GB:  (surprised) My helmet?  I guess so...why?

Jonas:  Oh, just for a little project of mine.

GB:  When will I get it back?

Jonas:  I don't need it NOW, just before you leave today.  I can have it back to you tomorrow
morning.

GB:  Well, that IS a little strange...but okay.

Jonas:  Thanks.

[Meanwhile, by the ovens...]

Speedy:  Well, honey, what do you think about this guy?  I think he's creepy.

Polly:  [thinks] He's pretty mysterious.  Secretive.  It's hard to tell with all that stuff on, but he
looks like he has a pretty large build.  Does he look that muscular to you?

Speedy:  He doesn't really look like it to me, but I know he's GOT it.  [rubs his hand] My hand
still smarts.

Polly:  [smiles] Well, don't worry.  I know of a few ways to make you feel better.

Speedy:  [same] Oh, yeah?  Like what?

Polly:  [scratches her chin] Hmm...well, here's one.  [She gently kisses Speedy on the lips]

Speedy:  (sighs) Thanks, dear.  I needed that.  It's going to be a LONG day.  (to everyone) Okay,
everyone!  We're all set!  (to GB) GB, open the doors.

[GB opens the doors just as the first customers reach them.  The parlor is soon filled with people]

Speedy:  Francine, can you and the others keep those people busy while I give Jonas something to
do?

Francine:  Hurry up, Speedy!  We're outnumbered here!

Speedy: (to Jonas) Okay, since it's your first day, we'll start with something basic:  deliveries.  It's
dirt simple:  I give you a pizza and address slip, you quickly deliver the pizza to that address,
collect the money, and return here for another one.  This goes on and on until the end of business
hours today.  Get it?

Jonas:  [nods] Got it.

Speedy:  Good.

Francine:  Speedy, I've got one for the seaport!  [tosses him slip]

Speedy: (to Jonas) Okay, here's your chance.  I'll make up the pizza, put it in a box, and you
deliver it.

[Speedy puts on the toppings, quickly cooks the pizza, puts it in a box, and hands it to Jonas]

Speedy:  Go on!  I'll have more waiting when you get back.

Jonas:  All right.

[Jonas takes the pizza and slip and walks off-screen.  About three seconds later, an electrical
sizzling sound is heard, accompanied by a dim, yellow flash.  Five seconds after that, the same
thing happens again {Speedy doesn't notice; he's boxing the next order}.  Jonas walks back
on-screen, money in hand]

Jonas:  Next.

Speedy:  [turns to Jonas] (shocked) HUH?  What are you doing back?  Where's your PIZZA!?

Jonas:  (puzzled) I...DELIVERED it...

Speedy:  (shocked) HOW!?  The seaport's on the other side of the city!  Even if you were fired
out of the cannon, it would take you several MINUTES to get there, and TWICE AS LONG TO
WALK BACK!

Jonas: (confused) Walk?  What are you...?  [realizes why Speedy is shocked] Oh, I see!  (laughs)
Let me show you.  Where's this order headed?

Speedy:  [hands Jonas pizza and slip] This one goes to...hey!  This one goes to Guru Lou!

Jonas:  (curious) Guru Lou?  You mean the guy who found the Supreme Catatonic?

Speedy:  [smiles] Yeah, that's...HUH!?  [eyes Jonas suspiciously] How do you know about that?
We never released that information to the public!

Jonas:  [chuckles] I have my ways.  Now, watch this.

[Jonas slowly walks away.  As he does, he is surrounded by a yellowish glow {it looks like
something from Quantum Leap, only yellow and faster}, and disappears in an electrical crackle
and a flash of light.  Speedy can hardly believe what he has just seen.  A few seconds later, Jonas
returns the same way, money in hand]

Speedy:  (slowly, in awe) How...did you...DO THAT!?

Jonas:  [chuckles] Teleportation is just ONE of my skills.  You'll learn about the rest later.  Right
now, we have pizzas to deliver, right?

Speedy:  (hesitant) Right...<Wow, maybe this wasn't such a bad decision after all!>

[The rest of the day passes quickly, as the others learn of Jonas' ability to teleport.  Crowds are
actually worn down as Jonas handles ALL deliveries, freeing up everyone else for waiting tables.
After business hours...]

Francine:  [smiles] This is great!  This was the busiest day we've ever had, and we actually wore
the crowd in the parlor down to under fifty people!

Guido:  Thanks, Jonas.  You really pulled through back there.

Jonas:  I take it I'm hired, then?

Speedy:  All in favor, say "Eye!"

Everyone:  EYE!

Speedy:  [smiles] It's unanimous! [extends his hand] Congratulations!  You're hired!

Jonas:  [shakes Speedy's hand] Thank you.  This means a lot to me.

Polly:  Don't mention it.  We really needed some help around here.

GB:  Yeah.  [Yawns, looks at watch.  It is 7:00 PM] Well guys, I'll be heading home, now.
Carla's probably waiting for me.  [walks over to Jonas, removes his helmet {GB has no hair, just
several really black feathers}] Here you are.  I'll expect it back tomorrow.

Jonas:  [takes helmet] You got it.

Guido:  [waves] Later, GB!

[GB waves, then exits]

Francine:  (to Jonas) Why did he leave you his helmet?

Jonas:  I'm conducting a little work, that's all.

Speedy:  [yawns] I think GB had the right idea.  I'm gonna turn in.

Polly:  Me, too.

Francine:  You guys are so LAZY!  Well, I'M going to do a little work.

Guido:  I'll...help Francine.

[Francine blushes]

Speedy: [chuckles] (to Jonas) How about you, Jonas?

Jonas:  I'm not sleepy, but I've got some things to work on, so, if you'll excuse me...[starts to walk
away, then stops] By the way...where exactly DO I sleep?

[All the Cats think for a moment]

Polly: [waving her hand] (excited) Ooh! Oh, I know!  I know!

Speedy:  What is it, dear?

Polly:  [smiles] (to Speedy) He can sleep in MY room!

Guido:  [smiles] Yeah!

Francine: [same] Great idea, Polly!

Speedy: [same] You're right!  That'll be perfect!

Jonas:  [puts left hand behind his head] Well, I didn't mean to IMPOSE...

Polly:  (confused) Huh?  What...oh, you thought I meant...[laughs] No, no, you don't understand.
When Speedy and I married, I moved into HIS room.  Now, we just use my old room for storing
junk.

Jonas:  Oh.  Well, that's fine with me.  Where is it?

Speedy:  [points toward the rooms] Down that hall, fourth door on the left.

Jonas:  Well, in that case...[walks toward the rooms]...I'll see you all in the morning.  Thank you
all again.  Good night.

Speedy:  Wait a sec.  That room's totally empty.  There might be some boxes in there, but there's
no bed or furniture.

Jonas:  I'll take care of it.  Good night.

Everyone:  Good night!

[The view follows Jonas down to Polly's old room.  As Jonas opens the door, we can see a few
large boxes stacked in one corner.  The rest of the room is bare]

Jonas:  [looks the room over] Hmph.  Not bad.  Could use a little decorating, though...[closes
door on the camera]

[Back in the serving area...]

Speedy:  (to Guido and Francine) So, you two are going to stay up and work?

Guido:  [lays a hand on Francine's shoulder] That's right.

Francine:  [touches Guido's hand, smiles] Don't let us keep you up.

Speedy:  [shrugs] Have it your way.  [yawns, heads for his room]

Polly:  [smiles] (to Guido and Francine) Good night, you two.

[Guido and Francine nod.  Camera follows Speedy and Polly to their room]

Polly:  (to Speedy) Isn't it romantic, the way they're always together?

Speedy:  I suppose.  I was never like that.  [shuts room door]

Polly:  {puts her hands on her hips] (accusingly) Oh, REALLY?

Speedy:  (puzzled) What?

Polly:  As I recall, you were like that for weeks until you proposed to me.

Speedy:  [kisses Polly on the cheek] I was nervous!  I wanted to be on your good side when I
asked you.

Polly:  (surprised) You thought I might refuse?

Speedy:  [removes helmet] You DID say you needed time to think about it.

Polly:  But...

[Suddenly, there comes a knock at the door]

Speedy:  Who is it?

Jonas:  It's Jonas.  May I come in?

Speedy:  Sure.  [Speedy sits on the bed]

[Jonas enters, Guido's helmet tucked under one arm]

Speedy:  What do you need?

Jonas:  (hesitating) This is going to sound a little odd, but...

Polly:  [smiles] A lot of things about you are odd.  Go ahead.

Jonas:  [laughs] I'll...take that as a COMPLIMENT.  Anyway...can I borrow your helmets?

Speedy:  You starting a drive, or what?

Polly:  (to Speedy) SPEEDY!  [takes Speedy's helmet, removes her own] (to Jonas) Here you are,
Jonas.  We'll get them back tomorrow, right?

Jonas:  [takes helmets, nods] Right.  Thanks.  [Jonas exits, shutting the door behind him]

Polly:  [turns to Speedy] So, do you still think he's creepy?  [removes her locket, sets it on a
dresser]

Speedy:  Yes, just not as creepy as before.  He's a little STRANGE...

Polly:  [sits on the bed] Give him time.  It's only his first day.  [rubs her neck and groans]

Speedy:  [turns to Polly] (concerned) Huh?  What is it?

Polly:  [rubbing her neck] Nothing.  My neck's just a little sore...[groans]

Speedy: [thinks] Sit still for a second.  [gets on his knees behind Polly, begins massaging her neck
and shoulders]

Polly:  [closes her eyes] Mmm...that feels GREAT...[begins purring loudly]

Speedy:  [stops massaging] (surprised) Polly?

Polly:  (purring) Yeah?

Speedy:  Is that YOU?

Polly:  Of course it is, silly.  Why?

Speedy:  [continues massaging] Nothing, I guess.  I just don't think I've ever heard you purr
before...{Ironic, since Polly's Kyatto Ninden Teyandee (Japanese Pizza Cats, affectionately
referred to as KNT) name is Pururun, which translates to a purring sound.  So, HA!}

Polly:  (a little hurt) Didn't you hear me at our wedding...?

Speedy:  Well, the Rude Noise's interpretation of "The Wedding March" was a little LOUD...

[Speedy and Polly laugh.  Speedy massages Polly's neck for several minutes]

Speedy:  Is that better?

Polly:  Yeah, a LOT better.

[Speedy prepares to lie down...]

Polly:  Okay, your turn.

Speedy:  (puzzled) Huh?

Polly:  You heard me.  Sit up.

Speedy:  Well, I don't really NEED...

Polly:  Speedy Cerviche, I'm your WIFE.  I know when something's bothering you.  Now, sit up.

[Speedy sits up, and Polly begins massaging HIS shoulders.  Much to his surprise, Speedy
HIMSELF begins to purr]

Speedy:  (purring) Oh, man...that's WONDERFUL...I don't deserve you, Polly.

Polly:  [chuckles] I know.  (concerned) Boy, Speedy, your muscles are all tense and knotted.  Are
you nervous about something?

Speedy:  (sighs) Well, I am a LITTLE nervous...

Polly:  About what?

Speedy:  Well...[softly] about YOU...

Polly:  [stops massaging] (very surprised) HUH!?

Speedy:  I mean, about your NIGHTMARES.  I don't think it's HEALTHY to have them like you
have.  What if something happened to you to CAUSE this?  If something were to happen to you,
I...I...[begins crying softly]

Polly:  [hugs Speedy] (consoling) Oh, Speedy.  I didn't know you were so upset.  But you said it
yourself.  These things happen.  If it's normal or not, we're going to go through it TOGETHER.
The BOTH of us.

Speedy:  [stops crying] (confidently) You're right.  We ARE going through this together.  We're
going to make it, too.

Polly:  [smiles] That's right.  Now, just relax...

[Polly massages Speedy's shoulders for several minutes]

Speedy:  Thanks, Polly.  I really DID need that.  [gets up, removes uniform] I'm taking a shower.
What about you?

Polly:  [yawns] I'll take one in the morning.  Good night, dear.  I love you.

Speedy:  Good night, sweetheart.  I love you, too.  [gives Polly a long kiss]

[Speedy takes a shower, and dresses in a white robe.  He goes to bed to find Polly in her pink
nightgown, fast asleep.  Speedy gets into bed, gently kisses her on the cheek, and is soon asleep
himself.]

{OKAY, FOLKS.  THAT was the calm before the storm.  Tomorrow will be the beginning of
things to come.  The next two days will lead into that "LIVING HELL" I told you about.  Hang
on, 'cause HERE WE GO...!}

[The setting is the second floor of the parlor.  Stairs can be seen in one corner, leading down to
the hallway where the bedrooms are.  The second floor itself consists of one small room, nearly
bare, with a table and several chairs, some boxes stacked in a corner, and a glass door that leads
to a small balcony near the front of the parlor.  On the balcony are a table and two chairs.  The
door is open, and the sun's first rays are streaming into the room.  Jonas is sitting at the table
inside, with all of the team's helmets lined up in front of him.  He is not dressed as the day before.
He is still wearing his cloak and gloves, but now wears a T-shirt that says "SPC FOREVER"
{HA!}, blue jeans, and sneakers.  He has no visible fur, and the skin on his arms is a beige color.
He is examining Speedy's helmet.]

Jonas:  [puts down Speedy's helmet] (to himself, exhausted, with no echo in his voice) I'M
FINISHED.  [Looks at the gold watch on his left arm.  The display reads 6:00 AM] It took me an
hour and a half EACH, but I'm finally FINISHED.

[Jonas gets up, stretches, and walks out onto the balcony.  A warm breeze causes his cloak to
billow out behind him.]

Jonas:  (to himself) Well, today's the first full day I have to talk to them.  Will they believe what I
have to say, or will they think I'm crazy?  [chuckles, walks back into the room] Or does it really
MATTER?  Either way, I HAVE to convince them that the threat is very real.  But how do I get
them to lis-

Francine:  [walks up the stairs] (interrupting) Hello?  Is anyone up here?

Jonas:  [turns to Francine] (to Francine) It's just me, Francine.

Francine:  [rubs her eyes] Oh, hello, Jonas.  I THOUGHT I heard someone up here...

Jonas:  What are you doing up?

Francine:  [smiles] I'm an early riser.  What about you?  [looks around] What are you doing up
HERE, anyway?

Jonas:  Just finishing some work.  I needed some air.  [points to helmets] I worked on two of
those until 10:00 last night, slept for five hours, and finished the last two this morning.

Francine:  (surprised) ONLY five hours?  You must be exhausted!

Jonas:  [chuckles] After an average day of work, I regain almost 20% of my energy for every hour
I sleep.  It allows me to get more work done.

Francine:  So, you're a workaholic?

Jonas:  [chuckles] There's a fine line between being a workaholic and simply enjoying your work.
I enjoy what I do.

Francine:  What exactly DO you do?

Jonas:  I'll tell you later.  I have a LOT of things to tell you all today...

Francine:  [nods] Right.  [notices how Jonas is dressed] (surprised) Why in the world are you
dressed like THAT?  Where's the echo in your voice?

Jonas:  [puzzled] This is me casual.  The echo's fake.

Francine:  If this is you casual, what was yesterday's look?

Jonas:  [thinks] Prepared.

Francine:  PREPARED?  FOR WHAT?

Jonas:  [shrugs] Anything.  [chuckles] Honestly, would you have still hired me if I had walked in
yesterday looking like THIS?

Francine:  [laughs] If you still managed to show us you were worth it, yes.  It's just that...we all
thought you were so...COLD.

Jonas:  [laughs] You were SUPPOSED to.  It's the whole intimidation factor.  If you look
stronger than you really are, nobody will mess with you.

Francine:  [nods] So, tell me...are you as strong as you look?

Jonas:  Now, now.  That would be TELLING.  You'll just have to wait and see.

Francine:  I suppose you're right...[looks past Jonas] (softly) Wow.

Jonas:  Huh?  [turns around] (softly) Oh.

[The sun is rising over a hill, colored a dark red.  The surrounding sky and clouds are colored a
very bright red]

Jonas:  A crimson dawn.

Francine:  (curious) A what?

Jonas:  It's what I call sunrises like these.  You ever hear of Krakatoa, Francine?

Francine:  [thinks] Wasn't that a volcano somewhere?

Jonas:  [nods] On the island of the same name in the Sunda Strait, the body of water that connects
the Java Sea and the Indian Ocean.  In 1883, Krakatoa erupted FOUR times, creating a tidal wave
that killed over 36,000 people.  The explosion blew the island apart, and shot volcanic dust
twenty miles into the air.  Winds carried the dust around the Earth TEN times.  Sunsets seen
through the dust were called "Krakatoa sunsets" around the world.  When seen through the dust,
the sun and sky appeared blood-red.  These eerie sunsets lasted for years.  [walks out onto the
balcony]  A crimson dawn is essentially the same thing, only at sunrise.  They may or may not be
caused by volcanic dust, but they're a rare sight nowadays.  [turns to Francine, shakes his head]
Didn't get many of these back home.

Francine:  (impressed) How do you know all that?

Jonas:  [chuckles, taps his hood] You'd be surprised at all the useless information I've got up here.
[looks at sunrise] Still, beautiful, don't you think?

Francine:  [softly] Yeah...beautiful...[hangs her head, sighs] If you'll excuse me...[she slowly walks
down the stairs]

Jonas:  <That poor girl...she must be thinking about Guido...>  [he picks up the helmets and
follows Francine]

[Francine slowly heads for the serving area and takes a seat at a table.  She hangs her head and
sighs.  Jonas follows, making no sound.]

Francine:  <Jonas is right.  That IS a beautiful sunrise.  I just wish I had someone to SHARE it
with.  I COULD ask...no.  What if he rejects me?>  [sighs]

Jonas:  You could just tell him, you know.

Francine:  (startled) HUH!?  [turns to Jonas]  Tell WHO?  WHAT?

Jonas:  Tell Guido how you feel, of course.

Francine:  (panicking) TELL GUIDO HOW I FEEL!?  WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?

Jonas:  [crosses his arms] Francine, I may have only been here a DAY, but it's obvious that you
care for him.  The thought patterns you're emitting are very potent.  Talking to a telepath, that
makes it pretty useless for you to deny anything.

Francine:  (REALLY panicked) ME!?  CARE FOR GUIDO!?  THAT'S ABSURD!  THAT'S
RIDICULOUS!  THAT'S...

[Jonas gives Francine a cold look]

Francine:  (softly) ...absolutely right.  Is it that obvious?

Jonas:  (shocked) You talk like it's something to be ASHAMED OF!  Francine, being in love is
one of the most wonderful feelings you can ever have!  One of the best things that can ever
HAPPEN to you!  You should feel GREAT!

Francine:  I know, but...I'm just so NERVOUS...so UNSURE...

Jonas:  [sets helmets on the table, takes a seat] (comfortingly) That comes NATURALLY.  Now,
tell me what's on your mind.

Francine:  [sighs] Guido and I have always been good friends.  Ever since we were kids.  We got
together with Speedy and Polly and formed this pizza parlor because we would all be around each
other, and it was something we loved to do.  We've worked together all these years, but I never
really seemed to notice him.  I met a nice guy, named Bucky {Gender Bender Butterflies-not seen
in the U.S.!}, and we went out a couple of times, but one day, he told me there was someone else,
and that was the end of it.  [begins crying softly]

Jonas:  [lays a hand on Francine's shoulder] (comfortingly) Now, now.  Take your time.

Francine:  [nods, sniffles] I was devastated.  I promised myself I'd never fall in love again.  Then,
when Speedy, Polly, and Lucille got singing contracts, Guido felt like no one cared about him.
{No-talent Guido} I think that's when I first began to really notice him.  Underneath his macho
exterior, there's a sensitive, lonely cat inside.  I really felt sorry for him, and wanted to tell him I
cared, but I was just too afraid of what he might say.  He seemed interested in Polly, anyway, so I
decided to just forget about it.  [sighs]  After Polly married Speedy, I noticed a change in him.  He
didn't flirt with girls NEARLY as much as he used to, and tried to help me whenever he could.
Like last night.  I know Guido.  He HATES unnecessary work, but he stayed up to help me
anyway.  That's exactly what we did, too.  Worked.  He helped me figure up some expenses, said
good night, and went to bed.  He's been dropping other little hints for a while, now...[hangs her
head] I...I think I'm falling in love with him...

Jonas:  If he's been helping you so much, he probably feels the same way about YOU.

Francine:  [nods] I thought he might, but... it's just that...Guido's always been a ladies' man,
and...I'm not sure if he really cares about me or not.

Jonas:  When was the last time you saw him with someone else?

Francine:  [snaps her head up] (surprised) I...I don't know...he almost NEVER goes out, except
for deliveries, and even then, he's always back right away.

Jonas:  Can you think of any other reason he would be doing this?

Francine:  [thinks] Well, maybe for a RAISE...

Jonas:  [scoffs] I DOUBT it.  Francine, I think you should accept the possibility that Guido may
love you just as much, if not more than, you love him.

Francine:  [smiles] You...you really think so?

Jonas:  When he said he was going to stay up and help you last night, the tone in his voice, the
look in his eyes...they didn't say he WANTED anything from you...they said he just wanted to BE
with you.

Francine:  [flashes back to Guido laying his hand on her shoulder, tears begin streaming down her
cheeks] (voice breaking) You...you're RIGHT!  [hugs Jonas, sobs into his shoulder]

Jonas:  [pats Francine on the back] (comfortingly) There, there.  Let it all out.  That's right.

Francine:  (sobbing) He...he DOES care...but...how do I let him know how I feel?

Jonas:  [thinks] Hmm...[looks out of parlor door, at sunrise] I think I've got a way to truly test
him and let YOU drop a few hints of your own.

Francine:  [lets go of Jonas, smiles] Really?  How?

Jonas:  Well, you could...[whispers in Francine's ear]

Francine:  [smiles] I THOUGHT about that, but...do you think it'll work?

Jonas:  [shrugs] Only one way to find out.

[Francine and Jonas slowly get up from the table, and walk toward Guido's room.  About halfway
there, Francine stops]

Francine:  [turns to Jonas] But, what if he-

Jonas:  (interrupting) Francine, you can't live your life based on "ifs".  You've got to take a
gamble SOMETIME, or you'll never get anywhere.

[Francine doesn't move]

Jonas:  [lays a hand on Francine's shoulder, sighs] Look, at the very LEAST, you'll be able to find
out if he really cares about you.  You'll never forgive yourself if you miss this chance.

[Speedy and Polly exit their room and enter the main area, dressed as the night before.  Polly is
wearing her gold locket]

Speedy:  (groggily) Mornin'.  [he rushes into the kitchen]

Jonas:  (to Polly) What's with HIM?

Polly:  [smiles] Oh, he's like that EVERY morning.  He just needs something to wake him up.
Join us?

Jonas:  Sure.  (to Francine) I'll see you later.

[Jonas and Polly go to join Speedy.  Jonas grabs the team's helmets]

Polly:  [as they walk away] What's with that OUTFIT?

Jonas:  (puzzled) This is me CASUAL.

[Francine slowly walks toward Guido's room.  The door is open.  Guido's room has wallpaper
with green diamonds against a blue background, two dressers, a nightstand with a lamp, a closet,
and one bed.  One picture of the entire Pizza Cats team sits on the nightstand.  Guido is sleeping
soundly, wearing his blue robe.  Francine shakes him gently]

Francine:  (whispers) Guido...Guido...Guido!

Guido:  (drowsily) Huh?  What izzit?  [sees Francine, snaps awake] (softly) Oh.  Francine.

Francine:  [smiles] (whispers) Come here, sleepyhead.

Guido:  [gets out of bed] (same) Is something wrong?

Francine:  No, there's just something I want you to see.  Hurry up!

[Francine leads Guido upstairs, and out onto the balcony.  The sunrise is still in view]

Francine:  [sits down, points to sunrise] Look at that.

Guido:  [sits down] (in awe, softly) Whoa...

Francine:  Jonas calls it a crimson dawn.  Isn't it beautiful?

Guido:  Yeah...[turns to Francine] (softly)...it sure is.

[Francine turns to Guido, and their eyes lock.  As Guido and Francine silently embrace, the
scenery changes to that of the kitchen.  Speedy and Jonas {mysteriously back in his suit from the
previous day} are sitting at a table, with the team's helmets sitting in front of them.  They are both
drinking cups of something.  Polly is raiding the fridge]

Speedy:  (curious) So, just what did you do to our helmets, anyway?

Jonas:  I made a few modifications.  Nothing serious.  They won't interfere with the helmets'
normal uses.  [begins softly humming "Mighty Wings"]

Speedy:  What's that?

Jonas:  What's what?

Speedy:  That tune you're humming.  It sounds really familiar.

Jonas:  It's Mighty Wings.  By Cheap Trick.

Speedy:  [thinking] Mighty Wings...Mighty Wings...I KNOW I've heard that
somewhere...[realizes] That's from Top Gun, isn't it?

Jonas:  [nods] It was a great movie, but I liked the music better.  I found it...soothing.  Relaxing.
I train to it sometimes.  You can listen to some, you know.

Speedy:  (curious) Really?  How?

Jonas:  [holds out Speedy's helmet] Here, put this on.  [Speedy puts on his helmet] Flip down the
visor.

[Speedy flips down the helmet's visor (the red part with the glass sphere).  Polly sits down with a
cup of something, and, curious, puts on her OWN helmet, and flips down its visor.  The view
switches to Speedy's.  It's normal, except with a light blue hue and a blinking cursor in the
upper-left corner]

Speedy:  There's a typing prompt in the corner.

Jonas:  That means it's ready to receive commands.  Say something.

Speedy:  [thinks] Umm...music.

[The prompt disappears, and is replaced by the message:  SPECIFY]

Speedy:  "SPECIFY"...?

Jonas:  "Music" is pretty broad.  That thing can receive radio signals, or select from the
programmed archive.  Give a song type, or name, or something.

Speedy:  Mighty Wings.

[A menu pops up.  It is that of a standard music player, with play, stop, etc. icons]

Speedy:  Play.

[Speedy hears all of Mighty Wings played inside his helmet.  When the song is over...]

Jonas:  The whole setup is mainly voice controlled, but I can wire a keypad into your armor if you
want.

Speedy:  [lifts up visor] (impressed) That's pretty cool.  What else did you do?

Jonas:  [thinks] Well, I gave it night-amplification and infrared visual enhancements, telescopic
zoom features, a two-way radio to myself and the other helmets, automatic light source
correction, audio amplification and reduction remixers, an x-ray scanner, AM/FM radio,
and...that's all I can remember off the top of my head.  I also rewired the cellular cat bell system.
Now any bell can contact any other bell.

Speedy:  (VERY impressed) Jeez, man.  How did you DO all that?

Jonas:  [chuckles] I told you, I'm sort of an inventor, but I'm also a pretty good technician.  I can
handle almost any piece of technology on the planet.

Speedy:  You did ALL this LAST NIGHT?

Jonas:  Two last night, two this morning.  Why?

Speedy:  [smiles] You're a real piece of work, you know that?  [turns to Polly] Hey, Polly, did
you hear...Polly?

[Polly is sitting with her head lying on the table, visor down, and breathing slowly.  She is loosely
clutching the cup in her hand]

Speedy:  [nudges Polly gently] Polly...?

[Polly doesn't respond, but softly mumbles something incoherently.  Speedy lifts her visor up.  Her
eyes are tightly shut.  It is clear she is asleep]

Speedy:  [sighs, lays a hand on her shoulder] (softly) Oh, Polly...

Jonas:  She must be tired.

Speedy:  [sighs] She hasn't slept well for a few days.  She's been having these really vivid
nightmares.  Terrible stuff.  I've DIED in three out of four.  She didn't have any last night, but
she's probably slept only 30 hours in the last five days.  She needs to rest, but there's really not a
lot of time to spare.  [gently shakes Polly] Come on, girl.  Wake up.

Polly:  [raises her head up] (drowsily) Hnnh?  What?

Speedy:  You fell asleep.  [Looks at his watch:  6:30] It's 6:30.

Polly:  (surprised) I WHAT?  Just now?  Ooh, I need more SLEEP...

Jonas:  (curious, to Polly) Tell me about these nightmares of yours.

Polly:  (puzzled) My...? [gives Speedy a sharp look, sighs] There's not much to tell.  They just
really scare me, and they're getting worse.  Speedy thinks something might have happened to
somehow TRIGGER this.

Jonas:  Give me an example.

Polly:  [thinks] Well, I had one about three nights ago...

{WARNING:  You REALLY SHOULD be familiar with "The Big Comet Caper" before you read
this!}

[Scene switches to the large crowd watching Speedy and Bad Bird battling the comet in the
Supreme Catatonic]

Polly:  (voice-over) It's about when Speedy and Bad Bird were trying to stop the comet...

[A bright flash turns night into day.  The comet has been annihilated, but has apparently taken
Speedy and Bad Bird with it]

Polly:  [drops to her knees, teary-eyed] (voice breaking) Oh, Speedy...

[The entire crowd begins sobbing in grief.  Polly is having a breakdown]

Guido:  [kneels, lays a hand on Polly's shoulder] (consoling) Please don't cry, Polly.  I'll take care
of you now that Speedy's gone to the big restaurant in the sky.

Polly:  [looks up at Guido, teary-eyed, and smiles weakly] I'll be okay.

Francine:  LOOK, UP IN THE SKY!

Polly and Guido:  (in unison) Huh?

[One large, blue and white fireball streaks toward the crowd]

Guido:  (panicking) QUICK, GET OUTTA THE WAY!

[The crowd scatters, and the fireball smashes to the ground.  As the smoke clears, the silhouette
of Bad Bird can be seen, holding a limp Speedy in his arms.  Bad Bird staggers forward a few
steps, sets Speedy down on the ground, and collapses to one knee]

Carla:  [runs forward] BIRDIE!

BB:  (weakly) C...Carla?

[Carla hugs BB tightly]

Carla: (sobbing) Oh, Birdie.

BB:  What?

Carla:  Don't leave me again.

BB:  I never, ever will, Carla.  I promise.

[Polly runs to the prone Speedy, and holds him in her arms]

Polly:  (sobbing) Oh, Speedy...

Speedy:  (VERY weakly) Now, now.  You knew I couldn't leave without seeing you one last
time...

Polly:  [smiles] (through tears) Don't say that.  You're going to be just fi-

Speedy:  [puts a finger to Polly's lips] (softly) Shh.  Guido?

Guido:  [kneels down] I'm here.

Speedy:  [coughs] I...I want you to promise me you'll take care of Polly for me.

Guido:  (unsure) Speedy, I...

Speedy:  PROMISE ME, or I SWEAR I'll come back to HAUNT you...[coughs]

Guido:  [nods] (voice breaking) I...I promise.

[Speedy nods.  He gently strokes Polly's cheek with his right hand.  He slowly closes his eyes, and
his hand falls to the ground, limp]

Polly:  [crying hysterically, pulls Speedy close to her] (sobbing) SPEEDY!!!  PLEASE, DON'T
LEAVE ME!!!  (softly) Speedy...!

[As Polly sobs over the body of her fallen love, all is silent, save for the sound of her crying]

Polly:  (voice-over) I thought NOTHING could top THAT.

[Scene returns to the kitchen table.  Polly is shaking slightly, and Speedy has his left arm around
her]

Polly:  I had actually LIVED through that.  EXPERIENCED it.  Somewhere, in the back of my
mind, I knew it had happened DIFFERENTLY.  I knew it wasn't REAL.  That kind of took the
edge off.  I wasn't prepared for what came the next night.  It was totally new.  I didn't have any
reference for this one.  So help me, I THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS ACTUALLY
HAPPENING.

Jonas:  Tell me what happened.

[Polly tells Jonas about her dream of the cave, and Speedy's duel with the dark figure.  When she's
finished...]

Polly:  [shivering] (voice breaking) I'm sorry.  I can't go on...

Speedy:  [hugs Polly tightly] (consoling, to Polly) Easy, now.  I'm here.  (to Jonas) So, what do
you think?

Jonas:  [thinks] Hmm...I think the comet dream is just an altered memory of a traumatic
experience.  We don't WANT to remember times like those, but when we do, our mind makes
them out to be worse than they really were.  I wouldn't worry about it.  The other one, though, I
can't explain.  You say you've never been in a situation like that before?

Polly:  [shakes her head] Uh-uh.  We've been underground before, but nothing even remotely like
THAT has ever happened.

Jonas:  You haven't had a history of dreams coming true, have you?

Polly:  No.

Jonas:  (quietly) Hmm...I think we can rule out empathic visions.  (normally) Well, I'd have to say
that the cave one is just a random nightmare.  No connection to reality, just your mind playing
tricks on you.

Speedy:  What about this string of nightmares over the past few days?

Jonas:  Probably from STRESS.  You've been run ragged by this constant, non-stop flow of
customers.  Your bodies need rest, but you refuse to give it to them...which is why I've given you
today and tomorrow off.

Speedy and Polly:  (shocked, in unison) YOU WHAT!?

Jonas:  [holds up his hands in defense] Whoa, whoa!  Before you bite my head off, there's another
reason.

Voice:  What might that be?

[Everyone turns to the doorway.  GB is standing there, with his arms crossed]

Speedy:  Didn't hear you come in, GB.  How long have you been standing there?

GB:  Long enough.  [takes a seat] So tell us, Jonas.  What's the other reason?

Jonas:  Have any of you checked inventory lately?

Everyone else:  Uh...no...

Jonas:  Well, I have.  You've been churning out pizzas for the last two months, and you're running
low on materials.  There's not enough dough left for a pepperoni roll!  There's no PEPPERONI!
You can take a couple of days off to rest and get some supplies.  It'll be GOOD for you.  You'll
be raking the money in again in no time, and the Rescue Team's locations will handle the
customers you miss.

Speedy:  (unsure) I suppose you're right...I better go tell Francine.  Where is she, anyway?

Jonas:  [chuckles] If I'm right...and I usually am...she's on the balcony with Guido.

[Speedy starts to walk toward the staircase]

Polly:  (to Speedy) Just what do you think you're doing?

Speedy:  (puzzled) Going to tell Francine...

Polly:  ALONE?  You know how much she loves money, Speedy.  When she hears about our
little vacation, she's going to rip you APART.  I'm going with you.

GB:  Me, too.

Jonas:  Me, three.  Francine and I have something to discuss...

Speedy:  [shrugs] All right.  Let's go.

[Jonas picks up GB's helmet, hands it to GB]

Jonas:  Here you are.

GB:  [puts helmet on] Thanks.  What did you do to it anyway?

Jonas:  Just a little tinkering, that's all.

[Speedy laughs]

GB:  (curious) What's so funny?

Speedy:  [smiles] Just wait until you see his definition of "a little tinkering".

[The group walks up to the second floor, and stops at the top of the staircase.  They see Guido
and Francine sitting at the table on the balcony, facing the sunrise.  Guido has his left arm around
Francine, while she rests her head on his shoulder.]

Speedy:  [chuckles] Well, I'll be...

Polly:  [giggles] Oh, how sweet.

GB:  They're so CUTE...

Jonas:  [chuckles] <Man, I wish I had a camera.  Hey, wait a minute!  I DO!>  [He lifts his right
arm, pointing it at Guido and Francine, and pushes a button on his right gauntlet.  A quiet clicking
sound is heard.]  <That could come in handy later...eh?>  [His eyes narrow] Do I hear what I
THINK I hear?

Speedy:  (curious) What?

Jonas:  Just a second.  [He walks over in front of Guido and Francine.  Not even trying, he doesn't