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Counseling Ch. 01

By: AchtungNight



Celebs: Erika Christensen, Alicia Witt.

Codes: FF, oral, romance.

Standard disclaimer- This story is a satirical fantasy. It is fictional, even though its plot and characters are based on real events and people. All characters based on real people are fictionalized. All celebrities in the story are impersonated — poorly. I, the author, have no actual connection to any celebrity mentioned in this story other than being their fan, and I acknowledge that they do not act in real life the way my characters based on them do. I did not write this tale for financial profit and I expect none from it. This story contains controversial adult themes and situations, so it should not be read by those who are close-minded or under age 18.

Intro: Hello, readers. This tale is my tribute to celebrities and other people who need to get their minds fixed up, and their lives straightened out. It is a satire, like all my stories. All opinions expressed by the themes are mine. If you disagree, that is your right and I hope you will excuse me. If I am not as familiar with my subjects as I should be, please correct me if you are more knowledgeable. Any mistakes in this story that were not caught by my editor and other advisors are my responsibility.

There are references to other art in the story. The mentions of the nudist camp "The Pines" and its patrons appear with permission from author Nick Scipio. Writer KMB allowed me to include a nod to his "Harem" series (which takes place in a separate but connected universe from my own celebrity fanfiction). I give my thanks to these great artists for letting me plug their writings. I also credit Greg Weisman, John Kovalic and the creators of all the other works mentioned in the text. I don't own any of these people's conceptions and I did not contact any artist other than KMB and Nick Scipio for prior advertising assent. However, all these artisans' labors inspire me. I hope they and their fans will appreciate the ways I have paid them homage here.

In my series timeline, you can consider this tale the bridge between "Passion of Erika Christensen" Chapters 4 and 5. I would call it a "Passion" chapter, but Erika is not the lead of the story. She's just one of many important characters. I also want to do a sweeping summary to bring her into the present. Therefore, I have put this story outside the main "Passion" arc. You can call it "Passion 4.75" ("The Rendezvous" being 4.25 and "Rekindled" being 4.5) if you must. No other text should be required reading, though as usual my other stories are connected to this. "Counseling" is also one of my longer works, so I have broken it into four chapters for reader convenience. I recommend everyone read the chapters in order.

One additional note — the villain in this tale is a character I have tried to introduce before. She can be held in check no longer and my heroes need to face her. People like this woman and her associates exist and are the reason certain celebrities are distrusted by their potential fans. I feel this needs depiction. The villain in question has been retooled for her role. If all goes well, we will be seeing her again for further conflicts. She is a figure whom I believe fits the part I have given her, like all my characters. I'll let the tale itself speak further as to whom she is.

Please let me know if you like or dislike this story. I appreciate any feedback I am sent. I haven't been getting nearly enough feedback of late and would like that to change. 

***

Counseling.

Los Angeles, California. November 28, 2008.

Chapter 1.

"TMZ; where famous people display their true colors."

"TMZ, the show that tells you everything you need to know about celebrities!"

"TMZ is bringing breaking news that will open your eyes to another world!"

"Oh no," Alicia Witt said, rolling over on the living room couch. She looked directly at the other redhead in the room, who sat in a nearby armchair. "Erika, do you have to watch this?"

"Yes," Erika Christensen replied, crossing her legs and increasing the volume of the TV show's announcers. "Several of my clients are on today."

Alicia threw up her hands. Her pale mandarin features were set in a petulant grimace. "You watch TMZ every day whether people you know are on or not. A while ago, you diagnosed me as a celebrity gossip addict. Are you familiar with the phrase 'Physician, heal thyself'?"

Erika ignored her best friend and upped the television's volume again. In contrast to the tall long-limbed Alicia, Erika was of middle height and voluptuous. Her eyes were deep blue while Alicia's were brown, her skin porcelain instead of pale with a shine beneath. Erika's red hair was straighter and of brighter hue, with blonde roots. Each woman exuded a different sort of sexuality. Alicia was all subtle simmering elegance and dry humor and Erika had a more brazen flare. Both had pretty faces, but Alicia's crimson hair was styled in a shoulder length Dido flip and the younger Erika's was in a long ponytail. Erika was also generally more stable than Alicia was in her emotions.

"TMZ, the show that taught me dating a celebrity is the only way I could ever get to be a celebrity!" a man on the TV endorsed with a laugh.

"Idiot," Alicia spat out. "Do you know how many men have dated me hoping to become a celebrity and failed? Why don't you try exercising your talents instead of mooching off others? Do you even have talents?"

Erika grimaced and amplified the volume further to drown out her friend's complaints. Next time I'll watch TMZ alone in my room instead of out here with my regular houseguest Alicia, she thought. I value her opinions, but I don't value her moods. Maybe next time I should also ask her before I turn on the television in the room where she's resting. "You can go sleep in my bed, Alicia, if you want to."

"No, thanks. I'll stay here." Alicia sat up, crossed her legs and smirked.

"Welcome back to TMZ, your official source for entertainment news! I'm your host, Harvey Levin." A gray-haired lawyer in a blue shirt and red tie beamed at his viewers. "Our first subject today is Lindsay Lohan. You may know this former child star as the lead actress from films such as 'Mean Girls' and 'Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen'. Changes have recently occurred in her life. Our reporter Nadine Holliday has an interview with Lindsay about these events. Nadine?"

A frumpy brunette woman dressed in a tan cardigan and slacks appeared on the screen. "Thank you, Harvey," Nadine said, adjusting her glasses. She turned to a twenty-something girl with freckled skin and obvious dyed blonde hair standing next to her wearing a black skirt and a white "Les Miserables" T-shirt. "I'm here with celebrity Lindsay Lohan. How are you feeling today, Lindsay?"

"Great!" Lindsay said, waving to the viewers. Erika returned her client's smile and waved back as their fellow actress Alicia looked on.

"You've had quite an eventful year so far," Nadine addressed Lindsay, "with three stints in rehab for drug and emotional problems. How do you feel after going through all that?"

Lindsay paused and then answered. "I'm happy. I'm a different person now."

"Why did you get into drugs?"

"I was alone, in spirit if not actually alone, and it seemed like something to do. I did it to myself and now I have to deal with the consequences. I'm thankful for what I can take out of it, though. After all my treatments, I feel clear."

"Clear," Alicia said, smirking. "Interesting choice of word."

Erika frowned at her friend. "She's not using it in the sense you're thinking. Lindsay sought no enlightenment from my church. She brought the idea up and I offered, then Lindsay said she had already been there. She scored so low on the personality tests she never wanted to go back. I told her that was just fine with me."

"She still accepted your counseling?"

"Lindsay sought me out. Just like all my celebrity clients, she needed an analyst who knows where she's been and can connect with her. I was also available and good at my job."

"You had to go to rehab several times this year," Nadine was saying to Lindsay. "First you went for cocaine addiction and then for driving under the influence of alcohol, then a third time to confront your problems again. Why did you keep going back?"

"Well, it took some time to work," Lindsay answered with a shrug. "You have to find the right center and therapists. The third try was the charm."

"That's good. Has your family been supportive of you through this?"

"Very. I love my family."

"What do you think of her family?" Alicia asked Erika.

"They're pretty messed up," Erika replied, tucking a curl of hair behind her ear. "Lindsay's mother thinks it's a good idea to put your relatives on reality shows and her father's a born-again Christian who's been in prison. I had trouble getting along with them at first. After a few sessions, I got them to accept both their daughter's friendship with me and Lindsay's sexuality. They had already gone through a lot of issues with her, so it wasn't that hard."

"You didn't tell me you slept with Lindsay!"

"I haven't yet. I'm waiting for her to make the first move."

"So you're dating a woman these days," Nadine said to Lindsay on the TV. "What's she like?"

"Samantha's great!" Lindsay answered cheerfully. "She's my best friend. I'm pleased I can finally talk about her."

"For viewers who don't know," Nadine said to the audience, "Samantha Ronson is a Los Angeles disc jockey whose claim to fame is being Lindsay's girlfriend. They have been dating the past two years and only recently become open enough to admit their relationship. Lindsay, are you lesbian like Samantha?"

"No," Lindsay said, blanching. "I'm bisexual, I think."

"So you're still dating men too then?"

"Well, not right now, but if I meet the right guy, yeah, I would like to date him."

"Drop this line of questioning," a well-dressed balding man with a mustache stepped into camera view and said. He appeared very frustrated.

"Sorry, Mr. Zelnick," Nadine told Lindsay's publicist.

"Hey!" a voice from off-screen shouted. "Ask her about 'Ugly Betty'!"

Nadine frowned. "Lindsay, until recently, you were on the ABC show 'Ugly Betty'. Then your character got canceled. Why did that happen?"

Lindsay shrugged again. "I don't know. The directors just said my arc was over."

A blond weasel-faced male reporter in a gray suit, the same man who had called out earlier, jumped in front of the camera. "Is it true you and the show's star America Ferrerra had an on-set dildo fight?"

"No!" Lindsay shouted, glowering at the weasel. "You have me mixed up with someone else!"

"Gary," Nadine said calmly, facing down the other journalist, "this is my interview. Please back off."

"My client will answer no further questions from this man," Zelnick said, pointing at Gary.

"You need to convince Lindsay to dump that Zelnick guy," Alicia told Erika. "He's clearly seeking to stage-manage her."

"He's succeeding," Erika said. "This entire interview was Zelnick's idea. He's controlled Lindsay's public appearances for years. I'm trying to get her to see he's a detriment, but it's slow going. They're co-dependent and he has the whole Lohan family as clients. They all have serious ASD."

"Attention Seeking Disorder, also called Histrionic Personality Disorder?" Alicia asked. "You told me I had that."

"Every celebrity has at least a mild case." Two weeks as a licensed psychologist, Erika mused to herself, and I'm already inventing new names for normal mental anxieties. Hooray for me.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Zelnick," Nadine reiterated. "So, Lindsay, do you have any new movies coming out soon?"

"Not till next year. My career's kind of in a slow spiral right now with all these problems I've had to sort through. I do have 'Labor Pains' coming out in the spring or summer, though. I also just released my third music album, 'Spirit in the Dark'." Lindsay held up a CD case.

"Well done. What else is ahead for you?"

"I still need to be in charge of taking care of myself and getting my [bleep] in line and buying a house. I was living at the Chateau for almost two years. Who blows that much money on a hotel? I could have bought a house! I will be buying one soon."

"Great. I have to say, Lindsay, you seem more confident now than you were the last time I interviewed you."

"Well, that was a long time ago."

"It was last month."

Lindsay blinked. "I guess I have to credit my new personal counselor. We hooked up ten days ago. She really gets me."

"Who is this person?"

"Um, I can't say."

"Come on, Lindsay!" Gary yelled. "Tell us! It can't be Samantha! Is it someone else you've shagged? Hilary Duff, maybe?"

"Hilary and I aren't dating anymore!" Face going crimson, Lindsay glared at the weasel and pointed a finger. "Get him out of here!"

"Oh my," Erika said, a hand going to her mouth. "Another reactive Freudian slip. Lindsay and I need to work more on those."

Zelnick stepped in front of Lindsay and waved off Gary and Nadine. "This interview is over."

"I'm very, very sorry, Mr. Zelnick," Nadine said. "Lindsay, I also apologize to you." She began lecturing Gary as the screen changed back to Harvey Levin.

"You should get Lindsay to change back to her natural hair color," Alicia told Erika. "She looks better with red."

"She thinks better too," Erika agreed. "I'm working on it."

"Good luck. I think that girl makes my worst days appear calm on her best days."

"She needs to learn when to keep her mouth shut."

"Next up," Harvey said, "Brangelina. Oscar winners Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are the ultimate Hollywood super-couple. Brad's ex-wife Jennifer Aniston has much to say about them."

The brunette "Friends" actress appeared on the TV. "Brad's a great guy," she told her interviewer. "He's the nicest man in Hollywood. We had a very loving marriage. We still would if we were married today. It was very un-cool how Angelina just stole Brad from me and made the army of babies I never could make with him. I said it to Vogue magazine, now I'm saying it again to you. Brad can condemn me for my words all he wants. This is honestly how I feel."

"Wow," said the interviewer, a middle-aged man with long brown hair and beard who was dressed like a hippie. "So you're over Brad?"

"Completely. I'm dating John Mayer now. He's a far more faithful man."

"He's also more tolerant of her straying and loving other women," Erika told Alicia with a wink.

Alicia returned Erika's grin. "Ah. What's Jennifer like in person? I hear she has several disorders."

"She has a wide range. Just like with Lindsay, the press attention increases Jennifer's neuroses. I started seeing her during my last semester of college. We're dealing with her relationship with her mother, her anxiety over turning forty and having no children, her divorce and many other things. Jennifer is the sort of client that really breaks a young psychologist in."

"You're handling it well."

"Thanks."

"Brad and Angelina are great with each other," Jennifer told her interviewer. "They're doing wonderful together. I wish them all the best and I have no lingering ill will towards them. I just want to get my feelings about what happened with Angelina off my case before the world. My therapist told me it was the best way to get over them ... I am over my feelings now. I'm with a new man. Yes, before you ask, we did break up in August, but now we're back together. We just couldn't stay away from each other. I love John and he loves me."

"Congratulations," the hippie said.

"Thank you, Baxter." Jennifer relaxed.

"Is John Mayer as good at sex as he is at singing?" Alicia asked Erika.

"He is," Erika replied, smiling wider, "especially when paired with Jennifer. I'm glad I got them to understand that they both needed each other in their lives."

"That was Baxter Page with 'Traveling' star Jennifer Aniston. We now go to Michelle Williams." A collage of photos appeared on the screen to accompany Harvey's speech. "Two years ago this former 'Dawson's Creek' actress lost her fiancé Heath Ledger to drug abuse. Heath starred as the Joker in the new Batman film 'Dark Knight' and then he passed away of an overdose right after filming. Psychiatrists speculate that the emotion his last role required was too much for Heath. How is Michelle coping? Gary Parker has the story."

Gary the weasel appeared on the screen and walked up to a young blonde woman attended by two hulking bodyguards. She only faced him when he called out her name. "Michelle! Can you tell us how you feel about Heath's death?"

"You guys need to go away!" Michelle growled. The bodyguards stood between her and Gary. "I've told you to stop trying to air my personal problems!"

"Oh, come on, Michelle! The public has a right to know."

"It's my life, loser! Leave me alone!"

"Hmm," Alicia said. "This woman's quite angry."

"Can you blame her?" Erika asked. "The paparazzi followed Michelle and Heath all through their relationship. They broke up in public because they couldn't take the attention. Then Heath got stupid and killed himself with drug addiction, leaving Michelle to raise their child on her own. The media jumps all over it and gets in her face every chance they have. They think every famous person's life is their business." Michelle echoed Erika's words as she continued to rant live at Gary on the TV.

"You know, I thought Heath did great as the Joker," Alicia said. "It was a terrific swan song."

"I agree," Erika replied. "It wasn't worth dying for, though. Heath had a gift to give the world. He should have found a better way of dealing with the angst that came along with it." The artificial redhead shook her head. "I wish Michelle was my client. I'm sure she must be going through pain. She won't speak with anyone about it."

"Have you contacted her?"

"I sent her an e-mail but so far she hasn't written back. My plate's full with other people anyway. I would help Michelle, though, if she called."

"Breaking super-couple news!" Harvey bellowed when he came back on the TV. "Madonna makes another slam at her former husband Guy Ritchie!"

Alicia looked at Erika. "This one was a failure for you, right?"

"Yeah," Erika said. "You can't credit me for it, though. Madonna's divorce wasn't my fault. You know as well as I how hard the Queen of Pop is to get along with. I couldn't help her get over her pre- and post-divorce anxieties. I tried telling her carefully that it was because of her overexerted narcissism and unwillingness to admit she had problems, but she paid little attention."

"Maybe if you were a Kabbalist..."

"I tried making sense of that religion. I got the gist of it. That wasn't enough for Madonna. Combined with all her other issues, that was too much for me. I had to tell Madonna goodbye. I got something out of seeing her, though."

Alicia's frown reversed. "I'm sure you did. Was it a lot of money?"

"Yep. I didn't ask for any, but then she threw a check at me when she walked out. I donated what I didn't need to charity, as usual."

"Same as your celebrity earnings, hmm? Good."

"Will Smith and Jada Pinkett," Harvey went on. "Is this pair of married actors headed for separation? Find out after our commercial break."

"Are they headed for separation?" Alicia asked Erika.

"No," Erika said, muting the television. "At least, they aren't now. They needed a reminder about respecting boundaries and communicating after eleven years of marriage. It was very easy for me to give them that. They're as close as John and Jennifer are and I didn't have to sleep with them to get through their initial barriers. Will taught me some new chess moves, too. I'm ready to challenge you again."

"You'll still never beat me," Alicia told her friend with a laugh. "Do you think I'll ever be on TMZ?"


Counseling Ch. 01



"Probably not. They only go after the popular people. You keep doing independent films and short cable TV stints, they don't come after you as much."

"I'll continue as I have then," Alicia said, nodding at Erika's reference to her recent run on "Law & Order". "I don't think I ever want to be on this show."

"At least you didn't get an embarrassing nipple slip in your one appearance."

"You never mind showing your nipples!"

"I do when other people don't want to see them. The reporter talked all about my faux pas and not a bit about my acting, even after I covered myself. I still haven't heard the end of it from my agent. Some online trolls also used the clip as an excuse to defame me. You can probably guess what they said."

"Yes." Alicia grimaced. "You're a member of a strange new religion that has harmed its followers for no good reason. I know how you hate hearing that."

"Yeah. I understand why people say such things, but I'm not part of the problem." Erika sighed. "I'm just a young celebrity Scientologist trying to live her life with the world against her. I don't use my religion for evil and I'm not alone. Why can't all these Anonymous people see that? Why can't they be like the only one of their kind I have ever met in person now that they're actively opposing my Church? Why must they assume we're all equally worthy of disrespect?"

"You should confront them as you did that hacker you told me about," Alicia suggested, "or as you did Keri back when we filmed 'The Upside of Anger' together."

"I wish I had the courage," Erika said, recalling the drama film she and Alicia had made with Keri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood and Erika's younger brother Dane five years ago. "I'm too apprehensive, though. I don't want to get blood thrown at me or anything like that."

"I see. You're probably right to be worried. These days, very few people are willing to open themselves. You put the truth in their face and still they call you names."

"Like some of your ex-boyfriends?"

Both actresses scowled at Alicia's nod, bringing to mind her long line of breakups. "It seems you're the only one I can stick with and love," Alicia said, then smiled at Erika. "I wish I could marry you."

"I wish we could get married too," Erika affirmed, clenching her fists as she thought of Proposition 8, the recently passed California homosexual wedding ban. "Not that I would marry a woman, of course," she then corrected herself. "The zealots in my church wouldn't care for it. I would like to have the chance, however."

"You would marry me, right, if your religion wasn't an issue?" Alicia batted her eyes.

"Definitely," Erika said with a smirk. "That is, if I wished to get married. I don't. As I told Doug when we started getting serious, it's easier to practice free love when you have no husband. That's what Goldie and Susan taught me. It's also simpler to maintain a celebrity career and live on the opposite side of the world from your ideal man."

Erika was speaking of a London nightclub owner whom she had met while filming "Upside" and come to consider her soul mate. Doug Ramsay was nervous around her in the beginning, but Erika had worn him down just by being who she was. "I don't think you really want to marry me either, Lish," she added to her other favorite friend.

"No, I suppose not," Alicia said. "I love you and all the other women we've fucked together, yet I still keep looking for guys. I hope I find the right one eventually."

"What about that small-time producer you were with before the last one? He was good."

"Nathan?" Alicia shook her head. "That was over two weeks ago. I decided Nathan hadn't done enough with himself in life."

"Your standards are too high. He loves you."

"I loved him too, but he wasn't right for me." Alicia waved in dismissal. "Your show's back on."

Erika returned her focus to the television and un-muted it. "I'm here with Kirk Cameron," Gary the weasel was saying. "This notorious born-again Christian actor recently starred in the film 'Fireproof'."

"That's correct, Gary," said the smug brown-haired man standing next to the reporter. "Have you seen my movie?"

"No, Kirk. Romantic dramas with a religious message aren't my thing. I heard it was good, though. I also heard you had trouble with your female lead. The movie was supposed to be about passionate love, but you couldn't even embrace your co-star. You had to call your wife onto the set and kiss her instead."

"That's true," Kirk answered. "My co-star wasn't my wife. I'm not going to hell, Gary, especially not over a movie. I've been this way since I starred on 'Growing Pains' in the 1980s, when my sister Candace was on 'Full House'. I won't do anything contrary to God's laws."

"How does your wife feel about that? Did she like having to drop everything just to be in your movie un-credited and let you have your selfishness?"

"It doesn't matter how she felt. I am not going to hell. The director didn't like her being there either, but I told him that if my wife wasn't on set for my love-scenes I would walk off the film."

"Is this stance on your personal space hurting your career?"

"I'm a little offended by these questions, Gary."

"Well, our viewers aren't. Come on, Kirk, tell me. Do you have a film that isn't Christian themed lined up any time in the future?"

"Uh, no. I haven't had made a non-Christian themed movie in ten years and I plan to keep it that way."

"Don't you want to expand your horizons?"

"No! All I need is God!"

Alicia raised her eyebrows, looking at Erika. "Don't tell me that man's your client too."

"Not yet," Erika replied. Her face was contorted. "His sister Candace called me this afternoon asking if I could take Kirk's case. Apparently, his evangelism is really hurting his social life and he's having trouble dealing with the issues."

"He's not a Puritan who's also a happy sexpot like Candace, is he?"

"Nope. Kirk's more one of those 'all the world needs to be just like me' religious types." Erika made quotes in the air as she spoke. "I don't know if I want to work with him."

"Why? You could really help him. You're an actress who's needed to balance religious issues with your career."

"Yes, but with me it's all been unfair issues. You know I'm not a selfish sermonizer. It's only because so many other followers of my church are that people assume I'm the same and get on my nerves."

"Kirk, you lead a ministry that regularly trashes any religion or philosophy that isn't your own," Gary said. "You really shouldn't be surprised when people express disapproval."

"If they want to go to hell, that's their just reward!" Kirk declared with a nonchalant sneer. "I'm doing what Jesus would do."

"Someone is seriously confused," Alicia said.

"His sister agrees," Erika replied. "You've met her at Friendship-sponsored charity events. She's not like Kirk. Candace gets along better with others and is far more open-minded. She's a faithful Christian, but she doesn't let that stop her from enjoying herself and being friends with people who aren't the same."

"Right." Alicia smiled, thinking of the many occasions she and Erika had spent good times with Candace Cameron. "I like Candace. I regret that she won't love anyone other than her husband. Even so, she adores him with such fervent abandon it doesn't keep her from being inspirational. I once wanted to submit to a man like that."

"I thought you still did."

"Well, now I want one who's also open to my needs. If they threatened what I have with you, no way would I ever stay with them."

"Thanks." Very few of Alicia's boyfriends were like that, Erika contemplated. Nathan was, but she dumped him. Maybe I need to get them back together like I did John and Jennifer. Hmm.

"So you think God should have more influence on the world?" Gary asked Kirk.

"He already does. Look at the law that just passed in California. Farewell, gay marriage! It's about time. Now if we can only repeat Proposition 8 in the rest of the country."

"Fuck this guy!" Alicia snapped, seething.

"No way," Erika said. "I would never fuck him. He just wants his wife and that's okay with me. She's welcome to him if she can stand him. Candace doesn't want me screwing Kirk. She just hopes I can open his mind. His stance on God is hurting his relationships with other people whether he wants to acknowledge it or not."

"I agree. You know, you should take Kirk's case. If you could get him to counter-evangelize you as a good Scientologist, maybe you could get the online bashers to lay off you."

"No. I have to accept them. I can't let it be popularly known that I'm a psychologist. How would I explain it?" Erika sighed and then attempted to do just that.

"Four years ago my movie 'Upside of Anger' failed with critics. Since then only small parts, low-distribution independent films and mixed-rating TV shows have loomed on my horizon. I have an interesting character in 'Veronika Decides to Die' coming out this spring that may change things for me, but until my career improves I need a sideline to acting. Psychotherapy allows me to open myself towards other people and find what makes them tick. I also enjoy helping people with emotional problems. I always have since I was young.

"Yes, you're right. My religion hates psychology. That's why I had to get my degree online and in secret. To further keep my business quiet, I've been doing all my clients pro bono unless they want to pay me and only advertising through the Friendship's hidden networks. No, I usually don't send people to my church. If you have to ask why, you have had your head in the sand your entire life."

"Right," Alicia said, watching Erika's mock interview. "Sorry, I forgot."

"Kirk, a week ago you had another public confrontation with atheists over the certainty of God. Aren't you sick of those?" asked the weasel on the TV.

"You bet I am, Gary! People need to accept that God is real and that's that!"

"Hey," Erika said when Alicia looked at her, "Scientology has never denied a supreme deity is out there. We just don't define that being and try to force our view on others. At least I don't. I know how that can make people annoyed."

"You should take Kirk's case," Alicia repeated. "If anyone can wake him up, it's you."

"I actually have another advisor in mind for him — a radical religious thinker you and I have both seen regularly for the past five years."

Alicia changed her expression, guessing whom Erika was talking about. "The man with no chin? The one who only recognizes the element of surprise?"

Erika smirked back. "Exactly."

"I approve. Still, you need to see Kirk too." Alicia turned back to the TV.

"Come on, Kirk," Gary said. "You have a brain. Why don't you use it and let other people be whatever religion they want?"

"They aren't using their brains, Gary. We can't know the path God wants us to follow. If you think you can get to heaven by living like you're going to hell ..."

"Gary, I'm sorry I have to cut you off," TMZ host Harvey interjected. "We're low on time and the network has requested that our show not serve as any celebrity's pulpit. Let's move on to what's happening with Jenna Elfman. Here's Sean Borg."

Erika hit her remote's mute button. She did not want to hear from any more ignorant self-absorbed fanatics, especially not followers of her own creed. "I'm sorry, Alicia. I didn't think today's TMZ would be this bad."

Alicia gave her an understanding expression. "I think that watchdog group said it best. 'Harvey Levin is the one gossip monger who has done more damage to entertainment reporting in recent years than anyone else. His gutter operation TMZ has almost singlehandedly transformed Hollywood entertainment reporting into a street battle fueled by self-hatred, jealousy and anger, with no concern for what once determined greatness, excellence or fame.' Levin combined his show's format with that of 'Access Hollywood' recently and that only made things worse."

"Amen," Erika said. "Unfortunately, though, he didn't have to work very hard."

"Right," Alicia agreed. "It's going to take celebrities forever to undo the damage they've done to themselves these past few decades. We have people behaving badly and other people taking advantage. It doesn't matter if one cooperates with the other or not. The process keeps happening and it hurts us all." Alicia waved at the television, where yet another celebrity was contributing to their own career woes while hyping themselves. "This is the reason there's an actor's strike now. No one wants to respect us and we can't see it. Even people who haven't been part of the problem like you or me are getting dumped on and affected. It makes me so upset."

"The worst thing is, we can't easily stop it," Erika fumed. "My counseling practice is my personal way to try and help the crisis but if the wrong person finds out..."

"You don't need to remind me," Alicia interrupted. She smiled at her friend and adopted a persona similar to another zealot from Erika's church who had introduced them to each other. "What are you doing involved in psychology, Erika? Don't you know it kills?"

"It does not, Tom!" Erika replied, picking up the familiar skit. "I've studied psychology since I got cast in 'Home Room' back in 2001 and I know that like every school of thought, our religion included, it's both good and bad. I have no problem practicing psychology alongside a liberal view of Scientology's teachings and I've found them remarkably similar."

"How can you be so glib about the church that raised you?"

"I approach Scientology as an applied philosophy, Tom, not as a brainwashing cult. I don't let anyone control me."

"You ignorant sheep! Next thing I know, you'll get post-partum depression when you have children and become addicted to Paxil or some other mind-altering drug!"

"No way, Tom! If I ever have a child, I'll be proud and cheery to bring him or her onto this planet. I mean no offense to any woman who does get depressed, understand. I know from working with others and my own personal experiences that it is not just a mental illness. I hope those who suffer from depression and all other disorders get the help they need from whatever source best suits them. For myself, I'll enjoy bearing and raising my kids in the unsheltered real world. Nor will I use any anxieties I have as an excuse to sell medicines with harmful side effects. You also won't ever catch me starring in obnoxious Volkswagen commercials."

"You don't know the history of psychology, Erika. I do."

"Actually, Tom Cruise, I do know the history of psychology. That line won't work on me. You see, unlike you, I have heard several detailed lectures on the science from sources both for and against it, inside and outside our religion. Also unlike you, I have a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix. 'History of Psychology' was one of my best subjects. I graduated maxima cum laude."

"Cum laude," Alicia ceased her impression, chuckling. "Loaded words."

Erika returned the expression. "You know I like to come loud." She inched up the skirt of her gray kimono, displaying more of her firm legs. The tigers and bamboo designs woven into the garment illustrated Erika's personality. "You love it too, right?"

Alicia stood up and undid the sash of her own kimono, a green robe emblazoned with sand dunes and bulrushes. "I feel the need for it now."

"Let's get physical," Erika said, beckoning. TMZ was almost over and when it came to sex Erika was ravenous. She unfastened her garment and opened it, exposing the smooth swell of her creamy breasts and large rose-colored nipples. Her hips were full and sensuous with acres of blonde hair running riot between them in an exotic vee.

Alicia dropped her robe from her shoulders, revealing a toned chalk white body with small breasts, erect pink nipples and a dark red heart of hair at the juncture of the legs. Alicia walked up to Erika's brown leather easy chair and stood posed over her friend. After a second of ogling, she leaned down and kissed Erika on the mouth. Erika's arms came up to embrace Alicia while Alicia's hands grasped the chair's sides. The TV remote fell to the floor hard as the two friends touched their tongues.

The television's volume resumed. "I am very angry at the recent ban on gay marriage in California," actor Josh Brolin told Nadine. "Who gives a [bleep]! Who cares? The ban doesn't mean gay and lesbian people are going to stop kissing in the streets, just cause they can't get married. That's the issue for the religious: that it's visible and it's always going to be visible. It ain't going to go away. Gay life is more mainstream, but at the same time things like this happen and you go, 'You got to be kidding me!' Especially in California ... I think it's awful, but I understand it. Everybody has their opinion."

"This is our opinion," Erika said, grinning at Alicia as they parted lips.

"It is," Alicia replied. She knelt and picked up the remote, clicked the television off, and then went back to kissing Erika. The other actress chuckled as she stroked Alicia's neck and hair in rejoin.

We can't ever make out like this in public, Erika thought. Press photographs of us together might damage both our careers. It would also affect my reputation among the fanatics who follow my religion. Alicia understands. She knows all too well how people often see women who love other women. She struggled with her lesbian desires for almost two decades, denying them and relegating them behind her acting in several movies with homosexual overtones. I tried to help her but she pushed me away. Then I was finally able to get Alicia through her resentment five years ago with Keri and Evan's aid. We've been together since.

Smiling, Erika stabbed her tongue into Alicia's mouth. Her girlfriend broke their kiss after licking Erika's teeth in reply and then got on her knees.

Alicia moved her hands across the chair arms and onto Erika's body. Angling in, she buffed her lips over Erika's throat and cheeks. Erika fondled Alicia's naked assets in return, concentrating on her upper back muscles. Memories flowed into each woman as they stroked the other. Both had firmly toned bodies thanks to the martial arts classes they had taken regularly since late 2003. Doug had introduced Erika and Alicia to their karate sensei, who like Doug was a Texan with a background enforcement. Both actresses enjoyed the health and mental benefits of martial arts study. Alicia currently held a brown belt and Erika had attained her own black belt the past summer. She trained hard almost every day to preserve her skill.

I do this just about every day also, Erika thought as she and Alicia continued their sex. I like nothing better than making love, whether my partner's a man or a woman. They only need to be my friend. Like psychology and combat, fucking improves my drama skills. It helps my emotions too. Alicia's parting of Erika's robe and caresses of her breasts showed Erika that her best girlfriend agreed.

Karate was not the only way of fighting the actresses practiced. They also took courses in Brazilian jujitsu, tai chi, and Hapkido. Erika and Alicia had both attained black belts in the latter martial art. Erika did not know if she would ever need the skills but found the benefits worth it. That would especially be the case if she were to get cast in an action movie or attacked when alone. Whether or not that happened, Erika knew she had enhanced her ability to regulate her body functions and attitudes through her exercises. That was invaluable to anyone's life.

It's funny that it took so long for me to get into martial arts, Erika reflected, feeling Alicia's hands chopping a rhythm on her ribs. I've always been athletic and admired the philosophy of Bruce Lee as much as that of my church founder. Like many people, though, I never really saw the need to acquire further education and discipline in the things I esteemed. I wanted to be tough, but I actually wasn't. Then I met Doug, he introduced me to training with Walker, and now I live strong. It's good that I don't have to keep my martial arts skills hidden. People treat me more carefully once they know.




Counseling Ch. 01



There were many secrets in Erika's life. Her church was opposed to psychology and all its related sciences despite their common goals. Scientology also had a negative history with alternative sexualities, so Erika could not air that she was bisexual. She had to keep up a closed-off façade and deny rumors except to her friends. This led most who observed Erika from a distance to assume she was exactly like Scientology advocates such as Tom Cruise and the same went for her associates. Erika's most fervent hope was that someday she and all people, Scientologist and otherwise, could stand as themselves in the light and not be unfairly mocked or spurned.

I will enjoy that when it comes, she thought, hugging and fondling Alicia. Until then, I have the people I love. I can express myself to them without fear or question. With my friends at my side, I can face any foe as strongly as Doug's hero Don Quixote charged at muleteers and windmills. Doug calls me his "Dulcinea", his creative spark. I suppose I am that, even if because of the distance between us the notion is naught but flame and air. I love Alicia also, and so many others. When joined with theirs, my spirit can neither be crushed nor silenced. One day it may erupt bright against the worst of humanity and send an echo to the alien civilizations in which my church believes. I am not a messiah or prophet, but I still would not mind participating in such an event.

Concentrating on her current circumstances, Erika fondled Alicia's waist, pressing fingertips against spine and muscle. Her hands came around and teased the other actress's stomach nerves, then moved to Alicia's thighs.

Alicia pushed Erika's kimono off her body. Her digits struck the nipples and other sensitive areas of Erika's torso, demonstrating Alicia's genius intelligence along with the dexterity she had built up in her many years playing classical piano on stage. Alicia stoked Erika's inner fires with memory of the hotspots and compassion towards the areas that burned too fierce. Their coupling's pattern was difficult to see but nevertheless Alicia had her end under control.

Erika's hands were equally expert and tumultuous on Alicia's body. They had been friends for seven years and lovers for five. All their sparring, cuddling and other interaction had taught each of them much about the other. The only emotion they felt was enthusiasm and pleasure towards what they were doing. The only repression they showed was when things got too intense. Aware of each other's needs and ready to respond, they drove one another towards climax.

Erika fell back in the armchair, the sweat of her gleaming body staining the seat's leather. Alicia kissed a trail of fire down Erika's torso, her red-curled head pausing to lap her friend's tits, belly and thighs. Alicia stopped when she reached the fertile expanse of curls that covered Erika's vagina. She shoved two fingers within the mass and followed with her tongue. Erika whimpered and wailed as her passion rose.

Alicia's breath came hard against her cunt, blasting within and rousing the juices. The tip of the natural redhead's tongue hit the artificial redhead's clit, vibrating it back and forth. Erika's blonde curls had always had a slight crimson hue and now after her recent dye job they were as flushed ruby as her face and upper body. The vivid auburn waves shone under the living room's dim fluorescent lamps. Their sheen increased as Erika watched an accompanying burgundy display form on Alicia's skin.

My hair looks good this color, Erika thought. It matches my attitude quite well these days. I may go back to blonde or brown in the future, but red works for now. She gasped and shoved Alicia's head into her snatch.

"Yes," Alicia whispered, fondling Erika's thighs as she pushed them apart further. Both their hearts beat with anticipation. Alicia's fatigue was forgotten now, her lust awakened by Erika's presence and what Brolin had said on the television. She licked Erika's slit up and down, fondling her rump in counterpoint. Erika shivered, thinking of the many marvelous instances Alicia had stuck a dildo in both her front and rear holes. We have to do it again later in my bedroom, she thought. I'll bang Alicia too.

Erika's girlfriend bit hard at her clit, lips forcing the hood into retreat. Honey was streaming out of Erika now, darkening both the chair seat cushion and Alicia's face. Alicia's tongue and fingers lapped Erika with enthusiasm while the rest of Alicia's body shook, turned her on by her own actions. It did not matter that Erika was no longer touching her and was instead clutching the leather arms of the chair.

"I'm coming!" Erika proclaimed, feeling an orgasm rise. She screamed with rapture as Alicia deepened her caresses. Alicia sucked down the fluid that flowed from between Erika's legs and then began moving upwards. Erika wiggled her seated body as Alicia's head rose. Alicia was blazing another path across Erika's sweaty chest and stomach, her kisses progressively wetter and firmer. When their faces were next to each other, Alicia smacked Erika's open mouth. Erika felt another wave of ecstasy go off within her when she tasted her own nectar on her girlfriend's tongue.

"You could have come louder than that," Alicia said. She pushed Erika into the chair and leaned forward to stroke the other girl's tits and cunt.

"Prove it," Erika replied, giggling. She shivered with sensation and put her hands on Alicia. Erika squeezed her girlfriend's left breast, flicking the nipple. Her other hand went to Alicia's clit and manipulated it in circular motions. The many repetitions of Erika's martial arts routines went into this technique and Alicia shook under the tender assault. Laughing, she kissed Erika's lips again and massaged her friend's legs.

The chair supported the two actresses as their lovemaking continued. Erika and Alicia snuggled naked together on the seat, which was just big enough for both of them. They took turns suckling one another's breasts, biting and stroking the aureoles with tongues and fingers. Their red hair mingled as they exchanged hugs. Hands roamed, pulling pleasure from every curve of each woman's body. Their clits ground together as thigh collided with thigh. Alicia released a series of moans when she achieved her own orgasm, reveling in Erika's closeness. Erika could feel her next explosion near but held it off. She wanted it to be better than the climaxes she had already enjoyed in the session so far.

Alicia showed no mercy in hammering Erika's nerve endings. The symphony throbbed and built to crescendo. Percussion was in Alicia's fingers, winds in her breath and strings in the saliva and other juices dripping from her tongue. Her clit was a hard wand thrusting against Erika's, joined by the rubbing of satin thighs. Erika gave Alicia back all the same and more. Soon it was too much for Erika to bear. She pushed Alicia away, shrieking higher this time as she reached a new level of passion. Alicia jumped to her feet and fingered her own pussy as she watched, letting out a gasp. The visual stimulation sparked her sex gun. Once she had peaked and settled, Alicia knelt back down on the floor and kissed Erika one final time — for the moment.

"That was good," Alicia said after they had swapped tongues. She stuck a finger in her slit and gathered some juice, then fed it to herself and Erika between words. "I'm happy you woke me up now."

Erika grinned, thinking of the argument Alicia had aped. "Can you believe people are still talking about those things Tom told Matt Lauer three years later?" she asked, swallowing Alicia's gingery essence. "They act as if it's all he's ever done!"

"I know. The man is so full of himself he's blind to everything, like Lindsay and that Kirk fellow."

"Yeah," Erika agreed. "He's inconsiderate of his own needs most of all. Tom's subsided a bit recently as he's watched his Hollywood ranking head down the tubes, but he's still pretty offensive sometimes. I wish he'd get over himself. Tom's issues are recurring and they affect every one of us. I doubt I'll ever get him as a client, but if I did..." Erika smirked. "It would be one heck of a job."

"You'd have to treat his wife too," Alicia said. "She has even more hang-ups."

"Agreed."

I can't change ... Lynyrd Skynyrd sang from Erika's cell phone nearby, interrupting them. Oh no, I can't change! Lord help me, I can't change!

"Uh oh," Erika said. She separated herself from Alicia and stood up. "That's Dane's ring tone. We may have a bigger problem."

"Oh dear," Alicia answered, flopping onto and reclining in the armchair. Dane Christensen was the youngest of Erika's three brothers and the most bothersome. "It's been a month since he last called you, hasn't it? You left him messages about your recent achievements but he never responded. He didn't even show up at your family Thanksgiving yesterday. You don't suppose he's in jail again?"

"I pray he's not. You mind eavesdropping? I know this is my family business, but I could use your advice on it."

"Sure, no problem."

I should just accept Dane, Erika thought as she grabbed the phone. It's not like I'm the only celebrity with a troubled sibling looking up to them. Two United States Presidents come immediately to mind.

"Hello, Dane," she said after confirming the number "Free Bird" accompanied and pressing the speaker button. "Long time."

"Erika!" Dane replied, winded. "I'm glad I caught you! I need your assistance again. I've done something really dumb."

"How much is the bond?"

"I'm not at a police station. It's nothing like my arrests. It's something else." There was a pause. "Evan broke up with me."

"Evan broke up with you?" Erika repeated, confused. Dane met Evan Rachel Wood when they played love interests in our film together, she remembered. They're around the same age, late teens back then and early twenties now. Dane acquired a deep crush on Evan when they met, but she had already fallen for another man. My brother also wanted to explore his own bisexual desires. Dane and Evan stayed good friends, though, and occasional fuck-buddies. I slept with Evan too — it was the closest I've ever gotten to incest. Evan's like Lolita. No one can resist her once she gets them in her sights.

Evan ran off after the movie was finished. She wanted to be with her new boyfriend Jamie Bell. Erika talked to them a few times during the next three years and met them for various dates and get-togethers. She was their friend but they didn't see each other very often. It was the same with Dane. He hung out with Evan, but they stopped having sex when Jamie turned out to be the "envious of other guys" type. Evan got bored with Jamie in late 2006 and dumped him. Erika thought it was too bad. Jamie was okay mostly, she said to herself, and maybe Evan could have gotten him to change the ways he wasn't. I guess they were just too young. My closeness with Evan declined further as she looked for a new mate.

Erika scowled, recalling whom Evan had courted most recently. The relationship lasted two years and was extremely passionate. Things collapsed a week ago according to TMZ but Evan had not filled Erika in on the exact details. Erika did not like Evan's new boyfriend and Evan did not appreciate that. "You're not what I need anymore," Evan told Erika when they discussed the relationship, never using those exact words but still putting across the emotion. "I have developed different feelings. Stop judging me and get out of my life." It didn't take much of this for Erika to follow Evan's request.

"Dane, slow down," Erika said, putting aside her reminisces. She sat on the edge of the television table and glanced at Alicia, who shared her expression. Alicia's probably thinking all the same things I just did, Erika deduced. She's also Evan's friend but she doesn't really know Dane outside of what I've told her and the few occasions they've met. There was only that one time we all worked together. "When did you and Evan start officially dating?" Erika asked Dane for both Alicia and herself.

"We weren't. I was her friend like always. I was living with Evan's brother Ira in an apartment. I met Ira at a party, I thought he was cute and we started going out. Ira's bisexual, like Evan and you."

"You're that way also, Dane."

"Right. Anyway, we were an item about four months. Ira was my wingman, the same way Alicia's your wing-woman. We picked up girls together and had fun with each other when we couldn't find anyone else. Then he broke up with me and moved out. Ira said I was drifting away from him. I was, kind of. After Ira left, I was lonely and then Evan called me. I decided to try getting close to her again. I wanted to get Evan away from You-Know-Who."

"I see." Erika guessed that Dane's experience with trying to end Evan's relationship had been much like her own. "Now you're not friends anymore."

"It's worse than that. I tried getting Evan to join Scientology."

"You what?"

"I'm sorry, Erika! I thought it was the best chance for her! She's been so moping and sad all the time since she ended things with Jamie. It slacked off some when she got her new boyfriend, but you know how we've been afraid it would happen again?"

"Yes. Evan's guy has a bad reputation."

"Yeah. When she called me after Ira told her we broke up and I went to see her, I saw that she was downhearted just as we feared. I suggested our church to Evan because it was working for me at the time. I gave her all the appropriate literature, but she tossed it in my face and told me to go visit Xenu!"

Shit, Erika thought. Evan used my personal catchphrase for "Go to hell" in Scientologist terms. Damn it, Dane, you must have seriously set her off. "This doesn't sound like you, little brother. You've never been that devoted about religion, not even when I talked to you during your scripture study these last three months. What's changed?"

"Uh, well, I've been seeing this new auditor trying to sort out my problems." 

"Auditing is our sacrament that covers confession and life coaching," Erika answered Alicia's glance.

"Who's there, Erika?"

"Hello, Dane," Alicia said. "It's only me."

"Oh. Hey, Alicia. Are you listening in on Erika's phone again?"

"You know she tells me everything — well, most things."

"I'm not sure I want you hearing all this."

"Dane, Alicia's your friend too," Erika broke in. "How many times has she been there with me when I've bailed you out of jail?"

"Two out of three."

"All three, actually," Alicia said. "You were arrested for criminal mischief, trespassing and vandalism."

"Graffiti. It wasn't anything serious! I was just acting out trying to get attention. I'm a dumb kid."

"She knows, Dane," Erika said. "Alicia is familiar with our family history. Tell him, Lish."

Alicia took a breath. "Your father sells insurance and your mother's a construction manager. They're very successful. However, they also dropped out of college in the 1960s and joined, then left several new religions. They were in the People's Temple, the Hare Krishna, the Children of God and other sects. Ultimately they found Scientology and it put them on their feet. They got married and started their careers, then had four children. Why so many faiths, Dane?"

"Our parents were looking for answers. They wanted a church that taught skills for the real world and gave people strength and self-awareness. Scientology was the closest thing to that they found. They were going to leave it too for a while, but then they started having kids and wanted to raise them inside."

"We're Mom and Dad's offspring," Erika added. "Scientology is our creed, but people raised us. It's easy to manage if you keep a positive attitude and dominate your surroundings. I give you advice on how to do that every time we discuss this issue."

Alicia nodded. "Indeed. Your brother Nick was firstborn, then you, Erika. Finally, there was you, Dane, and your twin Brando. Steven and Kathy raised you all in Scientology, home schooling you in the Montessori system and letting their church provide various extracurricular activities. They put Erika in some pageants and she turned it into an acting career. You once wanted to follow her. Then you changed your mind after your first film. These days, you're in business with Brando making T-shirts."

"Wrong. That fell through last year. Brando's a motorcycle mechanic now and I work as a grocery stocker when I'm not doing church stuff. Do you know what Nick does?"

"He owns a used car dealership. I bought my Chrysler from him."

"Then you're probably aware he's not that active in Scientology."

"Yes. He told me that people think your religion's a money-making scam. Being a used car salesman is bad enough without adding Scientology to the equation. Nick still believes. However, he doesn't want his customers knowing he's a Scientologist."

"Nick shouldn't feel that way, but he does," Erika said. "I understand it and that makes me hate it all the more."

"Your church has issues, Erika," Alicia replied. "Let's review. A bipolar former naval officer named L. Ron Hubbard started your religion in the 1950s. Hubbard didn't like psychology and had his own ideas about mental illness. He wasn't very famous until he became a guru despite his past life as a prolific author. His church charges people thousands over time to tell them they can solve their own neuroses by becoming aware of the causes and getting enlightened or 'clear'.

"Then when you get far enough in and still have problems, the ministers turn around and blame all your negative thoughts on extraterrestrial possession. Human souls get reincarnated in an endless cycle with these alien ghosts led by the devil Xenu tormenting them. Everyone has the capability to banish Xenu and his demons, but only Scientology can show you the right way to do that and give you extraordinary powers. 

"The lack of such abilities in Scientology's followers has caused a series of civil and criminal suits directed at your church worldwide during the fifty-five years of its existence. There have also been legal battles over the expulsion of people from the church, mysterious deaths and copyright infringements. All this has led to a large number of websites that criticize Scientology and discourage support for it. Some governments have agreed with the criticism and failed to recognize Scientology with legal standing. This included the United States until 1993, Australia until 1973 and Germany until just last week.

"Scientology is enjoyed by celebrities because of its focus on communication and awareness along with its professed support for human rights and alternative mental health regimens. Other people like it for the same reasons. Erika, do I have all that correct?"

"Basically. Xenu's not as important as you let on. He's just a devil figure. Furthermore, our creator was a science fiction writer and many people hold that against us. They think we're nuts to believe in aliens. I tell myself the mythology of my creed is just metaphor and the philosophy is what matters. Not everyone agrees."

"Yes," Alicia said. "That's your motivation for not advertising your religion much. You've seen all the websites and studies that call Scientology greedy, crazy and so on."

"It's also the reason I value my non-Scientologist friends like you."

"Our parents introduced us to those sites," Dane supplied. "They wanted us to be in Scientology with eyes wide open. We needed to stay aware of how people saw us and avoid being part of the abuse. Mom and Dad didn't want us ending up like some of Scientology's ex-members or the people in the religions they left."

"Not that we would turn out that way," Erika said. "Our parents said they would still love us even if we did. Mom and Dad felt we needed to be ready, though. I was becoming a star and they got apprehensive."




Counseling Ch. 01



"You've talked to me about this before, Erika," Alicia replied. "I know the way you were raised is why you follow your religion in a liberal manner and you have problems with fanatic Scientologists like Tom Cruise. Your family is also part of a reformation movement inside the church that you believe has to be kept hidden from the public. On top of that, your family is in the Friendship society. I was inducted into that same Masonic order by my parents when I graduated high school at age fourteen."

"Wow," Dane appraised the summation. "You know everything about us!"

"Almost. Your sister's told me some and those websites have filled in the rest. I just Google your church name, look at sites both for and against Scientology, filter out the bias, and I get all I need to know. What about this new auditor you're seeing, though? I don't think Erika or I know about her."

Dane paused before he answered. "I began seeing her last month. After I got busted for climbing the water tower back in July, I was feeling lost and I decided to get into the church a little more to work out my depression. I started auditing at Scientology's Celebrity Center here in Los Angeles three times a week and working for the church on my days off from Safeway. You didn't know about this?"

"No," Alicia replied.

"Mom and Dad suggested it," said Erika. "I approved. You're an adult now, Dane. You need to stop being a brat."

"I know. I'm sorry, Erika."

"It's okay. Just go on. What happened? Did our ministers put you on the RPF again? I thought I heard you got out."

"RPF?" Alicia raised an eyebrow. "Is that the Scientology boot camp where you do community service and run around reciting scripture while ministers act like drill sergeants?"

"Yep," Erika said. "The full title is 'Rehabilitation Project Force'. It's a program intended for ministers who aren't doing their jobs well but public Scientologists can also try it. Basically, it's supposed to get rid of chronic bad behavior. You work for the church and learn how to get along with others while undergoing the regimen you described. There are progressively more intense levels. Dane and I were on the lowest rung like most people. Dane entered the RPF hoping it would fix his depression and whatever else led him to do things like climb that water tank and spray his name at the top. I suggested Walker's dojo but Dane didn't want that."

"Your sensei scares me, Erika."

"Well, he shouldn't. He's a great instructor. I also thought you should remember the one time I was in the RPF." Erika looked at Alicia. "Growing up, I saw many among my friends and teachers sent to the program when church leaders were displeased with them. Some people left Scientology rather than go into the RPF as directed. I tried it voluntarily when I was ten, wanting to see what the fuss was about. The RPF turned out to be a religious gulag exactly like people had said. I got out as soon as I could."

"Erika, the RPF worked for me," said Dane. "You didn't need to go there. I did. I got everything I hoped for from the program. I exited after nine weeks fully clear. You know I contacted you and our parents many times during that. I still lived with Ira too until we broke up, I just didn't mention him to you. My problems were fixed. Except for this past week with my new auditor, I haven't misbehaved once since July."

"Didn't you meet any bullies in there?"

"Of course, but I learned how to handle them. You did too, if I remember right."

"I did, Dane," Erika affirmed. "Still, I didn't like having to deal with them. You remember that rhyme I had about the main three bullies I got to know?"

"Boggis and Bunce and Bean," Dane quoted. "One fat, one short, one lean. Horrible crooks, different in looks, but nonetheless equally mean."

Alicia stared at Erika. "You made up jokes about bullies?"

"I got that one from a Roald Dahl book. It had their names and everything. There were other taunts I made up myself. I was ten, Lish. They were teasing me. I had to cope."

"Sure. You know, people say the same things when they equate followers of your religion with 'Cylons', the robots from that Sci-Fi channel show 'Battlestar Galactica' who impersonate Earthlings and work to destroy them."

Erika scowled at the dehumanizing label. "I know I shouldn't have done what I did. I couldn't help it, though. These guys deserved it too."

"People who are bigoted about Scientology also say that."

Erika's frown deepened. "We're getting off the subject. Dane, tell me about this woman who's been auditing you. What's her name?"

"Jessica Rodriguez."

Erika felt her heart catch in recognition. "Jessica Feshbach Rodriguez?" Alicia stifled a gasp.

"Do you know her?"

"We both do," Alicia said, "by reputation at least. It's all over the web that the Feshbachs are the 'Goblins of Scientology', the deepest and most irritating fanatics. They've been at least peripherally involved in most of your religion's problems the past three decades. Erika, what did you tell me about them?"

Erika picked up the thread. "You remember Joe Feshbach from our Church Career Days, Dane? They called him 'the kind of Scientologist we all want to be'."

"Yeah. You probably don't know him, Alicia. Joe Feshbach's from the Tennessee hill country and was one of the first people in his family to go to university. He joined Scientology around the same time as Mom and Dad and used our church's interpersonal influence techniques to make a killing on Wall Street. He had his relatives help him, short-sold and used other tactics that are legal but frowned upon."

"Correct," Erika said. "Then he donated most of his money to the church along with a whole generation of his family's offspring. Many of these grew into dedicated yet problematic people. I met three Feshbachs when I was in the RPF."

"The bullies?" Alicia asked.

Erika nodded. "They wanted to be ministers and spread Scientology like their Uncle Joe demanded. I encountered them off and on growing up. As I told you, we were on the RPF together. I didn't spend much time around them anywhere else. I kept hearing about how their family was trouble. When we did talk, they picked on me, I ragged back and I tried to keep from feeling sorry. I still pity them. 

"Bean, Bunce and Boggis graduated from our church seminary, but they've never been very good at their jobs. They've been inside the RPF more than anyone else in all my religion's history and they're only a few years older than me. They never learn anything from the program either. They continue to act like they shouldn't and get sent back. It's pathetic."

"The whole family's pretty much the same," Dane added. "Jessica's a Feshbach too? I didn't know that. I thought she only liked bossing them about."

"Jessica is Joe Feshbach's oldest daughter. You didn't ask for her maiden name? You didn't inquire into her credentials at all?" Erika gaped. "You were taught better than that, Dane!"

"I did ask for her history of past audits. Jessica said she was the primary therapist for Tom Cruise and Jenna Elfman. I was impressed."

"Did she tell you Tom, Jenna and other celebrities fired her after she inspired them towards public relations nightmares?"

"No. She just said she had helped them enough and wanted to move on."

"You believed her spin doctoring, didn't you?" Erika growled. "Dane, you remember that quarrel about psychology Tom Cruise had on the 'Today Show' back in 2005? Alicia and I were talking about it a few minutes ago. You recall how Tom was bobbing on talk show hosts' couches back then, screaming that he loved his fiancée Katie Holmes?"

"Yeah. I heard some woman was coaching Katie to copy Tom."

"Jessica Feshbach Rodriguez advised Tom and Katie to do all that."

"Oh, crap."

"You said it. Jessica made Tom more popular but she also made him infamous. Tom fired her for that right after he and Katie got married. I was delighted that he did. It's fine to be in love with someone and hold your own opinions. However, if you shove it down people's throats, they get upset. Tom's still learning that today. Tom and Katie aren't Jessica's only blunder. Somehow, she got charged with celebrity audits and scripting evangelism right after she got ordained. She screwed things up for Tom, Jenna and many others. They all had to discharge her. Jenna's public statement about AIDS being a state of mind came from Jessica's recommendations. Once the tabloids and haters went ape-shit twisting those words, Jenna had to deny she ever said them. Of course, that only made things worse and Jenna fired Jessica. There have been other more minor cases involving Jessica too."

"It sounds like you've met her."

"I haven't. I have heard of all she's done, though. I keep my ear to the ground. You remember Mike Rinder?"

"Our teacher, the OSA director."

Alicia held up her hand. "OSA?"

"Office of Special Affairs," Erika said. "They handle intelligence gathering for Scientology along with public relations, legal and clerical matters, auditing ... you name it. They're for us what the Jesuits are for the Catholics. Mike Rinder was their leader and second only to the Chairman within the church ranks. I've mentioned him to you."

Alicia scratched her head, frowning. "I've heard about these people on the internet also. Your church's critics call them 'Scientology's Inquisition'. OSA's first director was incarcerated for committing fraud, racketeering and burglary on behalf of her religion."

"That was Mary Sue Hubbard. She was our founder's wife whom he divorced and exiled when she got convicted. OSA was called the 'Guardian's Office' back then. I wasn't alive to see it, but I heard about it in school. Because of Mary Sue's offenses, the whole church department had to be torn down and restructured under a new name. Mary Sue wasn't the only criminal inside either. Mike became director of the new OSA in 1984 and he swore to clean things up. Dane and I met him when he taught us in church school. Most Scientology executives are snobs but Mike wasn't like them. He grew up Scientologist in Australia and watched our religion get outlawed and reinstated by the government. Mike's suffered from discrimination his whole life. He worked out a way to live Scientology without practicing the abuses."

"I suppose he passed it on to you."

"Yes. He taught our parents first, and then my brothers and me along with anyone else who was willing to learn. Not everyone was, though. This included our Chairman, David Miscavige. That rhymes with cabbage, the vegetable. Miscavige didn't like what Mike was doing and kept pressuring him to be less open-minded about Scientology. That's how I got Mike in my reform movement. We already had one Friendship Viceroy helping us and we needed another. I didn't know Mike was a Viceroy before my parents told me to approach him in May of 2002. Mike already knew about us and was ready to join. He was our movement's biggest asset for six years."

"I remember. Then he resigned his job and left your church in the summer of 2007. Why did that happen again?"

"I'll get to it. Let me deal with Jessica first." Erika inhaled and then continued. "As you may have guessed, Jessica's an OSA operative. When I did my reform movement's big recruitment drive in 2002, I heard she knew our scripture well and was also chastised repeatedly by the Chairman for nonspecific things. I thought she would be an asset for us. Mike withdrew her name from consideration when I asked him about her. He told me Jessica was ready to blackmail me in the winter of 2001. You know, when I had that argument with Tom Cruise and met you, Alicia? Jessica heard about it from Tom and she had a private investigator follow me around and take photos of me going in and out of clubs with guys and girls. There wasn't anything incriminating but if the tabloids saw the pictures —"

"They would have made up false stories and destroyed your career," Alicia interrupted.

"Yeah," Erika said. "I'm a proud slut, but it's not something I want exposed like that. I told Tom I didn't want to market Scientology alongside him. Jessica hoped to compel a different tune on me. Mike stepped in and stopped Jessica before she could enact her plan. OSA clerics have to file reports prior to taking action against specific Scientologists they believe are harming the church. There are also certain things they're not supposed to do. Blackmailing people is at the top of the list."

Alicia grimaced. "They do it anyway, though. I've read the online documentation. They don't always get punished."

"Especially when they're related to someone such as Joe Feshbach. I never knew about what Jessica did until Mike filled me in. I asked why she did it and Mike said it was our old policy called 'Fair Game'."

"I've heard of this," Alicia replied. "Isn't Fair Game the scripture that says anyone who harms Scientology or a specific Scientologist should be 'tricked, sued, lied to or destroyed'?"

"That's it," Dane said. "Jessica showed me that passage in Scientology texts and told me I needed to do as it directed. She also said Fair Game extended to Scientologists who refused to spread their religion or live in accordance with its teachings. No one ever taught this stuff to me before but from Jessica I believed it."

"Dane, you should not have done that," Erika informed her brother. "Fair Game was cancelled in 1968, long before you or I were born. Mary Sue Hubbard instituted it when she got upset at ex-members who were discouraging people from joining the church. Ron Hubbard revoked the policy when his wife took it too far a mere three years after its institution. Ron criticized Fair Game further in the 1970s and 1980s when fanatics refused to stop following it. Many Scientologists ignored him and still use the policy today as an excuse to harass people. Jessica's attempted blackmail of me is just one example. All the incidents are isolated and discouraged. Scientologists aren't supposed to practice Fair Game. The church leaders don't support those who do."

Alicia coughed. "I've seen conflicting reports on the web about that."

"I only know what Mike told me," Erika said quickly. "He knew Ron and Mary Sue, most of the internet critics never did. Ron and Mary Sue are both dead now. I was never taught about Fair Game in official church classes. Only the websites against Scientology, fanatics, my parents and Mike educated me about it. Some Scientologists practice the policy, but it's not a prevalent conspiracy like our Internet bashers believe. Fair Game with us is like the Catholics with their problem priests or the Muslims with their terrorists. It's something that happens even though the majority of our church would never support it and gets excused way too often. That's one of the things my movement's trying to reform. Whenever we see Fair Game, we communicate about it amongst ourselves and report the perpetrator up the chain. We also avoid it and work for the good of our religion instead. Mike always told me that's what we were supposed to do."

"Hmm," Alicia replied with a frown. "I see. You believe in Mike Rinder's advice about Fair Game because you want to maintain your own sanity, right?"

Erika sighed. "You guessed it."

"She has to do that, Alicia," said Dane. "Every Scientologist does. We're taught that questioning official scripture and church history leads to serious mental and physical problems. If we leave Scientology, it's the same as suicide."

"It's not," Erika spoke when Alicia's jaw dropped. "That's just what the fanatics say. I only agree somewhat. In my judgment, leaving the church rather than trying to live as a good person inside and reform it is a cop out. I've told people inside my movement that. You remember what happened with Isaac Hayes in 2005?"

"The 'South Park' voice actor," Alicia answered. "He was a friend of yours, a mentor to your family like Mike Rinder. Then he died earlier this year."

Erika nodded. "Isaac was always a sage to me. He was also the one who got me into swinging. He and my parents introduced me to the reformers. 'South Park' lampooned Scientology and other religions all the time and Isaac was okay with it. He knew of the criticism against Scientology when he joined in 1990 and worked to counter it by inspiring Scientologists to be better people. Isaac said shows like 'South Park' had their place. One could laugh at them and become a better Scientologist, Christian, or whatever. I agreed. 

"Isaac was on 'South Park' for a decade. I enjoyed watching the show until 2005, when the 'South Park' writers put out an episode named 'Trapped in the Closet' that said all the hateful rumors about Scientology were true. It was the same time Tom was doing his talk show evangelizing. Someone in his camp wanted to sue that episode's writers and producers."

"Jessica," Alicia speculated.

"Yes. Tom ended up not doing anything. He ignored Jessica and concentrated on advertising his latest film. The online bashers said otherwise, but I know from my own investigation that Tom never lashed out at 'South Park' over what happened. Isaac also defended the writers in interviews. As before, he was okay with their satire. Then Isaac had his first stroke and was forced to quit his show. Isaac's publicist put out a statement that the reason Isaac quit was the way 'South Park' portrayed Scientology in 'Trapped in the Closet', not his health. This ruined Isaac's eminence in Hollywood and brought him notoriety. Hating him was seen as the cool thing to do. All of our religion's critics became 'South Park' fans and the writers loved the publicity. Do you recall how they called Isaac a hypocrite all over the internet?"

"I do. Your critics grew in number after that and your church shrunk. Then the writers had Isaac's character hypnotized and killed off in that appalling season opener called 'The Return of Chef'."

"Yeah. I still watch 'South Park' today but I'm not amused by it as much as I used to be. Isaac was about to disclose our reform movement to the public after 'The Return of Chef', hoping to restore his image. Mike told Isaac revealing us wasn't the best idea. It would do more harm than good. The critics wouldn't believe we existed. I backed Mike on that. You've seen the way people online treat us."

"Yes. They target Scientologists with discrimination and consider you all the same as ignorant folk like Tom. Erika, if they knew what you were doing ..."

"It would just make things worse, Alicia. We hide ourselves for a reason."

"You know how I feel about you, Erika, but your religion sickens me sometimes, especially when it threatens you like this."

"I hate it myself. That's why I joined the reformers when Isaac told me about them and why I believe so strongly in our goals. We all dislike the way Scientology is. We want our leaders to formally condemn those who commit crimes, not just excuse them for the sake of our church staying intact. That's why we work together to avoid behavior like Fair Game ourselves, report those who do engage in such practices and concentrate on good works. We also stay connected and ready to help each other. We can't let our movement be revealed, though. That could mean us all leaving the church, and that's failure. If the fanatics as a whole learn of our existence, they will want us expelled and put stress on the Chairman. I've seen it happen before with people they don't like."

"Erika, whoa," Dane said. "Last I checked, we have twenty-five celebrities in the movement. Or is it more now?"

"It's thirty-two, Dane, including every major celebrity in Scientology except Tom Cruise and his wife, the Elfmans and a few others. We're all liberals and we believe Scientology is taking advantage of our popularity to sponsor its abuses as well as its charities. We also hate how the critics lump us in with the fanatics. Our goal is to stop putting up with that and turn Scientology towards the road our church should be on, the good road. We want to change things. We can't get thrown out though."




Counseling Ch. 01



"You won't. Don't you remember Jason Beghe? You think Miscavige wants thirty-two potential Jason Beghes walking around?"

"Time out!" Alicia said. "You have six or seven actors named Jason in Scientology. Who's this one again?"

"The one who quit Scientology earlier this year," Erika answered. "TMZ calls him our 'celebrity whistleblower'. He hasn't worked much in Hollywood since he left our church and started defaming it along with the other critics. Before you ask, as far as I know Scientology isn't creating his lack of employment. It's more that no one trusts Beghe anymore, inside or outside his former religion. That's what my non-Scientologist agent tells me."

"Oh." Alicia nodded. "I know this man now. Dane, Erika has a point."

"Getting out of Scientology is worth our careers, Erika. Our church is messed up. I know it firsthand now. Wait till you find out what Jessica made me do."

"I already have an idea, Dane," Erika replied. "She got you to shun our family, didn't she? That's why you haven't talked to me since you met her."

"Yeah. I've been erasing your messages as soon as I heard your voice. You also know about those rumors I put out, right? Jessica had me working Fair Game on Evan. I told some TMZ reporters that she broke up with her boyfriend because she was dating another man who was a violent psychopath. Have you heard of Mickey Rourke?"

"Good actor," Erika said. "However, he enjoys being offensive before the press and he has a drinking problem. TMZ broadcasts his faults along with every other celebrity's. Any reason for him in particular?"

"Evan did a movie with him and they're pals. Jessica told me that Rourke called Tom Cruise names on television during the 'South Park' event we discussed, backing up the gossip against Scientology. She wanted him targeted specifically for that. I also put out this other rumor that Ira was living with Evan and her boyfriend. They had a rent dispute and You-Know-Who kicked Ira out. It wasn't true, though. I made it all up."

"Oh my God, Dane," Erika said, recognizing the report. "You're TMZ's inside source on Evan's split with Manson?"

"Yes. Alicia, if you didn't know, Evan was living with the Satanist shock-rocker Marilyn Manson."

"I do know. Were you calling him 'You-Know-Who' before?"

"I call Manson that because I don't like to say his name. It gives him power. I guess I'll drop it. Jessica tried to convert Manson to Scientology after I targeted Evan and Evan rejected my advances. Jessica had me doing all those rumors and she approached Manson and Evan but they warned her off. Then Evan called me and told me she never wanted to see me again unless I ditched Jessica. Evan had put together what was going on. I fired Jessica this afternoon after I thought about what Evan told me. I'm also quitting Scientology."

"Dane, you can't do that," Erika said. "Jessica was acting on her own. She had to have been. What about all the church has done for you? You were telling me how it got you to overcome your problems."

"Right, then Jessica undid everything. I met her the day I got out of the RPF, Erika — October 27th. I was ready for my final RPF audit and all my usual ministers were busy. I met Jessica in a church garden while I was waiting for someone else. She was commanding this black bird of prey. It was like a hawk or an eagle but smaller and flew very fast."

"A peregrine falcon?" Alicia asked.

"That was it. Jessica had the bird under her power. I was bedazzled. She instructed and it obeyed. I asked how she was making the bird fly around and retrieve things and Jessica told me she was projecting her will into her pet as Scientology had taught her. I never saw anything like it before."

"Dane, that wasn't special abilities," Erika insisted. "That side of Scientology is all metaphorical 'unlock your potential' stuff. Jessica had to have been fibbing. Right, Alicia?"

Alicia nodded. "It sounds like she's a falconer. Falconry, or hunting with trained falcons, is a sport that was popular in medieval Europe. Today it's not practiced as much."

"I didn't know that till just now," said Dane. "Seeing Jessica with the bird and hearing her voice put me under her spell. You're right, Erika, she knows our scripture better than anyone. She became my auditor. When I wasn't stocking shelves at Safeway, I worked at the church with Jessica. I let her guide my life and did everything she told me. Ira decided to move out of our apartment and I let him when Jessica took his side. I quit my grocery job on her advice too. Jessica wanted me to work for Scientology exclusively and I complied. It wasn't until after Evan yelled at me that I was able to break away from her."

"Are you really free, Dane?" Erika inquired, suspicious. "Please don't tell me she's there with you right now."

"Of course not, Erika. I would never lie to you!"

"He isn't lying, is he, Alicia?"

Alicia frowned, applying her "Law & Order" detective's instincts. "I don't think so."

Erika smiled, relieved. "Dane, why didn't you come to me about this before?"

"I was scared of Jessica, Erika. She told me no one in our family is a good Scientologist."

"Well, who is she to determine that?"

"I told her all about you, Erika — the college you were attending, your swinging, the Friendship, everything. I told her about the rest of our family also. No auditor had ever seen a problem in our family before but Jessica did. She laughed for a long time when she heard about you studying psychology and then said she wasn't surprised. Jessica told me to disconnect from you. That's our term for shunning, Alicia — disconnection. I only changed my mind about Jessica's advice this morning."

Erika put a hand to her mouth. "Did you tell her I graduated? About my new practice?"

"No. What practice?"

"I finished college two weeks ago, Dane. I got my psychology certificate and bachelor's degree on Veterans' Day. I've been seeing lots of clients, including celebrities. I keep it confidential except from those I can trust."

"Oh. Congratulations. I must have deleted that message."

"Good. Maybe I can still salvage this. I want people to know about my degree and what I do, just not the wrong people. What about our reform movement? Did you tell Jessica about that?"

"Only a little. I didn't want to give her names. I heard Jessica mock you and I got worried. I started trying to lead her on, separate myself from her. Then this thing with Evan happened. I followed Jessica's guidance. It seemed good in the beginning, you know?"

"Right, Dane. Then it messed things up."

"Exactly. Those bullies you mentioned were part of it too. They're Jessica's sidekicks. They follow her orders almost as well as the falcon."

"You said they were after Manson and Evan?"

"Yes. Jessica wanted to create a situation where they'd join Scientology with my help. It didn't work and Evan got mad at me. When I fired Jessica this afternoon, I told her I planned to exit the church. She said 'go ahead, the little whore will still love you'. That's what she called you, Erika, 'little whore'. I think she knows you even if you don't know her."

Erika shrugged. "I don't know how Jessica would know me. I only really know about her through Mike, gossip and her sister."

"Sister?"

"Melissa Feshbach Prynne, the Scientology reverend I call 'Sweet Melissa' after the Allman Brothers song? I'm not the only one who calls her that."

"Yeah, you've told me about Melissa being your auditor. I haven't ever met her, though."

"I was introduced to her in 2003 and have worked with her since. Mike saw I didn't have a regular auditor and suggested Melissa. She's a war widow and an OSA agent like Jessica. She's also very skilled at auditing, but she's caring and clever. There are many people like her in Scientology if you know where to look."

"You said she's Jessica's sister?"

"They're identical twins, same as you and Brando. I've heard you can tell them apart by their opposing demeanors. Melissa's positive and Jessica's negative."

"Like Brando's responsible and I'm me."

"Yeah, Dane," Erika said with a giggle. "You're the evil twin."

"Stop that," Dane answered after laughing along. "Being my big sister doesn't give you the right to tease me. You're accurate, though. Jessica is evil. I had to get rid of her once I saw that. Why don't you want me to quit Scientology?"

"Because, Dane, if you do, Jessica wins. That's what she wants. I need you in my reformers. If you leave, you'll be just like Beghe — outside and cut off from us. You recall when we watched that interview he did on why he left? Remember how he was talking about the way Scientology fucked him up and destroyed his identity? You know that isn't the case for everyone. It wasn't for you, me, or several other people I could name. I tried going to Beghe before he exited and telling him all this, inviting him into our reformers. He laughed in my face and said our cause was doomed, that he wouldn't even dignify it with a mention to the outside. He was too angry and wrapped up in his own mindset. Now Beghe's out there making people think his experience is universal when it's not. Do you think I want that happening with you?"

"Erika, I must do this."

"Dane, you can't. You'll also be the same as those writers who agreed with the online bashers that Isaac was a hypocrite if you do it. They forgot all the good will Isaac showed them and named all Scientologists as bad. I reminded Isaac of what our church does for human rights and that there were some of us who lived without the bad stuff. That's why he stayed inside even after what happened with 'South Park'. He died in August of a second stroke, as you know, but even until death, he never spoke out against Scientology. If you want to do different, you can go ahead. I won't like it, though. Mom and Dad won't either, even if we're not going to shun you."

"Erika, I'm really upset. I have to leave."

"No, you do not. Listen to me. I can smooth things over. Melissa and Jessica have been competing for auditing cases since they started their training. People would have trouble telling them apart and send one's audit to the other. They had to be separated. Since Jessica's foul-ups started happening, Melissa's dedicated herself to undoing her sister's damage. Mike is helping her and so am I."

"Melissa's a reformer?"

"Yes. She encourages people towards human rights advocacy, disaster relief and the other good work Scientology does. I'm among her celebrity audit cases and so are Jenna and Kirstie Alley. Melissa has gotten over a hundred people into our movement, Kirstie included. She's working on Jenna right now, though it's taking time because Jenna has an ego and can only see Scientology's good side. We haven't yet revealed our cause to her but Melissa's ready when the time is right. I never really wanted an auditor before Melissa. Now I know her and she's really helped me. Do you recall the church I opened in Plant City, Florida last year?"

"Was that where you got ticked off and declared to the opening day crowds that all classes taken at the church should be charged to your account?"

"That's the place," Erika confirmed, smiling as she remembered the faces of her religion's moneychangers when she defied them. "I don't know what got into me. I just got through telling all these people they would find a great outlet for family values in our faith and then the ministers lined up the cash registers. I guess I freaked."

Dane snickered. "I heard you turned over desks and whipped people."

"Not true. I didn't freak quite that much. Melissa helped me get out of what I did. She told the Chairman I did not have a psychotic episode and that my supporting Plant City could be a great boon for Scientology. Some celebrities already sponsor specific parishioners. I was going to do an entire church."

"Wouldn't that put you in debt?" Alicia asked. "I never knew about this, Erika."

"I'm not in debt. Plant City is just one church in a small town and our religion is unpopular right now thanks to our critics. Also, it only takes one person to start a trend. My Scientologist friends have been helping me. We have to keep it hidden, though, just like our reform movement. The Chairman called me into his office a week after I spoke up in Plant City. He told me he didn't want other celebrities to follow my lead and parishioners to start expecting sponsorship and freeloading on courses. Mike had already resigned over the scandal so I wouldn't be punished and it was taking all Miscavige could do to stop things from leaking to the press. If not for Mike and Melissa's advocacy, I might have had to leave Scientology back then."

"Where's Mike now?"

"He's outside our church and living alone in Virginia. He still has influence, but his time as OSA director is over. For the past fourteen months, Miscavige has controlled OSA himself. I still support Plant City because the entire church staff is reformist clergy. They know why I did what I did and they agree with it. They're quietly reimbursing Scientologists for their courses with my money. Miscavige is disappointed with me but he's willing to let it slide. He said he would let me continue my work in Plant City as long as no one actively copied me elsewhere. No one has yet. They're all afraid of the Chairman. I understand even though I wish they weren't."

"Why don't you tell the Chairman about your reform movement?"

"I can't. He may see it as a threat, even though we're not bad Scientologists and we all want to stay inside. You've probably heard the controversies on the web about Miscavige. He was our founder's chosen successor and took over Scientology in the early 1980s. Ron couldn't get Mary Sue to officially resign her position but Miscavige did. Then Ron died in 1986 and the Chairman was firmly in charge of Scientology. He spread our church further around the world and got us tax exemption in America but he also increased the protests. He's tried to hold us together through almost thirty years of contraction and expansion. There's a lot of weight on Miscavige. It never stops."

"Didn't he expel some of his own family members from Scientology when they weren't devout enough for him? I've seen their critical website."

"They left on their own, Alicia. Miscavige was ready to help them remain but they weren't interested. I've gotten to know the Chairman from our brief meetings at church events and asked him about his family. Miscavige told me he didn't like to see them go. He's the same as Mike or Melissa at heart. He wants to save our religion and see it continue. Miscavige has a paranoid streak but he also has a good side. I think he's the best person in charge for the present. I'm worried about him, however. He's a practical person in an unstable situation. Miscavige wants to keep the fanatics in check and Scientology strong, even in our current climate. If my movement were in the open, he might not be able to do that."

"Better him in power than someone like Jessica," Dane agreed. "Erika, what am I going to do here? I've really screwed up."

"It's not that bad. You haven't slept with Jessica or anything like that, right?"

"I was hoping to for a while. Then she turned me off when I saw her smacking around her minions. I did not want her after that. I do owe her two hundred and forty dollars, though."

Goddamn Jessica for treating Dane like this! Erika cursed to herself. There is no excuse! She rolled her eyes at Alicia. Her girlfriend rolled her own eyes in accord and Erika turned back to the phone.

"Okay, Dane," Erika said after a minute of thought, "the family needs to have a sit-down with you. Melissa should be there. She's an expert at helping people avoid having to leave Scientology. As I told you, she assisted me. I'm one of many she's aided. I haven't introduced you to her before because I didn't think you needed her. Now I know otherwise. Dane, I have been where you are right now a dozen times. Melissa has pulled me back every one. She reminds me there are good people all over Scientology, even in our clergy. She's the best one of us I can name."

"Where is she? I know she's not in L.A. or Florida."

"Melissa's in St. Louis. She's an OSA deputy director and supervises church operations in the entire Midwestern United States. I communicate with her by phone, e-mail and the occasional visit, just as I do other long distance friends. Melissa's one of the few Feshbachs who's done well for themselves and rightly so. Look, Dane, I'll call Mom and Dad, then get dressed and come over there with them to see you. They'll take you to visit Melissa and get you some help. I'll come to St. Louis myself after this weekend when my schedule is clear of other clients. No whining about this. I'm not letting you just up and leave. If I have to be my brother's keeper, I will."

"Okay, Erika, fine. I was wavering anyway. I'm still departing Scientology if this goes sour, though."

"That's your right. I just want you to give this a chance. It will all be fine. Stay calm. I'll talk to my fellow reformers and make sure everyone knows what happened to you. Jessica's a danger we've been ignoring. We need to be certain she's not inclined to hurt you further. I'll also get a complaint report sent to the Chairman. As far as he knows, our family is still a great bunch of Scientologists and there's no cause for you to disconnect from us like you have. Maybe Melissa and I can catch Miscavige on a good day and get him to censor Jessica again, seriously this time."

"I hope so. Erika, I'm really sorry. I need you to do something else for me."

"Spill it."

"You have to talk to Evan. She's with the wrong guy. Yeah, they broke up, but what if they get back together? Evan can't get hurt anymore. She's not involved with anyone like Jessica, but she's still in danger. You-Know-Who is a maniac. Can you pull her out?"

Erika exhaled her frustration. "I don't know, Dane. You pretty much ruined things for me before I could even step in. What if Evan thinks I'm another Jessica stooge?"

"Damn it, I didn't think of that! I was just trying to get back at Evan for hurting me. It was what Jessica told me to do."

"Now she's gone. Are you going to do it still?"

"No, Erika, but what if Evan hates us? We can't let that happen."

"I'll work on it," Erika assured her brother. An idea came to her. "I can't help Evan myself immediately, but I know someone who could." Thank goodness Doug doesn't mind me disturbing him at all hours, she thought. "Look, you stay home till Mom and Dad get there. I'll be just behind them with Alicia, Nick and Brando. Don't open the door for anyone but us."

"I won't. Thank you, Erika."

"You're welcome. Be careful, Dane. I love you." Erika terminated the connection and exhaled, looking at Alicia. There would be no dildo session for them now, not for a while at least. "Dane's okay, but we need to finally get off our butts and help him and Evan."

"So I gathered," Alicia said. "Who are we gonna call?"

Erika's response was one word. "Frost-Fire." Grinning at the other naked woman sitting beside her, she began dialing her phone.

To Be Continued...



Counseling Ch. 02



Counseling, Chapter 2,

 an erotic tale by AchtungNight.

Celebs: Evan Rachel Wood.

Codes: F-solo, toys, romance.

Standard disclaimer- This story is a satirical fantasy. It is fictional, even though its plot and characters are based on real events and people. All characters based on real people are fictionalized. All celebrities in the story are impersonated — poorly. I, the author, have no actual connection to any celebrity mentioned in this story other than being their fan, and I acknowledge that they do not act in real life the way my characters based on them do. I did not write this tale for financial profit and I expect none from it. This story contains controversial adult themes and situations, so it should not be read by those who are close-minded or under age 18.

Intro: Hello, readers. This tale is my tribute to celebrities and other people who need to get their minds fixed up, and their lives straightened out. It is a satire, like all my stories. All opinions expressed by the themes are mine. If you disagree, that is your right and I hope you will excuse me. If I am not as familiar with my subjects as I should be, please correct me if you are more knowledgeable. Any mistakes in this story that were not caught by my editor and other advisors are my responsibility.

There are references to other art in the story. The mentions of the nudist camp "The Pines" and its patrons appear with permission from author Nick Scipio. Writer KMB allowed me to include a nod to his "Harem" series (which takes place in a separate but connected universe from my own celebrity fanfiction). I give my thanks to these great artists for letting me plug their writings. I also credit Greg Weisman, John Kovalic and the creators of all the other works mentioned in the text. I don't own any of these people's conceptions and I did not contact any artist other than KMB and Nick Scipio for prior advertising assent. However, all these artisans' labors inspire me. I hope they and their fans will appreciate the ways I have paid them homage here.

In my series timeline, you can consider this tale the bridge between "Passion of Erika Christensen" Chapters 4 and 5. I would call it a "Passion" chapter, but Erika is not the lead of the story. She's just one of many important characters. I also want to do a sweeping summary to bring her into the present. Therefore, I have put this story outside the main "Passion" arc. You can call it "Passion 4.75" ("The Rendezvous" being 4.25 and "Rekindled" being 4.5) if you must. No other text should be required reading, though as usual my other stories are connected to this. "Counseling" is also one of my longer works, so I have broken it into four chapters for reader convenience. I recommend everyone read the chapters in order.

One additional note — the villain in this tale is a character I have tried to introduce before. She can be held in check no longer and my heroes need to face her. People like this woman and her associates exist and are the reason certain celebrities are distrusted by their potential fans. I feel this needs depiction. The villain in question has been retooled for her role. If all goes well, we will be seeing her again for further conflicts. She is a figure whom I believe fits the part I have given her, like all my characters. I'll let the tale itself speak further as to whom she is.

Please let me know if you like or dislike this story. I appreciate any feedback I am sent. I haven't been getting nearly enough feedback of late and would like that to change. 

***

Counseling, Chapter 2.

Los Angeles, California. November 30, 2008.

 "It's not true!"

 "What's not true?" the frumpy woman reporter asked, leaning close to the burly middle-aged actor she was interviewing on the TV screen.

 "Evan Rachel Wood and I are not dating!" Mickey Rourke snarled. The former boxer's brown hair was sparse and disheveled. He wore a black leather jacket, white T-shirt and denim jeans. "Evan's a good friend, that's it. Tell that [bleep] wit who wrote that [bleep] in the paper I'd like to break his [bleep]-ing legs."

 The well-dressed man seated behind the office desk clicked off the television. He then turned to the blond weasel-faced man in the gray suit in front of him. "Well, Gary, do you want to explain yourself?"

 "I'm sorry, Mr. Pink," Gary Parker replied carefully. "I forgot Mickey Rourke had emotional problems. The source who told me about him and Evan Rachel Wood seemed plausible. I guess they weren't speaking truthfully."

 "Maybe they were," Ted Pinkerton said with a shrug. His long curly black mullet shook as he laughed. "I've been a celebrity tabloid editor five years now, Gary. These people lie about their relationships all the time. Did you forget? You've been doing this longer than I have."

 "I guess I did forget, T.P.," Gary answered, smiling. "Thanks for reminding me."

 "No problem. Nadine, did you think Mickey Rourke was lying?"

 "Maybe," said the plain brunette woman in the tan cardigan and slacks sitting next to Gary. Nadine Holliday pushed up her glasses and looked at the middle-aged hippie leaning against the wall beside her chair. "I really couldn't tell, though. Baxter, what about you?"

 "Don't ask me," Baxter Page said. "You know I don't like to speculate about celebrities' personal lives."



 "Come on, Nadine," Ted said. "You used to work for Weekly World News. Baxter, you were an embedded photographer for the military. I know you've both dealt with false stories."

 "Yes," Baxter agreed. "I couldn't tell whether Mickey Rourke was telling the truth or not, though. I guess I'm out of practice."

 "I never made up any of my reports for WWN," Nadine answered Ted's inquiry. "I checked my sources and avoided liars."

 Gary frowned. "Nadine, I've read some of your articles. 'Benevolent Secret Society Runs the World'?"

 "The Friendship doesn't run the world, Gary. They just try to influence it and inspire people to share knowledge, charity and freedom. They have members who are politicians, teachers, priests, doctors, even celebrities. There may be one of them sitting in this room right now."



 "Nadine, your other stories can't be real," Baxter said. "What about your series on 'Living Stone Gargoyles'? Living stone gargoyles fight crime in London, Austin, San Francisco, Tokyo and New York City? Yeah right."

"They do. They're also hunting pirates in Southeast Asia."

"Why didn't you add that they were guarding the Amazon rain forests?"

 "I heard rumors about the Amazon. I couldn't verify them."

 "You want to believe that, fine. I don't though." Baxter hoped she would not catch the lie in his voice. "What about the story you did right before WWN went out of print? 'Descendants of Ancient Chinese Heroes Re-enact their Ancestors' Greatest Deeds'. Are you sure that wasn't just live action role-playing?"

 "Yes. I've also interviewed aliens, Bigfoot, Bat Boy and the Loch Ness Monster. They're all real. I get my copy by letting controversial figures sell themselves and being nice."

 "Wow," Gary said. "Hard to believe WWN folded with all your intrepid journalism."

 "The other reporters used to call me 'Nutso Nadine'," his opposite replied with another sigh and adjustment to her spectacles. "They preferred to make up their articles. I have to say, though, that I've encountered more phony stories since I got into celebrity tabloids than in all my seven years at WWN."

 "They could be true," Ted said. "They attract readers. That's why we print them. Whether they are real or not doesn't matter. Do you actually think Mickey Rourke should be seeing someone like Evan Rachel Wood?"

 "No! He's almost three times her age! I agree we should discourage them. Is it real, though? I know Evan and Mickey just did a movie together called 'The Wrestler' but I thought Evan was dating Marilyn Manson!"

 "She was until a week or two ago," Ted replied. "Our agency has heard conflicting rumors about their split. Some say Evan's brother Ira was living with them but Manson kicked him out for rent delinquency. Others say Manson was abusive towards Evan and tried to get her hooked on crack and heroin. Then there's this Rourke thing. Evan herself says the breakup was amicable, but is that going to sell?"

 "I believe Evan, not the gossip," Nadine said. "Unlike Mickey Rourke, Marilyn Manson has never been in jail for intoxication or assault. Manson lives the role of a Satanic cardinal, but it's all an act to get attention. He's really an okay person."

 "That's not what I've heard," Gary countered. "Manson has had two divorces and most of his fans' parents hate him. Religions dislike him also. Even I can't stand the man."

 "Well, too bad," Ted inserted himself. "I have a new job for the three of you. Gary, TMZ loved the series you did on Evan and Manson. Nadine, they think the way you got Rourke to deny Gary's story about him and Evan was great too. I'm putting both of you on the Evan-Manson breakup. Find out what's really going on with that couple. Baxter, you're their chaperone."

 "Excuse me, sir, but I don't think this is a good idea," Baxter said. "Manson doesn't like speaking to the press. We've handled his divorces very badly. Evan may not talk to us either. She's been saying she and Manson are taking some time apart to concentrate on their work. Gary's source was no longer an insider in Evan's life and he was very bitter. Evan described him as desperate and selfish. I think we should back off from her. She deserves her privacy."

 "The heck with that!" Gary said. "This story is great! Baxter, tell Ted who our source on Manson and Evan was."

 "I can't, Gary. Remember how he asked us not to identify him?"

 "Come on, Baxter, we're free agent tabloid reporters! Who says we have to be ethical?"

 "Why don't you do it then?" Baxter glared at Gary and mouthed the words "Eliza Dushku".

 "Never mind," Gary said. He turned from Baxter and looked towards Ted. "What do you want us to do, Mr. Pink?"

 "Manson is having a party at his Beverly Hills home tonight," the editor answered. "Evan should be there. The three of you will infiltrate and get some footage with these hidden cameras." He took three small devices out of a drawer and put them on the desk. They consisted of tiny microphones and lenses disguised as mirrored buttons. Hair thin wires connected them to small batteries and flash memory drives.

 "Whoa," Nadine said. "Spying on people like this is illegal."

 "We do it all the time, Nadine. I used to work with the Pelican before I started this agency. He was the famous private investigator who covered tabloid stories and celebrity divorces."

 "Yes, and now Anthony Pellicano is in federal prison."

 "So don't get caught," Ted told her with a shrug. "You do want to keep your job, right? You need more seasoning, Nadine. You can't get celebrities to give you the real dirt by being nice to them. Right, Gary?"

 "Hell no, boss," Gary replied. "I've been trying to teach Nadine that. She disagrees, though."

 "Is this true, Nadine?"

 "Yes. I've found that people treat you better if you're respectful and don't put words in their mouths. I acted that way with WWN and it got me many good contacts."

 "Well, I need you to tone it down some. You're going to work with Gary and learn to be different."

 "On this Manson thing? Ted, are you sure it will profit? The print tabloids are sick of Manson and they think the Evan Rachel Wood story is over for now."

 "Well, TMZ thinks otherwise. Harvey Levin wants us to examine it further."

 "May I interject?" Baxter asked. "I read the Enquirer a few days ago that Evan is dating Joseph Gordon-Levitt now."

 The editor shook his head. "I checked into that. They're just friends, it's not yet serious. You know how the Enquirer likes to amp things out of proportion. Can the complaints, people. If you don't want to do this, I'm getting someone else." Ted made an odd gesture at Baxter and then waved at the microphones. "Sound department assures me that these work fine. If the worst should happen, you can press this button here and erase all data recorded on the flash drives. I trust that won't be necessary. I have arranged for you all to have invitations with phony names and costumes so you can enter the party. I'll pay double your usual fee if you grab something good."

 "That would be great, Ted," said Baxter, who had recognized the gesture. "But what if the wrong person spots us? Mickey Rourke knows Gary's face and byline."

 "If he's there, you better avoid him. I don't want any confrontations. Get one on tape if you can't get out."

 "What about Manson?" Nadine asked. "I tried to interview him last Monday and he started lecturing me before I could ask the first question."



 "Let Gary coach you on that. He's great with religious nut-balls. Did you see him interview Kirk Cameron on Friday's TMZ?"

 "Yes, but..."

 "Nadine, loosen up," Gary said. "These guys make it so easy for you to crucify them before the world it's laughable. I could feel Kirk handing me the hammer and putting his hands in place on the cross while I pounded in holes."

 "Gary, I don't like being mean to people."

 "Get to like it," Ted ordered. "You're in a different industry now. Are you all free tonight? Can you do this?"

 Baxter frowned. "Um, yeah. I just need to make one phone call."

 "Gary? Nadine?"

 "Sure, T.P.," Gary said. "You had me at 'well, too bad'."

 "I guess I'll do it too," Nadine said. "It's not like I have a date or anything." She sighed, hoping more than she bargained for in getting into celebrity journalism was not waiting in the wings.

***

 "Oh yeah," Evan Rachel Wood moaned, pushing her plastic stake harder into her loins. "Oh!"

 The actress was tossing and turning on a bed, her nude body the one spot of color against the black sheets. Her pale skin and pink nipples shone in the room's dim light. Evan's limbs were long and firm, her muscles tight after the years of martial arts training she had undergone in adolescence. She still practiced and kept herself fit in the present. A scar on her belly was the one obvious flaw in Evan's perfection. Her pussy was shaven with a very prominent clitoris. Long waves of ash blonde hair fell about her beautiful face.

 "Oh!" Evan hissed again as she jilled herself with the stake. Her other hand was roaming over her torso in pattern, pinching her nipples and tracing spirals on her chest and belly. Just over twenty years of age, exercise and experience showed in her movements. Evan's pale blue eyes stood wide open in her cherub's face as she approached orgasm. Her mind ran rampant, meditating on her past and current circumstances.

 Since age twelve, Evan had slept naked and masturbated to orgasm upon awakening almost every morning. She liked to get up in the early afternoon now but there was no other difference in her resting and rising practices. Her ritual helped Evan steel her heart for the challenges she faced each day and remind herself that life was not all about pain. There was so much agony in Evan's world.

 Evan had been involved in acting since childhood. Her parents owned a theater and she found her career there watching the people on stage. When she joined the theater's casts and Hollywood talent scouts in the audience noticed, a stream of film roles soon followed for Evan. She wowed fans and critics alike in movies including "Thirteen" and TV shows such as "Once and Again". It was known in the film industry that if you wanted a beautiful troubled teenager with a twist, Evan Rachel Wood was among your best cast choices. Evan took to her roles with relish, not caring about their repetitive nature. Performing was something she wanted to do.

 Sex was also something she wanted to do. Her parents had grown up during the sexual revolution and continued it into the modern day. The Woods took Evan to a private camp called "The Pines" every summer where nudity and swinging were very much in evidence. Evan watched the people there with fascination, feeling both thankful and jealous as they left her out of their tantalizing activities because of her youth. At age twelve, things altered when all of a sudden Evan's newly awakened hormones overwhelmed her. Now she was clearly able to identify what she wanted from the gorgeous naked bodies she saw around her each day. However, she still could not achieve it.

 People avoided Evan because her body was not yet fully developed and they were intimidated by her movie star status and precocious wisdom. Evan was attracted to a pair of Pines regular families named Hughes and Coulter, but all their interesting boys and girls failed to notice her attraction. They were too busy settling each other's urges. The same was true of all the other Pines patrons. Evan's adolescent yearnings constantly lit a fire under her loins and she was forced to satisfy it herself. She also researched sex heavily at libraries, wanting to know as much about it as possible when her time to have it came.

 When she was cast in the TV drama "Once and Again", Evan was exposed to many concepts most shows about teens deemed too radical to explore. Divorce, sex, drugs — "Once and Again" depicted everything. Evan longed for real experiences to mirror her character's scripts and was frustrated when no one wanted to help her out. Then the third season arrived.

 Mischa Barton, another young actress, arrived on the show to play a new love interest for Evan's character. The network executives wanted a ratings rise and figured putting in a bisexual teenage relationship was a good idea. The stunt did not work as well as hoped. Even so, Evan and Mischa still found themselves fascinated by the concept. Mischa had enjoyed a childhood like Evan's and starred in three foreign films that explored sexuality among teens. She was not innocent with either sex and was ready to show Evan all she knew. Evan was a very eager pupil.

 Evan continued to find lovers among her co-stars as her career progressed. "Once and Again" was canceled and she split from Mischa, but then came "Thirteen" and Nikki Reed took over. Evan was shocked by the depths of the other teenage actress's fetishes and depraved mind. Soon she was open to and captivated by almost any sort of sex. The fact that she had yet to lose her heterosexual virginity was no concern. Evan knew she wanted boys as well as girls. Her role in "Pretty Persuasion" taught her much about manipulation and she entered her next film intent on seducing very cast member who drew her eye.

 After an intense day of getting to know her and each other, Evan's fellow "Upside of Anger" actresses Keri Russell, Alicia Witt and Erika Christensen succumbed to Evan's advances. Their male co-star Dane Christensen followed a few weeks later. The discoveries that Alicia was holding back her own bisexual desires and that Erika and Dane were both flexible swingers despite being part of a controversial repressive religion added spice. Keri also taught Evan many new fucking techniques, learned through a maturing process similar to Evan's own.

 Erika introduced Evan to a London nightclub called "Inside Out" and it was there that Evan met her first serious boyfriend. Jamie Bell was a young English actor who starred in the dance drama "Billy Elliot" and several other films. Evan already had a huge crush on him before they met. Finding out Jamie had a similar attraction to her incited their relationship. Erika and Inside Out's owner Doug Ramsay tried but failed to keep Evan and Jamie from taking things too far too fast. Both were over-eager, Jamie in particular since he was still a virgin. He was scouting the Soho dating scene trying to find someone worthy of being his first sexual partner. Evan was thrilled at Jamie's choice of her and gave him her heterosexual virginity in exchange.




Counseling Ch. 02



They dated for nearly three years after "Upside" ended, traveling back and forth between England and the United States. Their couplings remained passionate as Evan matured and her mind expanded further with her continuing sexual research. Evan loved Jamie, her friends from "Upside", and many other people. In 2006, Evan got bored with Jamie, finding him no longer interesting. He was also quite possessive of Evan even though they had enjoyed many threesomes with Erika and other girls. This upset Evan and she finally left him. After the split, Evan looked hard for a different person she could love as much.

 Memories of the older man she found came into her thoughts and her self-stroking increased in fervor. Evan squeezed her breasts hard and pushed the stake deep into her pussy, imagining it was Marilyn Manson's dick. The stake was much wider and longer than that organ, but it was still a good image. Evan breathed heavy as a tide of lust swelled under her skin.

 Evan met the Gothic rock star Marilyn Manson at a Los Angeles nightspot named "Tech Noir" as she looked for a new mate. He was friendly towards her and disproved many of her preconceived notions about him. Evan had enjoyed Manson's music in the past, yet the public image of the man himself bothered her a bit.

 "I am the Anti-Christ Superstar!" Manson told the world. "Be like me! Bow down to me! Fuck me!" He put out similar themes in his music and other work. Teenagers and college students cheered at Manson's homilies and entered the Goth culture to their parents' dismay. The press regularly swamped Manson with rumors about kinky sex, drugs and other indignities, increasing his infamy as the rock star refused to deny anything. He also appeared to ignore the scandals' other effects on his life.

 "I've been engaged twice and married once," Manson told Evan when she asked after he bought her a drink at Tech Noir. "Both my wives were very kinky and in love with me. They couldn't take my lifestyle and reputation, though. Rose found her desires going in other directions. I was too much for her and being with me was hurting her career. I let her go before we even got married and now she's with some famous director in Texas. I'm told he has the same sexual preferences I do but he's not watched by the press as much. I've also heard gossip about a mansion in Malibu where Rose hangs out with other women. I don't know how true that is. I've never been invited to the place, nor do I know any man who has."

 "What about your second wife?" Evan asked, enthralled.

 "Dita and I are still married," Manson admitted. Then he held up two fingers an inch apart. "It's this close to breaking up, though. I try to keep things open but she only wants me for herself. I don't want that. She also wishes I would give up this whole persona." He indicated his leather pants and jacket and his long black hair and white-painted skin. "Dita forgot this is what made her fall in love with me in the first place. I don't get her anymore. Divorce will happen as soon as one of us finds someone new."

 Evan went home with Manson that very night and his marriage ended a few weeks afterwards. Manson was very interested in Evan as a sexual partner and a person. She liked how he lived as himself without shame. From Manson Evan learned more kinks than she had ever known existed. Manson also aided her career growth by casting her in his music videos. All throughout, he stood by her side and listened to her dreams. Evan was shocked when Manson told her he was more in love with her than he had been with his wives. It didn't matter that she was half his age and they lived different lifestyles.

 "You are my twin," Manson said. "You inspire me and make me long to fornicate with you. I want you in my life forever."

 For a time, Evan also wanted that. Then she observed that all her friends were distancing themselves from her. None of them was interested in getting to know Manson, reviled by his infamy and the image he exuded. They accused Evan of turning into the same type of person. Evan disbelieved at first.

 "Come on!" she tried to tell her friends. "I'm just in love. Manson's a great guy. It's not like I've been bitten by Dracula or possessed by the Devil!" No one listened to her. Even Erika, Evan's most tolerant girlfriend, turned away from Evan when she asked Erika to join her in Manson's bed. She grew isolated more as time passed and complained about it to the only one who would still listen.

 "Never mind your friends," Manson told Evan with a strange tone in his voice. "They may be beautiful people, but if they don't like me, too bad. You want me, Evan, right? Forget them. Stay with me. I will give you everything."

 Evan embraced Manson's words and allowed herself to drift far from everyone but him. She tried not to let her new closed world get to her. Manson was always there, soothing her horny body and uneasy mind.

 "Oh yeah," Evan breathed, clawing her cleavage with long nails as she recalled one of Manson's favorite techniques. She stabbed her clit with the stake in the same motion, clenching her jaw and throwing back her head. Recollecting the changes in her life filled her thoughts with further joy.

 Then she got to the recent developments and felt disappointment. The press became more interested in Evan than ever before when she began dating Manson. Evan had to work hard to avoid their attention. Fans took the opposite tack. "Why are you with such a weird older man?" they asked Evan. "Aren't you afraid of him?"

 "No," Evan insisted. "I love Manson. He loves me. Accept us, please." Her fans turned away, shaking their heads just like her friends.

 Movie producers did not follow this lead. Evan retained a strong independent film career and continued to wow critics as she picked and chose her roles. She preferred scripts that intrigued her and did not care about awards or money. Her true fans and friends would always be interested in her no matter what, Evan believed. Manson was such a person and supported her. She was content with that.

 Evan's confidence was only on the surface, though. She was anxious inside, dismayed by the consequences of her new love life. Everyone but Manson saw her as a stranger now, even her own family. The press kept lampooning her too, making up rumors that Manson would not prove wrong. Soon it even affected Evan's work relations.

 "You're a fascinating young actress," the Oscar winner Michael Douglas told Evan when they starred together in "King of California" and developed mutual respect. "You're perfect for your role in this film and I am certain more great parts lie ahead of you. You remind me of Erika when I first met her in 'Traffic'. You're someone whose talent can only grow. However, you need to ditch this rock star you're dating. Staying with him can only hurt you."

 Evan rejected this advice and continued seeing Manson. "It's my choice," she said when asked why. "I know what I'm into and it's not as bad as it seems. I can live my life. Let me be who I want to be." Fans and friends alike continued to disregard her pleas.

 It wasn't until her last movie, "The Life Before Her Eyes", that Evan found someone willing to give her sympathy. Uma Thurman and Evan were playing older and younger versions of the same character and this encouraged them to get very close to each other. They didn't sleep together since Uma was not into women, but Uma did give Evan much advice.

 "Just live," Uma said. "You control who you are and where you're going, not anybody else. If you let them dictate your life for you, that's one thing, but you're not doing that. That's good. If you like Manson, stay with him and let it develop. Sooner or later people will get used to you. I've seen it myself with all my failed relationships and years of celebrity. You need to unwind and take things as they come, Evan. You didn't think fame would be that easy, did you?"

 Evan smiled and quoted "Kill Bill", her favorite film of Uma's. "For a second or two, yeah, I actually did."

 Settling down for a while, she resumed her enthusiastic relationship with Manson. He was happy she was with him but also seemed distressed by something. Evan probed and learned things she had never known. Manson admitted a cocaine habit. It was a rumor the press had long suspected but never been able to confirm. Manson had hidden it from Evan as well. "I'm getting off it now," he said. "I love you and I know that as someone who's performed in multiple anti-drug films, you wouldn't want to be with me if I continued doing cocaine. Therefore I'm quitting, Evan. I'm quitting for you."

 Evan was overjoyed by this, yet disturbed that Manson had kept it from her. She helped her rock star through his withdrawal, using techniques from several Narconon texts Erika had given Evan over the years. Manson had been in rehab before but did not want to go again because of increased press attention. He asked Evan to aid his self-therapy instead and she agreed. Evan didn't want Manson getting hooked on some other drug while he got off cocaine and she also wanted him to find and face the causes of his addiction. Evan was knowledgeable enough about "cold turkey" drug-kicking techniques to use Narconon for this and separate the Scientology aspects from the programs. Evan was tolerant of Scientology, thanks to her friendship with Erika, yet she knew she did not want it as a strong force in either her life or that of her greatest love.

 Narconon worked very well for Manson, better than all his prior stints in rehab. Thanks to it, he kicked both drugs and excessive alcoholism. A doctor attended Manson throughout, monitoring him with regular physicals. After three months on the vitamin and exercise regimen, his health was restored. "How did you know about this stuff?" Manson asked. When Evan told him, Manson demanded to meet Erika. "I want to thank her." Evan rejected the idea, believing Erika detested Manson. Then she remembered someone else she hadn't talked to in a while, Erika's brother Dane.

 Dane and Evan were lovers no longer. She had stopped seeing him after his exit from acting and subsequent arrests. Upon contacting Dane, Evan was surprised to learn he had recently broken up with her older brother Ira. She always knew Ira liked guys and girls but he had kept his relationships mostly secret from Evan even as they acted together in several films. "I was forlorn," Ira explained when Evan asked him about Dane. "He was fun for a while. Then Dane got into his church and met this weird woman and he didn't have time for me anymore."

 Evan called Dane back and invited him to visit her and Manson. She told Dane what she had done to help Manson and he was pleased. "It's good Narconon worked for you," Dane said. "It doesn't always succeed since you have to stick with it on your own and not be turned off by its closeness to Scientology. But if you are able to manage the program, you will never touch drugs again."

 Invited to visit, Dane re-entered Evan's life and brought his friend Jessica with him. Evan was shocked when she met the Scientology cleric Jessica and her vile followers. Together with Jessica and Dane, the latter trio of nasty bull-baiters personified every horror story Evan had heard about Scientologists. The fact that Evan had never before known anyone like them worsened things. Evan was terrified beyond all reason that Dane was with such people.

 As she visualized them, Evan shivered. The Wicked Witch's theme from "The Wizard of Oz" had played in her mind when she first saw Jessica and now it did so again. Jessica wore a black skirted suit and had her dark hair in a bob surrounding huffy wide-mouthed features. Evan thought her voice might be hypnotic if one did not already know the things it espoused. Her hazel eyes appraised the world and found it wanting. It was unnerving in particular that Jessica's left eye did not seem to follow her right. Evan conjectured that it was glass.

 Jessica's snow-white skin and looming heavyset figure might be beautiful if not for the ugliness within them. Her three fat, short and lean minions followed her like an entourage in their bright-colored coats. Dane came along as well, a stocky young man with a hangdog face and a dark buzz cut. Jessica had a black falcon with her on the first day too, but Manson asked that she leave her pet outside his house and Jessica did not bring it again.

 The group of Scientologists spoke much to Evan and Manson when first they visited, pleased that they had found success in Narconon and offering further church programs. Manson turned them down flat. "I got off drugs without all this," he said. "I don't want or need any of it. Thanks, though. No offense."

 Evan's reaction was more confused. "Dane, I've been your friend and Erika's for five years now. You've never approached me about joining Scientology before. Why is it necessary?"

 It was difficult for Dane to answer and he looked away whenever Evan brought up Erika or the rest of his family. Jessica and her three followers — by this time Evan had learned they were brothers named Feshbach — interposed snide commentary and scripture, irritating Evan further. Evan grew bothered by these fanatics and Dane's simpering acceptance of their presence. At one point she cussed out them all and threw their literature at Dane. The group admonished each other for their attitudes, then left. Evan and Manson were certain their self-reproach was false.

 Jessica, Dane and the Feshbachs returned the next day. This time they were more earnest and did not bring up religion. Unsettled, Evan and Manson spoke with them. Dane and Evan were friends again for a while and she shared with him her conflicted feelings about Manson. Evan also told Dane about her new film "The Wrestler" and her kidding acquaintance with co-star Mickey Rourke. In good spirits, Dane shook hands with Evan and then offered to clean up her current image as Manson's toy by installing Jessica as her publicist. Evan said no and the now unwelcome guests departed again.

 Manson consoled Evan after these visits, telling her not to feel angry. It wasn't her fault that Dane and the Feshbachs were who they were. "My namesakes both had terrible experiences with Scientology too," he told Evan, referring to the actress Marilyn Monroe and the serial killer cult leader Charles Manson. "I was into it a little myself in the nineties, so I know it's not all bad. However, it sure doesn't do much to dispel its dark side, huh?"

 Evan agreed with Manson, although she hoped that Erika was still one of the exceptions to Scientology's troubled image and not the same as her brother or his new associates.

 "If you have faith she is not like them, so do I," Manson told Evan. "All my years in the music industry have taught me never to take people at face value. Look at me. Am I my name? Am I really who I appear? What is real anyway? You can't find the truth, you just pick the lie you like the best. As long as you know everything's a lie, you can't hurt yourself."

 "Not everything's a lie, Manson!" Evan insisted. "Our love is real, isn't it?"

 "Yes, I suppose it is," Manson said after considering. "You're right, Evan. I'm glad I met you. Before, I had trouble getting close to people. I was always afraid they would leave."

 Evan stroked herself with greater fervor, recalling the coupling that followed Manson telling her this. She inhaled and exhaled, trying to banish all negative thoughts from her mind.

 Jessica and the Feshbachs intruded with their smart aleck sneers. Evan used memories of Manson and his support for her to make them go away. She also remembered Erika and that not all Scientologists were evil. Erika liked me for me, Evan brooded, even though she rejected me after I started dating Manson. She was my friend and a good Scientologist. She lived the values of her creed in a way the Feshbachs did not and therefore proved that they alone did not represent their religion.

 Please tell me Erika hasn't become like her brother now, Evan prayed to God. I know Dane had problems and sometimes looked for help in the wrong places, but Erika was smarter than he was. She let other people be themselves. She was my friend and lover and I want her back someday. I need her to accept Manson and me. Erika's taught me so much. Please, give me the bravery to reach out to her! 

 Manson joined in Evan's prayers and even enacted an augury with his associates from the Church of Satan on her behalf. "Erika's alright," Manson told Evan after the ceremony. "She may be a different religion than I am, but like me she accepts that carnality is humanity's true nature. I know this because the Friendship and my church have said it to me."

 The Friendship, Evan reflected, a Masonic order spread out around the world. Erika's a member and her boyfriend Doug Ramsay is a Viceroy. They inducted me; however, I'm not very active. Like the Church of Satan, all you have to do to be a Friend is hold the membership. The society won't solicit you unless they find you're someone they want, but once you're in, you're in. They won't expel you, although they may investigate and punish you if they find out you don't share their values. I know they did that with Hitler, Napoleon, the Borgias and other people who used what they learned from the Friendship to harm humanity. Often when the Friendship has had to censor a member the effects have upset balances all over the world.

 It was due to these upset balances, and their dreams of a world united, that the Friendship avoided conflicts whenever possible. Friends demonstrated the sort of honesty, tolerance and charity espoused by Aristotle, Cicero, Thomas Jefferson and the other philosophers who have served as their leaders. They aided people and deserting someone was not in their nature. Evan was surprised when Erika and so many other Friends cut themselves off from her just because of the man she loved.

 Even the Friendship had secrets, Evan recalled, slowing the caresses she gave herself. It had existed for thousands of years and seen many empires rise and fall. The society's development and mistakes had earned it many enemies and allies. It had also witnessed other secret societies destroyed by public mistrust and outcry. Because of all this, the Friendship maintained its status as a little-known urban legend. In many cases, even leaders were not aware of the identity of other members until a need arose and a special word or gesture was exchanged.

 I know Erika is still a good Friend, Evan said to herself. Manson's more active in the society than I am and he checked out her status. I was surprised when he also learned there was a Friend among the Feshbach family, Jessica's twin sister Melissa. She's a Scientology cleric who lives the Friendship's values, even though so many others in her religion reject them. I was pleased to discover Erika was one of her confession cases. Now I'm trying to stoke up the strength to approach Erika again and revive our past closeness. Manson is helpful in this, though he's letting me lead.

 Evan's hands vibrated as she recalled that Manson was also stepping out of her life now. "You're distracting me from my art," he told Evan. "My image is hurting yours. I know you love me and that I will always love you, but it is best we take a break."

 Feeling her heart shake in her chest, Evan ground her teeth together at the memory. "All right," she answered Manson. "You have a point. Perhaps you are not the right person for me. I've also been a little ill around you ever since I found out about your drug habit. Our lovemaking has been fading of late. Maybe I'm getting bored like I did with Jamie. I will do as you ask."

 They parted, remaining close but no longer intimate. Evan began dating other people, including "Mysterious Skin" actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Joseph and Evan had known each other for years through thespian guilds and were good friends. She desired more but he wanted to take things slow and other people had distracted them both. I am willing to wait, Evan decided. At least I know Joseph is interested from the way he looks at me. I also appreciate his take on celebrity.




Counseling Ch. 02



"Actors didn't use to be rich legends," Joseph said often. "This whole culture where they are is new. The aristocrats used to be the people who had the gossip and the money. In the modern day, actors are the ones. I don't know if it's entirely healthy or right." Evan nodded in agreement, stroking her tits and thighs faster as she envisioned Joseph's eyes on her. Thoughts of Manson continued to come in also, as Evan knew she was not yet through with him.

 Evan still called Manson a fuck-buddy. She would star in his directorial debut when he got it finished. Even so, she was no longer his love. They announced their breakup to the press and then rumors started to appear. Evan was forced to explain some things and deny others. No, she was not dating Mickey Rourke. No, Manson was not abusing her. Yes, they were still friends. No, she did not have any addictions.

Things went on for a week, the gossip growing and then dying down. Evan used the Friendship to trace the source of the rumors when the media frenzy surged and learned it was Dane. She at once tailored her statements to the press to debase Dane without revealing his identity. Evan knew who really was responsible for the disinformation. On Friday morning, two days prior to the current day, those people showed up again at Manson's home. Evan had come over for breakfast to discuss Dane with Manson and was already there when they arrived.

 Dane was not with Jessica and the Feshbachs. "It was best he stay behind," Jessica said when asked. "This visit has a different purpose than our previous encounters."

 Before she could go into further detail, Evan confronted Jessica with what she had discovered about Erika's brother.

 "You think I told Dane to put out those rumors?" Jessica asked. "You've got it all wrong, dearie. If it was anyone's idea, it was his."

 "No," Evan insisted. "I know Dane and so does my brother Ira. We both agree he would not do such a thing himself. You influenced him to do it."

 Jessica stared at her and then smiled as she noticed Evan's firm expression. "Fine. So what if I did exert such influence? You now see the consequences of rejecting me. I can create a positive image for you both as easy as I did a negative. Join Scientology and I will do it. Manson, you will have the respect of the public. You, Evan, will no longer be the squeaky shell your fans now regard you. Dane will be your friend again too. What do you say?"

 The crazed holy woman extended her hand and Evan's responding taekwondo blow knocked her to the floor. Her three followers rushed at Evan but Manson's bodyguards intercepted them. Jessica glared at Evan one last time before the guards escorted her off Mason's home premises. "You will live to regret this," she said. She then fled with a cackle. Her grinning followers were just behind. Evan sighed in relief as she watched them go.

 After calming down in Manson's arms, Evan at once called Dane and told him about all that had happened. "You need to remember who you are!" Evan said to Dane. "You also need to remember who your sister is. You and Erika were among my best friends. You loved me during our film and afterwards. Now you're a loser making up false stories and expecting me to be something you know I can't. You won't even speak about your sister. What happened to you, Dane?"

 Dane did not reply and Evan hung up the receiver. She then went upstairs to take a nap after her ordeal.

 I have to call Erika, Evan decided upon awakening in the evening. She needs to save her brother before he becomes like those other people who have ruined her church. I must tell her what Dane's gotten himself into. I pray Erika's problems with me won't interfere too much with her trusting me. We need to reconnect. I want both Erika and Dane back as pals.

 Manson stopped Evan halfway to the phone. "I was e-mailed by the man you told me was Erika's boyfriend, Friendship Viceroy Doug Ramsay. He said that Erika's dealing with something very serious tonight and this isn't the best time to approach her. Give it till next week."

 Evan e-mailed Doug for further details and learned that Dane had expelled Jessica from his life and was reuniting with Erika. "Good," Evan told Doug. "I hope they'll both be okay." Evan stayed calm yet obsessed for the next two days, waiting for a sign. She wanted Dane and Erika to return to her as friends when the moment was right.

 Thinking of them, and Manson too, caused a new wave of ecstasy to enter Evan's mind. She let it flow across her body, shoving the stake into her cunt and scratching her breasts. She increased the intensity of her movements, rolling around on the bed and crying out incoherent words. Her thoughts had reached the present and Evan wanted to bring them to today. She could feel her pleasure coming back now, held off a short while by her review of her own life story. Evan accepted its rise, stirring her nerves with her stake and fingers. Flicking back and forth in her imagination, she called up her past lovers and things they had done. She also summoned her fantasies, both those that could never come to pass and those that might. Soon the faces of Erika and Manson took up prominence. Evan did not need to close her eyes to give them shape.

 Evan's hands became their hands, touching and massaging her torso. Each whispered loving words, easing her inner pain. Other devout religious celebrities Evan knew joined Manson and Erika, including the Christian Candace Cameron and the Buddhist Kate Hudson. Evan had met Candace at Friendship gatherings and considered her a fun acquaintance. Erika had introduced Evan to Kate and they had slept together on multiple occasions. Evan smiled when she recognized the new arrivals and nodded as they spoke to the two already present. It did not take many words for them to find common ground. Differences did not matter in the face of all the visions' need to help Evan. Together they extended glowing fingers and touched Evan's body. The young actress shook under their caresses and kind whispered advice.

 An old John Lennon song swelled in Evan's thoughts when the phantoms fondled her. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one... She smiled at the music, identifying it, and rubbed herself harder and faster. Evan's inner hearth burned strong now, fueled by her hopes.

 Another glowing figure took shape as the mass of phantoms stroked Evan — Doug Ramsay, the highest-ranking member of the Friendship she knew. He reached out and patted her shoulder, assuring Evan everything would be okay. Evan blinked, recalling Doug was never someone to whom she had really been attracted. Then he and all the other phantoms standing around Evan flashed and flowed together into her form.

 Evan screamed, feeling the mutual onslaught of ecstasy. This is ridiculous! Evan's id complained. None of these people have mystical powers! They're not really here, you're imagining this! It's a dream sequence even worse than those in your musical "Across the Universe"! Nodding, Evan informed her id that she knew all this and did not care. It was a wondrous hallucination and she would thrill to it.

 Shaking and crying out on the bed, Evan kicked her legs up and down into the mattress. The stake slipped from her fingers and tumbled away. Evan's juices flowed free and she no longer needed the masturbatory aid. The towel she placed beneath her pussy to prevent sheet stains absorbed her fluids. Her fingers collected them too, stirring a simmering boil. Evan pinched her clit with force and squeezed her throbbing nipples. She also flicked the scar on her belly, a sensitive area that Nikki Reed had pierced too hard.

 It took but a few seconds of this to make her explode. Evan's made-up lovers dissolved one by one into mist as she climaxed, each smiling and kissing her lips before they disappeared. Evan beamed at all of them, thanking them all for the help they gave her and telling Erika that Evan would soon be back in her life.

 Another phantom appeared when Evan's body calmed. It held the face and form of Dane Christensen. "I'm sorry, Evan," he said. "I should not have brought Jessica to you. I ought not to have tried to make you something you did not want to become. You must be strong ... no, wait, you are strong. You don't need my help or anyone else's to be so. Forgive me, Evan. Forgive me. Please."

 "I forgive you, Dane," Evan said, sitting up on the bed with a grin. Her hands dropped from her intimate spots and she sighed as the final phantom vanished. Damn, Evan thought. Why did he have to be just a fantasy?

 Never mind, she said to herself, looking down at her naked form. She brought her right hand's fingers to her lips and licked off their coating of sex sap. Evan smiled at the taste. Flushed with receding passion, she stood up and looked at herself in the room's full-length mirror. A long black wig sat on the stand next to the glass and Evan picked it up and slipped it on, hiding her pale blonde flood of hair.

 She looked over her body and smiled, pinching her nipples and stroking her loins until they became too sensitive and thoughts of further pleasure had passed. I have a party to attend at Manson's tonight, Evan thought. He's holding a get-together for Saint Andrew's Feast and he wants me to be there. Manson admires Christian saints even though he's a Satanist. Other celebrities will be at the party too. It's a costume event and I'm going as the "Dork Tower" comic character Gilly the Perky Goth. There will be dancing and music, alcohol but no drugs. Manson assured me that his security would keep all problems off the premises. It will be fun and maybe after it is over Erika will be ready to talk to me. I would send her an invitation, but Manson told me he heard things are still unclear on Erika's end. Some of her friends will show up tonight, however she can't. I hope it will be different next week.

 Evan sighed, thinking of all that she had been through and what might still be lurking ahead. I fear the unexpected most, she realized. I did not predict that Dane might come back into my life as he did. Nor did I foresee that loving Manson would change me so much.

 The unexpected has been of benefit also, though, Evan reflected. I felt that quite often when I filmed "Upside" and when I met Mischa and my other lovers. I think I need a reminder of how surprise can be good. I will seduce a stranger at the party tonight, a person I don't know. Manson doesn't mind people using his mansion's many guest rooms for trysts and dalliances. I wonder who I will find.

 Shrugging off such thoughts for now, she turned from the mirror and walked to her closet. A frilly black gown with a plunging neckline hung there waiting for her. Evan had no engagements today but the party and she wanted to get ready to go. 

 "Out tonight," she hummed, donning the dress. "I want to go out tonight!"

***

 "Clint Eastwood?" the airport tourist asked, looking back and forth at the two people standing before him. "Jodie Foster?"

 "No," Jodi Lee Nichols replied. "Sorry. We're just lookalikes."

 "Damn it!" the tourist fumed. "Five days in Hollywood and I didn't see one celebrity. Not one!" Gesturing wildly with his hands, he walked past the pair of Friendship spies and into the main terminal of Los Angeles International Airport.

Quite a disturbed man,  Asher Stravjan said to his companion in sign language. Perhaps we should have lied to him. 

 "I thought so too," Jodi Lee answered, signing back to emphasize her words. She'd adopted this habit around Asher even though he was merely mute and not deaf.

 They were former Special Forces soldiers, members of a team that had once fought terrorism for the United Nations and now worked for Doug Ramsay. Jodi Lee was a waitress at the nightclub Inside Out while Asher was a bartender and janitor. 

 Asher liked to entertain the club's patrons with juggling and other tricks. He had grown up in a Poland Gypsy community and then joined his nation's armed forces, eventually entering the elite unit called GROM. This group specialized in unconventional warfare and terrorist elimination. Asher had ranked among their best scouts. He looked like an old man even though he was only in his middle thirties with his short white hair and very pale skin and eyes. Asher's appearance was the effect of a condition called albinism, which he often countered with disguise. He was an expert in psychology and languages also, despite his lack of a tongue for the past six years.

 Jodi Lee was the pride of the Australian Special Forces. As one of the few women selected to serve in the Australian Special Air Service, she excelled at infiltration and sabotage as much as Asher did. Jodi Lee grew up on an Outback ranch herding cattle and spending time with Aboriginals. She also attended a private international school in Taipei when her father moved there to further their family business. Jodi Lee was already skilled at much of the training her instructors gave her when she joined the military and exhibited well the excellence the instructors demanded. Australia employed her on counter-terrorist operations, security in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and various other matters. In 2002, Jodi Lee left the army to find a calmer life. She felt the need to settle down after a mission that killed her lover and disgraced their commander.

 Asher was maimed and tortured on that mission also, Jodi Lee recalled. The results of Operation Sweetheart are the reason he only speaks in sign language now. I have to watch him but otherwise it's not that hard to get what he's saying. Special Forces troops make extravagant use of gestures and body language. I'm also a very close friend to Asher, even though I'm bisexual and he's unfortunately only gay.

 Jodi Lee regarded herself in a nearby mirror, nodding at her doe brown eyes and short dark copper hair. I do sort of look like Jodie Foster, she thought. I'm about fifteen years younger, though, and I have more freckles. I suppose we have about the same body shape. I know I share her sexual orientation and her views on God. I don't think we need God and only see him in the gaps, the things psychology and science cannot explain. Some consider this view ignorant, but I nonetheless hold on to it. There is far more faith to be found in a lack of evidence than there is in any established religion.

 Asher tapped her on the shoulder. Viceroy Ramsay has not told Friend Manson that we will be attending his party, the Gypsy signed when Jodi Lee faced him once more. Costumes and invitations are arranged, though. Do you remember our mission? 

 "Yes," Jodi Lee replied. "We are to ascertain the current status and emotional state of Manson's girlfriend, Friend Evan Rachel Wood. Friend Erika Christensen has requested that we conduct this investigation while she assists her brother Dane with some recent problems in his life. Dane is not a Friend, though he knows of us and is worthy of membership under the right circumstances. Evan and Manson are both Friends, but Erika has been out of contact with Evan and does not know Manson's status as a Friend. She fears for their souls."

 No one walking past Asher and Jodi Lee raised an eyebrow at the speech. Strange people and philosophies were very common in Los Angeles.

Good, Asher complimented Jodi Lee. Do you have any initial feelings about Friend Evan?

 Jodi Lee took a moment to consider before she answered. "Well, I'm not sure. I've heard a lot about Marilyn Manson. He is, like many celebrities, a prophet and a pusher. Part truth, part fiction. A walking contradiction."

Agreed, Asher signed. I myself am a great fan of Marilyn Manson. I enjoy his music. The man's aura concerns me also and perhaps that is what I like the most. However, it was not him I asked you about.

 "Right." Jodi Lee paused in thought again. "Well, I know Manson is into the Goth scene and the Church of Satan. I don't like either of those environments. This mission makes me apprehensive. If Evan is too deep into Goth or Satanic stuff and is hurting herself, we may have trouble extracting her."

That is not necessarily our mission.

 "I know. It's just that I'm worried about Evan. I never really got to know her when she attended Inside Out. I wanted to, but she was too involved with Jamie Bell and her other friends. There was also our age difference."

I see. My advice to you is to discard all preconceptions. Growing up among my people, I saw many who assumed we were strange because they considered us different. They wanted to separate themselves from us because they thought they were not like us. They never bothered to get close and see that we were actually very much like them. I believe that the same lesson applies here. Friend Evan may be okay and we should not assume she is in trouble just because people like Friend Manson are not trustworthy on the surface.

 "You're right," Jodi Lee said, reminding herself that Asher was more experienced than she was with the Friendship and its ways. "I will wait until we see Evan before I give myself any more ideas about her. She may not remember you or me, and if I approach her with the wrong suppositions it could be problematic."

I am glad you understand that. By the way, I had a text exchange with Viceroy Ramsay while you used the restroom and I retrieved our luggage. There may be some additional problems at the party tonight.

 Jodi Lee frowned as Asher signed further. "A clan of devoted yet corrupt Scientologists is trying to convert Manson? Paparazzi are infiltrating the party too?"

I do not think they will be of serious concern. Manson knows the Feshbachs have targeted him and he will have security alert for their possible presence at the party. Friend Baxter Page, our old comrade, is one of the tabloid infiltrators. He should help keep the other two in line.

 "Don't you think we should warn Manson about the reporters?"

No. If they are kept out of the party, it will impact several ongoing Friendship operations. Gossip has its uses. Some take advantage of it, some can learn from it. We shall allow both.

 "Fine," Jodi Lee told her fellow scout. "I trust your judgment. Where do we pick up the costumes?"

It has already been arranged. Asher punctuated his gestures by waving at a nearby cab.

To Be Continued...



Counseling Ch. 03



Counseling; Chapter 3,

an erotic tale by AchtungNight.

Celebs: Evan Rachel Wood, Jodie Foster (lookalike).

Codes: FF, oral, romance, voy.

Standard disclaimer- This story is a satirical fantasy. It is fictional, even though its plot and characters are based on real events and people. All characters based on real people are fictionalized. All celebrities in the story are impersonated — poorly. I, the author, have no actual connection to any celebrity mentioned in this story other than being their fan, and I acknowledge that they do not act in real life the way my characters based on them do. I did not write this tale for financial profit and I expect none from it. This story contains controversial adult themes and situations, so it should not be read by those who are close-minded or under age 18.

Intro: Hello, readers. This tale is my tribute to celebrities and other people who need to get their minds fixed up, and their lives straightened out. It is a satire, like all my stories. All opinions expressed by the themes are mine. If you disagree, that is your right and I hope you will excuse me. If I am not as familiar with my subjects as I should be, please correct me if you are more knowledgeable. Any mistakes in this story that were not caught by my editor and other advisors are my responsibility.

There are references to other art in the story. The mentions of the nudist camp "The Pines" and its patrons appear with permission from author Nick Scipio. Writer KMB allowed me to include a nod to his "Harem" series (which takes place in a separate but connected universe from my own celebrity fanfiction). I give my thanks to these great artists for letting me plug their writings. I also credit Greg Weisman, John Kovalic and the creators of all the other works mentioned in the text. I don't own any of these people's conceptions and I did not contact any artist other than KMB and Nick Scipio for prior advertising assent. However, all these artisans' labors inspire me. I hope they and their fans will appreciate the ways I have paid them homage here.

In my series timeline, you can consider this tale the bridge between "Passion of Erika Christensen" Chapters 4 and 5. I would call it a "Passion" chapter, but Erika is not the lead of the story. She's just one of many important characters. I also want to do a sweeping summary to bring her into the present. Therefore, I have put this story outside the main "Passion" arc. You can call it "Passion 4.75" ("The Rendezvous" being 4.25 and "Rekindled" being 4.5) if you must. No other text should be required reading, though as usual my other stories are connected to this. "Counseling" is also one of my longer works, so I have broken it into four chapters for reader convenience. I recommend everyone read the chapters in order.

One additional note — the villain in this tale is a character I have tried to introduce before. She can be held in check no longer and my heroes need to face her. People like this woman and her associates exist and are the reason certain celebrities are distrusted by their potential fans. I feel this needs depiction. The villain in question has been retooled for her role. If all goes well, we will be seeing her again for further conflicts. She is a figure whom I believe fits the part I have given her, like all my characters. I'll let the tale itself speak further as to whom she is.

Please let me know if you like or dislike this story. I appreciate any feedback I am sent. I haven't been getting nearly enough feedback of late and would like that to change.

***

Counseling, Chapter 3.

Los Angeles, California. November 30, 2008.

"May I see your invitations, please?"

"Invitations?" the tallest of the strange trio replied. "We don't need no stinking invitations!"

The two heavyset guards standing in front of the gate in the fence surrounding Marilyn Manson's Beverly Hills home exchanged frowns. The one on the right, Andy, was dressed as Frankenstein's Monster. His partner, Barney, was in a mummy outfit. Andy nodded at Barney and then turned back to the trio of men at the gate. "If you don't have invitations, you can't get in."

"I told you!" was the reply. "We don't need invitations!"

Barney grimaced as he looked over the three. I might not let these guys in even if they did have invitations, he thought. I've been watching them. They're not in costume and that's the theme of our employer's party tonight. Everyone standing around these guys is dressed properly and ready for the gathering, but they're not. They're also among the most suspicious people I've ever seen in two decades of working security for celebrities in Los Angeles, New York and everywhere in between. Something about them just gives me a bad vibe.

The three men were Caucasian and dressed well in pressed black T-shirts, jeans and garish plaid sports jackets. Other than that, they looked very dissimilar. The one who had spoken was tall and lean with a long face and thin blond hair. He wore a red coat and held an energy drink can in one hand. Barney had seen him take many sips from the drink while standing in the long line outside the mansion. The mummy guard dubbed this character "Stretch."

Stretch's first accomplice was a short fellow with features like a rodent. His nose and eyes were sharp and his black hair was knotted and thick. A horrible smell emitted from his body. He constantly took unwrapped beef jerky bits from his blue jacket's pockets and chewed on them, ignoring the awful effects this had on his image and breath. It was because of the stench that Barney thought of him as "Stinky".

The third man was of medium height but very obese with a dark brown flattop and beard. He grinned at the people around him, showing shark-like teeth. His lips, fingers and green coat were very greasy. Barney guessed that "Fatso" ate too much fried junk food and wiped his face on his sleeves.

Who are these guys? Barney wondered, looking them over again. He noticed some other common features among the trio now. The three moved rapidly, sometimes even jerking about and jogging in place when they stood at ease. In addition, they all wore unfamiliar eight-limbed crosses on pendants around their necks and had their coat pockets stuffed with pamphlets that read "Dianetics" at the top. Scientologist cult Cylons, Barney realized. We definitely don't need their scum.

"You may not get in without invitations," Andy informed the trio a third time.

"Hey!" Stretch shouted. "I told you —"

"Silence, brother Bean," Stretch's short odiferous associate said and then stepped forward. "Look, you officers are obviously very good at your jobs," Stinky hissed, looking from Barney to Andy and back again. "We appreciate that. My brothers and I forgot our invitations, but we have good reason to be here. This is Marilyn Manson's party, is it not?"

"Yes, but no one gets in without invitations," Barney said. He decided to taunt the suspects a little himself and see what happened. "Especially not people like you."

"What?" Stinky raised his eyebrows and noticed the guards' eyes on his pamphlets. "Oh, is it this?" He fingered his pendant. "You let Catherine Bell in a few minutes ago!"

"She had an invitation," said Andy. "You don't."

Catherine Bell is also one of the Scientologists I can tolerate, Barney added to himself. She's a very pleasant person, doesn't proselytize her beliefs unprompted and exudes no sinister feelings. These three on the other hand ...

Fatso came close to the guards and said, "Look, guys, if you didn't know, Marilyn Manson is converting to Scientology. We're here to spread the word to his guests."

"Manson is converting to Scientology?" Andy directed raised eyebrows at Barney. "I haven't heard anything about that!"

"Me neither," Barney said. "Then again, we were only hired yesterday. You better call Mr. Fox."

Andy nodded and moved away from the trio, raising a radio to his lips. Barney kept his eyes on the three dubious men while his partner contacted their supervisor. The trio continued to make arguments for their permission to enter, punctuating their pronouncements with insults and rising fervor. Barney returned their words with only a blank stare. After a few minutes, the three stopped trying to bait him and looked at each other.

"Damn," Stretch, or Bean, said. "This pig is good."

"Maybe Jessica was right," whispered Stinky. "She said that Manson was a lost cause. The Chairman of Scientology told her we need to quit doing things like this."

"That moron needs to stop changing our procedures!" Fatso spat. He turned back to Barney. "Look, rent-a-cop, tell Manson we're here. He'll welcome us."

Barney glanced towards his partner, who was putting his radio back on his belt. "Well, Andy?"

"Mr. Fox told me just what to do with these guys," Andy said. "He knows them very well." The Frankenstein's Monster guard grinned and then addressed the suspicious men. "You may not enter the mansion. Our client told us not to admit you."

"We aren't going away!" Fatso declared. "You can't make us leave!"

"Fine," Andy said with a shrug. "If you want to stand out here and wait, you can do that. I have a feeling you will be waiting forever."

Tall Bean, stinky Bunce and Fatso looked at each other. After sighing, they turned and cantered off, grumbling amongst themselves. Andy watched them leave and then faced Barney. "Did those guys remind you of Roald Dahl at all?"

"Not a bit," Barney replied with a shrug. "I saw them more as the bad ghosts from those 'Casper' movies or maybe Donald Duck's nephews."

After sharing a chuckle with Barney, Andy waved at the next people in line. "Ah, Ms. Leah Remini. Welcome. Mr. Angelo Pagan, welcome to you as well. Barney and I have done security for your friend Jennifer Lopez several times, if you don't remember. We're working for Manson tonight. Can I see your invitations? Thank you. Please ignore the way we just treated your fellow Scientologists. We have cause to believe that not everyone in your church is a good person like the two of you are. Oh, you know those guys? You agree with my partner and me about them? Okay, thanks." The guards stepped aside and let the celebrity couple dressed as a zombie Fred and Wilma Flintstone pass.

***

Farther back in line, a frumpy brunette woman fidgeted, adjusting her glasses and smoothing her hair. "Do you think I make a good Daria?" she asked the blond weasel-faced werewolf standing beside her. Nadine Holliday wore a green sweater vest and black skirt. She and two other tabloid journalists were assigned to infiltrate Manson's party at the last minute. Her favorite angst-filled MTV character was the quickest costume Nadine could rustle up.

"You look great," Gary Parker, the werewolf, replied. He wore a full-length fur outfit with fangs and makeup instead of a mask. Gary was hoping that no celebrities or party security would recognize him from his TV appearances. Or maybe I don't care if they do, Gary thought with a shrug. If they throw me out, it will still be a decent story.

The third reporter in their party, Baxter Page, was a middle-aged hippie with long brown hair and beard. Outfitted in typical Goth attire like most of the crowd around them, Baxter had several disfiguring marks on his face. "You guys really should have dressed better," he told Nadine and Gary. "Do you want someone to know who we are?"

"You're not wearing a very good costume either," Gary pointed out.

"No, but I have on fake scars and piercings. Do you honestly think anyone is going to peg me as the perfect gentleman I usually am on the air? Damn it, you two!" Baxter waved his hands and then looked away, focusing on the crowd. "At least there should be many good stories here," he said. "You see that guy who just walked through the gates disguised as a mad scientist? That was Jack Nicholson."

"The original Joker?" Gary asked. He looked towards the mansion entrance and nodded. "Yeah, that was him."

"I spotted Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie farther back in line," Nadine said. "Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer were about twenty people ahead of us. If those two couples meet up tonight, it could be fun to watch the fireworks."

"I thought you didn't like recording celebrity troubles, Nadine," Gary said.

"I don't mind a good spat. I just don't want to be the one that starts it. I got into this business to win friends."

Fat chance of that in our line of work, Gary thought but did not say. He looked around the crowd, trying to spot more famous faces. Manson had made it known that he was collecting donations tonight for a campaign to overturn the recent ban on homosexual marriage in California. Thus a large number of celebrities and others were attending his gathering. One or two hundred people outside all together, Gary counted. Perhaps three hundred more if you add security and other hangers-on. There's got to be at least that number within the mansion too. I see a few of our colleagues on the street behind the fence, taking notes and snapping away with cameras. They won't be going inside the house, though. Nadine, Baxter and I will.

He removed the invitation from his pocket and showed it to the guards, who nodded and stepped out of his way. I wonder how our boss Ted Pinkerton got us invited here, Gary thought as he watched Baxter and Nadine admitted past the gate. It seemed almost too convenient. He also provided us concealable microphones and digital video recorders disguised as reflective buttons. I don't know where Mr. Pink acquired such technology. He's handed out spy gadgets before, but these are very sophisticated. I hope they work right.

"You think Lindsay Lohan will be here?" Gary asked Nadine, recalling a recent interview they had done with that actress.

"Probably not," Nadine answered. She smiled at some Goths who hummed "La, la, la, la, la" as they walked past her. "Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson are in Europe right now. We talked to Lindsay right before they left."

"Oh yeah," Gary recalled with a sigh. He regretted that he could not interrogate Lindsay further about her confessed bisexuality or her declining career.

"Keep your minds on what we're going to be doing here tonight," Baxter ordered his co-workers. "Don't go looking for specific people. Just wait and watch what happens. If we're lucky, we'll get something Ted will enjoy hearing. If not, at least we tried."

"If somebody recognizes us, be nice," Nadine suggested. "Tell them we're not on the job. Wait, do you think they'll believe that?"

"No, probably not," Baxter answered with a sigh. He looked around the courtyard and felt relieved that no one was paying attention to them.

I wonder if my allies in the Friendship society are here yet, Baxter thought. I called and warned Viceroy Doug Ramsay that we'd be coming. Our boss is also a Viceroy, so we couldn't get out of this assignment. Doug said he understood and had already dispatched his own infiltrators. Like us, they're charged to ascertain the current state of Marilyn Manson's girlfriend, actress Evan Rachel Wood. I doubt we'll be working with these other spies but I hope they at least won't work against us. Never mind, Baxter. Keep your eyes on the game.

Gesturing at Gary and Nadine to follow him, the hippie journalist headed towards the mansion's front door. His colleagues walked alongside, checking out faces and noting those they knew. Their hidden cameras and microphones were taping away. None of the three reporters saw the burly balding actor dressed as his "Sin City" character admitted to the party a few minutes after they entered the mansion.

"It's great to see you here," Barney said.

"Thank you," Mickey Rourke replied. "It's great to be seen."

***

Inside the mansion, Jodi Lee Nichols and Asher Stravjan were already in place amongst the crowd. There were almost as many Goths and other costumed people inside as outside. All were enjoying themselves while music played and drinks got served. The music was mostly that of the mansion's owner, of course. Marilyn Manson had also inserted songs by Nine Inch Nails, KISS, the Sisters of Mercy and other Goth metal groups. Jodi Lee didn't often listen to such tunes but now she was finding herself liking them. The raw vibe and emotion of the beat sounded in her brain and the words sparked memories of wonderful things she had done with guys and girls. I wish I had known there was so much sex in Goth rock before, Jodi Lee thought. Maybe I would have had a better opinion of it.

"Hey!" a very drunk guest said, beaming at Jodi Lee and Asher. "Jodie Foster! Clint Eastwood! I thought I saw you both leave five minutes ago!"

Jodi Lee raised her eyebrows and looked at Asher. Should we correct this guy that we're only lookalikes? Jodi Lee asked in sign language

No, the albino mute Asher answered in the same. It does not matter if he thinks we are people we are not.

Jodi Lee shrugged and nodded at the drunk as he stumbled off. "I thought there would be drugs here," she said, looking around. "Aren't Goths supposed to be into heroin and cocaine?"

You expect them to explore such habits in the open? Those habits are more rumor than reality, Jodi Lee. I thought you said you were going to drop your preconceived notions.

"Sorry," Jodi Lee replied. She looked at herself in a mirror on the wall. The Australian agent was dressed as a fantasy Amazon with her dark copper hair piled into a beehive and makeup accenting her sharp freckled face. A brown imitation leather bustier and skirt completed the ensemble. Asher had disguised himself as a grinning ghoul, a blue-skinned undead cannibal with ragged clothes and yellow fangs. He waved his clawed hands at people who complimented him on his costume.

"Far out, man," a moping Goth said as he drifted by.

Thank you, Asher signed in response. He did not care that most of the guests could not interpret his movements. Have you seen Friend Evan yet? Asher asked Jodi Lee.

"No," the other Friendship agent said. Jodi Lee sipped her virgin martini. "I keep looking for her trademark blonde hair and then I remember that like everyone else here she's probably hiding herself."

I concur. Perhaps we should split up and look for her separately.

"All right. Why don't you see if some of these people can understand you? I've heard there are disabled Goths and homosexual ones also. Maybe you can make a new friend with benefits or two tonight."

I am too professional for that. I could show these people some juggling or acrobatics, though, if it would not attract too much attention.

"Do that," Jodi Lee suggested. I don't think you'll have much problem drawing attention here, she added to herself. I see quite a few celebrities around us exhibiting shocking behavior. That old man in the mad scientist outfit is Jack Nicholson, one of the greatest actors to ever play the Joker and the Wolf Man. He's got two twenty-something Goth girls on his arms and they both look extremely intoxicated. Do I have to speculate what Jack plans to do with those girls?

I also see many celebrity couples dancing and making out in the room, homo- and heterosexual. There's Ellen DeGeneres embracing Portia de Rossi and there's Jennifer Aniston waltzing with John Mayer. The former couple is dressed as the witches Willow and Tara from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and the latter couple is impersonating the young stars of that new vampire film "Twilight". And there's George Takei with his gay partner. They're kissing and costumed as Sulu and Wesley Crusher from "Star Trek". I also see Wanda Sykes over there dressed as Elvira hugging some other black woman dressed in drag as Drizzt the dark elf. Hmm.

Wait a second. That couple over there disguised as Devil Ned and Warrior Angel Maude Flanders. The chubby blonde and the rangy man with the mustache standing near the front door. Is that Candace Cameron and her hockey player husband? No way, it can't be. Candace Cameron is a famous evangelical Christian. What would she be doing at a party hosted by a well-known Satanist high priest?




Counseling Ch. 03



Maybe she was part of the Friendship secret society like Manson, Jodi Lee conjectured. Members of the Friendship were amazingly tolerant of other religions. They knew that religion was supposed to be about freedom and satisfaction, not conversion or control. The Friendship welcomed and learned from diversity. They admitted followers of nearly all philosophies in support of this idea, rejecting only the prejudiced. Holding freedom of religion as an inalienable right, the Friendship's leaders advised their subordinates to live the good in their personal beliefs and to respect those of others. Most Friends followed such suggestions. They knew from history that religions grew in tolerant climates. They shrunk, then destabilized if their environment filled with conceit and fear.

Even if Candace wasn't a Friend, though, her religion was no reason to peg her as a bigot. Many Christians throughout history practiced great openness, Jodi Lee reflected. The Puritans were proud sexual beings, although they only wanted affection to occur within the bounds of marriage and never in public. There were also several Roman and medieval Christian sects that were into free love and swinging. Jesus Christ himself hung out with adulterers and prostitutes. Just because Candace's brother Kirk was a modern stuck-up Christian idiot was not cause to assume she was as well.

On impulse, Jodi Lee waved her hands in a secret Friendship gesture at the Flanders couple. Maude signed back and Jodi Lee smiled, happy she was right.

Asher tapped Jodi Lee on the shoulder and she turned back to her Gypsy companion. We work alone, Asher signed. Viceroy Ramsay said not to make this too complicated.

"Sorry," Jodi Lee said. "I'll try to remember our mission. You work the crowd. I'll find our host." Asher nodded in agreement and moved away.

It did not take Jodi Lee long to locate Marilyn Manson. The rock star was one of the few people at the party dressed as themselves. He feels his usual appearance is costume enough, Jodi Lee guessed as she looked upon Manson's pale face, long black hair and leather jacket and pants. A top hat, tails and cane were also part of his outfit, she noticed, so maybe he was in costume after all. Jodi Lee pegged him as Willy Wonka. Manson seemed very laissez-faire, pleased that his party was successful and exchanging greetings with the guests.

I think Asher was right, Jodi Lee said to herself. The man is more agreeable than his public image. Yes, he disturbs me a little, but that's okay.

A few security guards in Goth attire were around Manson, including a supervisor in a fox mask so fantastic it looked like his real face. Guests were walking up and saying hello. Two young people also stood nearby. One was a pale-skinned girl in a black dress with a plunging neckline and a long black wig. The other was a dark-haired twenty-something man who looked like he was part of some Hell's Angels biker gang.

"Great party tonight," actor David Duchovny was telling Manson when Jodi Lee approached. He was costumed as his "X-Files" character Mulder and had his wife Tea Leoni as Scully on his arm. "I'm glad I got out of rehab soon enough to be here." 

"This is for the feast of Saint Andrew," Manson replied. "He's a patron of those who suffer from gout and sore throats, fishermen and the unmarried. He traveled much of the ancient world to spread the Gospels and charity under threats and persecution. I felt it appropriate to hold a fundraiser party against the recent Proposition 8 in his name."

"I thought you were a Satanist," Tea Leoni said.

"That doesn't mean I can't also revere other religions." Manson told the couple to enjoy the party and then turned back to the young man standing with him. "Thanks. You were saying?"

"My brother Dane is very sorry," the biker youth replied. "He got involved with the wrong people and brought them to preach to you without seeking your prior blessing. He recognizes that you do not appreciate such people and that you do not want to become a member of our religion. Dane wants you to know that he is now distancing himself from the Feshbachs and those like them, as many Scientologists already have. Dane could not be here to apologize himself, as he is in St. Louis sorting through some issues. Thus our sister Erika asked me to stop by."

"Does Erika want to see me again?" the Goth girl with Manson asked. Jodi Lee blinked, recognizing her cherubic face and large blue eyes. Evan Rachel Wood, she thought. There you are.

"She does," the biker youth answered Evan, "provided that you want to see her. Erika is also busy tonight, but as you may know, she asked many of her friends to stop by and make donations to your cause. She wants to ensure you bear no ill will towards our entire religion because of the actions of a few of its members."

"Erika doesn't need to worry about that," Manson said. "I'm fine with Scientology in general. I just don't want to be in it myself and I want it to stop its abusive practices. You know what I'm speaking of, right?"

After receiving a nod, Manson continued. "You can advise Erika I'm aware of her involvement with a group that wants to reform your church. My own church is willing to support that movement's goals. Our creed's founder, Anton LaVey, was a great influence on Scientology's founder and our religions may need to work together again. Also, please tell Erika I asked you to make this gesture in front of her."

The biker youth smiled and returned the gesture after frowning at Manson's Satanic endorsements. "I will do that."

"Please inform Erika I want to see her again soon," Evan said. "Thank you for coming. Brando, right?"

"Yes," Brando Christensen said. "I'm Dane's twin brother, four minutes older. Erika and I will be flying to join the rest of our family in St. Louis tomorrow."

"When she gets back to L.A., please make sure she calls me," Evan requested. "Also thank her for putting the word out about our party. I've seen Catherine Bell here tonight, along with Kirstie Alley, Jason Lee and Leah Remini and her husband. Is there anyone else planning on stopping by?"

"John Travolta could not make it but he wanted me to give you this." Brando handed a check to Manson and chuckled. "John in particular supports gay rights."

"Too bad your church didn't support them during the Proposition 8 vote process," Manson said. "Thank John for me. I'll add this to the stash."

"Don't mention it to too many people, okay?" Brando asked. "Now if you'll excuse me, I would like to enjoy the party a little."

"Go forth, young whippersnapper!" Manson waved and smiled. "Have a good time!" Brando thanked him and walked off.

I didn't know Friend Erika would be working independent of Viceroy Ramsay tonight, Jodi Lee reflected on the conversation she'd just heard. Well, I suppose what she's doing is for the best. That girl could be a Viceroy herself with all the influence she commands. I wonder why they haven't raised her yet. Maybe they're waiting for an appropriate moment. The Scientologist reformers are strong, yet the traditionalists are greater in number and influence. The church leaders must be afraid of a schism right now, which is why they aren't forcing one by expelling all the liberals. I don't blame them for their fear. I saw some Anonymous anti-Scientology protesters outside.

"Brando should tell Erika I'm fine," Evan said to Manson. "I wish she was here, though."

"All things in time, my dear," Manson replied, patting her on the shoulder. "Now you go mingle, okay? You're hanging around me too much. I want you to wean yourself off me a bit."

"If you say so." Evan smiled at Manson and moved away.

Jodi Lee followed Evan, wanting to stay close to her. She seems okay, thought the Australian agent. I'd better make sure, though. I hope nothing terrible is going to happen at this party tonight. Jodi Lee wove her way around a trio dressed like a Goth hippie, a werewolf and the MTV character Daria as well as a burly balding man dressed in a gray trench coat and a multitude of bandages who was eyeing her. She smiled at the latter, recognizing actor Mickey Rourke. Then she turned from him and walked on, nodding at other guests she passed.

Evan eventually reached the bar. She sat on a stool and ordered a drink from the satyr-costumed bartender. Jodi Lee finished her martini and then set the empty glass on the counter. "Give me another, please," she ordered. "Virgin. Shaken, not stirred."

"Coming right up, Ms. Foster," the bartender replied.

"Excuse me," a voice said. Jodi Lee turned to see Evan Rachel Wood directing a smile and a raised glass towards her. "You're not really Jodie Foster, are you?"

"No." Jodi Lee shook her head and extended her hand. "Grace Packer. I'm from Australia." Evan's surprise had sparked Jodi Lee's improvisation skills. Jodi Lee hoped her relative wouldn't mind her name being used.

"I didn't think you were Jodie Foster. You look about fifteen years younger with more freckles. Are you related to James Packer, the famous Australian rich man?"

"Fourth cousin once removed." It was a lie, but Jodi Lee didn't think Evan would bother tracing it. In reality, her family was a bit more closely related to the Packers than she had said. "I dropped off a donation earlier." That was the truth.

"Thank you," Evan said. She followed her words with a Friendship secret gesture. Jodi Lee returned the gesture, judging that it would not harm her cover. Evan's smile widened. "I'm Evan Rachel Wood, the actress."

"I recognized you. I think you did a great job in 'The Life Before Her Eyes'."

"Thanks. It was a terrific movie. So you're dressed as Kayleigh."

"Who?"

"Kayleigh is a character from the geek comic 'Dork Tower'. You look just like her with your hair like that. I'm the other main female character, Gilly the Perky Goth."

"Oh. Well, it wasn't really my intention to dress as anyone specific. Someone else picked this costume. I don't even know who you're talking about."

"Kayleigh's an uptight shopaholic who's also a role-playing gamer," a voice at Jodi Lee's elbow said. The Australian agent turned and saw a brown-haired man with average features dressed as Commissioner Gordon from the recent "Batman" films. "Kayleigh looks down on the gaming hobby but then gets enthusiastic about it the first time she plays. She kills several orcs and a turbonium dragon."

"Turbonium dragon?" Jodi Lee repeated, gaping.

"More like turbonium bitch!" Evan screeched.

"Sorry to jump in," Gordon said. "Nathan Foulger, producer." He introduced the red-haired woman in the Batgirl costume beside him. "This is my daughter Barbara ... I mean, my girlfriend, Alicia Witt."

"One night only, Nathan," Alicia replied. "Hello, Evan. It's great to see you again."

"Alicia!" Evan said, beaming as she and Alicia clasped hands. "How long has it been? Did Erika ask you to attend this party too?"

"No, it was Nathan. We broke up two weeks ago and this is our final date. Erika did want me to say hello, though. She learned of your situation with her brother Dane the day before yesterday and wanted me to let you know he's okay now."

"Brando already told Manson and me," Evan said. "Are you and the Commish gonna be here for a while?"

"We are," Nathan answered. "This party looks like fun."

"Fun is number one," Alicia quoted her breakout film's tagline with a smirk.

"Well, I'd love to talk to you both again later," Evan told them. "Right now, though, I'm sort of occupied." She glanced towards Jodi Lee.

"See you in an hour or so then, little child," Alicia said, pecking Evan on the forehead. "I definitely want to renew old acquaintances. Come along, Nathan."

"Yes, my darling." Her boyfriend hurried to catch up as Alicia moved away.

Jodi Lee picked up on Evan's cue. She had already observed several couples moving out of the mansion's main gathering areas towards the adjoining guest rooms. She also knew Evan's orientation but did not want to let on that she knew. "You're lesbian?"

"Bisexual," Evan corrected. "I prefer women, though. I've been with more of them than I have men. You?"

"The same," Jodi Lee said. So Evan wants to seduce me, she thought. Okay, I suppose I'll allow it. I've used this as a spy tactic before many times. Sex is one of the best ways to connect with a person and I did want Evan when we knew each other at Viceroy Ramsay's club long ago. I was right that she wouldn't remember me from back then.

"Good. So I broke up with my boyfriend recently and I'm looking for a stranger tonight. Interested?"

Jodi Lee nodded but indicated with her expression that she didn't want to take things too fast. "Your boyfriend was our host Marilyn Manson?"

"Right. Please ignore all the rumors you've heard about him. I agree he's crazy, but to me crazy is a compliment. I'm crazy too."

"I heard you've been losing yourself since you started dating Manson."

"No! I've been finding myself. I used to be so shy. Then acting brought me out and Manson finished the job. I've never been more comfortable in my own skin." Evan laughed. "So do you like the party?"

"Yes." Jodi Lee felt pleased that she could detect no dishonesty in Evan's speech. "You?"

"Of course. I don't mind being among the mad people. I like it." Evan waved at the bartender to refill her drink. "Have you tried this? It's cinnamon vodka tonic, just like at 'Inside Out' in London."

Jodi Lee smiled. "I've been there. I'm not drinking alcohol tonight, though. Thanks."

Evan put her hand on Jodi Lee's. "So did you come here alone?"

"No," Jodi Lee answered after a pause. "My, um, brother is that ghoul over there."

She looked around and spotted Asher, who was engaged in an impromptu solo dance contest with a portly exuberant young man dressed as Londo Mollari from the science fiction series "Babylon 5". A pair of white and black male Goths and another youth disguised as a humanoid muskrat were looking on. Evan returned the white male Goth's grin.

"That's your brother?" Evan asked Jodi Lee. "He's very talented."

"It's a gift," Jodi Lee agreed. "Sadly, it's one I don't share."

"Why don't we go say hi to them?" Evan stood up and walked over to the dancers. Asher finished his current routine just as they arrived. His opponent bowed, unable to top it, while the other guests around them clapped.

"Hello," Evan greeted Asher while Jodi Lee watched. "I just met your sister."

Hello, Asher signed. Please excuse me. I am unable to speak.

"He's mute but not deaf," the black Goth said. "His name's Simon."

"Simon," Evan repeated, also moving her hands in sign language. "Hi. I'm Evan Rachel Wood. I think I know you from somewhere."

I have been a street performer in multiple cities. Perhaps you have heard of me in that capacity.

"No, I can't place you. Sorry." Evan looked at Jodi Lee. "Does he have a stage name?"

"It doesn't matter," Jodi Lee replied. "Simon, you know the tarot, right? Can you deal some cards for Evan?"

Asher nodded. Gypsy fortune telling was another of his skills. His grandmother had taught it to him and told Asher never to cheat. Tarot is an ancient way of interpreting someone's current state and destiny, Asher signed to Evan. Do you mind if I give you a reading?

"Sure." Evan shrugged.

Asher pulled a deck of cards from his pocket and shuffled it as he walked to a nearby table. Everyone else followed. When Asher arrived at the table, he handed the deck to Evan and invited her to shuffle it again. Evan complied and then the muskrat shuffled it a third time when Asher asked. 

"He did this for me a minute ago," the muskrat said.

"Shh," the black youth replied after a nod.

Asher reclaimed the deck and laid out a ten-card "Celtic cross" spread.

The 'Queen of Swords', he signed, indicating the first card. This is you, Evan. It represents independence and intelligence. You can streamline problems and find solutions without fuss. It also represents isolation. Next I have drawn the 'Three of Swords', which indicates you over-think your problems, and the 'Ace of Swords', which means you hope for decisiveness. Jodi Lee translated Asher's gestures when Evan looked confused and the actress nodded in thanks.

This card is the 'Page of Wands'. It represents your surroundings. You do not want to lose yourself and you wish to stay optimistic. I have also drawn the 'Three of Wands' reversed. This card says that for you a great undertaking is about to conclude.

Perhaps that means she'll get her friends back, Jodi Lee thought after interpreting. She raised an eyebrow at the other cards Asher had drawn.

The 'Nine of Coins' represents an unhappy ignorant aristocrat. This card does not apply to you. Its position indicates a recent opponent or a challenge for your future.

"That woman on the card looks like Jessica," Evan said.

"Jessica?" Jodi Lee asked.

"A hag I got into it with a few days ago. Never mind her. What's this card here?"

That is the 'Three of Coins'. It indicates a great amount of skill and drive. It is your current attitude. The other three cards are Major Arcana. This one represents your family and friends. It is the 'Wheel of Fate', which means that the people you love will continue to greatly influence your life. This card stands for your hopes and fears. It is 'Temperance' and fosters joining and unity. It also means you must be prepared to team with those you love for a coming confrontation in which you shall play a significant role.

Evan coughed, nervous. "And the final card? I see it is 'Death'. Does that mean I will die soon?"

No. That card is the culmination of your journey. It has not yet arrived. I cannot say when it will. 'Death' indicates a great inescapable trial, either here now or coming soon. Its outcome will change many things for you and possibly for the world as well. You, Evan, will play a key part in the great trial. The presence of 'Death' here re-emphasizes that of 'Temperance'. I am not supposed to do this, but I see you are uneasy. I will draw one further card.

Asher did so and smiled. 'Strength', he gestured. It means you have fortitude and spirit. With effort and persistence, you can overcome any situation you face.

"Thank you," Evan said. After calming down, she looked at Jodi Lee. "What do you suppose these cards could signify?"

"Don't ask me," Jodi Lee replied. "I know little about tarot. Simon?"

I cannot say.

Evan gave Asher her most upbeat expression. "I guess I'll find out when the time comes, huh?"

I do not doubt that.

"You're an interesting person, Simon." Evan shook hands with Asher and then looked at Jodi Lee. "Grace, I'm glad I met your brother. Can we please go off and fuck now?"

Asher raised his eyebrows at Jodi Lee. The Australian agent gave him a gesture that meant she had everything under control. All right then, the Gypsy replied. I will wait for you here.

"Nice meeting all of you," Jodi Lee told the people with Asher. "Please excuse me. I have to go bang this chick."

The youths gasped almost in unison. The portly one put his hands on his face and moaned as though his personal universe was exploding. The tall white boy started drooling and shaking and the black boy with the glasses clapped him on the back saying, "Matt, control yourself!" The muskrat looked stricken and then pleased. Asher gave Jodi Lee an upraised thumb and waved her and Evan off.

"You know, those guys with your brother resembled the other main characters of 'Dork Tower'," Evan said as she and Jodi Lee walked towards the stairs. "I was surprised to see them here."

"I need to read this comic," Jodi Lee said. "It sounds funny. So, um, I don't mean to offend you, but are you drug and disease free?"




Counseling Ch. 03



"Yes," Evan said. "I've had three cinnamon vodka tonics, but otherwise I'm fine. You?"

"I'm okay. I hope you don't pass out on me." She shouldn't, Jodi Lee thought. The Inside Out cinnamon vodka recipe calls for a diluted cocktail. It's an acquired taste but very good once you get used to it. Evan appears lively and isn't stumbling a bit.

They walked through the mansion, waving to Manson and Alicia as they passed them. Jodi Lee and Evan also encountered other celebrities. Catherine Bell and Kirstie Alley walked by dressed as the Bride of Frankenstein and a "Star Trek" Borg queen. Jason Lee ambled past in his "Dogma" character Azrael's white suit. They also saw Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, disguised as Mexican "Day of the Dead" skeletons. Angelina blinked, recognizing Jodi Lee. The Australian agent recalled that the A-list actress was a frequent Inside Out guest before her current marriage. Jodi Lee had been with Angelina three times. She nodded hello and put a finger to her lips. Evan did not notice this or Angelina's replying smirk.

Evan and Jodi Lee also again passed Mickey Rourke and the bizarre trio of Daria, Werewolf and Goth Hippie. The werewolf of the latter group coughed and separated himself from his companions. Jodi Lee watched him for a second and then saw he was heading for the restroom. She continued to follow Evan, ascending a staircase.

Upstairs, they went down another hall. Evan knocked on several doors and got back "Occupied!" or similar answers. Finally she found one with no reply. Evan opened the door and looked inside, then closed it with a grimace. "Four people are passed out in there. I guess my old room's the only one left. Thank goodness I keep it locked, huh?"

"I suppose," Jodi Lee said as they reached a white door that Evan opened with a key.

"Listen before we go inside." Evan turned to Jodi Lee and grimaced. "This is just a one time deal. I don't know you that well and I don't often do this. If it's good, I wouldn't mind doing it again but I don't want you to expect that."

"No problem. I was going to say the same thing."

Evan beamed and pushed open the door. Jodi Lee walked inside after her. The room was dark and well organized. Evan clicked on a light so that they could see the white double bed, shelf and dresser inside. "I don't live here anymore," she said, closing the door slowly. "I moved out last week. Manson is keeping the room, though."

"So you may get back together?"

"That hasn't been decided." Evan sighed. "The breakup was more his doing than mine." She faced Jodi Lee and motioned her close. "Forget him, okay? I want a girl tonight. It's been a while."

"For me too," Jodi Lee replied. She stepped forward and into Evan's open arms, kissing the younger woman on the lips. They broke their kiss and smiled at each other, then collapsed onto the bed. Embracing and making out again, each woman's hands went to the other's costume zipper. Tongues collided and hearts beat heavily as they exchanged body heat.

Jodi Lee slipped the straps of Evan's dress off her shoulders and grinned at the small pink breasts revealed. She pecked Evan's lips, then moved down and buffed each of her turgid nipples. Evan shivered, gasping in response to Jodi Lee's attentions. The Australian agent licked the young actress's cleavage, then leaned up and tenderly smacked her mouth.

"I've wanted you for a long time," Jodi Lee told Evan after the kiss. "Thank you for this."

"You're welcome. Just let me have you too, okay?" Evan kissed Jodi Lee as she nodded and pulled the older woman's bustier over her head, exposing brown freckled breasts of medium size. Evan bussed these orbs and the cleavage between them. Jodi Lee cuddled Evan's head to her and removed the actress's wig, then threw it aside.

"I like your hair," she answered Evan's questioning look.

"I do too. Last week I stopped dying it." Evan pulled back from Jodi Lee and slipped her dress the rest of the way off. She was naked beneath. Her shaven pussy's large clitoris stood out between her long slim legs. "Take your skirt off for me."

Jodi Lee grinned at Evan's imposing tone and unsnapped her skirt. She too had gone commando beneath her costume. Her cunt was bare except for a thin airstrip of black hair just below her small hooded clit. The women tossed their clothes away and looked over each other as they reclined on the mattress. Evan saw the tattoo on Jodi Lee's left thigh and frowned. 

"What's that?"

"Australian Special Air Service. At least one member of every generation of my immediate family has served in that military unit. You can touch the symbol if you like."

Evan bent down and ran her fingers across the wings and dagger. "Who Dares Wins," she read the engraved motto aloud. "I guess I've dared and won." She stroked Jodi Lee's tunnel, then moved her head down and put her lips on the older woman's clit.

Jodi Lee gaped under the vibrations of Evan's breath and tongue. The actress was only in her early twenties but incredibly precocious and talented beyond her years. Combined with her youthful enthusiasm, this lent fervor to Evan's ministrations which Jodi Lee had never felt before. Not since Tanya, she corrected, recalling her lover who had died on her last Special Forces mission. Tanya looked more like Kristanna Loken than Evan, but their skill is similar. Wow.

Evan entwined her tongue around Jodi Lee's clit and caressed the older woman's hips. Her nails were sharp and scratched lines in Jodie Lee's flesh. The Australian agent could feel her nipples becoming hard points and her juices flowing heavy. Tides were shaking inside her pussy, stirring her insides to life like water going through the Great Barrier Reef. "Wait," she hissed at Evan. "Not so fast. Turn around, please. I need to touch you."

Evan nodded and rotated her body. She pressed her cunt to Jodi Lee's lips. Their heights and builds were about equal, so this was not difficult. Nude except for their boots and high-heeled shoes, the two women lapped at each other's wells and rubbed each other's legs. Their nipples speared each other's stomachs and their hair moved softly against each other's skin.

They licked and fondled one another freely for several long moments, each developing a pattern and locating the other's nerves. When the two women found a rhythm that suited both of them, they picked up on that measure and stuck to it. They clenched their thighs tight around one another's heads. Their cunts opened and tongues darted in and out with building intensity and speed. Fingers moved, nails clawed and breath exhaled. Moaning and wailing, Evan and Jodi Lee drove each other towards climax.

She really is okay, Jodi Lee thought. I doubt anyone who wasn't would be able to maintain this high a level of fucking. I guess I should not have worried about her. No one else should have either, although I suppose I can't blame them. I hope my report on this infiltration will open minds.

The Australian agent banished those thoughts for now, though. She wanted to concentrate on combing the desert of Evan's cunt with her organs. Recalling old analogies from her ranching days, she grouped the strays of Evan's juices together with her fingers and herded them towards the tall thrusting rock that was her clit. Then Jodi Lee hit that rock with the lightning bolt of her tongue, spooking Evan and making her emotions shake and stampede.

Jodi Lee then circled the actress's cunt and got her herd of emotions back under control, keeping them on a path and steering them away from cliffs and other obstacles. She used several techniques that drovers from her family ranch had taught her. Male and female, they had been Jodi Lee's first lovers on the trail. Her father had never known the true nature of his daughter's close relationship with his employees when he observed it develop during her teenage years. Jodi Lee had taken further lovers as time went on. This included Doug Ramsay and other students at the Taipei School for International Children and Tanya Brown and other fellow soldiers once she entered the military.

She treasured all her lovers, especially those like Tanya who were no longer alive. It pleased her greatly to add Evan to the ranks. Comparing notes on them all will have to wait, Jodi Lee thought. I need to come.

Evan too was using all her knowledge and experience. She remembered routines all her lovers had taught her and practiced them again on Jodi Lee. The older woman twisted her body as she felt Evan's ministrations. Evan grinned, massaging her legs and sucking down another stream of juice. Evan approached fucking as if she was performing on stage, taking cues and other directions and responding with movements and lines. There was usually no script to sex but freeform improvisation was something Evan was better at anyway. She enjoyed the unpredictable and pleased by the ironic and insane.

The women let out sharp intakes and exhales of breath as their loving continued. Evan giggled as her body temperature rose, her hair shining in the room's fluorescent lamps. She paused and clapped her hands, activating a sound trigger that made the lights go out.

This only bothered Jodi Lee for an instant. She was skilled at moving in the dark and considered it her element. There had been a small opal mine on her father's ranch along with the cattle herds and Jodi Lee had watched many precious jewels brought forth from that excavation over the years. On occasion, she had gone down in the mine herself, always receiving a sound thrashing when she returned. The wonders she had seen and felt within were worth it.

Her fingers and tongue were exploring Evan's mine now and Evan was also digging for gems within her grotto. Each woman pulled hot nectar and pleasurable waves out of the other. They did to each other things they had done before and things they had longed to do until the present. Jodi Lee bit and scratched Evan's legs, then smiled as she watched Evan enjoy the pain brought on by this. Evan inserted her entire hand into Jodi Lee's cunt and wiggled her fingers like a windmill, then withdrew her digits and replaced them with her mouth.

Licking and caressing, actress and agent entangled themselves with one another. Their flesh was rubbing together, their spirits joining and their thoughts moving in sync. Jodi Lee found the blank spaces of Evan's needs and filled them with ecstasy. Evan did the same for her new friend. All throughout each woman kept her eyes open and focused on the other. It was evident to Jodi Lee that Evan too was comfortable in the dark.

As that thought hit her, she felt her emotions flare. A cyclone erupted inside her body, vibrating and scattering her inner feelings. Pounding her limbs and crying out, the Australian agent writhed about on the bed. Evan laughed as she swallowed the fruits of Jodi Lee's orgasm, pleased and enthused by what she had caused.

Jodi Lee caught her breath and recovered, then sped up her own strokes on Evan. The younger woman was limp now, patient and waiting for her explosion. Jodi Lee did not delay things. She pulled Evan's thighs open and sucked hard on her large clit, biting the tip and licking the underside. Evan's legs tightened around her head and squeezed. Then Evan shook and held Jodi Lee's head close with her hands, gasping a long note as she reached her peak.

Evan laughed when her body stopped moving. She calmed her heart as Jodi Lee turned around and cuddled her in their afterglow. "Thank you," she said. "That was great."

"Yes," Jodi Lee agreed. She found and kissed Evan's lips in the darkened room. "It was wonderful." She took a deep breath, considering. "Evan, can I tell you something?"

"What?"

"My name isn't Grace Packer." Jodi Lee disliked lies and now it was time to come clean. "It's Jodi Lee Nichols. Doug Ramsay, Viceroy of the Friendship sent me to spy on you. Our mutual friend Erika wanted someone to ascertain that you weren't suffering under your current conditions."

"I guessed all that," Evan said with a smile. "I recognized both you and Asher from Inside Out. I just didn't let on. You're the Inside Out senior waitress, right?"

"Yes," Jodi Lee said, surprised. Evan's a better actress than I thought, she realized. "You're not upset?"

"No. If Erika has to send a near stranger to seduce me to make sure I'm okay, that's her issue. I will call her soon and discuss it. I just hope your evaluation has been satisfactory."

"More than satisfactory," Jodi Lee answered. "It's been beyond belief." She sighed and gave Evan another kiss. "Why don't you call Erika now?" she said after the embrace ended. "I think the timing has been sufficient."

"Yeah," Evan agreed. "The phone's in the other room. Has she changed her cell number?"

"No. I haven't heard that she has, anyway. She's probably longing to hear from you. Before you go, how was I?"

"Awesome." Evan smiled and kissed Jodi Lee once more.

***

Yeah! Gary Parker thought as he moved stealthily away from the room's cracked door. He had followed Evan and her female lover upstairs to the one room he knew was unoccupied after some earlier scouting. Once they were distracted, it was simple for the tabloid reporter to sneak up, pick the lock and move the door ajar a little, then get some footage. And, oh, the things he had seen and heard! 

Evan and the other celebrity were two women passionately attracted to one another and gossip reporters had tried to get good copy on them for years. Now Gary had that dirt. He had heard Evan's lover using an Australian accent and two different names, but he wasn't fooled at all about who she really was. Doesn't matter if she's not Jodie Foster anyway, Gary said to himself. I'll just let on that she is.

He could hear the women joining in sex once more behind him. They were probably going to do it again a few times before Evan actually went to call "Erika", whoever that was. Part of Gary longed to hang around and observe, but the better part of him knew it was time to flee. He didn't want to get spotted. Besides, he had enough footage already. Gary didn't know how good his camera was and that it had probably gotten very little after the lights went out. The words and images he had recorded should be enough, he decided. Now he just had to escape the mansion with his co-workers.

"More than satisfactory," he said to himself, scoffing. "Oh yeah. Mr. Pink is going to pay top dollar for this!"

To Be Concluded...

***



Counseling Ch. 04



Counseling; Chapter 4,

 an erotic tale by AchtungNight.

Celebs: Erika Christensen, Marisol Nichols.

Codes: FF, toys, romance, violence.

Standard disclaimer- This story is a satirical fantasy. It is fictional, even though its plot and characters are based on real events and people. All characters based on real people are fictionalized. All celebrities in the story are impersonated — poorly. I, the author, have no actual connection to any celebrity mentioned in this story other than being their fan, and I acknowledge that they do not act in real life the way my characters based on them do. I did not write this tale for financial profit and I expect none from it. This story contains controversial adult themes and situations, so it should not be read by those who are close-minded or under age 18.

Intro: Hello, readers. This tale is my tribute to celebrities and other people who need to get their minds fixed up, and their lives straightened out. It is a satire, like all my stories. All opinions expressed by the themes are mine. If you disagree, that is your right and I hope you will excuse me. If I am not as familiar with my subjects as I should be, please correct me if you are more knowledgeable. Any mistakes in this story that were not caught by my editor and other advisors are my responsibility.

There are references to other art in the story. The mentions of the nudist camp "The Pines" and its patrons appear with permission from author Nick Scipio. Writer KMB allowed me to include a nod to his "Harem" series (which takes place in a separate but connected universe from my own celebrity fanfiction). I give my thanks to these great artists for letting me plug their writings. I also credit Greg Weisman, John Kovalic and the creators of all the other works mentioned in the text. I don't own any of these people's conceptions and I did not contact any artist other than KMB and Nick Scipio for prior advertising assent. However, all these artisans' labors inspire me. I hope they and their fans will appreciate the ways I have paid them homage here.

In my series timeline, you can consider this tale the bridge between "Passion of Erika Christensen" Chapters 4 and 5. I would call it a "Passion" chapter, but Erika is not the lead of the story. She's just one of many important characters. I also want to do a sweeping summary to bring her into the present. Therefore, I have put this story outside the main "Passion" arc. You can call it "Passion 4.75" ("The Rendezvous" being 4.25 and "Rekindled" being 4.5) if you must. No other text should be required reading, though as usual my other stories are connected to this. "Counseling" is also one of my longer works, so I have broken it into four chapters for reader convenience. I recommend everyone read the chapters in order.

One additional note — the villain in this tale is a character I have tried to introduce before. She can be held in check no longer and my heroes need to face her. People like this woman and her associates exist and are the reason certain celebrities are distrusted by their potential fans. I feel this needs depiction. The villain in question has been retooled for her role. If all goes well, we will be seeing her again for further conflicts. She is a figure whom I believe fits the part I have given her, like all my characters. I'll let the tale itself speak further as to whom she is.

Please let me know if you like or dislike this story. I appreciate any feedback I am sent. I haven't been getting nearly enough feedback of late and would like that to change.

***

Counseling, Chapter 4.

Los Angeles, California. November 30, 2008.

 "How's it going, Nadine?" Baxter Page asked. The Goth hippie walked up to the frumpy reporter dressed like MTV character Daria when she disengaged herself from a group of costumed celebrities. They were near the bar in the main gathering room of Marilyn Manson's home and hundreds of party guests were moving around.

 "It's going okay," Nadine replied. "I was just watching Brangelina say hello to Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer."

 "Did anything happen?"

 "No. They just exchanged greetings and then walked away from each other. They all seemed calm. I guess they're not going to come to blows tonight."

 "Too bad. I've been asking random people about drugs at this party. Everyone keeps telling me there aren't any. I stopped my inquiries about fifteen minutes ago when a security guy looked at me suspicious. I think they're telling the truth."



 "Were you expecting to find drugs?"

 "Not really. We've been trying to prove Manson uses them for a long time, though, so it was worth a shot. I also heard a preliminary total for the funds Manson's collected here — around seventy million dollars."

 "Impressive."

 "Yes. It will take more to overturn Proposition 8 like Manson hopes, however. Have you seen Gary?"

 "Not since he went to the restroom. Wait, there he is!"

 Baxter turned as Nadine pointed out the approaching blond weasel-faced werewolf. "Here you are, guys," Gary said. "I got what we came for. Come on, I have a feeling we need to leave now."

 "What are you talking about, Gary?" Baxter asked with a frown.

 Gary grinned as he answered. "Okay, get this! I just got video and audio of Evan Rachel Wood taking Jodie Foster upstairs and eating her pussy. Jodie returned the favor. We finally have proof Jodie's a lesbian. Not only that, Evan Rachel Wood has wood for other girls!"

 Nadine raised her eyebrows. "Gary, is what you got something we can legally put on television?"



 "Not completely, no, but that's not a big deal." Gary was talking and gesturing rapidly. "Ted can edit it. He'll really like it. Come on, let's get out of this mansion and take it back to him."

 Baxter looked around them, saw no one listening and then held out his hand. "You should give me your flash drive just in case."

 "Here," Gary said. He passed Baxter a small gray box from inside his costume shirt's half-open zipper. "Don't lose that. Did you guys get anything good?"

 "Well," Nadine began, "I..." She paused, staring at a figure behind Gary.

 "What?" Gary asked and then turned around. He gaped, speechless as Mickey Rourke grabbed him by the costume chest hair and lifted him up off his feet.

 "I know you, you little bastard," growled the "Sin City" actor Gary had recently maligned. "You're the tabloid reporter who published false rumors about my friend Evan and me. You're not getting out of here alive."



 "Those rumors weren't my fault!" Gary stammered. Rourke was staggering and sweating, he noticed, possibly intoxicated with too much liquor. He was also glaring at Gary and everyone else around them was staying back. "The public has a right to judge who celebrities date!" Gary continued his protests. "I had a source! It was Dane ..."

 "Gary, shut up!" Baxter interrupted. He tapped the mirrored button on his vest and made a Friendship society gesture. "Mickey, please put him down!"

 Rourke shook his head, too soused to interpret the movements or see reason. "I'm gonna break this fuckwit's legs!"

 Rourke cocked his arms to throw Gary across the room and then gasped and stumbled. A blue-skinned albino ghoul in ragged clothing had leapt out of the crowd nearby and kicked him in the shin. Rourke dropped Gary and spun to face Asher Stravjan. The Gypsy agent stood in a Savate martial arts stance, his hands up and his eyes on Rourke.

 "Clint Eastwood?" Rourke questioned, mistaking Asher for the action star he resembled. "Why are you interfering in this?"

 Asher did not answer.

 "Never mind. You're going down!" Rourke swung a ham-hock fist at Asher but the Gypsy dodged. He then blocked two follow-up punches and kicked Rourke in the other shin. As Rourke toppled over, Asher grabbed his extended arm in one expert movement, applied a come-along hold and twisted Rourke's wrist behind his back. The burly former boxer went flaccid at once.

 "You're not Clint," he gasped. "Who are you?"

 "We'll take it from here," Barney the mummy security guard said, approaching. He and his Frankenstein's Monster partner Andy had been relieved at the mansion gates a few minutes before. "You've had too much to drink, Mickey, okay? It's time to go home."

Barney took one of Rourke's arms and Andy took the other. Asher nodded thanks to them as they bore Rourke away and then turned to face the tabloid reporters he'd spotted. Security supervisor Mr. Fox and other guards were moving amongst the nearby guests, telling them there was "nothing worth seeing here" and waving them off.

 "Gary, are you okay?" Baxter asked, helping his friend get up. He grimaced, noticing the ghoul who stood next to them. Then the hippie blinked in recognition. "Asher?"



Hello, Baxter, Asher gestured at his former comrade. Forgive me. I cannot speak.

 "Yeah, I remember," Baxter said, reading the sign language. "What are you doing here? Wait, never mind. Clarke and Viceroy Ramsay sent you, didn't they?"

They did. I have been watching you. Please give me your companion's flash drive.

 Baxter nodded and produced it. "Good to see you again," he said after handing the device over. "You and whoever's with you call me before you leave town, okay? Viceroy Ramsay has my number. I wouldn't mind catching up."

I will do that. I will also give Jodi Lee your regards.

 "Who is this guy, Baxter?" Gary asked, staring at Asher. "Do you know him? Why are you giving him my footage?"

 "It's just like with Eliza, Gary," Baxter answered. "This was all a setup. Come on, it's time to go."

 Asher gave Baxter a look of agreement as he pushed the drive's "data erase" button and then passed the device back to Baxter. I trust you have no other footage our society would not want to see.

 "I won't air it if we do. I wasn't going to air that either. I know Regal Jodie Foster values her privacy." Friend, Viceroy and Regal were the three tiers of Friendship rank.

Friends Evan and Jodi Lee value theirs as well.

 "Excuse me," Nadine addressed Asher. "Are you related to Bat Boy?"

 "He's not!" Baxter snapped. "It's just a costume. Come on." Nadine grimaced at Baxter, who then made a confession. "He's Friendship and so am I. Let's go!" Nadine nodded assent and smiled at Baxter and Asher. She then took up position to help Baxter support Gary.

 "Thank you, Asher," Baxter said. "Can we get out of here okay?"

Yes. Please do not forget to air your story about the lack of drugs at this party as you were instructed. Friend Manson wants the gossip about his drug addiction dispelled.

 "I'll try. Some people may still speculate."

Friend Manson can live with that as long as the truth is also known. Remember to clear everything else you have recorded with Viceroy Pinkerton before it is aired or printed.

 "We will. See you later. Thanks again." Baxter steered Gary to the mansion's exit with Nadine's help. "You are very lucky, Gary!"

 "Hey, I didn't know I was going to get jumped like that! Now everything I had is gone! Did you guys get anything?"

 Baxter told him about the drug investigation and the funding preliminary total. 

 "Okay, that's something," Gary said. "Anything else?"

 "I recorded what happened to you and I see no problem in using it. After this, Mickey Rourke should think twice before he provokes the press."

 "Yeah, that's definitely worth getting my legs broken over. Who was that dude who saved me? I didn't know old men could move like that."

 "He's not an old man, Gary. It's a long story. I'll tell you sometime. Your legs aren't broken. You're just a bit unsteady on them. You're fine."

 "I still feel terrible. Did you get anything, Nadine?"

 "I saw Jack Nicholson leave with two girls a third his age," Nadine answered. "They were all hanging on each other and kept stopping to trade kisses."

 "Jack the womanizer? That's not big news."

 "I also saw Alicia Witt. You know, from 'Law & Order'? She was dancing the tango with some guy and they both looked very content."

 "Alicia Witt is happily seeing some guy? That won't last, or sell for that matter."

 "Well, I did pick up something else. Michelle Williams was at the party and I interviewed her. She wanted me to put out that living on the Goth scene has given her help getting over Heath Ledger's death. You remember Michelle from your attempt to talk to her last week, right, Gary?"



 Gary dropped his jaw. "She gave you an interview?"

 "Yes. I identified myself and told her I would air nothing without her permission. I was very nice to her. You should try that sometime."

 "Damn it!" Gary cursed. "You really lucked out and I ain't got shit! How did that happen? Baxter?"



 "It's your karma, Gary," the hippie said with a smile. "Let's go home."

***

 In another mansion elsewhere in Los Angeles, a redhead and a brunette were grinding their naked bodies against one another. The redhead was in her mid-twenties and voluptuous. Vivid auburn hair and deep blue eyes accented her fierce angel's face. The brunette was about ten years older and slimmer in figure. Her black hair flowed about a Romanesque visage with expressive brown eyes. Both women were beautiful and talented actresses.

 "Yes!" Erika Christensen cried out, removing her mouth from Marisol Nichols's. The other woman's small brown nipples stabbed into Erika's own large pink breasts. Their legs rubbed together, entangling about each other's sweat-flushed torsos. The two women rolled back and forth on the tan-sheeted bed, the black rubber double-ended dildo they had between them moving in both their cunts. Erika's pussy was surrounded by a fertile vee of blonde hair while Marisol's had a well-tended black patch. Their hands journeyed over each other's backsides, massaging hip and shoulder muscles. Marisol's body was athletic and Erika's was larger in figure but equally toned.

 We've been lovers just over six years, Erika recalled as they fucked. She smiled at Marisol's eyes and the other woman beamed in return. Each pulled the other closer with arms and legs and their lips touched again.

 The two had first met taking Scientology courses together in Los Angeles. Erika was born into the church while Marisol was introduced to it by her chiropractor. They both found fulfillment in Scientology's teachings and values. They also agreed the church needed to turn away from its abusive practices such as charging money for spiritual services and expelling members who did not strictly toe the scriptural lines. As celebrities, Erika and Marisol were mostly immune to these provisos but they still felt sympathy for people who did not enjoy such advantages.

 "You remember our first time?" Marisol asked Erika in a breathless voice. Erika nodded, exhaling as she reminisced. Six years ago Erika was in the middle of filming the teenage slasher film "Swimfan" and enjoying a church purification sauna between days of shooting. Marisol and four other Scientologist actresses — Catherine Bell, Lynsey Bartilson, Laura Prepon and Juliette Lewis — entered the sauna and surrounded Erika.

 "We've heard about you," the "Resurrection Boulevard" star Marisol said. "You're part of a movement to reform Scientology with celebrity leaders."

 Erika blinked but nodded. She had indeed recently joined such a group. It was guided by the church's Office of Special Affairs Director Mike Rinder and senior celebrity Scientologists such as Isaac Hayes and John Travolta. The movement was growing but the members wanted to keep it secret. Scientology's Chairman and the fanatics who held power in the church could be deadly enemies if the reformers challenged them. Thus the movement was not widely advertised and did not even have a name.

 "Be not afraid, Erika," Marisol said, making a gesture that indicated she was a Friendship member. "We're here to help you. You have a purpose we share and the ability to accomplish it." She smiled. "We've also heard you're into swinging. We've all been doing that for a number of years. Catherine's agent, who is also your agent, told us about you."

 The women then moved in to touch the no longer apprehensive Erika and dropped their cotton robes. A steamy orgy followed. It remained among Erika's most treasured experiences. She found key allies in Marisol and the other actresses. Catherine and Juliette had been popular in the church for over a decade. Laura was a new entrant and Lynsey was born and raised in the religion just as Erika was. Lynsey's mother was a church lawyer who had become so disgusted with defending Scientology in court over and over again that she wanted to see the religion reform before it disintegrated under its own mistakes. Laurie Bartilson passed her desire on to her daughter. Lynsey was a rising star in the church's "Youth for Human Rights" program. She became a valuable secret recruiter for Erika's movement.

 It was Marisol, though, who was even more useful. Like Lynsey, she was heavily involved in the church charities. She was also the older girlfriend of a teenage genius named Taron Lexton who wrote and directed many of Scientology's promotional videos. Taron wanted their church reformed too.

 "Marisol and I see quite a number of people having to put on a happy face for my cameras," he said when Erika inquired. "It bothers me when I think about how many of them really feel cheerful and how many don't."

 Because of this opinion, both Taron and his girlfriend wished to be part of Erika's reform drive. They had enlisted the other actresses who entered the sauna and their families. All knew that their goals might not succeed and would probably take a long time to accomplish but believed the journey was worth it.

 "We have the power to change our church," the "Grounded for Life" star Lynsey Bartilson said. "We are being used to sell something that can help but also hurt. We must take over and stop the hurting." Erika agreed and welcomed them all into her circle of associates.

 Soon afterwards, the Friendship Viceroy who headed their movement was exposed as a would-be reformer and thrown out of Scientology. Fear spread in the wake of this. The movement disintegrated before it could do anything major. Rinder, the new leader, warned everyone to quiet down. A doctrine promotion campaign spearheaded by Chairman David Miscavige along with Tom Cruise, Jenna Elfman and other celebrity fanatics followed. Erika's movement lost its drive and the would-be reformers slipped into the shadows.

 For the past six years they had stayed there, watching and waiting as their creed's new popularity backfired and the forces opposing Scientology in its entirety grew. In 2007, Rinder had resigned his office and left the church. The reformers had no leader now and every Scientologist celebrity's career was suffering as word of their religion's abuses continued to spread. The church contracted and declined in strength, just as Erika's movement had. Vibes of apprehension ran high among those who remained inside.

 The reformers still exist, though, Erika thought. We've been growing in recent years. We do not sponsor Scientology's abuses and we lead others away from them. We're ready to step up when the time comes, held together by the Friendship and our dreams. Deft political maneuvers and staying away from the fanatics has kept us part of our religion. Poise, precision, resolve and audacity will one day let us lead. I have faith in that. The Internet protest group Anonymous, the ex-Scientologists and the others who are against us may for the most part not know about us or even believe we exist, but we are here. We might not be willing to accept their help, but we too want our church to change. We believe Scientology has the right to be a religion and stand in this world. We live the good in our beliefs, knowing that good exists, and work to edit out the evil. The battle for our tomorrow continues today.




Counseling Ch. 04



She grinned at the last thought, the theme from "Terminator" sounding in her soul.

 Erika and Marisol were celebrating now, having just secured another victory in that ongoing conflict. Erika was acting in independent films at present and Marisol was on the TV show "24". Taron retained his job as church advertising director. He had increased his standing by being one of the first to film the aftermath of the 2004 Asian tsunami disaster and winning several awards. All were active in charity and quietly supporting their secret Scientology reform movement. They were shocked when they discovered their enemies had nearly corrupted Erika's youngest brother.

 Thankfully, the problem was easily solved. When he contacted Erika three days ago, Dane Christensen was already free of Jessica Feshbach Rodriguez, the fanatic cleric who had tried to worm her way into his life. Erika had sent Dane to her OSA deputy director ally Melissa Feshbach Prynne in St. Louis. Also a Scientology minister, Melissa was Jessica's twin sister and personality opposite. She specialized in helping those who were angry at Scientology's dark side learn that they did not have to be part of something bad. Melissa's main tool was directing her clients towards charity and spiritual relief, the intended purposes of any church.

 A growing number of ministers were on Melissa's side, enough to make even Chairman Miscavige take note. He had toned down his efforts to deter reform of late, afraid his church was collapsing. There were also members of his own family who had left Scientology and hurt Miscavige's conscience. Unfortunately, the Chairman's sympathy did not extend to everyone in the church.

 Jessica and her family were a key example, Erika mused. Except for Melissa and a few others, they were all dedicated Scientologists who practiced their beliefs with overzealous indifference, ignoring the negative consequences. Joe Feshbach, Jessica's father, made his fortune through unethical stock market practices. He donated millions to church programs and expected his family to be treated well in return. Jessica's cousins Bean, Bunce and Boggis were ministers who had been inside the church's internal retribution programs more than anyone else in all of Scientology's history. Erika often shivered when she observed them unable to stop running everywhere and attempting to bait those who pissed them off.

Jessica herself had also developed a bad reputation in the past ten years. The unbalanced OSA operative was known for inspiring a series of celebrity public relations fiascos with bad advice. The worst episodes included Tom Cruise's biased debate over psychology with "Today Show" host Matt Lauer and Jenna Elfman's proclamation that AIDS was "only a state of mind." Jessica accepted responsibility for none of her deeds.

 If not for Melissa, Erika thought, I might despise the entire Feshbach family. She's so calm and considerate in the face of it all that she makes up for the others. Melissa tells me the rest of her family is crooked by their own fault. They're Scientology nobility and they refuse to know any life other than that.

 "They can't see that their way is dooming us," Melissa said to Erika. "People like my family are the reason our church gets protested. It's their refusal to remove the planks from off their eyes. So what if we're considered crazy for believing alien specters cause mental illness and enlightenment can be found within one's own self? The world would have few problems with us if we weren't so elitist about our faith."

 Melissa's gaze was steady and discerning but not judgmental. In face and figure, she resembled the independent film star Parker Posey. About thirty years old, Melissa regularly wore a blue skirted suit. Her long black hair was streaked with premature gray. Erika had seen pictures of Jessica and knew she looked exactly like Melissa except in three areas. Melissa was kindly while Jessica's usual attitude was haughty and sardonic. In addition, Jessica dyed her hair to keep the gray out and one of her hazel eyes was glass. The latter feature was the product of an auto accident Jessica suffered at age eighteen, Melissa informed Erika. Melissa did not know the exact details of the event, only that it had seriously scarred Jessica's face. Their father had paid for plastic surgery and Scientology auditing to cover up the injury's effects, but neither Jessica's mind nor body was completely whole.

 "They gave her a spot in the church anyway," Melissa said. "It was my father's money and Jessica's own skill at our techniques. She has since become heavily involved with celebrity auditing and public relations. I do not think she is a talented actress. However, she can still fool people. I recommend you avoid her, Erika, as long as you can."

 Melissa was not Erika's lover. She had sworn off sex after her Green Beret husband died in Iraq and she found no satisfaction in other men or women. "At least I'm not like my sister," Melissa let slip to Erika once. She refused to further explain.

 Erika had sought further information on Jessica over the years of hearing about her, especially the past three days. Everything Erika discovered said that Jessica was competent at Scientology scriptures and methods but either ignorant towards the results of the way she used them or deliberately malicious. If the latter was the case, Erika could not discern a reason.

 I don't even have to ask, Erika thought in the present. Not now that I know what she did to my brother. The fact that Jessica was more interested in Dane's connections to Evan Rachel Wood and Marilyn Manson than she was in Dane himself mitigates my fears. She backed off once Evan and Manson rebuffed her and Dane discharged her. Dane told me about his experiences with Jessica Friday evening. After my family and I went over everything with Dane, using my genius girlfriend Alicia as an independent observer, we sent a complaint up the chain to Melissa. Melissa called us back in an hour and did a preliminary audit with Dane on the phone. They verified his experiences again and now Dane's in St. Louis with Melissa treating him in person. Most of our family is there as well. Melissa wrote a report to her superiors upon concluding her first audit of my brother. Chairman Miscavige called Melissa the day afterwards and said he would reprimand Jessica for her misdeeds.

 "Jessica told him about your schooling just as you feared," Melissa told Erika after talking to Miscavige. "I put the spin on it you requested. You believe education is a gift and that even if psychologists are our enemies you felt you should know them. Miscavige accepted this and said he was proud of you."

 "Good," Erika answered, relieved. Miscavige was one of the most irrationally anti-psychology people in her church and it would not do for him to see her degree the wrong way. "What about my family?"

 "The Chairman was quite displeased to hear about what my sister did to your brother. He's taking steps to punish her. She and our cousins have all been given additional black marks on their records and day after tomorrow they're going to be sent on a probationary world tour of all Scientology facilities. Miscavige wants them reminded of the diversity within our organization and this planet."

 "That's it?" Erika asked, surprised.

 "He can't do any more. Jessica and the other three broke no official church policies. The worst they did was overzealous recruitment, which is hardly a crime. We have only Dane's word that those rumors were put out to the tabloids at Jessica's instruction. She admits nothing. Yes, forcing Dane to disconnect from the rest of your family was wrong but no harm was done now that it's been repealed. That's what Miscavige said."

 "How can he be so cold?"

 "You know his position. Scientology is still regarded with suspicion and hate all over the world, even with the recent gains we've had in Germany and elsewhere. My father is one of many fanatics who contribute large funds and recruit numbers to the Church. With all the bad publicity directed at us right now, Miscavige doesn't want to upset these people."

 "Melissa, I barely got Dane to change his mind about departing Scientology after what your sister had him do. You know how he feels. You've talked to him."

 "Your brother was to blame for what happened as much as Jessica, Erika. He followed her instructions. Dane admits to that and has accepted it. Why can't you?"

 "I have accepted it," Erika said with a groan. "Dane apologized to the family and we've all forgiven him. When he returns to L.A. later this week he'll make amends to Evan. Dane's going into Walker's karate program and parking cars at our brother Nick's auto dealership while studying for business school. That should fix him up right. I want something to happen to Jessica, though. We have to stop fostering the discrimination against us. We can't just deny our mistakes, we need to learn from them and fix them. Haven't people like Jessica done enough damage to our church over the years?"

 "She cannot be held accountable for anything she has done. It was all in accordance with doctrine. Warped outdated doctrine, yes, but she violated no laws. The reactions of others are to blame for what happened as a result of Jessica's manipulations, the way the Chairman sees things. He says she's making mistakes but can be ironed out with auditing and this world tour. I pray he's right."

 Melissa was silent for a moment. "There was one other thing. Miscavige wanted me to apologize to you on his behalf for this situation. He wants you to know that you and all your friends are welcome in the church. He emphasized the word 'friends'."

 Erika felt her heart catch. "Does he know about our reform movement?"

 "He didn't let on if he did or not. We've existed for several decades, though, Erika. I don't see how he couldn't know about us. Miscavige may not be able to formally support reform but he doesn't want our faction gone from the church any more than he wants my father's gone. He intends for Scientology to survive and flourish, not collapse into a religious war. Miscavige isn't Friendship, but he is aware of the society and its presence within Scientology. Our church founder Ron Hubbard was a Friendship Viceroy who used his connections to spread our religion in the early days. Ron broke with the Friendship when they refused to raise him to Regal and he felt he no longer needed them. Since then other Friends still inside Scientology have worked to aid our church and limit the fanatics' influence. They did not forget Ron or those of us who are good. You, your family, Mike Rinder and I are among them."

 Erika gasped at the unfamiliar lessons. Then she smiled, realizing she should have known. "So Miscavige isn't going to expel us then?"

 "No, I don't think so, although he can't recognize us either. This is the best we can hope for right now, Erika. There are many people in the church as powerful as Miscavige, people like my father and sister, who would prefer otherwise."

 "Fine," Erika replied. "Tell the Chairman I appreciate his decision. I also agree with him on Jessica. As for our reforms, my commitment to them was just increased." Melissa replied that hers was as well.

 Both Melissa and Erika, Scientology reverend and parishioner, had then contacted their allies and arranged support for Manson's gay rights fundraiser the next evening. Some Scientologist celebrities attended while others sent checks and good wishes. Erika, who was still unsure whether she could reunite with Manson's girlfriend Evan, was one of the latter.

 Marisol, agreeing with Melissa that they had achieved a triumph, told Erika that they should have their own party the same night as Manson's. Taron would be out of town, but Marisol and Erika could still have fun together. Erika concurred.

 I'm pleased Marisol's with us, Erika completed her mental review with a smile. She licked the other actress's tongue with her own. The two were dedicated girlfriends who often worked out together in the gym and the bedroom. They had not fucked in a long time, though. Earlier that year Marisol had married Taron and given birth to their daughter. Sex during pregnancy was discouraged by Scientology doctrine and Erika honored this practice with her lovers who wished to follow it. Non-Scientologists such as Erika's "Six Degrees" co-star Bridget Moynahan and her "Upside of Anger" co-star Keri Russell were happy to fuck Erika whether they were pregnant or not. Marisol and other devout Scientologists felt otherwise. Erika respected and fulfilled the wishes of each.

 Now Marisol's baby was born and her body was recovered. She and Erika were making up for lost time, kissing and rubbing one another. Arms massaged backs and legs fastened tight around hips. Breasts touched and nipples dueled. Breaths were exchanged along with tongue swaps. The dildo throbbed between them, stimulating each woman's cunt as it was pushed into the other woman by her muscles. Both Marisol and Erika felt lubrication flowing from inside their bodies. The bed's absorbent sheets were soaking it up. Their minds were being stripped of negative emotions such as guilt and apathy and filled instead with a mutual caring and joy.

 I love Marisol, Erika thought, just as I love my primary non-Scientologist lovers Doug and Alicia. Marisol's earned my adoration again recently by spying on the fanatics for me. Marisol went to Jessica right after we got Dane off to see Melissa and conducted an auditing session for a neurosis she only pretended she had. Others among my reform circle followed Melissa's lead and now we all know Jessica's our enemy. Auditing is a process that often allows you to gaze into the soul of your confessor just as they gaze into yours. As thespians, we are better able to keep our inner selves hidden than someone like Jessica, who only knows what the church has taught her. I have no fear she will find us out. Even if she does, she cannot stop us.

 Deciding not to consider her adversary any longer, Erika turned her full measure of attention to arousing Marisol. They lashed their bodies back and forth, fumbling towards ecstasy. Again and again they met and separated, all the time attentive to each other's needs. Their tits rubbed together and their hands wandered stroking paths. Their mouths kissed, their tongues thrusting at one another. Their legs squeezed the rubber rod between them. Both women felt the oncoming rush rising within their loins.

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee... God of mercy, god of hope...

 Erika blinked, hearing the chords. Funny, she thought. I've had great sex before, but never have I heard angelic choirs singing during it. Then she became aware Marisol was glowering at her and recognized the sound. Shoot! My cell phone!

 Pulling her pussy off the dildo, Erika split herself from Marisol like a dividing amoeba and rolled over to the bedside table. She silenced the choir and picked up her phone. "Hello?"



 "Yeah, hi, this is Kirk Cameron," a smarmy voice answered. "I'm trying to reach Erika Christensen, secret celebrity counselor?"

 "This is she," Erika said. Marisol gaped at her but Erika waved the other woman away. The call was something very important Erika had been expecting. She called up all her Scientology and psychology skills, ready to use them.

 "Hi," Kirk repeated. "My sister Candace said you're both in the Friendship and she wanted me to talk to you. I don't really know why but ..."

 "It's because I'm a sinner, Kirk," Erika interrupted, using her rehearsed speech. She reclined and kept one hand between her legs as she talked, maintaining her body's damp warmth. "I'm a happy sinner. Candace wants me to challenge you with that."



 "Excuse me?"



 "You're an evangelical Christian asshole and it's been hurting both your relationships and your career. Your sister asked me to help you wise up." Marisol was laughing now as she listened to Erika's end of the conversation. Erika waved her to be quiet and then activated the phone's speaker. Marisol nodded in acknowledging thanks.

 "Well, I'm just being how God wants me to," Kirk said, flabbergasted.

 "You're wrong," Erika replied. "There are different ways of interpreting and living God's messages. There are so many that no single one can work for everybody. Did Candace give you my resume?"

 "Yes. She said you were a high-level yet liberal Scientologist and an award-winning actress. You also hold black belts in Hapkido and karate and you recently acquired a University of Phoenix online psychology degree with honors. The combination was enough to interest me."

 "I find that my varied skills give me much intuition into my own mind and those of other people," Erika said. She returned Marisol's smile and raised thumb. "I have discipline and emotional serenity and I can teach them to those who will pay attention."

 "Well, you know that Scientology isn't a real church, right?"



 "I'm aware of that opinion. Let's forget it, though. Candace does not want me to discuss that with you. Kirk, you have your beliefs. You live them well. The problem is that you expect everyone else to be just like you. You ignore that we're not happy that way. Don't you think God wants people to be happy?" Erika was repeating the word "happy" to draw Kirk's concentration to it.

 "Yes, but God prefers us to be happy doing what he says."



 "Well, Kirk, not everyone agrees with you about what God says. Or what man says, for that matter. We each have a way we think best and we have a right to live that way."

 "Look, you may want to go to hell, but I don't, okay?"

 "Who says I'm going to hell? Is God telling you that? Do you honestly believe everyone who doesn't agree with you is going to hell or is saying so just a defense mechanism?"



 Kirk paused. "I know why Candace had me call you," he said after a moment. "You want to change. I can help you with that."

 "No, Kirk, I don't need to change. You do. Candace and her husband agree and so does your wife. She was really angered by what you made her do in your recent film about the Love Dare." Erika referred to a Christian marriage salvation program depicted in Kirk's movie "Fireproof".

 "I had to do that. I had to call my wife onto the set so I could kiss her instead of my co-star. My wife knows why I did it and she agrees with me."



 "Wrong. Your wife wants you to have enough faith in the strength of your relationship that you're able to kiss other women besides her. It was only a movie, Kirk. What you did was funny and had good intentions behind it, from one point of view. From another, it was unnecessary and offensive to your wife."

 "Well, I had to do it! A long time ago, something was missing from my life. I sought parties and the Hollywood experience, but it didn't work. Then I found God. Ever since then I've known what I had to do. I'm on a quest to make the entertainment world conform to Christianity. I'm not giving it up!"

 "Really? Even though it's already cost you your career outside non-Christian themed films along with your public respect and now it may also cost you your marriage? Suppose I also told you it was hurting your church and undermining your professed goals?"

 "I..."

 Kirk stopped in astonishment and Erika spoke to fill the void. "Kirk, you don't have to listen to me, okay? I don't want you to be like me. Your life is your own and you make the decisions about how you want to live. I just want you to extend the same courtesy to everyone else. 'Treat other people how you want to be treated'. That is the Golden Rule of Jesus, right?"



 "Yes. But there are also..."



 "Whoa!" Erika cut him off. "I'm not calling you for a Bible argument." She kept her voice calm and purposeful. "We live in the real world and no one book can define that world. I agree with you the Bible comes close. However, I disagree that it is the only philosophy. Kirk, I have a dare for you. Not a Love Dare. I don't know very much about that program. I'm sure it's something you can follow and learn to appreciate, though."




Counseling Ch. 04



"Okay, go ahead."



 "Romans chapter twelve, verse two reads 'Do not conform to the pattern of this world. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.' Can you do what that verse says and see if it alters your life?"

 "Yes, although I must highlight that you're taking those words a bit out of context."

 "Never mind that. Think about how they apply to what we've been discussing."

 Kirk took a moment to consider. "I get it," he said finally. "You're saying each person needs to find their own way to God. I shouldn't try to force mine on them."

 "Exactly. Jesus never did such a thing. He encouraged his followers to live better lives and step away from their negatives but he never demanded anything they weren't ready to deliver. My own church's founder was the same."

 "That's not entirely true. If you look at history..."



 "Sometimes history is murky and uncomfortable. That's why we have myths. I believe your religion's myths, Kirk. I ask you to honor mine."

 "The world is more complicated than myths, Erika. There are people who are turning away from God and seeking evil like gay marriage. There are even some who deny God exists."



 "How do you know such things are evil? How do you know God didn't create them? How do you know they aren't part of his plan?"

 "Because..." Kirk stopped himself this time. "Never mind. You already have a counter-argument ready, don't you? Fine, I'll take your dare. I'll do my thing and try to let other people do their own."

 "Try not, Kirk. Do or do not. There is no try."

 "Alright, I'll do it. However, I think I need to talk to you more about this in person. My wife and my sister will have to come with me."

 "No problem. I'm ready to see all of you. As I'm sure Candace told you, I charge no fees except what you want to pay."

 "Right. She also told me about that Scientology church you opened in Plant City where you're sponsoring all the classes with your own celebrity fortune. I can't believe your cult, excuse me, your religion is letting you get away with that."

 "They are, for now. There's a wind of change going on in my church and I have to work hard to move within it."

 "Yeah, well, good luck with that. You know God is willing to help you if you let him, right? Christians too?"

 "Of course. My martial arts teacher's a Christian."

 "Yeah, Candace said something about that. She said your martial arts teacher was an evangelical Christian whom you believed was the sort of person I should be. He's strong in his own skills and faith, a master of himself and his environment. However, he's also willing to let others have their beliefs, encouraging but not coercing them to live God's ways. Candace wouldn't tell me his name."

 "I'll give you a hint," Erika said with a smirk. "My sensei is a man who does not sleep. He waits."

 Kirk gasped. "You train with Chuck Norris? The Chuck Norris?"

 "Yes, I do. My boyfriend introduced us. Doug met Chuck while working in Texas law enforcement. I often have to talk to my sensei like I did to you just now. He appreciates it about as much. Chuck says I remind him of his 'Walker, Texas Ranger' love interest Alex Cahill. That's why I've taken to calling him 'Walker'."



 "I'm going to contact Chuck. I need to verify this."

 "Feel free. When you get off the line, talk to your wife. I want to see you both some time next week. I have to fly to St. Louis on some family business but when I get back I want to do more to straighten you out."

 "Sure. Thank you, Erika. We'll see you soon. You know, you might want to think about switching your religion."

 "I like myself just fine, but thanks anyway. Later." Erika hung up the phone and looked at Marisol. "Well?"



 "Win," Marisol said, affirming Erika's success. "Epic win." She sat cross-legged facing Erika on the bed, the wet dildo jutting from her pussy. "You did great. Are you looking to convert Kirk Cameron or..."

 "No!" Erika interrupted, scowling. "He's on a good path. I don't need to change it. I just want to stabilize him a little. The road to heaven is not something you should walk by yourself, right?"

 "Agreed. One other thing. You do know that leaving your phone on during sex is rude?"



 "Hey, you have that infant monitor on!"



 Marisol glanced at the device Erika pointed out on the other bedside table and grimaced. "That's important. If Rain wakes up and starts crying, I need to be there."



 "I also need to be there for my clients. I wasn't sure when Kirk would call."



 "Okay, fine, I understand. I'm sorry." Marisol ran a hand through her hair. "What you did was good. I just didn't appreciate it at first. Can we get back to fucking now that it's over?"



 "But of course," Erika told her with a grin, putting the phone down. She leapt at and tackled the smiling Marisol. Erika kissed the other woman and rubbed their tits together as they brushed against each other. Nipples impacted and became hard. They wrestled on the bed, their passion returning quickly. Both actresses' faces grew flushed. Their thighs collided and quivered. Erika was about to put her cunt back on Marisol's dildo when her phone started sounding the horns of the William Tell Overture.

 "Not again!" Erika groaned, splitting from Marisol once more as the other woman sighed.

 "You handle this one on your own!" Marisol snapped and then jumped off the bed onto her feet. She pulled the dildo out of her cunt and threw it down on the sheets. The brunette then walked to a robe that hung nearby and slipped it over her naked body. "I'm going to check on my daughter."

 Erika waved her off, smiling as she recognized the number displayed on her phone. Marisol exited the room stomping. Erika put her phone to her ear and beamed. "Hello, Evan."

 "How'd you know it was me?" Evan Rachel Wood asked.

 "I saved your ring tone. I hoped you would come back into my life someday."



 "Oh. Thanks." Evan took a deep breath. "Erika, listen, I know we've been out of touch recently."



 "Yes, and that's a bad thing. It was my fault more than yours. I'm sorry, Evan."

 "It's okay. Thank you for sending Brando, Alicia and all those other people to the party tonight. You did get Alicia and her boyfriend back together, right?"

 "I tried. I got Nathan to ask Alicia out one more time and then I got Alicia to say yes in return for my taking on a client she suggested. I pray it works."

 "It might. They looked jovial with each other. Brando told me that Dane got away from Jessica and called you. Doug had already e-mailed me about it on Friday."

 "I know. I asked him to."

 "Is Dane okay now?"



 "Yes, he's fine. Melissa's helping him iron out his issues and our other brother Nick and our parents are there with them in St. Louis. Brando and I will fly down tomorrow. Did Brando tell you about Melissa?"

 "Yeah. He said she was the positive twin of Jessica. I'm glad she exists. I'd like to meet her. I want to see you again too."



 "No problem. I'll visit you as soon as I get back. Are you still living with that shock rocker?"

 "Manson? No, we broke up. I'm dating another guy, but it's not serious yet. Manson and I are still friends, in the capital sense of the word as well as the biblical."



 Erika blinked. "Marilyn Manson is Friendship?"

 "Yes. Manson's an okay guy, Erika. He's not someone you should judge by their cover — sort of like a certain Scientologist slut I met a few years ago."

 "I guess even I'm not immune to prejudice," Erika replied after she got over her surprise. "I'm sorry, Evan. I should have trusted you and taken the chance to meet the man you were dating instead of assuming things about him based on what I heard. I'm ready to make recompense now. Can you excuse the wait?"

 "Yes! I need you in my life, Erika, especially with all that's been happening lately."

 "You got me," Erika affirmed, grinning at her seated naked image in the bedroom's mirror. "You got Alicia and everyone else also. We never left you, Evan. We just thought you left us."

 "Well, I didn't. You didn't need to send Doug's spies to confirm that, by the way. I like Jodi Lee and Asher, they're good people I haven't seen in a while, but dispatching them to deprogram me wasn't the best idea."

 "That wasn't my plan! I just wanted someone to make sure you were okay and I couldn't do it myself because of what happened with Dane."

 "It's fine," Evan said, giggling. "Jodi Lee and I are lovers now. She sends her regards. Asher was fun too, even though I haven't fucked him. He gave me a tarot card reading I would like to discuss with you sometime."

 "Tarot?" Erika raised her eyebrows, recalling another tarot reading Asher had given her several months ago. Erika did not remember all the cards he'd drawn, only that she was "Justice" and the "Queen of Wands". These cards both stood for self-knowledge and wisdom. Erika's present state was the "Hanged Man", a card signifying an outcast from society who appeared to be a fool but was in fact completely in alignment with the world and integrated.

 Erika appreciated these images. She was more concerned when Asher foretold her future and showed her cards depicting a toppling tower, two lovers and a skeleton on a pale horse. Erika wished she could remember what Asher had said about those images.

 That future hasn't come yet, she thought. At least I don't think it has. This recent conflict seems worthy. Never mind. I have Evan back in my life and that is enough. I will give no thought to things I can't envision. Taking a breath, Erika turned her attention back to the phone.

 "So you're not mad at me?"

 "No. I just want us to be friends again. Manson also wants to meet you. He needs to thank you for something."



 Erika gasped as Evan filled her in on Manson's quitting cocaine. "You got Manson off drugs with the program I told you about?"

 "Yeah. I told Dane. He didn't tell you?"

 "Maybe he wanted to let you tell me."

 "I bet he did. Narconon worked for Manson. I'm going to hang around him for a year or two to make sure, something your program's official counselors don't do that often. I think he'll be okay, though. I appreciate you giving me such knowledge, Erika."



 "No problem. You keep using it well."

 "I'll do that. See you when you get back from St. Louis. Say hi to Dane for me."

 "I will. He wants to see you too, to atone for what he did."



 "I'll be waiting. So will Manson and my brother Ira. Bye, Erika, for now."

 "I love you," Erika said, then sighed when she realized that Evan had already hung up. Oh well, she thought, I think Evan knows.

 "Are you done?" inquired a voice. Erika looked up to see Marisol had returned and was standing over her. The other actress had her arms crossed and an amused expression on her face. "Are all your conflicts resolved now?"

 Erika shook her head. "Not hardly. I think I'm fine for the present, though."

 "Good," Marisol said, climbing back onto the bed. "Turn that phone off if you would, please. Rain's still asleep and I'm still horny."



 "I'm expecting a call from the Travoltas later this evening," Erika said. "John wants to talk about me counseling Kelly and him next week. It's just a small family values reminder but it's important."



 "Can't it wait?" Marisol's expression said the question was rhetorical.



 "It can," Erika answered, gesturing in affirmation. She turned off her phone and set it aside.

 "Good. I'm a patient woman, but not that patient." Marisol laughed and slid her robe off. "Back to sex time."

 Projecting joyful spirits at Erika, she fell forward and embraced the younger actress. They kissed and touched their bodies together, restoring the earlier sensitivity and excitement in their erogenous zones. Both Erika and Marisol's nipples hardened again rapidly as their cunts opened and nectar flowed. Marisol grabbed the dildo and they resumed their earlier positions on it. Putting their arms and legs around one another, they fucked the rubber implement. Trading kisses, caressing backs and colliding breasts, Marisol and Erika clashed on the bed. Each woman sent delight into the other with her actions and received good will in return. They spun a tapestry of rapid spirals in their minds and bodies, their unbridled ecstasy building as the weave unrolled.

 It took scant seconds for them both to reach climax. The interruptions had increased their needs and now the time had come. The future was ahead and they would face it together, their friends beside them. Pleasure was the present, however, and that was their entire world. Rapture caught fire inside each woman and they let it consume them, their bodies shaking with joy. Erika erupted first, wailing as she danced in the flames. She writhed her body against Marisol's and the other actress followed her to orgasm in an instant. She was much quieter and calmer upon reaching her peak. However, her heavy breathing and flushed face showed that her inner spasms were as intense as Erika's own.

 "I'm not exhausted yet," Marisol said, grinning in the aftershocks. She hugged Erika and kissed her. "You?"

 "Never," Erika replied. She returned Marisol's attentions and bucked the dildo into her. Marisol pumped it in reply and fondled Erika's legs. Nipples brushed together and cunts sloshed as they moved. The women were both certain they would be working out their issues with each other for a great while yet.

***

The End.

***

Afterword: As always, my goal in writing about religion is fair depiction and constructive criticism, not anything malicious. I hope you will let me know if I have done a good job. "Passion of Erika Christensen Chapter 5: Free Katie" is next in this saga. Stay tuned.

- AN.