Setting the Magic Free

Fanfiction
Title:	Setting the Magic Free
Author(s):	Roberta
Date(s):	1986
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Setting the Magic Free is a K/S story written by Roberta, art by Alayne Gelfand.

It was published in the print zine As I Do Thee #5.

Summary

"After V'ger, after reconciliation, after settling back into the routine on the ENTERPRISE, the question of why Spock left the ship -- and his captain -- still remains. Spock's answer, Kirk's discoveries and revelations, and McCoy's interventions prove to one and all that the more things change, the more they remain the same."

Reactions and Reviews

1989

This story always evokes warm feelings. The emotions are intense and the sex is exciting and erotic. I especially enjoyed Kirk's tearful acceptance of the need for Spock to remove all memories of their lovemaking - a somber mood which was immediately broken by Spock's sudden demanding question to Kirk regarding the sacrifice he was willing to make. The final scene of their unexpected bonding was a nice touch.

"Setting the Magic Free," which is otherwise just another post—V'ger story, also contains a charming fantasy scenario. This one is about sex on the bridge. Readers, might want to compare it to the scene of actual sex on the bridge in COURTS OF HONOR. The outrageous fantasy elements in Roberta's bridge scene make it humorous, but Syn Ferguson's realistic scene on an evacuated bridge projects pathos and urgency. This shows how two excellent writers can treat the same subject in two very different moods.

1991

The part of this story with the most impact was Spock's fantasy of sex on the bridge. Since it is the most inappropriate setting for sex, it is also the most exciting one because of the appeal of the forbidden. I really enjoyed that aspect of the story.