Covert Action

Zine
Title:	Covert Action
Publisher:	Pon Farr Press
Editor:
Author(s):	Alexis Fegan Black
Cover Artist(s):	Shelley Butler
Illustrator(s):	no interior art
Date(s):	August 1993
Medium:	print zine, fanfic
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
External Links:	online flyer
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front cover by Shelley Butler

Covert Action is a K/S slash Star Trek: TOS novel by Alexis Fegan Black. It was published by Pon Farr Press in 1993 and has 130 pages.

flyer

It contains no interior illustrations.

Summaries

When Kirk and Spock are sent into the Romulan Empire to steal a long-range transporter prototype, nothing is as it seems. Kirk’s memories have been erased to protect his cover, and Spock finds himself falling deeper and deeper into the dangerous role he’s been called on to play – the role of the arrogant, sensuous Romulan, Prince Sa’din.

Spock goes undercover as a Romulan prince to steal the prototype of a long-range transporter, with Kirk as his mindwiped pleasure slave.

Excerpt

There was no longer any reason to play to unseen cameras, no logical excuse for the continued deception of the man he loved more than life. Not even the guards undoubtedly monitoring their every move would find it odd if the prince simply disengaged himself from the human’s embrace and strode off to bed. No, not a single soul would find it strange –

“Don’t say anything,” Zhames whispered, a gentle despair in his voice. “You don’t have to say anything. Just let me make you happy, my lord.”

Neither Spock nor the prince-within-him could say anything. Logically – by all moral rights – he should find an excuse to put an end to this madness. But his arms tightened, tried to let go, then tightened again.

His mouth opened, but no words came out; and when the human looked up at him, shaking his head in negation of Spock’s unspoken protest, the Vulcan was once again reminded that he couldn’t go against this man’s wishes even when they were so clearly wrong, so potentially disastrous.

“It’s all right,” Zhames soothed as if reading his thoughts. “Don’t think so much.”

Always in command – even when he doesn’t know it, the Vulcan thought dizzily.

And so he was lost.

Fanart Inspired by Covert Action

In April 2010 jou posted a fanart illustration for this novel, Sybilline Verses, or the Mirror of Fate. In August 2010, the art went briefly offline.

Reactions and Reviews

1993

Ms. Black's newest novel complete with plot, intrigue, love, sex and all that's great in K/S. Commissioned, or rather "volunteered" by Starfleet Intelligence, Kirk and Spock go on a dangerous undercover mission to retrieve a secret long-range transporter device that the Romulans have developed Spock assumes the identity of a Romulan prince and Kirk is his attending love slave, in order to accomplish this mission, being as the Romulans are of a telepathic nature, Kirk must have his memory altered so that he really believes he is the Prince's slave.

This scenario, in lesser hands could be at the least unbelievable and at the most preposterous. But here, it is neither. In fact, is it not only completely acceptable and understandable as presented, but it is a real "seat-of-your-pants" thriller and a love story to boot.

The premise creates wonderful dilemmas for Kirk and Spock. Their unspoken love, their secret desires, their memories and emotions all come into play.

Speaking of memory. Spock is presented with an additional problem m that one of the members of his "team" to infiltrate the Romulans is a woman from his past. He is filled with unwanted emotion when he learns she will join them and we get a fascinating peak into his mind as he remembers her.

Being one of the most difficult characters to portray accurately, Kirk is done so vividly. In art, he is indefinable and elusive, so difficult to capture and m writing, often the same problem occurs. But AFB really describes him beautifully. Here we have a strong, sensitive, unique man who has a love/hate relationship with adventure, yet rarefy turns from risk taking. The same applies with his relationship with Spock and it unfolds perfectly as we understand their growing attraction and needs.

Spock struggles with his feelings for Kina Stone (the woman m his past) and describes those feelings as "the hurt-need-ache-desperate thing". This seems to be exactly how Spock would see his emotions — first as a thing" then to (logically) separate them.

Spock simultaneously struggles with his feelings for Krk and the dilemma in which he finds himself "He must not permit the persona of Prince Sa'din to overpower Vulcan balance he had spent a lifetime attempting to maintain.

The author presents a scene between Kirk and Spock in which they discuss the impending missions, then shows Kirk in his quarters fantasizing about how the scene "should" have been along with a wonderful tie-in to Spock's previous thoughts. Kirk wonders. "He wasn't sure Spock could forgive him (or if he could forgive himself) if he allowed the fantasy to upset the delicate balance they had maintained for years." The same theme —"maintaining the balance", each engrossed in his own thoughts and unable to share.

Kirk's fantasies are wonderfully erotic (so typical of our Captain and so wed done by this author) and of the sexual nature that Spock so eloquently sees m him. But, of course, doesn't know they are directed towards him.

"satin-soft-syllable-against-the-mind" and "phantom-reality-amidst- ashes-of-illusion" all descriptions of Spock from Kirk's (as Zhames) POV. And Spock seeing Kirk transformed into his love stave and wanting so much to take him into his arms: 'For he knew that should he awaken his golden captain with a kiss, as princes were supposed to do, neither of them would stop there."

This author has such a talent for turning an ordinary scene into something unique and special. As an example, when Spock as Prince Sa'din spanks Kirk (as Zhames), it could have been trite and obvious. Instead, it starts Kirk on a tour of thoughts -- he doesn't understand his reaction nor his reality. Within the space of seconds, countless thoughts go through his mind and we see the terrible warring conflict that Zhames has with himself as his "real" personality tries desperately to come through the induced personality of the slave. This is so well portrayed that we actually feel his pain and confusion at the need to express himself.

This is not a simple story of sabotage or action - although it certainly can stand on its own in those departments. This is also an exploration of what it means to be oneself. What it means to be James Kirk and an that implies and how just a "mind-wipe" doesn't easily erase all that makes up the strong, forceful personality called Kirk. It is also about Spock's conflicts- how he falls into the role of the prince, loving and hating it at the same time. And the most fascinating of all - how Kirk and Spock can still find love with each other no matter what the obstacles The story flows so easily, yet it is dense with images and phrases that are so beautiful and powerful.

For cosmic import in K/S, read some of AFB's other novels. But for an absolutely delicious romp combined with action, plot and drop-dead erotica, read this! You wont be disappointed.

This novel isn't at all what I expected. Ifs most emphatically not your typical long-haired K/S Romulan slave novel. What It is is a damn fine Star Trek story (a K/S first-timer) that includes Romulans, slaves, sex, intrigue, a couple of wen-developed supporting characters, unexpected plot twists, angst, soul-searching, and of course, a happy ending. And. incidentally, longhair, courtesy of a Federation hair-growth stimulant (imagine the possibilities).

As the story opens, Kirk is arguing with Admiral Thai Naxxoma (himself an interesting character, fangs and all) about the latest mission Starfleet is sending our favorite duo to complete. Spock will pose as Prince Sa'dtn. a reclusive Romulan noble. Kirk, his memories blocked by Vulcan techniques, will actually believe himself to be Sa'dins handsome, coddled pleasure slave.

Kirk's memories must be altered, we understand, because Kirk would be unable to play the part otherwise; his regal starship-captain bearing would presumably give him away. Spock must play his pert on the strength of his own acting ability. And he does a good job; he is able to find within himself the Prince persona, who in fact converses with Spock mentally rater in the story, ft's an excellent example of one part of the psyche talking to another-sort of like the angel and the devil on opposite shoulders - and a good illustration of the different personae every person carries around inside.

Kirk for his part, does believe himself to be a slave, but his own personality keeps shining through at the most inappropriate and dangerous moments. The love he bears Spock is one characteristic of both personalities, and it was sensitively and beautifully portrayed.

Our boys' mission: to steal the plans and possibly the prototype for a new Romulan device that will inevitably lead to a war the Federation can't win. Spock and Kirk are to be aided by a couple of interesting characters, the brawny Ximax, a Rigelian (he deserved to be developed further), and Kina Stone, a sexy, rather butch human woman with whom Spock has a prior, er. acquaintance, the story of which left me panting. (It does not escape Spock that Kina reminds him very much of Kirk. And it doesn't escape me that her initials are "K. S.") Kina is a fascinating character, as is the Romulan praetor.

The orgy scene (you knew there had to be one!) was just right—just enough of Spock to make it dangerous, wicked, frightening, and scandalous; just enough of the prince to make it aggressive, compelling, satisfying, and hot! The sex scenes are well done, as usual with this author. I was glad she (very gracefully) got Kina out of the way of the K/S plot: however, the novel could have been longer and I think Kina suffered for the length. I wouldn't have minded a longer story with more of Kina. Further, the method by which the mission was completed was a bit too easy and shortened the story, but I cant complain for two reasons. First, it was so appropriate, from a humanistic (excuse the expression) and science fiction standpoint, and second, it was a terrific plot twist! I refuse to give it away here, because I'd hate to ruin the surprise for other readers. (But \t say this to the author: I was truly surprised! Thank you!) I would love to have seen more suspense, more danger for Spock in the scene between the orgy and said plot twist. But I found this short novel very satisfying anyway.

The scene in which Kirk regains his memories and that in which he tells Spock gave me a wonderful jolt. The fact that he did regain his memories by himself was not surprising at all; I found it completely in character and was in fact waiting for it to happen.

The writing is tush and deep as the pile of a thick Oriental carpet, yet the story moves at a fast pace, never bogged down. I love the way the author portrayed Romulan society; she made it real instead of stereotypical evil or cliched. The details she chose were just right. I adored Braxxis, god of lust! And here's a wonderful bit from Spock's ruminations: "Contrary to popular myth, Romulan citizens didn't walk around in military attire, goose-stepping to a dangerous drummer; and children weren't raised m government-owned farms and taught to hate their parents." I love to see authors delve deeply into Star Trek's alien societies and break both the fannish stereotypes and those that aired Trek unfortunately perpetuates even in ST:TNG. This author did that beautifully; this is a truly engrossing and believable Romulan society, and I'd love to see her set more stories here.

In sum, I found COVERT ACTION an eminently satisfying read, though I wouldn't have minded plenty more of the same. The story could have been half again as long. But I think its greatest strength is its versatility. Some fans never tire of long-haired K/S slave fantasies; others prefer K/S stories with a "real" Trek feel. I'm a member of the latter group, but 111 hazard a guess that this novel will satisfy both.

1994

I enjoyed reading Alexis Fegan Black's latest novel, Covert Action. I stayed up past midnight to finish it. It has been a long time since a K/S story has immersed me so completely in its action.

And this is quite unusual for me, because I frankly am not a big fan of AFB's latest writing. I generally disagree with the characterizations, and I've grown very weary of the portrayal of Kirk and Spock's sexual relationship as one of dominance and submission, with all sorts of kinks and quirks thrown in.

But I could see many differences in Covert Action. For one, the two "spanking" sequences, which normally would have really turned me off, were well integrated into the plot, and not only that, they were reciprocal! And Spock's relationship with Kina was not wearily detailed for page after excessive page, but was succinctly put, and also was an important and believable part of the plot.

I felt that AFB followed her typical formula, but modified it. Part of that was allowing Kirk to be what he is, a forceful man with a forceful personality, even when it was submerged within Zhames' persona. I especially liked the ending, for it opened the possibility that Kirk and Spock's new intimate relationship would be a balanced one. Strangely enough, although in most of CA Kirk isn't really himself, I thought that the characterization of the captain was more on target than in anything the author has written in a long time.

Part of the modification was allowing Spock to have previous sexual experience, but not rubbing the reader's nose in it, and not overloading those previous relationships with gratuitous kinkiness and an excess of sexual devices.

I didn't catch the fact that Kirk had returned to awareness, overcoming Zhames, until the sequence in the shower when he tells Spock, "I love you." A friend of mine who has also read CA claims that she realized Kirk was back when he returned to Spock's side in the orgy scene and said on page 99, "Make love to me, Spock." The use of Spock's name was the tip-off for her, but I just assumed that it was another slip as Kirk/Zhames had done before. Which was intended, a clue for the particularly astute? Tantalizing those who wondered? I must confess it went right over my head. But I loved it when the shower realization hit me.

Nobody in fandom knows how to develop sexual tension like this author does, and nobody writes a sex scene half as well either. But there were a few problems, or glitches with the story. Not that they interfered with my enjoyment in any substantial way, because I allowed myself to be swept away by the atmosphere.

Sending Kirk to assassinate Tal when the possibility of recognition was so great made no sense to me at all. Likewise, there was no indication in the story that Kirk had homosexual experience of any kind, so I wonder at his ability to "go down" on Tal so easily. This is a skill that is learned and an inclination that defines sexuality. If the "Zhames" persona was not strong enough to overcome Kirk's memories, etc., as was cleverly and clearly detailed, then how did Kirk/Zhames have the expertise and the gusto to "perform" on Tal so well? I also wondered at his easy acceptance of performing sexual acts with/upon Tal once "Kirk" had returned.

It's possible that in my headlong rush to finish one of the best K/S stories that I've read in many months that I missed this next issue. But on page 9 Kina is "altogether human." If that's so, how come she didn't need the same protection against telepathic detection that Kirk did? I know she was a secret agent, and therefore I assume there was some protection, but I never noticed that it was specified, so I was constantly wondering.

When Zhames/Kirk and Spock finally do make love in the orgy scene, yes, I believe that it was a defining, shattering moment for the two of them, but no way do I believe that their love-making would have been perceived as anything out of the ordinary by anyone watching them. Two guys fucking, a prince penetrating his slave, what's so unusual about that? Who's to know, even the Praetor, that it's the first time for them, that it's the culmination of so much between them? I simply don't believe that anyone not intimately involved in the act would have perceived the intensity or the emotional/spiritual depths that were achieved. It's unrealistic.

And would Spock really have misinterpreted Kirk's "playful threats?" (pages 111 and 112). The Vulcan who denies and denies, who can't accept the charged emotions between himself and his captain is a K/S cliche. He's lived with humans for many years, specifically with Kirk for several. How could he possibly misinterpret what Kirk really meant, therefore giving him the opportunity to deny? It's cliche-irritating.

Having the Praetor intervene in the mission and hand over the plans for the transporter seemed like a cheat to me, a deus ex machina solution that had very little to do with the careful development of characters and plot line. However, I do see that in a way the author had written herself into a corner. Clearly, another subplot would have had to be introduced, and the story would have had to be considerably longer to have incorporated the transporter plan theft into the plot in a realistic way. As it was written, the plot really had no where else to go.

Which leads to another comment, that this story is clearly not a novel, but is a novella. I'm a fast reader, but not that speedy, and Covert Action took me less than four hours to read. Plus, the action, while compelling and very interesting, was also mainly linear. I think of a novel as a woven tapestry, with many threads and complexities, ultimately gathered up into one colorful knot in the end. To my way of thinking, "Covert Action" needed that extra subplot I mention above to make this story a complete work and a real novel.

As I said, these problems did not really interfere with my enjoyment of the story. Since my first reading, I've actually re-read certain parts, a sure sign that I've found a story I like. I really, really liked Covert Action, and I consider it a breakthrough in Alexis Fegan Black's K/S writing.