This, as the tag says, was inspired by an idea in Ranma 1/2.  The idea
will become quickly apparent.  All comments very much welcome.
PM Productions Presents
A Phillip Masters Short Story
Simply Magic

     "Hand me Vile 2."  Alexander whispers as he places a small dish
into the center of the specimen tray.
     In the dish is a regular cockroach.  Raised in sustained
environmental conditions to make it a perfect control subject.
     Frederick does as told, placing the appropriate vile into the
sealed box, which has rubber gloves attached so as to make a perfect
testing location.  
     Alexander takes the small vile and holds it next to the roach,
studying the clear liquid inside.  "Ready?"  He asks, trying to hold the
container as still as possible.
     Frederick does a last check on the various scanners placed around
the box.  Finding nothing out of sync, he flashes the thumbs up.
     At the signal, Alexander tips the contents of the vile onto the
unsuspecting insect.  His eyes widen as he watches the transformation.
He has seen the phenomenon countless times before, but always it amazes
him anew.  For, now, in the case, is an adult rat.  Entirely changed,
not a trace of its former existance is present.  Well, almost none.
For, it still has the memories of the roach.  
     Alexander smiles grimly as the rat seems almost stunned by its
change.  He slowly lowers the vile to the floor of the case and pulls
his hands from the thick gloves.
     Frederick is looking over the results of the test.  He shakes his
head incredulously.  "Nothing."  He finally spits out in disgust.
     "Still?"  Alexander muses, his face sullen.  His partner nods in
confirmation.  He looks up at the screen behind the testing area.  On it
is the chemical composition of the liquid he just dumped on the subject.
Oxygen, hydrogen, and some trace minerals.  Nothing out of the ordinary
for natural spring water.
     The only clue as to what is wrong with it is the odd
electromagnetic signitures they get from it, but that's fairly
circumstancial evidence.  No, they needed more.  A solid explanation for
what the stuff *was*.  More importantly, why it does what it does.
     Frederick glances at the clock.  "Time to head out for tonight."
     Alexander nods, rubbing his temples.  So many hours wasted.  What
could be the reason?  That's why they are here.  He just wondered if
they were wasting their time.  "Simply magic."  He states simply.
     "Huh?"  Fredrick asks.
     "Nothing."
     "Come on.  I'll get you a drink.  You look like you need one."
     "Hmm.  I suppose so.  Let's go."
     The two men pick up their coats and walk out the average white door
and into the halls of their office.  The door swings shut behind them
with a resounding click that echos through the mostly empty halls around
it.  Upon the door there is a bronze plaque that reads:
JUSENKYO PROJECT
     Next to the door is a sign that can be found at every corner of the
building.  The 'In Case of Emergency' exits for the Pentagon.   

"Time seems to stand quite still.  In a child's world, it always will."
- The Moody Blues
/ My anime fanfiction page:
http://www.iwaynet.net/~dr.diddy/masters
/ E-mail at:  PhilMasters@webtv.net
Member of the #AAS#, #WASHU#, and the #SAS#.  I'm a very appreciative
person!