For the unpopular opinion meme: I am so *over* angst in the Janeway/Chakotay fandom. If I wanted angst I would just watch Endgame on repeat, not read fic.
Well, my dear anon. I am not quite sure to which angst you are referring. The real life fact that it was not catered to with the show writing or the ample amount of angst being penned by our talented fic authors. So, here is my outlook:
I too enjoy being swept up in the magic and wonder of fluff. Trust me. I’ve written my fair share. But, we must face the hard facts. The straight poop.
Kathryn Janeway is angst. Science, anguish, and coffee are all the woman runs on.
That being said, take her strained sense of duty, the length of their ‘mission’, the tragic loss of crew, resources, and the innocence of exploration, then throw in Chakotay’s need/want for her to be his, all the while, doing what is best for the ship and it’s crew. BAM. A giant angst nugget is produced.
And, that, is where the root of their ‘attraction’ began. The strife of losing a ship and a way home. Thrown together in despiration to cross the galaxy finding their way through every trial and tribulation.
Anyway, I guess what I’m saying is, because of the circumstances and their personalities…angst is a majority of what you’re going to get. Their careers and lifestyle open them up for tragedy and heartbreak. And that brings people closer. Making that sweet tension we love. And that sells.
You’re also talking to one of the angsy-est mothers out there. BUT. (I also experience this in my X-Files writing as well) We hardly ever see them ‘dealing’ with anything in a way that we would.
We’ve never seen Kathryn outright weep. I know she had to have had a breakdown or five. We never see Chakotay have a huge fit and throw down some shit on the holodeck. And you know he beat the absolute piss out of some boxing simulations.
I think it’s in our nature to stretch and pull the characters in ways to experiment with their limits or what we perceive their limits to be.
Hang in there! I’ll be posting some holiday fluff for you soon; tune in for that! 😊😊😊😊
Definitely some super accurate ideas about characterization. You’re right, these characters are all angst.
bekjaneway 