Looks like SI has its own little world on the starbase, complete with its dedicated sickbay and some classified projects which require a cold and dark environment. Or perhaps they just like to keep things mysterious.

I wonder if Desan is violating regulations by bringing his sister into an environment she's likely not cleared for.

The conversation regarding her suicide attempt remains guarded, which is not surprising. She does not appear like a suicide survivor and it be interesting to get the full story on what went through her mind.

The upcoming encounter with Dakar is interesting. Does Desan have an interest in him beyond to his relationship with his sister and his betrayal?

SI agents have the coolest tools.

One of the really interesting things about this story is that you explore subject matters we don't usually come across in Trek very often, such as rape and suicide attempts.

The bad thing seems to be that all those things seem to be happening to Rychel who seems like the nicest person in the world and not at all deserving of all this bad luck she's been having.

I'm curious to see how she and her brother, as well as Starfleet will handle this incident and move forward from it.

Also not sure if Darby will make another appearance but that's a hell of a story as well, especially how he just, apparently sacrificed himself, or at least his status as a Q, to save Rychel. Like that girl needs any more guilt in her life.

Author's Response: Rychel sort of started out in my head as the antithesis to me. I worked for many areas in the worst areas of the streets of Baltimore, and I feel like that jaded me, but at the same time made me rather world-wise. From there, she sort of developed into the "Anti-Mary Sue" - she displays many Mary Sueish traits, but at the same time, they are often her downfall rather than her strength. Darby is kind of a rare performer on Talon. Him saving Rychel was partially a lead up to another plot. I debated taking it out since that whole storyline is a massive deterrence from the rest of the story, but I think with all the bad things that happen to the Talon, it's good to show that there's SOMEONE looking out for her crew.

Rychel is right, Griffon must have done what he did on purpose, after all her actions are hardly suprising given the circumstances. Griffin could have simply isolated the cell earlier or have her escorted outside. Asking her to walk by herself past Dakbar's cell must have been a deliberate action.

Author's Response: Rychel contests that it was a set up, and therefore can't be held against her.

I loved the intricate detail of the acrobatic troupe's performance, and the cascade of emotions Rychel experienced during the event. It figures she'd wait until the emotional spike caused by the trapeze act to finally succumb to her roiling emotions.

And here is another of Desan's friend/allies in the form of Nike's captain. Here's hoping his actually the man he appears to be, I don't think this young woman can take any more enemies.

Yes, the truth hurts, don't it, Rychel?

Sad thing is, everything he said about Dakbar was absolutely correct and clearly she is starting to realize it herself. It's of course also true that Dakbar was and probably still is extremely conflicted about the things he has done and his feelings for Rychel. Is that enough to redeem him? Normally I'd say no but if there is love involved, on both sides, perhaps it can transcend. But it would take a hell of an effort to do so.

Clearly I counted out Dakbar too soon. I should have i known that if Rychel is in danger, he won't be far away. And it's nice to see that he still remains as conflicted as ever. It's a tough spot to be in when you seem to be in love with a person but can't stop imagining killing her at the same time.

Not much info on the Mehtak here but I thought it was curious that Rychel immediately switched her phaser to kill with no further explanation. I'm assuming it has something to do with their personal shields.

Also, did I miss a chapter in which they discuss the Prophets? That seemed like new information to me.

Author's Response: Dakbar is in a very bad position overall, and he gets more and more conflicted by the day. You had mentioned before the theme of heights, and it all ties back from falling from grace (also from the Decemberist's song "We Both Go Down Together"). Hm, I may need to put additional information about the Mehtak at the beginning of this chapter. They're the main "baddy" in the Gamma Quadrant in USS Talon. Most of the people who have read this to date are Talon members, so it didn't occur to me that more info might be warranted. The Mehtak oppressed a Federation world called Etimon for many years. They also have showed up unexpectedly in several of Talon's other away team missions; they're basically "at war" though they are more the sort to use "cloak-and-dagger" style tactics than larger attacks. At present, the Federation does not know where their homeworld is. The Prophets weren't specifically discussed, but it was heavily hinted out in the chapters where Dakbar is warring with himself. We decided not to write specifics because it seemed heavy-handed. Also, since it is from an RP we sometimes skip ahead.

Dakbar may have overplayed his hand here. Seeing as his adversary was raised among his own people (presumably), she's much more likely to see through his guise. He's becoming increasingly sloppy as his emotions override his training and programming.

You'd think Rychel would be freaking out a lot more about being lifted high in the air after the hiking incident. Instead it's the beefy dancers that get to her. This woman is hopelessly in love to a point it's almost embarrassing.

And now the object of all her affections has had a hand in taking out - possibly killing - her brother? As if this relationship needed any more complications.

Author's Response: Rychel grew up in that insular sort of family that protected her from everything, and even after having been in Starfleet for a bit, she's *still* a bit naive about danger. Then again, she's also extremely self-sacrificing, so even WITHOUT her upbringing, she would probably find SOME way to overlook it all.

Dakbar is playing s dangerous game here by trying to intimidate a fellow officer. Revealing himself the way he did was a risk, as was putting her through this mental excercise.

I think the tactic has worked for now, as I don't believe Reesa will turn on a fellow Cardassian, even if she is a half blood. But questions about the incident wIll likely not go away easily. Nor will it help making more enemies.

Author's Response: Dakbar is rapidly circling downwards in a dangerous way, and he's taking everyone around him along for the fall... literally and figuratively. The real question is whether or not he's ok with the amount of collateral damage he's causing. Thanks again for the feedback :-D

Amnesia. How frustrating. I was hoping for a few answers but it looks like not yet. Perhaps not at all suprising that she can't remember the fall after those traumatic injuries. It's the brain protecting itself. A bit more curious that she can't even remember the trip to the planet. Well some of her memory appears to be coming back and so far it seems to be telling her that Dakbar is a hero. To be honest her entire judgment regarding him has been shaky at best. I'm going to wait until we get a full account of what happened on that mountain before making up my mind about him.

Terrific way in which to build the tension though.

Author's Response: Thanks :-D For the longest time, I had Rychel's relationship status on the Talon site listed as "The thin line between love and Stockholm Syndrome." There is good in Dakbar... there is bad as well. Rychel places his well-being above her own, which will likely backfire in spectacular fashion.

Cannot figure out what happend here? Did he change his mind at the last second but was it too late already and his only option was to place himself so he would soften her fall? Or was this truly some sort of accident? Whatever happened, this is going to be one hell of a conversation once they regain consciousness. Especially with her brother being around.

Author's Response: Most things will be revealed in time :-D

Another twist I didn't expect. Rape on a Starfleet ship is almost unheard of. And I don't believe for a second that this was a random crime of opportunity nor that Roman is the true culprit. Something very odd is going on here and if nothing else, the incident with the CMO proves it.

Damn, Rychel really can't catch a break.

Author's Response: I think Talon's nickname should be Little Ship of Horrors, or as Sam suggested, the Ship of the Damned. I think Star Trek is overly optimistic when it shows female characters getting captured or held against their will. Sure, those within Starfleet are unlikely to behave poorly, but rape is a fact of life for women when in close quarters with their opponents.