#15 A Chance on the Outside

"What do you think the warden wants Mama?" Juniper asked her mother, who was sitting next to her in an identical grey-brown chair.

"I don't know sweetie. Last time I checked we didn't do anything wrong…you know except for the stealing and jail breaking," Barb answered with a touch of concern since this wasn't an ideal situation. Both of the former crime dancers were in warden Bishop's office in their orange prison jumpsuits as they waited for him to arrive. They weren't alone as there were two guards standing a few feet behind them in tan colored uniforms, one being in his mid 30s with short black hair while the other was a woman in her 40s with tied-up chestnut hair that was streaked with grey. The warden's office wasn't too big and was lined with a bookcase and several file cabinets (prison records most likely) as well as his dark brown desk with a few picture frames and some paperwork on it; the name plate at the front of the desk read "Gary Bishop."

The two women hoped they weren't summoned for anything bad, as since they returned to jail from their eel monster fiasco, they had been on their best behavior. When they got arrested, Juniper and Barb got to tell their side of the story, from Liv (Di) breaking them out of jail to their implant altering their minds and bodies to being forced to run errands for her; they were adamant though to let the officers know that they had given up their criminal ways. Their statements were taken and they were returned to prison shortly after their stay in the hospital, where they had their chips removed and had their vitals checked for long term damage as a result of their transformations. After their return to jail, their hope that their side of the story would be enough to help them started to wane when the news that Big Hero 6 had been branded fugitives hit the prison, implying a new age of policing had arrived and anyone who went against them was in trouble. While the information about the heroes caused elation in the more hardened prisoners wanting petty revenge on them, the mother-daughter duo took it a bit differently.

"If the guys that stop criminals are considered bad, what does that mean for those that actually committed crimes, Mama?" disheartened Juniper asked Barb not too long after the news broke out.

Her mom patted her on the back as she tried to muster up a smile for her daughter. "I know it seems bad dear, but just because times get tough, it doesn't mean we should go and quit what we started. They can't keep us locked up in here forever, and if we don't make trouble, they won't have any reason to give us any." She then pulled Juniper in for a tight hug to help ease her worry. Once she released her daughter, she added, "Hey, it's just like they sang in one of my favorite songs, 'I'm gonna stay strong.'" Barb then ended her sentence with a wink and making the younger woman give a small laugh.

"I'll try Mama, but only because it's a classic." Her mom smiled at the light banter as the two let their hope for a normal life burn bright again.

Two months had gone by since the news broke about Big Hero 6 and although the duo's dream wavered a little, they had each other to help when that happened; once the police (mainly Chief Cruz) backtracked on the heroes' fugitive status however, it made Juniper and Barb breathed a sigh of relief that change had come. A week and a half had gone by and now, here they were anxiously waiting to see what was going to happen to them.

The former crime dancers didn't have to wait long as warden Bishop finally entered his office five minutes after they had been escorted there. "Sorry ladies. There was an issue with a repeat offender not liking the accommodations," he apologized while not divulging too much information.

Juniper and Barb nodded in acknowledgement as the short-statured man sat across from them in his own chair. He pulled one of the files that was off to his right and laid it before him before resting his clasped hands-on top of it.

"Now, I'm guessing you two are wondering why I brought you up here," Bishop remarked, stating the obvious.

"Yes sir," both women answered politely in unison.

"Well, as you know, you were incarcerated here pending review of your statements and subsequent time left to serve; there was also the matter of a rehabilitation freeze in favor of going with the Buddy Guardian program," the dark-haired man informed them in a slightly apologetic tone.

Although they barely managed to avoid glancing at each other, Juniper and Barb were certainly thinking the same thing: Oh, that explains a lot. Not a wise investment if you ask me.

The warden continued to talk, snapping them out of their thoughts. "Anyway, because ample time has passed into your sentencing as well as you two have been model prisoners, it has been decided to reduce your remaining time down to community service."

Both women audibly gasped as they received the news that they'd been hoping for, turning to each other as smiles began to form across both of their faces. "This is for real?" Barb asked as she faced the warden again, still in shock and wanting conformation as she gently grabbed her daughter's hand.

Bishop nodded his head and answering, "Yes, it is Ms. McClaire. Your good behaviors combined with the evidence for your…I'll say "coerced" actions has helped your case. The parole board would be more inclined to give your cell to one more deserving of it." He then punctuated his statement with a small grin for good measure.

Juniper and Barb turned towards each other again, both sharing the joy that their hard work and dedication had led them there. The younger woman proceeded to turn towards the warden as she innocently inquired, "So, what happens now sir?"

He then straightened up a little as he opened up their files to make sure he'd get the details right. "We understand that given your past, there may be some difficulties with getting a place to stay while you perform your community service. So, we currently have two options available: Option 1 is a halfway house that is for released prisoners, due to either their sentencing being over or them having community service as reduced punishment, or Option 2 where you will be set up in a small apartment controlled by the board, where the rent will be taken care of until your time is completed; food and care of the place falls on the occupants however. Both options require at least one member to find employment before the end of their service; we can provide help with that as well," he informed them at length.

The duo exchanged a look as a question formed, to which Barb asked, "What happens after we finish our work?"

The mustached man took a pause in order to take a deep breath as his last explanation was long. A moment later, he replied, "Then you will have to find a new living space. Sad as it is, we have other released people to think about too; fortunately for you, we can help with the apartment problem as well, but I'd recommend starting as soon as you get settled in as there's not much that we can do once you've officially repaid your debt to society."

Barb and Juniper had a feeling that would be the case causing a wave of worry to run through them at the new challenges; looking at each other once again, their resolve returned along with their smiles as they refused to quit now. The older woman then asked her daughter, "So, which sounds better sweetie?"

With only the slightest delay, the younger dancer passionately replied, "I like the place we get all to ourselves. I know we'd have to do more to maintain it Mama, but it'll be nice to be together like it was before we took up crime-dancing. I'll try to get a job too, even if it's just making deliveries or cleaning up floors or waiting tables. Just as long as we get to be happy and don't have to worry anymore."

Barb looked at the young woman her daughter was becoming as she took her free hand and cradled Juniper's face. With the glint of tears forming in her eyes, the mother proudly said, "Oh darling, there will always be things to worry about, but together, those troubles can't stop us from being happy." Now Juniper had misty eyes at what her mother told her and smiled warmly. The duo turned back towards the warden, who was tapping his fingers together as he waited.

"Well sir, I guess you've got your answer. So, what happens now?" Barb asked politely.

Bishop stopped fidgeting with his fingers as he answered, "The paperwork is currently being processed. All that was left was the living situation; as long as bureaucracy doesn't grind it to a halt, you two are set for release in five days' time."

The former crime dancers gave a small squeal of delight before quieting back down when the warden raised an eyebrow up at their reaction. Barb gave a small cough before inquiring, "Do you have any idea where we'll be performing our community service sir?"

With a small smirk, Bishop replied, "Funny you should say 'performing.' As it turns out, your dancing skills have not gone unnoticed. Despite previously using it to commit crimes, it is certainly a talent that the board feels could be used to help others. There are several community centers in San Fransokyo with dancing programs for both various ages and levels of proficiency. So, until your hours are completed, you two will be instructors for these classes. The hours are not set in stone yet, but you'll probably be there three to four of them a week."

As soon as they heard this news, their elation rose again and they were barely able to sit still as the two felt a giddy rush of energy, clearly not expecting this outcome.

"So, just keep up the good behavior and you'll both be out of here by Wednesday. Understood?" the short-statured man informed them, feeling the need to put a little authority in his voice. Juniper and Barb nodded their heads quickly in unison before the warden raised his hand and made the "You may leave" gesture. The two women then stood up as the guards, who had been patiently and silently waiting, opened the office door and escorted the prisoners out. As they walked back to their cell, the dancing duo couldn't help but keep their smiles as they started conversing.

"Isn't it great Mama? A place to ourselves and we get to dance as community service," the younger dancer gleefully remarked.

"I know sweetheart. It's just nice that it's finally happening. A second chance can be so rare for people like us and we're going to make the most of it," Barb commented as she took her daughter's hand and gave it a tight squeeze.

A moment later, they were passing through the high-tech security doors, standing still as the codes were being inputted. The loud click that followed indicated it was now unlocked, allowing all four people to pass through. After two more similar pauses, they found themselves back out in the general population, where multiple cells lined with purple and black security bars were.

Before they were within ear shot of the other prisoners, Barb quickly whispered to Juniper, "Now dear, I understand it will be tough, but we'd better keep our news on the down low. Bragging about our good fortune may not sit well with some of these folks and the last thing we need is to be involved in a fight." Her daughter let her smile die down a bit as she nodded in agreement. The duo proceeded to walk past a few occupied cells on the way to theirs. They saw a couple guys with rolled up sleeves, showing the tattoos that ran all along their arms. They then came across one containing Mr. Sparkles, who was laying down on his cot and appeared to be missing his toupee. The last cell they passed before making it to their own cell had a buff wrestler-type guy who somehow managed to hold onto his luchador mask. He growled at the guards as they walked by, obviously mad that he was back in jail so soon.

Finally, they came to the right cell, where the two waited for the door to be open before obediently walking inside. Once it was locked back up, the two women looked at each other before silently expressing their joy by sharing a good, strong hug. "We're almost there baby. Just a few more days and our new lives begin," Barb whispered into her daughter's ear as they maintained their embrace for just a little while longer.

Over the next five days, the former crime dancers had done as planned and remained silent about their early release. They already were used to spending their time either by themselves or on and off with some of the non-supervillain prisoners; things were already awkward enough whenever they saw Mr. Sparkles. Barb and Juniper just kept to their schedule of eating, exercise and other recreation, all while sharing a smile each morning and each night in the cell when no one else could see.

Finally, in what felt like weeks, the fifth day came without incident and as the warden promised, the guards came to fetch them for processing around 10am.

"Time to go you two," a tall officer named Allen urged them as he opened the door. The two women shared a brief squeal as they eagerly got from their cots and walked to the bars of their cell.

Upon hearing the guard say this, as High Voltage walked by, El Fuego angrily exclaimed, "Hey! Why are you letting them out? I haven't done nearly as much as they have!"

Once they were out of earshot, Barb said with a wink to Juniper, "Maybe it's because we currently have cooler heads on our shoulders." This got the younger one to give a small snicker as they continued for the exit. After going through a few security doors, they made it to the processing station, where a female guard named Helga stood behind bullet-proof glass.

"Ah, Juniper and Barb McClaire. Let's see…" the woman trailed off as she turned around and headed in back for their personal effects.

A minute later, Helga returned with a couple blue bins and proceeded to unload them; it didn't take long as there were only their High Voltage outfits inside. They briefly looked at each other afterwards and thinking, We might need to get some different outfits for outside of work. The duo was then given permission to change in the gowning area and taking them only a couple minutes (although to them, they couldn't get their '80s-style uniforms on fast enough as the excitement started to rise again within the pair). When they were finished, they looked like they were ready to crime dance again as High Voltage (minus the energy orb, makeup and attitude to steal of course).

The guards proceeded to escort them out of the processing area and to the main prison lobby, where a man in his 30s wearing a black suit greeted them. "Juniper. Barb. I'm Clarence Foster. I'm here to go over your community service rules and obligations as we drive to your temporary housing," he informed them as he extended his right hand. The aforementioned women politely shook it as they then followed the man outside with the guards behind them just in case. They pushed open the front doors and the full burst of late morning sunlight was blinding, causing them to briefly shield their eyes. After spending so long locked up, the free world truly felt brighter to them, like it was meant to be enjoyed and lived to the fullest; they could even hear the birds tweeting as they flew in the sky. Ahead of them was a brown 4-door car with a driver (a young woman with short blonde hair) already behind the wheel.

Clarence opened the door to the backseat and asked, "Ready?"

Juniper and Barb glanced over their shoulders to find the guards were finally turning around, indicating that they were no longer bound to the mother-daughter duo. Barb then looked at Juniper, giving her a warm comforting smile despite the uncertainty that still laid ahead. Her daughter returned it as she took her mother's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Ready," they said in unison as they proceeded to get into the back seat and buckled up. As they were being driving away, they briefly looked back as the dismal place they had resided in for the past few months, watching it get smaller and smaller until it was finally out of sight. They breathed a sigh of relief as they turned back around and leaned on each other, knowing that they'd overcome the obstacles to earn their second chance and would keep working to prove they deserved it.

Afterall, "We're Gonna Go Good" wasn't just for show.

NOTES

I'm so glad that Juniper and Barb were able to earn their community service dancing because they certainly haven't done as much compared to other criminals as well as the fact that they were wanting to change and be better people made me want to root for them. :) I may have to do a story in the future about their dancing but currently don't have anything in the works.

The next story will show what Globby did during "City of Monsters: Part 2" as I don't think he'd just sit around doing nothing if he saw what was happening; however, I am glad that he didn't have to face Bessie. O_O