I got this idea in mid September 1998. (9-18-98) to be exact. After careful consideration, I realized I was going to need help with this piece. It is not my usual writing, which I hope becomes very obvious. There is a reason for this story and I hope I find it as I write this. Part of the reason I’m sure, is that it won’t leave me alone.

A lot of emailing back and forth was done between myself and my partner on this one. Trying to nail down important plots and characterizations. It was written in pieces, none written in order of how they show up in this story. I felt an obligation to finish various other pieces I’d begun before I really delved into this story. I also wrote a great deal of this in long hand, to get a feel.

Mindy. . .

I’d like two members of the JetC15 pond (namely Rebecca and Suz) for forcing me to write something that wasn’t sappy.

To Sarah, also of pond 15. You once said that the dark stories need closure. That’s why this one took so long and why it’s coming out at the same time. Anna pointed this out to me and she’s been right.

To all members of Ponds 15 and 16. . .because

To Rani. . .for encouraging me. . .

To Lissa, my real time Beta Writer. She’s looked over my shoulder, rolled her eyes, but came up with some of the elements that escaped me.

And last, but not least. She’s been my editor, my beta writer, my suggestion writer, my support through this story (as well as many others). There are too many roles she filled with this story for me to call her just one title. Ceridwen, you’ve been terrific and I’ve learned a lot from admitting that I needed help on this one. You are a gem!

Ceridwen. . .

I get this e-mail one day and Mindy wants an opinion about a story she is writing. I could tell by the first part that it was going to be good and a great challenge. So I embarked on this intriguing and rewarding journey with Mindy. Mindy was the Captain, and I felt like her First Officer - showing her other sides. She asked me to be honest, and I feel I accomplished that because I knew this was something big and important. Well, I had a great deal of fun exploring my dark side which turned out to be quite cathartic. So, to Mindy : Thank you for asking me that one day in September and for your trust on this. Congratulations on this fine accomplishment!

Disclaimer: Paramount owns all. I intend to give them back when I am done with them.

Warning: This story is going to describe violence and other subject manner that may easily offend. Use your own judgment in reading this story.