Emma: Sigh. Are we ready to find out what the heck happened to the guys?
Davy: Like hell we are!
Lauren: Very ready! *growls*
(Emma is, as usual, the first to wake up. She dresses and heads down to the kitchen. Eugenia bustles about, making scrambled eggs, toast, kippers, bacon, sausage, and fresh orange slices.)
Emma: Morning, Eugenia. (Tries to smile) How are you?
Eugenia: (Smiles back) Oh, I'm just fine, Miss Emma. Had meself a good night's sleep, I did. (Frowns, noticing the bags under Emma's eyes and her half-smile) You look terrible, luv. Couldn't sleep?
Emma: (Sighs) You might say that. (Gulps) I'm so scared, Eugenia. That Lady Plaisir did something to the guys, something so awful, even a doctor and a medical student can't figure it out.
Eugenia: You're all a real close-like group, ain't ya?
Emma: (Nods) I've never had a group of friends like this, who all lived in one place. I grew up in a very small resort town, where you cultivate friendships for four months, then see them all go away, sometimes never to return again. (Sighs) The guys...the guys are different. Davy's not the only person who wanted older brothers. I'm the oldest kid in my family, but I wanted an older brother so badly. I thought it would be wonderful to have someone to talk to and laugh with who wouldn't laugh at me. (Sighs) Mike is actually younger than I am, but sometimes, I feel like he's ten times older. He's like the guys' father. Peter does the cleaning and some of the cooking, but he does everything else, including keep the band together. He's got that quick wit, and he always knows what to say and do in every situation.
Eugenia: (Puts her hand on Emma's) You love Mike, don't you?
Emma: (Shakes her head) I'm not sure. I'm not even sure I know how to love anyone.
Eugenia: (Smiles) Of course, you do! It ain't 'ard to do. You've just got to be willin' to open up to 'im.
*Lauren enters, looking like she's sleepwalking. She sits heavily at the table.*
Emma: (Sighs) That's the part neither of us is good at, the opening up. (Looks at Lauren and smiles a little) Mornin', Lauren. Looks like you didn't sleep any better than I did.
*Lauren groans, waving a hand. She thumps her head on the table.*
(Eugenia brings both girls plates of scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon. She puts a stack of toast, butter, and orange marmalade between them.)
Eugenia: 'ere you go, ladies! (Waves her hand at Lauren) She don't wake up well, do she?
Emma: No, she doesn't, even under the best of circumstances...and she's really scared, even more than me in some ways. Micky is her fiancee, and she adores him.
Eugenia: (Nods) That's right. You two are a-fianced. (Pats Lauren's back) You poor dear. Your 'eart must be broken in a million pieces to see 'im like 'e were last night.
Lauren: *quietly* Thanks, Eugie.
Emma: And Mike...god, Mike's the strongest person I know, and he was...(she lowers her head sadly before she can finish).
Eugenia: (Growls) That Lady Plaisir may 'ave tons of money, but she ought to get the bloody chair for what she's done! Them three blokes didn't do nothin'!
Emma: They piqued her interest. That was enough. :(
Lauren: And turned her down...
(Davy emerges at that moment, not looking a whole lot more awake then Lauren.)
Davy: 'ello. Good night. (Head drops to the table)
Emma: Boy, do I wish Peter were up and about. He's the only other morning person in this group besides me. :p
Eugenia: Petah's the other bloke, right? The blond with the big smile?
Emma: That's right. If nothing else, Lady Plaisir should get the chair for hurting him. He's the sweetest, gentlest, kindest, most innocent person on Earth.
Davy: (Puts his head in his hands and groans) All that really 'appened last night?
Emma: (Nods) Yes.
Lauren: *grumbles* I'm still trying to pass it off as a nightmare.
Familiar Voice: Hello?
(All of them look over. Micky stands shakily in the entrance, looking haggard. He's still in his clothes from the day before, and they're extremely rumpled. His hair is a total disaster, sticking out from his head in all directions even more than usual.)
Davy: (Stands) Mick! Thank god, you're up!
Lauren: *stares wide eyed* Mick!
Micky: Oh, man, my head... (collapses right there, sitting on the floor with his head between his arms.) Head feels like it's gonna 'plode.
Davy: Mick, oh god, you shouldn't be up! (Goes to help his friend to his feet)
Lauren: *jumps up and grabs a glass of water* Hang on, Mick... *goes over to him with the water*
Micky: (Smiles shakily) Smelled food. :)
Lauren: *smiles* Can't fool that stomach.
Micky: (Takes the water) Thanks. I'm so thirsty, I could drink the entire Pacific Ocean, salt and all. I had these really weird dreams last night.
Lauren: About what? *makes a face*
Micky: (Scrunches his face, which only makes it hurt more - he puts a hand to his head) Ow. (Sighs) I don't remember all of them. There was one where there was a mermaid, and she was kissing me.
Eugenia: (Shakes her head) You poor boy! They messed with your mind bad, they did! (Goes to a large, old-fashioned coffee urn) Let me make my famous dark roast coffee. Clear your head in an instant, it will!
Micky: Then, there was a desert. I was out there all alone, scared, and the Coke Machine ate my quarter, so I blew it up with a tank.
Davy: Coke machine? In a desert?
Lauren: *chuckles despite the situation* That does sound like something you'd do, though.
Emma: You will only be handling heavy artilery in your dreams, you know, Micky. ;)
Micky: Before the mermaid thing, I was jumping off a bridge, because I was scared, and you guys were chasing me...or maybe you were with me, I don't know....I just can't remember...
Lauren: Jumping off a bridge? *her eyebrows arch*
Micky: (Shakes his head and groans again) Ouch. Gotta stop movin' my head. (To Lauren) Don't ask. It was really weird...
Lauren: I'll take your word for it.
(Davy and Lauren lead Micky to the table as Mike emerges. He has the beginnings of stubble, and his eyes are still a tiny bit unfocused.)
Mike: (Mutters) Coffee. (Stumbles to the table, accidentally kicks the chair behind him, sits down, and misses the chair)
Emma: (Giggles despite the situation and hands him the errant chair) Looking for this, dear?
Mike: (Grabs the chair) Gimmie. (Plops down in it and crosses his arms)
Lauren: *grins* If I didn't know better, I'd say there's nothing wrong with him...
Eugenia: He's bein' terrible grumpy, 'e is!
Davy: (Shakes his head with a grin) Nahh, this is what 'e's always like in the mornin' before 'e gets 'is coffee. ;)
Mike: I feel sick. My head is gonna collapse, I just know it.
Davy: What did she do to you blokes?
Mike: Ain't sure. Just remember dreams...(shakes his head) Man, I was a total asshole. I didn't know I could be so nasty.
Emma: You were nasty in your dream?
Mike: Mick held a party and surprised me, and I threw a damn fit. I really do hate surprises, but I let everyone have it. There was a cripple, and we laughted at him, and Mick and Dave and I were thrown into prison.
Davy: Was it a birthday party for just you, or for both of us? We 'ave the same birthday, you know.
Eugenia: (As she comes back with more plates of food and coffee) Oh, you're a New Year's baby too, eh, Mike?
Mike: (Nods) Yup, Capricorn straight through, just like this hot-head. (Juts a finger at Davy with a grin; Davy grins back)
Lauren: *grins* That's why they get along so well.
Emma: (Smiles and digs in as Mike downs his coffee in one gulp) I'm just glad you guys are up and around. When we found you last night, the two of you were completely lost.
Mike: We were? What were we doin?
Davy: Actin' like bloody fools, singin' "99 Bottles of Beer On the Wall" off-key and babblin' 'bout pleasure and pain and TV sets and things bein' pretty. You were like that when we found you.
Mike: (Groans) We did that? Oh, man...
Lauren: *nods* Scared the hell out of us!
Emma: I wish I'd recorded your singing when you were like that. It would have been almost funny if it wasn't so annoying. ;)
(Peter finally emerges. He gives the group a shaky sunshine smile, then plops down between Mike and Davy.)
Peter: Morning. (Puts his head in his hands; his cheeks are tear streaked) Is the war over?
Emma: Peter, what's wrong?
Lauren: War?
Peter: (Sobs) My head hurts so bad, it feels like Micky's drumming on it! And we were in a war last night! Mike was the sergeant, and Micky didn't have a helmet, and Davy almost got killed, and there was a rally, and some football player kept running into me! I was so scared and all alone, (looks at Mike, his light brown eyes filled with tears) and Michael was mean to me! He didn't act like he cared for me at all, or anyone, just the ammo!
Emma: Oh, god, and you hate war. No wonder you're scared.
Lauren: *shakes her head* That's terrible!
Eugenia: (Pats Peter on the back) There, there, dear Petah. There's no war 'ere. You're safe with your friends now, and they won't make you do things you don't want to do.
Mike: Man, what's wrong with you? (Groans and holds his head again) What's wrong with all of us? I've never had a dream that intense in my entire life! (Gulps and says quietly) I don't want to end up in jail!
Peter: (He does sob) And I don't want to hurt anyone!
Mike: With my ornery temper, I'm lucky I ain't ended up in jail permanently yet. I just...(looks down sadly)...I lose control and I say things I shouldn't.
Peter: I hate war! I want people to love each other!
Emma: (Looks at Mick, who's head has been bent over his scrambled eggs - a slight sob escapes from him) Mick?
Davy: Mick, 'ow do you feel now, mate?
Lauren: *frowning* Micky? *puts a hand on his arm*
Micky: (Another sob escapes; he finally puts down his spoon) And I don't want to end up alone, in the middle of the desert with only a Coke machine. (Grins shakily) But seeing Lauren as a mermaid again would be nice. I wouldn't mind her saving me like that. ;)
Lauren: *smiles* I'd save you in a heartbeat. :-)
Davy: God, that bitch got you all runnin' scared.
Eugenia: (Frowns) War, loneliness, losin' control...it sounds like you were all scared to death in those dreams!
Davy: Like someone was usin' their fears to control them. (Nods at Micky) Mick 'ates bein' alone.
Emma: (Nods - she understands what Davy's saying) Mike is always afraid of losing control - of himself, of the group.
*Lauren wraps an arm around Micky's shoulders.*
(Mike lowers his head again - now he's crying. Peter puts his arms around his friend.)
Peter: (He understands, too) And I don't like fighting or war or combat. I won't even watch war movies with the guys. (Quietly) I don't remember what happened. I was playing the piano, and a hand shot out and grabbed me around the neck and squeezed me until I blacked out. (Softly, sadly) Everything is hazy after that.
Micky: (Now he's sobbing) I w...was calling for the guys when someone put their hand over my mouth and dragged me into the trees. I tried to get away, but they hit me over the head with a branch, or something. The last thing I remember is cartoon stars.
Mike: (Emma puts her arms around him; he sniffles and gets a hold of himself, wiping his eyes on the sleeve of his wrinkled dress shirt) I was chasin' Em back to the house when I got jumped. Buncha big guys grabbed me and punched me in the gut and the sides. The last thing I remember was gettin' hit in the head. (Puts his hand on his head where his glasses usually are; his head is empty) Man, lost my glasses...
Emma: No wonder you look like a punching bag.
Mike: I hurt all over.
Davy: Don't any of you remember what happened in the factory?
Mike: (Shakes his head) Just strange feelin's. There were pretty pictures and lights, and a big TV set, and a girl.
Davy: Mick? Petah? What about you guys?
Peter: (Shakes his head as Eugenia clears all the breakfast dishes but Mike's coffee cup) I remember...all kinds of images. Flashing lights...colors...something about pleasure.
Emma: Lauren, can you make something of all this?
Lauren: Not much. Other than mind control...nope. *shakes her head*
Micky: About the same as Peter, like strobe lights, um...kinda psychadelic images. It's all one big blur... and the pleasure thing... Weird, really weird.
Emma: (Thoughtful) Pleasure...and pain...
Davy: Do any of you remember what happened after the lights?
Mike: Not a clue, Davy.
Peter: Complete blank. It's really scary. It's like that part of my mind was erased somehow.
Micky: *puts a hand to his cheek* I remember being slapped, but that's it.
Lauren: *blushes* Umm... *Micky gives her a surprised look*
Emma: (Grins) Don't worry, Mick, she did it to help you, because you and Mike were driving us crazy by that point. ;)
Lauren: I swear, really!
Mike: Us?
Davy: You were rantin' on about pleasure and pain and TV shows and gigglin' like a couple of maniacs!
Peter: What about me?
Emma: You said about two words, then passed out for the rest of the night.
Peter: (Groans) Oh, man, this is unreal.
Davy: (Thinks) Yeah, unreal, Petah...
Mike: What about you guys?
Davy: We came aftah you, but you three were already very gone by the time we arrived. Martinelli grabbed me, too. Her "ladyship" (sneers the word "ladyship") kissed you guys, then me, then tried to put 'er grubby litt'l 'ands in me crotch. She got called away before she got too far, thank goodness, or before she could do to me what she did to the lot of you.
Emma: (Quietly) Are all of you up for going back to the factory?
Mike: (His eyes widen) Em, you can't be serious!
Emma: I am serious, Mike. She's going to keep coming after you if we don't settle this thing once and for all.
Lauren: Em's got a point.
Peter: Mike, don't you see? She found a way to turn our greatest fears against us.
Davy: You were all useless last night.
Mike: (Crosses his arms) No, I don't see.
Micky: We can't go on like this, Mike. I don't like this feeling.
Mike: I HATE this feeling! I feel powerless! (Rubs his head) Not to mention achy all over.
Micky: That's why we have to stop her!
Emma: That's what she wants! Mike, she wants to break your will and bend Micky's, and probably do to Peter what everyone else tries to do to him - take away his innocence.
Davy: And I'm NOT going to sit 'ere and let 'er do that, to you or to anyone!
Davy: Not to mention she could still try to do it to me. :p
Peter: (Whimpers) And what if she comes after us again? I don't want to be powerless, and I don't like dreaming of war!
Mike: We'll be damn sittin' ducks if we go back to that factory!
Peter: (Shakes his head) We're only ducks if we quack and have feathers!
Micky: She knows we're gone. What's to stop her from coming back here to "retrieve" us?
Davy: She probably still thinks you're under 'er control.
Micky: Maybe we could use that.
Davy: (Nods) Yeah...
Mike: (Frowns) What do you mean?
*Lauren smirks, holding a lightbulb over Micky's head.*
Emma: (Grins) You guys could get the drop on her. ;)
Micky: Exactly! She won't know what hit 'er!
(The lightbulb gets chuckles from everyone but Mike)
Mike: Ok, you've lost me. How could we get the drop on her?
Davy: You, Mick, and Petah could go back to the office in the factory...with the rest of us following at a discreet distance, of course...and act like you're still brainwashed.
Micky: The little guy's got it. *small grin*
Davy: Why, thank you, I think I do, too. ;) (To Mike) That way, you could find out what she's got up 'er pretty litt'l sleeve.
Mike: What if she catches us?
Emma: (Small growl) We will not let that happen this time.
Lauren: Damn right. *narrows her eyes*
Mike: (Grumbles) Don't sound like we have much of a choice.
Emma: No, we don't.
Davy: We've got to tell Grandfathah, though. He's really worried. 'E might be able to send for more experienced back-up than the gardener's 'elpers and local mechanics.
Lauren: Although they did a damn fine job. *smirks*
Emma: (Giggles) Yeah, I wish you guys could have seen them. The short-haired guy did a great Curly Howard imitation. ;)
Micky: And I missed it? Awe...
Mike: Curly Howard? (Groans and puts his head in his hands) Damn head...(sighs) I ain't gonna ask.
Davy: Did the trick, it did, but I think Darien and 'is buddies might be ovah their heads this time
Mike: We're over our damn heads this time!
Emma: And this is different from any other time, how?
Davy: 'Ey, Mike, you got to be a 'ero in your story, give othah people their bloody turn!
Micky: He's right, Mike. *grins*
Mike: (Grumbles) Yeah, well, I don't have 'ta like it.
Lauren: Who said you had to?
Emma: (Glares at Mike, then stands) Ok, guys. Let's get dressed and make plans. We've got to talk to Grandfather Sebastian about our plan of attack.
Davy: (Nods) We'll meet at Grandfathah's office in about a 'alf-'our. 'e said 'e'd be there all mornin' if we wanted to tell 'im what's goin' on.
(The group breaks up at that point. Micky stops Lauren as the group heads upstairs to change into day clothes.)
Micky: (Sighs) Lauren...were we really that bad last night?
Lauren: *nods* Yeah, you were. I hated seeing you like that.
Micky: I'm scared shitless. I seriously don't remember anything between getting hit in the head and waking up this morning, and I'll bet the other two don't either.
Lauren: We're all scared. You should've seen the three of us last night after you guys disappeared. We just...we have to do this.
Micky: (Grins) What did you guys do last night when we disappeared? Did Emma do any permanent damage...not to mention you? ;)
Lauren: Emma was yelling at one point. We were all mad. *looks away* We could've filled up a river, too, at one point...
Micky: God...(puts his arms around Lauren) I never want to lose you again like that, babe! Never!
Lauren: *wraps her arms around his waist* It was terrifying! I swear I've never been so scared.
Micky: I never want to lose me like that again. My mind is so blank after I was hit. It's all colors and psychadelic shit. I don't want anyone else to be subjected to that.
Lauren: No one should be subjected to that! Ever!
Micky: That woman may look like a goddess, but she's proof positive that beauty is only skin deep. (Makes a face) Might not even be that deep on her. (Hugs Lauren tightly) Thank goodness you're beautiful in every single way, outside and in! :D
Lauren: Awe, Mick, thank you! *pauses* Mick...I can't breathe...
Micky: (Lets Lauren go) Oh, geez, gotta stop hangin' around with Pete. His positive vibes are catching. ;)
Lauren: *chuckles* No problem! :-)
(That's when the two hear familiar squawking from upstairs.)
Micky: (Grins and cups a hand to his ear) Hark! I do believith I heareth the sounds of a bear and a wolf in mortal combat.
Lauren: *grins, shaking her head* Again!
Micky: Wanna go separate them, before they leave claw-marks all over the hall? ;)
Lauren: We probably ought to. We hopefully won't be injured in the process. ;-)
Micky: (Cat sounds) I'm a Panther Man, remember? I have claws of my own. ;)
Lauren: Yeah, well, I'm the New England Minx, so I do, too! *grins*
Micky: (Grins) Meow! ;) (The two hurry upstairs to find Emma and Mike nose-to-nose, or as close as they're going to get, seeing that Mike is almost a foot taller than Emma. Peter and Davy are on either side of them. Peter is concerned, Davy is annoyed.)
Lauren: Now what's going on?
Emma: Mike, I know you're scared, but quit acting like a five-year-old!
Mike: Lauren, she'll try to do it to us again! Do you remember what happened to the Knights?
Emma: Mike, we'll be there. We won't let it happen again.
Davy: And there's no bloody tubes this time, mate.
Emma: Look, we're going to need all of us on this misison, and that includes you.
Peter: Michael, I know you don't like not being in control, but can't you see? She scared us so she had something she could use to control us.
Mike: (Frowns) Just don't wanna see anyone else fall into her damn trap, whatever it was...
Micky: Mike, let me put it to you this way... *walks up to him and grabs two handfuls of his shirt* If you don't help us get this insane chick off our backs, we'll hold it against you that you're the reason we're still scared shitless! I don't want to stay like that! At least this way we can say we tried!
Mike: Fine! (Pulls away)
Peter: (Quietly) Mike, she's somehow found a way to mess with fantasy and reality so badly, it hurts people's minds so they do what she wants. We have to stop that. What if she does it to more people, besides us?
Davy: I'll bet she's already done it to most of the factory workers.
Mike: (Looks down) I just don't want you us to be messed with again.
Davy: We'll be there the whole time, Mike. Don't worry.
Mike: This reminds me of the time that weird Oraculo guy controlled our minds. I seriously don't remember most of what happened with that, either, and I was almost as scared then as I am now. I guess I'm just not thinkin' again.
Emma: Start thinking, please. (To the group) Let's get ready to meet Grandfather. We're going to need his contacts, and we've got to get a hold of Stanton and tell him that he and his men are some of the worst spies in the history of the planet. :p'
Lauren: But that shouldn't be news to him. *winks*
Mike: (Growls) Oh, I'll tell him that, in no uncertain terms...and no certain ones, either. X-(
Micky: Down, boy. *grins* Save some of that for the "Lady". ;-)
Emma: (Clenches her fists) I'm savin' it ALL for the not-very-ladylike-"lady." When I get my hands on her, I'll show her just how not cute and cuddly a bear can be! X-(
Peter: (Gets between the groups) Let's get dressed, before our vibes get more negative. Micky and Mike's are still kinda shaky.
Micky: *jabs his thumb* It's his fault!
Mike: Me! I'm just bein'...
Emma: Negative. :p
Davy: Just go and get dressed, guys. Save the bloomin' claws for latah.
Micky: And I'm tryin' to be realistic! Maybe a little optimistic...
Lauren: *puts her hands on Micky's back and shoves* Separate! Now!
(Emma stomps into the girls' room, followed by Lauren. She leans over her bag, throwing clothes out and muttering to herself) Damn stubborn Texan, have to get scared and act like an asshole...
*Lauren snickers, moving over to her own bag.*
(Emma angrily throws Tenderheart across the room. The orange-brown bear hits the wall with a soft smack.)
Emma: Damn him!
Lauren: *looks up, cringes* Uhhh...
Emma: (Sighing as she collects Tenderheart) Lauren, I'm really sorry. It's just that, for someone as mature as Mike is, he can be such a baby over some things.
Lauren: *waves it off* It's okay, Em. *sighs* You're not kidding, either. He's worried, & rightfully so, though.
Emma: He's scared to death, though you'd never get him to admit it. It's driving him crazy that he can't remember what happened last night. He told me that going upstairs, before he started yellin' about having to be brainwashed again. More than the other two, he's scared of losing the power.
Lauren: I think I understand where he's coming from. *shakes her head* He's gotta give this a try, though.
(Emma goes into the bathroom and emerges in a yellow-green, three-quarter-length shirt, khaki capris, and sandals, her hair pulled back in a bun with a green scrunchie.)
Emma: What about us? God, when you brought back those sunglasses last night, I wanted to hurt someone so badly, I scared myself, and half the servants, as I recall. :)
Lauren: *picks up jeans and a t-shirt, then heads for the bathroom; stops at the doorway, smiles* Me, too. Me, too. *sighs and goes in. She comes back out dressed, and is just finishing putting her hair in a ponytail* Let's get this show on the road.
Emma: (Nods) Right. Let's retrieve the guys.
(Davy and Micky are already in the hallway, in their "Head" attire. Micky wears his brown jacket, white sweater with red trim, and brown pants. Davy's sporting his dark gold pants, white boots, and infamous green velvet sweater.)
Lauren: Well, don't you fellas look nice. *winks at Micky*
Micky: (Grins, tugging at his jacket) What, this old thing? Can't do a thing with it. ;)
(Mike and Peter join them at that point, Mike in his duster jacket, white turtleneck, cowboy boots, and brown pants, and Peter in his orange Nehru jacket, beads, and moccasins.)
Mike: (Pulls another pair of sunglasses from an inside jacket pocket and puts them on his head) I found my spares. ;)
Emma: How many of those things do you have?
Mike: (Snarky Nesmith Grin) Enough to keep the sun out of my eyes. :p
Davy: Ok, you two, don't start again. Grandfathah's waitin'.
Peter: Besides, our vibes are positive again!
Lauren: Thank goodness.
(The group troops downstairs, following Davy in the opposite direction from the kitchen and dining room to a room near the parlor overlooking the garden. Davy knocks on the door.)
Davy: Grandfathah, it's us.
Sebastian: (Muffled) Come in, Davy.
(The group walks in to a small, narrow study/office. The room is dark-panneled, with leather-bound books filling three walls. The fourth wall is given over to records, most dating from as far back as the 20s, and a modern record-player.)
Mike: Oh, man...(is immediately drawn to the record collections)
Sebastian: (Smiles) I've been collecting recordings since I was earing my first shillings sweeping theaters in the West End. :)
Mike: Oh, geez, Gene Austin, Eddie Cantor... (thumbs through his collection)
Sebastian: (Turns from Mike, who finally pulls himself away from the records, to the others, his face growing serious) Davy, what happened last night? I want the full story, no matter how strange it seems.
(Davy - with help from the others - relates the events of the night before and that morning, up to and including the strange factory trip, the guys' kidnappings, and their memory lapses.)
Sebastian: (His eyebrows are going through the roof) And you fellows can't recall anything that happened last night after the blighters abducted you?
Mike: No. We've all tried, but all any of us come up with is a freaky light show and something about pleasure and TV shows.
Micky: And even that makes no sense.
Sebastian: What about Stanton?
Emma: I hate to say this about your friend, Mr. Jones, but he and his men were of no help whatsoever. They lost us the first time in the factory and did nothing to stop the boys from being kidnapped.
Sebastian: (Narrows his eyes) He promised me he wouldn't let anything happen to any of you. He obviously went back on that promise.
Davy: Grandfathah, I know you're scared for us, and I don't blame you, but if we don't do this, Lady Plaisir may come after the us again.
Mike: I can't speak for the other fellas, but my head's been messed with enough.
Sebastian: (Nods) What about you, Davy?
Davy: Oh, she tried for me, too. I'm just lucky she didn't 'ave the time to brainwash me before she were called away by Martinelli.
Sebastian: I'm thankful for that. (Sighs) I can't let this happen to you again, especially not to my grandson, or the young ladies. (Picks up the phone) I'm very good friends with the head of the Manchester branch of Scotland Yard. He should be able to give you any assistance you may require.
Emma: We only need back-up. We're sending Micky, Mike, and Peter to get her to confess and reveal what she did to them and to the factory workers.
Davy: What if this is what killed them factory workahs? If they got a stronger dose than the guys were given, it might be bloody fatal!
Sebastian: (Concerned, but understanding) I don't like it, but I agree. Plaisir must be stopped, and if she believes the three of you are still under mind control, it will give us time to find out what her secret is, and possibly find out what happened to those other workers.
Micky: It's a chance we have to take, Dave.
Davy: I know. I was just sayin' that the thing that turned you all into gigglin' idiots may have killed them four workahs.
Sebastian: Lady Plaisir announced on the radio this morning that she plans on unveliling her amazing new discovery to the public tomorrow afternoon...
Peter: She'll turn everyone into giggling idiots! :o
Lauren: *sarcastically* Lovely. *makes a face*
Emma: Not everyone. Just men. (Looks at Grandfather Sebastian) Who was it who said she used to be a wh...(changes word)...woman of the night?
Peter: (Brighens) Oh, she's a shepherd! :)
Mike: Um, no, Pete. You don't need to know what she was. :p
*Lauren groans.*
Sebastian: Lady Carlisle mentioned that at the party, but what bearing does it have on our present situation.
Davy: (Makes a face) We don't think she evah left the oldest profession, Grandfathah.
Micky: *shakes his head* She took it one step higher.
Mike: (Catches on) Yeah. Bet her rich husband was her first conquest, too.
Peter: What do you mean?
Emma: Peter, to put it in a way you'd understand, I think she's had pleasure with every man in that factory, and it's either made them zombies or attack dogs.
Peter: The men who attacked us were dogs?
Mike: Might as well have been.
Sebastian: (Angrily) That woman is more than a blaggart! She's a monster, pure and simple! (Nods at Davy) David, you and your friends have my full blessings and permission to bring that woman to justice. I'm very concerned for you, but Chief Inspector Hamilton is a good man. He said to call his men on your walkie-talkies if you need back-up. He'll send some men in as factory workers and have others survey the area in regular cars.
Davy: Thank you, Grandfathah. You don't know how much this means to me, to be able to stop this.
Grandfathah: Just be careful, children. Stay together. You'll need each other's strength at such a trying and frightening time. (Smiles) And when the six of you are together, I believe you can move whole continents.
Peter: (Sobs) That was so beautiful! I'm so touched! (Cries; Mike takes him in his arms)
Davy: (Smiles and hugs his grandfather) Thank you, Grandfathah!
Sebastian: (Holds his grandson with a proud smile) You're welcome, David. (Chucks his chin lightly) Now, go out there and show the world what a Jones is really made of!
Davy: You bet, Grandfathah! (To the gang, as they head out to the front porch) 'ey, gang, I was thinkin', 'ow 'bout we use ALL the vehicles this time. (Grins) The more cars we 'ave, the easier it'll be for all of us to make our escape latah. More get-away vehicles. ;)
Micky: Sounds like a great idea to me! ;-)
Mike: (Grins) I've been wantin' an excuse to do some fancy ridin'. (Grins) Hey, Em, you ever been on a motorcycle?
Emma: (Shakes her head) Only once, and I was holding on to my dad.
Mike: (Puts his arms around her) Well, now you're going to be holding on to me.
Micky: *smirks* That oughtta be more fun.
Emma: Don't go too fast, then. It's been a long time since I was on a motorcycle.
Peter: (Jumps up) Yeah! Car ride! (Grins)
Davy: Down, Petah. ;)
Davy: I'll take me jeep. Mick, you take Lauren and Petah in the MonkeeMobile. :)
Micky: *nods, salutes* Yes, Sir!
Mike: We should probably park a couple of blocks away from the factory. You guys don't need to be seen goin' in, and they'll probably recognize the cars, especially the MonkeeMobile.
Micky: *smirks* Yes, Daddy. I'll park out in the boonies. ;-)
(Brief clip of the song "Down in the Boondocks" and Micky parking the MonkeeMobile in the ocean with a sheepish look on his face while the others shake their heads in annoyance.)
Micky: Oops!
Mike: Always knew we needed to work on your parallel parkin', son. ;)
Micky: I nearly had it that time. ;-)
(Back to the estate. The group gathers in or on the various vehicles. Mike and Emma are hidden under dark helmets on the motorcycle. Micky is driving the MonkeeMobile, with Lauren next to him and Peter behind them, excited. Davy is in his jeep.)
Davy: (Waves his hands and shouts) Ok, everybody, move 'em out! (No one moves; they can't hear him over the engines - he waves again) Move 'em out! (Still can't hear him. He just sighs and pulls out of the driveway and onto the street.)
Mike: (To Emma) Ok, darlin', just hold on tight and let Papa Wolf do the drivin'. ;)
Emma: (Grins) Famous last words. (Clutches him for dear life as he makes a face and takes off after Davy)
Micky: *shrugs, smirking* I guess we're headin' out.
Lauren: It would appear that way, yes. *sighs* So go already!
*Micky sticks his tongue out at her, then pulls out, following the others.*
(The group heads down the street, past the countryside, and into the belly of industrial Manchester again. Micky turns on the radio in the hopes of cheering them up)
Peter: (Frowns as an announcer squwaks) Aw, man, all news!
Micky: Figures.
Announcer: ...And in other news today, Lady Noira Plaisir of Plaisir Media Corporation announced her plans to unveil her newest invention at the convention hall of the Hotel Royal in downtown Manchester tomorrow afternoon. Inspector Frankfurt Shrink, spokesman for Plaisir Factories, said that this invention will change the way people look at television and at reality forever. And now for tomorrow's weather...(Micky switches the radio off quickly)
Peter: (His eyes are wide) Oh, man...
Micky: It'll change something all right. *groans*
Peter: She's going to brainwash all the people at that trade show tomorrow! I just know it!
Lauren: All the guys, at least.
Micky: Either way, we put an end to this now!
Peter: We have less than 24 hours. That's just a day, you know!
Lauren: Gee, I didn't know that, Pete. *grins*
Peter: You didn't? (Scratches his head) Your head must have been messed with worse than mine... :-/
Micky: Peter...
Lauren: I'm kidding, Peter! *grins back at him* I couldn't help myself. :-)
(Davy pulls into the parking lot of another factory about two or three blocks from Plaisr Media. Emma and Mike roar up behind him, followed by the MonkeeMobile.)
Micky: *calls out* All out! Please exit through the specially marked doors. One at a time, now. Step lively!
*Lauren smacks Micky in the back of his head.*
Peter: Ok! (He jumps out last. Mike and Emma take off their helmets and follow them. Emma adjusts her bun.)
Mike: Now, that wasn't so bad, was it, darlin'? ;)
Emma: It was nice, but kinda scary, too. I'm not used to going so fast. (Grins) The driver was excellent, though.
Mike: Driver? The way you were holdin' me, I thought I was one of your bears.
Emma: And you're not? (Grins and winks at him - he grins back and nudges her)
Mike: Maybe a stuffed wolf. ;)
Micky: *chuckles behind them; to Mike* And you talk about the way I act?
Davy: (Nods) Ok. Mike, Micky, and Petah, you guys have got to go first. We'll stay behind you. Giggle a lot, talk about pleasure, and basically act like bloomin' zombies.
Mike: I thought Micky acted like that all the time. ;)
Peter: (Shakes his head) Mike...
Micky: Now that was uncalled for! *grins*
Lauren: No, Mike, he's better than that. *winks*
*Micky blushes.* :">
(Mike, Micky, and Peter take off down the block. When they're about a block or so ahead, Emma, Lauren, and Davy follow them. The boys walk down the street, giggling and carrying on. The others follow them to the entrance. The boys walk in, and while they distract the factory workers at the door, the others hurry inside.)
Emma: (Sighs as she, Davy, and Lauren duck into the lockers) They're doing a bit too well.
Davy: Seems they ain't quite shaken off the effects yet...
Emma: If they start singing "99 Bottles of Beer On the Wall" again, I'm leaving. :p
Lauren: And I'll be right behind you.
Davy: Shoulda brought bloody earplugs.
Emma: (Points) There they go! (Slips into a radiation suit as Shrink greets Mike, Micky, and Peter and they, too, put suits on. The other two do the same and slip out) Now, where did they go?
Lauren: Don't tell me we lost them already...
Davy: To the office, probably. (Grins) And I think we can take the elevatah this time. It's the daytime, and there'll be othah people usin' it, too.
Emma: Thank goodness. I don't want to be climbing all those catwalks again!
(The three duck into the nearest elevator. A pretty young girl, maybe in her mid-20s, is already there. She wears a radiation suit and has a pleasant, plump face and long, thick black hair. Her brown eyes shine.)
Emma: (Sees Davy eyeing the girl and elbows him) Don't even think of it, Davy. We need your full attention.
Davy: Eh, Em, but maybe she can 'elp us!
Girl: (American accented) Hey, are you guys new here? I don't remember ever seeing you before.
Davy: (Nods) Yeah, we just started today. (Grins and winks, turning on the fabled Jones charm) So, how long have you worked 'ere, luv?
Girl: Just started a few weeks ago. I was born in California, but my father got a job over here with Plaisir Media, and he encouraged Lady Plaisir to hire me to work in the TV tubes room. (Puts out her hands) I'm Anna Maria Fullman. (sighs) This isn't really my bag, though. What I really want is to act, or maybe sing.
Davy: (Kisses her hands) I do believe you are one of the loveliest girls I've ever laid eyes on, Anna Maria.
Emma: At this moment. ;)
Lauren: Give him a few minutes. ;-)
Anna Maria: (Giggles) You're really sweet. I'll bet you're a heartbreaker after-hours.
Lauren: And during hours. *snickers*
Davy: (Mock annoyance) Now, that 'urt. I'm just bein' nice to a girl, and these jokahs cut me to the quick. ;)
Anna Maria: (Shakes her head) Where are you guys going?
Davy: Lady Plaisir's offices. We're meetin' some friends of ours up there.
Anna Maria: (Shocked) But no one is allowed on the last floor but Lady Plaisir, Mr. Martinelli, and Inspector Shrink! That's where all the labs and offices are! They're for authorized personel only!
Davy: You might say our friends have been authorized. (Frowns)
Lauren: *makes a face* Unfortunately.
Anna Maria: (As the elevator dings) Unfortunately? (The door opens before Davy can explain - she shakes his hand) Well, this is my stop. It was nice meeting you, Davy! Maybe we can meet each other at the diner across the street for lunch!
Davy: (Grins dreamily) Wouldn't miss it for the world, Anna Maria Fullman. (Kisses her hand again, and she takes off, all giggles, as the door closes)
Lauren: Oh, brother.
Davy: (Sighs in total rapture and leans against the wall of the elevator) Anna Maria...I've never heard such a beautiful name. What grace, what style...
Emma: (Taps his shoulder) What about your three best buddies, Romeo? Keep your mind on the mission, not the women! :p
Davy: I can keep my mind on both! :p
Emma: No, you can't. You have one of the world's great one-track minds. Remember the Boardwalk?
(Brief clip of Davy being punched by the Russian girl, then by Mary Louise, both from "Boardwalk Ballyhoo".)
Lauren: You can chase girls later, Davy. They'll always be there!
Davy: (Sighs) I did say I'd meet Anna Maria for lunch. (Elevator dings) Come on, girls. And remembah, be careful. We're not even supposed to be here!
Lauren: Nooooo, really? *quirks an eyebrow*
Emma: (Points to one door, sarcastic) There's the quote (makes quote marks with her fingers) "office," unquote.
Davy: Yeah, she does business up 'ere, all right, but I doubt it got to do with shufflin' papahs.
*Lauren makes a face.*
Emma: Shh! Listen! (All three press their ears against the door. We hear the squeaking and the fish tank again)
Lauren: *groans* Not again!
Lady Plaisir: I'm so glad you boys found your way back! You shouldn't have tried running away. We have so much more to be done before the meeting tomorrow! (Sighs) I guess you couldn't find the little boy. Shame. He was so cute, and quite a kisser, too. Bit of a prude, though.
(Davy clenches his fists angrily.)
Mike: (Tries to sound light-headed and giggly) So, er, Miss Pleasure, what's goin' on tomorrow, anyway?
Peter: Yeah, what's this all about?
Lady Plaisir: (Giggles) Why, didn't you learn that last night? It's about pleasure. Giving pleasure through fantasy and reality.
Peter: (Giggles a bit too hard) Fantasy?
Lady Plaisir: (Sounds of shuffling) What about you, my little curly-mop? How do you want your pleasure? Do you want your pleasure like this...(sound of belt being unbuckled) or this? (Fabric moving)
Mike: (Roars) Yo, lady, he ain't interested! Get off!
Micky: *yells* Yipe!
Emma: Oh, god...Mike...Mick...
Lauren: I'm goin' in now!
(Sound of two people being knocked across the room. Emma and Davy have to hold Lauren back.)
Peter: Michael!
Lauren: *whines* Awe, c'mon!
Mike: You bitch! Get off him! (Sounds of a woman screaming) You can't always get what you want!
Micky: You tell 'er, Mike! *audible whew*
Lady Plaisir: You asshole! How did you break out of the conditioning?
Mike: Not without a lot of help, you (Spanish obscenities).
Peter: Michael...
Lady Plaisir: Get off of me, Michael! I'll call my men!
*Micky cheers on Mike.*
Lady Plaisir: Vincent Martinelli is already on his way! He's meeting me here!
(Emma, Davy, and Lauren feel a presence behind them. Someone taps Davy's shoulder.)
Davy: Lauren, what is it?
Martinelli: It wasn't your girlfriend, runt. (The three turn to face Martinelli) Well, well, well, fancy running into the three of you again.
Davy: We won't let you in this room!
Martinelli: You and what army, shrimp?
Davy: (Juts a finger at the angry girls on either side of him) This army!
Emma: And it's army enough, Martinelli!
Lauren: He doesn't need any more army than us!
Martinelli: (Nearly falls over laughing) Oh, that's funny. That's very amusing. Two girls, and some little brat...
Emma: Girls?
Lauren: He said the magic word.
Lady Plaisir: (Sound of struggling) Vincent, get in here!
(Emma slams into Martinelli, who literally falls through the door. Micky lays on the heart-shaped bed, quickly pulling his pants back up and buckling his belt again, blushing. Peter and Mike are both after Lady Plaisir. She easily throws Peter off and finally kicks Mike in a senstive spot with her high heels. He doubles over in pain.)
Micky: Oh, no you don't "Lady"! *goes after her from behind*
Lady Plaisir: (Martinelli pushes Emma aside) Vincent, call the men! Quickly! (Fights with Micky as Emma goes to Mike's side, joined by Peter.)
Emma: Mike, god, are you all right?
Mike: (Eyes wide and pained) No! (Goes back to gasping)
(Martinelli hurries back out.)
Micky: *sneering* Y'know, I never thought I'd hit a lady, but yer no lady, and there's a first time for everything!
Lady Plaisir: Why didn't you just give in to the conditioning? Why couldn't you just take the pleasure?
Micky: Because it was just the opposite! I've already got my own form of pleasure!
Davy: (looks out the door and gasps) Guys, we've got company!
Peter: (Joins Davy and blanches) Oh, no!
(Factory workers, some of them so vicious they're foaming at the mouth, file in. It takes two of them to drag Micky away from Lady Plaisir, two more to hold down Mike, and two for the girls.)
Mike: (Struggling angrily) You're so dead when I get my hands on you, you castrated bitch!
Micky: *struggles* Lemme go! I wasn't finished yet!
Martinelli: Why don't we just kill them all now and get it over with?
Lady Plaisir: Because you don't kill off the experiments, Vincent. We'll need them. (Smiles and ruffles Micky's hair. Micky growls, Lauren lunges for her, Davy shouts obscenities, and Mike struggles wildly) Especially this one. He's my own personal experiment.
Lauren: The hell he is!
Lady Plaisir: I have plans for this one. I'll need to subject him to the invention a bit longer, when he's calmed down. (She turns her almost predatory gaze to Lauren and smirks) You don't like me playing with him. (Smiles) Too bad. He's mine now. They all are.
Lauren: *struggles* No!
Davy: Get off him, you sorry excuse for a whore!
Lady Plaisir: (Slaps Davy hard across his face) Don't ever call me that, you spoiled brat! Ever!
Micky: *spats* Can't stand the truth!
Mike: (Smirks) I do believe we've hit a nerve. What's wrong with calling you a whore, since that's what you are?
Davy: Me Grandfathah looked up your profile. You used to work for a brothel. Brought in a lot of high-class clientele, since you could pass yourself off as one of them.
Mike: I'll bet you kept bringin' work home after you married your old millionaire, right?
Micky: Must've been a lot of overtime!
Mike: You use men. You use everyone, but you especially use men. You've been put through pain so much, you can't tell the difference between pain and pleasure. You're "Black Pleasure" in every sense of the phrase.
Lady Plaisir: (Grabs Mike by his high cheekbones) I'll show you "black pleasure," Texan! You have mouthed off to me one too many times! I'm going to shut that mouth of yours once and for all! (Kicks Mike as hard as she can in the stomach. Mike doubles over in pain. Emma screams and lunges for him, and Peter gasps.)
Peter: Leave him alone! He shouldn't be hurt for telling the truth!
Emma: No! Don't hurt him! (She struggles as hard as she can)
*Micky struggles, yelling out.*
Lady Plaisir: Martinelli, get me the glue from my desk.
Emma: Glue?
Lauren: *blinks* What the...
Mike: Glue? How's gluin' papers together gonna solve anything?
Lady Plaisir: It'll solve one problem, anyway.
Martinelli: (Grins) Do you want to do it, lady, or should I? I saw this done to stool pigeons in Hollywood who wouldn't keep their traps shut.
Lady Plaisir: You hold him, I'll put it on.
Emma: Put it on what?
Peter: (His eyes widen) No! No, don't do that!
Micky: *still yelling* Lemme go, lemme go, lemme go!!!
Davy: You bitch! Don't you dare!
(Martinelli roughly jerks Mike's head upwards. One of the factory workers forces his mouth open. Lady Plaisir applies a layer of glue to his lips, then presses his mouth shut tightly. Mike can't move his mouth. He screams, but it comes out as muffled mumbles.)
Emma: (Shrieks) Noooo!!!
*Micky roars, struggling as hard as he can.*
Peter: Michael!(sobs)
Lauren: *her jaw drops* I can't believe she did that.
Lady Plaisir: (Kisses Mike's now-useless mouth; he can do nothing but glare daggers) Even? (She drags Mike up and throws him into the arms of two of her men) Take all of them down to the box and keep them there. I want to take the curly-mop and the mouthy Texan first, when I'm ready. (Strokes Mike's cheek; he's still mumbling Spanish curses) I have the glue solvant in my desk, but I'll use it when you're groveling at my feet, like a good little cowboy should be.
Davy: You...you...(he's so angry, he can't get the words out)
Peter: Please unstick Michael's mouth now! He can't live like that!
(Mike tries to leap at her again, the obscenities muffled but the intent clear.)
Emma: You get away from them!
Lady Plaisir: (Yawns) I grow tired of all this. Take them all to the box, and have them stay there until I need them again.
(The six kids are dragged downstairs to the box and thrown in, the door locked behind them.)
(Peter sniffles. Mike collapses against the wall, tears pouring out his eyes. Emma holds him, crying too. Micky plops down holding his head next to Lauren, and Davy leans against the wall, tired and anguished.)
Emma: Mike...god, my poor Papa Wolf...how could she be so cruel? (Hugs him. He puts his head in his hands.)
Davy: There's got to be a way out of this.
(Peter has been composing himself and now looks at least somewhat calm.)
Davy: Mick? (Goes over to his friend and his friend's fiancee) 'Ow are you guys farin? I mean, Mick, she almost...got...(pounds his fist on the wall in back of him before he can finish)
Lauren: *rubbing Micky's back* Could be better.
Davy: I've nevah been so angry at a woman in me life! First she tries to rape you, then she does...(waves his arms at the sobbing Mike, who leans into Emma's arms)...that to poor Mike! I don't care what she used to be, that whore is a bloomin' monster! Makes Lorelei look like a damn milkmaid!
Lauren: *looks up* I'm with you, Dave. We'll get her for this. All of this!
Peter: (So quietly, he's almost not heard) I know what she did. (He's ignored. He clears his throat.) I KNOW how she brainwashed us, and how we can escape.
(Mike glares at him and starts shaking his fingers angrily, but Davy puts up his hand.)
Davy: Mike, I know you're upset, and you have every right in the universe to be, but 'ear Petah out, ok?
(Mike just flops down again and pulls his glasses out of his jumpsuit, looking as grumpy as he can with his immobile lips. Emma joins him, and Davy sits on the other side of the wall. Lauren and Micky cuddle together where they are.)
(Peter launches into his conceptual reality speech. Mike is unreadable with his eyes under sunglasses and his immobile lips. Davy's clearly confused, but Emma, Micky, and Lauren understand far better, Micky in particular.)
Peter: (Quietly) ....and why should I speak, since I know nothing?
Davy: (His eyes widen angrily) Nothin'?
Emma: Davy, calm down... (Mike starts to put his hand on the small Englishman's shoulders)
Lauren: *warningly* Davy...
Peter: Don't you see, Davy? It doesn't matter if we're in the box or not.
Davy: (Taking off the jumpsuit) Maybe it don't to you, Petah, but it means somethin' to me!
Peter: How do you think she was controlling us before? Why do you think she's so interested in Micky?
Davy: (Grins tightly) 'Is blindin' charm. ;)
*Micky gives a small grin.*
Peter: Davy, she's manipulating fantasy and reality via television, making people see things that aren't there. The colors and lights hypnotize them in a far less primative manner than the Frodis plant, or even Oraculo and his potions.
Emma: And Micky?
Peter: Micky's lived in Hollywood all his life. His whole life has revolved around manipulating fantasy and reality.
Micky: *quietly* So what? She thinks I'm better at it or something?
Davy: This is all very interestin', but I don't see it gettin' us out. You want to really get out? (Kicks the door down) This is 'ow you get bloomin' out!
(The others shed their jumpsuits and follow Davy out the box. He jumps all over the place, kicking and punching guards right and left, jumping over them and swinging across cranes and steel girders.)
Peter: I knew he'd seen too many James Bond movies, but this is a bit much.
(Mike expresses his surprise by briefly lifting his sunglasses to reveal his wide eyes.)
Micky: *lets out a low whistle* Damn.
(The other turn and fell factory workers behind them as Davy jumps in front of the group, grinning ear to ear.)
Davy: And that, Mr. Tork, is how you get out of the box! (Grins and starts ahead) We're gonna get that glue solvant and stop that madwoman! Let's go, Monkees! :D
Lauren: I like that method. *grins*
(Mike nods with a small smile.)
Peter: (Quietly) He still doesn't understand...
Emma: (Puts her arms around Peter) It's not easy concepts to understand, Peter. Don't worry, Mike and Davy will come around. It'll just take time.
Micky: It works. *makes a face* I would've prefered just blowing the thing up.
(Mike raises his eyebrows at Micky's comment.)
Micky: *shrugs* What?
Emma: (Shakes her head) Too noisy, and we don't exactly have explosives in our back pockets, you know.
Micky: Would've been more fitting, that's all.
Peter: (Points at another group of men, led by Martinelli) Uh, oh! Guys, here comes more trouble!
Davy: Everyone up for another good fight? ;)
Micky: *grins* You bet! ;-)
(Mike's smile gets as big as it can with his lips glued shut.)
Lauren: Bring 'em on!
Emma: Let's get them! (Jumps on the nearest factory worker)
(Peter ducks around another one, hopping and jumping and making the fellow rather dizzy.)
*Micky lets out a roar and charges into three guys, kicking & punching his way through.*
Davy: (grabs Martinelli) You bastard! You f***ing bastard!
*Lauren ducks one guy, then kicks his legs out, sending him crashing to the floor.*
Martinelli: (delivers a solid right to Davy, who staggers back) Stow the potty mouth, kid. If I had my way, all six of you would be dead right now.
(Mike is dueling with Inspector Shrink, who keeps trying to hit him with his clipboard. Mike gets a good left in Shrink's gut, but another factory worker knocks Mike's feet out from under him.)
Peter: You're not going to have your way! I won't let you hurt Davy like you and that lady hurt Mike! (Grabs Martinelli by the ear and starts dragging him around.)
Micky: *finishes off one guy; cheers* Get 'im, Pete!
Emma: (Notes that it's getting steamy - swats it out of her face) Can't freakin' see! (A man rams her in the gut; she ends up on the floor, gasping)
Lauren: *comes up behind the guy who rammed Emma and jumps on his back* Ride 'em, cowgirl! Yee haww!!
Emma: (Comes to as the fog thickens) Thanks, Lauren! Woo hoo! (Cheers)
Lauren: *she finally makes the man crash into a wall head-first; she lands on her feet, brushing her hands off* No problem, Em! *smiles*
Peter: (Still tugging Martinelli's ear) You know what I think?
Martinelli: You think? Wouldn't know it, the way you act, idiot!
Peter: (Glares as Mike comes at them) I think you need a hug! (Puts his arms around Martinelli and hugs him as hard as he can, until the big man is gasping)
Micky: I knew Peter gave crushing hugs, but... *snickers*
(Peter finally lets go of Martinelli as Mike joins them and the big man catches his breath. Mike gives his friend as big a grin as he can muster and a slap on the back.)
Peter: That's how you love your way out of a situation. ;)
*Lauren practically doubles over with laughter.*
(Mike's snorting and would be laughing if he could open his mouth.)
Davy: (Ducks under another man's legs) Nice try! I learned that move from the Champ 'imself! ;)
(The fog coming from the main factory room grows increasingly thick. Emma grabs Lauren.)
Emma: I think it's time to retreat. I can't see anything!
Peter: Girls? Girls? (Runs smack into Emma; touches her face) Is that you girls?
Lauren: *swatting in front of her* It's no piece of cake without glasses, either.
Emma: (Also swats) Or even with them. (Nods) Yeah, Pete, it's me.
Peter: (Relieved) For a moment, I thought it was the bad guys again.
Emma: (Counts heads) Um...we're missing a few people here...
(Peter counts heads...three times.)
Lauren: Oh, geez, again!
Davy: YOU BLIGHTERS! PUT ME DOWN! (Emma turns her head in time to faintly see three men carrying a young man in a green sweater. One holds his top, two carry his legs and knees, and one clamps his hands over his mouth.)
Peter: (Blanches) Oh, no!
Lauren: Great, just great! *groans*
Emma: Davy! Damn him! He's as bad as Mike with the temper!
Peter: (Swatting fog) We've got to follow them!
Lauren: If we can figure out where we're going through this damn fog... *swats at it again*
Peter: (Puts his hands over his eyes trying to see beyond the fog, then points) I see Davy's green sweater going...(thinks for a minute) Upstairs!
Emma: No, not the offices...
Peter: (Running) No, it's in the opposite direction from the offices.
Emma: Then what?
Lauren: Geez... *takes off running*
Peter: (Eyes widen) The shredders! (Takes Emma's hand) Come on!