Star Trek fanfiction recs: non-K/S pairings and gen fic
This is where I keep my favorite stories about non K/S pairings and friendship/family/crew stories! PLEASE read the author'ss note before starting. All of the fics are reboot!Universe unless specified with a *** , which denotes the TOS universe fics. IMPORTANT: Even if the links are not embedded in the page, that doesn't not mean they are broken. It just means I can't figure out how to work LJ properly. Also, until I figure out how to work this damn LJ cut, new additions to the rec list will be added by me in the comments, not the text. If any of you can explain to me how to use the Cut Wizard, I will love your forever. Comments are welcome and appreciated. Thanks:)
Friendship Stories about the Crew:
http://users.livejournal.com/_seven_crows/13837.html">“Murphy's Law of Jim Kirk Diplomacy” by Seven Crows
Pairing/Characters: Kirk, Spock, and McCoy friendship
Summary:"Great," Kirk says. "In the end, it's not going to be punching someone in the face, or shooting something, or even in some barfight. It's going to be a goddamned diplomatic mission gone wrong that does me in." Note: A diplomatic mission goes horribly wrong, and crack, ninjas, craziness, and (platonic) male bonding ensues. Lighthearted and funny, but a great fic about nu!Trio getting to know eachother.
“ How to Avoid Kicking Puppies and Other Valuable Lessons in Leadership” by sparky777 Pairing: Gen/friendship fic for the whole crew (but with passing reference to Spock/Uhura and, arguably, a little pre-slash subtext for...well, everybody, but it's up to debate whether that was intentional.) Summary:There’s something about the way he slouches that seems to be saying, ‘I could be sitting straight, but the universe just couldn’t handle the awesomeness of me being fully upright in this chair.' Note: In which Kirk has to repremand Chekov, he and Spock have to be the 'married couple' 'parents' of the Enterprise (even though their relationship is strichtly bromance in this one), Spock and Uhura (probably) have super nerdy sex, and everybody is one big happy dysfunctional family. A funny, lighthearted fic about the crew's dynamic.
l dquo;When The Game Ends, We'll Sing Again” by clio Pairings: Kirk/McCoy, Spock/Uhura summary: College AU: Four young men meet as Harvard freshmen in 1959. Note: I'm a sucker for AU fics, especially ones where everybody goes to college together. I'm also a sucker for friendship-centric fics and though this fic contains the aforementioned pairs, the comraderie between Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Scotty takes center stage. Original concept, too.
"Four Consequences of an Unexpected and Unlikely Friendship" by TrisB Pairing: Kirk-Uhura friendship with background Spock/Uhura and implied McCoy/Kirk Summary: Boys. Girls. Clothes. Pon Farr. Note: This one's a humorous one, on the cracky side, but sweet and funny.
“How Many Roads? (or 27 Times Jim Kirk hit on Nyota Uhura) by Deastar Pairings: Kirk and Uhura friendship (with background Spock/Uhura and Kirk-Spock bromance) Synopsis: After the bar fight, Nyota thinks to herself that if this is what being hit on by Jim Kirk leads to, she's very glad she's never going to have to see him again. Note: The story of how Jim Kirk turned from the annoying drunk guy at the bar that one night to a member of her family. Starts out very funny and quirky, but grows more serious as the characters age and mature, and ends on a note unexpectedly powerful.
The Waterpark Verse by ken_ichijouji Pairings: Kirk/McCoy, Spock/Uhura, Sulu/Chapel Synopsis: A series of dramedy-based stories primarily about Kirk and McCoy falling in love with each other. Strange things happen in the process. Oh yeah, and the Enterprise has its own water park. Note: At face value, it's unadulterated crack fic. Very funny crack fic, but crack fic. But beneath the silliness, there is a surprising amount of subtly in character depth that sneaks up on you. Kirk/McCoy is the center of the story, but Spock/Uhura and Sulu/Chapel (which I didn't think I would like) get their fair share of page time, too.
“Four People James T. Kirk Never Told(and three he did)” by vain girl Link:http://vaingirlfic.livejournal.com/63278.html Pairing: Kirk/Carol Marcus and a bit of Kirk/Spock/Uhura at the very end, but it's not at all the center of the fic Summary:The obligatory angry, underaged non-con fic. Also known as, hey, why did Jim drive his step dad's car off a cliff?Five things fic. This was supposed to be for a kink meme prompt, but got waaaay out of hand and failed to develop porn. Note: WARNING FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AND A SUICIDE REFERENCE. The prevalence of abuse is a touchy subject for me, but this one handled the issue with the sensitivity, providing genuine depth to Kirk, instead of serving as a cheap ploy to gain audience sympathy for a character. It's a dark fic, but with an ending open to the possibility of healing. Also,I put it under non-shipping instead of the OT3 section because even though a threesome is involved, it's only in the final paragraph and is not at all the focus of the story.
Spock/Uhura
“Miscommunication” by salr323 Synopsis: Uhura and Spock origin story. How they went from mentor and student to so much more... Note: Fics (of any pairing) with the “Pride and Prejudice” angle can run the risk of being cliche, but this writer really makes it fresh. I LOVE her Uhura: she is the perfect mix of both focused, controlled ambition and fierce passion.
"The Opposite of Logic" by Kristen Elizabeth Pairing:Spock/Uhura Summary: "I do not believe I have ever hurt anyone as much as I have hurt her, Jim." Note:Spock is forced to dump Uhura to return to the Vulcan colony and bond with T'Pring. Obviously, he does not want to. Angsty, tense, but beautiful and romantic. Also, kudos to this author for writing good Kirk-Spock friendship in the background of the love story.
Break" by yahtzee Pairing: Spock/Uhura Summary: During their final semester at Starfleet Academy, two people who have no intention of ever changing transform each other. Note: Yet another how-Spock-and-Uhura got together story. But a very fresh and in-character one:) "
Like the Stars, Like Your Destiny: by anodyna Summary: Nyota Uhura has always been drawn to things that resist her understanding. Finding out she's lived her entire life in an alternate reality is a mystery she's not sure she can solve. Sleeplessness and self-examination ensue.note: utterly awesome Uhura fic, leading up to Uhura/Spock.
"Meditations on Smoke" by linstock Summary: Spock is meditating and seeks an answer to an important question. Based off the prompt 'pre-pairing, 5 sexy things Uhura unknowingly did that intruded upon Spock's mind when he tried to meditate."
"Virago" by Rawles Summary: 17 facts about Nyota Uhura.
In Her Aspect and In Her Eyes" by liviapenn Summary: The elementary logic leads to an obvious conclusion Note: Normally don't rec one shots, but I found this one a very believable one for how Uhura and Spock first met. “
To Love And Not To Hold” by snowlight Summary:Written for st_xi_kink request: A story where one of the characters is asexual, and they're trying to cope, because asexual/sexual relationships are hella complicated. Note: WARNING. Though it is a Spock/Uhura fic, if they are your OTP that you are deeply emotionally involved with and you do NOT like angst, skip this one. I personally like angst, but I know it's not everybody's cup of tea. It touches on the subject of asexuality, which is rarely handled with such sensitivity in fanfic.
"Letting Go" by inell
Summary: She wishes, occasionally, that he'd take the initiative.
Note: Yes. I just recced smut. But it's worth reading, perfectly done.
All in the Mind" by Ms. Tater
Summary: One shot on how he asks her out.
"Someday Series" by icemink
Summary:When the Enterprise receives a distress call from a Vulcan rescue vessel, Spock finds himself confronted by his past, and he must choose whether to uphold Vulcan traditions or find his own way.
Note:Still a WIP, but if you ship S/U, you need in on this. yesterday.
Kirk/McCoy:
"Establishing Rapport" by therumjournals Pairing: Kirk/McCoy Summary: Leonard McCoy is a terrible therapist. Jim Kirk is a terrible government employee. They're absolutely perfect for each other. Note: Confession: I actually don't ship McCoy/Kirk at all (all I see is the bromance) but I love this fic. It's written mostly in dialogue, but don't let that throw you off: it's awesome, slow building slash. And it's a modern day AU!
All the King's Men" by mijan Pairing:Could be McCoy/Kirk or very deep friendship, take your pick. Summary:"How many times can you patch up something before you realize that it's too fucking broken to fix, Bones?" When a training simulation uncovers something that Cadet Jim Kirk was never meant to remember, it breaks him. Leonard McCoy can't sit by and watch Jim crumble. When asked what he's willing to do to get the old Jim back, Leonard has only one answer. "Anything." Note: A simulation triggers a massive PTDS attack for Kirk. When his confident facade is shattered, McCoy is there to pick up the pieces. “
"The
Most Precious Thing" by soloproject Pairing: Chekhov centric. Eventual Chekhov/Sulu Summary:Even if all their lives turn out to be an alternate reality, this is how Pavel Chekov grows up. note: beautiful coming of age story. One of the best Chekhov characterizations I have ever seen.
No Big Truth by mcstories LPairing: Chekhov/Sulu (background Kirk/McCoy and Spock/Uhura) Summary: Hikaru Sulu has a great life - a fun job, an awesome best friend, a complete lack of ambition. Things are perfect...until a green-eyed kid in a suit and tie screws up everything. Note: A modern day AU. God, I love those. This story has just the right amount of humor and heart. I liked the Kirk/Sulu bromance, too, which is something you don't see in fic that often.
Threesome Stories:
"Called You Friend" by thearc_5 Pairing: McCoy/Kirk/Spock Summary:The Enterprise is sent to deal with a situation, and one of their own is taken. But this is not where the story begins "
"Before They Were Enemies, They were Allies" by rusting roses link:http://rusting-roses.livejournal.com/17382.html#cutid1 Pairing: Kirk/Spock/Uhura Summary:Nyota tells a story about love and how it is many things- but expected and easy aren't two of them. Least of all when the two men she's in love with are Spock and Jim. Note: I'll admit upfront I'm not a big fan of this author's prose...it's kinda wordy and slow, but this threesome is hard to come by, so I'm reccing it.
"Glitter" by anodyne and soixante quinze link:http://anodyna.livejournal.com/85967.html Pairing: Kirk/Spock/Uhura, background SpockPrime/Gaila Summary: AU. The hottest DJ at The Forge is a young Vulcan, formerly of Starfleet. He and his friends have found a new life. Then a visitor from the future appears among them, trying to pull them back to the stars.
"Possession" by azepherin Pairing: Kirk/Spock/Uhura Link:archiveofourown.org/works/94642 Summary:Won't spoil the twist at the end, just to say it's cracky, sexy, and sweet all at once.
; "The Ghost Verse" by azepherin Link:archiveofourown.org/series/2586 Summary: A collection of drabbles, mostly Spock/Kirk/Uhura and Pike/NumberOne and McCoy/OC, but I've only read the OT3 ones (and enjoyed them.)
Gaila-centric fic:
“You're Gonna Make It After All” by igrockspock Link:http://igrockspock.livejournal.com/17775.html Pairing: A Gaila fic. Subtle hints of Spock/Uhura and kind-sorta-Kirk/Gaila (and maaaybe Kirk/McCoy), but this story is Gaila-Spock friendship and Gaila-Uhura friendship centric. Summary: Two indecent exposure citations, one best friend, one amazing sex partner, one unexpected mentor, and a Starfleet-funded study of intercultural sexual norms. Sounds like a normal academic year for Gaila. Note: I adore this green skinned girl. She's in the movie for all of 40 seconds, and igrockspock turns her into a full-fleshed, interesting character who is both plucky and adorable, but also struggling to be respected for her competence as an officer, and not just as a sex object. I also adore the unlikely friendship between her and Spock. At first its unexpected, then it actually makes sense when you realize they are both outsiders in a world of humans, marginalized by cultural misunderstandings
. "Lunch and Other Obscenities" by rheanna27 Link:http://rheanna27.livejournal.com/110953.html Pairing: Uhura and Gaila friendship with a side of Uhura/Spock Summary:Nyota liked her roommate just fine until she met her. Notes:I love friendship fics about these two. Basically, Uhura and Gaila are the odd couple and, after numerous cultural misunderstandings, grow to understand eachother. Very sweet and funny.
" Scent Memory" by allocen
Pairing: Gaila/SpockPrime, with past Gaila/Kirk and KirkPrime/SpockPrime (almost a Gaila/Spock/Kirk threesome without really being one..)
Summary:Gaila's on New Vulcan when Spock Prime enters into Pon Farr. She can help on a physical level, but emotionally is a whole different ballgame.
"Forward This Generation Triumphantly" by igrockspock
Pairing: Gaila gen Summary: Gaila's sisters do alot for her. She knows this.
Note: It's only about 200 words long, but there is a world in those words. Damn powerful stuff.
"Women's Revolutionary Law" by merisunshine36
http://merisunshine36.livejournal.com/89863.html
Pairing/Characters: Gaila gen
Summary: When Gaila was four, she and her clan sister escaped to freedom in the Federation. But freedom, like everything else, comes with a cost. This is their story.
“The Orion-On-Vulcan Method” by anodyna
Link:http://anodyna.livejournal.com/38097.html Pairing: SpockPrime/Gaila. No, seriously.
Summary:Gaila needs somewhere to recuperate after being injured in the Battle of Vulcan. What better place than with Spock Prime on the Vulcan colony world? Hijinx, cultural misunderstandings, and unlikely romance ensue. Note: Okay, I never would have thought of this pairing, but it's a great story about two out-of-place souls finding solace together. The author totally makes it work.
Other Pairings:
" All She Wanted" by notboldly
Link:http://notboldly.livejournal.com/10640.html#cutid1
Pairing: Scotty/Uhura Summary:Nyota knew there was no such thing as the perfect guy; she kind of wanted one anyway.
Note: FINALLY, a story where Uhura ends up with Scotty out of her own, conscious choice and it's the center of the story, not one where they are put abruptly together to make K/S happen. I like this couple: they aren't perfect, but they are kinda awkward, kinda sweet and in their own imperfections actually...kinda perfect for eachother.
Family-Centric Stories:
“Haven” by jademac2442 Link:http://jademac2442.livejournal.com/1518.html
Rating: Teen to R Pairing : No Pairing, gen,
Summary -- Christopher Pike is on the crew of the ship that relieves Tarsus IV. He finds a young orphan Jim Kirk in a cell, and decides to adopt him. Very dark at first. WARNING. ....Torture. Genocide....Also, language. It's a dark chapter. The fic will get lighter eventually, but for the next couple chapters, it's a way dark piece of fiction. If this is going to bother you, please don't read it. Note: summary pretty much summed it up perfectly. A Pike-adopts-Jim fic, if you are into that sort of thing.
“Unveiled” by laurajv
Link:http://laurajv.dreamwidth.org/2359.html
Pairing: Sarek and SpockPrime genfic. (mentions of TOS!Spock/TOS!Kirk and nu!Spock/nu!Uhura) Summary:”What was silent in the father speaks in the son, and often I found in the son the unveiled secret of the father." -- Friedrich Nietzsche Note: Sarek and SpockPrime discuss differences between their universes. One shot. There was a huge lump in my throat at the end. That is all.