>As to the story itself:  I'm not sure I should have written it.  
 >At first I was all fired up.  It started with a discussion I had 
 >with my prereaders over Minmei, the computer in Nouma's apartment.  
 >Ty Hamilton's excellent "Bottleneck" was also an inspiration.  I 
 >began writing this with a lot of enthusiasm.  As I got further 
 >into the story, I began to wonder if this wasn't a bad idea - that 
 >perhaps I should leave well enough alone with "Transitions".
 >
 >Anyway, I want your feedback.  Did you like it?  Should it be 
 >added to my stories about Nuku Nuku, or should I leave the cycle 
 >complete as it is?
  
Well, I am definitely of mixed emotions.  I liked the story.  I liked it
alot.  It was well written, and the only sign of a Deus ex Machina was well
handled, and somewhat plausible.  I see no reason why it shouldn't join the
rest of your wonderful Nuku Nuku stories.  I especially loved the glimpse at
Kei's emotions and inability to let go of Atsuko.

Having said all this, I fear for the new construct.  And its family.  Unlike
Nuku-Nuku, herself IT sees itself as an imitation of a very specific model.
 And this is going to be a very hard goal to fulfill.  I think that it will
make Nuku-Nuku's trials look simple.  And that is likely to only INCREASE the
frustrations that it will feel.  And I don't know what parameters that it
might explore.  

I guess in a really wierd way it strikes me as an amplification of a mistake
that a number of parents make:  Giving their child too solid and firm a mold
to grow into, they leave only complete rebellion as a way out.  And the
feelings that <name> are likely to feel the longer it explores this very
difficult mold, I'm afraid may get violent, or bitterly self destructive.  

Contrarywise, this very doubt, and my mixed emotions want to see how you will
explore this further.  I think that as written this story is complete, but
has plenty of room for further exploration.  I would like to see how you
might continue this, actually.  

I am sardonically amused, you have given us a Nuku-nuku story with not one
appearance of the main character.  And you have killed her off, even.  And WE
still like the stories you write in this continuum.  thanks again.  <grin>

                                -Mike (the OtakuLoki)