Mind Meld (Star Trek: TOS anthology)

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Zine
Title: Mind Meld
Publisher: Seahorse Press/Penguin Press
Editor(s): Sandy Zier and Michelle Holmes (issue #1), Sandy Zier (the remaining issues)
Date(s): 1984-1992
Series?:
Medium: print
Size:
Genre: gen
Fandom: Star Trek: TOS
Language: English
External Links:
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Mind Meld is a series of gen anthology fanzines that focus on the Kirk-Spock-McCoy friendship. At least 7 issues were printed with color portraits, lots of charcoal work, and layout with borders varying for each story. Each issue contains a massive amount of art, some of which is offered below with the publisher's permission.

Issue #5 was the winner of many 1988 Surak Awards.

Issue 1

front cover issue #1, T.J. Burnside
back cover of issue #1, Carole Swoboda

Mind Meld 1 was published in May 1984 (second printing: January 1987) and contains 222 pages. Front cover: T.J. Burnside; back cover: Carole Swoboda, Betsy Barr (inside front cover), other art by Cami Forsell, Barbara P. Gordon, Suzan Lovett, Andrea Kunz, Caren Parnes, Mary Mills, Merle Decker, Caro Hedge, Lydia Moon, Christine Myers, Gennie Summers, Evallou Richardson.

From the editorial by Sandy:

Hmmm... August 20, 1983 [1] - will that be a day to remember? or forget? For it was on that day that Mind Meld was born. If anyone would have told me we'd be putting out our own zine a year ago, I would have asked them what they had been drinking. Who would have thought that an impulsive remark like "Let's do a zine" would turn into a reality. (I only saw my first zine in December of 1982.

All kidding aside - we've had a lot of encouragement from the "Contact Group" - and with their advice - and some luck and hard work on our part - we've put together what I think is a pretty good first issue. Also, a desire to keep Star Trek alive is a strong motivation. Without fandom and people working to keep Star Trek a facet of the present, rather than the past, many fan writers and/or artists would not have the opportunity to use their skills to "explore strange new worlds." I'm glad we are a part of this adventure. Please, please, send us your comments - how can we improve? ... What di d you 1ike? Any comments di rected at a speci- fic writer and/or artist will be passed along to them.

It's definitely been a learning experience - and VERY time consuming (my typewriter has seen more work since August than it has the whole time I've owned it!). But you must set priorities: zine first, zine second, zine third, then work and lastly, sleep (Yes, Michelle, I'm going to try to get some sleep!) But it's also been fun (and, besides, I'm told it doesn't get any easier!) I must give a special thanks to my brother, Dick for doing the printing and allowing us to pay AFTER it's done - as well as his expertise in guiding us along the way regarding artwork, paper, etc. Also a thanks to my mother for her last minute proofing.

Also - I would like to especially thank Carole for her being willing to do several pieces of important artwork - and on short notice - in time for our deadline.

Well ... on to Mind Meld #2 (yes, we are doing another ISSUE!!). Now, Michelle, you know I told you we must get Sunbird, Part 3 edited. Besides, it's only about 100 pages! Sleep? What's sleep? zzzzzzzz

  • Editorials (2)
  • That Elusive Emotion by Karen Hayden (4)
  • September Song by Beverly Volker (5)
  • Hold Back the Dark by Sandy Zier (Kirk is troubled by a dream in which McCoy is dying. Is it a part of the grieving process for Spock or a premonition of things to be?) (11)
  • Endless Skies by Carole Swoboda (14)
  • Sunbird by Jennifer Weston [Sequel to "Me and Thee" (Off the Beaten Trek #1) and "Until That Tomorrow" (Off the Beaten Trek #2). Continued in "Voyage Nocturne" in this issue.] (16)
  • Brother of the Heart by Barbara P. Gordon (45)
  • The Trust by Ingrid Cross (McCoy's sorrow and anger at Spock's death are complicated by 'a deranged subconscious that appears to be going Vulcan.') (48)
  • Mind Meld by Betsy Barr (68)
  • Fields of Yesterday by Terri Sylvester (70)
  • The Warning by Ginna LaCroix (72)
  • The Bequest by Suzanne Fine ("McCoy returns to Yonada to find Natira dead and an eight year old daughter that he did not know existed. He is drawn into intrigue which endangers Yonada and his daughter's life as well as his own.") (74)
  • Erosion by Debbie Gilbert (121)
  • Trinity by Beverly Volker (122)
  • Quotes by Lynn Syck (124)
  • Last Meld by April Valentine (125)
  • Objectivity by Debbie Gilbert (128)
  • Hannibal's Logic by Harriett Stallings (129)
  • Afterwards by Lynn Syck (151)
  • The Right Move by Laurel Ridener (158)
  • To Help a Friend by Karen Hayden (160)
  • Faces of Eternity by Laurel Ridener (162)
  • Elegy for the Brave (164)
  • By Way of Reply by Laurel Ridener (165)
  • McCoy on Kirk by Lynn Syck (168)
  • Vision of Death by Lynn Syck (169)
  • Genesis by Lynn Syck (173)
  • Journey to Understanding by Karen Hayden (174)
  • Yesterday's Dream by Marion McChesney (176)
  • Voyage Nocturne (Sunbird pt. 2) by Jennifer Weston (177)
  • ads (222)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

[zine]: Extremely well put together with obviously loving attention to detail, overflowing with excellent artwork.[2]

[zine]: MIND MELD is an ST genzine centering around Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. You can tell this zine is a true labor of love by the attention to detail and the care taken throughout the whole thing. It is a very worthwhile first effort, with attractive borders and titles and a variety of type styles. The art is excellent from the front cover to the back and adds a lot to the stories and poems. The zine contains a good mixture of poetry, short and long stories, and art, utilizing quite a gathering of excellent authors and artists. "The Trust," by Ingrid Cross, is McCoy's reaction to Spock's death and the subsequent realization that Spock had placed his conciousness in him. A well done story. "The Bequest," by Suzanne Fine. A lot of stories have been written about McCoy and Natira, but this one is quite different. I won't give away any of the plot because I don't want to spoil this great story for you.

"Hannibal's Logic," by Harriett Stallings, is a strange story about Kirk (before he became a captain) and Spock (as a lieutenant). They aren't on the same ship and don't know each other, but somehow Spock touches Kirk's mind, which has been caught in some kind of time structure formed by a planet somewhere, and also involves another Vulcan named South, who's on the same ship as Kirk, and ... I never did quite understand the story. But it's the only one in the zine I can't quite give high praise for and that's only my personal preference. I saved the longest story for last. This zine contains parts 1 and 2 and is based on two other stories published in another zine by two other authors. (Luckily, they give a synopsis of these two previous stories.) The story is to be continued in the next issue. Part 1 is called "Sunbird" and part 2, "Voyage Nocturne". Both" are by Jennifer Weston. Kirk has served four years in prison after being convicted of negligence. Spock took over as captain of the Enterprise, which was then lost on a mission. Spock is dishonorably discharged, exiled from Vulcan, and forced out of Federation territory. Kirk goes to live with Spock and his new family and joins Spock in his business as captain of a transport vessel. Convinced that there's something rotten in Starfleet, Kirk and Spock set out to prove it by enlisting the aid of McCoy, Scotty, and other trusted friends. They discover a secret organization called the Rodinium Shield and set out to try to destroy it before it destroys them. It is a suspenseful story, with many plot twists and turns. It is well written and I'm eagerly awaiting part 3.

I have only mentioned the longer stories because there are so many short ones that are very good. The poetry is also quite nice (this from someone who doesn't care for poetry that much). I highly recommend this zine to anyone who enjoys reading about the Big Three in a genzine setting.[3]

[zine]:
  • September Song / Pensive vignette for K/S/M on leave in a Maine cabin, pre-STII. Nice mood piece.
  • Hold Back the Dark / Kirk dreams that McCoy dreams that he (McCoy) is dying of Hodgkins. McCoy gets the moral that he has to tell Kirk when it really happens. Short, interesting.
  • Sunbird / [Sequel to "Me and Thee" (Off the Beaten Trek #1) and "Until That Tomorrow" (Off the Beaten Trek #2). Continued in "Voyage Nocturne" in this issue.] Interesting AU in which Kirk, Spock and others have been deliberately disgraced and the Enterprise sabotaged by corrupt Starfleet bigwigs. Spock has family and a fleet of traders, and Kirk is staying with him and flying for him. In this episode, McCoy & Uhura finally get hard evidence of the conspiracy and start a resistance movement with the help of the Surgeon General. It ends with Sarek's arrival.
  • Brother of the Heart / Vignette: Kirk says Kaddish for Peter after Deneva, and is distressed that there will be no one left to say it for him.
  • The Trust / Ingrid's interesting and well-executed interpretation of what's happening in McCoy's brain after he gains that unexpected katra. McCoy here is furious with Kirk for a) letting Spock die instead of the suited-up emergency crews that were supposed to do it (this is never really adequately explored, unfortunately - it's an interesting point); b) insulting Spock by calling him human at his funeral; and c) saying that he feels young.
  • The Request / Nice McCoy story, if a little trite. Enterprise is called to assist negotiating a treaty between the Yonadans and the Therans, who were on the planet before the Yonadans got there. McCoy finds Natira dead and his spectacularly bright, serious and hostile 8-year-old daughter Calandra the new Priestess. Fearing trouble, the Yonadans insist that Enterprise take Calandra somewhere safe. Predictably, the treaty is sabotaged by corrupt politicians on both sides, and Callie only comes to love her father after he is terribly wounded. At least the author let both McCoy and Callie live.
  • Last Meld / emotional retelling of Spock's death as Kirk experienced it.
  • Hannibal's Logic / A pre-Enterprise tale of Kirk, insane and mentally bound to the Vulcan officer South, struggling through madness. Spock, South's cousin, on another ship, goes into trance to solve the problem - and does, of course - it turns out to be that the planet that killed everyone but Kirk and South showed them Time. Interesting imagery in the mad scenes.
  • Afterwards / McCoy, in an agony of anger after Spock's death, struggles to get Kirk to talk out his grief, and gets knocked around for his trouble. A bit too much smarm, but a good little confrontation. McCoy's response to being pounded to the floor: "Well, that's a start, I guess."
  • The Right Move / One-page Kirk soliloquy on chess with Spock.
  • The Faces of Eternity / One page Kirk soliloquy on forcing McCoy and Spock into friendship over his deathbed.
  • By Way of Reply / Spock soliloquy on Kirk sending him a transfer.
  • Vision of Death / Spock sees his impending death in meditation and prepares for it.
  • Yesterday's Dream / Spock soliloquy after Kirk and McCoy die in a shuttle explosion
  • Voyage Nocturne (Sunbird pt. 2) / Continuation of "Sunbird" above. In this episode, Sarek places himself in a subordinate bond with Spock to make amends for having gone along with his condemnation; Spock and T'Prenn develop affection in their bonding; Spock is proved innocent to the Vulcan council, giving the resistance access to aid from all Vulcans in the Fleet; Sulu, Scott & McCoy learn that the Rodinium Shield in its early years was responsible for a horrible war that destroyed a planet. Komack learns of the spy ring and Uhura is captured.
  • Poetry: Plenty of typical overwrought and annoying poetry, but also some more interesting ones:
    • Questions / McCoy wondering about Gem's response to Spock.
    • Mind Meld / Kirk musing on the wonder of mind meld.
    • The Warning / interesting trio poem - Spock, Kirk and McCoy each reacting to the short exchange before Kirk, McCoy & Saavik beam down to Genesis - Spock telling Jim to be careful, McCoy demanding inclusion by retorting "We will."
    • Quotes / Kirk's responses to Spock's last words.
    • Journey to Understanding / Amanda's jealousy on discovering Kirk is more to Spock than are she and Sarek.[4]

[zine]: ...Let's start with the cover. What can I say? Burnside's done it again.

September Song was a nifty little item. . . Beverly chose to explore the philosophical side, and did so admirably. I found it very relaxing.

I liked the descriptive facets of Hold Back the Dark. Making the reader feel the gut reactions of the characters is a rare talent. . .

The Trust freaked me out. Blew my mind. ... I had just seen STIII when I read this one, and boy did it fit like a glove! Then when I read the novelization, complete with the Wake scene, .... Far out! . . .

Hannibal's Logic was a wierd little story...out of the ordinary...I had to backtrack once in a while, but interesting... and the concept was fascinating.

The Right Move was short, but sweet. Very nice.

...On first reflection I was sure I would hate The Sunbird. . . .Was I ever wrong! I loved it! I can't wait for Mind Meld II to find out what happens. Ms. Weston should seriously consider sending this up to Pocket...it was worth the effort.

The poetry was just fine. I liked what I saw and was glad it did not overwhelm the zine. The art was superb! Every illo was tastefully and perfectly done. ... From Mary's Mills' delicate pencilings to Carol Swoboda's heavier charcoals.

For what I didn't like. . . running out of pages!! You guys did a terrific job. . . .a few typos, none to serious. The layout was appealing, the format excellent. Mind Meld is a nice clean professional-looking publication . In a word - QUALITY.[5]

[zine]: First, I am most kindly disposed towards MM because I ordered it, and you sent it all in a space of 10 days! Practically unheard of these days!

[You have] produced an attractive-looking zine. . .good binding job as well as proper a title page. Various decorations break up the monotony of page upon page of text. I'm not certain why S. Fine's story is printed in double columns.. .that sort of thing drives you nuts

I'm so glad you found the rest of Sunbird... I don't really enjoy the characterizations in [the] story, but the plot is interesting enough to want to know how it ends. . .Spock married with children is never going to be a winner for me...the warm relationship between Kirk and Spock doesn't come through in their behavior.

Best of zine for me is "Hannibal's Logic".. .original plot, interesting new characters and convincing characterization.

One story I felt had more promise but needed more editorial guidance was "Hold Back the Dark. . . not really clear what time frame involved. . .

What I didn't like about the zine - too much..death and dying. ...of about 30 pieces of poetry/prose, 13 of them concern death. McChesney's admittedly is about death.. . but it was most thought-provoking. . . I found it a moving vignette.

One of the most interesting stories in the death section was ["The Trust] -- either she's a good guesser or saw some advance material on STIII. ...I hope MMII will have a better mixture of themes - ... please don't take any of this as unkindly meant.. .after all, it is your zine. And a fine effort - you ought to be proud of your work. I look forward to Issue 2.[6]

[zine]: ARGH.. .you're making me wait for MMII for the rest of Sunbird!! SNARL...Ah, indeed, the support of your friends and the wise utilization of expert advice and encouragement shows. The first issue of Mind Meld is truly a quality one and a real credit to the thought and hard work put into it. I am delighted and the zine is ALL TREK!

The artwork is truly fine. Carole Swoboda's: I definitely want to see more of sensitive, evocative, with a fluidity of line shadow that is eloquent. ERIC's: combination of style in the drawing of Spock makes for a fine mood-portrait.

A Spock with a big smile - most illogical and un-Vulcan!! ... but a very nice one. Lydia Moon's work is new to me. I'd like to see more of her stuff too.

I like C. Myer's work with Lynn Syck's poem - it's most effective.[7]

[zine]: I enjoyed it and look forward to #2. Having seen STIII, I thoroughly enjoyed The Trust. . .please reply and tell me that she'll be writing a sequel.

I enjoyed the poetry interspersed throughout the zine.

On The Bequest ...I've always enjoyed that particular episode; there's a sense of deep compassion and sincerity, with anguish that the good doctor has had to endure.

Sunbird... what can you say about a story that has everything... adventure, love, espionage, depravity, loyalty and friendship. I can hardly wait for the resolution of the story.[8]

The zine was SUPER! Production, artwork, layout, etc, were excellent. A fine quality piece of work.

September Song - beautiful mood piece - a precious piece of time to appreciate.

Hold Back the Dark - a dream within a dream - but too sad. An excellent and well written piece.

Sunbird - perfect! . . . very satisfying...the beauty and power of Jim & Spock's friendship and love are clearly demonstrated... in a very well-drawn plot. T'Prenn is also well done and evolving relationship is well done...fine reading..of course I'm desperate for the next part. Sarek is super!

Brother of the Heart - Touching, a beautiful story

The Trust - ... poor Bones! But oh, so beautiful a thing!

The Bequest ... a well developed story and I was pleased by the conclusions.

Last Meld - so painfully beautiful!

Hannibal's Logic - Fantastic!! Super! . . a completely unique story. Excellent plot and character development. . .even some very subtle humor.

Afterwards - very touching.

The Right Move - cute!

The Faces of Eternity - painful and beautiful.

By Way of Reply - excellent! And very "in character" for both.

Vision of Death - again, beautiful!

The poetry was all really excellent... .The artwork super!

Many thanks for a super zine. Of course, I can't wait for issue #2.[9]

[zine]: I knew Mind Meld was going to be a good zine ... it had "the look" ... First-rate artwork is nearly always the hallmark of a quality zine and MM has more than share ... graphics and type are balanced.

September Song could been a cozy little mood piece, but the situation is too pat and the dialogue doesn't ring true.

Hold Back the Dark ...I can't resist a paradoxical ending.. .this one's rather haunting. I had to sort of like the story despite its use of...cliche "it was only a dream".

Brother of the Heart .. I got nothing from this tale.

The Trust ... comes fairly close to ST Ill's theme, but I hate to see McCoy acting so confused and irresponsible. .. No reflections on Ingrid.

The Bequest. Interesting idea... I did not find Calandra at all believable...

Last Meld - Not really a story but train of thought... effectively explains Kirk's "I feel young" statement.

Hannibal's Logic - probably takes the honors for zine's best written story. Harriett uses her words to their best effect... .does a good job conveying the depth of Kirk's madness.

Afterwards ... I found it difficult to believe that Kirk could punch McCoy in the face and feel absolutely no remorse.

The Faces of Eternity - maudlin.

By Way of Reply .. . were I familiar with Elegy for the Brave", this might have had more meaning for me.

Vision of Death.. .comforting to see that Spock finds his peace at last.

Sunbird ... a cliffhanger will create a ready-made audience for the sequel. A story of galactic intrigue that holds my interest. Interpersonal stuff is good...can't wait to see the Rodinium Shield overthrown.. .an old-fashioned good guys vs. bad guys saga.

Poetry. I liked both Mind Meld poems. . . .The tripartite viewpoint of Ginna LaCroix's "The Warning" is effective. . .as is a sense of "three- ness" in "Trinity". Karen Hayden's work is really prose but arranged to simulate a poem ... did have some insights buried under all the verbiage. .. . particularly liked "Journey to Understanding"

Artwork. Cover illo is good, not quite up to the one she did for Kobayashi Maru. I don't care much for the cross-hatch technique on Cami Forsell's drawings. Suzan Lovett - I like it. Barbara Gordon's piece looks like a rush job, as though she didn't care. A. Kunz' -I like this scene very much ... a nice clean look. Caren Parnes is terrific - without question the best artist in the zine. M. Mills -nice composition... Lydia Moon ... excellent. . .C. Myers...highly competent technique, as always, but big grin on Spock seems out of place. Carole Swoboda dominates the zine...she's such a talented artist ... figures have a soft, childlike glow that is appealing in its own right.

...though my criticisms may at times seem a bit harsh, I did enjoy Mind Meld very much.[10]

[zine]: Mind Meld is unequivocally a beautiful zine - not just a beautiful "first zine" - for it holds it own against others which are on their 4th, 5th, etc issues. Layout is excellent and the care which went into it shows. Titles are straight...varieties of presstype fit the mood or theme of each story. ..Good balance of short and long things with poetry evenly interspersed. Zine is nicely graphic without being cluttered or overpowering. No wasted space ... my one criticism to the general over-all appearance is the use of different styles of type among the major stories... Anyway, this was the only fault which was immediately apparent to me and after" careful scrutiny.

Thank you for the care of my contributions. September Song looks fine. .. and I was surprised and delighted with Merle's illo for "Trinity.

The stories ... were all consistently good, carefully edited and made the rest of the zine worthwhile. Beautiful trappings, gorgeous artwork, an abundance of presstype, etc, does not a good zine make. For the editor and the writer in me, at least 80% of the success of a zine is the quality of the written material contained ... in this area MM is a success. There was a good variety of themes but always with the emphasis on my favorite (K/S/Mc) so as to make it my kind of zine...I liked that this is your theme rather than a genzine which is so much wasted space.

Each story has its own merit and the inclusion of Sunbird gives it the weight it needs to make the issue memorable.

You guys have made your mark in fanfiction with MM and I thank you for allowing me to be a small part of its birth. This is the kind of zine we - fandom - needs. Can't wait to see Number 2 begin and I hope I can be part of it. Hate to break it to you ladies, but you have begun an institution (which is where you'll feel like you should be by #4 or #5).

CONGRATULATIONS! [11]

[zine]: I think you brought out a splendid first zine. You should be very proud. "Fields of Yesterday" "Trinity" and "Quotes" I enjoyed very much - all had real emotion to them.

Overall, the artwork was good. The last thing I expected was to see my poem illoed. I was very much impressed. I enjoyed most of the stories. Sunbird really stood out. I hope they do continue - I'm hooked.

It was nice to read an unreduced zine personally don't like the column print of The Bequest, which was a fine story.[12]

[zine]: I usually I read a zine, make up an LoC in my head and never get it written. . .. in search of zines, I was lucky to find yours.

It was obvious you put all your love, care and devotion into this zine. The layout was good, ... borders were great and didn't distract. The art was excellent and especially enjoyed Carole Swoboda's and Gennie Summer's work .. but it's hard to choose favorites.

September Song I enjoy anything by Bev Volker but this was excellent.

Hold Back the Dark - short and weirder:- It gave me goose-bumps.

The Trust ... and interesting way to show how Spock worked through McCoy.

The Bequest - an excellent story. I loved it. ... well thought out, well done that kept everyone in character and believable.

Hannibal's Logic ... strange story, interesting, but not one of my favorites.

Afterwards - I really liked it.

I'm not much of a critic on poetry ... the one I especially enjoyed was "The Warning"

Sunbird ... a fantastic story and I can't wait for part 3. The idea of the Rodinium Shield is plausible. How dare you leave Uhura arrested like that and just quit!!!

Dire Vulcan threats on your heads if you don't hurry with Mind Meld II. Good job on 1, much luck on 2.[13]

[zine]: With one exception, I've never sat down and typed a letter to a fanzine before. In the case of MM I have to make an exception. Your zine is the most beautiful in both format and planning that I've ever seen. The printing is fantastic ... borders and decorated edges are eyecatching and just marvelous.

Your artist, Swoboda, has a knack for facial expressions that borders on the fantastic!

I'm dying to find out what happens to Uhura in Sunbird .. at first I refused to believe in such a conspiracy. .. but the story is so good that I soon suspended that belief and sat back and enjoyed the reading of it. I look forward to part 3.

"Elusive Emotion" is the type of love and caring that drew me to Star Trek in the first place.

"September Song" made me cry. ... gee, I wonder if the three of them will ever get a chance to do this...

"Question" ... a lot of insight. The art by Lovett is beautiful.

"The Trust" was a great story, although I'm always saddened when someone has a character pile abuse on Kirk ... but the story is excellent.

"Fields of Yesterday" touching... the artwork is beautiful.

The piece that got to me the most was Last Meld . .. this one is graceful, thought-provoking, and absolutely devastating ... with a shred of hope at the very end .. I loved it!

...Every piece in this zine is worth a reading ... thank you for something that is really top-shelf quality. You are going to get a lot of praise from people.[14]

[zine]: I'm very impressed with the zine you both did a terrific job!

Thank you for the terrific screen job you did on my art. My only complaint is the weight of paper you used ... otherwise I thought it was a very professionally done zine and I liked both the stories and art on the whole.[15]

[zine]: I picked up a copy of MM at Space Trek and devoured it in two sittings! It is a superb first effort. The novella Sunbird has me on the edge of my seat![16]

[zine]: I loved reading MM!... so many brilliant pieces. It was refreshing to read a story of our older Kirk, Spock and McCoy in September Song -and so touchingly honest and humorous. Sunbird angered me (at the Fleet), delighted me (Kirk and Spock together), shocked me... in other words let me feel - so often lacking in these stories. Carol Swoboda's drawings have the same impact.

I couldn't really appreciate the raw anger in McCoy in The Trust ... however the piece was well written.

Much more believable was Afterwards, Vision of Death, McCoy on Kirk, Faces of Eternity, Last Meld, Trinity, Fields of Yesterday - all fine, lovely pieces. Artwork by Decker - always a favorite.

I'm enchanted with it. The only negative was the series was not concluded, but on the the next MELD![17]

[zine]: I got Mind Meld and enjoyed it reasonably much. Very nicely put together. I like Swoboda's pencils, but all the layout and art were nice - much nicer than the usual first effort.

Sunbird did me in - I got a "to be continued" twice in the zine ... I couldn't believe it. Yer Cruel!

My favorite of the zine is Hannibal's Logic. She always does take a different look at things. I like that! [18]

[zine]:

I think it was great. I am looking forward to Mind Meld II... I really want to know how Sunbird ends. The relationship between Kirk and Spock is handled very well showing how one cares for the other... [The Bequest] is great... even the stories post ST:TWOK are handled very nicely. Am looking forward to Mind Meld II [19]

[zine]:

I am too busy (and lazy) to write a proper LoC but it was VERY good. It impressed me as being in the Last Meld, Trinity, Fields of tradition of Contact. Keep up the good work! [20]

[zine]: I enjoyed it very very much! I am new to ST zines - though a ST fan since 1967.

I have read most of the Contacts and think yours is just as good, Especially enjoyed the Sunbird series. .. she captured the spirit of the Enterprise crew ... characterizations are perfect and I am anxiously awaiting to see how it all turns bout. I also enjoyed The Bequest. Also, September Son. And Hannibal's logic was well thought out and entertaining.[21]

[zine]: There are not many editors who manage to produce a good zine on their first try, but you (Sandy) and Michelle definitely succeeded! MMI was superb!... read it several times already! The printing, layout, art, designs, poetry and all stories (especially Sunbird) were all first rate and Carole Swoboda's artwork beautiful! Her drawings give a story a life of its own... Carole is extraordinary!

I am looking forward to MMII and conclusion to Sunbird.[22]

Issue 2

Mind Meld 2 was published in May 1985 and contains 267 pages. It has a front cover by Caren Parnes.

front cover of issue #2 by Caren Parnes

The interior art is by Bev Zuk, Cami Forsell, TACS, Andrea Kunz, Merle Decker, Caro Hedge, Sharon Garinger, Mary Mills, Caren Parnes, Gennie Summers, Suzan Lovett, T.J. Burnside, and The Southern Cross.

From the editorial:

Well, here we are, one year older and no more wiser. It does not seem like it has been a year since Mind Meld I came out. Actually it seems longer, so full and busy a year it has been.

Mind Meld I received a very warm welcome in fandom, as evidenced by the Loc's following, and sold out in eight months

a fact that Sandy and I are very proud of. We listened closely to both praise and criticism and have tried to correct any faults there were in the first issue. Of course, we have already started off on the wrong foot, as this issue is over two months late. For this we apologize profusely and say: "we think it was worth the wait."

  • Editorial by Editor (2)
  • LoCs by Various (4)
  • Memoria Teneo by Terri Sylvester (10)
  • Insights by Ginger Dawson (11)
  • We Come to Serve by Ginger Dawson (14)
  • Sunbird by Jennifer Weston (16)
  • Reporting as Ordered by Susan Meinecke (118)
  • Beyond the Starless Sea by Laurel Ridener & Lynn Syck (120)
  • The First Payment by Ginna LaCroix (123)
  • Losses by Cheryl Resnick (134)
  • Remember by Laurel Ridener & Lynn Syck (135)
  • Friendship by Donna Frost & Denise Chonka (136)
  • Reflections on a Death by Debbie Gilbert (142)
  • The Finest Gift by Suzanne Fine (Touching story of McCoy's first encounter with the warrior race of Cape Mans. McCoy accompanies Joha'an, a young Capellan on his Rite of Passage with tragic results.) (143)
  • Intentions by Susan Meinecke (177)
  • Salt in the Wound by Debbie Gilbert (178)
  • Empty Spaces by Shirley D. Sipe (A few minutes together for Kirk and McCoy as the Enterprise returns to the Genesis planet.) (179)
  • Dear Jim and Spock by Laurel Ridener & Lynn Syck (Last instructions from Leonard McCoy.) (183)
  • Second Chance by Sandy Zier (184)
  • No Other Way by Ginna LaCroix (186)
  • Thy Brother's Keeper by Ginger Dawson (Injured in a shuttle crash and marooned on an isolated planetoid, McCoy discovers he is not really alone when a small Vulcan child appears.) (187)
  • Enterprise by Cheryl Resnick (194)
  • The Silent Drummer by Laurel Ridener & Lynn Syck (McCoy muses about his place in the Kirk-Spock relationship.) (195)
  • Christmas Presence by Laurel Ridener & Lynn Syck (196)
  • In Retrospect by Susan Meinecke (198)
  • To Absent Friends by Sandy Zier (200)
  • Sawdust in the Stars by Beverly Volker & Nancy Kippax (Kirk, Spock, and McCoy travel back in time and join a circus.) (202)
  • Blurbs by Editor (266)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

[zine]: To begin with, the cover is a lovely color glossy by Caren Parnes. There are a lot of nice interior illos and graphics by Lovett, Zuk, Myers, The Southern Cross, Summers, Garinger, Burnside, Mills, Decker, Kunz, Swoboda, Forsell, and Hedge, as well as calligraphy by M. Jenkins. Now you have an idea of the very nice illos. The print is clean and clear, and very easy to read: no smudges.

There is no space to go into the detail that I would like, but I will mention those features that I found most memorable.

Part three of "Sunbird," by Jennifer Weston, is a marvelous, and very distinctive, story. I missed the first two parts, but that did not deter me from thoroughly enjoying this imaginative, exciting story. Weston is a gifted writer and has great emotional appeal. The story is an involved mystery about a secret society in Starfleet that is insidiously taking over. It becomes one of those wonderful freedom-fighters stories that I love so much. Even if you missed the first two parts, go ahead and read this; it is introduced quite well. I loved it.

"Beyond the Starless Sea," by Lynn Syck and Laurel Ridener, is a haunting story of loyalty and of love, of tragedy suffered and of tragedy barely avoided. If you are a romantic, who loves having your emotions stirred up, this is for you. So touching. Wonderful writers. The story is short, but its impact is in volumes.

"The First Payment," by Ginna LaCroix, is a short story set just after the katra ritual has ended. But it is not what you may think. A touching, mystical, uplifting story of ties that bind beyond death and back again. Wonderfully written.

"Remember," also by Ridener and Syck, is a poem that made me cry, but I'd gladly do it again.

"Friendship," by Donna Frost and Denice Chonka, is a touching story too. (The zine is full of them.) Spock has an emotionally disturbing problem that he thinks no one else will understand, except maybe one man, and he discovers that he is not so alone.

"The Finest Gift" was written by Suzanne Fine. I have never read anything by her before, but I will certainly be looking forward to more. This is a story about McCoy before he joins the Enterprise as we know it and his friendship and sacrifice for an alien that he comes to call brother. Maybe I cry easily, but I cried. I wanted this man to live. A long story, very well done, very realistic. It got me involved.

"Empty Spaces," by Shirley Sipe, is an interesting conversation between friends. She shows you a private moment of speculation. Very nice.

You will love Ginger Dawson's "Thy Brother's Keeper" if you respond to compassionate stories about lost ones finding each other. McCoy is isolated on a planet, alone after a crash; then, he finds that he is not alone. A Vulcan child, about three years old, survived a prior crash. This story is very different, and Dawson writes a most tender, realistic McCoy. At least, she does him the way that I like him: strong, sacrificing, realistic, yet very tenderhearted. "I've been called a great many things, little lady. But you may call me McCoy." Spock eventually finds them, and he and McCoy have a very special conversation. You will see a very tender side of Spock, too. T.J. Burnside did an especially touching and tender illustration of McCoy holding a small Vulcan child for this story. This story alone was worth the price of the zine, though the entire zine is excellent.

"The Silent Drummer," by Syck and Ridener, deals with McCoy's thoughts on his "rewards" for service rendered. What a team.' They did it again with this one page vignette that makes you feel as if you've read a very long story.

"Christmas Presence," by (you guessed it) Syck and Ridener, has Kirk home with his mother for Christmas. Only one person is missing, until the end. Loved it. It felt real; I could almost hear the fire crackle. Lovely, lovely art by The Southern Cross.

"Sawdust in the Stars," by Bev Volker and Nancy Kippax, has a wonderful title page by Mary Mills. Graphics throughout. The Big Three take an unexpected time travel trip and end up in a circus in 1940. They cannot get back right away and have to adapt to this new world. I don't care for circuses, and so it probably didn't excite me as it may you. However, I did enjoy the story's human interaction. Very well written. Not slow paced and over 62 pages long.

"In Retrospect," a short, one-page piece, by Susan Meinecke, captures Spock's concerns for an an Admiral who gave up a ship and a way of life. Insightful and affectionate. Has a lovely illo by Christine Myers.

I started reading "To Absent Friends," by Sandy Zier, thinking that it was going to be another sad story about death and began to bristle, but then I moved on and saw that it was not. It is a story of second chances and hope, accompanied by a fun page illo by Bev Zuk. Zuk is terrific — a wonderful Spock face and Captain Kirk.

"No Other Way," by Ginna LaCroix, has some painful thoughts about the death of the Enterprise.

There are some other very nice poems and one pagers here. There are 268 pages to this zine, and I went through them much too fast, but it seems that all good things end much too soon. You still have that thrill ahead of you. I will always be happy that I got this zine. Extremely well done, with many wonderful illos. More than worth the $12.40 first class pricetag. I honestly don't know how they could offer it at that price.[24]

[zine]: MIND MELD II is out, and should appeal to the fans that enjoyed MIND MELD I. It has good artwork by Caren Parnes, Suzan Lovett, and T. J. Burnside. Bev Zuk's picture on p. 200, in particular, is a good candidate for a Fan Q nomination, in my opinion.

The fanzine has a Kirk & Spock friendship theme, reflected in many stories.

"Sunbird, part III," by Jennifer Weston, is the conclusion of a set of stories. The premise is that a group in Starfleet headed by three admirals (the group call a itself the "Rodinium Shield"), has conspired to throw Kirk and Spock out of Starfleet. Kirk and Spock, with the help of others affected by the conspiracy, work to expose the group. I found the premise a little hard to swallow, but after getting beyond that, the story does have enough suspense to sustain interest. It does have some characteristics often repeated in Trek fiction: the highly ritualized Vulcan ceremony, Spock as hidden prince (Sarek and Kirk put themselves at Spock's disposal). It bothered me somewhat that the Star-fleet Surgeon General is constantly referred to as "Ms." Johannson rather than "Dr." Johannson.

"The Finest Gift" by Suzanne Fine is a good story. During McCoy's first visit to the Capellans, he accompanies a young man on a coming-of-age journey. The young man is injured and his leg must be amputated. Because the Capellans look down on individuals who are not physically perfect, the young man does not want to live. McCoy, though, finds this unacceptable.

"Thy Brother's Keeper" by Ginger Dawson is another good McCoy story. Here the doctor is stranded on a planet with a Vulcan child.

"Sawdust in the Stars" by Bev Volker and Nancy Kippax is also entertaining. Kirk, Spock, and McCoy go back to 1940'a Earth and join the circus. Spock has an angry outburst at one point that I found out of character, otherwise, the story is quite good.

There are four other major stories in MIND MELD 2 as well. I found the ones mentioned above the most memorable.[25]

A tough act to follow.

Last summer saw the premiere of one of the best all—Trek genzines to come along in a long time. For a first effort, Mind Meld offered amazingly high-quality production values, some fabulous artwork, and literary material that ranged from mediocre and over sentimental to very good, including Jennifer Weston's cliffhanger "Sunbird" saga.

Now editors Sandy Zier and Michelle Holmes are attempting to top themselves with a sequel and they have succeeded. The superiority of Mind Meld II becomes apparent at a glance, because the color cover by Caren Parnes is simply the most beautiful cover I have ever seen on any zine. And it is a good indicator of the level of artwork inside. A marvelous illo by Suzan Lovett devotes incredible attention to detail, and she gets Kirk's and McCoy's expressions exactly right. Bev Zuk did a wonderful, imaginative illustration of Kirk and Spock that would have made a perfect poster for "The Search For Spock" — far better than the posters that were actually used.

As for the verbal portion of the zine: Yes, it does have the conclusion of "Sunbird". The author is a skilled storyteller, and while the story has its good moments and manages to hold my attention throughout, on the whole I was disappointed in its resolution, which seemed a trifle too easy (though I did enjoy seeing the evil "Rodinium Shield" conspiracy finally get its comeuppance!)

A promising new writing team prominently featured in this zine is Lynn Syck & Laurel Ridener, who really knew how to jerk the tears from the eyes of even one so cynical and unsentimental as myself. "Beyond the Starless Sea" is a beautifully moving death scene, with Kirk (for once) very much in character. Hy only quibble is that Spock would not have sought revenue even for Kirk's sake; vengeance is illogical.

Writer Ginna LaGroix has a knack for thinking of angles that everyone else overlooks. In "The First Payment", she postulates that Kirk might have been seriously injured in his fight with Kruge. I liked this story a lot. It explores Kirk's psyche by showing him through various other viewpoints: Saavik, T'Lar, Uhura, and finally Sarek, who, in a touching scene, tenderly acts as a stand-in for his son.

The editors saved the best for last. "Sawdust in the Stars" by Bev Volker and Nancy Kippax is an utterly delightful surprise. The material is fresh and interesting, and the authors have succeeded in doing a believable time travel story while keeping our heroes in character. This story is a lot of fun without being a spoof or a cross-universe; it can be enjoyed on its our unique terms.

The poetry is generally good, and some of it, particularly that of Ginger Dawson and of Ridener & Syck, is quite moving.

If you buy just one Star Trek zine this year, this is the one to get. It's 268 pages of sheer pleasure. And if you would love to be part of such a creative endeavor, be forewarned that the editors are planning an even BIGGIE and BETTER third volume next year. It will require superhuman effort to surpass what they've done with MIND MELD II. [26]

Issue 3

Mind Meld 3 was published June 1986 and contains 256 pages.

cover of issue #3 by Caren Parnes

The art is by Gina Godwin, Fiona Graves, Jean Kluge, Pat Cash, Mary Stacy-MacDonald, Caren Parnes, Merle Decker, Christine Myers, Connie Faddis, Cami Forsell, Nan Lewis, Suzan Lovett, and TACS.

  • Twenty Years of Love by Terri Sylvester 2)
  • Medusan Nightmare by Julie Lange Arch 4)
  • A Matter of Aesthetics by Ginger Dawson 21)
  • A Vulcan Sleeping Trance by Beverly Volkar 23)
  • Revenge by Ginna LaCroix 29)
  • Triumvirate by Gloria DeLeon 69)
  • Anachronisms by Laurel Ridener & Lynn Syck 70)
  • Warmth by Jan Davies 72)
  • Baptism by Fire by Ginger Dawson (McCoy and Spock are stranded on a planet where exposure to the sun will cause insanity in Spock and, eventually, McCoy. Unable to touch Spock, McCoy can do little to help. After the rescue McCoy realizes the experience has strengthened their friendship.) (73)
  • The Commander by Laurel Ridener & Lynn Syck 79)
  • Who Mourns for Adonais by Laurel Ridener & Lynn Syck 80)
  • Until the Fear Subsides by CinDe Deren & Diane Miskiewicz ( McCoy and Spock have been rescued after six months as prisoners of the Klingons. A battered McCoy is convinced that his mind has been permanently damaged by the mind sifter and that Spock broke under torture. To compound his problems, his rescuers are Vulcans whose consideration and precise medical care fail to meet his emotional needs. As much as he dislikes the idea of a meld with Spock, he finally sees it as their only hope of coming through the ordeal intact.) (82)
  • Instant Replay by Sandy Zier 117)
  • Christopher's Criterion by Betsy Fisher 128)
  • Speculation by Jane Yambe 130)
  • Circles Within Circles by Lynn Syck & Laurel Ridener 131)
  • Shore Leave by Lynn Syck 152)
  • The Tribbles With Troubles by Lynn Syck and Laurel Ridener 153)
  • The Other Side of Forever by Kathy Milligan 156)
  • In The Deep Places of Earth by Merle Decker 163)
  • Enemies by Jan Davies 186)
  • Stardance by Ginger Dawson (Spock has arranged a very unusual birthday gift for Dr. McCoy.) (187)
  • Begin Again by Su Fine 195)
  • And Promises to Keep by Laurel Ridener & Lynn Syck 196)
  • You Think You've Got Tribbles? by Ginger Dawson 255)
  • The Tribbles Are Coming by Mary Mills (256)
  • from issue #3, Chris Myers. One reviewer commented: "The anguish on their faces...Wow.."[27]

    from issue #3, Chris Myers. One reviewer commented: "The anguish on their faces...Wow.."[27]

  • from issue #3, Chris Myers

    from issue #3, Chris Myers

  • from issue #3, Gina Godwin

    from issue #3, Gina Godwin

  • from issue #3, Caren Parnes Caught in the Act

    from issue #3, Caren Parnes Caught in the Act

  • from issue #3, Merle Decker

    from issue #3, Merle Decker

  • from issue #3, Connie Faddis - Earth, Wind, Fire & Air

    from issue #3, Connie Faddis - Earth, Wind, Fire & Air

  • from issue #3, Nan Lewis - The Heart of Our Galaxy

    from issue #3, Nan Lewis - The Heart of Our Galaxy

  • from issue #3, Suzan Lovett - Menagerie, four characters and the artist's renditions of their animal "symbols"—McCoy (bear), Kirk (bird of prey), Spock (black panther) and finally, the Enterprise (unicorn)

    from issue #3, Suzan Lovett - Menagerie, four characters and the artist's renditions of their animal "symbols"—McCoy (bear), Kirk (bird of prey), Spock (black panther) and finally, the Enterprise (unicorn)

  • from issue #3, Jean Kluge: "Foray Into the Twilight Zone (Or, I Think the Man in the Hat Did Something Terrible)"

    from issue #3, Jean Kluge: "Foray Into the Twilight Zone (Or, I Think the Man in the Hat Did Something Terrible)"

  • from issue #3, Mary Stacy-MacDonald: "The Stars of Home"

    from issue #3, Mary Stacy-MacDonald: "The Stars of Home"

  • from issue #3, TACS: "Ye Olde Time Photo Session"

    from issue #3, TACS: "Ye Olde Time Photo Session"

  • from issue #3, Pat Cash

    from issue #3, Pat Cash

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

See reactions and reviews for And Promises to Keep.

Issue 4

Mind Meld 4 was published in July 1987 and contains 218 pages.

front cover of issue #4, Caren Parnes
back cover of issue #4, Steve Saunders

The art is by Cheryl Zier, Myrtle Mitchell (inside front cover), Caro Hedge, Mary Mills, Merle Decker, Chris Soto, Christine Myers, Shellie Whild, Gennie Summers, Mary Stacy-MacDonald, Gina Godwin, Cami F, Andrea K, Sherry Veltkamp, Fiona Graves, Steve Saunders (back cover), and Caren Parnes (front cover).

From the editorial:

... I'd like to mention something about the selling of fanzines by professional dealers. As zines become more professional looking, they also become attractive to these dealers as an item to sell. It is not unusual to see a newly-published zine (less than a year old) on a professional dealer's rack with a price that is double, or even more, the price set by the editor.

On the other hand, there are some dealers who only mark~up the prices to cover their own expenses, which is perfectly understandable. Also, these dealers (which I consider reputable), do not sell at conventions that the editor is attending; rather, they sell at conventions the editor cannot attend, thus enabling fans to purchase zines in person for a price not much more than the price by mail from the editor. This also adds the benefit of not having to risk ordering by mail.

I mention this as a caution to those of you buying at conventions. This discussion does not apply to old, rare zines -- since dealers usually have to pay top dollar as well. Beginning with this issue of Mind Meld, I will be including the price on the title page of each issue. I, personally, am tired of trying to keep the cost of my zine down, only to see the price jacked up unfairly by SOME dealers. So, buyers, BEWARE!

  • To Sing Our Song by Terri Sylvester (2)
  • Omega/Alpha by Lynn Syck & Laurel Ridener (3)
  • Existence by D.A Martin (4)
  • A Cacophony of Silence by Laurel Ridener & Lynn Syck (6)
  • Vulcansong by Betsy Fisher (30)
  • Free Will by Kathy Resch (32)
  • The Beauty of It by Betsy Fisher (34)
  • The Turning Point by Ginna LaCroix (37)
  • Like Tattered Cloth by CarolMel Ambassador (66)
  • The Doctor by D.A Martin (68)
  • Small Fans by Jennifer Weston (70)
  • The In-Between Time by Lynn Syck & Laurel Ridener (78)
  • Like a Shooting Star by Vonne Shepard (78)
  • The House of Sarek by Yvonne Fern ("McCoy is staying with his friends at the home of Sarek following the FaI Tor Pan. They are trying to came to terms with all that has happened as they prepare to return to Earth. Before they leave, Sarek makes a very special request of McCoy.") (79)
  • Gracie at Bat by Cheryl Zier (108)
  • The Ways of Spock by Ellen Morris (110)
  • Log Entries by Ginna LaCroix (112)
  • Medical Logs by Sandy Zier ("McCoy's logs as he and his shipmates return to Earth after the Fal Tor Pan.") (125)
  • Whither Though Goest by Laurel Ridener & Lynn Syck (129)
  • The Reasons by Ginna LaCroix (130)
  • All the Way Home by Mary Rottler & Lynn Syck (132)
  • Where are You, Spock? by Vonne Shepard (140)
  • Birds of a Feather by Mimi English (142)
  • Seven Intrepid Travellers by Vonne Shepard (179)
  • Friends Forever by Vonne Shepard (180)
  • Shared Light by Ellen Morris ("We share McCoy's thoughts and feelings as he experiences the Fal Tor Pan.") (182)
  • A Cry of Loneliness by Debbie Cummins (186)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

[zine]: If THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK and THE VOYAGE HOME fascinated you, this beautifully produced zine is something to seriously consider. Featuring full-color front and back covers by Caren Parnes and Steve Saunders, MIND MELD IV emphasizes friendship bonds and adventure during this segment of Trek "history". Prominent themes include complications of fal tor pan and the court-martial at the end of ST-4. Through all 11 stories, this zine's fiction is consistently well-written. "The Turning Point" by Ginna LaCroix is a standout in the movie-based fiction. Set around the time of Trek-2, it involves Kirk's self-doubts after being promoted to Fleet Admiral (effectively losing ENTERPRISE) and turning 50. Instead of hyper-serious psychology, however, "Turning Point" is generally well-paced adventure with some interesting sidelights on Trek-2 and beyond. Ever wonder just how allergic James T. is to Retinax 5, and how he found out? Another Ginna LaCroix story, "Log Entries," is best read with Sandy Zier's companion piece, "Medical Logs". Together, these stories detail the reactions of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy to their court-martial. Though "Log Entries" involves several viewpoint changes, these shifts are well-handled and never become confusing. "Shared Light" by Ellen Morris is a short but intriguing account of Spock's refusion from McCoy's point of view. Rather than being a passive container'for the Vulcan's katra, the good doctor is shown as an active and not al ways cheerful! -- partner in the process. The story's brevity adds to its impact. MIND MELD IV is not entirely devoted to "movie" fiction, however. Debbie Cummins' "A Cry of Loneliness" is classic series-type adventure, complete with an alien presence aboard ENTERPRISE causing crew deaths and command headaches. This one has the feel of both "Obsession" and "Day of the Dove," but with enough surprises to keep the reader turning pages. To reveal much more would ruin the story. Laurel Ridener and Lynn Syck's "A Cacophony of Silence" is an adventure-rescue concerning an actual telepathic link between Kirk and Spock. After Spock winds up under a Klingon mind sifter, Vulcan Healers can restore his intelligence -- but not his human aspects. The friendship-plot is definitely stronger than the adventure-plot here (does the Trek universe really need another unmotivated Klingon menace?), but Ridener/Syck's treatment of Vulcan telepathy is interesting. "Small Fans" by Jennifer Weston is a touch of humor in this mostl y serious zine. ,When Kirk, Spock, and McCoy visit the former First Officer of U.S.S. FARRAGUT, old memories and one very innovative practical joke are the order of the day. MIND MELD IV could have done with another story or two like this: Weston's sense of fun and clever plotting are a refreshing balance to the more intense pieces. This zine also includes a generous helping of poetry -- 16 poems -- but the selection suffers from over-emphasis of a few themes. (Fal tor pan and the Kirk/Spock friendship, mostly.) Two welcome exceptions are Cheryl Zier's "Gracie at the Bat" and Lynn Syck/Laurel Ridener's "Omega/Alpha". "Gracie at the Bat" is a lighthearted parody-retelling of Trek-4. "Omega/Alpha" is actually a rather chilling short-short story. MIND MELD IV abounds in art, with both fiction and poems meaningfully illustrated. Outstanding artists include Chris Soto, Christine Myers, and Fiona Graves. At 217 pages, this zine delivers good value for those intrigued by the last two Trek movies -- or collectors seeking unusually well-produced examples of how professional a fanzine can look.[28]

[zine]: Beautifully produced like all the Mind Melds.
  • A Cacophony of Silence / To protect Kirk, Spock buries their link so deeply in his own mind that it cannot be traced when the mindsifter is used on him. Spock is eventually retrieved, with his mind shredded, and Vulcan healers restore him - but without his former personality. Kirk pursues, determined to recover the link and the Spock he knows.
  • The Beauty of It / vignette on the reappearance of Kirk's glasses - with lenses intact.
  • The Turning Point / Prior to Wrath of Khan. Kirk is apprehensive about his crew breaking up due to promotions, and proposing the new training program. Meanwhile, McCoy has been giving Kirk Retinax, and he suffers an allergic reaction at an extremely inconvenient time - while he is holding a murderer at bay in a bar.
  • Small Fans / On a visit to a retired admiral, Spock becomes the tolerant victim of a child's prank involving butterflies. Cute.
  • The House of Sarek / After the fal-tor-pan. Kirk is suffering from nightmares of guilt over having caused Spock's death. To convince the captain, subconsciously and conclusively, of his return to life, Spock performs a KunatKatra - a merging of minds normally used by married couples. At Sarek's house, there are explanations all around - particularly from Sarek to McCoy, explaining the new relationship and giving him his marching orders on how to look after them - and Kirk is accepted into the household as a son. Some very nice dialog, and interesting memory lapses from Spock.
  • Log Entries / Personal log entries from Spock and Kirk as they separately bare their souls during their time on Vulcan and the crew's incarceration and trial after retrieving the whales.
  • Medical Logs / Companion piece to the above, from McCoy's personal log recordings, wondering just how successful the refusion has been - he is having his own lapses, recording his apprehensions over the trial, and his speculations as they embark on the new Enterprise.
  • All the Way Home / While awaiting trial, on McCoy's insistence, Kirk has a heart-to-heart with Spock - though he breaks house arrest for a walk on the beach to do so.
  • Birds of a Feather / Kirk must establish good relations with a race of telepathic bird-like beings after a colonist kills one of their young.
  • Shared Light / Vignette of the fal-tor-pan, seen from inside McCoy's mind.
  • A Cry of Loneliness / An incorporeal entity created to house negative emotions has rampaged over its planet, seeking such emotions to feed upon and thereby killing all the inhabitants. It is now creating havoc on the Enterprise, and Spock must convince it to die.[29]

Issue 5

Mind Meld 5 was published in July 1988 and contains 230 pages.

The art is by Connie Faddis (front cover), Caren Parnes (back cover), Cheryl Zier, Myrtle Mitchell, and Caro Hedge.

front cover of issue #5, Connie Faddis
back cover of issue #5, Caren Parnes

From the editorial:

Well, what can I say -- it is, once again, the night before Mind Meld goes to the printer and I have, as per tradition, waited until now to write the editorial. One of these days, I will break tradition!

There are several new names in this issue of Mind Meld and I welcome them all. I predict many of them will become popular names in Star Trek fan fiction. However, I would like to take the time to welcome two contributors specifically. By no means are Laurie Huff and Bev Zuk new to fandom, but I am pleased to have their artwork represented in Mind Meld for the first time. I hope their involvement will continue.

I was honored when Mind Meld III won its Surak Awards and even more honored with the nominations Mind Meld IV received in the recent ballot. I encourage everyone to participate in the nomination and voting process for these awards in the years to come....

As you can see, I've dedicated this issue to the new generation of fans -- fans that are about age 12 and under. These fans should be nurtured to carryon what the "dinosaurs" (no -- I'm not one yet!) of fandom have started. I hope fandom is for them what it has been for me.

There is extensive art in this issue; below is one example from each artist.

  • from issue #5, art by Chris Soto for "Friends"

    from issue #5, art by Chris Soto for "Friends"

  • from issue #5, art by Fiona Graves for "Mind Cannibals"

    from issue #5, art by Fiona Graves for "Mind Cannibals"

  • from issue #5, art by Cami Forsell for "Where are the Snows of Yesterday"

    from issue #5, art by Cami Forsell for "Where are the Snows of Yesterday"

  • from issue #5, an example of a page with an embellished poem, words by Michelle Perry, border by Caro Hedge

    from issue #5, an example of a page with an embellished poem, words by Michelle Perry, border by Caro Hedge

  • from issue #5, art by Christine Myers for "Cries of the Children"

    from issue #5, art by Christine Myers for "Cries of the Children"

  • from issue #5, art by Merle Decker for "He Lives"

    from issue #5, art by Merle Decker for "He Lives"

  • from issue #5, art by Bev Zuk for "Analysis of a Friendship"

    from issue #5, art by Bev Zuk for "Analysis of a Friendship"

  • from issue #5, art by C. Sibbett for "Betrayed"

    from issue #5, art by C. Sibbett for "Betrayed"

  • from issue #5, art by Mary Mills for "Salt in the Wound"

    from issue #5, art by Mary Mills for "Salt in the Wound"

  • from issue #5, art by Laurie Huff for "Change of Procedure"

    from issue #5, art by Laurie Huff for "Change of Procedure"

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 5

[Cries of the Children]: 4.4/5. I liked this one. Technically, it's pre-slash, which means that Kirk and Spock aren't actually together at any point, but it's clear that they're getting there. This is a pretty heavy story, so proceed with caution.[30]

[zine]: Mind Meld is consistently one of the best Star Trek genzines. For anyone thinking of trying American zines for the first time, this is an excellent title to start with... Issue 5 has something to appeal to almost every reader. There is a good balance of plot in the 8 stories, the poetry is well-chosen, and although the editor mentions that there are a few short stories, this did not spoil my enjoyment -- I prefer longer stories. There are some really excellent illos and the full colour covers are delightful. Good use is made of graphics, and the result is a beautifully produced zine, at 230 pages value for money. My only criticism would be of the binding, which is already giving way; I'm not sure if this is a faulty copy, or the result of the type of binding used. The plots cover a wide range of subjects, and demonstrate that fan writers can always come up with a new way of looking at a situation.

I especially enjoyed 'Cries of the Children,' in which Spock vanishes into a parallel universe. By Enterprise reckoning he is missing for 3 days, although he is aware of only a few seconds. After his return he learns that he has accidentally transmitted a plague to that universe, and has to come to terms with the many deaths that result.

I also enjoyed 'Mind Cannibals' in which Kirk insists that he has been attacked and drugged by Klingons, but McCoy can find nothing wrong. Then it happens again... (For those of you remember the days of Zap, [name redacted] rates this story very highly as a get-Kirk. Alas, the evolution of language has given a whole new meaning to the term Kirk-bonker).[31]

[zine]: Mind Meld 5 was the zine that started my ongoing love affair with zines. A sudden decision to try this one, it looks good, resulted in wonder and amazement at such a terrific production. Few zines have reached that pinnacle since, but there is always the hope of discovering another gem somewhere out there... MM5 is a hefty 230 pages long, full of stories, poetry and artwork. It is a visual delight with gorgeous cover portraits in color by Connie Faddis and Caren Parnes, eye-catching fonts and graphics, calligraphy, individual borders around each story, marvelous introductory quotes and poems, a folksy friendly introduction by editor Zier and finely etched portraits throughout the zine. This is simply a great zine to look at and all the artists deserve loud kudos.

MM5 opens with Where are the Snows of Yesterday by Barbara Trimble. Dr. Cassandra Peterson, a 33 year old research scientist and former crewmember of the Enterprise has just retired from Starfleet after three years in solitude on the remote planet of Almatheas Seven. Unfortunately, Dr. Peterson has contracted Webber's Syndrome, a progressive, fatal disease. As she slips closer to death, Cassie learns how to relinquish her fierce independence and seek comfort from her friends. Friendship, unstated and unfaltering, supporting and comforting is the lifeline that first Cassie, and then Spock cling to. Although Where are the Snows of Yesterday is well written, it would have worked better later in the zine instead of serving as the opening story. It is not quite on the same level of intensity and interest as the other stories. The character of Cassi Peterson is likeable and interesting but needed further development in the opening scenes. Why was Spock drawn to her and how did they become such close friends? Further development of their relationship would have drawn the reader deeper into the story and increased the impact of her death.

The following story, Cries of the Children by Debbie Cummins is quite a different matter. This is a strong, graphic, deeply moving story that focuses on an anguished Spock, who inadvertently releases a plague on an alien population causing high casualties. The story opens with Spock vanishing on landing party duty and immediately becomes a nail-biting mystery. Kirk's worry and tension as they search for Spock is beautifully portrayed. I can almost feel that achingly sick feeling in the pit of my stomach as Kirk continues to search, hoping against hope. Once Spock is found, however, the story smoothly changes pace and becomes a riveting character study as Spock attempts to cope with what has happened by retreating behind an emotionless Vulcan facade. The scene where Spock breaks down begging Jim for help; an escape from the children crying in his dreams, calling him murderer, is haunting.

Cries of the Children closes with a scene that brings a lump to your throat while, at the same time, you are smiling broadly as McCoy expresses his affection for Spock in his own special way. A beautifully written story with well-drawn characterizations.

He Lives by Ginna LaCroix takes up where "The Voyage Home" ended. Kirk and Spock walk out of Starfleet Headquarters and in a simple heartfelt conversation reflect on the events that have taken place: the losses and the gains, the joy and the heartbreak. Ultimately, it is all worthwhile because he, Spock, lives.

Salt in the Wound by Mary Volkmer also picks up where a scene ends and details McCoy's reaction to the salt vampire's death. Since life is seldom tidily wrapped up in one hour segments and most of us react emotionally to traumatic events, McCoy's worry and suffering ring true. Events fade, ghosts are laid to rest, and in an amusing conclusion, McCoy finally gets a dose of his own medicine when Kirk slips him a sedative-laced cocktail.

MM5 turns up the intensity again with Change of Procedure by Sara Hale. This is a hardhitting, page-turning, edge of the seat story. Be forewarned - this is not the usual Mirror Universe story. It takes several twists and turns down a dark and dangerous corridor. It takes place shortly after the alternates exchange places. Reacting to Captain Kirk's words, Spock quickly forms a plan and alters the Tantalus Device. Events proceed as usual aboard the ISS Enterprise (brutality and killing) while Spock and McCoy increasingly ponder their alternatives' actions and begin to consider different ways of doing things. But, at the same time, a tension begins to build between Kirk and Spock. Kirk finds himself drawn to Spock and continually spies upon him with the aid of the Tantalus Device. Spock, himself, is torn between conflicting loyalties as he sees his oath to the Empire warring with the alternative Kirk's words of "in every universe, there's one man with a vision." Just as the reader begins to feel that all will work out well and Kirk and Spock somehow become friends in this universe too, several abrupt violent scenes take place. Marlena turns from a helpful conspirator into a murderous foe, who is herself, quickly murdered. Kirk discovers the truth and begins a vicious brutal torture of Spock. The violence escalates resulting in tragedy.

Change of Procedure ends on a hopeful note, however, with the possibility of change in the universe and its inhabitants. This was an extremely moving story with events proceeding realistically and true to character. The writer was successful in introducing elements of tension, grief, surprise, an unexpected climax and resolution - all the qualities needed in a good short story. I remembered this story long after I finished reading it.

The Way to Empire by Ellen Morris is a quick look at the universe created by McCoy's interference in "City on the Edge of Forever."

Betrayal by C. Sibbett focuses on the results of Spock's mind being taken over by a powerful alien. MM5 closes with another intense action adventure called Mind Cannibals by Sharon Pillsbury. In this story Kirk is the victim of a Klingon brainwashing drug called Ryxigen. After numerous beatings and injections, Kirk is eventually abducted and taken deep into the heart of the Klingon Empire. Spock is badly wounded by a disruptor but still manages to survive and lead the Enterprise on a no-holds-barred rescue mission. A bit gruesome with lots of blood and gore but the good guys ultimately triumph. Mind Cannibals abounds with horrific images - Kirk slitting his own throat, the decadent Klingon Emperor drooling over the prospect of Kirk as his own pleasure slave, Kirk writhing in pain, etc. The ending is pure reading pleasure, though, as Kirk and Spock wriggle out of the intended Starfleet punishment for disobeying orders, leaving Admiral Komack with egg on his face once again. Intense, difficult to read in spots, but overall, deeply engrossing.

MM5 is also filled with wonderful poems, too numerous to review individually. It includes selections by LaCroix, Shepard, Morris, Fisher, Resnick and Martin. My favorite was a Robert Frost parody "Stopping by an Unknown Galaxy on a Rotten Evening or The Road Mis-Taken" by Flora Poste. MM5 is highly recommended as are the other Mind Meld zines, winner of several Surak awards. I award MM5 95 points. The artwork, overall value, and quality of the zine all receive a full 25 points. I deducted 5 points from the writing. A humorous piece would have offset some of the intensity and the opening story could have been stronger. Nevertheless, I loved Mind Meld 5 and am simply in awe at the beautiful zine Sandy Zier produced. Go ahead, treat yourself.[32]

[zine]: Mind Meld V continues in the excellent tradition of Star Trek that Sandy has had in Mind Meld I-IV. The beautiful full-color Connie Faddis cover is only the begining of wonderful original Star Trek stories, poetry and art work.

The first story, "Where Are The Snows of Yesterday", written by Barbara Trimble with art by Cami Forsel1 is very moving. A friend from Spock's past returns with a terminal illness that she doesn't want him to know about. McCoy and Kirk are there for Spock when she dies. We get to see just how important this friendship among the three really is.

Kirk's old nemesis, Kor, shows up in the story "Mind Cannibals" by Sharon Pillsbur with wonderful art by Fiona Graves. It seems that something is going on at Star Fleet. Espionage, Klingons, and a mysterious mind-altering drug. McCoy and Spock must come up with an antidote in order to save the captain. This is the longest story and one of the best.

One of my favorites has to be "Cry of the Children" by Debbie Cummings with art by Christine Meyers. Spock is missing for three days and just as suddenly as he disappeared, he returns. It seems that he has been in a type of different dimension where he infected the people in that dimension with an incurable disease. Unable to go back with a cure, he must deal with the guilt of causing the death of an entire race. McCoy and Kirk are there for him, of course.

The only complaint about the zine is the binding. It is not up to Sandy's usual high standards. It is flimsy, but for the quality overal1 and the price, this can be overlooked. It was a case of hurried deadlines. The fault was with the printer and not Sandy.

Keep up the good work, Sandy, with one of the best Star Trek zines around. I shall look forward to Mind Meld VI.[33]

Issue 6

Mind Meld 6 was published in August 1991 and contains 282 pages.

front cover of issue #6, art by Chris Soto
back cover of issue #6 by Caren Parnes (reprinted from Mind Meld #1)

The front cover is by Chris Soto, the back cover is by Caren Parnes (reprinted from Mind Meld #1).

from issue #6, the artist is Mary Mills - This issue celebrates the 25th anniversary of Star Trek.

The interior art is by Chris Soto, Suzan Lovett, Christine Myers, Leah Shaw, Bev Volker, Bev Zuk and cartoons by Mary Mills.

In the preface the editor's singled out Marian Kelly's story Journey of a Soul, along with Lovett's artwork for the creation of this issue:

Actually, the credit (or blame, depending) for this issue belongs to Sue Keenan. Sue is president of the DeForest Kelley Fan Communique and, more importantly, a good friend. On a trip to California to visit her, we were talking about a story I was writing...She said she knew of a story that hadn't been published that was written by Marian Kelly and if I decided to do another issue, it would probably still be available. Well, she called Marian and yes, the story was still an "orphan" -- and it already had beautiful color artwork [by Suzan Lovett]. Not only did she find this story for me -- we even went to Marian's to pick the story up so I could read it. I personally think Sue had an ulterior motive ... she knew I would like the story and, therefore, would want to print it, along with the color artwork....

  • from issue #6, Leah Shaw for the story Another Private Little War

    from issue #6, Leah Shaw for the story Another Private Little War

  • from issue #6, Leah Shaw for the story Another Private Little War, McCoy is holding the hand of his dying patient, trying to give comfort.

    from issue #6, Leah Shaw for the story Another Private Little War, McCoy is holding the hand of his dying patient, trying to give comfort.

  • from issue #6 for the story Journey of a Soul, Suzan Lovett, a depressed McCoy contemplates leaving the Enterprise as he gazes on his daughter's baby shoe. The baby shoe plays a symbolic role at the end of the story. The halo effect surrounding McCoy's face is from his telepathic contact with an alien, something that neither McCoy nor the reader are aware of at the time. Like the shoe, the shimmering is a recurrent theme in the story and both elements serve as important clues to the reader. The shimmering effect is also example of Lovett's artistic experimentation in some of her early Star Trek work.

    from issue #6 for the story Journey of a Soul, Suzan Lovett, a depressed McCoy contemplates leaving the Enterprise as he gazes on his daughter's baby shoe. The baby shoe plays a symbolic role at the end of the story. The halo effect surrounding McCoy's face is from his telepathic contact with an alien, something that neither McCoy nor the reader are aware of at the time. Like the shoe, the shimmering is a recurrent theme in the story and both elements serve as important clues to the reader. The shimmering effect is also example of Lovett's artistic experimentation in some of her early Star Trek work.

  • from issue #6, in this Lovett drawing for Journey of a Soul, Spock mindmelds with McCoy in an attempt to rescue him from the alien. Should the attempt fail, McCoy will have to be killed, something McCoy accepts. The faint blue aura around McCoy shows the alien's presence in his mind. The scene is drawn intimately with a soft focus and an emphasis on Spock and McCoy's hand's touching. The artist has also drawn the viewer's eye towards towards the IDIC pin on Spock's cloak which, in the story, is a signal to McCoy that Spock is here to either rescue or destroy him. The multiple layers of meaning is a hallmark of Lovett's art.

    from issue #6, in this Lovett drawing for Journey of a Soul, Spock mindmelds with McCoy in an attempt to rescue him from the alien. Should the attempt fail, McCoy will have to be killed, something McCoy accepts. The faint blue aura around McCoy shows the alien's presence in his mind. The scene is drawn intimately with a soft focus and an emphasis on Spock and McCoy's hand's touching. The artist has also drawn the viewer's eye towards towards the IDIC pin on Spock's cloak which, in the story, is a signal to McCoy that Spock is here to either rescue or destroy him. The multiple layers of meaning is a hallmark of Lovett's art.

  • from issue #6, in this final image in the story Journey of a Soul, Kirk and Spock watch McCoy leave the Enterprise for a new life after being telepathically joined with an alien. "Kirk felt the rise of emotion as he remembered the tiny shoe that had survived McCoy's journey. Life, in the form of his daughter, indeed, life in any form -- the battle McCoy had fought so nobly -- and was destined to fight again. What more could any man ask than to serve those who needed him?"

    from issue #6, in this final image in the story Journey of a Soul, Kirk and Spock watch McCoy leave the Enterprise for a new life after being telepathically joined with an alien. "Kirk felt the rise of emotion as he remembered the tiny shoe that had survived McCoy's journey. Life, in the form of his daughter, indeed, life in any form -- the battle McCoy had fought so nobly -- and was destined to fight again. What more could any man ask than to serve those who needed him?"

  • from issue #6, Sherry Veltkamp for the story Secrets, McCoy and Scotty come to the aid of Captain Kirk during a battle on the Enterprise

    from issue #6, Sherry Veltkamp for the story Secrets, McCoy and Scotty come to the aid of Captain Kirk during a battle on the Enterprise

  • from issue #6, Sherry Veltkamp for the story Secrets

    from issue #6, Sherry Veltkamp for the story Secrets

  • from issue #6 for the story There Will Be No Peace, Chris Myers.

    from issue #6 for the story There Will Be No Peace, Chris Myers.

  • from issue #6 for the story There Will Be No Peace, Chris Myers, from top left to right: Spock's brother, Kirk's son David, Spock and Kirk.

    from issue #6 for the story There Will Be No Peace, Chris Myers, from top left to right: Spock's brother, Kirk's son David, Spock and Kirk.

  • from issue #6 for the story There Will Be No Peace, Chris Myers, portrays Captain Klaa

    from issue #6 for the story There Will Be No Peace, Chris Myers, portrays Captain Klaa

  • from issue #6, Chris Myers for the story There Will Be No Peace

    from issue #6, Chris Myers for the story There Will Be No Peace

  • from issue #6, Chris Myers for the story There Will Be No Peace

    from issue #6, Chris Myers for the story There Will Be No Peace

  • from issue #6, Chris Soto - an example of a failure of reproduction combined with Soto's sometimes lightly drawn technique; artists took their chances when they trusted their art to editors and printers!

    from issue #6, Chris Soto - an example of a failure of reproduction combined with Soto's sometimes lightly drawn technique; artists took their chances when they trusted their art to editors and printers!

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 6

[zine]: This is an all new issue of Mind Meld which came out in October, 1991. Mind Meld has been a favourite zine of mine for some time. It almost always boasts plenty of wonderful hurt-comfort stories. This issue certainly lives up to my high expectations, It is a top quality Classic Trek genzine - perhaps the finest one being published. No. 6 is 281 offset printed pages of superb writing and excellent artwork. The perfect bound cover sports a magnificent colour illustration by Chris Soto, one of my very favourite artists. The theme illo is the 25th anniversary of Star Trek. My favourite stories are "Never Alone", by Lynn Syck and Laurel Ridener, "Unspoken Truths", by Lynn Syck and Mary Rottler, "Secrets", by Beverly Volker, and "There Will Be No Peace" by Ginna LaCroix. Three of those are post Star Trek V stories. Britain's own Kay Stagg also has a fine story in there - "Silent Cry". For the McCoy fans, there is a hurt-comfort novella, "Journey of a Soul" (by Marian Kelly) focusing on that character, That novella has some beautiful full colour illustrations by Suzan Lovett, also one of the finest artists in fandom. The stories I mentioned all have strong character interrelationships. "Never Alone", is a good example of this. Following an argument with Kirk over his recklessness, McCoy is severely injured in a rock slide. Our crochety doctor doesn't let go of his resentment till the end, when he almost loses his best friend. In "Unspoken Truths", Kirk is highly annoyed with Spock for keeping secrets from him. Seems like every time one of those secrets comes out, it means big trouble for Kirk. The latest secret, Sybok, is what brings Kirk to chew out Spock. "Secrets" takes place just before the episode, "The Enterprise Incident". Kirk has to start acting irrationally in preparation for the mission. Although Spock knows what's going on, Kirk doesn't tell McCoy - although he hates deceiving and worrying him - in order to protect him in case the Romulans later question the doctor. "There Will Be No Peace" takes place immediately after Star Trek V. Kirk is in rough shape following his encounter with the god-thing, but there's no time to rest, He's got to find a way out of the energy barrier. He enlists Vixis' and Koord's help. That Captain Klaa badly wants Kirk's hide doesn't make co-operating any easier. "Silent Cry" is a well-written short story that follows up the episode, "The Immunity Syndrome". All those stimulants Kirk talked McCoy into giving him wreak havoc with his body. Fortunately, Spock is there to see him through the ordeal. These aren't the only good stories in the zine - there are several more. The ones I mentioned are the ones I enjoyed most.[34]

[zine]: Finally, I picked up a copy of Sandy Zier's new Mind Meld VI at a convention. They always have nice artwork and good hurt-comfort and friendship stories by great writers like Ginna La Croix, Bev Volker, Lynn Syck and Laurel Ridener and many others. There were three follow-up stories to Star Trek V by the above writers, all of which I enjoyed. There's a nice short story by Kay Stagg, too, which is a follow-up to Spock's return from probing the giant amoeba, called "The Silent Cry" which was a nice hurt-comfort, and a three-page shorty called "Courtmartial," which follows up Kirk's court-martial for the supposed death of Ben Finney, written by Lynn Syck and Laurel Ridener, which was touching. There are several McCoy stories, as the zine is dedicated to DeForest Kelley, my favorite of which was McCoy's viewpoint during the stealing of the Romulan cloaking device, which was different. The zine is well worth reading if you like the kind of stories I do.[35]

[zine]: After much anticipation, Mind Meld VI came out in October, 1991. Mind Meld has been a favorite zine of mine for some time. It almost always boasts plenty of wonderful hurt-comfort stories. This issue certainly lived up to my high expectations. It is a top quality Classic Trek gen-zine—perhaps the finest one being published. #6 is 281 offset-printed pages of superb writing and excellent artwork. The perfect bound cover sports a magnificent color illustration by Chris Soto, one of my very favorite artists. The theme of the illo is the 25th anniversary of Star Trek.

My favorite stories are "Never Alone," by Lynn Syck and Mary Rottler, "Secrets," by Beverly Volker, and "There Will Be No Peace," by Ginna LaCroix. Three of those are post Star Trek V stories. Kay Stagg also has a fine story in there—"Silent Cry." For the McCoy fans, there is a hurt-comfort novella, "Journey of a Soul" (by Marian Kelly) focusing on that character. That novella has some beautiful color illustrations by Suzan Lovett, also one of the finest artists in random. The stories I mentioned all have strong character interrelationships. "Never Alone" is a good example of this. Following an argument with Kirk over his recklessness, McCoy is severely injured in a rock slide. Our crotchety doctor doesn't let go of his resentment until the end, when he almost loses his best friend. In "Unspoken Truths," Kirk is highly annoyed with Spock for keeping secrets from him. Seems like every time one of those secrets comes out, it means big trouble for Kirk. The latest secret, Sybok, is what brings Kirk to chew out Spock. "Secrets" takes place just before the episode, "The Enterprise Incident." Kirk has to start acting irrationally in preparation for the mission. Although Spock knows what's going on, Kirk doesn't tell McCoy—although he hates deceiving and worrying him—in order to protect him in case the Romulans later question the doctor. "There Will Be No Peace" takes place immediately after Star Trek V. Kirk is in rough shape following his encounter with the god-thing, but there's no time to rest. He's got to find a way out of the energy barrier. He enlists Vixis' and Koord's help. That Captain Klaa badly wants Kirk's hide doesn't make cooperating with the Klingons any easier. "Silent Cry" is a well-written short story that follows up the episode, "The Immunity Syndrome." All those stimulants Kirk talked McCoy into giving him wreak havoc with his body. Fortunately, Spock is there to see him through the ordeal.

These aren't the only good stories in the zine—there are several more. The ones I mentioned are the ones I enjoyed most.[36]

[zine]: This issue celebrates the 25th anniversary. Beautifully produced, with fine internal artwork by Suzan Lovett, Christine Myers
  • Never Alone / Camping after STV; McCoy goes off in a huff to teach Jim a lesson about risking himself, and ends up in critical condition from a rock slide. Spock has to go to Vulcan to set Sybok's katra free on the wind. Kirk is attacked in an alley, and lets himself die because he believes the others are dead and he is alone. Spock knows they are losing Kirk and mentally rouses McCoy from his hospital bed, directs him to Kirk and gets him to meld them - it'll be all or none of them to survive. Some trite bits, but more than made up for by the good bits.
  • A Major Crisis Amongst the Ursus Major Miners / 2-page joke involving mining bears. Cute.
  • Unspoken Truths / Interesting behind-the-scenes look at "The Enterprise Incident." Kirk is playing schizo to convince McCoy, protecting him from knowing anything. Meanwhile, McCoy believes Kirk hates him for not saving Miramanee. And Spock is all worn out from the Paradise Syndrome events, but is keeping it from Kirk. The Romulans interrogate McCoy with some device that shreds his mind before they send him back with Kirk's "corpse" - and Spock barely manages to get a mental message to him as he beams out. When all the fuss is over, McCoy avoids Kirk and Spock as his mind deteriorates into walls of flame from the Romulan treatment. Kirk gets the Commander to tell them how to save McCoy by bribing her with early release in the Neutral Zone. Kirk, keeping vigil, realizes that he really had been blaming McCoy inappropriately. The authors used a lot of material here, but it works.
  • The Silent Cry / Post-"Immunity Syndrome"; Spock assists Kirk through physical breakdown in the aftermath of too many stimulants. Not much of a plot, but a nice little hurt-comfort piece which addresses some KSM jealousy issues.
  • Another Private Little War / Post-STV. Kirk is called to assist Tyree in negotiations with the Villagers. McCoy is suffering nightmares over having killed his father. Chris is doing research on neural regeneration. McCoy diagnoses Tyree as having a brain tumor - operable, but the operation would leave him blind. Tyree insists on dying rather than surviving with a weakness - his people would rightfully kill him if they saw such a failing. McCoy argues vehemently against letting him die, but Tyree has required Kirk to guarantee his wishes. This produces a rift between captain and doctor (McCoy: "By the way, remind me never to give you control over MY life!"), exacerbated when McCoy instinctively puts Tyree on life support against orders - and by Kirk's insistence that McCoy is letting his experience with his father's death interfere with his professional judgment.(Nice side-point that this had just happened when McCoy was drafted for STI - a better explanation for his anger than just Kirk's promotion to ground duty.) McCoy attempts to confront his real feelings about his father, which include rejection, and is eventually helped out by Spock, who creates a holodeck program for him to gain acceptance from his father. A little too much "we're here for you" mush, but generally very well executed and compelling.
  • Court-Martial / Vignette, Kirk resigning after "Court Martial," Spock insisting on accompanying him - so he gives it up.
  • Journey of a Soul / Includes superb color artwork by Suzan Lovett. An odd and confusing tale of McCoy wasting away - or is it metamorphosing? - from an infection/infestation of the entity MORS. As the entity takes over and sucks up all of McCoy's life force, his friends wonder if he's still in there, while trying not to let the entity find out that they know. The doctor's aura grows until he is finally only an aura, and goes "home" to the planet Sanctus.
  • Secrets / Post-STV. Spock struggles to be more open with Kirk, overestimating Kirk's anger with him for not telling him more about his background (which keeps coming up in ways that end up endangering them all... T'Pring, Sybok, Sarek...). Then Kirk is severely injured in an engineering accident. Spock's attempt at more openness is ill-timed, sending Kirk into arrest in sickbay. Flashbacks to Kirk's first meeting with Spock, who tactfully helps him find his quarters; to post-Babel when Spock's presence helps Kirk rally when his wound re-opens; to Kirk's vigil over Spock when his glance at Kolos (sic, Kollos) nearly killed him. Nice hurt/comfort.
  • There Will Be No Peace / Post-STV. Includes superb charcoal portraits by Chris Myers: McCoy; Kirk with chest hair; Spock; STV-Kirk, Spock, David & Sybok; and Klaa. Enterprise and Koord & Klaa's Bird-of-Prey are stuck inside the Barrier once the not-God entity is destroyed and no longer counteracts the radiation messing up sensors. The ships must cooperate to get out. Excellent premise, dealing with loose ends from the movie. Plot nicely weaves several threads - Kirk's wounds from the entity are worsening, McCoy reluctantly keeps him going in the crisis with the Klingons while trying to solve the problem; Styles screws up once again attempting to come to the rescue; good battle scene in the wind-up. Excellent characterization and exploration of personal dilemmas as well: Kirk keeps denying the "pain" he wouldn't reveal through Sybok, but it takes McCoy to really tell him what it is - his wish for death rather than seeing the death of loved ones - he had never allowed himself a real friendship until Spock; Spock is having to cope with re-learning emotions - T'Lar filtered them out in the fal-tor-pan.
  • Poetry: Mercifully few in this issue, and middling to good:
    • Brothers / Kirk and Spock each musing on the brothers they have lost - and who were returned to them by McCoy.
    • Kobayashi Maru / Kirk muses on his wins and losses facing no-win scenarios
    • To NCC-1701A / Enterprise accepts that she must sacrifice herself. Sentimental.
    • Freeze Frame / McCoy catches Spock smiling.[37]

Issue 7

Mind Meld 7 was published in August 1992 and contains 286 pages. Art by Chris Soto, Bev Zuk, Sherry Veltkamp, Leah Shaw, Chris Myers.

From the editorial:

I would like to make one note. There is one story is these pages that is not edited because I was unable to make contact with the author, aside from preliminary comments. Since I do not take carte blanche on editing unless I have the explicit permission of an author, the story is in here as written, with few minor edits.

front cover of issue #7, Caren Parnes
back cover of issue #7, Chris Soto
frontispiece by Chris Soto -- From the editorial: "Gene Roddenberry's death hit all of us hard. . . and in different ways. I only felt it proper to dedicate this issue of Mind Meld to him. The concept of the triad - Kirk, Spock and McCoy - was his idea of the total human being. And it is on the foundation of the triad that this zine is based. Our country, today, is undergoing some major changes. People are not happy with the "status quo and are starting to voice themselves. When economic hardships get us down, we can thank Gene Roddenberry for creating a diversion that gives us hope that things WILL get better."

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 7

See reactions and reviews for Travelers Return.

[zine]: The Mind Meld series, edited by Sandy Zier, is one of my very favorite classic Trek genzine series! Some zines have great "this" or "that," but Sandy's zines are well-done—in all details and in all facets!

The Trekzine Times' own Michael Bubrick wrote a very emotionally-moving poem. Honestly, I have an easier time reading prose than poetry, but Michael's poem, "On An Ice World," taking place on Rura Penthe, almost reads like prose (which makes it easier for me, personally) and is very touching, very descriptive of the human soul, including its pains and hopes and needs. "Personal Best," the first story, is 74 pages, and is written by Collette Mak and has artwork by Bev Zuk. It is both wonderful and frustrating. I personally felt that it was, in some ways, like a one and a half hour movie that could have been done in one hour because of extra scenes even though they were very well written. The plot concerns the answering of the questions, "What really happened" and "Why did it happen," when a landing party accident results in the death of two crewpersons and the injury of Spock. Nothing seems to "make sense," and Kirk, Spock and McCoy want to find answers to these questions. The story was a little too long (including two pages of great drawings—Bev Zuk can draw very well, especially McCoy's face). I didn't mind the length, per se, but there seemed to be too many repetitious of scenes. For example, McCoy interviews three of a dead crewman's "supposed" girl friends: the author could have made the same point she was trying to make with only one or two interactions between McCoy and a girl friend. There is a lot of talk about what items were in the crewman's possession that didn't belong to him and what items he decided to "will" to others, more than needed to make the author's point. These topics were interesting, but really, I, as the reader, quickly caught on to the "meanings" of these parts—and, in fact, I figured out the ending long before it came. These are actually pretty small quibbles on my part, and, considering I cannot write a fanzine story, perhaps rather "picky." I did, however, read the story again right after reading it the first time—because I loved the realistic phrasing of the characters' thoughts and the characters' speech! The story is full of little jewels— details of the characters' thoughts/speech that sounded natural to their personalities! The story did bring up some interesting points: the command staff can think they know a crewman—and still never really understand what makes him "tick." And, the story also emphasized Kirk's compassion for his crew and how a crewperson's death can still deeply affect him. It's part of what makes Kirk a good captain and also, I think, it is part of what creates his crew's loyalty. I guess I ought to get on to my comments about the rest of Mind Meld VII. Sandy Zier has, again (she can be depended upon for this), come out with another wonderful zine! There's a very nice tribute to Gene Roddenberry (verse and drawing) in the beginning of the zine. Gina LaCroix's poem, "You—and Him" is the best poem I've seen relating to Spock's views on Sybok and Kirk. "Predestined," a story by Mary Schuttler, with artwork by Sherry Veltkamp, involves Kirk and McCoy ending up on the Titanic right before its fateful sinking, due to a transporter malfunction which was due to a force five electrical storm going on at the beam down coordinates supposed to be Admiral Nogura's yacht. Kirk and McCoy try to keep the Titanic from sinking, but the title of the story should give you a hint on the result of their efforts. The plot was both interesting and believable—nicely written. "Rite of Passage," by W. Jean Rohrer and art by Leah Shaw, concerns omnipotent aliens that cause the Enterprise crew to have psychotic visions to teach them to integrate conflicting factions of each of their and others' personalities, thereby creating "an awareness of total unity." "The Game of Life," a story by Laurie D. Haynes ( who also edits, with Jan Meek, the excellent Lonestar.Trek) and with art by Sherry Veltkamp, has an original premise—Trelane causes Kirk and the Enterprise trouble again, while his parents are "off on a trip." Trelane's parents return, apologize for his actions and agree to Spock's suggestion for stripping him of his powers by having him travel with the Enterprise for two months while in a human form. The story shows the maturing of Trelane through realistic plotting. Good storytelling. Thank goodness Ginna LaCroix had another entry in the zine. She's my favorite genzine writer of Kirk-Spock and triad stories. The story concentrates on Spock's feelings of guilt because his perceived notion that he "failed" Kirk and McCoy by not being able to make Valeris understand the importance of people over ideals. Kirk and McCoy help Spock to get over Spock's feelings of anger toward Valeris and self-guilt. Chris Soto did (as usual) terrific artwork!

My favorite story in the zine has original plotting, tight editing, and effective plot/characters—and great hurt-comfort with the emphasis on Kirk needing help and having trouble letting McCoy and Spock know. The story's by Mary Rottler (a real spine-chilling writer in this case) and the art is by Lynn Syck. Basically, the story concerns how Kirk ends up under the care of a starbase woman physician because of physical and emotional strain. The physician is angry at McCoy because she wrongly feels that he kept her from getting the CMO position on the Enterprise and from receiving proper recognition of her medical discoveries. So, she decides to punish McCoy by causing his friend, Jim Kirk, pain and eventual death. Because the physician gives Kirk something to prevent him from speaking, causes the monitoring machines to (wrongly) show healthy readings, prevents McCoy or Spock from interacting much with Kirk, and allows no other medical staff members to have direct contact with Kirk, it takes quite a while for McCoy and Spock to figure out something is amiss and then make/execute a plan to save Kirk. The "comfort" part of "hurt-comfort" was a long time in coming—and I was on pins and needles, so to speak, which shows you how well the story's plots/characterisations were woven together! Gina LaCroix may be my "overall" favorite writer, but I have read so many wonderful stories by many others—and this was definitely a top-notch example of an effective combination of superb writing and artwork.[38]

[zine]:
  • Personal Best / Very fine - though insufficiently proof-read - novella. Plot, characterization and wordsmithing all excellent. Kirk, Spock and McCoy investigate the death of Ron Kennedy - a young officer and Kirk's protege - in a suspicious landing-party accident. Spock is also wounded in the incident, leading to wonderful Spock/McCoy interactions in and out of Sickbay. Lovely dialogue - Spock perhaps more caustic and sarcastic to McCoy than is quite in character, but who cares? Excellent flashes back and forth between characters' internal monologues and outward conversations. Words: Mishima, cowboy, perfection, St. Sebastian, volleyball, botany section, memorial service, Light Blue Goo, autopsy, power pack.
  • Convert / Vignette, Starfleet cadet sticks up for Kirk's command during the Khan incident.
  • Predestined / Kirk and McCoy on the Titanic - Kirk manages one rescue
  • Rite of Passage / Held powerless by a cloud entity of Organian-like beings, the Enterprise crew learn to accept all facets of themselves. Heavy-handed with the pop-psychology and some Big Three smarm, but also quite a lot of interesting, well-written interactions. Some of the "facets" were intriguing - Kirk as a facet of Spock, Kirk's female facet.
  • Old Habits Die Hard / Cute vignette of a bored McCoy mourning the banter lost in openly acknowledging friendship with Spock in STIV.
  • The Game of Life / Trelane is bad again and is punished with two months on Enterprise without his powers.
  • Travelers Return / Post STVI: while Chekov navigates the ship to NeverNeverLand, Kirk and McCoy force Spock to deal with the hurt done to him by Valeris (after hearing that he had spoken with her about "faith"). They learn that actually, he was furious with her for failing to value the life (Kirk's) that meant the world to him personally. Good writing, strong emotional situation handled with only a few dashes of smarm.
  • Resurrection / Spock soliloquy on his experiences before and during fal-tor-pan.
  • Different Reality / Post-Balance of Terror. As Enterprise limps home, Kirk is badly injured by zenocite poisoning, affecting his lungs. They arrive to a mandatory heroes' welcome and Kirk collapses, ending up in the care of Dr. Donar, who is obsessing about McCoy - whom she barely knows - taking all the glory and assignments that rightfully should have been hers. She works out an elaborate revenge with Kirk's death discrediting McCoy. Fortunately, the cavalry in the form of Spock is alerted by the Kirk/Spock bond just in time. Some plot holes and trite devices, but good characterization, with especially interesting bits as Spock struggles against his emotional entanglement with Kirk.
  • Poetry - some of the usual maudlin glop, and a few more interesting ones:
    • You... and Him / Spock musing on his failure to shoot Sybok
    • On an Ice World / McCoy struggling along the ice fields in STVI, surviving on Kirk's faith
    • Dilemma / Sulu soliloquy on "Tell them we have no idea location Enterprise." [39]

References

  1. ^ This was during [[August Party.
  2. ^ TREKisM #39
  3. ^ Universal Translator #24
  4. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  5. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  6. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  7. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  8. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  9. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  10. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  11. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  12. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  13. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  14. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  15. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  16. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  17. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  18. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  19. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  20. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  21. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  22. ^ an LoC from "Mind Meld" #2
  23. ^ Denise Dion's June 11, 2012 post to the K/S Zine Friends Facebook Group, quoted with permission.
  24. ^ Universal Translator #29
  25. ^ Treklink #2
  26. ^ Debbie Gilbert from Communications Console (July/Aug 1985)
  27. ^ Denise Dion's June 11, 2012 post to the K/S Zine Friends Facebook Group, quoted with permission.
  28. ^ Datazine #49
  29. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  30. ^ "K/S Fanfiction by uss-genderprise.tumblr.com/".
  31. ^ IDIC #1
  32. ^ STARLink #29
  33. ^ by Vonne Shepard in The DeForest Dispatch #20
  34. ^ IDIC #20
  35. ^ The Trekzine Times v.1 n.2
  36. ^ The Trekzine Times v.1 n.2
  37. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
  38. ^ The Trekzine Times v.3 n.1
  39. ^ Halliday’s Star Trek Zinedex (TOS) - Title Index, Archived version
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