The Test of Time (Star Trek: TOS story)

Fanfiction
Title:	The Test of Time
Author(s):	Elise Madrid
Date(s):	2002
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:	online here
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The Test of Time is a Kirk/Spock story by Elise Madrid.

It was published in the print zine First Time #56.

Summary

"Rapid aging from radiation poisoning seems to create problems in Kirk and Spockʼs new relationship."

Reactions and Reviews

I'm afraid that I am beginning to sound like a broken record when it comes to reviewing this author's stories, mostly because of the fact that she continually uses a scenario that I simply cannot resist when it comes to K/S—that of taking an episode of TOS and either giving us a glimpse of what happened afterwards or letting us see what happened in-between the scenes that appear on film. Add to that a well-paced style of writing, true-to- life characterizations, and some really hot sex scenes and you have the makings of another great K/S story. What I did find a bit unusual, however, was the fact that despite this story appears in a First Time zine, Kirk and Spock already have an established physical relationship, but perhaps this was necessary since the fact they are already lovers only serves to enhance the story, whereas such may not have been the case if it were written as a true "first time" scenario.

In this particular case, the episode of choice is "The Deadly Years" and once again, the author has penned a story that enriches what was seen on the screen. It takes us through the entire episode, beginning with Kirk and Spock in bed together discussing the fact that one of Kirk's old flames is about to beam aboard. While Kirk is a bit apprehensive about running into Janice again, Spock, secure in the fact that he loves Kirk and Kirk loves him, isn't bothered by it at all and only wants to get back to the business of making love. Later while at dinner with Stocker, Janet, and other members of the crew, Spock is so secure in his relationship with Kirk that without even realizing it, he flirts with his captain right in front of everybody. It is McCoy who very subtly puts a stop to it and Spock can only wonder that his unusual behavior is possibly related to his need to "stake his claim" on Kirk in front of Janet. Later in Kirk's quarters, he finds it necessary to once again reassure Kirk that Janet's presence is not a problem for him and that he will let nothing come between the two of them.

From this point on in the story, the author recreates the episode as seen on film and while the dialogue and action never waver from what is seen on the screen, she enhances these scenes by giving us a glimpse of what Kirk and Spock are thinking and feeling as the events unfold. I especially liked her interpretation of the events in Kirk's quarters when Spock comes to tell him that he has been relieved of command. As Kirk's cruel words cut into him, Spock wants desperately to make Kirk understand why it was necessary to do what he did. Instead, knowing full well Kirk's ex-lover is standing just a few feet away, he gathers his dignity around him and leaves the room, even though his heart has just been broken.

Another scene I really enjoyed comes at the end of the story. Spock is recovering in Sickbay when Kirk comes to visit him and offers his hand. At first Spock willingly takes it, then tries to pull away once he realizes that Janet is watching them. Kirk, however, refuses to let go and instead, turns to Janet and apologizes to her. It is only after she leaves that Spock learns that Kirk had tried to tell her about their relationship, but she refused to believe him. He therefore felt the best thing he could do was to show her what he said was true. Now while it could have been very easy for Kirk to come across as rather heartless towards Janet by doing so, instead, he is portrayed as sympathetic towards his ex-lover while remaining steadfast in his love for Spock. Very nicely done.

There is one small criticism I have, however, and that is the fact that this particular story is much shorter than the previous works by this author. But maybe that's because I love her work and simply want to have more pages to turn when it comes to her stories. Despite this minor flaw, however, this story is definitely worth a read.

I don’t recall ever reading a K/S story set against the backdrop of the episode “The Deadly Years”. Quite a challenge given how Kirk treated Spock during part of the episode, but Elise pulls it off beautifully.

Here is an excellent example of how a gifted writer can take the most distasteful of episodes, namely “The Deadly Years” and bring some meaning to it. There’s a nice examination of how Spock might react to knowing one of Kirk’s old loves was trying to tempt him again. I like this Spock. He knows himself, but better yet he knows and trusts Kirk. That’s a good thing.

I like the gentle familiarity of their love-play before radiation illness begins to rob them of their faculties and their physical prowess. I hate seeing them grow old, but at least Ms. Madrid helps us through this awful time by letting us in on Spock’s true feelings for his bondmate. His loyalty never wavers, even though he must do what duty demands. We see into his heart and know that nothing will ever dim how much he loves his Captain. He worries not at all for his own health, but sees every subtle change in Kirk and detests it.

We know it ends well, but taking us back into their quarters after the antidote has worked its magic and letting us see once again Kirk and Spock together in their prime, loving each other unconditionally – that’s where the real magic lies.