"You've just insulted every woman whose company I've kept," Randy continued, clearly expecting Nine to realize this and admit to speaking out of anger.

"....I was only talking about Greta..." he muttered. Seeing that Greta was looking more and more upset by the situation Katie took her by the hand and lead her away. Perhaps it was better to let Daddy and Nine sort things out on their own.

Randy bared his teeth, not at all placated by that statement. "Greta is a lovely woman! Where do you get off insulting her?"

"You insulted my girlfriend," said Nine, "And Greta is.....pudgy,"

Randy growled at him again. "That girl you brought was rude from the moment you introduced her. You've got no right to insult someone who's been nothing but nice, especially for her looks! Greta has done nothing to you or anyone else, and if you insult her again, I may strike you."

Nine froze, "You....you've never hit me before,"

"Nor would I like to," stated Randy, "but I have my limits."

Deciding that this was a losing battle, Nine fled after Amanda.

Randy watched him go, sighed, and returned to Greta and Katie.

Katie ran over to Randy, "Are they gone?" she asked.

"Yes, he went and followed after her," Randy replied. "Is Greta alright?"

"She was sort of upset but I think she's better now," said Katie, "She might need a hug," she added giving Randy a pat.

"Hugging I can do," said Randy, and when they reached Greta he scooped her up in his arms as though she were weightless.

Greta snuggled into him, "This hasn't been the best night," she said.

"Don't let a stupid comment from Nine ruin your evening," Randy insisted. He kissed the top of her head affectionately.

"No offense, but is he really your offspring?" she asked.

Randy smiled and placed her back on the ground. "Yes... Brat though he may be," he answered.

Greta gave him a kiss, "At least you're other children aren't like that,"

"My other children are perfect angels," said Randy. "Nine isn't a horrible sort, but being small and a bit spoiled by his mother when his siblings already had their favorites hasn't helped him."

"Poor thing, and I know it's not nice to say, but I think he should try and do better than Amanda," said Greta.

Randy nodded in agreement. "Unfortunately, it may be difficult for him. But a nicer, more intelligent girl might do him a lot of good--if he can ever find and hold onto one."

"Maybe he'll get lucky," said Greta taking his hand and lacing her fingers through his, "Come on, I'm not about to let Nine and his girlfriend spoil my night, let's go see the rest of this festival,"

"We've much yet to see," said Randy, holding Greta's hand in one of his and Katie's in the other as they went off to find more activities.

Meanwhile...

Deedee's ears perked up. "I say, Mary, do you hear jazz?"
"It must be on the other side of the park," said Mary. Deedee was already pulling her in that direction.
"There is one human activity I may actually enjoy!"

There was in fact, a sound stage set up and a platform for a swing dance contest, Kurt Kraus, in a rare display of exuberance was spinning and whirling his long limbs in time with the music.

"My, my, just look at him go," Deedee commented as he watched with interest. "What say you, Doctor Mary?" He hung his coat on a nearby chair and offered her his arm. "Shall we?"
Mary took his arm and smiled brightly. "We shall!"

As Baby and Randy passed the stage Baby pointed out Kurt, "Randy...is that who I think it is?"

"Sure is!" Randy howled and whistled at Kurt. "Tear it up, sug'!"
Deedee and Mary entered the dance floor, which also got Randy's attention. He'd never seen them outside of work and hadn't been entirely sure Deedee was aware of anything that wasn't science...

"Seems more people like Jazz than I thought," said Baby.

Randy VIII tapped his chin. "I ain't opposed to it, myself," he said, "but I ain't never danced like that before." He nodded toward the stage as Deedee tossed Mary through the air and swung her between his legs.

"Looks like Kurt might have some competition," said Baby as Kurt twirled his own partner, lifting her by her waist into the air before fluidly putting her down, swinging her out and pulling her back against his chest.

Randy whistled. "You think we could pull that off?"

As the tempo picked up Kurt did a summersault over his partner, dropped to his knees, slid backwards between her legs and jumped to his feet so he could spin her round and round.

Baby wrinkled her brow, "As long as you don't expect me to try and pull that off," she said.

"Awwww." Randy cooed and nuzzled her. "I bet we could manage... But they's another dance contest comin' up 'round here that I know we can beat."

Meanwhile, Deedee and Mary jumped and twirled about each other with equal enthusiasm, though their style was mixed with Schickelgruber influence. Back on their planet of origin, long before humans had ever gotten around to inventing their version of swing jazz, music and dancing which bore a striking similarity had been a favorite of Deedee's and Mary's. When they weren't in the laboratory--and sometimes when they were--they had often danced in such a fashion. Now the fusion of styles offered them a wide variety of moves to fit the sound, though it never struck either of them as being anything but their usual fun.

The music finally stopped and the contestants were judged, Kurt and Deedee and their partners both ended receiving a first prize ribbon.

Deedee beamed and gave a bow to Kurt and his partner, as did Mary. "Look at that," he remarked, examining the ribbon. "Seems we've won something for dancing."
"We never have entered a contest," Mary giggled. "You should put it with all of your science awards."

Kurt dipped his partner and gave her an exaggerated kiss to thank her for helping him win before he congratulated Deedee, "You cut a mean rug, ever go to Hot Lips?" he asked.

Deedee's ears twitched. "I assume this is some sort of dance club?" he questioned, having never heard of it.

Kurt nodded, "It's a jazz and swing hall," he said, "You can find it on Harbor street, it's not far from the ocean but not exactly beach front,"

"Oh, Deedee! We should go to this place!" urged Mary, green eyes wide and sparkling with interest.
Deedee looked down at her and smiled. He ran a hand over her meticulously styled hair, not a single curl coming undone when he did. "Alright, why not?"

Kurt gave Mary a wink, "I'd be more than happy to see you there,"