ROAD TRIP, PART TWO

[Jacqueline Carlysle and SFX have "liberated" Steven Moore from an insane 
asylum, and discovered he's not what he seems....in fact, he seems to be 
whatever his subconscious feels like making him at the time. After a brief stint as 
one of Stephy's childhood friends, he finally regains his true form.]

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

Steven:

"Oh wow!" Steven says to himself, "Not only am I crazy, but I'm living movies 
and... Venessa Willaims?..."  He starts giggling, and falls to his knees.

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

"Wha...? Stephy...?  Oh yeah, that's right," he saying in between what sound 
suspiciously like almost hysterical giggles, "I thought I was Stephy for a while.  
Yeah.  Well, then why not Venessa Williams?  And 'good in what' ?"

He looks down on his clothes- a white lace camisole, smoky fishnet hose, neon-
pink skirt, jacket and spiked heels.  "Oh yeah... right... Now I think I'm wearing a 
dress... well, makes sense... I thought I was Stephy."  His giggles are slowing, 
winding down and he looks up at Jackie, SFX and RV.

"Yeah, that's right... I dreamed up these guys too.  And... an escape?  Yeah, an 
escape.  Gotta hand to me, though, I gotta good imagination."
He waves at the Jackie and SFX, "Hi ya, you halluciantions you!  Want to be 
Venessa Williams or the thing from Aliens?" 

He continues giggling.

 [Weird? sick?  Just wait till he finds out its _real_! <VLG>]

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie looks at SFX and gives him a meaningful look, the kind he's used 
to; the get ready and duck I'm goin to do the tough thin' and better watch my butt 
while I do it so it doesn't get fried.
	       Stalking on boot heels towards Steven (?) Jackie winds up and 
slaps the young man hard on the face, "Listen up boy, Stephy had more guts 
than you did.  Wake up, feel that?!  That was real, I'm real.  Get used to it, what 
you do is REAL!  I've had enough of babysittin' men without the guts to move on 
through life.  You can get up and come with us, we'll try to help.  Or you can sit 
here on the roadside and get picked up and put away again.  Your choice."
	    Jackie puts her hand out to help the young man up and waits for his 
decision.  She has a fed up grimace on her face, most likely due to a trashed RV 
and a living teddy bear scaring George, but she usually doesn't need a reason to 
be PO'ed. <g>

<><><><><>

Steven:

Jackie's slap stops Steven's giggling.  He listens to her speech, then gives her a 
lop-sided grin, "Wow!  Have you got a good imagination or what, Steven!  You 
even imagine them hitting you.  And, it hurting.  Does that mean its...?  Nah... 
how could it be?  Things don't change like that.  People don't..." 

He giggles again.  "If it were then I woulda been a girl.  Shees, I woulda been 
Stephy!  Oh, Stephy...", his voice and expression are suddenly sad, "I'm sorry 
sis.  I shoulda stopped you from going with him.  I knew he was drunk...  Too bad 
it ain't real."  

He sighs and giggles again.  "Course if it was, then I was just a living teddy bear.  
And Venessa Willaims.  And the thing from Aliens." He snaps his teeth at Jackie, 
"Chomp, chomp, hallucination", then laughs.  A moment later, he sighs deeply, 
"Still... It woulda been nice to escape."

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie pulls her hand away in an offer to help and looks down at Steven 
with pity.
	   "Well if you've made all of us up then and this is just a f fantasy you've 
cooked up you won't mind playin' along then.  Get your arse in the RV now and 
help us finish this little dream, ok?"
	 Jackie walks away and gets into the RV waiting for Steven to come 
along.  She lights up another cigar and starts puffing away.

<><><><><>

Steven:

[>"an offer to help"?  Didn't you just slap him? <G>]

>"Well if you've made all of us up then and this is just a f fantasy you've cooked 
up you won't mind playin' along then.  Get your arse in the RV now and help us 
finish this little dream, ok?"<

Steven looks up at Jackie's retreating back.  He thinks: *Jeez, never had a 
dream order me around before!  Well, Steven, I guess that's because it ain't a 
dream, but a hallucination.  Maybe crazy does that to you?*

"Play along?", he murmurs.  "Hmmm... S***, why the hell not?  I guess la-la land 
beats the hospital anyway."  He struggles to stand in the heels.  "Ouch!  Ok, my 
hallucination... I geta chose things, right?  So, how bout some diff clothes?  Now 
how did I do that as Stephy?"  He chuckles.  "Oh right, as Stephy.  Good one 
Steven."

He looks at Jackie and calls, "Hey, if this is my dream, how come you ain't better 
looking?  Sure you don't want to be a Playboy model?", laughing.

[When she shoots back a sarcastic 'no'...]

"Jeez, back talking hallucinations, no less."  He looks at SFX, "You liked her 
didn't you?"  Chuckling, he continues, "I guess you're both just another voice in 
my head right?  So that would make you just a part of me, right?  So, ok, kid, uh, 
I mean me," giggling, "Boy, that could get confusing!  How 'bout a little thrill...?"

Giggling, he concentrates on changing his body- and nothing else about him- 
back into the Venessa Willaim's copy.

[David, if its all just a hallucination to him, why not?  It's not like he'll actually be 
her/a girl, right?  (Yeah, right. <g>)  Sides, this way I get to test my powers a 
little. <g>  Geez, maybe I shouldn't have taken that unlucky too?  Hmmm...]

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie waits in the RV for everyone to settle down. * Ah think I liked 
Stephy better, and I thought SHE was nuts.  Didn't know how good I had it!*
	To Steven, "hey since this a dream and all mind if you tidy up the mess 
to my RV that your sis left?"

<><><><><>

[GM]

Steven shimmers, turns orange, then a rainbow of colors washes over him from 
his head to his feet. He feels different.

SFX starts, looks at him in shock for a moment, then glares. "Look, a**hole, even 
if you *could* do Vanessa Williams, this 'hallucination' don't do guys, insta-sex 
change or not!"

//You JERK!// Stephy rages. //You messed up EVERYTHING, Steven! Now he'll 
NEVER be interested in me 'cause he's always going to think I'm YOU!//

"Now get your dumb a** inside and quit with all this metamorphin'! You messed 
up everything enough already!" His voice sounds like an ironic echo of Stephy's.

In the window of the RV, Steven can see his reflection. He's become an 
attractive, light-skinned black woman, clearly resembling Vanessa Williams, but 
not identical. When he grins, preparing to start laughing at this curious 
hallucination again, SFX says "SH** you got some imagination! You ARE one 
sick motherf***er!"

In the reflection, the pretty Vanessa Williams-wannabee is bearing long white 
fangs, and a forked tongue snakes out of her mouth.

<><><><><>

Steven:

>To Steven, "hey since this a dream and all mind if you tidy up the mess to my 
RV that your sis left?"<

"My sis...?  Oh that's right, guess since I hallucinated her, my hallucinations 
should be consistent."  He calls to Jackie, "Go right ahead, or better yet wave 
your hands and take care of it.  It's just my dream after all."

Concentrating, he feels... strange... then different.  *Hmmm... This is different.*  
He runs his hands over his altered body.  "Well, what do you know...," he says to 
himself, "lucid hallucinations!  This is cool!  Unless I get stuck this..."

>SFX starts, looks at him in shock for a moment, then glares. "Look, a**hole, 
even if you *could* do Vanessa Williams, this 'hallucination' don't do guys, insta-
sex change or not!"
//You JERK!// Stephy rages. //You messed up EVERYTHING, Steven! Now he'll 
NEVER be interested in me 'cause he's always going to think I'm YOU!//<

"Stephy...?  How can you be...?  What the hell do you mean 'he's always going 
to think I'm you'?  You _are_ me!  Your just a figment of my imagination like this 
body... Feels pretty good actually...  Hey!"  He calls to SFX, "Now you got me 
doing it to.  I hope _you_ don't do guys, cause I don't either.  No matter what I, 
er, you, no damn it I, what else could you be?  Just another figment of my 
imagination."

>"Now get your dumb a** inside and quit with all this metamorphin'! You messed 
up everything enough already!" His voice sounds like an ironic echo of 
Stephy's.<

"Damn, are _all_ my hallucinations so damn bossy?  What is this?  Oh, I know!  
I'm not in control, so I create you so you can be in control," he giggles, "only its 
really me, controling me.  Cool!  Well, me, have I got an imagination or what?  
And just for that... I was gonna try Schwartzenneger next... But, since this 
bothers you so much, Mr. hallucination, I just might stay..."

>In the window of the RV, Steven can see his reflection. He's become an 
attractive, light-skinned black woman, clearly resembling Vanessa Williams, but 
not identical.  When he grins, preparing to start laughing at this curious 
hallucination again, SFX says "SH** you got some imagination! You ARE one 
sick motherf***er!" In the reflection, the pretty Vanessa Williams-wannabee is 
bearing long white fangs, and a forked tongue snakes out of her mouth.<

"Boy," he says to SFX, "you got some mouth!"  Then he sees his fangs and 
forked toungue. "What the hell...?  Where'd that come from?  How come if this 
my dream... And how come I look like her, but just like... Get a grip, Steven, its a 
hallucination.  Gotta be.  What else could it be?  Can't be real.  If it was then I'd 
be..."

In a sudfden panic, he hikes up his skirt, bends over and examines his crotch...

[Assuming, he really is female now (and with these powers and such, I don't 
know...]

"Huh...? Hey, that looks just like..." In sudden panic, he says, "No way!  No f***** 
way!" Then touches him(?)self on and _in_ the obvious place manner, producing 
the obvious responses from his body.

He staggers back, slips in the heels and falls.  No f***** way!  It _can't_ be real!  
It can't!  I can't have a... I don't like this hallucination anymore!  Gonna be me, 
the real me!  Concentrate..."

He concentrates on changing himself back to himself, Steven.

[See, there really was a method to this madness- well, maybe. <g>]
[Quick question Dave- was his mind affected at all or did that part at least work 
right?]

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	"Steven I wouldn't call him "boy", you think I'm in a bad mood you don't 
want to see both of us in one.  If you are still thinkin' this is some kind of dream, I 
could convince you real quick.  I figger a few punches about the face will wake 
you up real good to what is goin on.  If this <she points around to the RV 
interior> is part of your dream you got some bad taste. In an RV, formerly locked 
in a mental ward.  Real good imagination.  The thin' is BOY, this IS reality.  You 
can change things, think.  Remember before you went to that party?  There was 
weird stuff goin' on, this guy Paladin could fly and carry tanks?  Beat this 
Izzyreali whacko?  You got part of that weird right in your cabeza.  Get it?  We 
do too, show him a little Kid."
	    Jackie has the metallic pit bull statue get on it's hind legs and dance 
<perhaps to SFX's accompaniment? <g>>.
	  "I've experimented with drugs and come no where close to what you 
think you're experiencin'.  If it was a real drug, I'm sure it'd make a lot of money," 
Jackie smiles at the word "money".
	    Jackie grabs a beer hoping it isn't pickle juice or some such rot after 
the bear had a field day with her stuff.  Cracking it open a taking a pull she turns 
to SFX, "Kid, you got me thinkin' all this science fiction is pretty new, but I seen 
Star Trek and seen cartoons.  Steve here reminds me of that Star Trek with the 
other world.  Where they meet like relatives of themselves or clones.  You know 
they are "bad" Kirk and such.  An that TV movie Sybil, it's like she has other 
people to cope for things.  Some bad, some good, but Stevey here pulls them 
from his ace power, not just these people, but it seems chunks of these places.  
This boy here is a human mood ring, changes with the tide, like that Hulk TV 
show.  Whaddya think you're big on this stuff, comic whatsis.  I'm havin' trouble 
sayin' what I mean, this ain't exactly my area of expertise."
	    Finishing her beer she stands with her arms crossed thinking it would 
be easier to knock this fool out and have a quiet drive.  A slow smile creeps 
across her face

<><><><><>

[GM]

SFX says "Hey! What the he-" as Steven proceeds to hike up his skirts and 
examine himself.

His attempt to change back to Steven produces more sparkly flashes of light 
(SFX looks like he wants to dive for cover) and a rapid succession of forms; last 
month's Playboy playmate, Roger, and a small cherry tree, before he finally gets 
himself back into his "normal" body. A quick check in the window reveals no 
fangs or forked tongue this time. He's starting to feel awfully tired, though.

SFX stalks forward, and grabs Steven by the front of his shirt. Somehow, this 
doesn't seem too impressive, since Steven is a good 4 inches taller than the 
black kid. Plus it's all a hallucination...isn't it?

//How do you know YOU'RE not a figment of MY imagination, HUH?//

\\Yeah, keep running away you little wuss, pretend it's all a big imaginary joke, 
lot easier than dealing with the fact that you're a f***ing loser and you thoroughly 
f***ed up your friends AND your sister-\\

//HEY! SHUT UP whoever the hell you are! Stevie did NOT "f*** me up"!// 
<pause> //I guess I did a pretty good job of that myself...//

Oblivious to the argument going on in Steve's head, SFX holds up a clenched 
fist. "OK, lissen up, **shole! Maybe you think I'm a f***ing hallucination, and this 
whole world is a f***ing hallucination, but if you don't shut up about how we're all 
f***ing hallucinations, you're gonna find out how much PAIN you can feel in a 
hallucination! And no more of this shapechanging crap and no more f***ing 
marmelade rains and talking computers! You believe whatever the hell you want, 
but when you're around me an' Jackie, you better f***ing PRETEND you're taking 
this seriously, or I swear to God I WILL find some way to f*** up your world no 
matter HOW imaginary you think it is!!! Got it, you self-centered psycho white 
boy? 'Cause I ain't gonna take no crap from you, and neither of us are takin' any 
chances with a goddam fruitcake who's got the power to alter reality! Pull any 
more of your cute tricks, an' I'll give you some thousand-decibel shock 
treatment!"

You get the impression he's as much frightened as he is angry.

<><><><><>

Steven:

In horror at what he found under his skirt, Steven concentrates...

This time he pays attention to the sparkles, and the changes... *Miss June?  No! 
Same problem!...  Roger? [As in Rabitt?]... A TREE?!  How does a tree think?...* 
then himself.  He rapidly runs his hands over his body, checking his crotch first.. 
*YES! Thank you Jeezuz!* then checks himself out in the RV's window, "YES!" 
he shouts...

*Wait a minute... I'm doing it _again_... This has _got_ to be a hallucination... 
Doesn't it?*  Outload he mumbles, "But, then why am I so tired?"

He hardly bats an eyes at SFX grabbing his shirt, but...

//How do you know YOU'RE not a figment of MY imagination, HUH?//
\\Yeah, keep running away you little wuss, pretend it's all a big imaginary joke, 
lot easier than dealing with the fact that you're a f***ing loser and you thoroughly 
f***ed up your friends AND your sister-\\
//HEY! SHUT UP whoever the hell you are! Stevie did NOT "f*** me up"!// 
<pause> //I guess I did a pretty good job of that myself...//

*Yeah, listen to her!  Oh jesus... how can this be real?!  How can I _not_ be 
crazy?  I gotta be...*

SFX's shouting finally penetrates after the first sentence or two.  Stephy holds up 
his hands, palms out, and says,  "O...O.k.... Ok." and hears him out. "I... maybe... 
Did you really _see_ those things? Did I really...? Was I really...?  Did I really 
have a...?!"

*Gods, Steven, get a grip. IT's gotta be a hallucination.  Its gotta be!  No way 
you could been... But... What if its not....?*

"O.k., kid.  I give up.  I'll go peaceful like."  He starts moving towards the RV, 
head sunk down, almost starting to drag himsself.  *If its just a dream, why am I 
so tired?  You don't get tired in dreams... do you?"

Standing the the RV he listens to Jackie, giving her the same hands-out palms-
open gesture.  He thinks, *Paladin, yeah, I remember him.  And that other 
Deathstorn.  And the guy in France... Jeez, could it be _real_?  Really, real? But, 
what would that mean about Stephy... and the other voices...?"

After she finishes, he says quietly, "Multiple personalities.  Sybil.  On TV.  Its 
called multiple personalities.  Why don't you know that? If your just a 
hallucination, why am I...

He collaspes in a chair, allowing himself to sink into its softness. "God, I'm tired."  
He is talking as much to himself as them. "If this is a dream, why am I so tired?  
But, if its not... how _can't_ it be? I remember Paladin, the others.  But none of 
them can do this.  Or anything like it. How can it be real?"

He holds up his hands a again to forestall another argument/lecture. "Ok. I give 
up.  Too tired to...  Ok, kid,"  he addresses SFX, "If you're real, then I guess I 
owe you a big apology.  Hope you hadn't too fond of Stephy.  'Cause if you are 
real, I guess I just put you off of her for the next hundred years or so.  Ok.  I'll 
_pretend_.  Only... look if its real, how can it _be_ real?!  It makes no damn 
sense! S***!" 

"Ok. Ok." he says to both SFX and Jackie.  "You say you're real.  You say this is 
real.  I'm too tired to argue.  But... do me a favor... PROVE IT!  Get the police 
reports.  I remember about those.  Find Richard.  Let me see something I know 
can't be a hallucination.  Then...  We'll see.  Until, then, ok, I'll pretend."

"Right now though," his eyelids are closing, his voice a heavy mumble, "you all 
mind if I get some... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ".

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	With Steven asleep Jackie puts her arm around SFX, "Just you and me 
now Kid.  Pretty impressive scream fit there, reminds me of me."  Jackie gives 
SFX a sideways grin and a faux punch on the chin.
	   "Kid, it's weird enough for me too, I'd suggest you scream to get it out 
of your lungs, but you do it better than most.    Did anythin' I said make any 
sense, I ain't no wiz kid like you, but I done some readin'.  And TV watchin' the 
joint lets you do alot of that."
	    Looking around the RV Jackie gives a long sigh, "Let's do somethin' 
constructive and keep our minds off this junk.  How bout seein' what we can 
salvage outta this mess?"
	     "I know I'm a bi*** on wheels, but I don't plan on goin' back. If this lil 
creep did somethin bad to this Richie, Roger, whatever...he might be worse off 
than before.  If it was Stephy maybe I'd reconsider, the cops don't have a 
statewide manhunt for her, but him....Even then, too risky, we're gonna have 
enough trouble without backtrackin'.  I'd rather have a step ahead of Napes and 
his whacko squad then face this nut.  Whaddya think partner?"
	           Jackie grabs a beer and gives it to SFX, "Figgered you c could 
use a cold one," winking at him she takes a pull from her beer.
	    "George!  get this thin' on the road!  Don't worry boy, you'll get used 
to it."

<><><><><>

[GM]

SFX says "Girl, this nutcase is gonna kill us all, or turn us into fruit loops or 
somethin'! If he thinks we're nothin' but f***ing hallucinations, what's to keep him 
from messin' with US, just for the heck of it? I swear, he even starts to try 
somethin' with me, I'm gonna liquify his ass!"

None of this does much to reassure George, naturally- reluctantly, he gets back 
in the driver's seat and gets the RV rolling again.

The kid is wiping orange marmelade out of his hair, and looking at the rainbow 
chocolate mousse, M&Ms and dead spider fragments still littering the interior of 
the RV. "Turned my jacket into goddam spiders, totally f***ed up the computer, 
turns into a chick an' then starts playin' with himself. S***! I wish I never told you 
about this nutcase and suggested we spring him. I got no idea how his powers 
work, but I already told you, this superpowered thing seems to activate under 
stress usually. Who knows what a crazy dude with super powers is gonna do? I 
don't know about this transformin' crap. Is it permanent, or is all this stuff-" he 
waves at the mess- "gonna go away after a while?"

"I say we wait an' see if it goes away. And if its doesn't, we wait 'til he wakes up 
and make HIM clean it up. Meanwhile, once we get outta Louisiana, I wanna 
stop at a motel and take a shower!"

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie does think all of this is rather funny, despite the mess. Pointing to 
the back, "Why don't you see if the shower on this tub works?  I think we should 
wait, but if we wait and it stays this way, this tub is goin to stink to high heaven, 
what with all the chocolate and junk.  Not to mention a stained carpet and ruined 
computer gear.  Hardly got it out of the box too. Guess we'll have to pull a job, 
eh?"
	        Winking at SFX, Jackie rolls a window down to clear the air a bit.  
Smiling to George, "Pull over to a hotel once we get to Texas, okay?" She 
settles back for a small snooze.

<><><><><>

[GM]

Jackie wakes up with the sun shining in her face through the front window of the 
RV. George has tilted the driver's seat back and is sleeping silently. Too silently. 
You look at him and see that he's breathing in and out, but you can't hear a 
thing.

"Dude snores like a friggin' diesel engine!" SFX says from the back. You turn 
and see that he's busily tinkering with the computer. Steven is still sacked out on 
the plastic seat cushions, still wearing Stephy's hot pink skirt and leather jacket, 
and nylons, though at some point during the night he kicked off the high heel 
shoes. You notice that the mess doesn't seem nearly as bad as it was.

"Most of the crap seemed to disappear," the kid says. "But not all of it. Maybe 
some of the stuff he changes stays changed and some doesn't. At least the 
damn toilet and computer stopped singing. The hard drive was totally hosed. I 
tried reloading it from the backup disks, but half a them were f***ed up too. But 
the hardware is back to functioning normally, at least, so all I need is 
replacement programs and files. I'm downloading some; the modem interface is 
still operational, at least."

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie rubs her eyes and climbs out of the seat.  Lighting up her last 
cigar, she looks over the back of the RV.
	  Exhaling the rich smoke, she looks over the Kid's shoulder at his "toys", 
"So you need new hard disks to fix the software?  Can you get those anywhere?  
Sorry kid, don't know much about this junk.  I'm glad you been able to salvage it, 
I hate seein' money go down the toilet, specially mine."
	   Giving a soft laugh, Jackie sets some coffee up in the messy 
kitchenette.  Making cups for the three of them, she gives one to SFX (plenty of 
cream and sugar) and wakes George up handing him a cup.
	       "So, George, where are we?  In Texas yet?  Let's head to Dallas, we 
can rest a day or so there, stock up and we can do a little lookin for my good 
pals.  Yeah, they might not be here, but it's worth a shot.  Let's get the show on 
the road."

<><><><><>

[GM]

SFX shakes his head, looking frustrated at Jackie's technical ignorance. "No, I 
need a new hard disk AND new programs. If you still got a wad of cash though, 
all we need to do is stop at a CompUSA or some other computer place."

He looks at the pink-clad man on the couch and asks "You wanna wake up the 
fruitcake or stuff some valium down his throat an' keep him asleep 'til we get to 
Dallas?"

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie frowns at SFX, "Yeah, I got a few K in bills, but the rest is safety 
money.  I don't want to spend it too quick.  I mean hey, we went through 50 K 
already in this junk, the RV and supplies.  We keep goin' through our stuff like 
this with help from Captain Kangaroo, we'll need to get some more cash.  The 
money's done fine by us so far, just imagine where'd we be right now.  Dead, I 
expect.  Mom and Pop should be sunnin' in the islands right now." Jackie grins.
	 Turning to George, "How far we got George til Dallas?!"
	Looking back at the Kid, "You got some Valium? Anyways, how much 
are we talkin' in cash?  For the soft disk?  Or whatever?  Maybe you can show 
me some basics on this computer junk, I hate soundin' like a hick."
	 Jackie smiles and reaches for a cigar...not finding any, "George step on 
it!  I want some food and cigars!"

<><><><><>

[GM]

SFX says "Don't worry, it's only a couple hundred dollars."

George says "We're in, uh, Marshall, Texas. I guess we got another hour or two 
until Dallas." Yawning and stretching (you realize you'll be happy to stop at a 
motel and have George take a shower), he starts the RV. Actually, while most of 
the marmelade and chocolate mousse seems to have evaporated or whatever, 
you still feel vaguely sticky, and could use a shower yourself.

"Great, fruitloops is awake," mutters SFX, as the rumble of the RV stirs Steve 
into wakefulness.

<><><><><>

Steven:

Steven wakes slowly, rubbing his eyes, rolling with difficulty to a sitting position, 
looking around.  "Morning. I'm hungry.  Got any coffee?" he says automatically to 
Jackie and SFX, mind still fuzzy.

"I had the weirdest dream... I dreamed I was a g... that I had a... Hey what's with 
these damn pajamas...?" He looks down at himself, sees Stephy's outfit.  
Instantly awake, his nostrils flair, he blanches white and gets a look of absolute 
horror on his face. "Oh my go..."

He stands, the skirt's tightness giving him difficulty. "Ba.. bathroom?"  When they 
point him to it, he stumbles in.  He rips the skirt and underpants off and hastily 
checks to see if his equipment is still there.  It is.  He almost collapses against 
the wall with relief.  "Just a weird dream.  But, god, what a dream!"  

After recovering a bit, he relieves himself.  *Huh? First time I didn't see the john 
at the hospital.  Come to think of it, first time I _woke_ up_ and didn't see the 
hospital.  Do people hallucinate RV bathrooms?  For that matter, I don't 
remember a hallucination continuing after sleep.  What does that mean?  Damn, 
shoulda been a psych major.  Hope I'm not pissing on a floor somewhere.*  

He washes his face, *God, the feels good!*, then stares at himself in the mirror, 
water dripping off into and onto the sink.  He touches the camisole then picks up 
the skirt, feeling its leathery texture, expecting them to change into hospital 
pajamas.  After a few moments, he stares back at himself in mirror, and at the 
camisole.  *Mundo weirdo.  How can this be real?  It feels real, but how?*  

"God, what if it is?"

"Ok. They told me I was on drugs.  The kid said that was weeks ago.  Ok.  So, 
that could be a hallucination.  But, I _know_ I wasn't been on drugs last night.  
Unless... No. I woulda known it.  I think.  So, I'm not on drugs..."

"Ok. Ok. Think, Steven.  Use your brain.  That almost degree must be good for 
something.  Government'll be a bust.  Ok.  Philosophy.
Epistomology?  Nah, Berkley's full of it and Russel's right.  Feel's real's real 
enough.  Metaphysics?  Phenomenology?  No s***, Steven.  Only how you 
gonna prove it?  Ok, logic.  Reason it out.  Not drugs, leaves two choices.  One, 
I'm crazy and seeing things.  Two, its real.  Never mind how.  Ok.  I'm crazy 
'cause things don't change like that, not into other things, not by themselves.  
But, I'm _hungry_ and thirsty and could use some damn coffee and those are 
real.  But, I thought _I_ changed, into a bear and a _girl_ for kerist sakes.  So, I 
got to be crazy.  But, god, it felt... Can a guy really hallucinate _that_? Jeezuz!  
Sure I've had enough to...  But, what it feels like from _that_ side?"

He lowers the toilet lid, sits down, hands on knees, head in palms. 
"I gotta be crazy!  That _couldn't_ have been real.  Could it?  And do I _really_ 
want to find out?!  Besides, I hear voices.  Hell, I hear _Stephy_.  That's just 
gotta be guilt.  But... what?   Do crazy people dream the voice of their dead step-
sisters?  S***!  If its real, then I was... I asked... I almost... I _wanted_ to... with a 
_guy_!  I think I'm gonna be sick.*

His brow wrinkling in the effort to think this out, *Unless, it wasn't me.  Is that 
possible?  Could she really?... Uh... God, this is stupid! Uh, Stephy?  You there?  
Speak to me, if you are.  Please?  Tell me I _am_ crazy.  Or, prove I'm not.  Tell 
me something I couldn't know about you, if you're real.  Though, god help me if it 
is.*

{...}

[If Stephy does come up with something Steven doesn't think he could know...]

He says outloud, "Jeezuz!  How could... I didn't... Gawd!  'Course, couldn't I still 
be hallucinating not knowing that?"

[If Stephy does not...]

He sighs and thinks, *Didn't think so.  At least that means I really wasn't a.. I 
didn't... So, then, why the hell would I hallucinate _that_? And this... dress?  Just 
what kind of sick f*** _am_ I?  But, that still doesn't prove its _not_ real.*

[Either way...]

He continues outloud, "Ok. Ok.  Nothing definitive.  So what choice do I have?  If 
I'm crazy then I'm still in the hospital, dreaming this.  Ok. This dream's better 
than that.  If I'm not crazy... then this _is_ real. But, how could it be?  How could 
I...?  What is it they say about crazy people?... If you can still ask, then your not?  
Would I be arguing with myself so hard if I _was_?  Would I want to _be_ crazy 
rather than face the fact that I was a..."

*But, how is it possible?  How could it be real?  Wait... There was something... 
Something Stephy said... No heard... What was that... Quantum?  Yeah.  Ok.  
'Holy Quantum Cats?'  Hell!  I read a book by that name!  Pool?  No Poul.  'The 
Coming of the Quantum Cats'. Right.  2 years ago.  About,... different realities.  
People moving between them.  Different because ... right, the many-worlds 
theory.  Quantum physics applied to a world scale.  Quantum...*

"Well what do you know?  Some of those science classes might actually come in 
useful for a change.  Ok.  Hiesenberg? ... Don't know how electrons help.  Who 
was that other guy?  The guy with the... the cat? Yeah, a cat.  Schrontwigger?  
Schrodigger. Put a cat in a box.  50/50 chance its dead or alive.  Before you 
open the box... its both.  Because the probabilites are even... till what?  Till you 
look in the box.  Why? Something about you affecting things... the 'observer 
principle' and 'collasping the event state' I think the TA called it.*

*Damn, I shoulda listened to the lectures better.  So, what does all that tell me?  
If it _is_ real... Does that mean I, like can put things in a box, metaphyscially?  
And, that makes them... 'indeterminant.' That's what the TA called it.  And then 
what ... can you make the cat be like you want when you take it out?  I _seem_ 
to remember the 'observer principle' was something like that...  You expect it to 
be alive, it comes out alive and vice versa."
  
*Still, does that make any _real_ sense?  Scientifically?  Sounds like bad 
science-fiction, or a comic book.  Used to like them.  Never dreamed I be living 
in one... one way of the other.  Oh hell!  How much weirder is that than Paladin 
flying into space without a suit or anything?  What was it the kid said... Pretend, 
huh?  Yeah, s***.  The kid's right.  What have I got to lose?  If I'm loony, I can't 
tell the difference, so might as well go with it.  If I'm not...*

"The kid.  Oh, Christ.  If this s***'s real, and I really was... I really did... F***!  No 
wonder he freaked.  Hell, he's probably afraid he'll wake up a Teddy Bear or 
worse.  S***!  Ok. That's first.  They always say if you die in your dreams you die 
for real.  I don't think I want to give him reason to make me find out..."

He looks in the mirror again, washes his face again... "Oh hell, stop stalling."  He 
wraps a towel around his waist and returns to the others.  "You got any clothes?"

[After quickly dressing and pouring himself some coffee and grabbing something 
to munch...]

He talks to SFX and Jackie:  "Damn sure tastes real.  Look, uh, folks.  I don't 
suppose you know what this is about?  Any luck with the police reports?  
Richard?"  He looks at them, then continues, "Yeah, didn't think so."

"Me neither.  I don't know if its real or not.  I just gave myself a headache trying 
to figure it out.  But, real or not, it clearly scares the s*** out of you.  Scares the 
s*** out of me, too.  If I were you... if this was real, I'd have put a bullet through 
my head a long time ago. End of whacko, end of problem.  Woulda been 
easier..."

"Look, kid," he turns to SFX, "You said it last night.  Real or not, I might as well 
pretend it is.  Pretend and hope it isn't.  So, ok.  If its real, then you all are and I 
probably scared you whiter than I scared myself last night, with that little, uh... 
stripper act.  So, you're probably asking yourself 'when does the fruitcake try that 
on me?' Right?  Answer: I don't.  You don't play with real people like that, even 
people you're pretending are real.  I may be crazy, but I sure don't think I'm 
God."

"But, if this s*** _is_ real... Well, I don't remember wanting to be Stephy... Oh, by 
the way, kid, for what its worth, she's been kicking my butt over what I did last 
night... She really likes you... Oh, hell, kid, don't get that way.  I know it sounds 
sick!  Why do you think I keep saying I've gotta be crazy... Look, for whatever its 
worth, I don't think... I don't think Stephy's me or I'm her or whatever it is.  If its 
real, then I was... well, I guess I was just a voice in _her_ head.  This isn't 
making it any better is it?  Hell..." 

Then to himself: "I tried Stephy.  F***ed up again, sis, just like when you... when 
I..."

He looks at SFX again, "I think I remember her telling you I killed her.  Oh, I 
didn't shot her or anything like that.  And, I damn well didn't want anything to 
happen to her.  But, I knew that kid was drunk.  Should have never let her go 
with him.  Should have know he'd get them both killed.  If this really is real, this 
whole thing woulda been simpler if I'd just turned into her permanently.  Then 
there'd be no Steven to be crazy.  Woulda been fairer to her too.  And probably 
justice.  We execute murderers in California, you know."

After a very long moment of silence, he turns to Jackie.  "But, it didn't work out 
that way.  She's dead, I'm here."

"So, ok.  This is as far as I got."  He explains about the quantum, etc., stuff he 
thought about in the bathroom.  "I have no idea if that's right. If it's real, that is.  
But I don't have anything better."

"And lady." He turns to Jackie. "If I remember what you told... her ... right, then 
you're my expert hallu... uh, the expert on these kinds of things.  So, what does it 
mean.  If this is real, then you all broke me outta the loony bin right?  So, am I 
being, like, hunted... like 'The Fugitive'?"  He chuckles. "Just don't tell me there's 
a one-armed man following me.  After all the rest, I don't think I could take that."

<><><><><>

[GM]

>>>Tell me something I couldn't know about you, if you're real.  Though, god 
help me if it is.*<<<

Stephy's voice retorts //How about I slept with Danny?// [your best friend when 
your parents first married and Stephy came to live with you.] She sounds 
extremely catty, like she always did when she was ticked off at you.

That other voice, the nasty one, says \\Except you *still* don't know if she's 
telling you that or your subconscious is making it up, do you? Dork. NO ONE can 
ever be sure they're sane, or that they're not hallucinating their reality. Quit 
whining.\\

After Steve's lengthy recital, SFX looks at him, with a twisted grimace, and says 
"Man, you talk too much. Look, I don't know how your friggin' powers work. I DO 
know that most people get better with practice. When mine first manifested, I just 
about broke every window in my house. An' sometimes they didn't work at all. So 
practice with 'em.....sometime when you're about a THOUSAND MILES from 
ME!" he finishes with a snap.

He turns back to his computers and says "I ain't got jack on your friend Richard. 
I'm still tryin' to undo the damage your little walkin' teddy bear did to the 
computer."

\\Maybe you killed him, Stevie!\\ the nasty voice says again, snidely.

<><><><><>

Steven:

[In the bathroom]

*You did it with _Danny_?*

>That other voice<

*Like I need _you_ to tell me that?  Who the hell are you anyway?  Oh, s***, 
Steven, get a grip.  Next thing you know you'll be hitting yourself in the face.  
God, it sure sound like her though.*

[Talking with Jackie and SFX]

Steven smiled.  "Yeah, that's more talking that I've done in... well, as long as I 
can remember, at one sitting.  How's about I promise to stay at least as far from 
you as I was last ni... Oh damn, did it again didn't I?  But, you said it yourself.  If 
they're real, then I have to 'practice' and get some control or god only knows 
what'll happen."

>He turns back to his computers and says "I ain't got jack on your friend Richard. 
I'm still tryin' to undo the damage your little walkin' teddy bear did to the 
computer."<

"Hey, I said...  I mean, I didn't do any of that, that was..."  Steven bites his 
tongue. "Ok, man, your right." 

*Not gonna blame thjat on Stephy.  Done enough damage to her already.  Or to 
me.. or whatev..."

>\\Maybe you killed him, Stevie!\\ the nasty voice says again, snidely.<

"Oh, kerist... maybe I did..." Steven said outloud, then realized he was talking 
outloud.  

Silently, he shot back: *Look, just what the hell are you?  If your me, shut up.  If 
your not, get lost.  I've got enough quilt over that with you... me, whatever adding 
to it.*

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie listens to all the gabbing and wishes they were in Dallas.  A hot 
shower, a bit of AC and take-out, cigars.  A layover would be real nice.
	Turning to SFX, "Sure Kid, I can swing a few C's, no problem.  I think we 
could all use some shoppin'."

<><><><><>

Steven:

"'All'?"  Steven asks.  "I know I could use some clothes, but... Well, I don't seem 
to have any money."

"And, uh, Jackie, right?  Do I remember something about going to Vegas? 
Where are we anyway?"

[After she tells him Marshall, Texas....]
  
"Well, that's a relief anyway.  I go to UT.  In Austin.  Maybe you could drop...  
Wait, that's not a good idea right?  Was that stuff you told, uh, Stephy, about the 
government and the Sharks, was that true? They want to _kill_ me?"

**If this is a hallucination I don't think I like this part.**  He thought silently.  *But, 
do I take a chance on it _not_ being one?  If there right, I could end up dead.  
Can't go back to college, can't go home... Home!  Oh s*** mom must be freaking!  
I'll have to call them.  Or, maybe not if they could trace that.  S***.  I'll have to 
think on that, too.**

{...}

[When she says yes, etc....]

"Oh s***.  And, they have folks like that Ms. Smoke, I'll bet.  Hey!  I forgot about 
her... if should could turn into smoke, then why couldn't I...? **Course it could all 
still be a hallucination.** "Never mind.  Like said, I'll pretend."

"Ok.  If you're right, then going with you's my best bet, I guess.  But,
if I am being hunted, then I probably need a disguise, right?  Otherwise, all I do 
is put you in jeopardy if they recognize me.  Well, if this s***'s real, then I guess 
in the last day I've been Ste... no forget that, too many memories... but, 
Venesssssa [<g>]..." he looks at SFX, "forget that too... <sigh>... Miss June... a 
bear, no _neither_ of those'll work... Oh, hell.  You get the idea. I think, if its real, 
I can change my looks and..., well, everything and still keep my mind.  Such as it 
is.  If I can... Though, uh, I'd rather not be a girl.  No offense, Jackie.  It's just too 
weird.  But..., you gotta a suggestion? I mean, what's the most likely to slip 
through an manhunt?"   

{...}

** I'll have to think about that.  Kid says it improves with practice.  So, ok, I 
should practice.  Somewhere away from them.  Maybe I can come up with 
something cool.  Like Schwartnegger. **

"Uh... were you like, planning on going straight through to Vegas, or stopping 
somewhere?"

{...}

[If she mentions Dallas...]

"Dallas?  Dallas is a cool town.  They always play the UT/OU game there, in the 
Cotton bowl.  And then there's the Cotton Bowl itself, of course.  Exactly what'd 
you have in mind doing in Dallas, if I can ask.  SFX says I need to practice.  
Maybe I could use these... powers to do that.  After all, if this _is_ real, I guess 
you all saved my life.  Its time I started paying you back for that.  Instead of..."
He trails off looking at the choas <g> remaining in the RV.

{...}

[After replies to that...]

'Hey, am I crazy or..." he grins sheepishly at the realization what he just said, 
"Don't answer that.  But, uh, didn't there used to be a lot more, well, weird stuff 
here?  Did you clean it up or what?"

[When SFX explains about some of it disappearing...]

""Do you remember exactly what disappeared?"  Steven listens intently trying to 
remember exactly when that stuff appeared, the circumstances of its 
appearance, etc.

** Man, I can't believe I'm actually taking this stuff seriously... But, wouldn't it be 
cool if it was real?  Politics would be out... but thinks of the other stuff, especially 
if I could affect other people or even create whole new ones.  I could have any 
girl I wanted.  Hell, anything!  Who'd need a career? **

<><><><><>

[GM]

\\NOW you're talking! You've got power like no other human being, and all you 
can do is bitch and moan about whether it's real or you're going insane! Why not 
do something useful, or else you and the bimbo can BOTH step aside and let 
ME take over.\\

\\Oh, I'm real all right, Stevie\\ the unpleasant voice says. \\Maybe I'm your evil 
twin. Or the part of you that *doesn't* sit around and whine about existentialism 
when your life is going down the tubes. Or someone else you absorbed....\\

"I say we wait 'til we get to Dallas to buy the replacement parts," the black teen 
says. "I'm sick of messin' with this s***, I wanna get a shower and some decent 
food, then mebbe we can get back to work on figurin' out what the deal is with 
Captain Headtrip and his friend back in the Big Easy."

"Hey," George says from up front. "There's more of that superhuman stuff on the 
news." He's listening to the radio, where you're hearing about an unnatural 
blizzard in Budapest, and a man who's flash-freezing the citizenry as he flies 
around the city.

<><><><><>

Steven:

**Evil twin?  More like just the nasty parts of me.  But, just what the _hell_ do you 
'absorbed'?"

**Look, _you_ aren't taking anything over.  And from what I remember at the 
hospital, your idea of a good time is more likely to get me dead than anything 
else, or have forgotten these folks have powers to? Remember Dom?  Did a lot 
of good against him didn't it?  You want to find out what it feels like for the kid to 
'liquify' us... er, me? Even if this isn't real I'm not about to see if you really do die 
if you die in your dream.**

Steven felt sure that would score a point or two with Mr. Nasty, and maybe keep 
him quiet for a while.

> then mebbe we can get back to work on figurin' out what the deal is with 
Captain Headtrip and his friend back in the Big Easy."<

** his friend... Ahhh... Richard. **  "Uh, SFX?  Is that right?  I, uh, er, I appreciate 
the effort."

> Budapest, and a man who's flash-freezing the citizenry as he flies around the 
city.<

"Jeez."  ** You see that 'evil twin'?  What if he were invisible too?  If what I do is 
real, how much of a stretch would that be?  You want to be a corpsicle?**

Steven hoped these ideas scared Mr. Nasty as much as it scared him.  If it was 
all real, that is.

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie frowns at all the craziness, for close to the nth time since she flew 
the coop.  Listening to the news doesn't help any.
	      "Steven, listen real good.  You may need practice, but not near me 
or my friends.  We'll have plenty of stretches on the way to Vegas in the middle 
of nowhere for you to play around.  Hell I could use it too, maybe see if any of 
you can fight without superpowers.  Bet George could kick both your butts, I 
showed him good," wink at George.
	      "You don't use anythin unless I say so, got it Steve-a-reno? I'm not 
bailin you out again.  Now, it seems like you can change yourself alot, inta 
different things.  Why don't you try a disguise like that?  Change your personal 
reality, like.  See if you can make yourself older or younger, new hair color, eyes, 
that kind of thing.  Learn some control and subtlety.  Think yuppie.  I'm thinkin 
we need a little better of a disguise.  Maybe, pretend to be some sort of 
company, with a logo on the RV.  We get stopped it's going to look very weird.
	Don't sweat the cash, everyone is goin to get a few suits on me.. you too 
George!  And whatever passes for formal with the Kid."
	      Call information and book a suite or two with adjoining rooms, 
something for a day or two.

<><><><><>

Steve:

**God, what a bossy bitch!  You could use a little rearrangement of your 
'personal reality' yourself.  A better looks while your at it.*

It is obvious, Steven did not take a lot of what Jackie said well.
"Look, _lady_," dripping sarcasm on the word, "I'm not a kid and I'm not dumb.  
I'm 23.  I'll be graduating college this... well, I had palnned to anyway.  You don't 
look much older than me."

"Of course. I won't 'practice' near you.  Or the RV..." he indicted the mess.  "But, 
if this is real, thing is mine.  You're not my mother and you sure as hell aren't my 
boss.  I'll use them when I decide its right.  You wouldn't want me telling you or 
SFX when to use yours, right?"

"Doesn't mean I won't listen to you.  You two are as close to an 'expert' on this 
thing, if it is real, as I've got.  Your ideas sound good.  But, don't you think you 
can go given me orders.  If you've got a good reason not to use them then, fine.  
Otherwise, stop treating me like I'm a kid or crazy."  He doesn't even bat an eye 
at the last word.

"And the name's _Steven_.  Use it. Ok, Jackie-poo?"

	***
When she calls for the rooms, he calls out, "On the ground floor.  No it doesn't 
have to with my po... taht thing.  I've got a... problem with heights."

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	"Super boy afraid of heights?  I knew if I turned on the ugly juice you'd 
either feed it back or buckle like your sis.  It was a fifty-fifty chance, good you 
didn't.  Just don't push the sass boy.  As for crazy, you sure switch gears fast, 
one sec the droolin dream factory an now the self confident pup.
	       You won't take orders?  I ain't a tin plated general, but I'm financin 
this and the Kid an I grabbed your hash outta the fire.  So far we've put more 
effort into you then we got back from you.  Show a little respect, for the Kid an 
me, as for followin orders well that's childish.  The Kid and I agree on somethin 
we all do it, that's it.  Period.
	        As for my looks, they can be deceivin.  I'm twenty-seven years old.  
Most of that spent on the streets and in jail, there's time and there's TIME.  
Sorry, my cushy little butt wasn't sittin around drinkin brews and readin books.
	     Almost graduated?  Isn't that like almost pregnant?  Without that 
diploma that and a nickel will buy you some gum.  What was your major? Liberal 
Arts?"
	    Jackie looks for a cigar and again finds none, giving up finally and 
giving SFX a shake or two of the head.

<><><><><>

Steve:

Steven squirms at the superboy remark but bites his tongue.  He turns a little red 
at the Liberal Arts comment.  "Yeah, as a matter of fact. Philosophy, poli-sci and 
a some physics.  You'd rather I been a no- brain business major or a burned-out 
pre-med?  Or maybe some two-bit hood, so we could sit around reminescing 
about the good ol'days in Sing-sing?"

"And make up your mind lady.  You want me to pretend this s***'s real, or you 
want me babbling?  Hell, I'm half ready to believe it might be real just because I 
can't believe I'd inflict a b**** like you on myself.  'Turn on the ugly juice'?  Lady, 
that's all I've seen from you."

"That isn't a matter of disrespect.  Respect's a two-way street.  I already said I 
owe you for getting me out of there, if you did.  Well, if you didn't, then I guess I 
owe myself.   You stop dis'ing me and I'll stop the 'sass'.  And lay off Stephy, she 
can't help..., er. whatever."

"If you don't like that... well, keep pushing.  I wasn't kidding about the voices.  
There's one in me who'd like nothing better than to dish you back what you been 
feeding me, tripled."  He turns to SFX, "Stephy wasn't kidding about Mr. Nasty."  
He looks back to Jackie.  "I think I can hold him.  But, if you don't back off the 
gold-plated b**** act... Oh hell.  If you're that stupid, then you deserve it."

He gives her an 'I'm done with this s***' hand gesture and gets another cup of 
coffee.

<><><><><>

[GM]

SFX stands up and grabs Steve by the shirt front.

"Dude," he says, his voice low and with none of his usual snappy wise-ass 
banter. "Don't EVER threaten either of us. 'Cause I've seen what you can do, an' 
if I ever THINK you're THINKIN' about usin' that power on me or Jackie, you 
better do it fast and permanent. You'll have as long as it takes me to point before 
your skull explodes."

//Interesting contest// Mr. Nasty says. He doesn't sound like any of Steve's prior 
warnings made an impression on him. Worse, the tempation to BECOME him is 
getting stronger. Steve can almost feel it, and he also notices that the air around 
him is starting to shimmer.

Amazingly, Stephy actually chimes in as the voice of reason: \\You two guys, 
acting like total buttheads! Why don't you just have go beat your heads against a 
wall and see who stays awake longer? Better than this 'my superpowers are 
more macho than your superpowers' crap!\\

<><><><><>

Steve:

"Chill, guy. I just said I wouldn't.  But you can only push so hard before..."

Steven recognizes the shimmer.  He has a choice: real or not.  Dare he take a 
chance it isn't?  He instantly decides against it. "STOP THE CAR! NOW!"  He 
wretches- or if necessary-  rips his shirt to release it from SFX's grip, and makes 
aa lunge for the door. 

While doing that, he *wills* himself to be calm, not use the power. Or at least not 
to let Mr. Nasty out. 

"Stephy!  Help... I was just trying to warn.  Nevermind... HELP!"

If he makes it to the door before the zap and the RV is slowed enough, he opens 
it and takes a dive to the road.  If not slowed enough, he'll try to make it as far to 
the back of the RV as he can.

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	Jackie frowns at Steven's new tirade, whether this is all real or he's 
making it up.  The cold con twinkle comes back strong when she hears herself 
being called stupid and starts to move uncertainly, deciding between being calm 
or flying into a rage.  SFX beats her too it and she stays put.
	The shimmering air doesn't do much for her mood either.  Then things 
get crazy.  Steven starts yelling and moving.
	 "George stop the car!"  Unlatching the door via metal control she waits 
ready, the metallic pit bull drains away to create a liquid serpentine whip.

<><><><><>

[GM]

At the prospect of seeing another outbreak of chaos, George panics and slams 
on the brakes, sending the RV swerving from side to side and throwing Steve 
and SFX both against the interior, while Jackie cusses and holds onto her seat. 
The vehicle goes skidding onto the shoulder and shudders to a halt as Steve 
dives for the open door.

He lands in the gravel by the side of the road, and feels himself distorting and 
altering, and world takes on a very rosy hue around him, streaked through with 
bolts of electric blue. A guitar riff howls in the background.

SFX stands inside the RV, looking at Steve and seemingly prepared to cut loose 
with a sonic blast. But as Jackie watches and Steve waits, he (Steve) turns 
several different colors, his arms momentarily become those of a large hairy 
gorilla, and his clothes (the tight, pink Stephy outfit) turn into rice paper. He's 
now wearing a rice paper kimono. Dandelions fall down around him in a gentle 
rain, and strange looking four-winged birds go gliding by, then things seem to go 
back to normal. Except Steve is still wearing a rice paper kimono.

"Well," SFX comments dryly, "I guess that qualifies as a 'minor' weirdness storm, 
huh? Are you still Steve or you turned into some raving psycho, or you got 
Stephy's brain in that body or somethin'?"

{{How come he's so mean?}} pipes up a childish voice Steve hasn't heard 
before.

//Getting awfully goddamned crowded in here// says Mr. Nasty.

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	"Keee-rist!  You slam a little stress and he goes nutso!  I can handle this 
super stuff, but c'mon.  It's like the Incredible Hulk TV show, you give the guy a 
hotfoot and whammo, more trouble than you need.
	     Stevo, get in the RV.  Like I said no usin your powers until we get 
somewhere quiet, like the middle of the desert.  See if you can change your 
looks a bit, some clothes, somethin'.  Or else you are goin' to have more stress 
when someone points you out after seein an episode of America's Most Wanted.  
I mean it, you got no control at all, either mentally or with this hokey power.  I'd 
take up some meditation or Zen or self hypnosis to calm you down.  I could get 
some valiums or somethin, make you work harder to let this stuff out.
	         I'm not goin' to harp on gettin you out, I'm not goin to mention it 
again.  We got enough trouble without you addin more."
	     Jackie looks around, 'Let's go before we get noticed."

<><><><><>

Steven:

Steven flinches at the madness

[Just realized how similar this pc is in a way to Shade <g>]

and then surveys himself to find... the only change is his clothes.  **Wow.  Did I 
do that?  Did I pull it back?  I tried not to use it and... well, at least not too bad.  
Stephy?  Did you...?  Nevermind, sis.  I know you did. Thanks.**

**S***.  I sure am _acting_ like its real...**

>"Well," SFX comments dryly, "I guess that qualifies as a 'minor' ...psycho, or 
you got Stephy's brain in that body or somethin'?"<

"Wha..." he starts.

>{{How come he's so mean?}} pipes up a childish voice Steve hasn't heard 
before.<

"Who...?", he says outloud.

>//Getting awfully goddamned crowded in here// says Mr. Nasty.<

**Jezzuz!  Will _you_ shut up already!**

KILLER>"Keee-rist!  You slam a little stress and he goes nutso!  I can... give the 
guy a hotfoot and whammo, more trouble than you need.<

Steven gets back into the RV.  "I think you're right, Jackie.  You guys were... and 
I...", he actually laughs, a hearty normal laugh this time.  "No SFX, I'm ok.  I was 
just thinking about what Stephy said right before... well, before.  What were 
doing... She called it 'my superpowers are more macho than your superpowers' 
crap.'"  He chuckles again.  "I think she's right.  I... threaten you, so you... and 
whammo, weirdness attack."

"No, Jackie, no drugs.  I've had about all of those I can take.  But the other 
stuff... do either of you know them?  Only _self_-hypnosis though.  I don't think I 
want to trust you _that_ much... yet."

{...}

"Gee, I sound like I'm taking this stuff for real, don't I?"  He laughs	  again, 
then waves SFX and Jackie's looks away.  "No, I'm not going mental.  Don't you 
understand?  I tried to pull it back... and I did!  I think... And I think Stephy 
helped."

**Love ya, baby sister.** he thinks, **You know, I actually think I wish you _are_ 
real.**

[Yes, its 'miswritten' on purpose.]

"Uh, folks, when we get to Dallas. Could we, uh, stop at a bookstore or 
something?  I think I'm developing a sudden interest in psychology and 
meditation.  Now I think I have some thinking to do."  He turns and starts towards 
the back of the RV, then pauses and turns around. 

"Uh... SFX... Don't take this wrong.  Its ok.  It scares me too... bad.  And... as wild 
as she was... I... I loved Stephy too."

He doesn't wait for a response, but goes back and sits away from the others and 
thinks.

**God!  This is more thinking at one time than I've done in... well, a long time.  
Whatever happened to 'action Steven'?  But, Stephy's right about one thing.  It 
was 'macho crap'.  Stag's butting heads.  So what do I do about it?  I got a bad 
feeling about this... There's no way I'm going to learn meditation or hypnosis in 
time.  So, how do I reduce my .. I guess its agression.  Damn, I wish I'd taken 
more psych.  'Bout the only things I can remember that seem relevant are that 
women handle stress better and are naturally less agressive.  But... God!  That 
gives me the willies!  I _like_ being a guy.  I don't _think_ I want to be a girl.  But, 
do I have any choice right now?  One thing: it sure would fit the bill as a 
disguise...**

He continues thinking along these lines, going in circles sometimes, being 
digusted within self sometimes, coming to no decisions.

<><><><><>

[GM]

>>I _like_ being a guy.  I don't _think_ I want to be a girl.<<<

Stephy shoots back //Well *I* like being a girl! So thpppthtppp!//

You hear a childish giggle, but not from Stephy.

Then, in a softer tone, she adds //I guess maybe I kinda love you too, Stevie, but 
GAWD YOU ARE SUCH A JERK!// You get the unmistakable impression of 
Stephy sulking, as she always did when she didn't get her way.

George, mumbling to himself, pulls the RV back onto the highway and continues 
on towards Dallas.

<><><><><>

Steven:

**Stephy.  Sis.  I know I'm a jerk.  Hell, you're de... well, its my fault.  SFX is just 
scared.  I think.  I think he really wanted... and now he's sick cause... well, you're 
me, or you're sharing my body, or whatever the hell this is.  I know how he 
feels.**  

**Do you think he'd get over it if ...?  If I changed... Stayed that way... As a girl.  
Would he freak?  Or would he get to thinking Steven was a bad dream?  Like 
this stuff oughta be.**

{...}

Steven stares out the window at the road, sitting alone in the back of the RV.  ** 
Women and men.  Just one chromosone's difference.  But, god what a difference 
such a little thing makes!  Should it make me squirm like this?  If its not real... 
then its nothing.  If its real... S***.  As little control as I have over this, wanna bet 
I find out sooner or later regardless of what I want?  And then there's you, 
Stephy.  You have to be... I don't think I believe I brought you back from... But, 
here you are.  So, what does that mean?**

**  Ok.  The rest of this stuff may not be, but the voices are real. Jackie said it 
was like Sybil.  Multiple personalities.  If that's true, then... Stephy is _me_.  Or a 
part of me.  Or something.  So, does that mean I really _want_ to be a girl?  Is 
that why I...?  Am I really a homo?  Wouldn't I know that?  No.  I'd know.  I don't 
want to... not with a guy anyway.  So, why Stephy?**

** But I have _got_ to find a way to keep Mr. Nasty from... If this stuff's real... And 
he comes out... Even if they don't kill me, god only knows what things'll be like 
after he goes away again.  _If_ he goes away.  I can't do that to these people.  
Hell of a way to repay them...  So what do I do about it?  Try to stay calm.  Sure.  
And what if the b**** or SFX starts something?  What if something else 
happens?  Can I keep that kind of control? **

** So, what do I do?  Maybe I should just be philosophical about it? :: mental 
chuckle ::  Pretty appropriate considering.  What's in a name or a body or a... I 
think therefore I am, right?  So long as its my mind, what difference does the rest 
make?  Only it _sure_ feels like it makes a difference...  Oh hell, I should of been 
a psych major.**

Steven continues trying to calming think true this strange new world he has 
found himself in, as the RV chews up the miles to Dallas.

<><><><><>

[GM]

You enter Dallas about an hour later. By now the news had hit most of the radio 
stations about a breakout at the Baton Rouge Mental Health Facility. Steven 
Moore isn't mentioned by name, as the escaped serial killer seems more 
important. Neither is there any mention of superhumans. But SFX comments that 
by now, the cops will have photos of Steve. Or Stephy. "Which one were you 
checked in as?" he asks sourly.

After booking into your hotel, and getting much-needed showers, SFX and 
Jacqueline go do some shopping, while Steve sits in his hotel room in his rice 
paper kimono. "Want his an' hers outfits?" SFX asks with the same acid tone 
before they leave.

[Is Jacqueline going to send George on any errands? Or leave him to his own 
devices? <g>]

<><><><><>

Steven:

>>>SFX: "Which one were you checked in as?"<<<

"Steven, I'm pretty sure.  I don't even remember Stephy until, well, yesterday... 
Has it only been one day?  But, I guess you're right <heavy sigh> Steven's gotta 
disappear for a while."

"Uh... Jackie...", Steven has a serious look on his face, "could I talk to you for a 
minute?  Alone?  I'm not trying to hide anything.  Or do anything.  But...  
Please?"

[If she agrees...]

They go back into the back bedroom and Steven shuts the door.  "I'm not trying 
to hide this from the others.  But, I need... I need you to listen right now.  I've 
been thinking... hard, since I almost took a dive into the road."  

"I still don't know if this thing's real or not.  If not, well, then I guess none of this 
matters- I'm just talking to myself so no harm done.
But, if it is... 

He took a deep breath, thinking **In for a penny...*** "I think you're right.  I think 
its like the Hulk.  Anger, frustration, stress.  Things like that.  They bring it on.  
Uncontrolled.  I might be able to pull it back.  But..."

"I know this isn't making sense, but hear me out.  This is tough enough for me to 
think about as it is.  And none of this makes sense anyway."

"I wish I'd had more psych courses.  Too late now.  What little I remember says 
women are less prone to anger and handle stress better than men.  I don't know 
if that's right.  But, I'm not sure I can ... that I make you all take that chance.  I 
guess you can see where this is heading..."

"God!," he runs a hand down his face.  "I _hate_ what I'm thinking of.  But... I 
promised you all that I'd tried to control it.  That means controlling the anger and 
the other stuff too.  And, I don't know if you believe it or not, but the one voice... I 
call it Mr. Nasty.  Because it _is_.  It feels like it has no restraints at all.  And it 
wants out.  Bad.  If I get mad... I think it'll keep trying until it gets control.  And 
then..." he shakes his head, "god help us all."

"I haven't made any decisions yet.  But, I _can't_ let him out.  I... Look, if I do do 
this, its gonna freak SFX out big-time.  I think he really liked Stephy.  And the 
idea that he was attracted to.. well, a guy... it makes him as sick as what I'm 
thinking of doing makes me.  I keep telling myself to be philosophical about it...  
No, this is about SFX, not me."

"I don't know what I'll decide.  But, maybe you ought to pick me up some stuff for 
a guy about my size and some for a... girl.  I don't know what size.  I'm not sure I 
have that much control of it.  And, if you can understand this ... well, better than I 
can tell it... can you try to explain to SFX while you all go shopping?  I don't 
know whether he'll understand, but..."

"If this is real, then I owe you - you specifically, I think, Jackie- big.  If the only 
way I can keep from turning him loose is to...  Then I'll... Oh, s***."  

"I think I ought to stay in the room," he looks at his kimono, "at least until I get 
some real clothes.  Just don't be shocked, when you get back from shopping, if...  
Damn, I'm gonna be pissed if this is all an hallucination.  Pretty damn silly 
tearing my guts out over nothing."

"Ok, end of speech.  Now you can tell me how stupid I am."

<><><><><>

Jacqueline:

	For once Jackie does listen, though she seemed to be a bit 
apprehensive about going into a room alone with Steven.
	 "Yeah, after seein' what happened to your sis and you with the two of us 
slammin you, I can see the picture pretty good.  I seen enough TV to know that 
ain't good, lettin the Mr. Hyde out, an that's what you got.  But we had to know, 
and now we do beyond a doubt.  I'll try to control my temper and you try to stay 
calm, but if thin's keep goin' with all these super whackos, stress is goin' to find 
you.
	I read alot in the joint, since I missed school, it helped make up some of 
my education.  Your powers remind me of Karma and the Hindu junk.
	    You know, bein' reborn and all into new stages of enlightenment. The 
difference with you is you livin' good karma and bad karma all at once. These 
faces or lives of your inner self reach out into the real world.  Stephy may be a 
part of guilt, maybe a way for you to atone.  By givin' her purchase on this life, 
your life you can make up for both her and you mistakes.  What goes around 
comes around and all.  If she really is dead, you better hold on to her good, you 
got a second chance.  What if it isn't a dream and you lose her again?
	  At least that's what I remember, yeah don't make much sense. Use 
some of that philosophy stuff and put it in perspective.  Use some little tricks, 
they helped me, visualize stuff.  I dunno, put the Mr. Nasty in a box or cage  
when he gets feisty, same with Stephy, you should work on gettin' her back.  
make it easier maybe.
	     Enough of this self refective crap.  Keep out of trouble."
	        Jackie makes her way to the other room and leaves after a minut or 
two with the others.

<><><><><>

Steven:

Steven listened to what Jackie said, listened and was frankly amazed.  It made a 
lot of sense.  When she finished and left, he stayed behind and thought.  He'd 
have to reassess Jackie.