The Best Laid Plans (Star Trek: TOS story by Dana Austin Marsh)

Fanfiction
Title:	The Best Laid Plans
Author(s):	Dana Austin Marsh
Date(s):	print zine-(10/1991); K/S Archive-(06/2008)
Length:	print zine-21 pg.; K/S Archive-9683 words
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:	AO3 The Kirk/Spock Fanfiction Archive
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The Best Laid Plans is a Kirk/Spock story by Dana Austin Marsh.

first page of the story

art for this story as it appeared in the print zine, artist is DEW -- "Besides being simply well-executed in line and play of light, I find this drawing erotic all the more so for having some subtlety. I am one who often appreciates a little left to the imagination. When in our mind's eye we must continue the line (the lovely curve of buttocks) there can be more of an impact than when we are shown the whole thing. Same with getting to imagine where Spock's left hand is.... I like the darkness. I like the non-forceful nature of the kiss, perhaps one of those ecstatic mindless breathless pauses."

It was published in the print zine Counterpoint #5 (10/1991) and online June, 2008.

Summary

From Counterpoint #5: “Kirk decides to use jealousy to convince Spock to bond them after his lover refuses to tie him down with the absolute commitment.”

Reactions and Reviews

1991

This was a fun story. The sex scenes were well done.

I was glad this story had a lesson to teach, for I do not approve of the use of manipulation in personal relationships, I think Kirk's punishment could have been a little stronger -- maybe by having his plan somehow backfire -- but Spock was right in pointing out that, "I have had no right to refuse you the opportunity to convince me that your desire to be my mate is genuine."

This was smooth reading all the way through, with no weak spots. I was also glad that the ending was appropriate -- letting the decision to bond remain for the future, rather than rushing into it out of anger or jealousy just because the story was ending.

1992

This story was pleasing right up to the end of it, then it just seemed to dangle. Rounded off a bit more, everything would have been VERY satisfying.

1999

On the artwork: ...DEW captures an absolutely melting kiss in the making. With only Kirk's thumb visible on just the barest hint of naked buttocks, the message of encouragement and possessiveness is evident. Half of Kirk's face and very little of Spock's is revealed, but there is so much emotion captured there. Somehow DEW has managed, I think, to show a familiarity, a clear impression that this is in no way a first kiss, but an expression of enduring love.

Shore leave arrives nicely detailed and comfortably slow moving in this creation. Kirk and Spock are already lovers, but Spock won’t agree to a bond, thinking Kirk needs his freedom. Running into old one/two night stands from Kirk’s past reinforces this assumption on Spock's part, but also fuels a new experience—jealousy! Which fuels aggressiveness. Both men seem so totally in character and exhibit the selflessness I find myself envying in their relationship. A day at the beach for Kirk, a day at the museum for Spock. Followed by Kirk’s quiet indulgence watching the Vulcan in a familiar pose at the computer (making notes on his museum finds). Kirk falls asleep while studying his friend and Spock realizes how relieved and pleased he is that his Human lover did not seek pleasure elsewhere, but elected to remain at his side. Ms. Marsh so warmly portrays this sense of familiarity and security throughout the story, yet punctuates it with Spock’s underlying concern that he will injure Kirk as he perceives he has done during their first Pon Farr. When the appearance of yet another “former acquaintance” breaks both Spock’s control and his resolve, Kirk begins to wonder if deliberately making Spock jealous was such a good idea. Kirk’s “plot” to arouse Spock’s possessiveness was very slyly introduced, lending a great deal of surprise to this revelation. Almost confessing, Kirk lets passion (Spock’s passion!) control the moment and begs Spock to enter him—something Spock has been fearful of doing since his Time. What a gorgeous, erotic loving session this precipitates. We see some of the torture Pon Farr has caused in this one sentence: “Gasping cries of pleasure replaced forever the memories of agonized screams as Spock pressed forward, while the eager welcome from the writhing body beneath him banished the vision of desperate struggles to escape.” Such a telling use of words. The whole Pon Farr- experience is vivid to us through just this brief comparison of feelings. And Kirk senses something else. Spock longs for the bond as much as he and if he’s patient, it will come. There are many outstanding moments, however, I must mention just one more as it is very special indeed. They've gone back to ready the ship to leave orbit and Kirk is convinced Spock is at the computer to stay, but stops by the lab to make a cursory invitation for Spock to accompany him to the planet one last time to check out of their hotel. Well, while unexpectedly agreeing, Spock looks quickly around the lab to make sure they are the only occupants, then slips his arms around Kirk's waist! On the ship!! What a treat! In the end, Kirk must confess, but as with the whole story, I didn’t feel I was manipulated as a reader. There were no moments of contrivance, no extended misunderstandings or contrition—just a well-written story with much honesty of emotion and a fine, gratifying conclusion.

2008

I like the development of Spock's sexual assertion as he deals with his jealousy. I was a little confused as to why Spock would go so far as to nearly commit mind rape out of jealousy, but I guess Vulcan passions run deep.

2012

I loved this. You took the time to explain why Spock was jealous and the reasons behind Jim making him jealous, which I found thoroughly enjoyable. I do hope that they are somehow able to find a way to reach that common ground and bond. Great job!

This is soooooo good! Just like a future married couple--the nervous partner that just isn't quite ready yet (for all the right reasons) and the eager partner that wants nothing more than to dedicate themself to the other and their relationship--officially. lol. Reading that dynamic between these two was highly entertaining. ;)

At first this fic annoyed me would Jim,"Mr love-em behave so impetuously. Do guy's behave with as little sense as women? But the last section was great, a point where Jim isn't all about Jim and Spock begins to value his feelings equally. Now a chance for real growth and understanding. If ever blessed with a soulmate I will keep this fic for ground rules.