In the Name of Love (Star Trek: TOS story)

Fanfiction
Title:	In the Name of Love
Author(s):	Charlotte Frost
Date(s):	1988
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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In the Name of Love is a Kirk/Spock story by Charlotte Frost.

Sarah B. Leonard for "In the Name of Love"

It was published in the print zine First Time #19.

Summary

"After Spock is sexually tortured, Kirk teaches him self-gratification."

Excerpt

"The base was in ruins, wisps of smoke rising from the remains of the building. Even as the transporter beam released him, James Kirk could smell the putrid odor of destruction. "There must be survivors," he whispered determinedly to the guards and medical personnel surrounding him. His mouth firmed to a thin line. "You have your orders. Move out! Look for Vulcan readings!"

Reactions and Reviews

1989

Spock's drug-induced paranoia, his fighting so hard to appear normal in front of the crew, and his not wanting Kirk to stay and see him like that were all very well done. The entire part where Kirk stayed with Spock and helped him until the drug's effects were gone was very loving. Spock's subsequent shame at what had happened to him before he was rescued certainly rang true - it's unfortunate that the victim usually does. I truly find it very difficult to believe that Kirk would teach Spock how to masturbate by actually physically helping him do it; or that Spock would let him. It was an excellent point that all Spock had ever experienced in sexual matters only led him to believe that he wasn't "suffering from any deprivation" - a logical conclusion under the circumstances. I absolutely loved the first part of this, the fear drug Spock had been given and its results, and Kirk's sensitivity to his needs. I liked the way Kirk didn't risk touching Spock, for fear of frightening him, but talked Spock into hanging onto him for comfort. Very loving. And I also liked the last part very much, Kirk's slow lovemaking and their final decision to bond. I had more trouble with the middle, with believing in the concepts of torture by sexual arousal and orgasm without pleasure. There are rare slips into stiff dialogue, but on the whole, a well-written story.

I have always immensely enjoyed Charlotte Frost's writing (and I'm not saying that because she's the one who puts out this letterzine). The imagery she uses paints such vivid pictures on the imagination that it's as if the reader becomes a part of the story—you can see it all as if you were there. "In the Name of Love" is a good example — the whole story is very visual, and very tender, as Kirk helps a traumatized Spock recover from his difficulties and introduces him to sex, showing him how beautiful it can be. The dialogue is very in character, as always with Ms. Frost's writing, and the situation quite plausible as she has presented it. In all, a very enjoyable story.

2002

Once in a while I need a smidgen of angst, a lot of cuddles and some good sex in my stories. In the Name of Love fits that prescription quite well, thank you.

Okay, without giving the entire story away the premise is that Spock was given a drug by the Orions (nasty creatures) that heightened his senses. Thus, these pigs were able to torture our gallant Vulcan by sexually stimulating him, but allowing no release. Okay now that's the setup. We all know who turns out the hero and relieves Spock of his increasing sexual pressure, don't we?

Anyway I loved the story line. There were a few details that did bother me however. First, I couldn't believe with all the concern for Spock's heightened senses and an anticipated hysterics attack, that neither Kirk or McCoy were concerned with Spock's strength, and the fact that he could unintentionally harm them. Then I'll have to admit I did not like the characterization of McCoy in this. He was too stiff a character. It felt unrealistic when reading about his jealousy of the relationship between Spock and Jim. But then I have to admit I do like Bones, so this may have shaded my views in that area.

Aaah, but the good qualities certainly outweighed the negative. I loved the dialogue between Spock and Kirk throughout the story. Kirk's instructions on masturbation was wonderful. And the full night of Kirk holding a sick Spock was a dream. Sigh....

First time stories are the best, aren't they? And Robin's zines fit the bill for that. Hey we all need romance in our lives, and In the Name of Love supplies it nicely.