Date: Thu, 31 Aug 1995 15:08:46 -0500 From: Calliope Subject: Another Step: Asteroid Challenge Sequels Heyo all: After reading that kick-asteroid challenge story "The Next Step", I just had to add on a few things: Ending Number One: Liar, Liar Schanke sighed as he hung up the phone. It was a pretty rotten thing to do to his best friend, but he couldn't bear to see him like this. Jeez, Schanke thought, I mean, most people have pretty much accepted doom, but Nick, Nick acts like he's going to end up in Hell after it hits! And Natalie - man oh man, now there's a candidate for the loonie bin. Still staring at the phone, Schanke remembered how happy they had both sounded when he told them news. They hadn't even suspected that it might not be true. Oh well, Schanke thought as he stood up and headed toward the dinner table, they're both happy. And I think I saved Natalie from some rough times. Everything turned out fine. With that, he sat down and waited for Myra to bring out the souvlaki. Ending Number Two: Hell Hath No Permanence Like LaCroix Scorned Schanke hung up the phone slowly, still staring at the man in black before him. "Well done, Detective," LaCroix smiled. "I apologize for having to put you through this, but it was a necessary thing. After all, somebody has to teach my Nicholas a lesson, and it couldn't very well be me who convinces him that the world isn't going to end. It will be interesting to see his reaction. I'll probably be seeing his dear Natalie on this side of the day somewhat soon. That is what she wants, n'est-ce pas?" Schanke continued to stare blankly at LaCroix, jaw hanging loosely, eyes glazed over. LaCroix frowned. "Now, Detective, I am going to leave you. You will wake up three seconds after I have gone. Farewell, and may you enjoy the rest of your happy life . . . all three months of it, anyway." With that, LaCroix was gone. Schanke shook himself awake. Huh, he thought. That was a weird dream. Ah, whatever. "Myra, is dinner ready yet?" Ending Number Three: Count Schankula Schanke smirked as he hung up the phone. Turning to LaCroix, he grinned, baring his fangs happily. "Okey-doke, Master. I did it. Where now?" LaCroix beamed at his new fledgling. "Out for dinner, I think." He didn't know why he hadn't thought of this before. At least his last few months before the destruction would be happy ones spent with his new and favorite fledgling. Schanke giggled. Man oh man, he thought. It serves Nick right. Man, how could he be all this and never tell me? I hope he gets what he deserves. In the blink of an eye, LaCroix and Schanke were out the door, on the hunt and happy.