Planet of Shame

Fanfiction
Title:	Planet of Shame
Author(s):	Frances Rowes
Date(s):	1988
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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Planet of Shame is a Kirk/Spock story by Frances Rowes.

It was published in the print zine Pavane #1.

Summary

"Spockʼs shuttle crashes as he investigates the planet that has wandered out of Romulan space."

Author's Note

From the zine:

The author's note: "It's been said of me that I have a low opinion of human nature. I don't; I share with Blake the conviction that human nature is perfectible: 'For Mercy has a human heart, Pity a human face, And Love, the human form divine, And Peace, the human dress.' However, I also share his conviction that it is corruptible, and I think that our choice in this matter, which I've tried to dramatize in this story, is vitally important, is, in fact, the human adventure.

Reactions and Reviews

While primarily focused on Spock, you never lose sight of Kirk's contribution to the relationship and, more importantly, to the story. Even when he's not there, he is.

It begins with the discovery of a planet that has wandered out of the Romulans' sphere of influence. Not in itself an odd occurrence. What the Federation has found hard to understand is why the Romulans have made no move to reclaim it. The Enterprise is ordered to find out why. Unable to use the transporter due to atmospheric disturbances, Spock takes a shuttlecraft down to the planet—and promptly disappears. Needless to say, Kirk is frantic, afraid for his lover. Fortunately, or unfortunately considering when it happens Kirk passes out, Spock is able to contact Kirk mentally to let him know that he has survived. But the shuttle is practically destroyed, good for little else but shelter. On the planet Spock has discovered, not only that it is inhabited, but why the Romulans have let it go. It appears that the planet was being used as a 'leper colony.' All those on its surface have a virulent sexual disease, one that disfigures and ultimately kills, though keeping its victims ageless. His, and their, only hope, is that some way will be discovered to rescue him and a cure found for those afflicted. But just as they figure out a way to get messages and supplies to Spock (by old-fashioned rockets, of all things!) the Enterprise is called away on a medical emergency. Though it's the last thing he wants to do, he actually fights it at first, Kirk reluctantly orders the ship away. During the ship's absence, Spock learns that he has the disease. Found by Claudian, son to the Romulan praetor, the planet's self-proclaimed leader and the only person not disfigured by the disease, Spock was raped while he was still unconscious after his ship crashed. Unless a cure is found, Spock knows he will never be able to leave the planet. Because, while the illness is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, there are fears that that is not the only way to get the disease. Knowing this, he starts a hospital of sorts, giving as much aid as he can to some and comfort to the dying. Helping him is Claudia, sister to Claudian, who also gave her the disease. She is extremely disfigured but is willing to do all she can, having over the many days to come to see Spock as a 'friend,' a concept new to her, never having been taught on Romulus that such a thing existed. When the Enterprise finally returns, Spock learns that, in order to find a cure, McCoy needs a sample of Claudian's blood, since he seems to be the only one who is only a carrier. Claudian only agrees after Spock agrees to be with him sexually. Luckily, Spock already has the blood when Kirk manages to fly another shuttle to the surface. But Spock is already starting to show signs of the disease and tries to talk Kirk into leaving him. There's no way that's going to happen. But a cure is found, and though it is too late for many, many are cured and taken up to the ship. They will be flown to a starbase for reconstructive surgery. One who is not cured is Claudian. Because of his unique strain of the disease, he will have to be forever watched, never truly free. He decided on a different, final solution. Intertwined through the story is one of Solan, the beautiful male bondmate of Surak, whose death had helped bring about the changes Surak wished for his people. It's a lovely tale, with Solan's life set in juxaposition to Claudian's.

This is a complex, beautifully written story, and one well worth reading.