Story 113: "Fathoms Five" by Penumbra

[wendelah1]

Fathoms Five was first nominated in September of last year by scarletbaldy, and then again about a month ago by antfarmponies. It's been suggested to me informally a couple of times, too. I had hesitated to post it for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that the subject matter is profoundly disturbing.

Yes, THAT IS A WARNING. Email or PM me if you need more specific information before reading this story.

But it's a major work, by a major writer. It's also her best work, in my humble opinion, and I hope we can do it justice. I don't want to say anything more specific for fear of giving away too much. As always, there will be spoilers in the comment threads.

Penumbra's planning to let her website go down soon (sob, I know, another one), so I'm also linking to her journal. Of course, the story is archived at Gossamer, too.

Again, this story contains disturbing material that might be triggering.

At her website, "Fathoms Five." EDIT: This version has a warning that is a spoiler.

And, at her journal: Part One, Part Two. EDIT: This version has no warning posted.

As always, leave feedback for the author, and then come back for discussion. Suggestions for next time may be left at the nomination post.

Comments

[dictatorcari]

I think this is the first Penumbra story I've made it through, and only because I was tricked, haha (it looked short! I was at work! I didn't know it was only part 1/4!). But I'm really glad I read it. I've always been in the Scully-is-immortal camp, and I've never seen it dealt with so elegantly before. I love that there's no answer in the end about whether William will find a cure for Scully or not (although why no one has thought to take pictures of death like the MOTW who gave her the immortality eludes me; seemed to work for that guy). William seems alternately older and younger than eighteen, but I suppose if your mom is immortal and your dad is Mulder, you're gonna be a weird kid. And I'm not going to think too hard about whether Mulder and Scully are OOC in this story because my shipper heart is just plain happy to see them still in love.

Man, this lady can write.

[wendelah1]

Yes, the writing is wonderful. I feel this is her best work, so you chose well.

They seem very in character to me, responding to an impossible situation just as I expected they would.