It Takes Time on Impulse

Zine
Title:	It Takes Time on Impulse
Publisher:	Harriett Stallings
Editor(s):
Date(s):	1983-1986
Series?:
Medium:	print
Genre:	gen
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
External Links:
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It Takes Time On Impulse is a Star Trek: TOS digest-sized anthology published by Harriett Stallings.

It is mainly gen though at least one issue appears to contain a Kirk/McCoy story, and the last issue, a K/S story.

Issue 1

It Takes Time On Impulse 1 was published in 1983 and contains 188 pages. It is digest-sized.

front cover of issue #1, Nan Lewis

sample page from Call It Speculation

The editorial:

me and red

Introductions are in order. Red is a rebuilt IBM Exec, Model D, with proportional spacing and a hangup on lefthand margins. His caps are chipped, and his variety of individual perks include erratic space bars and a delight in not signalling with a bell at the right hand margin.

I am Harriett Stallings, Those who know me, call me mad or poet, both ot which seem much truth at this point. Red cannot take the total blame for the right hand margins being ragged, nor take the blame for typos. Those are strictly of my own device, I will apologize once for them, and work to correct them,

ITTOI, as a threat/promise is sixteen years old. That's three years older than my eldest child, and one year older than my car. Which tells you why the title for the 'zine. I've been meaning to get a new car, I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Nevertheless, enjoy a good 'read'. That's the only reason me and red put ourselves as well as friends, family and the writers in this volume through this. Write and scream and write and say well done to the writers, please. All LoCs become property of ITTOI, and will be shared with the authors, printed in part or in whole in the next volume.

ITTOI is a "by invitation" 'zine. This is not a bit of snobbery, believe me, and I will look at any work sent to me, but never promise to accept it for print. I've learned a lot since I asked the writers in this volume for work from them. And I am a more plesant person to deal with, for having slaved with them. To each of them, my undying gratitude. -- Harriet Stallings

The dedication:

Harriett, For Journeys begun and never ended. For cherishing the Pines, and me. For understanding why this drawing is... This is for you, dear heart. - Nan

From the editor's notes for "Too Old to Dream":

A path chosen, and eighty years later what remains of the relationship between Kirk and Spock, must be dealt with. Argue or agree, [Billie Phillips'] firm possession of perspective makes this work remarkable in it's view. She fills in the 'past' and in a surprising 'twist' resolves the theme of K/S , the K/S relationship that was aborted.

• me and red, typewriter testimonial (editorial) (1)
• point and counterpoint, non-fiction by J. Ferris and H. Stallings) (3)
• Call It Speculation, non-fiction essay about Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the Wrath of Khan, In Search of Spock by Guinn Berger (4)
• View from The Big Blue Marble, non-fiction by Susan Heath (7)
• Perchance to Dream, fiction by Dan Barth (11)
• Too Old to Dream, fiction by Billie Phillips (This is K/S.) (37)
• Making the Rounds, fiction by Laurie Huff (57)
• Red Wind, fiction by Frankie Jemison (62)
• Survivor's Ethic, fiction by Harriet Stallings (91)
• Thirst, poem by Syn Ferguson (104)
• Rot and Fall Off, humor by Dan Barth (107)
• The Trouble With Kids Is: They're Always Running Amok..., humor by Guinn Berger (112)
• The Bar, Et Al, humor by Non Est Invetus (he has not been found)
  • The Bar (121)
  • Ficus (133)
  • The Romp (146)
  • Scotty's Bottle (155)
• Memos by Terry Todzonis (170)
• Final Word from the Editor (180)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

I heard of this zine by accident; it's original publicity cannot have been very far reaching, The editor is Harriet Stallings and anyone who has read 'Beginnings in Retrospect' which she co—authored with Jennifer Ferris will realise why I had great expectations of ITTOI 1.

The zine is different both in format and content; it is spiral bound and about the size of a paporback with only one illustration, of Spock in his black ST:TMP and ST:WoK outfit, by Nan Lewis, as a cover. She is familiar to everyone, as are [Billie Phillips], Laurie Huff, Syn Ferguson and Harriet Stallings who also contribute; other authors are less well known. The zine is compiled in a similar way to 'New Voyages', with comments by the editor before each offering.

'Perchance to Dream' by Daniel Barth (who, I think, is now married to Laurie Huff) has Kirk being transported from the diplomatic suite on Altuna VII into the evil clutches of one Dr. William Orbec - as he calls himself, a local representative of the Interplanetary Klingon Empire; this gentleman wishes to know the content of the diplomatic talks on Altuna VII. To persuade Kirk to part with the information, he subjects him to electrical impulses from indwelling micro electrodes which induce the continual sensations of insects on the skin and also stimulate the growth of bone leading to serious and painful malformations. Orbec himself is a strange mixture, part of him wanting to heal Kirk, yet needing his information first.

Via dreams and ultimately (I presume) the mind link Kirk is rescued. In fact the whole story can be summed up - Kirk is kidnapped, tortured end rescued. There is little point to it other than that - we get no insight into how or why Kirk can withstand torture, his state of mind is dealt rath rather matter-of-factly, nor do we experience McCoy's, Spock's or oven Orbec'e emotions. The story is not badly written but it left me with a...blank fueling, a sensation of, 'Oh, so what?'. However, if you like Kirk-bonkers, this is one for you.

[Billie Phillips], I think, must be my favourite author in fandom; she never fails to delight me and 'Too Old to Dream' is no exception. The emotions are gut-wrenching without being mawkish - Superb. It is, I'n afraid, a death story; Kirk is dying of old age and Spock comes to him after 80 years. It's also a 'what if' story: what if, instead of goinc to Gol, Spock had gone to Vulcan to start a family, even though Kirk had declared his love, and Kirk had continued to explore the stars. Though Spock's wife has died seven years ago, that relationship, says the Vulcan, was not worthy of a commitment by him to die also.

Laurie Huff's story, in contrast to her husband's, explores Kirk's feelings after a battle which leaves fifteen dead and fifty one injured on board the Enterprise. Spock finds his Captain on the Observation Deck and embraces him. As Laurie Huff says, "Coming from a Vulcan i"t was neither simple nor token.". It's a lovely quote but would have sat better in a longer story, perhaps?

In 'Red Wind' by Frankie Jemison, we are introduced to Dr. St. John; it becomes evident that he and Spock share histories in some way and in view of Spock's reaction to the doctor we are left crawling with curiosity as to what their relationship is, especially as St. John refers to a very Vulcan Spock as "Small One" and Spock, at the end, sighs, "Relatives". It may be waiting for a sequel (if so, it's not in ITTOI 2) but without such en explanation, what we are left with is a rescue mission and a rather gruesome description of those that can't be rescued. Like 'Perchance to Dream' there are no complaints about the writing and some of the conversation is very convincing, but I was left with a feeling of something not completed.

One of my favourite stories in ITTOI is 'The Trouble with Kids is They're Always Running Amok' suffice to say that it's an amusing view of T'Pau's thoughts during the Koon-ut-Kalifee.

Harriet Stallings' own contribution 'Survivor's Ethic' is an answer to the question: "How did Kirk gain control of the Enterprise after Pike left in Mirror, Mirror?" Most of us have assumed, I suppose, from the clues offered us, that the Mirror Kirk progressed by assassination. In this story, Spock is instrumental in Kirk's promotion to Captain even though he, as second in command, is naturally next in line. The characters are all menacing in their way yet we are allowed to see Spock's facade slip and are also privy to Kirk's thoughts as he ponders how he can harness what he originally sees as a weakness, the Vulcan's loyalty. The story ends just after Kirk's visit to 'our' universe. I confess that Mirror stories leave me cold but Spock and Kirk are well conceived; they are cool and calculating as would befit such a universe; far too often Kirk is portrayed as a petulant, bad tempered jerk, beating his brains out against all ice cold, arrogant Spock, It's nice to see a different approach to both characters.

Slightly less than a third of the zine is devoted to a series of stories by Non Est Inventus about three new female crew members on the Enterprise, Actually they come from the Reliant and are on a probationary period. They are neither young, beautiful nor incredibly clever, which in itself is a change, and the (sometimes vulgar) things they have to say about Spock, Kirk and even Sarek remind me remarkably of conversation in which I've been involved at Cons. At any event, there's a lot to laugh at in the stories and I found the characters quite endearing - there's certainly no hint of Mary Sue. Unfortunately, in parts, the conversation and goings are quite incomprehensible and I was left struggling; it may be that some of the idiomatic speech is more easily understood by on American reader - it would be interesting to compare notes.

Partly for the above reason, I'm not sure how ITTOI will go down in Britain; If you like, I think ITTOI 1 may prove a little 'tough' (probably the wrong word) for the average British reader; I suspect the general tenor of the zine may well reflect the differences in the American and British attitudes to life and humour. This is not to imply criticism but may be a factor in its readers' enjoyment. One thing the zine certainly does not do, is insult the reader's intelligence.

I don't often write LoCs (I know I should but..), still TITOI was such an excellent 'zine that I feel compelled to write and tell you and the other author's how much l enjoyed it.

I think Annette Hall's story was my favorite. The characters were perfectly defined and the story bitter sweet.

"Red Wind" was a very interesting concept but it would have been nice if Mears had maintained the same sex throughout. (Changes from the female she should be to male on Page 74.) Still, it was a very entertaining piece.

Your "Survivor's Ethic" was also excellent and a nifty (?) interpretation of events in the Mirror Universe. I am a real fan of a very forceful, very manipulative Spock. I'd like to see more of this Spock.

Laurie Huff's story was nice -- it did create a very soft mood.

Guinn Berger's story was very funny. I also like to see little boy Spock as a precocious child, not a chased, beat-up whimp. Her interpretation of T'Pau was terrific.

Terry Todzonia's "Memos" was excellent. Nice to see the lesser people on the BIG E highlighted and how they interact with the boys at the top.

Syn Ferguson's poem was excellent. Chapgne indeed!

"Rot & Fall Off"' was hilarious - only a man could have written it.

Susan Heath's space column was appreciated and I'd like to see it in #2.

Also, I really liked "The Bar" etc. I would like to see more, but I do have a few other comments. I am a bit confused as to how Spock returned to the ENTERPRISE after the incident with the RELIANT. Also, I really enjoyed the central characters, their trouble with learning their new ship's rules, their individual lusts but I felt that I'd been dropped in the middle of a long story where there is more background for the characters. it's possible to reveal background as the story goes on but there wasn't enough of that done in the stories we saw, at least in my opinion, to provide adequate background so that the character's troubles and motivations can be understood. In spots, the writing was too sloppy. I don't like to have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out exactly what is transpiring - - I feel it's the writer's job to be clear when it comes to explaining characters and situations.

None the less, it was a very promising group of stories with many wonderful moments such as JTK in the bar, leaving the characters the bill. Kirk's table in the rec room, etc. I do hope you plan to do more of this series.

Well, as I said, I don't do many of these and I really didn't get into much detail but suffice ti to say, I really enjoyed the 'zine and look forward to #2. Nan Lewis' cover illo was terrific - - should have had a story with it. Best wishes on #2.

First, I want to congratulate you on a well put together 'zine. The stories were interesting and extremely diverse. Each story was different from the other and well written. The 'zine nicely balanced with dramatic stories and comedic stories. My favorite stories were the series were the series of stories about Rikki, Max and Hen. and "Red Wind." and I got quite a chuckle out of the memos in back. Very ingenious.

Second, whoever you have for a printer did an excellent job. The print is clear, the spiral binding is great, the 'zine doesn't fall apart at the first reading and it allows the pages to lie flat. How did you manage to bring this good a 'zine in for only $6.00? Good job all the way around.

What a beautiful cover! And I love the spiral binding, which makes for such cosy reading - only had time to glance through the contents, but I know I will enjoy!

Thank you for TI TAKES TIME ON IMPULSE, an excellent fanzine. I especially enjoyed your story - and I for one (another) am glad it is your 'zine. The 'comments' or explanations before each story is an important addition and I really like the idea. The cover of Spock is gorgeous, of course. Nan Lewis is one of my favorite fan artists.

I loved ITTOI. After being stung on several 'zine purchases your 'zine was a delight. It was of professional quality. Marshak and Culbreath's sentimental hazy posturing cannot compare.

The violence wasn't gratuitous and fit into the storyline. The story that had a K/S theme was realistic (Annette Hall is very talented) and tasteful. The quartet of stories which end the 'zine "The Bar, Et Al" was hilarious. It's so nice to view the crew, the BIG THREE ect., from different eyes. I can only plead! More, more.

You and your fellow writers may be the salvation of Trek. Paramount is too busy playing studio politics and going for the quick buck to realise that Trek must evolve and change in line with a plausible enactment of the 23rd century. Why can't human females be captains? Why did Rand and Chapel disappear, Uhura get sidelined once they reached middle age? Why is Saavik the new focus, a 20 year old beauty? Aren't older women capable of achievement? Why can't Trek encompass people of both sexes, all ages, races and species? Sexism still dominates Trek commercially. Your 'zine had real women. Adult, independent, functioning members of the crew. No one squeaked "Captain, I'm frightened..! once. (Thank you, bless you all.)

Your IT TAKES TIME ON IMPULSE was a very good read indeed. I wasn't so sure when I got this little package and the 'zine dropped out. At any rate, I put it on the back burner, three other 'sines and a book on the front ones, so it wasn't until last week that I finally got to it. I was surprised, very. You packed a big package in that little 'zine. The cover was great, a sort of brooding Spock.

All the stories were well done. I'm sure there were mistakes in them but I'll let others tell you them. I read them for enjoyment, not to give criticism.

Those four stories by Non Est Inventus gave some flesh to the crew. I'd like to see more of them. "Memos" also fell into this category. It was a toss-up for favorite between "Too Old To Dream." by Annette Hall, and "The Trouble With Kids Is: They're Always Running Amok." by Guinn Berger. Each so different, but both hit that cord. I enjoyed them. I read them for pleasure, and received same.

Congratulations on the first volume of ITTOI! If future volumes have more of what was good in Vol. 1, this could well become the best reasonably priced zine available.

Two stories in particular stand out. The first is "RED WIND". This was an unexpected delight. I was enjoying the story for its extremely well-written dialog and concise, fast-moving plot before I began to realize what was going on. And then . . . . . . . growing suspicion, chuckles, and grins. Poor Spock! Frankie did it perfectly: "St. John " is completely in character, But how did he become Spock's uncle? Admittedly, he's "one of the old ones", probably immortal but how? A definite blood relationship through Amanda is implied, and there's the similarity in names to clinch it (Greyson-Clayton-Greystoke). Let's have more St. John - Spock stories! Perhaps an episode from Spock's youth, when he first discovered precisely who his "uncle" is. Or a story occurring after "Red Wind" where Kirk again encounters St. John and begins to suspect. It's an ingenious way for Kirk (and us) to see more deeply into Spock. Since, of course, there has always been much more than a little "St. John" in Spock.

The other exceptionally good story is "Too Old To Dream.". As usual, Annette Hall presents the Kirk-Spock relationship with an emotional intimacy real enough to touch. Her treatment of the metaphor of aging as a young man trapped within an old man was simple, undramatic -- and shattering. I hope ITTOI2 will include more K/S stories as good as this.

Syn's poem was intriguingly moving. Vivid imagery, immediately meaningful on one level of emotion, and yet it demanded (and repaid) several rereadings. This was something unusual in a 'zine: a poem that won't be forgotten.

Then come a group of four stories which are also very enjoyable and good enough to meet the high standards you're setting for ITTOI. These are "Survivor's Ethic" "Making The Rounds", "The Trouble With Kids", and "Memos". I won't say anything about these individually since I pretty much agree with your "editor's notes". (Except "Survivor's Ethic". Your forgot to say "well-written, with penetrating psychological insight.'

The editor's notes, by the way, are a good idea. Definitely something to keep in ITTOI.

I have mixed feelings about "The Bar, Et al". In spots it was hilarious; in others it was just plain confusing. Several times I had to reread dialog in order to figure out who was speaking. If ITTOI is going to continue this series, it needs more background and description for the main characters.

"Rot and Fall Off"' was amusing (though sexist) and actually much better written than Dan's other effort, "Perchance To Dream", which could have profited from a couple of rewrites.

Two things I thought were wasted space: "Speculations", because it said very little that hasn't been said before, and "View from the Big Marble" because this is such a large and important subject that a few pages can't possible do it justice. If you continue this column, perhaps you could also give the address of the L5 Society and other such groups.

Last item I encountered first: Nan's cover. Beautiful, simply beautiful. This was very effective combined with the small 'zine size and lack of lettering. I hope there are many more to come!

ITTOI pleased me greatly. It was handsomely done, the cover a eeal pleasure for the eye (always liked Nan Lewis' work) and the interior type clean and neat. Maybe this'll be a compliment or not, depending on your opinion, but the 'zine reminded me of the "New Voyages" books with its comments before a story and the lack of illos.

I have no real complaint about any story. I appreciate the warning note for "Red Wind". The scene shook me up but I was subconsciously expecting something pretty bad, so it helped. The trio of characters in the four stories were unusual but from "outsider's eyes". Besides, Rikki, Hen, and Max were all believable characters in their own right.

The endurance through many years and a major disappointment of Kirk and Spock's love is a theme I always enjoy and "Too Old To Dream" was no exception. It was laden with emotion but not overdone. The Amok Time story surely was an eye-opener and again, our heroes were seen through someone else's eyes.

"Survivor's Ethic" presented and interesting twist: the Mirror Kirk did not just come aboard and take command like ours did, but Spock chose him as Pike's successor, and Kirk really didn't kill Pike at all!

"Making The Rounds" left me with a feeling of quiet and healing.

"Perchance To Dream"'s villain wasn't your average nasty but he was still detestable.

On "Red Wind": I didn't guess St. John's relationship to Spock. It was a surprise. I guess the whole story was disturbing (aside from the violence) because it involved Embassy personnel. The Iranian Outrage is still too fresh for the anger of that situation to completely to away.

To sum it up: very well done. You accomplished one of your goals ITTOI is a very good read.

The 'zine is very nicely made. There is nothing wrong with reduced type and this is so very clear it is a joy to read. I especially like the spiral binding. It makes it easier to hold when reading, especially in unlikely places. It will stay open where ever I am reading without flipping back to the front cover like stapled ones.

Now for the stories. In the past two years I have read a far number of 'zines. Some are so outstanding that they can be reread over and over. Others are one time then put them away for a long time. There have been a few that I had to force myself to finish. 'Surely this will get better' I thought. Yours will go in the first category!

PERCHANCE TO DREAM was excellent. I even felt my skin crawling with Kirk. Hope there will be some more from Dan in future issues. I enjoyed seeing AMOK TIME from

THE TROUBLE WITH KIDS IS... T'Pau's point of view. Takes someone with interesting thoughts to look around behind the story.

Issue 2

cover of issue #2, Nan Lewis

It Takes Time On Impulse 2 was published in November 1983 and contains 101 pages.

This issue is dedicated to "Pat Stall, whose vision touches my heart."

From the editorial:

There are no 'zine listings or con listings in this volume. For that I will apologise to those sending me flyers. But. After typing this volume up three different times in different format (and in some places four times I got sullen, cranky as hell and add to that fact that my 'zine ain't big enough to print all the data on every flyer. And to an editor, an important story from a writer, an artist or a poet, or a wonderful piece of artwork needs mentioning. I just didn't know which and what and who to list for you. As for con listings, the same applies, only worse, because what events at a con interest the convention people most, may not be what I pick to list.

• me and red, editorial (1)
• point/counterpoint, poem by Ferris/Stallings (3)
• View from the Big Blue Marble, Looking South By South East, essay by Susan Heath (4)
• Letters of Comment (7)
• The Undeparted, fiction by Leslie Fish ("A concept of the bond that continues to exist among Kirk, Spock and McCoy even after Spock's death.") (12)
• Only Fools Believe, fiction by Toni Cardinal-Price (18)
• Festivals of Light, fiction by Eileen Roy (29)
• Of Steel Ships and Men, fiction by Harriet Stallings (35)
• Mythical House of the Fallen Star, poem by Terry Todzonia (40)
• In Silent Remembrance, fiction by Laurel Ridener ("A look at McCoy and co-conspirator, Lisa Tallon of the computer department, as they plan a surprise for the first officer of the Enterprise.") (43)
• Lions and Orions, fiction by Harriet Stallings (50)
• The Bar, Et Al by Non Est Inventus (68)
  • Unusual Review (69)
  • McCoy, Patron Saint ("McCoy helps some of the more unusual members of the Enterprise crew survive a shore leave escapade.") (84)
• Final Word, editor (101)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

There is no artwork except for the cover by Nan Lewis whose work is always outstanding. The zine is not the usual size, instead 5" by 8". It consists of several extremeley short stories.... 'The Undeparted' -- personally I found the story objectionable because of the profanity used and because the story seemed to be an excuse to get Kirk and McCoy in bed together. I don't like K/S and I find K/M even more improbable. The story 'One Fools Believe' is a another version of Spock undergoing the discipline of the Kholinar; however, there is a twist in the fact that the Masters are a group of fanatics who are not approved by the rest of Vulcan. Their reasons for wanting Spock as a a disciple are purely selfish. 'Festivals of Light' is another story of Kirk's childhood. Unless this story takes place in another universe, she is in error when she writes that Kirk has never been to Earth. According to The Making of Star Trek by Whitfield and Roddenberry (page 215), Kirk was born in a small town in Iowa. She is not alone in this mistake; others have made it... 'The only story I really enjoyed was 'In Silent Remembrance.' It is aobut what happens when McCoy finds out about Spock's birthday. The editor claims there are fewer typos this time around. If there are, the first issue must have been filled with them. There seemed to be at least one on each page of this issue... My recommendation would be to borrow this zine to read, but not purchase.

ITTOI 2 can be described succinctly by the phrase "a nice little zine." (It's 5 1/2" by 8 1/2", spiral bound, with 101 pages of reduced text, and no interior artwork.) It is not an earth-shaker by any means. Harriett only publishes one poem per issue, and ITTOI 2 contains no long pieces of fiction. It does make for excellent reading while working out on a exercyele, however, and had its moments of high comic pleasure.

The two best stories in the zine are the editor's own "Lions and Orions" and Laurel Ridener's 'In Silent Remembrance," both lighter pieces. The former is farce at its funniest. Harriet carefully exaggerates the traits of Kirk and Spock while on a marvelously silly mission through the Guardian and manages to capture the reductio ad absurdum possibilities of this particular genre of Trek fiction.

"In Silent Remembrance" is a warmer story about McCoy's streak of pranksterism and succeeds most by virtue of its central character, computer tech supervisor Lisa Tallon. Lisa's personality is evoked with great skill in a very few pages and leaves one wanting to know more about her and her inside view of life on the Good Ship E. While there is no bad work in ITTOI 2, the rest of the stories in the zine do not match the higher skill of these two.

This issue contains two more stories in 'The Bar' series; and while their effort to create three new and different characters is ambitious, the writer does not seem able to transfer his/her ideas to paper in any but a cryptic and uninviting manner.

At the opposite extreme is Toni CardinalrPriee's "Only Fools Believe," which creates a scenario in which Spock has to choose between Kohlinar and the knowledge that his resignation from Starfleet is leading Kirk into a disastrous career choice. The concept is an interesting one, but heavy-handed in its execution, so that the story gets its message across mainly by means of melodramatic moments of confrontation.

And Leslie Fish's almost-K/M/S story, "The Undeparted," suffers from the predictability inherent in its genre — the bedroom always seems to end the matter, without any confrontation of the issues whieh the story raises.

In addition, ITTOI 2 includes an article on the space program by Susan Heath, a poem by Terry Todzonia, a weird and not very successful dramatic vignette by the editor, and LoCs for ITTOI 1.

Nan Lewis' cover is quite beautiful, but it is the only piece of art in the zine.

And the print reduction, while it lowers the price of the zine, can be tough on the eyes. Which is all to say — if you can afford to buy widely, this is a zine worth reading, but if you have to save your money for special efforts, you won't be missing the read of the century.

It Takes Time On Impulse #2 was terrific! The whole 'zine was superlative. . and now you expect us to wait a whole year ! ! (I know, I know... I shouldn't be so "greedy"!) Truly, I realize editing a 'zine can never be more than a part-time obsession, what with family and job to attend to. And I mainly want to let you know I appreciate your work and also the work of the contributors.

The type size and layout was okay by me.

Leslie Fish, as usual, wrote a beautiful and touching story. Although I'm still a 'believer' in Spock's return, her view was moving.

ONLY FOOLS BELIEVE. (Tony Cardinal-Price) A unique view of GOL. Well written and only missing one thing — a sequel ! A follow-up !! Please. This is another author I watch for — consistent and with some very intriguing.

MYTHICAL HOUSE of THE FALLEN STAR — exquisite and haunting.

FESTIVALS of LIGHT ~ intriguing and beautiful.

IN SILENT REMEMBRANCE — Quite a touch. I like a little, light and loving day-today behaviour. Traumas are FUN and hurt/comfort makes great stories, but life is really made up of the day-to-day trivia and little acts.

AN UNUSUAL REVIEW -and- MCCOY PATRON SAINT — were both terrific. I'm not usually "into" stories about other than the dynamic duo but these characters are unique and interesting. Some "high" moments!

Finally, last but definitely NOT least, the 2 stories you wrote were splendid! OF STEEL SHIPS AND MEN — was excellent entertainment. Very good characterizations. (Space was invented in Siberia! Indeed! !) LIONS AND ORIONS— was possibly one of my favorites. Kept taking it seriously and then something would happen and I'd crack up, laughing again. The ending was terrific ! !

If it seems like all superlatives, I guess my "critical" faculties just weren't stimulated. All in all another terrific 'zine.

Will await #3 with as much patience as a typical fen can muster. (Patience? That's a new word!)

ITTOT #2 was another winner. Quality is the word.

... .The cover by Nan Lewis was, well, hard to describe. It evoked many emotions. It took me back to that scene in ST II, a scene that was highly emotional to say the least. I mean, I'd read plenty of Spock dies and Kirk dies stories in fandom over the years but never expected to see it on screen! While the scene was powerful and an experience to watch, I wish they hadn't killed off Spock. Why bother to do it if they plan to resurrect him anyway?

All the stories satisfied my Trek hunger very well, from Leslie Fish's THE UNDEPARTED. to the stories starring Max, Hen and Rikki, with their additional backgrounds. TWENTY kids! Shudder!

ONLY FOOLS BELIEVE was very impressive. The barren existence of Gol was only too evident, as was his love for Kirk which, despite all the Masters could do, could not be erased as we know, through 2 movies. Was that ever in question anyway?

FESTIVALS OF LIGHT was delightful! I was fascinated by it.

OF STEEL SHIPS AND MEN was true to Chekov and Scotty's characters.

IN SILENT REMEMBRANCE was pure enjoyment. Happy Birthday, indeed! ...

Oh, I like the type size you used. Doesn't bother me.

There were plenty of different kinds of stories and angles in ITTOI 2. Your LIONS AND ORIONS keep me in stiches until I finished. The scene to determine volunteers for the mission was wild. I enjoyed all THE BAR stories very much. It gives a refreshing point of view that there are other people on the ship. As mentioned in one of your LoCs, it does get a bit confusing sometimes as to whom is speaking but I think that is due to the fact that we haven't identified them so completely as the great triumvirate. I was often getting Max and Mac mixed up at the end. I enjoyed these because my stories I write have to do with other persons.

So in ending — keep up the great stories, continue the adventures and misadventures of the three 'muffedup'teers', and keep the same type, binding and format. We'll wait as patiently as possible until ITTOI III is ready.

X WOWX Now that's what I'd define as putting it into warp speed - I never expected my 'zine order to arrive so quickly! And intact too - you must have friends at the P.O. A big hug and a thank you, my highest commend- dation for a job well done. IT TAKES TIME ON IMPULSE is worth waiting for. I'm greedy when it comes to 'zines - I usually gulp and devour in one or two sittings, but it wasn't possible for me to do so this time. It was It was sit and savor, lay aside, then read some more, with equal enjoyment. I don't know what I liked best - I'd have to re-read and analyze - but I do know you can put me on the waiting list for #3, 4 or however far you can take it. (Told you, I'm greedy ) Anyway, in my library I'll always find the room, and the time for a high quality publication like yours. Keep the ship flying - warp drive may be faster, but IMPULSE is worth the time it takes getting there.

Lady, you have put out one fine gem of a 'zine.

As to this issue, I was immediately impressed by Nan Lewis's front cover (yea verily, you said the word - a Master of the Exquisite). Have looked for this gal's work since I first saw her illustration of Syn Ferguson's VALLEY OF SHADOWS.

Another large jolt of pleasure to find Leslie Fish listed in the table of contents. As usual, her story was different, well-written and thought-provoking.

And PLEASE as Toni Cardinal-Price to do a sequel to ONLY FOOLS BELIEVE. I would ordinarily say that this story was out standing; it is, but when one has said such a thing, it implies that the other pieces encountered were less so. That is not the case with your 'zine.

For example, Eileen Roy's FESTIVALS OF LIGHT . Nice pre-shadowing of the adult Kirk's character, not to mention a marvelous evocation of an alien environment. Her story's images are as vivid as poetry, I was reading another story written by her last night (in KRAITH COLLECTED V, T'URIAMNE'S VICTORY). The last line goes ".. .And they that were half became whole, and grew, and their growth was a wonderous thing, and the universe marveled at what they became." Many of her stories sparkle with that sense of wonder you mention in your "Editor's Notes".

Speaking of which, please continue them. They are nicely concise, and excellent mood-setters.

POINT/COUNTERPOINT - should be familiar to anyone who's ever attended a Con ... 12:30 AM (or PM) in the coffeeshop, and the usual no-holds-barred friendly debate between friends. You were right to say that the presence of such people make life an exquisite gift.

It's a pity that James Doohan and Walter Koenig couldn't do OF STEEL SHIPS AND MEN at some Con. I loved the last line ("Space was invented in Siberia!") Nice combination of humor and deeper thought.

Deeper thought, however, had NOTHING to do with LIONS AND ORIONS. (Oi vey, I laughed until I practically hit the floor with MY ample resources. Just what kind of summer did you say you were having?! !)

REMEMBRANCE could be subtitled how to form a Happy Conspiracy.

Terry's poem - her images are so strong they hurt. More, please.

THE BAR, ET AL - from your notes, I presume that I'll see these characters in issue #1 as well . No objections ... these ladies are hilarious, complex and totally alive . . . and it's a damn shame that the original series didn't have more females like them.

But where - oh where - are you going to find a large enough crew of lunaticsvolunteers to help you birth #3? You're in for an interes- hino summf^n. I hhink.

P.S. Suddenly realized I had not commented on Susan Heath's article. An inexcusable oversight, as I was particularly pleased to find such an up-to-date source of information on world space activities. Will be looking forward to her articles.

I'm glad you are going to have several people proof the next issue (I've found, much to my chagrin, that at least two other pairs of eyes besides mine are necessary for a good proof job.) There were some typos that bugged me - some of them did seem to be the sort that happen when one has been typing too long too late, etc. (Eg; page 33, near end of page : "Poisoness" should be "Poisinous". )

Before I go on with any other critical comments, let me say that I enjoyed the 'zine. I think a bio factor in the enjoyment was the variety of stories. Too many zines seem stuck In ruts (all hurt/comfort, all K/S, all tragedies, all big three ((or dwelling on one of them)) and ITTOI was very refreshing because it isn't in any of those ruts.

Leslie Fish's story was interesting, but knowing Leslie's writing, it was somewhat predictable as well.

Toni's story was interesting and picked up a theme that has been touched on by others - but not nearly as much as some. That theme is the idea of fanaticism and political structure among Vulcans - ie: that they are not perfect and neither is their society. In a way, Spock, being different (sort of a "free-thinker" in an otherwise rigidly structured society) is a threat. But if ""they" can control him, get him involved in that very structure, then he is no longer a threat, but a powerful influence for what 'they" want. The story also showed very well the strength of Spock's mother. I wonder if Amanda was really a greater part of Spock's leaving Gol than he admits?

What can I say about Eileen's story? As far as I'm concerned, Eileen always writes beautiful stories. This one was no exception (although Bifrost and its inhabitants remind me of something which I cannot pinpoint).

Your little play/vignette was well done. That is not a simple or easy format to work in. I missed, perhaps, an indication of appropriate accents, but on the other hand, they are so often misdone you may have made the right decision to keep them to a minimum. The characterization of and relationship between Scotty and Chekov was handled extremely well, and I loved the closing joke, even if I did see it.

I enjoyed Terry's poem. Vivid imagery. I did have one problem. The title is "... Fallen Star "while the refrain in the poem itself is ".. .falling star." Minor detail and certainly author's prerogative, but I just wondered.

IN SILENT REMEMBRANCE was cute. Not bad, but the idea has been done before in one form or another.

LIONS AND ORIONS Yup, you oughta be writing blurbs for bad novels. I think I felt most sorry for that poor lion! (The "see these stripes?" bit was great. My favorite bit, though, was that last sequence with Sarek "playing" with the lion.. ..)

Who the Heck is Non Est Inventus? I loved the Bar et al stories. (I was a bit bugged by the name "Hen" - seems too non-independent, non-liberated??) "Guthrie" sounds familiar, somehow. (Is it based upon, or taken from something?") Anyway, the three friends are fascinating people; I hope, over time, we'll get more glimpses of their backgrounds and maybe how they got together (if that hasn't already been done.) The stories were refreshing, entertaining and the characterizations of the regular characters was just fine, too. There was was a touch in the writing, I'm not sure what, except that the way conversations worked felt very natural -- that is, believable. There seemed to be places where a verbal shorthand came into play - and that's how real talk/dialogue/ conversation happens between people who are close friends. Whoever Non Est Inventus is, he/she is a very talented writer - don't let him/her go! (Yes, obviously I want to see more stories.)

Now, a few criticisms. I noticed some major punctuation problems

[snipped, many remarks about grammar and some punctuation]

I came across [this issue] quite by accident. I sent for it because I knew "Beginnings in
 Retrospect' and its sequel, The zine is spiral bound and the size of a paperback. I don't
 mind reading reduced print, but some people may need glasses for it. Anyway a reduction
in print brings a reduction in page-count thus helping to keep zine prices down, for which 
I'm grateful.

Each story has an intro by the editor and contributors are Leslie Fish, Eileen Roy and Harriet Stallings to name just a few. There is no artwork except for Nan Lewis cover of Kirk in TWoK uniform.

'The Undeparted' by L. Fish is post-WoK and a recount of how Kirk and McCoy come to terms with Spock's death - or didn't he die? I won't write more, since I don't want to give the ending away. Suffice it to say that it is an unusual approach, but which of Leslie's stories isn't?

'Only Fools Believe' by T. Cardinal-Price tells how Amanda went to Gol to try and talk reason into her son. She brings a letter from McCoy in which he explains about Spock's departure from the Enterprise and Jim's reaction to it by accepting promotion. The story also depicts how T'Sai and Amanda react towards each other. Like it said in the intro, I would like to read an 'exit from Gol' story from the same author.

'Festival of Light' has young Jimmy leaving a strange and cold planet with his parents to return to Earth. He also has to leave some friends behind, inhabitants of the planet, who resemble stones and ice and are sort of telepathic. But before that, he can show them what the sun will be like, since they don't know it and expect to be killed by its heat.

'Of Steel Ships and Men' by H. Stallings takes the form of a play for two persons, Scotty and Chekov. It's set directly after TWoK and has them discussing spaceships, what makes man venture into space and the stuff, starship captains might be made of. It's an open end play and unusual in its format, which made me read it several times in a row.

'Mythical House of the Fallen Star' by T. Todzonia is a short and somehow compelling poem. Still, I'm not too sure I get its meaning, but maybe I'm a bit daft. Anyway, one doesn't have to understand a poem to like it.

'In Silent Remembrance' by L. Ridener is a McCoy story, that introduces Lt. Lisa Tallon,
 a supervisor of computer techs. Lisa is one of the few characters, new to the Enterprise crew, who is totally believable from the start. She lets herself be talked onto something
 she- shouldn't-do-but-will by McCoy. It's all about a secret from Spock's life and how to
 tease him without being insulting or letting anyone else know. The story is full of humour
 and flows along easily. It does get the characters right and might have made a nice scene 
in the TV series.

'Lions and Orions' by Stallings is very much tongue-in-cheek. Kirk and Spock go after an Orion who went through the Guardian to the Rome of 73 AD. They have to bring him and evidence of attempted time sabotage back. Spock is less than enthusiastic about joining his Captain in his quust. They end up near the arena and the Vulcan has to get the lion that thought an Orion would make a nice change in diet. The lion is brought back to the Enterprise, and by a neat bit of logic used by Kirk, McCoy and M'Benga, it is Chapel who has to get the remains of the Orion from the lion. The lion is then chosen as a most suitable birthday present for an honoured and dignified ambassador.

'An Unusual Review' and 'McCoy, Patron Saint' by Non Est Inventus are stories centred around three female crew members newly assigned to the Enterprise, who were formerly with the Reliant. None of them is supposed to fall for Kirk, which does make a nice change. I realize that the characters were introduced in ITTOI-1. The stories kind of grew on me, since I didn't find them easy to read and understand. Some of the phrases used had me grabbing for my dictionary, because my English is less than perfect.

The zine can be recommended to read. It is worth the price and has convinced me that 
it would be a good idea to send for info on ITTOI-3 which should be published around
 December 1984.

Issue 3

cover of issue #3, Nan Lewis

It Takes Time On Impulse 3 was published in 1985 and contains 283 pages.

In one place in the zine, the date 1984 is listed. It appears it was planned for the end of 1984, but published in February 1985.

The editor has a long statement about the LoCs printed in this zine:

Alright. So the debate began firing up, back in December of '83. Publishing LoCs concerning one's own 'zine, in the next issue of one's own 'zine, could be considered back patting and self-congratulatory. Indeed.

I must point out that if these letters do seem so positive as to be taken as congratulatory praise, then I didn't write them, and I publish all LoCs, even typing them when half-blind and dull in the morning, as they come in the mail.

Now, as to self-serving. You bettcha they serve me. I can't take 'exit polls' as each reader turns the last page of the last volume of ITTOI ! ! This format of feed-back is the only means by which any editor not given to traveling from coast to coast with a questionnaire, KNOWS what the hell the fans like to read and don't like to read.

It all boils down to one fact. If your opinion isn't stated here, and you think the letters overly-positive well, I didn't hear from you and I can't publish what you don't write.

LoCs are a valuable part of the relationship between 'zine and fan. Without them, an editor stumbles around until she/he finds the right format, size, theme and tone for the 'zine she/he sweats blood, steals money from cookie jars and gets ulcers over.

As a fan, as an editor, as a writer, I've heard blatant criticism of the somewhat generalized lumping of 'zines into themes and topics. There's too much grab-bag approach to what gets in a 'zine. -or- I'm tired of the too mature (or immature, take your choice) attitudes of the editors, -or- If I read another 'first time' story I'm going to bum all my 'zines and become a Star Wars fan (soo sorry, 'first time' plots aren't relegated just to Star Trek.).

Alright. So I listen as well as I can, hear those comments and join in the general fray of editor-to-writer-to-reader. But. The very same fan who speaks such (often valid) criticism, rarely ( if ever) writes a LoC to either editor or writer. It took me four years, almost five, to hear that a few of my stories were actually appreciated/liked/disliked. As an artist, I've heard a great big zero on my work by letter, but much in person at a con that both commenter and I happened to beat the odds to be at. And as an editor?

So, if you don't like LoCs published in a 'zine, your voice counts too. But you gotta write that in a letter and let me ( or any other 'zine editor) know. Hell no, this ain't a letter 'zine. Hell yes, your opinion matters even to a self-congratulatory, back-patting, cold bitch editor like me. There's a deadline on LoCs for this 'zine. I'm typing this in the middle of an ice-storm ( the rumor is that hell has, indeed, frozen over and that all promises and vows reserved for such an event are now retroactive), mid-March. What will come in the mail tomorrow will hopefully be as honest opinions as the ones already received and typed here.

For the fans (whose letters appear here), thank you. Not for your positive statements. but for your lack of apathy.

• me and red by H. Stallings (1)
• point/counterpoint: Enterprise: Her value in Star Trek by Harriet Stallings and Jenny Ferris (2)
• Black Holes, Their Composition and Effects, article by Dan Barth (4)
• Call It Speculation by Guinn Berger (9)
• View From the Big Blue Marble, article by S. Heath (11)
• Letters of Comment (15)
• Forever On My Mind by D. Barth (20)
• The Trackers, a story by Karen Bates (A story of courage, fear and savage death on a landing party assignment that goes very, very wrong.) (73)
• Mirror Chapel by Guinn Berger (83)
• Intellectual Chaos by Toni Cardinal-Price (90)
• Circle of Memories by Linda Chanek (Post ST: TWOK. Kirk, the bridge crew and McCoy gather to deal with their grief for Spock.) (96)
• The Farewell by Linda Chanek (103)
• McCoy, I'm Glad You Came This Day by Linda Chanack (Seeking quiet and solitude in a woodIand, McCoy is visited by an unseen entity that knows our doctor very well.) (108)
• An Officer, A Woman by Linda Chanek (110)
• The Red Mist by Linda Chanek (117)
• Past to Future, A.D. by P. Curnow (119)
• The Gift by S. Dragon (a genderswap story about Kirk and Spock) (149)
• Epilog/Prelude by J. Ferris (159)
• A Vulcan Fable by L. Ridener (165)
• Unmentionables by CinDe Deren and Diane Miskiewicz (A humorous story of the adventures of McCoy and Spock when they become prisoners of the little inhabitants of an unexplored planet.) (170)
• The Encounter
• Hold the Anchovies by V. Engel (181)
• A Night Out With the Boys by Rayelle Roe (188)
• The Wake by Harriet Stallings (201)
• The Bar, Et Al Stories by N.E. Inventus
  • Meet Mazz, Hen & Rikki
  • Probable Return
  • ITTOI
  • Probable Return Two
  • Hen's Mission
  • Death and Taxes
  • Rec Face
  • Probable Return Three
  • Landing Party
  • Bordello
  • Final Word, by the editor

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

Harriett Stallings and her many contributors have put together a charming volume of Star Trek material called IT TAKES TIME ON IMPULSE III which offers a large number of excellent presentations. A very wide selection of stories and vignettes highlight the well-known ST characters, and other tales bring new and familiar ITTOI characters into the universe. The nonfiction and editorial offerings are also excellent. In fact, I liked the editorial concepts very much. They provide that extra bit of spice which separates this zine from all the look-alikes. All this, and much more, are put together in a 5.5 by 8 inch book of 280' plus pages which will lie flat whenever you dare to put it down.

The talents of Dan Barth are readily displayed in two pieces. His article on black holes and types of stars was presented with the limitations of his readers in mind. Nonetheless, it was an ambitious undertaking and it was very well done.

The article was a fantastic lead-in to Forever On My Mind, a tale of two Starfleet scientists who join their talents to investigate a black hole. The fact that they discover much about life and themselves in the process makes this an outstanding story.

Another talented ST writer, Karen Bates, gives us The Trackers. This story doesn't pull punches when adversity challenges the crew.

Add Guinn Berger's Mirror/Chapel to this Trekker's feast, and let another view of Christine Chapel propel you through an alternate belief. Remember Admiral Morrow, Kirk's straight-arrow friend? He's here, along with his down-to-earth wife.

Read Toni Cardinal-Price's, Intellectual Chaos, and meet them--- close up and personal.

Linda Chanek's five word-pix of our favorite people are among the very best in this zine. I especially enjoyed McCoy's encounter with ... well, you decide who it was!

The list of good stories can go on and on.

The K/S fans will be interested in The Gift in which Jim Kirk meets, very unexpectedly, a startlingly different Spock.

History buffs will enjoy Past to Future, A. D.; what can a fur trapper from the 1800s do on the Enterprise?

Those readers who look forward to tales of humor need look no further; there's more here than anyone can digest in one sitting.

Who would dare to pass up Rayelle Roe's spoof on sports entitled A Night Out With The Boys? Spock tired, but he was dragged along anyway! A group of tales about Maxx, Hen, and Rikki -- the Bar Series-- continue the chronicles of this trio. Those of you who have met them before will howl at their new antics, and all of you new readers have a treat in store.

This is a can't miss 'zine, because all you ever wanted in a volume of short stories about Star Trek is right here. Hurry! Don't let this one slip out of hands or you might not get another chance to read it!

Issue 4

It Takes Time on Impulse 4 was published in May 1986 and contains 262 pages.

This issue does NOT have the traditional Nan Lewis cover. The zine is digest-sized.

cover of issue #4: from the editor: "Nan Lewis: Forgive me, Mistress of the Exquisite. But it’s your work or no one’s on the cover of this ’zine. I told you from the getgo, what ever you decided to do, that’s perfect by me. Only this time, I wasn’t about to be a pinhead and demand a work of art in three weeks. It takes too long to bring forth a cover illo, you have never deserved all the times you were pressured into doing one when it was the editor or publisher who was late and short."

On the cover: "ITTOI's Stepchild."

From the editorial:

Okay, I confess that I have just arrived from a 32 hour train ride to L.A. I confess that lethargy and the suckiest year in the history of this clan broke my enthusiasm to get ITTOI IV out sooner.

Okay. That's why this volume is called ITTOITs Stepchild. And no Nan Lewis cover. (I can hear the screams of protest, gang, but I couldn't ask Nan to simply 'do' a cover and do it yesterday. She's an artist, she's not a copyist. Each of her covers are, heart and soul, an investment of many hours and of many emotions.) Point/Counterpoint, The Bar, LoCs and a few other things are missing, as well as any stories by me. Hell, I was just lucky to get a proof reader named Kay Johnson to go over this and spot the typos. I won't burden you with an hour's ranting on how I hate like hell to CORRECT the billions and billions of goofs Kay blue penciled for me. Kay, despite the rush job, has so eagle an eye that I swear English is her second language, Vulcanur is her native tongue. Bless her to her toe nails, dear reader, this issue has less errors than ever before. (And we'll argue the use of: a lot, alot, atleast, at least, alright and all right in the next issue. Maybe getting it straight by ITTOI V.)

ITTOI IV started out simply as an overflow of ITTOI III. But a few new things got added, I waited for some choice work. . . .and hence, months late into the printing. Have pity, readers, and be assured that I'm back on track and will be getting ITTOI V out as soon as is humanly possible.

There are writers in this volume whose patience defies even sainthood. There are loyal readers who have waited a year after sending a SASE just to get this volume, and who have never crawled my case and rightfully pointed out how very late I was. Thank you, one and all.

From "Call It Speculation":

The Star Trek movie series has been a bit like that; very uneven to the point of self-parody. We've been taken so often from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again, that it's a little dizzying. It's true that the movies share that characteristic with the TV series, but one expects some- thing more from a theatrical release, albeit vainly at times. If aired Trek was occasionally pat and silly, we could always write the deficiences off to a tight budget and a narrow shooting schedule. The movies have had to struggle against no such limits; the budgets have been fairly lavish and there has been plenty of time for redrafts and retakes and rehashings to get it right -- and STILL we get dumb plot devices, trite dialogue and scenery chewing mixed in with those golden moments that are Trek at its very finest.

I have no idea whether "The Search For Spock" represents Harve Bennett's first script sale or his fortieth, but it really wasn't very good, over all. When I remember Star Trek I remember those episodes which, against everything I think I know to the contrary, made me BELIEVE there are things like Time Portals, and sentients capable of transmuting matter with a single thought, and drugs to cure .ANYTHING in five minutes, and amusement park planets where one can have any wish fulfilled, and... Why go on? Perhaps what I'M complaining about is really Leonard Nimoy's directing skills, or maybe a combination of both story and direction, but SOMETHING kept getting in the way of my very willing suspension of disbelief, and when I can't get past the minor details of the story then the greater issues behind them -- the moral of the story, if you will -- gets lost. Star Trek becomes nothing but space opera when that happens, and for the sake of what it has been and can be, I grieve to see it reduced to that.

The legal hassles are probably insurmountable, and it's probably a kind of Cinderella fantasy I'm dreaming of here, but wouldn't it be great if the Powers That Be at Paramount were to tap Some of the excellent fan stories already in existence? I'm thinking specifically of the superbly rendered "Dreadnought" series; what a picture, or string of pictures, TH.AT would make. There are too many others to mention, and I won't even try here, but I can't help thinking tha t the B ig P could only come out ahead by taking the trouble to survey their market and find out what the fans really want to see. True enough, we often don't KNOW what we want until we've seen it, but with all the good stories that lie between the covers of fanzines there should be no reason for Paramount to suffer along with a less than perfect Trek script just because it's already been paid for. Making a movie has been called a crap-shoot; taking a chance on a script by an unknown writer can't really detract from the odds.

The editor's notes for the story, "Leviathan Ninety-Nine":

Dan has brought back Ariel, Cam and, Aletha O'Day from his story in the third issue. And as his "By Way of Explanation" hints, he brings science back into the science fictions as well. I like his variety of characters, (All so real that the reader could know them by sight, could reach out and touch them.), as well as the firm foundation of science and the sheer creativity in the story line. Dan's writing style has tightened and he had this story so well-honed by the time it reached me, that I forgot I even owned a blue editing pencil.

I must warn that the evil character in this story is psychotic and his violence is that of a psychotic. Therefore, gentle reader, be forewarned a hundred times a hundred that the passages containing violence in this story are not something you will readily forget.

A strong but necessary warning, but please don't be put off reading this story for that. You would miss some of the best writing around, or at least that is how I feel about this story. It is a complex and well-mapped read, one you don't want to miss, however fast you do skip the violence portion. Dan never writes violence for the thrill of writing violence. It is an important part of this character and all that happens could not exist without the character.

Editor's notes for the story, "Laurel":

I had never cared for the episode "Who Mourns For Adonis" , and I don't think that too many fans would call that episode their favorite, either. But in "Laurel", Linda has investigated life for Carolyn Palamas, after Adonis, and her work has left me with a lot more sympathy and even empathy for Carolyn.

In this story, Linda has brought a maturity and a certain grace to Carolyn. Linda's ear for dialogue, in this case between Carolyn and Laurel, is so natural, so everyday that we all can recognize it, having taken part in it some time in our lives. Linda's way of telling this story is easy and natural, her pacing is perfect and her descriptions are like photographs in a family album; capturing a snap shot image here and there to show the reader that these two ordinary people...well, one isn't quite ordinary,...but I'm giving the plotline away...

And the next time you see that episode, I bet your perceptions of it will have changed for reading "Laurel", just as mine have.

Editor's notes for "Another Tall Texas Tale":

I got a kick out of this story. Patsy has taken the crew and brought them back to our time, and of course they are in Texas. Especially in view of the rumors that Star Trek IV will also have a journey back

home, you'll like the humanness by which our guys achieve their mission, (with a little help from a friend.)

Someone told me that this story was kinda Mary Sue. Now, I don't know what you feel, ITTOI readers, but a whole lot of Trek could be called that. Trek itself, on a pro level, IS Mary Sue to the limit. It's just that pro- level Trek is written so well, we say it isn't alter ego at all. I refer to Mary Sue only in case of bad writing and no plotline alter ego stories.

Editor's notes for "A Starfleet Officer":

She chose to highlight Uhura, Scotty and Sulu, this time around. I fell in love with her version of Scotty. It's such a shame that this version can't be more apparent not only in the new movie, but in fanfic as well. As for Uhura? I'd never like to be on her wrong side, thank you. She's strong, she's a vibrant individual and she makes the reader believe in the abilities of a Starfleet Officer, not the sexism and chauvinism of "Captain, I'm frightened.

Patsy can write Sulu too. He's quite a person and she balances his strengths and weaknesses quite nicely. She had played all three characters off against the situation, and contrasts them very well.

Editor's notes for "Plato's Legacy":

Again, a story based on a not-too-popular episode. CinDe and Diane work so well together, and the evenness and tightness of the weave in this story prove that out. In fact, I think that between them they create a third person, whole and capable of telling a story the way it should be told.

This story concerns the after-effects of "Plato's Stepchildren." And for all the Spock fans in the audience, this one's for you whether you agree with their version of Spock or not. I gulped a few times, and as the writers surely intended, I remembered full that Spock is vulcan, not human.

I felt such empathy and pain for the vulcan as he tried desperately to sort things through. I think that the reader will do as I did, once reading this story and re-watchlng the episode; marveling at the way the characters sustain themselves on friendship and loyalty, through such a trial.

Editor's notes for "The Encounter":

Eva writes this story, investigating a whole new life form as well as the red tape and organizational migraines that come from being in Fleet. Her ideas are quite interesting and her inventiveness brings to mind the quality in the episodes of exploring new worlds, contacting new races, learning more about another race and hence, about our own. There is the simple fact of K/S in this story. Eva writes it as an established relationship, simply that. She does not underscore the fact nor throw it in the face of those who do not like K/S or believe in it. But the relationship is, as all well-established relationships, an integral underpinning for the story.

Editor's notes for "School Day Blues":

Any time that I can get a Guinn Berger funny in this 'zine, l'm going to tap dance on the typer. I love her gentle humor.

This time, it's Spock. And boy does he have a problem. But, but. Ever wonder why he's so good at handling humans? He got his first lessons in school, early in the game. You'll never again doubt why he can be assigned to a ship of humans and not lose his ever-lovin' mind. Guinn has the capacity to take a very ordinary situation and add her own perception, mix well and come up with an enjoyable read. If the reader never had his name mangled or made fun of, then surely the reader can remember someone in school who did.

Early on, Spock reveals the capacity for diplomacy, despite the ribbing he might have to take .

• String's the Thing (by way of explanation), article about string theory by "Elf" Barth (2)
• Call It Speculation, essay by Guinn Berger (dated August 16, 1985) (8)
  • the poor quality of the Star Trek movies, wishing fan stories could be utilized as they are better, and have more soul
  • a con report for KC Con IV, see that page
• View from the Big Marble: What Bodes the Future - The Case for Man, article by Sue Heath (10)
• Leviathan Ninety-Nine, fiction by Dan "Elf" Barth (12)
• Laurel, fiction by Linda Chanack (Laurel is the 15-year old daughter of Carolyn Palamas and Apollo) (87)
• Another Tall Texas Tale, fiction by Patsy Curnow (94)
• A Starfleet Officer by Patsy Curnow (108)
• Plato's Legacy, fiction by CinDe Deren and Diane Miskiewicz (126)
• The Encounter by Eva Stuart (also in In the Wilderness) (135)
• School Day Blues, fiction by Guinn Berger (164)
• Patsy's Parodies: "Hey! Where's The Door?" "The Swap Meet" "This Is Paradise?", by Patsy Curnow (167)
• Final Word, editor's thank yous and comments (203)
• a flyer for Star Trek Fans for Peace

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

The longest and best story of the stories is 'Leviathan 99' by Elf Barth. Captain Kirk and Co. play but a peripheral role, but the author's own characters are fully fleshed out and intriguing in their own rights and make for a fascinating story. 'A Starfleet Officer' by Patsy Curnow is a well written story focusing on the secondary of Sulu, Uhura and Scotty. The remaining entires range from vignettes to short stories, including three satires of three episodes. 'The Encounter' by Eva Stuart uses an established K/S premise but there is nothing explicit, and I doubt anyone would find it offensive. Anyone who enjoys a solid, middle of the road Trek zine will find ITTOI #4 a treat.