Revelations

Part 1

Renovations and Restorations

By Nick Maro

The mountain bike flew over the small hill with the rear tire landing first, followed by the front tire a split second later. Roxy raised her body off the seat and let her legs act as shock absorbers as the bike impacted the road. She resumed pedaling to compensate for any lost speed. Dust and gravel spat out from under tires behind her. Sweat dripped from her forehead with some trickling into her mouth. She kept riding for a few more minutes then stopped near a cliff's edge where she waited for her roommate to catch up. Jetta stopped next to her panting heavily, obviously not use to the exercise. Roxy handed her a water bottle. "Quite a ride, huh?"

Jetta wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her cycling glove and drank from the bottle. "Where did you learn to ride like that, luv?" She looked where Roxy was sitting on her bicycle. The view from the cliffside was breathtaking. "Wow. The ocean is beautiful from this view point. How did you find out about this spot?"

"You're the first person I've shown this place to, Sheila. It's a spot I come to when I feel depressed or I need to think. I find it very relaxing." Roxy took a long drink of water from own bottle. "I learned to ride like that when I was a bike messenger in Philly. I wasn't always a burger flipper out there. I was fired from that job because of my illiteracy. I would hand the people the wrong messages, I then eventually just let them find their packages themselves." She laughed with Jetta and got off her bike.

"Thank you for showing me this place." Jetta followed Roxy on foot to a clearing as they walked their bikes. She took her cycling helmet off and ruffled her flattened hair. "bloody helmet," she muttered quietly. "So, now what?" She stretched out on the grass and soaked up the sun.

Roxy grinned as she took off her own helmet. "I know of a path down to the beach that's below the cliff. Now we regain our energy by going swimming. Didn't think I'd have you bring your suit for fun, now did you?" She looked down the dirt path. "Know what? Our house is closer to this than I thought. Either that or I'm getting faster." She changed into her suit without worry of any strangers seeing her.

Jetta finished changing and put her clothes in her backpack. "I think you're gettin' a swelled ego, luv. Now where is this path, Speed Racer?"

"That's me, a regular demon on wheels. It's this way, Trixie." She squinted her eyes at Jetta for a moment in thought. "On second thought you're more of a Spridle or Chim Chim." Jetta smacked her lightly on the arm. "Lock up your bike with mine so they don't get stolen. Not that anyone can see them from the road, but it's better safe than walking home." She wrapped a chain around a tree and put it through hers and Jetta's bike frame. "The trail is this way. It's kinda steep so hold on to my arm if you want." She led Jetta down the trail without any incident.

"Are you sure it's safe to swim here, luv. No undertows or chemicals and shit like that?"

Roxy shook her head as she scanned the ocean. "None of that here. It's pretty secluded and perfectly safe. I've been here before, remember?" She pulled her towel out and laid it flat on the sand. She handed Jetta a bottle of suntan lotion. "Would you mind? I'll return the favor." She laid face down on the towel.

Jetta squeezed out a handful of lotion and rubbed it on her roommate's back. "I was talkin' with Pizzazz today and it seems David has another surprise announcement for us. And before you ask she had no bloody clue what it is either. Hope it's about the tour. I'm lookin' forward to goin' on the road again. This time I have plans for a drinking contest with Stormer. She may be quiet but she can hold her own."

After Jetta patted her back to let her know she was done, Roxy sat up and spread the lotion on Jetta's back. "Can you believe that we still have the number one album? I know it's only been two weeks, but come on." She rubbed the lotion in while she thought. "Maybe we really are good. I only thought of it as hype and bragging but I still played my hardest this time." She shook her head to clear her mind and then slapped Jetta's back without thinking making her wince and cry out. "Sorry. You're done." Roxy rubbed lotion on the rest of the areas on her own body that needed it.

"Did Kimber tell you about what her sister's company is doin'? They're reopenin' the Starlight Drive Inn. She asked me if we wanted to help in restorin' it. I said I would help but I would ask if you wanted to help." She turned her head to the side and looked at her friend while putting on her sunglasses. "What do say, luv? You in?"

Roxy blocked the sun from her eyes and looked at Jetta. "Yeah, what the hell, better than sitting around the house looking at your ugly face all day." Jetta smirked then at flicked some sand at her. She blocked the sand and laughed lightly. "How about after this we go drop by Stormer and Kimber's place. It's actually on the way back."

"Sounds good to me but now I'm goin' for a swim. Come on in when you're done soaking up the sun, luv." Jetta ran into the cool ocean water and yelled. After a staying for a few hours at their private beach, Roxy led Jetta back to their bikes feeling mentally refreshed.

The elevator doors opened as David stepped out and walked up to the secretary's desk who waved him right in. He opened Jerrica's office door and waved. "Hey Jerrica, sorry I'm late. I really can't blame the traffic since I was right across the street." He noticed a young woman with multi-colored haired sitting on the couch in the office. "You must be Danse. David Gabor."

Danse rose from her seat and shook his hand. "I know. Jerrica has told me a lot about you. I'm happy The Misfits will co-headline with Jem and The Holograms at the benefit. What about the other band? Suzaku."

"Not to interrupt but here are the contracts for you, David." Jerrica pulled the contracts out of a drawer and placed them on her desk. "I kept meaning to give them to Kimber. It's just that I've just had so much on my mind with the reopening of the drive in."

"It's quite alright Kimber has been forcing me to shop for a tux. She wants me to look nice for tonight's dinner party." David finished signing the last document. "The Misfits have all been teasing me relentlessly about it too." He straightened up and turned back to Danse. "Suzaku doesn't know yet. I'm keeping it as a surprise and planning something special for them."

"We're making the announcement tonight about the reopening of Starlight Drive Inn." Jerrica took the signed documents and put them aside. "Have there been any word on The Misfits helping out with the renovations?"

"If you want, I'm sure I could get some of the Haven House kids to help out." Danse checked her watch and began heading for the door. "Sorry, but I have to run. I have a class in about an hour. It was great to finally meet you, David. See you both tonight." She smiled and waved then dashed out the door.

"Actually, I told Kimber I'd meet her at my office for more tux shopping. She doesn't think my ceremonial kimono and garb would be appropriate for tonight." He turned for the door then turned back again. "Almost forgot, so far all of The Misfits except Roxy have agreed to help. Jetta is asking her today. Everything's been so chaotic since the album came out."

"Fame can be that way. I'll walk you to the elevator." She walked next to David and opened the door for him. "Kimber says that you're handling the manager side perfectly." She pressed the elevator button for him. "I'll see you two tonight. Kimber showed me her dress already. It's beautiful. Good luck finding a tux."

The doors opened and David got on the elevator car. "She keeps bragging about it. Right now I'm just hoping The Misfits behave themselves tonight." He winked and heard Jerrica give a small laugh as the doors closed shut.

Slowly the door opened and Kimber peeked through the crack. She smiled as she slowly opened the door all the way revealing her dress for David. She was wearing a long dark red and black dress that was slit up both with a crisscrossing silk cord that bound the two halves together. Thin straps went over her shoulder and down the low back. She finally struck a mock fashion pose. "So, how do I look?"

"Wow, I mean, wow." David regained his composure and took her hand in his. "You weren't wrong that you'd look stunning." He stepped inside and closed the door a little to give her a kiss in private. "Is Mary ready?"

Stepping into view Stormer hugged her half brother. "Of course I'm here, just wanted you to get an eyeful of Kimber first. You look good in that suit." They each turned when they heard limo honking impatiently they saw Roxy leaning over the divider arguing with the driver. "Guess that's our cue. Let's go you two." The two women wrapped their arms around David's as they walked to the waiting car together.

Roxy poked her head of the car door. "Hurry it up! I'm all dressed with someplace to go and you're keeping me from it." She was pushed out of the way by Pizzazz.

David helped Stormer get in first, then helped Kimber into the vehicle next and got in himself. Kimber put her arm around him immediately. "Before anyone asks, I only know part of what Jerrica is going to say tonight. David has been very tightlipped about his announcement. Trust me, I've tried my best to coax it out of him." She nudged him a little.

"You're going to have to wait, but first I need to know who's going to help with restoring Starlight Drive Inn." All of The Misfits raised their hand except Techrat and Clash. David still smiled. "Why can't you two help out?"

Clash leaned forward and poured a drink for Techrat. "We're setting up for your first video. It's going to take at least two weeks to get things together. I'd love to help but I can't. Sorry."

"Well, Jerrica will just have to do with just The Misfits helping. Don't worry about it, Clash." David wrapped his arm around Kimber and sat back. The band Suzaku and his mother were in a second limo already at the dinner party.

The limo pulled in front of the mansion entrance, a valet opened the door where one by one they climbed out. Together they walked through the front doors. A gentleman who was graying at his temples greeted them. "The Misfits finally arrive with Kimber Benton and you, sir, must be David Gabor." He shook David's hand with enthusiasm. "I was just talking with your mother. She's so proud of you. Please go into the grand ballroom. Food has already been put out. Help yourselves."

The Misfits strode to the ballroom after thanking him. David and Kimber stayed behind. "Mr. Xanthos, thank you for having us. I just wanted to say what a lovely home you have and if I could possibly see the rest sometime soon."

"Of course David, but call me Richard. You're among friends here." A woman in a dark tan dress walked toward Richard with a clipboard. "Christine, there's someone here I want you to meet." She was about David's height and looked to be either Middle Eastern or Indian. "This is David Gabor and you, of course, know Kimber Benton. David this is Christine, my very hard working assistant." He took the clipboard she handed him.

Christine gave a slight bow which David returned. "I was just talking with Eric Raymond. He seems to speak very highly of you for being a rival."

Kimber and David both smiled and gave a short laugh. "We've come to an, uhh, understanding of sorts. It's a complicated story that I'll tell you another time." David bowed again.

"Looks like David is getting hungry, Richard. You'll have to excuse him. I look forward to whatever in the hell is going on." Kimber hooked her arm through David's again.

Richard looked up from the clipboard with a smile. "Enjoy yourselves and feel free to roam the grounds." He went back to reading the sheet on the clipboard as the two lovers found their way into the grand ballroom.

Kimber and David both stopped and looked in awe at the ballroom. The ceiling was about fifty feet over their heads with polished marble pillars. After getting over their initial awe, the couple walked into the room. David patted Kimber's hand to get her attention. "I'm going to find Jerrica and get something to eat. I'll be back in about ten minutes."

"Okay, I'll be at one of the tables. I'll even make you a plate too." She kissed him quickly and waved as he weaved his way through the crowd. Kimber looked around and found where the buffet was located. She put various foods on her plate. When a finger tapped her on the shoulder she turned around carefully, not wanting to drop the food. "Yes?" Her face lit up with recognition.

"Hi, Kimber, you look lovely tonight." Jeff Wright smiled back. "So, where'd David run off to? I saw him move in a hurry through the crowd." He took a piece of garlic bread off her plate and started eating it.

Kimber lightly hit him and giggled. "Get your own bread." She grabbed some silverware and began walking to a table with Jeff following next to her. "David had to go talk with my sister. Fifteen dollars says it's about the big announcement tonight. I swear, if I hear, can't tell you, it's a secret, one more time I'm gonna shake the Gabor outta him." She sat at an empty table after Jeff pulled a chair out next to her taking a seat. "So what have you been up to?"

"I'm the head stuntman for the new Flint Westwood movie but next month I start on a dream job. I get to work with Jackie Li. David is gonna get a huge kick out of this. Jackie Li actually enjoyed David's stuntwork in the martial arts films he did out in Asia." He took another piece of bread from her plate.

"Since you can't steal my girl you're going to steal my food now?" David said from behind Jeff. He took the piece of garlic bread and put it on the plate before Jeff could take a bite. "How are you, buddy?" he asked sat as he sat on the other side of Kimber.

Jeff stole the bread again and ate it before either of them could act. "I'm doing quite well. I was just telling Kimber about the new stunt job. So what's this I hear about a special announcement?"

"You'll find out in about an hour." David turned to Kimber. "After the announcement I need to talk with you. It's a small detail of the announcement. Don't worry about it I know you'll love it." He picked some food off her plate and began eating.

The hour flew by while David and Kimber caught up with Jeff. David checked his watch and excused himself from the table. Kimber turned back to Jeff. "I'm going to stand up front with Suzaku. Catch you after the announcement?" He nodded and Kimber got to her new band with no problem. She took her place next to Hitomi. "Hey Spazz, are you as confused as I am?"

Hitomi giggled at the use of her childhood nickname. "Yeah, David-kun's been very mysterious lately. Locking the door when he gets a phone call but I figured he was just having phone sex with you." Kimber smacked her on the arm. "I'm kidding, geez." She rubbed her arm where Kimber smacked her.

"Sorry, didn't mean to hit you that hard."

Kimber turned toward the stage when Jerrica tapped on the microphone. "First I want to thank everyone for coming and joining us tonight at the Xanthos Estate. Now on to the big announcement, as many of you know the annual Haven House Charity Concert has been delayed this year. Well, I'm proud to say that the concert will take place next week. This year we're doing something very special. This concert will be broadcast on pay per view and stream online around the world. All proceeds will go to both Haven House and Starlight Foundation. I'll let the next member of this party take over."

The audience clapped as Jerrica stepped away from the microphone and David stepped forward. "Thank you." He turned to Jerrica. "Thank you Jerrica, as everyone is probably aware that Jem and The Holograms usually headlines this charity event. However this year The Misfits will co-headline with Jem and The Holograms." David could see that news stunned most of the partygoers. "But this will be the first live United States performance of Suzaku. We'll have a complete list of bands that will be performing later in the week. I now turn the podium to Danse."

Danse moved forward gracefully and spoke in her soft voice. "Jerrica, David, I want to thank the both of you. For those who don't know what Haven House is it's a home for runaway boys and girls. There they can get an education and have a place to live until they're ready to go home again. Starlight Foundation is a foster home for young girls. All I can do is ask that you help by either buying a ticket or ordering this concert on pay per view. Thank you." She started to walk away then came back. "It's been so hectic tonight that I almost forgot this next part. I'll be dancing with some of my students during selected performances at the concert. Thank you again." She walked away from the podium and bowed with Jerrica and David.

Kimber ran to the stairs and waited for David to finish talking with Danse and Jerrica. He finally came down the stairs. "Okay, that was a big announcement. Now spill what you want to ask me, Gabor."

David led Kimber around back to an office and shut the door. "When Suzaku performs for the charity, I'm going to sing for the first two songs then I'm going to stop and you'll officially take over as lead singer. I wanted to do this as my final farewell. It's a form of closure for me."

"Actually, I love that idea." She gave him a tight hug. "I just realized that this is Suzaku's big break. We're going to need to put out an album soon, huh?" David nodded. "About damn time too. I was getting sick of just sitting around the house." She rested her head on his chest and listened to his heart beat for a long moment. "You should've seen Hitomi's face when you announced they'll be on pay per view."

"I did. Ken and Eiji's faces shared the same expression but The Misfits were jumping up and down." He broke the hug and led Kimber back out to the party. "I'm actually very nervous about this event since there's so much is riding on this event." They went back to their table and sat down.

Kimber kissed his cheek. "Everything will be fine, now dance with me." David took her hand as they went to the dance floor.

"Mind if I get some that?" Pizzazz asked sitting next to her brother on the cement bench. David handed her the bottle of champagne. She took a long drink from the bottle. "Good stuff. So what are you doing out here?"

David turned his head to face her, it was one of the few times she had seen him intoxicated. He wasn't quite drunk but he was well on his way. "Just getting some fresh air, it's too damn crowded in there. I was getting claustrophobic. Besides I wanted to get a look at the Japanese gardens Richard has here. Just can't find the bloody place." He took another drink from the bottle.

"Great now you're talking like Sheila." She grabbed the bottled from David. "And you can't find the gardens because you're almost drunk." Pizzazz looked around the dark estate grounds. "Well, it's also dark as shit out here even with the yard lights on." She put her arm around her brother's shoulders. "So what's really bugging you?"

"Just nervous as hell with everything that's going on. I keep thinking I'm going to screw everything up. You'd think after all of the years I spent in training I'd have more confidence in myself. Well, I am very confident in my martial arts ability just not my business and public relations skills." He played with a stone with his foot.

Pizzazz watched him for a few minutes. "You're doing a damn good job. You're a goddamn Gabor! Now let's go back inside and find Kimber." She helped David to his feet and they went back into the party together. "I think Eric was looking for you. Oh, and Jem finally showed up. She's been searching for you too." She let out a small sigh.

"What's on your mind, Phyllis?" David grabbed a glass of water off of a tray from a passing waiter.

"Oh nothing just tired. Sleepless nights and such." She felt David's eyes on her that said he didn't believe her. "Okay, I'm nervous too. A world broadcast isn't exactly the most stress free thing to have on your mind."

David put his empty glass down and another passing waiter quickly picked it up. "I'm going to search for Eric and Jem. I'm probably staying the night at Kimber and Mary's place. Kimber and I need to get to the Starlight Drive Inn early to help clean the place out." Pizzazz hugged her twin and disappeared into the dwindling crowd. David walked the perimeter looking for either Jem or Eric. He saw a flash of red hair and weaved his way into the crowd. "Kimber!" She turned when she heard him call out and moved to his direction. "I heard Eric and Jem were looking for me. Have you seen either of them?"

"Nope, you missed them." She took a drink from her glass. "Are you ready to go?"

Nodding as he sighed, David followed her through the crowd. "Yeah, let's do the good bye thing then get out of here. See if Mary is ready to go too. By the way, that spare set of my clothes is still at your place, right?"

"So Rio is still sick, Jerrica?" Raya asked pulling a box out and looking through it. She coughed and sneezed as the dust hit her face.

Jerrica tied her blonde hair back into a loose ponytail. "Yeah, he's sorry he missed the party. I'm just sorry I wasn't nursing him back to health but I guess it is better that he isn't here. Less chance of him stumbling across anything related to Synergy." She bent over to lift a box. "David, help me here." He ran over and helped her lift the box.

"What's in this?" he grunted while following Jerrica's lead out the door.

They threw the box into the dumpster. "A bunch of old busted projector equipment. Don't worry it wasn't any of my father's work. We still haven't found the lab he used here. Maybe there's a hidden door of some sort. Synergy didn't know about when I asked her." She tapped her chin with her fingernail in thought. "David, go help Kimber and Aja under the screen. Shana, Raya and I have it handled here. We'll let you know if we find anything."

David jogged from the projector building to the base of the screen. He walked through the wooden doorframe into the dimly lit storage area. Kimber and Aja looked up from their crates. "Jerrica kicked me out and told me to work with the two of you. Not that I'm complaining, mind you." He flashed a small smile. "Find anything useful?"

"No, I'm beginning to think there's nothing in here but exposed and water damaged filmstock. I found a whole crate full of bolts, too." Aja showed David the crates she was talking about. "Kimber found what might be the only useful crate in here, one that was used as a tool box. Some we might be able to salvage if we clean them up but other than that, nothing." She shrugged her shoulders.

Kimber opened another wooden crate. "Oh this is useful! A crate of nothing but water logged stationary." She closed up the box and put the handcart under it. "David help me with the crate with the filmstock. Use Aja's work gloves because I don't want to dig a splinter out of your hands."

David helped her lift the box setting it on top of the crate. She tried pulling it back but it was too heavy. Aja and David helped without being asked. As the three of them pulled, the handcart fell backwards toward them from being unbalanced. David shoved the two women back against the east wall. They each backed away from the wall. There was a faint click sound that came from the wall. Each turned back to the wall to see what it made the noise. There was a hidden panel. They looked at each other in confusion at the discovery.

Aja moved the panel as it creaked on its rusty hinges. They found a metal door behind the panel. "I think we should get Jerrica," Aja said breaking the tension. "You two stay here and I'll go get her." She took off running at her top speed before they could respond.

Testing to see if it was locked David started to turn the handle when Kimber put hand on his to stop him. "She didn't say not to open it. Besides, if this is what I think it is I want to get in there." After Kimber removed her hand David turned the door handle. It opened with no problem. "I have a feeling we'll need flashlights." She handed him one and they ventured into the dark corridor.

Kimber grabbed onto David's arm tightly. "You see a light switch?" David shook his head. "Wait, there's one." She pointed to the left side of the corridor ahead of them. "I just thought of something. No power. Why keep the power going at an abandoned drive in theater?"

"To keep Synergy powered of course." David flipped the switch. The lights remained off then slowly flickered to life. "Guess the power is still on after all." A laboratory and workstation lit up before their eyes. The desks and various work tables were still a mess but nothing was damaged. Everything looked to be in perfect shape. David and Kimber split up and started looking at the papers on the desks. "Check the drawers first, hon. I have a strong feeling this is what we were looking for." He opened a drawer that was full of pencils and other writing instruments.

"Oh wow. This is great!" Jerrica said coming into the room. "Okay, let's see if we can find what we need in here." Jerrica started going through the papers on the desks. "I just thought of something, I had the power to the drive in cut off after we took Synergy out. How are we getting power now?"

Shana looked through a deep drawer. "Perhaps there's a separate generator in case of emergencies? You know how careful your father was. This is probably just an emergency generator in case the power went out." She shut the drawer in mild frustration.

Jerrica thought about Shana's words while she kept searching. "That's probably it." She kicked an unseen box on the floor. She picked it up and opened it. The box was full of old fried circuit boards. "Well, that settles it. This is definitely where my father created Synergy or at least where he finished her." She put the box on table and continued looking around the room.

"Hey Jerrica, come here." Raya called her over to a desk. She pulled on a drawer that refused to budge then pointed to the lock. "I think it's locked."

Examining the lock Jerrica pulled her set of keys out of her pocket. It was a longshot but worth it. She tried several keys before finding one that fit the lock. She couldn't remember where she had gotten that key. Holding her breath Jerrica tried turning it. The lock turned smoothly and clicked. Jerrica looked at Raya and Aja who were now standing next to her. "Here goes nothing." She opened the drawer. Inside was an old leather journal.

Kimber tapped Jerrica on the shoulder. She was holding a rolled up length of paper. "I found the blueprints to Synergy!" David was looking at them over her shoulder.

Jerrica picked up the journal, dusted off the front and read the title. Everyone turned when they heard her gasp. She turned to face her friends. "Look at this!" Jerrica held the journal up. The cover read: Schematics and Blueprints for Synergy Version Two Upgrade.

TO BE CONTINUED IN 1001001 S.O.S.

PART 2 OF REVELATIONS