Delightful story. I really enjoy the way you highlight - intentionally or not - things that make us stop, think, and apply ideas in your story. In today's world it is so important for women (and guy's, too) to know how to defend themselves. I wish I'd had a chance to learn that when I was young - but since I need a cane or my rollator (walker with seat and wheels) today, it probably wouldn't do me much good anymore. ;) Did you hear about the "people walker" in Los Angeles who is now charging $7 per mile to accompany walkers? Great safety measure, I think.
This story may save a life or two if people think about what they read.
Like the best of Star Trek, you give us something extra. Thanks.

The story's imagery was outstanding.

All right, review time for the cannon-blind. I started reading this story with no expectations, and was surprised at how much I enjoyed the story. Though I'd never even heard of SeaQuest before, there's enough background information mixed in that I rarely felt lost. The characters are consistent throughout the story, the story itself is entertaining, and there is very little wrong in the story that I noticed, other than my pet peeves.

First off, the actual plot is well done. I can believe that civilians stationed on a military vessel would require some basic defense skills, which was highlighted due to an attack. While I am confused as to why civilians are stationed on a military vessel with no previous self defense knowledge, I will chalk it up to fandom lore. A little plot hole I noticed was the fact that training would take place around the work schedules in place, so as to not interfere with the crew's main duties, but Kristin took time out of her day to work out and receive extra training. I would imagine this might interfere with her daily work. The extra training pays off, however, as the "friendly" competition between Kristin and Nathan presented no clear victor (Kristen did play dirty, after all). The central story presents enough contact between the two crew members that the story focuses on while still presenting an interesting premise that garners attention.

Now, let's move onto the actual training, something that can make or break this story. It enhanced the story, adding some attention grabbing moments before generating romantic tension. The combat itself was accurate enough that I didn't question the effectiveness of the training. For example, during the extra training session between Kristin and Katie, I could follow each characters independent moves, creating a flowing scene of one-on-one combat that so many people enjoy. In the end, even though the actual training could be considered secondary to the romance plot, it received plenty of care and served to enhance the emerging romance.

This story is one about romantic tension, and that tension is there. From the flustered feeling Kristin gets while practicing with Nathan to Katie pointing out the feelings the two have for each other, I waited impatiently for the kiss that never came. Not to say there wasn't a release at the end of the story, but it came in a different way than the clichéd passion-fueled kiss. Not only did this entertain someone with no previous emotional investment in the characters, it also shows the skill you have as a writer to lead your readers to a satisfying ending with a little twist.

But, of course, even a story this great has several flaws, even if they are only minor annoyances to a small selection of people. Take, for example, a conversation near the beginning of the story, where Kristin is sure she could defend herself from any attacker. After pointing out that her plan isn't fool proof, "Especially if your attacker is a woman" as Katie pointed out, Kristin asks for an example. Considering Katie just gave one, the placement of Kristin's confident dare felt rather awkward. Another small irk of mine was the separation of Kristin's bad memories of gym class and her private sparring session with Katie. Katie noticing Kristin's predicament could have fit in with the previous section. The break did more harm than good in my opinion, but it is a small error that didn't subtract from the story overall. Another little detail was the use of pronouns, which made a couple of parts hard to understand without several readings for the simple fact I don't know the crew well enough to tell them apart by personalities alone. While I did notice these flaws, you should be proud that I had to look for small flaws such as these so I could help you become a better writer.

When the story's over and done with, a seed of love has been planted, the crew is better trained, I didn't feel left out for being cannon blind, and–most important of all–I was entertained by this story. From a believable plot and superb execution to actual character development and excellent grammar, both the creative and technical parts of this story deserve top marks. Keep up the good work. You've earned yourself a fan.

Hey darkin! *glomp* you know the deal, so I won't even repeat myself :) this review might be a little more sporadic than normal, so...sorry about that!

[bloody torpedoes] Of course I haven't a clue why I smiled at this, but I did. Maybe it was Nathan's reaction coupled with it, but it was funny all the same.

Oh, the snark that comes from Kristin here with [self-defense]. I love it, but at the same time, wow how rude. But I'm sure she didn't mean it (and I would right as seen with her blushing after she got raked a little over the coals). I don't blame her for getting on like that, though; I would also be like "what the!" if I was told I would have to do that too!

[sensitive area] I spit out my orange juice XD and oh, man, the reaction from the dudes in the room! Hilarious! Even Nathan was a little taken aback!

Way to show your point, Nathan *fistpump* Classes for everyone ahoy!

My goodness, Kristin's fitness level sounds a LOT like mine. I'm getting stronger with each time I go to the gym and work out, but booooy was I a weakling when I started. I have full confidence that she would be able to get a hold of it fast, though, she's a smart gal *nods*

Sometimes I think Nathan does things like attacking Kristin on purpose *sly grin* even if he isn't, I still think it's kinda...cute, maybe is the word I want to say. Love how everything gets all super awkward and then Katie's all 'oooo you like him' XD It's very obvious to everyone around them, isn't it? If only they would bite the bullet and asdfjkl...

Aw to this little ending match between them *squeals* I love how Kristin is so determined to win the match and finally -FINALLY- she does. I was hoping so hard for some kissing but gaaaaaah you crushed that hope into tiny pieces *pouts* oh well, the wait makes the heart grow fonder, hm? There's always next time.

Hope Giry enjoyed her birthday gift, you did a fantastic job with it! See you later, ma'am!

So I think you scared FFN into submission or something cuz this is visible and I'm getting to review it. Good job, whatever you did ;P

I started laughing when Kristin moaned about "not the bloody torpedoes". Makes total sense that a) they'd still be bitching and moaning about said torpedoes and b) that her mind would jump to that. Oh and c) that Nathan's being a bit of a brat and teasing her about it. I wonder if/when she will figure that out...if she hasn't already, heh.

I like how, at the meeting, she immediately goes on the defensive. And how of course, Jonathan's the first one to be set off at her caustic words and attitude. They grew together throughout the season but they never fully see eye to eye and you show that well here. Self-defense courses is definitely a good idea. I am a bit surprised that the science team wasn't already given some very rudimentary stuff since working for the UEO is a bit dangerous in and of itself. Nathan's point about how the science team members might be alone/separated from military personnel is the very reason I just wondered the previous comment. And Katie brings up another good point—women with fighting skills have different tactics than men. His little demonstration does show how much she does need to learn though. While her nail em in the groin area is definitely a good one, some bad guys will go in knowing to shield that area—or have ways around preventing that aim of attack.

[The more she thought about it, the more she did think it was a brilliant idea. She wasn't going to tell Nathan that, though.] – ha. Of course not.

Oh good Lord, the memory of the snarky gym teacher is just classic. Been there, done that. That kind of teacher I've always seen as a specific breed of person that seems to think anyone who's not as athletic as they are/think they should be is less than they are. Meh :/

It was great to see Katie helping Kristin out—I always like friendship moments between these two since we didn't get enough in canon, obviously. And Nathan showing up turns it from fun with his donut comment to the personal (hot) tension between them going up to 11. Woo! And Katie has said connection figured out in five minutes, LOL. I absolutely looooove her moments of introspection afterwards—slowly connecting the dots.

Oooh a private gym session...this could be :ahem: interesting.

["I could get used to this."
"So could I,"] - :shipper flail: :P

I'm only very very slightly disappointed that neither of them went for the kill—er, kiss ;) but I'm okay with it. I could just totally see the chance for a few offscreen kisses at moments like this, given how onscreen stuff went on :) and the ending was a nice way to wrap it up and hint at what we know goes on between them during the rest of the tour.

Love, love, love :) nice work, dear!

Oh, if only this would have been a real episode in canon! It would have fit perfectly and been so awesome. Loved that Katie stepped in to help her and was the first to notice the feelings they had for each other. Great story! Wouldn't mind another AU chapter of this one, Who am I kidding? I always want more, lol.