View from Vulcan

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	View from Vulcan
Author(s):	Andrea Arat
Date(s):	1991
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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View from Vulcan is a K/S story by Andrea Arat.

It was published in Charisma #13.

Summary

"Sarek was not surprised at Healer Suvak's diagnosis of Admiral Kirk. The man had been through too much too quickly to remain unaffected. After Spock's Fal Tor Pan, Kirk had nearly collapsed. Blaming exhaustion, the admiral refused aid from anyone until Sarek approached him, insisting that a healer take a look at the wound on his forehead. McCoy was in no shape to be working, and so Kirk could not expect to turn to him for help."

Reactions and Reviews

The use of sparse, detailed language gives this story a lovely, haunted quality. It's after fal-tor-pan and Kirk is emotionally exhausted. Sarek takes him to his home on Vulcan where Spock is recuperating.

There's an absolutely marvelous scene between Sarek and Kirk after Kirk reveals that he and Spock are lovers. Sarek says: "'I give you my strength. I give you my honor. I give you my eternal support.' He reached for Kirk's warm hand and, ignoring the human's expression of disbelief, placed it against the side of his face. 'I give you tre'a'nar, the bond of the father. I claim you: son-in-law." How beautiful and extraordinary a moment this is as Sarek understands Kirk's turmoil: "...like a great hurricane, Sarek bore it all."

This is the father of Spock that I really enjoy seeing. And he says something to Kirk that is so logical and so right that I'm surprised I've never read it before. Kirk says he's sorry and that he didn't mean to shock or offend him about being lovers with Spock. Sarek says: "In my dealings as an ambassador, were I to allow something as petty as sexual preference to offend my sensibilities, I would be highly unsuccessful." Yes! There's so much I like about this Sarek. Also Kirk says to him: "You didn't speak for only seventeen years. That's nothing when your life spans 250." I love it. Kirk and Sarek meet with Spock to help him regain his memory. What a lovely ending as Sarek comes to the room and sees them asleep together on the bed.

I loved this story with its emotions held so firmly in so few words.

After Fal Tor Pon, Kirk is in a Vulcan hospital, sulfering from symptoms similar to those experienced by a separated bondmate. Sarek will take him home, where Spock is.

There is a bit of over-explaining, And too much what-they're-wearing description, for instance, when their clothes don't have anything to do with what's taking place.

Although quiet the scenes between Kirk and Sarek are very vivid and powerful. Beautiful scenes. I love this Sarek.

Kirk is feeling totally out of sorts, having lost all, although he has regained Spock. He admits to Sarek that he and Spock had been lovers. I love the scene where Sarek gives Kirk trel'a'nar-the bond of the father Kirk is very deeply emotional and Sarek bears it( holds him in his arms-a splendid scene. I like how Sarek explains he is not opposed to same-sex unions, as many on Vulcan are. Being an ambassador, exposed to so many different ways, he could not possibly retain prejudices such as this.

Finally Kirk meets with Spock, who is only just getting his memories back. Spock at first fears the strong memories of their love; his fear is that they might not be true. But they are....

Sweet story; very deeply warming.

There was a time when I thought there were too many K/S stories with the theme of "Spock regaining his memories'. But I hadn't read one in a long time, so this was a nice return to my most favorite movie. I liked the delicate atmosphere, and the way the characters so vividly came to life almost through dialogue alone. (This author lets the characters talk; she doesn't bog a story down with overly-descriptive conversations.) This story also contained some powerful littie details: Spock's fear of the dark, Sarek's admission that "I am not proud of everything I have done", and Sarek claiming Kirk as his son-in-law. Overall, a tightly-written, focused story with a sweet ending.

When I picked this story up, I wasn't expecting something so sensitive. I've always been deeply moved by the Fal Tor Pan scene in STIII. Not the "Your name is Jim," which is somewhat falsely positive, but by the turmoil so clearly written in Kirk's eyes as he paces the arena waiting to learn if he has endured immeasurable pain only to lose Spock again.

That same haunted, grieving feeling is predominant in the Kirk depicted here. The ceremony over, Spock's retraining commenced, Kirk is near collapse, both physically and mentally. Knowing that Spock's body lives but lacking any reassurance that their love has survived, his spirit withers. I am touched by the author's sensitivity as she conveys the weariness and confusion that are Kirk's constant companions while he recovers physically at Sarek's estate. This Sarek is a compassionate and understanding man and I find that I like seeing him this way, for the purpose of this healing time.

Insightful and poignant, this is a must-read, preferably immediately after viewing STIII.

I loved it. I could believe Kirk would push himself that far. He's that kind of man. Sarek wasn't the Sarek in my Trek universe but I'm glad she wrote him like this. To borrow a phrase -- the story was... logical... and enjoyable.

I enjoyed "A View From Vulcan." It was nice to see Sarek in a positive and realistic role. The frustration and compassion of all characters was in perfect balance with what I expect their attitudes to be.