Penname: PSGarak [Contact]
Real name:
Member Since: 02 Aug 2009
Membership status: Member
Bio: I've loved Star Trek most of my life. Growing up, I pretty much lived and breathed the original series. I can remember getting in trouble for sneaking out of bed to watch reruns on late night TV. It was the first TV show that ever made me cry.

Deep Space 9 made me fall in love with Trek all over again, for different reasons. Of all the Trek races, the one that seized my imagination the most was the Cardassians. As is usual for me, I found the ambiguous villains and gray (literally) anti-heroes more compelling than the supposed good guys. It's a theme I'll probably explore in one way or another all my life.

Ambiguity is a comfortable state for me, my natural state: neither black nor white, good nor evil, straight nor gay. I prefer the shades of gray.
Gender: undisclosed
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Reviews by PSGarak
Sacrifice by Nerys Ghemor    Rated: T    Liked  Reviews (3) 
Summary:

They have given every last reserve for the freedom of their people. Now, a Cardassian resistance fighter and his daughter face the final test of their spirits. And though no eye may behold and no scanner may detect its presence, there is hope and there is triumph even in this desolate place...

(November TrekBBS Writing Challenge entry.)


Chapters: 1    Table of Contents
Categories: Deep Space Nine, Alternate Universes
Characters: Dukat, Skrain (SigCat), Dukat, Ziyal (SigCat)
Genre: None
Warnings: Adult Situations, Character Death
 Series: Star Trek: Sigils and Unions--Catacombs of Oralius
Completed: Yes    Word count: 1577    Read Count: 1707
[Report This] Published: 29 Jan 2009 Updated: 29 Jan 2009
Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 05 Sep 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Sacrifice

I could've sworn I already reviewed this, but then I remembered we had discussed it in PM's over on the Trek BBS and not here. It's a beautiful story despite being tragic, or perhaps because of it. I'm with you in that I don't see this as a defeat. Death and defeat aren't synonymous.

Author's Response:

Thanks so much for reviewing. :-)

It's a very, very sad story, because as Steff said, it's hard to see a deserving man give up his life, especially considering the Cardassian lifespan...he's not even 70.  By 24th-century human standards, that's like dying at about 50, by our standards today, even younger--maybe even like dying before the age of 40.  He should've had another century or more ahead of him, if he'd had the average lifespan.

But...in the very end, I can't even call it a tragedy in the classical sense because I think that he truly does get everything he's longed for, even though he suffered tremendously along the way.

And I am so very glad to see you agree with me that he is not defeated. :-)

Exits in the Haze by Nerys Ghemor    Rated: M      Reviews (4) 
Summary: Feature

A prominent Cardassian rebel has been imprisoned on Bajor by a vedek of the “True Prophets,” and subjected to an awful degradation. Yet sometimes it is in weakness when one becomes strong...it all comes down to the choices that you make.

(January 2009 TrekBBS Writing Contest Runner-Up. “Exits in the Haze” takes place 18 years prior to “Sacrifice,” almost 19 years before "Captives' Ransom.”)


Chapters: 1    Table of Contents
Categories: Deep Space Nine, Alternate Universes
Characters: Dukat, Skrain (SigCat), Dukat, Ziyal (SigCat)
Genre: None
Warnings: Adult Situations, Non-con, Violence
 Series: Star Trek: Sigils and Unions--Catacombs of Oralius
Completed: Yes    Word count: 4798    Read Count: 2460
[Report This] Published: 29 Jan 2009 Updated: 29 Jan 2009
Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 07 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Exits in the Haze

Now I see what you were talking about with what he went through. I definitely felt for him, and his love for his child, despite her mother, is inspiring. Some blame the children when they have been traumatized in this way, even while feeling horrible for it. I'm glad it didn't go that way for him. Very touching story.

Author's Response:

Thank you very much for your kind words.

I am always particularly...concerned about how my male readers will perceive this, because admittedly, there ARE some points I am trying to make.  One--his strength.  Something truly horrific happened to him, but he's a strong person.  And two--yes, people talk about the mother-child bond as if a man will always experience something weaker than that, but that is oh, so NOT the case. 

Dukat's beliefs very much play into the way he feels towards Ziyal.  It should not surprise you that a man of his belief believes that life begins at the moment of conception and must be guarded from that moment forward.  Basically...if he'd been a woman, I believe that he would have kept the child because of that belief.  As a man, even though he has not carried Ziyal, he believes that fatherhood is not something he can turn his back on.  Another reason...as you saw, he tried to kill himself.  Not long after that, he found out Vedek Tora was pregnant.  In a lot of ways, he sees Ziyal's birth as a sign from Oralius that this is not his time...he has a reason and a purpose to live, even though things have become so outright horrible for him.  Finally (and PERHAPS this is a particularly masculine motivation), by being able to escape with Ziyal, he is able to take sole control over her upbringing...he completely thwarts everything Vedek Tora was trying to do to Ziyal.  There's even an element of--not sure "revenge" is the right word for it (given that this Dukat is not particularly vengeful, like the canon version is), but it's the only one I seem to find right now.  When he would sneak in to take care of Ziyal at night, even before he escaped...it was the one brief period in his bleak days in captivity when he got to assert control (though again, BIG difference between this sort of benevolent control and the awful things canon Dukat did).

Embers of the Fire by Gibraltar    Rated: M    Liked  Reviews (143) 
Summary: Past Featured Story

Part One of the Star Trek: Gibraltar series

Embers Cover Art

The aging starship Gibraltar is brought out of mothballs to assist in Federation humanitarian relief operations within Cardassian territory in the immediate aftermath of the Dominion War. The crew quickly discovers not everyone shares the Federation's vision for Cardassia's future.

 


Chapters: 14    Table of Contents
Categories: Expanded Universes
Characters: Ensemble Cast - USS Gibraltar
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Mystery
Warnings: Violence
 Series: Star Trek: Gibraltar
Completed: Yes    Word count: 46861    Read Count: 60514
[Report This] Published: 30 Jan 2009 Updated: 07 Apr 2009
Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

From the very beginning, we get to see that the widespread destruction left behind by the Dominion is going to be a burden on the entire Alpha Quadrant for quite possibly decades to come. Reluctant leaders like Sandhurst will be needed more than ever, and the mystery of the attack promises this will be a bumpy ride. Excellent beginning!

Author's Response:

Thank you for commenting!  Yes, the devastated worlds of Cardassia will prove a burden for the AQ powers for some time to come.  They dare not neglect them, however, for fear of what a spurned Cardassian Union might do in the decades ahead.

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 2: Chapter 2

It's easy to understand Ramirez's frustration, but anyone in Starfleet should understand that, ultimately, duty comes before personal desire. Hopefully, she will come around and be the asset Sandhurst clearly believes she can be. At least, she had better if she is to progress in her career as she desires down the line.

Author's Response:

She certainly has a justifiable grievance with what Sandhurst and Covey have done.  Alas, as you've noted, duty trumps all other considerations. 

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 3: Chapter 3

It's hard for me not to empathize with Urlak's desires, if not his methods, and it was nice to see a Ferengi character that wasn't just comic relief. I really like the way this is developing.

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Tension and casualties continue to mount. Although I don't think anyone expected the mission to be a cake walk, I doubt they foresaw this! This was yet another riveting chapter.

Author's Response:

No plan ever survives contact with the enemy, but getting jumped minutes after beaming down... that's a bit raw for a crew of rookies and malcontents.  ;)

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Plots within plots. I'm extremely curious about the device siphoning power that inadvertently saved the Gibraltar crew from sharing the fate of their Phoenix counterparts.
The Cardassian insurgents are chilling and well written. I had to laugh about the dirty rifle barrel. In a world where energy weapons are standard, I can see people making that mistake, but it's a bad one to make!

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Sandhurst's desperate gambit is one worthy of captains with twice his experience. Well played!

Author's Response:

Thank you!  I thought it straddled the line between inspiration and desperation.  ;)

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Pava's years of experience really show here. Sandhurst is lucky to have him on his crew.
The description of the ecological devastation of the Breen attack was poignant, serving to highlight what the unfortunate survivors will be facing in the months to come, with our without relief aid.

Author's Response:

Pava, when in the right frame of mind, can be an excellent advisor and sounding board. 

Lakesh is dying a slow death, and will likely experience the equivalent of a nuclear winter without some kind of environmental intervention.

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed Liked
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 11: Chapter 11

This is exactly the sort of complication Sandhurst worried about from the get-go, being so heavy handed with the Cardassians that they ensure another war down the line. I'm looking forward to seeing what, if anything, can be done to forestall the Klingons. The excellence continues!

Author's Response:

It's bad enough when the Klingons insert themselves into a situation, but when they outrank you and aren't afraid to use that to their advantage... well, bad things, man... bad things.  Thank you for the continuing reviews.

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed Liked
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Not an easy or a comfortable ending, but not all missions are successful. I like that the mystery of the device is still not solved entirely, and I'm glad you pointed me back toward this origin story before I continued in the next. This was some real first-rate writing!

Author's Response:

Thanks very much for reading and commenting.  I experimented with some more positive outcomes for the story's conclusion, but they all rang hollow.  This time the good guys didn't win.  Hell, they barely broke even.  Then again, Starfleet never promised them a rose garden. ;)

The Thirteenth Order by Nerys Ghemor    Rated: T    Liked  Reviews (66) 
Summary:

2375: The height of the Dominion War. The Dominion has promised to shower glories upon Cardassia the likes of which it has never known--but the reality is another thing entirely. Four Cardassian guls have had enough of the Dominion's false promises, and are ready to put their complaints into action.

And on the desolate rock of AR-558, a Starfleet soldier fights for his life and is taken captive by Cardassians. But something strange is happening behind enemy lines that he never would have believed...


Chapters: 20    Table of Contents
Categories: Deep Space Nine, Expanded Universes
Characters: Ensemble Cast - Sigils and Unions
Genre: Action/Adventure
Warnings: Adult Language, Violence
 Series: Star Trek: Sigils and Unions
Completed: No    Word count: 87315    Read Count: 66763
[Report This] Published: 30 Jan 2009 Updated: 31 Aug 2011
Reviewer: PSGarak Signed Liked
Date: 02 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Prologue

I'm glad I finally had a chunk of time to sit down and read this. I didn't want interruptions! I am extremely impressed with your ability to juggle multiple characters and perspectives without bogging down the narrative or losing track of the main plot.

I also think pacing in this is a huge strength. There are just enough pauses in the action to allow the reader to catch a breath and get a glimpse into the minds of the major players so that it's not one overwhelming battle scene. There is still enough action to keep it all flowing, and you convey the peril to the rebels extremely well.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this one ends!

Author's Response:

Thank you very much!  The pacing and scope of the story has been a serious concern of mine, so I'm very glad to know it's coming off well! :-)

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 25 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Prologue

I loved the visual of the ship in the upper atmosphere and the intense lightning strikes. I honestly don't give a fig for technical purity in a story as long as whatever is happening at least makes sense. Excellent update!

Author's Response:

Thanks...so glad you're enjoying it! :-)

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 03 Dec 2009 Title: Chapter 14: Chapter Thirteen

Taut and tense throughout! Now that the battle has really heated up, it's very clear that Berat and his allies have what it takes to get the job done. I love the tactics and the wide scope of the action. I hope there's another installment soon!

Author's Response:

Thanks! :-)

I hope there'll be another segment soon, too.  You'll be seeing one over at the TrekBBS first, though.  This story is one I love, but writing it is NOT at all easy.

Another Man's Treasure by Teddog    Rated: K+    Liked  Reviews (8) 
Summary:

(2238) - A young Scott raids a junkyard on an unknown planet.


Chapters: 1    Table of Contents
Categories: Mirror Universe
Characters: Scott, Montgomery (Mirror)
Genre: Action/Adventure
Warnings: None
 Series: Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace
Completed: Yes    Word count: 1248    Read Count: 1443
[Report This] Published: 02 Feb 2009 Updated: 02 Feb 2009
Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 21 Oct 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Another Man's Treasure.

I liked this. I enjoyed the sense of immediacy and of being immersed in a moment. The setting is well realized, as is the urgency of the escape. That part was also very realistic. When the adrenaline is running like that, it's much later before you really feel any pain. Nicely done!



Author's Response: Thanks! One of my worries it that the urgency of the escape comes across as too quick and blunt. I'm glad that it feels real and in the moment, which are some of the notes I was hoping to hit. :D

Timing by Teddog    Rated: K+    Liked  Reviews (6) 
Summary:

(2239) When you're on a spaceship and have two kids, it's hard to find private time.


Chapters: 1    Table of Contents
Categories: Mirror Universe
Characters: Richmond, Jenna (Mirror), Scott, Montgomery (Mirror)
Genre: Humor
Warnings: Adult Situations
 Series: Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace
Completed: Yes    Word count: 344    Read Count: 2448
[Report This] Published: 03 Feb 2009 Updated: 03 Feb 2009
Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 06 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Timing

VERY funny twist at the end there. I did not see that coming! :D

A Death In the Family by Mistral    Rated: K    Liked  Reviews (14) 
Summary: Past Featured StoryI have nothing to say about this-I'll leave all comments up to you readers.
Chapters: 1    Table of Contents
Categories: Deep Space Nine, Next Generation
Characters: Ensemble Cast - Multiple
Genre: Tragedy
Warnings: Character Death
 Series: None
Completed: Yes    Word count: 3554    Read Count: 1545
[Report This] Published: 06 Feb 2009 Updated: 06 Feb 2009
Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 27 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Like Nerys Ghemor, I was really amused at the Cardassian's misunderstanding of the situation. It was a touch of humor in an otherwise very touching tale. Really, really beautifully done.

Author's Response: Thank you.

Geometries of Chance by Gibraltar    Rated: M    Liked  Reviews (131) 
Summary: Past Featured Story

GoC CoverPart Two of the Star Trek: Gibraltar series.

Dispatched to investigate the disappearance of a Starfleet vessel, the crew of Gibraltar find themselves embroiled in a mystery whose significance catches the attention of the upper echelons of Federation leadership. As forces beyond their comprehension converge on the enigmatic Pierosh star system, Captain Sandhurst and his crew must seek to unravel a tangled web of lies, plots, and divided loyalties that could ultimately spell doom for the entire quadrant.

 


Chapters: 23    Table of Contents
Categories: Expanded Universes
Characters: Ensemble Cast - USS Gibraltar
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Friendship, Mystery
Warnings: Adult Language, Violence
 Series: Star Trek: Gibraltar
Completed: Yes    Word count: 62763    Read Count: 97940
[Report This] Published: 21 Feb 2009 Updated: 03 Mar 2009
Reviewer: PSGarak Signed Liked
Date: 08 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 3: Chapter 3

I'm really enjoying this, the steady ratcheting up of tension and the overall mystery of just what might have happened. The chain of command is well portrayed. I'll be returning to this to read more chapters. I'm eager to see how you handle possible time travel issues.

Author's Response:

Thank you very much!  GoC was one of my favorite stories to write, as it was a scenario I'd wanted to pen for a number of years.  It's very much a mission that should have been tasked to a bigger ship with far better resources... but Gibraltar happened to be the only game in town that day. 

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 7: Chapter 7

It's definitely looking as though the culmination of the research mentioned earlier didn't quite go as planned. Very creepy aftermath for the crew to have to explore. I like how the barren desolation of the planet underscores this.

Author's Response:

Thanks!  That's certainly the ambience I was shooting for. :-)

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 8: Chapter 8

31. Section 31 perhaps? Now we know for sure the culprit for the planting of the device in the previous story, but we still don't fully know why.
It's not looking as though the partially fried scientist will be able to give a lot of answers to this greater mystery, but I suppose time will tell!

Author's Response:

Clues abound, but will any of the crew be able to piece them together?  Thanks for the review!

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Lightner wanted action. "Beware what you wish for" certainly applies here! The mystery deepens. I'm really liking the pacing of this and the economy of words. You have a very tight story going on here.

Author's Response:

Much obliged.  :)  When I was writing it I agonized over whether I had too many plot threads going, but it ended up coming together rather well for me at the end. 

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Just one word. Yikes!

Author's Response:

That's certainly very close to what Tark was thinking... though his ran somewhat more towards the four-letter variety of exclamation!  :-)

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Ashok may not be a miracle worker, but he's a damned savvy engineer. I like him more and more every time I see him.

Author's Response:

Thanks, he's growing on me, too.

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 15: Chapter 15

It's a shame they really did need him to try to figure out what was going on. Drek like the Baron deserve little more than a quick, clean death to spare the rest of us their machinations. Excellent plot twists!

Author's Response:

The Baron is a bad, bad man, indeed.  Unfortunately, he has the intellect and the cunning to back up the checks his ego writes, which spells very bad fortune for anyone standing in between he and his goals.

Reviewer: PSGarak Signed
Date: 12 Aug 2009 Title: Chapter 22: Chapter 22

It was good to see the overweening Ixis put in her place, and your portrayal of Sandhurst's PTSD rang very true. This has been an extremely enjoyable read thus far.

Author's Response:

Thank you for the review!  I'm glad Sandhurst's post-traumatic issues came across believably.