Duet (Star Trek: TOS zine)

Zine
Title:	Duet
Publisher:	Green Acres
Editor(s):	Doreen DuBois for #1-#20, Janice MacDonald & Carole Weatherill for #21
Date(s):	1980-1990
Series?:
Medium:	print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Duet is a slash K/S Star Trek: TOS anthology issued in the UK. It has twenty-one issues. It was one of the more explicit and detailed of the K/S relationship and was considered to be a major activist in the fanzine community.

It has a sister zine called Slightly Duet.

Works Inspired By

In the 1980s, an filk group featured the fanzine in their series of Zine Melodies:

DUET

(sung to the tune of "Macho Man")

Macho, macho Spock,

I want to be a macho Spock.

Macho, macho Spock,

I want to be a macho....Spock!

Issue 1

cover of issue #1

Duet 1 was published in February 1980 and contains 94 pages.

From the editorial:

First, I want to stress that I am after no converts, and to this end I have made every effort to ensure that anyone who is upset by KS, or same sex relationships, does not' inadvertently' buy this Zine and freak out on the floor. In fact, I have made it so obvious what this Zine is about, that if someone of this persuasion has bought one, then they not only knew what they were buying but went to a lot of trouble to obtain it. In which case, they either have money to burn (lucky things), or perhaps more likely, they are masochists... only they know the answer to that! A little bit like the Judge who has to read the Book or see the film half a dozen times before he decides if we should see it or not!!

From the editorial:

I have tried to cater for most tastes in this Zine from the sentimental, through the 'meaty' and the light-hearted, However, (with apologies to our American cousins for the paraphrase) "one can't please all the people all of the time!" But I do hope you will each find something here to enjoy.

If not, well, and here's the challenge, write something better, send it to me and I'll print it... in other words, put your pen where your mouth is, or shut up, okay? I can't be fairer than that.

Carrying on from the above, ie. you can't please everyone, a friend wrote to me the other day and said "why only one first timer? I like them"... also so many people I've spoken to say, "Well, I can believe in a relationship like that, but I don't think it would start over Pon Farr, or over this or that." So I've decided to do a Zine later in the year called appropriately "The First Time" composed entirely of first timers, so if you've got a different idea of how it could be 'the first time', don't keep moaning about other peoples ideas, write it down and send it in, let us all know about it'.

From the editorial:

I must admit I do like/love Alternate Universe stories. Mainly I think because you can get away from the usual ST stories, and whilst retaining our favourite characters, set them in other exciting situations and environments, and see how they perform1. In ’’BONDAGE” at the end of this Zine you will find an Alternate environment in which we meet a very different Kirk and Spock...yet are they basically so different? You must decide. This story was going to be put out as a separate one story Zine, but I am so committed with other Zines in the pipeline, that I decided to include the First Part here, and the second and final part in Duet Two. I do not normally like splitting stories in this fashion, and hopefully this will be the one and only time I mil be doing this.

Also from the editorial: {{Quotation2| First, I have been asked to make it perfectly clear that the D. DuBois who has written several of the stories in this Zine, is no relation, and has no connection whatsoever with [[Danielle DuBois|Danielle in Canada!}}

• Editorial (3)
• Lovetalk, poem by Maria Shaw (also in Companion #2) (5)
• Why, poem by Theresa White (6)
• A Ride to Yesterday by Doreen C. DuBois ("Kirk takes Spock with him to the Kirk farm, though Spock is unaware that they are there to sell it to cover the debts left by Kirkʼs brother.") (7)
• The Branding by Doreen C. DuBois ("After a blow to the head, an amnesiac Spock flees through the Guardian to Vulcanʼs past, with Kirk following him to attempt a rescue of his lover.") (The author notes it "was written for a competition, but was not finished in time to enter.") (21)
• Possession, poem by Maria Shaw (34)
• A Time of Decision Cooper, C.L. ("Believing they are both going to die, Kirk confesses his love to Spock, unaware that Spock is only in a healing trance and can hear everything heʼs saying.") (34)
• A Time of Decision, poetry and prose by C.L. Cooper (35)
• Love, poem by Rowena Smythe (49)
• Response, poem by Doreen C. Dubois (50)
• Touching, poem by Maria Shaw (51)
• Expression, poem by Maria Shaw (52)
• Lately, poem by Maria Shaw (53)
• What is Wrong With Love, poem by Rowena Smythe (54)
• The Onlooker, poem by Doreen C. Dubois (56)
• Daydream, poem by Maria Shaw (57)
• The Mistletoe Affair by Rowena Smythe ("Kirk failure to acquire mistletoe during the holidays leaves him upset.") (58)

• Double Image by Maria Shaw ("Kirk and Spockʼs interactions are picked up by the mirror Spock, making him realize their status as lovers.") (66)
• A.W.O.L. by Doreen C. Dubois ("McCoy is forced to work for the Klingons after they kidnap his daughter.") (71)

• The Humans Are At It Again!, or, The Sage of a Too Well-Loved Vulcan by Kitty Schaeffer ("Spockʼs yeoman leaves him an anonymous Valentine card in an attempt to find out who his lover is.") (98)
• In Vino Veritas by Doreen C. DuBois ("Kirk breaks off his impending bonding to Spock after being convinced of his unsuitability by Sarak, but one year later begins to rethink his decision when he runs into Spock aboard a luxury cruiser - with the woman who may become his bondmate.") (104)
• The Devil Made Me...! by Doreen C. DuBois ("On separate leave from his lover, Kirk gets in over his head with a Romulan sadist.") (125)
• The Bonnie Machine by Anne Kydd ("A machine that plays out your fantasies is installed on the Enterprise, and both Kirk and Spock are surprised at what they see." Sequel: The Bonnie Machine Pt 2.) (138)
• A Question of Presents by Rowena Smythe ("Kirk and Spock go on separate leaves in order to pick up each otherʼs anniversary gift.") (147)
• Bondage! Pt 1 by Doreen C. DuBois (A/U. "Lt Kirk and his crew are rescued by a ship from the unknown UFP, only to find themselves slaves." Sequel: Bondage! Pt 2.) (164)

• 

  from issue #1, not credited

• 

  from issue #1, Doreen DuBois

• 

  from issue #1, Doreen DuBois

• 

  from issue #1, Doreen DuBois

• 

  from issue #1, Doreen DuBois

• 

  from issue #1, Doreen DuBois

• 

  from issue #1, Doreen DuBois

• 

  from issue #1, Doreen DuBois

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

See reactions and reviews for The Devil Made Me...!.

See reactions and reviews for A Ride to Yesterday.

Issue 2

cover of issue #2

Duet 2 was published in 1980 and contains 205 pages.

From the editorial:

Well here's number two! I'm glad you all seemed to enjoy Duet I. In fact, I had only two really adverse letters of comment, and one of those admitted she didn't like the KS premise anyway. The other? Well, she didn't like anything at all about the zine, saying that aesthetically, in her opinion, it rated 'nil.' Well, maybe she's right, and she is entitled to her opinion. The only thing I would disagree with her on is when she said that the 'content' wasn't up to much either! I have read practically every KS zine yet printed, and honestly believe,that as far as the 'content' of Duet is concerned, it is at least: equal to any of them. A vast majority of the letters I have, received support this view. So I shall therefore carry on regardless!

I feel that I must make one comment on some of the zines I have read lately. I think some editors are allowing their zeal to carry them away. In fact, whilst the stories are good, no 'individuality' comes through it all...they read, as though they had all been written by the same person. This to my mind is bad editing! It means that the stories have bean altered to suit the editors views and possibly even her 'way of writing.' I know, we all feel that we can 'do it better,' which is only human nature, after all. It is a great pity when we allow ourselves to give in to this feeling, and impose our ideas oh others. Writers are entitled to present a story in the manner they choose, and not, how we choose! This is what makes a story different, and interesting.

From the editorial:

I have been asked by quite a few of you, what my views on KS really are! Well, several friends have said to me, "I've watched the aired Star Trek, and I can't honestly believe that there could be anything sexual between them! I completely agree! Neither can I! By that, I mean, I can watch the aired Star Trek, and still enjoy KS, Why? Because, in the true spirit of IDIC, I like all the various Universes: i.e. (a) Aired Star Trek (b) ST the MP (c) Mirror Universe (The Empire) (d) Kraith (e) Alternate Universes, including KS.

The fact that one KS Universe, parallels the aired ST Universe, therefore doesn't matter. I know we all have our own opinions, but that, in a nut shell, is mine.

• Editorial (2)
• Thoughts by Doreen DuBois (4)
• Bondage, Pt 2 by Doreen C. DuBois ("Kirk and his men manage to escape their Vulcan owners, but unwilling to forget his slave, Spock goes to Earth to retrieve him." Prequel: Bondage Pt 1.) (5)
• Have Another Good Night! by K.S. T'Lan ("Kirk is tortured by his close contact with Spock on shoreleave and duty after realizing his desire for the Vulcan in his dreams.") (25)
• Love Music by Ann Flegg (45)
• Always the Other by Doreen C. DuBois ("The mirror Spock uses this Kirk for his pon farr after his own lover is captured when he and Spock turn rebel Sequel: When Two Worlds Collide.") (47)
• Human Bond by Tish (58)
• Be With Me by Ann Flegg (59)
• Revelations, poem by Teresa White (60)
• Love of a Different Kind by Jayne ("McCoy discovers their secret when called by Spock to aid an injured Kirk.") (61)
• Future Imperfect by Lesley Holden ("Kirkʼs dream shows him what his future could be like if he misses the opportunity to confess his love to Spock.") (63)
• Journey by Ann Flegg (71)
• Vengeance, poem by Maria Shaw (73)
• Vengeance by Rowena Smythe ("Told he will lose what he holds dearest as punishment for Sylvia and Korobʼs deaths, Kirk awakens to find himself monstrously deformed.") (74)
• The Art Of Seduction by Tish ("Realizing his desire for Kirk, Spock sets out to seduce him.") (Also in A Touch of Tish) (94)
• Reasons, part one by Doreen C. DuBois ("Spock explains his reasons to Sarek as he prepares to enter Gol." Sequel: Reasons-Two.) (103)
• Separation - Kirk, poem by Lesley Holden (107)
• Separation - Spock, poem by Lesley Holden (108)
• Restraint, poem by Lesley Holden (109)
• Fulfillment, poem by Lesley Holden (111)
• Paradise Lost... And Found! by Jimmye Galli ("After Omicron Ceti 3, Kirk is desperate to find out why Spock is now drawing away from him, while fighting his guilt over the tactics he used to break the sporeʼs affects on the Vulcan.") (112)
• Alternative Interlude by Lesley Holden ("Due to a power surge while he is transporting Kirk finds himself in yet another universe, a fact he is unaware of until Spock makes love to him.") (124)
• The Essential Vulcan, poem by Maria Shaw (132)
• Blizzard by Christy Mathews ("Stranded during a blizzard while on shoreleave, Kirkʼs injuries become the catalyst for the expression of his and Spockʼs love for each other.") (133)
• Speculation, poem by Lesley Holden (146)
• The Marriage Contract by Doreen C. DuBois ("Kirk is forced to marry the woman he believes he raped while on shoreleave as the only way to escape imprisonment, though it means the end of his relationship with Spock.") (147)
• The Second Time, poem by Lesley Holden (177)
• Ritual Cleansing by K.S. T'Lan ("Kirk and Spock are forced to have sex together by a Warrior culture to save themselves and McCoy, but Kirk finds Spock withdrawing from him after they return to the ship.") (178)
• Zine News

• 

  from issue #2, Jon

• 

  from issue #2, Virginia Lee Smith

• 

  from issue #2, Virginia Lee Smith

• 

  from issue #2, Roo

• 

  from issue #2, Virginia Lee Smith

• 

  from issue #2, feedback for fonts

• 

  from issue #2, Virginia Lee Smith

• 

  from issue #2, Virginia Lee Smith

• 

  from issue #2, Virginia Lee Smith

• 

  from issue #2

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

[The Art of Seduction]: Tish's "The Art of Seduction" in DUET 2 is one of my all time favorite K/S stories. I love a story that can make me laugh with it and one in which the fun is done in love.- That seduction of Spock's was perfect — loved every minute of it.

[Have Another Good Night]: 4/5: This was good. Other than a few misplaced commas it was fairly well written. The story itself never got boring and the characters were mostly in character. I especially enjoyed Bones' part in this.

[Ritual Cleansing]: 4/5: This was really nice and fun. It's pretty fast, but that didn't bother me all that much. You get the feeling that these characters really like each other and care about each other, and they get along so well, it's really fun to read. The DubCon bit wasn't too heavy, and it was greatly compensated for later by Kirk asking Spock if he may kiss him. Definitely recommend.

Issue 3

cover of issue #3

Duet 3 was published in 1981 and contains 200 pages. It has 32 stories and 26 illos. It has art by Fiona Graves, Roo, Virginia Lee Smith, Jon, and Barbara P. Gordon.

from issue #3, Barbara P. Gordon from the portfolio -- the editor writes in issue #4: "Now with regard to Duet III and Beyond - I had a surprising number of letters regarding the illo by Ms. Barbara P. Gordon on page 82 which accompanied A Vulcan Fantasy by Madelein Lee and also set the mood for the Anthology of Poetry and Prose that followed it, asking 'what does the illo depict?' & 'What is Spock doing to Kirk - and why?! Then I got a letter from Ms. Dixie Owen suggesting that a competition might find the answer! I think this is an excellent idea, and therefore, it's over to you. Write a story explaining the illo and send it to me, it's as simple as, that, length is immaterial. To encourage you I have obtained the rights to the original illo from Barbara (and it is truly beautiful believe me)' and am offering it, framed, as a prize to the best entry. Even if you can't put it on open display on your lounge wall, it would certainly grace anyone's 'den'...or can simply be kept for your private edification at any time. I also hope to print the "best" entries in a future Duet. So get writing!"

The "three and beyond K/S" on the cover is because many of the stories include Kirk/Spock/and another character.

The editor notes that "The Faithless" by Jane Jones was to be in this issue, and that is will be in the next issue, noting this was the editor's, not the author's fault.

From the editorial:

Well I've made it to Number 3 -- I have had to substitute a couple of stories this time that were scheduled to be in this issue. The rewrites just weren't ready in time, and as I've said before, I won't delay a zine for this reason, especially when there are plenty of good stories standing by. They will most definitely be in Duet IV -- due out in the summer -- one good thing with DUET -- it is regular!

This time, as promised, you will find that a lot of the stories explore different avenues and aspects of the K/S relationship. I hope, at the least, you will find them interesting, fascinating, or just plain 'thought provoking', but of course, most important of all -- ENTERTAINING! For I have no wish to upset anyone, least of all you!

One point about DUET (and my other Zines too) that I feel should be made. I bring out my zines as regularly, and as economically as possible, without cutting too many corners. Content is the most important criteria in my book, and I can assure you that I am after no bouquets or oscars in any zine 'Beauty Contest' (I'll leave that to those more interest in those things) and simply get on with the task of printing a few interesting FANZINES that won't break the Bank for you...

Finally, this zine is dedicated to all those who honestly believe in the philosophy of IDIC -- and do not just pay 'lip service' to it!

• Editorial (3)
• Rebellion, poem by Barbara P. Gordon (4)
• Combinations, poem by Barbara P. Gordon (4)
• Where I Belong by K.S. T'Lan ("Kirk is surprised when Spock enters into a 3-way with him in order to get information from a female agent posing as a prostitute, but is more surprised when Spock is unwilling to continue being his lover afterwards.") (5)
• Hesitation, poem by Sue M. (20)
• Crime + Punishment = Atonement by Jane Jones ("Spockʼs intellect is destroyed by an alien forcebeam and Kirk resigns from Starfleet to take care of him, only to discover hidden desires in himself for the Vulcan.) (21)
• A Game of Chance by Lesley Holden (Discovering their reciprocal love in a meld, Kirk and Spock lay the ground rules for their love affair with a game of chess.") (51)
• Three's a Crowd by Doreen C. DuBois (M/U A/U. "Kirk and Spock plan to kill Sarek, but Kirkʼs inability to remain faithful causes Spock to 1) imprison him for six months or 2) allow Sarek to live so that they will share Kirk as a mindwiped sex slave.) (54) (This story has multiple endings, and the reader can choose the most satisfying.")
• Safe Love by K.S. T'Lan ("During the meld with Spock while he is trapped in Janice Lesterʼs body, Kirk lets slip his desire for the Vulcan, and together, they relive the event that turned Kirk from males when he was sixteen.") (72)
• An Anthology of Temptation and ... Desire (portfolio of art and poems) (80)
  • A Vulcan Fantasy by Madelein Lee (81)
  • One Day I WIll by D. DUbois (83)
  • Sorcerer by Theresa White (84)
  • Incubus—Spectre by Theresa White (85)
  • The Enchanter by Eva Stuart (87)
  • The Gift by D. DuBois (87)
  • Spells by D. DuBois (88)
  • Tree of Life by D. DuBois (88)
  • Sacrifice by Anne Kydd (89)
  • Truth by Anne Kydd (89)
  • Free Spirit by Ann Flegg (90)
• Odyssey by Alysse Aubret ("After their run-in with VʼGer, Kirk and Spock become lovers, but Spock fears it will all end after he loses control while theyʼre on a diplomatic mission and he believes he raped his lover.") (91)
• Still Waters by K.S. T'Lan ("Kirk is stunned to learn that Spock left for Gol because of his desire for his captain, but insists that they now make love, knowing it will be the only way to keep Spock forever at his side.") (112)
• Reasons - Two by Doreen C. DuBois ("Spock explains to Sarek his reasons for leaving Gol as he prepares to return to the Enterprise...and Kirk." Prequel: Reasons.) (123)
• Waiting by K.S. T'Lan ("McCoy almost causes Kirkʼs death when he disregards orders and takes off after his daughter on a planet known to harbour Klingons.") (126)
• Spock's First Night by K. Lee Shea (138)
• All Change or Love Conquers All by Mary Sue (155)
• Hour of Brass by F. de Licto (Humor: "Sarek convinces Spock that Kirk is only marrying him for his money.") (reprinted in Another K/S Zine) (156)
• Love Slave's Song by Barbara P. Gordon (A/U. "Kirk captures a Vulcan scientist and then keeps him as a slave.") (In a letter to fans in Datazine #21, the author says there was to be a sequel in 'Duet' #4: "I would like to make it clear that the information in the editorial in that zine is inaccurate. I'll gladly clarify the situation to anyone who writes directly to me. Cynthia C. Drake of Final Frontier now plans to publish the entire story, complete and uncensored." The sequel was finally published in Alien Brothers after having been rejected for its extreme (at the time) subject matter. See Loveslaves) (162)
• Lovely are My Eyes by Katy Deery (189)
• Forever if Need Be by Ann Flegg (189)
• A Matter of Expediency by C.L. Cooper (M/U. "Spock discovers Kirks bisexuality when they visit a planet renown for its males, and takes the place of the man Kirk was to be with and forcing a bond on his captain.") (190)

• 

  from issue #3, Virginia Lee Smith for Where I Belong

• 

  from issue #3, Fiona Graves for Crime + Punishment = Atonement

• 

  from issue #3, Fiona Graves for Crime + Punishment = Atonement

• 

  from issue #3, Jon (illo), Ann Flegg (poem)

• 

  from issue #3, Roo for "Safe Love"

• 

  from issue #3, Virginia Lee Smith for "Waiting"

• 

  from issue #3, sample text page

• 

  from issue #3, Virginia Lee Smith for "Still Waters" (uncredited in this issue, the editor apologizes and credits her in issue #4)

• 

  from issue #3, Barbara P. Gordon for A Matter of Expediency

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 3

See reactions and reviews for Love Slave's Song.

See reactions and reviews for Crime + Punishment = Atonement.

See reactions and reviews for Where I Belong.

See reactions and reviews for Odyssey.

[zine]: This is a satisfying K/S zine which is unique in that it continues to appear regularly. Duet has shown steady improvement since its first issue. The editor is also unique to the K/S zines in exhibiting a continued desire to please her audience, improve her product and, most important, publish frequent issues. Although she admits the zine would win no beauty contests, she continues to make an honest effort to improve its appearance. The zine is mimeoed and easy to read. The artwork is mimeoed or photocopied, with mixed, usually quite adequate, results. The quality and variety of artists are vastly improved over the previous issues, as are the stories. The weakness of Duet #2 was that many of the stories seemed to end the same: with Kirk and Spock bonding, or at least reconciliation, and most of the stories were set in the standard ST:TV universe. On the other hand, this issue has a nice variety of interesting approaches and unusual stories, including two stories set in the Mirror universe, a Spock-enslaved-by-Kirk story in a very different alternate universe, and three post-ST:THMP stories. Of these, 'Odyssey' is particularly engaging, occasionally verging on the poetically beautiful, and beautiful in its sensitive treatment of Spock's readjustment to life aboard the Enterprise, and the acknowledgement of his love for Kirk. There are also two humorous and five serious stories set in the standard ST:TV universe, but with some unusual twists. 'Crime + Punishment [equals] Atonement' is what might be called a speculative exercise, and a mind-stretcher. Although it is well-written, I found the reasons given for Spock's punishment of Kirk to be totally unbelievable. Several interesting situations are presented in 'Where I Belong' (Kirk and Spock visit a brothel together) and in 'Still Waters' (Spock confesses to Kirk his real reason for leaving the Enterprise.) There is also an interesting collection of poetry on the Spock as a devil/sorcerer theme, called 'An Anthology of Temptation and Desire.' There are no bad stories in this zine; all are interesting and at the very least, reasonably well-written, avoiding the darkly over-emotional story. If you prefer your stories to avoid death, permanent disfigurement, sadness, or depressing endings, you are sure to enjoy 'Duet.

Issue 4

cover of issue #4

Duet 4 was published in 1982 and contains 207 pages. It contains 32 stories, 28 illos. Art by Eric, Barbara P. Gordon, Fiona Graves, Toni Hardeman, Jon, Roo and Virginia Smith.

The editor announces a writing contest based on Barbara P. Gordon's illo on page 82 in the previous issue, see issue #3 above.

From the editorial:

This time there is another varied selection of stories for you, but I must warn you straight away that THE FAITHLESS which was originally scheduled for Duet III and Beyond is now in this zine. It is a mind stretching story that by its controversial content should have gone in : the previous ish...but I hope you will all enjoy it nonetheless.

NEVER LET ME GO has a young 18 year old Spock dominated by a mature Kirk...and quite frankly I found it one of the best love stories I've yet read.

ULTIMATUMS is basically an adventure story, whilst ALTERNATIVE INTERLUDE II - is the long awaited sequel to the story in Duet.

PON FARR is exactly what it says, and was in fact written by a young lady who like her name sake 'Christine Chapel' is also a member of the Medical profession...and I get the distinct impression that Ms. Chapel feels we have all been getting a little too blase about Pon Farr and are beginning to treat the whole thing far too lightly. This story reminds us that it is not, and can never be, all milk and honey... THE REAL THING is set on the Shore Leave Planet whilst THE ONLY WAY and NOT EVERYONE'S CHOICE OF A FRIEND are first timers.

• Duet, poem by Gene S. Delapenia (1)
• Editorial (2)
• Facile Princess by "K" (poem) (4)
• Never Let Me Go by Christy Mathews (A/U. "Kirk buys a young Vulcan slave who he comes to love, but their time together may end after Kirk is ordered to beam down with Spock and together pass three tests to further the Federationʼs cause.") (6)
• Always by Sue Meek (Maria Snow) (poetry) (50)
• Whisper by Katy Deery (poem) (51)
• Pon Farr by Y. Chapel ("Kirk talks Spock into letting him help him through pon farr, but when Spock overhears McCoyʼs reservations to it, he refuses to go with Kirk to the cabin he has reserved for them.") (52)
• Never To Him, poem by Katy Deery (72)
• Ritual, poem by Ann Flegg (73)
• The Real Thing by S. Meek ("Kirk and Spock both think they have spent time with replicants of each other while on the Shoreleave planet, until McCoy informs them that the machinery wasn't working at the time.") (74)
• The Homecoming by Elaine W. (poem) (83)
• Captivity by Eva Stuart (poem) (89)
• The Gift by Eva Stuart (poem) (89)
• Never and Always by Eva Stuart (poem) (90)
• Any Other Name by Eva Stuart (poem) (90)
• For You Always by Katy Deery (poem) (91)
• Reflections by Ann Flegg (poem) (92)
• Not Everyone's Choice of a Friend by Teresa Hewitt ("After Kirk playfully kisses Spock, he begins to realize that the action brought to the surface hidden desires.") (93)
• The Faithless by Jane Jones (M/U. "Believing them bonded, Sarek demands Kirk be punished when he discovers the human has been unfaithful, but unwilling to have his lover killed, Spock makes Kirk his slave instead.") (112)
• Strange Seas by Ann Flegg (poem) (157)
• Voices of Love by Eva Stuart (poem) (158)
• Touch by Ann Smith (poem) (159)
• Words by Katy Deery (poem) (160)
• Alternative Interlude II by Lesley Holden (161)
• ...Time Followed by Eva Stuart (166)
• Mine by Katy Deery (poem) (168)
• My Desire by Ann Smith (poem) (169)
• Tell Me by D. Dubois (poem) (170)
• Ultimatums by Doreen Dubois ("Kirk is turned into a woman for a mission to save both the Federation and Klingon Empire against Kor and a renegade Vulcan." A sequel is "Accidents Do Happen" in issue #9.) (171)
• Thee Art, poem by Ann Smith (195)
• untitled poem by Ann Smith (196)
• Slave, What Are You?, poem by Ann Smith (197)
• The Only Way by K.S. T'Lan (M"cCoy schemes to get Kirk and Spock together by playing on their concern for each other.") (198)

• 

  from issue #4, art by Barbara P. Gordon

• 

  from issue #4, drawing by Fiona Graves

• 

  from issue #4, art by ERIC

• 

  from issue #4, interior art by Toni Hardeman

• 

  from issue #4, the first in a series of artwork by Virginia L. Smith illustrating the slave AU story Never Let me Down

• 

  from issue #4, Roo

• 

  from issue #4, Virginia Lee Smith

• 

  from issue #4, Virginia Lee Smith for "Ultimatums" in which Kirk is turned into a woman

• 

  from issue #4, drawing by Virginia L. Smith. Spock as a slave. Note: Marked for sexual assault/rape; minimized.

• 

  from issue #4, art by Virginia L. Smith. Note: Marked as sexually explicit; minimized.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

See reactions and reviews for The Only Way.

[The Faithless]: In The Faithless, Kirk has cheated after becoming bonded to Spock. The next time Spock has to leave the ship he puts a butt plug into Kirk and uses his mental power to compel Kirk to keep it there. For added spice the butt plug vibrates at odd intervals. They just don't write them like that anymore, do they?

Issue 5

cover of issue #5

Duet 5 was published in 1982 and contains 204 pages. It has 35 stories and 23 illos. The art is by Marie A., Gayle F, Fiona Graves, Maria Johnson, D. Scott, Virginia Lee Smith, and Susan Wyllie.

The editor thanks T'Lan for helping edit this issue.

Regarding art, the editor writes:

Some of the artwork scheduled for Duet V, did not unfortunately turn up in time...and at the time of typing this Editorial, has still not turned up. Therefore, as per my normal procedure, I don't feel it is right to hold up an ish for any particular reason such as this, and an extra story has been included to cover the pages lost.

As I am sure most of you realise, this is not a business, and none of the contributors are paid; therefore no blame can be attached to anyone, if, through pressure of other work, or illness, contributors cannot meet a deadline...anymore than Editors can, at times. Therefore, I am sorry that some of the stories are not illoed this time, but at least you know the reason why.

Also in the editorial, editor restates the acceptance guidelines for her zine: 1) (no death stories, 2) no sexual abuse of children, and 3):

Whilst I am fully aware that sex, by its very nature (excuse the pun) whether heterosexual or homosexual can be highly dangerous...there are, nonetheless, certain acts that if indulged in could cause very serious physical disability, and I will not print stories of this type. Again, I see no reason to defend this decision, except to say that I do have a fair number of young 'gay' readers, (of both sexes),and whilst I understand that these people are highly 'experimental,' I do not wish to be the cause of any serious injury, simply because they tried to emulate any physical act written about in Duet. I am sure other Editors will take the opposite view, and this of course in the spirit of IDIC is their prerogative ... and equally is a matter for their conscience, not mine!**

My reason for giving these guidelines is two-fold; as I said above,to let potential contributors know exact[ly] what I am looking for, and secondly because the sequel to LOVE SLAVES SONG will not now be appearing in Duet; at least, not unless a basic difference of opinion can be resolved,which unfortunately, at the moment, seems highly unlikely. One of the scenes falls well outside one of my guidelines, and Barbara feels that she cannot alter it, as it is an important part of her story, and I respect her decision... as I trust she also respects mine. I was given the option to print, leaving a gap in the story where the particular scene should have appeared. I did not feel I could do this, and I am very sorry for the undoubted disappointment this will cause to a lot of my readers, I have suggested that she approaches various Editors in the States who may not hold the same views as myself, in which case you may still be able to read the sequel, but not unfortunately in Duet.

One final point. My respect for Barbara's work as a writer and artist are limitless, and in the true spirit of IDIC we have agreed to differ, with, I trust, no recriminations on either side. I felt a full explanation of why the sequel was not appearing was due to you, the readers, and whilst, as all my contributors know, I am not a hypocrite, or a hard-line Editor where a matter of principle is involved, I have to exercise my prerogative, as Editor, and not print... ** (So that there is definitely no doubt in anyone's mind; I am of course referring to 'fist-fucking' and 'foot-fucking' - and there is no other way of saying that is there?)

• Bondmate, poem by Christine Thomson (1)
• Editorial (3)
• This Fortress Freedom, poem by Lee Owens (5)
• Kiss Me Alive, poem by Susan Wyllie (6)
• The Scalp Hunter by Sara S. Reynolds ("Kirk shuns Spock after being used for pon farr while they were camping together on Vulcan, but begins to understand himself more after a friend from the academy seduces him merely for conquest.") (7)
• Incantation to the Gods, poem by Katie Sullivan (29)
• Another Side of Paradise, poem by S. Meek (30)
• Trilogy: Nachtmusik (Statement & Exposition), Dawn Chorus (Development & Variation), Evensong (Cadenza & Coda) by Jamie Orr ("The room theyʼre assigned to is too hot, and unable to sleep, Kirk contemplates his first officer and acts on his awakening desire for Spock.") (31)
• A Simple Equation, poem by Katie Sullivan (43)
• Love's Novice, poem by Katie Sullivan (43)
• Invitation to the Dance, poem by "K" (44)
• Timeless Attraction EDC (A/U: "Spock buys a human slave, but their growing love for one another is jeopardized when the humans rebel and Kirk is drawn into it.") (45)
• Out of Darkness, poem by S. Meek (61)
• When Two World Collide by Doreen C. DuBois ("Unable to come to terms with the mirror Spockʼs use of him during pon farr, Kirk begins to avoid this Spock." Prequel: Always The Other. Sequel: Ring Of Fire.) (62)
• Mirror Love, poem by T'Ankla (73)
• The Bitter Bit by Joe Martin ("M/U Spock is angry when he finds out how fast Kirk was recognized and imprisoned by Spockʼs counterpart, but itʼs Kirk who realizes why.") (74)
• Life's So Swiftly Passing, poem by Katie Sullivan (82)
• Patience!, poem by "K" (83)
• A Matter Of Diplomacy by Mary Hughes (Humor. "Kirk balks at becoming Spockʼs bondmate after Vulcan rejoins the Federation, but is forced into it when Spock insists that he honor his previous commitment.") (87)
• To Love Alone, To Live a Lie, poem by Gene S. Delapenia (103)
• Days Without Love, poem by Susan Wyllie (104)
• Reunion, poem by Susan Wyllie (105)
• Stolen Waters by K.S. T'Lan ("Spock takes Kirk to a hidden canyon on Vulcan so they might reenact the rituals of the warrior bondmates of Vulcanʼs past.") (106)
• Flames of Love, poem by Angela Evans (114)
• It is Not Logical, poem by A. Smith (115)
• A Beginning by Lynn Mitchell (A/U. "Kirk and Spock go in disguise to gather intelligence on a Vulcanoid planet, with Kirk as his captainʼs serf.") (also in JKS Enterprises and Re-Mix) (116)
• In the Name of Tradition, poem by Katy Derry (128)
• Practice to Deceive by Jane Jones (non-K/S story) (129)
• Poetry & Prose by K.S. T'Lan (132)
• To See Thee, poem by Katie Sullivan (135)
• Fait Accompli by DuBois, D. ("Stuck on an uninhabited planet with another Vulcan, Spock is forced to challenge him when the Vulcan enters pon farr and is drawn to Kirk.") (136)
• Prisoners[1] by K.S. T'Lan ("When Spock and McCoy are injured and all three inprisoned, Kirk accepts the guardʼs offer of freedom for the use of his body.") (152)
• Invitation to Truth by Katie Sullivan (166)
• Yours to Command by Lorrie Thomas ("While on an undercover mission, Kirk and Spock discover the joys of bondage.") (167)
• Ni Var by Kathy Resch (176)
• To Thine Own Self be True by Lynn Mitchell? Katie Sullivan? ("Kirk and Spockʼs relationship almost ends when Kirk believes Spock does not want to bond with him, unaware of Spockʼs fear of Kirk dying if Spock were to while bonded.") (177)

• 

  from issue #5, D. Scott for "Fait Accompli"

• 

  from issue #5, Maria Johnson for "Yours to Command"

• 

  from issue #5, Susan Wyllie for "When Two World Collide"

• 

  from issue #5, Gayle F for "Stolen Waters"

• 

  from issue #5, Virginia Lee Smith for The Scalp Hunter

• 

  from issue #5, Virginia Lee Smith for "Nachtmusik"

• 

  from issue #5, Marie A. for "Timeless Attraction"

• 

  from issue #5, Fiona Graves for "The Biter Bit"

• 

  from issue #5, Fiona Graves for "Prisoners"

• 

  from issue #5, sample text

• 

  from issue #5, Virginia Lee Smith for "To Thine Own Self be True"

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 5

See reactions and reviews for The Scalp Hunter.

Issue 6

cover of issue #6

Duet 6 was published in 1982 and contains 215 pages. This zine is devoted entirely to the competition entries received in response to the illo which appeared in Duet III and Beyond. It includes eleven stories and twenty-one illustrations. Aside from reprinting the illo by Gordon, it contains no interior art.

From the editorial:

As most of you are aware, all the stories and poetry/prose in Duet VI have been written around Barbara P. Gordon's illo on page 5 of this zine, but which first appeared in Duet III and Beyond, and all have been sent as entries in a competition.

the illo by Barbara P. Gordon in issue #3 which the stories are based upon

I am amazed at your imaginations, and truly never expected quite such a response when I suggested this, my thanks to everyone, all 16 of you for sending in your stories...and 11 of them are printed here. Each story as you will see is totally different from the others which only bears out what I've always maintained - i.e. sit down any number of writers, give them a theme, and you'll get no two stories the same! I asked one person only to pick the winner. I felt this was by far the best thing to do. I'm only glad I didn't have to make the decision. The person I asked was the girl who typed this zine for me, Pat. She neither writes or draws herself, and reads only for pleasure, so she was by far the ideal choice.

Her decision (which is of course final) was made she tells me after a hell of a lot of thought, and I also understand that for sometime she couldn't quite make up her mind between Hazan and The Swordbonding! However she has finally come down in favour of HAZAN by Sara S.Reynolds because as Pat said, "for me, it has everything," and one can't be fairer than that. After reading the zine, I am sure most of us will agree with her decision, although I expect there will also be those who disagree - one man's meat after all, is another man's poison! Sara will be receiving the framed illo as soon as I can get it to her - plus all our congratulations and thanks...

Also from the editorial:

Thanks once again for all your kind messages of encouragement, it does help to know you are (or most of you are) enjoying the zines. My own payment is that I always manage to slip a 'Kirk Enslaved' story into each Duet, (I can hear you all saying "we KNOW!") Well, we all have our own particular hang-ups, and I happen to like them. Therefore, I trust you will all bear with me and make allowances for me, and if you don't happen to like those kind of stories, well you are not forced to read them, and there are plenty of others.

• Editorial (3)
• The Flip Side, poem by Kayleen Sybrandt (4)
• The Illo by Ms. Barbara P. Gordon (5)
• Hazan by Sara S. Reynolds (A/U. "Spock asks Kirk to participate in a Vulcan fertility ritual when the original participant unexpectantly dies, even though it will tie Kirk to him forever.") (6)
• A Question of Honour by Jane Jones ("Kirk and Spock are prisoners of the Klingon and Romulans when Spock goes into pon farr and are deliberately kept apart." Sequel: Debt Of Honour.) (26)
• Weaver of Dreams by K.S. T'Lan ("Kirk and Spock share a dream of sex and desire only to find on awakening that it was grounded in reality.") (39)
• Midnight Glory by Susan Wyllie ("Spock is horrified to discover a painting of his bondmate at an art exhibit in which a young Lt. Kirk is nude and masturbating.") (44)
• Masquerade by Lynn Mitchell ("After rejecting the advances of a man at a bar, Kirk meets Spock at a cabin for shoreleave, unaware that the man has followed him.") (also in JKS Enterprises and Re-Mix) (53)
• Spectre by Jane J. Coulson ("Kirk dreams of Spock being repossessed by Henoch.") (60)
• The Nameless One by S. Meek (67)
• The Pleasure Slaves by Sara S. Reynolds (Author notes: "Although no mention is made of preparation or the use of lubricants, please assume that the characters do prepare each other adequately, and do use lube.") (A/U Kirk and his crew are captured and taken to Vulcan as slaves where Kirk is forced to perform sexually with the just as reluctant Spock, son to the house leader.) (71)
• Fact is Stranger than Fiction by Steve McMichael ("Kirk has been having dreams of being sexually dominated by Spock when Spock invites him to Vulcan for shoreleave together.") (111)
• James Kirk Esquire by Doreen C. Dubois ("Kirk is early for his meeting with Spock to begin shoreleave and when given a pass to a museum, learns that his first officer is the leader of a Warrior sect.) (This story was not entered as part of the competition.") (120)
• The Swordbonding by Jane Jones ("Kirk is forced into a bond to save Spockʼs life when both are called to Vulcan by its high council after Spockʼs divorce from TʼPring.") (126)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 6

See reactions and reviews for The Sword Bonding.

See reactions and reviews for James Kirk Esquire.

See reactions and reviews for The Pleasure Slaves.

See reactions and reviews for A Question of Honour.

See reactions and reviews for Hazen.

See reactions and reviews for Weaver of Dreams.

See reactions and reviews for Midnight Glory.

See reactions and reviews for Masquerade.

This zine was devoted entirely to entries in a story competition based on an illo by Barbara Gordon which appeared in DUET III AND BEYOND, and which is reprinted for the benefit of readers of VI. The illo depicts a kneeling, naked Kirk, ankle chained, masturbating, while Spock, equally aroused, and wearing only some sort of flowing black harness affair, stands over him with a knife in one hand, clenching Kirk's hair in the other. It is, therefore, not surprising that most of the stories are of a slave/master theme, or of some sort of domination/humiliation.

I must admit that this is not my favorite incarnation of the K/S theme, but the stories are varied and well written (although the story "Masquerade" contained grammatical problems like, "About to take a drink his arm was nudged..." the old drinking arm trick). The fascination of this type of zine--how they do it (c'mon, folks, we know how they do it! I mean how each writer manages to weave a story around the same illo) --is also its drawback. I found myself waiting for that fateful scene to turn up in each story, and even guessing how the writer would manage it. There are 11 stories, plus a story by D. DuBois which was not part of the contest and a rather disconcerting poem "The Nameless One" which simply reiterates the story that precedes it in verse form (the "Hey, didn't I just read this?" sensation).

A good third of the zine is the final story, a novella called "The Sword Bonding" which is certainly the most ambitious story in DUET VI. The zine is done in the usual British style, blue stapled and taped covers, 8 1/4x 11 3/4 paper (they fit on no shelf in the U.S.), no frills mimeo printing, and just the single illo. In subject matter, there is: "Kirk does it to help Spock with a religious obligation;" "They do it while prisoners;" "It was all a dream (or was it?);" "Spock finds an old, compromising portrait of Kirk and is upset;" "A shape-changer does it as Spock (and boy is Spock mad);" "Henoch is behind it all;" "Mirror Universe/pleasure slave on Vulcan;" "Kirk's fantasy comes true, along with some surprising news;" "Kirk visits a museum and gets horny;" and "Neither of them want it this way, but Vulcan forces the to save Spock, and both are miserable, & it all works out for the best." Of course, these summaries don't do justice to the works, but if these are for you, you'll enjoy Duet VI.

Duet VI is one of my favourite issues of this long-running series. This one contains only one illo by Barbara P. Gordon upon which the writing competition was based and the best entries in the competition are included herein. There is a great variety of stories ranging from the humourous to the bizarre with something to please everyone.

The first story is the winning entry in the competition.

'Hazan' by Sara S. Reynolds. This story concerns Spock, a Vulcan Warrior, having to return to Vulcan to participate in a religious ritual. Kirk is also called on eventually to participate in what turns out to be an ancient fertility rite. His reactions to this are the crux of the story.

'A Question of Honour' by Jane Jones. Our heroes have been captured and are being held prisoner on a base with a Romulan Commander and Klingon guards. Spock is in pon farr but is kept away from Kirk and is being taunted further by watching them torture his mate. The Romulander Commander, Caius, and his mate, Questus, not only save them from the sadistic Klingons but allow than to escape. In the course of this Kirk and Spock are forced to "perform' for the Klingon Admiral. I admired the Romulan Commander in this story very much - definitely a man of honour.

'The Weaver of Dreams' by K.S, T'Lan. This story has that ethereal quality of fantasy - a cloaked figure who gives Kirk and Spock a mutual erotic dream. Of course, it's only a dream...or is it?

'Midnight Glory' by Susan Wyllie. A rather possessive Spock comes across a nude portrait of his bondmate in a public art gallery on Alpha Centauri. The consequences of this prove to be expensive to Spock and embarrassing to Kirk. The artist, one of Kirk's old girlfriends, learns a lesson when she comes up against Spock.

'Masquerade' by Lyn Mitchell. Poor Kirk. A character called Morgan, on leave from his ship, takes a fancy to Kirk, follows him to his rendezvous with Spock in a forest cabin and promptly swaps bodies with Spock. The consequences of this are frightening for Kirk as he watches his friend turn into a sadistic monster. The ending is poetic justice.

'Spectre' by Jane J. Coulson is a sequel to 'Return-to Tomorrow.' Henoch again takes possession of Spock's body in order to exact revenge on Kirk for the latter's trickery or does he?

'The Pleasure Slaves' by Sara S. Reynolds is an intriguing A/U story of the crew of the ESS Enterprise captured and enslaved on Vulcan,. Kirk is trained to give a sexual performance and his trainer is, of course, Spock. Spock is treated as little better than a slave by his father and other members of the household and, because of this, Kirk eventually cones to feel compassion and then love for him.

'Fact is Stranger than Fiction' by Steve McMichael. Kirk and Spock are on leave on Vulcan and Kirk has been dreaming. His dreams become reality, but acceptance is another matter.

'James Kirk Esquire' by D. Dubois is the only story that is not part of the competition but is nonetheless based on the same illo. Kirk, while waiting to meet Spock on Vulcan, is given an invitation to visit a museum which has exhibits of the ancient S'Kandarai warriors. The consequences are both erotic and surprising for Kirk as he comes to understand just who and what his First Officer is.

'The Sword Bonding' by Jane Jones is a novella length story which links Kirk's behaviour to Spock in the TV series to the fact that Kirk is forced to go through a sword bonding with his First Officer against his will. Kirk cannot forgive the fact that he was forced into this and, although he tries hard not to hate Spock for this, he doesn't always succeed. Spock, for his part, cannot and will not give Kirk his freedom. The swordbonding has its advantages and many times it saves their lives, but the outcome is inevitable and, eventually, it drives them apart. But they cannot be kept apart for very long...

There are only two poems. 'The Flip Side' by Kayleen Synrandt, a somewhat sadistic but likable little poem, which has been reprinted in 'Final Frontier 2' and 'The Nameless One' by Sue Meek, inspired by 'Spectre' by Jane J. Coulson as well as the illo. A rather nightmarish fantasy.

I highly recommend 'Duet VI'. The stories are uniformly interesting and the writing is of a high standard. In addition Pat Walster has done an excellent job of typing with typos few and far between - a definite plus. This zine is a "must" for anyone who professes to be a K/S fan.

Issue 7

cover of issue #7

Duet 7 was published in 1983 and contains 234 pages. It is subtitled "Slightly Duet."

• Epithalamium by Jamie Orr ("Spock misunderstands when he sees Kirk kiss a young woman only weeks after he and Spock have become lovers.")
• Symmetry of Figures by Tere Ann Roderick ("Spock daydreams of being home on Vulcan with his beautiful human slave, a young Jim Kirk.")
• Alternatives by Jane Coulson ("Kirk and Spock are transported to the M/U, where their counterparts wish to learn more about this universe.")
• Spock's Last Night by K. Lee Shea
• Silhouettes by Daphne Sayers ("Kirk goes after his bondmate when Spock is captured by Orion slavers shortly after he and Kirk bond.")
• Sarek's Memoirs by Mary Hughes (Humor: "Kirk helps to make his father-in-lawʼs book a success.")
• The Dream That is Real by Ann Smith ("On shoreleave, Kirk wakes from a dream that pulls him to Spock.")
• The Bonding... and After by Rowena Smythe ("Spock asks Kirk to bond with him while they are on shoreleave.")
• The Mind is a Closed Door by E.T.C. ("After an illness where he is placed in cryogenic freeze, Kirk is unable to remember his past.")
• Captain's Dilemma by Karen Humphries ("The nightmares that plague Kirk after the transfer with Janice Lester only intensify his distress over his growing desire for Spock.") (also in JKS Enterprises and Re-Mix)

Issue 7.5 ("Slightly Duet")

Duet 7.5 (Slightly Duet) was punished in 1983 and contains 168-pages.

front cover

• Just When I Needed You Most by Karen Hayden ("Spock plans on telling Kirk about his plans to return to Vulcan at the end of the five-year mission while they are on shoreleave.")
• Con-Sternation by Mort D'Arthur ("Spock goes to a scifi convention.")
• Time Between by V. Lowe ("Spock receives a mental call from Vulcan he assumes is from Sarek, but is surprised when he and Kirk arrive there to find itʼs from TʼPring.")
• Analysis by Lynn Mitchell ("McCoy decides to give Kirk a push in the right direction after accidently leading of Spockʼs love for their captain in the Vulcanʼs personal log.")
• Turnabout by Cynthia Drake ("After the transfer with Janice Lester is broken, Kirk is resolved to act on the love he saw in Spockʼs mind during their meld.")
• Though Memories Remain by S. Meek ("Spock wakes from a dream of the konikalifee in need of comfort from his bondmate, Kirk.")
• Price To Pay, A by EDC ("Spock is exiled from Vulcan after his affair with Kirk is discovered and he refuses to end it, even though Kirk refuses to commit to him or remain faithful.")
• Too Deep For Tears by K. Lee Shea
• Adjoining Rooms by Edie Anders ("Kirk and Spockʼs room at a seminar are conveniently next to each other and have an adjoining door. Sequel: Worth A Dram.")
• Worth A Dram by Edie Anders ("Kirk and Spock find out that Mr. Scott is aware of their changed relationship. Prequel: Adjoining Rooms. Sequel: Private Fancies.")
• Private Fancies by Edie Anders ("Kirk, Spock and McCoy go shopping. Prequel: Worth A Dram.")
• Contact by EDC ("While on medical leave, Kirk is reported to his first officer when he becomes too drunk to leave a bar on his own.")
• Part To Play, A by Katy Deery ("Spock is resigned to more despair when it seems that Kirk has made another onquest of a female passenger, until an overheard conversation takes him to McCoy for answers.")
• Ten Minutes Off or Daytime Friends & Nighttime Lovers by Edie Anders ("Kirk and Spock take a brief break from shipʼs business to reconnect as lovers.")
• One Truth Is Clear by Martin Sheriff ("Kirk has problems with his mother when he and Spock finally make it to Earth to explain after she hears of their bonding from the media.")

• 
• 

  signed "Saan"

Issue 8

cover issue #8

Duet 8 was published in 1984 and contains 198 pages. It has art by ERIC, Barbara P. Gordon, Fiona Graves, Linda McGrath, Saan, and Susan Wyllie.

From the editorial:

DUET VIII is back to the usual format. I'm glad to say that most of you liked the change of pace in SLIGHTLY DUET although you all seemed to prefer the more straightforward approach to sex as found in the other DUETS.

• Editorial (3)
• Old Friends, poem by Gillian Rainey (4)
• When the Dream Ends by Broun Hilde ("Kirk decides to take a crewwoman to bed in retaliation for Spockʼs calling off of their affair after he is unable to deal with Kirkʼs flirtations.") (5)
• Kirk/Spock's Idyll, poem by Janet Stewart (22)
• A Sensitive Area by E. Oldham (Humor: "Trapped in rubble after an earthquake, Spock makes sure a certain part of his captainʼs anatomy is all right. Vignette spoofing the H/C genre, Spock drags himself to the unconscious captain to be sure that "the Captain's log was uninjured.") (23)
• More Than Friends, poem by D. Spencer (26)
• The Bonnie Machine, Pt. II by Bessie Potter (Follow-up to "The Bonnie Machine" by Anne Kydd, Duet #1, "Both Kirk and Spock continue to use the “dream machine” to play out fantasies of being with each other, both unaware that their feelings are reciprocated.") (27)
• The Dream, poem by Dale Scott (34)
• Careless Rapture by Jody Daly (M/U. "While drunk at a party, Kirk kisses Spock in front of McCoy, revealing their until now secret affair.") (35)
• This is Love, poem by D. Spencert (41)
• Shorala by Fiona James (A/U. "After serving years in a brothel, the human Kirk is sold to a Vulcan family to replace the slave their son recently lost just as he begins to enter his time.") (42)
• My Enemy's Price, poem by Indra (72)
• Love Song from the Vulcan, poem by Indra (72)
• Consummation, poem by Indra (73)
• Homecoming, poem by Indra (73)
• Is Love Just a Dream by Daphne Sayers ("Spock takes a fall from an ice-encrusted ledge; injured, Spock fantasizes that Kirk is his lover.") (75)
• You, poem by D. Spencer (81)
• Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name by Jill T. (non-K/S story) (82)
• Twilight, poem by D. Spencer (127)
• Submit to Love, poem by Gillian Rainey (127)
• Expertise, poem by S. Meek (128)
• This Simple Feeling, poem by Gillian Rainey (128)
• Esoteric Interlude by Jody Daly ("Kirk returns from a seminar to a warm reception from his first officer...and lover.") (129)
• Tonight, poem by Katy Deery (131)
• Untitled, poem by D. Spencer (131)
• Apologies by K. Lee Shea (132)
• A Vulcan Secret, poem by "k" (149)
• An Average Afternoon by Jody Daly (Kirk and Spock daydream while in bed together.) (153)
• My Bondmate, My Beloved, poem by Indra (156)
• Debt of Honor by Indra ("Kirk is surprised to find that the peace envoy from Romulus is the Romulan commander who saved his and Spockʼs life by allowing them to escape from their Klingon captors.") [Sequel to "A Question of Honor" by Jane Jones, from Duet #6; also incorporates ideas from Indra's "The Hunt" in T'hy'La #4] (157)
• Doubts, poem by Katy Deery (198)
• Take Two Men, poem by D. Spencer (198)

• 

  from issue #8, ERIC for When the Dream Ends

• 

  from issue #8, Linda McGrath for "A Sensitive Area"

• 

  from issue #8, Susan Wyllie for Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name

• 

  from issue #8, Susan Wyllie for Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name

• 

  from issue #8, sample text

• 

  from issue #8, Saan

• 

  from issue #8, Barbara P. Gordon for Debt of Honor

• 

  from issue #8, Barbara P. Gordon for Debt of Honor

• 

  from issue #8, Barbara P. Gordon for Debt of Honor

• 

  the original art by Gordon

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 8

See reactions and reviews for Debt of Honor.

See reactions and reviews for Apologies.

See reactions and reviews for Careless Rapture.

See reactions and reviews for When the Dream Ends.

See reactions and reviews for Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name.

See reactions and reviews for Shorala.

[zine]:

Simply produced, with illos by such people as B.P. Gordon, Susan Wyllie and Fiona Graves, no one can complain at the cost, £5 for 198 pages is exceptional value as far as quantity is concerned.

The 16 pages of poetry contain many names new to Trek and 3 pages of work by Iridra, which had "been written in response to the zine, "T'zad'u". Although the poems stand on their own, they do lose a little if the zine has not been read.

The zine contains 11 stories, ranging in length from 2-sides to 45 pages. Two sequels to previous Duet stories, 'Bonnie Machine 11' by Bessie Potter, sequel to 'Bonnie Machine' by Ann Kydd (Duet 1) and 'Debt of Honour' by Indra, sequel to 'Question of Honour', by Jane Jones (Duet 6). Both stories contain resumes of the prequels and therefore lose nothing if this is your first Duet.

'Debt of Honour' at 41 pages is one of the longest stories in the zine. The Enterprise is scheduled to transport Romulan Diplomats to Babel for peace talks. When they materialise, Kirk realises that he and Spock know and are known to the Romulan Commander and his bondmate. (Their meeting being the subject of the previous story.) The story is concerned with the differing nature of male bonding between the Vulcans and the Romulans. I enjoyed this story. On one level it has an interesting story line with plenty of action and in addition, it gives an insight into the working of the K/S relationship. The story displays a depth and warmth between Kirk and Spock which is often lacking. I also prefer an established relationship rather than a first time therefore the story appealed on that level also.

The longest story in the zine at 45 pages is 'Love That Dares Not Speak Its Name' by Jill T., this is a "first timer". Spock in the first stage of pon farr is attracted to Kirk, "but feeling that he cannot expect Jim to suffer, has decided that he will leave the ship. This plan is changed with the appearance of the Romulan Commander and her offer of help. The plot is intricate and the medical detail that mean our two heroes get what they both want in the end, are well thought out. My first reaction to this story was "Oh not again" having read a Kirk/Spock/Romulan Commander story in "T'hy'la 3' however I considered this story to be at least Trek and the Sex, at least, had some point to it.

No self respecting K/S zine would be right without its slave story, 'Shorala' at 30 pages, by Fiona James is Duet 8's offering. To be more precise Shorala - the name means giver of pleasure - is a slave-cum-pon farr story. Jim, Shorala, is sold at 12 to a House of Pleasure and at a later date to Spock who has just entered pon farr. I have to admit that neither Slave or-Pon Farr stories do much for me. Having said "that, the story is well written and lovers of slave stories will, I am sure, enjoy it.

Jodie Daley has 3 very short stories in the zine; my favourite is 'Average Afternoon.' A light whimsical tale of Spock's ideal afternoon on the Bridge, a Watch of scientific investigation, carried out whilst leaning against Kirk's legs.

The one big disappointment for me was 'Apologies' by K Lee Shea, a writer who, in the past, has managed to have me in stitches. Amanda, and her custards and the fact that she would rather have had a daughter than a son, in fact, she'd rather have anybody than Spook, was all a little too much to take. There were, however, some classic moments, such as when our pair are ensconced in the House of Harmony (to test their bondworthi ness) and Spock informs Kirk that every room in the house was bugged and every action was videoed.

I have long wondered how Doreen DaBinett can produce the number of zines at the size and for the price that she does; she is to be congratulated. Duet 8 is an uncomplicated zine. Most of the stories do not have sophisticated or intricate plots and story lines. It is a zine of easy reading stories, with that in mind, I enjoyed it.

Issue 9

cover of issue #9

Duet 9 was published in 1984 and contains 179 pages.

The art is by Fiona Graves and Saan.

• Editorial (3)
• Music to My Ears, poem by Noelle Harrison (4)
• There Was a Time, poem by Katy Deery (6)
• The Long Way Home by S. Roberts ("Kirk is even more upset by Spockʼs attention to a childhood friend after he learns he will lose Spock when told of his friendʼs plans to bond with the other Vulcan.") (8)
• Who Is to Say 'It Is Not So' by Lottie Thomas (37)
• Accidents Do Happen by Edwina Addison ("After the mission he undertook as a woman, Kirk discovers he is pregnant and he and Spock must decide what to do before Kirk is recalled back by Starfleet to be changed back into a man." Prequel: Ultimatums.) (49)
• And They Did... by Pat Charles ("The shoreleave Kirk planned to confess his feelings to Spock is delayed when researchers come aboard the Enterprise to interview the crew regarding their dreams while in space.") (39)
• Mutual Ecstasy, poem by Karen Hayden (75)
• Unseasonal Presence, fiction by K. Lee Shea (77)
• Love Before Duty, fiction by Fiona James (99)
• Upon the Wings of Joy, poem by Karen Hayden (91)
• Love and Logic by Helen Mountford ("Kirk and Spock almost part when neither can seem to give what the other wants from their relationship.") (92)
• Reunion by Indra ("Spock has difficulty releasing his controls when Kirk comes back after a three months absence, and is afraid that he will hurt his bondmate when he finally does.") (103)
• Love Given Freely, poem by Karen Hayden (111)
• The Journal by Tere Ann Roderick ("Spock is upset when he finds Kirkʼs journal and reads of Kirkʼs uncertainty of Spockʼs love for him.") (112)
• Sarek's Castle by Mary Hughes (Humor: "Sarek has the ancestral home renovated.") (118)
• Slave by Jane Jones and Fiona James (A/U "Kirk is bought from the Orions by Spock as a personal servant and bedmate, but he attempts to win the humanʼs love rather than taking him by force.") (134)
• Sweet Discovery, poem by Karen Hayden (162)
• Two's Company by K.S. T'Lan ("Kirk, Spock and McCoy pretend to be Uhuraʼs “men” while she negotiates for the Federation with a matriarchal society.") (164)
• Home Truths, poem by Lottie Davis (179)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 9

See reactions and reviews for Slave.

See reactions and reviews for Accidents Do Happen.

See reactions and reviews for Love and Logic.

See reactions and reviews for Two's Company.

[zine]: The only thing I can say about it at present is that the stories generally contain more emphasis on characterization; are more a study of the inter-relationship between a Kirk and Spock based on the series and films. It is quite refreshing to find a zine that has no mirror universe, slave or sado-masochistic content... Both "Sarek's Castle" by Mary Hughes and K. Lee Shea's "Unseasonal Presence" ... are fun unless you can't take K/S in a lighter vein. But with ten other stories, interspersed with poetry, to choose from DUET IX has enough variety for everyone. I've briefly summarized a selection just to give you a flavour of the zine. For those of you who enjoy a good Kirk Enslaved story, "Slave" by Jane Jones and Fiona James provides all the elements for enjoyment. My only criticism is that I found it too similar to the last Kirk enslaved story in DUET VIII, "Shorala" by Fiona James. That was another zine, however, and so far as DUET IX is concerned, "Slave" does its job of entertaining. "And They Did" by Pat Charles is an amusing account of the manner in which Kirk finally conveys his desire to Spock. Needless to say, the manner is novel and some what unorthodox. "The Long Way Home" by S. Roberts has Spock intending to take a fellow Vulcan as bondmate and to leave the Enterprise. Fortunately, he does return to the ship and to Kirk...but only just! "Who Is to Say 'It is not so'" by Lottie Thomas is a marvellously clever, very short story which speaks for itself. Let's just say Kirk is confined to his quarters recovering from a virus and is having problems with 'frustration'. Thank goodness he has an intelligent and resourceful First Officer! "Accidents Do Happen" by Karla Simon and Edwina Addison is also unusually different. Kirk, temporarily assuming a female form and Spock's long-term lover, has the misfortune of becoming pregnant. As the plot unfolds, we learn how the two cope with this revelation and the decisions they make for the future. "Two's Company" by K.S. T'Lan is for those who don't like our good 'ol country doctor missing out on all the fun. You'll enjoy this if the idea of threesomes appeals to you. Finally, "Love and Logic" by Helen Mountford begs a sequel. After an involved battle with himself between his desire for Kirk and his Vulcan requirements and needs, Spock decides his affair must end! "I do not wish us to part, but I see no alternative." Please, Helen, find an alternative. Overall, DUET lives up to its previous reputation for providing VARIETY and CHOICE. I found enough in it to make the purchase worthwhile.

Issue 10

cover of issue #10

Duet 10 was published in 1985 and contains 188 pages. It contains 19 stories and 4 illos.

The art is by Sandra, Virginia Lee Smith, and Roo.

• One Day, poem by Katy Deery (1)
• Editorial (3)
• Spock... Spock!, poem by Katy Deery (3)

• Always and Forever, fiction by Karen Hayden ("After their run-in with the giant amoeba, McCoy has Spock take Kirk on shoreleave on Vulcan.") (4)
• The Watcher, poem by Katy Deery (18)
• The Other Half by Leo Martine and William Burnette, fiction ("Kirk and Spock visit a sect on Vulcan who only control negative emotions in order to find a way to be together that will satisfy both human and Vulcan ways.") (18)
• Shoreleave Paradise Syndrome, fiction by Jane Jones ("On the shoreleave planet, Kirk realizes his love for his first officer after he sees Spock talking to an android double of Kirk.") (36)
• Spock's Adventures in Wonderland, fiction by V. Lowe ("While beaming down to a new planet, Spock appears to have been transported to an alternate universe.") (42)
• Return, poem by Robin Hood (61)
• Now and Always by Fiona James ("Having to share a bed while planet-side brings Kirk and Spock together.") (62)
• Through the Shadows, fiction by Beverly Danielson ("Spock remains in a coma, using it to hide from memories of a rape only now trying to break free." Prequel: Between Worlds. Sequel: An Unquiet Dream.) (66)
• H2...Oh!, fiction by Pat Charles ("Kirk has problems after a leaking pipe over his bed drenches him and Spock in the middle of making love.") (72)
• Lessons, fiction by E.D.C. (A/U. "Kirk is used as bait by his Klingon owner to draw in the Vulcan delegate, Spock.")
• The Gift of Love by Jodie Daly (non-K/S story.) (93)
• The Brave, poem by E.D.C. (93)
• The Gift of Love, fiction by Jodie Daley (108)
• Lament, poem by Katy Deery (116)
• The Lollipop Invasion, fiction by Fiona James ("The Enterprise intercepts a distress signal that turns out to be a ship captained by Harry Mudd, who is transporting several members of a girl's school.") (117)
• When Comes the Day, poem by Katy Deery (147)
• The Dream, fiction by Fiona James ("Kirk begins to have dreams of a male phantom lover.") (148)
• The Brigand, fiction by K.S. T'Lan (A/U. "Admiral Kirk is sent to Vulcan to aid in the negotiations for its Federation membership, but is kidnapped by a pre-reform band whose leader turns out to be the son of the Vulcan ambassador, Sarek.") (rerinted as a standalone, either with the author's permission or as a fan's custom zine, see The Brigand.) (152)
• Secret Garden by Robin Hood (188)

Issue 11

cover of issue #11

Duet 11 was published in 1985 and contains 168 pages. The illos are by Sandra and Virginia Lee Smith.

Art: drawings are few in this installment of the “Duet” anthology but they include a pointillist portrait of a long-haired Spock by Sandra.

From the editorial:

As far as this zine is concerned, the first three stories are all first timers, though each is totally different; the first two are set at the end of the 5 year mission/and the third immediately after V-ger, K. Lea Shea's offering is in her own inimitable style, and as always defies classification. Stock in Trade, is an AU story about Kodos and Tarsus IV, I have often felt that more stories could have been written about this important time in the young Kirk's life... perhaps someone will now write a story in our own Universe? Latrodectus Mactans might well be described as a Science Fantasy KS Horror Story! I consider it well written, and if nothing else, it is certainly: different from the 'norm'! Finally, Covered Wagon by K.S. T'Lan needs no recommendation at all, as her vast number of fans well know. It is set on an Earth devastated by the Eugenics Wars (referred to in Space Seed) and is compulsive reading. To those of you who have asked,'yes, I am always on the look out for good well written KS material, so please don't feel shy about sending your work along, and remember a penname will always hide your 'blushes.'

• Editorial (4)
• Confessions of a 'lay" Reader by Liz Abraham (5)
• A Difference That Makes All the Difference by Jane Jones ("Kirk refuses to bond with Spock until he finds out that there is a subtle physical difference between them.") (6)
• Mirror of My Soul, poem by Sheona Welsh (18)
• Sittin' Pretty, poem by Jodie Daley (19)
• The Waterfall by Monica White ("Spock is lulled by a waterfall when he and Kirk swim during a planet survey.") (21)
• The Light of My Life, poem by Karen Hayden and Elizabeth (32)
• Transfigured Night, poem by Barbara P Gordon (33)
• Captain, My Captain!, poem by Robin Hood (34)
• Revenge... is Best Served Cold! by Robin Hood ("After VʼGer, Kirk begins to understand that he desires Spock, but is unwilling to admit to being homosexual.") (35)
• Possibilities, poem by G. Rainey (42)
• Captured poem by Robin Hood (43)
• Second Chance, poem by Robin Hood (43)
• My Paradise Unchanged, poem by Karen Hayden (44)
• Vulcan Delicacy, poem by Robin Hood (45)
• Soul Brothers by Janice MacDonald (A/U. "Spock and McCoy buy two human slaves from the Klingons, only to find that one is McCoyʼs friend Jim Kirk and Kirkʼs nephew, Peter.") (46)
• Second Anniversary by Elisabeth ("Spock remembers his and Kirkʼs anniversary.") (54)
• But Not for Me!,poem by Katy Deery (55)
• First Impressions by K. Lee Shea ("Spock is conned into going to the welcoming party for the Enterpriseʼs new captain, James Kirk.") (57)
• Impatience, poem by G. Rainey (61)
• The Desperate Chance, poem by Karen Hayden (62)
• Reunion, poem by D. Evans (63)
• Stock in Trade or a Time for Love and a Time for Hate by Tere Ann Roderick (A/U: "Captain Spock of the Vulcan Empire, buys one of the cadets on Tarsus from Kodos in exchange for food, taking Cadet Kirk as his own.") (64)
• Ripples, poem by D. Evans (96)
• Confession by Ann Smith ("After Spockʼs death, Kirk confesses his feelings for the Vulcan to McCoy.) (97)
• Desperate Ills by Maureen Fenton (One year after their trip to Vulcan Spock enter pon farr again, and Kirk realizes that he wants to be the one to see Spock through it.") (100)
• Chemistry, poem by S. Meek (111)
• Latrodectus Mactans by Le'oni ("An old enemy of Kirkʼs creates a spiderwoman to ensnare and kill Kirk.") (112)
• Imperial Interlude IV by Jane Jones (Scott/Kyle) (also in Visions of Empire) (119, not listed in the table of contents)
• Question, poem by Katy Deery (124)
• Acceptance by Janice MacDonald ("Kirk and Spock go to Iowa after their bonding, and discover that Kirkʼs mother was a girlhood friend of Amandaʼs.") (125)
• The Brave, poem by Katy Deery (132)
• The Unknowing, poem by Katy Deery (132)
• Covered Wagon by K.S. T'Lan (A/U. "While visiting Earth, Spock is taken as a slave, but is bought by the young human Kirk for companionship.") (133)
• Reunion, poem by Noelle Harrison (168)

• 

  from issue #11, illo by Sandra

• 

  from issue #11, sample text

• 

  from issue #11, illo by Virginia Lee Smith

• 

  from issue #11, illo by Sandra

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 11

See reactions and reviews for A Difference That Makes All the Difference.

See reactions and reviews for The Waterfall.

See reactions and reviews for Revenge... is Best Served Cold!.

See reactions and reviews for Soul Brothers.

See reactions and reviews for Second Anniversary.

See reactions and reviews for First Impressions.

See reactions and reviews for Stock in Trade or a Time for Love and a Time for Hate.

See reactions and reviews for Confession.

See reactions and reviews for Desperate Ills.

See reactions and reviews for Latrodectus Mactans.

See reactions and reviews for Covered Wagon.

See reactions and reviews for Acceptance.

See reactions and reviews for Imperial Interlude IV.

1985:

[zine]:

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest issue of the long-running DUET series. The zine is 168 pages & there are 12 stories.

The first is: A Difference That Makes - All The Difference - Jane Jones. I always look forward to reading stories by this author. This is an A/U end-of-the-5-year-mission story wherein Spock asks Kirk to bond with him & Kirk has to refuse due to injuries he received back on Tarsus IV. But Kirk has not taken into account the differences in Vulcan anatomy-and, boy, is he in for a surprise! The Waterfall - Monica White. Exploring a rainforest in 837. humidity is making Kirk hot, sweaty & irritable, i.e. till they discover a pool with its own waterfall. What follows is a rather lovely fantasy of sexual awakening. Revenge...Is Best Served Cold! - Robin Hood. This story is set post ST:TMP. Spock beams down to a hot planet called Alton. Kirk follows & proceeds to get extremely angry when he sees Spock with a Vulcan woman who is touching him quite intimately. Kirk's resulting jealousy leads to a drastic change in his relationship with Spock; & it is Spock who deliberately sets out to seduce Kirk. Not an easy task, I hasten to add! Soul Brothers - J.G. MacDonald. This is an interesting A/U story which, at the start is very reminiscent of Syn Ferguson's "Taaz Avine" in THE PRICE & THE PRIZE. Spock & McCoy are passing themselves off as a Romulan & his mate looking for Human slaves. They find a man being savagely raped by several Klingons in turn while a boy watches in horror. Spock busy both of the Humans & they take them back to Spock s ship, the T'Saaah. Kirk & McCoy are old friends from way back. Spock is a widower with a young son, S'kin'la. Uhura is Spock's adopted sister. The rest of the story is concerned with the interrelationships of the main characters. First Impressions - K. Lea Shea. This curious story is set when Kirk comes aboard the Enterprise for the first time & Spock is sunk in the depths of depression & doesn't want to meet what he believes to be a Greek god. Kirk, on the other hand, is not too keen on meeting Spock either. Fortunately they get on famously. Stock In Trade or A Time for Love & A Time for Hate - Tere Ann Roderick. This is another A/U story & is unusual in that it is set on Tarsus IV during the reign of Kodos. Kirk & the other cadets are kept prisoners in the stiflingly-hot barracks where they are held until some Vulcans arrive. Kodos makes a deal with the Vulcans-he gives them the cadets in trade for food for himself & his followers. Kirk won t give in to his fears, stands straight & proud & sets an example to the other cadets. Spock notices Kirk & chooses him for himself. Spock, surprisingly, treats the young Kirk with gentleness & learns to respect his opinions. Kirk is lucky to survive a vicious attack by Stonn & the ending is most satisfactory. Confessions - Ann Smith. A short story set post STII wherein Kirk tells McCoy how he really felt about his dead companion. The atmosphere is permeated with sadness & futility. Desperate Ills -Maureen Fenton. One year after the events of Amok Time, Spock goes into pon farr again & Kirk offers himself. All I can say is if all pon farrs are as easy as this then I don't know why Vulcans worry about them so much. Latrodectus Mactans - Le'oni. This story is something new in that it is a K/S horror story & definitely not for the squeamish. Our heroes, while waiting rendezvous with the Enterprise, decide to explore a little of a lawless planet called Tranzell. They venture into a nightclub where Kirk is mesmerised by a black dancer with shining skin & flaming red hair. Kirk has never been so turned on in his life & doesn't even notice that the place she leads him to his her lair. Poor Kirk! The creature he is with is part android/part spider & this particular species of spider eats the male after mating with him. Imagine the look on Kirk's face when he is lying there sated & exhausted & he notices the black fangs protruding from her mouth & the fact that the room is covered in a large spiders web! The creature is a creation of an alien called Creel &, judging by the ending, there could be a sequel. This story contains graphic straight sex as well as K/S. The title is Latin for Black Widow Spider. Imperial Interlude IV - Jane Jones. This story is set within the framework of "Mirror Reflections". If you've read the latter then you know that Spock terminated his relationship with Kyle in favour of Kirk. This story is K/S but in this instance it stands for Kyle/Scott as Scotty decides to take over where Spock left off. Acceptance - J. MacDonald. After their bonding Kirk & Spock pay a visit to Kirk's mother in Iowa. Alas, the author says very little about Pauline Kirk. There isn't even a physical description of her & I would have liked to know a lot more about her. Her attitude to Kirk & Spock's relationship seems to be rather old-fashioned considering she lives in the 23rd century. Fortunately Amanda turns up & enlightens her about Spock. Covered Wagon - K.S. T'Lan. Doreen has saved the best till last & this is a thoroughly 34-page story set on Earth in the period after the Eugenics Wars where there are only isolated pockets of civilisation & the rest of the planet has reverted to savagery & barbarism. Spock has wanted to see & explore his mother's planet & foolishly wandered beyond the safe area of the Starbase. He is captured, taken prisoner & kept constantly drugged. Eventually he is bought by a merchant trader--Kirk--who makes a living selling goods to isolated farms. In the course of their travels in Kirk s covered wagon they learn to trust, respect, desire & finally love each other. It doesn't take much persuading on Spock's part to convince Kirk to come home to the stars with him. There are quite a few poems, the best of which I thought was Chemistry by S Meek, a competition award winner. In addition, there are 2 vignettes--Second Anniversary by Elisabeth, which is very touching & concerns Spock's inability to tell Kirk he loves him; & The Best Laid Plans - or - The Seven Year Itch! by D. DuBois about an alien who is angry because his 2 prize specimens won't mate. Small wonder--he has captured Spock & Uhura! One can only hope that they will be rescued before Spock's Seven Year Itch develops, There are only 6 illos in the zine, all of which are quite good. There is also an attractive new cover design by Virginia Lee Smith--an elaborate IDIC with the letters KS on it. To sum up, DUET XI has something for everyone & I definitely recommend it. Doreen is to be commended for her reliability & the regularity with which she publishes her zines. Her next zine is HIDDEN DESIRES/AFTERMATH --a 2 part story in one zine by Lesley Birmingham due in May. Doreen sounds very enthusiastic about it & I'm looking forward to it. After this will come DUET XII which will contain a real treat--a K/S story set within the VARIATIONS ON A THEME universe! I first heard about this story over a year ago & can't wait to read it.

1985:

[zine]:

At 168 pages for £5, 'Duet XI' cannot be said to be over priced. It is however smaller than usual. The editor has promised that 'Duet XII' will contain extra material at no extra cost to make up for this. I have said this before, but make no apology for repeating myself, Doreen is to be congratulated for a zine of the quality of presentation of 'Duet' at the price that she charges.

'Duet' contains 12 stories ranging in length from 3 sides to 35 sides, all are K/S and that should be taken into consideration before ordering.

'Confession' by Ann Smith is only 3 pages long. It is set at the end of ToK and is concerned with Kirk's reply to a question from McCoy. The Question is based on Jim's "I feel young" comment at the end of the film. I will not spoil anybody's read by telling you what the confession was. It was one of my favourite stories, the whole thing being one conversation between Kirk and McCoy.

The first three stories in the zine are all first timers, of these Jane Jones' 'The Difference that Makes All the Difference' was my favourite. In fact, it's my favourite story in the zine. For readers familiar with much of Jane's work, this story could come as a surprise. This is an incredibly gentle story set at the end of the 5-year mission. Spock has to choose a bondmate or return to Vulcan and attempt the Kolinahr, He tells Jim of his love for him and asks to join with him. When a few days later Jim gives him his answer, it is in the negative. Jim has to explain that the reason is not that he does not want to but that he cannot. He explains that while on Tarsus A he had been raped and that because of that he could not share a full joining with Spock and therefore could not serve him in Pon Farr. Spock however is delighted, he asks Jim to trust him, saying that penetration will cause no problem. They bond and Spock is proved correct. Now I refuse to give the reason for their success, but I will add a please, can I have an illo please?

'The Waterfall' by Monica White finds our heroes consummating their love for the first time, by a waterfall. A nice twist at the end raises this above the level of the usual first timer.

The last of the first timers is Robin Hood's 'Revenge is Best Served Cold' which is set at the end of TMP. An outwardly reluctant Kirk is persuaded into bed by an enthusiastic Spock. Kirk's reluctance is due to a childhood incident which has coloured his attitude to homosexuality. Only his jealousy over seeing Spock with a Vulcan woman makes him overcome his prejudice.

There are 3 slave stories in this zine.

'Soul Brothers' by J.G. MacDonald follows the usual pattern. Kirk, raped by the Klingons, is about to be sold to the highest bidder, Spock posing as a Romulan has been sent to the planet to "buy" any available humans. Rescued from a fate worse than death, Kirk falls in love with his rescuer, and the inevitable bonding takes place. My problem is that I do not like slave stories and that colours my thinking. Lovers of such stories will no doubt enjoy them, as all three stories are very well written.

The other two [slave] stories are 'Covered Wagon' by K.S. T'Lan and Tere Ann Roderick's 'Stock in Trade'.

The former is set on Earth, a planet which never recovered from the Eugenic wars. Spock strays from the safe zone and is captured by slavers. Owing to his being damaged goods, he does not fetch a good price and a self-employed goods deliverer, Jim Kirk, buys him. Fans of K.S. T'Lan will not be disappointed. Although I dislike the premise I would have to say that the story is beautifully told. We learn about the shortage of women and Kirk's preference for men as sexual partners and the reason why. The longest story in the zine, it does make, as Doreen says in her editorial, "compulsive reading".

'Stock in Trade' takes place on Tarsus 4 when Kirk is a cadet and awaiting execution together vrith the rest of the Cadets by Kodos. Thirty-two pages in length, the story for me was definitely divided into two halves. Kodos does a deal with the Vulcan Federation to exchange the excess cadets for food, Spock, Captain of the Vulcan vessel, takes a fancy to the young cadet and keeps him for himself. The first part of this story set on the planet was, in my opinion, brilliantly written. The character of the young Kirk, I felt, was just right. The quiet self possession and the determination to survive were both there. However, as soon as he is taken to the ship, BANG... love at first sight - he becomes docile and servile end does nothing to alter his state. It was a character change that I could just not accept.

'Desperate Ills' by Maureen Fenton is the Pon Farr story in the zine and follows the usual pattern with Kirk offering himself as the ship is too far away from Vulcan for them to make it home. Pon Farr lovers will, I'm sure, find this to their liking. K. Lee Shea's contribution is called "First Impressions' and concerns the party given by Kirk on becoming Captain of the Enterprise. It is a relatively gentle story without the barbed wit which so often is the hallmark of this writer and, as such, I felt that it succeeded. Her description of Kirk studying himself in the mirror and Spock's reaction to the fact that this was no Greek God, why Kirk was actually SMALLER than he was, is superb.

Both Jane Jones and J. MacDonald have two stories in the zine. Jane's is a short piece, a sequel to a Kyle story in 'Mirror Reflections', while the other, 'Acceptance' covers the reaction of the two mothers to Kirk and Spock's bonding. This unfortunately was my least favourite story, not because of the way that it was written but simply because I could not accept the story line. I am sorry, but on a personal level I cannot accept that Kirk's mother and Amanda had been to school together and had been great friends; nor can I live with Kirk and Spock in a hay loft when Spock is administering a spanking which is interrupted by their mothers, which results in all three humans dissolving into hysterics - no, sorry, not for me.

That leaves only the science-fantasy-horror story 'Lacrodectus Mactans' by Le'oni. I would agree with Doreen when she says that it is both different and well written. It concerns an android "brought to life", using serum from a black widow spider, the creature's capture of Kirk and his subsequent rescue by Spock. It is difficult to do justice to the story in a review, it should be read. Although complete in itself, it did appear as if the ending left room for a sequel.

Poetry is an even more personal medium than fiction, but there was some fine poetry by both established writers such as Sue Meek (winner of the Adult Poetry at Galileo 84) and new ones such as Gill Rainey.

The zine is illustrated by Virginia Lee Smith end Sandra. (On a personal note to Doreen, would she like to run a competition, the prize the superb Sandra illo of Spock from TMP,)

I found the stories in this 'Duet' different from many others in this series. My difficulty is to actually pinpoint why. It has the usual mixture, but still I felt as if there was something missing.

Having said that, I would conclude by saying that 'Duet' is nearly always an acceptable buy for any K/S fan because among what can occasionally be mediocre stories you are likely to come across one which is for you a gem. 'Duet XI' is no exception to that rule.

Issue 12

cover of issue #12

Duet 12 was published in 1985 and contains 183 pages. It has art by Sandra and Virginia Lee Smith. Contains 18 stories, 4 illos.

• "An Act of Love" by Helen Mountford ("Kirk and Spock are forced to have sex together, but afterwards Kirk feels he has lost Spock, who has withdrawn from him after opening up so much during the lovemaking.") (3)
• Colour Scheme by Mary Sue ("Kirk decides their house needs redecorating, but he and Spock canʼt agree on anything about it.") (40)
• Face the Dark by Robin Hood ("Kirk and Spock wake to find themselves in their darkened shuttlecraft, with Kirk unable to move from the stasis field he finds himself in.") (51)
• A Friend in Need by K.S. T'Lan ("Kirk takes up an offer from two friends so stay with them for a few day, needing someone to talk to about his desire for Spock, but then must face his science officer when Spock is stranded on the planet and has to stay with Kirk.") (58)
• Stay With Me by H. Christoforou (74a)
• Untitled poem by v
• In the Soup or McCoy Gets His Just Desserts by Jane J. Coulson ("McCoy badgers a drunken Spock into standing up to his bondmate, angering Kirk who doesnʼt understand why Spock is acting that way.") (76)
• Games People Play by Robin Hood (85)
• Traces by D. Evans (86)
• untitled poem by H. Christoforou (87)
• For Your Love by "Kirk" ("Spock confronts his lover after finding a document naming Kirk as the father of Carol Marcusʼ son.") (88)
• Instincts, poem by D. Evans (97)
• Blind But Now I See by K. Lee Shen (98)
• The Unwilling One—The First Pon Farr, poem by E.D.C. (106)
• Prey, poem by E.D.C. (106)
• Variations 3 1/2 or The Other Choice by Martin Coates ("Kirk must deal with his psychological impotence when Spock finally goes into pon farr, and is unable to go to any other." Prequel: Variations on a Theme #3, a gen zine.) (From the editorial in "Duet" #11: "... a treat for you, or at least those of you who have had the pleasure of reading and following the General Star Trek Epic known as VARIATIONS ON A THEME! This general S.T. story has, as many of you are aware, left itself wide open over the years to cries of 'it should be KS' etc., etc.; and I am therefore pleased to be able to tell you that one of the U.K.'s foremost Star Trek writers has done just that! It is called THE OTHER CHOICE -- although many KS fans will know it as Variations 3 1/2. Those of you who have not bad the pleasure of reading the continuing saga of Variations on a Theme, which is now up to number 8 -- you have missed a treat, so do read it now! But I can assure you that not having read the 'straight' story, will in no way detract from your overall enjoyment of 3 1/2 -- as it stands entirely on its own.") (107)
• Echoes in my Mind by Robin Hood (183)
• Touching of the Mind, poem by Robin Hood (183)

• 

  inside page from issue #12, sample text, the first page of "Variations 3 1/2 or The Other Choice"—a recap of Variations on a Theme and Kraith

• 

  from issue #12, Virginia Lee Smith

• 

  from issue #12, Sandra

• 

  from issue #12, Virginia Lee Smith

Issue 13

cover of issue #13

Duet 13 was published in 1986 and contains 185 pages. Nine stories, four illos.

• Sons of the Morning by J.S. (A/U. "Kirk finds a Vulcan slave stowed away on the Enterprise, and decides to hide him in his cabin for the six weeks it will take to get to Vulcan.")
• Reality of the Drream by Beverly Danielson? Karen Hayden? ("McCoy ponders Kirk and Spockʼs relationship in his log, knowing that something has finally happened to bring them together as one.")
• An Unquiet Dream Danielson, Beverly ("Spock continues to try to deal with the memories of his rape as a young boy twenty years before." Prequel: Through The Shadows.)
• Future in Your Eyes, The by Karen Hayden ("Kirk reflects while watching Spock sleep.")
• For Him I Sing by Elisabeth ("Kirk remembers the times Spock left him...and returned.")
• And Parted Never More by Indra ("Kirk is missing after leaving a conference to return to the Enterprise, and five months later is found mind-blocked and tortured, his only hope the love and need he shares with Spock.")
• Love Is by Tom
• Moonflower's Sorcery, poem by Barbara Gordon (also in K/S & K.S. (Kindred Spirits) #17)
• Between the Worlds, An Unquiet Dream by Beverly Danielson ("Spock begins to hallucinate after being given a vaccine, just as Earth and Vulcan seem to cut diplomatic ties with each other." Sequel: Through the Shadows.)

Issue 14

cover of issue #14

Duet 14 was published in 1987 and contains 178 pages. It contains 9 stories, 3 illos. The art is by "K," Virginia Lee Smith, and Sandra.

• Such Bitter Joy by Karen Hayden ("In a homophobic Starfleet, Kirk and Spock are called in after VʼGer on suspicion of breaking regulations, and Kirk discovers memories long hidden.") (5)
• The Fear and the Kiss by Karen Hayden ("Kirk confesses his fears of the future to Spock, the greatest of which is losing his lover.") (20)
• Stone Pillow, poem by Robin Hood (22)
• Final Submission by A. Jacuzzi (23)
• Chattel by Jenifer Barnet (M/U. "Spock sets things up so that a disgraced Kirk must flee with him to Vulcan where the human will now be his chattel.") (39)
• No Time to Cry, poem by Robin Hood (51)
• Halves, poem by Robin Hood (51)
• You're My Heart, You're My Soul by Karen Hayden ("Spock returns after a week away from his lover.") (52)
• Silence, poem by Katy Deery (56)
• Will I Forget, poem by Katy Deery (56)
• For I Have Loved, poem by Katy Deery (56)
• The Ill-Made Knight by Tay Garian ("Kor uses the son Spock had while a woman to get revenge on Kirk, the boyʼs father." Prequel: The Seed.) (58)
• Lovers and Strangers, poem by Katy Deery (78)
• No More Battlefields by Noelle Harrison ("Kirk decides to bring Lokai and Bele back to the ship and with Spockʼs help, tries to teach them about love in the hope that they will finally let go of their hate.") (79)
• I Never Knew You Cared by K. Lee Shea (105)
• Apologies by Karen Hayden (114)
• So Much Love by R. Brook ("Kirk is happy with his bond to Spock, but learns a disturbing truth as to how much his lover has given up when called to Vulcan.") (116)
• The Hour, poem by Katy Deery (123)
• R&R - Reward And Retribution by Jenifer Barnett ("Kirk talks Spock into sharing a ride after he conjures up an ancient Earth vehicle while on the Shoreleave planet.") (124)
• Human Love by Noelle Harrison (125)
• Reogenesis One, and Two by Linda Bryant ("After the fal tor pan, Spock takes Kirk to his room where they finally face the ultimate closeness they have always denied. Then, Spockʼs mental and physical strength slowly reemerge as he comes to terms with his “death” and his new relationship with Kirk while they wait for Starfleetʼs punishment.") (129)
• The Project by Sara S. Reynolds (A/U. "While working on Vulcan, Kirk meets and falls in love with Spock. But their bonding is being prevented by Dr. McCoy, who has seen what can happen to an Earth man during pon farr.") (152)

• 

  from issue #14, "K," a smiling Spock

• 

  from issue #14, sample text

• 

  from issue #14, Virginia Lee Smith

• 

  from issue #14, Sandra, used as the art for the cover of issue #19

Issue 15

cover of issue #15

Duet 15 was published in 1987 and contains 182 pages and four illos.

• Obsession and Confession by Malia Storm (After VʼGer, both Kirk and Spock confess to fears and suppressed feelings.)
• So Many Tomorrows by Janice MacDonald ("Kirk is disturbed at his not being there for Spock when the Vulcan and McCoy were in Sarpedionʼs past.")
• Perfect Giving by D.V. Kayna ("Kirk comes to the aid of a Romulan in trouble.")
• A New Future - the Sequel by Rowena Smythe
• Confessions of a Frustrated Mother by Janice G. MacDonald

Issue 16

cover of issue #16

Duet 16 was published in 1987 and contains 181 pages. The art is by Virginia Lee Smith and Sandra.

• A Visit to the Forest by Faille ("Kirk and Spock go camping with two of Kirkʼs childhood friends.")
• Enslaved Again! by Sunny ("Kirk is again called on to play slave to his bondmate when he and Spock investigate the Vulcanoid inhabitants of a planet who have human-like slaves.")
• You Do Know What The Action Is by K. Lee Shea
• Cage of Delights by B. Kelsey ("Spock participates in a test on a planet being asked to join the Federation that first gives the participant what he most desires, and then forces him to live life without it.")
• A Sudden Change of Circumstances by Malia Storm ("An alien being turns Kirk into a woman, who must now come to terms with his new life and the desire he feels for Spock.")
• Bond of Love by Rowena Smythe (A/U. "Kirk is bought by the captain of the Enterprise in order to keep him from the hands of two Klingons, but his feelings for Spock gradually increase the more time he spends with his new owner.")

Issue 17

cover of issue #17, by Virginia Lee Smith

Duet 17 was published in 1987 and contains 178 pages. Art by Virginia Lee Smith. It contains 8 stories and 2 illos.

• Mirror Love by T'Annka
• Final Acceptance by Elizabeth Donnelly ("Kirk is a reluctant bondmate to Spock, who rapes and forces a bond on his captain while in pon farr.")
• Deprefundus by Rufus ("After six months of captivity Kirk is a broken man, and itʼs up to McCoy and Spock to bring him back to who he was.")
• New Dawn by Rufus (A/U. "The Enterprise rescues the only survivor of a band of Vulcans taken by Orion slavers, and Kirk finds himself drawn to the man, Spock.")
• The Wrath of the Empire by Greggia Seta (M/U: "Spock is caught in the Omega wave set off by the Empire to destroy the now rebel ship, Enterprise, and itʼs up to Kirk to retrieve Spockʼs body and restore the katra the human now holds.")
• Echo by Rufus (A/U. "When Vulcan is admitted into the Federation, Kirk is confronted by the Vulcan he shared a cell with eighteen months before when both were prisoners and the Vulcan was in pon farr.")
• Final Resistance by Janice Mac Donald (Novella) (A/U. "Kirk, and many of the other survivors from the Enterprise who join forces with the Vulcans to fight against the invading Klingons, finds love among their new allies.")
• Out of the Darkness by T'Soon, T'Late, and T'Need ("Despondent after Miramaneeʼs death, Kirk gives up after mistakenly thinking that Spock has died from the fall they took while on shoreleave.")

Issue 18

cover of issue #18, by Virginia Lee Smith

Duet 18 was published in 1988 and contains 161 pages. Art by Virginia Lee Smith. Six stories, an anthology of poetry, and 2 illos.

• Traces by Katy Deery ("Spock takes Kirk on shoreleave after the Babel conference and vows to make Kirk his own. Sequel: After The Night.")
• The Chosen One by Elizabeth Donnelly (A/U. "Sarek buys a human slave but with an ulterier motive that only becomes apparent when his son, Spock, returns home on shoreleave.")
• After the Night by Katy Deery ("Kirk demands Spock leave the ship after the Vulcan drugs and rapes him. Prequel: Traces.")
• Accidents Do Happen by Elizabeth Donnelly
• The Captain's Yeoman by Pat Charles("Kirk begins to wonder why he keeps getting yeomen that make a play for him, until a discussion with Spock brings to light disturbing information.")
• Alien Encounter by Lyn Viviers (Novella) (A/U. "After a mysterious explosion McCoy finds an injured alien at the cottage he retreated to after his divorce and is shocked when he discovers that his young, fair-haired landlord knows the green-blooded stranger.")
• Portfolio of K/S poetry
• 15 poems

Issue 19

cover of issue #19, art by Sandra (as was the single interior illo of a portrait of Kirk) for issue #14

Duet 19 was published in 1988 and contains 156 pages.

• Two's Company by Susan Humphries ("Captured and drugged, Spock is unable to resist when he and Kirk are forced to have sex with an alien ruler, but all are surprised when the woman is not the object of his affections.")
• Nobody's Perfect by K. Lee Shea (Humor: "Kirk and Spock contend with their parentsʼ misgivings as they prepare to bond.")
• To Trust Again by Janice MacDonald (A/U: "While Kirk and Spock fight to free Vulcan of slavery, Spock waits for Kirk to get over his rape with Stonnʼs slave so that the two of them can finally be one.")
• The Half Brother by Tay Garian ("While being held in a cell, McCoy comforts Spock as best he can, though he knows that Kirkʼs return is the only comfort Spock needs.")
• Fear Conquered by Elizabeth Donnelly (A/U, Commander Kirk is raped by the first officer of the Enterprise, interfering with Captain Spockʼs plans to woe the human.)
• Naked Vision by Tay Garian ("McCoy ponders the looks of love that passed between Kirk and Spock after the events of Psi 2000.")
• Love Lessons by Janice MacDonald ("Kirk believes Spock plans on bonding with Uhura when he discovers that they slept together after both were raped during a planet survey.")
• Melange a Trois by Tay Garian ("McCoy wonders if Kirk and Spock will ever own up to their feelings for one another.")
• Soul in Despair by C. Weatherill (A/U: "Finally back after missing for six months, Kirk is taken to Vulcan by Spock after he tries to commit suicide because of his rape while held captive." Sequel: Soulmate/Bondmate.)
• A Precious Jewel by Tay Garian (McCoy remembers Kirk and Spock.)

Issue 20

cover of issue #20, by Sandra

Duet 20 was published in 1989 and contains 145 pages.

• Pon Farr Story by Talia Laine ("Kirk ingests a fruit that brings on a condition similar to pon farr while he and Spock are stranded on a planet together.")
• Shadows by Katy Deery
• Mixed Doubles by Jance MacDonald ("Kirk and Spock meet up with their counterparts from yet another A/U while on shoreleave to bond.")
• A Moment in Time by Tish ("Before taking the antidote for the Scalosian water, Kirk and Spock decide to christen the bridge." Also in A Touch of Tish)
• Soulmate/Bondmate by C. Weatherill and Sue Needle ("Now bonded, Kirk and Spock go to Vulcan to have the bond. finalized and finish Kirkʼs healing." Prequel: Soul In Despair.)
• The Proof of the Pudding by Rufus ("Spock hallucinates while suffering from food poisoning, and takes his captain as he has long wanted to.")
• A Trial of Love and Loyalty by Janice MacDonald ("Kirk is arrested as a traitor and Spock set up to break him out of prison, in order for them to go undercover to break up a pirate ring.")
• The Promise by Katy Deery
• Whither Thou Goest by Rufus (A/U: "A young Kirk and Spock escape from the Romulans, taking the human doctor who healed them with them.")
• First Times are Never Easy by Tish ("Kirk has a procedure done in sickbay.")
• Manners Maketh Man by Pat Charles ("The ease of their melds show Kirk and Spock their true closeness and precipitates their coming together.")
• Opium of the People by Rufus ("A petty quarrel between bondmates is soon forgotten when Kirk is captured and tortured by the natives of the planet theyʼre surveying.")
• To Share with Thee by Tish
• Freedom by Rufus (A/U. "Though bought as a slave Kirk becomes Spockʼs bondmate, but their life together is threatened when Earth invades Vulcan.")
• Odds and Sods by Jockstrap ("Uhura and Chapel discover a tape of Kirk and Spock when they decide to visit an adult theatre.")

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 20

See reactions and reviews for Pon Farr Story.

See reactions and reviews for Mixed Doubles.

See reactions and reviews for A Moment in Time.

See reactions and reviews for Soulmate/Bondmate.

See reactions and reviews for The Proof of the Pudding.

See reactions and reviews for A Trial of Love and Loyalty.

See reactions and reviews for Whither Thou Goest.

See reactions and reviews for First Times are Never Easy.

See reactions and reviews for Manners Maketh Man.

See reactions and reviews for Opium of the People.

See reactions and reviews for To Share with Thee.

See reactions and reviews for Freedom.

See reactions and reviews for Odds and Sods.

Issue 21

cover of issue #21

Duet 21 was published in 1990 and contains 94 pages. This is the only issue that was not edited by the original editor, but by Janice MacDonald and Carole Weatherill.

• Reflection by Terry Gilbert ("Spock intiates lovemaking with Kirk and then turns away, forcing Kirkʼs mother to intervene.")
• Always a Part of Me by Elizabeth Donnelly ("After the M5 debacle, Spock uses love to relieve his bondmateʼs insecurities and keep Kirkʼs mind off the computer.")
• Promises, Promises by T'Man ("Spock believes he has tricked Kirk into bonding with him until he finds that his captain has some tricks of his own.")
• Sins of the Father by Terry Gilbert ("Spock discovers he has a sixteen-year-old son, a cadet stationed on the Enterprise.")
• Kindness Always Pays by Elizabeth Donnelly (A/U. "Spock is allowed to keep the young Kirk as his personal slave after all attempts to break the human have failed.")
• To Share with Thee by Tish (Non-K/S story, also in A Touch of Tish)