Date: 25 Feb 2010 21:46 Title: Chapter 2 The Nailers
Wow! McCoy when he vents is something else - especially if he is directing some ire towards Spock. McCoy starts out defending and in the same breath calling Spock a poitny eared devil. Hee hee. Only McCoy. Love it. And you do it so well.
Love the Giotta development. I know very little of this character but you make it work and his means of working in partnership through subtle eye contact with Spock is admirable. It strikes me as tactical and also telling of his own nature and appreciation of Spock's. His dark thoughts about the Governor hold some truth and I wonder whether she is more complicit in matters - if not just plain incompetent regards certain issues.
Love the inclusion of all in the scene - Scotty makes some funny remarks that are close to the truth all the same and likewise Uhura sees through all the murk and understands people and their reactions to the campaign of the Nailers.
Lastly, we have the reflection on how on edge everyone is from the evalution. I know that feeling all too well - and it does out people on edge and it can easily cause tensions, frictions and estrangements. But more than that, the crew is facing being separated and ging their own ways. It might be that they fear that possibility or have already begun to accept that it might be in their best interests to move on to greater and better things.
[Report This]Date: 16 Jun 2009 09:44 Title: Chapter 1 Duck and Cover
Peculiar expression-funny stuff. Wow, what a great big beast of a story this seems to be! So far, so good!
Author's Response: Thank you
[Report This]Date: 16 Jun 2009 09:37 Title: Prologue
Y'know, so many reviews and the story was so big it scared me off but, damn, what an opening! I have to read this!
Author's Response: Well, good news is you don't *have* to read this, unless you really want to. ;-) There are no obligations attached. ;-)
[Report This]Date: 14 Apr 2009 20:16 Title: Prologue
Wow. I grew up reading the TOS novels, and fixated on the notion of Kirk and Spock as the ultimate friendship, people closer than lovers or brothers. I've read stories where they came apart, but *never* the concept that the very intensity of their friendship is what made it destructive to the both of them, and for the sake of their ethical beliefs they had to back off. Incredible insight.
My first reaction to Sudak, probably predictably, was to hate his guts, but he does tie in with Enterprise and the entire tragedy of being Vulcan -- that they *can't* be emotional, that there's no middle ground and they don't dare. He's doing the right thing as he understands it, too. And Chekov's growth into someone who could credibly become Security Chief was very well done; I rarely see Chekov used for much other than comedy relief and smutfics, and seeing him taken seriously was really cool.
Very, very impressive.
Author's Response: ::bows:: I am honored, Alara. I am even more amazed with your review, insightful as it is, because everything you mentioned is what makes this fic special to me. I am *thrilled* that you picked up my thoughts so precisely. Gives me hope that I'm not completely hopeless. ;-) Thank you.
[Report This]Date: 12 Apr 2009 01:55 Title: Epilogue
No, I'm not going to stop, cos I forgot something.
Sudak. A character we were designed to hate. I really liked the Vulcan background you created for the Shari and the th'y'la relationship. Sudak was a forceful character, but with logical reasons for everything he did. His spin with Uhura was an interesting twist. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes when she caught up with him. Vulcan or not, I think Uhura could kick some serious butt for doing what he did.
And yeah, I could keep babbling, but I will shut up now.
Nutty
(cracked around the edges)
Author's Response: LOL. Oh, I'm with you, she coulda kicked him all the way back to hell --sorry, Vulcan. Sudak didn't realize unfortunately that he should have been grateful to Spock for intervening. LOL. He's not really a bad guy. Just very single-minded.
[Report This]Date: 12 Apr 2009 01:51 Title: Epilogue
So where do I start?
I have to say that I prefer this one over all the other written reasons why the big three would have split up.
You have so many instense scenes in this.. Of course, my favourite has to be the final encounter between Kirk and Spock. Spock's passionate statement about McCoy was revelationary (is that a word?). It made me stop and think. My god, if McCoy knew, perhaps he does, it is just so major a revelation. Beautifully done.
The scene in the zero G facility was amazing. The energy, the passion...in fact it was the passion through out the entire story that defined it. Between each of the characters, beyond the requirements of duty, there was this passion, this solid friendship that was bent to breaking point.
And it broke.
You wrote all of this so wonderfully. For all of them. No one got left out and no-one was sidelined with a trite second rate plotline, you gave all of them their reasons and solid time throughout the story. And emphasized why we so love them all.
At the end of the story, I couldn't help but feel sorry for Kirk. Knowing what was to come in the movies (bar the rumoured second five year mission between 1 and 2), he was entering a period of his life that was full of pain. The movies were not kind to our big three, particularly Kirk. They took everything away from him and at the end of your story, that was all I could think about in regards to what happens next.
Your bad guys were very bad guys. Their method of execution and our crew's reaction got me asking questions. I briefly wondered why such a seasoned crew would be so astonished. But then with a bit of thought I realised that despite having been through war zones and other nasties, the majority of deaths they would have seen would have been cleaner than that. Zap and the body is gone. This was an entirely different thing.
And Kirk's final decision to not let Kramer take Spock formed the crux of the reason why Spock had to leave. Though I have to say that through out the fic, you made excellent use of defining the relationship between Kirk and Spock using actions rather than simply writing it out in words. A great technique that also kept me glued to the page.
I was pretty much glued the entire time :D
Thanks for writing such an involving fic. Enoyable, thought provoking, lovely and long, and explanatory in a way that fits perfectly into canon, and actually adds depth to the onscreen interactions between our characters. Thanks so much for sharing.
Nutty
(I'll stop babbling now :D)
Author's Response: Thank you very much for such an in-depth review! I'm glad you enjoyed the story even if it does indeed open the gateway to far less sunny times. Kirk and Spock are my passion, and I'm happy if what I write for them is engaging. AH is indeed a rather lengthy story. I'm grateful that you survived through it till the end.;-)
Date: 06 Apr 2009 23:09 Title: Prologue
::blink:: Ooops, did I come across as negative in my last review? I hope not, because it is all positive, honest. I'm thoroughly enjoying your story and think it is wonderfully written. I particularly like the way you've written Kirk and Spock :D
Nutty
(it was late last night and my brain gets fried regularly these days...too much to make much sense sometimes :D)
Author's Response: No, you said nothing negative, but I do know that AH isn't an easy story to read. Despite my assurances that it's canon, people keep expecting some sort of a miraculous happy ending and tend to get upset with me when I don't give it to them. But I think I can trust someone who wrote Neutral Territory to know better. ;-) And you probably won't like the way I've written Kirk and Spock there when you're done, but I won't hold it against you, promise.;-) Thanks for reading.
Date: 06 Apr 2009 13:14 Title: Prologue
I found this chilling in both atmosphere and content. Intensely descriptive and powerful, it has me dreading the end of this fic, but like watching a car crash I can not turn away and stop reading.
I'm not a fan of end of five year misson fics in general as I prefer a happy ending that the canon scenario can not supply, but your set up and continued depth in writing the characters has me enjoying the moment despite the ending far in the distance. I'm several chapters in and am loving it. Just thought I'd drop in a line while I'm still cruising through.
Thanks so much for writing and sharing.
Nutty
(who printed it off to read away from the computer)
Author's Response: Well, canon is canon and there isn't much I can do about it, hard as I may wish to. ::sighs:: The story indeed doesn't have a happy ending, but I'm glad if you can find some redeeming qualities to it still. It hasn't been an easy tale to tell, but it had to be told nonetheless. Thank you very much for commenting and I hope you'll enjoy it.:)
Date: 27 Mar 2009 00:47 Title: Chapter 1 Duck and Cover
Oh what joy to read TOS characters. I feel like I am watching a TOS episode. The mannerisms and speech of our trio are just sweetly spot on. You have a keen eye and a keen ear too for it picks out the right words, the best turn of phrase. Wonderful stuff Anna.
Already we see Kirk and Spock almost at loggerheads. Both trust the other implicitly but seeing the other put themsleves in harm's way causes them to lose perspective at times. Spock is almost stubborn as a mule but so serene in demeanour that he comes across as paragon of duty and logic.
Kirk finds himself tied up in his usual escapades and as usual is putting the needs of others first and taking the safety of his crew as a paramount concern.
As for McCoy? Love the cranky cantankerous mouth of his but how it's steeped in an overriding concern for his patients. The thought process about Joanna was a neat touch and it all helps to explain that he wasn't some cranky old misery guts but a passionate caring humanatarian. [Except perhaps when it comes to Vulcans!]
Author's Response: LOL. Spock *is* stubborn as a mule, even he himself admits it. So is Kirk. No wonder they clash. McCoy is not beyond hope with Vulcans, but he is kinda messed up there, yes. Thank you for commenting!
Date: 27 Mar 2009 00:26 Title: Prologue
Stark and powerful imagery convey stark and powerful emotions felt by Kirk. All too often Kirk is prtrayed as a cavalier cowboy acting on impulse not always showing deep emotions or being thoughtful or reflective. I like how you do and it fits the character and treats him so much more fleshed out and real.
It was also touching to include how from that very experience in the cell Kirk knew he would die alone. Great tie to the famous line in the movie.
Author's Response: Thank you. Jim Kirk is a character easily misiterpreted by most people. I'm glad if my portraying him makes sense. I tried to find out what makes him tick. Even partial success means a lot to me.
[Report This]Date: 11 Mar 2009 20:41 Title: Epilogue
Ooooh, such a powerful epilogue!!!
I must say, Anna, I loved this story, I really really did. It was wonderful to read. Every chapter was special in its own way. Wonderful work. Truly wonderful.
(And I love "One"!!!)
Author's Response: Thank you very much, Mrs. P! I'm very happy you liked the story. ;-)
[Report This]Date: 11 Mar 2009 03:31 Title: Chapter 27 Dying to Live
Like Verenna, I, too forgot the 'cute little stars'. If I could give this story a twenty, I would!! ;-)
Author's Response: ::bows:: Thank you. ;-)
Date: 11 Mar 2009 02:44 Title: Chapter 27 Dying to Live
Anna, words fail me at the moment. I am utterly and completely drained, still trying to process the magnitude of what I just read. At the end, my eyes were burning, although no tears fell, my throat tight and closed, my only coherent thought being 'Yes!! This is exactly how the three were at the beginning of TMP. You have somehow managed to make sense of that which bothered me for years!!' How could all that was right have gone so horribly wrong, for the three of them to be where they were physically, spiritually and emotionally at the beginning of that movie? You have done it, Anna - made me understand finally that which has been incomprehensible all these years. I told you, I saw TMP when it came out in 1979, at the tender age of 17, and did not watch that movie again until about a year ago. It always made me profoundly sad for reasons I did not fully comprehend, and you have remarkably managed to make sense of the incomprehensible. Once again, I find myself speechless and reeling at the end of one of your masterpieces. I bow to you...and know not what else to say...except my heartfelt thanks!
Author's Response: Wow, Cuppy. I am honored that you feel this way about my work. Just remember what I said about canon. Its creator I am not. ;-) This is just *one* possible explanation. Thank you very much for your support and kind words. I'm glad you liked it in the end. ;-)
[Report This]Date: 09 Mar 2009 23:02 Title: Chapter 26 Flames to Dust
Ooooh my! I loved the conversation between Sulu and Chekov. Chekov changing his mind and all... and Sulu being disappointed and concerned...
And I liked how Bones came to his decision... and I loved the line/hint about him not wanting to end up as an Admiral! *cough* "Encounter At Farpoint" *cough* *loool* Loved this!
Author's Response: That's now two persons who caught the nod to the Encounter at Farpoint there. ;-) Thank you, and I'm glad you liked it!
[Report This]Date: 09 Mar 2009 20:55 Title: Prologue
Anna, I am now reviewing the last chapter. Just in case you have some doubts...and the last review was about the story in general, specially the prologue, the zero g and the resigning chapters. LOL
OK, I like it very much. You know why.No more comments today. Intelligent ones, anyway. LOL
Author's Response: LOL. The definition of a last chapter is not the most precise one, you know. ;-) But I'm being coy, I admit. LOL. Thank you.
[Report This]Date: 07 Mar 2009 16:29 Title: Prologue
I forgot to add the little stars. they are so cute...LOL
Not a warning, a promise....
Just seconds to change their life, one way or another. A choice.
You are doing a great job.
Author's Response: Thank you! ::grins::
Date: 07 Mar 2009 16:20 Title: Prologue
Anna,
by now you know what I think about this chapter, but I will say it again, anyway. In less words , of course. LOL
Wonderful. I loved it. Now Kirk knows some inexpected truths about himself. His strenght is at the same time his weakness. Or is it the reverse? Control. Powerful enought to lead a manīs life.
V.
Author's Response: Vero, you're constantly making me guess what chapter you mean. ;-) But I think I know which one you intended to review here. You know how much it means to me, how important it was that it read naturally. Thank you again for your unwavering support. ;-)
[Report This]Date: 05 Mar 2009 21:53 Title: Chapter 25 Burning Bridges
OMG this was definitely one of my favorite chapters ever!!! I loved the whole asteroid field idea! And the ending... aaaaaaaaah so sweet!!!! And so sad. *cries*
Wonderful job. Truly, truly wonderful.
Author's Response: Thank you very much!
[Report This]Date: 03 Mar 2009 18:49 Title: Chapter 24 No More Bets
Well done Anna. Excellent chapter. Poker can be a useful game. LOL
Scotty was wonderful, I canīt help remembering Maneater.
No more comments, or I could give spoilers, and this is not a good thing to do when you are at the end of a story. And Iīm not the one who will tell Luke that Darth Vader is his father. LOL
V.
PS Iīm in a cheery mood today.
Author's Response: Thank you! Cheery moods are good. ;-) And I'm glad you liked it. :-)
[Report This]Date: 02 Mar 2009 21:49 Title: Chapter 23 The Last Temptation
OH MY!!!! Kirk letting Kramer escape in order to save Spock... oooh I loved this. LOVED this. Kramer definitely is one of the most evil villains I've ever seen!!! Whoa. *takes deep breath*
Author's Response: You might wanna watch for spoilers. ;-) And thank you again. This was a hard chapter. And from what I heard controversial. ::rolleyes::
[Report This]Date: 02 Mar 2009 21:42 Title: Chapter 22 Into the Fire
I love how Kirk realizes that he and his crew are in this together! Aww. Very true, though!
And I can totally see why he's worried about Spock!!! He should be, I guess! @.@ Oh and the scene with the Romulans... and that Command knows... oooooh this is perfect.
Author's Response: Thank you.
[Report This]Date: 02 Mar 2009 21:36 Title: Chapter 21 Puppets and Puppeteers
WHOA!!!! That Kramer guy sure is disgustingly evil!!! Not even I like him, and I usually have a thing for evil guys. (*whistle*) *lol* And OMG poor Spock!!! O_O Must. Read. On.
Author's Response: Well, Kramer is a fanatic and they usually are a troublesome lot. And Spock, yes... I guess, the most evil guy here is the author. ;-)
[Report This]Date: 02 Mar 2009 21:21 Title: Chapter 20 The Final Countdown
OMG!!!! I can't wait to read how this turns out!!! I loved Spock's "I know what I'm doing" line. OMGOMG.
And I adored Kirk's thoughts at the beginning. Oh yes, the decision-maker...
Author's Response: Glad it hit home with you.:-)
[Report This]Date: 02 Mar 2009 20:42 Title: Chapter 19 Fallen Gods
Whoa, Sudak sure is full of surprises!!! A mental threesome??? Whoa. :D Kinky! @.@ I loved the scene, though. Of course. And he's really a bastard! ;) (I still like him. *sigh* *lol*) And Chekov as Chief of Security? Whoa again! :D
Author's Response: He's a bastard, all right. But a pragmatic one, too. ;-) And Chekov was Security Chief in TMP. I had to find a way to get him there. ;-)
[Report This]Date: 02 Mar 2009 20:33 Title: Chapter 18 The Boomerang Effect
I loved the background story this chapter provided (okay I'm totally biased since Bones is my favorite TOS character *ahem* *loool*)... I really adored this. And I loved Chapel showing up with the tea. And "Opera Ghost", that really made me LOL. ;) Great work, as always!!!
Author's Response: I'm relieved, for it's never easy to kid around with people's favorite characters. ;-) Glad you enjoyed it.