'The Action Hero's Handbook III.V- How To Perform the Jedi Mind Trick'

//Step 1: Gain your subject's trust.//

Ilyana sighed, leaning against her partner's shoulder as they collapsed onto the futon.

"We did it, didn't we?"

Montgomery grinned at her, giving her arm a squeeze. "Our first mission without the 'babysitters', succesfully executed. We make a good team, don't we?"

"I suppose so." She relaxed in spite of herself. "You-- were useful. I mean, you-- saved my life." //Step 2: Make your subject feel safe.//

"All part and parcel of the partnership." He shrugged. "You did the same for me a couple of times."

"Yes, but I expected to. I didn't think-- I didn't think that I would need you. I mean, to-- well, you-- Thanks, Stratford."

"Montgomery, 'Yana."

"Montgomery. I guess I can count on you, then."

"Always." He smiled. "Always."

She returned the smile and relaxed further, pulling an afghan up around her shoulders and settling back.

//Step 3: Match your subject exactly in his tone, speech patterns, and breathing.//

"So now what?" She asked softly.

"First, we get a good night's rest, I guess." He answered, keeping his voice low. "Get back to New York, fill out the paperwork."

Ilyana yawned.

Montgomery yawned.

"So... is this what it will always be like?"

"I would think." He shrugged, matching her uncharacteristic lightness.

"I think... I will enjoy being a spy." She mused.

"I bet..." He paused, moderating his breathing to match hers. "You'll be one of the best."

//Step 4: Begin to mirror your subject's behavior.//

Montgomery snuggled down into the futon until he was slouched at the same level as his partner. He then burrowed under the other blanket, so that they presented twin cocoons.

Ilyana brushed the bangs back from her eyes. "I wonder how much time we will have off before our next mission, now that we are on active field duty."

"Who knows?" He pushed his forelock out of the way. "What would you do with the time if we had any off?"

She looked off into space. "Reading, most likely. I like reading."

He nodded, following her sightless gaze.

"What would you do, Montgomery?"

"Most likely watch some television, get in some time at the gym. I might see some friends."

She turned to him, and he turned as well, facing her.

"You're more extroverted. You would meet your friends and go out dancing."

"I'm only a little extroverted, and I'm choosy when it comes to dance partners."

"Oh, yeah?" She fixed him with a challenging look, and he met it. "How choosy?"

"There's maybe one."

Ilyana snorted. "She is a beauty queen? An American Princess whose Daddy bought her her car and her nose. Like your THRUSH fiancée Lindsey?"

"Psh. Hardly." He laughed. "How about you let me forget about Lindsey."

//Step 5: Attempt to lead your subject's behavior.//

"Hardly." She grinned. "You were almost forced into marrying that woman."

"What book would you be reading?"

"I'm not sure. Either quantum theory or Lord of the Rings." She shrugged. "Or maybe I could find something I haven't read yet."

"Maybe you could go out." Montgomery suggested.

"I don't really go out that often,"

"Don't you still have that dress you wore to infiltrate the THRUSH club? It's a little too pretty to wear around the house, isn't it?"

"I *do* still have the dress... I don't think I've worn it since."

"So wear it out. Wear it to someplace it was meant to be worn."

"What, wear it dancing?" She asked, as if the very idea was ludicrous.

"Why not?"

"Yes, why not?" She smiled, sitting up a little straighter. "When we get back to New York, when we have just a night off, I am going dancing."

"Good girl." Montgomery grinned. "And maybe you'll go with me?"

She looked at him, a little surprised. "With you? You're not so choosy after all, then, are you?"

"I am." His smile softened. "And I happen to think nobody out there could be better than you."

She blushed. "I would dance with you, Montgomery... if you promised not to drop me."

"I guess you'll never let me live anything down, will you?"

"No." She answered glibly. Then she kissed his cheek. "But I will go dancing with you."

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