Something Gets It Challenge, by DancesWithChopstick

[danceswchopstck.livejournal.com]

This posting contains another bit of the story of Ray K and Fraser being stuck 100 years in the future, following on from the initial drabble and the subsequent postscript. I’d give this one an R for suggestive language--sex of a sort is definitely implied.

This isn’t the story I meant to write. That story involved a threat against a pineapple, but the details never came into focus. I hope that this story is acceptable for the “Something Gets It” challenge--at the time this story takes place, the threat in question is active only in Ray K’s imagination, but it is an important threat that shapes his actions... Enjoy!

When we last spoke with you, we told you a bit about our first days in this time period, and about how Ray and I came out to each other as persons of bisexual orientation.

I cannot BELIEVE you people want to hear this stuff.

Ray, we did receive a number of messages, after our previous multicast, clearly indicating interest in--

Yeah, I know, I know. I just can't believe it.

Continuing our story, once the cooperation of the authorities seemed a reasonable possibility, Ray and I began to plan and prepare for the future of our partnership.

There was a lot to get our heads around. A lot of changes since our time. So we divided up the work.

Ray felt most at home researching the transportation and weapons options available to us, and I centered my efforts on updating my information retrieval skills.

I also hung out with the local cops all they would let me. I learned a lot that way, but I can't tell you much about it. Frase made sure we kept it legal, but legal ain't necessarily enough to keep the boss happy, you get me? We remember who helped us out, though, and when we have something that needs cops, we try to steer the good stuff to our friends.

Fortunately, much of the information we needed was easily accessible once we had valid access codes, up-to-date communications equipment, and a few legitimate contacts. It was similarly encouraging that, although it was some time before Ray found a used flitter that he recommended we purchase, he began flying lessons almost at once.

And helping a decent grease-monkey rebuild'em, so I'd know what to look for. I saw a lotta wrecked rigs, that way, so I took my time picking us a sturdy rig at a fair price.

[Question from the multicast audience: Señor Fraser, what were you working on while Señor Ray was learning about flitters?]

Well, I reasoned that one of our first needs would be for good communications systems. In our own time, we relied heavily on telephones and on the Chicago PD's computer systems. I set out to learn what had replaced those information carriers, and soon realized that I needed to undergo a medical procedure that children here habitually experience before entering elementary school.

Freaked me OUT. I said, "What, Frase, you gotta become a cyborg just to make a PHONE CALL around here?"

Ray insisted on accompanying me to the pediatrician's and observing the procedure.

Don't let him tell you I fainted. I did NOT faint.

No, but you did become more interested when you realized the components could be worn as jewelry.

That wasn't what convinced me--it was the TUNES did that, Frase. Instant access to all that music, anytime, anywhere? Sold! It was worth it. The jewelry angle was just a little extra.

So you say. I chose a standard subcutaneous ear speaker and throat mike, and a network port with a skin-colored exterior, but, as our viewers can see, Ray is wearing his ear speaker as a classic metallic piercing through the part of his outer ear cartilage known as the tragus.

Hey, style is style. Once I made sure I wouldn't be sending any messages unintentionally, I was cool with it.

After I was outfitted with the necessary equipment, I began learning my way around the public computer networks, seeking alternative sources for the many kinds of information available to law enforcement officers through official channels. Strangely enough, the most mundane information retrieval tasks were often the most difficult.

Could he find us decent take-out pizza? No. He could not. Somebody out there got a grandma who could teach you? I can't believe decent pizza has completely died out dead. Revive the lost art of truly fine take-out pizza, and, I'm telling you, you'll make a mint! Let us know when you open, OK?

Yes, I'm afraid I have yet to solve that particular problem. Fortunately, it was much easier to locate possible income stream sources: we could be private investigators, bounty hunters, even multicast entertainers!

I STILL cannot believe that.

But here we are, Ray.

And the business planning brought us to a big unresolved issue: weapons.

We're about to play you an audio clip of a conversation Ray and I had that started out as a discussion regarding weapons...

And before you ask, Frase made the recording. I didn't realize he was doing it at the time, but he had my advance consent to practice on me anytime, so it was legit enough. Afterwards--well, I agreed we should keep the recording for other reasons. You'll see.

 

[Start of audio-only transmission:]

Fraser, we gotta talk.

About what, Ray?

All this stuff we've been doing for the partnership is great, but there's one thing we haven't been talking about, and we shouldn't put it off any longer.

What's that, Ray?

Weaponry.

I thought we agreed that you would research weaponry. In fact, three days ago, you mentioned some promising--

Yeah, yeah, it ain't the research that's bugging me. What we gotta work out is who's going to be carrying. When we start going out there looking for bad guys, I want us both to be armed.

Yes, Ray, you've expressed a similar opinion on a number of occasions. Unfortunately, the legalities are even more complicated here than--

Look, if we could get you legal to carry, would you carry?

That's a highly hypothetical question, Ray.

Fraser, when we go out there, we are gonna meet people who won't like us. If they pull weapons on us, we won't be able to call on Dief or the 2-7 to back us up. All we'll have is each other, and if only one of us is armed, the odds will not be good. All I'm asking here is, if we can get it legal, are you willing to carry? To back me up. I think I have a right to know that.

You do indeed have that right, Ray. I would like to be in a position to back you up fully, but I'm afraid that as a citizen of Canada--

Would you consider dual citizenship?

What did you say?

Would you consider dual citizenship? Canada and USA. There's been at least one legal change that might work for us.

Well, Ray, that's a big question. I'd want to consider it carefully before making a decision.

But the idea is worth considering, you think?

Very likely.

Good. You start thinking about that.

But Ray, I have not heard of any legal changes, so far, that would make dual citizenship a viable option for me.

There's a way. I don't know if you'd want it. I don't know how it'd affect what we have. I wouldn't be bringing it up this soon, or this blunt, but I'm scared shitless that some low-life's gonna ice you because I don't know the fucking turf well enough to keep you covered. Actually, whether it's you or me with the gun to our head, I don't ever wanta hear, 'Nobody move, or this guy gets it!' when the other one of us is unarmed with no backup.

Ray, I understand how you feel, but if there's a specific course of action you want me to take, you'll need to explain in more detail before I can evaluate it.

Stand up a minute, will you? This may not be the best way, the best time, but we can at least be on our feet and looking each other in the eye. OK if I put my hand on your shoulder?

Ray, what IS it?

Benton Fraser, it's a pleasure and an honor to be your friend and your partner.

Likewise, Ray. What is--

Shh--lemme finish before I lose the words, OK?

Certainly. Go ahead.

In addition to being my friend and my partner, would you consider becoming my husband?

[pause]

Frase? You OK, there? No heart attack or nothing?

I'm...surprised, Ray.

Yeah, I can tell. I guess I can't expect an answer right away--you're in shock, right? But could you give me a hint about whether it's a good shock or a bad one?

Good...I think.

Greatness! You want to sit down? You want a hug? I got lots. Kisses too, if you want'em.

Just a minute, Ray. Is this primarily about getting me licensed to carry weapons?

No! Not primarily. That's part of it, but it's not the big part. You could say it's the accelerant, maybe. It's like I already had fuel built up, and like I been feeling sparks for awhile; but I've been keeping a firewall between the fuel and the sparks. If we were back home, that wall might never have come down. If it did come down, I think it would've come down one brick at a time. But here, the weapons issue knocks that wall flat. Right now, we are fucking babies in the big scary future. I don't want anything bad to happen to you that I can prevent, and I don't want anything bad to happen to me that you can prevent. So I got to thinking, and I realized we could do it this way. It'd work, and it might be fun. If you want to, that is. If I'm outta line, I trust you to say so but still be my friend and my partner.

Yes, Ray.

Yes what? You're frowning.

The frown is in response to the phrase 'fucking babies,' Ray.

Jeez. Gimme a break. I guess that means the shock is wearing off, huh?

Yes, Ray. I'm feeling more myself. And I WILL consider becoming your husband. There are matters we should investigate before making a final decision--for instance, there might be a waiting period for dual citizenship and weapons licensing, even after marriage--but I'm favorably inclined toward the idea. Thank you kindly for asking--and I think that I WOULD like a hug.

You got it. You want kisses, too?

Perhaps just one or two to start?

Sure thing, Frase. Uh, two--one for nice and one for hot. If that's OK with you.

That sounds like a felicitous beginning.

Is that like felonious? Nothing felonious about it. C'mere.

[brief pause]

Mmm. Thank you, Ray.

You know that I love you, right?

And I, you, Ray.

Gonna show you I want you, too, OK?

OK, Ray.

[longer pause]

Mmmmm.

Well, Frase, what do you think?

I think you've acquired a fiancé.

Greatness. What else are you thinking?

Well, Ray, I'm wondering what might have happened if we'd had a conversation like this, say, six months after we met.

Frase, it couldn't have happened anything like this, there.

I suppose not. This development certainly constitutes a silver lining to our temporal dislocation.

Yeah. What else are you thinking? C'mon, I can see the wheels going around--tell me.

Hm. Very well. How far shall we take the physical side, tonight?

Ha! Guess I'm not the only one with accelerant, huh?

You kiss very well, Ray. And I confess, I've been thinking about certain parts of your physique for a considerable period of time.

You have, huh? Why didn’t you say anything?

It wasn't until after the temporal accident that I had any firm indication that you might be interested in men sexually. I thought I detected a hint or two, but I could have been wrong, and I really had no desire for a kick in the head.

You got a point.

You haven't answered my question, Ray.

What?

How far do you want to go, tonight?

How far do I want? Or how far do I think is a good idea?

Hm. Perhaps I had better hear both.

Ten minutes from now, I want us both to be naked, and then I'd like to spend about three hours finding out a bunch of different ways we can make each other feel good. But I'm also thinking, well, this is big stuff. Look--my hands are shaking. Maybe it would be better to stick with something simple, tonight--oh, something fun, something where we both come--but something simple, to cut down the chances that either of us will freak out from too much, too soon. And then go to sleep, and save some energy for tomorrow. That's what I think. What do you think?

Something simple involving one orgasm apiece sounds like a fine idea to me. For tonight. Provided more kisses are involved.

Absolutely!

Actually, Ray, one of the parts of your physique I've been fantasizing about has been your hands...

You want my hands on you?

Yes, Ray.

You wanta put your hands on me?

Very much so, Ray.

It'll be messy. Mouths might be better. I'm good with my mouth.

Ah. I'm sure you are, Ray. I'll look forward to that.

But you want to save that for later?

I think that would be best, Ray.

Okay. I ain't gonna complain about kisses and handjobs. Not at all.

I'm glad to hear it.

Gimme a sample?

Of course, Ray. Mmmmm. Do you. Like it. Mmmm. When I do. This?

Oh, yeahhh. Here. Let me.

Oh. Mmm. Ahhh.

Maybe we should...get on one of the beds? I don't want to fall over.

Yes. Good.

Hey, your words are getting shorter!

Ray.

Gotta see if. I can. Get you. Completely. Fucking. Incoherent.

Is that a challenge, Ray?

Whoa! Um. Yeah. Do that!

It IS a challenge, then?

That's not what I. Ohhhh, yeah.

You don't like the idea of a challenge?

Why'd you stop? I like challenges sometimes, just not right now, OK? I was--what's the word?--anticipating.

Ah. I see. You look forward to making me incoherent on another occasion.

Yeah. Completely.

If you can.

Want to bet that I can?

We can discuss that later.

Kiss me some more.

My pleasure, Ray.

Hey! We forgot the lube!

The present from our erstwhile guard?

Yeah. AND his husband. Stay there and I'll grab the bottle and be right back.

[pause]

I suppose we could think of it as a very early engagement gift.

[distant sound of a medicine cabinet door opening and closing, followed by a further pause]

What did you say? I missed that.

I said--never mind. Open it, please.

Mm. Gotta--there! Uh, it's cold.

I'm accustomed to low temperatures, Ray. Go ahea--ahhhhh!

Incoherent. Completely. Hey! Give that--

Don't you want any, Ray?

Well, when you--SHIT. That IS cold!

It will warm up, Ray.

Yeah, I know. Here. That works. Oh, yeah! Kiss me again.

Mm.

Yeahhh...

Mmm--

[audio-only clip paused]

 

Fraser, how much more of that recording were you planning to play?

We were nearly finished, Ray.

Yeah, that's the way I remember it, too. These people don't need to know what I sound like when I--

Ray.

Or what YOU sound like, either. They got their money's worth for today. Right, all you people out there? Show of hands: anyone who's satisfied with today's multicast, and is willing to wait 'til next week in the interest of us doing another multicast, vote 'Yes' with your access codes. Do it! NOW!

Ray, that's hardly courteous.

Shove courtesy! Any of you people want more today, you can surf over to Avatars At Play. Last time I checked, they had five different versions of Fraser and three of me. Have fun. Use your imaginations. Knock yourselves out.

[Question transmitted from multicast audience: Did either of you create any of those avatars? If so, which ones?]

No comment.

Ray, in the interests of accuracy--

Fraser, you want to get any, tonight? The answer to that question is 'No comment.'

As you wish, Ray. Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your attention--

And your business--

And we look forward to talking with you again soon.

 

To subscribe to future multicasts featuring the reminiscences of Fossil Fraser and Rack'em Ray, transmit your access code now. Thank you kindly!

---A Maple-Star Magnum Production---

---

Sentence fragments inspired by florahart, who is well known for them in her fan fiction and role-playing in Harry Potter fandom. Thanks, Flora! Thanks, also, to jessifanfic, for casting an eye over the story and giving reassuring feedback.

Comments

[china_shop]

Fraser, how much more of that recording were you planning to play?

We were nearly finished, Ray.

Yeah, that's the way I remember it, too.

Bwah! This is hilarious. Yay! :)

[danceswchopstck.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :D

*am jazzed that it made you laugh*

[vienna-waits.livejournal.com]

You get oodles of bonus points for uniqueness. I don't think I've ever read a DS story quite like this one. And it's very hard to sustain a story with just dialogue, but you did a wonderful job. A felicitous beginning, indeed! It sounds like Fraser and Ray will do just fine in the future.

[danceswchopstck.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much! I feel like I accidentally lucked onto a good idea, and I'm definitely enjoying the chance to play with it. Dialog is fun for me--especially these guys, who talk and talk and TALK. ;)

Great idea, well done

[(Anonymous)]

This is a great original idea for due South. I also like how you're not too wrapped up in how they got there--it's rather like stories such as "Last Night"'s, in which the central event, the end of the world, is shown to be less important than how the end of the world is affecting the *people* (the means of the end could also have been shown as being a key factor in that, as well, but that wasn't what McKellar wanted to explore). Being a science-fiction person myself (and considering due South to be a fantasy show, because it simply has too many supernatural elements to discount--here, at least--in coming up with a description of it), I'm always fascinated by such border-blurrers. The idea that Fraser would come up with marketing *themselves*, which they apparently can do fairly easily in the new milieu, and that they would be a considerable news and entertainment commodity there, is great. It's like actual reality TV instead of what we call reality TV. It's reality for grownups. (And I like how Ray won't comment on the Avatars. )

Re: Great idea, well done

[danceswchopstck.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the lovely detailed comment--'Reality for grownups' is a great phrase, and I'm glad you enjoyed it, especially Ray refusing to comment on the Avatars! ;D

If you feel like unveiling your anonymity even slightly, I'd be curious to know in what sense you are a science-fiction person--fan, smof, or pro? I'm kind of fringe-fannish, myself, but have some actively fannish/smoffish friends.

Not getting too wrapped up in how they got there is an attitude that I've reverently borrowed from Joanna Russ' Picnic on Paradise, though there are other books of hers that I like more.

[nightlarke.livejournal.com]

Ahahahaha! Awesome. Beautiful. Loved it.

[danceswchopstck.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting!

[j-s-cavalcante.livejournal.com]

LOL..and Yay! Where can I transmit my access code? I wanna subscribe. Really imaginative SF story! All in dialogue and a really good explanation for that!

J S

[danceswchopstck.livejournal.com]

Where can I transmit my access code? I wanna subscribe.

Feel free to friend my LJ, dahlink! ;)

I can't promise there'll be more of this story arc, but if there is... ;)

Thanks for the lovely comments!
D

[j-s-cavalcante.livejournal.com]

Feel free to friend my LJ, dahlink! ;)

I didn't??? Thought I did! I will rectify the oversight immediately. :)

Thanks.

J S