Endings (Star Trek: TNG story)

Star Trek TNG Fanfiction
Title:	Endings
Author(s):	Mary Soon Lee
Date(s):	March 1991
Length:
Genre:	gen
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Next Generation
External Links:	Endings (offline)
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Endings is a Star Trek: TNG 16-page story by Mary Soon Lee.

It was printed in Eridani #12, and was later online.

Summary

"A tantalizing glimpse into the last vestiges of the Jelenan civilization on Outrier III and its effect on Kate Pulaski, former C.M.O. of the Enterprise."

Fan Comments

"Endings" — I don’t buy the premise, but an interesting story nonetheless. I enjoyed Data’s "possessed" dialogue. I wish it had been a little less mysterious at to what was causing the mayhem!

Mary Soon Lee’s "Endings" was intriguing. I, like our good captain, am fascinated by archaeology. Those strange animal sculptures were wonderfully eerie. However, I think the story could have gone a little further, especially in dealing with why Pulaski left the ship.

A Pointed and Emotional Exchange

This story sparked a a heated exchange.

Some topics displayed:

• loyalty and support for friends, even when that takes the place of good manners and kindness
• dogpiling
• one fan's character bashing is another fan's out-of-character complaints is another fan's difference of opinion
• cringy, shaming, unsolicited advice and psychoanalyzing
• feedback and criticism

Negative Comments from a Fan

A fan, Deborah, wrote a scathing comment in a letter of comment about this story in "Eridani" #13. Deborah wrote:

"Endings” got me angry. Maybe it’s the fact that I'm a big Pulaski fan (hey, I’m used to being a minority — I’ve been a Chapel fan for twelve years!), and I had high hopes for this story. When the flashback had Pulaski claiming that Picard would prefer Crusher to her, I got a bit antsy. Then, when Picard automatically assumes Pulaski's guilt, I got really upset. It was totally out of character for both of them. I couldn't even finish the story.

Emotional Response

Mary Lee wrote an emotional letter of comment in reply to Deborah's letter. It appeared in "Eridani #14: [content unknown]

An Apology

Deborah replied with an apology (a bit of a faux apology...) to Mary Lee in "Eridani" #15.

My LoC, which appeared in ERIDANI 13, contained comments on Mary Soon Lee's "Endings" which were — uh, shall we say, strong? No, let’s be honest; I raked the story over the coals without even giving it a fair shake.

Sure, it was my honest reaction. But it was hardly fair to judge the story based on the first couple of pages. Now, I believe in honest criticism, but 1don't believe in cruelty, snap decisions or being unfair. I was guilty of all these things in my comments on "Endings." Since I publicly criticized her story, I feel Mary deserves a public apology.

Perhaps my reaction to the story was due to the very real, very strong anti-Pulaski sentiment which is prevalent in Next Gen fandom. Mary Soon Lee's choice of Kate Pulaski as "The Voice of Death" was an unfortunate choice, in my opinion. It seemed to underscore the very antipathy I believe she was trying to dispel. This does not mean the story has no redeeming qualities.

After rereading my LoC, (and cringing!) I was determined to read the story, carefully stifling any emotional reactions to either Pulaski or Picard. So here, a little late, is my unemotional opinion.

The story, in itself, is well-constructed, well-written, and interesting. Mary Soon Lee shows great attention to detail, especially when developing the Jelenan culture’s history. Her characterizations of Worf and Data are especially good.

I still have problems with the story, but on a literary, not emotional level. I don't like the "sphere" solution. It was a little contrived. Also, wouldn't someone have noticed it before? Second, Pulaski’s reaction to these events were almost completely ignored in the final paragraphs. A person — a doctor who was partially responsible for the deaths of ten people would have serious problems to deal with afterwards. Granted, Pulaski is not the type to wear her self-pity on her sleeve, but not even she would joke about it.

Aside from these two things and the emotional reaction, I really had little problem with the story.

Okay, critique is over; emotions are back on line. One personal note to Mary Soon Lee — if I have in any way caused you to feel bad about writing, please forgive me. As a writer myself, I know that stories are babies and harsh words do hurt. Hy comments were unnecessarily rough, and I should know better. Please accept my sincere apology. You have a definite talent; don't let the inconsiderate words of one LoC writer cause you to abandon that gift.

Another Fan Pours Fuel on the Fire

Another fan, BEKi, jumped in, and wrote a condescending letter of advice, which also appeared in "Eridani" #15.

After reading Mary Soon Lee's LoC in the last issue of ERIDANI, I felt compelled to offer her some perspective on criticism and its place in a writer's world. I hope it helps.

Dear Mary, You sound like a woman in need of advice. If, as you say, the only reason you write fan fiction is to return a little of the enjoyment I've received” then get out quick while you still have a heart. While Roddenberry’s universe is a kinder, gentler universe; fandom is not. It's the real world, and in the real world, you can't force your readers to enjoy your work. Not even if that’s the only reason you wrote it.

And we both know that isn't the reason you wrote it, don’t we? We both know what every fan writer knows: we write for ourselves, every one of us. Fan writers are, by nature, a masochistic bunch. We put in ridiculous hours for no pay to stitch our souls into something that, invariably, someone else we don’t even know is going to rip to shreds. Why? Because we love it. Any fan writer who can't honestly say the reason they write fan fiction (as compared to the paying kind) is for the joy of it is in the wrong line of play. Ultimately, it comes down to one thing: you and your story. All the rest is icing or bullshit, depending on whether it favors or disfavors you.

Sure, everyone loves to read glowing LoCs. I think every writer will admit that’s the first place they go in "the zine after." Pats on the back are a nice substitute for bread on the table (the payoff in other lines of writing). Those of us serious about our writing even like to read scathing criticism because one out of ten of the dopes who don't like the little piece of ourselves we’ve committed to paper might just have a point. That's how writers grow. Criticism, not praise.

But (and answer truthfully) is that really the reason you write? Do you write Trek fiction to hear other people's thoughts on your skill as a writer? Or do you write because there's a story about Riker or Picard or Worf or Geordi bleeding out your fingers and messing up your clothes? Because if you don’t put it on paper, it will write itself on the bathroom wall, or in the wet cement on main street, or on your mother's birthday card when you're just trying to sign your name? Or because if you don’t hurry and get it committed to paper it’s going to swell inside you 'til you pop? I've read your work, Mary, and I'd lay money on the latter. You have stories to tell... things you want to say about characters you've come to love. Don’t let someone else’s opinion ruin that for you. Write what you want to read. When it's done, you have something no one can ever take away from you (and it’s done just the way you'd do it if you were in control!).

As for Deborah's toC, compared to many I've read in the past (suggesting everything from further education to brain transplants to Chinese Trek viewing torture for the author in disfavor) her comments were relatively mild. She has aright to her opinion, and she has aright to express that opinion. Just as she has aright not to finish a story if she doesn't like the way it's reading. What does it really matter to you?

Deborah had atypical fan reaction to some bonehead (her opinion, not mine) messing with her favorite character. I've heard people slam Peter David (God, in my book) for similar transgressions. The only difference is that he gets paid for being a bonehead. Maybe you will someday, too. Just because someone hates what you've done with a character doesn't make you a had writer. It doesn't necessarily make them wrong, either ...even if what they read and what you intended for them to read are two entirely different things. Maybe you didn't got across what you were trying to. Maybe they misread what you wrote. Maybe you both just have vastly different perceptions of what constitutes "blame."

What you, as a writer, must remember is this: You are playing in somebody else's sandbox (specifically, Gene Roddenberry's), and there are only so many toys in that sandbox. If someone else enjoying that sandbox sees you trying to break one of those toys — even if you think you're just trying to play with it — they're gonna come over and punch you in the nose. Does that mean you’re going to quit playing? If it does, you’ve got along, boring recess ahead of you.

I’m going to sign off with this thought: You’re a fine writer, Mary. You're getting better with every story. You've played with Riker quite a bit, and I've never noticed you trying to break him. If I do notice it though, I'll come over punch you in the nose! That doesn't mean you should quit writing about Riker. Maybe it just means I have P.M.S.

Another Fan Tries to Calm the Waters

Another fan, Mary K. Cowin, without specifically naming names or stories, tried to smooth the waters, also in "Eridani" #15:

With all the LoCs and editorials, I just wanted to say something. Everybody perceives the characters in their own way. For example, some people see Data as a walking computer, and others see Data as a Human being with the full range of emotions and desires, or we see him somewhere in between. I enjoy reading stories, LoCs and editorials because it gives me a chance to see the characters in a different way, from a different viewpoint. Now there are times when I don't agree with the way the character was portrayed, because it's not the way I see the character. In some of the worst episodes, books or stories, I have always found something to appreciate. Something as simple as a joke, a what-if scene being played out, or a different view of a character, that might make me stop and think about the possibilities. It is anew piece to an on-going puzzle. So for anybody who has ever contributed to Star Trek, I just wanted to say I appreciate your hard work and look forward to your next endeavor, your different point of view.

A Bit of Delicious Irony

It is possible that Mary Soon Lee went on to become a professional writer, despite BEKi and Deborah's issues with her characterization of a television character they had to defend.