Regarding the review about all things being entities: while that is correct, it was actually Picard who I believe canonically referred to Q as an entity in a sense that sets him apart from other species. In the episode where Q wants to join Picard's crew, Picard asks him "what task is too menial for an entity?" which in that context seems to imply that the term "entity" is meant to refer to an extraordinary race of beings. This meaning could be somewhat exclusive to the context of Star Trek/science fiction.

Alara Rogers: I really enjoy your Q stories and this one was very touching. I like that Picard offers Q a chance to assist his crew, even if it's only for a specific mission. I imagine that if Q did well on the mission and managed to get along with the crew, his visits to the Enterprise could potentially become a more regular occurrence. I know how things transpire since I have read your other story Only Human; I won't spoil that here in case there are readers who haven't gotten to that point yet. But this insert is very well done and I enjoy your characterizations. Q and Picard are in character to the extent that I can practically hear their voices in the dialogue.

Q is my favorite character in Star Trek and the primary reason I seek out fan fiction in this genre. Your version of Q is the best I've seen so far and I'm glad to have found your works.

Aw...I had hoped that, with everything happening at the end of this fic, the Q Continuum would actually take Q back. Now I'm sad.

The conversation between Q and Picard was rather interesting. Good job! :D

Dear Alara:

I know this is a tiny thing to fuss over, but it appears too many times in this story for me to entirely overlook it: Q is not a "former entity". An entity is simply something that exists. Humans may be little nobler than pond slime from Q's point of view, but they (and, for that matter, pond slime) are still entities.

Sincerely,
Qoheleth

I looked at the premise expecting nothing at all. A bit of light fancy before moving on to a story more worthy of attention. I never liked Q, never really liked his episodes. What virtue could this fic possibly have?

This is an excellent piece. I am astounded.

There ought to be a continuation of this. It's already an entirely different story from Only Human, even though it starts out at approximately the same point, and it seems like it would be a fascinating story of its own. Personally, I'd love to see more of this timeline, and I'm sure that there are many other people who would feel the same way.
Once again, beautiful work, and I look forward to the possibility of a sequel.
-GM

poor Q. at least he has a smidgen of hope now.

For being nearly all about a single dinner conversation, this story is thoroughly insightful and entertaining. It's amazing to see how far Q's fallen, and how fast he can get back on track with a single conversation with Picard. He's certainly got a loooong way to go, but at the end of this story you can't help but feel optimistic about Q's future. Great writing with this one, it was one outstanding debate between those two!

This was an incredible read. Two of my favourite characters (in any fandom) having a lengthy, enthralling, completely-in-character conversation? Amazing.

Brilliant work.

This is *wonderful*... your character voices are simply perfect. I could hear Patrick Stewart and John de Lancie in my head when reading it, and you develop the relationship between them in a totally believable and satisfying way. In particular, I love how it begins with Picard in the role of the adviser, but ends with Q giving Jean-Luc some guidance of his own. Great stuff!

That was so sweet! I'm glad its starting to pan out for Q, even just a little.

Aw... Q is so cute. Even though most of this rather long one-shot was dialog- very well done. That sort of thing can get really out of character and boring, but I was totally enthralled. A very excellent exploration into the kind of loss Q must have been experiencing and a more depressing... "real" I guess, ending to that episode versus how TNG usually ends up. You know, like make-you-gag sugary. lol.

Wicked story! _

Can't wait to read more!

10 out of 10

Damn thats good

What a wonderful story! I enjoyed it so much. I could realy imagine all that happening. Some parts were funny, some sad and some just incedible and in character. Thanks for the experiance.