Randi

(3) Schism (X-Files)

By Azar
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 9th December 2000 (1)

This is a good XF story that you can get your teeth into. Angst! Soul searching! Jeopardy! Relationships broken and reconciled! An example of "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone".

For those who hate the idea of Mulder and Scully being in love, don't read it. For those who hate original characters, even when they stay in a supporting role like they ought to, don't read it. If you do read it, you may wish to read the earlier stories which introduce Randi first, but the problem with them is that they are unfinished snippets rather than complete stories. But if you don't read them, you'll probably wonder where she came from.

There was one thing I found a bit too improbable about this story and that was how they figured out how to rescue a particular character -- though I guess you could write it off as divine inspiration. There's also a reference here to a story that's never been written (yet), which takes place during this story, but is only referred to as over and done.

But as a whole, it's a good, meaty story.

(4) Sky Lights (X-Files)

By Azar
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 9th December 2000 (2)

This sequel to Schism is even longer than "Schism" itself. Certainties are overturned, and guesses are confirmed. A few more original characters peek out, and conspiracies and mayhem abound. What will the Consortium do to make sure that the truth never comes out? Disaster seems inevitable, but there are surprises in store. This story is definitely AU.

Randi comes more to the fore here, but there's good reason for it. Some people might be offended because she's a Christian, so if you are, then don't be a masochist, and don't read this story. Again, we have characters working through issues, not just Mulder and Scully, but others -- and that was good! Some people might find the mostly-happy ending a bit too hard to believe, but I found it very satisfying. (And if you hate happy endings, I'll cheer you up by saying that there is at least one death in this story...(evil grin)).