Frank & Stein

Frank’s time travel device sends them back to the Renaissance, causing chaos and comedic confusion.

Morning

The morning sun filters into the cluttered yet charming living room. Frank is buzzing around, tangled in wires and working on a peculiar-looking device. Stein is at the kitchen table, calmly sipping his tea and engrossed in a thick historical book.

Frank: (Excitedly) Stein! Come here, I need to show you something amazing!

Stein: (Not looking up) Frank, if you’re about to show me another self-cleaning toaster that sets off the fire alarm, I’ll pass.

Frank rushes over to Stein, yanking him from his book and dragging him into the living room.

Frank: (With a proud grin) Nope, this is way better. Behold, my time travel device!

Stein: (Raising an eyebrow) Time travel, Frank? That’s a bit ambitious even for you.

Frank: (Holding up the device) I know, right? But trust me, this baby works. I just need to calibrate it, and it’ll take us anywhere we want in time.

Stein: (Skeptical) And let me guess, you haven’t tested it yet?

Frank: (Sheepishly) Not on people, no. But I’ve sent a couple of apples to the past, and they came back fine—well, mostly fine.

Stein: (Sighs) Fine, you have my curiosity. Proceed with your demonstration.

Frank fiddles with the device, pushing buttons and pulling levers. A sudden burst of light envelops the room, and in an instant, they find themselves in the middle of a bustling Renaissance-era marketplace in Italy.

Stein: (Looking around, stunned) Frank, please tell me this isn’t what it looks like.

Frank: (Panicking) Uh, I think we might have actually traveled through time. And uh, where’s the device?

The crowd around them gathers, staring curiously at their modern attire. A street performer attempts to juggle, failing miserably, while a merchant loudly peddles his wares.

Stein: (Whispering) Frank, we need to blend in and find that device. We can’t stay here.

Frank: (Nodding) Right. Blend in. Sure. How hard can that be?

They frantically start searching the marketplace for the lost device. Frank picks up a cloak from a vendor’s stall, tossing coins without counting them, and throws it over Stein.

Frank: (Grinning) There, you look… sort of historical.

Stein: (Adjusting the cloak) Frank, your concept of blending in is as chaotic as your room. Let’s just find the device before we cause a history-altering event.

They approach a series of merchants and artists, their attempts to ask about the device met with puzzled looks and laughter due to their strange accents and attire.

Street Performer: (In Renaissance Italian) Strange clothes, strange tongues! Are you court jesters?

Stein: (Under his breath) We might as well be…

Frank: (Loudly) Excuse me, have you seen a small, strange object? Kind of looks like a futuristic clock?

The crowd starts to take more of an interest in them, thinking their antics are part of some bizarre performance.

Stein: (Grabbing Frank’s arm) We need a new plan. Asking people directly isn’t getting us anywhere.

Frank: (Looking around) You’re right. Maybe we can find a quiet spot and regroup.

Conspiracy Theorist: (Tabitha, appearing out of nowhere) Oh my, look who it is—in Renaissance disguises no less. I knew you two were involved in something weird!

Frank: (Eyes wide) Tabitha?! How did you—?

Stein: (Cutting Frank off) No time for questions. We need to get out of sight. Fast.

They duck into a nearby alley, Frank still trying to comprehend how their conspiracy theorist friend, Tabitha, ended up in the Renaissance.

Frank: (Whispering) Do you think we brought her here with us?

Stein: (Shaking his head) Doesn’t matter. For now, we need to think about finding that device.

Tabitha: (Sneaking a peek from the alley) You’re hiding something big. I’m going to figure it out!

Stein and Frank, using the alley as temporary cover, begin strategizing their next steps while trying to avoid potential eavesdroppers.

Frank: (Scratching his head) Okay, the last place I remember having it was back at the marketplace, right before that street performer started his act.

Stein: (Nodding) Then let’s retrace our steps, but we need to be discreet. The less attention we draw, the better.

They cautiously make their way back toward the marketplace, ducking in and out of shadows, avoiding Tabitha who is still attempting to spy on them, hidden behind stalls and barrels.

Frank: (Whispering) Nice work on the cloak, by the way. You blend in surprisingly well. Like a historical ninja.

Stein: (Rolling his eyes) We’d blend in better if we didn’t discuss disguises so loudly. Focus, Frank.

They re-enter the bustling marketplace and scan the ground and surrounding stalls while avoiding eye contact with the locals.

Frank: (Spying a hint of the device’s wiring under a display table) There! I see it!

They approach the table, trying to act casually. Underneath, a small boy is curiously examining the time travel device, his eyes wide with fascination.

Stein: (Kneeling) Hello there, young man. That object you’re holding—it’s very important. Could you hand it over, please?

Boy: (Hesitating) What will you give me for it?

Frank rummages through his pockets, finding nothing of value except a strange, glowing marble from one of his experiments.

Frank: (Offering the marble) How about this? It’s… magical.

Boy: (Eyes lighting up) Magical, you say? Deal!

The boy eagerly snatches the marble and hands over the device. Frank and Stein quickly hide the device under Stein’s cloak, thanking the boy, and make a hasty retreat back toward the alley.

Stein: (Breathing a sigh of relief) We got it. Now let’s hope it still works after all this.

Frank: (Grinning) Don’t worry, it’s built to last. Like my solar skateboard!

Stein: (Deadpan) The skateboard that couldn’t go uphill?

Frank: (Shrugging) Details, details.

They stop in the shadows of the alley once more, Frank quickly examining the device to ensure it’s intact and functional.

Frank: (Fiddling with the buttons) Okay, I think it’s good to go. Hang on, this might get bumpy!

Stein braces himself as Frank activates the device. Another burst of light engulfs them, drawing curious looks from passerby.

Stein: (Gripping his cloak tighter) Frank, if we end up in another time period, I swear—

Frank: (Pressing the final button) Hold on tight!

The light dissipates, and they both find themselves back in their living room, now slightly disheveled and out of breath.

Stein: (Exhaling deeply) I never thought I’d say this, but thank goodness we’re back.

Frank: (Laughing) See? I told you it works!

Stein: (Glancing at Frank, exasperated but fondly) Next time, can we test your inventions without needing a historical rescue mission?

Frank: (Grinning) Where’s the fun in that?

Both of them collapse on the couch, relishing the familiarity and simplicity of their modern apartment, their morning adventure a whirlwind of chaotic fun and relief.

Lunch

The Renaissance marketplace is bustling with activity, the air filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and the sounds of merchants crying their wares. Frank and Stein, now dressed in a hodgepodge of borrowed and makeshift historical attire, stand out less but face new challenges.

Stein: (Adjusting his cloak) We need to find some food and figure out our next move. Preferably something that doesn’t involve being executed for witchcraft.

Frank: (Looking around, amused) Yeah, time travel really makes you appreciate modern pizza. Let’s blend in, grab a bite, and come up with a plan to find the device.

They approach a food stall where a merchant is selling various breads and cheeses. The merchant eyes them suspiciously as they fumble with unfamiliar coins.

Merchant: (In broken English) You buy or you stare? Coins if you buy!

Stein: (Politely but awkwardly) We buy, yes. Bread and cheese, please.

Frank hands over a few coins, and the merchant reluctantly hands them their food. They find a nearby bench to sit on, surrounded by market-goers going about their day.

Frank: (Taking a bite) Not bad. Could use some pepperoni, though.

Stein: (Smiling slightly) At least this didn’t come out of one of your inventions. Less chance of immediate disaster.

Frank: (Looking around) So, what’s the plan? We need to find that device ASAP.

Stein: (Thoughtfully) The device can’t have gone far. It’s small, and we dropped it in the marketplace. We just need to search methodically.

Their search begins in earnest; they blend with the crowd, asking questions covertly while trying to avoid drawing too much attention.

Frank: (Pointing to a commotion ahead) Hey Stein, looks like something’s going on over there. Maybe someone picked up our device?

They push through the crowd to find a renowned artist showcasing his latest painting. Unbeknownst to them, the artist has mistakenly used parts of Frank’s device in his artwork, thinking it was some unique artifact.

Frank: (Eyes wide in horror) Uh, Stein? Does that painting look…familiar to you?

Stein: (Tugging Frank’s sleeve) Oh no. Parts of the device are embedded in that painting!

They approach the artist, whose name tag reads “Leonardo da Vinci.” Frank’s eyes light up as he realizes the scale of their historical encounter.

Frank: (Whispering) Stein, that’s da Vinci! We need to get those parts back without causing any… Renaissance ripples.

Stein: (Nervously) Our best bet is to offer him something in exchange or somehow convince him to remove the parts. Follow my lead.

Stein, channeling his inner diplomat, approaches da Vinci carefully. Frank trails behind, clearly starstruck.

Stein: (Politely) Excuse me, Signor da Vinci. We’ve noticed something remarkable in your work—it appears to have parts of an invention we’re… testing. Could we possibly have them back?

da Vinci: (Amused) Intriguing! What invention requires such uniquely shaped components? And why do you need them so urgently?

Frank: (Jumping in) Oh, it’s a prototype for a new… clock! Very advanced. Precision timekeeping and all that.

da Vinci: (Smiling) I see. A remarkable invention, indeed. However, it adds a certain je ne sais quoi to my latest work. What can you offer in return?

Stein: (Thinking quickly) How about a demonstration of the device? Show you its importance firsthand?

da Vinci: (Considering) A demonstration, you say? Very well, but it must be convincing.

Frank and Stein, under da Vinci’s watchful eye, scramble to come up with a creative but convincing demonstration. They pull out some harmless components they still have and assemble a rudimentary display mimicking the device’s intended function.

Frank: (Nervously) This might look simple, but it’s groundbreaking! Watch closely.

Frank activates a mechanism, making a small gear system move in a precise and controlled manner. da Vinci is intrigued, leaning closer.

da Vinci: (Impressed) Fascinating! Your device holds great potential. I see the importance you place on these parts.

da Vinci carefully extracts the components from his painting and hands them over.

da Vinci: (Smiling) Use them wisely, my friends. Invention shapes the future, even in ways you may not foresee.

Stein: (Nodding) Thank you, Signor da Vinci. Your understanding is most appreciated.

Frank and Stein retreat from the crowd, clutching the reclaimed parts as they head towards a quieter corner of the marketplace.

Frank: (Breathing a sigh of relief) That was too close. Imagine the future art historians trying to figure out why da Vinci used microchips!

Stein: (Chuckling) Let’s hope this doesn’t influence his future work. Our priority now is to reunite these parts with the main device and get home.

They find a secluded area behind a row of stalls, where Frank quickly assembles the components back into the main device, working with intense concentration.

Frank: (Furrowing his brow) Hold on, this screw doesn’t fit like before… I think it got bent in the fall.

Stein: (Looking around) We need a tool, something precise. Maybe the market has a blacksmith or a craftsman?

They set off in search of a blacksmith, weaving through alleys and side streets until they come across a small forge. The blacksmith is busy hammering a glowing piece of metal.

Stein: (Approaching) Excuse me, sir. We have a delicate repair that requires your expertise. Could you help us?

Blacksmith: (Gruffly) Show me the problem. I fix, you pay.

Frank: (Showing the device) This screw is bent. We need it straightened out, without damaging the thread.

Blacksmith: (Examining) Interesting piece. Modern, not seen such work. I fix.

The blacksmith skillfully straightens the screw, all while eyeing the device curiously. Frank and Stein exchange relieved looks as the repair is finished.

Frank: (Handing over coins) Thank you. This means more than you know.

Blacksmith: (Nodding) Use it well. Tools can build or destroy, choose wisely.

They return to their secluded spot and Frank reinstalls the screw into the device. With Stein keeping watch, Frank carefully calibrates the settings once more.

Frank: (Taking a deep breath) Alright, here goes round two. Let’s get back to the present.

Stein: (Glancing around) Quickly, before anyone else notices us or our… contraption.

Frank activates the device, and once again, a burst of light engulfs them. They reappear in their apartment, miraculously intact but utterly exhausted.

Stein: (Sinking into the couch) Do you have any idea how lucky we are to have made it back with history intact?

Frank: (Flopping beside him) Luck? Nah, just another day in the life of Frank and Stein. Plus, now we have a da Vinci-approved gadget!

They both laugh, the tension from their adventure slowly melting away as they relish the familiar chaos and comfort of their modern apartment.

Stein: (Looking at Frank with a smirk) Next time, maybe we test at home first before embarking on an accidental Renaissance tour?

Frank: (Grinning) Where’s the fun in that?

They both dissolve into laughter, their camaraderie and contrasting approaches fully intact, as another chaotic and memorable day comes to a close.

Afternoon

Frank and Stein stand in the quiet alleyway, appearing slightly disheveled but determined. The Renaissance marketplace buzzes around them, with the scent of spices and freshly cooked food wafting through the air.

Stein: (Adjusting his cloak) Even though we’ve got the device back, it’s still not fully functional. We need to find the main unit.

Frank: (Scratching his head) I swear I had it with me before the crowd surged. You think someone might’ve picked it up?

Stein: (Nodding) Most likely. We need to search every corner of this place. Maybe we can find out who’s got it.

They split up, navigating through the marketplace stalls. Frank approaches a vendor selling wooden toys while Stein methods a merchant with exotic spices.

Frank: (Gesturing wildly) Hey, you see a small, shiny, weird-looking object? Kind of like—uh—this?

Vendor: (Confused) No understand. You buy toy? Good toys!

Frank: (Frustrated) Ugh, no thanks.

At the spice stall, Stein is having a bit more luck. The spice merchant seems intrigued and nods toward a gathering at the end of the market.

Spice Merchant: Strange object I saw, taken by man with big hat. He went there.

Stein: (Realizing) Of course, thank you!

Stein rushes back to meet Frank, who is now juggling a couple of random items from other stalls just because he can.

Stein: (Hurried) Frank, I’ve got a lead. A man with a big hat saw the device. Let’s go!

Frank: (Dropping items, excited) Great! Let’s catch the big hat man! To the big hat man!

They dodge through the bustling crowd to the end of the market where a group of people are gathered around a man in lavish clothing and a gigantic, flamboyant hat. This is Marco, a local aristocrat with a penchant for collecting oddities.

Frank: (Whispering) That hat could be a satellite dish. Let’s go talk to him.

Stein: (Eyeing the crowd) Carefully. Let’s not draw too much attention.

They approach Marco, who is showing off random items he’s gathered, each one stranger than the last. Among them, Frank spots the time travel device glittering in the sunlight.

Frank: (Feigning excitement) Wow, amazing collection! That shiny thingy there—is it for sale?

Marco: (Pompously) Ah, a fellow appreciator of the unusual, I see! This piece? Extraordinary, is it not? What are you willing to offer in exchange?

Stein: (Quickly) We have… stories! Unique knowledge of the future, never heard before tales that are guaranteed to astonish!

Frank: (Nodding, playing along) Yeah, like how people will fly in giant metal birds in the future!

Marco: (Intrigued) Stories from the future, you say? Prove your worth, strangers.

Frank and Stein exchange glances. Frank nods to indicate he’ll start, launching into an outlandish but captivating version of the future.

Frank: (Dramatic) Picture this! Vehicles that move without horses, powered by invisible forces. Boxes that show moving images and music. And people communicate across vast distances through metal wires!

Crowd: (Murmuring and gasping in awe) Impossible! Fantastical!

Marco: (Impressed, but skeptical) Hmm, intriguing, but such tales require more proof. Show us something extraordinary, and the object is yours.

Frank: (Thinking fast) Right. Another demonstration. Uhh—Stein, do your history thing!

Stein: (Blinking, then recovering) Of course. Ahem. Did you know that the castles of our time have hidden passages designed specifically for—

Frank: (Interrupting) No, Stein! Make something up! Something from the future!’’

Stein, realizing Frank’s point, shifts seamlessly into his own fantastical spiel, describing automated homes and robotic servants.

Stein: (Animatedly) In the future, your home will anticipate your every need with devices and mechanisms. Servants will be mechanical beings, eliminating all forms of labor for humans!

Marco: (Eyes sparkling) Fantastico! Your tales are marvelous. Very well, you have earned this piece.

Marco grandly hands over the device, appearing both mystified and excited by their stories. The crowd buzzes with chatter, still debating the validity of Frank and Stein’s claims.

Frank: (Taking the device) Thank you, your grandeur. You won’t regret this!

Stein: (Bowling slightly) Indeed. You have aided in the furtherance of cultural… fantastical enlightenment.

They quickly retreat from the crowd, moving toward a more secluded part of the marketplace to reassemble the device.

Frank: (As they walk) That was… pretty awesome! Storytelling should be a part of our routine.

Stein: (Half-smiling) Storytelling? It was a desperate play. But effective. Now let’s get out of here before something else goes wrong.

They find a quiet corner, where Frank carefully fits the retrieved part back into the device, hands trembling with concentration.

Frank: (Focused) Easy does it… almost… there!

The device hums softly, signaling a successful reassembly. Both Frank and Stein let out a sigh of relief.

Stein: (Standing guard) Excellent. Now let’s make sure the calibration is correct this time.

Frank: (Nods) Yeah, yeah, I’m on it. Let’s do this.

Frank fiddles with the dials and buttons, checking everything meticulously. Once he’s satisfied, he prepares to activate the device.

Frank: (Grinning) Ready for round three, Renaissance buddy?

Stein: (Sighing) Just get us back home, Frank. Please.

Frank activates the device, but instead of a smooth transition, it sparks and flickers, causing Frank and Stein to panic for a moment.

Frank: (Shouting) Whoa, whoa! What’s happening now?

Stein: (Alarmed) Did you miss a step? What’s going on?!

The device suddenly stabilizes, and the familiar light envelops them. This time, they find themselves in a grand hall decorated for a royal banquet, complete with lavish foods and extravagant decorations.

Frank: (Looking around, perplexed) Uh, this doesn’t look like our apartment.

Stein: (Frustrated) Great, just great. Another detour. Let’s hope we can slip out quietly before-

Before Stein finishes, a booming voice echoes through the hall. They realize they’ve stumbled into a banquet in honor of a local ruler.

Nobleman: (Commanding) Who are these strangers? Guards, seize them!

Guards begin to approach Frank and Stein, who look at each other in near-panic.

Frank: (Panicking) Act natural. Maybe they’ll think we’re entertainers?

Stein: (Hissing) That’s the worst idea you’ve had today, Frank.

Quickly, Frank grabs a fruit from the banquet table and starts juggling, eliciting amused gasps from the crowd. Stein, reluctantly, pitches in by doing exaggerated, Shakespearean gestures.

Frank: (Laughing nervously) See? We’re just here to, uh, bring joy to your festivities!

Stein: (Bowing dramatically) Indeed. We are humble performers, mere bringers of mirth and spectacle.

The ruler, intrigued by their impromptu performance, signals the guards to stop.

Ruler: (Amused) Ah, performers! Very well. Continue your show, and we will judge if you’re worthy of this feast.

Frank and Stein exchange desperate glances, knowing they need to keep the crowd entertained while figuring out an escape plan.

Frank: (Stage whisper) What do we do? We can’t juggle and bow our way out of this.

Stein: (Quick thinking) Follow my lead.

Stein steps forward, his voice rising in a practiced, theatrical manner.

Stein: (Proudly) Ladies and gentlemen, nobles and courtiers, we shall now present a tale of great wonder! A story so fantastic it will leave you marveling for days!

Frank joins in, improvising alongside Stein, creating a wild, entertaining narrative about a distant land ruled by sentient machines and magical devices.

Frank: (Dramatic flourish) And in this wondrous land, every meal is prepared by invisible forces, every problem solved by unseen hands!

Crowd: (Gasps, applause, and chatter)

Ruler: (Clapping, impressed) Such imagination! Truly remarkable. Guards, let these performers enjoy the feast.

Frank and Stein finally get a chance to breathe, surveying the hall for an opportunity to escape. The ruler beckons them closer, clearly intrigued.

Ruler: Tell me, strangers, how do you come by such remarkable tales? Are they visions or dreams?

Stein: (Thinking fast) They are… inspired by visions, yes. From a distant time, a realm unexplored.

Frank: (Nodding) You could say we’re… travelers of the mind!

Ruler: (Laughing) Oh, you jest. Such fun! You do brighten our celebrations. Enjoy your evening.

Frank and Stein, more anxious than ever to avoid further complications, inch their way toward the exit, trying to maintain their composure while the banquet continues around them.

Frank: (Whispering) Now might be a good time to try using the device. Quietly, so no one notices.

Stein: (Nodding) Agreed. On my signal.

They edge their way to a secluded alcove just off the main banquet hall, making sure they’re out of sight.

Frank: (Pulling out the device) Ready? Let’s hope third time’s the charm.

Stein: (Takes a deep breath) Do it.

Frank adjusts the settings on the device, and with a final flick, activates it. The familiar glow surrounds them, but this time, instead of chaotic sparks, the light is steady.

Frank: (Nervously laughing) Hold tight, Stein. Here we go again.

The light intensifies, and they finally feel the pull of the temporal shift. Moments later, they land with a soft thud, back in their living room, slightly disoriented but relieved.

Stein: (Collapsing onto the couch) I have never been more grateful to see this clutter in my life.

Frank: (Laughing) See? Adventure, excitement, da Vinci—who else gets to say that?

Stein: (Smiling reluctantly) True. But next time, let’s keep the adventures in our historically cramped apartment.

The two sit back, catching their breath and appreciating the simple chaos of their everyday lives, knowing they’ve narrowly escaped multiple historical disasters.

Frank: (Grinning) Deal. Now, pizza to celebrate?

Stein: (Chuckles) Definitely. And maybe some well-deserved rest.

Evening

The evening sky casts a serene glow over the apartment, and the living room is a mess from Frank and Stein’s chaotic return. They sit on the couch, pizza boxes scattered around them, reflecting on their wild day.

Frank: (Munching on a slice) You know, for all that chaos, today was pretty epic. How often do you get to save a da Vinci masterpiece and crash a royal banquet?

Stein: (Smiling) True, though I could do without the near-executions and frantic storytelling under duress.

Frank: (Laughing) But we made it through, thanks to our combined, uniquely chaotic skillsets.

They share a moment of camaraderie, each realizing how their strengths balanced out the other’s weaknesses during their Renaissance adventure.

Frank: (Gesturing to the time travel device on the table) So, what’s next? You think we should tinker with it more or…?

Stein: (Shaking his head) I think we’ve had enough time travel for one day. Maybe even a lifetime. Let’s focus on figuring out how to control it better before we end up in another historical mess.

Frank: (Nodding) Agreed. But you gotta admit, it was pretty cool seeing your history knowledge in action.

Stein: (Modesty) Just lucky guesses, really. But having your inventiveness saved us more than once today.

Frank: (Grinning) Teamwork, right? We should celebrate that more often.

The doorbell rings, interrupting their conversation. Both exchange puzzled glances before Frank stands to answer it.

Frank: (Opening the door) Who could it be at this hour?

Standing at the door is Mr. Hector Alvarez, the building superintendent. He looks somewhat annoyed, carrying a toolbox and a stern expression.

Mr. Alvarez: Evening, gentlemen. Had a report of strange lights and noises coming from your apartment. Again.

Stein: (Calmly) Ah, Mr. Alvarez. Just a minor mishap with one of Frank’s inventions. Nothing to worry about.

Mr. Alvarez: (Sighing) As long as it doesn’t bring the ceiling down. Keep it safe, alright?

Frank: (Grinning sheepishly) Promise. Just a small experiment that got a bit… out of hand.

Mr. Alvarez: (Grumbling) You two and your experiments. I’ll let it slide this time. But one more complaint and I’m telling your parents, Frank.

Mr. Alvarez leaves, and Frank shuts the door, both of them sighing with mild relief.

Stein: (Bemused) We should probably try to keep a lower profile with our… activities.

Frank: (Laughing) Yeah, don’t need Mr. Alvarez on our case more than he already is.

They settle back onto the couch, the atmosphere now more relaxed. Frank has an impish grin on his face.

Stein: (Noticing) What now? Why are you grinning like that?

Frank: (Playfully) Think we’d ever have another escapade like that again? You pondering any historical recon missions?

Stein: (Laughing) Recon missions? You make it sound like a spy novel. But no. I think we should stick to our studies and maybe a bit of local history for now.

Frank: (Mock pouting) No time travel? What’s the fun in that?

Stein: (Smiling) There’s plenty of fun in our modern chaos, don’t worry. Besides, I’ve had enough Renaissance drama for now.

As they banter, the doorbell rings again. Frank raises an eyebrow, questioning who else could be at their door this late.

Frank: (Opening the door) Round two?

This time, it’s Rachel Ford, the student journalist. She looks both curious and skeptical.

Rachel: Evening, Frank. I heard some wild rumors about strange lights and noises. Stories from our favorite conspiracy theorist, Tabitha. Anything you want to share?

Frank: (Glancing at Stein) Oh, hey, Rachel. Just another day in the life of Frank and Stein.

Stein: (Quietly) More like nightmare rumors. We should probably put out a statement to clarify things.

Rachel: (Stepping inside) I need to get to the bottom of this. People are talking. So, what’s really going on?

Frank and Stein exchange knowing looks. They realize they need to craft a convincing narrative to dissuade Rachel’s prying curiosity without revealing the true chaos.

Frank: (Casually) Just some prototype testing that went a bit haywire. Nothing too sensational. You know how it is—part of the grad student life.

Rachel: (Not buying it) Prototype what exactly? The rumors are pretty wild. Time travel, secret experiments…

Stein: (Calmly) Rachel, they’re just rumors. We’re working on a new project, and sometimes things go wrong. But I promise, nothing dangerous.

Rachel: (Skeptical but intrigued) Alright, but I’ll be keeping an eye on you two. Anything juicy, I’ll be the first to hear, right?

Frank: (Grinning) You got it. First dibs on any groundbreaking experiments.

Rachel leaves, still half-convinced but appeased enough for now. Frank and Stein close the door, relieved to have dodged the journalist bullet.

Frank: (Laughing) Close one. Think she bought it?

Stein: (Sighing) I hope so. Last thing we need is any more attention. Or Tabitha’s wild theories gaining traction.

Frank: (Smiling) Guess we’re back to regular, boring grad student life.

Stein: (Nodding) And thank goodness for that. Though… boring isn’t exactly our style, is it?

They both laugh, settling back into the cozy clutter of their living space, realizing how grateful they are for their normal, yet chaotic lives.

Frank: (After a moment of thoughtful silence) You ever think about the future? I mean, what we’ll do after all this?

Stein: (Reflective) Sometimes. But one thing I’ve learned—from both history and our wild escapades—is that the future’s uncertain. Best to focus on the here and now.

Frank: (Smiling warmly) Wise words, my friend. Here’s to more adventures, but maybe… on a smaller scale.

Stein: (Raising an imaginary glass) Hear, hear. To friendship, and the chaos it brings.

They clink their imaginary glasses, laughing and easing into the comfort of their bonds and quirky coexistence as night fully descends outside.

Frank: (With a grin) So, what do you say? One more slice of pizza and a movie? Maybe something with less… accidental time travel?

Stein: (Chuckling) Sounds perfect. Let’s keep the drama on-screen for a while.