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Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 31 Mar 2021 19:48 Title: Episode 22.15: Sacrifice - The Destroyer of Worlds

Yeah, okay, no idea what just happened. But it was pretty cool in a freaky and disturbing kinda sense.

Minerva Irons is now Shiva, or Lady Death if you're naughty. And where exactly is she going?

Author's Response:

Just a little bit of courtroom drama... She did promise Sela a memorable trial..

"Now I am become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds" is quoted from Oppenheimer when he witnessed the first successful test of his bomb. He was, in turn, paraphrasing the Bhagavad-Gita, 11:32.

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 30 Mar 2021 20:32 Title: Episode 22.14: Sacrifice - One Single Vote

"My name is Emory Ivonovic and I approve this message."

The man sure has lofty ambitions but I can totally see it happening. The attack ads, if there's such a thing in the 24th century, would be vicious though. "Ivonovic was a fugitive from justice and now he wants to be your president. Ivanovic is wrong for Earth, and he is wrong for the Federation!"

It's a credit to your writing that I cannot quite decide if a Predsident Ivanovic will be an extremely scary prospect, or the change the Federatione need.

Author's Response:

It is seriously gratifying that you had precisely the reaction I was trying to evoke for the Ivonovic arc. I really enjoy ambiguous characters.

Since the president is not popularly elected, but rather selected by the Federation Council, I would think instead of attack ads, we would have something more like positive and negative vlogs trying to compete with Ivonovic's vlogging.

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 29 Mar 2021 20:23 Title: Episode 22.13: Sacrifice - David and Goliath

This chapter certainly was off to an unexpected start. Although sudden, unexpected urges aren't anything new on this ship.

This new plan is certainly more sophisticated than throwing rocks. Although I have to admit the simplicity of that plan had a certain charm to it.

Author's Response:

Since an object traveling at warp is technially at rest (it's space that's moving), when it comes out of warp there's no motion to conserve. So to have a warp speed impact, it would have to hit the other ship while still in the warp shell - which means the ship dragging it would have to be flown manually, bypassing every failsafe. By far the highest probability is that the attacking ship would also be anihalated - probably disrupting local spacetime in the process... It sounded like a good idea until the engineers took a look at it...

I had wanted to show Chekov's reaction to learning more about Dolphin's tryst that he ever wanted to, but Hunter just stomped all over that moment with his weird humor, saving Dolphin the embarassment. I'm glad the imoginette character took you by surprise. Dragomut has a few more surpises up his/her sleeve. 

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 28 Mar 2021 08:54 Title: Episode 22.12: Sacrifice - Justice

I like me a bit of court room drama. Although here it feels Irons is firmly in control. At least for now as she retells some of Hunter's greatest adventures. Once again, pretty impressed how you managed to weave such a complex and interwoven narrative.

Author's Response:

Thanks again for the kind words! 

The trial of Justice Irons is kind of an STH clip show... But there is a bit more courtroom drama in the second act.

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 28 Mar 2021 08:44 Title: Episode 22.11: Sacrifice - Buzz Conference

Well, that certainly sounds like plan. Definitely clever.

I can see Checkov doesn't have a great deal of patience or tolerated fools. A most charming man.

I'm glad Red said it, but Doplhin did come across somewhat arrogant in that meeting. Not a very endearing quality.

Also: Suparman Saldana Budi. Another entry into the Awesome Names Hall of Fame.

Author's Response:

I ran a name-generator for Indoneasian male names and there it was... It sounds more like Suparraman with a heavy roll on the r...

Dolphin is aware of his tendency to be arrogant and is usually pretty good about keeping a lid on it. But there is nothing to make a man lose his cool and act up like being around a woman like Red... 

Glad you're enjoying Chekov - he's not at all like his famous grandfather.

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 28 Mar 2021 08:31 Title: Episode 22.10: Sacrifice - The Witness

Nice piece of insight into Vulcan (sad), and this "occupation" (interesting). Hopper is a useful plot device here to allow Irons to explain things. It makes sense though, the younger woman seems to be a bit of a pawn in her plans.

Author's Response:

Glad you like my spin on Vulcan. The only thing I liked about Babylon 5 The Crusade (other than Gary Cole) was the idea that the majority of civilizations they encountered were dead - mostly due to destroying their own biospheres...

Jennifer is, admittedly, both pawn and plot device - as young people so often are.

Thanks! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 24 Mar 2021 20:29 Title: Episode 22.9: Sacrifice - An Imperial Request

I do enjoy the political power play and machinations in this series. Everything here seems to have a carefully planned purpose, including Ivonovic's indignation. Plans are in motion ...

Author's Response:

I'm glad you're enjoying all the political machinations - it's a very complex weave of different plans and I was a bit concerned it would all seem like one giant plan. What I'm trying to show is different smart people taking advantage of what they percieve that other smart people are doing and piggy-backing on that to further their own agendas.

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 23 Mar 2021 21:06 Title: Episode 22.8: Sacrifice - The Shadowhounds of Aveadega

That's a new spin on the SAR concept. Actually had to go back and double check that acronym as it clearly didn't stand for what I thought it did.

Author's Response:

Means different things for different people. Humans train dogs for rescue. Andorians have other priorities...

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 20 Mar 2021 23:54 Title: Episode 22.7: Sacrifice - Sweet Madam Blue

"Expect the Unexpected." That should really be Star Trek: Hunter's tagline.

This started off as another pivot I didn't see coming at all before it slowly turned into something I recognized only for you to completely pull the rug out from under my feet again by the end. Nicely done, sir.

Author's Response:

Thanks for the kind words - and that is an appropriate tagline - along with Warning: unapologetically campy...

This scene sets up a running series of time travel gags. Minerva's avatar meets Carerra for the first time. In a later scene, a later incarnation of the avatar turns the tables as he meets her for the first time...

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 18 Mar 2021 21:06 Title: Episode 22.6: Sacrifice - The Balcony

Okay, so there's definitely another element to this plan I'm not yet seeing. Shouldn't be suprised. Curious how young Hopper figures into this. Her heritage, I assume, will play a role.

Author's Response:

One thing about Irons - she's resourceful... 

The other thing about Irons - she has resources...

Glad you're intrigued - Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 17 Mar 2021 21:44 Title: Episode 22.5: Sacrifice - The Great Waterbirds of Pern

Only on ST: Hunter could we go from a events that may very well determine the future of the known galaxy to a fishing trip with a flock of oversized birds which sing in Vulcan.

What a strange and fascinating ride.

Author's Response:

Part overwrought environmental drama, part madcap campy farce, part Milky Way travelogue... Glad you're having fun with it.

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 16 Mar 2021 21:23 Title: Episode 22.4: Sacrifice - Shuttle Diplomacy

Loving the juxtaposition in this chapter. The oldest (former) member of the crew and the youngest. These people should have practically nothing in common and yet their conversation really flows nicely.

I hope Hopper comes out of this okay. Sacrificing somebody this young, just starting out on her adventure feels cruel.

Also really enjoyed the Irons' reasoning for bringing Dolphin on board. Not many captains would admit to that but I can totally see this kinda stuff happening and people just going for their gut instincts on a new crewmember.

Author's Response:

Glad you really liked this - there will be more with Irons and Hopper. Jennifer's youth and vulnerability was one of several reasons Dolphin recruited her for this mission. Irons is perfectly capable of flying the shuttle by herself and not putting another crewmember at risk.

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 16 Mar 2021 21:12 Title: Episode 22: Sacrifice

How about that Mlady has a doctorate.

Author's Response:

Justice Irons requires every officer on her boat above the level of ensign to have a doctorate (or equivalent) and all officers from ensign up to be licensed by the Federation Tribunal to practice law. It's an absurd requirement and no other captain in Star Fleet could get away with it. But Irons is particularly difficult to say "no" to.

Mlady's doctorate is in bioethics (perfect for a vampire...)

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 15 Mar 2021 20:55 Title: Episode 22.3: Sacrifice - - Passengers

A lot of elements in play in this ever more complex story. It still somewhat amuses me that it's this little frigate named Hunter that's caught squarely in he middle of these massive galactic stakes.

Small ship, big impact.

Author's Response:

It's fun that you're enjoying the irony... And the complexity of the story. I wanted a small vessel so that the reader could know everyone onboard - a small, tight-knit community (no random red-shirts.)

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 13 Mar 2021 12:10 Title: Episode 22.2: Sacrifice - - A Little Tune-Up

Nash is hilarious, really liking this character who infuses some much needed humor and levity after a series of dark chapters. Also appreciate the fact that she isn't described as a beauty queen which is common for the female love interests of male protagonists (I've been guilty of this admittedly)

Author's Response:

Im really gratified you keyed in on those things - I really appreciate seeing that come through. Since I'm putting my characters through misery, I want to show them experiencing the wonders that make it all worth it - the giant hexapods of Paleonus V, surfing on Ocean, the great waterbirds, the 15,000 statues of Lin Ling Liu, riding a wild beast through the decks of a giant romulan ship... and kind hearted, hard working, plain faced girls who just want a good time with a nice looking guy...

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 13 Mar 2021 12:05 Title: Episode 22.1: Sacrifice - - The JAG Fleet

Time for some administrative details. Really feels like the end of an era for Irons. At least on Hunter.

Author's Response:

My dad told me that when a ship comes back from extended forward deployment, other captains recruit heavily to get experienced crew members, causing a turnover in personnel. Promotions are given to particularly valuable staff to keep them on the boat. He also said that NAVY stands for Never Again Volunteer Yourself. But volunteering for the Navy may well have kept him out of Vietnam.

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 11 Mar 2021 20:46 Title: Episode 21.16: The Enemy of My Enemy - The Sleep of the Just

This isn't just dark, this is pretty total gloom. Great work on really making it difficult to root for a hero or despise a villain. Life doesn't work that way, it just happens. Yes, there's a plan here but good luck trying to finger the hero or the villain of this story.

Author's Response:

I'm gratified the complexity of the character motivations is coming through - Thanks for the kind words! As for the mood, I have occasionally been reminded that I am more a writer of horror than scifi...

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 09 Mar 2021 20:55 Title: Episode 21.15: The Enemy of My Enemy - You Are Cordially Invited

A very interesting interpretation of the Romulan people, assuming Sela speaks the truth. Not a given, of course, but why would she lie?

No death penalty and gardening? Feels rather progressive. Except perhaps for the stripping and striping. That could be considered cruel and unusual.

Somehow I wouldn't be totally suprised if Irons decides to fall on this sword for the greater good.

Author's Response:

Sela isn't exactly lying... But she's definitely suger-coating. For "tamed" read "conquered" and for "gardening" read "hard labor..."

Irons does have a penchant for walking into traps...

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 08 Mar 2021 22:00 Title: Episode 21.14: The Enemy of My Enemy - Truth Seekers

He does write nice speeches (which means, of course, you write nice speeches) so you've got to give him credit for that. Although, he may have a speechwriter on his staff.

I don't know about the conspiracy angle, but seeking the truth is a very timely topic, unfortunately, with the alarming rise of misinformation. I'd go so far as to say that it is a serious threat to our society today, which means it is absolutely a believable threat to the Federation in the 24th century.

Author's Response:

Really glad you liked this one - I worry about these long speeches droning a little. I used Emory as a mouthpiece a bit in a plea for citizen journalism - which I consider to be the future of journalism.

I'm not a believer in dark conspiracies - they seem to rely on assigning motives to the conspirators that even a comic-book villain would find unbelievably wooden. But for this story, there really is one...

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 06 Mar 2021 12:42 Title: Episode 21.13: The Enemy of My Enemy - Dolphin Hunting

Okay, I admit I lost track a bit of the logic here and all the different RPs. But it all sounded very sensible and like a worthwhile plan. Problem with plans is .... well, you know.

Author's Response:

I enjoy showing people thinking - not so much for the plot as for character development.

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 06 Mar 2021 12:35 Title: Episode 21.12: The Enemy of My Enemy - The Next Generation

Some things will never change. Romulans with schemes within schemes for example. I know you didn't want your Sela to be a comic book villain, and kudos for making her more multifaceted than she ever was on TV, but her hatered for humans is fairly obvious. And darn it, if she doesn't land a few good points in the midst of speechifying her thoughts.

Author's Response:

Thanks for the kind words! Every villain is a hero. And every hero is a villain...

There are an awful lot of speeches in STH. Useful for providing context as well as character development. And in the case of Julian, explaining the whole thing.

Still - yakity yak...

 

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 04 Mar 2021 21:39 Title: Episode 21.11: The Enemy of My Enemy - Promethosaurus Rex

The good doctor and old Crusher are always good for a laugh. Those guys would be awesome doing an Abbott and Castello routine. Nice bit of deception with the dinosaur, too, didn't quite see the reveal coming.

Author's Response:

Glad you got a kick out of Crusher and the Docasaurous Rex.. 

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 03 Mar 2021 21:19 Title: Episode 21.10: The Enemy of My Enemy - The Fourth Signal

I'm somewhat not suprised that you've managed to bring space golf into this series. What a visual though!

More suprised by Boles impressive command performance here. Also, those Romulans are clever devils, aren't they?

Author's Response:

Really glad you're enjoying the visuals. Napoleon is no paragon of sociability, but he's a really handy guy to have around - I'm gratified he came off well to you in this chapter.

Ah - those dastardly romulans... More to come there..

Thanks!! rbs

 

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 01 Mar 2021 21:08 Title: Episode 21.9: The Enemy of My Enemy - The Second Cube

That was real nice of Irons to take on that second cube after they were essentially scott free. Though I'm with Sela, I'd like to find out how exactly they did it. Assuming it was a Star Wars inspired tactic ...

Author's Response:

I got the idea for the weaponized warp wake from an episode of STNG in which Worf's brother used one to destroy a ship belonging to the Duras clan. I suppose failsafe systems keep the warp drives of shuttlecraft from being activated in the shuttlebay and tearing the back end off a starship on exit..

Thanks!! rbs

Reviewer: CeJay Signed Liked [Report This]
Date: 28 Feb 2021 09:43 Title: Episode 21.8: The Enemy of My Enemy - A Big Enough Lever

I bet Sin doesn't get invited to a lot of parties, does he? That guy is a real downer.

Although his concerns are not unfounded. Absolute power and all that. A bit of foreshadowing, perhaps? I hope not.

Author's Response:

Sin IV is an astute fellow.

And a dangerously powerful telepath for the Director of Section 31 to expose himself to. Perhaps the blind emperor caught a whiff of Julian's plans for the Ark...

Thanks!! rbs

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