I believe this is the third piece of yours that I've looked at; there may have been others earlier but I went back and read my two more recent reviews, and I pretty much have to say the same about this piece.

First off, I think you're an excellent writer and it's clear that you have no deficit where imagination is concerned. What I find frustrating is that you keep tossing me the teaser pitch when what I want is for you to just go ahead and close the deal. In an earlier story I noted that I didn't know much at all about what was going on, but that I'd certainly be willing to keep reading to find out. If, that is, there were more to read.

With this story, you have actually filled in a few more blank spaces, but it still comes out to be a compelling set-up. Where's the story? You, the answer to the "So what?" question. You've got a great character and you've stuck her in the middle of an alien, though fully realized universe, complete with potential conflicts and goals. In other words, everything that's ripe for the seeds of a good story to take root, grow and thrive.

None of the things I've read of yours strike me as short story material. They all feel like fragments carved out of a much larger context. I don't doubt that you can do justice to your set-ups.

I hope you do.