Story 8
"Christmas in Mainframe"
Jo Ann, Wild Card, Matrix, AndrAIa, little Enzo, Andri, Mouse, Ray, Phong, Hexadecimal, Scuzzy, Frisket, Hack and Slash are at Bob and Dot's house, helping to decorate for Christmas. It is a season they had loved sense Jo Ann had introduced it to them an hour (year) ago.
Dot was in the kitchen; cooking up a storm of cakes, mince pies and other Christmassy treats. She brought out some green and red iced cookies to the decorators.
"Hmmm...those smell good, Dot!" Jo Ann smiled, sniffing the aroma of the freshly-backed cookies. "I used to do that every Christmas back...home..." She finished with a sigh. The only bad thing about the holidays was that she missed her User family.
"Try one!" Dot grinned, wiping her hands on the apron she wore over her dress. Little Enzo and Andri seemed eager to sample the sugary treats.
Jo Ann picked up a red, star-shaped cookie and bit into it. "Yummm....it's good!" she smiled around the bite she had taken.
Dot smiled back; she had enjoyed baking...it was nice to play 'mother' to the group...it made a pleasant change from all the business as COMMAND.COM. She loved it; but it was nice to have a diversion.
Jo Ann finished the cookie, then went to hang a special ornament on the tree. It was a Hallmark ornament of the 1940's Wonder Woman, complete with a gold-wire lasso. It was from the User World, and was one that Jo Ann had treasured since she got it. Carefully, she hung it near the top, just under a beautful angel topper.
"So, Jo Ann; enjoying your Christmas with your Mainframe family so far?" Dot asked, as she was pulled under the mistletoe by Bob.
"Yes," Jo Ann smiled. She let her hand slip into Wild Card's. "I just miss my User family. I wish they were here, like they were last year --uh, hour."
"You know they can't come, darlin'," Wild Card said. "They would be in constant danger. You are makin' enemies now, an' your family would be perfect targets for 'em."
"I know," Jo Ann sighed. "I still miss them, though."
"I know..." Wild Card kissed his wife.
"Come on!! No dreary stuff -- its Christmas!" Bob told them. The door-bell rang.
"Now, who could that be?" AndrAIa asked.
Dot answered the door, and promptly fell about laughing at the sight of Turbo in a Santa-suit; with Monitor dressed as an elf.
"Santa-Turbo?!?" Jo Ann laughed. She laughed so hard that she fell into Wild Card's arms.
"At least she's not depressed anymore!" Matrix grinned.
AndrAIa chuckled and pulled at the false-beard.
"Howdy, AndrAIa..." Turbo grinned.
"I'm not going to sit on your lap, 'Santa'; Matrix and Monitor would object!!" AndrAIa teased.
This set Jo Ann in another round of laughter. She and Wild Card had to sit down on the sofa, they were laughing so hard.
Dot handed them both a cookie, hugged them, then ran into the kitchen in case the mince-pies burnt.
"What was Jo Ann so depressed about?" Monitor asked.
"She misses her User family..." AndrAIa whispered.
"Oh..." Monitor looked at Turbo.
"We can't. Too big o' risk," Turbo said, as if reading her mind.
"Are you sure?" the healer asked.
"Possitive. Ah had ta close tha links ta her world, for fear that some virus could get to them. E-mail messages only."
Monitor sighed, knowing that if Turbo could help he would.
"We just have ta show her how much we love her an' try to help her cope," Turbo smiled.
"Okay..." Monitor hugged him. "Can I 'boot out of this dumb outfit yet?" she asked.
"Let's!" he grinned. "REBOOT!" Turbo said, tapping his icon.
They rebooted into simple civies; red and blacks.
"That's much better!" Turbo grinned.
"Oh, yes!" Monitor agreed.
Wild Card was still kissing Jo Ann, unaware that Andri had snuck up behind them and was holding a sprig of missletoe over their heads.
Bob laughed aloud at the sight. "Cute, Andri!!"
AndrAIa giggled at her little sister. She got Matrix's attention, and pointed to the couple.
Matrix laughed aloud; and reached out to ruffle the little sprite's hair.
When Wild Card and Jo Ann parted, they looked at Andri. Seeing the missletoe, and realizing what she had done, they laughed.
"Well, I certainly don't object ta more kissin', da ya, darlin?" Wild Card grinned.
"Nope! No objections whatsoever, love!" Jo Ann grinned back. They went back to kissing.
Andri rolled her eyes.
Matrix and the others just laughed.
Andri simply shrugged and grabbed another cookie.
Wild Card and Jo Ann finally parted. Breathless, Jo Ann leaned her head on Wild Card's shoulder. He held her close.
"Honestly!! Adults!!" Enzo sighed.
"You'll act this way when you're grown, Enzo!" Bob laughed. "Believe me, you will!"
Dot returned with a basket of freshly baked mince pies.
"Behave like what?" she asked
Bob told her about Andri, Wild Card, Jo Ann and the missletoe, and what little Enzo had said, and Bob's answer.
Dot laughed, "You will, kiddo...trust me..."
"I'm living proof of that!" Matrix laughed.
"Oh boy...I hope Enzo grows up into you..." Andri murmered.
They all laughed at that, even Jo Ann, who seemed to be getting over her case of the "Holiday Blues".
Andri blushed; she hadn't wanted to be heard.
On impulse, Jo Ann snapped her fingers. From out of thin air, the song, "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Raindeer" was heard. Jo Ann's memory added an extra treat: When the line, "...had a very shiny nose..." played, they heard Mollie --Jo Ann's six-year old niece-- say, "Like a light bulb!"
Andri and Enzo laughed; enjoying the song; the adults relaxed.
Wild Card nuzzled Jo Ann the way she liked, tickling her neck with his beard. She giggled, then sighed as she rested her head on his shoulder.
Bob pulled Dot towards him, took the basket of pies from her, placed it down carefully, and embraced her.
"I love you," Bob whispered in her ear.
"And I you, Bob; with all my heart..."
He kissed her, though there was no mistletoe above their heads.
Dot wrapped her arms around his neck and gently returned the kiss.
When the song ended, AndAIa asked, "Please play a soft song."
"Okay," Jo Ann replied. She played the song, "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Jo Ann had tried to explain the origins of Christmas to her Mainframe family as best she could. Being of another culture, the Mainframers had found User relgions to be a bit confusing, even though Jo Ann had tried to use Mainframe equivalents to help explain. Christmas needed no explaining. They understood.
"Its lovely..." was Monitor's verdict on the song.
"Thanks," Jo Ann smiled shyly.
Matrix and Enzo were play fighting on the rug.
Jo Ann giggled at them. Big Enzo and Little Enzo. The same sprite, yet each their own person. Same with AndrAIa and Andri: Big AndrAIa and Little AndrAIa. The same, yet different.
"Matrix; don't hurt him!" Dot warned.
"I won't!" Matrix grinned. Just to be funny, Matrix let little Enzo get him on his back and sit on the green warrior's chest.
AndrAIa and Andri laughed helplessly.
"The winner...Little Enzo!" Jo Ann laughed.
Andri clambered over Matrix and hugged little Enzo.
"OOF...I bit too heavy there, guys!" Matrix grinned. Everyone knew he was joking. The big sprite was very strong, and he could easily handle both kids at once.
"Oh, Mat-rix!" Andri said in the same tone her big sister would use to playfully scold him. She started to bounce on him, giggling.
Matrix grabbed her and lifted her up in the air, grinning up at her.
Andri grinned at him.
Jo Ann giggled at the renagade playing with the two small sprites.
"Think you could be like that, playing with children and being happy?" she asked Wild Card.
"Getting maternal, love?" Wild Card asked.
"Maybe a little..." she smiled.
Wild Card hugged her to him.
"I love you, my sweet hunter," Jo Ann whispered to him.
"I love you too, goddess..."
"Maybe someday..." Jo Ann patted her stomach and sighed.
Wild Card smiled at her, "Someday..."
"Yes, someday. For now, though, I'm happy helping with little Enzo and Andri."
"Yeah..."
Jo Ann gave Wild Card a quick kiss on the lips and smiled at him.
"What was that for, love?"
"Just...because..." she smiled.
"Okay; I can live with that..." he grinned.
Jo Ann giggled. When the song ended, she played another: "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing".
Andri jumped about again, squirming out of Matrix's grip.
Matrix tried to hold her for a moment, then let her go, still grinning. He went back to wrestling with little Enzo.
Andri decided to help; she slipped down and started to tickle Matrix.
"Hey!" Matrix laughed. "Two against one is no fair!"
"But you're a big 'one'!" Andri giggled.
For an answer, Matrix began tickling Andri right back.
Andri squealed loudly.
Little Enzo, laughing, rolled off of Matrix. Bob snuck up and started to tickle him!
Dot laughed, watching them all.
Wild Card desided to get in on the fun. Without warning, he started tickling Jo Ann.
"Wild Card!" she laughed. She somehow managed to get her hands to his armpits, where she started tickling him!
AndrAIa smiled watching them, grateful Matrix was tickling her little sister.
Finally, eveyone was tired out from tickling and laughing, and desided to call it quits so that they could calm down and catch their breaths.
Dot laughed at the sight of them all and handed out mulled wine to the adults and enery shakes for Andri and Enzo.
"I'll take an energy shake, too, Dot," Jo Ann smiled. "I've never liked alcohol."
"Okay; the wine is very diluted..." Dot went back into the kitchen and got a third energy shake.
"Thanks, Dot," Jo Ann smiled when Dot brought the shake out to her. The energy shake had a minty flavor to it -- just right for Christmas.
"Happy Holidays!" Dot smiled.
"Merry Christmas, everybody!" Jo Ann smiled back.
Jo Ann's portalable electronic mailbox beeped.
"You got an email!!!" Andri grinned
Jo Ann grinned back and checked her e-mail. Her eyes welled up as she read it.
"Who's it from, love?"
"It's...from...my...User...family..." she whispered, haltingly.
Wild Card wrapped his arms around her, "What do they say?"
"'Dear Jo Ann and Mainframe friends:
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Or is it New Hour? Happy Holidays, at any rate. We miss you and hope you are well. Mollie still wants to know why she can't come to visit little Enzo. In case we don't think of it then, Happy Birthday, too.
Love,
Mom, Dad, Sandie, Marvin, Mollie, Marty, Aunt Brenda, Uncle Fitz, Bonnie, Tommy, Charlotte and everyone else."
Wild Card held Jo Ann close and wiped away her tears.
"There's more:
P.S. Mollie locked the doors of the stalls in the girl's bathroom at school. Again."
Jo Ann laughed through her tears when she read that.
"Share the joke?"
"Mollie locked all the doors to the stalls in the girl's bathroom at her school again!" Jo Ann said between laughs.
Wild Card smiled and gave her shoulders a squeeze.
"That's a good trick!" little Enzo laughed. "Maybe we should try it!"
"Maybe not," Andri smiled.
"You'd better not!" Dot warned, still laughing at Mollie's prank.
"See, Enzo..." Andri warned.
"Aww...and it was soooo funnyyy!" the small sprite laughed.
Dot gave him her "mother" look.
Little Enzo imediantly stopped laughing.
"'Little Mischief' suits that child very well, allryght!" Turbo grinned.
Monitor grinned, "It does..."
"Ah meant Mollie, but it does fit little Enzo, too," Turbo smiled.
Monitor smiled at the group; they were all so close; it made her miss her brother, Status.
"I'll have to think of something to write back to them," Jo Ann smiled. "And how am I to explain to Mollie about how dangerous it is, now? She's only six. She won't understand about virues..."
"Tell her its like homework!!" Enzo suggested. The adults laughed.
"I will be back in a couple of nanos..." Monitor slipped out of the door
"'Kay, Monitor!" Jo Ann called after her. "Enzo, how are virues like homework?" she asked the small sprite.
"Any is too much!"
"I don't think that will explain virues to Mollie, Enzo!" Jo Ann laughed.
"Umm...okay..."
Outside, Monitor had opened a vidwindow to her home-system.
"Hey! The e-mail mentioned something about your birthday, JoJo!" Matrix said. "When is your birthday?"
"Yeah; when is it?" AndrAIa pressed.
"January, the seventh. 1964," she added the year out of habit.
"January 7th?! That's your birthday?" Dot asked.
"Yes," Jo Ann smiled at her sister-in-law. She was unaware that the others had stopped talking and were now staring at her.
Dot smiled, "Oh my goodness!"
"What?!" Jo Ann asked, looking around at her Mainframe family, who seemed to have surprised, but pleased, looks on their faces.
"That's ReStart day!"
"'ReStart Day'?" Jo Ann asked.
"It commemerates the system restart; the liberation from Megaframe..."
"The day the system crashed, and Mainframe was restored?" Jo Ann asked, wide-eyed with happy excitement.
Dot nodded.
"Well...how about that! Mainframe's Independece Day is on my birthday!" Jo Ann grinned in wonder.
"Isn't that weird..."
"Maybe," Andri said, "that is why you were chosen to become a Guardian: Athena's heir."
Wild Card smiled, "Kismet..."
"Possibly. Mainframe was reborn on Jo Ann's birthday. That seems to have tied her to us even more then before," Bob smiled.
"Wow..." Turbo breathed. "Ah wonder where Monitor went..."
"Good question. I bet she would love to hear this!" Matrix grinned.
"Ah'll go fahnd her..."
"Okay," Bob smiled. He watched as Wild Card hugged Jo Ann close. The Mainframers loved their User Guardian very much. She was a big part of their lives, their family. To discover, on this magical of User holidays, that she shared her birthday with one of Mainframe's greatest holidays...
Outside, Monitor sniffled and wiped away the last of her tears.
This was how Turbo found her.
"What's wrong?" he asked, concerned.
"Nothing..." she lied.
"Monitor, please. What is it?" He put an arm around her.
She took his arm gratefully; "I tried to talk to my brother..." she told him.
"An'..." Turbo prompted.
"And he still wants nothing to do with me. He said some horrible things; about Guardians, me...you..."
"Shhh...It'll be alright," Turbo drew her into his arms.
Monitor smiled at him, and bit her lips.
"Come on back inside, now. It's colder than a brass null out here. We found out somethin' incrediubly wonderful 'bout Jo Ann t'night." Turbo steered Monitor back into the house.
"What's that?" she asked, her interest peaked.
"Why don't we let 'em tell ya," Turbo grinned.
"Okay..." Monitor followed him; hoping her eyes had lost the redness from her tears.
"Ah found 'er!" Turno grinned as they rejoined the party.
"Hey, guys!" Monitor tried to sound perky.
"Hi, Monitor!" Andri grinned. "Guess what we just found out about Jo Ann?"
"What?"
"HERBIRTHDAYISONJANUARYTHESEVENTH,THESAMEDAYASRESTARTDAYTHEDAYMAINFRAMECRASHEDANDWASRESTORED!" little Enzo cried excitedly.
"Slow down [little whirlwind]!"
"He said, 'Her birthday is on January, the seventh, the same day as ReStart Day, the day when Mainframe crashed and was restored.'," Matrix translated.
"Right..." Monitor smiled and crouched to hug little Enzo.
"Isn't that really alphanumeric?" the small, green sprite asked.
"Absolutely" Monitor's voice was 110% sincere.
"We'll have to have a double celebration, now," Matrix grinned.
"And...oooo...wouldn't Mike just love to hear this!" AndrAIa smiled.
"He already has!" The media sprite appeared from a corner.
"Oh, no!" Jo Ann laughed. Normaly, Mike would be an annoying little pest. But this was Christmas. Even Mike, the T.V. was welcome.
Matrix turned around and pretended to scowl at the T.V.
Mike nearly jumped the height of the ceiling. He made ready to run, if nessassary.
Matrix chuckled and AndrAIa playfully slapped his shoulder, "Enzo!"
Mike relaxed and smiled. No one would do anything to him during the holidays. Of course, after the holidays were over, all bets would be off. He'd once again have to be on his guard.
"Apologize," AndrAIa demanded.
"Sorry, Mike," Matrix grinned a little sheepishly at the T.V.
Mike did a double take. Matrix was apologising to him?!
"Hey, it's Christmas. Can't be a...what was that really mean charcter's name again, the one in 'A Christmas Carol'?" Matrix asked Jo Ann.
"Ebenezer Scroodge," she answered.
"Yeah. Ebenezer Scroodge. Can't be a 'Scroodge' on Christmas!" Matrix said to Mike.
AndrAIa hugged him.
Bob had a treat for everone. He brought out a beautiful cherry-wood acustic guitar and began to play it. As he strummed the non-electric instrument, he sang, "O'Come All Ye Faithful".
Dot sat nearby and sighed happily. She loved his voice.
Bob smiled and nodded at Jo Ann. Catching the hint, she began to sing along with him.
Dot loved to sing, but she just sat and listened.
Now, Bob nodded to Matrix and AndrAIa. As he began the song again, the two sang along. He nodded to Wild Card. The bounty hunter sang in a voice as soft and smooth as Bob's own. One-by-one, at Bob's signal, the party-goers joined in. Bob then nodded to Dot.
Dot winked and began to join in, her voice in harmony with the others'.
Turbo's voice was strong, but soft and gentle, as well. One could hear the western twang of his voice as he sang the beautiful carol.
Monitor hugged the Prime Guardian, enthralled by his voice.
When the song ended, Jo Ann sighed with the happiness of the season.
"That was beautiful, Bob!" she said. "Could you please sing..." Jo Ann whispered in his ear. He smiled, and nodded. Bob began to play and sing, "Joy to the World".
Dot leaned over and kissed her husband, "I love your voice..."
"All our guys have great voices," Jo Ann smiled at her husband. He bent his head and kissed her.
"So do you, darlin'..."
"I love you, Wild Card," Jo Ann whispered to her golden-haired husband.
"I love ya, too, darlin'," Wild Card whispered back. He gave Jo Ann her favorite nuzzle, the one that made her laugh whenever he nuzzled her. Bob's voice singing the song made the perfect backdrop for love.
Andri sighed, and little Enzo put his arm around her.
There were other songs sung that night. Some, everyone sang. Some, Bob, or one of the others, would sing alone, all accompanied by Bob's guitar playing.
Dot finally, playing mother, put the children to bed. The adults stayed up, singing and talking in the candle-light.
Weary by the excitement of the evening, Jo Ann leaned her head on Wild Card's shoulders and fell asleep, lulled by the soft sound of Bob's guitar. Wild Card put his arm around her, drawing her near. Snow was falling outside, and the partiers were going to spend the night at Bob and Dot's.
Noticing the sleepiness, Dot brought a blanket from the master bedroom and handed it to Jo Ann and Wild Card.
"Thanks, Dot," Wild Card whispered. Gently, carefully, he wrapped it around Jo Ann and himself.
Dot smiled and kissed his forehead, and the almost-sleeping Jo Ann's forehead maternally.
Jo Ann sighed in her sleep, snuggling closer to Wild Card.
"Where is everyone going to sleep tonight?" Bob asked Dot in a whisper.
"It's a big house; we can unfold the sofa-bed for those two," Dot motioned to Wild Card and Jo Ann; "Matrix and AndrAIa can have the spare bedroom beside my study; Turbo and Monitor can have the other spare room; Mouse can have the sofa-bed in my study; Ray has agreed to sleep in his board form," Dot stopped for breath. "Frisket is in with Andri and Enzo; Hex can have the sofa in your study; Scuzzy will stay with her; Hack, Slash and Phong get the room down the hall and Mike...if you're quiet, Mike, you can have the huge arm-chair over there!"
"I'll be quiet as a mute button," Mike whispered.
Dot smiled at him.
Very quietly and carefully, Mike moved to the chair and climbed into it.
Dot brought a blanket and handed it to him, "Sweet dreams, Mike!"
"Thank you," he whispered before setting sail for dreamland.
Matrix and AndrAIa retired after exchanging hugs and kisses.
"Get up a nano, you two," Bob said. "I'll let out the sofa-bed." Wild Card rose and carefully guided a very sleepy Jo Ann to one side.
Quickly, moving in unison, Bob and Dot dropped out the sofa bed and Wild Card lifted a sleeping User Guardian onto the bed and lay down beside her.
"'Night, guys," Wild Card whispered. "Sweet dreams."
"Same to you..." Dot and Bob saw all the others off to bed, then silently played 'Santa Claus'.
Wild Card tapped Jo Ann's icon, changing her clothes into a set of warm, red, pajamas. He tapped his own icon, and changed into a matching set. Then, with a arm around his wife, Wild Card pulled the covers over them, kissed her good night, and went to sleep.
"Good-night..." once all the gifts were laid out, a sleepy Guardian 452 and his COMMAND.COM wife headed for their own bed.
Early the next morning, Bob and Dot were woken up by an excited little Enzo and Andri jumping onto their bed.
"BOB!DOT!COMEANDSEETHETREE!SANTA'SBEENHERE!HOW'EDHEFINDUSHEREINTHENET?GETUP!COMELOOKATALLTHEPRESENTS!" little Enzo cried excitedly as he sat on Bob's chest. Andri sat on top of Dot.
Dot groaned and sat up, gently placing Andri on her lap.
Bob chuckled. A classic scene in many a User home on Christmas morning, according to Jo Ann.
"What are you laughing about? It's 6:30 AM!" Dot groaned.
Bob grinned and lifted Enzo off his chest, settling him on the floor. He then lifted Andri off Dot and set her next to little Enzo.
"Feel like a mother, yet, Dot?" he asked, still grinning.
Dot laughed, pulling her dressing-gown on; "Ever since my parents were nullified, I've functioned as Enzo's 'mother'...I guess I've become 'Mom' to Mainframe..."
"I guess that makes me, 'Dad' to Mainframe," Bob laughed. He leaned over and kissed his wife as he put on his bathrobe.
"Happy Christmas, darling!" Dot smiled at him.
"You, too, love," Bob smiled back.
"Did you wake everyone else?" Dot asked the children.
"Not yet!" they chimed.
"Go wake 'em...gently!!"
"Okay!" the kids laughed. They skipped out of the bedroom to accomplish their task.
"Was that wise?" Dot asked Bob.
"How else are we going to get them up?" Bob grinned impishly. He winked at her.
Dot laughed softly, "That's bordering on sadistic..."
"Don't worry. If I know those two, they'll head straight for Matrix and AndrAIa's room. Back-up data -- what Jo Ann would call genes. Knowing Matrix like they do, would the kids really wake them up any other way but gently?"
Dot laughed loudly; "And AndrAIa hates to be woken..."
From somewhere near Dot's study came, "ENZO, YOU LITTLE...!" followed by the sound of running feet.
Dot suppressed a laugh, squeezed Bob's hand and exited the bedroom.
"What's the problem?" she asked.
Matrix and AndrAIa stood over their smaller counter-parts, glowering angerly at the two little sprites.
"Don't you two know that it's 6:30 AM, in the morning?!?" AndrAIa growled.
Dot stood between the angry adults and rather frightened children.
"But Santa's been!" Andri told them.
"He...has...?" Matrix asked. The green warrior looked to Bob, who grinned and winked. Getting the message, Matrix changed his attitude. "Well, if Santa has been here, I guess we should wake everyone up, AndrAIa." He looked to her and gave the game sprite the same grin and wink that Bob had given him.
AndrAIa shot Matrix a "Sparky -- I'm gonna kill you" look; sighed and looked at the kids. She ran a hand through her long aqua hair, "Go on -- but do it gently!" She watched them run off and shook her head. "Enzo Matrix, I do believe you're going soft."
"Hey, love; it's Christmas!" Matrix grinned. He swept her off her feet and, bringing her close to him, kissed her firmly on the lips.
"Mmmph!" AndrAIa's protests were cut off and she did not struggle to continue moaning. Instead, she rested her hands on his broad chest and kissed him back.
Meanwhile, little Enzo and Andri were continuing their "mission" of waking everyone up. Last of all, they came to Wild Card and Jo Ann.
Mike had bounced awake, "HEEEEEEEYYYYYYY!! SANTA'S BEEN!"
"Whaaaa...?" Jo Ann moaned as she sat up with half-closed eyes. Wild Card sat beside her, stretching and yawning.
Andri shot a look at Mike; "Santa has been," she informed Jo Ann and Wild Card.
"He has?" Jo Ann asked, yawning, stretching and rubbing her eyes.
"Look!" The little game sprite's eyes were filled with joy and the tree lights were reflected in her eyes.
Wild Card and Jo Ann smiled at the two children. The tree sparkled with multi-colored lights. Under the tree were many, colorfully-wrapped presents.
"Merry Christmas, darlin'," Wild Card grinned at his wife. She grinned back.
"Merry Christmas to you, love." Gently, they kissed, enjoying their embrace.
"GOTTAWAKETURBOANDMONITOR!!"
"Gently, you two. I think I heard it when you woke up Matrix and AndrAIa!" Jo Ann laughed.
Andri smiled slyly.
Jo Ann grinned back. She and Wild Card folded the sofa-bed back up and booted into jeans, sweatshirts, socks, and sneakers.
Dot brought in a tray of hot chocolate, and Bob had the recycle bin with him
"Hmmm...that smells good!" Jo Ann smiled. She took a cup and blew in it. Then, carefully, she took a sip. "Tastes --and feels-- good, too!"
Dot smiled, "Merry Christmas, Jo Ann..."
"Merry Christmas, Dot," Jo Ann smiled back. Wild Card also took a cup and sipped the hot drink.
"Merry Christmas, you two," Bob smiled.
"Merry Christmas, bro," Jo Ann smiled, kissing him on the cheek.
Turbo, Monitor, Mouse and the others all came in and were handed a hot chocolate.
"Can we open presents now?" little Enzo asked, hopefully. Andri stood next to him, looking just as hopefull.
"One at a time. Lets all take turns!" Dot suggested, playing mother again.
"Okay. Whose going to hand them out?" Jo Ann asked.
"LEMMELEMMEPLEASEDOT?!"
"You can help, Enzo. You'll 'delever' the gifts when I hand them to you," Dot said.
Turbo took a long swing of his hot chocolate, "Merry Christmas, Monitor..." he whispered.
"Merry Christmas [my beloved]..."
"Can I help, too, Dot?" Andri asked.
"Sure you can, sweetie..."
Little Enzo and Andri stood in front of Dot, ready to make their deleveries.
Dot handed them a rectangular box each, "These are for you two!"
The two kids openned the boxes.
"NEWZIPBOARDS!?!THANKS,BOBANDDOT!"
Bob grinned.
Little Enzo and Andri hugged Bob and Dot.
Dot smiled warmly and Bob ruffled their hair.
"Nice boards, kids!" Jo Ann smiled.
"Aren't they sooo cool?!" Andri exclaimed.
"They sure are!" Jo Ann told them. "And personalozed, too!"
"I've never had a zip-board before!!" Andri marvelled.
"They're fun!" little Enzo told her.
"Hey! You two still making deleveries?" Bob asked.
"Give this one to Bob," Dot handed Enzo a smallish rectuangluar parcel.
"Its a book," Enzo told Bob, handing it to him.
Bob openned the gift. He stared at the title: "20,001 Names for Baby"?
"We're going to need some options," Dot smiled coyly at him.
"B...b...baby names?" Bob stammered. "Why would we need...Dot! Are you...?"
Dot nodded and smiled at him.
"Dot...you're going to have a baby?!" Jo Ann gasped. She moved to where the two sprites were sitting.
Dot nodded, smiling.
"Oh, Dot!" Jo Ann cried. She hugged her "sister" tight. Then, she moved to Bob and hugged him.
"Congradulations! Both of you!"
"Yeah, bro!" Wild Card grinned. "Congrats!" The bounty hunter shared a hand-clasp with Bob, and gave Dot a little hug.
Bob still looked stunned. Dot kissed him.
Now, Matrix, AndrAIa, and the others moved forward to offer their congradulations.
Hugs and giggles were exchanged...
"This is so wonderful!" Jo Ann sighed. She hugged Wild Card close. Maybe someday, they'll have a baby, too.
"It is -- it's also kind of a shock..."
"I'm sure it is," Jo Ann smiled. Then, she looked coyily at Wild Card. "Just as it would be a shock if I were to say to you about a certain little something..."
"What?" Wild Card asked.
Jo Ann giggled. "No, not yet, love. But I'm hoping someday soon..."
Wild Card looked vaguely releaved.
"Now, Wild Card: Don't tell me that you don't want to be a father!" Jo Ann grinned at her husband.
"I do!! Just not right now...."
Jo Ann giggled again. She took Wild Card's face in her hands and kissed him on the lips.
"I love you," she said.
"Ditto..."
"This," Bob smiled at his wife, "was the best Christmas present I could ever have gotten, Dot."
"You mean it?! You're not upset...?"
"Dot, why would I be upset?" Bob laughed. "I'm going to be a father!" Bob hugged his wife to him. .
Dot hugged him, releaved.
I wonder how those medical tests are going to come out? Jo Ann thought.
Dot and Bob hugged warmly.
"Let's get back to handing the gifts out," Bob grinned. "Although, I doubt if any of them will top the one you've just given me!"
Dot smiled; "Andri -- this one is for Turbo, from Monitor..."
"Okay," the girl-sprite said. She took the present and gave it to Turbo.
"Whut is this, Monitor?" he asked
"A little something, with love..." she smiled.
Jo Ann watched as Turbo unwrapped the gift.
Inside the package were two Marty Robbins CDs and the sheet music for the albums.
"Ohh...those are great songs, Turbo!" Jo Ann smiled. "You should enjoy them!"
"Yes; and you can sing them to me as well, "Monitor smiled.
"We'll thank ya, Monitor," Turbo smiled. He drew her to him and kissed her.
Monitor smiled, feeling happy and secure. "You're welcome -- enjoy them [beloved]..."
Turbo studied the sheet music. Without knowing it, he began to sing the song, "El Paso City".
Monitor rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying his voice.
When he finished the song, everyone applauded.
"That was wonderful, [beloved]," Monitor smiled at him.
"Huh? Was Ah singin'?" Turbo asked, bewildered.
"Yes..." she smiled.
"And it was incredible!" Jo Ann laughed. "I could almost see you in that jet plane flying over El Paso!"
"You really captured the soul of the song..."
"Why, thank ya!" Turbo grinned. He took a bow, as if he had been on the stage of the Grand Ol' Opery house.
Monitor chuckled.
Enzo and Andri turned back to Bob and Dot, awaiting new gifts to deliver.
"That's for Jo Ann and Wild Card..."
Enzo gave Wild Card his present, while Andri gave Jo Ann hers.
"Ohh...I wonder what these could be?" Jo Ann said, openning her gift.
"Who are they from?" Wild Card asked.
"Us," AndrAIa smiled.
Wild Card and Jo Ann stared at their gifts from Matrix and AndrAIa. Each had recieved matching gold and jewel goblets.
"They're beautiful!" Jo Ann smiled. "Thank you both!" She gave each a hug and a kiss.
Matrix and AndrAIa returned the hug, smiling.
"For your continued happiness," Matrix smiled.
"And love to last an eternity..." Andraia added
Wild Card grinned at the two sprites. Then he kissed Jo Ann and held her close.
Dot smiled and handed the little sprites two more gifts, "Mouse; and Hex..."
Enzo delivered to Mouse, while Andri gave Hex her gift.
Hex squealed in delight, "Oooh...what is it?"
"Open it and see!" Bob laughed. Hex opened the gift and found a huge stuffed cat
Mouse, meanwhile, had found a new katana blade, with her symbol carved into the pommel.
"Wow...who's this from?" Mouse asked.
"Us," Bob said. We found it in..."
"The Super Computer!" everyone finished for him. Bob gave them a half-grin.
Dot laughed, "Hey, I know where to shop..."
"You sure do!" Jo Ann laughed.
"This is to Wild Card, from Turbo," Bob said, handing Andri a small package.
"Oooh..." the little game-sprite grinned, "I wonder what it is..."
"Well, let's see," Wild Card smiled. He openned the gift to find...
"A KEY-TOOL?!" he exclaimed.
"Yep! Meet Logo; tha wildest, crazeist keytool ta ever enter tha Guardian Academy. He wanted someone as wild an' crazy as he is, so when Ah told 'im 'bout ya, well, he jest wanted ta be yer keytool. An' since only recognized Guardians can have keytools, Ah'm givin' ya full Guardian status."
Wild Card did a double take. "Be kind; rewind...what did you just say?"
"Which part?" Turbo grinned.
"All of it..." the bounty-hunter looked rather dazed.
"That was rather long. As a quick recap: Ah'm makin' ya a full Guardian an' Logo is goin' ta be yer keytool," Turbo continued to grin.
"Neat," Wild Card still looked rather dazed -- thrilled; but dazed.
"Oh, Wild Card!" Jo Ann cried, throwing her arms around her husband and hugging him close.
Wild Card nuzzled Jo Ann's neck as it sunk in.
Jo Ann giggled at that wonderful, familer gesture of love.
"Soo...Logo, is it?" Wild Card smiled.
[Hiya, Wild Card!] the keytool beeped happily.
"Wild Card, Ah'm gonna need yer icon for a nano, ta iniciate tha upgrade ta full Guardian," Turbo said.
Wild Card grinned at Turbo and passed him his icon.
Turbo held the icon over Copeland, from whom the new programming was iniciated.
[Done,] Copeland told Turbo.
Turbo handed Wild Card his icon. "You are now officially a full Guardian, Wild Card."
"I don't have to wear the uniform, do I?"
Turbo laughed. "Nah. Yer a special agent --still a bounty hunter, fer tha most part. But ya now have all tha programmin' an' privalidges of a full Guardian."
Wild Card smiled broadly, "Great!! I'm not a uniform kinda guy..."
"There is one little change, however..." Turbo said. He reached over to Wild Card's icon, which was reversed in relation to how a Guardian's icon should be, and turned it right-side up. Now, Wild Card's icon matched Jo Ann's, Bob's, Matrix's, Turbo's, and Monitor's.
Bob grinned at his twin.
"I'm a full Guardian," Wild Card whispered. He still could not believe it. Jo Ann hugged him hard, kissing him. She looked at him, full of pride for her husband.
"Well done!" Dot smiled at him.
[Hiya, babe!] Logo said to Pixal.
{Now, don't you start!} Pixal replied.
[Logo] Packard said, [that's no way to talk to the mother of all keytools!]
The Guardians in the room all laughed out loud.
[What do you mean, "the mother of all keytools"?] Logo asked.
[Pixal was Athena's keytool...] Packard explained.
[Athena?!? The first Guardian?!?] Logo yelped.
[Yup...] Packard told him.
[Aww...She...] Logo began.
[Don't you dare, Logo!] Packard warned. [Pixal doesn't like swearing!]
All those who spoke keytool were laughing loudly at the exchange.
[Wait a nano...doesn't the legend say that Athena's heir was goin' to be a...] Logo trailed off in astonishment.
Packard grinned [I went through this too... Jo Ann -- Wild Card's missus-- is a User...]
[Aww...She...opps! Sorry, ma'ams!] Logo gulped.
Dot laughed softly and squeezed Bob's hand.
"Nice to meet you, Logo," Jo Ann grinned.
[You too, ma'am...How come the first female keytool I meet happens to be "Mom"?] Logo groaned.
Monitor grinned, "I'm getting a keytool soon; she's female..."
[But I have dibs on her!] Copeland said. [Besides, you'll be here in Mainframe, while Intel and I will be in the Super Computer!]
Monitor laughed, "Copeland, doesn't Intel get her choice?" she teased the keytool. She and Copeland were very fond of each other.
[Course she does. But if you are going to be hanging aroung Turbo, that means Intel will be hanging around me!] Copeland grinned.
"Oooo...Sound like we have a keytool soap opera going on here!" Jo Ann laughed.
Monitor smiled warmly, "Copeland you are incorrigable!"
"'As The Keytool Turns'..." intoned Mike, the T.V.
"Mike!" everyone yelled.
"Mike, dear," Jo Ann smiled. "Don't push your luck."
"Yeah, don't..." Matrix added.
"Eep," Mike squeked and retreated to the chair that he slept in.
AndrAIa turned to Mike, "Don't worry, Mike. He's joking.."
"What makes you think so?" Matrix asked.
"I can see the twinkle in his eyes..."
"My cyber eye twinkles?" the green warrior smiled.
AndrAIa smiled, "It does..."
"Yeah, I think it does!" Jo Ann smiled at her brother-in-law.
"If you two say so," Matrix smiled.
"It sure does!" Andri chimed in, tilting her head to look up at the tall man.
Matrix laughed and picked up the little sprite and hugged her.
Andri giggled, giving the renagade a big hug around his neck.
"Hey; gettin' jealous here!" AndrAIa laughed.
Andri giggled. She reached for her sister and gave her a big hug, too.
AndrAIa swung her around and then put her down
"I definately want to be a mother, soon," Jo Ann whispered teasingly to Wild Card.
Wild Card turned to look at her, to make sure she was joking.
Jo Ann only smiled. She seemed like she was joking, but there was something in her smile --or was it her eyes?-- that suggested things might be otherwise.
Wild Card half-grinned.
Jo Ann giggled. She gave Wild Card a quick kiss on the lips. Then she smiled sweetly at him. Wonder if the medical reports will be possitive? she thought to herself. She quickly glanced at Bob and Dot, to see if they had caught the fleeting thought.
"Christmas in Mainframe"
Jo Ann, Wild Card, Matrix, AndrAIa, little Enzo, Andri, Mouse, Ray, Phong, Hexadecimal, Scuzzy, Frisket, Hack and Slash are at Bob and Dot's house, helping to decorate for Christmas. It is a season they had loved sense Jo Ann had introduced it to them an hour (year) ago.
Dot was in the kitchen; cooking up a storm of cakes, mince pies and other Christmassy treats. She brought out some green and red iced cookies to the decorators.
"Hmmm...those smell good, Dot!" Jo Ann smiled, sniffing the aroma of the freshly-backed cookies. "I used to do that every Christmas back...home..." She finished with a sigh. The only bad thing about the holidays was that she missed her User family.
"Try one!" Dot grinned, wiping her hands on the apron she wore over her dress. Little Enzo and Andri seemed eager to sample the sugary treats.
Jo Ann picked up a red, star-shaped cookie and bit into it. "Yummm....it's good!" she smiled around the bite she had taken.
Dot smiled back; she had enjoyed baking...it was nice to play 'mother' to the group...it made a pleasant change from all the business as COMMAND.COM. She loved it; but it was nice to have a diversion.
Jo Ann finished the cookie, then went to hang a special ornament on the tree. It was a Hallmark ornament of the 1940's Wonder Woman, complete with a gold-wire lasso. It was from the User World, and was one that Jo Ann had treasured since she got it. Carefully, she hung it near the top, just under a beautful angel topper.
"So, Jo Ann; enjoying your Christmas with your Mainframe family so far?" Dot asked, as she was pulled under the mistletoe by Bob.
"Yes," Jo Ann smiled. She let her hand slip into Wild Card's. "I just miss my User family. I wish they were here, like they were last year --uh, hour."
"You know they can't come, darlin'," Wild Card said. "They would be in constant danger. You are makin' enemies now, an' your family would be perfect targets for 'em."
"I know," Jo Ann sighed. "I still miss them, though."
"I know..." Wild Card kissed his wife.
"Come on!! No dreary stuff -- its Christmas!" Bob told them. The door-bell rang.
"Now, who could that be?" AndrAIa asked.
Dot answered the door, and promptly fell about laughing at the sight of Turbo in a Santa-suit; with Monitor dressed as an elf.
"Santa-Turbo?!?" Jo Ann laughed. She laughed so hard that she fell into Wild Card's arms.
"At least she's not depressed anymore!" Matrix grinned.
AndrAIa chuckled and pulled at the false-beard.
"Howdy, AndrAIa..." Turbo grinned.
"I'm not going to sit on your lap, 'Santa'; Matrix and Monitor would object!!" AndrAIa teased.
This set Jo Ann in another round of laughter. She and Wild Card had to sit down on the sofa, they were laughing so hard.
Dot handed them both a cookie, hugged them, then ran into the kitchen in case the mince-pies burnt.
"What was Jo Ann so depressed about?" Monitor asked.
"She misses her User family..." AndrAIa whispered.
"Oh..." Monitor looked at Turbo.
"We can't. Too big o' risk," Turbo said, as if reading her mind.
"Are you sure?" the healer asked.
"Possitive. Ah had ta close tha links ta her world, for fear that some virus could get to them. E-mail messages only."
Monitor sighed, knowing that if Turbo could help he would.
"We just have ta show her how much we love her an' try to help her cope," Turbo smiled.
"Okay..." Monitor hugged him. "Can I 'boot out of this dumb outfit yet?" she asked.
"Let's!" he grinned. "REBOOT!" Turbo said, tapping his icon.
They rebooted into simple civies; red and blacks.
"That's much better!" Turbo grinned.
"Oh, yes!" Monitor agreed.
Wild Card was still kissing Jo Ann, unaware that Andri had snuck up behind them and was holding a sprig of missletoe over their heads.
Bob laughed aloud at the sight. "Cute, Andri!!"
AndrAIa giggled at her little sister. She got Matrix's attention, and pointed to the couple.
Matrix laughed aloud; and reached out to ruffle the little sprite's hair.
When Wild Card and Jo Ann parted, they looked at Andri. Seeing the missletoe, and realizing what she had done, they laughed.
"Well, I certainly don't object ta more kissin', da ya, darlin?" Wild Card grinned.
"Nope! No objections whatsoever, love!" Jo Ann grinned back. They went back to kissing.
Andri rolled her eyes.
Matrix and the others just laughed.
Andri simply shrugged and grabbed another cookie.
Wild Card and Jo Ann finally parted. Breathless, Jo Ann leaned her head on Wild Card's shoulder. He held her close.
"Honestly!! Adults!!" Enzo sighed.
"You'll act this way when you're grown, Enzo!" Bob laughed. "Believe me, you will!"
Dot returned with a basket of freshly baked mince pies.
"Behave like what?" she asked
Bob told her about Andri, Wild Card, Jo Ann and the missletoe, and what little Enzo had said, and Bob's answer.
Dot laughed, "You will, kiddo...trust me..."
"I'm living proof of that!" Matrix laughed.
"Oh boy...I hope Enzo grows up into you..." Andri murmered.
They all laughed at that, even Jo Ann, who seemed to be getting over her case of the "Holiday Blues".
Andri blushed; she hadn't wanted to be heard.
On impulse, Jo Ann snapped her fingers. From out of thin air, the song, "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Raindeer" was heard. Jo Ann's memory added an extra treat: When the line, "...had a very shiny nose..." played, they heard Mollie --Jo Ann's six-year old niece-- say, "Like a light bulb!"
Andri and Enzo laughed; enjoying the song; the adults relaxed.
Wild Card nuzzled Jo Ann the way she liked, tickling her neck with his beard. She giggled, then sighed as she rested her head on his shoulder.
Bob pulled Dot towards him, took the basket of pies from her, placed it down carefully, and embraced her.
"I love you," Bob whispered in her ear.
"And I you, Bob; with all my heart..."
He kissed her, though there was no mistletoe above their heads.
Dot wrapped her arms around his neck and gently returned the kiss.
When the song ended, AndAIa asked, "Please play a soft song."
"Okay," Jo Ann replied. She played the song, "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Jo Ann had tried to explain the origins of Christmas to her Mainframe family as best she could. Being of another culture, the Mainframers had found User relgions to be a bit confusing, even though Jo Ann had tried to use Mainframe equivalents to help explain. Christmas needed no explaining. They understood.
"Its lovely..." was Monitor's verdict on the song.
"Thanks," Jo Ann smiled shyly.
Matrix and Enzo were play fighting on the rug.
Jo Ann giggled at them. Big Enzo and Little Enzo. The same sprite, yet each their own person. Same with AndrAIa and Andri: Big AndrAIa and Little AndrAIa. The same, yet different.
"Matrix; don't hurt him!" Dot warned.
"I won't!" Matrix grinned. Just to be funny, Matrix let little Enzo get him on his back and sit on the green warrior's chest.
AndrAIa and Andri laughed helplessly.
"The winner...Little Enzo!" Jo Ann laughed.
Andri clambered over Matrix and hugged little Enzo.
"OOF...I bit too heavy there, guys!" Matrix grinned. Everyone knew he was joking. The big sprite was very strong, and he could easily handle both kids at once.
"Oh, Mat-rix!" Andri said in the same tone her big sister would use to playfully scold him. She started to bounce on him, giggling.
Matrix grabbed her and lifted her up in the air, grinning up at her.
Andri grinned at him.
Jo Ann giggled at the renagade playing with the two small sprites.
"Think you could be like that, playing with children and being happy?" she asked Wild Card.
"Getting maternal, love?" Wild Card asked.
"Maybe a little..." she smiled.
Wild Card hugged her to him.
"I love you, my sweet hunter," Jo Ann whispered to him.
"I love you too, goddess..."
"Maybe someday..." Jo Ann patted her stomach and sighed.
Wild Card smiled at her, "Someday..."
"Yes, someday. For now, though, I'm happy helping with little Enzo and Andri."
"Yeah..."
Jo Ann gave Wild Card a quick kiss on the lips and smiled at him.
"What was that for, love?"
"Just...because..." she smiled.
"Okay; I can live with that..." he grinned.
Jo Ann giggled. When the song ended, she played another: "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing".
Andri jumped about again, squirming out of Matrix's grip.
Matrix tried to hold her for a moment, then let her go, still grinning. He went back to wrestling with little Enzo.
Andri decided to help; she slipped down and started to tickle Matrix.
"Hey!" Matrix laughed. "Two against one is no fair!"
"But you're a big 'one'!" Andri giggled.
For an answer, Matrix began tickling Andri right back.
Andri squealed loudly.
Little Enzo, laughing, rolled off of Matrix. Bob snuck up and started to tickle him!
Dot laughed, watching them all.
Wild Card desided to get in on the fun. Without warning, he started tickling Jo Ann.
"Wild Card!" she laughed. She somehow managed to get her hands to his armpits, where she started tickling him!
AndrAIa smiled watching them, grateful Matrix was tickling her little sister.
Finally, eveyone was tired out from tickling and laughing, and desided to call it quits so that they could calm down and catch their breaths.
Dot laughed at the sight of them all and handed out mulled wine to the adults and enery shakes for Andri and Enzo.
"I'll take an energy shake, too, Dot," Jo Ann smiled. "I've never liked alcohol."
"Okay; the wine is very diluted..." Dot went back into the kitchen and got a third energy shake.
"Thanks, Dot," Jo Ann smiled when Dot brought the shake out to her. The energy shake had a minty flavor to it -- just right for Christmas.
"Happy Holidays!" Dot smiled.
"Merry Christmas, everybody!" Jo Ann smiled back.
Jo Ann's portalable electronic mailbox beeped.
"You got an email!!!" Andri grinned
Jo Ann grinned back and checked her e-mail. Her eyes welled up as she read it.
"Who's it from, love?"
"It's...from...my...User...family..." she whispered, haltingly.
Wild Card wrapped his arms around her, "What do they say?"
"'Dear Jo Ann and Mainframe friends:
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Or is it New Hour? Happy Holidays, at any rate. We miss you and hope you are well. Mollie still wants to know why she can't come to visit little Enzo. In case we don't think of it then, Happy Birthday, too.
Love,
Mom, Dad, Sandie, Marvin, Mollie, Marty, Aunt Brenda, Uncle Fitz, Bonnie, Tommy, Charlotte and everyone else."
Wild Card held Jo Ann close and wiped away her tears.
"There's more:
P.S. Mollie locked the doors of the stalls in the girl's bathroom at school. Again."
Jo Ann laughed through her tears when she read that.
"Share the joke?"
"Mollie locked all the doors to the stalls in the girl's bathroom at her school again!" Jo Ann said between laughs.
Wild Card smiled and gave her shoulders a squeeze.
"That's a good trick!" little Enzo laughed. "Maybe we should try it!"
"Maybe not," Andri smiled.
"You'd better not!" Dot warned, still laughing at Mollie's prank.
"See, Enzo..." Andri warned.
"Aww...and it was soooo funnyyy!" the small sprite laughed.
Dot gave him her "mother" look.
Little Enzo imediantly stopped laughing.
"'Little Mischief' suits that child very well, allryght!" Turbo grinned.
Monitor grinned, "It does..."
"Ah meant Mollie, but it does fit little Enzo, too," Turbo smiled.
Monitor smiled at the group; they were all so close; it made her miss her brother, Status.
"I'll have to think of something to write back to them," Jo Ann smiled. "And how am I to explain to Mollie about how dangerous it is, now? She's only six. She won't understand about virues..."
"Tell her its like homework!!" Enzo suggested. The adults laughed.
"I will be back in a couple of nanos..." Monitor slipped out of the door
"'Kay, Monitor!" Jo Ann called after her. "Enzo, how are virues like homework?" she asked the small sprite.
"Any is too much!"
"I don't think that will explain virues to Mollie, Enzo!" Jo Ann laughed.
"Umm...okay..."
Outside, Monitor had opened a vidwindow to her home-system.
"Hey! The e-mail mentioned something about your birthday, JoJo!" Matrix said. "When is your birthday?"
"Yeah; when is it?" AndrAIa pressed.
"January, the seventh. 1964," she added the year out of habit.
"January 7th?! That's your birthday?" Dot asked.
"Yes," Jo Ann smiled at her sister-in-law. She was unaware that the others had stopped talking and were now staring at her.
Dot smiled, "Oh my goodness!"
"What?!" Jo Ann asked, looking around at her Mainframe family, who seemed to have surprised, but pleased, looks on their faces.
"That's ReStart day!"
"'ReStart Day'?" Jo Ann asked.
"It commemerates the system restart; the liberation from Megaframe..."
"The day the system crashed, and Mainframe was restored?" Jo Ann asked, wide-eyed with happy excitement.
Dot nodded.
"Well...how about that! Mainframe's Independece Day is on my birthday!" Jo Ann grinned in wonder.
"Isn't that weird..."
"Maybe," Andri said, "that is why you were chosen to become a Guardian: Athena's heir."
Wild Card smiled, "Kismet..."
"Possibly. Mainframe was reborn on Jo Ann's birthday. That seems to have tied her to us even more then before," Bob smiled.
"Wow..." Turbo breathed. "Ah wonder where Monitor went..."
"Good question. I bet she would love to hear this!" Matrix grinned.
"Ah'll go fahnd her..."
"Okay," Bob smiled. He watched as Wild Card hugged Jo Ann close. The Mainframers loved their User Guardian very much. She was a big part of their lives, their family. To discover, on this magical of User holidays, that she shared her birthday with one of Mainframe's greatest holidays...
Outside, Monitor sniffled and wiped away the last of her tears.
This was how Turbo found her.
"What's wrong?" he asked, concerned.
"Nothing..." she lied.
"Monitor, please. What is it?" He put an arm around her.
She took his arm gratefully; "I tried to talk to my brother..." she told him.
"An'..." Turbo prompted.
"And he still wants nothing to do with me. He said some horrible things; about Guardians, me...you..."
"Shhh...It'll be alright," Turbo drew her into his arms.
Monitor smiled at him, and bit her lips.
"Come on back inside, now. It's colder than a brass null out here. We found out somethin' incrediubly wonderful 'bout Jo Ann t'night." Turbo steered Monitor back into the house.
"What's that?" she asked, her interest peaked.
"Why don't we let 'em tell ya," Turbo grinned.
"Okay..." Monitor followed him; hoping her eyes had lost the redness from her tears.
"Ah found 'er!" Turno grinned as they rejoined the party.
"Hey, guys!" Monitor tried to sound perky.
"Hi, Monitor!" Andri grinned. "Guess what we just found out about Jo Ann?"
"What?"
"HERBIRTHDAYISONJANUARYTHESEVENTH,THESAMEDAYASRESTARTDAYTHEDAYMAINFRAMECRASHEDANDWASRESTORED!" little Enzo cried excitedly.
"Slow down [little whirlwind]!"
"He said, 'Her birthday is on January, the seventh, the same day as ReStart Day, the day when Mainframe crashed and was restored.'," Matrix translated.
"Right..." Monitor smiled and crouched to hug little Enzo.
"Isn't that really alphanumeric?" the small, green sprite asked.
"Absolutely" Monitor's voice was 110% sincere.
"We'll have to have a double celebration, now," Matrix grinned.
"And...oooo...wouldn't Mike just love to hear this!" AndrAIa smiled.
"He already has!" The media sprite appeared from a corner.
"Oh, no!" Jo Ann laughed. Normaly, Mike would be an annoying little pest. But this was Christmas. Even Mike, the T.V. was welcome.
Matrix turned around and pretended to scowl at the T.V.
Mike nearly jumped the height of the ceiling. He made ready to run, if nessassary.
Matrix chuckled and AndrAIa playfully slapped his shoulder, "Enzo!"
Mike relaxed and smiled. No one would do anything to him during the holidays. Of course, after the holidays were over, all bets would be off. He'd once again have to be on his guard.
"Apologize," AndrAIa demanded.
"Sorry, Mike," Matrix grinned a little sheepishly at the T.V.
Mike did a double take. Matrix was apologising to him?!
"Hey, it's Christmas. Can't be a...what was that really mean charcter's name again, the one in 'A Christmas Carol'?" Matrix asked Jo Ann.
"Ebenezer Scroodge," she answered.
"Yeah. Ebenezer Scroodge. Can't be a 'Scroodge' on Christmas!" Matrix said to Mike.
AndrAIa hugged him.
Bob had a treat for everone. He brought out a beautiful cherry-wood acustic guitar and began to play it. As he strummed the non-electric instrument, he sang, "O'Come All Ye Faithful".
Dot sat nearby and sighed happily. She loved his voice.
Bob smiled and nodded at Jo Ann. Catching the hint, she began to sing along with him.
Dot loved to sing, but she just sat and listened.
Now, Bob nodded to Matrix and AndrAIa. As he began the song again, the two sang along. He nodded to Wild Card. The bounty hunter sang in a voice as soft and smooth as Bob's own. One-by-one, at Bob's signal, the party-goers joined in. Bob then nodded to Dot.
Dot winked and began to join in, her voice in harmony with the others'.
Turbo's voice was strong, but soft and gentle, as well. One could hear the western twang of his voice as he sang the beautiful carol.
Monitor hugged the Prime Guardian, enthralled by his voice.
When the song ended, Jo Ann sighed with the happiness of the season.
"That was beautiful, Bob!" she said. "Could you please sing..." Jo Ann whispered in his ear. He smiled, and nodded. Bob began to play and sing, "Joy to the World".
Dot leaned over and kissed her husband, "I love your voice..."
"All our guys have great voices," Jo Ann smiled at her husband. He bent his head and kissed her.
"So do you, darlin'..."
"I love you, Wild Card," Jo Ann whispered to her golden-haired husband.
"I love ya, too, darlin'," Wild Card whispered back. He gave Jo Ann her favorite nuzzle, the one that made her laugh whenever he nuzzled her. Bob's voice singing the song made the perfect backdrop for love.
Andri sighed, and little Enzo put his arm around her.
There were other songs sung that night. Some, everyone sang. Some, Bob, or one of the others, would sing alone, all accompanied by Bob's guitar playing.
Dot finally, playing mother, put the children to bed. The adults stayed up, singing and talking in the candle-light.
Weary by the excitement of the evening, Jo Ann leaned her head on Wild Card's shoulders and fell asleep, lulled by the soft sound of Bob's guitar. Wild Card put his arm around her, drawing her near. Snow was falling outside, and the partiers were going to spend the night at Bob and Dot's.
Noticing the sleepiness, Dot brought a blanket from the master bedroom and handed it to Jo Ann and Wild Card.
"Thanks, Dot," Wild Card whispered. Gently, carefully, he wrapped it around Jo Ann and himself.
Dot smiled and kissed his forehead, and the almost-sleeping Jo Ann's forehead maternally.
Jo Ann sighed in her sleep, snuggling closer to Wild Card.
"Where is everyone going to sleep tonight?" Bob asked Dot in a whisper.
"It's a big house; we can unfold the sofa-bed for those two," Dot motioned to Wild Card and Jo Ann; "Matrix and AndrAIa can have the spare bedroom beside my study; Turbo and Monitor can have the other spare room; Mouse can have the sofa-bed in my study; Ray has agreed to sleep in his board form," Dot stopped for breath. "Frisket is in with Andri and Enzo; Hex can have the sofa in your study; Scuzzy will stay with her; Hack, Slash and Phong get the room down the hall and Mike...if you're quiet, Mike, you can have the huge arm-chair over there!"
"I'll be quiet as a mute button," Mike whispered.
Dot smiled at him.
Very quietly and carefully, Mike moved to the chair and climbed into it.
Dot brought a blanket and handed it to him, "Sweet dreams, Mike!"
"Thank you," he whispered before setting sail for dreamland.
Matrix and AndrAIa retired after exchanging hugs and kisses.
"Get up a nano, you two," Bob said. "I'll let out the sofa-bed." Wild Card rose and carefully guided a very sleepy Jo Ann to one side.
Quickly, moving in unison, Bob and Dot dropped out the sofa bed and Wild Card lifted a sleeping User Guardian onto the bed and lay down beside her.
"'Night, guys," Wild Card whispered. "Sweet dreams."
"Same to you..." Dot and Bob saw all the others off to bed, then silently played 'Santa Claus'.
Wild Card tapped Jo Ann's icon, changing her clothes into a set of warm, red, pajamas. He tapped his own icon, and changed into a matching set. Then, with a arm around his wife, Wild Card pulled the covers over them, kissed her good night, and went to sleep.
"Good-night..." once all the gifts were laid out, a sleepy Guardian 452 and his COMMAND.COM wife headed for their own bed.
Early the next morning, Bob and Dot were woken up by an excited little Enzo and Andri jumping onto their bed.
"BOB!DOT!COMEANDSEETHETREE!SANTA'SBEENHERE!HOW'EDHEFINDUSHEREINTHENET?GETUP!COMELOOKATALLTHEPRESENTS!" little Enzo cried excitedly as he sat on Bob's chest. Andri sat on top of Dot.
Dot groaned and sat up, gently placing Andri on her lap.
Bob chuckled. A classic scene in many a User home on Christmas morning, according to Jo Ann.
"What are you laughing about? It's 6:30 AM!" Dot groaned.
Bob grinned and lifted Enzo off his chest, settling him on the floor. He then lifted Andri off Dot and set her next to little Enzo.
"Feel like a mother, yet, Dot?" he asked, still grinning.
Dot laughed, pulling her dressing-gown on; "Ever since my parents were nullified, I've functioned as Enzo's 'mother'...I guess I've become 'Mom' to Mainframe..."
"I guess that makes me, 'Dad' to Mainframe," Bob laughed. He leaned over and kissed his wife as he put on his bathrobe.
"Happy Christmas, darling!" Dot smiled at him.
"You, too, love," Bob smiled back.
"Did you wake everyone else?" Dot asked the children.
"Not yet!" they chimed.
"Go wake 'em...gently!!"
"Okay!" the kids laughed. They skipped out of the bedroom to accomplish their task.
"Was that wise?" Dot asked Bob.
"How else are we going to get them up?" Bob grinned impishly. He winked at her.
Dot laughed softly, "That's bordering on sadistic..."
"Don't worry. If I know those two, they'll head straight for Matrix and AndrAIa's room. Back-up data -- what Jo Ann would call genes. Knowing Matrix like they do, would the kids really wake them up any other way but gently?"
Dot laughed loudly; "And AndrAIa hates to be woken..."
From somewhere near Dot's study came, "ENZO, YOU LITTLE...!" followed by the sound of running feet.
Dot suppressed a laugh, squeezed Bob's hand and exited the bedroom.
"What's the problem?" she asked.
Matrix and AndrAIa stood over their smaller counter-parts, glowering angerly at the two little sprites.
"Don't you two know that it's 6:30 AM, in the morning?!?" AndrAIa growled.
Dot stood between the angry adults and rather frightened children.
"But Santa's been!" Andri told them.
"He...has...?" Matrix asked. The green warrior looked to Bob, who grinned and winked. Getting the message, Matrix changed his attitude. "Well, if Santa has been here, I guess we should wake everyone up, AndrAIa." He looked to her and gave the game sprite the same grin and wink that Bob had given him.
AndrAIa shot Matrix a "Sparky -- I'm gonna kill you" look; sighed and looked at the kids. She ran a hand through her long aqua hair, "Go on -- but do it gently!" She watched them run off and shook her head. "Enzo Matrix, I do believe you're going soft."
"Hey, love; it's Christmas!" Matrix grinned. He swept her off her feet and, bringing her close to him, kissed her firmly on the lips.
"Mmmph!" AndrAIa's protests were cut off and she did not struggle to continue moaning. Instead, she rested her hands on his broad chest and kissed him back.
Meanwhile, little Enzo and Andri were continuing their "mission" of waking everyone up. Last of all, they came to Wild Card and Jo Ann.
Mike had bounced awake, "HEEEEEEEYYYYYYY!! SANTA'S BEEN!"
"Whaaaa...?" Jo Ann moaned as she sat up with half-closed eyes. Wild Card sat beside her, stretching and yawning.
Andri shot a look at Mike; "Santa has been," she informed Jo Ann and Wild Card.
"He has?" Jo Ann asked, yawning, stretching and rubbing her eyes.
"Look!" The little game sprite's eyes were filled with joy and the tree lights were reflected in her eyes.
Wild Card and Jo Ann smiled at the two children. The tree sparkled with multi-colored lights. Under the tree were many, colorfully-wrapped presents.
"Merry Christmas, darlin'," Wild Card grinned at his wife. She grinned back.
"Merry Christmas to you, love." Gently, they kissed, enjoying their embrace.
"GOTTAWAKETURBOANDMONITOR!!"
"Gently, you two. I think I heard it when you woke up Matrix and AndrAIa!" Jo Ann laughed.
Andri smiled slyly.
Jo Ann grinned back. She and Wild Card folded the sofa-bed back up and booted into jeans, sweatshirts, socks, and sneakers.
Dot brought in a tray of hot chocolate, and Bob had the recycle bin with him
"Hmmm...that smells good!" Jo Ann smiled. She took a cup and blew in it. Then, carefully, she took a sip. "Tastes --and feels-- good, too!"
Dot smiled, "Merry Christmas, Jo Ann..."
"Merry Christmas, Dot," Jo Ann smiled back. Wild Card also took a cup and sipped the hot drink.
"Merry Christmas, you two," Bob smiled.
"Merry Christmas, bro," Jo Ann smiled, kissing him on the cheek.
Turbo, Monitor, Mouse and the others all came in and were handed a hot chocolate.
"Can we open presents now?" little Enzo asked, hopefully. Andri stood next to him, looking just as hopefull.
"One at a time. Lets all take turns!" Dot suggested, playing mother again.
"Okay. Whose going to hand them out?" Jo Ann asked.
"LEMMELEMMEPLEASEDOT?!"
"You can help, Enzo. You'll 'delever' the gifts when I hand them to you," Dot said.
Turbo took a long swing of his hot chocolate, "Merry Christmas, Monitor..." he whispered.
"Merry Christmas [my beloved]..."
"Can I help, too, Dot?" Andri asked.
"Sure you can, sweetie..."
Little Enzo and Andri stood in front of Dot, ready to make their deleveries.
Dot handed them a rectangular box each, "These are for you two!"
The two kids openned the boxes.
"NEWZIPBOARDS!?!THANKS,BOBANDDOT!"
Bob grinned.
Little Enzo and Andri hugged Bob and Dot.
Dot smiled warmly and Bob ruffled their hair.
"Nice boards, kids!" Jo Ann smiled.
"Aren't they sooo cool?!" Andri exclaimed.
"They sure are!" Jo Ann told them. "And personalozed, too!"
"I've never had a zip-board before!!" Andri marvelled.
"They're fun!" little Enzo told her.
"Hey! You two still making deleveries?" Bob asked.
"Give this one to Bob," Dot handed Enzo a smallish rectuangluar parcel.
"Its a book," Enzo told Bob, handing it to him.
Bob openned the gift. He stared at the title: "20,001 Names for Baby"?
"We're going to need some options," Dot smiled coyly at him.
"B...b...baby names?" Bob stammered. "Why would we need...Dot! Are you...?"
Dot nodded and smiled at him.
"Dot...you're going to have a baby?!" Jo Ann gasped. She moved to where the two sprites were sitting.
Dot nodded, smiling.
"Oh, Dot!" Jo Ann cried. She hugged her "sister" tight. Then, she moved to Bob and hugged him.
"Congradulations! Both of you!"
"Yeah, bro!" Wild Card grinned. "Congrats!" The bounty hunter shared a hand-clasp with Bob, and gave Dot a little hug.
Bob still looked stunned. Dot kissed him.
Now, Matrix, AndrAIa, and the others moved forward to offer their congradulations.
Hugs and giggles were exchanged...
"This is so wonderful!" Jo Ann sighed. She hugged Wild Card close. Maybe someday, they'll have a baby, too.
"It is -- it's also kind of a shock..."
"I'm sure it is," Jo Ann smiled. Then, she looked coyily at Wild Card. "Just as it would be a shock if I were to say to you about a certain little something..."
"What?" Wild Card asked.
Jo Ann giggled. "No, not yet, love. But I'm hoping someday soon..."
Wild Card looked vaguely releaved.
"Now, Wild Card: Don't tell me that you don't want to be a father!" Jo Ann grinned at her husband.
"I do!! Just not right now...."
Jo Ann giggled again. She took Wild Card's face in her hands and kissed him on the lips.
"I love you," she said.
"Ditto..."
"This," Bob smiled at his wife, "was the best Christmas present I could ever have gotten, Dot."
"You mean it?! You're not upset...?"
"Dot, why would I be upset?" Bob laughed. "I'm going to be a father!" Bob hugged his wife to him. .
Dot hugged him, releaved.
I wonder how those medical tests are going to come out? Jo Ann thought.
Dot and Bob hugged warmly.
"Let's get back to handing the gifts out," Bob grinned. "Although, I doubt if any of them will top the one you've just given me!"
Dot smiled; "Andri -- this one is for Turbo, from Monitor..."
"Okay," the girl-sprite said. She took the present and gave it to Turbo.
"Whut is this, Monitor?" he asked
"A little something, with love..." she smiled.
Jo Ann watched as Turbo unwrapped the gift.
Inside the package were two Marty Robbins CDs and the sheet music for the albums.
"Ohh...those are great songs, Turbo!" Jo Ann smiled. "You should enjoy them!"
"Yes; and you can sing them to me as well, "Monitor smiled.
"We'll thank ya, Monitor," Turbo smiled. He drew her to him and kissed her.
Monitor smiled, feeling happy and secure. "You're welcome -- enjoy them [beloved]..."
Turbo studied the sheet music. Without knowing it, he began to sing the song, "El Paso City".
Monitor rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying his voice.
When he finished the song, everyone applauded.
"That was wonderful, [beloved]," Monitor smiled at him.
"Huh? Was Ah singin'?" Turbo asked, bewildered.
"Yes..." she smiled.
"And it was incredible!" Jo Ann laughed. "I could almost see you in that jet plane flying over El Paso!"
"You really captured the soul of the song..."
"Why, thank ya!" Turbo grinned. He took a bow, as if he had been on the stage of the Grand Ol' Opery house.
Monitor chuckled.
Enzo and Andri turned back to Bob and Dot, awaiting new gifts to deliver.
"That's for Jo Ann and Wild Card..."
Enzo gave Wild Card his present, while Andri gave Jo Ann hers.
"Ohh...I wonder what these could be?" Jo Ann said, openning her gift.
"Who are they from?" Wild Card asked.
"Us," AndrAIa smiled.
Wild Card and Jo Ann stared at their gifts from Matrix and AndrAIa. Each had recieved matching gold and jewel goblets.
"They're beautiful!" Jo Ann smiled. "Thank you both!" She gave each a hug and a kiss.
Matrix and AndrAIa returned the hug, smiling.
"For your continued happiness," Matrix smiled.
"And love to last an eternity..." Andraia added
Wild Card grinned at the two sprites. Then he kissed Jo Ann and held her close.
Dot smiled and handed the little sprites two more gifts, "Mouse; and Hex..."
Enzo delivered to Mouse, while Andri gave Hex her gift.
Hex squealed in delight, "Oooh...what is it?"
"Open it and see!" Bob laughed. Hex opened the gift and found a huge stuffed cat
Mouse, meanwhile, had found a new katana blade, with her symbol carved into the pommel.
"Wow...who's this from?" Mouse asked.
"Us," Bob said. We found it in..."
"The Super Computer!" everyone finished for him. Bob gave them a half-grin.
Dot laughed, "Hey, I know where to shop..."
"You sure do!" Jo Ann laughed.
"This is to Wild Card, from Turbo," Bob said, handing Andri a small package.
"Oooh..." the little game-sprite grinned, "I wonder what it is..."
"Well, let's see," Wild Card smiled. He openned the gift to find...
"A KEY-TOOL?!" he exclaimed.
"Yep! Meet Logo; tha wildest, crazeist keytool ta ever enter tha Guardian Academy. He wanted someone as wild an' crazy as he is, so when Ah told 'im 'bout ya, well, he jest wanted ta be yer keytool. An' since only recognized Guardians can have keytools, Ah'm givin' ya full Guardian status."
Wild Card did a double take. "Be kind; rewind...what did you just say?"
"Which part?" Turbo grinned.
"All of it..." the bounty-hunter looked rather dazed.
"That was rather long. As a quick recap: Ah'm makin' ya a full Guardian an' Logo is goin' ta be yer keytool," Turbo continued to grin.
"Neat," Wild Card still looked rather dazed -- thrilled; but dazed.
"Oh, Wild Card!" Jo Ann cried, throwing her arms around her husband and hugging him close.
Wild Card nuzzled Jo Ann's neck as it sunk in.
Jo Ann giggled at that wonderful, familer gesture of love.
"Soo...Logo, is it?" Wild Card smiled.
[Hiya, Wild Card!] the keytool beeped happily.
"Wild Card, Ah'm gonna need yer icon for a nano, ta iniciate tha upgrade ta full Guardian," Turbo said.
Wild Card grinned at Turbo and passed him his icon.
Turbo held the icon over Copeland, from whom the new programming was iniciated.
[Done,] Copeland told Turbo.
Turbo handed Wild Card his icon. "You are now officially a full Guardian, Wild Card."
"I don't have to wear the uniform, do I?"
Turbo laughed. "Nah. Yer a special agent --still a bounty hunter, fer tha most part. But ya now have all tha programmin' an' privalidges of a full Guardian."
Wild Card smiled broadly, "Great!! I'm not a uniform kinda guy..."
"There is one little change, however..." Turbo said. He reached over to Wild Card's icon, which was reversed in relation to how a Guardian's icon should be, and turned it right-side up. Now, Wild Card's icon matched Jo Ann's, Bob's, Matrix's, Turbo's, and Monitor's.
Bob grinned at his twin.
"I'm a full Guardian," Wild Card whispered. He still could not believe it. Jo Ann hugged him hard, kissing him. She looked at him, full of pride for her husband.
"Well done!" Dot smiled at him.
[Hiya, babe!] Logo said to Pixal.
{Now, don't you start!} Pixal replied.
[Logo] Packard said, [that's no way to talk to the mother of all keytools!]
The Guardians in the room all laughed out loud.
[What do you mean, "the mother of all keytools"?] Logo asked.
[Pixal was Athena's keytool...] Packard explained.
[Athena?!? The first Guardian?!?] Logo yelped.
[Yup...] Packard told him.
[Aww...She...] Logo began.
[Don't you dare, Logo!] Packard warned. [Pixal doesn't like swearing!]
All those who spoke keytool were laughing loudly at the exchange.
[Wait a nano...doesn't the legend say that Athena's heir was goin' to be a...] Logo trailed off in astonishment.
Packard grinned [I went through this too... Jo Ann -- Wild Card's missus-- is a User...]
[Aww...She...opps! Sorry, ma'ams!] Logo gulped.
Dot laughed softly and squeezed Bob's hand.
"Nice to meet you, Logo," Jo Ann grinned.
[You too, ma'am...How come the first female keytool I meet happens to be "Mom"?] Logo groaned.
Monitor grinned, "I'm getting a keytool soon; she's female..."
[But I have dibs on her!] Copeland said. [Besides, you'll be here in Mainframe, while Intel and I will be in the Super Computer!]
Monitor laughed, "Copeland, doesn't Intel get her choice?" she teased the keytool. She and Copeland were very fond of each other.
[Course she does. But if you are going to be hanging aroung Turbo, that means Intel will be hanging around me!] Copeland grinned.
"Oooo...Sound like we have a keytool soap opera going on here!" Jo Ann laughed.
Monitor smiled warmly, "Copeland you are incorrigable!"
"'As The Keytool Turns'..." intoned Mike, the T.V.
"Mike!" everyone yelled.
"Mike, dear," Jo Ann smiled. "Don't push your luck."
"Yeah, don't..." Matrix added.
"Eep," Mike squeked and retreated to the chair that he slept in.
AndrAIa turned to Mike, "Don't worry, Mike. He's joking.."
"What makes you think so?" Matrix asked.
"I can see the twinkle in his eyes..."
"My cyber eye twinkles?" the green warrior smiled.
AndrAIa smiled, "It does..."
"Yeah, I think it does!" Jo Ann smiled at her brother-in-law.
"If you two say so," Matrix smiled.
"It sure does!" Andri chimed in, tilting her head to look up at the tall man.
Matrix laughed and picked up the little sprite and hugged her.
Andri giggled, giving the renagade a big hug around his neck.
"Hey; gettin' jealous here!" AndrAIa laughed.
Andri giggled. She reached for her sister and gave her a big hug, too.
AndrAIa swung her around and then put her down
"I definately want to be a mother, soon," Jo Ann whispered teasingly to Wild Card.
Wild Card turned to look at her, to make sure she was joking.
Jo Ann only smiled. She seemed like she was joking, but there was something in her smile --or was it her eyes?-- that suggested things might be otherwise.
Wild Card half-grinned.
Jo Ann giggled. She gave Wild Card a quick kiss on the lips. Then she smiled sweetly at him. Wonder if the medical reports will be possitive? she thought to herself. She quickly glanced at Bob and Dot, to see if they had caught the fleeting thought.