Saavik (Star Trek: TOS zine)
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Saavik |
| Publisher: | Beyond Antares |
| Editor: | |
| Author(s): | Lynda Allen Ainsworth and Karen Sparks |
| Cover Artist(s): | |
| Illustrator(s): | |
| Date(s): | 1988 |
| Medium: | |
| Genre: | gen |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Saavik is a 65-page gen novel by Lynda Allen Ainsworth and Karen Sparks. It was the winner of the Midcon 88 Fiction Competition.
Summary
Summary from a publisher's 1988 ad:
It has been three years since the events on the Genesis planet. Saavik, now a mother, is recalled to Starfleet. how will she deal with those closely involved when they find the truth? And how will she resolve the conflict between motherhood and duty?
Reactions and Reviews
Saavik has been recalled to Starfleet after a leave of absence during: which time she became the mother of twins. She has been assigned to the Enterprise, and during her medical on joining the ship McCoy discovers her secret and explains, after a confrontation with her, that her secret is safe with him. However, Spock finds out after Saavik 1s injured during a planet landing and tells Kirk that he has a grandson, and that Saavik had had twins.Kirk's reaction is predictable; one of anger at not being told when the child was born. One grandson? But Spock had just said Saavik had twins - surely he had two grandsons? But no - it's to do with Romulan biology, Spock tells him, and goes on to explain how Saavik saved his life on Genesis. And so the fun begins.
To tell any more of the plot would give the whole story away and I don't want to do that. I really enjoyed the story, but it brought home to me painful memories of a decision I had to make ten years ago. Had I read this story then my decision might have been a whole lot different. I take my hat off to the writers at their understanding of the problem of whether or not to tell someone he is going to be a father. I felt it was happening to me all over again as Kirk and Spock and Saavik's reactions were so real; the fear of a child being taken away or taken over and influenced against you - fears that only a mother understands, written and handled ao clearly; the reactions of a grandson and grandfather and the tricks they get up to, things only a father can share with a son, and a mother stuck in the middle. Yes - this story reminded me of myself being caught in the middle of a grandfather/grandson relationship.
It is a good story, well written, well handled. I compliment the writers on their knowledge and ability to put that knowledge and those feelings into words and on paper. I found the story easy to read, and I would recommend it. It is a well-balanced story and not too heavy on any one character. It is also funny imparts, a nice light zine which handles very delicate problems with superb insight, a zine that makes you see what is happening, makes you feel the emotions; it leaves you with wondering how the twins grow and how Saavik, Kirk and Spock will get on if their paths cross. [1]
This zine is set post-TSFS; Saavik goes to Doctor McCoy for a medical and he discovers that she's had twins, which, it turns out, are being cared for by Carol Marcus. One of the boys is the son of David Marcus, and the other is the result of what Saavik did for the 'new' Spock on the Genesis planet, The story describes how Saavik breaks the news to Kirk and Spock, and how they all come to terms with the situation. I borrowed this zine from a friend, as I'd heard that it was good. I certainly wasn't disappointed. I started reading it at 11.00 one evening, and the next thing I knew it was 12.30 am and I'd finished it! It's a great story, well put together and obviously well thought out. The characterisation is spot-on, as far as I'm concerned, and especially so for Spock and McCoy. There are several funny moments, particularly with Spock and Kirk - the best bit was when Kirk first heard the news, and wanted to zoom off and deal with Saavik immediately... One of the best things is the fact that everything doesn't just happen to come to a neat and tidy end, witn everybody happy. The way it ends, however, suggests possibilities for a sequel - please! Definitely 10/10; it's the best story that I've read in ages. [2]