Retro-Rec #1
So, I got this brilliant idea today. There seem to be so many people new to Firefly fandom, and so many of them venturing into writing fanfic, that they may miss out on the fandom's rich (short, but rich) history. Even if they go seaching for older stories, they may overlook some of the "classics." (Well, classic in my mind, at any rate.) Therefore I will try to provide a series of "retro-recs," personal favorites that I consider some of the best-written Firefly stories based on series canon.
First up:
"Lex Talionis" by taraljc
A familiar theme in story-telling, and in fanfic is the "old adversary seeks revenge" plot. I believe Tara was one of the earliest Firefly writers to try this, in a carefully-plotted and wonderfully detailed story, in which a recurring villian targets one of Serenity's crewmembers. It's not an easy read, and not just because of the graphic violence or high emotional levels. The style is non-linear, somewhat like the way "Out of Gas" was presented, and it requires the reader to pay close attention, as we get flashbacks, reactions to the incident from all the others, and follow Mal on the dangerous path to payback.
Lex Talionis
******
If you need to decompress after that, try something lighter, but no less well-written from Tara:
That Old Yeh Shen Story, which contains one of the best bits of dialogue ever:
Wash clapped him on the shoulder in a universal gesture of fellowship. "Let us be manly, consume alcoholic beverages, and discuss our comely women."
Jayne trooped down the short flight of steps, scratching his belly absently as Wash emerged from the pantry brandishing a jug of Kaylee's engine room hootch.
"You boys drinkin'?"
"It seems the thing to do," Simon said with a shrug.
Jayne pulled out a chair, turning it around and straddling it. "Mind if I join ya?"
"Is your woman comely?" Wash asked as he filled Simon's mug to the brim.
"My women always come," Jayne assured them with a grin.
"Oh, dear God." Simon buried his face in his hands.
******
And don't forget, Part 3 of Risk was posted earlier this week!
First up:
"Lex Talionis" by taraljc
A familiar theme in story-telling, and in fanfic is the "old adversary seeks revenge" plot. I believe Tara was one of the earliest Firefly writers to try this, in a carefully-plotted and wonderfully detailed story, in which a recurring villian targets one of Serenity's crewmembers. It's not an easy read, and not just because of the graphic violence or high emotional levels. The style is non-linear, somewhat like the way "Out of Gas" was presented, and it requires the reader to pay close attention, as we get flashbacks, reactions to the incident from all the others, and follow Mal on the dangerous path to payback.
Lex Talionis
******
If you need to decompress after that, try something lighter, but no less well-written from Tara:
That Old Yeh Shen Story, which contains one of the best bits of dialogue ever:
Wash clapped him on the shoulder in a universal gesture of fellowship. "Let us be manly, consume alcoholic beverages, and discuss our comely women."
Jayne trooped down the short flight of steps, scratching his belly absently as Wash emerged from the pantry brandishing a jug of Kaylee's engine room hootch.
"You boys drinkin'?"
"It seems the thing to do," Simon said with a shrug.
Jayne pulled out a chair, turning it around and straddling it. "Mind if I join ya?"
"Is your woman comely?" Wash asked as he filled Simon's mug to the brim.
"My women always come," Jayne assured them with a grin.
"Oh, dear God." Simon buried his face in his hands.
******
And don't forget, Part 3 of Risk was posted earlier this week!