In My Father's House

Fanfiction
Title:	In My Father's House
Author(s):	Addison Reed
Date(s):	1989
Length:
Genre(s):	slash
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: TOS
Relationship(s):	Kirk/Spock
External Links:
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In My Father's House is a K/S story by Addison Reed.

It was first published in the print zine Naked Times #22.

Summary

"Kirkʼs resignation from starfleet is refused after he and Spock become lovers, instead they send him and Spock to Vulcan to uncover a conspiracy against the planet, only to run into Sarekʼs distain for Spock and the path his son has taken."

Reactions and Reviews

1989

I have seen Spock confront a Sarek who disapproved of K/S before, but usually the writer goes to great lengths to "fix it" and show Sarek happily reconciled to K/S. I am impressed that Addison Reed didn't yield to that temptation. At the end of "In My Father's House" the possibility that Sarek might be reconciled to K/S is left open, but it isn't certain. I much preferred that ending to a sentimental happy family scene. For one thing, not all family problems are fixable. Recognizing this shows maturity in a writer. For another, Spock's proving his love for Kirk by openly defying his father has terrific dramatic impact, and I would have hated to see that spoiled. I especially loved Kirk projecting "the hell you will" telepathically, and Spock repeating it aloud to Sarek. Nevertheless, I would like to see what happens after this story ends. Spock and Sarek should have to deal with the consequences of a rift between them over K/S, and not run away from the issue.

1990

I liked most of this story although I didn't care for the way Sarek was written. Sarek might disagree or even be angry with Spock's sleeping arrangements, but he'd never express himself quite that way. Other than that one thing I really did like the rest of the story. I guess the reason I didn't care for how Sarek was written is because I am sort of a fan of Sarek's from way back.

I really enjoyed this story of Spock's final step into adulthood. I can't image the TV/movie Sarek behaving so harshly, but in the context of this story, the author made her Sarek believable. She did so very neatly, largely by showing us Spock's reactions to Sarek, and Kirk's reactions to Spock's reactions. Every time Spock stood there and died because his father was so critical, and Kirk died to see Spock die, the reader felt more convinced of Sarek's unyieldingness. From his unpleasant personality to his being a traitor was an easy step; I found that idea quite possible too. Wisely, the writer kept Amanda busy out of town; in this story, we couldn't afford to be reminded of Sarek's soft side. I was confused, however, about Admirals Grimsley and Samson. Something was being hinted but not said—perhaps that they were both aware that Sarek was under suspicion? Or was it related to some other Reed story I haven't read? I feel I missed something in those two scenes. I really wish I knew. A good read and an engaging story, though. The paragraph near the end was especially good, where, one last time, when we think Spock finally free, Sarek twists the knife.

1993

Kirk requests a leave of his command because of his growing relationship with Spock. he believes it would interfere with his ability to command. But, then K/S are sent to Vulcan on a mission to find a traitor who would destroy Vulcan by unleashing a hormone that would render Vulcan males sterile. K/S got to Vulcan and stay at Sarek's house as they pursue their mission.

A potentially good story, but here the plotline is rather disjointed - parts built, then ignored - others left to the readers' imaginations, with an ending that is almost dismissed. On the positive side, there are some very good action scenes of the discovery of the facility and a dangerous sandstorm.

One big problem for me was the strange characterization of Sarek. I understand the idea of him being a cold and distant father and a very strict Vulcan with all that implies. But, here, he is rude and formal with no warmth or caring at all, for anyone, let alone his own son. He is a cardboard cut-out of a villain, with no redeeming traits, and who never in the course of the story, learns anything. The conflict that Spock has with his father is made the central issue, but it's unsatisfying because Sarek's character is so empty. The author even wrote out Amanda, having her be conveniently away, so there is no balance.

Also, Kirk and Spock certainly went through such conniptions at having to pretend they weren't lovers for a short time when they stayed at Sarek's house. It became almost silly that they felt such pain at having to stay in separate rooms.

Some good action later in the story, then a well-written mind link and love making. Although some of the symbolism was too unfocused, at times, such as comparing kissing with an "ocean spray" and a "tower of flame" and a "feverish dance" all in the same paragraph. But, throughout the story were parts that had wonderful feelings and qualities.

1994

Very well-crafted plot. Perfect pacing. Beautiful, poetic language - very expressive.

Kirk and Spock are sent to meet with the Vulcan High Council, to infiltrate under the guise of having a defense program to offer, What they are really doing is following up on a formula for a hormone that renders Vulcan males sterile - a biological weapon - which was stolen, apparently by a pro-Romulan group on Vulcan. All of this is quite fascinating.

Meanwhile, the story is never lacking in interaction between Kirk and Spock; a wonderful look at the committed relationship.

Kirk's observation of how "romantic" the crew is, how they look upon their senior officers' love, is charming. This is in reference to Kirk's wish they could just be invisible. How other peoples' reactions, either approval or disapproval, affect their own interaction.

In Sarek's house, their relationship absolutely must not be revealed. It is very frustrating for them, but I rather like how they must be restrained, so that a really fine tension is built up, and also every little touch they do manage is highlighted.

I won't argue with the legitimacy of this characterization of Sarek, but he sure is a jerk. He's uptight, parochial.

Sarek seems to be involved in the intrigue, but it turns out it is his aide who is involved. There is a wonderful part where Kirk and Spock set up a situation to flush out the perpetrators, but just when they are about to nab same, a sandstorm kills them and destroys the hormone/weapon along with them. I might have felt deprived of Kirk and Spock getting to save the day themselves here, except the sandstorm continued to be a good dramatic element.

A very beautiful scene, flying in the dangerous storm, as likely as not to crash, and they speak of bonding. Spock had thought Kirk didn't want to. Kirk had kept his feelings of something - lacking to himself. Absolutely gorgeous. Kirk's words about the oneness he keeps seeking, and doesn't want to die without having.

They crash against Sarek's house. Sarek can't get home in the storm, so Kirk and Spock are finally alone away from his censorship, and in a lights-out storm, etc. Wonderful setting. Very beautiful sex; Spock rawly demanding after weeks of restraint. Exquisite sex and bonding - meld scene.

Then Sarek interrupts; they are found out. Spock stands up to him - a very satisfying, powerful moment. Sarek wants the bond severed, and Kirk and Spock both blatantly stand up to him. Yeah!!