A Matter of Seduction
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | A Matter of Seduction |
| Author(s): | Sharon St. James |
| Date(s): | 1989 |
| Length: | |
| Genre(s): | slash |
| Fandom(s): | Star Trek: TOS |
| Relationship(s): | Kirk/Spock |
| External Links: | on AO3 |
Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
A Matter of Seduction is a Kirk/Spock story by Sharon St. James.
It was published in the print zine T'hy'la #8.
Summary
"Kirk is ordered to do whatever it takes when a rulerʼs heir is interested in him, unaware that it is the son, not the daughter who is interested."
Excerpt
"There was no way for Kirk to mask his outrage. “The cards are on the table, all right! I’m supposed to screw her!’
“Exactly.” The Admiral’s blue eyes were hard and cold. “You’ll do whatever it takes to get them to join the Federation. Understand?”
"I understand.” Kirk rose. “If I’m Starfleet’s prostitute, what does that make you?"
Reactions and Reviews
1990
'A Matter of Seduction" - I must confess to being somewhat disappointed in this story, because the author's past work has spoiled me into expecting something grand and elaborate whenever I see her name. This story was nicely-enough written, but it contained too many over-used ideas - the mixup in understanding who was attracted to Kirk, the irritating admiral, the use of drugs, the delicate diplomatic situation, McCoy having to be the one to spell everything out. I was hoping for something different. [1]
"A Matter of Seduction' by Sharon St. James had an interesting twist - just who was the Dakarra? I liked the part where Spock took charge and just nerve pinched the Dakarra in order to get his Captain out of a bad situation. The ensuing problem and solution was told in Ms. St. James' usual entertaining way. [2]
This goes on along as a standard, yet above-average love story of Kirk and Spock dealing with an alien culture. But then the readers gets to the ending... And it is PRICELESS!! I LOVED it!! One small nit-pick — why must it always be assumed that a person is female simply because the name ends in an "a"? [3]
K/S beginning because of Pon Farr isn't unusual, but K/S beginning because Kirk is in Pon Farr - now that's different! [4]
This was enjoyable, especially the way Komak gets his comeuppance in the end. I don't think I really believe he'd send Kirk off to be a love bunny to the Kalean of Galios, but you never know! At least, I was willing to believe it for the length of a story. And it did get Kirk together with Spock. The author didn't ignore, either, the diplomatic problem presented by Kirk's ratting out on the deal. [5]
1991
I liked the way the tables were turned on Admiral Komack, who ordered Kirk to prostitute himself...but he wouldn't do it! What was most interesting were the effects of the aphrodisiac on Kirk and how Spock helped him through it. I enjoyed this very much especially since Spock had to reveal his true desires and Kirk didn't even remember what happened between them. The tone of the story was alternately light-hearted and thoughtful, and there were many enjoyable moments: when Kirk found out what happened and when Spock revealed exactly what they shared together. Spock's misinterpretation of Kirk's words added a nice touch of conflict before all was resolved between then. [6]
1993
Kirk is recruited to be an ambassador, of sorts, to a planet that the Federation wants as a meaber. The people are hedonistic and the leader's son takes a liking to Kirk. Spock helps him remember the experience on the planet and they admit their feelings for each other.
Very good idea of a sexually free planet and their culture. However, it was a bit too short to support all the concepts and plot put forth. I would like to have seen it expanded further. Good use of McCoy caught in the middle.
Amusing ending involving the admiral who sent Kirk on the mission. Good seduction scene, but a little too "cut to waves crashing upon the rocks" for my taste. But, overall, well done. [7]
2000
On the surface, this story has all the ingredients for a ho-hum forgettable story: Komack is a character, so often caricaturized; Kirk develops amnesia; a drug is administered that provokes overwhelming lust. Doesn’t sound too promising, does it? But in the hands of this author all of it works to create a rather interesting K/S tale.
Komack orders the Enterprise to a strategic planet considering admission. Its mission: to convince the ruler, as well as his two grown children, to agree to join the Federation. Kirk’s hackles are raised when it is revealed that the Dakarra, one of the children, has specifically requested Kirk be the representative, and finds him attractive. Komack so much as orders Kirk to sleep with Dakarra in order to secure the political aim, and Kirk deeply resents the order, vowing not to use his body in such a way.
Naturally, Spock will do anything to prevent his captain from being put into such a position, and he goes into his super-protective-Vulcan mode. I don’t want to spoil the story by revealing any more plot details, but of course there is a twist, of course things don’t go as planned, and the course of true love does not run smooth.
I like the way Kirk comes to grips with what happens, I adore a question he puts to McCoy towards the end of the story, and even more I appreciate McCoy’s reply. And in the end, Komack gets his comeuppance! Ah, don’t we wish we could all “get” our bosses! [8]
2021
3.5/5. This was okay. It had some fun parts and some deeply uncomfortable parts. Thoughts were written between slashes instead of in italics, but that didn't bother me all that much. [9]
References
- ^ a letter of comment in T'hy'la #9
- ^ a letter of comment in T'hy'la #9
- ^ from The LOC Connection #16
- ^ from The LOC Connection #24
- ^ from The LOC Connection #24
- ^ from The LOC Connection #25
- ^ from The LOC Connection #51
- ^ from The K/S Press #43
- ^ K/S Fanfiction by uss-genderprise.tumblr.com/