Rather interesting to find out a little bit about Ashok before Starfleet. He seems like a very deep character who has so much potential in upcoming stories.

Author's Response:

Thank you.  Yes, Ashok is an understated fellow with some significant history.  I hope to explore more with him in the upcoming story Gravity.

Oh. So poignant, so apt. I have a feeling the boy would have his way eventually, but it would not come easy. Starfleet seems to be a constant irritant to fathers throughout the quadrant. :-)

But jokes aside, this story is so touching, I can barely find words to say. The eternal conflict of fathers and sons, and family history and traditions, and the inevitability of betraying someone -- either your family or yourself, and the unavoidable choice... This story is a testament to true talent. Thank you for sharing.

Author's Response:

Thank you for reading and commenting.  And yes, there must be a song in the future that goes, 'Fathers, don't let your babbies grow up to be 'Fleeters!'

You stab me in heart once again G...Ashok is a character that I found myself confused by. And once again I find no real answers....just awesome work!

Author's Response:

Thanks.  :)  Ashok's like an onion... lots o' layers.

Wow. An extremely powerful piece about expectations and disappointments, and Ashok! I really like Ashok. But the story itself is just agonizing and lovely -- your writing is consistently top notch, Sam, and you prove it every time you put your fingers on the keyboard. Excellent work.

Author's Response:

Thank you very much (::blushes::)

A fascinating insight into Ashok. Part of the reason I'm looking forward so much to the continuation of Gravity is the promised further exploration of this character, who by his nature tends to fall into the background. He allows others to overbear his opinions and voice and it is not surprising when one considers his childhood growing up with his father. [On subject of childhood it might fit the challenge posted here by Nerys]

As always Gibraltar, your stories are told lovingly, with great skill and execution. We sift through the layers of a character and find nuggets of gold that interest and enthrall us to delve deeper into your stories.

Happy to know that at some point, Ashok defies his father and makes his own stand. Decides to walk his own path and follow his heart's desire. Sadly though, even in this, he feels as though he does not meet the challenge, the gold standard. He obviously sets very high standards, moulded no doubt by his father's over bearing nature, and crucifies himself in not matching them.

In Gravity, I presume we'll discover whether father and son can reconcile matters. From the father's perspective one can only presume he pushed his son to be the best he possibly can and encouraged Ashok to strive to be exemplary in all he does. Sadly, his father had his own beliefs as to where Ashok should devote his talents. Sadder still that he so repulsed by the notion of serving Starfleet. I'd love to know what exactly motivated Ashok to consider Starfleet and Engineering in particular. Was it the fact, there are certain parameters and standards that have to be met on an empirical basis mostly?

Again, I'll just comment on the fact that with your stories, the characters are so well fleshed out. They are not cardboard cut out heroes awaiting their moment of glory. They are flawed, they have their vices, they have their failings and self-doubts, and they have their good points too! It makes them so interesting to read and compelling too to follow the course of their lives. So this flashback to Ashok's childhood is just great then for me. Like the ship they serve on, your characters are not considered cutting edge and best of the best. But the Gibraltar might be 'an outdated and overworked escort ship' but its the toughest of the lot and certainly among the best of the best to read.