Date: 01 Sep 2011 22:38 Title: Three or Four
Awww. The ending made me smile :)
I'll admit to not knowing a lot about the Cardassians (I never saw much of DS9) but it really speaks to the universal nature of the premise of this story, that you don't have to. Whether Cardassian, or human, the safety of your child is the forethought in any parent's mind.
I loved the suspense and building tension, and I could practically feel the frustration with the medic who only wanted to push his ways onto them. Who hasn't experienced a doctor who won't listen to them at some point? I guess that's pretty universal too.
Really, really good, and I loved your characters. I will have to check out more stories about them!
Author's Response:
Some things are universal and among two races that care for family, worry for their loves one belongs to that group of universal matters.
I'm glad you liked the story :) If you really want to read more about them, especially how a human ended up among Cardassians, there is a story on the archive here that tells everything from the beginning, Among the Dragons.
Thanks for reading :)
[Report This]Date: 23 Aug 2011 21:45 Title: Three or Four
Quite an interesting story of the potential risks that come with inter-species pregnancies. And the solution was sure one for irony that someone other than the "best doctor on Cardassia" formulated a solution of minimal risk to mother and child. Just goes to show that getting a second opinion doesn't hurt. And the whole narrative doesn't get too technical as the more recent Trek series often tend to be.
Author's Response:
Getting a second opinion certainly doesn't hurt. Tavor didn't just rely on the medic's reputation; he wanted to explore all possibilities, or have proof that there are no other possibilities.
Thanks for reading.
Date: 21 Aug 2011 13:26 Title: Three or Four
You said, I just hope it didn't take the story too far from the medical aspect to be considered a response for the challenge ;). Rest assured, it does not. It fits prfectly. The perspective of patient and spouse faced with a medical dilemma and the dilemma over the 'cure' for it was really an interesting and worthwhile approach to take.
[Report This]Date: 21 Aug 2011 02:18 Title: Three or Four
A sweet and touching story of familial love and sacrifice. I enjoyed it immensely.
Author's Response:
I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for reading :)
Date: 20 Aug 2011 20:29 Title: Three or Four
As always Gul Rejal, you write this pairing remarkably well. The heart of the story for me is not the doctors, the condition, the ethics and moral dilemmas, it is the two of them - husband and wife, father and mother. You did that so well and made it a story above and beyond a medical condition but a story of parents, hopes and fears, and marriage. Well done.
Author's Response:
Sometimes, when looking at a medical problem, we forget about patients and how they feel. Telling the story from this perspective has let me concentrate on how the medic's 'sentence' resonates in his patient. Or, more precisely, the patient's husband. Or even more precisely, the patients' husband and father.
I just hope it didn't take the story too far from the medical aspect to be considered a response for the challenge ;)
Thank you for reading :)
[Report This]Date: 19 Aug 2011 23:37 Title: Three or Four
A fine story, Gul Rejal, and one that I enjoyed greatly.
More than just an exploration of the miracle of birth, this story tackles some challenging ethical issues; ones that would test the resolve of any parent. It is realistic and all-too believable.
Stories about babies can so easily lean towards the sugary, plucking on the same heartstrings repeatedly, but not so with Three or Four. The story is courageously narrated from the father’s POV, which helps establish a more balanced perspective throughout.
We learn that good parents are not necessarily those that accept what their doctors tell them, despite societal pressure, and – as we see so often in the Trek universe – it is wise to press for additional options, even when you have no idea what those options might include.
The miracle of birth often requires a helping hand, and in more ways than one. Tarin is blessed to have such devoted parents.
Author's Response:
In "baby" situations fathers are too often forgotten, as if they weren't as important as mothers, and I wholeheartedly disagree with that. That's one of reasons why I wanted to tell the story from Tavor's point of view: he loves and cares, too. And he's ready to do everything he can to take care of his family; he wouldn't just sit and watch his wife die to protect their child, he would fight to have them both in his life. He did and he won.
Thank you for reading and the review :)
[Report This]Date: 19 Aug 2011 23:24 Title: Three or Four
A wonderful, heartfelt tale showcasing Amrita’s desire to protect her unborn child at all costs – she’ll do anything to ensure that Tarin is safe, and healthy, regardless of the personal cost to her - a universal trait of mothers everywhere, species notwithstanding.
Tavor’s protectiveness toward his wife and unborn son were also very well portrayed. He wouldn’t let Borin, or even his superior officer, stand in the way of ensuring their health; he’d do everything possible, call in every favor, to get her the care she needed.
The last scene was just perfect, and made me grin. I was happy for all of them, but Tavor especially. Overall a very nice piece. Thanks for sharing, Gul Rejal.
Author's Response:
Amrita wouldn't be able to look at her reflection in the mirror, if she chose to protect herself at the cost of her child. She was ready to ensure his safety. And Tavor wouldn't be able to stand his reflection, if he didn't try to save both of them.
I'm glad you liked the last scene. I feared of going too teary, so I hope Chumi, the older sister, saved the situation ;) Thanks for reading!
[Report This]Date: 19 Aug 2011 13:38 Title: Three or Four
Very good at capturing the anxiety of parents potentially losing a child. I also felt the ending was excellent.
Author's Response:
I'm glad you liked it. There were moments where I feared it got too mawkish, especially the ending. And I hoped that I grabbed the anxiety well, as I've never been in such a situation and--fortunately--none of my friends were either, so the whole impression is just out of my head without a shadow of experience or "interviewing" anyone about such a difficult time.
Thanks for reading :)
Date: 15 Aug 2011 04:12 Title: Three or Four
You already know how much I love your story, but I still have to say it again anyway. :-)
Author's Response:
You probably already know how happy I am that you like my story, so thank you again :)
Date: 14 Aug 2011 15:51 Title: Three or Four
Very moving story, and one that shows Amrita's motherly instincts at full power. Good stuff Gul Rejal, and a very touching ending. Glad everything worked out for the two.
Author's Response:
And all they needed was just one unorthodox medic ;)
Thanks for reading :)
[Report This]Date: 13 Aug 2011 17:00 Title: Three or Four
Wow that was good. When it comes to families Cardassians seem surprisingly human about the whole matter. Interesting universe as well; relations between the Cardassians and the Federation must be good, if humans are living with Cardassians (well some humans). Very engaging story, nice job.
Author's Response:
Oh, boy, relations between the Cardassians and the Federation are non-existant after being disasterous (the story takes place in my universe, which doesn't follow Treklit, so everything is different; Cardassia has been in isolation from other Alpha Quadrant powers for 15 years at the time when this story happens--the government wanted everyone to stay away after the Dominion War), but this one human had decided to stay on Cardassia. But that's another story ;)
Thanks for reading :)