Oh my. To think that the Master's regime is a better life for this person than the one they were leading before. That's a sobering thought.

Stowaway on the Valiant? Hmm, interesting idea. I bet the kitchen staff would help them get food, and they could pass information, since they're under the radar.

Is it really bad your drabble just gave me a story idea? :-P

All of these are fantastic. I love the one about Christmas and also Francine's. Very very moving. :)

*crosses fingers that more of the side characters come forward*

That sounds like Nazi Germany when they did medical experiments on prisoners. For the "good of all", but it was really only torture. A doctor who harms people is no doctor at all. The Doctor, the definitive article, would be disgusted at someone so abusing his namesake.

Lucy. Of all the people on the Valiant, my heart aches for Lucy most. She is the one most decieved and abused by the Master. Poor thing.

It's really interesting how most people hate what the Master's doing, like they should, and some people actually LIKE it. I guess it gives them the power they've always wanted. How horrible.

Great chapter, as always.

This chapter made me cry, literally.

It's just...the first oath of medicine has never seemed so sinister. Makes me wish I knew less Latin. It really is the side characters, though, isn't it? They're the ones that had to live with it...even if they don't remember.

I think you've really captured something here. Humanity's really crazy - at our worst we're at our best. It takes a little chaos for the average Joe Smith to become Hitler or hero. And sometimes the little stuff is all a person can do, but it's all right, because sometimes the little things are all that's keeping things together.

This is really one of the most poignant collection of tales I've read. They don't need to be long - their shortness and simplicity really is what makes them so bittersweet. And yet, there are hopeful little chapters like this one.

Wow.

You're a great writer. Merry Christmas.

"We live in fear of a wicked king who slaughters the innocent. Into such a world Our Lord was born"

Great line! It's interesting to draw paralells between the Master and the evil ones of the various religion's tales. Harod and the Master would probably have liked each other :-P

This is a subtle, but very interesting Christmas drabble. Very well done.

Wow! You captured the essence of the people stuck on the Valiant perfectly. I was always interested to find out their story for once. 10/10. Good Job!

The Spirit

Oh please, keep writing these. They break my heart, but in a good way. Just amazing.

"Faith preceeds the miracle", as my favorite kid's movie Voyage of the Unicorn says.

A thought-provoking, yet incredably sad, little slice of life abord the Valiant yet again. I like how it was Hanukkah, not Christmas. Sort of shows that all types were on board that ship. Glad to know some people there still hold on to their faith, in spite of the Master.

She's a brave waitress, to be serving cat food to the Master's guests. But I guess it's the only release she's going to get. A good rule is never anger the cook: you never know what they'll be serving you. But the Master doesn't care who he angers, does he?

this is beautifully done and really fantastically clever. i love the progression you have going here and i love the pace... it is really a wonderful piece of work. kudos and bravo. also, very well written, which is appreciated more than you might know.

laura

These drabbles capture life aboard the Valiant perfectly. Such a creative idea, and very well written.