Date: 17 Nov 2010 16:16 Title: 'The Devil's in the Details'
Wow! I don't even know where to start with this. What a cool chapter!
First of all, you painted the clearest picture yet of the mysterious Thaddeus. A petty (and slovenly) thug living large on his crimes, only now, it seems he's temporarily been thrust into the apparently unwanted role of slave trader? Wow. I can see that creating complications galore for the crew of the Kestrel as they attempt to take him down. Way too many innocent bystanders ... yikes. 
Then there was the bridge scene. Nice to see that McGregor does his homework. There just may be a method to his madness after all. Also nice to see Noah getting some positive notice for once, though if I were him I'd be annoyed at McGregor calling me a "kid" and a "boy" practically to my face. He is a Starfleet officer, albeit a green one, and a bridge officer at that. But he did well, and it was nice to see it recognized.
As for the invasion ... this is where I get all gushy fangirl on you and can't keep my thoughts straight. So bear with me while I jump around in an attempt to hit the highlights ... okay, first off, NICE characterizations here along with the action. You jumped from POV to POV, but the way you did it was effective and gave an awesome glimpse into each character's frame of mind. Deodzi was interesting as she balanced her symbiont's memories with its skills, and seemed to do so quite competently. Templar was every bit the tactical badass while still being relatable since he DID have fear -- but it was mixed with adrenaline and excitement and a desire to kick ass. I know he's not a nice guy, but I sort of love him anyway. Then we have Mila and her statmats -- that's a cool bit of technology to drop in there, and easy to visualize. Rah is, as expected, a scary killing machine. And then we come to T'Vel. Cool, calm, collected and in charge, like a Vulcan should be. Quite the moment of win for our troubled Vulcan! I LOVED her last line to Thaddeus, and the added contrast of her lithe, composed Vulcan looks and demeanor next to the heavy, slobbering, defeated Bolian thug. Even the minor players in this bit were deftly handled -- I could easily visualize Submino, Timmian, and Thaddeus's "associates."
So, the characterization was great, but then you weaved it in with all that cool action. Tactical drones, fire in the hole, Rah's crazy attack, the cutting into the hull and running in there with guns at the ready ... all of it was really cool and interesting to read about, and so well grounded by the little character touches.
Sorry for writing a freaking novella as a comment, but I seriously loved this chapter. More, please?
Author's Response:
More delivered! Once again, just to say here, big thank you for the awesome review. You can be fangirly anytime. The characterisation is everything. Without the crazy stuff and the action and the drama counts for nothing. As for the slaves ... complications are on their way...
Date: 07 Oct 2010 01:01 Title: 'Cogs in the Machine'
Nice chapter, MF! First of all, I have to say -- A TRIANGLE?! Is that what I saw there? Hehe. Dashiel is playing with fire, between the unstable Vulcan T'Vel and Mila the ball-busting Ukrainian non-com. I like where this is going, even as a fun side jaunt.
Okay, everything else. Poor Jex! No one beyond McGregor himself seems to trust her, and why should they? Deodzi may have been a wonderful pilot, but Leoni is an engineer. I'm sure it's very difficult for anyone who isn't joined to understand how the previous hosts become part of you. You've done a great job illustrating how it works inside Leoni's mind so far, but her crewmates don't have the luxury of peeking inside like we have.
And then there's the great scene on the bridge. Stanley and the bird -- I mean Avian! Hilarious. I can only imagine their date ... Also, I felt for Noah with his perpetual nervousness, and I think Cartwright's pep talk was my favorite part of this chapter. I've never heard Ops described in such loving detail, and it was pretty inspiring to me, so I hope it works on Noah. Her thoughts on McGregor were also illuminating, and it's nice to see that kind of introspection going on.
I can't wait to see what happens in their game of "ping pong." Get writing!
Author's Response:
As to triangles - I leave such complicated geometry to you!
We'll just have to wait and see how that plays out now won't we.And of course Molly has some - many - thoughts about McGregor. As XO and as a former C.O. herself. She has many valid opinions on the man. And I'm glad too that you liked her description of Ops. It sounds like a rather complicated balancing act. Not sure it is a job I'd want myself! Thanks for reading and sorry about the many real life delays that keep bogging this story down.
Date: 21 Sep 2010 04:42 Title: Past Lives - Bad Memories
Wow, some awesome character moments here, MF. I really liked this chapter. Really interesting to get inside the head of a joined Trill and all its history for a while, and the interaction between Jex and Rah was just ... well, creepy. Rah is creepy. You did an awesome job conveying that, I got chills just imagining him. But he seems to have an interesting friendship with Chomsky, who is herself interesting -- non-com, religious, unafraid of the walking death dude ... great stuff!
Date: 21 Sep 2010 04:41 Title: A Den of Thieves
You're on a roll, MF!
Loved this chapter for the frank conversation between McGregor and his XO. All of it was good, but the part where it came down to her ex-husband was really well done. Also, when you first mentioned tantric stuff I was all "Oh no he didn't," but then you brought it back in for that barb from Molly -- HA! Well played.
As for T'Hos ... well, we'll see what happens there, won't we? I have a bad feeling about all of this and I think things are about to blow up big time. Kind of on the edge of my seat here ... don't leave me hanging!
Author's Response:
Hee hee- McGregor usually does go there! Lots of interesting dynamics between McGregor and Molly. I like exploring them - they put up with each other and have some sort of need for the other too. With that, they do tend to get quite frank with one another on occasion, however, with McGregor you sometimes have to be frank in order for him to hear you.
Date: 21 Sep 2010 04:39 Title: The Captain's Den
Yay, Kestrel's back!
Okay, now that that bit of squee is out of the way ... I loved this. What strikes me about this crew is how real they are in their interactions. They don't all like each other, they've all got their varying concerns and peculiarities, but they're all in the same boat -- the boat captained by one insane Captain McGregor. So they deal.
As for McGregor ... I love how he keeps back the method to his madness -- he clearly HAS one, but information is doled out on a need-to-know basis and he keeps his cards close to his chest. It's got to be infuriating for his crew (particularly his XO), but it's fascinating to watch.
Nice to see this story back, and I also want to note that I especially liked the details about the lounge. When you do description, you do it really well. I could picture the setting quite easily (and a lovely setting it was!). Well done! Can't wait to see what McGregor has planned.
Author's Response:
Sorry it has took me a while to respond to this. I hope I did so over on TrekBBS at least. Yes, McGregor keeps things to himself. Things like his plans and maybe even a few of the items he confiscates as part of the job too! Hee hee. Yeah, the crew have no other option but to deal - then again there must be some sort of reasoning for it all - there must be some reason they out up with his ways. Surely?! And I can picture that lounge so very clearly in my head. So I'm thrilled that you could likewise picture it from the tale. Thanks!
[Report This]Date: 19 Aug 2010 19:43 Title: A Den of Thieves
Ah crap, I forgot he had a man on the inside. Good to get a glimpse into what makes T'Hos run and just why he's going hell for leather for McGregor.
His 'allies' could have a great say in things given they sound as likely to hinder than help if it serves them.
Author's Response:
Yeah T'Hos' allies are hardly made of stern stuff - I doubt they would earn a loyalty badge. That said, they might see benefit in eliminating as dogged a captain as McGregor and the Kestrel. It might make for an easier pirating life with him out of the picture. And yes, McGregor does have the inside 'man' to worry about. Hmmm ... any bets who? ;)
Thanks for taking the time to read Starfire. As always, much appreciated and welcomed.
[Report This]Date: 19 Aug 2010 19:32 Title: The Captain's Den
I should have guessed by now something as mundane as a briefing is anything but when it involves McGregor.
I can't help but wonder just how much in that den is legit and not just swiped from past raids.
Author's Response:
Yeah McGregor kinda has ants in his pants when it comes to doing anything as sensible as holding a senior staff meeting.
As to items in the Den possibly being of a non-legit origin ... why I'm shocked that anyone would seem to think so. It's not as if McGregor has a habit of requisitioning materials and equipment from Starfleet that does not belong to him! Oh wait ... well besides shuttles! and ok so maybe the tactical display table is a little swish and hardly fitting for a border patrolo vessel; but I can whole heartedly say that everything else is ... well ok I am not going to commit myself to an answer on that one! Hee hee! Yes, I rather imagine McGregor makes use of different sources to acquire what he wants. We shall see ...
Date: 14 Aug 2010 00:22 Title: 'But It's a Miranda Class!'
I am enjoying your story very much.
Author's Response:
Thanks KayCee. i hope you continue to read and enjoy it. There's a bit of the story to go yet and more fun and danger to be had. Thanks again for reading and responding.
[Report This]Date: 21 Apr 2010 06:47 Title: 'Bing Bong'
Quite an array of fireworks between the crew right now, be it an engineer tired of having to deal with a captain who seemingly has a Cardassian like way of ensuring he has control of his ship when he needs it most, the junior officers not getting along with Templar because his his past transgressions, or the senior staff being rightly concerned about T'Vel's frame of mind.
Not the sort of discord you need when McGregor's evidently planning on busting up someone's ship/planet/base.
Author's Response:
Yeah some fireworks between the crew. It should make the senior staff meeting interesting. Or so I hope. And yes McGregor's got a Sarah up his sleeve. Search and Wreck Havoc! His favourite sport! Thank you for reading Starfire. Continues to make my day every time I read one of your reviews.
Date: 09 Apr 2010 23:20 Title: 'Bing Bong'
I'm changing my vote for McGregor as "Captain I'd Least Like to Serve Under" to "Captain I'd Most Like to Serve Under" just because of his antics in this chapter. I love a boss with a sense of humor. (This change of vote is, of course, subject to change without notice if he pulls anything crazy, which I'm sure he will.)
I liked Templar trying to be a halfway-decent human being here. My heart broke for poor Noah, who apparently considers not getting his head bitten off "niceness."
Lots of fun dialogue from everyone in the earlier parts of this chapter, but then we get to sickbay. I see I was right about Ronak's emotional instability rubbing off on his mother, but then you've gone and upped the ante with hints of events we've not even heard of yet. Molly was quite hard on T'Vel, but it's her job to be, and apparently there's cause. I imagine for T'Vel, that has to be a double-whammy of not only the guilt of having screwed up in the first place -- but then, when confronted like this with it, she's probably having an emotional reaction to the criticism Molly gives her and beating herself up for doing so.
All in all, another great chapter with a wider scope ... and the hint of action to come with the impending "Sarah." Can't wait to see it!
Well McGregor is chuffed to have at least one vote - apart from the one he cast for himself of course! Ha! He could be described as having a sense of humour - being mad often is! Hee hee. Yeah Templar did try, somewhat and rather passively, and got shot down for it into the bargain. Hopefully, it will not dent him too much and he might try to human again. As for Noah - he continues to be a sap but at least he too is trying - what with talking to Becca and Jock and sticking up [lamely] for Sebastian. Yeah, Molly has to play nanny and bad-cop and all of that in the absence of McGregor doing so. She hates being so hard on T'Vel but she also knows there is a potentially hazardous mission in the offing and T'Vel needs to be on form for it. And yes, you were spot on about Ronak having a rather adverse influence/effect on his mother. That is what has Molly worried - especially given the past history alluded to here about T'Vel's past mistakes. Action coming up indeeed. Of course, you wouldn't deny McGregor a little sauntering about before hand now would you? He has to have his 'office' meeting first. ;)
Author's Response:
[Report This]Date: 24 Mar 2010 08:24 Title: 'The Why of Why'
"However, I hope you understand there's no room on this ship for a vendetta. I've our quota booked up."
What can I do with this apart from laugh out loud again?
I can see just why Sebastian messed up so badly when he was younger, and I love how McGregor's trying to get him to focus all that pent up rage in getting the job done out here.
An excellent read to start the morning :)
Author's Response:
Thank you Starfire for reading and commenting. Appreciate the loyal readership. I also appreciate that McGregor continues to make you laugh. He'd feel slighted if he didn't. And McGregor does want to focus Templar's pent up rage, no doubt so he can weild like a weapon to his own ends at some point. Leadership means different things to differnt people I suppose. Again, thanks for readingl.
Date: 23 Mar 2010 16:43 Title: 'The Why of Why'
First of all, Stanley is weird. Which is good, since he's a weird alien. So you're writing him well!
Now that I've got that out of the way ... POOR SEBASTIAN! I know he's a rough character and all that, and one's sad childhood is never a valid excuse for bad behavior, but that flashback broke my heart. You captured that feeling of being a kid and feeling like everyone else's feelings matter more than your own very, very well. That entire sequence was just poignant and real.
As for McGregor ... so he thinks he can use Sebastian's woundedness to his (and the Border Patrol's) advantage? We'll see how that goes, won't we? I think he's playing with fire. But that's how McGregor rolls. Should be interesting to see how it all pans out down the line.
Great chapter, really loved it. Keep them coming! 
Author's Response:
Glad you liked. And gladder still when you tell me that Stanley's weird! That sounds about right. Yes one does have to feel for Sebastian - certainly at the stage in his life where he is suffering the loss of his father and feels as if no one cares or is giving him the time of day. He might have been hard done by but it doesn't excuse his later mistakes. But it does seem like the chip on his shoulder has goes way back. McGregor does like to play with fire - and he has ... well faith isn't the right word ... but he is under the impression that he can have Sebastain do good. But that impression mght be mistaken ... we will need to see whether Sebastian can indeed make the step to accepting his place on a Border Patrol vessel and having a purpose. But hey ho .. we'll see indeed how that pans out.
[Report This]Date: 17 Mar 2010 07:53 Title: 'Below Par'
What a wonderfully mad chapter.
Was it wrong of me to think 'Uh oh.' what reading McGregor's holding a meeting in a room with an airlock?
I don't know what's made me laugh more, the fact he's dragged the poor guy out onto the hull to hold an interview or the fact he's decided to go play a little pitch and putt while they're out there.
Author's Response:
No, I don't think it was wrong of you to think 'Uh oh'. I don't think I'd like to share a room with McGregor that has an airlock in it! Glad it was wonderfully mad and made you laugh. Yes, he does things in his own wee way
Date: 15 Mar 2010 01:38 Title: 'Below Par'
I can never quite decide if McGregor is a crazy genius or just plain crazy. I suppose he's a little (or a lot) of both. But I really liked this chapter for the zany, lighthearted, yet no-BS way in which this captain is reaching out to and assessing his officer.
Another thing I loved was the description of the space walk. Made me feel like a kid again -- wanting to be an astronaut when I grow up so I can see the stars without a big ol' layer of atmosphere and light pollution in between them and me. Hearing my own breath (as long as I remember the breathing bit!) in my EV suit and the sounds of my crewmates on the comm. ... and nothing else. Vacuum. Silence. Awesomeness. You did a great job describing all that.
I do have to say I knew it was golf clubs in that bag the moment he hefted it onto his shoulder in the airlock area -- the title of this chapter sort of gave it away. 
But after that, I was totally looking forward to the "golf in space" moment, and you did not disappoint! I was expecting a hole-in-one to the stars, but smacking the window was a fun surprise. Hehe. Funny McGregor.
And of course, that last line, the question he asks Sebastian -- Why, indeed? I hope I don't have to wait long to find out! Great chapter.
Glad not to dissapoint. Yup, the golf clubs bag was a little obvious but not so much for our friend Sebastian. He has a few more surprises coming his way. And of course, not much of a surprise but we get to find out in the next chapter a little of the why he joined Starfleet. Happy - no delighted - that you enjoyed the space walk. Was trying to get the balance right between moving them on and describing the little jaunt. I had so wanted to do a scene on the hull during the ship's tour way back at the start so this was my chance to redress that. I guess that will have to wait for the Director's Cut! Hee hee. And you may have pegged it correct when you talk of McGregor being crazy genius and a bit plain crazy.
Author's Response:
Date: 29 Jan 2010 20:53 Title: 'He's an Hawsehole!'
Finally another update on the Kestrel.
Ronak has some major mother issues and Stanley being able to survive in space without an EVA suit, way cool. Keep it up
Author's Response:
Thank you! Glad you're still following it. Sorry about the slowness of updates. Busy life - grrr. And mother issues is one way to put it. Hee hee. Thanks again for reading.
Date: 19 Jan 2010 00:35 Title: 'Problems in Engineering'
I love McGregor. honestly, give him a comedy show for about an hour-I hear NBC is looking for a primetime show ;)
Nice to see Gardner too, being the grouch that he appears to be-I like grouches. Oscar was always my favorite back on the Street.
Author's Response:
I doubt the networks would risk his behaviour going out live! Ha. Glad you like him. And yes Eddie Gardner is very much a grounch. Mind you, if your captain was McGregor and he made the demands of you as the engineer like McGregor does - you'd be fairly grumpy about things too. Thanks for reading trekfan.
Date: 13 Jan 2010 04:56 Title: 'But It's a Miranda Class!'
Love the speech Mcgregor gives-brilliant in all it's construction. Feel sorry for the new recruits, as they're lives are about to get a little more complicated. Nice chapter.
Author's Response:
Yay thanks trekfan. Yes, the lives of our new recruits are going to get very complicated and very messed up as McGregor takes them under his charge! Thanks for the comments. Much appreciated.
Date: 09 Jan 2010 16:30 Title: 'A View to Behold'
Blimey, I had my heart in my mouth when Stanley decided on his little walk outside. I wonder what other surprises this one of a kind alien will spring on us all.
So McGregor's off to piss T'Hos off. I imagine this is going to me a fraught and messy affair, whatever he has planned.
Author's Response:
Well with Stan anything might be possible. Like that it surprised. Just imagine how poor Noah felt! Ha! McGregor is planning to piss T'Hos off and is feeling rather smug about the opportunity. We'll have to wait and see whether he is successful or not in his plans. But I think he will certainly manage to piss T'Hos off.
Date: 09 Jan 2010 15:28 Title: 'A View to Behold'
Miranda Fave, I loved this! Your characterization is awesome, each one has his or her own distinct personality; they feel very real. The whole crew, though, is just desperately in need of some people skills!
McGregor is hilarious and insane (though he claims a method to his madness!), and I feel terribly sorry for the long-suffering Cartwright. Noah continues his role as the ingenue, and is maybe suffering some aftereffects of his encounter with Ronak? Some kind of emotional transferrence? Or maybe he's just that upset about his roommate being a psychopathic Vulcan. Then there's Stanley, who is always fascinating. But you would think he'd WARN people before pulling that trick! Or that someone would inform him that he NEEDS to warn people about it. I liked the slightly deeper discussion of his visions, too. Still very mysterious, though.
Great stuff, keep up the good work!
Author's Response:
Aw thanks kes7! They feel real because they are real - I mean - thank you, that's a lovely compliment, especially given how out there some of them are. Hee hee. But people skills! McGregor's dripping with people skills! Well ... maybe not, thankfully he has Molly there for him. Though he kinda expects her to watch his back and sort out the paper work and stuff.
As for Noah, you might just be right. Stan is the man. But he doesn't seem to appreciate how such behaviour could be construed as well crazy and idiotic. Glad it worked and even more pleased you read and reviewed. Thanks heaps kes7.
Date: 07 Jan 2010 07:02 Title: 'He's an Hawsehole!'
Been meaning to read up on this forever now-and what a beginning. McGregor certainly does come off as the man I've gotten to know in the RR, and I look forward to more.
Author's Response:
Thanks for starting trekfan. Hope you like it. Yeah McGregor is who he is.
Date: 03 Jan 2010 19:39 Title: 'He's an Hawsehole!'
Interesting start! McGregor certainly has made enemies both within and outside of the Federation. I look forward to reading how he deals (or doesn't) with the challenges of having so many - especially those from within Starfleet - people rooting against him. I'm also intrigued by Cartwright and what it is about her that caused her own demotion. Great reading!
Author's Response:
Thanks Terilynn for reading and giving feedback. Yes, McGregor has a way of winning friends - not. And you might be onto something of his nature when you you remark how he might not deal with the challenges, as he sometimes decides not to bother dealing with them and ignore them altogether! Ha! And I'm just delighted that Cartwright intrigues you. I just hope she continues to do so.
[Report This]Date: 02 Dec 2009 15:26 Title: 'The Seed of Discord'
Bloody hell :O
No wonder they're both so messed up in the mind. Very powerful, very dark and very realistic Miranda.
Author's Response:
Thank you Starfire. Yes, some dark stuff when it comes to these two and I am so chuffed you found it to be dark, powerful and realistic. Thank ye very much.
[Report This]Date: 02 Dec 2009 15:10 Title: 'The Rear Admiral'
' "McGregor," Faraday leaned forwards, the light in his room casting deep hooded shadows over his eyes, "whilst I've for a long time desired to have your ass - it has only ever been to see it skewered atop a very sharp and long pole and have you hung out to dry." '
Hahahaha I'm rolling on the floor laughing after reading those two going at each other.
How the hell does McGregor get away with that?
Author's Response:
Somehow, I figured you'd appreciate that Starfire. If I recall Donaghey tends to get away with murder too when it comes to certain blue skinned Admiral. I guess the two of them just have a special way with dealing with the brass. McGregor gets his job done - not in a professional way but in his own very particular way! And that probably keeps him in work ... oh and a few other little secrets as yet to be revealed.
[Report This]Date: 01 Dec 2009 09:02 Title: 'The Seed of Discord'
Really, really powerful chapter. I suspected a form of mental illness, and I wondered if she had been raped. For all the humor and levity, this story has quite a few dark back corners. I actually hate that I'm caught up, because it means now I have to wait for more. I truly think this was the best chapter yet. I can't praise it highly enough.
Author's Response:
Wow. Thanks. This chapter meant a lot to me but it had caused me a massive headache. I wasn't able to write it for a long time as I had it in my head but couldn't get it on paper. I had to try and judge it right. Such a situation can quickly become melodramatic and then the complication of writing for Vulcans even two apparently emotional Vulcans as T'Vel and Ronak made it all the harder to judge. But one afternoon it just poured out and I'm so delighted it works for you. Really had been dubious about it but kes7 offere some great reassurance on that front and I'm so happy you think it played well. Thanks for the praise and the stars. *blush* Thanks even more so for reading and catching up. It makes it all worthwhile to see readers following the story.
Date: 01 Dec 2009 08:52 Title: 'The Rear Admiral'
I've never much liked Starfleet admirals. It's always nice to see one get a little cheek...in more ways than one! Well played on McGregor's part indeed.
Author's Response:
A little cheek ... hee hee ... I think Molly might steal that line to show my gratitiude for your wonderful reviews and feedback. Again, thanks for reading.