---------[Sunday, July 17th]----------- --------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 12:16:06 EDT From: Pamela Rush Subject: FK Wars2: FoD Post-prandial-mortem 11 AM Sunday, July 17: The Stone House, somewhere in KY A FoD Post-Prandial-Mortem Sherry and Tony had come to Pam and John's for a leisurely Sunday brunch, consuming a large and varied meal alfresco. The two men had strolled off to inspect the damage to the lawn from the crates and crates of food that had been delivered the preceding Tuesday. "So," began Sherry, once the two FoDs were alone, "how did John take it all?" "Well, he wasn't happy for a couple of days, but all those threats about running away from home were ridiculous. For one thing, he still doesn't know how to get money out of an automatic teller." "I can't believe you had that much trouble *here*. The Cousins were much more ambitious and more efficient than I thought!" "Yes; it must have cost someone a big bankroll, too." "Well, you got rid of it, finally." "Yes, but I was desperate for a few hours! I finally started to think about it from the other end of the problem: what kind of situations were the polar opposite, that is, when had I run *out* of food." "And you thought of...?" "A couple of possibilities: *in-laws*. But I've never actually run *out* of food when my in-laws were visiting, we just got down to leftovers and things that didn't go well together." "So, close, but *not* in-laws." "Right. Then I thought about 'starving artists.' They usually sweep through food like locusts. But remember when I helped at the Arts Alliance fund raiser last year? Even after the artists ate, there were some crackers and little bits of decorative parsley left. So, I thought about it some more and suddenly it hit me...." "Teenagers!" " --especially teenage boys! The black holes of calories. Food in a house with one teenage boy disappears like light into a black hole: it's physics. The food just ceases to exist." "And the effect --" " --is geometric in application. Two teenage boys can make four times as much food disappear as one teenage boy. So, after I quickly calculated the volume of food available, I imported nine teenage boys. It was all gone in about five or six hours. But it's too bad you didn't come home in time to meet the Cousin they sent down to parlay; I was really curious about whether or not you could have dissuaded him from his Cousinly ways." Sherry shuddered in the warm sunlight and shook her head vigorously. Pamela looked at her in surprise; it wasn't like Sher to turn down a challenge. "I've had enough of, uh, you-know-who and his people." "Oh?" "If Myra Schanke hadn't been there that night, I don't know how much more forceful *he* would have been and I honestly don't know how I would have held out." "I told you that you were susceptible to tall, cool, elegant men with cruel eyes." "No you didn't; you told me I had a soft spot for chubby cheeked blonds." "Ok; those, too. Gee, I wonder how it would -- " "I *just* said that I did not want to think about that right now!" "Ok, ok," said Pamela, holding up her hands pacifically. After a moment of silence, she murmured as though to herself, eyes fixed blankly in the middle distance, "......they'd be *cool* in the summer...." "Pa-mel-a!" "Ok! Maybe we'd better stick to the warm ones." "Like dark, magnetic Polish-Italian men with great --" "Especially *those*, but remember that most of them are happily married." "Ah, well. There's always food. At least it doesn't try to bite you back." "Yeah; want to take home some leftovers?" asked Pamela, indicating the still laden table. "If you insist. It was very nice, thank you. I especially liked the herbed chevre, the artichoke fritters, the crab mousse and the white chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake." "John ate all the Black Forest. I quite liked the lamb medallions with red pepper coulis and the haricots verts salade." "Wait a minute. Isn't that the entire 'A Perfect Sunday Summer Brunch' menu from the Silver Palate cookbook?" "Hmm, well...yes." "But that would take a professional restaurant kitchen and staff to prepare! Unless...?" "Unless a truckload of Silver Palate catered box brunches were delivered to your door." "You kept some of it?" "Let me put it this way: how much freezer space *do* you have?" ----------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --- FINI FODUM -- PAX ILLUMINIT MUNDI --- ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Pamela Rush and Sherry Crabtree pkrush01@ukcc.uky.edu swcrab01@ukcc.uky.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 19:06:49 -0400 From: Robin Carroll-Mann Subject: On the Road Again "We're lost again," Betsy V. commented. Robin C. shot her a baleful look. "I'm doing my best, ok?" "I thought you'd driven in cities before." Robin sighed. "I have. I didn't say I was any good at it." Betsy's eyes rolled up in a way that suggested she was in communion with a Higher Power. "No wonder it took all day to find Ivy." "Well, we found her, didn't we? And we got the tapes." "Yes, we did," Betsy said, in a voice that dripped with satisfaction almost as visible as cream on a cat's whiskers. "I can't wait to see the expression on LaCroix' face when he finds out we've got these." Robin shivered, although she had switched off the AC, and the warm air was flowing in through the vents. "I can wait. I can definitely wait." "It *is* creepy," Betsy agreed. "I mean, it's one thing to know that there are real vampires -- it's something else to see them." "--and to have *them* see *you*," Robin added, "and know that they're looking at you like a FoD eyeing a slice of pepperoni pizza... I will be extremely glad to get to the island and turn that over to Nat." She pointed at the non-descript plastic bag on Betsy's lap. Betsy nodded agreement. "Having this with us puts us pretty high on the list of LaCroix' un-favorite mortals. No wonder Ivy said she'd make her own way to the island." "So the sooner we get there, the better, right?" Robin asked. It seemed to be a rhetorical question. She shifted lanes and stepped on the gas. Betsy resumed her silent conversation with Someone Above. It was going to be a looooong drive. ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 17:43:50 -0400 From: "L.D. Steele" Subject: FKWARII: Die-Hards go to the Islands Sunday July 17th, 7:30pm Dawn put on some comfortable cut-offs and a t-shirt. Broken-in purple and black hiking boots were put on her feet. Then she packed her backpack with lots of necessary items like Smartfood popcorn, water, and a book to read in case things got boring (not that she expected it to). She even tossed in a few protectionary measures in case things got out of hand. She had called up Kathy and hour previously so she should be waiting soon at the St.George subway station. Dawn put on her backpack and absently patted her pockets for keys and her wallet. *I have to get on to the ferry. I wonder if they've started setting up for the shoot yet?* She looked like she was ready for a hiking trip. She she was ready for anything that might happen. ------------------------------------------ Dawn steele@fern.physics.mcmaster.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------- --- ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 18:54:00 EDT From: 'Most Holy Subject: Things that go "bu" on the ferry Sunday evening, on the Ferry Things that go "bump" on the ferry "Chewie, bless it! You're really starting to annoy me with those claws!" 'Most Holy was likely to have appeared slightly wack-o to the other ferry passengers. Talking to one's chest was not considered "normal" even in LA, let alone Toronto. But this conversation was not with himself, but with a Siamese with an *intense* dislike of water and given their present location, the cat was not amused. "I *Told* you to leave me in the hotel, the Cup is on! But noooo, you have to drag me along, on a oat, just so you can be there to see the end of this war!" Chewie had managed to wiggle her nose out from the inside of 'Most Holy's jacket and gulped at the fresh air. If cats were capable of turning pale, the sight of the water (lots of water) would have done the trick. "Well, I just know how you like to feel included in things and it just wouldn't have been proper for me to have drug you all this way just to leave you behind. Besides, I have a feeling Sidney is going to be there and you have been wanting to make his acquaintance." "Yeah, well..." At that moment a woman, looking for all purposes like she was going hiking for a long time, rounded the upper deck of the ferry and walked up to another woman standing against the rail. After exchanging pleasantries, they seemed to be comparing contents of their backpacks which seemed to contain all manner of wonderful things to Chewie's way of thinking. "Do you suppose that is a FoD? I men anyone who carries Smartfood has to be okay." Chewie was starting to slip out of 'Most Holy's jacket, a quick shove had the Siameses firmly in-place. "It could be, let's go over and see. Maybe they'll share their food with us." "Forget the rest, I want the popcorn!" They strolled over to the two women just as Chewie poked her head out of the jacket. "Is that a Siamese in your coat or are you just happy to see us?" Asked the one dressed as an add for L.L. Bean. "I'm known as 'Most Holy, and this is my partner, Chewie." "I'm Dawn and this is Kathy. Why are you walking around with a cat in your coat?" "We're going to watch the shooting of a tv show called "Forever Knight," she has never been to one before and I thought she needed to broaden her horizons." {"I'm going to broaden your horizon!" thought Chewie.} The two women glanced at each other, "Are you involved in the war by any chance?" asked Dawn with a slightly wary look. "As a matter-of-fact, we're FoSsils." The Siameses vigorously nodded her head. "We'll, we're Die-Hards and we're going to the showdown too. If you want, you can tag along with us." "That would be great. Just one thing, could you spare some popcorn for a hungry Siamese?" ------------------------------------------------------ 'Most Holy Otter@DRYCAS.club.cc.cmu.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 02:43:47 -0500 From: TMP_HARKINS@DIRAC.PHYSICS.JMU.EDU Subject: Feary Ferry Nick at Night July 17, 1994, evening I looked out across the water, then at Bruce. He was visibly pale. "Don't worry, honey. This is a ferry." He was eyeing the water. "Yeah." "They--do this every day without accident." Bruce looked sharply at me. "Don't even mention that! You know I swim like a rock." "Well, at least you don't get seasick." Not that I was throwing up or anything, but my stomach _was_ a bit queasy. But maybe it wasn't _entirely_ from the boat ride. To distract myself, I looked over to where Dawn and Kathy were standing. "Who are Dawn and Kathy talking to?" Bruce looked in their direction. "I've no idea. It's not a Die-Hard, I don't think." A Siamese cat was poking its head out of the man's jacket. "Look, a cat. Do you suppose he's with the FOSsiLs?" "Maybe. Maybe we should make our way over and see." As we walked toward them, a thought hit me. "I wonder when the last boat goes back to the mainland. Did Dawn say?" "No. But we can ask her." --Sandra Gray --tmp_harkins@dirac.physics.jmu.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 21:51:07 EDT From: Tokaara@AOL.COM Subject: Another Trip On The Ferry Sunday evening Another Trip On The Ferry ------------------------- Nan, Tok, and Tok's two cats boarded the ferry. "I suppose this trip is really necessary?" Tok asked Nan. "You saw the flyer. Besides, we haven't been able to find Sidney anywhere. Janette or whoever's got him will bring him here tonight. We'll be there to keep them honest." "How far do you think it is to the island?" Tok already felt a little queasy. "I don't get along well with boats." "Quit whining, OK? You said you'd help Natalie, remember? I thought you liked cats." "I do, I do ... Alright, let's just do it." Tok began searching through her fanny pack. "Lemme see, there has to be some Bonine in here somewhere." As the group made for a position by the rail, Gandalf turned to Merlin. "What did I tell you, little brother? You can't take these humans anywhere." "You think Sidney's really in trouble?" asked Merlin. "Maybe, maybe not. Knowing him, he's probably partying with some lady cat. Wasn't Goblin over at the Raven before?" "Yeah, right." Merlin turned to look at Tok. "Mom's not looking too good, is she?" "She'll be fine by the time we get to the filming." Gandalf moved into a corner. "We'd better get some rest. We'll probably have to clean up after this, you know." "I hear you, big brother." The two cats curled up for a nice restorative cat nap as the ferry cruised toward Hanlan Island. +----------------------------------------------------+ | Lisa Luksus (Nat Pack) tokaara@aol.com | | Gandalf & Merlin (FOSsiLs) | +----------------------------------------------------+ ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 17:15:06 -0700 From: "Elizabeth L. Bales" Subject: Yet Another Arrival Elizabeth embarked from the last ferry and looked around. *Wow, I didn't realize there'd be such a horde of people here...* She stopped by the commissary booth -- yet another non-FoD with strong FoD tendencies -- and circled around to get nearer the set. The heavy makeup and little black dress of Tuesday night were gone, replaced by clean skin, a man's shirt, and a worn pair of baggy jeans. She figured she was safe from Janette, as even her long brown hair, now pulled back in a barrette, had been swept up into a French twist that night. Spotting a familiar face in the crowds, she made her way to where Tanaquil stood and silently offered the other woman a doughnut. Tanaquil looked at her, puzzled, for a moment. "Uh... Who... Oh! Elizabeth! I didn't recognize you in those glasses!" Elizabeth grinned and settled down to watch the fireworks. *Yep. About as safe as it gets, around here...* ---- -Elizabeth Bales Nat-Packer fatima@netcom.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 19:36:29 -0400 From: "L.D. Steele" Subject: FKWARII: The spectacle begins Sunday July 17th, 9:30 pm The sunset had been spectacular, and Dawn congratulated herself for arriving early. Plenty of time to get there, and get a good spot to view the spectacle. "The Spectacle" was how Dawn had started to think of what she expected out of this evening. Right now the location was still being set-up. Trucks were being moved, it looked as if the green cadillac was under a white cover sheet. For some reason a crane was on the beach. *Flying shots?*. Kathy and Dawn had settled in on a slight rise, under a lushly green tree. They could see almost everything... and Dawn planned on capturing everything she could. Two different cameras were there and Kathy was in charge of the one on the tripod. Dawn planned on getting some nice candid shots. Dawn figured everyone would start to arrive in about a half hour. *I wonder if people want the Die-Hards to mediate? Well they can ask if they want. I plan on enjoying myself tonight.* She finished hooking up the listening device. It was one of those gadgets for people with poor hearing. You were supposed to be able to easily hear conversations across the room. *And they tell you not to eavesdrop, Hah! I bet that's what almost everyone does with these things!* 'Most Holy and his beautiful siamese cat Chewie had gone to get a close up of the set before it got too busy. *I never knew that cats liked Smartfood.* The large bag of popcorn, unopened before they got on the ferry, was almost entirely gone. *I love cats. I wish they could have stayed longer.* Kathy however was severely allergic to cats and had sneezed the entire time the two had been there. Her eyes were still a bit puffy. *Maybe they could come back later.* Dawn leaned back against the tree, and opened up her water bottle. Already she thought she had recognized a couple people on the set. *When I saw the actor playing LaCroix through my binoculars, I thought I'd faint. I wonder where they found him? Just imagine. LaCroix being his charming self but being able to get around in the daytime too. That actor is going to get some severe double takes.* *This is going to be fun.* ---------------------------------------------- Dawn steele@fern.physics.mcmaster.ca ----------------------------------------------------------------- --- ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 19:39:33 EDT From: SusanG2522@AOL.COM Subject: FKWARII--Peasants! Sunday -- 7:30 PM PEASANTS! It was dark by the time the limo pulled up to the dock. Susan looked across at Beth, who had Hazel's cage tucked underneath her arm, a shoulder strap attached to the handle. Betsy sat beside her, with Sidney in a shoulder cat carrier, his nose, whiskers and paws slipped over the fabric and strap. Susan was saddled with a similar arrangement, only her carrier held Goblin. And the extra bag on the other shoulder carried the manuscript . . . and a few other things. Only Janette seemed composed--although she was chain smoking like crazy. She'd filled both of the limo's rear ashtrays and the drive to the dock had been less than twenty minutes. She'd chosen something very chic and very forties, in black of course, with a black silk kerchief tied around her hair. Her cohorts, however, were dressed with an eye to their upcoming nautical adventure. All of the dresses were black, with white stripes around the hems and sleeves and resembled the dresses they'd purchased at the salon the day before--Betsy's was silk, Beth's had a jacket (with epaulets), and Susan's was made of a sturdy jersey . . . with a disturbing neckline. The door to the limo opened and a hand appeared. Janette was helped out, then Beth, across the way. Susan was next, then Betsy. The limo driver was a blond vampire, not one of the club regulars, as far as Susan, Beth, and Betsy could determine. He seemed to be very careful of minding his P's and Q's, wearing a yachting cap and jacket, silk shirt and slacks, but he was all in black with white accents and piping, down to his deck shoes. As Janette turned toward him, she whispered something. Turning pale, which was quite an effort since he was pretty darn pale to begin with, he swept off the hat quickly and stepped to one side, gesturing toward the dock ramp. Susan looked over, only to see the ferry. She almost thought she recognized a few of the faces. How big was this gathering going to be? Janette had only said they were there to dictate terms, but Susan had a sinking feeling that Janette was the one who was going to take dictation--in spades. "Come, come," called Janette, as she headed down the dock on the arm of the blond vampire. "We must be fashionably late only--and that requires finesse." The others followed, rounding the car. That's when they saw the speedboat tied up at the dock. It was black from stem to stern, the only device was at the bow--a red shield with a black raven. A small flag on the stern bore the same insignia. Betsy gave a long, low whistle. "That's . . . beautiful! Oh, can I drive, Janette? Please!" "We have a driver," declared the vampiress sharply. The blond vampire took her hand, helping her into the boat. Once inside, she picked up a white box, set it on her lap, and strapped herself into a seat just inside the small windbreak of a cabin. Betsy was next, her eyes wide at the sight of the boat. She moved toward the bow and controls, but Janette pointed toward a seat at the stern and she moved quickly to take her place. Sidney let out a yowl and dived deep down into the cat carrier. Hazel seemed just as thrilled at the prospect of sea travel, but Beth keep muttering to the shivering rabbit, murmuring comforting words. "I don't know why you had to bring that creature along," hissed Janette, in annoyance. Beth answered the cold stare unflinchingly. "Because there's all sorts of pet-napping going on and I couldn't take the chance of leaving her behind," she countered. "Besides, Hazel completes the set." Janette raised an eyebrow, then withdrew dark sunglasses from a compartment near her seat and covered her eyes. "Set?" "Three," said Beth. She pointed to the two cats and Hazel. "Three of us. Three of them. Three . . . of you." Janette paused for a moment, a smile edging up the corners of her lips. "Nicola, LaCroix, myself--how very perceptive you are! Yes, it a good omen." Then she looked up at Susan, who had paused on the boarding ramp. "Come in. Hurry, we haven't much time." Susan swallowed. "Did I ever mention, I don't boats? Planes, yes. Gyrocopters. Elephants. Stray narwhals. And the occasional paddle-wheeler. But not speedboats." Janette peered at Susan over the top of her sunglasses, eyes narrowing. "I won't have my people travel like those other peasants. If you don't come in the boat, you swim. Understood?" Her lips set in a grim line, Susan walked the plank into the boat, gratefully accepting the cold helping hand of the blond vampire as she stepped into the interior. Quickly, she sat down beside Beth and strapped herself into the seat. The boarding plank was tossed to one side and the blond vampire seated himself behind the wheel. After a second, the motor kicked in and the boat sped off and away from the dock, toward the island. "This," Janette said, over the roar of the motor and the water spray and wind, "is for LaCroix." She tapped the white box with red fingernails. "A peace offering." "Better it than one of us," Beth whispered to Susan. Janette frowned, having overheard the comment. "Dr. Lambert shall be content to have her kitten back. And Nicola--" The frown slipped into a slinky smile. " can handle Nicola." Then she nodded toward Susan. "What have you brought with you? I said nothing--" "A story I'm working on," said Susan quickly. "I figured this might get boring. And I know how much you want me to get to the sequel to 'False Heart.'" For a moment, Janette pursed her lips, then she looked away, as if distracted. "Yes. All right. It could do no harm." Of the three, Betsy shivered the most, having only short sleeves, but her eyes were bright and she kept running her hand along the edge of the boat, as if imagining herself at the controls. Beth met Susan's eyes, then looked down to the manuscript. They didn't dare say anything, but the sentiment was shared--just in case. It was an out Janette didn't know about. The ride took only a few minutes and they soon pulled beside a small dock on the island. Jennise stood there, her eyebrows raising slightly as she caught sight of the blond vampire, who glared back at her. Again, Janette leaned across and whispered something to him. He paled immediately and busied himself with the gangplank. Janette, as usual, went first. She thrust the box into the blond vampire's hand, then took his other as she walked across the short plank. Once there, she and Jennise made kissing noises at one another. "Are we the last?" asked Janette eagerly. Her smile sharp, Jennise shook her head. "No." When Janette pouted, she added, "But you're not the first." "Good." Janette turned, as Susan, then Beth and Betsy joined her on the dock. "I've brought a few of my Ravenettes." "Yes. I know." Jennise nodded at then, then Janette took her arm and they began to walk up the dock to where there were a number of trailers. "Nice dress--where'd you pick it up, Philip Marlowe's House of Fashion?" Taking a deep breath, Susan, Betsy, and Beth looked at one another, then followed, leaving the blond vampire to tie up the boat, each shivering at the low snarl he emitted as they walked away. So far, the trip had been smooth. But only so far. --- SusanG2522@aol.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 15:56:26 -0700 From: Jennise Hall Subject: FKW2: FOREVER KNIGHT: The Alternate Universe (1/4) Sunday 10:30 pm EXT. BELOW GIBRALTAR LIGHTHOUSE - HANLAN ISLAND - NIGHT Film equipment is all over the place. A large crane with a harness attached stands not too far from the lighthouse. A section of the parking lot has been cordoned off to be used in filming. Several cameras are being set up for shooting on the beach. Behind the cameras are several trailers. These cover Wardrobe, Make-up, Dressing Rooms (men's and women's) and Offices. Crew bustles around. Among them Sandye and Dennis adjust one of the sets of lights. Dennis pssts Sandye's attention frantically. When she looks up he gestures toward the familiar faces beginning to arrive in the parking lot. They attempt to do their jobs with their faces hidden. EXT. WARDROBE TRAILER - NIGHT Jennise approaches the trailer. VALERIE MEACHUM(V.O.) Fine. I'll find her myself! Valerie comes crashing out of the trailer. She bumps into Jennise and lands on her keister. VALERIE What is this?! Valerie wears a lab coat over a just-barely long enough dress and spiked heels. Both purple. She wears a wig, that's been permed....badly. Her make-up is too heavy. She looks like a cross between a woman dressing too young and a slut. VALERIE This is NOT the wardrobe we used in rehearsal. JENNISE We had some problems with that. VALERIE Problems?! What kind of problems can you have with a suit. I mean it was the latest design and it looked WONDERFUL. JENNISE Several of our creative team, had a problem with that. VALERIE They what!? Just who's on this creative team? JENNISE Janette for one. EXT. PARKING LOT BELOW THE LIGHTHOUSE - NIGHT Karin rushes into the group of milling visitors. KARIN Laurie! They embrace. KARIN I was worried none of the Cousins were going to make it. Did Margaret come? You're gonna love the show. Jennise has... DIRECTOR (storming over) What is this! Security! Where is Security?! KARIN (into her Cousin's ears) That's the Director. (to Director) These people were invited to watch the shooting. DIRECTOR I was told these were closed sets. LaCroix steps out of the crowd. LACROIX Apparently someone opened it. The Director gulps and stares uncertainly at his Executive Producer. KARIN Uncle! Jennise opened it. Uh. Invited...We didn't realize you would be joining us, tonight. LACROIX Where is Jennise? Everyone looks about. LaCroix is the first to see her standing in front of the Wardrobe Trailer. LACROIX (amused) Then we'll let her deal with this. EXT. WARDROBE TRAILER - NIGHT Jennise and Valerie still argue. VALERIE Look, I roller-skated ten kilometers around downtown Columbus last week in a pink tutu and tights on a glorious Sunday morning, but this *this* is too much! I won't do it. JENNISE Fine. I hired a stand in just in case. Jennise gestures over her shoulder toward a lost looking, nerd type. Lanky straight hair, huge glasses, and no shape. Valerie studies the woman with distaste. VALERIE I have a contract. JENNISE I don't mind letting you out. Valerie gives the actress another once over. VALERIE Would she at least get the wig? JENNISE Nah, I think she's perfect as it. And she couldn't act her way out of a paper bag. VALERIE All right! I'll do it. LACROIX(V.O.) (quietly) Jennise. Join us. Jennise looks wide eyed at her boss. She grabs Valerie by the arm just as Valerie notices Natalie standing a few feet behind LaCroix arguing with Nick. Jennise drags Valerie along to the parking lot. VALERIE (during the walk) No! No. This is not in my contract. I can't let her see me like this. _________________________________________________________________ Jennise ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 18:32:28 -0500 From: TMP_HARKINS@DIRAC.PHYSICS.JMU.EDU Subject: FKWARSII--A Minor Squabble July 17, 1994, 10:30 p.m. (or thereabouts) > "Jennise looks wide-eyed at her boss. She grabs Valerie by the > arm just as Valerie notices Natalie standing a few feet behind > LaCroix arguing with Nick." "He _did_ have something to do with Valerie's disappearance," said Nat. She started toward LaCroix, but Nick grabbed her arm. "Valerie said she went with Jennise, not LaCroix." "They made her lie!" "If that's so, _I'll_ find out from LaCroix. I don't want you going near him on your own." "Let go of me," said Nat. She had noticed Jennise was dragging Valerie toward the parking lot. "All right," said Nick, releasing her. "But you let _me_ check out what's happening. Valerie's supposed to be _working_ here, remember?" Natalie sighed. "Okay." She watched as Nick moved to follow LaCroix. Then she followed him. --Sandra Gray --tmp_harkins@dirac.physics.jmu.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 15:59:38 -0700 From: Jennise Hall Subject: FKW2: FK the Alternate Universe (2/2) Sunday 10:50pm Gibraltor Lighthouse ___ Hanlan Island EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT As Jennise joins the Director, Karin, and LaCroix, Valerie rushes over to Nat, who stares incredulously at her costume. NATALIE And just who are you supposed to be? JENNISE Hi, Pop... LaCroix. You made it. Great. DIRECTOR (interrupting LaCroix's response) I can't shoot with all these people around. JENNISE They're just gonna watch. DIRECTOR I can't. I won't work under these conditions! JENNISE If you ever want another job on this continent you will. DIRECTOR You can't... LACROIX Perhaps she can't. But I most assuredly can. Karin and Jennise watch triumphantly as the Director slinks off to his duties. KARIN Thanks, Uncle. JENNISE Would you excuse me, please? I have some new pages to give the actors. She waits until LaCroix nods yes. Then she darts off through toward the set. JENNISE (over her shoulder) Valerie! Don't miss your queue! EXT. MAKE-UP TRAILER - NIGHT Janette wonders through the hubbub by the trailer. Members of the crew automatically give her room as they pass. She does a double take as LaCroix, steps out of the trailer adjusting his black leather trench coat. She glances across to the parking area and sees LaCroix, clearly amused, huddled with Nat and Nick as they argue. JANETTE LaCroix. The Actor studies Janette's startled expression. LACROIX-ACTOR (he smiles charmingly) No. But I will be playing the part tonight. JANETTE I'm sure you will do a fabulous job. Perhaps we could discuss it after the set is wrapped for the day? LACROIX-ACTOR I would enjoy that. Alma, dressed in a beautifully revealing black dress steps out of the trailer. Janette's jaw drops. JENETTE And just who are you supposed to be? ALMA Janette! What are you doing here? JANETTE That is my question. Did LaCroix's little writer put you up to this? ALMA Ha! She's no one. LaCroix himself hired me. JANETTE We'll just see about this! _________________________________________________________________ Jennise - One an Only _Daughter of LaCroix_ ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 19:34:13 18000 From: Valerie Meachum Subject: FKWar2: Creative Control "*Who* are you supposed to be?" Valerie all but flinched at Nat's question, served up with equal parts incredulity, annoyance, and utter bewilderment. "Believe me, you don't want to know," Valerie sighed, pulling her around the corner of the dressing trailer. "This is *not* what it was supposed to be...not that I had any idea what it was supposed to be..." "How did you get mixed up in this, anyway? With all that Shakespeare you've been doing you can't be *that* desperate!" "I'm not, I'm not!" Valerie assured her hastily. It took only a few moments to fill Natalie in on Jennise's blackmail, during which time the doctor's frown deepened alarmingly. "I don't *think* Janette would have believed her, but..." Nat shook her head. "Still, there had to be a solution besides getting roped into this travesty and that get-up." Valerie shrugged, glancing down at the offending wardrobe. "Well, I wish I'd thought of one. Still, at least this way I can try and salvage--" She cut herself off, but too late to derail the train of thought. Obviously Nat had just registered that the top purple thing they had put Valerie in somewhat resembled a lab coat. "Oh, you've *got* to be kidding!" "Nat, I swear, this is not what they showed me before! Jennise says it was Janette's decision, in which case I'm sunk because neither you nor I is exactly on her list of favourite people right now. And I *never* thought she'd have me playing you in the first place, but then I thought it might be a chance to give this thing a *little* truth--you wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen the last few nights, it's positively slanderous--but I'm not having a very easy time of it." "Obviously," was the succinct reply to the frantic tumble of words that somehow rode on a single breath. Finally, though, after looking at the ensemble from every angle and ascertaining that it was not going to improve, Nat took the only remaining option: she cracked up. "Well, I wouldn't be able to walk two steps in those things, so I guess I'm actually getting *more* credit for one thing." Relieved and joining in the laughter, Valerie contemplated the footwear in question. "Well, it isn't easy; but I got practice at it when I got some even worse ones once to spite a director who didn't cast me because he thought I was too tall and actually told me so. I bought these godawful things at the thrift store and wore them to see the show and towered over him by about three inches." A light bulb went off over Valerie's head. "In fact," she went on, snapping her fingers, "I must be just about eye-to-eye with ol' Uncle himself." Natalie grinned up at Valerie from her own perfectly respectable but non-beanpole height. "Looks that way." She gave the spectacle one last chuckle and headshake. "Go get 'em, Tiger, with my blessings." One of the various gofers scurrying around the set poked his head around the corner. "Valerie, you better get over there before he reaches critical mass!" "On my way." She strode toward the location for her next scene, concentrating on not tottering in the impossible shoes and tossing a wink back at Natalie. "If nothing else, I can promise you dignity." "More than I could hope for," Nat laughed, clearly not holding out a lot of hope for the brave offer but appreciating it anyway. -- The Bad Penny * Valerie Lynn Meachum ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 22:41:41 EDT From: Pamela Rush Subject: FKWARS2: Schanke on location 1 Sunday night, July 17: Hanlan Island FK shoot Schanke had managed to arrive early at the Hanlan Island location; his infallible sixth sense had divined the location of the commissary immediately and he had cadged coffee and two particularly gooey jelly donuts from a giggling caterer. He had always had good rapport with food service personnel. As he started off on a rambling tour of the set, his cheerful interest in the mechanics of the film shoot resulted in a lot of friendly banter with the crew and a certain number of sticky, jelly smudges on particularly sensitive bits of equipment. This "Forever Knight" thing would probably be good publicity for the Toronto PD; it was nice of the production company to invite members of the *real* 27th out to see them film. It looked as though there must be guests from other organizations as well, though; in fact, the place was crawling with extraneous people and the guy the crew had identified as the director was alternately ranting and raving and sulking in corners. Schanke had seen both Natalie Lambert and his errant partner in the distance, but they kept moving about and he lost them in the dark, the crowd and the confusion. Anyway, filming was about to start.... Sometime later, Schanke waved his fresh cup of coffee in the air to make a point in the conversation he was having with a technician, who had begun to look as though she would rather be some where else, when a hand grasped his shoulder from behind and a familiar voice sounded in his ear. "Schanke! What are you--mmhphlt--" Knight's question ended in an unhappy mumble as the coffee cup collided with his nose. "What am I doing here? What are you -- look, would you get your own coffee? -- what are *you* doing here? *This* is undercover?" "What? Oh, undercover, yes. I'm undercover. Act casual. Pretend you don't know me." "What's to pretend? I haven't seen you in what? nine, ten days? I barely recognize you. And when I call your place, a woman answers. I call maybe eight or nine times and a *different* woman answers every time! What's going on, Knight? I promise I won't tell Natalie." "That was, was just the case...the undercover case. How'd you find out about that?" "Hey, I'm a detective! Besides, when I couldn't get hold of you, I finally got Nat at the morgue, although she's been gone a lot, too. There were some strange stories going around, believe me, but Nat told me you'd gone undercover on special assignment for the Crown Prosecutor. Nick, Nick.....you coulda told *me*. I was worried, buddy. And besides, it would have made all the double shifts and overtime I pulled covering for you easier if I had known you weren't just out on some screwball, loose cannon mission of your own." "You're right, Schank. I owe you for this. And I'll make it up to you." "Oh, I *know* you will. I'll make sure you do." Pam Rush ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 20:09:04 EDT From: SelmaMc@AOL.COM Subject: FK Wars 2: Musings from the pavement Selma sat on the pavement, avoiding everyone rushing to and fro. She would have enjoyed the island more if it hadn't been for the many people there. Besides, she had no intention of running into Nick, who was her former leader. It was unfortunate that the only time she had run into Nick was when he was entering LaCroix's apartment and he had almost taken out his fury on her, not caring who she was. There was something to be said for the business here. LaCroix had been using her as a runner and private secretary ever since he had found her at his apartment. Maybe it delighted him enough just to have one of Nick's people. But he had kept her primarily in the area. And now, he had taken her to the filming area, where she had been studiously avoiding Jennise. Avoiding everybody. *I wonder if I could just sneak off?* she wondered quietly. She bowed her head. *No, he'd get me in a second.* So she sat, waiting until LaCroix came for her. -------------------------- * + * . * Selma McCrory (Cousin) selmamc@aol.com . . * * . ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 17:21:55 -0700 From: Jennise Hall Subject: FKW2: FK: The Alternate Universe (3/4) EXT. HANLAN ISLAND - GIBRALTOR LIGHTHOUSE - NIGHT On the beach Selma stands in front of the Nick-Actor, a blond playgirl model type, in a familiar Australian cattle coat(correct me please!). A stake is seems embedded in his chest. A cross lies at Selma's feet. SELMA I don't wanna do this. I don't wanna do this! DIRECTOR QUIET on the set. SELMA This is wrong! NICK-ACTOR Will you shut up! I can't work with such an obvious amateur! DIRECTOR Shut up!!! The set is suddenly quiet. DIRECTOR Action!! SELMA Die you evil spawn of the dead! She shoves Nick-Actor off balance. Nick-Actor screams in pain and falls to the ground. Selma stares down at the Nick-Actor laughing. At the top of an embankment, Valerie appears. VALERIE No!!!!! Selma looks up at the sound, turns and runs toward the lighthouse. Alma appears beside Valerie. She hisses at the escaping Selma, but turns toward the wounded Nick-Actor. DIRECTOR Cut! The cameras stop rolling. The barefoot Alma, strolls down the embankment to Nick-Actor's side. Valerie remains in the same position. DIRECTOR Roll cameras! ALMA Nichola! Valerie hobbles over to Nick-Actor, as best as any woman wearing three inch spikes can run on sand. VALERIE Nick! Alma pulls the stake out of his chest. Valerie moves to lift Nick-Actor's head onto her lap. ALMA Careful. He'll need blood desperately. With a defiant look at Alma, Valerie cradles Nick-Actor's head on her lap. VALERIE Nick? Nick? Please be okay Nick. Janette, can't you do something!? Alma glares at her. AT THE LIGHTHOUSE Selma frantically climbs the embankment heading toward the 'set' portion of the parking lot. High above, standing in front of the lantern, watching is LaCroix-Actor. A moment later the crane begins to move. It lifts LaCroix-Actor, a terrifying grimace on his face (an actor making excellent use of the fear response), over railing. The harnessed actor swoops down and grabs Selma. She begins screaming and kicking frantically. The camera tracks them as they are lifted and the crane is swung toward, Nick's position on the beach. The two are placed gently on the ground a few feet from the trio. DIRECTOR Cut! Get them out of that stuff pronto! _________________________________________________________________ _____ Jennise ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 22:12:06 EDT From: SusanG2522@AOL.COM Subject: FKWARII--Your 15 Minutes Start Sunday--Between filming Your Fifteen Minutes Start Now Susan, Betsy, and Beth were horrified. They stood off to one side and watched the scene progress, stunned silence giving way to silent disbelief. At one point, Beth reached down to drape part of her carryall over Hazel's cage-- wanting to preventing permanent psychological brain damage. "It's . . . it's worse than Kung Fu," whispered Betsy, in the tiniest of voices. They'd finally caught up with Janette. She stood there watching, her expression carefully blank, the slightest of smiles on her lips. When the director called cut she turned toward them and, for a second, they thought they saw her mask slip. There was something like sadness in her eyes. Susan took a step toward her. "Boss?" But Janette didn't rise to the bait. Her smile slipped back into place and she snapped her fingers--Betsy produced a cigarette and a pack of matches. Janette took the cigarette and, after Betsy lit it, released a cloud of smoke into the air. "I'd been wondering what Alma's been up to these past few months," she said, her voice light. "I can't think what she hopes to gain from this--other than annoying me. I'll make her pay, sooner or later, and LaCroix won't protect her." "She's nothing like you," said Beth, uncovering Hazel's cage. "Sweet." Janette reached out a hand and touched Beth's cheek lightly, then looked over her shoulder, toward the filming. "Is it so evident to them?" she asked very softly, so quietly that they almost couldn't hear her. "Can everyone see how dreadful it is?" "This show? Of course," said Betsy. "Not the show--" snapped Janette turning toward them. "The way they treat me, how I crawl and cringe and give them what they want. Even in this . . . mockery of LaCroix's that Jennise and Karin have concocted for him." She froze, then smiled again, her anger suddenly vanished but lurking beneath the surface. "No matter. Perhaps it will make Nicola wake up. I doubt it, but there's always a chance. At the very least it'll annoy the hell out of him. And that's a comfort in itself." The three Ravenettes looked at one another, not certain what to say. Janette tapped her fashionably clad foot against the ground and took another drag from her cigarette. "But the actor they've chosen to play LaCroix . . . has promise. Don't you think?" Without waiting for an answer, Janette threw the cigarette to the ground and snuffed it out with the toe of her shoe. "I'll handle LaCroix on my own--the box will suffice for him, as I said. Nicola's--" she glared at Beth "'forensic pathologist' will come to terms easily enough. But . . . Nicola . . . ." She frowned and looked away--for a moment that sadness was back. "I see now that I've pushed him too far. He won't see what I've tried to show him, how they misuse me. He'll think I betrayed him. And Nicola does deal well with that. Not at all . . . ." Before they could say anything the smile and false face was back in place again. "If you need to leave, you may use the boat. And you needn't stay here on my account. Things may get . . . messy in a bit. I may not be able to offer you much protection." Again, the three Ravenettes looked at one another. "Wouldn't miss it for the world," said Susan, as the other two nodded their assent. Janette's smile, for the briefest second, was real. Then she turned back to watch the next scene being filmed, grimacing as one of the staff touched up Alma's makeup. It was as much of a thank you as they'd gotten so far. But it sufficed. ----- SusanG2522@aol.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 21:17:59 EDT From: SelmaMc@AOL.COM Subject: FK wars 2: Hilary makes a spectacle Hilary was having a bad week. First her mail had gone down for a month, and then her boss had decided to redecorate the place. She had ended up with a bad neck. But she had gotten a bit of a vacation, so she was heading towards Toronto, where various messages from Selma told her everything was happening. When she got to the airport in Toronto, she had called the loft and was informed as to what was going on and where everyone was going. She decided to drop in. She managed to plead her way onto a flight that was going skydiving, and convinced the pilot (with her great charm) to let her parachute off to the island where everything was happening. "Yahoo!" she shouted as she fell towards the beach. She opened her parachute and landed safely. She looked around as the parachute fell behind her. An angry man came up to her. "And who are _you_?" he asked. "Hilary McLachlan," she answered confidently. The man glared at her. "Who are you?" she asked. "She's a friend," a woman said, coming up from behind. "Hi, Hilary! It's Selma." Hilary looked at the blond woman. "Selma? Is that you?" Selma smiled. "It's me. Wig, silly coat, and everything." They hugged. "What for?" "It's the show," Selma answered. "That fellow is the director, and you're on the set. You better get off. I'll see you later." Hilary nodded. "Catch you later?" "Catch you later. Blue Lights, Hilary." Hilary smiled. "Blue Lights." Selma walked off to talk to the director, and Hilary walked off, unfastening her parachute and wandering towards the trailers. ------- * + * . * Selma McCrory (Cousin) selmamc@aol.com . . * * . ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 20:53:57 -0800 From: "S. Tanaquil Johnson" Subject: FKWars2: Not A Spectator Sport Not A Spectator Sport "Hsst, Valerie! Nice threads!" Valerie, who had just walked off camera, spun around. It took her a moment to identify the grotesquely dressed figure partially hidden in the shadows cast by the garish lights on the set. "Tanaquil! Is that you?" She eyed her ally ruefully. "I could return the compliment, but my mother raised me to be truthful. She always said, 'If you can't say anything nice...'" "'Honey, come over here and sit by me!'" Tanaquil finished with a grin. "I like the shoes. They look almost as uncomfortable as these feel." "Well, they couldn't be much uglier. How did you get here?" "Told Janette that Sundays were my night off and snuck over on the ferry. Technically I'm still under cover, but I doubt that will last long. I'm hoping she'll be too -- distracted -- to waste time getting even with me. I have a nice little garlic spritzer, just in case. Now how did they rope you into playing the B-version of our favorite forensic pathologist?" "Jennise threatened to convince Janette that we were responsible for that panther business as well as the practical jokes. Speaking of which --" "Well, if it isn't Ms. 'Who's Keeping Score?'!" The acid tones of the real Natalie emerging from the shadows made both of her followers jump. "The score-keeping bit wasn't me, honest! I only arranged Tuesday's entertainments." Tanaquil was looking slightly sheepish. "I'm sorry if I went over the line, but *someone* had to nudge Janette off that barstool of hers. After that things sort of got carried away." "Forget it. Just try to look inconspicuous, OK? I suspect we're going to have some excitement around here before the night is out, and I'd rather you kept out of Janette's line of vision." Natalie slipped away, looking distinctly harried. "A dot on the horizon, that's me," murmured Tanaquil, and faded into the shadows. "Valerie! If you need backup, I'll be around." S. Tanaquil Johnson ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 00:45:07 -0400 From: "L.D. Steele" Subject: FKWAR2: A single picture is worth... Sunday July 17th, evening *snap* -picture of Janette and Alma/Janette meeting. *snap* -picture of Natalie laughing with Valerie. *snap* -picture of the playgirl actor/Nick with a stake being shoved through his chest while Selma looks on. *snap* -picture of 'Most Holy and Kathy with a siamese cat poking out of his jacket. *snap* -picture of Janette with the actor playing LaCroix at the top of the ferris wheel (during a break on Centre Island). *snap* -picture of Dawn with Alma (getting her autograph). *snap* -picture of the frustrated ferry workers (who can't close until the shooting crew goes home). *snap* -picture of the director when he started to pull his hair out. *snap* -picture of LaCroix trying to direct LaCroix. (info from hearing detector: apparently LaCroix has to do the voiceovers since the actor playing his character doesn't have a good enough voice.) *snap* -picture of everyone at the big confrontation. *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* Dawn had gotten a lot of *great* pictures. She asked Kathy to stay and watch at a distance while she tried to get some close up candid shots without being noticed. She was milling around the costume vans when she spotted Schanke. He was talking to a cameraman who was looking as it he'd rather be somewhere else. Dawn quietly walked up behind them and patted Schanke on the shoulder. "What?" Schanke's voice was a bit muffled as he was trying to finish a jelly filled donut and talk at the same time. "Hi. Are you Detective Schanke with the 27th Precinct?" "Why yes I am. And can I do for you?" "Well, I was wondering if I could get your autograph?" Dawn saw LaCroix approaching out of the corner of her eye and steered Schanke to another area under the excuse of trying to find a pen. She didn't want LaCroix's attention on Schanke tonight. Dawn had considered various approaches and finally decided on the sweet and cheerful approach. A lot of men help you if you turned it on. A big fan of garlic dishes, Dawn admitted to having thoughts of joining the FoD's every once in awhile. But then she had thoughts like that about every faction. That was why she remained a Die-Hard. "... I saw you on that TV show "Cop Watch" some months back. I can't believe I'm finally meeting you. I thought you did a really good job with the assignment." "Why thank you. I could probably make it in show-biz, but I'd never leave the police department. 'To serve and protect', that isn't something one tosses away to become a movie star." "Your partner was in it with you, what was his name? Nick something..." "Nick Knight. He's here tonight if you want to get his autograph too." "Really? I'd love to. Are you sure he wouldn't mind?" "Well actually he's here tonight on some undercover work, but I'm sure he'd be willing to take a couple of minutes off. Hey there he is over there..." Dawn and Schanke went over to Nick. He was talking with Janette. They appeared to be in the midst of a quiet argument, but Schanke went over and interrupted. Dawn started looking everywhere else but at Janette for a minute, but then decided to face whatever would happen. "Nick! This is Dawn. She saw us on that "Cop Watch" show and wanted to get our autographs. And Janet what are you doing here?" "It's Detective Schanke. I speaking with Nichola, before you interrupted us." "This'll just take a minute, come'on Nick." "Very well. Do you have some paper." "Here." Dawn gave Nick the paper and pen, and then looked straight at Janette. "Hello. I don't know if you remember me..." "Monday night. The Raven. You threatened to throw up on me." "Yes... I'd like to apologize. I almost never drink and I'm afraid I had a bit too much that night. I would never dream of doing such a thing to you." "Very well. That's one apology so far tonight. I doubt I'll get any more. Here give me that." Janette grabbed the paper and pen from Nick and quickly scrawled her signature. "I believe you asked for an autograph Monday night?" "Thanks a lot. All of you. I hope you can settle whatever differences you have amicably." "Faint hope." That was from Nick, who had been silently waiting for the interruption to cease so he could get back to his conversation with Janette. "I really appreciate it. I'll be going now." Dawn managed to pull Schanke away from Nick and Janette. They went back to their conversation as if Dawn had never interrupted. Dawn talked to Schanke for another ten minutes, and left him after buying him another coffee. Apparently his earlier one had been spilt. She went back to Kathy and filled her up on everything she'd seen. Faint regret in her heart that she hadn't managed to get LaCroix's autograph. *I think the last thing I want to do tonight is draw attention from that quarter though. Not if I want to remain out of the hostilities.* She settled back in to watch the end of the war. --------------------------------------------- Dawn steele@fern.physics.mcmaster.ca ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 19:27:17 EDT From: SusanG2522@AOL.COM Subject: FKWARII-And Around She Goes Friday Evening -- Confrontation 1 -- And Around She Goes Janette took the actor's hand as he helped her off the Ferris wheel, careful to lean her weight against him as she pretended to fall. It was almost too easy--the delighted smile, the light in the eyes. Nice to know she hadn't lost her touch. "The director was looking for you," said LaCroix's voice, from behind them. The actor playing LaCroix, who was his double in so many ways, jumped, startled as LaCroix could never be. Janette released him and took a step back, looking toward the ground. LaCroix placed his hand on her shoulder, his fingers caressing her neck as he added, "Something about a script change?" "Thanks, Mr. Cross," said the actor. "I'll see you later?" The last was directed toward Janette. She managed a vacant smile, but still wouldn't look up. "Be careful," said LaCroix, whispering in her ear. "I'll need him later. We've a few more episodes to do. I should very much hate to have to replace him. And speaking of replacements--" His fingers touched her chin, then turned her head so that her eyes met his. "Settling for second best has never been your way." "Nor has it been yours." Janette wrenched away from his grip. She folded her arms and stared out across the grounds of the park. "Casting Alma in my part!" "A bit of irony, nothing more. I wanted a pretty face. And, at that, she is second best when compared with you." His words were meant to woo, to soothe. Instead, they infuriated her. But Janette knew how dangerous he could be. She looked up, spotting her Ravenettes nearby and LaCroix's people not so far away. There was no help there. "I hope you're finding my show interesting," said LaCroix. He moved to face her but, when she turned away from him again, added, "Informative, then? Perhaps instructional?" "It taught me nothing." Now she look at him, meeting his eyes for a brief second, then looking past him. "Where's Nicola?" "Over there." LaCroix pointed lazily over his shoulder. "You know where he is. And yet, you've only stumbled across me by accident." When she glanced back to meet that cold gray gaze, she saw that she was right. LaCroix frowned. "I needed to speak with you--" "And happened upon me. But you where Nicola is. You know where Nicola is." "Dear Janette." He moved to stand behind her, placing a hand on either shoulder and whispering in her ear. "Sibling rivalry? And only now?" "It's always been there," she admitted, as his grip on her shoulders tightened when she didn't answer immediately. "If I did not . . . care for him so much, I would have done away with him long before this. Do you think so little of me?" One of his hands trailed the length of her arm, catching her hand in his. Moving to face her, he brought her fingers to his lips. "I think of you often. Far more than I should." His eyes widened slightly as he released her hand. "You've always been so well-behaved. Is this why you've set us against one another, to get my attention? Because, Janette, it does not amuse me to be used." "This. And other things. I'm tired of being taking for granted, used by you against him and he against you." Then, that sudden strength of will left her as she saw the steel in LaCroix's eyes. "I know it won't change," she added, softly. "It will change. But . . . at least you'll know. You won't care, but you know." For a moment, his smile seemed softer. "Yes. I'll know. You've gotten my attention." But then he took her hand in his, fingers wrapped tightly around her own. "But what shall you do now that you've gotten it? As any parent, I'll have to discipline you for your misdeeds." Janette lifted her head, meeting his eyes squarely. "I have something for you." She gestured toward the Ravenettes with her free hand. It was Betsy who held the box, the others walked a few feet behind her, none of them obviously thrilled to be anywhere near LaCroix. He released Janette's hand at their approach and eyed them each, in turn. "Such pretty birds you've gathered, Janette. But only three--the rhyme says you need four and twenty to feast well." "Not them," hissed Janette, taking the box from Betsy's shaking fingers. "This." LaCroix stared at the box, then took it from her. He frowned suspiciously, then turned aside and opened the lid. Had it been anyone else, she would have described the sound as a gasp. But, of course, LaCroix did gasp. Although his hand seemed to shake slightly as he replaced the lid. His eyes were cold and hard as he whirled back to her. "Where did you get this?" "One of my Ravenettes--and not one of these," said Janette quickly, as he turned that hard gaze on her followers, who took a step back together. The rabbit rustled in his cage beneath that baleful glare and neither cat was more than a lump at the bottom of its carrier. "She's safe from you. And she's true to me--your secret remains there, for your eyes only." LaCroix clamped his hand down on top of the box. He looked to his side. "Margaret." One of the cousins came forward, scurrying at his command. He thrust the box into her arms and said, "Put that in a safe place. Your life depends on it--as it does you not looking at the contents." The cousin gulped, having enough will to cast a curious eye at Janette. Then she proudly walked off with her burden, receiving jealous glances from the other cousins present. "Even them, you play one against another," said Janette thoughtfully. "Are you content?" "I . . . accept your gift. You're forgiven. This once." LaCroix licked his lips and smiled again at the Ravenettes. "Although if you'd offer me one of your little pets--" Raising her hand, Janette hissed and the Ravenettes scattered, taking to their heels across the park. LaCroix laughed and, after a second, Janette laughed lightly as well. "A pity," he said, watching them run. "Such fun we might have had. I thought your followers would have more backbone. Why you keep them around?" "Because they amuse me. And . . . I need them." When LaCroix's eyebrows rose at the admission she, herself, was surprised to hear from her own lips, Janette turned away. "Which brings me to a point--the one of yours who came to me . . . Laurie?" LaCroix shrugged. "A momentary aberration on her part. A fit of conscience. It passed." "Yes." Janette cleared her throat. "You have her back. I want my Monica." "I'll ship her to you direct--" "No!" LaCroix seemed startled as she whirled and Janette assumed a careful expression. "No--I don't want her forced to do anything. She chose to take your side in this because she'd thought I'd betray her and any of my own to prove a point. Perhaps . . . she was right, at that. I'll approach her in my own way, in my own time. But if she decides to return to me, will you release her?" LaCroix looked back to his people and Janette followed his gaze--Monica wasn't there. "Would . . . it please you?" "Yes," she answered, softly. "Very much." "Then make your offer. She's free to stay or leave as she wishes. I prefer my followers to be--" "Trustworthy?" asked Janette. LaCroix's lips quirked into a smile. "Let's say, willing? Now, I must get back to my series--so much to watch over, you know." As he turned to leave, Janette touched his arm and gestured toward a group watching a scene being filmed. "If you're still in the mood for something, may I suggest that one?" "The red-head?" "Yes. The man other there is her husband." When LaCroix's eyes twinkled, she added, "It seems she's one of Nicola's harem. I was there when they gathered and that one seemed ready to faint whenever he walked past . . . although most of them acted that way, now that I think about it. You might . . . give her a thrill?" Chuckling, LaCroix stalked away. Janette waited for a moment, watching him, then sighed. She glanced to the Ferris wheel. No beginning and no end. It turned and turned and turned again, the same path over and over. The carts swung in place, one time to the right or another to the left, but they swing. It didn't change, really. It never would, no matter what she did or said. She'd been wrong, perhaps to have even tired . . . . Shaking her head, Janette sighed once more, deciding it would be her last of the evening. She looked up, scanning the crowd for any tell-tale wisps of black. There were other bargains to be made this night, if this 'war' was to be brought to an end, so they could return to their normal lives. The same path, over and over . . . . ---- SusanG2522@aol.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 04:35:31 -0500 From: TMP_HARKINS@DIRAC.PHYSICS.JMU.EDU Subject: FKWARSII--LaCroix Makes An Offer Sandra Can't Refuse? July 17, 1994, evening There were people everywhere--crew people, actors, spectators-- all milling about in organized and unorganized fashion. I wasn't quite sure exactly what was going on. They were filming an episode of "Forever Knight" apparently, but my mind wondered how it could be when all the people on it were _real_. A man who looked like Nick stepped out of a trailer and walked toward the set. But when I looked in another direction, I saw Nick talking to Natalie Lambert. Two such good-looking men in one place was almost too much for my senses. 'This must be some strange dream I'm having,' I thought. "It's no dream," said a voice behind me. LaCroix stood there--very close. I started to move away, but he took hold of my arm. "Come and walk with me." My heart pounded and I couldn't move. But when he pulled on my arm, my feet found volition. He was leading me away from the main crowd and toward a much more deserted area. I wished now that I hadn't let myself get separated from Bruce. But there were so many people there, it hadn't seemed to matter. Finally we stopped and he released me. He walked a few steps away and then turned and said, "I hope you and your--husband?-- enjoyed the little joke you played on me." "Joke?" I said, my voice sounding weak to my ears. "At the radio station. I'll have you know you ruined one of my favorite suits." So he _had_ sat in the chair! My lips quirked slightly at the thought, but that was all. I knew I couldn't laugh. Nor did I really want to. "But how--" "Did I know it was you? I had surveillance cameras." My heart quailed. If he should turn Bruce and I in to the police... "Don't worry. I have no intention of telling the police, even though I _could_. It was a quite clever Knightie attack." "My--my husband's a Die-Hard," I said. "But you are not?" I didn't reply. He looked me over. "No, of course not. Nicholas has always had a--certain attraction for women. All of his...female followers...would love to...sleep with him." I felt my face flushing. "But your fascination is somewhat deeper than that, isn't it?" I couldn't reply. He stepped toward me. I pulled out the cross around my neck and held it before me. LaCroix merely smiled. "I am far too old to fear such trinkets." He stepped closer and took the cross in his fingers, briefly touching my own fingers as he did. I dropped my hand to my tote bag and tried to regain some calm. Maybe I could reach another of my defenses... LaCroix smiled and continued his speech as if there had been no interruption. "It is the vampire as well as the man who attracts you." My thoughts went unbidden to the memory of Nick in his garage, eyes gold and fangs bared, when he had been startled from his drinking. I tried to push the thought aside and the reaction I'd had to it. "Despite your rather ordinary exterior, you are a woman of strong physical appetites. You'd like to have sex with a vampire-- preferably Nicholas." "I--I wouldn't. I'm married." "He wouldn't anyway. He'd be too afraid of his--passions-- getting the better of him with a mortal. Rightfully so, I might add." He had dropped the cross and his hand fingered the collar of my blouse. "But there are other alternatives. There are... ancient vampires who have more control...and a wealth of experience to draw from. And of course the pleasure is greater when both parties are vampires." His hand moved further down the front of my blouse, his touch feeling chill even through the fabric. His cold blue eyes were staring into mine and I couldn't look away. I felt myself getting warm again. "I could fulfill your...secret desires," he said. Then he stepped back and I saw he had my wallet in his hand. He looked down at my driver's license, then back at me. "Sandra," he added. He walked behind me and I felt him touch my hair. "You have lovely hair," he said into my ear, his breath cool on my neck. "Think about my offer." I heard a whoosh and then a small thud. Turning, I saw I was alone. I picked up my wallet and put it, my hand shaking, back into my tote bag. I took a few deep breaths, then made my way back to the set and (I hoped) the safety of the crowd. --Sandra Gray --tmp_harkins@dirac.physics.jmu.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Sun, 17 Jul 1994 17:24:07 -0700 From: Jennise Hall Subject: FKW2: FK : The Alternate Universe (4/4) EXT. TORONTO ISLAND BEACH - NIGHT Selma and LaCroix-Actor stand in their last position. Alma and Valerie still hover over the unconscious Nick-Actor. DIRECTOR All right! Action. LaCroix-Actor marches Selma toward Nick-Actor. ALMA (to Valerie) Get back, you Fool! Valerie gently lays Nick-Actor's head on the beach and steps back a few feet. LACROIX-ACTOR Janette? VALERIE Will he be all right.? LACROIX-ACTOR Shut up, you sniveling, woman! Alma pulls the stake from Nick-Actor's chest. He howls in pain. ALMA It missed his heart. She lunges for Selma. LaCroix-Actor stops her. LACROIX-ACTOR She's for him. LaCroix-Actor grabs Selma's wrist and rips it open with his teeth. He forces her arm down toward Nick-Actor's mouth. As the thick Ribena drips onto his lips Nick-Actor begins to drink. After a few drops Nick-Actor holds the would be killer's wrist himself. NICK-ACTOR Thank you, LaCroix. I owe you another one. Between the two iron grips Selma is unable to move. A moment later Nick-Actor, pulls her closer and buries his fangs into her neck. He continues to drink even after Selma goes limp. LACROIX-ACTOR That's it my boy. Nick-Actor finishes. Selma's body falls forgotten. She stares blankly into the camera. LaCroix-Actor and Alma help Nick-Actor to his feet. VALERIE Nick? Nick-Actor turns to her, his eyes still glow with hunger. NICK-ACTOR Nat. Valerie takes a step toward the ocean. ALMA I told you. You should have waited at the Raven. Valerie picks up the cross. Nick-Actor blanches. Valerie holds it behind her back, safely out of Nick-Actor's view. VALERIE I'm okay right where I am. Thank you. SCHANKE-ACTOR(V.O.) Nick! They all look up in time to see, a buff, but macholy scraggly looking, Schanke, munching on something on a stick, leading a bloodied TEENAGE BOY across the beach toward them. He barely gives Selma a second glance. TEENAGER He broke my nose! This is police brutality! I'll... Schanke punches him in the stomach cutting off his sentence. SCHANKE-ACTOR Geez. Nick. You look horrible.I caught this one waiting at the get-away car. VALERIE Schanke. Your timing is perfect. SCHANKE-ACTOR It's a sign of a good cop. Nick, why don't you handle this guy and I'll take Natalie back to the morgue. Nick-Actor smiles hungrily...uh gratefully. He takes the boy into his arms. NICK-ACTOR What are partners for. SCHANKE-ACTOR Hey, saves on the paper work. VALERIE No. I want to stay. Make sure he's all right. SCHANKE-ACTOR He'll be fine, Nat. Stop whining and come on. These guys'll take good care of him. They always do. With her lip poked slightly out, Valerie follows Schanke. She and Schanke walk toward the cameras. VALERIE What is that? SCHANKE-ACTOR Cheddar flavored rice cake on a stick. Delicious. And good for you. Want one? VALERIE No thanks. DIRECTOR And! Cut!!! Print that one! Selma hops up off the beach. She sees Nick over by the lot and runs toward him. SELMA Oh, Nick! I didn't want to do it! They made me! ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 03:11:19 EDT From: SelmaMc@AOL.COM Subject: FK Wars 2: On the good ship S.S. Identity Crisis, pt 1 "Oh, Nick! I didn't want to do it! They made me!" Selma shouted as she ran up to Nick. He looked deeply confused. "Who are you?" he asked. "Selma McCrory. I'm one of your followers. Or I was. I think I might still be." Apparently the explanation didn't help. "Slow down," he said. Selma realized, calming herself down, that Nick genuinely didn't know who she was. They'd never met, and she was enough out of the action that the people at the loft had any need to mention her. "Ask Nat about the disks, the ones that should have arrived marked 'Medical Supplies'. Anyway, I was one of your people, except Jennise lured me to LaCroix's place, telling me you needed my help. And I got stuck there." "Which makes her one of mine," a third voice interrupted smoothly. They both turned around to see LaCroix. Selma shook her head. "I wasn't meant to be one of yours, LaCroix. Face it, you've seen me for the last week. I'm a lousy liar and a lousy persuader. I'd make a terrible spy, which is why you left Sharon to do the spying, even though I'm more of a computer person and could have destroyed the Abarat easily." "Even you have your uses," LaCroix said softly. "Although, I might add, not in acting. I've got to have a word with the casting director." "Why don't you do that," Selma said. She raised her arms. "I'm going back and washing this stuff off." Selma left, walking towards the trailers. Nick glared at LaCroix. "I'll talk to you about this later," he said, stalking off. (to be continued) ----------------- Selma McCrory (affiliation? _Which_ affiliation?) selmamc@aol.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 07:58:45 EDT From: Sharon Himmanen Subject: FKW2: I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. Demille Sunday evening, July 17 Sharon and Nat had been standing off on the sidelines watching the scene play out in horror. "Boy!" Sharon breathed. "The spoilers never prepared us for *this*!" Nat was slowly shaking her head. "This is unreal!" Suddenly, Sharon chuckled. "Oh, I don't know, Nat. It looks to me like they got your good side!" she said teasingly as Valerie Meachum tottered over to the make-up person who began dabbing her face with bits of cotton. Her reward for that comment was a semi-sharp jab in the ribs with Nat's elbow, before she too smiled. "Yes, the *shoes* definitely complete the picture." Suddenly she sobered. "All right. I want to find Janette. She's here somewhere with Sydney. And where are Nick and LaCroix? Lets get this show on the road?" o-----------------o---------------------------------------------- ---o | Sharon Himmanen | shihc@cunyvm.cuny.edu * romana@aol.com | | Nat Pack | s.himmanen@genie.geis.com | o-----------------o---------------------------------------------- ---o ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 10:25:40 EDT From: Pamela Rush Subject: FKWAR2: Schanke on location 2 (final) ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Early morning hours of FK shoot on Hanlan Island, July 17-18 Knight had been less than pleased to find his partner running loose on the "Forever Knight" location and had been trying to talk him into going home. Schanke's presence was one complication he did not need. "I think the excitement is over, really," Knight said, "This is supposed to be your day off. Why don't you go home and spend what's left of it with your family?" "Excitement? You call *that* excitement? Were you watching them film on the beach? What a concept! A *vampire* cop. They'll never sell it. And the actors...well, I could do better. Heck, *you* could do better. Fantasy is ok, I guess...now, 'I Dream of Jeannie,' *that* was a good show! But *cops* and fantasy -- nah; it'll never work." "Well, this version of it seems to need some work, but --" "You can say that again. Look at the way they wrote the sidekick -- a complete doofus." "Oh? You think he should, uh, turn his partner in?" asked Knight in a studiously casual voice. "Nah, not that. He should back up his partner. But he's forgotten the most important thing a good sidekick does...." "Which is?" "Man, week after week, episode after episode, a sidekick has to make his partner *look good*." (1) "Yeah, I guess so," admitted Knight with an unusually acute flash on human selflessness and the grace to look vaguely ashamed of himself. "And *some* weeks," continued Schanke pointedly," it's much harder than usual!" Knight could hardly meet his partner's look, but, practiced sidekick that he was, Schanke changed the subject just in time. "Oh, great," Schanke said, keen nostrils flaring in the light, night breeze, "the kielvasa's done at the commissary. Catch you later...." And he was gone in the warm, garlic scented night. ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 19:28:32 EDT From: SusanG2522@AOL.COM Subject: FKWARII--Pretty as a Picture Sunday Evening Confrontation 2: Pretty as a Picture It was mayhem. The park was alive with light and crowds of happy mortals, enjoying the thrills, chills, and spills--Nick absently wiped his hand down the front of his shirt, remembering the coffee Schanke had spilled on him. Schanke was here. LaCroix, with his twisted sense of humor, had sent him a guest pass. Wonderful. It was something else to confront LaCroix about. Yes, they'd gotten past most of their current disagreements at LaCroix's apartment, when he'd been searching for Nat, Sharon, and Valerie, but there were still a few things he wanted to clear up. Janette's involvement, among them. He wandered the crowd, looking for someone--anyone, who looked familiar. Valerie he'd seen, in full makeup and performing in LaCroix's heavily edited and re-written rendition of their current lives. She seemed well enough, so that was one person off his check-list. But there were so many others in the crowd! The many people who'd come and gone from his apartment, like Scottie--he'd tried to apologize for having left her alone to accept the delivery of LaCroix's mix of fake and real mail on Thursday night, but she'd appeared somewhat stunned when he'd spoken to her. In fact, all she'd been able to manage for a while were muffled squeaks. If he'd been able to reach Nat, he'd have brought her over on the spot--the woman looked like she was having some sort of fit and Nick didn't trust LaCroix's minions not to have planted some slow-acting poison or drug on the letters Scottie had so patiently and thoughtfully sorted. But she'd refused to go to the hospital and seemed relatively fine now--although her face flushed and she seemed to duck back into the crowd whenever he tried to move toward her. Sandra and Bruce he'd spotted. In fact, he'd caught a glimpse of LaCroix approaching the woman . . . but then he'd thought he'd spotted Nat and by the time he'd turned around, LaCroix was gone. The thought of LaCroix loose among these innocents, because that's what most of them were, infuriated him. They had no idea what they were dealing with, how seductive and deadly he could be. And so he searched for Nat, but made a mental note to look for the others who would be here. Sharon would be at Nat's side, of course . . . she hadn't been left alone for her own protection since she'd escaped LaCroix. Nan, he'd recognized, and Ivy, who he'd spotted with Robin. There were others, too, from the meeting at his loft and more that he remembered having seen during the last war, at the meeting in the Raven. He'd spotted what he'd guessed to be one of Janette's followers in the uniform of the day and heard a meow from the bag over her shoulder. He'd run to her, spinning her around, thinking he'd found Sidney-- The cat had been black as midnight and had hissed at him, although elegantly. And the Ravenette had turned tail and run into the crowd before he'd gotten a good look at her. She was only one among many, after all. And there were some he wouldn't see--Lisa, who'd been sent home, suffering only temporary injury, but still having been injured in her attempt to help him. And John, of course, whose wounds had been worse than fatal. If it wasn't so bright, he'd do better to take to the sky and try an aerial view. But there were too many mortals here. Where the hell was Nat? That's when he spotted Janette. She was standing beside one of the costume vans and had a young woman by the collar. It was Jennie--he'd saved her from breaking her neck when she'd broken into the Raven and stolen Janette's dresses--heaven only knows what she left in their place! "I want them back, dry-cleaned and pressed," demanded Janette, shaking the woman. "And not a seam out of place or a button missing or--" Nick stepped between them, easily taking Janette's fingers from Jennie's collar. "Disappear," he suggested to Jennie, then turned his attention to Janette. Janette looked past him, watching the young woman stalk off. She leaned back against the trailer and swallowed, not meeting his eyes. "One of yours?" "Does it matter?" "No. It suppose not. Any lady in distress deserves the protection of a knight, yes?" She fluttered her hand at him. "Except me." The words were bitter. Not what he expected. But he had no sympathy for her. "You don't deserve any help. And the way you've acted is hardly lady-like." "No?" She looked at him, then turned away. "Nicola, let me be." He caught her arm, fingers encircling her wrist. She froze in place and stared down at his hand. "As always, the gentleman," she hissed. But he didn't release her. Instead, he pulled her close. "Why? Why did you lie to me about LaCroix? Why did you tell him I had the mail?" "Yes, I lied to you. It was what you wanted to hear, what you wanted to believe--that LaCroix had once again thrown a gauntlet at your feet and challenged you." She slipped her wrist from his grip and glared at him, fire in her blue eyes. "What you did was wrong. It was only a matter of time before he discovered the truth--what did it matter if told him?" He couldn't quite believe her, she was backing up everything LaCroix had told him. "You did this intentionally? Set us at each other's throats on purpose?" Something stopped him-- the sound of Schanke's voice. When he looked up, he pasted a smile on his face and said to Janette, "You'll stay here." That much he'd learned from LaCroix--how to put enough of a threat in his voice to control her. She glared at him, but assumed a false smile as well, as Schanke introduced the woman with him as Dawn. The name was different enough to ring a bell and a wink from her, as she handed him the pen and paper then turned to Janette, made him sigh-- another one. This was Dawn of the Die-Hards, one of the people responsible for that phone-book sized charter and offer of a safe-house. Then again, laser defenses-- He'd barely gotten the paper signed before Janette wrenched it from him and signed her own name, while speaking to Dawn. Dawn accepted the paper with a smile. "Thanks a lot. All of you. I hope you can settle whatever differences you have amicably." "Faint hope," Nick muttered. Janette managed to keep the smile on her face until Dawn had pulled Schanke away, then glared at him. "It's always the mortals, isn't it? Even now--you're furious with me, but you must be nice to the mortals. Pfaugh!" "Do you know what you've cost them? How your petty plans have hurt them?" He grabbed her shoulder, pinning her to the outside of the trailer. "Oh yes, I remember the scene. Nicola and all of his brave warriors scattered around him like so many walking wounded. Don't blame me! You could have stopped it before it started. took the mail. And--" she placed her hand over the one with which he pinned her, but couldn't shake him, "did it never occur to you to simply phone LaCroix and ask him what had happened? No, you assumed it was a war. And rather than call him, you came to me and that I help you." Her strength seemed to leave her when she couldn't move away from him. "If you had only taken charge, none of this would have happened. If you had only --" "It was between LaCroix and me," said Nick angrily. "No one else should have been involved." "You're right. You're . . . right." Janette turned her head. "Nicola, let me go. I don't want to argue with you. I'm too tired. Go back to your little garden of admirers and send them packing. Live in your dream world. Don't let them see what you truly are." He released her. "Is that what that was all about, when you brought over the blood?" "You were starving. You were starving yourself because you didn't want them to think you were fallible." She met his eyes and straightened, he saw some of the fire return to her. "What was worse, you let that poor boy torture himself. He should have been cared for, fed, watched constantly. But you left him ." "I . . . got over the first part," he admitted after a pause. Nick turned away, looking out past the trailers, to the lights of the park. Janette moved behind him, touching his shoulder. "And did they run away? Were they ashamed?" "No," he whispered. "Because that's who you are. You are a . That's why most of them are drawn to you. Yes, yes, you have a noble soul, and some of them find this tortured-nobility business fascinating--" Nick managed a slight smile as she dismissed the whole of his existence with a wave, "but if it wasn't you, it would be LaCroix. These mortals! Faithless to the last." His smile grew broader, as she made a sound of disgust. "That's right--you don't care about them at all, do you?" "Why should I?" Janette asked brightly. "We're like the stars," she gestured toward the heavens. "I'll be here long after all of them are dust. They're nothing to us." "Ummmm, just as well." Nick rubbed his chin with the side of his hand. "Because I thought I saw LaCroix with one of your Ravenettes--" "Where?' asked Janette, moving past him, brow furrowed. "I told them to avoid--" He caught her arm and pulled her close. "So you care?" She raised her chin defiantly. He saw the denial in her eyes, but then she looked away. "What if I do? Does it matter? They're only mortals." For a moment, he forgot where he was. They stood between the trailers, cut off from most of the sounds and fury of the filming and the park attractions. And Nick pressed a kiss to her forehead, the curves of her body so familiar to his arms-- But Janette pushed away. Her eyes were wary, angry. "No. Not now. It's always like this. You're lonely, or you're wounded, or you're confused. The mortals disappoint you and you come to me. Well, I'm tired of it, Nicola. I'm tired of being used, by you and LaCroix. You asked me why I lied to you, why I called LaCroix? It was because I grew tired of keeping your secrets on your terms, of being a pawn in your games." "Is that so?" he countered. "Well, maybe I'm tired of games, after all of these centuries. Maybe I'm tired of ." For a second, her lips formed a startled 'o' shape, then tightened into a frown. Nick thought for a moment that she was going to slap him, but instead she turned on her heel and stalked around the corner of the trailer. "Oh, Janette," he said, throwing his hands in the air. He'd barely moved a step to go after her when he heard the sound of hands clapping together. Nick whirled. LaCroix walked around the end of the trailer, applauding slowly. "Well , Nicholas. I see you haven't lost your touch." He turned and walked away, but LaCroix fell into step beside him. "She told you exactly what I told you. You know I told you the truth the other night." Nick stopped and turned. "Yes," he admitted, with some reluctance. "Janette started this." "And we'll finish it for her." LaCroix smiled at his hesitant expression and clapped him on the shoulder. "Tonight. After all, I've got my own interests to protect. And these mortal pranks have gotten out of hand, wouldn't you say?" Nick paused, suddenly realizing that he hadn't found Natalie. And if she hadn't made her peace with Janette yet-- "What did you have in mind?" LaCroix grinned. "I knew you'd come around to my way of thinking." He placed his arm across Nick's shoulders and fell into step beside him. "I should think our best offense is a united defense, wouldn't you agree--?" ---------------- SusanG2522@aol.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Mon, 18 Jul 1994 21:18:38 EDT From: SusanG2522@AOL.COM Subject: FKWARII--Kittens Have Claws Sunday Night Confrontation part 3 -- Kittens Have Claws Natalie and Sharon walked around yet another backdrop, ducking out of sight just as LaCroix passed by. Sharon shivered involuntarily. Nat put a hand on her arm and whispered, "It's okay. We'll take care of it." "Take care of what?" asked Tanaquil, quietly slipping up behind them. Nat let off a short cry, her hand to her throat. "Dear God, don't that!" "Sorry," said Tanaquil, but she couldn't help grinning. "I do look pretty scary, don't I?" "No less than Val," suggested Sharon, matching her grin. "That's an idea, Nat--why not talk LaCroix into putting Val in get-up." Before Nat could answer, Val peered around the edge of the scenery. "Did I hear my name mentioned? get up?" Then Tanaquil struck a pose. "Those are the platform heels of doom, aren't they?" Natalie laughed. "Come on, come on. We've got to find Janette and Sidney." "You were looking for me?" They turned. Janette moved out of a shadow, beneath another backdrop that leaned against the one they'd hidden behind. There were other shadows behind her--her Ravenettes. She snapped her fingers and one passed forward a lit cigarette in a holder. Janette puffed at it. "So, all the little Nat-Pack, together? But you are missing some of your tricksters, no? Just as I am now missing a bartender." She narrowed her eyes, glaring at Tanaquil, then flicked the ash from her cigarette away. "No matter. Bartenders are a dime a dozen. Although I do something about the hair, darling." >From the darkness behind her came the sound of a cat, a lone 'meow'. Natalie straightened. "Give me Sidney." "First, you'll hear my terms. Agreed?" "Terms?" whispered Valerie, sidling up to Nat. "I don't like this. Maybe we should wait for Nick--" "I'm tired of waiting for Nick," snapped Natalie, her eyes still locked with Janette's. Janette smiled at the comment. "Good. So let us deal, woman to woman, hmnnn? Men are unreasonable. And unreliable." Again, she tapped her cigarette against the backdrop. "First, I want everything of mine returned in good condition, including my wardrobe and chokers." "Wardrobe?" asked Natalie. Tanaquil leaned forward and whispered, "Jennie. They're at Nick's loft, in the garage." "Oh." Natalie nodded. "Okay." "Second--I want no more action taken against my club or myself." Natalie cleared her throat. "If it means anything, I never intended that to happen. Some of my friends got a little carried away." She glanced over her shoulder at Tanaquil and asked quietly, "Elizabeth got the word, right?" "She said something about cat toys. But she's here somewhere, I can check--" " have the cat toys," said Janette sharply. "But if you can't control your . . . friends, your word is no good to me, Dr. Lambert." "If Nat says to stop, everyone will stop," protested Sharon. "It just takes some time to get the word out. Nat's got a of friends." Natalie gave her a smile over her shoulder. Janette cleared her throat. "Yes. Third--if you ever send spies into my club," she paused and took a drag from her cigarette, then blew a smoke ring into the air. "Please make certain they're dressed properly. that they can dance. I do have an image to maintain and clubs fall into and out of fashion so easily these days." "I'll work on it," said Natalie dryly. "And I sympathize. Is that it?" "That's it." Janette smiled. "Agreed?" "Agreed," said Natalie. Val put a hand on her shoulder, but she shook her head, warning them not to take any action. When Janette nodded, one of the Ravenettes came forward. She slipped the cat carrier from her shoulder and knelt on the ground. Sidney crawled out of the bag and shook his head, straightening his fur. Natalie knelt down, smiling. "Come here, boy. Come here, Sidney, poor baby!" Sidney took a step or two toward her, then turned. Meowing, he ran to the feet and up the dress of another Ravenette, who carried another bag on her shoulder, which was also meowing. "Ow, geez, Sidney, I'm a scratching post," she muttered. "Betsy, can you give me a hand?" The first Ravenette, Betsy, removed Sidney. The second Ravenette slipped her own cat carrier from her shoulder. The cat that emerged from the bag was black as coal, with gleaming eyes and a sharp red collar. She stretched as she came out of the bag, then nuzzled Sidney's whiskers with her nose. "Goblin," explained Janette, as Natalie looked at her, astonished. "She's a Ravenette, too. Belongs to one of the Die-Hards, I think. Such a clever kitty." Natalie was stunned. She watched as Sidney tucked his nose against the other cat's collar. "You sent another cat to seduce Sidney?" The second Ravenette cleared her throat. "Actually, Dr. Lambert, Goblin and Sidney have been email dating." "They've been ?" The third Ravenette stepped forward, a rabbit cage in her hands--Natalie recognized her from the last war . . . but hadn't she been one of Nick's people then? It was so hard to keep track any more. And that thought made her glance back at Sharon, just for a moment. "Beth, right?" She nodded, looking to Janette. "Have you ever come home and found your computer on? But you could swear you turned it off before you left?" "Yeah, just the other--" Natalie rose to her feet and gulped. "Sidney's been sending email?" Janette chuckled. "The nature of the beast," she said softly. "Dr. Lambert, you might ask your bartender friend for a drink. You look like you need one." "That's ," she corrected. Then, she smiled. "Sidney, you little devil!" At the sound of his name, he meowed and looked over his shoulder toward her, then nuzzled Goblin. But Goblin leapt away, into the second Ravenette's arms. Sidney tried to follow, his claws digging into the jersey of her skirt. "Betsy, please help Susan," said Janette. She tapped the ash off her cigarette again. "And return Sidney." Betsy carefully disentangled Sidney from Susan's skirt. He made a helpless little meowing sound and scrambled up on her shoulder, as if he were going to launch herself across the distance to reach Goblin, but Betsy held him tightly. She handed him to Natalie. "He's a good cat," she explained. "He was waiting for us when we went to pick him up. We didn't want to frighten you. But he was having so much fun with Goblin." Janette had moved beside Susan. Goblin had settled on her shoulders and was hiding beneath her hair. "That's right," cooed Janette softly, scratching the cat between the ears. "Never let them know you'll miss them. It only makes parting more difficult." Sidney meowed again and snuggled against Natalie. She looked to Val and then to Sharon. "What should I do?" she whispered. "I've never seen him like this." "The cat's got it bad," said Tanaquil. "There's nothing that says he can't still send her email," said Val, with a shrug, when Natalie stared at her. "I'm sorry. I know it sounds crazy. But if that's how they met--" Sharon smiled. "Val, sounds crazy when you're wearing an outfit like that." "We're settled then, you and I?" asked Janette, still scratching Goblin behind the ears. "Yes, I guess we are." Natalie shook her head. "I never would have figured you for a cat person. Or a pet person." "One never knows." Then, Janette smiled. "We should be on better terms, you and I. Especially since we have so much in common. But--" Janette shrugged, "it's too late." "It's too late." Natalie walked forward, lessening the distance between them. Janette's eyes narrowed as she approached. "Can you tell me--you started this, didn't you?" Janette looked past her, at the friends that had followed her across the distance. "Yes." "Why?" There was a moment when Janette paused. She looked back at her Ravenettes and Natalie wasn't certain she was going to answer. But then she said, "Many reasons. I was tired of being used, tired of being caught between LaCroix and Nicola. And one of the cousins contacted me--she asked to defect to the Ravenettes. LaCroix might have laughed it off. Or he might have killed her . . . you never know with him." "So . . . you started a war to hide a defection?" asked Sharon, stunned. "It does seem a grand gesture," admitted Janette. "But I'm known for grand gestures. And--" she met Natalie's gaze, "knowing LaCroix, what was I to do?" Natalie nodded, then looked to Val. "I think we should have talked to Janette in the first place. Janette laughed. "How odd, since only people ever attacked me! Neither Nicola or LaCroix took any move against me--" One of the Ravenettes, Betsy, was pushed from behind, into Natalie, who sprawled back against Sharon, who knocked over Tanaquil. Susan and Beth were brushed aside as well, Goblin hitting the ground on all fours and Beth protecting Hazel by holding the rabbit's cage up as she fell. LaCroix had grabbed Janette's right arm and Nick her left. "I think we'll remedy that situation immediately," said LaCroix. Grasping Janette's chin in his hands, he turned her gaze toward him. "And no claws, kitten. This time, you're outnumbered." ----- SusanG2522@aol.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Tue, 19 Jul 1994 00:02:17 EDT From: SusanG2522@AOL.COM Subject: FKWARII--Is it Live or ? Sunday Evening -- Confrontation 4 (and final) -- Is it live or is it . . . .? "Nick?" asked Natalie, astounded. "What the hell are you doing?" "Saving you. Saving all of you." Nick glanced at Janette, who eyed him with fear. "She's dangerous, she's lost her mind. We're not going to hurt her, we're just going to take her somewhere to cool off, maybe for a century or so." Nat scrambled off Sharon then glanced at LaCroix. He raised an eyebrow, then smiled, when he saw her beside Sharon, who was still trying to gather her wits. Putting an arm beneath her shoulder, Nat hissed, "Find Betsy V., Ivy, and Robin, NOW!" Then she pushed Valerie after her saying, "Just get everybody!" Val hesitated. "Everybody?" "Everybody," repeated Natalie. "Good," said LaCroix, as Janette struggled. "Let's put on a show, shall we?" "Let go of her!" cried Susan, one of the Ravenettes. Betsy was still on the floor near Natalie and was holding onto Goblin's collar for dear life--the lady cat's ears were flattened and she hissed at LaCroix, showing her fangs. Beth had placed the rabbit cage behind her and stood behind Susan. "Sidney?" asked Nat, suddenly panicked. "I've got him," said Tanaquil, from behind her. "He's not happy, but I've got him." By this time, Susan had pulled a thick manuscript from the other bag she carried. She held it aloft in one hand, and had Janette's lighter open and flaming in her other. "Let her go or I swear I'll burn this." "A story?" asked LaCroix. He shrugged. "I have my own writers." "I've hidden something inside the story," she explained, turning her gaze to Nick. "When Janette had your mail, she pulled the same thing on you that you did to LaCroix--she held back some of it." "Susan!" cried Janette, more than a slight tint of anger in her voice. Susan paled, but wouldn't look away from Nick. "She pulled certain pieces out of your mail and Natalie's mail, possible cures, suggestions on how you could come back across." She waved the papers lightly and held the lighter flame near the edge. "The manuscript's typewritten on onion skin--it'll go up like a torch. And the mail goes with it unless you let Janette go." Nat took a breath and looked up at Nick. He stared back at her in turn, not knowing what to say or do. But then Janette said, "Susan, give the papers to Natalie." Susan hesitated, looking at Nat, then back at Janette. "You can't be--" "Give them to Natalie. Now." She glanced at Beth, then at Betsy--they both nodded. Susan closed the lighter, placing it on the floor, then stretched out her arm and gave the papers to Natalie. "Thanks," whispered Nat, but Susan's eyes were still fixed on Janette. "They're obedient, I'll give you that," said LaCroix. "Although I would have let her burn them." "I've made my peace with you," Janette hissed at him. "I gave you the box. You said I was forgiven." He smiled sadly. "Forgiven, yes. But still unpunished. And I think Nicholas would agree that you've been a very naughty girl. Interfering in all those mortal lives . . . ." "They to be involved," protested Natalie. She handed the sheaf of paper behind her, to Tanaquil, then rose to face Nick. "Nick, it's not her fault John was brought across. It's not your fault. LaCroix bears most of the blame--he bit John, but after that it was an accident." "It wouldn't have happened if Janette hadn't started the conflict," said LaCroix smoothly. But Nick released Janette and took a step away. "Natalie's right. If Janette were that dangerous, she'd have let those papers burn. Let her go, LaCroix." "I don't think so." LaCroix grabbed her other arm and pulled that behind her back, catching both of her hands together. His other hand rested at her throat. As Nick moved toward him, LaCroix said, "I'd think twice. I can take off her head before you move. Not that I'd want to, of course. I want an end to this as much as you. And I think I'm in a position to dictate terms." "Wanna talk about a dysfunctional family," whispered Tanaquil, from behind Natalie. "Bad blood," was Natalie's only reply. Then she looked up. There were others there, in the shadows--LaCroix's followers, the cousins. Though not overtly threatening, their presence alone was enough to send a shiver through her. She remembered some of the faces from last time--the one who'd switched Nick's blood was there, as was the leader of the last war's peace coalition--and there were some new faces as well. But then the shadows slid back, as voices and footsteps approached. Sharon pushed Ivy and Robin forward and Betsy was only a few steps behind. "I think," said LaCroix, nodding down at Sharon. "I want her back. She's mine, after all. You do realize she betrayed you." "She was misled," said Natalie fiercely, placing a hand on Sharon's shoulder. "And before you start dictating terms, I've got something you should listen to." She glanced up at Nick, who raised an eyebrow questioningly, then looked over at Ivy. "Do you have it?" "Robin's got it," said Ivy, as Robin pulled a cassette tape from her pocket. Betsy V. took the walkman from her belt, inserted the cassette, then walked toward LaCroix. When LaCroix glared down at Betsy, Natalie cautioned, "Believe me, you want to use the headphones." LaCroix reached out and took the walkman from Betsy with the hand that had been at Janette's neck. Nick seemed ready to make a move, but Natalie held up a hand and smiled, warning him off. Just then, Val arrived, with a herd of Knighties and Die- Hards in tow, as well as the stray Nat-Packers. Natalie made a motion for her to keep them quiet and she did so, using her best back-stage "Sssh!" LaCroix's eyes widened as he turned on the cassette and listened to the first few moments. He glared down at Natalie. "One never knows about people and their pets," she said, seeing Janette smile at the echo of her words. "We've got a full twenty minutes of that." "Not any more." LaCroix tore the headset off and tossed it down to Betsy V. "This one's mine. Destroy the tape," he ordered. Betsy just grinned at him. "Sorry, I'm a double agent." LaCroix stared at Nick, who shrugged, "I told you your place was bugged when I apologized." Ivy and Robin stared at one another. "We got Nick apologizing on tape?" asked Robin. "I want a copy of that," hissed Natalie quietly, out of the side of her mouth. "Next time, remind me to buy the trading cards the war," said Selma, moving forward to stand beside Natalie. "I can't keep track of who's working for who anymore. Somebody could get walloped by accident." She had no idea why Ivy let out a short yelp and put her hands over her eyes. Betsy patted her shoulder. Hilary leaned forward and whispered, "What are trading cards?" Nick took a step toward LaCroix, who raised a hand to Janette's throat again. "They've got copies of the tape," said Nick. "Dozens of copies. And there's a loud-speaker system right here. Maybe we should just hook it up--" "No!" said LaCroix quickly. "There's no need . . . no need to act hastily." He withdrew his hand from Janette's neck, then released her hands and smoothed down the sleeve of her dress. In response, she smacked him in the shoulder, then stalked her way past Nick, to join her Ravenettes. "I'm certain we can come to terms," finished LaCroix, holding out his palms. "The rest of the mail?" asked Nick. LaCroix pointed out Cousin Tok, who was standing beside one very disappointed Nan and two cats, Gandalf and Merlin, who leaned down their heads and put their paws over their eyes. "Did you follow my instructions?" "To the letter," said Tok cheerfully. "The rest of it's in the costume van." "There you are," said LaCroix. "And I think we should take that suggestion you mentioned, Nicholas, about the separate mail drops--?" "That was Bruce," said Nick, pointing out where the man stood, beside his wife. LaCroix smiled, particularly in her direction. "Ah, I've met the lady. And you sir, are a--?" "Die-Hard," said Bruce. "Well, if you must make a wrong choice, better to make no choice at all," commented LaCroix. "I do rather like the name. Sensible suggestion." "Very sensible," agreed Natalie. "I wonder why we didn't think of it before?" "Perhaps because we never suspected that of us might tamper with the mail?" offered LaCroix, pointedly glancing at Nick, who stammered momentarily. "Now if you'll collect your mail and all scurry off like good little mortals, I've got a show to produce. So if you don't mind--" "What in the hell? Let me --" said a voice, from the edge of the crowd. They parted like the red sea under a stream of invective to allow passage for a dark-skinned vampiress. Her eyes were gold by the time she fought her way to the center and she glared at Nick, Natalie, LaCroix, Janette, and anyone else who dared to get in her way. "Not now, Jennise," said LaCroix irritably. "Can't you see I'm in conference? If there's another script problem, I trust Karin to take care of it. And you're so adept at handling that actor--" "No such luck, Pops . . . uh, LaCroix," answered Jennise. She handed him a piece of paper. "Just got this faxed to us from the cops and with not a moment to spare, either." Everyone looked up, dazzled as spotlights blazed down from overhead, accompanied by a thwop-thwop-thwop sound. "Are we being invaded?" asked a man at the edge of the crowd, with a Siamese draped over his shoulder (and holding in its paws something that looked suspiciously like part of a bagel). "Or is Oliver Stone part of this shoot?" Nick put his hand over his face. "Police choppers," he announced, with a dismayed tone. "Why the hell would they send--?" He had no idea that someone would yell, "Run!" ---- SusanG2522@aol.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Tue, 19 Jul 1994 16:35:00 PDT From: M'lady Printcap the goddess of peripherals Subject: FKWARII: Chaos and Mayhem EXT. GIBRALTER LIGHTHOUSE - HANLAN ISLAND - NIGHT THWOP. THWOP. THWOP. CHUCK WAGON Sandye and Dennis smile at each other over respective cups of coffee. In unison they drop the cups in the can, put phone operator type headsets on their heads and sauntered off in different directions. MAKE-UP TRAILER NICK (hand over his eyes) Police Choppers. Why the hell would they...? VOICE RUN! People scatter. Jennise grabs LaCroix's arm. JENNISE You'd better read this! She hands him the fax. LACROIX Relax Jennise. It's merely a remnant of the war. LaCroix glances over Jennise's shoulder. he does not react as Sandye walks by, gives a thumbs up and continues on. JENNISE Remnant of the war! What happened while I was out of town! LaCroix nods toward a commotion near the helicopters. LACROIX Perhaps you should shut that Director up before he makes matters worse? JENNISE The hell with that moronic Director! What about the cops? LACROIX Now is not the time to test your independence. Jennise looks at her Vampire father dubiously then jogs toward the helicopter. BEACH SET Two helicopters sit on the edge of the parking lot. Not too far from all the equipment. The Director storms through the mass of Uniformed Cops, who now rush forward trying to stop people before they can leave. DIRECTOR Who's in charge here! Chaos. Cops corner cast and crew. No handcuffs are pulled out. They seem only to question. DIRECTOR What is the meaning of this! This is a closed set. COP I (surveys the area) And all these people are crew? DIRECTOR And just who the hell are you? COP I Detective Kwambe. We're looking for Jennise Hall or Frank Cross. You Cross? DIRECTOR No. I...he was just over... He looks toward the make-up trailer. No sign of LaCroix but a furious Jennise jogs toward him. DIRECTOR He's not there. But that's Jennise the fruit cake who hired me then summoned several thousand people to make... JENNISE Namecalling is a little childish isn't it. The Director's mouth hangs open. How did she hear that? JENNISE (her most charming) Officer! What can I do for you? COP I It's about your permits. JENNISE Oh. Easy. They're in the office follow... COP I That's not necessary. We have record of each and every one. And the worthless checks you wrote the payment on. COSTUME TRAILER LaCroix strolls past the trailer in the general direction of the lighthouse and parking lot. The area has thinned out considerably. The faint sound of boat engines can be heard below the confused voices. Sandye pokes her head out from around the corner. SANDYE Uncle! Everything is ready. LACROIX Margaret? SANDYE She's safely on her way. LACROIX Very good. At my signal. SANDYE You got it! LaCroix continues. He walks calmly. The chaos does not touch him. Sandye watches him walk a few yards further. She glances away momentarily as several of the powerful lights go out. A few crew members slink in and out of patches of shadow. SANDYE Okay! Everybody down on the beach! The cops want everybody down on the beach! The words begin to echo through the crowd. Cops pick it up and begin herding those they're interviewing toward the beach. Sandye grinds wildly. Very pleased with herself. PARKING AREA JENNISE Worthless! She looks around frantically. COP I Where is Frank Cross! JENNISE They bounced!!!!! Jennise sees no sign of him in the chaotic crowd. COP I If you don't tell me where he is you'll have to face charges of fraud alone. JENNISE Cross! Cross! Where is that blond...W Handcuffs snap into place on her wrists. GIBRALTER LIGHTHOUSE LaCroix stands on the walkway in front of the dark lamp. From this vantage he watches, a mad smile on his face, as the chaos plays out before him. He watches the various boats launch. He watches Dennis duck behind one of the cameras. BEACH SET Dennis points the camera toward the lighthouse and gives LaCroix a thumbs up sign. GIBRALTOR LIGHTHOUSE LaCroix watches the Cop put hand-cuffs on Jennise's wrists. His smile broadens as several officers scattered along the beach point up at him. PARKING AREA Jennise glares up at LaCroix. She hears him quite clearly over the din. LACROIX (normal voice) Daughter. You did well. Jennise pokes her tongue out at him. COP I Somebody get up there. NOW!!!! Many of the cops run toward the lighthouse. LaCroix turns and walks around the landing, out of sight of those on the beach. The cops have barely made it 5 yards when the lighthouse explodes. While cops land heavily on their backs all around her, Jennise stands her ground. Most are too preoccupied with their own pains to notice her liftherself into the air. Spinning and laughing maniacally. ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------[Monday, July 18th]------------ ---------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 19 Jul 1994 03:18:43 -0500 From: TMP_HARKINS@DIRAC.PHYSICS.JMU.EDU Subject: FKWARSII--The Escape July 18, 1994, sometime after midnight (maybe?) Nick looked around him in some bewilderment as the police choppers began to come down on the beach and in other vacant areas around the film set. People around him started to scatter and someone shouted, "The mail!" Then Schanke ran up to him. "What's going on?" asked Nick. "Police raid of the set. The permits for the shoot were paid for with bounced checks. Man, what a bummer!" "You're telling me." "Hey, is this throwing the undercover case?" Nick thought quickly. "It could. I've got -- informants -- working here that I don't want to get arrested. Not to mention Nat's wandering around. Get me a boat--a big one. I'll go try to round up my people." "Gotcha!" said Schanke. Then he ran off toward the dock area. Nick spied Bruce and Sandra Gray nearby. He ran over to them and took their arms. They turned startled faces to him. "Come with me," he said. "I'll see we get out of this." Then he released them and ran off in the direction of the costume van, trusting they would follow. People were gathered around the door of the van, passing out white sacks. Natalie was there, and Valerie and Scottie. And lots of others. He halted and said, "To the docks, everyone! Schanke's commandeering a boat!" 'I hope,' he thought. "Stay close to me," he added. "Don't run. But if you see any of your friends, try to call them over." Everyone fell into step behind him as he walked away. They moved almost quietly through a scene of mayhem. --Sandra Gray --tmp_harkins@dirac.physics.jmu.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Tue, 19 Jul 1994 03:36:43 -0500 From: TMP_HARKINS@DIRAC.PHYSICS.JMU.EDU Subject: FKWARSII--The Gray-t Escape July 18, 1994, sometime after midnight (As the police choppers are just appearing overhead) People scattered. Someone yelled, "The mail!" and a few of the people scattering turned their steps in the direction of the costume van. Bruce grabbed my arm and said, "What did he mean--he met you?" I glanced in LaCroix's direction, but he wasn't looking our way. "Later!" I said. "Come on, we've got to try to get out of here! Unless you _want_ to get arrested?" "We've done nothing wrong," said Bruce. The police choppers were setting down in the beach area and in other vacant areas near the set and men in police uniforms were disembarking. "Yeah, but who knows how long we might be detained before they discover that." Suddenly someone grabbed my arm from behind me and, startled, I turned my head to see Nick Knight standing behind us. He had his other hand on Bruce's arm and he said, "Come with me. I'll see we get out of this." Then he let go of us and ran off in the direction of the costume van. Bruce and I looked at each other, then ran off after him. We caught up to him in time to hear him say, "To the docks everyone! Schanke's commandeering a boat!" He paused and added, "Stay close to me. Don't run. But if you see any of your friends, try to call them over." Bruce and I joined the others and we followed Nick away. --Sandra Gray --tmp_harkins@dirac.physics.jmu.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Wed, 20 Jul 1994 11:09:48 -0400 From: "L.D. Steele" Subject: FKWARII: Dawn packs up at the Island... ----------------------------------------------------------------- --- Sunday/Monday... right around the big confrontation Dawn had been busy snapping pictures when she felt Kathy start tapping her on the shoulder. "What is it?" "Take a look over there. It looks as if the shoot is being invaded with cops." "Damn! Things were getting interesting. Did you manage to get everything on tape?" "Everything. I wish we could get a copy of whatever was in that Walkman though." "Maybe we can get one later. Put it with our 'little collection' of damaging, valuable, and fascinating Forever Knight items." "What are we going to do now though? It looks as if the police will sweep the Island. I want to be questioned by the police." "Neither do I. It wouldn't look good to my supervisor. No more little allowed trips to Toronto." Dawn and Kathy started to quickly pack everything back into their backpacks. The cameras, tripod, listening devices, tapes, and extra food managed to all fit, but it was a struggle. Dawn tried to think of how to get off the Island. "I could phone up my brother to come pick us up in a private plane... No that would take too long. What's everyone else doing?" Kathy was looking down the hill through the binoculars (still unpacked). "It looks as if they're all heading towards the docks." "Maybe one of them brought a boat. Let's head down and see if there's room for us. We Forever Knight fans, even if we haven't participated too much." "You were planning on helping to mediate though." "The best laid plans. I got sick with a cold after that trip to the Raven. Didn't feel like doing a thing all week. Maybe in the next war." "Next war? I thought this would be the war to end all wars! I'm too busy to participate again!" "Kathy, Kathy, calm down! I'm sure there won't be another war. At least too soon. Now let's go down to the docks." Their voices grew fainter as they moved down the hill. "You know Kathy, I wanted to try some things during the war and never got a chance to." "What kind of things?" "Well find out what kind of underwear LaCroix wears for one. Seriously though I'd like to...." ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dawn steele@fern.physics.mcmaster.ca ----------------------------------------------------------------- --- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -------- Date: Wed, 20 Jul 1994 00:48:49 EDT From: Sharon Himmanen Subject: FKWARS2: Mail Call! "Here!" Nat said, shoving a gaudy chartreuse polyester blouse tied up into a makeshift sack and nearly overflowing with letters into her arms. "Hey, Nat!" Sharon said, grinning and shifting the bundle so that it wasn't directly in her face. "This must have been part of the wardrobe for *your* character!" Nat rolled her eyes. "Just get on the boat!" Stumbling off through the mayhem she ran in the direction everyone else seemed to be heading in. At the boat, she tossed her bundle on board and turned, looking back toward the costume van, wondering if Nat needed any more of the mail carried. She'd just decided to head back out when she thought she saw LaCroix in the distance, looking at her. Shivering slightly, she turned and boarded the boat quickly, scooping up her bundle once again. Most people were sitting around holding on to whatever pieces of mail had been placed in their care. Margaret Newman was there too, looking very pensive and clutching a white box, clasping it to her body. She looked none too thrilled to be on board. Hefting her bundle, she sidled over to the railing, near Tanaquil who was still clutching a miserable Sidney and settled down for the ride back. Looking back toward the shore, she scanned the area for LaCroix but if he *had* been there, he'd made his escape by now. Sharon o-----------------o---------------------------------------------- ---o | Sharon Himmanen | shihc@cunyvm.cuny.edu * romana@aol.com | | Nat Pack | s.himmanen@genie.geis.com | o-----------------o---------------------------------------------- ---o ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date: Tue, 19 Jul 1994 14:14:33 EDT From: SusanG2522@AOL.COM Subject: FKWARII--Still Raiding Sunday Evening -- Still Raiding People were piling onto the boat and the ferries were filling fast. The police contingent sent to shut down shooting were less interested in the park goers and people watching the filming than they were in the set. Nick waved a few more familiar faces toward the waiting boat, then walked over to a patrolman he recognized. "What's up?' The cop looked at him, then smiled, recognizing him. "Detective Knight? I didn't know you'd been drafted by downtown--" "I haven't," Nick answered. "Undercover." "Bad break." The cop frowned. "Turns out the guy funding this thing's been kiting bad paper all over town. We got the word from licenses to shut him down and fraud wanted him picked up. Is this gonna blow your operation?" Nick looked back over his shoulder toward the boat, remembering that Ivy had sent him a few messages about tinkering with LaCroix's finances. "No," he said distantly, "Schanke's helping me get my people out of here." "Better hurry," warned the cop. "They're shutting down everything." "Thanks." Nick tapped the cop on the shoulder, then moved back toward the set, away from the boat. LaCroix and his people had disappeared, although he'd spotted many members of the cast and crew talking with police. On impulse, he headed toward the costume van. True to form, Natalie was still there, surrounded by fans from all affiliations. One of the mail bags had torn and they were stuffing paper into pockets, shirts, and knotting up costumes from the van to use as sacks. "Go, go," said Nick, catching Elizabeth on the shoulder, as she was knotting a pair of costume pantlegs to keep the mail from falling out. He pushed her in the direction of the boat. Nan was next, accompanied by two very sad felines. Finally, he reached Natalie. "Have you seen Janette?" he asked. She had a sheaf of mail in her mouth. Nick pulled the letters from her as she mumbled an answer. "Hm mrff-rmm-- that way," was her reply. Grabbing the letters back from him, she stuffed then into a morning coat which had been tied into a bag. "Good--I think she's got a boat there. Probably took her people with her." He climbed onto the trailer step and called inside, "Let's go