The Oldest Story

Fanfiction
Title:	The Oldest Story
Author(s):	Anne McClean
Date(s):	1991
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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The Oldest Story is a Kirk/Spock story by Anne McClean.

It was published in the print zine First Time #30.

Summary

"After McCoy hears Kirkʼs confession of his love and desire for Spock, he fears for Kirkʼs well being when it turns out that Spock denies his own desire."

Excerpt

"Would you care to order another refreshment, gentlemen?" With perfect obsequiousness, the most experienced waiter employed by the Andor Palace hovered nervously over the table at which the two Starfleet officers were seated, attempting to disguise his profound wish that he had not been the one to draw this task."

Reactions and Reviews

1989

I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoy emotional turmoil, especially when Kirk is involved, and am probably one of the few that also feels that the McCoy character (an often neglected character in "/" fandom) is the perfect foil (to dispense advice, offer sympathy and be a general sounding board) to bring the characters together. Following the "agonies and the ecstasies" of the developing relationship is what makes reading this story more realistic than the everyday "/" story that seems to turn up so much in fandom.

1991

This was a very well written shorty which captured my attention and held it completely. It is the only story I've read which deals with obsessive love the way I think a starship captain would deal with it. Kirk didn't drug Spock, rape him, or beat him up. Neither did he self destruct. In a word, "fascinating."

My only complaint was that McCoy seemed a little harsh to me. I know lots of people see him that way and his actions were explained well in the story. Indeed, the words used were taken from the series, but somehow it didn't seem to fit my idea of McCoy. That, however, is my problem, not the author's. All in all, a good read.

This was a real page-turner and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Ms. MacClean is an excellent writer and skillfully wove the series episodes throughout, explaining everyone's actions as if they were truly written for her scenario. I admire her for this ability. McCoy did often in the series come off rather harshly where Spock was concerned. And Kirk was shown on more than one occasion to be capable of obsession. I could easily understand Spock's reluctance to give up his Vulcan heritage, even for Kirk. But our captain usually does get what he wants. This author continues to impress me with her talent.

This story was told with a powerful consistency which may have ended up being too consistent. I was drawn into the events, couldn't put it down, and then when Spock finally does decide to have a relationship with Kirk, it happens almost casually. I wanted a more dramatic climax. Nevertheless, the writing was excellent, and I liked the way the flashbacks were broken up by scenes with McCoy.

1992

I thought this story was written with a lot of style and wonderful intensity of feeling, and I enjoyed it in spite of the fact that the scenario it presented is one I had a hard time believing in. The problem is I just couldn't buy a Spock who could make the journey from finding sex literally distasteful to passionately offering himself as this Spock did. The transformation was too easily and suddenly accomplished. The only explanation offered is the one Spock gives to Kirk when Spock finally acquiesces, and it seemed to me to be too little, too late. A good rule of thumb for avoiding this kind of problem, especially in a story of this length, is to get inside the head of more than just one of the characters. Thus, some scenes written from Spock's perspective, giving the reader a window on Spock's emotions as the story progressed, might have laid a better foundation for Spock's change of attitude and made it more believable. I should point out that in contrast, the genesis of Kirk's love for Spock is thoroughly and sensitively explored and therefore completely believable. Aside from the above criticism, I have just one other complaint, and that is that I missed having a truly wonderful sex scene at the end once Spock has admitted his own desire. After the prolonged and exquisite buildup, I kept thinking, "Oh, boy! Here it comes. This is it!" and then all I got was "This time, he took Spock, and he knew at last that the Vulcan was truly his." One sentence sex scenes as the climax of the story are just too cruel! Well, back to worthier comments... This was the first story I've read by this writer. Overall, I was impressed; it was well above average and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.

Some quite fine language and a satisfying level of intensity. Good form. I like how this story was tied in with so many episodes. Rather unusual Spock: honest, self-realized Kirk. I like Kirk's being instantly stricken with Spock upon their first meeting and that this response was threatening and disturbing to him, his denying then finally admitting it to himself -- interesting process of falling in love. I hurt with Kirk when Spock said he did not feel any desire. I like Kirk's wisdom and restraint and that he abides by Spock's wishes, but then eventually gives in - desperate impulse. McCoy is perfect also. Good sex, good language, images, mood, intensity. One of the best I've read for my taste.

I thought the most effective [piece in the zine] was 'The Oldest Story', by Anne McClean, in which Kirk confides in McCoy the progress of his long-standing and unreciprocated love for Spock, beginning with his first day on the ship and finding a resolution after the episode on Sarpeidon. The author very cleverly weaves in the events of the five-year mission, and handles a difficult form of construction with conviction.

After such a long, torturous build up, I found Spock's reasons for finally wanting the relationship a bit anti- climatic. His very strong rejection of the whole idea seemed to cry out for a very strong reason to change his mind. His reasons are good, perhaps it is only that they were more told than shown.

2003

Anne McClean wrote only five K/S stories. All of them are remarkably alike, but since they happen to push each and every button I possess, I really don’t mind in the least. Lovers of a very strong Spock will need to look elsewhere. Also McClean’s vision of Kirk is not the completely moral icon many fen love to read about. Instead the author presents a Kirk that is so obsessed by his first officer that he will do virtually anything that will land the Vulcan in his bed. McCoy comes off very sympathetically as Kirk’s friend and wailing wall. I very much like the structure of this story and how the ending (happy, of course. It is in a First Time zine after all) takes us back to the beginning and forms a complete whole.