[Report This]Date: 13 Feb 2023 02:59 Title: Epilogue - Ground State: 5
Liking the detail about Gary 7's clothes. I'd love for you to write some Gary 7 fanfic. I'm sure there's quite a bit of it out there, but it's still pretty much wet cement - at least as far as I'm concerned.
So I'm assuming the old man is Bensu and 7 has need for him to pick up his burdon again. Isis is another really wet cement character - completely mysterious. As I understand it, Gary 7 is a 20th Century American plucked out of time and given abilities and gadgets by some alien race to prevent temporal mishaps. So is Isis his handler? Or perhaps his house-cat transformed into a loyal and powerful guardian?
Again, a nice ending to this iteration of the Star Eagle series.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: This particular iteration of Gary Seven actually comes from my fellow United Trek writer The Lone Redshirt and his excellent 2016 story "What's Upp?" The Implausible Adventures of Elvis Upp". You can find it on the TrekBBS, although sadly it has yet to receive a sequel. Quantum Divergence has been a long and crazy journey for me. A huge thank you for your patronage and awesome feedback over the years. Looking forward to you next project.
[Report This]Date: 06 Feb 2023 01:11 Title: Epilogue - Ground State: 4
Danger Will Robinson... This scene reminded me of the closing sequence between Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock in Speed - "They say relationships based on shared trauma rarely end well..." "Well then, we'll just have to base ours on really good sex..."
Of course the problem here is that the trauma isn't shared. Michael's going to be weird for a while dealing with all the dead Mayas. Doing so while trying to focus his attention on the living one - well - that's definitely a story worth telling, but might not be one with a happy ending.
He might be just fine for a few months - or a few years. But sooner or later it's all going to catch up to him. Especially losing Maya over and over. Haivng to leave her to die - over and over. It would make a hell of a story - reminds me of Buzz Aldren dealing with post moon depression...
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: One of my favorite quotes at the end of a movie. Even if it turns out it didn't work. Speed 2: Cruise Control, anybody? Actually, the less said about that one, the better. And yeah, you're right, there's going to be a lot for Michael (and others) to be worked through over the coming months. Maybe there's even a short story or two in there worth telling. But in my view, although Michael has the trauma of the dying Maya's to contend with, he's also used her as his strength throughout the story, as his rock, if you will. Toward the end, he focused his energies on trying to save his Maya, and to come back to her. I think she has gotten him through all of this in more than one way. Now he'll have to figure out how to live with what he's been through. Maybe she'll help him with that again. Maybe it'll be a disaster. Who knows?
[Report This]Date: 06 Feb 2023 01:04 Title: Epilogue - Ground State: 3
You have the makings of a unique non-Trek original series here in which humans rarely appear, but have outsized influence because of their proximity and Lif's history serving in their FTL military service.
One thing all of us would like to find is a profit center - well... here it is... Of course CeeJay fans would recognize Lif as a UT character and the Krellonian Empire as part of the expanded Trekverse - but you can completely avoid Trek trademarks and copyrights, get an agent and market such a book. And you've already written quite a few chapters in it.
Garla is definitely one of my favorite original characters - with the emphasis on original. And her final message is a satisfying wrap for her character. But it could be the jumping off point for several stories about her.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Hey thanks for the kind words. I've played around with the idea of writing original sci-fi before. Barely Human is another story were you could easily strip out the Trek and market it as an non media tie-in original. And sure, there's a bit of a temptation there, but in the end, I'm not really that much of an author, just a guy who really enjoys spending time in my interpretation of the Star Trek universe, and following these sets of characters.
[Report This]Date: 23 Jan 2023 02:17 Title: Epilogue - Ground State: 2
This is an incredibly satisfying ending for the series. So much so that I'm rather hoping you've cooked up an entirely new crew/venue/saga for your next project.
Part of the brilliance of TNG, Avatar the Last Airbender and The Mentalist was that they ended really well and in a good place. There were more adventures in each of those mileaus to be had, more stories to be told, but each saga was very satisfyingly concluded.
Although there is the dangling Michael / Maya manga, so an Eagle sequal is not entirely out of the picture...
Bravo on the entire series and especially this multi-dimensional rapprochment for an incredibly dysfunctional family. Family wins out - even if Michal has to witness his brother's death a few dozen times, and his father's, and kill a few versions of himself before finally coming across a version of Wes that he doens't want to punch in the nose...
For this series to take so many turns and cliffhangers and still come back to a story about family is quite an accomplishment.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Hey, thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. I'll speak about my future plans for SEA a little more at a later stage. For now, we're not quite done with wrapping things up. Hey, this mini-series has been going over 5 stories including 3 full-length novels. It deserves a proper epilogue. Remember the ending(s) of those Lord of the Rings movies? Yeah, I don't think this is going to be quite that long, but a bit more to come.
[Report This]Date: 23 Jan 2023 02:10 Title: Epilogue - Ground State: 1
Denemount part 1... first tie up the major plotlines and do a body count... And definitely among the body count is Michael's and Taz's mental stability. Everyone on the Eagle can be classified PTSD without individual diagnoses.
I could just see this crew being reassigned to "normal" duty... "Lieutenant - why are you in the fetal position? It's just some crickets..." "No... I't the clicky aliens... Oh god they're back..."
And you've managed to end a denemount with a cliff-hanger - in total CeeJay style.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Yeah, PTSD is definitely going to be a factor. I mean think about it, you were actively involved in trying to stop the end of everything ever. One mistake, one bit of hesitation, and you could have been responsible for everybody everwhere no longer existing. That's some pressure. And add to that the relatively recent trauma of the Dominion War? No idea, how you deal with that kind of thing. I guess that's why Starfleet has counselors.
[Report This]Date: 22 Jan 2023 19:09 Title: Part 8 - Decoherence: 3
I appreciate the detail about the rematerialization being rough when Michael is transported inside the cube. Even if, somehow, being ripped apart to component parts, streamed through subspace and jammed back together hundreds of miles away doesn't hurt, it has to hurt the brain at some level. Speaking of which...
I was kind of waiting for Michael to throw up - every good sci-fi series features someone throwing up at some point. Usually when we're on the couch and fork about to fork into a nice steamy bowl of spaghetti.
So these Beholders are the ultimate fascists - they've wiped out all other life on their own plane and are eagerly wiping otu all other life everywhere. And Bensu was once one of them but somehow escaped their collective psychosis...
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Ah yes, the throwing-up trope. I hate it so much. Mostly because of the reason you've stated. Although chances are probably much smaller that you are reading some action-packed Trek fanfic over dinner. I believe there is an earlier chapter were Michael is about to vomit but can't because he just hasn't eaten anything in such a long time. Can't lose what you don't have.
[Report This]Date: 19 Dec 2022 20:50 Title: Part 8 - Decoherence: 2
Very much liking that it was a Bajoran Resistance fighter who prepared Michael to kill first and without hesitation when faced with a mortal enemy. Do unto borgy before borgy can do unto you. And a second satisfyingly grisley death for Tyrantus - because who doesn't want to see that particular bad guy go down hard, twice. As one of my players in D&D once said: "I killed him. Can I kill him again?"
Here'a hoping that RoboOwens is firmly in Michael's rear-view and receding We've gotten a taste now of what the Fro-Bird can do. Looking forward to learning more about what it has under the hood.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Yeah, and just think of all the counseling sessions the man will need for essentially killing the man/machine with his face, not once but twice. I suppose there'll be plenty of counseling sessions for everybody once this is over. For those who make it that is. Thanks for reading and the continuous reviews. As always, greatly appreciated.
[Report This]Date: 15 Dec 2022 01:53 Title: Part 8 - Decoherence: 1
You have developed a new wrinkle in the fine art of the cliffhanger - the cascading cliffhanger...
Nice - now we get a do-over with the gruesome death of Tyrantus (and I'm sort of rooting for an even more gruesome end to RoboOwens - the last one was just so gratifyingly visceral.)
I'm almost hoping we get a third do-over with Michael holding a checklist... Avoid zombie Zeischt - check; hit the dark matter thingie to skip around the Inth - check; nose down under the comet - check... It would totally add a Dr. Who edge to the adventure.
Quite enjoying the fireworks - Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Hmm, you've given me something to think about. Although I'm thinking that perhaps we're reaching the limits of the amount of fireworks I can build into this very long story.
[Report This]Date: 08 Dec 2022 01:01 Title: Part 7 - Collapse: 4
"The former bartender turned interdimensional guru" - Um.. isn't that the other way round? So now the character Bensu seems like maybe he is on the level - but I suspect Michael still has his reservations.
So Bensu is an unintended avatar for the monolith thingies. I am wondering where the clicky aliens are - the servants of the monoliths? Which, for ultimate beings with multi-verse power seem as anti Arthur C. Clarke as they can get (making their apparent form wonderfully ironic.)
And now everything hangs on Wes and his machine. Time's up...
It's amusing that in the end, Michael has to depend on the two people he trusts the least.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Gots to love a good dose of irony. Thanks for the feedback as we are starting to settle into the end stretch.
[Report This]Date: 29 Nov 2022 03:16 Title: Part 7 - Collapse: 3
Yeah - Michael's going to need a multiverse qualified shrink once this is all over. Tyrantus' demise alone is going to give him nightmares, not to mention seeing his crew slaughtered all around him.
So Bensu... good? bad? insane? cause of the madness? or solution? You've definitely done some serious slight of hand with this character.
And back to the Frobird for one more desperate attempt to fly into the nexus. You're going to have to work some Yellow Submarine monsters into this next segment - at least the Sea of Holes...
Maybe the big bad behind it all is the Vacuumcleanersaurus.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Are you suggesting that there might be some sort of lack of clarity around Bensu's motivations here? Something like an "uncertainty principle"? (See what I did there?). I can practically guarantee that there will be no banana-colored submersibles forthcoming in this story. As for a Sea of Holes? Stay tuned.
[Report This]Date: 29 Nov 2022 03:08 Title: Part 7 - Collapse: 2
Kind of like the king of mailmen: Through Inth, Romulan fleet and borg... Okay - on second read, I get that he kind of looped his way around the Inth using the Westron Universal Jump Drive. Which is where all these spectoral alt-Michaels get to partially emerge.
It would cost a fortune to screen this scene.
Raganorok on LSD with a hint of wasabi with a Boom Boom Satellites sound track...
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: I certainly cannot condone the use of any kinds of hallucinogenics or mind-altering substances, but at the same time I wouldn't rule out that consuming any of such might help convey what Michael Owens is going through in this chapter.
[Report This]Date: 16 Nov 2022 00:12 Title: Part 7 - Collapse: 1
Totally psychotic with shades of the STNG episode "Parallels" - only more psychotic. If Douglas Adams were writing it, he would have dubbed it "The Furball at the End of the Universe." It links up with Raganorok pretty well.
I like the idea of Michael having to narrow it down to saving at least one Maya because saving the multi-verse is just impossible for him to wrap his (justifiably shell-shocked) brain around.
I saw that Galen4 really appreciated your resurrection of Commander Varon from the theoretical footnote he had been languishing in - class act.
So I gather the next act will test Michael within an Inth of his sanity...
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: "Parallels" is a good call. There are definitely shades of that episode throughout QD. And I see what you've done there with the Inth ... clever.
[Report This]Date: 30 Oct 2022 01:25 Title: Part 6 - Last Grasp: 9
Really a good pressure building sequence and most of it accomplished via dialogue. But quite vivid descriptions of the action.
I'm quite looking forward to seeng how the advent of Michael in the Fromobile. I want to see what's in its weskit...
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Hey, thanks for the kind words. And yes, things are about to heat up a bit. And the Fro-mobile (TM) will play a key role as well.
[Report This]Date: 22 Oct 2022 01:24 Title: Part 6 - Last Grasp: 8
The Michael/Maya romance is more than starcrossed - multi-verse-crossed? Things just keep ending badly for them. And this time he literally got burned.
Okay... I'm really looking forward to finding out what the Fromobile does. I knew from a storytelling standpoint that Michael would be crucial to the reality-ending shenanigans going on in the Omega-smasher by flying in at the last minute... But not why...
Well, it's not THAT Michael is flying in, apparently it's WHAT he's flying in.
My other prediction - another dead person will die again...
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Couple's counseling is going to be tough for those two, I wager. And yes, things are about to come to head. I'd say all bets are off. Wanna keep the suspense going, after all.
[Report This]Date: 10 Oct 2022 03:49 Title: Part 6 - Last Grasp: 7
The other relationship that's been smouldering in the marginalia - Xylion and Bensu... Xylion hasn't been given much to go on - just a few dark hints that Bensu might not be the unlikely hero, but the somewhat more likely destroyer. That's a delicate balance to maintain as a writer - giving the audience far more and seeing Xylion getting only a few dark hints. It definitely worked - it will be interesting to see how Xylion not only copes with the difficulty fo the moment, but also the evidence that Owens in particular did not entrust him with this information - such as it was.
Definitlely looking forward to seeing more of the Matt/Michael/Fro story.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Maybe I should've named this Quantum Marginalia. I'm glad you're enjoying the little nuances and sub-plots as much as the main story. A lot of thought has gone into developing these various strands. Not everything always comes together the way I'd hoped, and I guess you could make the argument that as writer you can fine-tune these kind of things until the cows come home. Of course then, nobody would ever get to read any of it.
[Report This]Date: 10 Oct 2022 03:40 Title: Part 6 - Last Grasp: 6
“This is by far the worst idea that pointy-eared, walking database of a man has ever come up with... ...you just make sure you don’t inadvertently fry some of these people’s brains during this cockeyed stunt of yours,” Classic Katanga...
I know we're coming into crunch time, but I'm really hoping to see more indepth exploration of the Matt/Fro relationship. Looks like it just might take center stage soon and it's a really interesting dynamic that's been slowly smouldering in the marginalia.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Thanks, glad that we've reached a Classic Katanga stage.
[Report This]Date: 27 Sep 2022 08:27 Title: Part 6 - Last Grasp: 5
Michael has what my father dubbed as the "defication touch" - everything he touches turns to shit - certainly working its effect in this universe. He shows up at one planet after another and all hell breaks loose - and now Maya's ship and Maya herself. Sooner or later that's gotta sting.
And his doppelgangers are just as relentless as he is, which, considering they all turn out to be enemies, is really not helpful. If you go universe hopping and find out that every other version of you you encounter turns out to be a shit, that would have to sting sooner or later too.
There's a general rule in writing that you should put your lead character through as much hell as possible. You're definitely taking that one to heart...
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: That made me laugh out loud, thanks. I had not considered this at all, but I guess there's nothing like a good gauntlet of suffering to put a protagonist through. One thing is for damned sure: There'll be a lot of sleepless nights in Michael Owens' future.
[Report This]Date: 21 Sep 2022 10:05 Title: Part 6 - Last Grasp: 4
I'm surprised that I'm just now noticing the word play in the title for this part - I think I had been reading it as "Last Gasp."
Not Lif's best moments - he goes from snipping at his aunt - whom he knows actually cares about the Outlanders - to borderline barratry in vain hopes of protecting her. Of course, considering what he's been through during the past 3 universes, his brain has every right to be liverwurst. Still, something that will have to be addressed.
I'm particularly enjoying the Garla character arc. That's a character with vicious demons distorting her every decision - and managing to keep a somewhat even keel. But her she is in pursuit of her "best destiny" for at least the 3rd time - definitely someone seeking absolution while still running away from her problems. Really looking forward to how this arc works out.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: I think Star is giving Lif a break, at least for now. With the exception of Owens, he's probably gone through the wringer more than anyone else over the course of this story. No doubt, he won't come out of this unscarred.
[Report This]Date: 13 Sep 2022 01:52 Title: Part 6 - Last Grasp: 3
Really liking the writing around Taz's long overdue anxiety attack. It really puts you in her headspace.
Wes Frobisher has become an unexpected favorite recurring character. Of all the doppelgangers, the Fros have the greatest variety - from stereotypical mad scientist to almost action hero. I really like the Matt/Wes relationship - something that Michael never seems to have understood. Like it or not, Wes is family and I'm looking forward to seeing Michael wrestling more with that.
Taz seems to have an instinctual distrust of Bensu that goes beyond Michael's cryptic warning. Bensu has been MIA of late, so that will be a character I'm eager to catch up with. I suspect he won't take his omission from the mission lightly...
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: I've had a lot of fun turning Frobisher from a villain into a kind of hero in this tale. It's an interesting development and I think works particulalry well because of what has been established in previous stories about this character. It's also fun for me as a lot of these themes are coming full circle over a decade after these characters first premiered. I don't like to think of Star Eagle like a TV show, but if if it were, it be a one very long running show, or, perhaps more appropriately, a very long movie series.
[Report This]Date: 13 Sep 2022 01:43 Title: Part 6 - Last Grasp: 2
There's a fun, doomed forever no-mance going between Michael and Maya. Every Maya and every Michael just never manage to get it together. This has the feeling of a manga - actually the makings of a decent Trek-manga.
In fact, the entire series might make a really great graphic novel - assuming you could find the talent, negotiate the rights, arrange funding, retain an agent, a manager and a lawyer... Well - it would make a nice graphic novel.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: I'm not hugly into mangas, but a Trek-manga does sounds like fun. As does a graphic novel. But I guess you've just listed all the reasons that's likely never going to happen. I'm glad though that you are enjoying the Michael-Maya tragedy. Who knows, there may be a happy end for these guys in some universe out there.
[Report This]Date: 01 Sep 2022 22:52 Title: Part 6 - Last Grasp: 1
Both Garla and Lif have done a lot of growing in this series. Not surprising for Lif - he's young. But for Garla to start exhibiting not just emotional, but apparently spiritual growth is a great surprise. There's a sense that she's finally beginning to find some peace - and in the most stressful situations she's ever known. It would be a riot if she were to turn into some sort of krellonian Buddha...
Meanwhile, Lif has to be realizing he is living his best Lif, having seen so many other versions who didn't run away turn out so poorly. He may not know it, but he's on the cusp of a spiritual revelation himself. He might become the leader his people need - but he's got a lot more growing to do.
Taz, on the other hand, isn't there yet. And she's been through the wringer even more than Garla. But it doesn't feel like she's about to flower - she seems beaten down. Deen might be the first to notice that Taz needs some support.
I'm liking very much how these character arcs are coming through so strongly in an action-packed adventure.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Garla becoming a Buddha-like figure? Not sure if that's in the cards, but I do like the idea. And you're right, that would be a hell of a turnaround for the character. Yeah, and Lif has definitely done some growing in QD, although it ain't over yet, so we'll see how much he's got left to do. Bit harsh on poor Taz. The lady's got a lot on her plate, I would argue more than Garla. Sure the latter had aspirations to change all of her society, but Tazla no doubt feels the weight of multiple universes on her shoulders. Awesome, analysis, thanks.
[Report This]Date: 24 Aug 2022 22:43 Title: Part 5 - Infiltration: 9
Totally love Michael seeing Bizarro Borg Michael - and while being repaired by the borg. Great creepy scene. Sic semper Tyrantus? Too soon?
And loving the twist with the Dominion to the rescue (granted, that wasn't their first objective...)
Now the question is all about Maya 3.0 - she certainly risked enough to save Michael. But why? Yeah, she sort of likes him, but there's got to be a LOT more to it than that...
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Yeah, the Borg are the ultimate creeps, aren't they? And it's so much worse if the Borg is also wearing your face. As for Maya, maybe she's just got a heart of gold. I think Michael already has his theories as to why she does the things she does.
[Report This]Date: 24 Aug 2022 22:25 Title: Part 5 - Infiltration: 8
Garla is the consumate operative and this situation is testing her formidable skills to their limits. One thing Joss Wheden said about Avengers - "they can be as strong as they can be and it's still not enough - they have to learn they need each other."
It's a winning formula and nice to see you using it to such effect. Garla had developed a rough trust for Michael - conditionally. Now she has to learn to trust his people. And they have to learn to trust her.
Really nice character moments with Deen and Tazla.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Thanks. I said before I think, Garla's journey in this trilogy is one of my favorites, and I'm glad she has resonated so well with you as well.
[Report This]Date: 08 Aug 2022 21:51 Title: Part 5 - Infiltration: 7
The test of a hero isn't how hard he can punch, but resiliance and adaptability. Michael is certainly passing those tests - including the last minute course change in response to the borg wall. It's a scene that Clive Owen would devour.
I have been looking forward to Michael's meeting with his Michael 3.0. If Tyrantus is anything like his doppelganger, it makes sense that the borg would make him more than just another drone. Which is a rare thing for the borg to do.
Really looking forward to seeing what Tyrantus does with his doppelganger - and what he has done to the borg.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: I've seen your note about Clive Owen as Michael Owens. It's an interesting idea. I've never really cast any actors as my characters, because I prefer to think of them as unique individuals, and you somewhat lose that aspect when you associate them with a famous face. Although, I have to admit, casting Star Eagle for a screen adaptation would be fun. It would all be entirely unknown actors until, of course, the studio/network would intercede and force the casting of a known quantity. Regardless, I do enjoy seeing what actors readers imagine for these characters. Clive Owen is definitely not a bad choice.
[Report This]Date: 01 Aug 2022 05:00 Title: Part 5 - Infiltration: 6
Taz is racking up a couple of bills that will need to be paid - both Maya and Jon will take the first opportunity to cause trouble until they get what they want - or get the boot firmly enough to effectively end any hope of cooperation.
Alas for Michael prime - are we about to lose him? Trapped on a prison planet in the midst of a borg attack in a dying universe with the ultimate ticking clock... It almost sounds like a 70's Todd Lundgren song.
So I'm wondering if this Frobisher is from this universe (meaning he will vanish when it does) or if he is from yet another reality and will be the one gain Eagle might net out of this collapse...
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Things do look grim, don't they? Esecially for Michael who doesn't seem to have a lot of great options here. Of course Tazla's problems are nothing to sneeze at either. Hey, thanks for reading and your continued comments here and over at the TBBS.