Section Links

01. [From the Editors Desk]
02. [HLOFC & HLOFCWS News]
03. [Hudson's Convention Schedule]
04. [More of Hudson's Favorite Things]
05. [Tulsa Convention Report]
06. [Minneapolis Convention Report]
07. [Hudson - IRC Chat]
08. [An Interview With Some Callisto's Tales Authors]
09. [“The Day I Met Callisto”]
10. [“Black Hole”]
11. [The Oddity Twins Present...]
12. [“Twilight Thoughts”]
13. [Poems...]
14. [“A Kindred Spirit”]
15. [“A Comedy of Rhymes”]
16. [“A Fair Trial Indeed”]
17. [“Callisto’s Last Will and Testament”]
18. [September Newsletter Question]
19. [Featured Web Sites/Web Pages]
20. [One Last Reminder...]

Happy Anniversary, Everyone! Yep, it’s hard to believe, but it has now been 1 year since the Hudson Leick fan club became official. And, boy, what a year it has been. The fan club has grown faster and larger than I think anyone could have anticipated. But, I guess we really shouldn’t be *that* surprised; we already know that once people see Hudson - whether it be in movies, on tv, or in person - they’ll be “hooked” for life. With the amount of new HLOFC members added in the past year, it looks like that is exactly what is happening.

Not only has the Internet fan club more than tripled it’s membership in the past year, but I am happy to announce that the HLOFC has now expanded it’s membership to include non-Internet fans as well. Thanks to Ephany, who has generously volunteered her time and expertise, non-Internet fan club members will now be receiving the HLOFC “snail mail” newsletter 4 times a year, plus any news bulletins pertaining to Hudson’s scheduled activities and appearances.

There is a nominal fee for non-Internet fan club members to receive the “snail mail” newsletter, and timely bulletins, but thanks to Ephany’s enthusiasm and willingness to help out, it’s great to finally welcome Hudson’s many non-Internet fans into the Hudson Leick Official Fan Club.

Please Note: If you are already a member of the HLOFC through the Internet, please do *not* join the fan club again, through “snail mail”. The “snail mail” newsletter will *not* include any new information regarding Hudson or her scheduled appearances that Internet HLOFC members do not already receive via HLOFC Broadcasts, newsletters, etc.

With Hudson’s rapidly growing popularity, I know that everyone is as excited as I am to see what the next year will bring for Hudson and Hudson’s fans.

For those who don’t know, Hudson has finished filming another episode of Hercules, which will air sometime in the upcoming season. Hudson will again be playing Liz Friedman, one of the executive producers of Xena and Hercules, in the second part of “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Hercules”. It should be a fun episode to watch. We’ll be sure and let everyone know the exact air date as soon as we find out.

As always, Hudson is busy, busy, busy but she says that there are “lots of interesting possibilities” available right now. We will just have to wait and see what happens. But, no matter what Hudson decides to do, I’m sure that the addition of her own unique style, and her immense talent, will make whatever project she chooses to do remarkable!

Once again, I want to thank all those who volunteered to help out with this issue of the newsletter. Everyone did a fantastic job and I truly appreciate your contributions. If you, the reader, find something that you really like be sure and write to the author and tell them how much you enjoyed their work. I’m sure they would appreciate hearing from you.

The pop art photos that are included in this issue of the newsletter were composed and donated by Ralf Schuenemann <r.schuenemann@t-online.de>, who says that he was “inspired by the work of Andy Warhol & Roy Lichtenstein.” Pretty cool...Thanks, Ralf!

As was already noted, the official fan club has just celebrated it’s first anniversary. And I know that many of you have been very patiently waiting for the optional fan club membership packages to be made available. The good news is that the membership packages are now nearly complete and will be available just as soon as we have an exclusive photo of Hudson. If Hudson is gracious enough to provide the fan club with more than one exclusive photo, we will be offering those to you as well.

We thank you for your patience and understanding and will continue to do our best to get the fan club membership packages to you as soon as we possibly can.

I know this is normally the place where we update you about news concerning the Hudson Leick Official Fan Club web site (HLOFCWS). But, if you have visited the HLOFCWS, recently, you already know what an outstanding job Wes and Shaddy are doing to maintain one of the *largest* and most informative web sites on the Internet.

So, instead, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Wes and Shaddy for all their endless hours of hard work and continued support and dedication to maintaining the Hudson Leick Official Fan Club web site. Not only is the HLOFCWS *HUGE* - offering just about anything and everything that is currently available regarding Hudson and her career - but they continue to improve the web site and add more, almost daily. If they don’t have it located directly on the HLOFC web site, they have a link to it! The web site *is* truly awesome!

In Addition, Wes and Shaddy are always open to suggestions from fellow HLOFC members to improve and expand the web site, and are willing to work with people to help implement their suggestions, so that we can have a web site that the entire HLOFC can be very proud of.

And if maintaining the HLOFCWS isn’t enough hard work, Wes specifically, patiently “puts up” with me and some of my “off the wall” suggestions, as well as and my numerous pleas for help on tons of things related to the HLOFC and HLOFCWS. I know that there have probably been *many* times when Wes has wanted to lunge through his computer and “wring my neck” over some of the things I have asked him to do, or some of the ideas I have suggested to him, but instead he always says, “Sure, Deb, I can do that.” Or, “yeah, we can give that a try.” He is always willing, eager and enthusiastic to help me out and I don’t know what I would do without him. I know it’s long overdue but, “Thank you, Wes, for all your help, support and cooperation....and for putting up with me.”

The HLOFC is very lucky to have such exceptional people like Wes and Shaddy. So, be sure and drop them an email message and thank them for *everything* that they do.

If you have the chance to see Hudson at a convention, don’t miss the opportunity to see her “live - up close and personal”! It is an experience that you will not soon forget, as stated by nearly everyone who has ever seen her in person. (Okay, probably *everyone* who has ever seen her in person, but I didn’t want to sound overly facetious) Be sure and get your tickets early for the best seats!

Dyann, aka GeekGrrl, the HLOFC Convention Co-Coordinator - who is doing a “fantastic” job, I might add - will keep everyone informed as each convention date gets closer. You can also contact Dyann at: [Con Committee <hudsoncon@hotmail.com>] And, of course, we’ll keep you up to date if Hudson schedules more conventions in the future, or if her convention schedule should change.

The following conventions is sponsored by Creation. Ticket prices, ordering instructions and all other information can be obtained by logging on to Creation's Web Site at: [www.creationent.com]

Please be advised that all tickets purchased through Creation are NON REFUNDABLE. In the event that Hudson should have to cancel any appearance due to obligations or commitments that should arise, unbeknownst to her at this time, no refunds will be given by Creation for tickets already purchased. We are *not* saying that there is any possibility that this will happen, but we want everyone to be forewarned.

Guests: HUDSON LEICK ("Callisto")
More guests and details to be announced...

The following convention is sponsored by ZonCon. For more information about ZonCon '98, or to purchase tickets, please log on to the ZonCon web site at: [http://members.tripod.com/~ZonCon/] or send email to: zoncon@usa.net

Hudson will be attending the dinner on Friday, October 2nd (tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis) and also appearing on-stage and signing autographs on Saturday, October 3rd. Hudson will *not* be appearing on-stage on Sunday, October 4th, but will be signing autographs for 1 hour.

Okay, here’s what you’ve all been waiting for...still more of Hudson’s favorite things:

Favorite Television Show: “I don’t watch t.v.”

Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry’s Coconut Almond Fudge

Favorite Disney Character: The Witch from “Sleeping Beauty” and the 3 Fat Fairies from the same movie

Favorite Perfume: “Perfect Gardenia”

Favorite Beverage (besides water): *Fresh* Apple-Carrot-Ginger Juice or Caffeine Free Chia Tea with Honey

Written By: Nathan Cole - baronofdoom@hotmail.com

Well, what can I say? I met Hudson Leick on Saturday, June 27 at Trek Expo ’98 in Tulsa. I paid sixty dollars for an advanced ticket just so I could get the chance to meet Hudson. And meet her, I did. She is, by far, the most fascinating person I have ever met. The sixty bucks I paid was more than worth it. Out of the whole day, I talked to Hudson several brief times. After William Shatner got off of the stage, the people who had reserved seating, which was the sixty-dollar advanced ticket I had, went and got an autograph from William Shatner and Hudson Leick. I had written a poem dedicated to Hudson several weeks ago and when I arrived at her booth, there was a woman with purple hair next to Hudson. This woman went by the name of Artemis, who is Hudson’s best friend. I asked her if Hudson excepted anything from her fans. If I remember correctly, she said to ask Hudson. There were a couple of people in front of me, and Hudson was signing their photos.

I then just suddenly said, “Ms. Leick?” She looked up at me. I then asked, “Do you except gifts from anyone?” Then she told me, “Money, expensive jewelry.” I think she named more things too, but I can’t remember what all she said. I smiled and looked away saying, “Well, who wouldn’t?”

As I waited for my autograph, I heard Hudson suddenly laugh. I said, “Man, that sounds just like Callisto.” Then she replied, “I wonder why. I know her better than anyone else.” I knew it was obvious, but it just seemed strange to actually hear her when not seeing her as the character, Callisto.

When it was my turn for my autograph, Artemis gave my poem to Hudson and she looked at it for a few seconds. Then she put it down saying that she would have to read it after she was finished with the autographs. Of course, I knew she wouldn’t have time to read it then anyhow.

As she was signing my picture, I suddenly said, “Here comes trouble!” in a Callisto-like voice. She kind of laughed and repeated that phrase. After I got my autograph, I asked, “Are you going to be taking pictures later?” She responded, in a silly voice, “I believe so.” Then I asked if she was going to be at her fan club booth. I can’t remember her exact words, but I know they implied that she may or may not be there later. I then just said that I would probably be at the booth later on. I don’t know if she heard me because I was walking away from the booth. I went back out, happy because I got to talk to her.

A little later, she came out onto the stage. That day she wore a red, tight leather dress. It was sleeveless, leaving her shoulders revealed. She looked just absolutely gorgeous that day. When she first came onto the stage, she just walked around. She said, “I know all of you are waiting for me to do something.”

She graced the stage, I cherished every moment that I saw her. She eventually asked the audience if we knew her scream. She then counted to three and we all screamed, well most of us. Afterwards, she said, “My turn.” Several moments passed and she gave out her loud Callisto scream. It lasted for several seconds. Then everyone cheered. Her scream was music to my ears. There were a lot of people who asked her questions. One guy asked if he could go out with her. I thought, “Yeah, when Hell freezes over.”

A woman asked Hudson what her favorite episode of Xena that she worked on was. I told my mom, who was sitting next to me, that it was A Necessary Evil. Sure enough, Hudson said that it was the one where she became a god.

One man asked her what I thought was a rude question. He asked her, “Are those real?”, pertaining to the obvious. One thing I love about Hudson is that she doesn’t let anything bother her. She just answered, “You want to find out?” The man went up on-stage and went up to her, almost up against her. He looked for himself and then left the stage. Hudson just turned around saying, “Men don’t scare me.”

A woman asked her what kind of powers she had as a goddess on Xena. Hudson explained that she could shoot things from her fingertips. Then she went on to say, “But I couldn’t kill Xena! Helloooo! I’m a god!” I agreed totally with that little statement.

Photo By: [Mike Ownby]
Tulsa '98
I remember that one guy said that he had heard that Hudson was a vegetarian. There was a barbecue after the convention, and Hudson was going to be there. The guy asked her what she was going to eat at that barbecue. Hudson just plainly answered, “You.” That was a good answer, I thought.

Hudson was on-stage for at least a good 45 minutes. Afterwards, she let a lot of people take a picture with her. I was one of those lucky people. When I went up to her to take the picture, I told her, “Hello, Callisto. How are you?” I don’t think she said anything in response. My mom was going to take the picture. Hudson was to the left of me and I kept seeing what she was going to do. Apparently, I kept moving away from her, but I didn’t realize it. I said once that she could act like she was slitting my throat. Eventually, she got sort of at an angle behind me. I noticed that she kept leaning into me and I knew she was up to something. My mom told me that she looked like she was going to attack me. After the picture was taken, I looked at Hudson and she suddenly took a hold of my left earlobe and pulled on it a few times. She had a mischievous look on her face. She let go of my ear and smiled at me. I asked her if she had read my poem yet, but she told me that she hadn’t read it yet. I said okay, and walked off.

I watched others take a picture with her for a little while. She had to leave and several of us were chatting with her as she was about to get in her limousine. Just to see what she would do, I suddenly said to Hudson, “Oh, behaaaaaave, baby!” like Austin Powers. Hudson briefly looked at me and faintly smiled. I couldn’t believe I got up the nerve to say that, especially that loud.

Before Hudson left, I called out her name. She looked at me and I asked her if she liked being loved this much by everyone. She asked everyone if we loved her and of course we said yes. Then she said, “No you don’t! You’re just saying that!” as she started beating her fists on top of the car. I was wearing a Hudson Leick Official Fan Club badge and I said, “You see this? This is a Hudson Leick fan club badge.” I was trying to prove that I loved her. Hudson just put her hands on her hips and made a silly little face at me. A few minutes later, she said that she had to go and that she loved all of us. We said that we loved her too, at least I know that I did. But then she left.

The worst part of this convention is when she did leave. I did understand though. I really enjoyed meeting Hudson. She is an extremely beautiful, intelligent, talented, and funny woman. You cannot get bored around her. I don’t think you realize how beautiful she is until you actually see her in person. Sure, you can tell by seeing her in pictures. But it is just not the same as seeing her in person. I assure you that all of these things I have told you are true to the best of my recollection. I encourage anyone who has the chance to see Hudson to go for it. It will be worth it, I promise. Hudson is worth any price to see. You will not be disappointed.

Here is the poem I gave to Hudson.

A Rose From Heaven
A poem dedicated to Hudson Leick

By Nathan Cole

A rose is known for its beauty As I am drawn to it There is a rose that I believe is from Heaven And I am even more drawn to her Her beauty and elegance seem impossible Her golden blonde hair, angelic in a sense Her dark brown eyes that one could fall into Her sweetness, her talents, I could go on forever She is the personification of Happiness The very heart of Beauty Her inspiration leads me into an unfathomable void of possibilities For she is happy, as I wish I could be I shall never know what happiness is Perhaps God has declared for me to be alone But I watch this Rose From Heaven I watch her with curiosity and wonder what she’ll do next Sometimes I wish I could just crawl into some dark hole and die But the Rose From Heaven gives me a sense of peace I believe she is a blessing from God to all of her fans This rose does have a beautiful name I wish you the best, dear Hudson Leick

Written By: Ron Herr - ronnierherr@yahoo.com

I'm not quite sure I can describe the experience of my first ever convention of any kind, especially seeing Hudson in person for the first time ... Wow, is about all that comes to mind though.

I have to admit I became rather shy once I got to the convention center. I guess I am somewhat shy on a regular basis, but I'm usually good at hiding it. I did "see" some familiar names at the convention, one of the people being Marty Slater, who did those great portraits of Callisto we all like so much ... as well as some other familiar names from the mailing lists, etc.; Couldn't muster up the courage to say hello though ... though I've done it before in emails.

I didn't intend to be in awe when I first saw her, but I was. The majority of her time on-stage was pretty much like every transcript I've ever read on the Internet. A lot of the same old questions, that she gets asked all of the time, and of course some new ones. I'm not sure why I haven't seen this mentioned in the mailing lists yet, but when asked about upcoming rolls, Hudson said she might be "doing some Mortal Kombat". I'm not sure if she meant a movie, or if they were going to do a tv series ... that's all she said. I could definitely see her doing one of those types of characters though. She'd also asked someone how they liked her new muscles, so she must be doing some training of some sort for a role. Perhaps that would relate to the Mortal Kombat as well.

During Hudson's appearance on stage Marty Slater got a chance to hug and take a picture with Hudson. Hudson also noticed how quiet I was (I was in row c - 3rd row - seat 1), and said something to the effect of "my, aren't you the quiet one" (I think this was just after she had the audience doing Xena yells) ... I started to look around, because she was looking right at me. and she continued with something like "I'm talking to YOU" ... I immediately turned red, and she pointed that out as well. I was a bit embarrassed at the time, but I guess I did accomplish getting her attention.

After Hudson's stage appearance was over, I proceeded through the autograph line, and simply said "Hello" to Hudson as she autographed my photo (which I actually gave to my younger brother, whom I brought to the convention with me, as he's a big fan also), probably still a bit red in the face ... but she bid me 'hello' back.

Photo By: [Martin Slater]
Minneapolis '98
When Hudson had finished everyone's autograph (and I would guess there was at least 750 people at the convention ... though I can't say how many went through the line), she graciously met with the members of her fan club and took photos with each of us backstage. I was still being a bit shy at the time, but did finally get close enough for a picture. My little brother was pretty shy too at first, then finally put his arm around her after a bit of ribbing from Hudson. I blew both of our pictures up to 8x10's when we got home, and they turned out pretty good.

My overview of Hudson's appearance? We've all heard it before, but I think it should be emphasized even more.... Hudson goes all out for her fans. She signed autographs for everyone, she then took the time to meet with her fan club and take pictures with each of us, then continued to take pictures with all of the other convention attendees after that. From what I heard, she left for a 9pm flight after done with that. All of this starting at 4:45am (if memory serves me correct). How she keeps up her energy, I haven't a clue. I'm 26 (turning 27 in October), and I don't have that much energy. I left the convention re-energized, so to speak. I admired Hudson more than I had ever in the past, and am currently in the process of bringing my website back to it's roots (www.hudsonleick.com). I've also made arrangements to attend her ZonCon convention appearance(s) in Baltimore, MD (October). Not something I had planned on doing so soon, but after experiencing her energy, you just can't help but have admiration for her. Also, another chance to attend a convention, and possibly be a little more "alive", and a little less shy. I think I could have had a lot more fun in Minneapolis if I had talked to some of the people.

To those fans out there that haven't attended one of Hudson's convention appearances ... you've got to do it. It's an experience I'll never forget. I had went to see the Spice Girls in Minneapolis the week before (no jokes please) ... and that was nothing compared to seeing Hudson. I'm actually traveling 1600 miles to Baltimore in October for the ZonCon convention, and I thought this would be a one-time thing. Guess I was wrong. :)

Keep a lookout for me at a convention near you! (I'll be the one in red, face that is).

Written By: Jason Helrich Citizen-X <blaine@cyberbeach.net>

IRC, short for Internet Relay Chat, offers a world-wide multi-user chat network, where people meet to talk in groups, or privately. Lots of people can participate in the real time discussions, and the number of topics covered on IRC is endless. On IRC you'll meet people with the same ideas and interests, and making friends for life is not unusual. IRC can host your business meetings and it can be your virtual hide-out!

To connect to IRC you will need to download an IRC client. The most popular is mirc which can be downloaded at http://www.mirc.co.uk/. This page also contains further explanation and help on how to use IRC. On Efnet which is one of the largest IRC networks I have created #HudsonLeick for fans to discuss everything about their favorite actress. In time, regulars that visit can also receive +o access which allows a type of channel moderation. I believe that this channel is a good idea for uniting Hudson fans.

Written By: Kevin C. Wong jahn@csua.berkeley.edu

Part 1: Tower

When I first became interested in the character of Callisto, I searched the Internet and visited several web sites to find out more about her and the actress who portrayed the villainies. Eventually I came to the Callisto's Tales site maintained by Tower on the HLOFCWS. Over the course of the next couple of months I read everything that was there at the time.

Reading the various stories I got a different feel for the Callisto character than the one I got from watching Xena:Warrior Princess. Various stories portrayed her as a villainess, as a psychotic killer, as a reluctant heroine, as a victim. Different interpretations of the same character.

After reading the various stories, I wanted to find out more about why the authors wrote their tales and what they get out of writing Callisto fan fiction. So I came up with this excuse to get some questions answered by some of my favorite authors.

I asked several authors, and much to my surprise, almost all were willing to answer my questions. Unfortunately, this meant that the whole article would be way too long for one Newsletter. Debbie suggested I make this article a multi-part series, so that I won't have to brutally edit the questions and answers to fit one Newsletter.

The actual interview process was rather simple. I wrote a dozen standard questions, added a couple of questions specific to each author, then mailed the questions out. The authors answered my questions and that is pretty much it, with perhaps a couple more back and forths to clarify or expand a topic.

I tried to focus on the writing process, specifically pertaining to writing a story about Callisto. Since I am a fledging writer, some of the questions were aimed at seeing if the authors have a similar experience to my own. Hopefully, some readers will be inspired to write their own tales to contribute to the HLOFC community.

For the first interview I've chosen Tower, who as I mentioned before is the webmaster of the Callisto's Tales site. Tower's works include "Callisto's Wish", the first Callisto's Tales story and one of the few choose-your-own-adventure style stories on that site, the short story "She Named the Horse Xena", and his recently concluded "...Only One" story "Forever Maternal".

Before we get to the interview I'd like to remind fan fiction readers that your comments count a lot! There are few things better than getting positive feedback from a reader, even just "way to go" messages. And most authors appreciate constructive criticism. So write to the authors!

-- Kevin (Who may finish his Callisto story in this millennium)

[Kevin] What was your first Callisto story? Why did you write it?

[Tower] Well, my very first story was 'Callisto's Wish', an interactive story where you play a wandering adventurer who ends up with an unfortunate run-in with Callisto. She needs your character's help to complete her quest and she will not take 'no' for an answer. I wrote it especially for my website, 'Callisto's Tales' and the funny part was that I had only seen 'Intimate Stranger' and 'Ten Little Warlords' when I did it. The reader decides his character's fate by choosing which story path to take but be careful, you could die very easily at Callisto's hand.

[Kevin] Have you written any other fan fiction besides those on Callisto's Tales? Were these written before/during/after the time you wrote your first Callisto story?

[Tower] Honestly no but I got on the Internet at the same time when I discovered X:WP and Callisto. If I had been on the Net several years back I probably would have written a few 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' stories. However I might be doing a Babylon 5 and Battlestar Galactica crossover in the distant future but it might not involve any of the regular cast of characters from B5.

[Kevin] When you write, how far ahead do you plan? Do you have the whole story thought out beforehand, just a chapter, nothing planned?

[Tower] I work out a general plot and jot down some points but nothing solid, it's mainly a chapter by chapter thing. Most of the time I'm constantly changing my stories as I write. 'Iolaus and Callisto' is a good example. It started out to be a short story focusing only on them, then suddenly I got hit with inspiration and started adding more characters and altering the plot. Mainly bringing Artemis and Aphrodite into it and adding a lot to the story. It gave me a chance to explain (my way) how Callisto acquired her fighting skills. Plus this story allowed me to try my hand at doing subtext.

[Kevin] How would you summarize who Callisto is, what motivates her, what her goals are?

[Tower] Without a doubt Callisto wants her anger and pain to stop and revenge seems to be the only answer to allow herself to have a normal life. If someone killed my family, friends and burnt my entire town to the ground I would be thirsty for blood too. However (to me) Callisto has no one left to turn to for support but in my story 'Iolaus and Callisto', I had Artemis watching over her in her younger days before and after Cirra, teaching her to fight and trying to fulfill Callisto's desire for revenge against Xena. Artemis thought she was doing the right thing but everything got complicated when Xena unexpectedly reformed on them which pushed Callisto over the edge. Here was the killer of her family suddenly becoming a hero to the population which made her go out using Xena's name while razing villages to try and destroy the warrior princess' new reputation. Callisto would enjoy making Xena suffer for as long as she possibly could which explains why she hasn't killed her when she had all those chances.

[Kevin] When you write your stories, do you prefer Callisto as a mortal, immortal, or Goddess? Do you feel any of those is substantially harder to write for?

[Tower] It wouldn't matter if I wrote her as a mortal, immortal or as a god but doing a Callisto the goddess story would be much more difficult, considering the power she could wield and the type of opponents I would have to throw at her. Lets face it, Xena would not last 3 seconds in a real fight against Callisto and in my book, gods would be able to teleport themselves out from under a pile of rocks. :-)

[Kevin] How close do you think your characterization of Callisto comes to the one shown on "Xena: Warrior Princess"? If there are differences, why did you include/exclude them in your characterization?

[Tower] Someone said it the best. While Xena is a hero capable of performing acts of evil, Callisto is a villain capable of performing acts of some good. Just as long you're not friends with Xena, do something to offend her, wind up being a pawn in one of her plans or admit to her that you love her. :-) Overall I always depicted that Callisto wants to change, to have a normal life, just to forget. She doesn't go out killing aimlessly. There is always a purpose behind her 'madness'.

[Kevin] When you write Callisto stories, how important is it to keep within the Hercules/Xena Universe as depicted in both TV shows?

[Tower] I always try to keep in line with the first and second season. I found "A Necessary Evil" an eye opener after watching that campfire scene between Callisto and Gabrielle. As for the third season... please don't get me started. It was like watching a train wreck happening, not just for Callisto fans but for everyone else.

[Kevin] Do you read any other Callisto fan fiction? How about other fan fiction in general? Is there any fan fiction that has influenced your writings? How has it influenced your writings?

[Tower] Being in charge of Callisto's Tales, I read most, if not all the stories submitted... if time permits. It's interesting to see how other writers have different takes on Callisto. Almost every writer has something to offer about Callisto that I have missed or never thought of. One of the best scenes I can remember reading was in TIMES, where Brant described Callisto smiling. That the smile on her lips never seemed to reach her eyes. Callisto is a very complex person leaving her actions open to interpretation on many levels because of the good writing on the show and by the incredible acting from Hudson Leick which shows in fanfic. Callisto shouldn't be pinned down so easily as being insane or just plain evil. There are so many forces driving Callisto that her actions and reasons should be anything but predictable and simple.

[Kevin] Which is your personal favorite Callisto story that you have written? What makes it your favorite story?

[Tower] I would have to say 'She Named the Horse Xena'. I wrote it immediately after seeing Callisto with her pet rat, 'Little Hercules' during ANE. Would Callisto have a pet named after her dearest enemy? To me it was a big yes. I quickly decided on Callisto having a horse named after Xena. Then it allowed me to replay a much debated situation about the warrior princess: letting Callisto drown in that quicksand pit in 'Return of Callisto.' Would rescuing her change Callisto? Unfortunately we will never know except in the realm of fan fiction. The extra bonus for doing this story was that it inspired a gentleman by the named of Jakes Atkins to write a sequel to it called, 'Survivor of Cirra.' It brought back Callisto and her horse, Xena, to actually meet the real warrior princess, Gabrielle and even Hercules and Iolaus. It was a real enjoyment seeing my idea being used by someone else.

[Kevin] If you had to do it all over again, are there any stories that you would change substantially? What would you change?

[Tower] I would be lying if I said I was happy with all my work. Sometimes I wish that I took my time writing it, or did some more proof-reading before posting it and that if I had done it this 'way' then it would had been better.

[Kevin] Who do you write for? Who is the intended audience for your Callisto stories?

[Tower] Anyone who appreciates Callisto with a PG rating and with an occasional R, but doesn't like Callisto being portrayed as a way over the top, sword slashing mad woman. I don't like writing her all bad. Most of my writings are General fan fiction but some subtext themed stories are sneaking in now. Being a heterosexual male, I'm not bothered by a woman being attracted to another woman. Now I'm also getting into crossover stories, letting Callisto run into characters from other shows. My first crossover was in the '...Only One' that was started by Heresy where Callisto is a Highlander-style Immortal. It's called 'Two Minutes to Midnight', were Methos from Highlander the series goes to find Callisto. It's just two VERY old friends getting back together in our present day and finding themselves in trouble. The oddest crossover I've done so far in the '...Only One' series was 'Forever Maternal,' where an Immortal Dana Scully (Yes... an Immortal) meets up with Callisto and it turns out that our favorite redheaded FBI agent was Callisto's mother way back in Cirra through the miracle of reincarnation. I never intended to have it happen but the idea hit me after I did the restaurant scene of them meeting.

[Kevin] How important is feedback from readers? How does reader feedback influence your writings?

[Tower] Very important. It lets fan fiction writers know that you're doing a good job. If you get no feedback then it leads you to think that it must suck. I wish I could give feedback to every story that is posted on my site but I don't have the time because I know how important it is. So far all the feedback has been positive on my stories with a few criticisms but I can take it. However to date, no one has told me that 'I suck' so I must be leaving everyone generally happy.

[Kevin] "A Promise" credits Melissa as co-author. What was it like collaborating with another author?

[Tower] It happened unexpectedly. I finished the story and just asked Melissa to look it over and to offer some feedback. A few days later she emailed my story back with comments... A LOT of them. Offering more suggestions and ideas than I could have ever asked of her. She was a great help in developing the story farther than I intended. Melissa was the 'tender loving care' for it. We bounced a feel emails back and forth as I used her suggestions and since I've pretty well loved all of them, this collaboration between us went incredibly smoothly. When I was about to post it, I then offered to list Melissa as co-author which surprised her slightly but it was the least I could do considering how helpful she was.

[Kevin] You just finished "Forever Maternal", which leaves "Iolaus & Callisto" as your only unfinished story in Callisto's Tales. Do you plan on finishing it?

[Tower] I am working to complete 'Iolaus & Callisto' but I'm running into some difficulty. I'm close to finishing it but I can't decide on an ending. Believe me I want to finish this story but I don't want to force myself on it. I tried it and I hated the results after 3 pages and I decided to start all over again.

[Kevin] Thank you kindly Tower for taking the time to answer my questions.

Written By: Craig Barnhart - ab678@acorn.net

For 6 hours I had been climbing the mountain. As I reached the top, my heart began to beat wildly. I had heard rumors that Callisto was at the summit of the mountain, and I was having 2nd thoughts about possibly meeting her.

As I took the last couple of steps I froze in place. There she was! Callisto! I didn't think she noticed me, as she was doing some sort of Yoga Exercises, and was not even looking my way. I watched in awe, and before I could kneel down before her, she suddenly turned and glared right at me!

"Why have you disturbed me!!??", she shouted.

My blood turned to ice, and I stuttered trying to think of a better reason than I just wanted to see her magnificence.

Again she shouted, "Why!!?"

My life flashed before my eyes, as I saw a small fireball forming in her hand!

Suddenly I remembered the last issue of the Hudson Leick Fanclub Newsletter! "An Offering! I have an offering for the great Goddess Callisto!", I stammered.

Callisto shouted in a mocking tone, "Unless you've got Xena's head on a stick, what could YOU have that would interest ME!?".

Fumbling through my backpack as fast as possible I found my offering and replied, "A 12 Pack of Strawberry Poptarts, with Extra Sprinkles!".

Callisto smiled and said, "Very well, give them to me. I can toast them rather easily!".

As she began to toast them, I quickly fled back down the mountain, before she noticed I was still there!

Let this be a lesson to everyone out there. Read the Hudson Leick Newsletter! It can literally save your life!

Written By: Hawk - jbackhaus@swin.baynet.de

BLACK HOLE

Emptiness is filling me, I hear the silence so loud. My mind is wandering free and flies away like a cloud.

Hope has left sooner than time, Depression has catched the whole of my soul, The only way out seems to be a crime. Feelings, deeply frozen to a black pole.

Crying out in need for help, all I hear is the echo of myself. You've left and have never come back, since then I've lost the track.

No more emotions inhabit my shell, My body - the living cell. Trying to breath the air you stole, Nothing stays but the Black Hole.

Written By: Matt Peters - ghoti@cannet.com

This is a continuing serialized CRS called:

"Her Crowd: The Adventures of Hudson Leick and Company" (When Hudson Is Between Jobs)

Cast:
HL: Hudson Leick
DM: Debbie Mills

(Oddity Twins)
MM: Melissa Monson
MP: Matt Peters
TR: Trancer
CJ: Chief Jeff Morton
Gallo: Galloway
Gene: Gene
Pan: Pandora

Other cast members introduced as needed......

Note: This is a departure from the Usual CRS/Oddity Twins type thing insofar (man I gotta get out of the legal department at work) as this isn't a "Callisto" thing. In fact there are no Xena characters in here. It does however have a hodgepodge of members of that strange corner of the Xenaverse known as the Hudson fan or Callisto fan. Plus, the Oddity twins are involved. So, without further ado....

At the Mills' place...

HL: Open the pod bay doors, Hal. Nothing.

HL: Hal?

Debbie Mills (DM): What are you doing?

HL: Trying to get your computer to start up.

DM: Press the power button.

HL: But Matt said...

DM: Yes, the twins are all known for doing strange things like that. Remember when we went to that Spy themed restaurant and Galloway told you the "password phrase" was <i>Roll that beautiful bean footage</i>?

HL: I don't want to talk about it.

DM: Why do you want in my computer, anyway.

HL: I'm planning a trip.

DM: To?

HL: Dunno.

DM: Where would you like to go?

HL: Been everywhere cool.

DM: Cleveland?

HL: Nope. Wanna go?

DM: Nah. It smells funny this time of year.

HL: India?

DM: <thinks...> Okay. Should I call for flights and --

HL: Nah, Matt's pretty good with travel arrangements, I'll have him do it.

(later....)

MP: (on phone) okay, well that's no good, what can I get for say 300 dollars and some scratch off lotto tickets? I need um...a dozen or so seats....Okay. And what kind of class is that? And is there food service on the flight? No. How much extra for the seatbelts? Can I just bring some bunjies and tie us all together? I'll throw in some Marvel trading cards. ...Deal.

(back at Melissa's pad)

MM: No, I think he's stupid for wanting it that way.

Pan: You just have no clue to coolness.

TR: What's all the furbuffal?

MM: Matt wants to paint flame decals on his car and call it "Pimpdaddy Matt's Badass Ride."

TR: No dice this is a PG skit, no pimp-anything!

MM: <to Pan> See? Even the Disco Inferno here says it's a no-go.

Pan: <stomps off...someone has some paint job retouches to do>

Galloway wanders in from outside.

Gallo: Okay, I'm done with my chores. Since when did I become the official wasp nest remover for the house?

Gene : (who was here the whole time but quiet) Well, as usual we vote and whoever isn't in the room gets voted in to do the sucky jobs around the house.

Gallo: But I voted! Hudson was the wasp nest remover this month!

MM: yeah, but she has a job lined up and she just can't go to the audition lumpy with wasp stings now can she? And the first one to make a "do I get to apply the Calamine" joke gets a swift kick!

Somewhere in another part of the house Matt makes a Calamine joke....

Days later a group of Oddity twins and one celebrity arrive at the airport. Much to everyone's surprise (well except Matt's) instead of boarding at the gate, everyone boarded closer to "steerage." Due to the amount and graphicness of the violence perpetrated on Matt we will forgo the play-by-play on that one. Suffice to say that the trip went well, if not smelly, and everyone concerned arrived safely in INX the India International Airport.

<near baggage claim>

HL: Why does your t-shirt say "I'm a Horny Granpa?"

DM: Happy camper! I'm a HAPPY CAMPER! You really need to see someone about your eyes.

HL: Later, where is everyone?

DM: Well while you were in the cafe getting hassled for trying to feed the airline honey roasteds to a local god, the twins got arrested.

HL: If I blow this audition because of them....

DM: Don't worry, Jeff is --

HL: And I wasn't feeding Ganesh my peanuts.

DM: whatever. Jeff is trying to sort it out now. But on the upside it looks like some of your competition is out of the running.

HL: How so? <very big evil grin - the kind you cheer for at Cons>

DM: Well, Melissa was picked up for getting into a spitting fight with an agitated Carol Channing, Matt was caught slow dancing with an inebriated Larry Hagman.

HL: Dear gods....

DM: Well when Pandora convinced Trancer and Galloway it really *was* Stacy Keach looking for change in the water fountain Gene had to go with them as they went chasing after the guy.

...to be continued......in the next newsletter...

Written By: GeekGrrl - geekgrrl@ix.netcom.com

This piece is one of three vignettes around the final scenes in Sacrifice 2 - and I thought how sad I was that this was truly a good bye not just to Callisto - but to the fascinating triangulation that existed between Xena, Gabrielle and Callisto. Here is the first paragraph of the piece called 'Twilight Thoughts'

Twilight Thoughts

I hated her more now with a hatred more fatal than indifference because it was the other side of love. J August Strindberg

There are some things that we cannot plan, even in the best of times and at our most outlandish dreaming. Watching Gabrielle clutch Hope to her and then pull her into the molten pit, that, that was priceless. Oh the look of horror and surprise and then devastation on Xena's face when she watched her beloved bard in that mock maternal embrace pull her progeny down with her. Almost, just almost, made my tortured existence worthwhile again. I could not, would not have even begun to have been able to plan such exquisite revenge. After all this time. After all I gave. The hysterical laughter bubbled out of me, the mania that I could not contain. And then she comes at me, tears in her eyes, and I feel it, sliding beneath my sternum, the blade, covered in Hind's blood. Oh Xena, my sweet release at long last. And your touch, how long do you think I waited for that? For you to look me in the eyes and see. Everything I am, all that I was, was for you. For your recognition, for your approval. You knew that didn't you? You understood and were afraid of me. Not because of the ways I tried to hurt you but because you understood this rage that burned like a lover's desire in my chest. You knew that I had no choice, no alternative but to pursue you like I did. Even tolerate the brat, but she isn't a brat anymore - is she? No,no,no, not traveling in your presence. Not standing in your shadows. Did you really think you could contain all that darkness? You should have been mine Xena the way you made me yours. You said once that you created me and you would destroy me. I have ever been yours to toy with. I told you that didn't I? Finally, Warrior Princess, Destroyer of Nations, you're finishing the job you started with my family 12 years ago. Your skin is smoother than I expected it...And that look in your eyes...Would you really ever cry for me Xena? Cry for the little girl who lost her family? Cry for woman who became everything you taught her to be only to be rejected...Time and again, rejected by you? I used to be afraid of the darkness Xena, but you would never have known that would you? And funny, the uncompromising darkness is the only thing I want now. It is your face, my sweet, that I carry with me...Funny, isn't it? No...matter...how hard...we plan...we can never know...until it is too late.

All the Following Poems Were Written By: Cheryl aka RedPrincess - CherG1@aol.com

Here is one of the first Callisto poems I ever wrote:

I WALK ALONE

I walk alone, why must it be That all this tragedy happened to me I learned how to hate, how to kill, how to lie Enjoying it each time I made people die

I walk alone, no love in my heart She took away all of where it would start I watched my whole world disintegrate I couldn't stop it, I grew up too late

Forever my idol, my enemy, my love I've placed her upon that pedestal above I must be like she was, always so cold Laying waste to mankind, both young and old

I walk alone in darkness and death Committing destruction with every breath I want her to know what she's caused me to be Because after all she's the one who made me

Each evil act will make her pay She'll understand it started that day It's not my fault, it's all on her head I hate being me, I want her dead

Why can't I forget her, why do I obsess Yearning for just one sweet caress To lay my head gently upon her knee To have her hold, love and comfort me

I walk alone in torment and pain I only feel empty, I've nothing to gain But one day she'll be mine and fall in defeat Who needs love when revenge is so sweet

This poem was inspired by "Armageddon Now":

CALLISTO'S HOPE

Emptiness overwhelms me No exquisite delight Revenge so longed for Has no sweetness

I thought that her pain Would end my agony Instead, I feel nothing No satisfaction, no hatred

Now I am free once more Given a dire mission A promise made A glimmer of hope

Hope. How ironic That name so inspirational Brings exactly the opposite Domination by pure evil

Still, the chance is mine To change the wrong Which chained my heart And took away my soul

I must try.

And this poem, of course, was inspired by "Sacrifice 2":

THE FINAL ACT

A taunting smile Psychotic eyes Sarcastic words And evil cries

Relentless pursuit Revenge her goal For the murderous act Which tortures her soul

Satisfaction gained Emptiness the end Believing death Her only friend

Unlikely alliance Against a new strife A sacrifice made New desire for life

Then the final act By her old foe A great villainess dead Farewell......Callisto

Written By: Wight - wight@axl.be

"Yeeeaaaeeeehhhh"

A human cry filled the air. Not a cry of pain, or one of surprise, but rather a cry of a man that was about to enter combat ... a battle cry.

There was movement as well. To the left, straight through the bushes on a path that would soon intersect with the main road, ... and bring the fight to the exact location she was standing in.

'So be it then' Callisto said to herself as she drew her sword and prepared for the by now inevitable events that would follow.

The first creature to break through the trees and into sight was not human however. It was a large, pitch black panther, its fangs bared, its claws bloodied. More blood glinted off its fur, but Callisto doubted it belonged to the beast.

The panther, upon seeing her, stopped its rapid flight and hissed angrily at the woman that was blocking its path. It did not attack however. The panther, obviously a creature of instinct, seemed to know that attacking the woman would only result in ending i's own life. Self-preservation did not allow it to do that.

Hissing and screeching, it frantically spun in circles and tried to get her to step out of its way. Less then three seconds, two male warriors came charging out of the forest, weapons readied and prepared to attack the panther.

"Get out of there woman !" one of them yelled. "That thing is a killer." The other, in the meantime, started advancing on the creature.

It took Callisto about half a second to take in the scene and make her decision. As her hand slid to the hilt of her dagger, she answered: "No more then I am."

In one swift move she drew her dagger and hurled at the advancing warrior with full strength. The blade embedded itself deeply within the man's neck and killed him instantly. As he fell to the ground a low gurgle and the clang of a falling metal blade were the last sounds he ever made.

The panther, upon seeing this sudden change of situation didn't hesitate a second. Moving with all the speed of a fully alert predator, it leaped at the second, obviously surprised, warrior. Its claws raked over the man's chest, but even worse for him, the collision knocked him down, giving the panther a clean shot at his throat. He died without a struggle ...

Callisto just watched as the animal retreated away from the dead body, then turned back towards her. It hissed once more, but then stopped its threatening gestures and relaxed a bit.

A little surprised by this sudden change in demeanor, Callisto slowly moved towards the body of the first warrior to retrieve her dagger. She kept her eyes on the beast though, just as it kept its eyes on her.

But it didn't make a move to attack her. Sure, it kept her under scrutiny at all times, but its reactions were no longer hostile ... just cautious.

"So you understand that I saved your life." Callisto said after a few minutes. She had always known cats were smart animals, so it made sense to her that this one would at least have a basic understanding of what had just happened.

"Now get out of here before I change my mind ."

And with that she turned around and walked away ...

later...

A movement in the dark caught her attention. It was night now, and she'd made camp just a few meters away from a small stream of water. Her camp wasn't exactly hidden, but that was ok. She'd left the main road a few hours ago and no one was supposed to be here in this part of the forest anyway.

But someone was ... or rather, something was.

"Oh it's you again." Callisto sighed as her eyes caught sight of the black panther yet again. It had been following her ever since she'd met it this morning. Always staying out of reach, but not out of sight.

"What do you want ?" She asked. Her gaze moved around, until she detected the half eaten rabbit hanging just above the campfire she'd made. "Ahhh, you're hungry ? Is that it ?" Without knowing exactly why she cared, she stood up and threw the rabbit towards her pursuer. It didn't land far enough though, forcing the panther to come out of hiding if it wanted to eat. Callisto just shrugged and sat down again.

"Help yourself."

At first the beast didn't move, but as she sat back down and stayed still for a few minutes, the panther finally broke out of hiding and sneaked towards the rabbit. Once there, it gave Callisto one last look, then hunched down on its forward legs and started to tear pieces of flesh from the rabbit's carcass.

Callisto watched it for a while, a little curious as to why she hadn't killed the animal yet.

"So you're a killer, hmm ? Who did you kill ? Another one of those warriors ? Was that why they were after you ?"

The panther, apparently feeling more and more safe as the seconds passed, put itself down on the grass and started to eat from the carcass itself now.

"I don't blame you." Callisto mused. Then, with a small grin she added: "I probably would've killed them myself if I'd met them first." she paused a few seconds. "I don't like people like that. People like that burned my home."

Then, as she gazed at the panther, she realized its situation was not at all dissimilar. "And I suppose they were in your home too, hmm ? Yes, I definitely would have killed them if I'd met them first."

She stood up and moved over to the stream for a sip of water. The panther didn't even move as she did so. After drinking, she turned back towards it.

"You must like me, hmm ?" A little smile at that concept. "You're probably the only one. It's not a good idea to like me."

The panther had by now finished with the rabbit. It put it's head down, and ever so softly started purring.

As she sat there, just looking at her furry companion, she began to contemplate a few things about her own life. "I'm a lot like you, you know. We're both predators. We both have our prey, who we will hunt till either we, or she, dies."

The panther, naturally, did not respond.

"Good and evil have no meaning to us, we aren't hindered by morals or ethics. We just do what we have to do. You do so because it's who you are. And me ... "

She paused, just why did she do it ?

"Well, maybe I do it because it's who I am too."

Yawning, the animal blinked it's eyes slowly, a movement she'd seen many times with ordinary house cats.

"Food, self defense, .... revenge. Maybe they are all just excuses to allow us to do what is within our nature to do ?" She looked up at the stars, then back at the creature before her.

"What do you think ?"

Once again, the black feline just blinked its eyes.

"I thought so." Callisto smiled. "So, does that make me crazy ? To follow my nature. Does that make me evil ?"

She grinned. "I suppose it does. Both are just words, after all, invented by humans, with no bearing on the real world at all. They have no meaning to you."

More then that,

"And they have no meaning to me, either."

The panther closed it's eyes and went to sleep.

She laughed again. "You're right. Enough talk. We should go to sleep." Standing up, Callisto moved back towards the fire and laid herself down on the ground, heedless of the large furry hunter less then three meters away.

"Tomorrow, " she said to herself now, much like she'd been doing before anyway. "Tomorrow, the hunt continues ... "

Written By: Toni Nicole - www.Christina28@worldnet.att.net

Callisto the Mighty (sung to the music of Joxer the Mighty) Callisto: Callisto the mighty, master of the sword and knife. Maybe evil I killed Strife. Best at killing Xena's plan. That has been my master plan. Gabrielle's a little brat that is why I killed her man. Callisto Callisto the mighty.

Gabrielle: What's wrong with her?

Xena: All I know is she spent the night being gaurded by Joxer

Gabrielle: That explains a lot.

A Comedy of Rhymes

Gabrielle: Oh Xena be calm there is nothing wrong, why do you worry so?

Xena: Callisto is free, how could this be? She should have been lost forever.

Gabrielle: She is probably gone, it is almost dawn. She's learned to strike at night.

Callisto: Oh but your wrong, I'll never be gone dawn or not dawn. Remember I'm blonde. I don't care and don't know in rain, sleet, or snow.

Gabrielle: How could this be? How'd you get free? Xena is right you won't strike at night.

Callisto: Oh no I'm not dumb, but why are you glum? Who said I'm here for a killing.

Xena: I know you too well, you can't cast your spell. This party is by invitation only.

Gabrielle: What? Oh gods where's my luck.

Callisto: If you don't let me I'll totally freak, and then you'll be in for it sadly.

Gabrielle: Hold it! Does anyone else notice we're talking in rhyme.

Callisto: Yeah. Let's set it right and turn back time.

Xena: We can't we don't have thyme.

Written By: Amanda - Callisto82@aol.com

She knew this day would come, but not this soon. Xena should have let her die back there in the quicksand. It would have been the easy way out. Then again, the easy way out isn’t half as fun as the hard way, to die would have been the end to a beginning. The trial would soon be over and she’ll be free, all she has to do is convince them she’s not the criminal, Xena is. If it wasn’t for Xena and her army, she wouldn’t have turned out the way she did. In a way she feels grateful to Xena for what she did. Being a farmers wife tending to livestock and children for the rest of her life wasn’t what she wanted. No, now that she’s seen and felt the wonders of being a warrior, she’s found her true calling.

Chained at the wrists and ankles she’s led by Xena to her trial. This is the second time Xena tried to help her by giving her a fair trial, and this time Callisto feels willing to give it a try. What harm could it do? She’d be sentenced to death for sure if she doesn’t make Xena out to be the bad guy. Then again, she has a plan just in case that does happen.

“The case of the people versus Callisto will now begin. The honorable Marcellus will lead the trial,” stated a guard.

An old man entered the room and Callisto sized him up. He looked harmless enough, but not too pleased with her presence, almost frightened really. He walked up to a throne in the front of the room, and Callisto was led to the table next to him.

“Move her over to that table over there,” demanded Marcellus.

“Why your honor?” asked a guard.

“I want to watch her every move during this trial and I can get a better view over there.”

Callisto was lead over to the table in front of the throne. She knew the real reason he moved her, he was afraid. She didn’t blame him, but it wasn’t the reaction she was looking for. She put on an innocent look and stared at Marcellus. He seemed to warm up a bit after she settled in, things were now off to a good start. The people stated their case first.

“Your honor, we wish to have this murdering harlot executed for her crimes.”

“And what has she done that caused you to give her that title?” asked Marcellus.

“She killed women and children your honor, and when convicted of her crimes and brought to justice she escaped only to be captured again.”

“Young lady, please come up to the stand and state your defense.”

“Yes your honor,” said Callisto shyly.

A guard came over to her and escorted her to the stand next to Marcellus’ throne. As she walked past Xena, she gave her a deliciously evil grin and Xena knew she was up to something. Instinctively Xena placed her hand next to her chakram and moved Gabrielle out of harms way, if something did happen she had to get Gabrielle out of there fast.

“State your name young lady.”

“Callisto.”

“Where is your home.”

“You mean where was my home. I lived in a small town called Cirra, similar to your lovely town your honor.”

With that statement Marcellus gave a small grin and began to listen more intensely.

“Your honor, I am guilty of the crimes they accused me with, but if it wasn’t for Xena, I wouldn’t have committed those crimes.”

Xena’s face grew angry at those words and Callisto knew her plan was going smoothly.

“If Xena hadn’t came through my own town with her army I would have never dreamed of hurting those innocent people, I was innocent once too! She ordered her men to burn the houses and kill everyone, including women and children, and my family.”

“That’s a lie!” screamed Xena.

“Please contain yourself Xena!” demanded Marcellus.

“I’m not the one on trial your honor, she is! Don’t turn this around on me Callisto.”

“Do you deny killing my family?”

“No, and I’m sorry for what happened to them. The fire wasn’t my fault!”

“Saying your sorry won’t bring them back. Were you ever tried for your crimes Xena? Killing women and children, innocent people who you now save? You’re trying to redeem yourself by making yourself look good while I’m put on trial for your crimes!” cried Callisto.

“My crimes, I didn’t kill those women and children, you did.”

“Yes Xena, but the only reason you’re giving me a fair trial is so you don’t have to live with the guilt of not being tried for your crimes.”

Xena started to approach Callisto when suddenly Marcellus spotted her.

“Order! Order! Guards restrain her!”

Two guards came after Xena, stripped her of her weapons and pinned her up against the wall. They chained her and sat her in a chair.

“How does it feel Xena, to be chained up, displayed for everyone to see. Do you like it, because I don’t. You display me as a trophy Xena, a conquered bad guy, but your wrong Xena, I’m not the bad guy, you are!”

“Young lady, your defense is that Xena caused you to kill innocent people?” asked the judge.

“Yes your honor, and it’s true. I was so blind with hatred for Xena, I couldn’t see the harm I was doing to those poor innocent people. I was set on avenging the death of my family, and the only way I could think of doing that was to kill Xena. I followed her and learned to defend myself by watching her fight. She made me, and now she feels she has to destroy me. An attempt on her life gave me the opportunity to revive her old reputation as a killer of women and children, my plan was almost perfect. Problem was, I wasn’t expecting Xena to show up as soon as she did. It made things a little more difficult but I didn’t mind, I’ve studied her and knew what her next move would be. She’d learn who I was, and felt that in order to get rid of her evil past she had to get rid of me.”

The judge softened up a bit to Callisto as she continued her story.

“I waited for her to come to me and she did. When she found me she hunted me until she captured me. She took me once before to display me and give me a fair trial, then the angry mob put a kink in her perfect plan. They tried to burn me in the cell I was locked in, I pleaded with Xena to let me die and put me out of the rage and misery that consumed my body, but she wouldn’t let me. Instead she tried to save me and keep me until my trial. Things backfired and I ran, the fire brought back such awful memories.”

Callisto started to cry.

“There, there young lady, I’ve heard enough,” said Marcellus.

“No! Let me continue so you can give Xena the complete punishment she deserves!” screamed Callisto.

“That won’t be necessary right now. In the case of the people versus Callisto I find her not guilty of her crimes and give her a second chance to start over again with a clean reputation.”

Callisto stood and was overjoyed at the victory. Now it was Xena’s turn to be put on trial, Callisto won hers fairly. Two guards came and released the shackles around her wrists and ankles, an immense weight was lifted from her shoulders. She walked away from the stand proudly, but first thanked the judge.

“Thank you your honor.”

“No need to thank me now, you can thank me when you testify against Xena at her trial tomorrow,” said Marcellus.

“I would be glad to help you bring her to justice,” she replied, “Thank you again.”

“Your welcome.”

With that, Callisto walked away from the stand and towards the door, only stopping once to say good-bye to an old friend.

“See you soon my sweet.”

Written By: Melissa Monson - monson@nevada.edu

I, Callisto being of sound mind (read slightly misunderstood) and body do hereby make this my last Will and Testament.

To Xena, I bequeath all my hatred, my hurt, and my pain as well as the hatred, hurt, and pain that I've caused others. I'm your creation, so it's all on you. Oh yeah, you can have my sunny disposition and my forgiving nature too.

To Gabrielle, who once tried to convince me that love was stronger than hate, I leave one blood stained sword, let it serve as a reminder that while love may indeed be stronger than hate, steel is stronger than flesh any day of the week. I would also like to leave Gabrielle with two little words of advice - basic black dearheart, basic black.

To Theodorus, I leave ... oops never mind. <evil grin>

To Ephany, I bequeath my bridle and tether, for those days when decent child care is impossible to find.

To Argo I leave my apologies, next time I'll aim better.

To Hercules, I leave ....well let's just make it a surprise, shall we. <wink>

I graciously bestow upon Joxer, my death wish.

And for the Sovereign...sorry nothing for you, hope you aren't disappointed!

To Strife, I leave ... oops never mind.

To Iolaus I bequeath, my chainmail. Trust me, the crowd it attracts will be worth the hassle of the up keep.

I leave my physical form to Hera, because Peacock feathers or no, the Queen of the Gods really ought to be more than a pair of floating eyeballs, don't ya think?

To Hope, two words - cream rinse.

To Solon - <slow evil grin> - oops me bad, never mind.

For Velasca a simple question - how's the weather in there? Hot enough for you?

To Dahak, take it from someone who knows, next time skip the horse and pony show and go straight for the kill.

And finally to Ares, a word of advice - get over her already, she'll just leave ya feeling empty and alone. (But man what a ride.)

Fine print: I reserve the right to reclaim all items should I find my way back from oblivion.

The newsletter question for this issue of the newsletter was:

“In what television series - past or present - and in which role in that series would you liked to have seen Hudson?”

I was really surprised to see what a wide range of answers were given. I guess that just goes to show just how versatile Hudson is. Here are *some* of the many responses that we received:

From: pure_simple@hotmail.com
Answer: A positively delicious delight it would be to see Ms. Leick as 'Blair Warner' on 'The Facts of Life'. I can hear her now, "I just had one of my brilliant ideas."

From: chakram_28@hotmail.com
Answer: Hudson would be great as Scully on "The X-Files." She has brains, good looks, and she can shoot Mulder if she wanted to.

From: bsulliva@san.rr.com
Answer: I would have loved to have seen her in the Avengers T.V. series playing the role of Emma Peel. I realize that the new release of the motion picture has refocused attention on the old T.V. series, but Emma's character was dynamic, vital, and as important if not more so then her male counterpart, John Steed. Not that Diana Rigg didn't do an exquisite job as the unflappable Ms. Peel, but seeing Hudson in that show would have kept me weekly entertained for 9 or 90 years.

From: rick.schultz@msc.net
Answer: I think she should have been captain of the Enterprise. Who needs Patrick Stewart when you have Hudson Leick? That or June Cleaver from Leave it to Beaver.

From: solomon@interpath.com
Answer: I would have liked to see Hudson portray Jeannie in "I Dream of Jeannie".

From: koh00002@algonquinc.on.ca
Answer: I'd like for her to have her own late night talk show so I could watch her insult her guests with her beautifully sarcastic expressions and comments.

From: fightfan@earthlink.net
Answer: I would like to see Hudson in Buffy the Vampire Slayer playing Drucilla, the evil, demented vampiress. This would be the perfect role for Hudson because we all know that Hudson masterfully portrays both evil and dementia. She also matches the physical attributes of the character: tall, thin, dark eyes, and with Hudson's many talents I'm sure she could do the accent.

From: jhoyt@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Answer: The old "BATMAN" television series. Hudson would have been a great "CATWOMAN" on that series. With her acting skills the part would have been more believable.

From: eholl@fcomm.net
Answer: Laura Petrie on the Dick Van Dyke show

From: erin-hunt@geocities.com
Answer: On a "Star Trek: The Next Generation" as a member of the Q continuum.

From: ackerdacca@yahoo.com
Answer: Okay this might sound a bit "daggy" (aussie for stupid), but I think that she would have made a great "Wonder Woman" (I hear that they are making an updated series?). I think she has what it takes: The beauty, the assertiveness, the kickass attitude, the brains. And don't you think wonder woman would have been better as a blonde.

From: rcwb@earthlink.net
Answer: She would be great as 'Sally' in '3rd Rock from the Sun'

From: hudsonian73@hotmail.com
Answer: A strong female lead role such as Dr. Lewis or Dr. Weaver on "ER", or Dr. Austin on "Chicago Hope", or a role such as one of the assistant district attorneys on a show like "Law & Order" would give Hudson some exposure to the public as well as show her tremendous range of acting skills.

From: utherpend@yahoo.com
Answer: Hudson as Ginger in Gilligan's Island, that would be a blast.

From: wwolf@gate.net
Answer: The role of "Seven of Nine", in Star Trek: Voyager. Jeri is very good in this role, but I think Hudson would have brought more emotional range and depth to the part.

From: oracle@mci2000.com
Answer: In the remake of the 70's police show "Police Woman" as Sgt. Pepper Anderson

Once again we would like to pay tribute to some of those truly dedicated Hudson Leick/Callisto fans who spend much of their free time, and quite often their own money, to provide the rest of us with information, entertainment and hours of enjoyment by hosting some truly incredible Hudson Leick/Callisto web sites/web pages. We owe these people a huge amount of gratitude for their endless hours of hard work and considerable contributions. “Thank You”!

Be sure and stop by these wonderful web sites/web pages, say “hi” to the web master and tell them that you saw their web site/web page listed in the Hudson Leick newsletter.

Each web master has provided their own web site information, so if you have any questions concerning a particular web site please write directly to the web master listed.

If you would like to have your web site/web page featured in a future issue of the Hudson Leick newsletter please email me: Debbie <fire.ice-sac@worldnet.att.net>

Baron's Cave of Hudson
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dungeon/2397

Administrator: Nathan Cole (Baron Of Hell Of Doom)
Email address: baronofdoom@hotmail.com

A site with fan fiction written by me. I also have a poem that I gave to Hudson on here as well as a personal encounter. There is a page specifically for Hudson and a page specifically for Callisto. I intend to link with other Hudson related sites, so please email.

Hudson is my favorite actress, by far! All hail the Warrior Queen!!

Question: How did you first discover Hudson Leick and what compelled you to start a Hudson Leick/Callisto Web Site/Page?

Nathan: Hmm, well I first saw her as Callisto on Xena and I immediately fell in love with her. I recently learned how to make web pages, so I started a Hudson page!

Hudson Leick Gallery
http://tartan.simplenet.com/hudson/

Administrator: Nick Macfarren aka The Tartan Terror
Email address: tartan@terror.u-net.com

A pictorial tribute to the beautiful and talented actress Hudson Leick.

My site has as far as I know, has one of the largest collection of movie clips of any other site that I know of. Also I have some exclusive images and articles that you'd have a hard time finding on any other web site.

Question: How did you first discover Hudson Leick and what compelled you to start a Hudson Leick/Callisto Web Site/Page?

Nick: I first discovered Hudson while watching the episode 'Callisto', from then on I was captivated not only by her beauty, but by the sheer emotion and talent she was putting into the character as well. From there I found out about the fan club and joined right away. Later on I decided to put together an appreciation project, that consisted of well over 100 fan members well wishes for Hudson; which I was then fortunate enough to present to Hudson in person at the Valley Forge Convention in October of 1997. Meeting Hudson in person is an experience nobody can forget, her sheer energy and enthusiasm that she has is a sight to behold, it literally lights up a room and leaves you blinded by it's brilliance. I hope to be able to meet her again someday.

Barron's Xena Page
http://barron.simplenet.com/XENA.html

Administrator: Barron
Email address: barron@barron.simplenet.com

I built my website for me and those of my kind. That is, Nutball Xenites with eclectic tastes. That said, you can find lots of stuff on the site, from Fan Fiction reviews and Covers, to episode and character analysis.

You can browse through my Top Ten Lists, or look at some Callisto/Hudson episode montages. Pretty much a lot of everything. Be warned, my site is Subtext Friendly and Joxer Hostile :-)

This month I am devoting my site to saying farewell to one third in the trinity, Callisto. There will be special Callisto/Hudson art, nice lists of all the Callisto content on the site and a special forum where you can send your farewells to the goddess.

Technically it's not a "Hudson Leick/Callisto Web Site/Page", but I do adore both her and the character she created. Of course I discovered Hudson on XWP, but I didn't fall in love with her character and acting until Ten Little Warlords. After that there was no turning back. My first experience with her in person was at Valley Forge and what can I say? This is something that must be experienced to be believed, the woman is amazing!

If you missed Hudson’s August 27th, Sci-Fi Channel online chat, the transcripts from that chat are now available at the Sci-Fi Channel web site: [http://www.scifi.com/transcripts/1998/HudsonLeick.html] Be sure and check it out!

The next newsletter will be our favorite Christmas newsletter, available December 1st.

Until then... Be Well Everyone,

Debbie
Hudson Leick Official Fan Club Liaison
[fire.ice-sac@worldnet.att.net] or [Debbie@hudsonleickfan.com]