River allows Rachel to make her own choices – but not everyone has her best interests at heart…

Tracy Ann Baines picks up the story threads of River and Rachel’s travels through time from James Goss, continuing Rachel’s education in the ways of people – both good and bad. We spend quite a bit of the story with Salome Haertel’s Rachel, as she gets to know the people on the colony ship, and discovers that while some can be friendly, others can’t – or won’t – see beyond her synthetic origins.

All of that plays out against a background of River having various encounters with her hubby in different incarnations – including one who makes a guest appearance – and eventually realising that sometimes she has to prioritise even among her priorities. Her righteous fury is something to behold, and Laura Aikman’s Linos really doesn’t relish being on the wrong side of mother and daughter.

Ken Bentley keeps the two threads moving at very different paces, giving an unconscious emphasis to the length of time that passes for Rachel, and there’s some enjoyable sound design from Howard Carter.

Verdict: At times bittersweet, this is a nicely balanced tale. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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