Date: 21 Nov 2009 00:42 Title: Chapter Four - Part Two
Aw shucks some romance thrown in for good measure. That was about all the story was missing. That said, the ainful reality of what Beth endured must be hard for mother and father but at least Riker sees it now as confirmation of how good Beth is. Of course, the only charge against all of this is the fact Beth is being set up as the best of the best. Which means she'll have to really prove herself to the readers [no pressure Teri] and not just get by on pot-luck alone. And for an honest moment I was out of the story as I reflected on how great Beth is perceived, you know the worry of a Mary Sue character and all round hero. But then I reminded myself that the captain of the Enterprise has to be regarded among the best of the best and join the cadre of Archer, Pike, Kirk, Harriman, Garret, Picard, Brint. And considering that she grew up under the mentorship of Brint and Picard she had first class training for her future command - almost a destiny. So I ws back and fully engrossed in the tale.
Author's Response: I'll tell ya...It's HARD to write a female captain of the Enterprise where Mary Sue isn't a HUGE concern. Every time I wrote a scene, I would, in the back of my mind - switch the character to being a man and NOT related to Riker, just to see if it could pass muster. You really struck the one point though - to be CO of the flagship, there HAS to be something rather - well - superhuman. Archer, Kirk, Spock, Harriman, Garrison, Picard, Brint...seriously - the most heroic of heroes. Beth had to live up to that and I think that she was just smart enough to use every single advantage presented to her. Faults? Kirk, (not many really, womanizing? Maybe but I'm not sure that was a fault.) Spock? Faults? Many being too reliant on logic at times. Picard? not many...Borg influence maybe - but his real heroic stuff comes from overcoming those faults...that...as I hope you may see when Beth has to face this new species...Again..thanks SO MUCH for the comments!