Destiny's Children
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For the SW:TPM zine, see Destiny's Child (1999).
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Destiny's Children |
| Publisher: | Black Coffee Press |
| Editor(s): | Florence Butler & Lee Coleman |
| Date(s): | 1985-1987 |
| Series?: | |
| Medium: | |
| Genre: | gen and het |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Destiny's Children is a adult het and gen Star Trek: TOS anthology.
Issue 1
front cover of issue #1, Barbara P. Gordon
Destiny's Children 1 was published in April 1985 and contains 178 pages.
The art is by Barbara P. Gordon, Vicki Brinkmeier, Caro Hedge, Vel Jaeger, Pat Cash, Eleni Vafias, and Steve Wilson.
From an ad in Datazine #35: "Kirk and McCoy are forced to examine their response to a rape victim. A fair exchange -- or has Spock indeed lost something to a beautiful fellow officer? A near-disaster mars Sulu's first command. Uhura acquires a unique bracelet. And 'Dear Gabby' ask for you help with a (t)horny problem."
- Communications by The Editors
- May All Your Vulcans Be Warm by Micheline England (This story includes Mary-Mary O'Shaughnessy, a character first introduced to this author in (Don't) Tell It To The Captain.) (1)
- By Intimate Design by Jeanita Danzik (art by Pat Cash) (9)
- In the Name of Friendship by Steve Wilson (25)
- Dear Gabby (graphics by Caro Hedge) (36)
- Trade Secrets by Florence Butler (art by Pat Cash) (37)
- Anytime by CarolMel Ambassador (46)
- Mind Children by Carrie L. Washington (47)
- Gradivus by Steve Wilson (Captain Sulu novella) (art by Steve Wilson) (51)
- Please pass the Tribble by Florence Butler (art by Eleni Vafias) (114)
- Racy Rhymes by D. Mented (126)
- An Enemy So Rare by Jeanita Danzik (art by Vel Jaeger) (127)
- Poem (graphics by Caro Hedge, typeset by Eleni Vafias) (no author given) (153)
- When You Were All I by Carrie L. Washington (art by Barbara Gordon) (154)
- Starbound by Florence Butler (an Uhura-centric story that was reprinted in Starbound) (174)
- AABBA by S.O. Terrick (178)
from issue #1, inside back cover, Vicki Brinkmeier
from issue #1, Pat Cash
from issue #1, Barbara P. Gordon
from issue #1, Barbara P. Gordon
from issue #1, Pat Cash
from issue #1, Steve Wilson
from issue #1, Eleni Vafias
from issue #1, Vel Jaeger
from issue #1, Vel Jaeger
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1
The stories in this zine, by mostly new authors, were generally good. I found one long story rather difficult to get into, and so didn't. A surprisingly recurrent theme in many pieces was emotional injury and its healing, dealing particularly with women. The humor was low-key and thoughtful. The minor characters (Uhura, Chapel, Sulu, etc.) were treated with dignity and respect, unlike many times where they are used (or abused) for comic relief. Uhura is featured prominently in many stories that were unique ideas. The artwork was distinctly uneven — there were several good pieces, several that were 'okay,' and a few definitely mediocre works.
My main complaint about "Destiny's Children" was that the many limericks they ran had an excess of syllables, which completely distracted from the humor that this type of poetry usually embodies. The zine falls into the "gen" category — no overt hurt/comfort or heavy relationship stories, no "get-ems.' If it were a movie it would almost rate "R", but only one story places it in that category. All in all, I enjoyed the read. [1]
Issue 2
Destiny's Children 2 was published 1986 and has 236 pages.
From an ad in Datazine #41: "A young boy reminds Kirk of David. Spock encounters an alien device which changes him and his relationship with Kirk. More of Kerzi and her childhood and life on Vulcan. Uhura's 'Captain - I'm frightened' just won't do anymore. Kirk's actions help Rand make a decision. And more."
- Parting by Florence Butler (1)
- Solus, Liberum, Nominis by Elizabeth Hillman (7)
- "A Transmutation of Logic" by Jan Davies is a genderswap story in which Spock turns female and he and Kirk have sex, art by Steve Wilson (8)
- A Chance for Life by Steve Wilson (The untold story of Christopher's Pike's bravery and sacrifice.) (68)
- The Black Arrow by Jane Yambe (76)
- I Won't Look Back by Jeanita Danzik (Uhura thinks she's right, but the captain's not so sure.) (77)
- I Can't Sleep by Susan Stewart, A Splitting of Conscious, art by Anja Gruber (19)
- "Daughter of the Rom," "Renascence," "In Freedom's Wake" by Jeanita Danzik (Kerzi's birth, early life and marriage on Romulus, her later years on Vulcan.) art by Terry Broz (96)
- A Letter Home by Justince (157)
- Babe in the Woods by Beverly Danielson, art by Terry Broz (158)
- Poem by T'Hera (162)
- Shadowed Star by T'Hera (163)
- On Berengaria by T'Hera (203)
- Daddy's Little Boy by Jeanita Danzik (204)
- The Last Run by Jane Yambe (210)
- Erasmus by Cory Madison (211)
interior art from issue #2, Steve Wilson
interior art from issue #2, Anja Gruber
interior art from issue #2, T'Hera
interior art from issue #2, Terry Broz
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2
To be very up front -- I LIKE this zine. It's an excellent zine filled with what I have always enjoyed about Star Trek -- wonderfully interesting characters. DC introduces us to new characters, new cultures, and puts familiar characters into fascinating new situations. My favorite new character is Keri, a Romulan woman who is the heroine in a series of stories. The author offers an in-depth study of a developing character and some unique views of a Romulan society. I laughed at McCoy's offer to 'bob' Mr. Spock's ears in 'I Can't Sleep.' hurt with Chris Pike as he tries to deal with imprisonment in his own damaged body in 'A Chance for Life,' had my imagination fired by Spock's encounter with alien technology and his subsequent dealings with Kirk, McCoy and Christine. DC is interesting, well-written, and I highly recommend it. I got so involved I read it from cover to cover in one sitting, and it kept me up until 3 AM! It's about a PG through R, with some material definitely adult-oriented. [2]
DESTINY'S CHILDREN 2 has some notable stories, among them "A Transmutation of Logic" by Jan Davies. In this story, Spock is transformed into a female Vulcan (a cover story is spread by Kirk and McCoy, the only two who know about this, that Spock took temporary leave on Vulcan and a female Vulcan officer took his place) and Kirk has an affair with her. To me, this story unfolded too slowly: there was too much description, and took too long to say simple things. This and other stories in this fanzine have enough sex to warrant an age statement, in my opinion, yet it does not. I think editors ought to strongly consider age statements for strong "R" rated stories as well as "X" rated stories, if for no other reason than to let readers know what to expect."And I Won't Look Back" by Jeanita Danzik is a story in which Uhura feels she needs to "prove" her self. Since I don't think she needs to prove herself, I did not enjoy the story, but I know an Uhura fan who thought it was wonderful. "Daughter of the Rom" by Jeanita Danzik is a thoroughly professional story. I can find no literary fault with it. The plot, characterization, and mechanics are all excellent. It captures the interest well. It is about a young woman who grows up and gets married in the Romulan Empire. In adulthood, she comes to the Federation. This is one of those instances in which, while I recognize the story as first-rate writing, I just didn't find it to my taste. Other fans, however, may find it enjoyable.
The fanzine has several other stories in addition to these. [3]
Issue 3
cover of issue #3 by Anja Gruber
Destiny's Children 3 is 214 pages long and a collection of 11 stories and was published May 1987. Cover & back cover: Anja Gruber.
- Home by Tom Howard p. 1-13
- Apologies by Nancy Dell p. 14-19
- With No Immediate Cause by Mary Ann Alfreda p. 20-88
- Interim by Libby West p. 89-91 (McCoy and Kirk in the sickbay of the Bird of Prey as they rush to Vulcan.)
- Sisters and Other Strangers by Jeanita Danzik p. 92-106
- Case Study of a Victim by Miki Wordsmith p. 107-119 (McCoy is surprised to find Jim Kirk in his quarters when he returns from a memorial service for an old friend. Kirk thinks the doctor might need to talk and McCoy realizes he would like to tell Kirk about the important part Dr. Silverman played in his life.)
- The Monkey and the Cat by Jeanita Danzik p. 120-131
- Past Encounters by T'Hera p. 132-175
- Beginning, Middle, and... by D. J. Curran p. 176-180
- The Aphrodisiac by Deborah Cummins p. 181-200
- Along the Dark Arching Road by Beverly Danielson p. 201-203
- Poetry: Small Talk by Suzan Stewart
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3
Destiny's Children is one of the more popular gen-zines on today's fanzine market according to the reviews of past issues. This particular issue has material ranging from mediocre to excellent and artwork which is, unfortunately, on the whole, rather poor. Layout is very even, few typos and the spiral binding holds up well. "Home" by Tom Howard is a multi-character view of the abduction of Admiral Kirk's body by the Anti-Federation League. Although the plot is weak, the characters are quickly fleshed out and make interesting. "Apologies" by Nancy Dell is a sequel to "This Side of Paradise". It is the internalization of feelings by Kirk and Spock over their bitter confrontation and the eventual resolution of guilt and pain. This story reminds me of those seen in older zines from a decade ago in its handling of the plot line and emotions. "With No Immediate Cause" by' Mary Ann Alfreda is the best offering of the zine in my opinion. The planet in question is Liccias, renowned for its "Hospitality Houses" and submissive women. The Enterprise, through the Ianding party and the vicious attack on its single woman representative. Uhura, learn to understand the tragic truth of life in a totally male-dominated society. Alfreda has created an absorbing culture with frightening parallels to our own. "Sisters & Other Strangers" by Jeanita Danzik was a disappointment. Christine Chapel invites Captain Uhura to join her for the birth of her son. The jealousy from Uhura over being displaced in Christine's life by the new child was unrealistic to me. "Case Study of a Victim" by Miki Wordsmith was also quite good. It's a chapter out of McCoy's life as a young man between his divorce and meeting of Kirk. The relationship developed between McCoy and Sonya Silverman was realistic without resorting to maudlin techniques. "Past Encounters" by T'Hera was somewhat confusing in the premise of the time warp which places Spock in Vulcan's past. The story is a direct sequel to "Amok Time", setting the stage for Spock's involvement with a pre-reform woman. An alien race on Vulcan to colonize adds interest to the otherwise straight-forward plot. Poetry and a second story by Jeanita Danzik round out the 214 page zine. [4]
- Home / Admiral Kirk has died peacefully in his bed. On the eve of the funeral, a major PR event, the body is stolen by a group of anti-Federation protesters with Klingon ties, and the surviving members of the old gang take the Enterprise out to recover it. Joanna takes her Dad's spot.
- Apologies / Spock and Kirk come to terms with Kirk having hurt Spock's feelings by calling him names in "The Other Side of Paradise."
- With No Immediate Cause / Uhura, Kirk's lover, is kidnapped and sexually assaulted on a mission to a totally male-dominated culture, with hurt-comfort ramifications for both Uhura and Kirk. Meanwhile, a Klingon is attempting to prevent the planet from joining the Federation. The plot unfolds with a revolutionary Circle of women and some courtroom drama. It's a bit hard to accept that the Federation would accept this planet in the first place, and the "talking cure" pop psychology stuff gets tedious, but otherwise, a good story.
- Interim / STIII. Vignette of Kirk and McCoy watching over Spock's comatose body on the Bird of Prey headed for Vulcan. The dialogue is unconvincingly schmaltzy, but the situation is good - McCoy is facing his own death with Spock's, and through the fear is hurt by the knowledge that it is Spock, not him, the Captain is worried about.
- Sisters and Other Strangers / Now here's a different one! Christine Chapel is having a baby and has called Uhura to be with her through the delivery, at which McCoy will be assisting. Excellent exploration of the feelings that go with all this - Uhura is jealous of the unborn baby, and Chris is too wrapped up with him to cater to her. The birth brings it all together, and the high feelings of all three here are deftly handled, especially McCoy's plain delight in the baby and Uhura's transformation from hostility to tender welcome.
- Case Study of a Victim / After the funeral of his old mentor Dr. Silverman, McCoy reminisces to Kirk about their early meeting and work together. They met in a plague-control effort, McCoy falling in love with the daughter (the author gets points for not killing the girl off for "kissing a Cartwright"). Silverman is a brilliant wreck avoiding emotional involvement by maintaining a drugged stupor, and attempts suicide, which McCoy prevents. When both Sonya and McCoy are down with the plague, he comes through with an effective treatment. McCoy went off to work with the dad, and the lovers drifted apart.
- The Monkey and the Cat / Hoo (the wildly sexual primate) and Wisna (the reserved lioness) are fast friends and comrades in Security. Kirk is unable to trust Hoo - perhaps partly out of jealousy that she does not try to seduce him - with fatal consequence for Wisna on a risky mission when Kirk uses the communicator at an inopportune moment. Points for working with a character flaw in Kirk. It's a perfectly good story; I tend to be a bit put off by humanoid crew designed on other Terran animals.
- Past Encounters / Pon farr time-warp story. It's all kinda confused, but Spock (just when he's starting into his aborted ponn-farr) is caught up in a time-warp that plops him on ancient Vulcan. He takes care of Pari, a survivor of a raid in old Shikar, and they are nabbed by aliens who have come looking to colonize Vulcan. But the aliens are all dying from something and Spock agrees to take their ship back to their homeworld and help them look for another likely spot. Then somebody challenges him for Pari, who is carrying his child, and he wins, but ends up giving her away... and... and he gets home and all is well.
- Beginning, Middle, and... / Excellent little parody as the crew land on the planet of stories and plot devices and a lack of endings. Full of great lines like, "Suspend your disbelief, Ensign." "Yes, sir, right away."
- The Aphrodisiac / A brothel keeper slips Spock an aphrodisiac to drum up business, but it poisons him; fearful of consequences, the family consider killing him. Sensor sweeps are useless because of incessant air traffic and Kirk can't get the local authorities to take action. But he eventually rescues him.
- Along the Dark Arching Road / Spock vignette, on the rift with Sarek as he departs his home for Starfleet. Points deducted for the unicorn.
- Poetry: Small Talk / Suzan Stewart - cute dialog with Spock unable to get a word in edgewise with Kirk. [5]