Story 259: "The Ghost of You" by Julie Fortune

[wendelah1]

Julie Fortune's "The Ghost of You" is a casefic that is also an X-File, and a very creepy one, too. At only a little over 10,000 words, it's less daunting than some of the other fics sitting in the nomination post. In structure, it reminds me very much of the much earlier fic by Jane Mortimer, "The Sin Eater." Mortimer's fic might even have

Comments

[ledez_dreams]

I'm a bit late to the commenting, but just wanted to add that I really love this story. As someone else commented earlier, it's so rare for someone to write a really good x-file. I love case file type stories, and a lot of them feature nothing of the paranormal, probably because it's difficult to write well, but Julie Fortune nails it. She does this in all her stories (in my opinion) and she's probably one of my favourite writers, maybe even my favourite in the fandom.

I find the characterization spot on in both Mulder and Scully. The descriptions of both of their thoughts, actions, and most of all dialogue works so well. I especially like their interactions with the officers in the town. I thought there were some really good comedic parts, especially in the beginning before things take a serious turn. Once it does turn serious, I especially loved the description of the body and the disintegrated bones. The description itself and the characters reactions are downright creepy. It was a good blend of humour where appropriate and creepiness and suspense.

For me, I have very little to critique in this one, so my review is probably a bit boring in that way, especially for those who liked the story less. I think the romance aspect works well and maybe it's just me, but it seemed like a bit of a wink to shippers and frustration they felt, especially when the series was running. Since the story alludes to Mulder and Scully reliving these days on multiple occasion, I find it really funny that they literally exhaust every option before actually managing to express their love for each other and have sex, and then that's the solution that actually works, to save Scully from her death, and get them out of the time loop.

But then of course, it's ripped away from them and they have no memory of any of it. The last bit:

"Remember, the only safe sex is abstinence."

She couldn’t resist a smile.

"Then I guess we've safe," she said.

He sighed.

Those last lines just kill me. I don't know if Julie Fortune meant to lightly satirize the show with this last part because I found it hilarious even if the point is to be frustrated. Hope that makes sense.

[wendelah1]

Thanks for commenting. I agree with everything you wrote here, so that's always nice to see. LOL.

The last line carries a double meaning, I think. The safe-sex comment refers to the AIDs epidemic, which was still in full force when the show was airing. Sex using barrier methods is the norm now. But it also refers obliquely to the sex that saved them both from harm, returning them to the safety of the timeline where ironically, they hadn't had sex.

I think she's making a little meta-comment about fanfiction versus canon, don't you? They're sexing like mad in fic, yet every week, they're returned to the series timeline where they're celibate.

[ledez_dreams]

Haha thanks, it's nice to debate but also nice to agree!

I didn't really think about the AIDs epidemic. The "safe sex = abstinence" has always seemed so ubiquitous (in my small town Catholic school, it referred to teen pregnancy since we never learned any kind of protection… which is so insane. I wonder if it's still that way. Probably.) so I've heard it both in reference to STDs in general as well as pregnancy, depending on the context. Though taking into account this was based in the mid 90s, AIDs was more at the forefront than today of course.

I did however like when you point out the safe sex comment doubly references to the story itself and how they saved themselves, I hadn't read into it that much and that makes perfect sense to me. I like that it worked as a joke but also an unconscious reference to what they'd both forgotten.

I definitely agree there was a meta aspect to the ending. Both to fanfic and the show in general. As an aside, I always liked times when the show winks at fans also. I can still remember seeing the fox preview for "Small Potatoes" on TV. It very frankly featured the almost kiss part, they knew that was a hook to draw ratings, not to mention eventual ire of shippers everywhere. And it made me tune in with more excitement than usual that night. Only to be disappointed. But not really, because it was such a funny episode.

Anyways, back to this story. The little dig at the end works so well both because it's barely there yet so relevant, yet it does nothing to deter from the entire piece being a really solid work of story telling. I think it's my favourite of hers. That or Fata Morgana. Or maybe… just kidding (but seriously).

[wendelah1]

She's got a great imagination, which is why she can spin out these X-File scenarios so beautifully (and why she's published so many fantasy novels). "Fata Morgana" is my favorite of her XF fics. It's devastating emotionally, and has that erotic scene where she touches Mulder's hand.

[ext_3277448]

"I think she's making a little meta-comment about fanfiction versus canon, don't you? They're sexing like mad in fic, yet every week, they're returned to the series timeline where they're celibate."

That's quite astute, Wendelah1. Your statement is spot on, about the show vs fanfiction. It's something I knew but was unable to articulate. I will definitely check out Fata Morgana. Which leads me to my question: why are we drawn to angst? I've only recently identified that I love angst-y stories. It gives a new meaning to the saying "she just loves drama." I always wondered how anyone could "love drama" in their daily lives, but I never noticed that drama and tension are the very things that keeps me watching certain shows and movies.

And Ledez_dreams, I went to catholic schools as well. To this day I resent some aspects of that particular education. But it's impolite for me to talk about religion, isn't it?

[wendelah1]

There are probably many reasons people are drawn to sad stories, maybe as many reasons as there are people. I can tell you mine, if you're interested?

I'm an optimist. I mean, I know life is hard. Bad things do happen to good people. However, I like reading stories about how people cope with adversity, how they get through the hard times and come out on the other side, transformed in some way by those experiences.

I'm not sure there's any correlation between liking drama in one's life and watching drama on TV, though.

Let us know what you thought about "Fata Morgana."