Last saved by: Slothrop

Alternate Players

By Tyrone Slothrop

 Opening. A Fine Spring Day in North America, Western Seaboard. Reality Plus 3

The shadows crept closer, triggering  deep instincts to flee or fight, instincts thinly covered by the fragile layer we call civilization. Robert turned around, struggling to see what they were, his hands making fists to offset the shaking. 

“Bobbie! Wake up you lazy bitch! We have to be at the closing this morning!” Jenny’s voice was never more grating than when she was being heard in the middle of a nightmare.

Robert slowly let himself come awake, his hands still tightly wrapped, fingernails making painful indentations in his palms. He glanced at the alarm clock. 7:30 AM.

“Oh Shit Jenny! Look at the time! I told you to wake me so I could get ready!” Robert threw back the comforter and satin sheets, sprang from the bed,  and paddled barefoot into his bathroom, his negligee fluttering in his self made breeze.

“You always take forever to get ready, Bobbie..just get a move on! It isn’t every day we get to sell the business and retire! Come over in an hour for breakfast and you can help me with my hair.”

“Help you? You’re the woman, dammit…..” 

“As if that meant anything in this reality, sweetie. You’re ever so much better at being a girl …..” Jenny ducked to avoid a pillow as she exited the room, retreating to her own across the hall.

Robert stared at his reflection while he emptied his bladder, holding the gauzy almost transparent babydoll out of the way. Almost two years here and I occasionally  still feel like an outsider in my own skin. Hmmm , such smooth skin, taut muscles but no bulk, at least I am still six two…and damned if my ass isn’t getting larger…well a girl can always hope.

The telescreen in the corner played a morning show, Mattie and Doris in Good Morning Colonial America, a portrait of the Queen in his robes hanging between the telegenic co- anchors as they bantered back and forth. Mattie had new spiral curls flowing over the shoulders of his sleeveless top. Robert paid close attention, wondering how he would look with that style. Doris was the more conservative, her hair in the usual French twist, her bolero jacket accentuating the thrust of her famous breasts. They were prattling on about the hurricane bearing down on the Florida Coast, extending sympathy to the subjects of the Spanish Crown.

Turning  to the task at hand of making himself presentable, Robert removed his negligee and set it neatly in the hamper, while stepping out of his panties and managing to use his big toe to send them in an arc to the same location.

Robert put his hand on his hip and struck a pose in the full length mirror, his face still covered in green facial goo and his hair looming large in a box pattern of two inch diameter purple rollers. He made kissing lips and held the pose while he admired his naked, lean long torso and smooth light brown skin, with no sign of an errant body hair. His penis and scrotum fronted his new plushly plumped rear end, while his other hand caressed his tightly muscled thigh, the inch long coral nails contrasting with his tan beautifully.

Fit in! Don’t fight the persona you reside in…that’s what the Gray Lady said just before the last time we shifted realities…just before her goons tried to kill us…or are they someone else’s goons? “If you don’t get comfortable and embrace the reality, they will be able to find you…it’s like holding up a lightning rod in a storm…” she had whispered, her cigar dribbling ashes as it jiggled up and down in her mouth while she spoke.

So this time I ‘embraced’ the reality and we’ve made it two years without them coming after us. But damn, I’m such a girl now. Of course, there isn’t even a word for ‘boy’ here, or ‘guy’ , just male and female girls…oh well, time to have a bath and then do my hair and face…

Maybe the burgundy suit with the knee length skirt with the pleats…and a petti-slip? Or maybe the red dress? 

Robert smiled as he stepped into the warm bathwater, keeping his rollers away from any splashes, feeling the soothing oils covering his skin.

Across the hall, Jenny threw on a robe and slippers and headed for the kitchen.

Sheesh, Bobbie is such a femmy now. The meeting’s not until noon, and he wants hours and hours to get ready. Well, after what happened the last time, when he was captured,  all that pain , I guess he intends to ‘become the reality’. Maybe I should tell him he makes me really hot like this ....no, we need to stay best friends to survive this mess we’ve fallen into, wherever it leads, but damn, he’s sooo sexy…Damn damn damn….

Robert exited the tub, drying himself with the huge white fluffy towel. He stepped into a pair of rose panties, taking time to tuck his scrotum and penis into the pouches inside. Women have bras, we have these to bitch about…funny.

Pinching his waist, he managed to draw out a tiny love handle, which made him grimace with disgust. I’ll be wearing shapers forever here, it’s hopeless. Maybe I should talk to the doc who did my buttocks…she didn’t move enough fat around …Damn the new Queen with his fat ass! Ever since Bertie took over from his momma, all the male fashionistas have been padding their butts to match his big blubbery  one. Good thing he doesn’t  have gynecomastia too, or I’d  be wearing one of Jenny’s bras…

He sat down at his vanity and lit the ‘office fluorescent’ setting on his makeup mirror. His now generously sized butt cheeks made the stool quite comfortable as he began applying foundation after drawing in his arched eyebrows. His mind went into a trancelike, focused state as he worked on the creation of his public “Daytime, Business Face”, each brushstroke a ritual he had painstakingly built up over the last two years.

Checking the mirror brought satisfaction. Despite the head full of rollers, his eyes were attention grabbing, long, thick lashes with substantial curl, his face a light brown with no imperfections, with subtle color bringing out his cheekbones.

“You’ll do. The Queen’s Treasury Woman won’t keep her eyes off you, and probably won’t keep her hands off this huge butt.”  Robert said to the empty room.

He selected a housecoat and slippers, grabbed his hair care tools and proceeded to the kitchen , where the smells of Jenny’s omelets  wafted into his nose. Shallots, button mushrooms, fontina cheese and eggs all worked in a symphony of scent.

Jenny’s house in this reality was an old colonial on a tree lined street, dating back to the Great Misunderstanding with the English Crown. She always seemed to be the landlady and he the renter, just like back home.

“Jenny! That smells so good! I’m dying for food!”

“You promised to do my hair, right?”

“Oh, shit, Jenny, that’s blackmail! Using food to coerce me- that was against the rules!”

“I learned from you, boss, and that was far away and who knows how long ago…now here’s your coffee, sit down and shut up, these omelets won’t stay hot forever…” Jenny neatly slid his portion onto his plate with a twist of her wrist.

Robert brought the coffee to his lips, feeling the heat of the cup softening his lipstick, the aroma igniting memories of flavor. He swallowed and began delicately eating his eggs, savoring each morsel.

“It’s hard to believe we’re throwing the business away just to follow the leads, Bobbie, but there’s no other way I suppose.”

Robert slowly looked up and knew Jenny just wanted confirmation, affirmation, something. He had known her since they were four years old. They had played together, shared secrets, shared first kisses, diverged in high school, met again after college when he rented a room in her parent’s old house. They went to war when their Guard Unit was called up, survived, came back and started an investment fund business as senior and junior partners. 

“Jenny, nothing’s changed. We need to find out what’s going on. They will find us again, and again and again. No matter how much we ‘adjust’. We need to find that professor.”

Jenny reached out and touched his hand, gently. Her eyes opened wide, trusting Robert completely. “Yeah, I know, I know. It must be some damn female instinct, nesting or some rot. We change realities and have to start over, like ants whose anthill has been stepped on. It pisses me off…”

Robert nodded. He kissed Jenny’s forehead. This is the best friend I ever had…good thing we were never lovers, that would complicate the hell out of this…but damn she’s hot in this place…. Damn damn damn….

“Breakfast was fabulous, as usual, Jen. Now do you want your hair up, or down?”

“Oh, up and out of my way, Bobbie. Maybe like you did for that cocktail party we threw last Christmas?” Jenny had always been a tomboy back home, but as the reality changes mounted, she reveled in the finer points of femininity.

“Ah, the one with the barrel curls and the sweep off  the crown!, Yes, that works. Tall, slim and elegant. Okay, Jenny darlin’, sit still and let’s take those rollers out, let Bobbie work his magic….”

Two hours later, Jenny waited at the door, the cab driver patiently sitting, drinking her third cup of coffee while they awaited Robert’s entrance.

“Good coffee, Mum, I really appreciate it. Ain’t too many of you swells would invite in a working girl to rest her feet.” The driver said, adjusting her uniform skirt as she sat uncomfortably in the parlor, watching Jenny tapping her stilettoed foot impatiently. 

Jenny was a big woman, six foot three in her stocking feet, with long arms and legs coupled with wide but slim shoulders. Today, with her fiery red hair in Bobbie’s dramatic upsweep, huge curls hair sprayed into statues crowning  the top, her green eyes glistening, almost cat like against her high cheekbones, wearing a black dress with a very low cut bodice, the tops of her barely contained DD cup breasts milky white in contrast to the obsidian silk fabric which shaped itself tightly around her derriere and continued to a tight hobble just below her knees with a flared ruffle, showing patterned sheer black hosiery to her sling backed high heels, she felt the power of looking beautiful.

Funny, Bobbie had his ass plumped in the reality, and it’s common for women to enhance their boobs. I guess breasts are the last visible differentiator here, and boy do we women show em off…. Even our driver’s uniform shows off her rack…Glad I didn’t have to go into combat with these cow catchers…

“Okay, okay, I’m here, stop nagging.” Robert said as he descended the wide grand staircase with small careful steps, clutching a shiny red patent leather briefcase-purse combination which matched his shoes, a pair of four inch heels. Jenny and the driver’s eyes went wide at the image. His black hair shone with a stunning intensity from the sunlight coming through the bay windows. Full and long, it cascaded in a flow of waves past his bare shoulders , past his flat bodice with sequined trim to settle about his midriff. Part had been teased up, with barrel curls similar to Jenny’s adorning his crown, allowing his earlobes to sparkle with dangling crystal earrings. His dress was an eye grabbing red, just a shade above dark, which fit snugly around his slim male waist, exposing half his back, and embraced his hips and plump rear like a second skin. The hem began an aggressive slant just below the knee, asymmetrically dropping on the right side to a few inches above his ankle, with a symmetrical fringe matching it on the left side. He wore a fur stole and a series of gold bracelets adorned both arms.

OMG he’s making me wet…he’s gorgeous…get yourself under control, girl! Jenny whistled and let out a barking noise which made Robert giggle and almost miss a step.

“May I say you two look lovely for a day of business? Your carriage awaits!” The driver curtseyed, gathering her wide skirt and nodding her head. She then opened the doors as Jenny let Robert through and did her quick check, making sure she had her ‘essentials’ bag as well as her purse. The last few years had taught them to assume whenever they left a place, they might never see it again.

Personal motor vehicles were still a rarity in this reality, except for those who lived in the outback. The taxi allowed for the general height and attire of the population, including tall hair and tight skirts. It reminded Robert of an old Rolls Royce, with a huge rear carriage and separate driver compartment. The steam engine hissed as it continued to cycle.

“Well, Bobbie, you look incredible. You make me feel positively drab.” Jenny giggled as she closed the door and the ventilation took over, maintaining cabin temperature at a cool 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Sheesh, Jen, you’re a knockout in that dress. Cut it out.”

“I think I like you better this way…this persona fits you so well…”

“That’s a scary concept, but you’re right. Beats me as to why, but this feels so…so…comfortable…”

“I was remembering how this all began….” Jenny sighed as the scenic streets passed by outside, children playing in a schoolyard, people riding bicycles, their skirts billowing in the breeze, scarves holding sunbonnets in place to protect their complexions and hair.

2003,  Iraq, On the Outskirts of ancient Babylon, Reality Plus Zero

KAWWWUMMMPHHHH!

The overpressure from the mortar rounds assaulted Lieutenant Robert Morgan’s ears as Sergeant Jennifer Kowalski steered the humvee off the so-called road to avoid the intense crossfire coming from the buildings on either side of the crossroads.

“Dammit where’s the column? We were the only ones to make it across that bridge?” Robert yelled, mostly to clear the ringing in his head. It had all happened in a second, driving up to the seemingly empty village, leading the three M35  two and a half ton trucks and the other humvee with the civilians, cautiously, following the lightning quick advance of the 3^rd Infantry Division. The lead humvee was in flames, Carter, Wiggins and Gludner were scattered in pieces from the buried bomb. 

“Gomez bought it, can’t tell about the radio, LT” Jenny yelled as she began circling back, away from the murderous ambush fire. Robert spun and verified her report. Gomez had caught a headshot, right in the face where no armor covered. He hung limp in the back cockpit.

“Goddammit, I told that West Point asshole Captain that this area was not ready for civilian look-see shit! Fuck him and his fucking class ring! Okay, Sergeant, pull us into that cratered out area near the bridge, hopefully they don’t have it zeroed for those mortars.”

An hour later, the sun setting, the buildings generating the ambush flattened by F-16s, Robert sat back in the crater rim and drank some much needed water. He was waiting for the convoy to finish checking the bridge for planted bombs and his squad to check for any more of the Fedayeen Saddam guerillas in the area before he could let the two civilians across the river.

“LT, I know you can’t tell me, but what the hell is a civil affairs National Guard unit doing playing infantry while babysitting two very weird civilians in a war zone?” Jennifer asked, scanning to the left while keeping her M-16 at the ready. She moved and felt her knee hit a sharp edge just under the sand. 

“Shit, Jen, all I know is I was told the area was clear, and these two had some kind of high priority clearance to inspect the area. For what was left classified. I assumed they are looking for nukes, or bio weapons or chemicals, but they aren’t wearing any protective gear and sure don’t look like the types.”

“Yeah, the Professor, what’s his name? Worfen? John Worfen, he looks like a stamp collector, seems scared of his own shadow. I think he almost had a seizure when the boom boom started. The woman, she’s a piece of work. You almost can’t look into her eyes, and that shiny gray hair ain’t natural. What’s her name again?”

“Ms Brunner. Yeah, she’s definitely weird, and she’s got ice water for blood. Like she’s bulletproof or something. What’s that you got in your hand?” 

Jennifer was holding a small, black box, about one by four by nine inches, almost like a jewelry case. 

“I don’t know, some kind of box, has no markings. My knee found it the hard way, just under the sand…..”  Jennifer said, looking at it closely.

“Be careful, Jen. Could be a detonator or something…”

Jennifer was about to toss it away when it opened on its own accord. She looked inside at what appeared to be two necklaces, one with a tiny rectangular gold charm with four jewels, the other with a smaller one with just one jewel. 

“It’s just some necklaces, Rob, I mean Lieutenant Robert, Sir.” Jennifer suddenly touched the charm with four jewels and without a conscious thought fastened it around her neck. 

“Hey, Jen! That’s looting!” Robert joked.

Jennifer looked up and tossed the box with the remaining necklace to him, her eyes glassy and her face rigid.

Robert caught it, his thumb touching the necklace chain. He immediately dropped the box and attached it around his neck before his mind could react. Their eyes met, almost glowing. They sat, transfixed, lying in a sand crater, looking into each other’s eyes for over a minute across a ten foot distance. Suddenly they both blinked, and a faint “POP” was heard between them.

“What the ….” Robert muttered. 

Jennifer touched her neck and the necklace was gone. Robert did the same.

“Where’s the box?” They both whispered, scanning about the sand. 

Ten minutes later the roar of humvee engines broke their mood.

“Not a word, Sergeant…” Robert said quietly as they stood up.

“No shit, LT. Not a word about what?” Jennifer agreed in a whisper.

Ms Brunner was practically dragging Professor Worfen out of the vehicle, holding a stainless steel briefcase labeled “Banker & Multi Laboratories”. She stood an impressive six foot four with wide shoulders and large hands, her khaki vest covering a t-shirt which seemed to strain to contain her breasts, a line of sweat running straight down from her cleavage.

Worfen visibly shook as he opened the case, his thin arms and gangly neck looking like drinking straws next to the soldiers walking by him, who were focused on the horizon and Ms. Brunner’s chest simultaneously.

“It’s g.g.g.gone…there’s only an after trace…could be another false p.p.p.positive…” he stammered,

Ms. Brunner eyed Robert and Jennifer. She waved for them to come over.

“Did either of you two find anything unusual? Any kind of artifact?” She asked, her eyes penetrating like scalpels.

Robert stared back, the anger at losing men for some treasure hunt overcoming her forceful presence. It was almost like physically pushing her back through a sea of jello.

“Sorry, but we took casualties trying to get you here, and have been a little busy to play in the sand. Now, finish up, because we are hauling ass out of here right now and returning you to the command post. Understood?” 

Ms Brunner smiled and decided to nod. “Of course, Lieutenant. Professor Worfen just needs to take a few minutes worth of readings, and then we are quite done. I’m sorry for your losses. We will be ready when you are. I don’t need to remind you that this mission never happened and you never saw us, correct?”

“Such was my understanding, Ma’am. And I apologize for the outburst….” Robert said, feeling an involuntary calm descend over him. 

“No need, losing good people is always hard. I have some experience with that…” She said as she turned and dragged the frightened Worfen back into the humvee.

2006 Suburban Portland, Oregon , Reality Plus Zero

The early morning early summer sun made Robert wish he had grabbed his Wiley sunglasses before his morning run. Jenny was ahead, her longer legs aiding her sprint. She had always beaten him in the sprint, he always won on distance, a tradition going back twenty some years, since childhood.

“Gotcha again, Bobby. You have to make breakfast now!” Jenny was panting, hands on her knees on the old fashioned porch of her house.

“Wrong, Jen, this was only the first lap, right?” Robert grinned as he fell down on the cool grass, his tee shirt and shorts soaked in sweat despite the coolness of the air.

“You wish you damn sadist. I’m done. And I want pancakes. Big , heaping stacks oozing with butter, with those fresh blueberries. And bacon. I want bacon! Bacon NOW!”

“How do you eat and never show it, girl? Sheesh, your metabolism is like a damn furnace….”

“Just my natural girlish beauty, not unlike that cute little pot belly you’ve grown since we got back…”

“Hey, flab is a longstanding tradition in my family. Plus it keeps me warm.” Robert blushed. Returning from the war and re-entering civilian life plus starting his own investment fund with Jenny as a junior partner had played hell with his exercise regimen, and his middle had begun to spread accordingly. Jenny had been nagging him for a month to start running, and it finally paid off. Robert could feel his waist returning to normal with each mile.

“And don’t forget the blueberries! I’ll be down after my shower in a half an hour!” Jenny laughed as she bounded up the wide staircase to her room, her golden blonde pony tail bouncing against the back of her pink sports bra.

Robert shed his tee shirt and ambled upstairs to his own place for a quick shower, reading the latest Wall Street Journal while drinking some water from his bottle.

Turning on his shower, he removed his shorts and examined himself while he waited for the water to heat. Six foot two, ever so slightly flabby gut and love handles aside, he was strikingly handsome. His face was youthful and smooth, and his eyes were a penetrating blue with long lashes. His brown hair was longer than the current buzzed off fashion, but still a conservative cut when neatly combed, an admitted mini rebellion against a year of a shaved head due to the necessity of the desert. Wide shoulders and a long lean torso, muscled but not overmuscled, women and not a few men had always found him attractive. He had never worried obsessively with his looks, and that lack of anxiety had added to his allure, projecting self confidence whenever he walked into a room.

Shower done, he combed his hair, splashed his cheeks with after shave and threw on a purple dress shirt with his charcoal gray suit pants, the braces a contrasting shade of gray. He grabbed the violet patterned tie and decided to carry it downstairs and don it after he cooked.

A car backfired on the street outside and in the millisecond before he could cringe and react, he saw a faint glimmer of a gold necklace about his throat in the stairway mirror, which faded immediately. It wasn’t the first time it had happened.

 Jenny was devouring the last piece of thick cut bacon, her pony tail now replaced by a bobbing bun containing her voluminous blonde locks. She had mostly managed to get over the self consciousness that afflicts tall women, compensating by being contagiously upbeat and extroverted with strangers. Robert looked at her carefully and felt a familiar stirring. Jenny was not surface pretty, she required a man to look for more than a glance. Once captured thus, she entranced. Her blue eyes danced and laughed, her wide smile embraced you like a long lost lover and her lean long legs were a treasure map to untold riches. 

Today, she wore a navy suit with knee length skirt, and one of her more delayed reaction perfumes. Dressed to kill, both of them. That afternoon they were being interviewed by a leading   business blogger, and it could mean a lot to their shareholders.

Robert speared the last loose blueberry on the platter, watched the reaction and disappointment in Jenny’s eyes as he moved it to his mouth, and then reversed and fed it to her at the last second.

“Good thing, Bobby, or I’d have to raise your rent again.”

“You always threaten that when confronted with kindness….”

“Well, being a cold hearted Landlady requires constant practice.”

“Jenny…I saw it again….” Robert said softly, leaving the thought hanging.

“Again? You sure?”

“Just a glimmer, but yeah…we should tell someone…”

“We’ve been over this, Bobby. Who? Tell them what? That we have mostly invisible necklaces that we sort of found during a moment of extreme stress? What color straight jacket do you want? That every once in a while we see them, but can’t feel them, or anything, that no known sensor we have tried has detected them? Can’t you just tell yourself that you have delusions or PTSD or something, like everyone else?”

Robert sighed and started knotting his tie. “I guess you’re right, Jen. Besides, it’s the first time in months…”

Jenny nodded, not mentioning the fact that she had seen her own phantom necklace, and for her, the occurrences were almost daily.

“How’s your love life, Bobby? Why aren’t you seeing that paralegal from the floor below us? I thought she was cute…” Jenny tried to change the subject.

Normally, Robert never addressed his personal life, even with ‘the guys’. He found locker room ‘babe rating’ too full of lies to be entertaining, and took a lot of friendly insults about it. Jenny, however, was different. With both sets of parents gone, and each being an only child, as they got older the friendship got deeper. Jenny was ‘family’, in fact, pretty much the only family he thought about.

“Oh, she wanted me to be some other guy than who I am. And God she was boring. Her surface shallowness was a thin veneer on more shallowness…”

Jenny wondered why Robert had changed since they came home from the war. He used to date more lightheartedly, and now seemed almost ambivalent towards women. Of course, I haven’t been lighting up the dating scene myself either….but damn there’s a lot of assholes out there… almost makes me want to try men again.

“Oh well, put your face on, Jen-Jen, let’s nail this interview. I’ll pull the truck out. We might take him to lunch and I at least have a backseat , unlike that rocket sled of yours.”

“Oh, all right, but clean out the damn thing. And I hear this guy’s more likely to want to play grab ass with you….so I hope you wore your thong, sweetie.”

Robert giggled and put is hand on his hip in an exaggerated swish. “Haven’t you heard, honey? Thongs are sooo last month…. “ then, returning to normal “ Well, let’s dazzle him with content for a change, now get a move on, we have to be at the office in an hour, and traffic’s a bitch as usual….”

2006 Downtown, West Side,  Portland, Oregon ,Same Day , Reality Plus Zero

The tall woman in the gray pantsuit held the cell phone to her face and nodded her head every few seconds, a perfect cover for standing there and watching someone. The two men in gray suits, also tall, wore sunglasses and sat motionless as they held their lattes in their hands at the outdoor table of the coffee shop across Sixth Avenue. 

It is the Domron, the energy flicker was unmistakable her thoughts narrowcast at the two across the street. One nodded, spilling his latte onto his crotch, causing him to fall back, knocking over the large biker sipping a cappuccino next to him. 

The woman shook her head in disbelief and sent a calming pattern across the street. The biker froze, and then helped the man in the gray suit get back to his feet. 

Idiots she narrowcasted with power, causing both the men in gray to shudder.

Robert emerged from the parking garage at street level, striding hard to match Jenny’s pace. They caught a light and walked across the street easily, entering their building and making a beeline for the little bakery and coffee shop in the lobby.

Jenny arranged for the delivery of today’s pastries and coffee with the short, wide Latina who ran the business while Robert poured two tall coffees for them to take upstairs. He waved at Consuela and she smiled and nodded, indicating she would put them on their account.

“Jenny, when you get tired of your partner, send him down here, he’s so pretty to look at…” Consuela laughed as she started packaging their delivery.

“Hey, if you want, you can have him instead of sending our bill this month…”

“Hmmm..no deal…I’ll win him over with my charms….”

Robert didn’t know whether to feign being insulted or feign being really insulted, to be handed off as sexual barter, and then to be not even worth a monthly coffee bill? He smiled and waved as they headed for the elevator. 

An hour later, Robert poured a tea for Murray Blingberg, the self anointed “Financial Fakebuster”, whose blog was followed religiously by investors from small bore day traders to billion dollar fund managers. Murray was self made rich, obnoxious and more cunning than brilliant. He made a fortune knowing when other people were smart. 

His writing style was cutting, witty and snarky, and millions found it entertaining. He had become the bitchy gossip columnist for the money guys. It was disastrous to get on his bad side and rewarding to get a favorable mention.

Short and soft, his clothing was expensive casual, silk tee shirts, silk pants, cashmere sweater, shoes that more resembled ballet slippers, it matched his soft round face, corpulent round belly and bald head. He talked with a bit of a lisping sing song style, always accentuating a sentence in the least expected way. It was disarming, and dangerous to be lulled into the belief that he was harmless.

“So, Mr. Morgan…may I call you Robbie?...so Robbie…you claim your fund is different in that you select based on an unusual model….can you tell me more….?” Murray opened, slurping the chamomile tea.

“I prefer Mr. Morgan, Mr. Blingberg.. yes…our model is based on companies who we believe will change the competitive dynamics in their markets, and have the management and access to capital to deliver and sustain it. We look for number three and four players, or even start ups who can achieve rapid growth by changing the rules.”

“Well…MR MORGAN then…that sounds fairly simplistic…”

“It is. Like all good ideas, it’s easy to understand. The ability to pick the ones who can actually do it, that’s a bit harder….”

Jenny watched and admired how Robert had pushed back just enough to keep the interview on a professional plane…he had avoided the trap of trying to make friends with the snake. The interview went on into the details of the fund and it’s successes for about twenty minutes. Suddenly, Murray turned to her.

“Ms. Kowalski, what’s your role in this? Any truth to the rumors that you are Mr. Morgan’s lover? You both live together…” acid dripped from Blingberg as he trolled for juicy copy.

Calm yourself Jenny, you knew he’d bait you…. “My role is junior partner and office operations, Mister Blingberg. I’m learning from Robert and I try and let him focus on what he does best. As to living together, I’m his landlady, he rents a room from me. The lover thing? Well, I’m a lucky girl but not that lucky.”

Murray laughed loudly. “I’m so sorry, Ms Kowalski, that was priceless! I had to ask, and no, I won’t ‘out’ you as gay either. My apologies to both of you, please forgive me, but there are some nasty people out there, I know, I’m one, and that rumor was not helping you. Let me quash it for you, okay?”

Robert smiled and nodded. “Jenny is a hell of a lot more than an office manager here. She’s better at getting people to tell the truth than anyone I know. And her ability to separate nonsense from common sense is outstanding.”

Murray nodded. “So true….most of this is really sorting out basic stuff…I know. I’m going to quote that verbatim…”

Jenny swallowed hard. She knew she had been discrete in her affairs, how did this little bag of blubber know about them? 

Murray got up to leave. “Thank you so much…read the blog this  afternoon, I think you’ll like it.” 

After he left, Robert turned to Jenny. “Whew! Dodged a bullet. That little weasel makes you sweat.”

Jenny nodded. “He’s got some sources for dirt too. Let’s hope he does what he says he’ll do. I don’t want the story to be about us, or me being a dike.”

“Beyond our control, Sergeant. When in doubt….” Robert intoned, trying to break Jenny’s mood.

“Yessir, LT. When in doubt, feed your face! Let’s replenish your cute little belly, which looks quite fine compared to that guy’s. Lunch?”

Waiting for the elevator to get to the twentieth floor, Robert looked out the windows at the cityscape, the bright sun shining off the river bridges. They were alone on the floor corridor, it being after the lunch rush.  As he heard the elevator car settling in to stop, four distinct “POPS” occurred, like exploding balloons.

Down in the lobby, the tall woman in gray felt the emergence. Someone else is here and they emerged upstairs! Let’s get going! 

The two men across the street sprinted through traffic and into the building lobby as the woman held an open elevator car.

Robert spun and saw two men with gray, scarred faces wearing black shrouds suddenly behind Jenny. Jenny saw the elevator door open to reveal two more inside the car. One slapped a small, inch wide black device on Robert’s neck while the other grabbed his arm. She felt a greenish glow surround her, like an odd thickening of the air. Movement was difficult.

Do not touch the blasphemer woman!  She has the Domron! Jenny heard inside her head.

Robert spun back at the painful sensation on his neck. It was like a thousand hot needles were sinking into his brain. He felt the grab on his arm, and a fury erupted inside. Ignoring the pain, he countered and snapped the man’s arm like a twig against the doorframe. 

Jenny saw the other man in the elevator lift a long blade, resembling a Ghurka’s khukuri, preparing to sever Robert’s neck. The two behind her seemed frozen in the green field. Her necklace flared into visibility and suddenly her anger and fear for Robert’s life seemed to explode like a palpable wave, flattening the four assailants against the walls, the khukuri clattering to the elevator floor. She touched Robert and the world went black.

The other elevator arrived and the tall woman and her men stormed out.

For Multi’s Laughter, look at this… One of the men flashed, seeing the four dead men in shrouds, their eyeballs exploded from within, their tongues sticking out grotesquely, the elevator door bouncing open and closed on one of the bodies, it’s soft dinging making the scene surreal.

Where are the targets? The other one asked. 

They have shifted to another reality, probably purely unconsciously. No doubt now, the Domron has become active. It has chosen them. We must start over; they can’t have shifted too far. Clean up this mess before the police arrive. The woman said, fingering a strand of her shining gray hair. 

May you return to this scene someday, Robert and Jenny. Though if I was a gambler, I wouldn’t bet on it …. Ms. .Brunner smiled inwardly.

Late Fall, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus One

Jenny woke in her room, feeling amazingly refreshed. A strand of raven black hair crossed her eyes, which she brushed back unconsciously.

Wait a minute, those men, Robert, the knife…huh? Wait, that’s not my hair! 

She jumped from the bed and began to see many small details in the room had changed. Standing in her full length floor mirror was a woman with long straight black hair and coffee colored skin, black eyes wearing a frilly sleep bra and panties, containing huge jiggling breasts, DD cups instead of her Cs. It was her face, though, and her body, the birthmark on her thigh was still there.

I’m in someone else body, some bimbo Latina….last I remember Bobby was being hurt and then I…I…I… killed those gray men….how? This looks like my room, but it’s different…

Jenny found an ornate silver frame with a photo on her dresser. It showed her new self in a coral colored gown with Bobby, except it was not Bobby. He was there, but was short, much shorter than she was, maybe five six even in heels, wearing a short black dress with a lace apron. His skin was pale white and freckled, and his red hair was up in an elaborate upsweep. They both wore heavy makeup, and Bobby looked gorgeous to her. 

Bobby too…but wait, he’s not a girl…no boobs…what?

Jenny ran across the hall and opened the door to what used to be Robert’s room. It seemed smaller, more austere, and she saw the short freckled Bobby sleeping soundly on a small four poster bed, long dark red hair flowing about his pillow. Jenny tiptoed to his closet and saw a series of maid’s dresses, along with casual dresses and skirts, with a few coverall garments in the back. A collection of black pumps with a modest heel, along with a couple of dressy stilettos was neatly arranged on the floor.

Jenny crept back to her room, offered a prayer of thanks that the bathroom still worked in a familiar manner and began looking for something to wear. She was determined to find out what was going on.

Finding a seriously heavy bra with blessedly wide shoulder straps, she felt relief as it supported her unfamiliar endowments. She had to settle for a comfortable skirt, as it appeared her new self didn’t believe in jeans. A pair of sandals and an oxford blouse completed her outfit. She made a pony tail with a sequined scrunchie and headed downstairs. Her eye caught a home office with a computer and she headed right for it. 

Amazing, didn’t know there was a Windows 99. Double amazing, “Jennifer’s”  password is the same …Bill Gates may wear a skirt here ,but his software is still sloooooow.

Several hours later, Robert began the climb back to consciousness. He opened his eyes and saw a dark haired woman sitting over him. 

“It’s Jenny, Bobby. Relax….don’t freak out at the changes….we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto….” 

Jenny’s voice was a familiar anchor and he grabbed it. His head still was in pain, the hot needles pulsing from his neck were fading, but still real. Robert reached up and saw his hand, or rather the small, delicate hand with exquisitely applied azure nail polish and long, tapered nails with intricate inlaid flower designs. 

Ooookay, things are weird…Jenny cued me into that. Breathe…calm. Last thing those gray guys were attacking us, and they applied that thing to my neck….ouch that hurt…still does…okay, Jenny’s changed, she’s a Latina now with huge tits….wow…ooooh momma!…Robert, now is a bad time to get a hard on for your best friend….Down boy…Looks like I’m not quite me either…okay, let’s remain calm despite the implications of what I am seeing….it’s either real and I need to listen and observe, or I’m fucking crazy and it will go away when the nice men bring my medication…..either way, nothing to get excited about….

“Okay, Jen…talk to me.” Robert sat up, feeling his voluminous hair flow forward, his diminutive frame awkward at first to move. The movement indicated he was still male under the satin sheet. “What am I? Where are we? What happened to those guys..”

Jennifer examined her friend and felt arousal between her legs. He’s precious! Like a china doll…why does that get to me…calm down girl…. Now’s not the time to grab him by the hair and drag him off to ravage him….maybe later….

“Well, Bobby, I’ve had a few hours to recon the situation and we are definitely not on Earth, at least not the one we know. This is either the most elaborate ruse every invented, right down to body manipulation, or we have ‘gone through a portal’ or dimensional rift or wormhole or timewarp or whatever sci fi contrivance you care to name. This is still the USA, but things are a bit different. I can let you study the history, but the short form is, the genders are a tad different here. Women are taller and seem to be a bit more than co-equal to men in every way. Apparently the second world war never happened, and the first one fizzled out, so the monarchies and colonial system creaks along, despite modern technology. Maybe people are a bit less aggressive, I don’t know. Oh, and by the way, men and women dress a bit alike, and it looks like my side won the fashion argument…

“Whoa, slow down…wait a minute…okay… too macro…closer to home, who are we..”

“Ah, thank God I keep extensive records, or maybe you do, I don’t know, but I run a foundation to help the poor, especially the illegal anglos who are homeless, good work passed on from dear old Mama Rodriguez. You are my childhood friend and confidant, Bobbie O’Malley, adopted by my family as an orphan when your Irish parents died in the last great earthquake. You apparently serve as my ladies maidservant, a quite respected position for a delicate red haired laddie. Apparently you are quite the little hairdresser and cosmetics expert, as well as my administrator and general right hand guy. Oh yes, you can cook too.

“So I’m your slave-maid?...okay, now I know you’re pulling my leg…”

“Sorry, Bobbie, but the truth was better than any gag I could dream up. Don’t worry,  I won’t even charge you rent if you do good work.”

“All right, we can sort out the mistress- maid thing later….how did we get here? Who were those guys?”

“No idea, Bobby. All I know is I was surrounded by some green field or something, and then I saw them about to slice your head off after you broke that guy’s arm like a twig, and I wanted to pull you to me and make you safe, protect you. I ….I….damn…I think I killed those guys with just thinking about it….it was like I willed them to die…then I woke up across the hall, in my much nicer bed, mind you, which needs to be made up…and you were here. By the way, you hair is lovely, red and freckles look cute on you…” 

“Shit, we really fell into it this time, Jen Jen.”

“No argument, Bobby. Let me help you up, you look like your head hurts bad…..”

Jenny easily lifted the diminutive Robert upright, his pastel blue nightgown fluttering about his azure panties. Robert winced as the unfamiliar sensation of being totally powerless in her grasp conflicted with the equally unfamiliar feelings of submission and comfort. Jenny was unable to read his reaction, assuming the pain from the strange device during the attack was the reason for his hesitancy.

“There, can’t have my precious little doll fall down, can we? You all right, Bobbie?”

Robert forced a smile and unconsciously put a hand up to push his hair back from his eyes. Well, this will take some getting used to…gad, I’m tiny…and my arms are like twigs…calm down Robert, calm down, Jenny’s your friend…figure this out…damn but she makes me feel weak, needy and incredibly aroused…

Christmas Eve, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus One

Robert sat at the vanity table, having sectioned his hair into three pony tails, and began creating his signature updo with curls for the festivities. The room was full of the other senior servants, all watching and emulating his movements with their own locks.

“Bobbie, laddie, it’s so good to see ye recover yer natural gifts after those painful headaches ye had. The prettiest Irish laddie in the whole state and ye lost yer skills. A tragedy!” Shamus Reilly, the head of the cleaning staff worked his silver tresses up, his gnarled hands still moving with agility, his immense belly jiggling in his black dress.

“Aye, Bobbie, we were so worried about ya, tis a Merry Christmas that you seem yerself these days.” Maggie Mulligan giggled, her white chef’s uniform spotless, a hint of her long legs visible through the slit in her black velvet skirt.

Francine Dominguez and Manuela Ricardo, the tall Amazonian security chiefs were silent as they struggled to replicate the lightning fast moves that Robert’s fingers made.

“Oh, you two are hopeless when it comes to this…just wait ‘till I finish then I’ll do both of you. Good thing I already finished Dona Jennifer first. Just work on your makeup for now.” Robert smiled. The two six foot six guards grinned widely and giggled, their sequined gowns somehow concealing several arsenals of firepower. Standing at five foot two in his stocking feet, Robert felt they were still imposing even sitting down.

Finishing up his own hair, stepping into his four inch heels, his best silk black maidservant dress hovering over his starched petticoats at knee level, the lace apron purely decorative, Robert went to work and quickly handled Francine and Manuela adding even more height to them with a pile of black curls atop their heads, creatively disguising their earplugs and the cords down their necks with spiral tendrils. He then inspected and fussed over everyone’s makeup, hair and other little details.

“All right, I think we’re ready to do our Dona proud! The guests should be arriving for the party within an hour, and you all look beautiful.” Robert said, addressing his troops before the big engagement.

“Ahhh, presentable, maybe, but to call a fat oldster like me beautiful, that’s more blarney than necessary, Bobbie!” Shamus laughed a deep and musical laugh, his ample girth acting as an amplifier.

“Shamus, Maggie, Francine, Manuela, I want to thank you all for your patience with me, I know it was difficult, especially covering up my ‘confusion’ with the junior staff, but I couldn’t have recovered without you all. Shamus, you spent hours helping me relearn hair and makeup, and Maggie, you were tolerant of me mucking about in your kitchen.”

“Go on wit ya…. Yer biggest problem was I could see yer hands were trying to do it right, and yer thinkin’ mind was trying to order ‘em around. When you just let go, it all came back to ye!” Shamus chided  Robert, waggling a finger while Maggie nodded in agreement.

“And you two! Francine and Manuela! Always there to keep me from getting lost when we went shopping or somewhere with the Dona., pretending that I knew all along where we were going! Thank you all and let’s have a Merry Christmas!” Robert felt himself tear up, and let them just run down his perfect white cheeks.

The group toasted, Robert having secured the good brandy from Jenny’s private stock, and mused while the group took a moment to relax before assuming their hectic duties running a dinner party for 200 prominent, wealthy socialites and social climbers in Dona Rodriguez lavish city townhouse, right on Nob Hill. 

Thank God for these people or I would have been a total disaster. Jenny’s idea of me having a ‘head injury with memory loss” was brilliant, and this group just pitched in to help. I guess they liked Bobbie O’Malley a lot before I showed up and took over his body…Damn, I never knew hair and makeup was that damn complicated…it was much easier picking up the financial management of Jenny’s foundation.  Jenny has been great, coaching me into this feminine world, funny, she was never this girly before…but here she’s a clotheshorse, changing outfits four or five times a day, well, I guess she’s playing the role, all her useless hanger on girlfriends do the same. And despite her keeping me running with her clothes, hair, and her social calendar, I admit, being her maid allows us a lot of private time without anyone raising an eyebrow. 

We’ve been here for almost three months now. We’ve think we have a lead to check out, that “Banker-Multi Laboratories” we saw on the Professor’s  case in Iraq…our Earth Iraq, not the Persian Collective here. Maybe Jenny’s right, I need to accept being here, try and enjoy being a weak, 100 pound pretty boy. Maybe I should take those pills for depression the Doctor recommended….

The scene was festive, with colored lights and a string quartet playing carols, wealthy tall women with glittering jewelry and pretty boy brides on their arm,  fewer wealthy men in gowns with serious , tall wives, usually professionals in their own right, often in matching attire, and an assortment of  young teenaged boys and girls, all expensively begowned, bejewleled , sporting the latest hair and makeup fashions.

Robert greeted them all as their limos dropped them off, taking their wraps and showing them into the party. His bottom was getting quite sore at the number of pinches he received from both genders, despite the early warning his voluminous petticoats gave him as their upper class hands snaked through the starched ruffles. He smiled and continued to curtsey as each guest arrived.

The last guest obsequiously escorted inside, he turned to observe the gathering. Small groups clustered about various sources of food and drink, with a large knot around Jenny in the center. He smiled and admired his handiwork. Wow, you did good, Robbie, she’s gorgeous. She looks good with those big hooters, and the dark skin and black hair is very sexy. Her hair came out great…that ‘fountain of curls’ effect I wanted really came off, and that red gown really shows off her body…and hides the extra pounds she’s put on being ‘The Dona”….seems to all have hit her ass, which is not a bad thing at all…..And the purple eye shadow does work, glad I took  a picture to document it….

Jenny amused herself with estimating just what each person gathering around her so friendly and festively really wanted from her. Ah, the Morgenthaus, old money, most of it gone, she needs a cash infusion for her bank, and probably wants me to marry her plump little son, the one wearing the obvious corset under that gown…damn it makes him look like he’s got little titties! He’s cute, in a rotund sort of way, but stupid… Ah, Dona Gomez! She needs to buy my property in Marin, to expand her estate, and she also wants me to consider little Jamie, that sexy son of hers with the really hot eyes and really really nice ass…he would be good, but he’s still not quite a girl…now Bobbie, he gets my nipples hard just walking by, and he’s not a girl either, but hmmm, he is so nice despite that…Focus, Jenny…ah, John Draco, the media man…what could he want? Hmmm, other than longer legs, more collagen in his lips  and a better hair stylist, probably my support for his new radio station…

“Would Dona Rodriguez care for anything before I attend to the staff?” Robert stood beside her, dwarfed by her height, his head bowed.

“Bobbie! This party is fabulous! I don’t know how I’d get by without you!....No, I’m quite fine, I’ll see you later when we serve the desserts.” Jenny turned on her gushing, effusive voice for the crowd, an elite deigning to praise one of the lower classes, such a gesture of noblesse oblige during the Christmas season. How does Bobbie stand it? I’d kick  myself hard if I treated myself that way…this mistress servant thing is disgusting…I feel awful about it…I know Bobbie’s not happy, but he’s done so well to fit in! He does all the scut work and I get to be the rich bitch gadfly, richest woman in town, the one everyone wants their son to marry, and a few daughters too…mmmm some of them are scrumptious too, but not here and now, and definitely not in public…maybe I could sneak that Maria in the black gown under the mistletoe?.

Jamie Gomez followed Robert out of the ballroom, his heels clicking away on the marble floor of the hallway.

“Wait up, servant! I would talk to you!” He said, attempting to make the command sound friendly.

Robert turned, and without a bow or curtsey, gave a slight nod, drinking in Jamie’s youthful good looks and elegant attire. Expensively dyed blonde hair cascaded to his waist, almost covering the fact that his gown exposed his whole back right to the beginning of the crack of his butt cheeks. Impossible six inch heels made his height almost six feet tall when you added in the tiara and curls piled high inside it. His makeup was impeccable, complementing his dark skin. Ah, to be eighteen and rich, with nothing more expected of you than to marry well…hmm no wonder he’s got a reputation as a gold plated bitch.

“Master Gomez? How may I assist you?”

Jamie blinked and gave away a startled look, he had been assuming a much more docile tone from Robert.

“I decided we should get to know each other, Maidservant ….Bobbie is it? Well Bobbie, I would like to think we could be of assistance to each other…I’m sure you know the future may bring us into closer “familial”  contact….”

“I serve at Dona Rodriguez pleasure, she has my fealty and owns my indenture, Master Gomez. I  am unsure of what you mean?”

“You know very well what I mean, you little Irish trash…do not presume to cross me or my mother…we of class and breeding, including your Dona, do stick together, unlike you anglo illegals. It amazes me we don’t round you up and send you home to that armpit of an island…” Jamie lost his temper easily and tonight was no exception. Bobby knew he needed to be subservient in manner, but it felt so unnatural for him to take such an insult from this kid.

“As you wish, Master Jamie. I will attend to my duties now…” Robert spun and his heel and left what he knew to be an enraged teenager angrily smoldering in the hallway. Well, I’m sure that will have repercussions….

Jenny had cautioned Maria to not ruin her hair or makeup as they had stolen off to a side room. Maria gigglingly obliged, and was now buried under the vastness of Jenny’s gown and petticoats as she slowly tongued her way up Jenny’s soft, nicely plump thighs, her hands cupping Jenny’s generously round derriere with firm pulsing grips.

Her arms supporting her as she leaned back on the desk, Jenny felt her urges abate slightly. I never remember ever being so god awful horny as I have been since we arrived here…Maria’s a cutie, but that giggle is too much to take except in short doses…Oh Bobbie, I wish it were you...but that would be a bad idea…but he’s so preciously delicate and sexy here, I just want to pick him up and squeeze him…ooooh I’ll bet his tongue is even better…oooh

A few minutes later, Maria was unpinning the mess her upsweep had become, and brushing it into nice flowing waves over her ample décolletage. 

“Dona Jenny, you are so beautiful…please meet me again, soon…” Maria pleaded as Jenny reattached her stockings to the garters on the girdle she had just put back on.

“Yes, Maria, soon…next time I require you I will send for you. Now go scoot and enjoy the party and do not gossip about this or I shall have to become unpleasant.”

“Never Dona! You know you can trust me…” Maria exited, giggling.

Trust you, sure, juicy gossip like “I went down on the Dona”? What girl could hold that in? Oh well, let’s keep the legend alive…as long as I’m not caught in public, juicy lesbo stories help. I get caught with a woman and the Church and the Social Register has to take “official notice”. And buying them off becomes real expensive. 
An hour later, after the midnight welcoming in of the holiday, the guests were all drinking the champagne as the party wound down. Robert headed outside, shaking off the mild chill to make sure the valets have the limos ready to flow up the street for the guests departure. Oohh, that’s a chill…damn short skirts, even with petticoats…

Francine noticed the two women crossing the street, making a direct path to Robert as he emerged from the side alley, and decided to close in herself, staying out of sight behind a large Packard Limousine. Let’s hope these sequins don’t flash off that streetlight…damn I wish I had on my combat coverall now instead of this gown…

“Manuela, you copy?” Francine whispered into her throat mike, fingering the transmit button built into her brooch..

“Yeah, Fancy, I got you, what’s hot?”

“Situation out front, two gals looking out of place on the street and our Bobbie is their possible target…”

“Check, will be there in two…”

Too late…it’s going down now Francine thought as she lifted a throwing knife from under her skirt.

“Ya, you! Honey you look sweet tonight, gimme my Christmas present…” One of the women, pretending to be drunk, fake staggered to within a few feet of Robert, who started backing away, his face calm despite his obvious diminutive size.

“None of that, sweetcheeks…we just want some fun…you can’t run, and if you scream we’ll cut you….” The second woman moved like lightning, blocking Robert’s escape, and was holding a shiny four inch stiletto blade, the festive colored lights of the street making pretty rainbow reflections off the steel in the evening mist.

Robert braced himself, hoping his security wasn’t completely focused on the guests at that moment. Something inside him, some part of his former self refused to scream.

“Just a little tongue, sweetie, for a vet’ran on the holiday….I’ll lift my skirt and you go to work, and no one’s the wiser…” The first woman, no longer faking inebriation, said with menace dripping from her voice. She was big, six three, strong and from the scars on her face, very ugly. Her dress was cheap and serviceable, and it matched her accomplices.

A glimmer of steel and a thhipppt sound went past Robert within a foot of his right earring, causing it to sway in the disturbed air. The woman behind dropped her knife and fell forward, groaning at her sudden awareness of a five inch double sided throwing knife somewhere near her heart. The woman in front barely sputtered a “Wha!!!” when Francine spun her around and savagely broke her already deformed nose and collapsed her to the ground with a sharp solar plexus shot with the edge of her hand, careful not to break one of her dressy nails.

Robert found himself cradled in Francine’s arms, and suddenly succumbed to the urge to kiss her, deeply and with passion.

After the kiss, Manuela and the rest of the guards rushed outside to cover the scene. Robert snuggled into Francine’s bosom and closed his eyes.

“You okay, Bobbie?” Francine asked, quietly, whispering it in his ear.

“I’m fine, thanks for saving me again, you big lug…”

“I’m going to set you down now, okay, boss?” Francine had a waver in her voice, indicating she was wildly unsure of what had just happened.

“Okay, Francine. I’m fine now.” Robert said as she set him upright and helped smooth his dress. Damn, I’ve been so horny since I got here…and Francine is a nice package…why not, a one time thing, if she’s okay with that…I’ll meet her later…She’s not Jenny…but I can’t allow myself to go there, much as I want to…Damn!

“Meet me later…in my room….” Robert whispered, getting rapid nod from the tall woman. 

Manuela came over to the corner. “We’ll have this cleaned up now, boss….I know this one, she’ll talk. She does nasty stuff for the Gomez family…looks like you got an enemy, Bobbie.”

“Just have this out of the way before the guests start leaving. I need to go see the Dona.” Robert nodded and went inside, shivering for more reasons than the temperature.

New Years Eve, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus One

Gray mist swirled around the tall woman’s legs, her long skirted business suit forcing her normal long stride into hip swinging, mincing steps as she moved across the office building entrance. Keep a watch for emergences she narrowcast at the two women flanking the building’s doors, and received the telepathic equivalent of nods from them.

Ms Brunner clutched her purse and glanced in the shiny elevator doors to check her appearance as she waited for the car to arrive. Exiting on the thirtieth floor, her normal room commanding poise and self awareness carried into the lone office on the floor, the glass emblazoned THE RODRIGUEZ FOUNDATION.

“May I help you?” the pretty receptionist asked, her blonde hair piled high in  a mass of curls, her blouse revealing her significant breasts almost to her nipples. 

“I have an appointment with Mistress Rodriguez, My name is Banker-Multi.”

“Please have a seat, Mistress; I will inform management of your presence.” The receptionist managed to stand and tower over several inches over Ms Brunner, and then swiveled her hips into the back offices.

Ms. Brunner smiled and waved at the security camera, knowing the name she gave would raise some interest.

Emerging from the door leading to the offices, the receptionist smiled. “You may go in, Mistress Banker-Multi. Please go directly into the conference room ahead.”

Ms. Brunner sat down in one of the expensive open frame office chairs around the circular oak table. Various network connections were available at each seat. She could feel the presence of people observing her.

Francine entered the room with a handheld metal detector. “Sorry, Mistress, but you don’t have an appointment, and we don’t know who you are, but the Dona wants to see you anyway. Please let me check you over, for security reasons.”

A winsome grin preceded Ms Brunner standing up and going through the motions of raising arms and letting herself be patted down. Francine emptied her purse and found nothing more dangerous than a lace handkerchief and some cosmetics.

Satisfied, Francine waved a hand signal at the camera and stood in the corner, directly behind Ms Brunner’s chair. Jenny and Robert entered, Jenny’s black hair down with her long skirted suit in black, Robert’s red hair up with his maid’s outfit replaced by a similar black long skirted suit. They both sat down.

“Francine, please leave us alone, just stand by outside, please.” Robert said, exchanging glances with his friend and occasional lover. Not happy but following orders, Francine complied, soundlessly.

“Are you who we think you are?” Jenny opened, staring intently at the tall, shiny gray haired woman across from her.

“Well, yes, if by that you mean am I “Ms Brunner” whom you met in Iraq in another reality….yes, I am. I see you two have tried to fit in here, but your pursuit of “Banker-Multi Laboratories” and “Professor Worfen” made me come here today. To check on you personally.”

“What? Who are you? Check on us? Tell us what the hell happened?” Jenny and Robert spit out before they resume a disciplined silence.

“Ah yes, I’m sure you have a lot of questions….well, let’s see. I assume you have figured out that you are in a different reality from the one you knew, so it’s not much of a stretch to the fact that there are many realities in what we call the “Multiverse” or “Multi” for short. And I also assume that you found an artifact in Iraq that day, or maybe it would be better to say it found you…well, it’s called “The Domron” and it was how you escaped from the Skargfarthers to get here.” She paused and let the pair absorb confirmation for what they had already guessed.

“It found us?” Jenny softly spoke, staring into Ms Brunner’s penetrating eyes.

“Oh yes, we have no idea what they are, but they seemed latch onto people and let’s say the results are rarely boring for those chosen. Some say they are tools left over from the formation of the Multi, but that’s just pure speculation. My job is to observe and contain them if they choose unwisely, and also prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, like those Skargfarthers. Nasty bits, those.”

“So take the damn thing and let us go home!” Robert stood up, his tiny size not making that much of a statement when he was matched with two women each a foot taller. 

“Sorry, unless the Domron takes you home, you are here, or where ever it takes you. I couldn’t pry you away even if I felt so inclined. The last time that was tried, we lost an entire reality and the two nearby. And the idiot agent who tried it, of course….no, all I can tell you is fit in wherever you go, and there are many people from many realities who want a Domron. so be on your guard. Oh, and Jenny, why won’t you grab this little cutie by the hair and drag him off for some hot sex? That’s puzzling…oh well… gotta go, kids. Bobbie, just let go, you look great, but then you’d look great in any reality… stop worrying about old thinking from realities you aren’t in anymore…”

Ms Brunner stood up and disappeared with a distinct “POP” of rushing air to fill the void where she had been.

“Oh Shit…” Jenny and Robert whispered.

“Mistress Rodriguez, your scheduled appointment is here” came the receptionist’s soprano tones over the intercom.

“Give us a minute, Marsha, and then send them in.” Jenny answered as she turned to Robert.

“We’ll talk about it later, right? This is just some group asking for a donation, the last of the year, let’s get it done and get out of town and think, okay Robert?”

“Agreed. Sit down and I’ll bring them in. Damn this tight skirt! There, got it.”

The three priestesses were tall, and dressed in somewhat old fashioned clerical garb. Their gold crucifixes were prominently displayed on their cassocks, suspended over their ample bosoms on gold chains.

“Yes sisters, what may we do for you?” Jenny asked, a large welcoming smile crossing her face.

“We are here for you, Domron! We beseech ye to come with us and settle in our verdant and fertile place! Stop wandering amongst these vile filth!” The lead ‘priestess’ flung open her cassock to reveal a magnificent nude female body. The crucifix began glowing and filling the room with greenish light.

“Oh shit….” Robert muttered as every muscle in his body spasmed, and the necklace became visible, along with Jenny’s.

“You must select one of us to replace this male Chrondar , the Domron cannot fulfill itself with this… this…this…inferior!” The other priestesses also disrobed as they talked, indicating Robert as if he were some vile trash.

“Who ARE you? Excuse me, but this is a bit much…” Jenny found the green field lessening as she became angry.

“We are the Lorile. We can sense your kindred spirit, please come and freely decide…”

“Or what? And stop hurting Bobbie! Cut this crap out RIGHT FUCKING NOW!” Jenny stood up, her own necklace overpowering the green light with a dazzling brilliance.

“Or nothing…we leave. Can’t hurt to ask, can it? Pack it up girls, she’s not buying it!” The three “POP”ed out of the room, just like Ms Brunner had.

Francine rushed in, finally released from the muscle lock effect of the green aura, and did a double take on the missing guests.

“What the Hell was that?” She asked, looking to both Jenny and Robert.

“You don’t want to know. Stand down, Francine. Looks like we’re okay. Let’s get out of here and away from town, okay, Bobbie? Are you okay?” Jenny said, sitting and feeling the perspiration on her forehead.

“Oh shit, yes, Dona Jenny Let’s go right now”.

New Years Day, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus One

They did get rolling the next day, a black limo with Francine and Robert up front, Manuela and Jenny in the back, headed to the beach house near Half Moon Bay.

“Bobbie, about us…I mean…you know…I’m more like a good time gal…and I know you have the hots for the Dona…” Francine stammered as she drove down the two lane road.

“Fancy…you’re a sweetheart, and yes, I had a real ‘good time’. Don’t worry, you’re special to me, but I don’t plan on demanding you make an honest man of me. And yes, I am pledged to the Dona, but that’s real complicated….”

Robert could feel the palpable relief as Francine exhaled, her large frame seeming to relax all at once.

The late morning sun was beginning to burn off the fog as they rolled up to the redwood beach house, set back in the marsh grass from the Pacific by 200 yards. 

“Francine, Manuela, please check the place out, Bobbie and I need some time inside to talk.” Jenny said as she pulled her hair back into a simple pony tail, secured it and stepped out of the limo , her sweater and simple wool skirt fending off the wind. 

Robert followed her, struggling to keep pace, his black maidservant dress and petticoats flapping in the wind, his sensible low heeled shoes crunching with the sand on the walkway.

Francine and Manuela on guard  outside and out of hearing, Jenny and Robert relaxed on the big couch and looked at the waves through the large glass window while the gas log fireplace added a warming feeling to the room.

“Well, what do you think, Bobbie?”

“We are at the whims of forces beyond our control. That said, you seem to somehow shut down the baddies from Dimension X or whatever , thanks to the Domron thing. The thing that disturbed me the most was Brunner, the “Gray Lady” saying that the “Domron picked us”. That implies it’s more than some ‘artifact’, that it has intelligence, or some programming or something….”

“Yes, and somehow, we manage to fit into our roles a lot easier than you would expect. I think it changes our personality to match , or something…”

“Yeah…frankly, Jen, you make a really top notch rich, powerful take no prisoners bitch. And that sure as hell wasn’t ‘you’ when we started.”

“Yeah, yourself. I know it was harder for you, going from being the top guy, make your own way dude to cute little pretty boy, and ‘maidservant’ to boot, but I was amazed at how you got into it. It seemed you just started acting like it, even though I knew it grated.”

“You’re right, especially when my best friend was such a bitch…”

“Okay, I resemble that. Now back on topic, sweetiepie pretty boy, given these Skargfargers and Lorlillies or whatever can just pop in and out, it seems we can be attacked damn near anytime. I wonder why it took them until now to figure out where we are?”

“Kind of amazing the Ms. Brunner shows up and then all of a sudden we get three naked priestesses trying to snatch you. You believe in Santa Claus or coincidence? Santa has the odds to me…”

“Okay, so what do you recommend we do now?”

“I think we need to follow that info on “Banker-Mullti” and find out if this reality’s Professor Worfen knows anything useful…” Robert said, turning to face Jenny.

“Jenny! Your necklace! It’s back!” He said, just as they heard many “POP”s  in the room.

The lead man in the black cape tried to grab Robert from the couch, the stench of his gray peeling skin almost making Robert retch. He wriggled out of his grasp just as the two doors broke open to produce Francine and Manuela with submachine guns on full auto. 

The leader in black took a burst to the face, and a foul stench erupted as his blood spattered. Five more black robes were taken down, and Jenny screamed as she saw one point a pistol like device which disintegrated Manuela’s head in an instant. Francine took a blast which removed her arm and fell over, while Jenny saw the remaining four intruders stand still. When  one pointed a pistol at Robert her anger surged. 

The world went black.

 Fifteen minutes later, Ms Brunner and two other women arrived on the scene. 

Damn, ten Skargfarthers and one of her own guards. Well, it looks like she didn’t go quietly this time.  Ms Brunner directed her agents to examine the room.

Chief! She shifted three this time! The big blonde agent narrowcast, running a scanner over the scene.

Oh, my Jenny, you ARE full of surprises. Who did you take with you? 

Early Summer, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus Two

Robert felt the bright sun toast his eyelids. Time to get up…wait, am I alive?

He sat up, finding what looked like a hotel room. A hotel suite, actually. A very posh and pricey hotel suite. 

Sitting up was interrupted by a pain, his hair was stuck in something. Wait, that’s a lot of hair….blonde hair, damn I’m sitting on my own hair…

Okay, calm down Robert…we got attacked and Jenny did it again, we are somewhere else…let’s take stock, okay?

He swung a long and graceful leg out of bed while carefully moving his mass of tresses from beneath his soft bottom. Standing opposite a full length mirror in an ornate oak frame, he saw a tall and almost impossibly slender male, with a waist that was girlishly thin. Six feet tall, his arms and legs were thin, his chest was small and sported two tiny but definite breast like protrusions. The thin waist made him look like he had hips, with a wider pelvic spread than he would have expected. His face was his, but a perfected version, with big pouty lips, and perfect white skin, with large, soft blue eyes. 

Robert opened the gauzy sea-foam nightgown and pulled down the matching panties. Well, I’m still male, barely….damn that’s a bit…..less…than I remember, even when I was the 100 pound Irish maid.

Most obvious, crowding out the eye for any other detail when looking at his new self was the mane of blonde hair. Despite half of it being pony tailed back, it flowed in huge, thick waves to his mid thighs, parting to allow his arm to rise and his bright crimson nailed hand touch his mouth in astonishment.

“Ah, he’s awake! Our Princess needs us!” came identical sing song voices as two distinctly odd people entered the room.

“Kiss Kiss, Bobbie-Louise! Kiss Kiss! Good Morning to you! It’s a lovely day in sunny LA!” they continued in perfect unison, without a time lag or a tonal variation between them.

Robert observed and could find no difference between the two. Japanese, about 54% probability male, about six feet tall, slender, with perfect features, dark and huge eyes and black hair that cascaded to their round plump butts. They wore matching school uniforms, with incredibly short pleated wool skirts that allowed for constant panty flashes, substituting sheer hosiery and   three strap open toed heels for the white stockings and Mary Janes. Both of them wore extensive but flawless makeup, along with a wide assortment of jewelry.
Robert noticed they were wearing delicate pastel blue brassieres, visible through their not-obvious-at-first sheer white blouses, despite having perfectly flat chests.

“Bobbie, today you have a photo shoot for Peroni line, and you’ll be doing both the men’s and women’s gowns, so we’ll need to wash you down and glue some extra titties on, but that’s not for hours, darling, so would you like Casio and Seiko to relax you and get you ready for your breakfast meeting with The Big J?”

Reacting before he could control it , Robert gave a puzzled look and stammered “B..b.big J?”

Both of them laughed in a way that the word “titter” was invented to cover. The pair spasmed with mirth.

“Oh, Bobbie-Louise, you aren’t awake!...well, the Big J won’t be kept waiting…” Casio spoke, the first time not matched by Seiko.

“Well, she is getting even bigger, that ass will need wider doors soon…” Seiko said bitchily.

“Like you should notice such things, Seiko. Now let’s get our Princess ready. You work inside and I’ll work up top, then we’ll switch, okay?”

Seiko giggled what Robert assumed to be gleeful assent, and he found himself being gently stripped of his night gown, his hair being tied into several more manageable plaits and a bubbling tub in the corner beckoning his crimson toes to slowly submerge. Casio kept Robert’s hair carefully dry while Seiko stripped naked, arranged his hair up and covered it with a huge shower cap and dove into the tub, his hands using a variety of cloths and sponges to clean Robert’s skin. 

Well, at least Seiko is male for sure….Robert mused, feeling the relaxing flow of water jets as the twins attended to his needs.

“Isn’t he fabulous, Princess? I love it when he does that to me…no lift your arm, I need to loofah you some more there…that’s my Princess!” Casio cooed in his ear. 

Robert felt himself conflicted yet deciding to defer his inner turmoil about having such homosexual play to a later time. This was no time to jump up, scream and act highly offended. Obviously, this was an everyday event for ‘Bobbie-Louise”. Besides, Seiko was really only washing him, at least so far.

The suite door opened and Jenny jiggled in. 

It seemed that all her parts were moving in different orbits, mesmerizing everyone in the room who found they could not look away.

Her pink hair flowed smoothly down her tanned back, her eyes seemingly hidden under incredibly long lashes, her round and full derriere barely covered by the drape of her syntha-plas miniskirt, her navel jewel shimmering , lighting up her exposed midriff, her prominent F cup breasts barely contained in what passed for a 'mini-blouse', all perfectly proportioned to her wide, slim shouldered six foot three inches. She reflected a Rubens model on growth hormone, with Italian shoes. 

“Ah! You are awake! We have a lot to talk about Bobbie-Louise….You two! Get him dressed for breakfast, you can primp him later for the meeting! He’ll need to be….provocative, capiche?” Jenny said in sonorous tones, her voice almost singing the words.

“At once, Mistress Jenny! Bobbie will be there in just a flash!” the twins sang out, again in perfect synchrony.

Breakfast, Early Summer, Los Angeles, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus Two

The plate was large, making the single sunny side up egg look quite lonely. Robert longingly looked across the table and saw a mound of scrambled eggs, hash brown potatoes and several slices of thick, crispy bacon in front of Jenny. He then looked down at his bare middle, with a ruby navel jewel sparkling and guessed he must be near bird-like in eating to maintain his impossibly narrow waist.

Jenny giggled as she wolfed down a bite of food, making her breasts jiggle in reaction. 

“Well, Bobbie, or should I say Bobbie-Louise, we seem to have misplaced ourselves again….” Jenny said with a wide eyed grin, showing perfect teeth against luscious pink lips.

“Another fine mess you’ve gotten us into, Jenny…” Robert returned her smile, glancing up and down at their new personas.

“Well, I’ve been up for hours, and once again, we seem to keep detailed records and our passwords are magically a multi-reality constant, so I’ve got a thumbnail sketch of who we are this time. But, before I start, there’s someone you need to see…” Jenny rang an ornate silver bell on the table.

A very tall woman with very dark skin and long straight hair to her waist, wearing a black suit with pants tucked into sturdy cowboy boots entered Jenny’s hotel suite. It took him two glances  before Robert jumped out of his chair and began hugging Francine tightly, feeling tears well up and his hands shake as he squeezed the six foot six inch bodyguard as tightly as he could with his spindly thin arms. 

“Oh damn…Fancy! I thought you died!” He babbled, tears streaming down his foundation makeup.

Francine hugged Robert back, gently, her strength in this reality not at all diminished.

“Mistress Jenny has sort of explained things, but it’s a bit complicated for me. All I know is I was shot to hell pretty damn good, and then woke up here a few hours ago, with Mistress Jenny hovering over me, dressed all weird like…I still think I’m dead, but I don’t argue with the boss…”

“Well, then repeating it won’t hurt your head, Francine. Okay, obviously we jumped again, and Francine and I are part of your entourage, Bobbie-Louise…you’re a teen idol, what they call a synthamesh star here. Apparently I was some kind of singer, but now I manage your career. Oh, and you still rent from me, you live on my estate somewhere in what I think we’d know as Ventura County. We’re in town to meet some people wanting to sign you up for a set of performances, and also you have to do some kind of fashion shoot for a new line of gowns.” Jenny rattled off , watching Robert’s reactions.

“Ah, well, am I a typical male here?” 

“About as much a one as Michael Jackson was back home, Bobbie-Louise. Apparently you were treated for something called Central Precocious Puberty around age 10, and somehow the hormones they gave you produced you as you are now. Oh, by the way, once again, we are both orphans and only children, that’s starting to be a pattern…well, we can analyze later.  You also have a rare talent to connect to some techno stuff they have here and apparently also had a lifelong dream of being an entertainer, so here you are! The person every teenager wants to be or be like.”

“What in hell is this technology, you called me a ‘synthamesh’ star…sounds vaguely porno…”

“It is vaguely porno, to us, and I’ll bet Francine here would agree. Apparently if you sing, or dance or model a dress, the audience who pays to jack in feels it as if they are singing, wearing that dress….need I say more?”

“So I’m a sex act?”

“Heaven’s no! You’re just the one that all the girls and boys get wet to, feeling you sing, or vamp around a stage. And we make a lot of money from it, Bobbie! You’re a teen heart throb that a kid can connect to, directly into their nervous system. Wanna guess why you’re wearing a bra?”

“Because it’s the custom?”

“Nope, you started the custom just a year ago. We got millions from a major lingerie company just to have you wear their bra, as if those little titties of yours needed it. In the last year, it’s become the rage for pre teen and teen boys to wear one ‘Just like Bobbie-Louise’” 

“So how weird is this one, Jen? What’s the government like, the economy, stuff like that?”

“Not too far off, still the USA, but for some reason that includes western Canada but not most of New England. Big war ended ten years ago, sorta like WW Two, democracies against the dictators, with a bit more of a win for the good guys. World economy is red hot, lots of competition, lots of technology, poverty down, everyone’s eating,  hell, they’ve had a moonbase for ten years and are serious about exploiting space.” Jenny said, trying to do the impossible job of highlighting a whole new reality in a few minutes.

Bobbie nodded, Francine looked lost.  Jenny continued. “Genders are fairly equal here, and again, the girls won the fashion debate, another pattern, FYI.  The cute thing is it’s okay for a gal to pack a few extra pounds here, but you boys need to watch your figures… that’s gonna be fun…”

“I  can see that. Tell me that’s a show biz outfit you’re wearing and not the norm here…” Robert cut in.

“Oh this old thing?” Jenny vamped by thrusting her shoulders back, causing her massive bosom to displace a fair cubic of air. “Strictly show biz, honey! We ARE in LA, after all.”

“Oh, and Francine here is my ‘personal assistant’, Bobbie. She’s already taking over the security we have. A job she knows all too well.”

“Yeah, I still think I’m dead, but the food’s good here. And next time those assholes try and grab you, I’ll be ready.” Francine said, her eyes scanning the room in reflex.

“Let’s try and get through the day without causing a major disruption. Can you handle modeling a few gowns, Bobbie? I think we can handle a meeting, from what I can tell, we just have to listen to their offer…” Jenny grabbed Robert’s delicate, long fingered hand and held it as she looked him eye to eye.

Robert was almost positive that her necklace had flared into visibility for just a fraction of a second.

“Sure, why not. How hard can that be?”

Lunch, Early Summer, Los Angeles, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus Two

Robert was mentally biting his tongue, remembering Jenny’s caution about the meeting. 

“They are here to cut a deal, Bobbie, and since you are the ‘property’ in the deal, they will attempt to devalue you, subtly and very cleverly. Just smile and kill them with charm. I’ll be the bitch on our side. Remember, we are just listening to their offer…”

Around the table in the Syntha Queen Sensies executive conference room sat the other side. Three men and two women. The men were almost in a uniform of sleeveless skin tight one piece tops and extreme microskirts with heeled sandals, their hair flowing freely in clearly planned and styled waves, their flat chested thinness bordering on obsessive. The two women were the lawyers, and while as curvy and plump as Jenny, displayed it a bit less in black suits with short skirts. All of their makeup was flawless, the work of professionals on call to executives of SQS.

Jenny had continued with her same revealing outfit, and Robert was squirming as he looked down at his blue sequined panties and garter belt hooked to pastel blue hosiery, with a matching lace brassiere, all completely revealed by a wispy mostly transparent dress that cycled from almost opaque in sections to invisible in others in some random order. His thigh high soft leather pastel blue boots with five inch heels completed the outfit. He was thankful his hair managed to mask large parts of his body as he moved and it flowed around him. 

Seiko and Casio had spent an hour getting his makeup right and he had to admit they were artists. His face was beautiful, with interesting angles and eyes that stood out under thin arched brows, with thick, juicy moist lips that seemed to rest in a kissing position.

The meeting had opened with greetings. Greetings and lots of gushing compliments on their looks.

“Well, we at SQS are pleased by our past relationship with Bobbie-Louise, and of course, by our long history with the classic Jenny G.” Frieda Falanka, the CEO of SQS, said quietly, signaling the beginning of serious talks, as he flipped his hair back and smiled sweetly at Jenny.

“Frieda, classic just is another word for “old-who-was-she” in this town, but we do appreciate our relationship..” Jenny smiled as she nibbled on a huge bearclaw pastry, prompting one of the lawyers to grab one and take a large bite. Robert’s stomach growled.

“Ha ha..yes. Well. To the point at hand. We at SQS feel that Bobbie-Louise has been holding the number one spot for a while, but other talent is catching up to him. We want you to think about spicing up the act a bit for these three public synthas.”

The other four SQS people were smiling in concert with their boss. Robert looked at Jenny, who grinned and licked the icing off her finger.

“Spice is a very loose term, Frieda.” Jenny smiled as she sampled a chocolate truffle from the tray in front of her.

“Yes, ha ha. Yes. Well, let’s cut to the chase. You already have Bobbie crossing the gender line playfully in his modeling career, and it’s brilliant! Those mini-show ads where he appears in both men and women’s gowns at the same time are a huge hit! Q Factors in the sky! Monster ratings waiting for the next installment!”

“So you want him to incorporate that in syntha work? Isn’t that pushing the decency convention a bit hard?” 

“Well, maybe, but it’s not breaking it. It’s legal, right Maxine?”

One of the lawyers stood up, pastry crumbs falling off her huge bosom as she did. “Absolutely, FF! We have run trials with minor stars in the states with the strictest laws and have all the legal precedent already set. Countries where it’s forbidden will be handled by the black market copy channels, as usual. The case in Iowa where the mother tried to sue us because her son became a crossdresser and got a hack job pair of implants was the clincher. The trial clearly set the precedent that you “Can’t blame the syntha for gender dysphoria.”

“How far do you want Bobbie to go, Frieda? It’s fine you won’t get sued, but this is a career risk for him.” Jenny continued to smile, grabbing Robert’s hand in a signal for him to not react.

Robert focused all his will and energy to smile vapidly at the group, trying to project a giggly indifference to the proceedings.

“We want you to try some of the new attachments from our labs, just to see if Bobbie-Louise hasn’t lost his touch in syntha projection state of the art.”

“What kind of attachments, Frieda?”

“Hoskins, explain it.”

Hoskins eyes glowed with the fire of a true believer in science as he stood up and with a wave of his hand darkened the room while conjuring up an electronic image in the center.

“We have recently been able to synthesize nervous signals in such a way that we can remodel the response. In simple words, we can add body parts and generate sensations that are driven by the talent’s cortex. Given the imbalance in talents, rare as they are, the number of female talents is barely a third of the males so far, so the demand for female syntha performance is very high. 

Hoskins sneezed, his earrings dangling precipitously as he recovered. “Sorry…smog is terrible…oh yes. We have created some female erogenous zones which your male talent can interface with, in effect, allowing the male to send out sensory output typical of both a male and a female. Here they are, the SQS Vaginal Overlay and the SQS Mammary Extensions.”

Robert looked at the colored images floating in the center of the table. Oh shit, this is getting beyond weird…..

Fashion Photo Shoot, Early Summer, Los Angeles, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus Two

“Will you hold still, Princess? These boobs have to be placed just right and Casio just can’t do it if you keep squirming!” Casio scolded Robert as he felt hunger, fatigue, overwhelming change, and Seiko’s hands on his butt as the other twin pinned the hideously expensive designer gown into place for him to do his turn on the runway. 

I guess this is what a prize cow feels like. I just get moved from place to place, and a team of people just keep dressing me up and down for every occasion. I’ve only been in the reality for a day and IT SUCKS!....calm down…one more damn session and Jenny says we can go home, wherever that is now….

Ice cold sensation hit his nipples, followed by an immediate warming. Casio expertly activated the breast prosthesis so Bobbie-Louise could fill out the front of the female version of the gown he had just modeled as a male. His modest breasts had been flattened for the earlier male gown by some magic transparent spray-on adhesive that was a bit like plastic wrap. It gave his chest a more ‘manly’ look. 

These are amazing! I can feel every touch of the cloth across them! And these are the old fashioned ones compared to the ones SQS wants me to wear? Damn, I’m glad Jenny told them we’d ‘think it over’…shit…ooohh….that feels soooo good…

“Ah, my Princess likes that…yes. Let me show you something….” Casio whispered and leaned over to gently lick the large nipple with precision.

Robert writhed uncontrollably, feeling the intense sensation for the first time. Seiko yelped as the movement of Robert’s derriere cause the other twin to stick himself with a pin.
“Damn it Casio, not until I’ve got this done! You’re lucky I didn’t bleed all over Princesses panties!” Seiko said with a feral growl.

“Well, maybe it’s his time of the month!” Casio giggled, joined by Seiko as the two got back to work. 

Robert held his breath and rallied his mind. Sheesh! That was incredible! Focus , Robert! 

Francine stood stoically behind Jenny; alert for an emergence of whatever interdimensional beings from hell threatened her charges. 

Jenny was tired of the photographer, apparently some ‘up and coming’ player, who kept reshooting the same damn thing over and over.

“You get this in one take, Roman, or I’ll have Francine over get upset with you, you get me?” Jenny whispered. “Bobbie-Louise has had a long day.”

“Ah, yes, Jenny G, no problem, Jenny G. We’ll be quick.” The frail male gurgled obsequiously as he played with his braids and skirt hem while an assistant readied his cameras. 

Casio and Seiko emerged from the corner, and Bobbie-Louise, resplendent in the long variable refractive jewels embedded in his side slit floor length gown, his new décolletage prominently displayed by the crisscross bodice, his hair streaked with appliqués that glittered with their own light sources, strode out wearing six inch heeled sandals. Robert steeled his nerves, forcing himself into what he hoped was the persona of Bobbie-Louise.

“I’m ready, Roman, please make me beautiful…” Robert said in a breathy voice, choosing the words to contrast to the embedded bitchiness the other models had shown the little photographer. Robert slightly pulled his shoulders back and posed with pursed lips as Roman began moaning happily and flashing away. That just felt like the right thing to say…what am I doing? I’m flirting with him!.....Weird, give me a pair of tits and I get all girly….

Jenny felt a powerful attraction to the image of Robert-as-woman. Oh….My…..God….he’s fucking gorgeous! It’s as if all my dreams have been answered since I was a little girl….oh Jenny, control yourself…

Jenny’s Ranch, Early Summer, Ventura, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus Two

“Nice digs, Jenny… I could get comfortable here…” Robert smiled as he watched the sunset over the Pacific from their perch at the top of a rise, while dark shadows shrouded the arroyos below. The “Circle G” ranch was twenty acres of prime coastal land just outside the bustle of LA, with a not huge but comfortable house set up for commanding views. 

Francine and the ever present valet twins were out of the room, and Jenny was in a tee shirt and comfy jeans. Casio had dressed Robert in a lightweight white sun dress, shushing his objections to continuing to wear the D cup breasts with giggles and an admonishment that “Princess knows tomorrow is hair washing day, and he’ll be in a bath all morning! We’ll remove them then, silly!”

 “Yes, so could I if I could get used to being an inflated whale! Damn, I am grossly fat! Have you seen my butt? Silly, how could anyone in California not have today! And I can’t stop eating! Arghhhh!” Jenny whined, making a contorted face that Robert knew was not contrived.

“Would it help if I said you were hot beyond belief?”

“Men! Tits and Ass, Tits and Ass. Okay, you got your wish, I am now 99% tits and ass. I hope you’re satisfied!”  a smile began to break her face as she tossed a bon bon into her mouth.

“Hey, you look great, Jen! And at least you can eat! Look at me! The only fat on me is my own tits under these monster ones the twins glued on me. And I doubt much I’ll be pleasing any ladies while I’m here.”

Jenny saw Robert was genuinely upset at his situation. “Yes, Bobbie, I know. Let Momma Jenny hug you. We will get through this one too…” 

Robert felt Jenny’s soft , plump curvy body and closed his eyes as she held him. 

After a few minutes, both of them began sleeping. Francine entered the room and smiled as she covered them with a blanket while Casio and Seiko lifted their feet up and allowed them to lay down on the huge lounge. The three silently left the room as Robert and Jenny both began snoring ever so lightly.

The next afternoon Casio and Seiko had kept their promise while allowing Robert to understand with extreme finality that they ruled in all things related to his appearance. The washing of thigh length hair, especially when Robert was six foot two inches tall meant hours of work for the twins while he was relegated to sitting there and trying to enjoy being pampered beyond his imagination.  

Jenny lay on her back in a gel filled chaise lounge that somehow maintained a cool feeling despite the hot sun. She was down to her bikini bottoms, shedding her top to even out her tan. Robert was next to her in a similar chaise, also down to a pair of hot pants and not wearing his paid-to-advertise bra. The twins had kept their word and removed the incredible prosthetics.

Casio had arranged both of their long tresses out behind them to continue to dry while Seiko refreshed their ice water.

A transparent-to-them polymer shield surrounded the outdoor deck, allowing the sun’s rays to penetrate but defeating any paparazzi with long lenses trying to get pictures of the latest pop idol and the former idol.

One advantage of small genitals is my erection is a lot less noticeable, especially in these sprayed on hot pants Casio put on me…damn, Jenny’s really sexy…she must view me as ‘one of the girls’ here, I guess, she just took off her top without blinking an eye… Robert mused as he sipped his water, droplets of condensation hitting his bare and hairless torso with instant tiny chills.

Jenny leaned over, lowering her sunglasses to look Robert in the eyes. “Can you do this, Bobbie? I mean this is a bit wilder than being a maid…”

Robert looked out at the haze over the ocean, feeling the soft warm breeze wash across him. “Hand we are dealt, Jenny girl. We need to not raise any eyebrows that we are ‘from elsewhere’ if I read the Gray Lady right, and it looks like it’s going to be hard for us to just ‘drop out’ of society. Not that I trust that bitch for a second. How’s your singing voice?”

“I’m the washed up has been, Bobbie-Louise….it’s yours I worry about. I suggest we hole up for a few days and review your past performances. Let’s see what we have to deal with. The concert deal needs an answer by Monday, which gives us four days to recon, and come up with a plan.”

“Okay, Sarge. Sounds good. Do you think I have to get wired up with their little sex ‘attachments’?”

“Hmmmm, well, I sure won’t mind you playing on my side for a change, darling…”

Robert managed to blush down his entire body, which did not go unnoticed by Jenny.

Jenny’s Ranch,  Mid Summer, Ventura, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus Two

Confidence. Singing torch songs backed by a ‘big band swing’ sound had never been Robert’s forte, but he could sing, and found Bobbie-Louise’s ‘style’ as viewed and ‘felt’ with the syntha jack to be easily within his grasp. 

“Wow, Bobbie! That was really hot! You put some new feel into that one, stuff I’ve never heard before. You want us to up tempo it a bit and the next take?”  Derek Domino held his saxophone with one hand as his pony tail bounced with his head nods, proposing a new beat. The roomful of musicians with him in the studio milled about, waiting for his direction.

Robert turned towards the huge screen, allowing him a view of his backup band. They were someplace on Sepulveda, while he could work from Jenny’s own studio on the ranch. 

“I need a bit of a break, Der, tell the boys to take 15…and I need to check with the syntha guys too.” Robert stretched, pulling his blonde mass of hair behind him so it mostly fell down his back. His new breasts strained against the halter top, sending a wave of pleasant sensation through his body. He wondered at the lack of reaction in his new vagina, which seemingly so encased his male genitalia that it felt like they had disappeared.

“Bobbie-Louise, we have the readings for you, please acknowledge….” Gregory Depende appeared on the small screen next to the large on. 

“Okay, Greg, what’s the verdict? Do these damn toys work or not? Did the syntha signal come through?”

“The technology is sending fine, we are getting solid loopback results on everything. Your own syntha signal has recovered after that slight issue a few weeks ago, which is normal, every syntha star has moments of relapse back to when they were new….it’s just that…well, you seem to have incorporated the breasts into your syntha output, in fact, they are real strong, but the main sexual emotional overlay, both male and female is really weak, way off your old responses….”

“Great, so what now, another fitting? Your girls have removed and refit this thing at least five times…”

“No, we have a plan…”

A few hours later, as the twilight began to edge out the remnants of the day, Francine found Jenny snacking on chips and salsa as a pre-dinner activity.

“Mistress Jenny, Bobbie seems to be upset. She’s …I mean he’s…oh hell he’s quite a she these days…well,  Master Bobbie has been sitting  on the deck, and she’s…dammit I mean he’s been crying ever since the music session today.”

“Thanks, Francine. Give me a kiss and I’ll go out and see what our little starlet has on her …I mean his mind.” Jenny said, setting down the handful of chips as Francine took her in her long, powerful arms and kissed her deep and soulfully.

Jenny lingered a bit, running her hands up Francine’s well toned thighs under her skirt, slowly moving her thumbs over the bodyguard’s  mons veneris. She didn’t relent until Francine moaned, and then kissed her quickly before she went outside.

Philosophy Under Early Starlight, Reality Plus 2

The soft   flare from the gas heaters cut the evening chill on the deck as the heat of the day was replaced by a chill from the sea. Jenny approached Robert quietly, seeing his tear streaked cheeks glistening in the candlelight.

“Want to talk, Bobbie?” 

Robert looked up and locked on her eyes. “Yeah, pull up a cushion, Jen. I’m feeling a lot lost here….”

“So talk, best friend.” Jenny sat down, and gently took Robert’s left hand and held it to her own heart.

“Who are we, Jen? Are we the same people we used to be? Or are we just memories loaded into new shells? Am I Robert Morgan or Bobbie-Louise? And then who the hell was Bobbie O’Malley? Did I kill the real Bobbie-Louise when I showed up? Are we gone back home or has some other Robert grabbed my old body? Doesn’t any of this bother you?” Robert was breathing slowly, a sign to Jenny he was forcing a calming mental exercise on himself. His new bosom was rising and falling, a sexually exciting metronome, making Jenny squirm to ignore the tingling in her crotch.

“I don’t know, Bobbie. I do know I feel we aren’t killing anyone, but I don’t know why, it’s just an overall feeling. Maybe it’s the Domron thing….”

“Yes, I considered that, I feel that too, but how can we trust it? Is it changing us? Why? Why do I adapt to being so…so…girly? I know all men here and in the last place were, so it’s not like I was some freak in terms of the place we are…but it should make me feel like a ….damn, like some sissy or something…”

“Robert, one of the reasons you’re my best friend in the whole damn world is you’ve always seemed more …balanced…or …deeper… than other guys. Like you aren’t driven like some macho balls brained asshole. I never thought it made you a sissy, or gay or anything; actually, it made you real sexy, all the girls thought so…no, you are just doing what’s smart to survive. Stop beating yourself up for not being a friggin jerk!”

Robert smiled, as Jenny had hoped he would. 

“Okay, well it’s kind of hard being ‘balanced’ with these hooters and this  hmmm …what to call it…”

“Your Pussy? Cunt? Slit? “ Jenny giggled

“Okay, my ‘electric vagina’.”

“Well, how is it being a girl, girlfriend?”

“Well, the boobs do feel good, but the vagina is actually what triggered this little bout of whining….”

“So I heard. So what do the syntha boys and girls want you to try now to get the damn thing working?”

“They want me to have sex.”

“What?”

“Theory is, I need to “use it” to integrate my emotional output for the syntha. Hard to emote something you’ve never experienced…the scary thing is they are probably right. Even scarier is I agreed and suddenly started looking at various guys’ crotches…Fuck me, this damn mess is making me a homosexual and it took five minutes to catch myself at it! How much is this changing me?” Robert was cried out, but the emotional storm was raging behind his eyes.

“Let’s get calm, Bobbie. Okay? Look, you can try some of the toys I found in my bedroom, maybe that’ll help….”

“No, Jen. Part of me wants to give it a real test drive. Sorry, but I do need to get emotionally tied to it for the syntha to work and plastic pricks won’t do…it’s kinda hard to put into words…”

“Okay, Bobbie, look at it this way. You have a vagina, and you want to use it in a heterosexual manner. Sounds heterosexual to me.”

“Damn, that sounds good, but it’s also rationalizing…”

“Shit, Bobbie, humans live on rationalizations. Look, if in the next reality I get an electric penis I am not going to let some stupid label prevent me from trying it out! And I am already a lesbian, so that makes it doubly damned weird! Just calm down and do what has to be done! And have some fun while you’re at it!”

Robert grinned and hugged Jenny, their breasts softly squishing into each other. “Thanks, JenJen, best friend and blood brother…”

“Only because you agreed to be a blood sister in the treehouse!”

Robert laughed.

“And Bobbie, yes, I think the Domron is not so much changing us as making us change….I have more self confidence…I don’t get stage fright…and you seem more careful, and your ability to influence people even when you are the smaller and weaker one…it’s amazing. Now if I could just stop eating all the time…”

“With your metabolism, it’s the only way you could maintain that sexy, curvy figure…”

“Damn, all that means if we stay here and I get older, I’ll get huge like some of the ladies in the kitchen here.  By the way, any ideas on whom the lucky guy’s going to be? You can tell me, you’re a girl now and we can’t NOT talk about sex….”

“I think I need to keep it close to home…”

Jenny held her friend and once more felt a huge sexual need to be with him, and a just as huge an emotion to wait, not now..Damn, this hurts so much, I’ve wanted Bobbie forever it seems, but if I move now…bad things will happen, damn you, get out of my head! Leave me be! What ‘Bad Things?” How?

Jenny’s Ranch, the Next Week, Mid Summer, Ventura, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality plus Two

The mid morning sun was wonderfully warm as Robert entered Jenny’s office.

“Looking good, Bobbie! Aren’t you afraid your boobs will pop out of that bikini top?” Jenny looked up and felt herself go soft inside. Robert was a vision in a gold lame bikini which barely concealed anything, his large breast appliances contrasting with his boyish ass. His blonde hair was in a massive pony tail that seemed to have a mind of its own, softly swishing back and forth across his rear.  

“Ah, well , I’m trying to get used to being on exhibit all the time, Jen. Got some time for a heart to heart?”

“Sure, especially since you’re a real girlfriend now. Sit down!” Jenny giggled and set down her candy bar.

“Tell me about the twins, Jen.”

“Okay….sis. I can guess where this is going…”

“Please, Jenny, just tell me the story…”

“Okay, they were born in Japan during the middle of the last war; they had been orphaned and rescued by an American occupation unit which relocated them to an adoptive family in Arizona, friends of my parents.  When my singing career took off, I took them on as hairdressers, along with a certain gangly but really cute boy next door as a backup singer.”

“Okay, that was after Bobbie-Louise’s parents died during the last throes of the pacification of Central Asia and the Urals. I guess that makes us all war orphans…” Robert said in a hushed whisper.

“Well, the twins latched onto Bobbie-Louise like a baby brother, fussing over your every move. When ‘Jenny G’s’ career waned and Bobbie-Louise began to solo, they became like two identical stage mothers who happened to be incestuously gay.“ Jenny continued.

“So Bobbie grew up with two gay twins doting on his every move…amazing” Robert mused.

“Bobbie, their love for you is clear and uncomplicated. Who better for a boy to turn to when he needs to have his vagina deflowered?” Jenny smiled and reached out to hug Robert.

That Night

Casio and Seiko let Robert ask them for the favor of their affections, in a halting, stumbling way, and then gently took him in their embrace and cried with joy. Their princess was really a princess now, with his new parts, and since he wasn’t gay, it wasn’t like cheating on each other, especially since Bobbie insisted on doing it, you know…THAT WAY… like straight people did, well, it was just like heavy petting

The first time Robert thought he was going to die of pleasure. The device sent wave after wave of orgasms that were like a long, slow version of what he remembered, except it happened over and over again, in a series of electric pulses across his whole body. When Casio tired, Seiko was ready, and Robert found himself like a kid in a candy shop, he could never get enough. 

Over the next few weeks, Robert lost most of his inhibitions about being a girl. In fact, he found it fun.

Santa Monica,  Late Summer, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus Two

It seemed like they were endless, screaming, chasing after them as Francine navigated the limo near the sound studio, attempting to find a safe entrance.

“Damn, Mistress, there’s no end of them! We may have to force our way through them near the side door!” Francine said, her eyes scanning as Jenny and Robert sat in the back with Casio and Seiko. All wore their hair down, glittering tee shirts that exposed their navels and pleated miniskirts, emblazoned with “Bobbie-Louise Moonlight Madness Tour” across the back and at various trim points.

“Okay, Fancy, try not to hurt them, they do pay the bills.” Jenny said, calmly watching the throngs of teenage boys and girls screaming and pawing at the car, attempting to connect to their idol in some cosmic ritual of shared charisma by a momentary contact.

Robert observed the very long, straight hair, the frilly brassieres and tube tops, the fishnet stockings and six inch heels with gartered hot pants that most of the boys and about half of the girls wore, with the rest of the girls dressed in Jenny’s signature mini blouse and miniskirt. He knew they couldn’t see him through the heavily tinted glass, but he could feel their yearning, demanding mewling need as if he were standing right in the midst of the crowd.

Francine muttered into her communicator and suddenly a phalanx of twelve very large security guards came out of the door, all over six and a half feet tall, all wearing coveralls with their hair tightly up in buns, with minimal makeup visible under their face shields.

“Okay, rollout the netting.” Francine said as she let one of the guards move into the driver’s seat while she forced open a door against the crush of the crowd.

A cordon was built as two meter high lightweight but ultra strong netting was held up on each side of a slim passageway with guards spaced along the length. Securing the netting to two posts, Francine opened the rear door and Casio and Seiko emerged, followed by Jenny and Robert, all smiling and waving. Robert blew kisses to the crush of teenagers screaming his name as they were whisked inside the studio.

“Mother of God! I thought we were gonna die! Thanks, Francine; tell the boys and girls good work!” Jenny huffed, short of breath as she grabbed a pastry off the table inside the foyer and began chewing. The chubby woman wearing a white coat from the catering company beamed as she saw her goods being enjoyed.

“Imelda, wonderful as usual! Too bad the boys here can’t sample this, it’s delicious!” Jenny grinned as she finished the delicacy and grabbed another. Robert stared, hunger pangs gnawing.

“Princess, sing now, eat later! Come, we have to get you ready, that right boob is having some problems to attach!” Seiko grabbed Robert by the hand as Casio pushed from behind to whisk him past the food and into their dressing room.

Robert found himself giggling as he let the pair of twins move him along. Casio and Seiko are even bossier now we are lovers….More like older sisters, but with such nice big throbbing penises….oooh!  Bobbie, what has happened to you? Screw it, enjoy the ride.

Jenny grabbed a soft drink before she entered to room with the big “VISITORS DO NOT ENTER ---NO FOOD OR DRINK BEYOND THIS POINT” on the door. The short woman in the pink dress and huge silver bouffant looked up, her glare changing to a non-frown a when she recognized Jenny’s pink hair and smile.

“Ah, Jenny G! We were just discussing the latest remote recordings from Bobbie-Louise! It’s fabulous! The women in the test group all reported huge results! The feelings were almost too much to bear, yet they could not stop…Whatever you did, it worked wonders! His syntha is much more powerful!” The silver bouffant remained immobile as her face animated in greeting.

“Edna! So glad we got here! Looks like the fans are going crazy outside! You have any snacks?” Jenny giggled as she sipped her soda and looked around for some food while brushing a few crumbs off her bosom.

“Of course, dahling, there are chocolates over by the coffee. Now sit your fat ass down and stay out of my way, girl!” Edna said with a slight smile as she attached a multi pronged headset and jacked into the console in front of her, her own cheeks spreading over the sides of her stool.

Robert was by now entirely used to being a Barbie Doll for Casio and Seiko to dress. He couldn’t remember the last time he had put on more than underwear without their assistance. He watched as they assembled a huge updo with just a fraction of his hair, the rest flowing about his lavender gown. 

Robert mused back to the scene before they left the ranch that morning. Just  a few hours ago Seiko had been kissing Robert’s “Mammary Extensions” which were about a “C” cup today. The electric sensation was like a velvet glove tickling the pleasure center of his brain. Casio had gently spread Robert’s legs and penetrated his “SQS Vaginal Overlay” which seemed wired to both Robert’s penis in its cocoon as well as his central nervous system. The overlay prevented much of an erection but allowed the sensation of one to flow to his brain. Robert remembered cradling Seiko’s magnificent member in his hands and attacking it with oral ferocity, or was it Casio’s? Ah, it was both…. 

Guys always joked about having a weekend in Vegas with gorgeous twins, but this is incredible! To have gorgeous twins and be the girl….oh boy!

Shaking his head gently, feeling the sway of the huge bouffant on his head, his crystal earrings pendulums  in sympathetic time, the rest of his blonde tresses caressing his exposed cleavage  barely held up by the lavender bodice of the gown, he looked in a mirror and felt beautiful, sexually desirable. Between his legs, the memory of the earlier sex was still vibrating in his vagina which surrounded his encased penis. What was that that Shania Twain song? “Man, I feel like a woman!” Hah, this place isn’t ready for that yet. Strictly Big Band Swing. Maybe…hmmm, it’s a thought, let’s bounce it off Jenny…no…let’s talk to some of the guys in the band at break…

Syntha performances are unique. With so few people who can project a coherent signal from their emotional core and senses in terms other people can synchronize with and “feel”, it was impossible even for the same performer to repeat a performance close to a given one. 

Robert had tried to explain it to Jenny one evening. “It’s sort of like body language, Jen. You know people communicate about 90% without words. Some people can manipulate this, can make people like them, feel an affinity to them just by the way they move their hands and eyes, before a word is spoken. Syntha is like that, only there are fewer people who can send a signal driven by their senses and emotions that effects other people. Some people are ‘syntha-deaf’, it has no effect, but a good artist can make millions feel what they feel, can send a signal that their brains can resonate with…”

Studio Session

The clarinet trilled over the saxophones and trumpets, mutes creating a wa-wa effect from the horn section as Bobbie-Louise voiced the song intro.

“And now, a classic for your parents….in memory of Glenda Miller, the great bandleader who wrote this one. She was tragically killed performing for the troops when Minsk was lost to a V-4 rocket…..”Moonlight Serenade”…..”

Bobbie-Louise took his cue as the brass section dimmed, and his voice , a pleasant alto, sang slowly and caressed each word as it passed breathily over his juicy red lips. 

“I stand at your gate and the song that I sing is of moonlight.
I stand and I wait for the touch of your hand in the June night.
The roses are sighing a Moonlight Serenade.”

During the musical break between verses, he danced around the stage with his backup singers, once with Gerard, who was in a peach dress cut the same as his, and then with Gloria, also in peach. 

Jenny felt the touch of the dance partner, the stirring in her loins as their bodies touched, the sadness in parting. She felt the quiet comfort of the song as the orchestra swelled to the crescendo ending. 

“Fabulous Darling! Bobbie! Fabulous! I’m verklempt! You even made an old broad like me hot! We’ll sell a million of that one!...Sit, have a water, we do the next song a little up tempo, like you like….” Edna spoke into the microphone from the control room.

The Birth Of The New Sound

Several hours later, Casio and Seiko were fussing over his hair while Robert tried to eat a half a turkey sandwich. The musicians were smoking and joking, milling around waiting for the call to reassemble and finish a few more cuts. 

“Geena, what do you call that stuff you and Freddie play during break?” Robert asked the tall, thin redheaded sax player who spoke with a distinct southern accent.

“Oh, my, Bobbie-Louise! That’s not for polite folk! Jes some stuff from roadhouses and other foul places a fine person like you shouldn’t go near!”

“Ah, Nuts, Geena, Stop that mush mouth stuff. Bobbie, it’s called  ‘boogie’, or ‘blues’, it’s jes fun…and some of it’s a bit racy…” Freddie said, his white teeth gleaming against his coal black skin as his cigarette sprinkled ashes on his piano keys. He immediately began what Robert knew was a classic boogie riff, while a smiling Geena started blowing improvisation runs. Over in the corner, Millicent, the drummer, tied her hair back and picked up her sticks to lay down the beat, while Les P began picking his guitar. The other musicians either joined in or smiled and clapped. 

Robert decided to add something to the mix, and remembered Ella Fitzgerald singing ‘scat’ from old tunes from home. He began belting out the nonsense sounds, using his voice to cross riffs with Geena and Les P. 

After a few minutes, Freddie banged a chord and said “Oh Yeah!!!” The group laughed and grinned. 

“Bobbie-Louise! Where did you learn to do dat? Yo be sneaking out to nasty places?” Geena kidded.

“No, Geena. But I’ve got some music running through my head, could you help me with it? I think the kids might like it…”

“Sho, Bobbie. Sing a little and we’ll come in.” Freddie said. The whole group assembled in their places, instruments at the ready, waiting to hear.

Okay, Robert, all those hours of playing at weddings, handling ‘Oldies” requests may come in handy now…

He closed his eyes and took a breath, feeling his nipples tingle against the material of the gown as his breasts expanded outward with the intake of air. He began tapping the beat with his right hand on the top of Freddie’s piano.

“Since my Baby left me…I found a new place to dwell….It’s down on the end of lonely street…called Heartbreak Hotel…”

Freddie caught on and Millie took over the beat while the others came in tentatively, waiting to hear some more. 

Robert began move his hips as he got to the chorus “So lonely baby, I’m so lonely baby, So lonely I could die!” accentuating each beat with a fast swivel.

When the song ended, the band yelled and shouted. Freddie sat there, his teeth shining against his face in a huge grin.

“You wrote that, Bobbie? That was sweet!” he said as hit lit up another smoke.

Robert looked back at him, feeling the high from a good performance. “Let’s say I’ve been carrying it around inside me, Freddie, and it’s time to let it out.” Thank, ya, Elvis.

“Let it out, Bobbie Louise, Let it out!!”

The speaker in the corner crackled to life. “Bobbie-Louise! What was that? Who has the rights to that? Get up here, now!!!!” Edna’s voice sounded flustered and serious.

Robert grinned at the band and turned to head up to the control room, Casio and Seiko fussing as he moved, making sure he didn’t crush the bouffant updo on a low ceiling.

Jenny had laughed out loud when she heard the song, spewing cookie bits a few feet forward. OmiGod, Robert Morgan, what have you unleashed on this poor  unsuspecting reality? This has endless possibilities…

Jenny’s Ranch, Late Summer, Ventura, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality plus Two

“Rock & Roll, Bobbie? Are you kidding? We agreed we’d settle in before we did anything to draw attention to ourselves…It hasn’t even been four months…” Jenny tried to sound mad, but was failing miserably.

They were alone in the sunroom after the day’s studio session ended with Edna having a near orgasm at the amount she thought the album would sell, along with the certainty she’d be fired for doing such a radical departure for the recording.

“Look, Jen, these folks fought a global war for 20 years, like our WW Two except against Russia and half of China along with Germany and Japan. It kind of locked them into a cultural loop. Music hasn’t changed much since the Big Band sound. The kids are screaming for something new, something they can call their own….” Robert said, grinning from ear to ear. 

Jenny had not seen him that happy since before the whole ‘adventure’ began. Either Casio and Seiko are that good in bed, in which case I should give them a try, or he’s just found something he can do well. Oh shit, let’s do it.

“Okay, Bobbie-Louise. I should have known equipping you like a girl would be trouble…”

“Oh, but it’s so much fun! You never told me….” Robert giggled, remembering the feeling of taking a probing hard penis into his vagina while his breasts were being gently massaged and kissed. Damn, I feel like a bitch in heat…is this me or the Domron? Damn, I just don’t care right now, I need the twins’ special talents tonight….

Jenny hugged Robert and kissed him on the cheek. “Okay, go get fucked…please, I can feel it in you from here…”

Robert giggled some more and scampered out of the room, shedding his bra and panties as he entered his bedroom suite.

Okay, dammit, why are you changing Bobbie? Answer me you silent piece of shit! Okay, I get that…he’s being ‘tempered’ by the experiences. Why won’t you speak words instead of just these damned vague mental impressions? Right, He is my “Chrondar” I am the “Domron” whatever the fuck that means.

Jenny gave up her efforts and found herself weeping quietly as she saw sunset colors lighting up the bottom of the cloud deck. She sat there for an hour, letting her mind go blank of higher thought, just listening to the sounds of the wind.

Haleakala  Volcano Crater Rim, Maui, Hawaii, Pre Dawn, Early Fall , Reality Plus Two

Stars. Thousands and thousands of stars spread across the crystal clear night sky, breathtaking as Robert’s breath formed condensation in the chill of the air a mile over sea level. Come to Hawaii and freeze my ass off  he mused. But this is worth it, the sky is so clear, like I’m in space. Stars! So many stars! There’s a meteor shower like I’ve never seen over there…and Francine tells me that the orbital bombardment platforms are those twinkling lights on the horizon…no light pollution for thousands of miles, out here in the North Pacific…

History says the civilian casualties were high during the retaking of these islands after the surprise attack…there’s still a lot of wreckage and damn few people….

 So this is a concert tour for a synthamesh artist. Instead of people coming to see me, I go places they might never see and let them share how it feels. Edna says we have over a half a million paid to jack in for the ‘live’ performance’ and then she’ll release the edited, “packaged” version in recorded form. 

Hugging himself in the ankle length mink coat, he felt a tingling sensation, and fought the urge to giggle. Dammit, I giggle at everything! It must come with having breasts….

Casio and Seiko were in parkas, fussing over his hair, attempting to get just the right ‘flow’ to the sparkly ‘fairy dust’ they had applied to it. It was actually thousands of tiny, self powered light sources, which glittered against the cobalt blue night sky with thousands of stars, giving Bobbie-Louise an ethereal look as the breeze wafted through his tresses at the edge of the crater. 

“Ah, Princess! You look fabulous! Too bad we have to share you with all these people…” The twins cooed as they positioned Robert for the cameras, allowing the technicians to slap tiny patches on parts of his body which transmitted the syntha signals as well as the audio. 

“Okay, people, we are going live in three….two…..” Edna spoke from the confines of her heated van.

Robert stood alone in the dark, the breezes blowing his hair back, grasping his mink, his Cuban heeled thigh high boots settling in the crunchy lava. He heard the swell of music from an array of speakers positioned out beyond the glare of the lights that suddenly came on, each bank adding to the intensity illuminating him.

Don’t miss your cue, Bobbie-Louise! Next measure, on the down beat…

“My love must be a kind of blind love
I can't see anyone but you.

Are the stars out tonight?
I don't know if it's cloudy or bright
I Only Have Eyes For You, Dear.

The moon maybe high
but I can't see a thing in the sky,
'Cause I Only Have Eyes For You.”

Jenny smiled and wondered how they could send a royalty check across realities. Ah, well, he’s doing it just as good as the Flamingo’s did it…and let’s see how a little Do-Wop goes down here…from the looks of Edna and the gang, it’s going down damn well…

Robert felt the song swell within him and pushed that emotion out through his vocal chords, the pulsing, grinding longing of his loins, the missed touch of a lover on his back, on his breasts, the quickening of his heart. He looked to the east as he closed off the performance, and saw the glimmer of a new day peeking over the horizon. 

The band played an instrumental as he watch the sunrise, the faint glow of lights at first muted and then bursting into clarity as their source attained more arc in the sky. The wisps of clouds below him in the crater became apparent, as did the white surf ringed outcropping of the Big Island of Hawaii to the Southeast. He modulated his breathing and let the warmth of the sun flow over him as he shed the mink coat and stood in the dawn, his wispy brassiere barely containing his breasts, his short shorts almost meeting his boot tops. The transparent body stocking he wore provided warmth without revealing its presence. He let the scene flow over him as the string section swelled to a crescendo.

“Bobbie, are you sure they are ready for this next bit?” Jenny’s voice came quietly in his earbud.

Robert grinned as he was handed the electric guitar by Les P, who also carried his own.
Millicent was behind a drum set and Freddie had turned in his piano for an electric stand up base fiddle. All were wearing the same bra and shorts set with matching boots, although Millicent was the only one with any discernable cleavage other than Robert.

“Here goes, Jenny.” Robert said, knowing the whole audience could hear it. He nodded to Les P as he flipped his huge fall of blonde hair back over his shoulder, and struck an opening power chord while Freddie hit a repetitive bass line and Millicent began punishing the snare drums. Les joined in with the guitar lead as Robert found the grit inside and pushed out the vocal as he scanned over endless vista of clouds and sea.

“I know you've deceived me, now here's a surprise
I know that you have 'cause there's magic in my eyes

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
Oh yeah”

Edna turned to Jenny in the control room, grinning ear to ear. “Dahling, they may fire me, but I will name my price when the sales come in! Look at the emotional feedback meter! Half a million jacked in are having sonic orgasms! Where has Bobbie-Louise been keeping this? And why didn’t you tell me?”

Jenny smiled and nodded, too absorbed in the sensory flow of the synthamesh to respond. We have forty more years of solid gold hits to play, too…well, we can skip the disco part…

Robert closed the four song set off with “Heartbreak Hotel”, his body stocking shifting from transparent to white with glitter lights running up and down his torso. 
“And we are clear! Fantastic, Bobbie-Louise! A new era in music! Good work everyone, now let’s get the hell out of here and down this farkatke mountain and eat some breakfast!” Edna announced as the performance ended. 

The handful of on site musicians nodded and gave winks in Robert’s direction. He giggled and hugged them, one by one. Casio and Seiko came out and whisked him into the waiting limo with Jenny as Francine hovered behind them.

Robert turn to look back out the rear window as the huge vehicle smoothly accelerated out of the parking area. What’s happening to me? I act so …girly…and it feels natural. I feel naked….incomplete…. without these breasts and this artificial vagina…I can barely take my eyes off Casio’s and Seiko’s crotches….the only woman who excites me anymore is Jenny and she’s off limits….what happened to Robert? Does it matter? Maybe I am Bobbie-Louise now and I should forget about Robert…no no no no no….I WON”T FORGET! Shit, now I’m crying again….

Jenny, Casio and Seiko shared glances and said nothing while Jenny took out a tissue and handed it to Robert. After he dried his tears, she took him into her soft, plush bosom and hugged him to sleep.

She felt his breathing slow and the tension recede in her arms. What is the Domron doing to him? Why do I find him so attractive and why do I keep stopping myself from doing anything about it? I’ve always juggled with the irony of Robert being my best friend and soulmate while I also knew I loved women…do you hear me Domron? 

Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Maui, Hawaii, Noon the Same Day, Early Fall , Reality Plus Two

“Ohh, Princess….oooh….please stop….oooh..” Casio moaned as Robert slowly caressed Casio’s  bulging excitement with a circular tongue movement. Seiko suckled at Robert’s right breast while playing with Casio’s buttocks with a slender hand. 

Robert began fingering Seiko’s new vaginal overlay, making the twin gasp. Robert sat up, and lay Seiko down, spreading the twin’s legs apart, allowing Casio to slide his pulsing, erect member into his twin’s new opening.

A few minutes later, they all lay back, exhausted. 

“Princess, is it true you want us to be girls when we sing with you?” the twins asked, still in synchronization.

“Yes…I decided I shouldn’t have all the fun , so we can go boy on girls for a while until you two get used to the attachments.” 

The twins giggled mischievously. “Yes Princess! We shall rotate being the boy until we perform perfectly! It will take much practice!”
Robert smiled and cuddled with his companions. This should feel weird, but it doesn’t. Two gay twins plus me in this girly boy body, all with technology that allows us to switch sexual roles….Oh hell, this is fun…and the twins are good people, simple, uncomplicated…and oh so well hung… I’m surprised they could fit into the overlay…I wonder if Jenny and I will ever…..

Across the hall, Jenny felt Francine’s powerful hand making it’s way up her thigh and began quivering. She threw her arms around her lover’s neck and began kissing her breasts slowly, gently.
Oh hell, this is fun….Francine is just what I needed right now…simple, uncomplicated…I wonder if Bobbie and I will  ever….

Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Maui, Hawaii, Later, Early Fall , Reality Plus Two

Sarong flowing in a swirl of flower patterned cotton, his huge pony tail held by several jeweled ties, Robert paddled barefoot across Jenny’s room, checking his makeup in the mirrored wall.

“Oh, you look scrumptious, Bobbie…come sit and let’s talk…” Jenny smiled as she ate from a bowl of fresh pineapple chunks. Robert never ceased to be amazed at how Jenny’s constant eating resulted in only a slow accumulation of fat. She had gotten slightly plumper since they arrived in this reality, most of it settling in her hips.

“Any word from Edna?” Robert said as he sat on the futon, his long legs curled under him as he made sure his hair was not caught on any obstruction.

“Yes, she just called while you and the twins were grunting heavily. Sheesh, Bobbie, do you all have to be so loud?”

Robert blushed several shades of purple and magenta. His lower lip quivered a bit.

Jenny saw his distress and shifted her pudgy body to hug him. “What’s the matter honey? It sounded like such fun!”

The warmth of Jenny’s mammoth breasts on his cheek, the sound of her heartbeat calmed him immediately. 

“Oh it was fun…Jen. We’re like little kids playing post office. Those two make everything seem so pure and innocent and just good fun….it’s me. Do you know what I did? I can’t believe I did what I did!”

“Bobbie, you’re wired up with high tech toys to make you a girl, and frankly, in this place you have already mentioned more than once that “Bobbie-Louise” isn’t exactly a macho man. I expect you did stuff that girls do when they get horny. Stuff I’ve done and felt fine doing it. I also expect “Bobbie-Louise” was not unfamiliar with sucking cock, from what I’ve heard….so you had fun, Casio and Seiko had fun, it felt good, and now you feel like you did something Robert Morgan would never do. Okay. Except right now, you’re Bobbie-Louise. You think I like stuffing my face all the time? Well, Jenny G sure does, and when it comes to basic human needs, fighting that will make something in our heads explode…..”

“I feel like I’m being ‘re-written’ or ‘edited’, like program code is being replaced , or grafted on…” Robert said as Jenny stroked his hair.

“Maybe we are, Bobbie. Except the alternative is we’d be dead….”

“I know it, Jen….thanks…I just needed to talk….”

“So you okay? Is being a girl for sex that bad?” 

Robert giggled. “Damn, I wish I’d known…it’s great!”

“Okay, so now that you’ve taken the twin’s measures in at least two orifices…how big are they?” Jenny laughed.

Robert broke up and giggled while tickling Jenny, whose ‘deadly tickle spot’ had survived several reality changes. He then held up his hands to indicate.

“NO! You’re kidding!” Jenny said, her eyes wide.

“Okay, now I shared that…what in hell did Edna say?”

Jenny smiled broadly. “Well, she was fired and then they pleaded with her to come back within two hours. Apparently the fan response was off the charts. We do the other two dates and then see what we’ve created…”

“Hail Hail Rock and Roll” Robert chortled, quoting Chuck Berry as he nibbled on a piece of fruit. 

“No more, Bobbie-Louise! You want to get fat?” Jenny playfully slapped his hand away.

Inner Reef Hotel, 10 Meters  Under the Coral Sea, Australian Occupation Zone , Fall , Reality Plus Two

Twinkling lighting strategically placed inside the reef made the show through the transparent dome eye catching. Robert never tired of marveling at being under the sea yet still having the feeling of being at a beach resort. 

The old military structure had been constructed to stage submarine freighters supplying the besieged Aussies during the war, when the Asian armies had invaded after running through the whole Pacific. Never a crowded continent, the place was still recovering ten years after war’s end. The Allied Occupation Army still chased after rag tag enemy guerillas in the Northern Territories, but the tourist economy was reviving, and the group that bought the undersea base for pennies on the dollar and put up the hotel were raking in cash.

Jenny had decided that Bobbie-Louise’s ‘natural’ look, which meant the one artfully constructed for appearances in public was to be just a touch more buxom than Bobbie’s  natural A cups. Casio and Seiko had set the “Mammary Extensions” to produce a very perky “B” cup, leaving the larger sizes for modeling, concerts and their own private sex play. Robert had laughed when Jenny had the twins play with giving him ‘more girl butt’, each trial producing howls of giggles from the twins and even Jenny, who finally agreed to let his feminine waist be androgynous enough without reinforcement with more curves below.

Clad in a very narrow tube top with lace ruffles over a wrap around mini, Robert entered the clear elevator which took the guests for sunbathing and water sports on the surface flotation deck. He realized it was the first time he had actually been alone since he became Bobbie-Louise. What a life! Not much time for introspection when you are always surrounded by handlers getting you ready for your next ‘appearance’….

His blonde hair was now merely waist length, since he had endured hours of letting it set on meter long spiral curl rods. Now he sported a collection of huge  cylindrical curls which still tickled his ass when they brushed it. I kind of like this look, and Casio and Seiko sure put in the time to get it. Hope the weather doesn’t ruin it on the surface. 

Two teenage boys, obviously the kids of well-to-do parents were the only other occupants of the lift as it slowly ascended. Robert looked them over and guessed they were about 14 or 15. Both wore heavy lipstick and eye makeup along with brunette hair straight to mid back, partially hiding their brassiere tops indicating they were Bobbie-Louise fans.

“You’re HIM! You’re….you….wow” one said while the other one looked about ready to faint.

“Well, I guess I am! And who are you two?” Robert smiled as he flipped his curls absentmindedly. The transparent elevator continued its slow ascent, the sunshine penetrating the water more intensely as the neared the surface.

The boys were Shawna and Jessie, they absolutely loved Bobbie-Louise’s new look and new music. “It’s so hot! It rocks!”

Shawna produced some paper and a pen from his purse and Robert signed autographs while chatting about makeup. He was a bit surprised when Jessie, the quiet one leaned over and whispered in his ear. “You know, Bobbie-Louise, your latest concert, it was so cool. I used to want to be you, but that was like being you and dating you all at the same time. My girlfriend said the same thing.”
The sun was brilliant as they broke the surface, to be greeted by Francine and two of her security detail who immediately separated Bobbie-Louise from the two fans.

“Francine, they’re ok!” Robert pleaded as Francine shot him a look indicating his ‘escape’ was not appreciated.

Francine knew her job included maintaining the image, so she immediately smiled widely and handed Shawna her card. “Turn this in at the front desk and you can be backstage at the concert tonight, assuming your folks are okay with that.”

Shawna and Jessie squealed with delight and began calling on their phones. Robert waved goodbye as Francine and crew surrounded him as he walked on the huge floating ‘beach’, which held at least a thousand vacationers enjoying the waters of the Inner Barrier Reef. 

Robert could hear the crowd gasp as he was recognized, and the little group of Francine’s security was quickly surrounded by a loose collection of onlookers.

“You want to head for the Promenade, Bobbie? I can call up more troops…” Francine said in his ear. Robert realized that his little excursion would have been a disaster if Francine had not intercepted him.

“Sorry, Fancy….I just wanted to wander a bit…it won’t happen again.”

“No problem, boss, you weren’t out of our sight much. The elevator could have been sticky, though.”

Inner Reef Hotel, 10 Meters Under the Coral Sea, Australian Occupation Zone, That Evening, Fall, Reality Plus Two

Darkness hung over the dome like the giant weight of the water above. Jenny had watched them extinguishing the resort lights, one by one, as the musicians set up and all the synthamesh technicians twiddled their knobs. She nibbled on a candy bar absent mindedly, feeling the tightness of her hips straining at the coral gown. 

Edna was in her element, watching the event unfold from her console, calm, serene, yet occasionally picking up a microphone and blistering the skin of some poor worker.

“Jenny, darling, we splashed it last time, tonight we make history! A million live links! Never been done! And where did those backup singers come from? They are so cute! The fans will eat them up! Are they girls or boys? Ah, it doesn’t matter. My boys in syntha tell me they may have some talent…very faint now, but we’ve started stars with less…” Edna bubbled as she kept a steely gaze on the stage.

Jenny grinned and nodded at Edna, who grinned in return, like two lionesses finding dinner.

Les P, Freddie and Millicent were joined by string and horn sections right at the edge of the dome, eerily lit by service lights from underneath. Robert, Casio and Seiko were center stage, in matching red sequined gowns that displayed their augmented bosoms and hips, their hair in elaborate updos at least a foot tall with the balance of it flowing down yet arranged so it stayed behind their shoulder line. A flutter of techs were playing with the synthamesh sensors embedded in their gowns.

Robert could feel the stage makeup being touched up by one of the cosmetics group but his mind was focused on the opening song. Last concert was a novelty, a surprise…let’s see if rock and roll’s got legs...well, Diana, this one’s for you…

Jenny made sure her jack was connected to the port in her chair.

A million fans, mostly teenagers, mostly from North and South America and the UK, but a respectable number from the Occupation Zones in Europe and Asia checked their jack connections as well.

“Cue light sequence in three….two….” Edna intoned.

The reef sprang to life, slowly, outside the dome. Embedded light racks were slowly powered up to display nature’s colors in all their glory, with fish, coral and sparkling sand all creating a dazzling show.

On the darkened stage, Les P magically feathered a riff to open as the lights came up over Bobbie-Louise and his singers. Robert strutted forward daintily, moving his hips in a slow motion. He stopped, froze. He turned his head back to Casio and Seiko and went “Okay, girls?” to which they replied “Uh Huh!”

Robert turned back and brought the feeling from his crotch to his heart and rammed it out in the vocal.

“Set me free, why don't you babe?
Get out my life, why don't you babe?
'cause you don't really love me
you just keep me hanging on”

Jenny felt her eyes roll back into her head as the beat pounded the syntha emotional flow into her. A million kids felt the same. Edna smiled.

Syntha Queen Sensies Offices,   Late Fall, Los Angeles, Reality Plus Two

Ms Brunner grinned as she positioned her forces on the street outside the building, her normal conservative business suit replaced by less conspicuous casual attire. The halter top fit nicely over her sturdy brassiere, which comfortably contained her generous endowments, and the wispy skirt fluttered in the breeze as she sipped her coffee in the shade of a palm tree while traffic flowed by noisily. 

Looking good boss…you’re pretty hot when you dress for it…… the thought came from Bill across the street, having his nails done at a corner cosmetics vendor. 

Keep your eyes on the area for the mercenaries and off my exposed navel…and that goes for all of you! Maxine, Doris, Georgie, damn it where’s that intern,,,what’s his name? The one with the blonde hair….shit

He’s over here, boss….

Ms Brunner! I’m here! My name is Sally-Joe!

Daniela Brunner turned and saw the young man made up like a Bobbie-Louise groupie, hair to his waist, heavily padded bra under a transparent lace blouse over a black miniskirt with very tall heeled boots to his thighs, hanging out at the entrance to SQS with a flock of boys dressed in a similar fashion.

Okay, Sally-Jill or whatever….just stay cool and let us take the lead…

Inside SQS Offices- Maintenance Coffee Room

Bodies tend to look alike after the first fifty. Berl Montgomery watched as his squad moved the four maintenance workers into the supply closet with the mops and buckets. The faces blurred out in his mind as they were unceremoniously dumped.

“Okay, you know the op. We grab the blonde singer faggot when he’s separated by at least fifty yards from the fat pink haired one with the big tits, get the package to the parking garage and leave it there, unconscious and tied up. We split by the planned routes. Rendezvous at the beach house. Okay?”

“Yo” was the grunted response. Berl smiled. The three had been with him for over ten years of war and ten years of gun for hire work. Tough guys and gals in the brown coveralls of the building maintenance service.

Checking his makeup with the compact from his purse, Berl took out a tube and added some mascara to his lashes. He ran a brush through his shoulder length curls and sprayed a perfume refresher. He strode out of the room, heels clicking on the marble floor and proceeded to the lobby. Damn, these are new shoes; I hope I don’t break a heel today. Oh well, we all can’t be in coveralls, someone has to be lookout.

Out front on the street, a black stretch limo pulled up Security personnel formed a cordon and the fans surged against it like a tide coming in. 

Berl muttered into his throat mike. “Get ready”

Ms Brunner sent a thought to her group on the street. Heads Up, boys and girls! Showtime!

Casio and Seiko, in color changing sequined minidresses got out, their black hair blowing about them as they smiled and waved while moving into the building.

“It’s the Jap Twins…hold steady, the package is NOT in sight yet.” Berl muttered as he twisted a strand of hair around his forefinger.

Something’s fishy here…Ms Brunner sent to her people.

Overhead, a helicopter changed course and powered directly to a landing on the SQS building. Francine jumped out and hustled Jenny and Robert into the group of her guards hiding on the rooftop. The elevator doors opened and they were gone into the bowels of the building.

Ms Brunner smiled. Francine is good, folks. That’s a real pro up there.

“Abort and get out! Scram!” Berl said as he minced across the lobby and exited by the side door.

Conference Room, SQS Offices

Frieda Falanka stood at the end of the table, backlit by the noontime sun. Blonde highlights shimmered in his brunette hair, the soft light making his normal predatory features seem less threatening. His eyebrows were dark and thin, arched high over black eyes. His brassiere was lightly padded under his lace blouse; his legs were covered in a patterned hose peeking out from a side slit in a floor length tight black skirt.

He looked at the group assembled around the table. Jenny G, Bobbie-Louise, Edna, Bruce Fengle, who was Bobbie-Louise and Jenny’s lawyer, and his own staff. He needed to walk a fine line today, between setting a firm direction and not pissing off the new star. Damn, Edna was right, she bet on the new sound and we didn’t. We should have locked up Bobbie-Louise to a tight contract, but no, my idiot staff had him change to a short term deal since he was ‘on the downswing’ in his career. I’m surrounded by idiots.

“We at SQS are so proud of our biggest star! Bobbie-Louise, your new sound is phenomenal! I’ve never seen anything like it! The kids are going crazy, we can’t keep product on the shelves! Already at least twenty other artists have started ‘experimenting in the sound. It’s a Monster! We want to show you our plan to help you build on your great start!” 
Jenny smiled and nudged Robert in his ribs under the table. Robert giggled inwardly at how all the males in the room were now wearing padded bras because of his own trend setting.

“So, Frieda thanks. We’d love to hear your proposal, so we can best decide where to go next.” Jenny smiled widely as she nibbled on a pastry.

“Oh, please, we’re like family here at SQS, Jenny! Let’s go forward based on our long relationship.”

Robert smiled and spoke. “Let’s hear Frieda out, Jenny. He’s served such nice coffee.”

Frieda shivered. Bobbie-Louise wasn’t supposed to speak like a player. He’s the talent fer chrissake!

“Well then, we all know the fan response has been unprecedented, so here’s what we plan to do to keep the momentum going…..” Frieda regained his composure and drove on.

Helicopter over Santa Monica, Later That Day

The laughter was drowned out by the rotor noise, but Jenny and Robert could enjoy the moment as Francine and her crew sped them back to Jenny’s ranch.

Francine leaned over to the two of them in the cabin. “We have a problem, Mistress Jenny. They found four maintenance workers dead in the building we just left, their uniforms gone. It looks like they penetrated the security systems. I t happened minutes before the arrival of the decoy limo.”

Robert nodded at Jenny. Coincidences are a luxury of the naïve. 

Jenny’s Ranch, Ventura, Later That Day

The brush strokes through his hair soothed Robert as Casio tended to the needs of his mane. Seiko applied a light scented body powder to Robert’s sensitive skin while they all waited for Jenny to finish setting up new security measures with Francine.

The chime echoed in the dressing room a few minutes later, and Francine entered. She looked disturbed and dangerous.

“Get dressed Bobbie, and join Jenny in the observation room. Alone. We have a visitor.”

Robert sat upright as Seiko began dressing him in a basic brassiere and shorts set.

Walking next to Francine, having fended off Casio and Seiko’s synchronized wailing at not being with their Princess, Robert asked the question.
“Is it her? The Gray Lady?”

“Yes. She’s alone, so far.”

“Shit”

“Couldn’t agree more, Bobbie.”

The light oak door opened silently, showing Jenny serving coffee to “Ms Brunner”, who had her tall frame stretched languorously on the love seat, a gray skirted suit impeccably fitting her, her silver hair flowing shiningly past her shoulder blades, her eyebrows arched in a measure of humor. 

Robert sniffed the odor of a fine cigar and saw she had one in her large hands with long delicate fingers, a tendril of smoke circling its way to the ceiling.

“Ah, Robert! Francine! The merry band of Multi travelers is here! Relax Francine, you can tell your girls outside with the hardware to calm down and get off the hair triggers. No one will appear nastily here right now.”

“Present company excluded, maybe” Francine grumbled.

Ms Brunner laughed heartily. “Good one, yes, I would be damn suspicious of me too in your place. I could say I’m not your enemy, but how can you tell? So let’s cut to the chase here.”

“We’re listening…” Jenny said, filling Ms Brunner’s cup.

Robert took a seat next to Jenny while Francine remained standing, ready to pounce in a split second.

“Okay, within the limits of my mission, I can tell you that people are probably going to find you soon, some of them nasty, all of them wanting the Domron. We suspect one group may have hired some locals to assist, which blinds both us and the Domron to the threat. The bodies at the office building today are just the beginning.”

“Great. You came here across space and time to tell us people are after us? Thanks.” Robert said, the sarcasm welling up from deep inside, driven by resentment at their situation.

Ms Brunner got a wistful smile from somewhere and pasted it on her face. “Robert, every time I have great hopes for you two, you let your self pity out and it makes me wonder. Okay, shut up and listen to me. One rule that should be obvious in this game is “FIT IN! Don’t fight the persona you reside in!  If you don’t get comfortable and embrace the reality, they will be able to find you…it’s like holding up a lightning rod in a storm…” she whispered, her cigar dribbling ashes as it jiggled up and down in her mouth while she spoke.

She continued as Robert acquired a chastened look. “Oh, and it’s not doing things like bringing Elvis into this world, or changing the music scene, such things are great cover, they disrupt the mental flow of the culture and you can hide in the backwash. No, it’s personal. A persona ‘misfit’ sends ripples out, and those can be found by sensitives. I already said too much….but I like you. And Jenny? Don’t be afraid to use the Domron to save your ass, the odds against you are not small.”

Ms. Brunner stood up, straightened her skirt, smiled widely and said”The coffee was wonderful. Good luck!” and with a “POP” of an air pocket collapsing, was gone.

“Damn, I need to learn how to do that…” Jenny said.

City Of Angela, Another Reality  Altogether

“Daniela! You’re home!” A very tall woman in a diaphanous gown entered the transport room. 

“Yes, Angela love, but only for an hour, I have to get back to my team. Are you free for some comfort and tender embraces?”

“Fuck no! I want hot aggressive sex with passion and heat. You’ve been gone far too long and those Skargfarthers are dangerous.”

Daniela smiled and began unbuttoning the white blouse while kicking off the heels. 

“Yes, my Domron. You don’t want to have to find another Chrondar after all these years.” Ms Brunner giggled.

“You want to pitch or catch, sweetie?” 

“Oh, let me spread my legs and you can seriously nail me, honey. I’m already set up for that and I don’t have time to change it out and back.”

“Okay, give me a minute to get my boy stuff on and make us some cold drinks. See you in the bedroom, girl!”

Daniela’s necklace slowly became visible along with Angela’s as the anticipation gathered its force.

Orbital Platform OBCS 223,   Early Winter, Geosynchronous Orbit Over Europe ,  Reality Plus Two

“Quit muttering, Francine, we all agreed to do this.” Robert said as Casio floated overhead, fixing the series of jeweled hair bands that constrained Robert’s massive pony tail in zero gravity.

“I still say we should have gone deep underground.”

“Yes, but that would not be ‘in persona’. We all agreed. Besides! Look at that view!” Robert motioned to the now transparent wall below them showing the Earth below, with swirling clouds hanging in space.

Jenny burst in, her plush body showing every curve in the formfitting coverall, her own pink hair in a similar pony tail to Robert’s.

“Edna’s stopped throwing up and says she will be ready for the concert in two hours. Everything okay here?”

“We’re fine, Jen, just Fancy muttering again. This is fantastic! I never dreamed I’d get to ride a spaceplane! And they want us to do a number on the way down, before re-entry!”

“Yes, Francine, you can go on the plane with Bobbie, I’ll be on the one right behind it with Edna and the crew. Just don’t make a scene.”

“I still don’t like it.” Francine grumbled.

“We know, you won’t stop telling us. We agreed, we finish this concert tour and then go off the map, and we do our best to not send out ‘misfit’ signals or whatever. Okay?”

Francine nodded, her own pony tail floating behind her head randomly.

A buxom woman in a white jumpsuit entered, insignia indicating she was the Platform Executive Officer.

“Welcome to OBCS 223 also known as the USS Grand Teton! I’m Lt. Commander O’Brian and the crew is all excited to meet you, Bobbie-Louise! They are big fans. So are my kids back in Chicago. Are you ready for a tour before your concert?”

Francine nodded to Robert indicating it was okay with her. 

“I’d love to, Commander. I’m a little shaky in your gravity here, so bear with me.” Robert smiled widely.

The crew was amazingly young and managed zero gee like fish in water. Sometimes a white jumpsuit and pony tail would blur by in a corridor so fast it was like being in traffic.

Robert signed endless autographs despite the Lt Commander telling the enlisted ranks not to crowd their party. He found the kids in uniform amazing like the ones he had shipped to war with, smiles, all eager to please and capable of deadly violence when called upon. It seems like lifetimes ago now. 

He learned in the control deck that OBCS stood for Orbital Bombardment Control Station, and the mission of this platform was to coordinate required strikes against ground targets anywhere in the European or African sector, the actual bomb racks being in smaller low orbit platforms below.

“If an occupation commander in the Urals, where there is still some resistance activity, tells us to take out a truck, we can do it with a kinetic, basically an accelerated steel rod dropped at very high velocity. Our arsenal goes all the way up to nuclear which we haven’t had to use since the Collapse Treaty ten years ago. With the new computers we can send smart weapons anywhere in our control zone within minutes of a request.” Sergeant Stanley intoned, clearly a speech he was used to giving. Jenny knew why he was selected; he was devastatingly good looking, his long blonde hair and blue eyes complimenting his high cheekbones and perfect skin. He was very fit, slender and the jumpsuit hugged his body nicely. She detected an expert makeup job, subdued, but perfect for the cameras recording the event. 

Observation Lounge, Orbital Platform OBCS 223,   Showtime

“Freddie, Millie, Les P, you ready?” Robert asked while Casio and Seiko did last minute hair and makeup touch ups. The limited space had taken their backup roles off this event, but Robert had promised them they’d get to do it again. They had already gotten separate offers to go as a duo act from SQS competitors.

“Sho nuff, Bobbie! This place is crazy beautiful! But I can still play!” Freddie’s deep bass intoned gleefully.

“Took a bit to get used to the feel here, but I’m comfy, boss, let’s rock!” Millie said, running the drum set with the sticks and ending on a cymbal crash.

Les P smiled and brought forth a wailing blues riff. 

Edna came over the speaker. “We go live in five, girls and boys. Places!”

The deck was spacious in the measure of the space station, rising two stories high with a mural viewport covering the wall facing Earth. Robert had seen it on television many times, but it was breathtaking live, and he knew he had to make that feeling come through the synthamesh.

He stood on his mark, his hair now in a tightly controlled swirl. Somehow Seiko had figured out how to hold half of the length stiff while letting the still ample other half flow with the puffs of air they had arranged around him as an effect.. Casio had arranged his breasts to swell to a D cup, and he thought they were going to pour out of the very tight bodice of the full skirted red gown. 

He and Jenny had laughed and decided the opening song was not going to be rock and roll, per se, but they both couldn’t resist the lyric. 

Edna counted them off and the lights went down. Robert heard the intro in his ear…and then the song cue.

Freddie thumped out a bass line to lead him in…..

“Fly me to the moon
And let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars
In other words hold my hand
In other words darling kiss me”

Somehow Edna had a brass section on cue during the crescendo. Robert let go, closed his eyes and snapped his fingers to the beat. This one’s for you, Frank.

The lights went down and Robert could hear the crew whistling, screaming and pounding on bulkheads. Casio and Seiko ran out and literally stripped the gown off, revealing a sleeveless black jumpsuit with sheer hosiery, heavily covered with sparkle lights.

Freddie rolled out a keyboard and Ginger took over his electric bass. 

The haunting organ riff opened and Robert stood still, hair flying behind him from air jets. He grabbed an emotion from deep inside and pushed hard. Okay, Jim, patron saint of rock bands …

“You know that it would be untrue 
You know that I would be a liar 
If I was to say to you 
Girl, we couldn't get much higher 
Come on baby, light my fire 
Come on baby, light my fire 
Try to set the night on fire”

Jenny felt the emotional flow like standing in ocean surf and letting ten foot breakers crash on you. If you let it carry you, it was a smoother ride. Fight it and it crushed you.

Robert worked through some Motown, some Blues and closed with Elvis Costello’s “Alison’

“And we are off! Good show everyone! Remember we do one encore on the flight down in an hour! Pack up and get to your departure gates!” Edna came on the speakers as the lights came up.

Berl Montgomery watched OBCS 223 approach as the spaceplane began docking procedures.

Farmhouse, Salinas, California, Early Winter,    Reality Plus Two

The broken fingers on Robert’s right hand had subsided to a constant pain, backing off from the sharp jolts they had been giving. Every sound outside the door generated fear…that someone would come in and hurt him again. 

It’s been hours, maybe a day since they grabbed me when we landed. Francine! Casio! Seiko! All gone, dead or dying in the fight at the port…Robert felt like crying but had no tears left.

Bobbie-Louise isn’t very good at handling pain, either…No sign of those grey skinned thugs in the black cloaks…these people seem to be mercenaries….

Robert thought back to the re-entry in the spaceplane, the landing at the Mojave Spaceport. How the dark hair one had asked him to come to the cockpit and meet the captain, how he had told Francine to stay put, he’d be right back.

The cockpit had been a slaughterhouse, the captain and second officer murdered in their seats. The black haired one had sealed the door as Robert heard weapons fire in the main cabin. 

The black haired one, who had later told him to call him Berl, had popped the escape seals and injected Robert with something which paralyzed him. He was carried to a waiting truck and thrown in the back while it sped away from the gunfire inside the plane.

He wants me hungry, thirsty, weak and frightened to death. He broke my hand and knocked out three teeth just to make his point. When he’s gone, the small one with the scar ties me up uses me as a fuck toy. The others just ignore me….

They don’t want me as a hostage, that’s for sure….it’s like they are waiting …softening me up for the really nasty shit…

Jenny’s Ranch,   Early Winter, Ventura, North America, Western Seaboard, Reality Plus Two

 “Edna, I’m going out to look for myself. Talk to the cops for me. Yes, it’s crazy. I love you too.” Jenny looked at the burned and bullet ridden but still alive bodies of Francine, Casio and Seiko as she hung up the phone, on a remote television monitor from their intensive care room miles away. 

Find him, dammit Domron…find him….guide me….

“Mistress Jenny? We’re ready to go…” Hilda, one of Francine’s lieutenants who had survived the firefight at the spaceport entered. Tall and powerful, she had her hair chopped short and looked all business in her khaki coverall. 

“Yes, Hilda. I want a weapons kit for me too.”

Hilda screwed up her features in the classic ‘my boss is an idiot’ look.

“I’ve handled them before, in another life. Go with me on this.” Jenny said quietly with firmness in her voice.

“Yes ma’am. I’ll get a MP-12 and clip bandoleer in the truck. We heading north?”

“Head to Salinas, Hilda. How many troops do you have still on their feet?”

“Twelve solid vets and six newbies, Ma’am.”

Jenny met her gaze and Hilda recognized the fire and steel staring out at her. She saluted.

“Cut that out, Hilda, I never made higher than Sergeant.”

“Now that makes me feel better already, Ma’am.”

Farmhouse, Salinas, California, Early Winter,    Reality Plus Two

Scar needed to wash more often, Robert thought as he lay on the floor, spread-eagled out with ropes at each wrist and ankle bound to wooden ceiling supports. He wished he could shut off the vaginal overlay as each thrust rocked his weakened frame.

“What in fuck is this, Mullin?!!!” Berl’s voice was not loud but deadly serious as he entered the room.

Scar, or Mullin jumped up and began shaking in front of the large man. Robert could only see their legs from his vantage point. He heard a shot and saw Scar crumple into a heap.

“I’m sorry about this. This isn’t what we do. I apologize for the actions of my man.” Berl said quietly as he sliced the ropes with a very sharp commando knife. 

Robert stared at him, too weak to reply, yet grateful for the slight courtesy. “Water…” was all he could croak out.

“Sorry, we deliver you to our principals in two hours, and they were quite explicit on your condition on delivery. Having met the people who bought you, if you have a God, I would suggest you make your peace now.”

Berl helped him up to a chair. He touched Robert on the cheek tenderly and then left, locking the door on the way out.

Skargfarther Outpost, Reality Unknown

Gray mist swirled over the field as the rain stopped, the puddles rapidly disappearing into the general humidity. Morlosh stared at the assembled force waiting for his command. Pitiful. Barely fifty fighters for such an important task. Without a new Domron we are doomed, our current one is dying and cannot hold back the Kleptarch plague anymore. Our flesh rots, yet we can be nearly immortal with a replacement.

 Fifty fighters. We cannot fail; the blasphemers will yield to our power….

“The company is ready, General. We are ready to transport to the target reality, near the place called “Salinas”.

“Are the pain amplifiers tested and ready, Captain?”

“Yes, the sergeants have let us have their most poorly performing enlisted men to test them out. The strongest one last three hours before termination.”

 “Excellent, the Domron holder cannot help but be drawn to us if her Chrondar is suffering. We must surprise her before she closes the distance to her mate. Proceed, Captain, let’s deploy…”

The gray skinned Captain saluted and turned to his troops. Morlosh saw that the lesions were beginning to form on the young Captain’s face. He was long past noticing the stench.

Santa Barbara, California, Reality Plus 2

The main street thronged with beautiful, wealthy people impeccably dressed in the latest casual fashions. Sally-Joe looked longingly at a couple in matching halter tops and wrap around skirts, wishing he had time for some shopping. He spotted Ms Brunner sipping coffee at a sidewalk café, her eyes concealed behind large sunglasses, her silver hair reflecting the sunshine in ripples of glare.

“We just picked up emergences, Boss, north of here, up Salinas way. At least forty plus…”

Daniela Brunner raised her glasses and stared at Sally-Joe with a look that seemed to suck the will to live from the cadet.

“Cadet, what are we doing about it? That was a half assed report…”

Sally-Joe stammered and regained some composure. “The trucks are ready and we can roll north on your command.”

“Make it so, Sally-Joe. Make it so.” Daniela said, and inner smile remembering a silly television show that had used that line….

Farmhouse, Salinas, California, Three Hours Later,    Reality Plus Two

Robert could hear Berl complaining to one of his men that their employers were late.
It’s been more than two hours…more like three.

The sound of multiple “POPS” from beyond the door realized Robert’s worst fears. Someone from another reality, by the sounds a lot of someones had just shown up.

The door opened and Berl escorted in five of the gray skinned black cloaked Skargfarthers, similar to those who tried to kill Robert and Jenny before. Oh Shit, this can’t be good…

“The specimen is alive, yes…good” whispered the leader type next to Berl. Robert assumed he was the leader by the physical deference the others paid him.

“Our payment now, as agreed, and he’s yours.” Berl said, motioning to two of his men who had appeared in the doorway.

“Captain! Show the mercenary how we pay our debts….” Morlosh said, never taking his gray eyes off of Robert. Robert wanted to crawl out of his skin at that moment. He settled for squirming in the chair.

The two men screamed as half of their bodies were burned out of existence by the sidearms of the Skargfarthers.

“You may leave us alone now. Consider yourself lucky we don’t kill you all, Montgomery.”

Berl glared at the leader and silently turned and left the room, glancing at the dead eyes of his two men, the stench of freshly charred flesh strong in his nostrils. He had smelled it before.

Hilltop Nearby

 Jenny looked through the electronic imager handed her by Hilda. Slick binoculars… 

Perched on a hilltop a half a mile from the farmhouse, she saw the black cloaked Skargfarthers deploying around the building. Damn there are a lot of them.

“How can you know Bobbie-Louise is in there, Ma’am?” Hilda had suspended disbelief, latching onto Jenny’s ‘hunch’ as the best shot she had of avenging Francine’s condition. This was the first time she had asked the question during the whole drive up.

Jenny recognized the question was tactical, as the probability needed to be assessed before they could assault the buildings.

“He’s there, just believe me, Hilda. I can feel him.”

“Well, those guys in black are just like Francine described for us to watch for, so I believe you. Spooky, but we’re ready.”

“Those guys have hand weapons that basically blow your body apart, energy fields or something. They can be killed though. Let me think a minute…” Jenny said, closing her eyes and visualizing Robert.

Okay, I have to get closer to him so I can use your power…how close?.....crap, might as well walk into the room…all right… I have an idea Jenny communed with the Domron, which produced images for her like wide awake dreams.

“Hilda, we need to move closer. I need a clear shot at that barn next to the farmhouse….”

Another Hilltop

Daniela Brunner opened the door of the luxury truck, her gray suit attracting dust. Perkins sent her a thought from her position on the hilltop. Lots of skargs, boss, fifty exactly according to the scopes. No sign of the mercenaries. We going to take them out?

If we have to…watch for movement….

Farmhouse

Robert couldn’t scream, the little disks the gray skinned bastard had applied to his body prevented that. It felt like his skin was charring, his eyes were on fire.

“The Chrondar necklace glows! The Domron will come! Keep him in pain but alive!” Morlosh ordered the Captain as he left the room.

Several Skargfarther troops were positioning large boxy devices about four feet square and one foot deep at locations around the house. Morlosh nodded. When the Domron comes, she cannot fight this field without her Chrondar….and then she will be ours…

1000 meters from the Farmhouse

“Mistress, you need to come here.” Hilda said into the headset. Jenny was behind the wheel of the big four wheel drive truck with Jones, one of Hilda’s best trigger pullers, getting ready to execute her plan.

“Better be good, Hilda.” Jenny nodded to Jones, who was playing with his braids absent mindedly.

Jenny walked over to Hilda’s position to see a large black haired man in a green camouflage coverall held at gunpoint by two of Hilda’s troopers.

“This piece of shit is the one who snatched Bobbie-Louise and his crew shot up Francine and our guys. He wants to talk.” Hilda said, controlling her anger like the professional she was.

Jenny looked in his eyes and saw death. This was no one to mess with. “Okay, talk. Make it quick.”

“Look, lady, my group are pros, we do stuff strictly for money. Business. Nothing personal. But we have a score to settle with those assholes over there. I spotted Hilda here and she and I go back a long time…” Berl Montgomery said, calm and unafraid.

“We do not ‘go back’, you scum. We fought in the same TO, but that’s about it.” Hilda commented, staring Berl down.

“Okay, okay. Enough crap, I’m busy here! What do you want?” Jenny broke in.

“My boys are truly pissed that we got stiffed, and counting guns here, it looks like you could use a hand…..I have five real good shooters who can help your odds, maybe let you go home alive…”

“And why should we trust you? And if we did, what do you want?” Jenny nodded. 

“You don’t have to trust us, just don’t shoot us when you start the op. We plan to take out as many as we can from the other side of the house. All we want today is , if we help you, you give us a 24 hour pass before you come after us. Some more firepower on that side could make a big difference.”

Jenny looked at Hilda. The tall blonde grunted like she was swallowing a lemon, but nodded.

“Okay, it’s a deal, with one exception. If Bobbie-Louise is dead, I’m coming for you.”

“He was alive when we left, and I think they are keeping him that way to draw you here.”

“Then get back to your position. You’ll know when the damn thing starts.”

Berl smiled and saluted Jenny. Then he was gone, silently.

Another Hilltop

Boss! Looks like troops moving in on the farmhouse….oh shit, it’s Jenny and what’s left of her security….

Daniela Brunner kicked herself for not realizing that Jenny would get here before her group did. 

Oh damn, get ready to move in, on my mark….we can’t let them get Jenny!

200 meters from the Farmhouse

The truck was in tall grass opposite the clearing facing the rear of the barn. Jenny nodded to the four troopers who Hilda had detailed to push it silently into position. They nodded and disappeared back to their assault points.

Jones checked his weapon again, still twirling his braids around his black painted fingernails. He turned and grinned at Jenny, showing perfect teeth and a pretty face when smiling.

“Pleasure serving with you Ma’am.” He nodded.

“Me too, Jonesey, and call me Jenny. This isn’t over yet.”

“Well, I’ve done some damn stupid things in my life, but this stunt is right up there.”

“Yeah. Well, there may be some surprises in store you haven’t seen yet. Just shoot everyone but Bobbie when it goes down.”

“Check. Oooh Rah.”

Jenny grinned. Jarheads are useful at times…

“Hoo ah, Jonesey”

Jones grinned wide. 

Hilda came on the radio in their ears. “Big Noise Execute!”

Ten Skargfarthers went down dead in the opening seconds as MP-12 auto fire made noise while deadly accurate sniper rifles found their mark. Hilda and her crew threw smoke grenades and rushed the farmhouse from the side opposite the barn. Jenny saw more black cloaks die from what she assumed was  Berl’s team. They surgically removed them with silenced shots from the rear quadrant of the farmyard. 

Skargfarthers took cover and sizzling beams of energy played from their sidearms to little effect. Jenny heard a scream and knew one of her team was hit. The Skargfarthers made no noise when wounded.

The huge V-10 turbo diesel came to life as Jones took out the two enemy positioned in front of the barn with his MP-12, on single fire. Jenny slammed the accelerator and the vehicle roared out of the grass, gaining speed as it crossed the yard to the loading ramp leading to the barn loft.

“”Think the loft floor will hold us?” Jenny yelled as Jones continued suppressing fire.

“I don’t wanna think about shit like that now.”

“Good attitude!” Jenny said. She hit the ramp without bouncing the front wheels and continued accelerating as they climbed up.

A greenish color began to permeate the air. Jenny had felt it before. She saw the troops moving in slow motion, like they were in green jello. The Skargfarthers had expected it and adjusted accordingly. She felt her hands going numb on the steering wheel as the truck entered the loft, rear wheels skittering as they bounced on a floorboard.

Ms Brunner saw the field generators at the house corners. Use the rail guns on those projectors, I see four of them! Do it now!

Sally-Joe and another agent poured a stream of supersonic flechettes into the black boxes generating the field while two other agents launched shoulder fired rockets right behind them. 

Jones looked at Jenny, fighting the field effect and saw a green necklace blazing like the sun around her neck.

Hilda watched in horror as two of her team went down from energy blasts as their running speed was neutralized in the green field. 

Morlosh ran inside the room to see Robert writhing, a shining necklace emitting blinding light, a smile on his parched and bloody lips.

Jenny felt the field thin out and her own strength returning as she gripped the wheel and pointed it to the far side of the barn’s second story. The truck broke through the wall sending wood shingles and framing splintering in the sunshine.

Jones screamed a battle yell as they hit the roof of the farmhouse and crashed through, the engine block pulverizing Morlosh’s head and driving the squishy remains of his body into the carpet. 

The shock of landing dazed Jenny as airbags deployed all around her in the cab.

Robert felt her presence and a surge of power flowed into his weakened body. He stood up and felt the Domron generate images in his mind.

Squinting, Robert leveled his gaze and pushed all his anger outward. 

Jones got out from the deflating airbags and began target selection but stopped. The six Skargfarthers in the room all shook like they had palsy. Their eyeballs bulged out and exploded and Jones could see brain matter spew out of their ears. 

Robert stood naked in the center of the room, his long blonde hair streaked with his own blood. He motioned to Jones, and wavered. He looked like he was about to collapse.

Hilda watched every bad guy shake, and spew brains all over the lawn. The green mist disappeared. 

Daniela Brunner stood on the hill and wondered. Robert and Jenny, you two need a nursemaid, or maybe a cleaning lady. Damn I hope you’re on our side! Okay people, fall back and wait until they all leave, then get rid of the bodies. We’re done here for now…

Jenny got out and saw Jones holding up Robert in the center of the room. 

“He’s not good, Ma’am, and these things won’t come off…I’m pretty sure he’s bleeding internally…” Jones said as he lay Robert down.

Jenny knew what she had to do.

“Jones, take this letter and give it to Hilda, right now. Tell her not to look for us; we’re going where she can’t follow. Tell her she’s in charge of it all. Good luck and thanks, Jonesey.” Jenny said, looking Jones directly in the eye.

Jones swallowed hard and nodded. “Aye Aye, Ma’am!” He left silently.

“Bobbie, close your eyes, let Jenny take you for a ride….” She whispered into Robert’s ear. 

Their world went black.

A Fine Spring Day in North America, Western Seaboard. Reality Plus 3

The steam limo sputtered through the streets, urban density slowly filling in as they approached the city core.

“I was remembering how this all began….” Jenny sighed as the scenic streets passed by outside, children playing in a schoolyard, people riding bicycles, their skirts billowing in the breeze, scarves holding sunbonnets in place to protect their complexions and hair.

Both reminisced about the story, at least the parts they knew. 

“Coming here was like a vacation. A good place for you to recover.” Jenny nodded as she reached out to Robert.

“You saved my life, again, Jenny, bringing me here. We’ve been happy and safe here for two years…..” Robert said, holding her hand, feeling the emotional spark as he touched her smooth skin.

Robert remembered waking up in the big old house, Jenny fussing over him every minute. He was physically strong, but mentally crushed from the ordeal. This time, he knew he had to become his new persona, to ‘fit in’ like the gray lady had said. 

Jenny looked at her friend and knew he had changed himself. On the first world, he was a tiny, feminine male, fragile and weak. As Bobbie-Louise, he was on exhibit for his looks, and had crossed the line back and forth in terms of sexual roles. 

Here, he was like her slightly younger sister. Prettier, very beautiful, very conscious of his looks, but very nurturing and caring. He had been content taking the background role in growing their investment business, and enjoyed the role of ‘eye candy’ at business events as much as he did making money.

“Are you happy, Bobbie? With all the changes?” 

“Bobbie Lopez is a comfortable person to be, Jenny. He’s happy, he loves life…”

“He’s pretty, he’s sexy, he’s cute, and he drives me crazy!” Jenny said, blurting it out. She blushed a deep red.

“You too! Damn it, I’ve wanted to jump you since…since….well, since forever!”

“Why?” They both asked,  incredulous looks on their faces.

The Domron smiled in both their minds. You may proceed….

Jenny felt the sound of gentle laughter and happiness inside herself. Robert felt a sense of being loved. 

“Driver, please telephone ahead and say we are detained, and turn around and bring us back to our house…..” Jenny said through the intercom. She heard the driver giggle as the heavy limo began to swing around.

Two Hours Later

Jenny lay back and looked at the ceiling, exhausted. The bed clothes were scattered about the floor and she could hear Bobbie in the bathroom.

“Damn you’re good, Robert Morgan O’Malley Louise Lopez! You could cure a girl of other girls if you keep that up…..” 

Robert grinned as he walked back in, brushing his disheveled hair. He had repaired his makeup.  He leaned over and kissed Jenny full on the lips, his tongue slowly touching around inside her mouth.

“I may never look at another boy again either, JenJen…..”

“You know, I really liked you with boobs, Bobbie….”

“Well, I kind of miss all that equipment; it was fun playing for the other team….”

“Maybe our next reality….?” Jenny said, letting the idea hang out there…

“POP”

Both Jenny and Robert scrambled to grab some clothes as Ms Brunner appeared at the end of the bed. Silver hair in an elaborate updo complimented the shimmering, figure hugging gray gown with hobble skirt as she stood there imperiously.

“Sorry to barge in but the big surprise was supposed to be me as your buyer at the meeting, and you two go off and cancel it! The nerve!”

Robert got a sinking feeling and held Jenny.

“Okay, Ms Brunner, what is it now?” Jenny said, her necklace glowing.

“Oh calm down. I’m here to tell you you’ve graduated. The Domron clearly let you have at it….sheesh, we’ve been placing bets on how long you two could hold out…”

“You mean sex was the ‘graduation…?” Robert stammered.

“In a way, yes. It means the Domron is happy with you two as a pair; it can work with you until it decides to go dormant again. The sex was the cherry on top of the cake, so to speak.”

“Dormant? You mean it goes away?” Jenny asked.

“Well, yes, sometimes in a few hundred years, sometimes more…Angela’s and mine has been with us for quite a while now.” Daniela smiled as her own necklace shone into existence.

Jenny and Robert stared, speechless. In their minds, the Domron smiled and the image of “A few finishing touches” permeated their thoughts. Their vision shimmered for about a second as local reality adjusted..

Jenny looked at Robert and giggled. He was now a perfect DD cup, large, globular and firm, and his rear end was even a touch rounder. His slim waist was unchanged, still male, but there was just the hint of a tiny, cute round feminine belly. His genitals were still very male, and just a nice size.

Robert was surprised, and then smiled. He and Jenny could share wardrobes now with few exceptions.

“I guess the Domron got tired of finding realities to keep adjusting you, Bobbie. Ours took us through quite a few to get me this way…” Daniela Brunner said, admiring the naked pair standing in front of her, holding hands.

“You mean you….” Robert said.

“Yes, I was. I started out just like you did, Bobbie, and it took a lot more to get me to adapt. You’ve done very well. Now Angela and I would be privileged to invite you to our home for dinner. I’m sure you have a lot of questions, and we might even have a few answers. Not as many as you’d like, I’m sure. Oh, and Francine, Casio and Seiko will be joining us….”

“You have them?” Jenny said, wide eyed.

“Too good to lose, Jenny. Besides, you two will need some staff to get the City of Jennifer going….”

“What? Huh?”

“Later. Throw on some clothes; you don’t want to arrive in another reality stark naked, do you? Let’s go, dinners getting cold!”

Ten minutes later, Ms Brunner snapped her fingers,  and the world went black. 

END of Part One