Everyone is packed and ready to leave when the science teacher announces that the bus which was to have taken them has broken down and they're going to have to take two mini-vans. He says students with last names A-M go in one van and N-Z in another. Liz' heart sank and Max actually almost looked tearful. Despite some protestations, they have to go on the assigned busses. Liz soulfully wonders if she'll ever have a name starting with E. At least, Liz thinks, I can be with my almost brother. The vans leave.

(Liz and Alex got in the far back seat so they could talk)

Liz: Alex, you've been awful quiet.

Alex: I have a really bad headache...and I haven't been sleeping much.

Liz: Isabel withdrawal?

Alex: A little...you know she's been busy...

Liz: ...with the grandparents, yes. Max has had the same situation

Alex: I've also been having nightmares.

Liz: Can you remember them?

Alex: Yes...each time one of our group is in a life threatening situation.

Liz: But nobody dies?

Alex: Not yet...the rest of the gang has always come through each time to save them.

Liz: I think, maybe you're totally into the spirit I wanted you to be in.

Alex: Maybe more than I want to be. There's more, but I'll have to tell you in private.

Ken: (another student) Hey you two back there...not too close.

Liz: Mind your...

(Meanwhile in the other van, Max is his usual quiet self. He thinks," I wonder if I could change places with Alex when we stop for gas or something?"

Alex: (mumbles aloud) I willing to try it.

Liz: What?

Alex: Oh, nothing. (He whispers in her ear) I just thought I heard Max. He wants to see if he and I could swap places at the next gas stop.

Liz: How do you know that.

Alex: He told me.

Liz: Uh...Houston we have a problem.

Alex: Tell me about it.

(Finally as the vans stop for gas and a stretch...the friends meet privately)

Alex: You wanta try to swap...I don't think anyone would tell. These kids are our friends.

Max: What?

Alex: I thought you wanted to swap places with me.

Max: I had a fleeting thought about that.

Alex: I know!

Max: Are you telling me what I think you're telling me? Come to think about it, you said you were willing to try it didn't you?

Alex: Yes, I did...and I am...but you weren't exactly within earshot.

Liz: He did answer you aloud.

Max: Oh my...I sensed you a week or so ago too...but I was so hosed that it didn't register at the time that there was anything wrong with it...frankly I was glad for it.

Alex: Yea...I felt that from you...and I really don't mind if you want to communicate with me this way...it's fine if it's just you...but since then I've been getting all sorts of weird input...even flashes just from just looking at pictures or thinking of people. Weird dreams too. I've been having weird dreams.

Max: Michael might have been right.

Alex: You know...I've always had a little ability this way. It's not something I've talked about...but every once in a while I could finish a persons thought before they would say it. I've studied the phenomenon a little bit. I've discovered there are people who can and do read others...but I've never seen anything described that is this complete. Can you tell me how to control it...at first I could easily block it...but it's getting harder and harder.

Max: I usually don't have to block it...I usually have to work on receiving anything...same with Michael and Isabel.

Alex: You forget...I have a little different physiology.

Max: I didn't forget and it has me concerned. I'm afraid we've somehow given you something you might not want.

Alex: Michael was concerned that it had something in common with what you experienced. Can you still....

Max: I don't know...I could earlier. (Tries to move a candy wrapper on the ground.)

Liz: So?

Max: Great! Here we are...away for 2 days visiting a government research facility...which is already making me nervous...I've lost my power again and you're having goodness knows what...going on. Liz, are you OK?

Liz: I was until I listened to you two.

(Drivers are yelling...back in the vans everyone!)

Alex: Great...and I didn't even make it to the bathroom. Max, slip in with Liz...it'll be OK.

Max: Thanks Alex. Call if you need something. Oh...know how I know I could manipulate things earlier? I made sure the rooming list had us as roommates. We can talk later.