Reviewer: Nerys Ghemor Signed [Report This]
Date: 09 Oct 2011 01:46 Title: In Her Stead

Re-reading this piece, I have a newfound (further) appreciation for this piece than I had years ago.  I have actually had the difficult experience of being promoted due to the untimely death of a colleague now, and I know how awkward that is...even when that promotion is what had to happen and a positive for your own career.  T'Velah, as we would expect, does not allow her judgment to be clouded by that.

But even in a snippet, we get a clear picture of something else about T'Velah.

You know, there aren't many Vulcan commanders I would think would make good commanders of members of more emotional species because of how despite their stated IDIC policy they often feel the need to belittle other species for displaying the emotions they find "illogical," but T'Velah strikes me as one I would actually believe could treat her crew appropriately even though she does not participate in said emotional displays.

Where it's especially evident is when she says, "Such gestures are always welcome, Captain, most especially at the beginning of any new endeavor."  I can't imagine Tuvok or Solok saying that for instance.  Maybe not even an earlier Spock, though certainly post-The Search for Spock, I could easily imagine it.  Instead, T'Velah graciously receives this clear emotional sentiment as what it is, not what she believes it should be according to her cultural standards.

So while we can see her logical approach to the tough circumstances of aassuming her command, how she maintains her clarity of judgment, perhaps to her, it is also logical to honor what is heartfelt to other species instead of poo-pooing it all the time because of some need to be right or even superior.

Good for her...she'll go far.

Author's Response:

Thank you, Nerys.  That's a very thoughtful (and accurate) assessment of T'Velah's personality.

Much obliged.  :-)

Reviewer: SLWatson Signed [Report This]
Date: 09 Jun 2009 20:27 Title: In Her Stead

A powerful, beautiful, damnable piece, Sam. Excellent work.

Author's Response:

Many thanks. :)

Reviewer: CeJay Signed [Report This]
Date: 08 Jun 2009 19:19 Title: In Her Stead

Sandhurst is a tortured soul all right and it must have been difficult for him to place this call.

It ends up being full of meaning which you bring across perfectly with the use of very few words.

Nicely done.

Author's Response:

Thanks CeJay.  I was aiming for brief but poignant.  Much obliged for the review.