I finished the book a little while ago and have just cruised through the thread.
I give it an 8/10 primarily because of the way the gap was handled and the short, sharp points at the end of the second half (which should have been a full-sized novel on its own) but overall it was a brilliant book.
I liked the new characters introduced and I wonder if a certain CMO will return to her former ship as a doctor or be reassigned to another vessel. I hope this isn't the last we've seen of her.
I did have a question about something that bothered me but I don't remember what it was now. Perhaps it will come back to me.
David, excellent job and I look forward to your next piece.