"I have some good news and some ... good news," Alan intoned at that first meeting of the production group. Brian and Mark both sat up straight to listen. Alan scratched his head, "Funny thing television, you look for success and you get it ... we're about to get it."

He smiled. "They renewed my contract." There was applause at that. He held up a hand and grinned. "And then doubled our budget." That was the kicker; it upped the production values immensely.

"Hope you enjoyed your time off. The network now has us slated for sixteen episodes. We've taken on three new writers and the story ideas are already piling up. And what is probably a first for Triton, and maybe even television itself, Mark Harrison is going to be given the position of creative head over the writers."

Heads turned and there were a lot of smiles, they all had confidence in him. "Now before Mark has to leave and attend his staff meeting, I just want to say we all have the utmost faith in Mark's creative abilities. To keep this from becoming too much of a strain on him there will be some changes. We have a month before shooting resumes, a mere thirty days.

"We're going to storyboard out each episode, and this season is going to have room for about four guest stars. Triton feels this will give us a boost. Any ideas about who to invite, and what to do with them will be greatly appreciated. Sixteen is a huge number for a new show, guys ... four months of hard work. Triton is behind us now, let's use their resources to the fullest extent we can. Day one begins now."

Tina led Mark down the hall and Brian tagged along, there was an open door at the end, one that had never been open before. "Triton expanded our space as well," Tina said. "This is now the writer's block."

Twelve new rooms, one of them Mark's office. Brian almost laughed, betting the boy was the only sixteen year old in television to have one. They could hear laughter down the hall and Tina smiled.

"That's the new playpen, go take a look," She suggested.

Mark walked into the writer's room and smiled. The walls were all covered in whiteboards, plenty of room to share thoughts and line up ideas. Four couches, and a long table occupied the center. There was a kitchen on one side, two bathrooms on the other. This would become a hotbed of work in no time, it had already begun.

"Stan, Evan, Walter ... this is Mark Harrison," Tina said.

"Thank God, our alien intelligence has arrived," Stan said. And they all laughed.

Script writers were always the odd bunch, the genius behind any successful television show. With the addition of these three there would now be six, and Mark was glad to see that Alan's diversity plans had held up, Stan and Walter were black.

Mike, Tony and Pete joined them after hearing all the laughs; it was time to start talking. And the first thing they did after taking a seat at the table was to talk about the character Adam. Tony picked up a pencil to make notes while Brian and Tina sat on a couch to listen in.

"Old and new thoughts, guys?" Mark asked.

"New," Pete said. "We have a budget for special effects, Thank God."

"New," Tony said. "We have access to outside talent now, which means we can boost the story line at several points this season ... once we figure out the pros and cons."

"Okay, I like this game," Stan said. "Old, how long is Adam going to get away with all this? So far from what I've read, Steve has an idea the boy is different, Beverly does as well, and the science teacher doesn't know what to think."

"Good point, new eyes make the difference," Mark said. "I think Adam should be busted as an alien within the first three episodes. The first time I heard someone say guest star I thought: Wow, now we can use that person as Adam's father who finally came looking for him."

"Jeez, that's a great thought," Mike said.

"End of season at least, something to bring 'em back for season three," Mark said.

"Oh, yeah ... that gives us the whole season for a build up," Stan said, and then he smiled.

"Alan gave us the scripts and character bios for what you guys did so far. I think all three of us are happy to be here, there's so much good stuff happening and we all want to be a part of it."

Mark looked at the new guys. "Glad to have you here, new ideas will always help this show. No matter what Alan said to you, I'm not the genius behind everything, we share the load. I know he gets carried away with the kid writer routine, I've seen him do it, but the writing is a team effort, I wouldn't have it any other way."

Mike nodded. "Our day is tight, guys. We have Mark most mornings, and then he has class. Don't tell the teacher, but I know he's written script in the classroom." Chuckles around the room. "I just want you to know he's as dedicated as any of us, more so because he has a role to play as well."

Evan nodded, "Okay ... so in the last episode you pissed Beverly off, where do we go from there?"

"We have some ideas already ... Mike?"

"We made a preliminary season outline," Mike said, opening a folder and handing out sheets. "Basic ideas, something to expand on. So far we only have the first episode blocked out."

Mark looked at the script sheets:

    ACE: Season Two/ Episode One

    SCENE 1

    INT. BEVERLY 'S HOUSE, BEDROOM- EARLY EVENING

    FADE IN: WIDE SHOT, SLOW ZOOM TO BEVERLY

    ( TYPICAL YOUNG TEEN GIRL'S BEDROOM- A PINK ROOM, STUFFED ANIMALS ON BED, SLEEPING BAGS ON FLOOR, CLUTTERED DESK, SOFT POP MUSIC IN BACKGROUND, ZAC EFRON POSTERS ON WALL)

    (BEVERLY SITS ON BED FILING NAILS, 2 GIRLS ON BED WITH HER. ANDREA, DENISE)

    BEVERLY

    (TO OTHER GIRLS)

    He won't tell me what he thinks. I'm beginning to wonder if he kissed me just like it was some kind of science experiment.

    ANDREA

    Yeah, but you'd do it again, wouldn't you?

    BEVERLY

    Oh, yeah probably. Adam has such dreamy eyes.

    DENISE

    I never kissed a boy, my mother would kill me.

    (GIRLS ALL LAUGH)
    BEVERLY

    Then just don't tell her. Who would you kiss?

    DENISE

    (DENISE SIGHS)

    I would kiss Zac Efron in a heartbeat.

    (ALL THREE GIRLS LOOK AT POSTER ON WALL AND SIGH)

    ANDREA

    All the boys at school want someone older. Where does that leave us?

    BEVERLY

    Sitting in my bedroom on a Saturday night, that's where.

Mark dropped the script back on the table. He just wondered if six men and a boy could portray the lives of three girls well enough. They now had to go back and fill in the lives of the characters. The audience would want to know more about their personal lives.

The general synopsis of each episode was attached to the script's cover:

    Episode One: A weekend: Girls night out, Beverly has a sleepover with two friends from school, they talk about Adam. Some business with neighbor Casey. Adam and Steve go out for hamburgers and talk about the girls.
    Episode Two: Science class plans a field trip to the natural history museum, Mr. Blake talks about the trip, and Adam shows ignorance of Earth history. Puckett gets a new vice-principal, a woman.
    Episode Three/Four: The field trip, Puckett chaperones, Adam shoots a dinosaur with an antique bow and arrow. Another confrontation with Butch. Puckett and Adam get trapped in the gift shop and spend hours together. Adam sets off the museum alarm, the police come. Puckett gets in trouble with the school board, Adam to the rescue.
    Episode Five: The school dance. Beverly invites Adam. Butch the Bully and friends crash the dance. Butch attempts to trick Adam and gets locked out. Steve dances with Beverly, they talk about Adam. New VP takes center stage ...

"I have an idea that we could do a double shot of outside talent in four and five," Mark said. "A police officer in episode four, and maybe a rock star in five, a singer for the band at the dance."

"Someone for Beverly to fall for? You trying to get her off your case already?" Mike laughed.

"No," Mark smiled, "But we can't wear that out either. Okay, let's start with Episode One and see what happens."

Of the sixty child extras, nine of them had dropped out. School issues, parenting issues, the kids had real lives, it was to be expected. Alan had left a note on Brian's desk that read: "Brian, find me ten new kids." He picked up the phone and called Betsy at Central Casting. All he had to do was give her the name of the show, they knew what he wanted.

Having a successful show meant a lot of things. New sponsors wanted in, and Triton would deal with that, but it also meant they were deluged in bribes. The lobby was starting to look like a small corner market with cases of chips, soda and juice, even a box of laundry soap. Brian ignored all that stuff, the staff would take it home.

Adding a replacement vice-principal to the show had been considered since the beginning when the audience was told the former VP had a nervous breakdown. There had been a great deal of debate about what type of character it should be.

Both Mark and Alan had favored a woman to balance the power in the school administration. Brenda Gibbs would be an immediate hit, with the boys at least ... she was an attractive thirty-something year old blonde. She was sitting in the lobby when Brian walked out to find her.

"Brenda? Hi ... Brian Simmons, I'm one of Alan's assistants."

They shook hands and Brian walked her back to the production office. Tina and three of her cohorts were on the phones making a lot of racket so Brian walked past the office to the break room.

"This looks quieter than the office at the moment, we can talk here," Brian said.

"The production staff is back in gear I see," Brenda said.

"New season, new headaches. So let's talk about vice-principals, I imagine you've never been one."

"No," She chuckled. "I started modeling at sixteen, did a few commercials and landed a two year stint on Divine Women. I got married, have two kids and just felt like I wanted back in," Brenda said.

"Is your husband in the industry?"

"No, he's in furniture. The Blevins Gallery is his baby."

"Oh? I've been in there, nice things ... not that I could afford them," Brian laughed. "But we all dream. I'm sure you have some questions, and the first answer is that they haven't written the script for you yet. It will probably be ready next week."

Brenda smiled. "I was wondering. I don't know what kind of character Alan wants, besides a blonde."

"You've seen Wayne Edwards on the show I imagine, the writers thought the contrast would work well, Mark did in particularly."

"Mark? The boy who plays Adam?"

Brian nodded. "Yes, our resident creative genius. There's a lot of him in this show, more than just the acting. It's an unusual role for a kid."

"He writes and acts? That's pretty incredible," Brenda said. "So I'm not going to be the sympathetic sidekick to the principal, just the opposite?"

"I don't think they want you to play a temptress either, just be good at what you do. The Puckett character will spend a lot of time in hot water this season so someone has to run the school. If anything, you'll be Adam's foil. He may control Puckett, but he won't be able to control you."

"I thought that mind control bit was cute, a very convenient way of sliding Adam into normal everyday life. So why can't he control me?" Brenda asked.

Brian laughed. "Now that's top secret, only Alan can tell you that."

"You're kidding?"

"No, I'm not. They haven't written that far into the season, but they've been talking about it for months. Let's just say your character isn't what it appears to be."

Brenda laughed. "Okay, now you have me hooked."

"Episode One is all about the kids, your character gets introduced in number Two ... "

And at that point Mark walked in the break room looking for Brian.

"Mark ... this is Brenda Gibbs," Brian said.

"Nice to meet you, Mark."

"Thank you, Brenda ... so glad you're here."

"So, Brian says you have plans for the character ... can you tell me about it?" Brenda asked.

"Sure, just keep the information to yourself, that's all we ask," Mark said. "The character of Loretta Jones is another alien."

"Wow, so that's the big secret?"

"Yes, we decided that Adam isn't the only one on the planet, just the only one from his home world of Regalia. His mind powers only work on humans, you can't be touched."

"So the disciplinary role of the vice-principal is immune from tampering," Brenda said.

"Yes, that only leaves Adam with the possibility of controlling you through Puckett or just being clever, I favor the latter for comedy's sake."

Brenda smiled. "I already think it's clever, this show seems to have your name all over it."

Mark smiled. "Thank you. Adam will find you attractive but confusing, the other boys will see only the beauty ... I think we made a good choice."

Brenda chuckled. "I've been told I have that affect on men. So, tell me how it's all going to happen."

Mark gave her a ten minute overview of the season ahead and then had to head back to his writer's group, but he stopped at the door.

"Brian, I almost forgot ... did Tim say anything to you about going sailing?"

"Sailing? Not to me, but his daddy has a big damn yacht, sits at the dock all the time. Why, where did you hear that?" Brian asked.

"Steve says Tim is taking him out on a boat. I just wondered how Jean was going to handle that, guess we'll find out."

Brian smiled. "Tim will be here later, I'll ask." Mark nodded and left.

"He's something else, he really knows his stuff," Brenda said.

Brian nodded. "I just don't want it to wear him down, that's when most of these kids get in trouble. So maybe we better go see Gina, she'll want to do some measurements on you. How would you dress as a vice-principal?"

"Mine were always men, I have no idea," Brenda said.

Brian left her with Gina in the costume shop. He took a call from Central Casting and arranged some interviews for the new kids. Alan was out at the school set planning some new locations to shoot so Brian wandered back to the writer's block. Mark was in his office so Brian stepped in and shut the door.

"This thing with Steve and Tim ... you almost sound worried," Brian said.

"A little, ever since the trip to Japan Steve has been a lot more assertive," Mark said. "I think he might come out to his mom."

"Oh? I'm not sure what to think about that, I don't know how she'll handle it."

Mark sighed. "I'm all for the stability of this show, not sure I want the feelings to change around here right away. If Jean takes it badly things will change, they have to."

"Yeah, we don't need that," Brian agreed. "You think Tim realizes what he's doing? Steve could place him in an awkward position if Jean even suspects ... "

"We just spent a month with Steve, we're all likely suspects," Mark said.

"Is Steve here yet?" Brian asked.

"After lunch, they'll be here together. We need to ask Tim what's he's planning to do," Mark said.

Tommy saw Brian and Mark walk out the main doors and head for the parking lot so he started his car to follow them. But just as they reached the lot the red Ferrari pulled in and he shut off the engine. Tim and Steve got out, they all talked a moment and then they followed Brian over to his Jeep and climbed inside. Tommy started his car again, and waited.

"We can't talk about this inside," Brian said. "Steve ... Mark seems to think you're going to tell your parents about being gay ... true or false?"

Steve nodded. "I want to ... I really need to."

"It's just the timing," Mark said. "You've been with us the past month, your mom is gonna wonder if we had something to do with this."

"And then there's Tim, how is she going to react towards him?" Brian said.

"Lord, all the drama," Tim said with a chuckle. "Jean already knows about Steve, and she thinks I'm the answer."

"Okay, so now you better explain that because I'm confused," Mark said.

"Sorry, I should have kept you informed, but this all just happened," Tim said. "I went over to Steve's on Saturday morning with the idea that he and his parents might like to take a cruse to Catalina next weekend, and they agreed to go.

"But Steve was out with his dad when I arrived and Jean gave me that 'I need to talk to you' business. She asked me if I knew anything about Steve that I wasn't telling her, and then before I could answer she said she thought he was gay."

"Oh Lord," Brian said.

"No, it was fine, she doesn't know about me ... about us. My response was that he might have the feelings but not the means to express them to her or anyone else, and I said that worried me. I said Steve has enough pressure in his life right now. He didn't need to feel that his parents were disapproving, and if he was gay that's what he would worry about.

"Well Jean assured me it would be a shock if he was because she didn't know anything about raising a gay boy. Not that she would reject him, it was just that she didn't know what he needed."

"Oh wow, that's sweet," Mark said, and Steve nodded.

"But she also said his relationship with me was a good thing because I presented Steve with such good manly values, maybe I could change his mind. So I invited them to sail and she accepted, now all I have to do is find the straightest looking crew I can," Tim said. "We'll overnight and I thought giving Jean and Frank the master suite would be romantic."

"Then I can sneak out of my room to his," Steve said.

"I think we already had that one figured out, Steve," Mark said. "She's right you know, manly values can also mean gay values."

"That's what I figured," Tim said. "This should be quite an experience."

The writing group plowed ahead all week long, wading through a mound of thought and finally producing a draft of episode one and sending it to Alan. Episode two began with the confrontation between Mrs. Kennedy in the office and the new vice-principal over paperwork.

Brenda, now known as Loretta to one and all, was presented in a smart looking women's business suit and yet Puckett's first reaction was funny as he tripped over a trash can on his way to greet her. Steve was to appear in the door to the Principal's office where he had been receiving a customary admonishment for fighting with Butch.

Loretta was to walk right past Puckett's outstretched hand and right up to Steve where she would smile and introduce herself to the boy. Loretta would be shown as the compassionate one, the school administrator with a heart. And that set the stage for Steve's first fantasy scene. Mark had suggested that boys had such off the wall fantasies all the time and they couldn't ignore them, this one was a winner.

Steve in a toga with a crown of golden ivy leaves around his head watches from his throne on the bleachers as Loretta and Puckett fight it out like gladiators on the basketball court below. She is dressed like Wonder Woman, something that Loretta could easily represent, something a boy might see in such a fantasy.

Puckett drops his sword and only has his shield left. Loretta beats him to the ground and Puckett is defenseless. She stands over him with her sword and looks up to the mighty Emperor Steve. Steve stands up and gestures to his subjects, kids filling the bleachers beside him.

"Friends ... Romans ... Countrymen ... what shall we say?" Steve shouts.

"Death ... Death to Puckett," The kids reply.

Steve smiles and pulls back the sleeve of his toga. His bare arm extends, his hand raised.

"You hear their cries, Rome has spoken," Steve shouts, and he turns his hand, thumb pointing down.

Loretta raises her sword and the kids all scream. Steve snaps back as Loretta bends down and looks him in the face, all Steve sees is her cleavage, and he faints.

The writers all howled with laughter after Mark read that scene to them, it set the tone for the rest of the episode. But if Mark was willing to poke fun at Steve's character, he also had no mercy for Adam as well. The following scene with Mr. Blake, the science teacher, did exactly that.

"The Mesozoic period was the age of dinosaurs here on Earth, and that ended some sixty-five million years ago," Blake says. He has several pull down charts covering much of the blackboard space. Pictures of the fearsome creatures stand out behind him as he paces back and forth.

"When we visit the museum next Monday you will get to see fossilized remains of some of these dinosaurs. Much of what we know about that age in history is ... "

Adam raises a hand, and Blake sighs. "Yes, Adam?"

"Where did they go?" He asks. "Did they leave the planet?"

There are snickers around the room. The kids always seem to enjoy Adam's interruptions of Blake's otherwise dry lectures.

"No, Adam, they didn't leave, they died. There are many theories about why that happened, would you like to hear them?" Blake asks.

"Yes, please," Adam says.

"There are several theories that have developed over the past two hundred years. The discovery of fossilized remains tells us a lot about their size and shape, their eating habits and migration patterns. The actual decline of the creatures began long before they disappeared or became extinct.

"It was theorized that climate change began to destroy their source of food and their numbers became reduced. There are also theories that a huge comet many miles wide impacted the Earth and filled the atmosphere with poison gases or that dust darkened the skies ... "

Adam raises his hand, and Blake sighs once again. "Yes, Adam?"

"Didn't someone know it was coming, couldn't they have warned the dinosaurs?"

There is raucous laughter at Adam's comments and Beverly looks at him like she thinks the boy is crazy.

Blake smiles. "I guess no one saw it coming, Adam. Will you stop asking such ridiculous questions? There were no humans on the planet at that time, only the dinosaurs. Now all we have are their bones ... which we will see at the museum next week." He glares at Adam, daring him to ask another silly question.

"Now before we go on this field trip I want you to read Chapter Six in your text books, which will explain the various types of dinosaurs ... "

This scene was a key factor in Beverly's assessment of Adam. Mark was determined that at least Adam's two closest friends would discover the boy's alien origin at some point this season. It was vital if he was to counter the knowledge of an alien Loretta. Adam would need to tell someone when he made the discovery.

The show might be presented in vignettes of humor, but there was the long range story that had to be considered as well. Down the road Mark knew he would have to introduce the idea that Adam's parents would come looking for him. Boys of any species did not just disappear without consequences.

The walls in the playpen were slowly covered in writing, ideas flowing, and yet there was one board that only had a few lines on it. This was the list of goals, the why's of Adam Conquers Earth. The thoughts there looked at the future of the show, something they all had to keep in mind.

By Friday Mark was ready for a break and looking forward to lying by the pool and doing nothing. Steve was excited about the sailing, which seemed to pervade his thoughts throughout the afternoon class period.

"I've never been on the ocean," Steve said.

"You flew over one. Don't get worried, Tim won't let anything happen to you," Mark chuckled.

Steve smiled. "I get to learn the manly art of sailing." Then he laughed. "You know the whole crew is gay, don't you?"

Mark smiled. "That's fine. You just need to make sure momma doesn't find out."

"Tim says we'll all be out doing our morning Tai-chi on the beach, and that ought to impress my parents."

"Well just be careful around Tim," Mark said.

"Yeah, I've never been on a sailboat either. I'm gonna have fun."

Tim had set the sailing time as ten o'clock from Long Beach harbor, not wishing to push the Biddle's for an earlier start. But he had promised to provide transport so Steve wasn't at all surprised when a limo pulled up at the house just after nine. James opened the doors for them and they climbed in. Steve could tell his parents were impressed.

But all of them were in awe of Tim's sailboat. It was the largest boat at the pier with a mast that seemed to tower over the deck. Tim appeared as the limo pulled up and he ran to greet them.

"Hello, you're right on time," Tim said.

"Wow ... I thought you said a sailboat ... this is like a real ship," Steve said.

Tim laughed at the expressions on their faces. "Yeah, it's impressive, but Dad got a deal on it. She's eighty feet long and does about twenty-five knots in a stiff breeze ... but she's also very comfortable." Two crew members unloaded their overnight bags while Tim led them onto the deck.

"Jean, I thought you and Frank ought to have the master's cabin, Steve and I will each have a suite as well," Tim said.

"Wow, Tim ... this is all so much," Jean said. "All for just a little sail down to the island, I feel like a queen."

"Sorry, we don't have anything smaller. But the crew likes to give her a workout so we'll take the long way around, okay? Let me show you below and we can get comfortable as they cast off."

Jean was impressed by the cabin, the kitchen space, and the huge bed she would share with Frank. Steve had warned her Tim was from a wealthy family, but this ... she felt like royalty. They all felt the throb of the engine as it started up and the boat began to move away from the pier. Tim smiled graciously and offered them a fruit drink which he made himself.

"In about fifteen minutes we'll be out beyond the buoys and go on deck to watch them set the sails. That's when this baby really feels good under your feet," Tim said.

"I hope we don't get seasick," Frank said.

"No reason to, she sails smoothly, and the sea is like glass today. We'll spend about four hours making the run to Catalina, slow and leisurely. Manuel has a nice lunch planned, and once we dock we can walk around town. I made us dinner reservations for seven-thirty, hope that's not too late, but the best view of the sunset happens after that."

"Tim ... do you live like this all the time?" Jean asked.

Tim shook his head. "No, I'm a working stiff ... but this is all part of the fun I get out of my family. Dad hardly sails anymore, it's a shame really. I don't want you to think I'm putting on a show here, but maybe I am ... a little. I just want you all to have a good time."

Terry leaned down the companionway a short time after that and said, "Outer buoy coming up."

Tim smiled. "Come on, this is the exciting part." He led them on deck and they sat on the wide bench at the stern. "They'll set sail and then you'll see how well the boat handles."

Terry and two others unwrapped the covers over the sails that lay along the boom at the foot of the mast. He waved and Tim reached over and shut down the engine. The silence surrounded them, only the wind made any noise. The sound of a ratcheting winch and they saw the large sail begin to rise, while another winch pulled the lines that raised the jib.

The effect on the boat was immediate and Tim held a steady hand on the wheel as the sails flashed out and the craft was taken by the wind. The boat made a few sideways moves until Terry began to swing the boom into place, and then it heeled over gracefully. The sails filled as the boom swung out over the starboard side and Tim looked back at the three passengers.

Frank was holding on for dear life as the boat tilted to a fifteen degree rake. Terry walked back and took the wheel so Tim turned back to his passengers.

"Cool," Steve said, his long blond hair flying in the breeze. Tim could only gaze at the boy with admiration. He was taking on this new adventure with courage. He looked magnificent, and if they had been alone Tim would have had the boy in his arms.

Jean was all smiles, enjoying the rush of adrenaline, while Frank looked disturbed at their apparent speed. "So what do you think?" Tim asked.

"Wow, this is wonderful," Jean said. "How far can this boat sail?"

"If we had the time and the supplies I could drop you off in Hawaii," Tim said, and Jean nodded in understanding.

Terry allowed Steve to take the wheel and the boy really felt the weight of the rudder even thought the steering controls were run on hydraulics. It was an image of Steve that Tim wanted to remember forever. The boy looked so happy and alive like this, and he saw Jean watching her son as well.

Terry, Vince and Manuel had crewed the short run down the coast and across to Catalina Island dozens of times. They were comfortable on the boat and that meant they only wore board shorts most times. Tim had decided not to ask them to look any different, and he saw Jean take in their muscular bodies.

Steve and Tim took off their shirts and Jean tied up her blouse, but Frank cling to the side rails of the stern locker like he expected the boat to capsize at any minute. The sun was warm, and Tim knew the salt water would soon soak into their skin. It didn't matter; they had plenty of hot water for showers before dinner.

Steve's body was starting to fill out. A month in Japan, and now with daily exercise, he was building a fine set of muscles. Frank pulled out a bottle of sunscreen and lathered it on every exposed part of his body. The man was obviously uncomfortable, this was not his element.

Tim led Steve and Jean up towards the bow so they could see the boat knifing through the water. Vince showed Steve the ropes that held up the sails giving Tim a chance to talk with Jean.

"I'm sorry Frank isn't enjoying himself more," Tim said.

Jean laughed. "Oh, he'll get over it, and just imagine this, he was in the Navy."

"Oh Lord, then why does this bother him so much?"

"He had a desk job, I don't even know if he ever went out on a ship," Jean said. "Your crew looks like a bunch of strong guys, that's the image I want Stevie to have."

"I work with Steve every day, Jean, his body will develop," Tim said.

"Yes, I know you give him extra attention, I really appreciate that. I wouldn't care if he did turn out to be gay, just as long as he isn't weak or effeminate."

"That's not going to happen," Tim said.

They all went below deck and Manuel set a nice table. Terry had altered course so the dishes wouldn't slide off in their laps, and that made Frank a little more comfortable. Lunch was light, salads made with chicken and fruit, pine nuts and tomatoes. Tim knew better than to serve novice sailors a hearty meal on their first voyage. They ate cake and drank coffee on deck as Catalina hove into view.

They tied up at the dock two hours later and left Manuel to guard the boat. Vince and Terry followed them into town on guard duty. All three were part of Tim's security force. They might be in the quaint little town of Avalon, but Steve's face would be familiar. They wandered the shopping area around the Metropole Market and Steve caught the glances.

"Don't worry ... just be yourself," Tim said.

Several bold young girls walked up and asked Steve for his autograph, but that was about it. The famous of Hollywood often came here and celebrities were nothing new to the Island. Tim and Jean talked about the town as they took a leisurely stroll, even Frank seemed to have a good time. Steve ... well Steve was just his usual silly self, trying on hats and making faces at the fish tank inside a store window.

The sun was hot by three o'clock and they headed back to the boat to cool off. Frank and Jean sat in the air conditioned cabin while Steve got a lesson in rigging from Terry. Vince sat quietly by watching as his lover explained the workings of the boat to the boy.

He knew, they all knew of Steve's relationship with Tim, he for one didn't disapprove. Of course having the boy's parents along was a bit awkward, but he could see the humor in that as well. He'd had his first relationship with an older man when he was about Steve's age, there had been some great times, and he knew Steve would someday look back and smile about these experiences.

Frank fell asleep in a comfortable chair and Jean left him to go on deck. Vince was showing her son some kick boxing moves and she suddenly realized that all the men around Tim were part of his organization. Her opinion of the man as a mere bodyguard had changed dramatically in the past two months and now she saw him in his element.

If Stevie were to become as strong as these men she would never have to worry about him, and that was all she did as a mother. But Tim was right, the boy was developing. Maybe it was time to relax, there were others watching over her only son.

The day tourists took the ferries back to the mainland and the town took on a quiet happy flavor. Armstrong's was everything Tim had said it would be, Catalina's finest seafood. The sunset was a riot of glorious red and gold, and they sat complacent over their dessert until the display was done.

Jean summed it up for all of them. "Lord, what a magnificent day. Thank you, Tim."

He raised his coffee cup in return. "To good company, we'll have to do this again."

By then even Frank was settled down and Jean was grateful. He was a good husband, a good provider, but he lacked something, something she felt Stevie needed. To her mind that something resided in Tim, the man her husband would never be. But the choice had been hers and she never regretted a moment of the past sixteen years with Frank.

They had a quiet walk back to the pier and Jean excused her husband and herself to bed. Steve yawned and Jean smiled at her son.

"I hear the day begins pretty early around here, maybe you better get some rest, Steve," Jean said. Steve gave her a hug and suddenly realized she had called him Steve and not Stevie. She seemed to sense his understanding, and yet she still stroked his head before she walked down the hallway and shut the bedroom door.

Steve sat looking at Tim, who looked back with a smile on his face. They shared the moment and the understanding. Their relationship had forged a bond, bringing a level of maturity into Steve's life where none had existed before. This was the trait Jean had finally grasped, the discovery that her son was growing up. He was no longer her little boy.

Steve went to his cabin and Tim to his. The crew remained on deck for a while, and then would quietly take to their bunks. Steve messed up his bed and then slid across the hall to Tim's. They would not have the whole night together, just the greater part of it.

Ten days ago they had shared the futons in the ancient Japanese tower. There had been a few times since, special moments of peaceful love making, asides where they hugged and kissed. Now Steve lay in Tim's arms, the one place that made him feel whole, and they basked in the glow of another successful joining.

Tim could feel the changes in the boy, his passion was no longer rushed, his mood level and contemplative. They were lovers of the best kind. The relationship had given Steve a greater sense of security and brought him another mile on the road to manhood. The boy had found his partner, and now they could focus on the living.

"I hope things go well for them," Mark said, as he lay in Brian's arms. "Steve has changed ... matured. Now the character he plays is an act, he finally gets it."

"You've done a lot to help him, baby. I think he's developed a certain amount of love for you, a brother's love," Brian said. "An older brother at that, you turn seventeen next week."

Mark giggled. "Yeah, the old boy gets older."

"And stronger ... and a whole lot more loveable," Brian said.

"Couldn't do it without you, wouldn't want to. I haven't lost the need to perform; I just feel it's work now, work I enjoy."

"And the enjoyment is shared by all your fans, I'm your biggest fan," Brian said.

Mark sighed. "Love is such a warm and wonderful feeling, I cherish the moments we have. I lie here and know I have to go back to work on Monday, but none of that matters."

Brian smiled in the darkness. "I'd still be your biggest fan if all that disappeared tomorrow. I love Mark and not Adam."

"I love you too, Brian. We could get married ... if you want."

"I want what you want. But what will the fans say?"

"I don't really care, and we don't have to tell anyone. Does that mean we're engaged?" Mark asked.

"Baby, I've been engaged to you since we first met ... do you want a ring?"

"A ring, I never thought of that. I mean should we ... could I wear it in public?"

"Mark could, Adam can't ... just not on your left hand, that gives too much away," Brian said.

"I could wear it around my neck on a chain, no one would see it there," Mark said.

The room became silent, only a distant siren disturbed the serenity of that moment.

"You won't forget ... the ring I mean," Mark asked.

Brian leaned over and kissed Mark's neck. "I never forget anything where you're concerned."

"That's all I want for my birthday, I don't need anything else."

"From me? You know the world won't forget your birthday, I have to share that with your adoring public."

"Just get me the ring, all the rest won't mean a thing."

All the rest, and there was lot of that, a ton in fact. Triton's mailroom was swamped with the outpouring of affection from Mark's fans. The stuffed animals were given to charity, and there were thousands. It was all Mark's fault, a bit of business at the end of the opening season.

Beverly had given Adam a stuffed bear and it sat prominently on the dresser in the bedroom set. And in the final scene of that show he had been standing in front of the mirror combing his hair. The kissing scene with Beverly had happened earlier in that episode and Mark ad-libbed the moment.

He picked up his backpack for school, and paused at the door, looking down at the little bear. On impulse he picked it up and kissed it, giving it a smile before placing it back on his dresser. The camera stayed on the bear as Adam left the room and the credits rolled. The avalanche of animals started shortly thereafter.

It seemed like every girl in television land sent him a stuffed bear, or some other animal. Triton had an office filled with them. The offerings made Mark smile, and each and every girl received a photo in return. Triton wasn't happy with the expense, so Mark paid for it himself and someone leaked that to the press. It was the feel good story of the week, and then the media moved on. And now came the birthday.

The birthday party, or parties, both public and private were a sensation. Triton braced itself as the cards and stuffed animals came rolling in, bags of them. The very public party was held in Studio B and Mr. Triton himself hosted the bash. The cameras rolled and flashed, the media wasn't about to pass up the opportunity.

Mark wore his best blue suit, only this time the costume shop had whipped up a tie covered in little space suited figures. He posed for the cameras in front of the space car which had been dragged in for the occasion. But what none of them knew was that he wore Brian's ring on a gold chain around his neck.

The plain gold band held a single small diamond, placed in a star deeply etched in the precious metal. It was a man's ring, and yet the star was significant, for Brian knew that Mark was the star in his life, both at work and in love. The two of them shared the private moment of giving, and then Mark showed it to Rosie.

The ring only confirmed what she already knew. Mark was committed to Brian in every way. Rosie couldn't deny the love they shared, she knew it had always been Mark's choice to make. He should have been older before making such a life changing decision, but age had never been a factor in Mark's life.

Rosie could only smile and kiss both men, happy that Brian had become very much a part of their lives. Mark was strong because of their commitment, and Rosie hoped he would maintain that strength in the days ahead. Today was his birthday, and he needed to enjoy the happiness. Tomorrow she would have to tell him of the sadness.

They gave her sister only days now, her body was too weak to maintain life, the machines had taken over. It had always been a matter of time, and the call had finally come. Rosie knew Mark had to see his mother before she died, even if the woman wouldn't recognize him for who he was. The boy was entitled to that moment and his strength would get him through it.

The joy of raising Mark had been all her's ... and now she conceded that Brian was his future. She could only feel a certain amount of sadness amidst the feelings of happiness that swirled around them this evening. For just as his life was beginning to take shape, the very source of that life was passing away. Mary Anne had never really been a part of Mark's life while she struggled to maintain her own. Her death would only serve to make the boy a stronger man.


On to Chapter Thirteen

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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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