[Report This]Date: January 12 2024 12:21 PM Title: Disorientation
What a frustratingly good story. I have been a sucker for the falsely accused stories ever since the clone wars did it, but I always feel bittersweet about such stories. They ultimately have a sour end in some way, even if the truth comes out. But the journey of getting there is so emotional because you feel for both sides in it, knowing that manipulation is what brought things there and neither side is really the evil one.
You did a stellar job capturing that here. At first, I hated Bridget a lot. "How can she even do this to her friend?" Then we got her side of the story and you say "well, of course she is doing this." But then as things progress and you learn of some major facts, you can't help but get really upset with Aegis for overlooking the fact that Nathaniel Tyler was the kid of the parents who were eaten by Lexi's mother...like HOW did that get overlooked? How poor was that investigation, that a fact like that was missed?
I think the story became mature with Nathaniel's outburst during his talk with Bridget. Because you realize he was right. The Omegas really do have a savior complex and do not know what is right every single time. They are not gods. Even though many seem to want to be. Of course, there are exceptions to that, but I think their hubris will lead to more conflict in the future entries in this universe.
I doubt I will find any of the following stories in this Omegas universe nearly as compelling as this one, and that is saying a lot with how obsessed I was with Consequences. Quite the remarkable universe Ackbar started and you have really grown here. Can't wait to catch up with it all!
[Report This]Date: September 27 2022 1:47 PM Title: Apart
So, let me get this straight. Nathaniel--the traumatized survivor of an anti-Beta hate crime back in his childhood--framed Lexi (the Omega-adopted daughter of an Alpha supremacist) for a hate crime she didn't commit. Simply to prove to the Omegas, as a whole, that they were woefully overconfident in their collective ability to infallibly protect all his fellow Betas from Alpha predation?
I guess Nietzsche was right. We all have to be careful not to become worse monsters than the ones we fight!
Date: July 22 2021 3:44 PM Title: Disorientation
I recently reread this after hearing you’re doing a sequel and it’s equally as heart wrenching as I remember it. This will always be my favourite story in the Omegaverse for several reasons. It makes you feel awful seeing the trust between two friends being destroyed so easily. What I like the most about it is that Omegas and Aegis are in the wrong for once. I want to share some thoughts on the story, mostly on the ending.
I see a reason for Alexandra moving far away as her way of punishing Bridget and Evelyn for what they did. Despite essentially being Lexi’s adopted family for twelve years, they easily threw out their trust in her over an accusation they didn’t bother to investigate until two weeks later. Moving far away covertly is her way of letting them know that repairing their relationship won’t be as easy as saying “I’m sorry.”
Kayla looks really bad in this story. She seems to have a “don’t sue us” attitude towards Lexi. Bribing someone isn’t going to make them feel better.
I find the whole memory wipe thing interesting. I don’t think its unexpected for Lexi and Bridget to turn it down. If their memories of the past two weeks are erased, they can’t learn from this experience. A similar situation could happen again in the future and Bridget wouldn’t have the experience to stop herself from hurting Lexi or another innocent Alpha if the memory is gone.
I see people saying in the reviews that Lexi’s trust in Omegas and Betas was destroyed and she’s moving to make new friends who won’t betray her, but I feel that I don’t think she can really trust anyone. A Beta could accuse her of hurting them again and the Omega’s mindset will not allow them to believe a Beta can lie. She probably can’t trust her fellow Alphas either because she knows that they are capable of being complete monsters. She would know since her own mother was one.
I think it would be poetic justice if Nathaniel and his friends are punished by being put through the same treatment Alphas are put through when they hurt or kill Betas. The point of the torture is to make Alphas experience what they put Betas through, so why not have Nathan experience what Lexi was put through? Maybe they are temporarily made Alpha size to make it easier for the Omegas to handle them?
Keep doing what you’re doing, man. I can’t wait to see what you do in the sequel. I hope it’s even better than this story.
Author's Response:
I appreciate the thought you've put into this one, especially since it's an older-ish story. I can't say my own feelings on the world/characters all align perfectly with yours, but of course these stories are intended to be emotionally/psychologically provocative with all the implications of justice and varying size classes, so I'm always pleased that there are lots of different perspectives from readers on the stories I've written in Ackbar's world setting. Thanks for the read/review. I don't want to say the sequel is RIGHT around the corner, but progress is actively happening on it.
[Report This]Date: April 01 2018 5:55 PM Title: Disorientation
I wanted to say thank you, for not only writing this story but for also sharing it.I find myself agreeing with Grandmaster B and many of the other views here that I can't phantom Alexandra forgiving Bridget nor Evelyn for their actions. Not completely any way. If they have lived and loved together as a family for 10 years and then with such ease they can could turn on Lexis and think her guilty on the words of a few strangers and a simple time stamp on a video. Before even confronting and speaking to Alexandra is just inhuman.
I know the basic concept of the fire and how it invoke duty in the Omegas to protect the betas. But if it can make them behave so inhuman, machine like that they can take 10 years of living and loving someone and just ignore it. When a human would at least try everything in their power to make sure that the loved one in question is guilty before they start to personally torturing them. Just paints the Omega's as megalomaniacs who can't even imagine ever being in error. Not only that it would seem that life long connections to mortals have no real value other than to pass their time as immortal, if they can discard them with such ease in the name of said duty. And that duty is not justice. How can you deal out justice if you aren't subject to it yourself?
Nathaneil had a good point. Bridget will never feel the same fear or pain of a beta or in this case that Lexis experience at her hands. But that didn't stop her form inflicting it. I know that Aegis has pinned the whole crime on Nathaneil but it was their failure and piss poor investigation that lead to Alexandria’s physical and mental damage but none of them will be punished. That is not only hypocritical it is a sign of a government that can't be held accountable for their mistakes. Which in my opinion is a government that will never be fully embraced by many of the Alphas and given that a word of a beta is taken at face value as the truth before you even get to speak and are found guilty based on it. I can't say I blame them.
And this story isn't first example of being found guilty with out talking to the suspect. The Story Tough Love is similar to how fast guilt is determined. Though Ashley was guilty she didn't get a chance to speak until it was already determined. Imagine if that beta asked to touch her feet and she refused and he felt a grudge for it. It wouldn't be hard for him to fake some injuries and then spin the whole shoe ride story up to get back at her for that rejection. Given that they seem to believe every thing a beta says as truth, perhaps because of the fire. Ashley would have received punishment regardless of innocence because they didn't even consider that she might be innocent, didn't ask her till they told her she was guilty and started to apply their "justice".
I personally wished that a news outlet would have gotten a hold of the story like maybe RED. Not that would even begin to make up for the wrongs that Bridget did. But to me it seemed that Aegis really didn't want Alexandra to share her story, to reveal how they weren’t omnipotent and that real justice isn't what they seek as they would have punished one of their own or more for this level of a screw up.
And if an Alpha made an innocent mistake that hurt a beta I have no doubt that person would have suffered some kind of punishment. But Bridget being not only in Aegis but as an Omega as well mostly like got love and support from her mother and friends. You know what Lexis should have gotten from Bridget and Evelyn instead of the torture she received instead. Because love is suppose to be uncondition and it comes with loyality. And if the fire keeps them from doing that then maybe they are less than human and closer to the monsters that a lot of the Alphas make them out to be.
At least when an Alpha is cruel and heartless it's them and not some strange influence. In that light maybe I could say the Omegas are broken and if it wasn't for the power they hold and the things can do, I might pity them. But they do have that power and they use it freely so I can't say that I do.
The main reason I doubt that Alexandra could ever trust an Omega again is it seemed clear to me that she loved two of them above all others in the world. The two that she thought loved her the same in kind. Then they turned on her for something she didn't do, with out even giving her a benefit of a doubt. That love would turn in to a hate in my opinion, maybe not forever.. maybe she would let it go and carry on with her life in time. I would like to think so. But how could she really trust an Omega ever again.. or trust anyone when you own family betrays you like that.
So while Lexi will have to live the rest of her life with her scars. Bridget will one day be free of them. I would like to point out that in the story Consequences that Claire mentioned to Stephanie that she would even forget about her own family in time as her memory faded of them. So it may take a while but Bridget will one day forget what she did and be clean of the sins she committed to a sister she can no longer recall.
A rouge thought I just had, if an Omega hurt or killed a beta would the fire in the other other Omegas require some sort of justice? Would Bridget’s mother punish her own daughter in this case? Since she didn't punish Bridget for hurting and nearly killing Lexis someone she claimed to have loved. But I wonder would she seek justice for a beta she didn't know just because of the fire? I think she would or rather I hope so because if not then I can't really understand how she could betray Alexandra as she did with out the all consuming fire being the reason.
The TLDR. The story and characters sucked me in enough to bend me out of shape. I felt. no I still feel anger at Bridget and her mother and I feel sorrow for Alexandra. And that emotional investment is a nice rare thing to get from a fictional short story. I do hope to read more about these characters in another story some day.
Again thank you very much
Also please forgive my typo's :)
[Report This]Date: February 08 2018 7:27 PM Title: Disorientation
Can't get enough of this world created by Ackbar and Jacksmith so many great stories but his one has to be one of my favorites.
Seeing how Alexandra was basically betrayed by everyone and her loved ones makes me angry especially the way she was treated. Alexandra losing Hope and letting go of the only thing she had left (truth) was what got me. Bridget should have really done more investigating on the matter instead of just doing her "duty" as an Omega. I am really upset with Bridget that I wanted to hate her at the end but seeing how Alexandra still loved her sister that hate just turned to pity since Bridget basically scarred herself for eternity knowing what she had done to her sister. Hope we do get a continuation of this story someday with Alexandra meeting up with Bridget, still trying to somehow make amends even though she can't forgive herself, and her mother after regaining sometype of Hope.
Can't wait to see more of this universe you guys have created keep up the amazing work.
Author's Response:
Thanks much. The continuation of this one has obviously been on pause for a while, but I am still open to the idea of showing the characters again in the future.
[Report This]Date: November 13 2017 2:25 PM Title: Apart
Is the sequel going to be updated soon?
Author's Response:
The sequel's sort of on hold for the time being. I'll never say never, but it's not currently being worked on.
Date: September 04 2016 1:33 PM Title: Disorientation
I can't say anything that hasn't already been said. My views mirror everyone else's. What Bridget did was horrible, and there's barely any justification for it. As long as Omegas can't control the Fire, not a single Alpha will be safe. And Alex...my heart just breaks every time I see her suffering.
I have several questions I'm hoping you can answer:
1. Will there ever be an Omega origin story where we see how the Omegas came to be, life before them, the Fire, Kayla Everett, all of it? I think seeing that will start clearing up all the questions we all have.
2. Will there be a direct sequel where we see what happens to Alex after all the torture? Yes, I'm calling it torture because it was!
3. I have an idea for a sequel that I wanted to ask you about, but every time I try to send you the message, it doesn't come through. How do I talk to you about it?
Author's Response:
I know I answered this review a long time ago and the site seems to have erased it, so I'll just put it in here again in case anyone else is curious.
1. Ackbar does have a historical canon of the Omega origins, though it's not clear if it'll ever be its own story or not. A backstory does exist, however.
2. I would like to do a sequel someday, yes.
3. The site's messenger isn't great. My email is jacksmith5996@gmail.com
[Report This]Date: December 29 2015 9:15 PM Title: Disorientation
No matter how many times I read this story, it never fails to bring a tear to my eye.
Author's Response:
I'm glad to hear it still has an impact.
Date: August 03 2015 12:41 AM Title: Disorientation
The Fire. Even with that taken into account, Bridget's actions are still unforgivable. Bridget's arrogance, stupidity and her capacity to betray her best friend are disturbing. Evelyn warned her, but she wouldn't listen to reason. I expected more from a smart Omega who looked like someone who understands friendship. Bridget is such a disappointment as a friend, sister and human being.
The only thing Bridget is a victim of is her own stupidity. Let's hope she has the capacity to grasp in full detail what she has done to Alexandra and that she can never make it up to Alexandra again. Will Bridget become a better person after this and have the decency to let Alexandra go or will she try to force her way back in Alexandra's life trying to be her friend/sister again as if nothing happened?
I just can't feel sorry for Bridget. Her actions were just so stupid. I read the story several times and I can't find any sympathy for Bridget. Only disgust that she ruins something beautiful without thinking it through.
Alexandra wanting to explain herself and she cuts her off. Lexi begging for mercy and she keeps on torturing her. Lexi mentally breaks down and she keeps on torturing her.
Author's Response:
You've clearly put a lot of thought into your view of the characters. The Fire will play a larger role in future entries, and will shed more light on the heft of its influence (and maybe win Bridget more friends). Ultimately my story isn't meant to force anyone to view the characters a certain way; I just put it out there and it is what it is. Thanks for reading!
[Report This]Date: July 22 2015 11:25 AM Title: Apart
I have to agree with Barrowman. Bridget might be a victim of Nat Tyler, in her own right. But, nowhere near as victimized as Lexi was! And, saying that the former's actions were all the fault of the Fire strikes me as being a lot like Tyler's claims that all Alphas are alike: an overly black-and-white view of the world. Morality, like it or not, is more like multiple shades of gray. And, the only saving grace in that realization is the less acknowledgedt fact that some shades of gray...
...are comparatively brighter than certain others.
Author's Response:
Morality is indeed in gray, even here, though the Fire is powerful enough that it adds a lot of its own shading. I don't know if that helps/hurts the metaphor, but there it is. I do agree, Lexi came out more of the victim here. I just wanted readers to be able to understand why Bridget did what she did, even if they can't condone it.
[Report This]Date: June 29 2015 7:16 AM Title: Disorientation
I forgot to give 5 stars. Here they are.
Date: June 29 2015 7:06 AM Title: Apart
I love the Omegas. Without them, many more Alphas would torture and kill Betas. They do a lot of good. But the actions of Bridget are unforgivable. This is utter betrayal of a friend. What she did in chapter 2 and 3 was already unforgivable in my eyes and it got worse. Bridget is a horrible friend. Alexandra can never trust someone like that. Alexandra felt save and secure with someone she tought she could trust and be there for her in her time of need. Bridget coldhardly destroyed that trust because her ego couldn't accept that her best friend was telling the truth. Bridget is not a victim here. This 99% her own fault. She knew exactly what she was doing. Bridget isn't evil, but she can't be trusted.
When someone you trust and love is turning against you in a most horrible way, that hurts so incredibly much.
Alexandra does the right thing. To leave the likes of Bridget and Evelyn behind. Start a new life and seek out new friends who won't stab you in the back.
Excellent story about friendship, trust, betrayal and a strong character who remained a good person in spite of Bridget, Alma and Evelyn.
Author's Response:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Interesting take. I would argue what Bridget did wasn't out of ego but through the heightened sense of justice imbued in all the Omegas by the Fire. You are right though that it was a devastating blow for Alexandra.
[Report This]Date: June 06 2015 4:57 PM Title: Disorientation
Wow, I just can't get enough of this series and the whole universe. I think I have read both yours and Ackbars Omega stories 2 each...man. The emotions and everthing...I hope both of you keep writing wow...I can't say it enough and this Story...wow you had me almost in tears when Lexi snapped at Bridget then got hurt and told her not to touch her....omg. Then when Lexi talked to Everette! I was scared and proud of her all at the sametime! wow, I really hope to read more about Lexi and Bridget....please oh please.
Author's Response:
Hey, thanks very much. I'm glad you felt emotionally engaged with the characters. I do plan to write more about Lexi and Bridget someday.
[Report This]Date: April 25 2015 8:44 PM Title: Disorientation
This story just gets me so MAD! Alexandra being hurt for something she didn't do, then Bridget finding out the truth after dropping Alexandra in the water...
YOU'RE JUST TOO DAMN GOOD AT WRITING!!!
I could feel every emotion that every character in the story was feeling. You are the god damn best writer I have ever seen.
Author's Response:
Thanks! I had hoped readers would want to empathize with the characters, even if it meant the feelings weren't always pleasant. I appreciate the kind words.
Date: November 24 2014 12:41 PM Title: Apart
I forgot to review the ending. Better late then never, I guess. I liked the conculsion. Gave enough closure whilel leaving some uncertaintiy and the cliff hanger was awesome.
Author's Response:
Better late than never indeed; I've appreciated your commentary on this one. Glad you enjoyed the ending.
[Report This]Date: October 30 2014 8:38 AM Title: Apart
Wait - "another short gentle story"? omg how many of your stories did I miss???
I think I should have kept notes as I read, I have a ton of sparse things to say and I don't know where to start...I think I'll reread it (with comments this time, there can't be spoilers) and comment more only if I find something that screamsto be commented; in the meantime, thank you!
Author's Response:
Ok, you got me there, I'm not exactly overflowing with short-gentle stories, but I do have elements of those 2 traits in other stories...
I appreciated your comments here. Hopefully looking back over the story will answer your questions.
Date: October 29 2014 9:36 AM Title: Pieces
(OT) it seems that /whenever/ I start reading this story someone needs me to do something,... this is the second time TODAY, and I'm still at "don't touch me" - is there a curse or something?
Author's Response:
Well, I'm glad to see you persevered to review the chapter after this one too. :P
[Report This]Date: October 29 2014 8:08 AM Title: Surrender
Gooooooogle says it's "ma'am", not "mam" (a few chapters ago; my european blood insists it's "madam"instead :)
That being said, this chapter was even better than most of the others!
Nvm that another of my yet-unwritten speculations turned out to be wrong (fwiw, I guessed Lexi wouldn't be able to stick to her decision, and would make some factual mistake in her confession, with the result of giving up AND not being believed...) - the real point is the constant quality.
My only criticism is that, much like the Lord of the Rings, this story is too short.
Author's Response:
Thanks for pointing out the ma'am spelling; I don't often have cause to write it, so I always forget.
Glad you're liking the story!
Date: October 27 2014 11:37 AM Title: Disorientation
I understand, Jacksmith, in terms of the goals you had for this story, but for me, as a reader, I feel like this story won't be finished until I find out what Lexi and Bridget's ultimate relationship becomes after all this, as a function of how they deal with this tragedy, whic h we witness as the audience.
Even if I have to wait a while to get this closure, I am very happy to hear you plan to continue with Lexi and Bridget in the future. If you plan to explore this stuff in the next Omega stories, I'll rest easy.
Ackbar seems to be updating Consequences again, which is.great, but still no telling whenit will be done with his schedule. It might be taboo, but maybe he'd even let you collab with him on it given how well you have handled his material.
Author's Response:
There will definitely be more Lexi and Bridget in a later story. I won't be contributing on Consequences though, especially since Ackbar has a pretty clear idea of what the rest of the story will look like.
[Report This]Date: October 25 2014 12:04 PM Title: Apart
Aww, I kinda wanted to see Bridget in this chapter. Ah well. Still a great chapter and an excellent addition to the Omega universe.
Author's Response:
Thanks man. And even though Bridget didn't show up in the last chapter, this story wasn't the last appearance she'll be making.