S P O I L E R
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This is definitely one of the best DS9 Relaunch stories I have read so
far. A lot of what happened in this book has parallels with real life.
Especially now with all the problems in Iraq we hear about every day in
the news, it reminded me how difficult it must be especially for
civilians who want to help and rebuild that country. They know how
dangerous it is but also how much they are needed, even if they are not
wanted by some.
What this story shows, people who do so first of all have to know what
they are getting into: They do not only need to know how to fix what is
broken but must be aware that they can only do so together with the
native people. That means, they have to know about their customs,
politics and be able to form bridges, that what is so often called
nowadays winning the hearts and minds of the people.
It has been a long time since I actually liked and respected Keiko
O`Brien. I most definitely did so in "The Lotus Flower". Not only was I
pleasantly surprised and relieved that her typical marriage problems
that also got on my nerves in "Unity" were never mentioned, I was amazed
that in spite of all what happened she is determined to stay and
continue with her project. It seems, although she always had problems
dealing with it that her children were in danger on DS9, she thinks it
is worth it here. Keiko found a position where she can hone her skills
and rebuild her self esteem that obviously suffered before she got this
job. I am happy for her and I think, what she is doing and what she
achieved is indeed remarkable.
Not only is Keiko a botanist now, she is also a leader of a community.
It is interesting how she dealt with the different factions and belief
systems. It seems her experiences as a teacher and having lived among
all kinds of aliens mainly on DS9 helped her a lot. I found her
discussions she had with various people very interesting to read.
I had to smile when Kira assured Keiko that she had to extend the hand
of friendship often enough to people she`d rather be strangling. I could
understand Keiko`s feelings concerning Yevir very well because I shared
them. I still dislike him but can`t deny that he has a very strong
presence and that he most probably saved a lot of people in this book.
He most definitely is a good diplomat and I was impressed how he dealt
with the poor brainwashed girl.
Also Ghemor and Garak left a strong impression on me. The Garak in this
story is the typical Garak I already found so intriguing from early on
in DS9, the series. I definitely would like to read more about what he
will do on Cardassia in future. The same applies to Ghemor. His struggle
with his burden to rebuild this world and its society was shown very
well and it touched me a lot.
What Miles O`Brien said about children like Nyra is very true and is
reflected in what we know from real life as well. In this case, I had to
think of the conflict between Israel and the Palestines. Unfortunately
there are no easy solutions and it is easy just to give up and leave the
mess behind. I think it was a good idea and very realistic also to show
how Miles had to deal with his own prejudices and experiences with
Cardassians. It was also good to see that he was not only honest with
himself but that he is able now to look past them. I actually enjoyed it
to read that he is proud of what his wife is doing and creating. Maybe
next time we can learn a bit more of what he is doing on Cardassia. It
seems for the first time both, husband and wife, are together where they
can both be challenged and build something important.
The end of the story shows that in spite of the success so far, the
struggle won`t be over. I didn`t expect that anyway. But nevertheless, I
have no idea what the last few sentences are supposed to mean. Maybe
someone can explain it to me?
Reading this story, I also had to remember the short story "The Calling"
in "Prophecy and Change". I understood very little of what is going on
in it but it was even obvious to me that things will get a LOT worse
before they will hopefully get better again. I would have preferred a
bit more hopeful future for Cardassia but what is done is done. It seems
this is the direction DS9 Relaunch will go when dealing with Cardassia.
Baerbel Haddrell
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