August 10, 2017
4:30 PM PDT
Lone Pine Universe
Suzy MacArthur blinked, as she came to. She tried to think of what happened, but she found herself at a loss. Slowly, she opened her eyes. As she caught sight of several versions of herself, Marlene, and Maria - than everything came back to her. She had been chased by two Tannens, along with Amy Needles.
"Are you okay, Suzy?" asked a soft feminine voice. Suzy turned her head, and saw that the voice came from the Maria who was restrained beside her. Thus, she figured that this was the Maria of her world. She was wearing the same clothes, at any rate. "This is simply awful, isn't it? I mean, I never expected for..."
"Wait, Maria!" whispered Suzy, as she decided to take a closer look at her fellow captives. "Okay, I see that there are eight versions of Marlene. How come there happens to be... only three other versions of me? And only three other versions of Maria?"
"Actually, there are only two other versions of Maria," countered one of the alternate Marias. As Suzy took a closer look at the girl, she realized that the other girl didn't look exactly like Maria. Her hair was a little blonder - and she had blue eyes, instead of brown. "My name's Susan Brown - so, in an inter-dimensional sort of way, we are related. I came from a world where Dr. Emmett Brown married and had kids earlier - so, as a result, I'm Doc's great-granddaughter."
"Whoa, this is heavy!" gasped Suzy, she could hardly believe what she heard. "In our world, Maria is Doc's youngest daughter. What about the other..."
"All three of us are Doc's youngest daughter," explained one of the other Marias. "I had a hard time believing it, too - when Susan told us..."
"I'm Doc's granddaughter," piped up one of the two girls with bright blond hair. "It's a little confusing for me, as well. Anyway, I'm Harmony Brown - as is the other girl who looks like me. I'm Harmony One, and the other is Harmony Four."
"Pleased to meet you, uh, Harmonys," Suzy replied, nervously. "I mean, I'm not quite pleased to be stuck in this circumstance - but I simply... Well, I hope you know what I meant. What about all these brunettes that, uh, look like the girl from Labyrinth?"
"You must mean us," commented one of the eight brunettes in question, nervously. "I happen to... Well, we're Stephanie and Stacy Stebbs. I'm Stephanie, and Stacy is my twin sister. So far, there are four of each of us - making us a total of eight. I'm from World Two. Our counterparts came from Worlds Six, Nine, and Ten. By the way, you guys are from World Eleven. That would make you Suzy Eleven, Maria Eleven, and Marlene Eleven."
"I can't believe this," groaned Suzy Eleven. She glanced at Maria Eleven and Marlene Eleven, who were both nodding. "Although, wait! Why are we missing two Marlenes?"
"I'm Marlene McFly, too," commented a darker brunette, who sure looked a lot like the youth pictures of Lorraine Baines McFly that Suzy saw. "I come from a world where I take after Grandma Lorraine, instead of looking like a... female version of my dad."
"I'm Julia Belle Rundgren," added a girl with dirty blond hair. "Otherwise known as JB. In our world, I... Well, I sort of... replace Marlene."
"Run that by us, again?" gasped Suzy Eleven, as she could hardly believe what she heard. "You really don't look like a McFly or a Parker, no offence. Why is your last name Rundgren, if you..."
"It's best not to get into that, now," commented a redhead, dismissively. "My name is Lisa Jung, and I'm... dating Marty Jr's look-like cousin, Mike McFly. Actually, Mike is also twins with Alex - but... Mike, Alex, and Marty all look like triplets."
"In all the worlds where Stephanie and I have been captured," explained a Stephanie, "I'm dating Marty Jr - while Stacy is dating... a Marty Jr look-like. Well, in our world - which is World Six - as well as in Worlds Ten and Nine, she's dating... Well, his name is Alex, and he happens to be Marty look-alike cousin."
"As for me, Stacy Ten," added another Stebbs girl, "I'm actually dating George McFly. George Anthony McFly, that is. He really is the identical twin brother of Marty Jr - not just a look-alike cousin. He must have a lot in common with the Alexes, though."
"Oh, I'm also dating a George McFly," added an alternate Maria. "He's George Emmett McFly, though - and, as with the Alexes, he's a look-alike cousin to Marty Jr. Due to a complex situation, though, they might be more like half-brothers."
"There's also Emmett David Brown," added the girl who Suzy recognized as her cousin, Julie. Well, actually, an alternate version. Suddenly, she sure felt bad to realize that a version of her beloved cousin ended up being captured. "In a sense, he and Marty Jr might even be full brothers - since both of their parents are, technically, the same."
"I sure cannot believe all this," Suzy replied, sighing. "Not only are there different, uh, dimensions - but there are now also... different versions of the same people in a same dimension? This is so... confusing."
"In Worlds Six and Seven, that appears to be the case," explained Lisa. "Anyone else still need to be introduced?"
"Yeah, there's still me," called out one of the two girls who resembled Teen Jennifer. "I'm Melody McFly, and I quite come from the same world where Marlene takes after her grandma." With a sigh, she added, "So far, I actually don't seem to exist in any other world."
"My name's Jennifer Parker," added the other girl who resembled Teen Jennifer, much to Suzy's surprise. "I'm from the year 1987, I was the first one captured, and..." With a groan, she added, "... and I really have to go take a leak. Badly, too. It's been..."
Before Suzy could react, she watched Cliff and Cliff approach Jennifer. She felt so bad for the younger and alternate version of her future mother-in-law.
"You have to use the loo, eh?" snickered Griff, as he began to loosen the ropes from Jennifer. "Well, luckily for us, there happens to be one in the back of the train."
As Suzy craned her head, she realized that the Tannen had spoken the truth. There, in fact, was a toilet on the train! He wondered what that was there for.
Suzy watched on, as the Tannen dragged Jennifer to the toilet. While it was nice of Jennifer to be able to relieve herself, at least - she couldn't help but worry about what dirty trick the Tannens had up their sleeve.
"All right, Jennifer," warned Griff. "If you try to pull anything... Well, you remembered what happened to Marlene Three - when she dared to defy us."
Suzy swallowed, as she now felt scared. As she was one of the newest captives, she had no idea what Marlene Three had to endure - but she figured that it really wasn't something very pleasant.
"You're gonna watch me take a leak?" Jennifer asked, in a tiny voice.
"Well, why not?" snickered Cliff. "Why would we ever pass up a chance to have a little bit of fun?"
You call this "fun"? Suzy thought, with disgust. When Jennifer didn't answer, Suzy suspected that Jennifer felt too scared to talk back to the Tannens.
"So, uh, let me get this straight," Suzy commented, swallowing. "Marty Jr isn't dating me in all the... the worlds?"
"That's right," replied Susan, softly. "It was hard for me adjust to, as well. In fact, I still have a hard time. I'm sure that I don't exist in your world, and you don't exist in mine. In addition, we seem to share a mother and a birth date."
"Yvette Manchester?" Suzy asked, quietly. As Susan nodded, she added, "May 29 of 1998?" Once again, Susan nodded. "Whoa, this is simply heavy! It's almost like we're also, uh, counterparts."
"In a sense, we are," replied Susan. "We have different fathers, which is why I'm the great-granddaughter of Dr. Emmett Brown. With us having the same mothers..."
"Aw, poor Suzy Q!" smirked Griff, as he and Cliff were dragging Jennifer back to the group. "This must be oh-so-troubling for you, eh?"
Suzy rolled her eyes, but she dared not to talk back to the Tannens. Also, she hated the nickname "Suzy Q" - but knew that the Tannens wouldn't care. She watched on, as the Tannen tied Jennifer back up.
"Are we about to land, Butch?" asked Cliff, as he and Griff headed back towards the front of the train. "I'm curious to check out this world, which really seems to be back on track."
"You bet, Cliffster," replied Amy, in a sickly sweet voice that really made Suzy feel like vomiting. "I definitely feel up to exploring a brand new world. I mean, I think this is so splendid. It's not everyday that an opportunity like this arises."
"It's almost like we're explorers," Cliff replied, chuckling. "The best part is, we never even have to encounter outer space. This is far better than Star Trek."
Suzy rolled her eyes, as she could hardly believe the turn of conversation. To Susan, she asked, "At any rate, Susan, you sort of are my counterpart - and you're actually dating another version of Marty McFly Jr?"
"I'm actually dating Calvin Klein III," added Susan, quietly, "but he comes the closest to being Marty McFly Jr's counterpart."
"Yeah, and I'm dating a Marty Klein Jr," added Stephanie Nine. "That also means there are two Marlenes Kleins on the train."
"Right, but I happen to be the one who looks different from the others," added Marlene Four, quietly. "At least, the Marlene Kleins still look like the others."
"Try not to fret, Marly," suggested Harmony Four, softly. "So far, it looks like there are four different girls dating a Marty McFly Jr - or, in some cases, his equivalent. I seem to only be dating Marty in one other world... the first one. There is Stephanie Stebbs - where, so far, her twin also ends up dating Marty Jr's look-alike relative."
"Then, of course, there are you and me," added Susan. "Although, technically, I am not dating a Marty McFly Jr - but he comes the closest. Also, you and I seem to..."
"From now on, Griff," commented Cliff, "you'd better stay on the train. We don't need another repeat of what happened last time." With a snicker, he added, "If you rather get lucky, the girls might just come walking right into your arms."
Suzy swallowed, as she realized that her curiosity really had led her and Marlene into the mess. Perhaps, curiosity actually did kill the cat. Maybe not curiosity, per se - but curiosity often led to one doing actions that could be dangerous. This was simply one such case.
"I know what you're thinking, Suzy," commented the Marlene from her world. "There's no sense in... What's done is done - and, besides, Maria already was captured."
"Well, girls," commented Griff, as headed towards the back of the train. "We do have some Pepsis, as we figured that you get a little thirsty. Of course, you know the drill. You'll have to kiss Cliff and me, or else..."
Suzy swallowed. She did feel thirsty, but kissing a Tannen was actually about the last thing she wanted to do. In addition, she rather wasn't keen on also having to relieve herself - and having the Tannens watch her, as she did so.
"Okay, son, Butch and I are out of here," announced Cliff, as she and Amy stepped off the train.
Suzy sighed, as the whole situation seemed so hopeless. She mouth did feel parched - but was she willing to kiss a Tannen, in order to satisfy her thirst? She fought back the tears that threatened to spill over. This had to be about the worst day of her life.
oooooooooo
"Well, Butch," commented Cliff, as he and Amy stepped into the Courthouse Square. "This time, everything rather seems to be back on track. If we get lucky, the girls will be in this area. We could check out the Cafe '80s, as well as the mall - and see if..."
"That'd be splendid, Cliffster," Amy purred, as a big grin spread across her face. "It'd simply be an interesting adventure, though - if we could capture the girls in their own homes. I suppose this way is easier, though - and we sure don't have to worry about getting past security."
"Oh, of course," Cliff replied, grinning. "I'm sure never opposed to 'nice and easy'." As he looked up he added, "It's so nice to see that the Courthouse Mall is back. If it turns out that the girls aren't in the Cafe '80s, it'd be real nice to step back inside that mall."
"If Mr. Save-The-Clock-Tower bugs us for donations again," Amy commented, with a little chuckle, "I'll... Well, I can do the very same thing as I did two worlds ago. Now, Cliffster, you did say that we were...."
"We're in another EJ world," whispered Cliff. "This means, if everything has remained consistent, the version of you in this world is a wuss - and Bill Tannen exists here."
"That certainly does come in handy," agreed Amy, snickering. "Yeah, I rather suspect that nobody would find it to be all too odd for the wuss version of me to be with your wuss nephew. Of course, I'm the one with thumbprints that match..."
"Right," Cliff replied, grinning. "Well, let's just check the Cafe '80s. See if we see any familiar girls inside. Of course, all the teens who hang out there really would have to be buttheads. In my day, we rebelled against the culture of our parents generation."
"Right, of course," Amy replied, nodded, "In fact, nowadays, normal people from our generation still wouldn't dream of living in the past. We would shun bands like Van Halen and Led Zeppelin, and we'd listen to only the hottest and most current music out there. I mean, we leave Van Halen and Led Zeppelin for the old fogeys who grew up on them."
"And that's just the way it should be," agreed Cliff, as he peaked into the cafe. "Well, I rather don't see any Stebbs girls inside - and neither do I see a Marlene. I also don't see a Harmony, a Suzy, a Susan, a Maria, or any of the other girls that we captured."
"Do you think it's possible that, in this world, Marty McFly Jr is dating a girl that we've yet to capture?" Amy asked, grinning. "That would be so..."
"Yeah, there sure is always the possibility," Cliff agreed, nodding. "However, we don't want to simply capture random girls willy-nilly. So far, we only found one world where Marlene didn't exist - so there's a good chance of capturing a Marlene, at least."
"Although, there was another world where Marlene looked real different," pointed out Amy, quietly. "Perhaps, this could be another one of..."
"Bill Tannen!" called out a very familiar voice. As Cliff turned around, he saw another version of Amy Needles - who he suspected was a good version of her. "Hey, whose the girl that you're with?"
"You can call me 'Butch', my friend," replied the Amy that was Cliff's partner, as she kept her voice friendly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Butch," replied Good Amy, in a friendly voice. "Well, I'm here to meet up with Eric. I got off work nearly an hour ago, and Eric told me that he was gonna be at the Cafe '80s."
"That's, uh, nice," Cliff replied, as he tried his best to act like his future nephew. "It's been rather nice meeting you, but... We have some business to take care of. I hope you and Eric have fun, tonight."
"Same to you," replied Good Amy, as she gave a rather friendly smile. "Maybe I'll see you around, later."
"Yeah, maybe so," replied Cliff, as the two of them began to walk away from the mall. As soon as they were out of earshot from Good Amy, he asked, "So, Butch, where off to? Should we stop by Andy's Food Shop, again? We could..."
"I just thought of a rather splendid idea, Cliffster," commented Amy, as she snapped her fingers. "After we capture the girls from this world, how about taking a trip thirty more years into the future? After all, you came from 1987 - so I was thinking that..."
"You mean, travelling to 2047?" Cliff asked, as a big grin spread across his face. Amy nodded, as she grinned back. "I wonder why we didn't think of that, before. I rather wonder who my future grandson would be. Perhaps, if we meet up with him, we can ask him..."
"... to join us," Amy replied, smiling. "I think that's a great idea, actually having three generations of Tannens working together. Providing, of course, that he doesn't quite turn out to be a wuss. Y'know, like the nephew from your world?"
"That would be so horrible," Cliff replied, shuddering. "I'd like to think that Griff would disown him, if he ended up becoming anything like Bill."
"I sure do wonder what Marty McFly Jr's children will turn out to be like," Amy replied, grinning. "Of course, it would depend on which lucky girl she ends up marrying."
"Right," Cliff replied, as he burst out laughing. "Would it be a Harmony, a Stephanie, a Suzy, or a Susan? Or, perhaps, it could be... Well, someone that we quite have yet to encounter. In which case, we could maybe travel back to 2017 of that same world."
"Of course, we could just travel to 2047 of this world," Amy suggested, nodding. "It'd be more fun to explore a new world, of course. I really wonder how we'll decide which girls to capture from that world."
"We'll worry about it, when we get there," Cliff replied, as he gave Amy's buttocks a pinch. "In the meantime, we really should think about our current mission. Let's stop by Andy's Food Shop. Perhaps, this time, we could simply pick up some ice cream. If what Griff told me is correct, the ice cream is currently sold in those freezer boxes."
"Those actually are real handy," Amy replied, nodding. "Ah, what of the greatest new inventions of the 21st Century."
"Come to think of it," Cliff commented, grinning. "I simply wouldn't mind settling in the year 2017. Of course, if I did that, then Griff wouldn't be born - so, maybe that..."
"We'll have to look for a new home to settle in, anyway," pointed out Amy. "After all, you don't think we should actually return to the same worlds that we came from - do you? After all, with capturing all those girls..."
"You're right," Cliff replied, grinning. "We don't ever have to return home!" As he looked up, he spotted two very familiar figures. "Well, Butch, do you see what I see?"
"I certainly do, Cliffster," Amy replied, chuckling. "It looks like Marlene and one of the Stebbs girls. I sure wonder why the other Stebbs girl isn't with them. Well, let's catch up with them."
"Of course, Butch," Cliff replied, as he and Amy began to slowly creep up towards the two new captives-to be. It felt good to know that his fun hasn't even begun to end.
oooooooooo
Marlene McFly smiled, as she enjoyed her chip-and-mint ice cream. She glanced across the table at her friend, Stephanie Stebbs - who just appeared to be ecstatic. It wasn't tough to figure out why, as she knew that the day really marked a special anniversary for Stephanie and Marty Jr - the latter of who was simply Marlene's younger brother.
"You sure must be excited about your big date, eh?" Marlene asked, smiling. "After all, it's been four years. To be honest, I'm a little amazed that you two are still together. I think I might do a little something with Mike, as well - even if we weren't dating for..."
"Yeah, it's strange to think of how fast time goes by," Stephanie replied, softly. "What is even stranger, though - is the fact that, in another sense, Marty hasn't been dating me for quite two years. At least, he wasn't dating some other girl - which would be..."
"It sure is scary, in fact," Marlene commented, softly. "I can remember how nervous he was, when he first told us the story. My parents were far more depressed and... Well, they sure weren't anywhere near as successful. Also, my brother really wasn't the confident and outgoing guy that I know him as. It's a wonder how I, at least..."
"He was so worried that I would judge him," Stephanie pointed out, in a near whisper. "My heart nearly broke for him. I'm sure that it must be quite hard for him, contending with his two different personalities. He seems to be handling it rather well, though."
"Yeah, he certainly is," agreed Marlene, nodding. "It seems like, in the old timeline, we did get along quite reasonably well - even if the other me would... baby him. Speaking of which, I feel terribly bad about I used to be so down on him for being... immature."
"You sure do seem to have mellowed out, a lot," agreed Stephanie. "I know that Lila is still very strict about her diet. With you, though... Well, even though you do still quite care about your health, you're not above treating yourself. It's great to really be able to enjoy some ice cream, isn't it? I mean, I never cared for that frozen yogurt crap."
"Yeah, ice cream does taste far better," Marlene agreed, nodding. "Anyway, I'm quite beginning to understand that Marty Jr only desired to enjoy his youth. I quite came to admire that in him. All along, he knew what he was doing - and I was the one who..."
"Oh, Marly, don't be so hard on yourself," prodded Stephanie, as she gave Marlene a friendly shove. "I quite remember going through that phase, myself. I sure remember back to when I was eleven years old, and I actually couldn't wait to be a teenager."
"There was so much that I missed out on, though," Marlene commented, with a wistful sigh. As she thought of how she was nearly twenty years old, she quite felt so scared with the idea of simply entering another decade. "Y'know, lately, I've been listening to a lot of Led Zeppelin. They're simply an awesome group, and I'm quite beginning to..."
"... remember why you were very crazy about them, as a little girl?" asked Stephanie, as she winked. "I'm sort of really going through the same thing, but with old cartoons. They had about the best cartoons, during the 1980s. With cable TV, it's so nice to..."
"It's a shame that even Doc's time machine... can't make us a little younger," Marlene commented, wistfully. "Speaking of Doc, I always knew that he was a very big genius - but... Well, I never dreamed that he'd invent something like a... a time machine."
"Yeah, good old Dr. Emmett Brown," agreed Stephanie, with real fondness. "It's quite a surreal feeling, though - thinking of how, had Marty not travelled back in time... It's strange to think of how different our lives would've been. It's almost a little scary. On the other hand, his father had a very similar experience. History repeats itself, eh?"
"Yeah, I guess so," Marlene replied, softly. "Although, apparently, my father hasn't... had as much change in his personality. Ironically enough, it just was his knee jerk reaction to being called a 'chicken' that he developed - in the new timeline. It really..."
"I simply see what you mean, Marly," Stephanie replied, softly. Glancing at her watch, she asked, "Do you think we should get going? I really think we could make a quick trip to Pier One, before I get together with Marty. I plan to make this night very special."
"Yeah, I guess it rather is getting kind of late," agreed Marlene, as she stood up. "By the way, I wonder how Grandma Lorraine would feel - if she ever fond out about the true identity of 'Calvin Klein'. In a way, I sort of feel like I'm going through... a similar experience. I mean, in that my own brother was responsible for... changing my life."
"Puts a whole new meaning to the phrase 'changed my life', eh?" Stephanie asked, as she burst out laughing. "At any rate, I'd really like to pick up a few scented candles. I just love the Asian Spice scent. It's so perfect for setting up a romantic atmosphere."
"I'm really not sure what my favourite scent is," Marlene commented, as they stepped out of the building. "I mean, I like so many of them. Well, Mike and I also plan to make this a special night. It's quite hard to believe that it's been a little over a year, now."
"You and Mike really do seem to click well," Stephanie added, smiling. "I'm quite happy for the two of you. Well, I wonder what Marty is doing? We could just set up the lava lamps and the incense, and it would add the perfect atmosphere. Scented candles..."
"He told me he was gonna spend some time at Hill Valley Park," explained Marlene. "Of course, that is always a relaxing place to... I'm quite sure that, even after almost two years... Well, I'm sure that he has a rather tough time contending with his two pasts - as they really were different. It's hard to believe that he... Fortunately, his memories and personality of this timeline..."
"... has taken real dominance and prominence over his old memories and personality," Stephanie finished, smiling. "Imagine if it was the other way around, though. It'd sure be a... I guess that was sort of the case with your father, and his problem with being called a 'chicken'. If he didn't have the problem in the original timeline, then he'd..."
"Discussing timelines, eh?" smirked a familiar voice, as Marlene felt some hands on her shoulders. She turned around to see Griff Tannen, along with a brunette who looked a lot like Amy Needles. "Yeah, I do know just what you ladies are talking about. Well, Miss Stebbs, where's your twin sister?"
"Why do you need to know?" snapped Stephanie. Marlene gave Griff a glare, cursing herself for being a little careless with discussing things related to time travel. "If you really want to know... She's living in Elmdale, okay? Though, I don't see what..."
"Elmdale, eh?" Griff asked, smirking. Marlene began to feel rage boil up inside of her. She had been looking rather forward to spending a nice evening with Mike, and then Griff has to spoil things for her. She also wondered why Griff was with that brunette who resembled Amy - instead of Leslie O'Malley, who was usually called "Spike".
"Yes, Elmdale!" shouted Stephanie. "Stacy moved there to be close to her boyfriend, Trevor! Why the sudden interest with my twin sister, Griff Tannen? Now, if you don't mind, Marly and I have plans to..."
"You actually have big dates planned, right," Griff asked, smirking. "Yeah, we already kind of suspected that. Well, too bad for your sweethearts - as you..."
Marlene really could no longer take it, as she reached out to strike Griff. However, the girl who strangely resembled Amy just grabbed at her wrists. As she took a closer look at the Tannen bully, and realized that the bionic implants rather seemed to be missing. However, the boy definitely wasn't Bill Tannen - who was always a decent person.
"You ladies are quite the feisty ones, I see," Griff commented, chuckling. "Well, we've learned how to deal with ladies like you. I'm afraid that you aren't going home, missy. Instead, you and Miss Stebbs are coming with us."
Marlene opened her mouth to say something. To her horror, though, she watched her friend pass out - as Griff, or whoever the hell he was, simply placed a piece of cloth in front of her face. Before she could react, the cloth then was in front of her face. In a matter of moments, Marlene began to lose all consciousness.
oooooooooo
Marty McFly Jr Eleven swallowed, as the bus entered a new world. He tried to enjoy his stuffed shells, which he really enjoyed. However, it was hard for him to enjoy his food - when he had the girls to be worried about.
"I understand how you feel, Me Eleven," commented Marty Jr Ten, softly. "It seems a bit like... Well, I hate to be a pessimist - but... I wonder if we are even about halfway close to... to stopping those bastards for once and for all. It's just so..."
"We're just about out of stuffed shells," commented Doc Ten. "As much as I sure hate to impose... Well, I was rather thinking that we could ask the me of this world to bring some food aboard. We're just not gonna have enough to feed the newcomers. At the least, we sure can expect that a Marty McFly Jr - or his equivalent - to join us. As well as another version of me."
"As this is another EJ world," added Doc One, "Mike Hartford would probably also end up joining us. At any rate, I sure wonder if this will be yet another world where Marty Jr just ends up with a... We have an Alex Jandrew McFly, Alex Patrick McFly, an Alex Patrick Klein, and a George Anthony McFly. None are exactly the same, but it's so..."
"I suppose these are the three that come the closest to being my counterparts," Alex J commented, sighing. "Y'know, I have a great idea. I really think we should compare thumbprints. If all of our thumbprints match up, then it might cement the idea of..."
"I'm not quite sure if I am all that similar to you guys, though," George A countered, in a quiet voice. "I mean, you all sure are Marty Jr's look-alike cousin - while I am his twin brother. You guys are all three days older, as well - while I'm two minutes younger..."
"I don't quite think it should matter, all that much," pointed out Alex P, as he flashed a lopsided smile. "As for me, I'm very surprised with that I even have counterparts. As I learned about Dad's background, I figured that it'd be unlikely for..."
"I actually can't help but feel a little left out, though," added Mike M, but not without a trace of a smile. "Even though I'm surrounded by Mikes, they're all Mike Hartford. I'm the only Mike McFly on this bus. On the other hand, it sure does make me feel a little special."
"Well, there's my dad," commented Emmett D, softly, "But he's Michael Brown, so I guess even he... I do wonder if George Emmett McFly would simply be a counterpart to George Anthony McFly, as well as the Alexes. In that case, that can quite make me your counterpart."
"I'm not so sure about that, though," protested George E. "We really don't come from quite the same kind of world as George A and the Alexes come from. According to the Doc of... to Doc Three... we come from a PF world - while they come from EJ worlds."
"I'm from a world where Uncle Marty and Grandpa are, essentially, the same person," commented Alex K. "I'm not too surprised to find other worlds where Grandpa wasn't, uh, stranded thirty years in the past. Still, the whole thing seems to be a little bit..."
"Just what the hell are you all talking about?" demanded Marty Jr Eleven, as he rather felt confused by everything he heard. "Where I come from, I don't have a twin or a... a look-alike cousin. I know I take after my dad - and I also resemble the famous actor, Michael J Fox. Still, I never expected to encounter worlds where I... This is heavy!"
"In a nutshell," explained Doc Three, patiently, "we do seem to be travelling between worlds where... where different events occur in the lives of... of us. I mean, I rather can't over how, in your world... the sports almanac created a rift in the friendship..."
"Dad told me that story, a million times," Marty Jr Eleven commented, sighing. "Dad brought the almanac back to 1985, Doc found out, the two of them shouted rather horrid words towards each other, and then they really stopped being friends." In a softer voice, he added, "Seeing just how close they currently are, it's quite hard to imagine that... any of it ever happened. It's nice that they, eventually, made up."
"Well, it's all in the past," commented Doc Eleven, sighing. "It's best to let bygones be bygones. After all, there are some things that even time travel sure can't fix - and, in the end, your father and I both really became better people. Granted, they were not exactly the most pleasant years of my life - but, still, it's really something that we..."
"Doc's right, son," agreed Marty Sr Eleven, as he gently squeezed his son's shoulders. "Seeing how you and Marlene were always so close to Maria also warms my heart. We really did learn a lot from the experience, and... Speaking of Marlene and Maria, I..."
"God, I hope the girls are okay," muttered Marty Jr Eleven, as tears filled his eyes. "It rather seems so..." He couldn't quite take it, anymore - as he began to cry. His father drew him close, as he wept brokenly. "Oh, Daddy, I'm rather scared," Marty Jr Eleven sobbed. "What if the Tannens hurt the girls - or what if they... they..." He was crying too hard to speak another word. He couldn't remember the last time he felt hopeless.
"This is just getting quite ridiculous," commented a voice that sounded like that of one of the other Marty Jrs - or did it belong to one of the Alexes, the Georges, Mike M, or Emmett D? "I simply wonder how Cliff was able to... to coerce my girlfriend into telling her about... Poor Jennifer! Then he ends up kidnapping my future daughter and..."
Marty Jr Eleven nearly gasped, as he realized that the person who had spoken was a younger and alternative version of his father. He continued to weep, as the whole situation seemed hopeless. He couldn't believe that he was from the eleventh world that the Tannens and Amy Needles were capturing girls.
"I know what you mean, Dad," agreed someone who was probably Marty Jr One. "It's just terrible. I'm simply worried that they could end up... killing the younger version of my mother. Marlene and I would then no longer exist, and... This is so scary."
The words of his counterpart only made Marty Jr Eleven feel worse. While he just felt grateful that, at least, his own existence wasn't endangered - the real possibility that the Tannens could kill one of the girls simply made him feel even worse. As bad as the Tannens and Amy Needles were, would they ever end up actually murdering anyone?
"Say what?" asked Susan Clayton Brown, horrified. "Are you actually saying that the Tannens... and Amy... would murder people? Good heavens! This really sounds so... If the girls lives are actually endangered, then..."
"Unfortunately, yes, it's true," replied one of the Docs, grimly. "At least, the past few times that we've confronted them, they quite... threatened to kill one of the girls... if we didn't leave them alone. Granted, it's possible that they could've just been bluffing - but... Well, it's certainly not a risk that we wanted to take. Even with time travel..."
"Please," protested Marty Sr Eleven, softly, "can't you see how upset my son is really feeling? Can't you, at least, be a little more... My poor son is obviously traumatized."
"Well, we're all feeling traumatized," insisted Doc. Marty Jr Eleven wasn't certain of if it was the same Doc who spoke before. "We can't just pretend that this... Well, I guess we should try to be as optimistic as possible - but, under these circumstances, it's just very hard. You haven't been on here as long as we have."
"At any rate," commented another Doc, sighing, "if we can, at least, find the versions of the Martys and me in this world... Goodness! What if, this time, we actually landed in a world where... where Marty Sr and I are not on speaking terms with each other?"
"Or, perhaps, a world where I never met Marty Sr?" added yet another Doc. "Or even a world where Marty Sr was never born? Any of those things could be rather possible, and... Well, I suppose it's up to us to find out..."
"A world where I was never born?" gasped a voice who Marty Jr Eleven suspected to be Teen Marty. "Okay, I guess I've already encountered a few worlds where I simply don't exist - but they were... Well, never mind. I think we'd better get going, if..."
"If we should, in fact, end up in a world where Marty was never born..." commented a Doc. Marty Jr Eleven had no idea of which one. "... or a world where there's really still open hostility between Marty and me... Well, I'm sure that the Tannens would still find some girls to capture - even if they might be girls that none of us recognize."
"Yeah, Seven is right," agreed another Doc. "The number one issue that we should be concerning ourselves with is rescuing any girls that Amy and the Tannens have opted to capture, even if they might be girls that none of us currently aboard recognize."
"You're absolutely right, Six," agreed the Doc who was probably Seven. "At any rate, we simply must succeed at this task. Sooner or later, we'll finally be able to... I know that this chase takes a lot of stamina, but..."
Marty Jr Eleven lifted his tear-stained face, as he glanced at all the occupants. Even though he didn't feel any less distressed, he knew that crying rather wouldn't do him much good. He turned back to his stuffed shells, knowing that he really should eat.
oooooooooo
Marty McFly Jr felt rather cheerful, as he stepped into Hill Valley Park. He was looking quite forward to his big date with Stephanie Stebbs. He simply came to appreciate his girlfriend's non-judgemental nature, as he rather recalled the day that he confided to her about his other life. Just like with his father, he actually had two different pasts.
Marty Jr, however, felt like things were even tougher for him. After all, he had vastly different personalities - along with talents and interests. In the old timeline, he rather had an apathetic approach to life - and he allowed people to take advantage of him.
Also, in the old timeline, he never even picked up a guitar. In the new timeline, he was playing the guitar from the time he was only five - and he became quite talented. That was just one of the many skills that he gained. Riding a hoverboard was another one.
His musical tastes, for the most part, very much stayed the same. However, in the old timeline, he was never fond of Huey Lewis and The News - as the music sure reminded him, very unpleasantly, of his father's downfall in life. Conversely, in the new timeline, he considered Huey Lewis and The News to be amongst his absolute favourite bands.
In both timelines, he rather enjoyed listening to '70s and '80s classic rock. In the new timeline, his own father became a rather moderately famous rock star - so, naturally, he grew up listening to his father's music. He desired to follow in his father's path.
In both timelines, he was very fond of Led Zeppelin - and, in both timelines, Over the Hills and Far Away was his favourite song by the band. However, it really was only in the new timeline, that the song almost always moved him to tears. Indeed, he rather developed a new passion for music - something which, in the old timeline, he lacked.
Marty Jr smiled, as he glanced at the surrounding scenery. Overall, he had developed a new zest for life - as opposed to how, in the old timeline, he had such a tendency to wander aimlessly through life. He used to live life without any meaning or purpose.
Even to this day, it was actually sometimes hard to contend with his dual memories. It was very fortunate, however, that his memories and personalities of the new timeline took dominance. He was able to fully enjoy listening to Huey Lewis and The News.
His thoughts then turned to Stephanie, as he was looking forward to the big date. He felt absolutely certain that she was the girl that he would marry. He felt as if he could not just ask for a more open-minded and non-judgemental girl. Indeed, she was quite a sweet girl. He even remembered the day that he first met her, in the new timeline.
He thought of his father - and how, after travelling back in time to 1985, he actually helped his father to overcome the "chicken" problem that would lead to his downfall. In turn, his father helped him to develop more self-confidence - which just made the transition a little easier, even before the ripple effect gave him his new memories.
Sometimes, when he thought of his old life, he shuddered at the type of person that he was. He used to not even give much attention to his hygiene, which really turned off so many of his peers. In the new timeline, however, he was much more popular.
He thought fondly of Andy Hopkins, Aaron Nelson, and Bill Tannen - who, even in the old timeline, really were friendly towards him. It sure was amazing, in fact, to think of how different Bill was from his cousin. Bill and Griff were very much polar opposites.
Speaking of Griff, Marty Jr recalled how he used to allow himself to be pushed around by the Tannen bully. In the new timeline, though, Griff pretty much left him alone. He even recalled the one time he publicly humiliated Griff in the Cafe '80s, when the bully began to harass his sister. He laughed, as he thought very fondly about the incident.
Just as Marty Jr looked up, he caught a strange sight. Of course, in this day and age, hover-buses weren't exactly uncommon. However, there was rather something about the bus that seemed a little unusual. Also, why was the bus descending towards him?
Marty Jr swallowed, as took a closer look at the bus driver. He simply looked a lot like Dr. Emmett Brown, the family's aging scientist friend. He almost fainted, as he rather caught sight of the passengers. So many of the passengers looked exactly like him!
"What the hell is going on?" asked Marty Jr, as the bus door began to open. "This is so weird."
"Come aboard, Marty Jr," urged Doc, as he beckoned for the teen to step onto the bus. "I understand that you must be confused about... about this. However, there really is something that..."
Marty Jr swallowed, as he stepped onto the bus. He couldn't quite help but feel rather irritated by having his hike interrupted. He was really hoping to have time to reflect on his two lives, before he and Stephanie went on their big date.
As he stepped onto the bus, his eyes grew very wide. He saw that there were a total of nineteen young men who resembled him. However, according to the name tags, only ten of them were Marty Jr - including a Marty K Jr. There were three Alexes, two Georges, a Mike M, an Emmett D, and a Calvin K III. Finally, there was a Teen Marty.
As he glanced at the other passengers, he saw twelve versions of Doc - one of which was a Doc '87. He caught sight of two blonde girls, named Melody and Jamie Brown - who appeared to be the only female teens aboard. There was also his mother - along with two unfamiliar looking older woman, who were named Julia and Susan. This made it a total of only five female occupants.
To his surprise, he saw Aaron Nelson and two versions of Bill Tannen. Even though, in both timelines, they were two of his very closest friends - they never became privy to Doc's time machine secret.
Also, there were several versions of his father - which included a Calvin Klein Jr, a Calvin Arthur McFly, and a Michael Brown. Last but not least, there were two Calvin Klein Srs, who appeared to be older versions of his father.
"I have no idea what's going on here," Marty Jr finally commented, quietly. "Whatever is going on, though - please make it quick. I mean, Stephanie and I do have a big date planned for tonight - and I was..."
"That's exactly what we wanted to talk with you about, Marty Jr," replied Doc. As the teen took a closer look at the name tag, he noticed that it read "Doc One". "So, you're dating a... a Stephanie Stebbs?"
"That's right," replied Marty Jr, as he began to feel very nervous. "I promised her that I would meet her by my place, and..."
"I'm afraid that it might not happen," replied Doc One, grimly. "You see, Cliff and Griff Tannen from our world stole my time machine. They also kidnapped several girls from our world, and then... then they started travelling between worlds, and then..."
"Later on, the Amy Needles from our world joined the Tannens," added Doc Five. With that, Marty Jr could hardly believe what he heard. "I'm rather guessing that you know the Amy Needles from your world to be a very nice person, right?"
"Yeah, I've always known Amy Needles to be nice," agreed Marty Jr, as he felt dazed and confused. "What's this you mean, though... about other worlds?"
"In a nutshell, you are... you are Marty Jr Twelve," explained Doc One, calmly. "As of the moment, this is the twelfth world that we followed the Tannens into. We were just about to head over to your place - and it's lucky that we saw you, when we did."
"Wait a minute!" demanded Marty Jr, as he made a time-out gesture with his hands. "I'm still not understanding what's going on here. Are you telling me that... Stephanie might've been captured by the... the bullies?"
"Yes, along with Marlene," replied Doc One. "It's also more than likely that Stephanie's twin, Stacy, has also been captured."
"But Stacy... lives in Elmdale!" protested Marty Jr, as he could hardly believe what he heard. "She moved there to be close to her boyfriend, Trevor. I don't know either of them, that well."
"That's fascinating!" muttered Doc Two. "So, uh, you don't have a look-alike cousin or a twin brother for Stacy to date?"
"Uh, no," replied Marty Jr, in a near whisper. He figured that it would explain just who some of the miscellaneous look-alikes were. "So, uh, what is this about other worlds?"
"Are you any familiar with the concept of other realities, Marty Jr Twelve?" asked Doc One.
"Well, sort of, yeah," Marty Jr replied, nervously. "I myself have... Well, I remember having two pasts. I came from a timeline where... my parents were rather unhappy and unsuccessful - and I was far less assertive and far more apathetic. After going back to 1985, though - and preventing my father from racing Douglas Needles... In short, I returned to a timeline where my parents were far happier - and we ended up living in my parents' old home, instead of living in Hilldale."
"This sounds a lot like... my experience!" gasped Marty Jr Five. "So, uh, just how long were you stuck in the 1980s?"
"Just for a few days," replied Marty Jr Twelve, softly. "After that, the teen version of my parents brought me back to 2015 - and... By the way, my parents simply knew me as 'Norman', as I didn't... think I could use my real name."
"Great Scott!" gasped Doc Five. "I never expected to encounter another world where you... where you remember being the..."
"Wait a minute!" gasped Marty Jr Twelve, as he tried to digest everything. "Are you saying that... this hasn't happened to all of the versions of me?"
"That's about right," replied Marty Jr One, softly. "I can remember how horrified I felt, when I found out about the... the other version of me. So, uh, what exactly is it like? I mean, having two different personalities in two different lives?"
"It can be confusing, at times," explained Marty Jr Twelve. "Fortunately, my memories and personality of the new timeline are more dominant, which quite makes it easier for me to... Is that the same for you, uh, Marty Jr Five?"
"Pretty much, yeah," replied Marty Jr Five, softly. "Although, in both timelines, Griff ended up... almost getting me in trouble."
"Some of us really did still have... that encounter... with Griff," added Marty Jr Three. "Even though we became more confident people, overall - we were still too weak to stand up to Griff... That is, until the... the fateful day... the same day I met... Suzy MacArthur."
"Whoa, this is heavy!" gasped Marty Jr Twelve. "I'm surprised that Griff still opted to pick on you... You'd think that he'd... find some other poor victim to bully."
"He bullied me, because I'm a McFly," Marty Jr Three explained, softly. "That seemed to be a tradition with the Tannens. Bully the McFly of the generation. I'm sure the fact that I'm also short didn't help much to... to dissuade him from picking on me."
"This is so incredible," muttered Marty Jr Twelve. "So, at any rate, what's... the plan?"
"We're at your home, now," explained Doc One. "I see your father, Mike Hartford, a version of me, and... who is the woman? She's carrying a package. I sure am hoping that there's food inside of it."
"That's Jessica Hoffman," added Doc Two. "I'm hoping for some food, as well."
"Food?" Marty Jr Twelve asked, stunned. "Well, I am feeling a little hungry - but..." As he glanced out the window, he saw that Doc One was correct. "I do hope that we..." Realizing something else, he turned to Marty Jr Three, and asked, "By the way, what is this about a... a Suzy MacArthur? That name really doesn't ring a bell to me."
"She's my girlfriend," explained Marty Jr Three. "I understand how confusing it is for you. I was also very confused, at first. There are a few other versions of us who are dating a Suzy MacArthur, then there are a few other versions of us who are dating a Stephanie Stebbs. Then there is..."
"Marty Jr One and I are the only ones dating a Harmony Brown, so far," added Marty Jr Four. "I guess our worlds are the only ones where she exists, though - or, at least, where she's old enough to be dating us."
"As for me, I'm dating Susan Brown," added Calvin Klein III. "I know, I'm not exactly a Marty McFly Jr - but I'm... the one that comes the closest in our world."
"You're in the same boat as I am," commented Marty K Jr. "I'm Marty Klein Jr, and I... Well, I'm dating a Stephanie Stebbs." Turning to Marty Jr Twelve, he added, "Yours is actually the first world where you're dating Stephanie, but you really don't... have an accompanying twin."
"We can discuss this, later," commented Doc One, as he opened the bus door. "In the meantime, we should welcome our new..." Glancing outside the door, he added, "Just come aboard, the four of you."
"Goodness gracious!" gasped Jessica, as she and the others stepped aboard. "What's going on here? Why are there all these..."
"Why don't the four of you grab a seat?" suggested Doc Three. "I rather understand that the four of you would be confused... In a nutshell, Marlene and Stephanie have been... Well, we're concerned that the girls might've been captured."
"What about Stacy?" asked Alex J, worriedly. "Even if I don't have a counterpart in this world, and Stacy lives in Elmdale - would the Tannens just..."
"Yeah, there is a very good possibility that the Stacy of this world might've also been captured," Doc One replied, shaking his head. "Knowing the Tannens, they..."
"This is so not good," groaned George A. "Even if it's not my Stacy, I still wouldn't want for her to..."
"That would be awful," agreed Alex P, shaking his head . "Of course, I'd be concerned about any girls that those bastards captured - even if I might rather not... personally know them. It'd just so..."
"I, for one, am hoping that the Stacy of this world gets spared," insisted Alex K. "If I don't have a counterpart in this world, then I..."
"Hold the phone, you guys!" insisted Mike H, as he made a time-out gesture with his hands. "Did you say that Marlene might've been captured? Along with Stephanie?"
"I'm afraid so," Doc Three replied, grimly. As a beep sounded, he glanced at his device - and then gasped, "Great Scott! They've left the world. They entered another world. Dimension PF #54, to be exact. Not only that, but they also went thirty years into the future. The went to this same day, but in the year 2047."
"Whoa, this is so heavy!" gasped Marty Jr Twelve, as he could hardly believe what he heard. "So, uh, I guess we're gonna see the future - even if it's just not the..." As he realized what his occurrence meant, tears filled his eyes. "Oh, this is just terrible! This must mean that Stephanie... and Marlene... were..."
"... captured," finished Marty Jr Eleven, softly. "Believe me, I feel just the exact same way as you do. I really was hoping that we could..."
"Well, so much for my big date," grumbled Marty Jr Twelve. Upon realizing something, he asked, "I suppose a few others of me are also dating Stephanie. Has it been four years for you, as well?"
"Yes, it has," replied Marty Jr Two. "To date, you're really the fifth version of us to be dating a Stephanie Stebbs - and the first to simply not have an accompanying twin for Stacy to date. Our accompanying twins have been dating Stacy for just as long."
"I barely even know Stacy," muttered Marty Jr Twelve. "She quite seems to be about as nice as her twin, as far as I can tell - and I know Stephanie is very close to her."
"I'll make the name tags, this time," commented George A. "Anyway, I guess our new occupants would be Marty Jr Twelve, Marty Sr Twelve, Mike H Twelve, Doc Twelve, and Jessica... So far, I guess this is the only world where Jessica is joining us - even though she exists in our world, as well."
"I demand an explanation for this," insisted Doc Twelve - who, until the moment, had been quiet. "I mean, it's..."
"You'll get one, very soon," replied Doc One. "We don't have much time, though. The Tannens... and Amy Needles... have already left the world - and..."
"Amy Needles?" Doc Twelve asked, confused. "Why would she... Well, never mind. If the girls have been captured - then, of course, I think we should..."
"Are you folks very hungry?" asked Jessica, as she set the package on one of the bus seats. "I made some rice crispy squares - and..."
"That would be very nice, uh, Jessica," replied Doc Eleven. "We just finished the last of the stuffed shells, so we kind of were hoping that you would..."
Marty Jr Twelve sighed, as he felt bad about missing a dinner of stuffed shells - which was amongst his favourite foods. However, the rice crispy squares sounded nice.
"Hi, Jessica," Susan replied, with a tone of uneasiness. Marty Jr Twelve wondered if she was married to another version of Doc. "It's strange to think that... you're also married to Emmett."
"Tell me about it," added Julia, sighing. "I guess I can't say that I'm too surprised to find out that every other version of Marty Sr... besides the two who became Calvin Klein on a permanent basis... ended up with Jennifer. Still, this all seems so..."
"Think of how I feel," protested Jennifer. "No offence, but it seems... I still can't get over how you came from another world... one where Doc, Marty, and I are fictional characters in a movie trilogy... and you and Marty actually end up..."
Marty Jr Twelve's eyes grew wide, as he could hardly believe what he heard. As if things weren't strange enough already, this was an even bigger shocker!
"What's this about a movie trilogy?" asked Mike H Twelve, as he seemed to be just as confused as Marty Jr Twelve was.
"We actually don't have time to get into this, right now," insisted Doc Ten. "Right now, rescuing the girls should be our first and foremost priority."
Marty Jr Twelve swallowed, as he knew that Doc Ten was correct. However, he was quite curious to learn more about the movie trilogy. He was also curious to learn about the Calvin Kleins, who he suspected to be the versions of his father who were stuck in thirty years in the past. Hell, he was more than a little curious to learn more about all of his counterparts.
"The name tags are all ready," announced George A. "Well, I must admit, I am curious to find out more of what 2047 is like - even if the circumstances might not be..."
"I can't believe that this is all happening," groaned Jessica. "Well, I'm definitely coming along. I'm sure that you guys could use all the assistance possible."
"Count me in, too," added Marty Sr Twelve, as he sat next to his son. "After all, if my daughter and future daughter-in-law have been captured, then... I can't believe that the Tannen would this. This is so..."
Marty Jr Twelve looked up, and saw that there were tears in his father's eyes. He felt like crying, himself. He certainly couldn't believe his rotten luck! While he remembered what it was like to be bullied by Griff Tannen, he actually never would've thought that Griff would do something this horrible!
"All right, everyone," announced Doc Three, at he took hold of the control. "Brace yourselves for dimensional... and temporal... displacement."
Marty Jr Twelve swallowed, as he felt so nervous about entering another reality. He figured that it simply wasn't the same thing as returning to a 2015 where the lives of him and his family were improved. It would be quite different.
As soon as the bus reached 88 miles per hour, three sonic booms sounded - and the time bus departed from the Lone Pine Universe.