The Rescue (Star Trek: TOS story by Debbie Cummins)

Fanfiction
Title:	The Rescue
Author(s):	Debbie Cummins
Date(s):	2012
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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The Rescue is a Kirk/Spock story by Debbie Cummins.

It was published in the print zine T'hy'la #32.

Reactions and Reviews

For those of you who are familiar with this author’s work, you know she is, in no uncertain terms, a “get Spock” kind of gal. And not only is this a “get Spock” story, it is definitely not for those who may be faint of heart because Spock really does get it and in spades. And for those of you who are “get Kirk” fans, there is some of that, as well, although the focus is definitely on Spock. In this story, Kirk, Spock, and seven other crew members are captured and held prisoner by a race called the Dimari. It quickly becomes apparent that the Dimari are not interested in ransoming off their captives, rather, each is publicly executed, and the transmissions of their deaths is widespread and available for anyone who cared to watch. Only Kirk and Spock are spared, although the videos released of their torture clearly indicate that perhaps it would have been best if they joined their fellow crew members. By some miracle Kirk is rescued shortly thereafter, but finds, to his horror, that Spock has been left behind. What follows is a desperate race against time as McCoy and Kirk plan a daring rescue themselves, one that seems to have little chance to succeed. But nothing, nothing will stop Kirk from rescuing his friend and lover from what is nothing short of a living hell. As I said before, this is definitely not a story for those of you who may be faint of heart. The graphic descriptions of torture and abuse that first Kirk, then Spock, are forced to endure are horrific and at times disturbing. So much so that one may be tempted to stop reading, if not for this author’s talent. For beneath all that angst and suffering lies the hope that Kirk will be successful in his rescue attempt and the two will be reunited so that the healing can begin. And at the end of this first part of this two part story, that hope begins to come alive. One thing for sure, it gives the reader a lot to look forward to.

I reviewed the first part of this story in the September issue of the KSP and now that I have read the second, I am pleased to say that this part packed as much punch as the first, although in a much different tone. Whereas the first part gave us hurt and more hurt, the second lays on the comfort in a way that only this author can. Yet despite the fact that Spock has been successfully rescued and finds some measure of peace in Kirk’s arms, the danger is far from over. Stranded on a hostile planet, with the authorities diligently searching for their escaped prisoner, Kirk, Spock, and McCoy face a seemingly never-ending battle to retain their freedom. With the authorities nipping at their heels, the three finally find refuge in the countryside, where Spock is finally given a chance to rest and recover. But that peaceful existence is soon shattered when an innocent child whom they have befriended unknowingly puts their lives in danger once again. For not only do they face the loss of their freedom once again, they also face the very real possibility that the fight they have fought so long for Spock’s survival is a fight that appears to have been in vain. Unbeknownst to them, however, outside forces are coming together to gain their freedom and if successful, Kirk and Spock may finally have the chance for a future together, although that future may not be one that either anticipated. As I mentioned above, where part 1 of this story definitely offered the reader lots of hurt with little chance of comfort, part 2 does, at least, give both Spock and the reader a break from all that suffering. Yet it is not a clean break, for Kirk and Spock still face some harrowing challenges. One thing for sure can be said, if you’re looking for sweet and fluffy in your K/S stories, this is definitely not the story for you. But if you want to read a story that defines the measure of a certain half Vulcan and his human bondmate and what lengths they would both go through for each other, then this is one you don’t want to miss.