Courtney danced back and forth in front of the elevator doors on level one.
"Remember, she looks very different. She wanted a change," Demona said as she watched the girl practically dance in front of her.
"I know."
The elevator dinged and the doors opened.
Courtney blinked and stared at the buxom brunette standing by Sugar.
The brunette stared back.
Sugar smiled slightly, and then her eyes rolled back in her head.
Demona shook her head and grinned. The white witch was altering both women's programming at the same time on the fly.
Courtney and Stacie broke into grins seconds later and screamed as they rushed into each other's arms.
Courtney shook and sobbed on Stacie's shoulder as Stacie cooed, "My baby, my sweet baby."
Sugar walked out of the elevator, swiveling and strutting. She stopped beside Demona. "Am I good or what?"
"You are amazing."
Courtney shook and cried on her mother's shoulder as Stacie stepped toward Demona. "Thank you. Thank you for saving her."
Demona looked uncomfortable. "Well... it was my pleasure."
"I'll say," Sugar whispered.
"Shut up," Demona whispered back.
Courtney took a step back. "God, Mom, you look gorgeous."
"Really? You think so? I feel... exposed."
"Mom, you look totally hot."
"Not too much for a woman my age?"
"Who cares about age? We're immortal," Courtney said. She looked at Demona. "Right?"
Demona nodded. "For all practical purposes, we're going to live forever."
Sugar stepped behind them and wrapped her arms around their shoulders. "Yes, we are all going to live forever - which is why our work is so important. In order for this new society to work, things have to change. The Church is the most important organization in the world - we need stability, and that means zero population growth. And, we have to keep everyone happy and productive. That's why your... PR work is so important, Stacie."
Stacie blushed. "I'll do my best."
"We need converts to spread the word," Sugar said. "We're counting on you to motivate the younger generation. Guide them to their full potential?"
"I... look forward to that." Stacie said. She bit her lip.
"And, I think Courtney has something to tell you, don't you?"
Courtney looked confused. "What?"
"Why, all the things you've been doing today? With Demona?"
Courtney's eyes grew as big as saucers. "Umm, uhh..."
"Oh, let me," Sugar said. "Courtney here has expressed an interest in becoming a doctor." She winked at Courtney.
"Oh! Yes. Mom, I want to be a doctor just like Demona..."
"You mean, here? For the Church?"
Demona jumped in. "She is amazingly gifted. You should have seen Courtney in the lab today helping with transformations."
Sugar nodded. "Wields a hypodermic like an old pro."
Demona glared at her.
"Oh, I don't know," Stacie said. "I... I mean, are you okay with what we're doing here? The... transforming."
"Mom! We're saving the world. Of course, I'm okay with it!"
Stacie looked back at Sugar. "But she's going to be a doctor? Professional caste - not... PR, right?"
Sugar smiled and shook her head. "No, I mean she has the... proper equipment for PR, but, we desperately need more doctors like Demona."
Stacie shrugged and teared up. "Well, heck, my daughter the doctor then."
Demona coughed. "Uh, not so fast - you're going to college for pre-med, and then an accredited university. I'll handle your extended education here. Things they won't teach you in medical school."
Courtney smiled mischievously. "I'll bet."
"So," Sugar said. "It's settled. Courtney will start Ithaca College in the Fall, and she will work here in the laboratories... under Demona, in the evenings and summers."
Stacie grinned. "Wow. Everything is coming together." She frowned. "Only, no boys. You need to concentrate on doing this right."
Courtney looked at Demona and licked her lips. "No problem. I won't even look at a boy."
Demona blushed.
***
Donny stood outside his SUV and used the remote for the hundredth time to try to unlock it. They had gotten to the Stallion's loading dock and Amber had been limp in his arms as they carried her toward receiving.
Unfortunately, she had been wide awake playing possum.
And, in the cool night air, the pheromones had worn off quickly.
Who knew Amber would have a killer right hook? Donny's eye still smarted.
She had knocked him down and jumped back in the SUV before Maddy could get a hand on her.
Now she looked out at them, jamming the door lock button every time Donny tried to unlock the door.
"Aww, come on, Amber. What the hell are you going to do? I have the keys," Donny groaned.
Amber slammed her hand down on the horn again - which did nothing. Donny had disconnected it long ago in case they ever ran into this situation.
Then she was pounding on her cellphone.
Maddy rolled her eyes. "Your cell doesn't work, honey. It's jammed. Now, be a good girl and get out of the fucking car!"
"Fuck you!" Amber screamed behind the glass.
"Seriously?" A voice said behind them.
Ray stepped out into the cold night air. "When are the two of you going to learn?"