ROAD TRIP

[Jacqueline Carlysle, former cat burglar, and her teenage sidekick SFX, 
have freed Steven Moore from the Baton Rouge Mental Health Facility, 
fighting two other superhumans who were bent on kidnapping or killing 
him, only to discover that Steven Moore is now Stephy Moore! In an RV 
outside of town, they try to put the pieces together while planning their 
next move.]

=======================================================
=====

Stephy:

Stephy pouts a little when Jackie indicates they aren't going to eat at the 
Hojo's, but brightens when she indicates there's food inside the RV.  She 
almost starts to towards the RV when...

When Jackie does her trick with the car, Stephy looks at her, looks at 
the car, looks at her and mouths (assuming in the no sound zone), 
"Wow!"  She thinks, *I guess that means no more convertible.  Bogus.  
Oh well, when I get the hang of this, what I'm doing, maybe I can just 
magick up one, or whatever it is I do.*

As she's thinking this, she sees the pittbull take shape then scamper into 
the RV.  She starts giggling, *I wish I could tell them why.  I guess she 
really is into heavy metal!*

>fridge and removes an imported can of beer, pulls the tab and guzzles 
half of it.  Unopened boxes are stacked on the beds, in the shower and 
kitchenette. All sorts of computer equipment, food, electronic gear, a 
shotgun and another strange cube of steel with no openings.<

Stephy eyes the interior of the RV, then claps her hands and makes her 
way to the fridge.  She moves to take a beer, then looks at Jackie for 
permission, biting her lower lip, then takes one anyway.  Unlike Jackie 
though, she doesn't guzzle, but just starts slowly drinking it.  She grabs 
some cold cuts, cheese and bread and starts making a triple decker 
snadwich.

>The driver is a seedy looking man with a wild nervous look on his face.  
A map sails from her hand and lands near Stephy.  The map plots a 
route from here to Las Vegas.<

Snatching the map up and seeing the route, Stephy moves to the front 
and hands Jackie the pencil and paper.   Seeing the man, she flashes a 
dazzling smile at him, and automatically straighten up a little which has 
the effect of emphasizing her breasts and curves. *He's not very cute 
though.*

She tells Jackie and the man, "We can't leave yet. Not Yet.  Steven's ok.  
I think I know where he, ah, is.  Let's just say, I'm pretty sure he's with us 
and leave it at that for now.  But, his roommate, Richard, and the cop's 
reports on the party.  We have to find them.  Please??  I think they'll tell 
me something about my powers.  And what happened to Richard.  I think 
I own Steven finding out about that."  She pouts and bites her lip prettily 
and gives the man a wounded puppy look.

[If any of the computers are set-up...]
  
Pointing at the computers, "What about those?  Can they connect with 
the cop's?  Please can't we take a little time to try?"

	***

[>"Kid, get her somethin to eat and wear,"< ]

Stephy's got a rather smashing outfit, thank you. Though, after we get 
this trip thing hashed out, she _would_ like to look through, well, _all_ 
the clothes. <g>]

<><><><><>

[GM]

It takes a while to compress the car, since Jackie can only affect part of 
it at a time. She also finds the metal she animates isn't "strong" enough 
to compact all the non-metallic parts, like the seats and the tires, unless 
she wants to spend a looooooong time doing it. While SFX keeps you all 
blanketed in a silence field (even Stephy notices that that she can't even 
hear the distant mumble of background noise she did before), Jackie 
settles for compressing as much as possible, and carrying the seats and 
tires into the RV (or leaving them in the parking lot, your choice.)

The shabby-looking man inside freezes and stares at Jackie, in her 
flourescent orange plumage, and Stephy in her tight-tight hot pink outfit.

"They're called women, George," SFX says snappily. "I'm sure you've 
seen 'em before, maybe even talked to one?"

Stephy can't hear the exchange, but from the cocky look on the black 
teenager's face, and the dirty look the other man shoots back at him, she 
guesses that these two don't seem to get along very well.

SFX looks at Jackie in astonishment. "Get her clothes?" he demands. 
"Like where? D'you bring a life-size Barbie-doll wardrobe? She's the one 
that pulls things outta thin air, not me! We gonna have to stop an' go 
shopping, or else convince her to turn her outfit into somethin' that don't 
look spray-painted on."

"'Course I kinda like it...." he says, his eyes going back to Stephy and 
her spectacular curves.

He pulls out a notepad and writes: "I don't know what 'Quantum Cats' 
are, but 'Quantum Physics' is theoretical, like subatomic particles and 
stuff. Don't know what that has to do with this, why do you ask? I can 
maybe get some info from the computer, but the cops don't keep 
everything on a LAN, they still keep lots of stuff on paper, including most 
incident reports."

Turning back to Jackie, he says "OK, what now, boss?"

"Vegas!" George enthuses, staring at Stephy in the meantime.

<><><><><>

Stephy:

Seeing SFX's eyes traveling up and down her body, Stephy flashes him 
a grin and blows him a kiss.  *He _is_ cute, just wish he was a couple of 
years older.  And I wish I could hear what he said, though I can at that 
last I think.*
 
>George enthuses, staring at Stephy in the meantime.<

Stephy's in heaven from all the male attention and just can't keep herself 
from bending a little to give George a flash down her cleveage. Her 
smile makes it very clearthat she likes his reaction.  *And I wish he was 
prettier.  He's probably Jackie's guy anyway.  'Course, I could take him 
away from her in a minute, but she probably doesn't deserve that for 
helping me.* 

[David guess its time to roll that disad and see which Stephy fixes on, 
George the seed or the kid.]

>but 'Quantum Physics' is theoretical, like subatomic particles and stuff. 
Don't know what that has to do with this, why do you ask?< 

Stephy reaches up and twines a strand of her hair around her finger, 
playing with it while she talks and says to SFX, "'Quantum Physics' 
doesn't tell me anymore than subatomic particles... or does it?  I seem to 
remember _something_ about it and those subatomics?... Oh wow! Does 
that mean I'm blow up like an atom bomb?  Totally bogus!"  She stops 
playing with her hair and stands there a minute, her brows creased 
enchantingly in thought.  "No, I'm sure that's not it.  Its something else.  
That 'quantum' stuff's different from the bombs, right?  Ohhh!" she 
sounds a little exasperated, then- eyes downcast and turned inward- 
says to herself, apparently unaware she's still speaking outloud, "I wish I 
could remember where I heard it.  Maybe its one of Steven's memories?  
Oh well, girl, you'll track it down."

She then looks up again at SFX, and shrugs, the movement 
unintentionally emphasizing the hollows of her shoulders and  slopes of 
her breasts, "I didn't pay a whole lot of attention in science class... back? 
in high school?"  A quizzical look crosses her face for a moment, but a 
quick shake of her head- sending her long blond hair flying a moment, 
dispels it and she continues, "I heard a voice, well... You'll probably 
think I'm crazy,... But I _not_!  Steven might be, but not _me_.  Anyway, I 
heard this voice say "Holy Quantum Cats, Batman" in the hospital, after I 
first, well, used, I guess, these... whatever you call them.  I think its 
important."

>"I can maybe get some info from the computer, but the cops don't keep 
everything on a LAN, they still keep lots of stuff on paper, including most 
incident reports."<

"Well, I don't know... But," she brightens, "we won't know until we try, 
right?  Could you try now?  Please?"

<><><><><>


[GM]

>>>[David guess its time to roll that disad and see which Stephy fixes 
on, George the seed or the kid.]<<<

That's up to you. Go for both if you're feeling ambitious. <g> Not that I 
think either of them would be very difficult....

* * * * * * * *

Your jiggling has the desired effect on SFX, as he seems *extremely* 
distracted by your shimmying and displaying of cleavage. He writes on a 
notepad "OK, but the equipment isn't all set up yet, I haven't had time. 
Just what info are you trying to get?"

<><><><><>

Stephy:

Gee, you won't even make it a little easier by like telling me which is 
better looking, how old is George, how seedy looking, are he and Jackie 
'involved'?<g>  Oh well, let me see how Jackie responds to Stephy 
vamping George.]

	***

>"OK, but the equipment isn't all set up yet, I haven't had time. Just what 
info are you trying to get?"<

Stephy claps her hands in delight and gives SFX a big hug and kiss (no 
tongue <g>).  "Thank you, oh thank you!", she enthuses, then rapidly 
goes on, "We can do it from here?  In the RV, I mean?  Can we set it up 
now?  Can I help?  What kind of stuff?  Well, I guess anything relating to 
Steven or the fire or the party or Richard or a bunch of cops getting beat 
up last night."  She tells him everything she knows about these subjects 
while they, presumably, finish setting up the equipment (though she's 
probably not a whole lot of help in that). 

[right on the date, David?]

During this, she goes back up front occassionally, hoping for answer 
from Jackie about delaying leaving for Vagas.  She also eats her 
sandwich, finishes the beer and starts a second beer.  At one point, she 
asks SFX, "Do you need anythig?  Any equipment? Maybe I could use 
my power and make, or whatever it is I do, it for you?  Though we'd 
probably better stop and let me try that away from the RV.  I still don't 
understand a lot about what it is I do."

At any quiet times during this, she tries to remember whatever Steven 
knew about quantum physics (which being a liberal arts major ain't 
much).  From his general science survey course she seems to 
remember something about probabilities and not being able to measure 
both the location and speed of an electron, but that doesn't seem to help 
much.

<><><><><>

[GM]

SFX is definitely better-looking than George. SFX is not a knockout or 
anything, but George seems a little on the scruffy side. The older man 
isn't ugly, or unclean, but his clothes don't fit him well, he wears them 
poorly, he's kind of unshaven, and he's a bit soft around the middle. He 
also has trouble making eye contact with anyone, typical of someone 
without a lot of self confidence. George looks like he's in his 20s, SFX, 
as I said earlier, appears to be 16 or 17. He's an average height black 
kid with a fairly dark skin tone, hair trimmed short and neat, nice 
complexion, but his build is kind of on the skinny side. He doesn't look 
weak or frail, but he also doesn't look extremely athletic.

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie almost spits up her beer, but makes a quick save after 
hearing Stephy babbling about making equipment or fooling around with 
her power.
	     "You got that right, no way are you makin anythin around us 
or our stuff!  An quit it with the beers!  You two are teenagers, I don't 
need the grief on gettin pulled over by Mario Andretti <pokes a finger at 
SFX> or the jail bait drunk.  Cut it out."
	    Looking at the Kid, "Can you get the shortwave workin'?  I 
want all of us to stay on our toes, it is never goin' to be over.  Kid, cool it 
with the Bim, spells trouble to get involved, creates tension we don't 
need.  You want a chick, I'll brin you to the Chicken Ranch in Nevada.  
Sheesh!"
	    Jackie lights up a thin stogie and the RV comes alive with rich 
Cuban tobacco.  She finishes her beer and disintegrates the can, letting 
the open window carry the remains.  She gets up and goes out to the 
back compartment walks over to the metal cube.  It opens seamlessly 
and she takes a large wad of bills from the interior, counts out a handful 
of hundreds.  Dropping the wad back in, she seals it shut.  Taking a seat 
in the front, she passes the wad to the scruffy George.
	     "Thanks pal, you haven't let me down yet," putting her hand 
out to George, she shakes it firmly. "Friends again?"
	     Yelling back, "Kid, do what you can with that police LAN?  
We aren't coming back for a long time.  Keep that road comin George, 
Las vegas here we come!"

<><><><><>

[GM]

George takes Jackie's hand. "Yeah, friends, but man is this weird! You 
really had people shootin' at you with machine guns?" He looks nervous.

SFX, meanwhile, rolls his eyes at Jackie's warnings. "Uptight chick" he 
writes on the notepad for Stephy, before crumpling it up.

"You gotta be kiddin'!" he says to Jackie. "We just broke a mental 
patient outta the loony bin, blew up half the place, not to mention grand 
theft auto and who knows what you been doin' the last few days playin' 
Robin Hoodette, and you worried about us drinkin' underage? Get real, 
girl!"

"And thanks for the offer," he snaps, "but I can find my own chicks, thank 
you very much. Sheesh, how long's it been- never mind."

He turns on the radio and the computer, and starts setting up the 
satellite uplink.

On the police band there's word of a breakout at the Baton Rouge 
Mental Health Facility. There are four escapees, and a description of all 
of them is given- one being Steven Chase Moore. He's described as 
'extremely dangerous', though there's no elaboration. Another one of the 
escapees is described as a suspected serial killer.

"Great," SFX says, "you sure left a distraction all right."

Stephy is starting to feel her hearing coming back- she can tell that the 
radio is on and talking, and some of SFX's speech has become a muted 
murmur.

"OK, I ain't even gonna try that hard to tap into the police computers 
from here, too awkward. But some of my friends are real high-speed 
hackers, I'll leave 'em a message an' see what they can come up with."

You head down the road leading out of state, westward.

<><><><><>

Stephy:

[David, is there a bedroom with a door in the back of the RV? <g>]
	     
>"You got that right, no way are you makin anythin around us or our 
stuff!  An quit it with the beers!  You two are teenagers, I don't need the 
grief on gettin pulled over by Mario Andretti <pokes a finger at SFX> or 
the jail bait drunk.  Cut it out."<

Still unable to hear, Stephy doesn't catch any of this, and just continues 
trying to help SFX and sip on her second beer.

[And its a good thing she can't hear it! <g>]

Stephy sniffs at the weird smell, then wrinkles her nose at the stink and 
yells towards the front, "That'll kill you, you know.  And it stinks too!"

[<g>]

She sees Jackie hand George the cash then shake hands, but doesn't 
hear the exchange between them.  The wad is so large though, she 
makes an obvious assumption: *Ok, he's her boyfriend.  No way she'd 
give him that much money otherwise.  So, that leaves...*  She giggles 
and gives SFX a sweet smile. *He's much cuter anyway.  Closer to my 
age.  George is kinda scuzzy.  And I've never had a black guy before.  
Sides, he _is_ cute, not devestating, but cute.*

Occassionally, she will look out the windows to try to figure out if they 
are going into Baton Rogue or what, and ask SFX "We are going to try 
to find out about Richard before we leave, arn't we?"

While SFX is setting things up and, especially while he's trying to crack 
the computer, Stephy stands smiling at him, occassionally smiling at 
him, and 'accidently' rubbing or falling (say with a lurch of the RV) 
against him.  (During one these falls, if he catches her, she gives him a 
quick peck on the lips, then if he responds, slips her arms around his 
neck and gives him the full passionate, french treatment.  Then she 
says, "I like you SFX.  Do you like me?"  If the answer is yes either head 
or kiss-wise, she'll try to sit next to and touching him with her leg, thigh, 
rear etc., occassionally brushing a breast against his arm, etc., while he 
tries the computer.  If he wants, she'll gladly hold hands.)

[Let's see where that goes before she does anything else... <g>]

<><><><><>

[GM]

"We're leaving LA, we'll see what we can find out about this Roger, but 
who is he? And where's your brother that we were supposed to get?" 
SFX writes on the notepad.

SFX seems both flustered and pleased by all the attention Stephy is 
bestowing on him. He certainly doesn't object to her rubbing against him 
or clinging to his arm, but several times, behind her back he slaps his 
forehead as her attempts to 'help' with the equipment result in things 
being reset or knocked over.

"Yo, babe," he finally says, putting his hands on her shoulders and 
gently pushing her back down on one of the seats. "Lemme do this 
myself, kay?" As Stephy presses her lips against his, he makes a 
startled "Mmmph!", then responds. This obviously isn't his first kiss...but 
when she starts with the tongue action, he pulls away. He doesn't seem 
bothered by it, but glancing at Jackie and George up front, he hastily 
scribbles on the notepad "Uptight chick going 2 go ballistic if we start 
making out in the back seat! It's a long drive to Vegas, at least wait until 
my equipment setup is done OK?"

[The more interesting question is, how will he react when he finds out 
that clothes aren't the only thing she changes! <g>]

<><><><><>

Stephy:

Realizing who he's talking about, Stephy giggles then smiles at SFX.

>On the police band there's word of a breakout at the Baton Rouge 
Mental Health Facility.<

[So Stephy doesn't hear this?]

>Stephy is starting to feel her hearing coming back- she can tell that the 
radio is on and talking, and some of SFX's speech has become a muted 
murmur.<

Stephy is _greatly_ relieved her hearing his coming back, and tells SFX 
as much.
 
[Can she make out any of the words?]

>"We're leaving LA, we'll see what we can find out about this Roger, but 
who is he? And where's your brother that we were supposed to get?" 
SFX writes on the notepad.<

Stephy looks at the note, debating.  *Ok, the easy part first,* she thinks.  
She says, "His name is Richard, and he was Steven's roommate at 
college.  They told Steven, at the hospital, that he'd done something to 
him, something bad.  I want to find out for Steven,... and well, I have my 
own reasons to."  She then sits and thinks, *How am I going to tell him 
what I think happened to Steven?  I'm not even sure I'm right.  He'd freak 
if I said 'Steven turned himself into me, aren't you glad, I am'.  Besides, 
maybe I've got it all wrong.  Maybe Steven's the one who reads minds 
and he's somewhere else... Yeah, right. So, girl, when in doubt, stall!*

She says to SFX, "Don't worry about Steven.  I can't say where he is. I'm 
not really sure.  I just know he's safe."  Then she whispers, "Besides, 
he's even more uptight than Jackie."

With the question about Stephy she forgets to object again to leaving 
LA.

>"Uptight chick going 2 go ballistic if we start making out in the back 
seat! It's a long drive to Vegas, at least wait until my equipment setup is 
done OK?"<

Stephy giggles, kisses her finger then presses it to SFX's lips and nods.  
Then she takes the pad and writes, "After done with computer, why not, 
like say we're tired, go back in  bedroom, lock door, you make with 
silence, and see what happens?" She gives him a dazzling smile full of 
promise and takes his hand and puts it on her thigh.

[1) Stephy isn't really sure that's true, she hasn't gotten to see herself 
changing anyone yet- you wouldn't let her. 2) She has no way of 
knowing if Steven's coming back- she could be here permanently for all 
she knows, and will be if its left up to her (which of course it isnt'), and 3) 
Do you really think Stephy cares? <VLG>  BUT, it should very 
interesting. <evil grin>]]

<><><><><>

[GM]

"Damn!" SFX shakes his head. "You musta been locked up in that loony 
bin way too long, babe!"

[She hears the 'damn', but the rest comes out as a mumble to her.]

"We'll see," he mouths to her, and turns to his equipment. He takes his 
hand off her thigh, but with obvious reluctance.

<><><><><>

Stephy:

Stephy giggles, and says quietly, "Nah... I just think your real cute.  And 
really I'm not crazy.  They told me I was there cause someone slipped 
me some drugs at a party and I freaked out or something.  I'm really ok.  
I just... like guys and..." her voice gets sultry and quiet, "I really like you 
SFX.  What's real name anyway, if I can ask?"

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Turn up an eyebrow to SFX, "You are probably right kid, but it 
definitely keeps me alive.  You two are goin to attract way too much 
attention if you keep actin up.  My cheeseball disguises are pretty funny, 
but they'll never get a good one.  A little low profile couldn't hurt.  What 
do you two want me to call you in public?  You can call me Alison 
Caldwell."  Jackie waves her fake ID.
	       Looking for some nailpolish remover take that cheap orange 
crap off.  Everyone get some rest, George and me will do the drivin for a 
while. Check the CB for smokies. <g>
	       Grab another beer and try to calm George down.
	      "Oh, I got a Flak Jacket back there Kid, in case you might 
want to use it."
	 Trying something new out, Jackie will grab the remains of her 
newest beer can and concentrate on it.  She thinks she remembers 
something in Chemistry class (right before she learned to make rot gut 
liquor) about how things heat, somethin about excitin the molecules.  
She will try to move the metal around as fast as she can as small as she 
can within the can.

	To Stephy's smoking comment, Jackie blows smoke rings into 
the back.
	   She continues to keep an eye on the two of them.  When 
Stephy does her "routine" Jackie catches SFX's eye, "Kid I ain't your 
mom, do what you want.  I'm not goin' to run your life, you want out just 
say so."
	Jackie turns around and lights another cigar.

<><><><><>

[GM]

The beer can begins to disintegrate in Jackie's hand. She can't feel any 
appreciable heat.

George stares at the aluminum dust spilling off the container. "What the 
heck is that?"

<><><><><>

Stephy:

Stephy shoots jackie a murderous look at this, then says, "All right, go 
ahead and kill yourself.  Just don't make me breath it.  Or you might find 
your cigars have suddenly turned to smoke and blown away somehow."  
Then smiles innocently and sweetly at Jackie.

> When Stephy does her "routine" Jackie catches SFX's eye, "Kid I ain't 
your mom, do what you want.  I'm not goin' to run your life, you want out 
just say so."<

Stephy gives SFX a quizzical- but oh so cute- look [she can't help it! 
<g>]. If he translates Jackie's comment, she replies, "Jeezuz!  We'ren't 
you ever young?  Are you saying if he likes me, you kick him out of this 
big 'gang' of yours?  So, were does that leave me?  I mean, I thought I'd 
stay cause you rescued me, and you got these powers so maybe you 
can explain mine to me, and you said you'd help me with the reports and 
Richard and stuff.  But, gag me with a spoon!  If your gonna play den 
mother, lady, I can do just as well on my own."

>What do you two want me to call you in public?  You can call me Alison 
Caldwell."  Jackie waves her fake ID.<

[Don't know if Stephy here's this, but if so, or if someone writes it...]

"Called?  I'm Stephy.  Oh!  You mean a _fake_ name!  Gee...  why can't 
you just call me Stephy?  But... can I have a code name?  Like in the 
movies?  Like, 'Le Femme Nikita?'  Call me... CHAOS.  Yeah, I like that, 
that's rad!"

[If Stephy realizes- or someone writes- that it's a fake ID...]

"Oh! A fake ID!  Cool!  Can I get one that says I'm over 18?  If so, I'll be 
Stephy Monroe.  I always liked Marylin."

>"Everyone get some rest"<

[If Stephy hears, etc., this...]

She waits until Jackie's not looking, then points to these words on the 
notepad and smiles at SFX.

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	To Stephy's comments about her cigars, "Look, don't push me.  
The Kid and me took a risk gettin you out, don't ask me why, probably 
we couldn't live with ourselves at sein people we can help dead.  If you 
an the kid wanna do the horizontal tango, go ahead.  You can call it 
whatever you want, "den mother" , "bi***" I don't really care, I got myself 
this far without snotty nose kids givin me backtalk.  The Kid can do what 
he wants, we're even score."
	Jackie puffs on her cigar reigning in her temper.

<><><><><>

Stephy:

[IF Jackie's last comments (or the major ghist of it anyway) are somehow 
communicated to Stephy...]


Stephy thinks a few moments about what Jackie said.  *Well, ok, maybe 
she's not a b****.  Maybe she's just stressed out.  Or, maybe she just 
needs to have here boufriend there give her a good f***.  But, she is 
right about one thing, they didn't have to rescue me.  They could have 
cut and run the minute things got weird.  And, as long as she doesn't 
mind me and SFX...*, she smiles to herself in anticipation.

Stephy walks up to Jackie, her manner- for once positive demure and 
contained.  "Look, I'm sorry.  This whole thing is so weird..." :: cough, 
cough, waving cigar smoke out of her face :: "You didn't have to help 
me.  You don't have to now.  I'm grateful you did.  I don't think I'd like 
what Ms. Smoke and Dom had in mind near as much as I like you all.  I 
know I can be a major ditz sometimes.  And... well, I just wanted you to 
know I appreciate it, and... you know, can we still be friends?"

<><><><><>

[GM]

"Shee**!" SFX exclaims. "I'm still in, I didn't say otherwise. Lighten up, 
girl! I just figger we're in this together, not with you as my babysitter, 
right?"

To Stephy, when she asks his real name, he says "Uh, no, I haven't 
even told Jackie- um, 'Iron Maiden'" (he rolls his eyes) "my real name. 
Although I guess that's pretty stupid, I'll tell her if she wants." He glances 
at the woman up front. "But, uh, no offense but we don't know jack about 
you, 'cept you're real fine, you turn things into other things..."

//...You'll f*** anything that moves...// adds that irritating voice in her 
head, unnoticed by SFX or Jackie or George

"...and you were supposed to be someone else. Yo Jackie, shouldn't we 
maybe tell her about why we came after her in the first place? An' for 
that matter, tell ME about those other Aces you fought. I saw- what'd you 
call 'im, 'Dom'? What about this, uh, 'gas lady'?"

<><><><><>

Stephy:

[I guess I'm hearing? SFX at least?]

> "But, uh, no offense but we don't know jack about you, 'cept you're real 
fine,< 

Stephy smiled at the complement, crossed her legs and wrapped her 
hands around her knee, which had the intentional effect of pressing her 
arms under and against, and emphasizing, her bust.

>//...You'll f*** anything that moves...// adds that irritating voice in her 
head, unnoticed by SFX or Jackie or George<

*Shut the hell up!  He's cute.  Who the hell are you anyway?  Shees, 
girl, now your talking to it like it was real?*

>Yo Jackie, shouldn't we maybe tell her about why we came after her in 
the first place? An' for that matter, tell ME about those other Aces you 
fought. I saw- what'd you call 'im, 'Dom'? What about this, uh, 'gas 
lady'?"<

Stephy's eyes narrowed at the first question to Jackie.  "I thought... 
Yeah, that doesn't make sense.  Just _why_ did you rescue me?"

{...}

After either an explanation of that or refusal of same, Stephy told SFX 
what she could about Ms. Smoke and Dom.  She finishes, "When he 
attacked you, SFX, I tried to change Dom, make him weaker, so he 
wouldn't hurt you like he did Jackie and cancel his transporting.  Only it 
didn't work, and I got that chocolate stuff instead.  I don't think my power 
can directly affect people, at least not those with powers.  Stuff around 
them, but not them."

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie weighs the bimbette's words carefully rolling her stogie 
around her lips, "Girl, much better.  I don't plan on being "in charge" but I 
I ain't gonna sit tight and watch things go to hell in a handbasket.  I'm 
used to dealin professional like.  You can play all you like, but when it 
comes to business you listen real careful.  As for the cigars, I ain't had a 
good one for years and my lungs have been plenty cleaned out, prison 
will do that.  You got your vices, I got mine.  Just so's you understand, 
the Kid has work to do, let him do it...then we'll see.  Kay?"
	      Looking over at SFX, "Kid, we'll be goin all night and day til 
we get to Dallas.  After you're set up get some rest, we're gonna need it I 
suspect."

	"Beer can dust George. Don't you know nothin?"  *Da***** why 
don't I get somethin that can kick butt?  Like I got mine done for me?  
Cause girl you are subtle like and not some muscle chick.  I wonder if 
this power thing is whattayacallit, psychosomatic?  It's something I 
always wanted?  I was behind bars, this thing coulda done me more 
good that super chick strength, Hmmm?  Give it up, science ain't my 
strong suit*

	Jackie will give the descriptions of the other Aces, "can you 
make like pictures of these people on the computer like the cop Identi-
kits?"
	 To Stephy, "The Kid is right, we don't know you very well to give 
you the "This is your Life" routine.  The Kid an I only known each other a 
week.  Sorry gal, but yeah, we did take you from a whacko bin.  Maybe 
you should start comin clean with where exactly Stevey is..."

	Jackie laughs at SFX, "Ok kid, but you know I got a temper, just 
try not to do anythin stupid...like I do."  Jackie winks at the Kid.
	    "You know maybe we should send some of this info to 
Barney? He could keep the word out for the others like us?  We could 
send out dossy-ers to all kinds of people and keep track ourselves.  
Know the enemy and all that junk, Sun Tzu, " Jackie grins.
	   "Watcha think I never read a book?  No comicbooks is all."

<><><><><>

Stephy:

Stephy bristles at the word 'girl', grumbling "I'm not a little kid...", then 
hears Jackie out.  "You were in _prison_?"  Her expression shows she 
doesn't quiet know what to make of this fact.  "Dida... did you kill 
someone or something?"  She thinks: *Oh great, Stephy!  You keep 
picking up _real_ nice friends.*
	  
>You got your vices, I got mine.  Just so's you understand, the Kid has 
work to do, let him do it...then we'll see.  Kay?"<

Stephy mulls the 'vices' remark over for about two seconds, then grins 
and giggles. "Ok.  Next time we do a jail break, you're the boss."

>"You know maybe we should send some of this info to Barney? He 
could keep the word out for the others like us?  We could send out 
dossy-ers to all kinds of people and keep track ourselves.  Know the 
enemy and all that junk, Sun Tzu, " Jackie grins.<

"Who's Barney?  And what emimies?  You mean Smoke and Dom 
we'ren't just...?  Just why _were_ you there for Steven?  What did you 
get out of it?"

{...}

>Jackie will give the descriptions of the other Aces, "can you make like 
pictures of these people on the computer like the cop Identi-kits?"<

Stephy listens to this, actually interested to hear there are other's like 
them and hoping their 'powers' might suggest something about hers.

[Care to tell me just _who_ your talking about?  Except for 'Wolverine' 
none of that's been posted to archive's yet.]

>To Stephy, "The Kid is right, we don't know you very well to give you 
the "This is your Life" routine.  The Kid an I only known each other a 
week.  Sorry gal, but yeah, we did take you from a whacko bin.  Maybe 
you should start comin clean with where exactly Stevey is..."<

"He's name _steven_ not Stevie.  Only I get to call him that." Stephy said 
automatically, as she thought SILENTLY *Oh, s***!*  She lowered her 
eyes and started picking at the leather of her neon-pink skirt.  *Now what 
do I do?  They'll just freak if I tell them 'Well, I think Steven turned 
himself into me.  At least I'm much better looking, right?'  They'll never 
believe it.  They'll just think I really am wacky.  Besides, I'm not _really_ 
sure that's what happened.*  

She gulps, and lifts her head, "I'm not really sure _where_ he is.  I just 
know he's ok, he's safe.  You might say we can talk to each other. At 
least I think we can.  Look, he's my brother.  If I thought he was in 
trouble, you couldn't stop me from going to help him, not with these 
powers I've got.  But, if you want explanations...", she shrugs, "hey, I'm 
just a 17 year old girl who woke up in a loony bin because someone 
spiked my punch then was almost kidnaped, found out I've got super- 
powers or something and now I'm on the run with the people who 
rescued me.  You expect _me_ to have answers?"

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	"Look...Stephy, Yes, I was in prison for theft.  But I won't go into 
that now, " Jackie gives a cool look to George.
	   "It looks like there are a few problems for folks like us, yes with 
super powers or whatever you'd like to call em.  No doubt the pigs and 
Feds have some workin for them on who knows what.  Assassins?  I 
don't know, but there are others that the Kid found out about.  he calls 
them the Sharks.  They are some bad news people, with lots of 
connections and cash.  Some white Klan types who think they should 
rule or they should kill these Aces, I dunno, we aren't exactly sure what, 
who or why.
	   We found out about your brother and figgered they'd kill him or 
recruit him.  We didn't like that, whatever they was doin wasn't normal.  
So far they haven't been friendly neither, so we thought we'd do some 
damage to them, by gettin your brother.  But we got you.  Now explain 
that."
	      Jackie whispers to SFX, "Kid can you check her story and 
see if she's who she says she is?"

<><><><><>

Stephy:

>"Look...Stephy, Yes, I was in prison for theft.  But I won't go into that 
now, " Jackie gives a cool look to George.<

"Oh," Stephy giggles in relief, "that's not so bad."

>Some white Klan types who think they should rule or they should kill 
these Aces, I dunno, we aren't exactly sure what, who or when.  We 
found out about your brother and figgered they'd kill him or recruit him.  
We didn't like that, whatever they was doin wasn't normal.  So far they 
haven't been friendly neither, so we thought we'd do some damage to 
them, by gettin your brother.  But we got you."

*Kill Steven!*  "Do you think Smoke and Dom were these Sharks?  Isn't 
the Klan into all that Hitler, hate anyone who's not a white, blue, eye-
blond carp?"

>"Now explain that." Jackie whispers to SFX, "Kid can you check her 
story and see if she's who she says she is?"<

"I _can't_!" she is genuinely distress, her eyes glistening with incipent 
tears. "I think..." she continues on in a quiet voice, "I think I know.  But, 
you'll... you'll just think I'm crazy."  Lifting her head defiantly, "And I'm 
not.  I'm not crazy.  That I _do_ know."  She moves over to SFX and lays 
a hand on his arm, "And if you don't think I'm crazy, then you'll hate me.  
Oh, SFX, I don't want you to hate me!"  She turns back to Jackie, tears 
clearly visible in her eyes, "Why can't you just accept it?  If you have to 
have an explanation, think about what Dom did, then say instead of him 
just disappearing, what if he changed places with someone?  Only they 
could still hear each other, in their heads, so they know if each was safe 
or not.  I'm not saying that's it, cause I don't _know_ exactly what it is!  
But, I'm pretty sure that as long as these Sharks don't get me, they won't 
get him.  Why can't you just accept that he's safe where he is?"

<><><><><>

[GM]

SFX nods at Jacqueline's whispered request.

He seems (predictably) moved by Stephy's distress. "Hey, chill babe, we 
ain't sayin' we gonna go put you back in the nuthouse, but c'mon, with 
people runnin' around with powers like these, we gotta be careful!" He 
puts a comforting arm around her, but he's not trying to be too cozy just 
yet.

"The Klan bozos are into the white power thing and all, yeah, but 
actually, we think there's somethin' bigger behind them, just usin' them 
as pawns 'cause they're a bunch a' armed yahoos who'll go try an' shoot 
up anyone you point 'em at, if you put it to 'em the right way. So 
someone's stirrin' up anti-Ace sentiment." He coughs and adds "Aces is 
just what I call people like us, 'cause of some books a friend of mine 
read."

"Anyways, the KKK and the other skinhead moron groups ain't much of a 
threat, by themself. Just a buncha drunken rednecks, mostly. But if 
there's someone who can send Aces after us as well, then we're 
definitely talkin' about a more dangerous group behind it all. An' like 
Jackie said, we found some evidence, which I ain't gonna go into right 
now, that they KNEW about your brother, how he had powers and was in 
the looney bin and were plannin' to nail him. So we figured whatever 
they want, we probably don't want, and that's how we came to the 
rescue." He grins and winks at the blonde.

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie <predictably> rolls her eyes at SFX's comforting of the 
bimbette.
	       "Look Stephy, I've heard some mighty strange stories of 
late, so I can come close to believin you, BUT...these stories are 
strange.  You could be holdin Steve hostage or switched bodies with 
him, like some bad Star Trek episode.  If there is a way for him to say it's 
ok, then that's fine with me. Nothin against you girl, you got some spunk, 
that's clear.  We did come for Steven, I can't let it lie.  I want to hear from 
that boy, he says he wants to be with us and he's ok wherever he is then 
fine.  Seein what you can do, makin chocolate on tap, barber poles and 
tinsel suits out of thin air, makes me a bit suspect, call me a paranoid 
bit**."

<><><><><>

Stephy:

Stephy gratefully leans against SFX when he puts an arm around her. 
She gives him a crooked smile as she wipes at her eyes, listening to 
him.

>we found some evidence, which I ain't gonna go into right now, that 
they KNEW about your brother, how he had powers and was in the 
looney bin and were plannin' to nail him. So we figured whatever they 
want, we probably don't want, and that's how we came to the rescue." 
He grins and winks at the blonde.<

"But, how? Steven wasn't into that kinda stuff.  He hated racists.  How... 
much did they know?  Did they know what his powers did?"

{...}

"I figured they were trying to kill him."  She says to Jackie, "Don't you 
see that means its even more important he stays hidden and safe where 
he is?  Even with powers like mine," Stephy face is flushed though the 
tears have been beaten back, "I don't think he could stop a bullet."

She smiles in response to SFX's grin and wink, some of her humor 
returning.

Stephy can not help but flinch a little at Jackies remark about body 
switching.  After Jackie's done, she sits a few minutes, her eyes 
downcast, clearly thinking.  Finally, she raises her eyes and takes a 
deep breath.  She takes SFX's arm and gently removes it from her 
shoulder, then gently places a hand against his cheek while gazing into 
his eyes searchingly.  She thinks, *He's gonna hate me.  It'll make him 
sick, and he'll hate me.  But, this b**** is gonna keep pushing it, until she 
figures it out.  Sides, he probably deserves to know.*

She continues looking at SFX trying to judge his reaction as she quietly 
says, "Ok.  You're not gonna let... You're gonna keep pushing... Ok.  
Remember I'm not sure about this.  Steven hostage."  She laughs a little 
brittlely. "Ain't possible.  I really am his step-sister.  My dad married his 
mom when I was almost 14.  Something happened to me when I was 
17." She thinks, *Please, please don't ask!*
"Steven felt real guilty about it."

She takes her hand from SFX's face and turns to stare into the distance 
facing away from him.  "Steven was at a party.  Yesterday, I think.  He's 
the one who got slipped drugs.  He's the one who they took to the loony 
bin.  They told him what he had done.  He'd burned down a house, done 
_something_ to his roommate, hurt a bunch of people.  He was sure he 
was going crazy.  He was so scared.  He didn't want to hurt anybody. I 
teased him a lot, but he really was sweet and gentle."

She looks at Jackie, "Remember, I'm not sure about this.  And I really 
don't know how he..."  She drops her head, stares at the floor and wraps 
her arms around her waist.  "I think he somehow used his powers to... 
to... to turn... to turn himself... into me."  She lifts her head and stares at 
Jackie, then turns to SFX, her lower lip trembling, sure he will be 
revolted by it.  "I don't mean... he didn't just... I'm _not_ Steven.   I'm me.  
I was born this way, grew-up... I remember everything about my life.  I 
think.  OH!  Damn.  I don't understand it.  Maybe it has to do with those 
'quantum' and 'probabilities'.  I think somehow he changed things, the 
world, reality, whatever you want to call it, so that he didn't exist 
anymore, except as a voice in my head.  Instead, I exist.  Me.  Stephy 
Moore."

She watches SFX for his reaction.

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie raises an eyebrow to SFX, "Um yeah.  Uh huh.  Well ask 
the voice in your head whether he wants to come out an play.  If he says 
he wants to be with us you can tell us.  You could lie, but he'd know that 
we don't want to keep him somewhere he don't wanta be.  Call me 
anythin you like doll, when you spend a few years in a box, you care a 
little about whether you are forced to do things or if there is a choice.
	      So, where were you before you appeared in Steven's room?  
You had to be somewhere.  I can by him switchin you or teleportin you, 
but what were you doin before?  I think you can understand where I'm 
comin from, I mean we did pick you up from a loony bin.  If I met you like 
I did the Kid there'd be more leeway in what I'd swallow.
	     Girl, you can have your secrets, but not when they screw with 
my life and the lives of my friends.  You gotta give trust to get it."

<><><><><>

Stephy:

Stephy gave Jackie a penetrating look, the tears returning to her eyes, 
then starting to slowly roll down her cheeks.  "You're not gonna let up, 
are you?  It's not enough that I told yu I'm a freak, now you gotta make 
sure he," a quick glance at SFX, "hates me, is that it?  You can call 
anything you like, but I just think your jealous cause I'm a lot better 
looking."  This last is said with a flash of anger, but she can't sustain it.

She draws her legs up against her chest and wraps her arms around 
them, rests her head against her knees and drones in a total monotone:

"Ask Steven 'to come out'?  I don't know... I don't think it works that way.  
He doesn't... we can't... we haven't talked like we are.  He just.. 
sometimes... And you don't understand... _I'm_ not doing anything to 
Steven.  I'm just _me_, I'm here and he's... wherever he is.  I think he's 
safe where he is... I think... he wanted me here instead of him... I don't 
know how he did it.  I tried changing Dom... into a little girl... I figured 
he'd be totally f***** that way... It didn't work.  I tried to heal my ear... It 
didn't work.  I don't think _I_ can affect people."

"I don't know where I was before... I think I was in Steve's head... but I 
don't know... And..." her tears are getting heavy, her voice very 
mumbled, as she holds herself tighter, "I... he... he thought... that ... I... 
was dead.  For years.  But, how could I have been?  I'm here.
I may have been in a loony bin... but... I'm not crazy... neither was 
Steven. I just think... oh, ok, I'll try..."

Stephy reached inside and thought *Steven?  Are you there?  Do you...? 
_Can_ you...?  What'll happen to me...?  I don't want to go away again... 
I don't want to be dead, Steven...*

She waited for an answer.

<><><><><>

[GM]

"Yesterday?" SFX looks surprised. "Girl, you- or your brother- you were 
in the nuthouse for at least a coupla weeks! Hate to tell you this, but I 
think time kinda passed you by."

He chews his lip at what she says. "I could believe shapeshifting, that's 
no weirder than controllin' sound, or metal. But turning yourself INTO 
your own sister? Or brother, or whatever....I dunno...." He looks at 
Stephy, clearly doubting her mental faculties. "Look, why donchu get 
some sleep, maybe we'll figger out what happened better then."

To Jacqueline, he adds [Stephy can't hear this- he subvocalizes, and 
Jacqueline hears it as a tiny voice in her ear] "I'll check on her story, try 
an' find out about this Steven Moore an' his sister. My 'friends' can look 
up any publically available records, and I'll see if we can hack into the 
cops' network, maybe we'll find somethin' useful, mebbe not."

<><><><><>

Stephy:

"Weeks???"  That all this gets though under Jackie's third degree.

"Shapeshifting?  Didn't yu hear me SFX.  I'm _not_ Steven.  I'm _me_.  
I'm not some guy who turned himself into a girl... well, not like that ... I 
don't think.  I was born one.  If it doens't make sense to you, just think 
how it sounds to me..."

"Sleep?  I don't want to sleep... not alone."

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie can't help but laugh, though it does sound a bit cruel 
unintentionally.  "Jealous of you?  Sorry, not a chance kid.  Livin on the 
s streets and prison gives you a bit of confidence, nah I'm pretty set with 
my looks thanks."
	   Watching the girl break down is too much, she gives SFX a 
wary glance.  Not a good combo, super powers and mental problems.  
Jackie nods to SFX, "Kid you do what you want, I'd appreciate you 
finishin that computer stuff, but you're a big boy and can decide for 
yourself.  hell get some sleep...or whatever."
	  Jackie goes and sits back down up front, props her feet up on 
the dash and falls asleep to the morning sun breaking through the 
windows.

<><><><><>

[GM]

SFX looks at the crying woman in the tight pink outfit, and the hardened 
woman with her feet propped up on the dashboard.

"OK, OK," he says to Jacqueline. "Look, I'm gonna get the setup done. 
Don't worry about me messin' around with her," he glances at Stephy, "I 
ain't sure that's a good idea right now either. But you *could* be a little 
more sensitive, sheesh!"

Gently, he takes Stephy by the arm and leads her to the back of the RV, 
towards the bedroom compartment.

"Look, I think you should get some sleep, you been through a lot in the 
past coupla hours. No, I don't hate you, get real! You're still one fine 
babe. But, I think things are a little too crazy right now-" he grimaces 
briefly at his choice of words- "for us to be makin' like teenagers in the 
back seat." (Ignoring of course, the fact that the two of you ARE 
teenagers in the back seat. <g>) "Why don't you, uh, talk to Steve or 
whatever, an' see if you can work somethin' out. Don't worry, everything 
will be all right- aww man! I sound like some stupid song! Shee***!" A 
little of his more usual demeanor returns. <g>

//What's to work out? I'm crazy! I suppose I'll wake up as me again. 
Wonder if these guys are real or if I'm imagining them too.//

\\Quit whining, you wimp. Go to sleep, bimbo, let someone with half a 
brain take over!\\

**That bein' you, I guess! Half a brain is right!**

The third voice is a new one, and one that startles Stephy- she doesn't 
recognize it at all, and it sounds like a slightly older man with a slight 
creole accent. The voices continue arguing, and she feels her hold on 
reality starting to loosen.

<><><><><>

Stephy:

Stephy lets SFX lead her back to the bedroom.  When he says he 
doesn't hate her, she asks him with puppy-dog eyes, "you don't?"  She 
doesn't let go of him and just listens.  When he finishes she leans her 
body against his, still holding onto to him fiercely, buries her head 
against his chest and whispers "but I want to make like a teenager with 
you SFX. Your so sweet..."

And then the voices start.  Stephy's grip tightens on SFX- he's going 
nowhere if she can help it.

//What's to work out? I'm crazy! I suppose I'll wake up as me again. 
Wonder if these guys are real or if I'm imagining them too.//

"Steven..?"

\\Quit whining, you wimp. Go to sleep, bimbo, let someone with half a 
brain take over!\\
**That bein' you, I guess! Half a brain is right!**
The voices continue arguing, and she feels her hold on realitystarting to 
loosen. 

"No, oh my god, no!", if there is any possible way her hold on SFX can 
tighten, it does. "No, don't leave me.  If you don't want to... I understand.  
But, hold me.  Hold me tight.  Oh, SFX, don't let me go to sleep!  There a 
bad voice, inside, a mean voice, an evil one... It's trying to get out... It 
just said if I go to sleep someone else would take over.  Oh, that doesn't 
make any sense... But, it scares me.  I think if does... Oh, SFX, I think 
he'll hurt you... I think he likes hurting people... I don't know... I can't... 
There's only one thing I can think of that might..."

"Make love to me, SFX... its the only thing I can think of.  The voice is 
male, maybe if we... if I ... Make love to me... show me I'm woman ... 
show them... maybe it'll scare them away... Make love to me..."

<><><><><>

[GM]

SFX manages to say "Huh?" as Stephy starts clinging to him, then looks 
around desperately as she starts babbling about voices. He becomes 
even more flustered as she continues to build up into hysteria.

"Make lo- waitaminut you crazy chick! No, I didn't mean that! But jeez! 
Oh man..." he puts his arms around the trembling blonde as he looks at 
Jackie plaintatively. His voice is a low murmur in the older woman's ear, 
inaudible to anyone else; "Yo girl, this chick is totally losin' it! She really 
IS crazy! What the hell am I gonna do?"

Then, "Gaaaa!" SFX exclaims, as he's suddenly covered in spiders. 
Spiders covering his bare chest from the waist up, because his jacket 
and shirt suddenly rippled and separated into several hundred little 
black creepy crawlies. He starts spinning around frantically shaking 
himself and swatting his arms and chest, before a high pitched whine 
fills the RV and spider fragments explode off of him, raining down on the 
computer, the couch, the carpeting, Stephy...

...who is ducking a rain of beer cans and cigar boxes which are falling on 
her from the ceiling of the RV. The computer is singing "Glory 
Hallelujah!", and the carpet has become mirror bright, reflecting light in a 
kaleidascope of colors, becoming more prismatic as beer cans burst 
open and spray chocolate mousse all over the place, the mousse 
becoming rainbow-hued as it slops on the carpet.

"Again with the !&!%@$ chocolate!" SFX exclaims, diving for a corner as 
a beam of concentrated M&Ms shoots out from beneath the computer 
console and bounces off of him, spraying little chocolate melt-in-your-
mouth-not-in-your-hands candies around the cabin and provoking a yelp 
of pain from the boy, as they hit hard enough to sting.

Sitting amidst all this mess, as the spectral mousse suds subside and 
the sounds of Beethoven's Fifth drift out of the commode in the back, 
and M&Ms clatter and roll around in the window sill, on the computer, 
across the little miniature countertop, and then come clattering down 
onto George, who was driving and heard the commotion, but is only just 
now turning around to see what's going on- is a teddy bear. A very large 
one, and its eyes sparkle, alive beneath its light brown fur. It has a bright 
red woolen cap, and a matching scarf wrapped around its neck. It looks 
really cute.

The RV swerves wildly as George slams on the brakes and looks like 
he's contemplating jumping out the driver's window.

<><><><><>

Paddington:

[Bear??]

"Oh, deary me," said the child-sized bear with the bright red cap and 
scarf, in a simply darling English accent, as he (?) surveyed the chaos of 
his sorroundings.  "Oh deary dear!  Whatever happened here?"

He climbed to his feet, and began picking up the M&Ms, "Oh, I dearly 
love a M&M!  But, oh!  I need something to go with them.  Please, could 
I have some marmalade as well?  Orange would be oh so swell.  I dearly 
love orange marmalade with chocolate.  They say that's also waht my 
father ate.  It's oh so yummy;" he rubs his stomach with large circular 
motions, "it tickles you tummy.  Especially in the morning."

"But, oh my!"  He stopped, holding the M&Ms in his hand, bent at the 
waist and, putting his nose within inches of the ground, surveyed the 
spiders.  "Yes, oh my!  And what is this I spy?", he said straightning up.  
"Why are all these creepy-crawlies here?  Most people do not like them, 
I fear.  And not a tree or bowl for them to make a proper home! This will 
not do.  Oh, no!  Shoo! shoo!" he began waddling around making 
showing motions at any remaining spiders. 

"I could shoo them out the door if you would stop," he called to the front, 
"with just a threat of a stomp and swat.  It wouldn't do to kill them.  Oh 
no!  We must never kill our animal friends.  Why if we did that, the next 
thing someone would say kill bears wearing a red scarf and cap!  Now, 
that wouldn't do.  Oh no!  It would only make me sad and blue."  He 
pops an M&M into his mouth.

"I love your lorry.  But, oh, I _am_ sorry!  We mustn't forget our 
manners!" he said seeing SFX cringing in the corner, his eyes (no 
doubt) the size of saucers.  He waddled over to him and began dusting 
SFX's clothes off.  "As was always said by Nanners.  Oh my!  Oh dear!  
Are you alright?  Or injured, I fear?"

When he doesn't get a response, the bear leans over and peers at 
SFX's face with a quizzical expression.  The brows above his bright, 
button-like eyes and the top of his snout wrinkle in thought.  "Oh, of 
course, of course!  How rude of me!  I'm a little confused, you see. But 
as Ms. Goose says, you must always begin by proper introductions.  
Wouldn't do, no it wouldn't, to start a conversation any other way!"

He removes his cap with the hand holding the M&Ms and holding it 
against his belly extends his other hand to SFX, "I am Paddington. 
Paddington Bear.  I think.  Do you know what I am doing here?  This 
looks like no place for a proper bear.  I should be in the meadow.  With 
my spade and hoe.  Isn't planting coming near?  I mustn't miss it, not this 
year."  

[He either shakes SFXs hand if he's recovered enough for that, or 
lowers his hand...]

"Or perhaps I should go see the store keeper.  Could you tell me that, 
sir?  He always has some lovely marmalade.  Would you have some 
marmalade?  I dearly love marmalade.  Orange, please.  Plum makes 
me sneeze.  But cherry too, will do.  Oh, yes!"

He waddles over to the refrigerator, opens the door and peers in.  "Oh 
my!  Oh dear!  No marlmalade, I see.  But, whatever could this be? B-E-
E-R?  Why that spells 'beer'!  Oh, I'd dearly love some gingerbeer!  With 
marmalade, of course!  And scones.  Orange would be best.  Though 
Mouse likes blackberry above the rest."

<><><><><>

[GM]

[actually, the spiders ARE dead- SFX blew them to bits with his sonic 
powers. But we'll say a few are still scurrying around.]

The black kid stares at the talking bear, the dark glasses he had 
perched up on top of his head now dangling from one ear and hanging 
across his chin.

He just keeps staring.

Then as the bear goes waddling about the RV picking up M&Ms and 
babbling amiably, he looks at Jackie and says "Tell me I'm dreamin'!"

As it keeps talking, his voice becomes a strangled gasp in her ear;

"Can I kill this thing?"

<><><><><>

Paddington:

"Oh me, oh my.  This is so high!"  The bear looks around then waddles 
over to a chair.  He struggles mightly to pick it up, then finally gives up 
on that and just drags it over to the frig.  He climbs up on it and sticks his 
head back into the frig.  *Clink, clack* sounds come from inside it as he 
rummages around.  "Marmalade, oh marmalade.  From oranges, please, 
let it be made."

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie has remained in a state of shock in what seem like hours, 
but only seconds in reality...whatever that is.  She squints hard all 
around the RV and her hand lashes out ponting at George, "Plant it back 
in that seat!  Sit down and bring us to the shoulder, keep calm."
	      While the bear rummages through the fridge and babbles 
on, Jackie moves over to make sure SFX is alright.  Gritting her teeth, 
she mumbles, "maybe getting him out wasn't a good idea."
	    It starts to sink in that the RV is trashed and she feels any 
real hope that any of the tech junk has survived the wave of unreality.  
Putting her hands on her hips, she addresses the bear, "I better see 
Stephy or Steven in here soon or your A** will be booted on the 
highway.  I've said as much to your friend, my way or..." Jackie points to 
the door.
	  "Stephy has to work her problems out, not run away from them
..<softly muttered>...like I did.  I want her back here pronto or I'll be 
spreadin you on a piece of toast."

<><><><><>

Paddington:

The bear pulled his head out of the refrigerator and looked Jackie with 
standing with her hands planted on her hips.  After she finished, he said, 
"Oh deary dear!  Now your angry with me, I fear.  Was it the marmalade 
that got you so irrate?  If so, on that I'll wait."  

He looked at her with his bright, shiny button eyes, until it was obvious 
that it was not the marmalade.  "Oh my!  Oh me!  You're serious I see.  
Stephy went away, because you made her blue and grey.  You wouldn't 
really throw me out?  Even you're not such a lout."

He stared at Jackie with an appraising eye for a few more minutes, but 
she was having none of it.  "Oh dear.  Oh deary dear.  You're serious, I 
fear.  But, you," he said to both Jackie and SFX, "must promise to be 
nice, no matter what result or vice."  He stood making it obvious he was 
waiting for the promise.

[Assuming Jackie and SFX agree...]

He bobbed his head. "Then I shall try.  But, by the by...  perhaps we 
should try it outside?  Were the land is empty and wide.  What you say, I 
know is true.  You can't outrun what makes you blue."

[If they agree and the RV's stopped, Paddington will waddle out the door 
and a ways away from the RV, to a relatively desolute spot.]

Looking back at the RV, the bear called, "Are you of this?  Is this really 
what you wish?"  When the answer came back afirmative, the bear 
signed, "Oh bother... Then I shall try.  But, to you I will not lie.  The use 
of it I am not sure, nor which result will be de jure."

So saying, Paddington concentrated _hard_ on turning back into and 
being Stephy again... then willed it to happen to him.

[Have no idea what this will do, hope it doesn't make us all blue! <g>]

<><><><><>

[GM]

[AAAGGHHH! I GIVE UP! I CAN'T STAND IT ANYMORE!!!!]

<g>

* * * * * * * * * *

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be nice, just bring back the babe an' quit that rhymin' 
crap! You sound like a smurf tryin' t' rap!" SFX looks at the animated 
teddy bear with disgust. Then his face contorts and he screams 
"GODDAMMIT now I'M DOIN' IT! ARRGH!"

George is jolted into action by Jackie's voice. He manages to get the RV 
under control, and swiftly pulls over to the shoulder. Then he turns and 
stares at the talking bear, and the rainbow-colored chocolate mousse, 
M&Ms, and dead spiders covering the interior of the RV. Chords of 
classical music are still coming faintly from the bathroom, though they're 
starting to fade. "ohmanohmanohman!" he moans.

While Paddington hops down from the open door, SFX mutters to Jackie 
"That thing better bring back the chick, 'cause it's poetry is makin' me 
sick! AAAGGGHH! !&@%@$ bear's messin' with me!" The kid stomps 
his feet and pounds his fist against the wall of the RV.

Paddington stands by the side of the road and concentrates *really* 
hard.

//Let me out you walking rug or I'll stuff you and mount you-//

\\Like this is sooooo weird Steve must be right, I *am* crazy!\\

Dirt and weeds swirl around the adorable fuzzy creature in a miniature 
cyclone, followed by a rain of orange marmelade, pelting it and SFX and 
Jackie and the RV with fat, squishy sticky drops. As SFX begins 
swearing again, the bear reaches out with both stubby arms and then 
disappears, with a very disappointed look on its furry face as it fails to 
catch any marmelade in its outstretched paws.

A ten foot tall insectoid creature with an elongated black carapace 
covering a cucumber-shaped skull hisses, and extends a second set of 
dripping jaws towards the people by the RV. George screams and ducks 
inside-

**Whoa! Way wrong! Way WAY wrong!**

and the big chitinous monstrousity is replaced by a naked Vanessa 
Williams, looking very confused. SFX's eyes light up-

//Like, what's she got that *I* haven't got?//

-before the former Miss America melts into goo. The goo shudders and 
then inflates, becoming a young dark-haired man about George's age, 
but in slightly better shape. He's wearing the outfit last seen on Stephy.

//Uuuhhh, Stevie, you don't look NEARLY as good in that as I did....//

From inside the RV, Depeche Mode comes humming out of the 
computer;

"I don't want to start any blasphemous rumors
But I think that God has a sick sense of humor...."