Reposting from elsewhere:
At the risk of being accused of blasphemy, I still maintain that James Kirk is one most commonly mistreated character in fanfiction. For some reason, everyone seems convinced that they know him. In point of fact, hardly anyone does. Hardly anyone bothers to look beneath the surface and at least acknowledge that he’s a very complicated character, certainly not simply a power-obsessed womanizer, blind and deaf to the needs of others, as he appears in many stories. That is why I find it absolutely smashing that you show such remarkable will to dig deeper, to really know what makes him tick. This story is incredibly insightful and realistic, and very true to Jim. Thank you for sharing this.

Author's Response: Thank you,Anna. I was worried that people would find this Jim Kirk too insecure and unsure, but I believe that's a large part of his character - he's just become an expert at hiding it. ;-) And thanks again for the inspiration. Our discussions of the morality issues in chapter 23 of AH led directly to this story. Who'da thunk it?!

Okay. There will be a conclusion finally, right? I must say, you have a unique style indeed, unlike anything I've read before in fandom or elsewhere. And this story is simply like a torture chamber, with its dramatic falls and rises and with the fight for every breath. There's hardly a moment to take a break, which is wonderful. The upbuild of tension is simply unprecedented. And it's all the more impressive when you realize that the language doesn't take you on any unnecessary detours, but brings you straight to the point. It is a perfect thriller, at times turning into a horror show. I enjoyed reading this immensely, and I only have one big favor to ask: Please finish. Don't leave us here, it's unbearable. ::grins:: At least, try to make it within this lifetime? ;-)

Author's Response: Oh, wow, thanks so much for such lovely compliments. I do hope to keep the pieces coming for this one, there is so much planned in my head for down the track that I'd be highly annoyed if I didn't finish it eventually. Thanks so much for reading, you feed my pen. Nutty (supposedly awake, yet yawning)

"I know my parents were cruel and I was teased something awful as a child. Thankfully, it didn't affect me in the slightest and I remain a well adjusted, rational being." ::dies:: Can I adopt this phrase for real life? LOL! Oh, I love this guy already. ::wicked grin:: He sounds like fun. ;-)

Author's Response:

Of course adopt it! McGregor is sadly a misjudged buddha, a fountain of wisdom and knowledge, if people but understood, they could all live theri lives better by following his example. :) Thanks again, Anna.

LOL! I have one thing to say for this captain, if his crew doesn't go crazy trying to figure him out, they'll end up thinking as 'out-of-the-box' as it gets. :D

Author's Response:

Have a feeling they'll end up going crazy - that is if he doesn't kill them first! LOL

'Find myself. Be myself. Run from myself.' Best line ever. An apt summation of options any graduate faces after entering the real world.
A sweet and touching chapter. ;-)

Author's Response:

Thanks Anna. Poor little Noah seems very afloat in the midst of all this. So who else can he but call but his Mam!

Well, that chapter was a maelstrom! Assuming I spelled that right. Well, anyway. Is it bad of me that my sympathies are with Templar so far? And the one of a kind alien, now, that's really twisting the intrigue!

Author's Response:

Heck no, sympathise with him by all means. Depends of course on where his story goes as to whether that was the right choice to make or not. ;)

Whoa. So the conversation of the security guards lulled me completely, and their swift end was like a kick in the gut. Nice move! Writing-wise I mean. LOL.

This is getting gritty. :;shivers:: Somehow, I don't sympathize with Harris very much, but Noah is another matter. I hope he'll make it through in one piece. ::muses::

Author's Response:

Cool thanks Anna. Kinda wanted their end to be a gut punch to get across the violence of the attack and the intent of the attackers. So waaaaaaaaaaaaay pleased that you liked. And yes, it takes a gritty turn here for a bit. Heehee.

Whoa, whoa! Can't decide if it's a perfect thriller or a cool action movie. I mean story. LOL. It's just that visualization comes so easily while reading this.

Jex seems to be my favorite for the moment. I wonder what comes next...;-)

Author's Response:

I love following how the characters go up and down in your estimation Anna. It's a read in tiself for me. LOL. Love it. And love the reviews. Thanks millions! Especially when you say nice things like the bisualisation comes easy. It comes easy to me too but that's cos it is in my head and I desperately hope it gets across in some fashion to the readers. So thanks very much for words that are way too kind.

This is getting better and better! Love Molly!

Author's Response:

I love Molly too. And I love you for reviewing and saying nice things. Blush again.

Okay, I changed my mind, thriller turned almost to a horror. (And I like horrors!) Also, I've never known another author who'd be as sadistic. Not only did you created one hell of a cliffhanger back there, now you prolong it! Grrrr. I wonder if the pieces are going to lead to a real team work. Hmm... Well done!

Author's Response:

Coolio. And yeah what's a cliffhanger if it doesn't keep you hanging for a bit. As for team work ...

I think I'm out of love with McGregor. Maybe I'm slow on the uptake, but why exactly was he bitch slapping the kid? So he was on the bridge, and? Out of curiosity, just what was he supposed to do? ::dongetit::

Little Baloon story kept me waiting for one of the baloons to explode. :D

Author's Response:

And here comes the turning point for many when it comes to McGregor. Ha! I guess, I'll have to do something to make you fall back in love with him again. Only thing is, McGregor is as like to follow it up with something to make you fall out of love with him again. Hee! He's a love him or - no actually - and hate him kinda guy.

Well, that was... harsh. Hm. Many psychological issues here. First of, I'm glad someone's talking some sense into Cutler. He's damn insecure and McGregor's lecture back there didn't help. Hm. Good point on Monroe's part.

Then Monroe herself. Well, that's a case of classic gender bending there, with her and Jocum. And masterfully done, too. You can feel her being reluctant to hurt him and yet being unable to give up her chosen way of life. What's particularly good about it is that you can understand them both here and sympathize with both. Good work!

Author's Response:

Thanks Anna. Glad it worked and that both parties could be sympathised with. And one can only hope that the chat works with Noah, but it will probably take a little more than that to sink in with him.

Hm. I wonder what he's up to now. Curious man. Mad. But curious. ;-)

Author's Response:

Curious - hmm - that probably does equate with McGregor. But of course, mad too!