Doc's New Invention

January 16, 1986
8:00 PM PST
BTTF Universe

Seventeen year old Marty McFly was lying on his bed, and he was listening to KKHV on the radio - as it was playing Heart and Soul by his favourite band, Huey Lewis and tThe News. Just then, his phone began to ring.

'Yo,' said Marty, as leaned over to pick up the phone. He was wondering if it was his girlfriend, Jennifer Parker. She had a sudden babysitting job to do that night, so they were not able to go to the theatre that night - as they had originally planned.

'Hello, Marty, is that you?' asked Dr. Emmett Brown, whom Marty referred to as Doc. Despite the age difference between them, Marty considered Doc to be his best friend.

'Hey, hey, Doc,' replied Marty, as he wondered what his friend could be calling about this time. He had been rather busy the past few days. 'What's up?'

'Listen, Marty,' said Doc, 'could you meet me in my lab when you have a moment? I've made a breakthrough on another project, and I'll need your assistance.'

'You didn't make another deal with terrorists, did you?' Marty asked, concerned. This conversation sounded very familiar to him. A few months ago, Doc had revealed his time machine to Marty - and, unfortunately, he had also made a deal with a group of Libyan terrorists, which had nearly costed Doc his life.

'Oh, no, no, no, Marty,' Doc insisted. 'Don't worry. We'll be fine. So could you come over in about fifteen minutes?'

'Um, yeah,' replied Marty, as he popped a piece of candy in his mouth, 'I'm on my way.' He then hung the phone, wondering what Doc's invention could be this time.

After washing up a little, Marty stepped out into his treasured 4x4 Toyota truck. He then thought of how he could only dream about owning that truck in the old timeline - back when his brother and sister lacked confidence in themselves, his mother was an alcoholic, and his father was subservient to Biff Tannen. His trip to 1955 nearly three weeks ago had changed the history of his family life dramatically, however - and, as a result, he now had two sets of memories to contend with. It had taken him a few weeks to get used to. Marty had to admit that, in some ways, he did miss his old life.

As Marty drove over to Doc's lab, he was anxious to find out what major project Doc came up with this time. It probably wasn't any bigger than the time machine, though. He wondered if it would be anything that Doc could release to the public - and, if so, what affect that would have on the future. After Doc had travelled thirty years into the future, Marty's son had managed to get his hands on the time machine - and he ended up travelling back to 1985, on the day after Marty returned from 1955. After Marty and Jennifer had travelled with their son to 2015, they got to briefly see what the future was like. They even got to meet their older selves.

Marty pulled into the parking lot of Burger King, which was located right next to Doc's lab. Doc used to own a mansion in that location - but he accidentally burnt it down in 1963, when he was working on a science experiment. He eventually sold off much of his land to the city. Marty was feeling a little apprehensive, as he slowly walked up to his friend's lab. Marty knocked on the door.

'Marty, you made it!' exclaimed Doc, as he opened up the door and hugged Marty. 'Come in, please. You'll have to see what I just invented.'

'So, Doc, what's up?' asked Marty, smiling. 'What did you need my assistance with?'

'Well, Marty,' replied Doc, 'I had been working on a device that would allow telepathic communication, and I was wondering if you would mind experimenting with me.'

'Sure, that would be great,' replied Marty, with interested. 'So what do I need to do?'

'Well,' explained Doc, 'we each put on one of these caps - and you should keep thinking a thought over and over, again. I'll see if I can read you.'

'Check, Doc,' replied Marty, as he placed a cap over his head. The cap was a little smaller then that on the mind reading device that Doc attempted to build in 1955.

Doc then placed a cap on his head, flipped a switch, and instructed, 'All right, Marty, now! Just think whatever phrase comes to your mind, and just focus your attention on that one phrase. Try not to think about anything else. Just repeat the phrase over and over in your head.'

Imagine if my life was a movie, thought Marty. Imagine if my life was a movie. Imagine if my life was a movie. Imagine if my life was a movie.

'Aw, dang it,' groaned Doc, taking off his cap. 'This damn thing doesn't seem to work. I thought for sure this thing should work by now. Honestly, if it wasn't for the obvious success of the time machine - I would probably just give up now.'

'So you weren't reading me?' asked Marty. He felt real bad for Doc, as he understood how much passion his friend had for his inventions. Marty sure had the same passion for music after all, and he hoped to become a successful rock star someday.

'No, I wasn't able to read you,' Doc said, sighing. 'Well, I guess I won't give up yet - but I really did expect this thing to work now. Maybe I just need to make a few more adjustments. Well, if I could tackle inventing something as major as a time machine - then I could certainly tackle this. I guess I just have to think positively.'

'Yeah, try not to lose all hope, Doc,' Marty said, as he gently laid his hand on Doc's shoulder. 'You know what you've always told me. If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.'

'Isn't that the same thing your father says?' Doc asked, smiling a little.

'Uh, yeah,' replied Marty, 'but it's mostly because that's what I've been telling him, during the week that I was in 1955. Believe me, Doc - in the old timeline, he was very different. It was me who encouraged him to let other people read his stories.'

'Oh, so that explains it,' said Doc, smiling. 'Well, thank you for helping me, Marty.'

'Oh, that's not a problem, Doc,' Marty said, softly. 'Jennifer and I were planning on seeing a movie tonight, but she then had a sudden babysitting job. So I could stick around, if you'd like. I did miss spending time with you the past few days, you know.'

'Yeah, I'll probably take a little break from my inventions,' Doc said, smiling. 'It sure is nice to have great friends in you and Jennifer. Sabrina is a great friend, too - but I haven't heard too much from her lately. I guess she is pretty busy these days - and she's married to Brad, now.'

'Oh, yeah, I remember Sabrina,' Marty said, smiling. 'I really miss her, too.'

Sabrina Palmer was ten years older than Marty - and she had been close friends with Doc that much longer than Marty was. Well, not counting Marty's week in 1955, that is. She currently lived in San Francisco with her husband.

'Say, Marty,' Doc said, smiling, 'why don't you play some tunes for us. I just bought you a new amplifier the other day. I once again apologize for not warning you about the amplifier beforehand. I guess I should have done that before I left town.'

'Aw, don't sweat it, Doc,' Marty said, smiling. 'Thanks so much for the amplifier.'

'You're very welcome,' replied Doc. 'Now come with me, and I'll show you where it is. It's even nicer than the one I gave you before. I hope you like it.'

Marty smiled, as he followed his friend towards the back of the lab. He then thought of how lucky he was to have such a good friend like Dr. Emmett Brown. He felt that it was a real shame that many in town considered Doc to be a 'crackpot' or a 'nutcase'. He figured that it was just their loss, though.

Character Like Me

January 16, 1986
8:00 PM PST
Real World Universe

Michael Andrew Fox, professionally known as Michael J Fox, was feeling very relaxed - as he was sitting in the jacuzzi in his back yard with two girls. The short blonde was named Kierra, while the slightly taller brunette was named Andrea. Kierra was pretty new to the neighbourhood, and this was her sixteenth time of visiting Michael's home. Andrea, on the other hand, was a cousin of Kierra's who was visiting town for about a week - and this was her first time of ever meeting Michael. Michael smiled softly, as he placed his arms around both girls. The water was was warm and bubbling.

'So, Mike,' Kierra asked, coyly, 'have you ever imagined what it would be like to be Marty McFly, from Back to the Future? Also, is it really true that you never rode on a skateboard, until they had you star in the movie?'

'Yeah, out of all the movies that you've performed in,' added Andrea, 'that one is my favourite. I hope they film a sequel, someday. I've always wondered what happened, after Doc brought Marty and Jennifer back to the future with them.'

'I really did have a lot in common with Marty,' Mike replied, smiling, 'when I myself was in high school. I had even formed a rock band called Halax, for awhile. When I was fifteen, though, I decided that acting was more my profession. I am pretty sure if I went to Marty's school - Strickland would've called me a slacker, as well. As far as skateboarding goes, though - I can't say I was really into that, so much.'

'School can be pretty boring at times,' Andrea said, nodding. 'I do plan to graduate, though - as I would like to go to college and become a nurse, someday. Sometimes, I wish I had a time machine - so that I could go back in time to see my parents back when they were my age. I'm sure that can be a very eye-opening experience.'

'I think it would be quite nice, if time travel was possible,' Mike said, softly. 'However, there would be so many time paradoxes to worry about. I mean, I'm sure that many of us have dreamed of going into the past - and seeing our parents, when they were the same age as us. However, remember what happened when Marty interfered with his parents' first meeting? I wouldn't want to go through something like that.'

'Oh, yeah,' replied Andrea, 'I suppose it would be a rather frightening experience, to risk becoming erased from existence. You know, the end of the movie really had me on the edge of my seat. I would hate to have been Doc. It seems rather dangerous, being on top of that clock tower. He sure did have a lot of courage.'

'I am sure it was very dangerous,' agreed Mike, nodding. 'Like Marty, I would hate to have been stuck in 1955. There are a lot of things I would really miss. Now don't get me wrong. It would be a nice time period to visit, but I really would miss some of the modern conveniences that we often take for granted.'

'Like rock and roll, for instance?' asked Kierra, smiling. 'Although, I suppose Alex P Keaton wouldn't mind - as he is quite the conservative guy.'

'Well, that is certainly one of them,' agreed Mike. 'I would also miss the convenience of dryers, for instance. Then, having microwave ovens is certainly very convenient. I think Alex P Keaton would miss the convenience of those items, too.'

'So, Mike,' asked Andrea, 'how would you like to be Marty McFly, overall?'

'Well, as I've said before, we do seem to have a lot in common,' Mike said, smiling. 'I think, despite all its drawbacks, it actually would be quite fun to travel through time. I could think of a few eras that I would like to visit. I wouldn't really mind being Marty, I guess. I'm pretty happy with being me, though.'

'Aw, Mike,' purred Kierra. 'I love you so much! You really are a sweet young fellow, and I can see a little bit of both Marty and Alex in you. You sure know how to make your characters loveable. I think you do have more charisma than Eric Stoltz does.'

'I really love you, too, Mike,' agreed Andrea. 'I hope to one day meet a fellow just like you. I'm sure you have a lot of people asking you to marry her, eh?'

'I really love you girls, too,' Mike replied. 'You know, I try not to hate anyone. I can't even say that I really dislike anyone. I mean, we have too much hatred in this world already. I mean, look at the Middle East. There's no need to add more to it.'

'I totally agree, Mike,' purred Kierra. 'That is a very profound thing to say. What we really need is more peace and harmony in this world. Wouldn't you agree?'

'Right,' agreed Mike, smiling, 'we all could most certainly stand to do our part to bring more peace and harmony into this world. There are too many wars in this world, you know. Sometimes I cry when I watch the news, as it makes me feel sad how certain people can be so heartless. Not just in the Middle East, but here in North America and Europe, as well. I mean, I recently heard in the news about the little five year old girl who was starved, beaten, and tortured by her very own mother. I mean, isn't that so sad - to be treated so cruelly by someone who is supposed to care for you the most?'

'Child abuse makes me sick,' Andrea said, with disgust, as she tenderly wiped away a tear that fell down Mike's cheek. 'I feel so bad for these poor little kids!'

'You know, I do not even like thinking about politics,' said Kierra, sighing. 'I think too many people can be closed-minded and intolerant when it comes to politics.'

'Well, actually,' Mike replied, 'I'm a pretty big political junkie myself. Even though I'm not a US citizen, I am still pretty interested in the politics of this country. I agree that some people on all ends of the political spectrum can be pretty intolerant. However, I think one does need to be politically informed, so that you could make a difference in the world. As much as the news can be so depressing at times, it is important to care about what's going on in the world. Apathy really is not the answer, you know.'

'I guess you have a point,' replied Andrea. 'It's too bad they have the stupid rule that one has to be born in the US to become the US president, because I think you would make a great US president. I think you would do a great job of running this country.'

'I'm so flattered you feel that way,' Mike gushed. 'However, I would rather just stick to acting. I am sure running a country is quite an awesome responsibility. I mean, I could just imagine all the pressure that you would be under.'

'I wouldn't doubt it,' said Kierra. 'Do you think you might ever become a US citizen?'

'Well, it's possible that I might,' Mike said, smiling. 'I mean, I sure enjoy living in this country, but I also have a fondness for my home country. If I do become a citizen of this country, I would probably end up being a dual citizen. I think Canada and the US are both very wonderful countries - and we really are such wonderful neighbours.'

Mike got up from the jacuzzi to reset the bubbling device. Mike then sat back into the jacuzzi, put his arms around both girls, and smiled. Mike always thought fondly of his fans, and he was more than happy to spend time with them.

In Character

January 17, 1986
7:30 AM PST
BTTF Universe

The radio alarm clock turned on, waking up Michael J Fox. The Power of Love by Huey Lewis and The News was playing. Mike sleepily stretched his arms, and then he opened up his eyes. Mike then glanced around the room, and then he realized he wasn't in his bedroom at all. However, something about this room had struck him as extremely familiar. He then realized that this was Marty McFly's bedroom from the set of Back to the Future.

How the hell did I get here? Mike wondered, to himself. Did I suddenly become my own character from Back to the Future? This cannot be possible. Okay, Mike, get a grip on yourself. It's all a dream - just a very intense dream.

'Hey, Marty!' called out a feminine voice, possibly Lorraine McFly. 'Are you up, yet? You don't want to be late for school, this morning. I'm making you some cinnamon toast, your favourite.'

'Yes, Mom!' replied Mike, as he sat up on the bed. 'I'm up! I'm getting dressed, now!'

'Good for you, honey!' replied Lorraine. 'Would you like some bacon, too?'

'Sure!' Mike replied, as he pinched himself in the left arm, to see if he was dreaming. 'I'll have about four slices, please. I am rather hungry'

'Would you like some orange juice?' asked Lorraine.

'Yeah, I would like a big glass of orange juice, please,' replied Mike.

Mike then went to look for some clothes to put on. He even found Marty's famous outfit from the movie. Mike decided that he might as well wear that. He still couldn't believe that he somehow became Marty McFly. Mike did consider himself to be very open-minded - but the idea of somehow becoming a character that he played in a movie seemed a little too fantastic to him.

Mike then looked into the mirror, and he realized that his looks hadn't changed at all. Right, of course, thought Mike. Because I played Marty McFly, of course I would look exactly like him. Mike then went through Marty's cassette collection. Well, at least Marty has the same taste in music as I do, thought Mike. It could be worse. I could have become Alex P Keaton from Family Ties. I mean, I like some of the same music he likes, too - but I really love my rock and roll.

After Mike finished adjusting his suspenders, he put on his jean jacket - complete with the Art In Revolution pin. He then walked over to the kitchen, and he realized that the whole house looked exactly like the set from the movie. The furniture in the living room was the same as the furniture that was shown at the end of the movie.

'Good morning, honey!' gushed Lorraine, as she threw her arms around Mike and kissed his cheek. 'Did you have a good rest last night?'

'Good morning, Mom,' replied Mike, as he returned the hug. He felt strangely secure in the hug - even though the woman was, of course, not really his mother. She looked just like Lea Thompson did in her make-up work. Mike knew right away that this was Marty's improved family that was shown at the end of the movie.

'How many slices of toast would you like, Marty?' asked Lorraine.

'Uh, four, please,' replied Mike. 'I'm so hungry, I think I could eat a horse.'

'Oh, you've got a real hearty appetite, eh?' Lorraine asked, smiling.

'Marty is a pig,' groused Linda, shooting Mike a dirty look.

'Now, Linda,' Lorraine said, sternly. 'That was not very nice. You apologize to your brother right now.'

'But, Mom, it's so not fair,' groused Linda. 'How can he eat so much, without putting on any weight?'

Mike nearly chuckled at the statement, as he remembered how he used to be quite overweight. As he was a very active guy, his metabolism was pretty high.

'He just happens to have high metabolism, I guess,' replied Lorraine. 'I'm still waiting for you to apologize.'

'Oh, all right,' sighed Linda, begrudgingly. 'I'm sorry, Marty.'

'Apology accepted,' Mike replied, smiling at Linda. Mike was not the kind of person to become easily angered or to hold a grudge.

Mike then sat down to eat his breakfast. Now remember, Mike told himself. Your name is Marty McFly. You are 17 years old. You live in Hill Valley, California. You are dating Jennifer Parker. You are the lead guitarist in a band called The Pinheads. You have an older friend named Dr. Emmett Brown. Your school principal, Mr. Strickland, is not too fond of you - and he considers you a slacker. Although, come to think of it, Mr. Strickland hasn't been shown in the new timeline. Did he still have the same negative opinion about the McFlys, as he had before? He figured that school started at 8:30 - so he tried to eat his breakfast as quickly as he could.

oooooooooo

Mike had glanced at the clock on the wall, and he realized that he was a bit pressed for time. He checked his wallet, to make sure Marty's driver's licence was in there. Then he headed out to the garage, and he saw that Marty's 4x4 Toyota truck was there. Just like in the movie, Mike thought to himself, as he stepped into the truck.

He then drove around town, looking for Hill Valley High School. He also saw to it that he had Marty's schedule and school map with him, as well as Marty's locker combination number. Even though he had played Marty, and knew what his school looked like on the outside, he had no idea where all of Marty's classes were. He saw that Marty's homeroom teacher was someone named Ms. Coleman, and that the classroom was on the first floor.

Mike then passed that courthouse where the clocktower was, and the clock was still stopped at 10:04. Across from the courthouse was Lou's Aerobics Studios. Mike was so stunned, he nearly drove off the road. He could hardly believe that the set of the movie he had acted in over half a year ago had actually become real. Mike then saw the school building, as he drove into the school parking lot, to look for an empty space to park. Mike began to walk into the school building, as he saw Mr. Strickland walking towards him. The principal had a rather stern expression on his face.

'Well, well, well, McFly,' said Mr. Strickland, clicking his tongue. 'I see that you're late again. Still hanging around that nutcase, Dr. Emmett Brown?'

'I'm sorry, Mr. Strickland,' Mike said, blushing. 'I just got lost this morning.'

'I guess Ms. Coleman will have to give you another dose of her punishment after school today,' Mr. Strickland added, with an evil grin.

Mike then felt a bit apprehensive. In what way would Ms. Coleman punish him for being late for school? 'Oh, you mean, she'll give me a detention?' Mike asked, slowly.

'I think you know what I mean, McFly,' Mr. Strickland said, sternly. 'Oh, there she is right now. I'd better head off to my office, now - and she can take it on from here.'

'Well, McFly,' Ms. Coleman said, with a smirk, 'I guess you must like having your feet tickled, don't you? I see you didn't learn from last time!'

Mike stared at Ms. Coleman, stunned. He couldn't believe what he had just heard her say. Teachers didn't tickle their students as punishment, when he went to school.

'That's right, McFly,' Ms. Coleman continued, with an evil grin. 'After school, we are going to my house again, and I am going to tickle those tootsies of yours for a good two hours or so. Maybe then you'll learn?'

'Uh, yeah, I guess so,' Mike stammered, still stunned. This has to be some sort of bizarre dream, Mike thought, to himself.

'Okay, McFly,' Ms. Coleman continued, 'you'd better head off to class, now. Don't forget to meet me after school, today.'

'Yeah, Ms. Coleman,' Mike said, sighing. 'I'll see you after school.'

'Remember, McFly,' Ms. Coleman said, smiling, 'if you fail to show up after school, you will not be allowed to play with your band anymore.'

Oh, jeez, Mike thought, to himself. Well, he certainly did not want to get his character counterpart into any trouble - but, whoa, he thought the teacher was being a little fresh. Mike had nothing against tickling, and he enjoyed both tickling others and being tickled. He felt it was a bit unprofessional for a teacher to tickle a student, though.

Mike then glanced at his schedule, and he headed off to his next class. He had a feeling that this was going to be a very long day.

Out of Character

January 17, 1986
7:30 AM PST
Real World Universe

The alarm clock started to ring, waking up Marty McFly. That's funny, Marty thought, I usually set my alarm clock to wake me up to music. Marty then looked around the room, and he realized he wasn't at home. How the hell did I get here? Marty thought, confused. Marty then reached behind him, to shut the alarm clock off.

Marty walked over to the mirror, and he looked into it. Well, I certainly look the same, thought Marty. Then Marty chuckled nervously to himself. Of course I would still look the same, Marty thought, to himself. What did you think, McFly? You'd suddenly become a different person? This isn't Freaky Friday, you know. But, then, how did I suddenly end up in this room. Did someone kidnap me, and take me here?

Marty then stepped out into the kitchen, and the floor felt a bit cold and gritty under his bare feet. He then looked to see what was in the refrigerator. He saw a can of Pepsi Free in there, as well as some bananas. It certainly didn't seem like he had been kidnapped. He also looked at the clothes on his body, and he wondered where those pajamas came from.

Okay, McFly, get a grip on yourself, Marty thought, to himself. It's all a dream - just a very intense dream. Just go back to bed and get back to sleep, then you will soon wake up back in your own bedroom. Marty then went to his bedroom, and did just that.

oooooooooo

Marty later on woke up to the ringing of the door bell. Marty woke up, and saw that he still wasn't back home. He went to answer the door.

'Michael!' exclaimed a young blonde lady. 'What are you doing, still in your pajamas? Hurry up, get dressed! We have to be at the studio in half an hour!'

'Michael?' Marty asked, confused. 'Who the hell is Michael? Who are you? My name is Marty! I'm Marty McFly!'

The blonde then then burst out laughing, and said, 'Oh, Michael, you are too funny! Of course, you're not really Marty McFly! You only played Marty McFly in a movie called Back to the Future. You should know who I am. My name is Roxie.'

'What?' gasped Marty, as he nearly fainted. Roxie then reached out to steady Marty.

'Are you okay?' Roxie asked, suddenly becoming serious. 'You're not sick, are you? You are most definitely not Marty McFly! Marty McFly is just a fictional character that you've played in Back to the Future. You are Michael J Fox, and we need to be at the studio in twenty minutes. So you'd better hurry up and get dressed.'

Marty silently went into his bedroom, and he looked for some clothes to wear. How the hell did I become Michael J Fox? Marty asked himself. Since when did Michael J Fox act in a movie called Back to the Future? I'm pretty sure Michael doesn't even know who I am, and I'm pretty sure nobody filmed a movie of my life. Gee, this is real heavy. Where is Doc, when you need him?

'Hey, Michael, are you almost ready?' asked Roxie, somewhat impatiently. 'We have to leave soon! You'd better prepare to shift into your Alex P Keaton role soon.'

'Yes!' called out Marty, dazed. 'I'm almost ready! I just need to comb my hair.'

'Well, hurry up!' insisted Roxie. 'We don't want to be late! Just because you're not feeling well this morning, it does not mean you can slack up on your job. The show must still go on. Family Ties is not complete without Alex P Keaton, after all.'

Marty had just finished combing his hair, and he ran out to join Roxie. Marty was nervously fidgeting, as Roxie drove him over to the studio where Family Ties was being filmed. He had never really taken much interest in acting. Playing the guitar and singing was more his profession of choice.

oooooooooo

'Michael!' gasped Gary David Goldberg. 'What is with you today? You keep messing up your lines! Are you feeling sick today? This is just not like you.'

'Uh, yeah, I guess I am,' Marty stammered. 'I guess you can say that I just don't feel myself today. I'm not sure what I'm coming down with, to be honest.'

'Well, it is Friday,' said Mr. Goldberg, sighing. 'I suppose we can just call this a day - but, Michael, make sure you get plenty of rest this weekend. We really cannot afford to replace you, as you really are the highlight of the series.'

'Okay, I will,' replied Marty. I hope I'll be back in my world by Monday. I am tired of being Michael J Fox. He is my favourite actor - butI want to be Marty McFly, again. I miss my family, and my friends, and Jennifer.

'Are you sure you're okay, Michael?' asked Mr. Goldberg, concerned.

Without warning, Justine Bateman jumped on Marty and started to tickle him all over.

'Hey! Hey!' protested Marty, as he collapsed on the floor, laughing. 'What is that all about? This really tickles! You really have to stop! I can hardly breathe.'

'Well, this is to get you back for all the times you've tickled me when I was in a bad mood,' Justine replied, smirking. 'So, Michael, how does it feel to be tickled to death? Huh? Oh, I am having so much fun making youlaugh, Mikey baby!'

'Stop it!' Marty protested, through helpless laughter. 'Please just stop it! Have mercy!'

'Nope!' Justine said, with a smirk. 'This is revenge, Mikey baby! You can't get away from me! You really should have seen this coming, you know!'

'Somebody please help me!' Marty pleaded, trying to escape from Justine.

Unfortunately for Marty, the rest of the cast was just content to stand around and smile. After about 15 minutes, Justine had finally relented.

'There, Michael,' Justine said, smirking. 'Revenge sure tastes so sweet. Now maybe you'll think twice about tickling me when I'm in a bad mood.'

'Yeah, I certainly will,' replied Marty, breathing hard. Too bad she had to get him when I, Marty McFly, am stuck in his body. Gee, I sure hope I'm not stuck here for the rest of my life.

Marty hated to get his actor counterpart in trouble - as Michael J Fox was, in a sense, one to give him life. Marty decided that he will have to, later on, watch Back to the Future. Marty even had Justine pinch him on the set earlier, and the pinch definitely felt real.

Marty had remembered that Doc had postulated about the existence of alternate realities before. Marty had, in a sense, returned to an alternate reality after spending a week in 1955 getting his parents together. Still, Marty didn't understand how he ended up in this alternate reality. It's not like Marty had landed into this reality in Doc's time DeLorean. He went to sleep in his own bedroom, then he woke up in this strange world the next day. Apparently, Marty McFly didn't even exist in this world, except as a fictional charactor that Michael J Fox had played in Back to the Future.

Marty then thought of something. If he somehow landed in this world inside the body of Michael J Fox, who had played him in Back to the Future - did that mean that Michael J Fox somehow ended up in Marty's world, in Marty's body? Well, at least Michael J Fox had the advantage of knowing who Marty McFly was (albeit as a fictional charactor) and having had played him in a film - so at least Michael J Fox would have some idea of what to expect. Marty, on the other hand, didn't know too much about the personal life of Michael J Fox. Of course, Michael was one of his favourite actors - but he didn't expect to ever become Michael in a world where Michael played him in a movie.

Marty then began to wonder if the Michael of this world would try to contact the Michael of his own world. He was certain Michael would know how to contact himself!

Identity Crisis

January 17, 1986
12:05 PM PST
BTTF Universe

Mike was feeling real dazed, as brought his lunch tray to the table, where Jennifer and Marty's three friends from The Pinheads.

'So I've heard you were late for school again, today,' Zach Nelson said, concerned.

'I thought for sure you would have learned the other day,' added Billy Winterson, 'after Ms. Coleman had tickled your feet for two hours. I mean, I know how much you hate having your feet tickled. So what happened to you?'

'Look, guys,' Mike said, blushing, 'I didn't mean to show up late for school today. I just lost track of time this morning. I guess I'm just not feeling myself today.'

'Sure, Marty,' said Joey Landvatter, rolling his eyes, 'that really is no excuse. Also, what do you mean you're not feeling yourself today? No offence, Marty - but you do have a bad habit of being tardy for classes. We would hate to have to replace you on the guitar - but if you get barred from playing with us, we'll really have no choice.'

'Yeah,' agreed Billy, 'I mean, that's the only alternative to getting your feet tickled, right? Marty, we're not meaning to pick on you. We're just simply concerned about you. I mean, you are our friend - and we like having you in our band.'

'Please, guys,' Mike protested, somewhat indignantly, 'I don't want to talk about this right now. Yes, I did get careless this morning, and I'm sorry. I'm not perfect, you know - so just lay off!'

'Yes, Marty,' said Joey, sighing, 'we understand that you're not perfect. None of us are. Still, we really are worried about our band. So, Marty, you really do need to shape up. Please don't take this as an attack on you. We're just trying to help.'

'Look, guys,' Mike cut in, with some irritation, 'I'm not who you think I am. I am not Marty McFly. My name is Michael J Fox!'

The Pinheads and Jennifer burst out laughing at Mike's comment.

'Michael J Fox?' gasped Billy, through laughter. 'You really expect us to believe that?'

'I understand that you don't believe me,' Mike said, quietly. 'I'm telling you the truth, though. I fell asleep in my own bed last night - then, for some reason or another, I woke up in Marty's bed this morning. You have to believe me.'

'Yeah,' Zach snorted, 'that's a likely story, Marty! You may look like the Foxster, but I know you're not him! I bet he doesn't even know that you exist!'

'Look, Marty,' Jennifer said, gently - as she placed a hand on Mike's shoulder. 'I know that you are a big fan of Michael J Fox. However, I never thought that you wished to be him. I like you as you, Marty.'

Mike just stared at Jennifer, stunned. Mike felt so depressed that he wanted to cry.

'Look, Marty,' Jennifer said, as she gently sqeezed Mike's shoulder, 'if it's really of any consolation to you - I sure you'll one day be a big star, too. You always wanted to be a rock star, right? This is what your friends want, too, you know.'

'Yeah, I guess, Jennifer,' Mike said, quietly, as he was blinking back tears. 'I guess you really can't understand my predicament, and I guess I shouldn't expect you to.'

'We won't have much of a chance to become a famous rock band, though,' added Billy, 'if you keep showing up late for classes. I despise Strickland as much as you do, but even I have to admit that he has a point. You need to take school seriously.'

Mike was stunned, as this conversation sounded very familiar to him. Like Marty, he had not taken school seriously himself - which led to many lectures from his parents and teachers. Even many of his friends expressed concern for him.

'Please, Marty,' Jennifer said, softly, 'I don't understand what's troubling you today. You don't need to pretend that you are Michael J Fox. I really like you for who you are, Marty. I love Michael J Fox, too - but it's mostly because he looks just like you.'

Mike just couldn't take it anymore. He quietly stood up from the table, and dumped out his lunch tray. He then walked out of the cafeteria, he sat down by the lockers, then he began to cry. This was like some sort of waking nightmare that he just could not wake up from. He had never felt so lost before in his life.

Jennifer walked up to Mike, as she gently put her hands on his shoulders and tried to comfort him. Mike was inconsolable, though. He knew that he had to consult Dr. Emmett Brown after school, today. Surely he could at least get the Doc to listen to his predicament. After all, Doc did manage to invent a successfil time machine.

oooooooooo

'All right, Mr. McFly and Miss Parker!' called out Ms. Coleman, as soon as the trio arrived at her home. 'Let's go into my basement, and you know what's to come.'

Mike and Jennifer had slowly followed Ms. Coleman into the house. Ms. Coleman then led Mike and Jennifer down to the basement, where Mike saw a table with restraints. Good grief! Mike thought, to himself. Is this like some sort of hobby for Ms. Coleman?

'Okay, Mr. McFly,' ordered Ms. Coleman, 'take off your shoes and socks.'

Mike had complied, not wanting to get his character counterpart in trouble. He could hardly believe what was happening, though.

'Okay,' Ms. Coleman commanded, 'lie down on the table now.'

With a bit of apprehension, Mike had lay down on the table - as Ms. Coleman began to restrain him tightly, and she made his feet completely immobile. Mike was feeling a bit jittery, even though Tracy Pollan had tickled his feet on quite a few occassions.

'Are you nervous, Marty?' Ms. Coleman asked, smiling.

'Yeah, Ms. Coleman, I am,' Mike said, stunned. He was so nervous with anticipation.

'Why are so nervous, Marty?' Ms. Coleman asked, sweetly. 'There's nothing to it. All you have to do is laugh and laugh. I really love the way you laugh, Marty.'

Mike had no idea how he was supposed to respond to a statement like that, although Tracy had used that line of him a few times before. Apparently, though, this was the same torture that Ms. Coleman put Marty through the other day. Without warning, Ms. Coleman had run the brushes across the soles of his feet - causing him to burst out laughing helplessly. This is so unbearable, Mike thought, as he continued to laugh helplessly. Mike felt like he was going to faint.

oooooooooo

Mike and Jennifer had decided to walk over to Doc's home, as soon as they left Ms. Coleman's home. He was feeling very nervous about meeting someone he had only known before as a character that Christopher Lloyd had played. He figured that Doc was somewhat different in personality from the actor who played him.

'Gee, that was unbearable!' exclaimed Mike, shaking his head. 'I mean, Tracy Pollan has tickled my feet many times before - and I don't mind having them tickled. Still, she usually only tickles them for about fifteen minutes. She did tickle them for two hours once, and I must say that that is overkill. I am so exhausted from laughing.'

'Well, Marty,' Jennifer said, gently, 'I really don't know what you're talking about - but now you know not to be late for school again, right? This is important, Marty.'

'Uh, yeah, right,' stammered Mike. He desperately wished he could convince Jennifer to believe him. After all, Jennifer did know about time travel now, right?

'So, Marty,' asked Jennifer, 'are you still convinced that you're Michael J Fox?'

'Look, Jennifer,' Mike said, sighing, 'you believe in time travel, don't you? I mean, Doc did take you to the future with Marty.'

'Uh, yeah, I do believe in time travel,' replied Jennifer. 'although Doc never did take us to the future. If you're not really Marty, though, then how do you know about time travel? I mean, I can't imagine that Michael J Fox would know about the DeLorean.'

'It's because I played Marty McFly in a movie,' explained Mike. 'I don't know how I ended up in this world, but I really am Michael J Fox. In the world that I came from, Marty McFly only exists as a fictional charactor that I played in a movie.'

'Well, I guess I really have no choice but to believe you,' Jennifer said, sighing. 'I mean, I still remember how upset you were at lunchtime. By the way, I really love watching you on Family Ties. You do remind me of Marty a lot. You must be Michael from another reality, though - although, I'm sure you're not too much different from the Michael in this reality. I must say that this is very surreal, though.'

'Yeah, this does seem very surreal all right,' Mike said, with a small smile. 'I'm pretty certain the me of this world never played in Back to the Future, for obvious reasons.'

'Oh, well, that is pretty interesting,' replied Jennifer. 'Here we are, uh, Michael. Let's turn this way. We're almost at Doc's garage.'

'Cool,' replied Mike, 'and you can call me Mike. I think Michael sounds a little bit too formal. I guess it really isn't so bad being Marty McFly. It's just that this is not home.'

'Marty feels the same way about being called Martin,' Jennifer said, nodding. 'Well, do you think you might consider contacting yourself in this world.'

'Well,' Mike said, sighing, 'as much as I am a little curious to meet my counterpart in this world, I guess I don't really want to bug him. The poor guy may be so confused - and, anyway, this would just get real messy. I suppose, in a strange sort of way, I really have two counterparts in this world. Marty McFly is my character counterpart - and then I have another counterpart who has my name and my life.'

'I guess that is a bit uncanny, isn't it?' Jennifer asked, smiling. 'Well, here we are. This is Doc's lab, and he should be home now.'

Homesick

January 17, 1986
3:35 PM PST
Real World Universe

Marty was taking a little break from signing autographs. He had been real amazed to discover that he did indeed have a similar handwriting to his actor counterpart. He was also amazed to discover that he had the same taste in music and soft drinks as his actor counterpart. It was obvious that he and Michael did have a lot in common.

'Okay, Michael,' a redhead girl named Carol had called out. 'Break is over, now! It's time to go sign some more autographs. Your fans are waiting for you'

Marty really did not feel like signing anymore autographs, though. He felt extremely depressed. He began to really miss his family - as well as his friends and, of course, Jennifer. As much as loved Michael J Fox, he wished desperately to be himself again.

'Are you okay, Michael?' Carol asked, gently. 'You look really depressed, like you're having a really bad day. Come on, Michael, what's troubling you today?'

Marty just couldn't take it anymore. He turned his head away, and he began to cry.

A bunch of fans were staring at him, shocked. Granted, Michael J Fox has had a few crying scenes on Family Ties - as well as the one crying scene in Back to the Future, when Marty thought that Doc had been shot dead by the Libyan terrorists again. Still, to have the great Michael J Fox crying right in front of you was a somewhat shocking experience.

'Aw, what's wrong, Michael?' cooed one of the fangirls.

'Let me go cheer you up, Michael!' exclaimed another one of the fangirls.

'Aw, poor Michael!' gushed yet another fangirl. 'Why are you crying?'

'Hey, Michael,' urged another one of the fangirls, 'you can go cry on my shoulder!'

'Yeah, Michael,' added another fangirl, holding out a handkerchief, 'let me wipe the tears away from your eyes.'

'It's so sweet of you girls to be concerned for Michael,' Carol told all the fangirls, 'but let's just give Michael his space right now. He's obviously very upset right now.' Carol then turned to Marty, and she gently led him away from the fans.

'Now, Michael,' Carol said, gently. 'Tell me what's upsetting you. You're usually such a cheerful fellow. It's not like you to be this upset. What is troubling you so much?'

'I, I don't belong here,' Marty sobbed, with desperation. 'I just want to go home!'

'Home?' Carol asked, confused. 'Home where? Do you mean back home to Canada?'

'No,' Marty replied, weeping, 'I mean back home to Hill Valley! Where all my friends and family are! I really don't belong here at all! I don't know how I ended up here!'

'Oh, Michael,' Carol gushed, 'you really miss acting in Back to the Future, you mean? It is, without a doubt, suich a great movie and a blockbuster hit - but you really feel so strongly about that movie that it making you heartsick? Well, Michael, if it makes you feel a little better, if the moviebecomes popular enough - they might ask you to come back for a sequel. I mean, there's always that possibility. You're such a great actor, and you were so wonderful as Marty McFly. I really like you as Alex P Keaton, too, you know. I guess you really enjoyed starring in that movie, didn't you?'

'Yeah, I guess so,' Marty said, sobbing, as he felt rather frustrated that he could not explain what was really upsetting him. It's not like she would believe him, after all.

'Now, Michael,' Carol continued, 'why don't you lie down on this bed for a little while, and try to calm down a bit? It really bothers me to see you so upset.'

Marty then lay facedown onto the bed, as he buried his face into the pillow and wept brokenly. It was one of those situations where he needed to talk with Doc so badly - and Doc didn't even exist in this reality, except as a fictional character.

oooooooooo

Later on in the evening, Marty was sitting in the living room as he was watching Back to the Future with five girls. Everything seemed surreal to Marty. All the events that were happening in the movie was exactly the way things really happened for him. All the charactors had even looked exactly the same as Marty had remembered them, in spite of the fact that the same actors had played both the 1955 and 1985 version of the characters.

Michael J Fox was one of the very few actors who resembled his character in 1985. Most of the other characters were played by actors who were much younger than them - although, with a lot of make-up work, they were still able to resemble their 1985 charactors to a tee. Even Christopher Lloyd, who co-starred with Michael J Fox, didn't look exactly like Doc.

'Like watching yourself on TV, Michael?' one of girls, Lindsay, purred - as she ran her hand across Marty's hair. 'You really are such a brilliant actor. You're great on Family Ties, too. I really love you as Marty McFly and as Alex P Keaton.'

'Thank you so much,' Marty whispered, smiling softly. He was rather mesmorized by the film. 'I must say that watching yourself on TV is a rather surreal experience.'

In a way, Marty was watching himself on TV in an even truer sense - then it would be if Michael J Fox had been watching it. He had to say that he was very impressed that Michael J Fox had managed to play his role so perfectly.

'Yeah, I'm sure it is, Mike,' agreed another girl, named Monica. 'I mean, it's not even really you that's in the movie. Well, of course it is you - but it's you inside the role of another person, if you know what I mean. You actually became Marty McFly, I mean.'

'Yeah, I guess I see your point,' Marty whispered back. He then realized that Michael J Fox probably became Marty McFly in an even truer sence, today. If only they knew!

Marty then began to wonder if creating stories, movies, and whatnot tended to create alternate worlds. Some of the scenes that were shown in the film of Marty were a bit embarrassing, though. If Marty ever made it back home, he would have to make it a point to discuss that theory with Doc.

Marty then began to think of some of the dystopian worlds he has heard about - like the world portrayed in George Orwell's 1984, for instance. It would be depressing to think that an Orwell's 1984 world actually did exist. Although he did have to admit it was somewhat interesting to compare Orwell's vision of 1984 with the 'real' 1984.

Then, there was also the world that was portrayed in Jack Chick's comic tracts? Were there really a bunch of poor souls who were being condemned to hell in that reality, simply because Jack Chick had ruled it so? While Marty himself was a Christian, he disagreed with the Christians of the Jack Chick variety. In fact, he had to wonder if people like Jack Chick even were truly Christian. After all, he did remember reading in the Bible that it was wrong to be so judgemental of other people.

'I really love you, Mike,' whispered Monica, as she put her head in Marty's lap. Marty just smiled softly, as he tenderly stroked Monica's head. Perhaps, it really wasn't so bad being Michael J Fox after all. He actually felt quite honoured.

oooooooooo

'Hey, Mike, can I give you a massage?' asked Lindsay, after the film was finished.

'Oh, sure,' Marty said, smiling, 'just as long as you let me give you one, too.'

Lindsay just smiled at Marty. He then lay down on his belly and relaxed, as Lindsay began to massage him. Marty began to think of how lucky Michael J Fox was, to be pampered by fan girls like that. Maybe the life of a rock star was similar.

'You're such a sweet person, Mike,' cooed another girl, named Sandy. 'I mean, I can hardly believe that I finally got to meet you. I have admired you for a long time.'

'Yeah, you're not like some of the other actors I've got to meet,' replied Monica. 'You're very humble, and you don't have a big head at all.'

'I think this is the third time I got to meet you, Mike,' gushed another girl, named Jill. 'I wish I lived close by, so that I could see you more often. Well, I certainly do plan to treasure this evening with all. Oh, all my friends will be so jealous of me.'

'You really are so much like your charactor from Back to the Future,' purred the fifth girl, named Beth. 'You are so nice and sweet. You really do have a lot of charisma.'

'Yeah, Mike,' agreed Monica, 'you definitely exude peace and harmony. Honestly, if more people in the world were like you - we would be much closer to obtaining global peace and harmony. I hope to one day have a boyfriend like you.'

'Well, we certainly could use more peace and harmony in this world,' agreed Marty, smiling. 'I think we could all do our part to make a difference. We shouldn't let all the negativity we hear in the news cause us to lose faith in humanity.'

'Oh, I totally love you, Mike,' gushed Sandy. 'You really are such a fox, Mike.'

Marty laughed lightly at the pun, then he said, 'Okay, now it's my turn to give you girls a massage.'

Doc To The Rescue

January 17, 1986
7:45 PM PST
BTTF Universe

Mike was feeling a little apprehensive, as he knocked on the door of Doc's lab. Doc opened the door right away.

'Hello, Marty and Jennifer,' called out Doc. 'How are you guys doing?'

'Uh, Doc,' Mike said, slowly, 'there is something I need to tell you.'

'Well, Marty, what's on your mind?' asked Doc, as the three of them sat down on Doc's couch.

'Well, Doc, I'm not sure how to tell you this,' Mike said, slowly, 'but I'm not Marty McFly. I'm in Marty's body - but I am really Michael J Fox from another reality.'

'Okay, Marty, what's wrong?' Doc asked, confused. 'What makes you suddenly decide you don't want to be Marty anymore?'

'Don't tell me you don't believe me,' Mike pleaded, his eyes welling up with tears.

'Okay, then,' Doc said, sighing, 'let me put this mind reader on you, and I'll try to read your mind. Now don't say a word. It's very important.'

Oh, boy, thought Mike, as Doc had placed a suction cup on his forehead. This is so strangely familiar. Did Doc actually get this thing to work, now?

'Your name is Michael Andrew Fox,' said Doc, slowly. 'You are an actor, and your professional name is Michael J Fox. You play Alex P Keaton on Family Ties - and you... played Marty McFly on Back to the Future? Great Scott!' Doc then fainted to the ground.

'Well, at least we know that the mind reader device works,' Mike said, quietly. 'I guess I can't say that I'm too surprised that the revelation that I played Marty in a movie would put Doc into a state of shock. I just hope he can help me get back home. I mean, he's really my only hope. He has to think of something.'

'I hope for your sake, too,' agreed Jennifer, softly, 'and for the sake of Marty. Which, come to think of it, if you're here in Marty's body - then where would Marty be?'

'Oh, goodness!' gasped Mike. 'If I'm here in Marty's body - then Marty must be in my world, in my body. Oh, goodness! I hope Marty doesn't get me into trouble. If he keeps insisting that his name is Marty McFly, he might end up getting me committed. After all, Back to the Future is a bestselling movie in our world - and Marty McFly is a pretty familiar name. It's just that everyone knows that Marty McFly is a fictional character that I played in a movie. Oh, goodness! Poor Marty! How is he going to take to the idea that he's a fictional character in our world? I just hope he doesn't end up getting me committed. I also hope he doesn't end up making out with any fan girls. I mean, I have a reputation to uphold - and I intend to wait until marriage.'

'Don't worry, Mike,' Jennifer said, softly. 'I know Marty wouldn't cheat on me. He's a pretty decent guy. He'd probably just be real friendly to your fans, I'm sure.'

'Phew, good,' breathed Mike. 'That's a relief. I know how madly devoted to you he is, but I just wanted to make sure. It appears as though you two are destined to marry someday. I can see why Marty is very attracted to you. You are a very sweet girl.'

'You mean I was in the movie, too?' Jennifer asked, wide-eyed. 'I cannot believe it!'

'Well, just a little bit,' replied Mike. 'You were in the beginning of the movie, when I was being blasted out by Strickland, and I was told that no McFly ever amounted to anything in the history of Hill Valley - and then you also showed up at the end, when I was admiring the 4x4 Toyota truck, and then Doc came by, and insisted that we needed to go back to the future with him.'

'So I just had a minor role, then?' asked Jennifer. 'I don't remember Strickland ever telling Marty that no McFly ever amounted to anything, though. I also don't remember ever going into the future with Doc. I do remember him telling me that I was a sight for sore eyes, and that he hasn't seen me in a week. Then our future son showed up and said that we were his parents. It is such a surreal experience to meet your own son when you haven't even had him yet.'

'Yeah, I can imagine that it would be,' Mike said, nodding. 'Anyway, the scene with Strickland took place in the old timeline, when Marty's dad was still being bullied by Biff Tannen. I was telling you that it wasn't my fault, because the Doc set all of his clocks 25 minutes slow. Then Strickland popped out from around the corner, and he lectured me about how Doc was 'a real nutcase' - and that if I hung around him, I would end up in big trouble.'

'Okay, that part I remember,' Jennifer said, nodding. 'Then you said 'oh, yes, sir' - and then Strickland told you that you had a real attitude problem?'

'Right,' said Mike, nodding, 'that's what happened in the movie. Then Strickland probably said something different in this timeline, as Marty's dad had become a famous author.'

'He lectured Marty about how his dad might be a famous author,' said Jennifer, 'but that, if he didn't shape up, he would get nowhere with life. Then Strickland told Marty that he didn't have a chance at the dance auditions, because he was too much of a slacker, and that no slacker would amount to anything in the real world. Then Marty insisted that Strickland had under-estimated him.'

'Okay, that part was different,' explained Mike, 'That was the part where Strickland told me that I would never amount to anything. Say, just out of curiosity, did Marty still blow up the amplifier in this timeline?'

'Yeah, he did,' said Jennifer, 'and Doc lectured Marty about it. Marty told him that the call came too late, though. Then Doc understood. So are those the only scenes I had in the movie?'

'No, you were also there when I was performing for the dance auditions,' explained Mike, 'then we was told that our band was 'just too darn loud'. I was devastated, and you were cheering me up at the park bench. Then, as we were about to kiss, a clock tower woman had interrupted us, telling us to save the clock tower. On our second attempt, we were interupted by your father pulling up and calling out your name.'

'Okay, yeah, I remember that,' said Jennifer, nodding. 'Out of curiosity, who played me in the movie? Was it a well-known actress? The closest actress I can think of who remotely resembles me is Elisabeth Shue - and we are still a bit different. Her hair is more of a reddish-brown colour, and her face is a little bit different'

'Uh, no, she wasn't really that well-known,' replied Mike. 'It was actually a young girl named Claudia Wells. I really enjoyed acting with her, though - and I really hope she gets more opportunities in the future to do some acting.'

'Hm, well,' Jennifer murmured, 'I never heard of Claudia Wells before. I do hope she becomes a famous actress in this world, too. I would feel so special.'

'Well, it could very well be possible,' Mike said, smiling. 'She has a lot of charisma.'

'Yeah, so do you, Mike,' replied Jennifer. 'That is my main reason for watching Family Ties, in fact. Justine Bateman looks so gorgeous, too - but you really are what makes the show. To be honest, I do not think I would really enjoy the show quite as much, if you weren't in it. You really are my absolute favourite actor!'

Then Doc began to stir. Mike and Jennifer went to tend to him immediately.

'Doc! Doc!' exclaimed Mike. 'Are you all right? I feel bad about putting you in shock!'

'Yeah, I guess I am,' said Doc, sighing. 'So you really are Michael J Fox? You really did play Marty McFly in a movie. So, tell me, what happened in the movie?'

'To make a long story short,' Mike explained, sighing, 'I was having sort of a bad day the day before you unveiled your time machine. I was supposed to meet you by 1:15 in the morning, because you made a major breakthrough, and you told me that you needed my assistance. You put Einstein in the time machine, and sent him forward by one minute. Then the Libyan terrorists were chasing you, and I ended up in 1955.'

'Great Scott!' gasped Doc. 'I can hardly believe that my major experiment is actually the subject of a movie in your reality. This is really a lot to take in, you know.'

'I accidentally prevented my parents from meeting,' continued Mike, 'so I had to spend the whole week getting them back together, while you were working on a way to harness the bolt of lightening to the DeLorean. I also tried on several attempts to warn you that you would be shot by terrorists, but you refused to listen. I can really imagine that it must have been a tough week for Marty.'

'Yeah,' Doc said, sighing, 'I still feel real bad about the hell that I put Marty through.'

'The one thing about being a good actor is,' Mike explained, 'you have to empathize with the role of your character. In a manner of speaking, it's a little like I've actually become Marty McFly, until the camera man says 'cut'. I would have never guessed, though, that I would one day literally become my character.'

'So what else happened in the movie?' Doc asked, with curiosity.

'Well, I made it back to 1985,' Mike explained, 'just in time to watch you get shot by the terrorists. I thought you were shot dead again, so I sat beside to your body and began to cry. Then you sat up and showed me that you were wearing a bullet-proof vest, as well as the letter that you taped back together. I woke up the next day, and I saw that my family was different. I was admiring the Toyota truck - when you came to tell Jennifer and me that we needed to go back to the future with you. That's when the movie ended.'

'Great Scott!' gasped Doc. 'I can't believe that that event of our lives was made into a movie. Well, Michael, I really would like to help you - but I don't know what to do.'

'Please, Doc,' said Mike, beginning to cry, 'you're smart. There must be something you can do. I don't belong here. I want to go back home'

Doc gently placed a hand on Mike's shoulder, and said, 'I'll think of something, Mike. I promise. I sure Marty wants to come back home, too. Try not to stress yourself out too much, please.'

'Yeah, I guess,' Mike said, as he wiped his eyes. 'It's just that I feel so lost.'

'Hey, Mike,' Jennifer said, softly, 'why don't we go out for Francesca's Italian Diner tonight. Do you, by any chance, happen to like Italian food?'

'I sure do,' Mike said, as he managed a small smile. 'I can't say that I ever really heard of that restaurant before, but I am a big fan of Italian food.'

Life Of A Star

January 17, 1986
11:00 PM PST
Real World Universe

'Hey, Mike, could we go sit in the jacuzzi for awhile?' asked Lindsay. 'We brought our swimsuits along, and I thought it would be nice and relaxing.'

'Sure, that would be great,' replied Marty, smiling. 'Just give me a minute to change into my trunks first, and then why don't we bring the radio and some tapes in there.'

'Oh, yeah, I love music,' said Monica. 'So what kind of music do you listen to, Mike?'

'Rock and roll,' Marty replied, smiling. It is amazing to think my actor counterpart and I have the same taste in music, Marty thought, with great amusement.

'Oh, cool,' replied Monica, 'that's my favourite kind of music, too. What are some of your favourite bands?'

'Oh, I like so many of them,' said Marty. 'I like Huey Lewis and The News, Van Halen, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin - to name a few.'

'Oh, could we listen to Led Zeppelin?' asked Sandy. 'They are my favourite band. Do you have Houses of the Holy? I like that album the best. It showcases the softer and more relaxing side of Led Zeppelin. The Rain Song is my absolute favourite song.'

'I think I do,' replied Marty, as he did recall seeing a few Led Zeppelin tapes in Mike's cassette collection. 'Let me check, while I change clothes. In the meantime, you girls can change your clothes in the bathroom. I'll meet you out in the kitchen.'

'We will, Mike,' replied Beth. 'I must say, Mike, you are so lucky to be able to have a jacuzzi. I wish we could afford one for our backyard, too.'

Yeah, I do, too, replied Marty, realizing that he felt a pang of envy for his actor counterpart. Still, despite having all the luxaries - he did miss his friends and family. Marty then stepped into Mike's bedroom to change his clothes. He looked in some of the drawers to look for a pair of swimming trucks, which he found after searching for about two minutes. Marty then quickly changed clothes. He then checked out Mike's cassette collection, and he was able to find the Houses of the Holy tape. He popped the tape into the boombox. Marty then went out to the kitchen, where the girls were waiting for him.

'Are you girls ready?' Marty asked, smiling. 'I must say, it is a real lovely evening in Los Angeles. Anyway, it is great being able to relax with you girls.'

'Oh, we are as ready as ever,' replied Lindsay, smiling. 'I must say, it's certainly a real honour to spend time with you, Mike. You are a friendly person to be around.'

'Hey, Mike,' said Jill, 'you have such a cute smile. I really love the way you smile.'

'Well, thank you,' replied Marty, smiling - as he left his house to lead the girls out to the jacuzzi. He began to wonder if life as a rock star would be this exciting, too.

'It's nice being able to sit in the jacuzzi with you,' Sandi said, smiling. 'I mean, I wish we had a jacuzzi - or even a swimming pool. You are such a lucky person, Mike!'

Marty set the boombox onto a chair, as he turned the tape on. He then turned on the jacuzzi. He went to sit down inside it, and he smiled at the five girls - as they went to join him. He had to wonder if these girls had counterparts in his reality - and if it was possible that they might be fans of his music, as well.

'Whew,' exclaimed Beth, 'the water feels nice and warm. It's nice being able to spend time with you, Mike. I really wish I that I lived closer to town, so that I would be able to spend more time with you. Gee, my friends are really going to envy me.'

'Say, Mike,' asked Monica, 'is it really true that you hate Teen Wolf? I must say that I thought you were great in that movie. Although, I do like Back to the Future better.'

Remember, Marty told himself, you are Michael J Fox. Marty actually liked Teen Wolf, though. If his actor counterpart hated it, though...

'Hey, Mike, are you all right?' asked Monica. 'I guess you really do hate that movie, don't you? We don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to. I mean, I understand.'

'You liked performing in Back to the Future, though, right?' asked Beth. 'I heard you got really upset earlier today, because you missed the cast from that movie. I could imagine that that might film a sequel to the movie, someday. I would love that.'

'Yeah, I guess I did,' Marty said, quietly. Actually, Marty was upset about being in the wrong reality, and missing his friends and family. He, of course, couldn't tell the girls that, though. He wondered if his actor counterpart had managed to talk to Doc about their situation, yet. He wondered if Doc's telepathic device might have anything to do with the switch, as he recalled the sentence he was thinking into the device. Imagine if my life was a movie.

'I think you and Christopher Lloyd make a dynamic duo,' Beth added. 'So do you two still remain good friends? I heard that Chris Lloyd is pretty shy and soft-spoken.'

'Yeah, we certainly do,' replied Marty, as he remembered that he did receive a letter from Christopher Lloyd earlier that day. He didn't think he should open up that letter, though, as it didn't really belong to him - even though he sure was tempted to do so.

'Oh, this song most certainly moves me,' gushed Sandy, as The Rain Song began to play. Marty glanced over, and he saw that tears in her eyes.

'Yeah, it certainly is a really beautiful song,' Marty replied, smiling. For some reason, though, that song had never really moved him in the same way as Over the Hills and Far Away did. He did think it was a beautiful romantic song, though.

Marty gently placed his hand on Sandy's shoulder, and gave it a gentle squeeze. She smiled a little, through her tears. The song had just then finished, and Over the Hills and Far Away began to play. Tears filled Marty's eyes, as the song really moved him. As Jill placed an arm around him, Marty began to relax, as he freely let the tears flow down his face. It was one of those songs that almost always made him cry.

'Oh, Mike,' murmured Jill, 'it's so sweet that the song really moves you. You sure do have a soft spot in you. I really hope that I can one day meet a guy just like you.'

Marty just smiled at Jill, as tears were flowing down his cheeks. He never really knew why the song moved him so much, but it was definitely beautiful. As the song ended, Marty wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

'So, anyway, Mike,' asked Lindsay, 'do you think you guys may ever film a sequel to Back to the Future? I've always wondered how Marty and Jennifer's children were in trouble. How many kids do you suppose they have?'

'I would guess about three kids,' Marty said, not wanting to tell them what he really found out. 'The eldest kid maybe looks a little like Marty. He gets a little greedy, so he has brought Doc's time machine into the past to collect some valuable antiques - so that he could sell them back in 2015, and make some money on it. So Doc then had Jennifer and I - er, Marty - go into the future and make him see the error of his ways. I think that would make an interesting idea for a sequel, in my opinion.'

'Wow, Mike!' gasped Monica. 'You certainly have quite the imagination. Maybe you could consider writing the script for a sequel. Perhaps, if you tell Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale your idea - they might possibly consider it. It couldn't hurt to ask.'

'Yeah, I might ask them,' Marty replied, deciding that it would be a better idea not to. After all, there really was no telling what nasty affect on the space-time continuum it could have - if the sequel ran contradictory to what really happened. Then, again, he had also never considered the possibility that his life might be a movie in a different reality. Although, there was the fact that the ending of the movie was different from what actually happened after he got back to 1985.

'Do you ever imagine that are Marty McFly?' asked Beth. 'I must say that the two of you do seem to have a lot in common. I know you do play guitar, too.'

'Yeah, I guess I do, sometimes,' replied Marty, smiling. 'Well, I am going to turn the tape over, now. This is a great album. I actually do prefer the fourth album, though.'

'Oh, I think the fourth album is a bit overrated,' said Sandy. 'I mean, I do not dislike it, but it's just not my favourite. Too many people I know do talk about what a great album it is, but I just find their other albums to be better. Know what I mean?'

'Yeah, I understand,' Marty said softly, as he stepped out of the jacuzzi to flip the tape over. Maybe, tomorrow, he could play some tunes on the guitar for some of Mike's fans - and see if they might like his songs, too.

The Solution

January 18, 1986
12:15 AM PST
BTTF Universe

Doc was pacing up and down in his lab restlessly, as he was really concerned for his friend - as well as the actor from another reality. He was still stunned to discover that Marty's first time travel adventure was the subject of a movie in another reality - and that the role of Marty had been played by none other than the loveable Michael J Fox. He has always been amazed by how similar in appearance his young friend was to the actor that was considereda major teen idol. He would've never guessed, though, that Michael J Fox actually played the role of his young friend in another reality.

'How will I ever get Michael back home to his reality?' lamented Doc. 'How will I ever get Marty back into this reality, where he belongs? Are they really doomed to spend the rest of their lives in the wrong universe?'

A terrible thought had then occurred to Doc. If Michael J Fox was doomed to spend the rest of his life as Marty McFly, and vice versa - he would still have no choice but to marry Jennifer. Otherwise, it might result in a time paradox. After all, Marty's son did travel back to 1985 less than three months ago. Still, if Michael J Fox was forced to marry Jennifer - even if they were not in love with each other - it would not only make their lives miserable, but it also wouldn't be good for their kids.

'Tom, how am I going to be able to fix this mishap?' Doc cried out, with anguish. Just then, he heard his dog, Einstein, barking. 'What is it, Einie?' asked Doc, concerned. Then he realized that Einstein was sitting beside his telepathic device. 'Great Scott!' gasped Doc. 'Why didn't I think of that? I did have Marty come over last night, and I figured that this machine just wasn't working. I'll have to figure out how this infernal machine caused Marty and Mike to switch bodies - and universes - with each other.'

Doc then placed one the caps onto his head, and he pressed a button. Immediately, he heard Marty's voice repeating over and over, 'Imagine if my life was a movie!'

'Great Scott!' Doc gasped, as he was stunned by his revelation. 'This must be it! This device must have, in some way or another, generated a temporal displacement field that has caused a disruption of Marty's brain waves - resulting in a condition of mind displacement that has caused Marty's brain waves to become transposed with those of Michael J Fox! The question is, though, what exactly caused Marty's brain waves to cross the inter-dimensional barrier? I must have really outdid myself this time!'

As Doc had opened of the base of the telepathic device, he then realized where the problem might have come from. Inside was an s-shaped incandescent lamp, which apparently was real powerful, just like the y-shaped flux capacitor that was used to power the time machine.

'This must be it!' gasped Doc. 'It must be this lamp that caused the brain waves of Marty and Michael to cross the inter-dimensional barrier, resulting in a transposition of their brain waves. I'll have to call up, Marty - uh, Michael - right away.' Marty then glanced at the clock on the wall, and he decided that it was rather late. It was better to just let Michael get some sleep. Tomorrow, he would attempt to switch them back.

oooooooooo

As Mike opened up his eyes, he glanced around the room - and he realized he was still in Marty's bedroom. He hoped that Doc would have found some way to switch the two of them back. In some ways, he didn't really mind being Marty - but it just wasn't who he was. He might have played Marty McFly in a movie, but that was about the extent of his identity as the character.

In many ways, he considered himself lucky that he had switched places with Marty McFly - instead of his other notable character, Alex P Keaton. Not only because he didn't share some of Alex's conservative views - but, also, because there was no Doc Brown to turn to in that world. He would have been hopelessly stuck as a character whom everyone expected to hold conservative views.

Although, come to think of it, he wouldn't have minded dating - and, perhaps, even marrying - Ellen Reed. He did find himself attracted to Tracy Pollan, who had played the role of Ellen. However, Tracy was currently seeing someone else - although she did seem to be rather fond of tickling his feet. Sometimes Mike wondered why he let Tracy put him through that torture - but he knew it was because he loved her.

Just as Mike was about to step out of bed, the telephone then rang.

'Hello,' Mike replied, as he picked up the phone. 'McFly residence.'

'Oh, good, I'm glad you're there,' replied Doc. 'Listen, Mike, I think I may have found a way to get you and Marty switched back. Are you just waking up?'

'Yeah, I am,' Mike replied. 'So what exactly happened, Doc? What did you find out?'

'Well, on the night before you and Marty switched places,' Doc explained, 'I had him come over to check out the telepathic device that I was working on. It didn't appear to work, so I just put it to the side for a little while. However, it now appears that the device may have resulted in a transposition of yours and Marty's brain waves.'

'English, Doc,' pleaded Mike. 'Can you please put it in layman's terms?'

'Oh, sure,' replied Doc. 'What happened was, the device appeared to have switched your mind with that of Marty's. I told him to keep thinking a statement over and over again. You know what he was thinking?'

'What was it, Doc?' Mike asked, with curiosity. 'Was he thinking about being me?'

'Imagine if my life was a movie,' replied Doc. 'That's what he was thinking. In some way or another, that statement must have activated the temporal displacement field - resulting in... Well, why don't you come over as soon as you can? I hope you don't mind doing a few tests with me.'

'No, not at all!' replied Mike. 'Right now, I would be willing to do just about anything to become myself again. Marty McFly is one my favourite characters that I've really enjoyed playing - along with Alex P Keaton. Still, I am neither of them. I am Michael J Fox, and I am an actor. I also don't skateboard as good as Marty. I do know how to play the guitar, but I don't think I could really take on his role of lead guitarist in The Pinheads. Also, my singing style is quite different from his.'

'Well, anyway,' Doc replied, 'why don't you come over right away? I picked up some cinnamon rolls this morning. Do you like cinnamon roles, Mike?'

'Yeah,' replied Mike, 'as long as they don't have raisons in them.'

'I'm not too big on raisons myself,' replied Doc. 'I have some orange juice, too.'

'That sounds great, Doc,' replied Mike. 'I'll be over in about half an hour. Bye, Doc.'

Shortly after Mike hung up, the phone rang again. He picked up the phone again, as he wondered who it could be this time.

'McFly residence,' Mike said, as he picked up the phone. 'Who am I speaking with?'

'I'm glad you're up, Marty,' replied a young masculine voice. 'I was wondering if you wanted to meet by my house soon, so that we could do some rehearsing. I love that new song that you wrote earlier this week, called Harmony. I believe the song has a very good message, and I really would like us to get that song on our next album.'

'Okay, well, listen,' Mike said, sighing, 'I'm going to be busy with Doc for a while this morning. Perhaps, we could rehearse a little later this afternoon.' Sometime after Marty and I switch back, Mike added, to himself.

'Well, I guess so,' the young voice replied, sighing. 'It is just you're always spending time with Doc. It's not that I have anything against him, of course - but we are your friends, too. Say, you're not still convinced that you're Michael J Fox, are you?'

'Uh, no, of course not,' replied Mike. 'I guess I was feeling a little under the weather yesterday. Maybe I've just been under a lot of stress, lately.'

'Well, then, buddy,' replied the young voice, 'I guess I will be seeing you around this afternoon. Take good care of yourself, and keep on keeping on.'

'Thanks, buddy,' replied Mike, as he hung up. He decided to get dressed, and he was feeling a little apprehensive. What if Doc's telepathic device malfunctioned, again?

Putting On A Show

January 18, 1986
10:00 AM PST
Real World Universe

Marty was feeling a little bit discouraged, as he woke up that morning. He wondered if Michael did manage to convince Doc that they had switched places. He did have a strong feeling that Doc's telepathic device had something to do with the switch. Doc did tell him to repeat the first statement that came to his mind - and, for reasons of which he was uncertain of, he started to wonder what it would be like if his life had been filmed as a movie. He never would have expected to find out this way, though.

Marty slowly stepped into the bedroom where the five girls had been sleeping. While Marty did often dream about getting a chance to meet Michael J Fox, he never would have imagined that he would ever become Michael J Fox. What was even more stunning was that he had never imagined that Michael J Fox would play his character in a movie in a different universe. After all, in the universe that he came from, there was a major possibility that Michael J Fox didn't even know that Marty McFly existed. In fact, he was rather certain of that. He hoped to become discovered as a rock star sometime in the future. Perhaps, then he would get an opportunity to meet Michael J Fox from his universe. In the meantime, though, he only wished to return home.

'Michael,' mumbled Monica, as she stretched her arms, 'is that you? So what are we having for breakfast this morning. I'm feeling a bit hungry!'

'We'll probably just be having cereal for breakfast,' replied Marty. 'I saw a bunch of boxes of Lucky Charms in the pantry. I think we may have a few unopened boxes in there. I have a tendancy to eat all the marshmallows from the box.' Marty smiled to himself, as he realized that he actor counterpart had the same habit that he did.

'You know, Mike,' Lindsay suggested, 'it is really not healthy for you to be eating all the sugar. You should eat something like Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies, instead.'

'Aw, but they're too boring!' protested Marty. 'I am a pretty active guy, you know. I will be fine. You really shouldn't worry about me so much.'

'I'm so sorry,' Lindsay said, blushing. 'I guess I'm just a bit of a health food nut. Do you have anything else in the pantry beside Lucky Charms?'

'I don't believe so,' replied Marty, 'but I'll go check.' From the selections that he saw stashed in the pantry, it was rather obvious that Michael J Fox was not all too big on health food. Not being that big on health food himself, Marty was not real concerned about that. What he was concerned about, though, was all those kegs of Moosehead Lager beer. After having seen how alcohol had negatively affected his mother in the old timeline, Marty really had no desire to start drinking. He hoped that Mike did not drink any beer, for as long as he was in trapped inside Marty's body. He would hate to come back home to discover that he was suddenly addicted to alcohol.

'That's okay,' replied Lindsay, waving off Marty's concern. 'It is nice to see that you at least have some bananas. I guess I'll just make myself some toast with bananas on it, and drink some orange juice with it.'

'That's what I'll have, too,' replied Monica, smiling. 'I never really was too much for cold cereal. As far as I'm concerned, cold cereal is not a real breakfast.'

'Okay, why don't you girls get dressed?' suggested Marty. 'Then I have a tune that I would like to play for you guys. I'm hoping that you girls will enjoy it.'

'Oh, I would love to hear you play the guitar,' gushed Jill. 'I remember being rather disappointed that it was not really you that was singing or playing the guitar in Back to the Future. It would have provided you with a neat opportunity to showcase your talent. I guess, overall, I am glad that you have taken up acting instead.'

oooooooooo

Marty was feeling a little nervous, as he began to tune up his guitar - after hooking it up to the amplifier. This would be the first time he would be playing the new song he had written earlier this week in front of someone besides Doc, Jennifer, and his band mates from The Pinheads. He then began to strum the opening notes to his song.

'I've watched the news on TV last night...' Marty began to sing, with emotion, 'What they've shown was a terrible sight. There were women being used... And children being abused. I keep losing faith in humanity!'

Marty the sped up the tempo, as he launched into the chorus. He continued to sing, 'Harmony is what we need... To make this world a better place. Harmony is what we need... To bring peace to the human race. Can we ever all live in harmony?'

Marty then slowed the pace down, as he began to sing the next verse, 'I've read the newspaper this morning... The front page had issued a warning. A killer is on the loose... With a very deadly ruse. I keep losing faith in humanity!'

As Marty launched into the chorus again, all the girls were singing along, 'Harmony is what we need... To make this world a better place. Harmony is what we need... To bring peace to the human race. Can we ever all live in harmony?'

The girls were all bouncing back and forth in time to the music, as Marty launched into the third verse, 'On the radio this afternoon... A bulletin said that very soon... We'll have a nuclear war... That we just cannot ignore. I keep losing faith in humanity!'

As Marty launched into the chorus again, the girls all sang along with gusto, 'Harmony is what we need... To make this world a better place. Harmony is what we need... To bring peace to the human race. Can we ever all live in harmony?'

Marty then adjusted the chord a bit, as he began to sing the bridge, 'If we just put aside our selfish desires... We could extinguish the angry raging fires. My faith in humanity might be restored... If we could just remove all strife and discord... And reach out to touch one another.'

Marty then picked up the tempo, as he sang through the chorus three times - as the girls had all joined in. Marty's heart was really into the song. Then Marty had slowed the pace a bit, as he concluded the song, 'Can we ever all live in harmony? Can we ever all live in harmony?' Then, in a soft voice, Marty slowly sang, 'Will we ever all live in harmony?' Then he strummed the final few notes, as he set the guitar down.

The girls all began to applaud, with great enthusiasm. Marty was then beaming with pride. He was happy that all five of the girls were impressed.

'That was awesome!' gushed Beth, excitedly. 'So, tell me, did you write this song all by yourself? If so, you certainly are a very brilliant songwriter.'

'Thank you,' replied Marty, beaming. 'Yeap, I wrote this song all by myself. In fact, I wrote this song a little earlier this week. I was inspired to write this song, when I was feeling so distraught over all the negativity that they show in the news. Sometimes, I do find myself questioning humanity - as I hear of how cruel some people can be. In fact, I was so distraught over hearing about a little girl starved, beaten, and tortured by her very own mother - that I spend over an hour crying about it. I mean, hearing all about that was so heartbreaking to me. I mean, your mother is the one person in your life that you're supposed to be able to trust the most. It's so distressing.'

'Well, you certainly are one very compassionate person, Mike,' gushed Sandi. 'That was a very beautiful song that you wrote and performed for us. I am so amazed to discover that you have that talent in you, Michael.'

'Well,' Jill said, smiling, 'one thing is certain. You sure are the wonderful and amazing Michael J Fox! It's been such a pleasure getting you meet you!'

Just then, Marty felt a big thud in his chest, as he realized what just happened. In all his excitement over performing the new song he had taken pride in, he had forgotten all about the fact that he was supposed to be Michael J Fox. He had just inadvertantly given Michael J Fox credit for writing his song!

Minds Alike

January 18, 1986
11:00 AM PST
BTTF Universe

Mike was feeling a somewhat apprehensive, as he walked up to Doc's garage and knocked on the door. Doc went to answer the door right away.

'Oh, good,' Doc said, enthusiastically, as he opened up the door. 'You have made it. Well, why don't you come in - and we'll test out the telepathic device right away.'

Mike then followed Doc into the back of the lab. Mike had to admit that he was feeling a little jittery. He tried his hardest to keep calm, though, for Doc's sake. He told himself that he could trust Doc, and that there really was nothing to worry about. Besides, Doc was really the only person who would know how to return him home.

'Okay, I'm going to set this caps onto your heads,' Doc explained. 'Try your best to clear your mind of all thoughts, then I will tell you what to do next.

Mike took in a deep breath, as he tried his hardest to not think of anything. He just stared ahead, as Doc went to flip on a switch.

'Okay, Mike,' Doc instructed, 'think of a statement, and then repeat it several times. I'll let you know if I'm reading you, all right?'

'Check, Doc,' replied Mike, as he felt a little panicky.

'Now, Mike,' Doc instructed. 'Just focus on the one statement.'

Envision world peace and harmony, Mike thought, deadpanned. Envision world peace and harmony. Envision world peace and harmony.

'Envision world peace and harmony,' Doc repeated. 'Is that what you thought?'

'It certainly is, Doc,' Mike said, excitedly. 'I guess this thing really is working!'

'It works!' Doc exclaimed, skipping around, excitedly. 'This thing actually works!'

'So what's next, Doc?' Mike asked, with nervousness.

Doc then switched caps, and said, 'All right, Mike, how about we try telepathically communicating with each other for a little while?'

'Check, Doc,' replied Mike, as he took a deep swallow.

'Okay, now!' instructed Doc, as he flipped a switch.

Can you hear me thinking? Mike asked, telepathically.

I think I'm reading you, Mike, replied Doc.

I can hardly believe this is happening, Mike said, stunned. So are you going to switch Marty and I back?

All right, just keep repeating to yourself, Doc suggested, that your name is Michael J Fox. That should maybe do the trick.

Don't you mean Michael Andrew Fox? Mike asked, smiling. That would be my real name. Michael J Fox is just my acting name that I use professionally.

Oh, yeah, that's right! Doc replied, blushing. I'm not sure why I didn't even think of that. I can't believe I made that silly little blunder.

Oh, that's all right, Doc, Mike said, smiling. I'm sure a lot of people do make that mistake, and assume that I go by the name Michael J Fox all the time. Actually, no, I usually just introduce myself as Michael Fox.

Okay, Mike, try it now, Doc urged. Just repeat the statement over and over again, until you notice something.

My name is Michael Andrew Fox, Mike stated. My name is Michael Andrew Fox. My name is Michael Andrew Fox. My name is Michael Andrew...

No, it's not, countered a very familiar sounding voice. My name is Martin Seamus McFly. My name is Martin Seamus McFly. Gee, am I starting to turn into Michael J Fox now? What the bloody hell is going on here?

Just relax, Marty, Mike told his counterpart. Doc and I had just managed to reach you. He's about to switch us back, soon.

Mike, is that you? Marty asked, impressed. You're Michael J Fox? I must say that I feel very honoured to get a chance to meet you - even if you are from another dimension. So what was it like to play me on Back to the Future?

I must say that I've really had a lot of fun, Mike gushed. I must say that you and Alex P Keaton are two of my favourite roles to play. Can you believe that I didn't even know how to skateboard, until they had me star in the movie?

Wow! Marty exclaimed. I never realized you didn't know how to skateboard. So, did you film Back to the Future while filming Family Ties at the same time?

Yes, I certainly did, replied Mike. So I guess my counterpart - uh, my other counterpart - starred in a blockbuster comedy called Mind Warped during that time? I mean, obviously Back to the Future would not exist in your reality.

Oh, yeah, Marty replied, excitedly. That movie was a real hit! So you mean you didn't film it in your universe

No, I didn't, replied Mike. I did watch that movie a couple of times last night - and I must say that it's a very surreal experience to watch myself acting in a movie that I never did act in. Anyway, I guess the basic premise behind the movie is pretty much the same thing that happened to us? Two people end up switching universes - and they both struggle to return to their respective homes.

Oh,yeah, Marty agreed, smiling. That is my absolute favourite movie! Heck, I even remember watching it in the theatre on the day it was released on July third of last year. I'm not a very patriotic person, so I would rather celebrate the day of the movie's release - than celebrate the birth of this country.

Really? Mike asked, stunned. You don't even like watching the fireworks at night? I think it's fun to watch the fireworks!

Well, yeah, fireworks I do like, Marty explained. I guess I am just not too big on all the patriotism that goes on that day. I don't see myself as an American. I see myself as a citizen of the world. We are all one human race, you know.

I guess I can't argue with that, Mike said, smiling. It's just that, even though I am a Canadian, there are many things that I love about this country - and that I feel makes this country great. You should at least be grateful that you're an American.

Well, yeah, I am definitely grateful, Marty agreed. It's just I wouldn't say that I'm proud to be an American - although I'm not ashamed of it, either. It's just that it isn't a condition that was brought about by either my actions or our volition.

I must say, that is very perceptive thinking, Marty, Mike said, laughing. This is just something that I never really thought too much about before, to be honest. I do take the time, though, to consider how grateful I am to be able to live the kind of life that I do. Not everyone is as lucky as we are - and I sometimes get extremely depressed when I hear about world events.

Yeah, that depresses me, too, Marty agreed. I mean, I heard about the case of the poor little girl who was treated horribly by her own mother. In fact, it was that particular incident that inspired me to write the song Harmony. Speaking of which, I did play that song for a group of your fans - and I accidentally gave you credit for the song. If you want to, though, you can go write ahead and perform the song - and take credit for in. I mean, I don't exist in your world, after all.

Thanks, Marty, Mike said, softly, but I can't do that. It would not be right - as it's not my song. I didn't write the song - you did! Anyway, I wonder if we both are talking about the same incident of the girl who was brutally abused by her mother. I was really moved by the story - and I decided to send her a gift. I believe it's really is sad when parents mistreat their own children. I really can't think of anything that upsets me more so than that. I mean, you have all these poor defenseless children who get mistreated by the people they're supposed to trust the most. I just cannot fatham being forced to suffer such a terrible fate. It upsets me deeply!

Mike was then crying, as was Marty.

Yes, Mike, it really upsets me, too, Marty agreed, tearfully. I mean, I thought that the life I lived in the old timeline was terrible - and sometimes my mother was emotionally abusive to me. Still, it's really nothing compared to what that poor little girl had to suffer from. I decided to send her a gift, as well.

I haven't always had the easiest childhood myself, added Doc. I mean, after I developed an interest in science, I really didn't have too many friends - and people would pick on me. I am grateful, though, that I least had my parents to lean back on whenever the going got rough. Reading about that tragic incident of the little girl had made me realize how lucky I was, in comparison. Sometimes, it is easy to feel sorry for myself - because I am a bachelor at 65. Still, I really do have a lot to be grateful for. I do have a few wonderful friends that have always been supportive of me.

I have to admit that it's so easy to get caught up in the excesses of stardom, Mike said, sighing. I mean, I admit that beer and cigarettes are two vices that I have. Tracy is trying to get me to cut back on drinking so much, and she is right. It's just that those are two vices that I had picked up in high school - and it's really hard to maintain self-control. I would like to maintain being a positive influence on today's youth - so I really don't like to be photographed smoking.

I hope to become a rock star, someday, explained Marty, and I would like to think that I would never become a wild party animal.

Well, I never liked marijuana or hard drugs, Mike explained, and I'm starting to wish that I never picked up on cigarettes and beer. Still, once really you get me partying - it's really hard to convince me to stop. It's a weakness with me.

Well, nobody is perfect, Marty said, gently. At any rate, you really are one very level-headed person - and you also have a lot of compassion in you.

Well, Mike and Marty, interjected Doc, are you two just about ready to be switched back? I have an idea of what to do next.

Great to be Me Again

January 18, 1986
11:30 AM PST
Real World Universe

Marty was sitting in the jacuzzi, as he was feeling so relieved that Doc and Mike had finally managed to make contact with.

Yes, I'm definitely ready to be switched back, Marty replied, in answer to Doc's question. I mean, don't get me wrong, Mike. You always will be my favourite actor, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to chat with you. It's just that...

I understand perfectly, Marty, Mike said, gently. I sure did have a lot of fun playing you in Back to the Future, even though I was tired a lot. Still I would rather just be myself. I think it's only natural to feel that way.

Right, exactly, Marty replied, with understanding. Marty was feeling somewhat tempted to ask Mike how to contact his counterpart from his own universe, but he decided it would seem a bit forward and tacky. Although, I must say, I really do like your jacuzzi. Also, I know you aren't too fond of Teen Wolf - but I really think you were great in that film. I guess I'm a little disappointed that you don't like it.

Well, we are all entitled to our opinions, Mike replied. I guess I'm a little more embarrassed about acting in that movie, than anything. If you ever become a rock star someday, which I'm sure you will, then you'll understand what I mean. You do tend to become a bit critical of some of your own works.

So, Marty, where are you right now? Doc asked. Are you alone right now, or are there other people around?

I'm sitting in the jacuzzi, replied Marty. There is nobody else around.

Oh, good! Mike said, with relief. I would hate to find out that some people might think I'm crazy, once we get switched back.

It's too bad that many people already think that I'm crazy, Doc said, sighing. Well, anyway, Marty, I think you should step out of the jacuzzi - before I switch the two of you back. I mean, I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to either of you.

Right, Doc, Marty replied, as he stepped out of the jacuzzi and sat down in oneof the lounge chairs. Anyway, the people who think that you're crazy are very ignorant people who underestimate you. I wouldn't worry about them so much.

Marty is right, Mike said, in agreement. I never believed in judging anyone - and I think it is wrong to automatically prejudge someone based on some rumours that you hear about that person. I think everyone deserve a chance to have people actually get to know them, before jumping to any conclusions about the person.

I sometimes wonder if we may all be bigotted in some way or another, Doc suggested, without realizing it. What do you think?

Well, I do remember that when I pointed out my father to you in 1955, Marty pointed out, you did ask what my mother saw in him. I guess I was a little shocked that you seemed to hold a somewhat negative opinion of my father.

Great Scott! Doc gasped. I guess I didn't even realize how I would come across sounding, when I asked that question. I guess I was just thinking about how different he seemed to be from your mother. I guess I wasn't really thinking about how he was a bit of an outcast, just like me.

I know I haven't always had a very positive opinion on Uncle Joey, Marty said, with shame. I guess I had a tendancy to share Linda's sentiment about how it was a major embarrassment to have an uncle in prison. I didn't really stop to consider that my mother maybe felt the same way about her brother - as I did of you.

Well, I guess nobody is perfect, Mike said, sighing. Having often been picked on myself for my small stature, I can understand what it's like to have people act so hatefully towards you - because of conditions that aren't even of any relation to your personality. So, as a result, I have sometimes been real insecure of my height.

Well, being the same exact height as you, Marty said, with understanding, I do know what it feels like to have people harass you for something you really have no control over. Fortunately, though, many people at my high school do like me.

Well, I wouldn't exactly say that I was an outcast myself, Mike replied. I was pretty well liked in school - and I did try to be friendly towards everyone, including the outcasts and misfits. Still, there were certainly mean people at my school who felt the need to make my life miserable.

Yeah, I have dealt with my share of bullies, myself, Marty said, nodding.

You have to understand that, Mike continued, when I was your age, I was a lot more youthful looking than I am now. After all, you're currently only seventeen years of age - but I was 23 going onto 24 when I played you in the movie. So our biological make-up is probably a little different from what many might think. Anyway, I do try to take everything in stride - and not care so much about what other people think of me. You have to try to live life to the fullest.

Gee, I never even thought about that before! Marty gasped. I guess it does make you wonder if we'll end up looking the same when we're fifty years old.

Or when I'm fifty and you're 43, replied Mike. I guess it's hard to say.

All right, Mike and Marty, instructed Doc, I would like both of you to close your eyes, and envision the surroundings of where your counterpart is.

Marty closed his mind, and he immediately saw the surrounding of Doc's lab in his mind. He was always viewing the surroundings from Mike's standpoint, only...

Hey, Doc[i], Marty asked, confused, [i]How can I be able to see the surrounding of your lab, when we both have eyes shut?

Well, are you familiar of the concept of visual imagery? Doc asked.

Yeah, I think so, replied Marty. That's where you visually imagine objects in your mind. Is that correct?

Precisely, replied Doc. Anyway, as the telepathic device that I invented, you are viewing the surroundings of my lab not with your eyes, but with your mind.

Okay, I understand, Doc, Marty rep.ied, smiling.

So what do we do next, Doc? Mike asked.

Okay, I am going to activate this circuit, Doc explained. I would like the two of you to concentrate all your energy on being back in your own body. Now, if my calculations are correct, when this timer goes off in precisely one minute and 21 seconds - you two should be switched back to where you belong.

Marty then followed Doc's instruction, until he felt a distinctive popping feeling.

oooooooooo

Did it work? Mike asked, as he was a little afraid to open his eyes.

Everything checks out, now, Doc replied. The two of you should be back in your own bodies, now.

Mike slowly opened up his eyes, as he surveyed the surroundings of the room. It felt so good for him to go back to being himself, again.

I must say, Mike said, with a wistful sigh, I really will miss the two of you a lot. So, Doc, I suppose you wouldn't be able to use the telepathic device for all of us to be able to stay in touch?

Yeah, I really will miss Mike a lot, Marty added. I mean, I've always admired him as an actor before - but he really is a nice and compassionate person. Mike, it has been such a pleasure getting to meet you.

Thank you, Mike replied, warmly. It's been so nice getting to meet you lot, as well. I mean, it's not everyday that you get to meet a character that you've played in a movie. I must say that this whole experience has been... educational.

I don't want to risk causing disruptions to the space-time continuum, Doc explained, by making a habit of using this telepathic device to communicate with people from other universes. You know, I hadn't even intended for something like this to happen. I'm not going to say that we won't ever make contact again, but I'm just not sure this is something we should do on a routine basis.

Aw, shucks! Mike muttered, feeling a bit bummered.

I'll tell you what, though, Doc continued. I'll leave the two connected for as long as you'd like, so that you can get to know each other better.

Oh, thank you, Doc! Mike and Marty replied, in unison.

You're most certainly welcome, Doc said, smiling.

Soulmates?

January 18, 1986
3:00 AM PST
Real World Universe

About an hour after Mike had said good bye to his character counterpart, he began to realize how surreal and exciting this whole thing was. He would greatly miss being able to chat with Marty - for they were in two different universes, and only a few privileged people had the ability to break that barrier.

After awhile, Mike was sitting on the couch in the living room - and he was blinking back tears, as he was reading a magazine article about the horrors of child abuse. The article even gave several example of children who were treated terribly by their own parents. Having always had an especially soft spot in his heart for children, he found this terrible crime against humanity to be especially devastating to them. One paradoxal issue about this whole thing, though, was that he couldn't completely hate the parents who would inflict such torture on their own children - for he knew that abusive parents have often, at one time, been abused themselves.

The door bell rang, interrupting Mike from the article that he was reading. He set the magazine on the couch, as he got up to answer the door. It was Tracy Pollan who was standing on the other side. While Mike had greatly adored many of his female - and male, for that matter - fans, he didn't have the same feelings for them that he had of Tracy. On the day that Mike had playfully ribbed Tracy about having 'scampi for lunch' - Tracy had blasted him out for his insensitively. While Mike was taken aback by having been bawlled out by Tracy - for he wasn't used to being spoken to in such a manner - it was on that day that he felt strong love for that woman.

'Well, Tracy,' Mike said, forcing a smile, 'what brings you over here?'

'I just wanted to spend some time with you, Mike,' Tracy said, smiling. Then, after taking a close look at Mike, she became concerned and asked, 'What's wrong, Mike? You look so down! What is troubling you?'

'I was in the middle of reading an article on child abuse,' Mike explained, as he was blinking back tears. 'This is one issue that's very devastating to me. Granted, I had not always had the closest relationship with my dad - but he would never have done those horrible things as some of what the article mentioned.' Then, as Mike began to cry, he continued, 'I don't understand why some people can be so cruel! How can some people treat their own children so horribly? I don't understand what possesses people to do that. Parents are supposed to protect their children from the horrors from of the world, not inflict the horrors themselves. I... I just... I just don't...'

Mike then threw his arms around Tracy, as he collapsed into broken sobs. Tracy attempted to comfort him by embracing him tightly and rubbing his back a little, as he wept brokenly.

'I appreciate how compassionate you are, Mike,' Tracy said, softly. 'Still, I really think you should try staying away from the news for awhile. It hurts me to see you feeling this upset. I mean, you are the great Michael J Fox, after all. You're usually such a happy person, you know.'

'But I need to know what's going on in the world,' Mike sobbed. 'I can't just close the blinds and pretend that none of the horrors are taking place. I really want to help some of these poor children who have been mistreated by their own parents. I need to keep up with current events, and do my part and stand up against some of these horrors. Furthermore, I sometimes feel ashamed to be a man, because of how some men seem to act like it's okay to mistreat women. It's stories about child and spousal about that causes me to lose faith in humanity.'

'It's great that want to make this world a better place,' Tracy said, soothingly. 'I want to make this world a better place, too. I think a lot of us do - and we should do our part to make this world a better place to live in. Still, we need to take the time to enjoy our lives, too.'

'Yeah, Tracy, I guess you're right,' Mike said, sighing, as he lifted up his tear stained face. 'It's just I wish everyone had the luxary that we tend to take for granted.'

'I understand, Mike,' Tracy replied - as she gave Mike a tight squeeze, then grabbed a tissue to wipe away the tears that were on Mike's cheeks. She then walked over to the stereo, and suggested, 'Why don't we listen to some music?' She then pressed play on the cassette deck.

'You're such a wonderful person, Tracy,' Mike said, huskily. 'I really do like you a lot!'

'Thank you, Mike,' Tracy replied, softly. Then, as the opening notes on the guitar were heard over the stereo, Tracy said, 'Whoa, I never heard this song before! I must say, it's sounds like such a beautiful song!'

'I've watched the news on TV last night...' came a familiar voice over the stereo. 'What they've shown was a terrible sight.'

'Mike,' cooed Tracy, 'did you write this song? It's brilliant!'

'Uh,' replied Mike, as he was uncertain of how he should answer the question.

'Of course you did, Mike,' Tracy said, coyly. 'You really should send this song in to the record company.'

'Hey, Tracy,' Mike said, laughing a little, 'I'm an actor! Not a musician or a vocalist!'

'Or songwriter?' added Tracy, as she ran her finger across Mike's left dimple, causing him to laugh a little. 'You can do both, Mike! I mean, you're good, Mike! You're really good! I never knew you could write such a beautiful song like this!'

'But I didn't write the song, Tracy,' blurted out Mike, as he was blushing.

'Well, then,' Tracy asked, coyly, 'who did?'

'Marty McFly,' Mike replied, deadpanned.

'Oh, Mike,' Tracy teased, 'you really expect me to believe that?' Then Tracy added, 'Why don't we sing the chorus together, Mike?'

'Harmony is what we need...' Mike and Tracy sang together, 'To make this world a better place. Harmony is what we need... To bring peace to the human race. Can we ever all live in harmony?'

Noticing that Tracy was singing a little off-key, Mike teased, 'Well, Tracy, you sure do a very good job of singing in harmony!'

'Was this supposed to be some kinda jab at the way I sing?' Tracy teased, as she ran her finger across Mike's left dimple. 'Huh, Mike?'

'Of course not, Tracy!' Mike said, laughing. 'You're a very good singer! It's just that you do a better job at singing the harmony - than you do at singing the melody!'

'Come on, now, Mike,' Tracy urged, with a teasing smile, 'how about letting me tickle your feet for awhile? I mean, it'll only be for fifteen minutes.'

'Oh, Tracy,' Mike replied, sighing, 'why do I always let you put me through this torment?'

'Admit it, Mike, you love it!' Tracy said, coyly. 'You love the endorphin high that you get whenever I tickle your soles. Also, face it, Mike - you have such a captivating laughter.'

'Yeah, okay, I guess you got me,' Mike replied, with a small smile. 'Just promise me that you won't go over fifteen minutes, okay?'

'I promise,' replied Tracy. 'Well, I see that you're already wearing your pajamas. Why don't you go lie facedown on the bed, now?'

Mike was feeling very apprehensive, as he lay facedown on the bed. Tracy snapped his hand behind his back and secured his ankles into the foot stocks. Mike bit his lip, as he prepared himself for what was about to happen.

Without warning, Tracy started to tickle the balls of his feet. Mike immediately began to squirm, as he tried his hardest to hold in his laughter. His smile kept getting bigger and bigger, until he could no longer hold in his laughter.

'Ha!' Tracy said, triumphantly, as she then ran her fingers up and down Mike's soles. 'It only took you seventeen seconds to crack! Doesn't it feel good to laugh, Mike? Just laugh it all out, Mike! You know you want to! I know you're really enjoying this!'

Mike just buried his face into the pillow, as he gave into helpless laughter. He had to admit that it did indeed feel good to laugh.

'Oh, I am really enjoying this, Mike,' Tracy said, teasingly, as she then ran her fingers into the arches. 'I especially love tickling the arches, as they are especially ticklish! You love it when I tickle your arches, Mike! Admit it!'

Mike had to admit that being tickled in the arches felt pleasurable and torturous at the same time. Ever so reluctantly, he had to admit that the arches were his favourite spot to be tickled. The endorphins sure did give him a great burst of euphoria. He was torn between wanting Tracy to quit or continue. Tracy was, of course, more than content to go with the latter.

'Oh, Mike, I really do love tickling your soles and listening to you laugh,' Tracy said, coyly, as she was running her fingers up and down the Mike's soles. 'This is so entertaining for me, you know?'

Mike just continued to give into helpless laughter and surrendered to the tickling sensation. After about fifteen minutes, he was exhausted from laughing so much. Even as Tracy began to release his ankles from the stocks, there was still a little tingling sensation in his soles. Tracy then began to rub Mike's shoulders, and gave him a little back massage - which felt good.

'So how did that feel, Mike?' Tracy asked, coyly.

'Oh, every second of it was so unbearable,' mumbled Mike.

'And you loved every second of it, right, Mike?' Tracy asked, smiling roguishly.

'Yeah, I guess so,' Mike replied, ever so reluctantly.

'Well, Mike,' replied Tracy, 'as you look so nice and comfy, why don't you crawl under the covers - and I'll give you a really nice massage. I think a gorgeous and sensitive man like you deserves to be pampered a little bit.'

'That sounds wonderful,' replied Mike, smiling to himself. He then rested his head on his pillow, as he relaxed while he let Tracy give him a massage. One thing was certain. He really did love Tracy Pollan a lot.

Home Sweet Home

January 18, 1986
3:00 PM PST
BTTF Universe

Marty was in his bedroom, thinking about how good it felt to be himself again. He also then thought about he had recording himself performing Harmony, and realized that this was the only concrete evidence that he left behind that the switch had taken place. He smiled to himself, as hoped that his actor counterpart would enjoy his gift.

Just then, the telephone had rung, interrupting Marty from his thoughts.

'Yo,' Marty replied, as he picked up the phone.

'Oh, good, Marty,' gushed a familiar feminine voice. 'So I guess the two of you have been switched back, now? So what was it like being Michael J Fox for awhile?'

'Well, he certainly is rich and famous,' Marty said, smiling, 'as I hope to be, someday. He also has a very nice jacuzzi. I really wish we had one, too. Other than that, though, it's nice to be home again. I really did miss you, Jenn!'

'I really missed you, too,' replied Jennifer. 'Although, I must say that I sure did enjoy meeting Michael J Fox for a little while - even if he wasn't really the actor from this universe. I'm sure he's pretty much the same, nonetheless - even though it is really amazing that he actually played you, in a movie. So what are your thoughts on that?'