L3wt's Feedback Thread

[Commissar]

A Spider Among Flies may just be my very favourite thread. Why is it my favourite thread?

Well, I'm glad you asked. I love the detail you've put into the troop movements, the weapons systems, the implications of fighting and surviving solo on what is arguably one of the most actively hostile planets in the sector (by which I mean things are trying to eat you instead of just crack open your vacc suit and turn you in to a human corpsicle for a while). Arland isn't winning because he's a great marksman, or a heavily muscled badass, or because he can fire two machine guns into the air while screaming about how there can only be one (though I'm reasonably certain he could do all those things). Arland is winning because he's smart, pragmatic, and unflinchingly brutal.

And in a universe occupied by aforementioned plot-armored badasses who win simply by being brilliant shots and fighting against enemies with room temperature IQs, that counts for something. Arland's enemies are tough, numerous, and capable combatants who aren't the sort to politely take prisoners when an artillery strike would get the same results. The way you write them, I respect the Gallics, and that respect transfers to Arland when he manages to stay just ahead. The contrast between Arland in combat and out of it is chilling, and a really neat aspect of his character.

The military sci-fi themes might not be for everyone, but I sure enjoy them. Keep up the great work, and I'm really looking forward to reading more of Arland in the future.

Oh, and also because this line was pretty great:

"This is really sort of a personal project of mine."

- James Arland, on single-handedly engaging an enemy regiment.

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May you live in interesting times.
| Sarah McFarlen | Jane Hartman |