Lauren: Everyone ready for the story? *grins evilly* ;)
Mike: Uh, I think so...
Micky: I don't like the look on her face.
Peter: This isn't going to be one of those really nasty stories, is it? :o
Davy: From the way the girls look, I'd say so. :p
Peter: Uh oh. :o
Micky: I'm leaving! *gets pulled back by Lauren*
Emma: Chickens! I'm ready! Bring it on! :D ;)
Lauren: That's the spirit, Em! ;)
Mike: Can we say we lay eggs? ;)
Emma: No.
Micky: Darn! *snaps fingers*
*We open in a darkened room. There's just enough light to see a woman laying on a narrow bed. She appears to be asleep when the door opens and Alex enters the room. He’s less scrawny than when we last saw him and far better dressed, but otherwise is unchanged...including the deep scars on his right cheek. The woman is beautiful, tall and slender, with long, pale gold hair and an even skin tone. Her eyes are a soft fawn brown. She wears a pale pink suit and heels.*
Alex: *smirks* Are we having a nice nap? Up and at 'em, my dear. >:)
Woman: (Eyes flutter; in a very slurred voice) Huh..wha? Where am I?
Alex: You're in a room. ;) :P
Woman: Oooh, that last margarita was a killer... (slowly sits up)
Alex: *sits next to her; smirks evilly* You're quite lovely. >:)
Woman: (Puts her head in her hands) Don't feel lovely.
Alex: That's just the alcohol talking. Would you like me to show you how lovely I think you are? ;) >:)
Woman: (Mutters) Will it help my head? I've got an interview in an hour...
Alex: *nods once* It will definitely help your head. ;)
Woman: The Malibu Beach Register wants some chick to talk to me about the variety show they want me to headline. (Grins wanly) Me! (Sighs) I can't believe it. After all those years of being looked over, ignored...I'm gonna be a star... (She groans and puts her head in her hands again) If my head doesn’t explode before then, that is. :p
Alex: You deserve to be a star, my dear. *leans in and kisses her; after a few seconds, he places his fingers to her temples and begins to rub them in small circles*
Woman: Wha...what'cha doin'?
Alex: Making the pain go away. >:)
Woman: I feel...so strange...light...can't think... (She finally slumps in Alex's arms; the pink purse that was around her shoulders falls to the bed)
Alex: *purely evil grin* It's so much easier to deal with them this way. *gives her a last kiss, then lays her back on the bed; looks down at her* There's so many things I'd like to do with you...but not just yet. You need safekeeping until the time is right. You're going to be a pet. Yes. A pale, golden kitten with pale pink stripes. Perfect. *concentrates on her; a black light surrounds the woman; when it dissipates, a kitten sits where she was* Perfect. >:)
(The kitten looks around her and begins to mew and cry. She indicates the door - she'll be late for her interview.)
Alex: What does a kitten want with an interview? You live here now. You're MY kitten. *stands*
(The kitten puts her paws on her head and mews and cries louder.)
Alex: *places one hand on the kitten's back* You forced me to do this. *puts two fingers from his other hand to the kitten's throat. There's a small black light* I hate that sound. :P
(The kitten tries to mew again...and is visably startled when she realizes she no longer can. She goes over to her purse and tries to tug at it with her teeth, but it's too heavy to move.)
Alex: *chuckles* Silly kitten. This is no longer yours. *picks up the purse and opens it* Hmm. Typical woman stuff. *makes a face and moves it away; considers* Seems as though you don't want to stay here, do you?
(The kitten shakes her head, rubbing at Alex's side in desperation.)
Alex: It looks like I'm going to have to make it so you can't get away. *picks up the kitten and rubs at it's front paws, then the back paws; there's a small black light for each paw; grins evilly* There. Try to get out now. >:)
(The kitten stands...but falls. She rubs her head against his hand, crying hard.)
Alex: Oh, stop it. *pulls his hand away* I've had my fun...for now. *walks to the door* You stay here, kitty. *chuckles evilly again* I have more pressing business. I’ll return to you later. *flips the light switch off, sending the room into total dark and closes the door as we fade out*
(Fade in on a shot of the exterior of the California State Penetentary. Cut to the interior. After a few shots of women marching in single file down a long hallway, we got to a prison cell. Shelia Saunders lays on one of the beds. Her hair is short again and she wears no makeup, but other than that she looks more or less like the woman incarcerated in "Pirates of Malibu Beach." A stout-faced woman walks up to the prison cell, followed by a young man with curly hair and scars on his right cheek.)
Prison Matron: Your cousin is here to see you, Miss Saunders.
Alex: You in there, Cuz? ;)
Prison Matron: You have five minutes, boy! (Turns and leaves)
Alex: *watches the matron leave* I like her. ;)
Shelia: (Jumps up and goes to the bars) What took you so damn LONG? I thought I was going to be in 'ere forevah! Tell me you brought a hacksaw in a cake or something. :p
Alex: *shrugs* You didn't TELL me to bring something like that! :P
Shelia: Well, how else are you going to get me out of here, dig with your bare hands? The matron will be back in five minutes, you know, and if she catches us, we'll BOTH be up shit creek...if you pardon the expression. :p
Alex: Well, excuuuse me! :P
Shelia: How DO you plan on breakin' me out of here without both of us gettin' caught? And where HAVE you been for the past six months? :p
Alex: *smirks* I've been working on our new home, along with a few ideas I think you'll be more than happy with. Besides, I TOLD you I needed to recuperate. *pauses* As for getting you out of here... *thinks*
Shelia: Don't you even have a nail file?
Alex: *digs in one pocket, then the other* Nothing. *puts his hands on the bars* I wonder...
*Alex pulls on the bars. The two bars he holds bend and make an opening.*
Shelia: (Eyes widen) You've been working out? :o
Alex: *slightly strained, but gives her a wink* My little secret. ;)
Shelia: (Steps out, but frowns) How are we going to get out of here? We can't just waltz out the front door, you know. We'll have to distract them or create a diversion, before they realize I'm gone.
Alex: Perhaps the guards would like a nice light show. ;)
Shelia: Maybe we could put a doll or an illusion or something back in the cell (makes a face), and you're going to have to fix the bars. That will DEFINATELY tip them off. :p
Alex: Fine. *a black light appears in the cell; it dissipates and leaves a mannequin of Shelia* Not bad. *steps back up to the bars and straightens them back out* There.
Shelia: You've GOT to teach me how to do that. ;)
Alex: Only if you're very bad. ;) >:)
Shelia: (Grins wickedly) I'll consider it. ;)
Alex: I'm sure you will. Now, shall we go set off our light show? ;)
Shelia: I haven't seen a good light show in six months. ;) (Takes his arm)
*Alex and Shelia start down the hall, but disappear in a black light. They reappear in the courtyard where many prisoners are out and about doing various things. They each make a large ball of light in their hands. Shelia throws hers in the air. Alex hits it with his setting off what looks like a fireworks display. Alarms begin to go off, and people start running every which way.*
Alex: I love utter chaos. ;) >:)
Shelia: It is a great deal of fun, isn't it? ;) >:)
Alex: Shall we make our exit now?
Shelia: (Looks at the chaos around her) I think that would be adviseable. Someone may have found the mannequin and come looking for me... (ducks away from two large prisoners fighting) ...and we may get killed if we stay around here much longer anyway! :p
Alex: Would you like to do the honors or shall I?
Shelia: You'd better do it. I don't know where we're going. We can't go back to the Royale Theater or the loft above the Gypsy Tea Room. :p
Alex: Ah, yes, right. Prepare for a surprise, Milady. ;) >:)
*A black light surrounds them and they disappear as we fade out on the chaos. We fade in on a large room with no windows, bathed in darkness.*
Alex: Now if I can just find that damn light switch... :P
Shelia: (Looks around) Nice, if you're black ink. Where are we?
Alex: Wait...ah ha! *flips a switch; the room is completely lit. There's sparse furniture and a couple multi-colored rugs* This is our new desert hideout. We're about 200 feet underground. *grins proudly*
Shelia: (Grins and sits on a comfortable chair upholstered in southwestern-style fabric) Very, very nice, Alex. Is this what you've been working on for the past six months that's kept you so busy? ;)
Alex: It's a good part of it, yes, Milady. ;)
Shelia: But not all? What else has kept that devious little mind of yours occupied? (Raises an eyebrow) ;)
Alex: *settles in a chair next to her* Our next plan. ;) >:)
Shelia: Which is? I've been a tad...out of the loop, you know. ;)
Alex: The easiest way to explain is to first tell you WHY I've decided on this plan. You see, there's a...feeling...I can't shake. I need to take care of it, if you know what I mean. ;) >:)
Shelia: (Grins) THAT kind of feeling? ;)
Alex: *nods once* THAT kind of feeling. As for the plan, we're going to turn my double's life upside down and inside out. ;) >:)
Shelia: Your double...the Savage?
Alex: Exactly. *stands* I'm expanding on your initial plan of getting that little group for ourselves. I wish for the women to act as our servants, among other things. That's where MY part of the plan comes in. I still harbor the same feelings that the Savage does, even though I am technically a completely different person. *leans over closer to Shelia; quietly* I want the Savage's wife for my own. >:) ;)
Shelia: (Grins) Ahhh. You...desire...the Mother. (Frowns) What of the others?
Alex: *leans back again; grins widely* As for the other women, one of them is with child. A beautifully INNOCENT soul.
Shelia: (Grins) The Aristocrat, I suppose, unless the Huntress has finally wed the Lord of the Manor.
Alex: The Aristocrat, Milady. The women will be perfect for luring the men to us. I will seek out the Mother and get her under my control. She, in turn, will get the Scholar, and they’ll go after the Aristocrat and the Huntress. From there, we'll use them to get the men. We will more than likely have the Savage by then. ;) >:)
Shelia: (Grin widens) Excellent, my Alex. >:)
Alex: Thank you, Milady. I'm glad you approve. I've worked long and hard on this plan, hence not being able to get to you sooner, but I wanted the plan finished and perfected for you.
Shelia: Very good. Beware of the Scholar and the Huntress, however. They will be the most difficult to sway. They're strong-willed and hot-tempered; not a good combination. (Makes a face) And, as you know, I'd be happier if the Scholar was obliviated from the face of the planet. :p
Alex: That is exactly why the Mother will go after the Scholar. *smirks* Once we've lured all of them and they are in our power, you can do as you wish with the Scholar. ;) >:)
Shelia: When are we going to begin this plan? Or is it already in progress?
Alex: *grins evilly* I've already begun. I've been practicing and lucked out. There's a woman in one of the rooms right now whom I've turned into a kitten. According to a card I spotted in her purse, she was supposed to meet for an interview...with the Scholar.
Shelia: (Her grin almost splits her face) You don't say?
Alex: I DO say. (Smirks) That's only tip of the iceberg, Milady. There are many others in the same state. *evil grin* Let's just say I REALLY needed a lot of practice. ;)
Shelia: Goodness! You HAVE been a busy bee! (Sighs) When are you going to go after the Mother? I need to go into the nearest town and get something to wear besides this oh-so-fashionable prison jumpsuit. Orange is NOT my color. :p
Alex: Why don't you go into town while I go after the Mother? No sense in holding off any longer. ;)
Shelia: Good idea. Do you still have my black car?
Alex: That's something else I worked on the last few months. I've made some enhancements that I think you'll approve of. I also found us a driver. ;)
(Concentrates; a black light envelopes her. When it fades, she's wearing a simple jumper and turtleneck with bright tights and low-heeled shoes and carries a purse. She has a dark brown wig on her head and dark sunglasses.)
Shelia: Much better. I can't do this for my whole wardrobe, but at least this is appropriate for shopping. (Beams) Oooh, enhancements? And a driver? Where on Earth did you find a driver? :D
Alex: It WASN'T on Earth, Milady. *smirks evilly* ;)
Shelia: Went to say hello to the family for me? ;) >:)
Alex: Of course. I just had to go for a brief visit. ;) >:)
Shelia: (Sighs) I'm going to take my car to get some clothes. I have rather missed shopping, and I need to stop in at Past, Present, and Future's main offices and tell them I'm back from my...extended business trip in Asia. (Grins) However, I want to hear ALL about this car and driver when I get back. ;) :D
Alex: Of course. ;) :D
Shelia: Just tell me where the car ports are and how to get to Rodeo Drive from here. ;)
Alex: Take the elevator to the 13th level, just below ground level. The vehicles are there. Matter of fact, I'll be taking mine. Just go west through the desert and turn at the signs for Beverly Hills. Did you want the driver to take you, or can I use him for my job? ;)
Shelia: You can have him. I've missed driving. ;) :D
Alex: Excellent. ;)
Shelia: Ta-ta, darling. I'll be back in a few. (She heads out the door)
Alex: *smirks* I'm going to enjoy this. A LOT. >:)
*We fade out on Alex, who gets up, headed for the car port, and fade in on the pad. Drop cloths and tools are everywhere, and a ladder is set up in a corner.*
(Peter and Mike work on fixing the stucco walls. Mike wears a long-sleeved shirt over a T-shirt, jeans, and boots. Peter wears a bright orange T-shirt, dark brown pants, and old moccassins. There's more concrete mix on them than on the wall.)
Mike: Man, Pete, you're gettin' it all over!
Peter: I didn't mean to, Mike! You bumped me!
Mike: No, I didn't!
*Micky and Davy are redoing the door frames. Davy wears a flowy, light-colored shirt and jeans. Micky wears a multi-multi-colored t-shirt and carpenter's shorts.* ;)
Micky: *sets a level on top of the door frame* This thing is so crooked, I can't believe that the door even still closes! :P
Davy: *shakes his head* It doesn't, mate. Not anymore. :P
Micky: Oh.
Mike: Not since Micky started in on levelin' it out! :p
Micky: Hey! :P
Peter: Give him a break, Michael. This is an old house, and he's doing his best.
Micky: Thank you, Peter! Besides, I'm working with a headache, here, too! :P ;)
Mike: Yeah, that's right. You feelin' whatever Lauren's gettin' over?
Peter: I wish the girls could have come to the party with us!
Micky: Yeah, still. Matter of fact, it's feeling worse today, which is weird because Lauren said she was feeling a little better this morning... *shrugs* I dunno.
Mike: I hope she ain't comin' down with the flu or somethin'. The twins feelin' better?
Micky: Finally. Man, if I don't ever see puke again, it'll be too soon. ;) :P
Davy: Thanks for the visual. :P
Mike: Pleasant. :p
Peter: I know what you mean, Mick. Thank goodness Valerie is over morning sickness! :p
Micky: I just hope I'm not getting it all over again. Once was plenty. :P
Peter: I wish Valerie was here. She's in LA again, talking about that project of hers. (Sighs) She wants to get it all finished up before she gets closer to the due date.
Mike: She still keepin' it a secret?
Peter: She won't tell me a thing!
Micky: Hush, hush. Top secret. Do not open till Christmas. *chuckles* ;)
Peter: She said it'll be finished in a few weeks, not Christmas, thank goodness! I don't think I could wait that long! ;) :D
Mike: She just wants to get it done before your kid comes.
*Micky shakes his head, grinning.* ;)
Peter: Yeah... (dreamily) Do you believe it? I'm going to be the father of a boy! We're going to have a son! I'll have a son of my own! (Grins at Micky) Little Micky will have a friend. :) :D :X
Micky: He'll be overjoyed, Pete. ;) :D
Mike: We'll teach him all the important stuff, like good music.
Peter: Of course! (Frowns) But he can do anything he wants when he gets older! I don't want to force him into something he doesn't like.
Davy: Mick and I will teach him all the bad stuff. *gets whapped in the head by Micky*
Peter: Don't teach him too many bad things!
Mike: Just enough to make him a normal kid. ;)
Micky: Right, yeah. ;)
(The phone rings at that point. Mike puts down the brush he'd been using, wipes his hands as best he can with a rag on the table next to them, and picks it up.)
Mike: Hello, Nesmith/Jones residence, Michael speakin'. (Pause) Oh, hi, Em. How did...(frowns)...I'm sorry, darlin'. I know you wanted that interview bad. (Another pause) What? Em, you ain't talkin' sense. Maybe Leslie Evans got stuck in traffic or somethin'. (Mike raises his eyebrows) You've called around, and no one's seen her? (Pause again) You're goin' to the library? Why? (Cradles the phone closer to his ear) Em, you've been readin' too many mysteries. (Another pause; Mike rolls his eyes) Darlin', I know you're upset about losin' the interview... (Sighs; pause) Well, don't be out too late. Katie's sleepin' now, but she'll be up soon. (Nods) Love ya too, darlin'. See you tonight. Bye. (puts the phone on the cradle)
Peter: (Turns to Mike as he rejoins them in the living room) What was that all about?
Mike: Emma was supposed to be doin' an interview with Leslie Evans this afternoon, and she seems to have gotten stood up.
Micky: That's weird.
Davy: Or maybe she got stuck in traffic.
Peter: (Grins) I've seen Leslie Evans! She appears on all the variety shows! :D
Mike: Yeah, that's her. Em thinks she might have met with foul play.
Peter: (Frowns) Why would Leslie Evans be playing with birds?
Mike: Pete, Em thinks someone may have hurt or kidnapped Leslie. She's a big deal in Hollywood right now. I read she was signed to headline her own TV variety show this summer.
Peter: Why would anyone hurt a nice lady who appears on TV shows?
Davy: Jealousy? :P
Mike: Em went to the library to do more research on Leslie and to make some more calls. She thinks there might be a big story in this. (Makes a face) I think she's just reachin' for the moon 'cause the Register keeps stickin' her with small-time assignments like interviewin' celebrities.
Davy: If she keeps on the way she 'as been, she might just find a big story soonah or latah.
Mike: She did an interview on the Abbies that got a nice collum in the Register last week. (Grins) Did Daph see it, Davy? And how is she, anyway? You guys still goin' on a date tonight? ;)
Davy: *grins* She saw it. Mattah of fact, she's got at least one copy framed. *pauses* We're still going on the date tonight. ;)
Mike: How does it feel to be goin' out with a celebrity? ;)
Davy: It doesn't really feel any different. It just feels...good. :)
Peter: Are you guys thinking about getting married?
Mike: (Nudges Peter) You KNOW how he feels about that, man... :p
Davy: *small smile* Let’s just say the thought 'as crossed me mind. ;)
Peter: Really?
Mike: It's 'bout time, boy. ;)
Davy: Yeah, yeah. *grins* ;)
Mike: (Grins) Come on, guys. Let's celebrate all this love. (Reaches into the refrigerator and pulls out a green glass bottle) Sparkling white grape juice. Em would hurt me if I had the alcoholic kind. (Opens the bottle and pours four wine glasses, which he brings out to the guys in the living room)
Micky: *sighs* Too bad. The alcholic kind might kill my headache. :P ;)
Mike: Yeah, but it also might get ME killed if Em finds it. :p
Peter: Let's have a toast, guys! (Holds up his glass) :)
Davy: A toast! :)
Mike: Sounds good to me. :)
Micky: What the heck. ;) :)
Peter: A toast to domesticity! :D
Mike: Yeah. To our good ladies.
Micky: To Peter, who was actually able to say that word. ;)
Davy: *grins* To family!
(Everyone laughs and Peter blushes as we fade out on the guys and the Pad.)
*We fade in on Lauren and Micky's house, the living room. Lauren is puttering around. She holds a duster in one hand, and a tissue in the other. The twins are in their room, taking a nap.*
Lauren: *sniffs* Like dusting isn't bad enough on the sinuses... *pauses and sneezes* Man... *plops on the couch; blows her nose* I'll bet the guys are having fun with their little "Fix Up the Pad" party. :(
*A black shadow passes by one of the windows. She looks toward the window after it's already gone.*
Lauren: Maybe I'm getting delirious.*makes a face* Nah, it's just my mind playing tricks on me. *gets up to head for the kitchen*
Micky's voice: *from outside* Hey, babe! Can ya get the door? I've got my arms loaded with stuff from the party!
Lauren: I'm comin'! *goes over to the front door and opens it without looking first* Come back to get more... *looks at him finally; eyes widen* What... :-O
Alex: *enters; closes the door behind him* No "hello"? ;) >:)
Lauren: (Puts her hand on her stomach) You! What are YOU doing here? Aren't you supposed to be dead?
Alex: Dead? *laughs* That's no way to greet an old friend. ;)
Lauren: But...but... (pushes away) You should be dead! I saw you...(eyes the wicked, deep scars on his right cheek)...I saw Micky kill you! I saw him fight you! :o
Alex: The Savage didn't kill me. He hurt me physically and mentally. *grins* I've spent the last several months recuperating. Other than a few scars, I'm good as new. Or rather, the scars add to my personality.
Lauren: Yeah, and make you less likely to pass for my husband. :p (She runs around the furniture, pushing some of it on Alex; he runs after her)
Alex: Playing hard to get, huh? *evil grin* I kinda like that! *is catching up with her*
Lauren: I'm not playing hard to get, I want YOU to get OUT. NOW. (She runs for the kitchen and flips open her communicator, but a hand reaches out and grabs her wrist before she can turn it on)
Alex: I wouldn't do that if I were you. *tightens his grip; glares and shakes the communicator from her hand.*
Lauren: Alex, if you do anything to me, Micky will feel it and come running...or blue-lighting, as the case may be.
Alex: I hope he does. Doesn't matter, anyway. We'll be gone before he can get here. *grabs her other wrist* Come with me... *practically drags her back out into the foyer*
Lauren: Could you let me go? I'm not going with you!
Alex: Yes, you ARE coming with me, and you will NOT be any trouble. *takes her back into the living room and shoves her onto the couch* You're going to come with me willingly. ;) >:)
Lauren: (Tries to pull her arms away) That's what YOU think, pal! :p X(
Alex: *leaning over her; smiles evilly* We'll see how you feel in a moment. *leans down to kiss her; still holding her wrists to the couch*
Lauren: (Her eyes are beginning to cloud) I...
Alex: *takes one hand and presses his fingers to her temple and begins to rub; kisses her again* You WILL come with me. Willingly. >:)
Lauren: I...will come...
Alex: *stops rubbing; kisses her again* Yes... *pauses* Perhaps I could read your soul... *presses his free hand to her chest, but not quite over her heart; grins somewhat stupidly* Or maybe later. ;) >:)
Lauren: (Hazily) Watch where you put your hands, pal.... That section's reserved. :p
Alex: *grins* My coordinates were off. ;) >:) *muddles her again, this time leaving her panting; stands* That should keep her for a little while. Now, I'll bet the kiddies are upstairs. ;) >:)
Lauren: No...my kids... :o :(
Alex: Oh, yes... *heads for the stairs; returns moments later, carrying two sleeping two-year olds* This is much easier. Just had to sing them a little lullabye, and they went out like a light. ;)
Lauren: Leave them...didn't do anything to you... :o
Alex: I can't leave them. They're a part of my plan, too. Now, you stay there, babe, and I'll be right back for you. ;)
*Alex heads out the door to his black mustang limo. He settles the twins in the front seat, then goes back into the house.*
Lauren: Where are they?
Alex: *stops behind the couch; leans over* It's time, babe. Your chariot awaits. ;) >:)
Lauren: Alex, please...
Alex: They're safe. They're in the car. *pauses* I'm not going to hurt them or you. *smiles, with an evil undertone* >:)
Lauren: Yes, you are. :p
Alex: *picks Lauren up and takes her in his arms* You don't know that for certain. >:)
Lauren: Yes, I do. It's not hard to tell.
Alex: *frowns* I'm sorry you feel that way. *pauses* I was actually hoping you'd go along a bit more willingly so I wouldn't have to put you completely under. ;)
Lauren: (Puts her head in her hands) I'm not going anywhere. My head's spinning...
Alex: Yes, you ARE going somewhere. You're going with me. When we get to my place, I'll have to put you under completely. Until then, I'll just have to muddle you some more. ;) >:)
Lauren: N...no... :o
Alex: Oh, yes... *starts moving her toward the door*
(Alex carries the half-swooning Lauren out to the car and pushes her in, then slams the door. Lauren lays on one side, her eyes still slightly cloudy, her expression horrified.)
Alex: Now, lets try that soul reading again, shall we? *places his hand over her heart this time; grins widely and evilly* You're terrified of what I might have planned for you. *pauses* But I knew that already. >:)
Lauren: (Her blue eyes are growing darker) Yeah...
Alex: You wish Shelia and I would just leave all of you alone. You never asked to be in this position.
Lauren: None of us did, including the kids.
Alex: You love this group of friends. You wonder if everyone will stay together, or if Shelia and/or I might get through to someone and take them away. >:)
Lauren: Yes....
Alex: You hate me, but the attraction IS there. I am still A Savage, just not the original. ;) >:)
Lauren: (Her eyes are a very dark blue now; she grins faintly) Yes...
Alex: *smirks* You like the feel of my hand where it is, don't you? ;) >:)
Lauren: (Nods, still grinning) Uh-huh. :X
Alex: *moves his fingers a little* Now you're coming around. How would you like to go for a little drive? My driver will take us anywhere you wish, babe. >:)
Lauren: Somewhere nice... (cuddles up to him)
Alex: Why don't we go somewhere secluded? We’ll spend some time together, just you and I. We can leave the kids at my place so we'll have some privacy. ;) >:)
Lauren: Uh-huh. :X
Alex: Let’s go to my place. We'll drop off the kids. Driver, home please!
Driver: Yes, Mr. Alex.
*A fade out on the mustang limo pulling out from in front of the house. We fade in on the desert hide out as the limo pulls into the car port. The car comes to a stop. Alex jumps out and opens the door to help Lauren. She looks around dreamily while Alex picks up the twins, carrying one on each arm. The driver remains in the car.*
Alex: What do you think, babe? :D
Lauren: I love it...in an eerie way. ;) :D
Alex: Gotta love a good ghost town. Why don't we go let the kiddies finish their nap? I'll show you the way. >:)
Lauren: Yeah. :x
(Alex and Lauren walk into the main house. Cut to them sitting in the small, sparsely-furnished parlor room where Alex and Shelia reappeared after breaking her out. The twins are still in their arms. Shelia comes in with several shopping bags. A troop of demon monsters from "Devil and Michael Nesmith" carry piles more. Shelia is grumbling to herself...but she brightens when she sees Lauren and the twins in Alex's arms.)
Shelia: Well, hello there, Alex. (Grins) I see you made good on your big plan. You brought the Mother and her offspring, the young Savage and Huntress. >:)
Alex: I told you I would, Shelia. Was there ever any doubt? We were just dropping off the kiddies, so they could finish their nap and we could do...other things. ;) >:)
Shelia: Those...other things...will have to wait. I have an assignment for you.
Alex: *eyes narrow slightly; sighs* Fine. What's the assignment? :P
Shelia: I happened to pass our dear (makes a face) Scholar on the way home from my little shopping expedition. She was making calls and talking about finding a big story...something about a Leslie Evans who stood her up for an interview, and she thinks Miss Evans may have gotten hurt or is in trouble...
Alex: *smirks* How very interesting. ;)
Shelia: I heard her call her husband. The Scholar will be at the library this evening...ALONE. (Emphasizes the last word) I thought you could...bring her...to me and get some information out of her. ;)
Alex: Hmm, yes. A good idea, but I have an even better one. Perhaps the Mother would have an easier time persuading the Scholar to come with her. ;)
Lauren: *nods* Emma will listen to me.
Shelia: Not a bad idea, at that. Lauren can bring her. You will get the information we seek from her...and if you can't...the Mother can test her new powers. ;) >:)
Alex: *smiles at Lauren* Excellent. ;) >:)
Shelia: (Turns to Lauren) Why don't you take the fast way? Just black-light yourself to the library. Try to get the Scholar when she's off her guard. She's sensitive and hot-tempered; she'll know something's wrong and try to fight.
Lauren: *nods* Okay. *concentrates; a dark blue light surrounds her and she disappears as it fades*
(The screen fades on Alex and Shelia grinning nastily at each other, and in on a room in the back of the library. The room is reletively dark; sunlight comes through cracks in the heavy curtains. Emma leans over recent newspapers and periodicals, reading under a gooseneck lamp and occasionally writing things in a red notebook. She's so absorbed in her reading, she doesn't see the dark light on the other side of the room or hear the footsteps coming closer to her.)
Emma: (To herself) Well, THIS is interesting. Four women have disappeared suddenly in the past few months...and all of them were up-and-coming in the media business and former employees of Past, Present, and Future, Inc. A country singer, a costume designer, a model, and Leslie Evans, an actress. (Sighs) There's got to be a connection! How could all of these beautiful, talented women suddenly just disappear?
Lauren: *as she nears* Hey, Em. :)
Emma: (Looks up) Hi, Lauren. Got bored with cleaning? ;)
Lauren: *pulls up a seat* It was driving me up the wall. *pulls out a tissue and swipes at her nose* It's tough to clean and hold a tissue in your other hand. *pauses* The guys told me you were here.
Emma: (Nods) I'm doing research. Leslie Evans never showed up at my interview, and I think she may have been prevented from doing so. (Puts a hand on her stomach; frowns) Man, I must have eaten too much chocolate this afternoon. My stomach is feeling funny. (Looks up at Lauren) Or maybe...no, it couldn't be, she's in jail...
Lauren: And mine hasn't felt right for the last few days, so I guess I'm not much help there. *pauses* Research, huh? Have you considered going to Past, Present, and Future, Inc? You know, do some real investigating.
Emma: I was going to go there tomorrow and interview someone who knew these women. It's strange that they all used to work for the same company.
Lauren: What about now? I've got my car. I'll drive you there. I'll help you out with investigating, too. ;) >:)
Emma: (Sighs; looks at her watch) Maybe I can catch the offices before they close. I'll have to call Mike and tell him what I'm doing and that I'll be a little late, though. (Frowns) By the way, honey, where's the twins?
Lauren: I dropped them off with Grandma. ;)
Emma: Well, all right, but let me call Mike first...
Lauren: Actually, Em, you don't have to. When they said you were here, I mentioned that we'd probably go investigating, so they aren't expecting us back for a few hours.
Emma: (Reluctantly gathers her purse and notebook) Well...all right, if you say so... (she puts her hand on her stomach again)
Lauren: Great! *concentrates; a dark blue light, almost black, surrounds them; they disappear and reappear in the same room of the desert hide-out Lauren left from.*
Emma: What the...(pulls back when she sees Alex)...where are we? How...Micky? (Eyes widen as it hits her) You! It's you! The clone! (Turns to her friend) Lauren, what's going on? How did you do that? Shelia can't seduce you, and she's in jail!
Alex: *folds his arms* You're a quick one. *smirks* ;)
Lauren: *shakes her head* No, SHELIA can't seduce me...
*Alex's smirk turns evil.* >:)
Emma: But...but...I thought Micky took you out! You...(growls) YOU did something to Lauren! No wonder my stomach was acting up! (Crosses her arms) Don't even try it with me, pal. I love my husband, and I don't take kindly to skinny would-be devil lotharios trying to feel me up. (makes a face) How did you survive, anyway? We all saw you die!
Alex: *smirk falls; makes a face* That method is at the bottom of my list, thank you. *pauses; grins* Let’s just say I'm more like a cat than just in nickname. ;)
Emma: (Steps back) Where am I, and what do you want with me?
Alex: I want some information. As for where you are... *shrugs* you can guess until your face turns blue. I'm not saying. :P
Emma: You know I won't give you information, whatever it is.
Alex: Let’s see. I seem to recall hearing something about an interview you were supposed to have today?
Emma: (starts to pull back again, holding onto her purse and her notebook) What of it?
Alex: Oh, just that the other woman never showed up for that interview.
Emma: Why should that matter to you?
Alex: You were snooping around, doing "research." You KNOW you shouldn't stick your nose into things to don't involve you.
Emma: It DOES involve me! I was going to interview her! She stood me up, and I have a right to know why.
Alex: Maybe she just didn't want to be interviewed.
Emma: Good grief, her agent practically GUSHED about how eager she was to do this interview! It would be some major publicity for her! She was offered her own TV variety show!
Alex: Then perhaps she went to a different interview. You know, with a BETTER-KNOWN rag and interviewer. :P >:) ;)
Emma: (Narrows her eyes) No way! Her agent promised me an exclusive story for the Register! :p
Alex: I don't know. It sounds like you got shafted.
Emma: No, I think SHE got shafted. She's on the brink of a major role. She can't afford to pass up the publicity.
Alex: Then maybe it's a sign that you shouldn't get involved. After all, see where your RESEARCH brought you... ;) >:)
Emma: I have to find out what's going on! Damn it, Alex, if you do anything to me, Mike will feel it and come after you! X(
Alex: *eyes narrow* Do you REALLY think that will stop me? :P >:)
Lauren: Wait a minute, Alex...
Emma: It's gonna be hard to move when my husband's teeth are on your ass! X( :p
*Alex growls.*
Lauren: *pokes Alex* Down! X-(
*Alex makes a face and rubs his arm where he got poked, but doesn't say anything.* :P
Emma: I've gotta get outta here! Those women are in danger! (Narrows her eyes) I'll bet you had something to do with it! You must have seduced them, like you did Lauren!
Lauren: You're not leaving, Em.
Emma: Don't play that game with me, Lauren Miller Dolenz! X(
Lauren: You are NOT leaving here.
Emma: (Makes a face) You're gonna paralyze me or do something to my throat. That's what Shelia did to me when she had Mike and me at the Royale Theater. X( :p
Lauren: I might, if you annoy me enough.
Emma: Lauren, this isn't you. That's NOT your husband. Your husband is back in Malibu Beach, as is mine, and I'd like to go back there.
Lauren: *eyes narrow* No.
Emma: Lauren...
*Lauren concentrates on Emma. A dark blue light appears around her. Emma disappears. She reappears tied to a chair.*
Emma: (Looks at herself and roars) Lauren Miller Dolenz, what in the HELL are you doing? X( :P :o
Lauren: You annoyed me, Em. >:)
(Emma struggles angrily. Her purse and notebook lay on the floor.)
Lauren: *moves closer to the tied-up Emma* I don't LIKE to be annoyed. You MADE me do this!
Emma: No (nods at Alex), HE did! X(
Lauren: *shakes her head* No. Alex helped me see what I was missing. Now, Shelia would like some information from you. You WILL answer her.
(Emma tries to work her bound hands behind her back to get her communicator open.)
Emma: I'll do no such thing. Lauren, stop and THINK for a minute. This isn't you. You're my best friend. You'd never do this. (frowns) And where are the twins? Have you or Alex hurt them, too?
Lauren: *facial expression doesn't change* The twins are here, and they're just fine. And this IS me. The improved me. *pauses* You're REALLY annoying me now. I'm gonna have to start taking away the use of body parts. *concentrates and paralyzes Emma's hands* >:)
Emma: (Screams) Ahhhh....LAUREN! :o
Lauren: *slight smirk* You were trying to use the communicator. That wasn't very nice.
(Alex grins as he reaches over Emma's wrist and takes off her communicator, then picks up the purse and notebook and hands them to Lauren. ;) )
Emma: (Mutters) Darn it, that's the second communicator I've lost... :p
Lauren: *glances over the communicator, purse, and notebook* Shelia will like these items. I'll bet she can get some info from these.
Emma: You can read what I know in the notebook, if you must know at all. :p
Lauren: *places the items carefully on a coffee table* I'll leave that to Shelia. I'm not finished with you yet. You've annoyed me, and I will not put up with that.
Emma: Oh, please, Lauren. You sound ridiculous.
(Alex hands Lauren several dark silk scarves.)
Lauren: Oh, really? (Grins at the scarves) Hmm...a good idea. ;)
Alex: Why don't you make some use of these, too, my little Mother? ;)
Emma: (Narrows her eyes) What are you two doing? :p
Lauren: Yes, I believe I will.
*Lauren steps up next to Emma. She takes one of the scarves and winds it around Emma's eyes.*
Emma: Hey! What's going on? :o
Lauren: I've turned on the dark. ;) :P
Emma: That joke's getting really old. :p
Lauren: *kneels down and ties another scarf around Emma's ankles...tightly* Is it really?
Emma: (Winces) Ow... (makes a face) What do you two have in mind? (Shakes her head) Or maybe, given the way your minds work, I don't want to know. :p
Lauren: Hm. *concentrates and returns the feeling to Emma's hands, then binds one of the scarves around her wrists behind her back*
(Emma tries to struggle again, but the tight scarves coupled with the rope slows her movement.)
Emma: Darn it...gotta get loose somehow...
(Shelia enters as Alex and Lauren walk around Emma, deciding on other places to bind her with scarves. She wears a long black wig, a dark purple gypsy-type blouse, bell bottoms, and sandals.)
Shelia: I was feeling Cher-esque today. ;) (Her grin turns predatory when she sees Emma on the chair) Well, well, well, what do we have here? Hello (hiss), Scholar. Enjoying your greeting? >:)
Emma: No. :p
Lauren: She isn't being a very nice guest. :P
Shelia: Aw, now, why isn't she being a nice guest? ;)
Lauren: She's being annoying.
Emma: Possibly because I don't want to be here and wouldn't give you information if I were an encyclopedia. :p
Shelia: Have you played with her at all? ;)
Lauren: Just a little. Paralyzed her hands.
Shelia: She might be more willing to talk after a game or two. ;)
Emma: No way. X(
Lauren: *nods* Which one should we start with?
Shelia: Oh, your choice, Lauren dear. It's your first time. Alex can help you. ;)
Emma: (Roars) WHAT? :p :o
Alex: I particularly like the 'removing of the voice' game. ;) >:)
Lauren: Hmm...
Emma: No... (she tries to struggle, but the tight ropes and scarves hold her fast)
Lauren: It would be quieter in here. *moves closer to Emma once again, puts her fingers on her throat, and rubs; there's a small dark blue light*
(Emma shakes her head in anger. She opens her mouth to roar, but nothing comes out. She tries to struggle again.)
Lauren: Perhaps some more paralyzing...
(Emma shakes her head vehemently. :o )
Shelia: (Grins) Whatever you wish, dear. ;)
*Alex removes the scarf over Emma's eyes as Lauren concentrates. A dark blue light appears over the lower half of Emma's body.* >:)
(Emma's eyes widen. She opens her mouth to scream and tries to move her legs...but is unable to. :o )
Lauren: Now maybe you'll be more cooperative?
(Emma gulps...but gives her head a small shake.)
Lauren: Too bad. *concentrates again, this time paralyzing her from the neck down* >:)
(Emma opens her mouth to scream again, but is silent. Shelia beams proudly.)
Shelia: I've waited five hundred years to see the Scholar in this state. >:)
Lauren: Will you cooperate now?
(Emma's crying...but she still shakes her head. She looks helplessly at Lauren and mouths "Lauren, stop! Don't do this!")
Shelia: Perhaps another tactic is in order? ;)
Lauren: Yes. *concentrates once again; the dark blue light covers Emma's entire body; she disappears, but when the light fades, a golden brown kitten with gray eyes is left on the chair...in the same state of agony* >:)
Alex: *smiles proudly and evilly* Wow. >:) :D
(The curly-furred brown kitten looks up in horror and anger. She opens her mouth to bite Shelia, who reaches for her. Shelia immediately pulls her hand away, grumbling.)
Shelia: Alex, Lauren, do something about her damn teeth.
(Emma weakly sticks her little pink tongue out at Shelia. :p )
Lauren: I'll take care of it. *concentrates again; a muzzle appears over the kitten's nose and mouth*
(Tears appear in Emma's gray eyes as Lauren scoops the kitten into her arms.)
Lauren: Quite the docile little creature now, isn't she? >:)
Shelia: I love seeing her this way. >:)
Alex: As do I. ;)
>:)
(The kitten attempts to roll over in Lauren's hand and get away from her fingers.)
*Lauren keeps the kitten from rolling and gets her finger tips on the kitten's head. She begins to rub in small circles.*
(The small cat finally stops and lays in her hand, panting and motionless. Her stormy gray eyes are blank.)
Shelia: Yes...she is FAR preferable when she's docile like this. >:)
Alex: Excellent. >:)
Shelia: (Looks up at Lauren) You did exemplary work, my dear. And tomorrow, we'll give you a special treat. You can have your pick of the Huntress or the Aristocrat to bring to us...and then, you will bring us your husband. >:)
Lauren: *small, evil smile* Thank you. >:)
Alex: *quietly to Shelia* In the meantime, can I give her a extra special treat? ;) >:)
Shelia: Of course. Have fun. (Strokes Emma's head) Now, what shall we do with our little friend? ;)
Alex: Good question.
Shelia: I personally would like to see her dead, but we need her to lure the White Knight and their child.
Lauren: Can I keep her until then, in a cage, of course? >:)
Shelia: Why, yes, dear. Your reward for such fine work. She'll be YOUR pet. You could even make her a collar of her very own. ;)
Lauren: *makes a cage and collar appear* Thank you. *places the collar around the kitten's neck, then puts the kitten in the cage*
(Emma looks helplessly from the three to the door.)
Shelia: Now that you've had your fun, why don't we all get something to eat...(small grin) then concentrate on other things? ;)
Alex: Great idea! I'm starved! *quietly, adds* In more ways than one. ;) >:)
(Lauren continues to stroke Emma's head in the cage with a small, evil smile on her face as she follows Alex and Shelia out the door. ;) >:) )