User:Shadowy Scarecrow/BlogArchive/Poptropica: The Villains Tale

On this blog, is a story I'm writing. But it will be updated each time a new chapter is done (so don't look for any more blog posts from me about this story). This is a story about the villains in the prison of Erewhon as they try to escape it.



Chapter 1
As each of the villains in Erewhon were having lunch in the cafeteria, the four totem victims ate their lunch in a tired mood. The Black Widow, Dr.Hare, Captain Crawfish, and Binary Bard sat there with the least bit of happiness.

"We've been stuck here for days. When are we going to get out?" Black Widow asked as she picked through her mashed potatoes

"Look, we have an hour before we go into those dreadful chambers again. We're never going to escape, not with all these guards around." Binary Bard replied miserably

"Both of ye have too keep yer hopes up. We can escape, both of ye did break out of prison at least once or twice." Captain Crawfish said to Black Widow and Binary Bard as he sipped a root beer

"But that was a long time ago, when the technology wasn't as advanced as it is now." Binary Bard said

"Come on, there has to be a way out of here. Clones 'ought to do it." Dr.Hare said with a devious smirk

"I'm listening...." Black Widow said as she went closer to Dr.Hare

"Me too, tell us your plan, Dr.Harvey Hare." Binary Bard said as his bionic eye beamed brightly

"Ye got our attention, now spill it." Captain Crawfish demanded

"Okay, now you all know that we have one hour before we have to go back. But I've created a plan that cannot fail! As of course, I mentioned clones, but we are the main source of this prison. So, with that tiny bit of information, I created the plan. What do you think?" Dr.Hare asked

"Um, did you even create the clones yet?" Black Widow asked

"No, that would be Binary Bard's job." Dr.Hare replied

"Wait, so you expect me to create the clones for you?! Why do you think I should help you escape?" Binary Bard asked in a serious tone

"Because, we're all in this crisis together. The main thing Dr.Jupiter wants from us is our totems, the main source of our evil. If you help me, you don't have to be locked in the chamber, or suffer the extraction of your totem. Being evil is what made us who we are, nobody can take that away." Dr.Hare replied

"Yer right on that one." Captain Crawfish said

"Yeah, so what do you say Binary Bard?" Black Widow asked

"Let's do it...." Binary Bard said with a devious smirk as his bionic eye glowed a darker shade of red

~

Dr.Jupiter had the four in chains, ready to be put in the chambers once more. The four villains had the brightest smiles on their faces.

"What are all of you smiling about?! I would expect this just from Mordred, but not all of you." Dr.Jupiter asked in a serious tone

"Oh nothing, it's just that we can't wait to sleep again. It's the best sleep I've had in years!" Black Widow replied

"Hmm, now what are all of you up too? I shall find out." Dr.Jupiter said as he paced back and forth

Chapter 2
Just as the four were getting ready to go into their chambers, Binary Bard disconnected his bionic eye and threw it across the room when Dr.Jupiter wasn't looking.

"Sir! I can't get into the chamber without my eye. Harvey, help me look for it." Binary Bard said as he got onto his knees and climbed to the back of the Dream Machine

"Wait, didn't you just-" Dr.Hare was cut off by the Binary Bard

"Harvey....just get back here and help me look...." Binary Bard said with a sigh

Dr.Hare went to the back of the Dream Machine with Binary Bard, he gave Binary Bard a confused look.

"What's wrong?" Dr.Hare asked

"Help me cut these wires, and hurry!" Binary Bard whispered

"What about your eye?" Dr.Hare asked as he cut a wire

"I'll find it, now hurry up!" Binary Bard replied in a hushed tone

"Did you find it yet?" Dr.Jupiter asked in an annoyed tone

"No, not yet. We're still looking. Wait! I think I see it! Crawfish, come back here and help!" Binary Bard said with a slight smile

Captain Crawfish came back to the machine with the others, he just stared at the two as they cut each wire one by one.

"What are ye doing matey's? What if he catches ye!?" Captain Crawfish asked

"We're so important to him, it won't even matter. Now hand us the sword." Dr.Hare said as he held his hand out

"Yer going to get in trouble for doing this...." Captain Crawfish said as he handed his sword to Dr.Hare

All Dr.Hare needed was one swipe to disconnect most of the wires. as Binary Bard inched to the other side of the room to get his bionic eye, Dr.Jupiter stopped him in his tracks.

"I know what you two were doing back there, don't lie to me." Dr.Jupiter whispered in Binary Bard's ear, he then grabbed the cybernetic jester and dragged him away from the laboratory

"Harvey! Cut the wires! NOW!" Binary Bard yelled

"I'm trying!" Dr.Hare yelled as he sliced the wires

"Your next, Dr.Harvey Hare! I'll remove his totem myself!" Dr.Jupiter yelled in anger

"No! We stick together! You're not taking our totems!" Black Widow said as she tackled Dr.Jupiter down

"Ms.Widow, you just made a huge mistake...." Dr.Jupiter growled as he started to get up

Dr.Jupiter got up and grabbed the Black Widow just before she could run. He then dragged her out of the lab.

"Black Widow....she's gone. What's going to happen to her?" Dr.Hare asked

"She might get her totem removed without us...." Binary Bard replied as he re-connected his bionic eye

"Well, we have to rescue the lass if we want to continue our plan." Captain Crawfish said

"Alright, lets go." Dr.Hare said as he started to walk out of the lab, the other two followed him

Chapter 3
The three headed towards the second part of the jail, where the other villains were kept. Each of the locked up villains stared at the three.

"Where are all of you headed?" Betty Jetty asked

"We're trying to save Black Widow, the lass is in trouble." Captain Crawfish replied

"Do us a favor and let us out!" Ratman yelled from across the room

Binary Bard walked over to Ratman and El Mustachio's cell, he then smirked and started to laugh.

"What's so funny? Let us out!" El Mustachio demanded

"Do you HONESTLY think I'd let all of you out?! I don't have the key, so you're stuck here...." Binary Bard said with a sigh,

"Well, we know the warden....and that same warden has your friend." Ratman said

Dr.Hare rushed over to the cell, he then gave Ratman a confused look.

"You mean Dr.Jupiter is the warden?! That lying little-" Dr.Hare was then cut off by Gretchen Grimlock

"Harvey, we've all been through this....don't get upset." Gretchen Grimlock said in a calm tone

"Wait, yer holding a gun...ye could have escaped a long time ago." Captain Crawfish said as he pointed to El Mustachio's gun

"Even with bullet's, the warden stopped me. He went through them like they were nothing!" El Mustachio said with a hint of anger

"Aren't your bullet's potatoes?!" Copy Cat yelled from the other side of the room

A long pause hushed the prisoners, everyone waited for a reply.

"Yes....the bullet's are potatoes..." El Mustachio said with a sigh

Everyone laughed, El Mustachio growled at the rest of the prisoners.

"By the way, Director D and Speeding Spike aren't here. Where are they?" Dr.Hare asked

"Maybe they didn't fit up to the warden's standard's like us!" Sir Rebral replied with a burst of laughter

"But why am I here? I'm a teacher!" Mr.Silva yelled so everyone could here him

"You're here just because you shrunk two kids. Nothing special." Copy Cat replied

"Guys, we should leave..." Binary Bard said as he ran for the door

"Yeah...come on, Crawfish." Dr.Hare said as he ran with Binary Bard

"What are all of ye being so- oh no..." Captain Crawfish said as he finally saw what the two were running from

"You're coming with me, Captain Crawfish." Dr.Jupiter said as he was cuffed and dragged out of the minor prison

Soon, all of the cells were open. Each prisoner glared at Dr.Jupiter with hatred.

"Prison riot!" Crusher yelled

Each prisoner jumped onto Dr.Jupiter and pinned him down, everyone took their shot at the scientist.

"Go Crawfish, we'll keep him busy." Betty Jetty whispered

"Thanks, lassie. Thank ye all." Captain Crawfish said as he followed the other two

"I said I'd let them out, they got their wish." Binary Bard said as he shut and locked the door

"But they're still locked in there right?" Dr.Hare asked

"Yes, for now." Binary Bard said with a hint of laughter

"Black Widow? We have to rescue her while Dr.Jupiter is still pinned down." Dr.Hare said as he moved forward ahead of the two

"Okay..." the two said at the same time

Chapter 4
As the three moved through the prison, Dr.Hare stopped and sighed.

"What's the matter?" Binary Bard asked

"Nothing, could you go on ahead. I need to talk to Captain Crawfish." Dr.Hare said miserably

"Fine, hang in there Harvey." Binary Bard said as he walked on ahead

Captain Crawfish walked up to Dr.Hare, he patted him on his back and smiled.

"What's troubling ye?" Captain Crawfish asked

"It's about Black Widow." Dr.Hare replied

"Oh, then what did ye need me for?" Captain Crawfish asked

"It's for advice, I already know she likes Binary Bard. But I want to show her that I care for her too." Dr.Hare replied

"Well, I think ye and the lass would make a cute couple. But she might not be yer type." Captain Crawfish said

"My type? What do you mean by that?" Dr.Hare asked

"Ye have a type, everyone does. Well for one thing, yer smart. Everyone likes smart people." Captain Crawfish replied

"Yeah, I am. But Binary Bard's is as smart as me." Dr.Hare said

"Yer both smart, Black Widow can choose whoever she likes." Captain Crawfish said

"I guess you're right. I'll let her choose whoever she wants." Dr.Hare said

Suddenly, several screams were heard. Dr.Hare and Captain Crawfish rushed over to the sounds of the screams. Black Widow was strapped down onto a chair. Binary Bard was lying on the ground face down, Dr.Jupiter was standing over him and gave Dr.Hare and Captain Crawfish a cold stare.

"What did you do to him?!" Dr.Hare asked

"I just gave him a little shock, but he'll be fine." Dr.Jupiter replied

"Ye electrocuted him?!" Captain Crawfish asked

"In some ways, yes. He's mine now, just like Ms.Widow. After all of the totem's are removed, everyone will bow before me starting with the four of you." Dr.Jupiter replied

"You can't do this!" Dr.Hare said

"Yer crazy, we'll escape and you won't be able to stop us." Captain Crawfish said

"I found you all once, I can do it again." Dr.Jupiter replied as he walked towards the two

"Run! Or the same thing will happen to you!" Black Widow yelled

"But what about you?" Dr.Hare asked

"I'll be fine, GO!" Black Widow replied

"I'm not leaving without you! He's not going to take away our totem's!" Dr.Hare said as he ran to Black Widow's chair

"Harvey, that's so kind of you." Black Widow said with a tear running down her cheek

Dr.Jupiter turned around and grabbed Dr.Hare, sparks then emitted from his hands and Dr.Hare fell to the floor. Captain Crawfish's eye's widened and he darted for the small prison. Dr.Jupiter sighed and dragged the inventor and scientist to two separate chairs.

"You three will stay here, that plan of your's won't work." Dr.Jupiter said as he strapped Binary Bard into a chair

"How did you know?" Black Widow asked

"Believe me, I know everything." Dr.Jupiter said as finished strapping Dr.Hare to the chair, he walked out of the room in silence

Chapter 5
As Dr.Jupiter walked out of the room, the villains that were in the riot blocked the door to the other side of the room, smirking.

"What in Poptropica are you doing?! Get back to your cell's!" Dr.Jupiter ordered

"I'm afraid we can't do that, we've already called someone who can help." Gretchen Grimlock replied as she held a tiny cellphone in her hand's

"Thanks to Mr.Silva over here, way to go pal!" Sir Rebral said with a smile

"I thought I had my cellphone here, I could have escaped a long time ago." Mr.Silva muttered to himself

"But just WHO did you all call!?" Dr.Jupiter said nevously

"We called one of the agents down at the HQ in Spy Island, he seemed willing to take Erewhon down with no going back." El Mustachio replied as he opened the door to the other side of Erewhon

"Plus, an old friend of ours." Copy Cat said with a smirk

Director D and Speeding Spike came in, they darted for the room where three of the totem victims were kept.

"I don't think so! You're going to join the rest of those low-ranked lackeys!" Dr.Jupiter yelled in anger

"Grab hold of him and tie him up, we can't have him stalling the four's big plan." Director D ordered

"Sure, anything else you want us to do?" Ratman asked

"Tape his mouth shut as well." Director D said with a devious smirk

Director D walked into the room where the totem victims were kept, Black Widow smiled as he walked in. Director D saw that Binary Bard and Dr.Hare were knocked out, tiny sparks emitted from the two as he walked by them.

"What happened to them?" Director D whispered

"Dr.Jupiter electrocuted them and knocked them out." Black Widow replied in a whisper

"Well, they don't call him Jupiter for nothing...." Director D muttered as he released Black Widow from her chair

"What?" Black Widow asked

"It's nothing. Just me talking to myself." Director D said as he walked over to Binary Bard's chair

"Mordred, wake up." Director D said as he played with the bell on Binary Bard's hat

Binary Bard woke up and looked at Director D in annoyance, he then grabbed the sides of his hat and glared at Director D.

"Don't worry, I'll help you out of this." Director D said as he

"Please do, the faster I get out of this, the faster I can create the clones." Binary Bard said with a sigh

"I've already set up somewhere where Dr.Jupiter will never find you." Director D said as he released Binary Bard from his chair

Director D and the others went to Dr.Hare's chair, they smirked and the three of them picked the chair up. Dr.Hare woke up and gasped that he was being lifed off the ground.

"Get me down from here! Let me go!" Dr.Hare yelled

"Okay Harvey...." Director D said as him and the other two put the chair down

After Dr.Hare was released from the chair, the four went through the halls to find Captain Crawfish.

"We better hurry! Otherwise we'll get captured again!" Binary Bard yelled

"Don't worry, the villains already tied him up." Director D replied

"Okay, now we have to find Captain Crawfish!" Black Widow said as she hurried along with the other three

Chapter 6
Captain Crawfish was hiding alone in the back of the cafeteria. He tried to stay hidden in the shadows as the staff passed by the cafeteria doors multiple times.

"If the staff finds me, I'm doomed..." Captain Crawfish thought

"Find those four! They cannot escape!" Dr.Jupiter yelled

"Yes sir! We'll check everywhere!" the staff replied

"I can't come out of here now. If I'm seen in the hallways, Dr.Jupiter will remove me totem!" Captain Crawfish muttered to himself

"He might be in here, let's check." a voice said

Captain Crawfish drew his sword and pointed it at the opening door.

"Whoa! Put that thing back! It's us, Dr.Hare, Binary Bard, and Black Widow!" the voice said

"Yer lying! Prove that you're really me friends!" Captain Crawfish whispered

The three stepped forward with the brightest smiles on their faces, Captain Crawfish smiled back at them.

"Now that we're back together, we can start creating the clones!" Dr.Hare said cheerfully

"Okay, I'll show you where you'll be staying, come with me." Director D said as he led the four to the back of the prison

Director D led the four to a helicopter, Director D went to the pilot seat and started flying away from Erewhon.

"Where are we going?" Dr.Hare asked

"We're going to Spy Island, I'll show you a place where you four won't be found. I've already set the place up for you. Beds, kitchen, even a room where you can start your plan." Director D replied

"Thanks Director D, we owe you one." Black Widow said

"Yes, it's such a kind offer. Would you like anything in return?" Binary Bard asked

"No, your safety is all I need." Director D replied

When the group got to Spy Island, Director D and the four went through the streets until they arrived at an old building. Director D led them inside of the building, the four just stood there in shock. Four beds were all in a row, one was pink, one was red, one was purple, and the final one was black.

"Is there something wrong?" Director D asked

"It's amazing, but where will I be working?" Binary Bard asked

Director D smiled and walked to another part of the room, he then opened a door filled with gadgets, test tubes, and many more gadgets that nobody had ever even heard of.

"Here's where you'll be working..." Director D said

"Thank goodness, I'll begin working right now! The sooner I start, the sooner I get to test everything out!" Binary Bard as happily as he ran into the other room

Director D started to walk out of the room, he then started shut the door.

"Hey, where are you going?" Dr.Hare asked

"I'm going back to the HQ where I belong. The agents expect me to be there." Director D replied

"Oh, well I hope you have a nice night." Black Widow said as she walked over to her bed

"You too Black Widow, good night everyone." Director D said as he was shuting the door to the building

Black Widow crawled into the elegant black bed, she then shut her eye's and fell fast asleep.

"Goodnight, Black Widow." Dr.Hare said

"Goodnight Harvey...." Black Widow said in a sleepy tone

"I knew the two would make an adorable couple." Captain Crawfish whispered to himself

Chapter 7
In the morning, the three got up for breakfast. Dr.Hare, wondered about Binary Bard and then peeked inside the lab. He saw Binary Bard staring at the four clones, each and every clone had the perfect replica of them, even their clothing. Dr.Hare then spotted some robot's that also looked like the four, he walked into the room and observed everything around him.

"Um, Mordred. How long were you up to create these?" Dr.Hare asked

Binary Bard laughed he then turned around to face his friend, his eye was bloodshot and had a dark circle under it, but the bionic eye still glowed brightly.

"Long enough to complete the plan, I created the robotic forms to trick Dr.Jupiter into thinking that they were the actual clones!" Binary Bard replied with hysterical laughter

"You need some sleep, we'll send the signal when your fully ready." Dr.Hare said as he led Binary Bard to the purple bed

"Wait! There's something I need to give all of you!" Binary Bard said as he anchored his feet to the ground

"What is it?" Black Widow asked

Binary Bard gave out three headbands that looked bionic, each one could wrap around the head, a small little bionic eye was connected to each of the headbands.

"What are these?" Captain Crawfish asked

"These things are similar to my bionic programming, you can transform into anything. It's for safety when Dr.Jupiter comes to take the clones away." Binary Bard replied

"Is it like a mind control device?" Dr.Hare asked

"No, not at all. I would never control my friends." Binary Bard said as he climbed into the bed

"Okay, we're trusting ye..." Captain Crawfish said

"You can trust me...." Binary Bard replied as he fell asleep in the bed

~

Back in Erewhon, Dr.Jupiter was enraged by his four totem victims escaping the prison. He pounded the desk in anger.

"I WANT those four! Even if it means tearing each island apart!" Dr.Jupiter yelled

"Sir, we've looked everywhere on Super Villain Island. There's nothing we can do." one of the staff members said

"I'm going to each island and I'll going to find them myself! Get information from every prisoner here about where they are!" Dr.Jupiter ordered

"Y-Yes Sir!" the staff said in fear

"I will find those four, and I WILL have their totems!" Dr.Jupiter said with a low growl

Dr.Jupiter looked at the Dream Machine, he hands crackled with electricity. He then walked outside of Erehwon and went to the helicopter, looking up previous destinations, he found Spy Island.

"Ah, there you are! Did you possibly believe that you could run and hide from me? I don't think so...." Dr.Jupiter whispered to himself

Chapter 8
After Binary Bard woke up, he went into the laboratory and activated the clones. Each of the clone's eye's opened and they stepped out of their test tube chamber.

"Everyone! The clones have awakened!" Binary Bard yelled

"Binary Bard! Keep it down! Spy Island is on lockdown!" Dr.Hare whispered

"Lockdown? How long was I asleep?" Binary Bard asked

"Long enough for Dr.Jupiter to find us. Should we use the bands now?" Black Widow asked

"Yes, turn into the staff." Binary Bard commanded

The four became replica's of the Erewhon staff. Binary Bard became fully human, his hair was cut down a little bit, his eye's were brown, he wore a white lab coat, a red coat, and grey pants. Dr.Hare was in a lab coat as well, with a grey shirt and brown pants; his goggle's were removed, he had green eye's and glasses to replace them, he also had red hair. Black Widow had her black hair straight down, she also had a lab coat over a long black dress, her eye's were also brown. Captain Crawfish also had a lab coat over a brown shirt, he had black pants to match, his beard was trimmed down a little bit, his eye's became hazel.

"Wow, such a dramatic transformation...." Dr.Hare said

"Aye, all of ye look younger." Captain Crawfish replied

"Don't kid yourself Crawfish, we're obvisously younger than you." Binary Bard said

"Let's admit it, all of us look extremely amazing." Black Widow said

"I agree on that." Dr.Hare replied

"Guy's let's go into the other room. Dr.Jupiter might search this place." Binary Bard ordered

"Wait! Our voices still sound the same! How do we change that!?" Dr.Hare asked

"Um, increase your pitch or something. We don't have much time!" Binary Bard replied

"Oh fine...." Dr.Hare said with a sigh

~

Dr.Jupiter arrived at Spy Island, he walked to the HQ and went to Director D's cell. Director D stared at Dr.Jupiter without a word.

"Where are you hiding them?! Tell me at once, or you will suffer the wrath of my brother in the Underworld!" Dr.Jupiter yelled

"I-I hid them in my old hideout! Near the B.A.D HQ!" Director D replied in fear

"Good....now I'll finally have their totems..." Dr.Jupiter muttered

Dr.Jupiter went to Director D's old hideout and entered the abandoned building, his eye's widened as he saw four staff member's holding the four.

"Who are you? What are you doing with these four!? They're mine!" Dr.Jupiter asked

"We're the new staff member's of Erewhon. I'm Belle." Black Widow replied

"I'm Gideon." Dr.Hare said

"I'm Peter." Binary Bard said

"And I'm Carl." Captain Crawfish said

Dr.Jupiter twitched, he then looked at the staff holding the "four".

"Excellent job for first timer's. You have my four prisoners." Dr.Jupiter said with joy

"Yes, they tried to fool us with their clones. But we knew who they really were." Binary Bard replied

"Ah, and look who's the smart one now...Mordred..." Dr.Jupiter said to the Binary Bard clone

Chapter 9
Dr.Jupiter handcuffed each of the clones and took them away, the four just stared at the scientist.

"What are you waiting for? The helicopter is right over here! I'll take you to Erewhon to celebrate your capture." Dr.Jupiter said with a smile

"Thanks, but no thanks. I need to get home." Binary Bard said as he tried to walk out of the building

"Peter, it's a party. You're going to love it."Dr.Hare said

"Fine, it looks like I didn't need to visit the family anyway...." Binary Bard said with a sigh

"If it's a family problem, you don't have to come." Dr.Jupiter said

"No, it's not that important. Let's go." Binary Bard said

~

As the group sat Erewhon in the cafeteria, with all of the prisoners in tears as their friends were going to be put into the chambers for good.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you our four heroes, Peter, Belle, Gideon, and Carl! These four staff members have caught the most evil villains in history, and now those four villains will stay in the Dream Machine for eternity!" Dr.Jupiter said

"They lost!? But Director D said that they would never be caught!" Gretchen Grimlock yelled

"Ms. Grimlock, settle down..." Dr.Jupiter said in a calm tone

"No, it's THEIR fault!" Gretchen Grimlock said as she pointed to the four

"My friends....they're going to be locked up?! That's madness, they'll starve!" Mr.Silva yelled

"Security! Bring everyone to lunch!" Dr.Jupiter said as he walked away

~

At lunch, every villain stared at the four.

"Man, everyone really thinks that were going to be locked in the Dream Machine forever...." Dr.Hare whispered

"Should we just tell them?" Black Widow asked

"It wouldn't be good if ye know who heard." Captain Crawfish replied in a quiet tone

"We'll tell them later, when Dr.Jupiter least expects it...." Binary Bard said with a smirk

Chapter 10
After lunch, the four headed to the lab. The four didn't say a word about the laboratory when they came in, Dr.Jupiter lined the clones up, each of them were chained and ready to be put inside the Dream Machine.

"Now the time has come, you four will be put inside these chambers with little hope of seeing the outside world again." Dr.Jupiter said with a smile

"Alright, now we really need to go...." Binary Bard said as he darted for the elevator

"Peter, aren't you going to watch your victims be put into here?" Dr.Jupiter asked

"He's right, we need to leave." Dr.Hare replied

"Okay, best of luck to all of you." Dr.Jupiter said

"Yeah, goodbye!" Black Widow said as she hurried to the elevator

"Bye." Captain Crawfish said as he was the last to go into the elevator

The four were in the elevator and they transformed back into their normal selves, a small window could be seen from the prisons from inside the elevator. The prisoners gasped as the elevator passed by them.

"They're....alive?! But how?" Copy Cat asked

"I don't know, but I hear the Dream Machine starting up....do you think-" Crusher was then cut off by Sir Rebral

"Yeah, it's them. They made excellent clones." Sir Rebral replied

"Three cheers for the four!" Gretchen Grimlock yelled

The four heard the prisoners from inside the elevator, the all smiled. The last thing Binary Bard did was press a small red button.

"Hey, what's that?" Dr.Hare asked

"This is just a little thank you for the prisoners. Their freedom....." Binary Bard replied with a devious smirk

BOOM! Some of the Erewhon prison walls shattered and the cells opened, clones then appeared replacing the actual prisoners, the real prisoners stepped forward and jumed into the water that surrounded Erewhon.

"Transform back." Binary Bard commanded

The four tranformed back into the staff. They then walked out of the building forever....