“Dammit, don't do this to me, Sarah!” protested Roy.
“I'm not 'Sarah,' you are,” replied Sarah. “I can't help that you perceive me as having your body. But I have the mind, the personality, the experiences of Roy – that's who I am! Now, make up your mind: do you want to stay as Sarah Howard? Or would you like me to use this device to put you in somebody else's life?”
“Please...” started Roy.
“No,” said Sarah flatly. “Absolutely no. No ifs, no ands, no buts. I am not switching lives with you. I'm Roy Milford from now on. End of story. I sympathize with you, and yes – I even believe your story. But I'm not going to become Jack's girlfriend just because that's what you remember from some kooky alternate history that no longer exists.”
Roy sighed silently and fumed.
“Lemme think for a second,” he muttered.
Sarah smiled patiently at him.
What was the harm in letting her keep his old life? After all, that was what started this whole mess in the first place. He'd hated being Roy! Granted, he hadn't exactly planned on becoming his roommate's girlfriend... but fate works in weird ways, right? Perhaps it was for the best that returning to his old life was completely closed off to him.
So should he let Sarah change him into somebody else? Hmmm, that seemed a little drastic. Things had gotten pretty messed up after just ONE of these role swaps. Neither of them really knew much about this weird gizmo. It would probably be best not to tempt fate.
For the time being, Roy could pretend to be Sarah Howard. It was what everyone else in the world seemed to perceive anyhow. He certainly would NOT be having sex with Jack, though! Which meant in the long run, Roy would either have to ask Sarah to swap him into a different life role... or he'd have to break up with Jack (and probably become a lesbian!)
“What's it going to be?” asked Sarah.
“Can we make a deal?” asked Roy.
“Depends,” mused Sarah. “What's the deal?”
“I'll stay as Sarah Howard,” replied Roy. “At least for awhile. I think we both agree that device needs a lot more testing and... I dunno, fine-tuning I guess. Look at the mess it's gotten me into it. I'd advise you not to use it on yourself, 'Roy.' And I'd rather you not use it on me... at least not until we've got a better grasp on how to work it properly.”
“Okay,” said Sarah slowly. “That makes sense... and?”
“And, later on, once we've worked the bugs out of the system and know how to use the role swapper,” continued Roy. “Then, at that point, I reserve the right to take you up on your earlier offer.”
“That I switch you into the life of anyone you want except me?” asked Sarah.
“Yes,” replied Roy. “Can we agree to those terms?”
“With one stipulation,” answered Sarah. “I want your solemn vow that under no circumstances will you touch this device without my express permission. I'm serious here, Sarah! I want to trust you on this... but... well, you seem so adamant on stealing my life and becoming me... well, I'll trust you and agree to this whole scheme if you promise me not to use this device without my specific say-so.”
“Fine, fine, you win!” sighed Roy. “Okay – 'Roy,' I give you my solemn word of honor that I will not attempt to use that device without your permission. You really want to be Roy from now on? Okay, I surrender my rights on that life. Just promise me that if I change my mind about being the new 'Sarah Howard,' that you'll still be willing to switch me into a different life.”
“It's a deal,” smiled Sarah.
With that, the mismatched couple nervously shook hands.