ext_21572 (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
moondroplette.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
crack_van2005-09-17 09:53 pm
moondroplette.livejournal.com) wrote in crack_van2005-09-17 09:53 pm
Entry tags:
The Red Charade by Kaye Austen Michaels (R)
Fandom: STARSKY & HUTCH
Pairing: Starsky/Hutch
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Twin Dolphin Productions
Why this must be read:
One of the most befuddling (and tragic) aspects of the Starsky & Hutch canon is the misplacement of the episode "Starsky vs. Hutch". Though it was filmed earlier in the season, and both the emotional tone as well as key visual elements would place it correspondingly, the episode was not aired until just prior to the series' finale, interrupting the obviously sequential plot arc of the last four episodes. Many fans flatly reject its airdate as canon; some, however, take a different approach toward explaining the confusing relationship "backtrack" that seems to occur when the episode is viewed as chronologically taking place after the "Targets Without A Badge" arc. This fic is one of those that does address why the boys seemed to fall apart so quickly after they finally came back together, but it gives a treatment vastly different than any other I've ever seen. The plot thickens, conspiracy abounds, and everything's so crazy it just might work.
Excerpt:
"With all due respect, Captain, these gentlemen are probably here because they want something out of us. Otherwise, the CIA doesn't bother to discuss matters of 'national security' with plainclothes cops. So, if they want to achieve their goal, they should know that calling us glory-hounds and turf-squabblers isn't a swift move."
"Well said, Detective Hutchinson. And right on all accounts," Cannon said, perching on the desk. "You two are in a unique position to help us. Put simply, your reputation has preceded you." He gestured behind him and Harcourt, reading the signal, leaned over, handing Cannon a briefcase. Cannon opened the briefcase using his legs for a desk and rummaged for a minute before he withdrew a sheet of paper. "To quote one of your colleagues, who'll remain nameless, of course: 'Oh, they'll date anything female and 36-24-34. And sometimes the same one at the same time.'"
"Thank you for that glossy character reference," Hutch snapped. "Could we get down to business here, Agent Cannon, or do you have a letter from my elementary school principal you'd like to read, too?"
"Hutchinson!"
"Cap'n," I said through gritted teeth. "We've been in here less than five minutes and all we've gotten are snide remarks and implications. Hard to justify being dragged away from putting the cuffs on a guy who strangles his own working girls for this."
"You're being assigned a third team-member for the duration of the dance hall case," Dobey said, tone mollified. "That's why they're here."
"You're attaching a CIA operative to our investigation?" Hutch demanded, leaning closer to the desk. Cannon shook his head.
"Oh, no." He ducked back into the briefcase and pulled out an 8 x10 glossy photo. "This is why we're here, gentlemen."
She was lovely, no denying that. Hutch and I had seen her around the last week or so. There was a time when her blonde curls, long legs, and 'come on' smile would have tempted both of us. Not anymore. I handed the picture over to Hutch without a second thought. He looked it over, shrugged, and handed it back to Cannon. "She's the new transfer. Detective Sergeant—" he waved a hand, trying to jog his memory.
"Kira Adams as she has been known for the last decade. To us, she's Kira Irena Svetlanova and she's one of the KGB's longest untouched official plants in the law enforcement arena."
The Red Charade
Pairing: Starsky/Hutch
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Twin Dolphin Productions
Why this must be read:
One of the most befuddling (and tragic) aspects of the Starsky & Hutch canon is the misplacement of the episode "Starsky vs. Hutch". Though it was filmed earlier in the season, and both the emotional tone as well as key visual elements would place it correspondingly, the episode was not aired until just prior to the series' finale, interrupting the obviously sequential plot arc of the last four episodes. Many fans flatly reject its airdate as canon; some, however, take a different approach toward explaining the confusing relationship "backtrack" that seems to occur when the episode is viewed as chronologically taking place after the "Targets Without A Badge" arc. This fic is one of those that does address why the boys seemed to fall apart so quickly after they finally came back together, but it gives a treatment vastly different than any other I've ever seen. The plot thickens, conspiracy abounds, and everything's so crazy it just might work.
Excerpt:
"With all due respect, Captain, these gentlemen are probably here because they want something out of us. Otherwise, the CIA doesn't bother to discuss matters of 'national security' with plainclothes cops. So, if they want to achieve their goal, they should know that calling us glory-hounds and turf-squabblers isn't a swift move."
"Well said, Detective Hutchinson. And right on all accounts," Cannon said, perching on the desk. "You two are in a unique position to help us. Put simply, your reputation has preceded you." He gestured behind him and Harcourt, reading the signal, leaned over, handing Cannon a briefcase. Cannon opened the briefcase using his legs for a desk and rummaged for a minute before he withdrew a sheet of paper. "To quote one of your colleagues, who'll remain nameless, of course: 'Oh, they'll date anything female and 36-24-34. And sometimes the same one at the same time.'"
"Thank you for that glossy character reference," Hutch snapped. "Could we get down to business here, Agent Cannon, or do you have a letter from my elementary school principal you'd like to read, too?"
"Hutchinson!"
"Cap'n," I said through gritted teeth. "We've been in here less than five minutes and all we've gotten are snide remarks and implications. Hard to justify being dragged away from putting the cuffs on a guy who strangles his own working girls for this."
"You're being assigned a third team-member for the duration of the dance hall case," Dobey said, tone mollified. "That's why they're here."
"You're attaching a CIA operative to our investigation?" Hutch demanded, leaning closer to the desk. Cannon shook his head.
"Oh, no." He ducked back into the briefcase and pulled out an 8 x10 glossy photo. "This is why we're here, gentlemen."
She was lovely, no denying that. Hutch and I had seen her around the last week or so. There was a time when her blonde curls, long legs, and 'come on' smile would have tempted both of us. Not anymore. I handed the picture over to Hutch without a second thought. He looked it over, shrugged, and handed it back to Cannon. "She's the new transfer. Detective Sergeant—" he waved a hand, trying to jog his memory.
"Kira Adams as she has been known for the last decade. To us, she's Kira Irena Svetlanova and she's one of the KGB's longest untouched official plants in the law enforcement arena."
The Red Charade