Reviews for The Terms of War
Blackcat chapter 16 . 7/22
I've just read ch 16 again. And I know I have said it before, but it deserves to be said again. You have totally nailed all of the lead characters. Their interactions with each other are flawless. Absolutely love the final scene with Hawke, Cait and Le; just like in ch 11, the banter between the three of them is so visual. I have never written fanfic, but I have read a lot and it is apparent just how difficult it is to consistently maintain the main protagonists in character, but it is something you manage incredibly well. We love the characters we saw on screen because the actors were able to give them depth, and you have remained true to that all the way through, right down to the tiniest details. It's just such a pleasure to read.
Blackcat chapter 16 . 6/14
So I decided to go back and read chapter one again to try to get a handle on this shady syndicate. As suspected, Michael, thank goodness, wasn't involved in the bungled hit. Cullen wants to smuggle something illegal into the US covertly using Airwolf, in the style of Ken Sawyer. What is it, I wonder? His intention is to get Hawke to fly it. Strange then that he opted for the hit; who would fly Airwolf if he had been successful? He thought only Hawke could fly her... Michael is involved because he supposedly wants airwolf. My feeling is that this is his cover. I don't believe he wants Airwolf without having Hawke to fly her and it looks as though he engineered the warehouse ambush in the hope that Dom would be able to come to the rescue. I think Michael's involved in this as part of a sting operation, as is Alex Marshall and Jim Roach, although I am not sure if any of them are aware of each others roles.
So what would Lynch's interest in this be? And what of the significance of agents Perrott and Torres?
Oh dear, so roles are reversed with Hawke and Cait, with her being the grumpy, obstinate one. Well it's nice to see this for a change, although I do feel a little sorry for Hawke here. I am surprised the near kiss hasn't been mentioned in the time they have been back together at the cabin, especially in the days they were alone. Has Caitlin lost her bottle? It certainly would appear that the accident has shaken her and perhaps dented her confidence in general. I like the way you have Hawke spontaneously come up with a solution to cheer her up. Like chapter 11, there is this air of an established American family, despite the fact that Hawke and Cait have yet to confess their feelings for each other, nevermind be married with a teenage child. Hawke, despite his belief that he is best off alone, is clearly very comfortable with this set up, even though it isn't always domestic bliss (bickering with Cait and tensions with Le).
Really enjoying this universe you are creating and I am so excited for more!
Blackcat chapter 16 . 6/10
Seriously, you are spoiling us! Can't believe another chapter is up already! Back in a few days to leave a proper review. Thank you!
fanfictionawf chapter 16 . 6/10
Another chapter leaving me wanting more. There is so much going on. At first I didn't believe Michael would betray String, now I'm not sure. And could Michael be in love with Cait? That one came out from nowhere. And did String over hear Caits conversation with the nurse when he was supposed to be asleep? I love that you keep adding layers of suspense. And the interactions between Cait and String are spot on.
Blackcat chapter 15 . 6/9
Sorry, accidentally pressed submit!
The plot thickens!
And why was Michael keen not to tell Hawke where Caitlin was? I love this scene. The way you have Michael moving around the room, his mannerisms etc and Hawke's responses. All spot on. As is the Michael /Dom exchange; antagonistic too, but with a different vibe to Michael /Hawke, both of which feel so true to the original series.
What does Michael want to discuss with Dom? Does it relate to Dom's recent medical appointment and poor health? Hopefully we'll know more in the next chapter.
Lovely, believable interaction between Hawke and Caitlin. Their moments together here are so tender and the bit about the scout tent was a nice little touch. As I was reading Caitlin's thoughts about Michael, it occurred to me that as the reader, I am probably seeing these events very much through her eyes, albeit with the benefit of glimpses into the thoughts of all the other main protagonists. Her conflicted feelings over Michael mirror my own, and Caitlin has repeatedly shown herself to be pragmatic and the voice of reason, so I shall continue to hope we are right.
Your use of Greta here puts voice to Caitlin's feelings for Hawke. I like the way you initially having her deny their feelings for each other, but Greta and her wisdom are having none of it and Cait seems to sense there's no point in persisting to deny what she knows (and every one else can clearly see) is there. Her belief that 'it's complicated' suggests that she understands the barrier that Hawke has put between them, even if, for her, it really isn't. And it's almost like a relief that she has finally been able to admit her feelings to someone else when she starts saying more about them than intended and has to collect herself.
So, the next question is, how much of that conversation did Hawke hear, and is he finally prepared to do something about it?
This chapter really gave us the opportunity to indulge in the key characters and their relationships with each other. With every word and gesture, you remain true to the characters, enabling the scenes to unfold as if watching them on screen 35 years ago. There are a few writers on here who have succeeded in that, Rachel 500 most noticeably, but you are the only one who is recently active and producing such magnificent work. Thank you, as always. Can't wait for the next installment!
Blackcat chapter 15 . 6/9
So, another terrific chapter which answers the horrific cliffhanger of the previous, but poses more questions about Michael.
Belligerent, incapacitated Hawke is spot on. Interesting that Michael was not aware of what had happened to Hawke and Caitlin. So who ordered this bungled attempt on their lives? Also, through his thoughts here, we can see that he was genuinely upset at the prospect of their deaths. It gives me hope that although there is clearly something shady going on, he is not intending to cause harm to Hawke and his family. But why does he not admit to being at the scene as they were found, and as Hawke asked, how did he know where to find them?! The plit
fanfictionawf chapter 15 . 6/6
Another unbelievably good chapter. You know these characters so well. I hated when I got to the end of this chapter because I wanted so much more of this story. I need to know where Michael stands in all this. And what is it going to take to get String to admit he is in love. More please and soon.
Blackcat chapter 15 . 6/4
Oh wow, you are spoiling us! I couldn't believe it when I checked in here during my lunch break, to find that you had updated already :-)
I have read through once, but again, will give the chapter a couple more thorough read throughs before posting a proper review in a few days. Thank you!
fanfictionawf chapter 14 . 4/29
This story just gets better and better. Please I am asking you not to make us wait for the next chapter. So much mystery and unanswered questions. Update soon!
Blackcat chapter 14 . 4/17
Wow, what a roller-coaster that chapter was! I have so many questions, but I know we may have a long wait for the answers!
So, O'Connor first. I love this OC of yours, and I am really hoping he's a good guy. Everything he's been through with Hawke suggests he is, along with his claim that he was at the warehouse to protect Hawke. But clearly, he knows what Caitlin means to Hawke and why does he want to confirm this to his superiors for anything less than a sinister motive?
Next, Marshall. So what is the history between him and Hawke? Why were they once friends and what ended that friendship? This is another OC who is written in such a way that I feel I want to like him. I feel that whatever their history is, he doesn't mean Hawke harm. But clearly, he has been employed to bring Hawke in, but why? And he also seems to know the depth of Hawke's feelings with regard to Caitlin (well, everyone does except Hawke himself...)
I got a little confused about Marshall's background; so he's British and presumably originally from Cambridgeshire, UK, but he grew up living near Michael, which presumably was in the USA? I probably need to read it all through again to clarify the details (tough job, but I'm sure I will manage it ). I'm looking forward to finding out more about this enigmatic OC.
And Michael. Oh my. I just don't know what to think. Like O'Connor, I can't believe that he would intentionally double cross Hawke and his friends. We have seen their history play out across 3 TV series, and like Caitlin, I believe he truly is a friend and man of his word. But clearly, he is in deep here, no question. My feeling is that what ever this thing is that he's involved in, he's playing along, but trying to find ways to covertly protect Hawke. Did he send O'Connor in?
And if it is not all about Airwolf, what is it about?! I am intrigued and captivated.
The shooting and crash. OMG. This doesn't sound like something that Hawke and Caitlin could survive, never mind get out of with minimal injuries. The action sequences you write are phenomenal. The pace and tension is brilliantly conveyed, and I could picture the intensity of that scene.
Thank God Dom seems to be OK at the moment. But with things looking dire for Hawke and Caitlin, and knowing how ill Dom is, I fear terribly for all of them. How on Earth are you going to fix this?
The one hopeful moment in the chapter? The near kiss! Finally! Hawke gives in, even if the walls come up again straight after. He has no hope of fighting his feelings for Cait any longer. And good for Cait confronting him too. I don't think I have seen her do this in fanfiction pre-relationship before, but when we were first introduced to her in series 2, she was full of fire, and I can believe that she would take control like this and as her mum says, 'take the bull by the horns'.
So much is happening here. Clearly, this work is a labour of love and likely to take years to complete, but I just want to say that for work of this quality, it's well worth the wait. Thank you for writing and sharing with us, especially through these difficult times.
Blackcat chapter 14 . 4/16
Oh my God! I have just skimmed through this chapter quickly before setting off for work. Thank you so much for this update! Well worth the wait! I shall sit down later and savour every word carefully then come back and give the thorough review this deserves. From my brief read, I hope you will be able to update in the not too distant future, because that is one hell of a cliffhanger!
Blackcat chapter 13 . 1/26
Hope you haven't given up on your wonderful story!
Guest chapter 13 . 10/12/2019
Blackcat, I couldn't agree with you more. I do the same. Love this story.
Blackcat chapter 13 . 10/9/2019
Just to let you know that I still keep checking eagerly for updates of your brilliant story! ;-)
foreverautumn99 chapter 13 . 7/11/2019
Hope you write some more. This is good
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