In the Course of Justice
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| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | In the Course of Justice |
| Author(s): | Penny Proctor |
| Date(s): | July 29, 2002 |
| Length: | |
| Genre(s): | |
| Fandom(s): | |
| Relationship(s): | |
| External Links: | Online here at FFN Archive on author's personal site |
Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
In the Course of Justice is a Star Trek: VOY story by Penny Proctor.
It was the winner of a 2002 ASC Award.
Reactions and Reviews
At the risk of sounding repetitive, another wonderful addition to the 7.5 series. It dealt quickly and well with most of the tricky legal issues surrounding Voyager's homecoming and history without getting bogged down in too much detail. The ending fit well, though I was slightly surprised at the ease of the resolution.I thought that the Doctor's situation in particular was done well - a name, family, rank and sentient status all in one hit, thank goodness, and Zimmerman's solution to the emitter problem was quite amusing, as was his determination to get Mark out of his hair as quickly as possible. Starfleet's solution to the Equinox problem was somewhat disturbing, though there was no real right way to handle it - buying silence. Chakotay volunteering to take the fall for his cell was perfect, even as Janeway was exonerated after a raking over the coals. I laughed out loud when B'Elanna informed the court that Janeway's worst decision ever was cutting her hair. A classic moment in another great episode. [1]
This story realistically handles many of the issues the Voyager crew undoubtedly would face upon finally returning home. Penny effortlessly interweaves the professional and the personal aspects confronting the characters. [2]
Another of Penny's detailed, nuanced, careful depictions of Fleet legal procedure. I enjoy these stories mightily -- the Fleet brass, the politics, the reactions of "our" people are just what I would expect. The scenes with the Equinox vets are particularly effective. Plus, as a person who has spent time on Kelley's Island, I loved Chakotay's visit there. [3]
I was reading this for the first time to write my awards comments, and I usually make notes as I read; but in this case I didn't. I just wanted to enjoy and savor every word I read. This tale, like all of Penny's is well-crafted with the kind of vivid narrative and pacing that pushes you along a longer tale feeling at the end that it is too short and went too fast. This is ground Penny has covered before in "Revisionist History" yet she manages to make it completely fresh and surprising. This is a somewhat harsh look at Starfleet and the Federation, one where the pursuit of justice has more than an admixture of politics as well as personal pettiness, but it is certainly a realistic picture given how institutions function. The legal aspects of tale are absolutely realistic and the title and opening quote take on more and more meaning as the tale unfolds. Part of why I love Penny's stories so much is the intelligence and insight with which she handles such themes. But the main reason I love Penny's stories is that she makes me love the captain and crew of Voyager and for me more than anyone brings them vividly to life. I particularly like the strength of character she gives to Chakotay independent of Janeway. "In the Course of Justice" is one of my favorite installments in the virtual season and one of my favorite stories written this year. [4]
References
- ^ Dr. Jekyl This is the Digest from 2002 for the Category of Voyager Crew
- ^ Rocky This is the Digest from 2002 for the Category of Voyager Crew
- ^ Kelly Chambliss This is the Digest from 2002 for the Category of Voyager Crew
- ^ Rabble Rouser This is the Digest from 2002 for the Category of Voyager Crew