Reviewer: Miranda Fave Signed [Report This]
Date: 15 Dec 2009 21:17 Title: Interlude VII

A wonderful heart rendering yet uplifting scene Terilynn. Very effectively you told the tale of Beth at her lowest possible point and the avenue she contemplated to avert it. I didn't think it was in her to contemplate such a move - but then that's the nature of suicide - all too often it is unexpected and the person unsuspected. Still the chpater opened very clearly putting Beth in a time and place at her lowest point, with all her buttons pressed in the negative. Isolated from family and with no seeming sucess in sight or prospect of learning new things and exploring new worlds. After all, growing up with her extended family was all the Starfleet training she needed. The Academy in many ways wouldn't have presented many obstacles except then those of her own making and those that came then from Cassidy's betrayal. [Oh I can't wait for Cassidy!]

But an absolute fantastic scene with Beth and Q. beth's natural curiousity intriguing, fascinating and impressing Q. No mean feat. And Q in some ways must revel Beth's company thereafter for these attributes but also the refreshing change in her approach to him. That's why Janeway continued to intrigue him because her reaction was similar and yet different to Jean-Luc's. Beth's reaction all the more so then. Which is of course something of a curse too. Still it shows Q as a good guy - his motives not altioghether clear either but nevertheless he does do something good in reminding Beth of her purpose. Terrific. Absolutely.

Author's Response: I HAD to write this scene for the exact reasons you outlined above. Cassidy's defection literally guts her family for awhile - none of them are too sure how to even react to each other any more and those relationships don't really heal until after Lwaxana calls them on their crap before she dies. You also have to understand where I believe Q is coming from. If you read "The Interview" that I did which delves into Q's first encounter with humanity - namely Archer, you'll get an idea of from what point I come from. This was an idea that was also touched upon by KRA DeCandido in the Q&A novel and I ADORE the idea. Q doesn't necessarily interfere with the growth of the UFP, but he leaves the breadcrumbs so-to-speak and there are a select few he knows are actually capable of following the trail. Beth just happens to be the next in line after Janeway. The Continuum NEEDS them to evolve because they can't evolve without them. :) Yes - Beth's reactions to Q are directly influenced by Janeway. :) And thanks.