Promises to Keep (Star Trek: TOS zine)

Zine
Title:	Promises to Keep
Publisher:	Kathy Resch
Editor:
Author(s):	Jenna Sinclair
Cover Artist(s):	Caren Parnes
Illustrator(s):	Shelley Butler
Date(s):	1995
Series?:	yes, Sharing the Sunlight
Medium:	print zine
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Trek/The Original Series, Kirk/Spock
Language:	English
External Links:	Promises to Keep at the K/S Archive
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

cover by Caren Parnes. A fan writes: "Last week, two repairmen were in my house and one of them came into my dining room, which is covered with Trek memorabilia. He twisted his hands, lowered his head and muttered that he was a Trek fan, too. 'I like the guy with the visor,' he said, speaking to the floor. 'And I like the robot, a little. But what I really like,' he pointed up and at the original cover of Promises to Keep that I have framed on the wall, 'are those two fellows Kirk and Spock. Do you like them, too?' Needless to say, he did an excellent job installing my air ducts, and I kept him supplied with lemonade throughout the day." Another comment: "Until you read the novel, you cannot possibly understand the symbolism of this gorgeous color artwork. Both Spock and Kirk are drawn in exquisite detail and with the accuracy of a camera lens. And yet, the camera would not capture them so -- because this is how they appear in their melds: perfection. Flawless, timeless, handsome, sensitive. Unbelievable. The closer you look the more fine features you see. Tiny vessels in the whites of Kirk’s eyes, impeccably trimmed strands of Vulcan hair. Truly a piece to be treasured. Praise be to the thoughtful editor who chose to protect this masterpiece beneath a clear cover."

Promises to Keep is a Kirk/Spock novel 235-page novel written by Jenna Sinclair. This novel was the winner of a 1995 STIFfie Award.

a 1995 flyer

The color cover is by Caren Parnes.

It won a 1995 STIFfie Award for best Star Trek art. Other art is by Shelley Butler and Chris Soto.

Artwork has been uploaded to Fanlore with the publisher's permission.

Promises to Keep is available online through the K/S Archive: Promises to Keep.

Series

• Sharing the Sunlight
• Reflections on a Lunar Landscape
• Pursuing Hyacinths
• Heart's Delight
• Primal Scream
• Parallel Courses
• Double Trouble
• Son of Sarek
• Promises to Keep
• Setting Course
• Jagged Edges
• Manna
• Journey’s End
• One Night
• In the Shade

Summaries

Paradise does not last forever. The crew of the Enterprise is sent to solve the mystery of violence that is sweeping across a colony planet, and they fail. Kirk and Spock try to include McCoy in the most important change in their lives, and the doctor does not understand. Admiral Komack sees not a successful starship captain, but the man who embarrassed and manipulated him, and so he embarrasses and manipulates Kirk in turn. And then the unique, glowing life that captain and first officer share within the meld is attacked.

Spockʼs telepathic powers are destroyed during a mental attack, taking his and Kirkʼs developing bond with them.

Kirk and Spock are established but closeted lovers. The Enterprise crew fail to solve a mysterious wave of violence on planet Michaela, leaving Kirk with unkept promises. Discord mounts: the ship is torn from the mission that has so engaged the crew, simply for PR purposes by a vengeful Admiral Komack; on a personal level, there is a breach with McCoy when Kirk and Spock belatedly inform him of their status as lovers. A stop to investigate a wandering asteroid-ship leads to Spock's loss of his most precious Vulcan powers."

From the Author: The Zine's Introduction

When I sat down to write a single, K/S short story five years ago, I never dreamed that I was embarking on a wondrous journey. That journey has taken me where I never thought to go: through the agonies and ecstasies of creative writing, through the heady rush of praise and the down-to-earth education of criticism. Along the way I have met friends more precious than gold, and learned so much about myself. Horizons that before I had only dreamed about materialized through writing K/S.

Step by step I followed a path that took me to my first novel. Sharing the Sunlight, to other short stories and novellas, and now to this second novel. All my stories take place in the same universe, and follow Captain James T. Kirk and Commander Spock as they live and love, as their relationship begins and changes. Promises to Keep takes place seven months after the first novel, and it is the second in a planned trilogy of novels. (Although to tell you the truth I am considering making it a quartet.)

I'd like to dedicate Promises to Keep to my wonderful husband. Projects of this magnitude affect not only the author, but the author's family as well. I could not even consider writing without my spouse's support, his willingness to listen to plot problems and talk me through those frustrating writing blocks. And I appreciated those take-out meals he brought home when I was so exhausted from wrestling with my characters, There were times when Kirk and Spock showed me their command steel, and McCoy proclaimed, "I'm a doctor, not a character in a story!" Thank you, my dear, the love between these pages is but a shadowy reflection of the love I bear for you.

I can't forget my two daughters, who almost lost sight of their mommy while I was chained to the keyboard, especially during the seven months when I wrote the last three-quarters of the novel. Their patience and their enthusiastic willingness to talk about "what Kirk and Spock are doing today" (sometimes I could tell them!) added immeasureably to the pleasure of the writing, and the mothering, experience. Sweethearts, you are the best.

My profound thanks go to my trio of First Readers, Barbara, Carol and Barbara. I asked them for time, attention, and honest criticism, often with unreasonably quick turnaround requests, and they gave me all that and their wonderful friendship as well. They endured despairing phone calls, encouraged me, and gave me excellent advice. I cannot measure their contribution to this novel, nor my gratitude for their help. Thank you, my friends. (And Carol, I'll never forget the lunch when you eagerly read my hot-off-the-computer revisions. Your interest meant everything to me.)

Throughout the entire writing process, editor Kathy Resch was bedrock support. When I needed someone to listen to an hour-long exposition of plot over the phone, Kathy was there with her typical cheerfulness, and with intelligent comments that proved she hadn't fallen asleep! Her comprehensive written critiques, which showed the attention she gave to every word, I kept by my computer for encouragement. Just as important for an anxious author, she kept every single deadline, and was so pleasant to work with. She is an editor who really understands the creative process, and makes it easy for a writer to write.

And I am so grateful to Shelley Butler, Chris Soto and Caren Parnes for helping translate my vision into reality. The artists in fandom have such demands made of them, and these three have come through wonderfully. Aren't these pictures marvelous?

I've lived so long with Kirk and Spock and what happens to them in this particular story that I had mixed feelings about finishing the writing. I almost didn't want to leave their magical world. But I console myself with the knowledge that, if circumstances permit, I'll enter it again with my third novel. That book will be a sequel to this one, and will take up the continuing tale of our two favorite starfleet officers. Remember that first story I set out to write five years ago? Finally I'm up to the point in my series where it can find life. You see, it's the end of the five year mission.... In Idic, Jenna

Gallery of Sample Interior Pages

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  sample text

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  interior art by Shelley Butler, see The Meld for comments

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  interior art by Shelley Butler, see Love Among the Hyacinths for comments

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  interior art by Shelley Butler, Baptism for comments (some fans referred to it as "The Shower Scene"). When it was posted to AO3, it was titled "Shower Together."

• 

  Chris Soto

• 

  Merle Decker

• 

  Chris Soto

Reactions and Reviews: Art

[cover art]: Until you read the novel, you cannot possibly understand the symbolism of this gorgeous color artwork. Both Spock and Kirk are drawn in exquisite detail and with the accuracy of a camera lens. And yet, the camera would not capture them so -- because this is how they appear in their melds: perfection. Flawless, timeless, handsome, sensitive. Unbelievable. The closer you look the more fine features you see. Tiny vessels in the whites of Kirk’s eyes, impeccably trimmed strands of Vulcan hair. Truly a piece to be treasured.

[interior art]: The incomparable Shelley Butler. No signature is needed anymore -- though I look for it as I look for any label of quality.

Reactions and Review: Fiction

1995

I have long awaited this next installment in Jenna's Sharing the Sunlight universe, and may I say at the outset that this novel did not meet my expectations, It exceeded them! Jenna has woven a wonderful tale fraught with chilling suspense, exciting action, and heart- tugging emotions that reached way down inside and touched me where I live.

Promises is my favorite kind of story, the kind that can be read on many levels, and I have already noticed, on second and third reading of several parts, nuances of theme and sub-text that I missed the first time around. This is not to say that the story cannot be enjoyed as a straight action/adventure tale. It most certainly can, but this novel is written with such exquisite depth, such marvelous forethought: Jenna has provided a very rich textural experience for the reader, one that cannot help but filter down, imbuing the prose with additional layers of meaning.

It is now seven moths after Sharing the Sunlight. and several threads left hanging from that novel and later stories have been tied up while new ones are left dangling. McCoy has been told about Kirk and Spock's new relationship, and his reaction is not quite what they expected or desired. And not only McCoy, but the bridge crew as well. No longer does either Kirk or Spock wrestle with indecision about the wisdom of gorging an intimate relationship. That is behind them. The relationship is a reality, and they express it as two mature adults would, they are totally committed to one another. And then tragedy strikes. I love that after all the soul searching Kirk has done in the past, he faces this new challenge without the slightest wavering in his conviction that they will weather this new storm together. This is my captain! And Spock is equally well-drawn. He must face the prospect-that he will live the rest of his life stripped of all that makes him Vulcan. In one of the best scenes in the novel, Kirk comes upon Spock in the ship's handball court where he has been destroying the balls by systematically slamming them into the wall until they explode. The tension between them is incredible as Kirk convinces Spock to face what he has lost, while still being wary of the power of the Vulcan's seldom unleashed strength.

During the course of the novel Kirk makes promises, some of which, for the first time in his life, he is unable to keep, and is forced to accept a new view of himself, Spock, their relationship, and the way he looks a t life.

There are so many things to praise. One example is the concept of H'sarr, the ability to control one's partner during intercourse, a sign that a natural bond is beginning to form between them. Great idea, it sounds perfectly logical and completely Vulcan, doesn't it.

The author has always written action scenes especially well, and now there are more of them than ever before. So many memorable ones: Spock's capture and torture, Kirk's inevitable rescue, the opening scene of horror, Spock's pon farr, just to name a few: all of these had me turning pages in a frenzy. (My husband passed by while I was reading and found me talking back to the book. He just shook his head, signed heavily and went on.) The mind meld scenes are particularly beautiful, but did cause a small problem for me. Both Kirk and Spock have found such ultimate satisfaction within the sanctuary of the meld, and I do understand Kirk's pain at the contemplation that he may never experience it again, but he seems to dwell overly on it. After what his lover has been through, he is fortunate to have Spock with him at all. He seems just a bit too sorry for himself that now they will perhaps have to love each other merely as humans have been loving each other since time began. I would rather have seen him concentrate more on the half full glass then the half empty one.

I also was slightly confused about the bond. I was sure that they haven't yet bonded until several passages made it seem as it the bond had already been formed, so I had to go back and reread to clarity this. (They haven't)

Also, after all the trauma both go through in this story I could have wished for a slightly more upbeat ending. Let me hasten to add that the novel does end on an optimistic note, but the author had put me through an emotional wringer by this time, and while I found the ending satisfying, I needed just a bit more. If it was Jenna's intention to make sure I tuned in for the next installment, she need not have worried. I'll be there! But these were very minor stumbling blocks and totally subjective. Nor did they diminish my pleasure in this extraordinary work.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful art that added greatly to my enjoyment of the novel, Shelley Butler, Caren Parnes, and Chris Soto have outdone themselves once again. They deserve separate reviews, and will get them as soon as I can come up with more superlatives.

To sum up, I found Promises to Keep a totally captivating reading experience. This wins my vote for novel of the year, hands down, I urge those of you who haven't as yet bought your copy to run, not walk, to your checkbook!

Normally I am only a consumer, but I was so impressed by Jenna's new novel, that I had to sit down and write a LOC.

I really loved this novel, it's the best K/S that I have read in a long time, It is written in a style, that reminds me of a professional writer, It was so exciting to read, that if Attila the Hun and his men would have ridden through my living room, it would have been an impossibility to put the novel done. Sometimes it seems as if I was really a part of the novel, not just an observer, The emotions of the characters were so strong, it was like a flowing river, which carries you with it, rather you are willing or not.

I was suffering with Spock about the loss of his telepathic abilities, could feel his frustration and anger. I could also understand McCoy's angry reaction to the news of their relationship after being left out for seven months. Sometimes it was an emotional roller coaster.

Their inner struggles were portrayed so very well.

The whole zine is a wonderful combination between action/adventure and a romantic love story, with the romantic side often heartbreaking.

One of my favorite scenes is the "Pon Farr" at the end. I am a fan of pon Farr stories anyway and this one was so realistic and so much in character, Spock denying his need in the line of duty until it's almost too late and Jim's determination to bring Spock through come hell or high water and to achieve this all by himself. Page 204: There is not the smallest note of insecurity in Jim's reassurance to Spock. Then his frustration (and later anger at himself) about learning that he would not be able to save Spock alone, but has to seek help. Speaking of frustration: Jenna, how could you let the novel end the way it dose??? Poor Spock with only his time sense back and a still broken bond!! Please put our guys out of their misery as soon as possible, Pack your thins, travel to a lonely island and write, write, write!

To put it in one sentence: It was a wonderful, satisfying read!

This is a good Trek story — our intrepid crew in all their honor and ingenuity, interacting with imaginatively depicted cultures. A good mix of action and introspection. Rich and authentic; no cliches of character, event or sentiment.

I didn't always care for so many POV's, even though properly done. But at the same time, because of the changing perspectives, we got a nice three-dimensional look, like a kaleidoScope. The close-in perspective was nice also, allowing us to really observe, experience and feel.

This author is brilliantly imaginative and/or a good researcher. The whole story is very inventive as to details of place, culture, even things and names. There is a very interesting group-mind culture. I never felt I found loopholes in her depiction of their reasoning and ways. And her expression of the inner landscape throughout the novel is impressive.

I know we don't use TNG as canon, but I liked the idea in one of their episodes where the Federation had no intention of admitting a planet or system until its divided factions had resolved their differences between themselves first. This was such a divided culture, and so I wondered about the Federation really considering their admission.

As to the main plot, it seems there is a race of beings scattered throughout the quadrant who are causing trouble of a mental variety. Isolated incidents are connected. Finally it is the Enterprise crew who bring the whole problem to a head and resolve it, at no small danger to themselves.

But what I like best (—surprise—) is Kirk and Spock. I love that the worst thing that could happen to Spock, and to their relationship, happens—and so convincingly. Heartbreaking. I read with apprehension to see how they would get out of this one.

Kirk and crew are ordered away from a planet where they were unable to resolve the people's situation—the mission was a failure. This theme, Kirk's feeling of failure, runs through the story. Promises he couldn't keep.

Their love is rich and sweet, and plenty of long drawn-out hot deep sex. Really beautiful mental communion. Wonderful mental/meld/bond stuff, lots of it I would call definitive.

I adore the parts from Kirk's POV, that we get to experience Spock as Kirk experiences him. Spock's passion is so beautiful. Vividly described sensations; just excellent.

A beautiful passage of Kirk's thoughts when Spock tells him the bond is forming. First, thinking about Starfleet's hypocritical stand re officers marrying, etc., and that all of Command will know JTK loves a man, loves sex with a man. And then after that, a strongly written moment, thinking about all the love he has for and from Spock—it made me cry.

Spock's thoughts and meditations are just wonderful; the metaphoric elements of his foray into love. On Vulcan sands, rain, a river.... Lovely.

Sex in the meld is gorgeous. Only 35 seconds in real time, but pages and pages for us. I enjoy Spock's thoughts about what "nature never intended," etc. He has defied nature to find happiness.

Other characters are vividly drawn, each with unique and recognizable characteristics. These are not just throwaway characters. Besides her continuing character, Hunyaday, we are made to know and trust these other crew characters, because they find themselves later in a close situation with Kirk and Spock,

where Kirk and Spock have to trust them.

Hunyaday is promoted to lieutenant; the youngest ever. Her being a brilliant young upstart almost seems to take away from Kirk, for me. Like I'm jealous of her getting the same kind of attention I want him and only him to have....

A sub-story involves Komack bugging them about attending an awards ceremony. But they'd rather stay around the quadrant, figure out what's wrong and help out. Their connection with Starfleet (when they'd rather be out in the far reaches forging their own path) in a way connects them with "real life," with whatever contact we Earth-bound mortals might have with our heroic, space- faring representatives. So this Starfleet stuff, albeit bureaucratic unpleasantry, is something we can relate to. It might foil their higher purposes, rub them the wrong way, but at the same time it's a realistic touch to connect us with them.

Well, I guess I'm glad JS waited through all those stories while I got mad at her for not having Kirk and Spock tell McCoy about their relationship. Because now that they do tell him, McCoy's response is a central element to this novel. All in all, Kirk and Spock telling him doesn't go well, and this rift between the three, particularly between Kirk and McCoy, makes for satisfying drama throughout the rest of the novel. Kirk feels uncomfortable with McCoy now, like McCoy is judging him—can he be captain anal lover?

Not to mention McCoy's feelings. I really liked these parts, his personal logs. Nothing superficial about his responses. This was really rich, all the feelings and analysis he goes through about this. And I agree with him; I think it poor judgment on Kirk's and Spock's part to not tell him sooner. I would be hurt and insulted and everything else also.

Such a good use of McCoy's having been mentally raped by Mirror Spock. The thought of Kirk and Spock doing that really disturbs him, as it reminds him of the worst experience of his life. So he does np_i think this is a beautiful part of their relationship. To Kirk, melding is the best thing ever, the closest thing to heaven he'll ever know. But McCoy has such an aversion to mental intrusion. I also don't feel Kirk treated McCoy's feelings on this issue very sensitively.

So Spock is injured, his mind assaulted. All his telepathic abilities gone, maybe forever. The growing bond was broken. Terrible, devastating. His senses, perceptions, spatial orientation, also affected, even having to learn to walk and talk again. A mild meld with a Vulcan healer restores his motor and speech functions, but who is he now, without his Vulcan abilities? Oh, tragic, tragic.

From here on, we start to learn that all the weird stuff on the planets and a ship they met up with, might be connected, and the key is there somewhere to Spock's injury and to the potential of his recovery.

There is lots of thought-provoking stuff, Kirk's and Spock's feelings about their relationship now that Spock is not who he was. And which is healthier,

acceptance-of-what-is or hoping-for-what-might-be? As if all this isn't enough, here comes the beginnings of pon farr. Without the bond, a horrible prospect.

And plenty of jeopardy, with Spock and McCoy taken hostage, the Enterprise in danger from these mind- control people, and Kirk & Co. working exhaustively both to find Spock and McCoy and to save the ship.

Once reunited, though not by any means out of danger, with Spock in pon farr, the situation simply cannot be hidden from the others crewmembers. So now these few others also know about the relationship.

The rebels and their agenda, all of that, all get resolved. It's not just politics as usual; it has to do with their psychic natures, their spirituality. A very imaginatively conceived people.

And meanwhile there is hope for Spock's regaining his abilities, and thus the bond being restored. And of course for the Three to be reconciled.

What a pleasing reader experience, and beautiful art.

This author has produced an extraordinary tome. It is obvious how much time, effort and genuine talent went into this continuing saga of Kirk and Spock in the "Sharing The Sunlight" universe.

Actually, I hesitate to identify this novel as part of STS because whatever references there are to the previous novel are relatively unimportant. It absolutely can stand on its own.

Jenna Sinclair takes us into a finely crafted and detailed world where Kirk and Spock not only are forced to deal with enormous difficulties in their personal relationship, but with seemingly insurmountable difficulties in their working relationship. The two plots are skillfully woven together. That, I believe, is one of the great strengths of this novel.

Both plots, that of what Kirk and Spock go through physically and what they go through emotionally are developed with an astonishingly clear vision. Every detail and every nuance are portrayed with that clarity of vision. This author knew exactly where she wanted to go and takes us there with very few missteps and a great deal of honesty.

I won't bother with a plot summary, as it would be too lengthy and involved. Besides, I would deserve a large dose of psychic pain in a forced mind-meld if I gave away any surprises. But this is one carefully researched and expertly drawn plot. I was continually astonished and amazed by the author's talent with all the details of an alien society. Everything is there—the peoples' names and titles, the history of their culture, their religion, their social structure, their attitudes and morays. Take this out of the novel and it could be a novel itself. It's that complete.

Even more complete is Kirk and Spock's emotional life. For despite the complexity and detail of the alien society, it's Kirk and Spock's relationship that's in the foreground. As it should be — this is K/S.

Kirk is "the strong one" and Spock is "the needy one". That's the simplistic explanation. The more complicated explanation has to do with Spock's vulnerability, his sense of loss, his physical and mental traumas and his lack of control. For Kirk it's his strength, resourcefulness, positive outlook, command capabilities and his protectiveness—things like that. Sure, he's needy sometimes. But not like Spock.

This view actually proved to be somewhat of a problem for me. I say "for me" because I, too, have a definite view of Kirk and Spock. Sometimes when Spock would be at his skinniest, weakest and sickest and Kirk would be at his strongest, most caring and most protective, I lost the sense of their equality. Of course, situations and circumstances dictate that they're not always equal. But it's not just circumstance here, It's the bottom line of their character. I know I was reminded of Spock's physical strength, but that was about it in the strength department. The continual suffering eventually wore a bit thin for me.

I appreciated their deep and intense love and concern, but I was held at a distance. I just wish I could have been more emotionally engaged.

However, there were times when I was definitely emotionally engaged. With writing like: "Isn't it interesting that I donl seem to be a Vulcan anymore. Isn't it interesting that our bond is gone. Isn't it interesting that captain and first officer, who have said they love each other passionately, think this is interesting." And: "The Vulcan who had no Vulcan abilities said...."

Or this scene, when Spock observes Kirk: "Jim's eyes...almost as soft as his lips, sensual, yielding. Or his soul, a resting place, a safe harbor. Jim's eyes...almost as hard as his lips, demanding, taking. Or his soul, with its determined purpose and uncompromising will. As much contradiction as sehlat and le-matya. Eyes and lips, lips and soul. Soft and hard, and filled with promise."

Definitely carpet-thrashing time.

Or one of the most wonderful sex scenes ever—the handball court\mind-meld in the first part. I will never forget that scene. It blew me away.

Also, beautifully delineated was McCoy's character. I thought this was the best, most perfect, clearest (what other adjectives can I use?) McCoy I have ever read. Ever.

Not only that, but he is integral to the story without overshadowing it. I loved everything about the way he was portrayed. From the moment he learns that Kirk and Spock are lovers to how he deals with them emotionally to his role as a physician. His character was drawn with total love, understanding and insight.

Some more things to love:

• Kirk is questioning Spock about their love and for a brief paragraph, the author pulls us away into space then back again while we wait for Spock's answer.
• Great lines like: "Such an unlikely body to serve as repository for a captain's dreams."
• How Kirk wants to talk to Spock, but McCoy says no because he's arguing with Spock and later we find out what the argument was about.
• The scene in Sickbay when Kirk first comes to Spock after Spock had been injured. Kirk's thoughts are so sharp, so poignant and so sad. Kirk's dilemma of being the captain and still showing his love for Spock while hiding it from McCoy.
• "Roddenberry's Principal of Parallel Evolution"

Some difficulties occurred when the fine detail was used for action scenes. Action scenes, by nature, have to be action that drives the scene forward at a fast pace. This is no time for inner speculation, deep emotional thinking, memories or anything that will slow it down. But almost every action scene was filled with subtle emotional nuances that got lost with the tension of the situation and only bogged down the story. I definitely want to listen in on Kirk's deep feelings for Spock, but not while a phaser is being pointed at him.

Also, I feel terrible admitting this because everyone loves her so much and she's so smart and so beautiful and so nice to boot. But...I cringed at Hanwood — the name alone irritated me. She irritated me. I'm sorry.

There were parts where the time sequence had me going back a number of pages to remind myself where we were in present time. One example was on the planet Gabriela. At one point, Kirk reflects back to when they first got there. The flashback was so lengthy and involved that I got totally lost as to what was the present time and what they were doing.

And I still feel conflicted about the pon farr scene. I understand it showed that Kirk would do anything for Spock, which I definitely appreciate. But I got the point even before that scene. Maybe it's just tough to see Spock be so horribly abused, but I guess I felt kind of "hit-over-the-head" with the pain and torture.

That aside, so much was so vivid that it was a real "you-are-there" experience. We go along with Kirk throughout a day as he speaks to crewmembers, oversees the workings of the ship, even what he has for lunch.

But the real detail is in Kirk and Spock's relationship. Here is where we get the in-depth look at their emotional life from every angle possible. It is so rich and well-crafted and so complete. Let me put it this way—this author knows what she's talking about.

Just an interesting side note— A sister K/Ser (try saying that fast) showed me a small paragraph in Promises To Keep that she said could be shown to anyone who questions the integrity of K/S. This quote should prove to any doubter that K/S has nothing to do with pornography, and is in fact, as far from porno as the beautiful, erotic, loving literature for woman that it is. "'I don't know why the Creator of the universe gave us to each other,' Kirk whispered. 'But I'm yours now and you're mine. I'm never going to let you go. Never'."

The only question of Jenna Sinclair's potential as a professional writer is which agent she can find. Or what agent can find her. I wish her all the success. Professional writing is fine, Jenna, just don't ever leave K/S. Please. You are a treasure.

This 235 pp. novel is an absolute must for every K/S fan. Brilliantly written with a thrilling plot it's a masterpiece of its kind.

And more... it's a gem for everyone's collection because of the beautiful art: Breathtaking the front cover: our two guys in full color by Caren Parnes, and breathtaking the interior art by Shelley Butler, Caren Parnes and Chris Soto. (My favorite is on p. 68a, Kirk and Spock under the shower - this Spock is... whew... look at his tousled hair!).

This novel is a worthy sequel to "Sharing the Sunlight." I think it isn't easy to do such a great success a second time, because everyone The only "mean" thing is, that we have to wait now a very long time for Part 3! This is torture!!! ... Specially the last sentence drives me crazy... does the "Precisely" and the "Drops of water..." mean that he's getting his abilities back??? Sigh. What a beautiful ending!

Well, what did I like most in this novel?

- Spock. (Er... of course I like/love him always most...) Spock without his telepathic abilities is a real new idea (who says there are no new ideas in our K/S universe???!)! And his terrible fate is so impressive translated into words! The author thought of every little detail, such as his sense of balance, his sense of hearing, his time sense also. Spock became an entirely new person and was nevertheless at the same time our beloved, stubborn Vulcan. No other man (aside from Kirk) would have had the willpower to go through this who knows "STS" was eagerly looking for the sequel and the author had to meet all that great expectations. agony.

The characterization of Kirk. He isn't the great hero from TV (here I am, I can do anything!) - he's a human being with a lot of faults and insecurities. And a lot of big problems (Starfleet and private). When Spock loses his telepathic abilities his world is shattered. The Vulcan he loved and adored isn't anymore. Everything that made him extraordinary has vanished. Kirk is as lost as Spock is.

I was very impressed because of the insight in the true meaning of Star Trek: to accept differences even if I don't understand them. Kirk thinks the Gabrielans have prejudices, but this is too simple. He doesn't understand them -- their way of life. When he joins with them he understands better, but still not complete. In the end (the scene with the Ta's and The essence: there are so many different cultures and each has a right to exist in its own way, even if others don't understand. Nobody has the right to force his own points of view on others!...

-- Surely everyone knows the jokes about red shirts: don't wear them or you don't live till the end of the story! Red shirts are nameless, faceless and they die to guarantee a gripping plot. But not here, not in Jenna's story! Again, like in "STS" all characters have a life of their own. People with strength and weakness, with sorrow and joy, nice or unpleasant. Not stereotype, but three-dimensional, vivid characters! I love Dawson and Hunyady, Resl't and Prendel't, and I'm so sad about Ensign Tarn's death. My favorite scene: p. 193 when Prendel't has this idea how they fit all into the 'car. Great! This is Kirk's crew!

- McCoy's reaction. Well, I wanted to kick him into his ass - he's stubborn as an old mule. But I like his reaction very much. That's life and life is never easy. (You know the easy way: "Oh, you're lovers, really? I guessed it all the time. Congratulations. Now let's pass to the order of the day....").

-- The reference to our climatic problems, the deforestation, the suppression of the poor. I like such connections to our own world. There were a lot of other things I loved in this novel, but I can't write a 235 pp. LOC...

One quibble: Spock's visit to healer Sultarin is very important. Why can't the reader come with him? I wanted to hear, what he had to say. Also I had liked Kirk coming with him - as Bondmate-to-be. The broken bond affected him as well. He's getting these shots from McCoy and Spock doesn't seem to bother!? I waited for a lot of pages with Sultarin, Kirk and Spock.

1996

This novel is so far superior to anything else Jenna Sinclair has written that it stands very mush apart from the rest of her work.

It seems to me that the Kirk and Spock of PROMISES TO KEEP are not the same as her earlier portrays of these characters, They are more aware of who they are, more secure and more realistic in their expectations of each other. All of this adds up to greater maturity and I personally prefer them this way. I was especially impressed with the characterization of McCoy, I wouldn't ordinarily accept a prejudiced McCoy, If s part of his job to be non-judgmental about what his patients tell him, yet when McCoy's attitude is place within the context of trauma over having been mind-raped by Mirror Spock, I can empathize with it. This is excellent use of an event in an aired episode to illuminate the motivations of a character. It also shows us that recovery from a rape of the mind is beset with at least a many difficulties as recovery from a rape of the body. The slow process of McCoy's coming to terms with mental contact was very believable, I thought the selection of DON QUIXOTE as McCoy's favorite book was extremely appropriate, It reveals that his weary cynicism is a veneer that conceals an inner core of idealism.

The telepathic aspect of K/S before Spock's loss of his Vulcan abilities, is well-handled. I particularly liked the image of melding as 'dipping into the wells of knowledge and intimacy." It WAS very emblematic of the symbolic equivalence of intimacy and water that is central to the STS view of the K/S relationship. The novel is for the most part very thorough in dealing with the implications of Spock's loss of his Vulcan abilities, but there is an occasional slip. For example, the two fingered touch of bonded mates is practiced as a means of telepathic reassurance. This would only work within the K/S relationship if Spock is a touch telepath. After the loss of Spock's abilities, Kirk and Spock might continue the two fingered touch as a sentimental reminder of what they once had, but the original function of the touch is gone and that should at least be mentioned. I did like the way it was subtly indicated at the end of the novel that Spock was getting back his abilities by having him give Kirk the exact time. Getting back his time sense is a good beginning, I really have to say that as a non-Christian, I did not find the angel and demon metaphors that were used for the factions of the Krohderkhin particularly effective. I also wondered why a Vulcan like Spock would be dreaming in Christian terms, and why did he see himself being executed between two thieves like Christ? Is that really relevant to this novel?

On the other hand, the mental unity of the Krohderkhin and the Gabrielans was fascinating as an alien mode of consciousness, If anything, I don't think it was explored enough. I would have liked to have seen more about how the group mental awareness of these races affected their cultures.

2000

Had I picked up this novel at Waldenbooks and read the first paragraph, it would have been an instant sale. Kirk was not mentioned. Spock was not mentioned. There was no reference to spacecraft or forbidden romance or any of the usual K/S enticements.

This was a powerful and spellbinding picture of terror and disbelief that the reader cannot turn away from. I don’t think at this point I would have cared if Kirk or Spock ever showed up -- it was that compelling. I was involved immediately and completely in the plight of a character whose name I had never heard before.

I don’t recall ever being given this unique perspective before. We see everything through the eyes of a person in trouble. Through her tears we see Kirk appear, phaser in hand, at first as frightening to her as her enemies. It puts everything in a refreshing, gripping new light.

The drama that unfolds in these first few pages is simply shocking. After that brief and intense prologue, the story plunges immediately into -- another mystery? No, not yet. First an early morning glimpse of pure contentment is ours. A truly remarkable love scene that somehow stands out as something completely apart from other versions. Deep loving, but with a whisper of mind-touch, an awareness of one another that has never been there except in a meld.

Spock is glowing, then just a bit apprehensive. “I did not know that this was happening to us,” Spock whispers. “It is the Il’safarr.” A natural bond is forming. What an unforgettable moment! And then a declaration. The Il’safarr is also an indication of impending Pon Farr.

I must pause here to say while the stories in “Setting Course” were good this is in a class by itself and as good as anything professional I’ve read. Very sophisticated writing. Listen to this description of Spock, leaving his lover’s bed so they can both report for duty: “He walked away, a completely naked Vulcan clothed more than adequately in his dignity, and Kirk watched him go: a long flow of chiseled muscle, lean strength, flat butt and beautiful spirit.” Sigh.

Later, in relating the couple’s revelation of their intimacy to McCoy, Jenna reverts to what I’ve begun to think of as her “gritty” style. She refuses to soft- pedal anything and sometimes it’s disconcerting to be slapped in the face with such harsh reality.

At this point in my reading I knew enough from earlier reviews to be aware I had a very nasty situation awaiting me. I was physically tensed in readiness. At the same time, something else was becoming evident. This was Jenna’s best writing yet! The adventures throughout this “Sharing the Sunlight” series get better and better. Any one of them would make a wonderful episode.

I haven’t mentioned yet the richness the ongoing new characters bring to the series. I’m as involved with Dawson and Hunyady as with Scotty and Uhura. There’s a growing investment in them as I read. Even the characters who come and go with each planetfall are well-developed. Another remarkable advantage of all these stories being read together is the ability to see how, like real life, things are all tied to the past in some way.

For instance, when Kirk confesses their affair to McCoy, the doctor in his ruminations recalls how he sniggered when he discovered a sudden increase in the use of lubricant supplies. Many stories back, at the beginning of their love, there’s a memorable scene where Kirk makes his first trip to the automated dispenser to buy that particular item. Two tubes of it, no less! He’s careful to wear something with pockets so he can conceal it, and now much, much later we’re told how that and subsequent purchases did register with the good doctor. In testament to her talent, Jenna has made sure the second event stands well on its own. It just makes you feel so much a part of the storyline to be “in” on how it all came about and it seems natural in a way that is seldom captured.

Of all the stories within a story that have appeared in this series, the final political, social conflict was the least appealing to me. It was very complicated in nature and I was impatient to deal with events on a more elementally K/S level.

By this time, Spock had been indiscriminately robbed of the most Vulcan of his abilities in a senseless attack. He is devastated at the loss -- no means of knowing the time, unable even to ambulate without help because a sense more precious than sight has been ripped form him. And the worst of it, that unimaginable horror I’d been forewarned would happen: that fledgling bond, that bright and beautiful connection more pure and bright and addictive than anything known to humans -- is gone.

The absolute horrors encountered by Kirk and the terrible physical and emotional anguish suffered by Spock on the Lox’theneth’nar were so awfully genuine. I truly feared this great work of K/S fiction would leave me with no hope for the future, but Jenna Sinclair is not a cruel person. With great skill, she shows us where there is love there is always hope.

Promises to Keep is a worthy follow-up to Sharing the Sunlight. It's got everything its predecessor has; action, adventure and a lovely relationship developing between Kirk and Spock. And hot sex....

Part of the focus of this story is on Kirk's and Spock's revelation to McCoy about their relationship. McCoy isn't as happy about it as we might have expected and it brings problems to the friendship between the three.

The Enterprise is sent on a mission to investigate sudden madness on a planet called Michaela. But the crew on the Enterprise fails to help. Kirk has trouble dealing with this and when he is ordered away from the planet, his failure sticks with him. Spock of course, tries to see him through this, but the entire crew is affected by what happened. When Spock is telepathically attacked and loses his psychic abilities, even more strain is put upon Spock's and Kirk's relationship. Angst abound.

Promises to Keep is every bit as well written a s Sharing the Sunlight and I for one can't wait to see the continuation to this tale since we're sort of left hanging at the end. It is well worth the read.

2006

A treat to read: terrific characterization, fine wordcrafting, a decent plot, and some very nice art. Wonderful imagery for the mind meld, and good tidbits on Vulcan physiology - I especially liked the "secondary testicular system" in Spock's lower back, and the effects on him of losing his telepathic senses for normal locomotion, speech, etc. Komack made a good overbearing admiral foil for Kirk. Sex scenes well done, including final pon farr. Good examination of the issue of being captain and lover - though Kirk of course gets away with both once again. Interesting conflicts among the leads that illuminate their characters. Damage to Spock a bit overdone, and yet another mystical, telepathic race saves the day, but, okay, let's assume the ST universe is full of those. Limited smarm (but unfortunate overuse of "special" in the last few pages). All in all a satisfying romance/adventure novel. Words: gypsies; castration; miscommunication; overbearing admiral; time sense; river; wall; comets passing in the night; castes.