Partners (Star Trek: TOS story)

Fanfiction
Title:	Partners
Author(s):	Kathy Stanis
Date(s):	1993
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
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

1993

This was a basic first-timer, but because it was written with such skill it was a genuine pleasure for even this veteran K/Ser to read. It was clever foreshadowing the coming of the holodeck with a more primitive, individualized prototype.

This story unfolded in a very logical manner, yet did not in any way lack for emotion. What I enjoyed most was the leisurely, realistic way that Kirk's analysis of his own feelings and desires progressed. I often just skim stories that have no plot other than getting them into bed together. But the writing here was so smooth, and with such vivid images, that I had to marvel at the author's skill. The computer program seemed accurate without getting bogged with technical details, the dialogue was sound, and transitions were accomplished with no jarring. Throughout all of this was a very nice, warm feeling of love. It was almost like I was discovering the wonderment of K/S, through these well-drawn characters, all over again.

The writing's only small flaw was that some parts were slightly over written. The dialogue provided most of the details that the reader needed to know, so some of the inner speculations following various sentences and scenes were unnecessary. And yet this story was told with such pleasant turns of phrase that I really didn't mind the redundancy.

With the sex provided by the computer program, a 'real' sex scene was unnecessary. However. I wouldn't have minded had it been included, for I'm sure it would have been as well-written as the rest of the story, and that would have been a genuine pleasure to read.

The universe stood still for one moment as Spock turned, weightless, three hundred sixty degrees and found himself where he'd been all along, facing his captain, his... had he dared voice it... t'hy'la; and he knew it was not the same universe anymore, would never be, now that those words were spoken."

A clever, insightful story in which Doctor McCoy gives a holograph computer program each to Kirk and Spock that allows them to visualize each other sexually. Kirk is extremely affected by the program and there's an undercurrent of his becoming obsessed with the holographic imagery, he feels: "Big dreams and raging hormones, seeing 'sex' in neon letters around every corner - or at least across every bridge railing to his right."

Kirk thinks of what it would mean to submit sexually to Spock: "He longed for it, not just in the realm of lofty thoughts, but in the nakedness of the act itself."

Such clever, well defined characters with marvelous use of language to describe them. Such as: "The doctor returned from his sit--spell under the magnolia trees." and 'Kirk and Spock just stared at the doctor, all grin and eyebrows."

I give all these examples because the author has such a skill of description along with a feel for the mood of the characters and a quietly dramatic style that the only way to describe it is to show it. The small moments and nuances were captured so beautifully, especially in a brief scene of Spock waiting at the turbolift and Kirk coming up and taking it with him. tin just a few minutes of contact, we learn so much of Spock's emerging sexual feelings for his captain. Besides this, I found the expression of Spock's thoughts to be so exactly Spock - logical, orderly and confused at the same time!

But, this author also knows her Kirk just as well. He is commanding and strong, but still fitted with the fears and hopes and dreams of a relationship with his first officer. Again, such an inventive idea of the holograms that are also well integrated into normal ship's fife. Kirk has lots of things to do, then must get back to them. The very idea of having such a computer program is extremely compelling! Think of the possibilities...and that's exactly what they do. And interestingly. I became "hooked" on the program along with Kirk. I found myself eagerly anticipating him going back to it. This shows what effective writing it is.

As a computer illiterate. I was also impressed with the descriptions of the computer and the program. I just loved how it slowly unfolded and took shape, as it were. Then, how enthralling it was when Spock kisses Kirk — when he sweeps him up into his arms and I melt into a puddle.

2006

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!