Within Reach (Star Trek: TOS zine)

Zine
Title:	Within Reach
Publisher:
Editor:
Author(s):	Karen Humphries
Cover Artist(s):
Illustrator(s):
Date(s):	1989
Medium:	print
Size:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
External Links:
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Within Reach is a 119-page slash Star Trek: TOS novel by Karen Humphries. It was published in the UK.

Summary

From Gilda F: "When transported back from the Defiant while in interdimensional space, Lt. Kirk discovers he is not in his own universe and that the bond he had with his own Captain Spock is now gone."

Reactions and Reviews

Due to the events of ‘The Tholian Web’ The Kirk in this A/U story is transported to a parallel universe and can never return home again. The two universes are very similar: Both Kirks are lieutenant- commanders on board the Enterprise, under the command of Captain Spock. There are two major differences: Kirk was bonded to Spock in his own universe and suffers from a broken bond. Difference number two is that Kirk too is a strong telepath with a rather unique gift; he is able to move objects just by the power of his will, telekinesis. A gift as that is unknown in this universe. But when he uses this power he is so exhausted that he passes out.

When he uses that power to safe Spock’s life Spock has no other choice then to report this. Kirk is brought to a Starbase and subject to a series of tests, of which he first refuses to cooperate. After that he is brought to Vulcan by the Enterprise. During this voyage he and Spock become lover. On Vulcan he has to deal with a lot of other tests which he is willing to co-operate now, because he realizes, that if he wants to build a life in this universe he has to co- operate. In the end he is declared not a threat to this universe and to give him more control of his power he establishes a link with Spock. He still refuses a full Bond with this Spock, because Spock has to go out again with the Enterprise, leaving him on Vulcan.

But all is well that ends well, so in the end Kirk is demoted to lieutenant and is assigned to the Enterprise and they bond. A nice story, an easy read. It is well written and quite entertaining. But I don’t like it that this Kirk can give up his Spock so easily and do nothing to try to return to his universe. Neither does Spock try very hard to regain his own Kirk. They just trade one for the other. just sideways we learn of the grief Kirk is feeling for loosing his own world, friends and Spock. How Spock is dealing with the loss of his friend is never mentioned.