[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.
Date: 01 Dec 2009 08:48 Title: 'A Vulcan Morning to You'
Geez, and I thought my college roommate was a disaster. I don't envy Noah one bit his position. Seems like there's a lot of hurt and resentment underneath Ronak's act. This Vulcan puzzle gets curiouser and curiouser.
Author's Response:
You've got a part of Ronak's problem down. He is hurt and resentful. But there's more to it still. But either way, I pity Noah myself.
Date: 01 Dec 2009 08:41 Title: 'Portents Perceived'
Ha! I was afraid of that! Fun times to be had by all...not. :D
That was a nice moment with Templar and Jex. Bit by bit we get to see that he has some humanity under that defensiveness after all. Unfortunately, he also has some really good points about Noah. Let's hope he's just not right about the getting killed part!
Author's Response:
Only bit by bit mind. I don't want people to think he's a good guy after all! And based on his past, Templar's talking with experience, so he's seen green around the gills, freshly minted ensigns like Noah before. And he has seen the harm they can come to!
Date: 01 Dec 2009 08:32 Title: 'Food for Thought'
Yikes. I'm assuming such episodes with Stanley aren't just a matter of delirium. It's rare to see McGregor that serious.
I like the detail about running out of fresh food between stops. It gives a real sense of their isolation and the distances they cover. I think I have an idea of what may be wrong with T'Vel, but I'll be patient and wait to see!
Author's Response:
McGregor gets serious over few things. Drink and sex of course yes! But yup Stanley and those he deems close to him he is frighteningly protective over. For reasons to be learned yet, he feels very protective over Stan. He did name the poor little chap after all. He's almost a Mother to Stan!
Again, the fresh food, just seemed a logical enough assumption - especially on a ship that is merely peanuts to the larger scale of the Federation and operating on the fringes of Federation space. So I guess they support and employ the policy of buy local! yet another service they provide! And let's see if you are right about T'Vel.
Date: 01 Dec 2009 08:15 Title: 'A Medical History'
You give such a wonderful perspective of what the Border Patrol really means and does with this flashback. It's one thing to think of them pursuing pirates and smugglers through space, but it hits a lot closer to home when one is confronted with colonies such as this, eking out an existence and mostly defenseless. Little wonder that Judy decided to take the course she took in life, and it's also interesting to see just how long McGregor and Rah have been at this together. I'm not always a fan of flashbacks, but you handled this one very well.
Author's Response:
Well I had to set out what was different to the Border Patrol to the normal Fleeters. And whilst the Fleeters like the Enterprise crews do save the day and come charging in - sometimes it is on a larger scale than what our little Kestrel crew must do. But the Border Patrol takes the protection of its charges very seriously. And yes McGregor and Rah have been at this a while ... that'll have to be explained somehow ... One thing is that sometimes, when you're at something for so long, you do tend to develop some bad habits. Hee hee.
Date: 01 Dec 2009 08:00 Title: 'An Honest Prescription'
Monroe is a good doctor. In some ways, she reminds me a bit of McCoy, plain speaking and taking her ethics very seriously, but she's much less abrasive. It's the little details you throw in, like the pictures in frames, that really inform your characters and allow us readers to get to know them a bit at a time. You show rather than tell, and it keeps it interesting and lively.
Author's Response:
Thank you PSGarak. I'm really pleased that you felt the little details helped to absorb you into the characters. I'm always doubtful as to how sucessful I might be at conveying the characters so I really appreciate the feedback - especially if positive but happy for any feedback mind! McCoy is the stadard by which all Docs in Trek tend to be measured by and I'm delighted that Monroe reminds you a little of his softer side. I've written other docs who err more on the abrasive side so Monroe was a walk on the wild side for me. But definitely she is committed to her medicine and to the protection of others - all of which you'll appreciate why in the following chapters. Thanks again for reading and commenting. I can only hope I can keep it interesting and lively. Again, much thnaks.
Date: 01 Dec 2009 07:44 Title: 'Trekkie Brekkie - the way to start your day'
Jex is fun. I always enjoy the chance to see her interactions with Noah. And now we have a second very odd Vulcan in the mix. I'm hoping we soon learn more!
Author's Response:
Yeah she is fun and her worldly experience, despite the fact the Leoni part is very inexperienced, lends her permission to rib Noah and act as a friend and support for the poor lad. And you might have guessed something about our new little Vulcan friend already and you'll be finding out more about him and seeing more Jex and Noah moments too.
Date: 01 Dec 2009 07:38 Title: 'By the Cat's Whiskers'
My, my, but McGregor has been quite busy. Templar got a taste of his trial by fire and made a decent showing of himself. The excitement just keeps ratcheting up!
Author's Response:
Hee hee. McGregor tends to have different schemes percolating away all the time. And yes Sebastian did do well - but he really had no excuse otherwise. With his past he has a lot to prove.
Date: 01 Dec 2009 07:30 Title: 'Second Chances'
The two of them are a good match for one another, both of wits and stubbornness. The dynamics between a captain and his first are always interesting, but there is so much to these two that they almost can't be contained in one room. I also like the brief glimpses into both of their pasts, where we see that there is far more than meets the eye. You write conflict very well.
Author's Response:
Well with a character like McGregor in the big chair - he needed someone who was able to handle him and stand up to him on occasion. So Molly had to be as stubborn and dogged as the good captain. I personally find the pair of them fascinating to write. They want me to write all sorts - but nothing to do with the story all the time. But this was their first big scene only the two of them together and their was some big stuff for the pair to thrash out. Not to mention the fact that Molly doesn't like the idea of being in the wrong for once and not having the upper hand/moral right when it comes to McGregor. Yes, the two of them have a shared past and murky aspects tot heir pasts. Hopefully, we will learn more as time goes on. And thank you. I'm glad the conflict worked effectively and thank you for the little ego trip.
Date: 01 Dec 2009 07:19 Title: 'Not to Dwell on Matters'
Damaged in some ways is right. That was an interesting interlude there. I really hope we find out more about this science officer and her condition. To say it's unusual to see a Vulcan in that state is understatement.
I also liked the exchange with Templar. Whether he's willing to admit it or not, his experiences DO make him more useful at that job. Hopefully, he knows better than to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Really intriguing chapter all the way around.
Author's Response:
Glad you found it intriguing. We have quite a bit to find out about a few of our intrepid crew members. Sebastian's colourful past being but one aspect. T'Vel and her condition being another. As you've discovered, there is more to it. And more still.
Date: 01 Dec 2009 07:10 Title: 'Dirt Side'
What a treat to get a look at one of these border worlds. Such a dark, gritty environment. It actually reminds me a lot of one of my favorite anthologies in the history of ever, "Thieves' World". Poor Noah is so out of his element, and we get to see a side of Molly we haven't seen before. I could really picture this dive in my mind. Great stuff!!
Author's Response:
You must have been to some shabby places! ;)
Glad you liked. I had fun conjuring it up. Sadly, it's not the only dive the poor Kestrel crew have to visit in their duties. Must check out this Thieves' World. SOunds like it could act as some inspiration. Yup! Noah is so out of his depth he needs scuba diving gear.
Date: 01 Dec 2009 06:58 Title: 'Sleeping With the Enemy'
I always love coming back to this story. McGregor is a complete rake, and a fun one at that. It's interesting to see that he also has a more subtle side, even if he doesn't often exercise it.
I have a couple of ideas about the mole. It'll be fun to see if I'm right or way, way off course! I can't wait for the next chapter, and fortunately, I don't have to. Great job!
Author's Response:
First off, thanks for coming back to the story and for catching up all in one go to boot! Crikey! That's some reading! McGregor does have a subtle side but you are right - he doesn't tend to exercise it often. Hmmm ... wonder who you think the mole is. I'd love you to PM me a theory - mind not that I'd respond to it one way or another! Hee hee. Thanks for reading.
Date: 22 Nov 2009 15:17 Title: 'He's an Hawsehole!'
Thank god the Kestrel has returned to duty. I missed the adventures of MacGregor, who might actually be my favorite captain ever!
Seriously, all this man has to do is grow his hair out and paint a pirate flag on a warp nacelle and he'd be Captain Jack Sparrow ... only, well, you know with less pirates and more photon torpedoes... and in space ... and, well actually nothing like Jack Sparrow at all. But, just as entertaining!
I really expect to see an exchange like this someday:
Admiral: "You are without doubt the worst captain I've ever heard of!"
MacGregor: "Ah, but you have heard of me!"
Author's Response:
Oh wow! Thank you Funngunner. Yeah he is definitely a rogue. And Jack Sparrow is a good parallel still and we've yet to get to some of the more swashbuckling adventures. Glad he continues to make an impression. As for the little exchange you describe ... I think I might have to sneak that in somewhere. It would be a very McGregor thing to do. He is afterall very modest! Hee hee. Thanks again for reading.
[Report This]Date: 22 Nov 2009 09:59 Title: 'A Vulcan Morning to You'
A very welcome, and potentially explosive return to things Miranda :)
If it weren't for their superior strength I think Ronak would be wearing those cornflakes if he tried winding me up in that manner.
Very interested to know why and what caused T'Vel to struggle so badly with reigning in her emotions and why Ronak's generally a disrespectful little toe rag of a child.
Author's Response:
Thanks Starfire. Yup, back to writing - at least for a bit anyway. And certainly, Ronak and T'Vel's situation here is quite explosive for a Vulcan context. There's defnitely more on this to come of course. Just have to get the balance right. I too would like to punch Ronak in the face. He has just that kind of personality. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Date: 29 Sep 2009 23:47 Title: 'The C.O.B.'
What an interesting glimpse into the off hours of some of the crew! I like the easy banter and familiarity. Even if they don't all like each other, they seem able to pull together and enjoy themselves. Hopefully, Templar will be able to find his place, too. He can't hide behind his issues forever. This was a nice interlude between some of the darker episodes.
Author's Response:
Thanks for commenting on the crew interaction. Yeah, I figures if they work hard they are bound to play hard. Templar is defintiely hiding behind his issues and as much as he Noah is the green novice, Templar has a lot to learn too. Whether he allows himself to find his place is another matter altogether. Read on to discover.... ha!
Date: 29 Sep 2009 23:23 Title: 'The Kestrel spreads her wings'
Aha! Theft it was, then! I figured he'd do something like that. Poor Molly. I imagine she does take a lot of time cleaning up after the Captain, so to speak.
After what Noah went through, who can blame him for feeling a sense of dread? They weren't even away from ship dock, and he went through hell. I do hope in time he's able to accomplish something that gives him more confidence.
I liked the contrast between McGregor's been there, done that a thousand times and Noah's wide eyed first time expectations. To weathered officers, new recruits must seem hopelessly green. Enjoyable chapter!
Author's Response:
And I think Noah comes off as incredibly/especially green, especially in contrast to the likes of someone as 'weathered' as McGregor. He'll have to step up to the mark sooner or later but he probably has good cause to have a dread about what lies ahead.
And yes, McGregor is definitely not adverse to pulling such a stunt or leaving Molly to mop up his mess. She really is his saving grace. I think deep down he appreciates her but I doubt he'd show or admit it. After all, he's not like to admit to making any mistakes or messes! Ha!
Date: 29 Sep 2009 23:15 Title: 'Taking Stock with Expediency' [A Captain's Prerogative]
What on earth is McGregor up to now? He gave in to that way too easily for it to be real. I can't wait to see what he has in store for the Commodore next!
Author's Response:
Oh the usual ...
Date: 29 Sep 2009 23:05 Title: 'Taking Stock of the Truth' [A Rogue's Confession]
Good for Molly! It's a shame she has to deal with such a canker arse anyway. I'm glad she's not playing his game and covering him. She's a stand up officer. My respect for her just keeps right on growing.
Author's Response:
Yay! I love it if people love Molly cos I love her. She's one fierce lady. So your digging her and having respect for her makes me very happy. She is a stellar officer, her past career aside, but certainly she doesn't suffer fools gladly - she merely suffers McGregor! She was never going to cover for Paul but if she didn;t react well to his revealation you can just imagine what McGregor is going to think!
[Report This]Date: 28 Sep 2009 17:04 Title: 'Portents Perceived'
Another nice convershion of dry ship logs into a life like historical novel.
Author's Response:
Thanks for reading the story and the comment. Oh and the stars! :)
And I have to say historical novels such as Sharpe, Nathaniel Quickwater, the Jack Audbrey/Mauritian novels were a certain inspiration to this tale. Thanks millions for reading. Real life has slowed progress on the story but lots more is coming soon.
Date: 05 Sep 2009 03:20 Title: 'Taking Stock of the Heart' [A Frontier Girl]
I daresay Monroe is better off without a scab like that. I imagine it happens to Starfleet personnel a lot, getting involved with people who can't understand their obligations and duty and expect them to leave it behind to settle down. I have lots of friends in the military who say they go through that a lot. Nice side glimpse into the more personal life of the doctor. It makes me respect her more, too.
Author's Response:
Thanks. Yes, such things have to be an all too familiar story for those serving. Very sad in many ways. Though Judith Monroe has her reasons for not wanting to settle down. And there's more of her story to come soon.
Date: 05 Sep 2009 03:13 Title: 'Accommodating Commodore'
I love Molly Cartwright. She clearly knows how to get what she wants without unduly stepping on too many toes. And she puts McGregor in his place with effortless ease. I think she's becoming my favorite character in this so far.
Author's Response:
Yeah I just love Molly myself. She's tough but not hard as nails. She comes across as the good guy when stood next to McGregor but I wouldn't want to cross her. And certainly, she seems like she's the only one able to keep McGregor in check.
Date: 03 Sep 2009 05:22 Title: 'A Let Down'
Y'know, sometimes McGregor borders on the sociopathic. At the very least, I'd say full blown narcissist. Things don't bode well for the failed Orion. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this next arc of the story plays out.
Author's Response:
Thank you for reading so far. Hopefully the next act starts to answer some questions and explore the characters we've been introduced to a little more. Sociopathic, narcissist, hmm yeah those words kinda fit his character description.