#also LOVE how Spock is on McCoy's side in this scene~

[lenievi]

MCCOY: Look, Jim. I know what it means to you to lose a crewman. KIRK: That's only one down, Doctor. 

love how apart from seeing that Kirk is angry with McCoy in this moment, you can also tell by him calling McCoy “Doctor” three times in like one minute

and then he has time to cool down (and honestly the few seconds where he kind of awkwardly walks toward McCoy and prepares himself for an apology are so funny, but also so true and real) and he stops being the captain for those few seconds and

and switches back to “Bones”

but now McCoy is like

“Yes, Captain?” because he doesn’t know what to expect

and Kirk smiles and tells him “I shouldn't have chewed you out. I'm sorry.”

and all’s well~

[t0ast-ghost]

I will not shut up about Star Trek TOS yet and you’ve decided to listen in on that. So welcome to my thoughts on the 11th episode (The Corbomite Maneuver):

- starting off strong with these camera angles and movements

- *sees a spinning colourful cube in space* just go a bit to the left (he is not up for shenanigans today)

- can’t wait for Checkov to be introduced, I hear he gets a gun or smt

- WHAT IS THAT PHYSICAL CHECK??? Why does he have to lie on his back?? And why does he have to have his shirt off?

- if I were Spock trying to call the captain and he picks up and all I’d see was his tits… all I’m saying is he keeps a really good straight face

- OMG we got a “what am I a moon shuttle conductor or a doctor?”

- Sulu laughing at Spock’s sense of humour

- the close up on Kirk’s ass as he leaves the room is so intentional

- Bones sitting on the railing…

- how many surfaces can I sit on competition but my opponent is Leonard Bones McCoy

- just to prove my point the next scene starts with him sitting on a table

- god I feel bad for Scotty having to sit between McCoy and Spock in some of those meetings

- Sulu was cool as a cucumber

- “do you ever tire of questioning me on things you’ve already made your mind up about?” “it gives me emotional security” they are each others emotional support guy (Spock & Kirk)

- Kirk saying“navigation, you’re timing was lousy. Same with engineering, Helmsman” then Bones immediately after “you’re timing was lousy”

- how can you sit in a chair like that even (bones)

- Alexa play tik tok by Kesha

- (okay now I’m just imagining Spock dancing like one of those spider-man memes but completely straight faced (also Spock now listens to Kesha canonically but like in my head))

- THE FUCK IS THAT FUCKING THING??? THAT IS A PUPPET!

- Bones is so caring, he has so much fucking compassion I won’t shut up about him

- “you now have seven minutes left” but there’s 23 minutes left in the episode. Guess a lot of it’s just gonna be dead air… er space I mean (yeah I can come up with a better line than this later (edit: no I can’t I’m tired))

- SPOCK IS SO SAD. He truly thinks this is a hopeless situation.

- Bones is about to die in four minutes and he’s threatening Kirk because of the fact that he put Bailey’s health at risk… I love this man

- “Anytime you can bluff me, doctor” I can’t legally say what I thought was said but maybe the ancient archaeologists will know from context clues

- I don’t think Uhura has spoken to most of the bridge crew up to this point, she barely has had plot or even dialogue, I can’t wait till they give her an episode or just even make her more central

- Spock going to Kirk’s side after the bluff for emotional support

- Spock is so proud when talking about his mom :)))

- Your science and medical officers usually shouldn’t stand so close to your chair and clutch at it while leaning over you. It’s not normal behaviour.

- Okay I’d like to mention how calm Sulu has been and how much I love him, can we please get more of him in future episodes?

- wait so Bones is just gonna let Bailey go back to work? Like I get they apologized to each other but that doesn’t change that it’s still a bad idea to have him there

- Spock, Kirk, and McCoy immediately after the death threat is gone: guess it’s time to start flirting again

[Video description: Spock stands on the bridge, he says, “A very interesting game, this poker.” Kirk sitting in his captains chair replies, “It does have advantages over chess.” McCoy smiling at Spock adds, “Love to teach it to you.” Spock smiles back at him. End description]

- he’s got a twinkle in his eye

- The shake on the bridge as the tractor beam tows them is so funny if you watch Spock and McCoy (it continues to be funny for the next couple minutes)

- "Captain request to-" "Denied. If it's a trap.. If I'm wrong, I want you here" awwe he wants him safe (idc that this is not what the writers are trying to say, HE WANTS SPOCK SAFE)

- they all have to bend over on the transporter pad but when they get transported Bones isn't even bent he's just standing at his normal height slightly hunched

- HOLY CRAP I HATE THAT THING... I'm so glad it's a puppet

- nope okay I don't know what's happening, I can't. I'm. What.

- that is apple cider, they are sitting around this guy trying to drink apple cider

- McCoy doesn't know what the fuck to do right now and neither do I

Now imagine, if you will, Spock dancing

Thank you, and have a good day.

Master post of past/future episodes

[merrysithmas]

missed opportunities with Spock & medicine in SNW

Okokok I didnt mind Spock & Chapel as I felt it was well-written (in conjunction w Spock & T'Pring) for the two of them and simply a stepping stone/arc to his further character development and exemplified his struggle converging his dualistic origins

but

Spock in TOS has an extreme (and to an outsider, illogical) aversion to medicine/medical procedures/medical personnel as evidenced by his deep mistrust of McCoy in TOS. I always postulated this is because he was mistreated or belittled or made to feel "wrong" by Vulcan medical facilities as a child given that he is a biological hybrid.

This "illogical" aversion to medicine is not based on the Scientific Fact that he as a science officer treats as secular gospel -- but is instead a result of his injured emotional nature, which felt ostracized and likely put on display as some kind of marvel/freak by the professionals he likely dealt with as a child.

I have a whole other post about Spock & Medicine and how his cantankerous and frequently mocking relationship with McCoy both displays his anger/disgust with the limits of the profession and, eventually, the healing of this wound via his friendship with Dr McCoy.

In TOS Spock dismissively refers to medicine as "potions" which make him feel sick and nauseous - (likely a side effect of his hybrid physiology where no medical traditions from either Vulcan or Terran origin completely mesh with his genetics or organs/hormones). Thus, even when he can get help from a compassionate provider - it likely does not help all the way or is uncomfortable to endure.

Discovery took this one step further and had Spock literally institutionalized because his emotional break following his visions/hallucinations which further highlights an origin for Spock's mistrust and distaste for medicine. We learn his visions were a result of an explicable cause & that medicine failed Spock yet again.

These experiences can even be applied to TOS and also color his relative annoyance with Nurse Chapel's one-sided affections.

Spock does not like doctors or nurses.

And he has good reason to fear and mistrust them despite his logical knowledge of their professionalism or expertise. Spock is scared, burned, and embittered by medical efforts and endeavors.

It is the one overt example in TOS where his human emotionality overtakes his logical mien almost effortlessly and with visible sharp resentment towards McCoy in almost every conversation they have.

Strange New Worlds seems to forget this important part of Spock's character which was evident in TOS (and eventually resolved by his friendship with McCoy), and expanded on in Disco with his institutionalization.

Sadly, his relation to Medicine in Strange New Worlds is a nonissue that pretty much ignores the canon in those two series - whether it is in a scene with Dr M'Benga or Nurse Chapel. It does not seem given the other canon he would ever be as cooperative or receptive to their treatments or suggestions.

However, as Spock is being written in this series to have mental duress over his "opposing" halves as personified by his desperate attempts to make two DOA romances with both T'Pring and Christine work - it seems this would be an important and relevant topic to broach considering Christine is in fact a nurse, and a representation of a system that has so far at this point in his life failed, harmed, and excluded him.

Not only that, but T'Pring is essentially the equivalent of a Vulcan psychiatrist.

It is fascinating that Spock, reviled and mistrusting of both medicine and psychology, sandwiches himself between a nurse and psychiatrist.

Despite his bone-deep betrayal by both of these institutions he finds himself indeed broken by them: beholden and shackled to the need for their love and approval - as deeply unhappy with himself as he is.

Spock, through these two flailing and ill-begotten relationships, continues to subconsciously punish himself for the truth.

That he is neither nor both - and there is no way to define him except by himself alone.

And that is what he fears the most: that he is truly alone in the endless universe.

Recognizable to no one.

[favvn]

Putting under a read more because I keep making too long of posts about Star Trek TOS. But Amok Time has me reflecting on the idea of belonging/a place to be for Kirk and Spock. (Also, this is a mess. I need to edit this better into a more coherent and concise point.)

In The City on the Edge of Forever, Edith Keeler confronts Kirk and Spock and tells them, "You know as well as I do how out of place you two are around here." It's straight observation: Spock isn't human, and they both have knowledge that is impossible for them to have in the 1930s.

In Amok Time, T'Pau tells Kirk, "Do not interfere, Kirk. Keep thy place." Kirk was voicing his concern about Spock fighting another champion and dying as a result of an uneven match against someone who doesn't care for Spock's life (mistakenly believing that Spock's fever correlates to physical weakness as happens in humans). While he has been told twice at this point that the choice to stay and fight is his to make, T'Pau still indirectly urges him to reject taking part in the ceremony, even if it is only to aid Spock's safety and well-being. In doing so, she recalls Kirk's outsider status. This is not his place as a human, even if such concerns are to be expected of Kirk as a human. If it wasn't for Spock pledging on his behalf and naming him friend, Kirk would've been back on the Enterprise had T'Pau and Vulcan tradition had their say. But Spock's insistence on the right to have his friends at the ceremony and his explicit designation of Kirk and McCoy as his friends puts Kirk in a grey area between Vulcan tradition and established relationship.

Back to The City on the Edge of Forever, Spock, of course, asks the question, "Where would you estimate we belong, Miss Keeler?"

Edith responds, "You? At his side as if you've always been there and always will."

This dialogue is entirely directed at Spock despite his phrasing of "we" rather than "I." And given Joan Collins delivery (is it the dialect she uses? Is it just me? I feel like it's just me), the line sounds vaguely dismissive, making Edith seem as if she is annoyed at Spock for always lurking around Kirk like his shadow, or it's as if she is implying that Spock will never be more than at Kirk's side, as Kirk's Number Two. (In static images you can read whatever infliction into the words, and I will admit, the first time I heard them spoken in-scene, it didn't sound as I had anticipated. Maybe I'm off-base here, but it reminds me of Margaret Sullavan's delivery of the "instead of a heart, a handbag" speech in Shop Around the Corner, a "blend of poetry and meanness," as the film itself calls it.) Regardless, it's telling that a stranger immediately tells Spock that he belongs at the Kirk's side, despite knowing nothing of their relationship as friends and as Captain and First Officer.

Kirk, on the other hand, is told he belongs "in another place." Keeler admits she doesn't know where he belongs or how she knows he doesn't belong, just that he doesn't fit his current circumstances. His place, however, is not dependent on Spock, at least according to Keeler (which is a shame given the impact of repetition, bookend phrasing to call attention, etc.). My point being that, according to Edith Keeler's observation, Spock's place is dependent on Kirk but Kirk's place is dependent on no one. It's sadly one-sided when viewed like this but it puts more focus on Kirk's place being more nebulous.

Back to Spock. In a previous episode, This Side of Paradise, Spock falls under the plant spores' influence and finds himself overcome by feelings of happiness, love, and belonging. The spores immediately overcome any resistance he, as an emotion-repressing Vulcan, ought to have had. But Spock is not fully Vulcan. He is also half human, so the implication is that such strong and positive emotions tapped into his human half at the expense of his Vulcan upbringing. And for a character caught between the two opposing extremes--logic versus emotion, other Vulcans call his status into question due to "weak/diluted blood," humans don't accept him because he has chosen to live according to Vulcan principles--there's no wondering why he gives into the spores' influence. (Compared to Kirk, who is too driven by ambition to give in to the spores, despite being ruled by his emotions and having no explicit training to reign in emotional influence. Neat foil there. To say nothing of the security of identity versus uncertainty/shame of identity. Hmm. Wonder what that could also imply.)

It is in this episode that Spock says, "I don't belong anymore," after Kirk breaks the spores' influence on Spock.

Later, Leila realizes Spock is no longer under the spores' influence--"You're no longer with us, are you?"--and tells him, "You can belong again," implying that he only needs the plant spores once more, should he so choose.

Despite having the option to belong again, Spock declines, stating his responsibility to both The Enterprise and to Kirk. He likens it to a self-made purgatory, this adherence to duty at the expense of happiness, much like how his adherence to Vulcan custom is at the expense of his human half. Spock chooses an in-between place--not heaven/paradise or hell itself--a place of work (if not possible suffering), of purification.

Spock's words parallel Kirk's at the end in This Side of Paradise: "Maybe we weren't meant for paradise. Maybe we were meant to fight our way through."

Now, back to Amok Time. Kirk, of course, accepts the challenge. Despite all the times he has been told he can leave. Despite Spock and McCoy both trying to get him out of it. He is not bound to fight much less stay as an outsider to the ceremony and to Vulcan entirely. But he chooses to stay and fight. A man who has no place to turn to beyond where he decides to be, who has shown he doesn't care about Starfleet orders, but will choose to do whatever is necessary for Spock.

[jim-kirks-bubble-butt]

ok ok ok it’s time for my amok time thoughts-

first of all: s p i r k

spock what do you mean your omega heat was resolved by you rolling around in the dirt with your captain??? 🤨

but also just the way kirk was so respectful and understanding about spock’s pon farr and dodn’t make fun of him for it.

can’t believe the 1960’s scifi show had a fuck or die episode which did not result in heterosexuality. truly ahead of it’s time.

and also the way jim and spock were rolling around in the dirt was so gay. no one can convince me otherwise. the way spock slashed his axe thingy (forgot what it’s called) exactly so that it would give jim a tit window??? i know what you are spock.

and of course the biggest moment: JIM :D. seriously what the fuck was that. only time he smiles the wide the whole series (times when he’s under the influence of drugs excluded). homosexuality at it’s finest.

speaking of drugs i find it very funny that the only time spock likes women if either when he’s under the influence or when he’s being mind controlled.

the way spock grabs him and just gives him the biggest stupidest grin. i love spock and spock loves kirk. they are in love you can also see how wide kirk was smiling from the way his cheeks move.

spirk was just so soft with each other this episode, even on vulcan. the way spock was so hesitant to fight him and tried his hardest to convince t’pau even when under the pon farr influence.

the way jim clearly tried not to hurt him through the whole fight,

they make me fucking insane.

anyways

second thing i liked: BONES

i love bones mccoy

spock saying that he’s also one of his closest friends 😭 😭 😭

but he was so smart with the neural paralyzer and i love the way he clearly cares so much anout both of his dumbass friends under his grumpy doctor exterior.

third of all: women

t’pau and t’pring were so powerful and so wonderfully played.

obviously the whole thing with calling t’pring the property of whatever man wins her is very icky but as progressive as star trek was (and still is!), it is a product of it’s time unfortunately.

but besides that, they both just radiated power, and it was so nice to see a woman in a seat of major power.

on another note, stonn has a strikingly small forehead t’pribg i promise i could treat you better.

in my mind uhura wants t’pring (“she’s very lovely mister spock!” i know what you are ma’am.)

fourth: the episode was just. really good.

all of the tension build up before we find out about that spock is basically an omega is masterfully done, and even though i kinda new the plot, i was still sitting on the edge of my seat. incredible.

i also think tbe fight choreography during the gay sex fighting scene was actually really well done, especially when compared to other fight scenes in season 1 (the gorn fight comes to mind).

also the set design for vulcan felt like an actual planet. like usually when they go off the enterprise and onto a planet that’s not basically earth, you can tell that it’s just a bunch of foam blocks, but vulcan was very well made!

the conversation between spirk and kock kirk and spock about “vulcan biology” was very well written and acted in a way that was slightly awkward because of the nature of pon farr, but still felt natural and very in character.

side note: i see online that there’s a lot of people who think that shatner overacts. and i just don’t see it. idk i think he’s really good at playing kirk. i don’t really like the guy, but i like how expressive his acting is.

anyways this was very jumbled but i had a lot of thoughts and yeah.

i too would write the first slash fic in the 60’s if i saw this shit on my tv.

also does anyone know what tag i should use for kirk? i use like 4 different ones each time but is there one that’s more common? same for mccoy.

[calliecat93]

I just need to say it, everything with Kirk and McCoy in The Man Trap is pure perfection. The first five or so minutes is just beautiful because of Kirk's reactions alone. Look at that big smile on his face while McCoy is freaking out about meeting his ex again. I get the feeling that McCoy really doesn't like to talk about his past relationships as much as possible, so for Kirk this is a golden opportunity to see this side of the doctor. His whole reaction when he finds out the 'plum' nickname? The earlier scene where he offers McCoy the weeds to present to Nancy like the little snot he is? Oh God Kirk, I love you~

But of course we can't just have Kirk being a dork and McCoy being... well also a dork now, can we?

A crewman dies and McCoy can't figure out why or how, only ruling out that it was due to poisonous plants. Kirk is already upset that one of his men died on his watch, but then McCoy decides to start talking about how Nancy looked exactly as he saw her when they first met. We know that McCoy is talking literally because that is what he saw and is worrying that his vision is playing tricks on him. Kirk, who saw Nancy as she would have looked, gets pissed and yells at him to figure out what the Hell killed one of his men. The screencaps can't do it justice, but just look at them.

McCoy's demeanor changes completely. You know how me pretty much shut up after Kirk snapped at him in The Corbomite Manuver until they finally made some headway on the situation? It's happening again, with McCoy only able to let out a meek 'yes sir' and this time he didn't even mean to do anything. It's pretty crazy to see the guy who up to this point has never had any issue speaking up just withdrawal because he made Kirk angry, and like I said, we already saw it happen once. Kirk means so much to him, and knowing that he upset him really hits him hard. Even later, when McCoy's figured it out, you can tell that he still feels nervous and guilty. He's not at ease at all and uses 'sir' when addressing Kirk and feeling bad for seemingly messing up again.

But of course, Kirk picks up on that. Kirk was frustrated and is already over it, even using 'Bones' to signal to him that it's alright. He even offers an apology, but McCoy doesn't take it since he feels at fault too for swooning like he did. Again, like in The Corbomite Maneuver, whatever tension arises when the two argue, it doesn't last. They apologize, acknowledge their one fault, and move on. Kirk gets snappy again when they're planet-side, but that's because McCoy is freaking out about Nancy missing and Kirk doesn't want them on the planet where who knows what can kill them. And even then once they're back up, he just tells McCoy to go and rest. He may not be happy with him, but he knows that this is hard for McCoy and is at least trying to be courteous to him and his feelings.

Then of course we have the ending where Kirk goes to confront 'Nancy'. Part of me kind of wishes we saw what happened before that. They pieced together that the creature was gonna head for McCoy, so I can only imagine how freaked out Jim got over if he was even alive at that point. But alas, that's only for us to wonder about...

McCoy, not knowing what the Hell is happening, actually fights Kirk and gets physical, even ripping his phaser away from him. At that point, he's frozen, even as Nancy has Kirk cornered and is about to kill him. Even Spock rushing in, trying to rip the phaser away and outright yelling at McCoy to do something and that it's a fake does nothing except upset him more. To him, despite clearly seeing that something is very, very wrong, he can't do it. It's still Nancy to him. How can he just kill someone he still has feelings for like that. Not even the creature's true form is enough.

What finally gets him to pull the trigger?

Kirk screaming in agony. Like I said, McCoy cares about Kirk so much. Despite the struggle they had just a minute ago, McCoy could never hurt Kirk and not feel utterly horrible about it. Nor can he stand to see anyone else hurt him. The Enemy Within has him getting testy with Spock when he both points out Kirk's slipping command ability and when he's willing to merge the Kirk's back even though it could kill him. So here, hearing Jim screaming in pain as he's being killed right before his eyes, it's what finally pushes McCoy to fire the phaser. Even the creature trying the Nancy trick again does nothing but make him feel worse for what he's about to do, and he kills it for good. All that Kirk, having never wanted McCoy to be hurt like this, can do is tell him that he's sorry

And of course it hurts. No one wanted it to come to this. It's just multiple senseless losses of life. But especially for McCoy, learning that Nancy died long ago and that he nearly allowed Kirk to be killed... well, that's gonna weigh on him for a while. Sadly, whatever happened between the two after this is in the realm of fanon. Obviously neither one are going to blame each other for how they acted, but it doesn't change the fact that to McCoy, because of his foolishness, he almost let his closest friend die while he just stood there. Nor does it change the fact that this is going to hurt him for a while, and if he's unwilling to open up, there's really nothing that Kirk can do to help even though he would in a heartbeat.

It's just sad in the end and feels like there's no real closure to anything. But I do think that it shows that no matter what, no matter if they get upset with one another or hesitate or whatever else, Kirk and McCoy care about each other a lot. Kirk was pretty hard on him in the episode, but he realized that and didn't hold it against him at the end of the day. Even with what happened in the end, I don't think he's upset or angry at McCoy's hesitance, just feels horrible that on some level he put him into it to begin with. And McCoy... well, how he feels should be obvious. But despite all of that, he still chose to protect Kirk, even if that meant killing the woman he had loved so long ago. That's how devoted he is to Jim.

[goofyjelly]

Star Trek TOS : A Private Little War

I love the green blood details like obviously Bad Thing happening but I love continuity ✨

Kirk is so worried :( don't worry he's gonna be fineeee

THE WAY HES SITTING ON THE STRETCHER :((((((

Omfg they beam down and IMMEDIATELY GET MAULED 💀

Oh my god CHAPEL NO YOURE LITERALLY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF HIM DONT HOLD HIS HAND DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS-

Like, chapel, I get that you care about him and that's great but you've gotta know it's one sided, like, you're essentially KISSING HIM while he is unable to protest like w h a t

Love Chapel tho don't get me wrong

Girl, what sort of witch craft is this???

Also William Shatner's acting is so special like no one does it like him WHAT IS HE DOING

GIRL WHAT ARE YOU DOING???

"OUR SOULS HAVE BEEN TOGETHER HE IS MINE NOW" EXCUSE ME???

McCoy is so great tho, like you're awesome, Doc

Friendship :D

Sketchy witch woman

FRIENDSHIP :D

M'Benga love you bestie thank you for being the only responsible one , Spock would be dead without you 🙏

"anything he says?" Chapel I know you're down bad but please, our boy is DYING

Witch girl wants VIOLENCE and honestly I can't blame her much. she's schemeing

Haha firesticks (I am watching this show on a fire stick)

An old custom among my people called : BE GRATEFUL , YOUD BE DEAD WITHOUT ME

Kirk subtly defending his friend, I love it. NO! I SAID I WILL NOT KILL. Kill or be killed but how about no kill? No kill at all please, I'll take that.

I'd like it if there was a normal woman in this show but oh well

OOOOOOOP THE KLINGONS!!!

"I'll make a Klingon of you yet :D" so sweet <3

Hehe Kirk is leaping around I love it he's like a doe

PFFFF ME WHEN MY PHONE GOES OFF IN CLASS 💀

SPOCK NOOOOOOO WAIT .

PFJDSLJFKDKDN WHY ARE WE ALWAYS SLAPPING HIM IN THE FACE

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, WOMAN????" Oh my fucking god, Scotty was just walking by and saw the nurse SLAPPING SPOCK IN THE FACE , HE THOUGHT SHE WENT CRAZY

Spock ✨✨✨

Yes Bones I DO think Kirk's out of his mind.

Oh shit. Okay. Oh.

Bones doesn't know what to do but he knows Kirks plan is shit 💀💀💀

Balance Of Power- KIRK YOU HAVENT EVEN TOLD STARFLEET

SPOCK IS BACK 🎉🎉🎉

Kirk please don't fall for the witchcra- ah fuck too late. DUDE NOT W YOUR FRIENDS WIFE; HES GOT A GUN NOW OH NO OH- OH?

She IS the drama

Murder is wrong™

OOOOOOOO PLEASE CAN SHE DIE?

Nope NVM just stealing

This barbie craves violence- THIS BARBIE IS A TRAITOR???

This barbie is dead 💀

"you can't kill a computer" -> Bones is happy Spock didn't die

THATS IT???? THATS FUCKING IT????

WHAT????

KIRK JUST FUCKED SHIT UP EVEN MORE AND THEN FUCKING LEFT 💀💀💀 AND NOW THEY ARENT EVEN DOING THE WHOLE BALANCE OF POWER THING!!!

they were asking how long it would take to bring more weapons, ya know, to do their whole balance of power plan, and KIRK JUST BACKTRACKED

So I guess his friend is dying, then-

I am living for the Spock Angst tho, I love that. It's so funny that Spock gets slapped in the face so much in so many different episodes.

If I do a rewatch I literally might just watch all of the Spock scenes cus that's my take away from this-

This rants pictures have been taken from this star trek website ✨✨✨

[calliethetrekkie]

Star Trek TOS S01E04: The Enemy Within

Original Thoughts

"So The Enemy Within was a legit tense episode of Star Trek. I’m a sucker for the whole good/evil sides of a person being split into separate beings kind of scenario, and the contrast of the Kirk's is interesting and freighting. The Good Kirk struggling as he slowly loses his ability to be decisive without his more assertive half was also compelling and helped give more insight to his character, which again I’m a sucker for. The final breakdown of Evil Kirk was also intense and helped give some personification as well. A well-played scenario all in all. However, the episode is bogged down by one big factor: the outright tasteless treatment of the attempted assault on Yeoman Rand, or at least the aftermath. It’s unfortunate, but the story and conflict with Kirk was still a worthwhile watch."

(Original Post, edited from original)

Rewatch Thoughts

You ever had an episode that you like about 95% of, but there's a moment or two that really bogs it down? Yeah, as my original thoughts alluded to, this is one of those cases.

I'm going to avoid going into that scene. I did it before, and I was able to at least tolerate it this time (though fast-forward also helped). I also don't want to risk triggering anyone on a topic that I myself don't feel qualified or comfortable talking about from a show that took place in a different time. That being said, the scene still made me uncomfortable, and even moreso how the aftermath was handled. That is all I'm going to say about it, let's move on.

Thankfully, I have nothing but good things to say from this point. Even despite what I said above, this was one of the episodes I had really enjoyed the first go around, and I'm happy to say I still felt that way. This one has so much that I can go into concerning the plot, the philosophy, and Kirk himself and how his relationships with Spock and McCoy are showcased here. I don't know where to start... but I guess we're gonna try.

I love the concept of having Kirk split. His good half and his bad side as separate entities. The good Kirk seems like how Kirk would normally be, but as time goes on he deteriorates into being indecisive, lacks any ability to assert himself, and just seems to be becoming more meek and insecure. The Bad Kirk is, as Kirk so elegantly puts it, more like a wild animal. Aggressive, violent, easily-provoked, and while by no means unintelligent, he's prone to being driven by fear and instinct. He does, however, have the strength, assertion, and ability to act that Kirk needs to be an effective captain and leader.

We tend to look at our worst traits and try to lock them away. It's terrifying, the thought of having this potential ugliness inside you. An ugliness that could drive you to doing unthinkable things. The Bad Kirk, with the lack of morality, threatens McCoy, is willing to harm other crew members, and what happened with Rand can speak for itself. Kirk would sure as Hell never do anything like that unless he had a good reason under any circumstance. But without the good half to balance it out, the bad half is in its most raw form. Unable to be tamed or controlled, and without that self-control, who knows what a person could be driven to do.

But in the end, without any darkness, what are left with? We lack a certain will-power. A certain assertion. A certain strength that can only come from feelings such as fury and desperation, for example. Anger can be a powerful motivating power, as we've seen in real life for both good and bad reasons. It's as McCoy told Kirk, we need the darkness. It doesn't make you automatically bad, it's a part of what makes one human. Makes one whole. Without that darkness, the good Kirk cannot be the captain that he needs to be and he can't afford that. He still has the traits he needs, such as his logic and morality, but without the balance he is giving into passiveness and uncertainty. Neither the good nor the bad can exist and function apart. They need to exist together, no matter how unwanted one may be.

The episode handles it incredibly well. Honestly, I think that this was the episode that really sold me on Kirk as a character. Up to that point I had only the pop-culture depiction of Kirk to go on. Which came off as a reckless, womanizing, arrogant hot-shot. I could not have been more wrong. This shows Kirk in one of his most vulnerable states. He can't perform the duty that defines his identity. Yet, as Spock points out to him, he can't let it show because otherwise it will cause unrest among the rest of the ship. He sees himself at his worst, and the fact that he has to merge back with it is terrifying. Why would he want that? How can he accept that such a feral being is a part of himself? Is himself? And what is he himself left as without it? Seriously, I just wanted to hug the poor guy through most of the episode. And despite it, he still shows his dark side so much empathy and care.

I think what most helps represent this struggle is his interactions with Spock and McCoy. I detailed a lot of it here, but here's the brief version.

We have Spock with Kirk as his second-in-command and trusted friend, having been asked by Kirk himself to speak up if he feels that he is slipping. He has to remind Kirk of what happens if he tells the ship the full scope of the situation. He's the one that Kirk trusts to help him face the Bad Kirk in the lower decks, unwilling to let anyone else see it. He's the one who has to inform Kirk of what he is losing and what the end result will be. He's not doing it to be cruel, but it is the reality, and it can't be ignored. That's Spock's job as First Officer, to be able to keep the captain on track and step in when needed. He's also ultimately willing to take the risk of merging Kirk back when it could kill him, certain that such a thing will not happen and even if so, it must be done so that they can rescue the landing team. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.

Then we have McCoy with Kirk. We don't get it as much as with Kirk and Spock, but it's very much still present. He tries to assure Jim that he can still act as captain, seeming almost offended that Spock would seem to question him. But he does ultimately admit that Spock is right, comforting Jim and talking with him to help him find the self-assurance he needs to go through with it. Then he refuses to allow Jim to go through the transported, utterly against risking his life despite the lives of the landing party in the balance. McCoy is worried about what is of concern at that moment, as we already saw in The Corbomite Manuever, and in this case it's Jim.

Kirk is left in the middle. He sees both sides, but in his current safe that's as far as it can go. He can't make a decision on what to do. He can't make any command decision, even needing Spock to take over talking to Sulu at one point. Thus, Kirk's left with the two and can neither choose nor compromise, ultimately just having Spock keep working on the transporters and McCoy conduct an autopsy. It shows how important both perspectives are, but as his role is to normally mediate it, we also see how it is when he can't. The two sides are left unresolved. It ends well enough with Kirk ultimately going through with the transporters, but it still shows how much Kirk both needs Spock and McCoy and how much they need him.

So with all that said, my final thoughts? This is a great episode. Great plot and concept, great pacing, great character moments with Kirk especially, it's all very well done. I guess Shatner's acting isn't going to be for everyone, but I think it worked alright, and I think he did pretty well with Bad Kirk's breakdown at the end. The only thing holding it back is that one part that unfortunately bogs it down enough that I can't give a perfect rating still. But all that said, this is one I'd very much revisit if I felt like it. I had a lot of fun coming back to this one, and I'm glad I did.

Original Ranking: 4.5/5.

Rewatch Ranking: 8/10

[My TOS Reviews]

[TOS S1 Reviews]

[Previous Review] / [Next Review]

[vulcanistic-tendencies]

Okay so let me just see if I understand what happened in S1E4 The Naked Time because frankly I feel extremely unhinged right now and I need to recalibrate my sense of reality.

They find a bunch of dead frozen scientists on a planet that's about to be destroyed by unclear natural causes. Only two of the six bodies are shown; one is very clearly a mannequin. Leonard Nimoy is wearing a repurposed shower curtain for the entirety of these initial scenes. That's not relevant to the plot, but it's important to me on a deep personal level.

They don't know it yet, but the scientists died because of some kind of Space Madness that spreads through water. Lieutenant Joe removes his safety glove to scratch his nose, earning him the title of Court Jester Of The Week, but does not contract the disease from touching any of the ice coating the area - instead he contracts it from a stray drop of blood that remains unfrozen for some reason. After sticking that blood drop directly up his nose for safekeeping, he and Spock return to the ship.

Joe has a minor existential crisis in sickbay, then he goes to get some lunch, where he has a major existential crisis and tries to stab himself with a butter knife. Sulu and Lt. Riley try to subdue him, but he gets stabbed anyway. Joe dies; Sulu and Riley are now infected. McCoy demonstrates an appalling lack of concern for basic masking procedures when performing open air surgery.

Meanwhile, the Enterprise absolutely positively has to maintain an orbit around the dying planet as it decays - a very delicate process that requires everyone to be running at full capacity. So naturally, Sulu fucks off to threaten blank-faced crewmen in the corridors with a sword, and Riley infects Christine before barricading himself in engineering and turning all the engines off so he can be better heard as he tells women at large that they're prettier without makeup.

Christine makes a heartfelt love confession to Spock (presumably earning herself some kind of write up for sexual harassment later what with all the hand-to-hand action) and he becomes infected as well. He sobs mathematically about it in a conference room.

Scotty and Kirk break into engineering and subdue Riley, but it's too late to restart the engines and the ship is gonna go down unless they calculate something something and implode the engines. But it's only a theory, Jim!!! It would take a million computers to calculate!!!

McCoy finds a cure to the Evil Water. The one that's got the Space Madness in it. The one that's like. Just water, but weird about it. But it's okay, because he has the cure now. The cure to water. But just the evil kind.

Kirk finds Spock crying about feeling love (mood) and becomes infected, but seemingly also fully cures Spock of the disease by letting himself get backhanded over a table.

(Side note: I am going to be keeping a running tally of how many times physical violence against Kirk ends up curing Spock of his emotional turmoil, because I know it's not just the once.)

Kirk has a minor meltdown about the Enterprise not being a flesh lady that he can take for walks on the beach, then decides he doesn't have time for that and goes back to the bridge, where McCoy He-Mans the fuck out of his shirt for no god damn reason just to give him a hypo for the Space Madness. Spock goes to help Scotty with the implosion calculations, and fuck me sideways they pull it off and everything's fine except for Joe who's still dead.

BUT!!! The implosion sends the Enterprise BACK IN TIME........BY THREE DAYS.

CONGRATULATIONS ON DISCOVERING THE SECRET TO TIME TRAVEL IN THE LAST TWO MINUTES OF THE EPISODE???????

Kirk and Spock comment mildly about trying out fucking time travel again later. Someday. When they're feeling more up to it. The end!

Do I have all of that right? Is that what just went down? I think I need to lie down.

[lilbreck]

ST:TOS 101- The Man Trap

Here’s the thing, if we’re not supposed to ship Kirk with McCoy and Spock, then they shouldn’t have done so many soft gaze/smolder close-ups of Shatner when he was looking at either men. I don’t remember that happening a lot with women. I guess we’ll see as the rewatch continues.

Either way, let us talk about the episode where McCoy brings the boys around to meet an old flame, and it does not go to plan. And I will be sneaking in a few of my old graphics, just because.

I’m showing this first shot just because I like to see Uhura up front occasionally as well as seeing Spock in the captain’s chair. Yes, I will add in a shippy cap later for those of you who ship it. The second shot is to show that there are some changes from The Cage, and one of them is that they upgraded their big screen TV.

During the rewatch, one of the funny moments is when my daughter glanced at the screen and was convinced that Starfleet was too cheap to get pants that fit. It took me too long to figure out where she was getting that idea.

In case you can’t see where she got the idea, she thought the phasers were pulling down the waistbands of Kirk and Darnell’s pants. I had to tell her that those were sash/holsters and not actually their midriffs showing.

My daughter felt the need to point out that these were not flowers, instead they were a sprig of wheat. But I do like that we get full on McKirk flirting. Yes, I will be spending this post talking about this particular ship. I cannot help it. It colors everything I see in this episode. For example:

McCoy sees Nancy as she was when he last saw her: 10 years younger than she should be. Darnell sees some random woman from a pleasure planet (and is very rude and disrespectful about how he announces it). Meanwhile, what does Kirk see?

He sees Nancy looking probably about the age she should be. Now, this could mean Kirk is attracted to distinguished looking women with greying hair… or he just really wants reassurance that McCoy isn’t going to leave him for someone younger and prettier. You can guess which one I choose to believe… though I wouldn’t argue against that other one either.

I will not be posting screencaps of it, but I am still disgusted that Kirk just reached into the dead man’s mouth. Apparently, in the future, no one knows better than to go around poking and proding dead bodies with their bare hands. I’ll ignore the question of how the fuck he knew there would be something in there given that he wasn’t shown to be looking at all, he just honed directly onto that poor guys mouth. I will also ignore how obvious it was that the actor was opening his mouth wider.

Side note: I’m impressed with how commited they are to making sure everyone in the outdoor scenes looks like they’re fresh out of a sauna except, it seems, for “Nancy.” I’m wondering if that’s just because it’s an actress, or because the character is a freaking salt vampire. My daughter said “both.”

One of these is strictly for the Spock/Uhura shippers, while the other is for me because both drama and damn but Nichelle is stunning in every scene:

When McCoy finally figures out that Darnell died from a sudden loss of salt, the follow scene occurs that I love:

I love it both because of how flirty Kirk gets with McCoy as well as the faces McCoy makes and the way he says “error.” Also, poor Spock stuck in the corner forced to watch as these two idiots flirt with each other next to a dead body. You know, I think I need to figure out the coloring I used on this set because I think I like it better.

Yes, this is actual dialog from the show. It makes sense in context, but still… Also, this next one is just for me:

This is the bit that really bothers my daughter:

Not only does Rand grab a piece of celery and take a bite, she also just puts it back and carries on like it came that way. Is Sulu just supposed to be eating after her? Are they really that close? While I don’t love that they had Rand being ogled earlier in this scene, or the fact that she’s essentially a glorified go-fer (my daughter isn’t happy about that either), I do enjoy this scene. Only half the reason is because that plant is just a freaking person wearing a decorated glove.

I just needed to put these together to ask… why does the salt vampire have to come across as a bit creepy? I get that it’s just biting its knuckle… but still, it’s screaming “I shouldn’t be trusted alone with anyone.”

Yes, I figured out what coloring I used, or, more specifically, what coloring I skipped. I could go back and redo all the caps, but I’m too lazy for that. I will redo this one for the Spock/Uhura shippers, though:

This set is for me and any other McCoy/Kirk shippers:

Apparently, the salt vampire isn’t just in it for the salt. It needs that lurve.

You need to understand, one of the things this show is loved for is the ridiculous physical aspects. What do I mean by that? Why, the odd version of zigzag running that Kirk does. It wouldn’t actually keep him from getting shot, but it is amusing to watch how his lower half moves much more than his upper half. Also, I just really like how this set makes it look like Spock is trying to take Kirk alive if you don’t have the context.

Obviously more happens in this episode, but there are two things that I think actually matter:

I get that Kirk is supposed to be frozen/hypnotized, but the salt vamp is moving extremely slow. It adds up to make it look like they’re competing for most campy actor in scene award. The second cap… It’s hilarious because, not only is it very obvious that neither actor makes contact with the other, but it also looks like Spock is holding an invisible bat.

End of episode tallies (details by daughter)

UNPROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR: 04 (Darnell’s unnecessary comment about the pleasure planet, Uhura overtly flirting with Spock, Rand stealing a singular bite of Sulu’s lunch, Starfleet crew overtly ogling Rand. The salt vampire, not being Starfleet, is exempt from this counter.)

Starfleet Are Cheapskates: 01 (McCoy has no blanket :()

Reasons Why Enterprise Needs a Counselor: 01 (McCoy had to kill a creature that looked like a woman he cares for)

Early Episode Weirdness: 01 (Spock claims Vulcan has no moon)

Final thoughts:

Me: It's got enough cheese to keep me happy with enough McKirk flirting to keep me coming back for more.

Daughter: It's a much better introduction to the series than The Cage. It's also very cheesy in a fun way.

[hummingbird-of-light]

Against All Odds

Part 343

McCoy

McCoy had stared at the book in front of him with Scotty until the numbers began to blur. It wasn’t that he was horrible at math, he had just never gone farther than the basics with Dr. Boyce. But, he was stubborn enough for the challenge and with Scotty’s help he hoped he would master it sooner rather than later.

Curfew was too soon upon them and they walked slowly up to their rooms.

“Thanks,” McCoy said as they stopped at his door.

“Your welcome love. I know you’ll get it figured out.”

He pulled Scotty close and just held him. The warm feeling of Scotty’s body soothed his worries. If only he could be by him all night.

“Get some rest and I’ll see you at breakfast,” Scotty said softly, running his fingers through the back of McCoy’s hair.

McCoy nodded, and nuzzled his face in next to Scotty’s neck. He inhaled the familiar scent of his boyfriend.

“Love you,” Scotty whispered in his ear in Gaelic. McCoy had learned enough to know those words.

“Love you too darlin’.”

Scotty slowly pulled back for a kiss that lingered. With one last look Scotty turned and made his way up the hall. McCoy watched for a moment, then turned himself and knocked gently on the door before opening it. Spock had left dinner with Jim but he didn’t know if everything was back to normal with them yet. He certainly didn’t want to walk in on them making up.

McCoy was fortunate. Spock was alone preparing for bed. He looked up as McCoy entered.

“Sir.”

“Spock.”

McCoy made his way to his side of the room and began removing his clothes for bed. Curiosity filled his mind. He flipped the covers back on the bed, and began to climb in. Still sitting up he watched Spock for a moment. The Vulcan noticed and looked over.

“Did- did you and Jim…?” The question came out before he could help himself.

“We talked,” Spock said.

McCoy waited, but Spock offered nothing more.

“Is it- is everything alright?”

Spock appeared to take a deep breath before looking at McCoy again.

“It will be.”

McCoy’s brow furrowed lightly at that answer. He wondered what to make of it. Jim had appeared sincere in his apology to Scotty. But who was the one who needed to apologize between Spock and Jim? Both?

“Good,” he finally said, genuinely hoping the pair would get themselves sorted back out. Spock nodded at him, then pulled his covers back and got into bed. He stretched a hand to turn off his light and McCoy followed suit with his light.

He curled onto his side and wished Scotty was there next to him. His own jealousy had flared and been much worse for the scene he had seen in the lounge. He shifted uncomfortably at the memory. He knew, *he knew,* he had no reason to worry. Scotty was his and he was Scotty’s. They were entwined and two parts of the same whole.

He would push away the nightmare memory and work on being better about Khan. McCoy did have a moment of satisfaction that Jim also didn’t appear to trust Khan. At least he wasn’t alone in that. It made him feel less bad about not trusting the augment.

McCoy took long, slow breaths to relax himself. Morning would come much too soon and with it a shorter time of seeing Scotty. Swim practice was after classes and though Scotty may come watch it wouldn’t be the same as hanging out together.

Numbers and equations danced behind his closed eyelids and then he was out.

Part 344

Scotty

When he got back to his room, Robbie was already lying in bed. His eyes opened when he heard the door opening and he looked at his brother.

"Hey," Robbie greeted Scotty quietly and the older brother returned the greeting with a soft smile.

"Had a nice evening with Leonard despite not having a room?"

Scotty chuckled as he pulled off his shirt and pants and changed into his pyjamas.

"Aye."

He crawled into his bed and lay down on the side.

"And ye and Leah?"

A blush crept onto Robbie's face. It still amazed Scotty how easy it was to make his little brother blush.

Robbie nodded slowly.

"I... told her."

Scotty's eyes widened in surprise. So that was the reason for Robbie's red cheeks.

"And?"

"And what?"

Come on! Robbie couldn't be that stupid!

"What did she say?!"

A grin slid across Robbie's face and he shrugged.

"Ye'll never know."

Scotty sat up straight again, pillow already in his hand.

"Tell me!"

Judging by the grin on his brother's lips it hadn't been bad news, but the Scotsman still wanted to know everything.

Robbie eventually gave in when Scotty threatened to throw the pillow.

"Okay, okay!" He smiled dreamily. "She... said she loves me too. And that we'll find a way to make it work."

The infectious smile spread across Scotty's face too. He was so glad to hear that!

From time to time he had feared that Leah didn't return the feelings in the way that Robbie did, especially since she was almost two years older. But to hear these words made him see that he had been wrong with that assumption.

Leah loved Robbie. Just like Leonard loved Scotty.

"Well now, seems like we're irresistible to the Royals, huh?" Scotty joked and his little brother laughed.

"Seems like it."

They smiled at each other for a while before Robbie asked a fatal question.

"So... what was that whole thing with Jim about? I heard rumors."

Scotty sighed, but before he could answer, the door opened and Archer looked inside.

"Mr. Scott and Mr. Scott. Lights out."

The boys looked over to the door and put on their best fake smiles.

"Aye, Mr. Archer. Good night."

The lights were switched off.

"Good night."

The door was closed and Scotty waited a moment until he was sure Archer was gone.

"I'll tell ye in the morning," he whispered, "Oidhche mhath."

"Oidhche mhath."

Scotty stayed true to his word and in the morning he told Robbie everything about the incident with Jim and Spock.

The following day of school went by quite fast, but unfortunately Scotty and Leonard didn't get to spend much time together.

After his last class Scotty hurried over to the pool. He wanted to see Leonard and talk to him, if only for a few minutes.

"Mo ghràdh!"

The Scotsman ran over to his boyfriend and hugged him tightly before the boy got the chance to enter the changing room.

"Hey leannan."

A quick kiss before other people would come.

"I'm sorry that I didn't spend the time after lunch with ye. Keenser asked me for help on a project and then I had to rush to physics to reserve that promised seat to Jaylah."

Leonard smiled and shook his head.

"It's okay. We can spend time after dinner."

Scotty nodded eagerly, then turned his head when he saw two familiar persons come closer.

Jim. And Spock. Together.

Thank goodness!

Scotty couldn't keep the smile off his face. He was so relieved to see the two of them like that.

"Hey," he greeted them and both boys returned the greeting.

"Well... I guess ye better hurry," Scotty said to Leonard when Jim disappeared inside the changing room. The Scotsman held both his love's hands. "I'll watch and cheer ye on."

They exchanged one last kiss and promised to meet after dinner. A promise Scotty would keep.

[lenievi]

I love this exchange so much, especially the way Spock is happy about it, and because there's a similar exchange in The Naked Time, it almost feels like an inside joke between them, even though it's literally the second scene they ever interacted in directly. (I also like how they chose Spock-McCoy banter to tell us about how Vulcan anatomy is different)

I will forever wonder why they showed that a Vulcan heart was on the left side TWICE and then they were like "btw the heart is where the liver is" in a dialogue

[swimmingwolf59]

Master Post of Ken's Nonsense Fics

Hello, welcome to my blog!! I've written, uh, a lot lol, for a lot of different pairings and fandoms, so I wanted to make a post to tie all that together! (You can also head right to my ao3 if you wish Iol) Fics are beneath the cut!!

My personal favorites are bold and brash blue!

Star Trek

TOS

Spones - Easily contains the most fics I have ever written lmao, a truly insane amount. You can find a list of my spones fics here.

Buried in the Sand. Sarek and Spock, follows their relationship over the years in both tos and aos. Written for Spock Prime Big Bang 2021. Complete.

Persistent Doctors for Stubborn Patients. Spock and the med crew! M'Benga front and center. Complete.

From Scratch. McCoy brings Sarek tea post Journey to Babel surgery. Complete.

Nuclear Fission. Spock/Scotty, Scott runs into a Vulcan while stationed on Delta Vega. Complete.

TNG

Viva la Q. Picard/Q, Q keeps saving Picard's life over and over. Complete.

Fistfuls of Data. Worf/Data, post the episode "A Fistful of Datas". Complete.

DS9

Darlin' Dax. McCoy's and Dax's friendship throughout the years, with a side of spones. Complete.

Needles and Thread. Kira/O'Brien/Keiko/Bashir/Garak + the kids fluff (or the fivesome that I'm crazy about and my friend totally roasted me for). Complete.

Voyager

In the Desert with the Doctor. Tuvok and the Doctor missing scene for the episode "Future's End." Complete.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

You can find a list of my jjba fics here!

KHR (Reborn)

You can find a list of my reborn fics here!

Disco Elysium

Familiar Fluidity. Please read my trans!Harry choose your own adventure fic I worked so hard on it LOL. Complete.

Kamonohashi Ron

The Case of the Clairvoyant Friend Group. Rontoto. Do you like fun silly friends all knew before them fics??? This one's for you! Complete.

Cool Doji Danshi (Play It Cool Guys)

Play it Cool, Gays. Hayate/Mima, Hayate and Mima both try to ask each other out, but neither of them understand the other. Complete.

Sparks of Joy. Hayate/Motoharu/Mima, Mima and Motoharu throw Hayate a surprise party. Complete.

Comfort. Hayate/Mima, Mima stays the night with Hayate to recover from playing that horror game. Rated G, complete.

Millionaire Detective

The Newlyweds. Kambe and Kato fake marry to participate in a game show and track down a shipment of adollium. Complete.

Good Omens

Fire Within the Heart. Crowley has difficulty maintaining his human form when it gets too cold. Romantic!azicrow, complete.

Our House. Aziraphale and Crowley move into the South Downs cottage together. Romantic!azicrow, ongoing technically. Some day I will probably return to this lol.

The Raven Cycle

A Dreamer's Guide to the Galaxy. Pynch hitchhiker's guide AU series. First fic is complete, the second is permanently on hiatus.

Trying It Again. Compilation of fics written for pynch week 2018. Complete.

Safety First. Adam spills chemicals on himself and has to use the safety shower. Though apparently he's not the only one... Pynch, complete.

It's Not a Date. Two times Adam didn't know it was Valentine's Day. Pynch, complete.

On a Raven's Black Wing. Adam works at a pet store where Ronan and Chainsaw are frequent customers. Pynch, permanently on hiatus.

Wild and Free. Another compilation. this time for pynch week 2017. Complete.

You Are My Dream. Ronan and Adam explore their new relationship now that they're not tramping around mystical forests looking for sleeping kings. Complete.

Fire Emblem

Three Houses

Cashepar Week 2019. 4 fics I wrote for Caspar/Ashe. Complete.

Too Lazy to Stop Being Lazy. Hilda and Linhardt trick each other into doing their chores for them. Gen, complete.

Awakening

Love Me as I Am. Inigo/Laurent, both have strict parents, but together they can be who they really are. Permanently on hiatus.

Rabbits, Masks, and Monkeys. Gerome/Yarne, how two boys become friends again (and perhaps more than that). Complete.

Trick or Treat? Gaius/m!Robin, Gaius takes Morgan trick or treating. Lots of background pairings. Complete.

Yowamushi Pedal

You can find a list of my yowapeda fics here!

Person of Interest

Sing. John loves Finch's singing. Romantic, complete.

Free!

Snapshots. Compilation of fics for souharu week 2015. Complete.

About Time. Cuddly souharu try to celebrate Sousuke's birthday (Sousuke forgets). Complete.

Memories of Friendship. Gen souharu, where Sousuke stays at Haru's house a little longer during High Speed 2. Complete.

Broken. When Sousuke finds out he can never swim again, his world falls down around him. Gen, complete.

Adrift. My souharu saga: Sousuke, unable to swim any longer, has to coach Haru for the Olympics. Complete.

DAYS

If You'd Only. Shibakimi friends with benefits, where neither of them want to admit to being friends or having benefits. Permanently on hiatus.

[mystery-star]

Waiting for you - Spock

Pairing: Spock x reader (gender neutral)

Warnings: mentions of injury and death

Words: 1838

Star Trek universe: AOS

A/N: Just a lil thing I wrote because I haven’t written (at least for Spocko) in ages. And didn’t feel like writing on a series.

-

“She’s here. She’s here” you heard someone shouting beside you and looked around and finally you could see the Enterprise approaching in one of many tunnels above you. You smiled and stepped forward a little and waited for the crew to dismount. When you saw the first of them, your smile got broader and you got onto your tiptoes to look out for your husband. Not many people of the Enterprise had someone waiting for them and those who did seemed overjoyed. It made you look down for moment because you had a feeling that Spock wouldn’t greet you like others greeted their loved ones. Finally, you could see him and slightly raised your hand, hoping he’d see you. When he did, he came straight towards you, stopping half a meter in front of you

“(Y/N)” he said “What brings you to Yorktown?”

“I’ll give you three guesses” you replied and just threw yourself around his neck “I’ve missed you, Spock” you breathed against his skin and he hugged you back slightly.

“Am I therefore right to conclude that you came here in order to see me during my shore leave?”

“Right” you let go of him but only that you could kiss him. He cupped your face and kissed you back. At some point his hand found yours, slowly stroking his first two fingers against yours. But then he pulled away from you all of a sudden, just holding your hand. You turned around and saw two older Vulcans behind you.

“Commander, might we have a word? Alone?” you wanted to ask why you couldn’t come when Spock threw a glance at you and squeezed your hand

“Do you mind?”

“Just be quick” you pecked his cheek “I’ll be waiting for you, okay?” you handed him a keycard of the hotel where you had booked a room for you both. He gave a nod, then let go of your hand and followed the two men. With a sigh you looked after him and returned to the hotel, knowing he would be clever enough to find it when he was done.

But he only came when it was dark and you were already in bed, reading a magazine on your PADD.

“Have you been waiting with sleeping until I return?”

“Well, you got some days of shore leave, then I won’t see you for another two years. I want to use every minute with you that I can” he gave a nod and sat down on the bed, placing a device on the nightstand. “What did they want?”

“I will tell you in the morning”

“Alright” you put the PADD aside and stretched yourself a little before sitting up, crawling closer to him and wrapping your arms around him again, kissing him. “We now have better things to do, don’t you think?” he kissed you back and placed one of his hands in the small of your back, pulling you closer while he ran his other hand over the side of your face. After the kiss he leaned his forehead to yours and you bumped his nose with yours. “Did you have fun out there on the mission?”

“I have written and called you three times per week, as we have agreed on, and informed you about what you call ‘adventures’ and have also answered each question concerning them I was allowed to answer”

“Well yes but your last message was two days ago. I need a recap of the past two days. Or retell me your favorite mission. Doing it face-to-face is much better” you pecked his lips. He gave a nod, pulled you into his lap and started telling you how the Captain had attempted to make peace between two species that didn’t work out as planned. Then he went on to their arrival to Yorktown and suddenly his communicator beeped “Tell me that’s your private comm”

“It is not” he leaned forward to get it and you just wanted to stop him but let it happen with a sigh. Placing you back on the bed, he gave your hand a squeeze, took the comm, opened it and left the room. With a sigh you fell back on the bed, glancing to the PADD and considering if you should continue reading but then looked at the ceiling, repeating everything you had planned to do with Spock in the following days in your mind. Soon Spock returned and you sat up with a smile but his words ruined it “I must go”

“Go? Go where? Aren’t you on shore leave?”

“I am. However, there is a matter that requires my assistance”

“What is it?”

“I cannot tell you much but I must leave Yorktown”

“You’re shitting me”

“I do not joke”

“But… but… will you at least get that time off later on? How long will you be gone?”

“I suppose it should not take longer than 36 hours”

“Oh well…. Then you owe me yet another debriefing upon your return” he gave a nod, came closer to put his comm on his nightstand and pecking your forehead.

“Please make yourself a pleasant day tomorrow”

“Okay. And then I’ll be waiting here for you… again”

-

But Spock didn’t come home the evening or morning after he had left, so you decided to make yourself another nice day exploring another area of Yorktown. In the late afternoon, you suddenly heard how the station went on alert and after looking around you saw that a swarm of tiny ships tried attacking Yorktown. Around you everyone was in panic, screaming, rallying kids and running away while you stood there frozen, staring at the many little ships on the other side of Yorktown.

“We have to leave. Come. Now” someone next to you shouted, pulling on your arm

“Can we go somewhere safe? Like a… bunker?”

“A bunker on a Starbase?” the man started laughing slightly and shook his head.

“Or can we do something? Something to help? Is there a defense station or militia? Or help evacuate people?”

“That’s Starfleet’s business” as if on cue, there was an announcement, informing the public that there was an attack and that you should not panic. You let out a snort and watched how the people around you seemed to panic even more. You looked around and finally saw a security, officer, going over to him.

“Excuse me, Sir?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll all be safe, just stay calm and…”

“No, I wanted to ask if I can help something.”

“Help?”

“Yeah. Weapons, evacuate people or something” he looked at you, considered it a while then said he’d have to check it out. But before he could return, they managed to somehow blow up all the small ships. Somehow you couldn’t believe that this was everything and sure enough, there was another announcement informing the public that a great part of the ship had been destroyed but that three of them had gotten into Yorktown but that they still had the situation under control and would do everything to stop them. For some reason, you found that three ships hand entered Yorktown almost worse than the initial attack. Because you knew there probably wasn’t much you could do unless the ships came to that part of Yorktown, you sat down in a café, ordered a drink and watched the news on the big screen that gave a permanent update on the situation at the other end of Yorktown. Not even 15 minutes later, you heard that everyone was out of danger and the intruders had been rendered harmless. After a sigh, you finished your drink and then returned to the scene of the action, maybe there now was something you could help, like tidying up damage or helping the wounded. You stayed there and helped until it was dark and the volunteers were sent home, so you returned to the hotel. But you didn’t get far and the receptionist called you over.

“You are (Y/N) (Y/L/N), right?”

“That’s me, yeah”

“I have message for you, from a doctor Leonard McCoy”

“I know him. He’s the doctor on the Enterprise. What is this message about?”

“He lets you know, that your husband… Commander Spock will spend the night in Yorktown hospital”

“Ho-hospital? They’re back? What does he have? Is it bad? Can I visit him? When did they get back?”

“He only told me that so you know where your husband is and in case you wish to see him. I don’t know anything else” you nodded and with a thank-you you ran out of the hotel, to the hospital, where you had brought a few people earlier today. You went to a visitor station to register your visit and once you knew where your husband was and that he currently could be visited, you rushed to the elevator and then to his room. When you saw Spock lying in bed awake, you let out a deep breath and moved closer.

“Spock” you breathed, not sure what to say and having a hundred questions at the tip of your tongue. "How are you?” was the first you asked

“I am well, (Y/N). The doctors insisted I stayed the night to ensure that my condition does not become worse” you nodded and came closer, taking his hand, pressing a kiss to it as you sat down on the edge of the bed. To your delight, he squeezed your hand.

“What happened? To you, I mean?” he explained how on the mission his side was impaled by a piece of metal and that McCoy didn’t have the correct equipment to properly treat him. “At least you’re safe” you ran your free hand through his hair. “When did you even get back?”

“4.2 hours ago”

“That was… that was when the attack happened” he agreed and said it was them who played a great role in stopping them. “Oh so that big ship that destroyed the central plaza was you, the Franklin?”

“Indeed”

“And what about the Enterprise?”

“She has been destroyed”

“Oh no. What about the crew? Are they safe?”

“We have not yet been able to ascertain who has survived the attack on the Enterprise and who lost their life, however, I am certain that at least 350 people have survived”

“Out of 428 that’s still a lot that could have died”

“Besides, I also know of at least 16 casualties from the crew” you gave a nod

“And what now? I mean is your mission over? The Enterprise is gone”

“We do not know yet but it is certain that we will remain her for longer than the originally scheduled 12 days of shore leave”

“Well, then we got more time to do something as long as we’re here. And I get to see you longer. Ha that visit was worth it” you leant down to kiss his forehead. “Now we just gotta make sure you’ll be on your feet as soon as possible because I have lot planned for the next days”

-

Taglist: @softsapphicideals

[minithefutureawaits09]

To follow up on an earlier post

Link to AOS:

❤️Absolutely Smitten❤️

- TOS Spirk edition

A/n:

It gets pretty angsty so hold on.

Also know in this Fic, Bones doesn’t know the details about Tarsus IV that info is extremely classified and really, only select people know about it. So it’s really been swept under the carpet in this particular fic.

--

Spock heads down the hallway and to Jim’s quarters. Buzzing in as he always does.

....

No response.

So he tried again.

...

No response.

Now things were getting a little concerning. So when he buzzed for a third time and got no response he types in the override code for Jim’s quarters. Absolutely worried sick, and he realized standing there that...

Spock can’t feel their bond.

That prospect alone sends his heart racing even faster than his normal resting heart rate. Yet he swallows his panic as the doors open with their familiar squeak and he’s engulfed into a warm dark room. The doors squeak again as they closed behind him.

“Jim? My Jim, where are you? Are you alright?”

The worry while he can control it physically, slips into his tone. Eyes already adjusting for the darkness of the room, a small tribute to his Vulcan biology. His eyes adjust much quicker than a humans does.

“Go away Spock.”

Came the sharpest reply the Vulcan’s almost positive he’s ever heard. While the words themselves were not super harmful, the tone punctured.

On the bed was a small heep of blankets, he can only assume that huddled in all of those blankets was his Husband. He allows himself to frown and his brows to furrow. Jim never wanted him to leave whenever he was upset, always wanting him to hold close and not let go. So something, although going through his eidetic memory he doesn’t see anything.

“Jim, My-“

“I said Go. Away. Commander. Consider it an order from your Captain.” 

Something was really wrong then. Yet he would not leave Jim’s side. Whatever it was, he had made a vow until death did they part. He wasn’t leaving.

“Then you will need to fill out the insubordination paperwork shortly.”

He sees the blankets move, and he can only assume he is being looked at.

“I am not leaving K’diwa. I am your bond mate, and I am worried about you. You did not answer your door, I cannot feel our bond, and your tone is enough evidence that there is something bothering you. I vowed to care for you and I intend to get to the bottom of it, so if that means facing insubordination charges then I will.”

More ruffling of sheets and blankets, and now he can see his bond mate. The dark brown hair, and make out his eyes in the darkness. Hand reached out towards him, and the pain is so sharp at the horrible broken voice his beloved uses. Their bond floods open and he can feel all of the jagged edges of self hatred attacking Jim’s mind.

“S-Sp-ock-”

His feet move on their own and in moments flat Spock had Jim in his lap still wrapped in a couple of blankets but held firmly. He sobs begging apologies from his lips and promises to never leave him. Every broken sound that leaves him makes the Vulcan’s heart ache, and wanting to tear apart whoever caused these precious tears to spill.

He assures Jim that he did no wrong, that he did not feel any hurt emotions at his words. That there was nothing there other than his overwhelming concern for the person he values the most. That he will always be there. Always.

He sends all of the pure intense love he feel for the brunette in his lap and reassurance through their bond to Jim. Using their physical proximity as an easy way to tap into his beloved’s head in gentle attempts to soothe the hurt he can feel. Whatever caused this got him good, where it hurt.

Eventually he calmed and Spock whispers gently resting his forehead against his human’s,

“K’diwa, My James, will you tell me now what is wrong?”

... There’s hesitation showing in those hazel eyes staring up at him,

“I promise you, no matter what you say, I will listen to every word.”

...

“Is there a problem with how I eat, Spock?”

What? That was such an odd question. Yet with those hazel eyes hanging onto his every moment for his reply he placed a gentle kiss to his forehead and answered,

“I have never seen it vary from normal that would produce the need for comment or medical intervention.”

...

“Do I hoard food, Spock?”

Spock instead of answering taps into their bond and catches just the thought of one event.

Tarsus IV

“Ha’su, does this have to do with Tarsus IV?”

He asks and Jim looks away ashamed- he knows he’s ashamed because he can’t hide it this close to Spock. Yet using one hand he guides his beautiful hazel gaze back to his own.

“My K’diwa, Tarsus IV is an indescribable horror you had to face at such a young age. I know you have tried your best to heal some of those wounds. I know this trauma will haunt you for the rest of your life, and it will always affect how you eat. A famine and genocide. Yes, I do notice you have a few non-perishable items around your quarters. However, I simply attributed them to the fact Humans need to eat more frequently.”

He runs a hand through those brown locks he loves so, so very much. He watches as those lips, a little swollen from his cries open,

“When food became such a struggle and for so long...I-I just—”

“Shh. You need not explain yourself to me. Your trauma and struggle with food is not invalid. It will never ever. Ever. Be invalid.”

This brings back a smaller wave of tears as his husbands arms wrapped around his neck rather then around his middle as they were originally.

“Did someone bring this up?”

“Yes.”

“Who?”

“Bones. Though he didn’t bring Tarsus itself up, he just made a comment on my eating habits and it well...Lead to an argument. He doesn’t know the full story though. I just haven’t told him yet because I haven’t been ready to. He only knows what my records say. Which isn’t much because the federation wanted to keep it hush hush.”

Spock nodded. So he would have to make a trip to Medbay and have an informative discussion with Dr. McCoy.

“Please don’t be mad at Him. He doesn’t know,”

“I am not mad because he did not know. However, I will be having a conversation with him if you are amenable to that to inform him of it so you will not have to.”

He feels a gentle nod at his words. Agreeing with him

‘I love you, and thank you for not leaving me alone and being willing to talk to Bones for me.’

‘I love you too, my Jim. I am absolutely smitten for thee, and I wish you to never forget that. Sleep now,’

‘I won’t, I promise I will never forget...’

Sleep the brunette does. It’s almost mere moments and he feels their bond gently going dormant. It’s still several moments before he gently rests his husband down and goes to speak with McCoy.

—

(Bonus scenes because I feel like it)

—

“Oh my god,”

Leonard’s hand his over his mouth. He was sitting at his desk as Spock had advised him to do so. Shock and guilt coated over himself.

“I didn’t know, I swear-”

“He informed me of such. I am not mad Dr. McCoy. I simply wished for you to understand.”

“I need to go apologize-”

“He is resting, however I am willing to let you know when he wakes.”

“Yes. Right. Thank you, Spock. I promise, I never would of said anything if I’d known. The only thing in his files says is he’s a Tarsus IV survivor. Nothing more. I never even knew what it was until now.”

“I understand Dr. McCoy.”

And he does.

“I will leave you to process this, and to go attend to Jim when he wakes.”

Leonard nodded as Spock exited.

-

Spock was holding Jim as he yawns and those Hazel eyes open. He doesn’t say anything but he can feel the gentle buzz in his head from seeing that his husband was still here just as he promised he would be.

“Commander Spock to Medbay,”

..

“Medbay here, What is it?”

“The Captain is awake if you wish to see him,”

“Alright. Be up in 15 minutes.”

“Noted. Spock out,”

The transmission was cut.

His partner seemed confused, so Spock relayed the message.

“He wishes to apologize directly, and I said I would inform him of your awakening.”

A simple nod comes from Jim.

...

It was actually less than 15 minutes when Bones shows up. Normally Leonard would say something to get them apart, but given what happened he isn’t going to say a thing about Spock holding Jim.

“Jim?”

The brunette’s head turns to look at his best friend.

“Hey, I wanted to apologize for what I said.”

He sits down on the edge of the bed. Spock watches as those hazel eyes follow him.

“Jim, god. I never, I never would have said any- any of that if I had known. I promise you. I had no idea what sort of demon you deal with every time you go to eat in your head.”

“It’s alright-”

“It’s not though Jim. I shouldn’t have said those things in-”

“Leonard.”

The doctors name makes him fall quiet.

“Leonard, You didn’t know. I hadn’t told you...Yet now that you know, could we schedule an appointment to maybe..do something about it?”

“Maybe try some anti-anxiety medications?”

Jim nodded.

“You got it kiddo. Whenever you’re ready you just let me know alright?”

“Alright.”

Bones gives a nod to Spock who had been silent for this whole time. He knows that means to gently and lovingly encourage him to do so in the near future. He leaves but not before Jim surprised them both by pulling the doctor into a hug. They held on for just a few moments and even Spock could tell the world was alright once more. The doctor then left, and Spock went back to holding his partner. Humming as he gently guided him back to sleep, and shortly drifted off after.

[ichayalovesyou]

Why Does God Need A Starship? (Live Reaction):

I always thought Sybok was cool and interesting and NOW I’m sure! You know it’s times like these that I’m grateful I kinda came back into the Star Trek fandom on my own, because I don’t have to deal with Opinions of older/louder Trekkies. This one kinda has a lukewarm reputation but I’m getting the vibe that I’ll genuinely enjoy it.

Yet again Bones is serving up some LOOKS damn! Look at these elder gays! Spock has rocket boots, amazing. “Because it’s there” and then falling off the goddamn mountain is such a James Tiberius Kirk thing to do 😂 “HI BONES!” These guys omfg. OH MY GOD SO WE DO SEE CAITIANS OUTSIDE THE CARTOONS?? Hell yeah! Also pole dancing to no music, is... weird. Lmao. Also okay I’m sorry Sybok is cool! Sybok is cool and interesting and I really like him! (Not morally obviously dude is shady as all fuck, but a cool dude nontheless!) Always fascinated by Cult Leader type villains, especially when they point out valid criticisms about the society from which they came (important distinction is that the CAUSE is not vilified, but the person and their means, something M****l has largely forgotten)

Awww I may ship Hikura, but Uhura & Scotty are also cute as hell!! Awwwwwww!!!! Old married couples can be so freaking cute. Chekov & Sulu are LOST ohhhh my god this is hilarious, these two idiots. Also can we talk about how Koenig’s eyebrows are slowly gaining sentience and Takei aged like fine wine? Lol. THE HOLY TRINITY OF ELDER GAYS ARE CAMPINGGGG! I’m- oh my god they’re so cute. “Marshmelon” this is cute as hell oh my god. They’re indulging and messing with Spock at the same time I’m dead! They’re singing ohh my god this gonna give me cavities with how sweet it is!!!

This Klingon dude is frickin ROCKING the eyeliner! Bruhhhh was the frickin spotlight necessary! Leave the gays alone SHHHH they’re SLEEPING!! Lmao. Yo I’ll be real this movie starts incredibly slowly but I seriously do not mind, it’s relaxing to not have to worry about missing important details if you look away for a second, it’s nice. WAIT? Does Jim’s shirt say GOT MILK?!!? Oh no, it says go climb a rock, oh thank god [“fatty milkers” flashbacks]

Seriously McCoy is just radiating so much old southern lady/gay energy in this movie and I love it so freaking much “if you ask me (and you haven’t) this is a horrible idea” he sounds like my North Carolina living Meemaw. Wow you can see Spock low-key taking psychic damage from seeing Sybok 😲 V’tosh Ka’tur of the highest order huh? Still disturbing that his government literally cast him out, that’s a red flag 😬. What happened with Sybok is probably a lot of why Spock was pressured to be as Vulcan as he was, I’m sure Sybok was a massive scandal/shame for Sarek, and knowing him, he’d end up making that his kids’ problem not his 🙄

Oh neat!! Chekov is in the in the captain’s chair. Oh this is the song they replaced Nichols’s voice for 😤 but also GIRL THAT WAS BADASS AND THAT SONG WAS A BOP! Quick question, wow these “alien” horses are somehow even worse than the unicorn dog (also it’s a desert planet, wouldn’t it be better to have, like, alien camels or something?) This dude’s Klingon is freakin impeccable btw! He’s really got the vibe down! Jim did you forget how fuckin bananas strong Vulcans are??? Sybok went like 😡☹️ when Spock pointed that laser rifle at him 😂😂😂 again even tho I know Scotty and Uhura are married but it’s scenes like getting held hostage right there where they radiate such POWER COUPLE energy GAWD! 🤩

Stay out of this Bones we’re having a lover’s quarrel! Jim is taking fucking psychic damage from this entire conversation lol. Okayyyy whatever Sybok is doing is definitely some kind of mind control type thing, that shit is creepy af no thank youuuuuu (spores anyone?). Oh my god Spock & Jim are so married lmao, that “I’m sorry” Vulcan kiss in the brig man Aw. (Oh man Magic’s of mega-tsu got devani mixed by that comment lame!) SCOTTYYYYYY!! YAS!

Yay rocket boot glomp! Lmfao! Sybok needs to brush up on his earth history Columbus did NOT figure out the world is round 🙄 Ah Scotty being like “listen, you’re not okay rn so I’m not really down for whatever you think you wanna do right now it can wait until you’re right in the head again” and they could’ve not done that and it would’ve been creepy (especially by today’s standards) but they didn’t! And that was awesome!

Bones being skeptical and has every right to be! He’s faced down would be gods and would-be messiahs before! Also I’ve seen people judge Bones for being the first to cave but Sybok totally did that shit to him without consent! He didn’t go back on his beliefs, Sybok forced him to! BONES PROTECTION SQUAD IS HERE AND ITS ME! Oh Bones, man, poor babeyyyy (fuck Sybok!) 😭😭😭 OH MY GOD BONESSSSSS Sybok leave him alone! Goddamnit! Leave him alone!

I think Jim can see Spock’s Sybok induced vision cuz they’re ✨Bonded✨ (it didn’t seem like they could see Bones’s, other than what Bones was doing). JIM KNOWS SO MUCH BETTER! ITS HOW HE BEAT THE SPORES ITS HIS CORE! I UNDERSTAND AND LOVE HIM FOR IT!!! Spock 😍😍😍 he’s like, you’re bullshit happiness pill doesn’t work on me cuz I am whole for the first time in my life, and I love my husband, and I already learned my lesson decades ago 💚🖖🏻💚 (who knew how important the character development from This Side of Paradise AND Return To Tommorow would be??? Hell yeah!)

I love Scotty so much 🥰 hardcore badass Hufflepuff from beginning to end! Also I hope Sybok appears in SNW that could be really really interesting if they do it right! ITS GOD (derogatory) REVERE HIM! Oh here comes that legendary question!! “What dies God need with a starship?” Red flag don’t call Jim a creature! Oh shit god has laxer eyes oh no lmao! Bones snaps out of whatever Sybok did to him when “God” hurts his friends and we LOVE HIM FOR ITTTT! Awww Spock & Sybok and be saaaaad, oh shit! Into the lightning to fight a mirror of yourself like Lazarus in that one episode!

OH SHIT THE KLINGONS ARE HERE! Oh damn Spock just swore a cuss the right way, at a Klingon General no less! General dude just went “caotain tell Kirk you are sorry!” LMAO! NOT IN FRONT OF THE KLINGONS 😂😂😂😍 KISS DAMNIT!! God this whole after scene is so good, maybe the god is the friends we made along the way. “I lost a brother once” you also lost SAM dummy, I know you were just telling Spock you love him but still. SHUT UP SPOCK IS PLAYING ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT ON HIS LYRE??

Okay, seriously, I unironically love this movie, it might be my favorite out of the ones I’ve seen so far actually. TMP felt like the movies getting their sea legs, but it was slow and messy, it wasn’t as thought provoking as it wanted to be (aside from Spock’s wonderful arc in that film). WoK & TSFS are amazing for drama and angst and Spirk content, but they weren’t really asking the big questions Star Trek is wonderful for. Then The Voyage Home is just plain silly and fun and wholesome. But this, this movie had depth! The whole premise is “what is god and is there is one?” I LOVE that as someone who has a very complicated relationship with spirituality. I also already loved the TOS episodes This Side of Paradise, Return To Tomorrow, The Omega Glory and The Way To Eden, and this movie had the best of those concepts! Sybok was such a fascinating antagonist/anti-hero and I hope we get to see him explored more on screen one day, even if it’s just through Discovery/SNW flashbacks. It may have started off slow and it’s not without its flaws but this felt like the Star Trekkiest TOS Star Trek movie so far!