The Plays' the Thing {all rodents}

[Justice, The Cloaked Cavalier]

In Epcot City, there is a theatre called The Colby, which truly deserves the term 'little theatre,' because it caters almost exclusively to the smaller citizens of Calisota, namely insects, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and other creatures of like size.

Oh, there are two rows of chairs in the back for the odd human patron, but the all-rodent cast generally attracts audiences of similar species.

It was here that Basil made his way, though not as a patron. He'd been sorely in need of gainful employment since his arrival in the 21st century, and a chance perusal of an ad for auditions brought the English mouse to the theatre to join a long queue of hopefuls.

Basil hadn't acted since his University days, but his continual use of disguises kept him in practice, and he easily scored a place in the company, albeit in a relatively minor role as the butler in a light comedy entitled "Ask Dad."

Which suited Basil just fine. The detective had no dramatic ambitions other than earning a few shillings to keep body and soul together. And this was at least less dull than a job as a clerk in a shoppe or the local telegraph office.

By an odd twist of fate, two members of the cast fell ill on the same day, leaving the director scrambling for an understudy. Out of sheer boredom at the monotony of rehearsal, Basil had learnt off nearly the entire play by rote, and assured said director that he was well able to play both the butler and the elderly judge, as neither character had any scenes together.

Yes, it would involve some extremely rapid costume and make-up changes, but Basil relished the challenge. And the additional pay voucher.

[Mechnician]

Gadget had ventured to the heart of Epcot City's downtown area hoping to catch a movie. Going alone was no problem for the little mouse; in fact, she was more used to being alone than to the company of others.

Not that she disliked companionship, far from it. But Gadget was far from her Rescue Ranger friends, and she really had no idea how to meet people in a strange city. So, for now, being alone would have to do.

Unfortunately, she was too late to catch the beginning of the movie. With a little sigh, the brainy mouse turned to wander down the street killing time until the next show started.

Her random steps lead to a little mouse-sized theater. Well, why not? Live shows were more rare than movies; it would be something different.

Accordingly, Gadget bought herself a ticket, hoping it would be some romantic historic-costume play.

[Powermouse]

Powermouse, or more appropriately, Miss Bianca, now that she had exchanged her Powersuit for a soft pink shawl and a matching wide brim hat, was one of several patrons who had come to take in a show that night. She was pleased to have been directed to the Colby by a kindly old squirrel.

Bianca loved the theater. The actors, the marvelous costumes, being able to immerse yourself in a wonderful story bought to life. It was a lovely break from the hectic hustle and bustle of being a crimefighter.

While the theater was fine and dandy, but what would have really made the evening was a bit of companionship. Being the social butterfly that she was, it felt slightly odd to be here by herself with no one to talk to about the play or how handsome the theater was. She had already taken her seat, and allowed her eyes to scan around the expansive space of the room, taking in the setting and those coming in.

[Mechnician]

It was so close to curtain time, that Gadget was able to get an excellent seat at a discounted price. Ticket in hand, she made her way down the aisle, slipping into a seat with only a minute or two to spare.

In that short space, she smiled at the mouse sitting next to her, as elegant a lady as Gadget had ever seen. It was a very good thing that Gadget hardly ever gave a thought to clothes, or she would've been embarrassed to be seen in plain old coveralls among all these well-dressed theater-goers.

[Powermouse]

Bianca had taken notice of the latecomer slipping into the seat beside her, a pretty young thing with a head full of long blonde hair and bright blue eyes.

Tilting her head in acknowledgment of the other mouse, Bianca smiled back. "How do you do?" Showtime had not started yet, so she felt alright addressing the girl.

[Mechnician]

Gadget hadn't really expected to be spoken to by anyone, but she was happy to respond in kind.

"Hi. my name's Gadget," she replied a little too loudly while sticking out her hand for a friendly handshake. "What's yours?"

"Do you go to plays a lot? I've never heard of this one. I hope it's good." Lucky thing the play was about to start, or Gadget might prattle on indefinitely.

[Powermouse]

"Miss Bianca. But you may call me Bianca dear, all my friends do." Smiling, the Hungarian lady took the girl's proffered hand and shook, not at all put off by her plain clothing. While Bianca herself was a known clotheshorse (or clothesmouse rather), she wasn't the type to look down on someone just because they didn't dress a certain way.

"I haven't been to a play in a while, but I try to take one in every now and then. I'm afraid I've never been this one before either, but I hope it will be good."

[Justice, The Cloaked Cavalier]

Soon the lights dimmed, the curtain rose, and the evening's entertainment began. "Ask Dad" would never win a Pulitzer, but it was a servicable comedy, and the audience seemed to receive it well.

It was a fine cast, and Basil particularly shone that night. Oh, he'd done well enough in his butler role up to this night, but now, in his dual role, he exited stage left, dashed round the flats, changing costume while donning a wig and false eyebrows, and reappeared stage right as a stooping old gentleman.

Basil delighted in mystifying his audience, confident that few would even recognize him as the same mouse; and any who noticed his name repeated in the programme would be all the more astonished. Just imagining their amazement added definite zest to his performance.

[Powermouse]

As the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the show, Bianca felt a little thrill run through her. She had been to the theater countless times before, but would always feel that rush of excitement when the auditorium went dark.

As the show played out, she found herself charmed by its humor as well as the actors, all of whom played their parts wonderfully, particularly the ones playing the butler and an elderly gentlemen. Wondering if Gadget was enjoying things as well, Bianca allowed herself a glance over at the other mouse.

[Mechnician]

"Oh, that was wonderful," breathed Gadget as the play ended and the house lights came on. Of course, she had very little experience with things like theater, but to this mouse, it seemed like award-worthy drama.

She applauded heartily as the cast took their bows one by one, thinking how glamorous the world of the stage seemed. "Weren't they all just teriffic?" she commented to her companion Bianca.

[Justice, The Cloaked Cavalier]

Ah, taking one's bows--truly the best part of the job.

Basil was allowed to move to center stage in his elderly mouse costume, then fling it off to reveal his true self, as a last bit of mystification for the audience. It was all very dramatic, and he carried it off with appropriate flair, reveling in the scattered gasps from those who hadn't realized one chap had played both parts.

It was customary at the Colby for the actors to descend into the aisles after a performance and mingle with the audience for a bit, and Basil was, of course, among them, happily soaking up any congratulations which came his way.

[Mechnician]

Gadget squeaked with delight as the actors moved down from the stage and into the aisles. She'd never met a real actor before and gushed with praise at every one who happened to step close enough.

Of course, she was just one among dozens of folks congratulating the cast, and so was forgotten as quickly as the actor moved on to the next fan.

Gadget was trying to turn around so as not to lose sight of her new friend Bianca, when an impatient squirrel bumped her from behind, knocking the little mouse right into one of the actors.

"Golly, I'm sorry. Did I hurt you? I was trying to see my friend back there, and somebody pushed me. By accident, I'm sure."

She looked up into the face of a tall, thin mouse, quickly recognizing him from the play. "Oh, you were the butler and the old man. That was great, how you did both of them."

[Justice, The Cloaked Cavalier]

Basil was unceremoniously interrupted in his very pleasant task of receiving the congratulations of the various members of the audience when someone collided with him.

"I do beg your pardon, Miss. My fault entirely." It was not, of course, but good manners forbad him assigning the blame to a young lady.

And quite a pretty little thing, too, particularly when enthusiasm animated her expression.

Basil thanked her for her kind remarks with due modesty. But as the crush of the crowd increased, he insisted upon helping the girl to return to her friend, linking his arm in hers and masterfully leading the way in the direction indicated.

"Do you see your friend anywhere?" The girl had a sort of innocent air about her that made Basil unwilling to leave her without a proper escort.

[Powermouse]

Before Bianca knew it, the play had come to an end. It seemed like she had just arrived at the Colby. The elderly mouse came to the center of the stage, only to reveal himself to actually be a rather tall fellow who had also portrayed the butler and was nowhere near as old as he had pretended to be. Bianca's expression was one of delighted surprise, and a wide smile crossed her face. She gave the actors a standing ovation.

When the cast came down into the aisles, Bianca joined the rest of the audience in mingling with them, warmly complimenting everybody on a job well done.

"Isn't this exciting?" She said in an aside to Gadget, who she believed was right beside her. Hearing no response, she turned her head to look for the other mouse, but she was no longer there. She had probably gotten lost somewhere in all the hustle and bustle.

"Gadget?" Bianca called, searching the sea of faces. Wait, was that her? Bianca tried to peer over the shoulder of a bulky gopher in front of her. Yes, it was Gadget, arm in arm with that rangy fellow who had played the dual roles. Smiling, Bianca began carefully weaving her way through the crowd towards the pair, excusing herself as she did.

[Mechnician]

"There she is!" Gadget nearly shouted over the general hubbub of the crowd. The mouse waved enthusiastically to her friend of a full two hours.

Turning to her escort, she gave a hasty introduction. "This is Bianca. Oh, and my name's Gadget. Guess I should've said that before."

"I know your name's Basil, 'cause I saw it in the program. I've never met a real live actor before."

It really was exciting, even though she'd never heard of him or anything.

[Justice, The Cloaked Cavalier]

Shouldering his way through the crowd as politely as possible, Basil finally succeeded in bringing the girl to her lost companion.

And what a lovely mouse she was! Elegant and feminine, with radiant white fur and limpid eyes. "How very pleased to meet you, Miss Bianca. Miss Gadget." Basil acknowledged the introduction with bows all round.

He began to ask some polite question to make conversation, when an overbearing pair of squirrels began to hustle him away, insisting he sign their program.

Signing autographs was a new experience for Basil, but one he enjoyed immensely. However, in this instance, the detective-cum-actor scrawled as hasty a scrawl as possible, preferring to return to his fair companions.

"Forgive me, ladies," he addressed them with a smile, "But it is frightfully close in here. Would you care to step outside for a few moments?" Basil offered one arm to each. "It isn't often a chap has two such charming ladies to escort."

[Powermouse]

Bianca gave a friendly wave back at Gadget. As the actor escorted Gadget through the crowd over to where Bianca was, she stepped forward to meet them. According to Gadget, Basil was his name. What a wonderful coincidence that Gadget had managed run into him!

"The pleasure is all mine's, Mr. Basil." Bianca replied, beaming warmly at him. "We really enjoyed your play. Why, I didn't even realize that you played the butler and the judge!"

Just as the three of them were beginning to chat with one another, a pair of squirrels all but swept Basil away, wanting him to sign their program. Bianca pursed her lips in disapproval at their behavior. Even though she could understand their eagerness at having encountered Basil, it was still rather rude of them to just haul him off like that. Still though, she chose to hold her tongue.

Once he was through with the squirrels, Basil returned and proposed the three of them step outside. Bianca gave a nod of approval at the suggestion and took Basil's right arm. She couldn't help but think how charming Basil was. But well, he was an actor, and she supposed that they had a natural degree of charisma about them. "That sound marvelous. The city lights are quite beautiful around this time, you know."

[Justice, The Cloaked Cavalier]

Even with one lady on each arm, Basil managed to expetly weave through the crowd. The lobby doors, what with the throng of exiting patrons, proved to be impassible.

Knowing the theatre layout intimately, the detective-cum-actor steered his charges instead to a side door, opening it into a dark but relatively clean alley. When the door swung shut behind them, he turned to the females and remarked simply, "There. That is infinitely better."

The bustle of the theatre was replaced by the sounds of the city street only a short distance away. "Now then, would either of you care for a stroll?"

Basil's query was interrupted by an all-too-familiar click of metal upon metal. Wtihout turning, he knew it was the hammer of a pistol being pulled back and cocked.

From somewhere close behind him came a raspy voice. "Gimme all yer money, an' nobody gets hurt."

[Mechnician]

Now that they were together again, Gadget was only too happy to follow Basil's lead through the lobby and out into the alley. It was pleasantly cool and relatively quiet after the crowd inside the theater.

She eagerly nodded her head to their new friend's proposal of a walk, when the group was interrupted by a strange mouse wearing a ski mask, pointing a gun right at Basil's back!

"Oh. Golly."

Although she'd been in plenty of dangerous spots before, Gadget had little experience with guns. In fact, they kind of scared her. Expecially when they were pointed at friends by masked men demanding money.

It took her a few seconds before, recovering from the shock, the brainy mouse remembered that she was a super-hero now. There must be some way to use her powers on this guy.

But, she had to do it without revealing her secret identity. Everybody knows that's the first rule of super-heroing.

[Powermouse]

"It was becoming rather stifling in there." Bianca agreed, adjusting her shawl, grateful to be out in the fresh evening air.

Hearing Basil's idea, Bianca smiled and gave a nod of her head. "A stroll would be marvelous, Mr. Basil. I would be delighted to accompany you." She was quite pleased to have encountered such wonderful companions. Gadget and Basil both were such excellent company!

When the harsh voice growled at them from out the darkness, causing Bianca to turn only to see the gunman (mouse) approaching them, she gasped. Perhaps she should've found a way to wear her suit out.

[Justice, The Cloaked Cavalier]

Basil remained outwardly calm. Any sudden move might bring about disastrous results.

Slowly and deliberately, he raised his arms far enough away from his body to make it clear that he held no weapon, turning carefully about to face his attacker. He wanted to look this blackguard in the eye.

Burly chap...former boxer...now a dockworker...Basil sized up the man swiftly, green eyes catching and analysing every detail.

"I am afraid I haven't any money on my person. As you can see, I am still in costume, and I rarely carry a billfold while on stage."

The detective didn't dare to use his powers on the thug; it simply wouldn't do to reveal his other identity. However, he was facing ruffians like this long before he gained super-powers.

"How long have you been out of work, hmm?"

The masked mouse started visibly at this. "How d'you know that?" He looked nervous now, shifting his gaze from one to the other, wondering if his identity was now known.

"The same way I know that you, although not a military man yourself, had at one time a relation or close friend in the service. I am a detective by trade."

Basil hoped that this revelation, coupled with his demonstration might frighten the fellow into flight.

[Mechnician]

Gadget's eyes darted all around the alley even as she reached out with her mind for some useful mechanical device within her range. She had a little money inher pocket. Should she give it to the crook?

But now Basil was analyzing the guy, spouting off his whole history. How did he figure out all this stuff? She couldn't help a whispered "Wow" at his amazing deductions.

Wait a second...he says he's a detective, and we thought he was an actor...

Gadget couldn't afford to be distracted this way; she had to do something, 'cause it didn't take a detective to see how nervous the robber was. His hand was shaking, maybe even enough to fire that gun by accident.

Then, suddenly, she had it. The guy had a cel phone in his pocket. With her mental control over machines, Gadget activated his ringtone, at maximum volume, and the first stanza of "On Top of Spaghetti" rang through the evening air.

Would it be enough to distract him? And would they be able to use the distraction to their advantage?

[Justice, The Cloaked Cavalier]

The villain faltered a bit, then tightened his unsteady hand on the weapon.

Basil thought for one horrific moment that his plan had backfired, and the fellow would gun him down. But, no, he only snarled an answer, "Shaddup about me! I just want cash! If you ain't got it, then hand over the dames' purses."

Although he had half a mind to unleash his energy powers and secret identity be hanged, Basil had nothing in his hand with which to focus it. A radiating blast would harm the ladies' behind him as much as their attacker.

But then, the most extraordinary thing occurred. From somewhere upon the thug's person came the sound of music, just the barest snatch of a tune, yet it was enough for the blackguard to drop his gaze. His pistol wavered, and Basil acted.

Wasting not a moment, he stepped inside the thief's reach and delivered his best roundhouse right to the masked jaw. That staggered him, and his revolver clattered to the ground.

As previously noted, the robber was a former prizefighter, and still in rather good condition. He recovered too soon to allow Basil to seize the fallen firearm, bringing up his meaty fists in defense. "Pretty good, bub. Let's see if you can take it as well as you dish it out."

The would-be robber was even angrier now, spoiling for revenge more than either money or flight. He lumbered toward Basil, who took his own boxing stance in response.

At university, the detective had done very well in fisticuffs for his weight. Of course, this fellow clearly out-weighed him, so Basil fell back on the footwork that had stood him in such good stead so many times, dodging a couple of blows that whizzed past his head with hurricaine force.

"Hold still, will ya!" bellowed the highwayman.

For his part, Basil was content to wait for an opening, weaving in and out of his antagonist's reach, trying to continually manoeuvre him away from Bianca and Gadget.

[Mechnician]

The ring-tone worked! And Basil was able to knock the gun away.

Though Gadget was thrilled to be able to help save their lives, she watched with horror as the two mice began to fight. It was terrifying to watch, especially since the crook looked pretty strong. So far, Basil was able to stay away from his fists, but if one of them connected...the little mouse shuddered at the thought.

She should run and get help, but she hated like anything to leave a friend in trouble. But what could she do? Grab the gun? Not a chance, with those two battling back and forth right over the spot where it lay on the ground.

There was so much trash in the alley, that it was hard to manouver around it. Wait a minute...trash! Gadget was always using some cast-off or other to build something useful. Maybe there was something here that would make a good weapon.

Her blue eyes darted around until they lighted on a used Chinese food carton. Human-sized. Just maybe...

Without even thinking about how close it would put her to the robber, Gadget dashed over to the paper carton, using a chopstick as a lever to tip it on its side. She then sprang onto the top, which used to be the side, reaching down to pull the flaps open.

It was just the right size to trap a mouse in. Now if only they could get him inside.

[Justice, The Cloaked Cavalier]

Basil found that his tail-coat, part of his butler costume, hampered his movements considerably. He took a couple of seconds to slip out of it, even though it cost him a glancing blow to the head.

The detective had just landed a splendid jab on his opponent when Miss Gadget foolishly moved across the alley, nearly into the path of their antagonist. There was nothing for it but to place himself between his fair companion and the robber, giving his foe a temporary advantage, an advantage the villain was not slow to seize.

Fortunately, Basil was able to take the blows on his guard, but they did serve to weary him. He couldn't keep this up indefinitely.

And then came the illumination. With a new glint in his green eye, the detective launched a sudden offensive, which, though unable to defeat his opponent, still served, by its sheer aggressiveness, to turn him in the proper direction and force him backward. One, two, three calculated steps, and he was within the pasteboard carton.

Now it was up to the lady.

[Mechnician]

It looked like Basil understood exactly what Gadget had in mind, because he purposely manuvered the mugger into the chinese food carton. And pretty skillfully, too, she thought.

Once the bad guy was inside, Gadget didn't waste a second, jumping down and pulling the flap after her. A couple of quick flips of the cardboard tabs, and the crook was locked inside like a lo mein dinner.

"There. I don't think he'll be able to break out of that. At least, not before the police can get here."

Hands on hips, Gadget surveyed the situation with relief, though tinged with the satisfaction of a job well done. "That was pretty handy, the way you--" It was only then that she realized what a beating Basil had taken. "Golly! You're hurt worse than I thought! Better let me have a look at that."

Gadget did know a little about first aid.

[Justice, The Cloaked Cavalier]

"Nicely done, Miss Gadget," commented Basil with genuine appreciation. The girl had nerve and a cool head.

At her solicitous comment regarding the state of his health, the detective cum actor waved away her concern with a breezy, "It is nothing at all," although his head ached and he could feel the bruises on his arms.

Of greater concern, however, was his swollen lip. What would the director say to that? Ah, well, that's what make-up was for.