The Possessed (Star Trek: TOS zine)

For other articles with a similar title, see The Possessed.

Zine
Title:	The Possessed
Publisher:	T.J. Publications
Editor(s):
Date(s):	1983
Series?:
Medium:	print
Size:	mimeo, A4
Genre:	gen
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
External Links:
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The Possessed is a 27-page gen Star Trek: TOS anthology of three stories by Jenny Elson. It contains no interior art.

Contents

• Possessed (1)
• Dark Corridors (16)
• Epidemic! (22)

Author's Notes Regarding "Epidemic!"

sample text

The idea for this story came from Janet Hunt when we were discussing the problems of reality versus romanticism in Star Trek fiction. I have included it in this trilogy because it does depict possession of the body by particularly dangerous aliens... Bacteria... which are to be feared as much as any extra-terrestial being.

In our discussion, points were raised which have often worried us; ones which Trek writers rarely take into consideration, but are of vital importance to the well being of any community. Firstly, that sickness and injury are widely romanticised when, in reality, this factor is never apparent. Secondly, that sanitation and impurity checks are never taken; again a vital necessity, especially relating to landing parties. Often, the "Enterprise" crew is depicted as being imprisoned for long periods, entrapped on primitive planets, eating and drinking native food with apparent gay abandon, quite oblivious to the fact that there is a glaring lack of hygiene facilities. Yet there is a surprising lack of infection. Too surprising, in fact.

"Epidemic" is not a pretty story. It is not meant to be. It attempts to depict such an infection as it would be in reality; to the victim, painful, stressful and embarrassing; to those who nurse him, distressing, dirty and dangerous. Unfortunately, it can also lead to death, but for the purpose of this story, I have given the traditional happy ending. And believe me, THAT is romanticism!

Reactions and Reviews

Three stories in this publication -- all fairly gruesome in varying degrees. Jenny Elson calls them reality against romanticism in illness. The second and third stories seem, in actual fact, to be wallows. The first, Spock's possession by a malevolent alien I found an interesting concept, however in my opinion , the characters were far from accurate, the language even less so. No, I did not enjoy this zine, but those who enjoy wallows with sexual overtones possibly will.