Story 228: "Original Sin" by Syntax6

[wendelah1]

She's back. "Original Sin" is syntax6's long unfinished WIP, abandoned in 2008 after six gripping chapters. To my surprise and delight, she has returned to fandom, and over the past few weeks, posted the remainder of the story. She updated her website, too, adding a half dozen or more stories in a new fandom. It looks good.

It's post Fight the Future, and Scully has moved to Utah. Unfortunately for her, the X-Files followed her there. She must not have noticed that the state emblem is a big old beehive. Poor Scully. When will she learn? Tags: NC-17, mytharc, casefile, M/O, S/O, MSR, chipfic, Samantha, horribly absent & hugely apologetic author.

If you haven't already, email her some feedback, then please come back and let us know what you think.

Remember, the nomination post is always open for your suggestions.

Read Original Sin

Comments

[newo-fic.livejournal.com]

For whatever reason, this was one of the few syntax stories that I never read back in the day when I discovered her work. Maybe because it was a wip? Not sure. But I happened to be navigating her site recently and, poof, it had changed and updated! Was a nice surprise! So when I saw her comments about this story, I jumped right in.

Now, having no idea what "changes" she made to the original flow of the story, I cannot say whether I like this version better or not, but I definitely enjoyed this story. I appreciate the quick-reaction characteristic of Mulder that she highlights in that he didn't bring any real luggage with him, and the way in which Scully revealed the truth, step by step to Ruben, and I felt his reactions were exact. I really liked the twist with CSM, didn't see that coming, and the tie in with Redux II. And the balance she found with Scully's feelings toward Fowley was appropriate (she distrusts her but isn't too overtly bitchy about it). And, of course, I loved all the M/S interactions (awkward and otherwise).

I'd say the only thing I didn't like was the last chapter. Sure, its nice to tie up everything, but it felt a bit rushed in certain spots, like she was just ready to be done with it. But otherwise, I really enjoyed the read!

[mosinging1986.livejournal.com]

Oh, goodness, I loved her writing back in the day! I'll have to check out the site when I get a chance. Thanks for the heads up.

This fandom ain't dead yet!

[dasku.livejournal.com]

!!!!

I never thought she'd be back!! Fantastic news!

*off to read*

[echynoderm.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed this fic, Syntax is a great writer :)

[estella-c.livejournal.com]

Wow, Syntax6 is back! Guess I must come back too.

This is a good, powerful story with great ideas and some pacing flaws, IMO. I'm not ready to say much more. Digesting.

One memory that fell over me while reading was that sense of iron-hard Greek tragedy achieved so successfully in "To Carthage Then I Came." How many Samanthas? How many warped compulsions? Will Mulder ever be free? This is a softer, kinder story but those twins: food there for confusion and argument.

It was nice to see CSM bleeding on the floor.

[syntax6.livejournal.com]

Thanks first for all the thoughts and comments. It is always humbling and rewarding to be read so closely. I do spend a lot of time as a writer trying to remind myself that it is preferable to produce an interesting failure than a boring success, although usually I need some distance from said failure before I can make myself believe it. ;-) I am sorry for disappointing this time out.

I think it's challenging to find anything new to say in XF anymore, but I thought this story had a few kernels that were not at least done to death, so I figured it was worth finishing for that alone. Plus, I felt terrible leaving it hanging. I can let go of that guilt at least.

Readers are agreed (here and elsewhere) that there are pacing issues, but there does not seem to be agreement about where or how. It would take me some thinking to try to figure it out -- maybe another five years! ;-)

[infinitlight.livejournal.com]

newo_fic and estella_c mentioned pacing problems, which I have to admit I didn't get. Maybe I just like things wrapped up at the end. I didn't feel the need for any more expansion, and it feels this way as though some elements are left open for us to imagine ourselves (Scully's return to the X-Files, for instance).

[mogster495.livejournal.com]

There are some technology inconsistencies with the timeline. Videos phones and phones that can read email would not have been common in 2000. Though the technology existed, it would be unlikely that everyone would be using it and so comfortable with it. The first video cell phone was introduced in late 2000 in Japan, and it was a few months before it was available to Americans. The most popular phones were still text screens.

I though the character of Ruben was pretty lame. I feel the interactions between him and Scully were a little to 'reality TV drama' for my taste. One thing I loved about the X Files was it's lack of petty drama, and all Ruben's character brought was unnecessary angst that seems out of place with her character. Ruben could be replaced with a stronger character, or eliminated all together without taking away from the story.

There was defiantly suspension built up, and I thought it paid off nicely. The ending was a strange mix of creepy and sad. It was definitely a full story and there were a lot of elements to keep up with. Syntax really built up the world complete with new and old characters.

[syntax6.livejournal.com]

I think the overall message here is that the problems are myriad and muddled. Once again, I'm sorry -- for you and for me -- that the experience was not more enjoyable. Perhaps I should have left well enough alone, as I am certainly regretting it now. It's kind of like leaving the ladies' room and having someone tell you that your skirt is tucked into the back of your nylons. Oops! Unfortunately, I've no easy recourse to remedy the error(s). Thus I am forced to walk around in perpetual embarrassment. *g*

However, one note: I am aware I was pushing the boundaries of cell phone technology. I did not care on this point. Call it poetic license!

[discordantwords.livejournal.com]

Hi there. I've been reading my way through the XF Book Club recommendations, although I have a tendency to be reclusive and hesitant about jumping into discussions. (I'm working on that!) This seemed like as good a place as any to dive in, as I've always loved Syntax's case files and was absolutely delighted to see that she'd returned to Original Sin.

I enjoyed the fleshed out characterization of Diana, a much-maligned character who really never got a fair shake, from fans or 1013. She's easy to hate because she causes trouble between Mulder and Scully, but there was always such potential there for the character to add richness and depth both to Mulder's history and to the overarching conspiracy story. Too often I think she was trotted out as a plot device when a story called for friction or distance between Mulder and Scully. Syn always takes pains to make Diana a person and not just an evil ex-girlfriend caricature, and I really appreciate that.

I loved the Mulder/Scully interaction and the poignant note the story ended on. I understand why Scully made the choice she did regarding her chip, even if the uncertainty of their future is a little bit heartbreaking.

I would have liked to spend more time with the Samanthas, though. Which one was real? How many more are out there, waiting to be discovered? The idea of one Samantha (whether she herself is the original or a clone) discovering and eliminating another was fascinating and something I could have happily spent more time exploring.

It was nice to see Syn back in the game and I hope that we'll have more to look forward to.

[bmerb.livejournal.com]

just getting started on this, but loving it so far. and the occasional line like this one: ""Poor baby!" She raised a leg and gave Dot a money shot she hadn't really needed." BAHAHAHAHA!