The early afternoon sunrays splashed across the floor as John Ross Ewing opened the door. "Hello? Anybody home?"

There was no answer.

"What a crying shame," he said, smiling mischievously. He dropped a couple of bags next to the door, then picked up Melissa and kissed her. "You and I have the whole house to ourselves."

"How awful," laughed Melissa. "I am going to miss all those exotic places though. It was so romantic, Rome especially."

"And Egypt, Egypt was fun."

"But you know what I'll miss the most?"

"What?" asked John Ross.

"The ocean, especially in Australia."

He smiled. "Well, we can't have the ocean at Southfork…"

John Ross went back outside and threw Melissa into the pool. "John Ross!"

"But we do have the pool."

He jumped in.

"I could kill you!"

"Kill me later, kiss me now."

John Ross took her into his arms and they kissed and sank under water.

The Oil Baron: Pam and Bobby's stateroom

     Bobby wondered if he should allow himself to smile. After a wonderful dinner and evening with Pam, it seemed as if things would be back to normal. But Bobby knew better than that. As long as Katherine was around, there would be problems. Pam had become almost obsessed with determining whether her sister really had amnesia. Bobby could have really cared less, after everything that she had done to them, and their family, for the last fifteen years. Why did Pam care so much about Katherine, after she had literally destroyed her life? She had a wonderful husband, son and brother who loved her dearly. Yet she had to spend all her time obsessing over the sister that hated her. Bobby didn't understand that, but he understood Pam. He knew their problems wouldn't end anytime soon.

When the phone rang, Bobby welcomed the introduction. "Hello," he said picking up on the first ring.

"Hey Bobby, its Todd." Bobby was glad to hear his voice. Todd was one of the few people Bobby felt he could confide in.

"Hey! It's great to hear from you. What's going on?"

"I call bearing good news. We finished the MacLennan deal. Papers are signed and everything. We should get control of those wells in a few months."

"More like you finished that deal. I'm very impressed."

"Whatever, it wasn't anything major."

"For someone that just started running an oil company, you're doing pretty well. Actually, you're doing an amazing job."

"Flattery will get you far."

Talking to Todd, Bobby couldn't help but think of April. God, he missed her. As much as he loved his life with Pam, despite all their problems, he couldn't help but wonder sometimes what life would be like had April lived. Would Todd be a part of it? He would be his stepson—Christopher's stepbrother. Would he still be in the oil business?

Bobby laughed. "April would have been proud of you."

On the other end of the line, Todd didn't know what to say. He really hated this hokey crap. All he could believably muster was a "Thanks Bobby."

Bobby wasn't really listening though, for he was still thinking about April. He and Todd said goodbye, but his mind was still on April. It had never really occurred to him, until that moment, that Todd would have been a Ewing had April lived. Over the last few months, Bobby had really grown to like, and respect, Todd. He knew that Christopher had developed a close friendship with him as well, and that Todd was instrumental in bringing Karen and Christopher together again. Even though April was gone, he was like family.

As he envisioned April smiling, Bobby knew what the perfect gift for Todd would be. To truly let him know that in many senses, he was like family. It would be from him---and April.

Southfork Ranch: The pool

     Melissa splashed John Ross. "So, is it a Ewing tradition to skinny dip in the pool?"

"Not until now," he replied jokingly.

"I can picture it now. Your Grandma drives up, hears splashing, and walks over here to investigate."

"Don't worry, she's far away. I just remembered my mom telling me about the Oil Baron's Cruise. They're all out floating in the Gulf, miles and miles away from Southfork."

"Oh God, I hear a car."

John Ross looked toward the driveway. There was a strange car coming to a stop. He watched as someone stepped out. "Oh my God."

"Who is it?"

"You don't want to know."

"Yes I do! Tell me!"

"What the hell is she doing here."

Melissa stood and looked. "Pamela Rebecca. Damn."

"Of all people. I thought she was in Boston."

Pamela Rebecca spotted them, then their wet clothes sitting in a pile by the pool. She walked toward them. "Nice to see that some things never change around here."

John Ross was shocked at how much Pamela Rebecca had changed. She was wearing a blue business suit, her hair was curled, and she had on bright red lipstick. In other words, she was dressed to kill. "Pamela Rebecca, hi."

"Where is Christopher?"

"Christopher is with the rest of the family, on the cruise."

Melissa had been quiet. "What brings you back to Dallas?"

Pamela Rebecca cast a look of contempt in her direction. "If it even remotely concerned you, I'd fill you in. But it doesn't, so butt out McSween. I'll check back later."

"Pamela Rebecca, I…"

"And it's not 'Pamela Rebecca' anymore. From now on you can call me Rebecca."

The Oil Baron: Cliff and Sue Ellen's stateroom

     "Why didn't you consult me on this?" Sue Ellen yelled at Cliff. He had just informed her that he had made Jack a 5% holder of the Clifford Group, in exchange for the oil rich land across from Southfork.

"I thought you'd be happy!" Cliff responded sharply. He tried to reason with her. "C'mon Sue Ellen, think about it. J.R. is going to go ballistic once he finds out who owns that land. From what Jack told me, he was thirsty for blood when he found out Jack owned the land. Imagine his face when he sees that you and I own it."

Sue Ellen put up her hand, as if in protest. "There is no we in this equation. I'm not getting involved with this AT ALL. And I still cannot believe that you wouldn't even ask me before making a deal like this!" Sue Ellen was furious.

"It wasn't like I planned this," Cliff said, getting frustrated as well. "I went to Jack to try to get his 7.5% of Ewing Oil. He didn't seem like he was going to give it up easily, so I offered him 5% of the Clifford Group in exchange. I figured it was worth it to you. After all, I did all this for you."

"No, actually Cliff, I think you did it for you. Or at least, you got that land for yourself. Did you even think about how drilling for oil on this land is going to effect anyone else? Miss Ellie, Bobby, or Pam? Ever consider that they might have a problem with this?"

"Its not like I'm going to be drilling on Southfork."

"No, but if JR is steamed, how do you think the rest of the family is going to react? I'm out to hurt JR, not his family. They're my family too."

"Well what do you want me to say?" Cliff said harshly.

"Nothing. Just think about me the next time you make big decisions that are about the company that we run TOGETHER. 5% isn't a lot, but I still have a say in the Clifford Group."

"You mean MY company."

"OUR company. The one that you up and left me when you 'died'"

Cliff couldn't react to that. Sue Ellen continued.

"We're supposed to be partners Cliff---professionally, and now personally. Don't you think it hurts a little bit that you didn't even bother to ask me before you went ahead and made a decision that is not only going to effect the company I help run, but my family as well?"

"It's the only way to get back at JR."

"It's not the only way, but it's an easy way. You really don't care who you hurt Cliff, do you? I guess some things never change."

Sue Ellen was so infuriated; she stormed out of the cabin she shared with Cliff, leaving him all alone.

The Krebbs Ranch, the next morning

     When Ray finally came home, Donna didn't even know what to say to him. She had been rehearsing so many things in her mind, of what she wanted to say, how she felt. But Ray's face indicated that he was not in a talking mood, and Donna had to admit that she didn't have the strength. She was exhausted, spending the day worried about him. He went upstairs and immediately went to sleep, and Donna followed soon after.

Now, sitting together at the breakfast table, Donna felt that it was time to break the silence.

"So where were you?" She asked.

"Just driving. Thinking."

"I was worried to death. Couldn't you have called?"

"I'm sorry."

There was a brief silence before Donna's eyes started to well with tears. "Ray, what is happening to us? What's wrong? It just feels like we're headed down the same path…"

"You mean divorce?" Ray was quick to jump in.

"Yes, all those years ago. Ray, I love you. I don't want to lose you."

"This campaign isn't helping."

"It's not the campaign and you know it! It's us Ray. There's something here that's not right, and we need to fix it. Identify it. Doing that is the only way to solve the problem.

"I don't want to talk about this now. I gotta go to work."

"Dammit, we need to talk about this now! I can't take living like this anymore---wondering where you are, what you're thinking. I love you too much. We can make this work, if we both work at it."

Ray's look gave Donna a lingering hope. It said so much of what he was feeling---his desire to fix things, but his inability to express what was really wrong. "Donna, I have to go. I'll be home tonight."

Before Donna could stop him, Ray was heading toward the door. He needed to get out on the ranch and ride.

As he shut the door behind him, the word problem kept reverberating in his mind. Problem. Problem. How could he tell Donna that he was the problem?

Jenna Evans' apartment

     Jenna Evans had just gotten out of the shower when her phone rang. She was still upset about the other day's occurrence with Ray. She felt like a traitor, videotaping their night together. Still, she supposed it could be someone important, or possibly even Ray. She was not happy when she heard the voice on the other end of the line.

"Dammit woman, where is that tape!?" J.R.'s voice boomed through the phone.

"J.R." Jenna was dreading this call.

"I'm getting really impatient honey. That tape better be made by the end of the week, or I'm making a call to that husband of yours."

J.R.'s tone let Jenna know he meant business. If that bastard ever found out where her little girl was, Jenna would never see her again. She had escaped once. She knew she couldn't do it again. Ray quickly flashed in her mind. Where did her loyalties lie? She cared about Ray, but she had to protect her daughter.

"I already have the tape," she replied after a brief pause.

On the other end of the phone, J.R. smiled. "Well, that's real good. You did good for yourself. I'm very happy. You just hang onto that tape, and I'll pick it up as soon as this cruise is over. And I know that nothing will happen to that tape, Jenna. Because if it does, I'm gonna get real mad. And when I get mad, it's not a pretty sight."

She was trapped. She had to give him the tape. "It'll be here."

Jenna didn't even say goodbye as she hung up the phone. On the other end of the line, J.R. continued to smile. A brilliant, conquering smile.

The Oil Baron: Gary and Val's stateroom

     Gary turned over in bed and looked at Val as she slept. Soon, she opened her eyes. "Good morning."

"Looks like we've slept late again," said Gary.

"And today's the last day of the cruise, I wanted to wake up early so I could enjoy it all!" said Val.

"I had an idea last night that I wanted to run by you."

"I'm listening."

"How would you like to spend a few months in Dallas?"

"Why?"

"I want to go into a new business venture here. Dallas is a very fast growing city. There are lots of people moving here, many who want houses of their own, instead of apartments. I want to build a subdivision on the outskirts of town."

Val smiled. "Staying here for a while would mean we'd be near Lucy. Betsy and Bobby could transfer to Braddock High School. They already know some people there, after going there some last year."

"Is that a yes then?"

"Yes it's a yes!" laughed Val. "I'd like nothing better."

The Oil Baron

     "Sue Ellen?"

She quickly turned around and saw Jack standing right behind her. How long had she been staring at the gulf? It seemed like hours. She just couldn't handle talking to Cliff. He had infuriated her SO much. She hated Cliff's obsession with J.R. sometimes. It was so all consuming. But then again, wasn't she guilty of the same thing? She was the one going to ends of the earth to try to get majority control of Ewing Oil away from him. Unsuccessfully so far, but trying nonetheless. So why should she fault Cliff for trying to stick it to him as well?

"Jack, hi." Sue Ellen was taken aback by how handsome he looked.

"How's it going? I can't believe that I've hardly seen you the whole time we've been on the ship."

"I know. Things have just been a little crazy I guess." Was it just her, or was his gaze a little bit more than friendly?

"So, I'm guessing that you've heard about the deal Cliff and I struck. I'll be working with you guys at the Clifford Group now."

"Yes, I know. Can I ask you a question, Jack? Why not give up the 7.5% of Ewing Oil? It's got to be less valuable than that land you sold Cliff. You could have made a huge profit."

Jack flashed her a charming smile. "I'm just going to keep Ewing Oil in my back pocket for now. For safe keeping." Sue Ellen found that she could not stop looking at his eyes. They were so piercing, and rough.

"So, you wouldn't be interested in selling at all? I would be more than willing to offer you a fair price."

"Never a bad time for business? Or never a bad time for hurting J.R.?" Jack responded with a sly smile.

Sue Ellen smiled in response, "A little bit of both."

There was a moment of awkward silence, where Jack found himself looking at Sue Ellen longer than he should be, and Sue Ellen noticing that Jack was looking at her a little longer than he should be. But she didn't exactly mind it.

Sue Ellen snapped them both back to attention. "So, where's Abby?" Nothing like bringing up his wife to deal with an uncomfortable situation.

Jack obviously didn't feel comfortable talking about Abby. "We're separated right now. We had our differences."

"Anything I can help with?"

Jack gave Sue Ellen a look that told her to end the conversation right there. She complied.

With perfect timing, Cliff came walking over to both of them. "Jack, Sue Ellen," he greeted, focusing his attention on Sue Ellen, as to see if she was still angry with him.

"Hi Cliff." Jack said. Sue Ellen gave him a smile. Jack could see that perhaps it was best if he left the new couple alone. As he bid the two goodbye, he let his look linger on Sue Ellen. She couldn't help but look at him.

Left alone, all Cliff could say was "I'm sorry."

"Cliff, I blew up back there. I'm still not happy about what you did, but I don't want things to start off on the wrong foot between us. I'm not going to get involved with this whole land fiasco. If you want to shove it in J.R.'s face, then go ahead. But I'm going to get him on my own."

Cliff's response was a deep kiss that engulfed Sue Ellen. She gave herself to it. She had realized that she and Cliff were so similar---driven in their obsession to hurt J.R. She had to forgive him.

What Sue Ellen didn't want to admit was that part of her wanted to forgive Cliff to assuage her own guilt--Her guilt at being attracted to Jack.

The Oil Baron: Katherine's stateroom

     As Katherine was preparing for the ball, she quietly hummed to herself. Pam had already dressed and left, and was not expecting Katherine to be present at the big event. Pam would never let her go. Katherine laughed to herself. That stupid bitch would be getting hers soon enough.

Katherine was not stupid though. She'd play this amnesia act for all it was worth. She had felt Pam turning---every day she was believing that Katherine really WAS amnesiac, and had transformed into a super sweet, super sappy devoted sister. In a way, she had to thank J.R. for that little fall. It brought her back. Now Pam, Bobby, and everyone else were going to get theirs once and for all. But she decided to have a little fun first.

Katherine smiled at her good fortune. Ship's security was totally absent in the wake of that crazy woman trying to kill Bobby's mother—they had flown her off the ship via helicopter to the authorities on shore. Now Katherine could make her appearance at the ball, and not have to worry about those pesky police-types. She couldn't WAIT to see everyone's reaction. She would play innocent to the hilt of course. Kurt would be right by her side, helping her along.

Kurt amused Katherine. He was cute, she supposed. More importantly, he was helpful. It was obvious that he was one of those thirty something, lonely types that was desperate to settle down, and Katherine had no doubt that he was smitten with her. He would be invaluable in making her escape. For she knew that after making her presence known tonight, she couldn't afford to hang around on the ship for much longer. Security would be back.

Still, she HAD to go tonight. It would be the beginning. The beginning of the end for Pam, that is.

The Oil Baron: Bobby and Pam's stateroom

     J.R. had left Mandy in their stateroom. She was still primping herself. J.R. wanted to come ask Bobby whether he would like to make his entrance with Mandy and himself. When he got to Bobby's door, found it slightly ajar, and talking on the phone, J.R. decided to wait a moment before making his presence known. From Bobby's tone, it sounded as if he had something important to say.

"Listen Todd, there is something I want to tell you. Or rather give you that is."

This peaked J.R.'s interest. What the hell could Bobby give Todd? J.R. hadn't spoken to Todd in a few days, but he knew for damn sure that the boy wasn't doing everything he could to hurt Donna's campaign. J.R. hoped that he wasn't going soft.

On the other end of the line, Todd gave an inquisitive look to the receiver. It wasn't filled with disappointment though. He liked gifts. Especially from wealthy people. Still, he needed to play the part. "You really don't have to give me anything."

Bobby continued. "No, I want to. I've been doing a lot of thinking, especially after you pulled off that whole MacLennan deal by yourself. You've proved yourself as a good business partner, but more importantly, a good friend. Not only to me, but Christopher as well."

Both Todd, and J.R., wondered what Bobby was getting at.

"I guess what I'm saying is that I need a break right now. I've been thinking a lot about Pam, and about your mother. I have to admit that when I got back into Ewing Oil, it was very spur of the moment. I thought I wanted to still be in the oil business. But I really don't, at least not right now. There is too much else going on. I've got a pregnant wife---I don't know if I'm going to even have the time!"

Todd wished Bobby would just get to the point. J.R. did as well.

"So basically what I'm trying to say is that I want to give you my 8% of Ewing Oil." Both Todd, back in Dallas, and J.R., standing outside Bobby's room, dropped their jaws. "I'm going to sign it over to you when I get back to Dallas. I know it would have made April very happy. It'll make me happy."

"Bobby, I don't know what to say." That was a lie. Todd was going to say yes. 8% of Ewing Oil! Not bad for a poor boy from Boston.

"Say yes. Ultimately, you may not decide to keep it. But I'd like you to have it. It's a way for me to say thank you—for everything you've done for my family."

Todd wanted to puke. If only Bobby knew the real story. Still, 8% of Ewing Oil was not shabby.

"I'm really honored. I really don't know what to say---thank you."

"So it's a done deal. I'll call my lawyers and we can sign the papers once the ship docks."

J.R. stopped listening, as his mind raced. Todd was going to be getting 8% of Ewing Oil---HIS 8%. But he was going to get it back. Todd owed him after not doing enough damage to Donna's campaign. But it didn't matter know. J.R. was getting his 8% back. He smiled.

The Oil Baron: The ballroom

     Cliff's jaw dropped when he saw Katherine enter the room.

"What the hell is she doing here?" He said to Sue Ellen.

"I don't know, but stay away from her Cliff. She's trouble---and the only reason she's here is to cause trouble." "Well I'll be damned if I let her cause any." Cliff stormed away, making a direct beeline for Katherine. Sue Ellen chose not to follow. She figured things could get ugly.

Katherine almost paid Cliff no mind when he came up to her. "Katherine, what the hell are you doing here?"

"Oh, hi Cliff."

"Don't play all innocent. What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to come to the party." Katherine feigned a look of hurt. "Why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to make you feel this way? We're supposed to be siblings!"

"Hmm, well Katherine, you tried to frame me for murder for one thing. And I don't buy this amnesia act for a minute. I just wanted to let you know that I'm watching you. The second we get back on shore, you're going to the local jail cell. I don't care if Pam is playing your advocate. You're dangerous. Stay away from me tonight, and if you're smart, stay away from everyone else. Go enjoy sleeping in your bed, because as soon as this ship docks, you'll be sleeping in a cell."

Katherine felt like killing him right there, but decided that patience is a virtue. She pretended to ignore Cliff, satisfied that he would get his very soon.

J.R. had been standing near the wall, until he saw Gary and Val walk into the room. "Well. Hello Gary. Val, you're looking more beautiful than ever tonight." He shot them a superficial grin.

Val couldn't resist telling him their news. "Hi J.R. Your brother and I have some good news."

"Oh? Is that a fact?" said J.R., curious.

"Yes, it is a fact," said Val. "We're going to be staying in Dallas for a few months, while Gary begins a new business venture here in town."

J.R. laughed. "I don't know if Dallas is ready for another Gary Ewing business venture. If my memory serves me, I think I recall him losing our Daddy's company to that piranha, Abby Many-Names."

Val stifled a laugh. She wasn't at all amused by what J.R. said about Gary, but his Abby remark was priceless.

"J.R.," said Gary. "All I can say is that you'll have to wait and see. You may claim that Dallas is your town, but I'm going to show you that I too can make a name for myself here."

"You just do that Gary," laughed J.R. "But the only name you'll make for yourself in Dallas is Mud."

J.R. left them, but decided he wouldn't tolerate Gary and Val living at Southfork for any longer than he had to.

He walked past Pam, but didn't acknowledge her. She sipped on a glass of water, then spotted Miss Ellie and walked over to her. "Miss Ellie, you look wonderful tonight."

"It's so good to see you again," said Ellie, hugging her.

"I'm sorry. You all must think I'm so hard-headed."

"Not at all," smiled Ellie. "Sometimes a woman has to do what she has to do. Lord knows Jock and I didn't always agree on everything. Remember Takapa?"

"It almost ended in divorce," said Pam solemnly.

"Yes it did. Don't let that happen with you and Bobby. You two have a very special kind of love. Your baby will be born soon and it'll bring you closer together. I understand what you're doing with Katherine, but don't let it come between you and the man you love."

Pam didn't know what to say. Miss Ellie was right, but it didn't give her one-hundred percent peace of mind. She was still torn between her sister and her husband. "Thank you."

"For what?" asked Ellie.

"For always being there for me." Pam hugged her again, then walked back to Bobby.

"I just hope they can get over all the obstacles in their path," said Christopher from behind her.

Ellie turned around. "Christopher, your parents can be very stubborn, but true love always wins out in the end."

"That's what I keep hoping."

Ellie noticed a look of distant sadness in Christopher's eyes. It was the same look she'd seen in Bobby's when Pam had been in the explosion. "Is there anything you'd like to tell me?"

He looked at his grandmother, so concerned, so caring. If he couldn't tell her, then who could he tell? "I have a lot on my mind."

She took his hand. "Why don't we go out and get some fresh air. We'll find a nice quiet place and you can tell me all about it."

"Okay."

The night air was refreshing as they walked out into it. "I'm listening."

Christopher sighed. "It's Karen. There's no easy way to say this, so I'll just be blunt. She's a drug addict."

"Oh dear," said Ellie after a long pause. "I had no idea. Has it always been this way?"

"No. It's all my fault. Every bit of it."

"How so?"

"She and I got in that stupid fight over my selling West Star. She went back to her parents' house and got involved with an old boyfriend who got her hooked on drugs again. I thought everything would be okay once I got her back here, but things keep getting worse. I found heroin in her suitcase the first day we were here."

"You can't blame yourself for that Christopher."

"I just felt so alone, like I was battling this by myself—and I'm not even the one who's hooked on heroin. I feel like if I can't help her, no one can."

Miss Ellie thought back to Sue Ellen's alcoholism. "We need to get Karen help."

"We?"

"Yes we," said Ellie firmly. "I consider Karen a granddaughter. She's a Ewing."

"What do we do?"

"There are several drug treatment centers in Dallas. When we get back, we'll look into them and find the best one for Karen."

"I can't do that…I can't stick her away in some rehab center and leave her there."

"I'm afraid that may be your only choice."

The Oil Baron: The ballroom

     "What do you know, I keep running into all of my favorite people," said J.R.

Sue Ellen reeled around. "You've managed to lay low during this little cruise J.R. Spending quality time in the sack with the Winger tramp?"

"Mandy is not a tramp, but I'm not going to try to argue that with you. I'd say my taste in women is far better than your taste in men. Just look at that walking egg roll you're with."

"I'll assume you're talking about Cliff, given his fondness of Chinese food. But Cliff is twice the man you'll ever be. Unlike you, he eventually evolved from crawling around on his belly. You're still just as big of a snake as ever."

"A snake that's swallowed the Barnes-Rat on more than one occasion. Face it. Barnes is a loser. Always has been, always will be."

"Think what you want JR," said Sue Ellen, "but in the whole scope of things, you're the one that's going to lose. You'll have nothing left when I get through with you."

Sue Ellen had said what she needed to say. She left J.R. and walked over to one of the many tables lined with extravagant food. Kurt was standing behind the table, trying to be attentive, but really only focused on Katherine. Sue Ellen noticed him looking at her.

"Do you know that woman?" she asked.

Kurt remembered what Katherine had said, about people on the ship not liking her for unknown reasons. He felt it safer to probably keep his association with her unknown, in her best interest. He really cared about Katherine. He didn't want to take any chances on her getting hurt.

"No, I don't know her. But why does everyone hate her so much? I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but notice."

"Long story." Sue Ellen did not particularly care to go into the details of Katherine's past with this stranger. If anything else, it was tiring.

She grabbed a bottle of sparkling cider off the table, but was having trouble opening the bottle cap. She realized that she needed a bottle opener. Kurt observed her trouble, and offered his help.

As he removed his bottle opener from his pocket, his wallet came tumbling out. He had just bought a new wallet, which was actually too small. A few one dollar bills, and wallet size photographs came tumbling out of the wallet as it fell to the ground.

Kurt apologized, but Sue Ellen was too preoccupied with one of the pictures to even hear what he was saying. Was that who she thought it was? She only caught a quick glance of the picture as it fell, but it SEEMED like her.

"Excuse me," Sue Ellen said, "could I see that picture?"

"Sure," Kurt said, curious as to what Sue Ellen would want with his friend Cally's picture.

Kurt handed it to her, and Sue Ellen had to suppress a gasp. Oh My God, it was Cally. How did this man know her?

"I'm sorry, I thought that it was a picture of a friend of mine, from a long time ago. It looks exactly like her." Kurt gave a pleasant smile. "Who is she? Your wife? She's very pretty."

"No, she's just a great friend of mine from back home. I miss her a lot. I wish she could be here. She's got a son though—she lives in Arkansas now."

Sue Ellen's mind was racing. Cally! She had not idea what happened to J.R.'s ex-wife. Last she heard, Cally had left Dallas. And a son! J.R.'s son---although that was not public knowledge. J.R. had confessed to her years ago, when she came back to Dallas, in a strange moment of vulnerability, that Cally had left Dallas with his unborn son.

And now Cally was in Arkansas, with J.R.'s son. Did J.R. know?

As Sue Ellen's mind continued to race, she knew one thing for sure. She needed to talk to Cally.

"Everybody, if you'd just give me your attention for a second," came J.R.'s voice through the speakers.

Sue Ellen temporarily forgot about Cally. What the hell are you up to J.R.

Gary cast a nervous glance at Val.

"Before Punk takes over for the nights' ceremony, I'd like to say a little piece about Ewing Oil and my Daddy, Jock Ewing. I just want to remind everyone of everything my Daddy went through to make his company what it is today. But, thanks to the actions of my brother, Gary Ewing, we once lost that company…"

Gary wanted to die as J.R. recounted the story.

The Oil Baron: Christopher and Karen's stateroom

     Miss Ellie found herself standing outside Karen's room. She knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Concerned, Ellie opened it and walked in. "Karen?"

There was no answer. Ellie's hearing wasn't what it had once been, but she thought she heard someone crying. She walked toward the bathroom door, which was cracked.

"Karen?"

"Go away."

Ellie pushed open the door and gasped. Karen was holding a razor blade to her wrist and crying.

"Karen, it's Ellie. Put the blade down, please."

"Why? I don't have anything left to live for. Christopher's taken away everything I care about in this world."

"That's not true Karen. You don't need the drugs. You have a husband who loves you very much. He was just trying to help you." Karen sobbed louder. "We're going to get you the help and support you need to beat this."

"I can't. I can't do it," said Karen through tears.

"Yes you can, and you will," said Ellie. Karen dropped the blade. Ellie hugged her. "It'll be alright Karen. Everything will be alright."

The Oil Baron: The ballroom

     Lucy Ewing had just caught the tail end of J.R.'s speech and she was dumbfounded, but soon gathered herself and approached J.R. as he stepped offstage.

J.R. wasn't prepared for the stinging slap that Lucy delivered. He rubbed his cheek as Lucy stared at him. "How COULD you do something like that to my parents? Wait, don't answer that. Doesn't need an answer. You're J.R. That's reason enough."

"Lucy, get out of my face."

"I'm about sick of the way you treat me and my parents. I control enough of Ewing Oil to make your life there a living hell. Don't think I won't do it."

"You're giving me indigestion. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to go be with my date." J.R. brushed past Lucy.

"What a creep," said Neil.

"You don't know the half of it."

Meanwhile, Pamela and Bobby were enjoying their reconciliatory dance at the Oil Baron's Ball. She was thinking about how happy she was to finally be having the baby she and Bobby had always longed to have together. It was something of a miracle that it was happening this late in life. She also realized how lucky she was to have Bobby back in her life, now that their differences over Katherine had finally been resolved--she hoped. Bobby noticed the dreamy, but happy, expression on Pam's face.

"Honey, I think I know what's on your mind," Bobby noted.

"Oh Bobby, I think I must be the happiest woman in the world!! I know it sounds cliched and all, but it's true!" Suddenly, she felt a strange kicking sensation in her abdomen, and she clutched at her expanded belly. Bobby couldn't help but notice at the odd, pained look that came over Pam's face.

"Pam, what's wrong?," Bobby asked, his handsome face getting a concerned look to it.

"Well Bobby.. I don't think we're going to have to wait until we get back to Dallas to have our baby.. I think he or she is going to be born here! I think you'd better find out if there happens to be a doctor on board the ship," Pam managed to get this all out before what could only be described as a tremendously painful contraction gripped her body. "Sweetheart, I think we'd better get back to our state room."

Bobby spotted Christopher across the ball room; Christopher noticed the concerned look on his father's face, and immediately went across the room to see if his assistance might be needed. When he got closer and saw his mother's look he knew it was.

"Son, I need you to get hold of the ship's doctor.. I think your mother's gone into labor."

At that comment Christopher went to the nearest phone to call for Dr. Dawson, the doctor on board the ship. The phone in the sick bay rang several times before he got an answer. Finally the phone was answered by the doctor himself. "Dr. Dawson, this is Christopher Ewing. My mother has gone into labor, and she is in the ball room..."

"Say no more, young man. I'll be there as soon as possible!" the doctor replied.

Christopher then as calmly as possible approached the stage of the ballroom and went to the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, my mom is starting to go into labor," he announced to the surprised audience. "I would ask you all to give my parents some space until the doctor gets up here." He looked back to where his parents were, and could tell even from the distance that separated them that Pam was having another contraction. He rushed back to his parents' side.

"Christopher, we need to get your mother out of this ballroom, or the baby might come out right here and now!!" Bobby could hardly contain his excitement, but also concern for his wife. He remembered something he'd heard about keeping track of the time between contractions, and had noted it was approximately 5 minutes between them for Pam. "Where in the hell is that damn doctor at?!" Bobby asked, worry starting to set in. "How long ago did you call him?"

"Dad, try to calm down. I'm sure he'll be here soon to take care of Mom.." All of a sudden Christopher wasn't so sure himself about how much time they had before his little brother or sister was going to be born. Pam at that time let out a horrible cry, and gripped herself once again. It became obvious to all the parents near Pamela that the baby was going to be born soon.... Pam's water had broken.

"BOBBY!" Pam shouted. "I can't take much more of this!!" Pam by this time could no longer bear to even sit down, the contractions were getting so much more intense. Bobby and Christopher helped her lie down on the carpet. Bobby took hold of Pam's hand to try to comfort her. He soon grimaced as Pam was experiencing another contraction, and her grip became surprisingly powerful. Still, he lovingly stayed by his wife's side, trying to hide his growing anxiety about the slow response of the medical staff. He was about to totally lose his cool when at that moment he noticed the doctor and a couple attendants bursting through the ball room door with a stretcher in tow. Dr. Dawson and the assistants made their way over to Pam.

"It's about damn time!" Bobby shouted at the doctor. "We've been waiting here for way too long considering what's happening! What took so long... were you making sure we had medical insurance?!" Bobby asked sarcastically. He then realized his outburst wasn't helping Pam any, so he tried to calm down. "Look doctor, I'm sorry...it's just that my wife and I have wanted to have a child together for so long, and I don't want anything to go wrong."

"I understand, Mr. Ewing... many fathers-to-be have similar reactions." He took note of all the amniotic fluid on the carpet near where Pam lay. "I don't think it's going to be much more time until your wife delivers this baby. There might not even be time to get her to the hospital ward here."

As if on cue, Pam had another contraction, then another barely a minute later. "It looks like my assessment is correct.. Mrs. Ewing, I believe your baby is going to be born right here. Now this sounds like a crazy thing to say, but I want you to try to relax as much as possible.. try to breathe through your contractions." He looked up at Christopher. "I think it would be a good idea if we could have the ball room cleared." Christopher promptly went back to the stage to make the request.

The Oil Baron: The ballroom, thirty minutes later

     Pam was in the throes of agonizing labor, nearing its end however. "Mrs. Ewing, I think we're almost there," Dr. Dawson stated.

"What's with this 'we' part?!" Pam exclaimed through another contraction. "I'm the one going through this!"

Dr. Dawson could barely contain a smile, even in the situation. "I want you to push now.. the baby is almost ready to come out... the head is starting to crown even as I speak. Push again now." Pam did so, screaming from the intense agony. "You're doing wonderful.... one more push should do it Mrs. Ewing."

Bobby was still at Pam's side, supporting her as much as he could. "You're going to be okay honey... the doctor said you're almost there." Bobby could hardly control the tears welling up in his eyes, at the sight of their child being born.

"Okay, Mrs. Ewing... this is it.. one more time... push!!" The cry of a newborn baby soon filled the air. "Mr. and Mrs. Ewing.. congratulations!! You have a beautiful baby girl."

Credits Roll

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