Nice little chapter building up the tension, while I'm still eager (and waiting) to know for how the Federation started this Borg civil war. I also feel that the Maren and Icheb characters are evolving, they're going in this direction and its almost like they are moving beyond past traumas with respect to the immediate present. So it's clever how you are moulding them into something different...

Despite the brevity of their mission so far, it’s still unsettling to see the ‘family’ broken up in this way, with the civilians departing in the uncomfortably vulnerable Sol and Luna while Tesseract herself goes deliberately in harm’s way.

Beckley is his usually detached self, analyzing the situation for whatever advantage can be gained. He appears to be the ultimate pragmatist, even to the detriment of his own humanity (if he is, in fact, really human).

John’s poignant departure and short conversation with Maren underscores his unrequited love, as well as Maren’s acknowledgment of their friendship… but only just that. John’s instinct to hold his tongue about his real feelings is a good one, but one wonders, how long can his restraint last?

And as for Icheb, he’s playing a dangerous game with his captors, one that may well have consequences not only for himself, but for Tesseract as a whole.

Terrific chapter!

Well, Well, well. So much to digest here. From John's near change of heart and big reveal to Maren to his berating himself for thinking along those lines. The question now is whether his caht with Ryzal and his thoughts here are going to draw a line under his relationship with Maren. Is he going to accept not being with her? He seems to be trying to convince himself that he is only infatuated, that it is merely a childhood romance. But for John prior to this he was a womaniser and not one for romantic notions. So this is a shock to his system and he has a lot to contend with. He seems to be of the belief maybe that he shouldn't be with Maren because he doesn't deserve it or because she belongs with Icheb. He's cutting himself out of the running - but then that saves him running and allows him to run away. He seems to be one pretty conflicted guy who doesn't know what he is thinking when it comes to Maren. So can he simply walk away?

Me thinks the outcome of this mission is perhaps going to force his hand. I'm rather wary about the safety of the two civilian ships. I don't doubt the veracity of the plan or the capability of the ships' commanders. However, this is Trek and something, somewhere has to go wrong. What with Adele's words ringing in my ears, 'Stay together' and the ominous news that they have dodgy communications - I can't possibly foresee any problems.

As for Maren, she's a bit of a mess still. No wonder she just wants to sleep. Not feeling productive and cut off from where she might be of use - either in engineering or working on the drone- she feels very isolated and alone. I like the reflection though on her mother's words and her Academy days. It points to reasons why Maren is always pushing herself and trying to be a perfectionist. She could have had any geek on campus and paired well with them but she chose uber geek Icheb. Talk about making expectations for herself. But it seems she has more and more reasons to prove herself. Pushing herself so hard is going to get her into trouble - I mean bigger trouble and danger.

That said, the relationship between her and Icheb seems to have been one that was mutually beneficial as it helped both of them to become better officers and better academics with Icheb in his own way sharing the same thoughts. Icheb himself seems to be taking his destiny into his hands in a bold and risky gambit nut one that only gives the Tesseract a slight edge in the upcoming meeting. I can hardly wait. Wider conflicts and more trouble for the Tesseract. I also love his being called Federation by Malik. Hee hee.

Now, what else could I possibly salivate over ... ? Oh no, I can't possibly think what. Hmmm ... where is that shifty Admiral smilie?