Vice Versa (Star Trek: TOS zine)

You may be looking for Vice Verse, a Miami Vice zine.

Zine
Title:	Vice Versa
Publisher:	STAG
Editor(s):	Simone Mason
Date(s):	1978-1982
Series?:
Medium:	print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Vice Versa is a gen Star Trek: TOS anthology written by Simone Mason. It was edited by Beth Hallam and the covers are by Alan Mason. It has the subtitle, "An Alternate Universe Story."

Summary

This is an alternate universe where Starfleet is of non-Human races and there is a great deal of discrimination against Humans. James T. Kirk, Lt. commander, serves on a Tellarite ship and then a Vulcan ship, where he meets Spock, and deals not only with alien love but also alien discrimination.

Issue 1

Vice Versa 1 was published in April 1978 and contains 69 pages. It is an A/U story set in a universe where Humans are banned by law from holding any high position.

cover of issue #1

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

An alternate universe where one night a fanatical party led a massacre of all aliens on Earth is the- background to this fine story. Although expelled from the Federation, Earth managed to regain entry but at a heavy price - no high post or rank in any sphere of Federation activity would be allowed to Humans. The law had existed for twelve years during which time capable Human officers in Starfleet grew to resent constant watching and checking by their superiors. A new Party arose, a secretive organisation with 'a Plan' to change this state of affairs. Though not limited to Starfleet many of the Human crew are members of the Party. Enter newly-promoted Lt-Commander Kirk, being appointed as joint Chief Navigator aboard an experimental vessel, the USS Enterprise, under Captain Spock, the Vulcan's first command. Kirk is a member of the Party, as are McCoy (part of the medical staff) Scotty (assistant engineer) Sulu (assistant navigator) and Chekov. Apart from Kirk all the senior officers (and all of Security) are Vulcans. It is somewhat disturbing to read of our favourite Humans' hatred and fear of Vulcans but, although at occasional intervals I wondered whether they could really feel that way, given the situation it is not impossible - and, indeed, as we saw in Mirror Mirror not only situations but peoples' attitudes can be different. In any event, the story follows Kirk's relationship with Spock and the former's intended part in 'the Plan'. The original idea is good, the development and continuing suspense very well done and the whole story excellently written. It is difficult to comment on some of the more interesting aspects of the story without giving some of the plot away but suffice to say there are some interesting twists. I usually refrain from recommending anything to people for fear that someone will pay out money and be disappointed but in this case I have no hesitation in advising any Trekker to read the story - it is very good indeed.

Vulcan controls the Federation. Earth is on probation after a disastrous start to its membership. Kirk's task as Chief Navigator is to make First Officer, a position so far forbidden to humans. But he finds friendship and understanding interfering. On this basis, the story only follows a routine adventure. All the characters are here, from Chekov to Uhura via the people on the good ship Enterprise. Long may they reign. Each fits the role assigned by Simone well, but by half way through, the ending is all too obvious. Okay for this type of adventure.

Issue 2

Vice Versa 2 was published in October 1979 and contains 64 pages. In it, the relationship between Kirk and Spock has died... Or has it?

cover of issue #2

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

Without giving away the ending of 'Vice Versa' for those who have not yet read it, it is very difficult to present even an outline of the plot of this story. Suffice it to say that this continues the voyages of the alternate universe Enterprise and her crew - still with Vulcan senior officers and mostly junior grade Humans. I would suggest that 'Vice Versa' be read first for three reasons - a) there is a certain amount of background which is missing from 'Vice Versa 2' - nothing particularly serious but it is better reading with knowledge of what has happened before; b) the original is excellent anyway and well worth reading, and c) it is logical to read 1 before 2: The story is, again, well written and I found the final few pages particularly effective. However, sorry to say, it suffers from a major problem in that about halfway through it is very predictable what will happen. Perhaps the original with its major twists and turns spoiled me because, while there are some minor twists in the second half of this one, I felt I knew what was coming. Nevertheless, I did find it enjoyable - the concept is still 'different', the writing and portrayal of characters still excellent, and, while a trifle disappointed, I am now looking forward to 'Vice Versa 3'.

Issue 3

Vice Versa 3 was published in April 1982 and contains 98 pages. The art is by Linda Bough and Lesley Smith.

cover issue #3

According to a June 1980 issue of STAG, the third issue hadn't been written yet: "I am now looking forward to 'Vice Versa 3.' How about it, Simone? [the editor remarks]: Stocks on both Vice Versa and Vice Versa 2 are running low, and unless Simone does come up with a third story set in this universe, we don't plan to reprint immediately..."

• 

  Linda Bough

• 

  Lesley Smith