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Title: Ties That Bind
Series: Shift
Author: Hats
Fandom: Starfighter
Summary: While on leave, Cain pays a visit to his sister.
Teaser: It didn’t matter how much vitriol Cain crammed into the word “hate” — it would never be enough to convey the disgust and contempt he felt for the colony he grew up in. And yet, there he was, walking down the cracked and uneven sidewalk that paralleled Protsvetanie Prospect.
Warnings: Language, a bit of violence, and an OC (Cain’s sister)
Author’s Note: Originally I had used this space to explain both TTB’s and the Shift series’ genesis, however it ended up taking up a lot of room so I’ve put it into a journal entry instead.[link] All that said, I love writing descriptions and as Natacha’s apartment began to coalesce I just wanted write. As such, “Ties that Bind” ended up being wildly self-indulgent and I hope folks enjoy it regardless. Can you tell I’m nervous about posting this one? :)

I cannot express enough how amazing my beta reader is as well as the Starfighter community and *HamletMachine. All of you and your constant support and kindness is astounding. Thank you all so very much. :heart:

Russian Fu: Any negativity towards Russian in TTB is NOT a reflection of my personal feelings. Seriously, all you have to do is talk nerdy to me in Russian and I’m yours. Yes, I am that easy. My hope is that I wrote this well enough that you can infer all of the following from the story itself (or not fully knowing isn’t distracting), but just incase…

-Babushka is grandmother

-Dima is the diminutive form of Dmitry, and while technically Tach isn’t the diminutive form of Natacha it fit the character and just felt wrong using anything else. So, I’m going to claim artistic freedom on this one. ;) Also, that isn’t a typo mangled Natasha; she is actually named Natacha. :)

-Domovoi is a spirit of the house that helps out on occasion and is pretty innocuous unless you don’t keep up with the housework or don’t show respect for the dwelling, etc. If you anger them…well, as per folklore, they might just off you and/or burn your house down. Good times.


Disclaimers: Starfighter is a house built by the fabulous *HamletMachine. I'm just the weird kid who invited herself over and started playing with Hammie’s toys. :dance: While technically Tach is mine, anyone is free to play with her. :)
Comments16
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helice93's avatar
Wow, this is some impressive writing. :wow: I'm not familiar with the series or the fandom, or the events leading up to this particular chapter, but it was a greatly enjoyable read nevertheless.

The opening is great, and the first paragraphs do a brilliant job in presenting the setting. Even if most commenters apparently found this descriptive part long and tedious, I liked it a lot. The reader can experience the slums first-hand, and also the life conditions of the people stuck there.

The characters are nicely written, and their thoughts, words, actions describe their emotions and mindset very well. I also like the little details that offer all kinds of background information, though a couple of them are a bit superfluous.

My only problem with the story is the quite gratuitous use of swear words. Yes, they hint at Cain's state of mind quite well, but it would be much more effective if they were used only in a moment of frustration - such as when he realises it would be the top floor, or when the door is locked - but not in "neutral" moments.

Overall, great work. Keep writing. :)

(On behalf of #ProjectComment)