Talking Stick

Fanfiction
Title:	Talking Stick
Author(s):	Macedon
Date(s):	1995
Length:
Genre(s):
Fandom(s):	Star Trek: VOY
Relationship(s):
External Links:	at Archive of Our Own]
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Talking Stick is a Star Trek: Voyager story by Macedon.

It is the first story in the Talking Stick Series.

The Series

• Talking Stick by Macedon
• Circle by Peg Robinson
• A Cherished Alienation by Macedon
• The Red Queen's Repose by Peg Robinson
• Walking Across Egypt by Macedon
• Raisins and Almonds by Peg Robinson
• Otterskin by Macedon and Peg Robinson
• The Rose and the Yew Tree by Peg Robinson and Macedon

See fan comments about the entire series.

Fan Comments

1996

I don't remember the first story I ever read here [at alt.startrek.creative], which is sort of strange since I've only been around here for a couple of weeks. I do remember the first story from the archive (when it was still at token.net) that sent me on a frenzied search for more. That was "Talking Stick" by Macedon, which I read at the wee hours on a weeknight, despite having to be at work at 8:00 a.m. I was just going to skim it quickly to see what it was about and ended up reading it word-for-word, crying at my computer (thank God I live alone - explaining that to a roommate might not have been do-able!), then going right back to the archive to look for more. I now have all six stories in the cycle printed out, as well as saved to my hard drive, and am eagerly looking forward to the next.

"Talking Stick" gave a needed voice to Chakotay, and rounded out Tuvok (in a humorous and compassionate manner) - all while staying within (what i see as) the boundaries of the Voyager dimension.

Chakotay is one of my favourite characters, and Macedon's story really captures the character that's only hinted at in the series. The theme and characterisation just blew me away. It also inspired me to sit up till 4am writing a story of my own. (I won't be inflicting it on anyone just yet!!) Why isn't Macedon writing scripts and/or Voyager novels, that's what I want to

know!! This guy should be published, and be given loads of money to write more.

2009

I think I'd still name this epic as my favorite fanfic in any fandom, and this story made me a hardcore J/C shipper. I read this over again when preparing the rec. I didn't mean to, but I glanced down on the screen and the story sucked me in all over again.

2013

OH! I first read this series years ago and it remains to this day my favorite Star Trek stories of all time. ( and I have read thousands of stories. I started in the fandom back when the only thing available was Zines. ) I am thrilled beyond belief to find these once again! :)

2017

What a beautiful scene. I've just discovered your novel, and I'm excited to delve into the rest--especially with such a thoughtful and compassionate beginning. Interactions between these two characters are rare, in both the show and the fanfic world, but I think they have more in common than we give them credit. Thank you for giving these two a moment of connection, beautifully rendered.

I've just discovered your novel, and I'm excited to delve into the rest--especially with such a thoughtful and compassionate beginning. Interactions between these two characters are rare, in both the show and the fanfic world, but I think they have more in common than we give them credit. Thank you for giving these two a moment of connection, beautifully rendered.

I am also really impressed by your Chakotay voice here. Names are important and you have delineated the complexity of them beautifully.

I just started watching Voyager in the past year, and have been depression binging it for a couple months and am running out of episodes so I decided to start looking for fic. I'm so glad I found this old school gem!

I love the story circle, and that you gave Chakotay the background of actual Native American tribes instead of the made up stereotype grab bag he was given by the writers (and set decorators)!

This is an absolutely gorgeous story. I've always been irritated that the show squandered every opportunity to let an Indigenous character shine, to actually research and get things right, and I've been looking for fic that does exactly that. Today I found that story, and it's here, and it's written by someone who has the voice to do so. Here in Canada, we are slowly working towards truth and reconciliation; I feel like this Fic is exactly what the Voyager, and science fiction in general needs: depth and positivity and pride in an utterly unapologetic Indigenous character. I'm hooked.

Also, you made me feel actual feelings about Tuvok, which was unexpected but not unwelcome. Thank you so much for sharing this story, and I'm off to read the next part!

2018

Loving this so far. Really good. I normally don't go for first person stuff but this jusrt really grabbed me.

Having also recently watched that same farce of an episode, I agree wholeheartedly that a more realistic and respectful representation of Chakotay is warranted. I heard from other fans that this series was exceptional, and I can see how much care and thoughtfulness has gone into creating this first part. I love hearing Chakotay’s inner voice, and can just picture him in this role of storyteller, on multiple levels. And making this story about Tuvok and his relationship — the show never did address Tuvok’s betrayal adequately and the impact it would have had on his relationship with others, especially Chakotay. I feel for the captain, who still believes in command distance. She needs healing and connection as much as others. I hope she will eventually join the circle, as well.

Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to read the rest!

I stumbled onto recs for this story, and the series of stories that came after it, on the Fanlore.org wiki of all places. I am so glad that I did. Voyager was my first, best love, tv-wise and while I love it, it certainly has some major blind spots/failings in characterization. Thank you for writing this, for creating something to counteract that failing in Chakotay's canon-characterization. On my way to read the rest of these stories - and I am filled with anticipation and delight, to encounter more beautiful moments with characters that I grew up loving.

2019

Wow, this is truly something. I enjoyed the pace of this story, the unique background of Chakotay as you spun it (as far as I'm concerned, it's what it should be), and Tuvok's growth toward opening up. I always feel so sad when I hear about a tragic happenstance for him or anyone that leads them to where they are now.

What a gift, to give this character a fully realized background instead of the mess of cliches that the show gave him! I loved this, and am so excited to read your other stories.

2020

What a beautiful story. I enjoyed this so much and it was very touching on so many levels. Thank you for giving these characters the depth they deserve.