Great story, Shayne! I always look forward to a Shayne T story, and was thrilled to find this one. I've been off the boards for a few months, and only discovered it this week, and read it from beginning to end yesterday. I'm fortunate, because if I'd been reading it in installments, I wouldn't have any nails left.
I used to follow Buffy closely in the second and third season, and caught odd episodes in the later seasons, so I was somewhat familiar with the general gist of this story, but didn't know the specifics. I had no problems following the story, and even the bits that I recognised as in-jokes and cryptic comments -- but didn't know the specifics of -- didn't bother me at all. As you explained in an earlier comment thread, we are seeing this story through Lois' eyes, and if we don't know the same things that she doesn't, then it just gets us more thoroughly in the head of the character.
The comments about the ineptitude of the Sunnydale police and the other similar cracks at the suspension of disbelief that is required in order to enjoy watching Buffy made me laugh -- or at least snort sarcastically -- in the earlier chapters.
(In the later chapters, I didn't have time to snort or laugh -- or breathe, much. You do action stories amazingly well, and yet are able to mix in excellent introspection, angst, romance and humour in perfect proportion. Please,
never stop writing.)
I liked how Clark needed to go through his own version of hell before he could fully
understand the guilt that Lois is carrying around -- although we know that he would have
loved her unconditionally in any case, that shared darkness draws them together.
I loved that this universe's Lois is completely able to kick *** on her own, and even becomes Superman's protector! Lois has
always defended Superman in any crisis, but with her added power -- I can totally see it panning out like this.
I'd ask for a sequel, but I know that you'd rather explore a new elseworld. So, looking forward to the next one. Like Anton Ego, I won't even look at the menu, but I know I'm going to love whatever you choose to serve up.
Jude
