Date: 03 Oct 2014 20:32 Title: Primum non Nocere
that was really rough. How frustrating, knowing you have to do everything you can to save a man that probably killed hundreds of your comrades. You tackled this challenge well, and I really enjoyed how you approached it
Author's Response: Thanks for your feedback!
Date: 29 Sep 2014 16:15 Title: Primum non Nocere
What a way to meet a writing challenge. You cover a lot of ground in this short story. Very thoughtful and engaging, and what a moral dilemma to deal with. And the personal thoughts intercut (thats the film maker in me here) with the narrative work very well. Very powerful story here.
Author's Response: Thanks, I'm glad it's been so well-received, and I really appreciate the feedback!
Date: 27 Sep 2014 23:31 Title: Primum non Nocere
I enjoyed this immensely. You really captured the sense of urgency and the moral dilemma presented by that particular patient amidst flowing and beautiful prose. With so many injured, would it have been morally correct to treat 'friendlies' who were experiencing the same level of trauma within the parameters of triage? I think that brief thought came across loud and clear. But as doctors, individuals aren't permitted (or aren't supposed) to make that choice. Beautifully drawn, and a superb story, especially for your first challenge entry. I hope we see much more from you in the future.
Author's Response: Thanks so much for the praise!
Date: 22 Sep 2014 00:27 Title: Primum non Nocere
Doctors practicing medicine tend to create some of the greatest moral dilemmas. Throw into the mix the issue of race and friend or foe and you got yourself a terrific little quandary.
But in the finest Starfleet medics traditions Varayak knows precisely what to do and what his priorities have to be. Great little tale here of what it means to be a healer in times of war.
Author's Response: Thanks for the feedback!
Date: 21 Sep 2014 18:22 Title: Primum non Nocere
A bold choice for your first challenge response but it was worth it as you pull it off well. Your prose was tight and easy to follow and thus allowing the reader to focus on the core story of Doctor Varayk being in the awkward position of a Cardassian medic in Starfleet trying to save the life of a “True Way” Cardassian terrorist enemy.
The oath interweaved with Varayk private thoughts as he race to save the terrorist life in trying conditions felt believable and those moments of doubt from Varayk reflected his Junior grade status but his solution to the blood shortage issue show his inner character. A fully enjoyable introduction to the character of Varayk, hope to see more of him in the future. Well done.
Author's Response: Thanks so much! I was trying to use the oath in two ways; first to give the narrative a bit of structure (and I tried to gear what was happening in the story to what part of the oath preceded it), and second to have the reader experience the sort of "mind is jumping between two things" that Varayk was feeling. I was really afraid that it would detract from the story, so I'm glad that people enjoy it!
There will definitely be more of Varayk to come :-D
Date: 21 Sep 2014 08:38 Title: Primum non Nocere
Here we see the nobility of medicine, and that of this man who practices it. His was a decision on the razor's edge, and could have gone either way if not for his recital of his oath. The man he saved in the process is likely too jaded (or too fervent a believer) to appreciate the gift bestowed upon him by Varayk.
A damn fine piece of writing, and an excellent lesson in morality. Kudos!
Author's Response: Yeah; the hope that the man would ever be more than a terrorist was evidence of Varayk's youthful idealism. I look forward to destroying it post haste ;-) On a serious note though, thanks for your praise!
Date: 21 Sep 2014 03:20 Title: Primum non Nocere
This was beautifully written and memorable, and it reminded me a great deal of the Boston Marathon bombings.
Author's Response: Thanks, I appreciate your feedback!