6Do It Again: Prologue by Alara Rogers
Alara's back! and she's back with a story that had me almost begging for more, and I only say almost because I know begging for more from Alara is futile. It will arrive when it arrives and we'll enjoy every word when it does. Meanwhile this tale of Q starting an alternate timeline is quite interesting. Fortunately there is already a sequal out there. Most unusual with Alara. Read this and praise her ... perhaps we'll get more of her work again soon.
-- Stephen Ratliff - Tue, 11 Mar 2003 10:28:36 -0500

5Do It Again: Farpoint Revisited by Alara Rogers
Alara continues her Do It Again series with this revision of Encounter at Farpoint. The decision to have Q appear as a woman was well done, and could be projected from Q-pid. Of particular note was the interaction with Worf, which I found unexpected, but welcome. This seems to be setting up a Picard/Q relationship that I'm eager to see developed. Alara? More.
-- Stephen Ratliff - Tue, 11 Mar 2003 11:11:47 -0500

3Bev and the Boys by Patricia
I love the fact that Patricia lets the characters, especially Beverly Crusher, out of the box that TPTB placed them in. Her stories are always entertaining and well-written.
-- Damien Medina - Tue, 11 Mar 2003 17:48:18 -0500

2A New Kind of Ordinary by Sara Goose
In this story Sara does a good job of capturing the essence of the W/T relationship and how two such completely different individuals could be attracted to each other and try to accommodate their sometimes conflicting needs. I liked this very much.
-- Rocky - Thu, 13 Mar 2003 16:35:15 -0500

12On the Madhouse Boards by Lori
This story was probably the most supurb posting of the year. The psychological aspect of the plot was very vividly written, although some of the imagery was disturbing. It was another terrific addition to the Captain and Counselor series.
-- Whoa Nellie - Thu, 13 Mar 2003 18:50:07 -0500

2A New Kind of Ordinary by Sara Goose
I really enjoyed this look at the W/T relationship in its infancy. I like both Worf and Troi's uncertainty about the other in this fic and their conversation. This 'first date' of theirs is very well written. Nice job, Sara!
-- Seema - Fri, 14 Mar 2003 21:17:26 -0500

12On the Madhouse Boards by Lori
This is a highly ambitious and intelligent novel. From the very first line to the last, it's a gripping and complex plot. Lori has a wonderful way with Picard and Troi. She makes an unlikely pairing believable. In addition, she writes aliens who are three-dimensional and truly original in their conception and form. The story premise is that Picard is badly wounded and Deanna has to take control of the Enterprise while still keeping her emotions under check. I love the way Lori writes Troi here - Deanna is every bit the professional and competent Starfleet officer. In addition, she's also a wife deeply wounded by her husband's rejection of her. The two personnas are skillfully blended together. This is truly a magnificent novel - one that blends a deep and loving relationship with an intricate plot.
-- Seema - Fri, 14 Mar 2003 21:24:01 -0500

15Pilgrim by Lori
This fic answers a fundamental question in Lori's brilliant "Captain and Counselor" series: what does Deanna Troi see in Jean-Luc Picard? This fic features a very introspective Deanna, beautifully written.
-- Seema - Fri, 14 Mar 2003 21:26:07 -0500

19The Big Boy's Guide to Venous Occlusion by Lori
A very clever Deanna here tries to console Jean-Luc about a certain problem. A very interesting premise told in a tongue-in-cheek manner with lots of, um, factual evidence to back Deanna up. Definately a fun story.
-- Seema - Fri, 14 Mar 2003 21:32:45 -0500

3Bev and the Boys by Patricia
What can i say about Patricia's story 'Bev and The Boys' but wonderfully entertaining! I would check the newsgroup every night axniously awaiting to see what was next in store for Bev! Nice job.
-- Char - Sat, 15 Mar 2003 20:08:21 -0500

5Do It Again: Farpoint Revisited by Alara Rogers
After the wonderful prologue, it was great to see the first story in the 'Do It Again' universe. I loved seeing the new Q, both in terms of the form xe now took as well as how xe drew on the past experience to influence expectations this time around. I am looking forward to more stories in this universe.
-- Rocky - Sun, 16 Mar 2003 10:18:24 -0500

6Do It Again: Prologue by Alara Rogers
Nobody writes Q like Alara, and this story proves it once again. The whole 'redo' premise is very interesting and this prologue does a great job of setting the stage.
-- Rocky - Sun, 16 Mar 2003 10:20:19 -0500

12On the Madhouse Boards by Lori
There is so much to talk about with this particular story. Not only is it the latest (and possibly greatest) entry in the long-running and amazing Captain and Counselor series, but it tackles some complex issues and leaves the reader with much to think about. At this point, we've gotten comfortable with the whole Picard/Troi relationship, seen them grow and evolve into very different people and build a solid professional interaction which beautifully echoes and consolidates their personal one. And now something occurs that results in the deconstruction (literally and figuratively) of everything that they have built together. All of this is interwoven with an astonishingly complex storyline involving multiple new species of aliens who are truly alien in appearance and type and whose motivations and behavior aren't entirely understood (if they are at all). And it's set against the backdrop of complex Alpha Quadrant and Starfleet politics. It's an astonishing ride and Lori is a master at getting us to our destination as well as challenging and entertaining us along the way. This is one of the finest stories of the year.
-- Rocky - Sun, 16 Mar 2003 10:25:38 -0500

15Pilgrim by Lori
This is a great companion piece to "Elephants In The Lift", the story that launched the Captain and Counselor series. As much as I enjoyed that story, this one is even better. I love this glimpse into Deanna's mindset and feelings of the time, even more so looking on it in retrospect of what happened next.
-- Rocky - Sun, 16 Mar 2003 10:27:13 -0500

19The Big Boy's Guide to Venous Occlusion by Lori
This difficult (dare one say hard?) topic is not one usually tackled in fanfic, and even if it were, it probably wouldn't be handled as well as Lori does here. As always, the conversation between Picard and Troi really sparkles, and the sensitivity and warmth and caring they have for one another really comes through (along with a whole lot of information I'm sure most of us never knew or thought to ask). This is another fine addition to the amazing Captain and Counselor series.
-- Rocky - Sun, 16 Mar 2003 10:29:30 -0500

2A New Kind of Ordinary by Sara Goose
We don't see much Worf/Troi. Sara makes me wonder about that deficiency. I think we need to see more of Sara's W/T; she makes it a plausible and interesting pairing, and she doesn't forget Alexander, either.
-- Lori - Sun, 16 Mar 2003 11:58:26 -0500

12On the Madhouse Boards by Lori
Another wonderful installment in my favourite TNG universe. The opening scenes, where Picard is in and out, are wonderful; the alternately panicked and languidly pace is fascinating. As the story progresses, the way in which the characters deal with Picard's memory loss seemed very realistic to me, and was an interesting look at these characters in a different type of difficult situation.I love what Lori does with the minor characters in this serires, both her own and one's she's made her own. Of course I mean this characterization-wise, because I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment to find out exactly what she has done with them.
-- Sara - Sun, 16 Mar 2003 12:44:46 -0500

14Phoenix by RoseKira
A nice First Contact piece, with some lovely details and a great look at why exacly Deanna appeared to be in charge of the launch.
-- Sara - Sun, 16 Mar 2003 13:22:45 -0500

15Pilgrim by Lori
I hesitate to say this, because I know Lori will come and blow me away again, but I think this is my favourite Captain and Counselor story. Lori is so in tune with this character, and that really shines in this story. "Pilgrim" also goes a long way to explaining Riker and his motivations for leaving. This story is really a capping stone on this whole universe because it goes back to the beginning, except this time with the author's knowledge of what happens next. Someone who was just starting with these stories really wouldn't be able to tell that this one was written so long after its companion piece, and I think that is what makes this such an impressive piece.
-- Sara - Sun, 16 Mar 2003 14:14:37 -0500

12On the Madhouse Boards by Lori
Once again, a nice job done with the P/T realtionship. Keep on writing, I'll keep reading.
-- Char - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 01:45:01 -0500

2A New Kind of Ordinary by Sara Goose
The story is well-written and smoothly narrated with a good handle on the characters, their personalities and voices. I liked how well Sara delineated the attraction between Worf and Troi as well as the little fissures, the differences, which might have been the cause of their separating. Sara shows that in big things and small, in everything from how the limitations on what they can share emotionally to something as subtle as an accommodation on wearing or not wearing perfume. But Sara's also very good at showing the appeal of this relationship too, what Worf brings to the picture, showing a very attractive side in things like his interaction with Alexander. I thought the story did a beautiful job in showing the dynamics in the relationship.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 16:58:27 -0500

4Cold Feet by Deede
An interesting trip through Deanna's thoughts before her wedding with Riker.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 16:59:35 -0500

5Do It Again: Farpoint Revisited by Alara Rogers
The heart of the arc naturally is going to be Q’s relationship with Picard and reading those two together in the reprise of Far Point is very enjoyable. I hardly hold the pilot of TNG (or the entire first season) as beloved but the take on the episode in this alternate timeline is tremendous fun even in such small things as the description of Data as a doll.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 17:00:40 -0500

6Do It Again: Prologue by Alara Rogers
This "Do It Again" story arc is sheer fun from the very first paragraph of the prologue as the author describes the shenanigans of baby Q. ("No you may *not* put the white dwarf in your mouth. I don't care how tasty it looks." LOL). I’m fascinated with Alara's treatment of the nature of the Continuum and how she sees Q's role within as a devil's advocate. And Q's interaction with the...er...Mrs. Q of "The Q and the Grey" in a brief scene is a riot. I like Alara's take on that entity--and the reason for Q's passing fancy for Janeway for that matter. The premise behind the whole idea of this arc is delicious. Moreover, as with all of Alara's stories I've read, the story is well-crafted, a sheer pleasure to read both in terms of narrative and the accurate characterizations of familiar canon figures. The prologue to this arc is tremendous fun and very enjoyable. I look forward to reading more stories within this arc. The prologue certainly sets a high standard to match!
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 17:01:45 -0500

8Impressions by Deede
This was an interesting perspective from which to see Troi.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 17:02:37 -0500

9Incendiary by Whoa Nellie
This featured an interesting pairing I had never seen before--Crusher/Chakotay. The story is well written and smoothly narrated. I liked the "cameo" mention of a W Nellie as a bodice-ripper romance writer.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 17:03:17 -0500

11Once Bitten by Deede
Interesting to observe the R/T thru Picard and Geordi. I liked the scene with Worf.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 17:04:07 -0500

12On the Madhouse Boards by Lori
"On the Madhouse Boards" is an epic novel in length and complexity, and a real science fiction novel to boot. It features some interesting, original, and truly creepy aliens. I found it particularly interesting how Lori depicted the shattering of a mind. The novel is well narrated with vivid descriptions and a well-developed plot. And as long as I'm discussing it, I have to say one of its pleasures was definitely a certain dog. It features a very different Deanna Troi than I’m used to seeing.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 17:05:56 -0500

13Perfectly Resistible by Whoa Nellie
I enjoyed this clever tale of an empath hoist on her own petard. Or is that her own Picard?.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 17:09:28 -0500

14Phoenix by RoseKira
I really liked this story about Deanna Troi and her interaction with a special child. It was well written and I thought captured the TNG characters quite nicely. The story flowed nicely and dug well into Troi's thoughts. I found it rather moving in fact, as the story showed the heartache and hard knocks of a child's life in Cochran's "post-atomic" era and how they affect a young boy. Rose Kira was good at developing the child's personality and intelligence. And the author manages that despite the fact that child characters are very hard to do. I also thought she captured Cochran's character very well--or the TNG/ENT Cochran we saw in "First Contact" anyway. The story has a cool twist at the end too I really liked. This is a memorable story that stayed with me that I found genuinely moving.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 17:13:22 -0500

14Phoenix by RoseKira
This is very well written. Lori treats Troi's character with respect and affection even while taking her in a very different direction than canon. I like how Lori writes here from Troi's POV and her observations through that lens of Picard. I liked the insights into Picard's brand of leadership. During her reflections we learn as much about Troi's own thought processes as well and her difficulties in filtering her Betazoid perceptions. The way those perceptions kicked in while Deanna was watching a play was I thought very interesting. I liked the way Lori developed Troi's feelings for Picard and the problems that caused. Her pain in fearing that those feelings were not returned was vividly conveyed. I thought "Pilgrim" was an interesting look at the beginnings of the pairing Lori has made her own.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 17:15:48 -0500

16Pride And Joy by Deede
It was nice to read a fic from Lwaxana's POV.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 17:17:10 -0500

17Spelunk This by Whoa Nellie
I enjoyed the banter here between Vash and Picard. Nice interchange about Picard's tendency to destroy priceless artifacts and an amusing display of Picardian stubbornness.
-- Rabble Rouser - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 17:18:12 -0500

3Bev and the Boys by Patricia
This is terrific, and interesting unusual plot that grabs you from the start and great dialogue. Thank you Patricia.Who needs Jean-Luc when you've got the boys!
-- Catherine - Tue, 18 Mar 2003 18:01:44 -0500

15Pilgrim by Lori
This is very well written. Lori treats Troi's character with respect and affection even while taking her in a very different direction than canon. I like how Lori writes here from Troi's POV and her observations through that lens of Picard. I liked the insights into Picard's brand of leadership. During her reflections we learn as much about Troi's own thought processes as well and her difficulties in filtering her Betazoid perceptions. The way those perceptions kicked in while Deanna was watching a play was I thought very interesting. I liked the way Lori developed Troi's feelings for Picard and the problems that caused. Her pain in fearing that those feelings were not returned was vividly conveyed. I thought "Pilgrim" was an interesting look at the beginnings of the pairing Lori has made her own.
-- RabbleRouser - Wed, 19 Mar 2003 10:10:57 -0500

3Bev and the Boys by Patricia
Though the premise took me by surprise, I've been really enjoying this series - and the exploration of sexual mores in the future. It's a nice concept - that we can be adult about adult activities! Nicely written.
-- Ke Roth - Fri, 21 Mar 2003 17:05:36 -0500

9Incendiary by Whoa Nellie
This one proves that not only can crossovers work, they can surpass all expectations. The best of both characters came out when they were put together.
-- Ananke - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 15:01:03 -0500

12On the Madhouse Boards by Lori
As with all of the Captain and Counselor installments, this is a lovely, intricate, and completely believable pairing of aces.
-- Ananke - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 15:02:26 -0500

15Pilgrim by Lori
Another beautiful work of art from Lori.
-- Ananke - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 15:03:00 -0500

5Do It Again: Farpoint Revisited by Alara Rogers
I love Alara's Q. She not only knows exactly how to characterize that enigmatic race (or whatever they are), but she's also one of the few writers who can make Picard/Q a believable pairing.
-- Kelly Chambliss - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 17:42:24 -0500

19The Big Boy's Guide to Venous Occlusion by Lori
The is classic Lori. Tongue in cheek, humourous, well-written, psychological and unique.
-- Jerie - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 19:43:52 -0500

2A New Kind of Ordinary by Sara Goose
Sara examines the early days of Worf and Deanna's relationship. Her characterizations are right on as is her exploration of their new relationship.
-- Jerie - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 19:51:24 -0500

15Pilgrim by Lori
This is my favorite Lori story. This story, a part of the Captain and Counselor series, explores the beginning of the Troi/Picard relationship from Deanna's POV. As usual, Lori gets into Deanna Troi's head like no other author I know, and this story illustrates her talent perfectly. It's excellent, really, and should be read by all Trek fans. Lori makes Picard/Troi so believable and so much more plausible and interesting than the now-canon Riker/Troi (blech).
-- Jerie - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 20:05:59 -0500

12On the Madhouse Boards by Lori
This novel is a finely crafted work of art and is probably the best story Lori has written. The plot is complex and tight, the main characters are very well-written and three-dimensional, the story is sprinkled with unusual and believable original characters and aliens. The Captain and Counselor's relationship is stretched to breaking. They find themselves in situations they have never been before and believably meet the challenges. This story is full of intrigue, psychology, emotion, and action. A wonderful read.
-- Jerie - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 20:34:38 -0500

2A New Kind of Ordinary by Sara Goose
It's nice to see some relatively happy Worf/Troi, and Troi's perspective on their relationship was interestingly pragmatic.
-- Jemima - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 21:24:21 -0500

6Do It Again: Prologue by Alara Rogers
Now that's a reset button! The Q-pronouns were a nice touch.
-- Jemima - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 21:24:57 -0500

12On the Madhouse Boards by Lori
Adventure, admiralty politics, psychotherapy, and love stories - there's something in OtMB for everyone. Months after first reading this story, Deanna's sudden realization of what's going on and her subsequent escape from the alien ship are still fresh in my mind. OtMB features a variety of fascinating new aliens in the Alliance as well as further insight into deLio and the L'norim. Lori is a master at aliens. Of the human characters, Greenman is starting to grow on me, and I also enjoyed Laerta the ambassador.The plot centers around the changes Picard goes through after he's injured on an away-mission - behaving out of character and denying it to himself and others. I admire Lori's ability to make him do so, and yet preserve the essential Picard. Deanna is left in command of the ship for most of the story, having to deal with aliens, admirals, overeager junior officers, inquiries, pregnancy, a toddler, and Picard's problems on top of it all. Really it's Lori juggling all these things and she makes it look effortless.
-- Jemima - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 21:25:41 -0500

15Pilgrim by Lori
I couldn't help reading the whole thing again. Though it's mostly Deanna contemplating, this story grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. It's nice to be taken back to the beginning of the Captain and Counselor series and to see things from Deanna's perspective. Lori shows how knowing what an empath does about other people's feelings doesn't solve any of her problems, and can even make them worse.
-- Jemima - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 21:26:25 -0500

19The Big Boy's Guide to Venous Occlusion by Lori
I enjoyed Deanna's lecture on the History and Anatomy of Tab A more than Jean Luc did. I definitely sensed his annoyance, but she got through his thick skull in the end. The info-dumps, dialogue and wandering around the holodeck fit into Deanna's plan quite well.
-- Jemima - Sun, 23 Mar 2003 21:27:05 -0500

2A New Kind of Ordinary by Sara Goose
A well-rendered story with vivid description that really puts the reader into the scene. I enjoyed the friendship between Worf and Troi.
-- Ventura33 - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 17:36:25 -0500

3Bev and the Boys by Patricia
Hee! This one is outrageous, hilarious, and pretty darn hot, too! What evil lurks in the mind of our innocent-looking Bev (snicker).
-- Ventura33 - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 17:39:40 -0500

6Do It Again: Prologue by Alara Rogers
LOL! I just about died laughing at the description of a vigilant Mama Q constantly having to admonish her brat to quit putting white dwarf stars in his mouth, playing with timelines, and so forth. Priceless!
-- Ventura33 - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 18:00:00 -0500

12On the Madhouse Boards by Lori
This ambitious novel is a harrowing psychological drama as well as a creepy adventure involving furry cannibals and other vividly rendered alien species. Deanna Troi in command of the Enterprise is a strong and competent officer who stays focused on the needs of the ship and crew, even when her personal life seems to have been torn to shreds. The description of a tormented, brain-injured Picard has the chilling feel of nightmare as the reader is taken for a grand tour of his hallucinations. The aliens' rivalries and other assorted motives build up into quite a mystery, too! And I just LOVE the android pup! A fabulous tale from beginning to end.
-- Ventura33 - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 18:20:43 -0500

13Perfectly Resistible by Whoa Nellie
Woo hoo, this was fun! Kamala the empathic metamorph, that beautiful princess bride in a cargo container who made us all groan at the male chauvinistic absurdity of the ep, still hasn't gotten over being "imprinted" on Picard. And does she ever stalk him! But Vash, Deanna, and Lwaxana have a scheme to deal with her -- and of course, there's all the hot Picard and Vash action that Whoa Nellie specializes in. Gotta love it!
-- Ventura33 - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 18:31:36 -0500

17Spelunk This by Whoa Nellie
Great dialogue in this one. I could just picture Vash's exasperation when Picard revealed just how many archaeological legends he had "regretfully" destroyed during his career. Hee hee!
-- Ventura33 - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 18:38:44 -0500

14Phoenix by RoseKira
Awww. I loved the ending, great little twist there and I didn't see it coming. Nice look at Deanna. Good voice. And her teasing with both Cochrane and Riker was first rate. A very nice look at a missing moment in First Contact.
-- Djinn - Tue, 25 Mar 2003 00:41:46 -0500

6Do It Again: Prologue by Alara Rogers
Nobody does Q and especially Q humor like Alara Rogers! I just about fell over laughing at the opening bit, where Q, sounding like a normal parent...sort of...is reasoning with his child. This is just too damn funny! And I love the chance to see the female Q. I do so love her, and Alara has the voice just perfect. Q's self talk is too funny!
-- Djinn - Tue, 25 Mar 2003 00:42:01 -0500

15Pilgrim by Lori
Very cool story. Very interesting look at the decision point when a friendship becomes something more, or could become that if two people can get past the usual roles and the barriers that their lives up to that point have erected. I like the picture of Picard that Deanna draws for us. And this is an unusual Deanna, with some scary habits and some rather dark obsessiveness. I liked that, I liked that they might be sort of equally twisted in a genteel and gentle way.
-- Djinn - Tue, 25 Mar 2003 00:42:53 -0500

12On the Madhouse Boards by Lori
AFter regaining internet connection, this was the story I came back to finish. It's an impressive presentation of mental confusion and the impact that has not only on the person suffering from it but on those around them. Lori makes the Picard/Troi relationship not only believable but somehow inevitable. She's got a great handle on how those two would grow together and react to one another. The story is long but it is controlled, with good pacing, good subplots and memorable characters. Very well done.
-- Penny Proctor - Tue, 25 Mar 2003 18:28:43 -0500