Again, this was based off of some information I found on the FBI webpage that said agents don't have long-standing partners, but rather people that they work with on a case-by-case basis. I introduce Tanner by having him reveal he's been on a different case for months, which is why he wasn't able to support Bree with Ethan. But they've worked cases together before, they know each other well, and they know how the other works.

Sure, we can do that. We just have to make sure that our ideas synch up, or we will end up trying to write completely opposite things.

However you like, and it's not something I'm willing to get bent over at all regarding Tanner! But I'll be honest and say I'm craving a bit of spontaneity. I know you have a plot line in mind, but I'd like to feel that I have an equal say in how things go, even if things are shaken up a bit, you know? No worries at all - if we enjoy working together, I've found that the ideas always do eventually sync up in the end!

Kay. As I said, so long as we get to a generalized ending I have in mind which forces Ethan to reveal the full extent of his powers just as the case ends, I think we are good.

Oh, I know we'll be just fine *grins*

Cool. I won't deny, I'm probably going to be just a bit stingy on completely freeform, because I did do a lot of writing over the summer, and that did make it a bit more structured than I intended before you vanished. But I will try my best to be relaxed, I truly will. And, after this case, then I truly have no plans. None, zip, zero, not even a basic concept.

Well no, I'm not looking for complete freeform - a "basic" idea of where the plot is going is just fine of course. But at the same time I'm not really all about writing from a script either, you know? To me, that's just zero fun at all, not getting to expand ideas for my characters but within stringent molds already precast - if that were so, you could just write a novel and not need me about at all! And I don't doubt you will be just fine, nicely relaxed and happy to write - all will be well!

Kay.

We are almost all caught up on the copy-paste. Thanks for being willing.

Not a problem - almost there!

Yay! We did it!

VICTORY! WOOHOO!

I will try to have a post up this evening. I won't be around at all tomorrow, though if I can't get to one tonight, I should be just fine for tomorrow evening!

Yay! You have no idea how excited I am to get this up and going again. Feel free to move them all the way to where Bree is staying in one post, if you feel it is appropriate.

... I don't think we need to continue in a linear fashion on the moment. If you want to go ahead and jump them to the entrance of the FBI building and (Briefly) leave Ethan alone at Bree's desk, I think that would be just fine.

Or, if you have something else you want to have happen with this little group, by all means. I'll go along with whichever you'd rather do.

Oh no, it was just fine with this group, all wrapped up for now, or easily summarized later. The only reason I brought them back to the landing, was because I remembered you said you wanted for Ethan to see Matt was all. FBI later sure...

eta: I'll try to get a post tonight, but I'm a bit behind elsewhere and frankly, a little sick at the moment and beat to hell, so probably tomorrow unless I get a second wind.

Tomorrow works just fine! One reply a day will be more than enough to keep me happy. Hey, I'm just glad to be hearing back from you at all still.

Well yes, like I said, not going anywhere! I do, however, have two tests and two papers due next week, so it might be more like "every other day" until the middle of next week - but I'm still here!

Thanks for the post. This one should be nice and easy, because it is the first scene I wrote over the summer. I'll have to modify it a bit, but that is only to be expected. You'll get to meet Tanner now!

Assuming, of course, that I can find the journal...

Good luck with the journal finding! I just put us where you said we needed to be, ask and you shall receive, and so on ;) Looking forward to meeting Tanner too, when you can

There you go! I hijacked Bree right at the end, and I really hope you don't mind. I tried to stay true to character, but if I did something wrong let me know and I'll just edit it so it ends when Tanner finishes speaking to Ethan.

Very nice Jiskastya! I enjoyed Ethan's verbal fencing with Tanner concerning the "innocent explanation!" And I certainly don't mind Bree coming along to break up their little unwanted tete-a-tete, but I would prefer to write my character's dialogue. I can simply add that in for my next post, though I'd have to ask first: what is hers and Tanner's relationship to this point? The way she came up to him read "hostile," but the way he was talking about Bree and his past experience with her ranged from "respect" to a certain "proprietary feel" that had undertones of an unrequited attraction. He certainly seems like a very competent agent, which she could respect, but is there some paternalism or condescension there as well?

Sorry. I had to try, at least once. Some people are very, very possessive of their characters, but I like to try and see if people don't mind, just because I do believe that a partner's interpretation of a character can sometimes add a lot to their development. But now that I know you don't like me to write for her, I won't do it again unless you give me permission. Let me go edit that out.

As far as Tanner and Bree, that particular situation was a little bit different because Tanner was talking, very loudly, about wanting to "free" Bree, as though she had been captured and was doing something against her will. I was intending it to come off as more than a little bit disrespectful, which is why Bree comes across as hostile. As far as Bree is concerned they are partners and nothing more. Tanner, however, is a remarkably loyal soul to those he has reason to care for. He's seen Bree at work, and he honestly believes that her first impression about Ethan was right. Now he is going to go to any extreme to protect her from what he sees as "dangerous". It isn't condescension or paternalism, simply guard-dog loyalty, and a little bit of obliviousness.

I'm not sure if that clarifies what you wanted me to clarify. Let me know.