August 10, 2017
7:15 PM PDT
Gravestone Universe
Marie Marlene McFly swallowed, as the train she was inside of entered another world - according to what Cliff Tannen had declared. Her heart sure was still pounding, as she was still shook up by how her life had been endangered. She could have plummeted to her death, which was a scary concept. After all, she was always so scared of death.
She glanced around, as she really couldn't believe how many girls had been captured. There were fifteen other versions of her, but they were named "Marlene". She so felt like the odd one out. There were four other versions of Suzy MacArthur - along with a version of Julie MacArthur, who was Suzy's cousin. She then saw three girls, who looked like a younger version of her mother. There was also a girl who looked like a teen version of her Grandma Lorraine. The others, though, looked quite unfamiliar.
"Are you quite feeling okay, Marie," Suzy asked, softly. As Marie turned to her friend, she saw that there were tears on Suzy's cheeks. "I was so worried for you, when..."
"Well, I was very traumatized," admitted Marie, in a near whisper. "So, uh, what do these Tannens even want with us?"
"I have no idea," replied a girl who looked like a teenage Clara. "So, any, you come from a world where Marty McFly becomes the world's great scientist and inventor?"
"That's right," replied Marie, softly. "You look a lot like my mother. Who might you be, as well as the others who look like you?"
"Well, I'm really an alternate version of your mother," the girl replied, softly. "Jennifer Parker, from the year 1987."
"Wait a minute!" gasped Marie, as she could hardly believe what she heard. "Did you say that your name is Jennifer Parker?"
"That's right," replied Jennifer, as she sounded confused. "You mean, that's not your mother's name?"
"Actually, no," replied Marie, stunned. "Her name was Clara Parker. She originated from the 19th Century. Emmett Brown Sr, however, is married to a Jennifer Clayton."
"Oh, I know who Clara Parker is!" exclaimed Jennifer. "I understand that she was my great-great-grandmother. Apparently, she was seventeen in the year 1885."
"Yeah, she was," confirmed another Marlene. "For the past 32 years, in fact, she was assuming her identity as the twin sister to my mom."
"This is quite fascinating," agreed Marie. "Yeah, she was seventeen back in 1885. I'm rather not that familiar with a Jennifer Parker, though. Gee, do you quite realize how strange that sounds? I think of Jennifer as the wife of Emmett Brown Sr."
"Well, Jennifer Clayton is a name that doesn't ring a bell to me," replied Jennifer. "Oh, I really can't help but notice how you... how you... haven't referred to Emmett Brown as a doctor. Isn't he also a doctor, in your world?"
"Are you kidding me?" gasped Marie. "I mean, he's sure a nice man and all - but he... I really don't mean any disrespect to him, but... Well, let's just say that intelligence isn't his strongest... The bottom line is, he's not exactly smart."
"Hm, how interesting!" cackled Cliff. "A world where Crackpot Brown is dumb! I think I really like that."
Marie rather had to bite her tongue, in order to keep from arguing back. After all, the last thing she sure wished to do was anger Cliff - and risk having her life endangered, once again.
"That is so weird, Marlene," whispered Jennifer. "I mean, Marie. So, apparently, you come from a world where the intelligence levels of... Although, that sure isn't right. I mean, I don't think Marty is that dumb - even if he isn't exactly as smart as..."
"Well, there is sort of an... an extreme difference in the intelligence levels," explained Marie, "of Dad and Mr. Brown. Most people really can't even understand what my dad is saying, half the time. He'll even describe washing his hands as 'laundering the epidermal surface of his forelimbs' terminal components, utilizing a perfumed block of rendered animal fat'. Or else, he'll refers to Marty and me as his 'descendants one generation removed'. It's like he has some sort of aversion to using simple terms."
"Wow!" gasped Jennifer, as all the other girls mouths were agape. "Yeah, even Doc doesn't talk that way. By comparison, I suppose the Doc and Marty that I know just are... Well, they seem to be a little more towards the middle."
"Uh, Doc," muttered Marie. "So, uh, that's how you address Emmett Brown?"
"Yeah, that's right," agreed Jennifer. "It's sort of our affectionate nickname for him. I mean, in our world, he does have a doctorate in science - in particular, physics."
"Interesting, I guess," replied Marie, in a near whisper. "So, uh, just who are the rest of you? I mean, I know the others who resemble me are named Marlene."
"I'm also Marlene McFly," commented a brunette. "For some reason, in our world, I do end up taking after Grandma Lorraine. Well, you sure may have a different first name from the rest of us - but I'm still the one who looks different from the others."
"I guess Marlene Eight and I are really no longer the odd ones out, as far as names go," added another Marlene. "We may be Marlene Klein, instead of Marlene McFly - but, at least, we still have the same first name."
"For what it's worth," Marie explained, softly, "I do have Marlene for a middle name."
"Well, that really is cool," replied the Marlene who had just spoken. "My middle name is Stella. I was named after Great-Grandma Stella, who Dad was always close to. So, my full name is Marlene Stella Klein."
"Actually, my full name is Marlene Emma Klein," replied another Marlene. "I was named after Doc. Well, Emma is a feminine form of Emmett."
"I'm Marlene Stella McFly," added yet another Marlene, as some of the other Marlenes nodded.
"Actually, my name is really Marlene Emma McFly," added still another Marlene, as the remaining Marlenes nodded.
"Hm, that's interesting," added a Marlene who hadn't yet spoken. "For some reason, I guess we never really thought to compare middle names."
"It never came up before, I guess," replied Jennifer, shrugging.
"So, uh, Jennifer," Marie commented, nervously, "I'm guessing that the other two girls who resemble you are also your counterparts - and not Clara Parker, my mother."
"Actually, I'm neither," replied another Clara look-alike. "My name is Melody McFly. I'm from the same universe, in fact, as the one where Marlene quite takes after Grandma Lorraine. Marty McFly and Jennifer Parker are my parents, but not the Jennifer who's on here with us. The Jennifer on here came from a different world."
"And I'm Jennifer McFly," added the other Clara look-alike. "I'm the granddaughter of Jennifer Parker, and I was just captured from the year 2047. Oh, yeah, my grandma isn't really the Jennifer that's on here - and I don't know of a Melody McFly."
"That's interesting, I guess," replied Marie. "Well, what about the rest of you?"
"I'm Stephanie Stebbs," added a brunette. "In my world, I'm dating Marty Jr. In some of the other worlds, Stacy was also captured. In my world, Stacy rather lucked out."
"Most of us are actually dating a twin or look-alike cousin of Marty Jr," added another brunette. "I'm Stacy, by the way - the twin sister of Stephanie."
"Except for Stacy Fourteen and I," added yet another brunette. "Stacy Fourteen is dating someone named Todd Brown, while I'm dating Ryan Nelson."
"Man, I'm not so sure I like the idea," muttered Suzy. "Marty Jr with other girls?"
"I'm Harmony Brown," added a blonde. "So far, I really only have one counterpart. In our worlds, we're dating Marty Jr."
"And I'm Susan Brown," added a girl with blondish-brown hair. "In our world, I'm really dating Calvin Klein III - who, in spite of simply having a different name, is pretty much the equivalent of Marty McFly Jr."
"And Marty Klein Jr," added a Stephanie or Stacy.
"Yeah, I understand," replied Marie. "Just like how I'm pretty much the counterpart of all the Marlenes on here, even though my first name is Marie."
"Exactly," replied Susan. "So far, I guess there aren't any other versions of me."
"What are you talking about?" asked Marie, confused, "I see five other girls who quite look like..." Upon taking a closer look, she added, "Although, I guess they simply have slightly different shades of hair colour."
"I'm Maria Brown," added a girl who's hair was a little darker than that of Susan's. "In our world, I'm quite Dr. Emmett Brown's daughter - while Susan, in her world, is quite his great-granddaughter. Apparently, in her world, Dad married back in the 1960s."
"I'm also Maria Brown," added another girl. "In our world, I'm dating George Emmett McFly - who is Marty Jr's look-alike cousin."
"I'm Maria Brown," added the third girl with an identical hair colour. "I'm not currently dating anyone. I mean, I've simply been friends with Marty Jr and Marlene my whole life, and I just don't think it'd feel right to date Marty Jr. It'd almost be like incest."
"Hey!" protested the second Maria. Then, in a softer voice, she added, "Although, I guess I understand what you really mean. I felt a little uncomfortable with admitting my feelings for George. I've since gotten over that, though."
"I'm Sarah Brown," added a girl whose hair colour was a shade between that of Susan and the Marias. "I'm Doc's granddaughter, and I'm actually from 2047. I'm rather from the same world as Jennifer McFly."
"You're Sarah Brown One," pointed out another girl who looked identical to Sarah. "I'm Sarah Brown Two. You came from a world that was ruled by Griff, and..."
"A world ruled by Griff?" gasped Marie, stunned. "Y'know, Dad did mention something about seeing a world ruled by Biff - and..."
"Well, I guess some things are the same," commented a Marlene. "Although, I'm sure that the circumstances that lead up to such a world is different."
"Yeah, probably so," agreed Marie. "Well, is that everyone?"
"No, not quite," replied a redhead, quietly. "My name is Lisa Jung. I'm also really from the 1980s, even though I was captured in the year 2017. I'm dating Mike McFly, who is Marty Jr's look-alike cousin - and Alex's identical twin brother."
"And I'm Julia Belle Rundgren," added a girl with dishwater blond hair. "I rather sort of replace you in my world, uh, Marie. After all, I'm dating a Mike Hartford - who some of the Marlenes are dating?"
"Mike Hartford?" asked Marie, baffled. "I'm afraid I am not familiar with that name. My boyfriend is Clint Brown." As all the other girls gasped, she added, "So, I simply guess I'm the only one dating him? He's Emmett Brown's grandson, by the way."
"That's right," replied one of the Marlenes. "So far, you're really the second of us who isn't dating a Mike Hartford or is currently single."
"I'm dating Vincent McFly," added another Marlene. Marie gasped, as she could hardly believe what she heard. "Oh, I guess the last name really throws you off. I'm Marlene Klein, though. I'm from a world where Marty McFly Sr was stuck in the year 1955."
"Oh, I see," muttered Marie, as she really decided not to press the issue. Apparently, her world was actually the only one where her father sure was super-intelligent. In all the other worlds, her father seemed to be of more average intelligence. "This really is all strange to me. In that case, I guess Clint Brown just doesn't exist in your worlds."
All of the other Marlenes, including the darker brunette, just shook their heads.
"Well, uh, if Clint Brown is Doc's grandson," asked a Marlene who hadn't yet spoken, "I am a little curious as to who Clint's father is."
"Emmett Brown Jr," replied Marie. "He is of slightly higher intelligence than his father, but not by much. He and Dad were still real good friends, though. Of course, I guess most of the other kids in school... felt intimidated by Dad. He wasn't a normal teen."
"Emmett Brown Jr?" gasped the Marlene who had just previously spoken, "I mean, for some reason, I can't fathom that any version of Doc might... name his son after him." With that, most of the other girls nodded. "I mean, that seems to be so unlike Doc."
"Yeah, but the intelligence level," corrected another Marlene. "If the version of Doc from her universe is far less intelligent, then I'm sure that science isn't his forte."
"He's into horses," explained Marie. "Yeah, science is a little too complex for him."
"Man, that's just very hard for me to accept," muttered Jennifer. "A world where Doc has a low intelligence level, and he's uninterested in science."
"Shows how much you know, missy," cackled Cliff. "I must say, I'm quite enjoying this. Perhaps, in this next world, we'll find a mentally retarded version of Marlene."
Marie's face turned red with with fury, as the Tannens and Amy burst out laughing.
"That would be awesome, Gramps," replied Xiff. "Perhaps, if the Marlene of this world is retarded - she won't resist us, so much. We could have plenty of fun with her."
"It would be even better," added Amy, "if she was wheelchair-bound."
With that, Amy and the Tannens laughed even hard - as Marie wished so desperately to beat the living shit out of them all.
"Well, I think it is time to explore more of this world," commented Xiff. "As this is an EJ world, I don't expect that we'll find a Suzy here. Still, I'd like to come along."
"Sure thing," replied Cliff, grinning. "Well, I think we have enough chocolate eclairs to last us a few more trips - so, the sooner we get down to business, the better."
"Okay, you guys have fun," replied Griff, as he started heading towards the back. "In a way, I'd quite love to join you guys - but, on the other hand, I rather have all these girls to entertain me."
Marie started to feel sick, as she felt quite repulsed by Griff's crude usage of the word "entertain". She began to worry that she might never get rescued.
"Catch you later, babes!" called out Cliff, as he began to step off the train. Xiff and Amy followed after her. "I hope you girls are all feeling nice and cozy."
"See you later, comrades," called out Griff. He walked over to Marie, as he added, "I see that you've had quite the scare. Now, missy, how about a nice big kiss?"
Marie felt like throwing up, and she had to use all of her restraint to keep from making a sharp retort. After all, she didn't want a repeat of what happened before. Before she knew it, Griff had placed his lips over hers. She tried not to gag as his bad breath. If only it was just a nightmare that she could wake up from.
oooooooooo
"Well, off to explore another world," commented Cliff, as he was headed towards the Courthouse Square. Amy and Xiff both grinned. "We're gonna have so much fun! It is interesting to explore different worlds, even if this might not be as diverse as the last world was. Every new world is rather interesting to explore, no matter how minuscule the difference might be."
"You bet, comrade," Amy replied, seductively. "Say, I thought of a very cool idea. We can visit one more EJ world, after this. After that, though, we should quite explore an entirely different world. One that is neither EJ or PF. What do you think of that?"
"I really fancy that idea, as well," agreed Xiff. "After all, we have a machine that can travel between worlds - as well as through time. Just think of all the fun we'll have."
"Y'know, that doesn't like a bad idea," replied Cliff, as he grew giddy with the thought. "After that, we should try out a bunch of different combinations. That'd simply be fun. Yeah, we don't need to limit ourselves to the EJ or PF worlds. We could rather try out, oh, maybe an EK or a PG world. Or else, we could just check out an EI or a PE world."
"I'm glad you approve, comrade," replied Amy, as she began to stroke Cliff's cheek. "I think the party will then really get started." She then pointed and hissed, "I quite can hardly believe this. Take a look over there. Shall we go catch her, this time?"
As Cliff looked towards where Amy pointed, he saw the world's version of Amy - along with Eric. As they were heading away from the group, they were blissfully unaware of anything. Cliff smiled, as the idea did sound rather appealing to him. Although, he had to admit that he really did find the concept of having two Amys on the train - one as a captive, and the other as an ally - to be more than a little odd.
"I mean, for being the wuss that she was," added Amy, "I sure think it's high time that we punish her. I think, this time around, we should capture her. Do you comrades just like the idea? I mean, all these wuss versions of me are really getting on my nerves."
"Yes, I think that would be awesome," snickered Cliff, as he found himself warming up to the idea. After all, the Amy of the EJ worlds rather wasn't quite like the Amy of the PF worlds. He rather glanced towards where he previously spotted Eric and Amy, and he saw that they were gone. "Oh, shit! I'm afraid that we simply missed our chance!"
"Guess we're really too late, this time," Amy muttered, miserably. "Well, I did suggest that we simply stop at one more EJ world, after this. In that world, we definitely should resolve to capture wuss me - for once and for all. Does that sound exciting?"
"Yeah, most definitely," replied Cliff, chuckling. "Well, in the meantime, we're nearing the Cafe '80s. We should take a peak inside, and see if there are any girls that..."
"Most likely, we'll find the Stebbs girls and Marlene," commented Amy. "Maybe even a miscellaneous girl. One who happens to accompany the Stebbs girls or Marlene."
"It's been a long time, since we last found a Harmony," explained Cliff. "So, yeah, the chances of finding a Harmony in this world really is slim. Y'know, as much as I wouldn't mind a retarded Marlene... Well, we wouldn't want her to be a complete vegetable."
"Yeah, that wouldn't be as fun," agreed Xiff. "Besides, the idea isn't as appealing."
"Well, you have a great point," replied Cliff. "Anyway, about exploring more worlds, it would rather be so awesome - if we can find a world for us to settle in. Perhaps, even a world where I end up becoming rich and powerful. We'll keep the girls there, and..."
"That sounds splendid," agreed Amy. "We can maybe settle in a world that's neither a PF world or an EJ world. If the Crackpot Browns and company quite happen to find us there... Well, we'll be ready for them. Eventually, they'll learn not to mess with us."
"Well, what year?" asked Xiff. "Personally, I just think we should head into the future. How about 2077? Or, hell, maybe even the year 3000. I simply think it'd be fun to see that far ahead. I certainly wonder if we Tannens will still be producing, by then."
"Yeah, that would be fun," agreed Cliff. "I have a hunch that we Tannens will always be producing. They'll probably still look like us, as well. We Tannens are so special."
"Yes, you are," Amy replied, coyly. "Well, I do hope to think that I'll still be producing - and that I'll end up with plenty of badass descendants. I sure would hate to think that they all become wusses - such as the me of the EJ world, Laura McFly, or my sister."
"Well, here we are," announced Cliff. "I'm gonna peak inside the Cafe '80s, and see if any of the girls we're looking for are in there..."
As Cliff glanced into a window, he could hardly believe what he saw. To his delight, he spotted Marlene - as well as one of the Stebbs girls. The other Stebbs girl just seemed to be nowhere in sight, however. Then he quite noticed that Marty Jr was also there - along with a young man who looked familiar. That would make things a little trickier.
"Oh, shit!" muttered Xiff. "Just how are we gonna capture the girls, with Marty Jr also being there? Of course, we could also capture Marty Jr - but..."
"We went through this before, actually," explained Amy. "Several worlds ago, when Cliff and I were scoping out Courthouse Mall - and... If I recall correctly, I think that was the world where we found Susan Brown - and Marty McFly Jr was actually..."
"... Calvin Klein III," finished Cliff, chuckling. "Why, yes, I believe that was the world. Well, I sure guess we'll have to have quite a little patience - and catch the girls, when they're alone. I'd prefer to not capture Marty Jr, if we can help it. Although, if..."
"Better get away from the window," suggested Xiff, as he pulled Cliff back. "After all, we don't want the girls - or Marty Jr - to notice us. We want to surprise them, right?"
"Exactly," replied Cliff, grinning. "Well, I just think we should head to our hiding spot." Turning to Xiff, he added, "Why don't just you stay out here - and keep guard. If you can spot a good moment for us to capture the girls, just give us a holler."
"If they aren't out in ten minutes," added Amy, "then we'll just head inside the cafe. Perhaps, we could just knock McFly Junior out with chloroform - if that's rather what it'll take. We don't even have to bring him with us, but I believe it might rather delay the 'big damn heroes' squad. That would buy us some rather valuable time, I think."
"Good thinking, Butch," replied Cliff, admiringly. At that moment, he really felt an urge to kiss her. He must resist, though. "Remember, Xiff, ten minutes!"
Xiff nodded, as Cliff and Amy headed to their secret hiding spot. He was uncertain of how long he had been chasing girls, but he didn't feel anywhere close to being tired.
oooooooooo
"Well, guys, this is simply fun," commented Marlene McFly, cheerfully - as she finished taking her turn at playing Wild Gunman. "It rather is a shame that I suck at this game, though. Then again, I guess I'm not as big into video games."
"Having fun is quite what's most important, sis," replied Marty McFly Jr, softly. As The Power of Love by Huey Lewis and The News came over the speakers, he added, "Oh, I sure love this song. I don't think I could ever get tired of hearing it. It reminds me of my father, after all. It's a shame that the band is under-appreciated, though."
"Yeah, I quite know what you mean," agreed Stephanie Stebbs, as she began to snap her fingers in time to the music. "This really is a fun song, along with Hip to Be Square. Makes me wish I was an '80s teen. I so hate the rap crap that we have, nowadays."
"Well, not all of today's music is bad," pointed out Mike Hartford, as he took his turn at playing Wild Gunman. "Sure, the '80s had a lot of nice stuff - but we simply didn't have all those neat gadgets back then. Also, I can hardly imagine life without the internet."
"I suppose you're right, Mike," Marty Jr agreed, nodding. "I really do like the internet. I also can't quite imagine life without the hoverboard, and you know how much I quite love my acid cap. I guess I really should appreciate the present. After all, it's not as if we can't still listen to the classics - however much some older adults might give us..."
"I wouldn't care about what those adults think," suggested Mike, as he rolled his eyes. "They're just a bunch of stingy lo-res bojos who can't quite appreciate how... Well, it's a free country. We're totally free to listen to whatever music we damn well please."
"Yeah, Mikey, you got that right," purred Marlene, as she placed her arm around her boyfriend. For as long as she could just remember, her brother was interested in the culture of the 1980s. "Well, bro, I sure think my boyfriend makes some good points."
"Oh, I guess there is no perfect era," agreed Stephanie, nodding. "The '80s had some great movies, as well. I really enjoy movies like Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Breakfast Club, and Sixteen Candles. It certainly is a shame that John Hughes passed away. He was a very fine directer, after all. Then, of course, Labyrinth is also a very major hit."
"Yeah, I love Labyrinth," Marty Jr replied, flashing a lopsided smile. "I always felt that Jennifer Connolly looked just like you. David Bowie wasn't real shabby, either. I really wonder just what Sarah would think of David Bowie, though - considering how he..."
"I've always liked David Bowie," Marlene commented, smiling. "Modern Love and China Girl are my favourites. I also have a real soft spot for Space Oddity, and I quite enjoy Life on Mars. Oh, yeah, and I also love Changes. I cannot imagine hating his music."
"I enjoy David Bowie, as well," agreed Marty Jr. "I never was quite too keen on Space Oddity, though. I've always simply found that song to be too depressing. Well, I quite love the soundtrack to Labyrinth. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure is also very fun to watch, even if the method of time travel shown in the movie might really be a little..."
"I always thought the method of time travel shown was simply awesome," commented Stephanie. "Then, of course, you can't forget the famous Mind Warped trilogy - which was how Michael J Fox got his big break. Of course, I also enjoy him in Family Ties."
"Yeah, I've watched a few episodes," replied Mike, nodding. "Alex P Keaton can get a bit cocky, but it's real hard not to like him. Perhaps, if more conservatives today were like him... Well, I've met a few nice Republicans - but, still, it seems like too many..."
"I know what you mean," agreed Marty Jr. "But, on the other hand, I quite find some of Alex's sexist views to really be grating - and I'm saying this as a man. I mean, it's just very presumptuous to decide for a woman what she should eat. After all, she should know her own taste buds - and what tastes good to her, and what doesn't."
"That's just what I love about you, Marty," replied Stephanie, coyly. She began to her finger along the dimple in Marty Jr's left cheek, as she added, "You're just so sweet."
"Yes, I agree with you about Alex," Marlene replied, nodding. "I sure can't stand male chauvinists. On the other hand, I quite tend to find hyper-feminists to be just as bad. They're about the biggest hypocrites that I know, and they quite seem to not respect free choice. Like, for instance, because I like the colour pink - they'll act as if I'm..."
"Hey, I'm a man," pointed out Marty Jr, "and I like the colour pink. I wonder what that would make me, according to them. A misogynistic bastard? It simply doesn't make sense, though - as a stereotypical man is not supposed to like the colour pink."
"You make a real excellent point, Marty," replied Stephanie. "Well, enough about that. Say, I quite wonder what you guys think about the Mind Warped trilogy. I like the first movie the best. I always found the sequels to be a little too much fantasy for me."
"I think the whole trilogy is awesome," protested Marty Jr. "I think Michael J Fox did a good job of playing two character. Also, I like Melissa Van Dixon. In a way, I did want for her to end up with Brent, to be honest. Although, I guess I'm rather glad that she ended up with Connor. For some reason, Connor reminds me of Grandpa George."
"Oh, I suppose it's because Dad used to rather resemble Crispin Glover," pointed out Marlene, as she thought of the old monochrome photos that she saw of her paternal grandparents. "After all, there's a reason why he was simply selected to play Jordan McCoy on the film adaption of A Match Made In Space. Y'know what I mean, bro?"
"Oh, yeah, of course," replied Marty Jr. "And Grandma Lorraine used to really look like Lea Thompson, which sure is why Lea Thompson played Laura Bates on A Match Made In Space. I can't say that I'm as fond of the 2009 remake, though - as that one is..."
"I just enjoy both versions, actually," replied Stephanie, "but I agree that the original is the best, especially considering how they picked actors who closely resembled your grandparents. I also felt that Jason Bateman made a rather excellent Kosh Conad."
"Well, it sure is a good thing that they didn't pick Michael J Fox," Marlene pointed out, shuddering. She thought of how uncomfortable that would make her father feel, considering what truly happened behind the inspiration for the story. "It'd be very..."
"Right, I understand," agreed Stephanie. "Well, I do love Michael J Fox - and looks so much like my dear Marty. At any rate, I rather enjoy the sequels to Mind Warped - so don't get me wrong. I guess it's just that I really like the original the best - and, in the sequels, Michael J Fox didn't look as realistically like a seventeen-year-old. I know..."
"Yeah, I've quite noticed some aging," agreed Marty Jr. "It couldn't be helped, though - and... I sure think I have a slight preference for the third movie, since I'm interested in dreams - and, sometimes, I think dreams are more than... well, than just dreams."
"I agree," replied Mike. "Sometimes, I think dreams can be passages to other worlds - which one cannot physically enter. I also think, uh, spiritual beings can use dreams to communicate with us. I mean, I have heard of such experiences - which are very..."
"And then, there are also OBEs," added Marty Jr. "Out-of-body experiences - which is what I think the second movie, essentially, entailed. I simply believe it'd be totally cool to experience one of those. Perhaps, one could even travel through time via an OBE - and you don't have any issue of, possibly, screwing up the space-time continuum."
"Well, I can see what you mean," replied Stephanie, quietly. She tugged on Marlene's arm, as she added, "Excuse me, Marty and Mike - but I wanted to talk with Marly. It's girl-to-girl talk - so I hope you really don't mind if we step outside, for a little while."
"Oh, no, go right ahead," replied Marty Jr, as he flashed a lopsided smile. Mike added, as Marty Jr added, "Just don't take too long, though."
"We won't," replied Stephanie. "I don't think it should take more than ten minutes."
Marlene swallowed, as she followed Stephanie outside the Cafe '80s. She wondered what her friend wanted to talk to her about. She hoped that she wasn't in trouble.
"So, Stephanie, what was it that you wanted to talk to me about?" asked Marlene, in a near whisper. "I mean, was it anything that I..."
"Oh, no, nothing like that," Stephanie replied, softly. "Don't worry, Marly. You didn't do anything wrong. However, I have an issue that's been bugging me - and I rather was hoping that, maybe, you'd be able to suggest..."
"You really have an issue, eh?" smirked a strangely familiar voice. As Marlene glanced behind her, she could hardly believe what she saw. She quite saw two Tannens, along with a girl who looked strangely like Amy Needles. "Well, maybe I could help."
"Buzz off, you bojos," snapped Stephanie. "This doesn't concern you, and I just don't appreciate you butting in. Just leave us alone, okay?"
"What the hell are you guys really doing together, anyway?" asked Marlene. "Bill, you and Griff never got along. What exactly is going on here? I just don't understand!"
"How about a good night's sleep?" suggested the other Tannen, as he placed his arms around Stephanie's week. "Maybe, after you wake up - you'll feel all better?"
As Stephanie opened her mouth to protest, the Amy look-alike placed a cloth in front of her face. To Marlene's horror, her friend quickly began to faint.
"You lo-res bastards!" shouted Marlene, as her horror quickly turned to rage. "What the hell did you do to my friend?"
"The same thing I'm about to do to you," replied the Amy look-alike, in a sickly sweet voice. "Say 'good night', sweet princess."
"No, I don't quite think so!" growled Marlene, as she turned to run. However, the first Tannen was quick to grab her. "Let me go, you bastards!"
"Nope," smirked the first Tannen. "You and your friend are quite coming with us - and, soon, your friend's trouble will be forgotten."
Marlene was about to really shout back a sharp retort. Before she knew it, though - a cloth was placed in front of her face - and the odour was very foul. She began to feel faint, as she struggled not to lose consciousness. She quickly lost the battle, though.
oooooooooo
Martin Einstein McFly swallowed hard, as the bus entered another universe. He could hardly believe that he was actually surrounded by plenty of versions of him. He quite figured that they were a tad less intelligent then him. He sure didn't believe in looking down on people who were less intelligent, though. After all, if that sure was the case - then Clint Brown wouldn't be his best friend. Still, the concept was quite unsettling.
He then realized something else that was troubling him - aside from the obvious, which was the fact that his sister and girlfriend were missing. Apparently, there simply was a movie that was based around an alternate version of his father and Emmett Brown.
"So, uh, what is this about Back to the Future?" Marty E asked, nervously. "I mean, it simply is a... Also, an alternate version of my father actually visited the... Family Ties Universe? I mean, I have nothing against the sitcom - but this just seems to be so..."
"Yeah, I'm also quite curious about that," agreed Clint, nodding. "I mean, okay, other worlds I can accept... I guess. But this really just seems to be so... so far-fetched."
"Believe it or not," Marty Sr One replied, softly, "the Family Ties Universe does quite exist. At least, the one where Andy Keaton was born in 1984 is real. Michael J Fox's other sitcom, Spin City, also happens be be the same universe as the..."
"That is fascinating," muttered Marty Sr Four. "I do know that, on Michael J Fox's last episode as a regular... Well, Mike Flaherty moved to Ohio - and he simply did mention that the Junior Senator of Ohio, Alex P Keaton, would be rather hard to work with."
"They did end up becoming friendly rivals, though," explained Marty One.
"Uh, Marty One," Doc '87 commented, reproachfully, "don't forget that your younger self is also on this very bus."
"Oh, yeah, that's right," muttered Marty One, nervously. "In that case, I simply won't mention more on that."
"Y'know," commented Marty Jr Fourteen, "my dad did write a story where someone from Orwell's 1984 Universe ended up in... in 'our' world. Whatever 'our' world is."
"Oh, good heavens!" gasped Todd. "I'd hate to think that such a world actually is real, somewhere. I mean, that book gave me nightmares. I simply hated that book!"
"That world does quite exist, I'm afraid," replied Teen Marty, softly. "We managed to defeat Big Brother, though - back in the year 1986. Which, I suppose, is just about a year or two after... after George Orwell wrote 1984."
Marty E swallowed, as he could hardly believe what he was hearing. He hated having to read that dystopian novel - and it rather seemed to be terrifying enough, when he thought of it as being entirely fictional. He simply wasn't too keen finding out that the world was real, to say the least.
"Good grief!" gasped Marty Jr Fourteen. "Wait until my dad hears about that! So, uh, how did you guys end up in that... that 1984 World?"
"It was through the clock tower," explained Teen Marty. "It acted as a portal between dimensions. The Doc from that world sure showed up in ours, along with some others - and they... they asked us to help him... defeat Big Brother. I sure didn't even want to set foot into that world, but... Well, we had the tools to defeat Big Brother - so..."
"I don't blame you for not wanting to enter that world," replied Todd, shuddering. "I'm not sure I'd really be willing to set foot in that world for even a second - if you offered me a trillion bucks to do so. I mean, it gives me the creeps."
"I second that," agreed Marty E, nodding. "I mean, I'm now just starting to wonder if there any fictional works that... that aren't real in another universe."
"Oh, at least three of Michael J Fox's films," explained Teen Marty, "Light of Day, The Secret of My Success, and High School USA... have actual universes."
"So, what about Casualties of War?" suggested Marty Jr Three. "I mean, I know that that film was really based on a true story of what happened during the Vietnam War, but it wouldn't quite be... be an exact depiction of what actually happened. After all, the names of the soldiers were changed - and the actors who portrayed them..."
"Well, it could be very possible," Teen Marty replied, softly. "I wouldn't know for sure, though - as we never encountered anyone from... from that film."
"Come to think of it," commented Marty Jr Four, "I quite wonder if Mind Warped exists in another universe."
"Or Teens In Time," added Marty Jr Five. "Those seem to be the replacement trilogies of... of Back to the Future... in the universes where... where we don't exist."
"From what I can really deduct," commented Doc Five, "Worlds One, Three, Four, and Thirteen all seem to be... to be based on the entirety of the Back to the Future trilogy - while, with the others... seem to only be partially based on the movie trilogy."
"Excluding our universe, right?" asked Marty Sr Thirteen. "In fact, I'll quite wager standard American currency to circular baked goods that not one iota of the cinematic recordings could pertain to us, considering how..."
"Right, except yours," replied Marty Sr Twelve. "Granted, I've only seen the first film - but I can guarantee that not a single moment from the film would exactly..."
"In our world," explained Mike M, "Dad and Uncle Marty simply have had experienced something that was rather similar to what Uncle Marty One had experienced with the Orwellian folks, but in reverse. There was a girl, Amanda Martini, who ran away from a foster home - where she was unhappy. Somehow, she ended up... in our world."
"That's right," agreed Alex P. "She also came from a world where... where Back to the Future existed as a... a film trilogy. Essentially, Dad and Uncle Marty really helped her to be reunited with her mother. Her mother had schizophrenia, but she was loving."
"Right, exactly," replied Marty Jr Six. "It's not like her mother was actually abusive, or anything. However, the foster parents she was living with were a... Well, they rather were emotionally abusive to her. Basically, they were quite... harsh and oppressive."
"I remember Dad mentioning that she was from the year 2006," added Mike M, "and it was in the year 1986, that she ended up in our world. So, it was twenty years..."
"That's sure similar to my situation!" exclaimed Julia. "I also went back twenty years in time, and... Did she use a ticket to enter your world? Also, something about the name sounds... sounds real familiar to me. I wonder if she came from the same world as..."
"I don't think it was a ticket," replied Marty Jr Six. "I think it was a... a computer."
"Quite fascinating," muttered Julia. She snapped her fingers, as she added, "Now I know now why that name sounds quite familiar. She was a cousin of my friend, Kris Sawyer. I really remember Kris mentioning Amanda meeting twin boys, name Marty and Calvin McCoy - who resembled Marty McFly. Also, the name Emmett Green..."
"That's us!" gasped Doc Six. "Wow! I guess it's a small multiverse, after all!"
Marty E couldn't help but laugh at that. He was so taken aback by the turn of events. As he remembered the girls, though - then he, once again, felt distressed. Tears sure filled his eyes, as he worried about what they might be undergoing.
"Are you guys feeling hungry?" asked Mike H Fifteen. "We have plenty of mozzarella sticks left over."
"We have plenty of rice crispy squares, as well," added Jessica.
"Yes, I do reckon that my digestive organ requires some edible substances - as of the current time," replied Marty Sr Seventeen, sighing.
"Yeah, I'll guess I'll try having a few mozzarella sticks," agreed Marty E, "even though I don't feel much like eating."
"I'll try eating a little something, as well," Clint replied, quietly. "I sure don't think I'll be eating that much, though."
"So, are there any other fictional worlds that have been... confirmed to exist?" Marty Jr Sixteen asked. "This is still too much for me to take in, but..."
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off," added Teen Marty, softly. "The universes of Narnia, Peter Pan, Wizard the Oz, and Labyrinth also exist."
"Wait a minute!" gasped Marty E, stunned. "Do you just mean to say that... Are you saying that the worlds of Narnia, Neverland, Oz, and Labyrinth all exist? I mean, the magical worlds - as well as the 'real' worlds that the protagonists came from."
"Yeah, that's right," replied Teen Marty. "I guess you guys are all shocked, now."
"I rather wonder if those worlds are accessible," mused Marty III One, "through the... Well, whatever the thing is that... allows us to travel between worlds."
"Y'know, I would like to visit Narnia," added Marty III Two. "It'd be nice to..."
"Indeed, this does open up a new can of worms," commented Doc Three. "This is quite so... So far, all the parallel universes that we've travelled through are..."
"Why don't we just eat?" suggested Emmett Seventeen, sighing. "I'm now feeling all fuzzy-headed. This is all so confusing for me."
"Hold off the food, for a minute," instructed Doc One. "We're descending towards the Courthouse Square, and I can rather see the Marty Jr and Mike Hartford of this world standing outside the Cafe '80s. From the expressions on their faces, it simply looks as if the girls of this world are..."
"We're too late?" asked Marty E, as he felt a knot in his stomach.
"Yes, I'm afraid so," Doc One replied, miserably. "Well, I suppose we'd better let them on the bus."
Marty E blinked quite hard, to keep from crying. While he knew Griff Tannen and Amy Needles to be major bullies, he really never dreamed that they could be ruthless. The situation seemed to be rather hopeless. What if he, never again, saw Marie or Suzy?
oooooooooo
"Man, these buffalo chicken wings smell very good," commented Marty Jr. "This place serves the best chicken wings, and I sure enjoy them nice and spicy - but not so hot, that they burn your tongue. Call me a 'wimp', if you will - but I don't quite care for..."
"I agree with you, Marty," replied Mike, softly. "If that really makes you a wimp - then I guess I'm a wimp, too." He glanced towards the door, and then added, "I quite think we should check up on the girls. I really wonder what it was, that needed to discuss."
"They said that it was girl stuff," replied Marty Jr. "I do hope it's not about me. I hope I didn't, inadvertently, do or say anything to piss her off. I mean, I would rather hate to think she was mad..." As the duo headed closer to the window, Marty Jr really was taken aback - as she noticed a very terrible sight. "Holy shit, Mike! I can't believe..."
Marty Jr really felt helpless, as he caught sight of two Tannens - along with a girl who looked similar to Amy Needles - dragging off Stephanie and Marlene. The girls actually seemed to be unconscious. How did Griff manage to convince Bill to work with him?
"We should try running after them," suggested Mike, as he grabbed Marty Jr's arm. "I can't believe that this is happening. I knew Griff to be a bully, but I can't quite believe that Bill would... Griff and Bill had always hated each other. I wonder how this can..."
"I'm afraid we're quite too late," commented Marty Jr, as tears came to his eyes. "I no longer feel like eating the chicken wings. Well, we really should have enough to last us several days - and I'm saying this as a big eater. I quite wonder if I should call Dad, or maybe I should call Doc. Say, Mike, what if the other Tannen actually... wasn't Bill?"
"Well, I would quite hate to think that Bill would start working with Griff," Mike replied, as the duo stepped outside. "However, I really can't think of any other explanation. I mean, we still don't have the ability to clone humans - as advanced as we might..."
"I wasn't exactly thinking about cloning, Mike," Marty Jr replied, in a near whisper. "I was just thinking more like... Well, as very terrifying as the idea sounds - I wonder if Griff... or any Tannen, really... might've gotten his hands on a... a time machine."
"You quite think that's possible?" asked Mike stunned. "I'm not quite sure which idea is worse - the idea that Bill actually turned on us, or the idea that an evil Tannen got his hands on a time machine. As emotionally upsetting as the former idea might really be, the latter idea is far more dangerous - as the entire space-time continuum is at..."
As Marty Jr looked up, he saw a hover-bus descending towards them. He quite had a feeling that it sure wasn't any ordinary hover-bus. He noticed that there a number of people who looked like him, as well as a few who looked like Mike. He felt stunned.
When the bus door opened up, Marty Jr saw that Dr. Emmett Brown was sitting in the driver's seat. Upon taking a closer look, he spotted more versions of Doc.
"I gather that you gentlemen are, uh, missing some girls?" Doc asked, nervously.
"Yeah, if 'missing' is even the right word to use," growled Marty Jr, as he felt a sudden rage towards the Tannens. "They simply headed outside the Cafe '80s to have a talk - and then, the next thing you know, we glance out the window... and we see that..."
"I never dreamed that Bill Tannen would... turn on us," added Mike, miserable. "What does that have to do with all of you, though?"
"Why don't the two of you step on the bus?" suggested Doc, rather gently. "First off, you can feel rest assured that Bill Tannen did not turn on you. On the other hand, I'm afraid that it'll be of small comfort to you. We have a big problem on our hands."
Marty Jr just nodding, as he and Mike began to step on the bus. Upon taking a closer look, he noticed that the Doc who spoke to him was actually wearing a name tag that read "Doc One". He saw that every occupant on the bus was wearing a name tag. In fact, the 'duplicates' even had numbers after their names. He felt terribly confused.
"I have a hunch," Mike commented, stunned, "that the duplicates of Marty and myself are not... past or future versions of us. Is that correct?"
"Affirmative," replied Doc One. "I'm not sure of how to say this to you, but... Well, I'm not quite the Dr. Emmett Brown that you know. We're from parallel universes, and I... Well, believe it or now, you guys are World Eighteen. We've been at this for some..."
"I still simply can't get over how all the other versions of me are doctors," commented Emmett Seventeen, which baffled Marty Jr all the more. "This makes me feel so..."
"Well, why aren't you a doctor?" asked Marty Jr, confused. "After all, you rather have the intelligence to..."
"Actually, in our universe," explained Marty Sr Seventeen, "the intelligence levels of my friend and I have been transposed. It's a phenomenon that I have yet to..."
"That's interesting, I guess," muttered Marty Jr, as he stared at the alternate version of his father. "Well, let's just focus on the issue at hand. About the girls getting..."
"I'll explain, shortly," promised Doc One, quietly. "For now, I see that your father and the me of this world are headed this way. I'm going to head outside, and let them..."
Marty Jr rather swallowed, as he stepped to the side. After Doc One walked past him, he surveyed the other occupants. He quite realized that not everyone who looked like him was simply a version of him. He found that there were three Alex, two Georges, a Mike M, an Emmett, and a Calvin III. He then simply spotted two Marty IIIs, as well as a Teen Marty - who, he suspected, was a teenage alternate version of his father.
Of course, there simply were several versions of Mike and Doc on the bus - as well as several versions of his father. He then caught sight of a version of his mother - along with two others who quite resembled his mother, but happened to be named "Clara".
He then saw two versions of the former Clara Clayton - as well as a woman who really looked to be an older version of her, but actually happened to be named "Jennifer".
He was then surprised to just see two versions of Bill Tannen, as well as two versions of Aaron Nelson. Even though Bill and Aaron were rather amongst his closest friends, they weren't privy to the secret of Doc's time machine. It was a rather strange sight.
He saw that just three female teenagers were present. They included a pair of twins, named Melody and Jamie Brown - as well as a girl named Natalie. Upon a simply closer observation, though, he figured that Natalie was really a little older than a teenager.
He then realized that there were only a few females, altogether. He spotted a Susan, a Suzy, a Jessica, a Julia, and a Haven - which concluded the whole female count.
As he simply took a closer look at the alternate versions of his father, he realized that there were two Calvins and a Michael. He then quite spotted four even older versions of his father, and then he saw that two were named Calvin. What was quite the most shocking, though, was realizing that there was actually an older version of himself!
He then spotted a Vincent, who looked so much like Mike. There was also a Clint, who sure looked like a younger version of Doc. He also saw a Ryan and a Todd, who quite appeared to be around his age.
Finally, he spotted two Chrises - who both actually looked like Doc with brown hair. He wondered what relation they could be to him, exactly.
He sighed, as Doc One stepped back onto the bus - with the local versions of Marty Sr and Doc following right behind. He saw that his father was quite struggling to not cry.
"Well, I do have all these buffalo wings," called out Mike, as he held his bucket, "along with plenty of sauce to go with it. There's really no sense in hoarding it all, if you guys are feeling hungry. I'm sure you've been chasing those bastards, for a long time."
"In fact, we have," Doc Three replied, grimly, "and they have their stinky paws on my train! I wonder if I'll ever be able to see the train the same way, again."
"Okay, along with the mozzarella sticks and the rice crispy squares," commented Mike Fourteen, "I think that'll be enough to last us a while. We barely even made a dent in the mozzarella sticks, in fact. So, I guess everyone who is feeling hungry can..."
"I am feeling hungry, again," commented Teen Marty. "It's been a long time, since we finished up the stuffed shells. I really think I'll have some mozzarella sticks, along with some buffalo wings. I'll pass on the rice crispy squares, right now."
"All right, then," replied Mike, as he placed the bucket on the table. "I'm not feeling so hungry, myself - as I'm still worried sick about the girls."
"So, about the girls," Marty Jr replied, swallowed, "could you explain what exactly is going on? After all, we are talking about my sister and my girlfriend."
"We'll try to give you the short version of it," replied Doc '87. "It started in our world, back in the year 1987. Cliff Tannen quite went to pick up something - and, somehow, he broke security, and got his hands on the DeLorean."
"Unfortunately, Jennifer also showed up," added Teen Marty. "He simply held Jennifer hostage, and then they decided to head off to 2017."
"Then Cliff actually met up with his future son, Griff," added Marty Jr One. "Together, they captured Harmony and Marlene. Melody was spared, thankfully - but..."
"As we tried to stop Cliff and Griff," added Doc One, "they got furious, and then they landed in a different dimension. By the way, they also managed to get their hands on my station wagon - so then we ended up deciding to use my bus, which is getting..."
"Yeah, we are getting quite full," agreed Doc Three. "We have to remember that your station wagon is still in our world. It was then that they got their hands on my train."
"And then, in our world," added Doc Seven, "they recruited Amy Needles to join their gang. I realize that, in your world, she probably is quite a nice girl. However, in ours, she always was a bully - so, as such, I guess Cliff and Griff saw her as an idea..."
"Finally, in our world," added Doc Thirteen, "they simply met up with Xiff Tannen - who is Griff's future son. For some reason, they opted to stop in 2047 - when they went to our world. That's why there are two Marty IIIs on here, along with an older Marty Jr."
"Man, this is heavy," breathed Marty Jr. "So, you said that we're World Eighteen?"
"Precisely," replied Doc One. "Well, why don't you guys grab a seat in the back? I sure hope that we can end the chase, soon."
"I guess I should make out some more name tags," suggested Alex P. "Okay, I guess this is quite basic. We have Doc Eighteen, Marty Sr Eighteen, Marty Jr Eighteen, and Mike Eighteen. And then, I guess that would be everyone."
"Yeah, I suppose that's all of us," replied Marty Sr, as he sat down. "I hope that those bastards don't anything to harm my daughter! Or my future daughter-in-law."
"I feel the same way, Dad," Marty Jr replied, softly. Tears came to his eyes, as he felt so hopeless. "I feel as if it's my fault. As if we shouldn't've let the girls go outside."
"I think it's my fault, too," added Mike, miserable. "I do wish we had managed to catch them, earlier - instead of ordering those wings. Granted, I now have food to feed..."
"Please, boys, don't blame yourselves," protested Doc. "I sure feel as bad about this, as you do. Blaming yourselves isn't going to solve anything, though."
"Yes, Doc is right," Marty Sr replied, gently. "It's only those Tannen bastards that are to blame."
"And Amy Needles," added Marty Jr Three, softly. "By the way, Me Eighteen, who are you dating?"
"Well, I'm dating Stephanie Stebbs," replied Marty Jr Eighteen, quietly. "Are you really telling that that isn't the case? That some versions of me are dating other girls?"
"I'm afraid so," replied Marty Jr Four. "Me One and I are dating Harmony Brown. My counterparts from the worlds of Three, Five, Seven, Eleven, Thirteen, Sixteen, and Seventeen are dating a Suzy MacArthur. The rest are all with Stephanie Stebbs."
"I am Suzy MacArthur," commented an older woman. "Well, that actually used to be my name. I'm now Suzy McFly, married to Marty Jr Thirteen."
"Oh, yeah, the version of me that's thirty years older," muttered Marty Jr Eighteen. "I guess the folks of your world are from the year 2047."
"Hey, Marty Jr Four, you forgot about me," protested Calvin III. "Granted, my name's not exactly Marty Jr - but I'm simply about the closest to being your counterpart. I am dating Susan Brown - who, incidentally, has the same mother as Suzy MacArthur."
"Oh, right, I'm sorry," apologized Marty Jr Four. "You're the other version of me who's dating a descendant of Dr. Emmett Brown."
"Well, and I'm dating Maria Brown," added George E, "but, then again, I'm not really a version of Marty Jr - but just a look-alike cousin to him."
"We have a Maria Brown in our world, also." added Marty Jr Five, "as well as in World Eleven. A Maria who happens to be around my age, I mean. We've sure been friends our whole lives, but we aren't dating. I really don't think it'd feel quite right, in fact."
"I used to feel the same way," agreed George E, "but I got over it. I honestly believe that she's the woman that I'm destined to spend my entire with."
"Yeah, I used to feel the same with Harmony," replied Marty Jr Four.
"Right, and the same with me," added Marty Jr One. "In fact, I think it took just about a month or two for us to... to confess our feelings for each other."
"It was rather hard for me, as well," added Calvin III, "when it came to confessing my feelings for Susan."
"Hell, it was rather hard for me to confess my feelings for Sarah Brown," added Marty III One, "and I didn't even really know her, until shortly before we left... the world."
"I have known Sarah my whole life," replied Marty III Two, "and it was very hard for me to accept that I... Well, that I might be seeing her as more than a friend."
"Wait a minute!" gasped Marty Jr Eighteen, as he quite realized something. "You both are from World Thirteen, right? From the year 2047? After all, I really couldn't believe that my older self would be unoriginal enough to just name two sons Marty III."
"That simply wasn't what happened," replied Marty Jr Thirteen. "The other Marty III, along with the other version of my father, are really from a world which was ruled by Griff Tannen. As such, I decided to adopt the other Marty III as my own."
"That sounds like one scary world," Marty Jr Eighteen replied, shuddering. "I'll just bet that it was about as bad as 1984 by George Orwell."
"Please, do not mention that book," begged Todd. "I don't want to think about it."
"It wasn't quite that bad," replied Marty III One, "but it was pretty damn close."
"A rather similar thing happened in our world," added Chris Six, "but with Biff Tannen. I'm really the Dr. Emmett Brown from the Biff-ruled reality."
"The same is true of me," explained Chris Seven. "While the events of our world really played out a little differently, the overall concept is the same."
"Now that I simply think of it," commented Marty Jr Eighteen, "Dad told me about how he quite had to prevent Biff from bringing an almanac back to 1955. He actually met a counterpart who spent a few hours inside the Biff-ruled world, though."
"I think that would be me," replied Teen Marty. "Are you from the world where Doc's gravestone from 1885 is still in Boot Hill Cemetery."
"Yes, that would be us," replied Marty Sr Eighteen. "I remember how you and Doc had a huge fight, and you were simply upset about it. Doc actually told you that he 'hated' you, and you were so broken up by it. It was fortunate that we had..."
"Goodness, you guys also fought?" gasped Marty Sr Eleven. "This is now bringing back some unpleasant memories for me. How long did the fight last?"
"Only for a few hours, thankfully," replied Teen Marty. "Still, it sure was upsetting for me. I mentioned something about how I wished Doc had given me more time to relax, before dragging Jennifer and me off to 2015. For some reason, he took that to mean that... that I somehow begrudged his marriage to Clara... and the fact that..."
"I really was being irrational," Doc '87 replied, nervously. "Even if Marty had said that he wished I never met Clara - which he didn't - it still simply would've been wrong for me to react in such an extreme fashion. I guess my nerves were quite frazzled."
"Well, I'm glad that the fight didn't last long," replied Marty Sr Eleven, softly. "I rather don't mean to be rude, but could we please move on to a different discussion?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," muttered Teen Marty. "I didn't mean to upset you. Well, do you think we still have time to..."
Suddenly, a loud beep sounded. Marty Jr Eighteen was so startled, he nearly jumped.
"I'm afraid not," replied Doc One, grimly - as he glanced at a device. "This time, it just looks like the gang headed to another EJ world. I guess this mean I should really take the controls, once again."
"What the hell is an EJ..." Marty Jr Eighteen started to ask. As he simply had another concern, he added, "Oh, never mind. So, Older Me Thirteen, what quite happened to the... to the me that was in the Griff-ruled world."
"I'm afraid that you were... were murdered," Marty III One replied, nervously. "Griff Tannen murdered you, when I was just a little boy."
"Murdered?" exclaimed Marty Jr Eighteen, as the idea of being murdered was rather horrifying to him. "This is just so... Goodness, I hope that doesn't happen to me."
"I feel the same way," replied Marty Jr Twelve. "So, what about Stacy Stebbs? Was she also captured by..."
"I doubt it," replied Marty Jr Eighteen - as, once again, tears came to his eyes. "She's living in Elmdale - with her boyfriend, Trevor. I don't know either, all that well."
"That's just like in my world, then," Marty Jr Twelve replied, quietly.
"In our world," commented Alex J, "along with Worlds Six and Nine, Stephanie Stebbs is dating me. I came from World Two, by the way. We're all named Alex, and we sure happen to be look-alike cousins to Marty Jr. It's sure..." As he began to walk towards the back of the bus, as he added, "At any rate, I do have your name tags done."
"In World Ten, she's dating me," added George A. "I'm Marty Jr's twin brother, but I do seem to have a lot in common with the Alexes."
"For World Fourteen, it's me," added Todd. "It seems quite strange to think that most of the other versions of Stacy are dating someone who resembles Marty Jr."
"I simply know how you feel," replied Ryan. "Of course, the idea of her dating anyone else is a little troubling - but... Well, right now, that's the least of our concerns."
"I agree," replied Marty Jr Eighteen, as he grabbed the name tags from Alex J. "I just think we should leave, if we hope... to catch up with them. As nervous as I rather am about entering another world... Well, what needs to be done needs to be done."
"Yes, I agree," replied Mike H Fourteen, as he handed four plates of food to Marty Jr Eighteen and his compatriots. "The sooner we get out of here, the better."
"We will, after you sit down," replied Doc One. "Well, if my prediction really is correct, the next world should also be one that I've previously visited."
"I suppose we rather should try eating," suggested Marty Jr Seventeen, as he dipped a buffalo wing into some sauce. "I'm not particularly hungry, but..."
"All right, folks, we are now ready to roll," announced Doc One. "Brace yourselves for dimensional displacement."
Marty Jr swallowed, as he hoped that the chase wouldn't last much longer. He tried to think positively, but the situation seemed to be so hopeless.
As soon as the time bus reached 88 miles per hour, it entered into another dimension - merely leaving behind a pair of fire trails. The Gravestone Universe was short four residents, as well.