The Morbius Syndrome
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Morbius Syndrome |
| Publisher: | The New Enterprise, a British fan club |
| Editor: | |
| Author(s): | Janet M. Lawn |
| Cover Artist(s): | |
| Illustrator(s): | Steven Matijas |
| Date(s): | 1988 |
| Medium: | |
| Size: | 150 pages |
| Genre: | gen |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
The Morbius Syndrome is a gen Star Trek: TOS 150-page novel by Janet M. Lawn. It was published in the UK.
About
Concerns the final adventure of the five-year mission. Ordered to investigate an anomaly, the Enterprise discovers another universe locked in deadly combat. Kirk must remain neutral at all costs but the odds are stacked against not only him, but the rest of the crew of the Enterprise... illustrated by Steven Matijas. [1]
Reactions and Reviews
In common with many other S.T. fans, I have always found it difficult to accept that Kirk and Spock would have voluntarily parted at the end of the 5-yr mission. I initially decided, therefore, not to like this story, set at that very time, and attempting to provide a valid reason for their separation. Much to my surprise, I found that for me personally it was probably the best zines I have ever read, and if Sheila is allowed to rate books as 11 out of 10, then this must also rate at least 11.The story, briefly, is as follows. Sent to investigate an anomaly, the Enterprise finds itself in another universe. The Vulcans there have never benefitted from Surak's teaching, so are violent and passionate, and the Vulcan Empire rules. All the main characters are duplicated. SpocK'a alter-ego is S'xar, prince of Vulcan. Kirk's family heads the rebellion. The only newcomer is Alex, a female relative of Kirk's, who has no corresponding analogue in the 'normal' universe, being the daughter of Kirk's hitherto unheard of, dead, older brother. (Well why not!) She provides the romantic interest, being desired by S'xar, but desiring Spock.
S'xar captures Kirk, in an attempt to destroy Alex, Spock, and the rebellion, and plans to destroy Spock and Kirk's relationship psychologically. At the end, Spock is finally forced to kill S'xar, and in an attempt: to save Kirk's life has to initiate an abnormally deep meld. The repercussions of this are what lead to their eventual seperation.
What I liked so much about this zine was the deeply thought-out relationship between the characters. The dialogue was realistic, and the main characters strong individuals rather than mere appendages of each other. Much of the 'action' is mental, and I found the detailed meld towards the end both moving and thought-provoking, without ever getting 'sloppy'. I found myself reading and re-reading it, and although initially I didn't agree with the characters' motivations, it certainly made me think (which not many do.)
Of course the end is sad, and I would have liked a happy ending. We all know, however, that there wasn't one, and if Kirk and Spock have to part, better because of love, than despite it.
I consider the story to be vastly superior to many of the published novels, and plausibly ties up the series while leaving rhe way open for ST:TMP. [2]