Date: 19 Jul 2010 23:14 Title: Chapter 10
So we see the Borg do indeed have the ability to provoke a reaction from a lot of quarters still. Especially if someone sees someone from their past who it couldn't possibly be. More complications still. Wow.
You painted a surreal image of them in their attire, in a Vulcan Slave program getting a drink. That had to have been a bet someone asked you to write before this all started! lol. Love the fact this can go anywhere. Absolutely anywhere.
Date: 19 Jul 2010 23:06 Title: Chapter 9
Oh my goodness. Talk about turning the knife and adding complications to matters. You get Kalara mixed up in politics and Astrid and Jasto have jsut gotten a whole lot messier with their tanglements. This just keeps getting better and better. Not sure how good Kalara will work on the diplomatic/politcial front but it will sure call for some further sparks and issues. Love the complex weave of plots and character arcs. Extraordinary.
Date: 09 Jul 2010 20:28 Title: Chapter 7
Oh my goodness. There is SO much going on here. You really are setting up a complex plot of character intrigue and caustic relations. Hoot. What fun it all is! It really makes for a great read with a lot to get the teeth into and a lot to keep track of. People with differing agendas and people at cross purposes. The danger for some of the plots is that parts may be discovered and it could make a lot of things come tumbling down. I really like the complexities you are weaving as they do add so mucht ot he story. As do the various little nods such as stealth ship Bashir. Hee hee.
Oh and I have to just point out singularly Dax's part. Oh my goodness. Is Dax under control for nefarious purposes or is it the host itself taking control or a previous host able to exert so much control that they could lead him to commit a crime or suicide? Wow. Utterly gripping character.
Author's Response: Yes, I like to throw a lot of different strands at the reader and set up as much conflict as I can. It is also a question of logically following through on the relationships already established (something I think Star Trek as a whole had a bit of trouble doing). All of these little plots definitely make for some complex intricate webs, all of which could very easily come tumbling down. As to Dax - Yes, in this case the previous host is able to control the current. We'll be seeing much more of this developing over the next few chapters and into Volume III. Thanks for the comment
Date: 09 Jul 2010 20:10 Title: Chapter 6
Oh wow. That was just a fantastic chapter. After coming back after so long it maybe wasn't the best place to start as it feels like a different story altogheter. An engaging rivetting politically complex one at that. Love seeing this aspect of things, it fleshes out the world of the Redemption that bit more and gives a wider political scope to things that just adds clever layer after layer to the proceedings. Great stuff altogether Captain Sarine.
Author's Response: Thanks so much! Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to these comments. I'm glad that you enjoyed the introduction of this new strand in the Restoration saga. I wanted to show a little bit more of the universe surrounding the story, and since I luuuuv the West Wing, this seemed like a good fit. We'll be seeing more of Colin Groves and the other members of President Baxter's staff in the rest of this volume.
Date: 24 Feb 2010 22:03 Title: Chapter 5
Ho, ho. I love their little war of words and brinkmanship. It had to have killed Benjamani to have to intervene on Sarine's behalf. Probably just as well, as Sarine has a habit of forcing people into confrontation with him. Yes his past has a lot to play into how various persons view him but still he did himself no favours with Sisko. Continually interesting and enthralling CaptainSarine.
Author's Response: Yeah, Sarine does have a habit of pushing people into corners and forcing the confrontation. He is not one to back down. Benjamani did not enjoy that, but the Laurentii have left her with little choice. So glad and flattered by your constant positive reviews, it is so cool that you're enjoying this!
Date: 24 Feb 2010 21:54 Title: Chapter 4
Oh boys ... it seems Sarine has not seen the last of Kalara then. She is likely to be tailing his every move and keeping a close eye on what he does waiting for the chance to move in on his command. A lot of tension and suspicion coming our way then. As if there wasn't enough already. And Ambassador Benjamani didn't go out too quickly it seems either and really holds the matter against Sarine. Interesting times. Interesting times.
Author's Response: Yes, Sarine and Kalara are going to be stuck together for a little while now. She is determined to keep a close eye on him and make sure he looks after what she still considers to be her ship. Unfortunately, to be able to do this, she has had to make a deal with Benjamani, which may not be one of her smartest moves...
Date: 24 Feb 2010 21:43 Title: Chapter 3
FLIPPIN' HECK!!!
Talk about a mind blowing chapter! That was ... well it has almost rendered me speechless. Apart from the Borg stuff - which I will get to - the Jasto Dax stuff is just wow. He is now at the stage of talking to himself, shouting out things, and shouting in defence of himself. Then we have him caught in the whirlwind of events here looking to oppose the captain. A mad move on Sarine's part but undoubtedly going to cause trouble for Jasto. Once again, I love the references to past lives through which he can view present circumstances - joining up with the Dominion in order to fight the Borg; Ezri's command fondly remembered as he fills in the XO job. Wow. So much going on for this guy.
Then we have the Borg. The Dominion War against them sounds epic and scary. The resolution and end to the war a plausible but frightening compromise all the same. And then we learn from Sarine that the Resistence used the Free Borg to fight the Dominion and will now use their drones to staff key positions on the Redemption. Flipping heck.
Author's Response: Hi MF! Thanks for continuing your readthrough, I always look forward to reading your comments. And you were so enthusiastic in this one... Cool! Glad you like Jasto and his predicament - things are only going to get worse for our resident psycho! :) He is in a difficult situation, his new position placing him under much more stress than he is used to, and he is finding it difficult to handle all of that. Now with the Borg and his past experiences added to the mix... And glad you liked what I've done with the Borg here - I wasn't sure exactly how this new relationship with them would work out, so I'm pretty happy that everyone seems to have gotten on board with it. Thanks!
Date: 13 Jan 2010 23:13 Title: Chapter 2
CRAP! That's a soccer punch to the reader. Borg? Where the heck did that come from? Now are they the threat the Hegemony faced or as I think is the threat attacking the Shield a foe even the Borg fear? Anything seems possible with this tale.
As to our covert little spy. Wheels within wheels and intrigue heaped upon intrigue. Well done. Terrifc way to introduce this cahracter and convey the scare factor for her. Nice seeing things from her perspective.
Author's Response: The Borg here are much different to what we are used to. I won't spoil you as to whether these Borg are the Darkness, but the answer will be given very rapidly. Glad that you enjoyed seeing Zoraya again and the intrigue works for you. Trust me, volume II is all about the intrigue! :)
Date: 13 Jan 2010 20:54 Title: Chapter 1
Starfleet certainly has a vested interest in winning support from the Hegemony. Little realising the danger in the offing as they speak. Good to see the high cost of the attack in terms of the damage, the lives, the toll and the fear it created is picked up again in the story. It was a monumental attack in terms of how bold and the devastation wrought. So there should be some licking of the wounds.
Ba'el is licking his own wounds too. He didn't take Kalara's stance kindly and it has caused him some problems. I wonder what will come of Kalara and of this committee meeting. It seems quite a few people have axes to grind when it comes to Ba'el. Luckily the Hegemony want Ba'el and Starfleet wants the Hegemony. Otherwise this meeting could be even more trouble. Still, if he keeps courting dissention among the high brass sooner or later he will get burned.
And a little more revealed of the bio-technology of the Hegemony. The interest factor in them continues to stockpile for me. Very intriguing.
Author's Response: I felt it really important to make this high cost realistic - the Klingon attack destroyed a lot, put Starfleet in a really difficult position, and I didn't want to just brush this under the rug, as it were. Ba'el is definitely in a 'lucky' position - because of the demands of the Laurentii, he has the opportunity to push a lot further than many captains ever can, but as they say, there will always be time to pay the piper... Glad the Hegemony continue to be intriguing to you!
Date: 13 Jan 2010 19:52 Title: Prologue
Awesome.
An awesome in the true sense of the word awesome. A wholly captivating prologue with every fibre feeling Sci-Fi. One had a feeling of opening up a professional science-fiction book with the 'weird' aliens, a new novel element into the Trek universe. Instead of launching into explanations to make us feel safe and comfortable as we start Vol II you instead throw us into the day as it is for Shy'at kis [after intriguing date references]. Shy'at wonders about the news he brings - news that ends up referencing the Shield, the dwellium, all of which cry out for further answers - but no - you hook us further as the strange entity we meet hooked up in some massive brain computer thing recounts a memory and the beginnings of a horror are unveiled. A truly frightening specactle in our unknown environs as we try to decipher the nature of theis blackness and the threat thereof. I knew this Hegemony so alluded to in Vol I were going to be interesting but I hated getting my expectations and hopes up to be disappointed. How far I ma from being disappointed. This early introduction to them presents a truly intriguing, fresh, alien and distinct feel and the mystery surround them and their wish to have Ba'el Sarine be their point of contact man all the more mysterious and me all the more curious. Fab job. Fantastic.
Author's Response: Wow, thanks so much! This feedback is so encouraging, really makes me want to carry on, so thanks! Especially about the feeling of opening up a pro sci-fi book! :) The Hegemony are certainly different to what we are used to, as I hope will be evident through Volume III where we actually get to see them. I wanted to have their bodies, though remaining humanoid, to be really alien, thus their breathing through their chests and their eye-strips in place of eye-balls. As to the throwing in lots of stuff without explanation - yeah, I felt that was necessary here, to maintain the POV.
Date: 19 Dec 2009 10:01 Title: Chapter 16
Hard to believe after all these characters have already been through that their real mission is only just beginning.
Here we get a brief glimpse back at the apparent genocide that brought the Dominion Occupation to a close. Annihilating an entire species, even one as misguidedly malevolent as the Founders, obviously does not sit well with Ba’el’s conscience.
Sarine’s pre-launch speech was short and to the point, just what I’d expected from a no-nonsense guy like him.
It will be fascinating to see what happens to this powder-keg of a starship when it reaches Laurentii territory.
This is an excellent end to an amazing second story. I’m eagerly awaiting installment #3!
Date: 19 Dec 2009 09:59 Title: Chapter 14
Ba’el’s ego still needs checked, but he’s beginning to mellow a bit with Prin’s help. I have to keep reminding myself that this guy is the equivalent of a lifelong Maquis whose just been plunked down in a Starfleet uniform. He doesn’t have decades of Academy and Fleet indoctrination in the Starfleet ways of doing things… which is really rather refreshing when you think about it. Also, it’s a bit frightening, too.
Kalara did herself proud on this mission, and her combat skills are clearly nothing to take lightly. And kudos to the Ferengi ensign for stepping up and getting into the fight when it counted most.
L’goth’s mission has just become a great deal more complicated and far more dangerous, most especially if he succeeds.
As always, terrific stuff!
Date: 19 Dec 2009 09:58 Title: Chapter 13
That was far too close to having been an unmitigated disaster. Kudos to Ba’el for checking his ego when it came to Kalara participating, both in reference to the Klingons’ shields as well as her accompanying the away team.
Prin’s thinking with her head while Sarine is acting on impulses from his gut. It’s good that he has an XO who can stand up to him and knows him well enough to make a stand when necessary.
Great character interaction and some palpable tension here. Good stuff, indeed.
Date: 19 Dec 2009 09:57 Title: Chapter 12
Yeah, that’d be my guess as well, this sounds like S31 reincarnated. Well, good to know they’re keeping with tradition.
It appears that Colin has had a couple of eye-opening experiences, first being kept out of the loop regarding SI’s memo, and then being used by an Augment to get her faction’s foot in the door of the ‘West Wing.’
This presidential administration is playing with fire, and their mishandling of Starfleet-related issues bodes ill for the Federation. This isn’t the original Starfleet with 200+ year record of loyalty to the civilian government. Push this new Starfleet too hard, or undercut them once too often… and literally anything could happen.
Date: 19 Dec 2009 09:56 Title: Chapter 11
For the moment, indeed.
I hope he enjoys his contentment for however long it lasts, because I’ve a nagging suspicion that things are going to go sideways pretty damn quick.
As for Dax as the new second officer, he should have known better than to accept the promotion given his mental state. Now a potential meltdown on his part may endanger the entire ship, not just himself… although if he takes another ‘unauthorized’ trip to the armory, that may be a moot point anyway.
Continued excellence.
Date: 19 Dec 2009 09:56 Title: Chapter 10
Now Damien draws an old friend into his scheme, the same scheme that could well finish his wife's faltering Starfleet career. Don't get me wrong, Damien seems like a nice enough guy, but he does seem to be intentionally obtuse about the delicate nature of Starfleet relations with the Federation government.
And now it seems Hakim has recognized one of the new Borg engineering crew... and I'm guessing it was from before she 'enlisted' in the Collective?
So much going on here behind the scenes as you continue to weave a complex web of relationships and intrigue. Fantastic work, as always.
Date: 19 Dec 2009 09:54 Title: Chapter 8
Things just become more complex for Kalara by a factor of ten. The conversations between Ba'el and Benjamani and Ba'el and Kalara were like rolling in broken glass, dizzyingly painful. The tension between those three is going to simmer for quite some time.
And Dax... poor Dax. Now his insane, homicidal, possibly suicidal former host personality is taking over when he's not looking. I'm sure that won't end badly!
Wonderful work, deeply engrossing and entertaining.
Date: 16 Oct 2009 01:34 Title: Chapter 10
Now Damien draws an old friend into his scheme, the same scheme that could well finish his wife's faltering Starfleet career. Don't get me wrong, Damien seems like a nice enough guy, but he does seem to be intentionally obtuse about the delicate nature of Starfleet relations with the Federation government.
And now it seems Hakim has recognized one of the new Borg engineering crew... and I'm guessing it was from before she 'enlisted' in the Collective?
So much going on here behind the scenes as you continue to weave a complex web of relationships and intrigue. Fantastic work, as always.
Date: 06 Oct 2009 07:23 Title: Chapter 9
Things just become more complex for Kalara by a factor of ten. The conversations between Ba'el and Benjamani and Ba'el and Kalara were like rolling in broken glass, dizzyingly painful. The tension between those three is going to simmer for quite some time.
And Dax... poor Dax. Now his insane, homicidal, possibly suicidal former host personality is taking over when he's not looking. I'm sure that won't end badly! 
Wonderful work, deeply engrossing and entertaining.
Author's Response: Thanks for the review Gibraltar - glad you liked it! :)
Date: 29 Sep 2009 19:57 Title: Chapter 6
That was a fun ride. Love the 2 guys and found the political chicanery fascinating. Added a new dimension to your story.
Date: 29 Sep 2009 09:17 Title: Chapter 6
Wonderfully layered political infighting which demonstrates how tenuous the new Federation government is, and how fractured their relationship with Starfleet has become. I liked all the characters, most especially the immaculate J-L and Colin, the ex-Fleeter.
Keep it coming!
Date: 26 Sep 2009 04:37 Title: Chapter 5
The tangled web of alliances and agendas here is enough to make your head spin! 
Its amazing that with everyone here having so many contradictory allegiances anything at all manages to get done.
Sparks between Ba'el and Turner, eh? That will be a relationship to watch for.
And Benjamani has to intercede on behalf of a man she can't stand... that's got to stick in her craw.
Wonderful stuff!
Date: 25 Sep 2009 22:55 Title: Chapter 5
If the devil himself put together a starship crew for maximum sadistic impact on every member of that crew ... the crew of the Redemption would top whatever he came up with.
What a mess. Great job!!! 
Nice touch with everyone trying to bail over the Borg, by the way. 
I wonder, is there any hope for Kane to win them over? He and Sarine seem friendly enough with one another.
Liking the dynamic between Sarine and Turner ...
Another excellent chapter!
[Report This]Date: 25 Sep 2009 19:20 Title: Chapter 4
I think this is a match made in Hell. Kalara is going to disrupt the ship worse than Sarine already has. No good can come of this. Good job describing Kalara's emotions and thoughts.
Author's Response: Thanks for the review and the stars!
I'm glad you liked my description of Kalara's emotional state. She's going to have some work to do, definitely!
Date: 20 Sep 2009 23:43 Title: Chapter 3
Well, Dax's day just went from bad to worse. Can't wait to see how the mini-collective functions on a Starfleet vessel. I'm also having fun trying to picture fully assimilated Borg drones wearing clothes and jewelry. Interesting visual, and Kane sounds especially creepy looking.
Sarine certainly doesn't seem to care much what his crew thinks of him. I wonder how that will play out in the long run.
Haebron makes me want to throw things.
Hey, I've been wondering ... where's Damien?
Great chapter -- can't wait for more!