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vanessagalore) wrote2000-05-13 01:21 am
Chapter Title References (Part One)
Prologue/Chapter 1: Boy's Got Game
Veronica and Logan have a study break; Wallace meets the new girl.
Title refers to the Spike Lee movie, "He Got Game";
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0124718/
referring to both Logan's and Wallace's sexual prowess and also to Wallace's sport.
Chapter 2: Daddy/Daughter Time
An old friend visits and pisses off Logan; Keith reluctantly takes on a new assignment.
A quote from episode 1.04, The Wrath of the Con.
KEITH: Oh, hey, I forgot to tell ya. If he's gonna be kissing my daughter on my porch for eight and a half minutes, I'll need to meet him. Sweet dreams, honey.
VERONICA: Is that really necessary?
KEITH: He's taking up a lot of daddy-daughter time. I hardly get to see you.
VERONICA: I see you constantly.
KEITH: Oh sure. You see me but we don't do anything.
This chapter is setting up the problematic daddy-daughter relationships of my story.
Chapter 3: Nimbus
Mac is contacted about a new case; Logan gets his cast off; there's bad news about someone from the past.
nim-bus –noun, plural -bi -bus-es.
1. Classical Mythology. a shining cloud sometimes surrounding a deity when on earth.
2. a cloud, aura, atmosphere, etc., surrounding a person or thing: The candidate was encompassed with a nimbus of fame.
3. halo (def. 1).
4. the type of dense clouds or cloud mass with ragged edges, that yields rain or snow; a rain cloud.
5. (initial capital letter) U.S. Aerospace. one of a series of polar-orbiting meteorological and environmental research satellites, the last of which Nimbus 7, launched 1978, was the first satellite
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/nimbus
HaLo is the fanfiction abbreviation for fics featuring Hannah and Logan. If you didn't know that, you have a lot of reading to do!
Chapter 4: Non Dolce Vita
An old enemy decides to exploit the bad news, and she gets help from a familiar face; Logan grieves.
The film, "La Dolce Vita"
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053779/
introduced the term paparazzo, the name of one of the principal characters. "Non dolce vita" literally translated from the Italian means "not sweet life", which is currently the state of Logan's life, under siege by the paparazzi.
Chapter 5: What Tangled Webs We Weave
The complications of Vinnie's defense and Duncan's custody battle; the FBI pursues leads on Hannah's murder.
Refers to:
Oh what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practise to deceive!
-Sir Walter Scott, Marmion, Canto vi. Stanza 17.
Scottish author & novelist (1771 - 1832)
Chapter 6: Tabloid Reality
Veronica back at Hearst; Carrie aims for the money shot; Mac checks out the Pi Sig's problem.
Tabloid reality: expression used in the press referring to not 'actual' reality, but reality as seen through the periscope of tabloid journalism, for example, see:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05212007/postopinion/letters/amy_and_joes_tabloid_reality_letters_.htm
and
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE0DF1131F931A25750C0A965958260
Chapter 7: Peccavi, Mea Culpa
Logan and his shrink; Keith plants some bugs; Veronica worries.
Peccavi: latin for "I have sinned", Mea culpa: latin for "through my fault" or "it is my fault"
From the "Confiteor" a portion of the Roman Catholic Mass.
Text in Latin
Confíteor Deo omnipoténti et vobis, fratres,
quia peccávi nimis
cogitatióne, verbo, ópere, et omissióne:
mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa.
Ideo precor beátam Maríam semper Vírginem,
omnes Angelos et Sanctos,
et vos, fratres, oráre pro me
ad Dóminum Deum nostrum.
1973 ICEL translation
I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
I am referring to Logan's belief that he is responsible for Hannah's death, through his sin of using her to get at her father.
Chapter 8: Deep Down and Dirty
Candice checks out; Veronica suggests a new tactic in Duncan's custody case; a new exposé on Logan; Keith gets in deeper.
"Deep Down and Dirty" is a song by the Stereo MC's that I like and often listen to when I write NC-17 material.
Chapter 9: Flirting with Disaster
Nerd bonding; Keith probes St. Mary's; Veronica helps Wallace with his crush; the FBI comes calling.
Comes from the expression, flirting with disaster, meaning tempting fate, or not being cautious.
Chapter 10: Eulogy
Hannah's memorial service.
eu-lo-gy –noun, plural -gies.
1. a speech or writing in praise of a person or thing, esp. a set oration in honor of a deceased person.
2. high praise or commendation.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/eulogy
Chapter 11: Tunnel Vision
Veronica pursues Logan with Dick's help; Keith crosses a line.
tunnel vision
–noun
1. a drastically narrowed field of vision, as in looking through a tube, symptomatic of retinitis pigmentosa.
2. an extremely narrow or prejudiced outlook; narrow-mindedness.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tunnel%20vision
Chapter 12: Pick and Roll
Mac researches; Veronica investigates Logan's house; Wallace has a fan.
"The pick and roll (also called screen and roll or shortened to screen-roll, any of which may be hyphenated) in basketball is an offensive play in which a player sets a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then slips behind the defender (rolls) to accept a pass."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pick_and_roll
In this case it refers not only to Wallace playing basketball, but also to the particular subterfuge that Veronica employs to deceive the paparazzi at Logan's beach house.
Chapter 13: Go Ahead, Fake My Day
Veronica and Dick go to TJ; Logan on the run.
Pun on "Go Ahead, Make My Day", uttered by Clint Eastwood in Sudden Impact (1983); the movie features a rape victim exacting vengeance upon her attackers.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086383/
Chapter 14: Things Better Left Buried
Keith tells Veronica to back off; an incident at LAX; Hannah's mother hires Mars Investigations.
Comes from Veronica's voiceover in 1.07, The Girl Next Door.
KEITH: I'm gonna let you slide on this one.
Keith puts his arm around his daughter and pulls her to him. The camera pulls back.
VERONICA VOICEOVER: But can I let myself slide? Sure, the real tragedy happened long before I came along. I just brought it to the surface. But are some things better left buried?
In this case, I'm referring to Keith's advice to Veronica to let Logan alone; to the evidence left in the desert by Keith, and foreshadowing that the Briar Hill investigation as well as Vinnie's coverup could take a heavy toll on the characters.
Chapter 15: For the Sake of the Child
Ms. Denenberg speaks to Keith; Duncan asks Lizzie to testify; Keith asks Wallace for help.
This one's obvious. For the sake of Hannah, for the sake of Lilly, for the sake of Grace, for the sake of Veronica.
Chapter 16: Guise Gone Wild
Logan hides his tracks; Wallace and Candice on a date; Keith meets with Vinnie.
Pun on the male counterpart to "Girls Gone Wild", which is a notorious video series featuring nubile young females taking off their tops; the male counterpart is called "Guys Gone Wild".
guise –noun
1. general external appearance; aspect; semblance: an old principle in a new guise.
2. assumed appearance or mere semblance: under the guise of friendship.
3. style of dress: in the guise of a shepherd.
4. Archaic. manner; mode.
–verb (used with object)
5. to dress; attire: children guised as cowboys.
–verb (used without object)
6. Scot. and North England. to appear or go in disguise.
—Synonyms 1. form, shape. See appearance.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/guise
Refers to Logan's overzealous attempt to elude Veronica's certain pursuit.
Chapter 17: The Dream is Man's
Duncan pursues custody; Wallace and Candice on a study break; Keith reconsiders his actions; The Instigator reports on Logan's whereabouts.
Anagram of "He's in Amsterdam" (it even has the apostrophe); the quote refers to the illusion that man can control his destiny; I can't find the exact quote I'm thinking of. Your assistance in this would be appreciated; this kind of thing drives VanessaGalore nuts.
Chapter 18: Deep-Seated Dear Issues
Logan all emo; Keith investigates the school; Mac tests a flirt-bot theory; Kristen Bell has a day off and shoots a movie.
Comes from episode 2.19, Nevermind the Buttocks.
Veronica walks down the steps of the house and around the back. Antlers decorate the rear of the garage. Harry has a bow and arrow and is taking aim. He lets the arrow fly. It hits the target set in the body of a full-sized fake deer.
VERONICA: I hate fake deer too. Every time I see their stupid fake deer faces I wanna grab a shotgun and go all Cheney on 'em.
Harry loads his bow with another arrow from the many he has in the quiver in front of him.
HARRY: So, did you find the guy?
VERONICA: Not yet. Just a small lead. Maybe.
HARRY: But you will find him, right?
Harry lets another arrow fly. It hits the target, as have all his other arrows.
VERONICA: Do you have some deep-seated deer issues you wanna talk about?
HARRY: Nope. I love animals.
VERONICA: They're delicious, right? Ha, ha.
A pun: Deer -> Dear. Veronica has deep-seated issues about her ‘dear', Logan, as does he, about her.
Chapter 19: Frankly, Madeira, I Don't Give a Damn
Wallace tries to distract Veronica with his own questions; Logan settles in; Carrie returns like a bad penny.
Pun on "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" from "Gone With the Wind" (1939); said by Rhett Butler to Scarlet O'Hara.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031381/quotes
Besides being just a great pun that I couldn't resist, I'm implying that Veronica thinks Logan doesn't give a damn about her.
Chapter 20: Put the Hurt On
Veronica drowns her sorrows in work; Logan throws himself into writing; Wallace helps Keith; Duncan drops a bombshell.
Comes from Episode 1.08, Like a Virgin.
Cut to Wallace arriving at the Mars apartment. Veronica lets him in. He marches past her.
VERONICA: You ready to put the hurt on that Pythagorean Theorem?
WALLACE: Oh, you don't even wanna mess with me on that today. I just about merk'd my mom's crazy, no-rent-paying tenant this afternoon.
VERONICA: That guy's sleazy so I hope "merk'd" means something bad. You know, my dad's still got that Sheriff sheen. He's great at scaring people away.
WALLACE: No, I got it covered.
Expression possibly comes from Otis Redding song, She Put the Hurt On Me (1966).
It is also listed in wikipedia as baseball jargon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_baseball_jargon_(P)#put_a_hurt
I'm implying that they are ALL wallowing. Of course, I gave them pretty good reasons to wallow.
Chapter 21: Revenge of the Coma-Baby
Veronica gets help for Duncan; Leo finds new evidence in the desert; Logan obsesses.
Well, we all know about the coma-baby, Meg's lovechild.
"Coma-Baby" is also the name of a song from "Bright Lights, Big City, The Musical", How could I resist?
Here are the lyrics (let's all sing together now):
Ensemble:
Fucking train, fucking rain
Fucking pain in my brain
Monday morning
Woke up grumpy, feeling frumpy
Feeling lumpy, cup of coffee
Read the paper
What's the headline?
Coma Baby:
Coma baby, coma baby
Monday morning, coma baby
Will I ever see the light of day?
Stuck in here in mommy's tummy
Warm in here, I want to stay
And chase the Monday morning blues away
Ensemble:
Save us from the teenage terrorists,
Lottery winners, sicko creeps,
Elizabeth Taylors, living nightmares,
Life on other planets, Janet
Spontaneous human combustion, dammit
Coma Baby:
Coma baby, coma baby,
Look at Jamie, slept through Sunday
Late for work again
But not too bad
Well, he never fit in really
Father always on the move
New school every year
We all got our problems, baby
Coma Baby and Ensemble:
You've got to rise above it
Move on up
Shimmy, shimmy, gimme
Gimme, feel me fatal
Fire and metal, rocks and steel
Rim shaw, ricashay, do anything you feel
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Chuck Bean:
This is Chuck Bean on the scene
Of yet another murder
Where the blame is down to crack,
The new smack
The Mayor vows to attack crack
I'll be back
This is Chuck Bean on the scene
Live from New York City
And remember, people,
Survive, stay alive
Coma Baby and Ensemble:
Coma baby, coma baby,
Coma baby, coma
Mary O'Brien McCann:
Please, could you find me?
Please don't go
Coma Baby is also available as a ringtone here:
http://www.allmusicals.com/lyrics/brightlightsbigcity/comababy.htm
Chapter 22: Down the Rabbit Hole
Keith locates the evidence in Vinnie's case; Candice comes clean with Wallace.
A reference to Alice in Wonderland.
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Alice_in_Wonderland#Down_the_Rabbit-Hole
Also the title of a CSI: NY episode that featured interaction between live actors and the virtual reality site, Second Life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_The_Rabbit_Hole_(CSI:_NY_episode)
A Freudian analysis of the 'Alice in Wonderland' claims that "[t]he fall down the rabbit hole was a symbol of sexual penetration, the doors surrounding the hallway represented female genitalia." Hey, I'll take any opportunity to introduce smut into my story.
http://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/explain/alice863.html
However, I was actually referring to the characters "falling" into a morass of evil, not necessarily of their own making.
Chapter 23: Gazing Into the Abyss
A new development in the serial murder case, and Veronica is curious; Keith talks to Lizzie; Vinnie makes a deal; Veronica works a case; Logan confronts his demons.
Quote from Friederich Nietzsche: "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." -Aphorism 146
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Friedrich_Nietzsche
Specifically refers to the characters discovery of the nature of evil in this chapter: Veronica researching the serial murderer, Keith talking to Lizzie about her father, the child molester; Vinnie making a deal, ensuring that Keith will have to sell his soul to the devil to save his daughter; and Logan confronting his angry feelings toward Veronica.
Chapter 24: Sleazy Does It
Mac upgrades the Pi Sig computer security; Veronica bumps into Keith, learns some disturbing information and has a revelation.
Pun on the Alcoholics Anonymous slogan, "Easy Does It"; later on the twelve-step approach used at Briar Hill is discussed extensively. Here Veronica is exposed to the sleazy come-on used to sell the school to potential parents and students.
Chapter 25: Tough Love
Keith speaks to Ms. James; Veronica investigates Logan's disappearance.
Pretty simple; tough love is the philosophy of the school; and right now, Veronica is finding it pretty tough to love Logan.
Chapter 26: Chasing the Storm
Veronica helps Wallace with Candice's missing brother; Mac goes boldly into a new frontier; Veronica demonstrates her gastronomic prowess; Logan tries to heal.
A quote from episode 1.03, Meet John Smith.
INT – VIDEO STORE – DAY.
Jason is staring sadly into the distance.
ASSISTANT: Hey Justin, did you special order "Body Heat" for someone? Here it is.
VERONICA VOICEOVER: Because after disaster strikes, the important thing is that you move on.
JUSTIN: Right.
Cut to him on the phone.
JUSTIN: Hello?... Julia?... It's Justin. Hey, listen. That copy of "Body Heat" you wanted came in…
He breaks down a little.
JUSTIN: No, it's fine… Yeah, I work here every Saturday... That's great. Okay… I'll see you then. Bye.
He hangs up.
EXT – STREETS, PHOENIX – DAY.
Veronica drives in suburban streets, checking the address.
VERONICA VOICEOVER: But if you're like me, you just keep chasing the storm.
Refers to Veronica's tendency to be a ‘storm-chaser', like tornado watchers that get a thrill out of getting close to the tornado. Veronica prefers the chaos of pursuing vengeance rather than the relative calm of acceptance and forgiveness.
Chapter 27: Family Values
Veronica insists on being let in on the Briar Hill investigation; Wallace and Candice search for Shawn; Duncan grows a pair; Veronica and Keith interview a satisfied customer of the Briar Hill experience.
The phrase is used ironically. ‘Family Values' is also a phrase connected with certain politicians, who some believe are actually pursuing policies destructive to families. For instance, Nancy Reagan, who in real life championed the tough-love approach to addiction and specifically championed the STRAIGHT drug programs that are the forerunners of today's ‘therapeutic boarding schools' and ‘wilderness academies'. This is also a fic about fatherhood, so ‘family values' is also intended to make one think about the different choices of the fathers in the story.
Chapter 28: Day In the Life of a Human Google
Veronica gets inside info about the Slasher from the FBI; Wallace finds out more about Shawn; Veronica and Weevil find out about Logan's new look.
A quote from episode 1.16, Betty and Veronica.
VERONICA VOICEOVER: A day in the life of a human google. Always in search mode. One moment tracking down the absurd, parrots and goats, metaphors for a school pride I don't possess…
Chapter 29: Standard Deviation
Mac and Wallace enlist Dick's help again to locate Logan; Veronica and Weevil find out Logan's new name and transportation; news about Gory Sorokin; Logan takes a step.
"In probability and statistics, the standard deviation is a measure of the dispersion of a set of values."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_deviation
Sort of a stretch, but I'm referring both to the probability that Veronica's wild goose chase will actually track down Logan, as well as a general reference to ‘deviant' behavior (Dick). Possibly implying that the more things change, the more they stay the same (as the characters grow, they still struggle with the same old problems and issues they always had).
Chapter 30: Digging Deeper
Veronica meets with Dr. Friedman; Leo works the evidence.
Pretty straightforward: refers to Veronica digging deeper into the mystery of Logan's disappearance and the damaging effect of the tough-love schools; and Leo digging deeper into the evidence found at the arson scene. Later on, we will learn that the girls at Briar Hill are encouraged to "dig deeper" into their motivations for being addicts.
Chapter 31: In the Detective Business, We Call This a Clue
Veronica tries to track Logan and works on the serial murder case; Veronica helps Duncan get settled in.
A quote from 1.15, Ruskie Business.
VERONICA: Secret admirer strikes again and the plot thickens.
MEG: [Holding up a card that says GO!, with a grin] He wants me to go to the dance.
Veronica grabs the card.
MEG: I'm dying to know who it is.
VERONICA: [Examining one of the flowers] Purple faced monkey orchid. Native to the King Leopold range in the Australian outback. My deduction? [With dramatic mystery] Your secret admirer is an aboriginal tribesman…
MEG: Uh-huh. [Laughs]
VERONICA: …who shops [holding up the card] at Manny's Flower Hut.
Veronica pockets the card and gets out her cell, lining up to take a picture.
MEG: Uh-huh. What are you doing?
VERONICA: In the detective business, we call this a clue.
MEG: What about the text messages?
VERONICA: I've got my best man on it.
Chapter 32: The Need for Human Contact
Mac and Rick's date; Duncan reveals his true feelings; Logan goes into a bar; Duncan has an adventure; a surprising phone call.
Pretty straightforward: Mac needs a new boy-toy; Duncan still needs Veronica, but will settle for Katerina; Logan on self-imposed house arrest needs any kind of human contact, but ends up helplessly calling Veronica.
Chapter 33: Mad Sleuthing Skillz
Keith and Veronica meet with an attorney suing Briar Hill; Mac and Dick team up; Wallace searches for Shawn.
Just for fun, let's find instances of the word 'sleuth' from the show.
From 1.10, An Echolls Family Christmas.
LOGAN: Did your super-sleuth kit come with a decoder ring? Do you have a pen that writes with invisible ink? Never mind, don't care. Mush! Mush!
From 2.07, Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner.
LOGAN: I don't know if you noticed that I got arrested. Super fun. This guy came forward saying he was the 9-1-1 caller the night Felix got killed. And he's attempting to ruin my life. I thought maybe you could do a little sleuthing for old times' sake.
and of course from 1.11, Silence of the Lamb.
MAC: Okay, you're exposing parental secrets for fifty bucks a pop. We create this website, double the fee, we have no overhead because I've already bought the domain name. With your sleuth prowess and my programming skills, I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that we would rule the entire known universe.
I threw in the expression "Mad Skillz" just for funsies.
Chapter 34: The Innocent Suffer, The Guilty Go Free (Part One)
Veronica and Mac have a morning full of surprises; Keith coaches Vinnie on the next step; Duncan prepares for his amnesty hearing.
Chapter 35: The Innocent Suffer, The Guilty Go Free (Part Two)
Wallace locates Shawn; Duncan makes a statement to the press; Leo works the arson case; Logan reacts to Duncan's press conference.
A quote from 2.22, Not Pictured.
There are other various shouts and the crowd, fronted by the cameras and microphones of the press, surges forward as Aaron comes out with his lawyers (except for Lavoie).
VERONICA VOICEOVER: So this is how it is. The innocent suffer. The guilty go free. And truth and fiction are pretty much interchangeable.
Aaron acknowledges the crowd happily.
REPORTER: Mr. Echolls, how do you feel about your acquittal?
AARON: I-I feel relieved to have my name cleared of this, this...horrible crime.
My general idea on these two chapters was that everything had gone to hell for Veronica and everyone else we care about. This was also the point where I stopping gving the readers flashforwards. After here, we time-shifted ahead, and picked up the story in Texas, and eventually went to Briar Hill.
Chapter 36: The Texas Two-Step
Veronica tracks down Logan.
The Texas Two-Step is a dance. Logan's in Texas, and he and Veronica are dancing around each other and the big issues.
Chapter 37: Emotional Rescue
Veronica and Logan, two emotional cripples, deserve each other. Discuss among yourselves.
'Emotional Rescue' is the name of a Rolling Stones album, and I'm referring to Veronica coming to the rescue of Logan in his emotional crisis, and Logan coming to aid Veronica in her crisis with her dad being arrested.
Chapter 38: The Headmistress and the Cunning Linguist
Makeup sex, like whoa.
Yeah, it's what you think. Veronica is a mistress of giving head (slang for fellatio) and Logan is a cunning linguist, due to his impressive skills at cunnilingus.
Chapter 39: The Mile High Club
Veronica and Logan fly home.
The Mile High Club refers to a mythical club, to which you may join if you have sexual intercouse at least one mile high in the sky, usually on an airplane. I admit that this chapter is somewhat autobiographical. Yeah, I know, TMI.
Chapter 40: A Desperate Plan
Veronica, Logan and Keith discuss Veronica's plan.
This was one of my weakest title choices. Really doesn't have any hidden meanings at all. It's desperate, and it's a plan.
Chapter 41: Shades of Noir
Duncan is suspicious of Katya; Wallace and Candice at her brother's funeral; Logan and Veronica confront Leo.
A play on the ‘color' black, and the alternate meaning of ‘shade', meaning a spirit of a dead person. Referring to Kendall, who is presumed to be dead, and Shawn, who is dead. And also a play on the word ‘noir', meaning the genre of films and literature; for chrissakes "That's noir, baby" is the title of my journal.
From Wikipedia: "Film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize moral ambiguity and sexual motivation." Yeah, that's my fic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_noir
Chapter 42: Playing Catch-up
Dick reaches out to Mac; Logan gets up to speed on the Briar Hill mission; Duncan asks Mars Investigations for help.
I know you were wondering if I was making a pun on ketchup, but actually it's just one of my weaker chapter titles.
Chapter 43: High-Tech Crimes and Misdemeanors
Mac at the FBI; a lead in Shawn's murder investigation; a break-in at Mars Investigations.
"High Crimes and Misdemeanors" refers to misconduct, especially misconduct by the holder of the highest office in the land. It is related to the charge of treason.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_crimes_and_misdemeanours
I'm using a play on the phrase ‘high-tech' since Mac is working on the internet identity theft ring, Wallace is breaking into the Blackberry, and Kendall clones the hard drives of the Mars investigations computers.
Chapter 44: Hidden Agendas
Logan confronts Veronica about the Briar Hill Investigation; Mac replies to Dick; Veronica recognizes the burglar.
Yeah, another weak chapter title, but it fit everything going on in the chapter.
Chapter 45: What's the Sitch?
Dick gets Mac's email and asks for Veronica's help; Wallace comes back to town and fills in Veronica on his investigation.
"What's the Sitch?" is a quote from the pilot of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', which I quoted extensively in this chapter. I'm not even a fan of BTVS, but I loved ‘Firefly', so Joss gets all the lovin' from me that I can muster up.
Chapter 46: The Beast With Two Backs
Logan, Veronica, and Duncan surprise Katerina.
"The Beast With Two Backs" (from "Othello") was Shakespeare's rather colorful term to refer to sexual intercourse. and in this case, I'm also referring to Kendall as a beast, or at least a character of limited moral integrity.
Chapter 47: Revelations 17:4-5
Kendall is interrogated.
Revelations 17:4-5 (the Bible, you heathen!) "And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."
Don't we all love Kendall?
Chapter 48: Code Word: Endurance
Gratuitous pandering to fangirls ahead.
Refers to episode 2.07, Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner.
KENDALL: iPod girl with the waxy-eared boyfriend. Small world.
Veronica makes a finger gesture for "tiny." Behind Kendall, Logan is smiling as he works out that Veronica conned Kendall as part of her surveillance.
VERONICA: Like this big.
Kendall turns, glances at Logan, who waggles his eyebrows, and goes straight into his bedroom (ie. she's been here before). Logan starts to follow, then turns back to Veronica and Duncan.
LOGAN: My code word will be...endurance.
I'm referring to Logan's history with Kendall.
Chapter 49: Sweating the Details
A planning meeting on the Briar Hill operation.
An expression meaning "to work hard to ensure that all the details are correct. It means to be concerned about the little things and to remember that details matter."
http://www.mathworks.com/company/aboutus/mission_values/values/continuous.html?sweat
But I'm also obliquely referring to the Alcoholics Anonymous slogan: "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. It's All Small Stuff."
Chapter 50: Downright Testy
Veronica and Logan clash over the Briar Hill operation.
A quote from episode 1.04, The Wrath of Con.
VERONICA: Hello boys, let me guess what you're thinking. Paybacks are a bitch.
GRANT: [As Liam hands the money to Veronica] Yeah, something like that.
Veronica starts to count the money.
VERONICA: Well, [handing the money to Wallace] here, you're the math whiz.
GRANT: It's all there.
GEORGIA: Like we trust you.
WALLACE: Yeah, I think that's all of it.
VERONICA: Our commission's included?
WALLACE: Yeope.
VERONICA: Ownage.
GRANT: Can we have our backup drives now?
VERONICA: You need to lay off the caffeine, Grrrant. 'Cause you're downright testy. Your backups are in the garbage can, next to the bench.
Veronica and Logan can both be ‘bitchy little girls'. [Now, what's that a reference to? Oh yeah, the opening lines on ‘Burn Notice'. Ain't pop culture fun?]
Chapter 51: Dream On, Jump Street
Veronica's unresolved issues surface.
A quote from Episode 1.18, Weapons of Class Destruction. Ah, just think about that balcony scene...oh wait, I'm supposed to be talking about my chapter titles.
VERONICA: Logan, stop.
Logan stops and Veronica holds out the wallet which is in fact a badge.
VERONICA: He's a federal agent.
Cut to a room in the motel. Ben is gingerly touching his jaw, seated on the bed. Logan is watching him like a cat from the corner, flexing his used fist. Ben looks at him and Logan, glancing in at Veronica wetting a towel in the bathroom, moves to another corner. Veronica comes out and hands the towel to Ben who holds it up to his busted lip.
VERONICA: You're undercover at Neptune High?
BEN: [Looking at Logan] Is it all right if he goes outside? I'd like to talk to you.
LOGAN: Dream on, Jump Street. I'm not leaving you alone with her.
I'm referring to Veronica's dream and Veronica going undercover at the school (the premise of the 80's TV show, 21 Jump Street, which notably introduced the world to the fabulousness known as Johnny Depp).
Chapter 52: Less Blood, More Emotional Distress
Wallace consults Keith; Logan and Veronica consult a professional.
This is from one of my favorite scenes, in Episode 1.07, The Girl Next Door.
Daniels thrusts the book into Logan's hand and leaves. Logan takes off the shirt he is wearing, over his tee-shirt.
LOGAN: Well, amigo, let's get to it, huh?
Cut to Logan and Weevil moving the desk under the bookcase to get to the top shelf, then to Weevil jumping onto the desk as Logan attends to one of the lower shelves.
WEEVIL: [Throwing the books to the floor] Oops! Heads up! My bad!
LOGAN: You obviously have no appreciation of literature.
Weevil continues to toss the books on the floor as Logan picks a book off the shelf and turns into the room. He drops the book and kicks it.
LOGAN: [With Shakespearian flourish] Would that it were Mr Daniels' head!
WEEVIL: I was thinking more like that scene in 'Casino'. [Sitting on the desk] With the vice grip.
LOGAN: [Leaning back against the bookcase, hands at the level of his head] Ah, see I'm more of a purist, you know, less blood, more emotional distress. I'd rather see him locked in a room, padded, crapping himself in the corner. You know, he's an English teacher. He'd appreciate the poetic justice.
WEEVIL: [Tossing another book] I think I've got your poetic justice.
LOGAN: Meaning?
WEEVIL: [Jumping off the desk] Meaning I've got a plan.
LOGAN: Tick tick. Losing interest.
WEEVIL: Well, if I thought you had the cojones to pull it off, I'd tell you, but...
LOGAN: [With deliberation] Never underestimate the size of my cojones.
I'm referring to Veronica's emotional distress manifested by the nightmares she's been having, and I'm foreshadowing that the school will not be about physical trauma, but rather mental anguish.
Chapter 53: Toddling Steps
Mac's surreptitious activities in Witness Protection; Duncan's supervised visitation; Logan and Veronica come to an agreement.
Okay, this one is offically my worst chapter title. It's just lame. I can't even explain it. I guess it refers to ‘baby steps', or very limited progress, except that Duncan's daughter is now a toddler. so it became ‘Toddling Steps'. God! This was just pathetic.
Chapter 54: Illegitimi Non Carborundum
Evidence that the paparazzi are still stalking Logan surfaces; Wallace asks Weevil for help.
Mock Latin for Don't Let the Bastards Get You Down (literally ‘Grind' you down), originated during World War II, used and known in many forms since then.
I'm thinking of adopting this motto for myself.
Chapter 55: Tattoo You
Veronica and Logan meet with Mike Fields; more preparation for Briar Hill.
Another Rolling Stones album. No other significance that I know of. And the Rolling Stones aren't talking about what they meant, either. I'm referring to Veronica's tattoo for the undercover mission.
Chapter 56: Codependence
Logan and Veronica meet with Professor Kinny; Mike makes contact with Mac; Keith and Logan head to Boston for the operation.
‘Codependence' is a term used in twelve step programs that has leached into psychotherapy.
"Codependence is a pattern of detrimental, behavioral interactions within a dysfunctional relationship which is regarded by some as a form of disease. The codependent person is the person, who in the beginning of the loved one's drug career, in good faith, tries to help them stop by trying to control the drug addict and the drug. The codependent's life gets more and more out of hand and at the end, they might become as sick as the drug addict. In general, the codependent is understood to be a person who perpetuates the alcohol or drug dependence of someone close to them in a way that hampers recovery. This can be done through direct control over the dependent, by making excuses for their dysfunctional behavior or relieving them of the consequences of the dependence. This is called enabling, which can have negative social and health consequences for both parties. Codependency advocates claim that a codependent may feel shame about, or try to change, their most private thoughts and feelings if they conflict with those of another person."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codependence
Since both Veronica's and Logan's mothers are alcoholics, this term has significant relevance to their family relationships and in their relationship to each other. This chapter discusses twelve step programs, and both Logan and Veronica have insights into their own psychological makeup.
Chapter 57: Ruse
Keith arranges Veronica's admission to the school; Veronica enlists Dick's help again.
This chapter title doesn't require a college degree to figure out, but I really like it anyways. The operation begins, with the ruse that Keith is admitting his incorrigible daughter to Briar Hill Academy.
Chapter 58: Don't Let the Easy Entrance Fool You
Veronica is picked up by the transfer service.
The meaning of 'Don't Let the Easy Entrance Fool You':
from Dante's Inferno, Canto V 16-20:
"O you who come to this abode of pain,...beware how you come in and whom you trust. Don't let the easy entrance fool you." -Robert Hollander and Jean Hollander, trans.
http://etcweb.princeton.edu/dante/pdp/
A more traditional translation:
"O thou, that to this dolorous hostelry,...Look how thou enterest, and in whom thou trustest; Let not the portal's amplitude deceive thee." -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, trans.
http://www.divinecomedy.org/divine_comedy.html
If you're a nerd like me: for fun, check out this site (a purity test based on Dante's Inferno)
http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-test.mv
I'm implying that it will be easy for Veronica (and Logan) to get into Briar Hill, but it may be difficult for them to leave their hellish experiences behind.
Chapter 59: E-M-E-T-I-B
Veronica is delivered to Briar Hill; Wallace and Weevil head out to Chino; Duncan witnesses something.
The meaning of 'E-M-E-T-I-B':
The title is an 'Alias' reference from the pilot, it's "Bite Me" backwards, the scene in 'Alias' is not too far off from what's going on with Veronica in this scene.
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Alias#Truth_Be_Told
Chapter 60: Incarceration
The monitoring team in place; Wallace and Weevil in Chino; Veronica in Observation Placement.
A straightforward chapter title, referring to Veronica's incarceration at the school and Wallace's and Weevil's visit to the former leader of the PCHers.
Chapter 61: Briar Patch
Veronica ponders Maria's possible involvement; Briar Hill classes; Weevil's plan.
Main Entry: briar patch
Part of Speech: n
Definition: any thick, dense tangle of thorny vines; an area containing prickly plants, such as greenbrier or rosebushes
Example: Winnie-the-Pooh and friends made their way through the briar patch.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/briar%20patch
Briar Hill Academy is a "thorny" place, dense with evil and malefaction. The name I chose for the school also has a personal significance to me: it is a reference to one of the places where I work, and my boss found it amusing that I used the name of his place in my fic. My boss was also immortalized in the description of Epstein's incredibly messy office. (You have no idea. Seriously.) Of course, I've altered the name of my boss's business slightly, so don't bother trying to Google it.
Chapter 62: Observer Effect
Logan scouts Klein's office; Dick is targeted; Veronica's night in OP.
"In science, the term observer effect refers to changes that the act of observing will make on the phenomenon being observed."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observer_effect
I'm implying that the monitoring team is actually changing what happens at the school by watching it.
Chapter 63: Back Doors
Mac has a breakthrough; Veronica is interviewed by Klein; group therapy begins.
This reference was explained in the chapter: "Back-doors", to the tough-love schools and their predecessors, the drug programs of the 70's and 80's, is a term for your fellow addicts and your habitual behaviors that can tempt you back into your addiction once you leave the program.
A back-door in a computer program is a way for the programmer to access parts of the code. Back Orifice is the program the real-life Cult of the Dead Cow created to hack into Windows Office.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CDc_communications
Wait, did you think I made up the Cult of the Dead Cow? They're real, and they're hacker activists, or "hacktivists".
Chapter 64: Scars
Logan compares notes with Keith and the monitoring team.
I'm referring to Logan's and Maria's scars, and the scars that may be left on everyone participating in the operation. I'm also referring to the Battlestar Galacetica Episode, Scar.
"One [Cylon] Raider in particular [is] nicknamed "Scar" and is identified by a long gash in the side of its "face". Scar is feared among the Viper pilots as the best raider in the Cylon fleet. Its uncanny sneak attacks from hiding places behind asteroids and use of other Raiders to lure Viper wings to separate and become vulnerable have proven lethal to nugget and veteran Viper pilots alike. Like a predator, Scar strikes lone Vipers from their blindspots and then jumps away before the pilot's wingman can respond."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scar_(Battlestar_Galactica)
The implication as regards the Battlestar Galactica reference is that Veronica is carrying out a sneak attack on the school.
Chapter 65: Breaking It Down
Mac has a breakthrough; the girls go on a hike; Logan breaks into Klein's office; Keith and Epstein tail Klein.
The title refers to the common practice at tough-love programs and cults in general of breaking down the initiate both physically and mentally, and then rebuilding them in the desired form. It's also referring to breaking down the information Logan and Keith are gathering on the illicit activities at Briar Hill.
Chapter 66: Tip-Off
Weevil and Wallace; after the hike; Keith reviews the files.
Tip-Off refers to the policeman's or detective's ‘tip-off' by an informant that something nefarious is going on; it also refers to the opening of a basketball game. Tip-off can also refer to a clue that something is not quite right.
tip-off 1
n. Informal 1. A piece of confidential, advance, or inside information. 2. An indication of an otherwise unknown fact or probability: The judge called for a pitcher of water, a tip-off that the session would be long.
tip-off 2
n. Basketball
An act of starting play at the beginning of a period with a jump ball. Also called tap-off.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/TIP-OFF
Chapter 67: Night Terrors
Veronica manifests ill effects due to the operation; Mac's discovery has unexpected consequences.
A rather obvious chapter title, referring to YET ANOTHER one of Veronica's nightmares and to the horrors of the MacKenzie's house being blown up.
Chapter 68: Pathological Reaction
Veronica gets a new punishment during group therapy; Wallace has some bad news for Keith.
path-o-log-i-cal
–adjective
1. of or pertaining to pathology.
2. caused by or involving disease; morbid.
3. caused by or evidencing a mentally disturbed condition: a pathological liar.
4. dealing with diseases: a pathological casebook.
Also, path-o-log-ic.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pathological
A pathological reaction in medicine refers to an unusual reaction by the body. A pathological liar in psychotherapy is a person who cannot help lying, and is unable to tell the truth. I'm referring to the lies that the students at a tough-love school make up to try to satisfy their inquisitors; it is believed that "what you admit willingly is false, what has to be pulled out is true." (See Szalavitz, Maia. Help At Any Cost. New York: Riverhead Books, 2006. p. 211, 233 and 255.)
Chapter 69: I'll Destroy You Worse
Veronica's solution to her situation; and boy oh boy is Logan pissed; Logan confers with the monitoring team.
A quote from episode 1.12, Clash of the Tritons.
VERONICA: Howdy, Rick. Do I know you? No. Then why'd you tell Sheriff Lamb I sold you a fake ID?
RICK: It's…it-it's what they told me to say.
VERONICA: Who's they?
RICK: No way. They're everywhere. They will destroy me.
VERONICA: I'll destroy you worse.
RICK: I can't talk about it here.
VERONICA: Tomorrow in school, we talk.
RICK: No! I just- I told you, it has to be done in secret.
VERONICA: Oh, it will be. You'll be hearing from me.
I am not only referring to Veronica's typical blood-thirsty search for vengeance, but also to Logan's emotional distress at the operation.
Chapter 70: You Mess With the Bull
Veronica in restraints; Logan tries to bond with his fellow employees.
Veronica actually used this phrase twice: first in 1.08, Like a Virgin.
MRS MURPHY: Veronica. You seem to be in a sharing mood. Why don't you tell us your position on this?
As Veronica is pondering her response, she is saved by a dick.
DICK: All fours.
The class laughs.
MRS MURPHY: Dick Casablancas. You can see me after class.
Dick gives Veronica a dirty look as she wags her finger at him.
VERONICA VOICEOVER: Congratulations, Dick. You just made my list.
later:
Cut to the car park. The music is "Don't Let It Get You Down" by Spoon. Veronica passes Dick whose car engine is steaming.
VERONICA VOICEOVER: All fours, huh, Dick? You mess with the bull.
And also in 3.01, Welcome Wagon.
KEITH: Oh, by the way, how was your first day? How does it feel being a college student?
Veronica stretches her arms out in front of her.
VERONICA: [languorously] Well, it's exhausting. I had one whole class today.
KEITH: Did you make any friends?
She laughs.
VERONICA: Lord, no.
KEITH: Enemies?
VERONICA: Eee...
KEITH: Yeah, well, it is a day that ends in a Y.
VERONICA: Hey! You mess with the bull.
Veronica holds up a corna, (a fist with the index and little fingers extended), which also illustrates the horns of a Texas Longhorn. Keith chuckles.
The expression means if you do something foolish or dangerous, you'll get hurt. Veronica thinks she's in control of her situation (she just managed to get herself put in restraints) but in actuality she's truly not in control (she's the one being foolish and getting hurt), and she ends up crying over the stress of how the situation is affecting her and Logan. Logan also has to interact with the other employees, who push him hard over his inability to punish the students and his reputation as a kiss-ass.
‘Bull' is also playing with idea of a con or a lie: this is the chapter where we learn the guards' nickname for Veronica, Connie McConArtist.
Chapter 71: Catalyst
The FBI gets involved; a surprise visitor to Briar Hill.
Catalyst: –noun
1. Chemistry. a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected.
2. something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces without itself being affected.
3. a person or thing that precipitates an event or change: His imprisonment by the government served as the catalyst that helped transform social unrest into revolution.
4. a person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/catalyst
In this case, the catalyst is Carrie Murray, the reporter, who shows up at Briar Hill to make trouble. In addition, Keith gets the FBI involved in the operation, and Veronica muses about Lilly, who certainly accelerated every personal reaction and transformed every social interaction around her.
Chapter 72: L.O.V.E.: Letting Go of Virtually Everything
Logan gets Veronica up to speed on the operation; Dave shows Logan the ropes.
L.O.V.E., or "Letting Go of Virtually Everything" is actual AA jargon, referring to the need to let go of resentments and old bad habits. Besides the obvious reference to LoVe, I'm also referring to both Veronica and Logan losing their sense of self and humanity, especially during the bucket incident, and the solidity of their relationship slipping away as they are influenced by the psychological conditioning at the school.
Chapter 73: The Black Hole
Weevil and Wallace on a stakeout; Veronica gets special attention; Duncan stands idly by.
black hole
–noun
Astronomy. a theoretical massive object, formed at the beginning of the universe or by the gravitational collapse of a star exploding as a supernova, whose gravitational field is so intense that no electromagnetic radiation can escape.
1: a celestial object that has a gravitational field so strong that light cannot escape it and that is believed to be created especially in the collapse of a very massive star
2: something resembling a black hole: as a: something that consumes a resource continually <a financial black hole> b: an empty space : void
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Black+hole
Klein uses a metaphor of a black hole to describe Veronica's soul, unconsciously striking her where she is most vulnerable by accusing her of being empty and a user of everyone around her just as she is assailed by doubts of her own self-worth and an overwhelming fear that everyone she loves is unable to love her back.
Chapter 74: Cognitive Dissonance
Veronica in restraints; Candice confronts Wallace; Logan bonds with the other employees and is given more responsibility; some dissent among the monitoring team.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance
"Cognitive dissonance is an uncomfortable feeling caused by holding two contradictory ideas simultaneously. The "ideas" or "cognitions" in question may include attitudes and beliefs, and also the awareness of one's behavior. The theory of cognitive dissonance proposes that people have a motivational drive to reduce dissonance by changing their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, or by justifying or rationalizing their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Cognitive dissonance theory is one of the most influential and extensively studied theories in social psychology.
Dissonance normally occurs when a person perceives a logical inconsistency among his or her cognitions.....A powerful cause of dissonance is an idea in conflict with a fundamental element of the self-concept, such as "I am a good person" or "I made the right decision." The anxiety that comes with the possibility of having made a bad decision can lead to rationalization, the tendency to create additional reasons or justifications to support one's choices....Dissonance can also lead to confirmation bias, the denial of disconfirming evidence, and other ego defense mechanisms."
This psychological theory of a defense mechanism in an intolerable situation perfectly describes both Logan and Veronica's situation undercover, where both are being swayed by the programming conducted by the school. Even though they are still aware of their actual status, their minds are losing the ability to tell what is reality and what is subterfuge, and they are both characterized by disordered thinking and an attempt to rationalize the insanity around them. Logan even begins to think of Veronica as ‘Connie' and is losing the ability to tell them apart, while Veronica becomes suspicious that Logan is actually punishing her. In addition, the monitoring team, especially Keith, is influenced as well, and starts to make bad decisions based on faulty data.
Chapter 75: Survivor Guilt
Dick is questioned about Kendall's murder; Veronica back in the daily 'routine'.
Survivor, survivor's, or survivors guilt or syndrome is a mental condition that occurs when a person perceives himself or herself to have done wrong by surviving a traumatic event.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivor_guilt
Logan is forced to observe Veronica as she participates in a sick game called "The Lifeboat Exercise", which seems to have no redeeming therapeutic value other than to further break down the participants. Veronica is also finding herself unwillingly 'going along to get along' due to her mental and physical fatigue, and she is feeling guilty because she is a professional who is supposed to be saving the other students.