Both Brian and Mark looked shocked, something that pleased Tim immensely. He loved the reactions people had to the changes he'd made. The club was now a fantasy paradise four stories high.

"Oh My God," Mark said, walking to the window.

"Can they see us?" Brian asked, concerned that a sixteen year old boy was looking out at ... whatever it was, it was hard to describe.

"One-way glass, to them it's a mirror," Tim said.

Now Brian stood and walked to the glass. "Lord, Tim ... look what you've created."

Tim joined them. "It was the most fun I've had in years."

They were at mid-level in the club which was surrounded on three sides by a double tier of balconies, both filled with tables and chairs. "Seats almost six hundred now, the rest is play space," Tim said.

"How did you manage that, aren't we underground?"

"No, that's an illusion of the elevator ride. Only the main floor is at the ground level. We're on the second floor and we walked in on the third. You can see the other two above us."

"I remember ... well it doesn't matter what I remember, it's all changed," Brian said.

Below them the club floor was covered in dancing guys, and a few women couples. The space seemed to be the size of a basketball court, except where the balconies curved at each corner. An elevated stage sat on one end facing the club and even that was part of the overall showcase.

The club lighting flashed and spun, throwing patterns and spots on the dancers, it was a disco on steroids, a huge playpen of color and sound.

"You want to feel a part of it?" Tim asked. "I can turn on the sound."

"Just for a while, if you would," Mark said.

Tim walked back to the table and retrieved the remote. The room filled with sound, as if there was no wall whatsoever. It was more than just the music, the sound of the people was mixed in, and it made them feel a part of the club.

Brian began to absorb the atmosphere and studied the decorations. The lower walls were covered in film posters; great huge reproductions of famous stars and starlets. Between them old silent films were projected on the walls, it worked well, everything was in black and white including the tables and chairs. The only color out there was in the people and lighting overhead moving across the dancers.

On stage there were acrobats performing amidst the chaos, six guys in white outfits, lots of skin showing. Out on the floor amidst the dancers were jugglers and clowns, engaging the clientele was all part of the fun. Brian looked over at Mark and saw he'd spotted the handsome guys doing their act on stage; at least the men weren't naked.

"Gina Roland comes on in a while, we can watch during dinner," Tim said. "I love lesbian comedians, they have an edge."

"You have a lot of talent on the payroll," Brian said.

"It takes forty employees to service the place on average, more on heavy nights. But we have a call-in policy so we pretty much know who's going to be here at any given time. The acts are booked weeks in advance, Tony handles everything for me, I couldn't do it without him."

There was a knock at the door and it opened, revealing a waiter. "Good Evening, Mr. Real, may I serve you refreshment?"

"Perrier for me," Brian said.

"Two, Luigi, if you please ... and Mark?" Tim asked.

"I'll take iced tea, thank you."

The waiter closed the door and was back moments later with their bottles and glasses.

"Do you wish to order now?" Luigi asked, producing small menus from a side pocket of his uniform.

"Brian?"

"Yes, we better order, it's late."

Luigi handed each of them a menu, there was only one page of items, all enticing.

"I recommend the prime rib," Tim said. "Unless you've gone vegetarian on me."

"No," Brian laughed. "Mark?"

"Can I have the rib?"

"Yes, with vegetables and a salad I hope," Brian said.

"Sounds good," Mark said.

"Three prime ribs, Luigi ... house salad and the sides," Tim said.

"Yes sir, coming up," The waiter said. Brian saw him glance at Mark and smile before he left.

"Is the staff gay as well?" Brian asked.

"Luigi is a New Yorker, but he loves the gay scene out here," Tim said. "Tony has drawn on a lot of his contacts for the people he's hired. A great bunch of employees, of which Luigi is our most experienced."

Mark was back at the wall, glass in hand, fascinated at the sights.

"I think he likes it here," Tim said with a smile.

"Yes, I agree, this was a good idea. He works hard, the last two months have been grueling," Brian said. They chose several comfortable chairs and sat with only the coffee table between them.

"You shoot for the season now, I imagine. About two months work Rosie told me, and then what?" Tim asked.

"Publicity tours, interviews, media events. Triton is going to want to sell this in a big way, lots of public exposure," Brian said.

"Then you break?"

"We'll have to; Mark will need some recovery time. I thought about getting him out of town."

"And what about you? You're not immune to the stress. You're committed to this venture, you ought to unwind and let me handle the daily needs," Tim said.

"We'll both need a vacation if that's what you mean."

"It is ... someplace to hide if nothing else."

Brian nodded. "It hasn't hit us yet. I just don't want it to overwhelm him; he's going to be standing at ground zero. I won't allow this town to change him."

"Then let me arrange a getaway, if his aunt agrees that is," Tim said.

"I don't think Rosie will stand in the way, she sees what's ahead, and I keep her informed on my thoughts."

"Will she approve, if she finds out?"

"I don't know what she'll do; Mark has already told her he loves me. Whatever it is, she'll think of his desires first." Brian smiled. "At the moment I'm prepared to deal with it, I can't do without him."

Their dinner arrived fifteen minutes later, three waiters wheeled in a cart and they took their seats at the table to be served. Luigi and his fellows laid out the meal from the covered dishes and fussed before leaving them alone.

Tim raised his glass for a toast. "Welcome to Hollywood's most exclusive club, always glad to have friends over, both old and new."

And just as they started the meal the sound in the club faded out and the lights became focused on the stage. People returned to their seats as a tall slender woman took to the stage and a spotlight shifted onto her.

"Hey there," Gina said. "Glad you could come tonight. I'm Gina Roland for those of you who don't know me. I'm a lesbian." There were cheers from the balcony. "Hi girls," Gina waved. "I had them bused in from Venice Beach, nothing like a few lesbians hot off the sand."

There was some laughter at that crack. "So I was sitting on the cross town bus the other day and there were these three high school aged girls sitting in front of me. So we pulled up to a stop on Wilshire and they looked out the windows at people sitting on the bench and one girl turned to her friend and said. 'I hope that boy sitting out there is gay, because I'll tell you, he is just so hot looking.'

"I saw that her friend seemed surprised, and then she said, 'Now why would you say that? I'd sleep with him in a minute if he was straight.'

"'Yeah I would too, but my boyfriend would be upset,' the first girl said.

"The third girl turned around and laughed. 'He's gay, I know him.'

"'You do? But how do you know he's gay?'

"'He was making out with your boyfriend at Marcy's party the other night, now that was hot looking.'"

The audience laughed. "Girls, they always want what they can't have. Gay guys are lucky, the harder it is the more they go after it." More laughter. "So how do you tell if a lesbian is turned on? Not like there's some kind of telltale bulge to look at. We'd all look pretty silly walking around with our tongues stuck out." That was the punch line and the place broke up.

"She has some good jokes," Tim said. "Better jokes anyway, she experiments a lot, I imagine she has to."

"Mark understands humor better than I do, he's written a lot into the show," Brian said.

Tim's eyebrows went up. "Lord, you're writing it as well?"

Mark chewed on his mouthful and held up a hand asking for patience. Finally he swallowed. "I just throw out ideas, sometimes they work. I like building situations that turn out funny and we work them into the show. You should come see the pilot on Monday."

Tim smiled. "You'll be there, so I will as well."

"Are you like my personal bodyguard or something?" Mark asked.

"No, we're going through an evaluation period, so until I discover all your needs you'll see a lot of me. Generally the staff will rotate, I just have a vested interest in you at the moment, and besides, I like you."

"I like you too. This is all great fun," Mark said.

Gina's voice cut back in. "You know I heard this guy badmouthing the President the other day, Obama is too liberal and all that crap. Well I voted for him, I have to defend him, don't I?" There was some applause. "So I walked up to this guy and got right up in his face and gave him a piece of my mind. He groaned and shut up, and do you know why? Nothing like a lesbian to give you a fierce tongue lashing and make you groan." That caused a lot of laughs.

"I think she's off kilter tonight, sorry," Tim said.

"Comedy is so hard," Mark said, "She's pretty brave to stand out there in front of all those people. But why does she only tell lesbian jokes?"

"It's her thing, something she understands I imagine," Tim said. "The audience is lesbian and gay, that's what they want to hear."

"That's where it flops; she needs to think beyond that. A straight comedian wouldn't just tell one kind of joke. Put a straight guy up there and he'll feel awkward in front of a gay audience, which in itself will be funny."

"He's right you know," Tim said. "We focus inwards entirely too much, humor is universal."

"Watch out, Tim. Mark will change a lot of things in your life, he does that," Brian said.

"Then I'm booking some straight comedians next month, I hope you come back to see them," Tim said.

Mark smiled. "You feed me like this and I will, but it's not like I can sit out there and watch."

Tim smiled. "You're welcome to dine in here any time you want, I'll tell Tony. A few years from now it won't matter, if ... "

"Yeah, there is that," Brian said.

"What?" Mark asked.

Brian put down his fork and looked at the boy. "By the time you're eighteen everyone will know that face, it will be hard keeping secrets. At least now we have someplace to hide away and enjoy good food in peace."

Mark frowned. "I don't want my life to become a circus, but I know it will if I'm out there. Thank you, Tim, your offer is graciously accepted. Until I get the chance to come out in public, I guess this is all I get."

"I'll try to make your life easier," Tim said. "I know a few secret places where you can be yourself without worry. You just do your best to focus on the work, Brian and I will take care of the rest."

Mark smiled. "You know, I really do need to find you a boy, you sure know how to treat one."

James drove them back to Brian's condo around midnight; Mark was exhausted by then and almost fell asleep in the car. Brian gave Tim a hug and a kiss before they got out. Mark was half asleep by then and Tim kissed his forehead.

"You guys rest, I'll see you on Monday," Tim said "Don't worry about anything, there will be security on your tail from now on, you'll be followed discretely."

"How will I know who it is?"

"I'll give you our handbook to read, it explains everything. But for now, if you're ever out in a crowd and feel uncomfortable just stand still and place a hand on top your head. My man will step forward and identify himself by saying 'I'm the Real deal, what can I do to help you?'"

"Seriously?" Brian asked.

"We don't joke, we protect," Tim said, and then he looked down at Mark. "And you already know he's worth it. Call you tomorrow afternoon about Monday's arrangements, okay?"

"We'll be here or at Rosie's," Brian said.

"I'll know where you are, we'll be watching. Good Night."

Brian undressed the boy and laid him in bed, Mark was out a few minutes later. He was tired too but still wound up. Tim had been awfully nice to them this evening; a lot of it was directed at Mark as it should be. The security angle seemed well covered once they went out. Both his place and Rosie's were alarmed, and there were lots of locked doors.

But the attention wasn't on them now, next week it would be different. He did feel stress, Tim was right; it just hadn't quite sunk in. He ought to go to bed, and then get Mark up for a run in the morning. He wondered if their tail was a jogger, there was one way to find out.

Brian laid his clothes on the dressing chair and slid under the sheets beside Mark. The boy sensed his warmth and slid over, cuddling up in his arms without waking. Yes, Tim needed one of these affectionate creatures, everyone ought to have one.

The phone rang at eight o'clock and Brian cursed himself for not turning it off the night before. But the caller ID said it was Rosie so he answered.

"Sorry, did I wake you?" Rosie asked.

"That's fine, Rosie, time to get up and run anyway."

"Alan, the director, called here about ten minutes ago, he wants to talk to Mark. Are you coming over?"

Brian looked over at the sleeping boy, so much for jogging. "Yes, we'll be right there after I get Mark cleaned up."

"Thanks, Brian ... .see you soon."

Brian dropped the phone back in the cradle and leaned over to kiss Mark. The boy moaned and Brian kissed him again.

"What did Rosie want?" Mark mumbled.

"Alan wants you, not sure why."

Mark sat up. "He's doing the edit, there must be a problem."

Brian shook his head. "Is there anything about this show that you're not involved in?"

"I just hope we don't have to re-shoot anything, there's no time."

They showered and dressed, managing a little kissing under the spray of water, but then they took a brisk walk over to Rosie's. Brian looked around as they walked ... the guy out with his dog? No, the one on the bike. But he figured he would look pretty silly if he stood there with his hand on his head just to find out, Tim might get pissed.

Mark called Alan while Rosie made them some breakfast. After exchanging pleasantries, Mark listened as Alan talked. After a few minutes he laughed.

"No, that will work; Frank probably didn't even notice. If you've seen one McDonalds you've seen them all, right?"

Alan said something else and Mark grinned. "Then go back to it, you've made incredible progress." A pause. "All right, tomorrow, bye." And Mark hung up.

Mark smiled. "Did you know that Frank actually shot two McDonalds for that traveling sequence? He passed by one and then shot until he got to the other; they were both in the can. Alan needs the time though, so he's splicing a bit more of my doggy imitation hanging out the window."

"Aww, that was a cute bit," Brian said.

Mark laughed. "It was so hot out there that my tongue actually started drying out."

"So that was the big crisis?" Rosie asked.

"Yeah, silly, huh?" Mark said.

"I can see the new credits for the opening season now," Brian said. "Directed by Alan Dawkins and Mark Harrison, written by Mark Harrison, edited by Mark Harrison and, oh by the way, starring Mark Harrison."

Rosie laughed. "Sounds like the truth."

"Lord, now I'm nervous again," Mark said.

"Just relax and eat your food, dear. You ought to take a swim and rest up a bit," Rosie said. "Did you boys stay out late last night?"

"Tim took us to dinner, and we talked about the security," Brian said. "I guess we were both in bed by midnight."

"Tim is a nice man, I didn't know his father was involved in the studios," Rosie said.

"Tim's dad is in movies?" Mark asked.

"Yes, all the big money in town has a hand in that, I wasn't going to tell you right away," Brian said.

"Why not, is it a secret?"

"No, you'll find out sooner or later. He owns a big piece of Triton."

"I work for Tim's dad?" Mark asked.

"Indirectly I suppose, but I don't expect it will affect any film work you take on, it just might help a little."

Mark smiled. "Intrigue, I like that. You better jog home and get your bathing suit; I'm headed for the pool."

It was Brian's turn to smile. "I have one of those in the guest room as well."

"So what are we waiting for," Mark said, pushing back from the table.

"You boys have fun, I'm going to the hairdressers so I can look my best tomorrow," Rosie said.

"You look sexy everyday," Mark said, sliding by her and jumping to avoid the swat she aimed at his bottom.

Brian laughed and Rosie grinned. "Cheeky lad," She said. "Will you stay for dinner?"

"Yes, ma'am," Brian said.

"I should be back by three, we'll grill some chicken."

"Sounds good."

"You relax, Brian, I know he wears you out," Rosie said. Oh if she only knew.

Brian changed and joined Mark by the pool. Mark lifted his sun glasses and whistled at Brian's body. "Hey, sailor, nice abs."

"Lazy lout, we didn't even run today, you got off easy. I need to exercise daily to keep this shape you seem to adore."

"Not my fault," Mark said.

Brian went over to a corner of the deck and began to do stretching exercises. He ended up doing a series of Tai-chi moves, slow methodical and very focused movements, the ancient Chinese version of aerobics in slow motion.

Slowly he felt his body come under control, the movements became fluid, flawless, and Brian closed his eyes. How many times had he allowed the yin and the yang to blend within him, thousands maybe? The ancient discipline gave him peace, power and most of all, a greater sense of being.

His body was covered in sweat, his lungs inflated, and his heart beat slow and steady. The concrete beneath his feet was too hard for a good workout; he needed a mat or grass. Brian stopped his flow and stood erect, breathing deeply as he felt the muscles relax, his body in repose.

He opened his eyes and strode over to the shower nozzle on the side of the house, turning on the cool water and standing under the spray. He looked over at Mark and saw the boy laying there, glasses in place, eyes turned towards him, and a huge bulge in his suit.

"My God, that was erotic as hell," Mark said. "What were you doing?"

"Tai-chi, ancient exercise ... and more," Brian said. "Want to learn it?"

"Oh hell yeah, I almost came in my suit."

Brian laughed. "Well it won't teach you that, just the opposite."

"I don't have any issues with the cumming part, I'm an expert there. You looked so ... so out there, like your mind was on a different plane," Mark said.

"Yes, I'm totally relaxed now. I should teach you how it works."

"You mean now?

"Maybe some basic movements. Come over here and let me show you something simple first." Mark got up and stood before him. Brian stepped out of the spray and shut off the faucet. "First off, this is Yang Style, simplicity itself. Here is the opening stance, you follow along."

Brian stood up straight and relaxed his shoulders, raising his arms and holding them out in front of him, palms facing outwards, elbows bent. "Now you bend your knees slightly, raise the left leg a few inches and step forward pushing up with your right leg as you slowly kick the left leg forward."

Mark was imitating him, wobbling a bit, trying to maintain balance. "Now raise your left arm and slowly come down on that left leg, shifting your weight from right to left. Turn your body to the left a bit and raise your left hand as you bring your right arm across and then swivel your body back to the right as you bring the left arm up and press down with the right."

"There, you went through four moves ... how did it feel?" Brian asked.

"Awkward ... how many moves are there?"

"A couple dozen in this style, they come in differing combinations, and I do all three major styles in my routine. It takes me three minutes to do all the Yang moves, want me to show you?"

Mark nodded. "Guess I better see what I'm up against."

Brian went back to the opening position and ran the sequence. Slow and steady, no hurry, feeling the shifts and turns, the flow of energy returned, and he finally ended back at the starting position.

"God, I'm gonna feel like a ballet dancer," Mark said.

"Probably end up strong as one. This is a slow relaxing use of your muscles, it teaches your body harmony. Then when I switch into the Tae-kwan-do moves my body is ready for the abuse," Brian said.

"You fought with Tim?"

"Yeah, he kicked my ass regularly. The combat exercises in the Kata are brutal. I would be covered in bruises for days."

Mark smiled. "Then why did you do it? Did it make you feel sexy?"

Brian nodded. "Beyond sexy, I felt vital, alive."

"Wow, I guess we add Tai-chi to the lessons, I want to feel beyond sexy too."

They swam for a while, got out and lay in the sun, where Brian lathered the boy in sunscreen. He was wondering if Tim's man was able to observe their movements, if so they could never make love out here again.

Finally lunch time approached and they retired into the coolness of the house and hit the shower. Slippery sunscreen, warm skin and falling water, Mark was turned on immediately and so they had to do something about that.

Mark finally groaned and then gave out a laugh. "That Tai-chi stuff, it would make a great sexual exercise. Slow and sensual."

Brian laughed. "I'm sure the ancient Chinese figured that one out too, look how many people they have in that country, someone's been busy."

"They need more gay guys, cut back on their population explosion the fun way," Mark said.

"You can tell them that when you get to be President."

They ate soup and salad for lunch, and then walked up to the stores just for something to do. Mark browsed the magazines; Brian looked through the herbal teas. Two minutes later Mark came running up the aisle with a magazine in hand.

"We made the trades already," He said, holding out the magazine.

The headline of the story read: "Aliens Invade Television ... Again?"

A short piece, about Alan Dawkins, Triton and little about the show itself. But they did mention that "newcomer Mark Harrison stars."

"They don't have the facts yet, wait until after the preview," Brian said. "At least they mentioned your name."

"I need some more of that Tai-chi; I 'm feeling nervous all of a sudden."

"Relax, sweetie, they're going to love it."

Dinner was fun, it felt like a family cook out. Brian was mindful of what Tim had said last night. What would happen when Rosie found out? Someday she would, he could count on it. The way they felt for one another would be observed, reported or discussed at some point, life like this just never seemed to remain private enough.

Brian remembered the college days, he was working steady for the union by that point, and it was hard to always make classes on time. But he had friends who took the notes and shared them; he managed to pass all the exams at least. He was deep into martial arts by age nineteen; at least he had the respect of his Phys Ed teachers at the school.

Studying physical education was a no brainer, he had the union work, and he didn't need a fancy degree. Besides he could always teach the subject when he was done, if he ever got done. The health classes were easier than the required English and sciences, but he dug in, he got that paper certificate ... and then he shoved it in a drawer and got behind a camera.

No one in the union knew he was gay; they were still a homophobic bunch. But he'd played with boys here and there, some of them off the street and working for cash. It was always risky, he was always worried that someone would see him pick up a boy. But they were just one night stands, something just didn't click. Mark had pushed all that aside, everything clicked with this boy.

Mark had homework, and he was enrolled in the studio school. They took him off the set two hours a day to meet the minimum requirements. Triton was happy that Alan had decided to shoot the majority of school scenes after four in the afternoon because they saved a lot of tutoring expenses that way. But Mark and the core kids in the cast would remain on the studio lot for class, it was all pretty easy.

After dinner Mark sat down and read his English assignment like a good boy while Rosie and Brian watched 60 Minutes on television. A homey feeling pervaded the house until Tim called. Brian took the call in the kitchen.

"We'll pick you up at eleven, do lunch and make the studio by one," Tim said.

"Fine, Mark has school from three to six tomorrow," Brian said.

"Good, we'll go bother the old man for a while, unless you want a workout. Tommy has you today, he might still be around, said you gave the boy a Tai-chi lesson today, good thinking."

"Yes, but how many sheets of toilet paper did I use when I wiped my ass this morning?

Jeez, if you are spying on us I never saw the guy," Brian laughed.

"With him you won't, ex-Seal. Tommy is one of my creative guys ... he might have been a bush and you'd never know it."

"Just try not to spook us out, I don't want to talk to a bush if I have to put my hand on top my head," Brian said. "How is your father doing these days?"

"He's taken a personal interest in Mark's new show, but let's not tell the boy."

"He already knows who your father is, Rosie spilled the beans this morning," Brian said.

"No harm, Dad won't get that close to it. But I'm sure he'd like to see you after the viewing," Tim said. "He always admired you when we sparred."

"God, that almost sounds like he's gay," Brian laughed.

"No, that's my thing, he's on wife number three ... at the moment. My mother is laughing it up in Hawaii on his dime; they had no pre-nup, so she got half," Tim laughed.

"You're enjoying his misery way too much for a good son, shame on you."

"Hell, I'm in both wills now, I get it all back." And Tim roared with laughter.

"Okay, I get the picture. So tomorrow then?"

"Yeah, have a good night, Brian ... Manuel will be on first thing in the morning."

"Ah, a clue ... maybe I'll spot this one," Brian said.

"Keep looking, you might, Good Night."

"Same to you, sleep well," Brian said and hung up.

Former lover to great friend, Tim had made the transition very well. Brian went back in the living room and saw the television show was over, now he would go home. Mark needed to sleep soon, so did he, just too bad it wouldn't be together tonight.

Brian kissed Rosie and Mark walked him out. "We dance at seven, so you better get some sleep soon. I will Tai-chi you a bit more and then we run," Brian said.

"I'll try to sleep, see you in the morning," Mark said.

"Good Night sweetie, love you."

"Love you too, sexy man." And they parted.

Brian took off walking. It was absurd to drive here and back every time, it wasn't that far. He got to the corner and the light was red so he waited as a guy came along on a bike, taking up the whole sidewalk when he should have been in the street. Brian stepped off the curb as the guy approached.

The guy skidded to a stop and pulled a knife. "Give me your wallet."

Brian looked at the pocket knife blade, four inches, now that would hurt. "Sure, whatever you say," Brian replied.

He reached in his back pocket and extracted his wallet, holding it in his right hand as he slowly bent his knees. He held the wallet low, and the guy focused on it. A kid really, maybe twenty ... a real novice. The guy reached out for it as Brian held it out, and then he struck.

His left hand shot out and pushed the knife arm off to the side as his right hand dropped the wallet and his hand curled, the fist striking the guy between the upper lip and the nose. The guy fell off the bike and slammed to the concrete, the knife flying off into the street.

"Feeling brave? I have a lot more to show you," Brian said calmly.

The broken nose must have been enough; the man got up and turned to run. He made it about twenty feet away when an arm shot out from behind a tree and clothes-lined him across the neck. The guy went down and smacked his head, he was out cold. The arm was attached to a large black man, who then stepped out on the sidewalk and looked over at Brian.

"Tommy?" Brian asked.

"The Real deal, you okay?"

"Sore knuckles, that always happens."

"Great punch, too bad you didn't go for the throat."

"He didn't need killing, hate to mess up the sidewalk," Brian said. "You still on duty? Tim said you might be out here."

"I saw this guy earlier, he's been riding up and down looking for a sucker, guess he got the wrong man," Tommy said. "I'm off duty now."

"Can I buy you a beer? I live two blocks over," Brian said.

Tommy smiled. "I know where you live, a beer sounds good."

He walked over and picked up the bike one handed, tossing it into the bushes. They crossed the street on the green light, leaving the mugger out cold on the sidewalk. They got across the street and Tommy looked back.

"He might be stupid enough to come back at you some other time; you should have gone for the throat."

"Yeah, you're a Seal," Brian laughed. "Do they always have to die?"

"Just the jerks, what was that, a pen knife?" Tommy asked as they walked quickly away.

"Something long enough to hurt, I didn't need the distraction," Brian said.

"You did some nice moves today. Sorry, I got to watching," Tommy said.

"Your job, no apology needed."

"You trained with Tim before ... a few years back."

"Yes, I called him Sensei, he was tough." Brian reached the condos and led Tommy up to his apartment and unlocked the door. He punched in the alarm code as they entered.

"Can I make a suggestion?" Tommy asked.

"Sure, business?"

"Yeah, close and lock the door first and then disarm. If someone is waiting for you inside then after forty-five seconds the alarm goes off, gives you the edge. Lock the door behind you and then disarm."

"Now why didn't I think about that?" Brian said.

They sat at the kitchen counter on stools and Brian passed out the beer. He didn't drink much, hardly ever. But Tommy was a big man; he wouldn't even feel one beer. It was a friendly gesture; they had just done combat together.

"How long you been with Tim?" Brian asked.

"Two years, I get the rap stars mostly. Blend in better."

Brian smiled. "I'm surprised you can hide anywhere, big man."

Tommy laughed. "I have my ways. Size is an issue though, I can't make the moves like you, and my muscle gets in the way. Tim tries to teach me, I just don't flex in the right places."

"What you do know is probably deadly enough," Brian said.

"You going to teach the boy?"

"What I can, limber him up some. We run now, he's developing good habits. If I keep after it he'll get something from it," Brian said.

"Don't know anything about actors; he seems like a smart kid. Just keep him away from the parties. I've seen the shit those rappers get into, it isn't fit for a dog."

"Must be hard to be there and see nothing."

"You got that right; some of it turns my stomach. Now like you, I admire what you're doing for the kid and that lady. I know what you got goin, that's your business. I got a boyfriend, he's all that to me and I get what every man needs ... what else can we expect out of life?"

Brian smiled. "A Seal and a philosopher ... what a combination."

Tommy left after an hour of pleasant conversation, they could be friends now. It was hard to imagine a man that size being covert, but Brian hadn't known he was around. A single mugger was no challenge; he just wondered what might be ahead.

He stripped down and slid into bed, setting the alarm for six. Tomorrow he would begin to teach Mark's body how to be limber, and then they could begin the real lessons. The boy would always remain small of stature, but there was no reason he couldn't stand tall and defend himself. It was only a matter of knowledge; the boy had enough attitude already.

Seven in the morning found them out beside the pool moving in slow motion. Mark was beside him repeating the twenty-four moves of the Yang. Brian took the boy through it five times and then they ran. Their morning jog had gone from five miles to eight, and soon it would be ten. But together with the exercises it was enough of a cardiovascular workout to give Mark that much needed high; the boy was learning to appreciate his body.

Rosie was up when they got back, and Brian still hadn't spotted their shadow. Whoever Miguel was, he knew his business. He guessed all this covert minding was Tim's way of making them feel normal, otherwise a babysitter could just run along beside them and no harm done.

They showered and dressed, back into suits once again, this was a business day. Mark packed a gym bag with school clothes for later on, and then they had to kill time. Rosie looked good too; she wasn't an unattractive woman, maybe in her fifties. Not that Brian could ask, that would be too presumptuous. But she was young enough to find herself another husband, it only seemed that Mark was in the way, but that wouldn't last.

Brian's parents had moved to Long Beach, still close enough for his dad to work occasionally with the union. He hadn't been over to their house in months, but he needed to once the show got up and running. There was always something in his mother's eyes when they met; she wanted him to settle down. The gay thing she could accept, but she knew he didn't have a partner. Mark would be too hard to explain, and that's what kept him from visiting.

Tim was there on time and they went to Barringer's for lunch. A business man's lunchtime hangout, their suited presence was hardly noted. Mark ate little, his stomach held too many butterflies for him to be hungry. Brian would have to make sure he snacked later on; a teenager ran on calories, he would need the fuel.

The cast all met in the stage side greenroom of Triton's main viewing theater. The target audience came in off the street side of the theater, and they would all blend in just before the viewing. Mark got a much needed hug from Alan, who looked like he hadn't slept a wink in two days.

"Brian, good to see you," Alan said. "Ready for another week?"

"Good to go, and so is Mark. Did you get any rest at all?" Brian asked.

"A little, just enough. The final edit looks wonderful, but you know how good the prelim looked. I'm going to enjoy myself today if it kills me," Alan laughed. Yes, he was on edge.

Rosie spent some time talking to Bonnie Cooper while Mark stood with Beverly and Stevie. The younger boy was dressed to kill and Brian still thought he would soon be a real heart-throb amongst fans of the show.

Brian had never been overwhelmed by the blond look in boys, although Stevie was definitely the poster child for blond glory, maybe it was the blue eyes. He stood in contrast to Mark's auburn hair and gentle brown eyes; they made an attractive duo on screen. Beverly would be a knockout in any situation; she fairly glowed with health and vitality today.

Brian found himself gravitating towards Frank, the lone crewmember in the room. It seems he wanted to know what his future was going to be like.

"Hello, Frank," Brian said, and they shook hands.

"Hell of a thing," Frank said. "All this nonsense for something we already know will be a hit. They ought to just get on with it."

"You know it doesn't work like that anymore," Brian said.

"I saw your dad the other day, Archie Simmons, right?"

"Yes, that's him."

"He looks chipper, all bronzed up like a surfer. He said he was retired, boy do I envy that," Frank said. "I'm getting too old for these gigs."

Brian chuckled. "You can't be over fifty, give me a break."

"I'm gonna hand over that Steadicam once we get rolling, that sucker is too heavy for my shoulders. Wish you were back on active."

"I may never sit behind a camera again. Look at the mess I've gotten myself into."

Frank grinned. "Someone has to hold Dawkin's hand, might as well be you. Oh Lord, here we go."

Mark found him as they moved towards the door, Rosie waited for them and they walked in together. The audience was already seated as the cast slid into the rear seats of the large theatre. Brian sat with Mark and Rosie on one side, and Stevie managed to sit on the other. He was there with his mother and she smiled gratefully at Brian as they took their seats.

A publicity guy from Triton took the stage to explain to the audience what they were about to see. From start to finish the pilot would take twenty-three minutes to run, the other part of the half hour was tagged for commercial time on television. Twenty-three minutes had taken nearly three weeks to make, the weekly episodes would be assembled in a week at most.

After the pep talk was done the theatre dimmed, and Mark took Brian's hand. He was surprised until he saw that the boy had also taken Rosie's, clever lad. Out of the darkness there came the sound of Deodato's music, and the story rolled on screen.

Brian sat fascinated at the final edit; it was everything he'd hoped it would be and more. He was shocked as the thirty second narration explained why Adam had come to Earth, not by the words, but by the audience's laughter. Yes it fit, it was funny.

The music swelled as the sun rose and Adam stepped from the craft, then he began the dance and the audience applauded as they laughed. God, they'd done it. The only moment of silence was at the end of the opening when Adam's voice rang out saying "McDonalds?" Yes, it was perfect, they had all felt the plaintive cry and empathized with the character immediately.

The episode opened with that walk across the sand and the audience hung on that until the car arrived in the scene. Adam's mind control business didn't phase them, they seemed to get it and laughed at Vera's dead pan reactions, and Rick's silly responses. There was more laughter at Adam's dog out the window bit, and then they hit McDonalds.

Adam's business at the counter brought more laughter, which grew as the character spoke and ordered the entire menu. There was a lot more laughing as they saw the aftermath of the meal plastered on Adam's face. Alan had spliced in one more bit as the Vernon's drove Adam to his new home, the dog bit got another laugh, and it had been a repeat.

The biggest laughs came in the confrontation between Adam and the dog, it had been spliced perfectly, and Adam stole the scene from the cute animal. But the dog got it back in the bathtub scene. It was all gravy after that. The surfer speech got laughs, the television bit got laughs and the scene with Casey went over big. By then Stevie was nervously holding Brian's hand as well, but he relaxed when his lines got laughs.

The most wonderful part of the episode rolled as Adam stepped out the door into typical suburbia on his way to the bus. There were chuckles at the bus stop confrontation with Beverly; she sold her attraction to Adam very well. But Brian almost held his breath at the end when Adam took off his headphones, but he laughed like crazy along with rest as the dust blew out the windows of the bus. It was funny, damn funny.

"Awesome." Beverly and Stevie said, and then Adam's glorious smile ended the pilot. The audience was still laughing as the final credits ran and they began to applaud, there were even a few cheers and whistles, but the applause lasted a good long while.

The audience had been entertained, amused, and made to laugh. The Triton man stepped back in front of them and explained the procedure, they had one final responsibility and that was to fill out the questionnaire before they left their seats.

Brian and the cast filed out of their seats and went to stand in the lobby; they had to thank those people. By one's and two's the audience walked out of the theatre and saw them waiting. The majority zoomed in on Mark and the other two kids; it was just what the Triton guy in the corner wanted to see.

The questions came about the work, the props and the costume. Mark answered them all and Brian realized that the boy had sixty people standing around listening to him speak. He was the magnet of the show, and Brian saw Alan with that silly grin plastered on his face. Yes, there was no doubt, they had a lot of work ahead, but their paychecks were now assured.


On to Chapter Seven

Back to Chapter Five

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"Adam Conquers Earth" Copyright © 2011 Chris James. All rights reserved.
    This work may not be duplicated in any form (physical, electronic, audio, or otherwise) without the author's written permission. All applicable copyright laws apply. All individuals depicted are fictional with any resemblance to real persons being purely coincidental.

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