Gambit (Star Trek: TOS story by Jane Elza)

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	Gambit
Author(s):	Jane Elza
Date(s):	1989
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Gambit is a Kirk/Spock story by Jane Elza.

It was published in the print zine Counterpoint #2.

Summary

"Kirk accompanies Spock to a chess tournament where the Vulcan champion turns out to want more than the chess title after he sees Kirk."

Reactions and Reviews

I enjoyed most of this story except the sex scene which took place "almost in a public place". I don't think either Kirk or especially Spock would forget himself so far as to engage in sex without first securing their privacy.

This was one of my favorite stories in the zine. It conveyed, in eloquent words, Spock's feelings of isolation and alienness and the reaction of his only friend James Kirk. I loved the part when Kirk tells Spock that he loves only him and they confess and show their love for each other. I also liked Kirk telling Spock what he'd do if Spock ever left him — that he'd 'bombard' him with his thoughts. The final few paragraphs with Spock fighting a mental duel over Kirk was wonderful.

This is a little gem of a tale, filled with tenderness, love, and just enough angst to tug at the reader's heartstrings. It takes place on Starbase 4, nicknamed Alea, an ancient Earth term for gambling. The nickname is well-earned, for the chief form of entertainment is indeed all manner of board games, although gambling is strictly prohibited.

In a publicity stunt organized by Admiral Nogura, Spock is invited to participate in a chess tournament and Kirk, in a show of support, decides to tag along and also, since there is little else to do, enters the tournament, although he knows he has little chance of success. The entire situation should have been nothing more than a chance for the two of them to get away from the ship for awhile and give Spock the opportunity to test his mastery of the game against the best-of-the-best. Unfortunately, the situation quickly becomes unpleasant, for the current champion is a Vulcan named Soltr, who has nothing but disdain for the half-human science officer and worse, is not above letting everyone else know this.

Spock can do little but retreat behind barriers he has erected since childhood to guard against such prejudice. It is the only way he knows how to cope and Kirk, a silent witness to the Vulcan's quiet suffering, vows to do all he can to ease his friend's pain. It proves to be an impossible task during the tournament, as Spock remains distant and cold while in the company of others, especially Soltr. It is only at night when they retreat to their shared room that Kirk is able to offer comfort with both word and touch. His patient understanding and compassion give Spock a chance to regain his equilibrium and face the not-so-subtle criticism and contempt surrounding him during the tournament. As a result, he easily wins the first round of the competition, as does Kirk.

Kirk's next opponent is none other than Soltr, who proves to be a surprise in more ways than one. It is during this game that Kirk realizes something else about Spock, a discovery that gives him the opportunity to take their relationship to another level.

The only criticism I really have about this story is the ending, as it is much too abrupt, but other than this, "Gambit" is a tale that leaves an impression, especially if you like a protective, nobody-messes-with-my-Vulcan kind of Kirk. Even if you don't, however, this story is still well worth a read.