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Interspecies Courtship Rituals
~~~ Interspecies Courtship Rituals grabbed my attention from the first line. The first scene is tense and hot -- Bashir's point of view is so strong that I found my body reacting along with his, actually shivering at the minuscule motions of Garak's fingers on Bashir's throat. If I were Bashir I would have capitulated right then, principles or no principles. Garak might be frightening in this scene, but he's also incredibly hot! This vividness is carried throughout the story -- we feel each new development with Julian. We feel his confusion and frustration at Garak's seeming inability to understand his repeated refusals. His nervousness is plain, but he keeps his head and never lets his nervousness graduate into fear. He responds calmly to an intimidating situation, not letting Garak seduce or pressure him into an unequal relationship. Instead, he takes control, enlists the help of Odo and Sisko, and eventually he and Garak find a compromise they can both accept. (Rather grudgingly on Garak's part, but he does begin to see the possibilities and rewards. We don't get Garak's point of view in this story, but his own confusion and frustration is just as plain -- he cannot understand why Julian is giving every physical cue that he expects from a willing lover, but continues to say no. There are wonderful details in the story, but it never feel melodramatic or overwritten. In the opening scene, Garak stands behind him as he sits in the Replimat, caressing his throat and whispering rather graphic propositions in his ear. Bashir takes a moment to note that nobody in the crowded eatery pays the slightest heed to them. It's just a side note, but it adds a richness to the scene, and gives some insight into the station's view of their relationship. I have many favourite Kathryn Ramage stories, and this is high on the list. Garak is at his seductive, menacing best, and Bashir is wonderfully characterized as nervous and confused, but strong and stubborn in his resistance to Garak's presumptuous advances. ~~~ END
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