Human Preference

Fanfiction
Title:	Human Preference
Author(s):	P.K. Barnes
Date(s):	1994
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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Human Preference is a K/S Star Trek: TOS story by P.K. Barnes.

It was published in the print zine Way of the Warrior #7.

Summary

"Sarek calls Spock to Vulcan when he learns of his sonʼs affair with Kirk and demands that Spock either bond with his lover or find another."

Reactions and Reviews

1994

I liked this story, but was uncertain why Kirk decided to bond. What out weighed his previous objection? It would have been better if he had held out a little longer.

After some difficulties. Kirk and Spock want to bond, so they go to Vulcan for a traditional ceremony.

Some very good, realistic touches that I always appreciate such as not acting lovey - dovey on duty. These are Starfleet officers who know how to control themselves. Unless it's pon farr or something. I think they can curb those raging hormones at least until off duty.

I loved Spock's bedspread with a le matya "stitched in gold thread". Pretty! I want one.

Medium - hot sex scene early on, marred slightly by Spock's thought that he withheld news of Sarak's request that K and S meet with him "until after they have made love" because he knew it would upset Kirk. I really didn't think Spock would be so game-playing. It turns out Spock also continually withholds important information from Kirk. We're not talking about feelings, which is of course in Spock's character, but rather, necessary things that Kirk needs to know so that he can make some decisions. This includes not telling Kirk about aspects of the bonding, ceremonies, traditions, etc. When did he think to tell Kirk? Once they were already bonded? Right before the ceremony? Oh, by the way, Jim, I forgot to tell you pon farr is kind of dangerous.

There's a lovely moment when Spock is beside an injured Kirk (of which there is not enough story). "'We will go to Vulcan, ' he said quietly to the unconscious man. 'And we will be one."

They go to Vulcan and meet with Sarak. This was well done except for a little too much with the effects of a higher temperature and reduced oxygen on Kirk. Kirk had such a difficult time, I wondered how all the other humans cope, including Amanda. I guess it was only temporary, that he would acclimate, but there's no mention of it.

A lot of Kirk's resistance to bonding with Spock was well shown; his fear was realistic.

The "Ceremony of Warriors" was rich and atmospheric, along with the "consummation" of their bond right there on the temple altar. I still wish that everyone had stayed to watch. Pervert that I am.

But, I must say I had a good time visualizing Spock lifting Kirk up, his (Kirk's) back against a wall, and...