LONG LIVE THE KING
The various resurrection scenarios fanfic writers have provided for Archie.
The noble emblem of the Live Kennedy Universe, (c) 2002 by Jan Lindner.
Want a full-size one for yourself as a tee-shirt transfer? (And who wouldn't?)
CONTACT JAN for details.
When I wrote in the introduction to the Apocrypha section of this site (some four months before HH2 aired) that fan fic can " 'unkill' beloved dead characters," I sincerely hoped that such a service would never have to be performed for Archie. But I strongly suspected it would. And it has.
Therefore, I am pleased to say that the Hornblower fan fic writers have come through! Listed below are various scenarios that have been employed to keep Archie around and the stories in which they figure.
For this section, I am breaking with some of my unofficial customs: not all of these stories are on the Horatio Hornblower Fan Fiction Archive, and for those that aren't I have provided direct links. My reasoning is that you just don't skimp when it comes to righting a grievous wrong. Having said that, I am still limiting this discussion to gen stories, for the reasons articulated in the Apocrypha introduction. However, all those who wish to know can rest assured that HH slash is equally committed to ensuring that Archie remains a viable part of the Hornblower universe.
PREEMPTIVE STRIKE
A long time ago on an A&E message board far, far away, a brief story appeared with the innocuous title A Life of Duty. This story created a sensation at the time for its far-from-innocuous premise, and in retrospect I think it may well stake its claim as the first "Archie Lives" story. How did it accomplish this feat, given that it was written long before anyone knew there would even be an HH2, let alone what fate would have in store for Archie?
Very simple. It, uh, kills Horatio first.
Something about this clearly struck a chord with many readers, for the single story spun off a number of sequels by a number of different writers. Each sequel depicts a friend or colleague of Horatio's coping with the devastating aftermath and trying to resume the business of living. Not surprisingly, the burden falls most heavily on Archie. BUT, at least he is indeed alive!
A Life of Duty by Fubsycations, and its many sequels by many others, can be found on the Horatio Hornblower Fan Fiction Archive.
PREMONITIONS
One fool-proof way of keeping Archie alive is simply to have him leave the navy before getting clobbered. Several stories utilize this strategy -- and, interestingly, all of them were written (or at least begun) before the particulars of HH2 had leaked out:
* Archie and Edrington's Excellent Adventure by Karen L.
* Hail and Farewell by Joan C.
* Not for Honour Alone by PJ (on Sarah B's Horatio Hornblower Fan Fiction Site)
-- and, indirectly, its predecessor The Journey Home on the same site
* Thanks Given by Sarah B.
Unless otherwise noted, these stories can be found on the Horatio Hornblower Fan Fiction Archive.
ALTERNATE UNIVERSE
'Tis but a flesh wound. These stories deal directly with the tragic events of Retribution -- but manage to find a way around them!
* Another Way to Serve by a number of people [in progress]
* Castle out of Check by Jan L.
* Fidus Achates by Sarah B.
* Gibraltar Interlude by Inzevar [still a death fic, though]
* Reprieve by Jan L.
* The Storm by Jamie
Non-linked stories are from the Horatio Hornblower Fan Fiction Archive. Linked stories are from here and there, around and about.
ALTERNATE ALTERNATE UNIVERSE
In which there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio ...
* All the World's My Stage [humor] by Julie
* Better Already by Sue B.
* Burning of the Midnight Lamp by Catherine (yeah, I've tried my hand at this too...)
* Distant Memories by Lori (not really HH2-related, but who's counting)
* Dolphins of Eternal Bliss by Cairn
* An Enduring Love by Caity
* Flights of Fancy by Julie
* FORTITUDE by Lorraine Jean
- The full text (Chs. 1 - 14 & Epilogue) of this novella, perhaps the most remarkable "Archie Lives" story of all. (Chapters 1- 5 have appeared previously on Sarah B's Horatio Hornblower Fan Fiction Site. )
* The Ghost by Maryanne (on Sarah B's Horatio Hornblower Fan Fiction Site)
* HMS Eternity by Papillon and Lydia
* Players on the Stage by Jill D.
* Respite by Inzevar
* The Return of Archie by Timmerryn
* Unfurl the Sails by Sarah B.
* The Unhappy Return by Sarah B. [still a death fic, though]
Non-linked stories are from the Horatio Hornblower Fan Fiction Archive. Linked stories are from here and there, around and about.
This page last updated 6/3/02.