Genesis X

Zine
Title:	Genesis X
Publisher:	Empathy Publications
Editor:
Author(s):	Patricia James
Cover Artist(s):
Illustrator(s):
Date(s):	November 1983
Medium:	print zine, fanfic
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
External Links:
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Genesis X is a 165-page Star Trek: TOS novel by Patricia James.

From an ad in Universal Translator #24: "... recounts the events immediately following the formation of the Genesis planet: a virus infection is created by the Genesis Effect, and Kirk, he and his crew dying, seeks the help of the Guardian of Forever. Can recent events be changed?"

Reactions and Reviews

1984

'Genesis X' is a one story zine by Patricia James, Excellently produced and published, the publicity for the zine says that this is what Star Trek III should have been based on. That comment, together with the title, should indicate that this is a post-WoK story.

The Enterprise is sent back to the Genesis planet, in order that the scientists can check the development of the planet surface. On the journey, the relationship between Kirk and his son develops, although Jim does not seem to be having the same success with Carol. On the planet's surface, while the scientists are making their survey, Jim cannot resist the urge to find Spock's coffin. Its discovery, however, leads to Kirk being sedated and beamed back aboard the ship. While he is still under, the scientists have made a disturbing discovery about the progress of the planet, something has gone drastically wrong, the plant life has mutated. The planet is a danger to the whole galaxy but they do not know how to destroy it as anything they do would simply distribute the mutated plant life over a greater area of space.

As the result of a dream, Kirk comes to the conclusion that the only way to assure that the destruction of all life does not take place is to petition the Guardian. If he can send Kirk back in time to before Khan detonates the Genesis weapon perhaps history could be changed. McCoy points out to Kirk that such a decision would also ensure that Spock would not die.

To describe the rest of the story would spoil readers' pleasure and give away the plot but suffice it to say that the story has a happy ending. If ST III was to be based on this story then it is fair to say that Trek fans would be delighted. The plot is com plicated but well thought out, the main characters are true to life and to me rang true. I did not, however, like the portrayal of Carol. Marcus, who appeared to have even less surface emotion than Spock and appeared to regard Kirk as simply the "father of her son". David Marcus on the other hand was firstly portrayed as a teenager who was desperately trying to come to terms with the brilliance of his mother and the acquisition of a father who was almost a legend. After history was changed and probably because of that change, David is portrayed differently; this change of character and the reasons for it were handled extremely well.

Ms. James is a new writer to me and I must admit that by the end of the prologue I was having my doubts as to whether I would be able to read the zine more than once (I usually read each zine 4 times before I review it) this was due to Kirk referring to David as his beautiful son and his heart wanting to burst with paternal pride (I wanted to throw up).

By the end of Chapter 2, however, Ms. James was warming to her task and I was definitely warming to mine. The author has a clear writing style using description when necessary but never labouring the point. I would quibble over one or two points of detail, such as Uhura being referred to as Lieutenant, when she's a Lt.-Commander but on the whole the story was good. It definitely improved as it went along and by about half way through it had got to a stage when I could not put it down, always surely a good sign. Fans of Kirk, Spock & McCoy will all be satisfied with the portrayal of their heroes. If the real ST III produces"a similar satisfaction, I shall not be disappointed.

1989

A post TVOK story. Kirk is obsessed with Spock's death, refusing to accept the demise as permanent. He hears some devastating news of a side-effect from the Genesis experiment, which is threatening the whole Galaxy. His solution is ingenious, but desperate. In order to save the Galaxy, he has to forfeit the respect of his crew, to whom he cannot reveal his knowledge. An excellent story and very well thought out. One of my favourites.