On the Madhouse Boards

Fanfiction
Title:	On the Madhouse Boards
Author(s):	Lori
Date(s):	2002
Length:
Genre(s):	het
Fandom(s):
Relationship(s):
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On the Madhouse Boards is a Star Trek: TNG Picard/Troi story by Lori.

It was nominated for a 2002 ASC Award, placing first in the category of TNG General Pairing. This story is part of the Captain and Counselor series.

Reactions and Reviews

This story was probably the most supurb posting of the year. The psychological aspect of the plot was very vividly written, although some of the imagery was disturbing. It was another terrific addition to the Captain and Counselor series.

This is a highly ambitious and intelligent novel. From the very first line to the last, it's a gripping and complex plot. Lori has a wonderful way with Picard and Troi. She makes an unlikely pairing believable. In addition, she writes aliens who are three-dimensional and truly original in their conception and form. The story premise is that Picard is badly wounded and Deanna has to take control of the Enterprise while still keeping her emotions under check. I love the way Lori writes Troi here - Deanna is every bit the professional and competent Starfleet officer. In addition, she's also a wife deeply wounded by her husband's rejection of her. The two personnas are skillfully blended together. This is truly a magnificent novel - one that blends a deep and loving relationship with an intricate plot.

There is so much to talk about with this particular story. Not only is it the latest (and possibly greatest) entry in the long-running and amazing Captain and Counselor series, but it tackles some complex issues and leaves the reader with much to think about. At this point, we've gotten comfortable with the whole Picard/Troi relationship, seen them grow and evolve into very different people and build a solid professional interaction which beautifully echoes and consolidates their personal one. And now something occurs that results in the deconstruction (literally and figuratively) of everything that they have built together. All of this is interwoven with an astonishingly complex storyline involving multiple new species of aliens who are truly alien in appearance and type and whose motivations and behavior aren't entirely understood (if they are at all). And it's set against the backdrop of complex Alpha Quadrant and Starfleet politics. It's an astonishing ride and Lori is a master at getting us to our destination as well as challenging and entertaining us along the way. This is one of the finest stories of the year.

Another wonderful installment in my favourite TNG universe. The opening scenes, where Picard is in and out, are wonderful; the alternately panicked and languidly pace is fascinating. As the story progresses, the way in which the characters deal with Picard's memory loss seemed very realistic to me, and was an interesting look at these characters in a different type of difficult situation.I love what Lori does with the minor characters in this serires, both her own and one's she's made her own. Of course I mean this characterization-wise, because I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment to find out exactly what she has done with them.

"On the Madhouse Boards" is an epic novel in length and complexity, and a real science fiction novel to boot. It features some interesting, original, and truly creepy aliens. I found it particularly interesting how Lori depicted the shattering of a mind. The novel is well narrated with vivid descriptions and a well-developed plot. And as long as I'm discussing it, I have to say one of its pleasures was definitely a certain dog. It features a very different Deanna Troi than I’m used to seeing.

As with all of the Captain and Counselor installments, this is a lovely, intricate, and completely believable pairing of aces.

This novel is a finely crafted work of art and is probably the best story Lori has written. The plot is complex and tight, the main characters are very well-written and three-dimensional, the story is sprinkled with unusual and believable original characters and aliens. The Captain and Counselor's relationship is stretched to breaking. They find themselves in situations they have never been before and believably meet the challenges. This story is full of intrigue, psychology, emotion, and action. A wonderful read.

Adventure, admiralty politics, psychotherapy, and love stories - there's something in OtMB for everyone. Months after first reading this story, Deanna's sudden realization of what's going on and her subsequent escape from the alien ship are still fresh in my mind. OtMB features a variety of fascinating new aliens in the Alliance as well as further insight into deLio and the L'norim. Lori is a master at aliens. Of the human characters, Greenman is starting to grow on me, and I also enjoyed Laerta the ambassador.The plot centers around the changes Picard goes through after he's injured on an away-mission - behaving out of character and denying it to himself and others. I admire Lori's ability to make him do so, and yet preserve the essential Picard. Deanna is left in command of the ship for most of the story, having to deal with aliens, admirals, overeager junior officers, inquiries, pregnancy, a toddler, and Picard's problems on top of it all. Really it's Lori juggling all these things and she makes it look effortless.

This ambitious novel is a harrowing psychological drama as well as a creepy adventure involving furry cannibals and other vividly rendered alien species. Deanna Troi in command of the Enterprise is a strong and competent officer who stays focused on the needs of the ship and crew, even when her personal life seems to have been torn to shreds. The description of a tormented, brain-injured Picard has the chilling feel of nightmare as the reader is taken for a grand tour of his hallucinations. The aliens' rivalries and other assorted motives build up into quite a mystery, too! And I just LOVE the android pup! A fabulous tale from beginning to end.

AFter regaining internet connection, this was the story I came back to finish. It's an impressive presentation of mental confusion and the impact that has not only on the person suffering from it but on those around them. Lori makes the Picard/Troi relationship not only believable but somehow inevitable. She's got a great handle on how those two would grow together and react to one another. The story is long but it is controlled, with good pacing, good subplots and memorable characters. Very well done.