October 26, 1985 1:33 AM,

Marty watched in horror as the scene unfolded before him like a bad nightmare. He saw the Volkswagen speed through the parking lot Lone Pine Mall, and the

Libyan terrorist aiming his rifle at the Doc. Seconds later, a round of shots was fired and Doc fell to the ground-gone forever.

Instantly he began to sob, watching himself jump into the DeLorean and speed away; an unexpected trip that would propel him into 1955. He collapsed on top

of his friend and rolled him over, unable to believe that Emmitt Brown had been taken in the most terrible way imaginable. It wasn't fair. He didn't know what he

would do without Doc Brown. And what about Einstein?

As he sobbed, grieving for his friend, a million thoughts went through his head. "Oh no…" This had to be a horrible dream. If only the Doc hadn't torn up that

note. Marty didn't care about the risks; he just wanted his friend back. And now Doc was gone.

But then something unbelievable happened. He turned to see Doc Brown looking at him in confusion. Could it be-?

"You're alive!" Marty said,

Doc Brown unzipped his jumpsuit, revealing of all things a bullet proof vest.

"How did you know? I never got a chance to tell you."

In Doc's hand was the letter-the one that Marty had written to him warning him about the terrorists. How was that possible?

"What about all that talk about screwing up future events?"

Doc smiled. "Well, I figured what the hell…"

"I-I just…. I can't believe it. I mean-."

"Here, help me up." Doc said, offering Marty his hand.

Marty took Doc's hand and pulled him to his feet.

"I'd better check on Einstein. I'm sure that all of the commotion was pretty frightening for him."

"Yeah… I guess it would be."

In a daze, Marty followed Doc back to the DeLorean where Einstein sat, his tail wagging as though nothing had happened. Marty smiled and gave Einstein a

quick hug. "Good boy." He decided right then and there that should anything happen to the doc, he was fully prepared to take care of Einstein, no matter what

his parents thought.

The Doc smiled at Marty's dazed expression. "Come on. Let's get you home."

"Home… right…"

Marty lifted the passenger door and was about to climb inside when he stopped. The doc had already settled into the driver's seat and fastened his seatbelt. But

Marty stood silently.

"Marty? Are you okay? What's wrong? Gee, I hope that your trip to 1955 didn't shake you up too much. I'm sorry about that. I had no idea-"

Marty brushed away tears that he hadn't realized were there and walked around to the driver's seat.

The doc continued to stare at him worriedly. Slowly he unbuckled his seat belt and climbed out of the car. "Marty, what is it? Are you sure you're okay? I can

take you to the nearest hospital, or-."

Marty grabbed Doc Brown and hugged him tightly, afraid to let go. The Doc was like a father to him; sometimes more than his own father had been. He loved

his parents of course, but Doc Brown was special. Marty knew what people said about Doc Brown and he was ceratin that Doc had heard some of the awful

things as well. But Marty didn't believe a word of it. Doc Brown was the best person he knew. Marty leaned against his friend, pressing his cheek against the

white jumpsuit.

After a few minutes, Doc pulled away slowly. "Marty, you're scaring me. What's wrong?"

"I just-um, when I saw those shots and then you were lying there, I thought-."

The doc smiled. "I know."

Marty hugged him again. "I'm so glad you read that letter. I don't know what I'd do without you. You're the best friend I've ever had. You and Einstein…."

"I feel the same way about you. And I really am sorry for the unexpected trip into 1955."

Marty smiled. "Actually, it wasn't so bad. I think I understand my parents a little better now. I never really did before, but it's funny to think that they went

through some hard times as teenagers, too."

"Well then, for what it's worth, I'm glad it happened. I wish I had known you back then-in 1955, that is."

"You did, actually. And you were a pretty nice guy, just like you are now-but better."

"Thanks, Marty."

"Thank you, Doc Brown."

"How about that ride home now?"

"Okay, but make sure it's 1640 Riverside Drive, Hill Valley-present day. I've had enough time travel for a while."

Doc Brown smiled. "You've got a deal."

They climbed into the DeLorean and headed for Marty's house.

"So where are you headed?" Marty asked.

"About thirty years into the future. It's a nice round number."

"Look me up when you get there, okay?"

"I will."

As Marty entered his home and watched the DeLorean drive away, he smiled. He'd never find a better friend than Doc Brown; past, present or future.

THE END