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Date Posted: 09:19:07 03/28/03 Fri
Author: Luce
Subject: Gina Dartt - just posted a new story

Run, don't walk over to Novel Expectations. Millennium #12, Beta Beginnings II, has been posted by Gina Dartt.

http://www.northco.net/~janeway/Welcome.html

Luce

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Replies:

[> A J/7 related post - wow!!! -- andrewsfan, 14:27:09 03/29/03 Sat


A novelty

I just read #11 Beta Beginnings Part I last night
and discovered that I have something in common with Captain Janeway.

What common trait do we share, you ask?

Command presence...no

Scientific ability...no

Clear thinking under pressure...no

Look good in a uniform...no

Look good without a uniform...no

I've discovered that Captain Kathryn Janeway and I both drink ginger ale to settle an upset tummy. Hey, it's something!

Part I also had a mention related to my Ms. Andrews. Okay so I look for different things when I read a story!

I hope to get to the newest installment this evening.

Rumor has it that Part II has someone pinning someone against a bulkhead. *eg*

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[> Re: Gina Dartt - just posted a new story -- Chris, 16:46:06 03/30/03 Sun

Wow! Feel that fresh J/7 breeze a-blowin'! First, Beta Beginnings turned out to be surprisingly good, and now a good, new story. Happy, happy, joy, joy.

I was never a big fan of the JB or Millenium series. Some of the stories were very good sci-fi, but I never really like the characterizations of Janeway and Seven. Or of B'Elanna. But Beta Beginnings seemed somehow back to a more human Janeway, and more human Seven. And the new first officer seems like an amusing, interesting character. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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[> Beta Beginnings - Comfort Fanfic or...the pimping of Seven? -- andrewsfan, 15:31:22 03/31/03 Mon


This pair of Millenium stories had me thinking all the way through.

I'm not sure I can articulate all my thouhgts

Reactions -

comfortable clothes - that soft t-shirt that has survived so many trips through the wash cycle, that pair of cotton slacks or demin jeans that feel so wonderful against your skin, that pair of shoes that support and make your feet feel like they never quite hit the ground - that's the sensation I had while reading Beta Beginnings. I refer to them as a whole because I read the stories for the first time one after the other.

I liked the feeling of nostalgia. I felt like I was home. I kept thinking how comfortable this all is, I suppose because it's all so familiar. Not familiar in a stagnant routine way but familiar in the sense of this is where I belong. As a reader I like to feel comfortable but I also like to be made to pause, to stop and think, to make a mental note to remember that observation.

At first I thought this feeling was the storyline, a return to the Confederation and Tazna Jade. The first three stories in the JB series are my favorites and it was almost a return to that time. A new time, a time of excitement, discovery, it reminded me of a lot of things about J/7 and the J/7 universe. Pleasant thoughts - but I think my enjoyment of Beta Beginnings goes beyond the feeling of familiarity.

I've always enjoyed the detail in Gina's work. The little movements or rituals of everyday life. The little glimpses of what people do or think. That's why I enjoyed learning that Janeway drinks ginger ale after the transistion jump. It made her seem so alive. I drink ginger ale to soothe
my system and so does the Captain. What a commonplace thing, but isn't life mostly the commonplace?

Do I connect with Janeway and Seven because they are Starfleet Officers? Or do I connect with them because they remind me of what it is to be human. (Being scifi I use the term loosely *g*) I don't know what it's like to fly in space but I do know what it is to be unsure or lonely or jealous or regretful or cocky or you name it. When I read Janeway and Seven, their thoughts, actions, responses, motivations, it's like seeing light through a prism. So much more is there than at first meets the eye.

Oh well, I suspect the affinity I feel is also being bolstered by the times in which I live. Embracing that which is comfortable is not unique to this time or to me.

Now, down to the nitty gritty, what did I mean by the pimping Seven remark? It's a bit harsh but I needed you to click in and read more - think of it as an OBB message board marketing tactic. *g*

In BB 2 Janeway uses Seven to manipulate the negotiations with the Confederation. She knows Tazna Jade has the hots for Seven (ok slap me - who doesn't) and suggests that Seven make use of that to distract Jade and give Janeway an additional "leg up" while negotiating. Even though it wasn't an order it bothered me from a personal relationship dynamic. Seven complied but how willing was she? I was also "bothered" by Janeway's thinking about her possession (ownership) of Seven during her lovemaking. The thought that no one had ever had Seven except Janeway and no one ever would. Is Seven becoming a trophy wife? Any thoughts about this element of their relationship?

On another note - it seems Janeway is destined to be saddled with first officers that are always a bit unusual. No, not the attitude problem but that inability to discover that Janeway and Seven are married. *g*

I bit of a ramble but I never promised you coherent thinking.

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[> [> Re: Beta Beginnings - Comfort Fanfic or...the pimping of Seven? -- Julie, 16:14:21 03/31/03 Mon

Nice post there. I'll choose one point to respond to

I did enjoy the story but, yes, did have some trouble believing Janeway would ask Seven to flirt with Tanza. It is unethical both professionally and personally. (And Janeway has been portrayed as jealous of Tanza, doesn’t seem she’d encourage Seven to spend any time with her even if she had Machiavellian reasons for it. I also I found it somewhat too immature an action for Janeway.)

But in general: faults, I do like it when writers explore them, I adore characters that make mistakes or make ethically questionable decisions. This one just didn’t work for me. (Which I must say is unusual for I’ve enjoyed most every other kink Gina has put into her Janeway.)

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[> [> [> Re: Beta Beginnings - Comfort Fanfic or...the pimping of Seven? -- andrewsfan, 16:38:48 03/31/03 Mon


That's interesting that you used unethical. I actually deleted it from my post since I'm not sure I was responding to Janeway's actions on an ethical level.

I'm not even sure I was surprised by Janeway's behavoir and perhaps that is what made me uncomfortable, that it seems to be a flaw in Janeway or at least in her relationship with Seven. No one wants that "perfect relationship" to be flawed.

Maybe I was made uncomfortable that Janeway hasn't really progressed as much as I had thought. Or is it just Janeway's competitive nature permeates all aspects of her life? That command competitiveness between captains, a rival that makes Janeway feel vulnerable - I think about all this shades of Janeway's character.

And then I wonder about Seven's growth. Is she as mature about her relationship with Janeway as I perceive? Was she curious about the whole thing or did she want to please the Captain?

What does this "weakness" in their relationship (if it is a weakness) mean to their future? So who out there has some answers? *g*

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[> [> Re: Beta Beginnings - Comfort Fanfic or...the pimping of Seven? -- Gal, 19:25:59 03/31/03 Mon

For some reason, I am getting the impression that Janeway and Seven's marriage may be reaching seven-year-itch territory! Janeway seemed very jealous of Jade and didn't even like her looking at Seven and then tells her to flirt with her. Methinks Janeway may be the kind of person who likes to add drama to her relationships and she did that by pushing Seven and Jade together only to see it and go WHOOOAAAA, wait justa minute, that's not exactly the kind of drama I was thinkin' of.

I would actually like a little tension and drama to enter into this relationship. I think it is still a little bit too honey-moony at times. They've been together for a loonnggg time and still only have eyes and hearts for each other ALL THE TIME!! I want some real angst...but that's probably just me.

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[> [> Re: Beta Beginnings - Comfort Fanfic or...the pimping of Seven? -- JanewayFan, 20:15:53 03/31/03 Mon

In some ways this situation reminds me of big business. It's just standard operating procedure. All the while that these companies mandate that their employees attend Business ethics courses ect., they do all kinds of questionably ethical things & then justify it by saying thats the way it's done, or THEY can do it and get away with it because they are so big that no one will risk losing their business!

It is up to the individual to make the choice if this is how they want to do things or if they are willing to look the other way.

Seven knew what Janeway was asking and she chose to go along with it. Now that she knows how it makes her feel, she has said flat out that she won't do it. Now if Janeway is stupid and forces her to do something like this again, there will probably be irreparable damage done to their marriage since it would show that Janeway values her job more than her marriage. But I think she's way too smart for that.

Overall, I loved this story, the fun is back, and as AF said the comfort level is very very nice!

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[> [> [> Still thinking about the ethics -- andrewsfan, 21:58:40 03/31/03 Mon


Captain Picard used Deanna Troi's ability as a Betazoid to sense friends and foes alike. I'm not sure that using a crewmember to intentionally "distract" someone during a negotiation is much different. Nothing Seven did prevented Tazna Jade from doing her job except what Tazna Jade allowed. Seven didn't cast a spell or give her a potion. Tazna Jade enjoyed Seven's presence and allowed herslef to be engaged.

I think my dilemma is with the personal side of the request. How influenced was Seven by the fact that her spouse made the request? I think I'm bothered by the idea that Janeway enjoyed Seven's interaction with Tazna Jade. Enjoyed it as one negotiator getting the better of another but also as I think Janeway enjoyed the idea of dangling Seven to Tazna Jade. There's something so possessive about that action.

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[> [> [> [> Re: Still thinking about the ethics -- Genie, 23:54:10 03/31/03 Mon

"I think my dilemma is with the personal side of the request. How influenced was Seven by the fact that her spouse made the request?"

This is what bothered me as well. Despite Janeway's rather lame attempt to couch this request in terms of being merely a "suggestion, not an order", she should have realized that Seven rarely denies her anything. Janeway has made requests of Seven before but never under these questionable circunstances. Before, it's always been "crunch time", with a lot at stake. The ship, the lives of the crew or other beings on the line. This time, the only thing on the line was Janeway's pride. The upper hand in some diplomatic negotiations. Not the sort of thing to risk their relationship for. IMO, she was foolish to do so and I'm afraid it will come back to bite her in the butt.

Yep, I see some serious angst on the horizon for our couple. Isn't it delicious?

And on another note, I'm really looking forward to the inevitable Janeway/XO clash.

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[> [> [> [> [> Looking forward to... -- andrewsfan, 01:12:32 04/01/03 Tue


"the inevitable Janeway/XO clash."

X O ?

hugs and kisses clash?

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[> [> [> [> [> Re: Still thinking about the ethics -- Genie, 02:41:40 04/01/03 Tue

XO = First Officer.

I was being lazy. I couldn't remember how to spell her name.

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[> [> [> [> [> [> The Clash of the Hugs & Kisses -- andrewsfan, 11:30:38 04/03/03 Thu


Oh, I saw images of little Hershey candies doing battle *g*

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[> Oh goddess no - not another... -- musette, 19:35:27 03/31/03 Mon

RIFT!!!!!
The Xena universe couldn't take it and now you want the "Gina" universe to try it? No! Never....

Okay, I'm going over there to read the story now...*sheepishly slinking away*

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[> [> Re: Oh goddess no - not another... -- andrewsfan, 21:40:54 03/31/03 Mon


Just going over to read the story...yes, I thought that "pimping" reference would peak a bit of interest. musette, not like you to be behindhand...at least not with your J/7 reading. *g*

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[> [> Re: Oh goddess no - not another... -- Gal, 22:23:10 03/31/03 Mon

Well, AFTER you read the story ;) let me know what ya think? Don't even get me started on how they ended Xena!! :)

It just seemed very much that Seven was being used and then Janeway blamed her for it. Yes, all was forgiven in the end. That is probably what I mean about the honey-moonyness of the relationship. You know, the "I was wrong", "no, it was me", "it was us" followed by running to the bedroom to comfirm the strength of their undying love!! I think Seven felt used and Janeway was right in thinking that she was using her. I think it was resolved too easily if it was actually resolved. I think we will be coming back to this issue later. Janeway has become much too perfect captain, forgiven wife lately and it's time for it to bite her on the ass. Like I said, I love angst!! :)

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[> Re: Gina Dartt - just posted a new story -- JanewayFan, 12:50:16 04/01/03 Tue

"Janeway has become much too perfect captain, forgiven wife lately"

I agree with this statement, as well as an arrogant, obnoxious, queen of my domain captain. Right now I want nothing more than for someone to knock Janeway down on her ass HARD!! Hmmm Pulowski would be perfect for the job. She's the only one who isn't intimidated by her. But if it takes Seven to get the job done so be it. Just as long as someone does it.

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