(We open in Lauren and Micky's laboratory lair. Mrs. Marion and Daphne are chained in one of the cells. Peter and several other Wolf Men are on leashes that are tied to hooks on the back wall. The crystal ball, now surrounded by the Emerald and Amethyst Talismans, glows with a strange, dark light.)

*Lauren and Micky enter, Micky with a slight limp. Lauren checks in on the two women, while Micky goes to the crystal ball. Lauren then joins Micky.*

Crystal Ball: The other talismans draw near.

Micky: I knew they would show up eventually.

Crystal Ball: You must get the other talismans from Lord Michael. When all five talismans are placed in the base of the ball, it'll allow me to drain them and set me free.

Micky: It's our every intention to get the others as well.

Crystal Ball: Lord Michael is strong and clever. He's the strongest and most clever of King Peter's advisors. That's why I wanted him executed in the first place. He must be subdued or eliminated.

Mrs. Marion: You'll never get your hands on Michael, or his Talisman. He'll outwit you, just like he's outwitted you for months.

Micky: I rather doubt that. I'm done playing games with him.

Mrs. Marion: If you can get your hands on him.

Micky: Oh, I WILL.

(The door suddenly flings open. Mike is on the other side, his eyes narrowed.)

Mike: (Growls) I knew it. I knew you'd...ow! (The Martians and Davy almost knock him bodily into the room as they hurry upstairs)

John: (Breathing heavily) Can't you guys have an evil lair that's downstairs?

Lauren: What's the fun in that?

John: (Holds his chest as the others squeeze in) It would be more fun for my heart!

Mrs. Marion: Boys! You did find us!

Daphne: David!

Davy: (Looks over at her, his eyes wide) Daphne... (Turns angrily to Micky and Lauren) Let them go free!

Mike: (Holds his sword to Micky's throat) Where's our king?

Micky: He's right here! *Motions to the Wolf-Men.*

Mike: Wha... (He goes to them, frowning) But...these are those... (Eyes widen as he realizes what happened) P...Peter?

(One of the Wolf Men sniffs at Mike's chest. He finally leans on him, nuzzling him playfully. Mike strokes his head.)

Mike: Oh...oh buddy, we've got to get you out of this...

John: (He runs up to Micky; Danny and Marcus surround Lauren) Return our king to his human form, warlock!

Micky: No chance.

Mike: Poor man... (Looks up angrily at Micky) Why did you do this to him? Wasn't it enough to control his mind? You had to control his body, too?

Micky: Controlling his mind wasn’t working anymore.

Mike: You release him (he pulls out the sword) or I'll show you the power of my sword.

Chris: And we'll show you (wiggles his eyebrows) our powers!

Marcus: We don't have any powers!

Chris: We have the powers of persuasion, the power of one, and the power invested in me to kiss the bride!

*Micky pulls out a pouch and throws it to the ground causing a large poof of smoke that confuses everyone.*

Mike: (Coughing, waving his sword) Where are you, Mick...Lord George? Show yourself! (He pokes around in the smoke) George?

Voice: Ouch! (The smoke clears enough to reveal John rubbing his rear end) Thanks, Mike. I really didn't need my butt.

Mike: Uh, sorry Johnny.

*Suddenly, a long, slender hand reaches out and snatches Mike’s sword from his grasp.*

Mike: Wha...what? (Snatches at the fog) Where is it? (Lunges into the clearing smoke) Give me my sword back!

John: (He waves his staff around in the smoke) Show yourself! Return our Leader's weapon!

*As the rest of the smoke dissipates, Micky is seen playing with Mike's sword. He puts Mike's Talisman with the others near the crystal ball.*

Mike: No! Give me my sword back! (He lunges for Micky as the Martians surround Lauren)

*Micky swings the sword, striking the release for the Wolf-Men.*

(The Wolf Men go after the Martians, eventually taking hold of the four men. The largest Wolf Man goes after Davy, but he ducks under his legs.)

Mike: (As he struggles with Peter) Kid, get the girls and get the HELL outta here!

Mrs. Marion: I'll not leave without my talisman!

*Davy bumps into Lauren, snitching the keys from her. He goes to the cell and opens it, releasing Daphne and Mrs. Marion.*

Mrs. Marion: Thank you, dear David. You take Maid Daphne and see if you can find some more help.

Davy: We're out of here! *He takes Daphne's hand, and they run out amidst the confusion.*

(As the smoke clears, we see the Wolf Men wrestle the Four Martians to the ground. Peter finally yanks Mike's arms behind his back.)

Mrs. Marion: (Runs to Lauren) Let them go! (Growls) And what have you done with my staff and ball? X(

*Micky goes to the Martians and collects the Ruby and Sapphire Talismans they now wear.*

Lauren: No. They're in a safe place. *Smirks when she sees Micky walking over to the crystal ball with the remaining Talismans.*

Mrs. Marion: No! Stop! You don't know what you're doing!

Mike: What ARE you doin? That's just a glass ball.

*Micky smirks widely as he place all the Talismans together.*

Mrs. Marion: (Screams) NOOOOOO! (She runs over and grabs Micky, but it's too late.)

Crystal Ball: Power...I now have the power of the Talismans... (There's black strobe lights, lasers, and crazy effects lighting as the Crystal Ball drains the energy from the Talismans. There's another poof of black-purple smoke and a loud CRR-AACK, and when it dissipates, Millie stands in front of the table where the Crystal Ball was. She smirks, looking around.)

Millie: Old place hasn't changed much. (She turns towards Mrs. Marion, who has her head in her hands) Aw, hello sis. Have a headache?

Mrs. Marion: No...Alsa...you know...drained energy...Talisman has no energy...

(Mike groans, too, and Peter looks a little gray under his fur.)

Millie: You thought you were pretty clever with that little trick, taking my energy and imprisoning me in that hellish ball! (She turns her silver staff and black crystal ball on Mrs. Marion) Why don't you enjoy the view from a crystal ball? It worked for me for thirty years.

Mrs. Marion: No! Alsa, don't! (Millie shoots a beam of black light at Mrs. Marion. It seems to envelope her...but we just barely get a glimpse of her walking offstage. When the smoke subsides, there seems to be nothing left of Mrs. Marion but her purple ball.)

Mrs. Marion: (Voice from inside the ball) Help! Please! Get me out of here!

Millie: Now you know how it feels to be trapped in a tiny shell, sister dear. (She hands the ball to Lauren) You may do what you wish with this.

Lauren: Gladly.

Mrs. Marion: Lauren, don't do anything rash.

Mike: (Struggles weakly) Let her out...she's one of our advisers...

*Lauren tosses the ball in the air. It disappears in a flash of blue light.*

Millie: Good work, Lauren. Now (she goes to Mike) what are we going to do with our arrogant former Lord? He's too special to turn into a mere Wolf Man.

Chris: We're not going to have to be wolf men, are we? I'm allergic to fur.

Micky: *steps forward* I want to deal with Michael.

Mike: (Struggles as wildly as he can) Like hell you'll deal with me, George.

*Lauren directs the Wolf-Men to chain up the Martians.*

Chris: Hey! Watch...watch... (He sneezes) ...the mainly parts.

(The Wolf Men finally get all four Martians chained along the back wall.)

John: Let us go!

Danny: What are you going to do to Fearless Leader?

(Chris just sneezes again.)

*Micky puts an arm around Mike and rubs the back of Mike's neck.*

Mike: I...Mick... (He moans, then murmurs) Mick, this wasn't in the script...ooh... (He whimpers, then howls softly.)

Millie: I think he rather liked that.

Micky: I think so, too.

Millie: (Leans over Micky and whispers) Mick, what did you do to Mike? He doesn't look right. Looks a little pale.

Micky: *whispers back* Oh, he's just fine.

Millie: (Whispers) Well, ok, if you say so.

(Peter drags the whimpering Mike to the examination table. He sets him down, stroking his thick black hair. Micky rubs the back of Mike's neck again. Mike makes a squeaky sound like a puppy.)

Millie: Now, let's make some plans for this little lord. He's too smart to just toss aside...and too stubborn for his own good.

Mike: (Whimpers) No...oh please, no...

Millie: Your father was just as stubborn, Naysmythe. He always opposed every move I made on the Court Council to raise taxes or attack enemy countries and steal their treasuries.

Mike: My father...good man...

Millie: Your father was an old goat. He never wanted to listen to anyone, including me. He was one of the ones who aided my sister Barria in sealing me in that nasty crystal ball!

Mike: You were..destroying Lone Star Town...

Millie: I was merely teaching it a lesson. Too much opposition there.

*Micky produces a potion, which he forces Mike to drink.*

(Mike sputters and coughs, trying to sit up. Millie and Lauren push him down.)

Millie: (Holds him down with her staff) He'll be much harder to control than His Majesty. His father was, too, and I did try. My potions and hexes never lasted long on Lord William Del Naysmythe.

Mike: (Voice softer) Please...must help my people...my Emily...

Micky: You won't be helping anyone anymore.

Mike: George...I want to help...want to be Knight... (As Micky leans closer to him, he whispers) Micky, what was in that potion? Why do I feel a little woozy?

Micky: *whispers* The potion itself does nothing. You're feeling my powers. *half grin*

Mike: (Mutters) Micky, I thought we went over this.

Micky: We did. I changed my mind.

Mike: Mick, I swear, the thing with Chris wasn't my fault!

Micky: We’re beyond that now. I'm just royally pissed, and YOU'RE gonna get the brunt of it!

Mike: What did I do?

Micky: I don't know. *A blue light begins to envelope Mike.*

Millie: What's that?

John: Lord Michael!

Mike: (Angry; out loud) Micky, STOP!

Millie: (Mutters) Mike, your lines!

Micky: It's time to paralyze.

Mike: What?

Millie: Do your worst.

Micky: How about completely?

Mike: Micky, are you crazy? What about the rest of the sh...saving the others?

Micky: *leans down; whispers* Am I?

Mike: (Whispers) Micky, I can't do the rest of the show if I can't move!

Micky: You'll move again, but only when I want you to.

Mike: Mick, Em'll kill you when she gets her hands on you!

Micky: So be it.

Mike: Mick... (He tries to struggle...but he's already stiffening...)

Micky: *to the others* He's begun to stiffen as we speak.

*Lauren rolls her eyes. She didn't hear the exchange, but knows something is wrong.*

Millie: (To Micky) Mick, this wasn't in the script! You were only supposed to make him faint or sleep.

*Micky shrugs.*

Mike: Ge..George... (He continues to stiffen, his head now laying on the table) Let...g...go...

John: Release him!

Chris: Geez, what if he has to use the bathroom?

Micky: That will be a problem, won't it?

Marcus: I'm sure he'll find a way to kick your rear end anyhow.

Chris: He shove a stiff leg where the sun don't shine.

Mike: (Stiffer) N...nice...C...chr..chris...

Micky: Boys, I've heard enough of you. *Grins in Chris's face* And you get to be first. *Drags a finger over Chris's throat. He continues down the line of Martians, dragging a finger over each of them, smirking all the way.*

(Chris opens his mouth for another retort, but finds he can't. He REALLY can't. Marcus lets out a squeak before he remembers he's not supposed to be able to talk.)

John: (To Micky) Mick, Chris don't look so good. What did you do to him? I know you're pissed about what happened earlier, but...

Micky: *whispers* Oh, nothing.

(Chris mouths obscenities we thankfully cannot hear. John tries to kick Micky's shins, but he's able to jump away from him.)

Micky: Now now, boys. Just hang out, enjoy yourselves. *smirks, then heads back over to Mike*

Mike: (Stiffer by the minute) G...g...e...org...e....

(The Martians all struggle, but can only watch helplessly.)

Millie: God, Michael's such a stubborn bastard.

*Micky rubs the back of Mike's neck again.*

(Mike slumps onto the table with one last whimper before he stiffens all together. Millie rubs the top of his head with her ball and staff.)

Millie: Good. And he's completely asl...unable to move?

Micky: Completely.

Millie: (She rubs Mike's forehead) I'm picking up tension in the boy's mind. He's burdened with the fate of his people, wracked with guilt about being unable to save his friends.... (makes a face) and very much in love with that blasted Lady Emily.

Micky: Interesting. *Lays his hand on Mike's heart and digs his fingers a little* Yes, yes, he is. He's also very scared, afraid of what we're going to do with him and the others.

(Mike can't move...but his eyes plainly show fear.)

Millie: (Continues to rub Mike's head as she leans over Micky) What are you doin' to him? That's not in the script, either.

Micky: *whispers* It's just a massaging technique.

Millie: Oh. (Out loud, as she continues to rub Mike's head) He's upset over losing his sword and his Talisman and feeling weak and helpless, neither of which he's used to.

Micky: Well, he should get used to it because that's what he'll have to deal with from here on out.

Millie: We need to find his weakness, something we can exploit to keep him helpless. (Looks at Micky) You know him better than I do.

Micky: *nods* Yes. We've already learned of some of them.

(She runs the staff and ball slowly down to his chest. He breathes heavily, but otherwise shows no indication of the staff's movement.)

Millie: Yes...yes...he fears being weak. Fears not being able to save those he cares about. Fears that he'll never be able to restore his name and the fortunes of his beloved Manor.

(Mike's chest moves a little more rapidly, but he otherwise makes no response.)

Millie: Anything else you know about our so-called White Knight?

Micky: *massages some more* Ah, I can feel a few things myself. He does still love Emily, despite everything. He wants to make David his second-in-command at the Manor, perhaps even take over when he's older. *smirks* And he admires my spunk, though he doesn't understand why I'm doing these things to him.

Millie: Now, how to take advantage of his weaknesses? (Rubs his chest right above where Micky massages)

(Mike's eyes can move. They look right up and into Micky's.)

Micky: The longer he's unable to move, the more willing he'll be to cooperate.

Millie: Good, good. We could use a smart boy like him, and not covered in fur, either. He's far more useful than that idiot of a King over there. (Points at Peter, who is sniffing at a sneezing Chris) Maybe you'd better tie up the Wolf Men. They might start looking for bones or something.

Micky: *Glances at the Wolf-Men; makes a face* Good idea.

(She and Micky tie the Wolf Men's leashes to the wall. Peter tries to nuzzle against Micky.)

Micky: *whispers* Peter, stop it.

Peter: (Whispers) Micky, I've gotta use the bathroom!

Micky: *sighs* This scene's almost over, Pete, then you can use the bathroom.

Peter: Ok.

Millie: (As she ties the last leash to the wall, she goes over to Micky) Perhaps we should check if he's willing to join us now.

(Mike lays on the table, as still as a statue.)

Micky: *nods* I think we should. It's been long enough.

(Mike just stares blankly into Micky's eyes.)

Millie: (Rubs his head) He's ready to obey us now.

Micky: Excellent. *evil laugh*

(Millie joins the evil laugh as the curtain closes.)