Date: 17 Mar 2016 16:50 Title: Chapter 1
I really enjoyed reading this Bry, and thought it was a great concept. I particularly liked reading about Reihyn’s rise through the ranks as you mixed it with canon by mentioning the battle with the Klingons, and then mixing in the Jem’Hadar. I really liked the line where you said being offered the Orion was an offer he couldn’t refuse.
You definitely captured the spirit of an older ship being put back into service with your description of what it was like when first stepping on board. Good job there. The Orion is definitely going to have to operate differently than most Starfleet vessels given it’s age, and lack of resources especially with the crew.
Very good description of the Constellation-class bridge from what I remember of it. Koen like Nog rushed through the Academy to serve in the war, even though he’s not the sharpest tool in the drawer. I’m not sure what to think of DuMont yet given her past, but I’m sure we’ll see more of her in due time. I like the idea of Baxx returning to the Orion since he started out on it, and I like his stance on the EMH. An Orion security chief serving on a starship named Orion, I must say I do like the irony in that. Sounds like Ramirez has caused some trouble, hopefully he’ll shape up. I did get a bit of a chuckle when Jachim asked to be reassigned, it reminded me of a movie I once saw with a very similar premise, and I like how the captain dealt with him.
Overall, a very enjoyable first outing. This crew doesn’t have the best ship, and they may not be the best themselves, but hopefully they have something to offer.
Author's Response: I'm glad you enjoyed it MIck :) I do try and stick to canon as much as I can, mixing it in with my own personal thoughts on events in the wider galaxy. Given all Starfleet has been through even before the beginning of the Dominion War, it kinda made sense to me that a promising young officer might get a boost faster than normal. Reihyn would've most likely made Captain by the time he was 35, events just sped that progression up a little more, and with his eyes set on the "big chair" then he was never likely to be one to say 'no' to another command--no matter what ship it was. Yeah, the old girl is not going to be a glamerous assignment, won't likely see battle or make a glorious name for herself, she'll be a workhorse, very much behind the scenes doing all the hard work needed to keep the fleet fighting. As for the bridge, I was inspired by the layout of the Enterprise-A from TFF. I'm glad you like my cast of characters. I've always been interested in the sort of people who were only ever 'average', who fell through the cracks and were just there to make up the numbers. Most will never achieve greatness, but they're all competent enough (even if a little troubled).