Archer Drama/Introspection PG

[velvet_mace]

TITLE: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back (Three connected ficlets

Comments

[cryogenia]

What didn't you like about this? Cause I enjoyed it a lot. I know you were complaining about the OCs, but I think you did an amazing job of letting us know just who they were even in these few brushstrokes. And Archer's mental profile, his development, was just fascinating to watch. It's interesting to see how in a lot of ways, he thinks he is a hero, and the situations that lead to his revelations are ones where you know, he IS playing the hero. Archer's motivations are not solely malicious or evil, the way a lot of writers do it. But there's that thrill inherent that encourages him also to evil - enjoying the power, and power corrupts. I also love how even from a young age he is very keyed into how people work - he analyzes his situations by stepping outside his emotions and figuring out what makes the group dynamics tick, and he does the right thing but also makes sure to calculate how to make that turn out well for him. That whole scene, of one kid on the playground scrutinizing the rest, made me shiver

[velvet_mace]

Awww, that's really sweet of you. Yes I imagine Archer as being the hero in his own head. I imagine him being utterly astonished that other people might not think the same -- but really his actions aren't so much evil as they are short sighted. I also see Archer as being somewhat overconfident and dismissive of other's opinions.

But I honestly don't expect much response out of this fic. I'm encouraged that you don't see any major flaws in it (outside of being a concept that will bore most people.)

I'm wondering if I should bother posting up on communities.

[militsa]

[velvet_mace]

Thanks! I'm a big fan of backstory myself. I have to admit lately I've been kind of itching to do original fic again. Having an audience is fun, but sometimes I just need to go with the ideas that are buring to get out.

[m_a_foxfire]

Wow. I love the way you can get into people's heads... *reads other comments* (I'm suprised you don't have two or three pages worth of fangasming) You write/wrote original fic?

[velvet_mace]

Oh yes. That's what I started with -- original fic. I started writing Fanfic because, you know, having an audience is nice.

[m_a_foxfire]

There's that... What kind of original fic?

[velvet_mace]

Sci-fi mostly. The last thing I wrote (which I completed) was a sci-fi/vampire novel fusion. It was gen but subtexty, and had lots of mind games. I was revising it when I got caught up with the fanfic and never did finish getting it into shape.

[tomoe_daeva]

*purrs* Finally I've been able to read and comment this ^_^

The nice spot you hit here, in Archer's characterization, is in how you treated his relation with adrenaline.
I don't think that Archer likes risks for their sake: he's always portrayed as an overcautious person, after all; I guess that what Archer really likes about it is the way he can control it.
Other people would probably indulge the euphoria, while Archer feels free, sated, happy, only when he can focus that euphoria in a rational plan destined to success.
From this point of view I found the different reaction to danger from the first episodes to the last one (where Kimbly is the one who control the situation) particularly brilliant.

Much love, as usual ♥
--BTW can I rec/link this over schlachtfeld :D ?

[velvet_mace]

Thank you so much! Yes Archer is way too much of a control freak to just go all out Kimbley style for the adrenanline rush. He needs purpose and an excuse. But at the same time fear of danger doesn't stop him from doing what he wants. He's learned to channel the emotion of fear into excitement and use it to further his goals (which are intellectual). Kimbley doesn't work, because it's not a controlled situation anymore. He's ceding power not gaining it. He finally met someone who could manipulate him better than he could manipulate them.

And sure you can rec this! I'm flattered!

[andagi]

I like how the fic showed the emotional detachment Archer had even in childhood. Like how relationships were measured, especially the comment of how he'd get points with the girl. Your fics always make me think of the characters in a new light.

Also, the last story reminded me of that domino scene in V for Vendetta. Where the one thing that didn't fall into place as planned was his love for the girl. Except yours is a more twisted, unrequited version of the cliche.

[velvet_mace]

Archer wasn't prepared for the come on -- at all. I get the feeling that romance, like everything else in his life, has always been calculated and prepared for. He probably pursued his women the same way he'd plan mission into enemy territory. And his efforts probably met with the same superficial success. This is the first time (in my version) that he actually had someone "attack his territory."

This version of Archer isn't really capable of true empathy -- but he's got enough observation skills to make up for his lack of social awaremess. He's not a very emotional person. Maybe even a touch aspergery.