The Medical Mind
| Star Trek TOS Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Medical Mind (title in "Maine(ly) Trek), Medical Mind (title in "Nome") |
| Author(s): | Mary Ann Drach |
| Date(s): | 1980 |
| Length: | |
| Genre: | gen |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: The Original Series |
| External Links: | |
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The Medical Mind is a Star Trek: TOS story by Mary Ann Drach.
It was published in Maine(ly) Trek #2 (1980) and reprinted in Nome #11 (1988).
Summary
"On a colony to update medical procedures, Spock and McCoy help out when the planet is hit by an earthquake. "
Reactions and Reviews
Unknown Date
Spock and McCoy thrown into a crisis after an earthquake hits a colony's medical facility. Spock has to take on medical duties he prefers to avoid because of the drain of contact, from triage to surgery to delivering Amanda Grayson Willis during an aftershock. Unusual treatment of Spock as in fact *not* having these emotions, and wondering about them. Excellent characterization all around, good Spock/McCoy interactions, McCoy ranting at Spock to his face and defending him fiercely against criticism from the rest of the staff. [1]
1981
The piece de resistance of the whole zine, for my money, is the editor's "The Medical Mind," a 38 page study of Spock and McCoy's interactions as they cope with a planetwide disaster on Benecia — with the Enterprise not due to return for 26 hours. With only the planet's comparatively primitive medical resources to work with, they learn a great deal about themselves and each other as they cope with injuries, childbirth, and sudden death. Because of his scientific background, Spock is drafted first in doing triage, then actual surgery as the medical situation grows desperate. All in all the author handles both Vulcan and human reactions and interactions with great skill and understanding. Easily worth the cost of the zine alone. [2]
1988
I notice that NOME 11 is repeating one of my very favorite McCoy stories, "The Medical Mind," by Mary Ann Drach; wonderful characterization and interplay between McCoy and Spock. [3]
2011
I’ve always loved this wonderful little exploration into Spock’s psyche, although it won’t be to everyone’s liking. First of all it’s a gen story, and second, Jim Kirk doesn’t appear until the last two scenes, although what the two men feel for each other is glaringly apparent.
One of the story’s little extras for me is the opening paragraph. Ever wanted to know what a Vulcan healer’s analog to the Hippocratic oath would be? It’s rendered here in beautiful detail along with a Vulcan equivalent of the caduceus symbol. And it’s Spock’s turn as a healer that prompts this story.
Kirk and the ship have gone on a rescue mission that nevertheless isn’t so immediate that Spock, McCoy and a med tech and ensign can’t beam down to Benecia to update the colony’s medical staff with the latest Federation equipment and techniques.
They are working in the agricultural center’s hospital when a massive earthquake hits, causing several stories to collapse and destroying much of the city. Because of the few modern medical tools brought with them for demonstration purposes, and the casualties among the staff, McCoy assumes control of the situation and drafts Spock to be a badly needed second surgeon. Needless to say, the human emotions of fear and panic and pain are almost overwhelming to the Vulcan but there is no choice in the matter. Spock and McCoy understand each other very well by this time, but even understanding will go only so far. He must remind the Vulcan that these people need more from Spock than just his knowledge and deft hands. McCoy is also thrust into the position of having to defend Spock’s behavior to people who very rarely have any contact with outsiders...
Through a complex series of events Spock is put into the position of having to deliver a baby—one of life’s more emotional moments. Ms. Drach deftly places the Vulcan is this most unusual set of circumstances without stretching the narrative or character’s credibility at all. So very well done.
And then the rest of the building collapses.
This author also writes under at least one other pen name as well though I haven’t seen anything new from her in a long time. I’ve always enjoyed her take on the Kirk & Spock relationship.
Nome 11 is available through the library, and devotees of the Vulcan shouldn’t miss this story. [4]
2014
I was sad to see that Mary Ann Drach had passed away. I never met her, but her contributions to this fandom we all love can't be underestimated. As the author of Broken Images, she brought so much pleasure into so many lives, but [The Medical Mind] is the story for which I will remember her. It's a gen story, and for almost all of it Kirk isn't even there, but it delves into Spock's personality, his nobility and compassion for others that made me love his character from the beginning.
While Kirk and the Enterprise are off on a rescue mission, Spock and McCoy are on Benecia charting fault lines and updating medical techniques. A major earthquake hits the generally agricultural colony, and suddenly Spock and the doctor find they are among the very few people that are trained to help. As per usual, Spock stands out, the outsider once again amid people who know very little about Vulcans and their ways. McCoy, of all people, runs interference for his friend.
If I were to tell any more than this, I'd spoil the story for you, but treat yourself and read it.
I've reviewed this one before, but if only one person reads it that hasn't previously, I'd have done my good deed for today.
God speed, Mary Ann, and thank you. [5]
References
- ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version (early 2000s?)
- ^ from Dixie G. Owen in The Clipper Trade Ship #32 (1981)
- ^ from Vel Jaeger in K/S & K.S. (Kindred Spirits) #32
- ^ from The K/S Press #183 (2011)
- ^ from The K/S Press #206