Star Trek Recs
Dec. 16th, 2017 03:20 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tanithryudoBeen binging on Star Trek again. It's like the fandom I keep coming back to more than any other, I think. So might as well throw together another resource post.
First of all, I blame the relapse into the ST fandom on the Star Trek Continues fan series project. They did a really good job on this series, and did manage to capture a lot of the elements I liked about TOS. The two part finale is also pretty good, with great callbacks to the official pilot and the Romulan Commander, even if I agree with some fans about the overuse and then fridging of the McKenna OC.
That said, let's get into the fics. Previous rec posts: Jan 2017, Mar 2004 A-L, M-Z
Non-KS slash fics
The Seredipity Paradox series by TomFooleryPrime -- I have a soft spot for the Sarek x Amanda pairing, which this is. This series takes place in the reboot AOS timeline, since it ends with Amanda's death in the ST09 movie.
Comforts of Home by Janice_Lester -- Gen with a hint of KS preslash. Mostly Spock being the most adorable BFF evar. I *squeed* all over it.
Holography series by Pat Foley -- Another mainly Sarek/Amanda author, though of the Prime TOS setting, based on a fairly common interpretation of Vulcan society that predated the retcons by Star Trek Enterprise and the reboot series. I enjoyed the world-building, and the few spots with Spock here and there.
The Kraith Series -- Another take on Vulcan society that seems to have been written before even the TOS movies. The first few are interesting worldbuilding, but eventually just deviates too far from canon to swallow, unfortunately. Main pairing seems to be Spock/female OC.
An Admirable Mistake by KaraStorm -- A fun TOS fic where the actual relationship between Kirk and Spock is "just" epic bromance, but a visiting admiral gets the wrong impression and tries to bring them up on charges of fraternization!
TOS K/S fics
The Omni by Dana Austin Marsh -- The Enterprise finds a colony destroyed by disease, with the sole survivor a vulcan/human hybrid. Kirk finds himself besotted with the toddler, while Spock feels conflicted about the abrupt new presence in their established relationship.
The Power of Suggestion by Dana Austin Marsh -- When Kirk comes back to their hotel with amorous intent towards Spock, Spock is ecstatic, until he realizes that Kirk thinks they're already in a relationship, which is not true. (Of course, we all know it will become true by the end of the fic.)
Certainties of Being by M E Carter -- Spock reveals that he has an accidental spontaneous bond with Kirk. Kirk reacts badly to the revelation. Angst ensues until events at Amerind finally brings them back to an understanding.
The Tirizan by Jehanna Hunter -- Spock has a conversation with a Betazoid at a diplomatic conference, who turns out to be a skilled matchmaker.
Two Is Company by Anna Amuse -- Kirk isn't enjoying his shore leave, until Spock gets dragged down to join him, and they end up finally taking their unspoken relationship to the next level.
Wilderness Were Paradise Enow by belmanoir -- Post Paradise Syndrome PWP fic. I like it for the interpretation where Spock doesn't go all sappy during sex. Though Kirk is being kinda a teenage girl about things.
Ablutions by sb_essebi -- A short, domestic, morning after fic.
Relieved of Command by Raven_Knight -- A somewhat shy Spock arranges a surprise birthday present for Kirk. And by present, I'll spoil it now and say this is a PWP fic.
Discovery by fallen_stars -- Gentle and sweet PWP
Crumble into Dust by SORAL179 -- Instead of a misunderstanding between Kirk and Spock that caused the latter to seek out Gol, what if it was a well meaning third party (coughMcCoycough) that provided the catalyst instead? Angst, and then the canonical happy ending.
Love and Logic by Dovya Blacque -- Post-TMP fic where Kirk and Spock have a heart to heart about what happened over the time since they parted. I like this one because there's no angst about unrequited love. But rather, both men admit that they don't regret the pains of the last few years because it caused them to grow and mature into the people who are now able to reach out and form a relationship.
The Need For Stars by Carolyn Spencer -- Spans the course of TOS through STIV. Kirk has gotten used to refusing Spock's offer of bonding on grounds that he doesn't want to hurt the Vulcan with his naturally shorter lifespan. Then Spock's death in TWOK reveals to him that a bond isn't needed for one's world to end. Fortunately, they get a second chance.
Fallacies and Assumptions, Logical and Otherwise by billiethepoet -- Amanda raises the possibility that Spock's post fal-tor-pan training neglected to recover a possible previous romantic relationship. Spock is honestly not sure if he and Kirk used to be together, and if they were, why Kirk didn't say anything.
Pacing the Cage Jenna Hilary Sinclair -- Technically an AU post-series fic, where Spock didn't go off to Gol. Both Kirk and Spock are trying to adjust to life at ground side posts in San Francisco, and both find themselves in nascent relationships that should be all they could ask for. But is the white picket fence life really what they want? (Of course not, duh.)
AU K/S fics
Communication by Jenna Hilary Sinclair -- Spock is forced to take up captainship during TOS due to a war with the Tholians. He and Kirk finally work out their relationship over a string of emails.
Subverted Ambitions by notboldly -- In a universe without a UFP, after trying to achieve peace for over a century, Vulcan and Earth decide to hold a series of arranged marriages. As an ambitious young captain, James Kirk agrees to the merger…only to find that his ambitions soon change.
Inside the River by yeaka -- Takes place in a universe where Starfleet requires the CO and XO to be married and has a matchmaking service for the purpose (just roll with it). Kirk and Spock meet for the first time for such a match, on a planet where apparently no one bothered to do the basic social science survey. This fic contains lots of UST, a bit of mystery, face-palming hilarity, and no actual danger.
The Fields of Evermore series by Tiger Tyger -- Takes place at the end of the five year mission, and goes AU in that Spock doesn't go off to Gol. Instead, our boys struggle to adjust to the bonding link between them, as well as juggling the intrigue and politics of their new postings on Earth. It doesn't help when the Organians start dropping hints of a great danger to come.
Sha Ka Ree series by ThereBeWhalesHere -- The main fic is the first one, taking place in a joint mission involving Captain Pike & science officer Spock of the Enterprise, and Lt. Kirk plus some redshirts from the USS Farragut. It's semi-AU since Pike dies on the mission, as do the redshirts, leaving Kirk and Spock stranded on a strange planet and a couple million years in the past. Over the course of the next two years, they establish a relationship and also find a way back home. Lots of angst, plus some nice mystery and worldbuilding.
Spaceships, Private Jets, and Minivans: How to Start a Global Incident in 5 Minutes Flat by Scientia_Fantasia -- A First Contact AU. Spock crash lands in Riverside, on a pre-WWIII Earth. He's saved by Jim Kirk, who helps him get back to his people, and also inspires him to convince the Vulcan High Council to initiate First Contact with Earth. Lots of fluff.
Celebrate the Earth and Sky by Aerlalaith -- A darker First Contact AU, where Earth doesn't experience WWIII but also somehow avoids discovering warp drive despite all expected predictions. Spock is sent on an intel mission to determine why, and he naturally runs into Jim Kirk on arrival. Together, they uncover the conspiracy that's keeping Earth down.
Magpie by waldorph -- An AU of AOS, though it doesn't get to the time where Nero shows up again. Mainly an itty bitty Kirk befriending an itty bitty Spock, and immediately proceeding to be a bad influence. I found it novel for having Amanda as the one against their friendship, because what mother would look kindly on the brat who taught your perfect angel of a son how to lie, steal, and run away from home?
In the Shadow of Fate by Darksknight -- Another kid!Kirk befriends kid!Spock fic. Also a slight AU of AOS, where apparently Prime!Spock arrived in the AOS universe much earlier than canon, thus avoiding being caught by Nero, while being in time to save kid!Kirk from Tarsus IV.
cast out fear by s0mmerspr0ssen -- AOS AU where Kirk saves Vulcan from Nero at high cost to himself. Spock helps nurse him back to himself while convalescing on Vulcan. And of course they get together.
The Parental Reconfiguration - Two kids at camp find out they have identical genetic structures. Oh, they are going to get to the bottom of this, even if it means going home with the wrong parent, bribing Bones into silence, and stopping a wedding. Or: The Star Trek Parent Trap AU nobody was asking for. A future!AOS kid!fic, plus a triumvirate pairing eventually.
A Little Lady Called T'Val by iknewaman -- An AOS Academy AU. Professor Spock assumes legal guardianship of a young Vulcan-Human child named T'Val (who's the child of a friend of his mother). Said child takes a liking to Cadet Jim Kirk. Something of a parent trap fic.
Your heart's sudden but inevitable betrayal by WhatIfImaMermaid -- They first meet in a bar. In San Francisco. After one of Jim’s epic brawls. Wherein Jim immediately falls in love but doesn't realize it, while Spock saw it coming from miles away but couldn't bring himself to stop.
Alien Anatomy by Sangwin -- Though Spock decides to attend the VSA, jealousy and bullying from his peers take a tragic turn. He transfers to Starfleet, as a cadet of the same year as Kirk and co (including Scotty, who didn't get shipped off to Delta Vega). He makes friends, finds love, and starts to get over his trauma.
AOS K/S fics
The Ren shat'var Trilogy by CateAdams -- Post-STID. An emergency and split second decision has Kirk and Spock establishing a mental bond, which causes them to become targets both from without and within the Federation. I also like the pacing of this series. There's some angst but it doesn't wallow. There's suspense but it doesn't drag for the sake of drama. There's action but it doesn't dominate.
Don't Stop Believing series by kianspo -- AOS Spock's life told mostly from his POV. Contains some Pike/Spock before it gets to the K/S parts. After seeing sooooo many woobie!Kirk fics, it's refreshing to finally see one on Spock's side. (I have a weakness for woobie-but-still-bamf!Spock don't judge me.) I also like the fact that we see him slowly get over some of the many trials that life threw at him to eventually come into his own as the master of his own life and heart.
Entering Orbit series by museaway -- In the aftermath of Vulcan's destruction, a misunderstood conversation gets Spock and Jim together in rural Iowa where they come to terms with each other, fall in love, and get together.
Just Forget the World by zetsubou_hana -- Sooooo...much...angst... and also, the apocalypse.
Souls Lost at Sea by deesaster -- Post ST Beyond. After the launch of the Ent-A, our heroes are still feeling the angst. After much soul searching and a boot in the rear by McCoy, they finally start talking things out. And, of course, get together.
Eye Bleach by beederiffic -- A crew member finds a porn movie of Jim and Spock fucking, where they don't seem to know that they're being filmed (and aren't out as a couple)
The Lotus Eaters by aldora89 -- Kirk and Spock are stranded on a planet for 2+ months. While struggling to stay alive, solve the mystery of the planet, and find a way to get the fuck off of it, they also find the time to learn hard lessons to live with themselves and each other (aka falling in love). They also pick up a hilarious insectoid sidekick.
Punch or Kiss by FleetofShippyShips -- Sometimes Kirk doesn't know if he wants to punch or kiss his XO. Spock verbalizes his opinion on the matter. In public.
Detachable by Janice_Lester -- More crack-fic than it is AU. Basically, what if Vulcans have a detachable penis. Gotta admit, it's one of the more hilarious alien biology fics in this fandom.
Five Ways Dating Spock Wasn't What Jim Thought It Would Be, and One Way It Was Even Better Than He Thought (or, Not Without My Vulcan: The James Kirk Story) by Kairi -- Sassy snark all the way.
First of all, I blame the relapse into the ST fandom on the Star Trek Continues fan series project. They did a really good job on this series, and did manage to capture a lot of the elements I liked about TOS. The two part finale is also pretty good, with great callbacks to the official pilot and the Romulan Commander, even if I agree with some fans about the overuse and then fridging of the McKenna OC.
That said, let's get into the fics. Previous rec posts: Jan 2017, Mar 2004 A-L, M-Z
Non-KS slash fics
The Seredipity Paradox series by TomFooleryPrime -- I have a soft spot for the Sarek x Amanda pairing, which this is. This series takes place in the reboot AOS timeline, since it ends with Amanda's death in the ST09 movie.
Comforts of Home by Janice_Lester -- Gen with a hint of KS preslash. Mostly Spock being the most adorable BFF evar. I *squeed* all over it.
Holography series by Pat Foley -- Another mainly Sarek/Amanda author, though of the Prime TOS setting, based on a fairly common interpretation of Vulcan society that predated the retcons by Star Trek Enterprise and the reboot series. I enjoyed the world-building, and the few spots with Spock here and there.
The Kraith Series -- Another take on Vulcan society that seems to have been written before even the TOS movies. The first few are interesting worldbuilding, but eventually just deviates too far from canon to swallow, unfortunately. Main pairing seems to be Spock/female OC.
An Admirable Mistake by KaraStorm -- A fun TOS fic where the actual relationship between Kirk and Spock is "just" epic bromance, but a visiting admiral gets the wrong impression and tries to bring them up on charges of fraternization!
TOS K/S fics
The Omni by Dana Austin Marsh -- The Enterprise finds a colony destroyed by disease, with the sole survivor a vulcan/human hybrid. Kirk finds himself besotted with the toddler, while Spock feels conflicted about the abrupt new presence in their established relationship.
The Power of Suggestion by Dana Austin Marsh -- When Kirk comes back to their hotel with amorous intent towards Spock, Spock is ecstatic, until he realizes that Kirk thinks they're already in a relationship, which is not true. (Of course, we all know it will become true by the end of the fic.)
Certainties of Being by M E Carter -- Spock reveals that he has an accidental spontaneous bond with Kirk. Kirk reacts badly to the revelation. Angst ensues until events at Amerind finally brings them back to an understanding.
The Tirizan by Jehanna Hunter -- Spock has a conversation with a Betazoid at a diplomatic conference, who turns out to be a skilled matchmaker.
Two Is Company by Anna Amuse -- Kirk isn't enjoying his shore leave, until Spock gets dragged down to join him, and they end up finally taking their unspoken relationship to the next level.
Wilderness Were Paradise Enow by belmanoir -- Post Paradise Syndrome PWP fic. I like it for the interpretation where Spock doesn't go all sappy during sex. Though Kirk is being kinda a teenage girl about things.
Ablutions by sb_essebi -- A short, domestic, morning after fic.
Relieved of Command by Raven_Knight -- A somewhat shy Spock arranges a surprise birthday present for Kirk. And by present, I'll spoil it now and say this is a PWP fic.
Discovery by fallen_stars -- Gentle and sweet PWP
Crumble into Dust by SORAL179 -- Instead of a misunderstanding between Kirk and Spock that caused the latter to seek out Gol, what if it was a well meaning third party (coughMcCoycough) that provided the catalyst instead? Angst, and then the canonical happy ending.
Love and Logic by Dovya Blacque -- Post-TMP fic where Kirk and Spock have a heart to heart about what happened over the time since they parted. I like this one because there's no angst about unrequited love. But rather, both men admit that they don't regret the pains of the last few years because it caused them to grow and mature into the people who are now able to reach out and form a relationship.
The Need For Stars by Carolyn Spencer -- Spans the course of TOS through STIV. Kirk has gotten used to refusing Spock's offer of bonding on grounds that he doesn't want to hurt the Vulcan with his naturally shorter lifespan. Then Spock's death in TWOK reveals to him that a bond isn't needed for one's world to end. Fortunately, they get a second chance.
Fallacies and Assumptions, Logical and Otherwise by billiethepoet -- Amanda raises the possibility that Spock's post fal-tor-pan training neglected to recover a possible previous romantic relationship. Spock is honestly not sure if he and Kirk used to be together, and if they were, why Kirk didn't say anything.
Pacing the Cage Jenna Hilary Sinclair -- Technically an AU post-series fic, where Spock didn't go off to Gol. Both Kirk and Spock are trying to adjust to life at ground side posts in San Francisco, and both find themselves in nascent relationships that should be all they could ask for. But is the white picket fence life really what they want? (Of course not, duh.)
AU K/S fics
Communication by Jenna Hilary Sinclair -- Spock is forced to take up captainship during TOS due to a war with the Tholians. He and Kirk finally work out their relationship over a string of emails.
Subverted Ambitions by notboldly -- In a universe without a UFP, after trying to achieve peace for over a century, Vulcan and Earth decide to hold a series of arranged marriages. As an ambitious young captain, James Kirk agrees to the merger…only to find that his ambitions soon change.
Inside the River by yeaka -- Takes place in a universe where Starfleet requires the CO and XO to be married and has a matchmaking service for the purpose (just roll with it). Kirk and Spock meet for the first time for such a match, on a planet where apparently no one bothered to do the basic social science survey. This fic contains lots of UST, a bit of mystery, face-palming hilarity, and no actual danger.
The Fields of Evermore series by Tiger Tyger -- Takes place at the end of the five year mission, and goes AU in that Spock doesn't go off to Gol. Instead, our boys struggle to adjust to the bonding link between them, as well as juggling the intrigue and politics of their new postings on Earth. It doesn't help when the Organians start dropping hints of a great danger to come.
Sha Ka Ree series by ThereBeWhalesHere -- The main fic is the first one, taking place in a joint mission involving Captain Pike & science officer Spock of the Enterprise, and Lt. Kirk plus some redshirts from the USS Farragut. It's semi-AU since Pike dies on the mission, as do the redshirts, leaving Kirk and Spock stranded on a strange planet and a couple million years in the past. Over the course of the next two years, they establish a relationship and also find a way back home. Lots of angst, plus some nice mystery and worldbuilding.
Spaceships, Private Jets, and Minivans: How to Start a Global Incident in 5 Minutes Flat by Scientia_Fantasia -- A First Contact AU. Spock crash lands in Riverside, on a pre-WWIII Earth. He's saved by Jim Kirk, who helps him get back to his people, and also inspires him to convince the Vulcan High Council to initiate First Contact with Earth. Lots of fluff.
Celebrate the Earth and Sky by Aerlalaith -- A darker First Contact AU, where Earth doesn't experience WWIII but also somehow avoids discovering warp drive despite all expected predictions. Spock is sent on an intel mission to determine why, and he naturally runs into Jim Kirk on arrival. Together, they uncover the conspiracy that's keeping Earth down.
Magpie by waldorph -- An AU of AOS, though it doesn't get to the time where Nero shows up again. Mainly an itty bitty Kirk befriending an itty bitty Spock, and immediately proceeding to be a bad influence. I found it novel for having Amanda as the one against their friendship, because what mother would look kindly on the brat who taught your perfect angel of a son how to lie, steal, and run away from home?
In the Shadow of Fate by Darksknight -- Another kid!Kirk befriends kid!Spock fic. Also a slight AU of AOS, where apparently Prime!Spock arrived in the AOS universe much earlier than canon, thus avoiding being caught by Nero, while being in time to save kid!Kirk from Tarsus IV.
cast out fear by s0mmerspr0ssen -- AOS AU where Kirk saves Vulcan from Nero at high cost to himself. Spock helps nurse him back to himself while convalescing on Vulcan. And of course they get together.
The Parental Reconfiguration - Two kids at camp find out they have identical genetic structures. Oh, they are going to get to the bottom of this, even if it means going home with the wrong parent, bribing Bones into silence, and stopping a wedding. Or: The Star Trek Parent Trap AU nobody was asking for. A future!AOS kid!fic, plus a triumvirate pairing eventually.
A Little Lady Called T'Val by iknewaman -- An AOS Academy AU. Professor Spock assumes legal guardianship of a young Vulcan-Human child named T'Val (who's the child of a friend of his mother). Said child takes a liking to Cadet Jim Kirk. Something of a parent trap fic.
Your heart's sudden but inevitable betrayal by WhatIfImaMermaid -- They first meet in a bar. In San Francisco. After one of Jim’s epic brawls. Wherein Jim immediately falls in love but doesn't realize it, while Spock saw it coming from miles away but couldn't bring himself to stop.
Alien Anatomy by Sangwin -- Though Spock decides to attend the VSA, jealousy and bullying from his peers take a tragic turn. He transfers to Starfleet, as a cadet of the same year as Kirk and co (including Scotty, who didn't get shipped off to Delta Vega). He makes friends, finds love, and starts to get over his trauma.
AOS K/S fics
The Ren shat'var Trilogy by CateAdams -- Post-STID. An emergency and split second decision has Kirk and Spock establishing a mental bond, which causes them to become targets both from without and within the Federation. I also like the pacing of this series. There's some angst but it doesn't wallow. There's suspense but it doesn't drag for the sake of drama. There's action but it doesn't dominate.
Don't Stop Believing series by kianspo -- AOS Spock's life told mostly from his POV. Contains some Pike/Spock before it gets to the K/S parts. After seeing sooooo many woobie!Kirk fics, it's refreshing to finally see one on Spock's side. (I have a weakness for woobie-but-still-bamf!Spock don't judge me.) I also like the fact that we see him slowly get over some of the many trials that life threw at him to eventually come into his own as the master of his own life and heart.
Entering Orbit series by museaway -- In the aftermath of Vulcan's destruction, a misunderstood conversation gets Spock and Jim together in rural Iowa where they come to terms with each other, fall in love, and get together.
Just Forget the World by zetsubou_hana -- Sooooo...much...angst... and also, the apocalypse.
Souls Lost at Sea by deesaster -- Post ST Beyond. After the launch of the Ent-A, our heroes are still feeling the angst. After much soul searching and a boot in the rear by McCoy, they finally start talking things out. And, of course, get together.
Eye Bleach by beederiffic -- A crew member finds a porn movie of Jim and Spock fucking, where they don't seem to know that they're being filmed (and aren't out as a couple)
The Lotus Eaters by aldora89 -- Kirk and Spock are stranded on a planet for 2+ months. While struggling to stay alive, solve the mystery of the planet, and find a way to get the fuck off of it, they also find the time to learn hard lessons to live with themselves and each other (aka falling in love). They also pick up a hilarious insectoid sidekick.
Punch or Kiss by FleetofShippyShips -- Sometimes Kirk doesn't know if he wants to punch or kiss his XO. Spock verbalizes his opinion on the matter. In public.
Detachable by Janice_Lester -- More crack-fic than it is AU. Basically, what if Vulcans have a detachable penis. Gotta admit, it's one of the more hilarious alien biology fics in this fandom.
Five Ways Dating Spock Wasn't What Jim Thought It Would Be, and One Way It Was Even Better Than He Thought (or, Not Without My Vulcan: The James Kirk Story) by Kairi -- Sassy snark all the way.
