Yeah, you're right, this is one of the oddest things you've written. But it's hilarious.
I'm eager to see what happens next. Will this indeed turn out to be nothing more than a dream ... or is this for 'real'?
Author's Response: For real...
Reviews (16) A story of the civilian cargo freighter Rhapsody Rabbit Gavilán and its motley crew. A Corellia class Medium Endurance Freighter working on the borders of the Federation, struggling to make a living and fighting to survive.
Painting created by Art deWhill [Stefan Böttcher] and used with his kind permission.
Oh Dale Garrow, you fool, why do I have a feeling you will come to regret signing up with this crew?
Well, one thing is for sure, this won't be anything like serving on a Starfleet ship, Captain Chase will make sure of that.
If she commands this ship the way she carries out her business activities, there's bound to be trouble. And likely, not a boring minute.
Loved her introduction, by the way. Puts ol' Lawxana Troi to shame.
The Archer Academy at Oberon was founded in 2318 to serve the needs of troubled hybrid children in a nurturing yet disciplined atmosphere.
D'Storlin arrives in 2413.
I wonder if that school has since learned to be more species-friendly in their lab experiments. As in, don't dissect a lizard when you've got Gorn students. Don't do a cat when there are Caitians. Surely you don't dissect monkies for an all human class.
Poor Dusty's rage was understandable even if unacceptable. I feel for the kid and hopefully the folks at Archer Academy can help out.
Short but excellent insight into an alien's mind
Author's Response:
Thank you very much! Yeah, they're kind of tone-deaf with the experiments there ....
A run of the mill bounty turns lethal for bounty hunter Beatrix Eliza Knight, known as Beks. Beks and her crew face off against a lethal assassin and the cost will be high and change lives forever.
A story set in the Watchtower Universe.
Oaky, I'm a gonna admit it, I came over here after reading Cam's excellent Starting Over fic and after I got curious about her protagonist.
But I'm really glad I did.
First of all the opening prose is really good and evocative. Reminds me of some good old fashioned hard-boiled detective stories or film noir, y'know, Dixon Hill kinda stuff.
Maybe it even had a few hints of the Terminator, the way Beks went after her prey, all cool and collected as if the outcome was never once in doubt. And then Jodhaa comes in and messes up the master plan. Oh well.
I had an inkling that poor Borus was pleading for more than his freedom but you gotta guess that seasons bounty hunters like Beks and Jodhaa hear this kinda thing all the time. And then, Bang.
Judging by Beks' reaction, things are about to get really bad. Cool stuff.
Author's Response:
Hey, you United Trek authors know better than most how linkage between one author's work to another can win a little interest, so I certainly don't begrudge that. And I'm glad you did too.
I appreciate especially the words about the opening. I was certainly going for imagery and a cinematic feel to start proceedings so I'm chuffed you liked it. Yes, Beks is cool, calm and collected and believes a good plan is a good plan. She doesn't really like to go off script but with Jodhaa sometimes improvisation is required. And yes, bad stuff is going to happen.
High octane action here but I particularly enjoyed how you kept the imagery alive. The rain and the raging storm are almost as much characters in this story as Beks, Jodhaa and Talon.
In the meantime the hunters turn into the hunted and Beks has to give it her all to attempt and stop the unstoppable assassin and to give her friend a chance to escape. Was it all for nothing?
Talon should probably have fully verified the kill before moving on. Something tells me not doing so is going to be one of the biggest mistakes of his life.
Author's Response:
Thanks CeJay. Yup, lots of action and the raging storm was a neat trick to tell, reflect and add to the action scenes. So chuffed you liked the imagery. And yes, Talon does seem nigh unstoppable ... but perhaps Beks may be too.
That was a fight for the ages. Long, brutal and unrelenting. To say this assassin doesn't go down easy would be the understatement of the century. I mean if I were Beks, I'd turn the ship around and fire a photon torpedo on what's left of his body, just in case.
In fact I wouldn't be surprised if this guy pops up again at some point, sure he's lost a few limps but that's nothing they can't fix with modern medicine.
Helluva fight.
Author's Response:
Thanks CeJay! Yup, among one of my most favourite chapters to write it has to be said. Just stripped of most else and boiled down to a hard slog fight on all fronts. Nope, Talon does not go down easy but then that's his job to not go down easy. And of course, neither Beks nor Jodhaa were willing to be put down either. And yeah, Talon popping up again ... ? I'm saying nothing but you'll hear his name again in connection to the Rhapsody Rabbit Gavilán. Should he ever pop up again, I rather imagine he'll have quite the beef with Beks.
A bitter sweet goodbye for Beks and Jodhaa. Her desire to leave is understandable after finding all her closest friends but one massacred. The scene of their parting felt appropriately somber. Even though we have only really known these characters for a short while, it truly felt like they had known each other a lifetime.
And of course Talon isn't truly dead. Ever notice how nobody who falls off things ever dies? What's up with that? But this guy was clearly too hardcore to buy the farm this way and Beks must have her revenge ... sorry, I mean justice. I liked the way she kept this all to herself. It's her cross to bear now and she'll stop at nothing until she gets her man.
Excellent story, dark, intense but also somewhat hopeful like the bright new day, following the storm.
Author's Response:
Yeah, as you know from Cam's story, Jodhaa leaves it all behind to start over, to live a life among the stars but no longer chasing bad guys. Doesn't mean she doens't run into trouble of course - ha! But yeah the events of this had to be big enough to be a catalyst for a change in her life. Yet the moment between Jodhaa and Beks had to be genuine and real to have them ever consider parting ways. They've been together a long time. Beks took Jodhaa in and has been her mentor, almost a mother figure, so parting is very hard. I think though Beks knows it is for Jodhaa's best. So I'm so chuffed that it felt that had known each other a lifetime. Thank you so much for those words.
And ah yes, Talon. The hunter isn't truly dead. Yeah, falling from things doesn't seem to kill anybody. (but things falling on you ... well just ask Kirk that - but then again, we always figured he'd die on the bridge - never quite die with a bridge on him!) As I write in response to kes, the character of Beks and the size of the story required an enemy who tests her personally. She's a hunter. He's a hunter. She's a lethal shot. He's a lethal shot. She's relentless. He's relentless. She seeks justice and he ... well he wants revenge and to best her as he's enjoyed a reputation through the systems as an unstoppable killer and Beks and Jodhaa paid heed to that. In addition to causing him great bodily harm. However, there's personal stakes in it for Beks too and her personal drive for justice, that core value that drives her is going to be challenged by Talon. Because when is it justice and when is it revenge? Thanks so much for reading CeJay. Great comments.
With the destruction of Vulcan, Vulcans are sought in all sorts of remote places.
Fascinating, to borrow Vulcan parlance.
The destruction of Vulcan was of course a world-shattering event (duh!) and the implications are immense. As a result it stands to reason that a desperate Vulcan government would go to whatever length to try and get their hands on every last surviving Vulcan, even if it means appealing to other governments to release their Vulcan prisoners. Of course considering the nature of Vulcans one would not assume a particularly significant Vulcan prison population.
Enter Eriecho and Saddik, falsely convicted and seemingly doomed to spend the entirety of their remaining life behind bars, they find themselves suddenly released and forced to adapt to a world they barely know, and in Eriecho's case, they hardly even understand. It's a dilemma as old as prisons themselves but driven home particularly effectively here with a young Vulcan woman who has never mastered suppressing her emotions.
Her actions and observations make this story a particularly entertaining read even if I find myself agreeing with the prickly Vulcan woman at the end that this camp they've landed in feels almost as much a prison as the place our heroes have left behind. Perhaps Eriecho doesn't quite agree with that sentiment yet, but one would think that after spending some time in such a strictly controlled environment, she'd long for some real freedom.
Excellent story. Very well done.
Author's Response:
Many thanks! Freedom's a little scary when you've never really had it before, I imagine. But she'll adjust. :)
I fear, though, that an endangered sentient species might lose a lot of its personal, individual rights, all in the name of preservation.
In the weeks following the events that transpired within the Gibralter/Intrepid crossover novel "Treacherous Waters," Commander Shantok receives a fateful visit from her estranged mother. However, appearances can be deceiving, for the encounter is not all that it seems.
I've probably said this before, but this is a beautifully written character vignette and certainly not just because of a fantastic and unexpected twist. Even though that was a pretty neat trick.
Fantastic prose and equally great dialogue make this a joy to read. It's not easy to write Vulcans but you do it splendidly.
Author's Response: A generous review----and greatly appreciated.
Captain Archer and Commander Reed send holiday gifts to the Daranaeans, but there’s a slight misunderstanding. 
Ah, the classic cultural misunderstanding angle. But I do love the twist with the child and the mistakenly presumed broken toys. At first I was thinking maybe the kid had been given Legos or Lincoln Logs but the puzzle is even better.
I also enjoyed the positive, feel good vibe of the tale, with a society which for a change actually wants to be friends with humans and Starfleet. I appreciate that a good story is about conflict but from time to time, it's nice to read a pure feel-good tale.
Made me smile. Great stuff.
Author's Response:
Aw, thanks! I do so love the puppy people. They have enough conflict-heavy tales, so a bit of fluff. :)
On the other side of a proverbial pond, everyone travels a particular road.
Winner:
Pathways Challenge
What a stark reminder of the differences between the prime universe and the mirror one. It's not just that people are inherently less compassionate and evil, they are trained and indoctrinated that way from a very early age. It makes sense, of course, there wouldn't be any other way to maintain an empire built on fear and intimidation otherwise.
Definitely not a nice place live. Hey, I wouldn't even want to visit.
A masterfully told story however.
Author's Response:
Many thanks!
Yeah, it's ... egad ... let's just say bad mojo and it'll be a big understatement.
The first story of the starship Aegolius Harrier. A down on its luck ship and crew are assigned to the newly formed Eleventh Fleet. The crew worry about their new assignment and are disturbed to learn that they are to receive a new commanding officer who comes with a troubling reputation.
Dysfunctional ships and crews are your speciality but this one is particularly interesting as this is no 'mere' border cutter but a ship of the line, even if so barely.
The crew seems to be a reflection of the poor state this vessel has been allowed to fall into.
They need somebody to shake them up a little and show them what's what. I'm having a feeling that this new captain is just what the doctor ordered. Well, maybe not Atlee. Or, of course, it's going to be a recipe for disaster.
There is no place to have a frank discussion about your life in general than in a bar, we all know this.
And Ameren is one smart cookie, that's for sure, getting the lay of the land straight from the horses mouth. More so than learning what he and his captain are going to be in for, however, we get a great second-hand introduction to the hero of this tale. And there is no reason to doubt his words.
Ryaenn is an impressive character and we haven't even met her yet.
Enter Ryaenn.
And she is pretty much exactly what we came to expect, immediately ruffling feathers and putting her own personal stamp on matters. Maybe even the impression of her boot on certain backsides.
One thing is for sure, she ain't here to make friends but something tells me she's here to stay. You better watch out Gage and assorted cronies. There's a new sheriff in town and she's kicking butt and taking names.
As expected there won't be a Cyste Ryaenn fan club on board the AH for a quite some time. T'Vala bears watching though. Of all the crew, I can't totally figure her out yet. She and Cage obviously don't get along but I'm not sure yet if that makes her naturally appreciate Ryaenn or if she may have an agenda of her own as well.
Really like the Ryaenn and Ameren dynamic. On this ship it's a good thing the captain has one friendly face, a man who will have her back no matter what. Clearly the establishment does not appreciate this relationship and the fact that Ameren is just a lowly crewman makes this even more interesting.
There aren't many admiral who would ever win a popularity contest and even fewer Vulcan ones but Ston is really sitting at the top of the list of the most obtuse flag officers in the fleet. And his seemingly personal vendetta against Ryaenn is anything but logical.
Am already loving the idea that Ryaenn and the crew will have to face not one but multiple Cardassian liaison officers some of which will have their own, pervasive agendas. Let's see if they know what they're in for because the last thing a Cardassian would ever want to do is piss off the new captain of the AH.
Really enjoyed this story and looking forward to delving into the next one to see who will get booted out of an airlock first on this ship.
It’s been two years since the end of the Dominion War. The Alpha Quadrant is still reeling in the aftermath of the most destructive interstellar war in over two millennia. The Romulan Star Empire teeters on the brink of economic and social collapse as the Klingons struggle to come to grips with a failing warrior ethos that has left their society riddled with nepotism and corruption. What remains of the Cardassian Union is in shambles with a road to recovery that will be measured in decades.
As the great powers of the quadrant lick their wounds, the second-tier governments vie for position and spark a firestorm of ‘minor’ conflicts that further sap the strength of the beleaguered Federation. The Alshain/Son’a War, the Talarian Incursion, the Benzar Plebiscite Crisis, the Velk Incident, a resurgent Maquis movement and religious terrorism on Bajor… the crises mount as an overwhelmed Starfleet struggles to cope.
Amidst this turmoil, a new shadow takes shape, a potential catastrophe the likes of which has never been seen in the Federation’s history. Keeping the truth of the impending danger from their wartime allies, Starfleet engages in a desperate plan that just might give the UFP the time it needs to meet the rising threat head on, and more importantly, on the Federation’s terms.
This feels like the beginning of an epic new story which will have serious retroactions throughout the Federation and certain for Starfleet.
But how, exactly, is little, underpowered Gibraltar going to make a difference here?
By getting a new ship, that's how.
Wow, it's the end of era, truly, as Sandhurst and co. say good bye to a ship that has mostly brought them bad fortune. But you know what they say. You never forget your first starship. Or something to that effect.
How fitting that the new and improved Gibraltar/Europa has its own, significant issues.
When, if ever, is Sandhurst going to get a break, I wonder.
Old faces with new baggage and old faces with different baggage and new faces tasked with dealing with all that baggage. Yep, Europa is picking up just were the good ol' Gibraltar left off. With plenty of drama.
And then of course there is the little matter of unstoppable killing machines heading towards the Federation.
Hell of a story.
Tempted to say, best chapter yet but that wouldn't do justice to what has come before.
The tragic fate of the Habertaem is one of those few instances that make genocide almost forgivable.
And now enter the Romulans! Awesomeness!
Author's Response:
Much obliged!
You''ll have to wonder if T'Ser is not starting to wonder if she may have made a monumental mistake signing up with this crew. Who could have known that Sandhurst and company could have made such powerful enemies in the relatively short time they've been out there?
Q comes to mind when considering this Baron character. With all the power but none of the charm or playfulness. In fact this guy makes up for it with pure cruelty and violence.
Not that Europa doesn't have enough problems already. The plan of observing an invasion from afar without getting involved was flawed to begin with. Now, thanks to the Romulans, it's gone out the nearest airlock.
Absolutely terrific stuff.
Author's Response:
Thanks for the comments, CeJay!
No plan ever survives contact with the enemy... or in Sandhurst's case... the Romulans. ;-)
The Amon are one of the most interesting races you've created, both in their outlook and philosophy (eating dead souls) to their restraint and power. And now Sandhurst is their involuntary guest with his destiny seemingly inexplicably linked to theirs.
T'Ser's battlefield commission was unexpected but it gives her interesting common ground with the young Romulan commander who clearly has already noticed the similarities herself. Could this be the beginning of a Europa/Romulan joint venture. If so, T’Ser better remember the old saying, never to turn your back on a Romulan.
This remains one of the most riveting stories I'm currently following.
Author's Response:
Thank you for the kind words, CeJay. We've barely uncovered the tip of the iceberg with this first installment of TFV, and the crew is poised to become embroiled in circumstances they might scarcely believe. As for who will lead them into (and hopefully through) these challenges, whether it be T'Ser or Sandhurst... remains to be seen.
A true blockbuster chapter filled with surprises.
Sub-commander Chalois is not nearly as naive and perhaps amenable as previously believed. Pava is after the temporary XO position, not trusting Pell to be able to press the button if it comes down to it. Donald just may decide to embrace his new 'destiny' and join the Amon. In the meantime the Baron is still after Sandhurst's blood and not above killing off scores of a peaceful alien race in the process, and the real kicker, Liana Ramirez is back among the living, in a twisted and corrupted mirror version-like incarnation of her former self. Let's hope that's what it is, as nobody wants to see this former Starfleet hero turned into an evil ally of the Baron. Of course crazier things have happened.
Can't wait for the next part.
Reviews (23) Hello everyone. With the discussion forum down and not all of us having our Ad Astra blogs up and going I thought I would try to create a little round robin story where we can all post a little response to my posited ‘How do we cope when technology fails?' prompt.
Our heroes would have to tackle Star Trek life without the magic of their technology - say no transporters, no replicators, no grav-plates, no warp power, etc. Maybe they find themselves in a crutch, maybe it ends up with some hilarious or fish out of water moments, or puts their lives in mortal peril. Have at it. Remember to keep it clean given the K rating and that this is just for fun to help us while over the absence of the forum.
Just post your prompt response as a new chapter and sign your name to the ‘chapter' you write. Well that's the plan. Fingers crossed as to whether this works! Remember, just write it, don't edit it to death - for this one time on the archive! ;)
McGregor wondering around his ship in an inebriated state?
Here I thought these stories were going to stretch believability.
Fun little romp.
Argh, no, the memories. The painful memories.
And this is actually far worse than a computer problem. Nog actually deleted the files on purpose. You ever hear of a thumb dive, genius?