The Crystal God

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	The Crystal God
Author(s):	Shelley Butler
Date(s):	1994
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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The Crystal God is a K/S story by Shelley Butler.

It was published in the print zine Naked Times #32.

Summary

"Kirk and Spock are mistaken as gods on a primitive planet and are expected to participate in a ceremony."

Reactions and Reviews

This author consistently comes up with new and intriguing plot ideas. This time Kirk and Spock find themselves on a medieval - type planet they are viewed as gods, or rather Spock is viewed as the Savior and Kirk as his Worshiper.

A magical force from a stone monolith captures their essences and produces a crystal statue of the two of them for the people to worship.

As has become this author's trademark there are some wonderful descriptive passages and some very vivid writing. For example, I loved the description of the outfits they wear upon their initial beamdown: Spock's white poet's shirt with "billowing" sleeves open to the waist (Yum), body - hugging dark green pants, and black leather boots and belt, although I think a scarf instead of a hat to hide his ears might have been more in tune with the outfit. Kirk wears a similar shirt, tight tan pants and crushed velvet boots. Great!

I also loved the scene where Spock becomes absorbed into the statue. Very mysterious. Kirk's anger and concern were vividly portrayed.

Some excellent characterization. Kirk does look up when he contacts the ship as we saw in the series, and it's perfectly believable that he would do so even when he is in an enclosed place.

But I did have some problems with this story. The story starts with Kirk on the bridge ruminating about a sexual relationship with his first officer. Then he remembers a sexual dream he has had concerning Spock. They land on the planet and Kirk seems far more interested in looking at Spock's body than in exploring their surroundings. Then there is a widely erotic sexual hallucination that overtakes them. And those are only the first ones. Each sexual scene was individually done very well, but they tend to lose their impact when there are so many of them. I also was a bit disturbed that all Kirk can think of is Spock's body. I mean, I realize it's enough to drive anyone to distraction, but surely he loves Spock for more than his physical attributes? Since there is a reference to Spock's training in Kolinahr, I assume this story takes place during the second five -year mission. They've had years of experience together, and surely Kirk hasn't fallen in love with Spock for his body alone. I needed to see more of that.

Just a bit more attention to details would have made the story work better for me. Such as: Why wouldn't McCoy beamdown with them if he were so concerned? He usually would insist on going along. Who were these people with their Hebrew names and language? A lost tribe of Israel? How did they get there? What did they do for a god before Kirk and Spock happened along? Why weren't they surprised to see Spock's ears? They knew he was coming, but how? Again, "wildfire in the desert" is a wonderful dramatic image but I had trouble visualizing exactly what it would look like.

But then I don't read this author for technical perfection. I read her stories because I enjoy imaginative plots, her intensity and her love for K/S. And these are what the story delivers in spades.