Dreams and Demons
| K/S Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Dreams and Demons |
| Author(s): | Patricia Laurie Stephens |
| Date(s): | 1992 |
| Length: | |
| Genre: | slash |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: The Original Series |
| External Links: | |
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Dreams and Demons is a K/S story by Patricia Laurie Stephens.
It was published in Charisma #14.
Summary
"A terrible motorbike accident paralyzes Spock from the neck down. Can his and Kirk's love survive the ordeal? Is Spock's hope for recovery only a desperate dream?"
Reactions and Reviews
I had to read this story several times before I could decide whether or not I liked it. But I do like it. Patricia shows,in my opinion, great depth and creativity in her story, as well as a well thought out plausible story line. A job well done.[1]
Charisma #14 had a Stevens story I disliked called "Dreams and Demons." I normally love her stories. But this one depressed me, and I just wasn't up to it. It is written effectively, though. [2]
There are some wonderful scenes in this story, but the plot's flawed. Spock becomes paralyzed in a motorcycie accident. What's wrong with this picture? The first thing that's wrong with it is the motorcycie. It's too 20th century. Why a motorcycle in the 23rd century? It could be a shuttle, an aircar, a flitter -- something technologically appropriate. The author could have a motorcycle in her story if she explained that Kirk and Spock had a thing about motorcycles, but she doesn't do this. The next problem is that Spock had the accident because he was suffering from highway hypnosis. I find it very difficult to believe that a Vulcan, who knows the technioues of discipline and who is abie to function on very little sleep (as is seen most notably in "The Paradise Syndrome"), would have this problem. OK, so now we have an unbelievable accident using an unbelievable vehicle. Once that part of the story is over, it's all very moving and well-written. I thought that the unconscious astral projection scene near the end, which was so real that Kirk and Spock both thought they were together, was especially effective. [3]
As with many of this author's stories, "Dreams and Demons" left me shaking my head in admiration, while at the same time leaving me appalled. By the time I got to the second-to-last paragraph, I was absolutely certain this was going to have a bad ending, though considering Spock's condition, it would probably be called a 'good' ending. I was so relieved that something wonderful finally happened the last two paragraphs. And yet. I still felt an inkling of anger for being dragged through hell and back... right along with Spock. And that's where my admiration comes from. The reader was right there with Spock through all the tight, concise writing. Even though this 40-page story spanned a year's time, we didn't miss anything that Spock thought or felt. The most amazing thing of all was the original accident. I don't think any 'moment in time' has been so successfully dissected, only to be so graphically presented. I felt as though it was happening to me as it was happening to Spock. An incredible talent. A day after reading it, I find myself wondering what its point was. Sometimes when writing is so excellent, there seems to be no need for a purpose. But this story haunts me with a vague sense of dissatisfaction, and I think it's because I'm not certain what Spock gained from all his suffering. Usually, these 'recovery' types of stories have a "love conquers all" message, or some such. This simply left me feeling that I don't ever want to go through what Spock did and I'm not sure if that's what the author meant to say. [4]
It is very difficult for me to believe the person who wrote this story did not experience the accident described therein and its consequences in real life. I don’t believe I’ve ever read anything that is so convincingly real. I could not shake the vision of Kirk & Spock’s terrible accident just as their love is blossoming. It kept going round and round in my head all night - almost as if it had happened to me. It even touched my dreams.There are lots of accidents and intentional injuries inflicted upon Kirk and Spock in K/S, but nothing like this. If you have ever accidentally hit an animal on the road, you know that sound is something that you cannot shake free of. It’s the same with this dreadful hit and run by a robotic vehicle. We are in Spock’s head as he believes he and Kirk have escaped relatively unscathed from a motorbike flipping over with them, only to see the robo-truck bearing down on him, striking him and dragging him beneath its relentless wheels. It is awful. Awful. The author not only conveys the horror of the accident, but takes us through the treatment period with what I believe is great authenticity and empathy. Spock’s neck has been snapped – something he felt at the time and that this skillful author brings to startling life with her words. Spock is a paraplegic, and he goes through every stage of denial, grief and anger that is possible, experiences every indignity. His mental agony is excruciating to read. Months pass. Kirk returns alone to the Enterprise at Spock’s demand.
There isvery littlenothing to be happy about in this story but I could not put it down. It is, as I say, startlingly realistic and deeply disturbing. There is no easy resolution to anything. There is at the end a small light at the end of a very dark and dismal tunnel. I strongly hope this writer simply has a vivid imagination, because I do not want to think such a thing happened to anyone. Read it if you like angst, but know that it goes far beyond most things you’ve encountered. [5]