Date: 05 Jun 2012 16:34 Title: Chapter 31
Didn't admiral Beckley go on a tour through engineering and talked to Maren about a dozen chapters ago? I'm certain he did, so why doesn't Maren remember that encounter? Looking forward to this party to, somehow I think John has got his eye on Maren...
Date: 20 Apr 2010 00:03 Title: Chapter 31
Wow-well, seems Adele has an ally finally, but boy oh boy, I sense Beckley is up to no good. What could he possibly say to turn Maren against Adele? I hope he's not convincing.
And what's going on with the Borg? Good chapter.
Author's Response:
Thanks! Beckley is up to being Beckley. He doesn't want to turn anybody against anyone (yet). He just wants to establish a level of control.
Date: 21 Oct 2009 04:00 Title: Chapter 31
Wow, I didn't see the development with the Borg coming. That's really intriguing. I can't tell where you're going with that yet, which is obviously a good thing, but I'm interested in seeing it further in the plot.
I really hope Maren isn't going to fall for Beckley's charms. I have yet to see him be charming, but I have no doubt that he can be when he chooses. That will also be interesting to watch.
And tired people, alien alcohol, and some...messy...interpersonal relations, this party should be something else!!
Author's Response:
Thanks for the comment! There's a lot going on in the background we haven't seen yet. Our visitors to the comm buoy are just a small piece of the puzzle.
Beckley can, indeed, be charming when he chooses to be. So far, you're the only one who seems concerned about Maren falling for whatever he's trying to pull with her, though.
The party is coming up ... tired people, alien alcohol and messy interpersonal relations sums that situation up well.
Date: 19 Oct 2009 16:42 Title: Chapter 31
Mysterious renegade Borg and our favorite Dark Admiral being his usual manipulative self... who could ask for anything more?
Icheb and Maren appear to be finding a demilitarized zone of professional cooperation that allows them to do their jobs without unnecessary emotional impediments. Here's hoping they can maintain it for the duration, to save Adele's sanity if nothing else.
Perhaps Adele can find allies in the two captains assigned to the advisory board. Heavens knows she needs someone to confide in, seeing as though she keeps herself so tightly controlled and separated from those around here... not an easy thing to do for anyone, and less so for a person whose part Betazoid.
Wonderful stuff all the way around. 
Author's Response:
Hee hee ... glad you approve.
If Icheb and Maren didn't find a way to work together, it would almost be criminal. They're a very good team in that regard, better together than apart, very complementary and all that. So refusing to cooperate would be doing everyone else a disservice. We'll see how it goes, though, there are a lot of things that could shape their interactions for better or worse ...
Adele definitely needs a friend or two to confide in. Maybe she'll find that in Bashir or the Kellers, maybe the captains, maybe all of them. She has plenty of options if she decides to open up.
Thanks for the comments!
Date: 18 Oct 2009 20:41 Title: Chapter 31
Oh the Admiral is going to try the divide and conquer approach by courting Maren's influence. His job might be made easier by her current status with Icheb but Maren doesn't strike me as the easily converted type. That said, I doubt the Admiral will be too blunt or overt in his overtures. Can't wait to see how he goes about winning her to his side.
Adele did well in the meeting but likewise the former captains made a good impression on her of the council and the need to keep them onside and in the loop.
Alas, for our little trio, things are very messy and John has it right when he observes how they are at present. Atop of which, it is a weird situation at the moment and i admire Icheb for abstaining from the party for the sake of Maren and Maren in turn apologising for her own behaviour to Icheb.
Now as to the mystery of Iden Nix's communication buoys that was quite a reveal there. I hadn't expected you to do so soon. So wow, what a little treat and still very, very mysterious. What the heck? Freed Borg or somet? Whatever next?
Author's Response:
Thanks for the comments, MF!
I also doubt the admiral will be obvious in whatever he's trying to do. I'm curious as to what makes you think Maren isn't an easy sell, though. (Is it her total stubbornness with Icheb? Or something else?)
Yes, things are messy for the I/M/J trio for sure.
We'll see what happens with our visitors to Iden's buoy. ;-)
Thanks again!