[Report This]Date: 16 Dec 2020 17:02 Title: Chapter 3
And a good buildup of supsense regarding the mission at hand and particualrly the main antagonist's motives, connections and the allure he presents to Star Fleet. More interesting internecine conflict among the various service branches.
Also an interesting cultural reference in the nephew taking the name of his wife.
The gag about the ice cream and the unfinished ship model were interesting character clues as well.
Thanks!! rbs
Author's Response: Border Dogs and Regular Fleet don't always play nice. Nothing too surprising, I guess
Date: 26 Sep 2014 15:34 Title: Chapter 3
This is getting better and better. An insight into Starfleet high-level bickering for sway and career enhancement. It is difficult to tell who is more hated – the Galaxy hot shot or the gangsters from the Orion Syndicate. The Border Service crew seems very uncompromising and united, they hardly tolerate sissies and ambitious career seekers. Captain Akinola is amazing – the type of captain that eats ensigns for breakfast and asks for more.
Author's Response: Akinola has seen it all and done it all. He's not really a badass in the true sense of the word. But the situation here has him truly riled up and understandably so.
Date: 01 Aug 2014 01:08 Title: Chapter 3
Ok, so things are not going to end up good for Akinola's nephew - just a gut feeling. Actually, things are not starting out so hot for the young man - he's ought to be on a sweet deal here. No one would ever expect Joseph to give the man a free ride but would might have thought he'd choose to mentor him, especially given he had difficulties in his own family. But no, his reaction is to give Lennox a harder time by dent of his heritage. Of course, Akinola has to be feeling a certain strain by having the onus on protecting his nephew and the old mustang officer knows more than most, that's a promise you can't keep.
And behind it all his worries about this upcoming operation with the bloody know it all fleeters. Joseph knows that they have their own agenda - an agenda that doesn't put getting justice front and centre. Dale calls it right when he says that's what is really eating at Akinola - Mel 'call me Mel' Schwarzkopf!
What I love here is there is a subtle tone shift, a more homely, cohesive crew unit feel aboard the Bluefin and something a bit more grounded that lends to the ship's character and to the Border Patrol Service, distinguishing it from the Starfleeters. Many another might not have hit that tone right in the use of another author's creation. You seem to find the voices of the Bluefin crew and the vibe of its Border Dog status. In addition, it's no mere imitation of TLR's work as you give an expansion to Joseph's family and put something front and centre at risk for the veteran captain in what is to come.
Author's Response: Stop with all this negative energy. Everything's going to be just fine. Tell you what, if something bad were to happen here, it's probably going to be your fault ... lol But I agree that a mentoring role would probably have worked better (not for my purpose, but hey). And something tells me that's what Akinola tough love approach would eventually translate to anyway. The differences between Bluefin and in particular Sacajawea are noticeable, aren't they? I've come out previously in saying that I'd prefer a Starfleet assignment over the Border Service but even I, if given the choice between Bluefin and Sacajawea or even Heracles, would pick the former in a heartbeat. Just tell me where to sign up for the Border Service please. I appreciate the kind words regarding TLR's characters. It was very important to me that they come across like the real deal. And of course it was fantastic practice for their reappearance in Saints where they played an even bigger role.