No Laughing Matter

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	No Laughing Matter
Author(s):	Dana Austin Marsh
Date(s):	1990
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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No Laughing Matter is a Kirk/Spock story by Dana Austin Marsh.

It was published in the print zine Matter/Antimatter #8.

Summary

"What starts out as a series of practical jokes becomes deadly serious when it becomes evident that someone is trying to kill Kirk."

Reactions and Reviews

This contains the most 'romantic' description that I've read in a long time. It occurs when Kirk awakes and Spock leans down to kiss him. The description of that simple act was more erotic than a detailed review of the entire physical performance.

I liked this mystery/romance. Only two gripes: calling an ensign a crewman threw me off the scent and I was confused about the coffee cup exchange. I didn't understand at first that the ensign had exchanged the used coffee cup for an undrugged one. And really, I wonder why he bothered; he didn't want to hide what he'd done, after all. But it was a well-written story, with everyone in character. It seemed believable that Kirk would be terrified by having one of his crew out to get him, and reasonable that he would despise himself for that terror. I especially liked the bit where Spock pinned Kirk in the gym. Also a bit of characterization at the end: "I can compromise, I've done it, but sometimes I need a good swift kick in the butt to make me see it."

I am always happy to find one of Ms. Marsh's stories in a zine and this piece is an example of why I eagerly flip to her work first.

"No Laughing Matter" is a good story on two levels. The first is as a mystery. Someone is harassing Kirk. There are accidents that escalate in seriousness and danger to Kirk. Since no one but a crewperson could be responsible. Kirk is doubly concerned. The part of the story I relly enjoyed was Spock's reaction to Kirk's jeopardy. His protectiveness increases as the danger dose until he moves into Kirk's cabin. Once there, the inevitable happens between them but I loved how she got them to that point. The mystery is also resolved in a way that showed why Kirk is such a great commander and truely decent person.

I hope there is more to come from this favorite author.