B-47, B-48 & B-49 Psychiatric Session 02041989
The following is a transcript derived from an audio recording created by Doctor Alice of the USDO's Psychiatry and Social Services Department.
DOC: 4 FEB 1989 (Saturday).
Timestamp: 2020.
-TRANSCRIPT START-
Doctor Alice: Hello, Bubbles. We're going to try something different today.
Bubbles: Are we going to play a game, Miss Alice?
Doctor Alice: You can think of it as a game if you want. (sound of ruffling in a bag) Here, put this on, it'd help you focus.
Bubbles: But I've never needed the blindfold. Isn't it for Buttercup?
Doctor Alice: Yeah well, it's especially important today that we do this well. Now, put on the blindfold and lie back on the couch.
Bubbles: (Whimpers) I don't like that I can't see.
Doctor Alice: (sound of sofa crinkling) Hey, Bubbles, it's fine. Do you want to hold my hand?
Bubbles: Yes…
Doctor Alice: You're safe with me. You can trust me.
Bubbles: (sound of cloth folding and cord snapping. A sofa crinkles, presumably when Bubbles lie down) What are we going to do, Miss Alice?
Doctor Alice: We're going to talk about that night, Bubbles, when you saved dozens of lives in Morbucks Industries Research Labs. Now, why don't you clear your thoughts - don't think about anything else. Let yourself drift. Good. I want you to go back to that night when you were in that panic room. What did you feel that night?
Bubbles: (pained) lots of pain. It hurts real bad. I was scared, not just for myself too. I was really scared for my friends. I… I was afraid I couldn't save them.
Doctor Alice: What else?
Bubbles: It was dark. The lights went out, and all that was left was the blue light coming from me. It made it worse… I was so scared and I couldn't see my friends as well anymore and looking at them… helps me…
Doctor Alice: What else? Tell me.
Bubbles: It was worse when I couldn't see because it made things felt like they were going on forever. The pain… so long… I couldn't… Miss Alice?
Doctor Alice: (sound of a hand sliding on hand) It's okay, I'm here.
Bubbles: I couldn't breathe… And it went on for so long… I felt so helpless.
Doctor Alice: Tell me what you felt when the ceiling finally opened.
Bubbles: I couldn't see, because it was so bright outside. I felt pain in my eyes… Pain everywhere, even when I had nothing left to carry. I felt woozy and… I fainted, I think.
Doctor Alice: Did you feel anything good?
Bubbles: I don't know…
Doctor Alice: Try.
Bubbles: I… felt relieved, I guess.
Doctor Alice: Anything else? Try to remember.
Bubbles: Safe too? But it didn't last very long because I fainted.
Doctor Alice: What did you feel after that? When you woke up?
Bubbles: I felt happy.
Doctor Alice: Why?
Bubbles: Because I saved lives and made… friends.
Doctor Alice: Why the pause when you mentioned 'friends', Bubbles?
Bubbles: I don't know…
Doctor Alice: What were you thinking when you said 'friends'?
Bubbles: I was thinking about yesterday.
Doctor Alice: Oh. I was there. I saw what happened. I'm sorry, but we need to go back to what we were doing, alright? We can talk about that another time. Try to remember, Bubbles - what did you feel when you had one of those nightmares about the panic room? Did you feel the same way as you did back when you were in the labs?
Bubbles: (pause) Yes.
Doctor Alice: Do you feel more terrified or less?
Bubbles: I don't know… Less, I guess.
Doctor Alice: Why?
Bubbles: (cries) Because I had Daddy with me.
Doctor Alice: Do you think it is because you know it was a nightmare, too?
Bubbles: But it felt so real… (sobs) and… Yes… (cries)
Doctor Alice: Would you like me to stop?
Bubbles: (sobs) Can I have a hug?
Doctor Alice: Sure you can.
(Audio recording stopped before starting again)
Doctor Alice: (From a distance) Thanks so much for this. (muffled sound of a little girl talking) No, she's fine. (muffled sound of a little girl talking) Don't worry about it, Blossom. (muffled sound of a little girl talking) That's nice. See you later, okay? (muffled sound of little girl replying before the door closes)
(Footsteps coming towards audio recorder. The sound of something being put down on a table)
Doctor Alice: Hey, Bubbles. How's that marshmallow?
Bubbles: It's nice. What's in that box?
Doctor Alice: Oh, don't worry about it. Let's continue talking about your fears, okay?
Bubbles: Do we have to?
Doctor Alice: You've been a brave girl, Bubbles.
Bubbles: (sullen) I'm not…
Doctor Alice: Believe that you are, Bubbles. No one else in Townsville could have saved those people but you did.
Bubbles: Blossom and Buttercup could have.
Doctor Alice: Other than them, I mean. Anyway, it's through talking about your fears and reasoning with them that you learn to overcome them. Do you feel that way, Bubbles?
Bubbles: I guess…
Doctor Alice: Now, we've talked about the many bad things you felt when you were in that hole and when you had your nightmares - how scared and helpless you were. It's easy to feel that way when something happens. But Bubbles, you said it yourself - there were other things you felt, can you tell me what they are again?
Bubbles: Relief and pride? I was safe with my father… I was happy when it was over.
Doctor Alice: Every time you get into something bad, focus on that. Bad things will always happen, Bubbles, but they don't last. Did any good things happen in the past few months since you were born?
Bubbles: Yes.
Doctor Alice: Do you have an example?
Bubbles: Like the Princess' sleepover? When we played house before that? When Blossom was with me and things go well when we were fighting crime… My first week's birthday. Going out with my family…
Doctor Alice: You see what I mean, Bubbles? I asked for an example, but you've given me so many. You see, Bubbles, when something bad happens, we tend to hold on to it and forget about the good things because that's what our brain does.
Bubbles: But it's my brain. Why does it have to be mean to me?
Doctor Alice: (laughs) Yes, it's your brain, Bubbles. You can control it. It holds onto bad things because it's how we learn right from wrong, what is good and what is bad. It's why we cherish what's closest to us. Your father, for instance… (pauses) But it can go overboard sometimes, and that's when you have to tell it to stop and start smelling the Dandelions.
Bubbles: It feels good talking to you.
Doctor Alice: I'm glad it does.
Bubbles: So what's in the box?
Doctor Alice: It's a briefcase, honey. I was just about to show you. Now, don't be alarmed, alright? Nothing bad's going to happen. Do you believe me?
Bubbles: Y-yes… What's in it?
Doctor Alice: (sound of tabs unclasping and a briefcase opening.)
Bubbles: (alarmed) Alice! No!
Doctor Alice: (sound of metal clattering) Hey, Bubbles! Calm down! Nothing's going to happen. Trust me.
Bubbles: B-but why did you bring t-that shotgun in here? It's dangerous!
Doctor Alice: I just wanted to show you something. (the sound of shotgun pumping) That you're in control. (shotgun was triggered, but it was a dry fire. Only the sound of clicking could be heard) Here, take it.
Bubbles: I don't wanna…
Doctor Alice: Remember what I said, Bubbles? We need to talk and reason with your fear so that we may conquer it. Now, it's time you take action. We've talked about it last week. These guns may cause pain to you, but they're harmless.
Bubbles: But some of them are harmful…
Doctor Alice: Those are special, they're not counted. Now take it, Bubbles. (sound of metal shifting on flesh)
Bubbles: But they could hurt people like you.
Doctor Alice: And that's why you're out there stopping it. Take it, Bubbles.
Bubbles: Okay…
Doctor Alice: Now, I'm going to be with you throughout this exercise, okay? (sound of sofa crinkling) Here, hold it properly.
Bubbles: Okay…
Doctor Alice: Remember, Bubbles. You're in control. You're holding the shotgun now, and you're in control. There's nothing to fear from a gun - as long as you're in control.
Bubbles: But what if the bad guys control it?
Doctor Alice: Did that ever stop you from beating them up?
Bubbles: N-no…
Doctor Alice: No. Exactly. And if it ever did, you could easily stop them. Pump the shotgun, Bubbles.
Bubbles: I… Okay… (sound of shotgun pumping)
Doctor Alice: Pull the trigger. (sound of shotgun dry-firing and clicking) Very good. Now keep doing it. (repeated sound of shotgun pumping and clicking on empty, the pace getting faster and faster) Good, very good. How do you feel?
Bubbles: Better… I guess? You're right, Miss Alice. I was in control. But… I just feel… scared when I see it. I can't explain it.
Doctor Alice: That's because you had a bad day back at that bank, Bubbles. It was a really bad first impression, but you know what? It doesn't have to be bad all the time. Like now - nothing bad's happening with the shotgun, right?
Bubbles: I believe you…
Doctor Alice: Good. I'm glad you do. If you were any other kid, I wouldn't have encouraged this, but… Do this every day, alright? Show that shotgun who's boss. Pump it and shoot it every day. It'll help clear your head. That shotgun belongs to Blossom, by the way. I've talked to her about it, and she said she'll let you keep it since she no longer uses it - eye beam and all that.
Bubbles: No wonder it looks familiar…
Doctor Alice: Well, I guess we're done for today. It's great working with you, Bubbles.
Bubbles: Miss Alice?
Doctor Alice: Yes?
Bubbles: Thanks… I don't know what I'll do without you.
Doctor Alice: Hey, don't mention it.
Bubbles: Can I kiss you?
Doctor Alice: (laughs) Sure (sound of lips smacking) You're a sweetheart, you know that? I can see why the professor loves you so much. Now run along - I'm sure your dad's waiting for you. (sound of wind whooshing and door opening and closing)
(sound of sofa crinkling)
Doctor Alice: Results seem optimistic. While we've only worked on some of the problems plaguing her, I think we're making progress. While it'll be a long time before her claustrophobia and haplophobia are completely stamped out - if it is at all possible, in which case minimized is a better word - I'll call it a breakthrough and a win today. Her depression and PTSD, however, is another matter. While all her mental disorders are no doubt linked, I have consulted with Professor Utonium and discovered that there are genetic factors at play with Bubbles' mental conditions. This will severely limit the job I'm doing - to one of management rather than cure. Permanent… rather than temporary. I hope I'm up to the task.
I will need to consult with the council on this. Bubbles can't keep going out there, or it'll be back to square one every time she did. I… want to remain professional at all times but… It hurts me every time I see her on my couch with her mental trauma reopened again - and widely too.
I don't think they'll kill her for it this time. Most of the council had swung around in Bubbles' favor. But neither are they going to give her any kind of vacation. We're still at war with the criminal underground, and I doubt it's going to end any time soon. If only there's someone to substitute for Bubbles…
Timestamp: 2042
Doctor Alice: (Door opens, she speaks in an excited way that borders on acting) Blossom! Hey! It's nice to see you!
Blossom: Hi, Miss Alice! It's nice to see you too! (sound of wind and sofa crinkling) May I have one?
Doctor Alice: Ever the nice and polite one, I see. Sure, have as many marshmallows as you want.
Blossom: Thanks. They're really nice.
Doctor Alice: You sure you want just one? Why not take a few more?
Blossom: My Dad says not to eat too much of this stuff. Should I lie down this time?
Doctor Alice: No, you don't have to. Listen, Blossom… We need to talk.
Blossom: What are we talking about, Miss Alice?
Doctor Alice: It's Bubbles. I'm worried about her.
Blossom: (Sad) Me too…
Doctor Alice: I've been speaking to her, and we need to talk about your leadership, how you've been using her in your missions.
Blossom: (defensively) And how have I been using her, Miss Alice?
Doctor Alice: (shock) I- I'm sorry - that sounded wrong, the way it came out. I didn't mean that. I was talking about the strategy you've been using that involves her.
Blossom: (still defensively) Did I do something wrong?
Doctor Alice: Blossom, I'm not blaming you for anything. You trust me, right?
Blossom: (pause) Yes.
Doctor Alice: I've been speaking to Bubbles and, um, I've been looking at security footages of your fights and I think you need to stop putting Bubbles on the front lines so much.
Blossom: (softly) You're blaming me…
Doctor Alice: (talking over Blossom, and have likely missed what she said) You ordered her to rush criminals with shotguns - regularly - and just yesterday, you ordered her to fly into the sights of twenty criminals alone. She had to fight alone after that. It's not the first time, either, Blossom.
Blossom: You don't understand!
Doctor Alice: Blossom, you do know that your sister's suffering from a fear of shotguns, right? That she's very sensitive and suffering from certain mental illnesses?
Blossom: (agitated) But we're all afraid and getting shot hurts all of us-
Doctor Alice: Yeah, but Bubbles most of all-
Blossom: (agitated) Bubbles needs to realize she wasn't the only one who's afraid!
Doctor Alice: Honey, it's not that simple! You-
Blossom: (hysterical) WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO!?
Doctor Alice: (shocked) There, there, Blossom, calm down-
Blossom: (screaming, sound of glassware sliding rapidly and breaking on the ground) YOU WEREN'T THERE, ALICE!
Doctor Alice: Blossom!
Blossom: (shouting) MOM SAID I CAN'T LET BUTTERCUP GET HURT! AND YOU'RE SAYING I CAN'T LET BUBBLES GET HURT! (Heavy breathing) WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO!? (heavy breathing)
Doctor Alice: Blossom, just- stop!
Blossom: (screaming) Let go of me! (high-pitched screaming) NO! (sound of impact on a sofa) Stop touching me!
Doctor Alice: Argh!
Blossom: You said you weren't blaming me! YOU LIED! (sound of coffee table crashing into a sofa)
(Sound of door opening with a loud bang and X-energy burst of sound. Blossom's wailing and crying fade into the distance.)
Doctor Alice: Blossom! Wait! Shit… Ouch…
Doctor Alice: (crying) God damn it… I can't believe… (takes a deep breath) That wasn't good at all. It seems that she's been badly affected by her position of responsibility. But that can't be it. Anxiety could only be a symptom. Something must have set her off. She mentioned something about 'mom'. Fucking Selicia must have done something, but yesterday's masquerade party is just as much likely to be affecting her.
The main cause, however, remains simple - there's a damn good reason why we don't put a gun in a kid's hand and ask her to pull the trigger on someone. Blossom's been doing that, in a way, with Bubbles and Buttercup, God knows how many times. It's what all leaders do - military leaders, especially. They - Blossom had to point her finger and send her sisters into battle repeatedly, knowing they could get hurt.
That's not to mention the fact that she's fighting people - and while there are very few fatalities in the past month, there were numerous last year. Is guilt another factor leading to her meltdown?
In any case, I won't be finding out for a while. Will she even be willing to see me next week?
Timestamp: 2055
Buttercup: Whoa! What happened here, Miss Alice?
Doctor Alice: Don't mind me, I was just cleaning up. (sound of table screeching back into position)
Buttercup: Should I help? The couches look too heavy for you.
Doctor Alice: No, it's fine. I'll move those later. You don't mind the room being a little messy, do you?
Buttercup: No, Miss Alice. I'm not like my sisters - they're completely crazy! Who needs everything to be perfectly neat? We're just going to take them out anyway…
Doctor Alice: I guess it's good to be tolerant of imperfections… (nervous laughter) Have a seat, Buttercup.
Buttercup: What are we going to do today?
Doctor Alice: Oh, just the usual stuff. How was yesterday's patrol? I bet nothing happened, right?
Buttercup: You bet wrong, Miss Alice! We busted up a bunch of bad guys, and I was able to beat up all of them myself! Bubbles was just being her usual scaredy cat self and Blossom was missing most of the time! It was awesome - I guess my sisters do need me after all.
Doctor Alice: Hmm. And the party yesterday? I heard from your father that you got to dance that night? Did you dance well?
Buttercup: Of course, Miss Alice. It was easy - too bad my sisters kept stepping on their dancers' shoes. There's nothing I can't do, even if I hate dancing…
Doctor Alice: Well, it's good that you were having fun yesterday then, Buttercup. (ruffling of cloth) Here, wear the blindfold and lie down.
Buttercup: Aw, do I have to?
Doctor Alice: Yes, Buttercup. You don't see it yet, but it helps. (sound of cord snapping into place and sofa crinkling) Alright, Buttercup. Comfy?
Buttercup: Yep. Hey, can I have some marshmallows?
Doctor Alice: Oh… About that… I kinda dropped them on the way here. Tell you what - I'll give you twice the number of marshmallows next week, how about that?
Buttercup: That would be nice. Thanks!
Doctor Alice: Now… Just relax and trust me. Listen to the sound of my voice. Imagine what I ask of you, and only that. Do you understand?
Buttercup: Yes, Miss Alice. (Giggles)
Doctor Alice: I'm serious.
Buttercup: Okay…
Doctor Alice: Now… I want you to go back to the last time you beat a person up. Are you there?
Buttercup: (laughs) Yes.
Doctor Alice: When was it?
Buttercup: Yesterday.
Doctor Alice: Tell me how it was like.
Buttercup: It was at the party. There was a guy in a black mask. I punched him in the face and he flew really far and it was funny. (laughs)
Doctor Alice: How did you feel when you did that? Tell me honestly, Buttercup. I'm sure you want to.
Buttercup: It felt really good, Miss Alice. I like the feel of a punch. Too bad he wasn't much of a fighter though - because a fight would have been better. I get to punch someone more and hurt him worse.
Doctor Alice: Why do you like hurting people?
Buttercup: Because it felt good?
Doctor Alice: Is there anything else?
Buttercup: I feel… powerful that way. Is that the right word?
Doctor Alice: Yes, it is. But don't you think it's wrong to hurt someone? By that, I mean injuring someone, causing broken bones and bleeding and torn skin and such.
Buttercup: No. Why should it be? They're the bad guys. I don't know why Dad and Blossom kept saying it's wrong. They deserve it! Bad guys aren't entirely bad? Pfff! They're asking for a beatdown as long as they're there!
Doctor Alice: Have you ever felt bad for anyone you've hurt? I'm talking in general – including hurting someone's feelings.
Buttercup: Why should I?
Doctor Alice: And what if it's your family and friends?
Buttercup: You mean like Bubbles? She deserves it… Maybe she'll be less of a crybaby and more of a help that way.
Doctor Alice: Have you thought about the consequences of your actions? Like if you were to severely injure or kill a bad guy?
Buttercup: Blossom and Dad would get mad at me, so I couldn't do it most of the time. Blossom tattles on me all the time and Dad's less fun when he's mad at me. Does that count, Miss Alice?
Doctor Alice: But what about the bad guy's family? Say he's a father of three and killing him will mean three children without a father. Does that trouble you?
Buttercup: Why should I care? It's not my problem.
Doctor Alice: Very well… You're doing great, Buttercup. Now… I want you to imagine your father for me. How does he normally look like when he found out you've killed someone.
Buttercup: You mean like last year?
Doctor Alice: Yes, like last year. Tell me about it.
Buttercup: He… I don't know how to…
Doctor Alice: Try.
Buttercup: Is sad the word? I don't know, angry too? But he doesn't show it like I do. I just know that it's… inside him? He's a little scary that way - please don't tell him I said that.
Doctor Alice: He loves you, Buttercup. That's why. Now, has he ever, like, blown up at you before?
Buttercup: Once, when I took Bubbles' truck, back when we couldn't speak very well.
Doctor Alice: That's a very long time ago, isn't it? I want you to recall his face when he did. Tell me about it.
Buttercup: It was… scary. I didn't like it one bit. I cried when I saw it. It… (sobs)
Doctor Alice: Are you okay?
Buttercup: I'm fine. Sorry. (Sniffles) (Alice's note: Buttercup appears to retain perfect memory of her early days despite lacking the ability to speak or even form her thoughts in words during those humble times. It is possible her reaction is a direct result of the emotions she remembers when her psychopathy has not been fully manifested yet. I can use it as a basis for her morals.)
Doctor Alice: No, Buttercup, you didn't do anything wrong. You don't have to apologize for it.
Buttercup: I'm sorry (sobs) I don't know- (sobs) what's happening to me (sniffles).
Doctor Alice: Buttercup, it's okay to cry - and it's okay to be afraid or feel sad when someone else is sad or afraid or angry. Do you understand?
Buttercup: Sorta. (sniffles)
Doctor Alice: Here, have a napkin. (sound of paper being pulled out) But I'm afraid I'm going to have to be frank with you on this one. If you keep killing, I think your Daddy might put on that face more often. He's a good man, Buttercup, and he'll likely blow up if you keep hurting people callously and killing them. See, a good man like him hates such things.
Buttercup: But I haven't killed anyone since Christmas!
Doctor Alice: I… didn't say you did, Buttercup, I was just-
Buttercup: I didn't.
Doctor Alice: (pause) I know, I know. I'm just saying that you're putting your father in a very bad spot and he's not going to react well whenever you do something wrong, okay? Buttercup, you know he cares and he knows what's good for you.
Buttercup: I know.
Doctor Alice: Good. Besides, if you're good, he'll be good to you too - and good girls deserve things like ice cream and presents. You like those stuff, do you?
Buttercup: Yes…
Doctor Alice: Just like how you like marshmallows?
Buttercup: Did you really drop them, Miss Alice? I really want some….
Doctor Alice: Be a good girl and you'll get plenty next week.
Buttercup: Okay…
Doctor Alice: Hmm… I think we're almost done, Buttercup. You've been great.
Buttercup: Thanks.
Doctor Alice: Just one more thing though. You kept mentioning, without fail, that you like hurting the bad guys. Tell me honestly, Buttercup - because good girls are honest - have you ever wanted to hurt the 'good guys'? I mean really hurt them? Like breaking a few bones, causing tears and cuts and bleeding, anything of that sort?
Buttercup: Promise me you won't tell?
Doctor Alice: You can trust me, Buttercup. I'm your therapist, so I'm supposed to keep secrets.
Buttercup: Yes.
Doctor Alice: Even now?
Buttercup: Yes, Miss Alice.
Doctor Alice: Who?
Buttercup: My sisters. Some of my classmates in school.
Doctor Alice: Why?
Buttercup: Because they really annoy me. Blossom wouldn't stop ordering me around and watching me and telling on me, and Bubbles! Urgh! She's so useless and all she ever does is cry! She's killing me with her crying! She's so- she left me there and cried like a little… like a little… Argh! When I was hurt and needed help!
Doctor Alice: What about your classmates? Why would you want to hurt them?
Buttercup: Some of them are really stupid! Like, all they ever do is make paper dolls and spell and add numbers and say stupid things. They're not like me, or even Blossom and Bubbles.
Doctor Alice: I see. Is there anyone else you felt like hurting?
Buttercup: I feel like hurting you too, Miss Alice. I kept imagining how it'd sound like for you to scream. Or how you look like on the inside.
Doctor Alice: (gasps, shallow breathing) What did you say?
Buttercup: You wanted me to be honest, Miss Alice. Am I a good girl for being honest?
Doctor Alice: (hesitation) W-why yes, of course. Very nice of you. Why… would you want to hurt me?
Buttercup: You kept asking me questions, Miss Alice, and I kept giving you my secrets. You kept bringing out these… feelings in me. And my Mom told me how mean you are, too. But you seem nice enough. I wish you have some marshmallows now, too.
Doctor Alice: What's… stopping you from hurting me, Buttercup?
Buttercup: I don't know. Nothing really. Your marshmallows, I guess? Daddy wouldn't like it, and I don't want him to hate me for it.
Doctor Alice: I- Uh- I see.
Buttercup: Are you afraid of me, Miss Alice?
Doctor Alice: To be honest? Yes. But Buttercup?
Buttercup: Hmm?
Doctor Alice: I'm here for you. That's what friends are for. (Silence) Here, let me take that blindfold off. (cloth folding, cord snapping) Thanks for talking to me, Buttercup. I'll see you next week?
Buttercup: (sofa crinkling) Sure, Miss Alice. Don't forget to bring the marshmallows.
Doctor Alice: I… of course.
(The sound of Buttercup getting up and walking away, before opening and closing the door)
Doctor Alice: (sigh) That was close. Too close for comfort. Analysis: Buttercup remains a pathological liar, which is symptomatic of her severe psychopathy. However, owing to her inexperience, she is not very good at it. She had told some very obvious lies about her performance in combat in the steel factory and during the dance at Morbucks' party. I guess she didn't know that I had notes on those events. As expected, her psychopathy remains as it was before. Of all the things Chemical X couldn't do, it's getting rid of mental illnesses. (sigh) It's her less obvious lies that worries me though. I can only wonder how many people she'd killed this month.
There's some good news. Buttercup appears to have the makings of a pro-social psychopath. It was dangerous, sure, but she had outright stated that she was holding back on hurting me because of Professor Utonium. She appears to be responding to rewards, and as it appears, could reason with consequences in terms of logic, young as she is. It might not be ideal, but this path I've been exploring is the best chance we have at a Buttercup who could function in normal society.
What concerns me the most, however, is that her duties in Townsville might not exactly bring out the best in Buttercup. It's going to be one temptation after another to do bad things, to hurt and kill. In a city like Townsville, there's going to be a lot of bad influences, stuff that could set Buttercup off in the wrong direction. As with Bubbles, I guess I'll be treating her permanently. Psychopathy isn't something that can be cured. I don't know what I was expecting. There's been too many miracles with Chemical X that I've started to take it for granted, I guess.
Timestamp: 2115
(sound of ruffling and things being shifted about as Alice packs her bag)
(There was a knock on the door)
Professor Utonium: Hey, Alice. How did the Girls do?
Doctor Alice: Splendid, actually. I believe I've made progress with all of them…
Professor Utonium: That's great. I'll definitely want to hear all about it later.
Doctor Alice: Later?
Professor Utonium: (softly) Come on, don't be shy now. She's right there. Alice and I will have to talk, honey, and then she'll have to leave.
Doctor Alice: Professor?
Professor Utonium: Stop hiding behind me, Blossom. Be brave- there you are, that's good.
Blossom: Hey, Miss Alice.
Doctor Alice: Blossom. It's nice to see you again… after…
Blossom: I'm sorry about what I did just now. I was just… I couldn't control myself… and… I just felt so angry and… (sobs)
Doctor Alice: Hey… It's okay… Come here…
Blossom: (cries) I'm sorry I got mad. (sobs) I didn't mean to hurt you…
Doctor Alice: But you didn't! Hey… It's okay… It's not your fault.
Blossom: (cries) What am I supposed to do? (sobs) It's so hard sometimes…
Doctor Alice: What you've always been doing, Blossom. (hair ruffling) You've been such a strong girl - you just need to be careful with Bubbles a little more, okay? She's... she's just not as strong as you.
Blossom: What about Buttercup? Mom hates it when she gets hurt…
Doctor Alice: I'll talk to her. It'll be fine. But for now, I guess… Buttercup's your sister too. I'm sure you already know what's good for her.
Blossom: Thanks, Miss Alice. I'm sorry I broke your bowl.
Doctor Alice: Nah, it's fine. It's just some cheap glass bowl I should have left at home anyway. I don't know why I didn't bring a plastic one.
Blossom: (sniffles) Will we speak again next week?
Doctor Alice: Of course… Hey… I'll always be here for you. That's what friends are for, right?
Blossom: You're such a good friend. I don't deserve it.
Doctor Alice: Don't be so hard on yourself. You do - you're young, Blossom. It's natural for you to make mistakes. It's how you learn - I'm not even mad at all, okay? It was nothing just now.
Blossom: I won't do it again…
Doctor Alice: I know you won't. (pats Blossom's back) Now off you go - go spend some time with your sisters, okay?
Blossom: Okay…
Timestamp: 2120
(Sound of sound recording playing on a cassette player. Blossom screams and Doctor Alice pleads for her to calm down in the recording. The recording stops.)
Professor Utonium: I've never seen Blossom like that before. (Sigh)
Doctor Alice: Neither have I.
Professor Utonium: It's getting to her, isn't it?
Doctor Alice: There's more to it than that. You need to talk to Selicia about this. I don't know what she did, but she's making Blossom's anxiety worse. You heard what Blossom said in the recording, right? 'Mom said I can't let Buttercup get hurt'?
Professor Utonium: That just sounds to me like Selicia's being protective of Buttercup. That's normal. It could just be a passing remark she made, and Blossom took it the wrong way.
Doctor Alice: Thomas, playing favoritism is one thing, but I think she's been saying or doing something to Blossom behind your back. She wouldn't have blown up like that – other factors considered.
Professor Utonium: What are you saying?
Doctor Alice: I have no specifics, but she could be doing anything from pressuring Blossom into making certain decisions to outright abusing her. I couldn't find out the truth because my session with Blossom today was cut short-
Professor Utonium: Selicia wouldn't do that. She loves Blossom. Sure, Buttercup most of all, but she loves the Girls, all of them, I know it!
Doctor Alice: It's entirely possible for someone to hurt another even if she loves her, Thomas.
Professor Utonium: Selicia wouldn't. She loves them. She knows how hurting the Girls in any way would make me feel. It's happened before, and she wouldn't do it again.
Doctor Alice: Please don't be mad at me. We have to put our feelings aside to help those we love, Thomas. Including your love for Selicia.
Professor Utonium: I'm not mad. I'll talk to Selicia about it. You're right, I have to make sure nothing's going on.
Doctor Alice: I was thinking I should do that, actually.
Professor Utonium: No, that wouldn't work. She hates you with a passion, and I mean it. She exploded on me during our date just because I mentioned your name, Alice.
Doctor Alice: And do you really love her?
Professor Utonium: Very much.
Doctor Alice: (pauses) I see. Well, you talk to her then.
Professor Utonium: How are the Girls, Alice?
Doctor Alice: (silence) Hmm? What? Oh. I think Bubbles and Buttercup are responding to me. Blossom's strong – she's suffering the least, but now I'm worried that's going to change after today. I don't have enough to go on, but I really hope Blossom isn't developing IED.
Professor Utonium: IED?
Doctor Alice: Intermittent Explosive Disorder. An anger problem. Don't be alarmed, Tom. Chances are, it could be acute and temporary. It could blow over when things calm down.
Professor Utonium: I hope so. Blossom's the smart one, the strong one. She'll be fine, right?
Doctor Alice: (Pause) Right. So now, we just need to focus on her anxiety.
Professor Utonium: What can I do to help?
Doctor Alice: The same as what you've been doing. Love her. Give her everything – a good family life, a home where she could feel safe. She's the city's guardian angel, but you're her guardian angel.
Professor Utonium: But that's not enough, isn't it? If it were, they wouldn't be this way…
Doctor Alice: That's the other thing we need to talk about. Bubbles and Buttercup. They might be responding to me, but every time they get out there, they're getting worse. I'm not sure if I can keep up, and the mind doesn't work that way – it's not a computer in which I can just install my treatments and uninstall their mental disorders. It'll add up, and if this goes on for too long, there will be a point of no return.
Professor Utonium: I know, and I have to watch them get worse every day, right before my eyes. That's why I'm working on something that could save them.
Doctor Alice: Is it something to do with Chemical X? It can't be repurposed into some kind of medical treatment for their mental disorders, can it?
Professor Utonium: No, but I can come pretty close to it. Let's call it Anti-X for easy reference. I have a pretty good idea on how to make it work. It'll nullify the Chemical X in their body and make them normal. Permanently, hopefully.
Doctor Alice: Taking them off-duty indefinitely, Thomas Lewis Upton, you're a genius! (pause) But… What about the USDO council?
Professor Utonium: I haven't floated the idea with them yet.
Doctor Alice: They won't like it. Most of them, I mean, even if the majority will vote against killing them. I'm with you in this, and so are some of them in the council but I think Director Cliff had made sure intentionally that the majority on the council is on his side.
Professor Utonium: I'll do whatever it takes to save my family, Alice. Whatever it takes. If they need something else to defend Townsville, I'll make them something else to do the job.
Doctor Alice: Something else? You're talking about another human being, Thomas. Since when did you get so cold?
Professor Utonium: I'll do anything for my Girls.
Doctor Alice: That's not who you are.
Professor Utonium: Yeah, and that's why Naga and Jojo's out there, hurting my kids. My creations, my weakness.
Doctor Alice: That's different.
Professor Utonium: I'm doing this.
Doctor Alice: I guess I can't stop you. But Upton – Thomas – don't forget who you are. You're a good man, and you shouldn't let anything change you. The Girls look up to you, Tom, and if you break and become something else, so will they.
Professor Utonium: I know…
-TRANSCRIPT END-