Emma: Ok, in the meantime...are all of you ready to find out more about the return of Kristof...and give me some answers?
Mike: Kristof, yes. Answers, no.
Peter: Michael...
Micky: *sighs* Mike... 8-|
Davy: Mike, she'll find out sooner or later.
Mike: (Mutters, to himself) Not from me...
Lauren: You've gotta tell her.
(Emma has been watching the fracas in the factory from above, wide-eyed.)
Emma: Oh, my god!
Mike: Let's be off, MonkeeMen!
Micky: Right!
Emma: No! (Runs downstairs) Mike, what's going on?
Mike: Just doin' our duty, ma'am.
(The boys don't see Kristof come to and blend into the shadows, vanishing in the dark recesses of the outside of the factory.)
Emma: Mike, there's more to it. What the hell was that all about? Who was that guy?
Mike: Oh, just one of the many lunatics we run into every so often. (Points out the broken windows as sirens are heard) Now, come, good MonkeeMen, let us fly! (He takes off, scooping Peter into his arms. Davy and Micky follow.)
Emma: (As the cops break into the factory) Mike! Guys! Come back! I just...(sighs) I just want to know.
(Mike lands the boys at the phone booth near Millie's. All four boys jam in, there's a flash of blue light, and all four boys attempt to jam back out, now wearing their normal clothes.)
Mike: I've got to go back to the shop to help Mr. C fix the Phaeton. He wants to show her to a possible buyer next week.
Peter: (Takes Mike's arm before he can leave) Michael, why can't you tell Emma? Micky told Lauren!
Micky: Yeah, Mike. What's the difference? *eyes widen* Speaking of Lauren, she may be attempting to eat out Millie's. ;-)
Davy: (Grins) Your children definitely take aftah you, Mick. They got your stomach. ;)
Micky: Yeah, yeah. *grins* :-P
Mike: Look, it's just...she doesn't need to know. She's better off not knowing. If Kristof knew that the girls were...close to us...
Peter: But he doesn't.
Micky: And he isn't going to know.
Mike: Look at all the trouble that's happened already because those girls love us! I just...I can't.
Micky: They're still with us, aren't they? *raises an eyebrow*
Peter: (Puts his hand on Mike's shoulder) Michael, let go of your fear...and your guilt. What happened to the Coulters and to Kristof wasn't your fault. You can't always protect Emma.
Mike: (Sighs; quietly) I can sure the hell try. (Walks back towards Cardelli's Garage. The others watch him, shaking their heads, worried)
Peter: I wish he'd tell her. I'm going to tell Valerie on our date tonight. I think she already knows, anyway.
Micky: *nods* May as well.
Davy: I was going to tell Daphne when I was intahrupted by the communicatahs. (Shrugs) I'll try again the next time I see 'er.
Micky: Sorry, Dave. ;-)
Davy: I wasn't gettin' far, anyway. I think she knows, too. It's just...where to begin.
Peter: Emma knows, but Mike won't give her the details.
Micky: They're gonna know, no matter what. *shrugs*
Davy: We've got to talk Mike into spilllin' to Em. They'll nevah get married if 'e's keepin' secrets like this.
Peter: (As the three walk along to Millie's) But how?
Micky: *grins* Weeeeell... ;-)
Davy: The chemistry set. :D
Peter: Just don't make Mike sick again! :p
Micky: No, I won't make him sick. Just a little something to get the truth out of him.
Davy: A truth serum. Nothin' damagin'. It'll just make 'im unable to lie.
Micky: *nods* Exactly.
Peter: Just don't hurt him, ok? He means well, but he's...scared to death.
Micky: *shakes his head* I'm not gonna hurt him. I promise.
Peter: He doesn't show it, but he's really worried.
Davy: If 'e and Em are gonna get married, they've got to be able to tell each othah things...including things that may 'urt.
(The trio don't notice a dark, non-descript car following them at a discreet distance...and another car, this one a black Corvette with a large pair of eyes watching them through the rolled-up windows.)
Micky: *puts his arms out* Why can't Mike take the hint from me and Lauren? I'm not exactly the most open person in the world, but I tell her stuff I wouldn't tell anyone else.
Peter: He's not used to it. He's used to people not caring about him so much. (Quietly) One of the two women he ever trusted left him. The other married a man who despised him. I think he just doesn't know how to handle girls, even more than me!
Micky: *drops his arms* That's gotta be it. I can't think up any other logical reason.
Peter: After everything that's happened, (shrugs) he's afraid of losing Emma as much as she's afraid he'll leave her.
Micky: Sometimes, I wonder who's more afraid of being alone, me or Mike. *shakes his head*
Davy: (Points in the window of Millie's. Lauren is there, nibbling on slices of various colored cheesecakes and chatting with Millie.) 'Ey, Mick, there's Lauren. You were right. She's at Millie's. Why don't you and I see if she's up for a bit of chemical work? ;)
Micky: *nods* I kinda figured she'd go where the food is. ;-)
Peter: (Grins and shakes his head) I think I'll go back to Mr. Bennett's and see if he needs any help. It's safer there. Things don't explode.
*Micky sticks his tongue out at Peter.*
Peter: See you later, guys! (Waves and heads in the direction of Beechwood. Davy and Micky head into the shop, where Lauren is starting in on her next piece of cheesecake. Millie comes out with a cup of tea.)
Millie: Goodness, honey, you sure can chow down! I thought my Larry appreciated my cheesecake! :)
Lauren: I never use to eat like this! God, I've turned into Mick! ;-)
Millie: (Waves to the boys as they come in) Hi, fellas! Want some? (Jabs a finger at Lauren) She might have left a piece or two in the back.
Micky: Ehhh, kinda doubt that, Millie! ;-)
Davy: I'll 'ave coffee and a danish, Mil. (Grins) Anything but cheese! ;)
*Lauren elbows Micky as he sits next to her.*
Micky: (Indicates Lauren) I'll have what she's having! ;)
Lauren: Which would be just about everything. *grins*
Davy: Yup, those kiddies definitely take aftah 'is side. ;)
Millie: (Laughs) Between the two of you, you're gonna keep me in the black...and out of food. ;) (Goes in the kitchen to find more cheesecake)
Micky: It's nice to be needed. ;-)
Davy: (Nods at Micky) 'Ey, Mick, tell Lauren 'bout your newest chemical endeavor. ;)
Micky: Ah, yes, a bit of a truth serum, to get Mike to tell Emma about...you know what. *winks*
Lauren: *chuckles, shaking her head* That sounds about right. ;-)
Davy: We were at that dairy factory in the Valley today, and Em was there...and almost got turned into American cheese, sliced extra thin, by...an old friend of Mike's.
Lauren: *eyes widen* Oh, my goodness! I take it everything turned out all right?
Davy: (Sighs) Let's put it this way, luv. Em's ok, but now Mike's more scared than evah to tell 'er anything. (Quietly) That "old friend" was Kristof, the Coulters' murderer.
Lauren: Oh, no. *frowns*
Davy: And 'e ain't too 'appy with us in general and Mike in particular. 'E's lookin' like a regular Two-Face outta the "Batman" comics now. One side of 'is face is normal, the way it were when we saw 'im, but thinnah. The othah is...well, beautiful, but not matchin' the othah side. 'E looks like somethin' out of a bloomin' side show!
Micky: Just when we thought Mike couldn't get any worse about all of this... *sighs* He did.
Davy: Which means it's time for us Cupids to step in. ;)
Micky: Darn right! ;-)
Lauren: Lemme guess, I'm in on it, too, or does that go without saying from now on? ;-)
Micky: *grins* Goes without saying. ;-)
Lauren: *chuckles* Gotcha. ;-)
Davy: You know, maybe I'll 'elp, too. I ain't got nothin' lined up. We don't 'ave our gig until tomorrow, Daphne and the girls are playin' at the Club Fairview tonight, and it's too late to run out to the Valley and talk to the stables.
Micky: *beams* Alright, Dave! Welcome to the asylum! *cackles* ;-)
*Lauren just covers her face, shaking her head.* :">
Davy: (Grins) Sounds good to me, mate. ;)
Millie: (Comes out with the cheesecake and coffee for Mick and Davy) Here's the vittles, gang! (Grins) I guess I don't need to tell all of you to eat up! ;)
Micky: Very perceptive, Millie!
Millie: (Sets Davy's danish down, laughs) You would have eaten the house when I lived there if the other guys let you, never mind eat us out of house and home! ;)
Micky: All I need is the okay. ;-)
Davy: (Elbows Micky's stomach) I'll bet 'e could fit a whole 'ouse in there. ;)
Micky: Hey, careful, Dave! :-P
Millie: So, what's news? How's the other boys? (Sighs, shaking her head) I wish Mike would come around. I miss him. He's a wonderful boy, Mike.
Micky: *shrugs, sighs* Mike is Mike.
Millie: He's a good boy. (Smiles and wipes coffee off of Micky's chin) You're all good boys. (Grins at Lauren and pats her shoulder) You were lucky to get him, honey.
Lauren: Thanks, Millie. *smirks*
Micky: *blushes* Aw, Millie!
Millie: (Shrugs) I kinda liked being your house mother, even if livin' with you didn't work. (Smiles, waving her hand around the shop) This way, I can be everybody's. (Smiles) The next time you boys are free, I wanna bring Larry around to hear you play that really sweet tune you did for me. It was so pretty, and you sing it so well.
Davy: (Grins) We liked doin' it for you, Millie. That ended up bein' a nice night. :)
Micky: Sure! :">
Millie: (Sighs, dreamy) Reminded me of something I heard at the costume party where I first met Herman. He was like your Mike - not much of a talker, kinda quiet and hard to read, but a wonderful, wonderful person when he opened up. He let his friends dance with me. He just kind of twirled me around, but those eyes...all I needed was to look into those eyes, and I knew he was the man for me. :X
Davy: (Smiles as he sips his coffee and nibbles at his danish) That's really sweet, Millie.
Micky: And it lets us know there's hope for Mike. ;-)
Millie: (Grins) Hell, Herman and I were married 14 years before he died. Some of the best years of my life, until I moved here. :)
Davy: (Finishes his coffee and danish) Well, Millie, we'd bettah be on our way. We've got (winks at the other two, who are still eating) family business to attend to. ;)
Micky: *nods* Yeah. ;-)
Millie: (Watches Lauren and Micky eat) Want me to wrap that up for you, kids?
*Lauren and Micky exchange looks, shrug, and chow down the rest of their food.*
Millie: I'll take that as a "no." (Picks up their empty plates and heads back into the kitchen) ;)
(The kids pay Millie when she comes back out, then head out of the bakery.)
Davy: Come on. Me jeep is right 'ere. I met Daphne 'ere earlier. (He leads the couple to the back of Millie's, where there's a small parking lot. His jeep is fairly close to the store)
Micky: At least I won't have to carry you this time, babe. *winks*
*Lauren elbows him, smirking.*
Davy: Nahh, easiah on the arms this way. ;)
(They aren't far from Mrs. Purdy's and soon pull up next to the little apartment. The trio make their way upstairs, then into the small living room/kitchen.)
Davy: Well, mates, let's get crackin'. Maybe we could give this to Mike aftah the gig tomorrow. You girls will be there, and it won't be so obvious...and, if it backfires, no one will know we did it. ;)
Micky: Right! *disappears into the bedroom and returns with the boxed-up chemistry set; shrugs* She won't let me leave it out. :-P
Davy: I wondah why? :p
Lauren: It'd be all too easy for you to get ideas for concoctions. I don't think I could deal with that. ;-)
Davy: And I don't think Mrs. Purdy would be too 'appy if you blew 'er apartment several blocks down Beechwood. ;)(
Lauren: *grins* She has warned him about that.
Davy: Smart woman, Mrs. P. ;)
Micky: *arms folded* Are you two done picking on me?
Davy: We do it 'cause we love ya, Mick! (As his best friend starts digging through the chemistry set box) Need 'elp settin' that up, Mick?
Micky: Yeah, I could use a little help, Dave. *pulls bottles out*
(Davy helps him pull out bottles, beakers, and tubes, both boys being as careful as possible.)
Lauren: This oughta be interesting. *smirks*
Davy: Now, I was quite good at the sciences at school before I dropped out. I could figah this out...
Micky: Oh, you could, huh? *crosses his arms*
Davy: (Puts up a hand) Rephrase - we could figah it out. (Indicates Lauren, too) All of us. Maybe we'll keep you from blowin' things up. ;)
Micky: Maybe. ;-)
Lauren: Or maybe not. ;-)
(Davy chuckles and returns to helping Micky. The two finally get it set up on a small table in the kitchen area.)
Davy: Ok, Mick. Ready to play modern-day Cupid once again? ;)
Micky: Considering who we're surrounded by, I'm always ready. ;-)
(Davy laughs, and the two boys start pouring potions into beakers and bottles. Micky occasionally sends Lauren or Davy to get things he needs.)
Davy: 'Ow's it comin', Mick?
Micky: *crouches down and stares into the beaker* Hmm. Needs something else. *stands and glances over the bottles*
Davy: What? Any ideas?
Micky: *scratches his head* Something non-explosive. *grins, then holds up an index finger; he reaches for a blue liquid and a dropper* One drop of this oughta do.
Davy: Well, oh great Mad Scientist? 'Ow's it comin'?
Micky: *grins triumphantly* And here we have it! *holds up the beaker; realizes* Mad Scientist? *quirks an eyebrow*
Davy: And it didn't explode! Amazing! (Goes over to get a better look)
Lauren: I don't believe it. *grins*
Davy: I think we may 'ave a breakthrough, Nurse Dolenz! ;)
Lauren: *blinks; quirks an eyebrow at Davy* How did you know I'm the nurse? ;-)
Davy: (Points at Micky) Well, it sure ain't 'im! ;)
Micky: No, but maybe you were this time, Dave. :-P
(We briefly see Davy in a nurse's uniform and cap, looking down at himself. He squeaks.)
Davy: Ha, ha, Mick.
Lauren: *groans* I never want to see that again. Thanks a lot, Mick. :-P
Micky: *shrugs* I thought it was funny.
Davy: What, you don't think I look charmin' in white? ;)
Lauren: Trust me, white wasn't the problem. ;-)
Davy: (Watches Micky pour the liquid into a bottle) 'Ow we gonna get that into Mike when we're at the Club Fairview?
Micky: Well, he's gonna need a drink at some point in the evening. Just have to take the opportunity when it arises.
Davy: (Nods - the stuff is clear and kind of bubbly) I wondah if there could be a market for a clear soda?
Micky: *considers it* Could be.
Davy: We'll 'ave to sneak this into the Fairview without Mike or Petah knowin'. Petah might accidentally blurt it out. Maybe in one of Mick's drum cases, or Lauren can carry it in 'er purse...
Lauren: *nods* I could carry it.
Davy: Yeah, Mike might see it if Mick 'as it and get suspicious.
Micky: Mike's suspicious enough as is. ;-)
Davy: Just don't let Em see it.
Lauren: I won't. I'll guard it with my life. ;-)
Davy: (Grins) Well, then, I think I'll go 'ome and 'ave dinnah. Might go ovah to the Fairview to see the girls, too. (Waves to the other two) Don't do anythin' I wouldn't do, mates! ;)
(Heads out. Micky and Lauren grin at each other)
Lauren: He didn't remember who he was talking to, did he? ;-)
Micky: He forgets why we're havin' twins! ;)
(Micky sits down by Lauren on the couch and starts nuzzling her neck.)
Lauren: *chuckles* That tickles!
Micky: Hmmm. (Kisses her ear lightly) Wanna find out what else tickles? ;)
Lauren: You're so bad! *grins* Sure, why not? ;-)
(We fade out on the two in each other's arms and kissing and onto the Club Fairview the next night. The boys stand at the bandstand in the back of the large club, singing "Valleri." Kids ranging from older teens to almost 30 dance on the floor. Emma is among a group of girls dancing alone. She finally sits down with Lauren, breathless.)
Emma: (Wipes her forehead) Whew! When the guys are on, man... ;)
Lauren: Yeah. It'll be nice when I feel like dancing again. ;-)
Emma: It'll only be another couple of months. Then you and Mick will have some new people to teach how to dance! :)
Lauren: Or in my case, how not to dance. ;-)
Emma: I keep tellin' you, Lauren. It's not hard. You just gotta move. (Smiles) Maybe Davy can help you. :)
Lauren: We'll see. ;-)
Emma: (Sighs as the boys finish their song) Lauren, has Micky been acting...weird...lately? (Grins) Weirder than usual? Mike and the boys keep vanishing. I know it's something about all this MonkeeMan business.
Lauren: *shrugs* No, not really. I don't know, I haven't really noticed.
Emma: I just wish he'd tell me. He won't talk to me about it, and something is bothering him.
Lauren: Maybe he'll tell you soon.
(Several men in simple suits walk in at that moment, along with a beautiful, buxom, and familiar blonde woman. They take a seat in the back.)
Mike: (As the boys finish "Valleri") Ok, folks. We're gonna take a little break now. Ya'll be good folks and come back when we've rested up a bit. :)
(The boys make their way off the stage and to the girls' table.)
Mike: Hi, ladies. What do you want? Drinks and snacks are on the house tonight. We got paid. :D
Peter: (Looks around) I thought they were on the table!
Micky: *rolls his eyes* Peter... *grins*
Alexandra: (Grins as she comes up to their table) You guys totally rock! Pat and I were right when we saw you in the Concert Hall. You sure know how to tear up a joint. ;)
Peter: Thank you!
Davy: It's been a long time since we've 'ad a steady gig, luv. We really appreciate this.
Micky: Compliments! *feigns fainting*
Alexandra: No, we really appreciate it. We're fairly new and we want to make a good reputation. We want to show off untested bands, new talents. Something fresh for the jaded California crowd. You've all got talent, stage presence, and obviously enjoy playing together. I truly hope we can help you as much as you've helped us by rounding up a crowd this size. (Indicates the packed floor.)
Mike: (Blushes) Aww, it wasn't nothin', Mrs. O'Malley. We just like playin', and we need the money.
Peter: We just wanted a chance to play.
Micky: And have fun. :-)
Davy: Music is a major part of our lives (points at Mike and Peter) and it is their lives.
Peter: I love playing music! I always feel better when I play or write songs. :)
Mike: Learnin' the guitar helped to heal my hand...but it heals in other ways, too.
Alexandra: (Nods) I don't know what I'd do without it! I used to sing in the chorus at MGM myself, before they shut the studio system down. Believe it or not, I met Patrick when he was a feisty Irish street performer in LA. He's far more interested in listening to music than performing it these days, but he still has a keen ear for talent.
Emma: MGM? That's awesome! I love those old musicals!
Mike: I think she and I now know every single thing about them. She's only related the details to me about 50,000 times. ;)
Micky: And half as many times to the rest of us. ;-)
Emma: (Blushes) Well, the history of musical film and theater is one of my hobbies...
Alexandra: (Shrugs) Everyone's got hobbies. I know many that are far worse than yours! (Frowns) Did you hear about the theft from the instrument factory in Palo Alto today? Some wacko made off with their whole stock!
Mike: (Looks at the other guys with wide eyes) An instrument factory?
Micky: *incredulous* No way!
Alexandra: And someone's been rippin' off cars, too, all over the San Fernando Valley, but never the whole vehicles, just certain parts.
Lauren: Weird.
Mike: (Narrows his eyes) Man, that's like takin'...certain parts...from a human bein'. :p
Davy: (Looks at the other guys) Come to think of it, I 'eard about a robbery in a clothing manufacturer this aftahnoon when I was drivin' 'ome from the Valley. Stole all theih silk thread stock.
Peter: Maybe someone wanted to make silk sweaters?
Alexandra: Just start the next set whenever you're ready, kids...or whenever the crowd starts to get really antsy and break furniture. ;) (She heads off to the kitchen, humming "Valleri." :) )
Lauren: Or before Mick starts to break furniture. ;-)
*Micky sticks his tongue out at her.*
Mike: Think we're gonna work here just fine. ;)
Davy: (Looks at Micky and Lauren) Mike, why don't you spend time with Em before we start again? You ain't been togethah much lately, and you're supposed to be gettin' married!
Micky: Yeah, go on!
Emma: (Puts her hands on Mike's) I would love to share a drink with you, honey. We could talk about anything you want.
Mike: (Smiles and looks into her gray, spectacled eyes) Aw, darlin', do we gotta talk about anything at all? I'm much happier just lookin' at you like a lovesick fool. :X ;)
Emma: If that's what you want. (Squeezes Mike's hand)
Peter: I'll stay with you guys!
Davy: Um, Petah, no you won't.
Peter: But...
Micky: You can come with us, Pete. :-)
Davy: Yeah! We're gonna...(quickly)...get more snacks!
Mike: Don't we have enough here?
Lauren: Can never have enough snacks!
Davy: Not for two Dolenzes! ;)
Micky: That's right! *nods*
Mike: Well...
Emma: Miiiiikkkeeee...
Mike: (Sighs and smiles) Ok, kiddies. N
Mike: Don't get lost findin' the snack bar, and don't eat everything before you come back! ;)
Micky: We'll do our best. ;-)
Davy: Yes, Papa Wolf! ;)
(The four hustle out, Davy pulling Peter along. They end up in the hallway alongside the bathrooms.)
Peter: What are we doing here?
Davy: Keepin' an eye on those two. (Indicates Mike and Emma, who are still holding hands and smiling at each other)
Micky: *grins* In more ways than one.
Peter: But how can we keep our eyes on them if we're over here?
Davy: (Nudges Micky) 'Ey, Mick, you wanna play waiter and put the stuff in 'is glass, or should I do it?
Peter: Stuff?
Lauren: *pulls the small tube from her purse* Just a little truth serum for Mike. :-)
Peter: (Squeaks) Truth serum? That doesn't...explode...does it? :o
Micky: I made sure this will not explode.
Davy: And it won't make Mike sick, eithah. It'll just make 'im unable to lie for a few houahs. ;)
Peter: Oh, good! Now I can get him to tell me where he keeps all his song notebooks! I show him mine sometime, but he won't tell me where his are!
Micky: Here's your grand opportunity, Pete. *grins* I'll do the waiter bit. ;-)
Davy: (Hands Micky a towel and tray he appropriated from a passing waitress) 'Ave fun, Mick! ;)
Micky: Ah, thank you, my good man! Now I just have to find a special drink. *winks, then heads over to the bar; he goes right behind as though he really worked there, no one paying any attention to him; he pours a glass of lemon, grins, then pulls out the little tube; he pours some into the lemonade; he glances around and spots a hair net; grinning, he puts the tray down and pulls the net on, hiding his wild curls. He picks the tray up again and makes his way to Emma and Mike's table*
Emma: (As Micky nears the table) We'll use the Pad for the wedding, Mike. Outside, on the patio. Millie could cater, and the guys will play the music, of course. :)
Mike: I can wear my white suit, the one I wore to Mick and Lauren's weddin'...but what are you gonna wear, darlin'?
Emma: (Sighs) I don't know yet. Something...simple. Mom can't make it for me because she would need me for fittings and alterations, and even I can't be two places at the same time. I'll look for something from a shop.
Mike: We'll hold the reception at the Pad, of course.
Micky: *stops at the table; very bad accent* Eh-scusa me, yer four friends ask me to bring this American drink to you. *smiles, sets the glass on the table*
Mike: (Grins) Thank you, sir. (Squints) Don't we know you from somewhere?
Micky: Eh, no, do'n think so. I been told I resemble some fellow name of Gary Cooper. *shrugs & leaves the table*
Emma: (Grins and rolls her eyes) Sure he does.
Mike: (Frowns; to himself) Coulda sworn... (shrugs and picks up his glass) Hey, darlin', a toast for my bride.
Emma: (Picks up her glass) And a toast for my groom. :)
Mike: Here's hopin' we survive the weddin'.
Emma: I'm more worried about surviving the honeymoon. ;)
Mike: (Chuckles) Don't worry, darlin', I'll go easy on 'ya. ;)
Emma: (Laughs) Oh, Mike! (the two clink glasses, kiss, and take deep gulps from their respective drinks.)
(The others all exchange big, hopeful grins in their little hiding spot in the hall. Micky finally joins them in his regular clothes, grinning himself.)
Davy: Micky, they drank it! You did it!
Peter: You're a genius! :D
Micky: Not too shabby, huh? ;-)
Lauren: Gary Cooper?
Davy: 'E coulda said James Cagney. ;)
Micky: *shrugs* I thought Cagney would be too obvious. ;-)
Peter: Shhh! They're talking again!
Emma: (Takes Mike's hands as they put the now-empty glasses aside) Mike, honey...
Mike: (Smiles, then eyes suddenly glass over for a second and he looks rather dreamy) Huh?
Emma: Mike, are you ok?
Mike: (Shakes his head - his eyes go back to normal) No, honey, I'm not, really. I'm worried about you. After everything that's happened...
Emma: Oh, Mike, I'm a big girl. (Looks at her not-exactly-slender physique and Marilyn Monroe-esque bustline) In more ways than one. ;) :p
Mike: You're a beautiful girl, Emma Redmer, and don't ever let anyone tell you differently! God, I'm so crazy about you. My heart's been so empty since Phyllis left. I thought I would never be able to love another woman ever again like I did her.
Emma: (Blushes) Oh, Mike... :">
Mike: (Grins) You don't know how special you are, Em, especially to me. I want to protect you from all the lunatics, nutcases, and spawns of Satan we attract. I don't want to lose you like I lost Phyllis.
Emma: Mike, I've told you this. I understand about your work. I know how important music is to you. I would never make you abandon it or choose between it or me. My writing means just as much to me.
Mike: No, not that work, Em. The other work. The MonkeeMan work.
Emma: (Grins) I knew it! There is more to this MonkeeMan stuff!
(The others all grin at each other.)
Mike: There's a lot more. I've been trying to keep it a secret to protect you and the other girls. We've been MonkeeMen for three years, since about six months after we moved in the Pad.
Emma: Mike, you don't have to protect me.
Mike: Yes, I do, darlin'. I don't want you or the other girls to get hurt. Lauren knows. I don't think Val or Daphne do. Our powers allow us to fly and be super strong, but they also attract all these luntics who have attacked us in various ways over the years.
Emma: That would explain some of your wilder adventures. ;)
Mike: We only use the power when one of us or someone we love is in danger.
(We switch back to the others, who are leaning so far out of the hallway, they're practically on the floor. Alexandra walks up to them at that moment, coming out of the kitchen. She crosses her arms, but she's smiling.)
Alexandra: So, what are you kids watchin' that's so interesting you've all got your tongues hanging out of your mouths and your ears to the ground? ;)
Micky: Our handiwork. ;-)
Alexandra: (Raises an eyebrow) Should I ask? ;)
Davy: Probably not, luv. It's a rathah complicated story. ;)
Peter: We're watching Mike tell Emma the truth!
Lauren: And make our lives easier. ;-)
Alexandra: Well, I should hope he's telling her the truth. (Grins) It's easier on relationships. :)
(A chant has steadily been building over the last few minutes for more music.)
Micky: Uh oh, the natives are getting restless!
Alexandra: (Smiles and ushers the crowd out to the hallway) Why don't you go round up your buddy and start soothing the savage beasts? ;)
Davy: (Eyes widen as they make their way over to collect Mike) Micky, it's 'er! The blonde chick in the back! It's Delilah! :o
Micky: Wha...oh, good Lord it is! :-O
Davy: What on earth is she doin' 'ere? I woulda figahed she'd got outta town aftah the Purple Flowah Gang ended up in jail! :o :p
Micky: That's what someone smart would've done.
Davy: I 'ope she don't see me. She 'ad a...thing for me. :p
Micky: *holds out the hair net* Want this? ;-)
Davy: Thanks, mate! (Throws the hair net on and tries to cover his face as they go to Mike and Emma's table)
Micky: That looks better on you. *grins*
(Davy swats at Micky, who laughs.)
Mike: (As the others arrive at the table; he's rubbing Emma's hand) You now understand why I didn't want to tell you and woulda killed the guys if they spilled to the othah girls?
Emma: (Nods, a bit sadly) Yes. God, Mike, that was horrible, what happened to that couple. And your arm...
Mike: It's ok, Em. It got stitched up. It just looks bad. (The pair look up as the kids arrive) Hey, could you guys come later? Em and I are kinda busy. :p
Peter: Michael, we've gotta play! (Nods at the rowdy crowd) They're going crazy out there!
Micky: They're getting rowdier than me! ;-)
Mike: That's not possible. You're an animal, Mick. ;) (He gets up) I do love playin', even though I wish I had more time for it. I mean, workin' in the garage is great and everything, but this...(sighs)...this is what I want.
Emma: (Smiles) Go with the others, honey. You can tell me the rest later.
Mike: Leans over and kisses her cheek quickly) I love you, darlin'. (He gets on the stage with the guys, to the long, loud cheers of the crowd)
Emma: (Sighs and shakes her head as Lauren joins her) Oh, man, Lauren. Mike just told me...well, he told me things. Lots of interesting things.
Lauren: Yeah? ;-)
Emma: I mean, we already knew about the MonkeeMan thing, but not about how it happened. (Frowns) God, those poor people, and Mike feels so guilty about not being able to come to their rescue. He's such a knight errant sometimes. He showed me his arm... (shudders)
Lauren: *nods* I know. I pried it out of Mick. ;-) *shakes her head* The whole ordeal was terrible.
Emma: It must have killed all of them...but you know Mike. He always takes full responsibility for everything that happens to him and the guys. The Papa Wolf in him, I suppose.
Lauren: Yeah, that sounds about right.
Emma: He's so attached to me and the guys and all of us. We're really the only family he has, other than Aunt Kate and his cousins. He doesn't get along with his mother and stepfather.
Lauren: It's natural to want to protect everyone, but he can't do that all the time.
Emma: He wants to love them and control them at the same time. (Sighs as Mike launches into "Tapioca Tundra") And no, he can't do it all the time. It's the damn white and black knight in him. (Smiles ruefully) My knight in tarnished armor.
Lauren: *shrugs* At least yours would wear armor. *smirks*
Emma: (Laughs) Micky would jump into the battle in just animal skins. (Grins) And probably look damn cute, too. ;)
Lauren: Very cute! After all, he did ride a horse barefoot. ;-)
Emma: And the other two. Peter the bard and Davy the little Lord of the manor. :)
Lauren: Whatta group. :-)
Emma: We lucked out. Musicians, an actor, a teacher, an architect, a mechanic, and superheroes, to boot. Our boys cover all the bases. ;)
Lauren: Talk about multi-talented. ;-)
Emma: (Leans back in her chair as the boys switch to the ballad version of "I Wanna Be Free") Mike was about to tell me more when all of you arrived. Something about a blue crystal and a cave. (Grins) God, what a story! To heck with the Register, this could be a freakin' novel! (Grins at her friend) Names changed to protect the not-so-innocent, of course. ;)
Lauren: *grins* Yeah. I'll leave that for him to tell, but the cave is awesome!
Emma: Groovy!
Lauren: I don't know about writing about them, though.
Emma: (Sighs) As much as I'd like to do this for the Register, I'd never betray the boys that way. (Makes a face) Besides, they seem to think I'm better off writing about store openings, local hotspots, and "human interest" stories. I'm not really after the hardest news, but I wish I could do something...more.
Lauren: Someday you will. :-)
Emma: (Shrugs) All I ever wanted to do was write. (Grins) And what about you and Mick?
Lauren: What about us? *grins* ;-)
Emma: What's up your sleeves for when the babies come? ;)
Lauren: That's the thing I've yet to get out of Mick. And you know I'm good at prying things out of him. ;-) He's got some big surprise, and I can't get anything out of him about it.
Emma: (Giggles) I think Mike and I know what it is, but we're not about to spoil the suprise. ;)
Lauren: *raises her eyebrows* You know? *small grin* Figures he wouldn't be able to keep it completely to himself. ;-)
Emma: He hasn't said anything, but Mike and I are good guessers. ;)
Lauren: It must be big if he really hasn't said anything. I'll have to break out the extra big crowbar and pry it out of him. ;-)
Emma: (Laughs) I wish I could be there when you do! ;) :))
Lauren: Erm, well, it may not be suitable for a viewing audience. ;-)
("I Wanna Be Free" ends and we go into "Can You Dig It?")
Emma: Figures. (Goes back to laughing) :))
*Lauren blushes a little.* :">
(Emma just continues giggling as the set continues. The boys are into their last song of the night, "I'm a Believer," when Emma spots a blonde woman inching up to the stage. The blonde plops herself at an empty table near the stage, eyeing Davy.)
Emma: (Takes Lauren's hand) Oh, good grief. That's not...it can't be...
Lauren: *squints* Uh oh. It's trouble herself, alright.
Emma: Maybe we ought to...persuade...her to leave, before she gets some more ideas about Davy that aren't repeatable in present company. I don't think the Club Fairview is ready to see Davy's heart boxers. ;)
Lauren: *nods* Good idea. I don't think I'm ready to see those. ;-)
Emma: That's right, you missed the time the heart boxers mysteriously ended up hanging on the old bandstand on the beach during a party. Davy wouldn't leave the house for two days after that. ;)
Lauren: *eyes widen* Oh, Lordy. ;-)
Emma: I haven't been able to pry the full story out of Mike or Peter, and I think Nyles in one of his semi-lucid states may have been involved, too. ;)
Lauren: That sounds quite possible.
(The girls make their way to the table where Delilah sits as the boys work their way to "I'm A Believer"'s finish.)
Emma: Fancy meeting you here. (Makes a face) Why don't you leave?
Delilah: Why should I leave? I'm just watching the show. *smiles*
Emma: Oh, please. The last time we encountered you, you tried to rape one of our friends...and you were involved with four of the most notorious gangsters on the West Coast. :p
Lauren: Which doesn't exactly put you in high standards with us. :-P
Delilah: Maybe my intentions are better this time.
Emma: What, are you going to try to rape all of the guys now?
*Lauren gives Em a light slug in the arm.*
Delilah: As tempting an idea it is, no. All I wanted to do was watch them perform & maybe try to make amends with the cute little Englishman...
Emma: (Crosses her arms in a way Mike would admire) Don't bother, sweets. He's now taken.
Delilah: *looks taken aback* Taken? *smiles again* We'll see.
Emma: Don't even try. Let's just say the Englishman and his paramour are... (flexes her fingers) ...protected. I don't know what it's like where you're from, sweetheart, but here, family takes care of family.
Delilah: *frowns* That won't stop me from enjoying the show. *quirks an eyebrow* Oh, family takes care of family where I come from, too. *small smirk*
Emma: Why else are you here? Other than (sees Delilah watching Davy's trim rear wriggle around to the last of "I'm A Believer") the "show?" :p
Delilah: I have to have an ulterior motive? *rolls her eyes* Why don't you two... *glances from Emma to Lauren, quirks an eyebrow* not so little girls go back to your own table and let me enjoy the rest of my evening?
Lauren: *eyes narrow, mutters* Hold me back, Em. Just make it look good.
Emma: To hell with making it look good...and who's gonna hold me back?
*Delilah just smirks at the two angry girls.*
Emma: (Glares at Delilah as the music ends) Ok, sweetheart, spill. What are you doing here, other than insulting us? I'm a reporter, you know. What you tried to do to Davy could be all over the front pages of the Malibu Beach Register by tomorrow morning.
Delilah: Had I known I'd get the third degree, I'd have come here a little more incognito. And just what makes you think I'm going to tell you anything? You don't really think I'm worried about you spreading what happened? Maybe the poor boy was doing some drinking he shouldn't have been. *smirks*
Emma: (Growls her bear growl) I'll be making you drink through your neck if you don't...
(Fortunately for Delilah's neck, Mike and Micky appear at that point, Peter and Davy having snuck out the back way.)
Lauren: Look who we ran into. *glares*
Mike: Well, well, what do we have here? Don't we know you...and wish we didn't?
Micky: *nods* It the Flower Gang's gun moll. *quirks an eyebrow*
Mike: Look, lady, you're a bitch, you were working with gangsters, and we don't like you very much, including Davy, so please leave.
Delilah: Such a nice compliment, thank you! *smiles* I'm not leaving, sorry.
Mike: Stay if you want, then. They'll be playing the jukebox for another hour. However, stay away from us, or we will come after you and whatever gangsters you're working for now. And we will hurt you? Got it?
Delilah: *smile still in place* I've got it.
Mike: Good. We'll leave now, because I want to show this lady my favorite place. (Takes Emma's hand, and the two walk off together, Emma's head resting on Mike's shoulder.)
Micky: C'mon, babe, let's leave the lady to the rest of her evening. *takes Lauren's hand and the two follow Mike and Emma*
*Delilah watches the two couples walk away.*
(A slender man in a long, dark coat, the collar pulled up so it obscures his face, joins Delilah.)
Man: Well, Del, did you find out anything?
Delilah: Though I got a hard time from those two girls... *growls* They're hiding something. Those girls were very protective of those boys.
Man: And I have a pretty good idea of what. Those were the same boys who were playing at the Coulters' party three years ago. The ones who displayed amazing powers beyond human capacity.
Delilah: *nods* They showed some powers I didn't think they were capable off when the came face to face with the Flower Gang.
Man: I've gotten word from the Man Downstairs that we're not to harm the blond or the dark-haired Texan. He wants them both for something. What, I don't know.
Delilah: Whatever it is, I'm sure it'll be good. *smiles evilly*
Man: (Snarls) Though I wouldn't mind getting my hands on the dark-haired one. He destroyed my lovely face, that little brat...
Delilah: *smirking* Always worried about your looks. ;-)
Man: (Grins at Delilah's carefully made-up face) Takes one to know one, darling. ;)
*Delilah pauses, then sticks her tongue out at him.*
Man: You say the girls are protective of them...(thoughtful)...then it goes without saying that the boys would be very protective of the women, too?
Delilah: The two couples left hand in hand. *smiles* I'd say it goes both ways.
Man: The small girl is pregnant (smirks), and quite so.
Delilah: *smile widens* My former boss was quite interested in the small girl. *smile falls* I'm not sure why. She's got as bad a mouth on her as the other girl.
Man: (Shrugs) Love works in strange ways, sweetie.
Delilah: I'll say.
Man: The girls...are there others? The blond and the small boy, do they also have significant others?
Delilah: Seems they do. When I ran into them before, the blond had a girl, and I just now I found out the small boy is also taken. *small frown*
Man: Perhaps we could...ensnare the females. Not the pregnant girl, that would be too difficult, but the others. The Man Downstairs doesn't care about the small boy or the now-curlylocked one, only the Texan and the blond. (Grins wickedly) You'd have the little boy all for yourself, and we could kill his smart-mouthed friend.
Delilah: *nods* That could work. You'll certainly have an easier time than my former boss did. *smiles* How I'd love to get my hands on the little Englishman again. The curly one is rather annoying...
Man: We'll wrap him up and give him to you as a gift for all you've done for our...organization.
Delilah: I love presents!
Man: (Pats her head) But you won't be getting your present unless you know where the boys and their females are hiding.
Delilah: *growls* I'm working on it.
Man: I'm afraid I cannot help you. They'll recognize me. (Nods at the other men in the suits, who join them) The boys will help you. You can follow them to where they live, then contact me, and I'll send in more help. I want you to find out where the other women live and work as well.
Delilah: *nods* No problem. *looks at the men in suits* Right, boys? ;-)
Thug 2: (Nods) You bet, sir. We'll keep a good eye on those brats.
Man: I'll return to the labs. Our little prizes from the incident at the dairy factory yesterday should be hard at work on some of my latest inventions. :D >:)
Delilah: *smiles* I'll report as soon as I get what you need, which shouldn't take long. ;-)
Man: I trust you, Delilah, my pet. When you return, I'll need your help in a little...(smiles)...experiment.
Delilah: Of course. ;-)
(The man makes his way to the front door, while Delilah and the men follow the kids the back way.)
(Cut to the MonkeeMobile, where Mike and the others are loading the back with the instruments.)
Mike: Man, this is a real drag. (Grins at Emma) I'd rather be with my lady or at home writin', but we've gotta get outta here. We need sleep.
Davy: (Mutters) This truth thing is gettin' to be a real drag.
Micky: *mutters* I'm almost wishing we hadn't done this.
Mike: Oh, guys, I'm gonna show Em the cave after we get all this stuff home, which I don't want to do but I don't trust you guys with Black Beauty.
Emma: (Makes a face) Miiiiikkkeee...
Mike: I hate it when you do that.
*Lauren rolls her eyes.*
Peter: Maybe we'd better get home. It's getting late. (Takes Mike's arm) Why don't you drive? And Emma (pushes her in the back with the instruments), why don't you keep Black Beauty company? I think she likes you!
Mike: Peter, Black Beauty is a guitar. It don't got feelin's.
Peter: You act like it does sometimes!
Emma: Could we get going? (Grins) I'd like to see the cave! :D
Mike: (Nods) Yeah, guys, I told Em everything. You were right all along, all of you. I was being stubborn and I was scared shitless that she'd get hurt.
Micky: Told ya. ;-)
Emma: (Shakes her head as the others get in and Mike starts the car) What all of you went through...my god, that was horrible! (Puts out her claws) If I ever get my hands on that Kristof...
Mike: ....Won't be half as bad as what I'LL do to him when I get my hands on him again!
(The car pulls out of the Club Fairview's parking lot...followed discreetly by another, darker car. We can see the outlines of Delilah and the men in the tinted windows.)
(Mike pulls up at Mrs. Purdy's house first and lets Lauren and Micky out.)
Micky: Thanks, man.
Mike: Thanks, guys. The gig went really well. Mick, have I ever told you what a really good singer and drummer you are?
Micky: *blinks* Uh, no, you haven't. *pauses, slowly grins* Thank you! ;-)
Davy: (Leans out of the car and whispers to Micky) I guess the truth ain't all bad. ;)
Micky: Nope. I like the praise! ;-)
Mike: (Turns to the others) And I mean it for all of you. Davy, your singin' and dancin'...man, I'm too scared to even move my legs half the time, and you've always got the whole place jumpin'. And Peter, man, you're a one-man band! Your musical ability amazes me...and you're a good songwriter. "Long Title" is groovy!
Davy: Thanks, Mike. That means a lot, comin' from you. :)
Peter: (Blushes) Awww, Mike... :">
Emma: (Grins) Talk about the truth being out there. ;)
Micky: *mutters* I think we've created Frankenstein.
Mike: We'd better get home. You kids gotta have time to yourselves so you can make out. ;)
(The jaws of everyone in the car are now on their seats. ;) )
*Lauren's eyes widen.*
Micky: *shakes his head* Mike... ;-)
Mike: Well, enjoy your passionate sex, kiddies! (He pulls out of Mrs. Purdy's driveway, leaving Micky with a big, wicked grin and Lauren burrying her face in her hands, embarrassed; sees the shocked-annoyed looks on the kids' faces as he heads for the Pad) What? What? They didn't have twins by just sittin' on the bed dressed!
(The group just shakes their heads as Mike pulls into the Pad's driveway.)
Peter: Come on, let's get this stuff put away.
Mike: (Nods) Right. I wanna show Em how beautiful the cave looks during the sunrise. :X :)
Emma: Ooooh, sounds gorgeous!
Davy: (As he and Peter start taking the drum set in) Why don't you two go off and enjoy yourselves for once? Petah and I would be more than 'appy to finish this.
Mike: Aw, guys, it's my responsibility...
Peter: We can do it tonight, Mike. Just go have fun.
Mike: (Sighs and looks down) I don't really know how.
Emma: (Snuggles into him) You can start by showing me this cave. :)
Mike: Well...(sighs)...man, that look is deadly! (Pulls her down the street, to the nearest phone booth.)
Emma: (Grins) What, Mike, you planning on calling Superman and asking him for advice on nailing bad guys?
Mike: No, I'm gonna get dressed. (Ducks into the phone booth. There's a soft blue light, and when he ducks out, he's dressed in his MonkeeMan uniform.) Now, I'm ready to take you to the hide-out.
Emma: (As Mike gently takes her in his arms) Mike, aren't I....kinda heavy?
Mike: (Nods) Well, yes, you are, but I don't mind. I can carry things that are a lot heavier than you, darlin'!
Emma: (Sighs and leans into Mike as they soar into the dark blue sky...followed, unnoticed, by a familiar dark car. Delilah leans out and points at Mike before a jacket-clad arm pulls her behind the tinted windows once again.) Oh Mike (looks around her), this is so romantic.
Mike: It's beautiful. I love to fly. Someday, I'm going to buy a plane, so I can take us to see your parents and Aunt Kate (grins), and just to be in the air.
Emma: (Smiles, gently touching his lips, then his sideburns) My, my, what's made you the chatterbox all of the sudden? I thought that was Micky's section.
Mike: I don't know. I just don't feel like hiding anything from you anymore. Something's tellin' me to tell everything I know.
Emma: Well, I'm glad you finally stopped clamming up. I was worried about you. You weren't talking to me.
Mike: I was too scared to. I'm not used to sharing my feelings with people.
Emma: Mike (leans her head on her shoulder), you should never be afraid to come to me if you're worried about anything. I'm always willing to listen, and I love it when we talk. All I ever wanted was someone to talk to.
Mike: All I've ever wanted is someone who would treat me like a man, instead of some hoodlum kid. (Kisses her nose lightly) And then, I found you. Woman for man. Bear for wolf. Soulmates.
Emma: (Sighs) So romantic... (her eyes close, and she begins to snore lightly. Mike smiles)
Mike: I knew she was tired. She's just stubborn, too. That's what I like about her...most of the time.
(Cut to the main room of the cave, which is illuminated by the early morning sunshine. Emma awakens on a crystal couch, under a quilt. Mike lays on the ground below her, also under a quilt.)
Emma: (Looks around, confused) Where am I? (Smiles) Oh, the cave. (She sighs) God, it's gorgeous here. It looks like a hundred thousand tiny rainbows all over creation. (Leans over and shakes Mike awake) Honey? Honey, are you up?
Mike: (Groggy) Jus' few minutes more, Pete...
Emma: Mike! (Laughs and hugs his prone form) Oh, honey. Maybe I should conjure you up some coffee.
Mike: (Gurgle) I hate mornin's. How can you stand them?
Emma: They were the only times during my childhood when I could get a little peace and quiet! I'm from a six-person family, remember? (Closes her eyes and murmurs something - a full breakfast appears, complete with coffee and orange juice) Chow's on, honey!
Mike: Oh, man... (finally gets up) Smells good, darlin'!
Emma: Just used the power of the imagination. (Frowns as she butters an English muffin) You know, I've noticed that Lauren, Val, and I have this power, too. Do you know why?
Mike: (Starts filling up a plate with eggs and pancakes) Not really, no, but Micky and I are working on it. We think there's some kind of a connection between you and me and Micky and Lauren and Val and Pete.
Emma: (Frowns) Maybe between Davy and Daphne, too? I wonder if she has the power? None of his other girls ever seemed to have it. (Bites into the English muffin)
Mike: I dunno...(suddenly, the crystal starts flashing) Oh, man, what's going on? The crystal only flashes if there's an intruder or if there's somethin' wrong in the neighborhood. (Goes to the monitor and turns it on. The screen is still on the cheese factory, which is still dark at this hour of the day.) There doesn't seem to be anything wrong, but I don't like it. I'm goin' back to check it out.
Emma: (Hastily swallows a forkful of pancake) I'll go with you!
Mike: No, that ain't necessary. I don't want you to get hurt. I love you, and I want you to stay safe, so you stay here. No one knows about this place but us guys and you and Lauren.
Emma: Mike...
Mike: I love you, darlin'. (Takes her by the shoulders and gives her a firm, passionate kiss, then takes off into the cave.)
Emma: (Follows him as far as she can, calling after him) Mike, be careful! I don't want YOU getting hurt, either!
(Mike is so concerned, he doesn't notice the large group of big men and one full-chested blond making their way across the cave entrance.)
Emma: (Sighs) I wonder what there is to do here? (Returns to her breakfast) And I made it just for him and me, too! (Shakes her head) I wonder if this is how Lois Lane feels when Superman takes off suddenly all the time? (Sits and starts eating pancakes again as the blue crystal continues to flash)
(Delilah and her boys quietly creep into the crystal cave. Emma's back is turned to them.)
Thug 1: (Looks around, eyes wide) Man, get a load of this place!
Thug 2: Ain't never seen nuthin' like it!
Delilah: *rolls her eyes* Don't you know how to shut up?
Emma: (Frowns; looks up from her pancakes) What's that? Who's there? (Turns around quickly on the crystal stump) You! You bitch! How did you find this place?
Delilah: *smiles* We followed you, of course.
Thug 3: (Goes toward Emma with a blackjack, followed by another thug with a wrench. Delilah herself carries a coil of rope) Whaddya want us to do with her, Miss Delilah? Wanna kill her?
Emma: (Jumps up and puts out her hands) Don't come any closer!
(The crystal's blinking becomes more intense.)
Delilah: No, stupid. Think we'll just tie her up for now. We can use her to get to the others.
Thug 4: She's kinda cute. I'm glad we're keepin' her insteada killin' her.
Thug 3: Yeah, that would be a real waste!
*Delilah rolls her eyes & sighs.*
Emma: Get OUT of here! (She angrily swings as hard as he can at Delilah...and connects a solid right on her cheek. Both women stagger back. Delilah holds her cheek, Emma shakes her fist) Man, that hurt! What the heck are your cheekbones made of, iron?
Delilah: *glares* You... *to the thugs* Tie her up! What're you waiting for?
Emma: No! Get away from me, or I'll... (One thug yanks her arms behind her back. Delilah gladly and roughly bind them, looping rope tightly around her chest, wrists, and arms.)
Delilah: There. That should hold you.
Emma: You won't get away with this, you little blonde fruitcake! The guys will come back here, and when they do, you and your little boyfriends here will get knocked clear to Cleveland!
Delilah: I don't think I'd be so sure about that.
Thug 5: (Indicates the crystal) Hey, Miss Delilah, would ya lookit that!
Delilah: What the heck is that? *moves over to the crystal*
Emma: Don't touch that!
Thug 4: (Pulls harder at Emma's heavily bound arms) I think we found somethin', Miss Delilah. ;)
Thug 1: Didn't the boss say somethin' about power sources?
Delilah: *touches the crystal* How do you work this thing?
Emma: It's not a toy!
Thug 2: (Touches the crystal...and springs back) Owwww! Thing bit me!
Delilah: Maybe it doesn't like you. :-P
Thug 5: (Also touches the crystal and steps back) Yeeowch! It shocked me!
Thug 3: Maybe she (indicates Emma) knows somethin' about this pretty crystal.
Emma: No, I don't know anything!
Delilah: Oh, come on. You've got to know something about this, at least how to make it do whatever it's supposed to do!
Emma: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Delilah: This is getting us nowhere fast.
Thug 4: (Takes Emma roughly by her plump cheeks) Want me to get her to talk, Miss D?
Delilah: Ehh, for some reason I'm inclined to believe she really doesn't know much about this place, and this crystal-like thing. *taps the crystal again*
Thug 2: She could tell us where the other kids are, though!
Emma: N...no...
Delilah: Now, that idea, I like!
Thug 1: (Yanks Emma by her hair; she gasps) Ok, pretty girlie, where's your boyfriend and his buddies? The Big Cheese really wants to get his hands on the blond guy and your sweetie.
Emma: I...won't...tell...you...
Delilah: *grins* I might suggest answering the question. I have no problem with letting these guys get rough.
Emma: (Looks as much into Delilah's eyes as she can) They can get rough. I'm not talking.
Delilah: *shrugs* You heard her, boys.
Emma: (She struggles) I won't let you hurt Mike! I love him!
Delilah: That's sweet, but doesn't really matter to me.
Emma: (As the thug jerks her head futher back) NOOOOO! OWWWW...
Delilah: Where are they?
Emma: No!
*Delilah shrugs.*
Emma: Do what you want with me, but I won't tell you!
(The jewel is blinking even harder, so hard, it's getting hot.)
Delilah: *crosses her arms* Boys, this isn't getting us anywhere, and that stupid crystal thing is driving me nuts!
Emma: (Panting, but she tries to smile) Maybe it's telling you something. ;)
Delilah: Like what?
Emma: Like you'd better get the hell out of here before the MonkeeMen arrive and kick your asses back to the San Fernando Valley! :D
Delilah: I'm scared. See me shaking? ;-)
Thug 2: (Frowns) Maybe we should go back, Miss Delilah. (Yanks hard at Emma's head again - she screams) He's got ways of makin' people talk.
Thug 3: We'll take the crystal with us. The Big Cheese could study it.
Emma: (Whimpers) No...oh, Mike...
Delilah: You boys are brighter than you look. I like both of those ideas.
Thug 1: We could leave a little calling card. Do some damage on this nice joint they got here.
Delilah: Perfect. I'll suggest some type of bonus for you boys. Do your worst. ;-)
Emma: No! NO! Don't touch it, or I'll...
Thug 4: Man, I'm gettin' real tired of this doll's mouth.
Delilah: You'll what, huh? I'm getting tired of it, too. Do something about it, please.
Thug 4: (Evil grin) Your scarf, Miss Delilah.
Delilah: *considers* Oh, alright. *hands over the scarf*
Emma: (Struggles) No...don't...Mike!
(The thug winds the scarf tightly in Emma's mouth, finally muffling her shrieks, which echo off the cavern walls.)
Thug 4: She keeps talkin' about a "Mike," or somethin'.
(Emma looks up in horror.)
Delilah: Her boyfriend. *smirks* Now we won't have to listen to it anymore.
Thug 3: So, we'll just mosey on outta here... (picks up the crystal...and immediately drops it) Ouch! It burned me! It's hot!
(Emma's eyes widen.)
Thug 1: Who's gonna carry it?
Delilah: Oh, of all the... *moves to pick it up herself, pulls away* Yow! Not me!
Thug 5: Maybe... (takes his jacket off and manages to roll it into his jacket and wrap it around the crystal. It's blinking can still be seen, even under the folds of dark fabric, and the man holds it out in front of him like it's going to explode.) It's still hot! :p
Thug 1: But carriable. (Nods at Delilah) Do you want to stay and watch our handiwork, Miss D?
Delilah: *grins* I'd love to! I'm a great admirer of handiwork. ;-)
Thug 1: I love a woman with good taste. ;) (The fourth thug holds Emma tightly and the fifth one holds the crystal, though he continues to look pained. The remaining men, joined by several others, take their weapons and some of Micky and Mike's tools and shatter every crystal and every piece of equipment they can find, including the communicator and the monitor. Emma screams in horror and shock. Delilah's grin is ear-splitting when they finish in a pile of crystal shards and broken machinery.)