The Flavor of Gold

Fanfiction
Title:	The Flavor of Gold
Author(s):	Sylvia Bond
Date(s):	1993
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:	The Flavor of Gold, now at Flavor of Gold
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The Flavor of Gold is a Kirk/Spock story by Sylvia Bond.

It was published in the print zine First Time #37 and is available online.

Summary

"Spock follows Kirk after finding out that Kirk took an undercover assignment while on shoreleave."

Excerpt

"He walked briskly through the maze of streets, and tried to shut out the roar of the city, the clatter of voices and footsteps, and the ever present high pitched, slightly off-key sound of rain spluttering against a million square feet of transparent aluminum, steel and concrete. It hadn't taken him long to deduce where Kirk had gone, once he'd spoken to McCoy."

Reactions and Reviews

1993

Kirk goes off on a mission to a rainy planet after a challenge from Finnegan that he was nothing without Spock and the Enterprise. Spock follows him to a cold and seedy hotel room and ends up staying with him.

They even sleep in the same bed for warmth but nothing happens except they both think about the other, wonder what the other one thinks and think about their own doubts and fears.

Therein lies the problem with this story for me. With all this thinking, I felt Kirk and Spock for the most part were at such arm's length, that any emotional connection or involvement was dissipated. I believe I understand the author's intent to show them trying to get together and its inherent difficulties. But. as the reader, instead of connecting with them emotionally and feeling what they were going through, I felt like a viewer, removed from the action, and only able to watch them.

As each scene happened, it was only later, either in Spock's or Kirk's thoughts that we find out what was "really" happening. This method or style of writing added to the emotional separation that I experienced. If a character is shown doing something in one scene, then later thinking about it. it lessens the emotional impact. As an example - after the kiss. Spock goes to take a shower. All we know at the time is that he is distant and aloof. Fine, but this is all the emotion at the occurrence until later, he thinks about what he really felt.

This is not to be confused with characters who experience something and don't know how they feel about it at the time. Here, we're told how they feel and on top of that, we're told later.

The character of Kirk was also a problem. For a large part, Kirk is irritated and snappish with Spock. Expressing anger in this manner weakened Kirk's character, making him appear petty and his concerns, trivial. He bitches and bothers in the scene in the bed, the scene in the bar, the scene in the morning about coffee, the scene about the heater, to name a few.

The constant rain and gloom, with the many references to the wetness getting into their clothing, wetting their hair, etc., was another problem. Instead of crating a mood in which the reader shares in its mystery or somber atmosphere, it only served to be bothersome and add to the underlying peevishness without adding insight.

I didn't understand the physical mannerism described a number of times in which there was a tightening' of flesh beneath or around the eyes. Equally as quizzical was "He pulled away abruptly, curling his hands into fists against his chest."

The scene where Kirk quickly kisses Spock and then Spock kisses him back became a turning point of the story. Subsequent to this scene, in which "Kirk tasted the sweet and delicate salt of Vulcan flesh. Inhaled desert air. And found his eyes closing, absorbing more fully the sensation." the story picks up and becomes much stronger emotionally.

"And in those Vulcan eyes was the same look he'd seen many times, a secret, subterranean glow lit only by a fireshrine somewhere in Spock's soul." With lines like that, the story takes on an immediacy because the characters feel and think at the same time.

This continued with lovely imagery and language that, for the most part, was absent in the first part of the story.

"The dark night swept around him at that moment when he realized what he had before him, a thing so fine and rare, a single entity in all the glazes never to be duplicated, not for thousands of lifetimes to come." I enjoyed references to the episodes as "real" events -- it was quite effective -- such as the Gorgan having influenced Kirk's mind. A semi-minor point: I gather the author meant Spock to be a total virgin. This is difficult to accept.

The "Level Five" kiss scene and its aftermath is absolutely top-rate.

The interaction between them is electric and vital. With challenging emotions, Kirk kisses Spock and the result is a Vulcan who turns away in anger out of fear. Beautifully done.

When Kirk and Spock attend an awards ceremony in their honor (nicely done with an attentive McCoy), Spock beams back to the ship and Kirk goes after him. The description of Kirk's urgency to get to Spock was perfect.

Here's a wonderful line from the scene where Kirk confronts Spock with the truth of his love: "Kirk began pacing the room, and Spock stood very still, watching him go back and forth, like a lemata (sic) approaching a water hole he knows to be dangerous but also that he can't do without."

The love making at the end also had a contained emotional feel to it, as though held back or pent-up, although there were some moments of fine writing and insightful thoughts. Because of the tightness of tone, I kept wanting them to let go, to let loose and this kept the scene from being particularly erotic. It was more interesting than erotic. "But wasn't sex the completion of everything else they'd been through? The fact that Spock was guardian, companion, friend, and now lover? Now he'd come full circle. He had it all. He would not let it go. Whatever it took; whatever Spock wanted."

A well-drawn, intelligent story, albeit too intelligent, perhaps, giving it a coldness and distance. But the second half certainty enhanced the entire work.

This marvelous, unhurried, believable first-timer absolutely took my breath away with the sheer beauty and simplicity of the language, the logical, true-to-Trek plot; and, most of all, the brilliant, accurate-to-the-last-blood-cell characterization. Excuse me if I wax enthusiastic and pepper the page with hyphens But I cant recall ever seeing such a brutally accurate characterization of Kirk and Spock. and characterization is one of the things I notice and ready care about. Brutally? I can't think of a better word: this author doesn't soften the characters' edges They get themselves into their own predicaments- Kirk into a one-man mission that he will (of course) make dangerous; Spock, following his captain as always. into the cold and wet of e dismal planet that Kirk accurately calls "a concrete wash" And both of them stumble into the K/S first-time scenario with all the foibles intact. That's why I say "brutally." In their internal monologues, both characters analyze the story and their feelings in minute detail, as though a stark light were shined into the corners of their psyches. I'm still shaking my head in awe of the author's accomplishment.

As the story begins, Kirk has disappeared during shore leave, telling no one but McCoy where he's gone. Spock quickly gets the information out of McCoy and follows Kirk to a rainy planet where Kirk has volunteered for a seemingly innocuous one-man mission. Spock has come because he believes Kirk will need him. As it turns out. Kirk doesn't need Spock's help in the mission as defined, but asks Spock to stay anyway because he discovers he does wish his friend's company after all. Their gradual realization and exploration of their true feelings for each other was subtly and realistically portrayed. I loved "The Incident" (both the event itself and Spock's calling it that) - especially the parts from Spock's POV. This is a real Vulcan. The entire conversation surrounding the first- to fifth-level kisses was great!

Kirk's decision to complete the entire mission personally was so very Kirkian, so in character. I was waiting, breath held, for him to do this, and he didn't disappoint me. Kkk, by the way, was very mature. The author could easily have fallen into a simplistic interpretation of Kirk and didn't.

And there were some refreshing, original moments that nevertheless didn't take K & S out of character-for example. Spock's musings on "what animal would I be?" ft was perfect! And because it was connected to a childhood memory, I never questioned such a fanciful thought from Spock. Also, I am not a believer in the "virginal Spock" characterization, but this author handles that concept so delicately that she almost makes me believe it. Further, she's just ambiguous enough on the subject to allay my doubts.

Two very minor quibbles. One, Spock's fearing sexual desire because it brings memories of pon farr could have been developed more. Two, the event they were waiting for in the bars wasn't terribly clear (until it happened), nor was ft clear why they were waiting m such establishments rather than elsewhere. Neither of these points posed a major problem, but both served to distract me a little from the story.

In any event, this long story has got to be on my list of K/S greats. I'd go so far as to call it a must-read for K/S fans. especially for any who want to see the K/S scenario played out in a completely realistic way. Anybody who doubts, as I used to. that K/S can be done in character should read this story. It just might change her mind.

There were parts of this generally very well-written story that made me want to pull the plug on my computer, throw my hands melodramatically over my eyes.and say "I'll never write again!"

The plot is simple: Kirk, after being told by Finnegan that his success is due to having the Enterprise and Spock, volunteers for a one-man mission to retrieve some stolen schematics from Tantris, a dismal, rainy planet. Spock, of course, goes after him.

Actually this set-up is the weakest part of the story. I would have thought Kirk too self-aware to be manipulated so easily. And when Spock finally does catch up with his captain, the back and forth ruminations about Kirk's motivations in taking the assignment, as well as Spock's on following him were dragged out just a bit too long.

The same goes for the kiss Kirk gives to Spock almost on a whim, and the excessive analyzing both do over it.

It's when Kirk finally decides that the kiss was meant to "...express (his) joy at (Spock's) being here," that the story really begins to take on a life of its own. The scene where Spock describes the five levels of Kirk's kisses was absolutely wonderful. So deliciously Spock that I could see and hear him with perfect clarity. This is my Vulcan! Top that off with lines like "Kirk allowed his hands to remain where they were, cupping gentry over crisp dark hair, and the curve of warm ears. The dark night swept around him at the moment when he realized what he has before him, a thing so fine and rare, a single entity in all the galaxies never to be duplicated, not for thousands of lifetimes to come." Or how about "Impulse was not foreign to Spock, not in the normal sense. But impulses were to be hunted and trapped like quarry, snagged in midflight and trampled ruthlessly until they lay quite still without twitching."

And "Kirk opened to him, moved to meet him, with the force which Spock had often wondered at, having watched Kirk kissing many a time. Now it was his to press against, to join with and taste: salt, tender satin,and the flavor of gold." Wow! This is as good as it gets!)

Thanks, Sylvia, for a story I'm sure to reread many times. I'm looking forward to your next K/S story with anticipation.

I LOVED this story. Aside from a sweet and strong emotional impact. I felt a lot of the writing inspired. I had only read one other story by this author, and this one is beautifully beyond that.

From the moment of The Kiss especially. I was a goner, in the grip of an achingly slow intensity (my favorite kind) the entire rest of the story. The intensity at times was exquisite, wringing my heart, constricting my breathing. (Ok, yes, I do exaggerate a little, but basically it's true. Reading this story was one of those beautiful experiences for me. engaging me in all my chakras.)

A Jot of powerful, poetic images and fascinating turns of phrases - too many to mention! Beautiful and subtle or else knock-your-socks-off. And finely-drawn distinctions: a vision seeming to cover the whole spectrum, from the big picture down to the tiniest: in broad strokes and fine lines. This is not just to applaud "clever" use of language, because this vivid language was not only striking in itself, but it conveyed such intense, strong, deep images and feelings.

The dialogue throughout, but especially regarding the kiss, is inspired.

There were a couple times I felt unusual word usages were too odd to pass, but mostly I kept being blown away over some of the most unusual expressive images I have ever read. Oddly incongruous words were combined, and it worked. Just one example: Lips were "salt, tender satin and the flavor of gold."

Also ones that weren't incongruous, were simply gems. "Hot and unstoppable like migrating sand dunes."

The main theme of the story, their discovery of who they are to each other, was focused very well. One could have made it too broad - it is after all a very big theme - but it was pulled in to this one issue of Kirk's wondering who he is without Spock. who he is if not part-of-Kirk- and-Spock. An excellent focus which then led to exploration of the areas around that one question, and of course also to Spock's response to this and to his own exploration. The kiss itself was another well done, sharp focus of the larger theme. So there was a focus, but the author also drew it out (and strung me along) on and on and on and on. and it was wonderful! So that the realizations were so slow, in beautifully heart-stopping time, minute by minute... I remember from another story of hers she is good at drawing out the moment.

And the moments moved through the action of the story just right.

In a flop-house type place for two weeks on a dreary planet while Kirk is on a covert mission, Spock has to define why he thinks he is Kirk's protector. Kirk is resisting Spock being that, needing to prove himself. And Spock realizes who Kirk is to him, but further, who he is to Kirk.

Very insightful and subtle portrayals of Kirk and Spock. the way small actions and/or words highlight something from the depths of their personalities. Well done. And not only these little glimpses, but also the very gigantic realizations they each came to and their perceptions of each other - very astute.

Not to mention the sex! It was simply beautiful, and orgasmic, and not-common.

I laughed out loud at a classic interchange where Spock is being literate and verbose and Kirk can only respond with "What?"

There were some "imperfections." Rather loose writing (typos: grammatical errors, misspellings). And a few other things such as time passing or skipped without a scene break, etc.

I don't think it's proper to put Spock's experiences, whether you consider them feelings or not, in quotes. "Spock was 'surprised.'" "Spock 'liked." Either describe precisely how he really "felt" or call the experiences or sensations something else, or...

KIRK SAYS "WOMEN HAVE NO SOULS" ?????

I loved the use of episode flashbacks, especially the Gorgon/turbolift incident.

The feelings I had while reading this story, this is the highest and best experience of K/S for me. why I love it so.

1994

I liked this long story very much! it had a lot of nice moments, such as the repair of the space heater (pg. 81) and Spock's cup of coffee (pg, 90/91) - "I prefer ...tea," - among many others. Wow, and I have never before read such a wonderful description o( a simple (?) kiss. Pages and pages of kissing! Thrilling! Only one thing really disturbed me: in the beginning the author describes Spock walking through the rain ("within minutes he was as if he'd submerged his whole body." (pg. 78) Spock is cold and wet, but you hear nothing of all this, when he finally in Kirk's room. When I come home in this condition, the first thing is taking off my clothes! I waited and waited, that he take off at least his cape, but - nothing- I was freezing with Spock! (By the way: don't they have umbrellas in the 20th century??)

1998

I recently reread this long, juicy story because it was just that cool. I enjoy reading the twisted, meandering analysis of why Kirk thinks he's not a capable captain without his first officer or without his ship and wanting to prove that he is just as capable as the next guy by taking a mission all by himself. Spock , of course, gets wind of it and follows him and that's when the fun begins. Spock has the patience of Job as he watches and helps Kirk with the mission. Lots of fantastic domestic-ish scenes and that tender moment when Spock got shot. This is one of the best first time stories I have ever read. You have the dialog, the action and adventure, especially the well written action and adventure, the building of the budding relationship, and 10+ kissing scenes and no unnecessary tedious sex stuff. It has all the elements of a great story. Two thumbs up says me. The only bad part was the reaction from Spock after the first few kisses scene, Spock went the repressed, puritan, double virgin wanting to flee from that Kirk, and having the butter won't melt in my mouth, you will not touch me attitude. The reaction was way over done for a half Vulcan and half Human. I would think that Spock being half Vulcan and a scientist would just analyze the kisses and if he had felt too much would just say that is enough in that Vulcan high falutin' tone that he gets when he feels too much. After all, he spends a great deal of time and energy repressing his human half and that's why I thought it was over done for him. Other then that it was excellent bar none.

Once again, Kirk’s pride has led him into a dangerous situation. Are we sure Tiberius is his middle name? Could it, instead, be Trouble?

Finnegan’s barbed remarks about the Captain’s ability to function without the Enterprise and Spock lead to the latest escapade. Kirk is determined to prove otherwise and volunteers for a one-man intelligence mission on a rain-soaked world in lieu of shore leave. He is, of course, soon missed by Spock, who after a bit of detective work, comes knocking on the door to his cold, shabby room.

At first Kirk is angry at the intrusion, but he gradually comes to understand something about himself — it is more important to have Spock with him than to prove himself to Finnegan. This is all resolved with some really masterful dialog, which consistently keeps the reader involved, never on the outside looking in.

Spock, too, becomes introspective and is so absorbed in his thoughts he loses three standard chess games in a row. This obvious distraction causes Kirk to lean over and kiss him lightly on the mouth. Kirk is rattled and tries to dismiss it as a joke, but can’t stop wondering what made him do it. He begins to review all the times Spock’s been there for him — which gives us nice glimpses into several touching scenes from the series. Recollection of their forced separation by the Klingons on Organia and the way their eyes met across the room causes him to ask himself just what it was he saw in those eyes. Sitting (undercover) in a bar he sees again that “flicker of dark fire in a pair of Vulcan eyes.”

Then in a discussion that is both brilliant and beautiful, Kirk reminds Spock of the time they thought he’d lost his sight and how glad Kirk was that it had been temporary. An excerpt of the exchange follows, and what an inventive way it is to express love:

“I knew I would have missed you looking at me.” The way your eyes are now, liquid dark. “I thought I would have killed Bones if it had made everything alright.”

“My eyes are not worth a man’s life.” “Oh yes,” Kirk softly said,” yes, they are.” This is so typical of the absorbingly realistic and captivating discussions that fill this story from beginning to end.

1999

I really like The Flavor of Gold in part because there is some really insightful characterization in it. I’m sorry that the author wrote only two K/S stories.

2001

Yes, I've reviewed this before. And I must have been under the influence of too much tranya because I totally blew it off the first time and I'm determined to get a second chance to offer my opinion.

First of all, to not mention the eloquent way in which the author sets the scene was a crime. She does such a magnificent job of describing the rainy, dreary planet. Water dripping off your nose, down your neck, feet squishing in the stuff. Cold. Miserable. Mood setting. Through this slogs Spock - what would get him out into this despicable weather but Kirk?

Spock has thrown himself into the unappreciated role of protector and it is one he questions and questions even as he persists in maintaining the persona. And Kirk is at the same time having some severe introspection about his own character, seeking to validate the image he's always had of himself against the man who leans more and more on his Vulcan friend.

The two men may be thrown together, but it is anything but a soothing situation. The climate is lousy, the accommodations are worse. The solitary mission Kirk has volunteer to undertake is thankless and unproductive. And both men are struggling with themselves.

There are shining moments in the gloom. Spock brings Kirk an unexpected gift—a hat to keep the rain from his neck. Kirk, offering no encouragement at first, ultimately asks Spock to stay with him. Fine moments. Courageous in light of the internal conflict faced by each man.

An impulsive kiss, given and returned, sets two thought processes on another wild journey of self- evaluation. There's a beautiful moment of camaraderie when Spock starts cataloging Kirk's kisses as the Vulcan has observed them with women. Kirk is witty and charming in reply. But the silliness is short-lived, the self-analyses continue. Conflicting emotions are so well drawn against the ever-moving background story of their mission.

When the mission ends, the drama is simply refocused to that inner turmoil both men must meet head-on as they examine their true feelings for each other.

The final scene, which is many unbelievably engrossing pages long, brings a resolution that would satisfythe most jaded of critics. Spock's need to control what to him feels like the dreaded fires of ppn farr is a marvelous study of this complex being. Kirk's inborn daring shines through, as even in this, he recognizes what action is needed and brings it to conclusion. He simply worships Spock's body with his own.

Worth a second read? Absolutely!

2003

I loved this! It portrays many facets of their relationship that made me happy. Good characterizations of our men and a nice ending. But before that wonderful ending, I felt something had been left out, like a transition paragraph or two leading up to the eroticism; it seemed to me that Spock changed his super-reserved attitude too abruptly. But when he finally gets into the swing of things and falls for Kirk's blandishments, Spock slips thrillingly into the dominant mode. And, boy, does Kirk like it like that!!

2010

While on shore leave, Kirk runs into Finnegan, who tells Kirk that he would not have been as successful without Spock. Kirk takes on a one-man mission in order to prove Finnegan wrong. (Kirk so has issues with this!) Meanwhile, Spock, wondering where his 3D chess partner has gone, goes after Kirk. He finds him, of course, and then the fun ensues! Wonderful, wonderful first-time fic.

2013

Kirk crosses paths with Finnegan once more - the real one this time. His enemy suggests that Kirk would be nothing without his fine ship and his finer first officer to solve his problems for him. Kirk is angry of course, but beyond the anger he wonders if that’s the truth. Using a convenient shore leave, and quite without telling Spock what he is planning, Kirk volunteers for a solitary undercover mission. Spock’s curiosity is aroused and he manages to track down his captain, proving to Kirk that what Finnegan suggested is accurate.

My favorite scene has Spock describing Kirk’s five types of kisses because, of course, he’s paid particular attention to his captain relationships with women.

This lovely long story has everything I’m looking for in a K/S tale: action, h/c, the lovely repartee between them and at 80 pages, a good long read.