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The Tinman
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Tinman |
| Author(s): | Paula Block |
| Date(s): | 1976 |
| Length: | |
| Genre(s): | gen |
| Fandom(s): | Star Trek: TOS |
| Relationship(s): | |
| External Links: | |
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The Tinman is a Star Trek: TOS story by Paula Block.
It was published in the print zine Interphase #3.
Part of this is printed in Minara Nova, along with a single illo by Connie Faddis.
Summary
McCoy returns from Minara with all physical wounds repaired but with a heightened empathy that could mean not only the end of his medical career but a life of isolation if no solution is found.
Author's Comments
In terms of stylistic technical growth, "Tinman" (printed in INTERPHASE—may it rest in peace) and "The Girl Who Controlled Gene Kelly's Feet" [printed in MENAGERIE—may it live long and prosper) marked the beginning of a transitional phase in which I began to understand that interesting characterization does not a remarkable piece of fiction make. Things like plotting and pacing are vital.[1]
Reactions and Reviews
Unknown Date
Wow. Great premise, excellent execution and imagery, but somehow not quite a satisfactory ending. Post-Empath, McCoy’s extensive contact with Gem has caused him to suffer from steadily increasing empathy until he faces a life of isolation - with the best case scenario being to live out his days on Vulcan doing research. Scenes of McCoy’s mounting mood swings as he comes into contact with various people and their problems are superb. The solution involves a “euphitron” - essentially programmed states of consciousness - with McCoy falling into unknown states of consciousness under its influence, and Spock bringing Kirk along into a mind meld with him to share, though not replace, the pain, thereby dissipating the empathic energy McCoy’s system cannot handle. It all made sense to me up to that point... Great imagery going back and forth from McCoy’s transcendental state (where he finds himself on a beach, creating a sand Spock and drawing Kirk out of the sun) to scenes on Minara.[2]
1977
1984
This is an immediate sequel to "The Empath" that leaves McCoy a victim of his own increasing empathic responses. But Bones can't handle them the way Gem could,and he's running head-on toward insanity. Spock tries to help, but even he seems to be failing. The climax is dramatic and beautifully written. A classic. [4]
References
- ^ from A 1980 Interview with Paula Block (1980)
- ^ "Karen Halliday's Zinedex". Archived from the original on 2016-10-02.
- ^ from Fanzine Review 'Zine #2
- ^ from The DeForest Dispatch #2