Archive-name: Changes/bates13.txt
Archive-author: 
Archive-title: Joe Bates' Story- 13


                                  Chapter 13
                                   San Diego

   Linda could sense that something was wrong.  She backed away from Joe, and
just stood there, confused.

   "What's the matter, Joe?"  She asked.  "Did I do something wrong?"

   "No, you haven't done anything wrong."  Joe answered.  "I don't know what's
wrong.  I'm having such strange feelings.  I don't know what's going on.  I
can't explain it.  I first noticed it today, at the mall.  I  watched a woman
undressing, and I didn't even feel anything.  Nothing.  It was weird, and I
can't explain it.  I was hoping I wouldn't feel the same about you, but right
now, I just don't get the old urge.  Since the change, I have been feeling
hornier than ever, but now, suddenly, it's gone. Don't get me wrong, I still
love you, but I'm just not sexually aroused."  He sat down on the bed.

   "Maybe it's just temporary."  Linda said, as she stroked his back.

   "Yeah, maybe it is. Or, maybe, my head's changing...maybe I'm destined to
be female in body, and now, in mind too.  I don't know. I don't know."  He
began to sob.

   Suddenly, he realized what he was doing.  He was sitting there feeling
sorry for himself, and he was crying like a girl...like a woman.  What was
happening?  Linda saw it too, and was surprised at this reaction.  She could
see that Joe was changing...that he was becoming more emotional.  She put her
arm around him.

   "Is there anything I can do?"  She asked.  "I want to help in any way I
can."

   I'm sorry."  Joe said.  "You've been so good to me so far, just help me to
deal with this.  I just don't know what's happening."

   "We'll both get through this, don't worry."  Linda said.

   "I've go to finish getting ready for tomorrow."   Joe said.  "Help me to
get enough stuff to hold me for about two days."

   "Sure, we'll get you packed in no time."  Linda said.  "What do you plan to
wear in the morning?"

   "That's a problem."  Joe replied.  "I like the sundress, but I don't know
if it would be a problem flying with that full skirt."

   "How about the new suit then?"  Linda continued.  "That would probably be
the equivalent of what you'd wear as a guy."

   "You think so?"  Joe asked, wiping his eyes.  He liked the suit.

   "Sure, and you look good in it, too."  Linda said.  "We'll pack the red
dress, and your shorts, too.  I think you should also take another skirt and
blouse along.  If you can't find anything in you're closet, you're welcome to
look in mine."

   Joe went into his closet, and took a white blouse, and the blue A line
skirt he wore on the first day.  Linda folded, and packed them in his B-4 bag.
She went to his drawers, and took out some underwear, as well as pantyhose,
and athletic socks.

   "I bought some nylon stockings today."  Joe said.  "I hate to wear panty-
hose, cause I have to go to the bathroom so often."  He got the nylons from
the bag, and showed them to Linda.

   "You'll probably want to wear these in the morning then."  She said,
holding up the blue ones.

   "Yeah, If you say so."  Joe was happy to have her pick out his clothes.  He
liked her tastes, and her eye for color.

   "Well, I guess you're about ready.  Just your bath items yet." Linda said.

   "I'll get them in the morning, after my shower.  I hope I can get you to
help with those cosmetics again, in the morning."  He asked.

   "Sure, but I guess that means I have to get up at four o'clock." Linda
said.

   "I do have a show time of six."  Joe admitted.  "I don't know how long
it'll take for me to get ready."

   "Set the alarm for four, at least."  Linda groaned.

   "I guess we better hit the sack early then."  Joe decided.

   "I'm going to wash my face, and take a bath."  Linda said.  "If you're
planning to shower in the morning, I suggest you wash that makeup off, anyway.
I have cleansing cream in my bath, if you don't have any yet."

   "Ok, I'll take it off." Joe said.

   Linda went back to her bedroom, and Joe removed his underwear.  He decided
that he should wear something, and remembered the little terry romper he
bought at She-Sports.  He got it from a drawer, stepped into it, and pulled it
over his boobs. He walked to Linda's room, and went into her bathroom, where
she was standing at the sink, in her panties, while the tub was filling.  He
watched her.  She looked so sexy standing there, in black panties, getting
ready for her bath.  The bra she had just removed had marked her skin with the
same little pink lines that Joe noticed around the edges of his breasts.  Joe
watched her with interest, but felt  little excitement, as he watched her
remove her makeup, breasts bouncing as she rubbed her face.

   Soon she finished, and she looked up at him.

   "Shows over, Joe."  She teased.  "Time for you're lesson in makeup
removal."

   She showed him what to do, and he did as he was told.  When his hair got in
the way, he removed the wig.  He looked at his now more familiar face.  As the
light makeup came off, he saw his former features seem to return, but not
completely.  Usually, by this time of the day, his beard was beginning to show
as a noticeable stubble.  Now, it was still smooth as a babies behind.  It
felt almost as soft too, Joe thought.  He found the makeup was far easier to
take it off, than it was to put on, and he finished quickly.  The tub was
ready too.  Linda removed her undies, and stepped into the bubbles.

   "I think there's room for you, if you want."  She said enticingly.

   It was tempting, but Joe just didn't feel like messing around.

   "Maybe another time."  He said.  "I better get to bed."

   Taking his hairpiece, Joe left her room, and went back to his own.  He took
the remainder of the things laying on the bed, and either put them away, or
laid them aside, to wear in the morning.  He saw the underwear he wore that
day, and considered whether he should wash it out in the sink.  No, he
decided, I'll do it later.  He just didn't feel like hand washing panties
right then.  He opened the bed, and sprawled out on it.  He had left the
overhead light on, and had to get up again.  He reluctantly got back up, and
was going to switch off the light, when he noticed the book that Karen had
given him to read, laying on the dresser.  He took it, and switched on the
light next to the bed, then went over and turned off the over head light.  He
layed back down on the bed, and covered himself with the sheet. He picked up
the book, and looked at the cover.  GENETICS, and SEX DETERMINATION, it read.
He opened it, and started to read.  The book's subject had always held a mild
interest to him, but now, of course, it had a special significance.  He
started to read, and quickly became engrossed in the subject matter.  He had
been reading for some time, when Linda quietly came in his room, and sat down
on the edge of his bed.

   "What are you reading?"  She asked.

   "Oh, this is a book Karen suggested I read."  He answered, and continued
reading, trying to finish the chapter.

   Linda sat there, watching him, and looking around the room.  She looked
down at the pile of his clothes laying at the side of the bed, and saw Joe's
underpants.  They had sort of rolled up when he had pulled them off, and the
narrow crotch section was face up, and visible.  She saw the little stain of
blood, and picked them up.

   "Joe, have you noticed your discharge?"  She asked him.

   Joe was still trying to finish the chapter before he put the book down.
"What discharge is that?"  He returned.  He wasn't really listening.

   "Look at your underwear.  Are you starting you're period?"  She asked
again.

   "Period?  I'm not having a period."  He said, as he finally put the book
down and looked up at her.  He saw that she had the underwear he wore that
day.

   "Are you sure?" She asked again.  "It looks like your starting to spot."
She showed him the bloody stain.   Mixed with the normal vaginal secretions,
it appeared to her like the light menstrual flow at the start of a period.

   "Oh, that."  He said, grinning.  "Hey, I'm a virgin.  What do you think
about that."

   "What do you mean, you're a virgin?"  Linda scoffed.  "What are you talking
about?"

   "It's true."  He said, still grinning at her.  "Dr. Krell examined me
today.  He said I had an intact hymen.  That makes me a virgin, technically,
at least."

   "So where did the blood come from?  Did he break your "intact hymen?" Linda
asked.  She thought he was teasing her.

   "Well, Dr. Krell put a speclum inside of me when he gave me a pelvic
examination.  I think maybe he stretched it a little.  I know it sure hurt
like hell.  But, he said that he was able to keep it intact. It bled a little
bit, though.  Do they do that to you every time they examine you?"  Joe asked,
as innocently as he could.

   "So you had a pelvic exam today, huh?"  Linda asked.  "What did you think
about it?  What did they find?"

   "Well, it's a lot different than any physical I ever had before." He
answered honestly.  "Dr. Krell said that I looked like I had normal, female,
internal organs.  And yeah, he said he thought I probably would have normal
menses.  That's what he called it."

   "So you really are a woman."  Linda said, as if she didn't really expect it
to be true.  "Did he tell you anything else?"

   "He said he could tell that I was circumcised, when I still had my penis,
because he found unexplained scar tissue around the clitoris.  He said he
figured that was it was probably the result of penile circumcision." Joe
explained.

   "I didn't see any scar tissue on your genitals." Linda said.

   "Did you really look?"  Joe asked.  "I know that female's all look slightly
different in that area.  I know I don't look exactly like you.  I think you
have more tissue over your clitoris, compared to me." He continued.

   "Does it feel different?"  She asked.

   "How would I know?  I can tell you this, it feels way more sensitive than
my penis did, but only if something touches it.  When it's left alone, it
feels just like it did before.  Since it has the same nerves, and I guess, the
same number of nerves.  To me, it feels like it's much bigger than it appears.
I think it's kinda like a cold sore in your mouth.  It seems bigger than it
looks, I guess, because the nerves are so closely spaced, compared to before."

   "Can I look?" Linda asked.  I want to see the scar tissue he told
you about."

   "Sure, I guess so."  Joe answered.  He sat up, and pulled the sheet away.

   Joe parted his legs, and gently spread the moist folds of tissue.  The
little glistening bud of flesh protruded near where the folds sort of joined.

   "So this is really your penis now?" Linda asked.  She was inspecting him
with intense interest.

   "Well, It feels like my penis.  It's not a penis anymore, obviously, but it
still feels like it, to me anyway."  Joe repeated.  "My guess is, it's the
same parts, nerves and such, just arranged, or repackaged.  And, a lot
different looking, obviously.  You probably have the same parts, too."

   "You think so?"  Linda asked.  "You really think a clitoris feels like a
penis?"

   "From my experience, and that's all I go to go on, it sure does.  Almost
exactly the same, as long as nothing touches it.  Then, it's much more
sensitive than my penis was."

   "Overall then, is it better, or worse?"  Linda asked, curious to know.

   "Just what are you trying to find out?"  Joe asked her.  It was becoming
obvious that there was a reason for her questioning.

   "I'd just like to know what it feels like.  I've always wondered what it
would like to be a guy...to have a penis, and everything."  She answered,
slightly embarrassed.  "I've always been curious what it felt like for you,
when we made love."

   "It felt great.  Absolutely great."  Joe said, and put his arm around her.

   "Do you miss it then?"  Do you miss your penis?" She asked.

   "Do I miss it?  Sure I do. Every minute.  But not because I constantly have
the urge to have sex.  Hell, until today, I've been hornier than ever, and
I've hardly had a chance to know it was gone when we've been together.  Of
course, I'm having new feelings now, some of them seem even better than
before."  As Joe spoke, he thought of their times together, before, and after
the change.  He thought of the new sensations, and his apparently hightened
senses.  Yeah, he thought, he missed it, but there were compensations.

   "So, if you had a choice then, would you want to be a man, or a woman."
Linda asked.

   "For Pete's sake Linda, that's a hard question to answer.  Of course I
would rather be a man.  It would simplify everything.  But, if I had been
born a woman, and suddenly turned into a man, I'd probably want be a woman
again.  It's not what FEEL'S better that causes it, it's how you're raised.
There's nothing wrong with being a woman, of course I'm still having problems
with having to sit to pee (he grinned), but damnit it, otherwise it feels
pretty good.  I'm starting to like wearing the clothes, too.  I never thought
I'd say that.  And I kinda like the sensation of having these boobs too, even
if I'm still usually embarrassed by them."  Joe told her.

   "Do you like Karen?"  Linda asked.

   The question surprised Joe.  What was she thinking about now?  Maybe he was
starting to think like a woman, but, he thought, he still had a long way to
go.

   "What do you mean by that?"  He asked.

   "You've just met her today, you said, but you two seem to get along so well
together.  It's like you were old pal's."  Linda answered.

   "It's different with Karen.  She understands my problem." Joe said
carefully.

   "What does that mean?" Linda asked.  "I'm trying to understand it too.
What does she do, that I don't."

   Joe decided to tell her about Karen.

   "Does Karen look different... unusual to you, in any way?"  He asked.

   "Unusual?  No, I don't think so. She's kinda tall, that's all."  Linda
answered, wondering what he was getting at.

   "Four years ago, Karen was a medical student at UA.  Her name was Kieth
then, and she was a guy.  She underwent hormone therapy, had an operation, and
now she's a woman."  Joe revealed.

   "The woman who was here, tonight, in this house, she was a MAN?" Linda
asked, completely amazed.

   "Yeah.  That's right.  About two years ago, she had surgery, in San Diego,
and now she's physically, and legally, a woman.  She can do about everything,
except get pregnant."  Joe said.

   "I've heard about that operation, but I never knew anyone who underwent
it."  Linda said.

   "Now you do."  Joe said.  "Dr. Krell says he has performed many operations
like Karen's."

   "Can he do something like that for you?"  Linda asked.

   "I asked him about that, and he said it was possible, but that he didn't
advise it.  At least not yet."  Joe answered.  "He suggested that I try to
live like this, for a while at least, so his team can try to find a way to
change us back by reversing whatever process caused it in the first place.  If
he were to change me using surgical procedures, and then they did find a way
to get us back, it would leave us mutilated.  Anyway, he said that the female
to male operation isn't as satisfactory.  I wouldn't be pleased with the
results, that's how he put it."

   "Well, if it was half as good as Karen's, it would be acceptable, wouldn't
it?"  Linda asked him.

   "Maybe so, but he told me it's not nearly as easy to transform female
genitalia into functioning male equipment.  He said it often didn't even work
for urination.  It might look passable, but it was easily infected, and it had
usually no feeling at all.  I can't get very excited about the idea of having
a numb, useless piece of flesh hanging between my legs, just so that I could
say I was a man.  Besides, I'd still be smaller, and look different than I
used too."  Joe explained.

   "So you're going to stay female?"  Linda asked.

   "I don't know.  Well, yeah, for a while anyway.  At least until Dr. Krell
attempts to find a way to get us back.  I don't think I have any other choice,
really.  Joe said.

   "What about Dave, and what's his name..Mike?  What will they do?" Linda
continued.  "Will they stay as they are, too?"

   "I think so, but I don't know for sure.  Dave is married, and his little
boy don't understand.  Mike still looks more like a man, even if his internal
parts are feminized."  Joe answered, matter of factly.

   "Why is Mike so different?" Linda asked.

   "Well, of course it's only a possibility, but it's probably because he was
taking anabolic steroids when he went through the change."  Joe said.  I've
seen him, and he sort of looks like a hermaphrodite.  He still has his male
body shape, but he's got a beaver, and he said Dr. Krell told him he thinks he
has normal, female internals."  Joe said.

   "Heavens, that must be horrible."  She said.  "How is he taking it?"

   "I don't know.  He seems to be doing ok, I guess.  I don't know if he's
really thought much about it.  He's still in the denial stage.  He sort of
refuses to admit that it's happened.  I think it's just starting to sink in
for all of us.  Dave is the one I'm must worried about.  He hardly talks.  I
don't know what to think about him."  Joe said, scratching his crotch.

   "I'll give Cindy a call, while you're gone."  Linda said.  "Maybe I can
help her."

   "That's a good idea."  Joe said.  I have another idea.  Let's get to sleep.
It'll be four am  soon enough."

   "Can I sleep with you?"  Linda asked.

   "I'd love it."  Joe said honestly.  He set the alarm, and switched off the
light.

   Linda snuggled up close to Joe.  Joe held her close, and could feel his
breasts touch hers.  They stroked each others back, and cuddled until they
fell asleep.

   It seemed like only moments later, Joe heard the noisy buzzing of the cheap
alarm clock.  He turned it off, and lay there, trying to find the strength to
get up.  He finally did, and struggled in the dark to find the bathroom door.
He went in, shutting the door before turning on the light.  He had to pee, and
sat down and relieved himself.

   Joe quickly showered.  He rubbed his legs, checking them for stubble.  They
weren't bad, but his underarms had stubble, and needed a quick cleanup.  With
the shower running, he used his shave cream, lathered, and quickly did the
job.  Much easier than doing my face, he thought.

   After Joe finished in the shower, he got out, and dried off.  He watched
himself in the mirror over the sink as he did so.  He was now familiar with
his new body, and looked at it critically as he rubbed his soft skin with the
towel.  A strange feeling of contentment came over him as he examined himself.
His breasts no longer seemed alien to him, and as he softly touched them, he
could hardly remember looking any other way.  His body image was becoming
female...he could feel it happening.  Is this what HE wanted?  Was there
anything he could do about it...even if he wanted too?

   As he was drying, and examining himself in the mirror, He could hear Linda
get up, and leave his bedroom.  The sound of his girl friend caused him to
finish drying off, and continue to get ready.  He took out his tooth past, and
brushed his teeth.  Even they seemed different, probably because of the
somewhat smaller size of his face.  He looked at them in the mirror, and saw
that he still had the same fillings in his back teeth, as far as he could
tell.

   Joe finished brushing, and as he was putting the dental things in his
shaving kit (he still used his male kit), he saw the after bath powder.  He
decided to apply some of that, since the scent reminded him of Linda.

   I guess it's my smell now, he thought to himself.  He took out his
deodorant, and applied it to his smooth underarms.  It stung slightly, since
he just shaved.  He was trying to decide what to do next, when a sleepy
looking Linda, tapped on the door.

   "Can I come in?" She asked.

   "Sure.  I can use your help."  Joe answered, and opened the door.

   Linda was wearing a satin robe, and simply went over to him.  She examined
his naked body carefully.

   "You are simply beautiful."  Was all she said.

   "I could use your advice."  Joe said.  "I still don't know exactly what to
do with this makeup."

   "You're going to have to learn."  Linda admonished.  "I won't be there
tomorrow morning."

   She took the shaving kit, where Joe had put his supplies, and arraigned the
things she needed, on the counter.  Working swiftly, she used each item, and
then dropped it back into the leather case.  As she worked, Joe was
transformed back into the clean, understated look he had the day before.  He
looked at his image in the mirror, and smiled with satisfaction with his
appearance.

   When Linda finished, she left the bathroom, went to Joe's bed, and lay
down.  Joe gathered up the remaining supplies into his shaving kit, and
followed her.  He put the kit into the side compartment of his B-4 bag.  I
guess I should get a more feminine looking bag, he thought to himself.  He
had used the handy B-4 since he was issued it in the Air Force, and had never
used anything else.

   He went to the dresser, and found that Linda had layed out his clothes the
night before.  She had selected black, high leg, bikini panties, and one of
his seamless cup, "nude" color bras.  He took the underpants, and easily
slipped them on.  He had never worn them  since Linda had suggested he buy
them the other day.  He looked at his reflection in the mirror, the leg
openings reached almost up the waist band, and made his legs look even longer.
Since he was thin, and rather tall for a woman, it  made him look rather
leggy.  He liked the look, and turned, so that he could see his backside in
the mirror.

   Linda saw what he was doing, and said.  "Ok, Ok, We both know you got a
nice butt."

   "Hey, can I help it?"  He said grinning.  For some reason, he was feeling
very pleased with himself this morning.

   He took the bra, and deftly put it on.  He was now familiar with the
procedure, and the feeling, of wearing women's clothing.  Feeling strangely
sexy, he took the silk blouse, and put it on, covering his already silky
breasts.  As he buttoned the blouse, he was again amazed at how luxurious the
silk felt on his body.  Even if he never got back to normal, this sensation
alone would almost make it all worth while.  He resisted touching himself,
knowing Linda would tease him if he did.

   Joe picked up the grey skirt, and stepped into it, turning it around,
as he had done the last time, so that he could zip and button the smooth
fitting garment.  As he spun it back around he saw himself in the mirror
again.  He looked good, but still needed the hairpiece, to make the
trans-figuration complete.  He took it from the dresser, and carefully put it
on his head, covering his male hairstyle, and the last remnant of his former
appearance.  No one could confuse him with a male.  And, he was beginning to
realize, he was glad they couldn't.

   "You forgot your nylons."  Linda reminded him.

   "Rats.  I guess I have to take the skirt off."  Joe said, and started to
spin the skirt around again.

    "No, I think you can just pull the skirt up, and pull the nylons on." She
suggested.  "Be careful, they're very sheer.  Don't snag them on your nails."

   Joe took the dark colored nylons from Linda, and sat down on the bed.  The
slight roughness of the blended wool skirt reminded Joe that he wasn't wearing
the slip he bought either.  He wanted to try it, so he removed the skirt, and
unbuttoned the blouse.  He loved any excuse he could find to feel the silky
fabric.  He found the little slip with the fitted top, and pulled it over his
head.  The stretchy fabric covered his curves with even more slickness.  He
took the nylons , and carefully pulled them up his legs, after Linda showed
him how to roll them, and then place his foot inside.  When he had the nylons
on, and pulled the slip down, his legs felt almost as sleek as the silky
blouse.  He put the blouse back on, and again pulled the skirt on.  He sat on
the bed, and marveled at the feeling.  It felt like he could just slide off
the bed.

   Joe found his new watch, and fastened it to his wrist.  He took the new
gray shoes he bought, and slipped them on.  With their low heel, he had little
trouble walking in them, but he wondered how they would work on the rudder
pedals.

   He took the jacket and decided that, for now, he wouldn't wear it.  Linda
found the handbag he had purchased the night before, and handed it to him.  He
looked at it in confusion.

   "Put your wallet, and any other things you're  always complaining about not
having room for, in it."  She suggested.

   He took the bag, and put all his things in it.  Joe stood up, and went to
the mirror.  He looked attractive, and sophisticated.  He felt very sexy.  The
feeling of the new clothes made him feel different, more content with himself,
than he had ever been before.  I guess it's the clothes, he thought.  What
else could cause it?

   "Well, I guess I'm ready."  Joe said.  "It only took about an hour."

   Linda stood next to him at the mirror.  In the heels, he was almost as tall
as before.  He put his arm around Linda, and pulled her to him.  They just
stood there, and hugged for a minute.

   "I'll be waiting for you."  Linda said, looking in his eyes.

   "I'll miss you too."  Joe said, and gave her a peck on the lips.  It just
didn't feel the same anymore, he thought to himself.

   Joe picked up the B-4 bag, and started to carry it to the door.  It wasn't
packed to bursting, like if often was when he went away for days, but he still
had to struggle a bit to carry it.  I just don't have any upper body strength,
he realized.

   Linda opened the door to the patio, and Joe went out to his car.  He opened
the back hatch, and put the bag in, and then went around and got in.  He put
his belt on, and started the engine.  He let it warm slightly, and then turned
around, and drove out the drive.  It was about forty-five minutes till six.

   After the short drive to the airport, Joe went to the guard shack, and
showed his Honeybone ID.  The guard, looked at him, but must have been told
of his unusual situation, because he let him in without problem, almost
staring a hole in him with curiosity.

   Joe went directly to the flight planning room, and entered the proposed
flight into the PC.  The computer automatically compiled an IFR flight plan,
and checked, and printed out a weather report.  It would even automatically
file, but Joe hadn't selected that option.  If the weather was good, he was
considering VFR, and maybe letting Karen fly, if she wanted.

   The weather looked good, as usual, and he was pouring a second cup of
coffee, when Dave walked in the room.

   Dave was wearing a jumpsuit, not all that different from the one Joe had.
It was gray, with a wide belt which served to de-emphasize his somewhat large
backside.  It made him look a lot better that he had the day before.  Dave
took a cup, and went over to the planning table, next to Joe.  Joe filled his
cup with the hot brew.

   "Hey, you're looking good!"  Joe said.  "I like the jumpsuit."

   "Yeah, I saw yours, and decided that it was the best thing."  Dave said.
He still had a sarcastic twinge to his voice, and it was uncharacteristic of
him.

   Joe handed the weather printout to Dave.  "It looks severe clear, until the
LA basin, as usual."  Joe summarized.  "I think we could go VFR, and maybe let
Karen get the feel of it, if it don't bother you." He continued.

   "Sure, that's fine with me." Dave agreed.  "I wouldn't mind getting an
hour's snooze."

   "How's it going?"  Joe asked.  "Is it getting any easier for you?"

   "Easier?  How could it?  I guess I'm getting more accustomed to the
changes, and all that,  but I don't know how to deal with Cindy."  Dave said.

   "Maybe Dr. Krell's people will be able to help us today."  Joe said.

   "If he can't make me a man again, I don't know what he could do that would
help me."  Dave lamented.

   They both looked up when they heard the outside door close, and in a few
moments, Karen Simpson entered the room.

   Karen was wearing an attractive pants suit with a sharp, tailored look.
Joe smiled a greeting to her, and motioned to the stack of styro-foam cups at
the coffee bar by the wall.  Karen smiled back, and, getting a cup, came over
to them, and held out the cup as Joe filled it.

   "Well, You sure look good."  Karen said, complimenting Joe.  "Gee, Dave,
are you going through the jumpsuit phase now?"  She teased.

   "Yeah, maybe I am."  Dave said, forcing a slight grin.  "Good morning,
Karen."

   "Good morning to both of you."  She said.  "Is it safe to fly this
morning?"  She asked.

   "Yeah, I think we can make it."  Joe said.  "You want to get a little stick
time?"

   "Could I?"  She said.  "I haven't flown in years."

   "We'll see how rusty you are."  Joe said.  "Early as it is, we can probably
go VFR into SAN without a problem."

   "Procedures are where I know I'll have the most difficulty."  Karen said.
"I haven't spent much time in high density area's."

   "I can handle the radios."  Joe said.

   They heard the door slam, and Mike came in the planning room.  As before,
he was wearing male clothing.  He acknowledged their greeting, and went for
his coffee cup, seemingly not interested in joining in the conversation.

   They finished their coffee, and Dave phoned in the VFR flight plan.  And
they went into the hanger.  Joe opened the hanger doors, as Dave started a
garden tractor that served as a tug.

   Karen helped Dave put the tow bar on the 421, and Dave pulled it out, into
the early morning light.  In the bright light of the hanger floods, they
performed the walk-around preflight, as Mike placed their bags on board.  When
they were satisfied that the fuel, oil, and external hardware was visibly
flightworthy, they got in, and before long, Joe had the engines warming.

   Joe sat on the left, and Karen took the right seat.  They adjusted their
headsets, and set the comm and nav radios.  The tower would did not operate
till 0800, so they called, and looked for traffic, and then took off.

   As the wheels were going into the wells, Joe called departure, and
confirmed that they were picked up on radar.  The lightly loaded twin quickly
climbed to seven thousand five hundred, and from habit, Joe requested, and
received VFR flight following.  Karen handled the plane well, holding headings
and altitudes to IFR tolerances.

   "It don't look like you're out of practice at all."  Joe complimented.

   "I love to fly."  Karen said.  "With all that has happened to me, in the
last few years, I guess I forgot just how much."

   The flight went along uneventfully, with Dave and Mike snoozing in the
back, and Karen doing the driving, Joe observing, and watching for traffic as
the sun came up behind them.

   Before long they entered the low visibility of Southern California.
The radio chatter picked up, until it was one continuous stream of
instructions, as controllers vectored IFR, and VFR traffic in one of the
busiest areas in the country.  The sun was bright as they spotted San Diego's
Lindbergh Field about eight miles ahead. They were cleared for a straight in
landing, and Joe let Karen have the landing, giving her speeds, and power
settings, as she configured the aircraft for landing.  Even though she hadn't
flown for years, and then mostly single engine aircraft, she handled the
Cessna twin like she had flown it many times.

   "You're doing great."  Joe told her again.  "How many hours do you have any
way?"

   "Actual logged hours, about three-fifty." Karen answered.  "But remember, I
worked with simulators in the Air Force, and learned to fly instruments then,
some time before I got a license.  I was trained as a primary instrument
instructor.  I probably have thousands of hours in simulators of various
kinds, single seaters mostly, but some in trainers, like the T-37, and T-38.
Compared to a lot of simulators, this thing flys like a dream."

   She landed, and taxied to the FBO Joe suggested.  They parked where a young
girl in tight shorts directed, and shut the engines down.  They got out and
stretched as they exited the tight confines of the Cessna.

   "You can smell the ocean."  Joe said.  It was so different here, than the
dry air of Phoenix.

   "Yeah.  I like San Diego."  Karen said.  "I kind of think of it as the
place where I was reborn."  She was referring to the surgical procedure which
changed her gender.

   "I hope I can get that kind of feeling about this place, in a few days."
Mike said, pulling the bags out of the plane.

   Joe went to the counter, and asked the guy about the car he made
reservations for.  The young man behind the counter gave him a set of keys
with a Budget Rent a Car tag, and pointed out the window at a maroon Town Car.
Joe hated big barges like the Lincoln, but they needed the room for the four
of them and their bags.

   "Ok if I drive out on the ramp for the bags?" Joe asked.

   "Sure, mam.  Just enter 338 and the gate will open."  The line boy said.
"Drive out, and I'll put the bags in the car for you."

   Joe wasn't used to this kind of service.  He wondered if the FBO was
changing its image, but then he realized, he wasn't wearing a skirt the last
time he was there.  He hadn't thought about it, but women did get treated
differently from men.  Sometimes better.  He kind of liked it.

   When they got their bags loaded, they went to check into the hotel.  The
Honeybone scheduler had reserved rooms at the Hyatt Regency, a nice place,
more upscale than they usually got at company expense.  Usually, Joe and Dave
performed their own "bag drag", but this time, they let the bellhop take them
to the room.

   They followed him up and Joe found that his room was next to Karen on side,
and Dave on the other.  Mike's room was directly across the hall.

   They put their bags away, stopped to clean up a bit, and then went out to
find Dr. Krell's clinic.  Karen of course, was familiar with the area, and
guided them right to it.  They met Dr. Krell again, and he introduced them all
to two other medical doctors, and a number of lab technicians and nursing
personal.

   In the small waiting room at the entrance, Joe recognized a few patients
who were obviously making the transition from male to female.  Two were easy
to spot, since they were both very tall, and towered over all the other seated
persons.  Joe went over to an empty seat next to one of the two tall women.
He smiled a greeting as he sat down.  The woman spoke, with a deep voice, too
deep to be coming from a female.

   "Well, this place has suddenly become very popular."  She said, referring
to the fact that four of them came in at the same time.

   "Yes, I suppose it has."  Joe answered, uncomfortable with small talk.

   "Do you know Dr. Krell?" The deep voiced woman went on.

   "Yeah, I met him yesterday, in Phoenix." Joe answered.

   "Is he working with your husband?"  She asked.

   "My husband?  Joe asked in amazement.  "Why would you ask that?"

   I saw you walked in with that guy over there."  She answered, discreetly
pointing at Mike.  "I figured that you were here for consoling, because of
your husband's condition."

   Joe smiled.  She thinks I'm here with Mike, he realized.

   "No, I'm not married."  He said.

   "Don't tell me a woman as lovely looking as you, is gender disphoric?" The
woman went on.

   "Do you think everyone who see's Dr. Krell has that kind of problem?" Joe
questioned.  The talkative woman just wouldn't let it go.

   "Dr. Krell is one of the best gender-doc's around."  She said.  I don't
think he takes any other patients anymore."

   "So you're gender disphoric?"  Joe asked, turning the questioning away from
him.

   "Yes, I am."  She said.  "I've been on hormone therapy for eleven months."

   "Oh, I didn't realize."  Joe lied.  "You're a transsexual?"

   "Of course.  Probably most of the patients here are.  I hope to be ready
for re-assigment surgery by fall.  I've almost completed my electrolysis.
That's one of the time consuming parts.  I've been in the real life test,
that's where you have to live as the sex you feel you are, I've been in that
for four months now.  You don't know how difficult it is for a person raised
as a male, to learn to function as a female.  You're so lucky to be born so
beautiful."  She said, enviously.

   If you only knew, Joe thought.  He didn't know what to make of this unusual
person. So he just smiled.  She continued speaking.

   "My name is Laura.  Laura Dix."  She said, presenting her hand to Joe.

   "Glad to  meet you Laura."  Joe said, shaking her hand lightly.  It was
much bigger than his.  "I'm Joe Bates."

  "Joe, huh.  Sounds like a guy's name."  Laura said.  "Women can have men's
names, they can wear men's clothes, and so many other things.  Nobody notices,
or if they do, they think it's cute.  It was cute if you were a tomboy when
you were small, but I was a sissy for wanting to be with the girls."

   "Yeah, it is unfair, isn't it."  Joe agreed.

   "So what is your real name?  You don't look like a Josephine.  Is it Jo
Ann,  Jo Ellen?"  Laura asked.

   "My name is Joel."  Joe said.  "But I've always been called Joe."

   "Well Joe, What brings you to Dr. Krell?"  Laura continued.

   "I'm hoping he can help me."  Joe said reluctantly.  "I'm really a man."
He decided that shocker would stop the questions.

   "A man?"  But, you're so beautiful.  Laura asked in amazement. "Why would
you want to become a man?"

   "Why do you want to become a woman?"  Joe returned.

   "Yeah, Ok, your right."  Laura agreed.  "I think I am a woman, and I just
want to look like one.  It has nothing to do with what we look like."

   "You might be right."  Joe said.  He was beginning to have doubts
about that, however.

   The receptionist called Laura's name, and she go up and went in.  Joe was
sitting on the end of the row of seats, and he began to look around the
waiting room.  Besides Dave, Mike, Karen, and him, there were two other
persons in the room.  One was a small young man, and the other was a man, of
medium build.  Joe wondered if they were also transexxuals.  Probably, he
considered.

   As they waited, the receptionist came into the room, and gave Mike, Dave,
and Joe clipboards which held a number of forms, and questioners for them to
complete.  Joe filled out the form, it was everything, from his name and
address, to what kind of medication he was, or had been taking, his sexual
preference, and even frequency of intercourse.  Some of the questions were
rather difficult to answer, considering the circumstances.  He did his best to
answer truthfully, but couldn't imagine what they really were trying to find
out by some of the questions.

   He looked over, and saw Dave struggling with his paperwork.  Mike seemed to
work with it without expression, writing quickly, with out hesitation.

   When Joe had his complete, he took it up to the little sliding glass window
where the receptionist sat.

   "Thank you.  Dr. Krell should be with you before too long."  The young lady
wearing a white nurses uniform said, smiling at him.

   They sat there another forty five minutes, and then door opened, and the
assistant called Joe.  He stiffly got up, and followed her into an examining
room, not unlike the one where he was introduced to Dr. Hopkins.  He wondered
what was in store for him this time.

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