Changes (Star Trek: TOS story)

Star Trek TOS Fanfiction
Title:	Changes
Author(s):	Suzan Lovett
Date(s):	1983, 2006
Length:
Genre:	gen
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
External Links:
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Changes is a Star Trek: TOS story by Suzan Lovett.

It was published in Vault of Tomorrow #3 and later in Antinomy.

Summary

From the publisher: "End of the five year mission, and Kirk, Spock and McCoy must make decisions about their futures."

Excerpt

"'Bones, we have to talk." "We will, we will. Atlanta isn't exactly Andromeda." Well, that was true. Kirk gripped his hand. "Take care, Bones, and let me hear from you soon." McCoy looked at him sadly, shaking his head. Wish there was something I could do without hurting either of you. I can't even say I hope you aren't making a mistake, because I know you are.'"

Reactions and Reviews

While this begins with Kirk in bed with Lori Ciani, his thoughts turn quickly to Spock as he contemplates a visit home. Obviously whatever misunderstanding sent Spock to Gol has not yet occurred, because Kirk is thinking Lori may not want to accompany him home and as quickly as the thought forms, he decides he prefers she not go. He thinks “ For so long now, I’ve wanted to show Spock my home, let him meet mother. This will be my time with Spock.” This is wonderful affirmation of what Spock means to him...that he is with a new love who has already agreed to a long-term relationship and yet the person he most wants to spend time with is Spock. These are the kinds of not-so-subtle messages that are inherent in Suzan’s writings.

Kirk also believes at this point he will be able to maneuver high command into giving Spock the Enterprise, since Kirk has accepted an assignment to HQ. Again, the trust and faith he has in Spock is clear. No one else is good enough to care for his silver lady.

There are many fine moments in this story, one where Kirk comes to Spock’s quarters on the ship and Spock, in turmoil over his future, doesn’t respond to Kirk’s calls. Spock is torn – realizing just how much Kirk has come to mean to him. He knows he would move Heaven and earth for Kirk and acknowledges that revelation with horror. What a difficult scene to witness. And it is but the beginning of changes that will cause both men countless months of grief and loneliness.

The stark panic that courses through Kirk when he learns of Spock’s decision speaks volumes and his reaction is proof enough for me of the love he holds for a particular Vulcan. His life spins into a morass of grief, disbelief and pain. Consider this passage and tell me that James T. Kirk does not love Spock: “In the end he went to his rooms, locked the door and stood lost in the middle of the room. ‘It’s over...’.”

One of the strongest scenes in the entire story involves Spock, kneeling on the scorching sands of Vulcan, attempting to cast out the memory of Jim Kirk. It is so clearly written you can smell the heat rolling off the desert, can feel the prickling of the sand blowing against your skin. Most importantly, you can sense Spock’s pain as if it were your own. A very stirring and unforgettable image.

The five-year mission is over and Kirk, Spock, and McCoy have some very important decisions to make. Like the domino effect, each man’s decision affects the others. We also get a sympathetic look at Lori Ciani, herself the victim of Norgura’s manipulations.

Another exploration of events at the end of the 5-year mission, with McCoy trying to undermine Kirk's promotion then stomping off without a goodbye, Kirk arranging for Spock to have the Enterprise then finding that Spock has gone off to Gol, and Lori realizing the extent of what Kirk has lost to become Nogura's golden boy. Nice touch in this one is Spock's meditation on his own actions, discovering that he has frequently risked the ship and crew for Jim against logic, though Jim had always kept his priorities clear, saving the ship even if it meant risking Spock.