The Cytherean Cycle
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| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Cytherean Cycle |
| Author(s): | Anne Elizabeth Zeek |
| Date(s): | 1977-1980 |
| Length: | |
| Genre: | gen |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| External Links: | |
Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
The Cytherean Cycle is a series of Star Trek: TOS stories by Anne Elizabeth Zeek.
from Time Warp #1, (second edition) "The Cytherean Cycle" title page, art by Susan Armstrong
It features The Romulan Commander. The author named her "Lareesha."
This story was serialized in six parts in The Intergalactic Etcetera where it had art by Laura Duchen, Karin A. Meyer, and Doug Drexler.
It was also printed in one part in Time Warp #1, where it had art by Susan Armstrong.
The story was meant to be continued but was not. It doesn't stop at a cliffhanger, however, making it a satisfying read.
From the editorial of Time Warp #2:
You will notice that Part Two of the "Cytherian Cycle" is missing from this issue, as are the T'Pring and the Han Solo stories originally scheduled. Yes. Well, I can explain. "Cytheria" will be written. It's just that right now Lareesha is giving me problems. Those of you who write know that sometimes one gets a character who is so real they 'come to life' as it were. Lareesha has done so -- and now she adamantly refuses to follow the original script I had devised for her. She says she wouldn't act that way, that it would be 'out of character'. She knows where she wants to go -- and it sure ain't where I want to send her! I have the distinctly lowering feeling that she'll win this battle of wills, but since this was such a good sized issue to begin with, I decided to put that epic battle off yet a bit. Hey, I never said I wasn't a coward. Just that Lareesha isn't.)
Places of Publication
- De Romulani by Thomas Norberry Gorse and Anne Elizabeth Zeek Time Warp #1 (1977)
- The Sun-King's Shadow by in Dagger of the Mind (1980)
- six parts in The Intergalactic Etcetera #1-#7 (1976-1980)
Illustrations
from Time Warp #1, (second edition) "De Romulani," art by Susan Armstrong
from The Intergalactic Etcetera #2, first page
from The Intergalactic Etcetera #2, Laura Duchen, portrays Spock and Lareesha
from The Intergalactic Etcetera #4, Doug Drexler, portrays Spock and Lareesha
from The Intergalactic Etcetera #6, Doug Drexler, portrays Spock and Lareesha
from The Intergalactic Etcetera #7, Karin A. Meyer
Fan Comments
[part one]: The primary feature of TW, however, is 'The Cytherean Cycle,' an (other) explanation of the Rom Com from 'Enterprise Incident,' her background and mission. It is not too bad; there are some interesting characters introduced. But despite all the Silver Stars, High Priests and Galactic Missions dragged in, nothing happens, nothing is resolved, because, as you guessed it, this is part one.[1]
[part one]: "The Cytherean Cycle" a nicely unfinished novella by Anne Elizabeth Zeek is the main feature of this zine. It is an after story following up the events surrounding the Romulan Commander from "The Enterprise Incident." It has quite an interesting plot, namely, the overthrow of the Romulan empire because of internal corruption and other factors and how Lareesha (the Commander) winds up in charge of things by default. (Everyone else gets killed off ... great way to simplify your plot). The story even has a historical preface to the Romulan beginnings drawn from information in "Paradise Syndrome" and although the story isn't complete, it ends in a beautiful spot. The next edition of the serial will be in Time Warp #2. The only story in this zine worth your money is the novella by Zeek.[2]
[part one]: I'm saving the best for last, and that is 'The Cytherean Cycle.' I've noticed an increasing number of alternative universes creeping up, dealing with various of the big three -- Kraith, AU 4, The Weight, alternate Kraith universes, even my own Delphian Chronicles. Very few have gone into the depth of the so-called enemies, particularly the Romulans. Now we have 'The Cytherean Cycle,' part one of which centers on out intriguing ladyfriend, the Romulan Commander. In this first portion, she is faced with a decision between life and death, not only for herself, but for the entire Romulan nation. Technically, the story is well-plotted, with strong characters and fair to excellent description, particularly of the battle scenes. Some of the scene transitions are a bit confusing, and in some places the description tended to bog down the story, while in others, it was badly rushed. On the whole, however, the story held my interest well, and I eagerly await part two. [3]
[part one]: 'De Romulani' is a speculation/history of the Romulans and is followed by the main story in the zine, 'The Cytherean Cycle.' This is Zeek's story of the Romulan Commander from 'The Enterprise Incident,' and it is just the first part of a massive work. I was amazed at how well the ideas were developed. It is a very intriguing work, with a few minor predictabilities, and it gives a different view of both the Romulans and this one particular Rom. I do not agree with all Zeek's ideas, but I find them well-handled and am looking forward to more of the novel. [4]
[part one]: By far, the most interesting this in this issue is "The Cytherean Cycle" by Anne Elizabeth Zeek. Anne may well have written the first part of the definitive Romulan epic. Here we see the Romulans as a people, a culture, and more, than just enemies of the Federation. If I have an objection, and it - is not a strong one, 4t is that Anne based her Romulan culture strongly on the old Roman culture. I must admit, though, she took her cues from "Balance of Terror" and did a superb job. I am looking forward to reading, another segment in TW#2. And heaven help you, Anne, if it is missing ....[5]
References
- ^ from Paula Smith in Menagerie #12
- ^ from Spectrum #33
- ^ from The Sehlat's Roar #5
- ^ from Scuttlebutt #2
- ^ by Frances Zawacky in Right of Statement #2