. Laura has taken on the care of 2 stallions and 14 mares. Mary Lou is now the mailroom clerk for the STAR TREK Welcommittee. We've found our free time even more limited, and the tendency to rush through stories, and omit rewrites, is strong. Rather than, let the stories suffer — and after going over the outlines for 4 it's evident they have — we've decided to push the deadline up to October '77. Those who have ordered. DT 4 expecting delivery by June and don't want to wait, may receive a full refund -- just write us. Those who don't mind waiting the extra time, the price will remain the same for those who have already ordered, even if the price should go up by October. I don't foresee any price increase, aside from possible postage rates; or extreme paper increases.

Also, you may have noticed that with our 'Shore Leave' stories, Kirk and Uhura's leave ended, while McCoy's still had several months left, and Spock and Scott had yet to take theirs. We were toying with the idea of a second Supplement -- which would have a Scott romance, the completion of McCoy's leave, and possibly a short story on how Spook spends shore leave on Earth. For the second part of McCoy's leave, we considered a sequel to "The Alphan Primaries," but we weren't sure how well a story with Anlen's return would go over. If you have any opinions, one way or another, we'd appreciate hearing from you.

We've heard from several people, and have accepted submissions from 2: A short story from Fran Smith, and art from Rick Pearson. Their work will appear in DT 4.

I hope you enjoy this Supplement, and I regret the delay on DT 4. We appreciate your support and understanding.

Health and Happiness.

Mel)

  • Dedication (1)
  • Introduction (ii)
  • Acknowledgments (iv)
  • Uhura’s Decision by M.L. Dodge and Laura Scarsdale (explicit, "While Kirk is unconscious after being pelted by rocks in the episode "The Paradise Syndrome," McCoy puts Miramanee's 2 month old fetus in stasis. He tells Uhura, who'd broken up with Kirk four months ago that she is a perfect match to carry the child to term. She is at first angry, but then agrees. Kirk is, at first, angry but then is happy. She delivers a healthy baby boy. There is a subplot involving her family in Africa on a lion hunt.") (Kirk/Uhura) (1)
  • ... meanwhile... by M.L. Dodge (45)
  • Autumn’s Echo by M.L. Dodge and Laura Scarsdale and Melinda Shreve (McCoy) ("A McCoy romance, McCoy makes a happy and rewarding visit home. He helps settle affairs concerning the family, enjoys a romantic interlude in an idyllic cabin, and is kidnapped by three local roughnecks. He beats them hands down in a brawl and to top it off, parks their air car in a most inconvenient spot.") (50)

Reactions and Reviews: Supplement 1

See reactions and reviews for Uhura's Decision.

See reactions and reviews for Meanwhile....

See reactions and reviews for Autumn's Echo.

See reactions and reviews for The Ambassadress.

[zine]: The editors introduced the fanzine by saying, 'The Supplement was intended for and written for a more mature reader: there is no pornography, no sadism, no mindless violence.' Despite this disclaimer, some of the stories were explicitly [hetero] sexual, and at least one drawing left nothing to the imagination.[27]

[zine]: This supplement was intended for the more mature readers who wouldn't be offended if Kirk and Uhura did more than hold hands. DTS's showcase piece is 'Uhura's Decision' which examines the K/Uh relationship under some of the greatest emotional stress the two fill face. The interplay between them and a meddling McCoy is slow-paced, tense, and often hurtful. They're caught in a potentially disastrous situation, yet strong wills and well-meshed natures prevail; 'Autumn's Echo' is strictly for McCoy fans, it's down-home mis-adventure involving McCoy's older brother, property hungry local yokels, and 'Jake's' old flame. Shades of Bonanza; 'The Ambassadress' is fun. Antoi, enticing and sultry, personally tests the ah... virtues and connubial merits of the Big Four. And Spock cheats!!; DTS contains adequate poems and two excellent drawings by Monica Miller and Connie Faddis. An interesting zine.[28]

[zine]: Like its big sister, this excellent zine consisting of two long stories and two short stories. The first story is called ‘Uhura’s Decision’ and deals with the Kirk/Uhura relationship which is the basic theme of Delta Triad. In this story, McCoy on the spur of the moment, removes Miramanee’s unborn child and places it in stasis. After running the proper checks, he finds that Uhura would make a good substitute mother and presents his idea to her. At first she refuses, but after listening to a drugged Kirk, changes her mind. When Kirk finds out, he is furious with both of them. The story, in part, tells of Kirk’s struggle to accept the situation. A well-written story with good characterizations, even the love scene was done with good taste. This story is followed by a short story called, ‘… Meanwhile…’ which deals with Spock and Scotty, who are the only ones left on the Enterprise while the ship is orbiting around Earth, receiving repairs. To tell you more would spoil the delight the story has to offer. It gives some insight to the Spock/Scott [29] relationship of which we see so little in other zines. ‘Autumn’s Echo’ is the next big story this time. It is about McCoy who is home on leave and busy getting reacquainted with a lovely lady from his past. It tells of McCoy’s attempts to rekindle his childhood friendship with her, as well as his becoming involved in a conflict between his brother Adrian and a neighboring farmer. Another well-written love story that holds your interest. A must for McCoy fans. ‘The Ambassadress’ is … Ah well, I must admit I don’t know what to say about this one. The Ambassadress from Lytia is on the Enterprise to test her welcoming committee which consists of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty and Sulu. It turns out that on Lytia, the men prove their courage in bed and are judged by how well they please women. I will say this much: the readers will like the way Spock ‘gets out of it with dignity.’ There are a few poems and the artwork rates from good to excellent. John Martin’s illo of the love scene from ‘Uhura’s Decision’ is very well done, as well as the covers and all the other illos. All in all, this is a zine that I would recommend to everyone over the age of 18. Well worth the price, and readable.[30]

[zine]: ... This is an R-rated effort, but only mildly so I should say. I don't want to scare anyone off here. This is not a steamy pornozine, but quite the contrary; it turns out very well. 'Uhura's Decision,' the lead story is a nice little drama immediately following 'Paradise Syndrome.' It is not really an after-story, but placing it in context with the rest of the series gives it an interesting jumping off point. In this piece, Uhura must decide if she is to accept the child rescued from Miramanee before she died, and play host-mother to it in order to bear Kirk's child... including a series of conflicts between Kirk and Uhura revolving around her ultimate decision. 'Meanwhile' is just a connecting story to keep the continuity of the zine intact. It's not long, but it's a nice character study between Scott and Spock, who are on an empty ship during a layover for engine repair. Immediately, thereafter is a piece called 'Autumn's Echo.' This is a McCoy story, a romance of sorts, and a story about returning to his ancestral home in Georgia, and the few problems he finds there. Trailing up the latter pages is a delightful, if not somewhat lascivious, story called 'The Ambassadress.' In this story, an ambassadress from potential Federation trade planet, comes aboard to 'test' the performance of the welcoming committee Kirk has prepared for her. The 'test' involves sexual performance, which has been developed into a surrogate for warfare on her planet. The whole story is treated with a certain tongue-in-cheek attitude. The feeling I got while reading it was one of 'we know this couldn't happen, but isn't it fun to imagine?' which is just perfect for this type of story. The artwork and other illustrations inside are well above average and there are sheets of onionskin paper between the full page offset illos inside so the ink doesn't smear on the other pages... nice touch. Not a bad zine all around. Very enjoyable and very recommended.[31]

[zine]:

Fiction sensitive and thought-provoking, art good, appropriate, plentiful, illustrating stories and poems.

Uhura bears Kirk's child by Miramanee; conception occurring by McCoy/surgery in an absolutely inconceivable instance of his meddling in Kirk's business — unbelievable tale that raises more problems than it solves.

Another Spock-gets-drunk story. Dodge cannot write a really bad story, no matter how she tries, but good dialogue doesn't save this one.

Also "The Ambassadress", "trying out the sexual prowess of the welcoming committee (Spock, Kirk, McCoy, Sulu and Scott) and "Autumn's Echo", a "lovely McCoy story which takes place during his shore leave on earth.

Like all the DT 'zines, this issue is put out by Scarsdale, Shreve, and Dodge, and despite the limited output, the final product is amazingly good. [32]

References

  1. ^ Star Trek Fan Making Plans For Convention, from the Bowling Green Kentucky Daily News, April 23, 1976.
  2. ^ from Fanzine Review 'Zine
  3. ^ from Time Warp #1
  4. ^ from The Halkan Council #10 (September 1975)
  5. ^ from Interphase #2
  6. ^ from Spectrum #20
  7. ^ from Sehlat's Roar #2
  8. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  9. ^ from the letters section of issue #3 of Delta Triad, from Connie Faddis
  10. ^ from the letters section of issue #3 of Delta Triad
  11. ^ from the letters section of issue #3 of Delta Triad
  12. ^ from the letters section of issue #3 of Delta Triad
  13. ^ from Fanzine Review 'Zine #2
  14. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  15. ^ from The Halkan Council #23
  16. ^ From Implosion #5
  17. ^ from Spectrum #29
  18. ^ from Fanzine Review 'Zine #2
  19. ^ from Star Trek Nuts and Bolts #17/18/19
  20. ^ from Germaine Best in Tetrumbriant #12
  21. ^ from Stardate: Unknown #4
  22. ^ by Paula Smith from Scuttlebutt #5, also in Menagerie #14
  23. ^ Dixie Owen in WXYZine #1 (1978)
  24. ^ from Star Trek Nuts & Bolts #21/22
  25. ^ from Universal Translator #27
  26. ^ from Universal Translator #27
  27. ^ from Boldly Writing
  28. ^ from Scuttlebutt
  29. ^ the reviewer did not intend “slash”
  30. ^ From The Halkan Council #25
  31. ^ from Spectrum #32
  32. ^ from Fanzine Review 'Zine #2
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