[Paddy:]

The sound of a helicopter is heard and all the guests look up toward the ceiling, Bill Jacks is behind the bar, Shaun and Vietnam Joe sit side by side looking at eachother. Paddy steps in between them reaching to take the beer Bill has drawn for him.

Paddy: Pardon me mates, part the seas, I got a thirst that needs a song you probably never heard of (Paddy turns and walks back over to the juke box and pushes a button)

Rod Stewart - Rhythm of my Heart

Shaun and Joe look over their shoulders watching him as he does so. The other guests all watch as Paddy takes a long swig of beer and closing his eyes begins a private dance in front of the jukebox as the music fills the room

as the lyrics start we see a montage of images around IB, a street view of the Snug Harbor Motel, outside the Cafe looking in, Meyer Dicksteins car pulling up at the head of the pier, the helicopter hovering over the beach, a large bonfire on the beach, then down the avenue to the front of the Yost house, toward the clubhouse and out Mitches window over and above the clubhouse to rise above the yard and Shauns friends out around the half pipe, Adam standing in the middle of it looking up toward the sky, then rising up high above IB looking down at the city lights

As the line "... Rhythm of my heart is beating like a drum" - Cut to Hawaii - Kai stands on the front porch of a beach bungalo, it is trimmed with perpetual Christmas lights, the place inside is crowded with surfers partying. She flips closed her cell phone and looks out to the horizon as the sun dips below it.

At the line"I got lightening in my veins" cut back to the Lounge- In the corner of the room Strawberry Stevens pulls the handle on the antique slot machine there. and Paddy watches her as she does so.

Cut back to Hawaii at next chorus- Kai looks toward a small bonfire out on the beach when she hears laughter, a boy is wrestling a girl to the sand. A young surfer girl comes out and steps next to Kai putting her arm around her shoulder, they watch the two frolicking around the fire together.

At final two chorus' cut to outside Butchie's room looking in through the window - he is taking items out of the box and setting them on the coffee table, he looks out the window again and then draws the curtains closed. A moment later, next to his door, the amber fixture alights.


--SpiritontheWater

------------------------------------------------------------------


A loud banging on his door startles Butchie, he turns down the music and steps quickly and quietly over to the door and peers through the peephole seeing Freddy and Palaka. He opens the door and begins to speak but is cut off.

Freddy: What the hell are you doin'? Where the hell have you been?

Palaka: (over Freddy's shoulder) He's been lookin' for you!

Freddy: (turns and gives Palaka an icy stare) Any one who's made it past the sixth grade could tell from my question that I'd been lookin' for them, it's called inferring.

Palaka: (backs off a bit) Infer, confer, juniper, I know...

Freddy: (points across the parking lot) You stay out here, go talk to that horse over there (Palaka turns and sees a carousel horse over near Ramon's garden, Freddy steps inside as Butchie stands aside closing the door behind them)

Butchie: Was wondering the same thing about the two of you, thought maybe you caught a flight outta here. (Butchie walks over to the refrigerator and pulls out a couple beers, as he does so Freddy looks down and sees the prescription slip on the coffee table and after reading it rolls his eyes and puts it in his pocket while Butchie is looking the other way. Butchie walks over and holds out a beer for Freddy, Freddy just looks at it but does not take it. Butchie sets it down on the coffee table)

Freddy: Where I been is why I been looking for you. I want to have a talk with that whack job friend of yours.

Butchie: John?

Freddy: No, your mother (he shakes his head) I'm talkin to another donkey! (Butchie looks embarrassed, but gets the sarcasm)

Butchie: Ok, Ok, don't get your blood pressure whistling, I've seen him, he just gave me a hot dog (Freddy looks incredulous), but he appears and disappears Freddy, I got no line on him anymore. Think he's moving on or up or whichever way the fuck he goes.

Outside in the parking lot Palaka stands next to the carousel horse with one hand on it's carved mane

Palaka: The boss is been seeing things that aren't there, well, not seeing things that were there, ah, I don't know, the kid's friend is who he's lookin' for. Maybe the doc is who he needs to see. He fixed up my hand pretty good I guess (he looks at his hand and flexes his fingers, then runs his hand down the mane again and down the back patting it on the hind quarters) What are you then, spruce?


--SpiritontheWater

-------------------------------------------------------

Noah sits down next to the small fire just back from the cliff edge on Walkara's bluff, he braces against the cold offshore breeze that bends the flames backwards. He rearranges several candles along side the blanket wrapped body of Moana to keep them from blowing out. The fire light illuminates Moana's frozen face. Noah reaches over and picks up his guitar, With tears in his eyes and his voice breaking he shouts a few words over the edge, down toward the highway as a couple of speeding cars pass below, then he leans back and begins to play, and sing

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Redemption Song

Behind them, looking on from a distance in the dark, there are several horses standing and watching, the fire light flickers in their eyes as they bob their heads up and down and nervously rut the soft ground with their hooves.


--SpiritontheWater

-----------------------------------------------------------

Moana: (opens his eyes and turns his head toward Noah) Whatcha cryin' for Bruddah, If you don't put some more wood on da fire I'm gonna freeze to death up here. You all got some cold ass offshore's around here. Brudduh need to bring the fire inside.

Noah: (looks down at Moana trying to tighten up his blanket and move closer to the fire. He see's him knock over one of the candles and grabs it to set it up again before it goes out) Did ya not hear te song man?

Moana: I heard the song, I heard the man himself sing it in the islands before he died. It brought a tear to my eye then but not anymore, The whole world can sing a song of freedom and as long as there a man in charge it'll just be a song. We're only free from this world when we die. (he reaches over Noah and grabs a few small pieces of wood from a small pile and throws them on the fire) Damn man, is this gonna take much longer... freezing my coconuts.

Naoh: Nah we done now me brudduh; bringin' da warm back to da frozen soul (Noah reaches over and grabs the rest of the scraps of wood and tosses them all on the fire, a column of sparks rises up above them, they both look up to watch it)


--SpiritontheWater

----------------------------------------------------------

Bill Jacks: (standing behind the bar with a vacant look on his face) so, what can I get you boys, a shot of self loathing? (he pours a different shot for Shaun and Joe)

Joe: I've had more of it then I care to remember (he tosses back the shot and slams the glass back on the bar)

Shaun: (lifts his shot glass up and looks at it's pale greenish amber color through the lights) What is this?

Bill: You'll know it in the morning, Shaun.

Shaun drinks the drink and sets the glass down on the bar. He makes a face and shakes his head with a shiver of disgust.

--SpiritontheWater

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rod Stewart & Amy Belle- I Dont Want To Talk About It
[thanks svengali]

One by one each of the eight guests take turns walking up to Barry and Ramon, each one whispering something to them the others cannot hear. As each of them speak to Ramon, they also take a plate and fill it with the food he has prepared and cover each plate with a bowl.

Anastasia walks over to Barry and after looking at him a moment, compassionately wraps her arms around his neck. She gently holds him for a moment more and before separating from him, plants a kiss on his cheek, her lipstick leaves the image of a perfect pair of lips

Montage of Anastasia holding Barry, Cissy hesitating at the bottom of the steps to the clubhouse, Shaun holding his girlfriend. Meyer at the pier, Dwayne talking to Jerry, and Kia and Butchie standing alone , Tina walking down a dark street. Adam across that street watching her.

Paddy: (seeing the kiss, walks over to Ramon's table and taking a cut strawberry rubs it to his lips and then plants a kiss on Ramon's cheek, he looks at the stain with satisfaction) Hardly fair to leave this poor man out now don't you think Strawberry?

As if on cue the guests file out through the front door, they walk off together carrying their plates of food down the driveway of the Snug Harbor across the street and into the dark.

Final verses of song in the background fade...

As the front door softly closes behind the guests, Barry and Ramon continue as if no time has passed. They look at each other though, at the same time, Barry quickly wipes unexplained tears from his eyes. Ramon immediately notices that the tray of food he was just showing to Barry is now empty of its contents

Ramon: (still holding the lid to the tray) How'd that happen?

Barry: (walks over and looks down into the tray seeing only the scraped out remnants) Somebody's been eating my porridge said the Mama bear. (he notices the stain on Ramon's cheek) And it looks like Goldilocks has given papa bear a kiss!

Ramon: (seeing the kiss on Barry's cheek, he points to it) Looks like Goldilock's been getting around.

Barry: (looking around the room) Strange things do seem to be happening here Ramon, (he laughs) is that an understatement? (he nods over toward the bar and sees two shot glasses and a bottle of Johnnie Walker sitting on the bar. He then notices that there is a neon outline over the mirror, it is lit and the whale is undulating and the tiny stickman is oscillating back and forth in the center) And Jonah is in the belly of the whale!.

Ramon: (looks surprised) I got a cousin who does Neon, but he didn't do that!


--SpiritontheWater

[Barry:]

Barry steps inside the Lounge and immediately sees the linen covered , candle lit tables on which Ramon has spread out an assortment of dishes. He next notices the newly remodeled bar, complete with a very large mirror behind it which is etched with the image of a large blue whale spanning it's full length.

Barry: Ramon! You have been working here! And you have preserved the memory of my dear friend!

Ramon: (he smiles at looks proudly at the deeply etched mirror) Cincinnatus.

Barry: But how did you...?

Ramon: I'm not really sure about that...

Barry: (lifting his hands and tracing the arc over the mirror) And the blue lights are exquisite! (he looks at Ramon and shakes his head in amazement, several cobalt blue pendant lights hang arched above the etched mirror to illuminate the back bar shelves which are full of colorful and neatly arranged bottles) A masterpiece!

Ramon: I was hoping you'd like it. My cousin's sister, she done that acid etching, she does lots of stuff like that. And your lights, they worked out good, huh?

Barry: Wonderful, Ramon! I am speechless (he looks down toward the white linen tables and walks over touching a small flower filled vase) to the last touch.

Ramon: Not just me working everything around here. (Ramon points up to the beam over the bar and Barry looks up to see it is fully covered with stickmen, fully stretching from one end to another and then he turns to see the same images continuing all around the walls of the restaurant, the line running continuously from corner to corner to corner and back again, seemingly endless. Finally his eyes come to rest on the far wall behind the large stage where the stickmen multiply into rows and rows covering the wall entirely.)

Ramon: Some things have gone a little crazy around here.

Barry stares at the stickmen covering the wall, then he looks up over his head and sees that he is standing directly under one of the stage lights, he is illuminated in its blue beam.


--SpiritontheWater

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Butchie pulls the van in the parking lot at the Snug harbor and backs into the spot directly in front of the door to his room. He flips open his cell phone and dials, then puts it to his ear.

Butchie: Damn... yeah Kai, it's Butchie again, message one fucking thousand, I got some weird shit from John just now and I really need to hear something from you like real fucking soon... ok, well call me when you get this. (he hits the end button) Fuck!, miss you, love you...miss you. (he rubs his hands over his face and through his hair then shakes his head as if trying to wake himself up, he takes a deep breath and then relaxes in his seat and looks out around the courtyard and motel. He notices the lights next to the room doors on the second balcony and several windows that are lit as well.)

Butchie: Looks like you're back in business, Barry. (suddenly he sees a row of adjacent doors opening at once and in unison several people step out and close the doors behind them) What the fuck is this now? (He watches as all the people turn and walk in line toward the stairs and descend. He watches as the group, evenly spaced, walks slowly, with an almost precisioned unity, over to the door of the lounge and the lead person opens the door. Butchie can hear the loud scraping sound as the door opens) That's some weird shit," table for eight fucking robot tourists", "we're from Cincinnati!" Oh yeah? No shit, could have fooled me! (he gets out of the van, goes around and opens up the back, next to two surfboards there are two large boxes with his name marked on the side, he pulls one out and carries it over to the door, he opens the door and drops it on the floor just inside then goes back to get the second one.)

Butchie: (he closes the back of the van and holding the other box looks over toward the Lounge as the last person enters, he looks back up at the row of rooms with lit windows and notices one room in the middle is dark, four lit on one side and four lit on the other) Friends of yours, John?


--SpiritontheWater

---------------------------------------------------------------

As the screeching door is closed behind them the eight guests move into the room and begin looking around. Barry and Ramon are both frozen in time and though unable to see the guests, in their their mind they hear everything that is said as in a dream which passes in mere seconds.

A tall thin man walks over to the bar and looking up at the row of stickmen reaches out and touches one, the figure glows white at his touch.

Guest One: Walter Waxman at your service!

The teenage boy among them walks over to where Barry is standing and examines his frozen form, he puts his hand out in front of Barry to see the blue light cast on his palm. He turns and watches as two others each take chairs and carry them over to a place a few feet apart from each other on the side wall to the right of the bar, each one climbs up on the chair and reaches up to touch stickmen along at the ceiling's edge.

Guest Two: Skippy Fandango!

Guest Three: Sherri Kay.

Both stickmen begin to glow, one yellow, one green. The figures remain lit as the two climb down and put the chairs back in place at the table by which Ramon stands frozen, lifting the lid on a tray of enchiladas, the steam now suspended cloud-like above them.

Sherri: (sniffing the air, she looks into Ramon's smiling face) All the numbers we have could never amount to the value of this work, there is nothing better than a well made taco and cheese enchilada combination.

A man with brown hair and a medium length beard wearing a worn leather vest walks over to the pool table and grabs a cue stick, he turns and places its tip on a stickman that glows a deep purple.

Guest Four: Harley Miles.

Jumping up the step on the opposite end of the pool table, another man, slender in build and dressed in black head to toe, his hair black and slicked back, snatches up the cue sitting on the table and wielding it like a sword touches the tip in a thrusting motion to dead center of the circle on his stickman. With a flash it lights blue.

Guest Five: Seth Blackinsgame, (he turns to the table and grabs the rack)

Seth: Nine ball, Harley? (Harley turns toward the table and pulls a couple of balls out of the pockets rolling them toward Seth)

Harley: My break, call your pockets.

Stepping on stage a man in a scarf and hat stands upright and salutes Barry. The teenage boy rolls his eyes at the sight. The man turns with exaggeration and still saluting marches to the back wall, then with the toe of his shoe taps his place on the wall, turns around again and drops his salute. The light glows pink, the boy snickers.

Guest six: Kaplan Pierce, awaiting orders!

A loud crack is heard as Harley breaks and the balls scatter about the table. The boy walks around Barry and then over to Ramon, he dips his finger in the enchilada sauce, quickly pulls it out and sticks it in his mouth. A woman sitting at the bar between Sherri and Skippy Fandango slides off the barstool and with everyone turning to watch her, glides over to the jukebox, she looks at the selections for a moment and then reaches up and touches a stickman directly above the machine. She leaves her finger in place as the red glow seems to glow ever brighter, then gently lifts her finger above a place that could be the heart and turns back to the room leaning back against the colorfully lit jukebox.

Guest Seven: Anastasia... Strawberry Stevens. (she tosses her long auburn hair and lets it fall across her shoulder, the boy pulls his finger out of his mouth and looks up an down her red dress, his comment is unintelligible except for the word Strawberry).

With an exaggerated shake of his head ( as if to clear his head of the thoughts he's having) the boy turns and outstretches his arm pointing directly at the mirror behind the bar, the mirror is now outlined in neon and in the center of the now trimmed in blue undulating whale is a tiny white stickman oscillating back and forth. He turns his hand with palm out as in introduction.

Guest Eight, Jonah Walker, everyone! (the others immediately begin to chide him, and with a second flip of his wrist the neon goes out). Aw fer chrissake, give a lad a break, takin' yourselves much too seriously you all are, I was just havin' a bit of fun and if he'd been here like he was supposed to be, then we'd be all a bit more lively now, wouldn't we?! (he jumps up quickly and knocks his knuckle twice on a stickman above the bar and it glows in amber) Paddy Mclure then, if you must have the truth! Now let's get on with it. Barkeep! I'll have a pint thank you please!

Walter: A bottle of Pacifico for me if you got it!

--SpiritontheWater

----------------------------------------------------------

Butchie sits on a new sofa and tries to get comfortable, unable, he grabs a couple of the pillows and throws them on the floor, he reaches over and grabs one of the boxes and slides it over toward him next to the coffee table. He pulls it open and takes out the thing on top, a thick wad of colorful cloth, when he unfolds it, we see it is so large that he has to stand up to open it fully. It's a banner with the face of Bob Marley overlaid with a large bright green marijuana leaf. Butchie looks back at the box and reaches in and pulls out a large multicolored glass bong.

Butchie: Well, thank you once again, my little chicken of the sea! But I hope you got some dope in that box 'cause I got a prescription for a little medical relief! (He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a small square piece of paper and tosses it down on the coffee table. He lays the Bob Marley banner over the arm of the sofa and begins to rummage through the box, he doesn't find any weed) Damn!

Butchie takes the bong and carries it into the kitchen, he opens a cabinet and places it up on the top shelf. He walks back over to the sofa to pick up the Bob Marley Banner and his attention is taken as he notices the lighted window of the lounge. He sees the light from within flickering and hears the muffled music.

Butchie: Disco down, Barry. (he walks back into the kitchen and opens the refrigerator) That's what I'm talking about, Ramon, uno Cerveza por favor! (He slides open a drawer and pulls out a bottle opener and then cracks the cap on the beer letting it fall rattling across the counter. Taking a drink he then turns and hits the play button on a small stereo system on top of a low bookcase, where a couple of books lay tossed on the center shelf, Kem Nunn's Tapping the Source, and Tom Robbins' Another Roadside Attraction. He takes a swig of beer and begins to move to the music just as his cell phone rings, but the music is too loud for him to hear it)

Bob Marley - is this love

--SpiritontheWater

[Shaun:]

Shaun stands at the toilet relieving himself, he closes his eyes and tilts his head back.

Shaun: Man, I'm fucked up, what's going on? (to himself he thinks "John, what's going on"?)

John: (standing behind him) Got to put mustard on your hot dog Shaunie!

Shaun spins around startled, quickly zipping up his shorts but having difficulty.

Shaun: John! Dude you sacred the shit...

John: Scared the piss out of Shaun Yost.

Shaun: Yeah dude, you scared the fucking piss out of me! (Shaun weaves a bit and leans over looking into John's face and smiles a wide drunk grin) Dude, watch this! (Shaun steps back and losing his balance several times he traces a pattern on the floor with his foot, then he spins around and throws his arm out almost falling as he starts laughing) Line forms to the left! (Shaun reaches in his pocket and with some effort pulls out a condom and holds it up to John, Shaun grins widely)

John: Got rolled and the stupid beaners forgot to check his pockets.

Shaun: (laughing at what John said), Fucking right man, I rolled a fatty (slurring and hanging on to John's shirt front) Dude, I'm so glad you're here! I'm having a kick ass party, man, everybody's here...come on, come on, I got to introduce you to my girlfriend!  (Shaun fumbles with the door and eventually opens it. He pulls John out and into his room which is filled with people loudly talking and moving in a chaotic rhythm to the music blaring from the speakers in the corner. Oblivious to the fact that no one ispaying any attention) Hey everybody, this is John, he's my friend... from Cincinnati! (only Adam hears Shaun and gets up off Shaun's bed and stands in front of John)

John: (looks down in Adams face) The lighthouse is gone.

Shaun: Oh man, my Grams, Grams... and Gramps they've been takling about you.. But don't tell them anything...not tonight...

John: Not in their lifetime Shaunie.

Shaun: Ohh oh but my dad... my dad.... is wondering where you been too... (Shaun steps away from John and smiling heads over to a girl standing in the corner who is smiling at him and holding up a joint for him)

Adam: (watching Shaun and smiling) Butchie gone wild.

John: Butchie Yost?

(In the clubhouse Cissy and Mitch stand at the window looking toward the sunset)

Cissy: (Drawing in a deep breath) It actually smells pretty good!

Mitch: I must really have a brain tumor, I could have sworn there was a naval radio complex on that bluff over there.

Cissy: Maybe I should go down and bum a joint, shit, he probably doesn't even know how to roll one.

Mitch: That's right Cissy, maybe you should crash Shunie's party and show him how to do it.
Cissy: (looks at Mitch dismissively) I think I forgot to put out mustard for the hot dogs. (Cissy walks out and stands briefly at the top of the stairs).

(Back in Shaun's room Shaun walks over to John with his arm draped around a girl)

John: Cissy's gonna show you how to do that.



--SpiritontheWater

----------------------------------------------------------------

Butchie is sitting in his van looking out at the remaining pink clouds following the sunset, suddenly John is kneeling behind him in the space just between the seats, he is holding out a hot dog for Butchie.

Butchie: (surprised) Jesus John! Where the fuck did you come from!

John: I brought you a hot dog, Butchie.

Butchie: I see that buddy (Butchie takes the hot dog) Thanks... but where you been, pal? I was beginning to think you bit the dust at the contest.

John: Some things I know Butchie, (he points up in the air)

Butchie: Is that right? What do you know John?

John: Everybody died, Butchie.

Butchie: What's that buddy?

John: Everybody dies Butchie.

Butchie turns in his seat and looks at John.

Butchie: Everybody dies... or died , John?

John: Everybody died.

Butchie takes the hot dog and looks at it.

Butchie: Is that right? (he peels the bun away from the hot dog and examines it more closely) Damn, John don't you know a dog's gotta have mustard on it?

John: Some things I know Butchie.

Butchie: Yeah? Well you don't know hot dogs for shit, what else do you know buddy?

John: Kai did not die, Butchie, Shaun was by her side.

Butchie: (drops the hot dog on his lap) What the fuck are you talking about John, did something happen, do I need to be going to Hawaii?

John: (reaches in his pocket, pulls out a packet of mustard and hands it to Butchie) Work here, Butchie. Kai showed you how to do that.


--SpiritontheWater

------------------------------------------------------------------

Dwayne stands up and repositions the camera facing the shoreline, and then he holds up a photo. The land is now vacant, the land that the picture proves beyond doubt that the structure was there no less than six months ago. He reads the photographers inscription beneath the photo "Elephant Cage - May '09"

Dwayne: This is big! (he flips the page before his eyes and in front of the computer screen broadcasting the bare strip of headlands, then he sticks it out in front of the camera to record it) Now you see it now you don't! This is huge! (he locks the box down over the camera and computer and heads back down the pier toward IB).


--SpiritontheWater

-------------------------------------------------------

Cass pulls the Porsche over to the curb at the entrance to the pier and holds her camera up to focus its lens down the length of the walkway leading out beyond the sand. There are only a few people walking there now and she immediately recognizes Dwayne as he sees her and walks quickly toward her.

Cass: Well, there's Dwayne, that's somebody at least.

Dwayne: (waving at Cass like he's hailing a taxi) Excuse me miss... (he hurries awkwardly to the car)

Cass: It's Cass, we met at the motel.

Dwayne: Yes, Cass, I'm sorry... Hello, may I impose on you to give me a ride to the Café, (he opens the door to get in) Something extraordinary has happened...

Cass: (Grabs her camera off the seat before he nearly sits on it) Sure, why not, you're the only familiar face I've been able to find today, I could use the company. (She looks past him and stares down the pier again)

Dwayne: Are you looking for someone in particular?

Cass: Yes actually, I was looking for John, or Butchie, they seem to have just disappeared.

Dwayne: That's not all that's disappeared.

Cass: What do you mean?

Dwayne: You remember a navy radio station that was out on the headlands just up the coast there? (he motions over his shoulder with his thumb)

Cass: Uh yeah, I think so, the thing with the fence around it?

Dwayne: Yeah, then you've seen it, well, it's not there anymore, it's just gone, vanished!

Cass: (stares ahead blankly) You're kidding, I think I have some footage of that place.

Dwayne: I'd like to review that if I could.

Cass: And get this, there's another place I took some footage of, the old lifeguard tower down by the fire pits... it was a Historic Landmark, and I drove down there this afternoon and it wasn't there anymore. I filmed there the day before the contest, and it was definitely there then (She looks at Dwayne and he looks at her, then Cass starts the Porsche and they pull away from the curb)


--SpiritontheWater

---------------------------------------------------------------


Barry walks across the courtyard of the Snug Harbor heading toward the office but stops suddenly, he looks up at the evening sky and takes in a deep breath; he is clutching Teddy in his arms.

Barry: For every end there is a new beginning, twilight sounds approaching dawn. (he holds out Teddy and looks at him) Did you know that Teddy?

Barry looks at the ground where he is standing and then turns around in place and looks back and forth from one structure to the other and then back straight down the driveway as if to assess his exact location . He stops and stares out toward the street as a car drives by.

Barry: (quickly lifts a hand to touch his temple) Have I not seen my own end Teddy, has twilight come and dawn passed unnoticed for me? (he looks from side to side again) In this very spot I remember a brightness, laughter and song, all quieted now. (he looks around again, his eyes falling on a spot where there is a large pile of dirt surrounded by the broken asphalt) It's darker now. ( he looks up at the second story balcony and notices the lights next to the doors glowing amber) Softer. Good choice Teddy, those fixtures.

With a loud scraping and squeaking noise the door to the lounge suddenly opens and a patch of light cuts through a shadowed path from the door to Barry's feet. Ramon is standing in the doorway.

Ramon: My cousin's gonna fix this door tomorrow, hinges are gone, metal on metal where the weatherstripping used to be.

Barry: Ramon!

Ramon: (smiles at Barry and motions for him to come inside) I got a little surprise for you!

Barry: I am surprised Ramon, by each new moment it seems! (he walks over toward the steps leading up into the lounge and the two of them step inside, Ramon closes the squeaking door behind them cutting off the illuminated path, leaving the place where Barry was standing in the darker light)


--SpiritontheWater

--------------------------------------------------------------------

[John:]

A cloudy windy August day at Imperial Beach.
A young man sits alone, knees up to his chest, his long hair blowing in the breeze. He stares out at the pounding surf crashing on the beach. A lone figure silently approaches and stands behind him.

John: Michael , Michael Smith. Your new beginning is near. Young Dr.Smith raises his head slightly.

Michael: John, I thought I felt your presence here. Come, sit with me.

John sits, knees up to his chest, both men staring out at the horizon.

Michael: This extraordinary gift you have given me. I...... I am still trying to adjust.

John: My father has given you this gift. Michael will adjust.

Michael: But I am unsure, I have doubts.

John: Dr. Smith once had doubts. Dr. Smith knew what he wanted. Dr. Smith had a vision to make the world a better place. You are Dr Smith.

Michael: (looking up) I was, now I have to start all over again, I must take a different path this time.

John: Start all over again Michael. Take a different path.

A few moments of silence fall between them as a brilliant ray of sun shines down from a break in the clouds.

Michael: (sighs) I've been given this opportunity to rewind 20 yrs and change the course of my destiny. Was my life meant to touch so many others?

John: I don't know Butchie, instead.

Michael:(smiling) I've been accepted to UCSD, I start classes in September .

John:(smirking) Is UCSD in Cincinnati ?

Michael: (laughing, looking at John) I don't know Butchie, instead.

As the orange and red glow of the sun setting beneath the clouds on the horizon, the two wind swept figures sit together on the beach as seagulls circle about crying.


--Myles17

------------------------------------------------------------------

A big trailer is parked on the outskirts of Huntington. It's painted black, with the white Stinkweed logo and a Stickman emblem. Inside is a specialized bus/studio, with the full setup for a TV broadcast.

Link, with a bottle of beer in his hand, is in a swivel chair on wheels slowly moving along a line of TV monitors showing scenes of surfing.
Jake Ferris enters the bus.

Jake: You playing hard to get, amigo, checked out from the hotel.

Linc: One of the pretenders.... (humming) My pretty countryside, la-la-la, like you give a flying fuck! Don't fucking bother to open your mouth, I know why you're here.

Jake: I.... am here as your friend.... I know you saw it coming. It's been finalized, Linc. With the downturn the board had to sell Stinkweed. The offer like that, it makes perfect business sense.

Linc: Yeah, like pissing against the wind. Those homegrown dickheads and their shitholders know exactly zilch about surfing or... curing malaria.... (lifting the empty bottle) Give them my fucking best!

Jake: Listen... that rainman.... there were expectations...

Linc: What, for a giant mothership landing, to kick the shit out of everyone, or for a fucking freak show they could sell? Which one you leeches had the money riding on? Get the fuck outta here, Jake, get back to your trough, or you'll be late. Don't forget to wash your hands, asswipe.

Jake: Fuck you too, Link, you're on your own!

Linc: (watching Jake leave) So you say, left all and followed.... Ha, not for long, brother. (he grabs another bottle, opens it and takes a long pull, looking at the monitors) Surf's up, ladies and gentlemen.

Suddenly all the TV screens turn black, then the face of John appears on every one of them.

John: A leopard can't change his spots, Linc. My father is shy doing his business.

Linc: Halle... fucking... lujah! Didn't think I'd see you again.

John: No place like home! (smiling) Don't do heavy lifting with light equipment.

Linc: I'll drink to that...
Joe Cocker Mad Dogs - Cry me a River 1970
Joe Cocker / Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Cry Me A River, 1970
or the alternate
Joe Cocker/Mad Dogs and Englishmen, The Letter, 1970

--svengali2

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Blurry shapes appear to move through a dark haze becoming brighter and more distinct. Then the understanding that the movement is a bird sitting on a driftwood railing on the other side of Barry's patio beyond the glass doors. Cass stands silent looking back as she and the bird share a moment of clarity. The sun is much lower than last she noticed. How long had she been gone this time? A couple hours at least.

She turns her attention on the computer monitor on the desk in front of her then takes a seat and checks for new files. Apparently the movie is going well today. There was a 130mb upload to Dwayne that started not two minutes ago. That new website he started, thespiritofjohn.com, has really helped keep our little enterprise financially afloat. Not that John needs help doing that, or that Barry isn't willing. But this way the IRS won't have any reason to ask questions...

"Questions" she mutters to herself, more a statement then, well, a question. She has become so used to not questioning. So unlike her... the old her. The old her would want to know exactly when her workroom had become Barry's living room. Just sort of happened. And Barry... Why does she enjoy having Barry as a roommate so much? He's not the sort of person she would have befriended... well, she mentally took that thought back. He is loaded and she, the old her... well...

For a moment the differences between what she was and who she is felt like a gapping abyss. How. Why. So many questions... with unknowable answers. She's become oddly comfortable living in the ambiguity of it all. The answers are not unknowable, she reminds herself; just not knowable yet.

"The end is near."
"Yes. John. The end is near." She wasn't startled as she knew he was there, behind her, for his silhouette had appeared moments earlier reflecting off the monitor screen. She doesn't turn but instead opens the file that just stopped uploading and starts it from the beginning to see what Dwayne will be posting today. As the images stream by, Cass feels her mind open. A minute, two mintues go by and then a feeling breaks through... a feeling that seems to tell her some of the answers are close. But what answers and to what questions. Maybe answers to the questions these video segments keep bringing up. "Like what to call it," this film, this chronicle, this act of faith...when it's finally ready for the big screen.

"Questions.. more questions without answers."

And as quickly as that...a startling relief passes through her. John's reflection has vanished. She opens the title sequence in the video editor and types the nine letter title. Yes. The movie is going well today indeed.


--SaveJFC

------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill Jack's house. Bill slices an apple into pieces while listening to Zippy's rhythmic chirping.

Bill: What now, bird, you'd request a golden crown? Oh, lest everyone forget who fed your hungry mouth.... Jesus Christ, Zip, you screwing with me again? I'm a laughingstock for speaking like a snake handler! What's next, you want me to put on a tutu like that fucking weasel Hoover, that dishonorable thieving meister?

Zippy: Squawk! Squawk! Squawk!

Bill: Forget that, pal, sing or don't sing, he's not coming back..... How do I know! Must've been sent to recharge his fucking batteries.... if anyone in the fucking world is interested in the opinion of a retired cop.

Bill feeds Zippy few pieces of the apple, goes to the couch, and begins to read from a book he picks up from the table, first silently, then aloud.

Bill: We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep......(he listens to Zippy) No, I didn't say I hate Shakespeare, pal...... Zip, you know I was fucking distrustful of that prestidigitator. Couldn't believe it was my Lo talking through him. What I'd give to hear her voice again!

Zippy dances on his perch nodding in agreement.


--svengali2

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Little Feat - Willin' then Don't Bogart That Joint - 01.02.09
Night is spreading its wings above Imperial Beach. The camera, like the night itself, is seeing everything and everyone as it sweeps down the dimly lit city streets.

The front door of the Internet Café is closed; Jerry drags out the trash to the container in the back, wipes her hands on the apron and goes inside.
In a room at Snug Harbor Ramon reads a worn old volume in bed, closes it and shuts the light.
The room where Barry stays is empty; the beach in the picture on the wall seems deserted, as if the sea lion and the whale departed a long time ago to some other island paradise.
In the next room Palaka is learning to play saxophone, slowly tapping his fingers on the keys.

On the pier, where anglers are waiting patiently for their catch, Vietnam Joe finishes his joint, flicks the roach in the water and starts collecting his fishing gear.

Vietnam Joe: Told him I'm not gonna give up herb.... Maybe I should've.... Bad sign, been seein' ghosts when sun's up, first the frat boy..... who the hell it's gonna be tomorrow?.... Mag, you good sweet woman, was it somethin' I said? Tomorrow is a long time, brother....

Vietnam Joe slowly walks down the pier talking to himself, looking smaller with every step, finally disappearing in the darkness.


--Svengali2

---------------------------------------------------

Windows in Mitch's clubhouse are open to the night breeze. Cissy and Mitch are in bed. Bursts of laughter and sounds of music are heard from the Yosts house.

Mitch: Santa Anas are coming. It seems every year the fires start earlier and burn longer.

Cissy: Fuuuck! I knew it! Can you smell it ? Can you smell it, Mitch? I knew it, it's pot! You fuckin' allowed this whole farewell thing, they fuckin' smoke pot and there's this girl!

Mitch: Come on, Cissy, he is 16, you can't pin him to your skirt. Besides he'll be touring with the big boys now. When I was his age..... (he moves close to Cissy and puts his hand on her belly) you and me, remember?

Cissy: (with a short laugh) Couldn't keep your dick out of me for an hour. All the places were we fucked... Remember that path, next to the chaparral.... What's there now, eh?

Mitch: Overgrown and gone, Cissy.

Cissy: Are we fucking old? When did that happen, Mitch?

(Mitch doesn't answer. They lay silent, embracing each other).

Cissy sits up in bed and lifting her arms starts tying her long hair in a knot.

Mitch: You are..... so....

Cissy: What, as big as some old fucking hag like Leona Helmsley? Am I too fat for you now?

Mitch: Cassiopeia! That hair....

Cissy: That skinny little blond still gives you an itch? Such an unforgettable pussy she had, eh?

Mitch: Good God, Cissy, for once, would you not swear like a drunken sailor! Cassiopeia is a constellation named after a beautiful Greek queen, she had long golden hair.

Cissy straddles Mitch in one fluid movement.

Cissy: You're a fucking romantic, Mitch. A constellation! (She bends down, kissing him) Ride your magic carpet with me!

Mitch:(readily) Would be.... happy..... to oblige, but I.... think I've grown..... roots, Cissy. (They are not moving for a moment) How long couldn't I levitate for? Since that jokester in the deck disappeared.

Cissy: Do you think we'll see him again?

Mitch: Nah, probably not in our lifetime.

Cissy: Whatever.... fuck me.... or make love to me, your choice.

The breeze and the moonlight, love and sorrow blend into a tune heard from a distance.
Iron and Wine - Such Great Heights

In deep darkness we hear John's voice.

John: I listen! .... Cepheus lies next to Cassiopeia in the sky, the only husband-and-wife couple among the constellations.... Meet the fucking Jetsons!


--svengali2

[Joe:]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun breaks over the IB pier as Joe is fishing... He feels a bite, and we see him fight to reel the fish in. A sudden snap, and the fish is gone.

Joe: God damn it. Another one lost.

To his left, we see John, hands in pockets, collar raised.

John: They are not lost Joe, you are not lost.

Joe: (surprised) Jesus, frat boy, you're gone for six months and that's the best you can come up with?

John: That's the best I can come up with.

Joe: Well, if I've ever seen shit fucked up like this before, I don't remember when. Tell me you have a plan!

John: I have a plan.

Joe: Well a-fucking-men...

John: A fucking-men!

John looks up to the sky and as he does so Joe's fishing line tugs in his hands.

--backinthegame

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Butchie is sitting on the front step of Yost's house. Shaun comes out of the house skateboard in hand...and seeing Butchie, stops and sits beside him.

Neither one speaks for a while.

Shaun: Happy Birthday, Dad.

Butchie looks at him confused.

Butchie: What day is it?

Shaun: It's the 13th.

Butchie: You remembered my birthday? You know my birthday? Christ, I hardly know my own birthday. I don't even know y....

Butchie stops suddenly with a look of self disgust.

Shaun looks at the ground. Tipping his skateboard over he uses one end to draw a monad on the concrete walkway by his feet.

Shaun: I know, Dad.

Butchie (shaking off his self loathing): What a day, huh?

Shaun (looking up at Butchie with a smile): Helluva birthday present.

Butchie: You don't think....John....?

Shaun: I dunno.

There is a long moment of silence.

Butchie: Hey! Seeing how it's my birthday and all, how about we go for a hot dog?

Shaun: What about them?

Butchie and Shaun look up at the news vans and cars that have gathered on the street in front of the house. Mitch and Link are talking to a group of reporters.

Butchie: Yeah, you're right, we better go over the fence.

Butchie and Shaun disappear inside the house.

--Waxon

--------------------------------------------------------------------


Early morning at the Motel, Barry rises to a new day...

Barry: What a beautiful morning, would you agree, Teddy? Today is the day we start anew here. The renovations to the rooms are nearly complete. I see a grand reopening ceremony. Must remember to ask Ramon about... that one room though (eyes gazing downward).

John appears outside Barry's window.

John: Barry the fairy still fears Mr. Rollins, Barry should not be afraid, Barry is stronger than that now.

Barry: You are correct in that assumption, my dear sir. I have risen above that tawdry incident. I am in control now, you speak the truth.

John: I speak the truth.

(a knock on Barry's door).

Ramon: Barry? Barry, it's Ramon, breakfast is almost ready, hot coffee, eggs, sausages, come and get it.

Barry: Ah, entrée vous, Ramon, I was thinking of you. How are the preparations going.... I had a dream last night..

Ramon: Did you dream of numbers, Barry, numbers? Wait, I'll get a pen... mi número, mi número...

(Barry glances back at his window, John is gone)

Barry: (to himself) My, Teddy, Ramon and his numbers, whatever does he think I can do.... Yes, today is a new day, my past is behind me.... We will start with a light breakfast, then on to one last inspection of the rooms. Of course, it might seem odd that there is no longer a room 24. It was a good thing to eliminate that number, just darn bad luck to keep it. Right, Teddy?

Barry and Teddy head off to breakfast.

--Myles17

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Butchie stands at the edge of the ocean. Sand and pebbles wash over his bare feet as he gazes out into the surf. Five teenagers are paddling out on their surfboards to meet the formidable breakers some 100 yards out from the shore. One by one, they pop up onto their boards only to be tossed like rag dolls into the chaotic whitewater that crashes down onto the beach. The blond one grabs the biggest wave of all and rides it in like he was born on a surfboard. He cruises all the way into the beach and steps off the board right in front of Butchie. It is Shaun.

Shaun: Hey, dad...

Butchie: Hey handsome, nice ride.

Shaun: Yea, I guess.

Butchie and Shaun walk together down a quiet IB street. It is late afternoon.

Butchie: So, you cool with everything? Your gram and gramps seem at peace with the whole deal, how about you?

Shaun: I'm cool, gramps says things are gonna be different this time. I heard them talking the other night...he says he isn't gonna make the same mistakes he made with you. He's talking about a trust fund or something.... and having him and grams go out on the road with me.

Butchie: Yea, well, he's a wise old soul and grams would probably torture and kill anyone who would mess with you. You can trust their judgment, let them handle the little fucking details and you just concentrate on the surfing.

Shaun: I know, Dad.

They arrive at the Yost's house. The street is empty. The din of unwanted publicity has finally died down.

Butchie: Listen, man, I'm heading home. Grams is pissed at me again so I'm gonna give her a few days to cool down. I'll catch up with you tomorrow, stop by?

Shaun (smiling): I'll be there.

Shaun heads inside. No one is home. He makes himself a sandwich and goes to the back, where he sits in a lawn chair. He pulls a joint out of his shirt pocket and lights it. After a couple of hits he starts to eat the sandwich.
Twenty feet above him a baby bird tries to walk around its mother's nest. The baby wobbles around, walks to the edge and plummets head first into the rocks below, not far from Shaun's feet. It is dead. Shaun looks sadly at the little ball of feathers. He gets up and walks inside. Cicada music fills the air as the back door swings open and Shaun re-emerges with a shoe box and shovel in hand.
He walks over to the lifeless lump, gently picks up the carcass and places it in the box, then walks over to the far side of the yard and begins to dig a hole.
Shaun stops digging and looks at the box. He can hear chirping and see that the top of the box is moving ever so slightly.
He opens the shoe box and the baby bird flies out into the open air, landing on a tree branch at eye level with Shaun. The bird shakes its head several times, looks at Shaun and flies off into the night sky.

--Zippyfan

[That is the last episode that was being written on HBO BB before we were thrown out. Re-posted here for everyone's convenience - in case someone wants to continue that episode or simply refresh in their mind where the characters were left. The rest of the story is here:http://furtherdaysofjfc2.blogspot.com/]

That is the last episode that was being written on HBO BB before we were thrown out. Re-posted here for everyone's convenience - in case someone wants to continue that episode or simply refresh in their mind where the characters were left.

The rest of the story is here:http://furtherdaysofjfc2.blogspot.com/


My apologies for the plain text, it will take some time to work on bolds and itallics.

Finished! (beautifying, that is, bolds, etc.)

I Shall Not Be Moved
This video would go along well with yours, Save.
I probably saw it on Facebook. In general I resent spreading bad news, especially if there is no action to be taken. Bottled up anger is harmful!
Here it calls for some action, whatever insignificant it seems.

Nah, build it and they come, don't doubt, Captain. I like fooling with I-ching, helps me concentrate on my thoughts, the"difficulties at the beginning" came up when I threw coins about the BB.

Just for you - to honor the thread you started.
Surfer Blood - Floating Vibe
Those guys probably should rename their band "Surfers Blood and Oil", or something. They are from Florida.

["In preparation of the celebration"]

"In preparation of the celebration"

To everyone interested and Save (T-a):

The BB is open but our numbers are abysmally low.
Since after the exile from HBO, our permanent move to the new home here coincides with the 3rd anniversary of JFC premiere, I think it calls for a "big and huge" public announcement. I mean that we (Save) have a mailing list of some hundreds of e-mail addresses of JFC fans, who haven't been contacted for a while for the lack of news.
I think and suggest to send everyone an invitation to the revamped JFC forum for the family reunion.
The time is tight, the June 20th is close, so we have to decide ASAP.

Any thoughts?

Maybe we also should ask in the invitation, if anyone wants to say a couple of words about the show and its effect on their life, or ask to say anything whatsoever about it. I hope that would remind people that the board exists and is active once again.

JFC deserves a parade!

I love the scene, Captain,  "sense of humor" that for me is one of inherent parts of life, is driving it. Thanks again!

Lovely and intriguing, Wax.
I'm eager to read more. And then some more!

You know, even if it's only very few people that will read Further Days, it would serve its goal. I love George Harrison song "Horse to the water", Jerry's comment reminded me about that. Funny.

Do you have plans for Bill Jacks and Vietnam Joe? They are still sitting at Bill's house as of the end of last episode. I have something to play with, just don't know what's your ideas for the next scene.

Have to tell you, that it's perfectly easy to transfer posts from the BB to the blog! Format is compatible to the t and you don't have to go through bolds and itallics again. Also, I posted your scene where it should be - at the bottom of the episode, the scene itself is in drafts. Don't worry, nothing (almost nothing) gets lost on my watch. Can't say "no one" though.

george harrison- crackerbox palace

[Bill Jacks]

Captain, as you requested, your wonderful scene is now on the Write your Own Scenes thread, with the movie clip "Klaatu Barada Nikto."
Is that alright? It looks beautiful there! Hope there would be many more, don't limit yourself.
"This country is doomed, but go ahead, have fun" - Bill Jacks

Thank you very much for your contribution, it warms my heart - your kindness and creativity!

[John Is An Alien!]

John Is An Alien!

klaatu barada nikto

Somewhere in the Pleiades's star system, two officers in Planet Control Operations take their posts in front of an omnibus of plasma video screens all linked vibrationally to every outpost planet they have colonized or visited in the last 500 billion years.

It's the first watch. Junior Technical Officer Jana and Officer of the Day, Marcus begin their series of routine checks.

Marcus: How are the readings?

Jana: The Vibrational Detection System running normally, sir. Nothing to report.

Marcus: Very well, then. Carry on.

The organically programmed VDS is an autonomous network much like a Richter scale that must be observed and documented on a timely schedule of eyeball checks.

Jana: Oh, fuck!

Marcus: (sitting up straight in his ergonomic anti-gravity chair): What is it?

Jana: You know that little outpost planet way out there on the fringe of the Free Will Zone?

Marcus: You mean Terra? Third planet from that dying Sol Star?

Jana: Yes, Sir! That's the one! It just blinked!

Marcus: Again? So soon?

Jana: Sir?

Marcus: Never mind.  Who is our emissary on Terra?

Jana: Checking, sir. (she flips a toggle switch, twists some dials and John's face comes into view on the huge plasma screen in front of the officers.)

Jana: John, sir. John. They call him John from Cincinnati.

Marcus: Ah, yes, good man, that John. Been around many lifetimes.  

Jana: Yes, sir.

Marcus: What was John's most recent message from Terra?

Jana: (Her fingers touch the tiny console screen on her control board where John's face beams and begins to scroll a series of ones and zeroes.)  The End is Near, sir.

Marcus: (laughing heartily) Yes, that sounds like John alright! Always had a great sense of humor. (takes a deep breath) Well, it's gonna be a long watch.

Jana: Yes, sir.


--Captainpeace

[A playground for anyone who sees our characters in roman togas or spacesuits, tomorrow or a thousand years ago, in a spoof or in an ancient tragedy. Tell it as you see it, keep them alive.]

A playground for anyone who sees our characters in roman togas or spacesuits, tomorrow or a thousand years ago, in a spoof or in an ancient tragedy. Tell it as you see it, keep them alive.