Alternative: The Epilog to Orion

Alternative: The Epilog to Orion (also referred to as "Alternative 2/3") is a Kirk/Spock slash 50-page fanwork by Gerry Downes. Cover and inside art (very simple line drawings) are also by Gerry Downes.
While it is the first K/S zine published, it is not the first K/S written, not by a long shot. Fans had been writing underground K/S long before this zine.
The novel itself is actually only about 12 pages of prose. The rest of the fanwork are multiple line drawings by Gerry Downes, and 21 pages of poetry. Downe's described it as: "... a celebration. It is primarily an examination and a revelation of feelings, a collection of poetry, line sketches, and short prose that, for all its fluid structure, does tell a story when taken as a whole." from "Alternative" Thoughts (1978)
Very few copies of Alternative: The Epilog to Orion were ever printed. The originals were offset printed on pearl-gray paper, both covers and interior. Most of the copies in circulation are photocopies which Gerry Downes encouraged fans to make.
From an ad in The Halkan Council #20/21: "A new mature-theme zine from Gerry Downes. A different kind of love story for Starship Captain James T. Kirk and his first officer, Mr. Spock. You must state you are over 18 on your order." The price was $5, including postage.
This story was mentioned in The Development of the Kirk/Spock Relationship: Its Foundation in Fan-Fiction (1978).
==Origins, Prequels, Sequels, and Inspirations==
===By Downes===
* Nebula of Orion (1976)
* Alternative: The Epilog to Orion (1976)
* Alternative: Continuing the Epilog to Orion ("Alternative 2/3") (1979)
* The Compleat Alternative (2006)
Gerry Downes also wrote a short (16 page) "Insert For Orion" which was never published but which still exists in copy form. It was meant as an insert to the first zine, and explores the consequences of Christine watching Kirk and Spock make love at the ship swimming pool.
===By Others===
The third issue of Mahko Root was to include a related story to "Alternative," a story called "The Third Stair," but the third issue of Mahko Root never made it off the ground. From Mahko Root #2: "Otherwise, Mahko III will include… "The Third Stair", a sidebar to Alternative by Gerry Downes and Laurie Haldeman, illoed by Gerry."
A fan in 2000 described a drawerfic she'd written in response to "Alternative: The Epilog to Orion," specifically addressing the genetic argument Spock makes for dissolving the bond. In this unnamed, self-described dark fic, Spock and Kirk are both married to women. Spock turned out to be completely sterile, and Kirk's sperm were altered due to the amount of radiation he had been subjected to during his years in Starfleet, and his children were severely disabled. Kirk's wife chose to devote her life to caring for them, and Kirk quit Starfleet to assist her. Kirk's subsequent dead-end job made him miserable. Spock, knowing he'd had a part in destroying both his own and Kirk's future, is also miserable. The author wrote the story, in part, to show the hubris of thinking there is a guarantee that a child of intelligent, gifted parents will inherit any of their abilities.from MPH's recollection of a conversation on a private mailing list
==Discussed in Not Tonight, Spock!==
See Sexuality in K/S Fiction: Anal Intercourse and Sexuality in K/S Fiction: Anal Intercourse Prolonged er uh Continued.
==Discussed in "Alternative" Thoughts"==
In 1978, Gerry Downes discussed this zine and more in "Alternative" Thoughts.
==Different Versions?==
It appears there are some early issues of this zine that include art that is much more explicit than what was sent to most fans. In Scribbling Women: Artists Talk Back, Leslie Fish said: 
The answer is likely that this fan is confusing "Alternative: The Epilog to Orion" with Alternative: Continuing the Epilog to Orion; the latter's art was much more explicit.
==Contents: Prose and Poems==
* Kirk/Spock (poem)
* Funny How Things Work Out (poem)
* So This is Love (poem)
* prose: Spock arrives at Kirk's quarters with a chess board. They both realize they want to be physically and emotionally intimate with each other, and sex ensues. They both appear to be very satisfies and happy about this new relationship.
* Perhaps Some Night (poem)
* Now I Know (poem)
* Maybe I Do Have Emotions (poem)
* How Can I Tell You? (poem)
* I Wish I Had Your Control (poem)
* The Reason (poem)
* Responsibility (poem)
* Who Would've Guessed? (poem)
* Just Between Us (poem)
* Reincarnation (poem)
* Shore Leave (poem)
* Memory Survives (poem)
* Facing Reality (poem)
* Second Thoughts (poem)
* prose: Spock tells Jim they need to break the bond both because homosexuality is not accepted in this universe, Jim's reputation is on the line. Also, they are both powerful, intelligent men who have a duty to pass down their greatness to their children. They break the bond, Spock tucks Jim into bed, and goes to deck 6 to get a meal.
* Jim (poem)
* two untitled poems
==Some 2001 Comments by Gerry's Daughter-in-Law==
In 2001, shortly after Gerry Downes' death, Jane of Australia re-issued this zine with its sequel. She described the story as follows [typos are hers]: 
==Its Relationship to "Nebula of Orion"==
From 1987: 
From 2007: 
==Some 1978 Comments by the Author==
Gerry Downes commented on this zine in her article "Alternative" Thoughts:
==The 2001 Reprint==
According to the Nut Hatch Press which republished the fanzines in 2001: 
==Excerpts==
==Sample Gallery of Some Interior Pages==
File:Alt art kiss.jpg
 Image:Alt_art_Kirk.jpg
File:Alt art Kirk-1.jpg
File:Alt art Kirk-2.jpg
File:alter-1.jpg
File:alter-2.jpg
File:alter-3.jpg
File:alter-4.jpg
File:alter-5.jpg
File:alter-6.jpg
File:alter-7.jpg
==Reactions and Reviews==
===Meta===
* Open Letter by Winston A. Howlett Regarding His Review of "Alternative: Epilog to Orion" by Winston Howlett (1976)
* "Alternative" Thoughts by Gerry Downes (1978)
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==References==
Category:Star Trek TOS Slash Zines
Category:1976 Zines