Wakening

For similar titles, see The Awakening.

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	Wakening
Author(s):	Vivian Gates
Date(s):	1985
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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Wakening is a Kirk/Spock story by Vivian Gates.

It was published in the print zine Twin Destiny #2.

Summary

"Kirk is forced to pretend to be the husband of the female ambassador while she negotiates with a new planet, disrupting his newly formed relationship as Spock's lover."

Reactions and Reviews

I think this is a wonderful story — interesting, believable, and utterly loving. The whole "mood" is softly sensuous and romantic. The beginning, Spock's thoughts when he wakes after their first night and time, was beautifully done. The simple line, "Spock had said yes." was simply eloquent. One of the many little things I enjoyed was the term "other-than-truth" -- what a nice, polite way to describe a lie! And best of all, I loved Spock's appearance at the Talboran's meeting — openly loving Kirk. Just great!

I love this story because of Kirk and Spock having to publicly declare their love, at a point when they have only just barely acknowledged it between themselves. (The simple, silent agreement to make love the first (and only so far) time was really wonderful, though this was told in "had" tense.)

I also found I appreciate a story without conflict in the form of ugly villains, life-threatening danger, etc. The conflict of this story, the thing that forces Kirk and Spock's love to emerge, is a nice civilized one, and I like that for a change.

There is a Federation ambassador that Kirk has to pretend to be married to, because of the mores of this society seeking Federation admission (an interesting people, where pairs truly are one). I kept expecting this Amb. Ashe to be an asshole, to make things difficult for Kirk, and it felt good that she kept being just a decent person, albeit with unrequited hots for him tor sure.

The planetary council people find out Kirk and Ashe aren't really married. Kirk's speech is marvelous — our captain at his best. He explains their reasons for what they did, and about IDIC, etc. Then, there is such a beautiful scene when in public. Kirk has to signal to Spock on the ship to beam his (Kirk's) true mate down. These moments of anxiety pass...he doesn't know if Spock will be willing to declare that that true mate is himself, but he does. He beams right down to stand beside Kirk in front of god and everyone, so to speak. pl am Kirk's, as he is mine." Oh, my heart...

This author knows how to keep my attention. ―Wakening‖ is an excellent Star Trek episode with a K/S element that makes it all the more special. I enjoy reading about new missions for Kirk and Spock and learning how they meet challenges both in their careers and their personal lives. This fulfills both very nicely.

The mission is a common one; make friends with the dignitaries of a planet considering Federation membership. The requisite ambassador in this case is a willowy, intelligent redhead who would normally get Kirk‘s blood boiling. If not for one factor: Spock. He and Spock have just become lovers so when it‘s learned the culture demands only husband/wife teams it creates something of a dilemma. Normally Kirk would welcome with open arms being ―married‖ to such a tempting female as the envoy. And he agrees to go along with the pretense, but that‘s all it is. He quickly and graciously explains to the ambassador that he will not respond to her advances because he is committed to someone. Seeing the mission unfold through the eyes of both Spock and Kirk makes it doubly interesting. Spock doesn‘t exactly mistrust his new lover, but he acknowledges Kirk‘s innate sexuality and the fact that he‘s used it in the interest of more than one mission. In a bit of a surprising turn of events, the more Kirk is with the woman the more his thoughts turn to Spock. It becomes easy for him to turn away from her advances. The ambassador is not overly aggressive, but she certainly recognizes Kirk‘s charms and continues to tempt him. It‘s to no avail. The best laid plans, they say, go oft awry. This time is no exception. Wouldn‘t you know the rooms of the Federation guests were bugged? The marriage is exposed as a sham and the diplomats, offended by the lies, break off negotiations. Up until this time Kirk has taken second seat to the ambassador, keeping his mouth uncharacteristically shut for most of the discussions. Now, however, he speaks up. Deftly he explains that people across the galaxy are different, with different customs and it is the belief of the Federation that these differences should not only be accepted but also honored. Kirk tells them he is committed to another and could not be disloyal by carrying the deception to the level of intimacy.

OK, the planetary leaders say, let us speak with your ―other‖. Ahem. Boxed into a corner, Kirk does the only thing he can do. He calls Spock and explains the situation they‘re in, leaving it up to Spock whether or not to reveal himself as the Captain‘s ―other‖. Much to my delight and Kirk‘s, Spock beams down and immediately strides to Kirk‘s side, claiming his rightful place. Beautiful conclusion to a fine story.