INTRODUCTION.
I am sure there are a fair few of you that remember a little AU/crossover I did between NCIS and Law&Order: Special Victims Unit. It's a story I consider to be one of the most challenging I've written, and it's also one of my personal favorites.
I originally posted a tag called The Rat King Era, and at the end of that tag, I remarked that I might re-visit this universe from time to time in a collection. I have several stories in me head concerning these characters and the events they faced, and so I've decided to go ahead and make The Rat King Era a collection of one shots.
The timeline will range from January 1992 (when The Orchid Thief ended) to perhaps 2010 (the end of The Orchid Thief, when Kelly found out she was going to Brown University) or 2011/2012—simply depending on the inspiration that strikes me.
So far my ideas from tags range from the happy (such as Jenny & Gibbs' wedding) to the weighty (such as Elizabeth fully coming to understand what happened as she gets older).
Title Explanation:
In The Orchid Thief, Kelly refers to Logan Grey (her rapist) as "The Rat King" (an illusion to the The Nutcracker). Thus, this anthology of tags deals with the aftermath and effects (mostly psychological) of the event.
That being said, let me take a moment to say sexual violence is unacceptable and unjustifiable in any imaginable facet. Male or female, old or young, virgin or slut, gay or straight, no one deserves to have their sexual autonomy stolen from them.
Rape is a violent crime of power and control, and each and every one of us should fight against it every single day of our lives. It isn't a subject would should be silent on. The victim is never at fault, and the perpetrator should always be brought to stand trial for their actions.
So speak out.
Dedication:
This collection is dedicated to Nina, because the original story is one of her favorites, and Alivia, who will always be my little protege.
-Alexandra