Night of Mastery

Star Trek TOS Fanfiction
Title:	Night of Mastery
Author(s):	Alexis Fegan Black
Date(s):	1987
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Night of Mastery is a slash Spock/OMC story by Alexis Fegan Black.

title page

It was published in the print zine Naked Times #15, and in Unholy Alliances, and is a sequel to Year of the Ram.

Excerpt

"The door to the small house opened, revealing a familiar, intimidating silhouette framed against the pale lighting within. "Sinta," Spock said, almost to himself, almost as an accusation. His vision blurred. Reality struck him like a hammer. Fire and ice fought a war in his mind, with Kirk being the victor's spoils. The ice gained a stronghold. The fire stormed, gathering angry strength. Then, without further ceremony, Spock passed out cold."

Reactions and Reviews

...my favorite of all [in this zine], and the reason I've chosen this issue of NT to review this time, is NIGHT Of MASTER. This is a sequel of sorts to Ms. Black's novel YEAR Of THE RAM. It is a sequel 'of sorts' because it can stand on it's own, but I'm glad I'd read YOTR first as it definitely added to the flavor and understanding of NIGHT OF MASTERY. The story opens wtth Kirk and Spock making love during which Sinta is brought up in a not very appropriate way. This is the first clue that Sinta needs Kirk and Spock. Eventually it is revealed that Sinta is in Pon Farr and in need of help. After some very difficult emotional moments between Kirk and Spock, the Enterprise arrives at Tholia and Kirk and Spock again meet with the Master first encountered at the temple at Ho Ling. The details of what goes on once the three are reunited are too intricate and wonderful to reveal here. It's enough to say that there are some tense moments, some sexually exciting moments, some warm and loving moments and quite a bit of excellent writing. How everything turns out is also too intricate and wonderful to reveal, but to those of you who hesitate to read something that is a 'menage a trois' because you hate someone interfering in Kirk and Spock's bond or whatever, should have no such fear about NIGHT OF MASTERY. There is no interference here, no usurping of the bond or of the love between Kirk and Spock. All three men come out better for the experience in the end, and, as a reader, so did I. NIGHT Of MASTERY is by far one of Ms. Black's best pieces to date. This is definitely something not to be missed... NAKED TIMES 15 is well worth buying, if for no other reason than to treat yourself to NIGHT OF MASTERY. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give this zine a strong 9.

In the sequel to her novel. YEAR OF THE RAM, Ms. Black proves yet again that she is unequaled in telling a provocative, intriguing, page-turning, sensual tale.

This story opens with one of the hottest love scenes I've run across in a long time. This is a risky way to begin a story; the energy level is difficult to maintain for the remainder of the tale. But. Ms. Black manages very nicely to keep pace with herself and her characters.

NIGHT OF MASTERY is, basically, the story of what happens some time after Kirk and Spock are reunited at the end of YOTR when they both suddenly feel a 'call' from Sinta, the character created by Ms. Black in YOTR, It seems Sinta is in 'need' and has instinctively summoned the one being who has sworn to aide him in times of such need. Just who this being is is only one of the pleasant surprises Ms. Black has in store for her readers in this story. Though plagued with jealousies and insecurities amid their undying love for one another. Kirk and Spock find themselves, not surprisingly, on their way to Tholia to join Sinta. What unusual and unexpected shape this 'joining' takes might surprise some and should definitely please all.

I found NIGHT OF MASTERY extremely well paced and well written with some of the most erotic, sensual moments I've ever encountered in K/S. The potentially intrusive presence of Sinta is nothing of the sort. Ms. Black fits him into the scheme of things with all the flair and charm she is well known for writing into hfcr original characters.

The one thing that really took me by surprise was the element of reality Ms. Black has brought to her character, Sinta. He has developed into a character as real, as likable, as remarkable and as respected as either Kirk or Spock have ever been in my mind. Not an easy task, you must admit!

This is, by far, one of Ms, Black's best achievements among a long list of fine stories and novels. No matter your usual qualms about stories involving more than Kirk and Spock in an intimate situation. I highly recommend that you give this one a chance. If your mind isn't changed, you just might be dead below the belt!