Back at the storeroom/hideout, Will and Jo sit cozily at the blackjack table enjoying cups of decent instant coffee. A fully conscious Alex is also having a cup, though his enjoyment is hindered by the throbbing lump on his dome.

"Feeling more yourself yet, Alex?" Jo asks.

"Not as much as I want to," is the reply as the Jedi rubs his forehead. "Apart from the excruciating headache, my mouth feels like a used ashtray."

"You can thank Bob for that last one," Will says.

"D*** that lizard for defiling my virgin lungs… I can say that openly because Squishy isn't around to make it weird."

"Still a weird thing to say."

"It's funny that you mention Big Brother Bluebell."

Chris wheels over a drink tray holding a janky-looking laptop. "Cuz I had been doing some research."

"You found a laptop just lying around?"

"No, I made this one from scraps. Tricks of the trade, Jo; no need to explain myself. Anyways, I did some backchecking to try and figure out what Scalie McGee's big plan is, and you know what I gleaned?"

"What?"

"Zippo. The first mentionings of his existence are from five years ago, as a registered stockbroker and commercial shipping overseer. All straitlaced, nothing shady. Everything before that is a huge blank, meaning his endgame remains as mysterious as his past."

"That sounds too similar to what happened over Christmas. Lord, if it's the Financer again," Alex begroans.

"We'll get our answers soon enough after you bust down his gilded doors."

"How's about using that laptop to call for some help?" Will asks.

"An excellent idea, and here's the two big problems with that. First, a good chunk of our military is enthralled on this station. And deux, we're still in transit, with no idea where we are until we re-enter real space."

"Ah, right."

"So for the meantime, we remain focused on reclaiming the other Jedi. And luckily I have us a twofer for this jaunt."

"Two? Who would those be?" Jo asks.

"Oh, you'll figure it out once we step into the theater district."

"...Theater district?"

The Adult Entertainments Zone, or "theater district" to one deranged individual, is where activities of the nightly variety are held. Featuring upscale bars, lounges requiring formal dress, and too many loud and wild nightclubs, it seeks to evoke an after hours ambiance of illicit mirth and sinful ambulations, further enhanced by the darkness covering the area at all times. Not a hard thing to achieve, as it is always night in space.

Navigating a labyrinth of noise, revelers and temptation, our quartet of (mostly) sane persons arrive at one of the few beacons of illumination in the whole area: "The Maenad's Retreat".

Passing under the bright neon sign of the entrance, it's not long before the four are hit with a blast of raucous music and catcalls as they enter the dining area. It's a mess of tables under dim lighting, with lady servers attired in Grecian-style robes and togas—replete with fishnets and corsets—laying down food and drink to the rabble-rousers that make up the clientele. Several raised narrow platforms are interspersed among the tables, each one holding a performer or two in various states of undress doing dances bordering on erotic. A long stage is set at the back of the room, where a solo act is in progress.

The immensely rotund and orange Tornado Tonion gyrates his tremendous girth, moving his floating limbs and the silken sashes attached to them as a salacious brass plays him on. People of all races hoot and toast the bawdy exhibition, eliciting deep, flirtatious croons from his veiled voice emitter.

"Something about this place makes me feel dirty," Will comments. "Like, similar to how I'd feel being in a strip club, but somehow more awkward and arousing."

"Show some respect, Will," Chris chastises. "These velvet-drenched walls are where acts too transformative and provocative for mortal comprehension are performed. Besides, its smut is of a finer, classier sort."

"If you say so."

"I never could get into cabaret. Far too rowdy just for dinner and a show," Alex says. "It's definitely up Anna's alley, though I think it's better viewed at a distance with a sound filter."

"How fortuitously prophetic Bobarino was then in assigning her here."

Chris points to the stage, where Tonion holds a rigid finishing pose under a shower of roses as the curtains close to a wave of applause that keeps going as the hostess walks to center stage. Wearing a gaudy olive branch headdress and decked in a showy assortment of plum-colored frills, lace and a truly busty bodice, Anna commands a presence that makes strong men crumble in fear and adoration. Yet she smiles like a seasoned matron who has everything in order and is loving every well-earned second of it.

"And that was our graceful and bountiful Tequila Cactus, gentlemen of the night! Sure sounds like you enjoyed him; hopefully it's not just from the liquor soaking your brains. Either way, any and all kinds of mirth are welcomed by our Most Divine Patron here at the Retreat. So long as you're entertained, then we His most humble and devoted servants know we're doing a swell job. Up next is a more abstract performance, but worry not if you're not cultured enough to appreciate or even understand. My acolytes will deliver succor all throughout so the euphoria never wanes, so relax, be merry, and become lost in our Realm of Earthly Delights."

She walks offstage as the curtain rises for the next act: a man in a gorilla costume wearing a Sunday dress strolling around with a parasol as Bill from Geek Squadron plays a flute to charm Snake Man out of a wicker basket, while Shade Man drenches himself in various paints reciting T.S. Elliott.

"She definitely fits, I can say that much," Alex remarks.

"Indeed she does, good Copeland, although we must partake of the appetizer before the main dish. Hark, over yonder."

Chris now points to a spot in the near distance, where a slim lass in a fiery red toga is carrying around a drink-ladened tray. Will, not surprisingly, is the first to recognize her.

"Whoa. That toga looks amazing on her," he says.

"Yes, a real knockout for sure," Chris idly agrees. "Getting her will be the easiest, given how exposed she is. You just need to bring her over to me so I can deliver the shot. You may have to work that charm of yours, Jo."

"Can do."

"After we have Sara, we can then tackle Big Mama. Simple enough?"

"Yes, although it may make things easier to get Anna first."

"Your suggestion is noted and will be taken into future consideration, Alex. Right now, focus on reeling in that fine catch while I sit and wait over in this dark, secluded, witness-free corner. Be quick, but also discrete."

"Gotcha," Jo confirms as Chris retreats toward the back. The three Jedi turn and head in the direction of the petite waitress.

"He really points out the sketchy aspect of what we're doing," Will expresses his misgivings.

"Clearly doing it on purpose," Alex replies. "Just don't think about it."

"Yeah; get your game faces on, people, and watch the master at work," Jo says before hushing up. The boys move casually toward Sara and follow as she walks by. As she finishes putting down some drinks, Jo approaches.

"Excuse me, darling. My friends and I are feeling immensely parched and could use some of what you're offering."

"Just sit down and I'll be with you real quick, sweetie," Sara says in a friendly but rushed tone.

"But, you don't know where we're sitting."

"I'll find you easily enough, don't worry."

"It'll be no problem to show you—"

"There's others that need drinks, if you'll please." And Sara scurries off.

"You came on too strong, 'master'," Alex hisses into his comrade's ear.

"Just chill, Alex. I'm just warming up; I'll sway her yet."

"Maybe with some actual nuance."

"Hey you think it's so easy, how bout you take a crack at it?"

"Gladly." However, Will pushes past the two. "Uh Will, where are you going?"

Will catches up to Sara and matches her pace, practically leaning over her. "Hey, I need to talk to you."

"I'm really busy, sir. Just wait at your seat."

"Don't you recognize me?"

"Can't say I do."

Will suddenly grabs Sara's wrist and pulls her around, making her drop her tray with a clatter that's only slightly muted by the stage show. "Look at me, please."

"Hey what's the big id—?"

"Sara it's me, Will!"

"That's not my name—"

"C'mon: your slightly chubby hubby, your rugged lumberjack."

"I don't know you!" she cries as she tries to pull away, but cannot break his firm grip.

"You're in there somewhere, Sara. Snap out of it!"

"Let me go!"

The other Jedi come over, with Alex going, "Will what are you doing? You're making a scene!"

"I'm trying to reach her!"

"Get away from me!" Sara practically screams as she struggles.

"She's completely brainwashed, dude! Talking won't work!"

"I still have to try, Jo. It worked for Squish and Sylvia those other—"

"What the heck's going on over here?"

"Ohhh, crap…" Alex says as the hefty hostess comes storming over, a thunderhead ready to break.

"What are you mooks doing with one of my girls?" she demands.

"Just having a word is all," Will answers, but then Sara breaks free in a huff.

"This guy just grabbed me and is talking crazy, Mama. He must be off his rocker."

"Scaring my Scarlet, are you? Your mother teach you any manners? This is a strictly 'Hands-Off' establishment, bub. Look but don't touch!" Anna then shifts her outrage on the other two. "He with you? Did you put him up to this for a laugh? Well, she ain't laughing, and neither am I."

"I assure you we're doing no such thing, ma'am—"

"That's Madam Agave to you, buster!" Anna yells as she jabs a finger into Alex's chest with every syllable. "And I'm not liking your looks or your attitudes. You three better step outside and either readjust yourselves or hit the road, cuz the Retreat is no place for handsy creeps."

"Y-Yeah!" puts in "Scarlet".

"Hey hey hey, let's be cool here." Jo, cool and slippery as a cucumber, comes between Alex and the madam with that trademark suave tone. "My friend's just caught up in the thrill of the place, you know? We're all real decent guys if you get a chance to know us. In fact, if you two would kindly join us, I'm sure we can work something out—"

Anna pivots and slams her hip into Jo's side, cutting him off as he launches clear across the room and through several tables.

"I don't abide punks who upset my maidens, and I absolutely hate the ones who try pulling one over me with sweet talk!" The madam plants her fists to her hips, then puts on a wicked grin. "I believe a good hard lesson is needed for you two."

"What? What for—"

"For not keeping that scrawny Casanova of yours in check!" she tells Alex. "You've poked this Mama Bear too many times, so now you're getting the claws. And this darling cub here is gonna show hers as well."

"What? But Mama, I can't fight."

"Of course you can. You need to learn to stand up for yourself, my little flower, and there's no better time to flash those thorns than on these sorry schmoes."

"Listen, I don't want to fight any of you, either—"

"The time for your yapping is over; now's the time for punishment!"

Anna stomps a heel, and a section of the floor launches the two gents onto one of the narrow platforms. Spotlights flash on, and Anna and Sara leap onto either end as "Will Power" from Persona 5 plays.

"Attention guests one and all!" Anna cries out. "Two troublemakers were looking to spoil the fun, so for your entertainment, your grand matriarch and her most lovely understudy will show what happens to those who try disrupting the Wine God's festivities!"

A crowd forms around the platform as the troublemakers in question get to their feet, with Chris popping up at the edge.

"What the Helen Keller did you two do? What happened to discrete?"

"Will tried the direct approach and Jo got KO'd clear across the room," Alex rapidly explains. "What's our options now?"

"Survive!"

"What?!"

"Alright, let's start things up!"

Anna struts down the catwalk to a very flustered Alex. "Time to pay the piper, pal!"

"Now wait I don't—!"

Alex takes a backhand followed by a brutal slap against the same cheek, stunning him with stinging pain. Anna sashays the other way, blowing a kiss to garner cheers. About-facing, she addresses her understudy. "Okay Scarlet, give it to him!"

"Gee, I don't know if I can…"

"Just do what comes natural, honey. It's your stage as well: light it up!"

With some timidity Sara begins moving, but as the audience cheers her on, her confidence grows as she shortens the distance between her and Will.

"Sara, you don't have to do this. This is ridicu—"

Will takes a rhythmic slap to both cheeks followed by an elbow to the gut.

"The name's Scarlet, and don't you forget it!"

The crowd hollers as Sara puffs a finger gun with pizzazz before returning to her corner.

"You see? You got what it takes to serve Dionysus proud!" Anna praises out over the clamor of the house.

"What is even going on?" Will says while rubbing his face.

"When you get on a maenad's bad side, you ain't leaving in one piece," Anna declares before hurrying over to hip check Alex into Will, making both of them fall over to the laughter of the audience. "But we can certainly make the dismembering amusing."

"Yeah!"

Sara has suddenly appeared by the fallen pair, and raises up her pointy heel to deliver some stomps, one of which jabs Will's palm and makes him yelp loudly. Applause and further cheers as the two ladies wave and return to their spots.

"They think this is an act?" Will mutters with some pain.

"H*** if I know, but if they mean business then so must we." Alex pushes himself up, raising his fists. "We're gonna have to fend for ourselves."

"Are you serious?"

"Oh look, the pups are baring their fangs," the madam taunts. "Scarlet, see how much bite they got."

"Sure thing, Mama!" Sara makes for Will.

"Try to incapacitate her. Use the Force if you have to."

Going by Alex's instructions, Will concentrates a disabling field on his hands. However…

"Something's wrong."

"What do you mean?"

"The Force isn't coming to me."

"Impossible. Focus harder!"

"I just did!"

Sara produces a folding fan and swipes it at Will. He reacts sluggishly and barely avoids it, but when he tries grabbing his wife she twirls and eludes his grasp in playful fashion. Her movements leave him slightly dazed, allowing her to bap him with her fan before spinning her back against his chest, grabbing an arm and judo throwing him to the ground, getting a thunderous ovation from the onlookers.

"Will, what the heck was that?" Alex says in disbelief.

"Something, messed me up…"

"How is tall, pointed and pasty gonna perform, I wonder." Following her query, Anna holds out a gloved hand to catch the parasol thrown her way by the gorilla man. "Thanks, Alphonse."

She gives it a spin before rushing toward Alex. He readies himself, but finds his limbs feeling heavy and harder to move, making his warding punch glacially slow. Anna however moves like a cobra in the desert, sidestepping and giving him jabs with her accessory like nothing. She hooks his neck with the handle and brings him down for a headbutt, then a shove with her bust, a flap of the parasol and finally delivering a spinning shove courtesy of her derriere.

"Alright Scarlet; let's lay it on them!"

"Uh-huh!"

Suddenly the two ladies leap to the center and dance around the dazed dudes, sliding and bending to the music. Anna hauls Will up on his feet, then together the ladies put on a synchronized smackdown, laying on hits and swapping targets without missing a beat. Eventually Sara shoves Will hard against Alex so that they tumble onto a hunched Anna, who uses her considerable backside to spring the two into the air. Siding together, the maenad pair throw up a hand each and smack the falling men hard onto the platform, striking a pose that further lights up their little stage and gets the place shaking with rabid jubilation.

As the ladies soak in the attention, Will and Alex are left alone to unscramble their brains and figure their limbs out.

"You're dying up there, literally and figuratively," Chris pipes up near Alex. "I haven't seen such sloppiness in years. Smh in earnest!"

"You're welcome to be of some actual help, you know."

"Sorry, but I gotta respect the burlesque arts. I'm sure you'll work something out; you guys always do."

"Well thanks."

"This is nuts; how are we supposed to stop them?" Will asks as he props up on an elbow. Alex keeps silent, getting up into a crouch as he looks at their assaulters/bewitched friends. He watches them bathe in the adoration of the crowd, appearing more radiant, practically sparkling under the spotlights. Then it hits him like a Random Coconut.

"God I don't believe it."

"What?"

"Something about this place, it's attuned to audience feedback. The more engaging the performance, the more empowered you become."

"You're right: I don't believe it."

"Only one way to confirm."

Alex straightens himself, levels his gaze past the girls, then takes a daring, commanding step, followed by another, then another. He throws out an arm, flourishes his hand, reels it back to his face, then holds both arms high as he bends and twists his bony hips. The attention of the crowd turns to him, with some accompanying "ooohs" and whistles.

"Hey, what gives?" Anna asks when she notices the change.

"Yes, I'm feeling refreshed! Will, strut your stuff!"

Will chooses not to argue, instead bringing himself to his full height and getting to work. He flexes an arm, caresses his torso with the other, contorts himself like a sculptor's model and tightens his butt with a snap, causing some audience members to faint while the rest start salivating. The light shines squarely on the two as the tide begins to turn.

"You got into it quite easily," Alex remarks as he sidles up for a pose.

"I've done enough strip teases to know what people want. And you're no slouch yourself," Will replies as he flexes his chest

"Anna has subjected me to lots of yaoi. I have mixed feelings about finally putting that knowledge to use."

"Who says you can enjoy yourselves? This is our show!"

Anna and Sara approach, looking none too pleased.

"Break time's over," Alex casually states.

"Looks like it. Time to break some hearts."

The two men face the ladies and start walking, separating to face a different gal. Alex heads for Anna right as she brings down her parasol, but he grabs and pulls it away swiftly, wagging a finger with a cunning smile. Anna fumes and claws at him, but the Jedi slides and flaunts around her like a pole dancer, slipping to her backside to pat her bottom with the parasol, which the crowd eats up like Pringles.

Will meanwhile struts and begins unbuttoning his shirt, leveling a smoldering gaze at Sara. She throws a slap his way, but he takes her hand gently and brings it down over his exposed, hairy chest. Sara draws back and turns away in a tizzy, her face getting incredibly red from the various catcalls of the audience.

The boys regroup and posture some more for their fans, Alex tossing the parasol away for the masses to claw over.

"It looks like we have the upper hand, Alex."

"Indeed. Now that we know the secret, there's no need to drag this out any further."

"Grand finale time?"

"You bet. Extra spicy."

"Ariba!"

The two straighten and flick up their arms, cueing a sensual Latino sound to play. Like Madeira wine they flow and dance around the ladies like they're two shapely sombreros. They lean in, caress, tickle, tease, and disengage for some man-on-man tango maneuvers to really heat things up.

"Como se derrite tu corazón como el hielo…" Will whispers huskily to Sara as he passes her.

"Solo para arder en nuestra llama apasionada," as Alex does to Anna.

From the sidelines, Chris throws up a pair of roses of such deep redness that their beauty hides the injectors attached to their long stems. The men reach up to catch each one, then clutch them between their teeth before clapping their hands and tapping a tattoo with their shoes, bringing themselves closer to the bewildered ladies until they're in snaring range. The trap is sprung as each Jedi takes hold of their respective paramour and sweeps them about the stage, riding the wave of excitement being shouted at them from the floor.

At last the music speeds up as do the dancers, each pair going to either end of the platform before spinning around and around back to the center. Right before they meet, the men press the backs of their partners against each other, press their faces up close, and deliver the injections as one.

"Entregarse al amor."

The ladies faint, and the men pull back and hold them with one arm while throwing out the other to end the song, though Alex is visibly struggling to hold up Anna's extra poundage. The entire house flips its lid, clapping and stomping the ground over the spectacle they just beheld. Amid the uproar, Will and Alex carry their sleeping darlings off to a less crowded end of the platform, where Chris awaits.

"Hot tamales that was one h*** of a show! You nearly blew the roof with that finisher; they absolutely adore you!" he says as he helps Alex with carrying Anna.

"Lucky they seem too caught up in it to take notice of us," Will comments, looking to confirm the lack of attention they're getting.

"That's the beauty of proper cabaret, my friend: where art and ecstasy lock lips and do the nasty. In a tasteful sense."

They are joined by a slightly dazed Jo halfway to the exit. "Why the flip is everyone yelling? And how come no one came to get me up; I woke up just a minute ago."

"We'll tell you on the way," Alex says. "But I can tell you foremost that you seriously need to improve your seduction techniques. We nearly got as badly clobbered as you."

"Just shows the only man capable of handling Anna is you, Alex. And I'm not ashamed to admit it after what's happened."

"You could do with some more shame, but I'll take the compliment."

"Can we just hurry up out of here before we get roped into an even weirder 'performance'?"

At Will's urging they quicken their steps and escape the den of madness, and just like that their heroic roster is half full. The clandestine showdown with Dionysus' shadowy showrunner draws ever closer...