Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2000 07:04:19 -0500 
To: fkarchiver@fkfanfic.com 
From: kokuyo@freenet.de 

(new in the www and struggling with the details)First: a big thanks to Anja and
my lycanthropic friend Rob for checking my translation ! 


Second: the usual disclaimers - FK and it's characters do not belong to me, but
to James Parriott, Barney Cohen and TPTB at Sony/Tristar, etc., etc., etc.  
This story is of course for entertainment purposes only. 


Well, this is the first time I publish one of my stories in the internet... and
I do hope you´ll like it at least a little bit ^.^ 
You can send comments and compliments to kokuyo@freenet.de .


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REMEMBER ME


by Alyssa J. Flynn * Germany



The moon was shining pale onto the ruins and his light casted long shadows.
Crickets disturbed the silence of the night but they stopped when a small
shadow moved through the moonlight.


The man walked slowly between the destroyed buildings. Suddenly he stopped and
looked thoughtfully at some columns, that had decorated the entrance of a huge
building a long time ago.
Carefully he moved towards the palace and put a hand on one of the columns,
felt the rough structure of the pale stone.


He hesitated before he entered the building that once had been a palace. His
palace. But it was nearly unrecognizable. Most of the huge columns had fallen
down, the grey sky was to be seen through the amount of holes.


Lucien LaCroix stood thoughtfully in the inner courtyard and looked up to the
never vanishing stars.




"Susan ?! Susan, have you heard this: we have a new investor !"
Harper ran to the kneeling archeologist.
"Susan, have you heard what I´ve said ? We have a -"
"A new investor - how nice." Susan´s sarcasm didn´t surprise Paul Harper any
more.
"And how much does he want do invest ? Ten thousand, hundred thousand, five
hundred thousand ?"
"Ten."
"Ten what ?"
"Ten millions !"
Susan Rankin looked stunned at Harper.
"Are you serious, Paul ? Ten million Dollars ? Wow, that IS a lot."
With a sigh Susan stood up and tried to brush the dirt from her trousers. At
least she tried, but the fine grey dust was already too deep in the fabric. And
just now she recognized the burning Mediterranean sun. With the back of one
hand she wiped over her forehead, but instead of wiping the sweat away she
spread the dust from her hands all over her face. Then she walked into the
shadows followed by Paul, who grinned over her unintentional war painting.
"Good thing that he isn´t here right now. You´re not looking like a money
magnet."
Susans eyes flashed.
"He SHOULD see me like this ! Then he would know that we really work for his
money. By the way - who is he ?"
"No idea. A while ago our telephone exchange got a short call. We´ll meet him
this evening. I was told that we have to show him around. Besides... we have to
give him what he wants for his generous contribution."
"And what will that be ?"
"They haven´t told me that. But he´ll come with the needed documents."
"Well, then we have to curb our curiosity until this evening."
Paul looked to the place where Susan had worked until he interrupted her.
"And - are you making progress ?"
"Yeah ! But it´s wrong to disturb the 2000 year old rest of the women. I should
really be used to it. They are not the first dead bodies I´ve exposed."
They fell silent for some time.
"What were their last thoughts when the ashes from the volcano fell down and
suffocated them? The residents of Pompeii never thought of this when Vesuvius
errupted. Earthquakes and lava - yes. But not the crushing cover of hot dust."
Paul stepped into the sun and knelt beside the two curved corpses.
"They both wear jewels. Earrings, bangles, ... is it gold ?"
Susan nodded.
"So they are both from a wealthy house ?"
"Or courtesans."
"Hm," Paul nodded in approval "or courtesans."


 


The sun had settled some time ago and the warmth of the day soon gave way to a
biting cold. Because the announced guest hadn´t arrived yet Susan was using the
waiting period to clean and catalogue the antique gems in the tent.
The archeologists had to remove the items from where they had found them
because the risk that robbers would steal them was simply too high. So they had
to settle with photographs. With them they would reconstruct the original
appearance later. 


Susan was treating a bangle with a soft toothbrush when she heard steps behind
her.
"Paul, you have to take a look at these fine embossed and chased works ! The
bangle is so beautiful ! You´ll find such a thing very rarely nowadays."
"It´s because of the mechanical mass production - it loses much with that."
When Susan heard that it wasn´t Paul who stepped into the tent she turned and
began to yell.
"Paul !!! Hurry up - and bring the security officer along !"
The man in front of her moved not an inch. A slight smile crossed his face.
"I´m pleased to see that security is an important issue among your people."
He was interrupted by Paul´s arrival. Out of breath Paul looked at Susan.
"It´s all right, Susan ! This is our new financial investor from Canada. I
wanted to come with him but Walter had a problem with his computer."
The stranger paid no attention to Paul´s remarks and stepped closer to Susan. 
"I am LaCroix, - but call me Lucien, please."
Once again he showed his smile.
"Susan. Susan Rankin. Nice to meet you, - er - Lucien."
She wanted to give him her hand but pulled it back when she saw the dirt on it.
"Excuse me, but I want to clean myself before I give you my hand - I don´t want
to ruin your clothes."
Without a word LaCroix made a sweeping gesture. His smile grew a little bit
wider.
Paul stood in the background and observed the odd situation. Susan, who
normally never cared about whether and whom she made dirty, was utmost
cautious. And he had the impression that the reason was LaCroix himself - and
not because of the fact that he was an investor. Anyway, the Canadian seemed
peculiar to him. But he wasn´t able to say why.
"Take a seat."
Paul pushed a chair to LaCroix.
"Mr. LaCroix - I don´t want to be insistent - well, it´s pure curiosity. We
were told that for your generous contribution you want one of the artefacts we
have found here. Which object is it ?"
 
Paul looked expectantly at LaCroix. In the neon light the contrast between the
color of his skin and his black clothes seemed to be extreme. When he met
LaCroix earlier this evening the difference wasn´t that clear. But now the
Canadian looked pale, nearly transparent. Only his eyes showed the contrary.
They radiated control and vigilance. Again Paul had the feeling that there was
something strange with this LaCroix. And he studied the face the umpteen time.
But he couldn´t figure out why he seemed so familiar to him.



Paul´s question still wasn´t answered.
When LaCroix began to talk, Paul winced because the sharp voice cut through the
silence. 
"I think we should wait until your colleague has returned. It concerns both of
you, after all."
"What concerns us, Mr. LaCroix ?"
Slowly LaCroix turned towards the entrance of the tent.
"Lucien." He corrected her. "Please."
Susan hold out her hand to LaCroix to make up the greeting. LaCroix raised and
took Susan´s tanned, powerful hand up to his lips and kissed her hand.
"I´m pleased to meet you, Susan."
Susan lost her composure for a moment. Spellbound she looked in LaCroix´ face.
A little line appeared on her forehead like always when she became
thoughtfully.
"Lucien, do you know what really is strange ? I always think that I know you.
But I can´t remember meeting you before. A photograph in the newspapers wasn´t
it as well... that´s odd. I could swear..."
"Perhaps this will help you."
LaCroix released Susan´s hand and reached for a small briefcase, which he had
put down next to his chair. Some seconds later he held a folder out to Susan.
Paul stepped behind Susan to look over her shoulder when she drew a photograph
out. 
"I can´t believe it!" Susan was stunned.
"Believe it."
Paul looked from the picture to LaCroix and back.
"Look -" LaCroix sat down again.
"Look, that´s why I´m willing to spend so much money. I saw the photograph in a
book about the current state of your excavation. The similarity is
unbelievable, isn´t it ? When I saw it I knew that I had to have this bust. And
I had no problem to reach an agreement with the responsible authorities to get
her. It seems that the bust has no great historical value because no one knows
who she is representing. Well, and for me it is interesting enough."
"It´s unbelievable." Susan whispered without a cause.
"Mr. LaCroix, you know that the bust was found in pieces, don´t you ?"
Now Paul knew why LaCroix´ appearance confused him so much: he had
unconsciously remembered the bust which he and Susan found the previous year.  
"Yes, I´m informed about that. And about the fact that she is as perfect as
possible reconstucted. But with a fracture at the neck it wasn´t too great a
problem. Well, for a living person a broken neck would be not that
unproblematic..." LaCroix gave them a thin smile.
"The bust is stored in a house that was built close to the ruins of Pompeii for
the excavations. If you like we can go there and pick it up. And on our way we
can show you around a little bit."
When LaCroix didn´t react Susan went to him and touched him slightly. He looked
up abruptly, his eyes seemed to glow.
"Can you show me the place where you found the bust ?"
"Sure. But we need some good flashlights. That building is not in the tourist
area so we have to be careful - no problem for us ´cause we know the terrain.
But first I must lock these gems away. Paul, will you go and fetch the
flashlights ?"


While Paul left Susan wrapped every single jewel into a cloth and put them into
a box. LaCroix watched her doing this. When she picked up an already cleaned
earring to wrap it up, too, LaCroix reached for it.
Susan watched fascinated the way how LaCroix turned the dangly earring between
his slender fingers. His look was fixed onto the swinging golden leaf which
threw small flashes in the light. Susan wasn´t able to read the expression of
his face. He seemed to be sad. And lonely. Then the moment was gone and
LaCroix´ glance became clearer.
"Where did you found this piece ?"
"At the moment I´m uncovering two female corpses from the layers of ash. One of
them had worn it."
"Can you show me them ?"
LaCroix´ voice was urgent.
"If you like. But it´s no pleasant sight."
Susan took the earring from LaCroix, laid it with the other items and locked
the box away.


Three cones of light danced over the stonecovered street. Susan, Paul and
LaCroix had left the main tourist area some minutes earlier. Paul guided the
small group towards the west, to the sea.   
"Only the wealthy and powerful families were able to afford an estate like
this. We think that this was the palace from Prokonsul Flavius. We found some
objects with his name on it. But we have no idea what it is about with this
bust... no name, no other object with the represented person. So we are sure
that this man wasn´t very powerful." 
LaCroix stopped suddenly and fixed the younger man condescendingly. 
"You shouldn´t make such hasty conclusions, Mr. Harper. In the end an
unexpected discovery will lead to... unpleasant consequences."
Susan hastily tried to get the attention to another topic.
"Who knows why the bust was in this palace ? But we´re already there. You can
see it over there. It´s on the right side. Over there, where the destroyed
columns are."
Susan and Paul took their guest cautiously through the mostly destoyed palace
always looking for great fragments lying in their way. Clefts were running all
over the floor.
They explained the detail of the structure and function of the single rooms.
LaCroix smiled to himself. They were well informed. During the last centuries
the researchers collected masses of information and put those - like a puzzle -
together to a perfect picture about the Roman culture.
LaCroix was always fascinated about this intellectual curiosity. What power.
But that they think that this was Flavius palace... well, he wouldn´t correct
them. At the end this would get himself into the centre of public interest -
and that was something he did not intend.


Glaring light dazzled him and LaCroix heard Paul´s voice.
"Scary, isn´t it ? Now we´re directly in front of the Peristyl - the typical
inner courtyard of Roman buildings."
"I´m sorry that there´s not much left from the colonnade."
LaCroix looked to Susan who stood in the middle of the courtyard. The stars
threw their soft light onto the woman and on her dark hair. This sight brought
back a memory.
"Seline !"
LaCroix had spoken this thought out loud.
"What did you say ?"
Paul went to LaCroix who didn´t react. Susan joined them.
"Too bad that there isn´t much intact. The mural paintings are mostly faded.
And oh, - over there we´ve found the bust !"
While Paul lighted toward the boarded site Susan walked to the rim and beckoned
LaCroix to follow.
"This was a small pond. Isn´t the mosaic beautiful ? A red crocodile surrounded
by little fishes. You should see it in daylight. I´m sorry that the tear
disturbs the overall picture."
Again Susan noticed that LaCroixs look had changed. He looked at the mosaic and
his thoughts seemed to be centuries away. Did he try to make his own picture of
the life 2000 years ago? Susan loved this sort of time travel - it brought her
away from death and destruction. She loved her task, but there were days when
she got depressed by the surroundings.


" - the corpses ?"
Susans thoughts were interrupted by LaCroix.
"Can we go ? I - I don´t feel comfortable at this place. And you wanted to show
me the women you found."
LaCroix looked at Susan. Fascinated she gave herself into the cool grip of his
eyes. She has never felt such an intensity. Behind her Paul moved.
"Well, when you think this is creepy, you wouldn´t feel better with the dead
bodies, Mr. LaCroix."
LaCroix gave Susan free.
"Will it be a long walk, Susan ?"
Susan blinked.
"What ? Walk - oh, no. It isn´t far away. We just have to go to the back of
this palace and then follow the citywall for some meters."
The archeologist turned and left the building, followed by Paul and LaCroix.
Suddenly a penetrating sound tore through the silence.
"Paul, is it your pager ?"
"Yes, I´m sorry. I should go back. Can I leave you alone ?"
"Why not ?"
Paul ignored LaCroix´ comment.
"Susan ?"
"Paul - please ! He wouldn´t bite me. Go and look what sort of trouble the boys
have now. And you can get the marble bust to our camp. Then we" Susan turned to
LaCroix "mustn´t go into that musty house."


Paul nodded, turned and vanished in the dark.
"Why do you think that I wouldn´t bite you ? You don´t know me."
"Why should you bite me, Lucien ? By the way - it wouldn´t be nice to assume
such things from a man like you are. Or is there something I should know ? An
advanced warning..." 
LaCroix grinned broadly. His eyes sparkled.
"When I warn you now, dear Susan, it would be already too late. We are alone
and there´s no one around who can help you."
His voice was just a whisper. Susan lifted one eyebrow and turned softly
laughing.
"Never turn your back to me, Susan !"
LaCroixs voice was close to her ear. She looked amused. 
"When you want to frighten me, Lucien, you must think up something different.
You know, here are some people with a very special sense of humor. I´ve
experienced a lot of weird things with them... that would make everyone tough!
And... we archeologists normally live with one leg in a grave. And sometimes
with both! Threats, serious or not, wouldn´t change a bit."
They walked silently for some time. LaCroix broke the silence.
"You are an extraordinary woman, Susan. Do you know that ?"
"I ? Extraordinary ???"
Susan laughed.
"You´re kidding ! I spend my days digging in dirt - I can´t see anything
extraordinary in this!"
"You are independent, intelligent and you have courage. And a lot of
perseverance. You are not like so many woman - subordinate, jumpy and yielding.
Women like you I can respect."
"You respect me ? Uhm, well, I don´t know if I should feel flattered or
insulted. When men respect a woman, they normaly try not to cross her way -
this is my experience. But - o.k. - I´ll take it as a compliment. Do you often
make such double-edged compliments ?"
"No."
"Better for all concerned. Oh, please be careful, we have to get over the
rubble."
Susan lead the way over the obstacles. When she saw that LaCroix was save
beside her she lighted beside her.
"Here they are. We put a tarpaulin over them to cover the bodies. One moment
please."
Susan pulled the tarpaulin carfully away. Light from the flashlight fell over
the corpses and let the scene look more depressing than in daylight. 
"Which woman wore the earring ?"
"The one with the leaf ? It is hers."
Susan pointed at the woman who had wrapped her arms around the other. Perhaps
she wanted to calm the other one down. Her face was turned towards Vesuvius. Or
at least what was left of the face.
"It is really strange with the bodies we found here in Pompeii and in
Herculaneum. Either there are slagcovers and the bodies are decayed. Or we find
skeletons like these. And in every case one can feel what they felt in the
second of their death. Only in Hiroshima it should have been worse. But this
here is more than enough for me."
LaCroix crouched beside the bodies of the women and watched them silently. He
could have named many more places where the sight of death was awful and
appalling. But this was irrelevant.



After 1917 years he had found his former lover. Seline. It must be she, because
he still remembered the dangling earring he gave her as a present. He always
knew that she hadn´t survived the volcanic eruption. But it comforted him after
the long time to have the chance to see her again. How unpredictable fate can
be. That she was found when he was on his way to Pompeii. 
She, his comfort and warmth. Mother of his daughter. Mother of his damnation.
How could she know what the old healer would make out of Divia. She was glad to
have saved the life of her child. Anger raised in him. But Divia got what she
earned.
Now it was time to finally say goodbye to his lover and to ask for her
forgiveness for what he had done to their daughter, what he had had to do.
Softly he touched the place where Selines smooth forehead once had been. Then
he rose and looked at Susan, who watched him. 
"We should go back. It´s time for me to leave."
"Fine. I´ll just cover them again."
Without comment LaCroix helped her. On their way back no one talked. 
Before they entered the tent LaCroix stopped Susan.
"I want you to promise me something: take care of those women. Try to find a
good place for them. After all they´ve gone through they earn good treatment.
Will you do that for me?"
A strange feeling rose in Susan when she heard LaCroix´ request. But she
answered without hesitation.
"Lucien, I´ll try to do the best for them. But I can´t guarantee this for other
people." 
LaCroix studied Susan, than he entered the tent to get his marble bust.




The emergency lighting illuminated the corridors just poorly. But that wasn´t
surprising because it was night and the museum closed.
A small shadow moved to a showcase and laid his pale hand on it. Without the
glass he would have touched the head of the skeleton. He stood there for some
time. Then he vanished as soundlessly as he had appeared. 
Only the banner with the imprint of the Pompeii exhibition moved slightly in
the draught.


- Fin - 
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Alyssa J. Flynn     kokuyo@freenet.de