Date: 02 Mar 2011 19:12 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
What an adorable crew! The chief engineer that is all but a teddy bear, Cartwright that seems to be as unpleasant as she can in front of a superior officer without getting into trouble, not mentioning merely mentioned, and not her met 'eye to eye,' captain. I bet workiung under their command takes all joy from being a Starfleeter, especially one that makes mistakes sometimes...
Author's Response:
Aw thank you Gul Rejal! Firstly, for even starting to read the story and then for saying they are adorable. They aren't typically run of the mill and people's opinions of certain characters [usually McGregor] change as they continue the story. I wonder will it for you. Certainly, working under McGregor or Cartwright can be interesting, they both have exacting standards [exacting to their standards that is!]. Thank you again for reading. I hope you will like it and find it worth following, regardless, I appreciate you taking the time to try it out.
Date: 27 Feb 2011 17:34 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
An important piece of T'Vel's story, skillfully and carefully revealed. A dark chapter for sure, but I think we all knew it had to be that way. And the horror of the moment when she realizes it is much, much more than rape of her body and mind which is happening to her ... chilling stuff.
On a lighter note, I especially loved the flashback to her grandmother's commentary on her running. That was a good insight into the habits of T'Vel, and where she's coming from, and why her current state is that much more damaging to her -- she ran from her emotions in an attempt to control them, and now they are out of her control. I feel for her. :(
Author's Response:
Thank you for reading kes. Yes, it is a chapter to make you feel for T'Vel. This was something horrible. I'm glad that despite the awful nature of the chapter that you thought it was revealed in a good way. Thank you again for reading.
Date: 06 Dec 2010 05:11 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Okay, first of all, the portrait of the slaves and their conditions that you painted ... wow. I think you pretty much nailed that, and it was VERY uncomfortable to read. Those poor people ... and I also felt for the crew of the Kestrel, having to see it. Their distress was palpable.
I have to say, I like that you aren't afraid to make Captain McGregor morally ambiguous while still generally being on the side of right. It is thoroughly creepy to me that he apparently found Yeoman Harris in circumstances such as these, played the savior, and now she is both his Yeoman and his lover. I mean, that's pretty messed up! But still, we see that he is passionate about making sure justice is done here. And we also get to see him play the hardass captain with his senior staff! That was quite the catfight between the officers, but all of them had valid points and complaints. I am struck by how consistent your characterization is even while in the middle of these very dynamic situations. (And as an aside, why do I think T'Vel is about to become a HUGE problem?)
Speaking of characterization, I like Submino. He has a potty mouth, but "fuck me to the power of ten" is an awesome line. It's so Submino and yet still such an engineer thing to say -- and a perfectly natural reaction to finding a BOMB on the main plasma conduit! Yikes, complications for sure! Great stuff, can't wait for more!
Date: 03 Dec 2010 17:49 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
If I were Molly Cartwright, I might have slapped McGregor across the face and not the arm, at that moment in time. Not only was he holding back about the true source of their information, but it was information about her own ex-husband! Yes, he has his reasons for keeping things to himself, given the apparent mole on board ... but that has to seriously rankle his XO.
Speaking of the XO, she seems to have taken quite an interest in young Noah Cutler's development as an officer. I'm glad he has someone looking out for him.
On a purely technical note, great transition from the bridge of the Kestrel to the Spittle using the grappling hooks as the common thread. Felt very natural and really rounded out that whole scene.
Last but not least, this made me laugh out loud: "Dashiel Cain however just pointed his carbine at the Reptilian and it succeeded in shutting him up."
I suppose it would, wouldn't it?
Great chapter. Want more.
Author's Response:
Yes it would succeed in shutting a person up! Hee hee. As for Molly, I think as much as she is rankled there's some sort of mixed relief there in terms of the information from Paul being of use to McGregor. I dunno, maybe it gives her hope about Paul and maybe it gives her hope to about McGregor that he isn't blithely walking into a trap set by T'Hos. But he DOES have cause to be concerned and ... well ... stay tuned for developments.
Thank you about the technical note. That's a great big winning smile on my face and a big boost to the confidence. My writing may not be Shakespeare but I hope the effect I aim for works at least some of the time.
On a teasing note, I will just say that I might get to explaining just why Molly is taking such an interest in Noah. But it all depends on how other things develop.
More? Why it is on its way. Another great big stomping chapter is in the works and about in the can. So I hope to get it up soon. Again, stay tuned. And thanks for reading and reviewing so , SO, so much!
Date: 03 Dec 2010 11:02 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Mister Cutler doesn’t seem all that excited about serving on one of the older classes of starship. Jex, meanwhile, doesn’t seem to be having a hard time lifting spirits. And boring him with the statistics ain’t helping either. She sure knows her stuff having lived in that earlier time period, which might prove to be of value. No, Cutler doesn't seem very excited about serving on an older class of starship nor for that matter particularly enthused about serving with the Border Dogs. He probably wished for something safe and comfy among the regular Fleet. Alas for poor Cutler that is not what life intended and in the great big Dog Lotto he got billeted for Border Patrol duty. Jex does have an advantage by dent of her lifetimes of experience and it will be of benefit to her. However, I hope to explore the double-edged sword such a long lifetime of experiences might have. As for lifting Noah's spirits, I think at this moment in time Jex is a little too caught up in her own reveries and excitement. Thank you so much for reading. I hope you continue to enjoy the tale. It gives such a thrill to have new readers on board. Thank you heaps and heaps.
Author's Response:
Date: 03 Dec 2010 11:01 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Hmmm, this McGregor guy seems to rubbed a few people the wrong way. Curious as to what T’Hos’s beef with him is. Will read on…
Author's Response:
Please do read on. McGregor does have a way of rubbing people up the wring way that's for sure. As for T'Hos' beef? Well you'll have to keep reading for the trouble it'll bring.
Date: 28 Nov 2010 10:26 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Haha McGregor's a crafty sod. Worry the oppo so badly they forget where they are and run into an anomaly that stops them dead. Oh but this was Rah being polite. He didn't shred the furniture or anything [spoiler for a line McGregor will be using later]. Hee, hee. Yeah crafty sod sums up McGregor. And worrying the enemy is what he does. Or drives them demented and deranged like he did to T'Hos. His plan seems to have come together ... seems ... ;) Thanks again for reading and reviewing Starfire. Always appreciate it.
Remind me never to get on Rah's bad side after what he did to the pirate crew.
Author's Response:
Date: 28 Nov 2010 04:08 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Very much the calm before the storm as McGregor's SARAH swings into action. Time to see how the new recruits handle the upcoming situation :)
Author's Response:
Crunch time. Yes this is going to be proving grounds for the new recruits. In fact, this was almost being called Proving Grounds but Hunting Grounds was more apt. However for the noobs this is only a minor little mission. There's so much more to come. Much more!
Date: 28 Nov 2010 03:48 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Some unpleasant memories indeed for Jex, all the more unsettling seeing as she's still adjusting to being joined with her symbiont. Still simmering tension between Rah and the crew because of past wars, though not surprising given the sort of presence the big man has on board ship.
Author's Response:
Yeah, Jex has some bad memories. In ways it must suck to be a Trill symbiont. So many lifetimes, but also so many bad things to have lived through and continue to hold for a long time. Rah just emanates tension me thinks! Eau du Kzinti.
Date: 17 Nov 2010 08:16 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Wow! I don't even know where to start with this. What a cool chapter!
First of all, you painted the clearest picture yet of the mysterious Thaddeus. A petty (and slovenly) thug living large on his crimes, only now, it seems he's temporarily been thrust into the apparently unwanted role of slave trader? Wow. I can see that creating complications galore for the crew of the Kestrel as they attempt to take him down. Way too many innocent bystanders ... yikes. 
Then there was the bridge scene. Nice to see that McGregor does his homework. There just may be a method to his madness after all. Also nice to see Noah getting some positive notice for once, though if I were him I'd be annoyed at McGregor calling me a "kid" and a "boy" practically to my face. He is a Starfleet officer, albeit a green one, and a bridge officer at that. But he did well, and it was nice to see it recognized.
As for the invasion ... this is where I get all gushy fangirl on you and can't keep my thoughts straight. So bear with me while I jump around in an attempt to hit the highlights ... okay, first off, NICE characterizations here along with the action. You jumped from POV to POV, but the way you did it was effective and gave an awesome glimpse into each character's frame of mind. Deodzi was interesting as she balanced her symbiont's memories with its skills, and seemed to do so quite competently. Templar was every bit the tactical badass while still being relatable since he DID have fear -- but it was mixed with adrenaline and excitement and a desire to kick ass. I know he's not a nice guy, but I sort of love him anyway. Then we have Mila and her statmats -- that's a cool bit of technology to drop in there, and easy to visualize. Rah is, as expected, a scary killing machine. And then we come to T'Vel. Cool, calm, collected and in charge, like a Vulcan should be. Quite the moment of win for our troubled Vulcan! I LOVED her last line to Thaddeus, and the added contrast of her lithe, composed Vulcan looks and demeanor next to the heavy, slobbering, defeated Bolian thug. Even the minor players in this bit were deftly handled -- I could easily visualize Submino, Timmian, and Thaddeus's "associates."
So, the characterization was great, but then you weaved it in with all that cool action. Tactical drones, fire in the hole, Rah's crazy attack, the cutting into the hull and running in there with guns at the ready ... all of it was really cool and interesting to read about, and so well grounded by the little character touches.
Sorry for writing a freaking novella as a comment, but I seriously loved this chapter. More, please?
Author's Response:
More delivered! Once again, just to say here, big thank you for the awesome review. You can be fangirly anytime. The characterisation is everything. Without the crazy stuff and the action and the drama counts for nothing. As for the slaves ... complications are on their way...
Date: 06 Oct 2010 18:01 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Nice chapter, MF! First of all, I have to say -- A TRIANGLE?! Is that what I saw there? Hehe. Dashiel is playing with fire, between the unstable Vulcan T'Vel and Mila the ball-busting Ukrainian non-com. I like where this is going, even as a fun side jaunt.
Okay, everything else. Poor Jex! No one beyond McGregor himself seems to trust her, and why should they? Deodzi may have been a wonderful pilot, but Leoni is an engineer. I'm sure it's very difficult for anyone who isn't joined to understand how the previous hosts become part of you. You've done a great job illustrating how it works inside Leoni's mind so far, but her crewmates don't have the luxury of peeking inside like we have.
And then there's the great scene on the bridge. Stanley and the bird -- I mean Avian! Hilarious. I can only imagine their date ... Also, I felt for Noah with his perpetual nervousness, and I think Cartwright's pep talk was my favorite part of this chapter. I've never heard Ops described in such loving detail, and it was pretty inspiring to me, so I hope it works on Noah. Her thoughts on McGregor were also illuminating, and it's nice to see that kind of introspection going on.
I can't wait to see what happens in their game of "ping pong." Get writing!
Author's Response:
As to triangles - I leave such complicated geometry to you!
We'll just have to wait and see how that plays out now won't we.And of course Molly has some - many - thoughts about McGregor. As XO and as a former C.O. herself. She has many valid opinions on the man. And I'm glad too that you liked her description of Ops. It sounds like a rather complicated balancing act. Not sure it is a job I'd want myself! Thanks for reading and sorry about the many real life delays that keep bogging this story down.
Date: 20 Sep 2010 21:42 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Wow, some awesome character moments here, MF. I really liked this chapter. Really interesting to get inside the head of a joined Trill and all its history for a while, and the interaction between Jex and Rah was just ... well, creepy. Rah is creepy. You did an awesome job conveying that, I got chills just imagining him. But he seems to have an interesting friendship with Chomsky, who is herself interesting -- non-com, religious, unafraid of the walking death dude ... great stuff!
Date: 20 Sep 2010 21:41 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
You're on a roll, MF!
Loved this chapter for the frank conversation between McGregor and his XO. All of it was good, but the part where it came down to her ex-husband was really well done. Also, when you first mentioned tantric stuff I was all "Oh no he didn't," but then you brought it back in for that barb from Molly -- HA! Well played.
As for T'Hos ... well, we'll see what happens there, won't we? I have a bad feeling about all of this and I think things are about to blow up big time. Kind of on the edge of my seat here ... don't leave me hanging!
Author's Response:
Hee hee- McGregor usually does go there! Lots of interesting dynamics between McGregor and Molly. I like exploring them - they put up with each other and have some sort of need for the other too. With that, they do tend to get quite frank with one another on occasion, however, with McGregor you sometimes have to be frank in order for him to hear you.
Date: 20 Sep 2010 21:39 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Yay, Kestrel's back!
Okay, now that that bit of squee is out of the way ... I loved this. What strikes me about this crew is how real they are in their interactions. They don't all like each other, they've all got their varying concerns and peculiarities, but they're all in the same boat -- the boat captained by one insane Captain McGregor. So they deal.
As for McGregor ... I love how he keeps back the method to his madness -- he clearly HAS one, but information is doled out on a need-to-know basis and he keeps his cards close to his chest. It's got to be infuriating for his crew (particularly his XO), but it's fascinating to watch.
Nice to see this story back, and I also want to note that I especially liked the details about the lounge. When you do description, you do it really well. I could picture the setting quite easily (and a lovely setting it was!). Well done! Can't wait to see what McGregor has planned.
Author's Response:
Sorry it has took me a while to respond to this. I hope I did so over on TrekBBS at least. Yes, McGregor keeps things to himself. Things like his plans and maybe even a few of the items he confiscates as part of the job too! Hee hee. Yeah, the crew have no other option but to deal - then again there must be some sort of reasoning for it all - there must be some reason they out up with his ways. Surely?! And I can picture that lounge so very clearly in my head. So I'm thrilled that you could likewise picture it from the tale. Thanks!
Date: 19 Aug 2010 12:43 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Ah crap, I forgot he had a man on the inside. Good to get a glimpse into what makes T'Hos run and just why he's going hell for leather for McGregor.
His 'allies' could have a great say in things given they sound as likely to hinder than help if it serves them.
Author's Response:
Yeah T'Hos' allies are hardly made of stern stuff - I doubt they would earn a loyalty badge. That said, they might see benefit in eliminating as dogged a captain as McGregor and the Kestrel. It might make for an easier pirating life with him out of the picture. And yes, McGregor does have the inside 'man' to worry about. Hmmm ... any bets who? ;)
Thanks for taking the time to read Starfire. As always, much appreciated and welcomed.
Date: 19 Aug 2010 12:32 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
I should have guessed by now something as mundane as a briefing is anything but when it involves McGregor.
I can't help but wonder just how much in that den is legit and not just swiped from past raids.
Author's Response:
Yeah McGregor kinda has ants in his pants when it comes to doing anything as sensible as holding a senior staff meeting.
As to items in the Den possibly being of a non-legit origin ... why I'm shocked that anyone would seem to think so. It's not as if McGregor has a habit of requisitioning materials and equipment from Starfleet that does not belong to him! Oh wait ... well besides shuttles! and ok so maybe the tactical display table is a little swish and hardly fitting for a border patrolo vessel; but I can whole heartedly say that everything else is ... well ok I am not going to commit myself to an answer on that one! Hee hee! Yes, I rather imagine McGregor makes use of different sources to acquire what he wants. We shall see ...
Date: 13 Aug 2010 17:22 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
I am enjoying your story very much.
Author's Response:
Thanks KayCee. i hope you continue to read and enjoy it. There's a bit of the story to go yet and more fun and danger to be had. Thanks again for reading and responding.
Date: 20 Apr 2010 23:47 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Quite an array of fireworks between the crew right now, be it an engineer tired of having to deal with a captain who seemingly has a Cardassian like way of ensuring he has control of his ship when he needs it most, the junior officers not getting along with Templar because his his past transgressions, or the senior staff being rightly concerned about T'Vel's frame of mind.
Not the sort of discord you need when McGregor's evidently planning on busting up someone's ship/planet/base.
Author's Response:
Yeah some fireworks between the crew. It should make the senior staff meeting interesting. Or so I hope. And yes McGregor's got a Sarah up his sleeve. Search and Wreck Havoc! His favourite sport! Thank you for reading Starfire. Continues to make my day every time I read one of your reviews.
Date: 09 Apr 2010 16:20 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
I'm changing my vote for McGregor as "Captain I'd Least Like to Serve Under" to "Captain I'd Most Like to Serve Under" just because of his antics in this chapter. I love a boss with a sense of humor. (This change of vote is, of course, subject to change without notice if he pulls anything crazy, which I'm sure he will.)
I liked Templar trying to be a halfway-decent human being here. My heart broke for poor Noah, who apparently considers not getting his head bitten off "niceness."
Lots of fun dialogue from everyone in the earlier parts of this chapter, but then we get to sickbay. I see I was right about Ronak's emotional instability rubbing off on his mother, but then you've gone and upped the ante with hints of events we've not even heard of yet. Molly was quite hard on T'Vel, but it's her job to be, and apparently there's cause. I imagine for T'Vel, that has to be a double-whammy of not only the guilt of having screwed up in the first place -- but then, when confronted like this with it, she's probably having an emotional reaction to the criticism Molly gives her and beating herself up for doing so.
All in all, another great chapter with a wider scope ... and the hint of action to come with the impending "Sarah." Can't wait to see it!
Well McGregor is chuffed to have at least one vote - apart from the one he cast for himself of course! Ha! He could be described as having a sense of humour - being mad often is! Hee hee. Yeah Templar did try, somewhat and rather passively, and got shot down for it into the bargain. Hopefully, it will not dent him too much and he might try to human again. As for Noah - he continues to be a sap but at least he too is trying - what with talking to Becca and Jock and sticking up [lamely] for Sebastian. Yeah, Molly has to play nanny and bad-cop and all of that in the absence of McGregor doing so. She hates being so hard on T'Vel but she also knows there is a potentially hazardous mission in the offing and T'Vel needs to be on form for it. And yes, you were spot on about Ronak having a rather adverse influence/effect on his mother. That is what has Molly worried - especially given the past history alluded to here about T'Vel's past mistakes. Action coming up indeeed. Of course, you wouldn't deny McGregor a little sauntering about before hand now would you? He has to have his 'office' meeting first. ;)
Author's Response:
Date: 24 Mar 2010 01:24 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
"However, I hope you understand there's no room on this ship for a vendetta. I've our quota booked up."
What can I do with this apart from laugh out loud again?
I can see just why Sebastian messed up so badly when he was younger, and I love how McGregor's trying to get him to focus all that pent up rage in getting the job done out here.
An excellent read to start the morning :)
Author's Response:
Thank you Starfire for reading and commenting. Appreciate the loyal readership. I also appreciate that McGregor continues to make you laugh. He'd feel slighted if he didn't. And McGregor does want to focus Templar's pent up rage, no doubt so he can weild like a weapon to his own ends at some point. Leadership means different things to differnt people I suppose. Again, thanks for readingl.
Date: 23 Mar 2010 09:43 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
First of all, Stanley is weird. Which is good, since he's a weird alien. So you're writing him well!
Now that I've got that out of the way ... POOR SEBASTIAN! I know he's a rough character and all that, and one's sad childhood is never a valid excuse for bad behavior, but that flashback broke my heart. You captured that feeling of being a kid and feeling like everyone else's feelings matter more than your own very, very well. That entire sequence was just poignant and real.
As for McGregor ... so he thinks he can use Sebastian's woundedness to his (and the Border Patrol's) advantage? We'll see how that goes, won't we? I think he's playing with fire. But that's how McGregor rolls. Should be interesting to see how it all pans out down the line.
Great chapter, really loved it. Keep them coming! 
Author's Response:
Glad you liked. And gladder still when you tell me that Stanley's weird! That sounds about right. Yes one does have to feel for Sebastian - certainly at the stage in his life where he is suffering the loss of his father and feels as if no one cares or is giving him the time of day. He might have been hard done by but it doesn't excuse his later mistakes. But it does seem like the chip on his shoulder has goes way back. McGregor does like to play with fire - and he has ... well faith isn't the right word ... but he is under the impression that he can have Sebastain do good. But that impression mght be mistaken ... we will need to see whether Sebastian can indeed make the step to accepting his place on a Border Patrol vessel and having a purpose. But hey ho .. we'll see indeed how that pans out.
Date: 17 Mar 2010 00:53 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
What a wonderfully mad chapter.
Was it wrong of me to think 'Uh oh.' what reading McGregor's holding a meeting in a room with an airlock?
I don't know what's made me laugh more, the fact he's dragged the poor guy out onto the hull to hold an interview or the fact he's decided to go play a little pitch and putt while they're out there.
Author's Response:
No, I don't think it was wrong of you to think 'Uh oh'. I don't think I'd like to share a room with McGregor that has an airlock in it! Glad it was wonderfully mad and made you laugh. Yes, he does things in his own wee way
Date: 14 Mar 2010 18:38 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
I can never quite decide if McGregor is a crazy genius or just plain crazy. I suppose he's a little (or a lot) of both. But I really liked this chapter for the zany, lighthearted, yet no-BS way in which this captain is reaching out to and assessing his officer.
Another thing I loved was the description of the space walk. Made me feel like a kid again -- wanting to be an astronaut when I grow up so I can see the stars without a big ol' layer of atmosphere and light pollution in between them and me. Hearing my own breath (as long as I remember the breathing bit!) in my EV suit and the sounds of my crewmates on the comm. ... and nothing else. Vacuum. Silence. Awesomeness. You did a great job describing all that.
I do have to say I knew it was golf clubs in that bag the moment he hefted it onto his shoulder in the airlock area -- the title of this chapter sort of gave it away. 
But after that, I was totally looking forward to the "golf in space" moment, and you did not disappoint! I was expecting a hole-in-one to the stars, but smacking the window was a fun surprise. Hehe. Funny McGregor.
And of course, that last line, the question he asks Sebastian -- Why, indeed? I hope I don't have to wait long to find out! Great chapter.
Glad not to dissapoint. Yup, the golf clubs bag was a little obvious but not so much for our friend Sebastian. He has a few more surprises coming his way. And of course, not much of a surprise but we get to find out in the next chapter a little of the why he joined Starfleet. Happy - no delighted - that you enjoyed the space walk. Was trying to get the balance right between moving them on and describing the little jaunt. I had so wanted to do a scene on the hull during the ship's tour way back at the start so this was my chance to redress that. I guess that will have to wait for the Director's Cut! Hee hee. And you may have pegged it correct when you talk of McGregor being crazy genius and a bit plain crazy.
Author's Response:
Date: 29 Jan 2010 12:53 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
Finally another update on the Kestrel.
Ronak has some major mother issues and Stanley being able to survive in space without an EVA suit, way cool. Keep it up
Author's Response:
Thank you! Glad you're still following it. Sorry about the slowness of updates. Busy life - grrr. And mother issues is one way to put it. Hee hee. Thanks again for reading.
Date: 18 Jan 2010 16:35 Title: USS Kestrel - Hunting Grounds
I love McGregor. honestly, give him a comedy show for about an hour-I hear NBC is looking for a primetime show ;)
Nice to see Gardner too, being the grouch that he appears to be-I like grouches. Oscar was always my favorite back on the Street.
Author's Response:
I doubt the networks would risk his behaviour going out live! Ha. Glad you like him. And yes Eddie Gardner is very much a grounch. Mind you, if your captain was McGregor and he made the demands of you as the engineer like McGregor does - you'd be fairly grumpy about things too. Thanks for reading trekfan.