Fantastic story — thx for writing.

This was brilliant. Absolutely loved the little snippets of the courtroom at the beginning of each chapter. Beautifully paced, really felt like a Trek mini-arc. Good level of technobabble, and some truly excellent foreshadowing. Well-executed Chekov's Gunmanship.

I feel bad for not reviewing every chapter, but that would have required that I not immediately click the 'next' button :)

I just re-read this and somehow must have missed reviewing the first time through. I really enjoyed this amazing story! I love how you've developed Tom's character and the officer he has become. And I'm so excited to read what's coming next!

I just want to say thank you for this fabulous story. You have such a clear insight into the true Tom Paris from the series and have matured him to be the true heart of future Starfleet. I was gripping my seat at the remarks of the crusty old judge, but could see where I hoped his remarks would lead to the outcome required. Tomorrow and Belana were always a feisty couple that you show to such a degree of understanding (unlike those that try to pair him with Kes or the Captain which goes against everything the series meant to be). I look forward to reading future stories. I feel both drained and exhilarated- the result of a really good writer.

I was all set to make a joke of how next they'd have to give him a planet, but that closing note is quite sobering.

Pffft, skip joining the kdf, if they lose the case they'll be drafted, honor damn near demands it!

Huh, I thought the aliens themselves caused the explosions with the bio - luminescence. Now we've got mines to deal with, things are getting hairy.

And it's nice to see Harry hasn't let the alpha quadrant dull his danger skills. There have been a couple times Enterprise crewmembers have tempted murphy so far, they're lucky to have voyager alumni. And sweet rides.

Rocks fall, everyone dies. G'nite everybody. What's a windfall in star trek without pesky indigenous creatures to f it all up? Smurf hunting trip! Nah, they're not equinox people.

Oh man, heck of an episode opening, and my questions from the last story are answered. We're on the E, data died, and worf no longer has to show up to please picard. Seriously, I don't even think there was an excuse for him to be in insurrection. At least Nemesis had the wedding...

And the doc might have to commute even further! Maybe it's time for doc to have a kid. Heck, everyone else is doing it.

Actually, given what B did to his last set of kids, maybe he's put off by the idea.

Kuvamaugh has fierce pizza eating skills. Maybe Tom and "captain bill" could snag klingon commissions if this trial goes poorly.

Tom: yeah, I got a statement, stop putting me on trial. I'm taking a ship this time.
Troi: oh yes, let's fly the warship through the danger voids. That always goes well.

As to the prime directive, if you chose not to decide, you still have made a choice. A lot of people that worked on the crappiest of treks, enterprise, really liked the episode "dear doctor" which I found frightening, as it was nearly a lovenote to eugenics. Archer laments a lack of rules on how to deal with a situation like that. He was kinda the playskool captain before he became captain bush of the starship iraqi freedom, but he had a point, guidelines are helpful. Which isn't really how the series treats the prime directive; a brick wall.

Fist "Choices" now this, I am in love with your writing. You have jumped to the top of my favorite authors list. Your characters are so believable and I haven't heard a false note in any of the dialogue. Thank you!

So at least for the moment I'm reading your stories in the order that you wrote them, so I'm glad to know there are more Enterprise year stories to come as it would have been sad to skip ahead so quickly. As to Tom's rapid advancement, in the Star Trek reboot Kirk went from cadet to Captain of the Enterprise (a plot point that does make me roll my eyes a little) so I can hardly hold the fast-tracking in your story against you since it is slightly more believable (or maybe even more than slightly).
I loved this story and your grasp of Tom Paris' character is fantastic (I probably love him only slightly less than you). I frequently wanted to punch Admiral McPhee in the nose but that seems to be a general feeling for the characters as well so I choose not to feel bad about it. I look forward to delving deeper into this universe you've created.

Decided to re-read so many of your great stories, I'm sure I've done FB on this one all ready so I may have to PM you. But dang this was crafted so deliciously. Every little moment was lined up to give each future moment a place to build on. Just loved it.

Another great story of yours.
This is so much in the Trek spirit, taking current issues as a base for "an episode".
Thank you for sharing.

This was really an excellent look at the Prime Directive and its consequences. So much to like. I'm glad I read your Tom Paris on the Enterprise fics in chronological order as it made the ending here all the more fitting. Great job.