Kevin looked a little nervous at the moment.
''Is something the matter?'' Carmen asked him with a concerned look on her face.
''Um, no...nothing at all. Could we just go outside and get some air, please?'' Kevin asked.
''You're not sick, are you?'' Carmen asked concerned.
''No, no! Not at all!'' Kevin quickly replied. ''I'll be fine-''
''Well, let me go with you, just in case,'' Carmen replied.
''Thanks,'' Kevin replied.
The two made their way out to the North Entrance and saw Zack and Ivy standing there waiting. Kevin tugged on Carmen's arm, as if to hold her back.
''Don't bolt, Carmen, please don't!'' Zack exclaimed.
Carmen glanced back at Kevin. ''What's the meaning of this?''
''Ok, I saw Zack and Ivy when you were waiting for me in the Egypt room. They said they wanted to talk to you- not arrest you,'' Kevin replied.
Carmen looked back at Zack and Ivy. ''So, if you're not here to arrest me, what do you want? And why are you all dressed up?''
Zack began, ''Well you see...we...uh...Ivy help me out here!''
Carmen shook her head, ''I knew you two-''
''No wait!'' Ivy exclaimed. ''Forgive Zack here, I'm the one who knows the plan better. I was supposed to talk about it, but Zack jumped the gun.''
''I'm waiting,'' Carmen replied.
''Well, you see, it's like this,'' Ivy began, and they she realized she wasn't faring any better than Zack. She then suddenly exclaimed, ''Fire up the C-5!'' and ran at Carmen. The entrance had opened up behind her and Ivy charged before Carmen could get out of her way. Carmen and Kevin were both pushed inside and Ivy entered the corridor a second after them.
Zack exclaimed, ''Hey! Wait for me!'' With that, he leaped inside the corridor. The entrance disappeared behind him.
After a moment in the corridor, the entrance opened up in the VILE Headquarters' Ballroom. Suddenly, the dark room filled with light and everyone yelled, ''Surprise! Happy Birthday!''
Carmen got up and looked around amazed. She then looked at Kevin and asked, ''You knew about this?''
''Yeah, I was in on this too,'' Kevin replied. ''I'm sorry we had to lie to you to get you here but-''
''I'm not upset at all,'' Carmen replied. ''I'm truly touched.'' Carmen looked about at all the party guests who looked anxious to speak with her. ''I hope they weren't waiting too long,'' Carmen said.
''Well, yes and no...'' Zack replied.
''Go on Carmen,'' Ivy said, ''Go mingle with all the party guests who've been waiting for you to arrive.''
''Thanks detectives,'' Carmen said to them, ''This was quite a surprise. I thank you both for getting me here as well.''
''You're welcome,'' Zack and Ivy replied at the same time.
With that, Carmen walked towards the party guests.
Jaci was the first to reach Carmen. She had a look of sheer joy on her face, which could be seen from a mile away.
''I'm so glad you could make it, Carmen!'' Jaci said, trying hard to keep her voice down (her voice tended to get loud and shrill when she got excited, and she didn't want to break Carmen's eardrums).
''I'm happy to be here,'' said Carmen. ''You all really surprised me.''
''That was the idea,'' Jaci replied. ''When I first met you, I had no idea that you would become one of the rare 'criminals' that I would truly admire.''
''You were at Ursinus then, right?'' asked Carmen.
''Yes, I was at Ursinus,'' Jaci said. ''In fact, I just started my workstudy job at the library there, and you wanted to borrow a book on Shakespeare there. You did return it, as you promised.''
''I was glad to hear of your graduation in 1996,'' said Carmen. ''I'm sorry I couldn't make it.''
''Well, you probably would have scared everyone else if you had made it. Everyone would have been on their guard around you,'' said Jaci. ''I'm still working in a library -- at a community college -- and taking courses there for my own benefit.''
''You're somewhat like me,' said Carmen. 'You love to learn as many things as you can.''
''That was one of the things that I came to like about you,'' said Jaci. ''I saw someone who loved to learn about various subjects. I would talk to you more, but there are others who want to talk to you, too, so I'll just let you talk to them. Happy birthday, Carmen!''
''Thanks, Jaci,'' said Carmen. And with that, Jaci left and Carmen approached another party guest.
Kevin came over to Laurie and took her towards Carmen. Carmen turned to look at her.
''Hello Laurie,'' Carmen said, a bit puzzled. ''I thought you had-''
''Midterms?'' Laurie finished.
''Yes...wait, were you in on this too?'' Carmen asked.
Laurie nodded. ''My midterms were last week actually. Kevin just told you that so it wouldn't seem too odd that I-''
''Laurie was the one who call me all those times to let me know the status of the party,'' Kevin interupted.
''Well, I knew she called, but I didn't know of her part in all this,'' Carmen replied.
''Yeah, we were kinda working together on this one,'' Laurie said.
''And you arranged Zack and Ivy to come get us?'' Carmen asked.
''Sorta...we hadn't exactly thought about that, but they were here and I knew the guests were getting restless, so I asked them if they'd be willing to do so, and they did,'' Laurie replied.
''Except there was a glitch with the corridor, so they couldn't get here as fast as they said,'' Kevin finished.
''Is there anything else you're keeping from me?'' Carmen asked.
''Unless you count the fact that we won't tell you what's in your gifts then no,'' Laurie replied.
''Well, now that I know all this, I must congratulate you for pulling this off and I thank everyone else who made arrangements as well,'' Carmen replied.
Just then, another guest tapped Carmen on the shoulder and she turned to see who it was.
Carmen turns to see one of her accomplices gasping for breath. Carmen looks amused.
''I would have figured YOU'D be here!'' Carmen exclaimed, ''What's wrong with you?''
''Well there was the..and the killer bees and the big dog and the zeplin crashing on the lawn and a whole buncha other things,'' said 200309, out of breath.
''Work?''
''Yes.''
Carmen laughed.''There's nothing like a hard days work when your a thief. So did you plan this to?''
''To a point. It was mostly their idea.''
''You wanted something I take it?''
''I just wanted to...''
''What?''
''I just wanted to shake your hand! All my life it has come to this!''
''You've worked for me for nearly 3 years and you've never shaken my HAND?''
''Well..I'm kinda not a very important henchmen.''
''Says you! After the save in Cairo?''
Beep Beep!
''Arrrggg! The beeper of death!!!!''
''Is that Sara's number?''
''She won't leave me alone!!!!''
''Better see what she wants..meet me later, there is something I want to give to you...''
Anie runs off.
''Wow!''
Carmen smiled, then continued to speak with her guests.
Now that the guest of honor had arrived, the party was definitely in full swing. People were chatting, dancing, and laughing their way through the night. Guests in fine evening wear were sipping champagne and eating delicate French pastries. Jazzy, bold, and brassy music filtered through the air. This is truly grand, Carmen thought. She turned to Laurie, ''Where did the band come from? They're one of the best I've ever heard in terms of sound, style, and blending?''
''Oh, Kara brought them.'' Laurie answered as she flagged down a waiter for another chocolate eclair.
''She was in on this, too?'' Carmen was surprised as Laurie nodded. ''Well, I didn't think it was that easy to put one over on me.''
''It isn't Carmen, trust me.'' Kevin laughed as he remembered their ordeal at the museum.
Making her way over to the stage, Carmen noticed Erin flicking a remote control at her wrecked Steinway piano. *I don't even want to know* she thought. The band was just finishing up a faced-paced rendition of what Carmen recognized as 'Don't Rain On My Parade'.
With a final crash of brass, Kara turned around to bow and find Carmen standing right behind her. 'Carmen?' she beamed in surprise.
''Well, well. I should have known I'd find you with the band.'' Carmen slyly grinned.
''I guess you aren't the greatest detective and thief of all time for nothing, eh?'' Kara set down her baton and walked with Carmen off the stage.
''I see you're still facing life with 'a little guts and lots of glitter'?'' Carmen laughed.
''What can I say? I learned how to 'give 'em the ol' razzle dazzle' from the master.'' Kara smiled.
''You all planned this entire party for me? I really can't believe it.'' Carmen shook her head.
''Well, we all did our share with the planning. I brought the band,'' Kara gestured to the musicians on stage. ''I guess it makes up for the time Zack and Ivy stopped your fun.''
''Oh, it wasn't that much of a let-down. What would I have done with all those gifts anyway? I certainly wouldn't drive that old Cadillac around....'' Carmen began.
''Yes, it's definitely not your color.'' They laughed.
''I suppose I could have given it to Sara, then again Sara behind the wheel of anything isn't usually a good combination.'' Kara nodded. ''I guess you're not going to tell me by any chance what you got me for my birthday.'' Carmen frowned though with a hint of a smile.
''You've guessed correctly once again. I know you're curious, but you're just going to have to wait until after you have your cake and ice cream.''
''Cake and ice cream, too? This is really all too much.''
''You know you deserve it, Carmen,'' Kara said. ''Well, I guess I had better go back and conduct. Happy Birthday, Carmen! I'll see you later,'' Kara waved and walked back on the stage.
''Thank you,'' Carmen replied and shook her head. Kara was Kara, that was for sure. She could always be counted on for witty banter of some sort. She turned and went to greet some of her other guests.
And the band played on.........
''Aiee! Bright Eyes!''
Carmen whirled round to see a young girl in an emerald green African dress run up to greet her. She caught the girl still running, and Seldavia's wild laugh echoed throughout the ballroom as Carmen hefted her into the air. Seldavia came down on both feet like a cat, and threw her head back, laughing.
''Seldavia!'' Carmen exclaimed. ''I hoped you'd come.'' The two old friends hugged each other in spite of themselves, then Carmen held Seldavia by the shoulders and looked at her.
''Goodness, Seldavia. What have you been doing?''
Seldavia looked down at herself. Her hair was coming undone and there were a few bits of silly string stuck to her dress. ''I helped Carli settle a vendetta. It's a long story.''
''We have a lot to catch up on, Seldavia,'' Carmen told her.
''Where have you been?''
''At school, mostly,'' Seldavia told her. ''It was a killer quarter. But guess what--I've been accepted into the Louvain-au-Neuve excavation! I'll be digging up a castle from the Crusades with some of Belgium's most prestigious archaeologists!''
''Archie doesn't know about that, does he?'' Carmen asked, smiling. ''He'll be jealous.''
Seldavia laughed, then looked over at the other guests, who seemed impatient. ''Um...perhaps I'd better....''
''We'll have plenty of time for talking, Seldavia,'' Carmen assured her. ''I'll say hi to everyone, then come looking for you later. We've got lots to talk about!''
''All righty!'' Seldavia exclaimed. As Carmen moved off, Seldavia noticed Ivy coming up to her.
Ivy had known Seldavia for quite some time now, though it wasn't until a few months ago that she found out that Seldavia was acquainted with Carmen as well. But then that was just the way Seldavia was--she was an extremely complex person, and revealed little.
''Seldavia,'' Ivy said, looking at her dress, ''what have you been doing?''
''Long story,'' Seldavia told her. ''Listen, is he ready yet? He's already late.''
''He is now,'' Ivy told her. ''Took him long enough, and he kept saying that he was waiting for the right time. I guess he knows best concerning that type of thing, though. You want me to have Zack C-5 him in?''
Seldavia watched Carmen. ''Give her a few minutes. Let her talk to everybody else first.''
''Good plan.''
Seldavia grinned. ''You know, it's probably best that he wasn't here from the start. With all the ruckus that's been going on, he could've had a heart attack.''
''A bit rough?''
''Ask Carli about the car in the fountain. That'll explain some of it.''
Carmen walked over to the buffet table. All the talking was making her throat dry. She poured herself a glass of punch and was about to walk back into the crowd when a small hand gently took hold of her right arm. She turned around to find a very small brownish blond haired girl behind her.
''Megan?'' Carmen said with joyful surprize. ''You came too?''
''Hi Carmen,'' Megan said with a smile as the master thief wrapped her free arm around her and gave her a hug. ''It's great to see you.''
''It's great to see you too,'' Carmen said. ''How have things been? You're back in school now, I hope?''
''Yes, I am,'' Megan assured her friend. ''I transferred to the Tolles Technical Center, and have been there almost every day this year.''
''Oh that's wonderful!'' Carmen told her. ''I'm so glad you chose to stay in school.''
''Me too,'' Megan replied. ''Although I still don't really fit in, I would rather be at school so that I can spend time with the animals.''
''Then I take it, you like school again?'' Carmen asked.
''Yep. In fact I plan on delaying my graduation to stay there an extra two years. Bet you never thought you'd here me say that?''
''No, I certainly did not,'' Carmen said with a smile. ''So were you in on this as well?''
''No,'' Megan admitted. ''I did know about it, but I didn't plan anything. I'm not the kind who does parties. I just came to see you and wish you a happy birthday.''
''That's very sweet of you,'' Carmen said. ''Glad that you did come. To tell the truth, I'm not usually one for big parties myself. Just occassionally do I have one or attend one. But, I can take one once and a while.''
''Me too,'' Megan agreed. ''Well, I guess I should probably share you. Everybody else would probably like to have a chance to speak with the birthday girl.''
''Yeh, I guess I'd better go mingle some more, but we'll have to talk somemore. I'd like to know how my little feathered namesake is.''
''Deal,'' Megan said with a laugh, and let Carmen go back into the crowd.
As Carmen turned back into the crowd of well wishers, she felt happily overwelmed. Everyone she knew, everyone she cared for and confided in was here under one roof.
''I can't believe it,'' she said under her breath.
''Yeah they let almost everyone in here...'' said a voice in front of her.
Startled Carmen looked up and saw a very familier head of light red braids. ''Lio?''
''Yup! You didn't think I'd miss a bash this big did you?'' the teen asked as she gave the thief a hug. ''How are you holding up?''
''Fine, I'm just a little overwhelmed!''
Lio smiled ''Is it because of the fact that we pulled this off, or the fact that you've finally turned thirty-...''
Carmen finished quickly, ''Yes, everything is just a little too much.''
''And you haven't even seen the presents have you?''
''No, why?''
''Two of them are moving as we speak.''
''Really?''
Lio nodded.
''Well tonight promises to be....interesting...to say the least...''
''You don't know the half of it. Just waiting for the party to start gave Jaci the chance to demote doughtnuts like she's never demoted before! Well...I'd better let you get back to mingling. I'll see you later.''
''All right,'' Carmen said as she went back to the party.
She found them on the balcony.
''I'd like a word with you about my piano.'' Carmen said. Erin and Kiyone turned and looked at her.
''Well, look at that!'' Kiyone said loudly. ''My glass is empty, guess I'll go get some more punch'' The Galaxy Police officer went back into the ballroom. Carmen smiled.
''Well, she seems to be coping with celebrating the birthday of a criminal.'' Carmen said. ''Now, about my Steinway.''
''I'll take care of it before I leave.'' Erin promised.
''I hope so, good pianos are hard to find. Now, what's this I hear about you getting married?''
''Three weeks.'' Erin answered. ''Three weeks and it'll all be over.''
Carmen assumed a mock expression of hurt. ''And here I thought that I was your only love.''
Erin smiled. '' Yes, but let's be honest, the age difference is the problem. I'm twenty one and your thirty--''
''--four,'' Carmen finished.
''Riiiight.'' Erin replied. ''Anyway, you never struck me as the marrying kind.''
''No, but you seemed to think that I was capable of other things.''
''Oh, God, it's the Revenge Wars all over again!'' Erin proclaimed. Carmen laughed.
''Don't worry, I'm not like the others. I'm not going to do anything to you...much as you deserve it. A daughter, Erin, really.''
Erin shrugged. ''It was a good idea at the time.''
''Well, I must mingle some more. Lots of people to talk to.'' said the master thief. She turned to go back into the ballroom.
''Carmen.'' Erin said. Carmen turned back. Erin tossed her a small box wrapped in red paper. ''Open this before you go.''
''Shouldn't I wait until I open the other presents?''
''This is...personal.'' Erin answered. ''Open it.''
Carmen opened the small box. Inside was a large diamond, about eight inches long and four inches wide. Carmen's eyes widened.
''Erin, it isn't...'' she held it up to the light from the ballroom. She gazed at it for a moment, and smiled. ''It is!''
''I figured, since I made it fall overboard on you, the least I could do was go get it.'' Erin said.
Carmen, overcome with emotion, found herself hugging the pseudoscientist. After a moment they broke the embrace.
''Well, I should get back to the party.'' she said.
''You might want to change, too.'' Erin replied gesturing at the red turtleneck and black pants she was still wearing.
''Good point. I'm underdressed at my own shindig.'' Carmen walked back to the ballroom. ''Good luck with married life, Erin.''
''Thanks.''
''You'll need it.'' Carmen finished with a wicked grin before going back to the party. Erin laughed and shook his head.
''She'll never change.'' he said. Then he looked up and frowned. '''Shindig?'''
A few minutes later, Scott spotted the guest of honor examining her now ruined Steinway piano.
''Well, this is a shame...I actually paid for this one,'' Carmen pouted.
''Carmen, I would say that I hope you're enjoying the party, but seeing as though your chandelier has 4 bullet holes in it and your Steinway piano looks like it fell out a window, I would suppose that this hasn't been the best day of your life,'' Scott stated.
''Despite the damages, this has been a wonderful day all in all,'' Carmen replied.
''That's good, because I was planning to give in my utmost verbosity a long speech that signifies...'' Scott continued for 10 minutes regarding Carmen's great accomplishments.
Carmen merely replied, ''Well, now you since you already gave it, what's the point?''
Scott stared dumbfounded at the master thief. ''You're right. I should really stop doing this.''
Carmen parted from his presence to find some other person to encounter leaving Scott standing there. He said to himself, ''Well, I probably should give up the long ramblings. After all, they do take away from the point that I have tried to make earlier. Brevity is a key to communication. But there's something to be said for greater explanation of subject material. What if the person is not fully aware of what I am talking about, then I owe it to them to give the most descriptive details as possible. In debating, both sides have to be knowledgeable about the topic, I am informing the other side of all the information they need to know to be able to refute my arguments...''
Jaci walked up to Scott and asked him, ''Scott, what are you doing?''
''Well, I was just lecturing myself on the values of brevity in communication.''
''I timed you. You talked to yourself for 12 minutes about keeping your own ramblings short!'' Jaci said, ''I hereby deduct 1 doughnut for engaging in intrapersonal conversation at a social event and 2 doughnuts for arguing for 12 minutes about keeping things brief.''
Jaci picked up her clipboard with the big doughnut on it and stated, ''Scott LeBlanc minus 3. This brings your count to 8 doughnuts.''
''8 doughnuts! 12 minus 3 is 9, Jaci.'' Scott exclaimed. ''This is unfair, and fairness is the most important in scorekeeping! Without fairness, why where would our society go...''
''Stop talking, Scott, before I deduct another doughnut.'' She interrupted.
''Yes, ma'am.'' He lowered his head in shame. ''Now who else can I talk to?''
Meanwhile, Carmen turned around just as Meg walked up to her...laughing almost hysterically.
''Meg! Great to see you again!'' Carmen told her, ''It's been so long. When was the last time I saw you?''
''I think (snicker) it was at (snicker) the Halloween Masquerade...'' Meg choked out between laughs.
Carmen looked confused, ''What's so funny?''
Meg started giggling again, ''Oh.....I was just having fun with the Professor again.''
Carmen gave a knowing smirk, ''Driving her up the wall again, I see,'' she replied, and laughed.
''Something like that,'' Meg answered, ''Were you surprised?'' she added.
''Of course!'' she said, ''To tell you the truth, I thought everyone had forgotten. Either that or nobody really cared.''
''Aw! Carm, you know no one could forget you!''
''Thanks.''
Meg looked around, ''Well, you've gotta lot of people to say hi to, and I've gotta go check up on a certain piano player,'' Meg said, looking at the piano player.
Carmen cocked her head, ''He's kinda nice to look at, wouldn't you say?''
''Yeah, it's a shame...'' Meg trailed off.
''What's a shame?''
''Oh nothing!'' she said.
Carmen shook her head and thought to herself, *She's getting stranger and stranger every year.*
Scott saw Meg drooling over the piano player. Carmen was talking to her. *Well, he said, that figures. Women always want the unattainable.*
''Carmen, I'm sorry that we got off to such a poor start earlier. I have tried to work on this problem I have with long-windedness,'' he explained.
Meg, obvilious to Scott's words, continued to stare at the piano player. ''You know, it's such a shame, Carmen...'' she said to the master thief.
''Meg, give it up. Someone has to say it -- he's a homosexual. We all know that! No more of this 'it's such a shame...business'. What is it with you, ladies? Besides, the Steinway is ruined. He doesn't even have a job anymore,'' Scott said bitterly.
Meg stared at him for a second. ''Yes, he does. Remember, he brought his own piano. Next time, think before opening your mouth.''
Carmen looked amazed at Scott's bluntness. ''Well, Scott, it appears that you're quite disappointed with the party so far.''
''You're darned right I am. I haven't done anything here. 5 hours on a plane stuck with my sister, for what? Nothing!'' he exclaimed, ''I wore the Armani for nothing. Nothing!!!!''
Scott walked away from the two in disgust. Meg continued to drool at the piano player, but Carmen left saying the Erin was right and that it was best to go change into something more fitting or such a formal occasion. Scott then spotted Zack standing in a corner with a glass of punch in his hand.
''Hey, Zack, what do you think about the party?'' the associate asked.
He shrugged, ''Well, if you like watching a bunch of women drooling over people, it's okay. I personally don't. In addition, the broken piano is a bit out of place.''
''Blame Erin for that little incident. What are you up to?'' Scott asked.
''Just trying to remember the whole Czech language, and some Mongolian, and anything else to prevent boredom. I've also tried solving complex physics problems in my head and pondered the meaning of life,'' he sipped some of his punch and added, ''You know, this jazz band is not my taste. I need something I can air guitar to.''
''They're...well...not my taste either. Why is it that everyone seems to be having fun and we're not?'' Scott inquired.
''I don't know about Ivy either. Just look at her. The dress is...well any dress is not her style.''
In the distance, they saw Ivy attempting to maintain her balance in the high heeled shoes.
Laurie walked over to Ivy. ''Having trouble?''
Ivy nodded. ''Like I ever wear shoes,'' she replied. She looked down at Laurie's feet and noticed she was only in her nylons.
''Hey-'' Ivy began.
''I did this at my prom too. Every girl did. After awhile, you just gotta kick those high heeled puppies off,'' Laurie replied.
Ivy smirked. ''All riiight!'' she exclaimed as she tossed her shoes away. They smacked right into the image of the Chief.
''Ow! Hey! Cinderella's gone crazy! It's not even midnight!'' the Chief exclaimed. He then floated over to Laurie and Ivy.
''Sorry Chief,'' Ivy said.
''Hey, no problem. You in shoes...uh...don't mind me saying this but-''
''It's not me,'' Ivy finished. ''I know Chief, trust me, I know!''
''Yeah, that's basically what I was going to say,'' the Chief replied.
''So, how's the party?'' Laurie asked.
Ivy shrugged. ''Here I am at some fancy party of my nemisis. C'mon now, how do you think I feel? I can't believe you guys got us to come.''
''Well, we're glad you did,'' Laurie replied.
''I've been having fun,'' the Chief said.
''Of course Chief- you can do ANYTHING! I'm just, well, me whereas you can turn into something if you're bored!'' Ivy exclaimed.
''True,'' the Chief replied. ''But we do need something to happen I think. Not everyone looks totally thrilled, I noticed as I was floating around.''
''Hey, look at Zack,'' Ivy began as she motioned towards where hew and Scott were standing. ''He and your brother seem to be whispering about something. I wonder what they're plotting...''
''I dunno, but if Zack's as bored as Scott is-'' Laurie began.
Suddenly, the two stopped whispering and began to smirk.
''We're in for something all right,'' the Chief remarked.
''What's your brother doing now?'' Seldavia asked as she walked over to Ivy, Laurie and the Chief.
''Search me,'' Ivy said rather shortly. ''Probably getting himself in trouble, as usual.''
''Along with my brother,'' Laurie added.
Jaci left the dance floor and sat down next to them. ''Why aren't you dancing?''
Seldavia shrugged. ''Shoot, I've never done this jazz stuff before. I didn't know you had to hunt for a guy to invite you out on the floor. I was just going to jump in and do my own thing. Dance in a group, you know.''
''This isn't a high school mixer, Seldavia,'' Ivy reminded her. ''Or a college one, for that matter. It's a little more sophiscated.''
''Amen to that,'' Seldavia answered.
Meanwhile, Zack smiled at Scott's plan. ''So, do you want me to wire into the system and get remote access and then- ''
Scott interrupted him, ''No, buddy, let's just it do it the old-fashioned way.''
Scott waited until the band had taken a break. He and Zack raced up to the podium and took control of the microphone. ''Let's have a hand for Kara French and her jazz band! Aren't they the best?''
The audience, at this sudden interruption, stopped their conversations. Scott continued, ''Could I have your attention, please! Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to honor Carmen Sandiego for her service to humanity and to the Villains' International League of Evil. On the commemmoration of her birthday, we have gathered Carmen's most trusted and important people to meet here. Carmen has been a source of inspiration to us all. Without her presence, none of us could be where we are now.''
Zack thought about Scott's last statement. Without Carmen, Zack would be without a true challenge and a real adversary. Certainly, there were other villains, but there is only one Carmen.
Scott added, ''Today is not simply for Carmen Sandiego, but for us all to reunite. All of us have come for a reason: we share our mutual respect for this woman.''
The audience applauded to Scott's speech.
''As much as I appreciate and respect our guest of honor, I would also like to extend to all of you to really have fun. Remember something, most of us are still teenagers. I didn't come 5 hours on a plane to be bored out of my mind. While I am certainly into a gala event such as this, Zack and I have absolutely nothing for 2 hours and we are pretty much sick of it.''
Shouts of ''Get off the stage'' and ''Shut up!'' filled the hall.
Zack took over the microphone from Scott. He added, ''Hey, we came here to party, and I want to party. I'm not leaving until I have my share of fun.''
The band prepared to return to the stage. Kara stared at Zack and Scott on the stage. ''Boys, I think we have a problem!''
''HEY THEY'RE RIGHT!'' came a yell from the middle of the room.
''Huh?'' came the collective murmur.
''I said that they're right! I've fallen asleep waiting for this candle to be lit! And now that Carmen's finally here it's just as dull!'' Lio's voice rang out as she determinedly made her way to the podium.
Laurie and Kara quickly jumped in her way.
''Lio! C'mon I know that it going a little slow...'' Kara whispered to the red head.
Lio rattled off some softly violent answer that she said so fast no one in the room could understand what she actually said.
She broke free and jumped on stage. She nudged a spot to stand on stage out of the remaining band members (who were looked like they were wondering if they should go back for their instruments or run while they still could) and grabbed the mic.
''I'm not talking about anything dramatic or violent,'' she told the crowd indicating the smashed Steinway, ''We've had plenty of that tonight. But we're appriciating a great lady who on a daily basis jumps off of buildings! Don't we have anything besides mingling and dancing planned?''
Maybe Zack, Scott, and Lio were oblivious to the fury in the eyes of the maestro. Maybe they had never heard stories about what happened when you crossed a bunch of jazz musicians. Or maybe they were just not paying attention, because neither of them knew what was coming when Kara turned and said, ''Boys, I think we better have them back up the attitude bus.''
With that, the trio was surrounded. The musicians all were hopping mad and nobody disses their music and gets away with it. Zack, who had been sitting on the electric piano, found himself looking up at a rather short tempered pianist. Zack simply took one look at the muscular man's intimidating stare and said, ''Uh....sorry dude. Didn't know this was yours...I'll be leaving. Bye!'' ran offstage faster than Speedy Gonzales with a hot foot.
''Zack! Don't bail on me! Dorkbud!'' Scott cried in anger only to be surrounded by a few sax players who were foaming at the mouth. Kara then stepped forward and grabbed the mic from Scott. ''We have got to talk, guys,'' she whispered voraciously to Scott and Lio. ''That,'' she pointed a finger at Scott, ''was inapropriate and uncalled for. I might have expected this kind of behavior from Scott, but certainly not from you, Lio.''
''We were just trying to liven things up a little...'' Scott interrupted.
''I know, but next time don't do it at my expense, okay? This is Carmen's party, remember? And you all are pretty lucky she wasn't here to witness this.'' Kara finished.
''You sound like my mother,'' Lio murmered.
''Anyway, we had almost finished playing. If you want some other form of entertainment, I'm sure Erin can pull a laser light show out of a ball point pen for ya. Besides, I think once the guest of honor returns, we're going to have cake and ice cream.''
''Well, okay. I'm sorry,'' Scott and Lio mumbled simultaneously.
''Seriously, though. I believe Erin has started a wild game of anti-gravity Twister down off the dance floor.'' Kara guestered toward Laurie, Jaci and a few other guests in odd positions in mid-air. ''I anticipated that you guys might get restless, so I had him set it up.''
As Scott and Lio left the stage, Scott muttered, ''Now I finally realized why musicians are kept in a pit.''
''Yeah, they have lousy tempers. Borrow their spotlight for a few seconds and they totally loose it.'' Lio answered.
Leaving Kiyone to run the anti-gravity Twister game, Erin went back to the bandstand.
''Is the mutiny quelled?'' he asked.
''Yeah,'' Kara sighed. ''Honestly, I can't believe how childish those three were acting. Especially Lio.''
''Relax.'' Erin said. ''I still have a few things up my sleeve. Things to liven up the party if it gets slow again. MWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!'' He finished with his Zorak impression.
Kara laughed.
''Watch it.'' she said. ''Jaci's in a doughnut deducting mode.''
''Not to worry. I came prepared!'' Erin reached into an inside pocket and produced three packs of Hostess donettes.
Kara looked at him as if he were juggling six nuclear warheads. ''I can't believe you brought those.''
''Hey, this is the first party I've been to in quite a while where I haven't vanished into a corner and been royally depressed. It's a nice change.''
''Good.'' Kara said. ''Now, what's this surprise of yours?''
''Actually,'' Erin said. ''I'm going to need you and the band's help with that...''
Scott walked back over the famous corner where the whole microphone stealing charade began. Sure enough, Zack stood here drinking the same punch as before.
''Well, buddy, that had to be the largest party disaster ever,'' Scott pouted, ''if I knew that Kara would react in such a vehement way, I would have never considered the idea of stealing the show. You left me there to face the wrath of several VERY ANGRY musicians and one not very happy conductor.''
Lio, the other partner in crime, saw the two boys thinking up some more grand schemes. She said to them, ''Well, what do they honestly expect from us?''
''Yeah, they were dealing with a jetlagged 18 year old boy who spent the past 6 hours on a plane with his sister hoping that he wouldn't die on the flight over,'' Scott said, ''they're lucky I didn't tell everyone off when I was on stage. I started off fine, and I had the speech all ready to go. I delivered it and then...well...I just let my emotions take control of me.''
Lio just looked at him and smiled, ''But you didn't say anything you didn't mean anyway. You guys taking the initative was very good for the party in general.''
''Oh, I am not so sure. I've already insulted Kara's band and have denounced the party for its lack of inventiveness publicly,'' Scott changed the subject, ''Look at Erin, that scientist looks happier than a 5 year old kid on Christmas morning.''
Zack said, watching Erin from a distance, ''Moral of the story: Bring a date. We brought our sisters. We are not happy. And, you know, I still haven't heard a song that we could air guitar to!''
Scott looked at Zack and rebuked him, ''That's what got us into this mess into the first place. Don't go starting that again! I already faced Kara once tonight, and believe me, I do not want to go through this again. She is a very powerful woman and at this moment I am scared of what she'll do to me if I so much as speak another word. I have already lost 3 donuts from Jaci tonight and will undoubtedly lose a few more once I run into her.''
Lio asked, ''All right then, anyone up for Twister?''
Seldavia found Ivy and asked her to C-5 in the mystery guest she was refering to earlier. He was none other than Suhara, who arrived in a beautiful kimono.
Seldavia and Ivy greeted him. There was some light chit-chat and then Ivy decided to leave the group. ''I'd better go check on Zack,'' she said to them. ''Suhara, again, I'm glad you could make it. I will be sure to talk to you later.'' She then waved and walked off.
''I smell trouble brewing,'' Seldavia said after Ivy left and walked up to the table. ''First skirmish before the rebellion.''
Suhara heard her speak and sat down next to her. ''Yes, and from what I hear, things were even worse before I arrived.''
She grinned. ''You have no idea. I haven't been much of a help, either. I think I'm going to fade into the background for a while. Go outside and get some fresh air.''
''Mind if I come with you? I could use some air too.''
Seldavia nodded. ''Hey, Bright Eyes!'' she called to Carmen.
Seldavia called again, looking for Carmen. Just then, Carmen re-entered the room in a red party dress.
When Carmen finally heard someone call her and walked over to Seldavia. She noticed Suhara with her and said, ''Suhara? I...I didn't think you were coming!''
Suhara smiled and nodded. ''Of course I'd be here for such an occassion.''
Carmen smiled. ''I'm so glad you could come!'' She then gave Suhara a friendly hug.
After a few minutes of chatting and catching up, Seldavia said, ''Suhara and I were about to step out for a few minutes and avoid the rushwhen I called for you. Call us if you need help, if somebody sets the house on fire or something, all right? We'll be back in time for presents.''
Carmen laughed. ''I hope I won't have to call you, but you never know around here. I'll see you later.''
Just then, Laurie and Ivy strolled over to the corner and joined Lio, Scott and Zack.
''Hey little bro','' Ivy began, ''That was swift of you.''
''Oh thanks, sis,'' Zack replied sarcastically as he took another sip of punch.
''What if we did bring dates?'' Lio asked, getting back to Zack's point.
''Dates?'' Laurie asked. ''Who brought a date?''
''Erin did,'' Scott replied.
''Oh yeah that Ki...something or other chick,'' Laurie replied.
''Yeah,'' Zack said. Ivy shook her head. ''Ok, so instead of dates, Laurie and I took our brothers, is that what you two were getting at?''
''Bingo,'' Zack answered.
''Well Zack, I hate to admit it, but you're no Tom Cruise,'' Ivy said.
''Well thank you Ivy,'' Zack snipped.
''So...'' Lio began, ''What are we going to do?''
''I dunno, anti-gravity Twister?'' Scott began, ''Doesn't that take all the fun out of it?''
''I'm surprised there are ladies playing,'' Zack said, ''One wrong 'left foot green' and it's 'oh my God, my slip is showing!'''
Scott and Zack snickered as the ladies rolled their eyes.
Just then Carmen joined the corner group. ''What are you all doing over here?'' she asked them.
''Well, I think Scott, Lio and myself have been banished here by a very angry conductor,'' Zack answered.
''And Ivy and I joined them here following the mess to see what they were thinking,'' Laurie finished.
Carmen looked puzzled, ''What did you three do?''
''You didn't see us?'' Lio asked.
''No, I was in the other room,'' Carmen replied. ''I was getting changed.''
''Oh yes,'' Laurie replied. ''Nice dress!''
''Thank you,'' Carmen replied. ''Now, what happened while I was away?''
''Well, let's just say we tried to get this party REALLY going, and ended up ticking everyone off,'' Scott explained.
''They jumped up on stage and tried to get the crowd going, but the crowd wasn't there with them,'' Ivy added.
''I see...'' Carmen replied. ''So, do you have some other plan in mind?''
''No way!'' all three stage jumpers exclaimed.
''No, not about jumping on stage again, but moving the party forward. What should we do now?'' Carmen asked.
''Well, we still haven't had cake and ice cream yet, and you haven't opened your presents,'' Laurie said.
''Very true,'' Carmen replied. ''Perhaps somebody could make an announcement about that then?''
''Not me!'' the three stager jumpers exclaimed.
''I will,'' Ivy offered. ''Wanna join me on stage Carmen?''
''I better, just in case,'' Carmen replied.
''Oh yeah,'' Lio added, ''Tell Erin to shut his game off so everyone can go get cake and ice cream too.''
''Will do,'' Ivy replied. With that, she and Carmen headed towards the stage.
Kiyone looked up from the spinner. ''Right foot, red!'' she called. Erin came back from the bandstand.
''Everything set?'' Kiyone asked. Erin nodded.
''We'll go after Carmen opens her presents.''
''You know,'' Kiyone murmured. ''You were right, she isn't such a bad person once you get to know her. It's kind of refreshing.''
''What you mean after dealing with Ryoko and Mihoshi on a daily basis?'' Erin smirked. The two of them laughed.
At that moment, Ivy walked by them. Erin gave an appreciative whistle.
''Good lord, Ivy, you look gorgeous.'' Ivy stopped walking, smiled and did a small twirl.
''Thanks,'' said the detective. ''We're getting ready for the cake and ice cream. Lio wanted me to ask you to kill the game for right now.''
''How's the Disgruntled Brother Brigade?'' Kiyone asked.
''Taken care of for right now. I guess they're just miffed because there was no one for them to dance with except Laurie and I.''
Erin looked up from the dial he was using to slowly deactivate the Twister board. He and Kiyone exchanged glances.
''I think I just might be able to change one of their tunes.'' Kiyone said. ''But I'll wait until after the presents are opened.''
''Cool.'' Ivy said brightly. She began walking back to the bandstand.
''Hey, Ivy!'' Erin called. The redhead turned.
''I want at least one dance with you before the night's out!'' he finished. Ivy smiled.
''You're on, Einstein.''
Once everyone was down, Erin pocketed the Twister control and turned to Kiyone.
''Come on, let's double check the surprise.''
Kiyone nodded and the two of them went out onto the back lawn. Jaci walked up to a very disgruntled Scott, Zack, and Lio, and Laurie. She could hardly stop laughing. Scott said, ''Uh-oh, here comes trouble. Jaci's coming, you know what that means.''
Lio said, ''I sure do. Doughnut demerit time.''
Jaci said, ''So, what's up? Other than an attempt to get the crowd going that backfired miserably.''
Laurie said, ''Ivy and Carmen are going to announce the cake and ice cream, and the opening of presents.''
Jaci said, ''That's good. What kind of ice cream and cake will they have?''
Laurie said, ''The ice cream will be three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. There will be a cake that's half vanilla and half chocolate.''
Jaci said, ''I'll take the vanilla ice cream and the vanilla part of the cake. I'm not fond of chocolate, though my Mom loves it. Now for our stage jumpers.''
''Oh no,'' said Scott.
''Zack, Scott, and Lio have lost three doughnuts each,'' said Jaci. ''I believe that's the first time I ever gave Zack a doughnut demerit.''
''I'll always remember it,'' said Zack sarcastically.
''Welcome to the club,'' said Scott.
''I think I'll just wait here until the announcement is made, unless the three culprits would like me to go somewhere else,'' said Jaci, ending in a teasing tone.
''You can stay,'' said Lio.
So Jaci waited with the others for the announcement.