[Rush Limborg]

Personally, I've only read the Aventine parts of it. However...from what I've read of that, it's actually pretty balanced. I don't see Ms. McCormack as imposing anything (unless it's in the Picard parts, maybe?). She delves into a grey area.

Ezri's not being a dove by any means--and Alden's not being a caricature of a hawk.

Ezri has the same suspicions Alden does, and is struggling to find the best solution for the Federation and the Venetians. She wants to prove the Tzenkethi's hostile intent, just as Alden claims she is. She just thinks Alden is putting his own interests over the defense of the Federation. It's not theory, but methods that are the issue.

Their scene at the end emphasizes that there were no easy answers to what had happened.

BTW...I sincerely hope that, if Alden ever shows up again--and I hope he may...

I sincerely hope he doesn't turn out to be Section 31. The last thing we need--another lame excuse of "Oh, he has to be 31, because Starfleet wouldn't dare go so grey!"

Please. Linking Admiral Dougherty to 31 was bad enough. If they do that to Alden...and by extention, Admiral Akaar--I won't be the only one letting out a loud, prolongued groan....