Date: 28 Oct 2014 01:36 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 6
Yeah... West's not giving up on this, and he seems determined to be a real dick about it, too. Tazla's certainly not blameless here, and the fact that there's anything for West to dig up is on her, but I still can't help but feel protective about her after all she's been through.
Author's Response: That's awesome that you feel about her that way. West is putting her into a corner here with very few avenues for escape. Star has been compared to an animal in the past. Now we'll have to see if she will act like one.
Date: 26 Oct 2014 18:28 Title: Part II - The Never-Ending War: 1
That is interesting, I have suspected that Lam will be a hard nut to crack, he seems to be absorbed in his own personal interpretation of the events and refuses to regard them from a broader angle. Still, Katanga is right – he could muster up more relief on hearing the news for his people’s sake at least. No matter how jaded or callous he might be, he should be happy to see the remainder of his troops leave Valeria in one piece.
The Cardassian demonstrates moderate distrust and suspicion, which is understandable having in mind that the order for cease-fire comes from a Federation ship. He has been kept in the dark about the events that lead to the Dominion surrender. However, he has no love for the Vorta and Jam’Hadar who set him up to deal with the Federation troops all by himself and without reinforcements so he is not likely to shed tears over his former allies. On the whole, he did not appear bloodthirsty or unreasonable. I wonder how many of his 50 000 soldiers are still alive.
Taz looks quite absent-minded and subdued due to the slimy journalist who is after her. It seems to me that she should talk to Owens instead of letting the bore persecute her. Owens knows quite a lot about her and he is likely to bridle the civilian intruder. He needs his Commander functional.
Author's Response: I think one of the reasons she's not brining this to Owens is because she wants to be able to demonstrate that she can deal with her own problems. She's a bit of a lone wolf and seeking out help is not really her strong suit. We'll see how well that attitude will serve her in this case. We will also learn quite a bit more about Lam and his thought processes as this story develops. Thanks for reading and the in-depth review.
Date: 22 Oct 2014 00:45 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 5
The Cardassian gul isn't what I'd anticipated... I'd expected some embittered battle-weary soldier with a chip on his shoulder. I hope this inexperienced green-horne can make his countrymen see reason, otherwise much more blood may be spilled unnecessarily.
Leva’s departure wasn’t the most poignant I’ve seen, but that’s to be expected after what everyone has endured for the past two years. Leva’s faced the age-old conundrum of whether to remain where he’s at home, or push ahead outside his comfort zone to seek his destiny elsewhere. He’s pragmatic enough to know his knowledge and experience make him a good executive officer candidate.
Now he’s stuck on some backwater outpost where nobody seems to know what the hell is going on, or what’s in store for him.
Hurry up and wait, soldier. Hurry up and wait.
Author's Response: Gul Belore is a bit of a curve ball for everyone, including Owens and his crew. It adds an interesting new dynamic to the story and we'll have to see if it makes things easer or harder in the long run. Leva leaves without much fanfare mostly because I had just written an emotional farewell in the previous story and didn't want to cover old ground here. But it also makes more sense for the half-Romulan tactical officer to make it quick and painless, like ripping off an old band-aid. Hurry up and wait sums up his situation pretty much perfectly. Thanks for reading and the review.
Date: 21 Oct 2014 03:49 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 4
I LOVED the scene with the senior staff quoting lines from Pirates of Penzance in the middle of a mission briefing! It was an obviously cathartic release of wartime tension, coupled with a giddy sense of relief.
Gods but Owens seemed saddled with the ghost of Leonard McCoy in the obstinate and opinionated Dr. Katanga. He needs to keep Star around just to cut the old codger off when he gets on a tear!
This mission brings back the heady days following the end of the war, before anyone had an idea of how high a cost peace would come at. I have a nagging feeling that what awaits the crew at their destination will bring the horrors of the war home fully.
Oh, and I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned it, but of all the UT starships past and present, Michael Owens’ Eagle is the ship I’d have wanted to serve aboard.
Author's Response: Yeah, there is a palpable sense of relief in the air, now that the war is over and things are getting a little lighter on Eagle. At least for now. We'll have to see how long this lasts. As you correctly pointed out, things won't stay like this for long Katanga is indeed modeled after McCoy a little bit and I suppose it becomes noticeable here. He is his own man though and, to me at least, an important moral compass for this crew and for Owens. Also, I always liked characters who say just what they mean, consequences be damned. No doubt he's going to create quite a bit of a headache for the captain. High praise about serving on Eagle, thank you. In part that might be because of the camaraderie between the crew, which is not too different I suppose to TNG, but hopefully with its own, unique flavor.
Date: 19 Oct 2014 00:55 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 7
Mahoney has definitely taken a darker turn. The cocky, scheming macho who was trying to coerce and press Star is gone, replaced by an embittered defeatist. Leva has been pampered on “Eagle”, the average captain, especially on a small vessel, is not supposed to have a charismatic personality. It seems to me that the insignificant mission record of “Sacajawea” has something to do with Star’s deeds during the Eteron crisis. Still, Mahoney is not willing to give it a try, he prefers to wallow in self-pity and blame his bad luck.
Not the best career opportunity exactly, but Leva takes it pragmatically. I wonder when he will realize that this is Star’s former ship. It is interesting to scratch beneath the surface of the idealistic attitude displayed by most Starfleet officers.
Author's Response: Yeah, this is a different Mahoney alright. I love that you had a chance to read Star Crossed before delving into this story, it gives you a great perspective on some of these characters.
Date: 18 Oct 2014 21:25 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 7
Man, Leva certainly appears to have gotten the less desirable side of the stick. I'm curious why Command transferred him to this vessel. As he pointed out, Command could have just left Sacajawea out to rot. I can only assume that they hope Leva will reform the Sacajawea's crew, but there's certainly the possibility that there's something deeper and darker at play.
Either way, I don't envy him one bit!
Author's Response: I guess Leva is learning the lesson that we don't always get what we want in life. We'll have to see if he can turn this into a win. For him and his new crew.
Date: 18 Oct 2014 01:49 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 6
Uh oh. West's dogged determination to find a story means bad news for Star. I have to admit, slimy though he may be, his instincts are good. He seems the type to stop at nothing to come across a good scoop.
Author's Response: Yeah, say what you want about West but the man is good at what he does.
Date: 16 Oct 2014 00:49 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 6
I am a little surprised – one would assume that Starfleet Intelligence could come up with a better cover-up for its associates. It is normal that a civilian journalist can have access to official military files but Star’s actions while being addicted due to an infiltration operation carried out by Starfleet Intelligence should not be included. They are a matter of internal investigation. Starfleet Intelligence could delete this information from her official dossier and include it in a classified version accessible to high-ranking military personnel only. This is how rogue organizations prevent information leaks. So they have thrown a faulty operative to the dogs but this is dangerous for them too.
Author's Response: If Star had worked for SI proper, no doubt things would have looked a lot different. As it were, she worked for a rather shady and semi-independent outfit within Starfleet Intelligence. The official record to which West would have access to would not reveal much more other than to say that she disobeyed orders and went rogue. West doesn't know any of the details (yet).
Date: 14 Oct 2014 00:56 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 3
A battle of wills with a member of the press isn’t something often seen in UT. Having an ‘intrepid reporter’ aboard ship, one with instincts as well honed as West’s obviously are, is going to be another challenge for the crew to overcome. I suppose all ships have their share of secrets, but Eagle has generated more than her fare share since Owens took command.
I loved the interplay here at the table, with Nora finally realizing that the harder she pushes, the more entrenched West’s interest becomes. Good thing nobody ever gets killed under mysterious circumstances aboard this ship… uh… oops.
Author's Response: That's one of the reasons I liked the idea of having a reporter snooping around the ship. It's an interesting way in which to introduce some external pressure on the characters. And yeah this ship has a bit of track record when it comes to secrets. Let's hope West won't dig quite that deeply. That's for reading and reviewing.
Date: 14 Oct 2014 00:42 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 2
I’m so glad to see Star doing something proactive to combat her addiction. Tazla is one of my favorite characters in your series, perhaps because I’ve got a soft spot for the underdog.
And now that the war is over, comes the hard part… winning the peace. All those wounds, physical and psychological, that couldn’t be mended in a time of war must finally be treated. For some people, that’s going to be a fight…
Author's Response: I like her too for much of the same reasons. That's why she's been getting a lot of 'screen time' since her arrival in Eagle 4. A trend which will continue in this tale for all you Star lovers out there.
Date: 14 Oct 2014 00:41 Title: Prologue
That's one hell of an opener!
You've nailed the sheer brutality of warfare while acknowledging the advanced nature of ground combat in the 24th century. This hell-hole makes AR-558 look like a Boyscout picnic!
One can only imagine what surviving something like that might do to a person...
Author's Response: It'll leave a mark, that's for sure. After all we're not just talking about a single battle. This has been going on for the better part of two years. Thanks for the review.
Date: 13 Oct 2014 23:55 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 5
I'm confused by their Cardassian visitor's candor, and it makes me instantly distrust him. Cardassians just aren't the sort to volunteer information, particularly regarding their weaknesses.
I sympathize with Lava. There's nothing worse than showing up somewhere and no one seeming to know why you're there. Hopefully he isn't in for a rude surprise when he finally learns where he is going.
Author's Response: I enjoy reading the reactions to Belore. Is Owens' first impression correct, and is he hiding a dagger behind that smile? We'll find out.
And Leva is clearly off to a bad start. Thanks for reviewing.
Date: 13 Oct 2014 23:35 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 4
Oh man, I have always wanted to somehow incorporate Pirates of Penzance into a piece of Trek fiction, and I am so glad that you had an optimal opportunity to do so.
I'm glad that Nora made the right decision and told Star. Hopefully Star is able to get out of this mess more or less unscathed.
Author's Response: Yeah that was a fun little interlude for me as well. Besides lightening up the proceedings a bit, it also highlights the general positive mood the crew is experiencing since the peace declaration.
Date: 13 Oct 2014 23:24 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 3
Ooooh, someone is treading in dangerous waters. If there is one thing that is more damaging than any enemy, it's confronting the person who you used to be. I can only hope one of them warns Star so she at least knows what is coming her way.
Date: 13 Oct 2014 23:16 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 2
There are a lot of themes in here that I really enjoy. I love the relationship between host and symbiont, and how it can be hard to tell where one's motivations end and the other's begin. I love the fight for redemption after committing acts that had gotten others killed. I also really like the concept of an addictive substance being used to force a sense of community in those whose selfish natures would prevent such an arrangement from forming naturally. I'm really curious to see where you take this.
Date: 13 Oct 2014 23:08 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 1
It's interesting to see how different people react to news like the ending of a war. Of course, there's always the press, who will try to find a story, a spin, a scoop, or whatever else they can out of anything that happens. Something tells me out intrepid "heroes" aren't going to be too happy with him soon.
Date: 12 Oct 2014 20:19 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 5
The Cardassian they sent them left me speechless. No Big Bad Cardassian Riding Hound but a friendly puppy. I really appreciate your innovative approach because everyone (both the readers and characters themselves) expected a swaggering, arrogant Cardassian Gul who would be a handful to deal with, uncooperative and suspicious, and they received this polite, good-intentioned boy. If this is the face of the new Cardassia, I would not mind Nora Laas strangling him in the corridor. Too timid and inexperienced, a diplomatic aide stuffed hastily into a uniform due to lack of better options. Still, I hope my first impression is wrong and he will be useful. His motives are very patriotic but I don’t expect that a seasoned, hardened infantry soldier will put his weapon down at the behest of this peaceful clerk.
Leva is having a hard time with his new assignment, I don’t think he is going to enjoy it very much.
Author's Response: I liked playing against expectations here. Is this truly the face of the new Cardassia? If you are familiar with some of Gibraltar's and DarKush's work which takes place in the same shared universe, you realize there are still plenty militaristic and ultra-nationalist Cardassians left after the war, causing much mayhem. We'll see throughout the course of this story where Belore will fit in.
Date: 12 Oct 2014 18:49 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 4
The party mood is over, let’s get down to business. So, it appears that communications have not improved very much by the 24th century. Still, I wonder whether it is a matter of communication breakdown or someone is too trigger-happy and wants to lead a Volkssturm-kind of no-surrender battle, driven by their own grudges, avenging their fallen comrades, refusing to surrender because of too much pride and bitterness. Katanga is a treasure – too old and experienced to cherish illusions and to pay homage to sheer stupidity dressed up as administrative procedures. It was very professional of Laas to warn Star about the journalist sniffing around. Preventing a gutter-press intruder from ruining the life of a colleague should take precedence over personal likes and dislikes. A very interesting chapter that sets several plotlines in motion.
Author's Response: Nora and Star really didn't not get along well in the last two stories, so this is a big step for her. Ultimately Nora understands that her loyalties have to be to her own. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Date: 03 Oct 2014 22:16 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 3
It is remarkable that this brave crew put aside their amorous affairs and career enhancement plans and made time to fight the Dominion, the Cardassians, the Klingons and all other bad aliens. Fortunately, war is over for most of them so they can return to their petty flirts and cheep scheming. I would be happy to see West passing close to a malfunctioning airlock or poorly insulated plasma conduit. Casualties of peace…
Author's Response: Ouch! That seemed a little harsh. Keep in mind that these are people who have served together for many years and as such there is plenty of history between these guys. Granted, the Nora/Star feud which led to some scheming wasn't the most noble of affairs but other than that this crew generally behaves quite well. And like regular folks, sometimes they fall in love as well. Doesn't mean they didn't give it their all fighting in all those conflicts to defend the Federation. But now that peace is finally here, a lot of these people are able to live their lives again as things return to a semblance of normalcy. Of course with somebody like West around, things might not be as quiet as some would like.
Date: 28 Sep 2014 21:41 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 2
This chapter reveals quite a lot from Tazia’s past. It seems to me that the Starfleet Intelligence is just as guilty as the Orion Syndicate. But the Orion Syndicate at least takes care of its associates. Fortunately, there are people like this old physician. Very intriguing, Taz is likely to fight her own war, all by herself, while everybody else is celebrating the end of the Dominion war.
Author's Response: I'm not going to throw all of SI under the bus but the guy Taz used to work is not a nice fella. As to fighting her own battle, you might be on to something there.
Date: 27 Sep 2014 05:20 Title: Prologue
This is a great start. I love how you show both the bad parts and the good parts of war in juxtaposition: pain, camaraderie, death, loyalty, duty. I can't wait to see where you take it!
Author's Response: Not sure there are too many good parts to war, but if nothing else, I suppose it does create camaraderie and loyalty. It's a theme that will run through most of the novel. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Date: 22 Sep 2014 17:19 Title: Part I - The Elusive Peace: 1
An interesting crew consisting of different species, each of them with their own motivation and background. The clash between the crewmembers, who have lost friends and colleagues, and the nosy journalist is well captured. Having in mind the prologue, it seems to me that it is not over yet.
Author's Response: Yeah, most wars don't just end in neat and straight forward ways. This one is no exception. Thanks for the feedback.
Date: 22 Sep 2014 16:34 Title: Prologue
This is a beautiful combatant story – with military humor, banter and brother-in-arms type of camaraderie. I rarely come across stories about infantry battles, most of them take place in space. The details about weaponry and tactics make sense, and the knife fight between Arik and the Cardassian soldier is very well written and sounds very realistic.
Author's Response: Thanks for the comment. Not to give anything away but I wouldn't call this a combat story per se. Even though we will see some more of it in later chapters.