NEW DIMENSIONS - Cont'd

The captain was beside herself with panic. No sooner than they had embraced, Liz had lapsed into unconsciousness. Debo was more concerned for her charge than the possible admonishment from Eponin and the Queen. She gently laid Liz on the pallet and hit the door in a sprint. She instructed the first Amazon she saw to inform Eponin, Ephiny and Saras. Her next stop was the Queen’s chamber. She pounded on the door. "Queen Gabrielle! Xena! Quickly, your friend has fallen ill! " She repeated the pounding on the door.

It opened and Xena caught her fist before it could land on her chest. "What happened?" Gabrielle was already moving past them down the hall.

Debo swallowed hard. "We were...uh...kissing and she just collapsed."

Xena glared at the young guard. "Kissing?" What the Hades were you thinking? Never mind, we’ll talk about this later." She pushed past the shaken Amazon and strode into the chamber.

Gabrielle was hovering over Liz, loosening her blouse. She wet a cloth in the basin and placed it on her sweating brow. Her words were filled with concern and laced with fear. "Oh, Liz, please don’t do this me. C’mon now, wake up. This is no time for games."

Xena entered the room and Gabrielle threw her an anxious look. "Xena, I knew something wasn’t right. You know she hasn’t looked well all day. I don’t know what to do."

The warrior neared the pallet and sat opposite Gabrielle. She took Liz’s hand and looked Gabrielle in the eye. "Gabrielle, listen to me. Remember what Amoria said about having to make a decision?"

The bard cast a glance at Liz and then to Xena. "Yes, I remember, why?" She returned her attention to Liz.

Xena carefully chose her next words. "Gabrielle, I think she is making that decision now."

The bard turned a tearful face toward Xena. "What are you saying? That she is choosing to die? No! I don’t believe that! I won’t let her!" Gabrielle focused on Liz again. This time she was more adamant. She grabbed her shoulders, her voice filled with anger. "Liz! You can’t just give up, you hear me. Don’t die oh, please don’t die! " Xena moved around the pallet and held Gabrielle from behind. The bard was sobbing.

Saras led the contingent through the door closely followed by Ephiny and Eponin. All took up positions. Saras went directly to the pallet, Ephiny to Xena and Gabrielle, and Eponin got in Debo’s face.

She was positively livid. "What, in the name of all that’s holy happened here?" Debo was pale as a full moon. She had never seen Eponin so angry. Words failed to come out of her mouth. Eponin was way too upset to deal with this at the moment, but she let Debo know her butt was on the line. The captain started toward the door. Eponin caught her arm and ordered, "Don’t you dare leave this room! I’m not finished with you, yet! " Debo stopped dead in her tracks and settled near the wall. Eponin turned and joined the others near the pallet.

"Saras, what’s wrong with her? Is she dying?" Gabrielle’s question was more of a plea.

Saras was examining her eyes. "I can’t tell, my Queen. I believe she is in some sort of trance."

Two dimensions were joined by one mind, one heart and one love.

Liz was standing at a fork in the road. She could hear disembodied voices around her. They were familiar. She ‘felt’ a distinct struggle...a tugging and resistance , if you will. She was slowing turning, the marvels of the void displayed like a slide show on her mind.

The voice of Ruth called to her across the void..."...the universe will always seek balance...one way or another...keep the purity of your quest in your heart."

Swirling around her was Roger... "...you’d better come back or I’m redecorating your condo in chintz...."

The sound of Sam’s voice filled her mind and heart..."...Liz, I’ll be here when you’re ready..."

Randi’s impassioned plea washed over her..."...if you die, I’ll never forgive you.."

Gabrielle’s angst for her friend pulled at her..." ...please, Liz, don’t do this...wake up.."

Even Liz’s own voice echoed..."...Roger, I promise, if there is a way, I will come back.."

And finally, Amoria’s voice reminded her..."...the greatest love will call you.."

Gabrielle’s face was wet with tears. She silently prayed. ‘Artemis, please help my friend.’

All the women were focused on Liz and the drama being played there. Only Debo saw the light forming behind them. She shielded her eyes, as it grew brighter. The room went absolutely white as the goddess appeared. All the Amazons fell to their knees, including Xena.

Gabrielle watched as her patron goddess took form in front of her. She too was on her knees, head bowed out of respect. Artemis spoke to her chosen. "Rise, my child, I have heard your plea. I cannot force my will upon another. She will have to desire it. You hold her here, Gabrielle. You must release her, my child."

She looked the goddess in the face, eyes red from anguish. "Let me tell her good-bye, Atremis, please. Then I can let her go. "

"As you wish, Gabrielle." The goddess cast nothing more than a glance toward the pallet. Liz opened her eyes. The room was filled with women looking at her. Where had they come from? There was a luminescent being in the center of the room. This had to be a goddess she surmised. It was funny how accepting she had become of the otherworldly personas. She pushed herself up on her elbows.

Gabrielle turned to see her friend awake. She embraced her tightly. "Oh, Liz, I was so worried about you."

Liz knew what she had to do. It was time. "Gabrielle...I...have to.." She could barely get the words past her lips.

The bard placed her finger to her lips. "I know...you have to leave...I’ve been holding you here. I didn’t want to let you go. Part of me still doesn’t."

This was sheer agony for Liz. "I know, but I don’t belong here. My body will die if I stay, and my heart will die if I leave. Not an easy choice, is it?"

Gabrielle looked to Artemis for confirmation and help. " Artemis, can’t you help her? She has done so much for me. Please, I implore you. I know she isn’t of our time, and you know nothing of her, but..."

The goddess spoke to her chosen and to Liz. "Gabrielle, I know this mortal’s heart. She sought my protection for you during your crisis. Her loving concern for her friends and you has been paramount. Not once did she ask help for herself." Atremis turned to face Liz. "You surprise me. The purity of your quest has remained throughout, even at the possible cost of your own life. I grant you one request."

Liz stood and approached the goddess. She looked around the room. It was overflowing with women who cared about her, though they barely knew her. "Thank you for watching over Gabrielle." She cast a glance at the bard. " I want to go home, Artemis."

The goddess answered. "Your request is granted."

Randi had the cell phone connected to a headset. Ruth was on the other end. The sky was darkening and flashes of lightning were dancing across the sky. The wind was picking up. A low hum had started near where she stood. She had to yell into the phone. "RUTH, CAN YOU HEAR ME? IT’S STARTED. TELL ME WHEN. "

On the other side of the world, Ruth, Roger and Sam were joined in a meditative trance. She spoke to Randi, "Not yet!"

Outside Amoria’s a storm was brewing. She maintained her vigil and concentration.

The Amazon village was darkened by an ominous sky. Women were taking cover. The chamber was beginning to feel electrified. Liz walked to Gabrielle, placed her arms around her and squeezed with all her might. Gabrielle placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. She looked into tear filled eyes and said, " I’ll be right here." She placed a finger to Liz’s forehead. The tears were flowing unrestricted from both women. Liz took Gabrielle’s hand and placed it over her own heart. "No, Gabrielle, you will always be here."

Artemis drew them apart. "It is time, mortal." Liz backed away from the group. Xena had Gabrielle in her arms, as it should be. Liz looked at Xena and winked. The warrior smiled at her. She looked at Debo, and blew her a kiss. The captain beamed. "I’m ready, Artemis."

The goddess stepped toward Liz and folded herself around the mortal. Both became blinding light. The sky ripped open outside and bolts of lightning tore through the heavens. A blue, pulsing corridor opened. Xena was the only one in the room to witness the path opening. As she watched them disappear into the void, she asked Artemis to ease Liz’s pain. It was one of the rare times Artemis listened to Xena. A voice went through the warrior’s mind. ‘It is done, Xena.’

The vibration was more pronounced. Randi could feel the electricity dancing in the air. A ripple was forming in front of her. Through her headset she could barely hear Ruth. "NOW RANDI, DO IT NOW!!" Randi took the sliver of crystal from the pouch and toss it toward the opening. There was a tremendous burst of energy, knocking Randi away from the expanding portal. She honestly feared for her life. She was lying face down, barely conscious, when the vibration ceased and an eerie silence took it’s place. Randi rolled over and looked toward the area of the rip. There was a figure crumpled on the ground. She half ran and crawled toward her. Reaching her friend, she rolled her over. "Oh, my God, Liz!! " She felt for a pulse. She had one, but it was weak. She was breathing, but she was also a mess. Randi was looking into the badly bruised face of her friend. One of the site aides had rounded the corner and saw the doctor on the ground. She yelled at him. "CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE...HURRY!!" She was crying and holding Liz in her arms, rocking her to and fro. "Liz, please be all right. Talk to me, honey."

Liz remembered a blinding light and the sensation of being pulled through the eye of a needle. She had the feeling of being rocked. There were warm arms around her. She opened her eyes to find herself cradled in Randi’s arms. She smiled and weakly announced, "Randi, I did it. I saved Gabrielle and made it home. See, I told you so."

Randi let out a whoop and held her tighter. "Yes, God, you made it! Don’t you ever do that to me again!" The tears continued. She heard a tiny voice calling to her. "Oh, God, Ruth, I forgot." She stretched her hand for the phone. "Ruth, you still there? I HAVE HER...DO YOU HEAR ME? I HAVE HER...SHE’S HOME!!"

Amoria felt her leave. "Godspeed, traveler."

The chamber was strangely quiet. All who experienced this were in shock. Gabrielle looked to the center of the room where Artemis and Liz had been. There was an object on the floor. She retrieved it. It was a piece of green crystal...part of the one she had given Liz. All had come full circle. She closed her fist around it and held it to her heart. Gabrielle fell into Xena’s arms and cried the tears of losing a best friend. Xena felt a loss too. They held each other.

Slowly the room emptied. Ephiny looked at Gabrielle. "You did the right thing by her, Gabrielle. You will always have her in your heart. " She placed a reassuring hand on the bard’s arm. "I’ll be in the food tent when you want to talk. I understand cook has prepared an enormous amount of food for some reason." Eponin berated Debo all the way down the hall. She would be doing scutt work for a moon. Although Eponin couldn’t blame her for everything, she had to understand the responsibilities of her duty. She told the young captain it would be a learning experience.

Oh, it had been a learning experience all right. The memory of Liz would soften the labors visited upon her by Eponin. She was still smiling.

The joy was uncontrolled at Ruth’s. Roger was crying, Sam was crying and even Ruth was moved. This had been the most remarkable event, unparalleled in her experience. She could hardly wait to talk to Liz about this personally. There were so many things she was curious about. ‘All in good time’, she thought. The phrase brought a smile to her lips.

Randi walked next to the stretcher as the paramedics carried Liz. She was awake, but a little disoriented. She apparently was bruised and battered from head to foot. A few days in the hospital were certainly in order. She had told the medical staff that Liz had been a victim of a near miss lightning strike. Of course, trying to justify that outfit, well that was another story. She rode to the hospital with her, holding her hand. There would be plenty of time to talk later. Arriving at the hospital, the ER staff took over Liz’s care. Randi found a phone and dialed Ruth’s number.

The ringing was barely heard over the sheer jubilation in the room. On the fourth ring, Ruth picked up. "Hello?"

"Ruth, its Randi. Sounds like a party is going on there. I wanted to give you an update on Liz. "

"Well, we are quite pleased on this end, that’s for sure. Roger and Sam haven’t stopped crying or laughing. They are beside themselves. You did a good job, Randi. Your idea worked. So how is our little time traveler?"

"Thanks, Ruth, but I think we all did a good job. I haven’t been part of such a coordinated project since Roger re-decorated my office. Liz is going to be all right. She conversant but really banged up, possibly some broken ribs and a hairline fracture of her nose. Oh, and one hell of a black eye. They are going to keep her for a few days for observation. We should be home by the end of the week. Tell Roger and Sam I’ll get the flight info to them in a day or so." Randi paused. " Ruth, I think Liz is really going to need our support when she comes home. I believe this was very hard on her...and not just physically."

"Believe me, Randi, Liz has the most loving group of friends to help her through this. I am honored to be included. I’ll convey the message to Roger and Sam. Oh, by the way, have you met Sam? Engaging woman, really cares for Liz. I think she’ll be especially good for her."

"No, I haven’t had the pleasure, looking forward to it. Gotta run now, they are calling me back to see her. Talk to you soon. Bye now." The line went silent and Randi walked through the swinging doors to see her friend.

Randi spent the next few days filling Liz in on the rescue. It was mostly a one-sided conversation. She seemed distracted and reluctant to give her a lot of information about what had actually happened. It was totally understandable. Randi knew she needed time to internally process this event before relating it. She loved her friend and gave her room. Just because her body was here didn’t mean her emotions were. It was late in the night when the vision appeared.

There was a glow forming at the foot of the hospital bed. Artemis appeared and looked at the sleeping form. She moved to her side and ran her hands over Liz’s body, healing the various wounds. She then centered the energy over her heart. "This healing will ease your pain, mortal. It is not the healing of forgetfulness, but rather an integration of your experience. Your heart will be enriched by your journey, not stifled. Go and know you are loved." Liz stirred slightly as the goddess vanished. She remembered feeling a huge weight being removed from her heart and warmth replacing it.

Score...All even...Game over

The next morning the staff was abuzz. The rumors were that the patient in room 404 had miraculously been healed of all injuries. Liz called Randi first thing, gave her a brief synopsis and pleaded with her to get out of there. "Please, Randi, come get me and check me out of this place. I’ve got people floating through my room like it was Lourdes or something. If you don’t hurry, I’m checking myself out."

Randi chuckled, "Ok, I’m on my way. Get dressed." It was good to have Liz really back. She didn’t know what had happened during the night, but she was thankful just the same. She drove to the hospital and retrieved her friend, much to the protest of the staff. They wanted to ‘do more tests’. As they drove away, Randi was in shock.

"My, God, Liz. Your face...it was all bruised and now...nothing. What did happen?"

"Oh, not you too. If I tell you, will you let it drop?" Randi nodded.

"Ok, here’s the deal. I suspect that the goddess Artemis had something to do with this. There is no other explanation. Can you accept that?"

"Artemis...the goddess...uh-huh...I don’t care how it happened. You’re back to normal, well, as normal as you’ve ever been, and that’s all that matters. Welcome home, Liz."

They left Athens at the end of the week. The dig site had been close due to the damage from the ‘electrical storm’. Darius wasn’t happy about the turn of events, but there was little he could do. He bade the doctor and her ‘assistant’ good-bye.

"I’m really sorry about all this Dr.James. You have waited for so long to participate in this project, and well, I’m not sure when we can resume. The integrity of the site had been compromised. It will take some major reconstructing to get it back to where we were. Perhaps a year. "

Randi smiled for she knew that place would never be back to normal. "It’s all right, Darius, these things happen. Keep in touch. "

They shook hands. As Liz and Randi walked into the terminal, Liz couldn’t resist. She leaned near her and said in a disbelieving tone. "‘These things happen?’ Really...what a crock!"

"Well, what did you want me to tell him? Oh, sorry about your site, but a time portal opened, my friend dropped through and we messed up your meticulous work? I don’t think so. Just let him figure it out."

They strolled through the concourse and boarded the 767. It would be good to go home. Liz settled into the first class seat and ordered coffee... no ouzo on this trip. The bird left the ground and she settled back. She and Randi talked about many things during the flight. Some about the journey, but mostly about their friendship and the love they had for each other. She couldn’t wait to see Roger. She had been very moved that Sam was involved in all this. There was more than a summer fling here, how could she not have seen it before?

The flight touched down at Hartsfield International Airport. Home, what a wonderful sight. Riding in first class had a definite advantage. She could get off the plane faster. Liz followed Randi up the walkway. They exited the corridor to find Ruth, Roger and Sam waiting. Roger was waving a bunch of balloons and Sam had a single red rose. It was a most joyous occasion. First there was the ‘group’ hug and then one by one, each welcomed Liz and Randi home. Tears were abundant. Sam finally was granted her turn. She faced Liz, tears in her green eyes. "This is for you, my love." She gave her the rose. Then right there in front of every person on the concourse, she embraced Liz and kissed her with a deep passion. The two were surrounded by her ‘family.’ Roger had his hand to his mouth, trying to keep his sobbing under control. Ruth and Randi were consoling him. It was a very messy affair. They were totally oblivious to the stares of passers-by.

At long last, they proceeded through the concourse. All holding hands, hugging one another, exchanging kisses and love. With Sam on one side of her, she hooked another arm around Roger. She leaned toward him and asked. "Roger, I have to know one thing. You weren’t really going to re-do my place, were you?"

Roger reached in his coat pocket and handed her the card. "Read it and cringe, wench."

She peered at the card. It’s gold-embossed lettering read ‘Buckhead Design Consultants, Inc’. In smaller print it announced ‘If you have the money, we have the design’. It was the most exclusive design house in Atlanta. It would have cost a fortune. The banter started.

"And just how long were you going to wait before bankrupting me, witch?"

"Oh, a week, maybe. I hadn’t really made my mind up. Why? You have money. Lord knows you haven’t spent any on decorating. "

"Roger, do you have any idea how much that would have cost. Can you say ‘cha-ching?’ I can’t believe you, honestly. A girl goes away for a few days to another dimension and you start planning her poverty."

"Hey, you never said I couldn’t do it." Ruth, Sam and Randi smiled at one another and let the two carry on. It’s what they did best.

The repartee continued until they were out of sight. It’s good to be back to normal.

The goddess materialized in the Queen’s chamber. Sleeping on the pallet, naked and entwined were Xena and Gabrielle. Neither would remember this visit. She moved to her chosen’s side. Gabrielle’s pain of separation had been great. It was almost as much as Liz’s. Easing Liz’s pain was simple... Xena had asked Artemis. But Gabrielle refused to turn loose of hers. She was afraid she would forget the one who gave so much for her. Artemis knew this wasn’t true, however, Gabrielle could be very stubborn. This would prevent her from moving on. Artemis had a way around her stubbornness. A second shimmering form appeared.

Athena took form in the room and greeted her sister. "Artemis, my sister, so good to see you. I am aware our chosen’s dilemma. I agree that Gabrielle would benefit from our assistance, but you know we cannot force our will upon her. It has to be her desire. And she desires to hold her pain."

Artemis considered her sister’s appraisal of the situation. "I am not suggesting that we totally remove it, just redirect it a little. That’s allowed isn’t it?"

Athena thought for a moment. "I supposed technically, we could that, but how?"

A third form entered, Aphrodite. "You girls are pathetic, you know that? Just cast the whammy over her, and be done with it. What’s the prob here?"

Artemis was still a bit miffed at the love goddess for interfering in the first place. "This is all your fault to begin with, Aphrodite. I have a mind to make you fix this."

The thought of making Aphrodite doing anything was ridiculous. "Look, I’ve been through all that. If you want someone to fix this, call up the big guy. And if you weren’t so...er...repressed, this wouldn’t be such a deal."

Athena had heard enough. "You two just stop it. This bickering won’t help Gabrielle. That’s what we’re here for, right?"

Aphrodite walked around to view the sleeping pair. "I honestly don’t know what Xena sees in her. If sweetcheeks there didn’t feel so guilty about everything, her life would be so much easier. Ya’ know what I’m saying?"

Artemis looked at Aphrodite. "What did you say? You know, about Gabrielle feeling guilty."

"Oh, come on, the chick is a walking guilt factory. Taking responsibility for just everything. She needs to lighten up. Guilt’s ok but you shouldn’t let it ruin your whole day. Jeez, you girls should get out more."

Athena couldn’t believe it. Aphrodite had actually said something wise. It was scary. "That’s it!" Artemis was intune with her sister and Aphrodite was lost.

"What? What did I say?"

Artemis spoke, "You have given us the answer. It’s the guilt that’s driving her pain. We can remove the guilt, in this case, because it is misdirected. The appropriate pain of loss will resolve itself naturally."

"That’s right, Gabrielle never expressed any desire to hold guilt. We can do this." Athena had moved to the pallet.

Aphrodite still hadn’t gotten it. "Will someone tell me what’s going on?" Artemis put an arm around her. "Now, don’t let this go to your pretty little head, but you actually came up with a wise solution." Aphrodite looked shocked, "I did? Groovy!"

The three of them gazed upon Gabrielle. Forming a circle, they concentrated on neutralizing the misplaced guilt. A glow filled the chamber and centered on the bard. In a scant few seconds, the deed was done. The goddesses looked pleased. They prepared to leave, saying their good-byes.

"Aphrodite, please stay away from Gabrielle and Xena in the future. They are doing just fine. Remember, you already blessed them, so don’t push it." It was a friendly warning from Artemis.

Aphrodite struck a pose and uttered, "What--ever!" She dissolved in a sparkling array. This left Athena and Artemis hovering near their chosen bard. As they prepared to leave, the conversation was about the goddess of love.

"So, how long do you think she can keep her meddling mitts off those two? " Athena’s question was direct.

Artemis’ reply was short, "Until she gets bored. And since she has the attention span of a two year old, it won’t be long."

The sound of fading laughter woke Gabrielle. She looked around the chamber. She could have sworn she heard someone, but it was empty save for Xena. Hmmm....Xena...naked...close. She snuggled next to the warrior and ran a hand over an exposed breast. Her lover stirred and turned toward her. Xena started to speak but Gabrielle silenced her mouth with her own. They didn’t have to rise for hours yet. Perfect.

The morning found them preparing to leave the village. The visit had been short but eventful. Xena was talking to Ep and Ephiny while Gabrielle prepared to pack Argo’s saddlebags. She opened one of the satchels. It was filled with something. She began to remove the items. "Xena...what’s this?" In her hand was Liz’s whip and the other had the green caftan.

Xena turned her attention toward her partner. "Great Zeus, I forgot to take them out! They’re Liz’s. She had them on the road. Well, actually, she had been separated from them when she arrived. In the commotion of the other day, I forgot to give them back. Guess we’ll just have to take care of them for her." Xena was really afraid seeing physical evidence of Liz would throw Gabrielle down the emotional stairs again. The thought made her stomach knot.

The bard eyed the caftan, feeling the texture of the cloth. She did miss her, but knew she was back where she belonged. And that was ok. "Xena? Do you think she would mind if I wore this? It’s really beautiful. "

The warrior noticed a change in Gabrielle’s focus. Gone was the remorseful guilt of a few days ago. This might be over after all. "Oh, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind, Gabrielle. In fact, I’m sure she’d insist."

Gabrielle held the whip in the air. "And this was hers too?" Hmmm...just when you think you know a girl."

Xena and Ep just smiled at each other. Ep retorted, "Yeah, you just never know. Right, Xena?"

"Right, Ep." Xena winked at her friend and joined Gabrielle.

As they made their way through the gates, Gabrielle began the question barrage. "You know this would make a really good story, wouldn’t it, Xena?"

"Yes, it would, Why don’t you write one?"

"Well, I have one little problem. You see I was unconscious for most of it, and..."

"And what, Gabrielle?" Xena didn’t like the direction of this.

"I need for you to tell me everything that happened. And I mean everything."

"I told you everything. You got ill at Hippocrates’ compound, we went to Daedalius, Liz showed up, sealed the rip and you woke up. That’s everything."

"Xena, that’s not everything, that’s an outline. For instance, you never told me what happen to my jaw. Who hit me? Why did they hit me? Did I hit them? You see the difference here? Details...I need details. And I’m not letting you rest until I have them. "

Xena wished Liz were here. It had been nice to have a reprieve from the inquisition. She knew it was pointless to argue with her so she started with the ‘jaw’ incident.

"Ok, your jaw was blue because I decked you."

"You what? You actually hit me? Why?" The bard was stunned.

"Hey, you asked. It was a reflex action. You hit me first and I, well, it just happened. " She was expecting righteous indignation.

"I hit you? You mean I actually landed a blow?"

"Yeah, right across the face. Never saw it coming. Pretty good shot, too."

"And you didn’t let me, right? I got you fair and square?"

"Yes, Gabrielle, fair and square." It was going to be a very long day. The questions were still flying as they disappeared around the bend.

It was very early. The cats were snoozing comfortably. Secretly, they were happy Liz was home. Outwardly, they acted like she hadn’t been anywhere. It was kitty psychology. Liz snuggled next to the naked form in bed with her. Sam stirred and held on instinctively. She had decided to stay a few weeks, which was more that all right with Liz. Apparently it was okay with the kitties, too. Brie had taken to sleeping next to Sam instead of her. Cats were also fickle. The woman was amazing. A real love was forming between them. Liz lightly kissed the back of her neck and slipped out of bed. Brie and RG never moved. They avoided consciousness, that annoying time between naps, as much as possible. She pulled on a tee, her boxers and went into the kitchen.

Grabbing a glass, she filled it with milk and snatched the oreos. When she wanted to think, this duo was perfect. She plopped into her chair and began running information through her head. She had spent several evenings with Ruth recounting the adventure, as she remembered it. They discussed the ramifications of leaving the whip and caftan behind. So far this didn’t appear to have cause a significant shift in the continuum. Well, except for Roger. Liz was finding out all sorts of things about him... the whip being just the tip, so to speak, of the iceberg. The young man had a secret life. It was amusing to watch him squirm. The only weird thing that had surfaced was to be found in the official rules of golf. The term ‘gimme’ was actually listed. She guessed that Gabrielle had taken a better liking to that aspect of the game, as opposed to ‘taking relief.’ But now that she thought about it, the ‘gimme’ was sorta cheating. That would be more Xena’s style, not Gabrielle’s. The speculation was amusing. At least quicksand traps hadn’t been instituted. What a hoot. She had been mulling a course of action for a few days now. She knew what had to be done. She picked up the portable CD player and headed for the computer.

She had been keeping a journal since coming back from Key West. It had developed into a manuscript of sorts. To help process the information, she had written it into story form, including all the details she could remember. To those who read it, it was a piece of fiction. She had even found a forum on the Web for it. I mean after all, there was a thin line between fact and fiction sometimes. The first composition had been filed under the byline of Blue. The title was Dimension of The Heart. It had been well received, but for Liz it was an exorcism. A way to externalize and validate the experience. She had no idea that when the dreams started, it was merely a continuation of the story. That’s why conventional therapy had been such a bust. She knew the only way to completely process was to write about it and to share the experience. It wasn’t necessary to tout the piece as fact. It stood on it’s own merit. She turned on the player. The opening theme of Xena:Warrior Princess filled her ears. The working title of part two would be New Dimensions. She had no idea if it was the last.