Debt of Honor (Star Trek: TOS story by Brianna Falken)

Fanfiction
Title:	“Debt of Honor”
Author(s):	Brianna Falken
Date(s):	print zine-(03/2004); K/S Archive-(09/14/2009)
Length:	print zine-49 pages;K/S Archive-33,255 words
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:	on AO3
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“Debt of Honor” is a Kirk/Spock story by Brianna Falken.

“Just One” by IM Mueller for “Debt of Honor”

It was published in the print zine Beyond Dreams Issue #7 (03/2004)

Summary

“A/U Six months after being taken prisoner and raped by a Vulcan captain, Kirk finds that same Vulcan is now being assigned as his first officer when peace is declared.”

Reactions and Reviews

2004

Those K/Srs who know me well know that I don't particularly care for either “Mirror” or Alternate Universe stories, so when I do read a story set in either of these genres, it really has to be something special for me to sit up and take notice. “Debt of Honor” does just that. Written by one of the best K/S authors around today, it has a gripping plot that draws the reader immediately into the story and keeps one turning the pages until the very end.

This A/U tale starts out with the Vulcans and humans at war, with diplomats on either side just beginning to reach a tentative peace. It is during this time that Kirk, captain of his own ship and some of his crew are taken captive by the crew of a warship, captained by Spock. Almost immediately afterward, following a brief, forced meld, Kirk finds himself in Spock's quarters, paralyzed and helpless as he is forcibly raped by the Vulcan who is, unbeknownst to Kirk, deep in the throes of Pon Farr. Once it is over, Kirk and crew are immediately set free and he does his best to put the entire incident behind him, save for a deep hatred of Spock for what was done to him.

The story then jumps ahead six months where peace has finally been achieved. In an effort to further improve relationships, both sides agree to crew their respective ships with both humans and Vulcans. Kirk is chosen to captain one of those ships and is looking forward to the challenge until he discovers, to his horror, his new first officer is none other than the same Vulcan who abused him not so long ago. Despite his revulsion, Kirk resolves to make the best of a bad situation, although he vows never to forgive Spock for what he had done. As time passes, however, he finds himself slowly beginning to trust Spock, who is careful to maintain a non-threatening, almost compassionate demeanor when he is in Kirk's presence, even going so far as to keep his hands clasped behind his back as a silent signal to Kirk that those hands would never harm him again. Yet despite Spock's efforts, Kirk still cannot forgive him, but at the same time he can't deny his growing feelings for the Vulcan. That point is brought home when Spock is severely injured following landing party duty. Instead of the expected feeling of satisfaction at seeing the Vulcan suffer, Kirk surprisingly finds himself having the same feelings of concern he would have for any other injured crew member. As time passes, he begins to spend more and more time with Spock, who remains openly receptive to any overtures of friendship Kirk wishes to make. Just when Kirk feels he can, for the first time, really trust Spock, he finds out something from the Vulcan healer on board that puts in disarray everything he thought he knew about Spock. Convinced his feelings have been manipulated by the Vulcan all along, Kirk demands an end to the cause, which results in nothing but heartache for both. Subsequently, Spock makes himself as conspicuously absent as possible and Kirk finds himself missing that quiet, supportive presence. He soon realizes the only way he is going to keep the Vulcan in his life is to finally confront Spock about what happened between them on the Vulcan's ship and why Spock did what he did. It is only after painful truths are revealed that both can finally come together as one.

A brilliantly written, suspenseful, wonderfully moving story by one of fandom's best.

An alternative universe in which Vulcan and Earth have been at war. Spock is compelled to make use of his captive, Kirk, in pon farr because Kirk has the only compatible mind available for the mental aspect of the mating. Kirk's response to the violation is in character and psychologically understandable, I think. Gradual reconciliation follows as Spock labours to repay the debt of honour.

Here we have two powerful, honourable men drawn together by their innate compatibility combined with the high regard that develops between them when they serve together on the Enterprise.

The writing is smoothly paced and carries the reader along with careful plotting, fluid dialogue and some well-placed surprises. It is in third person from Kirk's point of view throughout, giving the story cohesion.

I enjoyed the strength of these characters although I suspect Kirk's feelings, when he capitulates to love, might have been a bit more complicated, given Kirk and Spock's first encounter. I wonder that Spock isn't more remorseful, but this is an AU and he has commanded a ship for seven years; he is perhaps less emotionally vulnerable than 'our' Spock. This was a compelling tale, which I enjoyed.

"Debt of Honor" by Brianna Falken is approximately fifty pages long—and a wonderful story. Mind you, I rank Brianna very high on my list of favorite writers. In this story there is only one criticism I have and it is a small one-a common grammar problem. She used the word "snuck" on page 283. And unless the English language has changed since I taught it two decades ago, "snuck" is an improper usage much as "ain't" is. The proper word is "sneaked." But aside from that one quibble, I thoroughly enjoyed the story which I will not ruin for you by giving much detail. This is an a/u story which allows Brianna some freedom to change things.

Normally she writes a very long story teasing us all the time until the first sex scene at the end the story. This time the sex happens first and then we undergo a whole series of events until we get to the end-and the second sex scene. I do not feel I am giving too much away to say this. The whole story revolves around Kirk coming to admire Spock and giving into the fact that he loves him. Here is the totally het Kirk coming to terms with his desire for another male-not a view I particularly like, but one I can accept, given the proper story. There is a lot happening in this story, but it moves along quickly. Actually there is so much happening that you actually have the basis here for a novella with a little more fleshing out of events and details. I enjoy Brianna's writing style. It takes talent to make cliché situations seem fresh-like the rape of Kirk because of pon farr, the two men alone on a planet with one of them injured, and some of the other situations. There is nothing "same old same old" about this story.

I highly recommend the story. Well done once again, Brianna.

I can always depend on this author for a story rich in plot and with some amazing twists and turns furnishing a surprise or two. "Debt of Honor" is a perfect example of this author’s skill. Kirk and Spock meet under dreadful circumstances. Vulcan and Earth are at war though peace talks are in progress. Spock, thrust untimely into pon farr, is forced to mate with the only compatible mind he has found—the captive James Kirk. When later they form the command team of the newly commissioned Enterprise, they must discover some way of working together.

This author never rushes things, never pushes characterization, never forces feelings to develop before there is a natural progression, before the characters are ready to accept them. It is a tremendous journey Kirk and Spock take on this road from hatred to love, and Brianna lets us experience each and every step on that road with them.

Debt of Honor is a long story. I would recommend saving it for a nice rainy day when you can curl up on the couch and treat yourself to some uninterrupted private time and read it in one stretch. It has Philon Award Winner written all over it

Warning bells went off in my head when I started reading this. It wasn't "our" universe. Spock was captain of a Vulcan ship. Kirk was on the Enterprise. Spock was taken prisoner by said Vulcan ship for experimental purposes. During his captivity Spock experienced his Time and was drawn to the human with predictably brutal results. Warning bells, red flags, shudders of dismay.

But then something quite unpredictable happened. A truce was declared and it was decided that Vulcans and humans should work together on the same ships. Guess which ship. Guess which human and which Vulcan. Aha! Things began to get interesting and I declared my own truce with the author who had gotten things off to what I had been sure was a rocky start.

I loved the way these characters were defined— after I got past the beginning. Kirk was angry and somewhat damaged by his experience but not crippled by it. And he was man enough to accept the inevitable posting and make the best of it. His command skills were fully demonstrated as was his forgiving and pragmatic nature. Spock was a little harder to understand—sort of like the real thing. Eventually we learned who he was and what was inside, but it took awhile.

The slow unfolding of this truce within a truce was interesting and thrilling to behold. Especially since both men seemed so in character and very perceptive and intelligent. These are men I could admire! It was somewhat different the way things progressed. I won't tell you the plot, only that it gets better and better and better. Very, very entertaining, thought provoking read. Thank you Ms. Falken!

2005

This may be the first joint review in K/S Press history. We recently had the pleasure of reading this story whilst huddled before a fireplace as Los Angles floated slowly out into the Pacific. We ask patience while we work out a method to express our totally divergent opinions and taste. (Of course, mine is best.) (That depends on who “mine” is.)

I (Jay B) will begin. I really liked this story. The plot was very well-thought out and executed. (The plot was great and fine but when do we get to the sex?)

The set-up for the story was really well done. The feisty Kirk characterization was right on the money. (I loved the long-haired, sexy, one-braid, sexy warrior-type Spock.) I could have done without the braid but it did figure into the plot so I guess it had to stay.

There were many details that were integral to the plot and were nicely introduced along the way. (Fine, fine, but where’s the sex?) McCoy was well-drawn and played an important part in the story. Usually, he is just along for the ride, but here the author made good use of him. (However, there was no sex with McCoy.)

I was glad that Kirk took his time making up his mind about the complex situation in which he found himself. There was no quick revelation and off to bed. (Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever. When did they finally have sex?) They had good, hot sex when the time was finally right! (Yeah, the old red-tights, bare- chested, wrestling ploy!)

Over all, I really enjoyed this well-thought out, well-written story that always stayed true to the main characters. The story held my interest and I wanted to read on to find out what would happen. (And when it finally did happen, the sex scene was great!)

(Seriously, I always enjoy Brianna’s work and this story, despite the long wait for sex, was true to form. She is an excellent author who really has command of her characters, especially Kirk.)

I also always look forward to any story Brianna writes and I thought she did everything exactly right! Even the sex.

2006

A wonderfully written story which provides an alternative “first meeting” scenario. In this one, Kirk’s first meeting with Spock takes place at the end of a war between Earth and Vulcan. Kirk is on a shuttle which malfunctions in the neutral zone around Vulcan and of course, he and his crew (including McCoy) get taken hostage by a Vulcan ship commanded by Spock, who is about to go into pon farr and is desperately searching for a mentally compatible mate. Of course, the only suitable person turns out to be Kirk, who is horrified when he finds himself being mind-linked and raped by someone who he considers an enemy, even though he ends up feeling strangely drawn to Spock as the same time as hating him. His ambivalent feelings towards Spock at this time are well drawn as is his feelings of anger at the way he was treated.

Some time later, after the war has ended Kirk has to participate in a lottery to decide who gets command of which ship, his horror when he learns that Starfleet are [sic] planning to pair off humans and Vulcans as command crew is well described as are McCoy's attempts to be understanding and supportive. Things get even worse when he ends up as Captain of the Enterprise with Spock as his first officer. How he gradually comes to terms with this and learns to rely on and then trust Spock is wonderfully portrayed in a very enjoyable story which also deals sympathetically with his recovery from being abused at Spock’s hands. As their relationship gradually progresses to friendship then love, is beautifully written and held me spellbound to the very end.

It was also nice to read a slightly different version of some of the events seen in the original series as well. I also enjoyed this author’s portrayal of Spock and his determination to make amends to Kirk for what he perceives as his dishonourable behaviour towards someone whom he learns to like and admire and who he gradually comes to realise that he loves and his decision ensure that he is in the best possible position to do this, even to the detriment of his own career.

2009

"Debt of Honor" is an AU story in which Vulcan and Earth are on the point of ending hostilities in their war, but not before Kirk is captured and raped by a Spock in Pon Farr. The joining saves the Vulcan's life, but leaves the hitherto heterosexual Kirk disgusted and outraged. Six months later, under the terms of the new ceasefire agreement, Spock is assigned First Officer to Kirk on the Enterprise.

This is a wonderful story about destiny. Within that theme there is fear, honour, courage, hope and love that forms the foundation of this beautifully crafted story. The well-rounded characterisations are led by Kirk and Spock, and supported by both familiar and original characters who are well-fleshed out and authentic in their roles. A wonderfully long and involved plot (34,000 words), seen from Kirk's POV, moves from the moment fate throws him into Spock's needy path through a series of missions as the two men, initially forced to work together, through trials and challenges, gradually learn to trust each other. At times it is exciting, sad and moving with a wonderfully satisfying resolution.

For those unsure of stories written in an AU universe, I would heartily recommend you give this one a try—it's a real winner.

"Debt of Honor" just posted to the "ksarchive" and "Beyond Dreams" 7 just appeared in the K/S lending library list of holdings so I am treating this review as if the zine were newly published. So here goes...

Oh, my gosh! It's another Brianna Falken story! It's gloriously long! Don't begin to read this story unless you're sure you have enough time to finish. You won't want to put it down. I guarantee it. And, yes, I get excited when I come across a Brianna Falken story I haven't read before... or when I come across one I haven't read in a long time.

"Debt of Honor" is what I call a minor AU. The era could easily be ST TOS and Earth and Vulcan are on different sides of a long, bitter war. As the story opens, Kirk and his crew have just been captured by the pride of Vulcan's space fleet which is, of course, commanded by Spock. Spock is ravaged by the final stages of pon fair and none of his crew are sufficiently compatible. He's functioning and rational but doomed. What to do? Falken's solution is anticipated but with a nifty twist or two. That covers the first few pages. To find out the lengths to which Spock will go to repay his debt of honor, you'll have to download this story or request it from the library.

In a more serious vein, Brianna Falken's characterizations are spot on. The plot unwaveringly holds your attention. The prose and cadence flow so well I'm convinced she shed blood over every paragraph. (Re)read it tonight.

2013

This story contains something I don't normally enjoy in fic, in fact, it usually squicks me utterly, which is rape, but the story is so well done I'm rec'ing it anyway. The rape is at the beginning and thankfully relatively short. The rest of the story is very engaging. The premise: an AU where Earth and Vulcan are at war. Kirk is a captain for the Federation whose ship gets captured by Captain Spock's of Vulcan. Poor Spock is going through Pon Farr and out of desperation for his life, rapes Kirk, who has the only mind he's ever encountered compatible with his own. Vulcan and Earth kiss and make up and Spock spends the rest of the fic trying his damnest to get back in Kirk's good graces. This story does not villianize either Spock or Kirk, which is probably why I love it. Not villianizing is hard to do in a rape fic.

Six months after being taken prisoner and raped by a Vulcan captain, Kirk finds that same Vulcan is now being assigned as his first officer when peace between Vulcan and Earth is declared. Warning for pon farr at the beginning which leads to non-con. I love the slow but sure progression of their friendship and mutual respect. Full of UST and angst and of course there is bonding involved! ;)

I usually don’t read non-con. I don’t like it... but this fic has been appearing in MOST fic rec lists that I’ve been searching through. So, I prepared my self to read this. It was worth it.

In a world where Humans and Vulcans are at war, James Kirk is raped by the Vulcan captain who took him prisoner. When peace is declared months later and the two races ordered to learn to work together, Kirk finds the same Vulcan captain assigned to his ship as his First officer. Very original idea and compelling story, showing how from a very rocky start Kirk slowly builds a working relationship with his new First, starts seeing the good man behind, and finally understand, trust and love him. And no, Spock is never evil despite the rape thing, you will see.

AU in which Vulcan and Earth are at odds. At the outset Spock is going through pon farr but is unable to share a connection to anyone, until Kirk. What follows is non-con. Then to make matters worse, Vulcan and Earth decide to get along diplomatically, so they mix together the crews of Vulcan and Earth ships and Spock is made to be Kirk's first officer. This story has a dark beginning, but eventually things are worked through and they fall in love and finally Spock tells Kirk the issues with pon farr and really, it's fairly good with an original plot.

2014

Not a nice story but definitely a very good story. A very interesting take on a very different Vulcan way of life.