Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(01/60) Date: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 22:06:51 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Hi Everyone, Thanks for reading "The Hunt" and to those who gave me feedback! Much appreciated! Now we skip ahead 10 stories in the first series to "The Stand". Dave Dubois hits Smallville for the first time and Nick tries to help head off trouble.... Read on and see.... ***************************************** The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17) David J. Duncan Originally Written August-October 1986; Revised December 2004-January 2005 Rating: R (language, violence) Notes Part 1: If this all sounds familiar, that’s because it is….This story is the full blown version of the flashbacks from “Destinies,” “Under Siege,” “Light into Darkness” (later part of “Lionel’s Revenge”) and some of “Genomex: 1982” (all from the second series). Fair warning though: There’s a LOT you don’t know and a LOT I didn’t include in the flashbacks. For the Child knows a LOT more than Lex, Martha or Karen did….. Notes Part 2: The characters from Forever Knight belong to Sony Tri-Star. The characters from Hercules the Legendary Journeys and Xena Warrior Princess belong to StudiosUSA and Renaissance Studios. The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the WB. The characters from Mutant X belong to Marvel Studios. All other characters and scenarios are mine. All of the poems in this story are my original work. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com. Introduction [Queen’s Hut, Amazon Village c. 89 AD] Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes…. In all lives, there are crossroads, points at which we must choose a way to cross. Depending upon the path, we face different outcomes and consequences. Iolaus has told me about the divergent past he went through to save Hercules from Hope’s plan. In particular, I wonder what might have happened had Xena and I never met. Where would we all be now? It boggles the mind to consider all of the possibilities. Even though we all heard the story on that night in Smallville, I still wonder what might have happened had David Dubois never traveled there with his father. For it was on that trip—on the third morning—that he made his Stand and paid the price. Even then, he brought together the friends or in some cases, the parents of the friends we know today. He and Karen Alvarez crossed their own personal Rubicon. Most critically, he set the stage for one couple to meet and forged a crucial friendship with a young boy, teaching him that integrity was important even in the face of great adversity. And in that short time, the balance shifted and the Child emerged. When they fought Jor-El at the Talon, Xena discovered how powerful the pain from The Incident/Stand is for the Child. Pain and outrage brought him into the world and freed Lichtenfeld. Woe on us indeed…. [Talon—Smallville, Kansas December 10, 2009] Lex Luthor speaks…. Rarely on a non-holiday do the Talon’s doors close to the public. But then, this day has always held special meaning for the town. It is a day when a young man from far away saved this building and Smallville’s future, nearly dying in the process. But what a price Dave paid that day…for the dark seed reached its potential. Today, the Child turns 28. And the people of Smallville will never forget it nor the sacrifice that he made. As Mom would have wanted, I gathered everyone here to hear the full story. Most notably, I see the generations growing or—in Chloe’s and Lana’s respective cases—developing in short order. (Sorry, Folks, Sullivan hates “being fat”. ) In the corner, Dave runs his hand across the plaque that the NCHP put up later. While there was sadness, there was also happiness and joy too. He looks toward Karen and she smiles back, recalling the scene on that Christmas Day so long ago. As she rocks their son to sleep, Angie beckons him to rejoin her and their daughters. She knows he needs our support as we recall these events. I finger the ribbon frayed by Time’s passage. Yes, I learned integrity on that day but at great cost. Great cost indeed…. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(02/60) Date: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 22:09:00 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 1 [Metropolis, Kansas—December 4, 1981] Lionel Luthor looked out the window and surveyed the panorama beneath him. Even as the proletariat scurried on their way, the billionaire scrutinized their moves carefully. The fools don’t realize how little control over their lives they truly have. He folded his arms as he went over the details of the deal he and Stuart Dubois had worked out in his mind. Within the next week, Stuart’s stratagem would unfold. Already his business partner had his head supervisor in Smallville along with a small crew and the demolition equipment. The die had been cast. The Talon, the old theater/relic from the 1930s, would fall beneath the wrecking ball to clear the way for the ideal parking garage and strip mall. While I would like to have Walter go over the documents first, best not to give those bleeding hearts in the government time to stonewall the project. He smiled cruelly, recalling the other facet of the plan. Best of all, Stuart’s son will learn how inconsequential History is. That his father and I will not be treated callously! At that moment, he heard a knock at the door. “Yes?” Lillian walked into the office. “I just wanted to tell you that I’m ready to go.” “You are? I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Chicago!” he declared. She considered him carefully. Just what are you up to, Lionel? Right after she and their son, Alexander, had returned from Massachusetts, Lionel asked her to attend a string of functions. While this had happened in the past, she didn’t want to be away from their son for ten days nor from her husband either. Then again, I do want to find out about this friend who helped David through the ordeal in Rowenshire. She remembered Janet’s declining condition and sighed. “I’m sure. You promise to watch Alexander?” “Of course,” he promised. “Call me when you get to Chicago?” She nodded. “I will. Take care, Lionel.” With that, she left, heading for the elevator. He watched through the glass as the limo drove off. “That gets her out of the way.” He picked up the phone and dialed a private number. “Hello, Stuart.” “Is she gone?” Stuart wondered. “She just left for the airport. How are things on your end?” Lionel inquired. “All set. My foreman tells me those hicks don’t even know what’s happening,” the consultant mentioned. “And David?” “I’ll lean on my mother. She’ll talk him into it,” Stuart informed his partner. “Hell, if I have to kidnap him, I’ll do that too. That boy’s going to learn a lesson one way or the other.” “Calm down, Stuart. Surely, a piece on a historical landmark will get his attention.” Lionel smiled wickedly. That newspaper bug is going to be his downfall yet! “See you both out here on Monday.” “We’ll be there,” Stuart agreed, hanging up. After Lionel put the phone down, he rubbed his hands together. Payback will be sweet indeed! How I want to see his pain! Little did he know that he would see that…just not as he expected. Chapter 2 [Amherst—Cappuccino Express, Sunday afternoon] Dave sat at the Cadre’s favorite table, trying to muddle his way through A Tale of Two Cities. Although he usually enjoyed Dickens’ work, the image of the mob gnawed at him. And the blood soaked the cobbles of Saint Antoine. Blood-wine. For a minute, his mind flashed back to the mob who attacked him, Randy and their mother as they tried to leave Rowenshire. That’s connected but there’s something else. Come on, Dave, get a grip! For some reason, he felt an icy draft cut into him, making him shiver. He saw snow flurries dancing through the air. Then a high pitched scream shattered the stillness. And he felt his head go numb again. Then a finger tapped him on the shoulder. “Dave?” He jumped, startling the other patrons around him. “Huh? What?” His breathing was ragged. “Oh, Karen. Sorry.” She put a mocha down next to him. “Maybe you ought to take a break from that.” “You mean this?” he asked while shaking his head. “It’s a bear but that’s not it. There’s something else.” “Like what?” she asked, taking a seat next to him. “It’s really weird almost like a…well…dream or vision,” he whispered, leaning close to her. She looked at him skeptically. At least he trusted me enough to say something. For the past two years, she knew that her feelings for him were strong. Despite his insecurities, she stuck at his side. “And it scared you, didn’t it?” He nodded. “I don’t know why. I just know it’s trouble.” “I get off in five minutes. Just hang in there and we’ll go to Gram’s,” she advised. “I wish there was something else I could do.” “Maybe a smile? I…uh…love to see you smile,” he admitted nervously, blushing as he said it. He loves my smile! She did so warmly, letting her eyes sparkle at him. “Thank you. You just made my day, Dave. I’m glad I can help yours.” With that, she headed back toward the counter to wrap things up. While he did feel better, the premonition bothered him. What’s going to happen now? **** [Janet’s House—Ten minutes later] Janet hung up the phone and tapped her finger on the counter nervously. During the last twenty minutes, she had argued with Stuart about involving Dave in his latest venture. Finally, his idea to have Dave fill him in on local history convinced her, albeit grudgingly. I still don’t think this is a good idea but maybe this will be good for them both. Besides they won’t be alone much so Stuart won’t be able to beat on him. “Gram,” Dave called, as he and Karen walked into the house. “In here,” she replied from the kitchen. As they entered the area and sat down at the table, she observed his tension. Now what? “Is something bothering you?” “It’s weird but I had a vision. It was so real,” he recounted. “It was really cold with flurries. And I heard this scream. It was really bizarre.” “He went blank and then white, Gram,” Karen agreed. She nodded, feeling another small spasm from the cancer. This has to be the ghost’s doing! “You’re tired. Maybe you need a break.” “A break?” he asked. “As in what?” She forced a smile on her face. “A trip maybe? Your father wants you to go with….” “No way,” he retorted sharply. “I’m not going anywhere with him.” “Will you let me finish?” his grandmother insisted. When he had shrugged, she continued, “There’s this site in Kansas he wants you to advise him on.” “He wants me to advise him on history?” He chuckled incredulously. “That’s rich, Gram. Really rich.” “Gram, no offense but given Dave’s history with his father, are you sure this is a good idea?” Karen asked, trying to maintain a tone of respectfulness. “There has to be some father-son connection time. Who knows? Maybe something might strike off a closer bond between you,” Janet offered. “More likely he’ll beat me again,” he disagreed. “Your mother wants you to go too,” she told him. He grinned. “Oh I get it. She wants the house to herself this week, does she? I wonder who the latest guy she’s bringing in is?” “If it’s that, we can let you stay with us,” Karen invited. “Karen, Dave’s going with his father, all right?” Janet interjected. The younger woman shook her head. “That man almost killed us! He almost beat Dave into a coma! Doesn’t that matter to you?” “It’s family, Karen. You aren’t going to win that one,” he told her, giving his grandmother a knowing look. “On that note, I think we need to go over some things for the next edition. Come on.” He led her toward his room and shut the door behind them. Janet looked up the stairs and shook her head. I hope that one day, Dave, you and your father have something special. Maybe you might make an impact together. She had no idea how right her words would be….. ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(03/60) Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2005 06:04:03 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 3 [Cathedral of Crystal—later that night] Secluded within her private sanctum, the Faerie Empress observed the events unfolding on Outer Earth grimly. Janet Dubois means well but her son sets dark events in motion with his foolish dreams of vengeance. And David’s prophecy spells doom as well. “Indeed,” Grimwilkin concurred, shuffling into the area on his walking stick. “And you have a special visitor.” He assisted Nai-Jin into the chamber. The Amazon did a slight bow. “Thank you for allowing me an audience, Milady.” The Empress nodded. “You have seen the portents as well?” “Of the Dark One? Indeed,” Nai-Jin replied. “It will happen. We cannot stop it.” He scratched his head. “Dahak’s seed will sprout.” The Empress shook her head. “We can keep watch from here. That is all we can do.” “And I shall do the same from the Amazon Village,” Nai-Jin concurred before departing. He stared at her. “Certainly we could intervene?” She stared into the mists, replying flatly, “If and when the opportunity presents itself, I shall do so, Grimwilkin. Meantime, we must watch and see. I also plan to send Pauline to this ‘Smallville’ in case anything happens.” Let’s hope the opportunity does present itself. He joined her at the portal and watched the young man carefully. **** [Rowenshire—Old Dubois House] Even as the Empress and her allies worried about the darkness looming over their teenage charge, their adversary continued to plot against him as well. For several days, she had cast delicate “connection” spells, linking her to those infected by her curse, Stuart, Lionel and Dave himself. As she motioned with her hands and chanted in both Latin and a long forgotten tongue, periodic bursts lit up the area around the weakening prison bubble. “Aye, Dearie! Ye should know why ye saw it!” she cackled eagerly. Glancing toward the blackened spot just outside of the field, she observed, “An’ my Master won’t be denied!” As if on cue, a pyre ignited on its own. >From it, a deep threatening voice declared, “That is true. You have done well to let them think us beaten so easily!” She did her best attempt at a bow. “Master, ye honor me.” “You perform your tasks well. Prepare yourself for soon, the spells shall set you free. When that happens, you will find the boy and insure that he is the Destroyer. Am I clear?” “Aye,” she agreed. “Good! I leave you to your preparations. Do not disappoint me!” the Voice concluded, as the pyre vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Soon, ye’ll be MINE! She laughed long and loud, chilling the souls of all those nearby in Rowenshire and Athol. Soon, her efforts would expand westward. Very soon indeed….. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(04/60) Date: Sun, 26 Jun 2005 04:34:08 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 4 [Chicago—An hour later] [McKnight’s Bookshop—Wabash Street] Lillian stepped out of the cab and surveyed her surroundings. The dark strip still bustled with a few passersby. Above her head, the L rattled by on its latest run. A slight chill bit into her cheeks. “This is it, Lady,” the cabbie, an overweight balding man of about fifty years, informed her. “Indeed. Thank you,” she agreed, paying him for the fare and adding a good tip on top of it. When he had driven off, she took a deep breath. “Here goes! Let’s see if that research I did pays off.” She walked through the front door and up a small staircase. At the top, she found herself in a labyrinth of bookshelves. For a few minutes, she wound her way through the maze, trying to find her way out. However, she was lost. “Terrific,” she muttered. “Can I help you?” a man asked from behind her. She turned in surprise to find a blonde haired man standing there. “Yes. I was…actually looking for Nicholas O’ Connor. Would you happen to know him?” Nick eyed her curiously. How would she know that name? “You could say so. What is this about?” “It’s a problem back in Massachusetts and a mutual friend of ours,” she noted. “All I have to say is that she is back and he is dealing with it as best he can.” He nodded, knowing that she was referring to Dave and Lichtenfeld. “Before this goes further, we need to head for the back. As you said, it’s a private matter. As we’re going though, there’s a mark, I understand, on the boy.” She held her right hand up, palm down and motioned toward it as they walked. “It’s there and glowing.” He sighed. She knows Dave all right. As they made their way for the counter, he told the teenage boy standing there. “Mike, we’ll be a while, all right?” Getting a curt nod, Nick led her into the back room and shut the door behind them. Turning the light on, he revealed that they were in a surprisingly well furbished area. “Please. Take a seat.” “Thank you. Before I go any further though, when can I talk to Dr. O’ Connor?” she pressed. “Before I answer that, you are?” he countered. “Mrs. Lillian Luthor. I’m a family friend of the Duboises. My husband, Lionel, you might say—caused our situation,” she revealed. Nick replied, “He bought the land for Stuart, didn’t he?” “That’s right! And how would you know that?” she demanded. He answered, “Because I’m Nicholas O’ Connor. Like you, I’m a family friend and I know what haunts that land.” “So Janet was right! You were there with David!” she gasped. Nick, you really need to watch yourself! He sighed. “Yes. I helped him through that ordeal. I’m glad he trusted me to do so.” She looked him over again. “You’re younger than I expected, Dr. O’ Connor. You should be about seventy given that you worked with Lorenzo Alvaro.” He maintained a poker face while replying, “I take really good care of my skin. Other than that, you can say that I’ve been fortunate.” “Fortunate indeed,” she agreed, letting the matter drop. “I spoke with two people from Rowenshire on my last visit to Amherst, Nancy McEverwood and the minister, Brother Andrew. The Witch is casting spells again from what they told me.” He stared at her incredulously. “There were measures taken to make sure she couldn’t do that.” “Apparently, whatever they were, they’re losing their strength. Dr. O’ Connor, I’m frightened for David and his friends. That is why I’m here in Chicago to tell you about this news. For fourteen years, his family and friends disregarded David’s stories about the ghost.” She bowed her head. “And now, I fear she’ll go after him again. I know it’s silly….” He rubbed her shoulder supportively, trying to calm them both down. “It’s not silly. I’m glad you told me about this, Mrs. Luthor.” Do I tell the Community? If Lichtenfeld escapes, Nikki will send the Enforcers after them all. Best to watch and see what happens. “Brother Andrew is a good man and has promised to watch the property.” “Is there anything we can do?” she asked desperately. He shook his head. “The next move is the ghost’s. We need to be ready when she does act.” And when she does, what then? Lionel, what have you unleashed? __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(05/60) Date: Sun, 26 Jun 2005 04:36:47 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 5 [Amherst—Monday] [White Knight Newsroom] Dave sat at the proofing table, checking over the list of assignments for the next issue. For him, this trip couldn’t have come at a worse time. He had just pulled an all-nighter to get caught up on his reading assignments for the next few days. At least it’s only for two days. Still, I may have to miss the staff meeting. Hearing a knock at the door, he asked, “Yes?” Karen walked in. As with him, she had stayed up all night, worrying about this trip. There’s going to be trouble! I know it! “All set?” “Everything’s packed if that’s what you mean,” he replied. “I’m bringing some things with me to do out in Kansas…in case Lie-onel and Dad get too unbearable.” She marveled at how collected he was. “You’re taking this in stride.” He shrugged. “I have to play the game. You get used to it after a while. Now let’s talk about these assignments.” “I thought you were going to be back by Wednesday afternoon,” she surmised. “You know Dad. He’ll mess things up for me if possible,” he declared, handing her the list of assignments. “I need you to run the meeting on Wednesday if needed.” She nodded. “Absolutely.” She looked over the list and noted, “This should do it. It looks great to me.” He took a deep breath. “I hope so.” Getting up, he shouldered his backpack. “Time to hit the road.” “When’s he coming?” she wondered. “About 9. Our flight’s at 11:30,” he informed her. “Hang in there, okay?” “That’s my line for you,” she told him, hugging him fiercely. “Try not to let him beat you.” “I’ll try,” he agreed while running his hands through her hair and looking into her eyes. “Keep the home fires burning for me?” She agreed, “You know I will.” He smiled at her again, taking a long look and fixing her face in his mind. No matter what his father could do, she and the others would be there for him. And that was a great comfort to him. “See you.” With that, he left. For the next few minutes, she sat there, looking at the door. Please, Lord, don’t let anything happen to him! Then seeing it was 7:30, she headed toward their home room and the start of their day. **** [Janet’s House—8:45 AM] Dave finished a cup of coffee and washed out the mug. Even if he wasn’t in the best of moods, it wouldn’t do any good to take it out on his grandmother. “That should be everything.” “Thanks, Dave. I appreciate it,” she expressed. “I know this trip won’t be the easiest for you. Your father promised that nothing’s going to happen.” He snorted. “How many times has he promised that before? I have a really bad feeling about this.” “Give it a chance,” she admonished. “At least he wants your input on something.” “There’s a big string attached. I can see it from here,” he countered. Hearing a horn honking outside, he muttered, “Terrific, he’s early.” She rubbed his shoulder, trying to get him to cool off. At least Dave’s going without too much of a fuss. I should be grateful for small favors. “Don’t keep him waiting, all right?” After he had picked up his duffel bag, she reminded him, “Call me if anything goes wrong. See you Wednesday.” He nodded. “Sure.” He headed out toward the car. Remember, good impression. Don’t give him any excuse. “Hi, Dad.” “You have everything? I don’t have time to come back,” Stuart commented tersely yet mindful that his mother was watching. The teenager agreed, “I have everything.” He opened the trunk, put the bag inside and closed it again. Getting in the car, he secured his seatbelt and forced a smile. “Let’s go!” His father eyed him sarcastically, wondering what Dave was trying to pull. At least he’s cooperating. Let it go for now. If he acts up out there, I’ll let him have it. With that, they pulled away. **** Janet stood there, watching them drive off. Even though, she was optimistic about the trip and the circumstances surrounding it, a cold feeling shot up her backbone. Karen, you’ve got me spooked. Afterwards, she walked back in the house and shut the door, wondering what they could do if things did get out of hand. **** [Faerie Realms] Several dimensions away, the Faerie Empress ground her teeth in anger. “How can Janet Dubois allow this? She knows what he’ll do to the boy!” “But she cannot bring herself to say no to her son,” Grimwilkin indicated. “And so, the cycle of abuse begins anew.” He looked with concern at her. “This time with drastic consequences.” “Yes, I feel the dark energies building as well,” she concurred, willing up an image of downtown Smallville. “Soon, this place will prove pivotal for all concerned. Very pivotal indeed.” “Pauline is standing by,” he mentioned. “May the goddess be merciful.” May she be merciful indeed! She noted to herself. **** [Noon—APHRS Cafeteria] Karen stared and even picked at her food absently. For the majority of the morning, she had sat in class, not saying much and silently fretting to herself. He’s going to be okay! He’s got to be all right. Needless to say, Dave’s absence combined with her agitation tipped the others off that something was wrong. “What’s going on?” April asked with concern. “You know where Dave is, right?” Steve inquired. “It’s not like him to do this. He’s not sick, is he?” Karen shook her head. “I wish that was the problem. Dave’s out of town until Wednesday.” “What?” Garth queried. “His father took him out to Kansas. I told his grandmother that it’s a bad idea but she insists that it’ll be good for them both.” She shook her head. “The only thing it’ll be good for is Dave getting pounded again.” The others looked at each other, not knowing what to say since they were now worried themselves. Finally, Frank assured her, “Dave’s smart. He’ll keep them in public so there’ll be witnesses.” “Meantime, we’ll keep things going here,” Garth indicated, trying to pick the mood up some more. “But the meeting’s that afternoon! Dave has all of the assignments,” April realized. “He gave them to me before he left. He wants me to run things. I guess that’s what Associate Chiefs do. At least I have all of you with me,” Karen replied. “You got it,” Steve agreed. Karen managed a smile for their benefit. Still, she felt uneasy. I wish I knew what Dave was doing. Then she felt something—almost like his unease. Great. Now I can sense him? My imagination’s going overtime. Watch yourself, Dave! __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(06/60) Date: Sun, 26 Jun 2005 04:39:35 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 6 [Smallville—That afternoon] As the small commuter prop plane pulled to a stop by the terminal, Dave looked around at the tiny airport and the yellowed grass blowing in the breeze beyond it. The flight had dragged from Chicago where they had changed planes. Fortunately, two other passengers had accompanied his father and him on this leg of the journey. Stuart mused. Soon Lionel and I will teach him a lesson! “Remember to respect Uncle Lionel.” “I’ll do that,” Dave agreed, as they got up and headed out. The reply—although meant to be polite—was interpreted as condescending. In response, Stuart waited until the others were looking the other way. Then he bumped into his son. Losing his balance, Dave tumbled down the stairs and hit the pavement below. Somehow, he managed to avoid hitting his head. We’re barely here and he’s already starting to act up! “Be careful, all right?” “Are you all right?” the stewardess asked, rushing down to him. Shooting his father a dirty look, Dave retorted, “Fine. Just a nasty bruise.” “You should be more careful!” one of the other passengers, a portly African-American man, lectured Stuart. “Mind your own business!” Stuart snapped. “He’s my son.” Dave shook his head. This is going to be some trip, all right. Let’s see if I can keep myself from getting killed. **** [Twenty minutes later] A lone helicopter flew over the prairie, speeding from Metropolis toward Smallville. Inside of it, three passengers: Lionel, Lex and their pilot kept mostly to themselves. For the elder Luthor, the prospect of achieving several ends with the same stroke sent his spirits soaring. For one thing, he wanted to introduce Lex to the nature of business. Then there was the matter of teaching Dave some manners and avenging the indignities of the past two years. Thirdly, he would teach the rabble in Smallville about their true place. Finally, he stood to profit from this whole interchange. Lex, on the other hand, had no wish to be away from the mansion. He didn’t understand why Lillian had taken off without him for the week. While he took solace in his stories for a couple of days, he missed her. I wish Mother were here. His father noticed his son’s depression. I need to get him away from Lillian. She’ll make him weak! He shook his head. “Lex.” The boy turned dutifully. “Yes, Father?” “Son, consider the opportunities out there!” Lionel proclaimed, sweeping his hand to take in the sky. “Empires are not won in bed, Son!” “I don’t care about empires! I want to be with Mother!” Lex protested. “Some day, Lex, you’ll thank me for this,” Lionel retorted, cutting off the discussion as the chopper descended toward the landing strip. After the blades had stopped, he urged, “Come along, Lex.” The boy reluctantly followed, fearing what lay ahead. What’s he gonna do? Then he briefly saw Dave standing there with Stuart. David’s here! Yay! **** Meantime Stuart and Dave watched as the duo disembarked from the copter. “Come on!” Stuart snapped. “Hurry up with those bags, Dave!” Dave frowned as he lugged the two heavy suitcases toward his father but said nothing. “Next time, bring them faster, Stupid!” his father insulted. The teenager glared daggers at the other’s back. Just keep going, Dad. Keep pushing! Feeling his head going numb, he took several deep breaths to collect himself. I don’t need this now! While his father or Lionel hadn’t noticed Dave’s reaction, the boy had. Just two weeks before, the two had read stories together at Janet’s house and had fun. This was different. The boy saw the fire and hate burning in his friend’s eyes for the two older men. He’s scary! “Lionel ignored his son’s trepidation and stepped forward to meet the two newcomers. “Stuart, good to see you. How was the flight?” “Good, Lionel. We made excellent time coming down here. I’m looking forward to closing this deal by Wednesday. You remember my son, David?” Too well. “I trust he’s learned some manners since then?” Dave snorted, allowing his disdain to surface. “Uncle Lionel, I trust you’ve been well?” he asked with an obvious dose of cynicism. Stuart stared intensely at his son and reprimanded, “Be respectful of him!” “Why? The man hasn’t earned it!” the younger man hissed back, earning himself a cuff on the ear. Reeling from the pain, he bit back another remark, but instead, shot his father another murderous stare. Worse, he heard the laughing again. [“Ye’ll never change! He’ll make ye mine!”] Shut up! “Next time, you’ll think twice before you smart mouth him!” the father yelled at him, still missing the aftereffects. Seeing the LuthorCorp car arrive for them, he added, “Put those bags in the trunk, you stupid bookworm!” Dave shook his head stubbornly. From what Alexander could tell, he didn’t want to be there anymore than the boy himself did. “Yeah…yeah…stupid trip…” As the teenager put the bags in the back of the car, Lionel and Stuart watched him like two Dobermans waiting to rip a small animal to shreds. Alexander could tell something was going to happen between him. Daddy doesn’t like ‘im. This is bad. Very bad. Feeling an asthma attack about to come on, the boy pumped on his inhaler before joining the others in the back seat. **** Fifteen minutes later, the limo drove through downtown Smallville. As they passed down the main strip, Dave admired the charming and traditional setting. He saw the Smallville Inn, a restaurant on the left side and a small local grocery store on the right. Then he noticed the movie theater on their right. “That’s the Talon, isn’t it, Dad?” “Right. That’s what we’ll be talking about tomorrow after the tour,” Stuart agreed, knowing full well that they would be spilling the beans on how the whole thing was a lie. Alexander saw five people marching back and forth in front of the theater, waving signs. “Father, what are they doing?” “They’re of no consequence, Lex. Pay them no mind,” Lionel advised. Still, Dave made a mental note of the situation. If Dad wants me to do advising, why are those people protesting? He looked at the two men with him and realized what was going on. This doesn’t smell right. Keep your eyes open, Dave. The car kept going toward the outskirts, heading for the mansion. **** Even as they passed by, the quartet watched them disdainfully. Off and on during the past week, they had worked with the other townspeople to maintain a protesting presence outside of the doomed theater. One of them, a strapping man with blonde hair and intense blue eyes declared, “Look who just arrived!” Beside him, an African-American male rubbed his shoulder. “Jonathan, you know we can’t stop him.” “We have to try!” the blonde man retorted, allowing his temper to flare. “We can’t just let them march over us like this!” To his right, a twenty-something woman with long red hair shook her head. “We can try. That’s all we can do. Unless something happens on the inside to wreck the deal, we’re doing all we can. I don’t want to end up in jail over this!” Jonathan shrugged. “I know, Martha. Sometimes, you need to stand up for what you believe in. Let’s hope though that someone in that car has the gumption to do just that.” ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(07/60) Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2005 04:50:48 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 7 [Later that evening] [Amherst—White Knight Newsroom] Miss Jenkins worked late that night on her grading. The latest round of English papers revealed the students’ progress over the previous two months. In particular, Dave’s presentation just before Thanksgiving had prodded this process on even more. I’m glad I let him do it. Even as she thought of Dave, she felt uncertain for some reason. Talking to Dr. Alvarez, she had learned about the history between him and his father. While she had been glad that he had left the latest paper for her before he left for this impromptu trip, she thought that Stuart’s timing was rotten. This will put David behind for both the Knight and the class. What was his father thinking? I hope this piece on the theater will be worth it. Then the phone rang. “Hello?” “Hello. May I speak to Alice Jenkins, please?” a male voice requested. “This is Miss Jenkins. Is this Mr. Jackson?” she asked. He concurred, “It is indeed. I see you got my message from earlier in the day.” She reread the memo from the front office. Not wanting to alarm Dave’s classmates, she arranged to speak with the government representative after hours. “Thank you for taking the time to call. Your note sounded urgent.” “It is. We’ve learned that the Talon theater is in danger of being razed,” he reported. “One of your students is there, I understand?” “Yes. David Dubois is the son of one of the men involved in the project. What do you mean ‘razed’? His father took him out there to be a historical advisor—to save the building. Surely you’re mistaken,” she declared. “I wish I were. Miss Jenkins, Stuart Dubois has rented equipment which is set to be in Smallville late tomorrow. By Wednesday noon, the theater will be demolished. I feel sorry for the boy. Is there any way to get word to him?” he continued. She shook her head and frowned, wondering if she should confront Janet with this information. Not until I get confirmation. “He left the fax number to where he’ll be staying. I’ll tell him to call you if there’s anything going on and bury it in the middle of my comments on his latest paper assignment.” “I appreciate that. Thank you, Miss Jenkins. I await hearing from the young man. If anything is to be done, I need to know by 6:00 Central Time—local time where he and I are,” he concluded. “I’ll be sure to put that in there,” she agreed. “Thank you, Mr. Jackson, for calling back.” With that, she hung up. David, what have you gotten into now? After writing out the note, she left for the main office. There she faxed the note to the Luthor Mansion and hoped for the best. Be watchful, David. Don’t trust your father. **** [Luthor Mansion] Even as the fax was in process, Lionel, his son and their guests sat around the table, eating dinner. It was a fine dining experience fit for kings and dignitaries. The table had a fine white tablecloth with candles on it. A chandelier hung over the table, shading the walls with a delicate light. Stuart and Lionel both enjoyed the roast duck and fixings in front of them, talking about their plans for the downtown. Alexander sat silently and listened to his father’s latest speech about the strong pushing the weak out of the way in the name of progress. Why does Father have to be like this? Why can’t I speak to Mother? Even more so than that, his friend intruded into his thoughts. Since they had all left the airport, Dave’s brooding and simmering anger had frightened the boy. Worse still, the latter’s disdain for the imported granite Scots mansion clearly showed on his face despite his silence. Why are you so scary, David? Why? For his part, Dave sat quietly in his place, nibbling on a few things here and there. Once again, he was making it clear that he didn’t want to be here. His eyes darted about the room observing the extravagance around them and guessing at the harm caused to others in the process. Typical Lie-onel. I wonder who he screwed to get this place. The conversation between his father and their host only confirmed his suspicions concerning the ruse at hand. As such, he had dropped any pretense of civility. Instead, he sat rigidly to keep the others from seeing the tremors ravaging his body. Lionel locked eyes with the young man and stared intensely. No man stood his ground when he told him to heel. Unlike his partner, he definitely recognized the signs. So the game’s afoot again, is it? Good. No need to pretend. “Now what’s the problem, David?” Unfortunately for him, David’s eyes grew surlier and he gave no answer—at least not a spoken one. You’re my problem, you sleaze. Too bad you won’t crawl back under that rock you came from. Alexander shuddered at the tension between them. The duel went on for a full two minutes. Finally, the host broke it off. “If the food’s not to your liking, you may be excused.” “Thanks,” the teenager muttered, marching indignantly from the room. “That one’s going to be trouble, Stuart. Mark my words…he’s trouble,” Lionel foretold. Not for the last time, Alexander shook his head, wondering, Why does Father hate him? **** Dave marched toward the guest quarters, feeling his internal storm of rage churning inside of him. By now, his head had gone completely numb. “Stupid jackasses.” Seeing Nichols, one of the elderly butlers, approaching him, he forced himself to be civil. He doesn’t deserve to be on the receiving end. “Mr. Nichols, how are you?” “Fine, Master Dubois. You seem agitated. Was dinner not to your liking?” the butler wondered. I’d best not to tell him anything since I don’t know if he’s a snitch or not. “Sorry. I have a bit of a headache. Can I do something for you?” He handed Dave an envelope. “A ‘Miss Jenkins’ faxed this to you, sir. I thought you might like to see it.” “Thank you. Yes, I would. She sent the comments for my paper. I appreciate this, Mr. Nichols,” Dave concluded, offering the man a smile before heading off for his room. After the boy vanished around the corner, Nichols considered the situation. Master Lionel should not agitate that boy so. There’s a menace to Master David. I can feel it. Forcing a stiff upper lip, he headed toward the kitchen. **** __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(08/60) Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2005 04:53:35 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 [Dave’s Room] After shutting the door, Dave sat on the bed, reading his teacher’s fax. It said: David: We missed you in class today. As I mentioned last night, we talked about the novel and the papers. Yours received an 89. Don’t get too down on yourself. Your writing still needs a bit more polish but we’ll get you to that A yet. Karen and the others have the Knight right on schedule. The meeting will be held on Wednesday afternoon as usual. If there’s anything you think of, you can let either me or Karen know. Once again, I am eager to see how your story comes out. I set up a potential interview for you with a man named Jackson tomorrow night. You can call him at (316) 244-9578 before 6:00 your time. As I always tell you, keep your eyes open. I don’t need to tell you about your father and Mr. Luthor. Karen asked me to send her best to you and that she’s thinking about you. Good luck with the assignment and be careful. Sincerely, Miss Jenkins He took a deep breath. Now I know something smells. I wonder who this Jackson guy is? While he was glad that the paper would proceed as scheduled and that his paper was better than the last one, he asked himself about her warning. Miss Jenkins doesn’t mince words nor does she do anything unnecessary. If Dad and Uncle Lionel are up to what I think they’re up to, I’ll need to come up with an excuse to call him tomorrow night. With that, he tore off the section with the phone number and hid it in his wallet. Another glance at the fax gladdened him though. Karen’s still on the case, as if I didn’t think she would do anything else. What did I ever do to deserve her as a friend? He sighed, feeling the positive emotions wrestling with the negative ones. I wish I could tell her how I feel. [“Tell ‘er. Then ye can bring ‘er for another visit!” the Witch interjected.] As if I would do anything like that. Go and sit on the end of your broomstick, Bitch! [“Behave! Ye never know when I’ll hunt ye!”] You’re stuck so get stuffed! Choosing not to push the point, the ghost went silent. Figures. I’d best get rid of that sentence on Jackson. Going to the writing desk, he found a bottle of liquid paper, writing paper and glue. With a few minutes work, he had patched the hole and whited out the incriminating evidence, making sure that both sides showed nothing. He fanned the paper dry and set it on the table. No sooner had he done so then his father stormed into the room. “What are you trying to do?” “I might ask you the same question. You never intended to follow through on the advising thing, did you?” Dave accused. Stuart backhanded him hard. “Shut up! You really think we wanted your advice? Stupid bookworm!” Before the other could react, he punched him in the gut. “Too bad I really can’t kick your scrawny ass! Keep going though and I will!” “Get st…uffed,” Dave retorted. His father hit him across the shoulders, dropping him to the floor. “I’ll teach you!” Thinking him unconscious, Stuart left, slamming the door behind him. However, Dave got up a couple of minutes later. Any positive effect that Karen’s message had was washed away. Instead, he felt rage and heard the Witch’s laughter. As the tears poured down his cheeks, he yelled, “Shut up! Shut the Hell up!” Then he headed for the washroom to clean up. He’s going to pay. Now more than ever, Dave determined to screw up his father’s plans. You could take that one to the bank. **** [Later that night] That night was a long one for the little redheaded boy. Feeling the tension exuding throughout the newly rebuilt manor house, he got out of bed, put on his blue robe and padded down the hall toward the guest quarters. There he saw the teenager’s light on under the door. Creaking the door open ever so slightly, he saw that Dave was sitting up in bed with a book in his hands. Coming closer, he asked, “Whatcha doin’?” “Oh man!” the reader exclaimed surprised by the visitor. “Alexander, what are you doing here?” “My name’s Lex,” the boy corrected. “I wanna see whatcha doin’.” Dave managed a smile. “I’m reading a book. It’s the only time I can sneak it in when my father won’t catch me doing it.” “Why?” “Why what?” Dave asked. “Why do you hafta sneak? My mother says that readin’ is good,” the little visitor wondered. “Well yes, it is, Lex. I was reading a story about a beautiful lady who’s looking for happiness. She overcomes the bad things that happen to her. Bad people try to steal what’s hers and she stops them from doing it.” “David, why do you hate my Daddy?” Lex asked sadly. “Is he like those bad people?” The older one sighed…obviously troubled by the boy’s question. Terrific. You’re scaring him and Lionel isn’t helping any. I’d best sugar coat it for him. “Your father means well, Lex. He gets a lot of great stuff for you and your mother. It’s just well…sometimes…he’s not very nice with how he does it.” “Sometimes I see him an’ Mother yellin’,” Lex commented, yawning. “They’re arguing about that stuff, Lex,” Dave noted. “Hey, it’s late. I’m going to be going to sleep soon. Why don’t you go back to your room, okay?” “It’s dark out there. I’m scared,” the boy pouted. “Monsters.” He should know who the monsters really are. As much as he wanted to say it, the teenager bit back that remark. Quietly, he took his little friend’s hand and walked him back down the hall to his room. There, he tucked Lex into bed and shut off the light. “Good night, Lex. Sleep well.” “David?” Lex inquired. “Yes?” Dave replied, checking on his friend. “I’m glad you’re not so scary,” the boy told him. “Thanks, Lex,” Dave expressed, rubbing the kid’s shoulder. “You let me know if you want to talk some more, all right?” With that, he watched Lex drift off to sleep and then he returned to his room. Even if everything else is screwy, I can still watch out for him on Auntie’s behalf. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(09/60) Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2005 04:56:21 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 8 [Faerie Realms—Several Hours Later] Pauline walked into the Empress’ chamber grimly. While her sisters slept back in Althanor, she had observed the events occurring on Outer Earth. The events turn dark, speeding toward certain disaster! “Milady.” “Pauline, greetings,” the Empress declared, turning from her portal. “What news?” “Grim tidings from the plain,” the priestess reported. “She taunts David and his father has beaten him again.” “How I would like to do the same to him,” the Elf-Queen retorted angrily. “And the other children?” “They worry for him, Milady,” Pauline answered. “Ah yes.” The Empress watched the events at the high school for a minute, considering the implications of Pauline’s news. “The spells weaken in more ways than one. Karen Alvarez feels his pain. The bond established by the Dark One has been restored, it seems. Return to the Hidden Realm and rest. The next twenty-four hours will tell the story. Meantime, I must consult with Nicolas.” With that, she vanished in a flash of light. Indeed, I shall return. Keira and Cybelle await word. Opening a portal, she left the area as well, knowing that rest and a meal would be waiting for her in Althanor. **** [Chicago—Apartment behind the bookstore] Having finished another shift for his bookstore, Nick turned operations over to the morning crew and retired to his quarters to spend the day. “Slow traffic,” he muttered, thinking of how his customer base had dwindled of late. Uncorking a bottle of blood wine, he poured himself a glass and sipped on it, savoring the flavors within it. “Interesting meal, Crusader,” the Empress remarked as she appeared in there. “Good morning, Nicolas de Brabant.” “And to you,” he replied, remembering to bow before her. “This must be urgent. Forgive me but you are not one to make house calls.” “Indeed, Nicolas,” she declared. “Tidings are grim indeed. The Witch is on the cusp of breaking free.” “But you imprisoned her,” he recalled, gulping down the rest of the glass at that thought. “Lillian Luthor told me as much two nights ago.” She nodded. “Indeed. And you were right to trust her. She repents for her husband’s crimes. Even now, events speed toward the inevitable end—one that you cannot tell your Community about.” “Once again, I’m forced to choose between two duties,” he remarked. “Your duty to your friend outweighs the other, Nicolas. Assist Lillian Luthor with her return to the place called Smallville. Much rides on that task. I fear for David Dubois and for her young son, Alexander. Surely you can feel it?” she instructed purposefully. He closed his eyes and concentrated. Then he felt the emanations: cold and dark coming from the prairie to the southwest. An ebony tidal wave battered at the teenager, threatening the self-control he had worked so hard to attain. “It is as you say. You realize that if I can feel it that others will too.” “Let me deal with that,” she told him flatly. “You concern yourself with Lillian Luthor.” With that, she disappeared. Concern myself with Lillian and not the boy’s threat? That’s a tall order. LaCroix will have my head for neglecting things as such. Then he dialed the phone. **** [Palace Hotel—Chicago] Lillian slammed the phone down in frustration. For the previous two hours, she had tried to reach her husband to no avail. “Where are you, Lionel? What are you doing with Alex and David?” She knew something was wrong. She could feel it. Then the phone rang. “Yes, Lionel?” she answered hastily. “Sorry. It’s Nicholas O’ Connor, Lillian. We do need to talk about an urgent matter,” Nick replied. “Nicholas, I need to reach my husband. I don’t know what’s happening with my son or David!” she exclaimed. “This concerns them. I could arrange for you to be back there tomorrow afternoon,” he informed her. “But all of the seats are taken. How?” she wondered. “I have my connections. There will be instructions in your hotel’s lobby tonight after 11. We’ll fly there after 1:00,” he explained. “Don’t worry, Lillian, I’ll get you there.” “If you can pull this off, Nicholas, I’ll be very grateful,” she told him. “It’s my pleasure, Lillian. I need to make final arrangements and then we’ll meet tomorrow. Oh—not a word about this trip,” he concluded, hanging up. “This keeps getting weirder by the minute,” she stated to herself while heading for the restroom to freshen up. **** [Amherst] Janet looked out the window, feeling the pangs of conscience and intuition. Dave had never called which wasn’t like him. Worse, Sarah nor the others had heard anything. To say that she was concerned would have been an understatement. Is it so wrong to want Dave and Stuart to reconcile? Then the phone rang. “Hello?” “Janet, it’s Lillian. I was wondering if you heard anything?” Lillian inquired. “If you mean from Dave, not a word. This isn’t like him,” the anxious grandmother noted. “Lionel hasn’t called you?” “No. Janet, he and Stuart are up to something. I’m in Chicago on business for Lionel and…some business of my own. I met Nicholas O’ Connor two days ago and we compared notes,” Lillian explained. “At the moment, I’m trying to arrange for a way back to Metropolis. Amazing how my credit’s suddenly not good with airports, rental agencies or bus depots but it works with the hotel.” “Lillian, Stuart wouldn’t….” “Janet, I’m sorry but there’s something going on. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know. Sit tight and don’t worry David’s friends with this. I’m sure they’re uptight enough as it is,” Lillian directed. “We will get to the bottom of this. I promise you that.” With that, she hung up. Stuart, please don’t do anything to Dave! Please! You two can get through until tomorrow! ***** [Cappuccino Express—3:30 PM] Despite the fact that it was her scheduled day off, Karen pulled an extra shift at the Express. She knew that if she stayed at home, she would only think of Dave anyhow. If I stay busy, I’ll be okay until tomorrow. She served a few more patrons, feeling grateful that they packed the place. “Karen, please take a break,” Mrs. Campbell lectured. “It’s going to be okay.” “I know,” Karen noted. “I just…well…I’ll feel better when Dave’s back. I don’t trust his father not to do something spiteful.” “You can’t think like that. Be positive. He’ll be okay,” her boss reassured her. She shrugged, knowing that something was wrong for some reason. The previous night, she had felt as if someone had beaten her soundly. “Maybe you’re right. I just saw April come in. If you can excuse me?” “Of course. Hang in there, all right? Take as long as you need, Karen,” Mrs. Campbell advised, while returning to the register. Hang in there. Terrific. As if I can. Karen walked over to the Cadre’s booth where her classmate waited for her. “Hi, April,” she greeted as cheerfully as she could manage. “Can the act, Karen. It’s okay,” April told her. “We’re all concerned, you know.” “I know and sorry. I don’t mean to act as if you all don’t care,” Karen apologized. “I just don’t want to see Dave getting hurt by his father.” “We haven’t heard anything to indicate that it’s happened,” April indicated. “We haven’t heard anything that it hasn’t happened,” Karen countered. “I don’t mean to be a jerk, April, but somehow I know that something’s happened to him.” She took a deep breath. “I’ll feel better when he shows up tomorrow night back here.” “I know,” April concurred. “And it’s okay to worry, Karen. All of us—well except for Adrienne—accept how you feel about him. Just understand that we all remember what’s happened between Dave and his father the last few times they’ve met up. It’ll be all right.” Karen smiled. “Thank you, April. I appreciate you saying that.” April rubbed her friend’s shoulder. “What are friends for?” What are friends for indeed? Hang in there, Dave. Your friends are thinking of you. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(10A/60) Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 04:19:09 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 9 [Smallville—about 5:15 PM] The day dragged by for Dave and Lex. Their fathers had dragged them on the tour of the company plant, making them stick their noses into every stupid nook and cranny. While many older boys might have found this experience to be neat, the little redhead could have cared less. He still wanted to be back in Metropolis with his mother, not out here in this cold drafty place. Where are you, Mother? Why haven’t you called me? Looking over, he saw a brief flicker of a smile coming from Dave every now and again. For Dave’s part, he kept a stiff upper lip. After dealing with the previous night, he bided his time, observing every nuance of what was going on around him. Granted, he still maintained his attitude towards his “Uncle Lionel” and the operation. Still, he did cheer the boy up from time to time with a little warm sparkle in the eye and a motion toward their fathers as if to say “act interested even if you’re bored stiff.” I have to keep Lex going and be ready to call this Jackson guy in case the opportunity presents itself. And when Dave offered, Lex would give a little smile and an appreciative squeeze of the hand to his friend. And in that way, the day passed with the two friends leaning on each other for support. **** [Lionel’s Boardroom] Several hours later, the quartet stood in Lionel’s office looking at a set of plans for the downtown. “My new megaplex. It will benefit the community and expand my interests here further.” Benefit your interests at the expense of the community, you mean. “Uncle Lionel, how’s that?” Dave asked, putting a sarcastic smirk on his face. In the corner, Lex watched his new friend as he learned the new facial expressive concept. That’s neat! “It’ll update the existing downtown,” the businessman replied. “Have some vision for once, Stupid!” Stuart snapped. And have a brain to see when you’re being used! What a half wit! “Better to lack vision than to be blind, Dad,” Dave replied sarcastically. “Your plan has a problem. The theater. It’s too old to be torn down.” “How do you say that?” his father snickered. “It’s wood and glass…it’ll come down when the wrecking ball hits it tomorrow at 8 AM!” The son shook his head. “As always, no planning.” “Fortune favors the brave,” Lionel quoted. “And fools rush in where angels fear to tread,” Dave rebutted, warily watching his father to make sure he was out of reach. “I take it then you don’t approve of my plan, then?” Lionel asked disdainfully. Took you long enough to figure that one out, Chief. “Have I ever? Not that you care.” The teenager frowned, staring daggers into the other man. He glanced at the clock directly behind Lionel. 5:20. I need to move now. “Stuart, it seems you’ve let Janet corrupt him. The boy has a conscience, but there is that look of your father’s in him. Tell me, David, if we allow ourselves to fall back into the masses, where will we be?” Maybe not haunted by a 250 year old ghost and a few more friends? “Poorer but happier, more than likely,” Dave shot back, again with the smirk on his face. “Stupid snotty brat! Just wait’ll…!” Stuart raged. Lionel shook his head, holding off his partner. “Well, since you don’t care for my plan, why don’t you take Lex for a soda? You can do that, can’t you? I think your father and I can plan the theater’s demolition without your sarcasm,” he requested with an air of snarkiness. He thinks he can plan without me? Idiot! Just wait until he sees what I do next! “Gee, I’ll have to see if I can manage it. Come along, Lex, let’s allow the great Napoleon to plan his latest campaign, shall we? Meantime, there’s an ice cream soda in it if you come with me. All right?” Dave retorted, leading the smaller boy from the room. As they left, Lex felt their fathers’ anger burning into their backs like fire from a forge. He looked up fearfully. “Why did you say that to Father and Mr. Stuart?” Dave rubbed his shoulder reassuringly and motioned with his head. “Come on.” The two companions crossed the street, watching the first flurries of winter drift across the black night sky. The wind was picking up. Later the next day, a storm was forecasted. However, for that evening, it remained calm. They walked up and down the street, looking around and admiring the lights of the town center. Finally, they stopped in front of the Talon and looked at the building for several minutes. For the second time in as many days, Dave admired the building, almost feeling the history oozing from it. He imagined how it must have looked when it opened and the old features that played there. And those fools want to level this? Dad, open your eyes! “You ‘kay?” Lex inquired, not knowing what to think of this introspection. I think it’s time to teach Lex something. Auntie would agree. “You see, Lex? This is what our Dads view as outdated,” the teenager started. “Why? It’s so pretty,” the redheaded boy wondered. “Pretty is as pretty does,” Dave recited, recalling an old poem. “Seriously though, Lex, pretty is nice for small town folks, but not for big time city folks. Money sells.” He took a dollar bill out of his pocket and snapped it in front of the other’s eyes. “Don’t sell out to this, Lex. Remember, there’s a place for pretty things too despite what Uncle Lionel thinks.” “It’s really pretty!” Lex exclaimed, pointing. “That’s the picture house we were talking about. That’s what they want to rip apart,” Dave remarked. Lex whimpered, “No! They can’t do it!” The elder smiled mischievously, a wicked glimmer in his eye. He looked at his watch. 5:30 Time to call that guy back. “Come on, Lex! I need to make a call.” Hurrying into the Bartlesbrook Creamery, he sat Lex in one of the booths and requested, “Can you sit here for just a second? I need to go into the booth. I’ll be right back.” Lex nodded earnestly. Dave smiled and went into the booth, closing the door behind him. What’s he doin’? Lex wondered. ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(Smallville/FK)(R)(10B/60) Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 04:20:20 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 For his part, Dave took the piece of paper out of his pocket and dialed the number. “Mr. Jackson speaking,” Jackson responded. “Mr. Jackson, this is David Dubois calling from Smallville. How are you, sir?” Dave asked. “David Dubois from Amherst, Mass, I trust?” Jackson queried. “Ms. Jenkins mentioned that you wanted to talk with me about the Talon. I got the fax last night with this number and made sure I called by 6. You want the interview?” Dave replied. Recognizing the newspaper jargon, the official agreed, “Tell me, David, what is your father’s plan?” “Judging from the fax, I think you have a fair idea of what it is, Mr. Jackson. Lionel Luthor and he plan to start it at 8 AM sharp. Sorry that I couldn’t give you more notice,” Dave reported even as he waved back to Lex, making sure that his friend was okay. “Not to worry, David, I had the paperwork ready just in case. We at the National Council on Historic Preservation or NCHP for short appreciate concern such as this. Rest assured, I need to make one phone call and nothing happens,” Jackson told him. Even though he knew he was doing the right thing, Dave felt a pang of guilt for ruining his father’s spectacular splash. Still, he knew it was the right thing to do. Remember, you’re doing this for Smallville. “Okay. As long as nobody gets hurt. I’ll let you make that call and I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a good night, sir.” “Thank you, David. You do the same. Good night,” Jackson concluded, hanging up. The teenager hung the phone up and returned to the booth. “There. That wasn’t too bad, was it?” “Nope.” The teenager chuckled and handed his young friend a menu. “Get whatever you want. Your Dad’s paying.” With the last words, the grin formed on his face. “I dunno…” “What does Auntie Lillie get for you, then?” “Cheeseburger and choc’late milk!” the boy announced. Seeing the waiter approach, Dave repeated, “A cheeseburger and a chocolate milk for my young friend. And well…I’ll take a cheeseburger, some fries, and a Coke, please.” “Coming right up,” the young man, a slender guy with brown hair and fair features, agreed as he left. Dave looked around and saw that they had taken the last seat in the house. Then he saw a couple…maybe ten years older than he was, walk in and sigh because there weren’t any seats available. The man was blond, strapping and tanned from working in the sun. The woman was slender with red hair and a kind smile. Lex looked at them. “Pretty lady.” He waved. Oh great! If they’re protestors, they might try to kidnap Lex or worse. “Lex,” Dave sighed, wincing at the thought of possibly getting his friend into trouble and himself into still worse crap. The woman waved back and gave him a big smile. Suddenly, Dave had a realization. “Lex, you mind if they sit with us?” “Yeah!” the boy cheered. This is fun! Better than that dumb ol’ place! The older companion got up. “Be back in a minute.” ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(11/60) Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 04:22:19 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Jonathan and Martha entered the Creamery, looking for a quick meal after a long day. After doing the chores on their farm early that morning, they had risked a trip into Metropolis to see her father. Predictably, the lawyer reacted badly to their visit. After the marriage issue finally settled down after an hour or so of heated arguing, their request for his assistance in getting an injunction was turned down flater than a tire after it hit a spike in the road. And that was before their doctor gave them the other news tidbit of the day…. She hung up her head, not really feeling up to cooking for them on that evening. “It figures that every seat would be taken.” “With all of the people in town for the protest tomorrow, I can’t say I’m surprised. Henry Small’s really got them stirred up,” he declared. “We can do Rosie’s on the other side of town.” Just then, a little red haired boy in the corner waved at them. “Hi,” she replied, waving back and putting on a smile for his benefit. He smiled; her gesture warming his heart. If anyone deserves kids, it’s Martha. Too bad we can’t have any. Seeing the young man with the red haired boy get up and walk toward them, he assumed, “More trouble?” “Jonathan,” she soothed, trying to prevent a scene. When the dark haired teen approached them, she continued, “Sorry, we didn’t mean to scare you or anything.” Dave shook his head. “You’re fine. You both wouldn’t be looking for a table, would you?” “There’s not a seat in the house,” Jonathan supposed. “Actually there is—if you don’t mind sharing with my friend and me. Come on,” Dave indicated. “Thank you,” she expressed, feeling elated that someone cared that much. “What’s your name?” “Now it’s my turn to apologize,” Dave replied with a sheepish smile. “I’m Dave. And you are?” She commented, “Martha Kent and this is my husband, Jonathan. Glad to meet you.” Dave concurred, “Likewise.” When they got back to the table, he completed the introductions. “Lex, these folks are Jonathan and Martha Kent.” “Hi there, Lex,” Martha greeted, waving. “Hey there, guy,” Jonathan added, a smile on his face. “Thank you for letting us sit here. Every restaurant’s booked here in town for the rally,” she continued. “Rally? What rally?” Dave asked. “The rally to save the Talon. We want to stop Lionel Luthor and Stuart Dubois from tearing it down tomorrow. We didn’t know until late this afternoon that it was going to happen,” Jonathan pointed out. Before Lex could blurt anything out, Dave shook his head at him. The boy caught the point and listened carefully. “The Federal offices just closed in Metropolis unfortunately. Now, we’ll never get that injunction,” she sighed resignedly. “We just spent the last six hours trying to do just that.” “What if…I said that I just got hold of the NCHP?” the teenager smiled. “Huh? Who?” Jonathan wondered. Martha stared at him and then exclaimed, “Did you? Oh, Jonathan! That stands for the National Council on Historic Preservation!” “Can they do anything?” the farmer asked, not quite getting the point. “Well, they’re working on that injunction. Trust me, they’ll be here in the morning,” Dave grinned, like the cat with canary feathers in his mouth. So there’s a rally, is there? Well now, Dad and Uncle Lieonel are about to get their grand opening all right. Quite the party indeed! Even as he thought that, his mind started to wrap itself around all of the possible outcomes. He knew his father’s men and how they would react to a full fledged protest. “You all have your permits?” “We do,” she declared. “They were finalized today.” “And the police? They’ll be there?” Dave inquired. “I’ve heard of these guys too. They don’t quit.” “Neither do we,” Jonathan asserted, feeling determined not to cave before anything with the name ‘Luthor’. Lex yanked on Dave’s sleeve. “David? Wha’s rally?” “It’s a party, Lex. The town’s gonna have a party,” the teenager explained to his friend. Martha blinked incredulously at Dave. “That’s one way of putting it. I hope you’re not…” “Great! Can we go?” Lex interjected again. “Lex, trust me, we’re gonna be right there along with everyone else. Oh, I can’t wait for this!” “Dave, this isn’t a game,” Jonathan told him. “Oh I know exactly what this is. And you can count on me,” Dave affirmed. “To the end.” **** [An hour later] After eating their meals, the Kents, Dave and Lex talked for a while about things. While the latter two didn’t say much about who they were, they did make a great impression on Martha and Jonathan. Finally, Dave cleared his throat. “We need to be getting back. It was great meeting you both. Be careful tomorrow.” “The same to you,” Martha agreed. “Take care.” “And keep your wits about you,” her husband agreed. After the two younger men had left, she asked, “Do you get the feeling they know more about this than they’re telling?” “Definitely. Somehow, those two are connected to Lionel Luthor and his partners. I don’t know how I know but I know,” he guessed. “If they are, let’s hope they work that miracle you talked about,” she replied. And keep their heads down in the process! **** [Across from the Talon] Dave stopped Lex in front of the theater again. The die’s now cast. He looked across the street at the theater, knowing that in just a few hours, things would heat up quickly once it got started. “Why did you talk ‘bout our fathers like that?” the boy wondered. “Lex, Dad and Uncle Lionel are doing something wrong, all right?” Dave replied. “It’s complicated but he’s cheating these people out of that theater and it’s only the start of things.” He stooped down to Lex’s level. “Auntie tells you to do the right thing, right?” “Uh huh.” “And she says to respect other people, right?” “Uh huh.” “There you go. Dad’s not respecting anyone but himself. The people here are going to work on that. Lex, don’t say anything about the party to Dad or your father. It’s a surprise,” Dave indicated. “But, David!” Lex protested, knowing his father would spank him for that. “Your word as a man, Lex,” Dave admonished. For a long minute, Lex looked at his older friend and saw the earnestness there. While he knew that Dave hated his father, he also remembered that Mother said he could trust Dave too. “All right, I promise.” “Thank you, Lex. It won’t be that bad,” Dave presumed. “Now let’s get back to LuthorCorp before they miss us.” They crossed the street again, heading for their fathers’ office again. **** As they headed away, Pauline stepped into view. With the aid of a cloaking spell, she appeared like any other resident of the farming community. From within the mists, she had observed the duo’s activities with interest. Judging from the vibrations she felt from this place and from both sides, she knew that everyone was serious. And that, trouble would follow…. Goddess, help us! She disappeared into the portal, looking to give the Empress an update as soon as possible. ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(12/60) Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 05:04:18 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 10 [Wednesday Morning] [Smallville—Luthor Mansion 6:15 AM Central] Lionel and Lex waited by the front door for their guests to join them. For the previous twenty minutes, they had dressed in their best suits and waited. Finally Stuart stomped down the stairs angrily. “Let’s go!” “What is it?” Lionel wondered. “Where’s David?” His partner snickered sarcastically. “The bookworm’s sick! He doesn’t want to see his precious movie house come crashing down. Aw well, we’ll take pictures to torture him with later!” “You see, Lex? For all of his big talk, David is weak. You won’t be weak! Today will forge your future!” Lionel lectured his son. “Come on. The men will follow!” With that, the three of them headed out. Even as they left, Lex knew better about his friend. David isn’t really sick! He wouldn’t miss the party, would he? **** Even as they left, Dave was already at work. He sat in bed, putting on a command performance to get rid of his father. After hearing the door close downstairs, he jumped out of bed and got dressed. He tied a sheet to the chest and used it to slow his fall so that he landed all right. “Okay, let’s go,” he indicated, looking around for his best option. Seeing his father’s men already in the truck and about to leave for the Talon, he ran toward the truck. Somehow, he made it to the trailer and under the tarp to catch a ride with the equipment. “Cool.” With that, the truck drove off to the site. **** [Chicago—Palace Hotel 7:45 AM] Lillian secured her suitcase and looked around the room. As Nick had promised, the desk had her instructions by 11:00 on the previous evening. Upon reading them, she had been pleasantly surprised to see that he had arranged for them to fly to Metropolis at 9:30 instead of 1:30 and to have them in Smallville no later than 1:00. Thank God he could get us there faster! Seeing that she had everything, she carried the suitcase down to the lobby where she checked out. As she headed outside, she saw a black limo pull up to the curb. The driver got out and walked up to her. “Mrs. Luthor, I’m James, your driver. Dr. O’ Connor will meet us at the airport. Allow me to put your suitcase in the trunk.” “Thank you,” she accepted, following him to the car. After he had put the bag in the trunk, he opened the back door and helped her in. How does a bookstore owner afford this? The car pulled away, taking her toward Destiny…. **** [Faerie Realms] Watching Dave’s maneuver made both the Empress and Grimwilkin admire his resolve. Unlike Stuart and Lionel, they knew the teenager had a plan and would execute it as he did. “As with the gauntlet a year and a half ago, David charges into danger with skill,” she assessed. He nodded, considering everything Pauline had reported. “Does he realize the risk to himself if he ends up facing his father there?” “Meaning?” she inquired, arching an eyebrow at him. “Meaning—if his father or the elder Luthor strike him and shed blood, the act will free Lichtenfeld,” he reminded her. She shook her head. “How could we have overlooked THAT?” “The recent spells she cast made it so,” he noted. “Pauline watches the situation closely as do those who know in the place called Rowenshire.” She glared at the portal, cursing herself for being foolish. This mistake could undo everything! May the goddess protect the boy on this day! **** [Amherst High—9:55 AM Eastern] Karen tried to focus on her French quiz, keeping her eyes riveted to the page. During the previous night, she still swore that she could feel Dave’s uncertainty and consternation. While she kept mum about it, she knew there was trouble brewing. Come on, Dave. Get back here! A quick look out the window revealed a bank of black clouds forming to the east. What? The storm again? Just like when we were in Athol! Before Mr. Stover noticed, she quickly returned to the test, praying for the best. **** [Rowenshire—Old Dubois House] As Karen had noticed, albeit without being able to deduce the cause, the unnatural storm brewed over the reservoir’s eastern shore. Even as the townspeople of Rowenshire suspected the cause, they stayed indoors on that day, keeping their children home from school as well. Meanwhile, the Witch did nothing more. She didn’t have to do anything. As she considered the elements combining into the coming climax, she grinned. It wouldn’t be long now…… __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(13/60) Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 05:07:23 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 [A/N: And here comes the Stand...and Dave's Moment of Truth....] Chapter 11 [Smallville—the Talon—just before 8:00 AM Central] The sun had risen at 7:00 over Smallville. The wind continued to whistle briskly through the streets and the flurries continued to fall, coating the ground with its first light covering of powder. The townspeople stood in front of their beloved landmark, picketing and protesting its impending destruction. The Luthors had messed with them long enough. They weren’t taking it anymore. As with everyone else, Jonathan and Martha held their signs high for the television cameras, hoping to attract attention for their cause. Beside them, Henry Small and Jack Ross did the same. “I hope that teenager you ran into last night really did make that call,” Henry pointed out. “He could have been a Luthor plant.” “No. I don’t think so,” Martha disagreed, having sensed Dave’s sincerity from the previous evening. “Granted, there’s something he didn’t tell us but I think we can trust him.” Looking out at the line of demolition equipment and the workers down the street, her husband replied, “I hope you’re right, Martha. That last truck pulled in about twenty minutes ago and they’re ready to start any minute.” >From behind them, they heard a “psst!” “Hey! Who’s he?” one of the other protestors inquired. Martha grinned. “David?” Dave stepped forward. “Why so surprised? I told you I’d be here. Got a spare sign?” Jonathan handed him a white one reading “Lionel Luthor’s a fraud.” “That all right?” “It suits me just fine,” the teenager concurred, agreeing with the sentiment in any event. “Just wave it around and try to get their attention. I wonder if we’ll get it?” Henry inquired. Dave shrugged. “Leave that to me. When Lionel sees me, he’ll have kittens.” Weakling, am I? He grinned wickedly. Bring it on, Lieonel! **** [Construction workers’ side] Down the street, Lionel and Stuart sat with their foreman, Norton Nesbert and a small army of workers. Beside them were two bulldozers and a wrecking ball intended for putting the Talon out of its misery. “The first day in a long partnership, Stuart.” “Indeed,” the other man toasted with his coffee. After this project was completed, their companies would merge and nobody would stand in their way. “I still wish that my wimp son would have the guts to watch us take down this dump!” Lex, however, knew differently. While he didn’t understand the details, he knew that Dave would be there to put just the right spin on the celebration. To further cement things, he saw the Big Conspirator melting into the line of protestors. He’s gonna get in trouble! I should tell Daddy, but I promised. At that moment, a police convoy came up Main Street. In their midst, a government marked car rode elegantly over the asphalt. The group came to a halt between the theater and the demolition squad. A well-dressed man got out of the car and with a foghorn announced, “Attention! People of Smallville, my name is Herbert Jackson and I wanted to let you know that the Talon will not be demolished today! The paperwork’s in motion to protect this place. It’ll be ready within the hour!” **** The crowd cheered. Within it, Henry stared at the newest recruit to their ranks. “You really did it!” “I told you!” Martha indicated. “Thanks, David!” Seeing his father looking around in shock, Dave told them, “Time to get their attention. Watch this.” He headed toward Jackson much to the amazement of his cohorts. **** Even as all of this occurred, Lionel gaped and roared. “How? How could this happen?” His enraged partner scanned the crowd and saw one familiar face there. “I know how….Traitor! Miserable turncoat!” Lionel took out his bullhorn and bellowed, “David, did you do this?” The teenager walked up to Jackson and borrowed his bullhorn. “I made the call last night. You know—when you told me you could plan the destruction without me? Too bad, you didn’t realize that I could make a few calls too.” “I…I,” Lionel sputtered, too enraged to speak. “I believe the words are ‘Et tu, Brutus?’ ” Dave savored, anticipating the looks on their faces. “No! I won’t let this happen! Nesbert, bring the men! We’ll rip this place apart before the order gets here!” Stuart yelled, motioning for the others to follow. “No, Father! Can’t rip it down! Can’t!” Lex protested, yanking on his father’s sleeve. Lionel looked aghast at his son. “Lex, stop this!” “No! Stop!” The boy argued, pulling with all of his strength. Lionel scowled at the teenager across the way. Somehow Dave had managed to poison Lex’s mind. “Lex, this is progress!” The boy shook his head. And Lionel froze with indecision for the first time in his life, torn between avenues to vent his frustration. You will pay for this, David! I promise you! In that moment of confusion, Lex made the most fateful decision any seven year old could make. Even as his father was busy with everything else, the boy ran as fast as his little legs could carry him into the fray and to his friend’s side. **** Meantime, Jonathan saw the workers rushing forward to meet the group. “What are they doing?” “They want to rip the place down before the order gets here! No way!” Jack retorted. “Now that Jackson said ‘no’, they can’t!” Martha indicated. “That won’t matter to Lionel Luthor, Martha,” Henry noted. “David! Get back here!” “I know these creeps. Trust me; they’ll leave me for the big guns themselves!” Dave disagreed before rushing toward his father’s men. This is stupid but I have to do it. Jonathan shook his head at the teenager’s act of temerity. “Of all the stupid things! Martha, stay out of it, all right?” “I can’t let you go either!” she protested. “He’ll get killed by himself,” Jonathan countered before kissing her and taking off. Retreating to the side of the theater, Martha watched the developing conflict through her tears. She couldn’t bear the thought of being a widow only a month after being married. Don’t be stupid, Jonathan! __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(14/60) Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 05:09:33 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 The crowd clashed with the advancing workers and a brawl ensued. Although the latter only wanted a peaceful protest, the latter desired nothing less than teaching them a lesson. Words turned into fists and then tools turned into weapons. For their part, the protestors resorted to using their signs to ward off the blows before falling back toward the theater. “Push ‘em back! We got them!” Nesbert crowed. “Teach these tree huggers a lesson!” “Where’s my son! I’ll kick his ass for this!” Stuart growled, looking at how his dream was going up in smoke. Seeing the police getting involved, he spat, “Damn!” Jackson spoke through the bullhorn. “Mr. Dubois! Mr. Luthor! If you can’t keep your men under control, the police will arrest them and you!” “Go to Hell! Come on, Nesbert! Let’s find my no account son!” Stuart declined, heading off with his foreman following closely behind. When they found Dave, there would be Hell to pay all right….. **** Lionel ran around the perimeter of the brawl, trying to find Lex. Since the boy had disappeared into the mess of humanity, he couldn’t see him there. “Lex! Lex! Come back, Son! Come back now!” Damn you, Lillian and David, for teaching him to be reckless for such things! He pressed onward, not wanting to abandon his heir. **** Jackson stared in disbelief at the melee. Sure, he had been through several heated instances where community elements had disagreed over the fate of a building. He had negotiated to placate corporate interests. He had even stepped between sides to stop tensions. But he had never seen anything degenerate to this level. Lord, help us! How could this happen? Armed with riot gear, officers from Metropolis, Granville, Kansas City and Dodge City stood beside him. Captain Ron Wolff, a fifteen year veteran, requested, “Give the word, Jackson!” “Break this up,” Jackson concurred. “This is unacceptable!” “Move out!” Wolff ordered, leading the men into the brawling mass. As the snow fell with greater intensity, he and the others worked to bring the scene back under control. However, Jackson saw four men splinter off and head for the theater. He also saw Dave and Martha barring their path. “Wolff!” he yelled to no avail. Finally, he broke protocol and rushed toward the developing scene. He isn’t responsible for this mess nor does he deserve a beating from those animals! **** Meantime, Dave saw his father and Nesbert approaching through the brawl and snow. Up until that point, he had managed to duck and weave through the fight, only landing a few blows to deflect punishment away from himself. Still, he knew that was about to change. Stand your ground, Dave! “There he is! Mr. Dubois, there’s the turncoat!” Nesbert pointed out, brandishing a steel form rod. “About time! Hey, Boy! Time for another beating! I’ll teach you!” Stuart yelled as he stalked toward the cornered teenager. Dave frowned, sensing that he couldn’t run away. Standing firm, he bellowed back, “Then come on, you stupid barbarian! BRING IT ON!” **** As he rushed through the mob, Lex avoided most of the adults’ blows. “David! David, where are you?” As with Jackson, he pushed on. Finally seeing his friend cornered, he screamed, “NO!” Then, as fast as his little legs could carry him, he ran toward the teen’s side. Maybe he was small but Lex endeavored to repay Dave for his friendship. **** Martha looked around frantically. The townspeople had wanted a peaceful demonstration against Lionel Luthor’s plans. However, everything had turned ugly. Her neighbors met the workers head-on in a brawl. “Jonathan!” she screamed, not wanting her newlywed husband to be hurt. “Martha! Stay down!” he told her. She nodded, frozen in that spot and watching everything move in slow motion around her. Then, she saw someone coming from each direction. On the one side, Stuart Dubois surged through the mob, looking for his son. On the other, the little boy, Lex, whom she had only met the night before ran toward his friend. “Lex, stay back!” she pleaded. “No, help David!” the boy screamed. Then a wall of people surged between them, blocking their sight. Turning back toward the Talon, she saw Dave confronting his father and Nesbert. My God! They’ll kill him! **** Nesbert advanced on the theater brandishing the rod in his hands. Even if they couldn’t rip the place down, he would do some damage. “Put it down, Mr. Nesbert,” Dave challenged, stepping in the other man’s way. “You so much as scratch a window and they’ll throw you in jail.” He gulped anxiously, being very much aware of Nesbert’s temper and how much the latter shared his boss’ resentment of his ideals. “You brat. You don’t understand! These are our jobs! Our livelihoods!” the foreman screamed angrily. “Their town, though. I think that’s more important,” the teenager asserted, trying to calm the other man down. The foreman held up the bottom end of the rod. It glowed orange in the early morning light. “Time to teach you some manners!” Rushing the younger man, he stuck the hot end into Dave’s side. The tip burned Dave’s side, sending searing pain through his body. Much as the Witch had done earlier, the attack made him reel. His head started to go numb again. “No! Not now!” Getting jabbed again, he screamed in pain as the burns scarred him. “Good one, Nesbert,” Stuart cheered cruelly and crowed, “Try this! You love your theater! Here’s a front row seat!” The attacker smacked Dave across the jaw again and again staggering him. Then he punched him several times in the midsection. Finally, he dropped his shoulder and rammed the other backward. Dave grabbed the rod from Nesbert, but he flew backward…and into the glass. “Shit!” As he hit the window, the glass shredded much of his shirt and pant legs in addition to cutting into his arms and legs. In pain, he screamed long and loud into the storm. In the process, blood oozed from those cuts and the numbness deepened within Dave’s head. The scar on his hand began to glow bright green. Blood on the snow….pooling in crimson patches of pain….. And calling forth another age of darkness…. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(15/60) Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 05:38:40 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.07)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 12 Even as Dave screamed, the sound wasn’t isolated to Smallville. No…for the sound echoed across the continent and even to dimensions beyond. As the fabric of what had been spun with great difficulty unraveled, a Rubicon was crossed. **** [Rowenshire—old Dubois House] For the past hour, the Witch had heeded the vibrations from the west, waiting for her moment of deliverance. Then, as Dave hit the window—as his blood spilled onto the window pane and the snow, she felt a surge of power. “FREE!” she cackled, emitting a burst of raw eldritch energy and shredding the containment bubble. Above her, the dark storm clouds sent red lightning crashing toward the ground, frightening those around her. “Ye hear me! I, Anne Lichtenfeld, am free ONCE MORE! Tremble before me!” she bellowed, laughing triumphantly. >From the Valley below, a heavy growl echoed to her ears. “Nay, Sweet! Stay ‘ere! I shall bring our boy back!” she disagreed. “Be back soon, Precious!” With that, she vanished. **** [Nick’s plane—five minutes earlier] For the past hour, Nick and Lillian had discussed the issue at hand and their plans for dealing with it. If all went well, they would land in Metropolis within the next twenty minutes. Then they would take a special car to Smallville in hopes of heading off the brewing storm. He knew though that it would be a close call. The vibrations are skyrocketing. He saw the light flash, letting them know the pilot had something to say. He pushed the white intercom button by his seat. “Yes, Will?” Will replied, “We’re too late, Dr. O’ Connor. I thought you should know.” “Too late?” Lillian asked anxiously. “Yes, ‘m. A riot’s going on in downtown Smallville. Your husband, son and the two Duboises are there,” Will reported. She shuddered, immediately fearing the worst for Lex. “Alex! Dear me! That’s why Lionel didn’t want me there!” “Can you land us in Smallville?” Nick requested. “Sorry, sir. According to the FCC, the airport’s closed until the crisis is resolved. I have immediate clearance to land in Metro though,” Will replied. “Do it and….” The former Crusader felt a sharp pain resonate through himself. “Arrgh!” He fell to the floor and writhed in agony. In his head, he heard the dark familiar laugh. “No! She can’t be free!” “Nicholas!” she called, rushing to his side. “Get…back!” he hissed, losing his composure. “It’s all right. I….” she told him before seeing his face. Her eyes went wide and she backed a step away. “T…that’s why you need the windows covered!” He rose with his vampiric features fully revealed. “Yes. This is what I am, Lillian. Lorenzo and David both knew.” “Lorenzo knew?” she asked. Then she realized, “That’s why you know so much about this witch, isn’t it?” “Indeed. I faced her 251 years ago back in Rowenshire,” he recounted. “And this is how I helped David to survive the last encounter in the Valley.” He trembled, straining to hold the Vampire in check. “See the cooler beside you? I need three of the bags now!” She nodded nervously, opening the ice cooler. Inside, she found the pint bags in question. “Just three?” “For now,” he insisted, motioning with his hand. She almost flung them at him in her haste to assuage the Hunger. “Sorry.” After he guzzled down two of the bags, he relaxed. “That’s…fine.” He looked toward the window. “I wish it was dark out there. I can’t intervene like this!” He made his face return to normal. “My apologies.” She blinked incredulously at him. “And you wouldn’t try to…feed on David?” “No. I don’t drink human blood any more,” he told her. Holding up the last bag, he indicated, “It’s cow.” “Oh…that’s a relief,” she expressed, watching him down that bag too. “So what was that about?” “The Witch is free,” he indicated. “Worse for David, she’s down in Smallville.” “My word!” she exclaimed, letting her mind take in all of the possible ramifications. “Will!” he called. The intercom buzzed again. “Strap yourselves in, Folks! The tower in Metro knows that Mrs. Luthor’s onboard and they’ve cleared us for emergency approach!” Hang on, Alex and David. Please hang on. As she fastened her seat belt, Lillian prayed for the boys’ safety and feeling the dread wash over her. Lionel, so help me, I’ll skin you alive for this! **** [Faerie Realms] The Empress glared at Pauline. “How could this happen? HOW?” “Those brutes with the elder Dubois started the brawl, Milady. There was no time to step in,” the priestess pointed out. “Just as fire sweeps quickly through a dry bed of pine needles, so went this conflagration. There was no time to intercede,” Grimwilkin agreed. “We have bigger issues now.” “Lichtenfeld is there!” the Elf-Queen realized. “And the boy is changing. We stopped the process before but this time, it is too far along,” he noted frankly. “I had hoped that Nicolas and the woman would have reached them before now. Alas, it’s too late, I fear.” >From where she stood in the corner watching, Cybelle whimpered. “There’s pain and darkness.” The Empress spun toward the young girl. This stops here! “Cybelle, you need to rest. I won’t lose you to the darkness too.” “But Dave…he’s still fighting. He needs help,” the novice contended. “And help is coming, Dear One. Now sleep,” the Elf Queen bade, casting a spell on the girl. “Pauline, return her to her quarters. We have bigger problems. There is one who can assist now. I pray she’s up to the task…. __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail Mobile Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/learn/mail Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.07)(R)(Smallville/FK)(16/60) Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 05:41:06 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.07)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 13 [Talon] Even as the news spread about their mess, Stuart and his men moved in on Dave. The teenager staggered to his feet, ignoring the white hot pain screaming at him. “Now y…you did it. Y…you’re goin’ to jail!” Then out of the corner of his eye, he saw the ghost appear. “Terrific. Why not!” “Had ‘nough yet, History-Boy?” Nesbert baited, taking out his favorite weapon, an old bicycle chain. Advancing on the semi-conscious teenager, he raised it high over his head. “Too bad! Your old man’s gonna give me a bonus for this!” With that, he swung the weapon. At that moment, Lex lunged into the space, covering his friend. Unfortunately, the chain hit him, ripping through his blazer and shirt and into the skin and muscle beneath. “Ahhh!” The boy looked into his friend’s eyes. “S…save…pretty…” “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” the elder roared and backhanded his son across the face. “You realize what kind of work you’ve ruined? You should be ashamed!” The teenager managed to prop himself up on one shoulder. The cuts, bruises, and his side felt like a million bee stings all over him. “Ya think I’m a monster, right?” The Witch laughed, “Of course they do, Boy! Yer darkness itself!” “SHUT UP!” Dave yelled at her. “Now you’re seeing things again,” his father cracked. “Answer me, Dad!” Dave demanded. Stuart smirked. “Damn straight you’re a monster! Nesbert!” “With pleasure!” the foreman swung the chain again and prepared to strike again. But before he could, Dave picked up the rod and stuck it straight at his attacker. The hot tip bit deeply into Nesbert’s left eye, blinding him instantly. Feeling it boil away into a useless cooked mass, the foreman howled in pain. Dave snarled, “Message for ya, asshole…Don’t leave…your toys lyin’…around….” The man ran off trying to find something to cool the agony. The Witch realized her moment was at hand. Feeling the urge from Dahak, she cast a dark spell. Lux discedent! Obscuritas surgerent! Meo Puer belissimo viderit! “C…coward,” Dave growled. For the first time, he felt something more than fear. Anger…self-righteous anger and indignation surged through him. Glaring at the Witch, he glowered. “What did ya do?” “Revealin’ yer true self, Boy!” Lichtenfeld gloated. “Time fer ye to come out!” “This…is my…true self!” he insisted. Turning toward his other adversary, he challenged, “Bring it on, Dad. C…’mon.” “With pleasure!” Stuart concurred, approaching his son with malice in his heart. **** Martha watched the scene unfold in front of her in bewilderment. While she worried about her husband who was somewhere in the mob, she also watched her new teenage friend. Who is he talking to? As she couldn’t see the ghost, she thought he was raving. While he had disposed of the foreman, Dave also faced his father. It is up to you, Martha Kent, a voice called. Now I’m hearing things! She looked around but saw nothing there. Who? I’m one who knows you and your heart. You must stop David from killing his father. If he does, he will be lost. Lost? As in damned. Lost to the darkness forever. Help him, Martha Kent. She took a deep breath and gulped anxiously. I can’t let him die! With that, she rushed forward. “No! David, stop!” “No!” the angry teenager snarled, picking up the rod. “Dad, face me!” Stuart shook his head. “Time to put you outta my misery!” He grabbed a billy club lying from where it had rolled out of a worker’s hand. Taking aim, he swung and connected across his son’s shoulder. “You like that? Try this!” Grabbing hold, he smacked his son into the brick face next to the broken window. “David!” Martha screamed. “What kind of a father are you? HOW DARE YOU?” “Stay out of this!” the consultant hissed. “That’ll teach you.” The son rolled in pain on the ground. He cried out in agony. His head pounded like a drum. “Aye! AYE!” Lichtenfeld exclaimed, realizing that she had won. Then something happened. Within his head, he felt as if he was ripping in two. A red haze dropped across his line of sight. And then he heard the Scream from his nightmare before he blacked out. Not realizing what was going on, his father kicked him in the ribs. “There! Stupid punk! Guess you know now!” “And so will ye!” the ghost declared. “Rise, Boy! RISE!” Dave staggered absently to his feet and sniggered at his father. ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(17/60) Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 05:42:47 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.07)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 “Want some more, Dave?” Stuart gloated and rushed him a third time. A sinister smile spread across the teenager’s face as this time, he avoided the charge. “Ya missed, Buttwipe! My…turn!” He flung his father into the Talon’s nearby wall. “An’ Ah ain’t Big Bro!” He screamed at a higher note, eclipsing all save the most pained banshee. “Payback’s gonna be a bitch!” In a rapid turn of events, now he was the one pounding his tormentor. Over and over, he did so. His father whimpered in pain, trying to make him stop. “Ya like that, don’cha?” the teenager cracked while inflicting still more pain on his father and savoring the experience. Stop him, Martha Kent! the Voice ordered. She knew something wasn’t right with the young man. We can help him later. First, I have to stop this! “David! Stop!” she ordered, grabbing him. “Git away!” he roared darkly, shrugging her off. Then he felt a jerk on his pant leg. “Now what?” “Dav…id, you’re all scary,” Lex indicated weakly. “Too bad!” the teenager snapped. “Dav…id, ‘member pretty…” Lex begged, grabbing him by the pant leg. “Good na’ bad.” As he looked into the boy’s eyes, he saw fear and concern. Turning to Martha, he saw the same look. “Git back! Ah gotta do this!” “No, David! You don’t have to! You don’t want to be like him!” she pleaded with him. “Nay! Do it!” the ghost countered. The enraged young man struggled between the two sides, wavering between them. While he wanted to hurt his father, he didn’t want to kill him. In the end, he grabbed his head and screamed. His anger abated enough for his vision to clear. “M…martha?” She nodded. “That’s right.” “I…can’t do it. He isn’t worth it,” Dave stammered. She smiled at him. “That’s right. He isn’t. Thank you.” Seeing Lionel glowering at them, she told him, “Stay back! He’s been through enough!” “Too bad,” Lionel hissed, grabbing the club and swinging wildly at him. “I’ll kill both of you!” “No, you won’t…” Dave asserted, fumbling with the rod again and poking at this attacker as well. Lionel dodged for the most part. However, the still hot tip scratched just under his left ear. “You…” “Co…me…on…” the teenager hissed, shaking form the effort to stay on his feet. Lionel shook his head, knowing that from his injuries, Dave was as good as dead anyhow. His son lay in the wreckage somewhere. Rot in Hell, you little punk! Looking around frantically, he couldn’t see his boy anywhere. Turning to Dave, he vowed, “One day, you’ll pay for this! I promise you!” “Lex’ll never…be like you…. I’ve…planted doubt in…his mind. My revenge….” With that, David fell face first in the street and lapsed into semi-consciousness. “David!” Martha exclaimed. Even though she shook him, he wouldn’t wake up. “No!” Placing herself between her friend and the billionaire, she asserted, “You won’t do it.” Stuart staggered toward her. “An’ you can’t stop me!” Then they heard a rifle shot behind them. “Luthor! Dubois! Get away from my wife!” Jonathan warned, cocking his gun. “My son picked…his friends…well. He can have you…” Stuart managed to mutter. “Come. The gardener needs to know when to cut off a sick branch if the tree is to survive. Come on,” Lionel urged. As much as he hated to leave his son in these yokels’ hands, he knew they would take care of him. There will be another day! He guided Stuart to a nearby limo and they drove off. “After them!” Jackson ordered. Wolff and the other available officers rushed to their cars to pursue the two partners. As soon as the two men left, Jackson rushed over to Martha and Jonathan. “Are you both all right?” “We are. But David and the boy need help,” she indicated. She sobbed. “How can anyone do that to his son?” Jonathan held her tightly, knowing why she felt that way. “We’ll get him help, Martha.” “He’ll get the best,” Jackson agreed. “Where’s the nearest hospital?” “It’s Smallville Regional,” the farmer noted. “Can you get an ambulance for them?” “Absolutely. If you’ll excuse me?” Jackson requested before leaving to do that. Martha kneeled over Dave’s battered and beaten body. “He didn’t deserve this….He was only trying to do what was right. He was fighting something else too.” “The mob, I’d imagine,” her husband assumed. She shook her head. “No. There’s something else here too. Don’t ask me why but I know it’s here.” “There’s nothing around us,” Jonathan stated. “Are you all right?” “I’ll be fine,” she insisted. “Let’s make sure he gets to the hospital. Then we can go from there.” “D…David,” Lex muttered, picking himself up and crawling from the wreckage. “And that’s got to be Lionel’s son, Lex,” her husband assumed. “C’mon, let’s get them to the hospital. Then we’ve got to get some information to his family.” First, the hospital, then we can worry about that. **** Even as the Kents watched Dave and Lex, Lichtenfeld howled in frustration. “NAY! Ye canna deny me! Insolent cow!” “With my help, she can,” the Empress declared, appearing there. “Leave, Lichtenfeld. You have no further business here!” “Make me!” the ghost challenged. The Elf-Queen threw a mystic burst that bowled her adversary over. “That was the beginning. Leave NOW!” “This ain’t finished!” the Witch hissed before vanishing. Thankfully, Martha Kent proved her mettle today. With my help, she did fine. Now we wait and see how bad the damage is…. With that, she vanished. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(18/60) Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 01:37:54 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 12 [Smallville Police Station—Four hours later] Wolff put out an APB on the two fugitives. After an hour chase, he and Sheriff Buster Reynolds stopped the limo, arrested the two partners and brought them back to Smallville for booking. Even if their lawyers had them out in a few hours, Reynolds determined to have some satisfaction first. Mug shots and fingerprints would be the least of their problems when he and Jackson finished with them. **** [12:15 PM] Nick spent the entire trip from Metropolis to Smallville collecting himself and trying to deduce the vibrations’ source. As he had told Lillian before they landed, he knew that Lichtenfeld had escaped, appearing in the town’s center. He also knew that she had done something to Dave. The darkness exploded. “I hope they’re okay,” she fretted for the fifteenth time, wringing her hands with worry. “We can only hope so. David’s a survivor. I’m sure he’s all right,” he assured her. “Thank you,” she expressed. “But one of these times, his luck’s going to run out. He’s been through so much already! And my baby’s there somewhere!” And this may be the time when David’s luck indeed did run out. Not yet, Nicolas de Brabant, the Empress told him. Lillian Luthor does not know that I am here. How are they? he inquired. Barely alive. They are at the place the mortals call a ‘medical center’. And Lichtenfeld? He started to think of a plan to deal with the ghost. I drove her from the scene. And David? How bad did she…? She brought forth the darkness planted in him by Dahak, Nicolas. He struggles against it even now. You know what I have to do. And you know I will stop you. I do not care what your Community tells you. Nothing more will happen to David. In fact, I do have something for you and Lillian Luthor to do. And that is? he wondered. There are mortals called ‘psychologists’ coming to see him. The fools think that David is another normal abuse case. They will further provoke the Witch’s handiwork. You two must get rid of them! If you don’t, I will! He grimaced, imagining what the Empress would do to the counselors. Lillian and I will talk to Stuart and her husband in a few minutes when we reach the police station. Getting myself in there without a scene will be interesting. Then he felt a tingling sensation. What? The daylight will not be an issue for you while on the goddess’ business, Nicolas. I ask that you restrain yourself in the presence of those two fools! A little persuasion though would be in order, she reported. He smirked. That is if Lillian doesn’t kill them first. We’re here. Can you have one of your priestesses keep an eye on the situation until we get there? I shall. Thank you, Nicolas. With that, the Empress’ voice went silent. “Are you all right?” she wondered although she didn’t know what passed for ‘all right’ where vampires were concerned. “Fine. Come on,” he agreed, opening the door. “What are you doing?” she demanded. “I have help. Come on, let’s deal with your husband and Dubois,” he indicated, stepping out into the daylight gingerly. When his skin didn’t smolder in the sunlight, he let out a deep breath, feeling relieved. “Amazing!” “How can you be doing this?” she whispered in his ear. “Magic. Come on,” he urged, leading them into the police station. At the desk, he saw a young man with dark hair and a mustache filling out paperwork. “Excuse me, Deputy?” “That’s right. How can I help you, Folks?” the deputy inquired. “I’m Professor Nicholas O’ Connor and this is Mrs. Lillian Luthor. We just came from Chicago,” Nick replied. “What happened downtown?” Lillian interjected. The deputy sighed. “Riot broke out between the Talon protestors and the wrecking crew. The former was let off with a bunch of stern warnings since they defended themselves for the most part. The latter, however, we’re going to throw the book at.” She frowned; her anger radiating off of her like heat from asphalt in mid-July. “I want to see my husband. Where is he?” “Husband?” the deputy asked. Then his eyes went wide. “You’re THAT Mrs. Luthor?” “That’s her,” Nick commented. “Answer her question, Deputy.” “They’re about to be released. I wish we could do more but his lawyer got him and his partner off with a slap on the wrist. After what Dubois did to his kid, I’d like to wallop him myself,” the police officer declared. “Sorry. I got carried away.” “That’s okay,” she assured him. “I know the feeling.” Seeing her husband walking out of the cell area, her eyes narrowed and she added, “Thank you, Deputy Ethan. You’ve been most helpful. Come along, Nicholas.” She stormed off. Despite facing all sorts of dangers in his 800 years, the former Crusader shivered. Hell hath no fury like a mother scorned. And he’d only felt the first headwinds from Hurricane Lillian…. **** __________________________________ Discover Yahoo! Find restaurants, movies, travel and more fun for the weekend. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/weekend.html Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(19/60) Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 01:40:51 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 14 [Rowenshire] Brother Andrew crossed himself while stepping out of the church in Rowenshire’s center. While many feared the dark clouds and storm, he had kept watch of them, knowing that the Witch would make her move soon. The dark laughter from that morning announced that very move. She’s free. Curse her! Nicholas, where are you? He looked over by his truck to see Nancy standing there. “Nancy?” Nancy McEverwood ran over to him with an anxious look on her face. “It’s her, isn’t it? Dave said she’d free herself!” “That she is. You should go home. I don’t want your parents causing a fuss,” he advised. “My father’s gone again. As for my mother, she won’t say anything. I told her I was helping you with an errand,” she noted. He smiled, conceding the point. “Indeed. Come along then.” He led her toward the vehicle. Barely a minute later, they drove off toward Amherst. **** [Amherst] [Janet’s House—Twenty minutes later] Janet flopped on the couch, feeling exhausted. With the cancer sapping her strength, she barely had the energy to do minimal cleaning much less with the care she usually showed such tasks. I’ve never felt so tired! How am I going to keep this from Dave now? She took a sip of water and collected herself. Speaking of Dave, Stuart said they’d be back by now. Thinking that, she suddenly felt nervous. What happened now? Cut it out, Janet. Maybe details held them up. She heard a knock at the door. Now who? She forced herself to stand and shuffle over to it. Opening it, she found Brother Andrew and Nancy standing there. “Brother Andrew! Nancy! What are you doing here?” “Look outside! Didn’t you see the storm and hear that laughing?” Nancy wondered, as they entered the house. “I thought it was a trick of this cancer,” Janet replied. Then she recalled the whole episode. “She’s free, isn’t she?” “We think so,” he theorized. “Worse, I can’t reach Nicholas O’ Connor.” “Isn’t that the guy you and Mrs. Luthor talked about, Mrs. Dubois?” Nancy asked. “Yes. Knowing him, I’ll bet he’s aware of the situation,” Janet answered. She felt more burning from the cancer. He saw the dark mark on her neck and queried, “Janet, is that her mark?” Janet sighed. “It is, Brother Andrew. I have the cancer.” Nancy bowed her head, knowing what this was going to do to Dave. “Does Dave know?” She looked around. “By the way, where is he?” “On a trip with his father in Kansas. They’re due back today,” Janet recounted. “You let that man take him out of state? With all due respect, that’s insane!” the teenager protested. “We think the ghost is free and Dave’s probably getting pounded on by his father.” “Nancy, we don’t know if that’s happening!” Janet snapped defensively. “Would she be able to follow him out there?” Nancy pressed the reverend. He nodded. “The Curse would permit it. Wherever David is, she will find him, especially if his father and Lionel Luthor are inflicting more pain on him. I hope we’re wrong, Janet. God help us if it’s true.” She took another deep breath. Stuart, please don’t hurt him! Then the phone rang. “Excuse me,” Janet expressed while answering it. “Hello?” “Janet! Thank Heavens! It’s Lillian,” Lillian started, trying to collect herself. “Lillian, where are you? What’s wrong?” Janet wondered. “I’m in Smallville, Kansas at the local hospital. I’ve spent much of the morning getting here from Chicago, dealing with Lionel and Stuart and tracking the boys down,” Lillian explained. “Why? What happened out there? Lillian, please tell me,” Janet demanded. “Stuart and Lionel never meant to consult David about the theater, Janet. They planned to tear it down right in front of him. According to the townspeople, David called some government folks and they got an injunction….” Lillian tried to continue. “Where’s Dave? Let me talk with him,” Janet requested, trying to stay composed. “He’s in a hospital bed with multiple injuries. I think Stuart pushed him over the edge this time. Thankfully, Nicholas is here with me. Sorry, Janet, I need to find Alex. Before I go though, I can fly one of David’s friends and a parent out here to be with him. I think you know who I would suggest,” Lillian reported. “I’ll see if Karen and her father can go. Where would they stay?” Janet inquired. “My husband and I would be delighted to put everyone up, Mrs. Dubois. My name’s Martha Kent and we have a farm with a couple of guest rooms. After what David did to save the Talon, it’s the least we can do,” Martha added, accepting the receiver from Lillian. “How badly…did he get hurt?” Janet inquired, trying to hang on. “Your son and his foreman beat him up and tossed him through the Talon’s front window. We think he’s dealing with trauma. I’ll let you speak with Dr. O’ Connor, all right? I need to help find Lex,” Martha concluded. Janet shuddered. If it was that bad, it may set Dave’s darkness off. Stuart, when will you stop this? “Janet, this is Nicholas,” Nick told her. “I wanted to let you know that I’ll be here for a couple of days.” “Thank you. Brother Andrew’s here. He was trying to get in touch with you. Is she there?” Janet wondered. “Yes. I can feel her,” the Crusader noted. “I’ll go out and check the site tonight. Meantime, I want to return to David’s room. Janet, whatever you need to do or say to Ricardo Alvarez, it’s vital that his daughter gets here. Okay?” “I’ll do what I have to. Thank you, Nicholas. I’ll let Brother Andrew know. Good bye,” Janet concluded, hanging up. She turned to her guests. “We know where Nicholas is.” “Thank the Lord he’s out there with David,” the minister declared. “But how did he get out there in the daylight?” “He’s phototropic,” Janet explained to Nancy. “Sensitive to sunlight.” “Not to sound crass but who cares? I’m glad he’s there to keep an eye on things. Meantime, we need to get Karen down there,” Nancy retorted. Janet nodded and dialed the phone. “Let’s hope Dr. Alvarez is in his office.” “Superintendent’s office, can I help you?” Bonnie Parley, the secretary, answered. “Bonnie, this is Janet Dubois. Is Dr. Alvarez available? It’s an emergency,” Janet noted. “He’s just getting out of a meeting. Let me go and get him,” Bonnie mentioned, noting the urgency in the other’s voice. A minute later, Ricardo asked, “Janet, what is it?” “Ricardo, I….” Janet broke down crying. “I should have…listened.” “What? Is this about Dave?” he asked. “Y…yes. Karen was right about the wh…whole thing,” she told him. He recalled his daughter’s words to him on the subject. “What happened?” “Apparently there was a riot of some sort and…Stuart beat him. Lillian Luthor and Nicholas O’ Connor are there with him now. Ricardo, Lillian wants you and Karen to fly out there. I’d go but I can barely stand with the cancer,” she told him. “I know this is a lot to ask but…they think he’s slipping. Please.” He knew there was a lot going on in the next few weeks with the school district. Looking at his calendar, it was jam packed. Yet, he knew how Karen felt about Dave and what the latter had put up with. Worse, he knew that Dave could be lost if he went under. “I’ll find a way to make it work, Janet.” “Thank you,” the frightened grandmother expressed. Seeing Nancy motion for the phone, she told him, “Just a minute.” __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(20/60) Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 08:02:59 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 “Dr. Alvarez, this is Nancy McEverwood, Dave’s friend from Rowenshire. We met last month,” Nancy introduced herself. “Of course. Forgive me but we don’t have time….” He started. “I know. I wanted to offer my help for the newspaper if needed. I know how important it is for Dave and Karen both,” Nancy proposed. “Thank you. I’m sure my daughter, Caroline, will appreciate your help. Can you leave a phone number where you can be reached?” he requested. “You bet. I’ll be here with Mrs. Dubois if that’s okay. I figure that Karen will need someone to talk to before you both head there,” the teenager noted. “I know she’ll appreciate that. Thank you for being such a good friend, Nancy. If you’ll excuse me, I need to free up my schedule. Talk to you soon, I imagine.” With that, he hung up. “Bonnie.” “Yes, Dr. Alvarez?” she asked expectantly. “Is everything all right?” “We have a situation. Please call Tony Fettles and tell him that I need him to take some of these events for the next week at least,” he explained. “Karen and I need to take a trip to Kansas.” Although she suspected the reason, the receptionist knew better than to ask too many questions. “I’ll get right on it. Should I call your wife as well?” “Thank you but I want to talk to Jeannie myself about this,” he expressed gratefully. He slumped into his chair, rubbing his head to stop the headache knotting in his temples. Stuart, what have you done now? **** [Gazette Newspaper office—about fifteen minutes earlier] Daniel Colavitto hung up the phone and went back to typing his latest news story. In the previous six months since his wife’s death, he had buried himself in his work. While he had cranked out piece after piece in succession, he still felt empty. I miss you, Candy. He looked at his wife’s picture and sighed. It seems like six years rather than six months. Thankfully, the kids from the high school stop by to visit. He smiled at the thought of his wife’s charges and how they had dedicated that year to her memory. David insisted on it of course. The phone rang again, intruding on his introspection. “Dan Colavitto here,” he answered. “Danny, this is Mike Ellis from the Smallville Ledger. I don’t know if you remember me from that AP conference a few years back,” Mike Ellis replied. “Sure. How are things in Kansas?” Dan wondered. “Not good. We had a riot here in Smallville over the Talon Theater. There’s a teenager we’re trying to identify for sure. He apparently was working with the National Council on Historic Preservation to stop Stuart Dubois and Lionel Luthor for tearing the place down. Here’s the kicker. He was writing a piece on it for the White Knight. That’s your wife’s paper, right?” Ellis reported. Dan went white, recalling the buzz from the school two days earlier. “The teenager. Is he about 5 foot 8 with dark hair and glasses. Slender build?” “That’s right! You know him?” Ellis asked. “I just described David Dubois. And he was down there with his father. I know that Alice Jenkins okayed the very story you’re talking about. Where is David now?” Dan confirmed. “He’s in Smallville Medical Center. You missed a real brawl, Dan. In fact, his father put him there,” Ellis stated. “They’re not sure what to think of him. Strange, he was hearing voices. A witness heard him yelling at something.” The Witch was there. But how? “Mike, listen to me. You need to keep the press and the social workers away from him. This is no normal trauma case you’re dealing with. There’s a guy I need to get a hold of—Nicholas O’ Connor.” “O’ Connor’s here. Somehow, he showed up within three hours of the whole thing from Chicago. Get this; he escorted Lillian Luthor back here. Talk about coincidences huh?” Ellis pointed out. At least he is there. If I didn’t know better, Candy, I’d say you’re behind him knowing. “Whatever O’ Connor recommends, can you tell the doctors to go along with? He knows David better than anyone.” “I’ll try. Let the locals know up there, all right?” “Will do, Mike. I owe you big,” Dan told him. “Thanks.” “Don’t mention it. We’ll see what we can do for the kid. After what he did for Smallville, we can give him the red carpet treatment for a while,” Ellis concluded before hanging up. I imagine. He thought back to the stories his wife told about the clashes between Dave and his father. He also remembered the poisoning scenario involving those two and Lionel Luthor. What did you do to your kid, Dubois? He took a deep breath and called the high school. “Yes, I need to speak to Mr. Edwards please. This is Daniel Colavitto and it’s an emergency…..” __________________________________ Discover Yahoo! Get on-the-go sports scores, stock quotes, news and more. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/mobile.html Subject: xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R)(Smallville/FK)(21/60) Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 06:42:24 -0700 From: "David J. Duncan" To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU xover: The Stand (Dubois Chronicles 1.17)(R) David J. Duncan 1986/2004 For notes & such, please see Part 1 Chapter 15 [Amherst High—White Knight Newsroom] Amherst-Pelham Regional High School buzzed with activity on that cold winter’s day in western Massachusetts. Maybe the skies were gray outside, but inside, the students’ minds wondered how they were going to get through their tests and survive until Christmas vacation that was still two weeks away. Up on the top floor, a group of students met to discuss the last issue of the school newspaper before the vacation. Of the twelve students in the room, ten reporters awaited their assignments anxiously. In front of the room, two editors looked at each other waiting the time to convene the meeting. Karen ran her hands through her chocolate brown hair and surveyed the entire room. Since hearing that weird howling wind earlier, she had the biggest headache in the universe and instinctively knew something was wrong. It isn’t like him to miss a meeting like this. Granted, his father is the world’s biggest jerk, but still, his grandmother was sure he would be back by now. Maybe his plane’s late. Damn, I know he would’ve called in if he were going to be late. Steve asked, “Karen, should we start? Dave would want us to start on time.” “Umm…sure,” she answered, biting her lip. “I’m sure everything’s fine,” he assured her. “Yeah, I’m sure,” she nodded and called for the meeting to start. “Hi, everyone. Well, it’s 3:00 so let’s get going. I have your assignments for the next issue.” The usual friendly groan went up. With Dave out of town, they hoped for a break. Obviously, with his best friend/chief lieutenant there, she would make sure things got done. She grinned, masking her own trepidation. I know something’s happening. Cut it out, Karen. We need to get these things done. After that, you can call his grandmother. “Harvey, you want to cover the spring elections?” “Right,” Harvey Morris agreed. “April, can you handle the Winter Fest in town?” Karen requested. “Done! I’ll have one of the staff on it,” April accepted. “Okay, now, Adrienne, Dave was wondering if you’d be interested in writing a feature piece on how our classmates are dealing with this time of year. You know—tests, waiting for the Holidays?” Adrienne Mitchell, the willowy girl in the back with the thick curly hair, smiled deviously. As with Karen, she liked the editor-in-chief a lot. This will give me a chance to show him who the more creative person really is. As if Karen deserves him. “Sure, it’ll be my pleasure.” Crossing her legs, she allowed the guys to get a good look at her legs. I’ll bet it’ll be. Karen mused scornfully to herself, fighting to keep the scowl off of her face as she noted the other’s clothes. Looks like she thought Dave would be here too. Is she sure that the skirt’s short enough? I’ll bet she freezes her tail off on the way home. Steve sighed, exchanging looks with the other editors. Will they both get a grip? “Uh, Karen? Can we move on?” A slight chuckle escaped Adrienne’s lips. “I quite agree. Karen, the others are waiting.” The assistant editor shot her rival a smart aleck smile and an angry glare. I bet you do. “Moving on….” At that moment, a knocking came from the door. Everyone saw Assistant Principal, William Edwards, stride purposefully into the room. “Hi, sir,” Karen greeted. Seeing the nervous look on his face, she immediately thought the worst. Dave! What happened? Knowing what was going through her mind