I'm taking a brief break from writing this to try to sort out all the individual plot threads. Also, I'm in the middle of coursework and suchlike. To tide you over, here's a mini chapterlet to answer that eternal question – why the hell haven't I included Star Trek in this story? Here's what's keeping them occupied…
Chapter 17 – Where is the Enterprise?
Meanwhile, in the deep depths of Space the Final Frontier™, the Starship Enterprise was zooming away from its latest battle with Klingons.
"Well done, everyone!" said Captain Kirk heartily from his captain's chair, "Another job well done. Only two anonymous red-clad crewmembers lost!"
"Their names were John and Steve," said another anonymous red-clad crewmember, "They had lives."
Captain Kirk waved a hand dismissively. "Eh. Anyway, I'm sure we beat those Klingons once and for all this time! They'll never come after US again!"
None of the crew responded. A tumbleweed blew past.
"Where did that come from?" said Lieutenant Uhura confusedly. Everyone shrugged.
"Captain," said Spock, "We're getting a transmission from the FandomNet that there is trouble amongst some of the Fanverses. Apparently they're fighting to get rid of the competition in the upcoming NERD review. Everyone is warned not to join in or interfere, but there is an added footnote 'Of course, you probably all will now anyway, we really don't know why we bother with these things. Just bear in mind that is VERY VERY DANGEROUS'."
"Brilliant!" said Captain Kirk, clapping his hands together, "Sounds like just the thing we should get involved in!"
"Really, captain? 'DANGEROUS' is in bold font. And underlined three times."
"Hmm," said Captain Kirk thoughtfully, "Three times, you say?"
"Indeed, captain."
"How many red-clad crewmembers do we have left?"
"Our stocks are getting low. We'll need to get some more at some point."
"Well, this could be a perfect opportunity." He pressed the intercom linking the bridge to the engine room. "Bridge to engine room, set engines for Fanverse-transfer!"
There was no reply but static. "Engine room?" said Captain Kirk hesitantly, "Mr Scott?"
BZZZZZT, replied the static apologetically. Captain Kirk looked around for the red-clad crewmember who had insinuated they had personalities earlier. "You – Red Man – go check it out."
"We're making a union, you know," said the anonymous red-clad crewmember.
"GO."
The anonymous red-clad crewmember vanished through the door. "Honestly," said Captain Kirk, shaking his head, "Before long, they'll be asking for a dental plan-"
He was cut off by a panicked shout from the hallway. "OH MY GOD! THERE ARE SNAKES ON THE ENTERPRISE!"
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Apologies if this chapter isn't as good as the others. I don't know much about Star Trek, and this mini-chapterlet stemmed from a conversation with one of my friends regarding upcoming film 'Snakes on a Plane' (most genius title EVER) and possible sequels…They may also appear later in the fic.
Red Tigress – The Death Star always struck me as inorganized. I mean, it's the size of a small moon – I bet the areas where Darth Vader stomps around are well organized, but on the other side I expect they sit around playing dominoes.
Mousewolf – Thanks very much! And yes, I'm working on fitting in Artemis Fowl – I'm just trying to find an appropriate moment…
Kelly of the Midnight Dawn – Luke is maybe the most OOC character. Possibly because there is no place for whiners in this fic.
SlashyKitty – I'm surprised so many people watch Firefly – no-one did at my school till I started lending my Serenity DVD to everyone.
Lady ot Rings – Yes, the updates on both places are getting a bit skew-whiff… however you actually spell that…
freakanature – Well, you're already waiting. A reasonable start.
anonymous – I haven't read Good Omens yet, I've only just finished Small Gods… but I'll be fitting in more Discworld when I can.
xPussyWillowKittenx - … I hadn't actually imagined what his smile would be like… oh my… (shakes self out of daze) More Fanverses will be coming into play soon enough – just once I've sorted out what's actually happening…