[Report This]Date: 19 May 2009 21:02 Title: Chapter Two - Part One
Always wondered who counsels the counselors.
Enya (she doesn't sing, does she?) clearly has still much to learn about her craft. Well she couldn't have hoped for a better mentor than Deanna.
[Report This]Date: 14 May 2009 19:10 Title: Chapter One - Part Four
A lot of back-story in this chapter but it turns out it's all incredibly relevant.
Beth's revelation is world shaking for her parents. She's basically been hiding a serious disability from them for all her life.
It be interesting to see how she manages to perform her duties as a starship captain with such a potentially distracting handicap.
Also interesting, as far as I can remember Deanna wasn't much for telepathic communications herself when she was on the Enterprise-D. Clearly that has changed.
Author's Response: Deanna has empathic children. I think I mention that Deanna recalled being put off by Lwaxana's own preference to speak telepathically so Deanna's much more patient...she's also much older. The episode "Menage a Troi" is one where I base Deanna's increased comfort level with her own Betazoid skills...she saw Beth's rejection of those abilities as more than just being annoyed - she saw them as a rejection of her own heritage...something Deanna herself had to overcome really. Not the least of which...Cassidy was born without the ability - so for Beth to reject them was difficult for Deanna. Bill however - he has no issues with it. At all. :)
You will see that there is an AWFUL LOT of backstory in this book...but it's also serving as the jumping off point for three more books - hence the need for the detail and the history. I can't thank you enough for reading!
[Report This]Date: 11 May 2009 20:39 Title: Chapter One - Part Two
He didn't know? Had no clue his daugher was the captain of the Enterprise. That made me smirk big time.
Awesome.
[Report This]Date: 11 May 2009 11:13 Title: Chapter One - Part One
Just started to read this and I like it quite a bit so far.
Usually I'm not much for 'future' story-lines but the writing here is so crisp and the characters so interesting that this has drawn me right in.
You've clearly created quite a detailed history of your new future complete with dangerous new enemies and a much more diverse Federation.
I especially like Beth so far. And the other crew members also sound quite interesting with plenty of potential for conflict.
Looking forward to explore more of this bold new future.
Author's Response: Cejay! Thanks so much. This is a HUGE project...I promise you it's worth taking your time with. :)
Date: 09 May 2009 14:12 Title: Chapter One - Part One
Great introduction to the Enterprise crew and its captain. Beth seems to be a conflicted character, warring between two different extremes. An explorer on the one hand but a skilled warrior on the other. Again we see Picard's influences and it seems only too right that the children of Riker and Troi would indeed have a healthy dose of respect for the man. Neat touch with the Number One tag too.
It appears we are indeed in for a treat with a rich and diverse crew. This too is to be expected set in the further future as it is. But Klingons working side by side with Romulans and with Cardassians too mentioned. This should make for some interesting personal dramas.
No wonder Beth has need for an XO like Dryden. I like how she sees the qualities in him that she feels she needs to balance her own flaws. Quite enlightened and very smart of Beth.
Then there's K-reeg! With her father and Picard as influences hardly surprising that she chose a Klingon as her security guy. His respect for Beth is intriguing as is his view of her as a warrior. Something that Beth probably doesn't rest with easily at the smae time.
Also a very interesting political backdrop being painted. i wonder where this is headed. Very good.
Author's Response: Beth was raised by two diplomats that knew how to fight. She ended up needing to fight before she honed her diplomatic skills. She's not an idiot, she's just brusque and her patience wore thin during the war she's been fighting. Dryden is the opposite to her, more like her parents...I see Beth and Paul as being the flip-side of Riker and Jean-Luc Picard. The one thing that I really love about Beth is that she took everything she learned as a child and uses it to her advantage. Her loved ones imparted an enormous amount of wisdom to her and she uses it, MOST of the time to great effect.
Date: 09 May 2009 12:50 Title: Prologue II
Nice scene setting. I imagined very vividly Bill hunkered down in the dirt excavating. Nice too the little details about the culture he was trying to puzzle out. It adds to the whole and makes us appreciate Bill as someone who has care for his work and intelligience. Also, a nice touch about how Jean-Luc would have loved this. We catch a glimpse of where Bill found his inspiration for his line of work. It was also neat to see his reaction to the call from the Panther. It shows his relationship with Beth is a strong one and he has obvious for her.
It is an interesting opening point to the story. it helps to frame the story in personal relationships and within a strong family circle, with the concern for Beth, the note of worry about Mom and Dad. I can see one reason why 'Heritage' is the title and theme to the book.
Well written imagery and reaction from the charcters we are just introduced to. But I also have to commend you for the desciption of Gordon. An interesting person indeed. Hopefully, this is a sign of the inventiveness and imagery of the entirity of the book. I have a feeling it is.
Author's Response: Choblik were created by Martin & Mandels for the Titan books. I love the species and decided to pay homage to their creativity by using the species in my books as well. I also make reference to several characters they created for the Titan books, including Dr. Ree - who was the CMO and resembles a Terran velociraptor. Gordon makes an appearance in the second book, but another Choblik assigned to Beth's ship will get an appearance MUCH further into this book. Bill and Beth had a tumultuous relationship in their late teens...it's touched on in this book but dealt with a little more in Book Two. And...yes, Jean-Luc had an amazing amount of influence on all the children. They all consider him their grandfather, not Kyle.
Date: 09 May 2009 12:39 Title: Prologue I
Oh! That's a way to open a book. Nice hook.
[Report This]Date: 08 Apr 2009 06:12 Title: EPILOGUE
Excellent novel. I was heartbroken over Brian's end, but I suppose that it was likely going to have to involve some miserable sacrifice to gain peace. Best to go out bravely. But the whole tale was very well-woven, especially after it picked up pace, and had a very fitting ending. Beth getting to do what Starfleet was, perhaps, really meant to do in the first place. The first generation of the Enterprise crew would find that entirely fitting.
Really, you did a fabulous job with this.
Date: 08 Apr 2009 06:11 Title: Chapter Thirteen - Part Three
Oh, wow. Cassidy! Is it bad that I'm not quuuiiiiite sure who to root for? I kinda have a thing for underdogs. But awesome battle scene.
Date: 08 Apr 2009 06:10 Title: Chapter Thirteen - Part One
Yet more excellent work. I really feel for Cassidy; her story definitely has me intrigued. The battle up ahead sure does to. Great stuff, Terilynn! Really, it is.
Date: 08 Apr 2009 06:09 Title: Chapter Twelve - Part Two
More excellent reading -- go Tristan! Man, after revisiting the Mirror stuff, this was a welcome moment of brightness. I liked how the crews are still working together, and Beth's realization of the diversity of the Federation is absolutely ace. I got a good laugh at the notion that they had a pool going for that long to see how long until Tristan proposed, and that everyone knew that fast, too. Darling stuff.
Date: 08 Apr 2009 06:07 Title: Interlude XV
All caught up so far. I really like how things are turning out with the newly christened Protectors; a truly unique alien species, too! Definitely what Trek should be about -- exploration. The camaraderies are still good, too; this last bit of the flashbacks had me laughing. Nice work, and I'll be keeping an eye out for more!
Date: 08 Apr 2009 06:06 Title: Chapter Eleven - Part Two
Wow. What a ride so far; incredible stuff. The new species, the diagnosing of Beth -- intense stuff.
Date: 08 Apr 2009 06:05 Title: Interlude XIII
Well, I am still here and still enthralled enough to read as you post these. No small feat. I really love how things are sort of playing out with Beth trying to communicate with this new species, and all of the leadup to that realization. Nicely tied together. The flashbacks continue to be intriguing, too.
Date: 08 Apr 2009 06:05 Title: Chapter Ten - Part One
::bawls:: Don't just leave me hanging there...!
Seriously, Terilynn, this is really good stuff. I don't even traditionally read TNG fic, and I'm reading this pretty much as you post it.
Date: 08 Apr 2009 06:02 Title: Interlude XII
Little Mike is very cute. Just thought I'd say that.
You're right about the plot picking up! I read it in rapt fascination; I can't wait to see how things are playing out with the copy-cat planets and the mysterious head-noise bothering Beth. Q's appearance added a bit of an edge to the whole thing too. Beth pwning that dickweed at the Academy was great stuff, too.
[Report This]Date: 08 Apr 2009 06:01 Title: Interlude X
Copied from the OS...
Caught up! I was also glad to see more of Cass. For what little I have seen of her, she strikes me as someone who really has suffered, either because of her own internal demons, or because of the family issues, or maybe something of both. The whole thing is good -- this reads more like a soap opera, kind of episodic. (NOT A BAD SOAP OPERA!) Just in the way you're looking at the plot through more close-to-home snippets.
I'm really looking forward to seeing more.
Date: 01 Apr 2009 16:33 Title: Interlude VII
Lots of excellent flash-backing here. Beth and Q's scenes were great, and the supporting cast still interesting. I'm starting to really itch for answers; what is revealed about the ghosts wets the appetite even more, especially with the political connections.
Author's Response: Thanks for bringing these over from the OS Steff - :)
Date: 01 Apr 2009 16:32 Title: Interlude V
I really like the Cat captains. You're right, the 'lone ranger' approach is kind of overdone, especially since human beings are social critters (well, most of them!) and need to have some feel of community or family to feel secure. Tristan's neat, though we haven't seen much of him yet; still, the interactions across the board are terrific. I love the easy camaraderie going on. It's well done; you do get the sense that those folks from a pride.
Beth continues to be a good character, and the intrigue is building on the events surrounding her sister. It's some good stuff! I'm glad you're posting it in order.
Date: 01 Apr 2009 16:31 Title: Interlude IV
All right, if I'm interrupting your posting, I apologize. ;-) But since I'm off here in a few, I figured I'd comment before I go while it's all fresh in my head (been reading as you've posted these).
The appearance of Q was unexpected, but not a bad thing; I like that he's become common enough that he no longer gets much more than a 'Huh' from Beth. Makes me curious about the Academy backstory. Her trials in the academy, as you told them, were very telling -- it further removes her from being too perfect and makes her more real yet. She had little choice but to go well above and beyond what was expected just to buck off the family name and stand on her own.
The flashbacks to the battle are powerful, to say the least. This last chapter here I'm posting after especially.
Nice work!
Date: 01 Apr 2009 16:30 Title: Chapter Three - Part Two
I'm really warming up to Beth now; initially, she seemed just a little too perfect, but as time goes on she becomes much more real and much more understandable. Her supporting cast of OCs are really great too, and I like that you've been giving them some time in the spotlight. The situation with the ghosts is fascinating, to say the least -- that really got my interest and attention right there, and now this meeting going on has me genuinely curious to see what's coming next.
Now that the pace has picked up, this is really becoming a great, fun read. I've always been a fan of the TOS era primarily, but between you and trekfan, you're making me go back and revisit the TNG era more closely.
Date: 01 Apr 2009 16:27 Title: Chapter One - Part Four
Copied from the Omega Sector:
That's a pretty good start to the whole tale! The characters are interesting; the political systems in place are very interesting. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Shentarians for selfish reasons, but so far it looks like a good start to a long tale. Glad you posted it like this!
--
The pacing is much better in this section. It moves more quickly. Beth is still likable; she veers a little towards Mary Sue territory on occasion, but her personality usually yanks her back on track. Particularly in this last part where she's confronting her mother about the difficulties that come with her empathic abilities. (That's not meant as an insult! She has two exceptional parents and is bound to be ahead of the curve given her upbringing; unless she turns into Marissa, she'll be fine, I would just like to see a bit more of her weaknesses to balance out her talents.)
I think the biggest thing I would love to see you explore with Beth (and you may, I haven't finished reading yet) is the sheer weight of command. Even a veteran, even someone with experience, her age is still one where she's bound to have some insecurities lurking in her about whether she is actually ready for this level of responsibility. Even the most exceptional people are still people -- I'm twenty-eight, a mother, a wife, worked my whole life, faced things most people never do (at least once involving a gun) and even with a decent level of self-confidence and experience, I struggle with some insecurities. I can't fathom what it would be like to be ultimately responsible for a starship, and all those people, without having those moments where I genuinely question my readiness. Even if it was my dream.
I know, I'm rambling.
But it is a good story, and well-recommended. The writing style's clean, and once the pacing picks up here in this parts, it reads fast and comfortably. I like how you've developed Will and Deanna and how you've characterized them here. I really adore the way that Beth and Bill had it out in their youth and raged, then become so close -- that's a lovely thing.
Date: 26 Feb 2009 20:02 Title: Inspiration
This is a fanastic story and one that all will love. It explores a great family and reaches into the depth's of Trek to pull out a great adventure.
Author's Response: Thank you so much trekfan!
Date: 25 Feb 2009 19:53 Title: Inspiration
This story is nothing short of epic.
The care that is taken here with the characters from TNG that we've come to know and love is obvious. They sound and act just as they should, given the passage of time and the events that they've survived along the way.
Elizabeth Riker is a character that could have easily become a caricature. She's a born starship captain, a prodigy from a Starfleet family made all the stronger for the hell she was subjected to at Starfleet Academy.
However, Terilynn makes Beth a flawed, feeling person rife with doubts and her own failings. Beth has survived a long and protracted war with a new enemy, and bears the scars from those desperate engagements. She's lost friends and comrades, which affects how she relates to those around her and those under her command.
The technique of presenting the story in a linear fashion that includes multiple flashbacks to crucial past events helps the reader to get a definitive view of the characters and those experiences that have made them who they are in the present. It's an effective tool, and works very well here.
The dialogue is phenomenal, at points awkward, hurtful, and impassioned as these characters struggle against the obstacles set before them, occasionally bruising each other in the process. Especially amusing is the strong bonds and witty repartee between the Cat captains. I absolutely loved their unique group motto!
Beth's unique relationship with Q is a standout point in her character. Of all those the mischievous quasi-deity has tormented, Beth understands him best, and can actually converse with Q without sounding like a broken record endless repeating, 'Why are you here?' and 'Get off my ship!' Her rapport with Q is more like that of Janeway than Picard, Sisko, or Will Riker. When Q speaks, she actually listens.
The battle scenes in the story are action-packed, well-paced, and thrilling in their intensity. It's not often one finds a fanfic author who can master both the interpersonal relationships and dialogue of their characters, as well as pull off amazing combat scenes. Terilynn is the full meal deal.
I'm glad I took my time to savor this story, because I ultimately found it fulfilling on a number of levels.
I would highly recommend readers make the investment in reading this powerful, complex story.
Author's Response: You honor me in ways I cannot express. Thank you.
Date: 24 Feb 2009 02:38 Title: Prologue I
That's still an awesomely heart-gripping way to start a story, even after I've read it so many times between eBooking this bad boy and the original time through.
Author's Response: Thanks Steff!