JohnFromCincinnati.net

This is the whole story as it was written on the now extinct JFC Bulletin Board on HBO website.
All the episodes are now under one roof, so anyone could read here what had occupied our minds and imagination after, on August 13 of 2007, "John from Cincinnati" was canceled.

The same episodes could also be found in two blogs here:

http://jfcwritings.blogspot.com/ (http://jfcwritings.blogspot.com/)

http://furtherdaysofjfc2.blogspot.com/ (http://furtherdaysofjfc2.blogspot.com/)

Episode 11, His Visit, Day 10

DISCLAIMER: John From Cincinnati and its canon characters are the property of HBO and the show's producers; no copyright infringement is intended.

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Written by: Walkara, SpiritontheWater, theshriek, Waxon, Gunga Din, and Aureate.

Butchie and Kai take Shaunie surfing; Tina gives Cissy a ride; Bill and Zippy take orders from Her Ladyship; Erlenmeyer receives a message; Mitch gets stuck in a tree; business is booming for Jerri; Meyer and Daphne set a date; Ramon teaches Barry how to make tamales; Vietnam Joe helps a Mexican woman look for her son; Moana extends his visit; Freddy tells Palaka to get his bear back; Linc has car trouble; Dr. Smith adjusts to his new condition; John shows Cass where else to work.

(Cue Opening Credits, music by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros)

Lord, there goes Johnny Appleseed
He might pass by in the hour of need
There's a lot of souls
Ain't drinking from no well locked in a factory

Hey - look there goes
Hey - look there goes
If you're after getting the honey - hey
Then you don't go killing all the bees

Lord, there goes Martin Luther King
Notice how the door closes when the chimes of freedom ring
I hear what you're saying, I hear what he's saying
*Is what was true now no longer so

Hey - I hear what you're saying
Hey - I hear what he's saying
If you're after getting the honey - hey
Then you don't go killing all the bees

What the people are saying
And we know every road - go, go
What the people are saying
There ain't no berries on the trees

Let the summertime sun
Fall on the apple - fall on the apple

Lord, there goes a Buick forty-nine
Black sheep of the angels riding, riding down the line
We think there is a soul, we don't know
That soul is hard to find

Hey - down along the road
Hey - down along the road
If you're after getting the honey
Then you don't go killing all the bees

Hey - it's what the people are saying
It's what the people are saying
Hey - there ain't no berries on the trees
Hey - that's what the people are saying, no berries on the trees
You're checking out the honey, baby
You had to go killin' all the bees

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

(Day Ten begins)

(The phone rings in Ramon's room, waking him from a deep sleep.)

Barry: Buenos Diaz, RRámon!

Ramon: (wiping his eyes) Huh?

Barry: Divine inspiration: Tamales!

Ramon: Huh?

Barry: Did you suspect, Rámon, that I would so easily forget the promise made to me, a laudable endeavor to calm my hysteria not two days prior, my close friend, invaluable confidant, and employee, to teach me the Art of the Tamale?

Ramon: What time is it?

Barry: Oh, just you never mind about that, grumpy bear. We have Work to do.


--Walkara

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

Erlenmeyer awakes in the Yost tree house, snuggled comfortably in a pile of blankets on the floor. He looks at the wall, and smiles to himself. He inhales, deeply, and exhales, strangely satisfied. He gets to his feet, stretches his arms in the air, twists right, twists left, and brings them back down to his sides. After rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he steps out the door, refreshed by the cool morning air and its wisp of the ocean, intending to go inside for breakfast, but something catches his ear. He turns, facing the Elephant Cage and pauses for a few moments. He nods his head slightly, as if registering something, and walks down the steps. As he passes the house he hears Mitch and Cissy arguing inside. 'Foreplay,' he grins to himself. He gets in his "car", pushes a tape--The Grateful Dead's American Beauty--in the tape deck and drives away. He makes it through "Ballad of El Paso," "Ripple," and half of "Till the Morning Comes" before reaching the YMCA surf camp, near the Imperial Beach Radio Receiving Facility. He parks, gets out, with a blanket in hand, and walks fifty paces before spreading it out and sitting down. He gets in the full lotus position and exhales...


--Walkara

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

(Standing over Shaun, asleep in Butchie's bed, John tilts his head to the side, listening. Butchie is sleeping on the floor, still wearing his stickman t-shirt)

John: El Camino. (He opens the door, walks outside and hops in the back of the new car.)

Linc's navigator pulls into the parking lot and parks next to the El Camino. Linc gets out of the car and approaches John.

Linc: Morning, John.

John: Morning, Linc. My father has more Big and HUGE for us today.

Linc: Okay, John. I've gotta meet Jake at the internet cafe for breakfast first. The Money behind Stinkweed is giving Jake hell over holding the Yost Surfing Exhibition here in I.B on Saturday. Five days doesn't give us much time, and they wanna move the event to Huntington. They said I.B. doesn't have the waves for "a real exhibition."

John: The waves will come.

Linc: On Saturday?

John: Yes, Linc.

Linc: So what else is on the agenda today, my brother?

John: We need Cass' camera

Linc: Because we hear your Father's words better in Cass' camera, right?

John: You hear my Father's words, Linc.

Just then Cass' vintage Porsche pulls into the Snug Harbor. She parks her car next to Butchie's van, gets out and walks over to the Camino. Her camera is already rolling.

Cass: Where are we working today, John?

Linc's phone rings, he answers and walks away from the car

John: Grab your jump-balls, Cass. (He stands and motions for her to get in the back of the Camino, which she does.)

The screen door of room F swings open and Butchie comes out, scratching his balls and stretching

Butchie: (yawning) What's the fuckin' word, kurds?"

John: Bring Butchie out of semi-retirement. (John sits down) Learn from the best, fuck the rest.

Butchie: Alright, buddy. I'll wake up Shaunie.

Shaun: (walks outside, already wearing his "fatigues") You ready to get dusted, dad? (He smiles)

Butchie: Fuck me, you're ready already.

John: Shaun's ready already.

(Butchie walks past Shaun and goes back inside to collect his gear.)

Shaun:(goes over to the El Camino, puts his board in the back, and hops in the driver's side) I'll drive.

(Kai's jeep pulls into the parking lot and parks next to the porche. Kai gets out, smiling, she walks over to the Camino.)

Kai: Nice car. Who's is it?

John: You're ready for the El Camino.

Kai: You "called" me, John?

John: Butchie and Shaun need you on the water.

(Butchie resurfaces from his room, with his board under arm)

Butchie: What the fuck happened to you yesterday, Kai? (He walks over the Camino and puts his board in the back, and turns to her) You missed the parade. (He wraps his arms around her and brings her to his chest. She pushes her ear against him and listens to his heartbeat.)

Kai: Surfing, but I heard all about it on the radio.

Butchie: (He let go of her, grabs and squeezes her hand and then walks over to the driver's side) Scoot over, Shaunie.

Shaun: Can I drive, Dad?

Butchie: Sorry dude. (Butchie opens the door and motions for Kai to get in the passenger side while Shaun scoots over.)

Kai: My gear and board are in my Jeep. (She goes over and gathers her stuff, throws it in the back, and hops in the car)

Linc: (walks back to the group, his phone still held up to his ear) Fuck that, Jake. We're holding the event here, and if those cocksuckers don't like it, tell 'em to take a good look at the contracts. We set the terms. Tell 'em to go fuck themselves. (He flips his phone shut) I got some shit to take care of with Jake. I'll meet you guys at the beach later. (He looks at Cass) Call me if anything happens.

Cass: I don't work for you.

Linc: Considering I just paid your hotel bill for the rest of the month, I was hopin' you'd reconsider.

John: Work here, Cass.

Cass: As long as it's understood that I don't answer to you.

John: For Christmas, Cass was thinking she could either run Linc over in the street or enroll him in a Tony Robbins seminar.

(Linc and Cass look at each other)

Linc: (walking back to his Navigator) Just keep me in the loop until I get this sorted out with Jake.

John: Provide cover for my Father.

Linc: (getting in his car) I'm in the game now, right John?

John: Right from left. Spit it right-the-fuck out.

(Butchie's cell phone rings.)

Butchie: Hello?

Cissy: The Grand Poobah's coming by to pick-up his fuckin' suitcase.

Butchie: We won't be here, Ma. We're goin' to get wet

Cissy: Who the fuck is "we"? You and Shaunie?

Butchie: And Kai and John and that blonde chick.

Cissy: Where the fuck has Kai been?! Thinks she can just come and go as she pleases...does she want her fuckin' job or not?

(Kai takes the phone from Butchie)

Kai: I quit, Cissy. I'm done.

Cissy: Just like that? You just fuckin' up and quit? I need you down here. This place is a fuckin' zoo. These dickwads are just hovering around, not buying shit.

Kai: It's time for me to move on. Sorry Cissy.

Cissy; And what the fuck is that supposed to mean? You woke up this morning and decided that you're finished with us?

Kai: 'Course not, Cissy. But things've changed. Butchie's taking care of Shaunie now. You don't need me to keep an eye on him anymore. I'll still design boards, if ya want...

Cissy: Fine. (She slams the phone down)

Kai: I think I hurt her feelings.

Butchie: How can you fuckin' tell?

Kai: She didn't tell me to 'fuck off'.

John: Cissy needs to dump out.

Butchie: Hook up, Shaunie. Let's go. (Butchie puts the car in gear, and turns up the radio.)

John: Mitch will soon be here. He won't part like the red sea, he'll rise up a palm tree. Mitch wants to know what it means, but he won't come down until I'm asleep.

(The El Camino pulls out of the lot, and disappears down the street, with this song leaking out of the unrolled windows: Hear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjxXhxcIbG0

"What I Got"


Early in the mornin'
Risin' to the street
Light me up that cigarette and I'll strap shoes on my feet
Got to find a reason
Reason things went wrong
Got to find a reason why my money's all gone
I got a dalmation
I can still get high
I can play the guitar like a motherfuckin' riot

Well life is too short so love the one you got
Cause you might get run over or you might get shot
Never start no static I just get it off my chest
Never had to battle with my bulletproof vest
Take a small example, take a tip from me
Take all of your money, give it up to charity
Life is what I got it's within my reach, and
The sublime style still straight from Long Beach
It all comes back to you, you bound to get what you deserve
Try and test that, you're bound to get served
Love's what I got, don't start a riot
You'll feel it when the dance gets hot

Lovin' is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin' is what I got, now remember that
Lovin' is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin' is what I got, I got, I got, I got

I don't cry when my dog runs away
I don't get angry at the bills I have to pay
I don't get angry when my mom smokes pot
Hits the bottle then goes back to the rock
Fuckin, fightin', it's all the same
Livin' with Louie dog's the only way to stay sane
Let the lovin', let the lovin' come back to me

Cause lovin' is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin' is what I got, And remember that
Lovin' is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin' is what I got, I got, I got I got

-Bradley Nowell (Sublime))


--Walkara

Ramon: (Pours water in the bottom of a large pot.) "Look" (getting Barry's attention) "then you steam them in this big pot here... you could use one of those five story bamboo things the Asians got for their things but we just put these coffee cups upside down in here with this little grate on top so the steam can get around 'em."

Barry: "Inverted coffee cups, how ingenious!"

Ramon: (stares at Barry for a moment) "Yeah, well you use what you got handy."

Barry: "Like this stove here in your private rooms, now that we've turned the valve and restored the natural gas flowing to this wing of Kitchenettes!"

Ramon: (takes another sideways glance at Barry) "Maybe we shoulda checked the other rooms for leaks before.... Anyways, you don't wanna put them too close together when you stand them in there, otherwise they won't get done all the way around. You might have to do 'em in batches."

Barry: "limited seating...standing room only. I see Ramon, our Tamales must receive uninhibited saturation for maximum infusion, so the flavors will marry; each traditional, and dare I say, holy ingredient, however exotic and unfamiliar to the pallet, will then penetrate every fiber of these delicately wrapped soldiers."

Ramon: (pauses before standing the last tamale on the grate) "Then we put the lid on and turn up the heat. Just wanna make sure it don't boil dry."

Barry: (turns his head toward the lounge where the stage is just under construction) "...two shows a night, and a matinee..."


--SpiritontheWater

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

(Freddy stands outside his room looking towards Ramon's room. Palaka walks up carrying the Avon catalog.)

Palaka: Doc is distributing these catalogs to all his patients now. He says that I should order the Derek Jeter Daily Moisturizer for my face.

Freddy: Like there's any fuckin' hope for improvement for you.

Palaka: It's SPF 15.

Freddy: The Mexican and the homo went into that room over there with the bears. (He nods his head towards Ramon's room.) Find out if that queer is keeping those bears separate but equal when he is inside. Tell him I want to know what they are doing as a pretext for being there.

Palaka: Yeah...sure...boss.

Freddy: If those bears are sitting together, you tell that homo that I want my bear back because my bear is not inclined to participate in such fuckin' behavior. Then grab it and bring it back.

Palaka: Uh...boss what if I was to ascertain that the bears are not a couple?

Freddy: Bring it back anyways!! You tell that fairy that I just handed him that bear because that boy was missing. Since that boy is back...safe, I find it...uh...bad luck for him to keep it.

Palaka: I'll go over. OK boss. I will have that bear back safe in your arms soon. (Freddy gives Palaka a murderous look, and Palaka starts to limp towards Ramon's room.) I mean safe in your room, of course, boss.

--theshriek

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(In Meyer's bedroom, Daphne has just finished rocking the Jew lawyer's world for the fifth time in as many days. She emerges from the covers into the arms of a very happy and relaxed Meyer.)

Meyer: I have been thinking about my Mother.

Daphne: MEYER!!!! That is sick!! I can't believe you!!

Meyer: (looking appropriately horrified) No! I didn't mean then. I was thinking about my Mother yesterday, and I thought that I would like for you to meet her.

Daphne: Really?

Meyer: Yes. I think after being engaged for two years we are ready to take that next step.

Daphne: Taking a step after two years would be nice. (Daphne gets a worried look on her face.) What if she doesn't like me?

Meyer: Don't you worry my Bubbala. My Mother will take one look at you and see you as I do. You are a beautiful, intelligent, funny, and uniquely special woman.

Daphne: Ah Meyer. I never appreciated how sweet you are. (They kiss.)

Meyer: My Mother sent me email saying that she is coming to LA for business next week. How about I send an email back to her saying that I would like for you two to meet?

Daphne: I would like that very much.

Meyer: It's a date then.

Daphne: You say that your Mother is coming to the West Coast for business. What does she do?

Meyer: Oh she is a programming executive at HBO.

Meyer reaches over and turns on the radio on the nightstand.

Radio: Local surf legend Mitch Yost is holding a demonstration from the top of a 50 foot Palm Tree at The Snug Harbor Motel at l550 Highway 75 in Imperial Beach. [Meyer sits up in the bed and looks at the radio.] He refused to answer questions about the point, but, according to one eye witness, a self proclaimed "family friend," a Mr. Palaka, Yost is "raising awareness."

Meyer: I better get over there.

--theshriek

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Kai: Hey Butchie, how come there's no dials on the stereo?

Butchie: Fuck if I know...that fucker has a mind of its own. It starts and stops whenever it fuckin' feels like it.

Shaun: Last night, as soon as my Mom sat on the hood, it started playing a song...what song was it again, Dad?

Butchie: Fuck me...I don't remember. Somethin' 'bout bein' a woman or a little girl, or some shit.

Shaun: Anyways, she cried.

--Walkara

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(Tina, driving down the street, sees Cissy alongside the road standing next to her Miata. She sees Cissy slam her cell phone shut as she kicks her tire.)

Cissy: (looks up to see Tina pulled over next to her) "What do you want?"

Tina: (a slight roll of her eyes and a smirk) "Maybe you'd want to tell me what you want and what you're doing out here?"

Cissy: (arms folded) "What's it fucking look like I'm doing? Piece of shit car crapped again." (Kicks at it again).

Tina: "I could help."

Cissy: And how the fuck could you help? Hmm?

Tina: "Well I could give you a ride somewhere."

Cissy: "And just leave my car here for some asshole to steal parts from?

Tina: (gets out of car and walks up to Cissy's) "What's wrong with it?"

Cissy: "Do I look like a fucking mechanic? It just stopped running, get it?"

Tina: (sees the gas gauge on E) "Well Cissy lets take a ride up to that gas station and try that first, meanwhile maybe you could bring your hatred for me down a notch or two."

Cissy: "Fine, like you know anything. Just don't take me to fucking Sea World." (Mumbles out the side of the car) "Amazing the treasures that can be found in a trash barrel".

--Aureate

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(The El Camino pulls off Seacoast Drive and parks. Butchie, Kai, and Shaun gather their gear and boards from the back. Butchie waits for John while Shaun and Kai walk to the water.)

Butchie: You ready to get wet John?

John: Fuckin' A' right, I'm ready Butchie! We cannot fold on dry land right now.

Butchie: That's right. Let's go, my man.

John: You're hangin' with a man of means, Butchie.

Butchie: Tell me something I don't already fuckin' know, buddy.

John: We've turned the valve and restored the natural gas flowing to this wing.

Butchie: Right...well...follow me, brother.

John: Right from left. The line forms at Butchie's left. (He turns to Cass) Show the other cameras, Cass. Show them in Shaun and Butchie. See Kai, Cass.

Cass: Abracadabra, John. (She walks to the pier)

John: (walking behind Butchie) Cass has some pull. The camera is up in the air.

Butchie: (approaching Kai and Shaun, who are standing at the water's edge) Let's see who busts bigger. (He walks into the ocean, flanked by Shaun to his right, Kai to his left, and John stepping in his footprints)

John: Butchie's juiced. Getting dusted won't be an issue.

--Walkara

(Dr. Smith wakes-up in a strange bed, totally naked, lying next to a woman. He slips from under the covers, grabs his clothes, wadded on the floor, and creeps into the bathroom.)

Dr. Smith: (looking in the mirror) I'm back...but from where, and where am I now--what happened to me...The last thing I remember, I was walking back from Barry's bar...I walked into my office, and into the examination room...and then it all goes black. I feel strangely rejuvenated however. (He slids a leg into the jeans, only to find they did not fit. He examined them, embarrassed to discover that they were much too small to be his, so he pulled-on the T-shirt, which was very tight.)

(There's a knock at the bathroom door)

Woman: Hey, Mikey, are you gonna be long; I've gotta pee!

Smith: Umm, okay, sure, I'll be right out. (He grabs a towel to conceal his dangling manhood and opens the door. When he did, the woman, whom he recognized as a nurse from the hospital, gave out a shriek.)

Nurse: Ahhh!! (She jumped back, but upon recognizing him, caught her breath) Dr. Smith...what...what are you doing here?!

Smith: A question I hoped you could answer.

Nurse: Where's Mikey?!

Smith: Mikey?

Nurse: The young man I went to bed with last night.

Smith: Young man??

Nurse: Yes, I met him at the Yost's parade yesterday. He said he'd just gotten back from a vacation to Cincinnati.

Smith: (Something about that rang a bell) Umm...

Nurse: Where the hell is he??

Smith: I assure you I have no idea. I blacked-out and woke up this morning in your bed...wait; did you say 'the Yost's parade'?

Nurse: Yes. Mitch, Butchie and Shaun Yost signed with Stinkweed, and there's to be an exhibition on Saturday--hey wait! Quit trying to change the subject! What the hell is going on here?!

Smith: So Shaun returned? Thank God.

Nurse: It turned out he was surfing with Butchie's surf student and Stinkweed called it a 'disappearance' to hype the announcement yesterday.

Smith: What day is it?

Nurse: Tuesday.

Smith: Okay, okay...I've got to get going and find out what's happening.

Nurse: What about Mikey?

Smith: Maybe you can tell me what he looks like?

Nurse: Brown hair, shorter than me, he said he was 20, but he didn't look a day older than 15. Boy! was he a sweet talker though...and so understanding. He was no novice between the sheets either.

Smith: (He has a vague recollection of that) I'll keep an eye out for him, but I really must be going.

Nurse: Wait! I wanna know what the hell is going on here, dammit!

Smith: Listen, I really do have to be going--incidentally, do you have a robe I could borrow by chance?--but if you stop by my new office on Highway 75, just across from the Snug Harbor Motel, we'll see what we can figure out.

Nurse: (goes to the closet and grabs a frilly, pink silk robe and hands it to the Dr.) Go on then, but don't think for a second that I've let this go. We'll be seeing each other again very soon, you can count on it.

Smith: Of course, of course. (He puts the robe on and excuses himself. When he reaches the front door, he calls out) What was your name again, my dear?

Nurse: Sharon...Weston.

Smith: Yes, yes, of course, Nurse Weston. I apologize for the strange situation that we discovered ourselves in this morning, but I assure you: I'm as confused as you. (He closes the door behind him.)

Sharon: (talking to herself) Did he call me 'my dear'??, 'cause that's exactly what Mikey called me last night--I remember 'cause it seemed like a strange term of endearment for such a young man...I guess I'll have to wait to get to the bottom of this later.

--Walkara

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

(Bill is standing in his dimly lit apartment, talking with his birds)

Bill: Yes...Yes, Your Ladyship, and thank you for your time. (He walks to the front door.) Zip! You comin' or what? (Zippy flies from the railing, where he's perched, and lands on Bill's shoulder.) For Christ sake, Zip, I get it: no more pocket. Believe you me, it was a bitch to get that fucking jacket clean, and there's still a spot. My Lo would've known how to get rid of that stain. (Bill stops talking and listens to Zippy) I know you're claustrophobic, Zip. And if I didn't then, how could I forget after your endless cheeping about it since. (He pauses) Well, they don't allow pets in hospitals. (Bill listens) Alright, alright! Jesus Christ, I get it: you're not my fucking pet; it was a figure of goddam speech. (Pause) My apologies, Your Ladyship, I'm going, I'm going. (Under his breath) Startin' to wish she'd kept mute, for all the orders she throws around. (As he opens the door and walks outside, Bill mimics her) 'I only like red grapes...I don't care if Zippy likes the green ones.' Fuckin' crap machines!

--Walkara

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Beh1ipK3hN0

(Vietnam Joe drives through the sloughs, listening to The Amboy Dukes' "Journey to the Center of the Mind". He takes a final hit from the roach between his thumb and index finger, then unrolls the window and flicks it outside. He takes a deep breath of the salty morning air and exhales, refreshed. Just then he hears a voice. He cocks his head to the left, and hears it again. He hits the breaks, turns the van off, and gets out. He grabs his gun, takes the safety off, and cocks it. He pushes through some brush, and moves down into a dry ravine. He spies a figure approaching a few moments before he realizes it's a woman. She struggles to stay on her feet, and when he reaches her, he sees that her caramel skin is covered in bite marks. Without saying a word, he takes her in his arms and heads back to the van.)

Woman (played by Rachel Ticotin): Tha...thank...you...the dogs...they're, they're... coming...

(Joe turns around, just in time to see three snarling mutts approaching, their bloodied mouths foaming. Before they have a chance to charge, Joe swings the woman into his right arm, and fires with his left: one, two, three, four times; killing two of the dogs in the process, and scaring the shit outta the third, running away.)

Joe: (Putting his gun back in the holster) You okay? Let me take a look at those bites. (He inspects the gash on her right thigh and the chunk of skin hanging from her right forearm. Her head is bleeding too, but the other wounds look serious.) We gotta get you to a doctor.

Woman: No! No doctors! I must find my son.

Joe: It's alright, ma'am. I know a Doctor that can help.

Woman: (Pleading in Joe's eyes) No. I must find my son!

Joe: Okay, okay. I got some bandages in the Van. You need me to carry ya? (Without waiting for her answer, he swings her back into his arms and carries her to the van.)

Woman: Thank you for saving me from those devils.

Joe: Fuckin' Fahey is 'posed to be gatherin' them beasts up for the city. Probably too goddam tweaked-out to leave the fuckin' house, as usual.

(They reach the van; Joe opens the door, sets her inside, runs around to the other side, grabs a first aid kit, and proceeds to dress her wounds.)

Woman: Are you a medic?

Joe: Me? No ma'am. But I picked up some basic first-aid over in 'Nam. You in pain? I gotta flask of Jack in the glove compartment.

Woman: I could use a drink. (Joe makes to go around and get the flask, but she motions for him to stay put, reaches over and takes the little silver flask out herself, the front of which reads something in English in white letters (Look)). She twists the cap, takes a swig, three gulps, and passes it to Joe, shaking-off the burn with her head.)

Woman: What does it say?

Joe: This? Says, 'The Gem Saloon'.

Woman: What does it mean?

Joe: Nuthin'. Just a memento from another life. (He takes a few gulps, screws the lid back on and puts it in his jacket pocket.)

Woman: Your Spanish is very good.

Joe: Huh?

Woman: I said that you speak very good Spanish.

Joe: I don' speak Spanish?! You speak good English.

Woman: I don't speak English.

(They look at each other, confused.)

Joe: (To himself) Fuckin' frat boy...

Woman: What?

Joe: There's been plenty of crazy shit goin' on the past week or so, even stranger things than the mysterious fuckin' dissolution of the language barrier between us. Resurrections, and the fuckin' like! Pardon my French.

Woman: Praise Jesus! Strange things have been happening to me also. Twelve days ago, I dreamt that my son was in danger. I crossed the border last week, but when I went to the police for help finding my son, they treated me like a crazy woman. They locked me up and sent me back to Mexico. But the dreams returned. I must find my son. I fear he is in great danger.

Joe: Danger? How old is your son?

Woman: Twenty-seven.

Joe: What kinda trouble do ya suppose he's in?

Woman: I was told he works for the Coyote, smuggling people and goods across the border. In my dream, he was being hunted: men with red eyes chase him through the marshes and he knows they will kill him if they catch him. My poor boy!

Joe: Ya got any idea wheres the hell to start lookin'?

Woman: (Gathering her composure) His father is an American. He lives in San Diego. My son lived with him for several years, but he moved out with some friends last fall. Maybe his father knows where. I'll pay you to help me find him. I have 500 American dollars that my son sent me, but there's no return address.

Joe: We really oughta get those goddam bites looked at. I put some stuff on 'em, but they could still get infected.

Woman: Just help me find my son. The wounds feel much better now. I'll be fine.

Joe: Whatever you say, but we best keep an eye on 'em...name's Joe, by the way.

Woman: My name is Magdalena. And I am in your debt, Joe.

(Joe starts the van and drives away, toward San Diego. Banged-up as she is, he can't help noticing her shapely legs, and beautiful skin. 'Eyes ahead, Joe' he tells himself, then takes another quick glance at her. There is something dignified, noble, graceful about her. There is wisdom around her dark eyes. Joe turns his attention back to the road. 'Thanks Fratboy.')

--Walkara

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

(Ramon and Barry are seen standing in the courtyard, arms full of foil covered trays, staring at Mitch in the palm tree. As a reporter starts toward them Ramon turns toward the bar)

Ramon: We'd better get these inside.

Barry: (Still staring at Mitch who is looking their way) How, Ramon, do you suppose that man reached such a height in that tree? Do you suppose he has discovered a special ability to do so, like the native islanders, possessing naturally the gift for retrieving sustenance from those amazing fruits hanging so daringly beneath the stiff fronds?

Ramon: (Looking back at Barry) Coconuts or Dates? He looks stuck to me. (as the reporter approaches, Ramon gives him a stare and slightly shakes his head, stopping the man in his tracks) I'll get the door.

Barry: Thank you Ramon. (Barry stops just inside and smiles, enthralled at the sight)

Ramon: Put those over here (directing Barry toward the pool table which is wrapped in plastic and covered with tools and supplies)

Barry: (sets his large tray down) For the troops.

Ramon: (in Spanish, to his cousin and the workers) Tamales! Get them while they're hot, and soda pop.

Ramon's cousin: Cerveza?

Ramon: Later, when you are finished. I'm not sweeping up your fingers.

Barry: (stands rapt before the stage which is now clad in fresh plywood, the skeleton of the columns stand framed on either side. He looks down and sees that the workers have placed Teddy and little Freddy, sitting together, on the edge at center stage) " Look at me now boys; no strings bend my wrist, no strings lift my feet; my head does not bob to and fro; my knees do not buckle; I'm a real boy now." (He scoffs and briefly swaggers, curling his lip defiantly) Mr. Cunningham indeed. (He looks down at the two bears noticing that they are covered with sawdust.) Oh Teddy, you've gotten dirty, and you've let little Freddy get dirty too. That is not how we treat our playmates. (Picking them both up in his arms he turns around abruptly and heads straight for the door)

Ramon:(his eyes following Barry as he walks out the bar) Bowser's gonna want his bear back. Time for another epileptic.

--SpiritontheWater

Bill arrives to see Mitch in the tree surrounded by reporters.

Bill: [Talking to his pocket] Would you look at that Zip? Her Ladyship was right. Someone needs to control that crowd.

Zippy: Squawk!

Bill: Women are just like that sometimes Zip. My Lo knew that boy who helped carry her groceries when he was young was worth keeping an eye on.

Bill walks up to Freddy who is standing well away from the reporters.

Bill: Looks like we have a situation here.

Freddy: (In a sarcastic voice) Did your green bird convey the situation to you?

Bill: No it was the white one.

Zippy: Squawk!

--Theshriek

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

Freddy: (staring at Mitch) If he floated up there on his own, why doesn't he just float-the-fuck back down?

Bill: (arms folded, standing just outside Freddy's shadow) That's a Jesus-brilliant question, you degenerate fuck-wit. (Shaking his head) Why don't you fuckin' crawl over there and inquire? (Makes crawling motions with his fingers) And good luck yelling it without alerting the Goddam vampires that Mitch Yost is a fucking balloon. Christ Almighty! The stupidity of you fucking drug casualties never ceases to amaze me and annoy me!

Palaka: (to Freddy) You want I should go distract the vultures for ya, Boss?

--Walkara

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

(Tina starts her car and puts it in drive. Cissy sits in the passenger seat, trying hopelessly to get a flame from her lighter.)

Cissy: Fuck this! (She chucks the lighter out the window and pushes-in the car cigarette lighter.)

Tina: There's a service station on the next corner.

Cissy: Don't fuckin' stop there, ya moron. The fuckin' ragheads run that place. Big Mitch goes there. Go to Imperial Beach Mobil on HWY 75, just down from Butchie's motel. I'm light on cash and I've got an account with Marco.

Tina: Okay.

(The cigarette lighter pops out and Cissy lights her cigarette and breathes it in like oxygen. Tina considers asking her not to smoke in the Mustang, but swallows her tongue and turns on the radio just in time for a news brief.)

On the radio: Local surf legend Mitch Yost is holding a demonstration from the top of a 50 foot Palm Tree at The Snug Harbor Motel at l550 Highway 75 in Imperial Beach. He refused to answer questions about the point, but, according to one eye witness, a self proclaimed "family friend," a Mr. Palaka, Yost is "raising awareness." When pressed to explain further, the man was unceremoniously summoned by a menacing individual clad in black and wearing sunglasses; when he returned, Mr. Palaka claimed that Yost was trying to raise awareness about "tree fungus." No one is sure how Yost managed to scale the otherwise healthy-looking tree, but he appears to be holding onto its branches for dear life.

(A smile creeps across Cissy's face)

Mitch Yost, you may remember, did a series of P.S.A. several years ago to clean up the sloughs. Just yesterday it was announced that the entire Yost family, including his son Butchie the Beast Yost and grandson/rising star Shaun, had signed with Stinkweed, a company Mr. Yost has made repeated attacks against to the media in the past. Stinkweed is sponsoring an exhibition of the family, also including surfing stars such as Herb & Christian Fletcher and Sonny Mac, on Saturday in I.B, with all proceeds going to the City's Clean Oceans Project.

This was Vera Cleaver with a newsbrief.

Tina: We better get over there.

Cissy: What's the fuckin' rush? He ain't goin' anywhere.

Tina: What if he floats away?

Cissy: Welcome to my fuckin' life...I guess you better get the fuck over there then, Mother Teresa. Here we go: bringing Mitch back down to fuckin' earth. Again.

--Walkara

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

(Palaka stands at the office door and sees Barry and Ramon talking inside. He doesn't knock but just stands there waiting, Ramon walks over and opens the door)

Ramon: Thought you were comin' in.

Barry: Mr. Palaka, we were just talking about you!

Palaka: Oh yeah? Must be why my ears were ringin'.

Barry: "Yes, we have a modest proposal we'd be pleased if you'd consider and weigh carefully."

Ramon: "He wants to ask you something."

Palaka: "Yeah, go ahead ... non bear related, I hope ... spare me a beatin."

Ramon: "It's not about the bears."

Barry: "I'll get to it, then, and just run it up the flagpole. Our soup to nuts renovation now in full swing, the workers find it necessary to leave their valuable tools and building materials unattended throughout the night hours making it a necessity, we feel, to have someone standing guard, providing security in the interim. We thought you might be willing to take this on – rough men standing ready, as it were, so the rest of us may sleep peacefully in our beds at night."

Palaka: "You want I should keep an eye on the place?"

Barry: "With a modest but fair remuneration offered on our part, with all the accustomed emoluments and appurtances thereto pertaining."

Ramon: "Ten bucks an hour, graveyard shift. You still stay for free."

Palaka: "Ah ... would there maybe be a dental plan involved? No harm in askin, right?"

Ramon: "No dental, but we got an in-house physician."

Palaka: "I'll have to ask my regular employer, you know, run it up the flagpole with him first, see if it's alright. Though, I gotta imagine him bein' pleased, me watching out for things, letting him know what's goin' on. Uh, let me ask him and get back to you, okay? Thanks. Thanks."

(Palaka runs off.)

Ramon: "I think he'll do it, Freddy okays it. What are you looking at?"

Barry: "This place could use a flagpole."

--Gunga Din

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

(Barry stands contemplating the idea of a flagpole. Palaka turns around and runs back over to Barry, Ramon walks away)

Ramon: I'm gonna check for leaks in the doc's room.

Palaka: (walks up slowly to Barry who seems in a trance) 'scuse me again, sorry, I forgot my mission...without a string on my finger I do that a lot...wow, your givin me a job just knocked it right out of my head (he slaps his forehead) wham, there it goes!

Barry: You were on a mission?

Palaka: Yeah, you could call it that, I was just supposed to, or I'm ahh checking on our little sleep over friends, and it's like time to pick him up. You know, so they can play another day.

Barry: (shaking his head not understanding) I...

Palaka: (Motioning with his hands) With the sunglasses... for the boy..

Barry: Oh, Little Freddy!? Yes, he and Teddy, well they are getting along very well, but I thought...

Palaka: I don't want to, I mean my boss he don't want, well he wants to get him back. A gift, for good luck and uhh.. Is he here?

Barry: I just gave them a bath; they're in the bathroom...

Palaka: Alone? In there, together? Oh uh, got dirty playing in the mud huh? No need to explain. Uhh well ok so then, I gotta get back, so uh, can you get him?

Barry: Certainly. I was hoping however that the young mister Yost would be stopping by today and that he would be the recipient...

Palaka: I gotta hurry back...

Barry: Yes I'll bring him at once, I'm sorry. I didn't understand... (Barry disappears to retrieve Little Freddy and Palaka looks out the window at the reporters and Mitch in the tree)

Palaka: What do I see? A guy in a tree, an empty pool, number four? I'm gonna go down on the sand... is what I'm gonna do, before I get a beating I'll never forget...

Barry: (returning with Freddy and Teddy) He is a little wet still, there is no hair dryer but we will add them in the renovation.

Palaka: (checks the bear and re zips his jacket) Looks good looks good, ok, took a dip, maybe went surfing with the other bear, ok ... Well thanks for the hospitality... and uh, we had a good time...

Barry: Say goodbye Teddy! You were very well behaved and you are invited anytime...(waves Teddy's arm) My mother, Teddy, did not care, when we were naked and covered with sand. I cried and bled when she roughly wiped our most delicate parts. Did she not know that the sand would hurt?... I never saw that boy again Teddy... I liked him.

(Barry walks up the stairs to the doctor's room and enters, Ramon is replacing a cover on the oven)

Ramon: Looks good here, I don't smell no gas. Don't look like he's been here since last night. Got his Avon there on the table.

Barry: He is a wonderful man. I hope I didn't frighten him away Ramon. Perhaps he and Mr. Dickstein are taking tea at the café, hashing out the details for the clinic?

Ramon: We should see about 24 next. I thought I saw some black dust in the kitchen there.

Barry: Yes Ramon, we should bravely inspect that room now. I think we will find it sufficiently exorcised. White light and no darkness. A less recognizable tune emanating through it's windows. Will we serve the rest of the Tamales Ramon?

Ramon: We could re-heat them in the microwave. Van Morrison maybe.

(Barry and Ramon walk down to room 24, opening the door Barry enters first, smiling)[/i]

Ramon: I got your back

Barry: As I thought Ramon, Mr. Rollins no longer haunts this room!

Ramon: Maybe he's just out.

Barry: (loses his smile) Other than damp must, I smell nothing alarming, do you concur Ramon?

Ramon: I don't smell nothin' bad, just lemme make sure the valve if off tight. (he leans down and reaches behind the oven) good then, we can go now. I don't hear no music either.

Barry: A sign perhaps reminding us to make our own music?

Ramon: (gives Barry a raised eyebrow) I put my trumpet away.

(Barry and Ramon exit and head back to the office)

--SpiritontheWater

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

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

(Butchie puts pressure on his front foot to release the tail, careful not to put too much, thereby causing the fins and tail to spin out the back of the wave. He concentrates on keeping his stance nice and wide, preparing for lift off. As his board releases from the wave, he levels his feet, positioning the deck as flat under them as possible, letting his body rise as high as the board will go, he then let's the natural gravity dictate his descent. Centering his weight, he catches the lip as his point of re-entry and carves down the face. From the Pier, gathered around Cass against the south-facing railing, the crowd goes wild, cameras flashing.)

Woman: Is that Butchie Yost?

Teenage girl: Who else? And that's his son Shaun over there (She points to a figure paddling toward the breakpoint.)

Woman: The miracle boy?!

Teenage girl: That was all hype. That Stinkweed dude said so yesterday at Surfhenge.

Woman: Who's the other one?

Teenage girl: Which other one? That one:(She points to Kai, who is carving a glassy wave further south) or that one: (She points to John, following Shaun into the barrel of a perfect A-frame)

Woman: That one. (She motions to John)

Teenage Girl: That's Butchie's surfing student. Calls himself Johnny Be Bad, or something like that.

(They turn their attention to the wave Shaun and John were riding. Shaun appears out the other side of the tube, but John is nowhere in sight)

Balding man: Where'd he go?!

Teenage girl: Musta ate it.

(Back in the ocean, Shaun rides over to where Butchie is straddling his stick in the water)

Butchie: Where'd he go, Shaunie?

Shaun: (shrugs) He'll be back.

Butchie: How do you know?

Shaun: (shrugs again) Whoa, Dad, check out that swell. (He points) That's mine. (He paddles off.)

Butchie: Jooohn! John! What the fuck, bra! Where are ya?! (to himself) Fuck, I guess he'll be okay. (He lines up to catch the next wave.)

(On the pier, Cass is feeling claustrophobic from the crowd gathered around her, so she pushes her way out and walks down to the western edge. She scans the area for a sign of John but he appears to have vanished. She points her camera at Kai, carving through the corduroy swell. She suddenly hears John's voice, 'A Leap on faith, Cass'. Startled, she drops her camera, which is narrowly saved from the water when its shoulder-strap catches on a protruding piece of wood, a foot or so below the deck. She hops over the railing, carefully crouches down, anchoring herself to the fence with her right hand. She strains toward the camera, grazing it with her middle finger. She swings her weight toward it and catches it in her hand.)

John: (Appearing out of nowhere in the exact spot she stood ten seconds before) Baptize that fuckin' camera, Cass.

(Surprised, she looses her grip and falls backward, down, down into the water, camera in hand. She hits the water with a huge splash. The crowd, seeing her fall, rushes over to where John now stands. Their concern for her is quickly replaced by astonishment at his sudden appearance on the pier.)

Balding Man: Where did you come from?!

Teenage girl: We saw you go down and not come back up.

John: I came up.

Teenage Girl: But how?

John: I don't know Butchie instead.

Teenage girl: Nice try, but we've been watching you surf with him for hours.

Woman: What about that girl? Is she okay?

John: Cass still wants a say in what part she plays in the Christmas pageant.

(From below, Cass surfaces, dives back under and resurfaces four or five times before coming back up with her camera in hand and swimming for the shore. John walks away from the bewildered crowd to meet Cass on the beach. The crowd, reeling with confusion, is quickly distracted by the sight of Butchie and Shaun surfing in sync. Taking the lead, Butchie gathers speed, driving off his back foot as he hits the section. He pops the tail out, transfers his weight to the front foot to keep from falling off the back of the board, and gathers a little extra speed to force the layback position. Keeping his weight centered to control the slide, He lays back in the whitewash to keep balance, with Shaunie perfectly mimicking his every movement. Camera's flashed in the crowd, followed by cheering.)

Teenage girl: (Watching John walk down the pier) There's something weird about that guy...

--Walkara

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

(Freddy stands outside the room watching the reporters trying to talk to Mitch, Palaka approaches holding Little Freddy out for Freddy to take, Freddy ignores the gesture)

Freddy: Next that guys gonna start cheeping. I keep waiting for him to fall out but he ain't. Must be like that fucking bird.

Palaka: Or a salamander huh boss, sticky feet?

(Freddy glares at Palaka who cowers a bit thrusting the bear forward again)

Palaka: Got him back boss, good as new, better, Homo said he was well behaved..

Freddy: (Arms still folded) Looks like he got dropped in the toilet. That queer take him in the shower or what?

Palaka: No, no boss, he said that he needed cleaning up, got dirty with the other bear, sandy you know, went surfing I think and uh.

Freddy: Surfing? (stares at Palaka incredulously) He said the they got dirty together?

Palaka: Well uh no uh not dirty, just wet from gettin cleaned.. I'll put him on the chair here so he can dry, (he places Little Freddy on Freddy's chair and unzips his jacket) There he is... just chillin', gettin' some rays huh boss? See, there...looks cool, just chillin.

Freddy: Leave the fucking bear or I'm gonna break your fucking arm. What were they doing upstairs?

Palaka: I don't think they were upstairs boss; they didn't "get a room".

Freddy: The Fag and the Mexican you fuckin... (Grits his teeth restraining his impulse to smack Palaka)

Palaka: Oh, those two! , yeah uh, I don't know for sure, something about the stove, cooking some grub must a been... You know, boys being boys...

Freddy: Why'd they be cooking food in the room that physician is staying in?

Palaka: Aah I don't really know boss... They did have a question for me though, I told 'em I'd talk to you about it...

(Freddy gets increasingly impatient with Palaka who is now looking up at Mitch in the tree and the reporters. Freddy loses his patience and slaps Palaka upside the head. Palaka grabs his stinging ear)

Freddy: What's the fucking question?

Palaka: Ahh ow, that stings that stings, my ear's ringing, uh... why's the guy in the tree? What were they cooking in the physician room? I don't know boss I don't know...

Freddy: (Exasperated) What... question... did the Mexican and the homo... ask you. And if you say another thing stupid I'm going to knock you up in that tree!

Palaka: Oh, yeah that question, sorry, they wanted to see if I, or we, could be paid to look out for the place they're working on over there, the tools and stuff lying around... Ten bucks an hour night shift...

Freddy: What am I, a fry cook?

Palaka: Good way to see what's goin' on I thought... you wanna know... I got my eye on them?

Freddy: Ok, you can sit over there all night if you want, but you keep your eyes peeled over here. The Chinaman ain't had his last say yet.

Palaka: Good!, good, ok then.. I'll tell 'em I'll take the job. Probably want me to were a uniform and carry a flashlight... but I'll be watching out here, after you boss... That's my real job huh?

Freddy: Just let me know what people are sayin' in there.

Palaka: You got it boss, you got it. Guess they're gonna want me to start tonight, so I better take a nap. Thought I'd go down on the sand for awhile. Before the spots are all gone...

Freddy: Fine... One less donkey in the parade.

(Barry and Ramon stare out the office window as Palaka heads down the driveway with Chair and beach gear in hand. They see Tina's mustang pull in the driveway and park behind the Satellite truck)

Ramon: Gonna be a three ring circus

Barry: P.T. Barnum... "More persons, on the whole, are humbugged by believing in nothing, than by believing too much".

Ramon: "There's a sucker born every minute"

--SpiritontheWater

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

Cass: (soaking wet) Why the hell did you do that John?!

John: A bit of a nut-nudge, Cass? Scare your balls off?

Cass: A bit of an understatement, John. I could've been killed--and my camera is ruined!

John: (takes the camera) Cass' camera shows the other cameras. (He hands the camera back to her, now perfectly dry.) The water showed your camera.

Cass: It's fixed?!

John: Your camera dumped-out.

Cass: Okay, well...let's go get some dry clothes on, or are you staying with Shaun, Butchie, and Kai?

John: My Father has Big and HUGE at the Snug Harbor.

Cass: (taking his hand, she leads John toward the street) Shit! I didn't bring my car. It looks like we're stranded here until they're done.

John: They're done.

(Shaun rides a swell to the shore, followed by Butchie and Kai)

Butchie: What's the fuckin' rush, Shaunie?

Shaun:[/b] John's ready to go.

Butchie: Where the fuck is he then? (Butchie spots him near the El Camino, standing next to Cass) Shoulda known he'd be with that skinny, blond chic."

Shaun: It's Cass, dad.

Butchie: Whatever...holy shit, bra: the fuckin' onion was throwin' us some primo fuckin' waves today. You sure you wanna call it a day already?

Kai: I think I'm gonna stay behind for awhile.

Butchie: Your jeep's at the motel. You'll have to walk-the-fuck back.

Kai: Not if you come back for me in a few hours. (She grabs his hand, pulls him to her, and kisses his salty lips with her.) Later, Shaunie! (She turns around and heads back out into the water.)

John: This country is doomed. But go ahead, have fun.

--Walkara

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

(Palaka sees Dr. Smith walking toward him on the sidewalk after he crosses the road to the beach; the doctor is holding the pink robe in his hands and is wearing a pair of board shorts and a new Stinkweed t-shirt)

Palaka: Hey! There he is! My savior. We was wondering about you Doc, checked you for leaks though and everything's fine. You won't have to worry about blowing yourself to kingdom come when you light up.

Dr. Smith: (dazed and confused) Palaka, hello, how are you? I was just going back to my room, I was just coming from...well I'm not sure actually, but it is good to see you... Your ear is very red, are you ok?

Palaka: Oh that uh, thanks for noticing, it's nothing, my ear is ringing, do you want to examine.. no blood coming out or anything? Go ahead and take a look there. (he tilts his head toward Dr. Smith)

Dr. Smith: I don't see anything alarming. If you want to come by later I can give it a more thorough examination, I don't have my otoscope here with me...

Palaka: Oh, Ok, yeah, well I might just do that. Right now I'm going to the beach for a little rest. Replenish my nutrition with a transfusion and the like...

Dr. Smith: OK then, I will be seeing you later. You may want to put some cotton in if you go in the water...

Palaka: Ok doc will do, if I go swimming with the sharks, I won't want to attract them.

(Palaka continues on his way and the Doctor crosses the street toward the Snug Harbor Motel)

--SpiritontheWater

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

Cissy: (smiling to herself) HEY MITCH! GET THE FUCK DOWN FROM THERE!

Mitch: VERY FUNNY! (He nods his head toward the gathering crowd) I'LL WAIT 'EM OUT!

Cissy: GOOD FUCKIN' LUCK! AND THANKS FOR RAISIN' AWARENESS! (Her smile breaks flesh)

Mitch: RAISING AWARENESS?!

Cissy: 'BOUT TREE FUNGUS! (She chuckles to herself)

Mitch: (looking at the crowd below, annoyed) YOU'RE WELCOME! IT'S A SERIOUS PROBLEM!

Cissy: (under her breath) You're a serious problem, Mitch. (She turns to Tina, who is standing in the shade) Hey! You! Let's go! (She summons Tina with her hand)

Tina: Should I see if anyone has a gas can?

Cissy: What the fuck are you talkin' about??

Tina: For your car...

Cissy: Fuck that piece of shit. Take me to the fucking internet café.

Tina: Linc's meeting Jake there.

Cissy: Sounds like they might need some fucking supervision, knowin' the kind of under-handed assholes we're in bed with now. You must feel right at fucking home.

Tina: (she looks down) Okay, let's go then. (She walks to her car)

Reporter: (approaching the two women as they're getting in the mustang) Tina Blake! Is it true you dropped Shaun on the Yost's doorstep hours after he was born?

Cissy: No, she punted him through the goddamn window, ya stupid fuckin' moron! Go fuck yourself! Go fuck your frigid fat-ass wife, you dickless parasite! (Tina puts the car in reverse, swings back, nearly clipping the reporter, and kicks it into drive) And have a nice fucking day! (Cissy smiles and they zoom away)

--Walkara

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

(Freddy watches as Tina and Cissy leave for the internet cafe; he looks down at Little Freddy in the beach chair and speaks to him)

Freddy: There goes Beauty and the Beast.

(Freddy sees Dr. Smith walking up the driveway)

Freddy: What the fuck, this guy's a shape shifter now too?

(Dr. Smith approaches Freddy and nods slightly, getting an icy stare he continues on his way to his room).

Barry: Oh, there he is! That wonderful man, carrying over his arm a delicate garment of some sort. Do you think he'd like a tamale Ramon?

Ramon: (Raising an eyebrow at Barry) Looks like he means to be alone right now. He just been somewhere.

Barry: (sings under his breath) My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble, hey la...

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Tina's car pulls into the Internet Cafe. She and Cissy get out and enter. Inside, business is booming. The tables are all filled with an unusually diverse group of people: executives in suits, women in bikinis, a group of men with thick dreadlocks, a cute, little Korean couple sipping coffee in the corner. Tina spots Linc and Jake sitting at the bar and walks over to them. Dwayne sits in his usual place, staring, eyes-glazed, at the screen. When Cissy walks by she sees her son, grandson, and 'Captain Kirk', carving the water. Jerri is rushing back and forth between her tables and her place, staring over Dwayne's shoulders.)

Cissy: What the fuck gives? Did you start selling booze, or what?

Jerri: They were lined around the fuckin' block when I got here this mornin'. They'd still be huddled around those fuckin' computers if I hadn't screamed like a banshee for everyone to take a fucking seat and order something or get the fuck out.

Cissy: Looks like you'll be getting out of Doris' arrears sooner than ya thought...I'm so far up her 'arrears' I can't take a breath without smelling her shit.

Jerri: She's on the prowl today too, said she was goin' over to the Surf Shop to talk to you, but it was closed.

Cissy: Kai fuckin quit on me!

Jerri: She told me.

Cissy: What did she fuckin' say?!

Jerri: That she was tired of you pissin' in her ear.

Cissy: Good fuckin' riddance then. (She walks over to where Linc, Jake, and Tina are sitting at the counter. She taps the young woman sitting in the seat next to Linc on the shoulder) Fuck off, sweetheart, I need this seat.

Young woman: Well, too bad. I was, like, here first.

Cissy: (gets in her face) No shit, captain obvious: but I'm here now. MOVE! (She pulls the chair out and "helps" the girl out of her seat, sits down, and turns to Linc) How do we best compromise ourselves today, Linc?

Linc: Stinkweed's trying to back out of sponsoring the exhibition in I.B. They said they'd still donate the proceeds to cleaning-up the water, but they were pushing to have the event itself at Huntington Beach.

Cissy: Fuck that! The whole goddamn point is to highlight Imperial Beach. I hope you told 'em to go fuck 'emselves.

Linc: In as many words.

Cissy: Maybe there's some fucking hope for you yet.

Linc: Tina was just saying that Mitch is...caught is a tree?

Cissy: Yeah, maybe you better get over there and do some damage control with the fucking press. Somehow they think Mitch is holding a little demonstration to 'raise awareness' about tree fungus or some shit.

Linc: I better get over there...I gotta run a few errands with Jake first though. Think Mitch will be okay for awhile?

Cissy: I'm sure Mitch's feels right at home, looking down upon the fallen mortals. Bill and Freddy and his goon are doing crowd control.

Linc: (to Tina) You comin' with us?

Cissy: Hell no, she's not. She's my fucking ride!

Tina: I'll stay with Cissy.

Linc: (Linc kisses her firmly on the lips) I'll see you later then. (To Jake) Let's go.

Jake: (getting up) Pleasure seeing you ladies again. (He grins)

Cissy: Pleasure was all ours, you nutless, fuckin' weasel. (Looks at Tina) I don't trust that little fuck-face.

Tina: Me either, but Linc's always ten steps ahead of him. (She scoots over to the seat in which Linc sat, next to Cissy) What should we do now?

Cissy: Eat.

(Cissy orders a hamburger, medium rare, and Tina orders a salad with rice vinegar. After they're finished eating, Cissy motions to Tina, slaps Jerri, still hovering over Dwayne, on the ass, and walks out)

(Time passes. As soon as one seat or table is emptied, it's quickly filled with a new customer. Jerri stays busy, checking the computer screen whenever she gets a spare minute. Dwayne and the others are still staring at the video of Shaun, Butchie, Kai and John surfing.)

Dwayne: Hits are rising at a geometric rate. Pretty soon the whole country's going to be watching.

Jerri: I can't imagine that anyone would have anything better-the-fuck to do.

(The video in the computer changes to a scene under the pier. Cass's camera is still rolling from where she dropped it, hanging above the water at an angle. The camera catches a beach bum drifting asleep under the pier - bottle safely between his thighs. He is wearing a Stinkweed T-shirt. Then the camera falls, hits the water, and all the computer screens go black.)

Patron: What happened?

Dwayne: I guess 'the feed' is over for now.

(As people slowly accept this, they filter out of the Internet Cafe. Another hour or so passes before everyone but Dwayne has gone. Jerri switches the sign to 'Closed' and starts cleaning up.)

Dwayne: How much longer are you gonna be?

Jerri: It'll be another hour or so. Why?

Dwayne: We should stop by Butchie's motel after you finish up.

Jerri: Why? (She looks at him, and over his shoulder sees that 'the feed' has resumed from the Snug Harbor. The camera zooms in on Mitch Yost, atop a palm tree, taking questions from a crowd below.)

--Waxon & Walkara

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

(Linc drives west on Imperial Beach Blvd, toward the ocean. He and Jake have just left a meeting with Wonderboy.)

Jake: So, when are you gonna tell 'em, Linc?

Linc: I'm not--and neither are you.

Jake: They're gonna find out sooner of later, dude.

Linc: No, they're not. The event is being held in I.B. Period. Tell 'em whatever-the-fuck ya gotta tell 'em--but it's happening here or it's not gonna happen.

Jake: The Money just doesn't think I.B. has a high enough profile to invest in.

Linc: The point is to raise the profile, and try to clean-up the Sloughs while we're at it.

John: (Appears in the back seat, unacknowledged.) I.B. is juiced!

Jake: But, it's my ass on the line if this shit blows up in our faces.

Linc: I don't think that'll be an issue.

John: That's how we do it in I.B.! (He disappears)

(They turn north onto Seacoast Drive and spot Cissy's Miata in the distance. Linc slows down as they approach and takes his eye off the road for a second, when he looks back, he sees a skateboarder directly in front of him. He cranks the wheel right, narrowly missing the boarder, SLAMMING into Cissy's Miata instead. Jake, not wearing a seat-belt, smacks his head against the window.)

Linc: (dazed) Shiiiit! Fuck!...tell me we didn't just demolish The Queen of the Ballbuster's car. (Looking to survey the damage, he cringes, seeing the Miata practically wrapped around his Navigator.) Fuck me. Well: we're fucked. Now might be a good time to invest in some fuckin' body armor--before the dragon-lady scorches our balls off.

Jake: (right hand held to the side of his head) Oww, my fuckin' head is bleeding. (He puts his hand in front of his face. There is a small drop of blood on it)

Linc: Spotting is more like it. Do you need a tampon? (He takes off his seat belt, kicks the door open, and stumbles out.)

Jake: (Getting out of the car) Jesus! What the hell happened?!

Linc: (walking around to Jake's side) Some fucking kid, jumped out in front of me.

Jake: What fuckin' kid?

Linc: On a skateboard, dickhead.

Jake: I didn't see any kid, Linc.

(Red and blue lights flash. A cop car parks and an officer gets out and approaches the accident.)

Anderson: Is everyone alright?

(Linc and Jake nod)

Anderson: (surveying the scene) Isn't that Cissy Yost's car?

Linc: It was...

--Walkara

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

(Mitch examines the underdeveloped dates pushing a bunch aside to see where they are attached; a cluster falls to the ground and rolls up to where a smoldering cigarette butt has just been tossed by the reporter)

Reporter 1: So Mitch, is this the new face of Yosts? Makeshift parades and tree climbing spokesman?

Mitch: You want to a pick up that butt off that dry grass, or do you just wanna get tape of me going up in flames here?

(The reporter looks down and sees that the butt he tossed is indeed igniting the dry weeds at the base of the tree, he stamps it out.)

Reporter 2: Mr. Yost, is it true that you have just come back from securing financing for a deal that would bring Imperial Beach up to the level of Huntington Beach as far as the pro surfing community is concerned? Have you not signed a deal to develop this very site as Yost Towers condominium and shopping complex?

Mitch: I have done no such thing and I don' t know who is feeding you your information but you can put me on record here and now that I am here (he looks up and notices the jagged spikes at the base of the fronds)in this...tree, to protest any such development. I am opposed to any proposals that seek to make IB into anything like Huntington. The El Camino should not be turned into a festering sewage spewing Barbie playhouse for the rich and famous.

Reporter 1: You mean the Snug Harbor? That's were we are Mr. Yost, the Snug Harbor Motel?

(Mitch looks out at the sign on the street)

Mitch: Yeah I know where I am. The El Camino is next on the auction block down in Baja. If you guys want to get a scoop worth reporting you'd head down there and check out that land rape being acted out as we speak, in the name of free trade and one world.

Reporter 3: Are you saying that you are here in protest against some development enterprise and not to bring awareness about the tree fungus that has been decimating our landscapes?

Mitch: (thinks a bit) Yes and no. The tree fungus, just like the filth that is flowing unchecked on to the shore behind you, is all the same problem. These developments are being sanctioned without any regulation or oversight that's worth a damn. Irreparable damage is being done behind the scenes by these so called progress plans. IB is not immune to it any more than the El Camino sanctuary was two months ago. Check the number of days closed last year at the San Luis Bay River outlet or the P.B. Point at Pacific Beach, and right here at your own Tijuana Estuary. The long term cost we're paying for this progress is being paid for in blood. I suggest you take your camera crews and go take a closer look around those locations. Start reporting what the people living in those areas are saying instead of wasting your time sensationalizing the next face you wanna see on the front of a Cheerios box.

Reporter 1: But aren't those numbers coming down every year, with people making officials aware and they in turn taking action on these isolated problems? Doesn't it just take time to get these unexpected side effects under control?

Mitch: You aren't even getting the real numbers anymore. They are not under control and they are not unexpected side effects being remedied by a little extra planning. This toxic garbage is increasing everywhere, and no, there is not someone doing anything about it. The ones who could do something about it are in the pockets of the ones responsible for creating this poison and they are long gone by the time your kid is sick and puking in his hospital bed. It's you and I who are responsible now.

Reporter 1: And that's why you're up in a tree?

Mitch: (now visibly angry) Yeah, I guess that's right.

Freddy: (to the bear in the chair) Been killin people in Hawaii for years. Nobody there even looks.. Fuckin' Moana got sick like that, fourteen fuckin nights I was there...

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Dr. Smith sits at his table staring at the open Avon catalog, and unopened pack of Blue American Spirits sits on the table next to the catalog.)

Dr Smith: We were looking at these figures and then we saw them above the bar. I remember feeling the urgent need to leave. Where was I going?

(A scene flashes in his mind of him taking a delivery of medical supplies at the clinic, the space is cleaned and the rudiments of fixtures and furniture are seen in the reception area and examination room. As the front door closes behind him he turns and sees a painter in the hall who says "Another coat on Monday and you're good to go Doc", He hears the bell on the front door ring and with a flash of red light sees the near miss accident between the skate boarder and Linc's navigator. With that the vision ends)

Dr. Smith: The Clinic. I went to the clinic to look at the supply catalog.

(Dr. Smith gets up hurriedly and leaves his room. Seeing the crowd in the courtyard he quickly descends the steps and turns to take the back route. As he turns the corner past the office he runs into Ramon who is cleaning the bbq grill)

Ramon: Whoa there Doc, don't want to crash into the grill you'll get your whites all dirty with the black here.

Dr Smith: I'm sorry; I was in a hurry and didn't see you. I think I have some urgent business at the clinic. Possibly an emergency.

Ramon: Best get over there then, gonna be a three alarm here tonight too. I'm getting the coals ready for the fire.

(Dr. Smith hurries off behind the building and runs down the rear alley. Approaching the clinic Dr. Smith sees that the windows have been re-signed and he stops there stunned. A line of stick figures like paper dolls joined at the hands appears beneath the words ATROPOS FREE CLINIC)

Boy: Are you the Doctor?

Dr. Smith: (Startled) Yes, I suppose I am but I haven't quite started these operations yet.

Boy: I don't feel too good

Dr. Smith: (Feels the boy's head) You are pale and a fever too I think. Come inside. (Dr. Smith opens the door and is surprised to see the reception area nearly complete)

Boy: It smells in here. I think I'm gonna hurl.

Dr. Smith: (quickly escorts the boy to the examination room) No no, just try to relax; it's just the smell of wall paint still drying. Let's take a look here. Jump up on the examination table here. (Dr. Smith eyes the examination table with awe and looks around at the room which besides a few boxes and only partially stocked shelves is almost complete) Have you been in an accident?

Boy: Some asshole almost picked me off a few minutes ago but that's not why I came here. I came to a dentist here once. I thought he'd be here. I was really sick last night. I think I need some medicine.

Dr. Smith: Did you tell your parents so they could have driven you here instead of having to ride your skateboard not feeling well? (Dr. Smith looks to the counter and sees a jar with sterilized thermometers and pulls one out and sticks it under the boys tongue)

Boy: (Talking with thermometer in his mouth) My mom's at work. She works two jobs.

Dr. Smith: Don't talk; let's get your temp first. Have you been surfing lately?

Boy: (Nods yes)

Dr. Smith: (Opens a few other drawers and cabinets to see what is in them as the boy watches him) There have been several reported cases lately of severe gastroenteritis caused by the Rotavirus which can show up in contaminated surf especially after several days of overcast weather.

Boy: (Baffled look on his face)

Dr. Smith: We have had several days of sun this past week so it may not be that but we need to be sure. Do you surf south or north of the pier?

Boy: (Motions with his thumbs out to the sides indicating both direction)

Dr. Smith: (removes the thermometer and reads it) Yes as I thought you do have a temperature. Have you been experiencing and stomach pain or diarrhea?

Boy: My stomach has been killing me and I am taking a dump like every five seconds.

Dr. Smith: I'm going to give you something to relieve your immediate symptoms and then I will need to speak with your mother as soon as she can stop by. This is very important. I will need her consent to take some additional tests and those tests must be done this afternoon or at the very latest tomorrow morning.. Can she come in this afternoon?

Boy: I don't know, she works all the time and I never really know when she's gonna be home.

Dr: Smith: What about your father?

Boy: He doesn't live here anymore. It's just me and mom.

Dr. Smith: Do you have her phone number so that I can call her?

Boy:(fishes in his pocket and pulls out a scrap of paper and hands it to the doctor.)

Dr. Smith: I'll be right back, just sit here for a moment.

(Dr. Smith walks down the hall and opens the door to the storage room. He opens a box and takes out samples of Tylenol and kaopectate. Opening the packs he removes one tab of each. He then enters his office and finds a desk and chair and several boxes of books and files. On the desk is the supplies catalog. There is a stick man figure on the front incorporated in the company logo.)

Dr. Smith: I do not know what this means or what has just happened to me, but I have to say, I feel wonderful.

(He copies down the mothers work numbers and returns to the examination room, dropping the tablets in a cup he hands them to the boy along with a cup of water.)

Dr. Smith: Take these Adam and I will call your mother shortly. In the mean time you need to rest. Do you live nearby?

Adam: Not too far, how'd you know my name?

Dr. Smith: (Smiling) Your mother has it written it on this slip of paper she has given you with your emergency numbers. I have noted your home phone number as well. (Dr. Smith returns the paper to the boy who puts it back in his pocket.) You should feel a little better shortly but the effects of the medicine I gave you will not last. After I speak with your mother I will call you at home and arrange for you to come back, ok?

Adam: (Smiling) Ok. Thanks doc.

Dr. Smith: (Walks the boy up front and before reaching for the door notices a set of business cards on the reception desk counter.) He pulls one and hands it to the boy. I'm guessing this is the number here, you call me if you start feeling bad again. And please do as I have asked, go home and rest, it will not be good for you to be out playing all day. No surfing for the time being as well. Do you understand?

Adam: Ok doc, I'll do it. Don't feel like doing anything anyway.

(Doctor Smith watches the boy skate across the street, a car brakes hard to avoid hitting him, he returns to the office and sits in the chair behind the desk. He looks at the business card; it reads Atropos Free Clinic, "Re-tying the strings" Dr. Michael Smith, MD. (619) 911-1424. A continuous string of stick figures border the card.)

Dr. Smith: Re-tying the strings...

(Dr. Smith notices his hand as he flips open the supply catalog; he realizes that he is twenty again. He gets up to find a mirror to verify it.)

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Meyer dials the phone and reaches Barry who is in route to his beachfront home, Teddy rides securely seat belted in the passenger seat)

Barry: I am speaking to you hands free Meyer but I should inform you I do not like to do so. Could you call me again once I am in and settled? I am on my way home.

Meyer: Of course, would fifteen minutes be satisfactory? I have some very important news regarding the motel property.

Barry: You may come by if you think this requires a discourse over a nice Merlot.

Meyer: I'll call you in twenty minutes.

--SpiritontheWater

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

[As the group of reporters crowd around the tree looking and listening to Mitch, Emma Borden walks away from the gaggle and signals for her cameraman, Luke to follow her as she walks towards the swimming pool.]

Luke: Don't you want hear the rest?

Emma: No. I want to take a look around. We might find more of a story elsewhere. Why I feel that way I have no idea. Look at this place. If Bette Davis had seen this one first, she might have felt differently about the other one.

Luke: So was that the new owner who was toting those stuffed bears around?

Emma: The definition of a one's behavior goes from crazy to eccentric once you become a Mega-Millionaire. [They reach the still empty swimming.] Looks like Cunningham is going to have to use all his money just to make this pool look clean again.

Luke: I don't know. That #4 sure looks sparkly and shiny.

[Emma laughs and then turns reflective again. They walk towards the shuffleboard court.]

Emma: I feel like I have seen in the place before.

Luke: Maybe you visited here when you were young.

Emma: I didn't grow up in Imperial Beach. Do you hear that sax and harmonica playing?

Luke: What?!?

[They reach the shuffleboard court.]

Luke: Damn, would you look at that! Someone fucked with all the numbers.

[Emma gets a look of wonderment on her face and kneels on the ground next to the court. At that moment Butchie, Shaun, and John return from surfing. John immediately jumps out of the van, and he and Emma stared intently at each other.]

John: Emma will read the word made by the 1's and 0's in Cass camera.

--Theshriek

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

(Butchie, Shaun, John, and Cass pile out of the El Camino. They notice the crowd gathered at the base of the motel's largest palm tree, with Mitch at the top.)

Butchie: What the fuck's goin' on here?

John: Cass needs more cameras.

(Cass walks around the area, careful to capture all the 0's and 1's. And John walks over to the shuffleboard court, where Emma is still kneeling)

John: See Cass, Emma. (He walks off)

(Butchie and Shaun linger by the El Camino, leery of the press. But they are soon spotted.)

Reporter: (approaching them) Butchie Yost! Are you here in support of your father's attempt to raise awareness?

Butchie: Awareness?? 'Bout what?

Reporter: At first it was tree fungus, but now he's talking about the whole environment.

Butchie: Well, shouldn't you be over there fuckin' listenin' then?

Reporter: I guess so. (He walks back to the crowd)

Butchie: (looks at his son, standing next to him) Hey bud, you mind kickin' it here with John while I go back for Kai?

Shaun: Nope. Hey, do you think Mr. Cunningham will care if I skate in the pool?

Butchie: Not if you ask him real fuckin' nice. (He winks at Shaun and tousles his hair) Later, dude. (He gets back into the car and drives off)

--Walkara

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

(Day wanes at the Snug Harbor. Still perched atop the tree, Mitch holds court to reporters below: the environment, immigration, foreign policy, terrorism; he speaks with conviction and authority. Shaun skates the empty swimming pool, surrounded by "gawkers", "candle fanatics," and the reporters bored by Mitch's oratory. Freddy stands outside his room, arms folded, while Palaka runs around fulfilling his Boss' orders. John walks through the crowd, drawing stickmen in the dirt and offering the occasional cryptic sentence. Cass orbits around him, occasionally lingering with a circle of people. Emma Borden and her bewildered cameraman, Luke, follow Cass, filming as they go. Bill is leaned against Mitch's station wagon, arms-folded, with Zippy perched on his shoulder.)

Bill: Having committed ourselves, Zip, to keeping the goddam peace; amidst the mounting insanity, wild with rumors of that chrome-haired Anderson Cooper being en route, wouldn't our purpose be better fucking served by getting a fucking fire truck down here, with a ladder to deliver Mitch from his ass-fucked perch? (Pause) You're right about that, Zip. We wouldn't want to enflame the clusterfuck...(Pause) Alright, alright...let's say, for example, a concerned citizen were to report a goddam cat stuck in a tree in this vicinity...and, upon arrival, with no cat in sight, they were pointed in Mitch's direction. (Pause) Why wouldn't he fuckin' be ready to come down?! Assuming the fucking helium's gone outta him, he's liable to break his neck, and crush one of those viper shit-heels sitting around the base of that tree in the process! We are on the precipice, Zip. (He turns around and spots a cell phone on the passenger's seat of Mitch's car, and takes it as a sign.)

(Across the parking lot, John stands next to Freddy, mimicking his stance. Cass walks around them, filming.)

Freddy: Whadda you want, shapeshifter?

John: I got a lizard back home, changes shapes.

Freddy: Chameleons...(Freddy smiles to himself)

John: You cocksuckers always need someone to work for. Moana needs to work here, for Freddy. Freddy will stare not-hele-back-to-Hawaii down. That kid better be more than half-smart. (He walks away)

--Walkara

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

(Driving west on Palm, Butchie watches the sun set. He inhales the moment, everything falling into place, and exhales. Suddenly the stereo lights up and starts playing a song.

Butchie: Hell, yeah, baby! (He reaches to turn it up until he remembers there aren't any dials.) More fuckin' Sublime, huh? Rock on!

Sublime - Bad Fish (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veOvUPNSelY#)
When you grab a hold of me,
you tell me that I'll never be set free.
but I'm a parasite,
creep and crawl I step into the night.

Two pints of booze.
Tell me are you a badfish too?
(are you a badfish too?)
Ain't got no money to spend.
I hope the night would never end.

Lord knows I'm weak.
Won't somebody get get me off of this reef?

Baby you're a big blue whale
grab the reef when all duck divin' fails
I swim, but I wish I never learned,
the water's too polluted with germs.
I dive deep when it's ten feet over head.
grab the reef underneath my bed.
(underneath my bed)

Ain't got no quarrels with God,
ain't got no time to grow old.

Lord knows I'm weak,
won't somebody get me off of this reef?

-Bradley Nowell


(By the time the song ends, Butchie is parking the El Camino. He gets out, grabs his board and Kai's duffle bag outta the back and walks to the water, which he reaches just as Kai reaches the land.)

Kai: Back already?

Butchie: Back for my lady.

Kai: You wanna throw our shit in the car and walk around the pier for awhile?

Butchie: Fuck yeah, I do.

(Walking back, Butchie and Kai bump elbows every few yards. After putting their boards in the car, they shed their wet-suits and each put on jeans, a t-shirt, and flip-flops. They clasp hands and swagger to the pier. They wander hand-in-hand for a good hour before settling at the west edge. The pier is strangely empty, with only a couple fisherman clear down on the north side. Ducking behind a structure, Butchie pulls Kai to him and kisses her.)

Kai: Here?

Butchie: Now. (He nods his head, grinning.)

(Kai wraps her arms around his neck and they kiss. She moves a hand to the back of his head, and massages with each stroke of her lips. Their bodies find a grove and the hammer stands at attention. Butchie runs his hands up and down her sides, brings them up to her face and kisses her deeper and deeper. He presses her up against the structure, kisses her neck and unbuttons her pants. She returns the favor and then he's inside her. They move together, face-to-face, clasping hands and looking into each other's eyes. Butchie's sees himself there, and recognizes the man he sees reflected lovingly back at him. When he is spent, he quickly pulls his pants up, then falls to his knees and starts kissing Kai's stomach.)

Kai: Butchie...

Butchie: The compact metal detector in my tongue is ringing.

Kai: (She grabs his hand and pulls him up to her) Stay up here, okay? (She kisses him on the lips then looks down.)

Butchie: What's wrong? (He lifts her chin with his finger and looks in her eye)

Kai: Nuthin'. I just want you close.

Butchie: I'm right fuckin' here.

(They kiss)

(An hour later, Kai sits in Butchie's lap, laying against his chest, both watching the sunset (Look))

Kai: Hey, Butchie...

Butchie: Yeah?

Kai: I'm gonna start competing.

Butchie: Hell, yeah. (He looks at her) You're the best chick on the fuckin' water.

Kai: (Punches his leg) The best chick huh??

Butchie: Fuuck! (He wraps his arms around her, grabs her arms, and squeezes, restraining her, and rocks her back and forth.) 'Scuse me: I meant the best surfer of all fuckin' time!

Kai: (Resting her head back against him) That's more like it.

Butchie: Stinkweed'll fuckin' sign ya. Shit! They'd haveta be fuckin' crazy not to.

Kai: I got some interest from Billabong. They want to fly me out to Hawaii for an audition next week.

Butchie: (swallows) You gonna go?

Kai: I think I have to, Butchie.

Butchie: Yeah... me too. (His heart sinks.)

Kai: But I'll be back--chances are they won't even sign me.

Butchie: Chances are you're gonna conquer the fuckin' world, Kai. You still gonna fuckin' surf with us on Saturday?

Kai: Of course. (Kai turns around and looks at him) You're not mad?

Butchie: Why the fuck would I be mad?

Kai: About me leavin'?

Butchie: I'll miss ya...(He looks down)...a lot.

Kai: (Taking his face in her hands) I'll be here any time you need me. (She kisses him and turns back around)

(They watch the sun sink into the water before they walk back to the car, still holding hands. Butchie wants to tell Kai that he needs her eyes to see himself, but bites his tongue and tells himself that things won't ever change between them.)

--Walkara

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

(Barry sits cross legged in his empty living room looking out at his private beach. The sea is nearly flat, Teddy sits facing him)

Barry: I am sorry Teddy, that man is rough and clearly at a loss concerning Freddy's needs at this most sensitive time of life. (Pause) I did not imagine that you were responsible for the sawdust. (Pause) Teddy! One of the workers? (Pause) It does not matter that it was a brief pose, you and little Freddy should never have been so humiliated even for a second, not even for a laugh!

(Barry's phone rings)

Barry: We are not finished discussing this horrible turn of events Teddy, but I must now talk to Meyer Dickstiein who has so diligently represented our interests thus far. Hello Meyer.

Meyer: I have just finished reading a letter from the county planning commission wherein they convey an offer to buy the Snug Harbor property.

Barry: Oh! An unexpected development. Have we indicated in some way that we are offering ourselves for sale? Do we stand on a corner somewhere?

Meyer: No we do not. And now confirming that you have not done so with me unawares, I am now alarmed; sure that this letter paves the way and precedes an action to allow compulsory purchase should we refuse their offer; a veiled threat to exercise the recently loosed rights of eminent domain.

Barry: Eminent Domain? Doesn't that require a plan for public use?

Meyer: Yes it does, but I'm afraid anything goes now since the most recent court decisions have opened that up to anyone's interpretation. I will need some time to research proposals recently submitted by developers that would incorporate your property and those adjacent. I will contact you as soon as I discover the extent of the efforts in motion.

Barry: You are invaluble to me sir. I trust you will turn to dust any tyranny searching for vulnerability. Will you be joining us this evening, Ramon is preparing a wonderful meal, our cookouts are a permanent fixture now, with your fiancé?

Meyer: I have received a message from Cissy Yost, so I do believe we will be there.

Barry: Until then.

(Meyer hangs up and goes back in the Café. Barry returns his attention to Teddy)

Barry: They could not have discovered our saltpeter. For what purpose do you suppose this coup has been conspired? Have I betrayed us, Teddy?

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Mitch still in the tree. Sirens approaching in the background. Bill is getting out of his car as he begins a discourse)

Bill: Tickers, tickers tickers! Nothing is sacred. Nothing is lost of the back page anymore. At the first mention of Anderson Copper I contacted my brothers in the fire department. They approach for rescue of cat! Didn't want to alarm the authorities. Now looking at John in the distance: John! Not to worry they come for a cat!

John: Mitch Yost is back in the game.

(Camera rolls to Mitch in the tree. He rolls his eyes in embarrassment at all the commotion. The top of a ladder appears at the bottom of the view. The camera pans back to reveal a rather short ladder with a firemen tending to Mitch. Mitch begins to descend at the instant he is touched by the fireman. The fireman helps him to the ground.)

--Waxon

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

(. . . .but as soon as he lets go and turns his back, Mitch starts floating up, careful not to be discovered by on-lookers, he grabs the tree and makes like he is shimmying back up.)

Fireman: WHAT THE SAM-HELL ARE YOU DOING!?

Mitch: RAISING AWARENESS! (He reached the top and anchors himself there by wrapping his legs around the prickly base.)

Fireman: WHY THE FUCK DID YOU HAVE US BOTHER GETTING YOU DOWN THEN?!

Mitch: SORRY! (He rolls his eyes at himself, in embarrassment)

Fireman: (to Bill) We ain't coming back. He can stay up there for all I care. (To his crew) Alright, boys! Pack it up! If the star wants to stay on top of his tree, let him!

John: Mitch Yost is back in the tree.

--Walkara

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

(Barry, cell phone to his ear, is seen standing through his large glass window Teddy eye level from the floor, his pants rolled up to his knee and the surf rolls up around his feet and drenches his pants. He is knocked a few steps back but he regains his balance and does not fall)

Samuel Hostetler IV: (answers the phone at his place of business) Hostetler fabrication and steel supply, How can we help you?

Barry: I wish to purchase a flagpole.

--SpiritontheWater

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

[Daphne has arrived at the current chaos of Snug Harbor, and she stands by her car looking for Meyer. Palaka walks up to her.]

Palaka: Hello. Hello. [Daphne takes a step back from Palaka as if she wants to run away]. If you are wanting to know the location of your intended, he is upstairs with the Doctor.

Daphne: [Look of concern appearing on her face.] Has he been hurt?

Palaka: Hurt? No. No miss. I didn't mean to agitate you by suggesting that he was indisposed. He is meeting with the Doctor about the hospital trouble.

Daphne: Thank you. [Walks towards Smith's room.]

Palaka: Glad to be of use while I am awaiting more orders from my boss.

[As Daphne walks through the grounds, she passes John who is still standing next to Freddy; they both have their arms folded. Meyer comes out of Smith's room and immediately spots Daphne. He smiles and walks quickly towards her.]

John: One good blowjob rocked the Jew lawyer's world.

Freddy: Musta have been his first one.

Daphne: Meyer I thought you came down here to help Mitch Yost, and now that criminal's hand puppet tells me that you were talking to the doctor about the hospital suit.

Meyer: I know that you wanted me to convince the Yosts that the doctor was negligent, but I couldn't do it.

Daphne: I want you to be a wealthy, successful lawyer, but I also want your happiness. I told you that I wasn't the fair-weather type and, I guess that includes the times you won't take the easy money.

Meyer: Thank you Bubbala. [Passionate kiss.] So why are here?

Daphne: Well I thought that this Mitch Yost situation would be a tense one for you, and I thought maybe I could help you with that.

Meyer: [He gives her a stunned look] I don't understand what has brought about this change in you. That time on the beach you...

Daphne: [Interrupting] Shaun Yost's disappearance caused me to reevaluate my life. I realized that there was a lot that I hadn't done. C'mon. [She tries to drag Meyer into Room 24.]

Meyer: Not that room!

Daphne: [Puzzled] OK. How about we try the beach again? [She kisses him.]

Meyer: You mean it? [She nods.] Well there isn't much going on around here anyways.

[They walk past the Yosts, reporters, tree-huggers, candle fanatics, and almost everyone else that lives in IB and head towards the beach.]

-Theshriek

---------------------------------------------
Dr.Smith is dialing number for Adam's mother.


Voice: We're sorry, the number you have dialed is temporarily out of order or is no longer in service. Please check the number and try again.

Dr. Smith: That can't be right. (He re-dials the number and gets the same message. After trying another time he calls the operator at the hospital)

Dr. Smith: Hello, this is Doctor Smith please connect me to Janet in records.

Janet: Hello Dr. Smith, can I help you?

Dr. Smith: I hope so, I need to get in touch with a former patient, there is an urgent matter regarding her son. Her name is Angela Corrado.

Janet: I'll check... give me a sec... That was quick... this is strange, Dr. our records indicate that Mrs. Corrado is deceased. Apparently she was brought in at ten p.m. on the eighteenth with blunt trauma following an automobile accident on Pacific Coast Highway just south of Huntington Beach.

Dr. Smith: Can you verify that this is the same woman I treated this spring with a respiratory illness?

Janet: Checking... Yes, it's the same woman, you saw her five eleven.

Dr. Smith: Is there any record of her son Adam?

Janet: I do not see anything coming up for that name.

Dr. Smith: Thank you, Janet.

Janet: Is there anything else, doctor?

Dr. Smith: No, that is all. Thank you.

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Erlenmeyer sits at a picnic table beneath the surf camp climbing tower. He is eating a tuna sandwich and a half eaten peanut butter sandwich sits on a second plate before him. Across the table he sees Kai, Cass and Tina, watching him with serious looks on their faces)

Erlenmeyer: To tell you the truth ladies, I honestly cannot say which I prefer. It's been awhile since I've had either.

(He gets up and walks across the field toward the Naval communications compound. He walks up to the chain link fence and closing his eyes he places his hand on the fence.)

Erlenmeyer: It's not as easy to cross the border as it used to be.

(He opens his eyes and sees John standing on the other side of the fence facing him)

John: See anything in that cantina worth staying for? Hear my Father's word. Renew my eligibility. Fucking chemist.

--SpiritontheWater

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

[At the café, Dwayne is watching the computer screen as Jerri continues to clean up.]

Jeri: I will be done in about 30 minutes then I will drive you over to the hotel.

[Suddenly, Dwayne lets out a gasp. Jerri walks over to computer and on it sees Meyer and Daphne having sex under the pier at the beach.]

Jerri: Oh my God! That's the Jew lawyer. Turn off the computer before that image gets frozen forever on the screen! [Dwayne doesn't move.] Turn off the computer now!

Dwayne starts shutting down the machine, but it isn't going fast enough for Jerri as the "Do You Really Want to Shut Down" dialog box appears.

Jerri: Yes, we really want to fuckin' shut down. It shouldn't ask us that in an emergency. I'm going to see the picture of them two having sex as I'm trying to go to sleep tonight. It's gonna give me nightmares.

Dwayne: It just appeared on the screen.

Jerri: Yeah? And you were sitting there watching it all. You, obviously, need some of the real thing. [She pulls her tank over the top of his head.] Feel those tits next to your sexy jug ears!

Dwayne: I just couldn't believe that a Jewish American Princess would be doing that in the sand.

Jerri: For God's sake Dwayne, not every single one of them is going to just lie there and think of Abercrombie's.

[She removes her tank top from Dwayne's head, just as one of John's terrorist-looking messages appears on the computer screen.]

John: The Internet is big. Ramon wants to know if Dwayne and Jerri are hungry in the courtyard.

Dwayne: I guess you were not getting to the hotel fast enough for him.

[They leave for the hotel.]

--Theshriek

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

(Moana walks down the gravel road toward the water just before sunset. He looks down and sees a syringe lying in the middle of the path and stops)

Moana: Dumb haole fucker, small kid could step on this garbage...no respect for Haumea.

(Moana finds a scrap of paper and carefully picks the syringe up with it, he carries it to the end of the trail and dumps it in the rusty trash can on which is stenciled the words "keep our beaches clean". Next to the trash can is a warning sign describing the contamination and prohibition for swimming)

Moana: Sign like this, small kid don't even know.

(He walks up on a grassy outcrop above the sand where he crouches down and stares at the water as the last light finds it way through the small cresting waves. The waves are brown and a sickening green where the light penetrates.)

Moana: Shit's not right. Wasn't you in the hospital when this shit got on me in Oahu, haole braddah saw to me there. You just wanted me back for stealin' from them houses. We go way back for what, (motions toward the dirty waves) this shit?

(He watches as the sun touches the horizon then gets up to leave, as he walks back up the path he listens to the repetitive sound of his gritty steps. He stops as he hears a coyote howl somewhere in the distance)

Moana: What I'm doin' here? Pupule Koa.

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Barry returns to the Snug Harbor and unloads grocery bags from his car. He watches the scene around Mitch, the crowd has grown and Bill is seen with his back to the tree arms outstretched keeping people back. He walks over to where Ramon is lighting the grill)

Barry: Mouths to feed Ramon, perhaps we should have considered a catering service.

Ramon: (gives Barry a sideways look) I got plenty of cousins who do that for me when I need them. I think we'll be ok for tonight. We got three batches of tamales in the fridge and they take no time to re-heat over the fire.

Barry: Wonderful! (Reaching in one of the bags he produces a large bag of green chiles) The nicest man recommended these to me when I was speaking to him of your wonderful tamales. I thought you would know what to do with them.

Ramon: Ernesto. Those are local grown, better than you get in the big stores; thinner skin. We can throw those on the grill but you're gonna have to grate some cheese.

Barry: I will be more than happy to do that, Ramon. I bought the brick of Jack as you instructed. And Ramon, it may surprise you to know that I am well versed in cheese grating. I was once put to the task in the kitchen at the Turf Club in Pico Rivera as a young man. I was fortunate enough to have been befriended by the owner of that establishment. A most wonderful man who cared for me at a time...

Ramon: Do the whole thing, do you remember where I showed you the grater.

Barry: I do and will be done in a jiffy. I will leave your other supplies here?

Ramon: Yes, thank you. (He reaches in the bag and pulls out one of the packages of fresh sausages which he proceeds to open and put on the grill.)

(Meyer Dickstein wanders over)

Meyer: It is truly a three ring circus now, Ramon, I am steeped in work suddenly. It seems we are besieged with enemies wanting to pull down our newly formed community of soldiers fighting the good fight.

Ramon: Tell me about it. My cousin left early today and says his boys ain't gonna work with reporters around. We'll be stuck in the mud if this continues.

Meyer: Did I mention the threat of Eminent Domain ?

Ramon: My people heard of that long time ago I think.

Meyer: Yes (he laughs) that's true Ramon, but they have their sights on the Snug Harbor Motel in particular this time. And that coupled with the doctor's troubles, (he pauses) I hope I'm not getting in over my head.

Ramon: Comin' at us from all sides. Barry's money should do some talking though, huh?

Meyer: Yes, well, it may. But it takes experience to deal with threats such as these, and I am only slightly experienced in medical suits, real estate disputes somewhat more. Perhaps I will need the assistance of an outside source.

Ramon: There's power in numbers.

(Barry returns with a large bag of grated cheese he holds up to Ramon with a proud smile)

Barry: There you are Ramon, ready for your experienced hand.

Ramon: (smiles back at Barry) Good job and quick too. It needs to go in the fridge so it doesn't get soft. The Salsa too, in the bag...let me take these in. One of you can turn those sausages and put another pack on.

(Ramon takes the bag of cheese from Barry and grabs one of the bags to take inside to the refrigerator. Barry and Meyer stand looking at the BBQ.)

Meyer: (Opens the lid and is hit in the face with the heat, he quickly pulls his head back) Oh my, that's hot!

Barry: (reaches in the bag and pulls out the remaining packs of sausages) I've wondered only recently if I shouldn't travel to some exotic location and undertake the ritual of walking across burning embers. Is that a silly notion, Meyer?

Meyer: A rite of passage, I don't think so. That it would be a silly idea I mean. I often considered my first surfing experience to be such a rite. There was a huge bonfire on the beach that night.

(Ramon returns and looks at Barry holding the packs of sausages, and Meyer who is standing in front of the open grill)

Ramon: What's happening, you guys in some other place right now? (He takes the packages from Barry and proceeds to open them and dump them out on the grill after which he turns the others and closes the lid.) Gotta keep the lid down at this stage or the coals will burn up too quick... We'll put the peppers on in a few minutes, then the Tamales last.

(All three stand staring out across the courtyard as if in a trance, the smoke swirls around them)

Barry: (blinking) A bonfire, what a beautiful image.

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Meyer walks back over to Daphne, who is standing where he left her, back near the edge of the crowd listening to the banter between Mitch and the reporters. Ramon and Barry turn their attention to the twenty year old Dr. Smith who emerges from his room to stand at the railing overlooking the courtyard)

Barry: I do not believe that I have seen that young man before Ramon, is he a new tenant?

Ramon: Never seen him. Must be a friend of the Doc's.

Dr. Smith: (looks down at Barry and Ramon) Smells good!

(Barry and Ramon nod in acknowledgment)

Freddy: (hears the voice and looks up toward young Michael Smith) And that kid better be half smart too when comes time for patchin' people up around here.

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Tina's car pulls into the Snug Harbor Motel. Cissy sits shotgun, and Jake and Linc sit in the back. They park next to Meyer's car and all get out.)

Cissy: (Walking over to Bill) Mitch's still up on the fuckin' cross I see.

Bill: The goddamn fire department pulled him down, but the second they turned their fuckin' backs, he was airborne again. Left me lookin' like an asshole. I tell ya, Cissy, I don't know how much more goddamn madness I can take.

Cissy: Fuckin' Linc just totaled my car. Good fuckin' riddance! That piece of shit deserved what it got. I hope Linc enjoys buyin' me a new fuckin' car.

Bill: Get yourself a goddam American car this time, huh.

(Tina and Linc walk hand-in-hand over to the pool to watch Shaun. Jake follows, feelin' out of place, until he spies a young woman in a bikini, and sits next her. When Shaun sees his mom, he jumps outta the pool and hops off his board)

Shaun: Hi mom. Hey Linc.

Linc: What's up my man?

Tina: (Giving Shaun a hug) How was the water today?

Shaun: Sick! ...Hey mom, you should see John skateboard: he was bustin' ollies, kickflips, and some wicked aerials.

Linc: Where's John? (He surveys the parking lot, but John is nowhere in sight. He spots Cass over by the shuffleboard court filming and approaches her, leaving Tina with Shaun) Hey, where is John?

Cass: If he's anywhere, he's everywhere.

Linc: What?

Cass: He's around.

Linc: Okay...(rubs his forehead with his hand) What the hell are you filming?

Cass: I'm working. What are you doing, Linc Stark? (She turns the camera on him)

Linc: Looking for John...Remember? Now, get that fuckin' thing outta my face. (He walks off and Cass follows, filming from a distance)

(Back at the surf camp, Erlenmeyer opens his eyes, surprised to find that it's grown dark. He gathers his things and gets into his "car".)

(At the Snug Harbor, Bill walks over to Freddy and Palaka, who've set up lawn chairs outside their room.)

Freddy: Palaka, run in there a grab that extra chair for the pig.

(Palaka gets up and goes inside.)

Bill: (sitting down in Palaka's now empty chair) Jesus Christ! (He shakes his fists at the sky) You shit-birds never fuckin' learn do ya? Disrespect The Job like that again, and you can count on a goddam beating, asshole.

(Freddy grins)

Palaka: (Returning with the chair, which he puts on the other side of Freddy and sits) The Mexican and the queer said the food was ready.

(Vietnam Joe's van drives down the street, in search of parking. Riding Shotgun, Magdalena is asleep. Joe finds a place to park before waking her.)

Joe: Lena? Wake up.

Magdalena: (waking) Oh, forgive me, I must have fallen asleep.

Joe: Listen, the Doc I was tellin' ya about is staying at this here motel. That bite on yer leg needs stitches and we better get some antibiotics in ya.

Magdalena: Thank you, Joe. (She reaches into her pocket, pulls out a wad of cash, and offers it to him)

Joe: You keep your goddam money. I'm just sorry we drove to San Diego for nuthin'.

Magdalena: I cannot let you go uncompensated, Joe. I am in your debt.

Joe: You just fuckin' hold on to that money, ya hear? We'll start lookin' again in the morning. (He gets outta the car, goes around to her side, and helps her down and they join the crowd. When they walk past Cissy, standing next to Tina and Shaun by the pool, Magdalena and she meet eyes. Recognizing each other, Cissy approaches)

Cissy: Hey, it's you. Small fuckin' world.

Magdalena: It's you! Do you still have my rosary beads?

Cissy: Sorry, I don't speak Mexican. But I put those fuckin' beads ya gave me in my car, which fuck-face over there just wrecked (she points to Linc)

(Joe repeats what Cissy said to Lena)

Cissy: I just fuckin' told her that, dumbass. She doesn't fuckin' understand.

Joe: (too exasperated to explain) Where's the goddam, Doc?

Cissy: Hell if I fuckin' know. Ain't seen him in days. (She shakes her head and walks over to the tree, scattering reporters in the process)

Cissy: Get the fuck outta my way. I need a word with Tarzan up there.

(Just then Barry walks to the middle of the area and rings a bell)

Barry: Attention! Attention, mi amigos! Dinner...is served. (He bows and backs away like the ringmaster at a circus. Everyone walks toward the grill except Cissy.)

Shaun: (Walking by, looks up at Mitch) Hey gramps!

(Mitch waves)

Cissy: (not quite yelling) Linc totaled the fuckin' Miata!

Mitch: How the hell did he manage that?

Cissy: With his fuckin' Navigator.

Mitch: (to himself) Fuckin' tacky gas-guzzlers! (He shouts) You said you wanted a new car...

Cissy: Yeah, a classic. Maybe a Stingray, or a Roadrunner.

(Erlenmeyer walks down the sidewalk to the motel. He quickly spots Cissy and Mitch at the top of the tree and goes to them)

Cissy: Where-the-fuck you been all fuckin' day, Chemist?

Erlenmeyer: I'm not sure...

Cissy: Don't you start waxin' all fuckin' high and mighty on me too, goddamit! I've got all the enlightenment I can handle with The Big-ass Kahuna up there.

Erlenmeyer: (waves at Mitch) What's the view from like up there, Mitch?

Mitch: Not too bad. My legs are fuckin' raw though.

(Barry, Meyer, and Ramon stand behind a table, filling plates with Tamale's and sausage & peppers. Another table is stocked with salsa, chilies, sour cream, and horchata. Dr. Smith spots Joe and Lena sitting on the curb, and upon noticing her wounds, he is suddenly his actual age again. He walks over, taps Joe on the shoulder, and tells him to bring her to his office so they can treat her wounds. They disappear for half and hour or so. When they return, they see people scattered across the lot, with Shaun skateboarding from person to person, delivering plates full of food. They find a place to sit, and are quickly served a glass of horchata then a plate of food. When everyone's mouths are full, they hear the rumble of an engine approaching...)


(The El Camino drives rolls into the Snug Harbor Parking lot, with Butchie and Kai inside, while John stands in the back, arms in the air, fingers pointing up. Music fills the parking lot (Hear) and swells. Butchie parks, and he and Kai get out and sit together on the grass. John, arms still raised, suddenly closes his eyes and falls down in the back, fast asleep.)

(Everyone continues eating, seemingly unaware of John's presence.)

John: (Now standing on the top of the car) The End is Here. (Inside the car, the stereo's volume increases until the crackling static fills the parking-lot and then stops)

Stereo: (Speaking in the voice of John's Father) Get off the goddam car, Country!

(John descends from the car, and walks through the crowd, all of them oblivious to him except Cass, who, walking over to the carousel horse, points her camera at John while he weaves among the 0's and 1's)

John: (touching Cass's heart) Show the other cameras, Cass. (He points to Emma Borden, devouring a sausage) Work there. (He walks over to Barry, touches his arm) A temple of Art will arise. (Gilbert Rawlins appears at Barry's feet) Mr. Rawlins gets an upgrade. (Moving to Ramon, taking his hand) Host a lunch, Ramon. These cook-outs become a fixture (He touches Meyer on the back) Improvise that communication. Earth needs to dump out. Stare down Frankenstein. (Then to Daphne, standing next to Meyer) Mother: Earth, Daphne-not-the-fair-weather-type. 'Shep naches.' (He walks to Jerri and Dwayne, who are sitting on the curb, and places a hand on each of their heads) Jerri warns Dwayne off talking about miracles. The Internet Cafe is juiced. We understand how Dwayne talks. Live green. (He walks past Palaka, Freddy, and Bill, all seated, poking the top of each of their bald heads as he goes.) Palaka stands guard. Freddy gets new keys. Bill keeps his eye-on. (John walks over to Joe and Magdalena, crouches behind them and puts an arm around each) See Joe, Magdalena. Joe is much improved. (John moves to Dr. Smith, sitting by Lena) Joe will deliver the hairlips to Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith is not a chameleon. (John walks over to Jake, puts a hand on his shoulder) Zeroes and goddamn one's is what to turn your talents to. Jakes' got a buttplug exploiting his portal. (He moves to Tina & Linc) Linc is El Camino. Linc spins my Father's words. (He takes Tina's hand and rests in on Linc's arm) Tina sees Cissy. Tina is adult about possessions. (He walks to Erlenmeyer, touches his arm) Show Mitch and Cissy. (He puts his arms around Cissy, hugging her; she doesn't acknowledge him) The Glue. (He looks up at Mitch, still in the tree) Mitch is up in the air. Mitch raises awareness. (As he says this, Mitch lets go of the tree, and slowly hovers back to the ground) Give Cissy a lift. (He touches Mitch and looks back at Cissy) Dry land's hard. (Finally, he walks to Kai and Butchie, seated. John extends his hands to them, they both take one, and he pulls them to their feet.) The beast is out of semi-retirement. Butchie shows Shaun. Mother of God, Cass-Kai! Kai will soon be gone. (John turns from them all and walks back to the Camino and sits, cross-legged on the hood.)

John: In My Father's word-to-come, not all towelheads will be eradicated. The 0's and 1's make an army from the Word. My Father's Word scares your balls-off. "The cards are no good that you're holding, unless they're from another world." My Father's Father listens to Our Father. In Cass' camera, Barry raises the black flag: the roaches hide. Butchie and Shaun dump-out Room F. Moana is Pupule Koa, he meets Coyote in the ring. Janet will find Adam. Adam drops in at the four. In Cass' camera, Emma sees The Word. In my father's word to come, the Planning Commission is not Linc's first Planning Commission. Exotic ingredients excite Daphne's tongue. Erlenmeyer prefers Tamales. Little Freddy prefers Teddy. Mitch sees "Susan." Cissy gives "Susan" a nut-nudge. Jake wipes-out Tina wipes-out Linc. I.B. is juiced. The monkey is off Butchie's back for good. No relapses. Butchie changes the game. Kai conquers the North Shore. Butchie keeps Kai's boards, every day. Butchie loves two women. "Everything stays down where it's wounded and comes to a permanent stop." In the word on the wall that hears my Father, HBO keeps the faith. HBO resurrects the Word. We are coming 9/11/14. We are the Signal's antennas. My father's birthday is the same day as mine. Hear the Word on the Wall.

*What appentency knows the flood,
What thirst, the sword?
What name
sustains the core of flame?
We are the blade,
but not the hand
by which the blade is swayed.
Time falls, but has no end.
Descend.

Shaun: (skates over to John) Cass shows John where to work. (Then over to Dr. Smith, once again twenty years old) The Doc stops Barry's bleeding. (He skates back over by John) The message is the thing.

(Just then the Car stereo starts crackling again)

Stereo: (in the voice of John's Father) Those who would lead by fear, lies, and hate are gathering forces. The seeds of the storm have already been fuckin' planted. A hard rain will fall unless the ocean speaks...**The message of the cross is foolishness to them who are perishing, but to those of us who are saved, it is the power of God...***The release of atomic power has changed everything except our way of thinking... the solution to this problem lies in the heart of mankind ...****We've begun to evolve inorganically as a species, through our technology, and, especially, our media. We'll hit an evolutionary dead end if the media model is wholly economic rather than spiritual. We won't be able to control our technology and will wind up killing ourselves...******Our tragedy today is a general and universal physical fear so long sustained by now that we can even bear it. There are no longer problems of the spirit. There is only one question: When will I be blown up?...[We] must [learn] that the basest of all things is to be afraid. Then forget it forever, leaving no room in [the] workshop for anything but the old verities and truths of the heart, the universal truths lacking which any story is ephemeral and doomed--love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice. Until [we] do so, [we] labor under a curse....I decline to accept the end of man. It is easy enough to say that man is immortal because he will endure: that when the last ding-dong of doom has clanged and faded from the last worthless rock hanging tideless in the last red and dying evening, that even then there will still be one more sound: that of his puny inexhaustible voice, still talking. I refuse to accept this. I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance. The poet's, the writer's, [the surfer's] duty is to [tell] about these things. It is his privilege to help man endure by lifting his heart, by reminding him of the courage and honor and hope and pride and compassion and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of his past. The poet's voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail...

(The stereo abruptly shuts off; John disappears from the hood, and wakes up in the back. Everyone pauses for a few seconds, aware that something Big just happened, but unable to put their fingers on what.)

Reporter: Hey, Mitch Yost is on the ground.

Cissy: (Suddenly aware that Mitch is standing next to her) When the fuck did you climb down?

Mitch: (Realizing his feet are on the ground) I...I'm not sure.

John: Tomorrow is another day.


-FADE TO BLACK-

(Hear)

-----
*-Robert Penn Warren, from the poem 'History'
**-1 Corinthians 1:18
***-Einstein
****-David Milch
*****-From Faulkner's Nobel Prize acceptance speech

--Walkara

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

Episode 12, His Visit, Day 11

Shaun shreds the pool, Barry and Ramon cook breakfast, Jerri and Dwayne discover a youtube video about the café, Butchie and Kai check out the Billabong tour map, Erlemeyer takes Mitch for a ride, Tina and Linc visit the dealership, Emma and Cass order espressos, Cissy and Meyer find Dr. Smith, Bill takes Zippy for a drive, Freddy goes to the beach with Moana, Joe checks his harvest, Palaka guards the Bar.

Written by: SpiritontheWater, Walkara, backinthegame and theshriek.

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

Opening Sequence Click to Listen

(Shaun sneaks out of room F in the middle of the night taking his board out to the pool area. He flips the breaker for the lights and begins ripping up the pool. He skates in smooth arching curves around the entire pool smoothly clearing the light in the deep end. After several flawless circles he flies out and lands on the landing across the pool from the four. He sees Adam standing on the opposite side with the tail of his board directly over the four)

Adam: Mind if I drop in?

Shaun: Blow it up dude.

(Adam drops in carving around several times over the light following the same lines as Shaun, he pops back up over the edge and lands solidly beside Shaun)

Adam: A little tight. Makes me miss the pool that we used to get in on Palm, big like dogbowl, you could carve that shit all day.

Shaun: I'm Shaun

Adam: I'm Adam, you live here now?

Shaun: Staying with my dad, and John.

Adam: John Monad.

Shaun: You know John?

Adam: He's my friend.

Shaun: You been to Cincinnati?

Adam: Hell yeah I been to Cincinnati!

Shaun: (Looks across the parking lot at the El Camino) Wanna get wet?

Adam: I'm gonna get fucking high!

(The El Camino is seen cruising north on the highway, Shaun is at the wheel and Adam is riding shot gun, a full quiver of gear is in the back).

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Barry arrives at the motel before sunrise and walks around carrying Teddy in his arms. He walks through the bar and checks out the construction then goes out and walks around the pool area, he notices several stickmen crudely drawn around the light, illuminated, in the deep end of the pool and turns abruptly walking out of the pool area toward the office, he stops on the shuffleboard court.)

Barry: Nine, eleven, fourteen, off. A rather random scoring system don't you think Teddy? A tragic date... Hmm... Young mister Yost is fourteen I believe...

(He steps off the course and heads toward the office, before reaching the door to knock he notices a series of numbers scrawled on the asphalt in front of the door. A piece of bbq charcoal lies at the end of the string, he knocks at the door and after a few minutes, and several repeated attempts, Ramon opens the door)

Barry: I dreamed we were serving breakfast Ramon, for soldiers and others working here. I saw a large family gathering, everyone eagerly ttending; "Tomorrow's another day", a banner strung across the driveway read. Some sort of momentous occasion it seemed to me in waking. I wonder now though what might have appeared on that morning's plate Ramon?

Ramon: (rubbing his eyes and scratching his head) More like El Dia De Los Muertos. I dreamt people were piled up as high as I could see... But if you're talking breakfast today, then there'll be hangovers involved... calls for a few special ingredients. I do Chorizo and eggs with green chiles and cheese... I can do 'em omelets.

Barry: Wonderful! A meal that soothes the frightened mind, healing and nourishing at once... I've always enjoyed a spicy Bloody Mary following those times when I have danced with friends too late in the night and opened one too many bottles of bubbly... Mimosa's?

Ramon: My cousin likes to have a Coors Light with his.

- SpiritontheWater

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

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

(Shaun and Adam crane their necks looking for the entrance to an isolated parking lot just off the highway)

Adam: (suddenly gesturing at a point past Shaun's nose) Is that it?

Shaun: (Jerks his head to the left and the steering wheel with it) Oh shit!

(The El Camino lurches toward the entrance as Shaun hits the gas instead of the brake, they narrowly miss a post marking the access and Shaun over corrects fishtailing the El Camino in the other direction, he cranks the wheel the other way and eventually straightens it out as he slams on the brakes coming to a complete stop. He slowly rolls the car forward into one of the stalls facing the ocean)

Adam: Fuckin A dude that was awesome, where'd you learn to drive like that?

Shaun: Uuh, I guess by watchin' my dad...(Shaun pauses and takes a deep breath) Who'd a killed me if I'd hit that sign back there. This is my sponsor's car.

Adam: Which sponsor?

Shaun: Linc Stark, Stinkweed.

Adam: You said the magic word, my good man (Adam takes his hat off and pulls out a crumpled up joint tucked in the band and hold it up) Always lite before a flight!

Shaun: I gotta lighter (He pulls out a bic lighter from his pocket and hands it to Adam who lights up and hands it to Shaun, Shaun takes a long toke and hands it back to Adam)

Adam: (Pointing to the surf still just visible by moonlight) Check it out, looks like some fat guy got here before us.

Shaun: (barely seeing the outline of a man) He looks like he knows what he's doing though. Too fat to be my gramps, had me scared for a second there. We better get out there so we can get a couple sets in before we have to head back. I'd better have this car back before Linc comes looking for it, or my ass is grass.

Adam: The magic word (He smiles and hands Shaun the joint again)

(Shaun takes another toke and both boys burst out laughing. They open the doors and smoke billows from the car. They get out still laughing and look at each other over the top.)

Adam: Cincinnati bro.

Shaun: They had some good ones.

(Both boys turn suddenly, looking like they've come to attention as they notice someone approaching the car)

Car Salesman: Never too early to lite the fires and kick the tires eh boys? (The man is carrying a surfboard and wetsuit; he's wearing red board shorts and a Hawaiian shirt) Now unless I'm wrong and you guys aren't the two 25 cars gone back twenty years I'd say you don't exactly have the pink slip to that rocket ship you just got a little thrill in and out of. And I'd be further sure as frat boys watch donkey sex that if you had creamed that sign upon approach here that once that incense you just blessed that interior with hit the olfactories of the true holder of that pink slip, along with him noticing the scratches and dents and not to mention the flat spot you left on that tire there, that you'd be in one big bag of shit. Wouldn't I be right there?

Shaun: We were planning on having it back before anyone woke up.

Car Salesman: Hoping for that to be true and now hoping that tire doesn't get looked at too close. I'd advise we take this cherry oldie you wanna be ready for back right to the spot you climbed in it at before the moon there sticks his thermos in his lunch box and makes ready for the shift change.

Shaun: But we were going to go surfing.

Adam: We got plenty of time and we don't need anyone's help.

Car Salesman: I just rode the last of those waves boys, look for yourself, she's closed out for the day, (staring at Adam) and as for people needing help and shoulders to bear those crosses well that might be a conversation we have at another time, 'cause from the look of you, you ain't feeling too well... Hell do you boys even know where you are?

Shaun: Uuh California? (Both boys laugh)

Car Salesman: Ha ha and we'd all be in a place starting with a C if it weren't for the work that needs doin'. Boys, you're at Walkara bluff, a name twisted into Walker point by some cocksucker not knowin' his dick from his earlobe, but you won't find it on any map nowadays and any public record's probably been lost in the big one. No boys, only a few have the privilege I'm passing on to you of knowing the turf their playing on. At one time that bluff behind you there was standing room only for a heard of the finest ponies a man could ever be so blessed by the almighty to lay his eyes upon. And don't you go on buying onto that crap about the chief being a thief of them horses cause they were his property the moment their eyes met. Never have two creatures wanting freedom as much found a bond so eve and the apple meant to be. 1840 there abouts, Chief Walkara would gather up those ponies from where ever he could find 'em, and it was a sight to behold, I'll tell ya. If there was ever a wave that ran on dry land it was that chief on the back of a pony riding like the wind with a gang of followers trailing for a mile behind him... Course it all went downhill after that. The bottle got him, then them damn pioneers... That's why ya gotta ride wild while ya can boys...

(The car salesman stops and looks at the boys who are staring out toward the surf now flat)

Car Salesman: Aw hell, You don't care about that old Indian do you? Never mind he could a been any one of your fathers fathers father..s father.. What do you say we fire er up and I'll show ya what she can do? Have ya home wrestlin' yer rattlesnakes in no time. (The boys look at each other disappointed) Oh hell get in. Tomorrow's another day. Haven't you heard?

(Shaun hands him the keys and he hops in in front of the car salesman, Adam stuffs the roach back in his hat and get's in the other side)

Car Salesman: (laughs) Wasn't two days ago I was sitin' here feeling like takin her for a spin. Buckle up boys, we're gonna race the moon!

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Ramon begins rubbing his head, and he backs up to let Barry in.)

Ramon: I need some coffee real bad. (He walks over and grabs the coffee pot from the auto drip machine.)

Barry: And you will be surprised without doubt Ramon, to learn that I am not one only in the habit of being served in highly decorated establishments where maitre d' hush the waiters who rudely clatter dishes during ones morning repast, but I, are you ready for this Ramon? I, do waffles! And I am quite good at them if I don't say so myself!

Ramon: (Stands with the pot in his hand staring blankly at Barry.) You threw me with that one, I'd a never thought it.

Barry: Yes, and I have brought four of my favorite waffle irons with me this morning, searching boxes at four am to find them. I have a rather large collection; a rather casual week on e-bay I must admit, but during which time I managed to gather a rather impressive history of these fascinating devices. Not all usable of course, but intriguing and valuable I think... I'll bring them in.

(Barry goes out to the car. Ramon fills the pot with water and fills the back of the coffee maker, then he dumps a pre-measured bag of Folgers in the filter and hits the switch.)

Ramon: (Staring at the coffee pot as it sputters to life.) Barry's climbing pretty high.

Barry: (Returns to the door with four chrome plated waffle irons in his arms and bag in his hand) Take this bag Ramon, wonderful syrups and my own special batter mix. Oh, I should have asked, do you like waffles Ramon?

Ramon: I like them. They'll work with omelets.

Barry: Wonderful. Where shall I plug these in?

(Ramon follows Barry into the kitchenette placing the bag up on the counter)

Ramon: That four way over here, that way when it blows we can put it out in one place.

(Barry goes about setting up in the kitchenette for his waffle prep. Ramon returns to the front and pours a cup of coffee while the machine is still brewing. He walks out and stands in front of the office looking out across the courtyard. He looks down and notices the numbers in charcoal at his feet and then looks up and sees several door lights illuminated at several rooms on the upper floor. He notices the lights in the pool area are on as well.)

Ramon: Some guests having their way without checkin' in first,looks like.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(The car salesman takes the El Camino up to eighty five on the laststretch of straight road heading toward IB. The boys are all smiles. The first traffic lights of IB come into view)

Car Salesman: (Takes his foot off the gas and begins to slow the El Camino down) Ha! Beat ya, ya grinnin' goblin. Feels like she needs a bushing or two in that idler arm though... now don't you boys go getting any fast ideas about you're being ready to spew that much Co2 on this delicate landscape. I only do it to make a point, and the wildlife does not appreciate my point, that the moon will match you mile for mile until you take your eyes off her and stare straight into the light of that blow torch that's about to come to work.

(They slow down and approach the first red light which is still blinking)

Adam: Damn dude! That was awesome.

Car Salesman: Glad you enjoyed the flight, but you might wanna modify that slogan of yours, running bear, it's lite before fight; the way you been saving your scalp these past couple of months.

(Adam looks surprised at the car salesman's comment and when the car comes to a complete stop he opens the door and steps out on to the street)

Adam: Later dude, it was a rush.

Shaun: (Lifting his arm he pounds fists with Adam.) Where you going?

(Adam doesn't answer and turns and crosses the street toward the beach)

Car Salesman: Let him go, that boy's got more chasing him than OJ riding his bronco. He's a fox though. He'll jump a few more fences before the dogs get to him. Now let's let this stallion cool and get you back to the shady shack.

(Shaun sits quiet as they pull up to the Snug Harbor Motel. The car salesman turns off the lights and shuts off the engine as they roll up in to the parking lot. He stops in the same place Linc parked it the night before. Shaun opens the door and steps out)

Shaun: Thanks for the ride mister.

Car Salesman: Don't thank me, thank your lucky stars and the moon for shining, you'd be trading that surfboard in for a canoe up shit creek if it weren't for the pull of that mother's weight.

(Shaun pulls their gear out of the back and sets it in the bushes along side the driveway. Ramon watches from out front of the office.)

Ramon: That boy's takin' his life in his hands now.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Moana sits on the bluff as the sky lightens, he flashes on a lava flow he lived near as a boy, he remembers the low rumble on a morning when a large fissure broke open. As the sun breaks the horizon he gets up to walk back into town.)

Moana: Mother Moon, you pullin' Moana's heart again.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Ramon walks back inside and hears Barry merrily singing "favorite things" to himself. He hands him a cup of coffee.)

Ramon: I'd slow down a bit if I were you, I don't think we should be thinking early bird special.

Barry: The early bird gets the worm Ramon!

Ramon: (Steps around Barry and looks back into his living room, he sees four or five workers in addition to his cousin passed out on the sofa, recliner and floor in various twisted positions.) I think were talkin' the one in the tequila.

Barry: (smiles) I see. Brunch then! Lovely! We can adapt can we not Ramon? Is that not why the winged ones yet fly?

Ramon: (Walks back to the front office for another cup of coffee.) Maybe they were just smart enough to keep off the ground.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Shaun creeps in the apartment and hurriedly lies down and covers himself up on the futon Cissy threw in on the floor for him the daybefore. He lies on his back and looks up at the stained ceiling, he looks around and sees the gritty walls and his dads dirty laundry).

Shaun: This place looks like shit... Chief Miracle Boy said shit!...

(Out of the corner of his eye he sees a dark black bug crawling on floor beside him, grabbing one of his dad's shoes he smashes it.)

Shaun: Fuckin' Bitch! (He looks over and sees John awake and staring at him smiling)

John: Fuckin' Bitch Shaun! Life in his hands!

Shaun: (lies back with his hands behind his head.) Thank your lucky stars.

John: I do thank my lucky stars! Mother's weight!

Shaun: (closes his eyes) Peanut butter butter, John.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(The phone rings in the office and Ramon answers)

Ramon: We're closed (person on the other end asks for Barry) just a second...

(Ramon hands the phone to Barry shrugging his shoulders)

Ramon: First call on the new phone since Butchie smashed the old one. It's for you.

Barry: (takes the phone) Good morning?

Sam Hostetler: Good morning Mr. Cunningham. This is Sam Hostetler from Hostetler manufacturing and steel supply? I have good news for you. Hope I'm not callin' too early but we get started before daylight around here.

Barry: Splendid, good news before sun up is like the crying gull at waters edge.

Sam Hostetler: Yeah, well, I'm calling to let you know I just happen to have a flagpole ready to go for ya, a thirty-five footer just like you thought you might need.

Barry: (drops the oven mitts and potholders he's holding) Wonderful!... I am in awe that such could be wrought from the fire with such glorious speed!

Sam Hostetler: Well, it just happens we came across one sitting in the yard. It's not too pretty to look at as she lays but it's one we ended up getting dumped back on us after some city counsel woman managed to get it taken down out front of IB elementary last year. Seems some parent complained that flying the flag was discriminatory and unconstitutional. The school board had gone out on a limb having it made so they tore it down right away to keep from having to pay for the legal trouble of keeping it up. I'll let you have it for a song plus labor Mr. Cunningham and I can have it up soon as a hole's dug and reinforced.

Barry: I'm seeing stars Mr. Hostetler. The idea of seeing our flag waving proudly over these premises.. I'm giddy with joy.

(Ramon interrupts overhearing the conversation)

Ramon: Used to be a huge flagpole in the driveway, holes covered up. Probably still good.

Barry: Mr. Hostetler... I've just been informed by my business partner that there used to be a flagpole on these premises and that the foundation may be still existent!

Sam Hostetler: Well that would save us some time if it's big enough to handle it. I could come out and look at it this morning if you got the time.

Barry: We do have the time, and would be more than happy to see you and show you around our newly claimed refuge.

Sam Hostetler: I could be there in an hour, I'll just need to take some measurements and talk to my foreman who's due in any minute now.

Barry: It's a date Mr. Hostetler. I look forward to a most wonderful experience. I would invite you too for brunch, the preparation of which is already underway and eager to be served before noon, your man would be welcome too of course?

Sam Hostetler: Lemme get a look at what we got and we'll go from there?

Barry: Very fine sir. We await your arrival on this shore. Until then.

Sam Hostetler: OK, see you in a bit then.

(Barry hangs up and gives the receiver back to Ramon)

Barry: We may now claim our land Ramon. Even today perhaps. And a flag beneath the stars and stripes? One of our own? Do we declare an independence in doing so, our little theater?

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Magdalena wakes in Joe's tent, on his cot. Joe is sleeping in an army issue sleeping bag on the ground beneath her. She slips from under the covers and walks outside, just as day breaks over the horizon. When the light hits her, she feels a surge up her spine. 'Datura,' she remembers. Shuddering with a strange intensity, she takes a deep breath of morning, savoring the sense of hope that always seems to fade by afternoon. She surveys Joe's plants, a little uneasy about the sheer volume of them. Upon closer inspection, she notes the pungency and color. 'Una cosecha fina,' she muses. The smell reminds her of her grandfather. Her eyes glaze at the thought of him, so dearly had she loved him: his stories, his visions, his heart, always quoting Casteneda: "un guerrero debe tener siempre presente que una trayectoria es solamente una trayectoria; si él se siente que él no debe seguirla, él no debe permanecer con ella bajo ninguna condiciones. Su decisión a guardar en esa trayectoria o para dejarla debe estar libre de miedo o de la ambición. Él debe mirar cada trayectoria de cerca y deliberadamente. Hay una pregunta que un guerrero tiene que hacer: 'Hace esta trayectoria tienen un corazón?'",* he whispered those words, one of his many mantras, in her ear when she was a child. And when she grew older, he introduced her to 'El Cacto Divino' and 'Humito'. He showed her the multi-verse and taught her how to project her spirit from a trance. He died several years after she crossed the border in search of work to support her mother and sister's children. She thought of all this and let her heart swell, bittersweetly. 'Me vuelven para encontrar a mi hijo,' though she was unsure whether they were even in America at the moment, considering Joe's camp was somewhere way off Monument Road, in the gray area between Border Field State Park and Mexico.)

Joe: (suddenly appearing behind her) Whaddaya think 'bout them purdy buds. (He nods at his crop, and smiles like a new father)

Magdalena: (startled, she jumps) Jesus Christ! Joe you scared me! Please don't ever sneak up on me again. (She puts her hand on his chest, and smiles, amused by herself.)

Joe: Sorry 'bout that Mags. (Turning his attention back to the plants) I'd say we're ready to harvest.

Magdalena: Yes. Today is the day.

Joe: Shit! I gotta run to town and get some fuckin' supplies. You wanna come?

Magdalena: No. I will stay here. I will start to manicure the crops and hang them to dry. This will take all day, if not two days, But we must act quickly, while the buds are at their peak.

Joe: Believe it or fuckin' not, I got some goddam experience at this too, Mags. Been growing my own plants since Nixon was in Office.

Magdalena: Of course, Joe. You better get going if we're gonna make a dent in this. Could you bring me back some supplies from the market also

(Joe nods. She tells him what she needs, and he nods again. Unconvinced that he'll remember, she sends him to find a pen and piece of paper so she can make a list. After a few minutes, Joe finds a pencil and a receipt. After she writes a few items down, she takes a fifty-dollar bill from the wad in her pocket, folds it in the receipt and hands it to Joe. He smiles at her and takes his leave.)

Magdalena: Joe! Remember to ask your friend about my son.

Joe: (getting in the van, he turns around) That's my first stop, Mags.

- Walkara

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

(Mitch & the chemist are standing outside Mitch's sanctuary clasping coffee mugs; neither is drinking. Erlemeyer is staring idly at the elephant cage.)

Erlemeyer: It's time

Mitch: For what?

Erlemeyer: Shaun had a flashback

Mitch: What?

Erlemeyer: After all this time you can't accept that there are things outside of your control?

Mitch: What? We have to get over there.

Erlemeyer: You have to get over there. (He produces his keys from his pocket and heads down the stairs.) I'll drive

Mitch: Whatever

(They cross the skate-ramp and climb in the car; after turning over for what seems like an eternity the car starts. Erlemeyer does a u-turn)

Mitch: Where the hell are we going? Butchie's shit hole is that way (He points behind him.)

Erlemeyer: Do you think that matters?

Mitch: Hell yes it matters!

Erlemeyer: Do you have to know where you're going to know where you've been?

Mitch: What's that supposed to mean?

Erlemeyer: Have you ever asked yourself what makes you special?

Mitch: Well, I guess... up in the air. (He twirls his hand above his head)

Erlemeyer: (grunts)

Mitch: Well what then?

Erlemeyer: Shaun is special

Mitch: Then why are we going this way?

Erlemeyer: We're going to see Joe.

Mitch: Who is Joe?

Erlemeyer: Joe is another one left behind.

Mitch: Are you high, or have you been talking to John?

Erlemeyer: I dreamed last night. Shaun has a flashback; Vietnam Joe must let go.

Mitch: And what does this have to do with me?

Erlemeyer: Should we not wonder why those in pain look for answers in their past and not their present? Do we not see that those blind to the present destroy our future?

Mitch: And I'm blind to the present?

Erlemeyer: No, you will shield Shaun's eyes from the past.

- backinthegame

Cass stands outside the café waiting for Emma. Dwayne is at his usual spot, and he is looking at the traffic statistics for YostClan.com.

Jerri: [Indicating Cass] Do you think that Blondie is gonna grace us with her presence or is she just going to stand out there all the fuckin' day.

Dwayne: I saw her filming at the hotel last night.

Emma arrives, and she and Cass enter the Café. They walk to the counter to place their order.

Cass: It is so hot right now. Can you make me an Espresso Spritzer? (Still facing his computer, Dwayne cringes because he knows that Jerri isn't going to like a special order.)

Jerri: An Espresso Spritzer? What the fuck is an Espresso Spritzer? Jerri gets a crazy Trixie look on her face, and Cass starts to look concerned for her own personal safety.

Emma: Jerri we will have two double lattes.

Jerri: That is more like it. (She starts making the espressos. Cass silently mouths a "Thank you" to Emma.)

Emma: I was surprised when you told me that you wanted to meet here. This place doesn't usually draw in a lot of tourists.

Cass: I haven't been here before, but when I saw the youtube video about the place last night (Both Dwayne and Jerri look at Cass in shock.) I thought we could meet here.

Jerri: (to Cass) The harelip didn't tell me he made a video.

Dwayne: I didn't. (Goes to the computer and quickly does a search for the café on YouTube. He immediately finds a video and clicks on it. The front of the café is shown and then the video moves inside the café where you see the Car Salesman.)

Jerri: What the fuck? Who the fuck is that?

- theshriek

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

(Sam Hostetler arrives at the Snug Harbor Motel to inspect the site for the flagpole, he pulls up in an old green utility truck layered with equipment and supplies in various states of deterioration. Upon seeing the truck, Ramon calls to Barry who is in the kitchen)

Ramon: I think your guy's here.

Barry: Dr. Smith?

Ramon: The flagpole guy. Starts his work day early.

(Barry comes out into the office and proceeds out to the courtyard. Ramon follows. Sam gets out of his truck and walks toward them. Ramon picks up a shovel off the grass)

Barry: (Smiling) Mr. Hostetler I presume?

Sam: That I am sir. (He puts out his hand)

Barry: (Shaking his hand) It is very nice to meet you Sir, I am so excited that this momentous occasion has come up on me so much sooner than I had anticipated. That you actually had a flagpole meeting our needs is to me nothing less than a miracle. One among many manifesting themselves around here lately.

Sam: Some things have a way of working themselves to good.

Ramon: (Standing a few feet from them.) There are holes over here, were there used to be a pole.

(Ramon scrapes with the shovel, around the covers of two cement utility boxes inset in the ground in the courtyard. Mr. Hostetler grabs a couple of tools from the side of his truck)

Barry: I did not imagine, Ramon, that beneath our very feet, lay the very support and foundation, waiting for this moment in time.

Ramon: Like buried treasure. Probably lots of stuff buried around here.

Sam: (Walking over to them, he takes one of the tools and with some effort pries off the covers of the two boxes.) Well, lets have a look see...(Peering down into the larger of the two spaces he sees a large round cover with an H in weld bead on top) Well I'll be, what do you know about that? Looks like my pop was here before me, he's the one sure as we're standing here, screwed this cap on this shaft, and it's a big one too. We might have to sleeve it.

Ramon: (Looking at the cover.) That your pops signature, huh?

Sam: Yes it is, he would have turned that cap at the shop. Took pride in his work no matter if it ended up buried or not. God rest his soul.

Ramon: (Crosses himself) Amen.

Barry: God rest his soul. Yes. (Slowly shaking his head.) Another strange connection bordering on the miraculous, is it not? That after so many years, our Mr. Hostetler should arrive here at the Snug Harbor, and be greeted so unexpectedly by this enduring mark, wrought by the very hand of his father. Extraordinary.

Sam: Yeah well, 'ol dad was a pretty busy guy back in the day. I see 'em every now and then. Always makes me smile. (He bends down and takes a measurement.) Gonna be pretty close. (He uses and other tool and struggles to crack the cap loose, then he unscrews it an removes it. After doing so he drops a weighted line down the open shaft to measure it's depth.) She's gonna work just fine Mr. Cunningham, all we'll need is to weld maybe... three... rings, for the width, and our boy'll slide right in her.

Barry: I am breathless, gentlemen. The vision has my head spinning.

Ramon: The other box is electrical?

Sam: Yep. Probably had a flood light here somewhere. (He screws the cap back on loosely and drags the covers back over the boxes.) Well, sir, let me get back to work on this and I'll give you a call this afternoon. (He shakes hands with Barry and then with Ramon.)

Barry: Thank you Mr. Hostetler, I am excited beyond words now.(He shakes his head.) Don't forget our invite to brunch, if you are able to take a break?

Sam: We'll see about that, right now I'd better check my boys, had 'em start buffing that pole this morning having a good feeling that this was gonna work, who knows what they might have got to polishin'now. We'll see ya later. (He gets in his truck and starts it up.)

(Barry and Ramon return to the office)

Barry: (Snickers.) Polishing poles.

Ramon: (raises an eyebrow.) You gotta flag you gonna fly?

Barry: I do, in mind, Ramon.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Barry leaves Ramon halfway back to the office and turns toward the Bar)

Barry: Excuse me Ramon, I will rejoin you in a bit.

(Ramon returns to the office and Barry enters the bar. He walks over to the covered pool table, he sees the eleven ball just obscured beneath the plastic)

Barry: Eleven ball, center pocket.

(Barry walks over and stands beneath the header of stickmen over the bar, he looks up at them)

Barry: A community... Friends...Romans... (He snickers)

(Barry turns back and looks to the corner where the stage has been built, walking over he climbs the set of stairs and walks out center stage, he looks down and sees faces, rapt, looking to him as if yearning for a word of hope. He sees Butchie and Kai, Cissy and Mitch, Dr. Smith and Cass, Tina and Luke, Freddy and Palaka, Moana, Erlemeyer, Joe, Meyer and Daphne, Jerri and Dwayne, then Shaun, leaning back to the bar smiling, and Adam, sitting on a stool next to him. Ramon is wiping up behind the bar. And in the shadows, standing, there are several others, unrecognizable)

Barry: (Throwing his arms out in a welcoming gesture) I am...

(The bright light and sudden noise draws Barry's attention as the door to the bar opens. Barry looks over and sees the Car Salesman standing just inside)

Car Salesman: Sorry to disturb a rehearsal, if that's what I'm doing, but I'm looking for a Mr. Cunningham, told by the manager he'd be in here.

Barry: (Looks back at the bar and sees now only empty seats and the disarray of equipment and supplies, he shakes his head and lets his arms drop to his sides) I am he whom you seek...

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Freddy is tossing in bed. Palaka can hear him talking in his sleep from the other room)

Freddy: I give you those fucking keys...but we're not fucking gone.... I got outta that volcano once and I'm not planning on....

Palaka: (staring up at the ceiling) You're not gone boss... have your dream now...

(In Butchie's room, John stares at Shaun as he awakens)

John: We're not fucking gone...my father opens the door and lets the light in... Three rings and our boy'll slide right in her!...

Shaun: I was gone, John.

John: I need some coffee real bad, Shaun.

Shaun: I want some peanut butter waffles.

- SpiritontheWater

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

Car Salesman: Not here to crucify you, no sir, that's already been done once. Instead I got a proposition for ya since I heard you were lookin to transform tawdry assignations into upliftments and performing other evanescences of the like.

Barry: (walks down from the stage and approaches the Car Salesman hand out stretched) Very pleased to meet you, are you a patron of the arts?

Car Salesman: It's been said. Thing is I got a friend of mine you just might enjoy talkin' to. Indian fellow hangs out on the beaches hear abouts. Got a knack for theater; storytelling and the like. Seems he's got a thought of directing a little play of his own and, well, when I put two and two together I had a thought this might just be the place he could get his big break so to speak.

Barry: (beaming) Are you an answer to my prayers? I was awake last night, rummaging, and the thought did occur to me that we would need a writer and director and others of course to enlighten this darkened room!

Car Salesman: Well the cast of characters I am sure you've got already at hand, so if I send him by you wouldn't be frightened of a sort such that looks like he just crawled out from under a rock, beach living being what it is?

Barry: I am not put off by outcasts nor wanderers. Rather, it has been my experience that the dispossessed walk often beneath the shadow of God's hand and possess gifts rarely seen of, and a compassion and passion for living few men attain in even the most blessed of lives.

Car Salesman: (Puts his hand out and shakes hands again with Barry) Great! I'll send him your way then. That is if I can find him. Hard to spot him unless he's dancing around a bonfire somewhere.

(The Car Salesman leaves and Barry, giddy, turns out the light and runs quickly back to the office)

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Sam Hostetler arrives back at the shop and slides the large steel door a little wider as he walks in to where his boys and apprentice are busy on the flagpole)

Samuel V: It's gonna work, isn't it?

Sam: Yep boys, and guess what? Yer grandad set that shaft for whatever pole used to be there; that pole you're working on there is going up in the very same place.

Samuel VI: Are you going to give it to him pop?

(All works stops on the flagpole, the apprentice shuts off the grinder and sets it down to hear the answer)

Sam: Boys, you know we have to. My brother making that lighthouse for that school was one of the finest things he ever did make, and you know how much it means to me now that he's gone. But something about this place I just been... Some thing going on there, I got a good feeling about this place.

Samuel V: Like you had last night?

Sam: Yes son, just like I had last night. It just wouldn't be right to put that flagpole up without your uncles lighthouse on top. You go get it out of the office and bring it in here. And I want you boys to
polish it up good. I'll see about getting it to light again.

Apprentice: Good thing I hadn't got around to cutting that mount off then?

Sam: Good thing. (Sam inspects the work and nods his approval to the young man)

(Sam's two boys run into the office and clamor against each other to reach a bronze lighthouse about three feet tall, exquisitely detailed, from it's place on the top shelf above their dad's desk. Together they carry it out to the shop and set it down in front of their father.)

Sam: (Smiles and sets his hand on top of it) People are gonna see this light again for miles around! Make it shine boys, make it shine!

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Face down in bed, right arm crooked above his head, Butchie lifts his left hand, dangling over the side, and scratches his naked lower back. He swings his right arm down, to the empty spot where Kai should be. Her absence further rouses him from sleep.)

Butchie: (Lifting his head, he brings his arms under his chest, props himself up, brushes his hair behind his ear, and looks around) Kai? Where the fuck are ya?

(At the other end of the trailer, Kai sits in a chair by the table, legs drawn up, looking over the Billabong Tour Map.)

Kai: Huh? (She turns her head toward his voice) I'm over here.

(Butchie rolls out of bed and swaggers over to her. He pulls a chair up beside her, and sits his bare ass down, lifting one leg up to the seat to hang his elbow off.)

Butchie: What fuckin' time is it? (peeking through the window blinds next to him) Shit, it's dark outside. Do ya think Shaunie and John are okay at the motel by 'emselves?

Kai: Freddy said he'd keep an eye on 'em.

Butchie: Yeah, but we can't just fuckin' leave 'em alone every fuckin' night. There's no fuckin' tellin' what kinda shit those two piss-pots'll get into without some goddam adult supervision.

Kai: I'll be gone next week anyways.

Butchie: (Ingoring her last comment) We'll just have'ta fuckin' get our own room at the hotel. Ramon's been cleanin' out Room E.(He yawns) Fuuuuck...let's go back to bed.

Kai: I can't sleep.

Butchie: What's wrong?

Kai: Nuthin'.

Butchie: Whatcha lookin' at? (He leans toward her and throws his other arm around her chair)

Kai: The tour map. (She leans into him)

Butchie: (Looking over the destinations) Right on! Bali, Sumbawa, Sumatra! Fuck! you're making me hard!

Kai: Literally, I see. (She wraps her hand around his manhood)

Butchie: (Reacting) I got wicked fuckin' morning wood. Awww...owwww..don't...don't be startin' somethin' ya ain't gonna fuckin' finish, Kai.

Kai: (She releases her grip and takes the map in both hands) Sorry, dude...you're gonna have to give yourself a happy ending this time.

Butchie: Fuckin' cocktease. (He leans forward, kisses her on the cheek, and walks back to the bed. Lying on his back, he takes his shaft in his hands and looks back to Kai.) At least give me somethin' to fuckin' work with.

Kai: Looks like ya already got somethin' to work with. (She smiles)

Butchie: Give me some fuckin' inspiration then.

Kai: (She turns her head back to the map, seemingly dismissive, then folds it up and rises to her feet. Her naked body is barely covered by his black, stickman t-shirt, through which Butchie can see the contours of her nipple piercings. She walks toward him, slowly, teasingly, stops at the bed and pulls the shirt over her head, exposing her naked curves. She looks at his hand, encouraging his monster). Let me show ya how to do that.

(Immediately limp, a surge of red runs through his body. A swell of shame, overpowering and smothering everything else.)

Kai: (She straddles him) What's wrong? (She wraps her arms around his neck and presses herself against his chest)

Butchie: Nuthin' (Head hung, he pulls away from her)

Kai: Tell me.

Butchie: Christ, I said it was nuthin', okay?? (He throws her arms off him and makes to get out from underneath her)

Kai: (She puts her arms back around him and pulls him to her. She takes his face in her hand and kisses his right cheek, his left, the tip of his nose, his forehead, then his lips; resolute, softly, lovingly) Okay. (She cradles his head in her hands and kisses the top of his head.)

(Kai lays down on top of Butchie and they kiss passionately at first--his hands running up and down her back, her arms wrapped around his neck--then lightly, kissing themselves back to sleep in each other's arms.)

- Walkara

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

(Driving west down Imperial Beach blvd in his pick-up truck, Bill converses with Zippy, caged, in the passenger seat)

Bill: Sorry, Zip. Trackin' Joe and his "friend" down will have to wait until after we fuckin' meet with the goddam Chief at the station. (pause) No fuckin' clue what Mr. Mandatory Retirement wants, but I'm inclined to think that he's found himself ass-fucked, intending to take further advantage of my years of experience in Imperial Beach, despite the goddam fact that he's solely responsible for forcin' me outta the fucking department. (Bill shakes his head) Time behind a desk leaves cocksuckers of his sort ill-equipped to take command on the goddam street. (pause) It's possible, considering my experience in zoning, but the fact that I was 'cuffed two days ago, for my attempt to establish some fuckin' order, gives me doubts on that score. Christ! for all I know, he could be calling me the fuck over there to inspect that goddam fruity dog's "fulminating fungus." I ask ya, Zip: what kind of self-respecting Officer of the Law wants to be seen cradling a poofy, goddam poodle around town?? And he's the fuckin' Chief! Jesus Christ! A person would never guess that the soft, old man lugging the fucking pom-pom around used to be a street cop in New York City. Thank God Sipowicz isn't around here to see what's become of him. Before being shown the damn door, I thought I was a lock for his job, but after my Lo got sick, The Job took a backseat--and I don't regret a second of it. But now that she's gone, God rest her soul, all the goddam free time is driving me fuckin' crazy. Hell, when a man spends his entire adult life honing his skills as keeper of the peace, it's not so easily fuckin' disregarded. Mandatory retirement, my ass! It's a goddam shame to let all my years of experience and decoration go to shit when I'm as sharp and able as ever to do my goddam job! (Listening) Alright, fine, Zip, have it your way: it's not my goddam job anymore--but it is my goddam job to keep an eye on that Yost boy, which is severely inhibited by my capacity as a goddam civilian.

(Bill pulls into the Sheriff's Department at the Veteran's Park and parks his truck.)

Bill: (looking back at Zippy, right before he closes the door behind him) You want me to crack the window for ya?

Zippy: Squawk! (Zippy nods)

(Bill cracks the window, closes the door and walks into the station.)

- Walkara

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

(Spooning, Linc and Tina lay in the hotel bed, asleep. Linc's right arm is tucked under Tina's pillow and his left is thrown over her side. The phone rings)


Linc: Uhhhhh....(He reaches over Tina for the phone, and,straining, catches it and brings it to his ear, the cord falling across her face in the process) He...hello...?

Cissy: (in the phone) Rise and fuckin' shine, Linc! You're buyin' me a car today.

Linc: Huh? (He rubs his eyes and sits up, lifting the cord from Tina's face) Fuck...Cissy? Can't this wait 'til later?

Cissy: Hell no, it fuckin' can't, numbnuts! Mitch is god-knows-where with the fuckin' chemist, and I don't have a motherfuckin' car! Get over here and pick my ass up!

Tina: (Waking up to Cissy's voice through the phone, she sits up in a hurry, getting her hair tangled in the phone cord in the process) What's wrong, Linc? Is Shaunie okay? (She untangles the cord from herself)

Linc: (putting his hand over the receiver, whispering) He's fine. Fuckin' Cissy wants to go car shopping.

Cissy: (hearing a beep on her phone) Hold on for a goddam minute: I got another fuckin' call.

Tina: When does she want us to pick her up? (Tina sits up,throws the covers off her legs and sits on the side of the bed. She gathers her hair into a ponytail, grabs a clip from the nightstand and fastens it behind her head) I'm gonna hop in the shower.

Linc: (He reaches his free hand around her tight, toned waist and pulls her back to him, kissing her back and shoulders) I've got a better idea. (He puts the phone between his neck and shoulder and uses his newly freed hand to turn her around, facing him. He kisses her lips, and runs his hand down her stomach into her panties)

Cissy: Hey! I'm fuckin' back, douche bag. That was fucking Dickstein, says he needs to meet with me about more Hospital bullshit. They're tryin' to fuckin' ruin that Doctor. He's comin' here to pick me up, so I'll just meet ya at the Auto mall later.

Linc: (hands still down Tina's panties) Actually, meet me at Cherry Oldies on 8th and Palm at 4 p.m. okay? You said you wanted somethin' with muscle this time, and the, ah, "salesman" there has muscle to spare.

Cissy: What-the-fuck-ever. You bringin' Nina goddam Hartley with ya or what?

Linc: Tina? (He takes the receiver in his right hand, and keeps the left occupied between her legs)

Cissy: Yeah, I mean her, wise ass. I left my fuckin' cigarettes in her car.

Linc: Yeah, she's comin'. She has to drive; my car's wrecked too,remember?

Cissy: How could I fuckin forget?! You wrapped the goddam Miata around that fuckin' beast! Tell Tina to leave the fuckin' nun's habit at home today, huh.

Linc: Okay, and you do the same.

Cissy: Very fuckin' funny, dickhead. I burned mine when I ran off with The Big Kahuna. The sisters are still fuckin' prayin' for me. Good fuckin' luck!

Linc: Okay, well, I guess we'll see ya later...

Cissy: No shit. And don't be late. (She hangs-up the phone)

Tina: (Sitting up again) I forgot that Cissy used to be a nun. I can't even imagine that: talk about changing...

Linc: Been a ball-buster as long as I've known her. I can't even picture her praying, let alone being celibate for Jesus. (They laugh)

Tina: I'm gonna go get in the shower. (She takes Linc's hand off of her, gets up and walks to the bathroom)

Linc: (following her) Wait for me.

(In the shower, they wash each other clean while working up a fresh sweat.)

- Walkara

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

(Barry sees Ramon standing in front of the office with a piece of paper copying down the numbers scrawled on the asphalt)

Barry: Forgive me, Ramon if I stammer my good news to you, so much has been unfurled before my eyes and ears I am in wonder that I am not in seizure at this very moment.

Ramon: You think you might have had one last night that these numbers might have been part of?

Barry: (stops for a second and looks baffled at the numbers.) I don't think so. I assumed you had written those... with the charcoal?

Ramon: I don't think...


Barry: Ramon! I will burst if I can not tell you that just now, I receive confirmation that my vision is not just some Ethel Merman school boy fantasy but a real curtain opening has presented itself to fulfill my ever glowing wish, and realize a theater for the arts here. For the community, for our guests, and for us Ramon, with Meyer Dickstein, Dr. Smith,... and a most intriguing man I have yet to lay eyes upon. Our permanent partnership, soon to manifest a cornucopia of mesmerizing phrases and masquerading faces, laughter and tears, lights and... roses. (he pauses and lifts his chin and merrily starts to sing) Every thing's coming up roses.. (he pauses again and stares ahead) but not merely a theater... more like a cultural... (he sweeps his hand across the sky as if illuminating a sign) Road Side Attraction....a vista point where one might pull off the road and find their way again... having been led astray by bogus directions from a cunning trickster who pumped their gas ... (spreads his arms out to the motel) Rooms of Restoration! (he nods his head with satisfaction). A well for parched travelers to draw from. (he looks around at the motel and puts his hands on his hips) Ramon, we have much to do!

Ramon: We're gonna have waffles and omelets first though, right?

Barry: (smiling again) We are Ramon, we are. (just before following Ramon inside he looks back toward the courtyard) We're going to need a fountain Ramon.

Ramon: Drinking or Garden?

- SpiritontheWater

(Shaun emerges from Butchie's room, helmet on and skateboard in hand. He skates over to the pool and looks for a moment then skates over to the office. Seeing him coming, Ramon opens the door)

Shaun: How's it going Ramon?

Ramon: Doin' good Shaun. Looks like you're ready to tear up the streets huh?

Shaun: Yeah, we need less pavement and more beaches. Can I get some coffee for my friend John?

Ramon: (motioning toward the coffee pot) Help yourself. Mr. Cunningham's making waffles for a brunch later.

Shaun: (enters the office and fills a cup putting a lid on it when he's through) Thanks Ramon. Is he gonna make peanut butter waffles?

Ramon: Didn't mention it. I don't really know what kind of waffles, but I'll ask him.

(Shaun skates back over to his dad's room and enters. John is sitting at the table)

Shaun: Here's your coffee, John (John takes the cup and drinks from it, he grabs his tongue looking distressed)

John: If that's what it's like, I don't want to.

Shaun: Sorry John, I thought you said you wanted coffee.

John: (holding his tongue and looking confused) I don't know Butchie instead.

Shaun: They're making waffles later!

John: (he smiles) Waffles ring a bell.

Shaun: Cool, well, I'm gonna go skate and see if I can find my dad, so I'll be back later.

John: Cool. Go skate a good one Shaun.

(Shaun leaves and John gets up and follows him out the door)

John: Radio silence. I'm gonna take a dump a grown man can be proud of.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(John walks over to the office and stares in at Ramon, Ramon slides the doors open)

Ramon: Ready for another cup of coffee?

John: Coffee hurt my tit.

Ramon: Maybe you like tea better.

John: Chamomile Billy.

Ramon: I got some Chamomile, in the kitchen.

(John puts his hand out for Ramon)

Ramon: It's ok, you can follow me, Barry's making waffles.

(Ramon and John enter the kitchen)

Barry: Oh! Hello there. Have you come for brunch?

John: I've come to see the light shine again for miles around. I want some peanut butter waffles.

Barry: I can do peanut butter waffles. They are delicious! What a marvelous idea! Ramon, do we have..?

Ramon: In the cupboard, I'm getting him some chamomile. (he opens a cupboard and pulls down the package of tea bags)

(John steps back toward the living room and sees the workers sleeping)

John: Like it's just another day at the beach. ... justice must be served... little Freddy should not have been humiliated even for a second!

(Barry gasps, Ramon puts a tea bag in a cup and pours hot water in it, he hands it to John)

John: (taking the cup) I'm a parched traveler...not a monkey on crack.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Inside the VFW, Joe is sitting alone at the bar; he finishes his drink and places it firmly on the bar. Ernie looks up from where he was working.)

Ernie: You want another one?

Joe: Yeah, I reckon so, then I gotta get back to my crop. Man, I'm too old for that shit. Sometimes I think I ought to go hire me a bunch of goddamn border jumpers.

Ernie: Make it part of the welcome tour, huh?

Joe: Right!

(Mitch and Erlemeyer enter the VFW and walk up to Ernie at the bar)

Erlemeyer: We're looking for Joe (Joe stares straight ahead; Ernie doesn't look at him.)

Ernie: Well he ain't here.

Erlemeyer: (to Joe) Don't be afraid Joe, you can help.

Joe: (looking up) Did that frat boy send you?

Erlemeyer: Not exactly. Joe, this is Mitch

Joe: Yeah; I know... he does health coverage.

Erlemeyer: Mitch here lost his nerve

Joe: Well he came to the right place for that. A lot of courage to be found in any one of these bottles.

Ernie: You want a drink?

(Mitch ponders the bottles behind the bar)

Mitch: You have mineral water? (Ernie stares at him blankly; Joe grimaces.)

Ernie: Nope. We have tap water.

Mitch: No thanks then. (Ernie turns to Erlemeyer)

Ernie: You?

Erlemeyer: No thanks. I had one worm too many.

Joe: (shrugs) Not much to do around here if you're not drinking.

Erlemeyer: Mitch got a pungi stick through his knee. Joe's footgot a boo boo. Joe left his friends behind. Mitch left his family behind. Mitch was lost. Mitch tried to find himself through drugs. The chemist showed him the way. Joe tried to lose himself in drugs. Joe found himself. Mitch found the wrong Mitch. Mitch built himself a shrine. Joe's eyes saw a world without borders. Mitch's eyes saw only Mitch. Mitch wiped Shaun out.

Mitch is back in the game. Now Joe must let go. Shaun will not know where Joe's been. Magdalena's son will be Joe's new friend to bring home. Shaun will soon show his feelings.

Joe: If you're not with John, how do you know all this?

Erlemeyer: I became eligible.

Mitch: I think I need to talk to Shaunie

(Behind them we see Shaun at the bar nursing a Roy Rogers; he looks over his shoulder.)

Shaun: It's alright gramps; I already knew.

(Mitch, Joe and Erlemeyer smile as if hearing Shaun, but none of them acknowledge him. Mitch wipes a tear from his eye with his knuckle.)

Joe: I think I need to roll me a fat one

(He pushes his remaining change towards Ernie and leaves towards the door. Mitch and Erlemeyer follow.)

Ernie: Fuck me, the three stooges.

- backinthegame

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

(Shaun skates down the street toward the surf shop, as he goes hejumps curbs and retaining walls along the way maneuvering his board by every means and busting tricks off every available surface he encounters, until he comes to Jojo's house. Jojo see's him coming and flies out in front of him landing in the street turning several thee sixties on a dark spot on the asphalt. Sliding forward on his tail he glides up and stops in front of Shaun)

Jojo: Where you been man? We were out looking for you after your grandma came screaming at us that you'd been kidnapped or something.

Shaun: I went to Cincinnati.

Jojo: Where the fuck is that dude?

Shaun: I don't know. Wanna come with me to the shop, I gotta get my dad. Gonna be some waffles and omelets I think back at the motel in a little while, you can come.

Jojo: (pushes off ahead of Shaun) Sure, I'm starved...(The two boys ride down the street hitting every obstacle available for a trick, jump or grind they can find along the way.)

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Shaun and Jojo arrive at Kai's trailer. Shaun hops off his board and knocks on the door.)

Shaun: Dad? Kai? Wake up. They're making waffles at the motel. (Inside the trailer, Butchie stirs. Kai sleeps in the crook of his arm.)

Butchie: (yawning and stretching) Shaunie? That you?

Shaun: It's me, dad. You hungry? Barry and Ramon are making "brunch." Breakfast plus lunch: get it?

Butchie: Fuckin' A. I'm always fuckin' hungry, buddy: you know that. Let me and Kai get fuckin' ready and we'll meet ya there...cool?

Shaun: Right on. See ya there, dad.

Butchie: (yelling after him) Watch out for cars and shit, Shaunie. (He turns to Kai and rouses her) Rise and shine, Kai.(Shaun and Jojo skate off)

(Back inside the trailer, Butchie stands up and arches his back. He scratches the usual suspects, then puts his right palm under his chin, left hand on the top of his head, and cracks his neck. He switches hands and does the other side.)

Kai: (Sitting up in bed) Fuck. I'm tired.

Butchie: Well, that's just too fuckin' bad, (He grins at her) Shaunie wants us over at the motel for "brunch".

Kai: "Brunch?"

Butchie: Yeah, you know: breakfast plus fuckin' lunch.

Kai: I know what-the-fuck 'brunch' is, Butchie. Just never been to one.

Butchie: I never pass up a free fuckin' meal. (He pulls his boxers up and grabs his shirt)

Kai: Even when ya should...there's still a huge stain in my jeep from the time you got loaded after eating all that adobo chicken and poy then puked your fucking guts out in the backseat.

Butchie: Ahh, memories...(Butchie gives her a half grin and pulls his t-shirt over his head.)

(Standing up, Kai walks to her closet and gets dressed.)

- Walkara

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

(Sitting opposite the Chief, in his office, Bill rolls his eyes, irritated.)

Chief Clark:...I can't stress the point enough, Jacks. You hear? Under no circumstance, are you to confuse this temporary need of your service with being back on The Job. Consider yourself an outside contractor whose services are subject to my oversight and say-so. Understood?

Bill: Jesus Christ, Clark! How goddam thick do you suppose I'd have to be in order to miss the point of that endless fucking diatribe?

Chief: Is that a 'yes' or 'no,' Jacks?

Bill: (hand to his forehead, overcome by irritation) That's a yes, goddammit! What's next? Am I expected to grovel on my hands and knees for permission to be armed?

Chief: No weapons, Jacks. You're job is to coordinate between the police department and the parties throwing the event on Saturday. Can't say I'm lookin' forward to the traffic woes, but our city could certainly use the goddam spotlight. (He sits down and reaches under the desk, fussing with something) Poor girl; how's your paw?

Bill: Don't tell me you got that goddam mutt under your desk. Jesus, Clark! You're turning into an old woman right before my fuckin' eyes.

Chief: Watch it, Jacks! I won't tolerate your disrespect. And I don't appreciate you calling Gail O'Grady a mutt. She's a certified purebred. A three time regional champion. I'd like to see your goddam birds do something besides shit and squawk.

Bill: You only reveal your fuckin' ignorance, Clark. 'Least my birds know better than to lick their own assholes.

Chief: Yeah, they're too busy spreadin' goddam bird flu.

Bill: You'd best be biting your goddam tongue, 'less you plan on swallowing it later.

Clark: Get the fuck outta my office, Jacks. And remember:

Bill: (interrupts him) I know, I know...(under his breath) Repeats his-fuckin'-self more that Her Ladyship.

Chief: What's that, Jacks?!

Bill: (parroting the theme of Chief Clark's lecture) "I'm not a goddam cop anymore."

Chief: (As soon as the door closes behind Bill) Fuckin'albatross.

(Bill walks outside and gets in his truck. Zippy sits in his cage, and when Bill turns the ignition, he flaps his wings)

Bill: I suddenly feel a strange craving for waffles...and peanut butter. And a Spanish--no: Denver Omlette. (listening to Zippy) To the Snug Harbor then.

- Walkara

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

(Meyer is talking on the phone to Daphne, simultaneously answering Cissy's demands while encouraging her to extinguish a cigarette from the pack she forced him to pick up for her on his way to pick her up.)

Dickstein: Listen, my little maven, I will leave all the details to your superior taste, but I'm pulling into the Internet Cafe's parking-lot as we speak.

Daphne: I will meet you at the motel after your meeting. Don't let that mesuggeneh's mishegoss upset you.

Dickstein: (parking the car) Don't worry yourself on that count, my dear. We are allied to prevent the Machine from chewing the good doctor up and spitting him out. Now if we could only find him...

Cissy: (Grabbing the phone from Meyer) He'll have to call you back sweetheart. (She snaps the phone shut and tosses it in his lap, hitting him in the shvantz.)

Dickstein: (Picking his phone up, he gives Cissy a disapproving look, flips it open and hits he '1' key. Daphne answers after one ring) Sorry about that dear...I didn't want to let you go without saying goodbye to my bubby.

Cissy: Nobody puts baby in the fuckin' corner, huh?

Meyer: (Gives Cissy the same disapproving look) I'll see you later, my love.

Daphne: A gezunt ahf dein kop, my love. (Dickstein hangs up the phone, gets outta the car and follows Cissy into the Internet Cafe. Inside, Jerry and Dwayne are huddled around the computer. Cass and Emma exit with espressos in hand just as Cissy and Dickstein enter. The place is strangely vacant today.)

Cissy: What the fuck happened to your customers? Yesterday this place was a three-ring fuckin' circus. Today it's a goddam ghost town in here.

Jerri: I ate their heads off. I couldn't take all the fuckin' noise. Told 'em to come back after lunch.

Cissy: I hope you got some fuckin' money outta 'em first, considerin' that's the fuckin' point of runnin' a business.

Jerri: Look who-the-fuck's givin' out. The surf shack's been closed all goddam week, Cissy. Doris was peerin' thorugh the fuckin' windows early this morning.

Cissy: Yeah, but business fuckin' blows over there.

Jerri: You ever considered that recent fuckin' events mightn't have improved those prospects, and that, were anyone there to open the fuckin' door, you'd be swimmin' in maggots too?

Cissy: Maybe I'd know if Kai hadn't fuckin' quit. I've got way too much bullshit to deal with to tend shop too. Meanwhile, Mitch's floated off with Erlemeyer--no surprise there. I guess I'll have to hire someone new.

Dwayne: (Timidly interrupting) Ummm, I could post a notice that you're looking to hire on the website if you'd like?

Cissy: I guess it can't fuckin' hurt. (She sits down and dictates to Dwayne the job specifics and what she is looking for in an employee. He tries to make it sounds as appealing as possible without lying, despite her descriptions to the contrary.)

Dickstein: (to Jerri) Any further correspondence from 'Cincinnati' that you need my assistance crafting a reply to?

Jerri: Shut the fuck up and sit down.

(Meyer sits down at a table, pulls some papers out of his briefcase and a pen from his coat pocket. When she is finished with Dwayne, Cissy joins him at the table)

Jerri: (from behind the counter) Ya wanna coffee, Cissy?

Cissy: Thanks. (turning her attention to Meyer) How the fuck are we gonna "enlist" the doctor in this scheme of yours if we can't fuckin' find him, Dickstein?

Dickstein: The young man at his office said he'd be back later this evening.

Cissy: I've gotta fuckin' meet Linc at 8th and Palm at four to look at fuckin' cars.

Dickstein: We'll meet back up at the Snug Harbor afterwards then. (His phone rings) Hello? Yes. And Shalom to you, Barry. (listening) Yes, yes, Ramon informed me about the brunch earlier. I'm just finishing up with Cissy, then we'll be on our way.(Listening) That sounds fantastic, Barry. I look forward to hearing about it over breakfast--excuse me: brunch. (Pause) Indeed. Goodbye. (He hangs up, and looks at Cissy) Your grandson requests your presence at the Snug Harbor for brunch.

Cissy: Let's get the fuck over there then. (to Jerri) You comin' or what?

Jerri: Why the hell not? Dwayne?

Dwayne: I am rather hungry...

Cissy: Let's fuckin' go then.

(They all file out and Jerri locks the door behind them. Spotting Doris across the street, talking to Ted the bicycle guy, Cissy hurries to Dickstein's car and lays low until the car is out of view. Jerri and Dwayne follow behind them in Jerri's car.)

- Walkara

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

(Tina blow-dries her hair, while Linc shaves over the sink next to her. She finds her eyes wandering over to him, distracted by the way he looks at himself in the mirror. There's something very familiar about it to her, as if he's considering something he's unable to bring to a conclusion. When he notices her stare, he turns and smiles. She smiles back. Something about the exchange makes her feel awkward; she feels alienated from him for the first time. He seems to see that in her eyes, and turns to her)

Linc: Hey. You okay? (He rinses his razor under the sink for the final time, taps it against the side, and sets it down on the counter.)

Tina: I'm fine...are you okay?

Linc: Honestly? I'm pretty fuckin' stressed-out.

Tina: Why?

Linc: Promise not to get mad?

Tina: No. I can't promise that without knowing what you're gonna say?

Linc: It's just that Stinkweed thinks we're havin' the event in Huntington.

Tina: What?? What happened?

Linc: They think that because, as far as they knew, that's where it was always gonna be.

Tina: But all the fliers and press coverage say it's in I.B.

Linc: Which is why they're sending the Chairman of the Board down here in a few days to hire a replacement for Jake. Wonderboy sold him out. And there's not really shit I can do to stop it. The problem is, as slimy as Jake can be, I need him if I'm gonna be able to pull all this off. Stinkweed is threatening to reschedule the event, and lose the Yost's in the process if that's what it comes to. Because this is supposed to be a non-profit exhibition, they aren't all that interested in funding it. They only care about the competitions. But they're contractually-bound to sponsoring this as part of their deal with the Yosts, so they're gonna take their displeasure out on Jake.

Tina: Why did you think I'd be mad?

Linc: I don't know...'cause I didn't tell you before.

Tina: Oh. (She leans over and kisses him, then wipes a smudge of her lipstick off his lip with her thumb) You'll figure something out, Linc.

The phone rings.

Tina: (Walks to the nightstand and picks it up) Hello?

Shaun: (On the other end) Hey Mom.

Tina: Hi Shaunie. What's goin' on?

Shaun: We're having brunch at my dad's motel. You and Linc are invited.

Tina: That sounds great, Shaun. We'll be right over. See you soon.

Shaun: Bye mom. (He hangs up)

Tina: (to Linc) That was Shaun. He invited us to a brunch at the motel.

Linc: Another community meal, huh? Not that I'm complaining, but who the fuck is paying for all this food?

Tina: Cissy said the new owner won the mega-millions lottery.

Linc: No shit? Fuck, let's go eat then. (He finishes buttoning his shirt, takes her hand and they exit.)

- Walkara

(John walks out of the kitchen and goes over to the new shuffleboard equipment sitting in the corner of the office. He puts his tea down and takes the equipment out to the shuffleboard court)

John: We're coming nine eleven fourteen!

Ramon: (kicks his cousins foot and wakes him up) You left my shovel on the grass last night.

Cousin: Que? (he closes his eyes and starts to turn on his side but Ramon kicks him again) Oh ok. I'll go get it.

Ramon: No, I already got it, get your guys up and outta here, we got work to do. What I told you about takin' care of your tools? You wanna be a contractor no?

Cousin: Si. (gets up and rousts his helpers who eventually get up and file out of the office after grabbing coffees)

(Ramon checks the grill which is getting started then returns to the kitchen with an extension cord)

Ramon: I think we better plug a couple of those in another circuit. (he re-routes a couple of the waffle irons and plugs the extension cord in in the living room)

Barry: If you think so Ramon. I am most ready. I hope the mickey mouse waffles will not offend as childish, my hope is that they will put a smile on otherwise grouchy morning faces.

Ramon: I'm gonna work out on the grill so I'll take this large pan (he grabs a bag of supplies) I'll take this other stuff out on the table and you can bring out your waffle stacks as you get 'em done. I'll take a mickey mouse one (he smiles to himself) I always liked those.

Barry: (looks around the kitchen) I guess you're right Ramon, not enough room for the two of us in here. I was hoping though to observe your magic with your omelets.

Ramon: I think I'll be making them for quite a while. You just do your thing.

Barry: Very well Ramon, (he does some sort of disco tap-dance move) Doing my thing! (Barry turns and twists the knobs and flips the switches on the four waffle irons and starts to sing) You can tell by the way I use my walk...(he stops) Oh my, did I just sing that out loud?

(Ramon throws a bag full of green chiles on one side of the grill and places a large omelet pan on the other, he then begins cracking eggs in a large bowl, his cousin and the workers start walking over to him)

Ramon: You guys get over to the bar and straighten that place upfirst, you got your stuff laying everywhere in there. You can eat after the other people we got commin'. (disappointed they turn away and saunter over to the bar) Lazy bird don't get no worm.

(Ramon places another small pan amongst the chilies, the skins of which are already starting to char and loosen, and squeezes a tube of chorizo in to it. It starts to sizzle as the paprika stained grease starts to bubble)

Ramon: (savoring the smell) Don't ask me what's in it cause you don't want to know.

(Ramon notices Freddy as he steps out of his room to stand out front, Palaka soon follows, a couple other doors open on the second level and three or four people emerge who had joined the palm tree news event last night.)

(A car pulls in the driveway as John slides a puck down the shuffleboard court stopping on the eleven)

John: Eleven ball center pocket!

--SpiritontheWater

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

(Barry walks out with the first stack of waffles in a large aluminum pan)

Barry: Oh my goodness Ramon, I had no idea so many had arrived already. And there is Butchie! (Raising his voice) Butchie Yost!

Butchie: (turns and sees Barry standing behind the serving table with the pan of waffles outstretched) How's it goin' Barry? I haven't ate this good in a year, I'm putting on serious weight since you took over, buddy!

Barry: For you Butchie Yost, one time tormentor and now first witness and tenant of all that shall transpire on these sacred grounds, this brunch is in your honor, and no hard feelings remain.

Butchie: (surprised at the gesture and a bit embarrassed) Bring it on good buddy, when I heard fucking waffles I put my stomach in first gear and high tailed it right over here! (Butchie walks over to the table) and if you're planning on being the next Howard Johnsons, I'm just gonna have to put your name on a few banners for flyin' at every fucking contest!

Barry: (sets the large tray down and takes a plate to hand to Butchie) Truly, no hard feelings, we do not know the path abruptly forked, nor why it may split again to lead us to our final destination. But I am happy now that I am where I am, and for your part in seeing to it.

Butchie: Shit, lighten up Barry, I meant to hit you with the broom part really. Actually it kind of scared the shit out of me when I wacked you.

Barry: Not another word about it now. Here, a syrup you might enjoy, and assorted fruit. (he motions to the other items laid out down the table) Ramon has a most amazing omelet as well.

Butchie: Well load me up! 'cause I ain't going swimmin' for at least an hour!

Barry: (raises his hands up to the others standing around) Come one and all! Brunch is served! We are pleased to have you!

-- SpiritontheWater

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

(Barry goes into the office and re-emerges with a tray of cups. He glides towards the grill where Ramon is holding court making omelets for a growing line bearing paper plates)

Barry: A drink Ramon? (Ramon looks up at him by raising his eyebrows not his head)

Ramon: I see your cups have grown.

Barry: Your jabs Ramon cannot dishearten me in the midst of these festivities. (Barry raises his nose and moves to Cissy at the head of the line)

Barry: (to Cissy, his face beaming) Some freshly squeezed juice?

Cissy: Freshly squeezed? Did you fucking squeeze it?

Barry: (with a small cough) Well, no, not myself, but my understanding is that the fruit retains the best part of its flavor.

Cissy: Well count yourself fucking lucky Mitch isn't here. If it's been in a carton, then its fucking poison (she grabs a cup from the slightly abashed Barry).

(As Barry moves down the line, we see Shaun and Jojo skate by. They buzz the line, passing Cissy, Butchie, Kai, John, Linc and Tina. Shaun looks them all in the eye, but shouts out only to John in passing towards Butchie's cabin)

Shaun: Hey John!

John: Hey Shaun!

Butchie: (shouts after Shaun) Took your fucking time getting here.

Shaun: Had some business to take care of.

Butchie: (under his breath) Yeah right, the business end of a fucking joint.

-- backinthegame

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

(Shaun and Jojo enter Butchie's cabin to dump their stuff)

Jojo: Man, I'm fucking high.

Shaun: (grinning) Yeah.

Jojo: I gotta eat dude.

Shaun: Peanut butter waffles; it's the only way to go

Jojo: You should try my brother's recipe... it's all about the herbage.

(they walk back outside over towards Butchie and Kai)

John: Waffles ring a bell (he fakes taking a toke from a joint).

-- backinthegame

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

[Jerri, Dwayne, Emma, and Cass stare intently at the computer monitor as the Car Salesman begins to speak.]

Car Salesman: Here at the Internet Café in Imperial Beach, the Internet is juiced. [The quartet enters into a trance-like state as they watch the ad.] With the Internet my words can be heard uncensored. My words can have many authors, but they will still be my words. No one who speaks my words will be taken off-line. [The trance ends for the group] Espressos, café lattes and even specialty drinks like Espresso Spritzers are available [Jerri throws Cass a look] to quench your thirst as you cruise the information superhighway. So come on down to the Internet Café and tell them I sent you.

Jerri: [talking to the screen] But who the fuck are you?

Emma: Just be thankful for the free ad Jerri. [She and Cass walk out of the café.]

-- theshriek

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

(People are scattered across all over the Snug Harbor, grouped in dissolving and resolving combinations, eating waffles and omelettes. Somehow supply always just meets demand.)

(Freddy finishes his second mushroom and ham omelette, and Shaun rolls by with peanut butter-smeared waffle and a glass of milk to wash it down.)

Shaun: Here.

Freddy: Are those ears on the fuckin' waffle?

Shaun: It's Mickey Mouse.

Palaka: Ooh...(to Shaun) Can ya hook a brother up, my man?

Shaun: Sure. (He skates off)

Freddy: (eating his waffle, suppressing all physical evidence of his intense enjoyment, he starts talking with his mouth full) Who puts fuckin' peanut butter on waffles?

Palaka: Canadians.

Freddy: What makes you say that?

Palaka: I dunno.

Freddy: Whaddaya mean 'you don't fucking know?!' You just fuckin' said it.

Palaka: Someone told me that Canadians go fucking bananas for peanut butter.

Freddy: Do you have any fucking clue how much disinformation is spread using "someone told me" as a preamble, ya fuckin' dope?

Palaka: My ma used to make me peanut butter and banana sandwiches. She always cut the crust off. At the supermarket, where I buy groceries, they have bread with the crust already gone. Fuckin' technology! That's what I'm talkin' about.

(Shaun comes back with a waffle prepared just like Freddy's and gives it Palaka, then leaves)

(Kai and Cissy sit on the curb. Kai is eating a waffle without peanut butter. Cissy is eating a Snickers bar and smoking a Marlboro Red. Cass walks toward them, filming.)

Cissy: (seeing Cass) Go point that goddam thing at some other asshole.

Cass: (Self-consciously) I'm trying to get a shot of everybody.

Cissy: (Bares her teeth with a big false grin that says 'fuck off') Satisfied, princess?

(John walks over)

Kai: Hi John.

John: Hi Kai. (turns to Cissy) Cass slapped it on Mitch. She didn't see the colors.

Cissy: (looking at Cass) What the fuck is he talkin' about?

Cass: Ahh...I'm not sure.

Cissy: (Looking at Kai) Is this the little fuckin' slut that gave Mitch a "lift?"

Kai: I think that's a question for Mitch, Cissy

Cass: (turning to leave) Good one, John. (she shakes her head and puts a safe distance between herself and Cissy)

John: Cissy wiped Butchie out. Mother-son handjobs. Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ!

(Turning white, Cissy stands up and walks in the opposite direction as Cass.)

Kai: What the fuck did you say that for John?

John: We are all frail vessel, Kai. (He spins 180 degrees and walks off) Don't be ashamed of your flooring.

(Bill pulls into The Snug Harbor. He gets out of his truck and unlocks Zippy's cage. Zippy perches on his shoulder. He goes and stand in the food line.)

Bill: (annoyed by the disorderly line) Excuse me! I'm gonna need everyone to get into single goddam file. (No one moves)(raising his voice) I said NOW! goddamit! (The crowd merges into a single person line. Bill is still dissatisfied with the crooked line, but lets it go)

(Zippy flies off)

Bill: Don't you be wanderin' too far, ya hear? We've got a goddam mission to attend to.

(Across the lot, Cissy walks over to Butchie, who's sitting on the air conditioning unit, just outside the office.)

Cissy: What're you fuckin' doin' over here?

Butchie: Just chillin'. (He gives her a quick smile, and folds his arms, bracing for the inevitable)

Cissy: Talked to Kai, says she's tryin' out for Billabong.

Butchie: Yeah...

Cissy: Good for fuckin' her. 'Bout time she showed the rest of he world what the rest of us assholes already knew.

Butchie: Yep.

Cissy: You better not fuck things up while she's gone.

Butchie: Thanks for the vote of fuckin' confidence, ma.

Cissy: I'm just sayin', girl's like that don't just spring from the walls like Grandma fuckin' groundhog.

Butchie: (chuckles) Who the fuck's "grandma fuckin'groundhog?"

Cissy: Fuck if I know. That's just somethin' Jerri fuckin' says. Some Irish bullshit, probably.

Butchie: Where's Dad?

Cissy: Who the fuck knows? Preparing the next sermon of the fucking mount, for all I know.

Shaun: (Skates over)Hey Gram. Gramps'll be at the beach later. (he gives Cissy a hug) Hey dad. (he sits next to Butchie)

Butchie: (putting his arm around Shaun) Hey pal. You ready to go see who bust bigger?

Shaun: (gets up) Sure. Can John come too?

Butchie: (looks down, feeling guilty) Alright, Shaunie--but he's sittin' in the fuckin' back again.

Shaun: I'll go get him.

Butchie: Get Kai too.

Shaun: Cool. (To Cissy) Love ya, Gram. Go easy on my dad, okay?

Cissy: (nods) Okay, Shaunie.

Butchie: (standing up) Why don't you come down to the fuckin' beach and watch us?

Cissy: Can't. Linc and the human cum-rag are taking me car shopping.

Butchie: Lay off Tina, ma.

Cissy: If she can take that many dicks at once, she can take whatever I dish out. What the fuck do you care anyway?

Butchie: Just cut her a fuckin' break. (He turns away from Cissy) We've all done things we ain't fuckin' proud of. (He walks away)

(Cissy sits down in his spot on the air conditioning unit, lights another cigarette and taken a long, deep drag)

Tina: (walking over) Me and Linc are going back to our room, but we'll meet you at the dealership at 4, okay?

Cissy: What-the-fuck-ever. I'll have Jerri drop me off at the dealership.

Tina: Alright. Well...see you later. (She walks off)

Cissy: (to herself) Off to spread her moist thighs and pink buns for Linc.

(Bill returns to his truck after eating two waffles and Denver omelette and three glasses of juice. Zippy is perched atop the tree Mitch was stuck in the day before.)

Bill: (he whistles) C'mon, Zip. (Zippy swoops down and lands on Bill's shoulder) Where to? (he listens) Monument fuckin' road? (pause) That'll take all goddam day? (pause) Fine! Just quit pissin' in my ear. (He starts the car and drives away)

--Walkara

(Ramon spoons a portion of Chorizo in the center of the egg and follows with half that amount of the roasted poblano chile. He then adds a layer of grated jack cheese and skillfully folds the two sides of the omelet around the ingredients sliding it out of the pan and onto the plate)

Barry: (watching) Masterful Ramon! You have, without a doubt, a connection with the western culinary realm, cracking whip as it were on the plain, taming the wild for the farmers reward, spilling bounty from fields tilled and fenced to those starved of the tastes and flavors our difficult pioneering quest has led us to. At this end of the world. Our seaside camp at trails end.

(Ramon cuts the omelet, which looks like a long egg burrito, in half, and slides half on a paper plate for Barry to try.)

Barry: (taking a bite) Oh! spicy, Ramon! But oh... mmn... wonderful... oh my goodness.

(Ramon sees a lady approaching the table dressed in black)

Ramon: Looks like we got us an pioneer with a chip on her shoulder.

Woman in Black: (taking an aggressive tone) You can't do that here! Serving food like this is a violation of public standards and a health hazard! You're breaking the LAW!

Ramon: (to himself) There's one in every crowd.

Barry: I assure you ma'am, our intentions are of the highest caliber and our ingredients are simply the finest! (he holds out a plate to her with a mickey mouse waffle on it) Waffle?

Woman in Black: (stares at the waffle as if it's poison) I'm reporting you this afternoon! You'll be hearing from the authorities!

Ramon: You work for those authorities?

Woman in Black: Who I work for is none of your business, (snotty smile) but should your lights go out, you might wonder if your bill was received! (she turns and marches off back down the driveway)

Barry: Most unpleasant.

Ramon: Probably don't like what she sees when she looks in the mirror. (walks back into the office) I'm going to get my horn.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(The woman in black walks down the street to her car, opening the passenger side door she leans in and gathers up her bible an a tuna casserole she's prepared for the potluck at the Church of Christ congregation hall which occupies the lot just south of the Snug Harbor Motel. Closing the door she is startled by Moana who she runs into nearly dropping the casserole)

Moana: 'Scuse me ma'am

Woman in Black: I suppose you're heading to that hippie commune I just came from, You'd be better off young man to come with me to the Wednesday afternoon social right here in this building (she motions across a small parking lot toward an old building with a faded sign once reading "Fresh Fish", over which is nailed a sign now reading "Church of Christ".)

Moana: No ma'am, I think I'm going to the Snug Harbor there. You have a nice afternoon anyways.

Woman in Black: (abruptly walks around Moana mumbling as she walks off) Another terrorist invading our peaceful community, we simply must do something about this lawless cancer threatening our god given land.

Moana: (walking on talking to himself) I'll let you get to your gossip meeting then.

(Moana walks up the driveway of the motel and approaches Freddy who is standing in front of his room finishing his waffle and drinking from a large plastic cup)

Freddy: (holds out his empty plate) If you're still here you might as well get you a mickey mouse waffle and a damn hot omelet.

Moana: We need to talk about them safety deposits.

Freddy: (stares at Moana) We can do that once you're done having fucking breakfast. You don't want to go swimmin' on an empty stomach!

(Moana pauses and stares at Freddy. Palaka walks over toward the two)

Moana: I'll get a plate bra, we don't have no hurry to go down to the beach and see if a big wave is breakin'

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Shaun goes into Butchie's cabin, John follows and sits at Butchie's bed in his camo wet suit smiling to himself)

Shaun: Ready John?

John: I'm ready already. Right from left. Waffles down, surfs up!

Shaun: Well I hope you didn't have too many or it'll be waffles up.

John: Peanut butter. That's how we do it in IB!

(Shaun grabs his gear and heads outside with John at his heel; they pass Jojo on the way to the car)

Shaun: Catch us at the beach later, if not we'll hit it in the morning, OK?

Jojo: OK bro (he gives Shaun the Shaka sign, Shaun reciprocates)

- backinthegame

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

(Bill is driving through Border Field National Park, following Zippy's directions. He comes upon a clearing, and pulls into Joe's camp. He parks his truck and frees Zippy from his Cage. They exit and approach Joe and Magdalena, harvesting.)

Bill: Jesus H. Christ! (to Zippy) What the fuck are we doin here, Zip?

Joe: (Nervously) Ah, hey there, Bill. Um...whaddaya doin' here? How the fuck d'ya find this place?

Bill: (Gives Zippy a dirty look) You just never-fuckin'-mind about that. (Surveying Joe's crop) Quite the goddam operation ya got goin' here, Joe. (Shakes his head) I'd say about four or five hundred plants.

Joe: Five. (puts his hands in his pockets) So, um, what'd ya say brought ya out here?

Bill: I didn't. (walks past Joe, over to the pretty Mexican woman standing at a distance, watching them.) Hello. (offers his hand) Bill Jacks. Retired policeman.

Magdalena: Hablo muy poco inglés. (shakes Bill's hand) Mi nombre es Magdalena Lopez. Te reconozco de la barbacoa ayer por la noche

Bill: (Listening to Zippy's translation) A pleasure to make your formal acquaintance. (Bill notices that she has bandages around her arms and torso) What the hell happened? (he points to her wounds)

Magdalena: Los perros me ataqué. Joe me ahorró y trató mis heridas.

Joe: (standing behind Bill) She said--

Bill: (motioning for him to shut up, listening to Zippy again) Those miserable goddam strays! (takes her hand) You okay?

Joe: The Doc patched her up. She's here lookin' for her son that went missing. Says he works for The Coyote. She wandered over the border last week lookin' for help, and got herself locked up and fuckin' deported.

Bill: Which begs the question of why-the-fuck she's here, harvestin' reefer with the likes of you, you fuckin' pothead nit-wit.(Joe gives him a blank look)

Magdalena: ¿Hay un problema?

Bill: No. No problemo. Except the I'm standing right in the fuckin' middle of an illegal goddam drug operation. An accessory after the fact. Every second of which is a goddam disgrace to my 16 years on the force.

Joe: (to Magdalena) He ain't gonna fuckin' squeal.

Bill: (To Zippy) I hope you're fuckin' happy, Zip. My old man is turnin' over in his grave considerin' all the degenerates and shit-heels you've allied me with. (Looks at Magdalena) Now tell me about your son.

(Magdalena tells Bill everything she can think of about her son that might help, with Zippy translating for Bill, and Joe translating Bill's questions for Magdalena.)

- Walkara

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

(Cissy opens Jerri's passenger door, gets out, and slams it shut. Jerri drives away. Cissy walks to the Cherry Oldies lot with purpose. She puts her sunglasses on to disguise the sparkle cast in her eye from the gorgeously curved classic American cars. A black '67 Pontiac Firebird with a flawless body. A blue with white racing-striped Chevey Camero. A '68. Cissy's trained eye savors the two cars for a moment; their similar bodies, often confused for each other by the untrained eye. Cissy runs her hand along the hood. She stops, looking ahead, and sees her dream car: a 1968 Shelby GT500-KR Convertible finished in red with black racing stripes. She walks toward it, dizzy with excitement)

Salesman: (leaning against Superbee to her left) Nope. (he shakes his head)

Cissy: (turns to him) This your fuckin' place?

Salesman: Welcome to Cherry Oldies! And, yes, in answer to your accusation, I'm the goddam proprietor. You can call me Dave.

Cissy: What the fuck d'ya mean, 'nope.'?

Salesman: I mean, Sister Yost, that you couldn't handle that car.

Cissy: My old man had one just like it, 'cept his was fuckin' yellow.

Salesman: Ah, yellow. A primary color. Not an obvious choice, but demanding goddam attention and awe nonetheless, bouncing sunlight from it's gleamin' fuckin' curvatures. I'll tell ya somethin': a car like that is a goddam parade all by it's lonesome. Folks can't help but stop and stare, mouth's a-fuckin'-gape in wonderment. Yes ma'am, a car is an extension of the man, or woman, as the case may fuckin' be.

Cissy: So it's not for fuckin' sale.

Salesman: Not to you.

Cissy: Why the fuck not?

Salesman: 'Cause you ain't fuckin' ready for that kinda power.

Cissy: What the fuck is that supposed to mean?

Salesman: What does it mean? A thing either is or isn't, it either does or doesn't. You follow?

Cissy: Fuck no.

Salesman: What it means is beside the goddam point, is my point. What is is what fuckin' matters. What 'it'means don't got a goddam thing to do with it. What 'it does is what 'it' means.

Cissy: (rolling her eyes) Whatever. (She takes the sunglasses off, having spotted Tina's car pulling into the lot.)

Linc: (getting out of the car) Sorry, we're late, Cissy. We lost track of time. (He walks around to Tina's side and takes her hand. They approach Cissy and the Salesman. Tina waves at Cissy) See anything ya like?

Salesman: She was makin' eyes at my Shelby.

Linc: (Interrupting) Fuck that! No way am I buyin' you a $250,000 dollar car.

Salesman: Had you let me fuckin' finish, friend, I would've informed you I'd already pissed on her interest.

Cissy: (walks over to a black '69 Corvette Stingray) I'll take this one then.

Salesman: I'll be damned!...of course! (nodding his head) I like the way you think, Mrs. Yost. This one makes fuckin' sense. I've got a feeling about this one. (He suddenly cocks his head to the left, listening) Okay, well, I think we've got ourselves a deal.

Linc: Are you kidding me? No way is that the equivalent of a Miata.

Salesman: (Wrinkles his face and cringes) Jesus-god! A fuckin' Miata??! (Shudders) The Stingray it is!

Cissy: (to Linc) All the times you fucked this family, I'd say this is getting off cheap, asshole.

Tina: (turns to Linc) She has a point, Linc.(After Linc finishes writing the Salesman a check, he and Tina get back in her car and drive west, toward the beach. Cissy takes her keys from the Salesman and gets in her stingray. She turns it in the ignition and listens to her new car's growl. She revs the engine, and lets the growl fade into a purr. She puts the car in reverse, puts her sunglasses back on and peels out of the parking-lot. She turns on the radio)

Salesman: (arms folded) It's a beautiful fuckin' thing.

- Walkara

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

(Ramon goes in the office and returns with his trumpet in hand, he blows several blasts of various length)

Ramon: Last call for waffles!

Freddy: (to Palaka) Go get me another one of those mickey mouse waffles but no peanut butter, just some maple syrup.

Palaka: Sure thing boss (he heads over toward Barry)

Freddy: (to Moana) I know why you're still here. And I know you don't know why you're still here.

Moana: That's what I wanna talk to you about.

Freddy: I know! That's why we are going to take a walk on the beach! So you can sort it out and get your fucking head on straight.

(Palaka returns with a regular square waffle on a plate and holds it out for Freddy to take, Freddy, arms folded, just looks at it)

Palaka: They were out of the ones with the ears boss, said they were the popular ones, all gone.

Freddy: If they was all out, then why'd you fuckin' bring me one I didn't tell you to get?

Palaka: Ahh, uhh I don't know? I thought you were still hungry. We could cut this one and give it some square ears (he starts cutting the waffle with a plastic knife)

Freddy: (to Moana) Let's go (Freddy and Moana walk off down the driveway, Palaka sits down and continues to work on the waffle)

Palaka: All right boss, you go, I'll keep an eye on the place.

Ramon: Looks like that's it then.

Barry: Now, Ramon, I have to leave. It's dreadful of me to leave you with a kitchen mess but I ask, however, that I may be allowed to leave the waffle irons as they are, and I will pick them up later, also that you do not attempt to clean them as I am sure you will be tempted. I have a special solution at home that I would prefer to use. If you will just set them aside. And as for these leftovers, I am looking at wall covering and fabrics today and will be keeping a nice young man waiting if I do not leave at this very minute.

Ramon: There won't be any leftovers once the guys are finished. You go and don't worry about it.

Barry: That is good, you will, I trust, keep them on their tasks today, that tomorrow will show the bar in better condition?

Ramon: And I'll talk to them about the bear thing too.

Barry: (get's in his car to leave and rolls down the window) Thank you Ramon, not to harshly, perhaps a kind admonishment will suffice.(Ramon picks up some of the remaining brunch and carries it over to the bar. Palaka wanders back over to the table and sees a bowl of fruit remaining with the condiments)

Palaka: Hmm, tempting me with that apple there. (He takes an apple slice and dips it in some honey. He holds it up) health, wealth and a full tummy for Palaka, right ma? (he eats it).

- SpiritontheWater

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

[Cass and Emma get their Mickey Mouse waffles. Cass has peanut butter on hers; Emma's sticks with just syrup. They go and sit down to eat.]

Cass: I can't believe that they have Mickey Mouse waffles. When I was a kid, my Mom made Mickey Mouse waffles every Saturday morning. And even thought we didn't have a lot of money she would take me to Disneyland once a month. I just loved the rides, Cinderella's castle, and just the magic of the place.

Emma: The Swiss Family Robinson Tree House was my favorite. Say, is that why you have so eagerly embraced this project with John? I mean there is an enchanted feel to him...to everything surrounding him.

Cass: Yes! I had let the disappointments and negatives of life slowly erode my sense of magic. Then I was watching the film I took of John at the festival and suddenly I was awash in that feeling again. I don't know why I felt it, but I did.

Emma: I felt the same way, when I saw him step out of the van. I was afraid to breathe because I thought that if I did that feeling would be lost to me forever.

Cass: Emma! Somehow we need to use my camera and your gift of words to bring back that sense of magic back to everyone. [Emma nods.]

- theshriek

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

(Butchie gains speed, then reverses and ascends the wave, gaining as much height as possible. He drops his center of gravity and launches, as if to do a re-entry on the lip. When he reaches the point of maximum elevation, he grabs both rails and leans back, transitioning masterfully. As if doing a back flip from a diving board, he flips, careful to it follow through. He centers himself, holds his board tightly, and rides out the landing. He rides the water over to Kai, John, and Shaun, straddling their boards and watching him.)

Shaun: Bitchin' rodeo flip, dad. You boosted major air.

Butchie: Thanks, buddy. (Butchie drops off his board into the water, then pulls it to him and straddles it) Your turn.

(Shaun scans the waves for the right one, and, spotting it, paddles out. He gathers speed, approaching the bottom of a steep, vertical wave that's lip is ready to break. Before turning up the face, Shaun plants his feet solidly for balance, to refresh his sense of the board. He crouches down a little at the knees and waist, then turns hard, up the face of the wave, keeping speed. Just before his board hits the lip, he rotates his shoulders forward into the heart of the wave, then snaps his board around to follow his shoulders. He comes off the lip and catapults down the wave face, and centers his balance to execute a turn at the bottom of the wave, successfully. He carves back over to the others.)

Butchie: That's my boy! (Shaun drops into the water) You fuckin' murdered that wave, dude.

Kai: That was fuckin' sweet, Shaunie. Like father like son. (She looks at Butchie)

John: Shaun's my father's son too. Somebody call an ambulance.

Shaun: How'd I look comin' off the lip?

Butchie: Fuckin' bad ass! Did your old man proud. (Looks at Kai) This one's all you, babe. (Kai paddles off)

Butchie: She's a fuckin' charger.

John: Set off the airport metal detectors.

(Kai catches a wedge-y backside wave that's waist to chest high with a steep close-out section at the end. She pumps down the line, gathering enough speed to launch into the air without losing control. She bottom turns at a 25 degree angle to project herself off the wave, where the lip meets the whitewash. Staying low and centered, with her eyes focused on the lip, she angles the board down the line, a little bit ahead of the wave, to adjust for the wave's movement while airborne. Pointing the board out the back, she bends her knees and uses her body like a spring to pop into the air. When the top half of your board is out of the water, she turns her shoulders into the spin, pushes her back foot into the spin, and springs off the lip. In the air, she sucks her legs and board up for style and height. Once she starts spinning, she transfers her weight to the front foot while staying low. Spinning blindly, unable to see where she's going. she keeps level in the air while staying low and centered. Her front knee is bent and her back leg is extended, pushing the tail around. She keeps her stance a bit wider than usual for better balance, with her arms bent at a 90 degree angle at her sides. Looking down between her legs on the toe-side rail, she bends her knees and absorbs the landing with strength and perfect timing. She stays low with a wide stance, most of her weight on the back foot to help continue with the momentum of the wave, re-connecting her fins to the water. She rides it out, and cruises, buzzing with adrenaline, back to the others)

Butchie: Jesus Fuckin' Christ, Kai! That was fuckin' epic--a flawless fuckin' backside air reverse. Fuckin' Conan-style! Classic!

Kai: (dropping into the water, she paddles over to Butchie and kisses him) Gracias, Brosef.

Butchie: Shit! I'm gonna have to pull out some bigger guns next time 'round. (Looks at John) You're up, pal.

John: We're boning now. (He paddles off)

(John positions himself diagonal on the wave, giving himself the momentum to spin. He builds up speed, and follows it with a small turn. He kicks his legs in and keeps them up, then kicks with his left leg to go left. He pulls himself up on the board, eye level, and whips his head left. Keeping his body in position, he spins a full 1040 degrees, then lets his legs down to stop spinning. Landing perfectly on the water, John zig-zags back to his brasse.)

Butchie: Holy Shit, John! You fuckin' flew! Fuckin' filthy, Brah. You had the fuckin' Glide.

Shaun: Full on!

Kai: Hella haggard, John.

Butchie: Johnny Monad's the fuckin' Conductor!

John: The Church of the Open Sky is HUGE!

- Walkara

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

(After parting ways with Joe at the VFW, Erlemeyer and Mitch get in the Erlemeyer's "car" and drive back to the Yost's house. While en route, Mitch's memories of what transpired at the VFW fade. By the time they're back, he has no memory of where they've been, but feels strangely connected to Shaun. Erlemeyer is left with a vague recollection, but only the name 'Joe' is concrete in his memory. They exit the "car" and walk up to Mitch's treehouse, empty but for Erlemeyer's pile of blankets on the floor.)

Mitch: (leaning against the wall, he slides to the floor) Since Shaun moved in with Butchie, we've got a spare room in the house. Why don't you move your stuff in there?

Erlemeyer: How's Cissy gonna feel about that?

Mitch: I'm paying the damn mortgage!

Erlemeyer: If it's all the same to you, I prefer it out here; better reception.

Mitch: Reception?

Erlemeyer: Can you hear the transmissions? Listen closely. (Mitch crosses his legs and centers himself, waiting for something to happen. He hears only the hum of distant traffic and Erlemeyer's labored breath.)

Mitch: I got nothing.

Erlemeyer: Maybe the signal is revealed to us all in different ways.

Mitch: By 'the signal' you mean whatever the fuck is giving that extraterrestrial his orders?

Erlemeyer: I think it's bigger than that.

Mitch: When did you start hearing things?

Erlemeyer: I was standing on the porch the other day, and I heard something. A stir of echoes; voices; thoughts. It comes and goes, but today I feel as though I've been tuned to the highest frequency. Every which way I turn, I hear these mysterious whispers. Some fade after time, leaving me with an empty impression of their content.

Mitch: What do you remember?

Erlemeyer: Mostly cryptic things.

Mitch: For instance...

Erlemeyer: (He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and imagines himself as an antenna. Through the static, he receives a message) Something is growing.

Mitch: What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Erlemeyer: Not sure, but it concerns Cissy and yourself.

Mitch: "Growing," huh?

Erlemeyer: The bard said "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." Perhaps this 'joker in the deck' from beyond is here to show us what we need to be.

Mitch: Why? What's at stake?

Erlemeyer: The future, I suppose.(The two old friends grapple with the gravity of this thought for a while in silence. Suddenly Mitch's cell phone rings)

Mitch: Hello?

Cissy: (on the other end) Where the fuck've YOU been?

Mitch: Hey Cissy. (He looks at Erlemeyer, rolling his eyes) With Erlemeyer.

Cissy: You and the chemist better pile in that piece of shit of his, and get your asses down to the fuckin' beach. Butchie and Shaun are rippin' shit up! There's a huge fuckin' crowd gathered on the pier.

Mitch: We'll be right there.

Cissy: You gonna get wet this time? You are supposed to fuckin' be surfin' in the goddam expo in a few days. We wouldn't want the big fuckin' Kahuna to get dusted by his son and grandson, would we?

Mitch: Maybe tomorrow.

(Mitch and Erlemeyer get into the "car" and drive to the beach)

- Walkara

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

(Cass wanders through the thickening crowd. Emma [played by Anna Gunn] and her cameraman Luke [played by John Hawkes] stand at a distance, filming.)

Grom: Did you see that video on Youtube, of those four (he points to Kai, Butchie, John, and Shaun on the water) surfing yesterday? It was so sick.

Teenage Girl: I was there...I mean, here. It was awesome! It felt like I was out there on the water with 'em.

Grom: Yeah, miracle boy's got game. Still a freak though.

Teenage Girl: I think he's gonna be better than his dad.

Grom: Fuck Butchie Yost! My old man says he ruined surfin'--took the "grace" outta it.

Teenage Girl: He's just jealous, and bitter 'cause Butchie raised the bar too high for him.

Grom: Then pissed it all away. Fuckin' junkie. He's washed-up.

Teenage Girl: Tell that to the backside snap under the lip he just busted.

Grom: One time me and my brother found him passed-out cold under the pier, so we pissed on him.

Teenage Girl: That's disgusting! You are such a loser...go away.

Grom: We laughed so hard. He didn't even wake up.

Teenage Girl: Are you still here?

Grom: Jeez...you don't have to be a bitch about it. (He storms off indignantly. Cass follows him with the camera's eye until he disappears into the crowd, then walks over to Emma and Luke)

Cass: I'm gonna walk down to the beach.

Emma: Okay. Call me tomorrow.

Cass: (nods her head and waves) Bye.

(Cass points her camera down the long walkway, and films as she goes. People mixing together, each ollowing his or her own rhythm. Cass hears the drums, the beat, the pulse of this collective. Everyone performs a task. Each casts their eyes to the horizon, where the ovements of four figures across the wild ocean speaks to something deep inside them all. 'A vision of harmony and exclamation. A punctuation mark on the world's beauty.' Butchie's board carves it's heart and courage into the water, and onto the crowd. The waves seem to obey Kai, her contours over its surface keep faith, speak in ripples about hope. John and Shaun, surfing in unison, zig zag back and forth; they walk the water like saviors, surfing silent sermons to every pair of open eyes, saying "See." When Cass reaches the sand, she takes off her shoes and walks barefoot across the beach to where Dwayne sits, Indian-style, peering into his laptop. Cass looks above at the sky and takes a deep, content breath.)

Dwayne: Hey watch out! You're about to step on a smuck of...

Cass: (still at distance, camera at her knees, pointing at the ground in front of her, she stops in her tracks) What?! (she steps forward, right into the smuck and gets stung) FUUUUUCK!!! Shiiiit! Shit, shit shit! (she hops up and down)

Dwayne: (realizing he's too late)...Jelly fish...

Cass: (hobbling over to him) Thanks for the heads-up (sarcastically). How did you know to warn me anyway? They were covered in sand, almost like somebody put 'em there on purpose.

Dwayne: (alarmed by her inference) I saw in on 'The Feed.' I'd never do that.

Cass: The 'feed?' (sitting down, cradling her stung foot) What 'feed?'

Dwayne: (shows her his computer screen, mirroring her camera) On the Yost site.

Cass: This just gets weirder and weirder...damn! my foot hurts! .

Dwayne: Do you want me to pee on it for you?

- Walkara

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

(Dr. Smith sits behind the reception desk staring out the window, the car salesman walk across his view and enters the clinic)

Car Salesman: not going to get the business you're wanting referencing that bitter goddess on your store front doc.

Dr. Smith: To be honest I have yet to understand it myself.

Car Salesman: Nor anything else been happening in your altered reality I'd say either huh?

Dr. Smith: Well, that is true, although I can't imagine how you'd have any awareness of it. Are you in need of medical attention?

Car Salesman: Well that could be a point worth debating, but that's not why I'm here. Name's Dave as I've been called lately, (he thrusts his hand out and shakes hands with Dr. Smith) proprietor of Cherry Oldies on Eighth and Palm, and I ain't here to offer you that black Cadillac either, although you are a mite bit closer to bein' ready for that land yacht than the other fella.

Dr. Smith: Cadillac? I am sorry, sir, but I am without understanding or answer I'm sure to what ever it is you have come to ask of me.

Car Salesman: But I can't be sorry for that see, 'cause these words are gonna end up only echoes in after hour rounds made by nurses long after you've checked out. But let me get to the crux of my visit to your place of healing. You been used to thinking life's a one way gurney ride through the sterilized assembly line and you been put on earth to stich and sew wound after wound, deciding who to tie and who to cut and you're pretty damn right 'cept when it comes to your role in it all. Truth is, doc, the day you turned twenty and signed those admissions forms, your life stopped being lived and started livin' you. Make sense? Probably not. Doesn't matter. What you got is a chance to decide now, seein' you got yourself a free trip to Cincinnati, as to which part outside the slaughter house you're gonna play from here on out. You can have Twenty or you can have Forty. Just don't get lost sitting on the fence when you go out on break at this human barnyard, looking at the green grass on either side, debating yourself as to which might look greener and therefore taste better. Grass is grass, tastes pretty much the same. Lest of course you're eatin where some hungry coyote's gone and pissed markin' his territory while trying to figure his way in. Don't' eat too close to the fence post. Remember that. You're in the right fuckin' place and ya' did the right thing for the family.

Dr. Smith: I am not following... but you must know, that I am frequently suddenly changed, in every way like the boy of twenty I once was, not knowing where I just was. And in waking, feeling a need and even a responsibility to recreate myself, as if I am in some parallel universe. I have been re-imagining the past twenty years.

Car Salesman: That tells me you're getting there, and what you're doing, as you just described it, is exactly the process. But what I'm shouting here though some pretty thick clouds you're still coming down through is that you got a few miles of road to travel still, and in any gear but reverse being the right selection is more accurately my point. You're still thinking you just drove off a cliff walking out of that hospital. I'm here to tell ya' you didn't end up smashed up on the beach below that bluff like you rightly thought you surely woulda'. Thelma and Louise didn't do what you did Doctor, what they did was suicide no doubt about it. Not for you my boy. You took a leap of faith and you're gonna be blessed for it. Soon as you change that sign out front that is...

(Dr. Smith looks up and the car salesman is gone. He steps outside and looks down the street in both directions. He locks the door to the clinic, gets on his bicycle and heads for the pier)

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Freddy and Moana stand on the beach just south of the pier looking back to where Butchie and the others were surfing)

Freddy: Damn three ring circus everywhere that dipshit goes.

Moana: Looks like they got a pretty good thing going brudda.

Freddy: Until the get they get tossed up on the shore and the land sharks start their fucking feeding frenzy.

Moana: Maybe they just safer in the water huh?

Freddy: I used to watch that kid riding on Butchies back when he paddled out. All that boy wanted to do was be with him. But the cocksuker had to go and leave it all behind. Fuckin idiot if you ask me.

Moana: Is that why you giving up the business, feel bad for him?

Freddy: I don't feel bad for anyone. You make your own choices and if you can't swim stay outta the fucking water.

(The sun is getting low in the sky as Freddy and Moana turn and walk on down the beach away from the crowd, Moana stops and picks up a shell and examines it)

Freddy: Those safe deposits aren't gonna empty themselves out if you're planning on turning shell collector.

Moana: That's what I been trying to figure out. When I go back I'm not sure I wanna keep doing it like we always done it.

Freddy: You go back with that thought in your head and the Chinaman will see to it you wind up just like those shells there. Fuckin' Dead.

Moana: I been lookin' back and don't like what I see no more.

Freddy: And do you like what you see here, you gonna sell used cars or what? That money ain't gonna fly itself over here?

Moana: Gotta be some way we could get it and maybe start something new up here? Is that what you been thinking brah?

Freddy: I ain't been thinking nuthin'... just knowin' life's too fucking short for trying to be something you ain't never been.

(They continue to walk south as the shadows grow and the ocean breeze begins to cool the shore. Freddy stoops down and picks up a shell, he looks at it for a second and puts it in his pocket)

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Barry drives south looking out toward the horizon as if searching, Teddy is in the passenger seat tightly seat belted with is arms outstretched)

Barry: You may have noticed Teddy that we are traveling away from our home rather than toward it's comforts and warm lights. And away too from the Snug Harbor Motel where your friend likely sits tossed and wondering about how he might escape his uncomfortable surroundings. We are now driven rather than driving I'm afraid. Toward a new light of a sort I fear is not so pleasant or tame; burning coals perhaps; a rite of passage I do not know... Don't be afraid Teddy, adventurers face such unknown with a requisite trepidation often stumbling out into clearings opening to grand vistas only dreamt of.

(Barry slows down as he see's a parking lot before a small bluff obscuring the beach on the other side. He pulls in and parks the car. Getting out he walks around and opens the door to release teddy from his seat. He carries him to the trail leading up and over the bluff. They walk the short distance to the top. Looking down he see's a man working around a small fire that is coming to life. Looking out and off to his right he see's the sun still above the horizon. A few clouds hang in the air above it)

Barry: Preparations for the night. I think we are about to witness a beautiful sunset, Teddy.

(Further up the beach he sees two figures walking down the beach and further still behind them another small group following.)

Barry: Evening shell collectors Teddy, remaining discoveries must surely await them on this deserted stretch. We should find that box tonight, our little collection should be displayed now on those empty shelves in the hallway.

(The man by the fire sees Barry and waves, summoning him down the small hill, he says something but Barry can't hear it.)

Barry: It seems we are invited Teddy. Shall we cast our fears aside and take adventurous steps? We will be cautious around the fire but I must say I would welcome the warmth just now. The temperature has dropped. But you don't notice do you? Lucky Bear.

(Barry begins walking carefully down the narrow trail to the sand)

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Mitch and Erlemeyer park the car and cross the street from the pier, they see Butchie Kai and Cissy standing on the sand on the south side, Butchie and Kai are finishing rinsing off and getting out of their wetsuits at the shower area there)

Erlemeyer: Well Mitch, Those clouds are telling me this is the end of the day here. Gonna take a walk of it's all the same to you.

Mitch: No, not at all, you go and enjoy.. Looks like were gonna have a nice one tonight...I think I'm gonna go talk to Cissy there (Erlemeyer nods an walks off finding a place to sit on a wall just north of the pier. Mitch walks over to where Cissy is talking to Butchie and Kai)

Cissy: Even the big Kahuna's got to stop and watch the fireworks doesn't he?

Mitch: Yeah, Cissy, let's take a walk, I think we need to take this one in together

Cissy: (shocked but softened, smiles and puts her arm through his) Well, wonders never cease, lead the way! (she looks at Butchie and Kai) We'll be seeing ya.... (as they walk off she turns and gives them the thumbs up) Great fuckin air today.. both of you! (Cissy and Mitch walk off down the sidewalk and out onto the sand)

Butchie: Well fuck me! There's a sight I thought I'd never seen again.

Kai: If we hurry I bet we could get a spot at the end of the pier.

Butchie: Well hell, you don't think I'm gonna let the old man show me up! (sticks his elbow out, Kai puts her arm through and leans into him) Let's watch this fucker fire my lady! (they walk up on the pier and start toward the end) Hey, where'd Shaunie get off to?

Kai: Don't worry Butchie, I saw him taking off with some friends down the beach. I think they met some chicks.

Butchie: That's my boy! Like Father like Son!

Kai: (swings her leg up and tries to kick him in the butt) Yeah, like father like son...

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Meyer and Daphne sit on a blanket just south of the pier)

Meyer: That was a most spectacular thing we just witnessed Daphne. We are in the presence of greatness, I hope you realize...

Daphne: (smothering her face into Meyers neck, kissing his neck and tonguing his ear) Mmmnh I wish these people would leave so we could cover up right here.

Meyer: A most spectacular Sunset is about to ensue and we don't want to miss it my... oh my...

(Meyer is temporarily overtaken by the lavish attention given to his neck while looking around up at the pier and surrounding stragglers left
on the beach).

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Jerri and Dwayne sit at a table in a taco place just off the sand just south of the pier)

Jerri: Nice to eat somebody else's food for a change. They make some damn good tacos here (she takes another bite and looks at Dwayne who sits staring at the computer, his basket of Tacos untouched.)

Dwayne: I'm not getting anything now. Maybe the feed has just gone down or there is some interference?

Jerri: (reaches over and closes the laptop) Fucking something more important than those fucking stick figures you think? Take a look at the sky if you wanna see something worth getting a feed from. And eat your tacos they're getting fucking cold.

Dwayne: (looks at his watch) We got another twenty minutes before sunset.

Jerri: (leans over the table and pulls her collar down exposing a bit more of her breasts) You wanna see the sun go down or the moon rise? I'm taking you off line either way.

Dwayne: (sits back and smiles. He starts unwrapping his tacos) I'll eat my tacos and we'll watch the sunset together.

Jerri: (sits back and smiles) All hail the power of the tit... I need another margarita (she looks for a waitress)

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Bill walks down a dead end street lined with expensive beach front homes carefully shielding his breast pocket, he walks up to an opening in the beachfront wall posted with a sign reading "Beach Access". He walks down a paved path and sits down on a bench facing the ocean. Opening his pocket, zippy flies out and returns to land on his shoulder)

Bill: You see Zip, even the rich and greedy can't steal every bit of this beautiful strip of sand we got here at the end of the world. We make 'em cut a whole in the wall so us poor bastards can have a seat and take a look at what's all of ours. (he looks up and sees a couple out on their balcony sipping drinks and awaiting the sunset, he raises an imaginary glass) Evenin'! (they don't return the greeting) Here we go my Lo, I lost count now we've had so many.

(Bill pulls his harmonica out of his pocket and plays a short blues riff to which Zippy bobs his head and cheeps. He drops the harmonica to his lap and stares out at the horizon)

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Joe stokes the fire at his campsite and looks over to Magdalena who is bundling up in some blankets)

Joe: We'll it ain't much but it's home. Gonna have a nice sunset tonight, not that we'll be seein it proper from here, but the looks of those clouds we should get a nice bit of color once that bad boy bottoms out below the horizon. (he offers her a plate) This little hibachi of mine ain't much either but I've managed from time to time to pull some pretty good grub off it. These skewers are some of my favorites.

Magdalena: (looking very comfortable and happy, she looks up to the sky) Gracias Mr. Joe. It is delicious, and I am going to be most happy this night underneath these stars.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Linc and Tina sit in the El Camino in the same parking lot up the coast that Shaun and Adam were at before sunrise)

Tina: Well that was a wild ride.

Linc: This baby's juiced to beat the band that's for sure. Not as much elbow room as I'm used to but I can sure appreciate the muscle.

Tina: Well a bench seat's always been a preference of mine.

Linc: (looks at Tina and laughs) You are a bad girl aren't you?

Tina: I've seen my share of sunsets.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Doctor Smith gets off his bike and leans it against the climbing tower at the surf camp, he walks over and climbs up on one of the picnic benches. He looks back toward the radio transmission compound and then out toward the horizon)

Dr. Smith: I am here, and who ever I am, I am just going to wait to find out who exactly that is. Bring it on ye gods and goddesses (he laughs at himself)

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Ramon pulls a folding chair out in front of the office and sits down. He places a cup of tea on the bbq shelf, leaning back he opens an x rated magazine)

Ramon: Ahh, quite at last... Lord, you got some crazy white people around here, I'm tellin' ya...(he sees Palaka walk across the courtyard carrying a flashlight which he is randomly aiming around the landscape and structures before entering the bar) See what I'm sayin'? (he looks up at the sky and notices the clouds) gonna be a nice show tonight.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(John and the Car Salesman sit on a small outcropping looking down on the growing bonfire as Barry and the others approach)

John: This is big and huge.

Car Salesman: Could be son, but thing is you never can tell for sure. Sometimes folks just don't get it. But (he laughs) we give em a light show and a little stink and there's no tellin' who's gonna sit right up at their desk and raise their hand!

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Cass is seen driving inland toward the mountains, gaining speed, hair blowing in the wind, tears in her eyes, away from the sunset as the closing song begins)

- SpiritontheWater

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

The End - sort of

Closing song
The Sky Is Crying- Stevie Ray Vaughan [High Quality No vid] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s9M-52fRGU&feature=related#)

Episode 13, His Visit, Day 12

DISCLAIMER: John From Cincinnati and its canon characters are the property of HBO and the show's producers; no copyright infringement is intended.

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

Cissy and Mitch spend the day together. Shaun asks John's advice. Cass' camera saves Jake. The motel gets a delivery. Butchie helps Tina. John channels Lois. Erlemeyer seeks answers on the pier. Shaun puts on his game face.

Written by: backinthegame, SpiritontheWater, theshriek, Walkara, Waxon

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

(Lying in bed, Mitch stares at the ceiling. Cissy, asleep on her side next to him, looks rarely peaceful. Mitch turns to her and throws his arm across her side and smells her coconut hair, startling her awake in the process.)

Cissy: (groggy) Whadda you want?

Mitch: (removes his arm and turns back to the ceiling) Nothing...can't I just put my arm around my wife if I feel like it?

Cissy: (perplexed) I guess...you old fuckin' goat.

Mitch: (he puts his arm back around her) So...what's the plan today? I thought you might like to spend the day together.

Cissy: Goddamit, Mitch...if you wanna get fucked, just fuckin' say so.

Mitch: (takes his arm away again) You know, Cissy, things might be a little better between us if you'd cut me some slack...

Cissy: (sitting up in bed) Well...you know, Mitch, I might would cut ya some fuckin' slack if you ever goddam deserved it, Mr. Center of the Fuckin' Universe. The Surf Shack is going under, Dolores is all up my ass for her arrears, Shaunie moved-in with Butchie the fuck-up and his pal Mork, and you fucked that skinny blonde bitch--feel free to jump-the-fuck in with solutions any goddam time....

Mitch: (rolls his eyes) Fine, Cissy, fine. I'm a complete asshole, responsible for all your problems and unhappiness...better? (He turns on his side, away from her)

Cissy: Much. (She grins) Ah, c'mon, numbnuts, don't start feelin' all fuckin' sorry for yourself. (She pulls the covers down and slaps his ass playfully)

Mitch: I'm not feelin' sorry...I just find the incessant ball-busting a little tiresome.

Cissy: (turning white) Incest?? What the fuck are you talking about??

Mitch: No, no: in·ces·sant. It means 'continuing without interruption.'

Cissy: Oh...(the color returns to her face) Talk about killin' the goddam mood. Shit! Why can't you just fuckin' say shit plain like the fuckin' most of us??

Mitch: I'm just sayin'...

Cissy: Well, what kind of interruption are ya lookin' for? You got another kind of "ball-busting" in mind? (She illustrates with her hand on his package.)

Mitch: (Stiffening from her touch, he turns back to her) Guess I'll take that fucking now. (He grins and runs his hand down her arm)

Cissy:...since you asked so fuckin' nice...(She takes off the t-shirt she slept in, exposing herself) C'mere. (She slides down, eye-level with Mitch, and kisses him on the cheek, softly)

Mitch: (surprised by her affection, he wraps his arms around her) You're a hell of a woman. (He leans down and kisses her on the lips)

Cissy: (Breaking their lip-lock) And you're a total son of a bitch. (She reaches down and helps him inside her) Now, show me why-the-fuck they call you 'The Big Kahuna.'

Mitch: (smiling, pushing it right) You're the only one that calls me that.

Cissy: I better fuckin' be, asshole. (She meets his rhythm, and they have sweaty, passionate monkey sex, leaving fingernail marks all over Mitch's back as evidence.)

- Walkara

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

(There's a knock at Bill's front door. Bill is sitting on the couch in his boxer shorts, cringing through the morning news. He gets up, walks to the door, and peeks in the peephole. Recognizing John, he scratches himself and opens the door)

Bill: I-got-my-eye-on-you! What the fuck do you want?

John: (channeling Lois) It's a beautiful morning, Billy.

Bill: (grabs John by the shirt, and pulls him inside. Slamming the door behind them, Bill gets in John's face) What the fuck did I tell you about the goddam Charlie McCathy imitations?! Huh?!

John: "To pound his head through, with your fist, and hold him, gagging and thrashing beneath the surface of the very, very, very thin ice he's on 'till he drowns"? (He cocks his head, channeling Lois) Billy?! I'm appalled by the way you treat this young man who is trying to assist you. You treat him with such contempt!

Bill: Lo?! Dear God, sweetheart, forgive me (Bill embraces John) I cannot fuckin' reconcile myself to hearing your sweet words comin' from E.T.-over-here's lips.

John: (in his own voice) Get your composure.

Bill: (Pushes John away from him) Lois?! Lo? You still in there?

John: I'm right here, Billy. I came by to tell you to take Her Ladyship with you on your adventures today.

Bill: Adventures?? More like a goddam, frequently illegal, circle jerk. Fuck me: Her Ladyship??! You sure 'bout that, dear? I'm not certain she's up to fuckin' task.

(Her Ladyship begins sqwaking aggressively)

John: (Lois' voice) Good Lord! Who taught her to curse like that?? (disapprovingly) Billy...?

Bill: What?! Wasn't me: it was probably Zip: he's been swearin' like a sailor ever since he got back.

(Zippy flies from his unlatched cage and perches on Bill's shoulder)

John: Zippy: the big cruise director! (As Lois) The vato who gutted this young man is still at large, Billy. (In his own voice again) Joe needs your help. Listen to Zippy and Her Ladyship: they hear my father's words.

Bill: Alright, alright: I better go put some goddam trousers on then. Every fuckin' day brings more goddam insanity...Lo? You still there?

John: I don't know Butchie instead.

Bill: And there you have it folks: a decorated officer of the law, reduced to asking questions of a fucking moron who's given to occasional possession by his deceased wife! A goddam shame, is what it is. The universe is fucking with me again. God, or whatever the fuck is calling the shots, must get off by watchin' us assfuck ourselves!

John: My father means well.

Bill: Yeah? Well tell him that if he's gonna send me messages from my dear Lois, I'd fuckin' appreciate if it came from her sweet face and not some goddam space cadet!

John: This could end in fisticuffs. (Zippy flies over to her ladyship's cage, and perched on top of it, waiting for Bill to set her free.)

Bill: (Shaking his head, hands over his face) Jesus Christ! (When he brings his arms back down and opens his eyes John has disappeared. He walks over to Her Ladyship's cage and opens it. She exits with exuberance, and perches next to Zippy on the top of the cage, they exchange a few heated words, then Zippy flies back to Bill's shoulder) Get off me, Zip! (He pauses, listening) Because I can't very well go gallavanting around town in my goddam underwear, now can I? (Pause) Whaddaya mean 'especially those ones'? (pauses, turning red) Oh...thought I felt a goddam draft on my boys. (listens) Don't be acting all fucking delicate...  Well, maybe I would if you'd quit fuckin' chirping in my damn ear! (pause, listening to Her Ladyship) You just butt-the-fuck-out: no one's talking to you. (long pause) Okay, okay, okay, Judas Priest! I beg your fuckin' forgiveness with my sincere apology! (under his breath) That fuckin' crap machine is gonna be the end of me. (He walks over to the couch, picks up his pants and puts them on, albeit with difficulty) Musta fuckin' shrunk in the wash. (Zippy sqwaks) Oh, fuck you, bird brain! I'll eat all the goddam waffles I want.

- Walkara

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

(Cissy grinds on Mitch and he arches his head back into the pillow, then she stops and shakes her head with a quizzical look on her face)

Cissy: Why am I all of a sudden thinking about fuckin'...Peter Pan?

Mitch: (opening his eyes and looking around) Maybe because we're five inches off the fucking bed!

Cissy: (looking around and seeing that she is riding Mitch in the air) Oh my God, I'm riding the fucking magic carpet!... Guess you're having your fucking happy thought now!

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Shaun is sleeping on his back under the covers on Butchie's bed; he is smiling contentedly as he dreams. John is lying motionless on a mattress on the floor, eyes closed. His eyes pop open. he seems startled and sits up. Shaun stirs)

John: Shaun better get rid of the unsightly bulge.

(Shaun looks at John, looks down, blushes and sits up gathering the bedclothes)

Shaun: Fucking hell John!

John: Fucking hell Shaun!

Shaun: Where's my dad?

John: Bringing down the hammer

Shaun: (he blushes again) Jesus, John.

(John smiles; after an awkward silence, Shaun scoots to the side of the bed)

Shaun: Can I ask you a question John?

John: Ask me a question Shaun.

Shaun: Have you ever kissed a girl? I mean like properly (John cocks his head to the side and looks at Shaun quizzically) I mean it's not like I haven't had the opportunity; that girl Melanie last night... (His sentence fails him)

(John wants to help but doesn't know what to say, he grimaces in the most encouraging way he can.)

Shaun: I mean what if I don't do it right. Fucking Sam says he made it to 3rd base with that chick in Huntington. (He cradles his head in his hands) Every one of my fucking friends watches my mum do it... (He trails off again)

John: Tina does not raise your friends, nor show you how to do that.

(Another awkward silence is interrupted by Butchie bursting through the door)

Butchie: What's up losers? get the fuck out of bed or miss the fucking donuts! (he dumps a paper bag on the coffee table)

John: Shaun wants to bone Melanie

(Shaun looks mortified)

Butchie: Well fuck me... the little man is a chip off the old block after all (he walks over and slaps Shaunie on the back). There I was thinking you'd get fucking carpal tunnel. If there's anything you need to know, this guy (he points both thumbs at his chest) is your man. (Shaun is failing to find a rock to crawl under) Just try not to throw up on her. That's a real mood killer (Butchie strides into the bathroom and slams the door, he shouts from inside) Talk amongst yourselves, I've got to crap like its fucking Christmas.

(Shaun sighs and collapses back on his back on the bed)

(John stands up, flips his collar up and walks outside)

- backinthegame

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

(Butchie flushes the toilet, runs his hands under the sink for a second, without soap, shakes them off, and walks out of the bathroom.)

Butchie: Where'd John go?

Shaun: (lying down, eyes close) He went outside. (He sniffs and opens his eyes in disgust) Uhhh...that's rank, dad. What the heck did you eat?

Butchie: Waffles, omelettes, doughnuts, a hot dog, a snickers bar, (He grins) pussy...

Shaun: You get an 'F' for fume control. Phew! Crack a window, would ya?

Butchie: (walking to the door) I'm going next door to room E. Kai's still fuckin' sleepin'.

Shaun: Now, you're gonna bring down the hammer...

Butchie: (gives Shaun a devilish grin) Shit, buddy: I'm gonna bring down the fuckin' house. (He throws opens the door and struts out, leaving it open in order to air the room out. He walks next door and goes inside.)

John: (standing across the parking-lot) Make her see God, Butchie.

- Walkara

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

(Joe wakes up in his sleeping bag on the ground. He rubs his face with his hands and sits up. He notices that his cot, where Magdalena should be, is empty. He gets up, stretches and walks out of the tent. Outside, he surveys the area, and is shocked to see that every last plant has been harvested and is hanging to dry. Magdalena is bent over the campfire, cooking breakfast. Joe's dutch oven is sizzling with eggs and bacon. In another smaller pan, Magdalena is making corn tortillas.)

Joe: Mornin', darlin'.

Magdalena: Good Morning, Joe. Did you sleep well?

Joe: Slept like a fuckin babe--but how in the hell did you manage to get all them fuckin' plants cut? And why the hell didn't ya wake me up?

Magdalena: As I said, my grandfather taught me how to harvest--and I wanted to do something for you, to express my sincere thanks for all you've done.

Joe: I ain't done shit yet. So far, your boy's trail has gone colder than a witch's tit.

Magdalena: You saved me from those rabid dogs! I never thought that the search would be easy or quick, but I am heartened to have the help of such fine men as you and Mr. Jacks.

Joe: Bill's good people. I ain't 'xactly the Dali fuckin' Llama, but you got my word that I ain't givin' up 'till we find him.

Magdalena: You are a good man, Joe. Decent and kind. Handsome too.

Joe: (blushing) Shiiit, Mags...you sure know how to tweak a feller's ego. (he walks over to her, and smells the smoky bacon and eggs) Goddam! that smells good.

Magdalena: I made some salsa fresca; it's in the cooler. I hope you like it hot.

Joe: If it ain't burnin' my tongue it has no business in my mouth.

Magdalena: (Blushes) Would you like some coffee (she grabs the coffee pot from the fire with a towel and fills a mug for him.) Sugar?

Joe: No thanks. Take it black. (He takes the mug from her and sips) I'll be damned! (he takes another sip) That's some good fuckin' coffee; such a rich goddam flavor.

Magdalena: I'm glad you like it. I brought it with me from home. We call it Corazón del café.

Joe: Very good. (He takes another sip, and sits down on a stump of wood) I figure we'll head into town in an hour or so and rendezvous with Bill at the VFW.

Magdalena: He is such a gentleman. So patient and thoughtful.

Joe: Bill Jacks?

Magdalena: Yes. He treated me so respectfully. I was surprised to find that not all American police revile Mexicans. His wife is very lucky.

Joe: Bill's retired, and his wife past away a while back.

Magdalena: Oh dear! I must have sounded so foolish asking him about her. Why didn't he tell me, rather than let me go on asking him about her?

Joe: Don't sweat yer pretty head 'bout that, Mags. Bill ain't the type to get all bent outta shape on account of a purdy lady. Don't suffer fools none, but, like the most of us, he's got a fuckin' sweet spot for a lady.

Magdalena: You are such a gentleman, Joe. (She walks over to him and kisses him on the cheek. When she leans in he breathes her in. She smells fresh like cilatro with a hint of spice. When her lips touch his cheek, goosebumps spread over his arms and legs and up his spine. He turns his head as she lifts them from him, and face to face, their eyes meet. Magdalena looks right into him, smiles and kisses him softly on the lips then goes back to the fire and flips the eggs and bacon over.)

Joe: (breathless from the unassuming kiss, unsure whether it was a simple show of friendly affection or something more. He takes another sip of coffee) It's good to have some company out here--didn't even realize how lonely it gets 'till you got here.

Magdalena: (dishing a plate of food) It's a pleasure to be here with you, Joe. (She walks over to him and hands him the plate then goes to the cooler and takes a small container of neatly chopped salsa fresca out, walks back and offers it to him. Joe takes the container and dumps some over his breakfast.) I hope it's okay. I forgot to include a lemon on my list.

Joe: (wrapping a tortilla around a mound of eggs and salsa, he takes a big bite, then another and another until it's gone) Fuckin' delicious! (he begins rolling another tortilla) Whew! that is spicy; fuckin' tasty as hell too.

Magdalena: I'm so glad you like it. Would you like a concha? (she offers him the Mexican sweet bread)

Joe: (he accepts it and takes a big bite) Mmmmm...(chewing)...Damn! this is good.

Magdalena: Would you like some juice?

Joe: Why don't you sit down and eat?

Magdalena: I will, after I've served you.

Joe: Sit the hell down, Mags. I 'preciate everything, but I ain't gonna let you wait on me hand and fuckin' foot.

Magdalena: You are the most generous man. Very well. (She fixes herself a plate and sits at the folding table just north of the fire.) Shall I say grace?

Joe: Umm...I ain't a believer, but you go right onahead. (Gathers his food and sits across the table from her)

Magdalena: (clasping her hands and bowing her head) Father, we thank thee for your grace, and acknowledge your sheltering hand in our lives. Bless this food to nourish and strengthen us. And thank you for bringing us together, for sending Joe to me, and for Mr. Jacks. Bless these men. And, dear Lord, please help us find Alejandro. Please protect him. Amen. (she raises her head and catches Joe staring at her) What is it, Joe?

Joe: (Clearing his throat) Nuthin', darlin'. Just thinkin'.

Magdalena: What were you thinking?

Joe: Nuthin' (he lies) I'm just glad to be able to help ya out.

Magdalena: Oh. (She finishes her plate of food, then sits back in her seat; producing a masterfully rolled joint, she lights it and takes a long, experienced hit, then offers it to Joe) Here.

Joe: (accepts the joint and takes a long, slow hit then exhales) That's a damn fine joint. (under his breath, to himself) The perfect goddam woman.

- Walkara

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

(Tina and Linc are having coffee at Jerri's internet cafe. Linc is on the phone with Jake. Tina is on the phone with her former manager, Rafe.)

Tina: I already told ya, Rafe: I'm out. (listens) I don't give a fuck how much you offer me--I'm not making Moist Thighs, Pink Buns 4 (pause) You know what, Rafe: fuck off! (She hangs up the phone and listens to Linc's conversation)

Linc:...Chill the fuck out, Jake. Okay?? Shit! You've just gotta relax. We'll find out when they get here this afternoon.

Jake: (on the phone in his hotel room) I'm fucked, Linc: and YOU fucked me! My head is fuckin' killin' me!

Linc: Well, go take a fuckin' Midol and nurse your pussy 'till I get there then.

Jake: Fuck you, Linc. (he hangs up)

Tina: He's freaking out?

Linc: (flips his cell phone shut) Yeah. Whining like a little bitch.

Tina: Do you think he'll lose his job?

Linc: Honestly? I have no fuckin' clue. Thing is: there's a shitload of buzz about the exposition being here. They've just got their panties in a bunch over being kept outta the loop--somethin' they're gonna have to get used to, 'cause there's no fuckin' way we can appease the Yost's and the Money. But without the talent, the Money doesn't got shit.

Tina: Except money, right?

Linc: Yeah, I guess. (He reaches across the table and takes her hands) I've gotta go in just a minute. Will you drop me off over there?--fuck! I need my damn Navigator back!

Tina: Umm...I'm meeting someone here in a little while, so I better not leave--but you can take my car.

Linc: A meeting? With who? Is Rafe in town?

Tina: No. The agency is sending a Rep. down to negotiate the terms of my recusal from the Agency.

Linc: What, like percentage points?

Tina: That, and other things. (She lets go of Linc's hand)

Linc: Like what?

Tina: Nothin' you need to worry about, Linc.

Linc: In other words, you don't wanna tell me. (He looks her in the eye, telling her she can trust him with them)

Tina: Just let it go, okay?

Linc: Fine...but just know that you can fuckin' tell me anything--and I won't fuckin' judge you.

Tina: (She leans over the table and kisses him) It's just business stuff. C'mon Linc: I really like you, and I wanna be with you. This is just a personal matter.

Linc: You mean: none of my business.

Tina: I mean: none of anyone's business.

Linc: Okay, okay...I'll try to respect "your privacy"--I just thought you trusted me.

Tina: I do trust you...more than I've ever trusted another man, but we've only known each other for like a week. Don't get me wrong; I'm really happy (she reaches over and puts her hand on his face) with how things are going, but it's all happening so fast. Maybe we should slow things down a little.

Linc: Meaning what? Are you fuckin' sayin' what I think your fuckin' sayin'?

Tina: No. No way! I just need a little space, some patience, is all. Is that too much to ask?

Linc: 'Course not, but it feels like you're withdrawing from me. I want you to trust me, with everything--and I want to be there for ya, and be worthy of your trust.

Tina: (eyes glazed) I want that too...it's just, I need some space to figure all this out--my life didn't start when I came back to I.B., Linc. I have things that I have to take care of if I plan to stick around.

Linc: I thought you wanted a fresh fuckin' start?

Tina: I do. But I can't just wipe the slate clean. No matter what I ever do: the world will always see me as Tina Blake: Professional Whore.

Linc: You don't know that...but even so: who fuckin' cares--the only thing that really matters is how you see yourself.

Tina: (leans over and kisses him again) It matters how you see me.

Linc: I see a smart, sexy, thoughtful, delicate, beautiful woman that deserves a fresh fuckin' start, and deserves to be treated like the kind soul she is. (He scoots his chair over to her and they start making-out)

Jerri: (across the cafe, behind the bar, watching them) Jesus! If yer gonna shag, take it outside! Sorry, honey, he'll have to get your hole later. (under her breath) Fuckin' arseholes!

Linc: (ignoring Jerri, but surfacing for air) But if you need some space, I'll give it to you. You're not the only one that's trying to change their life, and the least I can do is give you space.

Tina: Don't you have secrets from me?

Linc: Nothing comes to mind...

Tina: That's not a very good answer.

Jerri: (eavesdropping) That's 'cause he's a dodgy fuck!

Linc: (to Jerri, smiling) Who asked you?! (to Tina) Nope. I'm an open book.

Tina: Promise?

Linc: I promise.

Tina: Okay (she takes a deep breath)...the agency wants me to stay on payroll as a consultant and recruiter.

Linc: You gonna do it?

Tina: I don't want to, but I have to earn a living, Linc...I've got some savings, but I can't just live off of everyone else forever--and The Business is all I know...on the other hand, I can't stomach the thought of luring other girls into the life, because I know how fucking soulless it is. I don't know what to do...

Linc: Why didn't you wanna tell me?

Tina: I didn't think you'd approve, and I'm not going to live off you.

Linc: Why Not! (points to himself) Hello: Millionaire. I don't really approve, but I'll support you whatever you fuckin' decide. I think The Business did a fuckin' number on you, and I don't think you'll feel good about yourself until you make a clean break, but it's your choice.

Tina: The business isn't the source of my problems, Linc: but it magnified everything.

Linc: Then why would you even consider helping those cocksuckers out?

Tina: Because it's all I know...look at Jenna Jameson: she's the head of her own empire--and since she got married, she only performs with other women.

Linc: Hold on! Are you sayin' you're still considering making "films"?

Tina: Of course not! No fucking way! I'm just considering working behind the scenes.

Linc: Well, whatever you decide: I've got your back, but I don't have a good feeling about it.

Tina: I haven't made up my mind either way, but thanks for letting me be honest and not making me feel ashamed about it.

Linc: More than anything, I don't want you to feel fuckin' ashamed ever again--you've had enough of that shit for one life. You're a gentle, gorgeous woman, Tina--not a product to be bought and sold.

Tina: And you're my man.

Linc: Damn fuckin' straight. (he pecks her on the lips and stand up) Alright, I'm gonna head down to the office and calm Jake down before he goes into labor or something. (he walks to the door)

Tina: Hey, Linc...

Linc: Yeah? (He turns and looks at her)

Tina: I...ll miss you.

Linc: I love you too. (he walks out the door, filled with purpose)

- Walkara

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

(Cissy drives her Stingray to The Surf Shack. Mitch is in the passenger seat, looking in side mirror at the string of news vans following them)

Cissy: What the fuck do those fuckin' parasites want now?

Mitch: I don't know...except for on the pier, they pretty much left us alone yesterday--I was hoping they might've lost interest.

Cissy: Maybe they needed a fuckin' break from listening to you lecture them about world affairs.

Mitch: (sarcastically) Very funny...there's like four or five news vans back there. Those bloodsuckers are out in full force today.

(Mitch and Cissy arrive at The Surf Shack, park, and go inside. Several news vans park behind them. A gang of reporters and their cameramen exit and approach the entrance, now locked with Cissy and Mitch inside.)

Cissy: (walks over and plops down on the couch) What the fuck we do now?

Mitch: (looking out the window) I hate to break it to ya, Cissy: but Doris is on her way over here.

Cissy: Shit! Duck! Get the fuck away from the window, asshole, or she'll see you!

Mitch: Too late. I think she watched us park.

Cissy: Godammit! Fuck me...

Mitch: She's making her way over to the reporters...maybe I should go out and see what they want.

Cissy: You go do that, Mitchell--and get rid of Doris while you're at it.

Mitch: (Opens the door a crack, slides out, and closes it quickly behind him) What do you people want?

Reporter 1: Mitch Yost! When can we expect to see you back out on the water?

Mitch: No Comment.

Reporter 2: Are you aware that the Youtube videos of your son and grandson have received half a million hits in less than twenty-four hours? Every major news outlet is giving the expo free advertising because of it.

Mitch: Wow...I think.

Reporter 3: Mr. Yost? the other day you spoke about the environment, and even touched on terrorism. What are your thoughts on nuclear proliferation?

Mitch: I'm afraid that the powers-that-be are playing on the fears of the misinformed American public to justify a preemptive nuclear strike against a certain Arabian country.

Reporter 4: What do you have to say to the critics that argue that the attention focused on the family is just a reaction to Stinkweed's deception concerning your grandson's now-debunked "miraculous recovery"?

Mitch: I say: they're right. Look, everyone knows our family history with Stinkweed has been pretty troubled, to put it lightly--but, with the departure of Linc Stark, I'm encouraged that they will honor the agreements they made with my family.

Doris: (pushing to the front) When can I expect to have my arrears satisfied?

Mitch: (Amused by her wording, he smiles) I'll let ya talk to Cissy. She's inside. (He opens the door, allows Doris inside, and closes it behind her)

Reporter 5: Is it true that the family signed with Stinkweed to keep from bankruptcy? Did you sell yourself, your ideals, and your family out, to keep from ending up in the unemployment line?

Mitch: Piss off, dirtbag! Stinkweed made us an offer we couldn't refuse, and we signed with the agreement that we had final say in all matters relating to the family, as well as a commitment from them to help clean up Imperial Beach.

Reporter 5: But why would Stinkweed, notorious for their micro-managerial style and questionable ethics, agree to give you all the control?

Mitch: I guess you've never seen us surf.

(All the reporters laugh, except the one that asked the question.)

(Inside, Doris walks over to Cissy, still sitting on the couch, feeling Doris' eyes on the back of her head, resentfully. Doris walks around the couch and faces Cissy, and gives her a slightly comical, but stern and disapproving look)

Cissy: Alright, alright Doris, how much do I fuckin' owe ya?

Doris: I've been trying to track you down for days, Cissy. Don't think I didn't notice that you've been ducking me. I know you've had a crazy week, what with Shaunie's injury and whatnot, but that is no excuse to avoid me and your financial responsibilities. When I saw you parking a sports car, I told myself 'that's the last straw, Doris.' So here I am. Now, lets see: $650 a month times seven months is: $4,550.00 plus a hundred dollars a month penalty fee comes to: $5,250.00. Now, since you've just singed a lucrative contract with that surfing company, I assume you can afford to pay me outright, otherwise, I'm going to be forced to find a new renter.

Cissy: We ain't received shit yet, Doris. The car was paid for by the asshole that wrecked into my Miata. But give me to the end of the day to figure something the hell out. Shit, if I can't: you can go ahead and kick us out tomorrow.

Doris: Now, you know, Cissy, that I'm very fond of your family, and the last thing I want is to cause further turmoil, but I simply must be compensated ASAP; you're not the only one with money problems. Understand?

Cissy: Jesus! Yes, yes I get it. (rolls her eyes)

(Doris nods her head, walks to the door, and slips outside. When she does, Cissy hears Mitch talking to the reporters, sounding almost content. She takes her cell phone out of her purse and hits #2 on the speed dial)

Butchie: (Back at the Snug Harbor, fresh from the shower, still in the bathroom, he answers his cell phone)Yeah?

Cissy: Hey, what did you fuckin' mean when you said Capt. Kirk could "make money appear and every other fuckin' thing"?

Butchie: You mean John?

Cissy: Who the fuck else, retard?

Butchie: Alls ya gotta do is ask him for somethin' and he fuckin' pulls it right outta his fuckin' pockets. Just like that. That's where I got this phone from--and his fuckin' credit card too.

Cissy: Hmmm...why don't you bring him the fuck down to the Surf Shack?

Butchie: Okay, ma. He's out in the parking lot with Palaka, I think. Let me throw some fuckin' clothes on, and I'll head down there with him. Cool?

Cissy: Just fuckin' hurry! (She takes a breath) Hey, is Kai right there?

Butchie: Nope. Fuckin' drove down to Black's to catch some waves. I've gotta get this shithole cleaned up a little to make room for the rest of Shaunie's stuff.

Cissy: Where is Shaunie?

Butchie: Fuckin' skatin', I think.

Cissy: You keep an eye on him, you hear me?!

Butchie: I know, I know, ma. I got it covered: he's my fuckin' kid after all.

Cissy: (scathing with sarcasm) Really?? He's your son, huh? Guess I musta forgot that while I was busy fuckin' raisin' him the last thirteen goddam years!

Butchie: He's fourteen, ma.

Cissy: What-the-fuck-ever! Just hurry the fuck up and get down here, dipshit--I've gotta get Doris off my ass before she becomes permanently attached.

Butchie: (snorts) I'll be there in a fuckin' minute, okay? (he hangs up)

Cissy: (flips her phone shut) Today might not be a complete ass-fuck after all.

Mitch: (walks in the door) Okay, Cissy. They agreed to leave us alone if I promised to let them film me surfing later. What'd Doris say?

Cissy: That she wants her fuckin' money...what else, Ghandi?

Mitch: I meant: how much do we owe her?

Cissy: Like five fuckin' grand...Butchie's bringing that John down here in a minute.

Mitch: Why?

Cissy: I'm gonna pimp him out. Make him give Doris sexual favors to work off our debt. (She grins)

Mitch: (shudders) Better him than me, I guess. (smiles) But, seriously, what for?

Cissy: Butchie says he fuckin' pulls money and shit out of thin air.

Mitch: How?

Cissy: Gee, I don't know Mitch...how the fuck is any of this craziness possible??!

Mitch: Good point. What? does it just appear in his hands or something?

Cissy: His pockets?

Mitch: Pockets, huh? Interesting...

Cissy: What the fuck is so "interesting" about that, Mitch? You'd prefer he pulled it right outta his ass?

Mitch: Give it a rest, huh? Just relax. If what Butchie said is true, you're about to get a huge weight lifted from your shoulders. Though, I have to say, I'm a little concerned about the ethics of accepting money for nothing.

Cissy: Jesus Fucking Christ, Shit-for-brains!!! For one: the weight is being lifted from OUR shoulders--remember: this is OUR business; just 'cause you're barely fuckin' here don't mean the debt ain't yours too. And fuck, fuck, fuck your "ethics of accepting money for nothing." (shaking her head) What the fuck?

Mitch: I'm just saying...

Cissy: That's the goddam problem: you're always "just saying": it's been a fuckin' lifetime since you actually fuckin' DID something instead of just fuckin' "meditating on it".

Mitch: Maybe us spending the day together wasn't such a good idea...

Cissy: Shut the fuck up and get over here.

Mitch: Fuck you. (sits down next to her on the couch) What?

Cissy: You hungry?

Mitch: I could eat.

Cissy: What sounds good?

Mitch: Sushi...maybe a lettuce wrap.

Cissy: Fuck that! I need something that walked the earth; that bled.

Mitch: You know I don't eat red meat, Cissy. The cattle are injected with all those chemicals.

Cissy: Yeah, like raw fish isn't loaded with mercury and traces of the fuckin' sludge that gets dumped into the ocean.

- Walkara

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

(Cissy drives her Stingray to The Surf Shack. Mitch is in the passenger seat, looking in side mirror at the string of news vans following them)

Cissy: What the fuck do those fuckin' parasites want now?

Mitch: I don't know...except for on the pier, they pretty much left us alone yesterday--I was hoping they might've lost interest.

Cissy: Maybe they needed a fuckin' break from listening to you lecture them about world affairs.

Mitch: (sarcastically) Very funny...there's like four or five news vans back there. Those bloodsuckers are out in full force today.

(Mitch and Cissy arrive at The Surf Shack, park, and go inside. Several news vans park behind them. A gang of reporters and their cameramen exit and approach the entrance, now locked with Cissy and Mitch inside.)

Cissy: (walks over and plops down on the couch) What the fuck we do now?

Mitch: (looking out the window) I hate to break it to ya, Cissy: but Doris is on her way over here.

Cissy: Shit! Duck! Get the fuck away from the window, asshole, or she'll see you!

Mitch: Too late. I think she watched us park.

Cissy: Godammit! Fuck me...

Mitch: She's making her way over to the reporters...maybe I should go out and see what they want.

Cissy: You go do that, Mitchell--and get rid of Doris while you're at it.

Mitch: (Opens the door a crack, slides out, and closes it quickly behind him) What do you people want?

Reporter 1: Mitch Yost! When can we expect to see you back out on the water?

Mitch: No Comment.

Reporter 2: Are you aware that the Youtube videos of your son and grandson have received half a million hits in less than twenty-four hours? Every major news outlet is giving the expo free advertising because of it.

Mitch: Wow...I think.

Reporter 3: Mr. Yost? the other day you spoke about the environment, and even touched on terrorism. What are your thoughts on nuclear proliferation?

Mitch: I'm afraid that the powers-that-be are playing on the fears of the misinformed American public to justify a preemptive nuclear strike against a certain Arabian country.

Reporter 4: What do you have to say to the critics that argue that the attention focused on the family is just a reaction to Stinkweed's deception concerning your grandson's now-debunked "miraculous recovery"?

Mitch: I say: they're right. Look, everyone knows our family history with Stinkweed has been pretty troubled, to put it lightly--but, with the departure of Linc Stark, I'm encouraged that they will honor the agreements they made with my family.

Doris: (pushing to the front) When can I expect to have my arrears satisfied?

Mitch: (Amused by her wording, he smiles) I'll let ya talk to Cissy. She's inside. (He opens the door, allows Doris inside, and closes it behind her)

Reporter 5: Is it true that the family signed with Stinkweed to keep from bankruptcy? Did you sell yourself, your ideals, and your family out, to keep from ending up in the unemployment line?

Mitch: Piss off, dirtbag! Stinkweed made us an offer we couldn't refuse, and we signed with the agreement that we had final say in all matters relating to the family, as well as a commitment from them to help clean up Imperial Beach.

Reporter 5: But why would Stinkweed, notorious for their micro-managerial style and questionable ethics, agree to give you all the control?

Mitch: I guess you've never seen us surf.

(All the reporters laugh, except the one that asked the question.)

(Inside, Doris walks over to Cissy, still sitting on the couch, feeling Doris' eyes on the back of her head, resentfully. Doris walks around the couch and faces Cissy, and gives her a slightly comical, but stern and disapproving look)

Cissy: Alright, alright Doris, how much do I fuckin' owe ya?

Doris: I've been trying to track you down for days, Cissy. Don't think I didn't notice that you've been ducking me. I know you've had a crazy week, what with Shaunie's injury and whatnot, but that is no excuse to avoid me and your financial responsibilities. When I saw you parking a sports car, I told myself 'that's the last straw, Doris.' So here I am. Now, lets see: $650 a month times seven months is: $4,550.00 plus a hundred dollars a month penalty fee comes to: $5,250.00. Now, since you've just singed a lucrative contract with that surfing company, I assume you can afford to pay me outright, otherwise, I'm going to be forced to find a new renter.

Cissy: We ain't received shit yet, Doris. The car was paid for by the asshole that wrecked into my Miata. But give me to the end of the day to figure something the hell out. Shit, if I can't: you can go ahead and kick us out tomorrow.

Doris: Now, you know, Cissy, that I'm very fond of your family, and the last thing I want is to cause further turmoil, but I simply must be compensated ASAP; you're not the only one with money problems. Understand?

Cissy: Jesus! Yes, yes I get it. (rolls her eyes)

(Doris nods her head, walks to the door, and slips outside. When she does, Cissy hears Mitch talking to the reporters, sounding almost content. She takes her cell phone out of her purse and hits #2 on the speed dial)

Butchie: (Back at the Snug Harbor, fresh from the shower, still in the bathroom, he answers his cell phone)Yeah?

Cissy: Hey, what did you fuckin' mean when you said Capt. Kirk could "make money appear and every other fuckin' thing"?

Butchie: You mean John?

Cissy: Who the fuck else, retard?

Butchie: Alls ya gotta do is ask him for somethin' and he fuckin' pulls it right outta his fuckin' pockets. Just like that. That's where I got this phone from--and his fuckin' credit card too.

Cissy: Hmmm...why don't you bring him the fuck down to the Surf Shack?

Butchie: Okay, ma. He's out in the parking lot with Palaka, I think. Let me throw some fuckin' clothes on, and I'll head down there with him. Cool?

Cissy: Just fuckin' hurry! (She takes a breath) Hey, is Kai right there?

Butchie: Nope. Fuckin' drove down to Black's to catch some waves. I've gotta get this shithole cleaned up a little to make room for the rest of Shaunie's stuff.

Cissy: Where is Shaunie?

Butchie: Fuckin' skatin', I think.

Cissy: You keep an eye on him, you hear me?!

Butchie: I know, I know, ma. I got it covered: he's my fuckin' kid after all.

Cissy: (scathing with sarcasm) Really?? He's your son, huh? Guess I musta forgot that while I was busy fuckin' raisin' him the last thirteen goddam years!

Butchie: He's fourteen, ma.

Cissy: What-the-fuck-ever! Just hurry the fuck up and get down here, dipshit--I've gotta get Doris off my ass before she becomes permanently attached.

Butchie: (snorts) I'll be there in a fuckin' minute, okay? (he hangs up)

Cissy: (flips her phone shut) Today might not be a complete ass-fuck after all.

Mitch: (walks in the door) Okay, Cissy. They agreed to leave us alone if I promised to let them film me surfing later. What'd Doris say?

Cissy: That she wants her fuckin' money...what else, Ghandi?

Mitch: I meant: how much do we owe her?

Cissy: Like five fuckin' grand...Butchie's bringing that John down here in a minute.

Mitch: Why?

Cissy: I'm gonna pimp him out. Make him give Doris sexual favors to work off our debt. (She grins)

Mitch: (shudders) Better him than me, I guess. (smiles) But, seriously, what for?

Cissy: Butchie says he fuckin' pulls money and shit out of thin air.

Mitch: How?

Cissy: Gee, I don't know Mitch...how the fuck is any of this craziness possible??!

Mitch: Good point. What? does it just appear in his hands or something?

Cissy: His pockets?

Mitch: Pockets, huh? Interesting...

Cissy: What the fuck is so "interesting" about that, Mitch? You'd prefer he pulled it right outta his ass?

Mitch: Give it a rest, huh? Just relax. If what Butchie said is true, you're about to get a huge weight lifted from your shoulders. Though, I have to say, I'm a little concerned about the ethics of accepting money for nothing.

Cissy: Jesus Fucking Christ, Shit-for-brains!!! For one: the weight is being lifted from OUR shoulders--remember: this is OUR business; just 'cause you're barely fuckin' here don't mean the debt ain't yours too. And fuck, fuck, fuck your "ethics of accepting money for nothing." (shaking her head) What the fuck?

Mitch: I'm just saying...

Cissy: That's the goddam problem: you're always "just saying": it's been a fuckin' lifetime since you actually fuckin' DID something instead of just fuckin' "meditating on it".

Mitch: Maybe us spending the day together wasn't such a good idea...

Cissy: Shut the fuck up and get over here.

Mitch: Fuck you. (sits down next to her on the couch) What?

Cissy: You hungry?

Mitch: I could eat.

Cissy: What sounds good?

Mitch: Sushi...maybe a lettuce wrap.

Cissy: Fuck that! I need something that walked the earth; that bled.

Mitch: You know I don't eat red meat, Cissy. The cattle are injected with all those chemicals.

Cissy: Yeah, like raw fish isn't loaded with mercury and traces of the fuckin' sludge that gets dumped into the ocean.

- Walkara

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

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

(Bill pulls into the VFW. Zippy and Her ladyship share a cage, seat-belted in the passenger's seat)

Bill: (listening) Would you two PLEASE shut. the. fuck. UP! Jesus Bleedin' Christ!!! It's like being locked in a goddam closet with Cissy and Mitch, the way you two feather-fucks fight! (listening) Gimme a goddam break! I'm not even gonna validate this bullshit with a response. (Pause) Nope...not listening. (gritting his teeth through another round of accusations and name-calling) That's IT! That's it. I'm done. (he opens the truck door and gets out) If you two haven't worked your fuckin' problems out by the time I come back, I'm turning this truck around and taking the both of ya straight home--and you can sit in your shit-smelling cages for the rest of the goddam day without any fucking birdseed! Do you understand?! (he slams the door without waiting for a response, and walks inside)

Ernie: (recognizing Bill) I'll be damned: Bill Jacks! How the hell ya been?

Bill: Morning Ernie. I'm just fine. You?

Ernie: I can't complain...I was sorry to hear about your wife: a damn fine woman. Very kind. I spoke to her on several occasions at the supermarket. She was a real sweetheart.

Bill: (uncomfortable) Yep...my Lo was one of a kind. (he lowers his head and rubs his eyes beneath his glasses, checking for tears) ...anyway, I'm lookin' for Pothead Joe; you seen him around?

Ernie: Not today. He in trouble?

Bill: No. I'm helping him find someone. (Bill sits down on a bar stool)

Ernie: Anything I can help with?

Bill: I dunno. Joe said he'd meet me here this morning. Guess I'll just wait 'till he gets here.

Ernie: Can I get you something to drink while you wait?

Bill: It's not even noon yet! Do I look like some kind of goddam lush to you Ernie? (to himself) Jesus! Drinkin' before noon--what's next: hotboxing Joe's van? Followin' that fuckin' degenerate Hawaiian around the parking lot of Butchie's fuckin' rathole?

Ernie: Sorry, Bill. Guess I just assume any man walking into a bar is lookin' to get shit-faced.

Bill: Fuck it: give me a whiskey and water--make it a double.

Ernie: You sure about that?

Bill: I just fuckin' asked for it, didn't I? Jesus-fuck! He wants me to have a drink until I fuckin' want one!

Ernie: (making Bill's drink) So...ah...Bill. I thought I heard you retired. (he hands Bill the drink)

Bill: Fuckin' mandatory retirement! I'm in my goddam prime--and that shit-bird, Clark, forces me into retirement. Fuckin' desk jockey! (he swallows the drink in one gulp) Gimme another.

Ernie: You sure about that, Bill?

Bill: Fuck, yes: I'm sure. Don't ask me that again!

Ernie: Okay... (he fixes another and sets it in front of Bill) I hope you're not drinking on an empty stomach, Bill.

Bill: (Bill swallows half his drink and sets the rest down) I'm on a fuckin' diet, okay?! Goddam busy-bodies always wanna know every fuckin' detail. (he finishes his drink) One more, Ernie.

Ernie: Comin' right up, Bill.

(An hour passes, still no sign of Joe)

Bill:...they just neverrr fuckinnnn' stopppp fuckin' sqwakin'--but, Zzip...Zzip'sss a good birrrd...fffuckin' saaved the goddam kid...(he holds his empty highball glass upside down and, looks inside) Empty. It's all fffuckin' emmmpty, Ern. Loisss..................--heyyy!!! fill 'er up! (holds his empty glass out)

Ernie: You're done, Bill. I shoulda cut you off three drinks ago. Anymore about talking parrots, resurrections, or retarded aliens and I'm calling a damn doctor.

Bill: My head isssspinnin'....ugh....where's the shitter? (he gets up and stumbles in the direction Ernie points. When he reaches a door, he pushes it open and walks inside, enters a stall, sinks to the floor and falls asleep.)

- Walkara

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

(Barry lies in bed clutching his covers tightly around his neck. Tears are visible at the corners of his eyes. He turns his head to the side and see?s Teddy lying propped against the pillow to his right.)

Barry: (staring at the ceiling) I think I will stay in bed today Teddy. I have had, once again, that sad dream.

(John stands at the waters edge seen through Barry?s living room windows)

John: You stare me down stares Barry down... Justice must be served. I think I will stay in bed today Teddy.

- SpiritontheWater

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

[In her bedroom Emma seems almost in a trance as she stares at her computer screen. Luke exits the bathroom wearing a towel.]

Emma: You got some excellent footage of the Yosts surfing yesterday.

Luke: [sits on the bed] Well that is damn amazing since I don?t know why we were there. Are you now prepared to tell me what your angle is?

Emma: I am not sure, but I think it somehow all ties in with Butchie?s new student, John.

Luke: You mean Rain Man? Why? When you were talking with him last night did he tell you the exact number of grains of sand on the beach?

Emma: [Laughs] He isn't an idiot; he is just different. He has a difficult time communicating with anyone. Anyways. Luke I can't explain it, but I get a feeling that this could be a big and huge story for me..for us.

Luke: You don't have any other facts? You are just going on a feeling? That doesn't sound like you Emma. Usually you approach something in a more slow and methodical fashion.

Emma: Oh I don't know. [She straddles his lap] I wasn't slow or logical when I seduced you after only knowing you for two days. Look at how well that turned out.

Luke: Hmmm. [Smiles] Maybe this will all work out. [Pause] What are you going to tell Fields?

Emma: I am telling Mr. Steve Fields as little as possible. He never wanted to hire a woman in the first place. I can't believe that people with his narrow views about women and ethnic groups still even exist today, let alone work in the news business. Do you know what that bigot said to??

Luke: Whoa! Sorry I didn't mean to ruin the mood.

Emma: [Gets off his lap] It doesn't matter. Sorry baby I really don't even have time for a quickie. I was supposed to meet Cass 10 minutes ago. [Gives him a kiss] See you in the office in about an hour. [She leaves]

- theshriek

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

(Tina is still sitting at the table she shared with Linc when a balding man with a horseshoe mustache in sun glasses and carrying an orange backpack walks into the cafe and sits down opposite her.)


(playing in the background

Tina: What took you so long, Les? You're almost an hour late.

Les: Sorry. An auditions went longer than expected.

Tina: Meaning some poor girl is feeling pretty damn sore right about now.

Les: (he smiles, flashing his teeth) All in a day's work. (he pulls out a cigarette, lights it, inhales then exhales a cloud in Tina's face.)

Jerri: (from behind the bar) You can't fuckin' smoke in here! (she marches over to the table, rips the cigarette out of his fingers and throws it Linc's abandoned water glass) You daft fuckin' git! (she walks back to her place behind the bar)

Les: Hey! That was my last fucking cigarette! (looks at Tina) Who does that fuckin' cunt think she is?

Tina: (shrinking him with her eyes) The owner. Look, did you come here to talk business or start trouble?

Les: Business. (he reaches into his backpack, pulls out a folder and sets it on the table in front of her) It's all outlined in there. I think you'll be more than happy with our offer. You could be the next Jenna, babe: she's getting old and wrinkled; guys are ready for some fresh meat.

Tina: I told you: I'm NOT performing again under ANY circumstances. I thought we had an understanding, Leslie.

Les: There's a clause in the contract that leaves room for renegotiation should you change you mind about that, but it's basically a production deal. Have Rafe give it a look; he'll tell you how generous our offer is. We want you Tina, you've got the look; the profile: you can take this company mainstream without ever having to take your clothes off again, if that's what you want--just by putting your name of the product: your brand. And the best part is, if you change your mind about fucking, we can bill it as a comeback and then just watch the money roll in.

Tina: I'm not fucking changing my mind, okay? I just need to make a living--and someone needs to look out for these girls that fuckers like you chew up and spit out.

Les: I'm not fuckin' here to listen to your fucking crisis of conscience: this is a business, Tina. Remember? A business that made you a shit-load of easy money for very little work. Don't bite the hand that feeds, babe. It's not nice.

Tina: (She pushes the folder across the table, toward him) You know what? I think I've made-up my mind. Fuck this! and fuck you, Leslie. Linc was right: this was a Bad Idea. I should've trusted his instincts.

Les: "Linc was right"?? Who? Linc Stark? The Stinkweed asshole that had his people call-up and request 'Tina Blake' "meet" him in I.B., but asked that we keep you out of the loop?

Tina: What the fuck are talking about? How do you know Linc Stark?

Les: He's a long-time client of Arthur Lawrence, over at Spitshine Inc. One of his "people" called and requested you by name but told us not to let you know you were requested by the client. What was that you were saying about 'trust' again?

Tina: Fuck off, Les! (she gathers her things to leave)

Les: Hey! Hey, c'mon Tina. Sit back down.

Tina: Go fuck yourself!

Les: (He grabs her wrist, just as she's about the walk away and puts the folder in her hand) Don't be stupid, Tina: take it. Think it over. Remember that we take care of our own, 'cause the outside world doesn't want the leftovers. They don't want their fantasy fucks anywhere but in a one-night stand or on-screen getting power-fucked and then back under the mattress. (His voice slithers) Remember that, babe. (He lets go of her hand, which she jerks away, still clutching the folder)

(Tina gives him a brutal but wounded look, puts the folder in her purse and walks out)

Les: (calling after her) See you soon!

- Walkara

(Butchie throws the door to Room F open and walks out into the courtyard. Ramon and his cousins are hard at work at various renovations. Shaun skates the pool. Palaka stand at the pool's edge, right above the '4', arms folded. John is at his side.)

Butchie: Morning, Ramon! (He hold his hand out)

Ramon: Buenos diaz, Butchie. You surfing today?

Butchie: Maybe later. I dunno. Where's Barry?

Ramon: He called in, said he might not be in today. I think he's having one of his "dark days". Dickstein said he might go over there and try to get him out of bed. I told him to take the Doctor. Barry likes the doctor.

Butchie: Who don't like the fuckin', Doc? ...Well, I'll let ya fuckin' get back to work then, lazy ass. (He curls his mouth into a sarcastic smile) Later, Ramon.

Ramon: Adios, Butchie. (He goes back over to the other workers)

Butchie: (approaching the pool) Hey! Shaunie!

Shaun: (he jumps out of the pool and skates to meet Butchie) Yeah, dad?

Butchie: John and me need to go down to the shop and help your gram out for a minute. You wanna go?

Shaun: (hops off his board and flips it into his hand) I'm waiting for some of the guys to show up. We're gonna head down to the beach.

Butchie: You gonna fuckin' get wet?

Shaun: Umm...we're meeting some...'people' there.

Butchie: 'People', huh? I gotcha, buddy. "People" bein' code for chicks, right?

Shaun: (embarrassed) Anyways...

Butchie: (laughs) Shiiit, pal: you're as red as a pecker head. No reason to get all fuckin' shy around the old man. Back in the day, I was up to my fuckin' implants in pussy, bro. Just try not to break too many fuckin' hearts like me. (He puts his right hand on Shaun's shoulder and grins)

Shaun: (awkward) Whatever, dad. (He turns to walk off, pauses, and turns back around) Hey...dad, can I ask you something?

Butchie: (puts his other hand on Shaun's free shoulder) Anything, bud.

Shaun: How can you tell if a girl likes you?

Butchie: Good fuckin' question! It depends on the chick, I guess. Some come on so strong, it'll turn you off; and some'll treat ya like shit, ingore ya, and argue with everything ya fuckin' say.

Shaun: How'd you know mom liked you?

Butchie: Fuck...I'm not sure she did at first. Some people just grow on ya, I guess.

Shaun: Did you like her at first?

Butchie: Hell yeah! There's a lot to like, sport. Your ma always had a trail of dudes following her around.

Shaun: What'd you do to get her attention?

Buchie: Fuckin' kept bumping into her (makes quoation marks with his fingers) "on accident" until I could think of somethin' to fuckin' say. She made me work for it. Like I said, at the time, I was swimmin' in groupies. I didn't even have to try, so your ma really stood out. You gotta watch out fer that shit, Shaun. Ain't no harm in havin' a little fun, but people'll try to use you; that's why it's so fuckin' important to listen to the people that care about ya; the ones you can fuckin' trust. I bought into my own bullshit, pal. Don't make the same fuckin' mistake as me, okay?

Shaun: I won't, dad. (He hops on his board and skates back to the pool.)

Butchie: (to himself)I know you won't, son. You've gotta good fuckin' head on your shoulders, considerin'... (He yells to Palaka) Hey, Ice Cream Man! Keep an eye on my boy, huh?

Palaka: (yelling back) Roger, Butchie! And, uh, just call me Palaka: my days of slingin' are at an end, now being gainfully employed in the Security business.

Butchie: Whatever, Palaka.

(John walks over)

Butchie: What's up, my man?

John: Butchie hurt my tit.

Butchie: I'm sorry about that, bro. But you gotta learn when to keep your mouth shut.

John: "Where nothing comes up to the top. Everything stays down where it's wounded and comes to a permanent stop."

Butchie: Okayyy...

John: Cissy is ashamed of her flooring. She needs a bonus before Doris stares her down.

Butchie: That's exactly fuckin' right, braugh. You wanna cruise over to the shop with me?

John: I'll confirm it, Trooper.

Butchie: Fuckin' A! Let's take the van. I think Linc was pissed we took the fuckin' Camino home last night since he doesn't have a fuckin' car, so I'll leave it here for him.

(They walk over to Butchie's VW van. Butchie opens the passenger door for John and helps him put his seatbelt on, then walks around to the driver's side and gets in)

John: Tina gives Linc a nut-nudge. Cass is in my eyes. Where's Cass, Butchie?

Butchie: Fuck if I know, John. Last I saw, she was driving off in that fuckin' sweet-ass Porche of hers. (Butchie turns the ignition, and puts the van in reverse)

John: I like Cass, Butchie.

Butchie: What's not to like, John: she's a hot, little, blond. (He puts the car in drive and pulls out of the parkinglot, waving at Shaun and Palaka as he passes the empty pool)

John: Linc has to eat Cass' crow.

Butchie: That doesn't sound good.

John: It's all good, Butchie. Everbody dumps out.

- Walkara

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

(In Barry's bedroom the bed is now neatly made. The living room is empty except for a large collection of sea shells neatly displayed on the shelves above the bar. The gently breaking surf is seen through the large plate glass windows)

John: (riding with Butchie) Barry is staying in bed today.

Butchie: Yeah that's what I heard. I'm sure Ramon's crew don't mind one fuckin' bit that he's gone either.

John: Barry is gone.

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Linc and Jake exit the hotel conference room with smiles on their faces. Behind them, several balding men in various stages of decline and a very uptight-looking woman remain seated.)

Linc: Cass saved your ass. That fuckin' YouTube shit is Huge.

Jake: I was so sure I was fucked.

Linc: (sarcastically) No shit?

(They continue walking to the Hotel exit.)

Jake: They didn't even bat an eye when I told 'em we needed to double the budget.

Linc: Don't get too fuckin' excited about that. We're gonna funnel as much of that into "Clean Water Now" as possible.

Jake: Yeah, yeah--hey! You wanna go get a drink to celebrate?

Linc: Too early. Plus, I've gotta go pick Tina up at the Internet Cafe. I've got her car.

Jake: Where's your car?

Linc: Which one? The Navigator's in the fuckin' shop. Remember? All the others are still in the garage back in Huntington. I'll bring 'em over when I find a place here. The Hotel is fine for now.

Jake: What about the El Camino?

Linc: Butchie took it last night. Since John paid for it, guess he figures it's communal property.

(They reach their cars, parked next to each other)

Jake: Well...I'm gonna go get drunk and laid, dude.

Linc: Right on. I'll call you tomorrow and we'll make sure things are runnin' on schedule--and we should probably run everything by Mitch too.

Jake: (Getting into his car) (sarcastically) That outta be buckets of fun. Later, Linc.

(Linc waves and gets into Tina's car. A smile creeps across his face, realizing that he is completely happy and filled with hope in the moment. He breathes it in, and starts the car, eager to give Tina a kiss.)

(Linc's phone rings; the ring is the beginning of Dylan's "Girl From The North Country".)

Linc (turns the car off) Hey, Cass. I've got good news for you.

Cass: (distant) What?

Linc: Six of the videos you posted on YouTube are already in the most viewed videos of all time. I'm talking millions of hits in just a few days. I guess it's got everyone buzzing about the expo. Anyway, Stinkweed is dying to get you on their payroll--

Cass: --I'll freelance, but I'm not going to be anyone's "employee".

Linc: Which is why I told 'em you only worked on a job-by-job basis. Basically, they wanna pay you to film the expo; you can hand-pick a crew and everything. They asked if maybe we could find an on-camera person for some of the segments, to narrate, interview people, ect. How 'bout that woman I saw you with yesterday?

Cass: (encouraged) Yeah...this could work. I'll call Emma--SHIT! Oh, shit: I'm supposed to be meeting her in like ten minutes. I better get over there.

Linc: Where are you?

Cass: In my hotel room.

Linc: Okay, well...I'll get in touch with you later and we can negotiate the specifics of your contract with Jake.

Cass: Bye. (she hangs up)

(Linc starts the car again and heads to the Internet Cafe)

- Walkara

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

(Dickstein and Dr. Smith stand on Barry's porch)

Dr. Smith: He doesn't seem to be home.

Dickstein: Or he's not answering...I can't imagine where he is.

Dr. Smith: Perhaps he just needs a little break. We all must move at our own pace if we expect to get anywhere.

Dickstein: That's a valid point--but there are pressing issues of great importance, financial and otherwise, that need addressing. His visions are needed.

Dr. Smith: Maybe he followed the stickmen into the spiral.

Dickstein: Pardon me for saying so, but you're speaking nonsense now, Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith: Not an uncommon turn of events, I suspect, for anyone who has seen Cincinnati.

Dickstein: Ohio?

Dr. Smith: I am speaking of a city of a million hills: curvatures in matter; wrinkles in time; squiggles in space. Not The City of the Seven Hills, home of The Reds.

Dickstein: I see. Though I can't say I entirely understand.

Dr. Smith: Nor I. Maybe that's the point. (turns around) I propose we go back to The Snug Harbor and stand vigil until Barry returns from his dance with the Silver Surfer.

Meyer: Agreed.

(They go back to Meyer's car, get in, and leave)

- Walkara

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

(Freddy wakes up and sits on the edge of his bed for a moment. Looking up he gets up and walks over to the sliding door, he reaches over and pulls the cord to open the vertical blinds, he draws them all the way back and then steps outside. Looking around he watches Ramon as he directs some of his workers through the door of a vacant room. He hears Shaun shout as he flies out of the pool on his skateboard and sees Palaka in the pool. He walks over toward them.)

Palaka: (seeing Freddy enter the pool area) Top of the morning to you Boss! You gotta see this kid boss! He's one of a kind... I'm standin' here amazed!... Never seen anything like this before. Not even on T.V.!

Freddy: Yeah, good morning to the both of you. It's nice to see you, on this fine beautiful day. (to Shaun) nice moves you got there boy... People are gonna be lucky to see what you got to show 'em. They'll know they seen somethin' after watchin' you.

Shaun: Thanks Freddy.

Freddy: You're welcome... You deserve it.

Palaka: Ok.. What have you done with my employer...you teaser?

Freddy: That's funny Palaka.... You wanna go up to that Café and get a cup of coffee?

Palaka: (stares at Freddy and then begins a series of unfinished motions and utterances, stutters) suure boss...That sounds real good... you and me... in a sit down coffee shop...

Freddy: I'll buy you a Danish. (to Shaun) You don't need no baby sitter right?

Shaun: I'm cool

(Palaka hops out of the pool and follows Freddy down the driveway. Freddy stops and lets Palaka catch up and walks beside him as they turn out onto the sidewalk and walk toward the café.)

- SpiritontheWater

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

(Clutching Teddy, Barry pulls his wallet out and hands the man a hundred dollar bill)

Barry: I simply do not see why I should be denied what I have denied myself far too many times. I deserve a good time as much as anyone. I will not stay in bed and cower in fear dreaming about lost love and beatings taken. Today, Mr. Cunningham gets what Mr. Cunningham needs!

Man: Through there.

Barry: Oh, yes, I'm sorry. (he turns and looks at a man standing behind him wearing a leather bikers jacket staring impatiently) No! Actually, I'm not sorry! I'm through being pushed down and shoved around! I am not sorry!

Man: (nodding sarcastically) That's great, we're all glad you're not sorry. But if you don't go inside I'm gonna be the next one pushing you down and shoving you around. Now move it!

Barry: Oh, very well (he walks through the tiny alcove and out into a lushly planted courtyard where a very good looking young man greets him eagerly)

- SpiritontheWater

Young Man: Welcome to Sea World, we hope you enjoy your visit with us today! (The young man hands Barry a map of the park)

Barry: (beaming) Oh Teddy, I haven't been here in years. I am so excited! (he opens the map) Oh look, there's a guest appearance by Spider man and the Silver Surfer at two.

(The man in the ticket booth opens the door behind Barry)

Man: You forgot your change mister. (Barry takes the change without looking and stuffs it in his pocket.)

Barry: (Startled out of his trance like amazement) Thank you!... my good sir... your nobility rises in your honesty. I would have never missed it in my present state. (Barry shoves the money back in the hands of the ticket seller) Your reward.

- SpiritontheWater

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[Dickstein and Dr. Smith arrive back at the hotel. Smith goes to his room and Dickstein goes over to Ramon who is sweeping outside the office.]

Dickstein: No sign of Mr. Cunningham, Ramon.

Ramon: Has the bear gone with him?

Dickstein: It would appear so.

[Dickstein watches sweep for awhile.]

Dickstein: Ramon, I must confess to you that as the day of my mother's arrival approaches, the optimism is leaving my heart and is forming itself into a large ulcer in my stomach.

Ramon: Mylanta is good for an upset stomach.

Dickstein: [Smiles] Oh how I wished there were an over-the-counter solution for this situation.

Ramon: You think that the water is going to come to boil between your mother and your fiancee?

Dickstein: Ramon, the situation could turn into Old Faithful.

[Two trucks drive into the courtyard. Hostetler gets out of one and walks towards Ramon and Dickstein.]

Dickstein: It seems that the new flagpole has arrived.

Ramon: Barry is going to be very upset he wasn't here. He wanted to have a christening for it upon its immediate arrival.

- theshriek

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Sam: I'm looking for Mr. Cunningham.

Ramon: He's...out of range, at the moment. Can I give him a message?

Sam: Tell him to give me a call when he's ready. We can't very well move forward without him.

Meyer: Understood.

(Sam gets back in his truck and drives off, the other truck follows.)

- Walkara

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[Cass enters the Internet Café and approaches the counter.]

Cass: [To Jerri] Hello again. Please may I have an espresso this morning?

[Emma comes running in.]

Emma: Sorry I am late. [To Jerri] A double latte please.

Cass: I just got here myself.

[They go and sit down at the table by the window.]

Emma: This morning I looked at the some of the footage Luke took yesterday. He got some real interesting visuals.

Cass: That's great. Guess who called me as I was leaving my hotel room?

Emma: [In a teasing voice] Luke Perry?

Cass: [She rolls her eyes] No, Linc Stark. He said that Stinkweed wants me to film the expo.

Emma: What a wonderful opportunity for you Cass.

Cass: I am not the only one with an opportunity. Linc said that Stinkweed wants an on-camera person for narration and interviews. It would be freelance. I will be meeting with Linc to iron out the other details, but what do you think so far?

Emma: Oh I'm with you. [Pause] Do you think you might need another videographer as well?

Cass: [Hesitating] It would be great to have another set of eyes, but I will know more the kind of staff I will need after I talk again to Linc.

Emma: I cannot wait to start.

- theshriek

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

(Butchie parks in front of the Surf Shop, gets out of the van, walks around and lets John out. Just as he's about to go inside, he spots Tina, across the street at the internet cafe)

Butchie: Hey, John, you go on in and fuckin' give Cissy what she wants, okay? Then you wait for me--I'll be back in a fuckin' minute.

John: Okay, Butchie. Get rid of Tina's unsightly bulge?

Butchie: What? No! I'm just gonna fuckin' talk to her, John. (shakes his head and struts across the street)

(Tina leans against the side of the Internet Cafe, smoking a cigarette. Butchie approaches and leans next to her against the wall; their arms almost touching)

Butchie: Hey.

Tina: (takes a drag) Hey.

Butchie: So...whatcha doin'?

Tina: Nuthin'. (She exhales)

Butchie: When'd you start smokin'?

Tina: I didn't. Not really. I keep a pack in my purse for emergencies.

Butchie: What's the fuckin' emergency?

Tina: There's not one.

Butchie: (confused) What's the fuckin' matter then?

Tina: Don't worry about it.

Butchie: (grins at her, then bumps his shoulder against hers) I think Shaunie's got a fuckin' crush on some chick named Melanie.

Tina: Who's Melanie?

Butchie: Fuck if I know...John just said he wanted to fuckin' bone her.

Tina: What?! He's way too young for that. (she flicks her cigarette to the ground)

Butchie: Shit...I was fourteen when I first got my dick wet. It ain't that fuckin' young.

Tina: Yeah? Look how well that worked out. You need to have a talk with him, Butchie.

Butchie: Already fuckin' did. (smiles with pride) Gave him pointers and everything.

Tina: That's not what I meant--you need to make him understand how serious it is--that there's no rush.

Butchie: How old were you, when you lost your cherry?

Tina: (looks away) Have you seen Linc?

Butchie: Nope. (watching Tina) I thought you two were connected at the fuckin' hip.

Tina: (her eyes well) Fuck him!

Butchie: Fucked ya over already, huh? That was fast.

Tina: I just found out that he called the agency and requested 'Tina Blake'--but he told me that it was a complete coincidence, and pretended not to know who I was. He said he never even watched porn, 'cause then he wouldn't do anything else.

Butchie: That's the Linc I know. I can't fuckin' believe you bought that shit. Every fuckin' guy in America knows who the fuck you are.

Tina: ...I'm such a fucking moron. (Tears run down her face)

Butchie: (uncomfortable with crying women) Oh...hey...ah..c'mere (He puts his arms around her and hugs her, resting his chin on her head) It's okay. It'll be okay. Maybe Linc has a good fuckin' excuse.

Tina: (head pressed against Butchie's Chest) Why would he lie about that? He was probably just using me to get to Shaun.

Butchie: Maybe....but who fuckin' knows? Men lie about stupid shit. Sometimes we just fuckin' wanna avoid getting our balls busted by the ladies. Sometimes we fuckin' lie for no good reason--just to make things easier. But we usually fuckin' feel guilty about it later. (He gives Tina a squeeze, then puts his hands on her shoulders and looks at her) I've seen how Linc looks at ya (He feels a sudden rush of contempt for Linc but shakes it off), and ya can't fuckin' fake that. Just give him a chance to explain before ya get all fuckin' worked up, okay?

Tina: Okay. (She leans into Butchie, one hand in front of her, resting on his chest; she lifts the other and puts in on his cheek, feeling his scruff on her fingers.) Thanks.

(Butchie lets his face melt in her palm, drawing her even closer. They look into each other's eyes and the memories swell. The heat, the passion between them, flickers. Almost kissing, Tina pulls back and Butchie puts his head down and his hands in his pockets, then looks back up, as if absorbing the intensity, containing it. Tina resumes her place, leaning against the wall; she sighs and pulls the folder from her purse, then leafs through it)

Butchie: (trying to break the ice)What's that?

Tina: Nuthin'.

Butchie: (gives her That Look) C'mon.

Tina: Promise you won't freak out

(Butchie nods)

Tina: It's a contract from the Agency.

Butchie: (freaking out) What the fuck?! I thought you were fuckin' "gettin' out of the business"!

Tina: I am. It's a production deal. They wanna make me a name brand, give me producer credits and make films under my banner--and they want me to help recruit 'new talent.'

Butchie: Yeah right! They only thing those vampires want is your fuckin' body.

Tina: Fuck you! God! Just when I thought you might not be the biggest cocksucker on Earth...I should've known you'd feel the same as Linc.

Butchie: Good for fuckin' Linc then! You're flesh is all THEY fuckin' want. You really want a bunch of jerk-offs spitting milk-babies all over ya for the rest of your fuckin' life? Huh? Do you really wanna be the one to lure damaged girls into the wonderful fuckin' world of circle jerks and double penetrations?

Tina: When you put it that way...(she rolls her eyes) But you're such a hypocrite! Don't try to act like you don't watch porn.

Butchie: Sure I do, but I don't fuckin' need it. I like a hot piece of ass and a nice rack as much as the next dude, but I ain't gonna fuckin' pay for it. I don't fuckin' spend my day surfing the goddam interweb, or whatever, for monster shots. I like real women.

Tina: You're still a hypocrite. (She puts the folder back in her purse and slings it around her shoulder, so that it's under her arm, right between she and Butchie) Anyway, I never fucking said I was taking the job, just that I'm thinking it over.

Butchie: Whatever. (He bumps shoulders with her again, and slips something out of her purse at the same time.) I'm just tryin' to fuckin' look out for ya. (He slides something in his back pocket, unnoticed.)

(Linc pulls into the parking lot, and parks in the empty space adjacent to where Tina and Butchie stand. He gets out and walks to them. Tina meets him halfway. Butchie keeps his head down, eavesdropping)

Tina: When the fuck were you gonna tell me you requested me from the agency, Mr. "I never watch porn 'cause that's all I'd ever do."??!!

Linc: What?? (turns pale)

Tina: You heard me! (She shoves him) Why the fuck did you lie to me?!

Linc: (grabs her arm, looking like a deer in the headlights) I'm sorry! I'm so fuckin' sorry, babe! I...I meant to tell ya, but I knew it would fuck shit up. I was just gaining your trust and I didn't wanna lose it--I was in a bad spot: Stinkweed was breathing down my neck, the family was freezing me out, and I thought, you know, that maybe I could make a deal with you. But then I met you and everything changed. You have to believe me, Tina! I'm fucking in love with you. I was gonna come clean, but I kept putting it off--I'm sorry.

Tina: Fuck off! (looks him in the eye) But I believe you. (surprising herself) I just don't think I can trust you. I...I wanna be with you, Linc, but I need a break to figure everything out. (She pushes past him, rips her keys from his hand, and gets in her car)

Linc: (leaning over her in the car)I'm so fuckin' sorry, Tina. Just give me the chance to make it up to you. Please.

Tina: Maybe later...right now, I just want some space, okay? (she starts the car)

Linc:: Okay, okay. I understand. (He put his hand on her shoulder) Can I call you later?

Tina: I don't know...(She pulls out and drives off)

Butchie: (wandering back to Linc) Looks like somebody's in the fuckin' doghouse.

Linc: No shit! Fuck me! I'm so fucked, bro.

Butchie: Yeah, it don't look like you'll be burying the fuckin' bone anytime soon. (He laughs)

Linc: Fuck me: she's pissed.

Butchie: Don't fuckin' sweat it too much, dude. She ain't the type to hold a grudge too fuckin' long. She'll get over it--just don't fuck with her again, else you'll have to fuckin' answer to me. (Butchie folds his arms and gives Linc a stern look for emphasis)

Linc: (smiles at Butchie) Understood.

Butchie: (pulls the rolled-up folder outta his back pocket and offer it to Linc) Here.

Linc: What's this? (He examines it) Holy shit! This is Tina's fuckin' contract! How the hell did you get a hold of this?

Butchie: (beaming with pride) Lifted it right the fuck outta her purse.

Linc: Nice work, my man! (he offers Butchie his hand) I told her that was a bad idea.

Butchie: (taking Linc's hand) Don't fuckin' mention it: we're together on this. I ain't gonna just sit here and let her piss herself away all over again.

(They bump knuckles)

Linc: Glad we're on the same team.

Butchie: Cool...well, I gotta run 'cross the street and get John.

Linc: Mind if I tag along? I gotta talk to your old man anyway.

Butchie: Let's go.

(Butchie swaggers across the street. Linc follows)

- Walkara

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