"On January 1, 2008, a new new agency was born. The mission of this agency? To repair the personality flaws that

have long kept the human race from achieving harmony with each other.

They are led by a tough, no nonsense, director named Rebecca Snow. She went to work assembling the best team of agents, the Universe had to offer.

Agency: The Bureau Of Karmic Retribution

Our Motto: "Paybacks are hell!"

Case# 101-7 Sam Thompson

Case Dossier: "Our agency was notified by the wife of one Samuel Lee Thompson. It was alleged that he was becoming

unbearable to live with". "Agents Miller and Karenski were sent to investigate. "What they found is the reason for our

briefing today".

"Ladies and Gentlemen", "This case will be a tough one." "It involves some of the worst Spousal abuse the world has ever

seen." What we found, goes way beyond unbearable." "It is Karmically criminal."

"Mr. Thompson will soon see what we mean by our motto". "Paybacks are hell!"

Chapter 1

"Sam"

"Helen!" Where the hell is my dinner! Sam snarled.

"It's coming up soon" I just got back from picking up Katie from Ballet" trembled Helen

" Why weren't you back here earlier?" I ought to beat you for that!"

Out of nowhere, Two bright flashes lit up the room.

Agents Miller and Karenski landed with thud on the kitchen floor.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you Sam" replied Agent Miller

" Who the hell are you?"

"We are Agents Miller and Karenski of The Bureau of Karmic Retribution. "You are about to get your reckoning!"

"You can't do shit!" Sam sneered.

"You are so very wrong on that account" stated Agent Karenski.

" We have been watching you for a long time and our boss is highly pissed off with you!"

" You have treated your wife and children in such a reprehensible manner that you are going to be taught a serious

lesson"

"Over the next two weeks, Your wife and children will be gone on a relaxing vacation"

"While they are gone, you will be going on a trip of your own"

"You will be going back over all the moments of the last two weeks of your marriage by living them through the eyes of

your wife and children"

"It is called "Soul Overprint". "You will experience your own abuse through the eyes of those you claim to love"

"You will feel the pain and the fear that your own actions have wrought"

" If you do not change your ways after that time"," You will be written out of your own life and someone else will take

your place" You will be able to see your family, but they will no longer know you."

" You can't do that?" Sam scoffed.

"Still don't believe us?"Agent Miller questioned.

" Watch this!" A doorway opened up and Helen, Katie and Jon all stepped through with their suitcases. The doorway

vanished right before Sam eyes.

" Are you convinced yet?" Agent Karenski asked.

"Yes, but how?"

"You are about to find out." she said

"Wake up! Helen!" Sam screamed! "I want my breakfast now!!!"

"Helen/Sam shot up out of bed, grabbed a robe and headed to the kitchen shaking in fear.

She hastily started coffee and began making omelets in the skillet. Sam thundered into the kitchen, grabbed her by the

hair and screamed obscenities at her for putting mushrooms in his omelet. Sam's co-occupation of Helen's body let him see

firsthand what a monster he actually was. It started to dawn on him that he had to live this for two weeks without

advanced knowledge of when his old self would explode. He toughed it out the rest of the day, but then came the night.

Helen/Sam knew what was going to go on after the lights were off. He could feel the fear building up in Helen as she

would endure another night of rough sex and S & M games that Sam was known for. It made the real Sam sick to think

of being on the receiving end of his own fury. That night was a real eyeopener for him.

The next morning was a repeat of the same tirade except this time it was burnt toast that set him off. Helen/Sam suffered

through the storm until the evil one left for work. Helen collapsed in deep wracking sobs and cried for two hours as Sam

experienced what he never knew went on after he left. He saw a flash as Agent Miller reappeared.

"Interesting two days already." huh, Sam?"

Sam nodded. " I never knew I was this bad"

"There is more to come." The boss wants you to live like this the rest of the week to be sure you get the message"

"You will then share a body with your son and daughter for the final seven days." said Agent Miller.

" We want to make absolutely sure you will not backslide"

" I will be back at the end of the week to do the next switch"

She vanished in a beam of light. When she was gone, Helen/Sam began to clean the house and prepare dinner. They had to

pick up the kids from Soccer practice and Ballet. Sam got a new appreciation for all Helen did to keep their home life

going.

The return of the evil Sam, happened at five o'clock. He stormed into the house and demanded dinner right away. Katie and

Jon were hiding in their rooms. "Is that how they see me?" thought Helen/Sam as tears started to fall.

He resolved to make it up to them after this was over. He realized he really was a bastard!

" That night, Evil Sam was up to his usual bedtime B.S. Helen/Sam just tried to go with the usual flow and hope there

was not too much more left in his tank when morning came. She got up to prepare breakfast and he bitched about how bad

the coffee was and threw a steaming cup in her face. She had to put a cold compress on her hands to cool the burns from

shielding her face defensively.

Helen/Sam fixed the kids breakfast after Evil One left for work. The kids got off to school and Helen/Sam was finally

alone. He was surprised that he could read her thoughts and what he found chilled him to the bone. She was actually

thinking of ways to kill him. He vowed that there would huge changes on his part after this was over.

Helen/Sam got ready to do laundry and started carrying the hampers down to the basement. He could feel the fear that

went through her as she descended the stairs wondering what would happen if she fell. He knew that he would put a laundry

chute in, as soon as he was back to normal.

Chapter 2

"A New Attitude"

The rest of the week was pretty much a repeat of abuse except over different things that he felt she had done wrong.

Agent Miller switched him in with Katie for three days. He got to see and feel the damage his constant ridicule was doing

to her. He knew that he had a lot of work to do to repair the damage that he had done.

The next three days, he saw what his constant yelling was doing to Jon's enjoyment of sports. Jon had just about reached

his breaking point and started thinking of suicide. This shook Sam to his very core and he vowed that he would do all he

could to make sure Jon felt his love.

Agent Miller restored Sam back to his body just in time for him to go home and get ready for a welcome home celebration

for his wonderful wife and kids. There were many tears and hugs shared as Sam realized just what a wonderful gift he had

been blessed with.

Epilogue

Agents Miller and Karenski reported back to headquarters and received hearty congratulations from "The Boss" along with

a nice trip to Maui where they soaked up the sun and the satisfaction of a job well done.

The Thompson's continue to enjoy the benefits of the Bureau's intervention . Sam took Helen on a second Honeymoon and

they renewed their vows. The kids are doing so well that they have made new friends and found a new confidence. Sam tells

them everyday how much he loves them.

Helen is enjoying the change in their bedroom too! Sam goes out of his way to make sure her pleasure is his most

important job. He treats her to breakfast in bed and a dozen long stemmed roses every Friday.

He thanks his lucky stars every day for "The Bureau Of Karmic Retribution.

"Mom! I'm headed out to Christy's house to hang out. I'll be back later" I yelled loudly as I was going out the door.

"Be back by 6 for dinner" Mom yelled back.

I walked the four blocks to my best friend Christy's house and walked right in the front door like I had been doing for years. Our parents had been friends for a long time as both our father's were FBI Agents so Christy and I pretty much grew up together and shared many of the same classes in school. She also kept my secret. From the age of 4, I always knew I should have been a girl. She even helped me dress in clothes that she helped me buy when we went to the Mall, along with my own makeup. I had even ordered a long Red Human hair wig off the internet using a Prepaid credit card I bought and kept recharged for emergencies. My job at the Golden Starches allowed me to put some money away in an account cosigned by my mother, but I was able to withdraw any amount I wanted with her signature. I still kept quite a bit out when I cashed my checks.

"Hey Aaron! Christy squealed excitedly! "Lets go get our swim suits on and hit the pool. My mom will be gone for hours taking my grandma to get her hair done. You can be Erin for a few hours"

"Lead on" I gushed excitedly.

We went to her bedroom and she got my suit out of her bottom drawer. It was good thing we were the same size. She was able to hide my clothes in with hers without arising suspicion from her mother. As mothers go, Christy's mother Marsha respected her daughters privacy pretty well. Christy had never given her any reason to doubt that decision and didn't plan to. Her philosophy was she gained her mother's trust, so why do something to mess that up. We both had a healthy respect for the law because of what our father's did. We both wanted to do something in the law enforcement field, but we wanted to be the one to Prosecute the bad guys after our dad's captured them.

"Are you ready? She asked

"Lets go! The last one in the pool buys the ice cream next time we go to the mall" I said

We took off running and both managed to make it about the same time. She dove in and beat me by an arms length.

"You'll pay for that! I laughed. I dunked her under and she grabbed me and returned the favor. We came up laughing and giggling and played around a couple more hours. I made sure I tanned evenly without any strap marks showing on my shoulders. We got out of the pool and laid out on the lounge chairs for another hour before I noticed I needed to be heading home.

"Christy, Mom told me to be home for dinner by 6 so I need to get changed and get going". I said.

"Okay Erin, I'll see you tomorrow" She said.

I changed back into my shorts, t-shirt and sneakers and started walking toward home. I got a block away and heard gunfire and then an explosion coming from the direction of my house. I saw my house in flames and riddled with bullet holes. My dad's classic Mustang had been parked in the garage and the bullets hit the gas tank. I shuddered in fear immediately wondering what happened to my mother. I called 911 on my Cell, noticing I had a voicemail from Mom, when I spotted two black SUV's fleeing the scene. I was able to get a plate number on one as they drove by. I called in the info and I saw one guy look my direction as I dove behind a tree. They started turning around to come back my direction when I took off running. I dodged between two houses and jumped a couple of fences and came out on the next street over. I heard the sound of sirens and then more gunfire and squealing tires. I crouched behind a bush and noticed two police cruisers with their doors open. The officers were lying on the ground in a pool of blood. I noticed the SUVs had fled the scene. I ran over and picked up one of the radios. The dispatcher was trying to raise the officers, but got no response until I spoke.

"Three officers down at the corner of Clinton and Washington Streets. The suspects are described as two Hispanic males. One 5'6 and 180 and the other about 6'2, 225. I saw one of the Officers get into the back of the Suspect vehicle and they drove West on Clinton". I replied in as calm a manner as I could.

"Stay with the Officers until help arrives" the dispatcher replied.

"I'm afraid they might come back and kill me" I told her.

"This is what I need you to do" She replied. "Go check the Officers to see if they are still alive and move any of them that are to a covered spot close by"

I did as she asked and noticed one officer was breathing but just barely. The other two had taken head shots and there was nothing I could do for them. I looked at the name tag on the uniform of the of the Officer who was alive and noticed that he was my friend Janet's dad. They lived a few doors down from us on the opposite side of the street. I knew I had to help him if I could. It appeared that a round caught him under the armpit at the edge of his Bullet proof vest. the other rounds had hit him in the chest area, but they had been stopped by the vest.

"Officer Jenkins is still breathing with what appears to be a wound under the armpit. Officers Johnson and Brooks are both deceased" I told her solemnly.

Just as I relayed the info the place was swarming with Cops, and Paramedics . A team of Officers secured the area while the paramedics and coroner worked at evacuating Joe Jenkins out and recovering the bodies of Johnson and Brooks. I sat in the back of a cruiser until one of the Officers could talk to me.

"Hey Aaron, I'm Officer Tim Mullanix. I'm proud of you for staying here with the Officers. The suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled in another car when we were getting too close, so you are safe for now. I understand you witnessed another officer fleeing the scene with the suspects. Are you the same one who called about the fire and shootout at your home?

"I did. I was coming from my friend Christy's house when I got about a block away from my house and witnessed two black SUVs pulled up in front raking our house with bullets. One must have hit the gas tank on my dad's Mustang in the garage and it exploded. As for what happened here, The Officer fled the scene and it looked like he knew the suspects well by his body language and yelling instructions to them in Spanish.

Officer Mullanix got on his radio and notified Dispatch that he needed to put an APB out for Officer Jesus Rodriguez last seen in the company of the suspects.

As he was doing that, Christy's dad rolled up on scene in his unmarked car.

"Are you okay? He asked. I was sent here to take you back to my place. I can tell you that your mother and father are both somewhere safe and will contact you soon" He assured me.

"I'm so glad Mr. Benson" I said tearfully. I didn't know what had happened to Mom. I knew Dad was off working somewhere, but we hadn't heard from him in a few days" I told him.

"Aaron will be at my house if you have any more questions Tim" He stated

"That's fine John, but it appears we have to put him in protective custody. He said one of the suspects saw his face and they started chasing him until two of our units intercepted them here at this intersection. Now we have got three cop killers on the loose and a dirty cop to contend with.

Mr Benson nodded his head, but I couldn't escape the look that passed between them. I knew they both knew more than they were saying.

"Lets get you back to my house' He stated.

We left the scene and I started plying Agent Benson with questions. "What is this all about anyway? I demanded. I came home to find my house being riddled with bullets and my mother missing. On top of that, I now have them gunning for me" I exclaimed.

"I said I would tell you more after we get home" He reiterated again.

I realized I wasn't going to get any more info out of him, so I settled back into my seat.

We pulled into his driveway and Christy came rushing out of the house in tears. She hugged me tight and started asking questions at a million miles an hour.

"Are you okay? What happened? and a few other things I didn't quite catch.

"I'm okay, but I now have a price on my head. One of them saw me" I explained.

"Your mother called a couple minutes after you left and told me to tell you not to come home, but I was in the shower and didn't catch the answering machine until after I got out. I knew you were almost certainly already there. I called Daddy on the phone and relayed the info and he set out from his office to find you.

"It was awful! I saw three Police officers gunned down before my eyes and had to render aid as best I could. Janet's dad was the only one who survived" I filled her in on the rest of it.

OMG! I was so scared for you! She replied. I think you and I both know how we can hide your identity don't we?

I sighed with resignation, realizing I had to reveal my secret to her parents.

"Mr and Mrs. Benson, I know that you understand I will need to go into Protective custody now. I need to tell you something that might help to that end" I stated."I am a Transsexual. I was born in the wrong body and have known I was a girl from the time I was 4. Christy has known for a long time and helped me keep the secret because I was afraid of what you and my parents might think"

"We have known for a long time" Mrs. Benson stated. Your mother said she noticed you with a smidge of black eyeliner and fingernail polish still left over a few times, but wanted to wait until you came to them to talk about it"

"I was scared of what they might think" I replied tearfully. You know my sister Jessica is Daddy's girl and I always thought I was expected to live up to being their son, but I'm not" I choked up sobbing.

"Your parents both love you very much. John and your dad have had extensive diversity training as part of their job, so they took an oath to defend everyone no matter what their circumstances. Granted, there are the old school Agents out there, but they are retiring more and more" Mrs. Benson replied.

Okay? What's the part of the story you didn't want to tell me in the car? I asked.

Mr. Benson sighed "You better sit down. Your house and you were targeted by a Mexican Drug Cartel. Your dad has been involved in a deep cover operation to find out who the mole is in both our agency and the local Police. A DEA team pulled a raid on one of their Stash houses this morning and got your dad out of there. One of the suspects apparently was watching from the outside and then phoned in to the Mole within the Department. We found out that the Mole in the FBI, told the one in the Police Department which one was the Undercover Agent investigating their connection to the Cartel. We found out that one of our higher level Agents with knowledge of the operation had a son who had been kidnapped because he owed them money and in the course of begging for his life, he told them his father was an FBI Agent. The Cartel made him call his father and told him that they would kill his son if he didn't tell them who the Agent was. Fortunately, we traced the call and found out where he was, but not before they tipped off Rodriguez. He decided to play it cool and carry on as if nothing was amiss,but he apparently looked up your father's name in the phone book before he left the station and then called the street level enforcers for the Cartel and told them where your family lived. They wanted revenge, so they shot up your house. Fortunately, your father called your mother and told her to get to a Safe House after the raid went down. She was on the road to the Safehouse when she called to tell you not to go home. I guess you had your phone turned off, until you called 911 to report the gunfire, so she couldn't get hold of you. She called us instead and got our Answering machine. I guess she felt you were safe here. After Christy called me, I immediately went searching from my office and the rest you know. Unfortunately, two fine Law Enforcement officers died in the process. He replied glumly.

"What next? I asked.

"We have to get you dressed in your feminine alter ego and out of here to safety. I'm also insisting Christy and Marsha go too. We still don't know how deep the corruption goes, so until we do, you are all going into hiding. Go pack all your clothes and anything else you might need. Mr. Benson said.

"We all got up to go pack. We were both very quiet lost in our own thoughts as we got to her bedroom door.

"Have you decided on the outfit you are wearing out of here? Christy asked.

"I think I will wear my Blue sleeveless blouse and white knee length skirt and boat shoes" I said.

"You will need to take everything in your wardrobe. I'm glad you got yours ears pierced a while ago and you just bought a new supply of makeup during our last trip to the Mall. She said.

Christy had me lie down on her bed and got the adhesive ready to attach my breastforms. Once that was done , I got dressed, did my makeup and brushed out my wig and put it on. I added silver hoops in my ears, and a matching necklace. I got the suitcase out and put everything I had in it and was ready 30 minutes later. Christy got everything she needed and was ready a few minutes later. Just then, my cellphone went off. It was my dad.

Get gone! He immediately said. We just intercepted a phone call that indicated that someone leaked your new location to the Cartel. Put John on" He told me.

I ran down the hall and handed Mr. Benson my phone. He put it to his ear, listening to what Daddy said and his face showed the frustration that was on his face. He finally said to Daddy "You mean to tell me Tim Mullanix is dirty? My God! He was at the scene with Aaron today. I guess the only reason why he didn't do anything was that there was too many people on scene. I shudder to think what would have happened if I hadn't been there to pick him up" Thanks for giving me a heads up.

He handed me the phone after he hung up and grabbed his Bullet proof vest and his pistol with extra ammo clips. He gave Marsha another one and she put it in her purse. We gathered all our stuff up and headed out the door. We made it to the car and loaded all our stuff before we heard gunfire. Agent Benson showed his expert driving skills. He had his bluetooth activated and called someone he knew he could trust. He told them we needed an escort to the airport. We were coming up to East Main. Across the intersection, we were joined by four heavily armored swat vehicles flanking us on all sides. We arrived 15 minutes later and drove out to a non descript jet. I was surprised to find that there was a rear ramp that was large enough to accommodate their big Suburban in the cargo hold. We were dropped at the door of the plane and climbed the stairs. Mr. Benson then drove the SUV to the rear of the plane and it was loaded into the cargo hold. I looked at Christy with wide eyes.

"I thought the Presidential motorcade was the only ones that traveled on planes like this? I stated incredulous.

"This vehicle is like my mobile command post" Mr. Benson explained.

"You mean it goes everywhere you do? I asked. "Now I know why Dad always took his vehicle even if he was flying somewhere on an assignment"

"Your Dad sent someone to get his car at the same time your mom left with hers. It's just too bad that the Mustang was destroyed. Your dad was pretty pissed about it when he found out" He said.

"Yeah, He told me that he was going to pass it on to me when I graduated from High School, but I guess that won't happen now. I said disappointed.

"I guess you can find another one after all this is over" Christy said.

"I think 65' Mustangs are the least of our worries right now" I replied.

"You're right! Mrs. Benson said.

"I am wondering if Jessica is okay?

"Your mother called her and she is on the way to the Safe House too" Mr. Benson said

"I would think staying at Quantico would be the safest place to be for her. I mean she is going through training to be an Agent and she is surrounded by other Agents. I doubt some Mexican Drug Lord would dare attack the Academy.

"We aren't taking that chance. We don't know who has else may have been compromised in the Agency. We have to assume that they want to hurt everyone associated with your dad" Mr. Benson explained.

"I guess your right" I admitted.

Since it was dark, We couldn't see much outside the plane window and we knew better than to ask where we were going. We just settled back and went to sleep.

I was shaken awake by the landing gear coming down on the runway. I looked out the window and noticed Mt. Hood in the distance. I figured out we were in Seattle.I had been here before for vacation three Summers ago. I got ready to debark from the plane. We were met by an Agent Mitchell from the Seattle office. She seemed like she was friendly enough and she greeted us with an air of professionalism. I got a surprise when I saw the SUV. It had a Washington State license plate instead of the standard U.S Government issued one.

"I guess you aren't leaving anything to chance? I replied with a smile.

"No we thought that if we had a State plate it would blend in better" Mr Benson explained.

Mr Benson and Agent Mitchell insisted that we put on blindfolds as part of protocol. I was disappointed because I wanted to see the scenery along the way. We did as we were told and were soon on the road. We drove for it seemed like an hour but could have been a few minutes. I had a clue when I heard foghorns that we were approaching the coastline and I felt the SUV drive up on a platform and then felt us move up and down as we rolled over waves. We drove up on solid ground again and then a short time later we pulled up to the Safe House. We were told we could remove the blindfolds. As my eyes adjusted, I noticed there was a rustic looking cabin that was around 3,000 square feet. All of a sudden, Mom , Dad and Sis came out on the porch to greet us.

"Oh Honey, You look so pretty! Mom gushed. "I always knew you would"

"Hi Sis! I agree. You look like Mom at that age except for the Red hair" Jessica said.

"Hey Sweetheart! I agree with Mom and Sis" Daddy said.

"I love you all. I was terrified when I saw what happened to our house and I was terrified about what you would think of me as your daughter" I replied tearfully.

I ran to them and we met in a huge group hug. The rest of the gang followed in greeting.

"Hi Marsha! Mom greeted. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter as usual"

"Think nothing of it. I consider her another daughter" Mrs. Benson replied happily

"I think of you all as family. I was thinking about our cover and if it is alright with you. I want to call you Uncle John and Aunt Marsha from now on" I stated.

"Works for me" They chorused.

"Well that's settled" I giggled.

We got all the gear put in our rooms and sat down to my mother's famous Chicken and Dumplings. I felt safe for the first time in nearly two days and began to relax a little. I knew I wouldn't be able to rest easy until the killers were caught. I imagine they will be pretty busy hiding from every Cop in our city and State, because it is well known that Cops don't like people who gun down their fellow officers. Mullanix apparently had a gambling problem and sold me out for fifty grand. It didn't do him much good, because he was arrested as soon as he was heard compromising my location. I guess they still couldn't get to the house in time to stop them shooting at us, but we found out that a team of Swat officers killed the team that was sent to kill us, as soon as they got there. The team that was sent to kill us the second time was not the same one that killed the Officers and destroyed our house. They were still at large.

The days flew by as the rest of my family got to know me as Erin and I fell in love with the house and the Island. I loved getting up and looking out over the Bay as the Fishing boats came by. It was so peaceful compared to the bustle of the East coast. I settled into a routine and it almost seemed like my troubles were far away and forgettable, but something told me that it wouldn't be for a while. There had been a major crackdown according to Daddy. The DEA raided 5 more houses and killed anyone who gave them any armed resistance. They put a serious dent in their business.

"How are you this morning? Christy asked.

"I'm doing fine. I love it here! Wouldn't it be nice if we could live here all the time" I gushed.

"Daddy says it's pretty expensive here on Bainbridge, but I know there were quite a few houses at home that were just as expensive. My grandma's house is one of them" She said.

"I know. Beachfront property is a premium there anyway" I added.

"How are you two doing? Mom said as she came out on the porch.

"Hi Mom! How are things going this morning? I asked

"They're fine Sweetie. I was just telling your dad that I love this place. It's so peaceful. I wouldn't mind living here permanently after all this is over. I just wish they would catch the perpetrators who did all this. I did hear that Joe Jenkins is still alive thanks to you. Everyone tells your dad that they consider you a hero"

"I just did what I could for him and fortunately he survived" I said softly.

"I know Janet and her family are thankful for your quick actions" Christy added.

"I just wish I could have done something to help the other officers, but after I saw they were shot in the head, there wasn't anything I could do"

"Let's talk about something more pleasant" Mom suggested."I made arrangements for a Gender Specialist to come here and evaluate you. She was very interested to meet you and get you started on your way"

"Oh Mom! I can't wait! I screamed excitedly.I have waited so long to have a body that matches what you, Jessica and Christy have"

" I know Dear. I just wish I hadn't been so long in bringing it up. Jessica and I knew very early on that you weren't a boy. I know you tried because you thought that was what was expected, but Honey, We love you very much no matter if you are our son or daughter"

I ran to Mom and grabbed in a great big hug. We were both crying tears of joy. Christy even joined in, followed by Jess and Aunt Marsha a few seconds later" We were all just women enjoying the day together. The phone rang in the house and we ran to grab it. A man's voice on the other end said they had spotted Rodriquez and a couple of his cohorts coming across on the ferry. I was thinking Here we go again!

Daddy and Uncle John must have gotten word because they were loaded and ready. Agent Mitchell, Agent Walsh and Agent Randolph were there too. It seems that the dirty Agent that started this mess passed a message out of the jail to the sister of Rodriguez when she visited him. They had been dating and that was how his son got mixed up with the Cartel in the first place. The Cartel no longer cared about me, because the perps(except Rodriguez) who killed the Cops, were killed in a raid and I couldn't identify anyone else.It was getting too messy for them. Dad would be getting plastic surgery and reassigned in the Seattle office with a new name.

"Get some sharpshooters up on that hill behind the house. I want them to have a welcoming party when they land" Daddy said.

Agent Mitchell had her two way radio relaying instructions to the sniper team. The trio of bumbling idiots walked right into our trap and were taken down in a hail of bullets when they tried to open fire. The ordeal was over in five minutes. The idiots only had one thing on their mind and never cared about strategy. They were so consumed with getting even, that they didn't think that we would know they were coming. Oh well, he who lives by the gun will die by it apparently. The FBI and other local agencies around there converged on the house and grounds and had things wrapped up quickly.

Epilogue,

George Trumble, the dirty Agent had a few more charges added to his already long list for sending Rodriguez to try and kill me again. He was facing a mandatory life sentence for his role in this fiasco. I flew back there one last time to receive an award for helping Officer Jenkins. He greeted me at the airport with a big smile and a hug. Janet burst into tears when she saw me and remarked how beautiful I was. Her mother told me that I was now a member of their family and that Christy and I could come out and visit anytime. They weren't shocked at all by my appearance because I had emailed them pictures over the last several weeks. I took the time later that day to visit the graves of Officers Raymond Johnson and Kendrick Brooks. My new Endo in Seattle found out I was actually intersexed when she ran tests. I had surgery to open my vaginal canal get rid of the useless skin that was thought to be my penis and testes and had my first Monthly visitor a month later. Dad and Mom got a good settlement from the Insurance company on the house and combined with the inheritance from my grandmother bought another place on the island that was even more beautiful. Aunt Marsha and Uncle John and Christy found a nice home next door to ours and we settled in wonderfully. I got another surprise on my sixteenth birthday. Daddy had found and restored another 65' Mustang that belonged to one of his new colleagues at the office. Christy and I have decided that we will follow our dads and my sister into the FBI after all. Life is so good!

It all started Halloween night a year ago. My sister, Lisa, and I were out Trick-or- Treating. We had begged our parents to let us go as Disney Princess characters for our final year, as we had turned 10 and 11 and were getting too old for it. I wanted to be Cinderella and Lisa wanted to be Jasmine. My parents weren't all that thrilled that I wanted to be a girl again, but they had gotten used to the same request since I was 4 years old and Lisa was 5. I knew that I should have been born a girl since I was old enough to talk. Lisa and I would spend hours playing dress up in all the clothes that Grandma had given her for her birthday and we often talked about our wedding days as if it was a foregone conclusion that I would be wearing a white gown instead of a tux when that day came. Anyway, we were walking down Maple Street when we heard loud voices. Three boys were tormenting a black cat and laughing every time they poked it with a stick. It was up in a tree hissing loudly, but it just couldn't climb completely out of their reach.

"Leave that poor cat alone"! We both screamed in unison.

"Who's gonna make us? Sneered the biggest bully. All I see is two little girls"

Just then, our neighbor, Mr. Reynolds, came along with his two daughters. "I'll make you! I know all your parents and I intend to let them know just what you've been doing. Get out of here and get home"!

Mr. Reynolds watched as the three boys fled the scene and then turned to us. "Are you both okay?"

"We're alright. I think the poor cat is in pretty bad shape though". I reached up in the tree and noticed the poor thing was so weak that it barely gave us any resistance. I noticed it was a girl and she had a collar with a name tag that said "Mollie" It also had the name and address of the owner on the back, a Mrs. Viola Winston. Lisa and I immediately recognized the name, as the grandma of her best friend. Olivia. Mollie was nestled in my arms as we hurried down Maple until we got to the corner of Fairmont Drive. Mrs. Winston lived in an old Victorian on the corner of Fairmont and Maple. She was on her porch handing out candy when she saw us coming up the sidewalk, immediate concern on her face as she saw Mollie cradled in my arms.

"What in Heaven's name happened to her? She was inside the house earlier, but she must have slipped out when I came out the door with the candy" Mrs Winston exclaimed.

We explained what happened and noticed a spark of lightning in her eyes for a moment. I can't say as I blame her because Lisa and I were pretty upset too.

"I guess I need to go inside and call Dr. Nelson and see if he will make House calls or if he wants me to bring her to the office. Would you wait with her until I get back"? She was gone for about 30 minutes and came back.

" Doc Nelson will be over in 10 minutes to look at her. I was thinking about how I could thank you for what you did, when I remembered I had two necklaces that belonged to my mother". She took two of the most beautiful necklaces out of the pocket of her apron. "Legend has it that if you put these necklaces on before bed and make a wish for your heart's desire. It will come true. I always thought it was just a story my mother used to tell us to keep us entertained on a rainy day". She explained.

"You don't have to give us anything for saving Mollie. We were just glad we were able to get to her before something worse happened" Momma always said always remember this , Leslie and Lisa,"Doing the right thing is it's own reward! I explained.

"Wonderful words to live by, my dear, but I won't take no for an answer. My granddaughter, Olivia and her mother already have all the heirloom pieces they want. I'm getting ready to move to an Assisted Living facility anyway, so you would be doing me a favor by helping me downsize a bit"

"Thank you Mrs. Winston! We will cherish them! Lisa promised.

"Thank you again for taking such good care of my Mollie. You should take my leftover candy too".

She emptied the rest of her candy bowl into our treat bags and bid us goodnight.

As we walked home, I thought about the legend and knew I was going to see if it really worked. If it did, that would be wonderful, but if it didn't, we would still have some very pretty pieces for our collection We got home and checked out our candy haul and put my necklace on my dresser . We went downstairs to say goodnight to our mom and dad and then went up to bed giggling to ourselves.

I went into my room and got dressed in the nightgown I kept hidden and then put the necklace on. I made my wish and then drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I heard my mother calling "Leslie! Lisa! Breakfast is ready!

I opened my eyes and immediately noticed long , blonde hair in a sleeping braid. I giddily started examining my body and noticed my sensitive, budding breasts and the void between my legs. I jumped up and ran to the bathroom mirror where I got another surprise! I was a duplicate of Lisa. About that time, Lisa came bursting into my room and we both screamed! She said "You look just like me"!

Before I could respond, Mom came down the hall wanting to know what the commotion was about. She gave Lisa a funny look .She'd overheard Lisa and said " Of course, Leslie looks like you! You're twins for goodness sake! Why would you say something like that?

Lisa stammered " Uh, I had a dream that Leslie was really a boy and it was so real that my foggy brain must have just said the first thing I was thinking"

"I was just startled by Lisa bursting into my room and that's why I screamed" I explained.

"You two need to get moving because we are meeting Olivia, her mother and grandmother for lunch and shopping afterward.

"That should be interesting! We giggled in unison.

Mom just gave us another look and walked on down the hall.

Reality had shifted in other ways as I noticed all our family pictures and school photos on the wall documented each year of me growing up as a girl named Leslie.

When we were alone later on, Lisa explained things from her end:

"I knew what your heart's desire was and I always thought it would be wonderful to have a twin sister, so that's what I wished for"

"All I wished for was just to be a girl" I replied. I didn't know you wanted a twin. The best part is I'm now a year older"!

The stones in the necklaces changed color to match our favorite dresses. Mine was now pink and Lisa's was a deep red color.

Lunch and shopping proved to be really fun and I could swear I saw Mrs. Winston wink at me.

A year later, I often think about that night and how thankful I am for the life I have now. Every time I visit Mrs. Winston, Mollie climbs in my lap and cuddles. I'm pretty sure she remembers that night too!

Daaad!! ! I am not wearing this monkey suit to Uncle Jack’s wedding . I told Uncle Jack and I’ve told you and Mom the same thing since I was 3 years old . I am your daughter and Kylie’s sister . She gets it and so does Uncle Jack and our future Aunt Cheryl. It’s only you and Mom who refuse to see me for who I am . The only way I’m going to this wedding is in the bridesmaid gown that Cheryl bought me to wear “!

“Young Man! You will go to this wedding as the boy that you are! I will not allow this family to be embarrassed by having my son parading around in a dress ! You will do as I say or else” !

“Dad ! I have news for you ! If you don’t allow Kendra to go as my sister, I refuse to go too! You know that Cheryl will not be happy to be short two bridesmaids in her wedding party . I know you and Mom don’t have time to argue about this because you’re on a tight schedule to make your flight to Las Vegas . We will continue this discussion when you get back ! You need to hit the road as soon as Mom gets out of the bathroom “.

Mom! Think about what we have been telling you while you’re on your trip and talk to Dad . You need to ask yourselves “Are your wishes and desires worth more than the happiness of your youngest child ? “ We love you both! Now have a safe trip ! “.

“ OMG! I thought we’d never get rid of them !” Are you ready for your new life , Kendra? I found something online that will make certain that you will be walking down that aisle in the dress that Cheryl bought you and there won’t be anything Mom and Dad can do about it because by the time time they get back , the changes will be permanent . It’s called “Gloo” . Any appliance attached to your body will become permanently bonded to you after 72 hours if not removed by the solvent .

I bought a female body suit that will give you the curves , breasts and vagina of a genetic female . It will even allow you to have a period and even sexual intercourse , but I advise you to wait on that one . Mom has made it clear to me that sex is out of the question until I’m much older and if I have to abstain , you should have to as well . Do you still want to go through with it?”

“More that anything , Sis! “ I have waited for so long to live my life but I have questions about what happens in the future if I want real breasts and a vagina that are more natural looking for my body ? “

“Don’t worry Kendra! I’ve got that one covered !” When Mom and Dad realize that it’s permanent and they can’t change what happened, they will insist on making sure that you will learn everything you can about conducting yourself as a lady because that’s all they can do . I’ve got another ace up my sleeve as well . I found a spell book in Grandma’s attic with a spell that activates on the first full moon after your 16th birthday which as you know, just happens to be 7 days after the wedding . It will make you a full fledged member of the fairer sex in every way up to and including having babies of your own . Isn’t that awesome? ”. It will also change the memories and the documentation so that they match and prove that Kendra and Kylie have always been sisters .

“ Are you ready to get Glooed?”

“Oh yes ! More than ready ! Let’s do this ! “

Epilogue:

“ You girls look so pretty in your dresses and I’m so happy you were in my wedding !”

“Welcome to the family , Aunt Cheryl!” We both exclaimed in unison .

Predictably , Mom and Dad has a bit of a conniption when they got home and found out that we had Glooed the bodysuit on , 5 days earlier and well beyond the 72 hour window to use solvent . Kylie and I also kept the details about the spell to ourselves too. We both knew that 7 days from now , our parents and everyone else would only remember me as their daughter and Kylie’s sister anyway , so there was no point in letting them know . We just giggled to ourselves when we thought about how it was Gloo that bound us together as sisters.

This is another take on the restroom issue that has become such a topic in the halls of Southern and Midwest State legislatures . This is a parallel universe scenario that explores the question of who really should NOT be sharing public bathrooms with women and children .

"Excuse me Mrs. Duggar? How do you feel knowing your son is no longer allowed to use a normal public restroom since it has been proven he is a danger to young women ? I know you lobbied very hard before the Little Rock City Council and robocalled people in the district not to vote for this ordinance claiming that freedom of religion allows men of your faith to do this to young women because their beauty or their actions caused men to sin .

The council voted in favor of the ordinance and made it clear that your son and other men just like him , were a danger to genetic women transwomen and children of both genders in restrooms and they are therefore ordered to use a toilet that is well away from the other public restrooms" .

I also understand that you were sued in Civil Court for falsely claiming that transgender people were the dangerous ones and you were ordered to pay damages that totally bankrupted you and your husband to the point that you could no longer support the rest of your 19 children and they were taken by CPS and adopted by several couples including two gay and lesbian families .

Since this new law went into effect , the state is experiencing a boom in female and transgender owned businesses and the economy is growing as well as more LGBT households are able to adopt children in need of loving homes and even keep children conceived by artificial insemination who were previously taken by the religious fundamentalists that previously infiltrated the government .

The state and Federal governments also have more revenue since your church and other religious denominations were ordered to pay taxes on the money they took in and the pastors of Mega churches were sent to prison for tax evasion and their mansions and Lear jets were sold and proceeds given to the very poor that Christ called them to take care of and they didn't .

The Supreme Court also upheld that separation of Church and State was an ironclad rule and that any legislators or Government officials who refused to abide were ordered to resign or face impeachment charges for willfully violating the civil rights of the constituents they took an oath to serve .

How does it feel to have the same thing done to you for legitimate reasons that you falsely accused innocent transgender people of? What? Now you're claiming persecution ? As the old saying goes , "What goes around comes around "!

I was on my way to my second period, English class when I saw the crowd gathering around the bulletin board outside, our guidance counselor’s office , Ms. Brumfeld . Curiosity got the better of me so I pushed my way through the throng until I saw what the fuss was about . A big notice announcing “Contestants wanted for the 2nd annual “The Belles of Christmas Pageant” . What might you ask , is that? I will tell you. It’s a pageant featuring twelve Junior and Senior boys who compete in a womanless beauty pageant to raise money for needy children and families in our community for Christmas .

Each contestant was sponsored by various school and civic clubs lead by girls and their mothers . Each boy is chosen by secret ballot of the students in 11th and 12th grade and then each organization draws a name out and that is the boy they will then work with over the month leading up to the pageant on the last day of school before Christmas . Each boy generally goes along with it because it’s for a good cause and it also gets them into the good graces of some of the prettiest girls in school .

My given name was James Michael Stevens , I was secretly hoping I was one of the lucky ones picked for another reason . For as long as I could remember , I dreamed of being one of the pretty girls roaming the halls of our school and doing all the things they were lucky to do every day . The girl name I picked for myself was Sarah Michelle after my favorite actress of my all -time favorite show .

My parents were in denial and my sisters were too self involved to notice the signs I was putting out there . Some of the boys at school already pegged me as different by the offhand remarks they would make about my body not being masculine enough .

The girls would comment about my face being too pretty for a boy and they always talked about being jealous of my hair and my legs . I was on the swim team and always kept my legs shaved for competition . Of course that was just a convenient cover for the fact that I loathed body hair and feeling like a girl , I didn’t want any except on my head . My longish blonde hair was a bitch to tuck under a swim cap , but I refused any and all pleas to cut it shorter .

The notice said that the ballots would be handed out at lunch and filled out and dropped in a box on our way out of the cafeteria at the end of lunch . No one would know who was on it until they were distributed . It usually contained twenty -four names . The twelve highest vote getters would compete and four of the next highest would be alternates . I was on pins and needles through my next two classes and then made a beeline for the cafeteria . Being a Junior , it would be my first year of eligibility .

I made it in the door and grabbed a ballot . I scanned for my name and could barely contain my excitement when I was one of the first three listed! I quickly selected sixteen names and deposited my ballot in the big wooden box . I could barely eat my lunch , but did manage half a roast beef sandwich and a few chips . I only had to make it through one more class before the school assembly during last period where the winners would be announced and the club representatives would draw names .

I pretty much daydreamed through History but somehow managed to answer a question , Mr. Farnsworth asked me about Napoleon . The bell finally rang and we all made our way into the auditorium for the announcement . Our Principal , Ms. Mayweather sat next to Ms. Brumfeld on the stage and then made her way to the podium. She began calling the first name and to my surprise , it was Me! It seems I was also the highest vote getter. She called the names of the others and we made our way to the stage .

The representatives of the organizations were gathered next to a black top hat that had twelve folded pieces of paper . Each lined up in alphabetical order according to first letter of their organization and then put their hand in the hat and drew a name . Five names in, I heard my name called . The Junior Women’s Club as well as their parent community club were my lucky sponsors . The ironic thing is that my sisters and my mom were all members , but not officers so they would be aware of my transformation but not partcipate directly in my initial makeover . After all the names were selected , we were each taken to a separate classroom for our measurements and to set appointments for hair, makeup and deportment lessons .

The idea was to hit the ground running . Each of us was then taken into a locker room , told to strip off all our clothes and handed a bottle of shampoo and body wash before stepping into the shower . Emily Marshall and her mother, Cindy, were there as my sponsor representatives and they were very pleased that I was already ahead of the game on hair removal . I had also never had facial hair at all, which puzzled me and pleased me at the same time . My parents never worried about it because they thought I was just a late bloomer and never thought to consult a doctor about it . I also never developed much down below .

After getting a shower , I was given a pink robe and my hair rolled up in a turban . The school nurse took me back to an exam table where I was told to lie down on my back . She marked two places in my chest and placed two large breast forms on my chest and told me to hold them in place for a few minutes . When she told me to let go . I could feel the weight of them swing freely . She also fitted me with a padded panty prosthetic which gave me hips and a vagina . She did make a note on her chart after observing my rather small penis and empty sac down below .

After all that , I was handed a bra and a pair of matching panties . Emily helped me with the bra and told me that I was now a 38C cup . I was taken backstage to the makeup room in the theater department where Emily gave me step -by-step instructions on how to do my foundation, powder , eyes , cheeks and lips . She told me that it would take some time to perfect it , but I would get the hang of it . . She also had a set of heated curlers she applied to my hair, but she said I didn’t need much since my hair was already sporting a natural curl.

After that , I was sent behind a screen and handed a red Christmas sweater and knee length denim skirt . I was also given a pair of black suede ankle boots with a two inch heel . After I was dressed , Emily handed me a heart shaped necklace and a pair of earrings . Since both ears has been pierced for quite a while , it was just a matter of popping them in . Emily led me over to a full length mirror draped with a sheet and I was just stunned at what I saw in the mirror when she pulled it away .

I couldn’t hold back the tears and they just started to flow like a river down my cheeks . At that moment Emily came up behind me and gave me a huge hug . Her mother appeared to my right and started to rub my shoulders . At that moment , I just let go and told them about all the pain and all the misery I had lived through trying to maintain the facade of a boy while Sarah Michelle was aching to be let out of her prison .

Cindy then told me something that floored me! She said that my mother and my sisters would tell her about me after each meeting and voice their deep concern for my wellbeing . It seems they were not as oblivious as I had thought . It turns out that Cindy was a well respected gender therapist in the community and Emily was always on the look out for kids who looked like they were struggling . It turned out to be no accident that they had chosen me as a contestant . Ms. Brumfeld has been observing me for a long time and she conspired with my mother, Cindy and Emily , to get me chosen by their club . My sisters , Natalie and Danielle , were home with my mother waiting for me . I dried my eyes and redid my makeup with help from Emily.

As we arrived home in Cindy’s car ,
Mom and my sisters ran out the door to greet me in the middle of our yard . It must have been a sight to see with five women crying and hugging me . Dad was gone on a business trip so he missed all the emotional stuff . As we got ourselves together , Natalie and Danielle were still holding on to me in a hug sandwich all the way into the house . They dragged me to my newly redecorated bedroom which they had been working on for hours . It was exactly the bedroom I had always dreamed of having . There were even more surprises , I had a closet full of the latest fashions that any teenage girl would envy and my bathroom and vanity were both stocked with makeup , skincare and hair products .

After a few more minutes of hugs and tears , we all sat down and laid out everything I would be doing to get ready for the pageant . My sisters are telling me i’m a cinch to win it , but I’m not so sure? I still have a long way to go before then .

Over the next four weeks , I felt I was going through boot camp . In between sessions with Cindy and my other doctors , Mom and my sisters were just as strict as any drill sargeant . If I made a mistake on makeup or deportment , they were all over me ! Dad cane home and knew to stay out of the way . It was worth it though, by the time the pageant was held , I was walking in heels and doing my own makeup with the best of them . The pageant ended up raising $50K with community leaders matching what was raised .

It was truly insping to see how many people cared . I did win the pageant in the end so I am officially “The Belle Of Christmas” . Natalie and Danielle also dressed up in gowns and tiara’s as we visited the children’s hospital and handed out gifts . We even brought along dresses and tiara’s for the kids . The local news that evening , showed a parade of little girls joining in with us in a line all up and down the hospital corridors . The reporter covering the story , dubbed us all “The Belle’s of Christmas “.

As I look back fondly on that Christmas , I can’t help but think about all the people who saw my dream even when I was too wrapped up in my pain to notice that they could see things much better than I could . They were all there with me as I came through the surgery to complete my dream of being the woman I always knew that I was in my heart and soul!

Office of Joint Chiefs Of Staff
Washington D.C

Time: 0900

“Lt . Col. Jack Arnold reporting as ordered , Sir”

“At ease “ General Marcus Payne replied .

“I need a status report for “Project Golden Bird”.

“Sir, we’ve run into an invisible force field while trying to gain access to the cave where the relic is located . I’ve sent a team in to try to get past it, but we haven’t succeeded . One of the team is a member of the Hopi Nation . He suggests that we go talk to his grandfather who is familiar with the lore of the Sourhwestern tribes . His name is Two Eagles and he may be able to provide answers” .

“ Go ahead and see what you can find out . The fate of the world is in our hands and there isn’t much time left before the planet is destroyed . Take two of your best intelligence officers with you “

“I’ll get right on it , Sir “

Time: 14:00

Phoenix Arizona.

“General Payne had me call you in on this because we are running out of time and have no real answers to how we access the relic . Your jobs will be to assist me in interviewing a shaman named “Two Eagles” . He is familiar with the local tribal lore and may be able to shed light on how we might proceed “ .

“ Where are we meeting ?” Lt. Kellie Daniels asked.

“ We have agreed to meet at a secured base in the Arizona desert “

“ Has Two Eagles been vetted and made aware of the sensitivity of this operation?” Lt. Chad Joseph asked,

“ Two Eagles “ is a veteran of Korea and worked on several classified projects following the war so his clearance is no problem . He is fully aware of what is at stake “.

Time :16:00

Secured desert location

“Before we begin , I would like to thank you for your assistance in this matter . We are running out of time and we must stop this impending destruction of Earth “

“My people have been aware of this since the beginning of creation and have warned the white man about the consequences of their actions ever since they came ashore from across the sea , but their greed and selfishness has blinded them and deafened their ears to what the elders have said . They have used their religion to justify their treatment of our people and paid no heed to the harm they have done to Mother Earth .

Many moons ago, they insisted on enforcing the idea of a polarity split between men and women and admiring masculine traits in their nature and dismissing feminine traits as weak and less desirable . They have forgotten that the Great Spirit created us with a duality of both natures to balance us as a whole person . Your modern Christian religion has used this idea to bully those who are living this dual nature and made them feel less than what the creator made them to be .

Most of your President’s have gone along with this agenda and even banned those members from serving in the military . If you are to succeed in your quest to reach this relic , you must implore the President and the Pentagon to allow a team of “two spirited “ service men and women to undertake this mission because the barrier can only be crossed by those who have experienced life from both sides of their nature .

The idea of polarity must give way to duality , respect and love for all who understand the ways of our elders . The world must learn to love and respect differences in people if we are to live up to the ideas contained in this relic . At the moment , the room is accessed , each of the team must place one hand on it . This will in turn raise the Earth into a higher vibration and will prevent it’s destruction . It will be a new beginning for the Earth . One final warning , I must give you . Whoever fails to embrace this understanding will be left to face the destruction that is fated to happen if they don’t change their ways “.

“ We appreciate your time and we will be working diligently to put together a team of individuals who have served our country with distinction regardless of what gender identity they identify with” .

Oval Office

Day Two

Time: 13:00

“ You now have the detailed report compiled by my security team , Mr. President . You are fully aware that Shaman Two Eagles is a man with an impeccable military record and a sterling reputation for truth . We have tried everything to breach that invisible barrier and our time is almost over . The asteroid will destroy Earth in 72 hours unless we do something very soon !”

“ I understand what you’re saying , General Payne , but what do I say to my religious right supporters ?” I am taking a risk going against them on this”.

“With all due respect, Sir. You read exactly what Two Eagles said . If they don’t fall in line and change their ways , they will be left behind to be destroyed . You have a choice to make . Save humanity by embracing those who have the duality of spirit to accomplish this or go down with the people who refuse to recognize this truth about who we really are” . When they touch this orb , the world will shift into a higher dimension of love , peace and understanding and those who don’t change with it , will face their doom .

“Okay , I will inform the rest of the National Security team and the Pentagon to mobilize this unit for the mission .”

“ I will get the ball rolling my end, Mr. President “.

Day 5

Day 5

Secured Desert Base

Time: 07:00

“Ladies and Gentlemen . I am Lt. Col. Jack Arnold. You have been ordered here by the president, to undertake a mission which only you have the ability to undertake . You have all been briefed by General Payne and know what you are tasked to undertake . Once inside , you will cross the barrier and then touch the orb with your right hands at the same time . You are owed a debt of gratitude and a sincere apology for what you have endured while serving in the uniform of our country . We will load our equipment and depart for the location at 09:00 . We will arrive at approximately 11:00 . As I call your name, please proceed to the hangar bay at the Southwest corner with your gear , Major Tamara Sharp
Lt. John Carson
Sgt. Major Renae Tibbs
Pvt 1st Class Thomas Wentworth.
Pvt. 1st Class Julia Rodriguez
Pvt 1st Class. Jessica Wainwright
Airmen 1st Class Mitchell Newman
CWO Kristen Becker
Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Whitaker .

At 09:00, the Chinook took off with a cross section of transgender military personnel aboard . They landed two hours later less than 100 yards from the cave entrance . Lt. Col. Arnold stayed outside the cave and monitored the progress of his team . He took the words of Two Eagles to heart and made sure he included members of all branches of service . The team entered single file until they reached the room with the invisible shield . As Two Eagles had said , the duality of their natures , allowed them to cross the threshold of the barrier without incident and they entered the large inter chamber where the orb sat on a pedestal in the center of the room. Sensing the magnitude of what they were about to do , they paused to look into each other’s eyes and reflect on their own personal journey’s that brought them to this moment .

“Let”s do this !” they all declared in unison and touch the orb with the palm of their right hand . There was a brilliant flash of light that radiated out from the cave in all directions and when they walked to the mouth of the cave, the world looked and felt completely different . Lt . Col. Arnold was there in the same place they left him .

“ Congratulations on a job well done . I think the President wants to speak with us on the satellite video link . The team was stunned when they saw a beautiful woman sitting in the president’s chair! “ I know you are a bit shocked , but I wanted you to be the first to see that your actions also changed the course of history for the better .

The president in the old dimensional reality , could not escape the clutches of the people controlling him , so five minutes before you touched the orb , he backtracked on his support and he was left back in the old timeline where the asteroid destroyed the world . I am the one that was elected from and for the highest good of all the people in the country and around the world . The male dominated patriarchies that existed around the world are no more as are the religious divisions which caused so many wars . We have now embraced what Two Eagles was talking about and there is no longer any persecution for anyone who doesn’t conform to the strict gender norms that existed in the old Earth timeline . I also understand that congratulations are in order for Pvt’s Wainwright and Rodriguez on your forthcoming marriage , I also found out you were having trouble finding a venue for your wedding . I hope you don’t mind, but I have called both your mothers and offered the Rose Garden of the White House . We can even do it the same day you all come here to accept your commendations from a grateful nation and world for what you have done to save us all”.

“Thank you Madame President “ Jessica and I are truly humbled by your honor and we gratefully accept your offer” .

Epilogue

“ On behalf of a grateful nation , we award you with this commendation for service beyond the call of duty and we declare that this day will forever be known as National Transgender Appreciation Day in the country and in the armed forces “. The team all smiled and thanked the president for her words and support .

Jessica and Julia were married soon after in a beautiful ceremony with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court doing the honors as officiant .

The entire team noticed an immediate difference in the country after they returned from their mission . There was no longer any discrimination against any minority group , no longer any politicians who served any one group of people or agenda , but recognized that all have the rights to equality and equal treatment .

There were no longer religious extremists who spread hateful rhetoric and violence against anyone . There was peace , love and harmony among all people because each understood that we are all connected as one humanity without any concern for race or other divisive tactics . There was a genuine concern for the world and for Mother Earth and it resulted in a much better quality of life for all. Each one had compassion and love for each other and made sure all needs were taken care of .

This was a new humanity born because of the actions of a group who had lived and experienced great personal anguish, but they found the strength to be true to themselves and showed others that “twin spirited “ people are embracing life the way it was intended as complete human beings with an equally balanced nature of strength , empathy and compassion .

Janie Lewis and I were the best of friends ever since the first day of Preschool and we did everything together. So many times we would hear people say "Those two are almost like conjoined twins" It seemed like it too. Our mothers would have to promise that we would get to go to each others houses the next day to ever get us to go home. I would play with her toys when I was at her house and she played with mine when she was at mine. I always wondered why my toys weren't the same things Janie had, but I was afraid to ask.

My father was an iron worker by trade and very well built. He carried himself with a no nonsense attitude and stayed gone for long periods of time working wherever his job might take him. He never seemed to have much time to spend with me, but he made his displeasure known about me not being interested in traditional boy pursuits. One thing he didn't do was abuse me for my failures as a boy. He and Mom had both come from homes where the rod was not spared very much at all. My grandfather had been an Irish immigrant who came to America with nothing but dreams. He was a strict Catholic and married an equally Irish/ Catholic girl in my grandmother. My dad was the second of ten children growing up in a New York City slum. As the burden of providing for his family increased, he turned to Boxing to make extra cash. He was pretty good at it at first, but as the stakes got higher he started losing. With every loss, he drank more and when he drank he got mean and took it out on his kids and his wife. My dad huddled in fear every time he stormed into the house after a night at the pub. He made a promise that he would never put his children through what he went through. He has never broken that promise. Mom came up through much the same situation except it was my grandmother who couldn't stay away from the bottle. She battled depression all of her life and even admitted to my mother that she wished she had been born a man, but back then, there wasn't much known about Gender Identity issues. Being a strict Catholic , she was expected to do what society dictated. She married and had two kids before my grandfather shipped off to Vietnam with the 7th Cavalry. He was killed in the first battle with Vietnamese regulars in the Ladrang Valley. Later the story of the battle would be featured in the movie "We Were Soldiers". After he was killed, my grandmother fell apart. She had little patience and coping skills and her temper would lash out at Mom and my uncle Donnie. Somehow, she talked her way out of trouble with Social Services, but my mother made the same promise my dad did about any future children.

The years flew by as they often do and all through them Janie and I would remain inseparable. One day, in our sixteenth year, my world came crashing down. Janie's dad got transferred clear across the country to San Diego. We were inconsolable. Our parents made promises about each of us going to visit each other in the Summer. It wasn't the same and we knew it. The last day we spent together was all about making promises to keep in touch, but we doubted our parents would follow through with their commitment to let us visit. Life sucked!

"It will be okay Alan. Our parents know we are best friends and they would never break their promise to us" Janie said softly

"I know, but it won't be the same without you" I tearfully replied. I leaned over and hugged her tight and then she turned to leave.

"This isn't goodbye. It's until we meet again" She insisted.

"Until we meet again" I repeated. And we thought that would be soon. We were wrong!

"Mom? Can I see Janie this Summer like you promised?

"I don't think she's going to be there this Summer. Her mother told me that she was going to some camp up in Oregon until just before school starts" Mom explained.

I had come in from school and looked forward to the possibility of seeing her and catching up, but my hopes were dashed in that moment. I went to check my email hoping to get something from her, but there was nothing. We were supposed to be friends, but she never mentioned anything about going to any camp for the Summer. I guess she didn't want to disappoint me. I went to my closet and changed out of my school clothes and emerged as Alaina a few minutes later.

"Hey sweetie. I'm sorry that you're disappointed about this Summer, but we'll do something special to make up for it I promise" Mom assured me.

"You and her parents promised us that we could see each other in the Summer and you lied to us" I screamed, tears streaming down my face.

"I'm sorry, but that's life! Your father said we couldn't afford it anyway.We told you that because we knew there would be no way to get you to separate without as much stress and anxiety"

"So you never meant anything you said at all? I hate you both! I ran from the kitchen and stormed up the stairs to my room. I slammed the door and locked it. I fell to my pillow sobbing" Mom came up later and asked me if I was okay, but I told her to go away.

I cried myself to sleep and woke up the next morning to pancakes cooking. I guess Mom was trying to assuage her guilt and fixed my favorite breakfast to make up for it. I got up and wandered downstairs in my nightgown and robe. I lived as Alaina almost 24/7 as long as Dad was gone. Alan was just the pretend persona I put up for Dad when he was home.

" Good morning Honey" I'm sorry about last night, but there wasn't anything I could do about decisions made by Janie's parents" She tried to explain.

"I just wish people would learn to keep promises. I would never lie to someone about that and then renege on it. You and Daddy always preached the importance of honoring your word, but you just came off looking like hypocrites. I guess I won't count on anything you say from now on" I told her.

Mom left the kitchen to go call Daddy on the phone in her bedroom. He was off on a job somewhere in Louisiana. She was gone for almost an hour and then she came back.

"I talked to your daddy and we agreed that it was time you knew the whole truth" She replied. We were hoping that things would somehow work out, but it is time we told you the real reason why you can't visit Janie"

"What is it Mom? I asked

"Janie's father is a bigot and hates anything that doesn't fit into his neat little box. He disagreed with how we raised you and there was a huge argument about your feminine nature one day while you and Janie were at Swim practice. He insisted we take steps to beat it out of you and we absolutely refused. You know how we both feel about that. He stormed out and put in a request the next day for a transfer. Her mother never said much out of fear I suppose. Janie wasn't told the real reason. They just let her think that the transfer was a normal thing that happens in a job" Mom explained.

"So I drove my best friend away because I want to be a girl? I sobbed." I guess I really am a freak!

"No you aren't. It's his problem not yours" She insisted. I wasn't buying it though. I knew she would still be here if it wasn't for me.

I ran back up to my room and found a stash of sleeping pills in the medicine cabinet. I hastily composed a note apologizing to my mother for any pain I might cause her. I went to my computer and drafted an email to Janie and told her what was really happening. I apologized to her for being a freak and went to my dresser for my silk nightgown. I took almost a whole bottle and laid down on my bed. Shortly everything went black.

Janie

I got home from school after just half a day and looked forward to telling Alan I was going to see him this Summer. Mom had other ideas.

"Hello Sweetie. How was school? Mom asked

"It was okay I guess? I had a test in Math that was pretty hard, but I think I did okay on it. I just miss Alan a lot. I'm looking forward to seeing him this Summer' I replied.

"About that Honey, Mom hesitated "I signed you up for a wonderful camp up in Oregon. I thought it would be a wonderful idea to help you make new friends"

"You promised I would get to see him in the Summer. You and Daddy lied to me! I sobbed.

I ran to my room and slammed my door. I went to my computer and booted it up. After I got it up. I scanned through my email and my blood ran cold. It was from Alan. He explained what my parents had done and apologized for being such a freak. He was saying goodbye. I ran from the room and grabbed the phone. My fingers shook as I dialed the number. I got his mother on the second ring.

"How are you Janie. This is certainly a surprise" She exclaimed.

" Go to Alan's room now! I screamed. He's committing suicide"

She jumped up and ran down the hall to his room. The door was locked, but she found the pick to unlock it. Alan was lying on the bed with the note nearby. She grabbed her cellphone and dialed 911. She relayed the information and the broke down sobbing into the phone. I stayed with her until I heard sirens in the background. They arrived and began working on Alan.

"I'm heading to the hospital now. I will talk to you as soon as I can. Words can't begin to express my gratitude for your quick thinking" She told me.

I got off the phone and ran to confront my mother. I had the email in my hand and her face went ashen as she realized what it said.

"Care to explain yourself Mother! I hissed vehemently.

"It was your father's idea" She insisted. She told me the whole story about confronting Alan's parents. I was absolutely pissed! Daddy dearest would get more than an earful when he got home!

"I'm sorry we lied to you, but your father thought you shouldn't know because he knew how you felt and he didn't want to deal with you" She explained.

"He's gonna know the fury of a very pissed off daughter when I get through with him" I fumed.

"I know it is high time I stand up to him, but I was scared. You know what he's like" She agreed.

When Daddy dearest hit the door that night he felt the full fury of Hurricane Janie.

"You bastard! I screamed. I found out what your transfer was all about. You thought I wouldn't and shouldn't find out"

"I didn't want my daughter around a freak. I was only trying to protect you" He pleaded.

"Alan tried to kill himself today because he found out the real reason we moved. Luckily they saved him in time. You are a bigoted piece of garbage and I'm filing for divorce as soon as I can" Mom insisted. I should have done it long before we left New York. Janie and I have airline reservations going out tonight. We will be packed and out of here in an hour. We will be staying with my mother until we can find a place to live back there. I would advise you to be gone when we get back" Mom growled.

"You aren't going anywhere! He stormed.

He grabbed Mom by the arm and proceeded to slam her into the wall. I came up with a well placed knee in the groin. He crumbled to his knees and let go of her.

"Those self defense courses I have been taking at the Y came in handy. I grinned evilly.

I picked up the phone and dialed 911. I told them what was going on and they sent a unit out in a hurry. Daddy was in handcuffs and being manhandled out the door. The admonition to remain silent must not have really phased him because he went off on the officers until they tased him. He had a laundry list of charges added by the time he was finally taken away to jail.

Mom and I left the house when the taxi got there. Our flight left out on time and we got into Kennedy at 9PM local time. My grandpa picked us up and we went on to their house.

Alaina

I woke up in a stark white hospital room with a lot of monitors and I.V's attached to me. I looked around and thought I was dreaming! There beside my bed was Janie. She had come all the way to see me. Mom and Janie's mother were on the opposite side.

"Janie? How did you get here? I asked her.

"Told you we would meet again She smiled. "Mom and I flew in last night as soon as we could. We are back here for good. Mom is filing for divorce. Daddy has his hands full with a stack of charges on him for what he did before and after they arrested him anyway. Your mom told me you go by Alaina now. I always knew you were a girl. I also need to tell you something. All these years we have known each other we have been the best of friends. Somewhere in there my feelings deepened, but I was afraid to tell you because I didn't know if you felt the same. When I found your email, I prayed I would get the chance to tell you that I love you with all my heart Alaina Marie O'Neill" Janie said.

"I love you too Janie. I always have. I wanted to tell you before you left, but I was afraid like you were that you didn't feel the same. I have changed a lot in the last year and I have been going to counseling and been on hormones. Mom told me that Daddy knows and still loves me no matter what. He sent the Roses there behind you and he will be coming here in a bit. I explained.

"I'm glad you are okay" Janie's mother, Sue, stated. I would never forgive myself if we lost you. I'm sorry I allowed my bigoted soon- to-be ex husband to force us to leave"

"I'm just glad you're back" I said. " I love your daughter with all my heart and if there is a way we can be married I want her in my life forever"

"I know you do and I love you too" She said. "You will be good to my daughter"

"Hey, teased Janie. "I'm still here in the same room you know, and yes I will marry you Alaina!

We kissed and hugged each other secure in the knowledge that our love was mutual. I stayed in the hospital for another two day and then I got out. It was so wonderful to know that I had the love of my life back.The next few days were pretty busy. Janie and Sue found a house a couple doors down from us and made arrangements to have all their belongings moved out from San Diego. Charles was still locked up because he refused to cooperate with jail officials when they ordered him to do something. I guess the jerk has a really serious problem with authority. Meanwhile, Janie and I made plans for the Summer we thought we wouldn't have.

"Wanna go to Coney Island for the day? I asked Janie.

"That sounds like a cool idea!. "I'm dying to get you in a Bikini and showing off that hot body" She teased.

"Honey, I don't think I'm ready for that quite yet" I replied hesitantly.

"What's the matter? Chicken? Janie then start clucking.

"Oh Alright! You're lucky I love you so much" I relented. "I still don't know if I can hide a certain unwanted appendage. I'll be so glad when it's finally gone for good"

"I know you are counting down the days until next Summer when you can finally have your SRS over and done with" Janie agreed.

" Some days I wish it would get here sooner, but I guess Dr. Kenton is a by the books therapist and is adamant about me waiting until I'm officially 18. I replied irritatedly.

"It is a good thing we are both switching to an all girls school for next year. I don't imagine Scott Wilson and his gang would be very open to your new self" She added.

"Yeah, Scott has given me enough of a hard time since we were in Elementary school" I agreed.

"I think you will be really cute in a school girl uniform " Janie winked.

"You will be cute in yours too. We will both be pretty hot when we walk through the doors of the school" I added with a giggle.

We came together in a smoldering kiss and held each other for a long time. I couldn't believe how lucky I am to have my best friend as the love of my life.

"I love you so much! Janie said softly.

" I love you too" I murmured.

Over the next year, our love continued to grow stronger if that was even possible. We both wound up being Co- Valedictorians of our class and each delivered a speech at graduation.We formally gave each other Engagement rings for graduation and we wore them proudly that day. We left for Colorado the next day for my appointment with Dr. Marcie's scalpel. It was painful, but I would do it all over again to finally feel complete. Janie's father tried to drag his feet on the divorce, but he couldn't stop a very determined ex wife and the Judge finally made the wheels move much faster.

Epilogue:

Janie and I were married during our sophomore year of college. We both went to UMASS and majored in Psychology. I had froze my sperm before the hormones took effect and we are hoping to start a family soon. Daddy walked me down the aisle and promised me that he is going to be around more. He took a management job that mostly involves paperwork, but he says he was getting too old for climbing steel frame anyway. Mom definitely likes him home more. Anyway, Sue took Charles to the cleaners in the divorce and he was given a two year jail sentence because he wouldn't shut up when the judge told him the facts of life. He later fled to South America where the DEA nailed him for Cocaine smuggling in Colombia. Hope he likes those Colombian jails. Janie and I grow more in love everyday and we are so happy together.

Christie made her way to the eighth floor of the Cancer wing with a sense of dread and a heavy heart. Dr. Fischer had called her that afternoon and told her that she needed to get there to see her mother as soon as she could. The cancer had spread to her liver and pancreas and she only had a short time left. She stepped into her mother's room where she was greeted with the all too familiar sounds of the monitors beeping. Her mother looked like she was asleep, but then as Christie approached her mother replied weakly"Hello dear, It sure isn't the way to spend Christmas Eve is it?"

It really isn't the place neither of us wanted to be" Christie replied tearfully" I was really hoping that the lab tests would come back showing some improvement in your condition, but I guess not?"

"Honey, I want you to know that I am so proud of the daughter you have become. I know it was hard on us both when your father was killed in Afghanistan, but we made it through that time holding on to each other. I know he would be proud of you too. We knew very early in life that you were really a girl and we tried so hard to make things easier for you. Your father wanted you to have your SRS on your 18th Birthday and we did it with me holding your hand all the way. I love you darling! If I could go back and do things over, I wish you could have grown up as a little girl from the very beginning.I wish I had never picked up those damn cigarettes at thirteen years old either, but we can't do anything about that now. I want you to be strong and follow your dreams. Meet someone to share your life with and adopt children one day. You would make a wonderful mother. I need to rest now"

"Momma? How am I supposed to live without you? All I am today is all because of what you taught me when I first told you how I felt all those years ago. You and Daddy didn't hit me or scream at me. You loved me unconditionally and you went out of your way to make sure I had the support of the entire family. I will never forget the time, Daddy knocked Uncle Jack out cold "for daring to call his daughter a fag and a sissy" as he put it. Aunt Julie and Cousin Mindy didn't talk to him for two weeks until he saw "The error of his ways" as they put it. I remember how shocked I was when Uncle Jack showed up with a bouquet of flowers for me and offered up his most sincere apologies for anything he said. I love you so much Momma! I will always keep you in my heart"

Her mother drifted off to sleep and she sat there for a while longer. She bowed her head in silent prayer and left the room. The nurses told her they would call her if anything changed. She walked numbly down the hall to the bank of elevators. Once she reached the lobby,she walked out into the chilly December night. As she walked, the tears fell and she happened to notice a park bench with a homeless man sitting there. He noticed that she was crying and offered her a seat" "What's wrong sweetheart? He asked. It looks like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. By the way, My name is Bob. What's yours?

"My name is Christie. My heart is breaking and I just don't know how I can go on" She replied,sobbing. She proceeded to talk to him and tell him everything that had gone on that evening and even about her early years. She felt like she had known him for years.

"Everything will be okay when you get some sleep tonight and wake up tomorrow morning" Bob assured her.

Christie didn't know how it could be any better, but a sense of peace came over her. "I need to get home and get some rest if I can. Thank you so much for listening"

"Anytime, Hon!

She walked the rest of the way to her parents house and unlocked the door. It was dark and gloomy , except for the light in the kitchen and the greeting she received from Sophie, their Beagle, who was anxiously waiting to go potty. Christie opened the kitchen door and let her out to the backyard. She warmed up some leftover pizza and let Sophie back in. As she ate, she thought back to what her mother had said earlier and knew that no matter what, she would go on and honor her mother's wishes for her. She cleaned up the kitchen, did her nightly ritual, put on her nightgown and went to sleep with Sophie curled up beside her in bed.

"Christie? Are you awake yet honey? It's Christmas! She thought she heard her mother's voice through the fog of sleep, but it couldn't be could it? Christie opened her eyes and noticed something very different about her room immediately! It was the room she had always dreamed she would have if she had actually been physically a girl at birth! Her mother called to her again. "I'm coming Mommy! Even her voice sounded like a little girl. She got off the bed and noticed how short she was. She walked over to the mirror and saw a little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes who looked to be about eight with a pink nightgown with puppies on it. She threw on her robe and rushed downstairs.

Her mother was there in the kitchen making her favorite Blueberry pancakes and the table was set for three places.She looked healthy and radiant. She also didn't smoke either! Christie hadn't seen an ashtray or smelled smoke in the house at all as she thought about it now Just then, she saw her dad come in to the kitchen and she ran into his arms. "How's my princess this fine Christmas morning? I have a feeling that Santa was very good to little Christie this year!

"Oh Daddy! This is the best Christmas ever! I already have everything I ever wished for" She squealed excitedly!

"You mean you don't want to see what Santa brought you under the tree? Her momma teased.

"Momma? You know I don't joke about Santa! I must have been an extra good girl because I have the best mommy and daddy in the whole world.

They sat down together as a family again and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and went to the living room where the tree was all lit up with presents underneath. She also looked at the family portrait over the fireplace. It was all three of them together posed for a Christmas photo. She had her blonde hair in plaits and wearing a Red velvet dress with black Mary Jane's and white ruffled socks. Her mother had a matching dress with black pumps and her father looked so handsome in his black and grey pinstripe suit with Red tie.

"Christie? Are you okay? Her mother asked. You looked like you were miles away just then.

"I was just admiring our Christmas portrait. We look so pretty don't we Mommy?

"We sure do sweetie! I'm glad we bought those matching dresses at Penney's Your daddy looks so handsome in his suit too!

"Hey, Are you two going to open your gifts? Her daddy asked.

Christie began opening her gifts and found it was the dollhouse she had asked Santa for with all the furniture and two new dolls. She opened up another and found a beautiful blue dress with new shoes and socks to match. Two other dresses in Red and Pink followed that. She opened up another that had a T-shirt with "Mommy's Angel" on the front. That followed two pairs of jeans, a toy vanity and a new Holiday Barbie. She gave her mother a new necklace with a locket. Inside was a picture of her taken that Summer. Daddy got a picture of his two best girls together to put on his desk at work. The business had finally taken off thanks to a large computer order and he hadn't had to join the Army Reserve to make ends meet after all.

"Look Daddy! The Angel on the tree is glowing! She looked up to see Bob's smiling face looking back at her! She knew then that Bob was an angel that answered her fondest wishes and prayers.

"I have another couple of surprises for you Princess! He went to the garage and came back with a dog crate and a new pink bicycle with a White basket on the front. Inside the crate was the cutest Beagle puppy she had ever seen. She knew that it was Sophie. She had gotten younger just like Christie had. Sophie jumped up and licked her face with Puppy kisses. She was overjoyed that she and Sophie would get to grow up together again. "I love you Mommy and Daddy" She hugged them both and gave them lots of kisses.

"You need to get yourself into the tub and get cleaned up for Christmas dinner. Uncle Jack, Aunt Julie and Mindy will be here soon, along with Grandma and Grandpa. Wear your pretty Red dress you got today. I will be wearing one to match. Julie and Mindy will be wearing matching ones in Green" Her momma explained.

"I'm so excited to see them! I wonder if Mindy and I can play House when she gets here? Christie wondered.

"I think she would. She will probably show off the new dolls she got too"

Christie couldn't believe that Bob had turned back time, saved her parents and made her a genetic little girl too! She whispered a prayer of thanks to the Angel on the top of the tree. She swore she saw him wink back at her with a twinkle in his eye!