Righthand Man
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Right-Hand Man |
| Author(s): | Barbara Taylor |
| Date(s): | 1991 |
| Length: | |
| Genre(s): | slash |
| Fandom(s): | Star Trek: TOS |
| Relationship(s): | Kirk/Spock |
| External Links: | |
Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Right-Hand Man is a Kirk/Spock story by Barbara Taylor.
It was published in the print zine First Time #31.
Summary
"After Kirk is slightly injured on a landing party, Spock seems to withdraw from him, just as he is beginning to confront his own feelings for Spock."
Reactions and Reviews
1992
If I hadn't seen the byline, I never would have guessed this was a new author [1]. While the storyline was a typical first-timer, this was a very smooth read and had a comfortable feel to it, as though its simplicity was a welcoming rather than a turn-off. There wasn't anything that didn't ring true, and all the characters sounded real. I liked the image, on page 82, of Kirk "taking his courage by the throat." [2]
This new author really has a way with words. For example, "...the Vulcan puzzle named Spock," and "McCoy, expression flawlessly penitent," and "tied his stomach in elaborate Celtic knots," and "tripped over a sudden insight." I also especially liked the way shipboard, and military, life was subtly conveyed, such as when Kirk says he'll recognize Spock's admirable performance of duty during a debriefing session after duty shift. And the way Kirk offers to make temporary duty changes on the assumption that Spock is overextending himself. These little touches placed he reader squarely on the Enterprise, and conveyed a feel for daily routine aboard the ship which was very realistic, and seldom written.
But I don't care how introspective or nervous Kirk might have become, I can't believe he would not have heard when Spock buzzed not once but twice at the door to his quarters! A very minor detail, but that's the sort of thing that always interrupts the flow of the story for me, especially when, as in this case, it wasn't a necessary part of the plot.
I hope to see more from this author. I hope she keeps writing! [3]
2000
I’ve always liked it when McCoy plans matchmaker—or at least catalyst—to the inevitable discovery between Captain and First. This is a great example, with McCoy both accepting and clever. “Talk to him, Jim” is familiar and so are Kirk’s vacillations before accepting the challenge. But this author sees things a bit atypically from here on out, exploring Spock’s feelings about Kirk’s continual risk- taking. She knows her Vulcan well and chooses his words convincingly, but bestows upon him mood swings which occur almost too suddenly. Spock’s anger at Kirk’s restlessness I can understand, and I also comprehend his lighthearted manner; his almost hidden smiles. The trouble is, there’s no transition time between them. I did enjoy the results, however! [4]
References
- ^ "Barbara Taylor" is likely a pseud for Robin Hood.
- ^ from The LOC Connection #38
- ^ from The LOC Connection #39
- ^ from The K/S Press #44