The Image of Perfection

Fanfiction
Title:	The Image of Perfection
Author(s):	Fanzine - Debbie Cummins; K/S Archive - Debbie C
Date(s):	Fanzine - 1991; Archive - 11/6/2006
Length:	Fanzine - 52 pages; Archive - 40,546
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:	The Kirk/Spock FanFiction Archive, Side by Side Collection on AO3
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The Image of Perfection is a Kirk/Spock story by Debbie Cummins.

It was published in the print zine T'hy'la #10 (1991) and subsequently online in Side by Side #20 (2006). It was added to the Kirk/Spock Archive later that year.

Summary

"The Klingons had the perfect plot: substitute an android for Commander Spock. With Vulcans well known for their lack of emotion, there was no chance that anyone would detect the difference."

Reactions and Reviews

1991

The almost idyllic first few pages didn't prepare me for the remainder of this most complex, well-plotted story. It's been a while since I've read a short story with this much... depth. It is extremely well written, full of believable characters, who are well fleshed out but never take over the action from our heroes. It was nicely paced, neither rushed nor protracted. The author obviously has both medical and general scientific knowledge. She adds those elements in such a manner that, while there are many details to be absorbed, they are always understandable and are never overwhelming. This story should not be read in a hurry. I found myself consciously slowing down in order to fully comprehend everything that was going on -- the villainess Klingon, the weak/corrupt leader, the frightened doctor, in over his head. The scene in the hospital where Kirk mentally insisted on sharing Spock's pain, while being observed by other people, was wonderful. The love between the two was palpable all throughout the story. And the last several pages -- wow! I hurt right along with K & S when poor Spock was being tortured; his mind nearly split apart. The poor creature was perfectly portrayed — a tragic figure. I don't want to give away too much of the plot but when "it" reached out toward Kirk, I could feel a chill. I would have liked to have had a more definite ending although the impression given was that everything would be all right. I guess I'm just one of those readers who likes to know for sure. All in all, I found this story very fulfilling and satisfying, and excellent read.

1993

This is a wonderfully complex plot of clones, revenge, Klingons and love on a planet called Jarsin II. This is also genuinely riveting story telling filled with strong charismatic characters, a great Klingon villain, and a violence of sorts: no cute lightness, here.

The author is extremely adept at the use of structure. Each scene opens with a compelling, mysterious lead-in that draws the reader into the story. Then each scene ends with a kind of "mini" cliff-hanger, holding ones' interest to find out more. That and the excellent positioning of the scenes show off a very skilled writer.

Many scenes and parts of this story were beautifully done. Some lines that come to mind are: "Spock, never less than a heartbeat away from Kirk's inner feelings..." and "Malevolence shimmered off him like a force field..." There is a very exciting sequence of the building passion of a kiss combined with Kirk's thoughts of Spock's warrior ancestry. One of my favorite scenes was that of Kirk in the waiting room of a hospital as he looks at the blood on his boots and begins thinking of what had happened to Spock. He remembers the feelings that flowed through the mind link when Spock was injured. He identifies the feeling: "Relief. Dear God, Spock. It was relief that the wound had once again fallen on you and not me."

Many scenes are written in an unexpected way. For example, when Kirk goes to the recovery room to see Spock, it's from the doctor's POV, as he perceives Kirk's strong feelings for Spock, which will figure in the plotline later in the story.

One of the most thorough and exciting descriptions of the mind link and a very powerful sequence of a mind probe taking the form of a beast.

I have only two, tiny problems in the story that distracted me. One was the rather puzzling old medical technology of this world. It was 20th century medicine in everything from the hospital environment to the process of surgery. If Jarsin II was so isolated, then how did they have advanced capabilities in other areas, like making clones and space travel? The same goes for the city complete with cars with tires and a subway. At the very toast, it was not explained.

The second minuscule problem was how the story ended. No problem plot-wise, but rather that it was shown from another character's POV. I understood the author's intent, but it weakened the climatic ending, somewhat.

Ms. Cummins is truly a skilled author with wonderful stories to tell. All this and a profound love between Kirk and Spock., What more could a K/Ser ask for? Or anyone who just wants to read a great story.

1998

Although I'd enjoyed several stories by this author, nothing prepared me for the beauty and power of this one. I'm going to say almost nothing about the plot, not because it's weak—in fact, it's compelling and chilling—but because what moves me most is Kirk and Spock's characterization and relationship. We first see them enjoying shore leave alone on an idyllic planet. As Kirk watches Spock study a geological oddity, he silently admires his friend's intellect, grace, and physique, and soon his lust for Spock surfaces, a need his bond-mate can sense. We witness their affection and attraction through their bond, in words, and in small gestures. Instead of slowly building up to a sex scene, Cummins starts the story with one, setting the tone. And what a gorgeously erotic, loving scene it is! While we know they have not been lovers for terribly long, this is no tentative or uncertain Spock who slowly, teasingly seduces a more-than-willing Kirk. I love how powerful and alien this Spock is—and how Kirk appreciates these qualities: "He could sense the power of Spock's sexual energy as the Vulcan finally let [himself] go, seemed to sink into him, feed on him. [Kirk] gasped as the hunger grew, blossoming out like a savage flower, exploding into a fierce passion that went beyond his own rather meager lust" (and we know Kirk is one lustful being!). Cummins ends the scene with Kirk's penetration of Spock, not revealing the rest of their encounter. This technique, surprisingly, is not unsatisfying because of the long fore-play and the final lines in the scene...

[much clipped due to length]

... The mixture of spoken and telepathic communication between Kirk and Spock is lovely throughout the story, expressing the wonderfully intense closeness between the lovers. Not all is serious, though, and Cummins sprinkles her tale with bits of humor, such as when Kirk points to the snow outside and asks Spock how much he thinks will fall. Spock responds typically, 'Impossible to calculate, Captain, without more date,'and, suppressing a smile, launches into a lecture on atmospheric conditions. Kirk interrupts, 'I'd say eight inches. What do you think?' Spock: 'Nine.' In so many ways the often-cited rapport between Spock and Kirk—and more, their deeply rooted love and friendship)—appears in every little detail, as well as in the plot itself, which I'm not discussing... As you can plainly tell, I highly recommend this story.

2007

The long story “Image of Perfection” by Debbie Cummins is in T’hy’la 10, and it is characteristic of this author’s detailed, plot-filled tales. Here the Klingons plan to replace Spock with a clone, but they have not reckoned with the reality that Kirk and Spock are lovers. There are well-drawn original characters in this story, but the focus is squarely on the vivid feelings between captain and first officer. When Spock is injured, there is an incredible scene in the local planetary hospital, where Kirk insists on transferring some of his strength to Spock via the bond. I am tremendously tempted to quote it here, but I’ll resist. Suffice it to say that hurt/comfort fans know to look for this author’s name, and this story delivers well on both sides.