Beginning, Section II

Jump to new as of October 22, 2002
Jump to new as of November 6, 2002

Part E - The Pool Game

Within the darkest, shadiest corner of Auroras, well okay, the brightest, most well lit table, two teams faced each other in a match to the death of a long lost art, Pool.

So we exaggerate sometimes, it's all good.

Collins stood in the aforementioned corner, watching Lizzy lean over to take her shot and sipping his (in our opinion) disgusting beer.

Darcy was trying to correct Lizzy's aim, without using the usual techniques of teaching someone to play pool, "Just hit the white ball as hard as you can, try and hit another ball, but don't sink the white ball or the black."

"Really, Darcy, thanks for those pearls of wisdom," Lizzy replied and promptly hit the white ball off the table.

"How was that Darcy? Do I get bonus points?"

Darcy tried to be angry at her, "You did that on purpose!" he exclaimed but found himself unable to stop laughing. "Your shot Charlotte."

As Charlotte lined up her shot, Fitz shook his head and proceeded to show none of Darcy's restraint in pool teaching techniques. Initially he demonstrated the "correct" position, but Charlotte seemed to be having difficulty in imitating him, thus Fitz had to resort to the traditional method of teaching a female to play pool.

"No, Char, not that way. Look, I'll show you." Fitz put one hand on her hip and drew her arm back with the other. Char initially looked at Fitz strangely, then decided that it's all good. Fitz smiled at her, then both returned to the match at hand. Char managed to keep the ball on the table, and hit another ball. (Isn't Fitz a good teacher?)

Meanwhile, another interesting exchange was occurring.

"I'm sorry for my earlier comment, Lizzy. It was out of line," Darcy apologised, "is that why you hit the ball off like that?"

"Which comment would you be apologising for? There were quite a few, in case you hadn't noticed."

"Well, all of them, I guess."

Lizzy gave Darcy "the look."

"It was very wrong of me. My opinion of you has completely changed, you're not what I thought you to be....."

"Really, Mr. Darcy," Lizzy cut in, "I find your 'apology' rather amusing. What am I, if I'm not what you thought I was?"

Suddenly Collins materialized from the pile of slime he is, and appeared beside Lizzy and put his arm around Lizzy's shoulder, thwarting all attempts of Darcy's to reply to Lizzy's remarks.

"Really, Lizzy, you should allow me to instruct you in the art of Pool. I'm sure you would find it most educational," Collins' slurred.

"I'm sure Darcy will be a sufficient teacher Collins!"

"Really, Lizzy dear, you must call me Billy!"

At this point, Fitz and Char returned from their little adventure, and announced Darcy's shot.

As Fitz was otherwise occupied, Lizzy had to defend herself against Collins.

"Whatever, Collins" Lizzy replied trying to wriggle out of his eel-like grasp, "I really should be paying attention to my most proficient teacher, Darcy."

Darcy glanced up quickly before taking his shot.......

......And then sunk three balls consecutively.

Lizzy tried hard not to show her appreciation, but was forced to admit that Darcy was a good Pool player.

And the game went on, as pool games are wont to do with two inexperienced players.

On Lizzy's next turn, Darcy gave a little more helpful instruction.

"If you aim to hit the six here, then it will hit the seven and sink the two."

"You have much faith in my pool playing abilities Darcy. Not going to happen , Mate. Any other brilliant ideas?"

"Well, you could just aim for the three which is straight in front of the hole."

"Like this?" Lizzy lined up her shot.

"Well, maybe not, if you do that then you are going to sink the white," Darcy moved over and pointed to the white, "Just aim a little lower so it will stop when it hits the other ball." Lizzy realigned her cue. "Not quite, your grip would work a little better like this," Darcy indicated with his cue.

Lizzy imitated his pose. "Like this?"

"Nah, can I show you?"

"I guess."

Darcy moved over to Lizzy and demonstrated in the manner Fitz did earlier with Char.

You guys don't want details do you?

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Still here? I guess you do then

"Now, lift your elbow, and move your other hand up the stick." She moved her hand a bit. "No, a bit more." He picked up her hand with his own and moved it to the end of the cue. It didn't escape his notice that it was a very smooth hand. And he kept his hand there, just to make sure she held the position.

"Your feet need to be a bit wider apart. One foot back from the table, the other leading. No, put your left foot in front." He moved her foot back slightly with his own.

Lizzy was now standing in a rather awkward position, back straight and head above the table too much "Now we need to bend down, so you can aim properly." He put his other hand around her waist and was now positioned right behind her. He was so close that he could nibble on her hair. No, that thought did not cross his mind. Much.

"You need to bend lower over the cue," Darcy and Lizzy bent over.

Darcy noticed that her neck is rather nice and that perfume is.....

Lizzy was still awaiting her next instruction and noticed that he was looking at her very strangely. Why was he looking at her like that? It was so disconcerting, those thoughtful brown eyes staring at her like that. What was she doing wrong now? "What now?"

Darcy recovered from his reverie. "Erm, then we have to aim. Yes, aim. When you're looking down the cue, you can see where the white ball will hit the three. Can you see that its not quite inline?"

"I see, I need to move it to the right?" They adjusted their aim.

"That should go in" Darcy smiled, "Ok, shoot."

Lizzy (and Darcy) took the shot, and.....

......It went in. (Now isn't Darcy the best teacher?)

Lizzy, naturally, was ecstatic and threw her arms up, "I got it in!"

Fortunately, Darcy, who was still standing behind her, managed to narrowly miss being hit in the face.

And now they had another shot.

"Do you think I should try this one myself?"

"Are you guys finished yet??" Fitz and Char inquired, finally noticing how long this shot has taken.

"No, I still have one more."

Lizzy moved around the table and aimed for the two. "I don't think this will go in, but I'll edge it closer to the pocket."

Lizzy took her shot, her position much better than before, and the ball settles on the lip of the pocket, not quite in.

Now we are back to Char, and the game continues.

Collins materialized beside Lizzy and Darcy (how does he keep doing that?) "Congratulations, Darcy. I have never seen such superior teaching. Lizzy is an excellent student. You managed to overcome the problem of her being female, and not having the natural ability to aim."

Darcy, saw Lizzy's disgusted look, and tried to dispose of Collins.

"I think she may be a better player than you Collins."

But Collins was not so easily thwarted, especially when slightly intoxicated. "Lizzy would you like to dance?" Collins then collapsed at Lizzy's feet, maybe not so slightly intoxicated.

Bingley returned. "TAXI!" then returns to Jane.

People led Collins away.

Darcy muttered "Finally."

Darcy's shot again. After he's finished, they've only got one ball left on the table.

Fitz's shot. After Fitz is finished, they've only got one ball remaining.

Lizzy's shot. Lizzy manages edge the six closer to the pocket, but not quite in.

Char, who has become an amazing pool player in the last three shots, with Fitz's help, manages to maneuver their final ball to in front of a pocket.

Darcy now sinks his final ball, and shoots for the game and......

.....he misses, leaving the black directly in front of a pocket.

Fitz now cleans up.

Game Fitz and Charlotte.

Part F

The author does not promote or condone the excess consumption of alcohol

After congratulating Fitz and Char on great game, our players return to their table to find Jane and Bingley quite happily chatting away. Fitz and Char had a lively conversation about their win, Jane and Bingley were also engaged with each other, thus we are left with Lizzy and Darcy.

"Thank-you for your help, in teaching me to play pool."

"Anytime Liz"

"Liz??"

"Sorry, Elizabeth. Beer does that to you."

Lizzy was quite surprised at the change in Darcy. He could actually joke! Pity it was just due to beer.

"It's all good. I don't mind at all. I was just surprised. Today I've gone from E. Bennet, to Liz." Lizzy raised her eyebrow.

"I'm really sorry. I want to apologise for my arrogant presumptions and priggish behavior. It was unpardonable. Please forgive me....and don't get up tight like you did last time I tried to apologise."

"I don't get uptight!"

"There you go again!" Darcy raised his hand "Now, don't say anything." Lizzy started to open her mouth to say something, "Ah...Ah, no, don't say a thing, let me talk."

Lizzy turned away and pouted.

"Aww, come on. You're so cute!"

"Cute! I'm not cute! I'm exceedingly peeved."

"That's off the point from what I was trying to say before. You want another beer?"

"I think I better have another beer. Thank-you for asking, you are sooo considerate. You buying?"

"No, its just that there's only enough for one glass in the jug and I was hoping you wouldn't want it. Split it?"

Lizzy was astonished.

"No, I want it all."

While they were arguing, Fitz took it. As Fitz would. Who leaves just enough beer in a jug for one glass with Fitz around?

"Where did it go? It's gone!" Darcy and Lizzy exclaim simultaneously. "You stole it!" Pointing at each other, then at Fitz.

Fitz sculls the glass, then sticks his tongue out, "It's all good. What are you going to do about it? Darcy you offered to buy the next round I believe."

"Grrr." Grumbled Darcy as he stomped, sorry, stumbled off, to buy it.

Meanwhile, Lizzy was in a contemplative mood in her not so sober state. The object of her muse is, of course, Darcy. He's actually not so bad, when drunk. And he did teach me to play pool, properly, quite patient, lucky he thought that first shot was just a joke. And he tried to apologise again after I became rather angry with him the first time. He was still presumptuous, but at least he tried.

"And he has a nice body" her muse completed just as Darcy sat down beside her.

"Who?"

"Eh?"

"Who has a nice body?"

Lizzy blushes. "Paul McDermott of course. He's got a good voice too, and he's funny, and he also has a nice face."

"Really? Well, I don't think he's that good. What do girls see in him. Anyway, I was apologising before you, then Fitz interrupted."

"Okay, I take it you wish to continue?"

"Well, actually, I was awaiting your response."

Lizzy's eye brow raises again. "I believe you told me not to say a word."

"I did. Oops. Sorry. Moving right along."

Author is currently distracted. Listening to Paul McDermott sing. Aahhh. Ok, song finished, back to the task at hand

Darcy started to babble on for a while. And Lizzy just giggled.

Hmm, back to slightly more sober beings. Jane and Bingley were dancing, again, they seemed to be getting on nicely, although Jane seems uncertain. Char whispered to Lizzy when Darcy paused for a breath and a drink, "Jane really ought to show more affection than she feels if she is to secure him." Lizzy started to giggle incessantly.

"Lizzy, are you listening to me?" Darcy demanded.

"Oops, sorry, were you saying something. I was....distracted."

"Lets dance Lizzy," Char exclaimed pulling Lizzy and Fitz up with her.

"Coming Darcy?"

"No, I rarely dance." Darcy remained seated and tops up his glass, before settling down to brood.

Lizzy realised that she couldn't stand particularly straight, let alone dance. She decided to sit back down.

"Hmm, I think I should just have another beer." They sat in companionable silence, watching their friends dance. "Lizzy, you get insulted too easily." Darcy said, after contemplating her for awhile.

Lizzy shook herself from her reverie. "Where did that come from....Wait a minute...no, I don't"

"There you go again. You get defensive all the time. I mean, I was attempting to apologise before, and you bit my head off. Why? What did I say that was so offensive?"

Lizzy thought for a bit. "I didn't bite your head off, you're over-reacting......Okay, since you asked. I found the bit about your opinion changing. You loudly proclaimed your opinion of me, which was inaccurate, ill-informed and based on a stereo-type held by sexist old men from the eighteen hundreds. You judged me, without even attempting to get to know me, or any of your other students, its beside the point that your tutorials were entirely boring and a trial to sit through."

"You based your entire study of my character on the five minutes of a tut for a subject which doesn't need tutorials. Perhaps if you had attended, your opinion, your prejudices which you formed on a first impression in a tutorial on writing email!"

The author acknowledges that neither Lizzy or Darcy are making coherent arguments, have you noticed that tends to happen sometimes after soaking in 6 or 7 beers?

"I do not!"

"Do too!"

"Do not!"

At this point, Jane and Bingley returned, and promptly fell into gales of laughter at the scene before them. Then left again, without Lizzy or Darcy even noticing their temper tantrum had been observed.

"Do too!"

Lizzy turns and sticks her tongue out, "Do not!"

"SEE??? I told you so!"

"Told me what?"

"Umm, I'm not sure. What were we talking about?"

"You're drunk!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"So are you!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

At this point Char and Fitz return, and promptly fell into gales of laughter, stole the quarreling pairs jug and then went away.

"HEY!!!"

"What are they laughing at??"

"They stole it! They stole our jug!"

"No more beer." Lizzy peered into her glass. "All gone." Lizzy said mournfully.

Lizzy and Darcy tried to stand to give pursuit to the thieving couple. However, their attempt was thwarted by the fact that neither could stand without falling onto the other. So they both sat down again, and tried to act soberly.

Lizzy and Darcy conversed rationally for sometime, well it was rational to them, however, neither has any recollection of the conversation, thus it can not be recorded here.

Char and Jane returned at about 1 am to take Lizzy home, thus the final exchange can be recorded.

"So am I forgiven yet?" Darcy inquired hopefully as Lizzy stood up to leave.

"Your not too bad but is it just because you're drunk? And I may not remember you being not to bad tomorrow when you ignore me in the corridor. But I do think you should be like this more often, you're actually nice!"

"Hmm, good point."

"Oh well, Good Night"

And she left. Darcy left gazing wistfully after her.

NOTE: Paul MacDermott was a singer in the Doug Anthony All Stars, and is now the host of Good News Week, a comedy show, and he has a very nice voice.

Part G - Debrief

"So, you and Charles are an item?" Char teased Jane.

"Well, he is very nice, and I do like him. I'm just not sure if he likes me well enough....What about you and Fitz!"

"Me and Fitz? You know we broke up."

"I wasn't talking to you Lizzy! Char?"

"He was only being nice, we're just good friends, I'm sure he sees it as nothing more than that. Although I did enjoy myself."

"I think he was being more than nice!"

"Jane and Charles, Char and Fitz, sitting in the tree. Looks like there's no room for me!"

"No room for you and Darcy? Of course, Lizzy would want a tree for her self."

"There's nothing between me Darcy. He is nothing but a sexist git with a very nice body." Lizzy slurred. "And, even if there was, I wouldn't want to share a tree with you!"

"Lizzy, shaddup"

"Ok" and promptly fell asleep, she dreamt of Collins and trees. Perhaps that is more properly called a nightmare.

Woo hoo! Finished the first day! And haven't even introduced the actual plot yet.

Chapter Six ~ Lizzy's Morning

Lizzy woke up the next morning rather late, and with a splitting headache. She could hear that both Charlotte and Jane were already awake. Lizzy looked at the clock and saw that it was already eleven. She rolled herself out of bed. " Ouch."

Jane popped her head around the door. "Ah, you're finally up. How do you feel this morning?"

"My head hurts."

"There, there, you'll live."

"I hope so."

Charlotte head appeared in the doorway as well. "Morning Lizzy."

"Hi...ouch. All this talking hurts."

"Well, Lizzy, I need to be getting home or else my dad will be furious. Jane's going to drive me home."

"Great, well, see you later. Actually, see you online."

"Will do."

Lizzy rolled back into bed as the two girls left.

Part B - Darcy's Morning

"William, are you up yet dear?"

"No, I'm asleep. Go away."

"William, you never sleep in this late."

"Well, I just have. And I'll be going back to sleep when you leave."

"We can't have that now, can we?" Said Caroline coyly, with implications which Darcy didn't like one bit.

"Yes we can. My head hurts and your making it worse. Get out."

"Well, you shouldn't be going out all the time. Two nights in a row now. And I know how you dislike the company of strange people. You wouldn't have enjoyed yourself at all. Plus, that Eliza and that annoying fellow Collins would have been there."

"I knew all the people there and had a great night. I had pleasant thoughts in my head which sustained me through the night." Darcy would have smiled if his face wasn't tucked into the pillow.

"Oh, and what were they." She was preparing for a compliment.

"Oh just how a beautiful set of eyes can drive a man wild."

Caroline moved a little closer to Darcy, certain of the compliment. "And just who was this set of eyes on?"

"Elizabeth Bennets."

Caroline was slightly taken aback by this unexpected answer. "Oh, well, you'll have a lovely family. Invite me to the wedding." She stood up and walked out.

Darcy laughed, then stopped as his head started to pound. He rolled over and went back to sleep.

Chapter 7 - IRC

That night, Elizabeth went and sat at her computer. She had eventually climbed out of bed. She managed to do a grand total of an hour of study before she gave up, went for a walk and sat down to watch 'Top Gun' which was on TV that night. Being a film on planes, and since she was an aerospace student, it was compulsory viewing material. Plus, she didn't quite feel like study.

Seeing that the movie had finished, she went and logged on to the Internet. Only Fitz (Colonel) and Charlotte (Chars) were on her channel at the moment.

Now talking in #Space
*** Whooosh...Top Gun Rules'
*** Set by Colonel on Saturday June 14 20:53:01
[Charlie] Good eveningz all people out there
[Colonel] This must be Lizzy speaking
[Chars] heya Lizzy
[Charlie] Right you are Colonel...what's the deal with the nick change, Fitz?
[Colonel] Ssshhhhhhhhh
[Colonel] Don't say my name, Dwiggie will hear and start harassing me again.
[Charlie] Is she still annoying you?
[Colonel] She won't leave me alone. Ever since I made the mistake of telling her where she could find my photo she's been after me like a hounddog.
[Chars] Why did you do that?
[Colonel] Well, she was just plain friendly before, I thought, why not?
[Colonel] Then after she seen the photo she keeps wanting meet up with me.
[Colonel] Plus she likes slapping me with a large trout
[Colonel] Says it turns her on. And she's always inviting me into private conversations that are very disturbing
[Charlie] Don't want to know
[Chars] Well, I like slapping you around with other things - some people are so unimaginative!
*** Chars slaps Colonel around with a .............
[Colonel] Just SAVE me from her....arghhhhh!!!!
[Chars] lol
[Charlie] You guys watch Top Gun?
[Chars] What kind of question is that?
[Colonel] OF COURSE!!! What do you take us for?
[Charlie] Just checking
[Colonel] Top Gun rules.
***Jane:-) has joined #Space
[Chars] 'ello Jane
[Jane:-)] Good Evening everyone
[Jane:-)] I see you've been watching Top Gun again Colonel.
[Jane:-)] Lizzy forced me to sit through it for the zillionth time!
[Charlie] I didn't need to force you that much, you like Tom as much as I do
***Topic in #Space 'Top Gun Rules... Tom Cruise.....hmm....' set by Charlie
[Jane:-)] Actually I like Val better
***Bings has joined #Space
[Colonel] Really! Well I've been told I look like him....Jane:-)?
[Bings] Who?
[Jane:-)] hello Bings
***Charlie notes Jane has turned slightly pink
[Charlie] Howdy partner
[Bings] I guessed I would find you here
[Bings] How did you pull up this morning? I've never seen Darce with a hangover before.
[Bings] Actually I've never seen anyone THAT hungover before
[Jane:-)] Charlie was a bit under the weather this morning
***Charlie slaps Jane:-) around a bit with a large trout
[Charlie] So much for the defender of my reputation
[Jane:-)] Well you established your reputation quite well last night
[Jane:-)] BRB
[Bings] BBL
[Charlie] Well I'm guessing those two have gone private chatting
[Charlie] I'm surprised you are still here Colonel and Char.
[Colonel] eh?
[Chars] Sorry Charlie what were you saying?
[Charlie] Don't worry
[Colonel] k
***Maverick has joined #Space
[Maverick] I see I'm not the only fan around
[Charlie] I see I'm not the only one who adopts nicks from movies
[Maverick] 'evening to you all
[Charlie] Well it's just me here at the moment, all the others will be right back
[Maverick] k, so how are you this evening, ma'am?
[Charlie] That's not how it goes!
[Maverick] Oh, no. I think she's lost that loving feelin'
[Maverick] Excuse Ma'am
[Maverick]You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips
[Colonel] There's no tenderness like before in your fingertips
[Maverick] You're trying hard not to show to show it
[Colonel] Baby!
[Maverick] But, baby believe me I know it
[Maverick] You've lost that loving feeling
*** Charlie slaps Maverick and Colonel around with a large Trout
[Charlie] and how would you be knowing that?
[Colonel] Oi! Shaddup
[Maverick] Whoa, That loving feeling
[Colonel] Now, its gone gone gone and so am I
*** Colonel has left #space
*** Chars has left #space
[Maverick] Whoa, Ba Dum Ba Dum Ba Dum ......
[Charlie] I guess I better play along
[Charlie] I love that song!
[Charlie] I've never seen that approach before (except on Top Gun>
[Charlie] How long have you two been doing this act?
[Charlie] Since puberty?
[Charlie] I'm ...erm....me
[Maverick] I'm Maverick
[Charlie] What, did your mother dislike you?
*** Maverick looks rather suave and pleased with himself
[Maverick] No its my call sign
*** Charlie looks wide-eyed and "impressed"
[Charlie] Aah, you're a pilot!
[Maverick] That's right ma'am a naval aviator
[Charlie] Oh
[Maverick] Actually we've only done this twice
[Charlie] How did you do?
[Maverick] Crashed and burned on the first. It wasn't pretty.
[Charlie] And the second?
[Maverick] I don't know. I'll tell you tomorrow. But its looking good so far.
[Bings] kl;jwflgkn
[Charlie] Well, my friends have "arrived"
[Charlie] So nice of you to come back Bings, I guess Jane:-) is here now too?
[Jane:-)] Hello! How are you doing Maverick? Looks like you 2 have been having fun
[Charlie]I think I'll be off now
[Charlie] 'night all
[Bings] G'night Charlie
[Maverick] I think I'll go to
[Maverick] This is Maverick signing off
*** Maverick has quit IRC (Crashed and burned......)
*** Charlie has quit IRC (Leaving)

So we leave our fearless hero and heroine to face exams.

Top Gun is a movie and Maverick and Charlie and the above conversation is property of someone not the author, who uses it without permission. The song is "You've lost that lovin' feeling" . Also by an artist unknown to the author.

IRC is an internet chat program. An advancement on Telnet.

Chapter Eight

Notable Interruptions to this period of horror.

Notable Interruption One
After her first exam, on the very first Saturday (which all students claim is not really a part of the exam period), Lizzy found herself on IRC yet again.

**** Now talking in #space
**** Topic : "What are you doing here! You should be studying!"
**** Set by Bings on Saturday at 01:15 am
[Charlie] Good day Maverick
[Maverick] Hello! It's just me in here right now
[Charlie] Did you have an exam today...that's if you are studying.
[Maverick] It went much as I expected. Thanx
[Maverick] How about you?
[Charlie] Well, I thought I was prepared, but I made a lot of silly mistakes. I was sitting on the train
when I realised what I'd done wrong! It's so frustrating!
[Charlie] AARRGGHH! Stuff exams! I don't want to think about them any more!
[Maverick] I'll agree to that. Now to more pleasant matters....
[Maverick] You forgot to leave your name, ma'am
[Charlie] Charlie is my name sir
[Maverick] Yeah, right. And Maverick is mine
[Charlie] Well, I'm glad we've got that settled
[Maverick] Why are you bent on being mysterious?
[Charlie] I like having a place where my opinions have no repercussions. I could ask you the
same sir!
[Maverick] I concede your point ma'am.
[Charlie] Then we agree on remaining mysterious and anonymous to each other. We can remain perfect strangers, but not.
[Maverick] I feel that neither of us performs to strangers.
[Charlie] What gives you that idea?
[Maverick] The way you spoke last time. It is just a feeling I get.
[Charlie] But am I not performing to you now. I could be anyone because you don't know me.
[Maverick] True, but your not performing. As you said, you can give me your real opinion because you don't know me.
[Maverick] Instead, you are getting to know me. As you said.
[Charlie] We are strangers
[Maverick] but not :-)
[Maverick] You got in there and introduced yourself, and now we're not complete strangers.
[Charlie] I think I agree with your reasoning and your reasons. Anyhow, what about you. Why don't you perform to strangers?
[Maverick] I'll get into a room but be too shy to say anything. I'm ok once I know the people, but before then I'm a recluse.
[Maverick] Anyhow...
[Maverick] I take it you go to QUT...
[Charlie] Aye, I do, I take it you do too?
[Maverick] I do...what course?
[Charlie] That would be giving too much information away.
[Maverick] Conceded. My ploy failed.
[Charlie] Most dishonest of you sir.
***Charlie slaps Maverick around with a large trout.
***Maverick slaps Charlie around with a larger trout.
[Charlie] Well, as it is, I think my bed is starting to call to me. I'll be heading off.
[Maverick] A pity. I've greatly enjoyed talking to you.
[Charlie] Look forward to talking to you next time.
[Maverick] Will do.
*** Charlie has quit IRC (I wish I was in the future...just after exams actually)

Notable Interruption #2
This occurred on the Wednesday after that Saturday. Lizzy was just returning home from her computer programming exam, nearly bumping into two men as they left the house. Lizzy quickly looked over them, noticing that one was wearing air force insignia, the other was dressed in a business suit. She met her father inside.

"What were they doing here, dad? Aren't you a bit old for the air force?"

"Actually, that is something I would like to talk to you about. Can you step into the library?"

"Of course, dad."

Lizzy entered her favourite room in their home, her father's library. The library had a timeless feeling that was an escape from her sisters. The library also acted as her father's study. In one corner was his desk, a filing cabinet and a computer. In front of the desk were two chairs for people to sit in. Surrounding the other walls of the study were three bookshelves, covered in books. These books ranger from classic novels, mysteries, fantasies to aviation manuals, books on aircraft and science encyclopedias.

Lizzy looked at the desk. Her father's laptop was open, and the desk was covered in piles of paper and schematic drawings. "What was that meeting for, dad?"

"The air force is looking for new technology to upgrade their existing fleet. We were discussing the governments requirements for the latest round of tenders."

"Dad, that's great. If we can get a government tender, it'll expose us to the world, giving you a larger market. And it would take years off the mortgage."

Her father put up his hand. "First, they didn't give us the tender. They have only announced the tender open within the last week. We were discussing the requirements of the tender and our capabilities of fulfilling it. Proposals shall be open for a year as companies do the research and development to produce what they want."

"What do they want?"

Her father sighed and sat on the table. "That is secret for the time being. Even this can't go beyond the room. But they probably will give us preferred tender status."

Lizzy nodded. "Yes, you know you can trust me."

"They haven't released the details to the public yet. And when they do, it will only be a very rough and underestimated expectation for the new technology. What they are asking really will advance Australian technology to be a world leader. Provided the government still wants to go ahead once the tenders are in."

Lizzy nodded, remembering the problems with Boeings project Wedgetail. "If the government gives us the go ahead for the tender then pulls out, it will devastate us. Even if they put it on hold like they have for Wedgetail. Anyhow, I want to know what do they want that we can give them?"

"These details will be released next week. I won't tell you beforehand."

Lizzy nodded and sighed. "I will be too busy studying anyhow. I guess I can wait."

Her father clapped her on the back. "That's my girl."

Lizzy left still curious but like a good student went back to studying.

Chapter 9 - End of Exams=holidays=PARTY!!!

It was a Wednesday and the end of Lizzy's exam block. She had just finished maths, and as tradition dictates went directly to the campus club, where, lo and behold a great many other first year engineering students had gathered. Lizzy made her way to the table that Fitz, Charlotte and Denny had already monopolised. A jug of beer was being very quickly consumed, and the empty jug joining its fellows. You wouldn't want an empty jug to get lonely, now would you?

Lizzy sat and poured herself a beer and started sculling it. Fitz watched in amazement as Lizzy downed the beer in virtually one gulp.

"So, Lizzy, how did your exam go?"

"Exam? what exam? don't want to talk about it."

"I could answer every question, and finished it," declared Collins, slithering up to the table, "I can't understand how anyone would of found it difficult, except maybe those of the fairer sex since they are not as biologically inclined to such manly endeavours. Not to slight the extraordinarily beautiful creatures they are - but we men know these things."

Lizzy rolled her eyes and fixed her stare upon his worthless person. Had Collins been more observant, he would of curled up into a ball and gone to hide in a far-away place - like Siberia - but this is Collins we are talking about and he thought it a mark of her love.

"Could you get me a glass of water? Please, Collins?" asked Lizzy.

"You know I would like you to call me Billy, Elizabeth. I would be honoured to get you a glass of water. Lady Catherine...."

"Could you get me that now, pleassse?"

"Yes, yes, but of course," said Collins, scurrying off to the bar.

"We have to get out of here before he comes back! Any ideas Fitz?"

"PARTY - at my place?"

"Let's go. Charlotte, Denny. SMS everyone except Collins. What time is the CityCat*"

"In about 4.35 minutes - run"

"Quickly! Collins is coming back!" said Lizzy, making a dash for the door.

"Wait Lizzy! Your water!"

Lizzy keeps running.

"Which is the quickest way to the CityCat?" asked Lizzy, going down the stairs two at a time.

"Left"

"Right"

Fitz dives to the left, Lizzy and Charlotte following - conceding that he should know where he's going - down more stairs and the gym, then swung right, up the roadway, and left and stopped at the construction site.

"Where did that come from? It wasn't there yesterday!"

"Fitz" whined Lizzy "it's been there for at least the last month. Come on." Lizzy darts off towards the library with Fitz and Charlotte close behind.

They arrived at the CityCat terminal after not many errors in direction finding, to see it pulling away and to find Denny standing there.

"Why didn't you catch the ferry?" asked Charlotte despondently watching the ferry move further and further away.

"I don't know where I'm going - where DID you guys get to? I thought you must have been trying to lose me as well as Collins"

"Hey - that ferry is going downstream....Fitz?" Lizzy declared.

"Maybe I misread the timetable. I don't think I would of though."

"How long had you been at the Campus Club?"

"About a hour. But that beside the point. Look at the timetable"

"I'm looking. It says that the Upstream ferry went 15 minutes ago."

"It doesn't say that! Look the next one is in 15 minutes then."

"LIZZY!! I have your water! Where are you going to?" shouted Collins hurrying up to them.

They all groaned. Well, Lizzy growled "Fitz.....You made me run across uni for no reason - we missed the ferry - which wasn't coming - and we still have Collins"

"But you look so good running, Lizzy"

"Really?" said Charlotte.

Fitz found himself the subject of two staring women. Not good.

"Would you look at that? My phone is ringing. Hello" said Fitz, trying to escape 'the looks', "Darcy, how are you?" pause

"Yes, we were there earlier, but we're going to my place for a party. You coming?" pause

Collins: "A party! How wonderful!"

"Charlotte, Lizzy, Denny, and it seems Collins"

"Well, most of Kings has gone home - UQ finished their exams a week ago"

"I'll see you then, bye. Oh, could you bring some drinks too - and try not to bring Caroline"

"He's coming" stated Lizzy, "is Charles coming?"

"Yes"

Lizzy smiled, and rang Jane.

Seeing the CityCat (the one going the right direction) pull up, she quickly told Jane what was happening (not that Charles would be there though) and jumped on the ferry.

*CityCat - Brisbane's high speed catamaran ferry service

Chapter Nine - Part B - Party At Kings

The music was blaring. The alcohol was flowing. Fire Crackers were going off in the college. All was good.

Already there were Jane, Bingley, Charlotte, Lizzy, Fitz - in his natural environment, Darcy, Collins, Denny and Carter, Caroline and her accomplice Louisa and her boyfriend, Hurst. As well as many Kings inhabitants, (for example , drunken and sloshed (2 people), Dazza and Bazza, Pumpernickel and Bob - who's real name is Michael and rides a really nice motorbike), who thought "Party! I'm there - it's all good - I wonder how many girls are there?" (Thoughts probably not in that order.)

New people were arriving all the time, and the author takes this opportunity to introduce several new characters.

Anne de Bourg had arrived with Helga and Hog (another Kings inhabitant who happens to go to QUT and study engineering)

Lizzy walked over to the newcomers. "Hi Helga, how did you find that exam?" Helga was the other girl doing Avionics with Lizzy.

"Not to bad. Let me introduce you to my friend Anne. You know Hog - he followed us here - from down the corridor. Anne, this is Lizzy"

"Hello, Anne"

At this point, Hog drags Helga away. "Lizzyy! Help!"

Lizzy just smiles.

"So, what do you do Anne?"

"Well, I'm studying..."

"Anne! So good to see you. How is Lady Catherine? I haven't seen you in such a long while" declared Collins, bounding up, "Lizzy, Anne is studying Business at QUT, I'm sure you have seen her there."

Anne cringed. "Hello Billy. My mother has missed your company immensely. She was saying earlier that she was hoping that you would drop around tonight. But, obviously you are busy. She certainly wouldn't like to know that you had come to a party like this."

"Really? Actually Elizabeth, I was just coming over to say good-night."

"Good-night Collins." And Collins left. Lizzy looked at Anne with admiration.

"That was well done! Do you mind if I do that in the future? I have been trying to get rid of him all night."

"Thanks. I can't stand the little troll."

"So you do Business?"

"Well, actually, I'm doing a double degree in Electrical Engineering and Business. But my Mum doesn't know that. She thinks I'm just doing Business, and due to my health I can only do 2 subjects per semester. I have to avoid Collins at uni - he tells her everything!"

"I take it you are Anne de Bourg. I'm Elizabeth Bennet. Nice to meet you."

"Anne! How are you? Finished exams yet? Did you have maths today too?"

"Hello William. I'm great. Maths was my last exam."

"How did you manage to get rid of Collins so quickly? He usually tries to hang around you like a putrid odour."

Both Lizzy and Anne laugh.

"Thanks cuz."

"You're cousins?! You poor girl"

Darcy gave Lizzy an evil look.

"I see my friend drunken over there. I think I shall have some fun." Said Anne leaving the two death-staring each other. Caroline saw the two together, and made a beeline towards Darcy, took his arm and led him away. Lizzy then went to view the other entertainment.

Anne wandered over to where drunken and sloshed were having a beer drinking contest - who can drink half a carton the quickest. At the moment drunken was ahead.

"Anne! Fancy seeing you here! Sloshed and I are having a bit of a contest over here. I'm winning - see I've drunk the most bottles"

"No you haven't. These bottles aren't finished. You haven't drunken the dregs"

Cries of "That's disgusting" were mingled with "Finish the dregs!"

drunken, in his rather drunken state was trying to impress Anne...we can all see where this is going ....and proceeded to scull the remains of his current bottle and then the dregs of the nine bottles he'd drunk earlier.

"See, still winning" declared drunken, "I don't feel so good" and rushed off to the garden.

The author does not encourage binge drinking or alcohol consumption

Jane and Bingley had spent most of the night talking quietly on the couch, avoiding the various people trying to disrupt their conversation, ie, sloshed, Hog and Bob. All were trying to steal Jane in various attempts, sometime individually or in a combined effort. Sloshed, who had lost his drinking partner to the garden, came and sat between Charles and Jane. "Come on now, mate, share her around. You can't keep her all to yourself all night." Charles and Jane looked forlorn. Then Hog saw that Anne was heading outside with Denny and Carter. "Hey, where are you three going." He beelined for the door and after Anne.

Anne called back. "Denny and Carter are going to drive around for a little while."

Charles called out. "You can't drive, your drunk."

Denny smiled back. "Oh, we're not going to leave Kings. We are just going to drive around the car park a little while."

Everyone headed outside except for Jane and Charles, Caroline and Louisa. "William, you're not going out there are you?"

Darcy didn't know, he was just following Lizzy. If she was going out there, so was he. Caroline followed.

Everyone filed down the corridor and down the stairs to the car park. Denny and Carter had reached the car park a little before everyone else, and loud screeches could be heard, as well as the smell of burning rubber.

The author does not condone reckless driving, doughnuts or drink driving.

"Hey, Denny had better watch out," called Hog.

"Who are those two caught in their headlights?" asked Dazza.

"Where are Charlotte and Fitz?" asked Lizzy. Hmm, I think that question answered itself.

"That stinks. That smell will be in my hair for days! Are you coming inside with me, William?" said Caroline.

"Yep, sure, in a minute," said Darcy without turning around. Caroline headed back inside. By this time Dazza had thrown a firecracker under the cars that were doing doughnuts around the car park.

"Security!" cried Bazza. A torch could be seen bobbing in the distance. Everyone split and the party quieted down after this.

A few hours passed in a slightly more subdued manner. Eventually, Lizzy came up and started talking with Jane, as Charles had been dragged away by Darcy. "Jane, will you be staying the night here?"

"Well, I don't think anyone can drive home tonight, no one is sober enough."

Caroline piped up. "I can drive as can Darcy. He's giving me a lift home. Charles, you coming?"

"No, I'll get a lift back with Jane tomorrow morning."

Darcy, who had been listening offered Lizzy a lift. Lizzy shook her head. "Jane will give me a lift tomorrow." Caroline looked triumphant and Darcy forlorn until he remembered he was giving Louisa a lift as well. When Caroline left, mostly everyone, including Charles, breathed a sigh of relief.

"Sure, she looks hot but that is one chick I couldn't stand going out with, and I'd go out with just about anyone," said Hog. "Poor Darcy."

Chapter 10

The phone rang on the Sunday morning following the party. Jane dived to get it, expecting a call from Charles. The look of disappointment on her face indicated it wasn't him.

Ten minutes later, Jane got off the phone. "Who was that?" called Lizzy.

"Caroline. Apparently Charles and William have gone over to Archerfield for some reason or other. Caroline and Louisa want someone to come over for lunch."

However, Mrs. Bennet, who had been heading into their granny flat, overheard this part of the conversation. "You're going over to Charles' place? Well, you must wait a little while before leaving, it looks like it is going to rain, and they won't make you drive in the heavy rain. Then maybe the men will get back so that you can see them."

"Mother," said two exasperated girls.

"Oh, Jane, I was going to change the spark plugs today, but I can wait till tomorrow. They should be right."

Jane left around midday. It hadn't rained at all. It was getting late at night when Lizzy answered the phone. "Hey Lizzy, um, I won't be coming home tonight. The car's broken down, so Caroline is letting me stay the night."

"Ok, I'll come and fix the car tomorrow morning. I can get Dad to drop me off on his way to work. Do you have any idea what is wrong with it? Ah wait, don't answer that. I'll work it out tomorrow." Lizzy paused. "So, have you seen Charles?"

"Yes, he has been very nice. Good night Lizzy."

Lizzy laughed as she hung up the phone.

Chapter 10b

As Lizzy was standing in front of the airport, looking quite lost, Darcy found her. "Elizabeth, what are you doing here?"

Lizzy looked up in relief, until she realised it was he. "Darcy,' exclaimed Lizzy with surprise. "I was on the way to Charles' but I sort of realised that I don't remember how to get there."

"Well, I'm on my way home." He paused. "You can walk with me."

"Thanks," said Lizzy with some relief.

Darcy snuck a glance at her. "So, were you lost?"

"No, I wasn't lost at all. I knew where I was."

Darcy just smiled condescendingly. "Of course."

"I wasn't lost. If I was lost it would, one, imply that I knew where I was going, which I didn't, and two, that I didn't know where I was, which I did know. My dad dropped me off on his way to work. I just didn't realise that I couldn't remember where I was supposed to go until after he had left. So, what are you doing around here so early?"

"I was just going for a morning fly. You should come with me one morning, since you obviously like being up at this time," he said with a smile in her direction.

"Do you usually use that line to pick up chicks?"

"It works every time. So, will you join me one morning."

Damn it, he'd backed her into a corner. Lizzy loved flying, but she couldn't say yes to someone so damn arrogant. However, she found she was speaking before her brain caught up. "I'd love to. When are you going next?"

"In two days." They walked together silently for a while. "I told you, works every time."

Lizzy just glared at him. "I'm only going cause I like flying, not because I like you," she said with a smile.

"Well, at least your honest." They walked silently, allowing Darcy to watch her figure.

Soon they had reached Charles' place. Lizzy walked up to her car, as it sat forlornly outside. "Poor car," she said as she stroked it.

Darcy stood there wishing that he was the car.

They walked inside the house. "There you are, William," exclaimed Caroline. "Oh, what are you doing here Elizabeth?"

"I came to fix the car."

Caroline looked at Lizzy with distaste. Jane walked into the room with Charles. "There you are, Lizzy. I was just about to ring you."

"Well, I've arrived now. Can I have the car keys?"

Jane left the room with Lizzy to get the car keys. While the two were out, Caroline began abusing Lizzy. "Imagine coming here in that state. Did you see her jeans, William? They were at least an inch deep with mud. It's as if she walked here."

"She did walk here. She walked with me from the airport." He then looked down at his own jeans, which were an inch deep with mud as well. "The airfield was a little muddy today."

"And that shirt of hers looks to be so old, it was little better than a rag."

Bingley spoke up. "Well, she is going to fix the car."

"And can you imagine that. She is going to fix the car herself. Well, I guess you would have to if you don't have a boyfriend and can't afford to get someone to fix the car. I'd don't know one part of the car from the other."

"Is that why you failed your driver's test three times?" asked Charles.

Darcy smiled. "Maybe you should learn. You should watch Lizzy."

Caroline looked horrified. "I don't need to learn while I have you around. There really are some things that you should leave to the guys, and that is one of them. Well, I guess that is what you expect from a girl who does engineering."

"Aren't you going out today, Caroline?" asked Charles as he noticed that Lizzy had walked back into the room.

Lizzy headed straight outside, followed by Jane and Darcy. Lizzy opened the car and tried to start the car. Nothing. Lizzy popped the hood and checked the battery terminals. They seemed right.

"Jane, can you start the car again?"

Nothing. "Hmm, can you turn the radio on?"

Music started blaring. "Ok, turn it off."

"What? I can't hear you."

"TURN IT OFF."

"Ok."

"Obviously the battery is fine."

"It's probably the starter motor," said Darcy.

"Perhaps. Have you fixed a starter motor before?"

"A few times."

"Great, you can help me then. First, I'll just get these new spark plugs in. I was meant to change them yesterday."

*referdex = street directory

10c

A very wet and miserable Lizzy and a not so miserable Darcy sat on Charles' driveway with most of Lizzy's engine around them.

"Poor ole Rusty", sighed Lizzy. Rusty, short for Rust Bucket, was Lizzy's Laser.

"Maybe If we cut out some of the rust it might go" said Darcy.

Lizzy glared at Darcy in disdain, "there's nothing wrong with a bit of rust. It gives the car character."

"Of course. Character. Car falling apart...Character," chuckled Darcy.
** Insert Lizzy resorting to physical violence here **

"Well, do you know where these bits go? Who in their right minds would put the starter motor so far underneath that you have to pull apart half the car to get to it? Mechanics who want to make a lot of money. That's who."

"You don't need to hang around. I'm sure I can fix it," said Darcy, unwisely.

For his efforts, Darcy was rewarded with yet another glare as Lizzy got up off the driveway and back to the forlorn Rusty.

"If we just take out that bit, and that bit, and that bit. We may be able to get at it."

"I think you're right," said Darcy, also peering into what was the engine, although now resembled a large vacant space.

After another hour and lots more rain, Lizzy looked up, covered in crap. Darcy shook his head

"I think its gone Liz. Let it go. You need a new starter motor."

"No! We can just clean it up a bit more. It will be fine!"

"Those brushes are past it. I don't know how your car kept going. Well, obviously it didn't."

"Hmm. I think you're right. Where's the closest wrecker?"

"About 10 minutes away"

"Walk or drive?"

"What do you think? Driving. You couldn't possibly walk there in this rain. Should we have some lunch then head off?"

"We? Where do you think you're going?"

"Driving you to the wreckers. Where else?"

** Insert spirited argument for quite a long period of time **

Jane and Charles watched them through the window with interest.

"They're still at it."

"I say $20 they go for another 10 minutes," said Jane.

"I say a kiss that they don't."

Hmm, I win both ways thought Jane.

Back to the main arena.

"I guess you can drive me then. Though I am perfectly capable of walking."

"I know you are Liz. But I am also perfectly capable of driving you. Plus if I stay here Caroline wouldn't leave me alone. Think of it as helping me. And any way you won't get ripped off by the wreckers if I am with you."

** Spirited arguing continues **

Off in the grandstand.
"That's 5 minutes."

4 minutes and 30 seconds go by.

"Fine. Lets go," said Lizzy.

Charles grins. Then breaks into a triumphant smile.

"9 minutes 30 seconds. I win," chortled Charles.

"What a pity."

Lets just leave them at it. This is a mush free zone. Until we declare otherwise. Not that we don't like mush but once we start we won't be able to stop...really its for your own good.

Lizzy and Darcy drove off to the wreckers, and returned about an hour later very hungry as Darcy was so pleased that he'd won the battle that he thought it best not to let Lizzy think about it too much.

They ran into the house (Lizzy had proposed a race - actually she just said Last one there is a rotten egg, then bolted) and stumbled upon Charles and Jane. Charles was still collecting his winnings.

"Bet you that's going to go one for another hour," whispered Lizzy.

"Do we really want to know? Lunch?"

Lizzy and Darcy had lunch and went back to Rusty, although they were careful to avoid going into the Lounge again.

"Let's get this starter motor in, shall we?"

It was quite late by the time they got the starter motor in and most of the engine back together. Rusty was still not going and our two young mechanics were quite tired.

"How about we get these bits in then call it a night?" said Darcy, wearily.

"Good plan."

They continued until there was just one bit left.

"Eh? Where the dsafjk does this bit of pipe go? I sure don't remember pulling it out," exclaimed Lizzy.

"Don't worry about it. There's always bits left over."

Lizzy gave him a very strange look. Darcy was thinking about cataloguing Lizzy's looks. He thought he'd seen most of them today.

"If my car blows up. Its all your fault. You will pay."

"I could give you a hundred for it now."

"What???? It's worth much more than that!"

** back in the grandstand **
Charles and Jane looked up.
"They're at it again. $20" said Jane.

"Can I claim my prize now?"

"Just start the car Liz"

Lizzy climbed in and tried to start it.

It kind of kicked over, but then spluttered. And died.

"I think we needed that other bit."

Darcy looked a bit sheepish.

"We'll do it tomorrow," he said hopefully.

"I'll just call my Dad. He'll come pick me up."

"Why don't you just stay here? I'm sure Jane wouldn't mind. I won't"

"I couldn't. I have no clothes. And I'm all wet"

"I've noticed," Darcy muttered, eyeing her appreciatively. He didn't see any problems with what she'd said. No problems at all. typical male

"Would it be aright?"

"What no argument this time?"

"I'm too tired, but if you really want one..."

"I'm fine."

And so it was that Lizzy spent the night at Darcy's and Jane spent another night at Charles'.

Chapter 10 D

After a dinner of pizza and coke, Darcy sat at his computer wishing he had had something stronger to drink. Caroline sat next to him watching TV with everyone else, though she spent a lot of time glancing over his shoulder. "What are you doing there Darcy?"

"I'm writing an email to my sister Georgiana."

"Say hello to her for me. And ask her when she will visit us again."

"I think I already have."

Caroline was silent for a few moments. "You type uncommonly fast."

Darcy looked at Caroline. "No, I type pretty slowly."

"You must spend a lot of time on the computer due to you course. I would think it so odious, all that programming."

"Caroline, I'm sure they will force you to use the computer in your course eventually. And you will have to write your thesis."

Caroline tittered. "You've spent a long time at the computer. It must be a long email. I'm sure Georgiana will be delighted to receive it."

Charles pipped up from the couch. "Caroline, he's playing Age of Empires and alt tabbing to his email."

"Thanks Charles," muttered Darcy.

"Is that a business strategy game?"

Lizzy guffawed and nearly spilled her coke.

"It's very technical. You wouldn't understand," said Darcy.

Lizzy guffawed again. "Yes very technical. You need a LAN party, Darcy."

"Yeah, I have a 16 point hub. We're planning to have a LAN tomorrow night. What speed is your PC?"

"Celeron 633."

**Insert a few minutes of computer speak **

Eventually Caroline got impatient. "Darcy, ask Georgiana how her studies on the piano are going. And does she Somerton, though I must say that Grammer is the superior school."

"My mother went to Somerton," said Darcy.

"Of course, Somerton is a good girls school."

"Well, I'll write those comments in my next email. I already sent my email to her ten minutes ago."

"You use the computer so well, that I didn't even notice you sent it."

"From the curses I've heard Darcy utter at the computer, I don't think he uses it well at all," said Charles.

"And your method of using the keyboard is search and destroy," retorted Darcy. "At least I can type."

"I had better things to do with my time than learn how to type."

"Like play games."

"Yes."

Yet again Caroline became bored with a conversation in which she had no part. "Jane, Lizzy, you haven't met Darcy's sister, Georgiana, have you?" The two girls shook their heads. "She is the most delightful child..."

"She's only a year younger than you, Caroline," said Darcy.

"Anyone who is still in school is a child to me. Anyhow, she is the most delightful person you have ever met. We all love spending time with her. And she is so accomplished."

Darcy and Lizzy sat there thinking that Caroline was pretentious.

"I don't know how you modern women do it. Every woman I know is accomplished."

"What do you mean by accomplished, Caroline? I would say that I only know half a dozen women who I would call accomplished."

"A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, have a good education, know world affairs, fashion, have an appreciation of the arts and she should know a language or two. She should have all this and then have that little something extra in her tone of voice and expression, a confidence in her posture and the way that she walks." We all know who said this.

Darcy smiled. "All this she must possess, but she should be completely independent. An accomplished woman shouldn't need our help."

"I'm surprised you know any accomplished women at all."

"Are you saying that there are no women out there who could completely look after themselves?"

Lizzy smiled wickedly. "No, but if you are around, why should we mow the lawn?"

Chapter 10 E

Lizzy started the car. The engine turned over and spluttered before dying. "It sounds like its missing from the carburetor," said Lizzy.

"I'd agree with that."

Both peered into the engine. "What's supposed to be connected to that?" asked Lizzy.

"Probably a pipe."

"Nah, you don't think so do you?"

"It was dark last night."

Lizzy just smiled smugly at him. "Where do we connect the other end?"

Both furiously looked around the engine trying to be the first to spot the elusive other connection to the pipe.

After a few minutes of furious looking, Lizzy called out "found it!" She pointed to a hole far away in the engine.

Darcy looked deflated then smiled. "No it can't be, the pipe isn't long enough."

"Then what goes there?"

"You remember when you dropped that spanner yesterday?"

"Oh, does it need replacing."

"Nah, just cover it up with gaffer tape. It fixes everything. Plus it isn't an important part of the engine."

They continued to look furiously through the engine before Darcy triumphantly pointed to the elusive second connection point. "There it is."

With the unnecessary part back in the engine, Lizzy started the car, which sounded a lot better. "I think it's all right now."

"Your car still needs work on it."

"I'll do it at home."

"Sure you don't need my help."

"I'll be fine."

** Insert awkward moment **

"Well," said Lizzy.

"Yes, well," said Darcy, looking at the ground.

"Thanks for your help."

"Anytime."

"Well, I guess I'll tell Jane and we'll head off. Thanks for your help again."

"Are you still up for flying with me tomorrow morning?"

Lizzy had completely forgotten about her promise the day before. "Sure, what time do you want me here tomorrow morning."

"You could stay the night."

"No, I couldn't."

"It would be no trouble. We are having a LAN tonight, so you can bring your computer along, and Jane as well."

Lizzy looked at him strangely again. Why does she keep doing that, thought Darcy.

"Will you be undertaking any 'business strategy' games?"

Darcy laughed. "Sure. Stay the night and I'll make sure you're up tomorrow morning."

"I can't say no to a LAN."

"It's a deal then."

LAN : Local Area Network, or it is a collection of computer nerds, mainly playing games

Chapter 11

Mrs. Bennet was seriously displeased to see her daughters back home, but was heartened by the news that they were going back that night. Mr. Bennet was quite happy to see them home, and was displeased to hear that they were leaving again.

Now to the LAN.

They arrived with computer in tow. Actually, Lizzy arrived with computer in tow, and Jane was there for moral support. Everyone had a good time. Notable events:

1) Jane spent time with Bingley, actually, that isn't notable at all.
2) Darcy spent a lot of time staring at Lizzy and losing many games to her.
3) Lizzy conquered Darcy's kingdom's multiple times, and was disturbed that Darcy kept on offering her alliances.
4) Caroline attempted to distract Darcy, which annoyed him as it interrupted his staring at Lizzy, and his game.
5) Bingley spent time with Jane.

All in all, everyone enjoyed the event, except for Caroline and Collins, who followed Anne. Collins knew nothing about computers or games (very scary trait in an electrical engineer) and he spent the time trying to distract Lizzy, which annoyed Lizzy.

When Lizzy crashed on the couch, Darcy went to crash in his room (reluctantly though, he quite enjoyed watching Lizzy sleep). However, he was thwarted in his plan of sleep, by Caroline who barged in while he was getting changed (we don't know if that was intentional or not).

When Caroline recovered her faculties, she started on a well-planned assault upon Lizzy's uncouth character, and Darcy's admiration. At any rate Caroline thought it was a very well planned attack.

Darcy however was grumpy that he had lost so many games to Lizzy, he was tired and had zero Caroline tolerance. He just crawled under his covers and put his head under the pillow. Eventually Caroline got the message and left him alone.

Breakfast the next morning was a subdued affair, our warriors were grumpy from their late night and from memories of being conquered, alliances going sour and the general back-stabbing which goes on in PC gaming. It was also quiet since it was only 9am and no one except Lizzy and Darcy had surfaced yet. Darcy had woken Lizzy up to go flying, but had watched her sleep for a while first and then it was somewhat difficult to get her to wake, thus they were late.

Without more than 3 words being spoken, our quarrelsome pair found themselves at Archerfield airport, standing in front of Darcy's plane - a brand-new Cessna 172. Darcy walked around his baby checking for any damage, brushing his hand over the leading edges, spinning the prop, checking fuel level and generally giving her the once over. He unchocked the plane then climbed into the pilot's seat and continued his pre-flight checks, moving the control surfaces, tuning the radio to the ground control frequency and then realized Lizzy was still standing where she'd stopped when she realised this was his plane. She appeared to be gaping in awe, and Darcy could see her drooling.

"Are you coming?"

"This is it?? That is your plane? It's brand new. Latest model. And has the top of the line avionics suite. How could you keep this from me?"

"My parent's gave it to me as a 21st and as a congratulations gift for getting my commercial wings."

"They gave it to you. Can we swap parents?"

I can think of a way we could share, he thought. "They are most generous, I don't really deserve it."

Too right you don't, she thought. "Of course not."

"So are you coming?"

"Of course. Stop being in such a hurry."

Lizzy clambered up into the First Officer's seat. Darcy handed her a Headset and continued his pre-flight checks, getting weather and traffic information. Then they were ready to go. Lizzy was entranced with Captain Darcy, and scarcely noticed as they were given clearance to taxi to the runway and take-off after the green 152.

"Victor Romeo Foxtrot, requesting permission for take-off on runway 07" came Darcy's commanding, confident and downright sexy voice through her Headset.

"Permission granted Victor Romeo Foxtrot. Take-off when ready," crackled the tower.

Darcy applied full throttle and the little plane cruised down then runway and took off with ease.

Lizzy then realised she didn't know if they were going anywhere in particular or just cruising around.

"Hey Darcy. Ahh, where are we going?"

"I thought we'd fly down to the Gold Coast and cruise around there for a while."

Darcy commanded the plane with ease and was completely at home in the sky. After they had cleared the airfield airspace and climbed for a while, Darcy said

"Would you like to take over for a bit Liz?"

"Um, well I've only had 2 lessons - straight and level, and climbing and descending - I'm saving up for more though."

"I could teach you. I have completed my instructors rating you know."

Lizzy felt she could feel the patronising condescension that seemed to be emanating from Darcy at that statement. But then that was an offer that was almost too good to refuse.

"I would like that a lot. But do you trust me? And I wouldn't want to take up too much of your time."

"I trust you more than some one I don't know. You seem like an intelligent girl, and I'm sure my time wouldn't be wasted as you would really appreciate the lessons."

The nerve of the man! thought Lizzy, what does he mean by that? But still it is a very good offer. I wouldn't be able to afford to fly for ages at the rate I'm going, especially if I have to spend more cash on my car. Oh!

"Thank-you Sir. That is very kind of you."

"Are you ready to take the controls?"

"I guess so."

"Well, Handing Over"

"I Have Control"

And Lizzy was flying.

Chapter 12

Lizzy stood behind the counter of Longbourn Aviation, her fathers repair and engineering workshop. She shook her head as she attempted to sort out Collins' latest mess, having managed to kill the new customer database that Lizzy had created two short months ago. A customer waited patiently as Lizzy attempted to locate his VHF unit.

Lizzy muttered unmentionable things under her breath as she tried to sort it out. "Collins!"

"Yes Lizzy, can I help you with something?"

Lizzy imagined her hands throttling Collins. Instead, she smiled pleasantly, and asked him if the VHF unit had been fixed yet and if he could fetch it. "Oh yes, that job has been finished. I entered it in myself."

"Could you show me where it is, then? I can't find it."

"Well, of course, I wouldn't expect you to be able to find it."

"Well, of course I wouldn't if you don't enter it into the right place," she muttered under her breath. She smiled at the customer. "We'll bring it out in a minute."

"Oh, hmmm........hmmm......I can't seem to find it. Silly computers."

The customer looked at Collins skeptically.

Lizzy sighed. "Do you remember where you put it? Is it on the finished jobs shelf?"

"Yes, of course it is. I'll just go get it."

Lizzy followed him, concerned. Collins picked up a box and brought it over. "See, here it is."

Lizzy shook her head. "Collins, that's someone else's GPS unit. Isn't his unit that one there?" asked Lizzy, pointing at the black box two shelves down.

Collins looked over. "So it is."

Lizzy shook her head again. "Don't tell me you got the tags mixed up? And Collins, we do have a computer for a reason. Learn to use it."

As Lizzy returned to the customer, Collins went to complain to Lizzy's father. As Lizzy returned to the back work room, Collins exited her father's office smiling smugly. Mr. Bennet followed Collins and rolled his eyes. "A moment with you in my office, Lizzy."

As Lizzy walked past Collins, Collins looked down at her condescendingly. "Yes, your father has some words to say to you. You should show a lot more respect you know."

Mr. Bennet closed the door after Lizzy. "Has Collins been whinging to you?"

"Of course he has. I'd much rather work with his father, at least he was a semi-reasonable person. Collins has no sense to speak of, but he's amusing. If it weren't for that, he'd be completely intolerable."

"He is intolerable, father. He's completely incompetent. He can't use a computer to save himself. He makes us look bad. I don't know how he can be your business partner."

Mr. Bennet sighed. "He's only my business partner by default, and that is because we needed him to get that loan to expand. It's damn annoying having a business partner that you can't discuss business with, especially this new contract. Anyhow, I wanted to speak to you about this new contract."

Lizzy was all ears. "I've been curious about it."

"Take a chair Lizzy. What I'm about to tell you is not to go beyond this room, you do understand." Lizzy nodded. "This is highly classified, so I shouldn't be telling you this. I've just finished filling out my clearance forms." He indicated to the mass of papers strewn over his table. "Basically, this contract is going to be a cooperative project between defence and industry. I won't know the exact requirements until I've received my clearance. All I know so far is that they have proposed the development of an integrated imagery system, using all of the various radar systems to create a detailed 3-D picture."

Lizzy whistled. "That is quite an ask. Do you think we can pull it off?"

"It would be damn good for us if we could. This will either make us or break us. I've been waiting for a contract like this for a long time. And I certainly won't let Collin's ruin it."

"How can you hide it from him?"

Mr. Bennet smiled. "Well, he can't know much about it if he doesn't get his security clearance."

"You wouldn't!"

"Well, he will need to get a reference from me, and I'm sure I'll be as supportive as I possibly can. I'll tell the absolute truth. I can't jeopardize Longbourn's security protocol."

Lizzy grinned. "Where do we go from here?"

"We'll need to get a few more engineers on the team, and probably get a few of your uni lecturers as consultants. At the moment we only have Hill and Col Forster, and we have Phillips to handle the maintenance section. We'll have to upgrade our security, there will be some very sensitive material here. I imagine we'll need swipe card access and our computer network will have to be upgraded. I'm sorry Lizzy, but I'll have to even restrict you from accessing some of this until you're far enough into your degree."

"Oh, come on Dad, I can do the computer network for you."

Mr. Bennet shook his head. "No, Forster will be doing it. He is our software engineer after all."

Lizzy sighed. "I can't wait for another two years to work on this."

"If we don't get the tender in two years, you won't be working on it."

Lizzy put on a disappointed puppy dog look on her face. "How can you say that Dad? You had better get that tender or else I'll be off to work for your competitors."

Mr. Bennet smiled at his daughter. "That's what I like to hear from you. Nothing like a bit of family support."

"It's called emotional blackmail, Dad. The security guys get a bit hedgy about it."

Disclaimer: we don't think this hot shot new technology exists, we have completely made it up, but if it does exist somewhere, we know nothing about it. If not, we claim the IP rights to it.

Chapter 13 - Part A

The students were looking at their watches, waiting for him to finish at exactly four o'clock. Lizzy was getting fidgety. She hated being late for a computer practical, and she hated having to listen to Redlac, especially when he had more or less finished the lecture. "And now, gentlemen, remember you need to know the points we discussed in the lecture for the mid-semester exam."

It was the second week of uni, and Lizzy, our model student, was keen to start her first computer practical. Fitz, Lizzy, Charlotte, Helga, Anne and about seven other guys that were at that Kings party several chapters ago, rose from the back row of the lecture theatre and quickly made their dash for freedom out the back door. Lizzy said goodbye to Charlotte, and Fitz, too, was about to say goodbye as well. "Ah, Lizzy, I think I'll skip this tut. It's only week two."

Lizzy shrugged and headed off alone to the computer tut, having been abandoned by everyone else.

Chapter 13b - Wickham

Wickham walked out of the ITS* office, where he had managed to score a job the week before. He was hoping to finish off a small task before heading home early. It was a Tuesday night after all. He just needed to deliver some more paper to the printer in lab S606 and then he was done for the day.

He opened the door and....ran smack bang into someone and dropped all of the paper he was carrying. "Damn," he muttered quietly to himself. That was before he looked up and recognised the very, very pretty girl he had run into. Hmm, and she looked to be eighteen as well.

"Oh, I'm sorry, let me help you."

Wickham smiled a very smooth smile. "No, don't worry about it. Though I must say I don't mind running into someone like you at all."

Lizzy blushed becomingly. And Lizzy opened her mouth and was unable to say anything to such a good looking, smooth talking guy.

Wickham recovered and filled the printer quickly while Lizzy was still left gaping at him (or his well formed body). As he came towards her again, Lizzy realised she was looking a little foolish, and that she was still aiming to go home. Wickham indicated that Lizzy should exit first. "Are you heading home now?"

Lizzy nodded mutely. "Yeah, I was just about to walk to Southbank now."

Wickham nodded. "So you are a south-sider as well. Do you catch the train?"

Lizzy nodded again.

"Me too. I'll walk you to the train station. I've finished here for the day."

Wickham stopped at the office window, bent over the desk to pick up his bag, waved to a few people and turned back to Lizzy again.

Lizzy tried to think of something to say. She wasn't usually struck mute like this. "So you work here?"

"Yes, I just got this job as IT support last week. It's not a bad job, the people are good and I'm sure I'll enjoy it."

They started talking and walked towards the lift.

Part 13c - Darcy's Day

Darcy pressed the button for the lift, waited for about ten minutes, then finally hopped on one that stopped all stations from level 11 to level 6. At level six, Darcy stared icely at the opening doors with thinly veiled contempt for the IT students who couldn't walk down the two levels to the 4th floor where they all got off.

And then Lizzy walked in, and he smiled and was about to say hi. Then he saw Wickham. Talking with Lizzy. Darcy shrunk back into his corner. The day had just gotten worse. At the fourth floor, Darcy rudely pushed through the people, said nothing to Lizzy when she said hello and strode out the lifts.

Lizzy shrugged and continued her conversation with Wickham to the second floor.

The train reached Coopers Plains and both Wickham and Lizzy fell silent. She had rarely had such an enjoyable hour talking with someone she had never met before. She found that they had so much in common. Besides the fact that they both lived on the south side, they were both into computers and they both played the guitar. Most of the people who started talking to you near a train were really weird.

"I get off in two stops."

Wickham looked disappointed. "It was really nice talking to you."

Lizzy agreed. "I've never spent a more pleasant half hour on the train, that's for certain."

Wickham smiled. "I'd really like to see you again. Are you free tonight?"

Lizzy wanted to say yes. "No, I'm sorry, I've got a family party-gathering type thing to go to tonight. But....you could come along to it, if you want."

"I'd like that."

Lizzy quickly wrote the details on a slip of paper, smiled, and got off at her station.

ITS: Information Technology Services