#episode tag: Ad Astra Per Aspera

[star-trek-fandom-confessions]

#924

I don’t get how people think that the episode Ad Astra Per Aspera was pro-eugenics when the message was meant to be that Una shouldn’t be barred from being in Starfleet because of something that was out of her control. Her parents chose to have her genetically modified when she was a child, and she didn’t understand that it was wrong then because she was raised in an environment where it was normalized. Her story is actually pretty similar to Julian Bashir’s and he doesn’t seem to receive the same scrutiny by fans.

[ao3feed-unapike]

Truth is a Fantasy

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/U0vDVnM by Curator The Talosian Magistrate’s words compress and spiral in Chris’ mind: “The female you call Number One … often has fantasies involving you.” And Chris wants — no, he needs — to find out what those fantasies might be. Words: 4859, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M Characters: Number One | Una Chin-Riley (Star Trek), Christopher Pike Relationships: Number One | Una Chin-Riley/Christopher Pike Additional Tags: Post-Episode: s00e01 The Cage, a smidge of beta canon, time goes by, Phil Boyce is aware that he is not a main character, cw blood, bits and pieces of New Trek canon, post-episode: s02e02 Ad Astra Per Aspera (Star Trek Strange New Worlds), Pining, Mutual Pining, Friends to Lovers, Idiots in Love, actually rather wholesome read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/U0vDVnM

[jenniferdiazisatransgirl]

A Break From Theme

Hey peeps,

I’m gonna do a small break from theme later today and write a post surrounding my thoughts on the episode “Ad Astra per Aspera” of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Watching this episode, it seemed very much like an allegory for present situation surrounding the attack on trans rights. As a result it is an episode I’d really like to write about and explore the parallels.

I need to give the episode a rewatch, as it aired a few weeks ago now. But I’ll have a post up later today.

That posts will contain spoilers, so I will be sure to spoiler tag the post.

For those who don’t watch Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. The episode in question is Season 2 Episode 2 if you wish to give it a watch.

Although honestly, I definitely recommend Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. It is an absolutely amazing show and is up there as being one of my fav Star Treks.

[a03feed-launa]

tangled up in marigold

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/fqdcKso by Daxs10thHost All the rote responses—I was just doing my job, you didn’t have anyone, it was nothing—die on Una’s lips. She was doing her job and La’an didn’t have anybody, but taking responsibility for her wasn’t nothing. It was a kind act, but it was also a selfish one. Una had been so lonely back then. So tired. So on edge. So afraid of being discovered. La’an offered company. Companionship. Distraction. Someone she could pour her time and care into and see tangible results. For a child, it must have been overwhelming. She’s amazed she didn’t fuck her up. Or maybe she did, and La’an’s just good at hiding it. Words: 1427, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/F Characters: Number One | Una Chin-Riley (Star Trek), La'an Noonien-Singh Relationships: La'an Noonien-Singh/Number One | Una Chin-Riley Additional Tags: Post-Episode: s02e02 Ad Astra per Aspera (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Reunions, Mild Sexual Content, Ambiguous Relationships, Tenderness, Talking, Missing Scene read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/fqdcKso

[ao3feed-zukka]

the mutterings of all your fears, the fluttering of all your wings

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3iGf0ja

by acornsofthemind

Sokka and Zuko are on the edge of the lake, planning their route of entry. They’ve both fallen silent, trying to figure out the best path, and Sokka’s mind is racing, coming up with plans and discarding them just as fast. A loud, sudden thwip breaks the air.

Sokka freezes for a split second before looking around hastily. Shit, they’ve been discovered. They’ve been caught, and they’re going to be locked up, and he’ll have cost the avatar his firebending master, and lost them the war, all with this one impulsive, stupid, jackalope-brained scheme of his.

or: The Boiling Rock with wings

Words: 1332, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 1 of ad astra per aspera

Fandoms: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: Gen, M/M

Characters: Sokka (Avatar), Zuko (Avatar)

Relationships: Sokka/Zuko (Avatar), Sokka & Zuko (Avatar)

Additional Tags: Pre-Relationship, Episode Remix, Canon Compliant, Canon Universe, Episode: s03e14-15 The Boiling Rock, Alternate Universe - Wings, Wingfic, Bisexual Sokka (Avatar), Pining, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3iGf0ja

[phynxrizng]

THIS MABON, HONOR THE DARK GODDESS

PAGAN This Mabon, Honor the Dark Goddess SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 BY ASTREA Every autumn equinox, I imagine the goddess of light and the dark goddess meet in a forest clearing. The young mother-maiden swings a picnic basket, and lays down a blanket, bread, and cheese. The old crone pulls a bottle of cyser mead from her carpetbag, and pours it into glasses. They clink and make a toast to Mabon, or the autumn equinox — the day when the light and darkness are most equal. I imagine the goddesses speak of the things that happened in the past six months. The maiden tells the dark goddess of human events and earthly occurrences, of devastations and accomplishments. The dark goddess speaks of the world of emotions and subterranean forces, of feelings beneath the surface. They nod, laugh, and shake hands. When the afternoon light turns strong and warm, they hear a satyr’s pipes and a distant faery song. They dance to the music, their skirts brushing the forest floor. Finally, when orange and coral clouds line the horizon, the goddesses hold hands. They close their eyes and envision a better future for the earth and humankind. The goddess of light yawns. She gazes lovingly at her bronze scepter with the glowing golden bulb, propped against a pine trunk. She picks it up and passes it, with the utmost love and respect, to the dark goddess. Upon her touching it, the metal oxidizes to black. The globe turns white and becomes cratered, like the moon. The goddess of light seems to fade a little. She curls up beneath a tree, yawning, and falls asleep. The earth rearranges itself to cover her. It will keep her warm until her rebirth in March. The dark goddess glows. A flush of power flows through her skin. Her hair becomes electric and wild, and a cool breeze blows. It is her time now. * The dark goddess archetype is a rich amalgam of the crone, the dark moon woman, the unseen transformative fire beneath the rich earth, wild magic, and the intuitive subconscious. She is Baba Yaga, Persephone, Hecate, Lilith, Hel, Kali, the Morrigan, Tiamat, Cerridwen, and many more. These are not your mother goddesses. These are the aged, the hidden, the untamed, the transformative, and the magical. Now, at Mabon, it’s finally their season. People who have a relationship with the dark goddess have a certain vibe to them. They know more than what’s spoken aloud. They are ‘old souls’ — people whose eyes are like portals into another realm. They’re most comfortable in deep conversations with other old souls. They can sit with their own pain or another’s pain and not run away, screaming. They know the twists and turns in the dark alleys of their minds and souls as well as they know the lines on their own hands. They face their own darkness as well as that of the subconscious of the entire human race. They are the people who say, ‘I see. What can we do . You’ve probably heard the call of a dark goddess, since you’re reading this. You don’t have to be a crone to relate to her. Women and men of all ages have felt their hearts and souls stir at the mention of one of her names, or at the changing of the seasons. Perhaps you’ve had an experience with her, or dreamed of her, or maybe your journey with her is just now beginning.The autumn equinox is a perfect time to make room in your heart for the dark goddess archetype. If you’re willing to face your own shadow self and do the work of the dark goddess, read on.  Just before sundown, perform ritual preparation — physically and mentally cleanse yourself. Practice intentional breathing and don ritual clothing. At sunset, call the directions. Light a non-floral incense and an autumn-colored candle (or black). Think of your dark goddess, and say, “Goddess, I call upon you, and humbly ask for your insight.’ Be aware of your surroundings — you may receive an omen, such as a flock of ravens, symbolizing the Morrigan. Repeat the phrase as many times as you feel necessary to invite her insight into you. Still your thoughts and follow your intuition. The dark goddess may tell you to meditate or dance. Perhaps you’ll feel the desire to embrace a tree or bow and press your forehead to the ground. Don’t be surprised if you’re moved to move. After all, integrating the body-shadow is a journey in and of itself. Perhaps you’ll spill your heart out, or maybe you’ll be still and silent. In any case, go deep. Go within.  The dark goddess demands that you look at yourself — all parts of yourself. Look at the parts you show to others, the parts you keep to yourself, and the parts you don’t even want to acknowledge. Sit with the entirety of yourself. Sit with the pain. Feel it. Acknowledge it. Cry if you need to. After you are in touch with your shadow self / selves for several moments, say, ‘I release my pain. I trust that this energy can be recycled into a better possibility.’ Take several deep breaths and release the emotion. Repeat the mantra above until you feel the energy is truly gone. Bring new energy from the earth up through your chakras. Balance your chakras as the energy travels upward, and consciously hold them in place. This will help to integrate your shadows. To close out the ritual, give thanks from the bottom of your soul and your heart.  ‘Thank you, goddess, for your insight, and for any other gifts you choose to give me.’ Make any additional movements or sounds you feel appropriate. Release the goddess and close the circle.  Cerridwen, by Elena Darktear 83, Creative Commons 3.0 Welcome to the tribe of the dark goddess. We’ve been waiting for you. You’ll want to practice good post-ritual self-care. Drink clean water. Eat clean food. Breathe deep breaths and be good to yourself. Write your experiences down in your Book of Shadows to have the option to repeat the ritual again next year. This can be an exciting marker to see how much you’ve grown.  If you’re new to working with your dark goddess, perform this ritual a few more times over the next few months. Sit with your pain or darkness so you can integrate it before you ask for anything besides insight. Any requests for specific gifts or boons without laying the groundwork may not be appropriate, and may not be granted. For the next six months, meditate on your dark goddess from time to time. If she bids you to create an altar for her, do so. Buy her statue, or a stone, or print a piece of artwork of her. Build the bridge. Until the March equinox (where we’ll experience the rebirth of the maiden), revel in your new depth and intuitions. You’ll find yourself following your gut more and more. The more you listen to the intuitive voice within you, the closer you’ll be to her. You’ll know you can’t always trust what can be seen, but you’ll be in touch with something deeper — a whole world hidden beneath the skin. That’s a good thing.  Per aspera ad astra is an ancient Latin phrase that’s quite fitting for working with a dark goddess — through the dark and rocky road, to the stars. The way forward may not always be clear or easy, but integrating the dark and unseen parts of ourselves can be deeply rewarding and makes our lives infinitely richer. Personally, I wouldn’t have it any other way. * There are many other stories of the changing of the light guard, such as Persephone transforming from a maiden into the Queen of the Underworld and the Oak King and the Holly King, etc. While my story certainly isn’t historic, it’s from the heart and resonates with my beliefs. TAGGED WITH:AUTUMNAUTUMN EQUINOXDARK GODDESS...MORE August 30, 2017 The Worst Witch: Magical and Entertaining  Sponsored Links You May Like This Workout Sock Makes a Huge Difference Cup of Jo for Bombas Socks I’m a Woman Who Joined Dollar Shave Club. Here’s What Happened. Dollar Shave Club Here Are The Best Satellite TV Internet Plans Yahoo Search by Taboola RECENT COMMENTS 2 COMMENTS "This is beautifully written. I am new to practice but not really new to belief, ..." ROSEMARY BAY BIRCH THIS MABON, HONOR THE DARK GODDESS "I love this piece, especially your description of the two Goddesses meeting. It mirrors the ..." CATE BROOKE THIS MABON, HONOR THE DARK GODDESS "I just started watching it and I'm only halfway through the first episode. My daughter ..." ANNA THE WORST WITCH: MAGICAL AND ENTERTAINING BROWSE OUR ARCHIVES   FOLLOW US!   GET THE LATEST FROM STARLIGHT WITCH SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER  Enter email address SIGN ME UP!Also, send me the Best of Patheos Newsletter and special offers.  Search this blog... GO! POPULAR AT PATHEOS Pagan 1  Autumn Equinox - Finding Equilibrium On... THE WITCHES NEXT DOOR 2  The Pearl Pentacle - The Work... THE WITCHES NEXT DOOR 3  Community, Heathenry, and Trothmoot 2017 HEATHEN AT HEART 4  Does It Matter How Many of... RAISE THE HORNS  RELATED POSTS FROM Starlight Witch  PAGAN The Worst Witch: Magical and Entertaining STARLIGHT WITCH  PAGAN Why Everyone Is a Kitchen Witch This Time... STARLIGHT WITCH  PAGAN An Indigo Pagan's Take on Charlottesville STARLIGHT WITCH  PAGAN Yoga and Ritual: Restorative Practices for Tough Times STARLIGHT WITCH  TRENDING AT PATHEOS PAGAN  Autumn Equinox - Finding Equilibrium On The Mountain... Standing in the full moonlight of the Autmun Equinox, speaking what is...  Aren't We All Dreamers? In order to find Balance, we have to get deeply involved in...  Irish-American Witchcraft: Honoring the Álfar on the Equinox The Autumnal equinox means different things to different people and is celebrated...  Strange Bedfellows or Speed Dating with the Deities It's a question I see asked on a regular basis. How do...  Under the Ancient Oaks: Shrines The fourth episode of Under the Ancient Oaks – the Video Series....  Lighting the Chalice and Turning the Wheel I found the ceremony of putting a single flame into a bowl... VIEW ALL PAGAN BLOGS  What Are Your Thoughts? LEAVE A COMMENT  697 Shares Source, Patheos Pagan/ STAR WITCH BLOG REPOSTED BY, PHYNXRIZNG

[ao3feedzukka]

the mutterings of all your fears, the fluttering of all your wings

by acornsofthemind

Sokka and Zuko are on the edge of the lake, planning their route of entry. They’ve both fallen silent, trying to figure out the best path, and Sokka’s mind is racing, coming up with plans and discarding them just as fast. A loud, sudden thwip breaks the air.

Sokka freezes for a split second before looking around hastily. Shit, they’ve been discovered. They’ve been caught, and they’re going to be locked up, and he’ll have cost the avatar his firebending master, and lost them the war, all with this one impulsive, stupid, jackalope-brained scheme of his.

or: The Boiling Rock with wings

Words: 1332, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 1 of ad astra per aspera

Fandoms: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: Gen, M/M

Characters: Sokka (Avatar), Zuko (Avatar)

Relationships: Sokka/Zuko (Avatar), Sokka & Zuko (Avatar)

Additional Tags: Pre-Relationship, Episode Remix, Canon Compliant, Canon Universe, Episode: s03e14-15 The Boiling Rock, Alternate Universe - Wings, Wingfic, Bisexual Sokka (Avatar), Pining, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse

source https://archiveofourown.org/works/25932337

[star-trek-fandom-confessions]

Re: many of the various about the Gorn or listing SNW's handling of the Gorn as one of its major problems.

Perception not matching reality, what is/is not a monster is a huge theme throughout SNW.

Ghost of Illyria – Those light monsters didn’t murder the Illyrians, they are the Illyrians and were trying to save Pike and Spock all along. Everyone (except Una ofc) learns a lesson that Illyrians can’t be lumped in with the Augments and need greater understanding Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach – Turns out that nice lovely civilization is literally torturing children. The terrorists are actually trying to save those children. The Serene Squall – Surprise the counselor is a pirate Ad Astra Per Aspera – Continues with the Illyrians deserve understanding theme. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow – That helpful reporter is actually a Romulan. Even notorious tyrant and mass murderer Khan Noonien Singh was once a scared child. Lost in Translation – Starfleet is the monster, accidentally torturing and killing a life form they didn't know existed. Under the Clock of War – Turns out the lovely ship’s doctor is actually the Butcher of J’Gal and capable of murdering someone in cold blood. War can make a monster of anyone.

Yet so many people seem to think they’re not going to pull something similar with the Gorn? Even though the show has taken time to establish that the Gorn are intelligent and have a religion?

The thing about the Gorn is that people have died - La’an’s family, Hemmer, some other members of the Enterprise crew, nearly the entire crew of the Cayuga, multiple colonies - and possibly Marie will be added to that list before the two-parter is done. That creates an environment where it’s understandable that the SNW characters would not want to have their perception that the Gorn are monsters challenged, because the harm they have caused is so personal.

It creates a really interesting conflict for the crew, because how do you find understanding, how to you fight the will for revenge, when there’s been so much pain?

I could be wrong about this being the route the SNW writers are going down, but I’m really excited to see if they do.

Posting this as a response to several earlier confessions.

[star-trek-fandom-confessions]

#1082

I'm mildly disappointed every time I see people say that Batel and Pike is a boring ship, because a lot of their dynamic is similar to spapel (committment issues, ptsd, miscommunication, feeling guilty about putting work first but doing it nonetheless, all of these getting in the way of the relationship). Imo calling Batel "boring" or "just Pike's girlfriend" is a superficial perception of her character. Of course, being a minor character, she is written mostly for Pike and doesn't have many chances for development, but I liked how season 2 gave her a bit of an antagonist role in Ad Astra that highlighted her inner conflict but ultimately she showed bravery and determination being willing to die to keep others safe. I too wish she was given a bit more importance in the show but I disagree that she's been boring so far.

[star-trek-fandom-confessions]

Confession #89

"I honestly hate how racist trek is. Besides not knowing how to deal with eugenics (space seed, ad astra per aspera and many others), trek keep trying to push that culture and race are the same thing. It makes me sick."

[star-trek-fandom-confessions]

Responding to some replies to confession 1016: first of all, I am disagreeing with the confession proper but even so I'm not seeing how Una isn't an augment, as some in the replies are saying. If humans who modify their DNA to make themselves stronger and immune to most illnesses and pathogens are called augments, then why are aliens who do the same thing not called the same? I get that if all humans started using genetic engineering then the term itself would gain another meaning entirely like it probably did for Illyrians but I thought the whole point of Ad Astra Per Aspera (and Prodigy, and Julian Bashir) was that being an augment isn't anything to be ashamed/scared of? Are augments only genetically enhanced humans, not aliens? I don't mean to offend anyone btw, I just wanted to put that out there, I'm looking forward to see what you all think about it.

.

[a03feed-launa]

tangled up in marigold

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/BLp6Tao by Daxs10thHost All the rote responses—I was just doing my job, you didn’t have anyone, it was nothing—die on Una’s lips. She was doing her job and La’an didn’t have anybody, but taking responsibility for her wasn’t nothing. It was a kind act, but it was also a selfish one. Una had been so lonely back then. So tired. So on edge. So afraid of being discovered. La’an offered company. Companionship. Distraction. Someone she could pour her time and care into and see tangible results. For a child, it must have been overwhelming. She’s amazed she didn’t fuck her up. Or maybe she did, and La’an’s just good at hiding it. Words: 1427, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/F Characters: Number One | Una Chin-Riley (Star Trek), La'an Noonien-Singh Relationships: La'an Noonien-Singh/Number One | Una Chin-Riley Additional Tags: Post-Episode: s02e02 Ad Astra per Aspera (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Reunions, Mild Sexual Content, Ambiguous Relationships, in the MOST wholesomely weird and fucked up way possible, i am clutching these two to my chest and disney princess spinning around my room read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/BLp6Tao

[a03feed-launa]

written confession

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/rwMuzlt by Anonymous La’an shakes her head. ‘No no, don’t be silly. It’s… unexpected. But it’s interesting.’ A smile creeps onto her face. ‘I didn’t know that you were such a writer.’ Una makes a face. ‘Hardly. I write reports.’ La’an flaps the padd in her face. ‘This isn’t a report. It’s your story.’ Words: 644, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 30 of winter of our discontent | made glorious summer Fandoms: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/F Characters: Number One | Una Chin-Riley (Star Trek), La'an Noonien-Singh Relationships: La'an Noonien-Singh/Number One | Una Chin-Riley Additional Tags: Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Fluff and Smut, but only a little bit of the last one, Apologies, hey that's the prompt!, Post-Episode: s02e02 Ad Astra per Aspera (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/rwMuzlt

[ao3feed-unapike]

Trojan Witness

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/UJE4FI5 by jdale “Pasalk wouldn’t bring a friendly witness without a strategy.” Unfortunately for Pasalk, Admiral April has a strategy of his own. Words: 5144, Chapters: 1/5, Language: English Fandoms: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M, Gen Characters: Christopher Pike, Robert April, Number One | Una Chin-Riley (Star Trek), Marie Batel, Neera Ketoul Relationships: Number One | Una Chin-Riley/Christopher Pike, Robert April & Number One | Una Chin-Riley, Robert April & Christopher Pike Additional Tags: Episode: s02e02 Ad Astra Per Aspera (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Courtroom Drama, Speeches, Augmentation Prejudice (Star Trek), Robert April Calls Out Federation Hypocrisy read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/UJE4FI5

[a03feed-launa]

Be brave

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/Uudnt6K by astronaut86 La'an and Una reunite after Una's court martial (Femslash February, #29 And then I found you | a follow-up to #7) Words: 200, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 29 of Femslash February 2024 (drabbles) Fandoms: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (TV) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/F Characters: La'an Noonien-Singh, Number One | Una Chin-Riley (Star Trek) Relationships: La'an Noonien-Singh/Number One | Una Chin-Riley Additional Tags: Feelings Realization, Episode: s02e02 Ad Astra Per Aspera (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Femslash February 2024 read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/Uudnt6K

[a03feed-launa]

All that glitters is not gold

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2Iz79X3 by astronaut86 After her court martial, Una didn't exactly come back to the Enterprise in one piece. How could she? (or Pelia nudges La'an to look after Una) Words: 3400, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/F Characters: La'an Noonien-Singh, Pelia (Star Trek), Number One | Una Chin-Riley (Star Trek) Relationships: La'an Noonien-Singh & Pelia (Star Trek), La'an Noonien-Singh/Number One | Una Chin-Riley Additional Tags: Post-Episode: s02e02 Ad Astra per Aspera (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Acts of Care, Nail Care as Love, Gold Varnish, Awkward Comfort, complicated feelings, One-sided pining, ambiguous Una read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2Iz79X3