Here is a gallery featuring the characters, Don and Betty Draper, from the acclaimed AMC series, "MAD MEN":
"MAD MEN" - The DON AND BETTY DRAPER Gallery
"CROSSROADS OF THE FORCE"
CHAPTER TWENTY
TATOOINE SYSTEM
From her seat aboard the Alberforce, Padme spotted the red she had become familiar with over the past twenty years loom before her eyes. At last, they have arrived on Tatooine. After nearly a week apart from her children, she looked forward to reuniting with them. Several beeps emitted from the astromech droid that stood nearby. Padme allowed herself a brief smile. R2-D2 seemed happy at the prospect of a reunion with C3-P0.
Padme’s eyes fell upon the somber figure that sat across from her. Poor Obi-Wan. He almost seemed like a ghost of his former self, since Ferus Olin’s death. The funeral for the younger man had been a small, quiet affair. A few mourners – herself, Obi-Wan, Bail, Queen Breha, Captain Antilles and a handful of Jedi refugees – attended the service held within the villa’s private courtyard. Following the service, Master Olin’s body was incinerated on a funeral pyre – just like Master Qui-Gon Jinn’s body, twenty-four years ago on Naboo.
Memories of that long ago day reminded Padme of the little boy she had befriended. She had last seen that little boy as a grown man, engaged in a lightsaber duel against Palpatine’s apprentice. Padme hoped that Bail had been right about Darth Rasche. Or that Anakin was still alive. Speaking of her missing husband, another thought came to her. How long had Voranda Sen and Anakin known each other?
Curious to learn the answer to her question, Padme left her seat and made her way to the Alberforce’s cockpit. She settled in the seat next to the ship’s captain. “You should have remained in your seat,” the red-haired pilot chided. “We’re about to enter Tatooine’s atmosphere, soon.”
“How long have you known Anakin?” Padme asked, quickly getting to the point.
Green eyes widened in surprise. “Anakin? Is that his name?”
“Yes. Anakin Skywalker. How long have you known him?”
Voranda shook her head in disbelief. “That name sounds familiar. Was he a former Jedi, who fought in the Clone Wars?”
Impatience crept into Padme’s voice. “Yes. He . . . he was my husband. And the father of my children. The Jedi never knew we were married, until around the last days of the war.” She paused. “About Anakin, how . . .?”
“I know him as Set Horus, a smuggler from the Outer Rim,” Voranda finally replied. “And he’s also one of the best pilots I have ever laid eyes upon. His partner is a rather handsome young Corellian named Han Solo. He’s also a gifted pilot.”
Set Horus. Padme allowed the name to repeat inside her mind, over and over again. “Do you . . . do you know . . . where he lives?”
Curiosity gleamed in the pilot’s eyes. “Why are you two apart?”
Padme calmly replied, “We were separated during the Emperor’s purge of the Jedi. After I gave birth to Luke and Leia, Master Kenobi and his Jedi master had suggested that I fake my death to avoid being captured by the Emperor. The children . . . it’s possible that they’re also strong in the Force. Like their father.”
A gust of breath left Voranda’s mouth. “I see. Although to be honest, I’ve never known where Set and Han lived. I have usually encountered them at some spaceport or smuggler’s haven.” The Alberforce broke through Tatooine’s atmosphere. The Jundland Wastes loomed below. “However, I will be more than happy to tell Set where you and the children live the next time I see him.” She allowed the Alberforce to smoothly land several meters away from the Lars’ homestead. "But I'll look for them, after I finish a job for Senator Organa on Moorja."
Padme shot a grateful smile at the other woman. “Thank you, Voranda. That would be wonderful.” She glanced ahead and spotted her children and Owen through the cockpit’s window. “Oh look, they’re here.” Padme immediately left the cockpit. Once Voranda lowered the boarding ramp, she rushed down the ramp to greet Leia and Luke. Artoo followed to greet his droid counterpart.
“You made it back,” Owen greeted. “After we had learned that Master Kenobi’s friend was in trouble, Beru and I began to worry about you.”
Leia piped up, “Oh! Looks like he came back with you.”
Padme glanced over her shoulder and saw Obi-Wan disembarking from the Alberforce. She frowned. Could he at least have waited aboard the ship?
“It’s good to see you again, Master Kenobi!” Luke greeted. Obi-Wan responded with a wan smile.
Padme’s frown deepened. “Again? You and Leia have already met Master Kenobi?”
Looking slightly uneasy, Owen answered, “Yes, well . . . um, he and the children had accidentally met at Anchorhead. Which is what led Leia to invite him over for supper.”
“I see.” Padme shot a dark look at the former Jedi Master. Then she smiled at her children. “I hope that you haven’t eaten yet. I’m starving.”
“When Beru and I had learned that you were coming, she prepared enough food us all.” Owen glanced uneasily at Obi-Wan. “You are also welcome, Master Kenobi.”
The former Jedi Master opened his mouth. Padme felt certain that he would reject Owen’s offer. But when both Luke and Leia insisted that he remain, he caved in and accepted the invitation.
Supper turned out to be a mildly entertaining meal, despite the Jedi’s presence. Voranda regaled the twins with tales of her exploits as a cargo pilot. Padme revealed some of the details surrounding their escape from Ord Mantell. She did not mention Anakin. Once supper ended, Obi-Wan announced his intention to depart. Voranda offered him a lift to his dwelling, but turned it down. “The walk is not as bad as one thinks.”
“Perhaps. But there is always the constant danger of Tusken Raiders roaming about,” Voranda insisted.
A sigh left Obi-Wan’s mouth. “If you insist, Captain Sen,” he conceded graciously.
“I will accompany you,” Padme added.
After Obi-Wan politely conveyed his good-byes to the twins and the Lars couple; he, Padme, and Voranda boarded the Alberforce. It took them minutes to reach the former Jedi’s dwelling in the middle of the Jundland Wastes. Voranda remained aboard, while Padme accompanied Obi-Wan off the starship. “I suppose that this is good-bye,” she said. “Who knows when we’ll meet again?”
Obi-Wan nodded. “Yes, I . . .” He broke off with a sigh. “Yes, it might be a long time before we do.”
Padme stared at him. She had endured a lot more in the past two days, yet it was Obi-Wan who seemed exhausted. Strange. “Obi-Wan,” she began in a more sympathetic tone, “I am sorry about Master Olin. He must have been your last link . . . with Master Tasche. Perhaps even the Jedi Order.”
“Yes, his death was very regrettable,” Obi-Wan replied quietly. “But I have learned to put Si . . . Master Tasche’s death behind me.”
Padme added, “And the Jedi Order?”
Obi-Wan glanced sharply at her. “I’m sorry, Milady?”
With a sigh, Padme continued. “As you Jedi may be well aware, Obi-Wan, it is difficult letting go of attachments. Sometimes, I wonder if the Jedi ever realized how difficult it can be. Anakin couldn’t deal with losing me and he compromised himself in the worst way possible by allying himself with the Emperor. I had great difficulty in letting him go . . . even to the point that I was willing to continue the secrecy of our marriage, when he wanted to reveal the truth. And I harbored a deep anger toward you for ten years, because you had lied about him being dead.”
Obi-Wan winced. “I do not understand, Padme. What does this have to do with the Jedi unable to deal with attachments?”
Padme gave him a long look. “Anakin once told me that he had sensed you cared a lot about the Order. Perhaps too much. And I never really understood what he had said . . . until he told me how you had convinced him to spy against Palpatine.”
“Padme . . .”
But the former senator continued. “Perhaps you had believed it was the right thing to do. But I must say that I was amazed that the Jedi would even consider such a thing. And you . . . you went through great lengths to convince Anakin to accept the assignment. Despite your claim that you were against it. The Order must have meant a great deal to you.” Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak. No words came forth. Padme nodded. “I understand. It seemed that in the end, many of us were guilty of unable to let go of our attachments.” She sighed, before giving the older man another long look. A strange sensation came upon her. “You know, I have this odd feeling . . . that we will not set eyes upon one another, again.” She thrust out her hand. “Good-bye, Obi-Wan.”
Sadness crept into the former Jedi Master’s eyes. He took Padme’s hand and bowed over it. “Good-bye, Milady.”
With a nod, Padme turned away and returned toward the Alberforce’s boarding ramp. Within minutes, it lifted from the desert ground and zoomed into the air toward the Lars Homestead . . . and her children.
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LE YER, AREGADO-RAE
The two men and the Wookie strolled across the main lobby of the Triple Nova Casino, attracting a great deal of attention. Many of the casino employees greeted the trio with casual waves, while others merely stared at them – especially at the Wookie.
“Nice to be back again, isn’t it?” Anakin commented. Han responded with a grunt. The older man rolled his eyes. “How long are you going to keep up with this, Han? The Javian Hawk is gone. We have a new ship. Get used to it.”
The young Corellian retorted, “It’s hard getting used to a ship that’s obviously not as good as our old one.”
Anakin sighed. “Don’t you think you’re exaggerating a bit? The Sankara Star seems like a pretty decent ship to me. Give me some credit for knowing how to pick a good ship.”
Incoherent grumbling streamed from Han’s mouth. Anakin ignored it. He perfectly understood what his young partner was trying to say. A growl from Chewbacca produced a glare from Han. “What do you mean that you like our new ship?” the young man protested.
Anakin smiled at the Wookie. “Thanks, Chewbacca.”
The three friends entered one of the Triple Nova’s small lounges, when a female’s voice hailed them. “Set! Han! Over here!” Anakin glanced to his right and spotted the beautiful Twi’lek, Vi’dal Mira, waving at them from a large booth. With her sat Mako Spince. Anakin, Chewbacca and Han joined the pair.
“Since when did you two become a twosome?” Han asked.
Vi’dal shot the younger Corellian a dark look. “There is no twosome. I’ve been sitting here . . . alone when Mako had decided to join me. Where have you two been?”
“Yeah,” Mako added casually, drawing Anakin’s attention. “I haven’t seen you two in nearly a month. Not since Maldare.”
Anakin curtly replied, “Business. The former senator of Maldare had turned out to be our client for a few days. And . . .”
Vi’dal’s eyes widened. “You were on Ord Mantell when the Imperials showed up?”
Han frowned at the Twi’lek. “How did you know about that?”
According to Vi’dal, the HoloNet News had circulated a story about Senator Dahlma being wanted for evading arrest on Ord Mantell. “She’s suspected of being part of a rebel movement against the Empire. Toba Bari was there. He also had a close call.” The Twi’lek pointed at a familiar Gungan pilot, who sat with two Humans and a Rodian in a nearby booth. “So, what happened?”
“Like you said,” Han replied. “We were hired to fly the good senator to Ord Mantell. Only we didn’t know that the Empire was looking for her.”
Vi’dal frowned. “Is she involved in this new rebel alliance?” Anakin and Han exchanged glances. “It was Bari who told me.”
Anakin sighed. “I suppose so. I feel sorry for the Maldarians. After this incident with Senator Dahlma, the Empire is sure to occupy their homeworld.”
“I wouldn’t count on it,” Mako commented. The others stared at him. “What? Have any of you heard the news? It’s been all over the HoloNet for the last three weeks. The Maldarian government has disavowed Senator Dahlma. Even most of her family has. They’re already preparing an election for the new senator.”
It struck Anakin that the citizens of Maldare seemed to be luckier than those from Solipo Yeb’s homeworld . . . or simply smarter.
Loud noises from the casino’s main lobby filtered into the lounge. A Nautolan appeared in the doorway and cried, “A Herglic has just won eight million credits at Spinner-pit! I think he’s gonna break the casino!”
Nearly every soul inside the lounge rushed toward the door. As Mako started to follow Han, Chewbacca and Vi’dal, Anakin grabbed the Corellian’s wrist, forcing him to remain behind. “What the hell?” the younger man protested.
“Sit down, Spince!” Anakin sharply ordered. Mako opened his mouth to retort, when Anakin growled, “Now!”
Fear gleamed in Mako’s eyes. He slowly eased back into the booth. “Wha . . . what do you want, Horus?”
Anakin allowed a cold smile to curve his lips. “Answers to a few questions. You see, when Han, Chewie and I were trying to escape from Ord Mantell, I was informed by Ra . . . an Imperial officer that a spacer on Maldare had informed them of Senator Dahlma’s whereabouts.”
Mako’s face grew pale. “I . . . what does that have to do with me?”
For one long moment, Anakin allowed his eyes to bore deeply into the other man’s. “You were among the pilots interviewed by Senator Dahlma’s aide for the job to Ord Mantell, weren’t you?”
Mako opened his mouth to answer. Then he closed it and shook his head. “No, I don’t . . .”
“Don’t lie to me, Mako,” Anakin growled. “According to Ig . . .” He felt a flash of pain at his near mention of Igraine Colbert. Anakin took a deep breath and continued. “The senator’s aide had told me that you were one of the pilots interviewed for the job.”
A sigh left Mako’s mouth. “Yeah, I did interview for the job. So what? You and Han got it. Is this supposed to make me that person who had ratted on you? How? That senator’s aide never told me where they were planning to go.”
“I know,” Anakin coolly replied. “Han and I didn’t learn about the senator’s destination, until we were about to depart.”
Mako heaved an exasperated sigh. “So what’s the point of this conversation?” He stood up. “I’m leav . . .”
Anakin grabbed the younger man’s wrist for the second time and jerked him back into the booth. “Sit down! I’m not finished with you, yet! I have another question. Did you rat us out to the Imperials?”
“Of course not!” the Corellian protested. “Like I said, How could I have known where . . .?”
“You did know! You were inside the hangar when we left!” Anakin leaned forward and in his most intimidating manner added, “You must have overheard Senator Dahlma tell us where she had planned to go. I saw you.”
Mako inhaled sharply, as his eyes widened in fear. “No, I . . . no, it’s not pos . . .”
“I saw you, Spince!”
Defeat sag the Corellian’s shoulders. “Okay, okay. I admit it. I told that Darth Rasche about your whereabouts. I had no choice!”
Anakin regarded the younger man with contempt. “Really?”
“I’m serious!” Mako cried. He continued with a tale about how one of Senator Dahlma’s servants had hired him for a trip to Ord Mantell. “Someone must have overheard us at the Omega Hole. I suspect that bartender, because my new client and I were surprised by Imperial troops and Lord Rasche, the following morning.” Unlike the senator’s servant, Mako had survived the encounter. Lord Rasche, himself, interrogated the Corellian and learned of Senator Dahlma’s whereabouts. “I tried to keep it a secret, but Lord Rasche had threatened to toss me into prison or worse . . . execute me. Look, I like Han . . . and you.” Anakin rolled his eyes at Mako’s last words. He how little the Corellian liked him. Mako continued, “But surely you don’t expect me to choose your hides over mine. I doubt that you would do the same for me.”
Anakin contemplated Mako’s last sentence and realized that the younger man had been right. He asked, “Why didn’t you simply lie to Rasche? Give him another location?”
Rolling his eyes, Mako retorted, “Are you kidding? This is Lord Rasche we’re talking about! Everyone knows there’s something odd about him. He is believed to be a Sith Lord. Do you really think I’d be stupid enough to lie to someone like that? And there’s always the chance that he might go after my father.”
A sigh left Anakin’s mouth. He sensed that the other man had spoken the truth. “All right. I understand,” he mumbled. “I believe you.” He saw Mako’s body sag with relief. Giving the latter a bright smile, he added in a menacing voice, “You know, it’s a good thing that you had a reason to betray us to Rasche. If you had done it out of spite or greed, I would have eviscerated you . . . and scatter your remains across three systems. But,” Anakin’s smile widened, “I know that you would never be that spiteful.”
To the former Jedi’s delight, Mako’s face became deathly white. Also, the younger man’s hands began to shake.
At that moment, the lounge’s customers began to stream back inside. Anakin noted the disappointed expressions on the faces of many – include Han, Chewbacca and Vi’dal’s. “What happened?” he asked.
“Nothing,” Han replied in disgust. “The Herglic eventually lost all of his money. As usual. You know, I’m beginning to wonder if it had all been act.”
Vi’dal commented, “I wouldn’t be surprised. Little incidents like that tend to encourage casino customers to play the tables more often. You know . . . lead them to believe that they might have a chance to break the casino.”
Toba Bari appeared at the booth, shaking his head in disgust. “Meesa very disappointed. What that about, eh?”
“Con job,” Vi’dal answered. “A show.”
The Gungan grunted. Then he turned to Anakin and Han. “Meesa see you flee Empire. Wheresa you been in past month?”
Anakin replied, “Buying a new starship. After Ord Mantell, Han and I thought it would be best to get a new one. In case the Empire is out looking for us.”
Nodding, Bari replied, “Ver-ry smart. Meesa felt the same. After Moorja. Empire showed up. Bad news. Meesa get out fast. Ver-ry lucky.”
“The Moorja System, huh?” Han commented. “I guess you really was lucky. There have been rumors of an Imperial outpost on that planet.”
Bari heaved a mournful sigh. “Yes. Meesa lucky. Not poor Voranda.”
Silence engulfed the booth, as Anakin and Han stared at the Gungan. “What do you mean?” the former demanded. “Voranda was with you in the Moorja System?”
“Yes.” Bari explained that he had encountered Voranda Sen on Moorja. There they met with some pilots to recruit for the new Rebel Alliance. Before leaving the system, they encountered an Imperial Star Destroyer. “Meesa got out,” Bari continued. “Light speed jump. But not before Voranda go kablooey.” He paused before adding in a sad note, “Boom.”
Anakin sighed. Once more, his eyes met with Han’s. They both knew the meaning behind Bari’s last words. Voranda Sen had been killed by the Empire.
END OF CHAPTER TWENTY
"CHARMED" RETROSPECT: (1.16) “Which Prue Is It Anyway?”
Most fans of ”CHARMED” seemed to harbor the opinion that the series’ early seasons are much better than episodes that aired during the series’ last four years. After viewing Season One’s ”Which Prue Is It Anyway?”, I can easily see how they managed to form that opinion. Mind you, I believe that this particular episode was not exactly the best of Season One. But it certainly seemed like a masterpiece in compare to most of the episodes from Seasons Four to Eight.
Penned by Javier Grillo-Marxuach, the episode began with Phoebe experiencing a premonition of Prue being stabbed to death by a man with a large sword. The Halliwell sisters discovered that their new enemy is a mortal named Gabriel Statler, a Lord of War. The sword renders Gabriel invulnerable to all mortal weapons and steals power. Gabriel is after Prue because one of the family’s ancestors, a Warren witch named Brianna had bested him during the Crimean War back in the 1850s. To become fully empowered again, he needs the power of a first-born witch. Prue is specifically targeted, because he also wants revenge against the Warren family. To protect herself, Prue used a spell to multiply her strength by three. Instead, the spell created two clones of Prue. Hence . . . the title.As much as I enjoyed ”Which Prue Is It Anyway?”, I had problems with it. One, I found the humor behind Prue and Piper’s discovery of Phoebe’s martial arts lessons tacky and slightly racist toward those of Asian descent. The episode also featured a bad moment for Phoebe to showcase her new martial arts skills – which only featured kicking. During the sisters’ final encounter with Gabriel, Piper froze him so that Prue could kill him with his sword. Unfortunately, Phoebe chose that moment to kick Gabriel, causing Piper’s freeze upon Gabriel to end. Bad timing . . . eh? I am certain that Grillo-Marxuach had deliberately written the scene to unfold as it did. I just found it rather contrived.
Another problem I had turned out to be Gabriel’s motive for hunting Prue. As I had stated earlier, Gabriel wanted revenge against the Warren family line because one of the sisters’ ancestors – a great-great-something aunt named Briana – had managed to get the best of Gabriel during the Crimean War. The Warren family had been in America since the 17th century. What was Briana Warren doing on the peninsula of Crimea (which was under the Russian Empire in 1854-56) in the mid 19th century, in the first place? Also, Gabriel went after Prue, because the latter was the oldest sister . . . and the most powerful. Frankly, I found Gabriel’s reasoning rather limited. He could have acquired a lot more power if he had hunted all three sisters . . . one at a time.
But my main problem with ”Which Prue Is It Anyway?” centered around the main villain, Gabriel Statler. Mind you, Alex McArthur portrayed the character with great relish. The problem with Gabriel rested upon his characterization as a Lord of War and his motivation for going after Prue. According to the episode, Gabriel and his sister, Helena, are members of the Lords of War, a clan of supernatural warriors dedicated to war. The Lords of War are also mortals that have started most of Earth’s wars throughout history. Why? Who knows? But this description of the Lords of War illustrated a major irritation for me – humans’ tendency to use fantasy or science-fiction as an excuse to distance ourselves from our flaws or fuck-ups. In the case of ”Which Prue Is It Anyway?”, humanity’s responsibility for its penchant for aggression is blamed on supernatural beings. Even worse, Grillo-Marxuach had never explained why the Lords of War even bothered to start wars. Perhaps the audience was simply expected to believe that Gabriel and his kind want to start chaos because they are evil. If we were . . . I cannot buy it.
Despite its flaws, ”Which Prue Is It Anyway?” turned out to be a pretty damn good story. One of the consequences that resulted from Gabriel’s witch hunt resulted in the creation of the two Prue clones. This situation provided comedic gold for the episode. As stated earlier, Prue had cast a spell to triple her power and ended up inadvertently creating two clones of herself – a perky Prue (Pink Sweater) who possessed an overbearing manner masked by a cheerful demeanor; and a sensuous Prue (Blue Sweater) with an intense penchant for male attention. Both Prue clones provided some hilarious moments – especially with Pink Prue. But the two clones also provided moments of poignancy when the real Prue was forced to feel the pain that each clone experienced while being stabbed by Gabriel’s sword. The expression in Andy Trudeau’s eyes spoke a thousand words when the good police inspector discovered Pink Prue’s body in the city morgue.
I certainly found no fault in the performances featured in this episode. Holly Marie Combs and Alyssa Milano gave solid and humorous support as their characters (Piper and Phoebe Halliwell) dealt with Prue’s alter egos. T.W. King (a great favorite of mine) did an excellent job of conveying Andy’s grief over the death of Pink Prue and his suspicions that something was amiss with the Halliwells later in the episode. It was nice to see Bernie Kopell (”GET SMART” and ”THE LOVE BOAT”) as the city morgue’s sarcastic coroner. Both Alex McArthur and Shannon Sturges gave first-class performances as the evil Statler siblings – Gabriel and Helena. I also have to give them kudos for hinting an incestuous relationship between brother and sister without being too obvious. Apparently, they had failed to be a little more subtle for even Blue Prue managed to pick up on their incestuous vibe:
”And Gabriel has this weird binding passion for Helena. So, if we grab her we can use her as leverage. A sword for his sister.”
I also have to compliment McArthur for his exuberant portrayal of Gabriel. I may have found the character’s background as a Lord of War rather purile, but I cannot help but admire the energy that McArthur infused into the role.
One could not discuss ”Which Prue Is It Anyway?” without mentioning the woman of the hour – Shannen Doherty. Watching her in action reminded me of how much ”CHARMED” had benefitted from the actress’ presence during the series’ first three seasons. I would not call Doherty’s performance in this episode as her masterpiece, but I would certainly view it as one of her better performances during her three-year stay on ”CHARMED”. In ”Which Prue Is It Anyway?”, Doherty managed to portray three facets of Prue Halliwell. Not only did she portray Prue in all her complicated glory, she also had the opportunity to portray extreme aspects of Prue’s personality. In Doherty’s portrayal of Pink Prue, she revealed the domineering and perfectionist traits of the oldest Charmed One that must have been the bane Piper and Phoebe’s lives . . . and irritated Original Prue to no end. Doherty also got the chance to reveal Pink Prue’s traits with a humorous perkiness rarely shown in Original Prue. With Blue Prue, Doherty allowed her character’s sensuality to be unleashed with comic results at Quake – the restaurant where Piper worked during Season One. Considering how Doherty managed to nab these different nuances of Prue, it was not surprising to learn that she had earned two Saturn Awards for her portrayal of Prue.
I am almost inclined to rate ”Which Prue Is It Anyway?” as one of Season One’s best episodes. But due to the episode’s limited approach to Gabriel Statler’s villainous goals and the unsatisfying and one-dimensional description of his background as a Lord of War, I cannot give it that much credit. However, writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach did pen a well-paced episode filled with humor and pathos. The first-rate cast did his script justice with a solid cast that included an exuberant performance by guest star Alex McArthur and exceptional work by star Shannen Doherty.
"The Rain Chronicles" [PG] - Book VI
Rain Robinson of ”Future’s End” ends up on Voyager, following her adventures with Tom Paris and Tuvok in late 20th century Earth. Here is Book VI.
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RAIN ROBINSON - JULY 17, 2373:
Christ! What a surreal day this has been! Who would have thought a simple mineral gathering expedition would turn into some bizarre journey into alien sex, lust and violence. Hmmm, sounds like a bad "B" movie.
Anyway, I know one thing. Never get between a lust-driven Klingon and the object of her desire. Damn! My shoulder hurts just from remembering what happened. And all because Ensign Vorik went into some mating frenzy. Something he had managed to pass on to B'Elanna. Tuvok explained it all to me.
I was in Sick Bay, being treated by the Doctor (when is that man ever going to find a name?) when Tuvok entered. B'Elanna had already left, thank God! I really couldn't face her at that moment. And Vorik remained unconscious on one of those beds. "There you go, Miss Robinson," the Doctor said, after waving some instrument over my shoulder. "You're completely healed."
Aside from a bit of soreness, the Doc was right. I sighed with relief. Tuvok halted in front of me. "Miss Robinson, he greeted, "how are you feeling?"
I tenderly moved my shoulder. "Fine. I can't say the same about Vorik," I added, staring at the unconscious man. "Looks like he's still out cold. What happened down there?"
Tuvok opened his mouth to speak, when he noticed the Doctor staring at him with anticipated interest. "If you don't mind, Doctor. This is a private conversation." The Doctor let out a grunt and retreated to the office behind the glass wall. Tuvok continued, "Both Ensign Vorik and Lieutenant Torres had been affected by the pon farr."
"Yeah, I remember you mentioning that on the planet, below. But what does it mean?"
Tuvok shot a glance at the Doctor's office and sighed. "Considering what happened to you, today, you deserve an explanation." Then he gave me one.
Pon farr - the Vulcan term for the time of mating. According to Tuvok, the Vulcan 's reserve and logic are completely ripped away by an intense mating desire. Many Vulcans discover their life-long mates when they experience pon farr. If any of them are unable to sexually satisfy their urges, a chemical imbalance forms in the brain, causing the Vulcan to become even more violent. This is called plak-tow. The "blood fever". And this happens to the Vulcan every seven years of the adult life. Christ!
"You mean to tell me that sex is the only way to satisfy these urges?" I asked. I couldn't believe what I had just heard.
Tuvok replied, "As I had explained on the planet, it can be resolved three ways - intercourse, meditation or combat ritual."
"And B'Elanna and Vorik got rid of theirs the third way. Through hand-to-hand combat."
"Precisely." Tuvok nodded.
The explanation continued. It seemed that Vorik had chosen B'Elanna to be his life-long mate. When she rejected him, the plak-tow got worse and he attempted to telepathically link with her. This is how Vulcans become couples and it usually happens during a Vulcan's pon farr. Although the mind link failed, Vorik had accidentally transferred his mating urges to B'Elanna. Which explained her overtures toward Tom and my aching shoulder.
I asked, "Why didn't Vorik use meditation to get over this pon farr? It seems it would have been a lot easier."
"Actually, Miss Robinsnon, meditation is the most difficult method." Tuvok maintained his usual stoic demeanor. "Most Vulcans rarely succeed in resolving their pon farr through meditation. It is extremely difficult to resolve. As you have witnessed from Ensign Vorik and Lieutenant Torres' actions. In a way," he released a rare sigh, "pon farr is like a side effect of the Vulcans' tradition of suppressing our emotions."
Well, I had a simple answer to that. "Then maybe you shouldn't suppress your emotions," I replied with a shrug.
"Miss Robinson, you have seen a Vulcan with his control of his emotions, ripped away. Imagine all Vulcans consistently behaving in that manner if we did not suppress our emotions. There have been cases of Vulcan sects who refuse to suppress their emotions and maintain that doing so is unnecessary. However, in the end, they have been proven wrong. In fact, Vulcans are so naturally volatile, we have to meditate on a daily basis to maintain control of our emotions."
Memories of a violent Vorik challenging Tom for B'Elanna's hand, entered my thoughts. Now that I think about it, I would prefer that Tuvok and Vorik keep their emotions in check. "I understand," I finally said.
Tuvok nodded. "Good. Do you have any further questions?" I told him no and heaved an exhausted sigh. Tuvok must have noticed my reaction, for he added, "I suggest that you retire to your quarters for rest, Miss Robinson. This day has obviously proven to be quite exhausting for you."
Knowing good advice when I heard it, I nodded once more and left Sick Bay.
RAIN ROBINSON - JULY 18, 2373:
The following day, I received a visitor in my quarters. It was Vorik. Gone was the violent expression and odd light in his eyes. Aside from looking slightly exhausted, he seemed his usual self. "Miss Robinson," he greeted.
I tried to smile, but failed in the attempt. Those last moments on Sakari IV keep entering my mind. "Vorik. What are you doing here?" I knew the answer. But I wanted to hear it from his lips.
A faint green blush colored his face. Green blood? "I came here to apologize, Miss Robinson. For my actions. What I did was . . . unpardonable. I never meant . . ."
"Wait a minute," I said, interrupting. "Why are you apologizing? You never attacked me."
"If I had not attacked B'El . . . Lieutenant Torres, she would have never injured your shoulder." True. Can't argue with the truth. Vorik continued, "I realize that I can never repay for what happened . . ."
I interrupted him for the second time. "Vorik, I understand what happened to both you and B'Elanna. Tuvok explained everything."
"Oh." His face became even greener. He looked embarrassed. Almost ill.
Then I asked him, "How many times has this . . . uh, pon farr happened to you?"
Embarrassment flitted across his face. Vorik murmured, "I'm sorry, Miss Robinson, but that subject is considered . . ."
"I realize that it's a taboo subject, Vorik," I quietly responded. "But after what happened, I think I at least deserve an answer."
His expression tightened for a second. And then, "Of course." Vorik took a deep breath. "The answer to your question is this was my first experience with the pon farr."
Hmmm, no wonder he went off the deep end. Then again, I recalled Tuvok stating that for a Vulcan, controlling one's pon farr does not get any easier with age. Seven years from now, I plan to remain locked inside my quarters. I asked, "Have you spoken to B'Elanna since our return to the ship?"
Vorik replied that he had just paid a visit to the Chief Engineer's quarters and offered an apology. "She has accepted it." He paused. "Somewhat. However," his dark eyes looked slightly embarrassed, "I have suggested that I spend the next month on Gamma Shift. It would be easier for both of us, since she seems to be a little uncomfortable in my presence."
Hell, I don't blame B'Elanna. I don't exactly relish being in the same room with her, right now.
--------
Several hours later, B'Elanna approached me during lunch, in the Mess Hall. Amazing. The moment I felt her presence, I became immediately tense. I guess I expected her to fly into a rage and toss my body across the room. Ridiculous, of course. But it's hard to get over being attacked by a half-Klingon in a state of pon farr.
Like Vorik, B'Elanna offered an apology for what happened on Sakaris IV. And like the other engineer, she seemed very embarrassed. I told her that I understood her actions. Did I? Maybe, I did. At least a part of me did. I added, "Both Tuvok and Vorik explained everything to me."
"Vorik?" The lieutenant's eyebrows shot up several inches. "You've spoken with Vorik?"
Surprised by her reaction, I replied, "Yeah. He wanted to apologize. I understand that he's done the same to you."
B'Elanna nodded. "Yeah. I uh . . . he came to my quarters, this morning."
"I guess he'll be starting on the Gamma shift, today," I added.
Dark brown eyes narrowed. "He told you about that also, huh?" B'Elanna did not look particularly pleased by that bit of news. Or the fact that I knew. Why, I have no idea.
Coolly, I replied, "Yeah, he did. Why? Is there a problem? Vorik told me that he had volunteered for that shift." In any other situation, tempers would be flying right now. Including mine. But I suspected that both of us wanted to avoid any further conflict between us. Especially, after what happened on Sakari IV.
"Of course. I . . ." Once more, B'Elanna's words froze. Christ! This conversation seemed to be growing more uncomfortable. Frankly, I wished she would just leave. A moment later, my wish came true. "Never mind." B'Elanna nodded and gruffly said good-bye. Then she left. For how long, I don't know.
LIEUTENANT TOM PARIS - STARDATE 50553.18:
What a damn mess this has been! All because of that damn Vorik who didn't have the decency to keep his hands to himself! Hell, he's a Vulcan for crying out loud! One would think he could have learned to control that pon farr!
And B'Elanna! What an awful thing for her to experience! All because that bastard couldn't control his damn libido and keep his hands to himself! Thanks to Vorik, B'Elanna became infected by the pon farr, nearly went berserk, assaulted both Rain and myself; and nearly died of a chemical imbalance in her brain. Shit!
Perhaps I should have relieved her blood fever in the Sakari caves. But I felt unable to take advantage of her like that. It would have ruined our friendship. Even worse, I couldn't have done with Rain looking on. That really would have ruined any semblance of a relationship we had left. God! What an awful mess!
Once we found Tuvok and Chakotay, the former practically ordered me to have sex with B'Elanna. On one hand, I've always wondered what making love with B'Elanna would be like. On the other hand, there was Rain. I saw the look of horror in her eyes when Tuvok gave the order. As much as I hated Vorik for interrupting B'Elanna and me, a part of me felt relieved over the interruption.
I did not see either Rain or B'Elanna for the next three days. Finally, I encountered B'Elanna in one of the turbolifts. She tried to dismiss her actions on Sakari IV as something meaningless that had occurred, due to Vorik's pon farr. A part of me just could not allow her to get away with that. I told her that her Klingon side did not frighten me one bit. And that I would like to see more of it. You know what she said before leaving the turbolift? "Be careful of what you wish for, Lieutenant." Was that an invitation?
B'Elanna's words took me by surprise. But Rain's comments, later that evening, shocked the hell out of me. Left me practically stunned.
It started after my encounter with B'Elanna. I spotted Rain inside the Mess Hall, for dinner. Sitting with Vorik, of all people! What the hell was she doing with that bastard?
I felt so outraged that I confronted Rain inside her quarters, an hour later. "What the hell were you doing speaking with that bastard?" I cried out, after she ushered me inside.
Rain stared at me with stunned eyes. "What? What are you talking about?"
"Vorik! I saw you having dinner with him about an hour ago, in the Mess Hall! How can you even be around that bastard, after what he did . . ."
"To B'Elanna?" she finished rather nastily. "You forget. It was she who attacked me. And you. Not Vorik."
I shouted back, "It was Vorik who practically mind raped her in the first place! Giving her that damn pon farr!" By then, I felt furious.
Equally furious, Rain reminded me that B'Elanna had tried to rape me in the Sakari caves. "And that was before she threw me against the cave's wall! Dislocating my shoulder!"
"She was under the pon farr!"
"So was Vorik! Or have you forgotten?"
I could not believe this! How could Rain defend Vorik for what he did? I asked her that, adding, "At least B'Elanna has an excuse! She wasn't used to being under some influence, common to Vulcans!"
Rain stared at me with a look that dripped with contempt. A look that made me feel very uneasy. "Oh, I get it. It's okay to excuse B'Elanna for attacking us, but not Vorik for attacking her."
Jesus! Was she this stubborn? How could I get her to understand? "Rain, didn't you hear what I said about B'Elanna?" Frustration oozed in my voice. "B'Elanna has an excuse. Vorik doesn't!"
"Oh, gee Tom! I hate to tell you this. Whether any of us like it or not, he does have an excuse. It's called pon farr!"
"You don't know what you're . . ."
Then she exploded. "For God's sake! You don't know what the hell you're talking about, do you? Do you have any idea what pon farr is like for a Vulcan? Do you?" Staring into those impassioned dark eyes, I found myself unable to respond. "Neither do I!" Rain continued. "At least not personally. But Tuvok gave me a pretty good idea what it is like. Did you really expect Vorik or any other Vulcan to control their pon farr just like that?" She snapped her fingers. "Hell, they have to meditate on a daily basis just to maintain control of their emotions. Jesus, Tom! You saw how it affected B'Elanna. Well, it affects Vulcans, just as bad. And if you think all Vorik had to do was take a cold shower or masturbate, while reading a "PLAYBOY" magazine . . ."
"Play what?" I asked.
Rain's eyes narrowed even further. "A pornographic magazine," she hissed. "Controlling the pon farr is not as easy as you seem to think, for Vulcans. This is serious shit for them. Most of them can't even control it without sex or violence. Meditation rarely works, as well. Even for Vulcans with long experience with pon farr. And this was Vorik's first time at the bat!"
I opened my mouth to speak, but I could not. I wanted to deny Rain's words. Tell her that she was wrong. But she did not give me the chance. Even worse, I had the horrible feeling that she may be right.
"What were you about to say?" she continued. "Hmm, I guess being a Human, you don't really understand what going through the pon farr means. Do you? You know, for a man who prides himself on being tolerant, you sure can be narrow-minded! Was that how the rest of the crew were to you, two years ago?"
I gave her a sharp look. How did she . . .? Of course! The ship's computer.
"That's right," she said, confirming what I suspected. "I read your Starfleet record. All about Caldik Prime and serving time in prison. Maybe accidentally killing three people and lying about it doesn't quite add up to assaulting a fellow officer, while under a chemical imbalance. But like it or not, Vorik has a hell of a better excuse than you do."
People have accused me of a lot of things. Cowardice, murder, lying and God knows what. But I have never been accused of being a bigot. Or a hypocrite. Until now.
Rain spoke one last time. "Now, if you'll excuse me," she marched to the door and opened it, "I'd like to be alone."
Still dazed, I slowly walked out of her quarters. I later learned from Harry that Vorik had volunteered for duty during Gamma shift, for the next four weeks. To be honest, I barely heard him. My thoughts remained fixed on the words that Rain had hurled at me, earlier that evening. I also realized something else. I never did find out what Rain and Vorik were talking about, during dinner.
END OF BOOK VI
”TAKEN” (2009) Review
Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen wrote this tight thriller about a retired CIA agent who tracks down his daughter after she was kidnapped by Albanian criminals engaged in the sex slave traffic, while traveling in Europe. Directed by Pierre Morel, the movie stars Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen and Olivier Rabourdin.
Neeson stars as Bryan Mills, a divorced, former paramilitary officer from the CIA's famed Special Activities Division. His 17-year-old daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) lives with his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) and her new wealthy husband Stuart (Xander Berkeley). After Kim accompanies her close friend, Amanda (Katie Cassidy) to Europe, they are kidnapped by sex trade traffickers from the apartment they share in Paris. Since Mills was talking to Kim at the time the kidnapping took place, he is able to get some information on who may have snatched her and Amanda before heading to Paris to track them down.I am going to put my cards on the table. I enjoyed ”TAKEN” . . . a lot. It was a fast paced thriller filled with the usual stuff one can find in a top-notch action film – exciting car chases, tension, well choreographed fight scenes and sharp acting. I would not view it as an exceptional film. If I have to be honest, there is nothing new in this film that I have not seen in previous action thrillers. It also had its share of clichés that usually pop up in other action films. But I still enjoyed it. If there is one thing I must commend upon the movie is the level of global involvement in the sex slave traffic. Morel and screenwriters Besson and Kamen not only involved Kim’s Albanian kidnappers into the trade, but also French government officials and customers from all over the globe.
The cast did a pretty good job. But I was particularly impressed by four actors in particular. Olivier Rabourdin was surprisingly interesting as Jean-Claude - an old friend of Mills’ who also happens to be a former operative and now deputy director of the French intelligence agency. At first, I had assumed that Rabourdin would act as an ally who would help Mills in his search for his daughter. But thanks to Rabourdin’s performance, his role turned out to be surprisingly more ambiguous. I was also impressed by Famke Janssen’s performance as Mills’ ex-wife, Leonore. This was a different Janssen, who portrayed an uptight woman still harboring some residual of bitterness toward Mills and the way their marriage had ended. And I have to give kudos to Maggie Grace for effectively portraying a character that was at least seven to eight years her junior. Although I am certain that many actresses in their mid-twenties have portrayed a teenager, I have rarely come across many that were as convincing as Grace. She was excellent.
Liam Neeson must have been at least fifty-five years old when he filmed ”TAKEN”. Mind you, there have been other actors around his age or older who have managed to convincingly portray action characters. But his performance as Bryan Mills could give Jason Bourne or James Bond some stiff competition. Granted, his interactions with the various thugs and bodyguards almost made him seem unnaturally superhuman. But if one might as well accuse Matt Damon’s Bourne or Daniel Craig’s Bond of the same thing. Thankfully, Neeson’s Mills was more than just an above-average action hero. The Irish-born actor also infused his character with all of the emotional angst, paranoia and anger any father would face at the prospect of one’s child being snatched by strangers and placed into danger.
I do have one major complaint about ”TAKEN” - namely the photography and editing featured in the movie. Like ”THE BOURNE SUPREMACY”, ”THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM” and ”QUANTUM OF SOLACE” before it, ”TAKEN” is filled with that ”shaky camera” technique that I loathe so much. I realize that this technique was used to give a film an ad-hoc, news, or documentary feel. Frankly, I have never seen the need for to give action movies such as ”TAKEN” this type of style for action films, with the exception of movies based upon real life dramas or war movies. Thanks to director Morel, cinematographer Michel Abramowicz, and editor Frédéric Thoraval; the shaky camera technique only made me feel dizzy and frustrated. I am thankful that the fight scenes – especially in the film’s last twenty minutes – did not seem affected by this technique. However . . . Paul Greengrass, who directed the last two ”BOURNE” films, has a lot to answer for making this filming technique popular for action films.
In a nutshell, ”TAKEN” is not exactly what I would call an original film. It utilized many of the typical clichés used in action films. And the subject – the sex slave traffic – has been told with greater detail in such productions like 2005’s ”HUMAN TRAFFICKING”. And the shaky camera technique used by Morel, Abramowicz and Thoraval made it difficult for me to enjoy some of the actions scenes, especially those featuring car chases. But thanks to a first-rate cast led by Liam Neeson and Maggie Grace, solid direction by Morel and a straightforward script written by Besson and Kamen, ”TAKEN” is a tense, yet entertaining film that I found very satisfying. I enjoyed it so much that I might be inclined to go see it again.
Here are some wallpaper featuring characters from "BUFFY THE VAMPRIE SLAYER":
BUFFYVERSE Wallpaper
"A WEDDING IN FOUR ACTS"
ACT II - Part 1
When he and his demonic savior materialized in the middle of an expensively furnished living room, Nick released a gust of breath. He glanced around, both impressed and apprehensive by his surroundings and asked, "Where are we?"
Dark brown eyes gave him a cold stare. "You will find out," he said in an Italian accent. Then he cried out, "Hello? Padronessa? Leonardo? We're here!"
A beautiful, dark-haired woman with familiar sherry-brown eyes descended the curved staircase. And aquamarine robe barely hid a statuesque figure that any woman would envy. Nick realized that she bore a strong resemblance to his former partner-in-crime, Portia Della Scalla. Same delicate features, same towering height and curvaceous figure; and the same eyes. Only this woman wore her luxuriant hair in a severe chignon. She also possessed a patrician air that Portia had lacked. Behind her, followed his new defense attorney - Leonard Mollari. Nick closed his eyes and heaved a despairing sigh.
"So," the woman said in a cool voice, "this is the Streghone who killed my sister."
Fear gripped every nerve in Nick's body. "Oh. Oh no! No, Signorina! I didn't kill anyone!"
One dark brow formed an arch. "Oh?"
"I mean . . ." Nick sighed. "Yes, I did kill someone. But it was a man, not who you think."
The woman took a step forward. "Exactly whom am I referring to?"
Nick hesitated. "Uh, Portia Della Scalla? She's a . . ."
"A succubus. I know." The woman stepped closer. "So am I. Portia was my younger sister." Cold eyes bored into Nick's. "If you did not kill my sister, who did?"
Nervously, Nick continued, "Um, mind you, I wasn't present when your sister was killed. I was being arrested at the time."
"Enough!" Portia's sister swept past Nick and the daemon guarding him. She settled upon a nearby sofa in a regal manner. "Sit down! I want you to tell me everything."
Nick waited for the minion to release him, before he eased into an empty chair near the sofa. Bumping his foot against a nearby table's leg. He darted uneasy glances at his hostess and her minions.
"Alessandro," the succubus said to Nick's rescuer, "get a glass of wine for Signor Marcano. The Rosso Villa Monticelli." While Alessandro headed for the liquor cabinet, Nick's hostess returned her gaze toward him. "Now, let us start from the beginning. First, my name . . . my human name is Claudia Della Scalla. I am Portia's older sister. As Leonardo must have told you, a seer had informed us that you were the one who had summoned my sister. The question is . . . why?"
Aware of the panic rising within him, Nick took a deep breath. He then told Signorina Della Scalla everything - his feelings toward Barbara Bowen, her engagement to Bruce McNeill and his reason for summoning the late and unlamented Portia. He also revealed the events that led to Portia's death. "Like I said," he continued, "I wasn't there when she was killed. But before I was sent off to jail, I found out that Bruce killed her. Bruce McNeill is the witch I wanted her to . . . well, you know . . ."
"Yes. Kill," Claudia declared bluntly. "So, some ridiculous little witch had killed my sister. A Wiccan." She gave Nick a hard stare. "Unless, you happened to be lying to me. To save your skin."
Nick drained the last of his wine. "Oh no! I'm telling you the truth! You can use a spell or something to find out. As for Bruce . . . well, he's a very powerful witch. And so is the rest of his family."
"I will simply kill this entire family. I'm sure that my coven will be able to deal with th. . ."
Exasperated by the succubus' arrogance, Nick bluntly interrupted her. "Your sister had believed the same thing and ended up getting killed! Besides . . . Bruce should be getting married this weekend. To Barbara. If you go after the McNeills, you might end up hurting her. And there is one more thing."
"What?" Claudia impatiently demanded.
Nick continued, "Belthazor." He noticed the ominous look that flared in Mollari's eyes. "The half-daemon, Belthazor. He's a very close friend of the family. And he's very powerful."
"He is telling the truth, Signorina," Mollari added. "I have heard of him. He was one of the Source's top assassins of the latter's reame."
The Streghone continued, "Belthazor also became the Source for a while, until the Charmed Ones killed him."
"The Charmed Ones?" Claudia frowned. "I have heard of them. Like the Cavalli family, only Wiccan?"
Nick nodded. "Yes. The youngest witch works at Barbara's shop and is a close friend of Bruce's sister. Anyway, after Belthazor was killed, he returned from the dead more powerful than ever. He's even more powerful than their Source. But not as powerful as Dis and Umbria, who are gods."
Claudia's sherry-brown eyes widened in surprise. "I see." She paused momentarily, while the other three stared at her. "I see that I may have to approach this with more subtlety." Her eyes bored into Nick's. "You say that you had promised my sister with a Soma plant, when you asked her to kill this witch for you?"
Once more, Nick nodded. "Yes, Signorina. The plant is inside the McNeills' greenhouse, at their home. It was given to Barbara by an old friend of hers, some three weeks ago."
"How clever of my sister," Claudia murmured. "She almost had her hands on a Soma plant . . . one that would make her a god. I wonder if she would have told me about it." Her eyes flashed at Nick. "And this Barbara . . . do you want her?"
"Well . . . yes. But she would never . . ."
The succubus dismissed his last words with a wave of her hand. "We'll deal with that later. This Signor McNeill . . . you say that he is getting married?"
Nick added, "This Saturday. "Why?"
Her eyes glittering maliciously, she responded with a slow smile. "Because, I believe we will be attending a wedding, this weekend. And hopefully, I will have in my hands a plant that will make me a goddess." She suddenly became businesslike. "Now, I want you to tell me everything about the McNeills, their acquaintances and whom you believe will be at the wedding."
---------
Andre and Cecile strolled along Chestnut Street, enjoying the early morning crowd that rushed past them and the shops along the street. His stomach growling from a lack of breakfast, Andre demanded that they stopped at a local coffee shop called Peet's Coffee and Tea. The pair entered and each ordered a cup of coffee and a pastry.
"Okay Cecile," Andre said after they settled around an available table, "is there a reason why you had me forgo a nice big breakfast with Cole and drag me out of the building?"
Cecile paused momentarily before she made her announcement. "I had a vision."
The cup in Andre's hand froze just an inch away from his lips. "Say that again?"
Her eyes focused on her boyfriend's, Cecile repeated herself. "I had a vision. A very bad one." She paused. "I met Olivia's new friend, last night. What's his name? Paul Something."
"Margolin," Andre corrected. "Cole told me about him. I heard that he and Livy may be more than just friends."
Shaking her head, Cecile replied, "God, I hope not."
"Meaning?" When Cecile failed to answer, Andre added, "C'mon girl! What could be so wrong about this vision? Is something gonna happen to this Margolin character?"
Cecile hesitated. "No . . . not him. But I think he may end up being responsible. The vision came to me when I shook his hand."
Andre took a sip of his coffee. "Look, why don't you just show me. Telepathically."
"Here?" Cecile glanced around the coffee shop.
"Why not? Or we can go to Olivia's apartment."
Cecile cried out, "No!" Her outburst drew stares from the other customers. "Not there. She hasn't left, yet. That's why I wanted to leave. I couldn't wait to tell you."
In other words, Cecile's vision had something to do with both Cole and Olivia. Andre frowned. "Show me. Right now."
"Okay." Giving the coffee shop another glance, Cecile ordered Andre to lean forward and close his eyes. She muttered a phrase in the Fon language over and over again. A minute later, the vision struck.
Andre saw Cole, Olivia and a strange man inside the penthouse. The stranger, whom he surmised must be Paul Margolin, stood by wearing a smug expression, while Cole and Olivia engaged in some kind of conversation. Then Olivia began to chant and a heptagon within a circle materialized around Cole's feet. Each side of the heptagon shot bolts of light at Cole, causing the half-daemon to scream. The red-haired witch continued her chant until Cole's body disintegrated into a burst of light.
The moment the vision ended, Andre gasped out loud, drawing more stares. Breathing heavily, he looked at Cecile in disbelief. "What the hell? I can't . . . Did I just see . . .?" He leaned forward and whispered, "Did I just see Olivia kill Cole?"
Cecile nodded. "Yeah, I know. It's impossible. Paige once told me about this sorcerer who had Cole's powers, last fall. Someone named Barbas. She and her sisters weren't able to kill him with the Power of Three. They had to return the powers back to Cole, first."
"So, how would Olivia be able . . .?" Andre paused. "If the Power of Three couldn't kill some guy with Cole's powers, how would Olivia be able to kill Cole?"
A grim Cecile replied, "I don't know. Maybe Olivia will find a way. You know, she once had a theory on how to kill the Source, but Leo didn't take it seriously. I'm worried about why she would kill Cole in the first place. And why would I get a vision like that shaking Paul Margolin's hand?"
Andre stared at his girlfriend with uneasy eyes. "Are you gonna tell her? Tell Livy?"
"Tell her what, Andre? That she's gonna kill Cole? And that her present boyfriend might have something to do with it?" Cecile rolled her eyes. "Are you kidding?"
"Listen cherie, you're gonna have to tell her, sooner or later."
Cecile took a sip of her hot chocolate. "I'd rather do it, later. Maybe after I talk to Mama and Livy's parents about it."
A heavy sigh left Andre's mouth. "Okay. It's your call. Man! I should have known something was gonna happen during this trip. I only hope that matters don't get any worse."
---------
Stunned by the news they had just received, Olivia and her partner, Darryl Morris, sat inside Captain McPherson's office, staring at the man with shocked eyes. Darryl became the first to find his voice. "Excuse me Captain," he said, "but you could repeat what you just said?"
The burly police captain viewed his lieutenant with sympathetic eyes. He sighed. Heavily. "I said that Nick Marcano has escaped from the County lockup at the Hall of Justice, last night. He simply . . . disappeared."
"Disappeared?" Olivia leaned forward. "How?"
McPherson continued, "We believe that a guard helped him escape." He glanced at the report on his desk. "According to one guard named Timothy Hamilton, another guard named Ben Jenoff had told him that one Keith Hardy had called in sick, and a temp named Reyes showed up. Only Hardy never called in sick. At least, according to Hamilton. He stopped by the cafeteria, while Hamilton reported for duty. Jenoff became suspicious and went to investigate."
"So it was this Jenoff who discovered that Marcano had escaped?" Darryl asked.
The captain shook his head. "No, it was Hamilton. He found Marcano missing and . . . Jenoff's body outside the cell. Burnt to a crisp. How, no one knows."
Olivia muttered under breath, "Oh great!"
"What was that, Inspector?" McPherson demanded.
"Nothing sir," Olivia responded morosely.
The captain nodded. "By the way, Hardy's body was also found." He paused dramatically. "Inside a closet, not far from the cafeteria. Also burnt. Now, how the perpetrator managed to achieve this without setting the whole damn building on fire is beyond me."
Darryl asked, "Exactly who is this guard? This Reyes?"
"No one knows," McPherson curtly replied. "He doesn't exist. At least not with the County Sheriff's Department." The police captain heaved a sigh. "This Reyes is probably someone who is mighty interested in Marcano. I can think of someone else who might be behind this escape. Marcano's accomplice in the DeWolfe murder is still alive. And missing."
Both Olivia and Darryl exchanged uneasy glances. They both knew better. "Uh, you mean this Della Scalla woman?" Darryl asked hesitantly.
McPherson nodded. "We need to find Marcano. Fast. This escape . . . it's a real embarrassment not only to the County Sheriff's Department, but to SFPD, as well."
"Um, does this mean . . .?" Olivia began. However, she immediately closed her mouth under McPherson's direct stare.
"Does this mean . . . what?"
Olivia's face grew hot with embarrassment. She shook her head. "I . . . there's a wedding in the family, this weekend. My older brother. Also, we have a few out-of-state guests. I was thinking if I could take part of today and tomorrow . . ."
McPherson's reply was curt. "No, you may not take some time off. I want both you and Morris working on this case, full time. At least until you're off duty. I'm sure that your brother would appreciate your efforts. Understand?"
A sigh left Olivia's mouth before she answered, "Yes sir." Shit!
"Dismissed."
The two partners stood up and left McPherson's office. Silently. Upon reaching their desks, Darryl finally broke the silence. "Well, I guess we better tell Bruce and Barbara the news."
"Along with Deborah Mann, Aunt Carla and Jason," Olivia added morosely. "Nick picked one hell of a time to escape. Three days before Bruce's wedding."
Sympathy filled Darryl's dark eyes. "Something tells me that Marcano had no choice in the timing." When Olivia reached for her telephone, he added, "Giving Bruce a call?"
"Yeah, I might as well. I'm going to ask him to meet with us at Ostera, so we can break the news to him and Barbara at the same time. They're not going to like this."
Something like a cross between a guffaw and a grunt escaped Darryl's mouth. "Huh. That's the understatement of the year."
--------
Two pairs of eyes - one blue and the other blue-gray - stared at the two police officers with disbelief. "Escaped? Nick Marcano has escaped?" Barbara said in a high-pitched voice.
It was lunchtime. Olivia and Darryl stood inside Ostera's storeroom, facing both the store's owner and her fiancé. Darryl nodded. "Yeah. Last night. He . . . uh, he disappeared from his cell. Along with the guard who helped him."
Olivia added, "Who might be a daemon."
Barbara looked away, distress marring her beautiful face. Bruce sighed. Long and hard. Of all the days for this to happen, he thought. He said out loud in a testy voice, "That's just great. Nick decides to escape just three days before my wedding."
Both Olivia and Darryl exchanged uneasy glances. "I don't think he had planned his escape," she added. "It's obvious that someone helped him. Remember the guard?"
"What about him?" Barbara demanded.
Olivia continued, "Well, this guard . . . might be associated with Portia Della Scalla. Or maybe even her sister."
Anxiety flitted within Bruce's chest. Memories of the succubus filled his mind. "Oh shit!"
Darryl frowned. "That . . . uh, she had a sister?"
"Yeah. Remember what Cole's old friend had told us?" Olivia replied. "He said . . ."
"Yes, thank you for reminding us!" Barbara curtly interrupted. "I was there, remember? I remember what that daemon had told us about Miss Della Scalla's sister. God!" She walked away from the others, her body trembling. "This is great! Bruce and I are supposed to be married the day after tomorrow, only we have Nick Marcano and maybe a vengeful succubus to worry about. I just knew something would happen to screw up everything!"
Bruce walked over to his fiancé and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Barbara, honey . . . Look, don't worry. I'm sure that nothing will happen before the wedding. Maybe Nick has already left San Francisco." He glanced at the two inspectors. "Has he?"
Darryl shook his head. "I doubt it. Look, Olivia and I have to get going. We have to break the news to a few others."
Olivia added, "Yeah, like the BAY-MIRROR." She sighed. "And Deborah Mann. I really don't look forward to her reaction."
Bruce nodded. "We understand. I'll see you two later, okay?" Without bothering to look at his sister and her partner, he gently forced Barbara to face him, and enveloped her into his arms.
END OF ACT II - Part 1
”THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO” (2002) Review
Let me make something clear . . . I have never read the literary version of ”THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO”, written by Alexandre Dumas. I have seen three movie versions – including this latest one starring James Caviezel. But I have never read the novel. So, for me to compare the literary version to this movie would be irrelevant.
In short, ”THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO” is the story about a French sailor named Edmond Dantès (Caviezel), who finds himself a victim of French political machinations, thanks to the Emperor Napoleon, a jealous first mate named Danglars, his best friend Fernand Mondego (Guy Pearce) and an ambitious local magistrate named J.F. Villefort (James Frain). Edmond ends up on an island prison called Château d'If, where he meets a fellow prisoner, a priest and a former soldier in Napoleon's army named Abbé Faria (Richard Harris). Faria is killed in an accident after informing Edmond about a fabulous hidden treasure. After Edmond uses Faria’s death to escape from Château d'If, he befriends a smuggler and thief named Jacopo (Luis Guzmán). The two find the treasure that Faria had talked about and Edmond uses it to establish the persona of the Count of Monte Cristo. His aim? To avenge himself against those who had betrayed him – Danglars, Villefort, Mondego and his fiancée Mercédès Iguanada (Dagmara Dominczyk), who had married Mondego after his arrest.I have to give kudos to director Kevin Reynolds and screenwriter Jay Wolpert for creating a first-class adaptation of Dumas’ novel. From what I have read, it is not an exact adaptation of the novel. As if that was possible. Not that I care whether it was or not. I still enjoyed the movie. Despite some of the changes to the story, ”THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO” still managed to retain its emotional ambiguity. Villains such as Villefort and especially Mondego are not as one-dimensional ‘bad’ or ‘evil’ as one might believe. The origin of Villefort came from his father’s ego-driven ambition. As for Mondego, his dislike and betrayal of Edmond had its roots in his own insecurity and bouts of self-hatred, despite his position as an aristocrat. As for Edmond, he becomes so blinded by his hatred and desire for revenge that his actions nearly ends in tragedy for Mercédès and her adolescent son, Albert (Henry Cavill) – the only innocents in this tale of betrayal and vengeance.
The cast was first rate. James Caviezel gave a superb performance as Edmond Dantès, the naïve French sailor who becomes a wealthy man bent upon vengeance. Caviezel took Edmond’s character and emotional make-up all over the map without missing a beat. And Guy Pearce was equally superb as the villainous Fernand Mondego, an arrogant aristocrat whose own jealousy and bouts of self-loathing led him to betray the only friend he would ever have. James Frain gave a solid performance as the ambitious Villefort, whose greed allows Edmond takes advantage of in order to exact his revenge. And I could say the same for both Dagmara Dominczyk, who portrayed Mercédès Iguanada, Edmond’s charming fiancée who found herself stuck in a loveless marriage with Mondego due to certain circumstances; and Luis Guzmán’s portrayal as the wise and loyal Jacapo. And the late Richard Harris managed to create great chemistry with Caviezel as Edmond’s wise mentor, Abbé Faria.
Cinematographer Andrew Dunn and production designer Andrew Dunn did a great job of transforming locations in Ireland and the island of Malta into early 19th century France. And they were ably assisted by Tom Rand’s costume designs. Along with a first-rate cast, Kevin Reynolds’ competent direction and Jay Wolpert’s script, this version of ”THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO” turned out to be an entertaining movie filled with exciting action, great drama and excellent storytelling. A first-rate movie all around.
