Date: 30 Sep 2014 00:59 Title: Chapter 2: Conflict of Interest
Aw, man. What a terrible position for Icheb to be in... and Schmidt is truly a sadistic individual for setting up the test that way. Then again, in the normal course of duty, you can never predict what scenario you're going to face, or who you'll be put up against.
I really enjoy stories that put characters up against circumstances that push them to their limits, and it's clear that you're planning to do exactly that. I'm really curious to see where it all goes!
Date: 16 Sep 2014 19:58 Title: Chapter 2: Conflict of Interest
Oh man! That is harsh! Getting Icheb to set up Maren's test... I like the way Icheb has managed to help her despite all the safeguards against just that happening, but also the fact that he trusts her enough not to make it too easy for her. Schmidt seems like a particularly nasty piece of work, makes sense there would be someone like that handling this kind of test. A great way to twist the story around on us. Even more excited to find out what happens next!
Date: 22 Jun 2014 19:27 Title: Chapter 2: Conflict of Interest
Wow that was a neat twist and as always a fabulous piece of work. It does seem right that the planner of the test is a neo-sadist. Here hoping Maren spots the encryption gift and faces the test as required.
Date: 19 Jun 2014 14:24 Title: Chapter 2: Conflict of Interest
This has a bit of a vibe from 'Star Trek' where Spock is responsible for Kirk's training simulation. With the added twist that Icheb and Maren have a thing for each other. Schmidt is a bit of a fool for thinking that this will have no bearing on this exercise. Icheb is too clever for such things and Maren better be as well.
Date: 18 Jun 2014 02:43 Title: Chapter 2: Conflict of Interest
Ai yi yi all of the machinations are interesting here, that Icheb is hoping - don't go too fast, and so are the testing people, but it's for different reasons. Can't wait to see where this one leads.
Date: 18 Jun 2014 02:23 Title: Chapter 2: Conflict of Interest
Christ, that's cold Starfleet (no pun intended). Not only is that just playing dirty, the survival test sounds infinitely harder than the Kobayshi Maru. Icheb's conflict of interest is absolutely right here and the way Starfleet frames it (as a test to see if he can send someone to their death) makes sense for them, but it's still damned cold. They know the two are together and they know Maren is a freakin genius and will bust through anything with her brain, not her brawn.
The guilt intermingling with hope is well done here, and I wish Maren will see Icheb's message. I suspect that she might not with her drive to succeed.