Wow. I grew up reading the TOS novels, and fixated on the notion of Kirk and Spock as the ultimate friendship, people closer than lovers or brothers. I've read stories where they came apart, but *never* the concept that the very intensity of their friendship is what made it destructive to the both of them, and for the sake of their ethical beliefs they had to back off. Incredible insight.

My first reaction to Sudak, probably predictably, was to hate his guts, but he does tie in with Enterprise and the entire tragedy of being Vulcan -- that they *can't* be emotional, that there's no middle ground and they don't dare. He's doing the right thing as he understands it, too. And Chekov's growth into someone who could credibly become Security Chief was very well done; I rarely see Chekov used for much other than comedy relief and smutfics, and seeing him taken seriously was really cool.

Very, very impressive.

Author's Response: ::bows:: I am honored, Alara. I am even more amazed with your review, insightful as it is, because everything you mentioned is what makes this fic special to me. I am *thrilled* that you picked up my thoughts so precisely. Gives me hope that I'm not completely hopeless. ;-) Thank you.

I found this chilling in both atmosphere and content. Intensely descriptive and powerful, it has me dreading the end of this fic, but like watching a car crash I can not turn away and stop reading.

I'm not a fan of end of five year misson fics in general as I prefer a happy ending that the canon scenario can not supply, but your set up and continued depth in writing the characters has me enjoying the moment despite the ending far in the distance. I'm several chapters in and am loving it. Just thought I'd drop in a line while I'm still cruising through.

Thanks so much for writing and sharing.

Nutty
(who printed it off to read away from the computer)

Author's Response: Well, canon is canon and there isn't much I can do about it, hard as I may wish to. ::sighs:: The story indeed doesn't have a happy ending, but I'm glad if you can find some redeeming qualities to it still. It hasn't been an easy tale to tell, but it had to be told nonetheless. Thank you very much for commenting and I hope you'll enjoy it.:)

Anna, I am now reviewing the last chapter. Just in case you have some doubts...and the last review was about the story in general, specially the prologue, the zero g and the resigning chapters. LOL
OK, I like it very much. You know why.No more comments today. Intelligent ones, anyway. LOL

Author's Response: LOL. The definition of a last chapter is not the most precise one, you know. ;-) But I'm being coy, I admit. LOL. Thank you.

Anna,
by now you know what I think about this chapter, but I will say it again, anyway. In less words , of course. LOL
Wonderful. I loved it. Now Kirk knows some inexpected truths about himself. His strenght is at the same time his weakness. Or is it the reverse? Control. Powerful enought to lead a man´s life.
V.

Author's Response: Vero, you're constantly making me guess what chapter you mean. ;-) But I think I know which one you intended to review here. You know how much it means to me, how important it was that it read naturally. Thank you again for your unwavering support. ;-)

I am SO totally going to read this story, Anna! I love your work, you're an amazing writer - and so, naturally, this prologue is stunning! Very intense, very powerful - I loved Kirk's bad dream thoughts and all and the storm that went with them!

I have one question, though: For what kind of shippers is this story? *curious* ;) I mean I ain't picky when it comes to TOS - it's just my never-ending curiosity. ;)

Author's Response: Thank you, Mrs. P! What kind of shippers... Hmm, you got me there. To anyone who loves Kirk and Spock in infinite combinations, I guess. ;-) And for those who like the ensemble, too. ;-)

I don´t want this to end. I want it to last forever.Or ten chapters more, at least...LOL
A girl´s thing, I guess.?
V.
PS I really like the way at the end of your stories all details, even minors, are tightly tied up, and there´s no reference with it´s explanation.

Author's Response: Thank you, Vero! I do want the story to end though. For them, it's not the right place to be. Hopefully, there will be other. ;-)

When you have the benefit of being the editor and knowing the whole story, you get to look back at the beginning and marvel at how it ties back to itself. While I can't fathom that the reviewers on FF.N can't actually see it, I know part of this problem is that I have foresight that they don't about it. So, of course, they don't see yet (hopefully they will at the end) just how well-woven this tale actually is.

The imagery here of the city after the storm is lovely. It sticks in my mind everytime I go back to read again; the rain, the smell of it, the way the world calms afterwards. How you managed to weave in the metaphorical imagery of the storm battering the city to Jim's mind-state and events that haven't been revealed until later. It's masterful work, Anna; it's not a story for people who want something quick and light to read. It asks such hard questions and offers no simple explanations.

Author's Response: Yes, I like this scene, too. Probably because I had a lot of very qualified help with it. ;-) As with the rest of the story. In fact, if it wasn't for you, I think I still would have been stumbling over yet another cliche somewhere in the middle of it. Thank you doesn't quite cover it... so thank you.:-) Just one thing though. Please no crussades?;-)

Anna, this story has totally captured me! I won't review each chapter because my perspective may change as more and more things are revealed. Suffice it to say I await updates with the utmost anticipation ;-). It is very intriguing so far, and can't wait to see where you take it.

Author's Response: Thank you, Cuppy.;-) I hope the story will not disappoint you when it's up.