The Hard Sell

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	The Hard Sell
Author(s):	Vivian Gates
Date(s):	1985
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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The Hard Sell is a Kirk/Spock story by Vivian Gates.

It was published in the print zine First Time #3 and won a 1986 K/Star Award for Best Humor Piece.

Excerpt

"Are you a tramp?" asked the Human suspiciously. "Certainly not," replied the Vulcan calmly in a low, pleasant voice. "Pardon me for taking refuge from the storm in your barn." He made a gesture towards the open door, outside where a forceful rain still pelted. "I was unable to attract attention at the house and so withdrew to this relatively dry location to wait for the storm to subside." The young Human still looked doubtful, so the Vulcan cautiously reached into an inner pocket and handed over a small imitation pasteboard object. "My card," he said."

Reactions and Reviews

You can keep the boy on the farm but...Even as a farm boy in Iowa, Kirk can't seem to stay out of trouble, and we wouldn't want it any other way. This is a story with a light touch, but despite the disclaimer there is "redeeming social value". The central theme of the story is the suppression of adolescent sexuality. The repressive attitude of Kirk's father is freighted with all the usual family ambivalence, and I finished the story without being certain of whether he was trying to protect his son, or drive him away. He certainly seemed happy enough to be losing young Kirk. "The Hard Sell" also reverses the usual roles of Kirk and Spock. Here Kirk is sexually innocent and totally inexperienced, and Spock is his teacher. I am not really fond of the innocent concept, but Vivian handles it in a witty and playful way.