The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, a group of at least a hundred workers all sit typing quickly at their computers in an enormous room with a vaulted ceiling. From behind them, the main door is thrown open and the boots of Commander Lucas signal his entrance into the room.

His expression is one of clear annoyance and unhappiness. "Do we know what day it is?!" he shouts to the room, making all sound cease as everyone freezes and turns to him. He taps his boot on the ground. "Anyone?!" he demands harshly as they all avoid eye contact. He manages to meet one's eyes. "Please, volunteer for us. Be a man."

The young worker, barely in his early twenties, clears his throat. "No-November 23rd, sir," he squeaks, clearly terrified.

Commander Lucas nods. "And how close are we?"

"We still need about another two weeks, sir," he squeaks again. The whole shifts, uncomfortable at where this is headed.

Lucas hovers over the worker. "And where will that put us?"

The worker looks down hastily. "Sir, it's just the program was designed to-"

Lucas slams his hand on his desk, making him jump. "Where will it put us?!"

"About a week into December, sir!" Lucas takes a step back, nodding. It's so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"I thought so," he mutters. He walks out and everyone slowly returns to work. A security officer approaches him one he shuts the door. "I want them all out," he orders. "I will not have failures around me for this. Except for the kid who spoke up to me- Parker I think his last name was. Showed bravery. He gets a second chance."

The officer nods. "I'll see that it's done."

Lucas starts walking but pauses, turning back. "Spare the ones with families- just ship them off somewhere. I'm merciful." The officer nods again. "The rest…" Lucas smiles, "back of the head like usual."

XXX

Meanwhile, Kaity Klingbeil sits across the room from the school's therapist on a plush black leather couch. She is clearly very upset and almost angry, blonde hair covering one of her eyes.

"I'm just wondering if given your history it might be the best way to go," her therapist continues rationally.

Kaity shakes her head, adamant. "I am not taking mood stabilizers. I've tried it and it does nothing but suck the entire personality from my body. That seems like extreme measures."

"But aren't these extreme circumstances?" her therapist almost sighs, tapping her notes. "You've been experiencing suicidal thoughts yet you want me to allow you to continue in all facets of your life, including a stressful art show, and now you expect to do it without medication?"

Kaity crosses her arms. "Exactly. Isn't this what you're for?"

The therapist looks over her notes. "I just don't see how this could work out…"

Kaity smirks, looking at the boy sitting next to her for moral support- Ben Prescott. "You don't know my friends."

"She does have a point," Ben adds with a smile. "We do have a pretty extraordinary bond the group of us." The therapist pinches the bridge of her nose, wary. Ben notes this and sits straighter. "Listen, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure she can do what she wants to do," he vows, sincere. "I'll monitor her and check in with you daily. Hourly if you need. She has an art show coming up. We can't just rip her life away. I believe all she needs is the right support and guidance from you. We can give her the latter I assure you." Kaity looks at him, smiling.

The therapist looks at them for a long moment before taking her glasses off. "Three times a day."

The two rise, smiling. "Deal," Ben agrees. "I'll be by tomorrow to discuss exactly what it expected on me and my reports," he adds in a very business tone as the two start out.

"If all your friends are as devoted to you as he is- that is something extraordinary indeed." Kaity can only nod in agreement as the two exit. She lets out a deep sigh of relief.

Ben punches her lightly in the shoulder. "See. Nothing to be scared of. I'd never lie to you. It'll all work-"Something rings in his pocket and he opens a text on his phone. "I'll walk you back and then I have a library to search." The two head out of the building and start for the dorms.

"I hate missing out," Kaity whines. "I know it's for the best, but it sucks."

"Ah, you don't want to see us right now," Ben informs her. "Here we are two days from Thanksgiving, but instead of all getting along we basically have a war. Hannah and Michael are pissed that Lori switched sides about Finch and are now thinks look like they're going to take a turn for the worse. We need to get them on our side- make them see," he sighs, clearly worried. "Lori calls the shots, but in this case Hannah has all the power with her laptop."

They arrive at the building and Kaity gives him a pat on his arm. "Well, you have me in your corner," she assures him. "I personally don't care about any of it- personally I see it… her… whatever as nothing but an unwelcome nuisance." He frowns and she notices. "But you're helping me, so I'm helping you. I trust you and I believe in you. It's four to two." She gives him a shove away from her. "Go get them." He takes off with a wave back to her and she smiles for a moment before heading in out of the cold.

XXX

So follow me down

(Lori stands with the book)
Where to?
Outta this town

(Charlie examines his map)
With you
Girl, you're movin way

(Hannah is typing away at her computer)
Too slow

So follow me down

(Michael grabs his first aid backpack and throws it on his shoulders)
Which way?
Down, down, down

(Ben looks at his phone and sighs, adjusting his tie)
I'll show you around

(Kaity is drawing pictures of the group absently in her dorm room)
Okay
There's a place we gotta go

(The Disney Encyclopedia begins to glow. Lori sighs)

Follow me, follow me

(Lori, Charlie, Hannah, Michael, Ben, and Kaity are running through the preserve, freezing once on each of their faces)
Fa la la la la

Follow me, follow me

Fa la la la la

(Lori comes to a halt and the others crash into her, sending them all to the ground)

Lori Disney? (Not Likely!)

Episode Sixteen: Gibberish of an Insane Person

XXX

Meanwhile, Charlie Prescott stands in front of his dorm sink filling the water guns he received for his birthday. Over his shoulder towers the new form of the projection Finch, looking confused. "I don't comprehend the purpose of this exercise," she says, wary.

Charlie screws the cap on a full one. "That's exactly the point. There is no purpose. It's about having fun." He hands her one and she just stares at it, unsure of what to do. He smiles at her. "You just pump and pull the trigger."

"But in my experience here firing at others is not acceptable behavior," she reminds him.

He lets out a squirt, the water passing straight through her. "It's just water. It won't hurt me," he assures her. "That's what makes it fun. Follow me." They head into the hallway but Finch halts, eyes glazing over. She puts two fingers to her temple.

"The book has been activated. We must get to Lori Fitzgerald." Charlie pulls out his buzzing phone.

He sighs, a little upset his plans have changed. "I have the gym and then we're meeting her at the preserve." He takes the guns and puts them back in the room. "I guess this'll have to wait. I was really looking forward to finally beating someone."

They start down the hallway as Finch looks at him. "You were going to utilize my inexperience to your favor," she deduces.

He smiles. "A little bit. It's just I never win and I thought you'd be good practice. I promise it would have been fun for you too!"

"That is doubtful. Come on." They head out the door, waving to a passing Kaity in the process.

XXX

Charlie and Finch arrive at the preserve about a half hour later after unsuccessfully searching the gym. Waiting in the clearing are Michael Harms talking casually with Lori Fitzgerald, book under her arm. She greets her best friend by ruffling his hair.

She takes everyone in. "Okay, Kaity's benches so all we're missing is-"

"It's murder, Hannah!" a voice shouts from the way the two just came.

"Murder requires a human! It is a monstrosity!" a female voice shouts back just as loudly.

Lori sighs, looking upward. "Ben and Hannah." Ben enters the clearing side-by-side with Hannah Frost, the two glaring at one another intensely. Finch looks very uncomfortable.

Hannah points directly at her. "For all we know it could be programmed to slit our throats while our backs are turned!"

Ben gets between the two as Finch instantly looks down. "That's unfair to say right in front of her and you know it!"

"It probably hasn't processed what I'm saying yet, so I think-"

"Don't talk to her like that! She's a Companion too!"

"Lori hasn't shaken her hand yet!" Hannah reminds him. "The deal isn't official!"

"Well, at the very least she's my friend!" Ben shouts, earning everyone's attention. "And that should be enough for everyone here!"

Hannah slaps her forehead. "She's not even real! You're so sad and alone you have to delude-"

Lori steps between the two. "That's enough!" she matches them, instantly gaining control. "Now this is a conversation we need to have, but there is most likely a character somewhere in here who needs us sooner rather than later. It's November and it's freezing. So we're going to split up to cover more ground. Doctor, I want you to take Finch. I know you'll take care of her."

Hannah opens her mouth to argue, but Lori beats her to it. "I said enough, Hannah. Ben can come with me and Charlie will go with Hannah- since he's the only one she won't scream at. Good?" They all nod politely. "Then let's go," she orders in an exasperated tone, taking off with Ben behind her. Michael gives Finch and awkward nod and the two head another way in silence.

She finally speaks up. "You are a Doctor, correct?"

He gives the smallest of smiles. "Not yet. Lori just calls me that. I plan to be though."

Finch nods. "I have a question for you then."

He instantly looks more awkward. "I don't think I can be much help-"

"I have things in my head- files of sorts," she begins, ignoring him. "Information that I feel I could utilize to fulfill my primary objective. But every time I try to open them… it's as if my entire head goes fuzzy. They are locked very tight and I wish to know why by examining their content. Is there any way you can help me?"

He shrugs. "That sounds more like Hannah's territory than mine."

Finch instantly frowns and looks down. "I do not wish to speak to Hannah Frost after her comment earlier. Though my objective only details Lori Fitzgerald I would not harm any of her Companions." She lets out a shuddering breath that Michael instantly catches. "That she would say that… I don't know how to express it but it feels almost as if there's a weight on my chest and liquid wants to exit my eyes."

"It upsets you?" Michael diagnoses.

"Is that the term for it?"

He nods. "That's what we typically say when someone hurts our… feelings…" he trails off, realizing what he's saying. But then he sees her wipe her eyes and gain her composure with a deep breath and he has to keep his jaw from dropping as his eyes widen.

"Well, I must suppress them," she says logically, almost monotone. "We have to find a character before it gets too late." She walks off and Michael stands watching after her. "Are you coming, Doctor Michael Harms?"

He shakes his head clear. "Right behind you." He catches up to her and the two walk in silence, him looking at her out of the corner of his eye lost in thought.

XXX

Lori is walking through another part with Ben, the two having a friendly conversation. "I have to give you credit Lori. Sticking Michael with Finch for some alone time… brilliant."

She shrugs. "I figured we had a better crack at him than Hannah. We'll get them there." They walk a moment before she changes the subject. "How'd therapy go?"

"Better than I was expecting," he admits. "She's holding up alright, and I think we can swing it so her art show schedule isn't interrupted. I just wish she'd get some sleep. She told me today it's been almost a week."

Lori nods, taking the report in. "Thank you for doing that for her. I understand it was no big deal, but it means a lot to all of us." She frowns. "This semester has been enough of a nightmare," she says mostly to herself.

Ben catches her meaning. "How is Rachel doing?"

"From what Charlie's told me… alright. She's progressing through the levels in her school quickly and they're think March at the latest. Nothing changes the fact that she won't ever be able to see again though," she adds, guilt clearly weighing on her. "That's why I didn't want Shawn to find out. I don't think I could bare it if anything happened to him because of me."

Ben looks confused. "Or he could end up being a great Companion like we all are? In fact, that could be what the book intends. You never were like this with any of us. Why the greater hesitation?" She remains silent but he's quick to catch on. "Ah… you worry what he'll think about you more than this."

"I am a freak after all. How do you date a girl who chases Disney characters with a magical Disney Encyclopedia?"

"Well, I don't think lying to him is the answer either." He lets out a whistle. "I warned you not to rush into this."

"I know," she says a little defensively, stopping. "But he made me happy. I'm just doing the best I can given the circumstances."

Suddenly, there is a scream and she is knocked to the ground as a small figure lands directly on top of her from a tree above her. "Lori! You okay?" Ben asks, hovering over her. She groans as the tiny bird springs off her chest.

"Sorry! Sorry! Lost my grip!" She rises confused and a little scared at the sight of a chicken the size of her leg in clothes. He starts feeling around the ground. "Has anyone seen my glasses?" Ben hands them to him from off the ground. "Thanks."

"Who is it?" Lori whispers, rising.

"Chicken Little obviously," Ben whispers back. He faces the two and a wide smile appears on his beak.

"Oh boy! You're Lori, aren't you?" She nods, hesitant at his enthusiasm. He starts jumping up and down. "Then I did it! I made it! I was scared and in the tree because I had no clue where I was, but now… whoop!"

"Whoop? Why whoop?" Lori questions.

"Because I wanted to come here!" He shouts, celebrating. "They've been talking about how this is another world, and I really didn't want to stay in mine. So we both win because you don't have to send me back and so no more characters come through."

Lori shakes her head, tapping the book. "Whoa, I'm sorry but it doesn't work like that."

He frowns, grabbing her pant leg. "But all they do there is call me a liar, even my dad," he laments. "But the sky did fall I tell them! Why would I want to stay somewhere where nobody believes me even though I'm telling the truth?"

Ben scoffs. "Well, I think we know who this dilemma's for." He starts walking back, texting. "Let's regroup with the others."

Chicken Little scrambles back into the tree. "I hope you have the room prepared for me! I brought a suitcase!" he shouts from the top.

Lori gives him a confused look when he jumps down, bag in his hand. "The room?"

"Oh… I must be past then. Ignore me."

"Well… only because you asked." She walks off, leaving him standing there, but stops with a smirk on her face. "That was a joke! Come on!" He runs to catch up.

"Good one Lori! I can tell we're going to get along great, you and I! Roomies forever!"

XXX

Hannah opens her door that evening to find a hesitant Michael. She fails to notice the expression on his face as she lets him in and goes straight back to her laptop. "Thanks for coming. Now we need to come up with a plan-"

"I think they're right Hannah," he admits. Her head shoots up.

"Excuse me?"

"She started crying today after we did split-ups," Michael informs her, sitting next to her on the couch. "She said she was upset and it was because you hurt her feelings."

"Michael, we were on the same page," Hannah voices her disbelief and frustration. "It can't have feeling because of the thousand medical reasons you listed before!"

"But I'm starting to think she does!" he shouts back before dialing it down. "The others are so sure of it, and maybe it was just that I hadn't been looking before. But I'm starting to see it."

She gives a look that becomes a glare before returning attention to her laptop. "Then you're useless to me. I'm in this alone. Good thing I'm the one with access to the program then!"

He sits next to her awkwardly, realizing she's not going to say anything else. "Hannah, don't be like this. Listen, it was a magical book so it's entirely possible-"

"I'm done speaking with you at the moment. I have something I really need to do for the good of all of us. Apparently I'm the only one left with any sense!"

He rises, taking the hint. "Killing her-"

"Get out! Leave me alone!" He finally leaves reluctantly, slamming the door in frustration. A moment later Chicken Little exits the bedroom and with some difficulty hops into the chair across from her. "Unpacked?"

"Yeah," he says, leaning back. "This place will be perfect. I wish you could meet my dad," he adds suddenly. "I think the two of you would really get along."

"And why is that?" she asks, not looking up.

"Because he doesn't believe things without proof either," Chicken Little says matter-of-factly. "Even… even when they come from his own son." She hears the sadness in his tone and looks up. "It's not enough. Just like you with the rest of them. That's why I don't want to go back. I say it's because I'm tired of being a disappointment, but really it's because I'm disappointed in him I think. I'm disappointed he didn't give his own son the benefit of the doubt."

He shakes his head clear and smiles. "But that's water under the bridge now! Now I have a new home and a new family!" He hops down. "I'm going to take a nap. Long trip. See you later roomy."

She nods, lost in thought. She remains like this for a moment after he leaves before shaking her head and continuing on the computer. Lori enters the dorm. "What're we doing about the chicken?" she asks. Lori shrugs, sitting in the chair he just vacated. "He's unpacked. Lori, we leave for Thanksgiving Break tomorrow. Someone could find him-"

"I'm working on it," she cuts in. "We just have to make him want to go home again without hurting his feelings." She clears her throat. "Listen, about Finch-"

"Not interested."

"Hannah-"

"You have your view and I have mine. End of story."

Lori watches her type furiously. "Just don't do anything without me," she asks seriously. "We need to have a real talk before you shut her down or whatever you have planned. We need to come to a real consensus." Hannah merely nods. "Hannah, promise me," Lori requests, no sense of humor about her. Hannah looks up and they meet eyes. "Promise." Hannah crosses her fingers behind her back, unbeknownst to Lori.

"Promise," she agrees, big smile on her face.

XXX

Kaity and Ben sit in the living room of her dorm watching Moulin Rouge. He is not having the time of his life and turns to face her. "I don't get why-"He stops as he sees her drifting off and smiles, gently lowering her head so she rests on his shoulder. "Goodnight Kaity," he says, patting her hair.

"I don't want to fall asleep," she mumbles.

He gives a mock sigh. "Kaity, this is good," he says in a comforting voice. "You've been up for the past week. It's alright. I'll pause it even." She gives a nod and he stops the movie.

"Five minutes," she whispers, eyes closing. "Then wake me up."

"Sure. Whatever you say." She drifts off and he puts his head on top of hers, yawning- eyes drooping shut as well. "Of course I have to be awake to do that," he says to himself as he drifts off as well.

XXX

The next afternoon, suitcase beside her, Hannah finds something in the code of her computer that lights her entire face up. "Bingo!" She clicks it and a bar starts filling. "Sorry Lori, but it's for your own good." She fails to notice Chicken Little emerge from the bedroom and regard her action cautiously as she cracks her knuckles in impatience.

XXX

Finch is with Charlie, Ben, Michael, Kaity, and Lori in the boys' room. Each of them has a squirt gun in their hand. "Alright, so we'll do this in teams," Lori informs the group. "Game begins twenty seconds after we exit the hall. The driest team after we both empty out will be the winners." Everyone nods in agreement. "Keep it clean, folks. Now, let's-"Finch suddenly buckles to the ground as if the wind has been knocked out of her. "Finch!"

Everyone crowds around her, Michael reaching for her but his hand passing right through. "What's the matter?" Charlie asks, panicking.

Finch shakes her head. "I don't- something's- I feel so tired." She tries to rise, but can't. Lori suddenly understands, going white.

"She lied," she whispers. "Stay here." She takes off at a run out the door and down the stairs, Charlie right behind her. A moment later, she throws open the door to their room to find Hannah about to click something. "Stop whatever you're doing!"

Hannah narrows her eyes, finger hovering. "No. It's done. I just have to click on this button and the program is terminated. Then we can all move on."

"You can't do this Hannah," Lori says with full authority. "As the leader-"

She shakes her head, refusing to fold this time "Lori, it broke your arm! The thing is a menace and comes from somewhere we know nothing about! I'm overriding your vote on this one. I'm sorry, but you'll forgive me in a day or two."

"She's downstairs in pain! Go and you'll see! You can't-"Lori dives and tries to grab the laptop, but Hannah back up into a corner. Her finger hovers over a key and Lori back off knowing she wouldn't reach her in time. In the commotion, a scared Chicken Little runs and hides under the couch she just vacated beside Lori. "Why do you have to be so stubborn about this?!"

Charlie nods, coming up beside her. "Ben's not lying. You just need to-"

"Me?!" Hannah shouts in frustration. "I can't believe this! It has you all fooled, don't you see?! Lori, I never expected you to buy all this crap!"

"She's real!" Charlie desperately argues. "And if you do what you're about to do- you'll kill her!"

"You can't kill her! She's. Not. Real." Hannah moves in to click and Charlie looks at Lori, desperate.

"Maybe you're right," Lori blurts. Hannah smiles smugly as Charlie's jaw drops. She tentatively takes a step forward, her anger becoming a calm tone. "But what it you're wrong Hannah? Are you willing to take that gamble?" she questions seriously.

Hannah narrows her eyes. "Don't you dare push this all off on me! We all wanted this a week ago! We were all agreed!"

"But we were wrong," Charlie insists, matching Lori's more controlled tone. "We can see that now." He thinks of something. "You don't have to believe in her being real. Fine. But you need to believe in us- that we're telling the truth."

"Really?" Hannah scoffs. "That's the angle you two are picking? Guilt and 'You don't have to believe in it because you just have to believe in us!'" Chicken Little peeks his head out, obviously still afraid of the situation.

Lori takes a step forward- locking eyes with her roommate, intense look fixed on her face. "Don't you?" Hannah meets them- just as hard and unflinching back. But then she notices the terrified Chicken Little under the couch beside Lori, looking at her with genuine fear. Her expression softens just enough to give Lori the opening she needs. "Kaity wouldn't steer you wrong. Ben never lies or breaks promises. And if you still think at this point Charlie or the Doctor would then we have much larger issues we need to deal with. And me… well I would have believed you by now."

At this, Hannah turns away. She takes a long moment before looking at Chicken Little again, mind coming to a conclusion at the sight of him. Everyone holds their breath when finally she wordlessly closes the laptop and sets it on the coffee table. Tears are in her eyes as she looks up at everyone. "I was just trying… I'm not a murder-"

Lori instantly pulls her in for a hug, not angry in the slightest. "We know." Charlie joins. "We know. You were just trying to do what was best for all of us. It's alright. It's going to be fine." She cries into her roommate's shoulder before feeling something tugging on her skirt. She wipes her eyes and looks down to see Chicken Little.

"I want to go home," he says, looking at his feet.

Lori fakes shock, clutching her chest. "Really? What-"

"If she can change, maybe my dad can," he says with some confidence. "Maybe there's hope that he can believe me too. Running away wasn't the right thing to do," he admits. "He still loves me and is probably worried out of his mind that I went missing. I-I need to go back."

"I guess we can't argue with that logic," Lori sighs. Charlie shrugs in response. "I suppose we have to send you home. I was looking forward to living together though. Go get your things packed." He nods and heads into the bedroom. The door opens and everyone from upstairs enters, including a panting but otherwise alright Finch.

"I take it everything worked out?" Ben inquires, regarding Hannah warily.

"I'm sorry," she says, instantly putting him and the others at ease. "It's complicated but I don't believe you," she tells Finch bluntly. "I do believe them though and that's enough for me to give you a chance."

"I will accept that, though your reasoning is quite flawed and illogical."Hannah laughs and she joins in for a moment.

Lori regards the projection. "Well, then I think we should make it official," she decides, extending her hand. "I'm proud to welcome you as a real Companion Finch." She takes it, smiling a real smile. "You now have all the benefits of a true member such as waking up at unnaturally early hours, staying up past your bed time, and putting your life in harm's way because for some reason you care about me."

"It also means I've got your back," Michael adds. "I haven't been doing real well at it, but I'll do my best to keep you safe too. We'll work on those locked files. Hannah will probably even help us out."

"It is an honor and I will serve the title well," Finch responds, overwhelmed. "It is the least I can do… for my friends." Ben gives her a thumbs-up.

"I'm sure you will," Hannah agrees. Chicken Little then enters with his suitcase and hands Lori the book.

"Are you sure about this?" she asks.

He nods, trying to look brave. "You took a chance on her. I need to take a chance on my dad. The important ones will believe me- like Runt and Abby. That's all that matters." Lori nods and opens to a glowing poem. "Thank you guys for the offer though."

"Of course." He runs up and hugs her leg. She takes a beat before bending down to hug him back. "It's all going to work out."

He pulls away and nods at her, squaring his shoulders. "I'm ready."

She nods and gives him a salute. "It was a cup of good intentions A tablespoon of one big mess A dash of overreaction I assume you know the rest" He vanishes in a burst of light and she closes the book.

"How could you promise him that?" Charlie asks with a laugh. "You haven't even seen his movie!"

She ruffles his hair. "It's a Disney movie, wise guy. I think certain assumptions as to the ending can be made." She hands the book to a surprised Finch. "Now I'm trusting you with this while we're on break, okay? Your first Companion mission."

"I won't let you down."

Lori pulls out her phone and whistles at the time. "Then we should really get packing. We've only got a few hours now before I'm going to need that ride to the airport." Everyone notes the time and starts to scramble about, saying quick good-byes.

"Right!" Michael agrees, giving Hannah a hug. "I need to finish packing my things too." Charlie gives Lori a tackle hug before heading off. Finch merely sits on the couch, book in her lap.

"Then I shall wait here for your return," she says to no one in particular. "I promise."

XXX

The Monday after Thanksgiving weekend, Commander Lucas enters the room to find an entirely new group of over a hundred workers. The only familiar face is the very nervous one of the worker he spoke to previously.

"Attention!" he shouts and they all turn. "I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving blessing of a new job. Welcome to DIZ. Unfortunately your predecessors in this department failed me, so let me make this especially clear to you. You have two weeks. I want to know where that book is and then I need a mobile unit ready to move out. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir!" they all shout.

"You'd better hope so," he tells them as he exits, eyes locking on the sole remaining member, "for your sakes."

XXX

Tune in next week as Lori faces down the strongest emotion that threatens her- guilt. And she'll have to do all this while preparing for Finals, the expectations of a boyfriend, and getting knocked to the ground repeatedly.