Behind the Scenes of
4. Trips Through Time
Louise,
Thanks for the review of my latest story. However, you didn’t start with a comment about the title! And I enjoyed choosing this title very much. Actually this story went through several titles before I found the one that fit. So I expected a comment on it. See how I am? *grin* We get a lot of trips through time in this story: the cemetery records, the manor tour, the internet paradox, the (implied) pub stories, the pond scene comments, and even Baxter’s journals! Not to mention Jake’s reminiscences of his own past to Virginia or the glimpse into Straker’s past that we see in his house! See? Chockful of little trips!
Ch. 1 – It’s the little things in life that often are the hardest to deal with, and I wanted to bring that out in this story. It shouldn’t have been a big deal to empty the house of the former commander to ready it for the new executive producer. But because of the love that his staff had for him, Straker’s house was hard. And it was fitting that Jake be the one to deal with it. Once more, without a lot of words or fanfare, we see Jake’s grief – and his love – for his lost commander. I like your comment that the scene at the house showed you that Straker didn’t have anything really to tie him to this world. I wanted it to be clear to the reader that this was so, long before I told them that he wasn’t going to come back to SHADO – at all. The line that you liked – ‘The special little moments that made the Commander’s solitary life worth enduring’ – really emphasized the incredible loneliness of his existence in the present.
Then we see the commander at the inn. Not lonely, not even alone as much as he’d like to be! *snicker* It was fun to have him end up a hero instead of a villain in the villagers’ eyes. And typical that he would not have thought of such an outcome. He just is who he is, and he doesn’t expect any appreciation of that. But they do appreciate him – and we will see more of that in future stories. I added the part about wishing he’d sent Miss Ealand flowers as an after-thought, but was glad that I did when I read it over. It fits into his persona very well. Yeah, and Alec not at this wedding. To me, the only sadness attached to having him in the past is that he can’t have Alec. But hopefully Louise is being a much more effective sidekick for him. With the added bonus that he gets to sleep with this one! *grin*
And we get a glimpse into the heart of this story when he worries about possible time paradoxes. The irony of it all is that this paradox was meant to happen – and he’ll never know. But Jake and the reader will, and that will have to be enough.
Have you ever had times when you think of something, then when you talk to someone else, they were thinking nearly the same thing? I have, many times. So I used that in this story to show how similarly Jake and Del think. The museum idea is a fun one – and fits in with the upcoming manor tour as well, because it’s a future version of it. Both places will always remember Straker, and this is important. Because he is unforgettable, isn’t he? And it is a ‘gentle’ scene, as you call it. Chokes me up whenever I read it (and I wrote it!)
Then we’re immediately thrust into Ginny’s rage. It’s possible to think that she’s upset about Jake’s decision to clear out Straker’s house – for a moment. Then we see that it’s something much more important (at least to her.) Jake isn’t acting like she expects him to, and it pisses her off. And in typical Ginny fashion, she confronts him in her own way, forcing him to deal with her. It has been a lot of fun to look at life through her eyes. She’s rather spoilt really and used to getting her way. Jake really keeps her off-balance, and she doesn’t know how to handle that. Plus, she’s not one to look too closely into her own feelings; she tends to react rather than think too deeply. But eventually (as we see by the end of this story) she accepts what her heart has been telling her (and the reader) all along: she’s in love with Jake. And we see that she’s always plotting, when she says that she’ll ask him about his house – after. She intends to seduce the man to make him pay attention to her. Go, Ginny!
We get a glimpse into Jake and Del’s past here when he tells her about his family. And Ginny and the reader begin to understand why Jake (and Del) dress the way they do. Appearances can be so deceptive, and it is usually a mistake to judge by the eyes alone. This too is a theme in this story, and we see some of it come into play here. I’m pleased that you liked the way I ended the chapter. "Hi, Jake," was all that was needed really. The rest is left to your active imagination!
Ch. 2 – Yes, there is still the question of Alec. He is the last person to ever accept his friend’s loss, so he is also the last one to ever accept the changes necessary to carry on. And we see a bit about him as well, because he has no problem keeping his off-hours affair with Del separate from his regular work. The mere fact that he is having an affair rather than his typical one-night-stand should tell the reader that he is more involved than usual. But will he admit it? No. Not yet anyway. He’s still too lost to understand that his focus has shifted. But hopefully the reader will notice (and stop worrying so much about him!)
Iridium was a godsend. Such a fun rare metal to base a saga around! And of course, our red-suited baddies are still after it. Which means that they are more desperate than ever. Woo-hoo! As Jake mentions later in the story, he is trying to accept that Ginny loves Straker. But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt him. So we see him react in this scene without his usual laidback approach. Is she under his skin? Damn straight! Especially after their second night together!
So. All you can say about the scene in the study is that it’s a ‘nice little interlude’? Listen, you! I want feedback! Come on! Tell me what you thought of it – what you really thought of it! It’s an important moment in the story, where we see that beneath their happiness lies the fear that they won’t get to keep it. And the reader is no doubt wondering the same thing, since HQ is still trying to find a way to bring Straker back.
But unlike some other tortuously suspenseful writers I could name, I don’t keep you in suspense for long. The next scene has Ford telling us that Straker never came back to SHADO. That he died in Georgian England (well, Regency by then, but you know what I mean.) This was Matt’s favorite scene in the story. And it’s a really cool one. Because underlying our sadness that he didn’t return is the joy of finding out how his life with Louise went. And it went well. 8 kids! And all named for the ‘family’ he’d left behind. You don’t get cooler than that. And Jake’s reaction to being included in that family – that’s my favorite part. Ginny’s reaction is a perfect counterpoint, and gives our own sadness an outlet. But the last line is the best and we all know the answer to it: wanna go on a tour? *grin*
Ch. 3 – In this chapter we get to see how the scenario at Devilsgate is seen from an outsider’s view. Reynolds is appalled by the social disparity between Straker and Louise and of course, assumes the worst about him. But an artist sees more than the common man, because they look beneath the surface. And Reynolds is puzzled by what he sees. Not only isn’t Straker an adventurer, but he’s also in love with his fiancee! And to top that off, he gets glimpses into Straker’s past – actor, businessman, world leader, etc. It’s fun to have him start to see what we already know about The Man. He’s the bomb! And as you said, the reader gets to see how much happier Straker is here at Claringbold Hall – with his beloved Louise.
Then in a mind-frying switch, we see Claringbold Hall in the present through the eyes of Jake and Ginny as they take the tour. Like Matt, I love family history, and it was fun to make up a lineage for Louise that included some surprises. First, Keith! Yea! Then Baxter! Double yea! Taking them through the gallery, as well as Grace’s tidbits about Straker as a grandfather, was the best part of all for me to write (and I hope for the reader to read!) The portraits were fun to visualize, especially the one of the two of them. *sigh* Sooo romantic!
Then in another mindfry twist, we’re back at the Hall – in the past. And Straker deals with the head of the Geological Society. He was so fun to write! And Straker’s reaction to him – so priceless! And Louise’s giggles! Was I having fun, or what?!
Back to the present. Same place, different time. I kept the scene at the cemetery short, because I didn’t want things to get too somber. But Jake gets the picture and makes his decision not to bring the commander back. Ginny’s reaction (as you noted) was quite understandable. She sees Straker through her own biased image of him and doesn’t have the objectivity (or sensitivity) that Jake has. She just wants him back. But Jake has ‘conversed’ with his commander and knows what his boss wants. And he’s going to give it to him. Even if Ginny hates him for it.
Ch. 4 – Here we see that Alec doesn’t consider an argument a reason not to have sex (unlike Ginny and Jake.) So we get a glimpse of both his detachment and his pragmatism. And he apologizes! Probably a first for him. And Del understands. Yea, she loves him. Wonder when he’ll realize that? *snicker*
My daughter grinned all the way through the scene with Jake and Keith at breakfast. She just loved it that Ford had been included in the family, and that Straker himself owed his existence to the son he’d named after him. The paradox! Here it is! I hope it gives the reader closure concerning all that their commander has gone through in the past stories of the saga. Because it should be obvious by now that Straker belongs in the past. But even if it isn’t, he still belongs there. And it was so much fun to make the aliens the unwitting tools in making sure that he was ever born! *sassy grin* I’m glad you found it fantastic!
And the pond scene – greatly anticipated by a certain fanfic writer! Need you say more than ‘delicious’? YES! Tell me what you thought of how he kept her mind on other things while he taught her to swim. And what things he chose to talk about – vacations at the beach and 20 kids, etc. I want to know what you thought about him telling her about outer space and the way the Earth looks from there and moonwalks (sly allusion to a different story written by said fanfic writer!) Telling me it was wonderful just isn’t enough!
Ch. 5 – We see that Paul isn’t as settled as he needs to be (but did you really expect it of him?) And that Jake’s way of keeping the commander with him is to not change his office or get rid of his command team in favor of his own. I’m glad that you appreciated the conversation between Alec and Jake. It was a wonderful scene to write. The reader sees Jake through Alec’s eyes and begins to understand more about him (at least, I hope!) And Alec saying that Ed always figured he’d be dead before he hit 50 reminds us of Straker’s own summation in the last story – that he’d not survive long if he returned to the future. But my favorite line in this scene is where Jake asks Alec if he would take away the wonderful memories of Straker’s Georgian life (including the grandfather memory)? And Alec says no. He wouldn’t do it. No hesitation. No regret. He’d want his friend to be happy. And I think that one word – no – is the signal to Jake and the reader that Alec is healing and letting go, even if he can’t admit that yet. And I had to end the scene with them going out for a pub crawl. Looking to reconnect with their friend the only way that is left to them. And isn’t it a hoot that Straker (who’s a teetotaler) gets talked about over the centuries in a pub? I thought it was great! (And irresistible, as you can see!)
And then Straker finds out about Baxter! Did you like how I had him upset because he couldn’t remember the guy’s first name? When even remembering him at all was quite a feat (but he wouldn’t see it that way)! And Louise gets worried that he’ll return to the future. Once again, I set up a scene where the reader knows more than the characters in the story. But I truly enjoy those (and think that readers do too!) Because we know before he tells her that Straker has no intention of ever going back. But –yea! – now she knows it too!
And we have closure about Straker’s house. Complete with Del and Alec christening the living room! *grin* Talk about chasing ghosts away! And Alec makes a confession – risky for him. But Del says she prefers him that way! (Alec, you may as well kick off your shoes. You’re with this one to stay!)
Then we go from their blissful scene to Ginny confronting Jake about being reassigned. Is this scene quiet? Blissful? Hell, no! And finally – finally! – Ginny figures out what’s in her heart. Yea! (Of course, not before she puts Jake through the torments of hell! – but that’s Ginny for you. Never easy!) And Keith gets a glimpse of their happiness. *snicker* Did he or did he not get an eyeful? Well, I’ll leave that to your imagination!
Now, onto the next installment of this saga!
Love,
Denise
Thanks for the review of my latest story. However, you didn’t start with a comment about the title! And I enjoyed choosing this title very much. Actually this story went through several titles before I found the one that fit. So I expected a comment on it. See how I am? *grin* We get a lot of trips through time in this story: the cemetery records, the manor tour, the internet paradox, the (implied) pub stories, the pond scene comments, and even Baxter’s journals! Not to mention Jake’s reminiscences of his own past to Virginia or the glimpse into Straker’s past that we see in his house! See? Chockful of little trips!
Ch. 1 – It’s the little things in life that often are the hardest to deal with, and I wanted to bring that out in this story. It shouldn’t have been a big deal to empty the house of the former commander to ready it for the new executive producer. But because of the love that his staff had for him, Straker’s house was hard. And it was fitting that Jake be the one to deal with it. Once more, without a lot of words or fanfare, we see Jake’s grief – and his love – for his lost commander. I like your comment that the scene at the house showed you that Straker didn’t have anything really to tie him to this world. I wanted it to be clear to the reader that this was so, long before I told them that he wasn’t going to come back to SHADO – at all. The line that you liked – ‘The special little moments that made the Commander’s solitary life worth enduring’ – really emphasized the incredible loneliness of his existence in the present.
Then we see the commander at the inn. Not lonely, not even alone as much as he’d like to be! *snicker* It was fun to have him end up a hero instead of a villain in the villagers’ eyes. And typical that he would not have thought of such an outcome. He just is who he is, and he doesn’t expect any appreciation of that. But they do appreciate him – and we will see more of that in future stories. I added the part about wishing he’d sent Miss Ealand flowers as an after-thought, but was glad that I did when I read it over. It fits into his persona very well. Yeah, and Alec not at this wedding. To me, the only sadness attached to having him in the past is that he can’t have Alec. But hopefully Louise is being a much more effective sidekick for him. With the added bonus that he gets to sleep with this one! *grin*
And we get a glimpse into the heart of this story when he worries about possible time paradoxes. The irony of it all is that this paradox was meant to happen – and he’ll never know. But Jake and the reader will, and that will have to be enough.
Have you ever had times when you think of something, then when you talk to someone else, they were thinking nearly the same thing? I have, many times. So I used that in this story to show how similarly Jake and Del think. The museum idea is a fun one – and fits in with the upcoming manor tour as well, because it’s a future version of it. Both places will always remember Straker, and this is important. Because he is unforgettable, isn’t he? And it is a ‘gentle’ scene, as you call it. Chokes me up whenever I read it (and I wrote it!)
Then we’re immediately thrust into Ginny’s rage. It’s possible to think that she’s upset about Jake’s decision to clear out Straker’s house – for a moment. Then we see that it’s something much more important (at least to her.) Jake isn’t acting like she expects him to, and it pisses her off. And in typical Ginny fashion, she confronts him in her own way, forcing him to deal with her. It has been a lot of fun to look at life through her eyes. She’s rather spoilt really and used to getting her way. Jake really keeps her off-balance, and she doesn’t know how to handle that. Plus, she’s not one to look too closely into her own feelings; she tends to react rather than think too deeply. But eventually (as we see by the end of this story) she accepts what her heart has been telling her (and the reader) all along: she’s in love with Jake. And we see that she’s always plotting, when she says that she’ll ask him about his house – after. She intends to seduce the man to make him pay attention to her. Go, Ginny!
We get a glimpse into Jake and Del’s past here when he tells her about his family. And Ginny and the reader begin to understand why Jake (and Del) dress the way they do. Appearances can be so deceptive, and it is usually a mistake to judge by the eyes alone. This too is a theme in this story, and we see some of it come into play here. I’m pleased that you liked the way I ended the chapter. "Hi, Jake," was all that was needed really. The rest is left to your active imagination!
Ch. 2 – Yes, there is still the question of Alec. He is the last person to ever accept his friend’s loss, so he is also the last one to ever accept the changes necessary to carry on. And we see a bit about him as well, because he has no problem keeping his off-hours affair with Del separate from his regular work. The mere fact that he is having an affair rather than his typical one-night-stand should tell the reader that he is more involved than usual. But will he admit it? No. Not yet anyway. He’s still too lost to understand that his focus has shifted. But hopefully the reader will notice (and stop worrying so much about him!)
Iridium was a godsend. Such a fun rare metal to base a saga around! And of course, our red-suited baddies are still after it. Which means that they are more desperate than ever. Woo-hoo! As Jake mentions later in the story, he is trying to accept that Ginny loves Straker. But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt him. So we see him react in this scene without his usual laidback approach. Is she under his skin? Damn straight! Especially after their second night together!
So. All you can say about the scene in the study is that it’s a ‘nice little interlude’? Listen, you! I want feedback! Come on! Tell me what you thought of it – what you really thought of it! It’s an important moment in the story, where we see that beneath their happiness lies the fear that they won’t get to keep it. And the reader is no doubt wondering the same thing, since HQ is still trying to find a way to bring Straker back.
But unlike some other tortuously suspenseful writers I could name, I don’t keep you in suspense for long. The next scene has Ford telling us that Straker never came back to SHADO. That he died in Georgian England (well, Regency by then, but you know what I mean.) This was Matt’s favorite scene in the story. And it’s a really cool one. Because underlying our sadness that he didn’t return is the joy of finding out how his life with Louise went. And it went well. 8 kids! And all named for the ‘family’ he’d left behind. You don’t get cooler than that. And Jake’s reaction to being included in that family – that’s my favorite part. Ginny’s reaction is a perfect counterpoint, and gives our own sadness an outlet. But the last line is the best and we all know the answer to it: wanna go on a tour? *grin*
Ch. 3 – In this chapter we get to see how the scenario at Devilsgate is seen from an outsider’s view. Reynolds is appalled by the social disparity between Straker and Louise and of course, assumes the worst about him. But an artist sees more than the common man, because they look beneath the surface. And Reynolds is puzzled by what he sees. Not only isn’t Straker an adventurer, but he’s also in love with his fiancee! And to top that off, he gets glimpses into Straker’s past – actor, businessman, world leader, etc. It’s fun to have him start to see what we already know about The Man. He’s the bomb! And as you said, the reader gets to see how much happier Straker is here at Claringbold Hall – with his beloved Louise.
Then in a mind-frying switch, we see Claringbold Hall in the present through the eyes of Jake and Ginny as they take the tour. Like Matt, I love family history, and it was fun to make up a lineage for Louise that included some surprises. First, Keith! Yea! Then Baxter! Double yea! Taking them through the gallery, as well as Grace’s tidbits about Straker as a grandfather, was the best part of all for me to write (and I hope for the reader to read!) The portraits were fun to visualize, especially the one of the two of them. *sigh* Sooo romantic!
Then in another mindfry twist, we’re back at the Hall – in the past. And Straker deals with the head of the Geological Society. He was so fun to write! And Straker’s reaction to him – so priceless! And Louise’s giggles! Was I having fun, or what?!
Back to the present. Same place, different time. I kept the scene at the cemetery short, because I didn’t want things to get too somber. But Jake gets the picture and makes his decision not to bring the commander back. Ginny’s reaction (as you noted) was quite understandable. She sees Straker through her own biased image of him and doesn’t have the objectivity (or sensitivity) that Jake has. She just wants him back. But Jake has ‘conversed’ with his commander and knows what his boss wants. And he’s going to give it to him. Even if Ginny hates him for it.
Ch. 4 – Here we see that Alec doesn’t consider an argument a reason not to have sex (unlike Ginny and Jake.) So we get a glimpse of both his detachment and his pragmatism. And he apologizes! Probably a first for him. And Del understands. Yea, she loves him. Wonder when he’ll realize that? *snicker*
My daughter grinned all the way through the scene with Jake and Keith at breakfast. She just loved it that Ford had been included in the family, and that Straker himself owed his existence to the son he’d named after him. The paradox! Here it is! I hope it gives the reader closure concerning all that their commander has gone through in the past stories of the saga. Because it should be obvious by now that Straker belongs in the past. But even if it isn’t, he still belongs there. And it was so much fun to make the aliens the unwitting tools in making sure that he was ever born! *sassy grin* I’m glad you found it fantastic!
And the pond scene – greatly anticipated by a certain fanfic writer! Need you say more than ‘delicious’? YES! Tell me what you thought of how he kept her mind on other things while he taught her to swim. And what things he chose to talk about – vacations at the beach and 20 kids, etc. I want to know what you thought about him telling her about outer space and the way the Earth looks from there and moonwalks (sly allusion to a different story written by said fanfic writer!) Telling me it was wonderful just isn’t enough!
Ch. 5 – We see that Paul isn’t as settled as he needs to be (but did you really expect it of him?) And that Jake’s way of keeping the commander with him is to not change his office or get rid of his command team in favor of his own. I’m glad that you appreciated the conversation between Alec and Jake. It was a wonderful scene to write. The reader sees Jake through Alec’s eyes and begins to understand more about him (at least, I hope!) And Alec saying that Ed always figured he’d be dead before he hit 50 reminds us of Straker’s own summation in the last story – that he’d not survive long if he returned to the future. But my favorite line in this scene is where Jake asks Alec if he would take away the wonderful memories of Straker’s Georgian life (including the grandfather memory)? And Alec says no. He wouldn’t do it. No hesitation. No regret. He’d want his friend to be happy. And I think that one word – no – is the signal to Jake and the reader that Alec is healing and letting go, even if he can’t admit that yet. And I had to end the scene with them going out for a pub crawl. Looking to reconnect with their friend the only way that is left to them. And isn’t it a hoot that Straker (who’s a teetotaler) gets talked about over the centuries in a pub? I thought it was great! (And irresistible, as you can see!)
And then Straker finds out about Baxter! Did you like how I had him upset because he couldn’t remember the guy’s first name? When even remembering him at all was quite a feat (but he wouldn’t see it that way)! And Louise gets worried that he’ll return to the future. Once again, I set up a scene where the reader knows more than the characters in the story. But I truly enjoy those (and think that readers do too!) Because we know before he tells her that Straker has no intention of ever going back. But –yea! – now she knows it too!
And we have closure about Straker’s house. Complete with Del and Alec christening the living room! *grin* Talk about chasing ghosts away! And Alec makes a confession – risky for him. But Del says she prefers him that way! (Alec, you may as well kick off your shoes. You’re with this one to stay!)
Then we go from their blissful scene to Ginny confronting Jake about being reassigned. Is this scene quiet? Blissful? Hell, no! And finally – finally! – Ginny figures out what’s in her heart. Yea! (Of course, not before she puts Jake through the torments of hell! – but that’s Ginny for you. Never easy!) And Keith gets a glimpse of their happiness. *snicker* Did he or did he not get an eyeful? Well, I’ll leave that to your imagination!
Now, onto the next installment of this saga!
Love,
Denise