Stranger Than Fiction (Star Trek: TOS story)

Fanfiction
Title:	Stranger Than Fiction
Author(s):	"Shelley Butler/Kathy Stanis"
Date(s):	1995
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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Stranger Than Fiction is a K/S story by "Shelley Butler/Kathy Stanis".

It was published in the print zine First Time #43.

Summary

"Two crewwomen share a passion for watching Kirk and Spock and are so sure that they are lovers, they begin writing stories about them."

By definition, these crewmembers are not writing K/S fiction, but instead some sort of meta-y-Star Trek RPF.

Reactions and Reviews

A Meta Review

This 1996 review of "If This Be Madness" by "Vita" was "written" by a crewmember of the Enterprise:

I loved this story. The writing is strong and dynamic, with enough purple prose to satisfy someone like me. It was so thrilling, I was phased up all through my next duty shift, and I could hardly even look at the captain and Mr. Spock.

This takes place during the Psi 2000 mission. The contagious virus releases the hidden feelings Kirk and Spock have for each other. The angst is gut- wrenching, until they admit their feelings. The sex which of course follows is wild and hot, since they are freed of inhibitions. They'd probably have wild and hot sex anyway, even without the virus, or at least reading a story like this makes me think that is a distinct possibility.

The best part (besides the Vulcan bedroom accouterments, etc.) is when the insanity leaves them and they must now deal with the feelings they've revealed to each other. And what a moment for this to happen!

The heights of passion, the depths of carnality, made me breathless.

I hope to read more from this author, except that if she does, I might be forced to transfer off the ship. -- Loran Oaks USS Enterprise

1996

I recently had a discussion with an editor about whether K/S would still be produced in the future. I'm please to see that the authors think it will, This is, in fact, a nice story from a crew member's point of view. I especially liked the ending.

I think it must be very difficult for two authors to work together on a story, especially if their natural writing styles are completely different from each other's. Shelley and Kathy have found a clever way to make it work by the expedient of one writing story within a story, and the other writing the surrounding text.

I especially liked the idea of a story about writing and sharing K/S with someone for the first time. How will she react? Will she understand this terribly gutsy thing you have just done by opening yourself up to her? Or will she just run in the opposite direction as fast as possible? The discussion about the writing process itself rang absolutely true. Which phrase should I use here? Would it sound better this way or that way? And oh-my-goodness, what do I do for an ending?

As for Vita's story itself. . . . I generally don't care for the use of physical force between Kirk and Spock unless some compelling reasons are set up beforehand to explain it. The sex scene was so gentle and loving between them in the beginning that

I found it discordant when Spock tied Kirk for no apparent reason that I could see. Of course, Vita's story was presented as pure unrestrained fantasy on her part, so perhaps that was reason enough for her to write it, but it was a little over the top for me.

That said, I found "Stranger Than Fiction" interesting to read and it certainly presented a different slant on the K/S relationship. The ending was nicely done. Sweet and warm. I'd like to see more stories that combine the varied talents of these two authors.

I've always wondered how authors manage to collaborate, since the writing process seems so intensely personal and individualistic. But Shelley and Kathy have come up with a great solution, with each of them taking a different part of the story.

I enjoyed reading Stranger Than Fiction, and I enjoyed it on the re-reading as well. There are some wonderful lines in it. For example, I'd like to quote the whole section on pages 7 and 8 where Loran is talking about how Kirk and Spock look at each other on the bridge, and how Spock managed to save Kirk from the cave-in on Delta Rana IV. "... how Spock just stands there, being looked at." "Amazing - as if they were already seeing each other through the closed doors." And especially, "... so Captain Kirk was turned so I could see his face, and honestly, his eyes roam up and down Spock's body..." (A few years ago a friend pointed out to me how Kirk in the movies doesn't look Spock in the eye when they meet, but looks him up and down. I could hardly believe it, but I watched throughout a six movie, fourteen hour marathon, and it's true. He looks him in the face for a moment, then all the way down his body, then up, and then he truly establishes eye contact. Often. And I think it's so neat that the authors of this story caught that too.)

I also liked the way the K/S story within this story utilized The Naked Time, with just enough changes to make the new plot feasible. Well done! Terrific how the graffiti on the turbo doors now reads Kirk Sucks Cock, and how the captain tries to erase Spock is a Fag

However, I must confess I skipped much of the "K/S" part the second time around. I know the authors were going for an "over the top" experience there, but I think they went too far. The actual sex scene left me uninterested simply because it was obvious that someone was rubbing two sticks (pun intended) together furiously, trying so hard to generate heat.... And all I could see were the two sticks. I saw the intention behind the words because the scene was so over the top. An example would be "Spock ravished Kirk's mouth. The kiss deepened. Even with the madness, Kirk had never been kissed like this." This kind of language must be supported by a lot of emotional groundwork, and this story simply didn't provide that.

And the bondage scenario really didn't work for me. I suppose I could swallow our Vulcan tying up the captain the first time they make love, given the "madness" that's infecting them. But the "short length of velvet rope" that just happened to be handy? And there just happens to be a metal ring in the headboard of Spock's bed, non-regulation? The easy accessibility of these devices prevents the reader from shrugging off Spock's actions as a result of the madness. Apparently, this Spock goes into BSD big time. Bondage scenarios can be written well, integrated into the theme of the story, as Shelley did in one of her most recent works, (I can't remember the story title right now, I'm sorry.), but for me this section only served to remind I was reading a story, that it wasn't real.

But this was still an intriguing story, well constructed and with very original ideas. I agree with other reviewers who've said they would enjoy seeing this collaboration continue.

Reading many K/S zines, I subconsciously assumed I’d encountered every angle of approach. I’m glad to have been proven wrong. A behind the scenes look on the development of a story. The sprouting of ideas, the excitement of creation which I imagine are similar to any real creative force between two prolific writers, spinning a tale on three levels. The experience of creating a story together through two female starship officers imagining a love life between Kirk and Spock. A successful joint venture.

1997

This was such a wonderful little treat. Gave me a warm fuzzy of the best kind. A clever idea for a fresh take on K/S, too -- two Enterprise crewwomen discover the joys of fantasizing about their commanding officers. What K/S fan worth her salt wouldn't love this story?

Aside from all the fun of the tale, I thought it was a wonderful kind of 'play-within-a-play,' (or in this case, 'zine- within-a-zine') and I loved the feeling of seeing myself (and friends) in what turned out to be a sweet and yummy female bonding experience for both reader and readee. You know what this is, girls? Mary Sue of the best and tastiest K/S variety. Thank you, ladies.