The Power of Suggestion (Star Trek: TOS story by Dana Austin Marsh)

Fanfiction
Title:	The Power of Suggestion
Author(s):	Dana Austin Marsh
Date(s):	print zine-1997 K/S Archive - 04/05/2009
Length:	print zine - 17 pgs;K/S Archive - 10,872 words
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:	The Kirk/Spock Fanfiction Archive on AO3
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

The Power of Suggestion is a Kirk/Spock story by Dana Austin Marsh.

It was published in the print zine First Time #46 (1997) and is available online.

Summary

"After rejecting the advances of a stranger, Kirk returns to his and Spockʼs hotel room and during the night, somehow is made to erroneously believe that he and Spock are lovers."

Reactions and Reviews

1997

I adore this story.

The scenario regarding a new Federation member planet and a couple of local characters was set up well but only just enough to support the K/S scenario; I appreciate this.

I always fall for a scene where, for instance, some ape is trying to put the moves on Kirk, and Spock so smoothly intervenes. So this is the set-up, and after a nice concise scene, we are left knowing something's going to happen.

I personally have mixed feelings about this style of setting the reader up: "He had no way of knowing it was a night he would never remember," It's not that it ruined anything, though, in this case; and I know it's a perfectly valid style. However, I more than once wished we weren't in everyone's head.

I just loved this unique scenario, where Kirk, under the influence of a mind-drug, believes that he and Spock are already lovers. What a fun thing to play with and this was written exactly to my liking.

By the end, when we figured out what happened, I felt the explanation a bit of a convoluted stretch, but everything is explained exactly right for what the author wants to accomplish.

The hints in the beginning of how they feel about each other were lovely and sweet. Just divine, what Spock goes through faced with a Kirk who gets into bed with him naked as if he belongs there. I loved the bit about Spock having a flash of a feeling that Kirk is being presumptuous. But Spock realizes he would be mad to protest this fulfillment of his admitted (only to himself) desires.

Then, back on the ship, the mystery has to be solved: what happened to Kirk that he has these memories and feelings of being lovers with Spock? This is delicious, the tension between Kirk and Spock while all this is going on. And my heart is just bleeding for Spock. Well, for Kirk. too. but mostly for Spock. Oh, the anguish... I was clutching my breast. Spock feels that once Kirk is back to normal, the friendship will be ruined.

There are some absolutely exquisite moments. And I could really picture these scenes. Not only in the sense of our vivid K/S imaginations, but I could picture it as if seeing it on screen in "real" Trek: I can picture this Kirk, tormented and honest about it, as in "The Enemy Within". And later, I could picture Spock just as in "Amok Time" when Kirk tries to get him to say what's wrong.

And gorgeous words between them! Kirk telling Spock what their sex-life feels like to him. And his words to Spock about the actual sex they did have just the once, are exquisite.

And another powerful scene vivid, realistic, crackling with electricity when they are finally saying it out to each other. But all is not sweetness and light, yet. An intense Spock moment I was just dying.

Fascinating dynamics between them, I love it.

I loved the ending. Especially when Spock uses words that Kirk had said. A divine story.

What a marvelous story this is—all filled with drama, emotion, and some terrific writing.

First, as Kathy noted, was the great beginning. What an excellent set-up for what's to come. I, too, agree that the story would have been better served if any future events had not been revealed too soon. But what a wonderful scene as that nasty Oban lusts after Kirk and then stews in his own juices! In this case, the very inventive "bennatta, the juice of the beans". I just adored all that stuff with this drug that these people take. Neat.

Then the extraordinary scene of Spock giving in to Kirk's advances. I was on the edge of my seat as he allowed himself the pleasure of Kirk's touch and more.

I adored just about everything in this story—how's that for an insightful LOC? Check out this writing: This is the moment when Spock has to be very clear to Kirk: "Until a few moments ago, we have never been lovers." The unequivocal tone softened. "Please, Captain, get dressed." That really got to me—Spock's telling Kirk to put his clothes back on. That's so raw, so devastating. I saw Kirk all vulnerable and naked in front of Spock, and then there's nothing.

And this fabulous line: "All Kirk would have to do was to ask and, Spock knew, he would have followed his captain as willingly into love as he did into danger." So beautiful.

Lots of wonderful powerful angst fills this story. Such as when Kirk, totally alone with his false memories, tries to reach out to Spock with his love: "I remember chess games, and talking from off shift to on shift. And I remember silences that weren't silences at all, but filled with our unspoken thoughts."

The idea is such a unique one. I loved how Kirk, in all his ingenuousness, imagines Spock must be playing some kind of joke on him. Or when he finally learns the truth, the anguish of not having the love.

And of course. Spock with his certainty that once the drug wears off, Kirk will no longer have feelings for him. It's all so heart-wrenching and powerful

This is one fine author.

I had great fun reading about the convoluted logic Spock came up with which allowed him to stay in bed with Kirk.

1998

Dana Austin Marsh is a favorite of mine and this story gave me all the great things that I have come to expect from this author. The story begins with Kirk sliding into bed with a surprised ( but not displeased) Spock. It seems JT assumes a sexual relationship with Spock which (alas) does not yet exist. For a while, I was uncertain who was correct about the situation or even if some A/U replacement people were involved. But no, this is our Kirk and Spock. Kirk had been given a[n] drug that had altered his memories.

Kirk is mighty confused and upset. So is Spock, but for different reasons. Their reactions are very much in character. Kirk is upset about what he feels he is missing out on and wants to take steps toward making the fantasy a reality. Spock wants to protect what he already shares with Kirk and fears losing that friendship. Spock's love for his captain is very deep and lovingly shown.

One of the things I liked most about the story is that the author knows and respects the characters. The interest lay in K and S's reactions to the situation, not in the situation itself.

I read the story with especial interest because it dealt so well with the issue Jenna raised last month about sex in the K/S relationship. The characters wrestle with the consequences of adding that dimension to their friendship. Kirk realises immediately that it will add depth and texture to their lives and Spock is more than willing. They had some interesting discussions on this issue before Kirk (surprise) gets his way.

A really satisfying story.

2001

I adore the opening sentence: "If you don't remove that hand right now, mister, I will...from your wrist."

Captain Kirk, I presume. This reaction to a stranger's pass at a bar leads to an interesting tale of revenge and discovery. The stranger later injects Kirk with a memory altering drug and plants in his mind the idea that he and Spock have been intimate. While this little trick is designed to humiliate and confound the human, it has quite a different effect. Kirk slips into bed with Spock and proceeds to give him the greatest pleasure he's ever known.

While the protagonists in this story are aliens, they aren't typical. The vengeful one is largely just stupid, not mean. His brother is actually quite likable and does his best to be understanding and helpful. Kind of what you might expect from someone who's just been invited to join the Federation. These characters were well drawn and likable. Likewise, both Kirk and Spock remain reasonable! They're a little perplexed, but show what they're made of by finding a resolution.

There is some excellent one-on-one as they work through it. One passage I especially like is when Kirk says if they don't resolve it they will go back to being just two lonely men. Not something either of them wants, obviously.

2009

What a wonderful story, Dana -- thank you! I found my emotions going up and down along with Kirk and Spock as the plot rolled on. I enjoyed your characterisaions, especially Kirk's incisive intelligence and his final strategy and Spock's courage. I have to say, I was left wanting another few pages! A well-crafted and recommended read.

What an intersting idea for a story, and so well executed. Nothing cliched here, well done.

2010

Alo again. What a surprise that I've come across one of your stories and found it worthy of review. That /never/ happens. =/

Anyway!

This was absolutely bizarre in the most fabulous of ways. The only way for this sort of plot to be pulled off is by an extremely competent writer, which you, my friend, certainly are. This is very unique, very engaging, and just a mix of so many fantabulous emotions that my exhausted, late-night, fanfic reading mind has no idea what to do with itself. Once again you have captured my attention. *Bows down to your awesomeness*

2011

Chuckling to myself and think "now it's over? just begins to be interesting ... again? "

The story was cute, adorable - when Jim described his tangible memories, my face cringed with great sorrow. As I approached the last paragraphs, I was afraid that this is too little words to sign his story ...

But you surprised me for the better.

2014

Oh God, that's too beautiful. I can't even!