Steppin’ Out TO-Knight (1/1)
Date/Time:  Sunday, July 15; after dark
Place:  The Hive, Julia and Lora's birthday parties
By Knighties Sandra and Brooksie
All Knighties used with permission; The Hive used with permission of the UF
_________________________________

Sandra pushed her glasses up as she stepped into The Hive.  Her eyes took on
a faraway look as she remembered the last time she had been there on a
Knightie counterattack mission in War...  *What War was it?* she thought,
unable to remember.  She'd been in so many Wars that the events in them
tended to run together.  *At least I'm dressed a little better this time.*
Glancing down at herself, she wondered again if what she'd chosen to wear
was suitable.  The green sequined tunic top she wore did flatter her
complexion and her light auburn hair.  It also brought out some flecks of
the green that flooded into her blue-gray eyes in sunlight.  She had paired
it with a long black skirt and wore low-heeled black shoes.

Sandra looked back up and saw that Brooksie, Marla and Gemsong had gone on
ahead.  Brooksie was in a simple, straight cut, long raspberry colored gown.
Marla was in an elegantly cut pantsuit in taupe linen, and Gemsong had on a
short flowing, spaghetti top dress in a subtle flower print.

*But where had Min and Nick gone?* Sandra wondered.  Nick sure had been
acting strangely tonight.  She hurried to catch up with the other Knighties
ahead of her.  Walking deeper into the UF Hive, Sandra began to meet and
greet old friends.

Brooksie looked around in awe at the imposing structure - she had never been
in The Hive before.  She had heard that there were wonderful stables on the
property.  She went looking for a Ufer who could give her a tour.

Marla and Gemsong headed straight for the bar, where most of the action was.
They quickly got caught up in the lively talk and popping champagne corks.
As they chatted and mingled, Marla and Gemsong took note of the other FK
characters that were there.

Marla came over to speak to Gemsong, "Do you see what I see? An elegant
Lacroix and a regal Janette.  Don't those adjectives seem like they are
shoes on the wrong feet?"

Gemsong studied the pair,  "Yeah, I see what you mean."

"They must have switched," surmised Marla.  "And if we hadn't had General
Nick earlier, I don't think I would have caught the change."

Gemsong and almost bumped into Schanke - a very well dressed Schanke.  "Nice
suit," said a stunned Gemsong to herself.  She turned and looked at Marla
who had also noticed the detective's new clothes.  "Well, if that isn't a
dead give away to a switch, I don't know what is.  Who do you think he is
Marla?"  Marla pursed her lips in thought.

Just then Sandra came drifting though the crowd, caught the look of
concentration on Marla's face and turned to look at what the two Knighties
were focusing on.  "Tracy," Sandra said as she got within earshot.

"Wow.  I would have said Natalie." Replied Gemsong.

"Anyone seen Nick and Min yet?  I thought they were going to meet us here."
Asked Sandra.

Marla shrugged noncommittally.  "That's what they said.  But you saw Nick -
he's not himself again - he's Vachon!"

"Vachon?" asked Sandra incredulously.  Then to whom shall I make my report?
Go over to the Vaq church and tell him there?  This will never do."  Sandra
frowned.

Just then there was a commotion around the entrance to the bar.
Vachon-in-Nick and Min swept in.  Everyone was looking at Nickbody or rather
Nick's body.  Vachon had dressed him in skintight black leather pants, his
white gauzy poets shirt and a long black leather duster.  There was already
a slight hint of stubble on his face and his blond hair was deliciously
windblown.

Everyone there knew in an instant that it wasn't Nick, but the slacker
extraordinaire himself.  And Vachon was enjoying every moment of the
attention.  (Well almost - he still thought he was Nick Slacker, Biker
Private Eye - a man with a mission)

**** End ****