Gambit (Star Trek: TOS story by Jane Elza)
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Gambit |
| Author(s): | Jane Elza |
| Date(s): | 1989 |
| Length: | |
| Genre(s): | slash |
| Fandom(s): | Star Trek: TOS |
| Relationship(s): | Kirk/Spock |
| External Links: | |
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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
1990
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. [1]
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. [2]
1991
The sense of there being other people around Kirk and Spock as they attended a Federation Chess Tournament was great. They weren't so insulated from others, for a change, and they could sense the subtle pressures directly toward them from the strangers around them — particularly the full blooded Vulcan male, who tried to probe into Kirk's mind. I loved Spock's mentally forceful response to the other's probing intrusion upon his mate. It was so wonderfully possessive! [3]
I liked the chess tournament environment and the extension of Kirk's keen competitive instinct to chess, but it seemed to me that Kirk's desire to actually kill Soltr was an over-reaction that doesn't reflect well on him, and that Spock, as a Vulcan, should have been sickened by it. Although Vulcans are very protective of their mates, I still think that Spock would regard Kirk's reaction as highly inappropriate. A primitive killing rage to protect your mate should only be called for if the life of your mate is literally in danger. Kirk seemed to lose all sense of proportion in this story. He forgot that chess is a game. Spock should have been able to see this, and point it out to Kirk. Yet instead, Spock too lost proportion. This bothers me. [4]
1992
Spock is a contender for the chess championship on SB 4. representing Starfleet. Kirk is with him -- they share a room and abed — Lovely their first night with the innocent hug, more lovely their second night with Kirk's innocent kiss and most lovely their final joining in that privacy alcove! I like Spock's possessiveness in the game with Soltr at the end: "JAMES KIRK IS MINE!". A very good idea was to show Soltr's thoughts in the following poem. What a poor man - I wish him luck, too. [5]
2004
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. [6]
References
- ^ from The LOC Connection #15
- ^ from The LOC Connection #15
- ^ from The LOC Connection #27
- ^ from The LOC Connection #28
- ^ from The LOC Connection #46
- ^ from The K/S Press #88