#Humans: Spock you should be less Vulcan you weirdo

[bumblingbabooshka]

Something so tragically funny about Spock telling T’Pring “On starfleet everyone accepts me for who I am...not human, not Vulcan just..Spock <3″ and then like 2 episodes later he gets yelled at and called an unfeeling pointy eared computer. Like I feel like the wah-wah sound effect should have played. 

[green-blooded]

Discovery Rewatch 01x01 - The Vulcan Hello

These are the notes I’m taking as I rewatch Discovery. I’m including screencaps both to support claims and also to help me remember things when I look back on this later (for fanfic purposes, probably, heh). This will include spoilers for the entire series, since this is a rewatch.

The first episode opens on a Klingon yelling about unity and purity and all that stuff, and I get what they're trying to do! However! If you're trying to say something about fascism and specifically white supremacy, it doesn't work to transfer those concepts onto a dark-skinned alien race that has been racially coded from the very start. I had a problem with this whole Klingon plot arc, so expect me to complain about it a lot.

On the other hand, the introduction to Burnham and Georgiou is really beautiful. We get a strong feeling for Burnham's discomfort with herself which the show will be exploring for at least two seasons, and her close relationship with her captain, which plays a huge role in the catalyst for the series. Burnham being so sure that they're stuck, and Georgiou calmly creating the insignia in the sand so they could be found? It's made me unreasonably emotional both times I've seen it now. It is such a strong indication of what this show thinks Starfleet should be; a signpost and a hope for the future.

Small nitpick, but I wish the theme song had a little more energy. It's pretty, but it doesn't get me pumped like the other non-Enterprise themes. (Sorry, Faith of the Heart fans.)

Georgiou's ready room is so good, and includes some nice environmental storytelling/characterization, since there’s such limited time to get to know her. Like, for example, we’ll find out in an upcoming episode that physical books are rare, and she has several. She also has a bunch of 

The cinematography isn’t as distracting as it gets later in the series, but the lens flare and canted angles show up immediately. The angles particularly are SO jarring, given that Georgiou is a good and heroic character, and knowing that is important given her mirror universe counterpart is so different. I would’ve been more effective to start with canted angles when the conflict about the Klingons starts between Burnham and Georgiou.

Burnham's eagerness to take the risk of going out into the radiation to explore, and Georgiou's concern but willingness to let her go? Very good. There is such an immediately strong relationship between the two of them. And Burnham laughing and her heartbeat rising while she's in the flight suit? So good.

"The only word to effectively describe it is 'wow'." Cute characterization. I like how you can see the Vulcan traits she picked up from being raised by Sarek, but then little Human moments really shine through.

I like that there is a true feeling of the sense of how huge space is... but it'd be better if it were contrasted by the close quarters like those we saw in TOS. I vastly prefer the concept of Starship as submarine rather than, like... space city.

Annnd, then there’s the first Sarek scene. Oh, Sarek. You traumatize Michael to show her that she has an emotional response to, uh, reliving the attack that killed her parents, because OBVIOUSLY SHE DOES you weirdo. Then you tell her that her Human heart is the problem. But you brought her into your home to teach Spock empathy, because I guess Amanda couldn't? But she shouldn't react to obvious emotionally affecting events? BUT SHE SHOULD HAVE ENOUGH FEELING TO TEACH IT TO SOMEONE ELSE? SOMEONE ELSE WHO YOU TREAT LIKE SHIT WHENEVER HE HAS EMPATHY. Sarek. Please. I'm begging you. Be less Sarek.

All the Klingon stuff is boring, hi. I also don't quite understand the purpose of keeping their scenes in Klingon. Especially if we're trying to reflect the current fascist movements in the world right now. Putting them in more layers of latex and all dressed the same and speaking a fictional language... it makes it hard to connect with it, and easy to 'other' the concepts rather than connect them to real events. I just feel like they didn't quite have the courage to come at this theme head on, and it weakened it drastically.

While these things are fixed (to an extent) in the second season, it is really disturbing how the first season keeps driving home the idea of a person's (alien) race dictating who they are. Klingons will fight. Kelpians are prey. Michael is special because her "natural" Human impulses are masked by her Vulcan childhood. I will probably be mentioning it a few times while I rewatch the first season.

"If a death was necessary, I am satisfied it was not yours."  Sarek, what did I say about being less Sarek? Please. I am begging you. Just tone down the Sarekness.

"Vulcans don't make the same mistake twice." Michael, you have to know that's bullshit. You know BOTH Sarek and Spock who make the same mistakes over and over again their entire lives.

After seeing the interactions between mirror!Georgiou and Michael, it is really interesting to rewatch her interactions with this Georgiou. And the way Michael fears Georgiou's death more than she fears all the deaths that would come with war is so heartbreaking, even to the point of betraying her.

I think it’s a strong first episode... a LOT happens, but it’s pretty easy to follow, and I feel like it introduced Burnham, Georgiou, and Seru well. Too bad about the Klingon stuff...

[trekficsandbobs]

Bugs Bunny (Spock x Reader)

Summary: request from @blueoftheenterprise : I recently found your blog and let me tell you I really love your fics! Are you taking requests for Spock? If you do I really could use some motivation fics at the moment so could you do a bullied!reader x Spock in which the reader loves Spock but does nothing because she doesn't think she deserves him? If you need more detail you can DM me 😘 Thank you!

Warnings: Bullying, Language

Pairing: Spock x Reader

a/n: OK so this is my first non-Jim request. Firstly thanks for the opportunity to do something different i hope you like it! Secondly I hope I’ve done Spock enough justice for this to be enjoyable. We jump straight in so just in case it’s a sensitive issue for some I’ve put everything under the cut.

Words: 1,581

“Hey! y/n! What’s the name of that old Earth cartoon character with the big teeth? Y’know the rabbit?”

You didn’t answer. Busying yourself in your PADD as you walked towards the Bridge for your shift, you tried to ignore the comments hurtling your way. You could hear the two girls walking not too far behind you, giggling at whatever they had to say next.

“You know the one I’m talking about, Jessica?” the first girl asked the other.

“Bugs Bunny?” the sidekick replied, “OMG you are totally right, Katie! You want something to gnaw on, y/n? Grind them down a bit?”

While Jessica was incapacitated by her own joke, Katie added loudly- “If you want my advice, y/n, I’d give being such a weirdo a break for, like, two minutes. Maybe if you dialled it back a bit, the Vulcan might have more to say to you than ‘excuse me, Lieutenant, may I get past?’” you could feel her smirk on the back of your neck. Her impression might have got a laugh in another circumstance, but she was a horrible human being - the talent was wasted on her.

You turned around when you stepped into the lift, Katie waved at you, the smug smile still plastered on her face, “See you later, y/n.” she called as the doors slid shut.

As soon as the lift began moving you pressed the stop button and brought it to a halt. Your shoulders ached from keeping them straight through their laughter, your gut hurt from the blow of each hateful word that spilled out of their mouths, your legs felt weak from the effort of keeping you moving when all you wanted was to give up. You hated them. They were horrible for no other reason than being horrible, they saw you as a target as others had before. But they were right. You did have big teeth, and you were considered weird by all accounts. You laughed too loud and you spoke about the things you loved until you were red in the face - even if no one was really listening. Above all that they were right about something else. Mr Spock.

Ever since you met him two years ago, your first thought each morning was of him. To see him on the Bridge and work with him was an honour that forced you out of bed in the morning. You weren’t sure if he knew how much you admired him, loved him even, but you did; and at this point there was nothing you could do about it.

Although tears still crawled down your cheeks, and your hands shook with the confrontation you had just encountered, you pressed the button to resume the lift. You would be late for your shift otherwise, and you hated being late.

“Lieutenant.” Mr Spock nodded to you as you walked past his console.

“Commander.” You returned with a smile and a short, respectful nod.

…

Today could be summed up in one word - uneventful. You sat through your shift focussing on the readings which flashed across your console screen as the Bridge bustled around you. But like most days, the readings were as expected and predictable as ever. The Captain teased Mr Spock about his particularly quiet behaviour; he was not one for pointless chit-chat, but today he seemed even quieter than usual.

“Why so pensive today, Spock?” Kirk asked, a hint of curiosity and amusement colouring his voice. “What occupies that brain of yours today?”

“I see no occasion to enter into conversation, Captain.” His reply was directed at his console, as he continued to work. “And forgive me but it is not relevant to you.”

“Fair enough, Commander, as you were.” Kirk laughed, leaning forwards to quietly ask Mr Sulu a question. You turned slightly to glance at Mr Spock. He was certainly preoccupied with something, his hands moved slower over his console and his eyes seemed distant and less focussed.

Your shift was close to its end, you gathered yourself and gained permission to leave your shift early from Kirk, who was absent-mindedly staring through the viewing pane. You headed towards the turbo-lift, not only to beat the rush of the end of shift, but also in an attempt to avoid Katie and her insults.

As you waited, a tall, straight figure came and stood beside you quietly. Mr Spock was much taller than you, and although your feelings hindered you from truly being yourself around him, you felt comfortable whenever he was near. The lift arrived, the doors opened, and the two of you stepped inside.

“Lieutenant, I understand you are an admirer of current and old earth film?” Mr Spock asked you after a brief pause.

“Yes, sir. I love the way the old films transition from an era of optimism and pride into a more realistic take on society and the future of society should the events of that time continue to play out as they did. The loss, or I guess, suppression of that optimism is so deep rooted in an era of social change which led us here; it did not let them shy away from issues which were previously hidden from the mass population, but challenged them to be better.” You paused for breath before continuing into an analysis of the use of colour in the latest blockbuster you had seen,  but you stopped and looked up to Mr Spock who had not moved a muscle. He still stood and looked down at you in… interest? No. Of course he wouldn’t be interested in your ramblings, so instead you said: “Sorry, sir. I know I can go on.” And looked towards the ground, cursing yourself for getting carried away.

“Lieutenant, I’m sure we are acquainted enough for you to forgo formalities in situations such as these. And in regards to your analysis, although less versed than you are, I am inclined to agree. One unrelated issue, however, troubles me.”

He paused. In a swift movement he had leant over and halted the lift. He looked thoughtful for a moment before turning back to you.

“Your doubting of yourself is unnecessary and unfounded. I have found you to be an intelligent and passionate person, not only this but you are kind and thoughtful. These are qualities present in exemplary members of Starfleet, and in my friends.

Yesterday afternoon, I witnessed some of the crew talking to you in a disrespectful manner. A way I am no stranger to myself. I have learnt that trying to ‘fit in’ with everyone else only leads to pain both in yourself and in others. You are by no means what they call you, y/n. I admire you greatly. Forgive me for the intrusion into your personal matters, but recently they have been weighing on my mind.” He resumed the lift.

“Spock, I… thank you. Those words mean a lot coming from you.” You felt a tear slip down your cheek, which you wiped away quickly.

“Forgive me again if I am too forward, or if I have mistaken your feelings, but it would be very pleasing to spend the evening with you. Perhaps we could follow the Captain’s example and have a drink at the bar and discuss our earlier topic some more?”

“Yes… Of course!” you exclaimed, you smiled when you saw the corner of his mouth twitch and his eyes soften.

At this very moment the turbo lift reached its destination. Your efforts to avoid Katie had apparently been unsuccessful, as she now stood waiting for you nearby. Your stomach dropped and you felt your face pale. Spock touched your arm and murmured: “Do not be afraid of her, y/n. I will wait by the bar, and I shall turn a blind eye should the young Lieutenant find herself on the floor.” With that he walked away, stoic as ever, as if he didn’t just tell you to beat the crap out of the woman stood in front of you now.

“Hey, bugs! How was your day? I hope you didn’t bore Mr Spock over there with all your freakish ramblings. God. Look how quickly he’s run away from you! Honestly, I’m surprised he even got in the lift with you, heaven knows nobody else likes to.” You could feel the heat rising in your face. A crowd had begun to gather around.

How dare she. She has no right to speak to me like this. I’ve had enough of this shit.

Your anger began to boil over, and as she began to utter another hateful sentiment you gave yourself, just for once, the permission to be angry.

“You know what Katie? You’re right. I’m a freak. I have big teeth and I love things a little too much. But you know what else? I’m a decent fucking human being, which is more than can be said for you. You’re clever and you’re beautiful but it’s a fact of life that the more hate and bitterness you spew and stir about, the uglier you become. In fact, give it a couple months and the Captain will leave you on some remote planet thinking you’re an ugly old witch that’s smuggled herself on board. So here’s my advice to you Katie: Go fuck yourself.”

You heard the distinct spluttering’s of indignation behind you as you walked away, smiling to yourself, and to Mr Spock, who was waiting for you by the entrance of the bar, one eyebrow cocked in amusement.

Thanks for reading I hope you enjoyed it! 

tags: @feelmyroarrrr @youre-on-a-starship @webhoard @yourtropegirl @wonders-of-the-enterprise @kirkaholic123 @blueoftheenterprise