July 16, 1989
6:00 PM PDT
BTTF Universe

After the movie was over, the gang headed over to Francesca's Italian Diner. Marty enjoyed the whole movie, as he did also manage to put aside his misgivings of Jason Bateman in the role of Kevin Clay, also known as Kosh Conad. The movie really did a lot to remind him of the week in 1955 - but, in other ways, the movie was different.

The main characters were Jordan McCoy and Laura Bates, and Kevin Clay was really the human identity of Kosh Conad. Buck Tanner was the antagonist, and Marty very much felt deja vu. It turned out that Kosh Conad really came to earth for a mission.

"You know, it's almost like watching a remake of Back to the Future," Ted commented, laughing. "Marty, did your father think about using the name Darth Vader? It suppose he wouldn't be able to use it, once George Lucas ended up using the same name..."

"He was very surprised," Marty explained, as he flashed a lopsided smile. "He actually just chalked it up to the idea that George Lucas was also visited by the same alien. Of course, there simply were times when I quite wished to explain to him everything that happened. On the other hand, I could imagine that my mother would have a hard..."

"Say, how did your parents figure that out?" asked Bill. "I know that you did the Darth Vader routine on your father - but how would he have actually figured out that you... that you were really the one to have threatened him to take Lorraine to the dance?"

"Right, that part also confused me," agreed Ted. "I suppose there is that whole thing with you pressuring him to ask Lorraine to the dance - and then 'Darth Vader' actually comes along, and the mysterious alien is also pressuring your father to ask her out."

"Dad doesn't quite know, for sure," Marty explained. "It was several factors that led him to that conclusion, as well as becoming buddies with Sherman Peabody. I was so lucky to not have run into any of the Peabodys, again. I understand that Otis simply was looking out for his family, but I'm quite sure you can imagine how scared I was."

"You shouldn't've bothered talking to them," suggested Joanna. "I think you should've left, and then you wouldn't've been threatened. I mean, they really did not even give you a chance to explain yourself. They actually responded by... by shooting at you."

"Well, I simply didn't want to be rude," Marty replied, softly. "Also, I was so confused about everything - I really wasn't thinking straight. It actually took some time for it to finally register that... well, that I was no longer in the year 1985. I was so stunned."

"I can imagine that it was the most heinous experience for you," commented Ted. "If you didn't intend to travel though time, that sure would seem scary. I thought it was pretty funny, though - when you scared your father with Eddie Van Halen's music. It really would seem noisy to people of the 1950s. He's certainly my guitar hero, too."

"Yeah, we've noticed," Marty replied, nodding. "I quite thought the whole Deputy Van Halen thing was funny. Could you imagine having Van Halen for a last name? I've sure become so accustomed to it being a band's name - it's hard to really think of it as a..."

"Yeah, I see what you mean," replied Bill. "Bon Jovi is another one. I suppose people with that last name might almost be expected to like Bon Jovi. It must be pretty hard for people who have the last name, but don't like the band. It must feel real bogus."

"It reminds me of the story of Eva Von Zeppelin," commented Ted. "At first, she really liked Led Zeppelin - but, after seeing their album covers, they pretty quickly ended up on her bad side. So, because of that, she really did threaten them against performing in Denmark under that name. As a result, Led Zeppelin had to perform as The Nobs."

Marty swallowed, as he was very familiar with the story. He wondered how he'd feel, if a band decided to call themselves McFly - and he didn't quite like the music. It really would make him feel bad. It was something that he never really thought much about.

oooooooooo

As the group was at Francesca's Italian Diner, Jennifer thought of the script that she wrote for Jaws 5: The Rising - and about how the acceptance of the script was really a dream come true for her. She had even envisioned Michael J Fox in the lead role.

"That movie was sure awesome," commented Jennifer. "I was shocked by how much the actors resembled Marty's parents. Anyway, you've gotta love Steven Spielberg. He wants to direct Jaws 5, as well - and I sure think it'll be nice. Of course, by 2015, his son will be directing Jaws 19. Anyway, I bet Marty's father is so pleased with it."

"I can really see it in his face," replied Ted. "I'd simply do anything to see my father be this happy. It seems like the only time he's very happy, though - is whenever I slip up, and he finally has an excuse to send me to Colonel Oats Military Academy. It just..."

"Yeah, I've seen how delirious he gets over that," Bill muttered, shaking his head. "It seems like he becomes very disappointed, when you don't mess up - as he can't yell at you about what a disappointment you are, and threaten to send you away."

"Jesus, Ted," muttered Marty, "your father actually seems to be even worse than my Grandpa Sam was. It's a wonder that he doesn't just invent some reason to send you away. You know, if you and Deacon wanted to move over here - then you sure won't have to put up with that asshole. It might take a little convincing Doc, but I think..."

"Well, I'm tempted to take you up on your offer," Ted replied, softly, "but we can't. I know Rufus simply wouldn't be happy with that - and, anyway, we really can't forget that the world does need us. Anyway, I enjoyed that movie. It was most excellent."

"I do wish that we could bring a copy of the movie back with us," commented Bill. "I'm quite sure that our friends would all love to see it - and, after the Wyld Stallyns make it big, then we could bring our music into this world. Wouldn't that be totally stellar?"

"Actually, that might not be such a good idea," replied Marty. "I mean, we'll just have to share a little more privately. At any rate, I can hardly wait for another good movie to come out in about two years. I don't mean the Mind Warped sequels, even though I'm sure they'll be awesome. Jennifer actually wrote the script for Jaws 5, though."

"I can't believe they actually liked my script," commented Jennifer. "It took me about six months to perfect everything, and I never expected it to be successful. I'd often write short stories based on the Jaws series, and then I decided to write a script."

"You should become a writer, Jenn," suggested Ted. "I suppose you don't know when the movie would be filmed, or released. However, I'm sure it will be a most triumphant cinematic masterpiece. We should consider coming back here, and catching that film."

"That's what Tracy Holt has said," replied Jennifer, "as have numerous others. I sure enjoy writing for fun, but one of my dreams is to work with children. I really do enjoy working with children, and I'd like to be able to help out those who are troubled. I am compassionate of people who are troubled, and it sure will be a fulfilling experience."

"That must not be an easy thing for you," suggested Joanna. "I mean, I simply know about the stigma of people who seek professional help. Many people are so afraid to seek help, but they're actually real afraid of what other people would think of them."

"Yeah, and I'm very well aware of that," replied Jennifer. "I believe it is quite a shame that we live in a real judgemental society - and that terms like 'retard' and 'mental' are common slurs that some people at our school just throw around. It really annoys me!"

"If anyway," Marty explained, "I think people with mental disabilities are usually kinder and care more about other people, than many of the so-called 'normal' people are. It'll quite irritate me, whenever people label any socially deviant behaviour as being a sign of a mental problem. It's offensive on so many levels, I don't know where to begin!"

"I really know what you mean," commented Elizabeth, nodding. "On one hand, people who have mental disabilities cannot help their condition - and they really have nothing to feel shame about. On the other hand, though, to decry any forms of deviance..."

"I believe 'individuality' is the word you're looking for," corrected Joanna. "I sure don't like the sound of the word 'deviance', as that term is often used in a rather pejorative sense. Anyway, yeah, there is quite too much emphasis on being like everyone else."

"Okay, I stand corrected," replied Elizabeth. "While there simply is no shame in having a mental disability, because a person cannot help it - it's very cruel to use accusations of such to decry any forms of individuality. If people simply dress differently, or really have a difference of hobbies or interests - it's not quite any form of mental disability."

"That actually is well put, Liz," commented Jennifer, nodding. "Actually, not everyone who seeks a councillor even necessarily has a mental disability. There was a real brief period of time, when I was younger, that I myself simply had to see a psychologist."

"I sometimes think we should try family therapy," suggested Ted, "but I don't think it would work too well. Even if I go out of my way to make him happy, he'll quite act as though I have an ulterior motive. If wanting Dad to love me is an ulterior motive..."

Jennifer gently rested her hand on Ted's shoulder, as she saw tears in his eyes. She wished to be able to work with kids who might be in Ted's situation. She realized how fortunate she sure was, being able to grow up with two supportive parents. No child should have to endure such emotional abuse from his own parents. It wasn't right.