[Report This]Date: 17 Jun 2021 15:06 Title: Stains of Conscience
Good old videans... Kind of like the wraith in Stargate Atlantis (they're not evil - they're just hungry...) Now I have an idea of where this story is starting.
Evil is relative, easily rationalized, and ultimately banal. The video recording reminds me of the meticulous lists the Nazis kept of their victims and what was done to them.
Sounds like Delta Quadrant fun as it was introduced to us by ST Voyager.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response:
Yes, the Vidiians are an interesting society, and one that served a purpose that benefitted the Hekosian Empire from time to time. How better to terrify your enemies than to present them with this possible fate if they don't yield.
Date: 13 Apr 2013 02:15 Title: Stains of Conscience
Wow! That was a thought-provoking chapter. It seems that throughout history military men have been faced with the dilemma of sacrificing some civilians to save countless others, both soldiers and civilians. As unpleasant as it is - as Nellit, who serves as the moral compass in this vignette pointed out - sometimes that's the choice military leaders are faced with making. A hard choice for Pava, and one it's easy for those removed from the situation to disagree with, but cut and dried for the subahdar, who feels his first responsibility is to the men under his immediate command, the 507th at large, and to the Hekosian Empire. Doing evil to serve the greater good - it's an interesting concept...
Author's Response:
It is indeed an intersting subject, but it seems even Pava may not be entirely comfortable with the ethical gymnastics necessary to justify this act.
Thanks for commenting!
Date: 18 Oct 2009 20:47 Title: Stains of Conscience
Well Pava is on the road to ruin when he starts using mathematics to justify his crimes. Nellit has hit the nail on the head and this ought to be a moment of awakening for Pava. Alas, I don't think Pava contrary to his people's famed skills is listening.
By the way, I ought to mention that what I love about this story so far is the fact the main action is helping outside of the Alpha Quadrant and we get to explore some lesser known parts of the Galaxy, including this insight into the Vidiians and exploring the depths of their particular breed of henious crimes. And atop of that Pava is happy to be complicit even with all of his justifications he has to know deep down that he is in the wrong.
Author's Response:
I'm glad you think so. Setting these tales in the Delta Quadrant was quite a bit of fun, and using some background species we'd seen on Voyager helped to add some additional flavor to the tales.
[Report This]Date: 24 Jul 2009 20:18 Title: Stains of Conscience
A horrible solution to a major problem. I wouldn't want to have to make this choice. Its the kind of thing that scars a soul for a very long time to come. Brief, but well done.
Author's Response:
Thanks. Yes, this is one of many episodes from his past Pava wishes he could correct.
Date: 28 Feb 2009 01:47 Title: Stains of Conscience
There are times when I read his story that I honestly have to wonder if Pava can ever truly redeem himself. Then again, I wrote something of a monster myself in the Mirror!Scott; these types to whom there are no easy answers about, and who you can't really just classify as heroes, villains or otherwise with any simple terms.
Good work walking the line.