Nothing to Light the Darkness

Fanfiction
Title:	Nothing to Light the Darkness
Author(s):	Sharon St. James
Date(s):	1989
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
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Nothing to Light the Darkness is a K/S story by Sharon St. James.

It was first published in the print zine Naked Times #23.

Summary

"The day after he and Spock becomes lovers, Kirk is abducted by the Klingons and subjected to sensory deprivation and mental suggestions so that after his rescue he finds himself uneasy and resentful of Spock."

Reactions and Reviews

1989

Though I liked this story overall — how can one not like story where Kirk (or Spock) needs to be held and loved? — some of it felt forced and contrived. Though I agree that Kor has tremendous respect for Kirk, his friendliness came off as being rather anti-Klingon. On page 124, he was revealing information to Kirk about the outpost that was not only unnecessary to reveal, but something a military man would be unlikely to tell an enemy. Also, Kor's later statement, "My discomfort seems to be of little concern to you" is something I can't imagine any military leader making, regardless of species. At the end, Kirk overcame his fear of darkness awful suddenly. The things I liked about this story was that the sex scene was very nice and gentle, and Kirk's confusion over his feelings for Spock was handled very well. And, of course, the cave scene was very nice with Kirk being so vulnerable and McCoy so supportive and understanding. The little interchange between Spock and McCoy on pages 130-131 was a nice touch. I also loved Kirk's fear of darkness, and, again, wish it wouldn't have been overcome so suddenly.

1990

This was a story that you kind of "backed into", being skillfully thrown into the thick of things at the beginning and then having to thread your way out. It was good to see Kirk beat the odds and survive treatment that would break most men. Hurt/comfort is good, but face it: James T. Kirk is not a weak man. Sharon shows his vulnerability while at the same time letting us see that he retains enough compassion and insight to know his reactions are not as they should be. The tenderly portrayed love scene was a special treat since we were lead to believe we had missed it. Appropriate and soothing ending, too.

I was quite relieved that the author chose not to do the obvious and have Rylath rape Kirk; and had Kor be the one to prevent that! How much more malicious (and effective) was the torture of using the portion of the holo of Spock to get to Kirk. When Kirk was rescued, I loved McCoy's saying, and knowing, that Kirk's need for touch was more immediate than his need for medicine. One of the parts I liked best was when McCoy kept delaying, and was even considering permanently keeping the truth from Kirk by not showing him the holo and explaining just why Kirk felt so antagonistic to Spock. McCoy's reluctance because he "couldn't bear to see Jim suffer" showed how his personal feelings got in the way of his better medical judgement; and Spock's gentle nudging of McCoy helped him get back on the right path. And how true the idea that the feelings we don't understand are as real as those we do! A remarkably good story.

1998

This adventure begins in such a touching way, watching Kirk's expression as he daydreams about his first loving encounter with Spock. He sits across from McCoy and Scott in a bar, toying with his drink, his mind on events that took place on the observation deck the night before this shore leave. His smile widens, prompting McCoy's comment, "I'd pay a penny for your thoughts, but with that kind of smile on your face, it'd probably cost me a couple of credits!" And don't we know that particular smile! All is not to remain so carefree, because Kirk is falsely summoned back to the ship, but the transporter beam that takes him is Klingon! He's placed in sensory deprivation, alone in a darkened room, strapped to a table, his mouth taped shut to deprive him even of the sound of his own voice. Tubes take care of his bodily functions as the emptiness threatens to siphon away his sanity. There is one thing that can keep him from slipping into the void — Spock. Memories of their night together, of the promises they made and the future they will share are powerful weapons against the Klingon torture. The mantra that keeps him focused is knowledge that Spock will save him ... Spock will save him. Enter the deviate Klingon commander with a hologram of Spock. With recordings taken out of context as Spock bargains for Kirk's release, the Klingon has shown Kirk his First Officer denouncing him, stating that Kirk means little to him and he will not risk the ship to search for him. Blackness again follows. When rescue comes, Kirk has miraculously managed to retain his sanity, but is mysteriously resentful of Spock, something even he himself does not understand. This is a very creative and compelling exploration of Kirk's and Spock's persistence in coming to terms with all that has happened. Spock is both saddened and understanding, giving Kirk all the room he needs, while Kirk is repulsed by Spock and yet confused as to why he should be. In a beautiful meld we experience along with Kirk that beautiful scene on the Observation Deck, where the two men gently and confidently express their feelings and declare their love for the first time. They fall asleep in each others arms, and that's the best way I can think of to end a story.