“There’s nothing here to give us any idea what we’re dealing with.” Aja pushed the paper aside. “I read every article on that jewel thief and none of them say for certain that he is in the United States, only that he might be. It’s hopeless, Shana.”

“The police seem to be more concerned with catching this Burns guy than helping us help Dierdra.” Shana nodded her head. “But we can’t give up, Aja. Dierdra needs us.”

“I know.” Aja sighed. “Have you heard anything from Jerrica? I thought maybe we could ask Synergy…”

“Synergy is great but she isn’t psychic.” Shana interrupted. “She can’t find Dierdra unless we can give her some kind of a clue to this lunatic’s whereabouts and we don’t even know that he’s in California, let alone in the USA.”

“True.” Aja agreed. She scowled.

“Whoever did this, they are going to pay for it.” She muttered.

“Cool it.” Shana ordered gently. “Getting angry never solves anything, Aja.”

“But they could be hurting her.” Aja protested.

“I think we have to hope that they’ve some shred of human decency in them.” Shana responded.

“We’re talking about a serial thief.” Aja pointed out. Shana shrugged.

“I know.” She admitted. “But…you gotta hope, Aja.”

“There’s the door.” Aja got to her feet. “I’ll go. It’s probably Jerrica – she went out early this morning to see if she could find out anything new from the police.” She moved across to the front door, unfastening it.

“Stormer!” she exclaimed. “Why are you here?” Shana moved up to join her friend.

“Is Kimber here?” Stormer looked somewhat uncomfortable. “I…I’d like to talk to her.”

“I think she’s in her room.” Shana said. “What’s up, Stormer?”

“I…I’m not sure that I can explain it so well on the doorstep.” Stormer faltered, glancing over her shoulder. “And Pizzazz is already in one of her rages today, if she knew I was here then she’d make my life not worth living. Can…can I come in?”

“Sure.” Aja nodded. “Come in and sit down. Shana, can you go get Kimber? Is this about music?”

“No…not exactly.” Stormer frowned. “It’s about…something else. I…I told Kimber that if I knew anything that might help Dierdra I’d come and tell you and…well…”

“What do you know?” Aja grabbed Stormer by the shoulders as Shana obediently hurried upstairs to fish out the youngest Hologram. Stormer pulled back.

“I…I don’t know anything.” She responded uneasily. “But…Oh, I don’t know, Aja. I might be wrong…”

“I’m sorry.” Aja lowered her arms with a sheepish smile. “We’re all just so worried…if you can help us at all then that’d be great.”

“I…I don’t know if I can.” Stormer said slowly. “But…”

“Stormer! Hi!” Kimber entered the lounge at that moment. “What’s up?”

“Can…can I talk to you? Alone?” Stormer asked. “It’s…kinda important.”

“It’s something about Dierdra, Kimber.” Aja added. “I…don’t know that Stormer feels totally comfortable talking to Shana and me.”

Stormer blushed.

“It isn’t that.” She said. “I just…”

“It’s okay, we’re not offended.” Shana grinned as Kimber came to sit beside the Misfit. “We’ll give you some space. Come on, Aja. Let’s leave them to it.”

Aja looked doubtful, but obediently followed the bass player out of the room, closing the door behind her.

“Will they listen in?” Stormer sounded anxious.

“Of course not.” Kimber looked indignant. “They’re not like that!”

“Okay, I’m sorry.” Stormer frowned. “Guess I’m thinking like a Misfit.”

“Well, you live with ‘em.” Kimber said dryly. “What’s up, anyway? Why are you here?”

“Well, you know that I said I’d tell you if I knew anything that might help Dierdra?”

“Yes.” Kimber nodded. “What is it?”

“I…I think I was wrong, in some ways.” Stormer twisted her hands together. “Last night, at the concert – something happened. I didn’t realise at the time, but…” she trailed off.

“Go on.” Kimber encouraged.

“Well, after we got back from the concert Jetta and Pizzazz had a blazing row and stormed off to their rooms, and Roxy and I were watching TV…she fell asleep, as she always does, when the news came on, but…I saw the picture of that jewel thief guy for the first time. I know it’s a bad picture that they keep showing, but Kimber, the guy was in our dressing room last night!”

“What?” Kimber’s eyes opened wide. “What was he doing there?”

“He…he came to speak to Jetta.” Stormer lowered her gaze. “I’m sure it was him, Kimber.”

“I knew Jetta was involved!” Kimber clenched her fists.

“No…I don’t think so.” Stormer shook her head. “She didn’t seem pleased to see him – in fact, quite the opposite. She wanted rid of him as soon as possible. But she said that she knew him – that they grew up together. She didn’t give us his name, and I didn’t think any more of it. But…” She bit her lip. “Kimber, this guy, his name is Jeremy Burns, right?”

“Yes.” Kimber nodded. “What about it?”

“Well…it didn’t dawn on me till last night, but Jetta’s real name is…is Sheila Burns.”

“Sheila Burns?” Kimber stared. “But…his wife?”

“I think…I think his sister.” Stormer looked uncomfortable. “But I don’t want to get Jetta into trouble, Kimber. I don’t think she wants anything to do with him and I don’t think she knows where Dierdra is. It…it isn’t her fault that he’s her brother, if we’re even right. It…it could be coincidence, I could be wrong.”

“Bet you’re not, though.” Kimber frowned. “I suppose then that you don’t want me to tell Jerrica and the others about Jetta.”

“No…please don’t.” Stormer agreed.

“So what can we do, then?”

“I haven’t mentioned this to anyone, not even Jetta herself.” Stormer responded. “But…but if he’s stalking her then he’ll appear at more Misfit concerts. We’ve another one on Saturday – we’re ghosting the Stingers again so…”

“So you think one of us should be there and track him?” Kimber asked. Stormer nodded.

“I…I did think that way.” She agreed.

“Sounds like a plan.” Kimber smiled. “If only there was something we could do before Saturday, that’s two whole days away. Hey, isn’t there a reward out for this guy? If Jetta hates him so much why doesn’t she turn him in?”

“She’s his sister.” Stormer said. “Would you turn in Jerrica? I know I wouldn’t do anything like that to Craig, no matter how bad he was.”

“Jerrica and Craig are both good people, Stormer.” Kimber responded. “And they don’t kidnap kids, either. In any case I can’t imagine Jetta caring much for family like that. Isn’t money the thing that’s top of her hitlist? Money and success?”

“You’d be surprised.” Stormer said quietly. “I know you don’t believe me, but Jetta isn’t all lies and greed.”

“Well, I think you give people too much leeway, but okay.” Kimber shrugged. “You’re too soft on them, Stormer – they’re all creeps.”

“They…can be.” Stormer nodded her head. “But…they’re my friends, Kimber.”

“Really?” Kimber raised an eyebrow. “I thought that they exploited and used you.”

“They have…but when we almost lost Pizzazz to Riot things changed.” Stormer replied. “Roxy and Jetta at least listen to what I have to say most of the time now, even if they don’t agree with me. And…and yes, they are my friends. Even if it’s not friends in the same way you Holograms are friends.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Kimber grinned. “And I’ll talk to Jerrica about what you told me, as well.”

“You won’t mention Jetta?” Stormer was anxious. “Pizzazz might kick her out of the group, and…”

“I won’t mention Jetta.” Kimber promised. “Though I doubt she’d worry so bad about you in the same situation.” She got to her feet. “Here, you want a drink? I think there’s some lemonade.”

“Sure.” Stormer smiled. “You know, you guys are so lucky having this place as your own.” She glanced around her. “It’s so beautiful.”

“The Gabor Mansion is pretty hot stuff too.” Kimber pointed out, heading into the kitchen with a grin. “Pizzazz wouldn’t have it any other way, after all.”

“No…true. But it doesn’t really belong to the Misfits.” Stormer sighed. “It belongs to Mr Gabor and therefore Pizzazz. If she gets mad she can boot any of us out. I truly thought she was gonna shut Jetta out on the patio last night. She was raging worse than ever.”

“Pizzazz makes a habit of raging.” Kimber observed, filling two glasses with the drink and handing one to her friend. Stormer shrugged.

“True.” She agreed. “Oh, I don’t know. It’s hopeless. How did we get mixed up in this whole mess anyway? Things have been nothing but trouble since Riot came to town. At least before that we felt like a band. Now Pizzazz doesn’t know if she’s coming or going when he’s around and…well, we need a leader, Kimber!”

“Why don’t you take over, then?” Kimber grinned. Stormer looked horrified.

“No!” She exclaimed.

Kimber giggled.

“Oh, cool out, I’m only kidding.” She responded with a smile. “Pizzazz will probably cool down and it’ll all sort itself out.”

“Maybe.” Stormer sighed. “We’re not the Holograms though, Kimber. Things don’t magically come together in the end for us, you know.”

“What’s that for?” Kimber stared at her friend. Stormer frowned.

“I’m sorry.” She murmured. “I guess I’m just tired.”

“You wanna crash here?” Kimber asked. Stormer shook her head.

“I…I can’t. I’ve got to talk to Jetta before practice, if I can. See what I can find out.” She drained her glass. “Thanks for hearing me out, though, Kimber. And…and thanks for the lemonade, too. I’d better be going…I’ll let you know what I find out, if anything.”

“I’m glad you’re on our side.” Kimber grinned. “You’re turning into a master spy, Stormer! I can hardly believe that we ever hated each other.”

“Me either.” Stormer admitted. “But…the rest of the Holograms still make me nervous, especially Jerrica. I suppose…I suppose I know the Misfits and what to expect from them so I feel safer there.”
“You’re mad, but okay.” Kimber shrugged. “Good luck with Jetta, huh? And keep in touch!”

***********

“Jetta?”

Stormer poked her head around her band-mate’s bedroom, an apprehensive expression on her face. Jetta was perched on her windowsill, a magazine on her lap and she seemed to be totally engrossed in what she was reading, quite unaware of having company. Stormer slipped into the room, closing the door with a soft ‘click’ and crossing the floor, resting her hand on the other girl’s shoulder.

Jetta started, dropping the magazine and turning to glare at her intruder.

“What do you want?” she demanded.

“I need to talk to you…please?” Stormer begged, her eyes beseeching. “It…it’s important.”

“I don’t want to ‘talk’ right now, Stormer. If you’re gonna try an’ play peacemaker you might as well go talk to Pizzazz cos I ain’t listening.” Jetta said curtly. “She seems to think that she’s the only one who matters in this blinkin’ band, ‘er and ‘er obsession with that jerk Riot.”

“It isn’t about Pizzazz.” Stormer responded, shaking her head. “Please, Jetta, hear me out! I…I’m afraid that you’ll get into trouble and…”

“Trouble?” Jetta looked confused. “You lost your brain for the day, Stormer? ‘Ow am I gonna get into trouble if I’m just stuck up in my room?”

“I meant…I meant that guy who came into our dressing room last night.” Stormer gathered all her courage. “I…I know who he is, Jetta…I saw him on the news.”

Jetta’s eyes widened and her face filled with anger. She got to her feet, grabbing Stormer roughly by the shoulders.

“You don’t know a thing.” She muttered, her voice low and threatening. “You ‘ear me? You don’t know a thing!”

“Stop it, you’re hurting me!” Stormer pulled away, backing up against the wall. “Jetta, listen to me! I’m right, aren’t I? He is the jewel thief on the news, isn’t he?”

“What’s it worth to you?” Jetta demanded. “He’s just some guy, Stormer.”

“He has the same name as you.” Stormer stood her ground, inwardly quaking for she had never had one of Jetta’s rages directed at her before. “He…he’s your brother, isn’t he?”

Jetta froze, and for a moment Stormer was afraid she had gone too far. Then the Briton sighed, sinking down onto her bed and scooping up the magazine, tossing it onto her pillow.

“I didn’t think it’d take long for one of you to figure it out.” She admitted sadly. “Stormer…you can’t say anything to anyone, you got it? I can’t let the world know that…that Jetta of the Misfits is the kid sister of a wanted criminal on the loose.”

“I…I…” Stormer faltered and Jetta wheeled on the other girl, grabbing her once more.

“Who did you tell?” She demanded. “Who? Tell me! Who?”

“Kimber.” Stormer managed. “We…we were talking about Dierdra, and…”

“You betrayed me to a Hologram?” Rage filled Jetta’s dark eyes. “Of all people I never though it’d be you who’d blow me cover like that!”

“Listen, Jetta, Kimber promised she wouldn’t tell anyone and…and I trust her.” Stormer protested. “Don’t…don’t be angry, I’m sorry!”

“Oh, who needs you anyway.” Jetta shoved her companion aside. “Thanks for nothin’, Stormer.”

“I…I was only trying to help.”

“You’re a Misfit…get a grip.” Jetta was scornful. “What would you want to help me for, anyhow? All you care about is the band – and the press and all of that. That’s why you care. It don’t have anything to do with me, does it, love?”

“That’s not true!” Stormer protested. “I’m worried about you, Jetta!”

“Yeah, right.” Jetta was scornful. She picked up her sax, heading towards the door. “Later, Stormer. I’m going out for a while.”

“Jetta, I mean it!” Stormer grabbed Jetta around the wrist. “Stop…stop being so stubborn!”

Jetta stared at her companion in shock. Stormer never raised her voice, or very rarely, and even if she did noone tended to take much notice of her. But there was a sincerity in her eyes that made the sax player falter in her defence.

“Really?” She asked, her tone doubtful.

“Yes! I want to help you.”

“How?” Jetta demanded. “He’s really gone and botched everything up for me this time.”

“What do you mean?” Stormer looked curious. Jetta shrugged impatiently.

“Oh, what does it matter?” she muttered. “Nothin’ we can do, anyhow.”

“No, tell me. Maybe there is something.” This was Stormer at her most persuasive, and Jetta eyed her keenly.

“You’re one weird Misfit, you know that?” she asked, but there was no malice in her tone, and Stormer knew that her indiscretion was forgiven. “But it’s ‘opeless, Stormer. He told me that if I got meself involved he’d frame me in the whole mess somehow…name me as an accomplice, say I shielded him.”

“What a creep.” Stormer grimaced. “No wonder you don’t want people to know about him. You can’t just let him bully you, though. It’s not just a case of you and him, there’s Dierdra to think of too.”

“Dierdra? Oh, Jerrica’s brat.” Jetta frowned. “’E won’t hurt her, Stormer. ‘E just wants some dosh from Jerrica, that’s all.”

“So he does have Dierdra!” Stormer’s eyes opened wide. “And…and you knew?”

“I only found out last night.” Jetta spread her hands. “I swear. But…’e won’t do anything to harm her. I know him well enough to know that.”

“That isn’t the point!” Stormer put her hands on her hips. “You should have told someone!”

“What can I do?” Jetta retorted. “Sorry, love, but I’m afraid I ‘ave to think of my own career and future and some brat I barely even met ain’t going to take priority over that. If I interfere then at best I’ll likely be back in London with that deadbeat family of mine, at worst I’ll be in some nick somewhere. I ain’t playing ball, Stormer. I’m keeping out of it and if you ‘ad any brains so would you.”

“I promised Kimber and the others that I’d help if I could.” Stormer shook her head. “I…I wish you would help, too.”

“What is all this help talk, anyway?” Jetta demanded. “When I first joined this band you were only too ‘appy to stand in the background, write the songs, do what you ‘ad to do and keep in with Pizzazz and Roxy. Now…now you’re always ‘anging out at Starlight Mansion – I ‘eard you even stayed over there a few nights back. What’s gotten into you?”

“I just…” Stormer faltered.

“You just went soft?” Jetta suggested coolly. “Pizzazz thinks so, anyway. She thinks you might as well be a Hologram, for all the Misfit mischief you’re game for these days.”

“I am a Misfit, Jetta!” Stormer protested. “I am! Only…only I don’t want you to get into trouble, and I want Dierdra to be safe and…and I want us to be a proper band again. We had some great hits before Eric bought up Misfit Music and got the Stingers involved. All this fighting – how can we compete with Jem and the Holograms if we’re not a team?”

“And ‘ow, love, do you expect to compete with someone by bein’ friends with ‘em?” Jetta retorted.

“Sometimes I wonder if you even know what friends are.” Stormer snapped back, her tone cross. “Any of you. Pizzazz, Roxy, you’re all the same. You wanna hurt each other to make yourselves look good – you gotta always be on top. Well, I’ve had enough of that kinda Misfit, if you really want to know. I’m not going to write music for a band who’s always at each other’s throats. I…I’d rather go and record with Kimber, because then at least I know what I do will be appreciated.”

“Who rattled your cage?” Jetta looked taken aback at this show of temper. “Cool down, love, it’s not the end of the world!”

“Well, you and Pizzazz are starting to give me a headache.” Stormer replied. “It’s bad enough that you spat with Roxy half the time!”

“Roxy’s dumb, she’s no challenge.” Jetta snorted. “Look, Stormer. I ‘ave no desire to fight it out with our fearless leader, but she don’t know where she is or what she’s doin’. All I’ve tried to do is get this blinkin’ band to go in a straight line, and every time I try it she jumps on me. And to be honest I’ve ‘ad enough of her ‘queenin’ it’ attitude.”

“Pizzazz has always been that way where we’re concerned.” Stormer sighed. “As far as I can remember. I don’t know why. And Riot…Riot is a problem. He’s turning her into a wreck and it’s not right.”

“She’ll snap out of it.” Jetta shrugged.

“Yeah, maybe. But will it be too late for the band when she does?” Stormer asked. “I’m…I’m worried, Jetta. I’m worried that the Misfits are just going to disappear from view forever.”

“Why would you care if it did?” Jetta demanded. “You ‘ave Craig to run cryin’ too, he’d put you up and most likely get you involved in ‘is music too. You’ve nothin’ to worry about. And Pizzazz could just get Daddy to buy her a new group.”
“I worry about you and about Roxy.” Stormer said softly. “Neither of you have anywhere to go.”

“I can handle myself, and so can Roxy.” Jetta responded curtly. “Don’t fuss your head about us.”

“Maybe you can, but I’m not so sure about Roxy.” Stormer’s expression was troubled. “You remember the mess she made of herself when she tried going solo? She can’t read, she gets suckered into things…”

“Then she should wise up.” Jetta replied.

“Perhaps, but it’s just the way she is.” Stormer paused. “She isn’t so tough as you think, though, Jetta. Really. And…and I don’t think you’re as tough as you pretend, either.”

“Who’s pretending, yank?” Jetta glared at her companion.

“Who cried at the airport?” Stormer retorted. Jetta scowled.

“You ‘ave changed.” She muttered. “I think I liked you better before. You said you wouldn’t mention that again…”

“Not in front of other people.” Stormer shook her head. “And I wouldn’t. But I’m just proving my point. I think you’re scared of your brother, that’s what I think. You’re being chicken.”

“I’m no chicken!” Jetta protested.

“Then help us help Dierdra.” Stormer smiled. “He need never know you were involved. All you have to do is tell me all you know – and help me see how he thinks. That’s all.”
“What’s in it for me?” Jetta asked cautiously.

“Well, your freedom, for a start.” Stormer responded dryly. “Come on, Jetta…please?”

“Boy, ‘ave Pizzazz and Roxy got you all wrong.” Jetta remarked ruefully. “You could ruddy well manipulate for your country! So much for dear, sweet, innocent Stormer!”

“I told you. I’m a Misfit.” Stormer grinned. “So you’ll help?”

“So long as ‘e doesn’t find out.” Jetta nodded. “I want an end to this an’ all. What do you want me to do?”

“Just make sure he’s at our concert on Saturday.” Stormer winked. “We’ll do the rest.”

“Who’s we?” Jetta was suspicious. “And…and how am I supposed to do that? Magic him out of thin air? I don’t see ‘im when I want to, duckie. ‘E finds me!”

“We is Kimber and I.” Stormer replied. “And…and we’ll spread a rumour that you have some big news to share with the crowd at the concert…that’ll make him come. After all, if it’s just a rumour you don’t have to say a word. The press are always making stuff up.”

“You know, I underestimated you.” Jetta looked impressed. “I still don’t see why you’re doing this, though.”

“Because I’m your friend, even if you don’t realise it.” Stormer responded softly. “And I’m going to help Kimber and Jerrica rescue Dierdra, too. Don’t say anything to Pizzazz or Roxy…best they don’t get involved. But if it works then you’ll have him off your back for good and the Misfits can get back to being the stars I know we are!”
 
 

(The Misfits and Holograms and other animated Jem characters are copyrighted to Hasbro Inc. All characters who do not appear in Jem episodes are my own creation. This story is copyrighted to E.A Woolley (2001)