The Greens of Jericho

Reading this again for the first time in almost a decade! I still love it.  I can't believe how many details I lifted for the story I wrote! OK, I can believe it, I was actually going to ask if I could borrow the character of Mikey, and several other things, but I wasn't able to connect with you.

Any chance that you're still going to be adding chapters? I wish you would!!

I'm...so late to the party, so like a late party guest, I'm just going to barge in and say a bunch of things I think and hope they make sense. Oh, and should say I'm happy to be here, enjoying the party, I like all the details and interesting contrasts, but also some parts are a bit heartbreaking. And like someone doing a late tour of a party, I'm going to focus my thoughts on various people there. Like:

Quote: "Mornin', sunshine," Jake drawled sarcastically, pushing his way into the house. He looked his friend up and down. Dhuwalia was, in a word, unkempt. His eyes were bloodshot, he needed a shave, and while his hair wasn't exactly a mess, he'd clearly slept on it at one very odd angle. He was barefoot and wearing jeans that really needed to be washed, paired with a Chicago Bulls t-shirt that proclaimed that the team had won the 1998 NBA championship. Over this, he wore a black hoodie that Jake was fairly certain had once been his. But of course, everything that Dhuwalia owned was hand-me-down; he'd arrived in Jericho with, literally, nothing but the scrubs on his back. "So, when did you last have a drink?" Jake demanded.

Poor Kenchy. I've probably said it before, I think he's the most heartbreaking character. He's probably way luckier than many in the country, but also much less lucky than most of the ones we get to know, and he has no support system. Well, he does, but it's a thing making people more alienated from him (and a pretty unreliable one at that). And then here he's in such a bad place, and people are dragging him out of it because they need him, and then...okay I won't project too far ahead about how it'll turn out and if/when he gets a win/finds a way to find himself again. Just...heartbreaking situation within a heartbreaking situation, am I right?

Though...

Quote: "Good," Drake had declared. "That's what I'm tryin' for. People listen to you, and right now I need 'em to listen to me." Ahead of them, the ceiling lights had flickered to life and Drake had stalked the three feet to the nearest switch, slapping it off. "Okay people!" he'd shouted, "Here's the deal! No lights allowed until further notice."

The crowd had rumbled again, a male voice protesting, "But what about -"

"No exceptions!" Drake had bellowed before adding, more quietly, "Live with it or leave."

Support system, working and in place. I like Drake and I am enjoying seeing him somewhat...rebuilding himself? With the help of the aforementioned system. Or maybe he's coming into his own (since I don't see him in flashbacks, maybe this side of the tragic stuff he's been through, once he's coming out of the most traumatic of it, will be his best, strongest self ever). It is neat to see and a continued part of the “young adult characters making themselves into selves during a time of turmoil” that I've mentioned a few times before, especially around the Mikey/Jeff/Drake trio.

Quote: Eric held up both hands in a sign of surrender. "No way," he denied, shaking his head. "You're not gettin' me up on that thing, sorry Jim. I ride horses, not bulls, mechanical or otherwise," he insisted. "But any time you want to put in a karaoke machine...."

"Karaoke?" Heather questioned, surprised. "Really? You're a karaoke fan," she chuckled. "Wow. My brothers are all major karaoke fiends."

"Well, sorry to say, Eric, but it's gonna be over my dead body that a karaoke machine ever gets into Bailey's," Jim informed him. "So," he continued, clearing his throat, "Are you waitin' for Jake, or can I get you something to drink?"

What? Come on, Jim! (I guess if I were a Jericho citizen at this time, I'd be heading over to whatever neighbouring town did have karaoke. I'd hope it isn't New Bern). In seriousness, I enjoyed this whole sequence at the bar, with the origin story of the mechanical bull, and this group of characters having an amiable night during more carefree times (aspersions on karaoke aside).

Also,

Quote: "Jake's joining the church softball team?" Mary asked as she placed a basket of fries - the last item of their order - in the center of the table. "Wow. Don't tell my dad, he's trying to get the Main Street Merchants Mickey Mantles going again this year - you know it's always hard to get enough women, but Colleen says she's playing, so...."

"The Mickey Mantles? Do all the teams have better names than the Sluggers?"

"Stop trying to change the subject," April ordered, pointing a fry at Heather. "So Mary, A, B or C?"

"Or D," Heather reminded.

"Okaaaay," Mary stalled while she finished collapsing the stand she'd been using. "So, religious conversion, exercise -"

"And, fresh air," Heather mumbled.

"Fresh air and exercise," Mary amended gamely, "Impressing you, or all of the above, right?"

"Correct," Eric confirmed, reaching for his burger.

Hahaha. I like all the little world building moments in these flashbacks. It's valuable to hear about what's going on in various parts of the universe during the apocalypse, but these parts give a nice counterbalance to those parts, and your going back and forth lends them an emotional meaning. Like a time travel effect – making happy things also sad and sadder future things...bittersweet, I guess.

Quote: "It's fine," Constantino had assured, his lip twitching softly. "I always enjoy watching democracy in action."

"So," Gray inquired, once everyone was assembled. "What're we talkin' about?" he asked, glancing sideways at New Bern's sheriff and mayor. "Couple hundred pounds?"

Constantino looked simultaneously annoyed and amused. "For the first one, maybe," he informed them, glancing quickly over at the wind turbine that stood in the middle of the flower bed, tantalizing, almost ready to go. "But you want more," he reminded, "So no, we're gonna need a lot more than -"

"Wait a minute," Gray interjected, frowning. "I think we're entitled to the 'friends and family' discount here, Phil. It was our idea, our designs. Your people came here and consulted with my team -"

"Drawings on the page aren't what's gonna power your clinic," Constantino countered. "New Bern built that," he reminded, pointing at the wind turbine, "When Jericho couldn't, when all you had were a couple of technical drawings done by a third grade teacher." He glanced at Johnston, his tone lightening for a moment as he added, "Beautifully drawn, you be sure to tell Heather that. But still... we're the ones who made it happen."

Oh Phil. Not even really trying for non-menacing sincerity here, are ya? Poor team Jericho, so stuck before this deal is started that they can't really heed the red flags I assume they're observing. I continue to...like is not the right word. Appreciate your creepy Constantino. So smarmy and icky and condescending (to people who aren't even there!) but I guess he's doing a good enough job at reaching his objectives. In a sort of contrast,

Quote: Gray relaxed visibly. The mine and salt, those were the mayor's true comfort zone, his natural fit, much more so than town politics where he had to listen to and consider everyone else's arguments, where votes had to be taken, and where his word was not actually law - or at the very least official company policy, in the best interest of every employee to obey. But the citizens of Jericho were exactly that; citizens, not employees, and at least for now, Jericho still operated under its charter first established in 1887, a fact that Gray had - slowly - come to terms with.

This makes a lot of sense. Gray grappling with this situation where he thought he was a good leader, because he (probably? Seems like) he was a good leader in his business world, and signed on to this campaign during peace time, and then somehow got more determined to try to lead after the bombs and his harrowing experiences on the road, and then found himself so ridiculously in over his head. And I think he genuinely does want to take care of the town, does care about the people, but this is the worst kind of on the job training. But then again, everyone's in over their heads. Like, everyone at this negotiation. Neither town can survive on their own, let alone the individuals. I like that Gray is reckoning with all that, realizing Johnston is his best resource and ally, and they're doing their best. And I liked the little touches in this chapter that brought Gray's more human, wanting to be helpful sides to the forefront.

Quote: Johnston had glanced around the room then, taking it all in. The window blinds had been closed, despite the fact that it was still light - though overcast - outside. There had been piles of bedding everywhere, leading him to surmise that they were all sleeping in the great room, around the fire, which had been banked, but at least - he'd thought, relief flooding through him - they had one. Their clothes had hung on Janine's and Lorrie's frames, and Lorrie, who'd always been lithe - had practically been swimming in her borrowed cold weather clothing. The little girls had looked healthy - skinny, but not emaciated - though their faces had been pale and dirty, their lips chapped, their hair snarled in places. "Where's Alex?" he'd asked, looking around the room for the eight year old.

"Working off some energy in the basement," Janine had sighed. "Kendra and Brian are down there with the boys, letting them ride the bikes around. They don't last long these days, but they're still boys," she'd shrugged

At that moment it had occurred to Johnston - his throat immediately going dry - that this was a group under siege, wary of going outside, or even betraying their presence by letting the fire burn to warm the house during the day. But his question - and he'd been struggling with how to phrase that question - had died on his lips when he'd heard his sister-in-law's voice.

Okay, so this section. I read this part last (of course), and wanted to write about it first, but I had a hard time gathering my thoughts coherently so I'll just jump and see where it takes me, alright?

I thought that was a good quote to start what I wanted to think/talk about. I really appreciated this further glimpse into a place beyond the confines of these two towns that we get to see, a place where people are again, like Kenchy, probably luckier than some (or a lot), but less lucky than our heroes (who, I guess had to be the luckiest people possible just for longevity of the show, like that enough would survive and have energy to get involved in plots every week). It's kinda weird I guess, how well off everything was for the main characters of the show, but I guess sort of a far enough mind trip for a first world audience to imagine, a difficult enough set of conditions to survive and not be totally hopeless (and exist in a fun speculative fiction show). But...it is possible to survive in so much worse and so many people do every day. And have, in war times (and peace times). Like, humans are so tough and resilient and resourceful (though also so fragile at the same time). I like that you gave us a bit more of a glimpse of that here. Actual desperate survival, confined to one family in one house. I know a lot of our stories (and the show's stories) veer towards the soap side of things, all the love stories and such (I wanted to make a joke about that once – of course they're taking time for their love lives, they're in a Jericho story), but I feel like this is an important side of the material and important to think about. And you painted a vivid, tragic portrait that I think is an important piece in the bigger mural of your story. So, nicely done.

Also, just had to mention,

Quote: "No! No!" Johnston had declared loudly, "Jake's home - he's home. Got back the night - the night everything happened. Typical Jake.

Haha. Yeah. It's pretty weird isn't it? I bet this odd timing thing is like, a central storytelling point for the rest of his life. Like, “What kind of life path have I been on? Well, this one time I went home and the same night...” I'm not sure how to explain my reaction here. I guess it's like, Jake has been designed the luckiest of the lucky (to go with my earlier ramblings), so as to be able to be the protagonist I suppose, but it's weird and astronomically, well, lucky. And it's not often really mentioned by everyone, so it amused me here.

Also,

Quote: Lorrie's exclamation had derailed his explanation, but Johnston had hardly minded. "Lorrie, darlin'," he'd smiled, striding across the great room to envelope his niece and great-niece in a hug. They had been snuggled together under a sleeping bag, sitting on one end of a couch, the other of which was occupied by Janine and five year old Zoey, buried in a pile of at least three quilts. "I'm - I'm so sorry about Weijin and your dad," he'd murmured, kissing the side of her head. "So sorry," he'd repeated, taking a half step back as Marissa had squawked in protest over being squished between them.

I wanted to mention that I liked seeing this gentle side of Johnston. I always really liked that about his character, that he acts in a lot of ways like the stereotypical “masculine” man (like gruff, strong silent, etc), but he does have that gentle side dealing with others sometimes, especially dealing with his kids, and a sometimes surprising emotional vulnerability. I really liked that it was him who went on this trip here and encountered these relatives. I don't think any other character could've had this same exact reaction, and I thought it was a really nice way in for us readers. He has a relationship with each of them, but he can be like our voice too, in a way, and he's seeing and offering compassion but not really able to change the situation (much as he'd like to). It is quite poignant.

Also, the O'Briens were an interesting addition to the story. A lot of names to keep track of at first, but you always do such a good job of filling in these family trees and giving us ideas of their relationships with each other that a picture starts to form. Nobody's left unaccounted for, kinda. It'll be interesting to see what they were like in happier times 5 years earlier. I guess we're being introduced to them in the opposite direction we've met the Lisinskis. Tragedy ahead for the Lisinskis, (comparative) lightness ahead for the O'Briens, but with the double, time travel thing where both are both. If that makes any sense at all.

Well done and I look forward to seeing where you take us next (though at this moment I'm hoping it's Bailey's circa Birth of the mechanical bull, since I'm leaving off on such a sad note)!

Now you've done it! You have a slew of new characters that will eventually need sorted ( you do have a spreadsheet, don't you?!). And a lot if circumstances that will need addressed. Looking forward to seeing how you handle all of this! Reminds me of the corners I perpetually write myself into, lol! Always fun to unravel  Also, our poor April is still stuck in the cliffhanger!  Hoping and praying for a miracle there :). Looking forward with great anticipation to the next chapter!!  If you find time on your hands, I would love for you to take a look at my stories over at ff net.  Best Regards, merryann

Thanks for posting.  Can't wait for the next installment.  Glad to her the muse is smiling once again.

Ohhh...  I just couldn't help it!!  I missed this story so much, I started reading it over again (for the 3rd time)  LoL. This is, by far, my favorite Jericho fanfiction. Not only is the story line great, but you are also a fantastic writer!  I check almost daily to see if it's been updated, and when you do find the time, it will be like Christmas!!  LoL

Jericho was a great show but I always felt like it was such an ensemble with so much going on that they could never capture all the deatails on TV. I was reminded of this when I recently binged on the first season so I went looking for fanfic.  This story was mentioned in an another author's note on fanfiction and I am so glad that it was. For the past couple of weeks, every chance I got I was reading this story. And getting to the last updated chapter today just left me wanting more! I really hope you keep this going. The richness of the details is fascinating and has me hooked.

Author's Response:

Aw, thank you Ninlil.  I am always excited to hear from an interested reader -- and it's great for stoking my writer's fire. :-)

Wow – reading this is a little bit like watching this episode, but with a weird sort of added dramatic irony (at least in this one part). As in, I enjoy all the details you include that really do some neat world building here, but I also just really feel for April. My thoughts are kind of muddled but here are some of them:

I liked the part with Gail trying to deal with the once automatic doors, and the tiny bit of backstory about her becoming a health educator and putting her earnings into her European vacation fund. Nice bit of the reminder/contrast between life that was/is, as you often include.

Quote: Jessica rolled her eyes. "I'm allergic to bachelor pads."

Yay! I think Jessica's a great character, so this yay is for her appearance here and her snark. It's really fun to see her interacting with Jeff and the others, and it was neat for this whole chapter, seeing how the whole 'medical team' is interacting. I did feel bad for Kenchy though – does anyone actually know what he saw/went through in Rogue River (something I wonder about/feel in all versions of the Jericho universe really)? Good set up all around though I guess, for how the group dynamic will work/progress through this part.

Quote: "That's really kind of amazing, you know," April sighed. "I mean, before you, Jake's attitude was always kinda 'screw this town'. He didn't care what people thought. And now, he's trying to thwart the gossips. Which just goes to show how much he loves you," she concluded.

Haha – has April seen that sheriff's station jail cell? In seriousness, I enjoyed reading past April, being all conversational doctor-friend like. It's neat to see female friendships get some focus/development, and I did enjoy the interactions throughout between April and her closest friends.

Quote: "It's not always our fault," April defended, giggling. "I mean, last September, coming home from my parents', we got the last room, the one they try to never, ever rent. And the desk clerk warned us that the elevator equipment was on one side of the room, and the pool equipment was on the other," she explained, groaning softly at the memory. "It was as bad as they said. Worse. So, we decided to make the best of the situation, that's all. Plus hit the McDonald's drive thru at three AM," she recalled with a smile. "Not that I didn't totally pay for it the next day at work…. But still, given the right set of circumstances, I'd rent room one twenty three again," she laughed.

Funny, but it also kind of sounds like a hotel room that could potentially be part of the setup in a Stephen King story (maybe it's the fact that it's room twenty-three). I like the everyday life vibe this part of the story had, in contrast with the life or death turn April's story is taking in the post-bombs timeline.

Quote: "We must all hang together," Johnston had countered, quoting Benjamin Franklin, "Or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

Gray had simply stared back at him, smirking. "Know what, Johnston? I'm pretty sure we're sayin' the same damn thing."

I really liked the Gray/Johnston conversation and bonding. It makes sense that they would each come to see a little more of the other's human side over time, and they both do seem to care about their people and protecting their town, so I liked this pause for that time for them here.

Quote: "I know I'm not supposed to say you're 'glowing', right?" Constantino joked, glancing between Russell and Johnston. "That's like a rule these days," he nodded to himself, "Used t' be, you could tell a woman who was with child that she 'glowed' and it was considered a compliment. But, not anymore," he sighed. "So, I'll just hafta settle for telling you that you're looking as lovely as always, and that Jake is one very lucky man."

And enter Constantino, huh? I guess it is true to form for him to start out being icky. But I hope he's not actually going for diplomacy/winning hearts and minds here (though I guess that means I hope he's already planning to just violently invade? He is pretty good as a villain I guess). I like how you're giving us a bit more of the Green/Constantino backstory they hinted at in the show. Probably why I find this conflict much more interesting really than any of the other ones we got (like ones with Sarah Mason or government sponsored Goetz, who are higher up and totally mostly untouchable for ordinary people) was the real personal connection element that made going to war have such intimate, immediately tangible, completely turning your world upside down stakes for both towns. Neat little counterpoint of this that Mindy Henry is alive and well in New Bern and sending gifts.

Quote: "Actually, it's the power generating wind turbine," Russell informed them, taking a step toward the machine. "To be technical."

"What are you getting for output?" Heather demanded excitedly.

"About fifteen hundred watts an hour," Russell answered.

Heather made a delighted noise. "That's amazing. I was only hoping to achieve like sixty, seventy percent of that," she admitted, moving to stand next to Russell. She reached out, placing a tentative hand on the turbine blade and sighing. "It is truly beautiful to behold."

Science Heather! I always like seeing Heather get an opportunity to use her smarts/enthusiasm for science and technology to contribute something specific or unique to a story so this was a neat moment.

Quote: Michael nodded. "Right, nine. But the idea of Jake with a man-purse is fun, too," he joked, smirking at his brother-in-law.

Also, yay for Mikey's appearance! I think it's neat actually that all three of the med student boys will be joining the scenes at the clinic – they provide some moments of light-heartedness at the same time as lending more emotional weight because of their relationships with April and the others. I was thinking about Kenchy and Jessica, and the boys' journey to town, how this whole medical team is made up of individuals who've been through such different traumas out there, and then there's this which is April's darkest hour, probably, and could be for some them too, all while they're all having different experiences and reactions and choices. I guess it's a neat...web of parallel but also different survivor stories.

Quote: "Mrs. Nolan was my neighbor on Green Street," Heather reminded, "So take good care of her, Dr. Lisinski." She smiled at the title, admitting, "I just wish Dad could hear people calling you that. He'd be so proud."

"Hey, maybe one day he will," Jake offered, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It could still happen."

That would be cool!

As always, I am interested to see what other unique and thought-provoking story dynamics you bring us next.  

Finally! I have read the first part of that chapter several days before but then I had to stop and have not found time to read more until today! So sorry I left you waiting... *hugs*

Is it wrong that I would want one of those cookies, too? ;)

That was a sweet ceremony in the dark future... I'm glad that the Greens have such a wonderful family and friends around them...

As for Eric... *sigh* It is so complicated... I really like Mary in the show, but I like April, too! So much! And I hope you will find a way not to let her die...

The Flashback to Jake's birthday 5 years ago was so nice! I love all that bantering between Jake and Heather - and between the Greens, too! Makes me all smile...

So Heather in 7 month right now, huh? Well... I'm, too! Very surprisingly I'm pregnant with a 3rd child right now, and this one will be a girl... *beams*

Can't wait to read more!

Another chapter full of interesting character-building details and moments balancing between bitter and sweet. Since this one seemed kind of like an extended character study, in a sense, (compared to the more episodic structure of the previous chapter that I reviewed mostly chronologically), I figured I'd jump in and list a bunch of things I liked/thought about.

Quote: "Why not?" she replied, shrugging. "Actually, most of the things August was crushing on you for – and, trust me, she was perfectly happy to tell me what those things were – are things you and Jeff have in common," Heather explained. Jake made a strangled noise at that, eliciting a soft giggle from his wife. "I thought it was a little weird at first, too," she admitted, "But I think it might actually work out as long as, you know, August could get to Jericho."

This was sweet – Heather setting up her brother's brother with her sister's sister – but with your trademark blend of finding the sweet in the moments of solemn, and solemn in the sweet. I like the way this network of family and friends has expanded throughout the series, and we've gotten to know characters, even ones like August who've never appeared on page, bit by bit.

Jake's dreams for taking over the ranch, and his reflection on the way his dreams and bigger dreams in general have changed and the ways they can still be realized, were neat continuing development for him. I loved that his horse is named Agamemnon. That's a horse that seems destined for a tragic end if there ever was one, though.

Quote: "Okay," Heather agreed, "I can see that. What mattered before, what matters now…" she sighed, "Sometimes it feels like two different universes."

Okay, this, taken in context, is telling and sad, but I have to admit I laughed. As a character from one of my other favourite shows would say, meta meta meta.

Quote: "It's not exciting or shocking or anything, Jake," Heather warned, "I mean, you could probably guess…." They watched one another for a long moment before she shrugged and confessed, "I wanna see my dad, I wanna wake up some morning and find out that he's here – that he's come to Jericho. Like Mikey did. Like April wants August and Autumn to do. That's all."

I want them to all show up in town some morning too! Even though that probably wouldn't make sense, by the laws of probability or storytelling. I like how you remind us that though this group of survivors is a fairly tight community full of twisty connections, rivalries, and common interests, they are still also very connected (or suffering from a loss of connection to) the outside world, with the thousands of individuals in town all possessing their own branches of friends, family, coworkers, ex-lovers, childhood teachers, sports rivals, etc., that extend outward. The show dealt with this occasionally but not really as much as you might expect for how many apparently single, parentless and childless characters there were. I know, narrative focus and visual medium and stuff, but it is really neat that you can show us this part of the characters, the parts of them that are with their loved ones, somewhere out there.

Quote: "You have now officially met every relative – by blood, marriage or shirt tail – that I have," Heather declared, looking around the banquet room at the Lisinski family's favorite German restaurant. "At least everyone who's within a two hour radius tonight," she amended, wrapping her arms around his neck in order to press a quick kiss to his mouth. "Seriously, Jake, thank you," she murmured.

Placing his hands on her hips, Jake drew Heather even closer, telling her, "Seriously, you don't have to thank me. This was easy and kinda fun. Way better than skating," he teased, kissing her in return. "Though I hafta admit, I don't remember half their names."

Sounds like a real extended family party! Having witnessed a few instances of outsiders introduced to my big extended family recently, I have to say I think Jake handled it like a trouper. Even though Heather's family is fun, any huge group with their own rules and culture, checking you out at all once, is bound to be overwhelming. Especially the names! It's been neat seeing Jake as the fish-out-of-water, and his reactions to being in that space and ways he adapts, throughout this part of the story.

I had to aw at Joe the engagement party planner. I would say man after my own heart, but I feel like I keep assigning that label to characters in all my reviews and it's going to start sounding cheap. I will say, he is a super sweet dad and dad-in-law-to-be. His enthusiasm for his daughter's new love and his support and encouragement of her plans are among my favourite parts of the Lisinski family scenes. It's also kind of neat, the contrast between him and Johnston, two very different kinds of fathers who are ultimately so dedicated to their children. I assume we'll probably see the dads in a scene together at some point right?

Quote: "FYI, priest at seven o'clock," Michael warned, sidling up beside them. "Might wanna tone down the kissy-kissy thing."

"Mikey," Heather growled, though both she and Jake glanced over their shoulders to see her father and her uncle Leo – actually her father's cousin, but as she'd explained to Jake earlier, "We've always called him Uncle Leo" – heading toward them. She found his hand with her own and, leaning against his arm, whispered against the fabric of his dress shirt, "I'm pretty sure this is interfering."

And my obligatory “aw, Mikey!” moment. In seriousness, it is nice to see Mikey in his lighter, more well-fed days. A nice contrast to where he was at when we last saw him, coming home with the stench of desperation on his clothes and the weight of a town secret on his shoulders. I was thinking about the Lisinskis not in town, and while from a character empathy feeling standpoint, I am wanting them all to be okay, I think Mikey really is the most interesting one, narratively, to have survived and made the trek to Jericho, because we get to see him moving across this sort of in-between, transitional time, literally going from a kid in the flashbacks to an adult in the present. Being so young in the flashback, not being as set in who he's going to be yet (unlike his brothers, who have settled into their life paths a bit more), I think, and really being a still fairly young adult in the present, it is neat to see him observing and absorbing all the things he's encountering in this weird scary world he's found himself in. Not that this doesn't happen of course with all the characters, but Mikey, because he occupies this slightly more liminal space, can sort of be the ultimate example of a person growing into a new identity for the new world. And that's kind of the role that Heather plays in the canon story, I think, whereas here she's the older and more settled sibling, doing her own adapting of course, but fairly solid in who she is and where she belongs and fits in as well.

Also have to say, Uncle Leo was pretty cool. I have a few priests in my extended family/friends network and it reminded me of those times when I was little and we'd have our distant relative/family friend priest over and all the kids would be totally amazed to see him drinking a beer and cracking jokes with everyone else. Of course we didn't have a close uncle who was a priest, so it wasn't as common an experience for us as for Heather. I liked how Uncle Leo was open and good-humoured with the happy couple. Also generous with his advice, though I guess getting to advise a beloved niece about a positive life event is probably a much happier kind of thing to do than to get asked about all kinds of medical problems, like a doctor gets.

So...Mark is not so gifted with the basic social skills is he? Like, at all. Or basic survival skills. I guess we probably shouldn't be putting him on the 'most likely to have survived in Buffalo' list. Actually though, this has made me think about the survival advantage of having social skills (seriously, just had a long meandering contemplation about it in my head, thinking about how they're portrayed and who has them and who depends on them more and what their limits are, on the show and in the story, neat stuff). So I guess he's good for inspiring thoughts about interesting things, but I'm glad Heather seems to have steered away from the man himself forever more.

Quote: "Jake, Tommy taught me how to swear like – well, like a hockey player when I was eight," Heather informed him. "And I actually have yet to encounter a new-to-me curse word since." Chuckling at his incredulous expression, she kissed him on the cheek. "He wasn't too smart about it though, 'cause he taught me what to say, and then he had me do it for all his friends which left them howling of course…. But he forgot to tell me not to do it for my dad."

Haha. I like Tommy. He's such a classic big brother. I also like when we get little moments from Heather's past, and this whole part of the story, going home with Heather and meeting parts of her history, have been fun and a nice addition and contrast to the more Jake-history-centric (by necessity, since he does have a longer history there for sure) scenes in Jericho past.

Quote: Taking the lantern with her, Heather headed to the bathroom first, hurrying through her dental hygiene routine. There was real toothpaste again, a small tube from the airdrop that still needed to be conserved, but that was a million times better than the two weeks they had gone completely without – not that there had been much to eat, or much to brush away.

I feel weird because my first reaction to this was “Eek the bacteria!” I don't know why the slow decay of undernourished teeth bothers me more than the squalid tank of desperation, but it really does. And there are so many worse things going on in their world too. I think your reminders of these little details really help to drive home all the texture of the totally new world they're living in, and all the little things to adapt to.

Quote: "Heather, I really didn't," Jake insisted, wrapping a lock of her hair around his finger. "She was standin' right in front of me, in her helmet and BDUs and I just thought she was some scrawny teenager who'd probably just gone through basic before everything happened, and had never managed to really buff up," he explained. "I didn't know she was female until I heard her talk."

Poor Maggie! I know this is what Jake had to say (and true for him – well, I'm not him but I assume, and glad Heather is no longer feeling that dip in self esteem) but poor girl can't catch a break. Again though, I guess this is the least of her troubles now. Now I'm thinking of her, off in New Bern (she's the character I think really shows the limits of social skills in the new world but that's a discussion for another time), and I guess we'll probably be seeing her again soon. It's probably silly to say I hope things go okay for her right? Right...it's not for the writer to make everything sunshine and rainbows, but maybe it is okay if we readers wish for all the good (if unlikely) things for the characters.

Okay, this happened throughout so I don't have a specific quote, but I was enjoying the sort of humorous back-and-forth exchanges between Jake and Heather that are sometimes suggestive, teasing, ultimately double entendres originally meant in serious contexts. I was going to say “they really are an odd couple, aren't they?” but I didn't know if that would sound right. What I mean in a good (classic) way is, I love pairs of characters that have a solid contrasting/complementary thing going on. It makes these kind of moments where they play off each other lively and fun. And with Jake and Heather here, it's like they know each other well enough to go to this playful place, and then find different levels of meaning in the things they're saying, sometimes flirtatious but sometimes more emotional.

Well done, and I look forward to the next part (while bracing myself as I assume there won't be all sunshine and rainbows).  

Oh, just wonderful!!  Loved it to pieces and can't wait for you to write more!  I am so glad you are continuing your wonderful story.

I'm not sure if you ever got my message way back when (early 2012?) giving you credit for inspiration and asking if I could borrow a couple of themes.  I have now been writing my own ridiculously long story for almost 2 years.  It is posted at fanfiction dot net; please check it out if you ever have spare time :)

Thank you once again for writing!!

Hi, I would have been back earlier to read- but I had no time!

But now nothing can stop me! *laughs*

Ok, let’s start… ;)

Wow… that was a very long, nice, intense conversation they had… I so would hope that April’s sisters and all the Lisinski’s are ok, but I fear that’s too much to wish for… :(

Wow, so many Lisinski’s at once, Jake is really good in staying cool! *laughs*

And again I had to smile so much reading all those German words amidst an English text… yeah, there’s nothing over a good piece of Leberkaese mit Senf (with mustard)! *beams*

Right into your face, Mark! Hah! *sticks tongue out*

That really was a very nice love declaration from Jake! :)

And again - some quality time for our beloved couple... they love each other so much!

Loved to read all of that, each word, nice long as promised!

So thanks again for writing, I'm looking forward to chapter 15! *hugs*

*squeals* Yay!!!!!! :)

Since I saw yesterday that you have updated I couldn't wait to find time to read!!!!

Now, here I am and thanks so much for the special shout out - I feel so honoured!

Hopefuly your "Come back" will give me that much needed inspiration to come to my feet and do something, too... like at least posting finally my little stuff here even if my muse will not return for something new... *coughs*

Ok, now, I stop talking and start reading!!!! :)

"Ignoring what was going on around her, Maggie leaned over Michael, shaking him.  “Mike, c’mon, Mike.  Please wake up,” she begged quietly.
“You could always try kissin’ him.”  Maggie looked up and glared at Jake as he sauntered toward them, “I’m pretty sure he’d like that.”  Stopping at Michael’s feet, he tapped the bottom of his brother-in-law’s shoe with the toe of his own boot.  “Hey, c’mon, sleeping beauty, time to get up.”"

--> Yes Jake, that would be a good idea, Mike really would love it, I'm sure!!!! *snickers*

""Michael heaved a sigh, muttering, “Guess we all can’t have a truck fall on us.”

“That’s Jake for you, Mike,” Eric said, joining the other three.  “Always wins in the injury department,” he complained, offering Michael a hand.  The younger man hesitated a second – no doubt weighing his loyalty to April against accepting his assistance, Eric thought – but then he took it, letting Eric help him to his feet.

“Pretty much,” Jake agreed, “Except for that time Heather got you in the nose playing football.  You talked like Elmer Fudd for a week.”""

--> Hahaha, that really made me laugh... and yeah... not easy to beat Jake with the injuries, I swear! ;)

""Gray let out a humorless bark of laughter.  "Well, you know, like I used to tell Stevens, you know the deal's done when everybody feels a little bit screwed."""

--> Well, I don't like the deal!!!! Especially not after giving a firework AND feeding the little the town had left only to the fake Marines and the upper class! And that sentence sounds so like Gray... you nailed him here! At least like he was in the beginning... I always started to like Gray in the end, I think he came around... but in the beginning... shame on you! *scowls*

--> Hahahaha, of course Jake would have loved to play Twister with Heather... *wiggles eyebrows and laughs*

""Although her brothers were at least fifteen seconds behind Heather, they arrived in the living room – along with their father – in plenty of time to get a good show.  With the three Lisinski wives following behind, there was nearly a pile-up in the arch the separated the living and dining rooms when Michael, John and Andrew came to a very sudden stop, gaping at their sister and her fiancé.

"Ew, Dad!" Michael protested, "Aren't you going to make this stop?""

--> *giggles* I so can see that!

"""You went to the bathroom on New Year's, and my Mom and April both took the opportunity to smack me and tell me in no uncertain terms that I was to drop it," he informed Heather, squeezing her hand.  "I'm supposed to let you enjoy being a bride."""

--> LOL, and that, too!!!!

Awwww... that's so cute that the proposal story and that Heather giggled so much finally won the Lisinski-Men over and it seems they will accept Jake! Only one Lisinski left now, right? ;)

"""C'mon, Tommy," Andrew admonished, turning a bratwurst. ""

--> Jeeez - really - you call it "Bratwurst" in the USA, too????? That's so german! Made me laugh so much!!! Cool! ;)

And it looks like Andrew steps a bit in for Jake?????

""He'd thought about it for a moment before pulling her close, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing the tip of her nose.  "Deal," he'd sighed softly, offering her a lopsided grin.  "Long as you're there with me, having three kids probably won't kill me."""

--> so cute!!!!! :)

"""We're not having pizza, and I don't think you're gonna really like beer until they make it coffee flavored."""

--> ok, that sounds interesting, I think then I maybe could start liking a beer, too!

“”Jake pulled the door open and looked in at them.  "Hey.  We need our last marine so we can get this show on the road."

Maggie wouldn't look at Michael.  "That's my cue," she sighed.””

--> oh no…. really… despite I didn’t like Jake kissing her in the show I always liked Maggie… and I didn’t like that she had to leave town with the others… And now for sure I don’t like her going – she would be so nice for Mike!

“”  "But I do like you," she said attempting a smile and failing miserably.  "It wouldn't work, not after the story we told.  And not with story you're all plannin' to tell."””

--> yeah… how shall that work? *sigh*

Ohhhhh – another part will come up! Love it!!!! *beams*

Thanks so much for writing again… loved every word of it!!!!

And now you get a load of hugs & kisses from Germany… xxx ooo :)