2Another Glance by Sara Goose
Damn! This fast-moving story is intense, and hot, and a fantastic follow-on to one of my favorite bits ever in the series (one that TPTB never wanted to revisit, unfortunately...or maybe fortunately. The interaction is sort of like a car wreck--you just can't look away.) I love this story! It's so perfectly Miles. And Kira is great too. But mainly, it's the way that Miles's thoughts are detailed, for me, it is this that makes Another Glance really shine. Love the inner dialogue, it's exactly what I think he would have been thinking as the night unfolded. And I can see it happening just like this. Great job! I hope we see more from Sara in the DS9 arena next year!
-- Djinn - Tue, 11 Mar 2003 21:29:14 -0500

6Edge of the World by C. Zdroj
Beautiful, bittersweet, romantic, and intricately crafted. Edge of the World is a lovely look at what might be. I love the way the Odo/Kira relationship is portrayed here, the devotion that is shown, the similarities between their characters and their separate missions. Just wonderful. The dialogue is lovely, the characterizations dead-on. Lots of angst, a little bit of hope, and absolutely no sap. Very enjoyable story.
-- Djinn - Tue, 11 Mar 2003 21:30:17 -0500

8Intimacy by Katia
Wow. Very intense. An interesting premise, and one that managed to be both innocent and furtive in execution. I like this a lot.
-- Djinn - Tue, 11 Mar 2003 21:31:25 -0500

12Soul and Anchor by RoseKira
I think this is a very realistic look at the Bashir/Ezri relationship. Lots of baggage, lots of affection, and the potential for a world of problems and hurt. Nicely done!
-- Djinn - Tue, 11 Mar 2003 21:31:50 -0500

2Another Glance by Sara Goose
O'Brien and Kira are not a couple I would ordinarily think of, despite the hints given in canon. Sara does a good job in this story of picking up on that spark of attraction and exploring it further.
-- Rocky - Thu, 13 Mar 2003 16:37:16 -0500

9It Wouldn't Be Make-Believe by Djinn
I was very glad to see a story that dealt with Vic in-depth, from the very beginning until the bittersweet end. Ezri has never been one of my favorites, but Djinn did a good job showing why Vic fell in love with her, and I did enjoy following their relationship. Very skillful interweaving among the canon material (such as Nog's wounds, and the reason why the events of "Badda Bang Badda Bing" came into play) as well as taking the story boldly beyond the end of DS9. Vic really came to life in this story. I liked the idea of other sentient holograms, and I'm sure Section 31 would *love* to have a whole slew of this type of operative. The ending was very poignant indeed.
-- Rocky - Thu, 13 Mar 2003 16:38:32 -0500

8Intimacy by Katia
Very sensuous. This author has a good feel for descriptive language.
-- Rocky - Thu, 13 Mar 2003 16:41:06 -0500

5Drown by Tori Morris
I loved this one. Lyrical, affecting, smart. Good word choices and a lovely sense of melancholy.
-- nostalgia - Sun, 16 Mar 2003 00:24:00 -0500

5Drown by Tori Morris
I loved this one. Lyrical, affecting, smart. Good word choices and a lovely sense of melancholy.
-- nostalgia - Sun, 16 Mar 2003 00:24:04 -0500

5Drown by Tori Morris
Can't remember if I've already voted for this, as my 'puter crashed half-way...I loved this. It was haunting, melancholy, angsty. Not my favourite character, but it made me care despite that. Beautiful.
-- nostalgia - Wed, 19 Mar 2003 05:02:49 -0500

7Home Again by Tori Morris
Love this. Utterly. A smart take on a smart "what if?" Gorgeous prose, gorgeous.
-- nostalgia - Wed, 19 Mar 2003 05:04:05 -0500

9It Wouldn't Be Make-Believe by Djinn
Smart, touching, very insightful.
-- nostalgia - Wed, 19 Mar 2003 05:09:28 -0500

5Drown by Tori Morris
Another piece from Tori with a unique, raw look at Odo and how it must feel to essentially switch bodies but not constitution.
-- Sara - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 02:21:13 -0500

6Edge of the World by C. Zdroj
A heart-wrenching piece that is so beautifully written that left me wanting to know "what happens now?"
-- Sara - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 02:29:02 -0500

7Home Again by Tori Morris
A sparse, realistic look at what might happen. And it makes me nearly cry every time I read it. The little details in this are absolutely priceless, as well.
-- Sara - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 02:31:58 -0500

2Another Glance by Sara Goose
Another Glance is a very good story of the mutual attraction between Kira and O'Brien, beautifully told and moving. But it is also a story of all the things that holds O'Brien to Keiko in spite of that. I liked details like how O'Brien held the picture of Keiko in his mind against temptation but also liked how Sara makes you feel what a very close thing it was. I thought the whole dance: the rationalizations and excuses to linger, as well as what holds you back from the brink, all rang very true. This was an excellent follow-up to the dynamic between Kira and O'Brien we saw in "Looking For Par'Mach" Anyone who saw that episode will appreciate this story all the more. This story showed great control of characterization, mood, and theme I enjoyed. This story was definitely a fav among the Deep Space Nine stories I read this year, very memorable and comes highly recommended.
-- Rabble Rouser - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 10:14:58 -0500

5Drown by Tori Morris
Interesting interior monologue from Odo's POV about what the Great Link has to offer him.
-- Rabble Rouser - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 10:15:29 -0500

6Edge of the World by C. Zdroj
I enjoyed this well-written story. I thought that "The Edge of the World" captured Kira and Odo and their relationship together very well. I liked details throughout the story like the way he was tracing her body to take the memory of her into the link and how she thought how long before she knew him he hadn't looked alien to her. I like how the author describes the great link and how Odo has changed since he was last there. And how they describe him again as a being apart. Throughout the story I think the author does a beautiful job of conveying Odo's alienness and his unique perspective. He's equally good at conjuring up Kira-Nerys' voice and personality. The reunion between Kira and Odo is described beautifully, poetically, with a wealth of emotion. I liked the image of Kira as a bird whose element is the sky while Odo is a creature of the ocean. The entire encounter between them was evocative and poignant. The conversation between Kira and Ezri was well done too. This was a wonderful, bittersweet tale and I like how it ends: "not the end."
-- Rabble Rouser - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 10:16:31 -0500

7Home Again by Tori Morris
The present tense gave the tale an intimate feel. The last line is a heartbreaker.
-- Rabble Rouser - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 10:17:16 -0500

8Intimacy by Katia
Interesting, nice point of view and style.
-- Rabble Rouser - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 10:17:52 -0500

9It Wouldn't Be Make-Believe by Djinn
I love this story from its first lines that so well evoke Vic Fontaine. It's a powerful beginning. And even the title "It Wouldn’t Be Make-Believe" is absolutely perfect for a hologram in love who sings the standards including "Paper Moon." I'm not fond of hologram characters, though I’ve always had a weakness for Vic Fontaine. There's something about his personality that appeals to me. Yet even if you don't particularly like the character, I predict you'll love this story anyway. The beginning sets up his beginnings so well and then moves into scenes on the station viewing the familiar Deep Space Nine characters from a unique perspective. And there's more: intrigue, a very vivid original character, and romance. The scenes between Vic and Ezri are very believable and Djinn builds up the relationship in a natural way. The ending in particular is moving and powerful, a great payoff for all that has gone before. This is a longer story than most in fan fiction that flirts with novel length but the pacing is flawless and the story gripping from beginning to end. Like all Djinn's stories, you'll find yourself in good hands with her wonderful narrative gift and ability to look at familiar characters in a fresh way. She completely draws you into her world.
-- Rabble Rouser - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 10:19:11 -0500

12Soul and Anchor by RoseKira
I liked this story of Ezri as much about her relationship with the other Dax's as with Julian.
-- Rabble Rouser - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 10:19:55 -0500

2Another Glance by Sara Goose
This story features a pairing - O'Brien and Kira - that I'm surprised isn't done much more often. O'Brien's feelings of conflicts are clearly shown here and I love the little details, like the hint of whiskey in Kira's breath. Another gorgeous story from Sara.
-- Seema - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 20:39:19 -0500

5Drown by Tori Morris
It's rare to see Odo angst and this fic is very well written.
-- Seema - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 20:40:21 -0500

6Edge of the World by C. Zdroj
Chris writes some of the most beautifully detailed and passionate O/K fic around and this is no exception to the rule. As always, she has the characterizations down beautifully.
-- Seema - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 20:41:30 -0500

7Home Again by Tori Morris
What a bittersweet homecoming for Benjamin Sisko! I love how this story flows, and how it manages to convey so much about life after DS9 in such a succinct way. Lovely work.
-- Seema - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 20:42:46 -0500

9It Wouldn't Be Make-Believe by Djinn
From the first paragraph to the last, this is a meaty novel that really gets down under the skin (so to speak) of Vic Fontaine. From the holodeck to the dark corridors of Section 31, Djinn does a terrific job in characterizing Vic. The Vic 'voice' in this story is more than just a "pally" here or there. Vic's personality is emphasized even more with the addition of Victoria, his 'sister.' Vic and Victoria together make an intriguing team - drawing themselves in a center of violence which is nothing less than horrifying. In addition, Djinn does a lovely job painting a portrait of post-DS9 Ezri as well. Both Ezri and Vic are very sympathetic in the fic as they stumble towards a relationship - that in Djinn's capable hands - is extremely believable and poignant.
-- Seema - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 20:46:37 -0500

12Soul and Anchor by RoseKira
The Ezri in this fic is strong-willed and I like that. I also enjoyed her conflicting feelings - towards Bashir and Jadzia both. Nice job!
-- Seema - Thu, 20 Mar 2003 20:48:19 -0500

9It Wouldn't Be Make-Believe by Djinn
Djinn does a great job at making what could have otherwise been a throw-away holographic character into something (and someone) more memorable.
-- Sara - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 16:25:28 -0500

9It Wouldn't Be Make-Believe by Djinn
Djinn does a fine job of creating an interesting, "real" Vic Fontaine. And the ending is a killer.
-- Kelly Chambliss - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 18:00:05 -0500

8Intimacy by Katia
I'd read more DS9 fic if there were more interesting f/f pairings like this one. This story gives me just what I like: f/f, good angst, and hot sex.
-- Kelly Chambliss - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 18:08:21 -0500

9It Wouldn't Be Make-Believe by Djinn
This novel takes a sentient hologram and makes him real. Djinn sustains Vic Fontaine's voice believably for page after page, illuminates his origins, and shapes the Vic we all know and love. Then she weaves a plot around him and ends with bang that resonates long after you finish reading. I can't say a lot more without spoiling the story, but it's all Vic, the side of him you didn't see in the episodes, completely believable as a hologram yet wonderfully drawn so that you're sucked in and forced to believe that a hologram and a real person could fall in love and have a relationship. What a ride. This is what fanfiction should be. The characters are themselves, and yet so much more.
-- Lori - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 21:32:24 -0500

2Another Glance by Sara Goose
Miles and Kira have been a pairing in fic before, but not quite this way. This feels quite realistic to me, in the emotions and the way he handles it. Great job!
-- Lori - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 21:44:34 -0500

7Home Again by Tori Morris
What a sad, sad vignette. Thank you, Tori, for a postscript that tugs at the heartstrings.
-- Lori - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 21:52:37 -0500

5Drown by Tori Morris
I don't think I've seen enough of this kind of thing-- dark Kira/Odo fic. It's strange to imagine Odo missing aspects of being physically human, but this makes sense-- as does the drawing away from Kira, the falling toward the Founder. Very powerful.
-- Alara Rogers - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 22:21:17 -0500

7Home Again by Tori Morris
The price of stepping out of time is that time goes on without you. This is beautifully done. You can feel Sisko's heartbreak when he realizes what happened to Jake.
-- Alara Rogers - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 22:23:05 -0500

9It Wouldn't Be Make-Believe by Djinn
I didn't like Vic Fontaine in DS9-- mostly, I think, because I can't stand Sinatra, and so having to hear him sing Sinatra songs drove me nuts-- but I really enjoy Vic fanfics that deal with his issues as a sentient being. I also like Section 31 fics. This one didn't disappoint. The paranoia and twists that are so appropriate to S-31 fics make me *still* wonder if Sloan had something to do with Ezri's death. And even though Victoria was mostly a bitch you could feel for Vic when he had to kill her. Very nice.
-- Alara Rogers - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 23:04:42 -0500

2Another Glance by Sara Goose
Even at the start, when the Cardassians were going to destroy the station, Kira and Miles connected. There was always an unspoken understanding, and she seemed to see him as the one starfleeter that understood her own point of view. And yet, he is and was and always will be honorable. I love the way this story is so sparce, just giving out the needed details. And its very true to both, united around a child and a woman neither would hurt. One glance was all they could afford, but both must have wondered how it might be if there could be a second.
-- Valerie Shearer - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 01:42:17 -0500

5Drown by Tori Morris
This is a lovely story, both tragic and joyfull. Odo is a man who belongs nowhere. He may love Kira, but must do it on her terms. He has no way to share his true self with those he cares about, and cannot possible ever really explain why the link, so dangerous and wrong, was so compelling he'd let everything else go for it. A little of us understands why, even if he did betray those who expected better. Who could resist the chance to be fully and completely without a mask?
-- Valerie Shearer - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 01:52:51 -0500

7Home Again by Tori Morris
Everything changes. When you ascend to godhood you leave things behind. And people. But even prophets can mourn when they go home, and miss what they left behind. Sisko can come back, but never really go home again.
-- Valerie Shearer - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 01:56:41 -0500

10Rabbit in the Headlights by Sue Mason
I have to comment on this one... its so vicious and painful and real. It tells about the pain that happened then, and the pain that would never quite go away. And the twist and turns of the story are well done, both victums with much to live with.
-- Valerie Shearer - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 02:02:08 -0500

9It Wouldn't Be Make-Believe by Djinn
One of the best characters that is truely of DS9 is Vic. He's unique and believeable and this story paints him wonderfully.
-- Valerie Shearer - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 02:04:39 -0500

9It Wouldn't Be Make-Believe by Djinn
Djinn's versatile and prolific muse (OK, I admit I'm more than a teeny bit jealous) is in rare form with this one! Vic's journey into sentience is handled sensitively and believably as he explores the meaning of his new existence on DS9. And oh boy, what super-creepy, thoroughly evil Section 31 schemes Vic has to contend with -- and there's a very sweet romance, too, that doesn't seem any less real because Vic is a hologram. Even though Djinn gives enough hints to let the reader figure out where this story is going, that doesn't detract from the emotional wallop at the end. An outstanding novel from an author who seems able to write just about anything that can possibly be imagined!
-- Ventura33 - Tue, 25 Mar 2003 17:45:13 -0500

7Home Again by Tori Morris
This was tragic angst. Also very well written. And tragic. I like it when people add angst to things.
-- nostalgia - Tue, 25 Mar 2003 17:56:26 -0500