The Concept of Love

Fanfiction
Title:	The Concept of Love
Author(s):	Jean Gabriel
Date(s):	1992
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

The Concept of Love is a Kirk/Spock story by Jean Gabriel.

It was published in the print zine Within the Mirror #6.

Summary

"Kirk is unable to decide whether or not to join the rebellion until Spock and Sarek discover him spying on them with the Tantalus field and the decision is made for him."

Reactions and Reviews

1992

Some new ideas here -- tribbles with teeth. Spock killing Stonn (instead of trying to kill Kirk on Vulcan.)

I think this is one of the author's best stories, though it was slightly over-written (e.g.. a lot of Kirk's reflections on pages 97 - 98 were unnecessary.) This had some good dialogue and built nicely with an increasing complication.

A couple of things didn't ring true: It sounded unVulcan when Sarek used the word "sheer" (sheer number of people", "sheer tactical expertise") Why would Spock and Sarek criticize Kirk for not telling Spock about the tantalus device? Surely, as captain of a starship, in an environment as untrustworthy as the Empire, Kirk has a right to whatever tools he finds useful to preserve his own life. I don't think Spock had a right to know about it (though, granted, it was wrong of Kirk to be spying on him).

Otherwise, this was a well-written story and an enjoyable read.