Thanks to Rebekkah deMere for her expert nit-picking that helps me keep the story on track. Thanks also to Crystal (C.Sprite) for her excellent story “I Can’t Go Home Like This”. It reminded me of some personal experiences that will be turning up in this and the next few chapters. You can find that story at Crystal’s Story Site.

This is a work of fiction, with a few life experiences added in. All of the characters in this story are fictional, and any resemblance to anyone else living or dead is probably a coincidence. Please notify me if you are archiving this and the other chapters of the story on a web site. Permission specifically granted to Sapphire’s Place and Crystal’s Story Site to archive this. If you intend to publish this story in magazine or book (paper or electronic) format, please contact me for arrangements. Additional information on this story may be found at: http://www.ralabs.com/zapped/ .

Dear Diary,

Sunday

My life after the change just gets better every day. I woke up this morning to find myself naked in bed in a wonderful tangle of arms and legs with Adam. I carefully untangled myself and succeeded in not waking him. The pressure I felt in my bladder forced me out of the bed and into the bathroom. I quietly emptied out (well, as quiet as possible for me to be these days) and returned to bed. I managed to make it back in without waking Adam. The clock read 5 AM and since there was nothing planned today, I decided to go back to sleep.

Sleep didn’t come quickly though. I lay quietly remembering the fun Adam and I had last night. I lost count of the times I had an orgasm after the first dozen. I know Adam felt very satisfied too since we both collapsed from exhaustion a few hours ago. The last time we had simultaneous orgasms and I thought I saw a golden flash of light as we both came. I felt like every cell in my body got a large shock, not an unpleasant sensation but a strange one to be sure.

The thought keeps coming back of how fast I've changed over the last month. It has been just a few days since I woke up after the accident that had transformed me from an aging overweight male into a young attractive woman. I expected to take months or maybe even years before I felt even slightly comfortable in this female body. In the space of a very few days, I have undergone such massive changes that I had willingly had sex with Adam last night and completely enjoyed every second of it. In fact, I'm looking forward to doing it again! Next time though, we weren’t going to do it on the floor at least on carpet. My poor back had carpet burn. Let Adam see what that’s like.

I realized that my comfort level about being a woman had increased considerably when I found and bought the ring in the clothing store. I now wore that same ring constantly. I wondered if I would ever find out what had really caused my change and why I adapted so quickly to my new situation. I sighed softly and snuggled closer to Adam. There were still a few more hours left before I had to get up.

Hours later my eyes fluttered open as sunlight streamed in the window of my bedroom. The bed next to me was empty and I heard Adam in the bathroom. The shower was running and I thought briefly of joining him there until I remembered how sore I had been last night when we finished. I decided not to get anything started that would hurt too much to finish. I turned over to look at the clock and discovered that it was nearly 9 AM. At least there wasn’t anywhere I really had to be today. I rubbed my eyes as Adam came back into the room. He was dressed in a shirt and jeans.

“Morning lazy bones! Ahhh…are you going to get up or do I have to scoop you out of that bed and dump you in the shower?”

“I’m up.” I got out of bed with a blanket wrapped around me and slowly walked toward the bathroom.

“What’s with the John Wayne walk, Jen?”

“I’m still sore from last night. I also have carpet burn on my back. Put them together and let's see how YOU walk!"

“Sorry. Do you want me to get breakfast?”

“Would you please? How about making waffles? I have all of the stuff and there’s a waffle iron under the counter.”

“You go get a shower and get something on that burn while I get things going. Deal?”

“Deal.” I closed the bathroom door behind me and started filling the tub with warm water. I decided a good soak was exactly what I needed. I added some scented bath powder to the water and waited for the tub to fill. I put my hair up since I didn’t want to get it wet then I lowered myself into the tub then gently rubbed my sore back and other parts in the warm water. It did feel a little better so I just settled in for a few minutes. I got lost in thought over what had happened in the past few weeks especially the past few days. My complete transformation to a fully functional female had taken place while I was unconscious in the hospital. The conversion of my thoughts and emotions was something I fully felt.

How fast it all happened was still a concern of mine. One minute I was dealing with the realization that I had a male mind in a female body, the next after I put on the ring I had fully accepted my fate. My once iron control of my emotions evaporated and I was left with the normal emotional swings of a human female. I felt emotions much more even to the point of breaking out in tears at the slightest thing and giggling when I found something even mildly funny. The sexual desires of the female body were vastly different. I had found that out last night. That was possibly the most pleasing aspect of the change. The other was that I was now completely healthy and felt like I could take on the world in spite of almost being killed four times in as many days. I just sat there in the tub pondering recent events and wondering where it would all lead. I was roused out of my thoughts by a gentle knock on the bathroom door.

“Jen, are you all right? You've been in there over half an hour.”

“I’m fine Adam. I was just lost in thought for a bit. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

“Ok, Jen. I’ll wait until you’re out.”

I got out of the tub after pulling the drain plug with my toes. The towel felt sort of rough against my sore sensitive parts but just fine elsewhere. I put some ointment on the burn and headed back to my bedroom. I put on a bra and panties then went to the closet to decide what to wear.

I finally decided on a yellow blouse and some stone washed jeans. I added a simple belt for the jeans and grabbed a pair or sneakers. I finished with the socks and shoes then went to the makeup table. My hair was all tangled so I picked up my comb and began to get it straightened out. I followed with the brush deciding not to do a ponytail today. My hair stretched at least halfway down my back when it wasn't up in a ponytail. I decided that was enough and headed for the kitchen.

The smell of cooking sausage greeted me as I entered the room. “Morning, Adam. That sausage smells great!”

“How many waffles do you want, Jen?”

“Just one please. We’ll see how full I get after that.”

“Do you want anything in them?”

“Not really. I’ll add some orange marmalade on top of mine so plain is fine. Is there any coffee?”

“I just made a pot. I didn’t think you were a coffee drinker, Jen. Are you going to give it a try?”

“I think so. I’m not quite awake yet. My tastes seem to have changed so I’m more willing to try different things.” I walked over to the coffee maker and filled a cup then took a little sip. “Not too bad. A little bitter though.”

“I put some sugar on the table. Add a teaspoon full first, stir it well then try it.”

I added a spoon full of sugar and stirred it in. “Hey, that’s not bad. I think if I add a little milk I’ve got it.” I went to the fridge and got out the milk and added a little to the coffee then stirred it in. “Not bad at all. I think I could get used to this pretty easily.” I glanced over at the answering machines on the counter and saw both of them flashing. “Why don’t you go ahead and make my waffle while I check the answering machines, Adam.”

“One waffle on the plain side coming up! Do you want fries with that?” A big grin spread across his face.

“No fries but I will take a sunny side up egg.” I went to the counter and rewound the public line machine then hit the play button. “Hello, this is Greg Kingston. You may remember me from doing several high school and community theater plays together. I’m looking for your help with a play here in the city. I need some of your special magic to revive old lighting and sound systems for a theater group that doesn’t have much money.” He left his number and the best time to call. Several more messages followed. All were junk mail from somebody wanting my attention on some fundraising project or trying to sell me something.

The one of the messages on the private line was from Rebekkah reminding me that I hadn’t made a hair appointment for the Mayor’s award ceremony that was just over a week away. Peggy called wanting to know how things went last night. I figured I would call them back later.

I sat at the counter thinking back almost thirty years to my high school days in my hometown. My talents with all things electrical or electronic had developed very well by then and I got myself involved with the school’s musical stage plays. Greg Kingston was a music teacher and directed all of the school plays. I wound up doing both lighting and sound for many of the plays up until I graduated. Then Greg asked me back on a consulting basis to continue supporting his plays for at least fifteen years. I worked with him on a number of plays for the hometown community theater group too. I even tried out for a part or two in some of them. I got the lead role (Charlie Brown) in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ then had to give it up when I got sick with the flu less than a week before the play opened. I never did get the chance to perform on stage. It was always something I wanted to do. Being somewhat realistic in my aspirations though, I had given up on the idea long ago.

Greg and I worked very well together but we had drifted apart when the school stopped doing the plays and the theater group finally folded. I was quite happy to hear from him again and I decided to call him. I looked at the clock and realized I was just inside a window of opportunity to call. I grabbed the private line phone and called the number he left. The phone rang a couple of times then a female voice answered. “Hello?”

“Hi, is this the Kingston residence?”

“Yes it is.”

“Could I talk to Greg please? Please tell him Jennifer Stevens is calling.”

“Ummm… Is this the Jennifer Stevens that used to be Bob Stevens?”

“It is.”

“Hi, Jennifer. This is Janine, Greg’s wife. It’s good to hear from you after all these years. Greg will be so glad that you called. This play he’s gotten himself involved with is really giving him fits. He’s been going around here in a continuous state of grump for the last week. Let me get him, ok?”

“Thanks, Janine. I’ll hang on.” I heard her put the phone down on the table. Moments later someone picked it up again. “Bob is that really you in there?”

“It sure is Greg. How have you been doing? The last time I heard about you the school board was driving you nuts with budget cuts to the music department.”

“I held on long enough to get my retirement then I left. I’ve been playing in a little band and doing church organ things since. I got involved with the city community theater group and they asked me to direct their next play. I heard all about your accident on the news and it reminded me of our work together. Bob…er, Jennifer, I got myself in a little deep with this one. The lighting and sound systems are in a terrible state and I was hoping that you could come and take a look at them for me. The group doesn’t have a whole lot of money to fix things. In fact, they have just about enough to pay for the rights to the book for the play and costume materials. If they don’t turn a profit from this play they’re out of business when the play closes. If we can’t get things working they’re out of business right now.”

“Greg, I’ll be glad to help. When can I get a look at what they have?”

“I’m having an open casting session at the theater this afternoon. Do you want to come then?”

“I’ll be there! What’s the play?”

“We’re doing Victor/Victoria. It should be lots of fun. I think you may be able to help the lead a bit too in view of your recent experience. Maybe you'll even try out for the lead.”

“I’ll be there but not to try out for anything, Greg. When and where?” He told me the location and time of the meeting and I agreed to see him at the theater. I hung up the phone and turned to Adam.

“Is the waffle ready, Adam?”

“It’s been ready for 10 minutes. I slave over a hot griddle all morning and all YOU can do is talk on the phone. You don’t care at ALL!” Fake sniffles accompanied his words. A little smirk appeared at the corners of his mouth.

“I do care. Remember last night?” I swayed over to Adam as much as my sore body would let me and planted a big wet kiss on his lips. His hands found my breasts and gave them a gentle squeeze. A soft moan escaped my lips as a flash of pleasure coursed through me.

"Ahh… let's not start anything right now I can't comfortably finish."

“Sorry, Jen. It's just that last night was so great. I want to do it all over again. Sit right down and I’ll get you a warm waffle.”

I recovered my senses then sipped at the now cool coffee in my cup. I made a sour face and warmed it up for 20 seconds in the microwave. I took it out and carefully tested it. Just right. I sat back down at the table as Adam brought me a plate loaded with a fresh waffle, sausage and an egg.

“This looks great, Adam. You keep cooking like this and I’ll be as big as a blimp!”

“I'd still love you, you know.” Adam sat down beside me with his own plate.

“I know. Hey, I almost forgot! Do you want to go with me this afternoon to the theater? I got a call from an old friend to do some sound and lighting work on a local production. I have to meet him at a casting session this afternoon to look at the equipment. It needs some fixing. I know we were considering going back to our hometown for the day but I really do need to help him out on this. Do you mind?”

“Not really, Jen. I think I’d like to come along. What’s the play?”

“They’re doing Victor/Victoria.” I finished cutting up the waffle and stuffed a piece in my mouth.

“Hey, do you think I could try out for the James Garner role? The gangster that falls in love with Victoria?”

“It’s ok with me. Greg, that’s the director friend of mine, is tough and you’ll have to earn it if you want it.”

“I think I’ll give it a try anyway just for fun. Why don’t you try for a part, Jen? I think you’d make a wonderful Victoria. You sure have the ‘Victor’ experience for the role.”

I finished chewing on another piece of waffle then swallowed. “I’m NOT going there for that. I’ll have my hands full with cranky sound and lighting systems and a nervous director. That’s more than enough, thank you very much. Besides, I know when I’m out of my depth on some things and performing in a live stage play is one of them. Doing some silly routines with Papa Nico in his restaurant is one thing, being on stage in front of a thousand people is something quite different.” I stuffed another waffle chunk in my mouth and chewed. I swallowed then took a gulp of coffee to wash everything down.

“I won’t bug you about it then. If I try out and by some miracle get a part with you help me with the lines?”

“Sure. I have to learn the entire play anyway. When you run the sound system and master lighting controller you have to know every word of the script and every actor’s movements to be able to adapt if something goes wrong. Greg knows that’s how I work. If he asked me to help he must be in real trouble on this one.”

“It sure sounds like it. I’ll go along and maybe try out for something. I think it would be fun.”

“Maybe for you it might be fun. For me it varies between complete boredom and absolute terror. It usually takes only a few microseconds to switch between the extremes too. Boredom when things are going well and terror when the show starts to fall apart. I remember when I had to stop a show in the middle of the big production number to page a Doctor for an emergency call. During a different play the theater had a fire alarm go off during the show. Another time a storm took out the power in the theater and I had to yell directions to the audience to start evacuating the theater when the emergency lights came on. A few minutes into the process the power came back on and we got the show finished.”

“Jen, It sounds like you’ve had some interesting experiences.”

“True. Don’t forget the practical jokes by the cast either. I was running sound on “The Sound Of Music”. Remember the scene where the kids are all piled in Maria’s bed during the thunderstorm? They’re singing a song called “My Favorite Things”. The actress playing Maria was supposed to squeal when one of the kids played a trick on her with a plastic frog. That was all planned as part of the script. The kids decided to pull a prank on her and substituted a positively HUGE real frog for the fake one. She got a face full of wet, slimy REAL frog and let out a scream that would have awakened the dead a mile away. I was in the orchestra pit listening to the show on headphones and very nearly got my eardrums blown out. On top of THAT she threw the frog at me! Since I was sitting with my left side toward the stage, the audience got a very good look at me getting a face full of wet, slimy frog as I was pulling my headphones off. I don’t know which the audience was laughing harder at, her reaction from seeing the frog or mine from getting nearly deafened then hit in the face by the blasted thing.”

Adam was rolling on the floor laughing. It took him a couple of minutes to get composed again. “Wow, Jen, That was funny. What happened to the frog?”

“I got hold of the frog and passed it to a cast member to get it out of the way. It survived the ordeal and got returned to the pond they found it in. I got invited on stage to take a bow that night. The local paper even mentioned it in their review of the play. I think I kept that one in the scrapbook. Maybe I’ll go looking for it one day.”

“Got any more like that, Jen?”

“Let’s see, there was the time I was doing sound again on ‘Camelot’. One of the scenes called for King Arthur to draw his sword and do battle with a Knight. Without being detected by the cast, one joker in the prop department replaced both swords with golf clubs. I think one was a 5 iron and the other was a putter. Anyway, imagine the audience reaction when they started dueling with golf clubs! Then there was the time when a woman had to drink a glass full of champagne in one gulp. She practiced with apple juice and was able to get it all down in a single gulp. The joker in the prop department got into the act again and substituted REAL champagne for the apple juice. The poor gal did as she usually did and drank the whole thing in one huge gulp. Only after it was all gone did she realize what happened! The poor thing had a case of the hiccups for the rest of the act. You could even hear her hiccuping backstage over the sound system since she had to be on and off the stage for most of the act! The audience was absolutely rolling on the floor over that one.”

“Then there was the time the prop department had nailed a door shut to move a piece of scenery and nobody removed the nail when it came time for them to set up the scene. The poor cast member was supposed to push on the door and walk through. Instead she collided with it broke her nose on the first night. Her part wasn’t critical and another chorus member was able to take over the rest of the night. It was a good thing stage makeup can cover up a lot of things.”

“I hope nothing like that happens on this play, Jen.”

“Me too. It’s always one of the director’s biggest nightmares. That and having cast members get injured or have some other reason to back out at the last minute. Greg has his neck stuck out a mile already on this. If the play doesn’t go he’ll get all of the blame for the theater group going under. He may get all of the blame anyway of the play isn’t a total sellout for each performance.”

“So what do you want to do until we have to leave for the theater?”

“I never did throw the pool stuff and towels from yesterday in the washer and the pool probably is full of junk from the storm yesterday. I’ll take care of the wash if you’ll do the pool. Bring me the clothes you wore yesterday and I'll add them to a load. I have to tend to the web stuff too. Sometimes I have to fiddle with it every day to keep it running.”

“All right. I’ll do the pool if you take care of the house stuff. Deal?”

“You have a deal, Adam. Now let’s get busy. I need to make a stop at a clothing store that sells work stuff on the way to the theater. These jeans are fine to crawl around ceilings with but this blouse just doesn’t do it. I need to get a heavy work shirt and some gloves to get up on the lighting catwalks in that place.”

“There’s a sporting goods place on the way or we could make a quick stop at the mall for lunch and go in the one there. Your choice.”

“I pick the mall. I’m having Bourbon Chicken withdrawal. Sound good to you?”

“Works for me. Let’s get moving.” Adam leaned over and kissed me then grabbed the dishes. He put them in the dishwasher then went to get his clothes from yesterday. He dropped them off in the laundry room next to the kitchen then got the key for the pool shed and headed out the back door. I got up and went to my room to get the clothes from the last few days. It looked like I had a couple of loads so I got the washer started on the first batch.

I went back to my bedroom and changed the sheets on the bead and gathered up all of the towels we used over the last two days. That made another couple of loads. I lugged everything into the laundry room then left to tend to the web site while the first load was running. I alternated between the computer room and the laundry room until it was all finished and folded on the counter. A few trips later it was all put away. I left Adam's clothes on the bed in the guest room.

I looked at the clock seeing that nearly 2 hours had passed. I walked out to the pool to see how Adam was doing. I found him with a set of tools from his car working on the pool pump. “What happened, Adam?”

“It looks like the filter got clogged. The safety bypass opened up and all of the little twig pieces got stuck in the impeller on the pump. The breaker kicked in to shut it off when it jammed. I’m just getting it back together after cleaning everything out. I think it will be fine.”

“Have you checked the chemical levels?”

“Not yet. You want to take that?”

“Sure.” I got the test kit out of the shed and ran through the procedure. “It does need some stuff. Let me know when you’re ready to turn it back on and I’ll add what needs to be dispersed in the pool.”

“Do it now. I’m almost ready.”

I poured the chemicals into the small chamber on the filter and closed the top. “All set, Adam. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Here we go, Jen.” He plugged the pump back into the outlet on the wall of the shed. It started up with a groan and began to refill the filter housing with water. In a couple of minutes the filter system was working again.

“Thanks, Adam. It’s a little too cool today to use the pool but on the first hot day come on over after work and we’ll find another use or two for it. It just needs to be dark out here when we go swimming!” I winked at him and headed back for the house.

"Jen, I'll be finished in a few minutes. It's almost 11:30 so let's get going to the mall for lunch and your shopping. We'll just have time to get that done before you have to be at the theater."

"Sounds good. Let me know when you're ready. We'll take my truck since the tools and supplies I need will fit in there." I went back to the house and got the keys for the truck out of my purse. I headed out to the garage and loaded the truck with the gear I would need to check out the lighting and sound systems. The stuff was in a couple of very heavy equipment cases. At least I had purchased a small handcart just before I had the accident. It came in very handy to get the cases out to the truck.

Before my change I would have literally thrown the cases into the bed of the pickup, now it was all I could do go get them lifted high enough to make the tailgate of the truck. I struggled to get both cases loaded and pushed back into the bed to be able to close the gate. I realized that if I was going to keep doing this kind of stuff I had better get some additional smaller cases and divide all of this stuff into smaller and much lighter chunks. I decided to take the cart and folded it up to go in the back. I headed back inside to my bedroom to put my hair in my usual ponytail and put on a bit of makeup and some scent.

As I finished Adam came into the bedroom through the open door. "I saw your door open, all set to go?"

"I just finished. I think I'll drive this time. I have to get used to it again with all of this stuff in the way." I pointed to my chest and giggled.

"You've done pretty well so far, Jen. I'm ready when you are."

"Good, lets go." I made sure the back door was locked and headed out the front door to the truck. Adam was already at the driver's side door to help me in. A few seat belt adjustments to get comfortable and we were on the way to the mall. About thirty minutes later I pulled into the parking lot at the mall and found a spot close to the main entrance. A few heads twisted around in my direction as a short, nicely proportioned woman stepped out of a huge pickup truck. I giggled to myself at their amazement as Adam came around the front of the truck. I locked the doors then we headed for the food court in the mall.

"Have a seat m'lady. I'll be right back with our food. The usual?" I nodded as Adam headed for the Cajun place. A couple of minutes later he returned with two plates of Bourbon Chicken and the drinks.

"Thanks, Adam. One of these days you have to let me buy for you."

"Not here you won't. It's on me and the mall for all you've done."

"Well, how about a home cooked meal some evening then. I think I can manage to cook pasta and make meatballs without burning anything badly. Like you, I had to learn to cook out of self-defense. I got extremely tired of those prepared fast foods meals. Way too much salt and chemical preservatives for the old me and still too much for the new me."

"I'd like that. Let's see whet my schedule looks like when I get back to work tomorrow and I'll let you know the night. Now dig in, your chicken is getting cold."

I ate quietly thinking over all that had happened over the last few weeks. I was very lucky to find people like Peggy and Adam to help me through all of the changes. I felt a growing sense of concern that some event would undermine how far I had come and send me back to the start on adjusting to my new life. Maybe I was just being too paranoid about it. After all I had just slept with Adam last night and was looking forward to another evening of fun in the next few days. I didn't think I could adapt any more than that could I?

"Jen?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, Adam. You were asking something?"

"You zoned out there again. Is everything OK?"

"I hope so. I'm just feeling a little out of things today. I was just thinking that less than a week ago I woke up to find myself like this. I'm just amazed at how fast things have changed including how fast I seem to have adapted. I keep wondering if I'm some weird government experiment or maybe space aliens abducted me and did this to me. I'm expecting the Men In Black or Scully and company to show up at any moment to ask me questions. I guess I'll never really know exactly what happened to make me like this."

"Jen, from what you've told me so far you're doing the best you can. You know you can't undo what's been done so your plan to accept things as they happened is the ONLY thing you can do. To make yourself miserable wondering what happened isn't going to help a single bit. So what if you don't have the answers and you may NEVER have the answer. Does it really make a difference?"

I decided then that it would do little good to continue the discussion with Adam. I didn't think he really understood how I felt about it. "I guess it really doesn't make much difference does it? Thanks, Adam. Say what time is it. Do we need to get moving?"

Adam looked at his watch and nodded. "We just have time to make the store then leave for the theater."

"OK. I know exactly what I want in the store. Let's go." We took care of the trays and paper plates from the food. Fortunately, the outdoor equipment store wasn't too far from the entrance we used. I went in and quickly found a couple of good heavy work shirts that fit and several pairs of heavy work gloves. I also grabbed a hard hat and a lighting kit for it. I knew it was going to be dark on the catwalks so I decided to come prepared.

Adam and I headed back for the truck and just made it to the theater as Greg pulled into the parking lot. He noticed me in the truck and walked toward us. I hopped out and ran over to Greg to give him a big hug. "Hi Greg. It's good to see you again!" He seemed a little flustered from my hug. I guess he really wasn't expecting the new me.

"WOW. You sure have changed Bo.. Jennifer. You look great."

"Thanks, Greg and please call me Jennie or Jen. Jen is much easier."

"All right, Jen it is. I'm sure glad to see you. I have lots of problems on this show and having you around just took a major burden off of my shoulders."

"I know. Janine said that you were in a constant grump at home. What's the problem?"

"The usual. Money is the big one. They spent almost everything they have on the rights to do the play and the costumes. There isn't a whole lot left over for anything else. And of course the selection is a little thin for the cast. We have a lot of first-timers and a very few people that have any experience."

"Don't worry about me, Greg. I'll gladly wave the usual fee on this one. I don't want to see them close up either. Maybe we can even arrange some trade and barter deals for what we need if you can do some advertisements in the program book.”

"I just wish we had the money to get them printed."

"Greg, let me worry about that. I have tons of connections all over town so let's see what I can come up with."

"Thanks. We'll talk more about that as we start to need things. Say, did I tell you I have some help for you?"

"No you didn't."

"Her name is Tamara Kelly. She's worked with the lighting and sound systems here for a couple of plays. I see her car over there so let's get inside so you can meet her." We all headed towards the side stage door entrance of the theater.

"Greg, because you have a cast shortage, maybe Adam here can help. I'd like you to meet Adam Tilton. He's come with me today because he's considering trying out for the King Marchand role. Have you made any decisions yet?"

"Not really. This is the last open casting session. I'll be making my decisions at the end of the day." Greg looked around to find Tamara working with the lighting panel to get the house lights turned on. I heard a stream of curses coming from her direction. We walked over to see what was going on. She was fussing with the faders on the panel. The house lights were flickering on and off as she moved the controls.

The girl standing at the console was just over 5 feet high with a trim figure. She looked to be around nineteen to twenty years old. Her short black hair framed a pretty face with two dark brown eyes and a cute slightly upturned nose. Her lips were pulled into a frown as she wrestled with the controls.

"Tamara, do you have a minute?"

"Not if you want house lights, Greg."

"Well I think I have someone here that can help with that. Tamara Kelly, I'd like you to meet Jennifer Stevens. She's a friend of mine that I've asked in to help repair the lighting and sound systems."

"Hey, I think I recognize you. You're that guy that changed into the woman aren't you?"

"That's me, Tamara. Good to meet you."

"Call me Tammy. So you're the hotshot that's going to make this pile of useless slag into a useable system huh?"

"I've been known to work a miracle or two in my time, yes. What's the problem here? Bad pots?"

"Either that or a bad solder joint. I'd tear into it but I don't have any good tools or supplies. There's no money in the budget."

"I think I can help with that. Adam can you go out to the truck and bring in the two cases that look like trunks in the back. We also need the hand cart that's back there. And grab the bag from the shopping would you?"

"Give me the key and I'll be right back, Jen." I tossed the key to him and he took off for the truck.

"Greg, is there another room you can use for the tryouts for an hour or two? Tammy and I have LOTS of stuff to do and it would distract the people trying out pretty badly."

"There's a practice room in the basement. Just tell them to follow the lights I'll leave on. Send all of the folks coming in down there and let me know when the theater is available, OK?"

"You got it, Greg. I'll send Adam down too." Greg waved then left for the practice room to get it set up. "Well, Tammy, where should we start?"

"May as well start right here. This old console is nearly shot. I've been nursing it along for the last two years. They don't make replacement parts for this beast any more. I've been stealing parts from a duplicate unit that was in worse shape than this one to keep it going."

"We'll need a couple of things. First an extension cord and a light so we can work on this with the power off and we'll need the carcass of the parts system. Let's see what we can patch up for tonight to give Greg some lights then we'll figure out what to do about the rest, ok?"

"Sounds good to me, Jennifer."

"Jen or Jennie please, Tammy. Now scoot and round up what we'll need." She headed off to the bowels of the building to retrieve the needed supplies. I spent the next few minutes looking over the control panel and the leads running to the lighting controller backstage. Adam came back in a few minutes later with the cases and my shopping bag on the cart.

"Thanks, Adam. Because of the lighting problems, Greg is using the practice room in the basement. Just follow the lights that are turned on to get there. I think it's through that door and to the left. That's the direction Greg was headed. I'll come down when we have some news on the lighting."

"Great, Jen. I'll see you in a bit then." I opened up the two cases and began to carefully take apart the control panel using the tools I brought. Tammy returned a couple of minutes later with another cart with the light and old console.

"Thanks, Tammy. We may not need the light and cord. This is a newer type low voltage control panel. It's relatively safe to work on with the power on. Everything is isolated from the main AC line. Only some 5 and 12 volt DC is running around in here. Tammy was looking in my cases when I turned around. Her eyes were as large as saucers when she saw what was in them.

"Where did you get all of those tools and parts, Jen?"

"When you've been working on electrical and electronic things as long as I have you do tend to pick up the tools of the trade and lots and lots of spare parts. That's just the field kit. You should see my workshop at home."

"It must have taken you 30 years to get all of that stuff. You don't look that old!"

"That's true. This body looks like its around 24 years old. The mind inside here is actually about 45 years old."

"WOW. No wonder Greg called you. How long have you known him?"

"At least 30 years. I did some of the first plays he did at the high school I went to. He was the music teacher. I did lighting and sound back then too."

"How many plays have you done?"

"I think I lost count somewhere after the twenty fifth, maybe forty or so over the years. Why?"

"I've only done two."

"Well keep at it then. Do you enjoy the work, Tammy?"

"Yes I really do. I was thinking of taking theater classes at college when I start in the fall."

"You go girl! There aren't enough women in the technical side of things in the theater or any other technical profession. If you get good at it then you shouldn't have any problems finding work in the field. Between stage, film and television there are lots of possibilities. Well, I got this open. Come over and tell me what you see?" Tammy walked over and looked inside the console.

"Looks like some discoloration around a couple of pots since the last time I was in here. I'm picking up an odor of burned capacitor too. Smells like an electrolytic. How'd I do?"

"Very well. I did notice a couple of solder pads that look like they're crystallized on one of the caps and the rectifier. Let's get the light plugged in and we'll get this board out to make the repairs."

Tammy got the extra work light set up and we killed the power to the lighting system. I made Tammy use my tools to take the bad board out of the controller. I set up a small work area while she was working and stripped the same board out of the parts unit just in case.

"All set, Jen. Here's the board."

"Oh, no, Tammy. You're NOT getting off that easy. I have all of the tools here to do a spot repair on that board and I think we can make do with the parts at hand. YOU'RE going to fix this. This is 'your' theater. I'm just a guest here. I'll be here to help."

"Are you sure, Jen?"

"Hey, I'm real sure. If you want to get into the field get all of the experience you can when you can get it." I heard her swallow hard.

"All right, I'll give it a try."

"Great! The first step is to take a good look at the board and look for bad solder joints. Do you know what to look for?"

"Yes, they look kind of a dull gray when compared to a good solder joint. Good solder joints are a shiny silver color. They may also show a crack around the lead of the part where it comes through the circuit board."

"That's right. I'll also give you a hint. Be sure to check around the larger parts mounted on the card. The vibration from pounding on this thing tends to make the joints go bad after a few years of heavy mechanical use. Have you ever soldered before?"

"Yes. I've put together several kits for my ham station."

"Nice to meet you Tammy. I'm Jen, N2JEU."

"My call is KJ2TAM. I got lucky when the FCC issued the call sign. I'm have a General class license."

"I'm a General too. Now I know a bit better what you're into. Go ahead and touch up any solder joints that look bad especially the ones on the heavier and larger parts. OK?"

"All right."

"While you're doing that I'm going to try to find something to work in place of that blown cap. Can you pop it off the board so I can get the value?"

"Already ahead of you, Jen. It's a 100 microfarad at 50 volts. HEY! Here's something interesting. I see a crack in the case of a rectifier diode right next to the bad cap. Better find another one. I think a 100 volt at about one amp should do. The traces on the PC board don't look like they would handle any more than that."

"Let me see what I have in my parts stash. Otherwise we'll pull them off the parts carcass." We set out on our tasks and a few minutes later she was ready to reinstall the parts I had found in the tool case stock.

"How's it look Tammy?"

"Not too bad. I see what you mean about bad solder joints on the larger parts. Most of the faders are soldered to this board and nearly all of them had bad joints. Maybe we can make this old beast work after all, Jen"

"I always say a little Tender Loving Care goes a long way when you're trying to resuscitate an old piece of equipment. Almost ready to try that out?"

"Sure. Want me to put it back in?"

"Not just yet. Do you have a trash can with a plastic bag liner around?"

"Sure, let me get it." Moments later she was back with a large trash can and a plastic bag.

"OK. Here's a can of cleaning spray. Hold the board over the can and give the joints you just soldered a good flushing. While we have this out, give the pots a good shot too and work each of them to the stops a few times to clean them." In a couple of minutes Tammy had cleaned the board and the pots and held the board over the can to let the last of the cleaner drip off.

"It that dry yet, Tammy?"

"Feels like it. Want me to put it back in?"

"Yes, go ahead. Just don't put power back to the console when you're finished." It took about 10 minutes to remount the board and get all of the leads plugged back in.

"OK, Jen. What's next?"

"I noticed a couple of things about the control cable. Take a look and tell me what you see?"

"Looks like the insulation is starting to pull loose from the plug at the console. I also see that the shield is almost broken."

"Good eyes girl. For the moment well put some electrical tape on it but to really fix it we'll have to take the connector apart. That would take too much time tonight. It's OK to re-apply the power now. Just make sure the master is turned off on the console and that all of the pots are down."

"Got it. I'll go hit the breaker." A minute later she was back. "The breaker held. Let's see what we have now, OK?"

I nodded and motioned for her to start her tests. She hit the master switch to turn on the power, set the house lights fader about half way up and slowly brought up the master fader. The lights came up to about half brilliance and held there. Tammy crossed her fingers and I nodded again. She tapped the panel with her knuckles and the lights held steady. A big grin spread across her face.

"See, Tammy, I knew you could do it! Let's test all of the circuits so we can see what doesn't work yet. Then we'll turn the hall over to Greg for the night." Tammy went through each of the faders telling me what should be on. I was out on the stage telling her if I saw the lights or not. It took another 15 minutes to try everything. As it turned out most of the old lighting worked. A few things would need repairs like the color changer system but nothing that was a total wipeout.

"Thanks, Jen. I had quite a bit of fun working on that. What's next?"

"We need to check the follow spots and the sound system. I think I'll wait a bit on those though. I don't want to disturb Greg. How 'bout we make a trip to the catwalk and inspect the color wheels on the fixed spots? They didn't work properly when you tried them."

"All right. Let me go tell Greg we're ready for him and I'll take you up there. Do you have some old clothes? It's not very clean up there and there are a lot of sharp edges on things."

"I brought some stuff with me. I'll put away the tools while you go get Greg." Tammy left for the practice room while I busied myself getting everything back in the cases to clear the stage. I just got everything stashed away when Tammy came back.

"Greg says he'll be taking a break in a few minutes then they'll move back up here. Want to break for a few minutes?"

"Sounds like a good idea. I do have to use the ladies room. Where is it?"

"Just follow me. I better make a stop too." Tammy took the lead and headed toward the hallway. We made a couple of turns and wound up at the restrooms in the performer's area backstage. I followed her into the ladies room.

Unlike most of the ladies rooms I'd visited since my transformation, this one has a very small outer room with only a couple of chairs and a single mirror. The inner room however was huge with at least a dozen stalls and half a dozen large sinks. Since you want to get in and out fast when you're in a play, I guess the arrangement made sense. Any makeup touchups would be done elsewhere by the makeup staff not in here. I entered a stall. Tammy used the one next to me.

"So, Jen. Are you getting used to life as a woman?"

"Sort of. My first time in a public ladies room was an experience. Some old woman recognized me from the television coverage. She got all upset that I was in there and complained to the mall management. She got told that I had just as much right to be in there as she did. The other women in the room just accepted me and went about their business like nothing happened. I do have to catch myself now and then before I go into the wrong restroom."

"How about dating? Have you gotten into that yet?"

"Let's just say yes and much sooner than I ever thought I would and let it go at that."

"I thought so. It's that guy that came with you isn't it?"

"Yes. We spent the weekend together. We did have some interesting adventures the past couple of nights." I finished then headed for the sink to wash up.

"Well, tell me more!"

"You may have seen it on the news. There were two photographers following me around yesterday. They got some video of the storm at the radio station transmitter site."

"Oh my God. That was YOU, Jen?"

"I must confess, guilty as charged. Adam was with me." I finished washing my hands and took a couple of paper towels to dry them off.

"Both of you were just a couple of seconds from getting blasted. Do you know that?"

"Yes. Considering it was the fourth time in as many days I've almost begun to accept it as normal. I just hope things get back to what used to be normal for the old me instead. The old me just plodded along in the network operations job and pretty much went from work to home and back again five days a week. Weekends were two days spent at home working on the computer stuff and writing software. When I changed so did my world apparently. Since I got out of the hospital a few days ago, I've been out of the house more than in it and I've nearly been killed four times so far. I wish things would go back the way they were sometimes. At least I'm healthy now so doing things like this are possible again. The old me wouldn't dare climb up a ladder to a catwalk." I didn't bother to add the 'new me' wasn't terribly thrilled with the prospect either.

"Well, Jen. I'm finished in here. Shall we get moving?"

"After you, Tammy. You know where the ladder is."

We walked out of the restroom back toward the stage. As we passed through, Greg and the potential cast members were just coming in.

“Well, Greg, the place is all yours. Tammy and I are going up to the catwalk to take a look at the spots. Some of the color changers don’t work. Other than that the lighting system is mostly functional.”

“That’s great, Jen! Now if you have similar luck with the sound system I’ll feel much better about this play.”

“I’ll be back to take a look at the rest of the stuff tomorrow afternoon when I can make some noise in here. I’ll need a key to get in.”

“I’ll get you one before you leave today.”

“Thanks, Greg. Come on, Tammy, we have some spots to check out.”

“Right behind you, Jen.”

“Nope, YOU’RE leading. I don’t know where the ladder is remember?”

“Ok. Follow me…” I walked behind her out into the hallway and down along the side of the theater. She stopped at one of the doors and took out a key to open it. “This is the spot. Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” I sighed as I looked up at the ladder. It went straight up at least forty feet and lacked a safety cage. If I missed a step the plunge would be all the way to the floor.

Why do I get myself into situations where I have to climb ladders? I absolutely HATE high places. That was one more thing that hadn’t changed with my transformation. Well suck it up girl. You promised to do this. Better get with it.

“Let me put this heavy shirt and gloves on and I’ll be right up, Tammy.” I took the work shirt out of the bag and put it on over the blouse. I dug out a pair of the work gloves and put then on too. “Tammy, I have an extra pair of gloves if you need them.”

“I think that’s a great idea. There are a bunch of sharp edges on the steelwork up there.” I reached into the bag and tossed her the other pair of gloves.

“Lead the way, Tammy.” She went up the ladder in just a few seconds then waited at the end of the catwalk for me. I got a death grip on the first rung of the ladder and stepped up to begin the climb. I forced myself to NOT look down and carefully made my way to the top. Many agonizing seconds later, I was at the top ready to step onto the steel catwalk. It was made of open mesh steel and did little for my confidence when you could look straight down to the floor forty feet below.

“You ok, Jen? You look a little green around the edges.”

“I’ll get through it, Tammy. I’m just not comfortable working in high places. It started years ago as a guy and I guess that hasn’t changed. Let’s get this done. Check for a burned smell anywhere and make sure the spots are secure to the mounts. Wouldn’t want anything falling on the audience now would we?”

“I suppose not. Do you want to know if there are any frayed wires?”

“Good thinking. Yes, keep an eye out for those too. I’ll start here and meet you in the middle, ok?” Tammy nodded then worked her way across the 100 foot long catwalk to start at the far end.

About ten minutes later we met in the middle of the catwalk. “Well, what did you find, Tammy?”

“Not too much. Everything looks good with the exception that most of the color wheels need new filter material. The old ones are warped so badly that they're jamming the motorized wheels. I saw a frayed cable on one of the spots and another that looks like a mouse or something chewed through it. How about you?”

“The same on the filters. I’ll have to get some filter sheets this week and get them cut to size. Another frayed cable too. I didn’t see anything that really looks too bad though. I’m done up here. How about we go back down and watch some of the tryouts?”

“Sounds good to me. I want to see who gets chosen since I have some friends trying out.”

“Adam was going to try out for the King Marchand role.”

“Are you going to try out for the Victoria role? I think you’d be perfect for it!”

“Not a chance, Tammy. I don’t have any interest in being on stage. It’s strange enough for me being a guy turned into a girl without becoming an actress portraying a woman who pretends to be a man impersonating a woman. I don’t have to pretend or impersonate at all, I live it every day.”

“I think I understand. Let me go down first I’ll go slow and keep an eye on your feet. I’ll make sure they get on the rungs, Ok?”

“Thanks, Tammy, and this is our little secret, all right?”

“Sure, Jen. Now let’s get out of here. I’m starting to get the urge to sneeze from all of the dust.”

“Me too!” I followed Tammy to the end of the catwalk and let her pass to start down the ladder. Again, I got a death grip on the ladder and started down with Tammy watching my feet. I have to admit that by now my fear was subsiding a bit. I never realized how much effort it took to climb like this when I had weighed over 350 pounds. Now at a mere 115 pounds or thereabouts it took very little effort at all despite my reduced muscle strength. I wouldn’t want to do this every day but it wasn’t as bad as when I was a man.

We made it to the floor just fine. Tammy locked the door then we headed back to the theater. Greg was just starting the auditions for the King Marchand role. I waved to Adam as I took a seat in the audience a few rows back from the stage.

Greg had the men trying out for the role go out to an unused room then had them come back in one by one to read for the part. They were each given a sheet with a couple of pages of dialog and had almost an hour to memorize it.

I thought Adam did well but then so did at least two of the other men going for the role. If it was left to me to decide, it would have been hard do choose between them even if I was able to throw out my relationship with Adam in the decision.

When the last of the potential leads finished Greg thanked everyone and told them to please wait while he went to another room to make the final selections. A few minutes later he came back and called everyone's attention.

"Listen up everyone. OK, for the Victoria role lead will be Sally Barton, understudy will be Toni Everet." I heard two women making a commotion in the back. It was the two finalists. "For the King Marchand role the lead is Adam Tilton and the understudy is Dave Wilmont." Greg went on to name the rest of the cast in the various roles then invited the remainder of the tryouts to handle chorus and extra duties. A few elected to do stage crew or makeup and costumes instead but everyone came away with something to do.

Adam wandered over in something of a daze. I couldn't resist getting in a little shot. "You went and did it didn't you?"

"I… I… I didn't think I had a chance. Well I did say I wanted the part. Now it looks like I'm going to be in a play. See what YOU'VE done to me, Jen?"

"What do you mean what I'VE done to you, pale face?" The color had started to drain out of Adam's face a bit. Tammy was standing next to me giggling quietly.

"You got me to come out of my shell and now look at what I got into!"

"Well you can't go back to turtle mode now can you, Adam?"

"I guess not. I did try out and earned the part fair and square didn't I?"

"You did. I never said a single word to Greg. I have a witness!" I pointed to Tammy. She shook her head yes to confirm what I had said.

Adam gulped for some air and the color started to return to his face. He walked over to where Greg was handing out copies of the rehearsal schedule. He came back over to us with two copies. "I got one for you, Jen, since you'll need to work around us on the lighting and sound systems. It looks like a 12 week long rehearsal schedule with the performances starting on January fourth and finishing up just before February."

I glanced over toward Greg and saw that most of the cast had started to leave for home. "Adam, I need to talk to Greg. I'll be right back." I waited for him to finish with a question from the last person in line. He waited a few moments as the person left them heaved a big sigh of relief.

"Looks like I just squeaked by on this one, Jen. I had just enough experienced talent other than Adam to handle most of the lead roles. Adam was the best of the new people we had for that role."

"I'll help him with his lines and make sure he gets here for rehearsals too. Hey, we got lucky with the lighting system so far. No major problems just a lot of little stuff. The filters in the color wheels need replacement and a few cables need repair but otherwise the lights are in reasonable condition."

"What about the follow spots and the sound system?"

"That's why I wanted the key. I'll come in tomorrow afternoon when it's quiet and do the testing then. Tammy may come too but I wanted my own key just in case she can't make it."

"I have one here. I grabbed it a few minutes ago. That will get you in the stage door."

"Thanks, Greg.'

"Ah…Jen, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, Greg."

"Why didn't you try out? I would have thought the Victoria role was a natural for you."

"Et Tu Brutus? That's the third, maybe fourth, time today I've been asked that. I'm still working on getting comfortable like this, Greg. I don't know if I could handle the role and keep my what's left of my sanity."

"Ok, I won't push it. Want to see what your voice is like though? I have a little time and we can play around with the piano. You had a pretty good range and presentation before."

"Sure, Greg." We walked over to an old but serviceable piano on the stage. Greg opened the keyboard and hit a low key. I responded by hitting the same note with my voice. He continued on for what seemed like forever and I finally couldn't hit the high note he played. Adam and Tammy had come over as Greg and I worked the scales.

"Jen, do you know you have more range now than before? You used to have about a four and a half octave range. Now you have a little over five! It shifted a little higher too. That's incredible! I said it before and I'll say it again. Where WERE you when I was teaching chorus and doing the plays in high school?"

"I was there, Greg, just trapped in a body that wasn't suitable for appearing on stage so I found other things to do. Now that I could get up on stage I really don't need or want to."

"And that's a real shame. If you ever want to change that just come and ask me."

"Thanks but my musical stage performance days never really got started and I don't intend to start them now. I'll gladly do light and sound again. Maybe even do the PA announcements like I used to but the glare of the spotlights is for someone else, not me."

"If I can't talk you into it then I guess we had better all get moving toward home. I have to get the lawn cut and take care of the garden. What time were you going to be here tomorrow, Jen?"

"Sometime after about 2 PM I think. I have some errands to do in the morning. I may even drop in to see the folks at work and arrange when I'm going back. I think I've adapted well enough now to give it a try."

"I'll try to stop in if I see your truck in the parking lot, ok?"

"Please do. It would be great to catch up on all that's happened over the past years when it's quiet here. Oh, before I forget it, how about recording a practice audio CD for the cast members doing a song in the play. I can come over with some recording gear and capture you on the piano then burn a few CDs from it. We never had that technology a few years ago."

"Sounds like a great idea, Jen. I shall see you tomorrow, My Fair Lady!" He bowed deeply from the waist.

"Now that's one show I just might consider. The movie was always a favorite of mine!"

"I have a copy of the script. Want to look at it?"

"Sure, why not. I can still say no right?"

He cringed at my words then waved goodbye as he headed for the parking lot. That just left Adam, Tammy and I in the building. "Well, Tammy, like normal the sound and lighting crew is usually the first ones in and the last ones out. 'Twas ever the tradition, eh?"

"You got that right girlfriend. Want me here tomorrow?"

"Sure if you want to help. Like I told Greg, around 2 PM, ok?

"Got it. Go ahead and head on out. I'll kill the lights and lock up. See you tomorrow, Jen."

"Thanks, Tammy. See you tomorrow." Adam and I left for the truck. I let Adam drive after we got the tool cases put back in the box all locked in.

"Adam, how about picking up supper before we get back to my place? I really don't want to cook tonight and it's late enough. I'd like to do take-out and head for home. Is that all right?"

"It's fine with me, Jen. I can't stay late though. I have to get into work early and I didn't bring the work clothes with me so I have to go back home. How about pizza tonight?"

"A nice greasy hunk of bread dough with lots of gooey cheese, tomato sauce, onions, sausage and pepperoni loaded with tons of salt and other things guaranteed to harden your arteries. Sounds yummy! I haven't really abused this body that badly yet. Ok, count me in, you don't have to twist my arm behind my back on that. Know a decent place on the way home?"

"Sure do. We're headed there now. Just sit back and relax."

I reached over and hit the lever to move the seat back to a forty-five degree angle then got comfortable. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I felt was Adam gently shaking my shoulder. I looked up to see the front door of my house.

"Sorry, Adam, I think the past few days are finally catching up with me. I just want to get something to eat then go take a nap for an hour or so. Then I'll finish up some things around here and get to bed."

"Just wait there." I stayed in the passenger seat as Adam came around to my door. He opened it and scooped me off the seat then headed for the front door. The key ring for the truck also had the front door key so getting in with me in his strong arms wasn't a problem. He gently put me on the couch then went back to the truck for the pizza and my purse and shopping bags. We decided to eat in the living room, so Adam left the pizza box on the coffee table and got a couple of glasses and some soda from the kitchen. He actually brought two bottles. "I didn't think you wanted to be awake all night from the caffeine boost so I got you this." It was a bottle of caffeine free soda.

I managed to get a couple of pieces of pizza down and about half the bottle of soda then I felt full. Adam had as much as he wanted but there were still a couple of pieces left in the box. Adam grabbed the box and his empty soda bottle then headed for the kitchen again. He came back a few minutes later and plopped down next to me on the couch. "I put the leftovers in a plastic bag in the fridge and the box in the garbage. You gonna be all right, Jen? I'm worried about you."

"That's sweet, Adam, but I'll be fine. As much as last night felt great, I don't think physically I could go again tonight. I'm still sore down there. But later in the week though…" I pulled him close and hugged him as hard as I could. He returned the hug as our lips met. We held the kiss for what seemed like forever. Adam slowly pulled away as I slid back against the back of the couch.

"Thanks, Adam. I'll call you tomorrow at work if that's all right."

"Please do, Jen. I have to get moving now. Goodnight sweet lady." He gently squeezed my hand then kissed it.

I watched Adam head out the front door and get into his Mustang. I waved goodbye to Adam and went back into the house to settle down for the night.

The pizza and soda rejuvenated me a bit and I didn't feel very sleepy. I went back into the living room and turned on the television. The schedule looked pretty grim so I turned off the television and headed for the radio room.

It was the one place I had not checked out for damage from the storm yesterday. Everything else in the house had survived intact. The main damage so far was some overturned patio furniture in the back yard and the damage to the shingles on the roof. Adam had repaired the pool damage earlier today. Thoughts flashed across my mind of how I was going to thank him for that later in the week.

A quick visual inspection and the old nose test told me that there didn’t appear to be anything blasted by the lightning. Fortunately I was very strict about disconnecting the antenna and rotor lines whenever I had the station turned off. That usually was enough to prevent any damage. I took a key on a small tag off the wall by the door and placed it in the master power switch and turned it to the ON position. With this set-up I could turn everything off in case of an emergency or prevent the station from being used without my permission by simply removing the key from the room. While on, the key remained in the lock. It would only come out when the power was off.

Several relays clicked in after a brief delay then most of the equipment came on glowing softly on their display panels. A low rushing sound came from the speaker of the main station transceiver, a Kenwood TS-570SG. Before I plugged in the antenna lead to the transceiver I turned on the rotor control and tested the beam antenna movement. It responded to the controls and turned the full 360 degrees in less than ninety seconds as it normally did.

I reached around behind the transceiver to plug the antenna cable from the tuner into the radio. As my hand passed over the antenna jack the noise in the speaker increased to a loud roar. I was so startled that I pulled my hand out quickly. As soon as I did the roar went away.

I thought that the effect was extremely strange since it had never happened before. Then again, this was the first time since I got back home after the accident when I tried to use the ham station on the HF bands. I put my hand near the open antenna jack and the roar returned. It looked like it was an S6 to S7 on the meter. I moved my hand slowly across the jack noticing the signal strength almost pegged when the ring was next to the antenna jack.

I decided to explore this more and reached over to the workbench to get a test cable with a connector on one end to match the antenna jack and a couple of alligator clips on the other end. The cable was made from shielded coaxial cable about fifteen feet long. I also grabbed about two feet of hookup wire that was still on the bench from the last project I finished. I clipped the two alligator clips together and plugged the cable into the back of the radio and screwed down the connector tightly.

I passed the shorted cable over the ring again and as I expected there was no increase in noise on the S meter. I took the clips apart and did the same test. There was some signal anywhere on my hand but the signal was strongest near the ring. I needed a way to isolate the signal the wire picked up. I got an old pill bottle from the junk bin and wound the hookup wire around it to make a small coil. A little electrical tape held it in place after I slid the coil off the bottle. I took a little insulation off the two wire ends of the coil and clipped the cable to the exposed copper. I now had a small coil clipped to the end of the long cable.

Again I repeated the test with slightly different results. As I moved the coil toward my hand the signal level increased. I could detect no signal with the coil more than a few inches away from my hand. When over my fingers the meter reading stayed relatively low. When the coil was placed close to the ring the meter flew to the peg and stayed there even if I turned on the signal attenuation in the radio. Thinking that the ring may contain something I took it off and placed it well away from me on the far end of the workbench. I ran the test again and found that the signal was now stronger near my fingers and hand and the level stayed the same whenever the coil got near my hands. I got out a long wood arrow that I use to get wire over tree limbs. Using more electrical tape, I mounted the coil and cable to it so that my hands were well away from the coil. The noise level in the receiver returned to almost nothing. As I used the arrow to bring the coil near my hand again the noise level returned to the previous level. I moved the coil up my arm towards my chest. The signal level increased even more almost lighting up all of the segments of the digital display.

As the coil neared where my heart was I heard a sound added to the noise almost like it was in rhythm with a beating heart. Having had some first aid training, I took my pulse and found the added noise EXACTLY matched to my own heartbeat. I moved the coil away from my body and the noise reduced to almost nothing. I moved the coil towards the ring on the workbench. I could hear no change in the noise level in the radio.

I put the ring back on and did one more test. The noise was once again strongest near the ring. The signal from my heart was still there but greatly reduced in level when I wore the ring. It seemed to collect and focus the noise I generated when I put it on my finger.

I dropped the arrow on the floor and sat in the chair. “OH GOD! What have I become?” I sat there crying with my head in my hands.

>>>>>******<<<<<

In an unmarked building somewhere, an alert indicator on a console flashed red. The man on duty looked over at the holographic display. It showed a picture of a young woman crying with her head in her hands. The lines under the floating image read:

Jennifer Stevens — Date: 2001
STATUS: CRITICAL
ACTION REQUIRED: INTERVENTION.

The last two lines were flashing in red.

The man tapped a button on the console.

A computer voice responded. “Accessing… Connecting…”

A female voice answered. “Hello?”

“We have a problem, ma'am. She knows.”

“Damn. That's one SMART woman. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

The man looked back at the floating image, shook his head and sighed. “I hope she can handle this.” The woman in the holograph was still crying and sobbing heavily.

-*-*-*-*- Continued in Zapped! Chapter 7 -*-*-*-*-