Title: Celebrate the Earth and Sky
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: AU, Dystopia, Action/Adventure, Romance
Length: Super Epic (116,292 words)
Warnings: Violence (a character is tortured, but the actions are not described explicitly). There are also some fight scenes.

Author on LJ: aerlalaith
Author Website: Aerlalaith

Author's Summary:
Earth never reached its full technological potential. The Federation never happened. But the serendipitous rescue of a doomed mission sets into motion a series of events – and individuals – whose choices will either release Earth from its chains, or bind it forever.

Review:
When I saw this story tagged as a dystopian AU I was really excited to read it, and it absolutely did not disappoint. The world-building in Celebrate the Earth and Sky is very strong and detailed, with a suitably Orwellian government antagonist, alien machinations, organized crime, and a Resistance comprised of our favorite bridge crew.

The pacing is excellent, and the story is long and plotty. While Kirk/Spock is the main pairing, the little glimpses into the Sarek/Amanda relationship are really well done, providing a view into Amanda's character that I really enjoyed. She is tough and strong, and while Spock always seems so much more Vulcan than human, in Celebrate the Earth and Sky I feel a certain connection between her strength and his.

The romance was a slow build, with plenty of little moments between Jim and Spock to illustrate their growing relationship. Given that Jim has no idea that Spock is Vulcan at first, and even after, has no real knowledge of Vulcan culture or customs, it's fun to see him touching Spock all the time, having no idea of the meaning of what he is doing. Of course, Spock allows it for the most part, which is telling in of itself.

This story is worth reading for the dystopian setting alone, but it is all the better for featuring well-developed romance between Jim and Spock.

Celebrate the Earth and Sky

Title: Papers in the Roadside
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: AU, Drama, Romance
Length: Epic (49,637 words)
Warnings: Brief, non-graphic mention of abuse and non-con in a supporting character's past

Author on LJ: kianspo
Author Website: Kianspo

Author's Summary:

Non-Starfleet AU. Jim owns a small bar in Chicago, keeps on picking up strays and taking care of everyone no matter how hard it makes his own life. Spock is a journalist writing feature articles for the Chicago Tribune; he depicts the world with uncanny skill, but hides more than one personal drama and is possibly under surveillance from the Vulcan royal family. They meet by accident just before their lives start to spin out of control.

Review:
I think the thing I appreciate most about non-Starfleet AU's is the opportunity to see what an author can make of the characters in an entirely different setting. The characterizations in Papers in the Roadside are really excellent. I love the way Kianspo has written Spock in this story. His experiences have created a version of him that is softer, somehow -- more human, and yet still recognizably Vulcan.

Jim feels very much like his movie self, although because we are privy to his innermost thoughts and feelings I think we see a little more vulnerability and insecurity than we do on screen. He may not be Captain of the Enterprise, but he leads and cares for his people just the same. There is one neat little element to his character that I think Kianspo uses to great effect -- as a bartender, Jim uses his talent for reading people to create "surprise" cocktails for his patrons. His ability to predict the type of drink this person or that person will like is a small thing, but it really shows that sort of "trust your instincts" component to Jim's character in a way that is relevant this setting. While he's not making world-saving tactical decisions, he is acting in a way that is very in character.

Kianspo also did a great job developing the relationship between Jim and Spock. One of my favorite things about this pairing in general is how Jim's larger-than-life personality and brash charm play against Spock's logic, self-discipline and more ascetic nature. Although Kianspo's Spock is a little more human, this dynamic is preserved. There is a terrific chemistry between them from the first moment they meet, and their relationship evolves very believably and naturally. And the pining; oh the pining is delicious. I can really appreciate a slow build when the payoff is this good.

Papers in the Roadside

Squeezing in one last entry for Alternative Media Week!

Title: Wild Child
Fandoms: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Doomsday, X-Men, Battlestar Galactica, Merlin, The Last Legion, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Robin Hood (BBC), V for Vendetta, Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Rings, Doctor Who, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, 28 Days Later, Children of Dune, Legend of the Seeker, Blake's 7, Star Wars: A New Hope, Terminator: Salvation, Babylon 5, Farscape, The X-Files, Torchwood, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Smallville, Superman II, Pan's Labyrinth, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Peter Pan, Star Trek: First Contact, Enterprise, Underworld, Terminator II: Judgement Day, Aliens, Survivors, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Star Trek, Stargate: Atlantis, Batman Returns, Resident Evil, The Matrix, Star Trek 09, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Ashes to Ashes, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Children of Men, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Star Trek: Voyager.
Pairing: Gen
Categories: Action/adventure, women being awesome!
Length: 3:48 minutes
Warnings: None

Author on LJ: calapine
Author Website: Unknown

Author's Summary:
A multi-fandom vid for halfamoon's celebration of female characters.

Review:
calapine makes an unconventional but beautiful choice with her song, and for something so epic in scope, she makes it impactful on a personal scale as well, and deeply uplifting. This tribute is amazing not only for its subject matter, but also for its diversity. Women are not just awesome when they are gorgeous and kick-ass and come out with both guns blazing, but they're also awesome when they're doing science experiments, or being brave, or making difficult decisions.

Women can be some of the most harshly judged characters on screen -- because often, women are their own harshest critics. This vid highlights some unexpected choices, and reminds us that every single woman is more than just the few seconds we see them on screen -- they each have their own stories.

Wild Child

A day late and a dollar short, here's my entry for Alternative Media Week

Title: Starships!
Fandom: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Alien/Aliens, Apollo 13, Archer, Battlestar Galactica (2004-8), Cocoon, Community, Doctor Who (2005-), Dune, Farscape, The Fifth Element, Firefly/Serenity, Forbidden Planet, Futurama, Galaxy Quest, Independence Day, The Muppet Show, Odyssey 5, Planet of the Apes (1968), Spaceballs, Star Trek (TOS, Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager; movies II, IV, VII, VIII and XI/Reboot), Star Wars IV & V, Stargate: Atlantis, Stargate SG-1, Sunshine, Superman (1978), Toy Story 2, Virtuality, WALL-E
Music Used: Starships by Nicki Minaj
Pairing: gen
Categories: sci-fi, fluff, happiness?
Length: 3:36 minutes
Warnings: n/a, except the author's warnings: "sci fi action, swear words and makeouts. *Physical note for camera movement (shaking, spinning, tilting), flashing lights and some fast-cut sequences."

Author on LJ: bironic
Author Website: unknown

Summary:
A celebration of pilots, captains, engineers, crew members, and the spacecraft they love to fly. (And race, and crash, and fix, and play in, and fight in, and...)

Review:
This is one of my favorite vids ever (no lie). It's a perfect combination of music and content, and as a life-long sci-fi fan I adore the love and care the vidder shows to the genre and joy the vid gets across. There are great little character moments, and I particularly liked how Bironic wove together similar situations in the INCREDIBLE HUGE amounts of fandoms into coherent sequences (wormholes, crashes, ode to engineers, and my favorite the spinning/crashing sequence).

Starships!
with bonus Lyrics + Breakdown of clips

Title: Eyes like an Impossible Storm
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: beginning Kirk/Spock
Categories: drama, POV
Length: short (2,073 words)
Warnings: family issues
Author on LJ: waldorph
Author Website: AO3 account

Summary: "She thinks that maybe in another universe, one where ships didn't come out of lightning storms in space, she would have had a brown-eyed, steadier child"

Review: This short little glimpse at reboot! Kirk's childhood and his character from Winona's POV is a somewhat chilling portrayal of a character that is so well known and beloved by most fans. Waldorph gives a possible motivstion for the upheaval in young Kirk's life.


Eyes like an Impossible Storm

Title: Eyes like an Impossible Storm
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: beginning Kirk/Spock
Categories: drama, POV
Length: short (2,073 words)
Warnings: family issues
Author on LJ: waldorph
Author Website: AO3 account

Summary: "She thinks that maybe in another universe, one where ships didn't come out of lightning storms in space, she would have had a brown-eyed, steadier child"

Review: This short little glimpse at reboot! Kirk's childhood and his character from Winona's POV is a somewhat chilling portrayal of a character that is so well known and beloved by most fans. Waldorph gives a possible motivstion for the upheaval in young Kirk's life.


Eyes like an Impossible Storm

Title: shut up and deal
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Kirk/Spock, Spock/Pike, Pike/Number One, various others
Categories: cadet! fic, drama, romance
Length: super! epic (110,805 words)
Warnings: sexed up star fleet instructors and admirals, broken hearts, infidelity
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: Dreamwidth Account

Summary: Overwhelmed with the task of getting four-plus years at Starfleet Academy done in three, Kirk has the not-so-brilliant idea to pimp out his off-campus apartment as a love nest for Starfleet officers in exchange for academic favors. He soon finds himself to be the only occupant not getting any action, and he certainly does not count on Spock, the Vulcan instructor he is crushing on, to become one of the frequent users.

Review: Reezoo manages to spin a captivating tale about Kirk's apartment, his wrongly acquired reputation as a manslut and his love for the unattainable Vulcan instructor. The story shows a very interesting take on a different version of Kirk's time at the academy. Yes, there is a lot of sex happening in his apartment, but interestingly enough it's everybody else but Kirk getting it on.

True, some of Spock's reactions are a little OOC, but on the whole I greatly enjoyed reading about Jim's woes with horny admirals, their little kinks and how he tries to woe a taken Spock. I won't tell you how e story ends, but I'm sure you'll enjoy every minute reading this fic. The only downside is that Reezoo started posting a sequel for a bigbang but never unlocked half of the story. Maybe some day in the future she will.

Shut up and deal

Title: shut up and deal
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Kirk/Spock, Spock/Pike, Pike/Number One, various others
Categories: cadet! fic, drama, romance
Length: super! epic (110,805 words)
Warnings: sexed up star fleet instructors and admirals, broken hearts, infidelity
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website: Dreamwidth Account

Summary: Overwhelmed with the task of getting four-plus years at Starfleet Academy done in three, Kirk has the not-so-brilliant idea to pimp out his off-campus apartment as a love nest for Starfleet officers in exchange for academic favors. He soon finds himself to be the only occupant not getting any action, and he certainly does not count on Spock, the Vulcan instructor he is crushing on, to become one of the frequent users.

Review: Reezoo manages to spin a captivating tale about Kirk's apartment, his wrongly acquired reputation as a manslut and his love for the unattainable Vulcan instructor. The story shows a very interesting take on a different version of Kirk's time at the academy. Yes, there is a lot of sex happening in his apartment, but interestingly enough it's everybody else but Kirk getting it on.

True, some of Spock's reactions are a little OOC, but on the whole I greatly enjoyed reading about Jim's woes with horny admirals, their little kinks and how he tries to woe a taken Spock. I won't tell you how e story ends, but I'm sure you'll enjoy every minute reading this fic. The only downside is that Reezoo started posting a sequel for a bigbang but never unlocked half of the story. Maybe some day in the future she will.

Shut up and deal

It's Super!Epic Theme Week!

Title: Leave No Soul Behind
Fandom: Star Trek XI, TOS references
Pairing: Kirk/Spock, Kirk/OFC, McCoy/OFC
Categories: AU, action, drama, romance, angst
Length: Super!Epic (258,951)
Warnings: Graphic violence

Thanks to simarillion for letting me rec in one of her usual fandoms.

Author on LJ: triwislinthis
Author Website: whochick, whochick at The K/S Archive

Author's Summary: If you're Starfleet, you spend your whole life wishing you never see an EPAS uniform right up until the moment they become your only hope. Whether you're dying a slow, cold death in space, or a long painful one on some godforsaken planet, they're going to come for you. So count your last breaths, son, and hold on tight. They leave no soul behind.

Review:
It's amazing the energy and good pacing this has throughout when it clocks in at over 250K words. Neither the action packed plot nor the strong emotional connections (and it's great to find both done beautifully in one story) spend time in a rut. Half way through a conflict in the war with Nero, you'll find the seeds of a relationship hurdle, and it all keeps growing and rolling forward to the end.

After the destruction of Vulcan, Kirk's disillusioned by poor decisions from his superiors. He leaves Starfleet and joins EPAS (the Emergency Personnel Ambulance Service) doing search and rescue with Spock as his commanding officer. This gives whochick a chance to write suspenseful missions from a non-military perspective, but with Nero still a threat. EPAS takes on everything from planet evacuations to clamping a bleeder's artery while the ship goes down in flames.

With lives on the line, levelheaded Spock is fiercely admired by his crew, and though Kirk's cynical about devotion to commanders, it doesn't take long to figure out that it's not just hype; Spock has everyone's back in a crisis. It's good to see Spock as a successful leader, and he also understands when Kirk's intuitive leaps are something he needs to trust. Professional admiration between them leads to a personal relationship that's sometimes rocky but is always deeply felt and... downright hot.

Try the opening scene with Spock in the middle of an ocean rescue, and you may well be hooked too. Leave No Soul Behind is a rollercoaster read. There was only one aspect that wasn't dead-on for me, and even that isn't something that would be an issue for all readers. (I would've preferred dialog tags that were mainly the more invisible "says" rather than "muses," "exclaims," "responds," etc., but I was drawn in so fully that I stopped being distracted by it, and whochick often skips tags altogether where possible.)

This story was started in 2010, but I only just read it about a year ago, so if you're like me and are finding it complete, you're in for a treat!

Leave No Soul Behind (AO3)
On the K/S Archive, On LJ

It's Super!Epic Theme Week!

Title: Leave No Soul Behind
Fandom: Star Trek XI, TOS references
Pairing: Kirk/Spock, Kirk/OFC, McCoy/OFC
Categories: AU, action, drama, romance
Length: Super!Epic (258,951)
Warnings: Graphic violence

Thanks to simarillion for letting me rec in one of her usual fandoms.

Author on LJ: triwislinthis
Author Website: whochick, whochick at The K/S Archive

Author's Summary: If you're Starfleet, you spend your whole life wishing you never see an EPAS uniform right up until the moment they become your only hope. Whether you're dying a slow, cold death in space, or a long painful one on some godforsaken planet, they're going to come for you. So count your last breaths, son, and hold on tight. They leave no soul behind.

Review:
It's amazing the energy and good pacing this has throughout when it clocks in at over 250K words. Neither the action packed plot nor the strong emotional connections (and it's great to find both done beautifully in one story) spend time in a rut. Half way through a conflict in the war with Nero, you'll find the seeds of a relationship hurdle, and it all keeps growing and rolling forward to the end.

After the destruction of Vulcan, Kirk's disillusioned by poor decisions from his superiors. He leaves Starfleet and joins EPAS (the Emergency Personnel Ambulance Service) doing search and rescue with Spock as his commanding officer. This gives whochick a chance to write suspenseful missions from a non-military perspective, but with Nero still a threat. EPAS takes on everything from planet evacuations to clamping a bleeder's artery while the ship goes down in flames.

With lives on the line, levelheaded Spock is fiercely admired by his crew, and though Kirk's cynical about devotion to commanders, it doesn't take long to figure out that it's not just hype; Spock has everyone's back in a crisis. It's good to see Spock as a successful leader, and he also understands when Kirk's intuitive leaps are something he needs to trust. Professional admiration between them leads to a personal relationship that's sometimes rocky but is always deeply felt and... downright hot.

Try the opening scene with Spock in the middle of an ocean rescue, and you may well be hooked too. Leave No Soul Behind is a rollercoaster read. There was only one aspect that wasn't dead-on for me, and even that isn't something that would be an issue for all readers. (I would've preferred dialog tags that were mainly the more invisible "says" rather than "muses," "exclaims," "responds," etc., but I was drawn in so fully that I stopped being distracted by it, and whochick often skips tags altogether where possible.)

This story was started in 2010, but I only just read it about a year ago, so if you're like me and are finding it complete, you're in for a treat!

Leave No Soul Behind (AO3)
On the K/S Archive, On LJ

Title: Valkyrie
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Mystery, Drama, AU
Length: epic (54,098 words)
Warnings: Vulcan assassin spies

Author on LJ: carouselcycles
Author Website: FF.Net

Summary: When Spock came to Earth he had only one goal in mind: kill James T. Kirk, President of United Earth, and shake the stigma his mixed heritage had brought him on his home planet of Vulcan. Too bad he hadn't counted on falling for the one man he was supposed to hate.

Review:
Carouselcycles manages to capture the reader with her starting paragraph, creating an engrossing alternative universe to the Star Trek Reboot verse of JJ Abrams. The movie characters can be found in the portrayals of the story but they still stand on their own, creating an interesting what if.

In the beginning of the story Spock hates earth, humans and anything else that reminds him of his difference from "pure" Vulcans. He blames his human heritage for the difficulties he had and still has to face and is convinced that concluding this job he will prove himself worthy.

It is interesting to watch how Spock starts to waver from his goal and his determination is not what it used to be, after spending time with the people that he is supposed to hate. The wish to belong wars with the the emotions encited by human contact. It remains to be seen how it will go and it's not as clear as one would asume how he decides.


Valkyrie
Mirror on FF.Net

Title: Valkyrie
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Mystery, Drama, AU
Length: epic (54,098 words)
Warnings: Vulcan assassin spies

Author on LJ: carouselcycles
Author Website: FF.Net

Summary: When Spock came to Earth he had only one goal in mind: kill James T. Kirk, President of United Earth, and shake the stigma his mixed heritage had brought him on his home planet of Vulcan. Too bad he hadn't counted on falling for the one man he was supposed to hate.

Review:
Carouselcycles manages to capture the reader with her starting paragraph, creating an engrossing alternative universe to the Star Trek Reboot verse of JJ Abrams. The movie characters can be found in the portrayals of the story but they still stand on their own, creating an interesting what if.

In the beginning of the story Spock hates earth, humans and anything else that reminds him of his difference from "pure" Vulcans. He blames his human heritage for the difficulties he had and still has to face and is convinced that concluding this job he will prove himself worthy.

It is interesting to watch how Spock starts to waver from his goal and his determination is not what it used to be, after spending time with the people that he is supposed to hate. The wish to belong wars with the the emotions encited by human contact. It remains to be seen how it will go and it's not as clear as one would asume how he decides.


Valkyrie
Mirror on FF.Net

Title: Valkyrie
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Mystery, Drama, AU
Length: epic (54,098 words)
Warnings: Vulcan assassin spies

Author on LJ: carouselcycles
Author Website: FF.Net

Summary: When Spock came to Earth he had only one goal in mind: kill James T. Kirk, President of United Earth, and shake the stigma his mixed heritage had brought him on his home planet of Vulcan. Too bad he hadn't counted on falling for the one man he was supposed to hate.

Review:
Carouselcycles manages to capture the reader with her starting paragraph, creating an engrossing alternative universe to the Star Trek Reboot verse of JJ Abrams. The movie characters can be found in the portrayals of the story but they still stand on their own, creating an interesting what if.

In the beginning of the story Spock hates earth, humans and anything else that reminds him of his difference from "pure" Vulcans. He blames his human heritage for the difficulties he had and still has to face and is convinced that concluding this job he will prove himself worthy.

It is interesting to watch how Spock starts to waver from his goal and his determination is not what it used to be, after spending time with the people that he is supposed to hate. The wish to belong wars with the the emotions encited by human contact. It remains to be seen how it will go and it's not as clear as one would asume how he decides.


Valkyrie
Mirror on FF.Net

Title: Valkyrie
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Categories: Mystery, Drama, AU
Length: epic (54,098 words)
Warnings: Vulcan assassin spies

Author on LJ: carouselcycles
Author Website: FF.Net

Summary: When Spock came to Earth he had only one goal in mind: kill James T. Kirk, President of United Earth, and shake the stigma his mixed heritage had brought him on his home planet of Vulcan. Too bad he hadn't counted on falling for the one man he was supposed to hate.

Review:
Carouselcycles manages to capture the reader with her starting paragraph, creating an engrossing alternative universe to the Star Trek Reboot verse of JJ Abrams. The movie characters can be found in the portrayals of the story but they still stand on their own, creating an interesting what if.

In the beginning of the story Spock hates earth, humans and anything else that reminds him of his difference from "pure" Vulcans. He blames his human heritage for the difficulties he had and still has to face and is convinced that concluding this job he will prove himself worthy.

It is interesting to watch how Spock starts to waver from his goal and his determination is not what it used to be, after spending time with the people that he is supposed to hate. The wish to belong wars with the the emotions encited by human contact. It remains to be seen how it will go and it's not as clear as one would asume how he decides.


Valkyrie
Mirror on FF.Net

Title: Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come
Fandom: White Collar, Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Peter/Neal
Categories: Drama, Romance, Fusion/Crossover, Accidental Bonding
Length: Super Epic (102,181 words)
Warnings: references to non-main-character dubcon and rape, teacher/student relationship

Author on LJ: shaenie
Author Website: shaenie

Summary:
After the battle in the Laurentian System, the Defiance requires extensive repairs, leaving Captain Burke filling in at Starfleet Academy (whether he wants to or not), where he meets troubled half-Vulcan Neal Caffrey, under what are not the best circumstances for either of them.

Review:
Wholly set in the Star Trek universe--post Narada incident--but focused entirely on the characters of White Collar, the story is an epic-length drama about the relationship that develops between Peter and his student and advisee Neal, after they accidentally bond. Of course, they don't even realize that's what happened at first. Their strained student/teacher relationship develops first into one of mutual respect as Peter deals with the challenges of being a grounded captain, acting as a teacher and academic advisor to all the Vulcan first-year cadets, and Neal deals with his chagrin at an initial bad meeting with the captain, forms friendships with the other Vulcan cadets and explores his unusual telepathic abilities.

The thing I really respected about the story is that it doesn't shy away for the complications of a student/teacher relationship. Peter reacts very in character, not willing to compromise his values or Neal's position or reputation by being fully involved while they are still student and teacher. This is complicated, of course, by the growing bond between them that they have to figure out and navigate, with the help of some well-drawn original characters (the other Vulcan cadets), as well as Peter's second in command, Diana, and medical officer, Elizabeth. Another aspect of the problems inherent in a student/teacher relationship is explored as Peter deals the possible misconduct of other instructors, and must run up against the Academy administration and Starfleet higher-ups to get some much-needed changes made.

Beyond all that, it's a thoroughly enjoyable romance, of two people getting to know each other and choose each other even after the choice was thrust upon them. By the end, you're really rooting for Neal and Peter to get past the hang-ups and obstacles in their paths, and there is a very happy resolution. Further, it's just what I crave in a Star Trek fusion, with the characters seamlessly integrated into Trek 'verse. Peter's characterization, in particular was well adapted; I like the idea of him as a Starfleet captain, and the way he works for and cares for all his students just felt very Peter of him. It's a fun story and a nice long read you can really sink your teeth into.

Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come

Title: Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come
Fandom: White Collar, Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Peter/Neal
Categories: Drama, Romance, Fusion/Crossover, Accidental Bonding
Length: Super Epic (102,181 words)
Warnings: references to non-main-character dubcon and rape, teacher/student relationship

Author on LJ: shaenie
Author Website: shaenie

Summary:
After the battle in the Laurentian System, the Defiance requires extensive repairs, leaving Captain Burke filling in at Starfleet Academy (whether he wants to or not), where he meets troubled half-Vulcan Neal Caffrey, under what are not the best circumstances for either of them.

Review:
Wholly set in the Star Trek universe--post Narada incident--but focused entirely on the characters of White Collar, the story is an epic-length drama about the relationship that develops between Peter and his student and advisee Neal, after they accidentally bond. Of course, they don't even realize that's what happened at first. Their strained student/teacher relationship develops first into one of mutual respect as Peter deals with the challenges of being a grounded captain, acting as a teacher and academic advisor to all the Vulcan first-year cadets, and Neal deals with his chagrin at an initial bad meeting with the captain, forms friendships with the other Vulcan cadets and explores his unusual telepathic abilities.

The thing I really respected about the story is that it doesn't shy away for the complications of a student/teacher relationship. Peter reacts very in character, not willing to compromise his values or Neal's position or reputation by being fully involved while they are still student and teacher. This is complicated, of course, by the growing bond between them that they have to figure out and navigate, with the help of some well-drawn original characters (the other Vulcan cadets), as well as Peter's second in command, Diana, and medical officer, Elizabeth. Another aspect of the problems inherent in a student/teacher relationship is explored as Peter deals the possible misconduct of other instructors, and must run up against the Academy administration and Starfleet higher-ups to get some much-needed changes made.

Beyond all that, it's a thoroughly enjoyable romance, of two people getting to know each other and choose each other even after the choice was thrust upon them. By the end, you're really rooting for Neal and Peter to get past the hang-ups and obstacles in their paths, and there is a very happy resolution. Further, it's just what I crave in a Star Trek fusion, with the characters seamlessly integrated into Trek 'verse. Peter's characterization, in particular was well adapted; I like the idea of him as a Starfleet captain, and the way he works for and cares for all his students just felt very Peter of him. It's a fun story and a nice long read you can really sink your teeth into.

Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come

Title: Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come
Fandom: White Collar, Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Peter/Neal
Categories: Drama, Romance, Fusion/Crossover, Accidental Bonding
Length: Super Epic (102,181 words)
Warnings: references to non-main-character dubcon and rape, teacher/student relationship

Author on LJ: shaenie
Author Website: shaenie

Summary:
After the battle in the Laurentian System, the Defiance requires extensive repairs, leaving Captain Burke filling in at Starfleet Academy (whether he wants to or not), where he meets troubled half-Vulcan Neal Caffrey, under what are not the best circumstances for either of them.

Review:
Wholly set in the Star Trek universe--post Narada incident--but focused entirely on the characters of White Collar, the story is an epic-length drama about the relationship that develops between Peter and his student and advisee Neal, after they accidentally bond. Of course, they don't even realize that's what happened at first. Their strained student/teacher relationship develops first into one of mutual respect as Peter deals with the challenges of being a grounded captain, acting as a teacher and academic advisor to all the Vulcan first-year cadets, and Neal deals with his chagrin at an initial bad meeting with the captain, forms friendships with the other Vulcan cadets and explores his unusual telepathic abilities.

The thing I really respected about the story is that it doesn't shy away for the complications of a student/teacher relationship. Peter reacts very in character, not willing to compromise his values or Neal's position or reputation by being fully involved while they are still student and teacher. This is complicated, of course, by the growing bond between them that they have to figure out and navigate, with the help of some well-drawn original characters (the other Vulcan cadets), as well as Peter's second in command, Diana, and medical officer, Elizabeth. Another aspect of the problems inherent in a student/teacher relationship is explored as Peter deals the possible misconduct of other instructors, and must run up against the Academy administration and Starfleet higher-ups to get some much-needed changes made.

Beyond all that, it's a thoroughly enjoyable romance, of two people getting to know each other and choose each other even after the choice was thrust upon them. By the end, you're really rooting for Neal and Peter to get past the hang-ups and obstacles in their paths, and there is a very happy resolution. Further, it's just what I crave in a Star Trek fusion, with the characters seamlessly integrated into Trek 'verse. Peter's characterization, in particular was well adapted; I like the idea of him as a Starfleet captain, and the way he works for and cares for all his students just felt very Peter of him. It's a fun story and a nice long read you can really sink your teeth into.

Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come

Title: Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come
Fandom: White Collar, Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Peter/Neal
Categories: Drama, Romance, Fusion/Crossover, Accidental Bonding
Length: Super Epic (102,181 words)
Warnings: references to non-main-character dubcon and rape, teacher/student relationship

Author on LJ: shaenie
Author Website: shaenie

Summary:
After the battle in the Laurentian System, the Defiance requires extensive repairs, leaving Captain Burke filling in at Starfleet Academy (whether he wants to or not), where he meets troubled half-Vulcan Neal Caffrey, under what are not the best circumstances for either of them.

Review:
Wholly set in the Star Trek universe--post Narada incident--but focused entirely on the characters of White Collar, the story is an epic-length drama about the relationship that develops between Peter and his student and advisee Neal, after they accidentally bond. Of course, they don't even realize that's what happened at first. Their strained student/teacher relationship develops first into one of mutual respect as Peter deals with the challenges of being a grounded captain, acting as a teacher and academic advisor to all the Vulcan first-year cadets, and Neal deals with his chagrin at an initial bad meeting with the captain, forms friendships with the other Vulcan cadets and explores his unusual telepathic abilities.

The thing I really respected about the story is that it doesn't shy away for the complications of a student/teacher relationship. Peter reacts very in character, not willing to compromise his values or Neal's position or reputation by being fully involved while they are still student and teacher. This is complicated, of course, by the growing bond between them that they have to figure out and navigate, with the help of some well-drawn original characters (the other Vulcan cadets), as well as Peter's second in command, Diana, and medical officer, Elizabeth. Another aspect of the problems inherent in a student/teacher relationship is explored as Peter deals the possible misconduct of other instructors, and must run up against the Academy administration and Starfleet higher-ups to get some much-needed changes made.

Beyond all that, it's a thoroughly enjoyable romance, of two people getting to know each other and choose each other even after the choice was thrust upon them. By the end, you're really rooting for Neal and Peter to get past the hang-ups and obstacles in their paths, and there is a very happy resolution. Further, it's just what I crave in a Star Trek fusion, with the characters seamlessly integrated into Trek 'verse. Peter's characterization, in particular was well adapted; I like the idea of him as a Starfleet captain, and the way he works for and cares for all his students just felt very Peter of him. It's a fun story and a nice long read you can really sink your teeth into.

Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come

Title: Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come
Fandom: White Collar, Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Peter/Neal
Categories: Drama, Romance, Fusion/Crossover, Accidental Bonding
Length: Super Epic (102,181 words)
Warnings: references to non-main-character dubcon and rape, teacher/student relationship

Author on LJ: shaenie
Author Website: shaenie

Summary:
After the battle in the Laurentian System, the Defiance requires extensive repairs, leaving Captain Burke filling in at Starfleet Academy (whether he wants to or not), where he meets troubled half-Vulcan Neal Caffrey, under what are not the best circumstances for either of them.

Review:
Wholly set in the Star Trek universe--post Narada incident--but focused entirely on the characters of White Collar, the story is an epic-length drama about the relationship that develops between Peter and his student and advisee Neal, after they accidentally bond. Of course, they don't even realize that's what happened at first. Their strained student/teacher relationship develops first into one of mutual respect as Peter deals with the challenges of being a grounded captain, acting as a teacher and academic advisor to all the Vulcan first-year cadets, and Neal deals with his chagrin at an initial bad meeting with the captain, forms friendships with the other Vulcan cadets and explores his unusual telepathic abilities.

The thing I really respected about the story is that it doesn't shy away for the complications of a student/teacher relationship. Peter reacts very in character, not willing to compromise his values or Neal's position or reputation by being fully involved while they are still student and teacher. This is complicated, of course, by the growing bond between them that they have to figure out and navigate, with the help of some well-drawn original characters (the other Vulcan cadets), as well as Peter's second in command, Diana, and medical officer, Elizabeth. Another aspect of the problems inherent in a student/teacher relationship is explored as Peter deals the possible misconduct of other instructors, and must run up against the Academy administration and Starfleet higher-ups to get some much-needed changes made.

Beyond all that, it's a thoroughly enjoyable romance, of two people getting to know each other and choose each other even after the choice was thrust upon them. By the end, you're really rooting for Neal and Peter to get past the hang-ups and obstacles in their paths, and there is a very happy resolution. Further, it's just what I crave in a Star Trek fusion, with the characters seamlessly integrated into Trek 'verse. Peter's characterization, in particular was well adapted; I like the idea of him as a Starfleet captain, and the way he works for and cares for all his students just felt very Peter of him. It's a fun story and a nice long read you can really sink your teeth into.

Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come

Title: Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come
Fandom: White Collar, Star Trek Reboot
Pairing: Peter/Neal
Categories: Drama, Romance, Fusion/Crossover, Accidental Bonding
Length: Super Epic (102,181 words)
Warnings: references to non-main-character dubcon and rape, teacher/student relationship

Author on LJ: shaenie
Author Website: shaenie

Summary:
After the battle in the Laurentian System, the Defiance requires extensive repairs, leaving Captain Burke filling in at Starfleet Academy (whether he wants to or not), where he meets troubled half-Vulcan Neal Caffrey, under what are not the best circumstances for either of them.

Review:
Wholly set in the Star Trek universe--post Narada incident--but focused entirely on the characters of White Collar, the story is an epic-length drama about the relationship that develops between Peter and his student and advisee Neal, after they accidentally bond. Of course, they don't even realize that's what happened at first. Their strained student/teacher relationship develops first into one of mutual respect as Peter deals with the challenges of being a grounded captain, acting as a teacher and academic advisor to all the Vulcan first-year cadets, and Neal deals with his chagrin at an initial bad meeting with the captain, forms friendships with the other Vulcan cadets and explores his unusual telepathic abilities.

The thing I really respected about the story is that it doesn't shy away for the complications of a student/teacher relationship. Peter reacts very in character, not willing to compromise his values or Neal's position or reputation by being fully involved while they are still student and teacher. This is complicated, of course, by the growing bond between them that they have to figure out and navigate, with the help of some well-drawn original characters (the other Vulcan cadets), as well as Peter's second in command, Diana, and medical officer, Elizabeth. Another aspect of the problems inherent in a student/teacher relationship is explored as Peter deals the possible misconduct of other instructors, and must run up against the Academy administration and Starfleet higher-ups to get some much-needed changes made.

Beyond all that, it's a thoroughly enjoyable romance, of two people getting to know each other and choose each other even after the choice was thrust upon them. By the end, you're really rooting for Neal and Peter to get past the hang-ups and obstacles in their paths, and there is a very happy resolution. Further, it's just what I crave in a Star Trek fusion, with the characters seamlessly integrated into Trek 'verse. Peter's characterization, in particular was well adapted; I like the idea of him as a Starfleet captain, and the way he works for and cares for all his students just felt very Peter of him. It's a fun story and a nice long read you can really sink your teeth into.

Break Down In the Shape of Things to Come