The only words to escape Pacey's lips were the following:
"My tongue lies paralysed, subtle sensations of fire snake through my limbs, my ears are deafened by their own noise and as for my eyes..", he recited in breathy, hushed tones and stared unreservedly at Olivia Dunham as if she were the only woman in the world left alive.
Olivia was taken by complete surprise and all she could think of to say was "Excuse me?!" whilst wondering just exactly what this youth had been studying in his spare time.
Walter meanwhile had a sly grin on his face and whispered to Astrid,
"Just like my son, has a way with women.".
Pacey shook his head, "Uh, sorry", he couldn't tear his eyes of the blonde F.B.I agent and added " I was reading too much classical literature, blame Douggie here for leaving me some really questionable reading material for my adolescent mind. I mean seriously Doug, where did you get this guy "Catullus"?, I get that he was infatuated with this girl he both loved and hated but.." he winked at both Astrid and Walter, " The fact that he shall we say "batted for the other team" too.. are you really trying to tell me something ?. Are you finally going to admit it bro, come on!. Locking me up in this cell with this book amongst the others because I questioned your sexuality is just really lame."
Doug fixed Pacey with a stare and the heat began to radiate off him not just in anger but in embarrassment as well.
"Oh and by the way, I forgot to say this too," Pacey turned back to Agent Dunham, "You are without doubt, one beautiful woman. Surely you must have a celestial name for one so divine?".
Olivia's mouth twisted trying to keep a smile from forming and also trying to remain cool and detached took out her badge.
"Agent Dunham, F.B.I . Nice to meet you too Pacey".
Doug finally found his voice and in a calm and controlled way gritted his teeth and spoke, "Agent Dunham, I must apologise for my brother. I obviously left him with too much time to be reading those books!. Pacey, quit it now. .no more showing off…you've had your fun and games".
Agent Dunham put her badge away and stood with her hands on her hips and turned to Pacey.
"So you're saying that, your brother, Officer Witter, locked you up in this cell because you think he's gay?".
"Yes ma'am, I cannot tell a lie, that's the truth of the matter." Pacey pressed his face to the bars and grinned at Doug.
"Officer Witter", she fixed him with a rather unimpressed stare, "I'm grateful to you for aiding us in our investigation so far, but I insist that the F.B.I does not approve of locking people up over family disagreements or jokes. I would advise you to release your brother out of that cell immediately and that we forget that this "incident" ever occurred."
"Ah…Agent Dunham, you have to understand that it's vacation time and with Pacey out of school, it's damn near impossible to keep an eye on him. What with most of his friends away for summer he does have a knack of getting into trouble and -".
Doug never finished the line as Agent Dunham cut in. "Now Officer Witter, no more excuses, give your brother his freedom."
Pacey watched this hot F.B.I woman with complete awe and wonder, she was simply amazing and one of a kind.
"You see ," she moved closer to Doug in a very dangerous way, " I don't think locking up family members is a good example to set to other officers is it?. Besides, Officer Witter, it doesn't really read well on the report that I'll have to write up about myself and my team and our visit to your town. I think your brother has learned his lesson", she turned back to Pacey, "Haven't you?!".
"Oh I sure have Agent Dunham. You won't find me doing this again!", he smirked earnestly.
Doug whispered to Officer Davis who had been watching the whole debacle with a hint of awe mixed with amusement as he left to go and get the keys from Officer Richards to the cells.
"Well young man, it seems that it's worked out in your favour after all", Walter turned to Pacey, "Do you think I could see the books that you were reading?. I do miss a good quotation, it reminds me of when Bellie and I were younger, we'd often recite them whilst we were high on our latest concoction of-"..
"Walter!.", Olivia cut in with a warning in her voice.
"Oh sorry, Agent Dunham, I do apologise, Officer," he turned to Doug Witter a little shame faced, "I forget myself and my surroundings at times!".
"Here you go," Pacey handed the book of quotations through the bars of the cell and collected up the rest of the books with a puzzled expression on his face.
"I'll just pretend that I never heard that Dr Bishop", Doug shifted uncomfortably as Agent Dunham's words still rang in his ears.
Officer Davis returned with the keys and opened the cell door.
"Well isn't that a relief!. Peace and Quiet at last!".
" Maybe we should get the F.B.I. in Capeside more often!. Now I can hear myself think!".
"Get the hell outta here boy before I stick that book of quotes where the sun don't shine!".
The rest of the prisoners finally made their way forward to say their goodbyes looking relieved that at least part of their ordeal was over with.
"Gentlemen, what can I say but you've been the best audience that I've ever had. Thank you and goodnight!", Pacey grabbed his books and took a bow to the rest of the captives and smirked.
"Pacey, get your butt back home and we'll talk later.", Doug ordered, he felt humiliated and wanted his brother out of the way so he could apologise to Agent Dunham personally and professionally.
"Douglas, Douglas. I haven't yet said thank you to Agent Dunham for getting me out of that cell.", Pacey placed the books into the hands of Officer Davis adding, "I think I won't be needing these again".
Doug sighed, "Get on with it little brother, I'm sure Agent Dunham and her team have better things to do than listen to you all day!".
Pacey turned to Olivia and held out his hand, "We were never introduced properly Agent Dunham. I'm Pacey Witter and I'm eternally thankful that you got me out of that cell. Anything I can do to return the favour just ask."
"I'll bear it in mind Pacey. Now you'd better go home like your brother said before you get into anymore trouble", she shook hands with the younger Witter and tried hard not to wonder why he reminded her of a junior version of Peter. There was definitely something about him…
"I hope to see you again Agent Dunham.", Pacey reluctantly let go of her hand and was about to move off when Walter handed him the book of quotations that he had been leafing through.
"You might want to translate this one young man. "SAEPE EST ETIAM SUB PALLIOLO SORDIDO SAPIENTIA". Page 256, third quote down".
"Sure Dr Bishop, and I'm sorry if I offended you with my comment about your clothes.", he nodded to Astrid, "Nice to meet you too" and with a quick smile thrown in Agent Dunham's direction, took the book from Dr Bishop and went whistling down the corridor and on the way to his freedom.
"Lucas, make sure he gets home okay?", Doug looked at the younger deputy.
"Sure Officer Witter," he hurried to catch up with Pacey and to try and keep in Doug Witter's good books at the same time.
"Just like Peter...too smart for his own good." Walter Bishop mused and chuckled and took a drink out of his coffee cup.
…...
"Page 256, third quote down.." Pacey stood in the doorway of the video store and looked up the quote that Walter Bishop had told him.
He repeated the phrase out loud and had to laugh as he repeated the translation.
" Why…Dr Bishop, I think you just got one over on me.." he shook his head and laughed again.
The phrase translated as " WISDOM OFT LURKS BENEATH A TATTERED COAT".
Pacey shut the book and decided that he should go and find this man and his assistant. Oh and not forgetting the divine F.B.I angel that had given him back his freedom and re-lit the flames of fascination regarding the psyche of the older woman!.
Agent Dunham was no Tamara Jacobs but she was an F.B.I agent who was intelligent and perceptive and of course she carried a gun.
Pacey pondered exactly what he was feeling, he couldn't really explain why he was drawn to this agent and her team but he knew he had to find them.
Besides, he knew he'd never find sleep until he found out Agent Dunham's first name and that in itself was a good excuse to go looking for the newest visitors to "Capeside" if any!.
Leaving the video store behind him, he decided to head back over the street and see if he could catch sight of any of them as they left the local precinct.
Failing that then he'd have to get himself into trouble again but even he knew he was pushing his luck with Doug today.
Better to cool it for a little while and see if fate smiled upon his wishes.
…...
Olivia Dunham shut the door to the motel room and let out a sigh of relief. She stared at the stark walls and sparseness of the room and wondered how the hell they had come to this.
After a humble apology from Doug Witter and the promise that he'd keep his smart-assed brother from bothering them any further, Olivia had got the rest of her statement and F.B.I business finished for the day and inquired about places to stay in Capeside.
Of course, Officer Witter had insisted on driving them there and offered to pay for the two rooms for the next three days as a goodwill gesture having been shamed by his actions towards his brother and not wanting to sour his relationship with Agent Dunham further.
Olivia was actually glad they had at least a roof over their heads as the situation was turning serious. Before Astrid could speak, she announced "Okay guys, before we start to break down this situation let me tell you that we're here on our own. We've no back-up on this. Nobody knows us here, we probably don't exist in this universe and that means we basically are gonna have to play a dangerous game and tell a few white lies to survive."
"Agent Dunham; Asterix was telling me about this show she used to watch on television. I do believe I have a theory that I think you should here before we go any further." stated Walter Bishop as he began pacing up and down the room.
Outside of the motel room, Pacey Witter decided that he'd better get a little closer to the ever so slightly ajar window that lay open to the room that housed the F.B.I agents. He had actually followed them, seeing them get dropped off to the motel in Doug's patrol car.
They looked like they were having a heated discussion and Pacey couldn't resist having a little listen in to what was being said.
He quickly dropped to his hands and knees and crawled quietly to the window of the motel room, voices quite clearly could be heard and it was Doctor Bishop doing most of the talking at this time.
"We have crossed into an alternate reality, that is a FACT!."
"Okay Walter, then how do you explain what Astrid knows about Officer Witter and his brother from a childhood T.V. show?", Olivia demanded.
"We are NOT in a "normal or ordinary universe", that much I can tell you. The simple truth of the matter is there are many realities and universes, I think I told you this before Agent Dunham."
"Walter are you saying that a "normal or ordinary" universe is OUR universe and not this one?. This is confusing!", Astrid scratched her head puzzled, "That sounds-"…
"PREPOSTEROUS!", Walter chipped in, "Yes, but listen to my theorem if you will.."
Olivia walked over to the bed and sat down, massaging her temples with her fingers, it had been one LONG day and all this talk was becoming a blur.
"What the hell is that man talking about?", Pacey Witter's mind yelled that what he was hearing was just plain crazy. Universes?!. Realities?!. Maybe it sounded so fantastic that he just had to listen in to more of the conversation.
"What if… what if there are universes created out of the stories, poems or even from film or television screenplays?." Walter stopped his relentless marching on the carpet in his wool socks and faced the two agents.
"Walter, let me get this straight, and I think this is the most craziest thing ever to come out of my mouth but are you suggesting that SOMEONE dreamed or WROTE this universe into existence?!", Astrid's mouth gaped open at the enormity of the statement that she had just spoken.
"Walter. That's just...well, it's just.." Olivia stuttered to get the words out but merely sighed in defeat, "That's just crazy Walter!.", she threw her hands up in frustration.
"May I continue. I can explain this." Walter stood there, his mind working feverishly on the problem and trying to word his next statement carefully.
"So, basically, this crazy old man is saying that I DON'T EXIST?. SOMEONE IMAGINED ME?!. I AM A FICTIONAL CHARACTER?!".
Pacey almost let his mental frustration nearly get the better of him..
"This is just GREAT!. What possible insanity is coming out of that man's mind next?!", he couldn't help but keep listening, repulsed and yet fascinated by Walter Bishop's latest theory.
"THIS is how it works. Imagine someone writing the aforementioned book, poem or screenplay if you will. They pour their very soul into this narrative, they sleep ,they dream and they spend every waking moment CREATING their work. CREATING a world where these characters no longer become a SUM OF WORDS AND QUOTATIONS.
THEY BECOME REAL PEOPLE, Agent Dunham, ASTRO" he went over a gently gripped Astrid's shoulders to emphasise the point and his voice shaking…"THEY BECOME FLESH AND BLOOD , LIVING THEIR LIVES IN A CREATED "FICTIONAL UNIVERSE", do you see?!". Walter accentuated the words "fictional" and "universe" in a loud flourish.
"My god!. That's just brilliant Walter. You're saying that whoever wrote this television show believed in it so much that they just WILLED this universe and characters into being!." Astrid sat beside Olivia on the bed and just burst out laughing. Olivia too could not help but look at Astrid and laugh as well.
Not that they were laughing at Walter's explanation but at the sheer craziness of the whole situation.
"I believe as well that we have landed in one of many "fictional universes", there are many more to discover. Bellie and I surmised this many years ago but more importantly WE MUST find that woman. Her name escapes me but it was SHE who brought us over and only SHE can return us to our original universe." Walter continued as he regarded the two laughing agents and frowned.
"May I also add that when I explained about "dreaming universes into reality", I was referencing material from Aboriginal culture in Australia. This is not as crazy as it sounds ladies. Have you ever read a book called "The Songlines" by Bruce Chatwin?".
Olivia sobered up and shook her head, Astrid also shook her head and dried her eyes.
"Well it is an exceptional read, I would recommend it thoroughly. Basically the Aboriginals would "sing" their country or land into existence, it would be formed in the mind then sung to be made real. Not really so strange a concept after all is it?", he mused.
"Okay Walter, I understand what you're saying and we're all agreed where we are. Now, we have the problem of finding Erica Jones. She may not know we're here, this is maybe an advantage to us but we're stuck here with no back-up, no credentials and more importantly, no money, I guess if we "universe hopped" then our credit cards and technology are as good as useless. I mean looking around at what I've seen so far, we aren't even in our own time-frame, my guess is we're in the closing years of the nineties. Astrid, is that about right?".
"From what I remember, that's right Olivia. This is just really strange, it's like living a second childhood for me. The people in this town are EXACTLY what I remember from-",
she stopped as Walter Bishop made a sign for quiet and pointed outside.
Olivia frowned and took out her gun and slowly made her way to the door.
Outside Pacey had accidentally let out a small hiss of pain as he had tried to peer in the window and got a splinter of wood stuck in his thumb as he tried to add vision to the soundtrack playing before his ears. Mentally cursing, he tried to sneak away without being seen but it was already too late.
"Listening in to private conversations is going to get you into more trouble with your brother, Pacey."
Pacey got up slowly, he was busted and his thumb ached and there were so many questions running through his mind at this minute in time but stuck up his hands in the air, turning slowly around.
"Agent Dunham, what a pleasure it is to see you again. You know that you really made an impression on me earlier on today don't you?".
He smiled at Olivia, "If I may add, pointing that gun at me is really not doing my imagination any favours at the minute, in fact-"
"Pacey!", Olivia cut him off and re-holstered her gun, "Inside..NOW!" and raised an eyebrow.
"Yes ma'am!", Pacey obediently scuttled into the motel room where Astrid folded her arms shaking her head and Walter Bishop narrowed his eyes, studying him.
Olivia shut the door and window were secured before facing the youth.
"So how long have you been listening in Pacey?." she demanded with her hands on her hips.
"I heard everything Agent Dunham. That's one hell of a story!. In fact, I'd say the whole lot of you are delusional, you should really meet my friend Dawson, HE would love you guys and he's just as delusional regarding some of the things he believes!. Am I the only sane person in this room?!. Where did you get this stuff?!. I mean, I thought Dr Bishop here was a little bit "loco", but you Agent Dunham, you're a F.B.I agent and you don't look or act crazy!," he seemed to be rambling slightly.
"Oh yes, and what is this "This universe isn't real" bull?. I AM A REAL PERSON !. I am standing here before you in this very room!. You can't say that I don't exist?!."
"Pacey, calm down, it's okay. Look, we know you're real, we're not disputing that fact, it's just…We don't belong here. We're not lying when we say we came from another universe. We did, it was unintentional but we're here now and you have to keep this a secret."
Astrid took pity on him and put her arm around the boy's shoulders.
"All we want to do is get home. We have to find the woman who brought us over first, but we need help to do that. We need the resources of the law and we need your silence Pacey."
Pacey frowned. He looked around the room. Walter had a much softer expression on his face and gently smiled, Astrid was looking at him sympathetically and Agent Dunham's features were thoughtful with a hint of a smile forming on her lips.
"What do you say Pacey?. Once we find who were looking for we'll get home to where we belong. If you help us we'd be more than grateful", Agent Dunham took a softer tone in her voice as she hoped the youth would co-operate.
There was a long silence but Pacey grinned and looked a little mischievous. He looked at these visitors from another universe and decided that perhaps these people would be more interesting to hang out with than annoying his brother or hear Dawson rambling on about how great a director "Spielberg" was.
"Okay then. You want me to keep quiet on where you come from and how you got here. Then you have my word, HOWEVER..", Pacey looked at Agent Dunham, " I need a few little favours in return for my vow of silence. Don't look so worried there!", he let out a smile, "I can get you a few things, you strike me as people that don't work in a 9 to 5 environment and I could procure you an answer to your problems and more.." he looked eager to make a deal.
"What sort of things boy?. Could you get me a lab?. One with at least a centrifuge and a good electron microscope?", Walter narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.
"Uh, yeah, I think I could get you that or something similar?. Anything else?".
"A good VCR. A strawberry milkshake?", a sly smile crossed Walter Bishop's mouth.
"Of course Doctor Bishop, you are talking to Pacey Witter here, I work in the local video shop and can get you your VCR and any video of your choosing", he winked at Walter, "If you know what I mean!".
"Boy, if can you get me a "Gallus Domesticus", then we have a deal!", Walter grinned excitedly.
"A WHAT?", demanded Pacey looking at the two women for an answer.
"A hen or a chicken?. Walter what on earth do you need one of those for?", Astrid looked at the older man fixing him with a stare, "I'm sure Pacey didn't sign up to go hen hunting besides, where on earth are we gonna keep this chicken when we get it?." she demanded.
"All in good time dear, I'm sure the boy will make good on his end of the bargain.", Doctor Bishop assured her and turned back to Pacey, "Make sure she's a "Rhode Island Red" or a "New Hampshire Red", no other breed will do!".
"Okay Doctor Bishop, it might take a bit of time on the chicken, but I can get you those other things but I'll need your help to persuade my brother to get you the science lab. Say if you could meet me outside the precinct tomorrow morning about ten, then we could get this ball rolling..that's if it's okay with you guys?!", Pacey looked smug and quite confident.
"Pacey," Agent Dunham watched with interest as Walter and Pacey seemed to be building a budding friendship, "You said you wanted a few favours in return for your help. What do you want exactly?".
"Oh Agent Dunham, I was just getting around to that!. Well, there's only three things that I really want and only you can grant my requests.", he looked at her with that mischievous expression which caused Olivia to question his motives.
"Pacey, Before we go any further, your brother told me about the "Miss Jacobs" incident and I'd just like to give you some advice."
Pacey held his hands up, "No Agent Dunham, you mis-understand me!. All I want from you is…", he sighed, "Firstly, could you take this splinter out of my thumb, it's really painful!", he held out his thumb and batted his eyes at her playfully.
"Oh Pacey, come here!, " she laughed as she took his hand and looked at the small sliver of wood embedded in his skin,.
"Here, these might help," Astrid fumbled in a small purse and took out a pair of tweezers and handed them to Olivia and looked at Pacey, "You're up to something Pacey, I can tell".
"Me?!. You know my character too well, Agent Farnsworth, this is only the first thing, that I wish for, two more to come." he smirked back and looked at Agent Dunham as she held up the offending sliver and smiled.
"So what's number two Pacey?".
"Tell me your first name Agent Dunham and you'll help me get a good night's rest, I'd otherwise be conjuring up names in my head all night long, so please put me out my misey!" he begged.
"It's AGENT Dunham to you all other times Pacey." she sighed, "My first name is Olivia".
"Olivia. Olivia Dunham. Why thank you Agent Dunham, you've granted my third wish.", he fixed her with a grateful look and licked his lips, "Third wish, may I whisper this one?. It's for your ears only."
Olivia handed the tweezers back to Astrid. Then turned back to Pacey. "Pacey, I think you should go home, it's been a tiring day and I'm sure the third wish can have a stay of execution until tomorrow?!", she tried to avoid any further embarrassment by going to the door and holding it open.
Pacey had only eyes for the Blonde agent in front of him as he headed for the door and couldn't help but linger in the doorway and try again.
Astrid and Walter looked on with a small hint of amusement at the scene before them.
"Okay Pacey, tomorrow morning at ten. We'll be there." she nodded politely and made to close the door but Pacey had other ideas,
"When all this is over," he whispered, "If by some insane miracle it all works out Agent Dunham, before you leave Capeside and my life for good, all I want is just a small kiss to remind me of how an amazing woman you are and how you've made an impact on my life. That's the last request", his tone was sincere.
"Goodnight Agent Olivia Dunham", he spoke before turning into the night and began walking away.
Olivia couldn't quite bring herself to shut the door as she saw him walking away, in fact, it was the second time today that the younger Witter had made quite an impression on her.
"Goodnight Pacey.", she whispered and saw the loud Hawaiian shirt colours fade into the blackness of the night.
Shutting the door slowly, she composed herself as the expressions on the faces of Astrid and Walter denoted some amusement.
"I told you Pacey was a character didn't I?", Astrid smirked.
"Astrid!. He's just a kid!", protested Olivia.
"What a smart boy that is, Olivia!", announced Walter Bishop, "Reminds me of Peter in many ways. However he has a great deal of growing up to do.", Walter's eyes misted over thinking about his son.
"If that boy would just get a decent haircut," he mused, "Then I think all would be right in this universe!".
Better mention all this other stuff:
Just borrowing the Characters from "Fringe" and "Dawson's Creek" for a small outing here and they belong to other folks and I wouldn't want to get into any trouble here!.
"The Songlines" by Bruce Chatwin is a very interesting book. Go read if you can find a copy.
"Dictionary of Quotations" and Catullus "From Bed to Bed" are classical works and I guess the old writers are still the best thousands of years on!.
Time for a break and to get out the pen and paper and write more chapters out the "olde fashioned way" and exercise the grey matter. Maybe another chapter next week. See how it goes.
Enjoy this just now and feel free to leave any comments.
Fusion: "A Tale Of Two Universes" .Chapter Four.