The Redeemer

Fanfiction
Title:	'The Redeemer
Author(s):	Patricia Laurie Stephens
Date(s):	1989
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):
External Links:
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The Redeemer is a Kirk/Spock story by Patricia Laurie Stephens.

It was published in the print zine Counterpoint #2.

Summary

"Back on Earth after the fal tor pan, Spock still canʼt remember his relationship and bonding with Kirk, but that takes a back seat after they discover that a serial killer may be stalking Spock."

Reactions and Reviews

1990

I did not like this story. The violence was unnecessary and graphic. It detracted from the relationship and left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

1991

The scenes of graphic violence I could have done without, but it certainly did illustrate the point that Spock was to be one in a long line of victims. I enjoyed this story very much because it postulated that Spock didn't remember his relationship with Kirk, after Fal Tor Pan, and that they had to learn about each other again. Kirk's frustration in dealing with Spock's memory loss was well done. I liked the way the story concentrated on them, and their every day trials to get back to where they once were. I liked the bit about Spock's annoyance with having to pick up after Kirk. But his use of expletives didn't sound quite right, or the fact that Kirk was choosing clothing for him that Spock inwardly sensed wasn't his style. Yet overall, Kirk's abiding patience and his empathy with Spock was wonderful. Though it was difficult for them to re-establish their rapport, they tried, and I'm glad there wasn't a pat ending with Spock remembering everything all at once.

This author sometimes reveals an unparalleled gift for recreating the psychology of troubled minds. Through Spock's deep depression over his continuing amnesia post-TVH, Patricia shows us forcefully how integral memory is to someone's entire sense of identity. Kirk's reaction to the tragic death of Carol Marcus is also compellingly portrayed. The plot pushes the characters to their emotional limits.

On the other hand, I found the serial killer stereotyped and sensationalized. He was the weak point in the narrative. It occurs to me that this could have been a very good story without the serial killer element. The pain that Spock's amnesia causes both Spock and Kirk is surely intense enough in itself without the addition of some spectacular gimmick to overshadow it. This is a literal case of dramatic over kill.