Partners (Star Trek: TOS story)

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	Partners
Author(s):	Kathy Stanis
Date(s):	1993
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
External Links:
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Partners is a Kirk/Spock story by Kathy Stanis.

It was published in the print zine Way of the Warrior #6.

Reactions and Reviews

OK, I‘ll start by saying I like the way this story begins: as if I were just happening to hear an exchange between Kirk and McCoy. Turns out I was right to eavesdrop—this is a very different conversation with all sorts of potential. Seems there is a new software being tested on the Enterprise—with which you can create all sorts of holographic images and program them to do just about anything. This is such an ingenious way for Kirk to test his feelings for Spock under the guise of something that isn‘t real. While I can‘t quite imagine it being ethical or sanctioned by Starfleet, there is a program (medical, not recreational) that allows one to explore a sexual pairing with anyone who has ever been through the transporter. No question about who Kirk chooses as his partner, is there?

I enjoyed one scene in the mess hall—a classic one with the usual trio—especially because the author showed that Kirk would always be honest with Spock, even if it put him on the spot. He doesn‘t confess, he is just coy and adorable as well as being highly self-conscious. Later, when Kirk repeats an order on the bridge because his mind is on the hologram, Spock steps to his side. I loved this moment. Spock starts to reach out and touch Kirk on the arm, then stops when he sees that Kirk realizes his intent. In a huge step, he resumes the gesture as their eyes meet. Very nice moment and one you wish you‘d been privileged to see on-screen. This whole story is very erotic and unusual, not like any self-awareness scenario I‘ve read before. There are so many nice observations. Here‘s another I especially enjoyed: several bridge officers are eating together in the mess hall. Uhura invites Spock to join some of the crew in the rec room later and play his lyre. He declines, telling her he and the captain have plans to play chess later. Kirk winks at him! I‘m not sure I‘ve ever read of Kirk doing that before—I loved it!

All ends well, of course, in a very well written fade to black which is all that‘s necessary after those hot and hotter holo creations!