Power Corrupts (The Absolute Absolution Remix) by alara_r (PG)

[beatrice_otter]

Fandom: STAR TREK: Voyager
Pairing: Kes, Q
Length: short
Author on LJ: alara_r
Author Website: Alara's Happy-Happy Text-Only Page
Why this must be read:

The problem I had with a lot of Voyager episodes is that they would raise moral issues and then address them only in platitudes.

This fic doesn't do that. This deals with Kes after "The Gift," in which she evolved into a powerful energy being and left the show. She has power, but no experience in how to use that power, and no one to guide her. When the Borg threaten Earth and the people she loves, she wipes them out.

All of them. Every single one. Along with everyone who any connection whatsoever to them. The Q put her on trial for genocide.

Most stories about trials are boring, moralistic, and formulaic. This story is how to do a trial right. Everyone has something to say, everyone is in character, and no punches are pulled. There is no easy answer to the questions raised, no happy ending possible. Neither side is entirely right, and neither is entirely wrong. This fic is about learning to deal with consequences and ambiguities. I thought about trying to give an excerpt, but it's a short piece and no part can be excised from the whole. You just have to go read it.

Power Corrupts (The Absolute Absolution Remix)