2Accidental Suicide by Christinecgb
I really, really like this story. Christine's summary reads, "It was a heck of a performance," and the same can be said for the writing. The character of Shelby comes alive, and Janeway is interesting and complex, showing clearly the strengths and flaws of the captain she will become.
-- Kelly Chambliss - Tue, 01 Apr 2003 15:25:34 -0500

3Beautiful by Seema
This story ranks as one of my all-time favorites of Seema's. She tackles a pairing that has always intrigued me but that, as a writer, I find daunting: Janeway/Picard. I like stories in which the things that aren't said can be as important as the things said, especially when, as in this case, that strategy makes so much sense for the characters. I come away from this story with a better understanding of both these enigmatic captains.
-- Kelly Chambliss - Tue, 01 Apr 2003 15:29:12 -0500

10Touch by Seema
Another fine Janeway/Picard by Seema, this time told from Janeway's POV. I like the ending in particular.
-- Kelly Chambliss - Tue, 01 Apr 2003 15:30:53 -0500

11Tourniquet by Kat
I loved this story when I first read it almost a year ago, and I enjoyed it just as much reading it again for the awards. Crusher/Janeway is not an easy pairing, yet Kat makes it work. The characters are complicated, desirable, and adult. Kat even has a handle on Gretchen Janeway. A fine story.
-- Kelly Chambliss - Tue, 01 Apr 2003 15:42:33 -0500

9REMEMBERING HOSHI SATO by T'Lin
Uhura/T'Pol is an unlikely pairing, but I like what T'Lin does with it. The presence of Hoshi works well, too.
-- Kelly Chambliss - Tue, 01 Apr 2003 16:20:12 -0500

2Accidental Suicide by Christinecgb
Interesting look at a younger Janeway who is nonetheless still very much the person we met later on Voyager. Nice portrait of Shelby as well.
-- Rocky - Wed, 02 Apr 2003 05:54:31 -0500

3Beautiful by Seema
I'm not really sold on the P/J pairing, but Seema does a pretty credible job of showing the two of them together here, and I can certainly see where the two of them have a lot in common.
-- Rocky - Wed, 02 Apr 2003 05:55:12 -0500

6Impress by Kelly
As always with one of Kelly's stories, I am swept up in the sheer beauty of the language and the narrative. Every phrase is carefully chosen and conveys such power and meaning. This is really two stories, one dealing with Winn's relationship with Anjohl (Dukat), the other with her (lasting) infatuation with Kathryn Janeway. The unifying factor is Winn herself and her complete and total self-absorption, her vision of herself as the savior of her people and her instinctive justification of her own very personal wants and needs by placing the responsibility for her those desires on the will of the Prophets. I could actually see the events of this story unfolding, see the characters and their expressions as they are brought so wonderfully to life. I particularly appreciate the portrait of Janeway, and how just by showing her involved in utterly routine, perhaps even mundane, activities, Kelly manages to capture the essence of the character so well. Winn is not the only one who comes away with an unshakable picture of the strength and indomitibility of Kathryn Janeway. "Impress"ive, indeed!
-- Rocky - Wed, 02 Apr 2003 05:56:09 -0500

10Touch by Seema
More Picard/Janeway, this time from Janeway's POV. I like their conversation about new beginnings, as well as how one can be trapped by one's fame
-- Rocky - Wed, 02 Apr 2003 05:56:47 -0500

3Beautiful by Seema
Another intriguing story about the relationship between Picard, now an Admiral, and Janeway. Seema manages to capture the true understanding that Picard and Janeway have for one another, kindred spirits sharing themselves in a way that they never shared with anyone in their respective series.
-- Whoa Nellie - Thu, 03 Apr 2003 19:29:03 -0500

10Touch by Seema
A fascinating pairing, at first glance an unlikely couple, but Seema captures the innate loneliness or emotional solitude of each captain within the context of great characterizations and portrays the sense of kindred spirits seeking comfort and intimacy with one another that makes the pairing work.
-- Whoa Nellie - Thu, 03 Apr 2003 19:30:02 -0500

3Beautiful by Seema
This story by Seema is well-named, for it truly is a beautiful one, well-written, portraying two of my favorite captains. I never thought of them linked romantically before, but the way Seema writes it, it makes perfect sense.
-- jamelia - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 00:16:32 -0500

3Beautiful by Seema
Only Seema could bring Janeway and Picard together in such a unique, angsty, and inherently true to character manner. If ever two characters were damned and destined for each other, these two were, and 'Beautiful' captures the painful essence of it all.
-- Ananke - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 10:15:48 -0400

8Lessons Learned by Ventura33
A serious look at the side of war not often talked about on the news - what happens to the children in the aftermath. Ro Laren was a good narrator for this story, which includes the left-behind Molly who fell through a time portal.
-- Lori - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 13:30:41 -0400

10Touch by Seema
I may share the blame for its existence, but this intimate look at an odd pairing is all Seema's doing - and she does it so well. Deftly drawn characters, spare prose, and understated emotion make this a prime example of Seema's abilities.
-- Lori - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 13:38:10 -0400

3Beautiful by Seema
First person, present tense, Picard's pov, and believable. Kathryn's attempt at a personal life comes to the inevitable end, and one can't help feeling sorry for them even though they've chosen this for themselves. Seema's OTP appears to have run its course, though I certainly hope she has more stories in mind for them.
-- Lori - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 13:46:58 -0400

8Lessons Learned by Ventura33
At its heart, Lessons Learned is an amazing story of redemption and forgiveness. A touching and wonderfully written tale of two women who find love and peace in each others arms, and who pass that love and peace on. There is a reunion scene to end all reunion scenes in this story, but I won't spoil it. Ro Laren is a tough compelling heroine, one that it was a pleasure to see again. My one complaint--and it may be that I'm just a prude at heart--is that, for me, the sex scenes took away from the plot. And that's a shame, because this is a beautiful and touching and enormously well-written offering.
-- Djinn - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 17:31:27 -0400

2Accidental Suicide by Christinecgb
Wow! This is a wonderfully complex and intense story and as with others from the most recent female Fuh-q fest, this is far more than just an opportunity to get Shelby and Janeway together. Shelby and Janeway are both so intense, both so driven to succeed. That they might come together in this way is entirely probable. This story is lovingly crafted, the dialogue and style are dark and spare but perfectly effective for the story being told. I truly loved this story! And the title and explanation for it are wonderful. Brava!
-- Djinn - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 17:32:59 -0400

7In Memory Remain by RoseKira
Lovely moment in the lives of Dax and McCoy. I loved the sadly resigned tone of the narrator, the grimness and the sweetness of the scene. Dax must have had a very strange life with all those hosts.
-- Djinn - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 17:33:18 -0400

3Beautiful by Seema
A fitting companion piece to Touch, and one that nicely shows the flip side of the relationship, Picard's take on the whole thing. I really like these two together, can see it very well even if they don't seem to have (or don't believe they have) what it takes to endure. But I think it'll be great while it lasts. And maybe Seema will find a way to make them work. This is full of angst but sweet and touching at the same time. Lovely work.
-- Djinn - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 17:33:40 -0400

10Touch by Seema
Touch is a lovingly and richly worked story. Seema truly brings both Picard and Janeway alive in this interlude. The voices are dead on, and the dialogue is perfect. Picard seems to be a man around whom ice crystals are forming. Janeway says she's the one that hasn't been touched, yet here I get the feeling she's much less isolated than he is. And she is isolated, and floundering a bit. It's a very bracing dynamic between the two of them. Sensual and eminently practical at the same time. I loved the little touches in this story, her inability to properly describe her appreciation of the wine, and his disappointment. The dust on the piano showing that parts of his life are not just empty but ignored. Great last lines. Great story. Well done!
-- Djinn - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 17:34:03 -0400

4Catfight in a Hot Vulcan Desert by Ventura33
Bwa ha ha ha! Dynasty meets Trek. (Or was that a moment of Jerry Springer.) And T'Pol's still wearing that buttly catsuit? Yeesh. I'd break up with her too! Catfight in a Hot Vulcan Desert is a very fun story that made me laugh out loud. I can't wait to see what incongruous pairings Ventura33 comes up with next because she always makes them work!
-- Djinn - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 17:34:29 -0400

9REMEMBERING HOSHI SATO by T'Lin
A sweet moment in time between two women who want to recall Hoshi, each for their own reasons. Very nice pacing.
-- Djinn - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 17:34:56 -0400

6Impress by Kelly
A wonderful look at Kai Winn, at her relationship with Dukat as he pretended to be Bajoran (and the disappointment that was coming to Winn from him), and a wonderful detail of a Kai captivated by a Starship captain. Excellent voices, especially Winn's. And the view we have of Janeway in her cabin is totally true to the character. Very strong voice despite the small role. Excellent story!
-- Djinn - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 17:35:48 -0400

11Tourniquet by Kat
God, this is just an outstanding story, especially when you know it is the first Trek work by this author. Truly exceptional. The pacing, the dialogue, the lovely, lovely description all make it a very special experience. My one complaint is that it ended too abruptly -- far too soon. I could have read for many more pages, wanted to keep reading. Kat brought the Crusher/Janeway pairing alive in a very slow, sensual, deliberate way. Restraint was paramount, both in the way the story is constructed and also in these two women. And I can't say I was all that willing going in to see this pairing really working, but this talented author made a believer out of me. I went in not knowing what I was going to be in for, and I came out the other side in love with Tourniquet. Really, truly, loved it! Extremely well done! I hope Kat has many more stories like this for us in the future--don't leave now that you've whet our appetite!!
-- Djinn - Sun, 06 Apr 2003 17:36:20 -0400

2Accidental Suicide by Christinecgb
I liked how this captured both Janeway and particularly Shelby. I found it impressive that Christine could so strongly evoke a one-shot character like Shelby and her opening certainly placed us into her mind and the timeframe in her life. I like how Christine paints the differences and similarities bet the two. The way the different nightmares in their lives affect the way they clash. I like how the title words figure in the story. The author has such a deft use of language like that and such a fine way with drawing character. The story also featured a neat twist.
-- RabbleRouser - Mon, 07 Apr 2003 20:15:37 -0400

3Beautiful by Seema
I liked "Touch," Seema's previous venture into a Picard/Janeway pairing very much. That story was told from Janeway's point of view so it was interesting in this story to see the relationship from the other side. It is interesting how in "Touch" Picard came across to me as somewhat aloof and forbidding and now in "Beautiful" it is Picard who sees the relationship as not meaning as much personally to Janeway. Interesting observation that she still refuses to call Picard by his first name. That is what can be interesting about reading dual points of view with their misinterpretations and miscommunications. In these stories it is Picard who is the admiral and Janeway who is the captain and it's interesting in both stories how that figures in their relationship. Interesting how she turned that down and how the glimpse Endgame gave her of one future may have influenced that. The ending is touching--and beautiful.
-- Rabble Rouser - Mon, 07 Apr 2003 20:18:04 -0400

4Catfight in a Hot Vulcan Desert by Ventura33
I thought this crossover between Enterprise and the original series was brilliant and hilarious. I loved how Ventura rings changes on Amok Time and that even in a parody like this one, Ventura's T'Pring stands out as a strong character. I couldn't help but relish a T'Pring as Chapel's lover and "radical feminist." LOL. I loved the way the plomeek soup figured in this tale. And the spin on Stonn's role and T'Pring's little comment about whether her plan was logical made me howl. This just got wilder and funnier as things went along. The long anticipated "cat-fight" had me giggling and I had to love the ending. "Catfight in a Hot Vulcan Desert" is evil and I love it!
-- Rabble Rouser - Mon, 07 Apr 2003 20:19:10 -0400

6Impress by Kelly
This is an impressive sketch of Kai Winn. I like what the author makes of Dukat calling her by name when for so many years she had been known only by title; how Winn is seduced by him body and soul. While conveying Winn's vanity and self-delusion that anything she wants must be fated by the Prophets, Kelly manages to also make you feel a great deal of sympathy for this woman so needy and vulnerable. Then the story turns to Janeway and I find myself impressed with how Kelly shows her through Winn's eyes. I liked how the different meanings of "impress" figured in the tale. And I like the irony of the end.
-- Rabble Rouser - Mon, 07 Apr 2003 20:21:59 -0400

7In Memory Remain by RoseKira
I thought this was a lovely and haunting vignette about saying your last goodbyes. I like how the point of view narrator describes the person she's watching and their past relationship. Nice voice and narrative flow leading up to the pleasant shock of recognition at the last lines. It ties in very nicely with canon and the any two characters' challenge.
-- Rabble Rouser - Mon, 07 Apr 2003 20:27:01 -0400

8Lessons Learned by Ventura33
I think Ventura captured Ro's no-nonsense, cynical persona well, as well as the honorable, caring woman underneath. Original characters such as Jessil and the young Cardassian officer were well-drawn too. I really liked the way Ventura dug into Ro's character without sparing her from the consequences of her actions. Ventura paints a vivid picture of war-time and post-war Cardassia as well. The relationship with the adult alternate Molly was done well and Ventura was very good at deftly conveying the young woman's innocence and shy wildness. I admit I found myself rather misty-eyed at more than one point in the story and I am not so easily moved--except it seems by certain stories of Ventura. I loved that last line. "Lessons Learned" is a wonderful, moving story of redemption.
-- Rabble Rouser - Mon, 07 Apr 2003 20:28:31 -0400

8Lessons Learned by Ventura33
This pairing is unusual but not rare. I have seen Picard and Janeway paired up before, but rarely as well as Seema does the two of them. In a way these two captains seem a natural pairing. They're certainly well-matched in many ways and Seema shows that beautifully in the story. The way they would understand each other as almost no one else would. Both so self-contained, so isolated in command in a way others like Kirk, Sisko, and Archer never seemed to be. It's striking that Janeway reflects that she can't remember the last time someone touched her. Seema has an interesting way with Janeway's first person point of view and it is interesting observing Picard through her eyes, the way she sees his hard edges and envies them. And the differences between them are nicely pointed too.
-- Rabble Rouser - Mon, 07 Apr 2003 20:29:47 -0400

10Touch by Seema
This pairing is unusual but not rare. I have seen Picard and Janeway paired up before, but rarely as well as Seema does the two of them. In a way these two captains seem a natural pairing. They're certainly well-matched in many ways and Seema shows that beautifully in the story. The way they would understand each other as almost no one else would. Both so self-contained, so isolated in command in a way others like Kirk, Sisko, and Archer never seemed to be. It's striking that Janeway reflects that she can't remember the last time someone touched her. Seema has an interesting way with Janeway's first person point of view and it is interesting observing Picard through her eyes, the way she sees his hard edges and envies them. And the differences between them are nicely pointed too.
-- Rabble Rouser - Mon, 07 Apr 2003 20:30:01 -0400

10Touch by Seema
I really enjoyed this story. The author is skilled with the way she works with the narrative with good use of vivid details to draw us in. Something in the way she used the present tense in the story lent it a mood I found very striking. I thought Beverly Crusher and Janeway paired nicely, and I liked the subtle way the author suggested the tension between the two of them and gradually developed the relationship. I liked the way the two began to confide in each other and Janeway's reflection that she had forgotten how to socialize with other women and the dialogue between them. I loved the line about "one-month stands." There's a very interesting portrayal of Janeway's mother, Gretchen, and their relationship between the lines even before she enters the story. (And a very interesting Picard here as well.) But this story is centered on the two women and I love how they slowly reveal themselves to each other and to us.
-- Rabble Rouser - Mon, 07 Apr 2003 20:32:51 -0400

11Tourniquet by Kat
I really enjoyed this story. The author is skilled with the way she works with the narrative with good use of vivid details to draw us in. Something in the way she used the present tense in the story lent it a mood I found very striking. I thought Beverly Crusher and Janeway paired nicely, and I liked the subtle way the author suggested the tension between the two of them and gradually developed the relationship. I liked the way the two began to confide in each other and Janeway's reflection that she had forgotten how to socialize with other women and the dialogue between them. I loved the line about "one-month stands." There's a very interesting portrayal of Janeway's mother, Gretchen, and their relationship between the lines even before she enters the story. (And a very interesting Picard here as well.) But this story is centered on the two women and I love how they slowly reveal themselves to each other and to us.
-- Rabble Rouser - Mon, 07 Apr 2003 20:33:04 -0400

2Accidental Suicide by Christinecgb
Excellent characterization of Shelby here, as a troubled warrior keeping her fears and uncertainty well hidden -- there's much more to her in this story than we saw on the TV screen. The pairing with a battle-scarred Janeway who's keeping her own secrets works surprisingly well.
-- Ventura33 - Fri, 11 Apr 2003 11:56:39 -0400

3Beautiful by Seema
This unlikely pairing manages to work for a while, even with all of its angst, though we know from the outset that it can't last long. The loneliness of command is deftly explored here.
-- Ventura33 - Fri, 11 Apr 2003 12:01:15 -0400

3Beautiful by Seema
The insecurities in this, from both characters, were done in a very different way. I love how Seema keeps them both in character, even though they're in a different situation than we've really seen before. Their individual journeys are what makes this story shine, though.
-- Sara - Mon, 14 Apr 2003 21:34:39 -0400

10Touch by Seema
Yet again, Seema does an excellent job at showing us a relationship that I'm no longer convinced doesn't exist. The way in which Janeway's preconceptions of Picard are challenged in this story really make it shine and make it believable.
-- Sara - Mon, 14 Apr 2003 21:52:59 -0400

11Tourniquet by Kat
The subtlety of the POV in this is interesting and really drew me into it when I read it the first time. Re-reading it, I really notice how this fic starts out to be all about the present, but in the end is about how people are affected (or choose not to be affected) by their past. Janeway and Crusher aren't a romantic pairing that automatically jumps to mind, but this fic really made me believe that in some sideways place they could work.
-- Sara - Mon, 14 Apr 2003 22:02:54 -0400

2Accidental Suicide by Christinecgb
I love Christine's deft touch with language. I was intrigued by her pairing up of Janeway and Shelby. Another beautiful fic.
-- Seema - Mon, 14 Apr 2003 22:37:14 -0400

6Impress by Kelly
I admit, I was apprehensive when I saw the pairing codes, but in Kelly's deft hands, anything is possible and believable and she did it again here pairing Janeway and Kai Winn. It's an amazing fic and definitely one that belongs on my "must save" list.
-- Seema - Mon, 14 Apr 2003 22:38:21 -0400

11Tourniquet by Kat
This was really Janeway's year to get paired with some very unusual people and it's amazing how well this pairing with Crusher was pulled off. Sensual, languid, just really wonderful fic. I loved it.
-- Seema - Mon, 14 Apr 2003 22:39:49 -0400

8Lessons Learned by Ventura33
I'm a sucker for first person POV stories and this is a wonderful one by Ventura33. I especially enjoyed seeing Ro Laren again. This story really highlights Ventura33's descriptive and storytelling abilities.
-- Seema - Mon, 14 Apr 2003 22:43:35 -0400

7In Memory Remain by RoseKira
A another lovely and angsty piece from RoseKira. I liked it.
-- Seema - Mon, 14 Apr 2003 22:44:18 -0400

4Catfight in a Hot Vulcan Desert by Ventura33
OH MY GOD. This was so damned funny. Totally off the wall pairing, totally off the wall premise, definitely not usually my thing and I loved every minute of it, from the deceptively tranquil beginning to that horrendous Dynasty-esque cat-mud fight. Folks, if you haven't read this one, run now and do so.
-- Paula Stiles - Mon, 14 Apr 2003 23:02:33 -0400

2Accidental Suicide by Christinecgb
I was surprised to like this one. In fact, I found several of the FemFuhQ contest quite good. It seemed to force the writers to get creative about getting characters together in a realistic way and this was one of the better ones. Two driven, brilliant women have a brief and intense affair, with incalculable effects that extend well beyond the end of the story. Well done.
-- Paula Stiles - Mon, 14 Apr 2003 23:04:21 -0400