South Of Bikini 3- Dreams, Realms, And New Beginnings free porn video

The changes continue for Alex and friends as their lives seem to be intertwining uncontrollably. Details of the Empress' last mission begin to emerge. Terra's new era finally and truly begins. Episode 4 "Dreams, Realms, and New Beginnings" Waking from my slumber, I turned over and stretched, taking in the smooth, clean feel of the sheets. The light of the new day flooding into the room silhouetted my sleep companion. My arm automatically wrapped around the warm figure lying beside me as I turned. Slowly, cautiously, so as to not to disturb, I pressed myself closer. I was in heaven the last few days and right now I was content in sharing my bed with the one person that made that possible. That person now began to stir. "Good morning, did you sleep well?" "Better than I have in months," I replied and felt my smile brighten. "I had a good time the past two nights, my love- it's been such a long time." "You made it that much better," I complimented. "So...what's on tap for today?" "I have two high-level meetings to attend today. I'm afraid I'll be gone for most of the day, my love, I'm sorry." "Well...I guess it can't be helped, we all have our jobs to do. What time should I expect you tonight?" I asked as I kissed the warm shoulder beside me. "You tell me." Internally, I asked myself that very question. "1800hrs," I whispered as I kissed the shoulder again. "I thought you said you're not in the military anymore! Why can't you just say six o'clock?" "What fun would that be?" I giggled, quietly placing yet another kiss on that wonderful shoulder. "You keep that up and I might just change my mind!" "So what would be so wrong with that?" I purred. "I have to get up and get ready, my love." "Oh, all right," I pouted. "I guess I should get up too then." I begrudgingly pulled the covers back, rolled myself out of bed, and stood up slowly. Boy did I feel sore! Everything from my lips down felt like I had just run a marathon. "You really don't have to get up just yet. Lie back down and try to get some more sleep, you need your rest." "Can't I see you out at least?" I pleaded. "Are you feeling alright? You seem different lately." "Aside from being sore all over, I've never felt better. What makes you think something is wrong?" I asked as I stretched again, glancing down at my body- everything looked the same to me. "Something seems different." "Honest...I couldn't feel better. I'm fine." No, Alex, you look shorter." "That's crazy, Emily," I said as my wife walked around the bed and stood before me. "You were taller last night, Alex. I'd say you lost two inches. Before, I looked right at your Adams' apple, now...now I'm almost even with your lower lip." "Get out of here. I thought only older people started to shrink." "The Empress said this would happen, Alex, or were you not listening?" "I just didn't think it would happen, Em. I mean...its impossible right?" I asked still not believing what I'd been told she proposed. "Define 'impossible' since Alexandra Reilly suddenly appeared in your hospital room, Alex. Who would believe six young women appearing out of thin air? Especially two that claim you're their mother!" "I have no viable explanation for those women, Emily- or Connie Cummins, for that matter," I replied, shaking my head a few times. "Looks like you need a haircut too. You're looking a bit shaggy in the back, dear." My hand automatically reached for the back of my head and combed the hair it found, out. It did feel longer- maybe a half an inch more than yesterday. I stopped instantly as I thought about what I just felt. Could it really be true? "You don't think..." I paused to take a breath. "That I really am...changing...do you?" I gulped. "From what I'm seeing this morning, Alex...possibly?" Emily said as she cringed slightly. Her hand went to the back of my head and I felt her fingers comb through my hair. "It's definitely longer, honey. It even feels smoother." My wife thought for a minute. "Come over by the window, dear. I want to see something," she said as she took my hand and began to pull me. She stopped me a few feet from the window and opened the curtains a little to let more sunlight in. Moving between the window and me, she began her appraisal, paying close attention to my hair. She grimaced once again. "What? What's wrong?" I asked as Emily's expression turned sad. "Your hair isn't just longer, Alex, it's lighter in color too." "You have got to be kidding me!" I grumbled in disbelief. "Honey, there's almost no gray left up there. It's like the grays are changing to a dark blonde." "Like Alexandra's?" I gasped. Emily nodded slowly a few times. "Like the Empress'." "This is crazy!" I shouted and smacked my fist down on our dresser as I passed it. "Ouch!" I exclaimed as it came into contact with something sharp. "Great! That's just great!" I groused, observing a new cut in the fleshy part of my right palm. Already blood was appearing from it. "What did you do?" Emily asked as she hurried over and grabbed my arm. Looking at the injury quickly, she looked into my eyes. "That was very out of character for you, dear. Don't worry though; I'll take care of it," she said as she quickly kissed my self-inflicted wound. "There, kissed it all better, dear." "I'm not six years old, Emily," I said flatly. "No, but I fixed it for you just the same. See, it...it already stopped bleeding?" We both stared at my hand and watched in astonishment as the wound started to slowly disappear! "Wow! I wish I could do that, Alex!" "It shouldn't have done that, Emily! There is no way it should heal that fast! It isn't normal!" I cried in fear. "And your broken legs healing completely in only six days was, Alex?" "I wish I could repair myself like that! Maybe we could have been parents if I could have..." Emily said sadly as a few tears ran down her cheeks. "Honey, I'm sorry," I started, looking into her wonderful green eyes. "I didn't mean to stir things up again, it's just that...well...I never expected for this to happen...I don't want this to happen!" I pulled her to me. "I'd much rather it happened to you! At least you would finally be...um, feel whole again." We held each other for a few minutes before Emily broke our embrace. "I have to get ready for work, dear. Why don't you go back to bed for another hour or two?" "I'd rather get up. I'll fix us some breakfast and coffee then maybe I'll go for a morning run. I haven't done that since..." "Okay. Fine, you fix breakfast while I get ready! I don't want you pushing yourself too hard! Do you understand me, Alexander Fredrick Steinert?" "Yes, ma'am! Don't overdo it," I laughed as I stood to attention. She gave me a strange look before walking into our bathroom. "It smells good down here, Alex. Are those pancakes I smell?" Emily asked as she entered our kitchen. "I thought I'd do something special for my wonderful wife." "Are you sure you feel okay, Alex? I didn't think you liked pancakes that much," Emily asked as I placed a steaming stack in front of her along with a bottle of syrup. I spun around and fetched the margarine from the fridge and placed it next to the maple syrup. "I told you I feel fine, Emily. Just because I made pancakes doesn't mean I've suddenly become a different person!" "Maybe not, but it seems strange that you would make something that we haven't had in months," My wife accused. "And just when did you start wearing an apron when you cook? I didn't think you knew how to make anything other than pizza, hamburgers, or tacos." "I always knew how, Em! You just cook better than me," I answered before turning my attention back to the hot skillet. "These are good!" Emily commented upon taking her first bite. "Thank you. I'm glad y'all like 'em," I responded. "Are you going to eat, Alex?" "After I'm done cooking; I don't want you to be late." "I won't be late, dear. I have plenty of time. A funny feeling came over me as I worried she just might be anyway. "I know. You'll get there with four minute to spare. You might want to turn off at Stephens and take Boggs to get around the accident though." "What did you just say?" Emily was staring at me intently now. Her fork had somehow dropped and bounced on her plate. "I said you'll get there in plenty of time, just watch the accident on twelfth. What did you think I said?" "How could you possibly know about some accident when neither of us has watched the news this morning, Alex?" "I..." I didn't know! How did I know that? Looking down at the floor, I wondered. Was I really changing? That much? "Maybe Alexandra Reilly will show up so we can get some answers, Alex. She told us about the changes, remember?" "I'm not even sure she's still here, Emily. We haven't seen any evidence of her in almost two weeks. I mean...where is she staying? Why hasn't she been in contact with us?" I told her. "She did say she traveled through time, dear. Maybe she just jumped ahead in time." "I still don't believe it!" I exclaimed. Emily retrieved her purse. Digging through it, she produced her compact. "Then maybe you'll believe this," she said as she held the mirror in front of me. I was flabbergasted! "I look like I'm still in high school," I muttered. "Convinced yet, honey? Mirrors don't lie! You look just like you did in our wedding pictures! Now do you believe, Alex Steinert?" Emily taunted. "Stop it!" I shouted. "Stop this insanity, Emily! I am not becoming this Empress! I refuse to even talk anymore on the subject!" I ranted, slamming down my fist on the table. It went right through it! I quickly caught my balance and stared at my still clinched fist. "How..." "How indeed, Alexander," a woman's voice said from behind us- over by the stove. "Empress!" Emily gasped in surprise. "Hello, sister. He's still as stubborn as I remember?" She asked, greeting my wife. I found it strange she referred to Emily as her 'sister'. "Emily, Alex was indeed correct in his foresight. There will be a multi- vehicular involvement along your normal transit route. A detour is advised." "Thank you, Empress." Emily bowed slightly to this woman that just...just...appeared in our kitchen. "I will be leaving for work now. Make sure Alex doesn't go traveling to another world on his own, okay?" "That will not happen until her gift has reached full maturity, sis." "Her? I'm not there yet, hun!" I growled. "I still got a good bit to go!" "Not for long," Reilly muttered quietly as she raised one eyebrow to me. "Will it happen that quickly, Empress?" my wife asked, egging the woman on. "You saw how fast his body repaired itself earlier. The Nanos have reached optimum concentration, sis. They're just waiting for the proper trigger now." "There's a trigger? What is it so I can keep my husband longer, Empress?" Emily asked sounding excited. "Normally within eight hours of receiving the trigger the transformation is complete" The Empress lowered her head and her voice. "Tell me what the trigger is, Empress, I beg you! Let me keep my husband a while longer...please?" Reilly stayed motionless for a moment with her eyes closed. "I'm afraid I'm mistaken, sis! The trigger has already been encountered! The nanos deposited by our sister, Alexandra's, arrival have been activated prematurely. There is no stopping the Mahanilui." "But you said..." "Look, ah had no design parameters to account for Gamma radiation bursts while immersed in a temporal stream!" Alexandra Reilly growled out in anger. Emily and I both stared at her as we tried to make sense of what she had just said. I suddenly felt lightheaded and closed my eyes for a second hoping it would pass. Opening them back up, I stared into my wife's sad face. "What's the matter?" I asked as she slowly shook her head. "What do you mean 'what's the matter'? Don't you remember what you just said?" Emily asked as she sniffed back a few tears. She wiped them from her face as she waited for me to answer. "I didn't say anything, honey! I felt a little lightheaded and closed my eyes for a second. How much could I possibly say in just a second?" I objected. "Alex, we've been talking to you for five whole minutes!" "Emily, we were talking to our sister, Alexandra, for five whole minutes," Alex Reilly interrupted. "What am I- possessed?" I asked in astonishment. "Um...sort of...not really," Reilly admitted with a tense sort of smile. "Remember how your science teacher claimed that two bodies can't occupy the same space at the same time?" Alex Reilly waited for our answer- none came. "Alexandra Steinert has again broken the laws of physics and found a way to do just that! I believe her mind and your mind, Alexander, now occupy the same space. It could be years before I would venture to hypothesize any viable theory on this phenomenon," Reilly suddenly looked at my wife. "Emily, if you are to arrive at work at the desired time, you must leave now. Today is a pivotal day in your career and you must attend both meetings in order to continue this time stream. I will take good care of our sister, I assure you," She told her. "I will now go retrieve our sisters from the hospital two weeks ago while you bid your husband goodbye." "You mean HE won't be here when I return tonight?" Emily cried in despair. "What? No. Is it not customary to kiss goodbye before leaving for employment?" "Well...yes." "Then I'll leave y'all some privacy so y'all kin kiss, hun! Or would y'all like me ta stay an' watch?" "We'll take the few minutes, ma'am," I answered as I took Emily into my arms. I didn't see the Empress disappear. "Will you be okay, Alex? I'm worried that you just might be gone when I come home tonight," Emily asked, as she looked deep into my eyes. "I'll do my best to wait for you, dear. What did the other Alex say before anyway?" "she said she was sorry for causing all these problems. she said she never intended to hurt you or us. Alex, I know this sounds strange, but I feel sorry for her! She seems like such a nice woman." "Did you think to tell her I want my body back- that I don't want to become a woman?" "She claims she doesn't know how she got here or why she can't leave, honey. I suspect she holds herself responsible for everything that has happened- both here and in her own universe." "So you tell her it's not her fault and to just go home!" "It's not so cut and dry, Alex!" Emily growled at me. "She holds herself personally responsible. She has to forgive herself! It's not that easy!" "Why not?" "I guess you'll have to figure that out too, Alex! I'll see you tonight, dear," Emily said cryptically as she kissed my cheek and turned for the door. Had I missed something? I watched as Emily's car backed out of our driveway. I waved from our front door as she drove out of sight. It was only seven-thirty. I decided that another cup of coffee was needed and headed back to the kitchen. "Good morning, Alexander." "Hi, mom." "Hello Empress." "Greetings, Mr. Steinert." It is good to see you again, director. Well, sort of, I guess...but you aren't really the director are you...not yet, anywa..." "Cami!" Five women chorused. "What! It's been a long day and we haven't had anything to eat in a while. I'm not thinking correctly." "Six plates of hot cakes coming right up. It's going to take a little time though, ladies," I said as I placed my plate of four in front of the one called Camille. "Eat up, sweetheart." I spent the next half hour cooking for six strange women that just appeared in my kitchen. Another half hour was used to convince 'Alexandra' Steinert to return home. I remembered it all, so apparently she never made an appearance. My doorbell rang at nine sharp. Checking the peephole, I saw young Constance Cummins standing outside the front door. She had a sullen look on her face as if she really didn't want to be here! Why was she at my door? I didn't think I had ever given Jack my home address. Her face immediately went from sullen to cheery as I opened the door. "Oh...um...hi," she said in a very shy, but cheerful voice, "Is your dad home?" "I'm Alexander Steinert, Constance. What brings you to my door?" I asked in annoyance. "Oh...hi, Mr. Steinert, can I come in, please?" she responded looking suddenly dejected. "Aren't you supposed to be in counseling, Connie?" I asked as the young, formerly rebellious girl smiled at me nervously. "I...I kinda felt like I needed to be here, sir- like it had something to do with my future!" "Ah...Back to the Future 3. I get it," I replied rolling my eyes. "What's that?" she asked innocently. "Come on in, Constance Cummins, we've been expecting you," Alex Reilly called from the kitchen, as I was about to explain. I silently dropped my hand from the door, moved aside, and gestured for her to come in. "I came as soon as I could, Empress," Connie said as we walked into the room. She stared at the other women enjoying the fruits of my labor. "Here," I said as I handed her a plate with the three leftover hot cakes that I had just microwaved to warm back up. Her smile was thanks enough as the one called Samantha stood and offered her a seat at the table. "I guess your base character is the same in any universe, huh, mom?" Samantha said politely. "Ma and Pa made sure Brian and I were taught never to turn anyone away hungry." "Mr. Steinert, you've changed a lot since I saw you last," Connie said between forkfuls. "You look like you're about my age now." "I'm still forty-eight, hun- despite my appearance- so no funny stuff," I warned. Thinking about that fact for a moment, I wondered if I should ask the supposed authority in the room. "So how long do I have, ma'am?" I turned to Alex Reilly. "That depends on Alexandra, Alex. If she stays locked inside that thick head you now share, a few days at most. If she comes to her senses, forgives herself, and leaves quickly, you will be the reigning Empress of this universe in under two weeks." "So I have no choice?" I asked, summing it up in one sentence. "We always have choices, hun. What exactly we choose defines our future. From personal experience, being the Empress isn't so bad though, Alex. The things we will see and do are simply mind-boggling!" "Mom, the people that the Empress meets and helps number in the thousands. I have the pictures to prove it." Samantha took a turn to respond. "Mother, we meet our husbands because of you. None of that would happen if you hadn't become her," Cassandra continued. "I wouldn't have realized my gift had you not come to Reilly, Alex Steinert. I certainly wouldn't have my precious daughter right now," Camille said as she looked lovingly to Cassiopeia. "The continuance of those residing on Terra stood no chance as a species if you hadn't come, M'lady," Cassiopeia added as she bowed her head. "I certainly wouldn't be here now, Empress. Because of you I have been given a second chance- a chance to atone for my former life- the chance to start anew- to have a real family." The one called Alusia wiped a tear from her eye as she paused a second. "A chance to know love, friendship, and kindness." "You're forgetting that I'm not Alexandra," I reminded them. "Not yet, anyway," I added in a whisper as I looked away from them and down at myself. Despite having just eaten, my pants felt looser than when I put them on this morning and my belt was already in the last hole. "Y'all are such a hardhead, Alexandra Steinert! Jus forgive yerself an fig'er out how ta get you an' Connie home so ah kin get some shut-eye! Damn yer stub'ern, woman!" Alex Reilly shouted out in annoyance. "Aunt Alex, how long has it been since you slept?" Samantha asked after the outburst. Reilly thought for a moment. "Near as ah kin tell, 'bout thirty-six hours, Sam." "I can confirm that, Sam. She hasn't reclined in well over thirty-six hours. The director shows signs of extreme fatigue and requires a rest cycle," Camille said as she lifted Alex Reilly's collar to reveal a small red indicator flashing at a very rapid rate. "I ain't gonna rest til mah sister's safe at home!" Why did I feel a tear run down my face? Was it from the loyalty these women were showing for their leader? Dedication? Friendship? "Look, all of you can crash here if you'd like. I'm sure Emily would insist that you stay though we only have one spare bedroom and a home office with a futon. I'll just text her and let her know you all will be here," I suggested. "You would open your home to six unknown women without a thought?" Alusia questioned. "It's called hospitality, sweetheart. Something you never learned in Poland the first time around," I said and immediately looked around for the source of my last sentence! The young woman's face fell then perked up into a smile! "Why did I say that?" I asked no one in particular. "You didn't, Alexander," Alex Reilly smiled to me. "I would like to rest now, Mr. Steinert." "This way," I said in confusion and led her upstairs to our spare bedroom. "I'm sorry for the pastel pink on the walls, ma'am, I hope you don't mind. We were hoping to fill this room before Emily found out she..." I paused to push that memory back. "The bed isn't the most comfortable- I prefer something harder, myself," I told her. "I usually fix lunch around twelve-thirty when I work from home. Don't feel obligated- I'd rather you get some rest. Dinner will be..." I thought about tonight's meal and it's time. "Baked salmon, rice pilaf, and Garlic roasted potatoes at six o'clock. Don't worry, I'll have plenty for everyone, ma'am." "Y'all are learnin' ta use yer gift, Alex- ah'm impressed. Now all's Alexandra needs to do is r'lize she needs ta go home." "Ma'am, you really should get some rest now. You're starting to sound like someone from the eastern shore of the Mississippi," I suggested gently. "Oak Ridge, Missoura is west of the mighty miss, hun!" "I know that. I was born there." "And I know almost everything you know, hun," she said before a big yawn escaped her mouth. I was taken by surprise when her white naval uniform suddenly changed into a pair of flannel pajamas! These people certainly had some fantastic technology! "Sleep tight, Empress," I told her quietly as I pulled down the covers and waited for the mysterious woman to lie down before pulling them back up. "Your Empress fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow," I announced as I reached the first floor. "Why is she pushing herself so hard?" "We'd all do it for you mom- every last one of us- without question," Samantha answered. "Could you not call me 'Mom' please? I already have a lot on my mind and that term crosses the line," I advised. "We really don't need to rush things." "I'm sorry, but I can't help see the similarities between you and our mom, Alexander. Because of the Empress, we've already met you. I guess some things could be called constants in any dimension or any of the known universes." I stared at her for a minute or two trying to comprehend her statement. I always had trouble with books and movies that employed the whole time travel, paradox thing. "If anyone else would like to rest, I could pull out the futon up in the office," I offered after I decided to step away from that subject. "You'll get the hang of it in time, Alex. You seem to be, as you define it, a fast learner. When your gift develops completely you'll see," Camille reassured me. I wasn't sure I wanted to be reassured just now! "You'll do fine and I'm just returning the favor, Alex." She giggled. "Did you just read my mind?" I asked in alarm realizing that I hadn't said a word to the woman. 'Of course I did, Alex.' I heard as she smiled at me. Her mouth never formed a word. "Do you always...um...invade her privacy, Camille?" I asked out of curiosity. "I wouldn't be a good assistant if I couldn't anticipate what you asked of me, Alex." "Mr. Steinert, I'm sorry for whatever I did, sir," Connie Cummins said suddenly out of the blue. "It wasn't you, hun, I shouldn't have asked everyone to keep such important details from you," I heard myself say. I had no idea why I said it though as I'd been thinking of asking her how she liked my pancakes! "Empress?" She asked tilting her head at me. "I'm sorry. I must be getting tired too. For the life of me, I can't understand why I just said that, Constance." "Maybe we're finally breaking through, mom," Cassandra giggled. I glared at the woman. "Or not," she added flatly as her smile deflated. Cassandra then walked over to me and stared into my eyes. I felt that if I closed them or looked away she would somehow hurt me! 'She's not the one you have to worry about hurting you, Alex,' I heard Camille say. I really wasn't sure anyone else heard her though. "Why do you have to be so damn stubborn, mom?" Cassandra said, bringing my attention back to those beautiful green eyes still staring deeply into my soul. I gulped hard as I blinked! "OOOOHH!" Cassandra growled in exasperation. "How's it feel to get it right back, big sis?" Samantha asked her sister. "You really shouldn't talk, little sister!" "Perhaps I can reach the Empress," Alusia suggested as she stepped up to me. The girl barely made it to my shoulders and so she had to look up at an uncomfortable angle. "How about I sit down to make it easier on you, sweetheart?" I asked looking around to find a seat on the living room furniture. "Thank you, Empress that is most kind of you." "So...what do you intend to do- Vulcan mind-meld, Jedi mind trick?" I reappraised her and suddenly noticed her Mediterranean traits. "Maybe Tarot cards or a Crystal ball?" "Please do not make light of my Egyptian heritage, Empress. I happen to owe quite a bit to Pharaoh and his family. He values his grandnephew and nieces as would any other family patriarch." "Pharaoh?" I asked in surprise. "Alusia is joined with the nephew of Pharaoh Khufu, Alex. She has two children waiting for her back home in Memphis," Camille informed me with some attitude- as if having done it many times. "Three, Camille. Little Lusius will be two this..." She paused as if thinking, "This January." "Memphis? As in Memphis, Egypt?" "Duh! That's why you're called the Empress of Space and Time, mom!" Cassie clucked sarcastically. I gave her a stern glare! "Oh ya, I know that look!" She giggled. I continued my glare for a minute more before looking back to the petite, black -haired, beauty standing in front of me. "So...what are you going to do, honey?" "I am going to try using the special communication link between us to contact Alexandra Steinert. By establishing and holding that link open we were successful in locating you in this universe. It just requires concentration on my part. You may just sit and relax," She told me with a nervous smile. "Okay, let 'er rip!" I said, shrugging my shoulders. Her eyes closed and her face began to flush as she concentrated on...whatever. Suddenly images of places I had only seen in World War Two documentaries began flashing in my mind! Men dressed in Nazi uniforms, Old German Army trucks, and some mysterious looking cavern with what looked like a space capsule at its center! More pictures flashed into my mind: What looked like refugees being herded into dreary looking buildings; more Nazis; the inside of some futuristic looking control room; a blonde man grabbing at his throat as if being choked around the neck! An image of a full on nuclear explosion then filled my mind- complete with deafening surround sound! Alusia seemed to stagger as that last image appeared! "Empress, you do not play fair!" she said wagging her finger at me. "I am only trying to help. Please allow me to help you mistress- like you helped me so many years ago." "Honest, I didn't do anything, ma'am! Where did all of that come from? Was she really back in 1940's Poland?" I asked in confusion. "That is where I was originally from, yes. The Empress and her companions arrived at the secret research base where I thought I was helping the Germans develop fantastic new weapons to defeat the Allies." "You're a Nazi?" I said in alarm. "No...I was forced to work for them." "From what I remember, you wanted to kill us, hun!" I blurted out as my hand instantly came up to cover my mouth. Alusia stared at me on the verge of tears. "I'm sorry for that outburst!" I apologized. "I don't know what's wrong with me lately." "May I try again, Empress?" Alusia asked politely. "I'm not the one stoppin' you, sweetheart. Try as much as y'all like- I won't fight you," I said smiling at her. "Cami could you and Cassi assist me, please?" She asked her two sisters. "Hey, if you want to bit-bang into that head of hers, you need everyone's help, honey!" Cassandra said as she and Samantha joined hands with the string of three other women. "You'll need all the power we got to get through that Steinert stubbornness!" I noticed Constance join hands also. Thank you, sisters! Empress, I will now try again. Do not be afraid." Images again filled my mind. Images of a building- a research building. The machinery housed there was fantastic! Women of every nationality and size walked along its halls! Camille and Alusia's faces appeared. Alusia seemed to be floating and grasping at her throat as in the images I saw before! Pain filled my mind! Intense, focused pain! Pain that radiated through my whole body! Twice I felt it! It felt like I had died! Images of a desert faded in as the others faded out. All around me the desert was filled with people looking for something- waiting for something. Samantha and Cassandra appeared. I suddenly felt warmth fill me- a feeling of extreme pride and loving respect. Ma and Pa were suddenly there too! Another woman that could have been a younger sister of mine appeared with them! Brie. Brie was her name! I suddenly missed my sister! A woman that looked similar to Constance appeared, dressed in an old naval uniform! She pointed to a submarine. It looked brand new. On the ship...boat, women waited on its deck watching me...watching me! Once again I felt filled with pride- pride in my crew! Another woman entered my mind! This one looking like Samantha and Cassandra's younger sister. She wore a long, tight, golden dress and had her hair pinned up with chopsticks in some exotic looking up do. Again the feeling of pride overwhelmed me! Connie appeared dressed in a similar looking, long silver dress. She had tears in her eyes and looked to have been crying for a while. She held her hands out to me as if calling me to her She looked so distraught! The scenery changed around the two of us, becoming barren and inhospitable. Connie's face became angry. It felt as if the very air around us became filled with static electricity! Small sparks of light began to appear around us! The very earth we stood on began to vibrate then shake! Connie began to glow! The small sparks began building and dancing around us faster and more furious as the ground shook harder! Connie began to glow brighter and more intense! I started to fear for this woman- her power, I felt, becoming unstable. The sunlight from overhead began to dim until Connie was the sole light source now, yet she only became brighter! I could feel the heat- the pure energy building in her! There was a flash of intense, blinding light and everything went dark for a second. "Alex? Alex, honey can you hear me? It's Emily, Alex. Come back to us dear, please come back?" I opened my eyes to see our bedroom. Seven beautiful women stood around me looking very concerned. Was I in heaven? "Welcome back, Alex. A strange but familiar voice greeted as I blinked my eyes a few times. "How..." My throat felt dry. It cracked as I spoke. "How did I get here? Last thing I remember, I was sitting on the couch and this woman...um... was trying to...um..." I reached up and rubbed my forehead. "What was she doing again?" I asked drawing a complete blank. "Great, she hit the reset button again!" A woman looking like Emily's sister sighed and shook her head. I didn't understand what that meant and I think I stared at her for a minute. "Alex, are you okay? I mean...can you move everything alright?" Emily asked from my close right. "Ya, I can move everything. Why wouldn't I?" Again my voice cracked as I spoke. "What's wrong with my voice? Why y'all lookin' at me that way?" I asked seeing all the long faces. "Alex, you've been out for two days," my wife informed me. "Two days? How...Why..." I again rubbed my head. "What?" I tried to sit up and suddenly felt strange. Things felt wrong. Without hesitation, I began looking at my hands. They looked different. "Alex, you've changed some more," Emily told me sadly. She began to cry. "Mirror!" I demanded as I fought to swing my legs out from under the sheets. Emily and that strange woman- Alexandra Reilly I think was her name- helped me to my feet then walked me over to the full size mirror by our bedroom door. Even walking felt strange! Had I only been out for two days and not longer? I was now almost the same height as Emily...and, I noted, the same exact height as Alexandra Reilly. My hair was almost down to my collar and now matched the strange woman standing beside me. I looked like a sophomore in high school! My knees went slack and I felt two arms stiffen to hold me up. "Let's get her back on the bed, Emily," Alex Reilly suggested. "Her?" I shrieked. My hands immediately went south to investigate. I sighed in triumph. It was still there. Sort of. I started to cry. I don't know how long I cried, but Constance Cummins suddenly appeared at the door. "Excuse me, but can any of you tell me why or how I got here?" Everyone turned to look. "Oh, hi Mrs. Steinert. Is this your house?" Constance asked looking very confused. "Um...how did I get here, ma'am?" She asked innocently again, rubbing her head several times. "From what I've been told you arrived here two days ago, Constance. Your mom and dad have been informed and will be here after work. You've been unconscious in the spare room since then, sweetie. Alexandra Reilly turned back to me looking very sad. "Sis, this can't go on much longer. Irreparable damage may result if the hosts continue to be forcibly reset internally. Look at the damage already done to this Alexander Steinert!" She pulled out her compact mirror and held it before me. "Mr. Steinert, is that you?" Connie asked as she stared in my direction. "You look almost like Mrs. Steinert's sister! Or like Alex Reilly's twin!" "Don't remind me, hun," I groused, unable to stop admiring myself in the small mirror. "Your voice has changed too," she added. I shook my head a few times and for some reason started to cry again! "Mrs. Steinert, did you color your hair or something? It looks nice," I heard Connie ask of my wife. "No sweetie, I haven't done a thing but wash and brush it, why?" "You look younger, ma'am," I heard her say. I immediately looked up at my wife- really looked at her. "You did color your hair!" I exclaimed. Alex Reilly closed her eyes momentarily and sighed. "No I didn't! I haven't colored my hair in four years, Alex- you know that!" Emily protested. Emily and I instantly glared at Alex Reilly. Again she closed her eyes and sighed. "Emily, if you could lend some clothes to Alex then we can talk down in the living room. Ladies, let's give them some privacy," she said as she stood up and motioned for everyone but Emily to follow. "Why would you need to lend me some clothes? My pajamas seem to fit fine again." "Alex those are a pair of my sleep pants and its matching top you have on," she said quietly. "Empress, what are your sizes?" Emily asked before Alex Reilly left the room. I instinctively closed my eyes and hopefully my ears so as not to hear. On opening them both women, my wife and Alex Reilly, were staring at me! I gulped. "Oh, Alex," she sniffed, "you're a perfect junior's size eleven-twelve." "Okay...so? So what's wrong with what I have on?" "You need other things, Alex. You can't walk around in my PJ's all day," My wife looked down at the floor. "Besides, you need underwear that fits: socks, panties, bra..." "WHAT?" I shouted then quickly pulled the top of my shirt out and looked down. "Shit." "It's not that bad, dear. You'll get use to them." I stared at my wife for some time as she opened a few drawers and placed some of her things beside me. I couldn't believe I had changed so much! With my wife's help, patience, and perseverance, we finally arrived downstairs. "You look nice, Alex," Alex Reilly complimented as we reached the bottom of the stairs. "I feel like a freak," I grumbled. I dared not make eye contact with anyone in the room. Emily guided me over to the loveseat and helped me sit down. "So, I've been infected also?" she asked as I just stared at the floor in front of me. "What makes you think this is an infection, Emily?" Alex Reilly asked my wife. There was a long pause. "I'm...I'm not sure. I just...just feel that it...it might become that," Emily stuttered out her answer. "Alex, I think you look cute. You should be proud to be the Empress," Alusia, I think her name was, said as she walked over and touched my shoulder gently. "If it's any consolation, I know exactly how you feel." "You feel it is an infection?" Alex Reilly prompted my wife. "Do you have any experience in medicine, sister?" "I once wanted to be a nurse, Empress. I work at a medical equipment company. Does that count?" "Emily Scott-Steinert, do you know the occupation of your counterpart in our universe?" "According to that strange Sci-Fantasy, a doctor, Empress." "Can you guess her gift, hun?" Reilly pressed further. Emily closed her eyes for a moment. "A medical forecaster?" she asked, unsure of her answer. "Alexandra Steinert's sister Emily is indeed a medical seer, sister- though she shares the family penchant for phasing- something she has not realized yet." "Aunt Emily can phase?" the one I think was called Cassandra choked out. "Like we can?" Her sister, Samantha gasped. "As can all members of the royal family- whether they realize it or not," Reilly confessed. "Billie Sangiere too, Aunt Alex?" Samantha asked excitedly. "Yes, but no one here shall reveal anything they have heard to her! Our sisters must discover their hidden talents all on their own," Alex Reilly answered at a lower volume. "So I can disappear like you, Empress?" Emily asked with the excitement of a child! "Once developed, yes." "I'd like to disappear right about now," I grumbled to myself. "Empress!" Alusia whispered conspiratorially as she stood next to me. I looked up to her wondering why she was pointing to me. "Oh my God, where did Alex go?" Emily cried in alarm! "I'm still right here, dear," I replied in annoyance. I wasn't clear on what sort of game they had planned for me. "Empress, where did my husband go? What did you do with him?" she continued to cry out in alarm. "I said I'm right here, Em," I said louder as I waved my hand vigorously. No one flinched or even paid attention! "I'm right here next to Alusia!" I shouted and waved my hand at her. It went right through her! I gasped in fright! What was going on? What was wrong with me? "Alexander, before you lose consciousness, I suggest you think about rephasing back into this reality, hun," Alex Reilly recommended calmly. She and her 'sisters' appeared totally unconcerned. "He can do that, Empress?" Emily questioned. "We're lucky she only thought about disappearing and not going back to before this all happened," Alex said casually. "Why? What would happen then?" My wife asked. "Nothing would change. Nothing at all. The Empress would still arrive in this universe and you would still become sisters, Emily. Alex, you can rephase now, hun, you've proven your gift has activated. Cami, be a dear and turn on the video entertainment display. Channel five point one, please." Did I really want to reappear- even if I really could control this? I decided to try and thought about reappearing. "Ah, welcome back sister," Alex Reilly said without even looking my way. "I trust you now believe what I have been saying?" "How did I do that?" "Every Empress must figure that out for herself, hun. We all do things just a little bit differently." "Breaking News this hour from University Memorial Hospital. Here with the story is Reporter Michelle Simonetti. Michelle?" "Yes, Richard, I'm here in front of University Memorial Hospital where earlier today CDC officials presented a warrant with local police for the arrest and questioning of a Dr. Reilly Reilly. Dr. Reilly is wanted in connection with several disappearances here over the last few weeks and is suspected of conducting unapproved experimental procedures on some of her patients- some of whom are among the missing. Topping the list is seventeen year-old Constance Cummins, a senior at Martin Luther King High School. Ms. Cummins, a recent paraplegic due to a failed suicide attempt disappeared several days ago from her hospital room where she was to undergo psychological appraisal for the attempt." "A nurse working at this hospital, one Cynthia Riggby, has also gone missing as has Dr. Reilly herself and three assistants, Biophysics students Cassandra and Samantha Fleming, both relations to the doctor, and Randall Peltierre, a computer technologies student." "If anyone has seen Dr. Reilly or any of her associates please call local authorities immediately." "Michelle, has there been any sort of discussion about the kinds of experimental procedures Dr. Reilly has been developing?" "Richard, as of this report the only thing the CDC would say is that potentially infectious organisms are suspected and if not properly disposed of, could be detrimental to the population. That's all we've learned for now." "Okay, thanks for that report, Michelle. Keep us up to date." "I will. Back to you in the studio, Richard." "That was Michelle Simonetti at University Memorial Hospital. Moving along to other local news. FCC authorities are still mystified as to the origins of an underground Fantasy-Drama being broadcast on our sub channel five point four. The FCC is investigating the mysterious program that had blanked our normally broadcast programming for two weeks. Investigators could not comment on observations and theories that the program was recorded locally. Although not pornographic in content, the program conflicted with legally licensed programming scheduled for broadcast in the affected time slots." "Today the state house continued to debate the controv..." The television suddenly turned itself off! And there was a commotion in the kitchen! "Something sounded like it fell over out there!" I whispered. Before I could get up, Alex Reilly raised her hand to stop any movement. "Cami, please bring our intruder to us," she said calmly. "Put me down!" a woman's voice screamed. A disheveled Dr. Reilly floated into the living room about a foot off the floor. She was fighting and kicking at the air trying to get away. "Let me go! I'm innocent! I didn't kill anyone!" she continued to shout. "Come join the party, Dr. Reilly," Alex Reilly said with a devious smile. The doctor continued to fight the unseen force holding her and suddenly went horizontal, rising another two feet in the air! "Come now Reilly, we won't hurt you. You entered this house uninvited and not the other way around. Refrain from your attempts at escape and tell us what has happened." "Mother!" Dr. Reilly hissed. "I should have known you were behind this! I demand you let me go from whatever is holding me here!" She screamed in anger. "Child, as I have stated before, I am not your mother. I am Alexandra Reilly, Empress of Space and Time. My friends and I hail from three universes away. Now please curb that anger and let's talk rationally before my two Mind Warriors decide to get playful," Alex said, continuing to smile deviously. She winked at the stranded doctor. "Mind Warrior? What is that?" she growled. "Do you really wish to find out, hun? Really?" "Dr. Reilly, you really should listen to her- after all, you did break into our house," I tried to reason with the angry woman. "Who are you? I thought this was Alexander and Emily Steinert's house!" "I am Alexander Steinert, doctor. I just look a little...um...different...thanks to your Gamma Exciter Experiment!" I said trying to sound upset and imposing. It didn't sound anything like I wanted it to. "You're just a girl! Where is Mr. Steinert? I will explain myself only to him!" She shouted. "Dr. Reilly, you will treat my husband with the respect he deserves!" Emily stood and approached our hovering guest. "Mrs. Steinert? But...I thought you weren't part of this..." "Apparently I am now, doctor! I've been infected as well!" My wife told her. Then she said something I didn't expect. "Dr. Reilly, you should slow your heartbeat down; it is now reaching one hundred-eighty beats per minute! The human heart cannot withstand that stress for very long. Cardiac arrest will follow shortly if that cadence is continued! Also your blood pressure has skyrocketed! A stroke is not out of the question if you insist on fighting Camille," she said with her eyes closed tightly. "Cassandra, would you be a dear and take Reilly's hand? That way she will hang around with us long enough to explain what has happened to her," Alex Reilly requested casually. "If you think it would help, Aunt Alex." "You should be able to counter her gift with your own, hun." Dr. Reilly stopped fidgeting instantly. "Counter what gift? What have you done to me?" she demanded. "The explanation will arrive in the proper sequence, my dear. Right now, I ask for your patience and full attention," Alex's smile still looked very ominous! "Cami, you can let her down now- gently." "I've established a restrictive acoustic shield around the room's perimeter, Empress," Cami said as Dr. Reilly slowly became upright and gently settled to the floor. "What's that?" Dr. Reilly asked, still partly terrified. "An acoustic shield is one that restricts sound vibrations from escaping the confined area. The restrictive portion is so you don't go anywhere, doctor," Cami informed her. "Alex, I believe you want to ask the first question?" Alexandra Reilly prompted. I nodded, but held up a finger indicating I wanted a delay. I posed the question 'what was Dr. Reilly doing in my house and how did she get in here unseen', in my mind? It was amazing how asking the right questions can make all the difference! "Alex, we're waiting, hun," Alex Reilly coaxed. "Why are you in our house, doctor?" "I needed a place to go! The cops and the CDC are looking for me! I figured out of anyone, you two would understand. This seemed to be the safest place for me since I became a freak!" "So how did you get in? All the doors and windows are locked," Emily asked- a little upset. Dr. Reilly Reilly turned bright red! "I...I just passed right through the front door. I...I know that sounds crazy, I mean I had every intention of just knocking, but when I did my fist went right through the door...as...as if it weren't there at all! I know...I should be committed," she said shaking her head in shame. I decided to try out my newfound 'gift' as Alex Reilly called it. I thought about disappearing. My hand passed right through the arm of the couch. Cool! "Can anyone hear me?" I shouted as I walked over beside Dr. Reilly. "I don't think you're crazy, ma'am," I said after I thought about reappearing. Cassandra and Dr. Reilly both jumped! "Mother, I wish you would stop doing that!" Cassandra hissed. "Mother?" Reilly looked first at me then at Cassandra Fleming. "How did you do that?" "The same way you did apparently, doctor," I said, staring at her with a slight, satisfied smile. "Dr. Reilly, can I ask where your three associates are and their status?" Alex Reilly asked interrupting the staring session Doc Reilly and I had going on. She thought about the question for a while. "I really don't know, ma'am. One minute we were all arguing about what we should do, the next, my cousins and Randall had disappeared!" "Is that all the information you have, hun?" Alex asked as she stood up and stared into the doctor's eyes intensely. "We ran blood tests on ourselves. We all had the same nanos, as you called them actively multiplying in our bodies." "And?" Alex Reilly pressed. "Randall has already started to look younger," She looked at me for a second. "Similar to the way you've changed, Mr. Steinert?" She still didn't sound sure of my identity. "Cami, drop your shield for a moment, would you, sweetheart?" "Shield is off, Empress." "Sam and Cassie Fleming, the time for hiding is over girls. You and Randi can rematerialize now," Alex Reilly called out as if knowing exactly where they were hiding. "Aunt Alex should Sam and I be here too?" the Cassandra Fleming in front of me asked. "Why not? You have to meet sometime." "The high today, in the mid sixties with only a slight chance of a shower further north. Tomorrow..." "Oh Rodger, how can we expect to avoid the turmoil our relationship cause..." "Spock, you green-blooded hobgoblin! Jim is out there somewhere dying and all you can say is..." "Johnny, who's the next contestant on 'The Price is Right?'" "Randall that is quite enough, hun. You and the Fleming sisters re- appear this instant," Alex Reilly commanded. Two women and a young androgynous looking man appeared by the stairs. "Thank you. Please have a seat and we shall answer all your questions as best we can," She motioned to the floor of the now crowded room. "How did you know we were here?" one of them asked. She looked exactly like the Cassandra standing next to Dr. Reilly. "That's what I keep asking her, honey," The other Cassie quipped! "Empress, what are we all going to do now?" Connie asked from across the room. I had almost forgotten she was here. "Empress, could we maybe move this convention down into the playroom? It's a bigger space and there's more seating down there," I asked before anything else was said. "Why didn't I think of that?" Alex Reilly replied as she looked at me and smiled brightly. What did that mean, I wondered? "Everyone take hands, please," She requested. Her companions quickly joined hands and Cassiopeia offered to take Emily's. Emily offered to take mine and before long everyone was holding at least one other person's hand. "Please do not let go until told to do so for your own safety." My living room became the basement playroom! "Everyone look around you! If you find yourself in a piece of furniture or wall move until clear. As long as one hand is still indirectly in contact with me you should be fine. I stepped forward out of the bar and one of the stools. Emily also took a step forward out of a stool. "Rephasing in three...two...one. You all may release your hands," Alex Reilly announced. Dr. Reilly and her three associates dropped to the floor! "Weak newbies!" Cassandra Fleming cackled. I wasn't feeling so good either, but at least I stayed standing. Emily and I took the opportunity to take the seats closest to Alex Reilly. "Alex, come here, hun," Alexandra asked gently. Emily and I nervously exchanged seats. "Alex, within the half hour several members of the local social control agency will arrive with documents requesting your detention and allowing investigation of this residence and property. Now might be the time to leave this world and universe," She suggested. "Why, what did I do?" I asked. "You are the carrier. You are patient number zero! In their eyes, you started this whole missing person's fiasco!" "How did I start this, Empress?" "Not you, hun! Alexandra Steinert. My temporal sister is the carrier of the nano infection that has bestowed gifts on you, Emily, and at least these four innocent people," Alex said as she turned to me and stared deeply into my eyes. "My revision, you have to stop this now- before it results in these innocents being accused and sentenced to incarceration, or worse...experimentation. Do you really want to hurt them? Do you really intend on cursing them to an extended life of pain and anguish?" Alex asked as she nodded to someone behind me. She took my hand in hers. I felt a slight tingle as our skin touched. Alex again looked into my eyes. "You see? It has already gone too far, sister. The one called Alexander is almost gone- replaced by us! Her reign here will be a tempest of controversy and secrecy. Yes, she will protect this universe's time stream and yes she will do great things, but she will not have the autonomy you or I have enjoyed." "You're no good at bluffing, sister," I replied without consciously thinking a word of it! "We both know that she will be free to work this time stream just as we do; only it may take a few years longer. I have seen this to be true, Alexandra Reilly." Oh God, did that really come out of my mouth? "So, you stay imprisoned for a reason, Alex? I wasn't aware that you had decided to develop the Empress in another Universe! If we are the same, why didn't I foresee this and travel here in your place?" "It fell to me to inform Constance of her true lineage! The mistake was mine and mine alone! It was for me to remedy!" My mouth continued, as I remained a helpless observer. This was really starting to freak me out! "So this is all your fault is it, Alex?" "It's my cross to bear, Alex! I must pay the price for my miscalculation!" "So it's come down to simple mathematics now? Have you forgotten your humanity, sister? How about your compassion, huh? Is that nothing more than a calculation too? Are love, companionship, and friendship just complex algorithms in need of reduction to simpler terms?" She paused. "Do you remember your misdirected dimensional sister and her spiral into evil despair? Are you satisfied to remake that here, on such fertile, virgin ground?" "I am not like Bad Alex! Y'all know me better than that, Alex! I was the one that kept the secret! I was the one that bore the ferocity of Constance's scorn and anger when she found out!" My eyesight started getting blurry. "I am the one that needs to be held accountable for all the wrong choices I've made, and I'm the thief that stole a woman's pride and confidence as if just another cheap trinket! I deserve everything I get, Empress!" "That is not true, Alexandra. You once told me that there is good and bad in everyone- that there is no right or wrong side to take. You said it is the decisions we make that count the most. No one is perfect- so you've told everyone here at least a dozen times! It's time for you to forgive yourself and allow the new Empress her very own reign, Alex. Allow her to make her own mistakes so she can learn from them as you and I have done! Please Empress Alexandra, protect this Empress as you have pledged to do over and over again. Pledge to protect her sisters as they initialize their very own sisterhood here, in this universe," Cami declared before she stopped and took a deep breath. "Please, Empress, we have outstayed our welcome on this world." "Mother, Empress, the law enforcement officials have arrived," Cassi interrupted. "What will we do?" I heard Dr. Reilly cry. I looked around- surprised I had control of me again. Everyone was staring at me! "Everyone, join hands!" Alex Reilly commanded. "Empress, Connie's parents...they may have been affected also! What will become of them?" I interjected as a vision came into my mind. "Hun, if this Jack is anything like our Jacquelyn, I pity anyone that shows up at that residence!" Connie stared at Alex as she took Cassandra's hand and offered her other to the other Cassandra. "We're going to take a short hop through time, ladies. Again hold tight until we're clear of any objects." "Transiting time in three...two...one," Alex announced. Our surroundings didn't change. "Everyone still clear?" She asked. "Good. Okay, we're here, y'all can let go now." "But we didn't go anywhere, ma'am," I informed her. "Didn't we?" She winked. "Alex, roughly what time was it when we left? I just happen to know you looked at the clock behind the bar before we joined hands." "A little after two, why?" I answered in confusion. "What time does that clock behind the bar say now, hun?" She asked. I looked back and read the time for the second time in under a minute. "Eight," I said before it hit me. I gasped! "It's eight o'clock already? We just instantly jumped six hours?" I exclaimed. "That's why they call it time travel, sis," she giggled. "But did you move us back or ahead?" "Now why would I take us back?" "And I can do that too?" I asked with a little too much excitement. Emily, Dr. Reilly, and her three associates stared at me in bewilderment, though I think Emily was just surprised I got so excited. "No reason you can't hun," Alex laughed. "Cool!" I remained quiet for a minute. "So why six hours, ma'am?" I inquired. "Go back and look for yourself, hun. Just think about the time you want to go back to, the location, and above all remember to stay phased out." "So it's as simple as that? I thought I'd have to sacrifice a chicken or something first!" "It's as simple as that, hun. Go ahead and try it- you'll like it," Alex Reilly said as she winked- I wasn't sure to me though. I stood up and stepped away from everyone. "Empress, you really should take your Mind Warrior along. There may be trouble if things don't quite go as you want them to." Connie got up, stepped close to me, and took my hand carefully. Looking in my eyes, she gulped. First I thought about disappearing. I guess I looked just as apprehensive as Connie. "Very good, Alex," Alex Reilly said proudly. Emily, the Doctor and her three assistants began looking around the room. "It is always prudent to phase out first. Good travels, Empress," Alex Reilly smiled brightly. I began thinking about 'when' I wanted to go. I was curious to see what we had bypassed here in those six hours. Going back three hours seemed satisfactory so I concentrated on our house at five o'clock. The living room instantly appeared! "Lieutenant, the house seems to be empty. Though it looks like both bedrooms were in use, sir," A voice said from the stairway. "Sir, the basement is secure- no one down there either," Another officer said entering from the kitchen. "You think they kidnapped the Steinert's, sir?" "She's a doctor, Smith. We can't rule that out, but I find it unlikely. I'm thinking the three are in it together." A radio transmission interrupted their conversation. "Officers need assistance at 1723 Lancaster Court. All available units respond." "Gantz to Fields, what's going on out there?" "Lt. Gantz, you wouldn't believe me if I told you, sir!" the voice said over the radio. "Two-oh-three enroute. ETA five minutes," Another voice came over with a siren blaring in the background. "Fields, I want to know what is goin' on!" "Lieutenant, all hell is breaking loose here! Things are flying around! Chairs, appliances, lamps...furniture! The whole house seems to be possessed! We need back up!" "What about the persons of interest?" "The wife and daughter are just standing there, sir. The Cummins' daughter looks to be in some kind of red-faced trance. We can't get near them without being attacked by flying debris!" Connie tugged on my arm. "Mr. Steinert, I'm they're daughter. What are they talking about? Who is with my mother?" "If I were to guess, I'd say your father has been affected just like me," I said motioning to my body. "You mean he's not my dad anymore?" she asked as I felt her grasp tighten. I shrugged my shoulders. I really didn't know. An image of a beautiful blonde woman came to mind. The woman looked like Connie's slightly older sister. "Hey, where did you two come from? How did you get past the officers at the doors?" The Lieutenant's voice caught our attention. "Shit!" Connie and I both gasped! We could be seen! Two officers approached us from either side. I quickly wished we were anywhere but here, but focused on Connie's parents! The scene instantly changed to one of outright chaos! All around us all types of household goods flew frantically through the air! To our left, three police cars, lights flashing, provided protection for several officers. To our right, a much younger looking Mina and another young woman matching the image in my mind stood wrapped in each other's arms. The younger woman looked like she was concentrating intensely and had her eyes closed. "That's my mom and dad, Mr. Steinert! We have to help them!" Connie cried out. "I'm not sure I can, Connie. I'd like to, but how can we help them?" I asked, amazed by the crazy scene. My mind instantly filled with images and videos that answered that very question. "Keep holding on, Connie," I told the girl, as I started moving toward her parents. "What are you doing? Are you crazy? Those things will kill us, Alex!" she exclaimed. A couch flew right through us. Connie's eyes almost popped out of her head! "Did...did you see that? How...?" "We're slightly out of phase with this reality- or so I've been told, Connie. Let's get your parents out of here," I nodded to the two standing at the center of the maelstrom. I felt resistance as we got about five feet from the Cummins's. It almost felt like some kind of wall. 'Jack's protective shield,' a voice sounding very much like my new one said in my head. "Connie, I'm going to rephase when we're right beside them. I want you to grab any bare skin you can, as quickly as you can! I'll do the same. On three, ready?" I told my companion. "One second, Alex. I have to give us a little more time," she said as her face flushed with concentration. All three police cars flipped over towards us leaving them on their roofs...and the officers in the open. They quickly retreated or hit the pavement! I was in awe of what I had just witnessed, but quickly recovered! "Three...two...one!" Each of us reached out with our free hand and grabbed an arm. The chaotic scene in front of the Cummins house became the tranquility of our local park. I quickly rephased us and released Jack's arm. Connie released her mother's arm at the same time. "Honey, stop," Mina told her partner. "Somehow we've changed locations!" "What?" the younger woman asked as she suddenly opened her eyes. "Mom? Daddy?" Connie cried as she quickly tried to draw their attention. "Constance? How did you do this?" Mina asked as she immediately wrapped her arms around the teen. "Mom, I didn't do it, Mr. Steinert did." She nodded toward me. "Who did this, honey? I don't see Alex anywhere," Jack...I think she was still Jack, said as she looked directly at me. I shyly waved. "Hi, Jack, Mina. I'm Alex...although I look a little different now," I blushed. "Somehow I don't think I'm the only one either." "You are Alex Steinert?" Mina asked as she eyed me carefully. I nodded once. "Ya," I answered quietly. "Look, we don't have a lot of time before someone reports four women suddenly appearing in the park so we have to go someplace safe." I looked around cautiously. "Please take my hands and we'll go to my house. We should be safe there for a little while." "If you are Alex Steinert, why should we take your hand? What would that accomplish, miss?" "Mina, you have to trust her. Alex is just trying to protect us. Pl