I am really looking forward to the next installment of this. Want to say "like Lovecraft" but often you go a step beyond that. Please continue...This is very good work.

AMAZING story! Cliffhanger is KILLING me!

Firstly, I love the redone summary for this story. It's perfect in every way shape and form. That said, it's good to be back. I haven't been on the Dead Space page for a while due to work overload (school, work, etc.), but I do owe you a review for this chapter.

The entire inner monologue on betrayal was fascinating, especially once the Hive told Isaac that Mercer was a reflection of that principle. Also, adding a bit of a background to what Kendra and Isaac might have shared at one pt makes her seem more interesting, as well as how Isaac would react to her betrayal. I always wondered if Isaac had reasons beyond he obvious for resenting her actions.

Moving on, it was nice to see Nicole back and having an influence on Isaac. I'm tense waiting to see how he responds, and if he finds release for himself, because I sincerely want to see his suffering end. I don't think I could handle an ending where Isaac doesn't get any closure or redemption, and if Nicole's memory is destroyed...well, I hope that you're not thinking of taking the story in that direction. she's working so hard on saving what's left of her love, or rather, Isaac's subconscious is working hard to save him through her.

Random: I love the fact that ma'am remains in use even under the most stressed, horrible conditions. It jars with the rest of the scene since it's such a polite term.

anyway, over and out. I await more.

excellent work. Cant wait for another update

excellent chapter, your story has masterful descriptions

I just reread this chapter, and I must say that Nicole's introduction added a much needed element to the story. With all the back and forth between Isaac and Kendra/Hive, riveting as it is, Nicole is an entirely different sort of character that brings true compassion to the story. Even as a fragment, she seems to retain more humanity and sanity than any other person, which would fit since she's a reflection of Isaac's memories and ideas. Oh, by the way, thank you for the pms explaining things more in depth. I truly appreciated that, and it gave me many things to ponder.

Anyway, what I mean to say is that Nicole is a nice break from cruelty and uncertainty. Poor Isaac has something to hold onto with her strong manifestation, and I would think that such a factor is essential to his ability to resist Kendra. Also, the ending of this chapter was brilliant, because when Nicole talks about being a fragment, it made me wonder just how independent she is. By that, I mean whether or not as a reflection of Isaac, she is still sentient, which the end of the chapter clearly showed since Isaac had left and Nicole was alone with her own thoughts. I loved that you included that to give Nicole even more promise as a presence in the story.

Another great chapter. I now desperately await Isaac's decision. The though of Isaac killing Nicole really haunts me considering how central Isaac's loyalty to Nicole is in the games and your story. On the other hand, the Hivemind's role has been drawn out too long and so now I want to see whether its speaking the truth or not.

First of all, thank you for the pm, and I must apologize again for being a bit of a lazy reviewer myself. I've read the updates without a word, and your message reminded me of that, so in reply, I must say that I don't have any concrete questions at this point. They're more like ambiguous musings that I don't want directly answered due to a desire to see how the story progresses on its own; however, if I notice something that seems problematic, I'll let you know, but really, give yourself some credit. You've done an excellent job at unfolding the story in pieces, and to ask questions to make the story clearer, faster would feel like cheating on my end.

As for this chapter, I'm excited at the prospects of another ship being pulled into the carnage. That the unitologists are still trying to handle and control the situation is laughable but strangely disturbing at the same time given the lives and ethics that they're willing to sacrifice in the process. It's nice to see that the captain here has his reservations, because the game painted people linked to unitology as a bit fanatical, which would obviously be false in a general sense.

One line that particularly stood out was: "Directly manipulated by Kendra herself..."
It's been obvious throughout the entire story that she's been using Isaac, but to have it stated so bluntly really caught my eye. Your fic skirts around firmly stating anything so that there's always a question of what's true and to what extent, so a blatant statement of fact was like a neon sign, which isn't a bad thing. It merely confirmed what everyone already knew, and it made the line hard-hitting.

It seems that Hive/Kendra knows a heck of a lot about science, technology, and even mental processes. I'm assuming that all of her knowledge was collected from the different people and species absorbed by the infection, but sometimes I wonder if it isn't merely a reflection of Isaac's knowledge and insights. After all, you've made the Hive a character, and she seems very reliant on her host and the form she takes.

Then the real work can begin, huh? I take it that the more nefarious intent of the Hive is about to be unveiled, and I'm thinking that it has a lot to do with finally expanding and killing...everything. lol.

This is another one of the greats. No action...but the interaction between the two characters just feels so real and right that the whole thing feels just as intense as a gunfight.

I realize i've reviewed chapters ahead of this one before, but as i'm editing this thing i just had to comment on this one...The description of the tank suit and the whole welcoming party thing was just brilliant. Its one of those moments that stick with you long after you've finished reading the story.

awesome. Hope there's more bloody Necromorph slaying =P

Sorry for not reviewing for some time. My internet access has been lacking (the horror!), but anyway, I've gotten this far, and...

I love that you've included Mercer. He's as fervent as in the game, yet maintains a logic and scientific viewpoint that is lacking with Isaac. It adds to the story and offers insight outside of what Isaac sees and experiences. Oh, and the connection he has with Isaac (ex. Isaac's ability to nonverbally command him to speak) is very interesting. Absolute plus!

The vision at the beginning of this chapter was beautifully written--creepy, detailed, moving, and disturbing. Yes, it had me riveted, and the inclusion of the game's title song was also great.

I've been trying to think of a critique, but all I can come up with are unanswered questions concerning the hive, marker, and Isaac's role; however, I'll wait and see what happens, because as thoughtful as this fic is, I'm sure that you've more up your sleeve. Plus, you reveal things slowly and by layers, and even if certain things are left unsaid, I can't find fault with that either since it fits the mysterious aura of the game. So either way, I'll be happy, but as great as this is, you are building high expectations for the story's crescendo and end. lol. Oh well, whatever you do, I'm sure there will be a reason for it.

Keep writing, and I've got to move ahead to other chapters. Hurray!

"You gotta be kidding me, you bleeding heart Unitologist dick-sucker. Isaac's a fuckin' nut job now. Word has it that he flipped out, killed a bunch of the crew and ate their brains. Say they found him with one of their heads in his hands, all ritual like."

This is hilarious. I cracked up when I read that.

Very, very well written.

WOW.

Just...wow.

This story is amazing. I hope they work on a Dead Space 2. They should ask you for ideas.

This is brilliant.

AMAZING!
PLEASE UPDATE!