The V.I.C.I. Diaries: Valley of the Damned (Part 23)

[DukeNukem 2417]

"Should we tell her?"

Harcourt's question didn't jolt DuBraul out of his funk; instead, it was more like a shove that did nothing to rouse the President of the ALPA from his morose thoughts. "We should've expected this," he muttered. "After all the training for a red-ring scale event, we never thought someone would use it for cover....."

"Clive."

The mention of his name finally caught DuBraul's attention. "Yes?"

"Should we tell Vicki about this or not?"

It didn't take nearly as long for an answer. "No. Not this time. If she knew what had happened---if she knew what was at stake---she'd start taking risks, and those risks could land her in even deeper water than the Dawley incident did. If we tell her about this---if she finds out about this---we could lose her." DuBraul shook his head, staring at the folders on the table. "I assume the confirmation already came in about the perpertator of the break-in...."

"It did, sir---"

"And has Ted been notified?"

"We're....we're working on it, sir, but..."

DuBraul actually smiled at Harcourt's hesitation. "He's bringing Vicki back home....and I don't blame him. After the hell she's endured, the girl deserves a rest---we all do." With that, he rose from his seat; "Cedric," he declared, "despite the fact that we've had what I can only call the worst bad day in recent history---"

"If this is an invitation to go golfing," Harcourt protested, "I'm afraid I have to decline---"

"I know, I know, prior engagements and everything...." DuBraul grinned. "I was going to suggest that we go over my list....the one the Doctor told me to make two years ago, when I thought I still had a chance to live past 2015...." His smile faded slightly. "I want you to help me get ready, Cedric....I need you to help me."

Something in the tone of his voice made Harcourt nervous. "You....you're not---"

"It's been getting worse. Every night, the pain starts off as a dull feeling, then just gets sharper, almost to the point where I half-expect myself to start coughing up blood. I can't keep putting this off forever...I need to prepare. To get ready for when the time finally does come....Cedric, I don't want to leave an absolute mess behind when I die." DuBraul stared out the window at the courtyard of the ALPA HQ; "Oberon already told me he's not going to take my place as President," he added quietly. "He's got enough to deal with."

"And what about---"

"Vicki Lawson," DuBraul intoned, "doesn't need to know about the break-in---not even after we wrap up the case. If she knew it had happened---especially if she knew who did it---she'd never trust any of us, including her own father, ever again. It's bad enough she doesn't know what happened to Vanessa...." He let the words fade out with a sigh. "I know I've said I'm getting too old for this job before now," he muttered, "but for the first time in a long time, I'm starting to feel it."

With that, DuBraul sighed again. "I have a feeling we're not going to accomplish anything by sitting around here all night, Cedric....I have a feeling it'll do us both some good to sleep in our own houses for a change, instead of spending the night at a desk."

"Sir," Harcourt replied, "that's probably the best idea I've heard all week."
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Well, here I am.....home sweet home.

As she took in the familiar sight of the Lawson house's living room, Vicki couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of relief---after everything she'd been through, everything she'd done and everything she'd felt over the past year or so, there truly was no place like home. Every sight, every sound, even every smell seemed to instantly wash away any sense of worry, dread or fear she'd been feeling up until that moment.

It was the most beautiful feeling she'd had in a long, long time.

"I called Joan and Jamie to let them know you'd be staying with us for a week or two while things get sorted out at the university," Ted informed her, "and---" Before he could even finish, he found himself being pulled in for a hug.

"Thanks, Dad," Vicki whispered, smiling as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Ah...you're welcome, Vicki....but d'you think you could let me get inside before you start with the hugs?"

The brunette gynoid giggled a bit, stepping back to let Ted cross the threshhold. "I never thought I'd be so glad to be back here," she admitted. "After all the stuff that happened with Faceless...hell, even after Oberon said all that stuff about not hesitating if he had to.....well, you get the point, and none of that's what I'm thinking of right now." She giggled again; "Right now," she added, "I just want to go lie down and sleep for a full day, maybe two---you look like you could use a nap yourself, by the way. In the meantime....." Vicki allowed herself to flop down onto the couch. "How much trouble am I going to be in when this is over?"

Her question prompted a confused stare from Ted. "I, ah, don't follow you---"

"You don't have to lie, Dad....I know that the ALPA is probably pissed at me for some of the stuff that I've had to do." Vicki sighed; "At least tell me how much of the bill for rebuilding the HQ I'm going to have to cough up, so I can start setting aside my cash so they'll have enough to foot the bill."

At that, Ted couldn't contain his laughter. "Vicki, the floors of the HQ you wrecked had been vacant for a long while---the R&D department was going to expand into them anyways, and you basically helped the process along...." His smile faded along with his laugh. "As for the other things...namely, what happened in Dawley between you and the Maestro---"

His words were cut off by a knock at the door. "If it's an insurance salesman," Vicki teased, "tell him we don't need any."

Ted was about to say something in response to the lame joke when he opened the door---and found an all-too weary Oberon standing on the other side, accompanied by a gentleman in a pinstriped suit who looked oddly familiar. "Any chance you have a minute to talk to a pair of very tired men who've been filling out an ungodly amount of paperwork for an hour or so?" the ALPA Chairman inquired, smiling weakly. "I come bearing gifts, as well---including one Vicki may be interested in reading."

Vicki nearly tripped trying to get up from the couch and reach the door, only for Ted to politely ask her to stand back and let their two guests enter---which they did, followed by Oberon nearly falling on his face when he reached the couch. "Might've had a bit too much of the cognac," he admitted.

"You only had two," the pinstripe suited man reminded him.

"And I conveniently forgot to mention the stuff goes through me like fire through ice," Oberon replied. "It's not important, anyways....we're here to give you the news in person, regarding your future with the ALPA and all that wonderful stuff."

So we're getting to that now..... "How much trouble am I in, then?"

Oberon nearly fell off the sofa laughing. "Trouble?! Vicki, you seem to have a remarkable lack of faith in your actions as of late---you're not in trouble, believe me." He calmed down a bit; "Well, you're not going to be seeing jail time or the inside of a DeComm chamber, at the very least," he corrected. "You are going to be spending the rest of 2011 and most of 2012 in the United States, though....Clive and I thought it best to, ah, revoke your travelling priveleges for the time being."

"Fair enough. But what about---"

"Your attack on the Maestro was.....regrettable, to say the least. If he'd died, or been rendered a vegetable, we would've had a much harder time deciding whether or not to DeComm you. As it stands, he'll live---but it'll be an outright miracle if he walks again on his own two feet. Damn, where the hell have my manners gone? The gentleman who's been standing next to me waiting his turn to say something is Richard Baker, fresh off a successful stint as Patriarch of the United Kingdom branch of the House---the duties and privileges of which are being transferred to his new position as Patriarch of the House here in the United States of America." He gestured to Richard, who shook Vicki's hand and gave her a piece of paper. "A team of counselors from Stepford will be here next month to see you," he explained. "They'll be monitoring your mental state, your ability to handle crises at school and on the job, and other such things....and they'll be reporting directly to Oberon and Mr. DuBraul. My first order of business as Patriarch is to declare that you're effectively off-limits to the House, for the time being at least---not realizing that was Celeste's first mistake, among many."

"That makes sense," Vicki murmured. "So...what happens to me for the next few weeks?"

At this, Oberon gave her a reassuring smile. "You get to live your life, here, with your family. You get to forget about all of this for a few days, and just....live. No missions, no updates from ALPA HQ. It's not a reward, but it's not punishment either---to put it simply, it's what you need: a break."

The brunette gynoid nodded. "I was kind of hoping for one, after everything that's happened...."

"I think all of us were," Richard admitted. "I take it you'll be ready to resume work in September?"

"Now hold on just a minute," Ted protested, before Vicki could even get out of her chair. "She's just endured a very trying situation, and even with the rest of the month off to recuperate, she may still feel some after-effects of all of this---" A gentle tug at his shirt sleeve stopped his rant before it could get out of hand. "You don't need to protect me, Dad," Vicki assured him. "If they want me back to work in September, I'll be happy to help them out."

For a few seconds, Ted was too stunned to say anything...but he eventually settled for giving Vicki a hug.

"Now that is a heartwarming sight," Oberon declared. "Speaking of which, the Internal Affairs investigation into the Dawley incident has concluded that, while the injuries to Matthew Hannsen were severe, they weren't in any way life-threatening---meaning you won't be brought up on charges. Just....don't make a habit out of it."

Richard gave him a look. "I sincerely doubt she intends to 'make a habit out of it', Oberon."

"Just making sure she gets it. In any case...we'll be in touch if you need anything." With a pleasant wave, the ALPA Chairman and the newly-selected Patriarch of the House bade their farewells and turned to leave---but not before Oberon remembered one last detail. "Damn and blast, why do I keep forgetting these things?!" A quick search of his jacket turned up the what he'd wanted to hand over; "Thought you might want to read this," he informed Vicki with a smile. The brunette gynoid's call of "What is it?" fell on deaf ears as the Chairman followed Richard out the door; she gave Ted a quizzical look. "It might be something useful," he offered. "Heck, it might be plane tickets for our next vacation---we'll never know until you open it!"

Vicki sighed, rolled her eyes and tore the envelope open. "I just hope it's not from---"

Her words died instantly on her tongue. "Dad," she whispered, "you might want to take a look at this..."
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V.I.C.I./Vicki Lawson's Diary

I have no idea how to start this diary entry off, other than by saying that the last few days have been absolutely insane....but to be honest, I'm sort of glad things happened the way they did. For starters, I'm not being DeCommed---if I'd put Hannsen in a coma, I wouldn't be writing this right now. And there's the fact that my team and I put an end to Aaberg's little gun-running enterprise for the forseeable future, which means I won't be seeing him on any ALPA dossiers when I go back to work in September (which is Good Thing #3, if anyone's counting). Of course, the most important thing about all of this is the fact that, despite everything I've had to go through, I'm still me.

After what Faceless did to me last month, it took me a while to consider that concept, and even longer to even think of accepting it. Every time I had to make a decision, it felt like it was someone else making up my mind for me...or at least I let myself think that was the case. I guess some part of me just wasn't ready to admit that what happened to me on July 9 wasn't the end...or that I was too afraid to think that myself.

In any case, I know one thing for sure: There's nobody I'd rather be than me.

On any other circumstance, I'd end there, but I might as well end with some more good news: Everyone on my team (including me, obviously) will be receiving commendations for the op we ran against Aaberg, the floors of ALPA HQ that I had to bust up to get to Anton's lab are already being repurposed for the R&D department (so Ted won't have to foot the bill), and I get a two-week break before I have to go back to school. There's also some rather awesome news that Oberon himself told me about... ...but that's another story for another day.

For now, I'm just glad I'm still me....and that my family's happy to have me back under their roof for two weeks.

Until next time,
V.I.C.I./Vicki Lawson.
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And thus, the first season of The V.I.C.I. Diaries draws to a close.

Right now, I just want to thank everyone who's commented, contributed story and character ideas and helped me out in any other ways: Saya, DarkRexx, Baron, Gorgo, WilloWisp, Spaz, Kishin, LongTimeLurker, Uhoh, TW and, last but definitely NOT least, DollSpace---all of you have done more to keep this project going than I could've imagined possible. Also, thanks to the artists and other writers of Fembot Central whose work has inspired me---there are too many of them to name, but I tip my hat to all of you.

When I started The V.I.C.I. Diaries, I intended it to be a one-off---I never had any idea it was going to span over 3 years of my life, much less contain a full 20 stories in this first "season" alone. Now, with that season behind me, the inevitable question has to be asked: What now? What comes next?

The answer is pretty obvious: Sheer, undilluted, concentrated epicness.

Even with Vicki and company taking the rest of this year off, you can all rest assured that they'll be back for more adventure, mystery, comedy and tragedy (and maybe a bit of horror) next year. And yes, the loose ends I left hanging in this season will more than likely be tied up some time in 2014---or the year after that, or maybe the year after that. However things go, you can take comfort in the fact that, unlike the show this fanfic is based on, The V.I.C.I. Diaries won't be ending any time soon. Hell, some of the ideas I've got in mind for "Season 2" might make you wish this was on TV.....

....but I digress. It's been a wild, weird and wonderful ride so far, and I have no intention of slowing down when 2014 starts----Vicki would probably hate me for it if I did....and if she actually existed. And I could end this by going into a spiel about how she does exist in our hearts and minds...but instead, I'll say this: You ain't seen nothin' yet, and what you will see in 2014 is going to be....fantastic.

DukeNukem 2417
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[Gorgo]

Even if my contribution was very, very, very small, Duke, I was happy to note that something I made got into your stories.

And yes, your scale of epicness is truly mind-boggling, my friend. That you went through all that work . . .!

Wow.

Anyhow, you relax and recharge the batteries. All good writers have to do that every once in a while. You did good, my friend. You really did good.

Cheers!

Fred

[DollSpace]

I can't wait for your next story; this one was really well put-together and allowed more of the emotions to show themeselves now that the event is, so far, contained... but.....what of this list? What does Vicki want Ted to read? Too many questions! AAAAARRRGGHHH~ lol.. but I know, people have probably been waiting for years for *me* to post something this well, so I won't keep asking. Meanwhile, good show, old chap, good show.

[DukeNukem 2417]

So, it's been a few weeks since I posted this, and I can't help but notice I only have TWO comments.....

Don't take this as me whining, bitching and moaning about nobody caring---I'm not going to take that road. Instead, I'm going to ask that everyone who's read my work thus far and followed it to the end PLEASE comment on this story, because I don't just write for the sake of writing, or to admire my own work---I write to entertain all of you. And if I can't tell whether or not you're being entertained, then it gets harder for me to muster up the motivation to keep going---I mean, I might keep writing for the sheer hell of it, but the quality of the stories will take a drastic dip.

Again, I'm politely asking that everyone who's enjoyed my work so far please comment, compliment and constructively criticise not just Part 23 of "Valley of the Damned", but the entire story. If you don't want to comment in the thread itself, PM me---and if you don't want to comment at all, that's fine too.

I'm not saying "READ ALL 23 PARTS NOW!" or anything, I'm just asking for some comments.

Because in the end, it's not about me.....it's about continuing to entertain all of you.

[DollSpace]

So, it's been a few weeks since I posted this, and I can't help but notice I only have TWO comments.....

Don't take this as me whining, bitching and moaning about nobody caring---I'm not going to take that road. Instead, I'm going to ask that everyone who's read my work thus far and followed it to the end PLEASE comment on this story, because I don't just write for the sake of writing, or to admire my own work---I write to entertain all of you. And if I can't tell whether or not you're being entertained, then it gets harder for me to muster up the motivation to keep going---I mean, I might keep writing for the sheer hell of it, but the quality of the stories will take a drastic dip.

Again, I'm politely asking that everyone who's enjoyed my work so far please comment, compliment and constructively criticise not just Part 23 of "Valley of the Damned", but the entire story. If you don't want to comment in the thread itself, PM me---and if you don't want to comment at all, that's fine too.

I'm not saying "READ ALL 23 PARTS NOW!" or anything, I'm just asking for some comments.

Because in the end, it's not about me.....it's about continuing to entertain all of you.

This was one of the reasons my own writing kind of dropped off after "Beyond The Century". I mean, I tried "Phantom Doll" but ran into a block incompatible with my story, so that may be resurrected at some point, but aside from that, I don't know of my stories even fit this site anymore. Also, of no fault of our moderators here, anything that appears even slightly underage will be deleted, and I understand why, but I would hate to have my whole story deleted just cos of a random comment or a very short interaction with a character below 18, especially since I'm fairly young and can still sympathise with those types of situations.

Anyway, when and if I post something later, I hope you all will like it, and let me know you do . All I can say about this is I empathise so, so much with this, but from both sides, so who knows? I'm gonna stop talking here cos I'm rambling, and I don't want to end up accidentally posting something offensive lol....

And this story is a really great story anyway; I feel it should get more attention, but people's preferences can change, I guess.

[BA2]

Duke,

I've followed The V.I.C.I Diaries throughout and I certainly appreciate the effort you've put into the series; it is impressive both in scale and quality. Like many, I am guilty of familiarity breeding contempt in that I've taken your continuing updates very much for granted and I apologise for not commenting more often or in more detail. This series has become part of the familiar landscape of the board and long may it be so.

Personally I find the series to be at about 30 degrees to own imaginative vector by which I mean that there is a lot which I enjoy but also elements that don't engage me. No criticism meant by that: I am glad that we are all able to pursue and share our own visions and not every one can be my personal favourite. I know V.I.C.I. is a strong favourite among many board members! I never fail to read instalments and what brings me back are your original ideas and the quality of your writing. A lot of your cultural references and long-term plot kind of passes me by; maybe a nationality, age or just preference thing: I don't know why but I feel that I lack some of the requisite background to engage fully. Basically an over-articulated excuse for why I don't post much feedback on V.I.C.I episodes!

All that said, I look forward to more instalments and please consider me 'entertained'! I hope feedback from myself and others will help keep you motivated and writing but I also hope that you will continue to follow your own imagination without being too concerned about what people want. I like to think the best work comes from saying what you want to say rather that what you think people want to read...

[DukeNukem 2417]

Thanks for the comment, BA2. Sorry it took so long for me to reply---life got in the way---but it's words like yours that keep me writing, and keep me wanting to continue the series.