Story 250: "Compass" by Seema

[wendelah1]

This fic wasn't on the nomination post; instead, an earlier story of Seema's, Where the Heart Is was the nominee. After reading, I resisted posting that fic for a number of reasons. The person who nominated the story wasn't a member, which was fine, but she had no interest participating in the discussion, which seemed odd--at the time. It's not a

Comments

[wendelah1]

But, like you, I don't like the idea that their relationship is this fraught or that Mulder runs around the country for months on end leaving Scully with no idea where he is or when (or if) he is returning.

But given the stress of being on the run, of giving up William and leaving her family and work behind, of every that happened in canon during seasons 8&9, how could it not be difficult?

But Mulder running around the country for months on end is exactly what he did during season nine. How is this any different, except that "Compass" attempts to explain how he got be that guy we met in IWTB? The guy with the beard who hangs out with the clippings and the computer and the messy house while Scully does a residency in whatever specialty field she was re-qualifying in.

1) I did not find it believable that Scully would have thought there was even a chance of her getting a job at the stem cell place.

That's a fair criticism, although Scully doesn't get the job, she does apply. I thought Seema was trying to explain how Scully became interested in stem cell research in the first place.

I always have some trouble with stories where Scully goes into pediatrics or really any 'regular doctor' field. There are so many stories that explain or touch on why she chose pathology that ring so true to me that I just have trouble with anything else. Granted, on this point, the movie pretty much forces the story here, so I don't fault the author, except that she didn't make me believe in Scully's choice. But then again, maybe there isn't anything that would make me believe it.

Maybe not. But as you point out, CC's movie script is what's driving that plot development, not Seema.

I do think a professional woman who's chosen to go on the run with a federal fugitive could conceivably decide on a midlife career change. The former seems much more unlikely to me than the latter. ;)

[tri_sbr]

how could it not be difficult?

I agree, it has to be difficult for Scully if it's going to follow from S8&S9. But (insert small tantrum, "waaah") I don't want it to be that way. ;)

I guess this is why I like a lot of AUs. Although I will reiterate, I did think this story was well done.

[wendelah1]

I hear you. I like AUs too, although the babyfic stuff can get a bit saccharine. Domestic drama is not what I watch The X-Files for, I suppose. And it's not how I see the characters. That's why I like The Beginner's Guide to Tightrope Walking. It's AU, so Mulder and Scully with William, but Kel's writing has humor, suspense and wit, plus there's a real plot, and a happy ending. God, I love Kel. She's the best.

[tri_sbr]

I love Kel. She's the best.

second!