Lost (Star Trek: TOS story)

Fanfiction
Title:	Lost
Author(s):	Istannor
Date(s):	2007
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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Lost is a Kirk/Spock story by Istannor.

It was published in the print zine T'hy'la #27.

Summary

"The planet of Quiroz wishes to give up its relationship with the Orions and join the Federation and ask that Admiral Kirk and the Enterprise be sent to begin negotiations."

Reactions and Reviews

Gosh, I thought I‘d read this – but maybe not. I love the way it starts: we see from the first that Kirk and Spock are bound to each other and their relationship is relaxed and comfortable. I like that feeling very much. They‘re challenged, too, because the diplomatic mission they‘re on prevents them from being open about their relationship. They are unguarded with McCoy, which is an added benefit because it allows us to see them through his discerning and understanding eyes. One little thing that made my heart go thump is the mental image of Kirk clad in some type of flimsy, revealing sleeping attire. Yum! No wonder Spock‘s hands hurt with the need to touch him. Yes, this story is definitely off to a good start.

The way the two communicate silently through their bond is very effective, and the playful way in which they mentally speak gives us a unique look at how rare and special their relationship is. But there is something more important here, hidden between the love story and the sci-fi adventure. That something is no less than a deep exploration of the character that is James T. Kirk, what makes him the man he is, what prompts him to take the chances he takes and how it all fits into the grand scheme of the universe. I found myself fully engrossed in this author‘s very believable concept. Some of the most revealing theories come to light during conversations between Spock and McCoy, who have an unusually compatible friendship. Another is during a conversation Spock has with Security Chief Chekov, who feels he has not adequately protected Kirk during a ground skirmish. Spock says, 'You must understand that James Kirk is not a force that can be controlled. He is so often unpredictable. It is his fate and his genius to be such a person. You cannot always anticipate what he will do next. We are still alive and triumphant because few can anticipate what he will do next.' Spock goes on to explain – and I find this hauntingly accurate: 'He requires much of himself: trial and tribulation, in addition to his pursuit of the ideal. He pushes himself past where a normal man would go.' There is another instance where Kirk must deliver a defense plan to the ruling government, but he‘s been distracted, engaged in mental small talk with Spock and overseeing a typical spat between Spock and McCoy. When it‘s time for him to outline his plan, it‘s all there. He‘s devised a logical and inspired plan taking into account all the warring parties strategies even while involved in another conversation. Spock and McCoy watch as he finishes his speech and begins moving among the planetary leaders, Federation representatives and military leaders with equal ease. McCoy asks Spock, 'Amazing, ain‘t he?' Spock feigns misunderstanding, whereupon McCoy says, 'I have seen him move with ease among cut-throats, circus performers and presidents. Regardless of where he is, when he‘s on, everyone listens to him. He does it the way most people breathe.' What an astute observation – both by the author and by McCoy. Somehow this author has managed a complete, accurate and uncanny character analysis in a conversational manner.

While it ends well, the story does take a chilling note at the end, which I‘ll leave you to read and contemplate for yourself. And you will think about it, I promise.