Hello to everyone at the Ben Stone Appreciation Society! As yet another devoted
admirer of everyone's favourite EADA on Law & Order, I thought it only fitting I
should join up so we could all "talk shop", as the saying goes. ESPECIALLY in
light of the most intriguing dream I can honestly say I've EVER had. In fact, it
was so vivid and detailed, it was like watching an episode of Law & Order! I'm
thinking I might write some fan fiction depicting the events, but I've got to
relate them to everyone now, here. Perhaps your reactions will assist me while I
write my story. It was rather dark in nature, with very heavy elements of
tragedy. For the record, here it is:

After celebrating his Frank Masucci victory at an upscale Manhattan restaurant,
Ben, Paul Robinette and his girlfriend, Detectives Logan and Greevey (and their
girlfriend and wife respectfully), and Ben's significant other are making their
way out of the restaurant to its parking lot. (I should interject at this point
to say that all through the dream, up to this point, it has been obvious that
this is a man (Ben) and a woman deeply in love. In fact, at dinner, Ben proposes
marriage to his sweetheart, in front of the others, and is joyfully accepted,
amid much rejoicing and happiness for Ben - he so truly deserves this, after the
difficult Masucci investigation and trial). While the group is in the parking
lot, saying their good nights and congratulations both on Ben's engagement and
on a job well done and a long time in coming, a man armed with a concealed gun
walks in the direction of Ben and his lady. The man walks right up to his
fiancee, pulls out his weapon, and, with her facing him, shoots her several
times. Logan and Greevey, armed detectives, pull out their service weapons,
return fire, and kills the gunman. While this is going on, Ben's fiancee slumps
to the ground. Holding her in his arms, she is barely alive. An ambulance
arrives, and Ben accompanies her on the way to the hospital. Tragically, she
never makes it. She dies before they arrive. The next scene in my dream takes
place in Ben's home. I somehow understood in my dream that it is about a day
later. Adam Schiff is visiting him, trying to offer what comfort he can, but
also to give him even more tragic news. Schiff has just received the autopsy
results from Captain Don Cragen. What he hears prompts him to deliver the news
to Ben personally. Ben's fiancee had been pregnant with his child.

And, believe it or not, fellow fans, HERE is where my dream ends! Can you
believe it? After dreaming the most realistic, episode-like dream I've really
ever had, to wake up now?! But anyway, here is what I would like to put to all
you Ben Stone fans in the Ben Stone Appreciation Society. We all have certain
views on Ben from what we see when we watch the show. But we also have our own
thoughts and opinions that we have arrived at on our own, so even if it is not
actually seen on the show, we have a good idea of how Ben would react under
certain circumstances. I ask my fellow Ben fans here at the Society: How do you
see Ben reacting to what has happened to his fiancee, and when he finds out that
not only did he lose the woman he loved, he has also lost his unborn child? Hey
guys - I'm not stupid! I KNOW how he'd feel. But I'd really love to hear from
any of you who wish to contribute their input. For each person presents a unique
perspective, and I'd respect and value each and every one. I am greatly looking
forward to hearing from all who wish to contribute. And then, perhaps I can
consider writing what would be my first piece of fan fiction. The Masucci
episodes are my favourites; I know them well. My story would be a "continuation
of events", you might say. And I think it might be pretty good, at that!

I'm sorry for having gone on and on AND on. But my dream - so vivid and
disturbing - cost me a night's sleep; a Scotch did NOT do the trick this time. I
felt I had to write, and in doing so, perhaps I can deal with it to the point
where I can write a good story, and then let it go. It bothered me that much.
Thank you SO much for putting up with reading this - and I hope to hear from you
soon!