Sab's Reading Corner

Admin Report

2005-05-24T18:18:37Z

We've Moved

After debating with myself, I've decided to close down this blog and merge it with my personal account at sabsfairchild. This is being done because of time restraints and my own guilt over not updating this blog enough. However, while the space itself with be shut down to new posting, I will continue to update my other blog with the exact same content that went up here. That includes the recs, my own fics, and random wobbling about my fav TV shows.

In the meantime I'm going to merging the accounts and thus backdating blog posts at sabsfairchild to coincide with the dates that I posted the original entries here. Hope that doesn't confuse people, but it was the only way that I thought I could successfully do this transition. In the meantime, don't forget to stop on over at my other blog to see if I've posted anything new.

Fun Times,

Sabs

Crossing Jordan Rec Spoiler Warning

2005-05-16T18:28:49Z

Not This Time: An excellent Crossing Jordan short story!

I can't help it. I watched the season finale of Crossing Jordan yesterday and I was extreme upset with the ending. (Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved the episode, but I was so mad to see how Woody reacted! Arg, massive pity trip!) Anyway, I was really hoping that the show would have Jordan call Woody on it, but alas, I guess we'll have to wait till next year for that. In the meantime, Denaliyasha, the author of "Not This Time" decided to write the scene all J/W fans were hoping to see. Warning though, if I haven't totally spoiled the episode for you already, this piece of ff will. So, if you're not into that and you haven't seen the episode yet, wait, and then read afterwards. It will be better that way anyway!

One Small Rec

2005-05-15T03:30:19Z

Since I feel absolutely horrible about not putting anything up lately, here's one small rec before I go to bed.

Don't Screw Up: The tag line to this piece is Rodney confronts John about his secret relationship with Elizabeth. This is a small buddy-fic between Rodney and John with remants of Rodney/Liz, but more in that unrequited, protective romance feeling that you get with old ex lovers... or in a platonic, truly honest fashion of older brothers. (I hope that came out right, I really don't want people think of Rodney and Liz as incestuous. LoL!) Anyway, because its small and nice and fluffy its a nice piece to read before you go to bed. Or if you've had a bad day. Enjoy

Lots and Lots of Earth 2

2005-05-11T17:30:05Z

Sadly, the title of this post is a bit misleading.

I am currently compiling all the Earth 2 (read: good!fic) fics I can find on the net, but its taking be a little while to do so. My intention is to bind it all into a single or multivolume collection for personal use later on. However, once I have actually managed to do that I can start working on posting my recs. There is going to be a shit load of them. I think I've got like 35-40 stories at the moment and they just keep coming! LoL! Anyway, just popping in to say I haven't gone AWOL again. Look for the Earth 2 stories in the next couple of weeks.

Sabs

Stargate Atlantis Fic: Black Coffee

2005-05-05T21:32:27Z

Cross-Posted at langford_u

Disclaimer: Poor undergraduate student... trying to get money for next year... don't sue.
Status: Complete
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis, AU
Pairing: Sheppard/Weir-ish
Spoilers: Nothing. Mention of Simon
Summary: How did Elizabeth get that bad knee?
Author's Note: I wrote this today as a welcome fic to the Langford University AU Atlantis community. If you just went huh? at all that click on the cross-post link up at the top. If you're too lazy to do that, the basic premise of the community is to take the characters we know and love from Atlantis and plunk them down in a totally different location and environment. This time all the characters are professors and administrators at Langfor University in Nebraska. Its fun, go check it out.

I just wanted to play around with Elizabeth's character at Langford U and explain why she's the Dean of Law as opposed to a Professor of Political Science, and teaching and doing administrative work as opposed to being a diplomat and a professor. (Oh... I just looked up the actual character and found out that she has TWO PhDs. Maybe this works better than I thought.) I also tried to bring in parts of Atlantis!Weir into the writing of this character. Thus Simon makes a fleeting appearence (really more a mention) and so does Liz's bad knee. Anyway, while I tried to keep the piece light, the subject matter (concering how she got her bad knee) and her diplomatic experience kind of turned it a bit dark. Sitll, please tell me if you like it. Anyway, on with the story.

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

Elizabeth Weir limped across the field trying to get out of the rain as quickly as she could. Stupid, stupid knee, she thought to herself. Of all times to quite on her, it picked the middle of a downpour. It was just like her luck.

Spotting the familiar brown building in the distance, Elizabeth tried to pick up the pace only to stumble and loose her balance.

"Wow, there, careful."

Elizabeth heard the welcome voice of John Sheppard a few moments before she felt his hand wrap around her arm, carefully steadying her back on her feet. Then to her utmost relief, the rain stopped pounding down on her back as an umbrella placed over her head. Looking up, she smiled gratefully at the math professor and took a deep breath.

"Thanks, I didn’t think it was going to starting raining like this. Otherwise, I would have brought an umbrella."

John smiled again, a for a second Weir felt her knee give once again. Blaming the sudden give on its already weakened state, Elizabeth tried not to think about the feelings his smile invoked too much.

"Figured as much. I didn’t see you as the type that liked walks in this kind of weather."

I could. Elizabeth quickly banished the thought from her mind. “Well, for saving me from my own misery, the least I could do is offer you some coffee to warm you up.”

The smile once again spread across John’s face. "Coffee would be great."

Together, Elizabeth and John made there way the last couple of meters into the safety of the law building. However, despite her prowess in the court rooms, the Dean of Law was so wrapped up in her own thoughts that she didn’t register John’s deliberately slower pace, or the fact that he carefully helped support her to take pressure of the bad knee.

Grateful to be inside in the climate-controlled environment, Elizabeth quickly ushered them both passed the concerned face of her assistant, Peter Grodin, and into her office. Closing the door quietly, Elizabeth turned and tried to take her coat off. However, the rain had made the heavier fabric stick to her body, causing Elizabeth to struggle with the knee-length jacket.

Seeing her dilemma, John Sheppard quickly stepped in to help. "Easy, let me get this for you."

Not wanting to need his rescue for the second time in one day made Elizabeth pause; the need to get out of the damned coat made her acquiesce. "Thank you."

Grabbing both coats once they were off, Elizabeth limped slightly to the rack to let them dry. Taking a moment to collect herself, she paused over the job of properly hanging them and took another deep breath.

"Why don’t you let me make the coffee?"

Weir spun around. "I may seem like a bit of an invalid today, but I assure you I can at least make coffee!"

Sheppard held his hands up in acceptance. "I just saw that you were limping a bit…" He let the sentence hang in the air, obviously sensing that it was a touchy subject.

Elizabeth blew air out from between slightly pursed lips. "Sorry, you were only trying to help. I didn’t need to get upset."

"Hey, everyone is entitled to a bad day, now and then. Personally, I always have at least one a week. However, since the girls started hanging around my office, it’s been more like one every single day."

Elizabeth slightly chuckled at that. She knew how much he wished the sorority girls that frequented his office for anything but math tutoring annoyed him.

"Well, as I said before, my office is always open for a safe haven."

There goes that smile again. Sometimes, Elizabeth thought that her job would have been so much easier if the man hadn’t been so damn handsome. Even Simon simply didn’t stop all her thoughts when he smiled. She really had to get a hold of her emotions.

"I hope instant is fine. It’s all I have in the office."

"Instants good, instants fine."

Elizabeth quickly poked her head out the door and asked for Peter to go get two mugs she kept in the faculty’s kitchen, as well as a cup of water for the coffee. Once he nodded his okay, Elizabeth slowly moved back to the window and reached down to turn on the coffee-maker that was situated beside it.

"Okay, so you got the coffee-maker here, but not the cups?"

"I’m a bit lazy when it comes to doing dishes. I just washed the mugs after they had been sitting around for a while. Hadn’t had the chance to bring them back into the office yet."

Sheppard smiled his understanding and moved to the sit on the small leather couch in her office.

Pouring the instant coffee into the coffee-maker, Elizabeth heard the knock at her door signalling that Peter was back with her requested items. However, before she could go answer the door, Sheppard was up and picking up the items Elizabeth’s assistant had brought over.

Taking the cup of water out of his hands, Elizabeth quickly poured it into the coffee-maker and set the machine to percolate. Seeing that there wasn’t much else to do, Elizabeth made her way over to the couch and sat down with a sigh.

"So what were you doing that hurt your leg?"

"“Hum?" Elizabeth looked up slowly. "Oh, no, the knee is an old injury. It just acts up now and then. Unfortunately, it chose the middle of a rain-storm to act up today." She smiled half-amused, half-annoyed.

When John continued to remain quiet, Elizabeth realized that he expected her to continue. For a second, she startled realizing how intimate this could possibly get. While they had been friends for a couple months now, neither of them had found the time to truly sit down and just talk. It was always lunch on the go, or a casual hi when he stopped in to avoid whoever was lurking outside his office.

"You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want too."

Elizabeth quickly shook her head denying that statement. "I just never thought there was much too tell.

John looked doubtful. "Try me."

Feeling suddenly exposed, Elizabeth got up and started to fix the coffee that was almost ready. With the mugs in her hand, she walked back to the couch and tried to gather her thoughts.

"Do you know that I have a PhD in Political Science? I went to Graduate school thinking that I wanted to do international negotiations for the United Nations, or some other international body." Elizabeth paused for a second and then looked at John. "That was before I met my ex-husband who was busy studying law. He convinced me it would be a better career choice. I never really looked back."

Elizabeth had never mentioned that she was married before, and really it didn’t hold much consequence any more, but she still couldn’t help but look for some negative reaction in Sheppard’s face.

"But…" His prompt for more and the genuinely interested look in his face made her continue.

"However, when an old colleague contacted me wanting help on a foreign relations mess in the Baltic I just couldn’t refuse. I was young and had a background in both Law and Political Science – I figured I could solve the world’s problems."

Elizabeth suddenly thought back to the time when tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were starting to cool, but the smaller states of the Soviet Union were being to heat up there demands for independence. I had been a complete mess.

"I was so sure of myself, so ready to believe that I had the right answer and no one else could possibly see what I saw."

John cocked an eyebrow causing Elizabeth to playfully whack him on the shoulder. "I have calmed down since then.” The eyebrow just went higher, causing to Elizabeth to quietly laugh.

"Anyway, what I didn’t foresee was how desperate some of the factions were. These people had been under foreign rule for centuries from one party or another, and they were absolutely adamant about getting the terms to be perfect. So, they did the only thing they thought they could do and took the consulate and everyone in it hostage."

Elizabeth watched as John sucked in a lung-full of air and his face dropped.

"I was outside, when it occurred, but I came running back. My friend, the colleague that had called me there was stuck inside. I don’t think I ever remember feeling more useless then I did there."

For a second, Elizabeth was startled when John laced his fingers with hers and squeezed. Then she squeezed back.

"I called Simon in a panic. I couldn’t figure out what went wrong, and all I knew was that people could die because I wasn’t thinking about long term consequences but only how much I enjoyed doing was I was doing at that very moment. I still remember what he said. He told me to breath, told me that the actions of the rebels weren’t my fault, and to work with the negotiators to figure out a way to get everything straightened out.

I did exactly as he said and walked back to the consulate from my hotel and offered by services as a negotiator. I knew these people, I knew what they wanted, and I knew how they thought. Unfortunately, the military thought that a straight invasion was the best way to go.

I remember them climbing the steps of the building and the fear just built in the bottom of my stomach. I knew that this wasn’t the way to go and I tried to run up to stop them. A man grabbed me from behind, and the next thing I know everything is white and I’m being throw backwards. I woke up in a Soviet hospital with Simon sitting next to me. The doctors said that I was lucky to be alive and that my leg that been broken in several places; my kneecap was shattered. It took me weeks to recover.

After that I decided to concentrate solely on law and forget that I ever wanted to help with foreign negotiations. I guess I was disillusioned with how little control negotiators had over the situation, and how much control the military could wield if it wanted too.

I never looked back."

Elizabeth and John sat in silence for a moment, each thinking about the story that Elizabeth had just shared. For a second, it seems like the silence was going to stretch on forever, and Elizabeth desperately groped for something to say to lighten the mood.

"I lost a puppy once. Dad ran over it with the truck by accident."

Elizabeth couldn’t help it, the ridiculousness of his statement had her doubled over laughing as tears came streaming out of her eyes. As she laughed and cried at the same time, she felt John place his freed hand on her back and gently rub it in circles.

I could really get used to this. She thought as she pulled herself back into a sitting position.

"Seriously though, what happened to your colleague?"

Elizabeth took a sip of the now cold coffee and grimaced. "She died in the explosion. So did the military unit that was climbing up the stairs of the building, and a couple of the relief personnel that were standing around outside. There was so much death."

Elizabeth watched as John looked across the room and out the window to wear the rain had stopped and the sun was slowly shinning through the clouds. "Its hard to imagine that things like that happen in the world.” He said slowly. “We’re so sheltered, that sometimes it takes true tragedy to make us realize what we have."

Elizabeth smiled at how John’s words echoed what Simon had told her when she woke up. However, at the time she had just been told of the fate of most of the negotiating team and hadn’t been receptive to the solemn message. Now, she understood a bit better.

John picked up his coffee cup and took a small sip then grimaced just like Elizabeth had earlier. Stretching, he slowly got up and then extended a hand for her to follow. "You know, since it’s stopped raining, maybe we can make a trip to the Starbucks around the corner and get some coffee that still hot. I can avoid the girls outside my office, and you can tell me more about your adventures."

A little dazed Elizabeth only nodded and took the offered hand. Slowly getting up she looked at there still soaking wet coats and shrugged. Opening the door, they both stepped out and started walking down the hall.

"Oh, Peter?" Elizabeth stopped and turned around. "I’ll be out for a while. Tell anyone who calls I’ll get back to them as soon as possible. I’m going to coffee."

The End

Earth 2 Recs

2005-05-05T01:49:12Z

A couple of good E2 Julia-centered pieces that I'm going to pass on.

After the Fact: [This story is post-Redemption.] When I originally stumbled upon this story, I was so happy that someone had wrote it. It always struck me as odd that Eden Advance went from abandoning Julia to welcoming her back with open arms in the space of two episodes. These people were mad enough to leave her behind with next to nothing, on an frontier world, IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER, yet two episodes later they were all going about buisness like nothing had happened. In "After the Fact" the author solves that problem by explaining what occured between "Redemption" and "Morganite Part 1." A really, really good read!

The Serpent Beneath the Flower: As Julia is my favorite character, I have to say that I'm biased to any story that gives her significant writing space; nevertheless, this story would be excellent even if it featured Devan or Bess as the leading role. Basically, the intermediary ship has arrived at G889 and rendevued with Eden Advance. However, two doctors arrive with the passangers, and out of the two, one of them causes serious problems for Julia. This story is really an epic-lenth piece, but the writing is great, the characterizations spot on, and the little jabs at traditional romance novels hilarious! Plus, I absolutely adore the fact that the writer gave Julia some history that wasn't prim, proper, and uptight. A definite read for any Julia fan!

Link: Another epic long piece featuring Reilly and a second Council-spy. However, despite the formulaic approach of this piece, I still really liked it. What can I say? I'm a sucker for Julia pieces. Especially when she is left to face the consequences of betraying (rightfully so) the Council. Now what else did I like in this story... Well, adored that it was Alonzo/Julia! I love Jealous!Alonzo. I thought Julia was supposed to be the insecure one in that relationship. Finally, I really liked the fact that despite the epic length of this piece the characterizations never wavered and the continuity of the story remained strong until the very last sentence. Read: no plot holes.

Blood Brothers: This is more of a group story, but leans heavily on the Alonzo/Julia aspects to keep the momentum going. While there is much of a action/adventure plotline to this story, it works nevertheless with the internal battles that the characters (Julia, Alonzo, Morgan, and Danziger) face when trying to get through their current predicament and back to the impatiently waiting Eden Advance. At some points, the story gets a little slow, in all truthfullness I skipped through the parts with Morgan, Alonzo and Danziger trapped in the cave together, but if you keep reading its worth it in the end. What kept me going was the near-spotless writing this story held. That, and I absolutely adored the beginning. Enjoy!

Fan Fiction Article in a New York Newspaper...

2005-05-01T20:54:14Z

Cross-Posted at sabsfairchild

I was searching through different LJ communities when I came across a post at bsg2003fics that was talking about a news article in a New York newspaper. I followed the link and was really amused by the article. (However, I'm not sure that the article was actually from a NY paper, but more like, just from the online newspaper.) Anyway, I copy and pasted the entire thing in my journal so that people could read it and feel validated that their obession with Fan Fiction was neither new nor abnormal! Yeah!

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Fan Fiction booms as modern folklore
Legions of serious fans take to the Internet to let their imaginations run wild writing scenarios for their favorite shows

BY DIANE WERTS
STAFF WRITER

May 1, 2005

Have you ever loved a TV show so much that you wanted to be a part of it, to share the characters' adventures, to guide the action into exotic realms unexplored in actual episodes?

Maybe you visualized yourself kicking butt with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or hanging with prehistoric heroine Xena at a modern-day Starbucks. Maybe you feared your beloved show's scripters just weren't heading in the right direction. Why not get "X-Files" colleagues Mulder and Scully together - reeeeally together? For that matter, what about Mulder and assistant FBI director Skinner? Hey, Kirk and Spock on "Star Trek" sometimes seemed more than just "good friends." And what if Mulder and Scully crossed paths with Kirk and Spock?

These may be idle daydreams - but only if you don't type all your fervent imaginings into the computer, then post the doings on the Internet for the world to read. These days, it seems that's what everybody else does.

Down a new-old path

Fan fiction has become a booming hobby, with millions of stories written for cyberspace by ordinary consumers of TV shows, movies, books, even video games. "Fanfic" recycles well-known characters by taking them down fresh paths, recounted in epic-length chronicles, 100-word "drabbles," explicit character vignettes and crossovers between completely unrelated series. The reimaginings use existing entertainment icons to present an alternative mythology to the "official" version - a modern grassroots folklore subverting corporate control of "intellectual property."

Yet it isn't modern at all. While the Internet delivers fanfic with new efficiency through archives such as fanfiction.net, this kind of shared storytelling is actually an ancient form, which was once the norm.

"For most of human history, that's how narrative evolved," says Henry Jenkins, director of comparative media studies at MIT and author of "Textual Poachers: Television Fans and Participatory Culture" (1992). "There was never a single author, whether it's Homer or Shakespeare. Writers always borrowed heavily from the stories of their time," which were shaped and altered while being retold, Jenkins says. "There's a human need to tell stories to each other, and fanfic now fulfills that need."

"How many different King Arthur and Robin Hood stories are there?" asks Batya Wittenberg, who studied literature at Barnard after writing her own fanfic stories from age 9 (she started with a new "Wizard of Oz" tale). Now 29, the Kew Gardens Hills office manager discovered as the Internet mushroomed that thousands of fans were reconfiguring their faves.

She began riffing on shows such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" after she took a shine to a sixth-season "nerd" character named Andrew Wells seen in only an occasional scene. She remembers feeling, "'I bet I know what this character was thinking right after that. But I didn't see it. So I'm going to write it.' It's like, here's something the show didn't explore. It's filling in the blanks."

"They're expanding the relationships into a place that we don't have time to do on television," observes David Kemper, executive producer of "Farscape," the acclaimed Sci Fi cable drama whose fervent fandom still churns out stories online two years after cancellation. Like other TV professionals, Kemper says he doesn't read fan fiction - studios forbid it, fearing lawsuits over "borrowed" ideas - but he knows what it is and that it means a valuable core of loyal fans. He also understands the urge that makes them write. Kemper loved "Star Trek" as a kid. "I remember thinking, I should be a 12-year-old on the ship with these guys, going down to the planets and seeing all these things."

"Star Trek" actually owes its franchise life to the devotion fanfic epitomizes. After the original NBC series' cancellation in 1969, viewer zeal kept the concept alive in fan clubs, conventions and self-penned stories laboriously produced in printed fanzine form. "Fans were the only ones producing anything for a long time to satiate that hunger," says producer Ron Moore, who now runs Sci Fi's "Battlestar Galactica" but cut his teeth as a writer on the several "Trek" TV sequels dating from the late 1980s. "It told Paramount there were people out there willing to pay for more 'Star Trek.'"

"It's still considered the grande dame of fandom," says Melissa "Merlin Missy" Wilson, a 30-year-old analytical chemist in suburban Chicago. Wilson has written dozens of fanfics but is best known for her "Dr. Merlin's Guide to Fan Fiction," a detailed online how-to widely consulted for a decade. Wilson says most TV fanfic is devoted to series with "some element of the fantastic or sci-fi" to stimulate imagination, as well as to "a certain kind of ensemble drama that just clicks with you." Fanfic writers know it when they see it.

Reality isn't big - really

The tube's big kahunas include the "Trek" series, "Buffy," "The X-Files," "Xena: Warrior Princess," "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." (a 1960s fanfic pioneer that's still active) and "Alias," all of which seem obvious. But also "The West Wing" and "JAG," which don't, along with "Gilmore Girls," "Law & Order" and "Diagnosis Murder." Also inspiring fanfic are soap operas ("Passions"), animated series (from "Justice League" to "Rugrats"), even wrestling entertainment. Wilson says, "Sitcoms don't get a lot. Reality shows don't get a lot. They don't draw in the kind of people who write fanfic. Those are shows you click onto, watch and move on to the next show."

More appealing are shows in which viewers feel a stake in the characters' emotional lives. That bond can pull the writer personally into the tale. The "Mary Sue" story is a subgenre in which a perfect, altruistic, often tragic character represents an idealized version of the writer herself. And it usually is a "her." TV fan fiction writers are overwhelmingly female (with more men in areas like anime and video games that attract male users). "In the shows that tend to attract fan fiction," says MIT's Jenkins, "women are a 'surplus' audience. For men, what they want from the show is fully aired onscreen, while what women want is in the margins. Fandom is a mixture of fascination and frustration."

TV episodes revolve around plot. Fanfic writers prefer character. Their prose often languidly describes a passionate intimacy that's rarely conveyed between commercials. "Farscape's" Kemper notes that fanfic writers work in "the written form: This is for you to curl up on the couch to read and daydream. Whereas our show had to be visual and aural. They're two different things."

The presumption of fan fiction to get inside characters' heads ticks off some professional authors. Legal action has been taken by Anne Rice to deter fanfic of her vampire books and by J.K. Rowling to stop "adult" takes on Harry Potter. Fanfics often lead with disclaimers that their writers don't claim to own the characters or seek profit from their "fair use" extensions.

"Galactica" producer Moore, conversely, is thrilled to hear of even peculiar permutations of his characters. "I always loved it when writers went into strange nooks and crannies and turned the universe upside down in ways that we couldn't. 'Wouldn't it be great if Kirk and Spock were lovers?' We can't do that, but it's great that somebody can."

Which they certainly do. While some stories are innocuous what-ifs - the latest poker night of "Galactica's" Starbuck, or chance meetings between characters from "The West Wing" and "Will & Grace" - others are intricately detailed accounts of sexual explorations far beyond the series' established "canon." A wildly popular subgenre named slash, for the slash punctuation between character names, revolves around explicit sexual acts that make physical the emotional connection between male "buddy" pairs - Solo/Illya on "U.N.C.L.E.," or that ever popular Kirk/Spock team.

MIT's Jenkins is unfazed that women write such elaborately envisioned homoerotica. "Our culture loves passionate friendships between men that are more glorious than any man would have in real life," he says. "On 'Star Trek,' Kirk loves a girlfriend-of-the-week that he abandons at the end of the episode. But if Spock is in trouble, he'll risk everything in his career to go save him. It doesn't take a PhD in comparative literature to see the real relationship there."

No dead shows

Writer Wilson observes that "without a male-female power dynamic in the relationship, you can get down to quote, unquote 'pure' emotion." Would that also explain all those Xena/Gabrielle fanfic flings?

As the online activity around "Xena," "U.N.C.L.E" and "Trek" proves, there are no dead shows in the fan fiction universe. Tales are still being written around 1960s hits "Bonanza" and "Combat." Even short-run series such as NBC's 1997 half-season spy drama "UC: Undercover" have inspired hundreds of stories online. Writers collaborate to string together "virtual seasons" of canceled cult faves like the 1990s "Gargoyles" cartoon or CBS' "American Gothic" spooker.

And, of course, mass media are evolving from the passive model of reading and watching to the active engagement of computers and video games. If "Galactica" producer Moore is an old-school creator of top-down television, he also answers viewer questions on the show's Sci Fi site, writes a blog dialogue on its moral and aesthetic choices and records "podcast" commentaries fans can download for listening while watching episodes.

So is Buffy an immutable creation that a studio can employ copyright laws to prevent others from adapting? Or is she a folk character a la Snow White, and a fine jumping off point for storytelling variations? "I'm sure Shakespeare wouldn't like a lot of the incarnations of Romeo and Juliet," says Moore. "But once you create characters and they leave your computer and go out into the world, somebody is going to do something with them. I really think it's more flattering than anything else."

Lingo according to The Powers That Be

Fan fiction is a huge, fluid subculture with its own language and modus operandi.

A quick primer:

Canon. The officially aired or distributed form of the original concept the fanfic expands on, as created/approved by The Powers That Be (TPTB).

Gen. "General" fan fiction stories, which tend to hue close to canon in terms of behavior and taste. Can signify nonromantic content when used alongside "ships" or "shippers" (meaning relationships).

Alt or AU. Alternate Universe tales stray from canon in any number of ways: time frame, setting, diverging.

Crossover. Stories that mix separate series. "Charmed" witches show up at the "M*A*S*H" camp. Xena patronizes the "Seinfeld" coffee shop. The "Beverly Hills 90210" kids meet "Kung Fu's" Caine. The "South Park" boys party with the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" folks.

Slash. Named for the slash punctuation between names, this indicates (mainly) male/male sexual pairings that violate series canon. Can mean female/female pairings, sometimes marked f/f. "Het" denotes heterosexual activity. Adult in nature, usually explicit, often emotionally charged.

PWP. Plot, What Plot? Here, sex is pretty much the only point.

Ratings. Fanfics may be categorized online by their adult content. Some sites apply familiar movie ratings (PG) or TV ratings (MA). Others use labels such as "adult" or "teen" to indicate appropriate readership.

Drabble. Brief scene lasting exactly 100 words.

Challenge. Soliciting stories to be shaped around a suggested theme, character, dialogue.

To explore fan fiction

Learn about fanfic at en.wikipe dia.org/wiki/Fan_fiction.

Read stories at www.fanfiction.net.

Follow links at www.fan ficweb.net/directory.

Peruse the amusing "Dr. Merlin's Guide to Fan Fiction" at missy.reimer.com/library/guide.html

See what not to do at www.godawful.net

Browse thoughtful essays at www.trickster.org/symposium and web.mit.edu/21fms/www/facul ty/henry3

- DIANE WERTS
Copyright 2005 Newsday Inc.

(To see article online at the original location click here)

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Also, on the site I discovered that a companion came along with the article: select internet sites that the author had quickly googled to see what the world of Fan Fiction had to offer. Some I recognized like FanFiction.Net, TrekiVerse.Org, and Glossamer.Org (a X-Files MASSIVE archive) but there was a couple that even this seasoned fickle-fanner (as my Dad so aptly started calling me years ago) didn't recognize. Thought it would be nice to give the readers those articles also. So once again, follow the LJ cut!

Fan Fiction Web sites

Compiled by Diane Werts
STAFF WRITER

April 29, 2005

Informational listing below does not imply approval/endorsement of sites or content.

NOTE: Some sites include very explicit material. This is usually (but not always) advised in home pages before such content is reached. Sexual content is typically flagged by self-applied ratings of "adult," MA or NC-17, or by category names such as slash (homosexual) or het (heterosexual). For a quick primer on fanfic jargon, visit www.englishchick.com/badfic/badgloss.htm.

LARGE FAN FICTION ARCHIVES Fanfiction.net (450 TV shows, plus movies, books, more) -- www.fanfiction.net Freedom of Speech Fan Fiction (4,200 stories) -- www.fosff.net Live Journal (400 interactive fanfic "communities") -- www.livejournal.com The Fan Fiction Directory (7,700 sites linked) -- www.fanficweb.net/directoryqqqq Media Miner (anime-oriented) -- www.mediaminer.org/fanfic

SPOTLIGHTING "AWFUL" FANFIC Godawful Fan Fiction (with critical annotation) -- www.godawful.net Bad Fanfic! No Biscuit! (stories written badly by intent/parody) -- www.englishchick.com/badfic/badfic.

RESOURCES FOR FAN FICTION WRITERS Dr. Merlin's Guide to Fan Fiction (tips on avoiding pitfalls, plus links to other top resources) -- www.missy.reimer.com/library/guide.html. Fanfic Glossary (jargon primer) -- www.englishchick.com/badfic/badgloss.htm Frequently Asked Questions (and answers about writing fanfic) -- www.chillingeffects.org/fanfic; www.loony-archivist.com/ptcarchive/faql.html; Fan Fiction Electronic Pathfinder (fanfic history, legal issues, more) -- www.writersu.net/fep/terminology.html West Wing Continuity Guide (example of show bible detailing aired events, character backgrounds, previous interactions) -- www.westwing.bewarne.com -- The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: What Is Fan Fiction? (resources, links) -- www.manfromuncle.org/whatisff.htm Apocrypha (Law & Order-oriented, with general fanfic essays) -- www.podengo.com/apocrypha/archive.html The Advantages of Fan Fiction as an Art Form -- www. members.aol.com/janemort/fanfic.html

SELECTED SERIES FANFIC SITES

STAR TREK www.trekiverse.org (60,000 stories, categorized)

CURRENT SHOWS Lost -- www.lostfic.com 24 -- www.24fanfic.com Veronica Mars -- fanfic.neptune-high.net JAG (links to fanfic) -- www.geocities.com/jaglair03/jaglairlinks The West Wing -- on.to/iconarchive The West Wing -- www. westwingstories.com/library/all-stories.html

RECENT SERIES Farscape -- www.shriftweb.org/leviathan Buffy the Vampire Slayer -- archive.shriftweb.org; (crossovers) tthfanfic.com The X-Files -- fluky.gossamer.org Xena -- www.xenafanfiction.com Diagnosis Murder -- www.diagnosismurder.8k.com Due South -- www.qxq.squidge.org/dsa/archive/quicksearch.html American Gothic (virtual second and third seasons) -- members.aol.com/roxannep/agfanfic.html

VINTAGE SERIES MacGyver (virtual seasons) -- www.macvs.com The Facts of Life -- www.folff.com M*A*S*H -- www.bestcareanywhere.net Combat -- razorback.ca/combat Bonanza -- bonanzaworld.net/fiction/bonanza (also French/German/Spanish)

SELECTED FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FANFIC German: Roswell, The A-Team, more -- www.chrisfanfic.de Italian: The Sentinel -- www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/2569 Japanese: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. -- mizukaki.fc2web.com Norwegian: Stargate SG-1 -- home.no.net/stargsg1 Russian: Miami Vice -- www.gay.ru/mittas Spanish: Xena -- www.lopezavila.com/xena
Copyright 2005 Newsday Inc.

(To see article online at the original location click here)
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Two Grand Finales...

2005-04-30T18:44:25Z

I was searching around to get links back on my comp (see post on sabsfairchild) when I stumbled across an old link for the virtual 5 and 6 seasons of Pretender. Anyway, that got me thinking about the two real "finales" for the TV Show pretender and how they were both similar and different. Thought I would post a bit of that musings.

MMB's "And Then...": MMB's Grand Opus consists of 6 seperate stories of differing lengths. She picked up the story line at the end of The Pretender: Island of the Haunted and continued the story in what is one of the best tellings of Pretender's end. First of all, the characterizations are fantasic, dynamic, and very true to the canon character. It was also nice to see some of the less used characters such as Debbie Broots and Sam have large supporting roles in this series. Next, the piece is quite long, but it doesn't interfere with the telling of the story. In fact, the writing is so good that I think only a piece of this length would properly tie up all the little bits that The Pretender left hanging in the air. Finally, for all those shippy J/MPs out there, there is happily-ever-after for our fav Rat and Huntress. However, the romance is so well written that is doesn't become sugary enough to choke on. Definitely worth the time it takes to read this!

The Pretender Virtual Series: The Virtual Series a (obviously) different format then MMB's "And Then..." While the latter is only penned by one author, the former is written like a tv show, by a slew of different well-known Pretender Fan Fic writers. Also, like a TV show, the very format of the stories is different. The creaters of tPVS decided to 23 full-length (4-5 LONG Acts) online Episodes that were originally "air" sequentially and then taken off the archive. Only when the episode "aired" twice did the episode get logged into the archive permenantly. Well, since the originally was done between 2001-2003 the episodes have been archived for quite awhile, so you don't have to worry about missing ones (like I did!). The big difference between MMB's and tPVS is that tPVS ignores the made-for-tv movies done by TNT and starts right with the subway explosion at the end of Season 4. However, they still manage to (sorta) include different elements from the movies, but for the most part tPVS takes on a entirely different direction then the TNT productions. With two seasons and three movies there is enough here to read to keep you busy for WEEKS!

P.S: If you are looking for other virtual series such as the Pretender Virtual Series go to Pheonix Virtual Television (PVT) Online.

Oh the Fun of Communities...

2005-04-29T04:31:27Z

I've been playing with these for a little while, but I haven't thought to post some of there locations till now! Stupid me. Anyway, I've fallen in love with Communities! They are the next generation message board, but in my opinion they work a lot better. Especially because they are tied to your own blog.

Battlestar Galactica

bsg2003fics A fun site that is actually called BSG 2003 Pics and Fics. This site has all you could want for in pics, icons, fanfic, and discussion. It features all characters and doesn't really have a specific slant one way or another. (Besides pre-established ships but even that is flexible.) Plus, the fun thing is it is actually condoned by the executive producers of BSG 2003. If I could find the article that says that we are free to write FF I would! So go and HAVE FUN!

beyond_insaneAll fans of BSG 2003 will recognize where the title came from! "You are BEYOND INSANE!" A really nicely done community for the Kara/Lee shippers out there. Again there are plenty of fics, pics, and vids for our viewing pleasure. I haven't personally done more than scratch the surface so if anyone finds a fic or pic that they feel they need to pass on, leave a message on my blog and I will grately go and check it out!

Babylon 5

babylon5 A good size community for all our Babylon 5 fans out there. Plus, there is a really touching tribute to the late Richard Biggs in the community info page. The post count has crossed 1000 and I'm hoping that it will only continue. Again lots of fics, pics, (however, I'm not to sure about vids) for fellow B5 fans to enjoy.

The Pretender

the_pretender One of the few all-inclusive Pretender communities I have found. (There are others and I will post them later... I need to sort through and see which ones I like) The profile says this community has a strong Jarod/Parker leaning and that's always good. Got to love Rat and his Huntress. Once again the standard Fics, Pics, (not sure about vids) applies to this community. Definitly worth taking a look!

Stargate Communities

john_elizabeth A really good community! Its a shipper community for Stargate Atlantis' leading commanders (soon to be Colonel) John Sheppard and Dr. Elizabeth Weir. The place is full of good fics, links, icons, vids, and artwork (wallpapers, manips... the like) and is the ONE place on the net that all S/W shippers should know about and frequent. Also, the people are really friendly, so no-one should worry about being shy! Go in and introduce yourself. Bring a fic, you'll be well loved.

denver_legal This is an AU Community. (For those of you that don't know what that entails it means you take the characters of your fav show and plunk them down in an entirely different situation. Sit back and see what happens.) This is basically a spin-off of firemanverse which was taken from the Stargate SG-1 Episode where Teal'c is a fireman. (Sorry, I actually haven't watched the episode, so I'm a bit clueless...) Anyway, the premise of this community is that everyone in both Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis are officers of the law in Denver. Some great pieces with all ships. Once again the people are friendly, and fics are adored!

langford_uAnother AU Community that takes place in Nebraska (of all places) at the Langford University. Name after Catherine Langford's father who founded the silly university! Cute! Anyway, this is a relatively new community, so its a little quiet at times, but the writing that is there is great! Also, since it was started by a S/W shipper, it has a definite lean to it, but its still readable for all Stargate Fans. There is a great story growing about how John and Elizabeth met as he was hiding from the female students that were hounding his office!

Anyway, have fun exploring! If you find anything that you care to pass along (a fic, pic, vid, or another community) definitely drop a line. Always nice to have help!

Sabs

Baby!Fic Time...

2005-04-25T22:16:09Z

Okay, I really don't know why, but I've been on a Baby!Fic hunt (well, not delibrately, I found one and then the rest kind of fell into my lap) and Battlestar Galactica 2003 seems to be pushing out (pardon the pun) some good ones. Now, normally I can only do Baby!Fic in small doses, but if the side-story is good enough they work like a charm. I do love fluff pieces! Anyway, on to the stories:

Babies: This was the best piece out of the three stories. Basically, President Rosalin has announced that they need to start repopulating the fleet. However, instead of talking the entire female population (who volunteer) out of service, they decide to randomly genetically match up participants and then have the babies created in test-tube. Oh, fun ensues after that declaration! Best of all, the matches, except for one, don't end up like you would think they would in a Baby!Fic piece. I swear, this story had me in stitches!

Loved: Beware of NC-17 warning in the some of this fic. Anyway, the story revolves around Kara's retrospective of her own month months after the birth of their (Lee/Kara) son. What I like about this piece that sets it apart from a standard fluff, Baby!Fic piece is the look at the torment her own childhood imposed on her, and Kara's dedication to overcome that fear. Well written, and in some places HOT! Hope you like.

Unexpected Gifts: Twin parallel structure to this piece as some of it takes place in the present (the birth of their child) and the other half takes place in the past (Kara's relationship with the Adama men.) While I don't think Kara knew the Adama family as a teenager, it does provide an interesting glimpse into a what-if scenario. Plus, the last line is adorable, "Lee is sitting beside her on the bed, arm around her shoulders and grinning like an idiot, and Kara knows that when she falls asleep Apollo will walk their child all around pilot?s quarters, showing her around."

P.S: I'm laughing right now at the names of these stories! It is so pathetically easy to pic out Baby!Fic stories just from the title. However, finding good Baby!Fic stories takes a bit more energy to truly dig up.

A Little Note on "Back to Good"

2005-04-23T02:54:56Z

When I originally posted the rec for the Crossing Jordan story "Back to Good," I thought the story was a one-shot deal. However, the nice people who are writing the fic then surprised me with extra chapters and are turning the smaller vic into a bit of a novella. So, the excellency quotent has just gone up on this fic, and now I definitely recommend going and reading it.

Sabs

The Lost World: A Path to the Moon, Part 2/2

2005-04-22T19:06:27Z

Path to the Moon

Disclaimer: Poor undergraduate student... just bought books... don't sue.
Status: Complete; Posted in parts.
Part: 2/2
Fandom: The Lost World
Pairing: Roxton/Marguerite; Ned/Veronica; Thomas/Abigail
Spoilers: The Secret; But then the story goes AU
Summary: With the return of two significant people, Marguerite and Veronica's lives will never be the same.
Author's Note: See Part 1/2

CHAPTER FOUR

As Marguerite left the tree house, the rest of the occupants in the house stood still. No one truly believed that Marguerite would do it. The rest of the explorers looked around at each other, the unease and uncertainty painted on their faces. No matter what she did, the heiress was part of the family, and did deserve to be thrown out. They had all felt the wrath of her temper at one moment or another, and assumed that her leaving was just another tantrum.

Roxton made a move to the gun rack before someone stopped him. He looked over and Challenger had put a hand on his arm, restricting him movements. "I need to go to her." Roxton said.

"I agree, but give it a second, I believe there is more to this than Marguerite acquiring another necklace."

Roxton and Challenger turned back to look at the older Laytons. Abigail had a nasty mark forming on her cheek, but her vision was turned inward, as if she was trying to remember something.

Suddenly, her face went pale and she dashed into the room that the Layton's had recently reclaimed as their bedroom. Sounds of things being moved could be heard, and Abigail muttering under her breath. The others looked at each other, as if wondering whether they should try to offers some help. But something kept them collectively back.

When the older woman came back she held something clutched to her chest. Her face had gone even paler. She held the necklace out for her husband to inspect, and Thomas took it with clear uneasy. Once it was in his hands, the same pale and sad look came over his face. He looked back at his wife, as if to confirm what they both knew.

"Will someone please tell me what is going on?" Roxton said impatiently.

"I'm afraid I have made a huge mistake." Abigail said quietly. Her eyes started to mist with tears, and Roxton softened his voice.

"Then, tell us, please. Marguerite is out in the middle of the jungle."

That seemed to bring Abigail and Thomas to their senses and they quickly looked at each other alarmed.

"You have to get to her, and give her this. Tell her when she gets back, I will explain everything."

Roxton looked unsurely at the rest of the people in the tree house, but did as told. He got his rifle and gun holster, and made his way to the elevator.

"Please bring her back." This was the first time that Roxton had heard Thomas speak up since the whole fiasco had begun, and Roxton couldn't miss the choked sound of this voice, or the haunted look in the older mans eyes. Roxton simply nodded and headed down.

Marguerite trudged through the jungle, tears spilling down her cheeks. As soon as she had been out of site from the tree house, her damn emotions had decided to gang up on her again. But instead of fighting what she knew was useless, she just let them came.

Marguerite spotted a clearing, and started to make her way towards it. She came up to a little waterfall, and suddenly was plagued with memories of the countless times her 'family' had come here for a day of relaxation. Veronica had one day told them to pack a pick nick, and they had all headed out here. She had of course scoffed at the place, but inwardly marvelled at the simple beauty the place had presented.

Another memory over came her, as Marguerite saw Roxton and herself sitting beside the river. They had just come back from an expedition into the jungle to get food, and she had been tired. They had stopped beside the river, and Roxton had dumped the Raptor meat a couple feet away, so she wouldn't have to smell it. She had smiled and thanked him, while he had said some comment about 'anything for milady.'

Marguerite smiled, and then frowned when she realized that once again her past had made her give up the only good part of her present. She gently fingered the locket attached to her throat and sighed. She could have given it to Abigail and then explained things when everything calmed down. She pushed that thought down right away; she didn't have to give up her only connection to her parents. And Abigail Layton was a fool for making her think that she had to.

Marguerite dipped her hands into the river and felt the coolness of the water rushing over them. She quickly splashed water over her arms to get the heat away, and then splashed her face. Drying herself off with the edge of her skirt, Marguerite tried to think about what she was going to do. She couldn't just wander the jungle indefinitely. That was one sure way to get you killed on the plateau. But she couldn't turn around and return to the tree house. They would not see her come back begging. Marguerite heard a branch snap behind her and whirled around to face her attacker. Only when she turned around it was only Roxton.

"I'm not coming back." She said.

"Abigail and Thomas asked me to come get you."

"Why, so they can accuse me of stealing the necklace again, and have the rest of you gang up and take it from me?"

"No, they want to explain things to you. And besides, I would never betray you."

"No. Betrayal implies an act. You just stood there. And as for the Laytons I have nothing to say to them."

"Don't you want to go home Marguerite?"

Marguerite's shoulders slumped for a second, then were back up as if nothing had happened at all, but her voice had taken on a wishful feeling.

"You know when I was younger and in the convents, I wanted to go home. I mean really go home, with a mother, father and siblings. During vacations when everyone else had gone home, I would sit and stare out a window in my room. The one good thing about my room at the convent was I always had a clear view of the moon. Some nights it was almost as if I could reach up and touch it. Other nights it felt like I had to been there, that if I only found a path there I would be able to fill this emptiness I had." Marguerite stopped and sighed for a second. ?I even made up elaborate theories about what awaited me at the end of my journey, a mystical castle maybe, heaven knows we have found enough here.?

Roxton chuckled quietly thinking of how Marguerite had acted as a child. But he quickly got serious at the sad look that had taken over her face.

"Since then I have grown, and I know how outrageous that sounds, but when I came to the plateau, one of the first thoughts I had was that I had finally done it. Maybe that was why I was so uncooperative at the beginning, I didn't want to loose this."

Roxton decided to cut in there. "But you haven't-"

"But you see, I have. The one thing that was always constant in my dreams was a loving family, and today proved that my 'family' doesn't believer or trust me. I finally got to the moon, only to find that it was just an illusion. If I go back, I don't think I can take the heartbreak again next time."

Roxton decided to cut off her argument quickly and finally. He went and wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her gently, proving all her love for her. He felt her go stiff, and then relax into him. He then gently let her go and held her so their foreheads were still touching.

"Marguerite, I can promise to be here for you always, but I can't promise anything about the others. I can just tell you what I know. When I left, everyone was very worried about you, and the Laytons desperately wanted to you back."

"Desperately?"

"Yes, why do you think I was ran out of the tree house?? He joked, but stopped when he saw her face. "Marguerite, everyone wants you back." He suddenly realized that he had forgot to give her the necklace.

"And Abigail gave this to me. Said that once you were back, that she would explain everything." Roxton pulled out the necklace and handed it to Marguerite.

Once the locket was in her hands, Marguerite's face turned white, and her hands started shaking. She opened it and Roxton watched her carefully as she read it. Marguerite looked up at him, and the locket slipped from her fingers onto the ground.

"What is it?" Roxton asked.

Marguerite quickly unclipped the necklace around her own neck, and with shaking hands picked up the one on the ground. She opened both and handed them to Roxton. Roxton looked unsurely at her and then read one, then the other. He looked up suddenly at Marguerite, only to find her already at the river packing up her things. She finished and then came back to stand beside him.

"We have to go now." The look on her face, made wonder if her sudden turn of heart about the tree house was made out of anger, or desperation, but either way, Roxton agreed and motioned that he would follow her.

CHAPTER FIVE

Marguerite mind churned with unanswered questions as she and Roxton raced back to the treehouse. Some things were starting to add up for the heiress, but once she got one part of the puzzle figured out, another piece fell apart. Trying to order her mind was doing no good also. There was just too many confusing emotions swirling around for her to thing clearly; something that was annoying her to no end.

"Have you any clue as to what is going on?" Roxton shouted from behind her.

Marguerite stayed silent for a second, trying to way her options. Should she tell him she didn't have a clue, or feed him another lie. Hell, he expected another lie. That was her decided factor. "I really don't know."

Roxton stopped suddenly. So suddenly that it took Marguerite a second to realize what he had done and stop to.

"And that makes you worried, doesn't it."

Marguerite groaned inwardly. It was bloody unfair that he knew her so well. All her life, she had kept people at bay, especially after Adrienne. She had managed three husbands with none of them knowing her any better than the common acquaintance. Oh, they thought they knew her, but each marriage came with it's own 'mask', and like masks they could so easily hide the real motives driving her.

Yet, in three insanely horrifying and wonderful years, Lord John Roxton had managed to weasel his way into her very soul, and that did terrify her.

"Yes, it does."

Roxton took a long look at her, and then silently ushered onward.

As Marguerite looked up at the treehouse, all her previous worries came rushing back at her. The force of her uncertainty made her take a step back, right into Roxton's body. She quickly whipped around with a caustic comment on her lips, but Roxton silenced her with one look. Suddenly Marguerite felt all his compassion; love and care come down upon her, and her body visibly relaxed. She could do this, as long as he was by her side.

Taking a deep breath, Marguerite stepped onto the elevator and waited for Roxton to board also. Once he was on she reached toward the lever to start the elevator but her hand hesitated, hovering right above it.

"I'm right behind you Marguerite. Whatever happens we will face this together." Roxton placed a kiss on her brow and then place his hand on top of her. Together then started the elevator up.

As the elevator climbed, a knot started to build in Marguerite's stomach. The puzzle that had eluded her before was finally starting to come into place, but she wasn't sure if she should rejoice or hide from the results. The ride abruptly stopped, forcing her mind on the events at hand.

The two elder Laytons stood before the elevator, their faces portraying almost as much nervousness as her probably did. Marguerite felt a gentle push on the small of her back and suddenly she was out of the elevator and into the arms of Abigail and Thomas Layton.

As tears fell upon her face, Marguerite realized that the older woman was crying. "I'm so sorry, my darling. I'm so sorry!"

Marguerite stepped out of the embrace and realized that her fears and dare she say -hopes- were being realized.

"We never meant to leave you behind, but we thought we would be back." Abigail started to babble and her husband silenced her.

"I think it's time that we all sat down and talked."

Marguerite thought about it for a second. "Only if the rest can sit with us." I need their support, Marguerite finished to only herself.

Thomas smiled, "We wouldn't have it any other way."

For the first time in what seemed like ages all members of the treehouse sat down around the table. Veronica and Malone sat next to each other, while Marguerite and Roxton sat together their hands intertwined under the table. The Laytons took the seats directly opposite Marguerite and Challenger took the head of the table.

They all looked at each other, wondering who was going to start. Abigail looked at Thomas and then opened her mouth to speak.

"As you know, when our expedition left for the plateau I was pregnant with Veronica. Of course Thomas didn't know that until we got here or he would never have let me go along." Abigail looked at her husband and smiled. Thomas returned the smile lovingly. "What you didn't know was that we left another child behind."

Veronica suddenly looked up in surprise and started to comment when Malone took her hand and stopped her.

"We didn't want to do it, but we figured that the jungle was no place for a baby and we didn't think we would be gone for more than a year. We left our daughter with my long-time friend thinking that she would be safe. I left her a necklace that I was planning on giving her when she was older. The same necklace that you are now wearing Marguerite."

Marguerite stiffened, and Roxton's arm immediately came up around her ready to support her.

"So you see Marguerite, your parents loved you and never meant to abandon you. We never meant to abandon you. It was this damn plateau! What I can't figure out is why you ended up in convents."

Marguerite suddenly felt drained, all these years of searching. All the years of heartbreak, and her answer were finally in front of her. She opened her mouth to speak but then closed it again. She didn't know what to say. All the emotions in her welled up at once and threatened to spill over and for the first time in a long time Marguerite Krux - correction Marguerite Layton was speechless.

Then she looked up and saw the love that shone through the Laytons face, her parents face. She looked around the table and saw happiness and love reflected back at her. Even Veronica, who she hadn't got along with until recently looked at her with love.

Suddenly she realized her reaction to incidents lately, the happiness at Veronica's success at finding her parents. Her feeling of family whenever she was with the Layton's and her intense feeling of betrayal and loss when Abigail had accused her of stealing the necklace.

The Necklace! Suddenly she remembered the two precious connections to her past in the pocket of her skirt and she pulled them out. Marguerite stared at them long and hard. The two identical necklaces had started this, without them she would never have found out the truth about who she was. She carefully gave one back to her mother and with long practiced ease slipped the other around her neck.

"Somehow I already knew. I know that sounds odd, but it's true. When you first arrived I started having these intense emotions whenever you were around and I couldn't explain it. Mostly I felt safe when you were around, and I haven't felt safe around strangers... ever."

Her parents looked at her lovingly again and Marguerite turned to Veronica.

"So I guess that all the original hostility between us could be written off as sibling rivalry?" Marguerite put out hesitantly.

Veronica reached over and placed her older sister's hand in her own. "Well, I figure we have about 20 years to cover, so I guess the first two could start to make up for it."

"Just don't think this lets you borrow my clothes." Marguerite laughingly said.

"I would never think of it."

Challenger suddenly cleared his throat. "I've been thinking about your question, Abigail."

"Yes, George?"

"You asked how Marguerite ended up in convents. I seem to remember seeing an article about a wealthy family being caught in a scandal, something about a large theft. The only daughter was being put into protection, but the location of her whereabouts wasn't being given; for her protection I'm sure. It would co-inside with the time that you left; I seem to remember it was a couple years afterwards."

Thomas looked shocked. "Jonathan involved in a scandal? I don't believe it."

Suddenly Marguerite looked up. "Abi- Mom," Marguerite smiled "why did you go to the plateau."

Thomas looked down for a second. "A man name Xan approached us and offered to fund the expedition in turn for something he called an Ouroborous. Mind you we never found the blasted thing."

Marguerite turned face turned white, causing everyone who remembered the Callum incident to pale also. But just as fast as her faced had paled, anger flushed her face red. "I suddenly understand."

Everyone around the table looked at Marguerite, but Roxton noticed that she was talking to herself more than the others.

"When Xan approached me with the Ouroborous deal I thought he was nuts. Then when he told me he had my birth certificate I couldn't understand how he had got his hand on it. I had been looking for it for years and then suddenly it falls into my lap. How could I be so na?ve?"

"What do you mean?" Abigail spoke up, ending Marguerite's ramblings.

"You were sure Jonathan was trustworthy?"

"With every ounce of my being."

"Yet, shortly after you leaving they get caught in a scandal so devious that their only daughter get sent into hiding. For her own protection of course."

The light started to dawn on the faces around her. "It was all Xan's doing." She said both miserably and bitterly. "He needed a pawn, insurance in case something went wrong with his first expedition. And who better than the daughter of leading expedition."

Abigail got up suddenly and circled around the table stopping at the chair of her oldest daughter. She gently eased Marguerite up and wrapped her arms around her. "I am so sorry darling."

Marguerite hesitantly wrapped her arms around her mother and buried her face into her mother's neck. It smelt familiar but Marguerite could place it exactly. She lifted her head and look at her mother's face. "It isn't your fault."

Thomas came around the table and wrapped his arms around his wife and daughter. Marguerite sifted a bit until she was comfortable in between her two parents. She breathed deeply and then allowed herself to relax. She had done it; she had finally found her parents.

Veronica came around their parents released Marguerite so her sister could hug her. Once thoroughly hugged, Marguerite went back to Roxton and he wrapped his arms around her.

Surprising even herself, Marguerite did not shift out of his hold and instead relaxed into his embrace. She allowed herself to believe that everything would work out perfectly, including her dreams of a future with Roxton. "You know, I never did apologize for not believing you." Roxton said.

Marguerite turned around, startled. She couldn't believe she had forgotten, but that was exactly what had happened. With all the excitement of finding her parents, she had completely forgotten their betrayal. She couldn't decide if that was good or bad.

"So I'm saying it now. Marguerite Layton, will you forgive me?" Roxton looked so grave that Marguerite could help but laugh.

"I don't know, should I?"

"Marguerite!"

Marguerite laughed a little harder. "It's odd. Normally I wouldn't forgive this at all, but I can't seem to keep a grudge." Marguerite laughed then turned serious. "But if you ever do it again, I will disappear so fast your head will spin."

Roxton place a gentle kiss on her lips and wished, "I promise."

CHAPTER SIX

On the balcony of the treehouse, high above the floor of the Plateau, Marguerite Layton stared at the moon. It was something she hadn't done in years, yet it felt both familiar and safe. She turned around and looked at her family. Everyone was quietly going about there business. Veronica and Malone sat curled up, having just announced their plans to marry the following year. Veronica had shyly admitted that now that her parents were found she could relax enough to devote herself to other things. Marguerite smiled at her sister, feeling so grateful that she had found someone to love dearly, and so quickly. Roxton was once again cleaning his guns, but with the uncanny intuition he seemed to have, he looked up and smiled at her just as she was about to turn away. Abigail, her mother, was seated filling in another of her scientific journals. The only one Marguerite couldn't see was Thomas, her father and George Challenger. A smile turned up her lips as she figured they had barricaded their selves in the lab and were busy making a mess.

The young adventuress heard footsteps behind her and waited to see where they would go. The footsteps kept coming closer and Marguerite felt arms wrap around her and a kiss being placed on the top of her head. She turned around expecting to see Roxton but came face to face with her father.

"Daddy..." The word slipped out of her mouth causing a bigger surprise for father and daughter.

"You haven't called me that since you were two." Thomas smiled the smile of a proud father.

Marguerite basked in the smile for a second, letting it's warm flow over her. This was how she always wished it would be. Her dreams of family had come true, even more now, but she realized that Roxton was right and the Challenger Expedition had been her family long before she had found her parents.

Marguerite finally spoke after a second. "Well then, I think it's definitely time to reclaim that tradition."

"My darling, you can call me anything you want. I am just glad to have you and your sister back. You don't know how much your mother and I regret not seeing you two grow up."

"Shush... none of that now. All of that is in the past."

Marguerite and her father passed in a moment in silence, both remembering the past and thinking about the future.

"So, now that Veronica is getting married, what about you and Roxton."

"Daddy!" Marguerite exclaimed and turned around quickly to make sure the object of their discussion hadn't heard.

Thomas chuckled for a second and then returned to just smiling, still looking for an answer to his question.

"I really don't know." Marguerite shrugged.

"Surely you have an idea. I for one know he loves you." Thomas smiled, and Marguerite could swear he was hearing wedding bells and the squeal of grandchildren.

"Now, don't get any ideas, Daddy."

"I would never dream of it."

"Sure you wouldn't." Marguerite smiled, but let the topic drop. She savoured the silence for a second again, and then brought up a subject that had been bothering her for a couple weeks.

"Daddy, where were you and Mom for the last couple years?"

Thomas? smile faltered, and his eyes acquired a haunted and sad glaze. For a second Marguerite thought he was going to lie to her, then his smile returned but his eyes remained sad causing an odd expression on his face. "Things were easy those first years. You mother and I had lost the entire of our expedition and was lost in the middle of the jungle. At first we were travelling from village to village, but then your mother had Veronica and we realized we had to stay in one place; the nomadic life was not suited for a baby."

"But we didn't have any supplies. All our supplies had been lost during the first ape-men raid that killed the rest of our expedition. We found a sympathetic village and started to do some training, then got scientific knowledge and we got supplies to make this treehouse. This trade continued for years until the villages started to ask for too much."

"You mother and I had a nasty fight a couple days before... Anyway, the village had finally asked for the knowledge of gunpowder. You mother saw the potential danger in giving them the powder. We had already showed them how to make weapons, but this would vastly change the balance of power in the area. I, of course was only thinking of helping my family. Then I started to think about it. The day we... disappeared, your mother and I were going to turn down the villagers. We brought only knives with us, we didn't want to rub salt into their wounds, but we had to protect ourselves encase they didn't except our decision."

Marguerite must have shown some confusion on her face because Thomas stopped and looked at her for a second. "Veronica told us you were going to gather more scientific data."

Thomas looked thoughtful then started to speak again. "We never told her the real reason for our trips. She believed that we were out searching the Plateau."

"Well, when we got to the village they didn't like our conclusion. The villagers surrounded us and as hard as I tried the villagers overcame us. We were sold in to slavery." Thomas stopped for a second, and Marguerite could tell her father was thinking about those bleak times. Then he reached out and gently touched her cheek. "It was hard, but the idea of seeing you and your sister again kept us alive. A month ago your sister found us. You know the rest."

Marguerite sat quietly wondering if her sister had heard the same explanation. Then she got up and went to hug her father. "I'm glad you came back, Daddy."

"Me too, Honey, me too."

Marguerite stepped back for a second then decided to do something she had been flipping back and forth on. "Daddy... I..."

"It's okay, Honey. Say whatever you need to. You always did as a baby."

Marguerite smiled for a second and then tried again. "Daddy... I... Love... You."

Once done, Marguerite could feel a weight lifted of her shoulders. She bit her lip as she turned to look at her father. What she saw would forever remain in her heart. Pure love.

"I love you too, Marguerite. We all love you."

Marguerite crept back into her father arms tucking her face into the crook of his neck and just sighed. Her family, her parents loved her. Everything was going to be just fine.

The (very sappy) End

The Lost World: A Path to the Moon, Part 1/2

2005-04-22T19:05:04Z

Path to the Moon

Disclaimer: Poor undergraduate student... just bought books... don't sue.
Status: Complete; Posted in parts.
Part: 1/2
Fandom: The Lost World
Pairing: Roxton/Marguerite; Ned/Veronica; Thomas/Abigail
Spoilers: The Secret; But then the story goes AU
Summary: With the return of two significant people, Marguerite and Veronica's lives will never be the same.
Author's Note: [Written 2002] Well, this story started with some inner musings about the episode ?The Secret.? It was the first fic I ever wrote in installments and because of that the end got kind of muddled. However, it would take me too long to overhaule it now, so the story is being left as is. Still, as the second longest piece I've ever done it was a good success. Enjoy!

CHAPTER ONE

Marguerite sighed and put the book down. It was obvious that she wasn't going to get any reading done today, no matter how much she wanted. She stalked unhappily to the kitchen to get some water and was greeted by the site of Roxton sitting at the table cleaning his guns. 'Perfect,' she thought. 'Not only am I miserable, but everyone else seems to be having just a dandy time.' In fact Roxton looked quite content doing nothing but sit there and clean his rifle.

"Well, Marguerite, are you going to say something, or are you just going to stand there all day." Roxton's tone was teasing, and that just made her feel worse.

"I was planning on getting a glass of water, if you must know." She said with mild rebuke, but the infuriating man just took it in stride, deciding of all things to chuckle at her expense.

"Well don't let me stop you."

"I won't."

"Very well then." Roxton went back to cleaning his rifles and Marguerite walked right over to the water jug and poured some into a glass.

Taking a sip of the water, Marguerite felt better. Not 100 percent better, but getting there. She took a quick sip before turning back to the man that only minutes before she had snapped at. 'Oh well,' Marguerite thought, 'at least he is getting used to it. But I really should stop doing that.'

"Roxton, I'm sorry."

"For what?"

Marguerite blew a breath of air out between her lips before she released that the grin on his face meant that he was teasing her.

"Your insufferable," She said jokingly.

Roxton put down his rifle and then slowly got up towards her. A grin happily on his face, he looked like he was enjoying this. Then again, so was she. "Miss Krux, you know I only aim to please." Then he made a slightly exaggerated bow, which made her laugh. Roxton took the glass from her hands and took her face into his hands. "You know, we never did get to finish that dance."

"As I remember, we had a lot of time to finish, if only a certain Lord hadn't decided he had two left feet."

Roxton pulled her into her arms and whispered to her, his mouth inches away from hers, "Well then, why doesn't this Lord show you exactly what he can do."

Marguerite tilted her head up expectantly when suddenly the lift started to climb up to the tree house. Roxton pulled himself away, long enough to grab the guns and situate himself with a clear view of the door. No one should be coming in today, Challenger and Malone where out looking for more samples for Challenger lab and Veronica was still out looking for her parents.

Marguerite heard laughter coming from the opening and suddenly Veronica's voice was heard. She put her hand on Roxton's arm, but he had obviously heard it too, for he was lowering his gun, and starting to put it away.

The lift stopped and Veronica came out. Then two people followed her. They walked over to where the couple stood with questioning looks on their face. Veronica wasn't one to bring home strangers. Plus she should be out there looking for her parents. Unless, the truth suddenly dawned on Marguerite and she made a quick glance to where the Layton family portrait was hung.

"Marguerite, Roxton, I would like you to meet, my parents. Daddy, Mom, I would like you to meet Marguerite Krux and Lord John Roxton." Marguerite and Roxton stood there planted to the floor for a second not believing what they were seeing. These were the parents that Veronica had been searching for almost 13 years.

In an uncharacteristic movement, Marguerite stepped up to Veronica and wrapped her arms around the younger woman. "I'm so happy for you. I know how long you have been searching for them." Marguerite stepped back and wiped a small tear from her eyes, and then watched as Roxton went up and repeated the same gesture.

All five people stood around for a minute just enjoying the moment of a reunited family when Marguerite looked at them and suddenly realized how tired they must be. "Why don't you go sit down, Roxton and I can prepare something for supper." Roxton looked at her dubiously, knowing her reputation in the kitchen, but didn't argue.

Veronica looked grateful and led her parents to the balcony. Marguerite sighed as she heard the sounds of happy laughter floating her way and briefly thought if that would happen if she ever found her parents. Would they even be alive for that matter?

"Okay, what are you doing Marguerite?"

Marguerite was startled that Roxton had walked up behind her without her noticing. She quickly wiped away the tears that had once again started to flow down her face. 'Pull yourself together,' Marguerite thought to herself.

"Oh nothing. Why do you ask?"

"Dinner, giving them time alone together. You usually do anything to get away from doing chores. Not that I mind making it together, but this isn't you. This is about your parents too, isn't it?"

Marguerite knew that Roxton had hit the nail right on, but she didn't want to admit it. She couldn't admit to him that see Veronica achieve her dream, had made her want to fight harder for hers. She couldn't admit to him that she wanted to desperately have that moment of serenity that see had seen on the younger women's face. That feeling when all your demons just disappear.

Roxton unexpectedly took her into her arms, and whispered into her ear, "We will find them. Whatever it takes we will find them." He held her for a minute, before letting her go gently. He quickly walked to the kitchen to get rid of his rifle and guns, before he started to make dinner. Marguerite just stood there totally unnerved. Had Roxton gotten to know her so well that he could find out what was bothering her and find a way to soothe her in a matter of minutes?

Her mind suddenly wandered to where she heard Veronica say her and Roxton's names. Not surprising considering they had been the one welcome the Layton's into what had once being their home. Still, she felt like she wanted to find out what they were talking about and she momentarily went closer to the balcony.

"...Marguerite was acting a little odd today. She doesn't normally open up to people that fast." She heard Veronica say.

"My dear, from what you told me, I wouldn't be surprised. It doesn't sound like Miss Krux has had an easy life. I wouldn't be surprised if normally she would have been suspicion of us."

"Sweetheart, I'm sure everything will be alright. Plus it looks like she had a certain Lord to look over her."

"That's for sure..." Veronica continued to tell some of the antics that the couple had gotten into while on the Plateau.

Marguerite walked away feeling a little better, but still a little disturbed that someone saw through her and Roxton so well. Normally she kept her feeling under wraps better, but there was just something about the jaded Lord, that made her feel wanted and safe.

She shook off the momentary uneasy that had settled around her and walked off to find Roxton and get the meal started.

CHAPTER TWO

Marguerite stood and listened as the lift brought up Challenger and Malone. ?They are in for the shock of their lifetimes,' Marguerite thought to herself. The Laytons, finally a complete family, went to greet the new comers. Momentarily abandoning her task of fixing dinner, Marguerite went out and also prepared herself to greet the two men. Roxton put down the knife he was using to cut Raptor meat and briefly washed his hands, then followed her out.

Veronica was grinning ear from ear, and the two older Laytons' looked equally happy. Marguerite suddenly wondered what Veronica had told them about the two men. Surely it had been good. Anyone could see that Veronica and Malone had deep feelings for each other, and Challenger he had always protected the 'family.'

Marguerite felt a hand on her shoulder and briefly took support from Roxton. She knew he wanted to do more than just put his hand on her. She knew he wanted to wrap his arms around her as a way of showing his support, and to give her someone to lean on. But Roxton knew that she would never allow that. Letting herself lean on him would mean showing weakness. So she gently shrugged his hand off and went to stand beside Veronica.

All five watched as the lift came to a slow stop and Challenger and Malone got out. At first they started to go to their rooms to change into clean clothes, but then Malone and Challenger did a double take.

Malone was the first to regain his voice, "Veronica, who is this?"

"Malone, I would like you to meet my parents. Mother, Daddy, I would like you two meet Edward Malone and Professor George Challenger."

Malone and Challenger seemed to take a moment to wrap their minds around what had happened while they were gone, but once they did, they both greeted the two with flourish. Malone then sprung over to Veronica and pulled her into his arms. He picked her up and spun her around happily, causing everyone to start laughing.

"I knew you would find them!" He yelled.

"Put me down!" She laughed.

Malone did with a wide grin still on his face. "This calls for a celebration."

"Already ahead of you there, Malone." Marguerite called out. "Roxton cooked fresh raptor meat, and I made dessert."

"You made dessert?" Malone looked doubtful.

"Yes, I made dessert, and you are going to enjoy every last bit."

With that, everyone started laughing again. Marguerite feigned hurt feelings, but then joined in. She was one two high spirits to let words bring her down, and she intended to stay that way. She quickly shooed everyone into the dinning room, while Roxton got the food from the kitchen. She sat the Laytons at the head of the table with Veronica right next to them. She then just let everyone one else sit down where they wanted to and went to help Roxton with the food.

Tonight?s dinner consisted of just what she told everyone, raptor meat, some fresh vegetables, and fruits. What no one knew was dessert. She had even shut Roxton out of the kitchen while she had made it, and he had teased her mercilessly because of it. For some reason, no one believed she could make a decent dish. She snuck around back to where she had hidden it and took a quick peak before she decided that it was still hot. She quickly picked it up and carried it back into the kitchen.

"There is that secretive dessert. Why won't you let me in?"

Marguerite just grinned and shook her head. "Not a chance Lord Roxton. This time, I'm going to have the upper hand."

"Well, when everyone gets sick, they will only have you to blame."

"And if that happens, which it won't, I will take full responsibility."

Marguerite tucked the dessert under her arms and walked out, leaving Roxton to get the meat and vegetables. The dinning room was already full of talk. Veronica and Malone where talking about what she was going to do now that her parents were here. Challenger was asking the Laytons' about all they had seen during their time on the plateau. Everything was right on the Lost World.

She walked quickly to the table and put down the dessert. Malone looked up at her and reached out to uncover what she had made, but she swatted his hand away with an amused look.

"Now Malone, you know it's vegetables before dessert."

"Speaking of vegetables, here it the rest of the meal." Roxton put down the plates on the table and sat down.

"Well everyone, enjoy." Marguerite said.

For a couple minutes, the laughter and talking died down as the group started to eat. Appreciative murmurs popped up here and then causing Marguerite to smile.

"What caused your good mood?" Roxton whispered to her.

"This. This moment of tranquility, of peaceful domesticity. It almost feels as if..."

"As if this were your family?"

Marguerite hung her head for a second. "Yes."

"We are, and we will always be."

Marguerite looked at him suddenly, looking for any sign of deception, but Roxton had already turned his head to start talking with Malone. She continued to eat until everyone was done.

"Well Marguerite, I think everyone is ready for dessert."

"Really, well then..."

Marguerite uncovered a blueberry pie. Or at least the closest to blueberries that were on the plateau.

"Where did you find the berries?" Malone asked, eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"That's going to be my little secret."

"More like one of your many." The room laughed with Roxton's comment, leaving the Laytons' to look at Veronica questionably.

Marguerite started to serve out the pie, and watched as each person took a bit out of it. Each displayed the same reaction. Shock. One by one they looked up at her questionably. Roxton finally voiced the question everyone's eyes were asking.

"When did you learn to bake?"

"Well you think the convents would have thought me something."

"Besides drinking and languages you mean." Malone added.

To everyone's surprise, Marguerite laughed. "Well I had to do something when everyone was off during the holidays." Marguerite suddenly realized what she said and tried to cover it with a flippant remark. "Did you really think I would poison you all? Really, such little faith you have in me."

"Well this was simply delicious." Mrs. Layton said.

"Yes very." Her husband added.

"Thank you very much. So glad someone appreciates my hard work." With that Marguerite got up and started to clean the table. But Challenger stopped her.

"Marguerite, you and Roxton cooked, it is the least I can do to clean up."

"Why thank you Challenger." Marguerite turned to everyone. "Well, I guess I'm going to be on the balcony." She turned again and walked towards the balcony and sat down, before anyone could say anything else.

Marguerite heard someone walk up behind her and waited till the person was across the balcony before she said anything.

"Mrs. Layton, why are you out here?" Marguerite suddenly heard what she sounded like and quickly corrected herself. "I mean, why aren't you inside with Veronica. You must have a lot to talk about."

?Just hoping to talk with the only other woman here.?

Marguerite laughed. ?Well I can?t see why not. Anything in particular, you would like to talk about??

?Well first of all, you can call me Abigail. I don?t think we need the formality now.?

?All right... Abigail.?

?Good, now that we got that out of the way, it seems that while I heard a lot about you at dinner today, I never really got to talk to you.?

?Really, well I wouldn?t believe everything you hear.? Marguerite chuckled and thought about what impressions the other explorers had made about her. With her luck, probably not the best. ?Well what did you want to hear??

?I would guess why you came to the plateau. Veronica told me it was for money, but I couldn?t figure out why here. There were plenty of less dangerous places where you could go.?

Marguerite thought for a second. What was it with these people and knowing how she worked and felt. ?With Lord Roxton at the head, who could resist.? She said sarcastically. But once the words were out of her mouth, she wondered how true the statement actually was.

Abigail looked at her with disapproval. Marguerite couldn?t figure out if that was because of the statement itself, or because the statement was made up. A momentary flicker of sadness flickered through her, causing her to be startled. This was the first time since Summerlee and before him, Marguerite actually felt guilty.

?Actually I don?t really know.? Not a total lie, but not the whole truth.

?Well for whatever reason you picked and came to the Plateau, I?m glad.?

?Really? Why??

?Veronica said you got them out of a lot of close calls.?

?I got them into even more.?

Abigail laughed, ?She told me that too. But just between you and me, I think that Veronica really likes you.?

Marguerite suddenly grinned. ?Thank you.? She whispered, and watched as Mrs. Layton or Abigail, as she had told her to call her, walked away.

CHAPTER THREE

Things in the treehouse had slowly returned to normal. Or at least as normal as things got on the Plateau. Life had adjusted well around the old members of the family and Marguerite certainly couldn't complain about the improvement in the food. For the first time since Summerlee had left them, she was enjoying meals again.

Marguerite turned and saw Veronica and her parents come around from the next room. They were laughing and talking, making up for old time that they had sadly lost. At least they were back together, Marguerite thought sadly. She bitterly wondered where her parents were and if they even cared for her. The gloom that settled over her was quick and thorough until Marguerite shook it off her.

She walked over to Veronica and her parents just as Malone, Challenger and Roxton walked into the room. Her family. All together for as long as she would have it. Nothing would take these people away from her if she could have it.

"How about a pick-nick?" Marguerite suddenly said, causing everyone to turn around and stare at her. She briefly felt embaressed, but quickly covered it. "Or not. I just thought that we could spend some time outside. We haven't done much exploring lately, and I figured a day outside would do us all some good."

"That is a good idea, dear." Abigail said to her.

"Yes quite. I think we could all do with some exercise and fresh air." Challenger looked thoughtful, and Marguerite held back a laugh. The man was probably going to use this opportunity to find a new speciment to study. Figures.

"Just let me get some food together and we can go." Abigail offered.

Marguerite couldn't help but smile. This was wonderful, not only was the meal going to be delightful now that Abigail was heading the food team, but everyone seemed thoroughly pleased with her suggestion.

"I'll just go get the rifles." Roxton chimed in.

Marguerite frowned for a second, the truth of where they were again coming back. If they were just going on a normal pick-nick they wouldn't need rifles, but being on the Plateau a rifle was a must. You never knew who you would run into out in the wild.

They all went there separate ways as they gathered the items necessary. Challenger got his scientific equipment, Malone got his journals, the Laytons' got the food and Roxton got the weapons. Marguerite headed for her room and pulled out the locket. She opened it briefly and read the inscription. "To our daughter, forever in our hearts." She held the locket to her chest quietly and let a single tear fall down her face. "Wherever you are, I hope you are proud of me." She clasped the locket around her neck and stood quietly for a second.

"Marguerite, are you coming?" Roxton's voice called to her from the living room.

"I'm coming." She called back softly, not even sure if Roxton had heard her.

Marguerite gave herself a second to compose herself and then walked out of her room. She looked around the room and almost laughed. Yes this was definitely her home, and her family.

After an hour of walking, the group finally got to the site they were looking for. The Layton's spread out a blanket while the younger explorers wandered around the clearing. Marguerite once again was amazed by how such a beautiful place could be in the mist of something so dangerous.

"What are you thinking about?" Roxton asked from behind her.

"Wouldn't you want to know." Marguerite teased him.

"And what would it take to get the information from you, my dear."

Marguerite slowly turned to face him and smiled. "Well, I could think of one thing."

Roxton walked closer to her. "Really, and what could that possibly be."

"Well..."

Roxton continued to walk closer to her, until he was inches away. Slowly he lowered his mouth to hers until she could feel the feathered touch of his lips. "I think this could be just the thing." He quietly whispered to her.

Marguerite started to feel her heart speed up, and knew that she wasn't going to pull away.

"Ah Hum..." A gentle couch was heard behind them, causing the two explorers to look up. There standing before them was Thomas Layton, and Marguerite almost felt a blush come to her cheeks.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I think that it's time to eat."

Marguerite, Roxton and Thomas turned around and started to walk back towards the pick-nickers. Veronica and Malone were on the corner of the blanket intent on their conversation. Marguerite wondered for a second which conversation that was judging by the flush on Veronica's face.

Abigail Layton gestured to the plentiful feast before them and quickly smiled. "Dig in."

Marguerite took a piece of bread and gently bit it off. She listened half heartedly to the conversation as Challenger talked about all the plants and animal life forms around them. Thomas contributed naming some of the plants that Challenger couldn't (which wasn't many) and commented on some of the newer growth he had seen around the plateau.

"Remind me never to let them talk science again." Abigail whispered into her ear.

Marguerite laughed briefly, causing the locket to come into plain view. She gently rub it, causing Abigail to look at it. The adventuress saw the quick double take that Mrs. Layton did on her locket and looked down. The Locket wasn't the most glamorous piece of jewellery she own, and she wondered what caused the re-examination.

Marguerite returned her gaze to the rest of the group and saw that many were finishing up. She quickly got up and everyone looked at her. "Sorry, but I think I need to get back, I'm getting tired." It wasn't a total lie, but in reality it was more the examination of her locket, then actual fatigue that made her want to get away.

"Wait for me, Marguerite. You know it's not safe to walk back alone."

Marguerite almost balked at the offered assistance, admittedly planning to claim that she was fine on her own, but in the end she let it go. "Fine."

"Great, just give me a second." Roxton was up in minutes and walking back with her.

"What's wrong Marguerite?" He finally said after a couple minute's a silence.

"Nothing is wrong."

"You've been silent for the last half hour. Admit it, something is on your mind."

"Nothing is on my mind." Marguerite started to unconsciously fiddle with the locket, something that didn't go amiss by Roxton.

"Well when your ready to tell me, we can talk."

The two explorers went the rest of the way back to the treehouse in silence. Once Marguerite got to the treehouse she went straight to her bedroom and closed the door. She took off the locket and put it by her bed. Then quietly climbing into her bed. Marguerite turned and looked at her locket. Something was wrong, and she just couldn't put her finger on it. The Locket was the last thing she saw as Marguerite slowly fell asleep.

The next morning, Marguerite woke up to the sound of laughter. She felt remarkable better. The uncertainty that had plagued her yesterday seemed to fade away, leaving only a vague reason of the meaning. She quickly got dressed and went out. The house was full of laughter, except for the older Layton's who were quietly talking in the corner. Marguerite smiled to all of them and sat down for breakfast.

"Well sleeping beauty has decided to grace us with her presence." Roxton teased her gently. "You slept through all late afternoon and night. Challenger thought that something might of happened to you."

Marguerite laughed quietly. "Don't be over dramatic, Roxton."

"Well Roxton's right dear, we were worried about you." Thomas Layton appeared behind Marguerite suddenly causing herself to jump a little.

"Well as I told Roxton, there was no need to worry."

Suddenly an outraged cry came from behind them. A ghostly Abigail Layton came out of Marguerite's room carry Marguerite's Locket. The adventuress suddenly stood up and the rest of the explorer's followed suit behind her. One by one they all looked at Marguerite, who in turn had become almost as white as the elder woman.

Suddenly the two spoke at once.

"What are you doing with my locket?" Said both Marguerite and Mrs. Layton.

The rest of the room started talking as the two women fell silent.

"Enough." Shout Challenger.

A silence so clear fell around the treehouse. Not even the jungle's animals were loud. It was like the whole Plateau knew something major was happening, and everyone was tuning in for it.

"One at a time, please."

Marguerite was the first to act, and bound across the room. She snatched the locket out of Abigail?s hand and clutched it to her chest, as if her heart hung on the chain.

"What are you doing with my locket?" Marguerite snapped.

"Your locket? You little thief! That is my locket."

Marguerite's hand ran out and snapped across the older woman's face. Her face was flushed red, and her insides were raging. "I never! How dare you accuse me of stealing it."

Mrs. Layton held a hand against her cheek. A red mark already was starting to form there. Veronica, Mr. Layton and Ned all moved between Marguerite and Abigail. The other explorer's stood to the side and watched the coming battle.

"I want you out of my house!" Mrs. Layton said steadily and firm.

Marguerite looked around at the other explorers and watched as they all stood back. Some with questioning looks in their eyes. She realized in one terrified moment, that none of the other explorer's had ever seen her with the locket on, or in her possession. She could possibly loose it, if the other's sided with the elder Layton. She clutched the locket firmer in her hand, causing a piece of it to dig into her flesh. Marguerite made up her mind quickly.

"Fine." The word has such a finite sound to it, and echoed through the room.

Marguerite fled to her room and gathered her things quickly. Taking only with her the things necessary. Amusingly the skills that she had developed previously to do this came back to her quickly, letting her efficiently sort through her belongings. All throughout the task, silent tears fell down her face.

When Marguerite came out any signs of sorrow where gone, and Marguerite stepped to the gun rack to get her belt. She felt a hand on her arm, and hesitated.

"Don't do this Marguerite. Just give back the necklace." Roxton eyes implored her to do it.

"Never." She said with the conviction of steel.

Marguerite got on the elevator and started to descend from the treehouse, silently saying goodbye to another chapter in her life.

End of Part 1/2

Earth Final Conflict: Whispered Truths and Straightening Irons

2005-04-22T18:30:00Z

Whispered Truths and Straightening Irons

Disclaimer: Poor undergraduate student... just bought books... don't sue.
Status: Complete
Fandom: Earth: Final Conflict
Pairing: Liam/Renee
Spoilers: Not really, more conjecture
Summary: A little bit of morning ritual...
Author's Note: [Written 2004] Just a small ditty I did to try and get back into the swing of writing back in '04. Only half worked.

Renee looked at her hair, or the frazzled mess that was her hair anyway. Really, she shouldn't try and straighten it, but the sleek bob-cut had become her trade-mark at Doors. Renee shuttered to think what would happen if she let her hair return to it's natural state. Sighing, she prepared for a massive battle and got out her hair brush and straightening iron.

Feeling playful, Renee decided to make a game out of straightening her hair. For each piece that stayed curled she would think about something she needed to tell someone and for each piece that successfully went flat she'd admit a truth to herself.

Renee picked up her hair brush and carefully started to detangle the mess. She knew that playing such a game could get risky, but it wasn't like she had to act on what she thought. She just had to get through the process of straightening her hair with her sanity intact. She gently laid the hair brush down and picked out the first group of strands to be straightened. She was quite surprised that after carefully sliding the iron down the length of her hair, her hair came out straight with very little fuss. "Time for a truth, Ray..." Renee paused for a second. "I miss my daughter."

The pain came quick, but left almost at the same speed. She looked down at the hair brush which she had used to brush out her daughters straight, silky locks, a trait she had inherited from her father.

Before she could dwell on the pain too much, Renee picked out the next group. Again the strands straightened almost on their own. It was like someone was convinced to have Renee internally vocalize all her secrets to herself. "I want the Taelons gone." Renee stopped for a second, and realized that in all truthfulness that wasn't a fair answer. Everyone knew she wasn't the Taelon's gone and this was only catharsis was only between her and her appliances. "Liam is a pain in the ass, but incredibly good looking."

Renee blushed a little. She knew the office pool thought she and Liam were dating, but the truth was she kept herself distant from Liam to avoid just that. There lives were difficult enough without a relationship to get distracted by.

Renee carefully laid those pieces down and picked out the next group. This area she knee was particularly stubborn so she wasn't that surprised when they didn't come out straight. Taking a second try she thought about what she was going to say to someone. After the strands came out straight it came to her. "Augur you're a genius." She was sure that there resident hacker already knew that, but for a long time he had been trying to get her to say it. Well there, because of a silly little game he was going to get his wish.

Renee picked out the next group and ran the straightening iron down. Success. Suddenly she found herself drawn back to Liam and her mind replayed countless images of them together. "I get the hint," she muttered under her breath. "Liam is a good, honest, man and doesn't deserve the intrigue and lies that surround his life."

It really wasn't fair. No one deserved to lead a double life, and Renee knew that every time he lied to anyone, including Sandoval it hurt him just that bit more. She sometimes wondered if he would every just pack it all in and move away. The thought of Liam suddenly scared her. Even though they had only known each other for a little while, and a good part of that they hadn't trusted each other, Liam had still become an inseparable part of her life.

Renee suddenly looked up and realized that she had almost finished her task. At the same time she realized that she was about to be late for a DI board meeting if she didn't finish was she was doing soon.

Picking up the next couple pieces, Renee forgoed the small ritual. For a brief instant she was almost sorry. The thoughts she was voicing had been hidden away for a long time, and it felt good to let them out, even if no one but herself was listening.

Renee finally got to the last little bit and decided that she did have time for three more small truths. Carefully sliding the iron down her head she thought about all the times they had pretended to be a couple. As the iron finished straightening the area she knew what she wanted to say. "Sometimes, I like to forget we're just pretending to kiss, or date, or be married."

Renee smiled at that. She knew she was having way to much fun doing something that should have been a mundane task. Sliding the iron down the second to last section, Renee thought about what she wanted to say to herself. "I hope that Liam one day forgives the things I have done. I don't think I could live with myself if the only memories he had of me where memories of betrayle or hurt."

Until Renee had said the words, she didn't releaze how much she meant it. She cared for Liam, too much maybe, and she didn't want him to be unhappy with her in the end. She had a feeling that when everything was done they would need to be there for each other, for they were the only ones who truly understood what had had to be done and why.

Almost sadly, Renee grabbed the last bit of hair. She slowly slid the iron down the length of it and then laid it down on the vanity table. Looking up she admired the results and then looked straight into the mirror. The last truth she had known for a little while but had always been afraid to say. "I love you, Liam Kincaid."

Somehow the words didn't seem as magical as she thought they would. Yes, they held significant meaning, and the fact that she said them wasn't trivial, but she also knew that until the situation had improved she wouldn't be able to act on them. So leaving the mornings revelations exactly where they had happened, she turned off the iron, shut off the lights and calmly went out into the world. Only the smile that graced her face, showed that Renee Palmer had found a significant amout of inner peace with the morning activities.

Fin

Earth Final Conflict: Goodbye My Friends

2005-04-22T18:22:04Z

Goodbye My Friends

Disclaimer: Poor undergraduate student... just bought books... don't sue.
Status: Complete
Fandom: Earth: Final Conflict
Pairing: Liam/Renee (sorta)
Spoilers: Major spoilers for series closer.
Summary: Renee just can't leave without saying goodbye to her friends.
Author's Note: [Written back in 2002] It's always bothered me how the show ended. I just can't picture Renee getting up and leaving like that. It just doesn't seem her style. So here is my little take on what happened. It fits right before the last scene were they are leaving. So without further ado?

I still can't believe that Liam has talked me into this. Leaving without a goodbye is normally not my style. Other people, yes, I can name quite a few without trying to hard, but since I was young I have always tried to say goodbye. It hurts too much when you don't... I know.

So, here I am sitting in front of a computer on the mothership. Liam's gave me only half an hour to call people. Actually at first he didn't want me doing it, but I fought him long enough and he eventually gave in. Heaven knows why he didn't want me to call anyone.

I've made most of my calls already. The first was a brief talk with Street. She wanted to come with us, at least to say hi to Liam, but I couldn't let her. I knew that once she was on board she would never leave and the girl deserves to have a life beyond aliens and intrigue.

Next I called Richard. I can't believe how long it was since I talked to him. He's gotten married and has a child on the way. It's a big step from the little brother I used to have to rescue from trouble. His wife's name is Linda. I'm happy for him.

I told him I was going away for a little while; I still can't believe I lied. I know that I might never see him again, and I think he knows too, but neither of us said anything. Better to cling to the illusion that we will see each other again.

Some of our conversation still runs through my mind.

"I'll miss you, Sis."

"No you won't. You're going to be too busy with that little baby coming."

"Yeah, I remember how you used to talk about Lizzy."

We closed off communications shortly after that, and I stared off into space for a little while. I really want to see Lizzy one more time, but Liam says there is not enough time. I think he just doesn't think I'll come back. Maybe he's right.

Next I called some friends. Most I hadn't talked to in years. Some I don't know why I called.

Now, I sit in front hands hovered over the keys. I have one more call to make, and I'm not too sure if it's going to do any good. I haven't been able to vocalize my feeling for two years. Why do I feel the sudden need to do it know.

I feel butterflies build in my stomach as I punch up the numbers for Hubble Urick office. His secretary appears on the screen.

"Oh, Renee. Mr. Urick has been expecting you. I'll put you right through."

I smile my thanks and wait to be connected. I don't have to wait long.

"Renee, thank god, when you disappeared, I feared the worst."

"Awe.. Hubble, I didn't know you cared."

I see a crease form in his brow and suddenly I know what is coming.

"Of course I do."

I clear my throat and try and act like everything is normal. "The mission done, Sandoval's dead."

Hubble acts as if this information isn't surprising. "How did it happen."

"He attacked at the old resistance headquarters. We fought. He fell off the higher decks." I'm amazed on how impersonal I can make his death sound.

"My god, Renee are you okay?"

"Yes, I fine."

There is a silence for a second while we both think about everyone that's died.

"I'm leaving." I announce suddenly.

"Good, I come and get you. Where are you."

I shake my head. He's making this harder than I thought.

"No, I mean I'm leaving Earth. Liam and I are leaving on the mothership."

"Liam's back?"

For a second, I completely forget that Hubble doesn't know he is back.

"Wait... what do you mean your leaving Earth. What in god's name is going on Renee?"

"Raj?el seems to think it's a good idea for Liam and I to explorer the universe and then come back with the knowledge we collect."

"Since when do you do anything a Taelon says?"

I can see anger start to cloud his face and I think about his words. I have asked myself that question countless times. I still don't have an answer.

"I don't. This is just something I have to do."

Hubble takes a deep breath. "I don't understand."

Neither do I, I think, but I don't say it.

I look clear into his eyes for a second and see my own emotions mirrored back at me. His eyes are wells of sadness, regret and something else.

"Look, Hubble, I just called to say goodbye." I take a breath trying to find the nerve to say what I want to. I find it amazing that I can send people to there deaths yet I can't tell one man how much he means to me. "You have been my support through these last couple years, and I want to thank you for that." I swear I can see tears in his eyes, causing my own to mist.

"I once told you that I was proud of you. I have something else to add to that." Hubble stops for a seconds and I wait patiently for him to finish. "You've been like a daughter to me, Renee. I hope you find whatever you're looking for."

I can't say what I want to. That he has been a father to me too, but I think he understands as I know it shows in my face. I place a gentle kiss on my fingers and touch my fingers to the screen.

"Goodbye, Hubble."

"Goodbye, Renee."

It ends like that. On such a peaceful note. I can't believe this is actually happening. I realize tears are falling down my cheek and try to brush them away.

I hear footsteps approaching and hide my face in shadow. Liam props himself in the doorway.

"Are you ready Renee? It's almost time to go."

I look at him for a second. "Yes, just give me a minute and I'll meet you on the bridge."

"Okay." Liam starts to turn around then stops.

"I know you're leaving a lot behind, but we will be back. I'll make sure of it."

I can only guess at how he knows. I slowly nod. Liam leaves me alone to my thoughts once again. The silence surrounds me once more and I look back at the screen. Goodbye my friends.

Fin

Because I Just Posted a Crossing Jordan Rec...

2005-04-20T00:39:23Z

... I thought I would update my theories on the whole Renee/Garret thing. In the beginning of Locard's Exchange, Lily and Jordan are talking about the two of them and Jordan says, "He had another man's baby while they were still together... he's an old fashioned kind of guy." Or at least something to that effect, so my theory that they weren't together when Renee had the child is out the window. However, that does leave the possibility that its his child even more open to speculation.

(Oh, and I just read on a message board that Macy gets in trouble for a 20 year-old murder case in the season finale, so maybe that's why and who gets suspended.)

With the evidence that's pilling up, I don't think the child is actually going to be Garret's. And if it is, I don't think we are going to find out for a couple more years to come... sadly. Anyway, things that the studio could do with the plot-line are many and varied. In Locard's Exchange both characters seemed to still care for each other and maybe want another try. However, Renee now has her child to worry about so anything that occurs is going to be more then the sex-only relationship they were having before. Garret of course is going to be a little more wary about her... like he should be.

Problems I still want solved: If Renee's ex-husband (who is married with children from a different wife) is really the father of the child, how are they going to play that? Is he going to see the child or not. Most likely, from the way it seems like they would play it, I think that answer is a definite no. However, I would still like to see something play out on the screen... maybe Garret asks her about the father?

Lots, and lots of stuff for the producers to play with! Please don't drop Susan Gibney's character.

P.S: Love Renee's line in Locard's Exchange: "Sure, now he leaves evidence!" Her expression was priceless!

Fic Rec

2005-04-20T00:28:38Z

Because I'm bored, and I found this truly fantastic fic, I decided that I would pass it on! Yeah! Hope you people like Crossing Jordan (if you don't that is a sad, sad state of affairs) because you're going to love this story.

Back to Good: This is a Renee/Garret/Baby fic! Yes! Actually, it doesn't deal so much with the baby, but the consequences that the baby (which is a girl named Amanda... at least according to this author) has had on Renee and Garret's relationship. The story is set post Locard's Exchange and it goes from after Renee walks out of the morgue on Garret. Really touching and the dialogue and characterizations is spot on! Have fun, relax and go read!

Andromeda: Love As My Witness

2005-04-18T22:20:42Z

Love As My Witness

Disclaimer: Poor undergraduate student... just bought books... don't sue.
Status: Complete
Fandom: Andromeda
Pairing: Beka/Dylan
Spoilers: No
Summary: On a rather calm week, Beka discovers something about herself... and one other person.
Author's Note: [Songfic; Challenge Fic] I'm not sure that it isn't a criminal offense to post this, but I decided that I'm sticking all of my stuff here, so I guess the good and the not-so-good are going up also. Warning, as the label says, this is a songfic, and a challenge response, so it was written on a whim back in 2002. (Wow, I was really productive that year... I look through my old fics and they were all written and/or archived that year.)

Beka looked up to see Dylan looming over her. The grin on his face stretched from ear to ear, and Beka couldn't help but grin too. Everything had been going right lately. No Nietzscheans, no Magogs, no people hassling them period. It had been an utterly uneventful week, and Beka felt damn good.

"Someone's happy, who signed up know?" Beka said the phrase in jest, but when his grin got bigger Beka knew she had guessed right.

"Quardain 5 decided to join. I told them about what we were trying to do and they agreed."

Beka looked at him skeptically, Quardains had the reputation of being an unmanageable population, and she couldn't see them changing their ways just because Dylan told them of his renewed Commonwealth.

"Okay, I had to twist their arms really hard."

Beka continued to look skeptical.

"Okay, I threatened that if they didn't sign that when the Magog showed up to decimate their planet, we wouldn't be there. Of course, I told them if they did sign, the Andromeda would be right there with them to fight of the invasion."

Beka grinned. "I knew it." The quickly got up of the floor and hugged him. "Congratulations Dylan." She then turned to leave when Dylan shouted out to her.

"They invited us to a state dinner. That means formal dress Beka."

Beka walk out of the room muttering, "I hate dresses!!"

*****

The Andromeda crew arrived at Quardain 5 to find a lovely blue orb of a planet. Even Beka who normally avoided planets like the plague couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of it.

"Beka, Trance and Harper, I want you to come down to the surface with me. Tyr and Rommie, I want you to stay on the Andromeda just incase things go bad." Dylan started to walk out the door, leaving Beka, Trance and Harper to follow him.

*****

Once on the planet the group decided to split up. Trance and Harper went off together while Beka and Dylan went off another way.

Beka and Dylan looked around at each other before they started walking off towards one of the open markets. Even with the reputation of being agreeable and stubborn, the planet was simply beautiful. Also the vendors were friendly, leaving Beka to wonder where the population's reputation came from.

Dylan pointed towards a stand of children's toys and then quickly walked over towards it. He started to riffle through the pile as Beka stood back and laughed.

"What are you looking for?" Beka asked between laughing.

"When I was younger I used to love looking through the toy stands."

"You??" Beka asked, trying hard to keep more laughter from erupting.

"Yes me." He teased back.

Dylan stopped for a second, his hand frozen over a teddy bear. He slowly pulled it out of the pile and stood staring at it.

"What? Dylan what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. I used to have a bear just like this when I was a very little. I guess it just surprised me that they still make it."

The vendor had heard their conversation and headed towards them. "Actually they don't. This is one of the last ones left of this line. I believe the last one was made 15 years ago."

Dylan looked into his pockets and a sad frown came over his face when he realized he didn't have any money. Beka quickly pulled out the necessary money and paid for it before Dylan could make any objections.

As they started to walk away Dylan touched her elbow and stopped her. "Beka when I told you the story about the bear, I didn't mean for you to buy it. I know how short you are already, and I saw the price tag on that toy. It wasn't cheap."

Beka pulled the toy out from under one arm and quietly handed it to him. "Dylan I did it because you as much as anyone deserves some happiness. Even if it comes in the form of an old toy." She turned around slightly and looked at the time. "Come one, we better be going.
We need to get to the dinner before people come looking for us."

*****

Beka stood looking around in the middle of the ballroom. Tables lined two sides of a dance floor. Behind it, a long table of food and drink stood waiting. Waiters mixed around with the people offering champange. Beka took a glass, straightened out her blue dress and slowly
walked towards where Trance and Harper had just arrived.

Beka walked up behind Harper and whispered into his ear. "No date again Harper?"

Harper almost jumped. "Well..."

Trance interrupted, "Well, Harper had a little trouble getting a date."

"And that's unusual since when??" Beka laughed.

"Well anyway I agreed to be his date." Trance announced happily.

"You what?!" Beka almost spit out her drink. "Wait you can explain it to me later." Beka started to walk away when she saw Dylan signal her.

Just before she walked away, Beka heard Harper mutter, "I still can't believe it bit me!!"

Beka started to laugh, totally missing Trances, "Well, the way you came on to her I'm surprised she didn't do more."

*****

Beka, Dylan, Harper and Trance came back on the Eureka Maru after a pleasant and rather uneventful signing. Dylan was positively beaming, and Beka felt his happiness was contagious.

The group slowly left her ship and Beka sat back into her seat. Something glinted behind the console, and Beka reached to find it. It was one of her old CD's. Rafe must have forgot this one when he took the rest of her collection.

She turned around and stuck it into the player and sat back as the slow rhythm filled the room.

I been thinking about us/
I been turning it round and round/
Even buried my head in the sand of the Holy Land/
That claims my name/
And I'm not a liar/
When I say that I love you/
I just take one look in those ruby eyes/
And I see the light/

Beka found her thoughts roaming towards Dylan. Then it hit her. The reasons that she constantly wanted to please him, the reason that she was so afraid to disappoint him, the reason that she wanted him to be happy. She was falling in love with him.

So I raise my hand/
Love is my witness/
And I am guilty for a long of thing I've done/
But if I'm the holy daughter, you're the holy son/
And my heart says/
Love is my witness

God who was she fooling? She was in love with him. But what should she do about it? Did she stay here and think and think and think until there was nothing left, or did she go after this?

Beka sat down hard. Even though she wanted to think it out, she knew what she had to do. Beka slowly got up and stopped the CD. She quietly put it away in her case and left the Maru. She had to see Dylan. She had something huge to tell him.

The End.

Full Song:

I been thinking about us/
I been turning it round and round/
Even buried my head in the sand of the Holy Land/
That claims my name/
And I'm not a liar/
When I say that I love you/
I just take one look in those ruby eyes/
And I see the light/

So I raise my hand/
Love is my witness/
And I am guilty for a long of thing I've done/
But if I'm the holy daughter, you're the holy son/
And my heart says/
Love is my witness/

Don't run away/
Don't let 'em plant that seed in ya/
Emotions are deeper than the empty stares/
That disapprove/
Life is a diamond/
At first surrounded by the coal/
It takes more than words/
More than words to make us whole/

So I raise my hand/
Love is my witness/
And I am guilty for a long of thing I've done/
But if I'm the holy daughter, you're the holy son/
And my heart says/
Love is my witness/

If you wanna make God laugh, tell Him your plans/
'Cause that won't take you to the Promised Land/

So I raise my hand/
Love is my witness/
And I am guilty for a long of thing I've done/
But if I'm the holy daughter, you're the holy son/
And my heart says/
Love is my witness/

My Heart says/
Love is my witness/

Sabrina.

In case anyone was wondering, the challenge was by Erin Cale and it's posted on Erin's BaD Archive. The challenge basically went like this:

1) Needs to have a song in it, but in a subtle manner, not like somebody dancing to it, more like somebody sees it on a sign or says a couple lines (not thinking it's from a song, of course). To eliminate confusion, you can tell us the song in the disclaimer and/or author's notes.
2) Teddy Bears
3) Harper actually gets a date for one of those "We signed the Commonwealth charter! Yippee!!" celebratrions

Fic Rec: Earth 2, Babylon 5 and Smallville

2005-04-15T18:29:28Z

Okay, so I'm bored, don't want to study, and busy reading Fan Fiction like there is no tomorrow. Anyway, a couple fics I thought I would pass along since they are extra good!

Earth 2

Keep Me Company: Story is basically a small insert about what the group does when they are alone of watch. Although it's more of a Danziger/Devon story (still trying to get into that ship) it does have some Julia/Alonzo. Not sure the characters are in character, but hey... since we never really saw much of Julia/Alonzo together alone can't really tell what they would do. Anyway, definitely a good small read.

Babylon 5

These Blue Remembered Hills (Warning, this story isn't complete yet, but I'm liking it so much I decided to pass it on anyway.) The tag line brought me into this fic hook, line, and sinker. "She was a kidnapped, brain-washed, telepathic Russian EarthForce commander. It was all because she didn?t have enough calcium in her diet." HaHa! I love Susan Ivanova stories. Anyway, check it out, so far its REALLY good.

Smallville

Talk of the Town: Just a small one shot piece about Lois and Clark. However, I give it points for being a Smallville fic and yet still readable. I mean, its archived at FF.Net which is pretty much a dumping ground for anything good or bad. (Had a rant about this once... can't remember where) Anyway, really enjoyed the banter and description of the mess CK and Lois get into trying to cook. Sounds familiar. Go Read! LoL!

Earth Final Conflict: Dues

2005-04-15T01:08:59Z

Dues

Disclaimer: Poor undergraduate student... just bought books... don't sue.
Status: Complete
Fandom: Earth: Final Conflict
Pairing: Liam/Renee; Renee/Micheal
Spoilers: End of the Series
Summary: Renee is having trouble coping with the events of the past year... again.
Author's Note: Just a short piece I wrote because I thought that Renee's character needed to deal with the s*it she was put through in the last year. There was so much after "Death Suite" that we never really got to see her deal with... and then there is Liam. Anyway, on with the story...

Renee ran down the corridors of the Taelon Mothership. Her breathing was uneven and she could hear her pursuer closing in on her. Ducking into a smaller hall, Renee pressed her back against the wall. Trying desperately to control her beating heart and raged breathing, Renee strained her ears to hear the sounds of his footsteps.

"Renee" The sound of his voice had sudders run down the length of her spine. "I know you are hear."

"Leave me alone." She called out quietly from her spot.

"You know I can't do that, you have to pay for what you did, to me, to everyone. Gee, Renee, we could even add in Humanity in general to that mix."

"How... How can you say that. I loved you."

"Yes and look at where that got me. Dead. And you back in the arms of the man that never really left your heart, even when I had you in my arms."

"Stop it!" Renee shouted, her body falling down to crumple on the floor.

"Oh, but I can't. I will never be able to forget." He stood over her, looking just as handsome as the day she had met him.

"Brent, please."

"Please, nothing Renee. You will get what you deserve."

Renee saw his hand descend down towards her, when suddenly the scene changed. The hand coming toward her was that of Street.

"Street, please help me!"

"Your pathetic." Street snarled. Her eyes gleamed like a hybrids, something Renee would never be able to forget as long as she lived.

"You made everyone else do your dirty work and hid from the consequences of your actions."

"I didn't." Renee's voice faltered for a second, "I faced what I did. When I figured out what had been released, I went after it."

"Oh, don't give me that self-martrying crap. You did exactly what you needed to do to make yourself feel worthwhile. The Taelons were gone and you needed someone new to fight. Lucky for you there was a new source of terror for you to fight off and save the world from."

"Liam was still alive, I needed to save him."

"You!" Street shouted in her face. "Needed to be the hero and screw the rest of us. You! released a plague on humanity that nearly killed us. Boone, Micheals, Chase... all dead from your actions."

"No, please stop this."

Street faded into the background to be replaced my Howlyn. He too looked exactly like she remembered him, with that same leer on his face.

"What do you want?" Renee said as she carefully picked herself up off the ground.

"What, I have always wanted. You."

"Well, I can tell you that is not going to happen."

"We'll see."

Renee started to feel some of her strenght come back. This she could deal with. Howlyn was the enemy. The clear cut lines were back.

That very thought had Renee stumble back a step. Was Street right. Had her life been always decided by who she was fighting. When had this happened? Why had it happened?

Howlyn started to circle Renee causing Renee's back to got stiff as a board. "You are most beautiful. Like a predator waiting for her chance to strike."

Renee watched him uneasily, mentally categorizing his every move. The dance seemed almost expected now. In any second he would attack, and she would dodge, leading him on a elaborate act.

"I don't want your flattery, and I don't need your appreciation." Renee almost spit out.

"Yes, you do."

It was then that Howlyn attacked, and Renee ran, just like she remembered it. Once again, she was running down the corridors trying to excape the unexcapable.

Turning around to look behind her, Renee never noticed another body materialize as she ran straight into it.

His arms immediately went around her and Renee could see his face even as she buried her head in his chest.

"Liam, please, oh God, please help me."

Liam just smiled that half smile of his as he looked down at her. When she looked up and realized that he wasn't going to do anything, Renee tried to turn and run again, but he held her firmly against him.

"Oh, God, Liam. He's coming, you have to let me go."

"Sorry, Renee. But we all have to pay our dues eventually."

Renee screamed as she felt Howlyn grab her, and Liam release he to him. She screamed as she felt Howlyn's cleaves enter her body and she screamed as Liam roughly woke her up.

"Renee, snap out of it."

Renee jerked back as if she had been burned. When she realized that she was sitting bolt straight on her bed in the Taelon Mothership, her shoulders slumped a notch. Suddenly needing the human contact, Renee reached out of Liam and wrapped her arms around him.

Momentarily startled, Liam didn't do anything. Then, he wrapped his arms around her too and buried his face in her hair.

Liam felt Renee's shivers flow through her body and be absorbed by his. He murmered soothing words into her hair as she slowly settled down.

When she slowly pulled away, Liam took a deep look into her face. What he saw scared him. He knew that Renee hadn't had it easy when he was "gone." In fact, he knew that she had almost suffered a full mental breakdown, but he had thought Renee was over it. The sadness and dispair that was evident in her eyes told him otherwise.

"Renee, what happened."

Taking a deep breath, Renee turned away from him.

"It was nothing, just a stupid nightmare."

"It obviously was not!" Liam almost shouted. He couldn't stand when she locked him out this way.

"God dammit, Liam, don't tell me what it was or wasn't."

Liam took a deep breath to calm himself. He debated fighting it out of her. He had done it in the past and knew that it was possible, but he also knew that she would resent him for weeks afterward. It was better if she came to him on her own.

"Look Renee when you are ready to talk, I'll be here, but until then you are going to have to believe I'm here for you."

Renee took a deep breath and tried to expel the feelings that were raging in her. She tried a half smile and couldn't see that it came out more as a grimace.

"Thanks, Liam."

Liam got up and started to walk towards the door.

"Liam?" Renee called out.

"Yeah?" He said turning around.

"Do you think I did the right thing."

"With regards to what?"

"The Atavus, the Hybrids... everything in that damn war."

Liam smiled saddly, this theories justified. "You did as best as you could, that is all anyone can ask for."

"Thanks Liam." Renee said as she smile a little brighter. "And Liam."

"Uh huh?"

"One day we will have that talk. I think it would do us both a lot of good."

"Goodnight Renee."

Liam walked out and then stood around the corner. He listened as her breathing evened out and she fell back to sleep. Yes they would definitly have that talk. It would do them both so much good.

The End.

The Lost World: Knowing the Truth

2005-04-15T00:59:47Z

Knowing the Truth
Disclaimer: Poor undergraduate student... just bought books... don't sue.
Status: Complete; Prequel/Companion to "Believing the Truth"
Fandom: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World
Pairing: Not Really
Spoilers: Cave of Fear, Barbarians at the Gate
Summary: Summerlee knows something about one of the treehouse members? but will he share it?
Author's Note: This is an older story I wrote back in 2002. Hope you enjoy it.

I'll keep my silence. That's what I say to myself everyday, but everyday it gets harder and harder. I watch her sit there depressed and alone and I realize I have to do something. But then when I get up, I can't seem to say anything. The words get stuck in my mouth and my face gets hot. I keep thinking about the promise I made years ago. The damn thing won't let me do right. What a shame, what a damn shame.

I almost came out and told her one day. We were standing she was standing on the balcony looking out over the jungle and I knew she was thinking about the days events. Just as much as I had ealier that day. I don't know what made me approach her then. I really didn't know if my suspicions were real and I knew her even less. But something made me talk to her. Maybe it was the forlorn look in her eyes. I had seen in before, to many times before. I saw it in the eyes of all the explorers from time to time, but I knew they would come to me with there troubles, she won't.

I approached her and she looked up at me. I almost wanted her reach over and wipe away the tears that I knew where just on the brink of spilling over her eyes, but in a blink they were gone. It was fast enough to make me think I had dreamed the entire thing. But I know what I saw. This eyes may be getting old, but they aren't hallucinating yet.

I passed her a cup of coffee and she held it in her hands, using the coffee as an excuse to calm herself. I let her have that moment. I know how strong she is, never wanting anyone to see her weaknesses. Stubborn is probably more like it. If only she would reach out to others. I know Roxton wants to. I can see it in his eyes, and lately I can see it in her eyes too.

I open my mouth to say my guilty little secret, and I can't bring myself to do it. All I can hear is her mother, before she left the baby with the convent.

"It's for her own protection, Arthur. In our line of work it's too dangerous to have a baby coming along. We will come back for her as soon as this assignment is over."

I could have shook her mother knowing what I know now. Finding out that they would never come back for the baby broke my heart. I could have told her mother that the assignments were getting to dangerous, or my suspicions on to why they were getting so deadly. But I held my tongue.

Instead of telling her what I know, I look up and out at the jungle. I tell her something about reinventing ourselves and let the evening slide into companionable silence. I know she likes that, but I'm kicking myself for not telling her.

There have been so much other incidents since then. I know I have to eventually tell her, but I worried about her reaction. How will she feel that I knew about her past and never told her. Especially after she confided the real reason why she was here.

That was actually a fluke. I was wondering around the treehouse while the others were out hunting. She had claimed to have a headache, so I agreed to stay with her. I almost laughed delightedly at the concern that showed up on Lord Roxton's face. Yes, something was definitely going on there. I happened to wander past her room and heard her humming to herself. Knowing that the others thought she couldn't sing, I stopped and listened. So she had inherited her mother's voice. The voice of an angel, that women had. Charmed many a man and probably aided in her demise.

She turned around and I suddenly caught the glint of gold in her hands. But not raw gold like I had seen before. This was polished and perfect. Well, almost. I moved around the doorway to get a better view through the filmy curtain. That's when I noticed both the sign and that it was broken in half. I cleared my throat and she looked up swiftly. The expression on her face was priceless. I wish I could have cought the pure look of sadness and anger with my camera, but unfortunately I didn't think she would pose that way for the camera. The damn expression gave to much away.

She finally cleared her throat and I came through the door, but not to far. "So I guess you want an explanation, huh."

"I think we are all intitled to one."

She looked dubiously at me, but patted the bed besides her. That's when I found out. The magnificant tale about how she had ended up on the plateau. The rumors she had heard as a double spy, and finally seeing the object in person at Xan's personal palace.

I was almost taken aback at the risk she had taken to find out who her family was. I knew I had to tell her, but suddenly I felt ashamed. There was so much she didn't have to do, if I hadn't been a coward and came through for her after her parent's died.

I had to quickly excuse myself so she wouldn't see the tears that flowed freely down my face. I went out on to the balcony thinking she wouldn't follow, but I was wrong. That was exactly what she did. I couldn't tell her the real reason, suddenly feeling selfish. I didn't want to lose her after all this. I told her I was crying for what she went through and she just laughed. But I think she was touched. She wrapped her arms around me and held me. Funny, it should be reversed. I should be holding her after I tell her. While she cries for all the lost opportunities.

Life went on. We never spoke openly about the night. Both for her privacy and mine. But I believe we were both comforted in the knowledge that there was another one looking out for us. I had the pleasure of watching Roxton chase her around the plateau, and I think she enjoyed it. It seems to me that the only time she was ever pursued romantically, money was always a motivator.

Today I watch her going about the treehouse, getting ready for the ride home. Challenger seems to believe that we can ride the balloon off the plateau. The others aren't so sure, including me, but we'll try and see what happens. If all else fails we can always return to the treehouse.

We all climb in the balloon with Veronica waiting outside. I see a quick glance go between Veronica and Ned and I wonder if anyone else sees it. I don't think so. I glance over and her and realize she is busy teasing Roxton, so I don't think she saw the look. I hope she did though, maybe it will get her to open up to her feelings for Roxton. I know they are there, I've watched them blossom and mature into love. They just won't admit it. Maybe I can help nudge them together. After all, isn't the grandfather supposed to dote on their grandchild.

I realize that is the first time I have ever let myself call her my grandchild. I know my wife had wiped the incident and all the players from her mind - it was the only way she could stay sane after loosing Andrew - but I didn't realize I had done the same thing. Again a surge of guilt plagues me, but I still can't manage to tell her. Why?

My mind flashes back to my last talk with Elizabeth. We were standing outside of the convent and she took one last longing look back. Turning to me, I can tell she is worried. Something that worries me even more. Lizzy always looks so strong.

"Arthur, if anything ever happens, don't tell her. I know she is just a baby, but I don't want her going looking for answers that could harm her."

I stare at the woman in shock. "Don't you think that not telling her, will make her look harder?"

"No! She will be cared for and that's it. Just promise me, Arthur. Andrew agrees with me on this. If something happens, it's better if she dissapears into the system."

I look at my daughter-in-law hard, and still feel that what she is asking is foolish. But I manage to convince myself that she is right. Plus she is coming back, so why should I worry.

Shaking myself out of the memory, I look over at my grandaughter. She is looking down below with a frown on her face and I follow her line of sight. I watch as Malone hesitates and the balloon starts to go up without him. Roxton throws down the ladder, but Malone doesn't grab on. Instead he looks over a Veronica and walks away. We all shout a sad goodbye and watch the young couple in the distance.

Roxton and my grandaughter continue to banter and I quickly hush the two with some choice words. She has the grace to look guilty, but Roxton just laughs. It really is beautiful. My grandaughter spots the marauders down below and I have a sinking feeling that everything is about to go down hill. With a quick look over my shoulder to assure myself she is okay I watch as the natives see the balloon. I sudden clentching in my heart starts as I see the natives point the balloon with arrows. Roxton thinks we are out of range, but I'm still worried. My concerns are justified when the natives bring out a catapulte. I suddenly realize that the balloon is going down. This isn't good.

The balloon gets shot down, but we land without to much trouble. The balloon is in taters though. My grandaughter seems to think that if we go to the nearest village she spotted that we could get some help repairing the balloon. Something strikes me as odd though. I get the same odd feeling that I got the last time I saw Elizabeth. It makes me shudder.

If we get out of this, I promise to to tell her the truth. I'll beg forgiveness, and hopefully she will forgive me eventually. Marguerite Elizabeth Summerlee, you'll soon know the whole truth about your family.

Fin.

The Lost World: Believing in a Truth

2005-04-15T00:56:14Z

Believing in a Truth

Disclaimer: Poor undergraduate student... just bought books... don't sue.
Status: Complete; Sequel/Companion to "Knowing the Truth"
Fandom: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World
Pairing: Not Really
Spoilers: Barbarians at the Gate, All or Nothing
Summary: During the Episode All Or Nothing, Marguerite does some thinking.
Author?s Note: This is an older story I wrote back in 2002. Hope you enjoy it.

I heard Tribune tell me that Summerlee went over the waterfall but I wouldn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. I wasn't fair. So I denied it. Blocked it out of my mind and hid my fears behind sarcastic remarks when Roxton asked me if anything was wrong.

Typical me, push anyone away that tried to help. But somehow Summerlee had gotten through my defenses from the very beginning. At first I didn't know how, and I was scared. I tried even harder to push him away, but it didn't work. Then I tried ignoring him. There is only so much a person can take of being ignored before they left you alone too, but that didn't work either. Eventually I just stopped trying and let him in. Stupid me.

Tribune brought us to the stop where he said he say Summerlee fall over the edge. All the way there I had been trying to deny the fact. Telling myself if he did go over the waterfall then it was only a small one. Or maybe the water at the bottom was deep enough to cushion his fall. I mean Roxton, Malone and Challenger survived a fall from the bridge. Couldn't it be possible that Summerlee also was the recipient of a miracle survival. I couldn't delude myself anymore once I say the waterfall It was huge.

Some tears escaped my eyes even though I tried to hide it. I turned my head away from my friends, but unfortuately that made my feeling evident of Tribune. He looked at me for a second. Almost as if he was reading my thoughts then he spoke, "Save your tears Marguerite. They say it's a way of the Platue."

I though about this for a second. Could it really be true. Could Summerlee have gotten off the Platue before the rest of us? I could just see the old man now. Standing at the bottom, just having dragged himself out of the water. He would look up to the top and you would almost be able to see his wish to be back with us. He would then sit there for a little while, before he would decide to go check out the surroundings. I clung to that dream.

In all my dreaming of Summerlee's miraculous survival I almost missed Malone's next words. I quickly wiped my eyes before I looked at him. I really had to stare right at him to hear over the roar of the waterfall and I didn't want anyone to see that I had been crying. It would have been embarrasing. It was bad enough that Tribune had already seen, I couldn't give Roxton reason to tease me. I just might not be able to keep up our usual verbal sparring.

I cought the end of Malone's sentence, "...you serious?"

But heard Tribune's next sentence loud and clear. "No one ever came back to conferme it but..."

I almost laughed at Tribune. Of course no one would ever come back to conferme it. Who would ever want to be on the Platue when they could have the wonders of the world at their fingers. I took one last look down at the waterfall before I made up my mind. I could choose to believe that Summerlee had died, or I could believe that he was alive and well. Or at least alive. This made me feel a little better. A little.

Roxton must have also decided to believe Summerlee was alive because they next sentence out of him was his typical joke, "Well, that would be a grand joke if someone made it home before us."

They all took one more look down at the bottom of the falls, but I hung back. My mind was already made up and nothing was going to change it. Summerlee was alive, and in a couple months he would find a way back England. He might even find a way to mount a rescue mission. If only we could find a way back that was a little less dangerous.

We slowly walked back to land and Roxton came next to me. We hung back, watching the rest. Malone slung a arm around Veronica while she cried silently. Maybe she couldn't believe he was alive. Roxton came and put his arm around me and suddenly I felt a lot safer. I did believe Summerlee was alive, but I didn't mind being comforted. I missed Summerlee and would likely miss him for as long as he remained gone.

Wherever you are Summerlee, come back to us soon.

The End

A Ship Vid

2005-04-09T22:00:31Z

One of my friends from Trent created this Stargate Atlantis S/W vid and dedicated it to me! Yeah, I feel so special. (LoL, I've been trying to convert her to the relationship since December and I think it might finally be working!) Anyway, since this is the first time I've had anything dedicated to me, I thought it was a special occasion and should be put on this blog.

To find the video (for curiosity's sake) or too see any of the other vids go to Jamie's Ship Vids. If you want to send her any comment leave a message on my blog and I'll send it her way.

Thanks, Jamie!

P.S: This is a cross-post with sabsfairchild.

Earth Final Conflict: Powerful Men, Part 9/9

2005-04-05T21:18:26Z

Powerful Men

Disclaimer: Poor undergraduate student... just bought books... don't sue.
Status: Complete; Posted in parts.
Part: 9/9
Fandom: Earth: Final Conflict
Pairing: Liam/Renee; Renee/Sandoval (sorta...)
Spoilers: Not really, more conjecture
Summary: As the ANA starts to gather support, Zo'or orders Sandoval to crush it? at any cost.
Author?s Note: See Part 1/9

Abandoned Warehouse

Liam looked at his global and knew that he was in the right place. The signal had been getting stronger the closer he got to the place. All he had to do now was to find the girl and get her to her mother safely.

"You're one special little girl, did you know that?"

Liam could hear Tate's voice in the distance as he opened the door to the warehouse.

"You're mommy is going to do what we can't. And it's all because of you."

Liam silently crept closer until he could see both Tate and the little girl over a load of crates. Trying to judge the best way to get to her, he almost missed the little girls response.

"My mommy wouldn't do anything to hurt anybody. She's trying to help me."

"Is that right kid." Tate said with a sly smile. "I know plenty of things you mommy has done. And they ain't all nice."

"That's not true!" The little girl said forcefully. "You're lying."

"Am I, Kid?" Tate started to smile. "Let me tell you some of the things your mother has done."

Liam stood up at that moment. "Let her go Tate."

Tate turned around and looked at Liam with half contempt and half respect. "Well, if it isn't Mister Amazing himself. How did you find this place?"

"How I found it doesn't matter, just that I did. Give her up, Tate. It's all over."

"Oh it ain't over yet." Tate said reaching down for his gun.

"Yes, it is." Liam replied as he quickly set of a shot to Tate shoulder. The man slumped to the floor, and Liam ran over to Lizzy.

"You're mom been very worried about you, Lizzy." Liam said gently trying to take off the rope that bound her wrists together. Why Tate thought to do that was beyond him. It wasn't like the young girl was strong enough to overpower him.

"I know."

"You do, do you?" Liam said with a smirk.

"Yup. Now, can we go to her?"

"Sure, kid. Definitely."

World Conference Center

Renee watched as people started to filter into the room. There were some of Hubble's movers and shakers and once again he had managed to acquire some of Hollywood's A-List for the gathering. She just couldn't believe how this was all going to turn out.

"Miss Palmer?"

Renee turned around with a half-smile on her face. It immediately disappeared when she saw who was behind her.

"Aren't you taking a big risk being here, Sandoval?"

"Of course, not." Sandoval said with a wide grin. "The plan is perfect, if I do say so myself. Nothing could possibly ruin it." He suddenly turned serious. "Just stick to the plan and you will be seeing your daughter shortly.

All Renee could do was nod as Sandoval slowly walked out of the Conference Center greeting Hubble Urick as he walked in.

St. Michael's Church

Liam ran into the Lair with Lizzy in tow. He looked around quickly, trying to find their resident hacker, and finally found the man preparing himself a drink. "Drop the drink, Augur, I need to know where Renee is."

Augur looked up and then carefully set the drink on the counter. "So, I see you managed to rescue the squirt. How are you doing, Kid?"

"I'm fine. But I would like to see my Mommy."

Augur cocked an eyebrow and looked at Liam. The kid was definitely Renee's daughter. After hearing the kid talk there was no doubt about it.

"Well," Augur started trying to think where Lizzy's mother might be. "The ANA Conference is today."

Liam totally blanked and then looked up. Understanding started to dawn across his face as all the little pieces came together. First Sandoval's newfound interest in Renee, then his father replacing him as the Taelon presence at the first ANA Conference, and finally Lizzy's kidnapping. "This has all been about the Conference, everything."

Liam ran to the door and then stopped and looked back at Lizzy who was gazing up at him from her shorter standpoint. "Lizzy, I need you to stay here for a while. Augur will look after you."

Augur put his hand up in the air. "Oh, no you don't. I don't do Daddy. Or Babysitter. Can't someone else watch the squirt while you go to the Conference."

Liam sighed. "I need to get there quick, I can't do that if I first have to find someone to watch Lizzy."

"Fine, but remember you owe me."

Liam would have smiled if the situation wasn't so grave. As it were he nodded once at Augur and then ran towards the Conference.

Outside the Conference

Sandoval started to walk towards the nearest ID portal that would send him safely back to the Mothership. He couldn't help but grin at the fact his plan was working so well. Soon Miss Palmer would pull the trigger and Zo'or would be satisfied.

Suddenly the weighted of what he was doing made a last pull at his conscience. Sandoval stopped briefly and looked back at the Center.

Who was he fooling, Zo'or would never be satisfied, and he knew it. Once you start to dance with the devil, you can't stop. The old saying floated through his mind until Sandoval was able to push all thoughts of regret out of his mind and continue on to the Mothership.

ANA World Conference

It was time; Renee knew it. She could feel the conference room start to settle down as they waited for their leaders to take their places at the head of the table.

One by one the foreign dignitaries took their place, until only Hubble Urick's chair was left empty. Then, strategically, the man made his way down the line making sure to greet every dignitary until at last every hand had been shaken and he could return to his seat.

As Hubble stood behind his chair, the remote control in Renee's purse seemed to grow heavier each second. Finally, Hubble sat down and Renee knew her fate was sealed. Sandoval would never let her see her daughter again if she didn't do this.

Slowly she unzipped her purse and dug her hand into the contents of the bag. Her fingers quickly found the global sized control and wrapped themselves around it careful not to press anything unwanted.

Two flicks. That was all it would take to end this nightmare. One to activate the bomb and then another to actually make the bomb detonate. It sounded to casual, not reminiscent of the fact she would be ending a man's life.

"I'm sorry Hubble," Renee said as a tear slowly trailed down her cheek disrupting the make-up that had been carefully put on. "I never wanted to see this happen."

Renee pressed the activation button and she swore she could here the machine beep from where she was standing, 15 feet away. "May god have mercy." She whispered.

A hand came down on her arm and Renee jumped around. "God may be merciful, but today no one will have to count on that mercy." Liam stood behind her carefully watching her. "Whatever Sandoval is making you do, don't."

Liam looked over to the head table just as the lights went down. In the dark he could see the blinking red of something under Hubble's chair.

"It's a bomb," He whispered to himself. "Sandoval made you plant a bomb."

Renee watched as Liam face briefly reflected the fury he felt and then was quickly put back to neutral. "If you have the remote I want it."

"I can't. Lizzy." Renee said, her voice filled with unshed tears. "If I do, we'll be signing her death warrant."

"Give me the remote, Renee."

"I can't."

"Lizzy is safe, Renee. Now I need to help someone else."

Renee's face mirrored her confusion as she tried to digest Liam's words. Lizzy was safe?

With stiff fingers Renee pulled the remote out of her bag and handed it to Liam. Liam looked at the thing and then quickly made the remote disarm the bomb. He then put the remote on the table and folded Renee into his arms.

"Everything is alright now, Renee. Everything is absolutely all right."

Renee's Apartment

Renee quietly walked back downstairs after putting her daughter to sleep in her bed. Quickly finding Liam standing next to her kitchen table she watched as he quickly shut of his global. For a moment his shoulders sagged and everything thing about him screamed defeat and sadness, then he straightened up and turned around.

"Renee." He said in surprise. "I didn't think you had come down yet. Lizzy really didn't seem like she wanted to part with you."

"Well I got her to calm down by saying I would take her furniture shopping tomorrow."

Liam briefly smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes like somewhere known to do. "I take it you've decided to let her stay."

Renee nodded. "I've been away from her to long, and now that the secret is out of the bag their is no point in returning her to hiding."

"That's great Renee." Liam said quietly.

Renee pulled out a chair at the table and gestured for Liam to do the same. After a moment she surrendered to her curiosity. "Who were you calling?"

"It was Augur actually, and he called me. The ANA lost the vote. It was close, but we still lost." Liam just barely kept himself from banging his hand on the table.

Renee reached over to try and consol him, but it was no use. He reacted to her touch like the plague and immediately got up and started pacing her floor. "You should have seen what was going on. I should have seen. But I was too worried about you."

"Liam-" Renee tried but was cut off again.

"No, Renee this time you listen to me. I have watched you and I think I know you a little better now. You were attracted to him and you let it get in the way. You risked Lizzy's life because you couldn't see what was right in front of you." Liam stopped suddenly and turned to Renee. The penetration of his gaze chilled Renee to the bone. "Admit it Renee, you've always been attracted to powerful men."

Renee was at loss for words. Never in a million years did she believe that Liam would attack her like this, but here they were and it had happened.

"I'll leave now, I think we both need some time apart." Liam stalked out the door but took the time to carefully close it. For the first time, Renee realized that all throughout his tirade his voice had never rose high enough to wake Lizzy. That knowledge made her feel all the more saddened as she realized what could very well be slipping through her fingers.

Renee quietly got up and headed over to the liquor cabinet. There she took out an unopened bottle of vodka and a shot glass and sat down at her couch. With a quick glance upstairs she reassured herself that her daughter was very much asleep and then preceded to drown out any feeling in the liquor-enhanced haze.

Renee stayed firmly affixed to the couch letting the vodka haze any and all of her feelings. Somewhere in the back of her mind she knew that she had been here for most of the night and into the morning, but she couldn't bring herself to move. Instead she just kept playing Liam words to her over and over in her mind, like a silent tirade.

It was true. She had endangered everyone because she had let Sandoval get to her. She had let him get passed all the cleverly place defenses she had till he was in a nice place to manipulate her. And she had let him. Like a puppet on strings, she had let Sandoval maneuver her into doing his bidding. Renee just kept giving out silent thanks that Liam had known enough to make sure everything didn't go to the dogs.

A silent rapping on her door dragged Renee out of her self-imposed desolation. "Renee? It's me."

Renee pulled herself off of the couch only to have her body fall back down. For a second she couldn't figure out why her body wasn't working, and then the annoyingly sober part of her brain chimed in, too much alcohol.

A key was inserted into her door and carefully turned. From her vantage point on the couch, Renee watched as Liam stepped in the door where the act outfit that he had matched out with.

When Liam's eyes found hers he let out a quiet sigh. "Oh Renee, what did you do."

Renee opened her mouth to speak, "Vodka," was all she managed to get out.

"That I know, I can see the empty bottle. My question is why... never mind, I know why."

Liam sat down beside her and turned so that he was staring her right in the eyes. "I didn't mean what I said Renee. I was tired, stressed out, and angry that the vote didn't go through. It wasn't your fault."

Tears fell down her face. "Yes." Renee tried again. "Yes it was. It was all my fault."

Liam reached over and used the tender pads of his fingers to wipe away her tears. "No it wasn't. If anyone is to blame it's Sandoval. He used you when you were vulnerable just like he always does."

Renee was content for the moment to let herself believe Liam's words. They may or may not be true, but the fact he was saying them lessened some of the pain she had been suffering through. She quietly lay down so that her head was buried in his lap and smiled as his hands started to thread through her hair.

"The sad thing is," Liam started again, "is that Sandoval will never be punished for what he tried to do. The Taelons will always find a way to deny his involvement and I don't think we have any solid proof of what happened."

Renee raised herself to look at her companion, "The bomb. It's still at the Conference center."

"No, it's not." Liam said sadly. "I went and checked."

Renee went back to lying down and tried to hold back the tears. It had been all for nothing. She stilled as Liam's hand resumed its motion through her hair and quickly fell asleep.

A Couple Hours Later

Renee stretched and then frowned as she realized the object under her head was a pillow, not the comfort of her partner's lap. She quickly sat up and then cocked her head towards the sounds coming from her kitchen.

Standing up she was glad that her legs stayed firm beneath her, as she started her journey towards the kitchen. What she saw there totally shocked her. The place was a mess! Flour was scattered everywhere, pots and pans of different shapes and sizes lay haphazardly around the counters and in the middle of all of it stood Lizzy and Liam laughing and looking like they were having the time of their lives.

"I hope you plan to clean up afterwards." Renee drawled as she leaned her body again what seemed to be the only clean space in the entire kitchen.

"Mommy, you're awake." Lizzy said in surprise and then went to wrap her arms around her mother.

"Ahh." Renee said holding up a finger and halting her daughter's footsteps. "Go get cleaned off and then I will give you a proper morning hug."

Lizzy looked back at Liam quizzically.

"Go on squirt. I don't think the pancakes will disappear if you're not here." Liam said with a smile.

Lizzy nodded and then started towards the door. "Just remember-"

"I know how to make pancakes. Anyway, you're mom's here know. What could possibly go wrong."

Lizzy took on look at the two adults and then deadpanned, "Everything."

As the little girl vacated the kitchen the adults let go of the laughter they had been holding in. Liam reached around behind him, and amid all the clutter, pulled out a hot cup of coffee.

"Here. This might help with the hangover."

"Thanks." Renee said and then took a sip. The brew was bitter but it started to work at the edges of the headache currently pounding behind her eyes. "So care to tell me what you two are doing to my kitchen?"

Liam looked around a little sheepishly. "You're daughter wanted to make pancakes. We got a little carried away."

"A little?" Renee said with a cocked eyebrow.

"Okay, a lot." Liam said in a huff, but then laughed. "She's a remarkable child, Renee. Truly her mother's daughter."

Renee smiled. "Thanks Liam." She let silence fill the air for a moment as she took another sip of her coffee. "But don't think that gets you out of cleaning up here."

Both adults laughed conveniently missing the little girl that was leaning over the banister and watching them from above. "Mommy is going to be okay, Daddy." She whispered to no one in particular. "And maybe I might be able to get a new Daddy and some brothers and sisters."

The End

Once I get a spare moment to read through all this and cross-check it with the original, I'll make sure that all the parts are there and that nothing is missing. However, if anyone sense that something is odd about the story, drop me a comment and I'll try and see what's going on. Otherwise I'll send you the full version.

Earth Final Conflict: Powerful, Part 8/9

2005-04-05T21:16:20Z

Powerful Men

Disclaimer: Poor undergraduate student... just bought books... don't sue.
Status: Complete; Posted in parts.
Part: 8/9
Fandom: Earth: Final Conflict
Pairing: Liam/Renee; Renee/Sandoval (sorta...)
Spoilers: Not really, more conjecture
Summary: As the ANA starts to gather support, Zo'or orders Sandoval to crush it? at any cost.
Author?s Note: See Part 1/9

Sophie's Cafe

Renee paced back and forth outside of Sophie's Cafe. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. She would have never, in a million years, guessed that Sandoval could pull one over her. When she had started with the resistance she knew she would have to be more careful and started to act accordingly, yet somehow Sandoval had managed to get through her defenses and accomplish the unthinkable.

"Miss Palmer."

Renee whirled around to see Sandoval casually standing behind her. She looked down the alleyway, but couldn't see how he had gotten here.

"Don't bother trying to figure out how I'm here, I can tell you myself." Sandoval walked up to her and extended his hand to cup her cheek. Renee almost flinched, but stopped amazed when she realized he wasn't really here.

"A hologram." Renee said in amazement. Suddenly all her hopes to forcefully extract the location of her daughter went up in smoke. "You're a bloody hologram."

"Not quite, Miss Palmer, I'm real enough where I am. I just didn't think it would be prudent to appear in the flesh... so to speak."

Renee felt her temper rising and quickly tried to quell it, but it was no use. Her emotions hadn't been listening to her for the last week; they weren't going to start now.

"Sandoval, you bastard, where is my daughter." Renee seethed through clenched teeth.

"That will be revealed soon enough to you, Miss Palmer. Right now I have a proposition for you."

Renee suddenly started to worry. She thought back to the past week and tried to look objectively at what had happened. Sandoval, someone who had repeated shown that there was no love-lost between them, had approached her and opened up about a painful subject. Of course, her half-mourning state had allowed her to sympathize with the Taelon Companion Agent and for the first time almost bond with him. At the same time the ANA was slowly... Renee stopped as she finally realized what was going on.

"All this has to do with the ANA. We are gathering strength and our Taelon dictators don't like it."

Sandoval half-smiled. "You're very clever, Miss Palmer. Too clever, if you ask me. I told Zo'or you would figure it out, but he insisted." Sandoval heaved a dramatic sigh. "At least I still have the needed leverage."

Renee mind started to race with the thoughts of what Sandoval and the Taelons could possibly want from her. They didn't know of her resistance ties, or at least they hadn't arrested her for them, so it had to do with her open support for the ANA.

"I need you to do something for me."

"I already figured that out." Renee replied under-her-breath.

Sandoval continued as if he hadn't heard her, but Renee had a feeling the Implant had. "I need you to sabotage the coming ANA conference."

Renee stared at him in open shock, but Sandoval paid no attention to it. "After the last failed attempt to sabotage the conference, Hubble Urick has increased the security around the Conference Center. There is no way we would be able to get a man inside. However, one of their own operatives could be able to get inside and plant a little device for us."

Sandoval turned and pointed to the pile of crates. "Inside one of those crates you will find a small incineration device. We need you to plant it under Hubble Urick's table."

Renee turned and looked, aghast, at the agent. "You want me to kill Hubble Urick?" She asked, not quite positive that her ears weren't playing tricks on her."

"Simply, yes. We figure that should stop the ANA in its tracks."

Renee felt some of her strength return. "It's not going to work, Hubble will just end up a martyr. And you know what a danger a martyr can be."

Sandoval at her squarely in the eyes. "But, you see we have that covered. The incineration device is one we took from a resistance cell. When it becomes known that it was the resistance who did this ghastly deed, the Taelons will come swooping in and give there most profound regrets to the loss of Mr. Urick. They will also declare that the resistance has become too dangerous and order Marshall Law. We will keep the world leaders so busy trying to round up the resistance that they won't have a chance to realize what is going on."

Renee could feel all her hopes and dreams die. She couldn't and wouldn't sacrifice her daughter, yet the resistance needed live.

"And if you're thinking about reporting what happened after you get your daughter back, keep this in mind. We have implanted her with a microscopic bomb that mimics blood cells. If we find that our plan is not going as we had hoped... well, I think you understand."

Renee felt her heart lurch. "Sandoval, you are a bastard." She almost cried. "I don't know why I ever trusted you."

"Neither do I, Renee, neither do I."

Sandoval again reached out his hand to cup her cheek, but this time Renee kept herself rock still.

"You will pay for this." Renee said quietly.

"I already have."

With that Sandoval blinked out of being, leaving Renee feeling cold and clutching the device that would kill all their dreams and probably her sanity.

Renee's Apartment

Renee sat on her couch staring at the device in front of her. She had spent the last couple days in limbo wondering how she was going to pull it off. She had come to the conclusion that if wasn't part of the equation days before. She had to do it. She couldn't leave her daughter to the mercy of Sandoval and the Taelons.

As she sat there in contemplation she quietly fingered her invitation. She had almost hoped it wouldn't arrive, but sure enough Hubble had sent it to her, complete with a reminder that she better show up or else. That was irony for you.

Renee looked over at the clock and realized she had four hours till she was supposed to make an appearance. She heaved a sigh and got off of the couch as she walked towards her room to change.

St. Michaels Church

"I can't figure out where she is!" Augur told Liam in a huff. "Sandoval has her hidden somewhere, and damned if I know where it is."

"Think, Augur, think." Liam replied pacing behind the hacker. "Sandoval has plans for Renee and I don't like the possibilities. The only way to stop his plans is to find her little girl."

Liam stopped pacing and sat down on the couch. Leaning his head back against the couch he thought of everything his partner had told him. Something was escaping him, and he couldn't figure out what it was. Suddenly it came to him.

"I know how to find her." Liam said as he quickly sprang to find his global.

"How, because if you do, you're a bloody genius, kid." Augur asked twirling around to watch what Liam was doing.

The resistance leader slowly came back to the hacker's computer pulling up different bits of information of his global. "Remember when Renee first joined us?"

"Yeah, she was quite the little hellcat."

Liam smiled and then looked directly at Augur. "I gave her a gift on Christmas. A necklace that contained a hidden tracker in it." Liam stopped fiddling with his global as he finally found what he wanted. He turned the global around so that Augur could see it. "This is the frequency of the tracking device. If I'm right this is the same necklace that Renee gave her daughter."

Augur's face broke out in a grin. "You know that she's going to love you for finding her daughter than smack you for putting a tracer on her."

Liam just laughed quietly. "I know, but you said it. She was a hellcat back then, and I wasn't sure if I could trust her." Liam stopped and grew serious again. "Now, come on. Let's find her daughter."

Liam went back to the couch and once again leaned back. They were close he could feel it. He only hoped that they would find Lizzy before Renee did anything that couldn't be taken back.

"I found her." Augur cried triumphantly.

"That was quick."

"Soon as I knew what to look for it was a piece of cake." Augur quickly called up a map. Pointing to the screen he said, "She's right here. In an abandoned warehouse."

"You're the best, Augur." Liam said as he ran over to a portal.

"I know it kid, don't I know it." Augur said as Liam disappeared into the portal system. "Just find her... for all our sakes."

Renee's Apartment

Renee took a quick look in the mirror. Perfect. No one would have been able to guess that her hand had been shaking uncontrollably as she put on her make-up and did her hair.

Throwing the device -- it surprised her how small it was -- and it's remote control into her purse she left.

The clock read 4:00pm. Three hours till the function began.

World Conference Center

Renee watched as the security and personnel moved around the Conference Ballroom setting up the needed equipment for tonight's gala. Above their heads, she could see Resistance members patrolling the catwalks looking for any unexpected surprises. Renee almost wished that one of them would look down and see what she was about to do.

Walking casually over to the table at the head of the ballroom she let her fingers run over the silk tablecloth as she listed off the places of each dignitary in her head. Finally she got to where Hubble Urick would be seated. Looking around she pretended to drop her purse and then quickly pulled the bomb out of it. Sticking it to the bottom of his chair she set the device to remote activation and then straightened.

For a second all the nerves that had accompanied Sandoval's forced act took over and Renee started to black out. A worried security officer rushed over and grabbed her elbow to keep her from falling.

"Are you alright Ma'am?"

Renee didn't trust her voice so she just nodded her head and the officer reluctantly let go.

Once he was out of range, Renee let out the breath she had been holding and for a second almost cried. Goddamn, you Sandoval. She thought. If it hadn't been for her captive daughter, the security officer would have been the perfect opportunity to tell someone what was happening. Now the opportunity had passed.

End of Part 8/9